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 18
It was a calm night. There weren't any mishaps, free of any sort of mischief.
When the humans awoke in the morning they found apes waiting for them inside their camp. Willow was sitting with Rocket and Ash holding the baby cradled to her breast on one side of Alex, Ellie,, and Malcolm's tent while Maurice was on the other. The closest to the humans he was staring at the thick comic book spread across his chest. Willow remembered how intrigued he was when he was flipping through the boy's sketchbook. That interest must not have waned.
Alex woke up first and he was met with the face of the old orangutan. His alarmed movements woke up his father and Ellie. Peeking out the opposite flap Malcolm spotted the gathered crowd of apes waiting for them outside. Amazed, undetected, Malcolm thought they must've been there since dawn with no one the wiser.
Carver, Kemp, and Foster woke up soon after. The humans took their packs and any extra equipment they required to get the dam working again. The apes out of curiosity escorted the team and monitored the human's activities to ensure they didn't try any funny business.
When they got to the dam the humans crossed the logjam while the apes chose to hang back preferring to keep on the shoreline. Most of the apes were crowded on the other side of the river standing guard where paths would lead to the village, but Rocket, Luca, Maurice, Caesar, Blue Eyes, and Willow were stationed at the edge of the logjam. As they stood there watching the humans clumsily climb over the logs to get to the catwalk leading to the entrance Caesar noticed one of their numbers was missing, someone who should've been present because of his position on the council.
Turning his head searching for the missing ape, Caesar signed and said "Where's Koba?"
"Still angry," explained Maurice, shrugging."Said he was going hunting."
Caesar nodded, but Willow was concerned. Maurice failed to elaborate on the type of prey Koba was pursuing. She hoped he wasn't sticking himself in a hole so deep he couldn't get out of it. Willow's mind didn't linger on the absent bonobo for long. She had something much more pleasant to occupy her time.
The baby was a joy looking at everything and everyone was wide-eyed and round-mouthed. He constantly scrambled up and down his sister and it was hard to keep him in one place. One minute he was in her lap, another on her shoulders, and then crouched on top of her head. It was a challenge, but Willow happily welcomed it. A stark contrast compared to how Blue Eyes was last night. Speaking of which, the twins weren't really speaking to each other. Each time they met the other's eyes they awkwardly averted their gaze. Both twins felt they were in the right not wanting to admit the other was wrong. Caesar saw this but didn't try to reconcile them knowing this conflict between siblings had to play out on its own.
A decision he would come to regret.
Not much time had passed when an explosion rocked the earth underneath their feet. Startled the horses tried to bolt. It took a lot of effort for the apes to keep their mounts reigned. With only one hand wrapped tightly around her horse's reigns and the other held protectively over the baby, Willow got bucked off into the water.
Once the booming dispersed and the horses calmed, spinning towards her father, Willow signed "What was that?"
Disregarding the gunshot she'd never heard something like that before.
But Caesar, Maurice, Rocket, and Luca definitely did. Hooting a call to the apes across the river he waved an arm for them to come. He and the others dismounted from their horses leaving Willow and Blue Eyes where they were.
"Father, what's going on," persisted Willow.
"Stay here," ordered Caesar.
"But-," pushed Willow.
"Stay here," repeated Caesar, speaking this time. Caesar then went over the logjam some of the other apes following him.
Ash rode his horse over from further down the shoreline stopping when he reached Willow and Blue Eyes. The three of them spared a wordless glance. The infant was trembling a little in his elder sisters arms squeaking in fright. The rumbling of the explosion had scared him. Gently shushing him Willow rubbed his back to calm the baby until his shaking subsided. The sound was faint, but Willow caught Ellie and Alex screaming from below. Their words were intelligible so she couldn't tell what they were saying.
For close to an hour the three of them sat there anxiously waiting on their mounts. Just when Blue Eyes and Ash were contemplating going down there Caesar and his party returned, but they weren't alone. They dragged the humans over the logs assisting them in the climb. Carver was the last, the taut rope tied around his person indicated he had to have been hauled up. His leg was wounded. Kemp and Carver each had one of his arms thrown over their shoulders to get him over. There must've been a cave-in, judging by the dust and small stones covering their fur the apes had to dig them out of the concrete. This is easily washable in the rain. Except for Carver none of the humans appeared hurt. Banged up with a few cuts here and there, but none the worst for wear.
