Muir Woods, Ape Colony
One more year had passed, the colony had still been ghastly cautious of any human attacks…but they just weren't prominent anymore.
The only times they would see humans is the occasional straggler that would wander into the forest, those that didn't believe that the colony even existed.
Unfortunately for them, whenever they encountered the gorilla guard they would be sent running back to wherever they came from, freshly soiled pants and all.
Caesar and the group who had led the crusade to free apes all along the West Coast had returned a few months prior to the present; they had lost some of their troops, but they had liberated more apes than they had lost.
Of Course none of them were happy about the loss of any ape's life but…they understood it was for the greater good.
Everyone was just happy the Ape King and most of the apes had made it back safely, and no one was more happy than his wife and son.
Geleel, Emilia, Gabrielle, Cornelia, Blue Eyes, Ash and Tinker were the first set ready and able to greet them upon return.
As soon as Caesar and Rocket appeared before them with the large army of apes behind them, some new faces among them, they couldn't help but smile and hoot loudly in triumph.
The Ape King and the bald chimp were both met with firm embraces from their loved ones as soon as they dismounted their steeds.
Their return had called for great celebration, not just because their mission was a success, but because they made it back safely and in one piece.
The new apes were confused by the presence of Geleel, Emilia and Gabrielle in the colony, but most of them quickly accepted them once they realized they were not threats.
Some of the apes were very skeptical of them due to the abuse they had suffered at the hands of humanity, but they were too thankful for being freed from captivity to fully focus on resenting the humans.
That day was for nothing but rejoicement, and that's what everyone did.
Geleel and Caesar had brought their foreheads together in the center of the colony during that celebration, a testament to how long their journey was…and still continued to be, but at least peace was seemingly coming to them soon enough.
Present Day
Blue Eyes slept soundly between both of his parents, yes both of them, his father had safely returned to him after a long and perilous mission.
The young blue eyed chimpanzee was so elated to be wrapped in his father's embrace after such a long period of missing him.
He had a smile marring his facial features as his head rested on his mother's stomach.
Suddenly a small pebble struck him in the forehead as he immediately woke up with a start.
The young chimp looked around in confusion as he tried to understand what had happened.
His blue eyes blinked swiftly as he focused on the entrance to see who his would be assailant was.
Blue Eyes visibly relaxed when he noticed Ash standing by the entrance of the hut with a large grin on his face.
Ash then motioned for Blue Eyes to come outside as the latter smiled despite himself.
He carefully got up from between his parents so as not to wake them.
Blue Eyes then bounded over to Ash silently as the two of them began leaving the hut, it was very early morning as the sky was still gray, the Sun had not fully risen yet.
"Why did you throw a rock at me Ash?" Blue Eyes signed to his friend as they continued through the village that was mostly silent, most of the apes were either sleeping or off doing some early morning fishing.
"Because I did not want to risk waking your parents up dummy." Ash signed back to his friend, if their parents knew they were up and about so early they would get questioned to death.
"And…it was also funny." Ash then added with a laugh as Blue Eyes rolled his eyes in his annoyance.
The two young chimps then made their way to Geleel's hut, the one who had proposed this idea in the first place, Gabrielle, was their last recruit for their mischievous morning adventure.
However, when Blue Eyes looked inside the hut to see Geleel and Emilia sleeping side by side, an empty spot in between them, he was confused, where was his cousin?
Ash chuffed at his best friend as they both shared a confused expression.
Before either of them could react, both of their mouths were covered from behind as their screeches were muffled.
They struggled against the smaller…human hands?
Both of the young apes visibly relaxed when they heard soft giggling from behind them.
They immediately realized Gabrielle laughing at their expense as she moved her hands off of their mouths.
They still gave her annoyed expressions as they tried to calm their nerves down fully.
"Why would you do that Gabrielle?" Ash signed to the curly haired girl as she stifled her own laugh.
"Lighten up Ash, you're the village's main prankster, I was repaying you." Gabrielle signed back as Ash stuck his tongue at her.
"Why did I have to get caught in the crossfire?" Blue Eyes questioned his cousin.
"You would ruin my prank otherwise." Gabrielle answered with a smile as her cousin once again rolled his eyes.
"Let's just go." Blue Eyes then signed as they began on the way to their adventure.
