"Listen. Ape Monger put me in charge of weapons control. That means making sure the main wagon with the power poles is fully operational. And that goes for the backup wagon too, just in case we lose the first one to enemy combatants. You hear me?"
The soldiers nodded firmly.
"Also..." Rufo rubbed his chin with mock seriousness. "Grab a few wooden shields. I know the apes hate using them, but you never know. Better safe than sorry."
"Yes, sir!" the soldiers barked before breaking off to follow his orders.
Waiting for him at the edge of the plaza was Meemba, his wife.
The tropical sun lit her face, and her hand rested on her round belly. Her stomach had grown noticeably fuller, and her walk carried the careful weight of motherhood. She held out a banana smoothie, already sweating from the heat.
"Here," she said softly.
Rufo's stern expression melted into a grin as he accepted the drink. Together they strolled through the beautiful village: colorful banners strung between the trees, monkeys swinging from vines overhead, and music from flutes and drums drifting through the warm air.
"Meemba," Rufo said between sips, "have you thought of names? If it's a girl, I mean."
Her face brightened, though worry lingered in her eyes. "I was thinking... maybe Zeemba. Or Veemba. Something soft, like music."
Rufo chuckled. "I like Laya. Strong, but sweet."
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She stopped and faced him fully, her hand clutching his. Her lips trembled. "Rufo, please promise me you will return home to be with our child."
Rufo set his cup aside, squeezing her hand tight. "I promise, my love. I will not abandon our child. My dream... is you and her."
Her eyes shimmered. "Thank you."
They embraced, holding onto each other like the world might end tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Kellix was still fast asleep in his room. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, landing across his bare chest. His eyes cracked open, a yawn stretching his jaw.
"What happened?" he muttered, rubbing his head. He rolled over, clutching his blanket. "Maybe I should shower... I'll do it later."
Dragging himself to the window, bright sunlight flooded in, and the sounds of drums and laughter poured through. Outside, the monkey village was vibrant with music, voices, and the smell of fruit roasting over open fires.
Confused, Kellix shuffled to the door. As soon as he stepped outside, still half-asleep, a group of ape soldiers passed him with wide grins.
"Morning, Kellix!"
"Morning, Topa," Kellix yawned, scratching his head. "What's the music for?"
Topa beamed. "Rufo and his wife are throwing a block party for the soldiers. Everyone's invited."
Kellix froze. "Wait, Rufo is throwing a party? And he didn't invite me? That hater."
In an instant, his sluggish walk turned into a comedic speed-march as he darted through the village streets. His hair was still messy, but his determination was unmatched.
The block party was alive with joy. Monkeys swung across vines strung with lanterns, apes clapped in rhythm as drums boomed, and dancers spun in wide circles. Even the Monkey King himself was out in the plaza, grooving with a seriousness that made everyone laugh harder.
At the center, Rufo danced with Meemba, twirling her carefully in his arms while holding her belly protectively. She laughed, glowing in the lantern light.
Kellix stopped in his tracks, eyes wide. "I... I wish it could be like this forever."
Then his eyes shifted, and froze.
Across the party, Hielo was dancing. Gone was her samurai outfit. Instead, she wore a light dress, simple but flowing, her hair loose in the warm wind. The music seemed to slow for Kellix as his jaw fell open.
"Woah..." he whispered. "Teacher is beautiful."
Before he could stare any longer, a heavy smack hit his shoulder. Rufo stood there, grinning.
"Hey, you made it!"
Kellix rubbed his shoulder with a wince. "Yeah, I... uh... woke up kinda late. Anyway, you and Meemba really did a great thing. Everyone looks happy."
Rufo laughed, waving a hand. "Welp, it was mostly Meemba's idea. I just did whatever she told me."
Kellix chuckled, but the sound quickly softened as he took in the moment: his comrades laughing, music ringing, soldiers dancing instead of fighting. For the first time, he could see the weight of what they were about to lose.
He gripped his cup tight, his eyes reflecting the firelight. The war hadn't begun yet, but he knew every smile he saw tonight was something worth protecting.