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 16

Leaving the dam the ape troop escorted Malcolm back to his convoy. This time Malcolm was on foot not riding on one of the horses. On the way, Malcolm was worried his team may have already left fear overriding his command to wait for him for two hours. He was relieved to see they were still there inside the jeeps with their supplies and equipment.

The sudden appearance of so many apes screeching and hooting out of the trees sparked panic in the humans. Carver was ready to go back to the city now. Aiming a handgun out the driver's side window he started the engine of the jeep he, Ellie, and Alex were in. Tossing his cigar Carver was just about to floor it when Ellie and Alex stopped him.

"Wait, wait, wait," said Ellie, grabbing Carver's shoulder.

"Stop, stop," said Alex, pointing out his window where Carver could see.

Coming out of the bushes was Malcolm being pushed along by Stone and Grey. When they were close enough to the cars Grey shoved Malcolm in the back towards the car.

Steadying himself Malcolm went over to the open window. Eyeing Carver's handgun, Malcolm said "We need to give them our guns. That's the one condition."

"What does that mean," asked Ellie.

"We can stay," said Malcolm, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"And you want us to give them our guns," repeated Carver, slowly, making sure he heard Malcolm correctly.

Nodding, Malcolm said "Yes."

"Are you insane," whispered Carver, eyes going in all directions trying to keep track of all the apes. "I'm not giving these monkeys my gun. The second we give them our firearms they'll kill us!"

"It's either we give them our guns or we lose the dam," stated Malcolm, matter-of-factly. "Which ones are more important?"

The weight of the choice hung heavily in the air.

Groaning Carver banged his head on the steering wheel, saying "Jesus Christ."

Malcolm took that as his answer. Going over to the other vehicle Malcolm informed Foster and Kemp about the conditions that came with the bargain struck. Unlike Carver, they agreed right away. They wanted to be out of here as soon as possible and knew the sooner they got to work on the dam the faster they'd be back in San Francisco.

So all of the firearms the team possessed were handed over. The guns and ammunition were strapped to the horse Malcolm rode, vacant of its rider, for the hike back to the village.

The supplies were unloaded from the vehicles in large packs and heavy crates. There wouldn't need to be a second trip, but having this much stuff crammed together had a big downside. All of it was extremely heavy to lug over the hills and uneven ground in the forest. It definitely wasn't something the repair team was looking forward too.

During this process, Willow was observing from atop her steed. Willow had looked at the guns with disdain knowing that one had hurt her beloved Ash. She, also, kept a close watch on Carver making sure he didn't attempt anything. As if he could feel the heat of her glare on him Carver wisely kept his head down not meeting any of their eyes. A loud thump drew her attention away from Carver and over to the rear of the front vehicle.

Ellie and Alex had tugged out by far the largest crate they'd brought. By how much it undoubtedly weighed it would take more than one person to pull it and they didn't have the available hands for the job. Securing her backpack over her shoulders Ellie lifted one end and pulled it forward. The crate moved barely an inch the wheels on the bottom prevented it from moving because of the rocks in their path. Ellie wasn't strong enough to transport it on her own.

The sight of those wheels gave Willow an idea. Looking around Willow spied some rope sticking out from Ellie's backpack. Nudging her horse's sides Willow maneuvered her horse forward until she was behind Ellie. Bending down Willow tapped the human lightly on the shoulder. Assuming it was one of her team Ellie turned, but did a huge double take when she instead found it was an ape on a horse. She jumped back releasing a startled yelp. The sound caused everyone to freeze looking at the pair to see what would happen. The apes were calm, but the humans were visibly wary. In reflex Foster, Kemp, and Carver reached for their guns only for the hands to catch empty air. They'd temporarily forgotten their guns had been confiscated.

"Y-Yes," stammered Ellie.

Aware of everyone's eyes on her Willow dismounted taking the line of rope out from where it hung out of Ellie's pack. Tying one end tightly onto the handle of the crate where there weren't any wheels she wrapped the other end around her horse's stomach. It wasn't as ideal as a sled, but it's workable. As she was doing this those watching realized her intentions.

"Oh," said Ellie, bewildered, not expecting aid from an ape. "Okay, thank you."

Smiling Willow politely patted Ellie on the back ignoring the tiny flinch the woman made upon contact.

Climbing onto her horse's back Willow nodded to her father indicating she was ready. Responding with a nod of his own, Caesar said "Come."

Guarded by vigilante apes the humans were marched up the slope in the direction of the dam burdened with their gear. Willow's horse wasn't accustomed to dragging anything attached to its stomach before, but guided by Willow's gentle touch it remained calm.

Some time into the hike, as they were walking, Willow could sense someone's eyes on her. Looking down Willow found the adolescent human Alex lagging behind the others staring at her with wide eyes. Smiling kindly at Alex, Willow winked.

Taken aback at the gesture Alex blinked, but then he too smiled in return.

"Alex, come on, stay close," called Malcolm, noticing his son wasn't keeping pace with the rest.

Shaking himself off Alex quickened his speed to catch up to his father. Willow tracked him with soft eyes the amused smile sticking.

A few minutes later they came across a miniscule clearing free of trees and underbrush.

Tugging on the reins Caesar turned his stallion to where he was facing everyone else a hand rose signaling to stop.

"Camp here," asked Malcolm, slightly out of breath from the climb.

Caesar nodded in reply.

"Okay," said Malcolm, looking at his team as he passed the message. "Okay, thank you."

He and his team put down their equipment grateful they didn't have to carry any of it further today.

Willow untied the rope from her horse's stomach. Without something to hold it in the air the end of the crate that had been hanging in idly in the air dropped to the ground with a bang.

Cautiously Malcolm walked up to Caesar's horse pressing a palm to his chest, saying

"Malcolm." Seeing Caesar's lack of reaction Malcolm repeated the motion. "Malcolm."

There was a pause before Caesar returned the gesture, putting a hand to his chest, saying "Caesar."

Without another spoken to the humans Caesar wheeled his horse around and rode off. One by one the other apes followed leaving the humans behind.

Willow's place was at the front with her father and brother, but she lingered at the flank. She cast a final wistful expression behind her at the humans locking eyes with Malcolm, Ellie, and Alex.

Judging by this look alone the family of three had a feeling she'd be back.

Authors Note:

You guys might want to brace yourselves. There's going to be a bit of an altercation between two of our favorites next chapter.