Planet of the Apes RP's and Stories

The following morning after the Baboon attack there was a large pile in the center of the colony.  Bodies of the ‘wolf monkeys were being put together and counted by the Gorillas.  There were a few casualties on the Ape’s side, mostly younger males that got in over their heads and two females who couldn’t get away fast enough.

Boulder approached the rest of the council, blood still staining his own fur and skin as he looked to Cornelius.  “32 Wolf-Monkeys.  All males.  6 male and 2 female apes dead as well…  One chimpanzee, one orangutan.”

Any blow to the orangutan population was always bad…  They seemed to breed so slowly compared to the other apes so the loss of a female was especially bad.  Maurice nodded to Boulder.  “Wolf-Monkeys too dangerous.  I am not one for violence but they need to be dealt with sooner than we had expected…”  He then looked to the others in the council.  “Anyone injured badly?”

Boulder shook his head.  “Small cuts, a little sore…but Gorillas all made it out alright.”

Billy shook his head as well.  “Startled me… Was in my nest when I went to get my spear.  It grazed me with it’s fangs but I killed it before it did too much damage.”  He pointed to the torn skin on the hairless part of his arm, which would make for a new scar when it healed up.

Bad Ape scratched behind his ear.  “Kept Nova safe… No Wolf-Monkeys made it to my nest.  I fine.  Nova fine.”

Billy rose a brow at this and began to sign as well.  “Followers of Koba?  I thought they all died out with humans in the avalanche?”  He frowned a bit.  He remembered watching other apes get lashings from Red under the Colonel’s command.

Boulder grunted to the thought.  “I think I know which apes you mean.  Always going out late at night to go ‘hunting’.  Conveniently not around also when Wolf-Monkeys attacked.  I remember which apes they were, want me to get them next time I see them and bring them to you?”

Nova sat with Bad Ape, understanding the signing better than him.  She held up her hands as she looked confused, signing to the apes of the council.  “Why would someone not like how Cornelius will lead?  Isn’t he a good leader so far?”

Boulder huffed lightly, to the Orangutan and pursed his lips together.  “Like… Send them into the desert to never return?  What if they come back with humans?  Not all humans can be gone.”

Billy began to sign then.  “By now, remaining humans all sick and can’t talk like Nova.  Except Nova learned hand speak like apes.  Other humans didn’t learn so they may not be a threat even if these disloyal apes find them.”

Maurice looked to Cornelius pleadingly.  “Apes killing Apes is Koba’s way.  We need to be better than Koba and not revert back.  Caesar only killed Koba because he had tried to kill him and started a war…  Winter died by accident because Caesar was trying to keep him quiet…”

Billy ran in as fast as he could but soon found himself being outpaced by longer, thicker arms.  As Cornelius was in the process of blacking out, there was the sound of chest drumming and a roar.  Chimps scattered in all directions as Boulder had entered the scene.  He grabbed the male by the leg with ease and dragged the startled male who was less then half his size.  Then with minimal effort, the large gorilla tossed him against a tree and roared.  He moved to stand over the unconscious king, his much larger fangs bared to anyone who came near.

Billy arrived in time to see the impressive feat of strength.  He had forgotten just how much stronger the Gorillas were…  Thank goodness they were generally peaceful unless provoked.  Billy strutted up to the fallen male and hooted, holding his spear at the leader of the rogue males and hooted as his hair poofed out.  “Stay…  Down…!”  He barked out as now Maurice was slowly making his way over.

The apes who had witnessed it were in shock, not knowing what that male had done wrong.  They simply looked to Cornelius in fear as some of the females clutched their infants and moved away from him.

Maurice sighed as he approached the strutting king.  “Congratulations.  You have made the tribe fear you… Like they feared Koba.”  He motioned to all the apes that were now slowly leaving to go back home, but looking over their shoulders to make sure the king wasn’t about to come after them as well.

“He deserved it.”  Boulder chimed in to the Orangutan.  “No one will be disloyal to Cornelius if they know their balls are on the line.”  He tried to joke but got a stern look from Maurice.  He then lowered his eyes and looked away as the Orangutan looked to Rocket and Bristle.

Bad Ape and Billy were left back at the tribe trying to explain why Cornelius snapped the way he did with the male.  Many of the chimps questioning his sanity for the moment.

Maurice also did his best to reassure the others of Caesar’s son would still make a good leader, but the seeds of doubt had already been placed.  And in the future this would come back and bite the young king.

“The humans are probably a day ahead of us..” Rocket sighed. Humans weren’t strong creatures but their endurance was unmatched. They could travel farther distances on foot than any tree-dwelling ape could. Why would they take Cornelius alive?

Cornelius was riding on the back of one of the male humans. His arms folded over either side of his shoulders and held onto by the male’s hands. He wasn’t too afraid now that he could see the humans were trying to keep him alive. He was still weak but he wasn’t dizzy anymore and was regaining his strength. The humans seemed to be aware of this and kept his arms and feet hobbled with leather.

The nicest of the humans was a young female human. She would feed him and pet his head like he was some pet. But Cornelius never experienced the life of one so couldn’t compare. He figured this was something they do.

None of them talked either. But would only grunt and groan and fling their arms around. They also hobbled about like chimpanzees to. They didn’t remind him of anything he’s heard in the stories. He would try to sign to them but they didn’t understand.

It wasn’t till the sun was disappearing over the flat plain that he heard loud whoops and hollering. He glanced up, seeing a few more humans jumping in the air. He felt himself bristle again. The man that was carrying him held out his arm and shushed the others. They fell silent and oh’d at the new chimp they had brought in. Another woman came forward and Cornelius felt her hand pat softly down his back and rump. He felt her poke at his sensitive parts too and he snorted in disapproval.

“Smoke.  Fire.  Maybe where humans took Cornelius.  I’ll scout ahead, let you know what I find.”  It was often surprising how stealthy the large apes could be.  Mainly because they didn’t vocalize as often or as loud as the chimps did.  He left his horse with Bristle and Rocket as he then moved to where the sparse trees were to investigate what was going on.

One of the younger chimps looked to Cornelius excitedly, barely able to keep it’s mouth shut even when the woman tried to shush him and keep him away.  He reached out a tiny hand, wanting to touch the other chimp but was soon stopped by a different human who was cautiously curious as well.

“Thirsty…” He murmured. ‘Want..”

A woman approached with a chipped dog bowl. She seemed motherly enough but he couldn’t help but notice a vague sense of stupidity in those eyes. It wasn’t like he remembered in that camp with the evil Colonel. He shuddered at his memory but at least he was gone now. And the fact that she wore no clothing. Another white-tail came squirming in to investigate. The woman grabbed and scooped him up off his feet. He giggled and clamped around her waist. And to his astonishment, starting nursing. Did these babies lose their parents?

Outside more humans were grunting and scooting about in that same jumped back manner. Just strange, all of it. They acted more animalistic than his kind did. But they weren’t threatening. Funny, it seemed like the apes were more dangerous now. They had practically saved him. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing to stay here? He had no responsibilities and the environment was carefree. He didn’t have to be king here, just another chimp in the fold.

Long ago, Caesar had told them that not all humans were bad.  His only experience really with good humans was Nova.  Green eyes watched as she nursing woman would go to Cornelius when he called and then decided to report back to Rocket and Bristle.  He went back to them and pointed to where the trees were.

“Cornelius is safe with humans.  Baby apes there with naked humans.  Humans don’t seem smart.  I think the young apes are orphans.  What should we do?”

Back at the village, some of the apes were curious as to why their young king wasn’t present for the evening meal.  Obviously Maurice could not say he was missing so he signed that he was out on a long hunting trip with Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder to get his mind off the disloyal male.  The aging orangutan grunted as he walked himself over to Nova, who was looking out into the desert with worry.

“Where is he?”  She signed as she looked to Maurice.  She was close to the prince, having helped him escape personally from that horrible place.  Maurice rumbled his throat sac he signed back.

“I am not sure… Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder are looking.  They will find him and bring him back.”

Nova frowned a bit in return.  “Why didn’t you tell the others?  We could all be looking for him.”

He peered into one sad looking tent hide and saw some resting couple and a few young chimps of various ages. Why would they take care of them? What was the benefit? They seemed to treat the youngsters as their own family. No collars or leashes. They all spooned together. So alien to him.

He moved on to another stiff hide and looked in there. He was sure in the mass of young chimps and humans there was Cornelius. He could make out his bandaged figure. But before he could try and figure out a good plan he heard Bristle flinch behind him. A rock came spinning at him, clocking him right in the muzzle. He stood up and hooted at them in warning.

Cornelius felt his new friends stir around him. He snapped awake and stared hard at the entrance. He heard angry cries from outside, both man and chimp. Those hoots familiar…Rocket? He clambered over the sacred bodies of his younger friends and stuck his head outside. It was members of his clan. Loyal to him, they tracked and found him!

The young curious chimp that wanted to grab and touch Cornelius earlier had already clambered onto Boulder innocently and nestled against his fur.  Boulder made a face at this but allowed it since the young ape probably hadn’t seen an adult in quite some time.

Back at the ape colony, Billy sat high in one of the trees and was keeping lookout for the others.  It was going on three days now since they had left and some of the colony was getting restless because of the long absence.  He had hoped the others were alright, hoping they had not been ambushed by Wolf Monkeys or other defectors.

Rocket strutted back to the horses, even while rocks and sticks bounced off his chiseled muscles. His indifference to their throws seemed to discourage the humans, whom put some distance between them and the strange apes.

“No. Perhaps another time we will come and get these chimps. We don’t have enough supplies to travel with.” Rocket finally said as one more pebble bounced off his ear. “They’re just scattered now anyways.” He took note of the fleeing women with their young ape offspring off into the woods. His curiosity still peaked. Maybe some of them picked up from other clans out there? Or maybe some from their own after the the battle with the Colonel. Who knew.. They had at least one of the young chimps who was keen to join them.

“Leave them alone..” Cornelius finally spoke. “They’re not harming anyone.”

Bristle rubbed the back of his head, feeling blessed to have him back. “I’m sure Lake is freaking out by now. It’s been three days since your departure.”

That long? Cornelius thought to himself. “I wanna go home now.” He sighed, his lower lip pouting. He was honesty having a well needed rest back there.

“Should give this to Billy, he always wants to help raise babies.”  Boulder signed half-joking to Bristle and Rocket as their horses began to gallop away from the human caves.  It wouldn’t be until the sun was fully set that they arrived at their camp site, Boulder tying up the horses and looking to the other three.  “Two things we need to talk to the council about now… When to attack Wolf Monkeys and now what we discovered about humans…”  He looked to the tired Cornelius.  “Wolf Monkeys could attack and kill them if they stay out there.  I think we should capture them and bring them back to the village at some point to keep them safe before too long.”  

But mid the sixth day there came hoots and hollers that someone was approaching. Wolf-monkeys maybe? No. It was the missing council members. But was Cornelius with them? She couldn’t tell. She called out in exhilarated shrieks to her mate.

Cornelius wasn’t in the mood for his specie’s dramatic displays. They always did too much. He strode his horse forward straight for his mother’s nest, ignoring his people’s pressing bodies. What he really wanted to do was just pass out for several days. The whole month had been crazy for his young mind; the wolf-monkeys attack, Koba’s loyal followers attack and then the humans taking him…..

He pulled himself up into her nest with sheer will even though his body was still getting over the shock of what it had endured a week prior. He was greeted with Lake’s screams of relief and joy, typical chimpanzee style. Cornelius felt her grab his face and press it into her chest. The smell of her scent, laden with milk and newborn, brought calming relief to him. The sight of the warm hues of the nest was so inviting. He plopped face first into hers and curled up. He wished to turn into a winter bear and hibernate.

Lake noticed new wounds on him. Mostly a very deep one on his shoulder coated in dried and matted blood. Sighing dreadfully she pulled one of the hides over him and pushed the straw in around him to form a nest. Soon she heard others clamber up onto her nest. She stood at the entrance, her shoulders bristling. It was her mate and right behind him, Rocket. Bristle could see the burning look on her face. So did Rocket and he decided maybe later was best to check up on him.

“What has happened to him? He looks near death! I’m sick of him being put into harms way!” She snorted. “Why does he smell so evil..” There were so many questions for everyone.

“It’s a long story.” Bristle sighed. “He’s fine now. I will tell you about it but let’s let him sleep it out. He looks comfortable for a change.”

“I heard about Koba’s followers attacked him. But I never got to see his return! Did they do that?” She wrinkled her muzzle. “Well one of them died anyways.. He bled to death. They said Cornelius ripped his testicles off. Suits him. Nobody attacks my son. He was lucky I wasn’t there. I would have ripped his throat out.”

Billy was also on his way to see Bristle and Cornelius to see how they were doing, escorting Nova who seemed desperate to check on her friend.  On the way, he bumped into Boulder who seemed to have a present for him.  “Boulder?”  He signed as the gorilla held something behind his back.

Boulder then offered the baby chimp to him, it quickly jumping ship.  “Orphan we found among humans.  You always say you want white tail of your own.  This is your chance.  May also make females more interested.”  He grunted in a chuckle as Billy held the baby to him and nodded, cradling it close.  They all arrived at Bristle and Lake’s home and Boulder signed for Rocket to come with him to see Maurice.

He poked a foot out and grabbed her, pulling her under the deer skin like a trapdoor spider and its prey. He wrapped his legs and arms around her and snuggled close, snuffling in her hair. Now he could really sleep with a Nova as his pacifier. Lake pushed some more straw around them protectively. She turned to Billy, noticing the new baby he had attached to him. An orphaned child.

“He still looks like he needs milk. You should find him a nursing female willing to share milk.” She plucked softly at the child. Having a newborn of her own she had no room at the milk bar for a big boy like this. Instinctively, her child came first. “It is getting dark. It’s time to leave. Tomorrow if Cornelius is up to it then but not now.”

Rocket headed over to Maurice’s place, seeing what he needs to be told. The other apes were all gossiping about Cornelius’ return and rumors about sneaking off with humans and how he killed a chimp. Seems like his kind were turning to be just as stupid as the humans. At least Cornelius was still alive! He’d have to set these fools straight. Only he, Bristle and Boulder knew anything.

Billy watched this action and chuckled to himself, then looking to Lake as she touched his new baby and nodded.  “Hopefully I can find him a good mother.  I will see you both in the morning.”  He nodded his head as he left the family to themselves, keeping the young chimp against his chest as he went to try and find something for him to eat and to hold over the baby.

Maurice looked to Rocket and shook his head as he signed.  “No wolf-monkeys.  Think we scared them off with last attack but we still need to deal with them…”  He then pulled out an empty book he had that he had been practicing  writing in.  “Writing down ape laws so future apes don’t forget.  Should also right down ape history so we can learn from the past.”  He then acknowledged the part about Cornelius.  “He is young and needs your guidance more than ever.  Being a leader is never easy, you know this.  I am glad he is alive and you found him.”  He then looked a bit concerned.  “Boulder told me about humans… Are they really acting like apes before wakening?”

Soon after his briefing with Maurice he retired to his own nest. To his warm welcome his mate had prepared a light dinner for him; mostly cold cooked fish and steamed carrots and potatoes with berries on the side. She must have missed him.

“Wish you would have told me you were going. I fretted for days. Felt so alone..” Tinker whined, sitting next to him and grooming while Rocket shoveled the food down. He was almost finished till the most alluring scent in the entire world overtook him. Of course he knew what it was right away and he sighed heavily. It wasn’t going to happen, hasn’t since Ash passed away. He continued to finish scrapping up the last fragments of his meal with little enthusiasm.

“Since you abandoned me for so long you should groom me.” She said almost flatly. Rocket was confused but obeyed anyways. He did owe her that. And he followed her back to their nest. He stared at the ground, huffing as he went. She squatted down in the typical mating position. Rocket felt cross, this wasn’t a proper grooming position and he wasn’t in the mood to be teased. She glanced over her shoulder. “Well? Are you afraid now to mount me?”

What? Mate? Really? Rocket needed no further motivation and pounced on her. The neighborhood would have to put up with the alpha male’s mating song tonight.

The next morning rolled around and Billy went about to try and find a suitable mother for the child, and possibly a potential mate for himself.  The chimp strutted around the village, hooting softly at certain females who cooed at the baby but none of them seemed right…  In his mind he knew what he was looking for for the two of them but he couldn’t put it into words.

Boulder ate fruits with Maurice in the morning and looked on to the poor ape trying his hardest.  It wasn’t hard for Boulder to find a mate, he was the largest Gorilla male and leader of the Gorilla Guard.  Maurice was high ranking but for now just had no interest in finding a mate.  They looked to each other and began to sign.

“Why is he having such a hard time?  He’s a high ranking male.  Should be easy to find a mate.”  Boulder signed a bit confused.

Maurice shrugged a bit.  “He’s picky about females I suppose.  Maybe has high standards?”

There was only one female and she had lost hers a few days earlier to one of the baboons. The dreadful creatures had snatched her week old infant from her grasp as she fled too late. She didn’t want to dive into any relationship either but she could see this scarred male had a bond with this child too. But that bond won’t feed the poor thing, she’d have to tolerate Billy’s presence if she accepted the orphan. She eyed the white-tail nestled in the burly male’s grasp. Her breasts ached, stiff with milk. With no ceremony she peeled him from Billy’s grasp and pulled him to her chest and retreated to a nearby tree, climbing up to a heavy, low branch. She offered a nipple to the child, his hair wispy, especially the top of his head. She glanced over her shoulder at Billy, not knowing or really caring if he followed. Unless she was in the pink, she had little time for her counterparts.

Cornelius was late to rise, he rolled away from Nova, spreading out his limbs as far as he could. The stretch in his muscles gave him temporary relief and he laid still with his head back. He heard Lake acknowledge him but he remained listless. Finally she reached over and tickled his belly. His legs curled in, he lifted his head and huffed. His shoulder ached as a reminder and he winced.

“King Cornelius sleeping…” He said slyly, bristling slightly. Oh he was cheeky this morning…

Lake narrowed her eyes, she jabbed him in the gut. “Your mother doesn’t care if you’re ruler of the whole world..”

“Still hurt…” He whimpered, hoping she’d give him some needed pity like she did last night. “Journey so long…Humans..” He thought of his hallucinations. “Is it normal to see those of the past?”

Boulder and Maurice saw the change in Billy’s luck and looked to one another.  They would leave him to his new female and child as they went to see Rocket for the morning…  Both stopped a few yards away from his home though, she scent of the prior night still lingered and the two decided it best to wait for him to come out on his own.

“Who’s he?” He questioned her, keeping hidden behind her form.

“Father, I guess, to this child. I’m taking this baby. He needs me..” She groomed the youngster, getting familiar with his scent. He may not be hers but her mothering instinct was still strong and fresh. She had mourned long enough. This was better than having to endure another estrus in a few weeks time and get swamped by eager males again. Some things haven’t changed much from the old. Her oldest son sat close to her and laid his chin on her knee, inspecting his new brother.

Rocket, late to wake up, felt a great pressure on his chest all of a sudden. He snorted and jerked his head. Ah, it was Tinker, up and ready to start the new day with some morning sex. Of course he was ready. He wasn’t aware of some of his council members waiting outside for him so he crooned to her quiet loudly. Just how she liked it. Afterwards he poked his head out for some fresh, crisp air. He was in a grand mood this morning. Then he spotted Maurice and Boulder. How long have they been sitting there? Well he hoped they enjoyed the noises of a horny chimpanzee.

“I’m considering taking a day off…or a few…” Rocket slowly crept down to meet them. “Tinker needs my attentions.” He glanced back over, her small face peering out from their nest. It was customary for a couple to go off on “honeymoons” when estrus came about. Caesar did it too! Nothing stopped such intimate events. It was a time to run off, eat good food, court and mate…..bond with your partner all over again. Wolf-monkeys, humans or not. “Maurice likes playing alpha! Billy and Boulder know all about the humans..I entrust this mission onto them.”

Maurice and Boulder endured the chorus of chimp lovemaking until Rocket peaked out.  Maurice made a disgusted face and rolled his eyes.  “Apes stupid.”  He teased to the chimp but nodded.  “Three days away.  I can only deal with chimps without your help for so long.”

Boulder snickered at that and signed “Have fun!”  to Rocket as he left with Maurice.  “I will get supplies ready to capture humans and bring them back.  I will leave another male in charge of Guard until I return.  I will need Billy and other chimps though to help me.”  Maurice nodded to this and gave him permission to head out as soon as he was ready.

She thought about a name for this new child of hers too. A single word popped on her mind, that seemed to fit that wispy tuft of hair just…sprouting from his head. Sprout! She nodded and signed the word. That will be his name. And her older son would have support too from Billy, giving him a chance. Her son shyly nodded, his mother seemed to approve so it was okay.

“Fine..” Moss decided, seeing this was the best outcome. “I’ll be your mate if you’ll have me..” She wasn’t sure about how this new tradition went. Was there a ceremony? Or did they just couple and call it a deal? She didn’t mind either way. “Do I move to your nest?” She questioned, she’d have to pick up the few things she owned.

Cornelius frowned. He’d never stop from growing up or being king. Like all the apes, he’d age faster than her, though she was still older than him. She’d always be giddy and playful. “Maybe, Cornelius still like playing. But someday will be big chimp like father..” Though he was sure he smiled more than he ever did. “Someday Cornelius grow up, have family..”

Then a fabulous idea emerged in the young and innocent ape’s mind. He smiled broadly at Nova. He signed fervently. “I know! Nova be mate with Cornelius when older! Make happy family!” He looked to Lake who was blinking hard. “Can Nova And I make babies?”

He seemed so happy until he saw a large ape approach the tree from the ground.  It was Boulder.  He looked up to the new family and began to sign.  “Sorry to interrupt.  Billy, I need your help making traps and capturing wild humans out in the desert.  Same place your new baby comes from.”  

Billy exhaled loudly and looked to Moss.  “Important.  I’ll come back soon.  You stay at my nest.”  He rubbed her shoulder gently and looked to his now two sons.  He smiled as he began to climb down the tree, looking to Boulder as the two left to get Billy’s supplies.

“You need to have Maurice talk to Cornelius and Nova…” Lake had a hint of disgust and pity on her face. “They….umm…Cornelius.”

All sorts of dark thoughts flooded his mind, ones that made him wince. Was she suggesting? Why is she stuttering? He hated cliffhangers and this seemed like it was going to be much worse than any ball snatching Cornelius did earlier. This child was a mess. Where did they go wrong? Forgive us Caesar….

“What? Did they mate? Spell it out.” He grunted impatiently, not caring if she got cross with him. This was a very serious matter. One that could ruin the young king’s position.

Lake thunked him on the head. “No! But he suggested it. Suggested making her his wife and even asked me if they can have babies. They need to know now. Don’t want him growing up confused and thinking Nova is attractive..” She took pity on the child. She had no ill will towards the human girl but such feelings were strictly taboo and they both were getting at that age were such play was physically possible. “Go to Maurice and bring him here.”

Bristle sighed and left. He hoped neither of them saw their discussion..Nova was particularly sensitive. He felt a cold confusion course through his body. Oh how was he gonna tell Maurice in the right way. no point in pussyfooting. He slunkered down next to the old orangutan. He gazed around him. “We need to talk and I need your help.” He told Maurice. He didn’t want to upset him as Nova was like a daughter to him..

Maurice was enjoying some fruit when Bristle came to him and he perked a brow.  “What is wrong?  Did Cornelius do something?  I don’t want to lecture him again, he’s been through so much these past few days.”  Maurice himself was getting exhausted from all that Cornelius was putting him through… Soon he would be as grey as Caesar was!  He sighed and relented a bit.  “Talk about what?”

Meanwhile Boulder and Billy were heading out on there way to round up the humans.  Many other chimps were brought with them since they needed help capturing all the humans and carrying back the orphans that were there.  Billy though had his mind on his new family though, hoping they would like his nest and welcome him back home with open arms.

“You will not leave. I am king and she is only my mother.. but I am king!” He signed to her, still poofy as ever. He grumbled loudly and strutted about, attacking another sapling oak. Here he would display his strength and prowess to his friend so she’ll be reassured that he was strong enough to hold his position. He stomped on the roots and clapped the ground loudly for measure, letting all those around him to know he was to be taken seriously.

But quickly after, his little bout of adrenaline drained and he was reminded of his healing wounds. He sunk down onto his rump, nostrils flaring. But still he held a dignified reserve. Instinctively he knew it was not wise to show your weaknesses.

“Thought a long while…” He told her. “I am nearly six years old. No longer a suckling white-tail. Will need nest of my own. A proper nest for a king, son of Caesar. You can stay with me. We can stay up and play games and tell stories. Lake or Bristle cannot tell me what to do if I have my own nest. Let’s make one!”

Bristle made sure no one could see his hands as he talked with Maurice. “Cornelius and Nova are confused. Lake told me they want to couple and make babies. I know they’re young and that can’t happen but Cornelius cannot grow up feeling attracted to her. He’d need to find a proper she-chimp later. Nobody will follow an ape that loves a human like that.”

Bristle groaned. Like Lake he too felt pity for Nova. “Maybe it is time we found Nova a human tribe? They all seem dumb and harmless.. Maybe that tribe we saw earlier with the infants. There she could live a proper human life..”

Nova went to his side as he sat there and talked about making his own nest.  She was entering in her early teens now and puberty was hitting her as well…  But she was a bit more rational than him as she signed.  “You are not old enough to be on your own fully.  Even with me in the nest.  You need Lake and Bristle.  And you should be with ape, not Nova.”  She put a hand on his cheek reassuringly and smiled.  “Cornelius is strong male, will make a great leader.”

He pulled Nova close, grooming her head as that was the only good place to do so. He needed something to pick through and satisfy his primate urges. “The humans saved me, you know.. I see it now. I was about to slip off. I saw my family. They looked sad. Then the humans came and made my wound stop bleeding. I would have been dead. They act like ape. Smell like ape. I don’t understand why we live apart if we same things. I know mother would be mad if I said that.. they killed my family yet so did apes. I heard the stories. Ape started the war. Human not forgive. Maurice said that. But other apes ignore him.”

He thought of his stomach too as it grumbled loudly. He forgot he hadn’t eaten at all this morning. He smacked his lips. Nova had no bugs on her to still his stomach. “Let’s go to the big rotten log by the river and look for grubs before others do…then blackberries next.”

Bristle led the old orang back to his nest. He figured the two were still nestling while the poor Lake kept a stern eye on the two budding lovebirds. But when he arrived he found Lake already roaming the walkways. She was put-out and tired. Not a good morning at all.

“Where are the two? Still in the nest?”

Lake shook her head and waved her hand. “I don’t know where they went..but they had seen us talk about them. Both were upset. Cornelius should be resting. Not throwing tantrums. I don’t know what to do..” She was relieved to see Maurice. “He followed Nova.. I’m not sure where she likes to hide exactly.”

Nova had gotten to the river and began to pick berries while Cornelius picked around for grubs under a log.  She would eat insects if they were cooked but was still human enough to be somewhat grossed out about eating them alive.  She got some of the blackberries and brought them over to him as he looked for food, popping some in her mouth before putting the rest down and running her fingers through his pelt gently.  She smiled softly to her closest friend as she sat beside him and enjoyed looking out over the river.

Billy and Boulder had made it to the human camp but were not alone.  They had caught up to the Wolf-Monkeys now who were preparing to attack the sleeping humans in their tents.  One began to creep in to where the female was with the orphaned chimp and got ready to lunge.  It shrieked and leaped into the air only to be grabbed by the leg and dragged out, a fist coming down on it’s skull as Boulder pounded his chest.  The other chimps began to keep the Wolf-Monkeys at bay as Boulder approached the naked female human.  He stuck a hand out to her, trying to show her he wasn’t here to hurt her but to get her out.

“I think here I should build my nest. When I’m old enough I guess. Maybe when Berry is older I will. I think she’d miss me.” He thought about the humans again across the desert, and all the infants. They weren’t so treacherous. “If you saw other humans would you go live with them? If you wanted to? They weren’t afraid of apes..”

Then he thought about himself. Who would he hang out with then? He hadn’t thought about it much but he rarely ever socialized with other apes his age. He only hung out with Nova and most of his council members. He had a much different path than others did. He was thrust into a serious role at a young age. His bloodline was a privilege and a curse. It was like an invisible cage around him. Now he wasn’t all that interested in the games of the other chimps. Oh they lived such carefree lives. Nothing much was expected of them. They were commoners and some may join the ape army and progress upwards if they had what it takes. But not him. Already he fought two battles and both nearly killed him. He’d have two scars soon enough.

So Nova was his playmate, his shoulder to cry on when he felt his past family’s oddly cold presence over him. She too had lost her family. Oh why did she have to be human? He felt that he could trust her with his secrets more than anybody else. He wasn’t sure if he could really bond and connect with anyone else on such a level. He heard a soft crashing in the trees. Usually only orangs made such noise. He glanced up lazily, not budging from his comfy spot. It was Maurice.