Rocket marched over to his horse grumbling. He aimed a dirty look at Carver. Helping the human who'd shot his son was difficult for him, but he did it for Caesar. Caesar, Luca, and Maurice, also, got back onto their horses with the rescue ended.
When the humans got to an empty spot on the shoreline free of logs between the water and the dam Willow got a good view of Carver's injury. The skin on the bottom half of his calves close to the ankle was sliced open blood seeping from the cut. The abrasion was deep, but the bone wasn't visible. All Carver needed were a couple of stitches and a splint, and he'd be good as new.
Ellie her medical supplies out to treat Carver. Alex was helping her while Foster and Kemp took care of their own wounds. Carver cried out in pain as stitched the skin back together.
Willow looked at Carver in pity wishing there was something she could do to alleviate his pain. Then it hit Willow, she could and she recalled what Carver said the night before. Maybe this was the way she could change his perspective.
Touching Blue Eye's arm to get his attention Willow passed their baby brother to him and dismounted.
"What are you doing," he asked.
Blue Eyes wasn't the only one who wanted to know what she was up to.
Breaking a twig from one of the logs Willow went over to the water pulling out a large leaf she found protruding from the surface and then to a small bush where she saw a familiar-looking fruit. This fruit was used a lot in the tribe for injuries similar to the one Carver had now. Picking two she then moved in the direction the humans were sitting.
Hooting Ash made to dismount from his horse, but a gesture from Willow told him to stay. Maurice looked to Caesar, but the alpha was indifferently apathetic.
As Willow carefully approached Kemp spotted her before the others. Thumping his knuckles against Foster's arm, pointing at her, Kemp said "Hey."
When the humans turned to look at her Willow halted stiffening. Willow kept her hands in view and her head lowered to show she wasn't a threat, wary.
"What do you want," said Carver, flinching when Malcolm flicked the back of his head for his rudeness.
In answer, Willow took a few tentative steps closer kneeling a little ways from Ellie, Alex, and Carver. She was in arms reach of them, but not touching.
Placing the fruit on a curved rock Willow used a smaller stone to pound into them. She continued doing this until they were crushed to a pulp the juices dripping from them.
"What are you doing," asked Ellie.
Satisfied with her work Willow picked up the mashed pieces of fruit. Picking them up in one hand she held them out to Ellie.
Hesitantly Ellie accepted the offering looking at it in confusion. She said "What must I do with this?"
Pointing a finger at Carver's leg Willow made a rubbing motion with her palms. Getting the idea Ellie took some on her fingertips and rubbed them over the stitches. Carver hissed, but then he relaxed. A bit of the pain faded away. Ellie looked to Willow inquiring if she was using the herb correctly with her eyes and the female ape nodded smiling. Once the herb had been applied Willow gave Ellie the twig to use as a splint and the leaf to protect the wound from infection. Throughout all this, the humans gazed at Willow in no less than amazement that she was actually trying to heal Carver.
Willow looked to her father for approval, her face lighting up when she received a nod and a proud smile in reply.
As Ellie and Alex were wrapping bandages around Carver's leg to keep it everything firmly secure Malcolm went to Caesar.
"Thank you," said Malcolm, gratefully. "You saved our lives. We've got a lot of debris to clear now. We might need a bit more time."
"How long," asked Caesar.
Before Malcolm could provide Caesar with an estimate the baby chimp, grown tired of sitting in his brother's arms, launched itself onto the horse's neck riding its leg to the ground. Blue Eyes frantically tried to catch him, but the infant slipped through his fingers. Dismounting Blue Eyes rushed to grab the baby, but the little one bounded toward the humans.
When the baby was close enough he hoped onto Ellie's back. Ellie jumped shifting to see what was on her. When Ellie saw the baby climbing onto her shoulders using her hair as leverage she relaxed.
Hooting Willow reached to take the baby.
"It's all right," said Ellie, smiling, and Willow lowered her hands keeping a keen eye on the interaction.
Caesar was, too. He'd dismounted from his horse and was now standing beside Malcolm.
Blue Eyes stayed a safe distance just keeping a vigilant watch visibly tense. Ready to spring in should the need arise.