Gabrielle still had a smile on her face as the two younger apes were still a bit disgruntled at her prank.
She then nudged Blue Eyes' shoulder as he turned to her with an arched brow.
"Were you scared?" She questioned outloud and signed at the same time as Blue Eyes huffed at that.
"Not as scared as Ash was." Blue Eyes said as the two cousins shared a laugh at Ash's expense.
"I wasn't afraid! I was just cautious." Ash signed to them as they both deadpanned at him, he was definitely scared.
"Whatever you say, Ash." Gabrielle said with another laugh as they continued walking through the village that had yet to wake up.
They took note of all the fish racks, a salt bin for meat, vegetables being grown and the weapon crafting station.
Gabrielle smiled at this, most of these ideas had actually come from her mother; even though Emilia was not the warrior her husband was, she was still very innovative when it came to solving many problems the apes otherwise could not figure out.
She had educated them on agriculture, the seasons that were best for growing crops and things of that nature.
The woman even took charge of the medicinal department of the colony, she passed her knowledge down to a small group of female chimps that were designated as the healers of the entire tribe.
Gabrielle was proud of both of her parents, she looked up to her dad for his bravery and protective nature, but she adored her mother's intuitiveness and compassion for the other apes just as much, she tried her best to emulate both of her parent's qualities on the daily, but they both had large shoes to fill.
"Hey Gabrielle." Blue Eyes signed and chuffed, effectively drawing Gabrielle's attention away from her thoughts.
She jutted her chin at him as a sign to continue.
"Where were you planning to take us anyways?" Blue Eyes then questioned.
"You'll see, it's this nice little area in the middle of the forest." Gabrielle explained with a smile which the boys then returned.
"Then let us go fast! Last one there is a loser!" Ash signed with a chitter before he began charging forward on all fours into the forest.
Blue Eyes screeched silently in shock before immediately bounding after Ash, he was not going to be last for sure.
"Wait! You guys don't even know which way to go!" Gabrielle shouted as she ran after the two chimps on her hind legs.
About half an hour later
The trio had found themselves walking at a more leisurely pace than before, Gabrielle being the leader.
"How much further Gabrielle? I'm bored!" Ash signed with an exasperated huff as Blue Eyes laughed at him.
"It's not too far from here Ash, stop whining." Gabrielle signed back with an eye roll as she turned to the two boys.
Suddenly Blue Eyes huffed in surprise before the conversation could continue, both Gabrielle and Ash turned to see why.
A beautiful Satyr Comma butterfly had flown by his face, all three children were mesmerized by the insect's vibrant orange color.
This immediately made them all stand in place and follow the butterfly with their eyes.
Ash was almost hypnotized by the insect, as he immediately began chasing after it, trying to capture it in his tiny chimp hands.
Gabrielle and Blue Eyes both follow after him as he relentlessly tries to capture the butterfly.
"Ash…be careful!" Gabrielle called out to him as she took note of the fact he was nearing a body of water.
Ash had come to a ledge as he finally, after countless attempts, clasped his hands around the butterfly.
Blue Eyes and Gabrielle stopped in their tracks as they realized Ash's success.
Unfortunately the success was short lived, because Ash's momentum had made him fall over into the lake as he screeched out in fear.
"Ash!" Gabrielle shouted as Blue Eyes screeched in peril.
They both charged forward frantically in fear for their friend.
Fortunately when they got to the water they had noticed Ash had grabbed onto a rock that was on the shore, keeping himself from being swept away by the water currents.
"Help!" Ash screeched out a plea for help as Blue Eyes and Gabrielle immediately grabbed onto him and dragged him back onto land.
The trio then sat on the ground as they all breathed heavily…that was intense.
"Ash…are you okay?" Gabrielle questioned the young chimp, expecting him to be as fearful as she was.
"Yes!" Ash signed as he immediately sprung up, wet fur and all.
"That was so fun!" Ash signed swiftly as he bounded around Blue Eyes and Gabrielle who were still on the floor.
They peeled their eyes away from the energetic ape's antics before sharing a look of concern.
"He is crazy…like Rocket." Blue Eyes signed to his cousin who ultimately smiled at that, it was true.
The two of them sat there for a few more moments, watching Ash work his adrenaline and energy off, soon they would have to get back to their journey.