The old Orang approached them in his normal slow matter and plopped down by the two.  “Nova.  Cornelius.  Bristle and Lake are worried about you two.  Wanted me to lecture you on why you cannot be mates.”  He sighed and rubbed his head as he looked to the young king.  “But Maurice knows that Cornelius is tired of being told what to do.  So I am only here to answer questions you may have then I will leave you two be until it is time for Nova to return home.”

Nova looked to Cornelius then back to Maurice.  “You told me humans are apes.  Bonobos can mate with chimpanzees…  Why is it frowned upon that Cornelius would want to make me his mate.”

Maurice looked to her and simply signed.  “Never done before.”  He shrugged lightly.  “Bonobos and chimps very close.  Have similar bodies and faces.  Humans look different from any other ape.  Also many still look at humans badly for  what has happened in the past.”

The young king got up, wanting to explore the rotten log for more tasty grubs. Further more, he no longer wanted to continue this conversation. He still didn’t understand it. But maybe someday he would. Someday the scent of a female in estrus will capture him in a way it never had and the sight of it will be a major focus in his life for decades to come. Someday he’d be a father of plenty, more than enough to secure Caesar’s lineage. But for now he was a budding teenager in a confusing and conflicted time in his life. Nova would never be lost on him however, to his dying days. The sweetheart he could never have. He dug deeper into the log, ignoring the pain in his shoulder, determined to nab those salty gooeys. He wondered what his father would think. But why fuss over this now? It would be a few years before he’d need to mate..

Billy looked to them all, wondering about Moss and Sprout and her other son.  He grunted as Boulder got on his horse, always wondering how the horses could carry so much weight on their bodies.  He then hooted and they all began to head back, tied up humans and babies in toe.

“So much room.” Branch hooted, excited he didn’t have to live in a separate but close nest anymore to his mother, just like in the old days. “Does this mean I can snuggle again?” He asked with a hint of embarrassment.

“Well he’s a well-off, high ranking male. There’s plenty of room so we can all sleep in here.” His mother began fixing up the bedding, shuffling around straw and soft pelts.

“When will he be back?” Branch asked.

“I’m not sure. He had to go do something about some apes and humans..” Moss sighed, she hoped Billy wouldn’t get killed. Would be depressing to gain all this and just lose it. And she knew that no other male would likely be so kind to her. No, others would chase off her oldest son or ignore him completely since he was weaned and would ignore or even kill Sprout. Some males sadly were like that. She brushed her lips against Sprout’s forehead. Branch sat down next to his mother and groomed her.

Boulder watched his eagerness to check on his family and grunted lightly.  He looked to the human captives as they were tied up and led into the city, some of the apes seeming confused by this.  Maurice was quick to meet them with Nova, Nova somewhat hiding behind the large ape as she looked to the other humans…  It had been so long.  Maurice looked to the humans then noticed some of the apes were injured.  “What happened?”

Boulder snorted and pointed to one of his own injuries.  “Wolf-Monkeys.”  He then motioned back to one of the horses which had a stack of dead monkey bodies on it’s back that was being unloaded by a chimp.  “Becoming a real problem…  Would have killed the humans if we didn’t get there in time.”

Maurice frowned at this.  He then noticed Nova was no longer behind him but walking towards the human woman who carried the baby chimp.  She offered the two a soft smile and put out her hand in friendship, trying to calm them and let them know they were safe now.

Nova naturally tried to sign to the other humans and they looked at her blankly.  She pouted.  She tried a few things.  “Home.”  “Family?”  “Human.”  They just either averted their gaze or looked at her like she was an oddity, waving her hands around like that.  Maurice felt a bit sad.  Even with her own kind, now she was a bit of an outcast.  Maybe in time that would change.  Maurice noticed how Cornelius watched Nova, seeing jealousy spark in his eyes.  He rumbled his throat pouch though in warning to the young king as his attention then shifted to the female and baby chimp that began to pet him.

The following morning after the Baboon attack there was a large pile in the center of the colony.  Bodies of the ‘wolf monkeys were being put together and counted by the Gorillas.  There were a few casualties on the Ape’s side, mostly younger males that got in over their heads and two females who couldn’t get away fast enough.

Boulder approached the rest of the council, blood still staining his own fur and skin as he looked to Cornelius.  “32 Wolf-Monkeys.  All males.  6 male and 2 female apes dead as well…  One chimpanzee, one orangutan.”

Any blow to the orangutan population was always bad…  They seemed to breed so slowly compared to the other apes so the loss of a female was especially bad.  Maurice nodded to Boulder.  “Wolf-Monkeys too dangerous.  I am not one for violence but they need to be dealt with sooner than we had expected…”  He then looked to the others in the council.  “Anyone injured badly?”

Boulder shook his head.  “Small cuts, a little sore…but Gorillas all made it out alright.”

Billy shook his head as well.  “Startled me… Was in my nest when I went to get my spear.  It grazed me with it’s fangs but I killed it before it did too much damage.”  He pointed to the torn skin on the hairless part of his arm, which would make for a new scar when it healed up.

Bad Ape scratched behind his ear.  “Kept Nova safe… No Wolf-Monkeys made it to my nest.  I fine.  Nova fine.”

Billy rose a brow at this and began to sign as well.  “Followers of Koba?  I thought they all died out with humans in the avalanche?”  He frowned a bit.  He remembered watching other apes get lashings from Red under the Colonel’s command.

Boulder grunted to the thought.  “I think I know which apes you mean.  Always going out late at night to go ‘hunting’.  Conveniently not around also when Wolf-Monkeys attacked.  I remember which apes they were, want me to get them next time I see them and bring them to you?”

Nova sat with Bad Ape, understanding the signing better than him.  She held up her hands as she looked confused, signing to the apes of the council.  “Why would someone not like how Cornelius will lead?  Isn’t he a good leader so far?”

Boulder huffed lightly, to the Orangutan and pursed his lips together.  “Like… Send them into the desert to never return?  What if they come back with humans?  Not all humans can be gone.”

Billy began to sign then.  “By now, remaining humans all sick and can’t talk like Nova.  Except Nova learned hand speak like apes.  Other humans didn’t learn so they may not be a threat even if these disloyal apes find them.”

Maurice looked to Cornelius pleadingly.  “Apes killing Apes is Koba’s way.  We need to be better than Koba and not revert back.  Caesar only killed Koba because he had tried to kill him and started a war…  Winter died by accident because Caesar was trying to keep him quiet…”

Billy ran in as fast as he could but soon found himself being outpaced by longer, thicker arms.  As Cornelius was in the process of blacking out, there was the sound of chest drumming and a roar.  Chimps scattered in all directions as Boulder had entered the scene.  He grabbed the male by the leg with ease and dragged the startled male who was less then half his size.  Then with minimal effort, the large gorilla tossed him against a tree and roared.  He moved to stand over the unconscious king, his much larger fangs bared to anyone who came near.

Billy arrived in time to see the impressive feat of strength.  He had forgotten just how much stronger the Gorillas were…  Thank goodness they were generally peaceful unless provoked.  Billy strutted up to the fallen male and hooted, holding his spear at the leader of the rogue males and hooted as his hair poofed out.  “Stay…  Down…!”  He barked out as now Maurice was slowly making his way over.

The apes who had witnessed it were in shock, not knowing what that male had done wrong.  They simply looked to Cornelius in fear as some of the females clutched their infants and moved away from him.

Maurice sighed as he approached the strutting king.  “Congratulations.  You have made the tribe fear you… Like they feared Koba.”  He motioned to all the apes that were now slowly leaving to go back home, but looking over their shoulders to make sure the king wasn’t about to come after them as well.

“He deserved it.”  Boulder chimed in to the Orangutan.  “No one will be disloyal to Cornelius if they know their balls are on the line.”  He tried to joke but got a stern look from Maurice.  He then lowered his eyes and looked away as the Orangutan looked to Rocket and Bristle.

Bad Ape and Billy were left back at the tribe trying to explain why Cornelius snapped the way he did with the male.  Many of the chimps questioning his sanity for the moment.

Maurice also did his best to reassure the others of Caesar’s son would still make a good leader, but the seeds of doubt had already been placed.  And in the future this would come back and bite the young king.

“The humans are probably a day ahead of us..” Rocket sighed. Humans weren’t strong creatures but their endurance was unmatched. They could travel farther distances on foot than any tree-dwelling ape could. Why would they take Cornelius alive?

Cornelius was riding on the back of one of the male humans. His arms folded over either side of his shoulders and held onto by the male’s hands. He wasn’t too afraid now that he could see the humans were trying to keep him alive. He was still weak but he wasn’t dizzy anymore and was regaining his strength. The humans seemed to be aware of this and kept his arms and feet hobbled with leather.

The nicest of the humans was a young female human. She would feed him and pet his head like he was some pet. But Cornelius never experienced the life of one so couldn’t compare. He figured this was something they do.

None of them talked either. But would only grunt and groan and fling their arms around. They also hobbled about like chimpanzees to. They didn’t remind him of anything he’s heard in the stories. He would try to sign to them but they didn’t understand.

It wasn’t till the sun was disappearing over the flat plain that he heard loud whoops and hollering. He glanced up, seeing a few more humans jumping in the air. He felt himself bristle again. The man that was carrying him held out his arm and shushed the others. They fell silent and oh’d at the new chimp they had brought in. Another woman came forward and Cornelius felt her hand pat softly down his back and rump. He felt her poke at his sensitive parts too and he snorted in disapproval.

“Smoke.  Fire.  Maybe where humans took Cornelius.  I’ll scout ahead, let you know what I find.”  It was often surprising how stealthy the large apes could be.  Mainly because they didn’t vocalize as often or as loud as the chimps did.  He left his horse with Bristle and Rocket as he then moved to where the sparse trees were to investigate what was going on.

One of the younger chimps looked to Cornelius excitedly, barely able to keep it’s mouth shut even when the woman tried to shush him and keep him away.  He reached out a tiny hand, wanting to touch the other chimp but was soon stopped by a different human who was cautiously curious as well.

“Thirsty…” He murmured. ‘Want..”

A woman approached with a chipped dog bowl. She seemed motherly enough but he couldn’t help but notice a vague sense of stupidity in those eyes. It wasn’t like he remembered in that camp with the evil Colonel. He shuddered at his memory but at least he was gone now. And the fact that she wore no clothing. Another white-tail came squirming in to investigate. The woman grabbed and scooped him up off his feet. He giggled and clamped around her waist. And to his astonishment, starting nursing. Did these babies lose their parents?

Outside more humans were grunting and scooting about in that same jumped back manner. Just strange, all of it. They acted more animalistic than his kind did. But they weren’t threatening. Funny, it seemed like the apes were more dangerous now. They had practically saved him. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing to stay here? He had no responsibilities and the environment was carefree. He didn’t have to be king here, just another chimp in the fold.

Long ago, Caesar had told them that not all humans were bad.  His only experience really with good humans was Nova.  Green eyes watched as she nursing woman would go to Cornelius when he called and then decided to report back to Rocket and Bristle.  He went back to them and pointed to where the trees were.

“Cornelius is safe with humans.  Baby apes there with naked humans.  Humans don’t seem smart.  I think the young apes are orphans.  What should we do?”

Back at the village, some of the apes were curious as to why their young king wasn’t present for the evening meal.  Obviously Maurice could not say he was missing so he signed that he was out on a long hunting trip with Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder to get his mind off the disloyal male.  The aging orangutan grunted as he walked himself over to Nova, who was looking out into the desert with worry.

“Where is he?”  She signed as she looked to Maurice.  She was close to the prince, having helped him escape personally from that horrible place.  Maurice rumbled his throat sac he signed back.

“I am not sure… Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder are looking.  They will find him and bring him back.”

Nova frowned a bit in return.  “Why didn’t you tell the others?  We could all be looking for him.”

He peered into one sad looking tent hide and saw some resting couple and a few young chimps of various ages. Why would they take care of them? What was the benefit? They seemed to treat the youngsters as their own family. No collars or leashes. They all spooned together. So alien to him.

He moved on to another stiff hide and looked in there. He was sure in the mass of young chimps and humans there was Cornelius. He could make out his bandaged figure. But before he could try and figure out a good plan he heard Bristle flinch behind him. A rock came spinning at him, clocking him right in the muzzle. He stood up and hooted at them in warning.

Cornelius felt his new friends stir around him. He snapped awake and stared hard at the entrance. He heard angry cries from outside, both man and chimp. Those hoots familiar…Rocket? He clambered over the sacred bodies of his younger friends and stuck his head outside. It was members of his clan. Loyal to him, they tracked and found him!

The young curious chimp that wanted to grab and touch Cornelius earlier had already clambered onto Boulder innocently and nestled against his fur.  Boulder made a face at this but allowed it since the young ape probably hadn’t seen an adult in quite some time.

Back at the ape colony, Billy sat high in one of the trees and was keeping lookout for the others.  It was going on three days now since they had left and some of the colony was getting restless because of the long absence.  He had hoped the others were alright, hoping they had not been ambushed by Wolf Monkeys or other defectors.

Rocket strutted back to the horses, even while rocks and sticks bounced off his chiseled muscles. His indifference to their throws seemed to discourage the humans, whom put some distance between them and the strange apes.

“No. Perhaps another time we will come and get these chimps. We don’t have enough supplies to travel with.” Rocket finally said as one more pebble bounced off his ear. “They’re just scattered now anyways.” He took note of the fleeing women with their young ape offspring off into the woods. His curiosity still peaked. Maybe some of them picked up from other clans out there? Or maybe some from their own after the the battle with the Colonel. Who knew.. They had at least one of the young chimps who was keen to join them.

“Leave them alone..” Cornelius finally spoke. “They’re not harming anyone.”

Bristle rubbed the back of his head, feeling blessed to have him back. “I’m sure Lake is freaking out by now. It’s been three days since your departure.”

That long? Cornelius thought to himself. “I wanna go home now.” He sighed, his lower lip pouting. He was honesty having a well needed rest back there.

“Should give this to Billy, he always wants to help raise babies.”  Boulder signed half-joking to Bristle and Rocket as their horses began to gallop away from the human caves.  It wouldn’t be until the sun was fully set that they arrived at their camp site, Boulder tying up the horses and looking to the other three.  “Two things we need to talk to the council about now… When to attack Wolf Monkeys and now what we discovered about humans…”  He looked to the tired Cornelius.  “Wolf Monkeys could attack and kill them if they stay out there.  I think we should capture them and bring them back to the village at some point to keep them safe before too long.”  

But mid the sixth day there came hoots and hollers that someone was approaching. Wolf-monkeys maybe? No. It was the missing council members. But was Cornelius with them? She couldn’t tell. She called out in exhilarated shrieks to her mate.

Cornelius wasn’t in the mood for his specie’s dramatic displays. They always did too much. He strode his horse forward straight for his mother’s nest, ignoring his people’s pressing bodies. What he really wanted to do was just pass out for several days. The whole month had been crazy for his young mind; the wolf-monkeys attack, Koba’s loyal followers attack and then the humans taking him…..

He pulled himself up into her nest with sheer will even though his body was still getting over the shock of what it had endured a week prior. He was greeted with Lake’s screams of relief and joy, typical chimpanzee style. Cornelius felt her grab his face and press it into her chest. The smell of her scent, laden with milk and newborn, brought calming relief to him. The sight of the warm hues of the nest was so inviting. He plopped face first into hers and curled up. He wished to turn into a winter bear and hibernate.

Lake noticed new wounds on him. Mostly a very deep one on his shoulder coated in dried and matted blood. Sighing dreadfully she pulled one of the hides over him and pushed the straw in around him to form a nest. Soon she heard others clamber up onto her nest. She stood at the entrance, her shoulders bristling. It was her mate and right behind him, Rocket. Bristle could see the burning look on her face. So did Rocket and he decided maybe later was best to check up on him.

“What has happened to him? He looks near death! I’m sick of him being put into harms way!” She snorted. “Why does he smell so evil..” There were so many questions for everyone.

“It’s a long story.” Bristle sighed. “He’s fine now. I will tell you about it but let’s let him sleep it out. He looks comfortable for a change.”

“I heard about Koba’s followers attacked him. But I never got to see his return! Did they do that?” She wrinkled her muzzle. “Well one of them died anyways.. He bled to death. They said Cornelius ripped his testicles off. Suits him. Nobody attacks my son. He was lucky I wasn’t there. I would have ripped his throat out.”

Billy was also on his way to see Bristle and Cornelius to see how they were doing, escorting Nova who seemed desperate to check on her friend.  On the way, he bumped into Boulder who seemed to have a present for him.  “Boulder?”  He signed as the gorilla held something behind his back.

Boulder then offered the baby chimp to him, it quickly jumping ship.  “Orphan we found among humans.  You always say you want white tail of your own.  This is your chance.  May also make females more interested.”  He grunted in a chuckle as Billy held the baby to him and nodded, cradling it close.  They all arrived at Bristle and Lake’s home and Boulder signed for Rocket to come with him to see Maurice.

He poked a foot out and grabbed her, pulling her under the deer skin like a trapdoor spider and its prey. He wrapped his legs and arms around her and snuggled close, snuffling in her hair. Now he could really sleep with a Nova as his pacifier. Lake pushed some more straw around them protectively. She turned to Billy, noticing the new baby he had attached to him. An orphaned child.

“He still looks like he needs milk. You should find him a nursing female willing to share milk.” She plucked softly at the child. Having a newborn of her own she had no room at the milk bar for a big boy like this. Instinctively, her child came first. “It is getting dark. It’s time to leave. Tomorrow if Cornelius is up to it then but not now.”

Rocket headed over to Maurice’s place, seeing what he needs to be told. The other apes were all gossiping about Cornelius’ return and rumors about sneaking off with humans and how he killed a chimp. Seems like his kind were turning to be just as stupid as the humans. At least Cornelius was still alive! He’d have to set these fools straight. Only he, Bristle and Boulder knew anything.

Billy watched this action and chuckled to himself, then looking to Lake as she touched his new baby and nodded.  “Hopefully I can find him a good mother.  I will see you both in the morning.”  He nodded his head as he left the family to themselves, keeping the young chimp against his chest as he went to try and find something for him to eat and to hold over the baby.

Maurice looked to Rocket and shook his head as he signed.  “No wolf-monkeys.  Think we scared them off with last attack but we still need to deal with them…”  He then pulled out an empty book he had that he had been practicing  writing in.  “Writing down ape laws so future apes don’t forget.  Should also right down ape history so we can learn from the past.”  He then acknowledged the part about Cornelius.  “He is young and needs your guidance more than ever.  Being a leader is never easy, you know this.  I am glad he is alive and you found him.”  He then looked a bit concerned.  “Boulder told me about humans… Are they really acting like apes before wakening?”

Soon after his briefing with Maurice he retired to his own nest. To his warm welcome his mate had prepared a light dinner for him; mostly cold cooked fish and steamed carrots and potatoes with berries on the side. She must have missed him.

“Wish you would have told me you were going. I fretted for days. Felt so alone..” Tinker whined, sitting next to him and grooming while Rocket shoveled the food down. He was almost finished till the most alluring scent in the entire world overtook him. Of course he knew what it was right away and he sighed heavily. It wasn’t going to happen, hasn’t since Ash passed away. He continued to finish scrapping up the last fragments of his meal with little enthusiasm.

“Since you abandoned me for so long you should groom me.” She said almost flatly. Rocket was confused but obeyed anyways. He did owe her that. And he followed her back to their nest. He stared at the ground, huffing as he went. She squatted down in the typical mating position. Rocket felt cross, this wasn’t a proper grooming position and he wasn’t in the mood to be teased. She glanced over her shoulder. “Well? Are you afraid now to mount me?”

What? Mate? Really? Rocket needed no further motivation and pounced on her. The neighborhood would have to put up with the alpha male’s mating song tonight.

The next morning rolled around and Billy went about to try and find a suitable mother for the child, and possibly a potential mate for himself.  The chimp strutted around the village, hooting softly at certain females who cooed at the baby but none of them seemed right…  In his mind he knew what he was looking for for the two of them but he couldn’t put it into words.

Boulder ate fruits with Maurice in the morning and looked on to the poor ape trying his hardest.  It wasn’t hard for Boulder to find a mate, he was the largest Gorilla male and leader of the Gorilla Guard.  Maurice was high ranking but for now just had no interest in finding a mate.  They looked to each other and began to sign.

“Why is he having such a hard time?  He’s a high ranking male.  Should be easy to find a mate.”  Boulder signed a bit confused.

Maurice shrugged a bit.  “He’s picky about females I suppose.  Maybe has high standards?”

There was only one female and she had lost hers a few days earlier to one of the baboons. The dreadful creatures had snatched her week old infant from her grasp as she fled too late. She didn’t want to dive into any relationship either but she could see this scarred male had a bond with this child too. But that bond won’t feed the poor thing, she’d have to tolerate Billy’s presence if she accepted the orphan. She eyed the white-tail nestled in the burly male’s grasp. Her breasts ached, stiff with milk. With no ceremony she peeled him from Billy’s grasp and pulled him to her chest and retreated to a nearby tree, climbing up to a heavy, low branch. She offered a nipple to the child, his hair wispy, especially the top of his head. She glanced over her shoulder at Billy, not knowing or really caring if he followed. Unless she was in the pink, she had little time for her counterparts.

Cornelius was late to rise, he rolled away from Nova, spreading out his limbs as far as he could. The stretch in his muscles gave him temporary relief and he laid still with his head back. He heard Lake acknowledge him but he remained listless. Finally she reached over and tickled his belly. His legs curled in, he lifted his head and huffed. His shoulder ached as a reminder and he winced.

“King Cornelius sleeping…” He said slyly, bristling slightly. Oh he was cheeky this morning…

Lake narrowed her eyes, she jabbed him in the gut. “Your mother doesn’t care if you’re ruler of the whole world..”

“Still hurt…” He whimpered, hoping she’d give him some needed pity like she did last night. “Journey so long…Humans..” He thought of his hallucinations. “Is it normal to see those of the past?”

Boulder and Maurice saw the change in Billy’s luck and looked to one another.  They would leave him to his new female and child as they went to see Rocket for the morning…  Both stopped a few yards away from his home though, she scent of the prior night still lingered and the two decided it best to wait for him to come out on his own.

“Who’s he?” He questioned her, keeping hidden behind her form.

“Father, I guess, to this child. I’m taking this baby. He needs me..” She groomed the youngster, getting familiar with his scent. He may not be hers but her mothering instinct was still strong and fresh. She had mourned long enough. This was better than having to endure another estrus in a few weeks time and get swamped by eager males again. Some things haven’t changed much from the old. Her oldest son sat close to her and laid his chin on her knee, inspecting his new brother.

Rocket, late to wake up, felt a great pressure on his chest all of a sudden. He snorted and jerked his head. Ah, it was Tinker, up and ready to start the new day with some morning sex. Of course he was ready. He wasn’t aware of some of his council members waiting outside for him so he crooned to her quiet loudly. Just how she liked it. Afterwards he poked his head out for some fresh, crisp air. He was in a grand mood this morning. Then he spotted Maurice and Boulder. How long have they been sitting there? Well he hoped they enjoyed the noises of a horny chimpanzee.

“I’m considering taking a day off…or a few…” Rocket slowly crept down to meet them. “Tinker needs my attentions.” He glanced back over, her small face peering out from their nest. It was customary for a couple to go off on “honeymoons” when estrus came about. Caesar did it too! Nothing stopped such intimate events. It was a time to run off, eat good food, court and mate…..bond with your partner all over again. Wolf-monkeys, humans or not. “Maurice likes playing alpha! Billy and Boulder know all about the humans..I entrust this mission onto them.”

Maurice and Boulder endured the chorus of chimp lovemaking until Rocket peaked out.  Maurice made a disgusted face and rolled his eyes.  “Apes stupid.”  He teased to the chimp but nodded.  “Three days away.  I can only deal with chimps without your help for so long.”

Boulder snickered at that and signed “Have fun!”  to Rocket as he left with Maurice.  “I will get supplies ready to capture humans and bring them back.  I will leave another male in charge of Guard until I return.  I will need Billy and other chimps though to help me.”  Maurice nodded to this and gave him permission to head out as soon as he was ready.

She thought about a name for this new child of hers too. A single word popped on her mind, that seemed to fit that wispy tuft of hair just…sprouting from his head. Sprout! She nodded and signed the word. That will be his name. And her older son would have support too from Billy, giving him a chance. Her son shyly nodded, his mother seemed to approve so it was okay.

“Fine..” Moss decided, seeing this was the best outcome. “I’ll be your mate if you’ll have me..” She wasn’t sure about how this new tradition went. Was there a ceremony? Or did they just couple and call it a deal? She didn’t mind either way. “Do I move to your nest?” She questioned, she’d have to pick up the few things she owned.

Cornelius frowned. He’d never stop from growing up or being king. Like all the apes, he’d age faster than her, though she was still older than him. She’d always be giddy and playful. “Maybe, Cornelius still like playing. But someday will be big chimp like father..” Though he was sure he smiled more than he ever did. “Someday Cornelius grow up, have family..”

Then a fabulous idea emerged in the young and innocent ape’s mind. He smiled broadly at Nova. He signed fervently. “I know! Nova be mate with Cornelius when older! Make happy family!” He looked to Lake who was blinking hard. “Can Nova And I make babies?”

He seemed so happy until he saw a large ape approach the tree from the ground.  It was Boulder.  He looked up to the new family and began to sign.  “Sorry to interrupt.  Billy, I need your help making traps and capturing wild humans out in the desert.  Same place your new baby comes from.”  

Billy exhaled loudly and looked to Moss.  “Important.  I’ll come back soon.  You stay at my nest.”  He rubbed her shoulder gently and looked to his now two sons.  He smiled as he began to climb down the tree, looking to Boulder as the two left to get Billy’s supplies.

“You need to have Maurice talk to Cornelius and Nova…” Lake had a hint of disgust and pity on her face. “They….umm…Cornelius.”

All sorts of dark thoughts flooded his mind, ones that made him wince. Was she suggesting? Why is she stuttering? He hated cliffhangers and this seemed like it was going to be much worse than any ball snatching Cornelius did earlier. This child was a mess. Where did they go wrong? Forgive us Caesar….

“What? Did they mate? Spell it out.” He grunted impatiently, not caring if she got cross with him. This was a very serious matter. One that could ruin the young king’s position.

Lake thunked him on the head. “No! But he suggested it. Suggested making her his wife and even asked me if they can have babies. They need to know now. Don’t want him growing up confused and thinking Nova is attractive..” She took pity on the child. She had no ill will towards the human girl but such feelings were strictly taboo and they both were getting at that age were such play was physically possible. “Go to Maurice and bring him here.”

Bristle sighed and left. He hoped neither of them saw their discussion..Nova was particularly sensitive. He felt a cold confusion course through his body. Oh how was he gonna tell Maurice in the right way. no point in pussyfooting. He slunkered down next to the old orangutan. He gazed around him. “We need to talk and I need your help.” He told Maurice. He didn’t want to upset him as Nova was like a daughter to him..

Maurice was enjoying some fruit when Bristle came to him and he perked a brow.  “What is wrong?  Did Cornelius do something?  I don’t want to lecture him again, he’s been through so much these past few days.”  Maurice himself was getting exhausted from all that Cornelius was putting him through… Soon he would be as grey as Caesar was!  He sighed and relented a bit.  “Talk about what?”

Meanwhile Boulder and Billy were heading out on there way to round up the humans.  Many other chimps were brought with them since they needed help capturing all the humans and carrying back the orphans that were there.  Billy though had his mind on his new family though, hoping they would like his nest and welcome him back home with open arms.

“You will not leave. I am king and she is only my mother.. but I am king!” He signed to her, still poofy as ever. He grumbled loudly and strutted about, attacking another sapling oak. Here he would display his strength and prowess to his friend so she’ll be reassured that he was strong enough to hold his position. He stomped on the roots and clapped the ground loudly for measure, letting all those around him to know he was to be taken seriously.

But quickly after, his little bout of adrenaline drained and he was reminded of his healing wounds. He sunk down onto his rump, nostrils flaring. But still he held a dignified reserve. Instinctively he knew it was not wise to show your weaknesses.

“Thought a long while…” He told her. “I am nearly six years old. No longer a suckling white-tail. Will need nest of my own. A proper nest for a king, son of Caesar. You can stay with me. We can stay up and play games and tell stories. Lake or Bristle cannot tell me what to do if I have my own nest. Let’s make one!”

Bristle made sure no one could see his hands as he talked with Maurice. “Cornelius and Nova are confused. Lake told me they want to couple and make babies. I know they’re young and that can’t happen but Cornelius cannot grow up feeling attracted to her. He’d need to find a proper she-chimp later. Nobody will follow an ape that loves a human like that.”