The exuberant newborn was completely irresistible. Climbing over Ellie's arm the baby jumped onto Alex's lap staring at all of them in fascination. Fascination was reflected in their eyes. Ellie and Alex laughed at the baby's antics. Alex had his hands cocooned around the baby to prevent him from falling and Ellie gave it her finger, which the infant eagerly took.
Even the impassive Foster was unable to resist the infant's charms lips upturning in a tiny smile.
"Hey, buddy," said Alex.
The infant slid down Alex's leg where he began playing with the laces of the boy's shoes.
"Hey…hey…," murmured Alex, softly.
Laughing Ellie turned to Willow, she asked "Is he yours?"
Eyes wide Willow pointed at herself.
Nodding, Ellie said "Yes, is he yours?"
Rapidly Willow shook her head.
Cocking her head, Ellie said "Your brother?"
Smiling Willow nodded looking at the baby with a tender expression.
The only person who seemed unaffected by the baby was Carver.
"What are you doing? Are you finished," said Carver, agitated. He then caught the look Alex shot at him. "What are you looking at?"
Smiling at each other Alex and Ellie got back to the task at hand.
Bored with Alex's shoes the baby expanded his sights to explore. Going over to Carver's open toolbox he crawled inside. Sitting down he tugged away at a rag covering the majority of the contents…revealing the shotgun Carver had buried inside.
"Hey! Hey," shouted Carver, lunging at the baby swatting at it with his bandana. "Hey, get out of there!"
Screaming a warning Blue Eyes got directly in Carver's face shoving him back. The baby ran to Willow seeking protection in his sister's arms.
Instinctively Ellie pulled Alex away from Blue Eyes, but Kemp and Foster weren't so smart. Both of them tried to get to Carver, Blue Eyes shoved them, too baring his fangs at them.
Carver used this distraction to retrieve his gun. Grabbing it from his toolbox he pumped it pointing the nozzle at Blue Eyes. "Hey," he yelled. "I'll kill you!"
"Carver, what're you going," shouted Kemp, hands raised.
Eyes narrowed Blue Eyes hissed at Carver.
Upon seeing the gun Willow threw herself over her little brother shielding him from harm.
Quicker than anyone could comprehend Caesar crossed the distance. Snatching the gun from Carver's hands Caesar banged the butt of it into the human's chest knocking him off balance and onto the ground. Carver made a very big error in judgment. Caesar was a leader, yes, but he was, also, a father and Carver's actions threatening his family were enough to provoke his anger. With Carver defenseless on the ground Caesar raised the gun high prepared to shatter the man's head with one blow.
"Don't! Don't," shouted Malcolm, hand outstretched. "Caesar, no! No."
The silence that resulted was so deafening another explosion could go off and no one would hear it.
Slowly Caesar turned away from Carver facing Malcolm examining the weapon in his hands. "Said no guns," growled Caesar, aiming it at Malcolm, his hands in the correct positions to shoot.
Malcolm froze.
Caesar then aimed the gun at Ellie and Alex.
"No, don't," begged Ellie, moving to stand in front of Alex.
"Please," beseeched Malcolm, his heart pounding in his chest.
Caesar pointed the gun next at Kemp and Carver. Grunting angrily in fast breaths Caesar seemed to consider finishing them off right then and there. Then he surprised them all hurling the shotgun through the air into the river.
All of the humans visibly slumped in relief. That was an extremely close call.
The heat in Caesar's glare directed at Malcolm said it all. He'd made the terms allowing the humans to pass through his land very clear. He was demanding to know why this gun hadn't been handed over when told. Malcolm was the leader he was supposed to have control over those under his command. The fact that he didn't was questionable.
Shaking his head, Malcolm said "I didn't know."
Advancing towards Malcolm held a hand to Willow getting her to stand, taking the infant from her hands.
Putting himself in Malcolm's face, stopping short of physical contact, Caesar growled "Human leave now!"
Going to his horse, the twins following, Caesar hooted and grunted loudly giving the order to all the apes to go home.
The ones already across the river disappeared into the trees. The one still on the other side was a little slower. When the royal family were seated on their horses that's when they left.
As usual, Willow was the last.
Meeting Malcolm's eyes, sorrowful, Willow said "I'm sorry."
Kicking her horse into a gallop Willow splashed across the river to where Ash waited for her. Together they rode through the trees catching up to the main party.
