The room remained silent for an extended period. Upon reaching the conclusion of her account on reuniting with Caesar, Iris ceased her speech, resulting in a temporary impasse, while the interviewer diligently recorded notes.
"It appears that you were in a rather precarious situation, wouldn't you agree? However, based on the life you have led, I assume you are accustomed to such occurrences. It seems that you are not easily frightened, but rather there are few things that you truly fear," he stated while gesturing.
"Your propensity for engaging in risky exploits and dangerous circumstances raises concerns about your inclination towards mortality," the man commented, while diligently transcribing his thoughts without diverting his attention towards her.
She reacted with a dismissive scoff.
He continued looking over some papers. "Could it be that you are afraid of something more profound?" he questioned contemplatively.
The room became filled with an overwhelming silence, leaving the brunette unaffected and expressionless. This, needless to say, made the interviewer increasingly uncomfortable under her unwavering gaze. Deep inside, he yearned for any sign or gesture that would alleviate the tension, but her cold hazel eyes sent shivers down his spine. The man displayed a subtle flinch as he observed her arching her back and placing her hands on her legs while intertwining her fingers.
"Contrary to what I may have implied, I do indeed harbor fears of numerous things. Over the past 14 years, I have not experienced a sense of safety. I have witnessed countless events that continue to haunt me," she conveyed in a straightforward manner.
"However, given the current state of the world we inhabit," she commented, her mind drifting as she gently caressed a few scars on her arm and tilted her head slightly to the side in her seat "Nothing surprises me anymore…" she replied simply.
"How did you feel seeing him again after all those years? ," He asked, snapping her out her thoughts.
She brought her head up to look at him.
"I don't really know how to describe it... happy, scared, and sad came in all at once and I didn't know how to process it...I knew I would run into him again eventually...but I wasn't emotionally or mentally prepared for it," She said as she was playing with her bracelet
...
Somewhere in San Francisco 2026, 3 years ago
They were in a state of apprehension for a considerable period. In the midst of a war zone, they were at risk of facing ambush at any given moment. In spite of the chilling sight of lifeless bodies drenched in blood and the scent of gunpowder, the primates remained motionless as they observed their leader subdue the human female without taking any further action following the removal of her gas mask. To put it mildly, there was a palpable anxiety in the air as everyone refrained from making any actions or utterances, keenly aware of the tension emanating from the king and the human woman. They could only wash it in anticipation, waiting for what the ruler would instruct them to do next.
No more so than Rocket. His confusion grew as he realized that the ape King unmistakably recognized this woman, leaving him puzzled as to why his oldest friend was reacting in such a manner. How he wasn't sure. He failed to detect any indication of ill intention or suspicion in his gaze. No, it was more akin to a feeling of regret and confusion.
"Caesar?..." He signed, unsure.
In the meantime, Iris, who remained trapped, displayed a vacant expression, observing the unfolding situation and the lingering uncertainty of the possible return of additional soldiers. Despite not having maintained contact for years, the proximity between them made her realize the discomfort they both felt. Her intention was to steer clear of this confrontation. Without the mask, she could feel the smoke entering her lungs, making it harder for her to breathe due to her weak breathing and stress.
"Could you please get off me now?..." she inquired with a firm yet gentle tone.
Upon her conversation with him, he was suddenly jolted out of his state of distraction. He averted his gaze and emitted a low grunt before gradually disengaging from her. When he was fully off is when she slowly put herself off. She acted in response to the numerous cautious gazes, which even included the nearby gray chimpanzee. It was worth noting that she had recently wielded a weapon and remained unfazed. However, she became slightly startled when a dark gorilla swiftly approached to protect his king.
"Luca…no!" his voice raised, with a sudden change in his focus. He directed his gaze towards him and delivered a sharp and authoritative instruction, punctuated by a raised hand.
The intense gaze and raised hand from Caesar caused him to step back, yet it did not diminish his suspicion and concern for his King as he observed the human woman.
