2016

Evie's sitting at Mom's bedside, running a brush through Mom's hair.

It's been seven days since they went to the gas station. As soon as they got home, Mom was in a mad panic, ordering them to get in the shower and to clean themselves thoroughly. When they were done, Mom hurried in, slamming the door behind her. Waiting outside the door like lost puppies, Evie and Amber heard Mom crying and the thumps and bangs as she went through all the cupboards. A strong stink of chemicals oozed from under the door and Evie realised that Mom was washing with bleach.

Once she was done, Mom darted through the house, feverishly cleaning anything she had touched. When Evie went to her, Mom slapped her away, telling her to go to her room with Amber and Danny. Sitting on the floor, all three of them sat in silence as Mom sprayed, scoured, and wiped down every inch of the house. After an hour of cleaning, Mom called out to them, saying it was safe to come out now, and then promptly locked herself in her room. No matter how many times they begged, she forbade anyone from going into her room and told them to leave food and drink for her at the door.

Tucking Amber into bed with her, they listened all night through the walls as Mom talked on the phone, calling up her friends and family. All the conversations ended the same – Mom would implore them to take care of Evie, Amber and Danny if she became sick and they would refuse, sympathetic or not, ending in Mom shouting, swearing, and weeping. Although Evie knew Mom was planning for her own death, she couldn't accept it, hoping against hope that Mom was being paranoid and that she wasn't going to get sick at all.

The next morning, reality hit when Evie and Amber were awoken by the sound of Mom wheezing and spluttering. Flinching each time Mom coughed or sneezed, Amber gazed into Evie's eyes, looking for any sign of comfort or reassurance. Evie didn't have any.

Later, they heard Mom murmuring and wondered who she could possibly have left to talk to. Only half an hour later their question was answered when Danny shouted for them, pointing out his window. An official-looking white van was parked on their driveway, and several people in hazmat suits were getting out. Amber bolted down the stairs impatiently to open the front door, thinking that they were doctors coming for Mom.

However, what Amber didn't see was the hazmat people puncturing the tyres of Mom's car and spray painting a bright white cross onto their house. But Evie and Danny did. That's weird, Evie thought. It reminded her of those poor people in medieval times sick with the plague she'd learned about, the ones that were shut away in their homes with a cross painted on their doors … so everyone knew to leave them to die.

Evie and Danny looked at each other. "Shit!" they said simultaneously. They sprinted after Amber, knowing it was pointless to try and call her back. Evie was slightly faster than Danny, just yanking Amber back from the open door as the hazmat people raised their guns at her.

"Stay back!" one of the hazmat men yelled. "Stay the fuck back!"

"She's sorry, she's sorry," Evie said imploringly, throwing her hands up. "She's deaf, she didn't know!"

The hazmat people lowered their weapons and the man that had spoken prodded an accusing finger at them. "We had a report that a woman was sick with the virus here. Where is she?"

"That's our mom, she's upstairs, in her room," Evie said shakily. "She isolated herself from us."

The hazmat man snorted. "Not that it'll do much good, but I appreciate the thought." He slid a large cardboard box over to them. "These are your supplies, food, water, all that. It should last you seven days."

"Wha - what happens after seven days?" Danny stammered nervously.

"We come back and if anyone is still here, we will take them with us to the refugee camp. Until then you are not allowed out of this house. Try it and you will be met with lethal force. You understand?"

If someone was still here?

"You can't do that!" Danny complained. "And what do you mean by lethal force?"

The hazmat man laughed mirthlessly and sardonically waved them goodbye. "Remember kids – seven days. Go outside before that and you will be shot." They drove away.

All trembling, they made sure that the van had gone for good before going inside, locking the door tightly behind them. They gaped at each other, pale with shock.

Is Mom going to die? Amber signed fearfully. Are we going to die too?

Evie's throat closed. She wasn't ready to talk about Mom dying. It was like if she didn't talk about it, it wouldn't happen. Evie hadn't even considered that they could be sick too. She had been too wrapped up in denial about Mom the whole time. But what if they were sick? What if Amber and Danny were sick? What if everyone else got sick and left Evie all alone? Evie didn't much care if she died though she feared the pain of it. If everyone else was okay, Evie didn't mind what happened to her.

I don't know. Evie finally admitted. I don't know.