Bristle groaned. Like Lake he too felt pity for Nova. “Maybe it is time we found Nova a human tribe? They all seem dumb and harmless.. Maybe that tribe we saw earlier with the infants. There she could live a proper human life..”

Nova went to his side as he sat there and talked about making his own nest.  She was entering in her early teens now and puberty was hitting her as well…  But she was a bit more rational than him as she signed.  “You are not old enough to be on your own fully.  Even with me in the nest.  You need Lake and Bristle.  And you should be with ape, not Nova.”  She put a hand on his cheek reassuringly and smiled.  “Cornelius is strong male, will make a great leader.”

He pulled Nova close, grooming her head as that was the only good place to do so. He needed something to pick through and satisfy his primate urges. “The humans saved me, you know.. I see it now. I was about to slip off. I saw my family. They looked sad. Then the humans came and made my wound stop bleeding. I would have been dead. They act like ape. Smell like ape. I don’t understand why we live apart if we same things. I know mother would be mad if I said that.. they killed my family yet so did apes. I heard the stories. Ape started the war. Human not forgive. Maurice said that. But other apes ignore him.”

He thought of his stomach too as it grumbled loudly. He forgot he hadn’t eaten at all this morning. He smacked his lips. Nova had no bugs on her to still his stomach. “Let’s go to the big rotten log by the river and look for grubs before others do…then blackberries next.”

Bristle led the old orang back to his nest. He figured the two were still nestling while the poor Lake kept a stern eye on the two budding lovebirds. But when he arrived he found Lake already roaming the walkways. She was put-out and tired. Not a good morning at all.

“Where are the two? Still in the nest?”

Lake shook her head and waved her hand. “I don’t know where they went..but they had seen us talk about them. Both were upset. Cornelius should be resting. Not throwing tantrums. I don’t know what to do..” She was relieved to see Maurice. “He followed Nova.. I’m not sure where she likes to hide exactly.”

Nova had gotten to the river and began to pick berries while Cornelius picked around for grubs under a log.  She would eat insects if they were cooked but was still human enough to be somewhat grossed out about eating them alive.  She got some of the blackberries and brought them over to him as he looked for food, popping some in her mouth before putting the rest down and running her fingers through his pelt gently.  She smiled softly to her closest friend as she sat beside him and enjoyed looking out over the river.

Billy and Boulder had made it to the human camp but were not alone.  They had caught up to the Wolf-Monkeys now who were preparing to attack the sleeping humans in their tents.  One began to creep in to where the female was with the orphaned chimp and got ready to lunge.  It shrieked and leaped into the air only to be grabbed by the leg and dragged out, a fist coming down on it’s skull as Boulder pounded his chest.  The other chimps began to keep the Wolf-Monkeys at bay as Boulder approached the naked female human.  He stuck a hand out to her, trying to show her he wasn’t here to hurt her but to get her out.

“I think here I should build my nest. When I’m old enough I guess. Maybe when Berry is older I will. I think she’d miss me.” He thought about the humans again across the desert, and all the infants. They weren’t so treacherous. “If you saw other humans would you go live with them? If you wanted to? They weren’t afraid of apes..”

Then he thought about himself. Who would he hang out with then? He hadn’t thought about it much but he rarely ever socialized with other apes his age. He only hung out with Nova and most of his council members. He had a much different path than others did. He was thrust into a serious role at a young age. His bloodline was a privilege and a curse. It was like an invisible cage around him. Now he wasn’t all that interested in the games of the other chimps. Oh they lived such carefree lives. Nothing much was expected of them. They were commoners and some may join the ape army and progress upwards if they had what it takes. But not him. Already he fought two battles and both nearly killed him. He’d have two scars soon enough.

So Nova was his playmate, his shoulder to cry on when he felt his past family’s oddly cold presence over him. She too had lost her family. Oh why did she have to be human? He felt that he could trust her with his secrets more than anybody else. He wasn’t sure if he could really bond and connect with anyone else on such a level. He heard a soft crashing in the trees. Usually only orangs made such noise. He glanced up lazily, not budging from his comfy spot. It was Maurice.

The old Orang approached them in his normal slow matter and plopped down by the two.  “Nova.  Cornelius.  Bristle and Lake are worried about you two.  Wanted me to lecture you on why you cannot be mates.”  He sighed and rubbed his head as he looked to the young king.  “But Maurice knows that Cornelius is tired of being told what to do.  So I am only here to answer questions you may have then I will leave you two be until it is time for Nova to return home.”

Nova looked to Cornelius then back to Maurice.  “You told me humans are apes.  Bonobos can mate with chimpanzees…  Why is it frowned upon that Cornelius would want to make me his mate.”

Maurice looked to her and simply signed.  “Never done before.”  He shrugged lightly.  “Bonobos and chimps very close.  Have similar bodies and faces.  Humans look different from any other ape.  Also many still look at humans badly for  what has happened in the past.”

The young king got up, wanting to explore the rotten log for more tasty grubs. Further more, he no longer wanted to continue this conversation. He still didn’t understand it. But maybe someday he would. Someday the scent of a female in estrus will capture him in a way it never had and the sight of it will be a major focus in his life for decades to come. Someday he’d be a father of plenty, more than enough to secure Caesar’s lineage. But for now he was a budding teenager in a confusing and conflicted time in his life. Nova would never be lost on him however, to his dying days. The sweetheart he could never have. He dug deeper into the log, ignoring the pain in his shoulder, determined to nab those salty gooeys. He wondered what his father would think. But why fuss over this now? It would be a few years before he’d need to mate..

Billy looked to them all, wondering about Moss and Sprout and her other son.  He grunted as Boulder got on his horse, always wondering how the horses could carry so much weight on their bodies.  He then hooted and they all began to head back, tied up humans and babies in toe.

“So much room.” Branch hooted, excited he didn’t have to live in a separate but close nest anymore to his mother, just like in the old days. “Does this mean I can snuggle again?” He asked with a hint of embarrassment.

“Well he’s a well-off, high ranking male. There’s plenty of room so we can all sleep in here.” His mother began fixing up the bedding, shuffling around straw and soft pelts.

“When will he be back?” Branch asked.

“I’m not sure. He had to go do something about some apes and humans..” Moss sighed, she hoped Billy wouldn’t get killed. Would be depressing to gain all this and just lose it. And she knew that no other male would likely be so kind to her. No, others would chase off her oldest son or ignore him completely since he was weaned and would ignore or even kill Sprout. Some males sadly were like that. She brushed her lips against Sprout’s forehead. Branch sat down next to his mother and groomed her.

Boulder watched his eagerness to check on his family and grunted lightly.  He looked to the human captives as they were tied up and led into the city, some of the apes seeming confused by this.  Maurice was quick to meet them with Nova, Nova somewhat hiding behind the large ape as she looked to the other humans...  It had been so long.  Maurice looked to the humans then noticed some of the apes were injured.  “What happened?”

Boulder snorted and pointed to one of his own injuries.  “Wolf-Monkeys.”  He then motioned back to one of the horses which had a stack of dead monkey bodies on it’s back that was being unloaded by a chimp.  “Becoming a real problem...  Would have killed the humans if we didn’t get there in time.”

Maurice frowned at this.  He then noticed Nova was no longer behind him but walking towards the human woman who carried the baby chimp.  She offered the two a soft smile and put out her hand in friendship, trying to calm them and let them know they were safe now.

The following morning after the Baboon attack there was a large pile in the center of the colony.  Bodies of the ‘wolf monkeys were being put together and counted by the Gorillas.  There were a few casualties on the Ape’s side, mostly younger males that got in over their heads and two females who couldn’t get away fast enough.

Boulder approached the rest of the council, blood still staining his own fur and skin as he looked to Cornelius.  “32 Wolf-Monkeys.  All males.  6 male and 2 female apes dead as well…  One chimpanzee, one orangutan.”

Any blow to the orangutan population was always bad…  They seemed to breed so slowly compared to the other apes so the loss of a female was especially bad.  Maurice nodded to Boulder.  “Wolf-Monkeys too dangerous.  I am not one for violence but they need to be dealt with sooner than we had expected…”  He then looked to the others in the council.  “Anyone injured badly?”

Boulder shook his head.  “Small cuts, a little sore…but Gorillas all made it out alright.”

Billy shook his head as well.  “Startled me… Was in my nest when I went to get my spear.  It grazed me with it’s fangs but I killed it before it did too much damage.”  He pointed to the torn skin on the hairless part of his arm, which would make for a new scar when it healed up.

Bad Ape scratched behind his ear.  “Kept Nova safe… No Wolf-Monkeys made it to my nest.  I fine.  Nova fine.”

Billy rose a brow at this and began to sign as well.  “Followers of Koba?  I thought they all died out with humans in the avalanche?”  He frowned a bit.  He remembered watching other apes get lashings from Red under the Colonel’s command.

Boulder grunted to the thought.  “I think I know which apes you mean.  Always going out late at night to go ‘hunting’.  Conveniently not around also when Wolf-Monkeys attacked.  I remember which apes they were, want me to get them next time I see them and bring them to you?”

Nova sat with Bad Ape, understanding the signing better than him.  She held up her hands as she looked confused, signing to the apes of the council.  “Why would someone not like how Cornelius will lead?  Isn’t he a good leader so far?”

Boulder huffed lightly, to the Orangutan and pursed his lips together.  “Like… Send them into the desert to never return?  What if they come back with humans?  Not all humans can be gone.”

Billy began to sign then.  “By now, remaining humans all sick and can’t talk like Nova.  Except Nova learned hand speak like apes.  Other humans didn’t learn so they may not be a threat even if these disloyal apes find them.”

Maurice looked to Cornelius pleadingly.  “Apes killing Apes is Koba’s way.  We need to be better than Koba and not revert back.  Caesar only killed Koba because he had tried to kill him and started a war…  Winter died by accident because Caesar was trying to keep him quiet…”

Billy ran in as fast as he could but soon found himself being outpaced by longer, thicker arms.  As Cornelius was in the process of blacking out, there was the sound of chest drumming and a roar.  Chimps scattered in all directions as Boulder had entered the scene.  He grabbed the male by the leg with ease and dragged the startled male who was less then half his size.  Then with minimal effort, the large gorilla tossed him against a tree and roared.  He moved to stand over the unconscious king, his much larger fangs bared to anyone who came near.

Billy arrived in time to see the impressive feat of strength.  He had forgotten just how much stronger the Gorillas were…  Thank goodness they were generally peaceful unless provoked.  Billy strutted up to the fallen male and hooted, holding his spear at the leader of the rogue males and hooted as his hair poofed out.  “Stay…  Down…!”  He barked out as now Maurice was slowly making his way over.

The apes who had witnessed it were in shock, not knowing what that male had done wrong.  They simply looked to Cornelius in fear as some of the females clutched their infants and moved away from him.

Maurice sighed as he approached the strutting king.  “Congratulations.  You have made the tribe fear you… Like they feared Koba.”  He motioned to all the apes that were now slowly leaving to go back home, but looking over their shoulders to make sure the king wasn’t about to come after them as well.

“He deserved it.”  Boulder chimed in to the Orangutan.  “No one will be disloyal to Cornelius if they know their balls are on the line.”  He tried to joke but got a stern look from Maurice.  He then lowered his eyes and looked away as the Orangutan looked to Rocket and Bristle.

Bad Ape and Billy were left back at the tribe trying to explain why Cornelius snapped the way he did with the male.  Many of the chimps questioning his sanity for the moment.

Maurice also did his best to reassure the others of Caesar’s son would still make a good leader, but the seeds of doubt had already been placed.  And in the future this would come back and bite the young king.

“The humans are probably a day ahead of us..” Rocket sighed. Humans weren’t strong creatures but their endurance was unmatched. They could travel farther distances on foot than any tree-dwelling ape could. Why would they take Cornelius alive?

Cornelius was riding on the back of one of the male humans. His arms folded over either side of his shoulders and held onto by the male’s hands. He wasn’t too afraid now that he could see the humans were trying to keep him alive. He was still weak but he wasn’t dizzy anymore and was regaining his strength. The humans seemed to be aware of this and kept his arms and feet hobbled with leather.

The nicest of the humans was a young female human. She would feed him and pet his head like he was some pet. But Cornelius never experienced the life of one so couldn’t compare. He figured this was something they do.

None of them talked either. But would only grunt and groan and fling their arms around. They also hobbled about like chimpanzees to. They didn’t remind him of anything he’s heard in the stories. He would try to sign to them but they didn’t understand.

It wasn’t till the sun was disappearing over the flat plain that he heard loud whoops and hollering. He glanced up, seeing a few more humans jumping in the air. He felt himself bristle again. The man that was carrying him held out his arm and shushed the others. They fell silent and oh’d at the new chimp they had brought in. Another woman came forward and Cornelius felt her hand pat softly down his back and rump. He felt her poke at his sensitive parts too and he snorted in disapproval.

“Smoke.  Fire.  Maybe where humans took Cornelius.  I’ll scout ahead, let you know what I find.”  It was often surprising how stealthy the large apes could be.  Mainly because they didn’t vocalize as often or as loud as the chimps did.  He left his horse with Bristle and Rocket as he then moved to where the sparse trees were to investigate what was going on.

One of the younger chimps looked to Cornelius excitedly, barely able to keep it’s mouth shut even when the woman tried to shush him and keep him away.  He reached out a tiny hand, wanting to touch the other chimp but was soon stopped by a different human who was cautiously curious as well.

“Thirsty…” He murmured. ‘Want..”

A woman approached with a chipped dog bowl. She seemed motherly enough but he couldn’t help but notice a vague sense of stupidity in those eyes. It wasn’t like he remembered in that camp with the evil Colonel. He shuddered at his memory but at least he was gone now. And the fact that she wore no clothing. Another white-tail came squirming in to investigate. The woman grabbed and scooped him up off his feet. He giggled and clamped around her waist. And to his astonishment, starting nursing. Did these babies lose their parents?

Outside more humans were grunting and scooting about in that same jumped back manner. Just strange, all of it. They acted more animalistic than his kind did. But they weren’t threatening. Funny, it seemed like the apes were more dangerous now. They had practically saved him. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing to stay here? He had no responsibilities and the environment was carefree. He didn’t have to be king here, just another chimp in the fold.

Long ago, Caesar had told them that not all humans were bad.  His only experience really with good humans was Nova.  Green eyes watched as she nursing woman would go to Cornelius when he called and then decided to report back to Rocket and Bristle.  He went back to them and pointed to where the trees were.

“Cornelius is safe with humans.  Baby apes there with naked humans.  Humans don’t seem smart.  I think the young apes are orphans.  What should we do?”

Back at the village, some of the apes were curious as to why their young king wasn’t present for the evening meal.  Obviously Maurice could not say he was missing so he signed that he was out on a long hunting trip with Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder to get his mind off the disloyal male.  The aging orangutan grunted as he walked himself over to Nova, who was looking out into the desert with worry.

“Where is he?”  She signed as she looked to Maurice.  She was close to the prince, having helped him escape personally from that horrible place.  Maurice rumbled his throat sac he signed back.

“I am not sure… Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder are looking.  They will find him and bring him back.”

Nova frowned a bit in return.  “Why didn’t you tell the others?  We could all be looking for him.”

He peered into one sad looking tent hide and saw some resting couple and a few young chimps of various ages. Why would they take care of them? What was the benefit? They seemed to treat the youngsters as their own family. No collars or leashes. They all spooned together. So alien to him.

He moved on to another stiff hide and looked in there. He was sure in the mass of young chimps and humans there was Cornelius. He could make out his bandaged figure. But before he could try and figure out a good plan he heard Bristle flinch behind him. A rock came spinning at him, clocking him right in the muzzle. He stood up and hooted at them in warning.

Cornelius felt his new friends stir around him. He snapped awake and stared hard at the entrance. He heard angry cries from outside, both man and chimp. Those hoots familiar…Rocket? He clambered over the sacred bodies of his younger friends and stuck his head outside. It was members of his clan. Loyal to him, they tracked and found him!

The young curious chimp that wanted to grab and touch Cornelius earlier had already clambered onto Boulder innocently and nestled against his fur.  Boulder made a face at this but allowed it since the young ape probably hadn’t seen an adult in quite some time.

Back at the ape colony, Billy sat high in one of the trees and was keeping lookout for the others.  It was going on three days now since they had left and some of the colony was getting restless because of the long absence.  He had hoped the others were alright, hoping they had not been ambushed by Wolf Monkeys or other defectors.

Rocket strutted back to the horses, even while rocks and sticks bounced off his chiseled muscles. His indifference to their throws seemed to discourage the humans, whom put some distance between them and the strange apes.

“No. Perhaps another time we will come and get these chimps. We don’t have enough supplies to travel with.” Rocket finally said as one more pebble bounced off his ear. “They’re just scattered now anyways.” He took note of the fleeing women with their young ape offspring off into the woods. His curiosity still peaked. Maybe some of them picked up from other clans out there? Or maybe some from their own after the the battle with the Colonel. Who knew.. They had at least one of the young chimps who was keen to join them.

“Leave them alone..” Cornelius finally spoke. “They’re not harming anyone.”

Bristle rubbed the back of his head, feeling blessed to have him back. “I’m sure Lake is freaking out by now. It’s been three days since your departure.”

That long? Cornelius thought to himself. “I wanna go home now.” He sighed, his lower lip pouting. He was honesty having a well needed rest back there.

“Should give this to Billy, he always wants to help raise babies.”  Boulder signed half-joking to Bristle and Rocket as their horses began to gallop away from the human caves.  It wouldn’t be until the sun was fully set that they arrived at their camp site, Boulder tying up the horses and looking to the other three.  “Two things we need to talk to the council about now… When to attack Wolf Monkeys and now what we discovered about humans…”  He looked to the tired Cornelius.  “Wolf Monkeys could attack and kill them if they stay out there.  I think we should capture them and bring them back to the village at some point to keep them safe before too long.”  

But mid the sixth day there came hoots and hollers that someone was approaching. Wolf-monkeys maybe? No. It was the missing council members. But was Cornelius with them? She couldn’t tell. She called out in exhilarated shrieks to her mate.

Cornelius wasn’t in the mood for his specie’s dramatic displays. They always did too much. He strode his horse forward straight for his mother’s nest, ignoring his people’s pressing bodies. What he really wanted to do was just pass out for several days. The whole month had been crazy for his young mind; the wolf-monkeys attack, Koba’s loyal followers attack and then the humans taking him…..

He pulled himself up into her nest with sheer will even though his body was still getting over the shock of what it had endured a week prior. He was greeted with Lake’s screams of relief and joy, typical chimpanzee style. Cornelius felt her grab his face and press it into her chest. The smell of her scent, laden with milk and newborn, brought calming relief to him. The sight of the warm hues of the nest was so inviting. He plopped face first into hers and curled up. He wished to turn into a winter bear and hibernate.

Lake noticed new wounds on him. Mostly a very deep one on his shoulder coated in dried and matted blood. Sighing dreadfully she pulled one of the hides over him and pushed the straw in around him to form a nest. Soon she heard others clamber up onto her nest. She stood at the entrance, her shoulders bristling. It was her mate and right behind him, Rocket. Bristle could see the burning look on her face. So did Rocket and he decided maybe later was best to check up on him.

“What has happened to him? He looks near death! I’m sick of him being put into harms way!” She snorted. “Why does he smell so evil..” There were so many questions for everyone.

“It’s a long story.” Bristle sighed. “He’s fine now. I will tell you about it but let’s let him sleep it out. He looks comfortable for a change.”

“I heard about Koba’s followers attacked him. But I never got to see his return! Did they do that?” She wrinkled her muzzle. “Well one of them died anyways.. He bled to death. They said Cornelius ripped his testicles off. Suits him. Nobody attacks my son. He was lucky I wasn’t there. I would have ripped his throat out.”

Billy was also on his way to see Bristle and Cornelius to see how they were doing, escorting Nova who seemed desperate to check on her friend.  On the way, he bumped into Boulder who seemed to have a present for him.  “Boulder?”  He signed as the gorilla held something behind his back.

Boulder then offered the baby chimp to him, it quickly jumping ship.  “Orphan we found among humans.  You always say you want white tail of your own.  This is your chance.  May also make females more interested.”  He grunted in a chuckle as Billy held the baby to him and nodded, cradling it close.  They all arrived at Bristle and Lake’s home and Boulder signed for Rocket to come with him to see Maurice.

He poked a foot out and grabbed her, pulling her under the deer skin like a trapdoor spider and its prey. He wrapped his legs and arms around her and snuggled close, snuffling in her hair. Now he could really sleep with a Nova as his pacifier. Lake pushed some more straw around them protectively. She turned to Billy, noticing the new baby he had attached to him. An orphaned child.

“He still looks like he needs milk. You should find him a nursing female willing to share milk.” She plucked softly at the child. Having a newborn of her own she had no room at the milk bar for a big boy like this. Instinctively, her child came first. “It is getting dark. It’s time to leave. Tomorrow if Cornelius is up to it then but not now.”

Rocket headed over to Maurice’s place, seeing what he needs to be told. The other apes were all gossiping about Cornelius’ return and rumors about sneaking off with humans and how he killed a chimp. Seems like his kind were turning to be just as stupid as the humans. At least Cornelius was still alive! He’d have to set these fools straight. Only he, Bristle and Boulder knew anything.

Billy watched this action and chuckled to himself, then looking to Lake as she touched his new baby and nodded.  “Hopefully I can find him a good mother.  I will see you both in the morning.”  He nodded his head as he left the family to themselves, keeping the young chimp against his chest as he went to try and find something for him to eat and to hold over the baby.

Maurice looked to Rocket and shook his head as he signed.  “No wolf-monkeys.  Think we scared them off with last attack but we still need to deal with them…”  He then pulled out an empty book he had that he had been practicing  writing in.  “Writing down ape laws so future apes don’t forget.  Should also right down ape history so we can learn from the past.”  He then acknowledged the part about Cornelius.  “He is young and needs your guidance more than ever.  Being a leader is never easy, you know this.  I am glad he is alive and you found him.”  He then looked a bit concerned.  “Boulder told me about humans… Are they really acting like apes before wakening?”

Soon after his briefing with Maurice he retired to his own nest. To his warm welcome his mate had prepared a light dinner for him; mostly cold cooked fish and steamed carrots and potatoes with berries on the side. She must have missed him.

“Wish you would have told me you were going. I fretted for days. Felt so alone..” Tinker whined, sitting next to him and grooming while Rocket shoveled the food down. He was almost finished till the most alluring scent in the entire world overtook him. Of course he knew what it was right away and he sighed heavily. It wasn’t going to happen, hasn’t since Ash passed away. He continued to finish scrapping up the last fragments of his meal with little enthusiasm.

“Since you abandoned me for so long you should groom me.” She said almost flatly. Rocket was confused but obeyed anyways. He did owe her that. And he followed her back to their nest. He stared at the ground, huffing as he went. She squatted down in the typical mating position. Rocket felt cross, this wasn’t a proper grooming position and he wasn’t in the mood to be teased. She glanced over her shoulder. “Well? Are you afraid now to mount me?”

What? Mate? Really? Rocket needed no further motivation and pounced on her. The neighborhood would have to put up with the alpha male’s mating song tonight.

The next morning rolled around and Billy went about to try and find a suitable mother for the child, and possibly a potential mate for himself.  The chimp strutted around the village, hooting softly at certain females who cooed at the baby but none of them seemed right…  In his mind he knew what he was looking for for the two of them but he couldn’t put it into words.

Boulder ate fruits with Maurice in the morning and looked on to the poor ape trying his hardest.  It wasn’t hard for Boulder to find a mate, he was the largest Gorilla male and leader of the Gorilla Guard.  Maurice was high ranking but for now just had no interest in finding a mate.  They looked to each other and began to sign.

“Why is he having such a hard time?  He’s a high ranking male.  Should be easy to find a mate.”  Boulder signed a bit confused.

Maurice shrugged a bit.  “He’s picky about females I suppose.  Maybe has high standards?”

There was only one female and she had lost hers a few days earlier to one of the baboons. The dreadful creatures had snatched her week old infant from her grasp as she fled too late. She didn’t want to dive into any relationship either but she could see this scarred male had a bond with this child too. But that bond won’t feed the poor thing, she’d have to tolerate Billy’s presence if she accepted the orphan. She eyed the white-tail nestled in the burly male’s grasp. Her breasts ached, stiff with milk. With no ceremony she peeled him from Billy’s grasp and pulled him to her chest and retreated to a nearby tree, climbing up to a heavy, low branch. She offered a nipple to the child, his hair wispy, especially the top of his head. She glanced over her shoulder at Billy, not knowing or really caring if he followed. Unless she was in the pink, she had little time for her counterparts.

Cornelius was late to rise, he rolled away from Nova, spreading out his limbs as far as he could. The stretch in his muscles gave him temporary relief and he laid still with his head back. He heard Lake acknowledge him but he remained listless. Finally she reached over and tickled his belly. His legs curled in, he lifted his head and huffed. His shoulder ached as a reminder and he winced.

“King Cornelius sleeping…” He said slyly, bristling slightly. Oh he was cheeky this morning…

Lake narrowed her eyes, she jabbed him in the gut. “Your mother doesn’t care if you’re ruler of the whole world..”

“Still hurt…” He whimpered, hoping she’d give him some needed pity like she did last night. “Journey so long…Humans..” He thought of his hallucinations. “Is it normal to see those of the past?”

Boulder and Maurice saw the change in Billy’s luck and looked to one another.  They would leave him to his new female and child as they went to see Rocket for the morning…  Both stopped a few yards away from his home though, she scent of the prior night still lingered and the two decided it best to wait for him to come out on his own.

“Who’s he?” He questioned her, keeping hidden behind her form.

“Father, I guess, to this child. I’m taking this baby. He needs me..” She groomed the youngster, getting familiar with his scent. He may not be hers but her mothering instinct was still strong and fresh. She had mourned long enough. This was better than having to endure another estrus in a few weeks time and get swamped by eager males again. Some things haven’t changed much from the old. Her oldest son sat close to her and laid his chin on her knee, inspecting his new brother.

Rocket, late to wake up, felt a great pressure on his chest all of a sudden. He snorted and jerked his head. Ah, it was Tinker, up and ready to start the new day with some morning sex. Of course he was ready. He wasn’t aware of some of his council members waiting outside for him so he crooned to her quiet loudly. Just how she liked it. Afterwards he poked his head out for some fresh, crisp air. He was in a grand mood this morning. Then he spotted Maurice and Boulder. How long have they been sitting there? Well he hoped they enjoyed the noises of a horny chimpanzee.

“I’m considering taking a day off…or a few…” Rocket slowly crept down to meet them. “Tinker needs my attentions.” He glanced back over, her small face peering out from their nest. It was customary for a couple to go off on “honeymoons” when estrus came about. Caesar did it too! Nothing stopped such intimate events. It was a time to run off, eat good food, court and mate…..bond with your partner all over again. Wolf-monkeys, humans or not. “Maurice likes playing alpha! Billy and Boulder know all about the humans..I entrust this mission onto them.”

Maurice and Boulder endured the chorus of chimp lovemaking until Rocket peaked out.  Maurice made a disgusted face and rolled his eyes.  “Apes stupid.”  He teased to the chimp but nodded.  “Three days away.  I can only deal with chimps without your help for so long.”

Boulder snickered at that and signed “Have fun!”  to Rocket as he left with Maurice.  “I will get supplies ready to capture humans and bring them back.  I will leave another male in charge of Guard until I return.  I will need Billy and other chimps though to help me.”  Maurice nodded to this and gave him permission to head out as soon as he was ready.

She thought about a name for this new child of hers too. A single word popped on her mind, that seemed to fit that wispy tuft of hair just…sprouting from his head. Sprout! She nodded and signed the word. That will be his name. And her older son would have support too from Billy, giving him a chance. Her son shyly nodded, his mother seemed to approve so it was okay.

“Fine..” Moss decided, seeing this was the best outcome. “I’ll be your mate if you’ll have me..” She wasn’t sure about how this new tradition went. Was there a ceremony? Or did they just couple and call it a deal? She didn’t mind either way. “Do I move to your nest?” She questioned, she’d have to pick up the few things she owned.

Cornelius frowned. He’d never stop from growing up or being king. Like all the apes, he’d age faster than her, though she was still older than him. She’d always be giddy and playful. “Maybe, Cornelius still like playing. But someday will be big chimp like father..” Though he was sure he smiled more than he ever did. “Someday Cornelius grow up, have family..”

Then a fabulous idea emerged in the young and innocent ape’s mind. He smiled broadly at Nova. He signed fervently. “I know! Nova be mate with Cornelius when older! Make happy family!” He looked to Lake who was blinking hard. “Can Nova And I make babies?”