On the way to the village, Caesar was fuming at the humans, but his anger transformed into terror when they got back.
The moment they got to the heart of the village one of Cornelia's midwives ran from the oak tree leaping onto the stone platform screeching in alarm. Caesar knew only one thing could've caused the midwife to become so panicked with undisguised worry.
Cornelia.
Caesar, Willow, and Blue Eyes, now carrying the baby, ran up the steps into their dwelling trailing the midwife.
On the bed, Cornelia had three other midwives attending to her, Tinker among them. When Caesar and the twins entered, Tinker hooted, signing "She does not hear what we say. She will drink no water. She burns."
Cornelia was in bad shape. When yesterday she was coherent now she was barely conscious. Her body was shivering uncontrollably, her eyes rolling, meaningless noises voiced from her.
Willow felt a pit in her stomach. She knew what these symptoms meant. Years ago another female had these exact same ailments and she was met with a dreadful fate.
Death.
All three of them took up different positions at the bedside the midwives shifting to allow them access. Blue Eyes sat at her back, Caesar crouched at the side, and Willow at her head. Caesar wrapped his hand around her head stroking her temple.
Grasping one of her mother's hands in hers, Willow whispered "Mama?" When she got no response she tried again. "Mama?"
Cornelia remained unresponsive.
"Is there nothing we can do," Willow pleaded of the midwives.
"All we can do now is make sure she's comfortable," signed Tinker.
Willow sobbed a hand flying to her mouth and a tear ran down Blue Eye's face. Resigned to losing his beloved wife Caesar gathered his children to him pressing his forehead to theirs simultaneously. In this deathwatch, they'd face it together.
A short time later, Despite how hopeless, it was Willow dipped moss in a bowl of water pressing it down on her mother's forehead replacing the piece the midwives had already put there. She was hoping to break the fever doing as the midwives advised. Caesar was stroking Cornelia's face with the back of his knuckles and Blue Eyes had a hand on her shoulder. In these ways, they were letting Cornelia know she wasn't alone.
This private vigil was interrupted when hoots and screeches reached them from below. Increasing in volume as those making them climbed the tree. The reason for what got them upset enough to intrude was a mystery until a familiar voice made it apparent.
"Please, please, I just need to speak to him," said Malcolm. Seconds afterwards he and Ellie were dragged into the sleeping quarters apes surrounding them on all sides, Rocket at their head.
Spotting Caesar, Malcolm said "I'm sorry. That was all my fault. But I will make him leave."
"This my home," growled Caesar, refusing to look at Malcolm. "You should not be here."
"I understand," said Malcolm, "but if we go back to the city now, men will come back here with guns. Men I can't control."
"Let them come," growled Caesar. "Apes will be ready."
"Ready for what, war? I know that's not what you want," retorted Malcolm. Seeing Willow there he directed what he said next to her believing she'd listen to him. "Please, Willow, you're too smart for that. There must be another-."
"No," roared Caesar, snapping around to face Malcolm, teeth bared. "You do not speak to her!"
Holding his ground Malcolm went to argue more when Ellie took his hand, softly, she said "Malcolm."
While the Malcolm and had been arguing Ellie's attention was solely focused on Cornelia. Looking at the queen Malcolm recognized the dire state she was in.
"She's sick," said Malcolm.
"How long has she been this way," asked Ellie.
Caesar's eyes looked to her and only then did Malcolm see the ape leader's eyes were red-rimmed in grief.
"I have medicine," said Ellie. "Antibiotics."
Sensing an opportunity, Malcolm suggested "She used to be a nurse. Maybe she can help."
"Do not trust you," said Caesar.
"I don't blame you. But believe me, we are not all like him," said Malcolm.
"Please," prompted Ellie, softly. "Let us help you."
Caesar looked hard at his wife, how she was suffering barely hanging on. The choice made he nodded at Ellie signaling she could come closer. All eyes on her Ellie went over to the bedside kneeling and slipping the pack from her shoulders. Opening it Ellie reached inside for what she needed, Rocket standing guard over her ready to intercede should she do anything to deliberately hurt the royal family.
"One day," said Caesar to Ellie. She looked up at Caesar surprised at the declaration. "You stay one day."