The pale woman determined it would be most advantageous to present her hands while maintaining a stoic demeanor, with the gesture of placing her weapons in front of them for observation. In order to demonstrate that she posed no threat to them or harbored any intention of exploiting them. Then drifting them away with her foot.
"Relax sunshine, do you really think a twig like me can do anything outnumbered?" she replied sarcastically.
In reaction to this, Luca audibly exhaled in frustration while persistently wearing a frown in her direction. The brunette was surprised by the number of apes in the city. She knew about the recent uprising and attack on the colony, but she didn't realize it was enough for all the apes to leave the forest. However, upon reflecting on the scene that unfolded before her, she discerned the escalating severity of the altercation. Caesar was currently preventing them from taking action, and she sensed that most were hesitant to oppose him. However, she wasn't certain if others might act impulsively, given what happened in the past. Despite her knowledge that even if there was an alpha, they couldn't control everybody, she learned that the hard way a long time ago. She knew better; she had to be on her guard. While she may not possess her weapons, she possesses alternative methods to escape a situation of this nature if necessary. She noticed that there was tension and confusion among the crowd of simians. Their king was protecting her and showed recognition, which added to the confusion.
"Iris...you are alive," Caesar uttered in a state of disbelief, barely able to breathe.
When she heard him speak, she looked back at him with a determined gaze. She attempted to conceal her emotions upon seeing the chimpanzee once more - a combination of elation from the reunion with her adopted sibling and a profound sense of sorrow and frustration.
"To put it figuratively..." she responded with a hint of sarcasm, as she leaned over to retrieve her bag that had fallen during the altercation.
He frowned at her comment. Seeing her contemptuous attitude hadn't changed a little since they were younger on that part. Apart from some physical changes like scars and aging, he could sense that she was different just by looking into her eyes. The Innocence that she once possessed, just like him, had ceased to exist a long time ago.
"How?... where have-
However, he stopped when he noticed both Luca and Rocket tensing up, probably suspicious of the woman reaching into the bag. But Caesar raised his hand to make them pause. A number of primates in the vicinity emitted hooting sounds, expressing a blend of anticipation and suspicion upon witnessing the human woman's act of grasping an item.
"Would you all just relax?" She raised her voice slightly. She could sense her frustration intensifying as she took a deep breath, causing a slight wheeze.
Caesar frowned, hearing her breathing. Part of it was concerned, though. Rocket seemed just confused, looking at his ruler and the woman.
"What's wrong with her?" He signed to his friend.
"I don't know…" he told his friend honestly, though he had a feeling what it might be, but he had no confirmation about it.
"I have nothing to do with this," Iris said, gasping slightly and gesturing towards the gruesome scene. "I just want to grab my things and go."
Upon hearing her statement, Caesar displayed a slight reaction, as if taken aback...was she indeed departing? Just like this? Upon their long-awaited reunion, he couldn't help but suspect her intention to vanish. He was briefly overcome by a hint of hurt, followed by a cascade of other emotions, as he reflected on his apes and friends and contemplated both the past and the present. A blend of nostalgia and melancholy overwhelmed him, as he rarely discussed the fact that he was raised by humans. Only a select few close friends, his wife, and his son are aware of this. Throughout his upbringing by his human family, he accumulated numerous joyful reminiscences, yet simultaneously harbored a sense of disappointment in their shortcomings.
" Caesar, please wait!"The sound of a male voice caught their attention, prompting the human women in the Apes to redirect their gaze towards a familiar figure who arrived breathlessly after running over. With a cautious gaze, he surveyed the scene before him, his eyes widening as he grew increasingly concerned by the escalating tension with the apes.
"Caesar, I know her. I know this looks bad, but she wouldn't have anything to do with this," the middle-aged man said, trying to stick up for her. "Those things she carries are mostly just for protection," he referred to her weapons. "Since she no longer lives in the colony, she's become more careful," he explained, glancing at the apes' reactions and checking for any nearby soldiers. Considering everything going on lately, he was fractionally jumpy since they first showed up.