He seemed so happy until he saw a large ape approach the tree from the ground.  It was Boulder.  He looked up to the new family and began to sign.  “Sorry to interrupt.  Billy, I need your help making traps and capturing wild humans out in the desert.  Same place your new baby comes from.”  

Billy exhaled loudly and looked to Moss.  “Important.  I’ll come back soon.  You stay at my nest.”  He rubbed her shoulder gently and looked to his now two sons.  He smiled as he began to climb down the tree, looking to Boulder as the two left to get Billy’s supplies.

“You need to have Maurice talk to Cornelius and Nova…” Lake had a hint of disgust and pity on her face. “They….umm…Cornelius.”

All sorts of dark thoughts flooded his mind, ones that made him wince. Was she suggesting? Why is she stuttering? He hated cliffhangers and this seemed like it was going to be much worse than any ball snatching Cornelius did earlier. This child was a mess. Where did they go wrong? Forgive us Caesar….

“What? Did they mate? Spell it out.” He grunted impatiently, not caring if she got cross with him. This was a very serious matter. One that could ruin the young king’s position.

Lake thunked him on the head. “No! But he suggested it. Suggested making her his wife and even asked me if they can have babies. They need to know now. Don’t want him growing up confused and thinking Nova is attractive..” She took pity on the child. She had no ill will towards the human girl but such feelings were strictly taboo and they both were getting at that age were such play was physically possible. “Go to Maurice and bring him here.”

Bristle sighed and left. He hoped neither of them saw their discussion..Nova was particularly sensitive. He felt a cold confusion course through his body. Oh how was he gonna tell Maurice in the right way. no point in pussyfooting. He slunkered down next to the old orangutan. He gazed around him. “We need to talk and I need your help.” He told Maurice. He didn’t want to upset him as Nova was like a daughter to him..

Maurice was enjoying some fruit when Bristle came to him and he perked a brow.  “What is wrong?  Did Cornelius do something?  I don’t want to lecture him again, he’s been through so much these past few days.”  Maurice himself was getting exhausted from all that Cornelius was putting him through… Soon he would be as grey as Caesar was!  He sighed and relented a bit.  “Talk about what?”

Meanwhile Boulder and Billy were heading out on there way to round up the humans.  Many other chimps were brought with them since they needed help capturing all the humans and carrying back the orphans that were there.  Billy though had his mind on his new family though, hoping they would like his nest and welcome him back home with open arms.

“You will not leave. I am king and she is only my mother.. but I am king!” He signed to her, still poofy as ever. He grumbled loudly and strutted about, attacking another sapling oak. Here he would display his strength and prowess to his friend so she’ll be reassured that he was strong enough to hold his position. He stomped on the roots and clapped the ground loudly for measure, letting all those around him to know he was to be taken seriously.

But quickly after, his little bout of adrenaline drained and he was reminded of his healing wounds. He sunk down onto his rump, nostrils flaring. But still he held a dignified reserve. Instinctively he knew it was not wise to show your weaknesses.

“Thought a long while…” He told her. “I am nearly six years old. No longer a suckling white-tail. Will need nest of my own. A proper nest for a king, son of Caesar. You can stay with me. We can stay up and play games and tell stories. Lake or Bristle cannot tell me what to do if I have my own nest. Let’s make one!”

Bristle made sure no one could see his hands as he talked with Maurice. “Cornelius and Nova are confused. Lake told me they want to couple and make babies. I know they’re young and that can’t happen but Cornelius cannot grow up feeling attracted to her. He’d need to find a proper she-chimp later. Nobody will follow an ape that loves a human like that.”

Bristle groaned. Like Lake he too felt pity for Nova. “Maybe it is time we found Nova a human tribe? They all seem dumb and harmless.. Maybe that tribe we saw earlier with the infants. There she could live a proper human life..”

Nova went to his side as he sat there and talked about making his own nest.  She was entering in her early teens now and puberty was hitting her as well…  But she was a bit more rational than him as she signed.  “You are not old enough to be on your own fully.  Even with me in the nest.  You need Lake and Bristle.  And you should be with ape, not Nova.”  She put a hand on his cheek reassuringly and smiled.  “Cornelius is strong male, will make a great leader.”

He pulled Nova close, grooming her head as that was the only good place to do so. He needed something to pick through and satisfy his primate urges. “The humans saved me, you know.. I see it now. I was about to slip off. I saw my family. They looked sad. Then the humans came and made my wound stop bleeding. I would have been dead. They act like ape. Smell like ape. I don’t understand why we live apart if we same things. I know mother would be mad if I said that.. they killed my family yet so did apes. I heard the stories. Ape started the war. Human not forgive. Maurice said that. But other apes ignore him.”

He thought of his stomach too as it grumbled loudly. He forgot he hadn’t eaten at all this morning. He smacked his lips. Nova had no bugs on her to still his stomach. “Let’s go to the big rotten log by the river and look for grubs before others do…then blackberries next.”

Bristle led the old orang back to his nest. He figured the two were still nestling while the poor Lake kept a stern eye on the two budding lovebirds. But when he arrived he found Lake already roaming the walkways. She was put-out and tired. Not a good morning at all.

“Where are the two? Still in the nest?”

Lake shook her head and waved her hand. “I don’t know where they went..but they had seen us talk about them. Both were upset. Cornelius should be resting. Not throwing tantrums. I don’t know what to do..” She was relieved to see Maurice. “He followed Nova.. I’m not sure where she likes to hide exactly.”

Nova had gotten to the river and began to pick berries while Cornelius picked around for grubs under a log.  She would eat insects if they were cooked but was still human enough to be somewhat grossed out about eating them alive.  She got some of the blackberries and brought them over to him as he looked for food, popping some in her mouth before putting the rest down and running her fingers through his pelt gently.  She smiled softly to her closest friend as she sat beside him and enjoyed looking out over the river.

Billy and Boulder had made it to the human camp but were not alone.  They had caught up to the Wolf-Monkeys now who were preparing to attack the sleeping humans in their tents.  One began to creep in to where the female was with the orphaned chimp and got ready to lunge.  It shrieked and leaped into the air only to be grabbed by the leg and dragged out, a fist coming down on it’s skull as Boulder pounded his chest.  The other chimps began to keep the Wolf-Monkeys at bay as Boulder approached the naked female human.  He stuck a hand out to her, trying to show her he wasn’t here to hurt her but to get her out.

“I think here I should build my nest. When I’m old enough I guess. Maybe when Berry is older I will. I think she’d miss me.” He thought about the humans again across the desert, and all the infants. They weren’t so treacherous. “If you saw other humans would you go live with them? If you wanted to? They weren’t afraid of apes..”

Then he thought about himself. Who would he hang out with then? He hadn’t thought about it much but he rarely ever socialized with other apes his age. He only hung out with Nova and most of his council members. He had a much different path than others did. He was thrust into a serious role at a young age. His bloodline was a privilege and a curse. It was like an invisible cage around him. Now he wasn’t all that interested in the games of the other chimps. Oh they lived such carefree lives. Nothing much was expected of them. They were commoners and some may join the ape army and progress upwards if they had what it takes. But not him. Already he fought two battles and both nearly killed him. He’d have two scars soon enough.

So Nova was his playmate, his shoulder to cry on when he felt his past family’s oddly cold presence over him. She too had lost her family. Oh why did she have to be human? He felt that he could trust her with his secrets more than anybody else. He wasn’t sure if he could really bond and connect with anyone else on such a level. He heard a soft crashing in the trees. Usually only orangs made such noise. He glanced up lazily, not budging from his comfy spot. It was Maurice.

The old Orang approached them in his normal slow matter and plopped down by the two.  “Nova.  Cornelius.  Bristle and Lake are worried about you two.  Wanted me to lecture you on why you cannot be mates.”  He sighed and rubbed his head as he looked to the young king.  “But Maurice knows that Cornelius is tired of being told what to do.  So I am only here to answer questions you may have then I will leave you two be until it is time for Nova to return home.”

Nova looked to Cornelius then back to Maurice.  “You told me humans are apes.  Bonobos can mate with chimpanzees…  Why is it frowned upon that Cornelius would want to make me his mate.”

Maurice looked to her and simply signed.  “Never done before.”  He shrugged lightly.  “Bonobos and chimps very close.  Have similar bodies and faces.  Humans look different from any other ape.  Also many still look at humans badly for  what has happened in the past.”

The young king got up, wanting to explore the rotten log for more tasty grubs. Further more, he no longer wanted to continue this conversation. He still didn’t understand it. But maybe someday he would. Someday the scent of a female in estrus will capture him in a way it never had and the sight of it will be a major focus in his life for decades to come. Someday he’d be a father of plenty, more than enough to secure Caesar’s lineage. But for now he was a budding teenager in a confusing and conflicted time in his life. Nova would never be lost on him however, to his dying days. The sweetheart he could never have. He dug deeper into the log, ignoring the pain in his shoulder, determined to nab those salty gooeys. He wondered what his father would think. But why fuss over this now? It would be a few years before he’d need to mate..

Billy looked to them all, wondering about Moss and Sprout and her other son.  He grunted as Boulder got on his horse, always wondering how the horses could carry so much weight on their bodies.  He then hooted and they all began to head back, tied up humans and babies in toe.

The following morning after the Baboon attack there was a large pile in the center of the colony.  Bodies of the ‘wolf monkeys were being put together and counted by the Gorillas.  There were a few casualties on the Ape’s side, mostly younger males that got in over their heads and two females who couldn’t get away fast enough.

Boulder approached the rest of the council, blood still staining his own fur and skin as he looked to Cornelius.  “32 Wolf-Monkeys.  All males.  6 male and 2 female apes dead as well…  One chimpanzee, one orangutan.”

Any blow to the orangutan population was always bad…  They seemed to breed so slowly compared to the other apes so the loss of a female was especially bad.  Maurice nodded to Boulder.  “Wolf-Monkeys too dangerous.  I am not one for violence but they need to be dealt with sooner than we had expected…”  He then looked to the others in the council.  “Anyone injured badly?”

Boulder shook his head.  “Small cuts, a little sore…but Gorillas all made it out alright.”

Billy shook his head as well.  “Startled me… Was in my nest when I went to get my spear.  It grazed me with it’s fangs but I killed it before it did too much damage.”  He pointed to the torn skin on the hairless part of his arm, which would make for a new scar when it healed up.

Bad Ape scratched behind his ear.  “Kept Nova safe… No Wolf-Monkeys made it to my nest.  I fine.  Nova fine.”

Billy rose a brow at this and began to sign as well.  “Followers of Koba?  I thought they all died out with humans in the avalanche?”  He frowned a bit.  He remembered watching other apes get lashings from Red under the Colonel’s command.

Boulder grunted to the thought.  “I think I know which apes you mean.  Always going out late at night to go ‘hunting’.  Conveniently not around also when Wolf-Monkeys attacked.  I remember which apes they were, want me to get them next time I see them and bring them to you?”

Nova sat with Bad Ape, understanding the signing better than him.  She held up her hands as she looked confused, signing to the apes of the council.  “Why would someone not like how Cornelius will lead?  Isn’t he a good leader so far?”

Boulder huffed lightly, to the Orangutan and pursed his lips together.  “Like… Send them into the desert to never return?  What if they come back with humans?  Not all humans can be gone.”

Billy began to sign then.  “By now, remaining humans all sick and can’t talk like Nova.  Except Nova learned hand speak like apes.  Other humans didn’t learn so they may not be a threat even if these disloyal apes find them.”

Maurice looked to Cornelius pleadingly.  “Apes killing Apes is Koba’s way.  We need to be better than Koba and not revert back.  Caesar only killed Koba because he had tried to kill him and started a war…  Winter died by accident because Caesar was trying to keep him quiet…”

Billy ran in as fast as he could but soon found himself being outpaced by longer, thicker arms.  As Cornelius was in the process of blacking out, there was the sound of chest drumming and a roar.  Chimps scattered in all directions as Boulder had entered the scene.  He grabbed the male by the leg with ease and dragged the startled male who was less then half his size.  Then with minimal effort, the large gorilla tossed him against a tree and roared.  He moved to stand over the unconscious king, his much larger fangs bared to anyone who came near.

Billy arrived in time to see the impressive feat of strength.  He had forgotten just how much stronger the Gorillas were…  Thank goodness they were generally peaceful unless provoked.  Billy strutted up to the fallen male and hooted, holding his spear at the leader of the rogue males and hooted as his hair poofed out.  “Stay…  Down…!”  He barked out as now Maurice was slowly making his way over.

The apes who had witnessed it were in shock, not knowing what that male had done wrong.  They simply looked to Cornelius in fear as some of the females clutched their infants and moved away from him.

Maurice sighed as he approached the strutting king.  “Congratulations.  You have made the tribe fear you… Like they feared Koba.”  He motioned to all the apes that were now slowly leaving to go back home, but looking over their shoulders to make sure the king wasn’t about to come after them as well.

“He deserved it.”  Boulder chimed in to the Orangutan.  “No one will be disloyal to Cornelius if they know their balls are on the line.”  He tried to joke but got a stern look from Maurice.  He then lowered his eyes and looked away as the Orangutan looked to Rocket and Bristle.

Bad Ape and Billy were left back at the tribe trying to explain why Cornelius snapped the way he did with the male.  Many of the chimps questioning his sanity for the moment.

Maurice also did his best to reassure the others of Caesar’s son would still make a good leader, but the seeds of doubt had already been placed.  And in the future this would come back and bite the young king.

“The humans are probably a day ahead of us..” Rocket sighed. Humans weren’t strong creatures but their endurance was unmatched. They could travel farther distances on foot than any tree-dwelling ape could. Why would they take Cornelius alive?

Cornelius was riding on the back of one of the male humans. His arms folded over either side of his shoulders and held onto by the male’s hands. He wasn’t too afraid now that he could see the humans were trying to keep him alive. He was still weak but he wasn’t dizzy anymore and was regaining his strength. The humans seemed to be aware of this and kept his arms and feet hobbled with leather.

The nicest of the humans was a young female human. She would feed him and pet his head like he was some pet. But Cornelius never experienced the life of one so couldn’t compare. He figured this was something they do.

None of them talked either. But would only grunt and groan and fling their arms around. They also hobbled about like chimpanzees to. They didn’t remind him of anything he’s heard in the stories. He would try to sign to them but they didn’t understand.

It wasn’t till the sun was disappearing over the flat plain that he heard loud whoops and hollering. He glanced up, seeing a few more humans jumping in the air. He felt himself bristle again. The man that was carrying him held out his arm and shushed the others. They fell silent and oh’d at the new chimp they had brought in. Another woman came forward and Cornelius felt her hand pat softly down his back and rump. He felt her poke at his sensitive parts too and he snorted in disapproval.

“Smoke.  Fire.  Maybe where humans took Cornelius.  I’ll scout ahead, let you know what I find.”  It was often surprising how stealthy the large apes could be.  Mainly because they didn’t vocalize as often or as loud as the chimps did.  He left his horse with Bristle and Rocket as he then moved to where the sparse trees were to investigate what was going on.

One of the younger chimps looked to Cornelius excitedly, barely able to keep it’s mouth shut even when the woman tried to shush him and keep him away.  He reached out a tiny hand, wanting to touch the other chimp but was soon stopped by a different human who was cautiously curious as well.

“Thirsty…” He murmured. ‘Want..”

A woman approached with a chipped dog bowl. She seemed motherly enough but he couldn’t help but notice a vague sense of stupidity in those eyes. It wasn’t like he remembered in that camp with the evil Colonel. He shuddered at his memory but at least he was gone now. And the fact that she wore no clothing. Another white-tail came squirming in to investigate. The woman grabbed and scooped him up off his feet. He giggled and clamped around her waist. And to his astonishment, starting nursing. Did these babies lose their parents?

Outside more humans were grunting and scooting about in that same jumped back manner. Just strange, all of it. They acted more animalistic than his kind did. But they weren’t threatening. Funny, it seemed like the apes were more dangerous now. They had practically saved him. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing to stay here? He had no responsibilities and the environment was carefree. He didn’t have to be king here, just another chimp in the fold.

Long ago, Caesar had told them that not all humans were bad.  His only experience really with good humans was Nova.  Green eyes watched as she nursing woman would go to Cornelius when he called and then decided to report back to Rocket and Bristle.  He went back to them and pointed to where the trees were.

“Cornelius is safe with humans.  Baby apes there with naked humans.  Humans don’t seem smart.  I think the young apes are orphans.  What should we do?”

Back at the village, some of the apes were curious as to why their young king wasn’t present for the evening meal.  Obviously Maurice could not say he was missing so he signed that he was out on a long hunting trip with Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder to get his mind off the disloyal male.  The aging orangutan grunted as he walked himself over to Nova, who was looking out into the desert with worry.

“Where is he?”  She signed as she looked to Maurice.  She was close to the prince, having helped him escape personally from that horrible place.  Maurice rumbled his throat sac he signed back.

“I am not sure… Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder are looking.  They will find him and bring him back.”

Nova frowned a bit in return.  “Why didn’t you tell the others?  We could all be looking for him.”

He peered into one sad looking tent hide and saw some resting couple and a few young chimps of various ages. Why would they take care of them? What was the benefit? They seemed to treat the youngsters as their own family. No collars or leashes. They all spooned together. So alien to him.

He moved on to another stiff hide and looked in there. He was sure in the mass of young chimps and humans there was Cornelius. He could make out his bandaged figure. But before he could try and figure out a good plan he heard Bristle flinch behind him. A rock came spinning at him, clocking him right in the muzzle. He stood up and hooted at them in warning.

Cornelius felt his new friends stir around him. He snapped awake and stared hard at the entrance. He heard angry cries from outside, both man and chimp. Those hoots familiar…Rocket? He clambered over the sacred bodies of his younger friends and stuck his head outside. It was members of his clan. Loyal to him, they tracked and found him!

The young curious chimp that wanted to grab and touch Cornelius earlier had already clambered onto Boulder innocently and nestled against his fur.  Boulder made a face at this but allowed it since the young ape probably hadn’t seen an adult in quite some time.

Back at the ape colony, Billy sat high in one of the trees and was keeping lookout for the others.  It was going on three days now since they had left and some of the colony was getting restless because of the long absence.  He had hoped the others were alright, hoping they had not been ambushed by Wolf Monkeys or other defectors.

Rocket strutted back to the horses, even while rocks and sticks bounced off his chiseled muscles. His indifference to their throws seemed to discourage the humans, whom put some distance between them and the strange apes.

“No. Perhaps another time we will come and get these chimps. We don’t have enough supplies to travel with.” Rocket finally said as one more pebble bounced off his ear. “They’re just scattered now anyways.” He took note of the fleeing women with their young ape offspring off into the woods. His curiosity still peaked. Maybe some of them picked up from other clans out there? Or maybe some from their own after the the battle with the Colonel. Who knew.. They had at least one of the young chimps who was keen to join them.

“Leave them alone..” Cornelius finally spoke. “They’re not harming anyone.”

Bristle rubbed the back of his head, feeling blessed to have him back. “I’m sure Lake is freaking out by now. It’s been three days since your departure.”

That long? Cornelius thought to himself. “I wanna go home now.” He sighed, his lower lip pouting. He was honesty having a well needed rest back there.

“Should give this to Billy, he always wants to help raise babies.”  Boulder signed half-joking to Bristle and Rocket as their horses began to gallop away from the human caves.  It wouldn’t be until the sun was fully set that they arrived at their camp site, Boulder tying up the horses and looking to the other three.  “Two things we need to talk to the council about now… When to attack Wolf Monkeys and now what we discovered about humans…”  He looked to the tired Cornelius.  “Wolf Monkeys could attack and kill them if they stay out there.  I think we should capture them and bring them back to the village at some point to keep them safe before too long.”  

But mid the sixth day there came hoots and hollers that someone was approaching. Wolf-monkeys maybe? No. It was the missing council members. But was Cornelius with them? She couldn’t tell. She called out in exhilarated shrieks to her mate.

Cornelius wasn’t in the mood for his specie’s dramatic displays. They always did too much. He strode his horse forward straight for his mother’s nest, ignoring his people’s pressing bodies. What he really wanted to do was just pass out for several days. The whole month had been crazy for his young mind; the wolf-monkeys attack, Koba’s loyal followers attack and then the humans taking him…..

He pulled himself up into her nest with sheer will even though his body was still getting over the shock of what it had endured a week prior. He was greeted with Lake’s screams of relief and joy, typical chimpanzee style. Cornelius felt her grab his face and press it into her chest. The smell of her scent, laden with milk and newborn, brought calming relief to him. The sight of the warm hues of the nest was so inviting. He plopped face first into hers and curled up. He wished to turn into a winter bear and hibernate.

Lake noticed new wounds on him. Mostly a very deep one on his shoulder coated in dried and matted blood. Sighing dreadfully she pulled one of the hides over him and pushed the straw in around him to form a nest. Soon she heard others clamber up onto her nest. She stood at the entrance, her shoulders bristling. It was her mate and right behind him, Rocket. Bristle could see the burning look on her face. So did Rocket and he decided maybe later was best to check up on him.

“What has happened to him? He looks near death! I’m sick of him being put into harms way!” She snorted. “Why does he smell so evil..” There were so many questions for everyone.

“It’s a long story.” Bristle sighed. “He’s fine now. I will tell you about it but let’s let him sleep it out. He looks comfortable for a change.”

“I heard about Koba’s followers attacked him. But I never got to see his return! Did they do that?” She wrinkled her muzzle. “Well one of them died anyways.. He bled to death. They said Cornelius ripped his testicles off. Suits him. Nobody attacks my son. He was lucky I wasn’t there. I would have ripped his throat out.”

Billy was also on his way to see Bristle and Cornelius to see how they were doing, escorting Nova who seemed desperate to check on her friend.  On the way, he bumped into Boulder who seemed to have a present for him.  “Boulder?”  He signed as the gorilla held something behind his back.

Boulder then offered the baby chimp to him, it quickly jumping ship.  “Orphan we found among humans.  You always say you want white tail of your own.  This is your chance.  May also make females more interested.”  He grunted in a chuckle as Billy held the baby to him and nodded, cradling it close.  They all arrived at Bristle and Lake’s home and Boulder signed for Rocket to come with him to see Maurice.

He poked a foot out and grabbed her, pulling her under the deer skin like a trapdoor spider and its prey. He wrapped his legs and arms around her and snuggled close, snuffling in her hair. Now he could really sleep with a Nova as his pacifier. Lake pushed some more straw around them protectively. She turned to Billy, noticing the new baby he had attached to him. An orphaned child.

“He still looks like he needs milk. You should find him a nursing female willing to share milk.” She plucked softly at the child. Having a newborn of her own she had no room at the milk bar for a big boy like this. Instinctively, her child came first. “It is getting dark. It’s time to leave. Tomorrow if Cornelius is up to it then but not now.”

Rocket headed over to Maurice’s place, seeing what he needs to be told. The other apes were all gossiping about Cornelius’ return and rumors about sneaking off with humans and how he killed a chimp. Seems like his kind were turning to be just as stupid as the humans. At least Cornelius was still alive! He’d have to set these fools straight. Only he, Bristle and Boulder knew anything.

Billy watched this action and chuckled to himself, then looking to Lake as she touched his new baby and nodded.  “Hopefully I can find him a good mother.  I will see you both in the morning.”  He nodded his head as he left the family to themselves, keeping the young chimp against his chest as he went to try and find something for him to eat and to hold over the baby.

Maurice looked to Rocket and shook his head as he signed.  “No wolf-monkeys.  Think we scared them off with last attack but we still need to deal with them…”  He then pulled out an empty book he had that he had been practicing  writing in.  “Writing down ape laws so future apes don’t forget.  Should also right down ape history so we can learn from the past.”  He then acknowledged the part about Cornelius.  “He is young and needs your guidance more than ever.  Being a leader is never easy, you know this.  I am glad he is alive and you found him.”  He then looked a bit concerned.  “Boulder told me about humans… Are they really acting like apes before wakening?”

Soon after his briefing with Maurice he retired to his own nest. To his warm welcome his mate had prepared a light dinner for him; mostly cold cooked fish and steamed carrots and potatoes with berries on the side. She must have missed him.

“Wish you would have told me you were going. I fretted for days. Felt so alone..” Tinker whined, sitting next to him and grooming while Rocket shoveled the food down. He was almost finished till the most alluring scent in the entire world overtook him. Of course he knew what it was right away and he sighed heavily. It wasn’t going to happen, hasn’t since Ash passed away. He continued to finish scrapping up the last fragments of his meal with little enthusiasm.

“Since you abandoned me for so long you should groom me.” She said almost flatly. Rocket was confused but obeyed anyways. He did owe her that. And he followed her back to their nest. He stared at the ground, huffing as he went. She squatted down in the typical mating position. Rocket felt cross, this wasn’t a proper grooming position and he wasn’t in the mood to be teased. She glanced over her shoulder. “Well? Are you afraid now to mount me?”

What? Mate? Really? Rocket needed no further motivation and pounced on her. The neighborhood would have to put up with the alpha male’s mating song tonight.

The next morning rolled around and Billy went about to try and find a suitable mother for the child, and possibly a potential mate for himself.  The chimp strutted around the village, hooting softly at certain females who cooed at the baby but none of them seemed right…  In his mind he knew what he was looking for for the two of them but he couldn’t put it into words.

Boulder ate fruits with Maurice in the morning and looked on to the poor ape trying his hardest.  It wasn’t hard for Boulder to find a mate, he was the largest Gorilla male and leader of the Gorilla Guard.  Maurice was high ranking but for now just had no interest in finding a mate.  They looked to each other and began to sign.

“Why is he having such a hard time?  He’s a high ranking male.  Should be easy to find a mate.”  Boulder signed a bit confused.

Maurice shrugged a bit.  “He’s picky about females I suppose.  Maybe has high standards?”

There was only one female and she had lost hers a few days earlier to one of the baboons. The dreadful creatures had snatched her week old infant from her grasp as she fled too late. She didn’t want to dive into any relationship either but she could see this scarred male had a bond with this child too. But that bond won’t feed the poor thing, she’d have to tolerate Billy’s presence if she accepted the orphan. She eyed the white-tail nestled in the burly male’s grasp. Her breasts ached, stiff with milk. With no ceremony she peeled him from Billy’s grasp and pulled him to her chest and retreated to a nearby tree, climbing up to a heavy, low branch. She offered a nipple to the child, his hair wispy, especially the top of his head. She glanced over her shoulder at Billy, not knowing or really caring if he followed. Unless she was in the pink, she had little time for her counterparts.

Cornelius was late to rise, he rolled away from Nova, spreading out his limbs as far as he could. The stretch in his muscles gave him temporary relief and he laid still with his head back. He heard Lake acknowledge him but he remained listless. Finally she reached over and tickled his belly. His legs curled in, he lifted his head and huffed. His shoulder ached as a reminder and he winced.

“King Cornelius sleeping…” He said slyly, bristling slightly. Oh he was cheeky this morning…

Lake narrowed her eyes, she jabbed him in the gut. “Your mother doesn’t care if you’re ruler of the whole world..”

“Still hurt…” He whimpered, hoping she’d give him some needed pity like she did last night. “Journey so long…Humans..” He thought of his hallucinations. “Is it normal to see those of the past?”

Boulder and Maurice saw the change in Billy’s luck and looked to one another.  They would leave him to his new female and child as they went to see Rocket for the morning…  Both stopped a few yards away from his home though, she scent of the prior night still lingered and the two decided it best to wait for him to come out on his own.

“Who’s he?” He questioned her, keeping hidden behind her form.

“Father, I guess, to this child. I’m taking this baby. He needs me..” She groomed the youngster, getting familiar with his scent. He may not be hers but her mothering instinct was still strong and fresh. She had mourned long enough. This was better than having to endure another estrus in a few weeks time and get swamped by eager males again. Some things haven’t changed much from the old. Her oldest son sat close to her and laid his chin on her knee, inspecting his new brother.

Rocket, late to wake up, felt a great pressure on his chest all of a sudden. He snorted and jerked his head. Ah, it was Tinker, up and ready to start the new day with some morning sex. Of course he was ready. He wasn’t aware of some of his council members waiting outside for him so he crooned to her quiet loudly. Just how she liked it. Afterwards he poked his head out for some fresh, crisp air. He was in a grand mood this morning. Then he spotted Maurice and Boulder. How long have they been sitting there? Well he hoped they enjoyed the noises of a horny chimpanzee.

“I’m considering taking a day off…or a few…” Rocket slowly crept down to meet them. “Tinker needs my attentions.” He glanced back over, her small face peering out from their nest. It was customary for a couple to go off on “honeymoons” when estrus came about. Caesar did it too! Nothing stopped such intimate events. It was a time to run off, eat good food, court and mate…..bond with your partner all over again. Wolf-monkeys, humans or not. “Maurice likes playing alpha! Billy and Boulder know all about the humans..I entrust this mission onto them.”