After a short while of walking again…
Gabrielle peeled back some bushes after she had come to a halt in front of the boys.
"Alright guys, you ready?" She questioned them as they both nodded to her.
The curly haired girl then smiled at them as she fully moved the bushes out of the way and let them enter what she considered to be…paradise.
Both of their eyes widened at the sight before them…the grass was so green, there was a fresh little pond of water, and the Sun shined so bright they had to shield their eyes from it.
The boys then slowly walked around the little area on their hindlegs as they tried to take in everything about this new area.
"So, what do you guys think?" Gabrielle questioned them.
"This place is amazing…" Blue Eyes signed to his cousin as they shared a small smile.
Ash didn't answer her, but she could guess that he was enjoying the new area, if him helping himself to some of the pond's water was any indication that is.
Gabrielle watched them play and explore some more as she gave them fond gazes, the young girl was glad to have discovered this new area for them to play.
"You guys haven't seen the best part yet, come on." Gabrielle stated as she beckoned the young chimps walked over to her curiously.
Gabrielle came to a stop as he kneeled down and pulled back some grass.
Ash and Blue Eyes were confused at her behavior, but when they saw a small patch of vibrant flowers emerge from beneath the grass and dirt they were more than shocked and elated.
Gabrielle turned to them with a large smile on her face as they immediately ran over.
"Wow, so pretty." Ash signed as he prodded the blue flowers with his fingers.
"How did you find this place Gabrielle?" Blue Eyes signed to his cousin.
"I don't know, guess I'm just lucky." Gabrielle said with a smirk as they continued admiring the flowers.
Gabrielle felt a sense of bliss wash over her as she took in their scent, nothing could ruin this moment-
Crunch!* The trio gasped simultaneously and jumped back as they noticed an ape's foot had stomped right down onto the middle of the flowers.
They all looked up to notice the culprit…it was Limbo, ofcourse it was.
Even though he was the same age as Ash and Blue Eyes, he was slightly taller than them, but that wasn't the point right now.
Ash and Blue Eyes gave him irate glares, but his jade green eyes were focused on the human before him, Gabrielle knew he had a problem with her for years now…but what was he doing here?
She couldn't question him however, because soon came his two cronies, Fox and Brutus.
Fox was a young chimpanzee who had actually idolized Limbo's father, Koba, often stating that they were brothers, but neither Koba or his wife Cleo paid Fox any mind.
Brutus was a young gorilla, he was the son of Ursus and Taka, unfortunately he was a bit of a follower in Gabrielle's opinion, never thinking for himself, just going with whatever Limbo told him to do.
"What are you guys doing out here?" Limbo sighed after sizing Gabrielle up, the two of them stared off with each other as Brutus and Fox stared down Blue Eyes and Ash.
"I don't see how that's any of your business, Limbo." Gabrielle answered in a biting tone as Limbo snarled at her.
"You should learn to watch your mouth Gabrielle." Limbo warned her as he got closer, Gabrielle stepped back slightly.
Blue Eyes and Ash moved to back Gabrielle up but unfortunately were stopped by Brutus and Fox who held them back.
They hooted and bared their canines at Brutus and Fox, to which they both did the same.
"I won't ask a third time, why are you guys out here?" Limbo signed to Gabrielle again as his dark colored face was mere inches from hers, he definitely had his father's facial structure.
"Why don't you just go back to the village and leave us alone?" Gabrielle questioned Limbo as he chuffed at her before smirking.
"Why don't we just beat the information out of all of you then?" Limbo then questioned as Gabrielle visibly tensed at the threat, she then turned to see her cousin and friend still struggling against Brutus and Fox.
She didn't want this to get physical, they were not likely to win any sort of physical altercation with Limbo and his cronies.
Limbo then grunted to get Gabrielle's attention again, he had diffused a different plan to torment her, because attacking her would lead to trouble for him from Caesar and ofcourse, her father.
"I have a better idea than easily beating you into submission…how about a challenge?" Limbo signed to Gabrielle who arched a brow at him, what kind of challenge could he possibly have for her.
"A challenge?" She questioned aloud.
"Yes…to prove if you really belong." Limbo then signed as Gabrielle felt her blood run a bit cold at that statement.
She could already tell what Limbo was trying to insinuate right now, he was taking a dig at her humanity, which was the reason they had issues in the first place.