Over the next few days, the house was quiet except for Mom's hacking and sneezing. Evie and Amber didn't see much of Danny – the only times they saw him out of his room was for breakfast and dinner and he was always puffy-eyed from crying. Amber tried many times to get Danny out of his room, but he never answered her, banging on the door to get her to go away. Nonetheless, Amber forgave him every time. She figured that Danny was sad and scared like them and that he would come out when he was ready.

But Evie knew it was more than that – he was ashamed of himself. He was supposed to help Mom and protect her and instead he stood by, crying and pissing himself like a little boy. He's the big brother, the man of the house and his job was to protect the family, isn't that what Dad used to say? But he didn't. Deep down, Evie understands that it's not his fault. He might be fourteen and a bit of dick sometimes but he's still a frightened kid. Yet there's another part of her, angry and spiteful, that blames him for Mom getting sick. She can hear it whisper in her head sometimes when she sees him: If you'd helped Mom like you said you would Mom wouldn't be sick. None of this would be happening. Your fault. Your fault.

It was the fifth day when Mom really took a turn for the worst. Eating lunch in the kitchen, Evie and Amber were startled by a loud thump above their heads. Mom's room. Without hesitation, they scrambled up the stairs, pounding on Mom's door. When they didn't get an answer, Evie threw herself at the door, hoping to break it down like they did in the movies. Instead, Evie winded herself, colliding with the door with a dull thud. The lock buckled under her weight regardless and they made their way in, Evie cussing under her breath.

Amber gasped. At the end of the bed, Mom was curled up on the floor, quivering and coughing. With a pale trembling hand, Mom swung her arm clumsily at them, trying to get them away. Blood was speckled on Mom's hands and plastered on her nose and mouth.

Making a silent agreement, Evie and Amber hoisted Mom up by her arms, awkwardly pulling her onto the bed. Mom argued the whole time, pushing at them feebly, telling them to go. After several minutes of this, Evie lost her temper. "Mom, stop! If we were going to get sick it would have happened already! We're not going to go away so just let us help you!" Mom shut up, probably as astonished as Evie that she dared yell at her.

From then on, Evie and Amber decide to take turns watching over and caring for Mom. Mom reluctantly accepts it – but then she doesn't really have a choice. Day by day, Mom gets weaker, getting to the point where they must hand wash and feed her. Danny didn't much like it either; for the first couple of days, Danny made a point of avoiding them, muttering something about infection risk. Mom didn't take it personally (she thought he was being sensible) but before long even Danny starts showing up at her door to check on her. He doesn't go any further than that.

That night, as the sun was setting, snow started falling, thick and heavy. Amber watched it wistfully from the window, sad that she couldn't go outside to play in it. Even though they are certain that there is no one for miles around to shoot them, they're still scared of the hazmat man's warning. To make up for it, Danny opened his window and shone a torch out of it, lighting up the flakes as they danced in the air. For hours, Amber stuck her head and hands out of the window, catching the snowflakes in her fingers and the curls of her hair. Evie watched them for a while, warmed by Amber's beautiful beaming face and Danny sitting dutifully beside her, before slipping away to Mom's room.

Danny and Amber are asleep now, in Danny's bed. Evie's tired but she's taking any opportunity to spend time with Mom while she still can. As she runs the brush through Mom's hair, she pauses, noticing silver roots blooming in the ash blonde locks that she's sure weren't there before.

Shaking it off, Evie rummages through Mom's jewellery box, finding Mom's favourite crescent moon hairpin. As she lifts it out, the ring on her thumb glints in the light of the bedside lamp. Evie quickly plunks her hand down, but Mom sees it.

What's that sweetheart? she signs. She signs most of the time these days - it hurts her too much to talk.

Nothing, Evie says, sheepish.

Mom laughs. Liar. She lifts Evie's hand, freezing when she sees the golden band. Is that your father's ring? Mom asks tentatively.

Evie nods guiltily.

But I thought he took it with him?

Evie shakes her head. I found it here, on the floor, after he went. I would have told you but … I like having it with me. It makes me feel closer to him.

Mom squeezes Evie's hand tenderly. Her hands are rough and blotchy from cleaning. It's okay Evie. I understand. Mom sighs. I should have handled your dad leaving better. I should have been there for you.

Evie shrugs – as far as she's concerned Mom has nothing to apologise for.

He might be okay, you know. He's certainly avoided all this.

He's dead, Evie says bluntly. I know that. It was his fault anyway.

Mom grimaces at her. You shouldn't say that Evie. I know it's easy to be angry with him, but I know you miss him. Mom's face brightens. What if I gave you something from me? Something to remember me by?

