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CHAPTER 3
A Ceremonial Adoption

The night that Ethan was supposed to be introduced to the clan, he almost felt like running.

He'd been made up for the night in ape custom when welcoming a member of the tribe. Whether it be an ape of another colony, or a ape infant. His long, blonde hair had been braided finely, and he'd been instructed to take off his shirt. At which point, Maurice carefully painted his body in a way that was custom for apes, but felt weird, and itchy to the seven year old.

His chest had been painted with five, long red lines of paint. As well as both of his arms, in a similar fashion. Then his face had been carefully painted. The skin around his eyes painted with a simple white, and his own lips with thinner lines. Maurice had then painted his forehead with a red cross, and the ends of his braided hair a mixture of red and blue.

He called it ceremonial paint, and explained they wore it on many occasions, in many different forms. This was the paint of "birth" or "rebirth". There were also "war" and "mourning" paint that Ethan supposed he would learn all about later.

When he was done, Maurice wasted no time explaining what was to happen. "Caesar made announcement this morning." Maurice explained. "Apes know you are human. All instructed to be gentle with you. You must follow his instructions on stage."

Ethan was silent, so the apes already knew a human had been living among them. He swallowed hard, itching again at his paint, more out of nervousness than irritation. "Are they angry?" Ethan asked quietly.

Maurice shook his head. Most of the apes were not angry, but a few were definitely weary. He knew that in general, the audience would be divided. Between those who had moved past the war, and looked past what the humans had done. Those who had feelings on both sides of the spectrum, and were waiting to see what Ethan was like. And finally, the small number that still hated the humans with a deep passion. Those who were currently already thinking of leaving the colony over this issue.

He sighed quietly, thinking of how to reply. "Not many angry. Most are waiting. Want to see what you're like." Maurice explained, his voice filled with honesty. "Some scared like you. Don't know what to expect. Very nervous."

Ethan blinked, some of the apes were actually nervous like him? Ethan looked at himself again in an adjacent mirror as if he found that hard to believe. They weren't going in front of a gathering of the "enemy" painted up like some sort of art project. "Not more than I am." Ethan replied shyly. "Do I really have to look like this?" He asked.

Maurice chuckled as if he had said something very humorous. "All apes look like this. I apply own paint now." Maurice moved towards the mirror, after which Ethan moved aside. "Paint big part of ape culture. Itchy, but wear with pride."

Ethan was silent, but nodded his head slowly. After a moment, he asked another question. "Why are we making a ceremony of it?"

Maurice chuckled again, so many questions. Though he was reminded that Ethan was only seven, and therefore curious about the world, like any child. "Birth or welcoming ceremony normally. Tonight adoption ceremony." Ethan didn't understand. "You request live with me. Tonight I adopt you as my own son."

Ethan understood now, swallowing a bit. Tonight he was going to be formally adopted by Maurice in the ape culture. He supposed this wasn't the first "adoption" if they knew to do this. Even if it was the first of this kind. "You don't need to." Ethan replied. "I don't need to be-."

"You are child." Maurice told him as he carefully applied some of the paint under his eyes. "Children need family. After tonight, we are family." After a moment, continuing the lessons they had started, he made a hand motion. ""Family". Remember that. Important in ape culture."

Ethan was a bit surprised about that. Though he now understood why a big deal was made in situations like this. Family was held high above all else in ape culture, that much was true. "But my parents..." Ethan replied. "If I'm adopted..."

Maurice was silent a moment, then set down his paints. For the first time, he gave Ethan the most serious look he could. For a moment, Ethan worried he was going to become angry. But instead, the gentle ape shook his head. "No replace parents. Know you still love them. As you should." Maurice told him gently. "Merely continue their work."

Ethan understood what the was saying. Maurice didn't want to make him give up anything in being adopted. He simply wanted to bring him into a new family who could, and would take care of him in his parents absence. "Alright then." Ethan said with some hesitation, then signed before saying the word aloud. "Family."

He supposed as long as Maurice didn't force the word "father" on him, he could accept it. Though the wise ape knew that would come in time, with adjustment. Most children came to accept new parents, or parental figures. And he felt in time, Ethan would come to accept him as such. Just as he would need to get used to the idea of being a father, and having a son.

A part of him was nervous to do so. After all, he had once before been a father. During his time in the circus, he had been made to mate with another orangutan. And she, in turn, had bore him a young daughter. One that he lovingly raised for several years. After some time had passed, however, the circus had cut funding. And he, in turn, was taken to an ape sanctuary where he'd never seen his mate or daughter again.

It had broken his heart. As unlike most orangutan's he had taken an active role with his daughter. He'd loved her more than life itself. And after having her ripped so unfairly from him years ago, it was hard for him to think he could accept Ethan into his life as a son.