Caesar was genuinely taken aback by Malcolm's acquaintance with her, but what truly astonished him was the revelation that Iris lived outside of The Colony. However, he redirected his focus towards the woman before him. He couldn't help but ponder the experiences that his sister had endured over the past decade.
"Apes…will not harm her. "He reassured his human friend, promising to ensure her safety. However, deep down, he harbored concerns, as the apes had recently exhibited strong opinions and did not always comply with his instructions. In response to this, Malcolm placed the hand on his shoulder, but not before going over the young woman.
" Iris, Iris are you alright" he asked her, placing his hands on her arms. She refrained from making eye contact with him momentarily, directing her gaze towards the scene of death as she let out a faint wheeze.
"I'm alright, I've been in scuffles before," she breathed, clutching her chest and trying to regulate her breathing. The combination of difficulty breathing and stress made her slightly anxious, causing her to rub her temple and close her eyes.
Malcolm blinked briefly and then sighed deeply as he rubbed his eyes. "Iris, do you comprehend the potential danger you could have faced? These apes are already on edge."
"I know Malcolm," she cut him off curtly, "I know, not an idiot. "I know what happened in the colony because of one hateful bastard of an ape," she spitefully said, turning her gaze back towards the older man. " I also knew Dreyfus was a prideful idiot but didn't know he was a complete brain dead fuck," she replied with an equal amount of spitefulness.
"I understand frustration, but it's probably better that you get out of the city now," he told her. He glanced at the dead bodies and asked, "Are you sure?... You haven't had a play in this? "He asked her with uncertainty.
She furrowed her eyebrows at him and firmly denied his accusation. Feeling insulted and upset, she expressed disbelief" Do you actually fucking think I would get involved with soldiers, do you even know me?" While keeping her voice low, she occasionally glanced at Caesar in the Apes. The king, who was frowning, wondering what they were talking about.
"Iris, I'm not accusing you. I'm just wondering if you got caught in the crossfire. I wouldn't blame you if you were trying to-
"No!" She firmly and slightly raised her voice, causing the apes to screech in response. Realizing her actions, she took a deep breath and stated, "No... they were already deceased when I arrived. I assure you, I am speaking the truth," her eyes conveying solemnity as they met his gaze.
Malcolm ran a hand through his hair at this as he saw it again, looking at the scene…he didn't know how things got so bad. He never planned on this happening when they went up to go fix the dam. Both sides didn't plan on this. Both of them were partially responsible for the chaotic events, so it was difficult to assign blame. The past was unchangeable, not just for him, but for everyone; however, his focus remained solely on the present. By doing so, he was able to protect his family and possibly provide support to his few remaining companions.
"I'm sorry…things have been intense lately, "he replied apologetically.
"You wonder why I'm wearing the gas mask," she said sarcastically as she wheezed. The older man was becoming very concerned.
"Hey, are you alright? Maybe Ellie should check you out?He inquired, firmly grasping her arm in an attempt to assist her in maintaining an upright posture.
"I'm fine. It's just the smoke is not good for my lungs," she replied as she looked around for her gas mask. Upon discovering it, she promptly retrieved and repositioned it. Even though she said this, he couldn't help but worry about her.
"You should get out of the city and take her with you as well-
"We can't," she told him, cutting him off. "She's not doing well, Malcolm. She's in no condition right now," she told him seriously but quietly, not wanting the other apes to hear her, especially a certain ape.
During that a whole time the apes just stood by, most were growing impatient and most in anticipation. Rocket most of all was as well. Going over to his King he signed him.
"Malcolm knows her too, it seems? But I wonder what they're talking about?" He signed to the other, as he looked back and forth," How do you know her Caesar?" he signed curiously.
Caesar didn't know how to respond to his friend's question; yes, Rocket was one of the very few who knew that he was raised by a human family, but Rocket didn't know the full extent of who Caesar's's family was exactly. But he was also occupied by the two humans in front of him to respond properly.
Luca exhibited wariness due to her use of weapons in her altercation with Spear ,despite her acquaintanceship with their human friend and the King. Holding the belief that she possesses the capacity to pose a threat.