Mom don't –

Evelyn, please. You must accept it. I'm going to die. It's going to happen. And when it does you need to take your brother and sister to Aunt Kate's. Evie's face crumples and tears pour from her eyes. Mom puts her arm around Evie, holding her close. "I'm so sorry sweetie but it's true," she croaks into Evie's ear. "You have to be strong for your brother and sister. You're stronger than you know. Just promise me that you'll stay together. You, Amber and Danny. You have to protect each other."

"I promise," Evie sniffles. "I promise."

"Good." Mom pulls back, wiping the tears from Evie's face with her thumb. "Now let's get that pin in your hair. It's going to look really pretty."

Evie lets Mom thread the pin into her hair. It takes Mom a while – her hands shake, and she keeps jabbing her fingers on the point, but she manages to be gentle. It's kind of nice, actually. Evie closes her eyes, relaxing for the first time in months.

"Done!" Mom says and Evie's disappointed that it's over so soon. Mom plucks a hand mirror from her box and holds it out so Evie can see. To her surprise, Evie likes it. The pin sparkles prettily in her hair and Evie smiles. Mom grins back at her. "See, I told you!"

Watching Mom in the mirror, she almost looks like her old, happy, healthy self again. Evie doesn't want to look away - if she keeps looking then she can pretend that everything will stay this way, that it's all okay -

It's only then that they hear the laughter outside.

Caesar held out his hand to Eve, waiting patiently. Eve hesitated for half a second and then took his hand. His hand, warm and coarse, firmly gripped hers and he went to lift her up. Predictably, as soon as Caesar hoisted her upright, Eve's legs sang in agony and they folded underneath her. Catching her, Caesar tucked his arm underneath Eve's, bearing all of Eve's weight. Breathing a quick "thanks", Eve threw her arm over Caesar's shoulders to steady herself. Eve almost wanted to apologise for Caesar taking all her weight when she remembered – he's a freaking chimpanzee who was many, many times stronger than her. He could handle it. Anyhow, there wasn't much of her left anyways, barely skin and bone.

Slowly but surely, Caesar escorted her out of the hut, gesturing for the others to follow. The sudden blast of sunlight blinded Eve and she had to stop for a few moments to let the dizzying spots in her eyes fade. Squinting into the light, her eyes gradually adjusted.

The first thing she saw was apes. Lots and lots of apes. In their huts, the paths, and the trees above, apes gawped at her, frozen on the spot. Eve squirmed at the attention and averted her eyes. Seeing her discomfort, Caesar grunted at them, jerking his head. One by one, the apes reluctantly went about their day although Eve could still feel their eyes on her.

Eve wasn't entirely sure where Caesar was taking her. For all she knew, he was showing her the door, or worse, but she doubted that. He wouldn't be walking her along himself if he was just going to throw her out. Or at least she hoped not.

Guided by Caesar, they walked down the narrow trails, passing several huts as they did. Eve stumbled over the stones, the last one pitching her forward despite Caesar's grip. Luckily, a large, furry arm was thrown out in front of her in the nick of time, preventing her from falling flat on her face. Righting herself, Eve turned to see Luca looking down at her. "Thank you," Eve said gratefully, and Luca nodded, flashing a glimmer of a smile.

Eventually, the pathway opened onto a massive courtyard. Eve couldn't help but gasp. The beauty of it was stunning. The courtyard was ringed by intricately built wooden walls made from fallen logs and branches. From here Eve could see that the village (it was a village, there was no other way to describe it) was up high, nestled into a mountain. Other huts and buildings were sprawled across the woods of the mountain, linked together by footpaths cut through the trees. At the back of the courtyard, Eve spied a stone platform tucked cosily into a corner. On the wall, Eve could just make out what looked like writing and symbols chalked onto it.

Looking up the hill, Eve could see tree roots embedded into the rock. Following the roots up, a massive tree was sat at the top of a hill, overlooking the whole village. Logs had been planted in the trunk, spiralling into a staircase up to the top, above the leaves, where a large house had been constructed.

"Wow," Eve breathed, probably one of the few genuine 'wows' she'd ever uttered in her life. "Is that your house?" she asked Caesar, fascinated. He chuckled at her childlike wonder and nodded.