Maurice and Boulder endured the chorus of chimp lovemaking until Rocket peaked out.  Maurice made a disgusted face and rolled his eyes.  “Apes stupid.”  He teased to the chimp but nodded.  “Three days away.  I can only deal with chimps without your help for so long.”

Boulder snickered at that and signed “Have fun!”  to Rocket as he left with Maurice.  “I will get supplies ready to capture humans and bring them back.  I will leave another male in charge of Guard until I return.  I will need Billy and other chimps though to help me.”  Maurice nodded to this and gave him permission to head out as soon as he was ready.

She thought about a name for this new child of hers too. A single word popped on her mind, that seemed to fit that wispy tuft of hair just…sprouting from his head. Sprout! She nodded and signed the word. That will be his name. And her older son would have support too from Billy, giving him a chance. Her son shyly nodded, his mother seemed to approve so it was okay.

“Fine..” Moss decided, seeing this was the best outcome. “I’ll be your mate if you’ll have me..” She wasn’t sure about how this new tradition went. Was there a ceremony? Or did they just couple and call it a deal? She didn’t mind either way. “Do I move to your nest?” She questioned, she’d have to pick up the few things she owned.

Cornelius frowned. He’d never stop from growing up or being king. Like all the apes, he’d age faster than her, though she was still older than him. She’d always be giddy and playful. “Maybe, Cornelius still like playing. But someday will be big chimp like father..” Though he was sure he smiled more than he ever did. “Someday Cornelius grow up, have family..”

Then a fabulous idea emerged in the young and innocent ape’s mind. He smiled broadly at Nova. He signed fervently. “I know! Nova be mate with Cornelius when older! Make happy family!” He looked to Lake who was blinking hard. “Can Nova And I make babies?”

He seemed so happy until he saw a large ape approach the tree from the ground.  It was Boulder.  He looked up to the new family and began to sign.  “Sorry to interrupt.  Billy, I need your help making traps and capturing wild humans out in the desert.  Same place your new baby comes from.”  

Billy exhaled loudly and looked to Moss.  “Important.  I’ll come back soon.  You stay at my nest.”  He rubbed her shoulder gently and looked to his now two sons.  He smiled as he began to climb down the tree, looking to Boulder as the two left to get Billy’s supplies.

“You need to have Maurice talk to Cornelius and Nova…” Lake had a hint of disgust and pity on her face. “They….umm…Cornelius.”

All sorts of dark thoughts flooded his mind, ones that made him wince. Was she suggesting? Why is she stuttering? He hated cliffhangers and this seemed like it was going to be much worse than any ball snatching Cornelius did earlier. This child was a mess. Where did they go wrong? Forgive us Caesar….

“What? Did they mate? Spell it out.” He grunted impatiently, not caring if she got cross with him. This was a very serious matter. One that could ruin the young king’s position.

Lake thunked him on the head. “No! But he suggested it. Suggested making her his wife and even asked me if they can have babies. They need to know now. Don’t want him growing up confused and thinking Nova is attractive..” She took pity on the child. She had no ill will towards the human girl but such feelings were strictly taboo and they both were getting at that age were such play was physically possible. “Go to Maurice and bring him here.”

Bristle sighed and left. He hoped neither of them saw their discussion..Nova was particularly sensitive. He felt a cold confusion course through his body. Oh how was he gonna tell Maurice in the right way. no point in pussyfooting. He slunkered down next to the old orangutan. He gazed around him. “We need to talk and I need your help.” He told Maurice. He didn’t want to upset him as Nova was like a daughter to him..

Maurice was enjoying some fruit when Bristle came to him and he perked a brow.  “What is wrong?  Did Cornelius do something?  I don’t want to lecture him again, he’s been through so much these past few days.”  Maurice himself was getting exhausted from all that Cornelius was putting him through… Soon he would be as grey as Caesar was!  He sighed and relented a bit.  “Talk about what?”

Meanwhile Boulder and Billy were heading out on there way to round up the humans.  Many other chimps were brought with them since they needed help capturing all the humans and carrying back the orphans that were there.  Billy though had his mind on his new family though, hoping they would like his nest and welcome him back home with open arms.

“You will not leave. I am king and she is only my mother.. but I am king!” He signed to her, still poofy as ever. He grumbled loudly and strutted about, attacking another sapling oak. Here he would display his strength and prowess to his friend so she’ll be reassured that he was strong enough to hold his position. He stomped on the roots and clapped the ground loudly for measure, letting all those around him to know he was to be taken seriously.

But quickly after, his little bout of adrenaline drained and he was reminded of his healing wounds. He sunk down onto his rump, nostrils flaring. But still he held a dignified reserve. Instinctively he knew it was not wise to show your weaknesses.

“Thought a long while…” He told her. “I am nearly six years old. No longer a suckling white-tail. Will need nest of my own. A proper nest for a king, son of Caesar. You can stay with me. We can stay up and play games and tell stories. Lake or Bristle cannot tell me what to do if I have my own nest. Let’s make one!”

Bristle made sure no one could see his hands as he talked with Maurice. “Cornelius and Nova are confused. Lake told me they want to couple and make babies. I know they’re young and that can’t happen but Cornelius cannot grow up feeling attracted to her. He’d need to find a proper she-chimp later. Nobody will follow an ape that loves a human like that.”

Bristle groaned. Like Lake he too felt pity for Nova. “Maybe it is time we found Nova a human tribe? They all seem dumb and harmless.. Maybe that tribe we saw earlier with the infants. There she could live a proper human life..”

Nova went to his side as he sat there and talked about making his own nest.  She was entering in her early teens now and puberty was hitting her as well…  But she was a bit more rational than him as she signed.  “You are not old enough to be on your own fully.  Even with me in the nest.  You need Lake and Bristle.  And you should be with ape, not Nova.”  She put a hand on his cheek reassuringly and smiled.  “Cornelius is strong male, will make a great leader.”

He pulled Nova close, grooming her head as that was the only good place to do so. He needed something to pick through and satisfy his primate urges. “The humans saved me, you know.. I see it now. I was about to slip off. I saw my family. They looked sad. Then the humans came and made my wound stop bleeding. I would have been dead. They act like ape. Smell like ape. I don’t understand why we live apart if we same things. I know mother would be mad if I said that.. they killed my family yet so did apes. I heard the stories. Ape started the war. Human not forgive. Maurice said that. But other apes ignore him.”

He thought of his stomach too as it grumbled loudly. He forgot he hadn’t eaten at all this morning. He smacked his lips. Nova had no bugs on her to still his stomach. “Let’s go to the big rotten log by the river and look for grubs before others do…then blackberries next.”

Bristle led the old orang back to his nest. He figured the two were still nestling while the poor Lake kept a stern eye on the two budding lovebirds. But when he arrived he found Lake already roaming the walkways. She was put-out and tired. Not a good morning at all.

“Where are the two? Still in the nest?”

Lake shook her head and waved her hand. “I don’t know where they went..but they had seen us talk about them. Both were upset. Cornelius should be resting. Not throwing tantrums. I don’t know what to do..” She was relieved to see Maurice. “He followed Nova.. I’m not sure where she likes to hide exactly.”

Nova had gotten to the river and began to pick berries while Cornelius picked around for grubs under a log.  She would eat insects if they were cooked but was still human enough to be somewhat grossed out about eating them alive.  She got some of the blackberries and brought them over to him as he looked for food, popping some in her mouth before putting the rest down and running her fingers through his pelt gently.  She smiled softly to her closest friend as she sat beside him and enjoyed looking out over the river.

Billy and Boulder had made it to the human camp but were not alone.  They had caught up to the Wolf-Monkeys now who were preparing to attack the sleeping humans in their tents.  One began to creep in to where the female was with the orphaned chimp and got ready to lunge.  It shrieked and leaped into the air only to be grabbed by the leg and dragged out, a fist coming down on it’s skull as Boulder pounded his chest.  The other chimps began to keep the Wolf-Monkeys at bay as Boulder approached the naked female human.  He stuck a hand out to her, trying to show her he wasn’t here to hurt her but to get her out.

“I think here I should build my nest. When I’m old enough I guess. Maybe when Berry is older I will. I think she’d miss me.” He thought about the humans again across the desert, and all the infants. They weren’t so treacherous. “If you saw other humans would you go live with them? If you wanted to? They weren’t afraid of apes..”

Then he thought about himself. Who would he hang out with then? He hadn’t thought about it much but he rarely ever socialized with other apes his age. He only hung out with Nova and most of his council members. He had a much different path than others did. He was thrust into a serious role at a young age. His bloodline was a privilege and a curse. It was like an invisible cage around him. Now he wasn’t all that interested in the games of the other chimps. Oh they lived such carefree lives. Nothing much was expected of them. They were commoners and some may join the ape army and progress upwards if they had what it takes. But not him. Already he fought two battles and both nearly killed him. He’d have two scars soon enough.

So Nova was his playmate, his shoulder to cry on when he felt his past family’s oddly cold presence over him. She too had lost her family. Oh why did she have to be human? He felt that he could trust her with his secrets more than anybody else. He wasn’t sure if he could really bond and connect with anyone else on such a level. He heard a soft crashing in the trees. Usually only orangs made such noise. He glanced up lazily, not budging from his comfy spot. It was Maurice.

The old Orang approached them in his normal slow matter and plopped down by the two.  “Nova.  Cornelius.  Bristle and Lake are worried about you two.  Wanted me to lecture you on why you cannot be mates.”  He sighed and rubbed his head as he looked to the young king.  “But Maurice knows that Cornelius is tired of being told what to do.  So I am only here to answer questions you may have then I will leave you two be until it is time for Nova to return home.”

Nova looked to Cornelius then back to Maurice.  “You told me humans are apes.  Bonobos can mate with chimpanzees...  Why is it frowned upon that Cornelius would want to make me his mate.”

Maurice looked to her and simply signed.  “Never done before.”  He shrugged lightly.  “Bonobos and chimps very close.  Have similar bodies and faces.  Humans look different from any other ape.  Also many still look at humans badly for  what has happened in the past.”

The following morning after the Baboon attack there was a large pile in the center of the colony.  Bodies of the ‘wolf monkeys were being put together and counted by the Gorillas.  There were a few casualties on the Ape’s side, mostly younger males that got in over their heads and two females who couldn’t get away fast enough.

Boulder approached the rest of the council, blood still staining his own fur and skin as he looked to Cornelius.  “32 Wolf-Monkeys.  All males.  6 male and 2 female apes dead as well…  One chimpanzee, one orangutan.”

Any blow to the orangutan population was always bad…  They seemed to breed so slowly compared to the other apes so the loss of a female was especially bad.  Maurice nodded to Boulder.  “Wolf-Monkeys too dangerous.  I am not one for violence but they need to be dealt with sooner than we had expected…”  He then looked to the others in the council.  “Anyone injured badly?”

Boulder shook his head.  “Small cuts, a little sore…but Gorillas all made it out alright.”

Billy shook his head as well.  “Startled me… Was in my nest when I went to get my spear.  It grazed me with it’s fangs but I killed it before it did too much damage.”  He pointed to the torn skin on the hairless part of his arm, which would make for a new scar when it healed up.

Bad Ape scratched behind his ear.  “Kept Nova safe… No Wolf-Monkeys made it to my nest.  I fine.  Nova fine.”

Billy rose a brow at this and began to sign as well.  “Followers of Koba?  I thought they all died out with humans in the avalanche?”  He frowned a bit.  He remembered watching other apes get lashings from Red under the Colonel’s command.

Boulder grunted to the thought.  “I think I know which apes you mean.  Always going out late at night to go ‘hunting’.  Conveniently not around also when Wolf-Monkeys attacked.  I remember which apes they were, want me to get them next time I see them and bring them to you?”

Nova sat with Bad Ape, understanding the signing better than him.  She held up her hands as she looked confused, signing to the apes of the council.  “Why would someone not like how Cornelius will lead?  Isn’t he a good leader so far?”

Boulder huffed lightly, to the Orangutan and pursed his lips together.  “Like… Send them into the desert to never return?  What if they come back with humans?  Not all humans can be gone.”

Billy began to sign then.  “By now, remaining humans all sick and can’t talk like Nova.  Except Nova learned hand speak like apes.  Other humans didn’t learn so they may not be a threat even if these disloyal apes find them.”

Maurice looked to Cornelius pleadingly.  “Apes killing Apes is Koba’s way.  We need to be better than Koba and not revert back.  Caesar only killed Koba because he had tried to kill him and started a war…  Winter died by accident because Caesar was trying to keep him quiet…”

Billy ran in as fast as he could but soon found himself being outpaced by longer, thicker arms.  As Cornelius was in the process of blacking out, there was the sound of chest drumming and a roar.  Chimps scattered in all directions as Boulder had entered the scene.  He grabbed the male by the leg with ease and dragged the startled male who was less then half his size.  Then with minimal effort, the large gorilla tossed him against a tree and roared.  He moved to stand over the unconscious king, his much larger fangs bared to anyone who came near.

Billy arrived in time to see the impressive feat of strength.  He had forgotten just how much stronger the Gorillas were…  Thank goodness they were generally peaceful unless provoked.  Billy strutted up to the fallen male and hooted, holding his spear at the leader of the rogue males and hooted as his hair poofed out.  “Stay…  Down…!”  He barked out as now Maurice was slowly making his way over.

The apes who had witnessed it were in shock, not knowing what that male had done wrong.  They simply looked to Cornelius in fear as some of the females clutched their infants and moved away from him.

Maurice sighed as he approached the strutting king.  “Congratulations.  You have made the tribe fear you… Like they feared Koba.”  He motioned to all the apes that were now slowly leaving to go back home, but looking over their shoulders to make sure the king wasn’t about to come after them as well.

“He deserved it.”  Boulder chimed in to the Orangutan.  “No one will be disloyal to Cornelius if they know their balls are on the line.”  He tried to joke but got a stern look from Maurice.  He then lowered his eyes and looked away as the Orangutan looked to Rocket and Bristle.

Bad Ape and Billy were left back at the tribe trying to explain why Cornelius snapped the way he did with the male.  Many of the chimps questioning his sanity for the moment.

Maurice also did his best to reassure the others of Caesar’s son would still make a good leader, but the seeds of doubt had already been placed.  And in the future this would come back and bite the young king.

“The humans are probably a day ahead of us..” Rocket sighed. Humans weren’t strong creatures but their endurance was unmatched. They could travel farther distances on foot than any tree-dwelling ape could. Why would they take Cornelius alive?

Cornelius was riding on the back of one of the male humans. His arms folded over either side of his shoulders and held onto by the male’s hands. He wasn’t too afraid now that he could see the humans were trying to keep him alive. He was still weak but he wasn’t dizzy anymore and was regaining his strength. The humans seemed to be aware of this and kept his arms and feet hobbled with leather.

The nicest of the humans was a young female human. She would feed him and pet his head like he was some pet. But Cornelius never experienced the life of one so couldn’t compare. He figured this was something they do.

None of them talked either. But would only grunt and groan and fling their arms around. They also hobbled about like chimpanzees to. They didn’t remind him of anything he’s heard in the stories. He would try to sign to them but they didn’t understand.

It wasn’t till the sun was disappearing over the flat plain that he heard loud whoops and hollering. He glanced up, seeing a few more humans jumping in the air. He felt himself bristle again. The man that was carrying him held out his arm and shushed the others. They fell silent and oh’d at the new chimp they had brought in. Another woman came forward and Cornelius felt her hand pat softly down his back and rump. He felt her poke at his sensitive parts too and he snorted in disapproval.

“Smoke.  Fire.  Maybe where humans took Cornelius.  I’ll scout ahead, let you know what I find.”  It was often surprising how stealthy the large apes could be.  Mainly because they didn’t vocalize as often or as loud as the chimps did.  He left his horse with Bristle and Rocket as he then moved to where the sparse trees were to investigate what was going on.

One of the younger chimps looked to Cornelius excitedly, barely able to keep it’s mouth shut even when the woman tried to shush him and keep him away.  He reached out a tiny hand, wanting to touch the other chimp but was soon stopped by a different human who was cautiously curious as well.

“Thirsty…” He murmured. ‘Want..”

A woman approached with a chipped dog bowl. She seemed motherly enough but he couldn’t help but notice a vague sense of stupidity in those eyes. It wasn’t like he remembered in that camp with the evil Colonel. He shuddered at his memory but at least he was gone now. And the fact that she wore no clothing. Another white-tail came squirming in to investigate. The woman grabbed and scooped him up off his feet. He giggled and clamped around her waist. And to his astonishment, starting nursing. Did these babies lose their parents?

Outside more humans were grunting and scooting about in that same jumped back manner. Just strange, all of it. They acted more animalistic than his kind did. But they weren’t threatening. Funny, it seemed like the apes were more dangerous now. They had practically saved him. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing to stay here? He had no responsibilities and the environment was carefree. He didn’t have to be king here, just another chimp in the fold.

Long ago, Caesar had told them that not all humans were bad.  His only experience really with good humans was Nova.  Green eyes watched as she nursing woman would go to Cornelius when he called and then decided to report back to Rocket and Bristle.  He went back to them and pointed to where the trees were.

“Cornelius is safe with humans.  Baby apes there with naked humans.  Humans don’t seem smart.  I think the young apes are orphans.  What should we do?”

Back at the village, some of the apes were curious as to why their young king wasn’t present for the evening meal.  Obviously Maurice could not say he was missing so he signed that he was out on a long hunting trip with Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder to get his mind off the disloyal male.  The aging orangutan grunted as he walked himself over to Nova, who was looking out into the desert with worry.

“Where is he?”  She signed as she looked to Maurice.  She was close to the prince, having helped him escape personally from that horrible place.  Maurice rumbled his throat sac he signed back.

“I am not sure… Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder are looking.  They will find him and bring him back.”

Nova frowned a bit in return.  “Why didn’t you tell the others?  We could all be looking for him.”

He peered into one sad looking tent hide and saw some resting couple and a few young chimps of various ages. Why would they take care of them? What was the benefit? They seemed to treat the youngsters as their own family. No collars or leashes. They all spooned together. So alien to him.

He moved on to another stiff hide and looked in there. He was sure in the mass of young chimps and humans there was Cornelius. He could make out his bandaged figure. But before he could try and figure out a good plan he heard Bristle flinch behind him. A rock came spinning at him, clocking him right in the muzzle. He stood up and hooted at them in warning.

Cornelius felt his new friends stir around him. He snapped awake and stared hard at the entrance. He heard angry cries from outside, both man and chimp. Those hoots familiar…Rocket? He clambered over the sacred bodies of his younger friends and stuck his head outside. It was members of his clan. Loyal to him, they tracked and found him!

The young curious chimp that wanted to grab and touch Cornelius earlier had already clambered onto Boulder innocently and nestled against his fur.  Boulder made a face at this but allowed it since the young ape probably hadn’t seen an adult in quite some time.

Back at the ape colony, Billy sat high in one of the trees and was keeping lookout for the others.  It was going on three days now since they had left and some of the colony was getting restless because of the long absence.  He had hoped the others were alright, hoping they had not been ambushed by Wolf Monkeys or other defectors.

Rocket strutted back to the horses, even while rocks and sticks bounced off his chiseled muscles. His indifference to their throws seemed to discourage the humans, whom put some distance between them and the strange apes.

“No. Perhaps another time we will come and get these chimps. We don’t have enough supplies to travel with.” Rocket finally said as one more pebble bounced off his ear. “They’re just scattered now anyways.” He took note of the fleeing women with their young ape offspring off into the woods. His curiosity still peaked. Maybe some of them picked up from other clans out there? Or maybe some from their own after the the battle with the Colonel. Who knew.. They had at least one of the young chimps who was keen to join them.

“Leave them alone..” Cornelius finally spoke. “They’re not harming anyone.”

Bristle rubbed the back of his head, feeling blessed to have him back. “I’m sure Lake is freaking out by now. It’s been three days since your departure.”

That long? Cornelius thought to himself. “I wanna go home now.” He sighed, his lower lip pouting. He was honesty having a well needed rest back there.

“Should give this to Billy, he always wants to help raise babies.”  Boulder signed half-joking to Bristle and Rocket as their horses began to gallop away from the human caves.  It wouldn’t be until the sun was fully set that they arrived at their camp site, Boulder tying up the horses and looking to the other three.  “Two things we need to talk to the council about now… When to attack Wolf Monkeys and now what we discovered about humans…”  He looked to the tired Cornelius.  “Wolf Monkeys could attack and kill them if they stay out there.  I think we should capture them and bring them back to the village at some point to keep them safe before too long.”  

But mid the sixth day there came hoots and hollers that someone was approaching. Wolf-monkeys maybe? No. It was the missing council members. But was Cornelius with them? She couldn’t tell. She called out in exhilarated shrieks to her mate.

Cornelius wasn’t in the mood for his specie’s dramatic displays. They always did too much. He strode his horse forward straight for his mother’s nest, ignoring his people’s pressing bodies. What he really wanted to do was just pass out for several days. The whole month had been crazy for his young mind; the wolf-monkeys attack, Koba’s loyal followers attack and then the humans taking him…..

He pulled himself up into her nest with sheer will even though his body was still getting over the shock of what it had endured a week prior. He was greeted with Lake’s screams of relief and joy, typical chimpanzee style. Cornelius felt her grab his face and press it into her chest. The smell of her scent, laden with milk and newborn, brought calming relief to him. The sight of the warm hues of the nest was so inviting. He plopped face first into hers and curled up. He wished to turn into a winter bear and hibernate.

Lake noticed new wounds on him. Mostly a very deep one on his shoulder coated in dried and matted blood. Sighing dreadfully she pulled one of the hides over him and pushed the straw in around him to form a nest. Soon she heard others clamber up onto her nest. She stood at the entrance, her shoulders bristling. It was her mate and right behind him, Rocket. Bristle could see the burning look on her face. So did Rocket and he decided maybe later was best to check up on him.

“What has happened to him? He looks near death! I’m sick of him being put into harms way!” She snorted. “Why does he smell so evil..” There were so many questions for everyone.

“It’s a long story.” Bristle sighed. “He’s fine now. I will tell you about it but let’s let him sleep it out. He looks comfortable for a change.”

“I heard about Koba’s followers attacked him. But I never got to see his return! Did they do that?” She wrinkled her muzzle. “Well one of them died anyways.. He bled to death. They said Cornelius ripped his testicles off. Suits him. Nobody attacks my son. He was lucky I wasn’t there. I would have ripped his throat out.”

Billy was also on his way to see Bristle and Cornelius to see how they were doing, escorting Nova who seemed desperate to check on her friend.  On the way, he bumped into Boulder who seemed to have a present for him.  “Boulder?”  He signed as the gorilla held something behind his back.

Boulder then offered the baby chimp to him, it quickly jumping ship.  “Orphan we found among humans.  You always say you want white tail of your own.  This is your chance.  May also make females more interested.”  He grunted in a chuckle as Billy held the baby to him and nodded, cradling it close.  They all arrived at Bristle and Lake’s home and Boulder signed for Rocket to come with him to see Maurice.

He poked a foot out and grabbed her, pulling her under the deer skin like a trapdoor spider and its prey. He wrapped his legs and arms around her and snuggled close, snuffling in her hair. Now he could really sleep with a Nova as his pacifier. Lake pushed some more straw around them protectively. She turned to Billy, noticing the new baby he had attached to him. An orphaned child.

“He still looks like he needs milk. You should find him a nursing female willing to share milk.” She plucked softly at the child. Having a newborn of her own she had no room at the milk bar for a big boy like this. Instinctively, her child came first. “It is getting dark. It’s time to leave. Tomorrow if Cornelius is up to it then but not now.”

Rocket headed over to Maurice’s place, seeing what he needs to be told. The other apes were all gossiping about Cornelius’ return and rumors about sneaking off with humans and how he killed a chimp. Seems like his kind were turning to be just as stupid as the humans. At least Cornelius was still alive! He’d have to set these fools straight. Only he, Bristle and Boulder knew anything.

Billy watched this action and chuckled to himself, then looking to Lake as she touched his new baby and nodded.  “Hopefully I can find him a good mother.  I will see you both in the morning.”  He nodded his head as he left the family to themselves, keeping the young chimp against his chest as he went to try and find something for him to eat and to hold over the baby.

Maurice looked to Rocket and shook his head as he signed.  “No wolf-monkeys.  Think we scared them off with last attack but we still need to deal with them…”  He then pulled out an empty book he had that he had been practicing  writing in.  “Writing down ape laws so future apes don’t forget.  Should also right down ape history so we can learn from the past.”  He then acknowledged the part about Cornelius.  “He is young and needs your guidance more than ever.  Being a leader is never easy, you know this.  I am glad he is alive and you found him.”  He then looked a bit concerned.  “Boulder told me about humans… Are they really acting like apes before wakening?”

Soon after his briefing with Maurice he retired to his own nest. To his warm welcome his mate had prepared a light dinner for him; mostly cold cooked fish and steamed carrots and potatoes with berries on the side. She must have missed him.

“Wish you would have told me you were going. I fretted for days. Felt so alone..” Tinker whined, sitting next to him and grooming while Rocket shoveled the food down. He was almost finished till the most alluring scent in the entire world overtook him. Of course he knew what it was right away and he sighed heavily. It wasn’t going to happen, hasn’t since Ash passed away. He continued to finish scrapping up the last fragments of his meal with little enthusiasm.

“Since you abandoned me for so long you should groom me.” She said almost flatly. Rocket was confused but obeyed anyways. He did owe her that. And he followed her back to their nest. He stared at the ground, huffing as he went. She squatted down in the typical mating position. Rocket felt cross, this wasn’t a proper grooming position and he wasn’t in the mood to be teased. She glanced over her shoulder. “Well? Are you afraid now to mount me?”

What? Mate? Really? Rocket needed no further motivation and pounced on her. The neighborhood would have to put up with the alpha male’s mating song tonight.

The next morning rolled around and Billy went about to try and find a suitable mother for the child, and possibly a potential mate for himself.  The chimp strutted around the village, hooting softly at certain females who cooed at the baby but none of them seemed right…  In his mind he knew what he was looking for for the two of them but he couldn’t put it into words.

Boulder ate fruits with Maurice in the morning and looked on to the poor ape trying his hardest.  It wasn’t hard for Boulder to find a mate, he was the largest Gorilla male and leader of the Gorilla Guard.  Maurice was high ranking but for now just had no interest in finding a mate.  They looked to each other and began to sign.

“Why is he having such a hard time?  He’s a high ranking male.  Should be easy to find a mate.”  Boulder signed a bit confused.

Maurice shrugged a bit.  “He’s picky about females I suppose.  Maybe has high standards?”

There was only one female and she had lost hers a few days earlier to one of the baboons. The dreadful creatures had snatched her week old infant from her grasp as she fled too late. She didn’t want to dive into any relationship either but she could see this scarred male had a bond with this child too. But that bond won’t feed the poor thing, she’d have to tolerate Billy’s presence if she accepted the orphan. She eyed the white-tail nestled in the burly male’s grasp. Her breasts ached, stiff with milk. With no ceremony she peeled him from Billy’s grasp and pulled him to her chest and retreated to a nearby tree, climbing up to a heavy, low branch. She offered a nipple to the child, his hair wispy, especially the top of his head. She glanced over her shoulder at Billy, not knowing or really caring if he followed. Unless she was in the pink, she had little time for her counterparts.

Cornelius was late to rise, he rolled away from Nova, spreading out his limbs as far as he could. The stretch in his muscles gave him temporary relief and he laid still with his head back. He heard Lake acknowledge him but he remained listless. Finally she reached over and tickled his belly. His legs curled in, he lifted his head and huffed. His shoulder ached as a reminder and he winced.

“King Cornelius sleeping…” He said slyly, bristling slightly. Oh he was cheeky this morning…

Lake narrowed her eyes, she jabbed him in the gut. “Your mother doesn’t care if you’re ruler of the whole world..”

“Still hurt…” He whimpered, hoping she’d give him some needed pity like she did last night. “Journey so long…Humans..” He thought of his hallucinations. “Is it normal to see those of the past?”

Boulder and Maurice saw the change in Billy’s luck and looked to one another.  They would leave him to his new female and child as they went to see Rocket for the morning…  Both stopped a few yards away from his home though, she scent of the prior night still lingered and the two decided it best to wait for him to come out on his own.

“Who’s he?” He questioned her, keeping hidden behind her form.

“Father, I guess, to this child. I’m taking this baby. He needs me..” She groomed the youngster, getting familiar with his scent. He may not be hers but her mothering instinct was still strong and fresh. She had mourned long enough. This was better than having to endure another estrus in a few weeks time and get swamped by eager males again. Some things haven’t changed much from the old. Her oldest son sat close to her and laid his chin on her knee, inspecting his new brother.

