Koba's Planet of the Apes (Book 1) {COMPLETED}

Chapter 3: Caring

{Caesar's POV}

The walk was quiet, the human not openly speaking to him. Once he was sure they were out of earshot, Caesar turned to Devon and asked "Are you okay?"

Devon blinked once. "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Koba is very bad ape. You are in-"

"I'm fine!" Devon said, looking annoyed. "Koba is nice to me when I do what he says."

Caesar wasn't convinced. Shaking his head, he said "He is dangerous. Using you."

"He is not using me. He needs me. You've broken him and let his hate boil. I'm around to keep him from staying angry all the time."

Caesar and Devon stared at each other. The human really seemed to care about Koba. What had they gone through? Are they mates? Pushing the thoughts aside, the king walked right up to Devon, who grew nervous. Green eyes studied the thinner figure, looking for any sign of injury. Caesar wasn't going to frisk Devon though, not wanting to spook him more than he already was.

"You do not know Koba like I do," Caesar eventually answered "He is monster. Killer."

Devon shook his head. "And you don't know him like I do. You tried to kill him, let him fall from God knows how high. Whether what you say is true or not, he's different now. You probably won't ever get to see that though, cause you're blinded by what happened in the past."

"War is my past. Koba started war with humans. Many apes died."

"He wasn't the only monster then. It's the scientists' fault for abusing him, and the soldiers' fault for not leaving you all alone."

Caesar paused. In a way, Devon was right. If the humans hadn't attacked the apes, then nothing would have happened. Closing his eyes, he sighed. "You are welcome to join my kingdom. Safer than with Koba."

Devon shook his head. "I'm fine. It isn't as horrible as you might think living with him is. There aren't enough humans around to egg on his hate. You should at least talk with him."

Caesar had been about to say something else, but paused when Rocket stalked up to Devon.

'Koba kill his own kind for power. Killed my son. Will kill you.'

"He would never."

Devon looked at Caesar, saying "Take me back. I want to go home."

Caesar felt bad for the human. Koba was probably lying to and using him, or worse. Devon was probably to scared to go to anyone else. Sighing, he walked past him to lead the way back to Koba.

He watched as Devon's eyes brightened up as he saw Koba, hurrying over and hugging him. Caesar blinked when Koba hugged back. However, the bonobo gave Caesar the ugliest look over Devon's shoulder. A glare of pure hatred. Caesar remained expressionless, simply watching as Koba's group left the area, back toward wherever their own home was.

Once they were gone, Maurice looked over at Caesar. 'I feel bad for the human. Koba feeds him lies.'

Caesar sighed, looking over at his friends. "Yes, but Koba likes him. That could mean he is changing."

Rocket grunted. 'Why let him go? Could use him?'

"Stealing him would make Koba angry, and we don't want that. Let's go home."

Turning away, he led the way back toward the camp, deep in thought. It was honestly surprising to see Koba so possessive over a species he despised the last time Caesar saw him.