Eve was enthralled by the village and was trying to take in everything, finding herself unconsciously pulling Caesar along as she went to explore. It was typical of Eve to get so distracted in potential life or death situations. Ever since she was a child, Eve was prone to daydreaming and would often wander off if her attention wasn't held long enough; so much so that Dad used to call her his 'little wanderer'. Granted, Dad wouldn't be so fond of his 'little wanderer' when he'd have to yell hundreds of times to get her attention when she was right next to him. The worst time was when Evie was two years old and he and Mom spent hours trying to find her in the zoo only to discover that she was still diligently running her toy train along the edge of all the enclosures, not once noticing that they were gone. She could feel the 'wandering' coming on now and she was tempted to ask Caesar a thousand questions: how did you build this, how long did it take, where's the water coming from, is there a waterfall nearby –

Eve was cut short by the sight of a small group of apes bunched together by the corner of the courtyard. At the front of the group was a chimpanzee with long slashes running down his back. As he spun towards her, it all clicked. Travis. Sugriva. Bad Ape. The baby. Luna. Bad Ape. Kali. Jambo. Bear. Yolanda. Olive. Star. Grape. Kopral. Lily. Autumn. Gaia. Harley. Rama. Eshu. All here. All alive.

A few beats rolled by and then a piercing shriek of joy sounded, and they surged towards her. Eve barely had time to register anything that was happening before Travis whisked her out Caesar's arms, crushing her into a tight hug. Sugriva's arm wrapped around her shoulders and he pushed his face forward, pressing his forehead against hers. Bad Ape was calling Eve's name ecstatically, hoping about by her knees. Eve felt her eyes prickle with tears, and she put her arms around Travis and Sugriva, burying her head into Sugriva's shoulder. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm so sorry."

"It … okay," Travis said, and Sugriva squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.

Someone behind them grunted and Travis and Sugriva pulled away from Eve, revealing Kali holding the excited baby orang. Eve reached out for her and the baby practically jumped into her arms, clinging onto Eve's neck. Eve enfolded her arms around the baby and clasped her close to her chest, cooing to her soothingly. "Thank you, Kali," Eve said earnestly. "How's she been?"

Kali smiled. "Good … missing you. So has … Bear." Tucked into Kali's arm, Bear's head peeked out at Eve and she laughed and ruffled his head. "Missed you too sweetheart."

Suddenly, Luna, tail wagging frantically, leapt up at her, her paws scrabbling for purchase on Eve's shoulders. She yipped happily, licking Eve's face. If wasn't for Sugriva and Travis, Eve would have been knocked off her feet, but she didn't care, giggling and stroking Luna's back. "Give me a sec you looney dog," she said.

With Travis's and Sugriva's help, Eve knelt, bringing her level with Bad Ape. Bad Ape scrambled into Eve's arms, chattering away, all the while Luna zoomed around them, lapping at their faces. "Friend Eve! Friend Eve! So happy! Happy day!"

Rama and Eshu were the only ones that didn't come up to Eve, hiding at the back. She smiled at them in greeting and Rama bobbed his head briefly in acknowledgement. Eshu, turned away, arms folded. Oh well. It was the best she was ever going to get from either of them.

Caesar and his council observed from a distance, giving them space. In complete gratitude, Eve mouthed the words "thank you" to Caesar and Cornelia, the tightness in her throat choking off the sound. They smiled at her in return, genuinely happy for them. You and your family can wait here, Caesar said. I'm sure you have a lot to talk about. In the meantime, I will talk with the council.

Caesar and the council began heading up towards Caesar's home. Koba hesitated, staring at them with an unreadable expression, before loping after his fellow council members. Eve watched him go, feeling an increasing sense of dread. Trouble, she thought. He's trouble.

Before she could think on it further, she became aware of Bad Ape gibbering at her, pointing wildly at her face. "What, what?" Eve said, momentarily panicked.

"Friend Eve! Your eyes – eyes are different!" Bad Ape said.

Eve relaxed and sighed, assuming he was talking about a burst blood vessel or something. "Why, are they still red? I told you it's because –"

"No friend Eve! They're green!"

Leading the council into his home, Caesar was at last satisfied with Eve's and the other apes' stories. Before, he wasn't sure what to think when they'd started questioning Eve. Even if he'd believed them when they had first arrived, Koba's discovery of the guns had made Caesar doubt himself. In truth, the uncovering of the guns had infuriated Caesar and he wondered whether Koba was right and that he'd allowed his memories of Will to cloud his judgement.

