Ch. 1 Adopted

"A cry that's what it sounded like." Maurice signed to one of his companions as the ape rode his horse toward the noise. He stopped the beast near a small creek, before jumping off, moving slowly around the bank still following the cry. His green eyes spotted a dirty cotton blanket perched on top of a log.

The orangutan picked up the blanket and stared wide eyed at a small human baby. He leaned down taking in the infant's scent and looking around for any other humans nearby.

The baby was female with dark yellow eyes, caramel-colored skin and dark curly black hair. She stared curiously at the ape continuing her cries. On instinct, Maurice lightly bounced the child.

His movement stopping her cries, as she smiled at the ape. Maurice didn't know how, but the smile on the child's face melted his heart. He pulled the baby to his chest and watched as she fell asleep.

Meanwhile, the orangutan tried to figure what to do. He couldn't leave her here, she would die.

Maurice could take her with him to the Ape Colony but he had no idea how the other apes would react to her presence. Some apes still harbored negative feelings when it came to humans since many were experimented on or housed in zoos and circuses for their entertainment, Maurice falling into that category.

Yet, he hoped that there was one particular ape that would accept her, Caesar. Maurice felt some pressure release from him as the ape thought more on his friend. Caesar was their king, he was raised by humans and loved them. Personally, Maurice never had any good experiences with humans but maybe by raising this young one he could see their good side.

With his mind settled, Maurice got back on his horse and took the reins, gently cradling the baby in his other arm.

Once Maurice reached the colony, he went straight to Caesar's home passing many apes as he did. It was fine if he paid an unexpected visit, Maurice was head of many divisions in their colony and the honorary uncle and teacher of Caesar's toddler son Blue Eyes. Caesar was more than happy when Maurice visited, even at unpleasant moments.

Maurice watching his footing climbed the tall tree and spoke to one of Caesar's attendants, who announced his presence. He took a breath and slowly walked into the treehouse where Caesar and Cordelia were housed.

Caesar was seated on a rock as he played with his son. Cordelia was on their bed of leaves adding larger ones to its pile.

The two apes smiled when the orangutan walked into the room. "Welcome old friend, how are you?" Caesar signed, while Blue Eyes went to his uncle. The wrapped bundle catching the young ape's eye.

"I am well." Maurice signed using his left hand. The ape king noticed this, looking at the blanket in his right arm. Cordelia mimicked her husband's gaze on the blanket stepping closer to her friend.

"Maurice what is that?" the queen signed looking directly at him. "This is the reason I came to see you." Maurice signed addressing the couple. He moved his arm toward the blanket, revealing the baby's face.

She yawned, rubbing her eyes, before allowing them to open for the king and queen to see. Cordelia gasped in shock, while Caesar moved to stand next to his mate and observe the human. "I found her in the woods and I didn't want to leave her out there."

Caesar patted his friend on the back nodding in agreement. "You did good, this child too young to fend for itself." He said smiling as the ape king put his finger near the baby who grasped it firmly.

"Strong grip." the two males laughed not noticing Blue Eyes had climbed Maurice's arm and was staring curiously at the infant, who had by this time released his father's finger.

Blue Eyes tilted his head as the baby fluttered her eye lashes and extended a small hand toward the ape prince. Blue Eyes raised his hand and gently gripped hers. The baby giggling, feeling the strange texture of his skin. Cordelia smiled at the exchange.

"I think our Blue Eyes is taking a liking to her." The queen signed as her son ran over to her. "I want to keep her as my own." statedMaurice as Caesar thought about this.

The child wasn't a threat and if fathered by his friend the baby could hopeful have a better life as an ape. Although, he knew that she wouldn't be accepted by everyone, but soon the colony will grow accustomed to her.

"She is yours my friend, raise her and bless her with a name." Caesar signed allowing his son to climb on his back. Maurice looked down at the baby who cooed reaching a hand to her new father, who gently curled it within his own.

"Your name is Marahan, my daughter." The ape said bidding the king and queen goodbye.

He walked to his treehouse and set Marahan in a small nest as Maurice mashed some bananas and fed them to her. Outside Caesar was announcing the orangutan's newest addition and strictly telling the colony that even thought she was human being adopted into their civilization made her an ape.

After the announcement, a few voices interrupted the dim silence of the night, but it added a peacefulness to their city. Maurice felt that peace as he rocked Marahan in his arms, her thumb placed in her mouth.

Eyes half-lidded to stare at the ape who she would eventually call her father. She sucked quietly on her thumb as Maurice sensed someone near the hut. He cautiously set Marahan in her nest and walked to the entrance where his friend Rocket stood in his arms his toddler son, Ash. "Congratulations, Maurice." Rocket signed. "May we see the new addition, no harm will come to her. As Caesar says she is ape like us."

Maurice smiled and patted his comrade on the arm leading Rocket in the hut. Maurice walked to Marahan's nest and held her close so Rocket and Ash could see her. She squirmed a bit in his hold, but relaxed when she viewed the two new faces in the room.

Rocket reached over and stroked Marahan's tiny foot. She giggled at the contact, before allowing a yawn to escape her mouth. She snuggled close into her father's soft orange hair as he pressed her close unaware of Rocket's smile as he gazed at her.

"She's precious make an ape very happy one day. Hopefully it's my Ash." Rocket said gesturing to his son, who was clinging to his chest.

"He has competition Blue Eyes has his sights on her." He chuckled. "Who knew this day I would have a human as my offspring. A beautiful girl who will be the heir to my council position."

He smiled as Rocket agreed as he looked toward the darkening skies. "Must go getting dark. See you tomorrow." He signed, running out of the hut.

Maurice shook his head, setting his daughter in her nest. Wrapping the blanket securely around her along with two large soft leaves. For once the ape looked at the child and said without using sign. "Goodnight my little Marahan."