Yet taking care of him as he had had changed his mind in some ways. He knew after the first few weeks that he couldn't abandon him if he wanted to stay with him. Taking care of him, and nursing him back to health had been something that bonded him very closely with the boy. It was easy to bond with a child after taking care of them; it made you feel very protective of them. Even if the boy had not bonded quite as closely himself yet.

That, he hoped, he could remedy with time.

He finished applying his paints, and once satisfied with his own paints nodded to Ethan. "See, now we're both ready." He patted the boy on the shoulder. "Come, they are waiting."

He could feel the fear that reverberated off his ward.


Ethan felt like he was being paraded around.

Apes gathered around him, of all shapes, sizes, and ages. Some so young that he knew they had never seen a human before, they had to be born after the war. A few reached out to touch him, while others looked on in contempt, or curiosity. All the way, Maurice lead him through the large crowd, keeping careful watch over him as they made their way to the center of the large colony.

Ethan wished he could get a better look at it now. But frankly, with how many apes had gathered, he couldn't see even their hut. It was now that he realized the apes greatly outnumbered humans now; there had to be thousands living in this colony. It made him nervous, to be paraded through all of these apes with nothing but a pair of fur pants on and covered in paint. But he knew he couldn't turn around now, he was being adopted into the colony today, and that was that.

When they finally reached the stage they had set up, Caesar waited for them. Ethan took note of the long tables full of food around them, and quietly guessed they had planned some sort of feast afterward. He was surprised, but as this was called a celebration, not entirely. He didn't have much time to think it over however, as Caesar gently took his hand to pull him on stage. Maurice followed, but given his size, needed no help up.

There was a long silence out of the crowd then, having been full of talk before then. Ethan wanted to let go of Caesar's hand, but the ape king kept his grip tight. Giving him a look as if to say that he would be OK. "I start by saying. The war is over. We have no ill will to humans." Ethan knew he was speaking to those that opposed this. "You have problem. You talk to Caesar."

Ethan noticed that most of the apes looking at him with spite immediately stopped. Clearly, they were afraid of what Caesar might do. Ethan guessed, given Caesar did not appear to be the violent type, that he would banish them. "Today, ape family grows. We make big step in life. Accept a human into the colony." Caesar continued. "Ethan came to us. Scared, near death. Alone. But welcomed in home of our trusted lawgiver, Maurice."

Maurice took a step forward at the mention of his name. Ethan felt the orangutan's hand on his shoulder, as Caesar continued. "Tonight, Maurice adopts Ethan Reese into his home. Tonight, he becomes ape." Caesar replied. "In eyes of Caesar, in eyes of Maurice. In eyes of colony. In eyes of creator." Ethan was surprised by any mention of a deity, though he supposed he meant God, being raised by humans. "And through him, we become greater in number. We become stronger. Apes together strong."

"Apes together strong." The procession repeated.

He threw Ethan's arm up for a moment, and then spoke. "Ethan, this colony promises to protect you. You are now blood of our blood. Fur of our fur. Ape in all but birth." Ethan was silent, swallowing slightly, as Caesar then moved to help join his hand and Maurice's paw. "Gone, life with humans. Life with Maurice begins. I, Caesar, bless adoption. Wish you happy, long life."

Ethan felt Maurice's grip tighten on his hand, only a gentle squeeze of reassurance. There were cheers from the apes, however half-hearted some of them were. And then, carefully, Maurice led Ethan by the hand down from the stage. "Tonight, we eat in honor of new family." Caesar announced. "Let the feast commence."

Ethan blinked, that was it? All that paint, and all of that preparation and they were already done? He supposed he couldn't complain much, it had been quick and painless. And his adoption was done now, he no longer had to be confined to that small hut.

He let Maurice lead him slowly to their seats. Ethan noted that they were beside a very regal looking family - and he could already tell, without being told, it was Caesar's. There were a female ape, and two boys. One, much older than himself, stood out the most with his unusual blue eyes. While the other, smaller, and about three years older than himself, simply gave him a smile. The mother, he believed he'd heard her named Cornelia, simply gave a smile of her own, and carried herself with a great deal of dignity.

The younger ape was the first to break the ice. "Did you really come from the East?" Ethan was surprised when the ape spoke in perfect English. "The human colonies?"

"Milo!" His brother snapped.

"Just askin'. I didn't mean anything by it." Milo replied.

Ethan turned to Maurice, who then explained, noting his confusion. "Next generation born with vocal ability. Speak better English." He explained to him. "Asked question." He reminded him.

Ethan shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to reply. "Yes, I came from Boston."

Milo turned to his mother in sheer curiosity. "Where's Boston?"

"In Massachusetts."

"And what's that?"