He hadn't liked confining the troop to their homes, but he couldn't justify the risk. After all, Pope had taught him that even apes could become corrupted under the influence of humans. He had the apes questioned at length about the guns and they all agreed: it was definitely Travis' fault. Caesar had no trouble believing that as Travis was the only one that had gotten defensive about the guns, insisting that they were necessary for Eve's safety. That was another thing Caesar noticed – how Travis never talked about the group as a group, only mentioning Eve.

Caesar was stunned when it was revealed that Eve had survived. While Caesar had considered a scenario in which Eve lived in his head, he'd never gave it much thought. She'd been so ill, Caesar was sure that she would die, and, whilst he was sorry for her suffering, he had to admit that it would be easier on everyone if she died. But no. She lived and Caesar was at loss on what to do.

He wasn't sure what he was expecting when he 'officially' met Eve for the first time. She was certainly frail – her scrawny and starved body made that clear - but there was a steely determination in her eyes that he respected. She had certainly held her own whilst being questioned by them – it was not often that Caesar saw someone stand up to Koba, let alone a human. Oh, she was brave, that was for sure. Strong too. Not once had she given in to her fragility (physical or emotional) and she'd been more than happy to give what she took, going as far as to snap at Caesar! While he couldn't say he'd been pleased by that, he secretly admired it. It had also told him something else very important: that her feelings for the apes were real and that they were fierce.

Taking her to see the apes had been the final test - he'd wanted to see how the troop reacted to her survival, whether they were delighted or dismayed with her recovery. Their reaction to her was astounding to most of the council, least of all Caesar. The pure happiness in their faces, the way they ran to her, the way they'd embraced her … They really did love her. And she loved them.

As he ushered the council into his home, Caesar thought about how Eve had offered to leave to guarantee the safety of the troop. It was quite a selfless thing to do, for ape or human. If they made her leave, she would be completely alone, no friends or family, in a world with very few humans left. And yet, knowing that, she still offered to leave. At that moment, Caesar resolved that he wouldn't have Eve expelled from the village. Human or not, he could not in good conscience tear Eve from the only family she had left or them from her. He was going to let her stay.

The trouble was convincing everyone else that this was a good idea.

Beckoning everyone to sit, Caesar settled next to Cornelia at the front, looking over the rest of the council. Caesar scrutinised his council, measuring their reaction to what they'd just seen. Maurice was serene – he was obviously touched by Eve and the apes' reunion. Luca was the same, however much he was trying to hide it. Rocket was neutral (he would follow Caesar's lead no matter what he thought) and Percy had his fist knuckled at his mouth, his pose when he was deep in thought. Unexpectedly, Koba appeared to be thinking it over as well. This was encouraging and Caesar felt cautiously optimistic. Maybe the apes' reaction to Eve had convinced Koba that she could be trusted. Perhaps the fact that Eve too had been experimented on in a lab made her more sympathetic to Koba.

So the human will leave soon? Koba asked hopefully.

Or not.

We cannot make her leave, Maurice protested. She is still too weak. We would be sending her out to die!

Koba shrugged, unfazed.

We shouldn't be making her leave anyway! Cornelia said. It would be cruel to separate her and the baby! The troop wouldn't allow it.

It is not their decision, Koba said, undeterred. We can give the baby to a female orangutan.

We can't just steal the baby from the person she sees as her mother and hand her over to some random female! Cornelia insisted. Would you have her second mother taken away from her too?

Koba became agitated, bristling with outrage. "Human - took my – mother!" Koba snarled, hurt. "I would - never take an ape - from their real mother!"

"Koba," Caesar said sternly. "Choose your … next words … wisely!"

Koba lowered his head, genuinely repentant for shouting at his queen. The rage in his face crumbled and for a moment Caesar could see the frightened, grief-stricken child Koba had once been. I am sorry my queen, he said. Forgive me.

It is alright Koba, Cornelia said kindly. I know that you still grieve for your mother. But Eve is different – she did not snatch this baby from her mother. She took the baby in because her mother was killed escaping the lab and there was no one else to care for her.

But why would a human do that? Koba said with childlike naïveté. Why would a human take care of an ape if not to use or hurt it?

I think … I think that Eve felt for her, especially as she is a baby. Cornelia paused. But I also think that it is her way of … honouring her sister's sacrifice. To make her sister's death meaningful. To know she continued what her sister started.

Koba fell quiet, and Caesar thought that Koba at long last accepted what she was saying.

So she stays? Luca said, breaking the stillness. The girl?