Rocket, late to wake up, felt a great pressure on his chest all of a sudden. He snorted and jerked his head. Ah, it was Tinker, up and ready to start the new day with some morning sex. Of course he was ready. He wasn’t aware of some of his council members waiting outside for him so he crooned to her quiet loudly. Just how she liked it. Afterwards he poked his head out for some fresh, crisp air. He was in a grand mood this morning. Then he spotted Maurice and Boulder. How long have they been sitting there? Well he hoped they enjoyed the noises of a horny chimpanzee.

“I’m considering taking a day off…or a few…” Rocket slowly crept down to meet them. “Tinker needs my attentions.” He glanced back over, her small face peering out from their nest. It was customary for a couple to go off on “honeymoons” when estrus came about. Caesar did it too! Nothing stopped such intimate events. It was a time to run off, eat good food, court and mate…..bond with your partner all over again. Wolf-monkeys, humans or not. “Maurice likes playing alpha! Billy and Boulder know all about the humans..I entrust this mission onto them.”

Maurice and Boulder endured the chorus of chimp lovemaking until Rocket peaked out.  Maurice made a disgusted face and rolled his eyes.  “Apes stupid.”  He teased to the chimp but nodded.  “Three days away.  I can only deal with chimps without your help for so long.”

Boulder snickered at that and signed “Have fun!”  to Rocket as he left with Maurice.  “I will get supplies ready to capture humans and bring them back.  I will leave another male in charge of Guard until I return.  I will need Billy and other chimps though to help me.”  Maurice nodded to this and gave him permission to head out as soon as he was ready.

She thought about a name for this new child of hers too. A single word popped on her mind, that seemed to fit that wispy tuft of hair just…sprouting from his head. Sprout! She nodded and signed the word. That will be his name. And her older son would have support too from Billy, giving him a chance. Her son shyly nodded, his mother seemed to approve so it was okay.

“Fine..” Moss decided, seeing this was the best outcome. “I’ll be your mate if you’ll have me..” She wasn’t sure about how this new tradition went. Was there a ceremony? Or did they just couple and call it a deal? She didn’t mind either way. “Do I move to your nest?” She questioned, she’d have to pick up the few things she owned.

Cornelius frowned. He’d never stop from growing up or being king. Like all the apes, he’d age faster than her, though she was still older than him. She’d always be giddy and playful. “Maybe, Cornelius still like playing. But someday will be big chimp like father..” Though he was sure he smiled more than he ever did. “Someday Cornelius grow up, have family..”

Then a fabulous idea emerged in the young and innocent ape’s mind. He smiled broadly at Nova. He signed fervently. “I know! Nova be mate with Cornelius when older! Make happy family!” He looked to Lake who was blinking hard. “Can Nova And I make babies?”

He seemed so happy until he saw a large ape approach the tree from the ground.  It was Boulder.  He looked up to the new family and began to sign.  “Sorry to interrupt.  Billy, I need your help making traps and capturing wild humans out in the desert.  Same place your new baby comes from.”  

Billy exhaled loudly and looked to Moss.  “Important.  I’ll come back soon.  You stay at my nest.”  He rubbed her shoulder gently and looked to his now two sons.  He smiled as he began to climb down the tree, looking to Boulder as the two left to get Billy’s supplies.

“You need to have Maurice talk to Cornelius and Nova…” Lake had a hint of disgust and pity on her face. “They….umm…Cornelius.”

All sorts of dark thoughts flooded his mind, ones that made him wince. Was she suggesting? Why is she stuttering? He hated cliffhangers and this seemed like it was going to be much worse than any ball snatching Cornelius did earlier. This child was a mess. Where did they go wrong? Forgive us Caesar….

“What? Did they mate? Spell it out.” He grunted impatiently, not caring if she got cross with him. This was a very serious matter. One that could ruin the young king’s position.

Lake thunked him on the head. “No! But he suggested it. Suggested making her his wife and even asked me if they can have babies. They need to know now. Don’t want him growing up confused and thinking Nova is attractive..” She took pity on the child. She had no ill will towards the human girl but such feelings were strictly taboo and they both were getting at that age were such play was physically possible. “Go to Maurice and bring him here.”

Bristle sighed and left. He hoped neither of them saw their discussion..Nova was particularly sensitive. He felt a cold confusion course through his body. Oh how was he gonna tell Maurice in the right way. no point in pussyfooting. He slunkered down next to the old orangutan. He gazed around him. “We need to talk and I need your help.” He told Maurice. He didn’t want to upset him as Nova was like a daughter to him..

Maurice was enjoying some fruit when Bristle came to him and he perked a brow.  “What is wrong?  Did Cornelius do something?  I don’t want to lecture him again, he’s been through so much these past few days.”  Maurice himself was getting exhausted from all that Cornelius was putting him through… Soon he would be as grey as Caesar was!  He sighed and relented a bit.  “Talk about what?”

Meanwhile Boulder and Billy were heading out on there way to round up the humans.  Many other chimps were brought with them since they needed help capturing all the humans and carrying back the orphans that were there.  Billy though had his mind on his new family though, hoping they would like his nest and welcome him back home with open arms.

“You will not leave. I am king and she is only my mother.. but I am king!” He signed to her, still poofy as ever. He grumbled loudly and strutted about, attacking another sapling oak. Here he would display his strength and prowess to his friend so she’ll be reassured that he was strong enough to hold his position. He stomped on the roots and clapped the ground loudly for measure, letting all those around him to know he was to be taken seriously.

But quickly after, his little bout of adrenaline drained and he was reminded of his healing wounds. He sunk down onto his rump, nostrils flaring. But still he held a dignified reserve. Instinctively he knew it was not wise to show your weaknesses.

“Thought a long while…” He told her. “I am nearly six years old. No longer a suckling white-tail. Will need nest of my own. A proper nest for a king, son of Caesar. You can stay with me. We can stay up and play games and tell stories. Lake or Bristle cannot tell me what to do if I have my own nest. Let’s make one!”

Bristle made sure no one could see his hands as he talked with Maurice. “Cornelius and Nova are confused. Lake told me they want to couple and make babies. I know they’re young and that can’t happen but Cornelius cannot grow up feeling attracted to her. He’d need to find a proper she-chimp later. Nobody will follow an ape that loves a human like that.”

Bristle groaned. Like Lake he too felt pity for Nova. “Maybe it is time we found Nova a human tribe? They all seem dumb and harmless.. Maybe that tribe we saw earlier with the infants. There she could live a proper human life..”

Nova went to his side as he sat there and talked about making his own nest.  She was entering in her early teens now and puberty was hitting her as well…  But she was a bit more rational than him as she signed.  “You are not old enough to be on your own fully.  Even with me in the nest.  You need Lake and Bristle.  And you should be with ape, not Nova.”  She put a hand on his cheek reassuringly and smiled.  “Cornelius is strong male, will make a great leader.”

He pulled Nova close, grooming her head as that was the only good place to do so. He needed something to pick through and satisfy his primate urges. “The humans saved me, you know.. I see it now. I was about to slip off. I saw my family. They looked sad. Then the humans came and made my wound stop bleeding. I would have been dead. They act like ape. Smell like ape. I don’t understand why we live apart if we same things. I know mother would be mad if I said that.. they killed my family yet so did apes. I heard the stories. Ape started the war. Human not forgive. Maurice said that. But other apes ignore him.”

He thought of his stomach too as it grumbled loudly. He forgot he hadn’t eaten at all this morning. He smacked his lips. Nova had no bugs on her to still his stomach. “Let’s go to the big rotten log by the river and look for grubs before others do…then blackberries next.”

Bristle led the old orang back to his nest. He figured the two were still nestling while the poor Lake kept a stern eye on the two budding lovebirds. But when he arrived he found Lake already roaming the walkways. She was put-out and tired. Not a good morning at all.

“Where are the two? Still in the nest?”

Lake shook her head and waved her hand. “I don’t know where they went..but they had seen us talk about them. Both were upset. Cornelius should be resting. Not throwing tantrums. I don’t know what to do..” She was relieved to see Maurice. “He followed Nova.. I’m not sure where she likes to hide exactly.”

Nova had gotten to the river and began to pick berries while Cornelius picked around for grubs under a log.  She would eat insects if they were cooked but was still human enough to be somewhat grossed out about eating them alive.  She got some of the blackberries and brought them over to him as he looked for food, popping some in her mouth before putting the rest down and running her fingers through his pelt gently.  She smiled softly to her closest friend as she sat beside him and enjoyed looking out over the river.

Billy and Boulder had made it to the human camp but were not alone.  They had caught up to the Wolf-Monkeys now who were preparing to attack the sleeping humans in their tents.  One began to creep in to where the female was with the orphaned chimp and got ready to lunge.  It shrieked and leaped into the air only to be grabbed by the leg and dragged out, a fist coming down on it’s skull as Boulder pounded his chest.  The other chimps began to keep the Wolf-Monkeys at bay as Boulder approached the naked female human.  He stuck a hand out to her, trying to show her he wasn’t here to hurt her but to get her out.

The following morning after the Baboon attack there was a large pile in the center of the colony.  Bodies of the ‘wolf monkeys were being put together and counted by the Gorillas.  There were a few casualties on the Ape’s side, mostly younger males that got in over their heads and two females who couldn’t get away fast enough.

Boulder approached the rest of the council, blood still staining his own fur and skin as he looked to Cornelius.  “32 Wolf-Monkeys.  All males.  6 male and 2 female apes dead as well…  One chimpanzee, one orangutan.”

Any blow to the orangutan population was always bad…  They seemed to breed so slowly compared to the other apes so the loss of a female was especially bad.  Maurice nodded to Boulder.  “Wolf-Monkeys too dangerous.  I am not one for violence but they need to be dealt with sooner than we had expected…”  He then looked to the others in the council.  “Anyone injured badly?”

Boulder shook his head.  “Small cuts, a little sore…but Gorillas all made it out alright.”

Billy shook his head as well.  “Startled me… Was in my nest when I went to get my spear.  It grazed me with it’s fangs but I killed it before it did too much damage.”  He pointed to the torn skin on the hairless part of his arm, which would make for a new scar when it healed up.

Bad Ape scratched behind his ear.  “Kept Nova safe… No Wolf-Monkeys made it to my nest.  I fine.  Nova fine.”

Billy rose a brow at this and began to sign as well.  “Followers of Koba?  I thought they all died out with humans in the avalanche?”  He frowned a bit.  He remembered watching other apes get lashings from Red under the Colonel’s command.

Boulder grunted to the thought.  “I think I know which apes you mean.  Always going out late at night to go ‘hunting’.  Conveniently not around also when Wolf-Monkeys attacked.  I remember which apes they were, want me to get them next time I see them and bring them to you?”

Nova sat with Bad Ape, understanding the signing better than him.  She held up her hands as she looked confused, signing to the apes of the council.  “Why would someone not like how Cornelius will lead?  Isn’t he a good leader so far?”

Boulder huffed lightly, to the Orangutan and pursed his lips together.  “Like… Send them into the desert to never return?  What if they come back with humans?  Not all humans can be gone.”

Billy began to sign then.  “By now, remaining humans all sick and can’t talk like Nova.  Except Nova learned hand speak like apes.  Other humans didn’t learn so they may not be a threat even if these disloyal apes find them.”

Maurice looked to Cornelius pleadingly.  “Apes killing Apes is Koba’s way.  We need to be better than Koba and not revert back.  Caesar only killed Koba because he had tried to kill him and started a war…  Winter died by accident because Caesar was trying to keep him quiet…”

Billy ran in as fast as he could but soon found himself being outpaced by longer, thicker arms.  As Cornelius was in the process of blacking out, there was the sound of chest drumming and a roar.  Chimps scattered in all directions as Boulder had entered the scene.  He grabbed the male by the leg with ease and dragged the startled male who was less then half his size.  Then with minimal effort, the large gorilla tossed him against a tree and roared.  He moved to stand over the unconscious king, his much larger fangs bared to anyone who came near.

Billy arrived in time to see the impressive feat of strength.  He had forgotten just how much stronger the Gorillas were…  Thank goodness they were generally peaceful unless provoked.  Billy strutted up to the fallen male and hooted, holding his spear at the leader of the rogue males and hooted as his hair poofed out.  “Stay…  Down…!”  He barked out as now Maurice was slowly making his way over.

The apes who had witnessed it were in shock, not knowing what that male had done wrong.  They simply looked to Cornelius in fear as some of the females clutched their infants and moved away from him.

Maurice sighed as he approached the strutting king.  “Congratulations.  You have made the tribe fear you… Like they feared Koba.”  He motioned to all the apes that were now slowly leaving to go back home, but looking over their shoulders to make sure the king wasn’t about to come after them as well.

“He deserved it.”  Boulder chimed in to the Orangutan.  “No one will be disloyal to Cornelius if they know their balls are on the line.”  He tried to joke but got a stern look from Maurice.  He then lowered his eyes and looked away as the Orangutan looked to Rocket and Bristle.

Bad Ape and Billy were left back at the tribe trying to explain why Cornelius snapped the way he did with the male.  Many of the chimps questioning his sanity for the moment.

Maurice also did his best to reassure the others of Caesar’s son would still make a good leader, but the seeds of doubt had already been placed.  And in the future this would come back and bite the young king.

“The humans are probably a day ahead of us..” Rocket sighed. Humans weren’t strong creatures but their endurance was unmatched. They could travel farther distances on foot than any tree-dwelling ape could. Why would they take Cornelius alive?

Cornelius was riding on the back of one of the male humans. His arms folded over either side of his shoulders and held onto by the male’s hands. He wasn’t too afraid now that he could see the humans were trying to keep him alive. He was still weak but he wasn’t dizzy anymore and was regaining his strength. The humans seemed to be aware of this and kept his arms and feet hobbled with leather.

The nicest of the humans was a young female human. She would feed him and pet his head like he was some pet. But Cornelius never experienced the life of one so couldn’t compare. He figured this was something they do.

None of them talked either. But would only grunt and groan and fling their arms around. They also hobbled about like chimpanzees to. They didn’t remind him of anything he’s heard in the stories. He would try to sign to them but they didn’t understand.

It wasn’t till the sun was disappearing over the flat plain that he heard loud whoops and hollering. He glanced up, seeing a few more humans jumping in the air. He felt himself bristle again. The man that was carrying him held out his arm and shushed the others. They fell silent and oh’d at the new chimp they had brought in. Another woman came forward and Cornelius felt her hand pat softly down his back and rump. He felt her poke at his sensitive parts too and he snorted in disapproval.

“Smoke.  Fire.  Maybe where humans took Cornelius.  I’ll scout ahead, let you know what I find.”  It was often surprising how stealthy the large apes could be.  Mainly because they didn’t vocalize as often or as loud as the chimps did.  He left his horse with Bristle and Rocket as he then moved to where the sparse trees were to investigate what was going on.

One of the younger chimps looked to Cornelius excitedly, barely able to keep it’s mouth shut even when the woman tried to shush him and keep him away.  He reached out a tiny hand, wanting to touch the other chimp but was soon stopped by a different human who was cautiously curious as well.

“Thirsty…” He murmured. ‘Want..”

A woman approached with a chipped dog bowl. She seemed motherly enough but he couldn’t help but notice a vague sense of stupidity in those eyes. It wasn’t like he remembered in that camp with the evil Colonel. He shuddered at his memory but at least he was gone now. And the fact that she wore no clothing. Another white-tail came squirming in to investigate. The woman grabbed and scooped him up off his feet. He giggled and clamped around her waist. And to his astonishment, starting nursing. Did these babies lose their parents?

Outside more humans were grunting and scooting about in that same jumped back manner. Just strange, all of it. They acted more animalistic than his kind did. But they weren’t threatening. Funny, it seemed like the apes were more dangerous now. They had practically saved him. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing to stay here? He had no responsibilities and the environment was carefree. He didn’t have to be king here, just another chimp in the fold.

Long ago, Caesar had told them that not all humans were bad.  His only experience really with good humans was Nova.  Green eyes watched as she nursing woman would go to Cornelius when he called and then decided to report back to Rocket and Bristle.  He went back to them and pointed to where the trees were.

“Cornelius is safe with humans.  Baby apes there with naked humans.  Humans don’t seem smart.  I think the young apes are orphans.  What should we do?”

Back at the village, some of the apes were curious as to why their young king wasn’t present for the evening meal.  Obviously Maurice could not say he was missing so he signed that he was out on a long hunting trip with Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder to get his mind off the disloyal male.  The aging orangutan grunted as he walked himself over to Nova, who was looking out into the desert with worry.

“Where is he?”  She signed as she looked to Maurice.  She was close to the prince, having helped him escape personally from that horrible place.  Maurice rumbled his throat sac he signed back.

“I am not sure… Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder are looking.  They will find him and bring him back.”

Nova frowned a bit in return.  “Why didn’t you tell the others?  We could all be looking for him.”

He peered into one sad looking tent hide and saw some resting couple and a few young chimps of various ages. Why would they take care of them? What was the benefit? They seemed to treat the youngsters as their own family. No collars or leashes. They all spooned together. So alien to him.

He moved on to another stiff hide and looked in there. He was sure in the mass of young chimps and humans there was Cornelius. He could make out his bandaged figure. But before he could try and figure out a good plan he heard Bristle flinch behind him. A rock came spinning at him, clocking him right in the muzzle. He stood up and hooted at them in warning.

Cornelius felt his new friends stir around him. He snapped awake and stared hard at the entrance. He heard angry cries from outside, both man and chimp. Those hoots familiar…Rocket? He clambered over the sacred bodies of his younger friends and stuck his head outside. It was members of his clan. Loyal to him, they tracked and found him!

The young curious chimp that wanted to grab and touch Cornelius earlier had already clambered onto Boulder innocently and nestled against his fur.  Boulder made a face at this but allowed it since the young ape probably hadn’t seen an adult in quite some time.

Back at the ape colony, Billy sat high in one of the trees and was keeping lookout for the others.  It was going on three days now since they had left and some of the colony was getting restless because of the long absence.  He had hoped the others were alright, hoping they had not been ambushed by Wolf Monkeys or other defectors.

Rocket strutted back to the horses, even while rocks and sticks bounced off his chiseled muscles. His indifference to their throws seemed to discourage the humans, whom put some distance between them and the strange apes.

“No. Perhaps another time we will come and get these chimps. We don’t have enough supplies to travel with.” Rocket finally said as one more pebble bounced off his ear. “They’re just scattered now anyways.” He took note of the fleeing women with their young ape offspring off into the woods. His curiosity still peaked. Maybe some of them picked up from other clans out there? Or maybe some from their own after the the battle with the Colonel. Who knew.. They had at least one of the young chimps who was keen to join them.

“Leave them alone..” Cornelius finally spoke. “They’re not harming anyone.”

Bristle rubbed the back of his head, feeling blessed to have him back. “I’m sure Lake is freaking out by now. It’s been three days since your departure.”

That long? Cornelius thought to himself. “I wanna go home now.” He sighed, his lower lip pouting. He was honesty having a well needed rest back there.

“Should give this to Billy, he always wants to help raise babies.”  Boulder signed half-joking to Bristle and Rocket as their horses began to gallop away from the human caves.  It wouldn’t be until the sun was fully set that they arrived at their camp site, Boulder tying up the horses and looking to the other three.  “Two things we need to talk to the council about now… When to attack Wolf Monkeys and now what we discovered about humans…”  He looked to the tired Cornelius.  “Wolf Monkeys could attack and kill them if they stay out there.  I think we should capture them and bring them back to the village at some point to keep them safe before too long.”  

But mid the sixth day there came hoots and hollers that someone was approaching. Wolf-monkeys maybe? No. It was the missing council members. But was Cornelius with them? She couldn’t tell. She called out in exhilarated shrieks to her mate.

Cornelius wasn’t in the mood for his specie’s dramatic displays. They always did too much. He strode his horse forward straight for his mother’s nest, ignoring his people’s pressing bodies. What he really wanted to do was just pass out for several days. The whole month had been crazy for his young mind; the wolf-monkeys attack, Koba’s loyal followers attack and then the humans taking him…..

He pulled himself up into her nest with sheer will even though his body was still getting over the shock of what it had endured a week prior. He was greeted with Lake’s screams of relief and joy, typical chimpanzee style. Cornelius felt her grab his face and press it into her chest. The smell of her scent, laden with milk and newborn, brought calming relief to him. The sight of the warm hues of the nest was so inviting. He plopped face first into hers and curled up. He wished to turn into a winter bear and hibernate.

Lake noticed new wounds on him. Mostly a very deep one on his shoulder coated in dried and matted blood. Sighing dreadfully she pulled one of the hides over him and pushed the straw in around him to form a nest. Soon she heard others clamber up onto her nest. She stood at the entrance, her shoulders bristling. It was her mate and right behind him, Rocket. Bristle could see the burning look on her face. So did Rocket and he decided maybe later was best to check up on him.

“What has happened to him? He looks near death! I’m sick of him being put into harms way!” She snorted. “Why does he smell so evil..” There were so many questions for everyone.

“It’s a long story.” Bristle sighed. “He’s fine now. I will tell you about it but let’s let him sleep it out. He looks comfortable for a change.”

“I heard about Koba’s followers attacked him. But I never got to see his return! Did they do that?” She wrinkled her muzzle. “Well one of them died anyways.. He bled to death. They said Cornelius ripped his testicles off. Suits him. Nobody attacks my son. He was lucky I wasn’t there. I would have ripped his throat out.”

Billy was also on his way to see Bristle and Cornelius to see how they were doing, escorting Nova who seemed desperate to check on her friend.  On the way, he bumped into Boulder who seemed to have a present for him.  “Boulder?”  He signed as the gorilla held something behind his back.

Boulder then offered the baby chimp to him, it quickly jumping ship.  “Orphan we found among humans.  You always say you want white tail of your own.  This is your chance.  May also make females more interested.”  He grunted in a chuckle as Billy held the baby to him and nodded, cradling it close.  They all arrived at Bristle and Lake’s home and Boulder signed for Rocket to come with him to see Maurice.

He poked a foot out and grabbed her, pulling her under the deer skin like a trapdoor spider and its prey. He wrapped his legs and arms around her and snuggled close, snuffling in her hair. Now he could really sleep with a Nova as his pacifier. Lake pushed some more straw around them protectively. She turned to Billy, noticing the new baby he had attached to him. An orphaned child.

“He still looks like he needs milk. You should find him a nursing female willing to share milk.” She plucked softly at the child. Having a newborn of her own she had no room at the milk bar for a big boy like this. Instinctively, her child came first. “It is getting dark. It’s time to leave. Tomorrow if Cornelius is up to it then but not now.”

Rocket headed over to Maurice’s place, seeing what he needs to be told. The other apes were all gossiping about Cornelius’ return and rumors about sneaking off with humans and how he killed a chimp. Seems like his kind were turning to be just as stupid as the humans. At least Cornelius was still alive! He’d have to set these fools straight. Only he, Bristle and Boulder knew anything.

Billy watched this action and chuckled to himself, then looking to Lake as she touched his new baby and nodded.  “Hopefully I can find him a good mother.  I will see you both in the morning.”  He nodded his head as he left the family to themselves, keeping the young chimp against his chest as he went to try and find something for him to eat and to hold over the baby.

Maurice looked to Rocket and shook his head as he signed.  “No wolf-monkeys.  Think we scared them off with last attack but we still need to deal with them…”  He then pulled out an empty book he had that he had been practicing  writing in.  “Writing down ape laws so future apes don’t forget.  Should also right down ape history so we can learn from the past.”  He then acknowledged the part about Cornelius.  “He is young and needs your guidance more than ever.  Being a leader is never easy, you know this.  I am glad he is alive and you found him.”  He then looked a bit concerned.  “Boulder told me about humans… Are they really acting like apes before wakening?”

Soon after his briefing with Maurice he retired to his own nest. To his warm welcome his mate had prepared a light dinner for him; mostly cold cooked fish and steamed carrots and potatoes with berries on the side. She must have missed him.

“Wish you would have told me you were going. I fretted for days. Felt so alone..” Tinker whined, sitting next to him and grooming while Rocket shoveled the food down. He was almost finished till the most alluring scent in the entire world overtook him. Of course he knew what it was right away and he sighed heavily. It wasn’t going to happen, hasn’t since Ash passed away. He continued to finish scrapping up the last fragments of his meal with little enthusiasm.

“Since you abandoned me for so long you should groom me.” She said almost flatly. Rocket was confused but obeyed anyways. He did owe her that. And he followed her back to their nest. He stared at the ground, huffing as he went. She squatted down in the typical mating position. Rocket felt cross, this wasn’t a proper grooming position and he wasn’t in the mood to be teased. She glanced over her shoulder. “Well? Are you afraid now to mount me?”

What? Mate? Really? Rocket needed no further motivation and pounced on her. The neighborhood would have to put up with the alpha male’s mating song tonight.

The next morning rolled around and Billy went about to try and find a suitable mother for the child, and possibly a potential mate for himself.  The chimp strutted around the village, hooting softly at certain females who cooed at the baby but none of them seemed right…  In his mind he knew what he was looking for for the two of them but he couldn’t put it into words.

Boulder ate fruits with Maurice in the morning and looked on to the poor ape trying his hardest.  It wasn’t hard for Boulder to find a mate, he was the largest Gorilla male and leader of the Gorilla Guard.  Maurice was high ranking but for now just had no interest in finding a mate.  They looked to each other and began to sign.

“Why is he having such a hard time?  He’s a high ranking male.  Should be easy to find a mate.”  Boulder signed a bit confused.

Maurice shrugged a bit.  “He’s picky about females I suppose.  Maybe has high standards?”

There was only one female and she had lost hers a few days earlier to one of the baboons. The dreadful creatures had snatched her week old infant from her grasp as she fled too late. She didn’t want to dive into any relationship either but she could see this scarred male had a bond with this child too. But that bond won’t feed the poor thing, she’d have to tolerate Billy’s presence if she accepted the orphan. She eyed the white-tail nestled in the burly male’s grasp. Her breasts ached, stiff with milk. With no ceremony she peeled him from Billy’s grasp and pulled him to her chest and retreated to a nearby tree, climbing up to a heavy, low branch. She offered a nipple to the child, his hair wispy, especially the top of his head. She glanced over her shoulder at Billy, not knowing or really caring if he followed. Unless she was in the pink, she had little time for her counterparts.

Cornelius was late to rise, he rolled away from Nova, spreading out his limbs as far as he could. The stretch in his muscles gave him temporary relief and he laid still with his head back. He heard Lake acknowledge him but he remained listless. Finally she reached over and tickled his belly. His legs curled in, he lifted his head and huffed. His shoulder ached as a reminder and he winced.

“King Cornelius sleeping…” He said slyly, bristling slightly. Oh he was cheeky this morning…

Lake narrowed her eyes, she jabbed him in the gut. “Your mother doesn’t care if you’re ruler of the whole world..”

“Still hurt…” He whimpered, hoping she’d give him some needed pity like she did last night. “Journey so long…Humans..” He thought of his hallucinations. “Is it normal to see those of the past?”

Boulder and Maurice saw the change in Billy’s luck and looked to one another.  They would leave him to his new female and child as they went to see Rocket for the morning…  Both stopped a few yards away from his home though, she scent of the prior night still lingered and the two decided it best to wait for him to come out on his own.

“Who’s he?” He questioned her, keeping hidden behind her form.

“Father, I guess, to this child. I’m taking this baby. He needs me..” She groomed the youngster, getting familiar with his scent. He may not be hers but her mothering instinct was still strong and fresh. She had mourned long enough. This was better than having to endure another estrus in a few weeks time and get swamped by eager males again. Some things haven’t changed much from the old. Her oldest son sat close to her and laid his chin on her knee, inspecting his new brother.

Rocket, late to wake up, felt a great pressure on his chest all of a sudden. He snorted and jerked his head. Ah, it was Tinker, up and ready to start the new day with some morning sex. Of course he was ready. He wasn’t aware of some of his council members waiting outside for him so he crooned to her quiet loudly. Just how she liked it. Afterwards he poked his head out for some fresh, crisp air. He was in a grand mood this morning. Then he spotted Maurice and Boulder. How long have they been sitting there? Well he hoped they enjoyed the noises of a horny chimpanzee.

“I’m considering taking a day off…or a few…” Rocket slowly crept down to meet them. “Tinker needs my attentions.” He glanced back over, her small face peering out from their nest. It was customary for a couple to go off on “honeymoons” when estrus came about. Caesar did it too! Nothing stopped such intimate events. It was a time to run off, eat good food, court and mate…..bond with your partner all over again. Wolf-monkeys, humans or not. “Maurice likes playing alpha! Billy and Boulder know all about the humans..I entrust this mission onto them.”