Ethan chuckled, finding it amusing that his newfound possible friend had never heard of it. But then again, he supposed the apes led a sheltered life. And so, he began to, carefully, talk about it as food was distributed among the apes, and their great feast began. There was much chatter, both spoken and in sign language, and much laughter. Making it very clear that the apes enjoyed every chance to celebrate, even one as unusual as that.

Ethan had never eaten, nor seen so much food in his life. And for the ape's part, they found the way he shoveled the food a bit adorable and continued to fill his plate and water in his bowl. Maurice made sure that the boy wasn't overwhelmed all at once though, but mostly watched as Ethan tried to interact with other apes, along with Caesar who watched from the head of the table.

Both of them noticed the near-instant connection between him and Milo. Maurice had hoped for this, given Caesar was such a close friend, and they'd see a lot of each other. Though Milo was older than Ethan by a few years, they were still close enough in age that they could easily become fast friends. Something which seemed to be working out. Though Maurice wasn't surprised, he figured the more Ethan interacted with apes his own age and older, the more comfortable he'd become.

"Is Ethan going to start school with us, uncle Maurice?" Milo suddenly asked.

Maurice smiled, nodding his head and taking a bite of an apple. "Next week. Catching him up on signs." Maurice replied, then motioned. "He will be out in colony from now on though. You two can play." He explained.

Milo and Ethan looked pretty happy at that prospect. The look on Ethan's face made Maurice feel relieved, knowing he had at least made one friend. Noticing as well, Caesar patted the young humans arm. "Always welcome in our home." Caesar told him. "Come tomorrow if want."

Ethan looked to Maurice, knowing he now needed his permission. After all, after tonight he was the orangutan's responsibility in the eyes of the apes. "After school. Back to teaching tomorrow." Ethan understood that whatever time he had off to adjust him was over. "Then take you to Caesar's."

Ethan nodded his head, understanding. Though he wondered what he would do in the meantime. Would he be allowed out in the colony? Or would he mostly spend it in the home, practicing his signs in order to join the other ape children in school? "More?" Maurice offered as he held out a bowl of fruit.

Ethan smiled a little, and took a piece of fruit. Munching into it, he seemed to keep the smile on his face. Maybe he wasn't totally comfortable with the apes yet. But the fact he was now among them, and no one offered any abuse. And the fact that he had already seemingly made a friend in Milo for that matter. Well, that made him feel a whole lot better.

From afar, however, at a further table, a young chimpanzee sat with his family. All of them watched the boy closely, expecting at any moment for it all to go south. Of course, Falco noted, things did not. His father had figured they'd have him calm under threat, until they couldn't control him anymore. After all, humans were a vicious species. No matter how young he was, no matter how easily he could be raised as an ape - he'd never be one.

Falco stuffed his face again with some deer meat and snarled. He would be sure that he defended the other young apes from this boy in ways the ape elders clearly would not. Just as his father had tried, in joining Koba's revolution in San Francisco, to do so.

They would not fall for the humans lies again.


Maurice hadn't carried a child to bed in years.

Yet, Ethan became exhausted after all the partying and feasting had been done. And thus, he had carefully carried him in his arms back towards their hut. Inside, he thought over what had just happened. There was no turning back now, no changing his mind. Caesar's words had bound him to this child, his now son, as long as they both lived.

A part of him was happy to be a father again. While the other silently hoped that nothing would take that from him again. One heartbreak had been hard enough, but there was no way he could handle another.

He tried not to think too much on those dark thoughts as he gently set Ethan in bed. Pulling the piles of blankets over him to keep him warm through the night. After all, even he knew the air was chilling as winter slowly started to set in in the woods. Something which reminded him he would need to get Ethan some form of jacket, and other secondary wears to keep him warm.

He watched as the boy slept quietly, seemingly comfortable. He knew he couldn't assume the boy was totally comfortable yet. After all, he had not spent much time among the apes quite yet. But he could at least assume that Ethan felt far more comfortable than he had being stuck in the hut. At least now he could see that most of the apes were trying to move past their feuds with the humans.

Though he needn't worry. If anyone tried to hurt him over it, Maurice would show them he was far more than a simple teacher.

Running the thumb of his paw along Ethan's hair, he smiled. Tomorrow, they would continue to adjust him to his new life. Which would be far easier now that he was officially introduced, and adopted into the colony. And while Maurice and Caesar discussed how to best handle his parents burial, Milo could teach him how ape children played. Surely, Ethan would learn a thing or two, given ape play and human play could be very different when it wanted to be.

In the meantime, he hoped that he could do this. He hoped that he could be the father figure the boy needed in this dark time in his life. Because if not, the fragile psyche of the young boy was at stake. And that was not something he was willing to let break.

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A/N: Woo! Three chapters down! Hope you all enjoyed!