"What's the challenge?" Gabrielle questioned Limbo who smirked.
"Follow." He signed to her as he began walking out of the serene area.
Gabrielle looked back to see Brutus and Fox leaving Blue Eyes and Ash alone now.
She nodded to her cousin, which he returned as the trio followed after Limbo and his goons.
They finally got to wherever Limbo was taking them, as everyone took note of the large tree they stopped at, it was the grandest tree in the Redwoods.
Gabrielle, Ash and Blue Eyes looked up at the tree in complete awe.
Limbo arched a brow at Gabrielle as he offered her a sinister smirk.
The young ape then bounded over to the tree and immediately began climbing it.
The other young apes weren't too shocked in particular, they could probably climb this tree just as fast as Limbo.
Gabrielle however was impressed…despite her distaste of Limbo, the ape's adept climbing at such a young age was otherwise admirable.
After dropping back down to the floor, Limbo walked up to Gabrielle.
"Climb." He simply signed as she was taken back by it, she had never climbed in her life before…much as a tree this big.
"Why?" Gabrielle questioned him, she still didn't fully understand the point of this challenge.
Limbo knew exactly what he was doing though, if he couldn't physically harm Gabrielle, he'd do it mentally.
"If you are truly ape…you will be able to climb tree, no?" Limbo signed to her with a smirk as she felt a lump in her throat…why was he doing this.
"Aren't you the daughter of Geleel? Everyone thinks he's so great…why don't you show us what his offspring can do?" Limbo questioned Gabrielle as she fumed.
"Don't mention my fath-" Limbo cuts her off with a snarl.
"Climb." He signed again, he wanted her to embarrass herself.
Gabrielle continued glaring at him…she wasn't confident in her ability to climb the tree at all.
Unfortunately, when she looked back at Ash and Blue Eyes, they both knew she couldn't back out of this challenge.
Gabrielle sighed before walking forward, she was Geleel's daughter…no way she couldn't climb this tree…it was natural, right?
She took one last glance at Limbo before focusing fully on the tree.
Gabrielle then leaped towards the tree as Ash and Blue Eyes watched in anticipation.
The curly haired girl almost immediately felt her fingertips slipping off of the tree trunk, she was not strong enough to hold her body up on the tree.
Her feet were already sliding down, and when Limbo took note of her arms shaking, he knew it was over for her.
Gabrielle's breath hitched as she tried her hardest to stay on the tree and attempt climbing to the top.
Her arms were on FIRE, every limb wanted to fall off at this point, but she couldn't let go…she just couldn't…if she did she would be a disappointment to her father.
Unfortunately the young curly haired girl had reached her breaking point as her grip on the tree finally loosened as she fell off of it with a loud thud and shriek of pain.
Blue Eyes and Ash screech in peril as they run over to Gabrielle to check on her.
Limbo, Brutus and Fox stood side by side now, the same smirk mirrored on all of their faces.
Limbo then walked up to Gabrielle as she breathed heavily due to exasperation and the pain shooting through her body.
She looked up at him with an anguished glare as he gave her an incredulous stare.
"You don't belong here…you never did." When Limbo signed those words, Gabrielle felt her whole world shatter.
After failing to climb the tree…she couldn't help but feel like there was some truth behind those words.
Limbo grunted to Brutus and Fox as he turned to leave, the two of them trailing him.
He was satisfied with what he had done…systematically taking all of the confidence out of Gabrielle's being.
"Do not listen to him Gabrielle…you are ape like us." Blue Eyes tried to sign to his cousin as tears began streaming out of her eyes.
She swiftly stood up, ignoring the pain shooting through her body.
Ash chittered placatingly to get her attention, but Gabrielle paid both of them no mind, she simply sprinted off back to colony, tears flying from her face.
Ash and Blue Eyes shared wary looks, they knew Limbo was a bully but…the ape never took it that far.
'What does he mean my cousin doesn't belong? So what if she is human…she is still family.' Blue Eyes mentally told himself, he was still very confused as to what was happening right now.
Gabrielle
There were always so many questions…why was she different? Why was her entire family different? Why were they the only humans in a tribe of apes?
None of those questions became more vivid to Gabrielle as she ran through the forest, desperately trying to get home.
Her tears continued to get more and more potent, almost blinding her as she ran.