Caesar drew himself up. Yes. That is what I want. I know that it will be difficult for some apes to accept but I believe that Eve is a friend to apes. I believe that she escaped a lab with the troop, and I believe that she cares for them, not as pets but as equals. It would not be right to turn Eve away – nor would it be right to take her from the troop.

I agree, Cornelia said.

As do I, Percy said unexpectedly. Seeing everyone's questioning glances, he elaborated. She doesn't act like a normal human. Doesn't talk to apes with stupid-speak.

Caesar grasped what Percy meant – 'stupid-speak' was what many apes used to describe the childish way humans spoke to apes before the Rise, clucking at them as if they were nothing more than dumb, mindless animals. Eve hadn't spoken to them like that; she had talked to them with respect.

I too think that she is an ally to apes and that she can adapt to our ways, Percy maintained. And even if it is revealed that she is a danger, she is one and we are many.

But what if there are other humans out there waiting for her? Grey countered, provoked into talking by Koba's lack of response. What if they sent her to spy on apes?

It's unlikely, Maurice said thoughtfully. Why would they send her to spy on apes if they weren't sure she was going to live? We all saw how unwell she was – and how vulnerable she is now. It would be impossible to fake that.

The council concurred – it was unlikely.

It would be better to have her stay, Luca said. If she remains here, we can watch her to see whether she's a spy or not. We can search the woods for other humans to be sure as well.

Luca's plan was sound – it would make more sense to keep Eve in the village where they could keep a closer eye on her. If other humans were found or Eve was discovered to have ulterior motives, they would deal with it then.

So are we all in agreement? Caesar said. The others dipped their heads in assent. Grey and Stone looked to Koba to interject but he ignored them, glowering into the distance. Dejected, Grey and Stone gave up, grudgingly accepting the council's decision.

Maurice smiled at Caesar. Shall we tell them?

"Green?! My eyes aren't green!" Eve slapped at her eyes as if that was somehow going to help. "Show me! Somebody! Does anyone have something shiny?"

There's water over there, Sugriva said, pointing to a water bath supplied by the wooden piping running through the courtyard. Sugriva was also gawping at Eve's eyes and she knew by the disbelief in his face that he could see what Bad Ape was seeing.

Flustered, Eve staggered onto her feet, adrenaline the only thing holding her up. Clutching at Sugriva's shoulder, Eve shuffled over to the water in the fastest walk she could bear.

Peering at the water's surface, Eve couldn't see anything she recognised. Looking back at her was a wan, emaciated woman with dark knotted hair tumbling down to her waist. On the top of the woman's head, silver streaks were starting to root and the normally rich red of the hair was dull.

I really shouldn't be so surprised, Eve thought. Now that she thought of it, it had been years since she'd even looked at herself on purpose. Long before she went into the lab.

The crescent moon tangled in her hair glittered faintly in the water and the copper leaf hanging from her neck swung lazily on its chain. Automatically, Eve's hand flew up, and she exhaled in relief when she saw Dad's gold ring glinting on her bony finger.

But those was the last familiar, comforting features. Eve turned her attention to her face and shuddered. Her pasty skin was stretched tightly across her skull, her cheekbones and nose jutting out sharply.

Her eyes were a vivid green.

Eve's ears roared and she had to bend down, letting the blood rush back into her head. No, no, no, no. Her eyes were blue. Her eyes were blue. Like Mom and Dad's.

"What have they done to me?" she breathed, and she knew she wasn't just talking about the eyes. Her chest constricted and she choked out a dry sob. "What did they do to me?" she cried, desperately looking for someone, anyone that had the answers. All the troop could do was stare back at her helplessly.

Stirred by Eve's panic, the baby twitched, turning from Eve's chest and gazing into the water. Squeaking in interest, the baby fluttered her arms, spellbound by the reflection. Feeling her breathing slow, Eve chuckled and waved at the baby's reflection. The baby gurgled and flapped her arms like a giant baby bird and Eve laughed, the anxiety draining from her. Eve felt a surge of pure love for the little girl with her big azure eyes and fluffy cloud-like fur, and she impulsively kissed the little girl's head. The body of the baby's real mother flashed before her eyes and Eve went cold. It was a reminder - the baby didn't belong to her.

"It … okay Eve," Bad Ape said. "Eyes green … like us!"

Eve considered this. Her eyes did match the exact shade of the changed apes'. In a way, Eve had to admit that despite the terror they made her feel they were quite beautiful.