Maurice and Boulder endured the chorus of chimp lovemaking until Rocket peaked out.  Maurice made a disgusted face and rolled his eyes.  “Apes stupid.”  He teased to the chimp but nodded.  “Three days away.  I can only deal with chimps without your help for so long.”

Boulder snickered at that and signed “Have fun!”  to Rocket as he left with Maurice.  “I will get supplies ready to capture humans and bring them back.  I will leave another male in charge of Guard until I return.  I will need Billy and other chimps though to help me.”  Maurice nodded to this and gave him permission to head out as soon as he was ready.

She thought about a name for this new child of hers too. A single word popped on her mind, that seemed to fit that wispy tuft of hair just…sprouting from his head. Sprout! She nodded and signed the word. That will be his name. And her older son would have support too from Billy, giving him a chance. Her son shyly nodded, his mother seemed to approve so it was okay.

“Fine..” Moss decided, seeing this was the best outcome. “I’ll be your mate if you’ll have me..” She wasn’t sure about how this new tradition went. Was there a ceremony? Or did they just couple and call it a deal? She didn’t mind either way. “Do I move to your nest?” She questioned, she’d have to pick up the few things she owned.

Cornelius frowned. He’d never stop from growing up or being king. Like all the apes, he’d age faster than her, though she was still older than him. She’d always be giddy and playful. “Maybe, Cornelius still like playing. But someday will be big chimp like father..” Though he was sure he smiled more than he ever did. “Someday Cornelius grow up, have family..”

Then a fabulous idea emerged in the young and innocent ape’s mind. He smiled broadly at Nova. He signed fervently. “I know! Nova be mate with Cornelius when older! Make happy family!” He looked to Lake who was blinking hard. “Can Nova And I make babies?”

He seemed so happy until he saw a large ape approach the tree from the ground.  It was Boulder.  He looked up to the new family and began to sign.  “Sorry to interrupt.  Billy, I need your help making traps and capturing wild humans out in the desert.  Same place your new baby comes from.”  

Billy exhaled loudly and looked to Moss.  “Important.  I’ll come back soon.  You stay at my nest.”  He rubbed her shoulder gently and looked to his now two sons.  He smiled as he began to climb down the tree, looking to Boulder as the two left to get Billy’s supplies.

“You need to have Maurice talk to Cornelius and Nova…” Lake had a hint of disgust and pity on her face. “They….umm…Cornelius.”

All sorts of dark thoughts flooded his mind, ones that made him wince. Was she suggesting? Why is she stuttering? He hated cliffhangers and this seemed like it was going to be much worse than any ball snatching Cornelius did earlier. This child was a mess. Where did they go wrong? Forgive us Caesar….

“What? Did they mate? Spell it out.” He grunted impatiently, not caring if she got cross with him. This was a very serious matter. One that could ruin the young king’s position.

Lake thunked him on the head. “No! But he suggested it. Suggested making her his wife and even asked me if they can have babies. They need to know now. Don’t want him growing up confused and thinking Nova is attractive..” She took pity on the child. She had no ill will towards the human girl but such feelings were strictly taboo and they both were getting at that age were such play was physically possible. “Go to Maurice and bring him here.”

Bristle sighed and left. He hoped neither of them saw their discussion..Nova was particularly sensitive. He felt a cold confusion course through his body. Oh how was he gonna tell Maurice in the right way. no point in pussyfooting. He slunkered down next to the old orangutan. He gazed around him. “We need to talk and I need your help.” He told Maurice. He didn’t want to upset him as Nova was like a daughter to him..

Maurice was enjoying some fruit when Bristle came to him and he perked a brow.  “What is wrong?  Did Cornelius do something?  I don’t want to lecture him again, he’s been through so much these past few days.”  Maurice himself was getting exhausted from all that Cornelius was putting him through… Soon he would be as grey as Caesar was!  He sighed and relented a bit.  “Talk about what?”

Meanwhile Boulder and Billy were heading out on there way to round up the humans.  Many other chimps were brought with them since they needed help capturing all the humans and carrying back the orphans that were there.  Billy though had his mind on his new family though, hoping they would like his nest and welcome him back home with open arms.

“You will not leave. I am king and she is only my mother.. but I am king!” He signed to her, still poofy as ever. He grumbled loudly and strutted about, attacking another sapling oak. Here he would display his strength and prowess to his friend so she’ll be reassured that he was strong enough to hold his position. He stomped on the roots and clapped the ground loudly for measure, letting all those around him to know he was to be taken seriously.

But quickly after, his little bout of adrenaline drained and he was reminded of his healing wounds. He sunk down onto his rump, nostrils flaring. But still he held a dignified reserve. Instinctively he knew it was not wise to show your weaknesses.

“Thought a long while…” He told her. “I am nearly six years old. No longer a suckling white-tail. Will need nest of my own. A proper nest for a king, son of Caesar. You can stay with me. We can stay up and play games and tell stories. Lake or Bristle cannot tell me what to do if I have my own nest. Let’s make one!”

Bristle made sure no one could see his hands as he talked with Maurice. “Cornelius and Nova are confused. Lake told me they want to couple and make babies. I know they’re young and that can’t happen but Cornelius cannot grow up feeling attracted to her. He’d need to find a proper she-chimp later. Nobody will follow an ape that loves a human like that.”

Bristle groaned. Like Lake he too felt pity for Nova. “Maybe it is time we found Nova a human tribe? They all seem dumb and harmless.. Maybe that tribe we saw earlier with the infants. There she could live a proper human life..”

Nova went to his side as he sat there and talked about making his own nest.  She was entering in her early teens now and puberty was hitting her as well...  But she was a bit more rational than him as she signed.  “You are not old enough to be on your own fully.  Even with me in the nest.  You need Lake and Bristle.  And you should be with ape, not Nova.”  She put a hand on his cheek reassuringly and smiled.  “Cornelius is strong male, will make a great leader.”

The following morning after the Baboon attack there was a large pile in the center of the colony.  Bodies of the ‘wolf monkeys were being put together and counted by the Gorillas.  There were a few casualties on the Ape’s side, mostly younger males that got in over their heads and two females who couldn’t get away fast enough.

Boulder approached the rest of the council, blood still staining his own fur and skin as he looked to Cornelius.  “32 Wolf-Monkeys.  All males.  6 male and 2 female apes dead as well…  One chimpanzee, one orangutan.”

Any blow to the orangutan population was always bad…  They seemed to breed so slowly compared to the other apes so the loss of a female was especially bad.  Maurice nodded to Boulder.  “Wolf-Monkeys too dangerous.  I am not one for violence but they need to be dealt with sooner than we had expected…”  He then looked to the others in the council.  “Anyone injured badly?”

Boulder shook his head.  “Small cuts, a little sore…but Gorillas all made it out alright.”

Billy shook his head as well.  “Startled me… Was in my nest when I went to get my spear.  It grazed me with it’s fangs but I killed it before it did too much damage.”  He pointed to the torn skin on the hairless part of his arm, which would make for a new scar when it healed up.

Bad Ape scratched behind his ear.  “Kept Nova safe… No Wolf-Monkeys made it to my nest.  I fine.  Nova fine.”

Billy rose a brow at this and began to sign as well.  “Followers of Koba?  I thought they all died out with humans in the avalanche?”  He frowned a bit.  He remembered watching other apes get lashings from Red under the Colonel’s command.

Boulder grunted to the thought.  “I think I know which apes you mean.  Always going out late at night to go ‘hunting’.  Conveniently not around also when Wolf-Monkeys attacked.  I remember which apes they were, want me to get them next time I see them and bring them to you?”

Nova sat with Bad Ape, understanding the signing better than him.  She held up her hands as she looked confused, signing to the apes of the council.  “Why would someone not like how Cornelius will lead?  Isn’t he a good leader so far?”

Boulder huffed lightly, to the Orangutan and pursed his lips together.  “Like… Send them into the desert to never return?  What if they come back with humans?  Not all humans can be gone.”

Billy began to sign then.  “By now, remaining humans all sick and can’t talk like Nova.  Except Nova learned hand speak like apes.  Other humans didn’t learn so they may not be a threat even if these disloyal apes find them.”

Maurice looked to Cornelius pleadingly.  “Apes killing Apes is Koba’s way.  We need to be better than Koba and not revert back.  Caesar only killed Koba because he had tried to kill him and started a war…  Winter died by accident because Caesar was trying to keep him quiet…”

Billy ran in as fast as he could but soon found himself being outpaced by longer, thicker arms.  As Cornelius was in the process of blacking out, there was the sound of chest drumming and a roar.  Chimps scattered in all directions as Boulder had entered the scene.  He grabbed the male by the leg with ease and dragged the startled male who was less then half his size.  Then with minimal effort, the large gorilla tossed him against a tree and roared.  He moved to stand over the unconscious king, his much larger fangs bared to anyone who came near.

Billy arrived in time to see the impressive feat of strength.  He had forgotten just how much stronger the Gorillas were…  Thank goodness they were generally peaceful unless provoked.  Billy strutted up to the fallen male and hooted, holding his spear at the leader of the rogue males and hooted as his hair poofed out.  “Stay…  Down…!”  He barked out as now Maurice was slowly making his way over.

The apes who had witnessed it were in shock, not knowing what that male had done wrong.  They simply looked to Cornelius in fear as some of the females clutched their infants and moved away from him.

Maurice sighed as he approached the strutting king.  “Congratulations.  You have made the tribe fear you… Like they feared Koba.”  He motioned to all the apes that were now slowly leaving to go back home, but looking over their shoulders to make sure the king wasn’t about to come after them as well.

“He deserved it.”  Boulder chimed in to the Orangutan.  “No one will be disloyal to Cornelius if they know their balls are on the line.”  He tried to joke but got a stern look from Maurice.  He then lowered his eyes and looked away as the Orangutan looked to Rocket and Bristle.

Bad Ape and Billy were left back at the tribe trying to explain why Cornelius snapped the way he did with the male.  Many of the chimps questioning his sanity for the moment.

Maurice also did his best to reassure the others of Caesar’s son would still make a good leader, but the seeds of doubt had already been placed.  And in the future this would come back and bite the young king.

“The humans are probably a day ahead of us..” Rocket sighed. Humans weren’t strong creatures but their endurance was unmatched. They could travel farther distances on foot than any tree-dwelling ape could. Why would they take Cornelius alive?

Cornelius was riding on the back of one of the male humans. His arms folded over either side of his shoulders and held onto by the male’s hands. He wasn’t too afraid now that he could see the humans were trying to keep him alive. He was still weak but he wasn’t dizzy anymore and was regaining his strength. The humans seemed to be aware of this and kept his arms and feet hobbled with leather.

The nicest of the humans was a young female human. She would feed him and pet his head like he was some pet. But Cornelius never experienced the life of one so couldn’t compare. He figured this was something they do.

None of them talked either. But would only grunt and groan and fling their arms around. They also hobbled about like chimpanzees to. They didn’t remind him of anything he’s heard in the stories. He would try to sign to them but they didn’t understand.

It wasn’t till the sun was disappearing over the flat plain that he heard loud whoops and hollering. He glanced up, seeing a few more humans jumping in the air. He felt himself bristle again. The man that was carrying him held out his arm and shushed the others. They fell silent and oh’d at the new chimp they had brought in. Another woman came forward and Cornelius felt her hand pat softly down his back and rump. He felt her poke at his sensitive parts too and he snorted in disapproval.

“Smoke.  Fire.  Maybe where humans took Cornelius.  I’ll scout ahead, let you know what I find.”  It was often surprising how stealthy the large apes could be.  Mainly because they didn’t vocalize as often or as loud as the chimps did.  He left his horse with Bristle and Rocket as he then moved to where the sparse trees were to investigate what was going on.

One of the younger chimps looked to Cornelius excitedly, barely able to keep it’s mouth shut even when the woman tried to shush him and keep him away.  He reached out a tiny hand, wanting to touch the other chimp but was soon stopped by a different human who was cautiously curious as well.

“Thirsty…” He murmured. ‘Want..”

A woman approached with a chipped dog bowl. She seemed motherly enough but he couldn’t help but notice a vague sense of stupidity in those eyes. It wasn’t like he remembered in that camp with the evil Colonel. He shuddered at his memory but at least he was gone now. And the fact that she wore no clothing. Another white-tail came squirming in to investigate. The woman grabbed and scooped him up off his feet. He giggled and clamped around her waist. And to his astonishment, starting nursing. Did these babies lose their parents?

Outside more humans were grunting and scooting about in that same jumped back manner. Just strange, all of it. They acted more animalistic than his kind did. But they weren’t threatening. Funny, it seemed like the apes were more dangerous now. They had practically saved him. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing to stay here? He had no responsibilities and the environment was carefree. He didn’t have to be king here, just another chimp in the fold.

Long ago, Caesar had told them that not all humans were bad.  His only experience really with good humans was Nova.  Green eyes watched as she nursing woman would go to Cornelius when he called and then decided to report back to Rocket and Bristle.  He went back to them and pointed to where the trees were.

“Cornelius is safe with humans.  Baby apes there with naked humans.  Humans don’t seem smart.  I think the young apes are orphans.  What should we do?”

Back at the village, some of the apes were curious as to why their young king wasn’t present for the evening meal.  Obviously Maurice could not say he was missing so he signed that he was out on a long hunting trip with Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder to get his mind off the disloyal male.  The aging orangutan grunted as he walked himself over to Nova, who was looking out into the desert with worry.

“Where is he?”  She signed as she looked to Maurice.  She was close to the prince, having helped him escape personally from that horrible place.  Maurice rumbled his throat sac he signed back.

“I am not sure… Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder are looking.  They will find him and bring him back.”

Nova frowned a bit in return.  “Why didn’t you tell the others?  We could all be looking for him.”

He peered into one sad looking tent hide and saw some resting couple and a few young chimps of various ages. Why would they take care of them? What was the benefit? They seemed to treat the youngsters as their own family. No collars or leashes. They all spooned together. So alien to him.

He moved on to another stiff hide and looked in there. He was sure in the mass of young chimps and humans there was Cornelius. He could make out his bandaged figure. But before he could try and figure out a good plan he heard Bristle flinch behind him. A rock came spinning at him, clocking him right in the muzzle. He stood up and hooted at them in warning.

Cornelius felt his new friends stir around him. He snapped awake and stared hard at the entrance. He heard angry cries from outside, both man and chimp. Those hoots familiar…Rocket? He clambered over the sacred bodies of his younger friends and stuck his head outside. It was members of his clan. Loyal to him, they tracked and found him!

The young curious chimp that wanted to grab and touch Cornelius earlier had already clambered onto Boulder innocently and nestled against his fur.  Boulder made a face at this but allowed it since the young ape probably hadn’t seen an adult in quite some time.

Back at the ape colony, Billy sat high in one of the trees and was keeping lookout for the others.  It was going on three days now since they had left and some of the colony was getting restless because of the long absence.  He had hoped the others were alright, hoping they had not been ambushed by Wolf Monkeys or other defectors.

Rocket strutted back to the horses, even while rocks and sticks bounced off his chiseled muscles. His indifference to their throws seemed to discourage the humans, whom put some distance between them and the strange apes.

“No. Perhaps another time we will come and get these chimps. We don’t have enough supplies to travel with.” Rocket finally said as one more pebble bounced off his ear. “They’re just scattered now anyways.” He took note of the fleeing women with their young ape offspring off into the woods. His curiosity still peaked. Maybe some of them picked up from other clans out there? Or maybe some from their own after the the battle with the Colonel. Who knew.. They had at least one of the young chimps who was keen to join them.

“Leave them alone..” Cornelius finally spoke. “They’re not harming anyone.”

Bristle rubbed the back of his head, feeling blessed to have him back. “I’m sure Lake is freaking out by now. It’s been three days since your departure.”

That long? Cornelius thought to himself. “I wanna go home now.” He sighed, his lower lip pouting. He was honesty having a well needed rest back there.

“Should give this to Billy, he always wants to help raise babies.”  Boulder signed half-joking to Bristle and Rocket as their horses began to gallop away from the human caves.  It wouldn’t be until the sun was fully set that they arrived at their camp site, Boulder tying up the horses and looking to the other three.  “Two things we need to talk to the council about now… When to attack Wolf Monkeys and now what we discovered about humans…”  He looked to the tired Cornelius.  “Wolf Monkeys could attack and kill them if they stay out there.  I think we should capture them and bring them back to the village at some point to keep them safe before too long.”  

But mid the sixth day there came hoots and hollers that someone was approaching. Wolf-monkeys maybe? No. It was the missing council members. But was Cornelius with them? She couldn’t tell. She called out in exhilarated shrieks to her mate.

Cornelius wasn’t in the mood for his specie’s dramatic displays. They always did too much. He strode his horse forward straight for his mother’s nest, ignoring his people’s pressing bodies. What he really wanted to do was just pass out for several days. The whole month had been crazy for his young mind; the wolf-monkeys attack, Koba’s loyal followers attack and then the humans taking him…..

He pulled himself up into her nest with sheer will even though his body was still getting over the shock of what it had endured a week prior. He was greeted with Lake’s screams of relief and joy, typical chimpanzee style. Cornelius felt her grab his face and press it into her chest. The smell of her scent, laden with milk and newborn, brought calming relief to him. The sight of the warm hues of the nest was so inviting. He plopped face first into hers and curled up. He wished to turn into a winter bear and hibernate.

Lake noticed new wounds on him. Mostly a very deep one on his shoulder coated in dried and matted blood. Sighing dreadfully she pulled one of the hides over him and pushed the straw in around him to form a nest. Soon she heard others clamber up onto her nest. She stood at the entrance, her shoulders bristling. It was her mate and right behind him, Rocket. Bristle could see the burning look on her face. So did Rocket and he decided maybe later was best to check up on him.

“What has happened to him? He looks near death! I’m sick of him being put into harms way!” She snorted. “Why does he smell so evil..” There were so many questions for everyone.

“It’s a long story.” Bristle sighed. “He’s fine now. I will tell you about it but let’s let him sleep it out. He looks comfortable for a change.”

“I heard about Koba’s followers attacked him. But I never got to see his return! Did they do that?” She wrinkled her muzzle. “Well one of them died anyways.. He bled to death. They said Cornelius ripped his testicles off. Suits him. Nobody attacks my son. He was lucky I wasn’t there. I would have ripped his throat out.”

Billy was also on his way to see Bristle and Cornelius to see how they were doing, escorting Nova who seemed desperate to check on her friend.  On the way, he bumped into Boulder who seemed to have a present for him.  “Boulder?”  He signed as the gorilla held something behind his back.

Boulder then offered the baby chimp to him, it quickly jumping ship.  “Orphan we found among humans.  You always say you want white tail of your own.  This is your chance.  May also make females more interested.”  He grunted in a chuckle as Billy held the baby to him and nodded, cradling it close.  They all arrived at Bristle and Lake’s home and Boulder signed for Rocket to come with him to see Maurice.

He poked a foot out and grabbed her, pulling her under the deer skin like a trapdoor spider and its prey. He wrapped his legs and arms around her and snuggled close, snuffling in her hair. Now he could really sleep with a Nova as his pacifier. Lake pushed some more straw around them protectively. She turned to Billy, noticing the new baby he had attached to him. An orphaned child.

“He still looks like he needs milk. You should find him a nursing female willing to share milk.” She plucked softly at the child. Having a newborn of her own she had no room at the milk bar for a big boy like this. Instinctively, her child came first. “It is getting dark. It’s time to leave. Tomorrow if Cornelius is up to it then but not now.”

Rocket headed over to Maurice’s place, seeing what he needs to be told. The other apes were all gossiping about Cornelius’ return and rumors about sneaking off with humans and how he killed a chimp. Seems like his kind were turning to be just as stupid as the humans. At least Cornelius was still alive! He’d have to set these fools straight. Only he, Bristle and Boulder knew anything.

Billy watched this action and chuckled to himself, then looking to Lake as she touched his new baby and nodded.  “Hopefully I can find him a good mother.  I will see you both in the morning.”  He nodded his head as he left the family to themselves, keeping the young chimp against his chest as he went to try and find something for him to eat and to hold over the baby.

Maurice looked to Rocket and shook his head as he signed.  “No wolf-monkeys.  Think we scared them off with last attack but we still need to deal with them…”  He then pulled out an empty book he had that he had been practicing  writing in.  “Writing down ape laws so future apes don’t forget.  Should also right down ape history so we can learn from the past.”  He then acknowledged the part about Cornelius.  “He is young and needs your guidance more than ever.  Being a leader is never easy, you know this.  I am glad he is alive and you found him.”  He then looked a bit concerned.  “Boulder told me about humans… Are they really acting like apes before wakening?”

Soon after his briefing with Maurice he retired to his own nest. To his warm welcome his mate had prepared a light dinner for him; mostly cold cooked fish and steamed carrots and potatoes with berries on the side. She must have missed him.

“Wish you would have told me you were going. I fretted for days. Felt so alone..” Tinker whined, sitting next to him and grooming while Rocket shoveled the food down. He was almost finished till the most alluring scent in the entire world overtook him. Of course he knew what it was right away and he sighed heavily. It wasn’t going to happen, hasn’t since Ash passed away. He continued to finish scrapping up the last fragments of his meal with little enthusiasm.

“Since you abandoned me for so long you should groom me.” She said almost flatly. Rocket was confused but obeyed anyways. He did owe her that. And he followed her back to their nest. He stared at the ground, huffing as he went. She squatted down in the typical mating position. Rocket felt cross, this wasn’t a proper grooming position and he wasn’t in the mood to be teased. She glanced over her shoulder. “Well? Are you afraid now to mount me?”

What? Mate? Really? Rocket needed no further motivation and pounced on her. The neighborhood would have to put up with the alpha male’s mating song tonight.

The next morning rolled around and Billy went about to try and find a suitable mother for the child, and possibly a potential mate for himself.  The chimp strutted around the village, hooting softly at certain females who cooed at the baby but none of them seemed right…  In his mind he knew what he was looking for for the two of them but he couldn’t put it into words.

Boulder ate fruits with Maurice in the morning and looked on to the poor ape trying his hardest.  It wasn’t hard for Boulder to find a mate, he was the largest Gorilla male and leader of the Gorilla Guard.  Maurice was high ranking but for now just had no interest in finding a mate.  They looked to each other and began to sign.

“Why is he having such a hard time?  He’s a high ranking male.  Should be easy to find a mate.”  Boulder signed a bit confused.

Maurice shrugged a bit.  “He’s picky about females I suppose.  Maybe has high standards?”

There was only one female and she had lost hers a few days earlier to one of the baboons. The dreadful creatures had snatched her week old infant from her grasp as she fled too late. She didn’t want to dive into any relationship either but she could see this scarred male had a bond with this child too. But that bond won’t feed the poor thing, she’d have to tolerate Billy’s presence if she accepted the orphan. She eyed the white-tail nestled in the burly male’s grasp. Her breasts ached, stiff with milk. With no ceremony she peeled him from Billy’s grasp and pulled him to her chest and retreated to a nearby tree, climbing up to a heavy, low branch. She offered a nipple to the child, his hair wispy, especially the top of his head. She glanced over her shoulder at Billy, not knowing or really caring if he followed. Unless she was in the pink, she had little time for her counterparts.

Cornelius was late to rise, he rolled away from Nova, spreading out his limbs as far as he could. The stretch in his muscles gave him temporary relief and he laid still with his head back. He heard Lake acknowledge him but he remained listless. Finally she reached over and tickled his belly. His legs curled in, he lifted his head and huffed. His shoulder ached as a reminder and he winced.

“King Cornelius sleeping…” He said slyly, bristling slightly. Oh he was cheeky this morning…

Lake narrowed her eyes, she jabbed him in the gut. “Your mother doesn’t care if you’re ruler of the whole world..”

“Still hurt…” He whimpered, hoping she’d give him some needed pity like she did last night. “Journey so long…Humans..” He thought of his hallucinations. “Is it normal to see those of the past?”

Boulder and Maurice saw the change in Billy’s luck and looked to one another.  They would leave him to his new female and child as they went to see Rocket for the morning…  Both stopped a few yards away from his home though, she scent of the prior night still lingered and the two decided it best to wait for him to come out on his own.

“Who’s he?” He questioned her, keeping hidden behind her form.

“Father, I guess, to this child. I’m taking this baby. He needs me..” She groomed the youngster, getting familiar with his scent. He may not be hers but her mothering instinct was still strong and fresh. She had mourned long enough. This was better than having to endure another estrus in a few weeks time and get swamped by eager males again. Some things haven’t changed much from the old. Her oldest son sat close to her and laid his chin on her knee, inspecting his new brother.

Rocket, late to wake up, felt a great pressure on his chest all of a sudden. He snorted and jerked his head. Ah, it was Tinker, up and ready to start the new day with some morning sex. Of course he was ready. He wasn’t aware of some of his council members waiting outside for him so he crooned to her quiet loudly. Just how she liked it. Afterwards he poked his head out for some fresh, crisp air. He was in a grand mood this morning. Then he spotted Maurice and Boulder. How long have they been sitting there? Well he hoped they enjoyed the noises of a horny chimpanzee.

“I’m considering taking a day off…or a few…” Rocket slowly crept down to meet them. “Tinker needs my attentions.” He glanced back over, her small face peering out from their nest. It was customary for a couple to go off on “honeymoons” when estrus came about. Caesar did it too! Nothing stopped such intimate events. It was a time to run off, eat good food, court and mate…..bond with your partner all over again. Wolf-monkeys, humans or not. “Maurice likes playing alpha! Billy and Boulder know all about the humans..I entrust this mission onto them.”

Maurice and Boulder endured the chorus of chimp lovemaking until Rocket peaked out.  Maurice made a disgusted face and rolled his eyes.  “Apes stupid.”  He teased to the chimp but nodded.  “Three days away.  I can only deal with chimps without your help for so long.”

Boulder snickered at that and signed “Have fun!”  to Rocket as he left with Maurice.  “I will get supplies ready to capture humans and bring them back.  I will leave another male in charge of Guard until I return.  I will need Billy and other chimps though to help me.”  Maurice nodded to this and gave him permission to head out as soon as he was ready.

She thought about a name for this new child of hers too. A single word popped on her mind, that seemed to fit that wispy tuft of hair just…sprouting from his head. Sprout! She nodded and signed the word. That will be his name. And her older son would have support too from Billy, giving him a chance. Her son shyly nodded, his mother seemed to approve so it was okay.

“Fine..” Moss decided, seeing this was the best outcome. “I’ll be your mate if you’ll have me..” She wasn’t sure about how this new tradition went. Was there a ceremony? Or did they just couple and call it a deal? She didn’t mind either way. “Do I move to your nest?” She questioned, she’d have to pick up the few things she owned.

Cornelius frowned. He’d never stop from growing up or being king. Like all the apes, he’d age faster than her, though she was still older than him. She’d always be giddy and playful. “Maybe, Cornelius still like playing. But someday will be big chimp like father..” Though he was sure he smiled more than he ever did. “Someday Cornelius grow up, have family..”

Then a fabulous idea emerged in the young and innocent ape’s mind. He smiled broadly at Nova. He signed fervently. “I know! Nova be mate with Cornelius when older! Make happy family!” He looked to Lake who was blinking hard. “Can Nova And I make babies?”

He seemed so happy until he saw a large ape approach the tree from the ground.  It was Boulder.  He looked up to the new family and began to sign.  “Sorry to interrupt.  Billy, I need your help making traps and capturing wild humans out in the desert.  Same place your new baby comes from.”  

Billy exhaled loudly and looked to Moss.  “Important.  I’ll come back soon.  You stay at my nest.”  He rubbed her shoulder gently and looked to his now two sons.  He smiled as he began to climb down the tree, looking to Boulder as the two left to get Billy’s supplies.

“You need to have Maurice talk to Cornelius and Nova…” Lake had a hint of disgust and pity on her face. “They….umm…Cornelius.”

All sorts of dark thoughts flooded his mind, ones that made him wince. Was she suggesting? Why is she stuttering? He hated cliffhangers and this seemed like it was going to be much worse than any ball snatching Cornelius did earlier. This child was a mess. Where did they go wrong? Forgive us Caesar….

“What? Did they mate? Spell it out.” He grunted impatiently, not caring if she got cross with him. This was a very serious matter. One that could ruin the young king’s position.

Lake thunked him on the head. “No! But he suggested it. Suggested making her his wife and even asked me if they can have babies. They need to know now. Don’t want him growing up confused and thinking Nova is attractive..” She took pity on the child. She had no ill will towards the human girl but such feelings were strictly taboo and they both were getting at that age were such play was physically possible. “Go to Maurice and bring him here.”

Bristle sighed and left. He hoped neither of them saw their discussion..Nova was particularly sensitive. He felt a cold confusion course through his body. Oh how was he gonna tell Maurice in the right way. no point in pussyfooting. He slunkered down next to the old orangutan. He gazed around him. “We need to talk and I need your help.” He told Maurice. He didn’t want to upset him as Nova was like a daughter to him..