'I don't belong…I don't belong…I don't belong!' Her mind all but shouted at her.
As she continued running she tripped on a stray boulder, almost tumbling to the floor.
She caught her swiftly before continuing to run, she didn't want to stop for anything, she only wanted to get to her hut and hide in there forever.
Geleel
The Ape man had woken up about half an hour ago.
He didn't question why Emilia and Gabrielle were both gone, his wife had agreed to help Maurice with the younger apes and school, and his daughter was supposed to be among those students.
Geleel was happy with the way things were right now, less human resistance, and the ape colony continued to grow and advance, life was good right now.
So naturally, he was contently sharpening his spear as he prepared for today's hunt.
A sudden set of loud and wild footsteps immediately drew his attention as the Ape man's head snapped towards the entrance of his hut immediately.
He was in defense mode but swiftly calmed down when he noticed it was only Gabrielle…but something was right…
"Gabrielle?" Geleel questioned as his daughter's tear stained face met his.
He immediately rushed over to her and embraced her, she didn't hesitate to return the embrace as she sobbed loudly into his chest.
"Shhh, shhh, I'm here, just calm down." Geleel said placatingly to his daughter as she held onto him firmly, her tears were making her choke up slightly.
He didn't know what happened to her but he knew he would let her calm down before asking her to speak.
When Gabrielle's sobbing had subsided Geleel backed away from her a bit, but he still kept his arms around.
"You feel a little better now?" He questioned her as she nodded with a sniffle.
"Alright, tell me what's wrong now my love." Geleel said as he continued to rub her back soothingly.
Gabrielle looked up at her father, her lighter brown eyes met his dark brown orbs as she tried to find her words.
"Father…why…why am I different?" Gabrielle questioned Geleel as the latter almost felt his heart sink…he felt as though deja vu had struck him.
It was around this same age he had started to question his mother about him being so different compared to the other apes.
"Why do you think you're different Gabrielle?" Geleel questioned his daughter.
"You know why father…I can't climb like the other ape children…I'm not innovative like mother and I'm not strong like you…I can't do anything right…I'm…I'm worthless." Gabrielle said as her voice hitched and her eyes became glossy again.
Geleel gritted his teeth in annoyance, he didn't know who or what had caused his daughter to start feeling this way, but he didn't like the way his daughter had begun viewing herself because of it.
Fortunately, the Ape man took a deep breath to calm himself, his daughter needed him to be soft and gentle right now, this wasn't a battle or a hunt he could be successful in with the use of brawn.
"Gabrielle, I don't want to ever hear you say that about yourself again." Geleel began as he made her look up at him.
"Never let anyone or thing make you feel as though you aren't worth anything, because you're worth more than this world." He continued, Gabrielle wasn't believing that at the moment.
"You are the writer of your own story, so what if you are different? Being different is being unique, you can choose to be strong right now…or you can choose to let others write your story and keep you weak." Geleel relayed to his daughter as she began listening more intently now.
He then brought his right knuckle up to her heart gently.
"Your strength comes from within here, not from anywhere else, whatever you put your mind towards doing, put your full heart into it and I promise you will get there; do you think I became the man I am today by giving up when things got too rough?" Geleel questioned her as she shook her head slowly.
"My journey wasn't easy either Gabrielle, I didn't start off here…I had to go through many trials and tribulations before I could call myself strong, you will have to as well, I would be lying if I told you the road was going to be easy…but I believe in you." Geleel finished as Gabrielle sniffled once more.
"How can you be so sure?" She questioned him as he looked at her softly.
"Because…even though you may never know who they are, you are the granddaughter of Malu and Alpha…the daughter of Emilia and Geleel, you are Gabrielle, nobody can take your name or your spirit from you, if you really wish to grow, you won't think about giving up again, will you?" Geleel questioned Gabrielle as she hesitated for a bit.
"No…" She said meekly.
"Say it with more conviction." Geleel encouraged her as she drew in a breath.
"No, I won't give up." She said in a firmer tone.
"Good, now wipe those tears and stiffen up your shoulders." Geleel said firmly as his daughter did just that.
"Wipe your tears off…" He finished as she did so, a new determination burned behind her eyes.
"Are you back now?" Geleel questioned her with a smile as she nodded to him.
"Good, come here." The Ape man said as he brought both of their foreheads together.
