Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC Willow and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
Born To Lead Chapter 10
Caesar was true to his word. Upon first light, every warrior in the tribe was mobilized preparing to march into San Francisco where Koba divulged the human settlement location. The elderly, females, and children would stay behind. Only a small fraction of the warriors would be with them the majority following their leader. Caesar was adamant about showing the humans a display of ape strength and unity one they had to take seriously. Determined for the humans to understand they desired peace not war however fragile it may be. But that wasn't all.
"You want to do what," signed Koba, infuriated.
Caesar had led Koba away from the other apes wanting to talk with him in private. He knew Koba wasn't going to take the plan he had in mind well. Caesar didn't want anyone to be within hearing range when the bonobo's temper got the better of him should it flare up.
Calmly, Caesar repeated, "We will go to them in strength and while we are strong, we will give them a gift."
"A gift. We pay tribute to humans," signed Koba, disgusted.
"No, not tribute," corrected Caesar."We will give them a gift that means much to them, but costs us nothing." By "gift" he meant the bag and all its contents. "From this they will know that we understand them and that we do not wish for war. But showing them our strength will let them know that we, also, do not fear them. We will meet as equals."
"But we are not equals," disagreed Koba."The humans will never see us that way. The humans scavenge the ruins of their city for anything they can use for survival. They are rats. We are apes."
Basically, he was saying while apes thrived the humans struggled constantly day after day just to live another.
Nature's roles for them were drastically reversed here.
"Whether we believe we are equals or not we will tell them that. If we appear weak in their eyes they will try to kill us because they think we can. If we appear strong, wanting a fight, they will fight because they think they have no other choice. If we meet them head on strength to strength they will respect us," reasoned Caesar.
Koba went to object further, but someone else interrupted the conversation.
It was Rocket, the foreboding expression on his face not good.
"What is it," asked Caesar.
Tentatively, Rocket signed "There's a complication."
He then pointed to where the horses stood. These are the mounts Caesar and his inner circle would be riding while the rest of the army went on foot.
Caesar scowled when he looked in that direction. He saw immediately what the so-called "complication" was.
There next to her own horse was Willow. She stood there in full war paint looking exactly as she did during the hunt. In Willow's hand, she held the satchel for transport, the daisy chain circlet on her head.
Teeth gritted Caesar marched in her direction dodging straight in and out of other apes. Willow saw him coming so she turned to face him putting on a brave face.
"What do you think you're doing," demanded Caesar when he reached her, his lieutenants behind him.
Arms crossed, Willow signed"What does it look like I'm going? I'm coming with you of course."
Shaking his head, firmly, Caesar signed "No you will not. You're staying here."
"I'm not asking your permission, Father," stated Willow. "I'm going whether you allow it or not."
Sighing, eyes hard, Caesar signed"Willow, I thought we were passed this." He was referring to her escapades as a child, running away from the village to see into the human world. Apparently, he thought this was the cause of her disobedience this time.
Softening, Willow explained "Father, I'm not saying this because I want to go, it's because I need to go. Like it or not you need me for this. As princess to the apes and your daughter, it's my duty to accompany you to broker peace with the humans. Nothing more."
The two stared into the other's eyes neither father nor daughter backing down.
Finally, Caesar signed "You'll remain at my side the entire time. Do. Not. Stray."
Grinning victoriously, utterly delighted with this outcome, Willow signed "Thank you, Father. You won't regret this. I promise."
Ecstatic she climbed onto her horse's back. Nudging her heels into its sides to direct the horse towards the gates to where Blue Eyes waited, letting the stragglers finish getting ready.
Caesar watched her go his face blank of all emotion. Whenever this happened no one ever knew what he was thinking about. No one dared to ask.
Maurice assured "She'll be all right. She's wanted this for a long time. We trained her well. There's no need to fear for her."
"That's not what I'm afraid of," signed Caesar.
"Then what do you fear," inquired Luca, stoic.
His voice low and gruff, Caesar said "What I fear…is that Willow will not be able to forget. That she will not be able to let go."
Authors Note:
Finally, we're heading into the city. I've got a treat for you guys. Our girl Willow is going to do a big stunt quite shocking that's going to cause a stir.I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.
So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.
I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.