Maurice was enjoying some fruit when Bristle came to him and he perked a brow.  “What is wrong?  Did Cornelius do something?  I don’t want to lecture him again, he’s been through so much these past few days.”  Maurice himself was getting exhausted from all that Cornelius was putting him through... Soon he would be as grey as Caesar was!  He sighed and relented a bit.  “Talk about what?”

Meanwhile Boulder and Billy were heading out on there way to round up the humans.  Many other chimps were brought with them since they needed help capturing all the humans and carrying back the orphans that were there.  Billy though had his mind on his new family though, hoping they would like his nest and welcome him back home with open arms.

The following morning after the Baboon attack there was a large pile in the center of the colony.  Bodies of the ‘wolf monkeys were being put together and counted by the Gorillas.  There were a few casualties on the Ape’s side, mostly younger males that got in over their heads and two females who couldn’t get away fast enough.

Boulder approached the rest of the council, blood still staining his own fur and skin as he looked to Cornelius.  “32 Wolf-Monkeys.  All males.  6 male and 2 female apes dead as well…  One chimpanzee, one orangutan.”

Any blow to the orangutan population was always bad…  They seemed to breed so slowly compared to the other apes so the loss of a female was especially bad.  Maurice nodded to Boulder.  “Wolf-Monkeys too dangerous.  I am not one for violence but they need to be dealt with sooner than we had expected…”  He then looked to the others in the council.  “Anyone injured badly?”

Boulder shook his head.  “Small cuts, a little sore…but Gorillas all made it out alright.”

Billy shook his head as well.  “Startled me… Was in my nest when I went to get my spear.  It grazed me with it’s fangs but I killed it before it did too much damage.”  He pointed to the torn skin on the hairless part of his arm, which would make for a new scar when it healed up.

Bad Ape scratched behind his ear.  “Kept Nova safe… No Wolf-Monkeys made it to my nest.  I fine.  Nova fine.”

Billy rose a brow at this and began to sign as well.  “Followers of Koba?  I thought they all died out with humans in the avalanche?”  He frowned a bit.  He remembered watching other apes get lashings from Red under the Colonel’s command.

Boulder grunted to the thought.  “I think I know which apes you mean.  Always going out late at night to go ‘hunting’.  Conveniently not around also when Wolf-Monkeys attacked.  I remember which apes they were, want me to get them next time I see them and bring them to you?”

Nova sat with Bad Ape, understanding the signing better than him.  She held up her hands as she looked confused, signing to the apes of the council.  “Why would someone not like how Cornelius will lead?  Isn’t he a good leader so far?”

Boulder huffed lightly, to the Orangutan and pursed his lips together.  “Like… Send them into the desert to never return?  What if they come back with humans?  Not all humans can be gone.”

Billy began to sign then.  “By now, remaining humans all sick and can’t talk like Nova.  Except Nova learned hand speak like apes.  Other humans didn’t learn so they may not be a threat even if these disloyal apes find them.”

Maurice looked to Cornelius pleadingly.  “Apes killing Apes is Koba’s way.  We need to be better than Koba and not revert back.  Caesar only killed Koba because he had tried to kill him and started a war…  Winter died by accident because Caesar was trying to keep him quiet…”

Billy ran in as fast as he could but soon found himself being outpaced by longer, thicker arms.  As Cornelius was in the process of blacking out, there was the sound of chest drumming and a roar.  Chimps scattered in all directions as Boulder had entered the scene.  He grabbed the male by the leg with ease and dragged the startled male who was less then half his size.  Then with minimal effort, the large gorilla tossed him against a tree and roared.  He moved to stand over the unconscious king, his much larger fangs bared to anyone who came near.

Billy arrived in time to see the impressive feat of strength.  He had forgotten just how much stronger the Gorillas were…  Thank goodness they were generally peaceful unless provoked.  Billy strutted up to the fallen male and hooted, holding his spear at the leader of the rogue males and hooted as his hair poofed out.  “Stay…  Down…!”  He barked out as now Maurice was slowly making his way over.

The apes who had witnessed it were in shock, not knowing what that male had done wrong.  They simply looked to Cornelius in fear as some of the females clutched their infants and moved away from him.

Maurice sighed as he approached the strutting king.  “Congratulations.  You have made the tribe fear you… Like they feared Koba.”  He motioned to all the apes that were now slowly leaving to go back home, but looking over their shoulders to make sure the king wasn’t about to come after them as well.

“He deserved it.”  Boulder chimed in to the Orangutan.  “No one will be disloyal to Cornelius if they know their balls are on the line.”  He tried to joke but got a stern look from Maurice.  He then lowered his eyes and looked away as the Orangutan looked to Rocket and Bristle.

Bad Ape and Billy were left back at the tribe trying to explain why Cornelius snapped the way he did with the male.  Many of the chimps questioning his sanity for the moment.

Maurice also did his best to reassure the others of Caesar’s son would still make a good leader, but the seeds of doubt had already been placed.  And in the future this would come back and bite the young king.

“The humans are probably a day ahead of us..” Rocket sighed. Humans weren’t strong creatures but their endurance was unmatched. They could travel farther distances on foot than any tree-dwelling ape could. Why would they take Cornelius alive?

Cornelius was riding on the back of one of the male humans. His arms folded over either side of his shoulders and held onto by the male’s hands. He wasn’t too afraid now that he could see the humans were trying to keep him alive. He was still weak but he wasn’t dizzy anymore and was regaining his strength. The humans seemed to be aware of this and kept his arms and feet hobbled with leather.

The nicest of the humans was a young female human. She would feed him and pet his head like he was some pet. But Cornelius never experienced the life of one so couldn’t compare. He figured this was something they do.

None of them talked either. But would only grunt and groan and fling their arms around. They also hobbled about like chimpanzees to. They didn’t remind him of anything he’s heard in the stories. He would try to sign to them but they didn’t understand.

It wasn’t till the sun was disappearing over the flat plain that he heard loud whoops and hollering. He glanced up, seeing a few more humans jumping in the air. He felt himself bristle again. The man that was carrying him held out his arm and shushed the others. They fell silent and oh’d at the new chimp they had brought in. Another woman came forward and Cornelius felt her hand pat softly down his back and rump. He felt her poke at his sensitive parts too and he snorted in disapproval.

“Smoke.  Fire.  Maybe where humans took Cornelius.  I’ll scout ahead, let you know what I find.”  It was often surprising how stealthy the large apes could be.  Mainly because they didn’t vocalize as often or as loud as the chimps did.  He left his horse with Bristle and Rocket as he then moved to where the sparse trees were to investigate what was going on.

One of the younger chimps looked to Cornelius excitedly, barely able to keep it’s mouth shut even when the woman tried to shush him and keep him away.  He reached out a tiny hand, wanting to touch the other chimp but was soon stopped by a different human who was cautiously curious as well.

“Thirsty…” He murmured. ‘Want..”

A woman approached with a chipped dog bowl. She seemed motherly enough but he couldn’t help but notice a vague sense of stupidity in those eyes. It wasn’t like he remembered in that camp with the evil Colonel. He shuddered at his memory but at least he was gone now. And the fact that she wore no clothing. Another white-tail came squirming in to investigate. The woman grabbed and scooped him up off his feet. He giggled and clamped around her waist. And to his astonishment, starting nursing. Did these babies lose their parents?

Outside more humans were grunting and scooting about in that same jumped back manner. Just strange, all of it. They acted more animalistic than his kind did. But they weren’t threatening. Funny, it seemed like the apes were more dangerous now. They had practically saved him. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing to stay here? He had no responsibilities and the environment was carefree. He didn’t have to be king here, just another chimp in the fold.

Long ago, Caesar had told them that not all humans were bad.  His only experience really with good humans was Nova.  Green eyes watched as she nursing woman would go to Cornelius when he called and then decided to report back to Rocket and Bristle.  He went back to them and pointed to where the trees were.

“Cornelius is safe with humans.  Baby apes there with naked humans.  Humans don’t seem smart.  I think the young apes are orphans.  What should we do?”

Back at the village, some of the apes were curious as to why their young king wasn’t present for the evening meal.  Obviously Maurice could not say he was missing so he signed that he was out on a long hunting trip with Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder to get his mind off the disloyal male.  The aging orangutan grunted as he walked himself over to Nova, who was looking out into the desert with worry.

“Where is he?”  She signed as she looked to Maurice.  She was close to the prince, having helped him escape personally from that horrible place.  Maurice rumbled his throat sac he signed back.

“I am not sure… Rocket, Bristle, and Boulder are looking.  They will find him and bring him back.”

Nova frowned a bit in return.  “Why didn’t you tell the others?  We could all be looking for him.”

He peered into one sad looking tent hide and saw some resting couple and a few young chimps of various ages. Why would they take care of them? What was the benefit? They seemed to treat the youngsters as their own family. No collars or leashes. They all spooned together. So alien to him.

He moved on to another stiff hide and looked in there. He was sure in the mass of young chimps and humans there was Cornelius. He could make out his bandaged figure. But before he could try and figure out a good plan he heard Bristle flinch behind him. A rock came spinning at him, clocking him right in the muzzle. He stood up and hooted at them in warning.

Cornelius felt his new friends stir around him. He snapped awake and stared hard at the entrance. He heard angry cries from outside, both man and chimp. Those hoots familiar…Rocket? He clambered over the sacred bodies of his younger friends and stuck his head outside. It was members of his clan. Loyal to him, they tracked and found him!

The young curious chimp that wanted to grab and touch Cornelius earlier had already clambered onto Boulder innocently and nestled against his fur.  Boulder made a face at this but allowed it since the young ape probably hadn’t seen an adult in quite some time.

Back at the ape colony, Billy sat high in one of the trees and was keeping lookout for the others.  It was going on three days now since they had left and some of the colony was getting restless because of the long absence.  He had hoped the others were alright, hoping they had not been ambushed by Wolf Monkeys or other defectors.

Rocket strutted back to the horses, even while rocks and sticks bounced off his chiseled muscles. His indifference to their throws seemed to discourage the humans, whom put some distance between them and the strange apes.

“No. Perhaps another time we will come and get these chimps. We don’t have enough supplies to travel with.” Rocket finally said as one more pebble bounced off his ear. “They’re just scattered now anyways.” He took note of the fleeing women with their young ape offspring off into the woods. His curiosity still peaked. Maybe some of them picked up from other clans out there? Or maybe some from their own after the the battle with the Colonel. Who knew.. They had at least one of the young chimps who was keen to join them.

“Leave them alone..” Cornelius finally spoke. “They’re not harming anyone.”

Bristle rubbed the back of his head, feeling blessed to have him back. “I’m sure Lake is freaking out by now. It’s been three days since your departure.”

That long? Cornelius thought to himself. “I wanna go home now.” He sighed, his lower lip pouting. He was honesty having a well needed rest back there.

“Should give this to Billy, he always wants to help raise babies.”  Boulder signed half-joking to Bristle and Rocket as their horses began to gallop away from the human caves.  It wouldn’t be until the sun was fully set that they arrived at their camp site, Boulder tying up the horses and looking to the other three.  “Two things we need to talk to the council about now… When to attack Wolf Monkeys and now what we discovered about humans…”  He looked to the tired Cornelius.  “Wolf Monkeys could attack and kill them if they stay out there.  I think we should capture them and bring them back to the village at some point to keep them safe before too long.”  

But mid the sixth day there came hoots and hollers that someone was approaching. Wolf-monkeys maybe? No. It was the missing council members. But was Cornelius with them? She couldn’t tell. She called out in exhilarated shrieks to her mate.

Cornelius wasn’t in the mood for his specie’s dramatic displays. They always did too much. He strode his horse forward straight for his mother’s nest, ignoring his people’s pressing bodies. What he really wanted to do was just pass out for several days. The whole month had been crazy for his young mind; the wolf-monkeys attack, Koba’s loyal followers attack and then the humans taking him…..

He pulled himself up into her nest with sheer will even though his body was still getting over the shock of what it had endured a week prior. He was greeted with Lake’s screams of relief and joy, typical chimpanzee style. Cornelius felt her grab his face and press it into her chest. The smell of her scent, laden with milk and newborn, brought calming relief to him. The sight of the warm hues of the nest was so inviting. He plopped face first into hers and curled up. He wished to turn into a winter bear and hibernate.

Lake noticed new wounds on him. Mostly a very deep one on his shoulder coated in dried and matted blood. Sighing dreadfully she pulled one of the hides over him and pushed the straw in around him to form a nest. Soon she heard others clamber up onto her nest. She stood at the entrance, her shoulders bristling. It was her mate and right behind him, Rocket. Bristle could see the burning look on her face. So did Rocket and he decided maybe later was best to check up on him.

“What has happened to him? He looks near death! I’m sick of him being put into harms way!” She snorted. “Why does he smell so evil..” There were so many questions for everyone.

“It’s a long story.” Bristle sighed. “He’s fine now. I will tell you about it but let’s let him sleep it out. He looks comfortable for a change.”

“I heard about Koba’s followers attacked him. But I never got to see his return! Did they do that?” She wrinkled her muzzle. “Well one of them died anyways.. He bled to death. They said Cornelius ripped his testicles off. Suits him. Nobody attacks my son. He was lucky I wasn’t there. I would have ripped his throat out.”

Billy was also on his way to see Bristle and Cornelius to see how they were doing, escorting Nova who seemed desperate to check on her friend.  On the way, he bumped into Boulder who seemed to have a present for him.  “Boulder?”  He signed as the gorilla held something behind his back.

Boulder then offered the baby chimp to him, it quickly jumping ship.  “Orphan we found among humans.  You always say you want white tail of your own.  This is your chance.  May also make females more interested.”  He grunted in a chuckle as Billy held the baby to him and nodded, cradling it close.  They all arrived at Bristle and Lake’s home and Boulder signed for Rocket to come with him to see Maurice.

He poked a foot out and grabbed her, pulling her under the deer skin like a trapdoor spider and its prey. He wrapped his legs and arms around her and snuggled close, snuffling in her hair. Now he could really sleep with a Nova as his pacifier. Lake pushed some more straw around them protectively. She turned to Billy, noticing the new baby he had attached to him. An orphaned child.

“He still looks like he needs milk. You should find him a nursing female willing to share milk.” She plucked softly at the child. Having a newborn of her own she had no room at the milk bar for a big boy like this. Instinctively, her child came first. “It is getting dark. It’s time to leave. Tomorrow if Cornelius is up to it then but not now.”

Rocket headed over to Maurice’s place, seeing what he needs to be told. The other apes were all gossiping about Cornelius’ return and rumors about sneaking off with humans and how he killed a chimp. Seems like his kind were turning to be just as stupid as the humans. At least Cornelius was still alive! He’d have to set these fools straight. Only he, Bristle and Boulder knew anything.

Billy watched this action and chuckled to himself, then looking to Lake as she touched his new baby and nodded.  “Hopefully I can find him a good mother.  I will see you both in the morning.”  He nodded his head as he left the family to themselves, keeping the young chimp against his chest as he went to try and find something for him to eat and to hold over the baby.

Maurice looked to Rocket and shook his head as he signed.  “No wolf-monkeys.  Think we scared them off with last attack but we still need to deal with them…”  He then pulled out an empty book he had that he had been practicing  writing in.  “Writing down ape laws so future apes don’t forget.  Should also right down ape history so we can learn from the past.”  He then acknowledged the part about Cornelius.  “He is young and needs your guidance more than ever.  Being a leader is never easy, you know this.  I am glad he is alive and you found him.”  He then looked a bit concerned.  “Boulder told me about humans… Are they really acting like apes before wakening?”

Soon after his briefing with Maurice he retired to his own nest. To his warm welcome his mate had prepared a light dinner for him; mostly cold cooked fish and steamed carrots and potatoes with berries on the side. She must have missed him.

“Wish you would have told me you were going. I fretted for days. Felt so alone..” Tinker whined, sitting next to him and grooming while Rocket shoveled the food down. He was almost finished till the most alluring scent in the entire world overtook him. Of course he knew what it was right away and he sighed heavily. It wasn’t going to happen, hasn’t since Ash passed away. He continued to finish scrapping up the last fragments of his meal with little enthusiasm.

“Since you abandoned me for so long you should groom me.” She said almost flatly. Rocket was confused but obeyed anyways. He did owe her that. And he followed her back to their nest. He stared at the ground, huffing as he went. She squatted down in the typical mating position. Rocket felt cross, this wasn’t a proper grooming position and he wasn’t in the mood to be teased. She glanced over her shoulder. “Well? Are you afraid now to mount me?”

What? Mate? Really? Rocket needed no further motivation and pounced on her. The neighborhood would have to put up with the alpha male’s mating song tonight.

The next morning rolled around and Billy went about to try and find a suitable mother for the child, and possibly a potential mate for himself.  The chimp strutted around the village, hooting softly at certain females who cooed at the baby but none of them seemed right…  In his mind he knew what he was looking for for the two of them but he couldn’t put it into words.

Boulder ate fruits with Maurice in the morning and looked on to the poor ape trying his hardest.  It wasn’t hard for Boulder to find a mate, he was the largest Gorilla male and leader of the Gorilla Guard.  Maurice was high ranking but for now just had no interest in finding a mate.  They looked to each other and began to sign.

“Why is he having such a hard time?  He’s a high ranking male.  Should be easy to find a mate.”  Boulder signed a bit confused.

Maurice shrugged a bit.  “He’s picky about females I suppose.  Maybe has high standards?”

There was only one female and she had lost hers a few days earlier to one of the baboons. The dreadful creatures had snatched her week old infant from her grasp as she fled too late. She didn’t want to dive into any relationship either but she could see this scarred male had a bond with this child too. But that bond won’t feed the poor thing, she’d have to tolerate Billy’s presence if she accepted the orphan. She eyed the white-tail nestled in the burly male’s grasp. Her breasts ached, stiff with milk. With no ceremony she peeled him from Billy’s grasp and pulled him to her chest and retreated to a nearby tree, climbing up to a heavy, low branch. She offered a nipple to the child, his hair wispy, especially the top of his head. She glanced over her shoulder at Billy, not knowing or really caring if he followed. Unless she was in the pink, she had little time for her counterparts.

Cornelius was late to rise, he rolled away from Nova, spreading out his limbs as far as he could. The stretch in his muscles gave him temporary relief and he laid still with his head back. He heard Lake acknowledge him but he remained listless. Finally she reached over and tickled his belly. His legs curled in, he lifted his head and huffed. His shoulder ached as a reminder and he winced.

“King Cornelius sleeping…” He said slyly, bristling slightly. Oh he was cheeky this morning…

Lake narrowed her eyes, she jabbed him in the gut. “Your mother doesn’t care if you’re ruler of the whole world..”

“Still hurt…” He whimpered, hoping she’d give him some needed pity like she did last night. “Journey so long…Humans..” He thought of his hallucinations. “Is it normal to see those of the past?”

Boulder and Maurice saw the change in Billy’s luck and looked to one another.  They would leave him to his new female and child as they went to see Rocket for the morning…  Both stopped a few yards away from his home though, she scent of the prior night still lingered and the two decided it best to wait for him to come out on his own.

“Who’s he?” He questioned her, keeping hidden behind her form.

“Father, I guess, to this child. I’m taking this baby. He needs me..” She groomed the youngster, getting familiar with his scent. He may not be hers but her mothering instinct was still strong and fresh. She had mourned long enough. This was better than having to endure another estrus in a few weeks time and get swamped by eager males again. Some things haven’t changed much from the old. Her oldest son sat close to her and laid his chin on her knee, inspecting his new brother.

Rocket, late to wake up, felt a great pressure on his chest all of a sudden. He snorted and jerked his head. Ah, it was Tinker, up and ready to start the new day with some morning sex. Of course he was ready. He wasn’t aware of some of his council members waiting outside for him so he crooned to her quiet loudly. Just how she liked it. Afterwards he poked his head out for some fresh, crisp air. He was in a grand mood this morning. Then he spotted Maurice and Boulder. How long have they been sitting there? Well he hoped they enjoyed the noises of a horny chimpanzee.

“I’m considering taking a day off…or a few…” Rocket slowly crept down to meet them. “Tinker needs my attentions.” He glanced back over, her small face peering out from their nest. It was customary for a couple to go off on “honeymoons” when estrus came about. Caesar did it too! Nothing stopped such intimate events. It was a time to run off, eat good food, court and mate…..bond with your partner all over again. Wolf-monkeys, humans or not. “Maurice likes playing alpha! Billy and Boulder know all about the humans..I entrust this mission onto them.”

Maurice and Boulder endured the chorus of chimp lovemaking until Rocket peaked out.  Maurice made a disgusted face and rolled his eyes.  “Apes stupid.”  He teased to the chimp but nodded.  “Three days away.  I can only deal with chimps without your help for so long.”

Boulder snickered at that and signed “Have fun!”  to Rocket as he left with Maurice.  “I will get supplies ready to capture humans and bring them back.  I will leave another male in charge of Guard until I return.  I will need Billy and other chimps though to help me.”  Maurice nodded to this and gave him permission to head out as soon as he was ready.

She thought about a name for this new child of hers too. A single word popped on her mind, that seemed to fit that wispy tuft of hair just…sprouting from his head. Sprout! She nodded and signed the word. That will be his name. And her older son would have support too from Billy, giving him a chance. Her son shyly nodded, his mother seemed to approve so it was okay.

“Fine..” Moss decided, seeing this was the best outcome. “I’ll be your mate if you’ll have me..” She wasn’t sure about how this new tradition went. Was there a ceremony? Or did they just couple and call it a deal? She didn’t mind either way. “Do I move to your nest?” She questioned, she’d have to pick up the few things she owned.

Cornelius frowned. He’d never stop from growing up or being king. Like all the apes, he’d age faster than her, though she was still older than him. She’d always be giddy and playful. “Maybe, Cornelius still like playing. But someday will be big chimp like father..” Though he was sure he smiled more than he ever did. “Someday Cornelius grow up, have family..”

Then a fabulous idea emerged in the young and innocent ape’s mind. He smiled broadly at Nova. He signed fervently. “I know! Nova be mate with Cornelius when older! Make happy family!” He looked to Lake who was blinking hard. “Can Nova And I make babies?”

He seemed so happy until he saw a large ape approach the tree from the ground.  It was Boulder.  He looked up to the new family and began to sign.  “Sorry to interrupt.  Billy, I need your help making traps and capturing wild humans out in the desert.  Same place your new baby comes from.”  

Billy exhaled loudly and looked to Moss.  “Important.  I’ll come back soon.  You stay at my nest.”  He rubbed her shoulder gently and looked to his now two sons.  He smiled as he began to climb down the tree, looking to Boulder as the two left to get Billy’s supplies.

The following morning after the Baboon attack there was a large pile in the center of the colony.  Bodies of the ‘wolf monkeys were being put together and counted by the Gorillas.  There were a few casualties on the Ape’s side, mostly younger males that got in over their heads and two females who couldn’t get away fast enough.

Boulder approached the rest of the council, blood still staining his own fur and skin as he looked to Cornelius.  “32 Wolf-Monkeys.  All males.  6 male and 2 female apes dead as well…  One chimpanzee, one orangutan.”

Any blow to the orangutan population was always bad…  They seemed to breed so slowly compared to the other apes so the loss of a female was especially bad.  Maurice nodded to Boulder.  “Wolf-Monkeys too dangerous.  I am not one for violence but they need to be dealt with sooner than we had expected…”  He then looked to the others in the council.  “Anyone injured badly?”

Boulder shook his head.  “Small cuts, a little sore…but Gorillas all made it out alright.”

Billy shook his head as well.  “Startled me… Was in my nest when I went to get my spear.  It grazed me with it’s fangs but I killed it before it did too much damage.”  He pointed to the torn skin on the hairless part of his arm, which would make for a new scar when it healed up.

Bad Ape scratched behind his ear.  “Kept Nova safe… No Wolf-Monkeys made it to my nest.  I fine.  Nova fine.”

Billy rose a brow at this and began to sign as well.  “Followers of Koba?  I thought they all died out with humans in the avalanche?”  He frowned a bit.  He remembered watching other apes get lashings from Red under the Colonel’s command.

Boulder grunted to the thought.  “I think I know which apes you mean.  Always going out late at night to go ‘hunting’.  Conveniently not around also when Wolf-Monkeys attacked.  I remember which apes they were, want me to get them next time I see them and bring them to you?”

Nova sat with Bad Ape, understanding the signing better than him.  She held up her hands as she looked confused, signing to the apes of the council.  “Why would someone not like how Cornelius will lead?  Isn’t he a good leader so far?”

Boulder huffed lightly, to the Orangutan and pursed his lips together.  “Like… Send them into the desert to never return?  What if they come back with humans?  Not all humans can be gone.”

Billy began to sign then.  “By now, remaining humans all sick and can’t talk like Nova.  Except Nova learned hand speak like apes.  Other humans didn’t learn so they may not be a threat even if these disloyal apes find them.”

Maurice looked to Cornelius pleadingly.  “Apes killing Apes is Koba’s way.  We need to be better than Koba and not revert back.  Caesar only killed Koba because he had tried to kill him and started a war…  Winter died by accident because Caesar was trying to keep him quiet…”

Billy ran in as fast as he could but soon found himself being outpaced by longer, thicker arms.  As Cornelius was in the process of blacking out, there was the sound of chest drumming and a roar.  Chimps scattered in all directions as Boulder had entered the scene.  He grabbed the male by the leg with ease and dragged the startled male who was less then half his size.  Then with minimal effort, the large gorilla tossed him against a tree and roared.  He moved to stand over the unconscious king, his much larger fangs bared to anyone who came near.

Billy arrived in time to see the impressive feat of strength.  He had forgotten just how much stronger the Gorillas were…  Thank goodness they were generally peaceful unless provoked.  Billy strutted up to the fallen male and hooted, holding his spear at the leader of the rogue males and hooted as his hair poofed out.  “Stay…  Down…!”  He barked out as now Maurice was slowly making his way over.

The apes who had witnessed it were in shock, not knowing what that male had done wrong.  They simply looked to Cornelius in fear as some of the females clutched their infants and moved away from him.

Maurice sighed as he approached the strutting king.  “Congratulations.  You have made the tribe fear you… Like they feared Koba.”  He motioned to all the apes that were now slowly leaving to go back home, but looking over their shoulders to make sure the king wasn’t about to come after them as well.

“He deserved it.”  Boulder chimed in to the Orangutan.  “No one will be disloyal to Cornelius if they know their balls are on the line.”  He tried to joke but got a stern look from Maurice.  He then lowered his eyes and looked away as the Orangutan looked to Rocket and Bristle.

Bad Ape and Billy were left back at the tribe trying to explain why Cornelius snapped the way he did with the male.  Many of the chimps questioning his sanity for the moment.

Maurice also did his best to reassure the others of Caesar’s son would still make a good leader, but the seeds of doubt had already been placed.  And in the future this would come back and bite the young king.

“The humans are probably a day ahead of us..” Rocket sighed. Humans weren’t strong creatures but their endurance was unmatched. They could travel farther distances on foot than any tree-dwelling ape could. Why would they take Cornelius alive?

Cornelius was riding on the back of one of the male humans. His arms folded over either side of his shoulders and held onto by the male’s hands. He wasn’t too afraid now that he could see the humans were trying to keep him alive. He was still weak but he wasn’t dizzy anymore and was regaining his strength. The humans seemed to be aware of this and kept his arms and feet hobbled with leather.

The nicest of the humans was a young female human. She would feed him and pet his head like he was some pet. But Cornelius never experienced the life of one so couldn’t compare. He figured this was something they do.

None of them talked either. But would only grunt and groan and fling their arms around. They also hobbled about like chimpanzees to. They didn’t remind him of anything he’s heard in the stories. He would try to sign to them but they didn’t understand.

It wasn’t till the sun was disappearing over the flat plain that he heard loud whoops and hollering. He glanced up, seeing a few more humans jumping in the air. He felt himself bristle again. The man that was carrying him held out his arm and shushed the others. They fell silent and oh’d at the new chimp they had brought in. Another woman came forward and Cornelius felt her hand pat softly down his back and rump. He felt her poke at his sensitive parts too and he snorted in disapproval.

“Smoke.  Fire.  Maybe where humans took Cornelius.  I’ll scout ahead, let you know what I find.”  It was often surprising how stealthy the large apes could be.  Mainly because they didn’t vocalize as often or as loud as the chimps did.  He left his horse with Bristle and Rocket as he then moved to where the sparse trees were to investigate what was going on.

One of the younger chimps looked to Cornelius excitedly, barely able to keep it’s mouth shut even when the woman tried to shush him and keep him away.  He reached out a tiny hand, wanting to touch the other chimp but was soon stopped by a different human who was cautiously curious as well.