"I knew her…before we were free," with all he said simply.
The gray ape was undoubtedly astonished by this turn of events. He noticed a certain older orangutan knuckle over to the king. Maurice's green eyes darted between the humans and his dear friend. While others may not understand, he knew exactly what was happening. Upon hearing Caesar call out the young woman's name, he arrived at his own conclusion.
"Caesar, is it really her?" He signed to his friend carefully.
Maurice had never truly encountered Iris, although that statement wasn't entirely accurate. He had previously encountered her, to be precise, on a few occasions. On one occasion, at the shelter, and on another occasion, when Caesar bid farewell to his human family at the edge of the woods. Though she was a very young girl back, then so it was only natural that he or even his friend hadn't recognized her at first glance.
"It's her…" he told him firmly.
Maurice expressed his thoughts through a soft hum, primarily focused on his friend's well-being. The year after they regained freedom, Caesar missed his human family. It was obvious the chaos in the city from the woods. What was the most noticeable was the fires. The concerns of the ape King for their well-being led Caesar to decide on going himself. However, both Rocket and Koba, prior to his descent into darkness, expressed their opposition to it. Caesar reluctantly consented to dispatch scouts in his stead, emphasizing the urgency to expedite their mission amidst the turmoil and the risk of apprehension. The endeavor of covertly approaching the location and subsequently returning to report the absence of the individuals he sought proved to be quite challenging. Caesar, known for his impatience but level-headedness at the time, personally took charge on the second occasion. In defiance of the guidance provided by Maurice and his soon-to-be wife Cornelia, Caesar stumbled upon an entirely distinct revelation upon his arrival at the house. Indeed, he witnessed the evidence presented by the other Apes, revealing the intrusion and desecration of his childhood residence. However, what nearly shattered him was the sight of blood on the floor of the living room upon his entrance. He Didn't know whose blood it was or if his human family had survived. After that happened, he left due to the circumstances of almost being spotted. Maurice begged him to stop searching. He understood his friend needed to know what happened to his human family. But he also could see it was consuming him, along with the overwhelming responsibilities of their just beginning tribe. They needed him present and focused. It was his persuasion that led him to believe they may have been lost. The orangutan's gentle gaze shifted towards the human, providing evidence that not all of them had been lost. Sense of guilt had taken over him.
...
The sun had already set when she climbed the old, worn-out steps. A little bit of sunlight peeked through a broken window, marking the end of the day. To say the least, today did not unfold as she anticipated. Seeing him and all the others was certainly unexpected. Upon arriving at her intended floor, she observed its aged appearance, reminding her of the inevitable effects of time. Considering it wasn't really on the colonies border wasn't surprising. It is the best they could manage with what they had. Sensing that she had sufficiently protected herself from the smoke and was far enough from the majority of it, she decided to remove her mask. Approaching the entrance, she extracted a set of keys and proceeded to unlock it, unveiling a compact apartment. Positioned to the left was a worn-out green couch, gradually losing its color and adorned with tears, alongside a table resembling a counter. Putting her stuff on it, she was surprised when a ball of fur came running over to her.
She playfully teased, "Looks like you missed me, buddy," while gently petting her fluffy German Shepherd. The dog, thrilled to see his owner, wagged his tail and eagerly licked her face as she scratched his ears. At that moment, she retrieved an item from her pocket that resembled a worn-out squeaky toy. Although the squeak had clearly diminished over time, it remained functional and captivated the dog, evident by its perked ears.
" Look what I found for you boy, you want to go get" she said in a sweet tone as she threw the toy which he chased after happily.
" Iris?..." A soft but raspy voice called out for the young woman.
When she heard the voice, her smile faded a bit. She walked to the back of the room and opened the door. Inside, she found a small room with old, brownish walls. Nevertheless, it was clear that the young woman exerted considerable effort to uphold the tidiness of the room, despite its advanced age. Her gaze saw someone lying in a bed with brown sheets. She approached to inspect the intravenous drips connected to the individual's arms. The young woman grabbed the figure's hand, stroking it as the figure confessed, "I was genuinely worried about you."
