The Scars On His Heart

Chapter 14 ~ Live

Chapter 14

After Serena fell asleep, he placed her next to Kovu, covering her in a pelt to keep warm. At some point Caesar and Maurice came by after checking the perimeter of their territory for any other threats. They left shortly after inquiring about their health with a promise to come by in the morning to see if there were any changes. Koba stayed awake to keep watch over them. A healer would check on both every few hours to make sure they weren't developing fevers or bleeding.

Koba was tired the next morning but he was relieved the young bonobo made it through the night. The head healer came in to check on him and said he would live as long as his wounds didn't become infected. He hoped whatever medicine Serena had injected him with,helped. When he had seen her with the needle he panicked,his body remembering the harm those human things could do. The years spent in Gen Sys Labs came rushing back. Taking deep breaths to calm his racing heart and mind, he asked her to explain what she was doing. Understanding that the medicine she was using was supposed to help Kovu from developing an infection. If it would have been any other human he would have attacked them. Serena, he realized he trusted her more than most apes. Second only to Caesar, who was like a brother to him, having similar upbringings.

It was as if thinking of him summoned him, as he appeared in the doorway with Maurice in tow. Both apes carried food to offer Koba and just in case they woke up, they would need to eat. Koba thanked them, grabbing the offered bark from Caesar. As they sat in silence letting Koba eat, knowing the ape preferred to eat in peace. Once he was done, Caesar inquired about Kovu and Serena's health. Both apes sigh in relief when Koba explains that they were doing well so far and of the medicine Serena gave Kovu and herself. Maurice next signed to Koba asking what he would like to do with the panther he killed. Surprised, Koba signed, You have black cat?

Maurice nodded ,Such a beautiful and soft pelt, would be a shame to go to waste. Caesar agreed, seeing the pelt himself. Koba thought and agreed. He would use the cat's fur as a gift for Serena. Winter would be here soon and she had no fur or proper human clothes to keep her warm. But he didn't have time right now to prepare it. Before he could disagree, Maurice offered to clean it for him and have it ready for Serena. Koba thanked him, glad he didn't have to leave her side. He was surprised that the Orangutan wanted to help him, but Koba realized he was really helping Serena.

Please keep bones and teeth/claws too. Will be used to make gifts. Koba signed. Maurice nodded before walking out of the room to take care of it, leaving him and Caesar alone. Breaking the silence Caesar signed, You seem to care for her, brother. Koba looked away embarrassed but sighed knowing that he was right. There was no denying it. Anyone could see he cared for the human. There was no way he could deny it now after saving her from the wild cat and comforting her when they thought Kovu was dead. Yes he signed, admitting it more to himself than Caesar. He waited to hear Caesar laugh or be disgusted with him admitting he liked a human but when he glanced at his brother all he saw was understanding. Meeting his gaze Caesar signed,

I had hoped you would develop a friendship with the human, this thought seems stronger than that. Either way I am proud you are not letting your past get in the way. Koba nodded, not willing to discuss his bond with Serena so early. He wasn't even sure she would feel the same. For all he knew she would find him disgusting for thinking of her as a mate. He would not push her if she did not feel the same. He would protect and provide for her as a friend instead of a mate. Teaching Kovu as he grew to be a great asset to the ape colony. Changing the subject Caesar, asked Koba what he planned to do with the black cat. Both males put their heads together to think of how to best use everything from the cat.

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It was midday when Serena finally woke up. Looking around confused when she didn't recognize her surroundings or feel Kovu's warmth on her chest. The memories of the day before came rushing back, trying to quickly sit up cursing when her shoulder flared in pain. Gentle hands helped her sit up and steadied her. . When she could finally breathe again after the pain subsided she looked to see who helped her thinking it was Koba but it was Caesar instead. The ape king smiled at her gently offering her a drink of water from a carved bowl.