Magic of The Golden Flower Chapter 10
They didn't know how he managed it, but, somehow Caesar had convinced Bad Ape to take them to the military border facility. When questioned about it by his peers Caesar didn't explain preferring to keep it to himself. None of them questioned him further on it respecting his wishes.
Luca slept the whole night with Aurora. The whole rapport passed between them softened him towards her. So, in the morning, when they were all preparing to move out to continue on, something magical happened.
While Rocket and Luca were preparing the horses Aurora was admiring the bright pink cherry blossom flowers hanging in the branches of a dogwood tree planted at the front of the establishment. She hadn't seen any flowers for pretty looking before so she wanted to take some with her even if they were fake.
Aurora was too small to just reach up and pluck one just standing there so she scrunched up her legs and jumped as high as her legs could go. But even that wasn't enough.
Mid-leap Margo felt herself be lifted up at the waist and was now level with the flowers. Looking down in surprise she found Luca staring up at her, his broad hands putting her on his shoulder to make it easier. Coughing Luca nodded at the blossoms. Quickly Aurora took a small branch in her hands, snapping it off of the tree. Luca then put her back onto the snow beside Shadow.
Touching the flowers Aurora smiled like a pixie in appreciation at Luca.
Luca kindly returned her smile with one of his own. Kneeling in the snow Luca took one of the flowers off the stick, gently slipping it behind her ear. The flower suited her where he put it quite nicely.
In that moment Caesar and Maurice joined them. Stepping through the gates of the lodge Caesar stopped looking at Luca. His eyes traveled back and forth from the gorilla to the child.
Under his leaders keen eyes Luca straightened, slightly embarrassed walked over to mount his horse.
Watching Luca leave Aurora smiled at Caesar. For the first time in a long while Caesar broke a smile towards the sweet little girl. The smile was small, but it was there.
The crunching of boots behind them indicated the arrival of the newest addition to the their party. Bad Ape came out wearing human clothing as protection against he cold. He was wearing a pair of boots on his feet much too big for him, a parka vest, and a hat with a fluffy white ball sticking from the top.
Oblivious to how ridiculous his persona looked to the others Bad Ape smiled waving at everyone staring at him.
Unable to compose herself, Aurora hugged Shadow burying her face into his fur to muffle her giggles.
Authors Note:
Aw, more Luca and Aurora. How cute.