"Thank you…for everything you do father." Gabrielle thanked her father as he smiled at that, he was happy to have brought her spirits back up.
They stayed like that for a bit, only separating after a few minutes had passed.
"So, what's this about you wanting to know about climbing trees?" Geleel questioned his daughter with a smirk as she arched a brow at him.
Middle of the forest
The father and daughter duo stood side by side in front of the same tree Gabrielle had fallen from before.
"So, this is the mighty tree that defeated you?" Geleel questioned in a joking tone.
"That's not funny dad." Gabrielle complained.
"Alright, alright, I'll be serious…climb the tree." He instructed her as she arched her brow.
"I told you I can't do it." She reminded him.
"Gabby…just climb the tree." Geleel urged her again, she sighed.
Why wasn't he listening to her? He was supposed to be telling her HOW to climb the tree.
Little did Gabrielle know, her father fully believed in practice, it was the best way to learn.
Unfortunately, when Gabrielle tried to climb the tree, she fell roughly much like before.
"Hm." Her father hummed at her as she breathed heavily.
"Again." He simply stated as she blanched at him.
"Why-" Geleel cuts her off with a knowing look.
Gabrielle sighed before she got up and leaped at the tree again, immediately falling off.
She yelled out in anguish as she slapped the forest floor with both palms.
"Again." Geleel simply stated as she snapped her head towards him.
"What is this doing other than killing my confidence even more?" She questioned her father.
"It will build your resilience, the first step to climbing a tree is to be able to ignore the pain, you cannot expect to climb the tree if you are accustomed to giving up." Geleel reminded his daughter as she relented…he was right…she couldn't give up, that was her problem, she wanted to be stronger but she couldn't be stronger if she wasn't ready to work for it.
Gabrielle gained a determined expression as she stood up and stared the tree down.
Once more, she ran at it, leaping up to it with a grunt.
Everytime she leaped up to the tree or fell off Geleel would give her a different comment.
"Your base is too wide!" Geleel exclaimed as Gabrielle fell to the ground.
"Relax your fingers!" He exclaimed, another fall.
"Use your back!" Another fall…this would carry on for the rest of the day…all the way until night, Geleel didn't care if he had to skip a hunt to help his daughter, he'd skip however many hunts he needed to help her.
Later
Emilia had spent all day helping Maurice with the ape children, she hadn't seen her daughter and her husband in so long…she had no clue where they were and their food was getting cold.
Almost as if the Universe was hearing her thoughts she heard Gabrielle bound into the hut.
Emilia almost gasped when she saw her daughter's state, she had many dirt splotches all over her clothing and skin, her hair was all but ruined, but she seemed…happy?
"Oh my goodness Gabrielle, what happened to you?" Emilia questioned her daughter.
"Nothing mom! Dad's been training me!" She answered ecstatically as Emilia arched a brow at that.
"What do you mean? Training for what?" Emilia questioned her daughter as the latter tried to calm down to relay the information properly.
"Training me to be strong! To be just like him…" Gabrielle explained fondly as Emilia was taken back by that…she then ultimately smiled, she wasn't sure about how to feel when it came to her daughter's current appearance but…she liked the happiness the curly haired girl was expelling at the thought of bonding with her father.
"I'm actually training you to be better than me Gabrielle." Geleel's voice called as they turned to the hut's entrance to see him walk up to it.
Gabrielle smiled at her father as she separated from her mother.
"Can we train again tomorrow?" She questioned him, to which he answered with a firm nod.
"Yes!" She gleefully exclaimed before running over to the bed.
"Hey! Don't forget to eat your dinner before you sleep!" Emilia called out to her daughter.
She then turned to her husband as he walked up to her.
"Are you sure about this? She's still really young." Emilia reminded him.
"There is no such thing as too young to learn Emilia, the child is tough, she's ready." Geleel said as they both watched Gabrielle tend to her own wounds from today's training.
"I hope you're right…" Emilia trailed off as they continued watching her.
Sure enough, Geleel was right, as days turned into months and months turned into years, Gabrielle would train and train nonstop.
Her playtime with Ash and Blue Eyes continued to dwindle as she was only focused on one thing; getting stronger.
As she kept growing, she became better at climbing, swinging, and her speed increased exponentially.