"Does that mean I get to be super smart as opposed to just smart?" Eve said, trying to joke, the hysteric quaver in her voice making it fall flat.

Maybe it not last long? Yolanda signed, cautiously edging into Eve's view. She knew better than to come up from behind Eve.

"Maybe," Eve said, unconvinced.

"Could be side effect," Travis grunted. "Nothing … to worry about."

"Yeah." Eve wavered. "Should we tell Caesar?"

"Why?" Travis spat aggressively. "He don't need to know."

"Well, I just thought I should tell them. What if it means something?"

"It mean nothing!" Travis said brusquely. "It not matter."

Eve frowned, confused. "What is it Travis? Did something happen? Do you not trust Caesar?"

"Caesar … okay. Other apes … not so sure. One-Eye and others … threaten … to hurt you. One-Eye take guns from us!"

"One-Eye? You mean Koba? Besides, you weren't supposed to have those! I told you to get rid of them!"

"Need … for troop safety! And One-Eye hurt you! Make you … shake!" He threw up his hands in frustration.

"Make me shake? Like a seizure?" Travis nodded. "Travis you can't make someone have a seizure!"

"He did," Travis muttered stubbornly.

"Well, he couldn't have. He probably has very good reasons for not liking me anyway. I'm human, remember? Most apes aren't going to like me."

"But you're different," Travis retained.

"They don't know that."

Travis and Eve glared at each other stubbornly, at a stalemate.

What happens now? Sugriva interrupted. What did they say?

"They asked me about what happened in the labs, why I was with all of you," Eve explained. "They asked me about what happened before … all this. They said that you could all stay here."

Everyone in the troop seemed pleased with that and Eve was relieved that everyone liked it here.

All except Travis. "And you?" he said purposefully.

Eve bit her lip. "I … I don't know. They didn't say. But I don't think I'll be allowed to stay here."

It was like she'd set off a firework. Travis growled and Sugriva rumbled angrily. Yolanda panted and Bad Ape squawked, babbling "oh no, oh no!" The other apes in the courtyard snapped their heads towards the troop in alarm, and Eve desperately waved them down.

"I know it's … I know it's hard, but we should have expected this," Eve pleaded. "I was never going to able to stay. It would never work."

"Then I go," Travis said flatly.

To Eve's mortification, Bad Ape agreed. "I go too!"

"NO!" Eve thundered. "Travis don't encourage him. You must stay here! This is what this has all been about! Getting you all home! There was never going to be any place for me in that."

But what will you do? Yolanda implored.

"I could go and see the sights. I've never been to San Francisco before. I hear it's very nice this time of year." Eve strove to keep her voice light, but she knew she wasn't fooling anybody.

I'm not leaving you, Sugriva said.

"You have to," Eve said softly. "This was our reason. You won't be safe with me. There are still people out there, dangerous people. We would have to hide all the time. We couldn't settle down anywhere."

Neither could you, Sugriva pointed out.

"I'll … I'll be okay. I'll … make my own way." Eve had plans for exactly what she would do when she left but they didn't need to know any of that. It was better that way.

"I –"

Abruptly, hoots and jabbering began to fill the courtyard. Apes started arriving from every corner, hopping down from the walls and the trees.

The troop recoiled from the apes, shrinking back towards Eve. Travis hissed and pulled his teeth back, lunging forward until Eve laid a hand on his shoulder. "Relax. I don't think they're here for us."

Even though the apes sneaked occasional glances in their direction, most of them were looking up expectantly at the stone platform, waiting. A few minutes later, Caesar and his council strode onto the platform, Caesar and Cornelia up front, hand in hand. The apes below shrieked excitedly. Obviously, Caesar had summoned them all here. But for what? To kick her out? Now that would be really mean.

With a wave of his hand, Caesar beckoned for the troop to come up. The troop shuffled anxiously but Eve immediately took Sugriva's arm and made her way up, Travis and Luna nipping at her heels. One by one, the rest of them trailed after her. As she approached Caesar, he smiled at her and she felt a twinge of hope. Surely he can't do all this just to banish me? Eve thought. He can't be that cruel.

Apes, Caesar said, addressing the crowd beneath, I know there have been many rumours in the past few days. I know that some of you have been afraid and feared for apes' safety, but I am here to put these fears to rest. Caesar paused meaningfully, his gaze sweeping across the apes. This much is true – a few days ago, we found a troop of apes that were searching for us. With them was a very sick human. She stands here before you today. Caesar gestured to Eve and Eve nodded back, doing her best to hide the nerves that skittered across her as the apes gawked at her.

