My Little Bird | Blue Eyes (Under minor grammatical editing)

Chapter 14

"Show. Me."

Malcolm nodded and slowly rose to his feet, his eyes switching warily between Luca and Koba, who stood behind him. Koba's harpoon was poised above his head, the sharp steel tip threatening to sever Malcolm's spine with just a push in the right direction. Caesar jumped down from the rock, and moved past the human slowly, his eyes glaring into Malcolm's, and I worried when the man didn't avert his gaze. Apes swarmed around Malcolm, putting themselves between he and their king as Caesar led Malcolm out of the village. Deja and I followed behind at the back of the group, and I was worried when I felt the eyes of the apes on me. I would have given anything to know what they were thinking when their irises fell upon my human body.

Malcolm was moved foreword, and Caesar stayed close, watching him like a hawk through a piercing green scowl. No one was happy that this man was here, and I had to say, neither was I. We were brought in a familiar direction, and once the log jam came into view, I knew where he was going. Deja and I shared a confused glance. The dam? Malcolm traveled down the ladder beside the dam and I didn't dare to peek over the edge until half the apes had filed inside. When I got the courage to go inside the machine, I ducked my head down and moved foreword slowly as I listened to what Malcolm was saying.

"We had electricity for a little while. Two people were sent up here to fix it. They never came back, but they got the job done." Malcolm's voice seemed to waver, but he cleared his throat and his voice rang out, clear and strong. "But the power went out again after an earthquake a few weeks ago. Did you feel it? We tried to figure out if it was a malfunction on our side of the bridge, but there's nothing wrong with the equipment there. So the only solution is that something happened here. Now, if you'll just let us do our work here-"

He was interrupted by a certain bonobo. "You. Brought. Others." Familiarity rang in my brain at Koba's accusation. I heard a silencing grunt from Caesar, and after a few moments hesitation, Malcolm spoke up again.

"Just a few... Depending on the damage we only need a few days here. This is your place, I know that. But my home is suffering, this dam can help us live again. Please. I have a family to take care of, I just want to get this thing going so I can raise my son. If you don't believe my intentions are true...then you can kill me."

I gave a silent gasp as I heard the words I had spoken all those weeks ago. Silence befell the dam as we awaited the king's answer. Minutes ticked silently by before I heard the intake of breath as Caesar readied himself for speech.

"No. Guns. Humans, stay without. Weapons." Caesar growled, and I knew from his voice that his expression relayed his seriousness on the matter. I let out a relieved sigh that they wouldn't have a chance to hurt anyone else. I wouldn't have thought humans would hurt an ape for no good reason, but Ash's new scar reprimanded my ignorance.

Malcolm sighed in relief and I could here the gratitude ringing in his voice. "Thank you."

Caesar seemed to notice me, as he leaned to the side a little to meet my gaze. I held my breath when Malcolm followed the ape king's line of sight. Malcolm turned the rest of his body, the look on his face blank with shock. The apes parted like the Red Sea to see what the human was looking at. I glanced up from staring at the ground as Malcolm walked slowly closer. I lifted my head when I heard my name come quietly from his mouth.

"...Raina? Is that you..?" He sounded afraid of the answer. I glanced up as he approached, and took a step back slightly.

"Malcolm." I whispered, looking up again. His lips were parted with amazement and I let out a little cry of surprise when he scooped me up into a hug. I was lifted off my feet for a moment and when I was set back on the ground, Malcolm continued to squeeze me in his arms. His hand stroked the back of my head before he stepped back, keeping his finger tips on my shoulders as he examined me.