"I'm sorry things got a little… sidetracked, She carefully chose her words, avoiding any reference to the events of the day that could worsen the delicate situation.
Though she could tell the figure in the bed was worried " Did something happen? Recently, I have been hearing the sound of gunfire and observing the presence of smoke.
The younger woman made a diligent effort to limit the amount of information the figure was aware of regarding the situation up there. Nonetheless, she recognized that the individual was not foolish and was gradually piecing things together. The young woman was aware that deceiving them was not an option, as they would easily detect any attempt. Afraid of being in deep water with them too if they got caught doing it, she would inform them about a conflict instigated by another group, so to speak. Which wasn't exactly a lie. Understanding the detrimental impact that stress and anxiety can have on their overall health. Following that, Iris proceeded towards the window to shut the blinds, but they noticed the presence of sunlight.
"If we stay out of its way and trust me, we'll be fine. We've managed to lay low for the past 5 years," she tried to reassure them. Nonetheless, there was still a lingering uncertainty within her.
"I don't like it when you hide things from me and downplay serious situations. With all the smoke around, I'm concerned about your asthma." The figure provides an explanation for the health concerns of the young woman.
"Don't worry about it for now," the young brunette said as she tucked them into bed. "Just rest, I'll come check on you later and make dinner."
The woman hesitated as the figure touched her face and said, "You remind me of your father. You look just like him."
Iris closed her eyes and gently placed the figure's hand on their chest before departing.
"I wonder what he's doing now…your brother…if he's happy, if he's alright. "They spoke with a touch of nostalgia.
With her hand trembling on the doorknob, the woman with brunette hair turned away from the figure. Without uttering a word, she departed the room and returned to the compact kitchen/living room. She became aware that her wheezing was resurfacing, this time with greater intensity, making it difficult for her to breathe. She removed the herbs from her bag and placed them onto a clay pot. She ignited the pot and positioned herself on the counter table. With the air becoming filled with smoke, she inhaled deeply, finding her lungs starting to unwind. She moved closer, sealed her eyes shut, and indulged in memories of the past.
Flashback 18 years ago
5-year-old Iris came down from the stairs holding her stuffed fox with one hand while the other one rubbed her sleepy eyes. She couldn't help but wake up hearing that her father had come home. Due to his recent habit of working late nights, they haven't had many opportunities to see each other. Her grandfather, who used to do many things, was very sick according to her dad. The merging of both caused her to experience deep loneliness.
" Daddy, you're back" she mumbled.
Will was actually shocked to see that his daughter was awake.
"Sweetheart, what are you doing up so late? " He inquired, placing the box down, before proceeding to lift her up.
"I heard you came home. I missed you, Daddy, "she replied as he placed her on the table. Subsequently, she noticed the presence of her grandfather in the room. She had previously heard him play the piano, although not as skillfully as he had before...she longed for the days when he used to give her lessons. She longs for the time when her grandpa was in better health. The girl was informed by her father that her grandfather was suffering from a challenging brain illness, which was difficult to treat. However, her father assured her that he would find a solution.
"Dad, Iris, we are going to have a guest staying with us for a while," said her father, Will, as he put a box on the table, addressing her and her grandfather.
Iris, in a state of curiosity, leaned down and opened the box to peer inside, discovering a baby chimpanzee.
" It's a monkey!The little girl expressed her excitement.
"He's actually a chimpanzee, sweetheart. He's not a pet, it's only temporary," he told her and her grandfather seriously.
"He's so cute," she said in awe.
Subsequently, she extended her hand towards the infant, who promptly clasped her finger, evoking a radiant smile from her. Subsequently, her grandfather proceeded to lift him into the air, all the while wearing a smile.
With the opening words of "Hail Caesar," her grandfather began reciting a passage from his books.
"What's his name, Daddy?" she asked.
End of Flashback
Tears rolled down Iris' face as she squeezed her eyes shut and buried her face in her hands, trying to hold back her sobs.