Her name is Eve. She was poisoned by other humans – humans that experimented on humans and apes! A murmur rippled through the crowd; the notion that both apes and humans were being experimented on was unthought of, alien.

It was with great sacrifice that Eve led these apes to our home. Although she was at the point of death, she ensured that these apes, apes that she considers her friends, made their way to a new home. Eve also took in an ape baby made motherless by the humans that had experimented on them, caring for her as if she were her own. The apes beheld the infant. Resting on Eve's hip, the girl scrunched her face into Eve's neck, hiding from the stares. Meeting some of the apes' eyes, Eve noticed that the suspicion or hostility on some of their faces had relaxed. People always get mushy around kids, Eve thought with amusement.

This sickness nearly killed Eve. Caesar continued. I witnessed this myself. Yet, she has survived, bringing great joy to her friends. She has been a strong and valuable ally to apes. She is not like other humans. She too has experienced the cruelty humans have inflicted on apes and fought against them. Are we to banish someone that has cared for apes, even above herself? To Eve's amazement, some of the apes disagreed, shaking their heads and making deriding noises. No. It would be wrong to treat a friend to apes so cruelly. Therefore, it has been decided that Eve shall become a member of our colony.

For a second Eve couldn't hear or see anything around her, the shock rendering her numb. Suddenly, the jubilant hoots and screams of the troop crashed into her and she felt everyone reaching for her, pulling her into a hug. Eve went into their arms floppily, still dazed.

One by one, Sugriva, Travis, Bad Ape, Kali, Jambo, Bear, Yolanda, Olive, Star, Grape, Kopral, Lily, Autumn, Gaia, and Harley embraced Eve, all interlinking together. There was a few indignant grunts and Eve looked up to see Banshee clambering on everyone's heads to get to Eve. Plopping himself insolently on Travis' head, Banshee patted Eve's head, almost like he was congratulating her, and she snickered.

The apes gaped at them: some were absolutely stunned by the display of emotion between ape and human, a few even disgusted, while others seemed pleased.

Rama and Eshu shuffled awkwardly, standing apart from the group.

Caesar and Cornelia grinned at the troop and Maurice smiled, happy with how things had been resolved. Eve's eyes met Caesar's and she'd never felt so thankful. Despite the fact that she was human, he was willing risk the safety of his people so that she could stay with the only family she had left, even going as far as to compliment her, acknowledging everything she had lost to get here. She didn't just want to thank him – she wanted to do something much more significant.

Slipping out of the group hug, Eve walked towards Caesar, shrugging off Sugriva and Travis. She wanted to do this by herself. Holding the baby in her left arm, Eve knelt before Caesar and held out her palm in submission. Everything went still – the apes clearly hadn't known that Eve was aware of or willing to do ape rituals. Some of the troop gasped and Travis audibly grumbled but she ignored them. After a couple of beats, Eve felt Caesar slide his palm across hers and she looked up to see him smiling down at her. All the apes howled and called out and it sounded like celebration. Caesar held out his hand and Eve gladly took it, letting him pull her up.

The baby fidgeted in Eve's arms and Eve beamed down at her. Cornelia held her finger out to the baby and she gripped it curiously, turning it in her little hands. Do you have a name for her yet? Cornelia asked.

Before, Eve would have refused (and did refuse, many times) to give the baby a name. It wasn't because she didn't love the girl. It was because she knew she would have to leave her eventually, one way or another. But it was different now. Eve could stay with her. She could take care of the girl as her baby. In that moment, Eve swore that they would never be parted again. She wouldn't allow it.

So, yes, Eve did have a name for her. Eve had known the baby's name from the very start. She just hadn't been able to bring herself to say it.

"Sky," Eve said. "Her name is Sky."

Notes:

Aw, so the baby finally got named :) Glad I can call her by her name now lol.
So Eve has green eyes now (though I guess you could say Travis is the real green-eyed monster lol). The impact of that is entirely dependant on what people want to see. I have a lot of ideas on where that could go, from Eve getting slightly smarter to getting SUPER smart just like some certain creepy people in Beneath the Planet of the Apes. Just let me know what you think!
In the next chapter, things are going to start picking up now so the story is going to go forward in time by a bit so we can see how everyone settles in, especially Eve.
As always, I'd love feedback so I know to continue. Stay safe everyone :)