She was not at the level her father was at, but in the three years that came after her initial training day she had grown into a formidable young lady.
A 13 year old Gabrielle stood in front of the same tree that had crushed her spirits all those years ago.
She had grown a few inches in height, standing at about 5'6, just above her mother; but still significantly shorter than her father.
Due to all the condition and immense training her body had undergone, her biceps and triceps were more defined yet lean, her stomach wasn't particularly ripped but her core was firm and lean, and even though the black deer hide pants she wore hid them, her leg muscles were super defined.
She wore a short sleeved deer hide shirt that she had cut in half; the curly haired girl painted the top blue, as the colony had figured out how to use fruits to make paint about 2 years ago.
Gabrielle then drew in a deep breath…it was just her and the tree now.
She ran forward, leaped up at it and gripped onto the trunk firmly.
Then that's when she began swiftly moving up the trunk, way more smoothly than her first try all those years back.
As Gabrielle got higher and higher, she felt her adrenaline rushing more and more.
She smiled to herself as she looked down; the forest floor was so far away now, she was beginning to shock herself with how well her climbing was becoming.
The curly haired girl then swung off of the tree with a whoop before latching onto another tree trunk, she continued to do this until she climbed all the way to the top of the original tree, standing on the second tallest branch, and holding onto the tallest one for support.
She drew in the nice cool air…it was so peaceful up here, no wonder her father's favorite thinking spot was the highest point in the village.
Gabrielle then focused on San Francisco…or what was left of it, uncut vegetation had grown all over the city and the bridge…she was really young the last time she saw the city, but…she didn't remember it looking like that.
That's right…it had really been 8 entire years since they got here, much like herself, everyone else had grown up.
Whilst Ash had still maintained his energetic and bouncy nature, he had grown into a powerful chimp.
The same could be said about Blue Eyes, he may not be as bulky or as large as his father, but he was still strong for his slender frame.
Other apes like Limbo, Brutus and Fox had grown as well, the former of the three had actually grown to be quite large, slightly taller than his own father already and way bulkier.
Gabrielle continued to stand on that branch in thought, only to be dragged out of those thoughts by a whistle from below.
She looked down to see her father, he looked like an ant from up there
At the base of the tree, Geleel watched as his daughter leaped down in front of him with a small thud following her descent from the tree.
"Hello father." Gabrielle greeted her father as they embraced each other firmly.
"Wow, look at you." Geleel said as they separated slightly and shared a smile.
"You might want to slow down, your muscles will explode out of your arms at this rate." Geleel said jokingly as he squeezed her bicep playfully.
"Knock it off dad." Gabrielle said with a smile.
"No seriously though Gabby…you have grown to be very strong." Geleel admired his daughter as she became sheepish at the praise.
She took note of her father's new appearance, his top was a jacket made of the hide of a timberwolf, and his pants were still deer hide, the man hardly wore his shirt but he was today for some reason.
Realization then dawned on Gabrielle as she noticed the spear in his hand and the bow attached to his back.
This gave her the idea to shoot him a knowing smirk.
"Am I strong enough to join you on today's hunt?" Gabrielle questioned her father as he arched a brow at her.
"Yea…maybe next time kid." Geleel said with a chuckle as he ruffled up her curly fro much to her dismay.
"Your mother said she needed you though, urgently." Geleel spoke to his daughter seriously, that's why he was out here to retrieve her in the first place.
"Why?" Gabrielle questioned her father.
"She needs you in Caesar's hut with the other healers, Cornelia might go into labor soon." Geleel relayed to his daughter as her eyes widened in realization.
That's right…today was the day Cornelia and Caesar were supposed to be expecting their second child…her new cousin.
Without so much as a word, Gabrielle bolted off towards the village, leaving her father behind in a trail of dust.
Geleel couldn't help but chuckle to himself as he started walking back to the colony, he had to go prep for today's hunt but…it couldn't help to revel in the fact that he had assisted Gabrielle into becoming who she was today…a strong young lady.
Chapter Fin
AN-This is the final interlude chapter! The next chapter will be a small casting chapter for the OCs in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. There's only like 3 OCs(including Gabrielle) that will be there. I will show the actor who plays Gabrielle and since I wanna keep this story kinda authentic to the movie. Instead of putting OC ape pictures, ima put the actors who I have doing the motion capture work for two ape OCs.