"Father, no," signed Blue Eyes, incredulous.
Pushing his luck, Malcolm informed, "We might need a little more time."
"One day," boomed Caesar, silencing Malcolm who nodded to convey he understood. There would be no more concessions. What Caesar said next proved he was mindful of the fact that humans would require more hands to finish. "Ape will help."
Caesar turned to his children as he said this making it clear he expected them to pitch in.
Utterly hostile to the idea, coldly, eyes narrowed, Blue Eyes signed "I will not help!"
Caesar stared hard at his son.
Willow didn't want her father and brother to fight with each other. Not in front of mother.
Placing a hand over her father's, calmly, Willow signed "I will help."
Caesar nodded smiling at her. Willow avoided looking at her brother knowing what she'd find there.
Later on the same apes, Blue Eyes not included, that went to the dam were at the human's camp. Malcolm was removing Carver from the equation. He'd be locked in one of the jeeps into the repairs were finished, not permitted to leave without any of them.
"This is bullshit, man," spat Carver, a bag of provisions over his shoulder.
"Get him out of here," said Malcolm.
"Move! That's enough," said Foster, forcefully dragging Carver away. "Come on, get out of here!"
They could all hear Carver objecting to his treatment until the pair was well out of sight.
When they were gone Malcolm turned to Caesar, asking "Okay?"
Caesar nodded.
When Foster returned reporting Carver was contained in one of the jeeps the group headed to the dam. This time with the recruited apes actually carrying handfuls of the gear with them upon a signal from Caesar.
It was late afternoon by the time work started leaving Malcolm happy his team was allowed one more day after this one. If not then they, otherwise, would've been screwed. The apes went to work clearing the rubble from the blast and the years passed the dam was inactive while the humans handled the mechanical aspects.
Willow was in the room that had the main control panel. Caesar was presently in the access tunnel one of the apes passing along debris to comrades in the control room.
Willow was in the process of passing a piece of concrete to the next ape down the line when rattling footsteps on the catwalk above alerted her to danger.
Leaving over the railing was Koba, Blue Eyes flanking him.
Knowing, without a doubt, there was going to be trouble Willow dropped the rubble storming up the line as fast as her legs could carry her. She found him at the front. Rocket saw her coming telling Caesar. Caesar met Willow in the middle.
"There's a problem," she signed.
Seeing the outright panic on his daughter's face, Caesar signed "What's wrong?"
In the end, she didn't have to notify him.
"CAESAR!"
Wincing at the sheer volume in that roar, Willow signed"Koba's here."
Caesar needed no further encouragement. He walked out of the access tunnel the other apes in farther down the line exiting ahead first.
When Caesar stepped into the light Koba faced him, spinning away from Maurice and the humans he was acting as a barrier wall to shield from the bonobo's temper.
This was a nightmare Willow desperately prayed would never become reality. She and Caesar were on one end with Koba and Blue Eyes on the other.
Caesar and Koba squared off.
"Humans attack your sons. You let them stay," roared Koba, furious. "Put apes in danger!" He stalked towards Caesar until they were chest to chest. "Caesar, loves humans more than apes. More than your sons!" In the last part, Koba stabbed a finger into Caesar's chest.
Caesar looked at Blue Eyes and then back at Koba. Angered that Koba was using his own children against him. Reaching his breaking point Caesar went to attack the bonobo, but someone else beat him to the punch.
An enraged Willow burst forth tackling Koba and knocking him to the floor. Willow loved Koba. He was by far one of her favorite Uncles. He'd been there for her ever since she was born. But now he'd taken a step way too far.
Rolling to his feet Koba glared at Willow snarling. She stood there waiting in anticipation for what he would do. Shrieking Koba charged her and the two were locked in single combat.
In the flash of an instant, all the rage Willow had repressed inside of her from yesterday with Blue Eyes mixed with the anger built now was unleashed full fury on Koba. Clustered apes hooted and screeched around them as the brawl escalated no one making a move to interfere. This was Willow's fight she had to take care of this on her own.
Koba had the initial advantage over Willow. He was older, bigger, stronger, and far more experienced. The mistake he made was teaching her everything he knew. With her younger and faster body, Willow used that knowledge against him.
Willow's attacks were viciously precise each punch landing on a vital point in his body. At one point Koba had the advantage. She was on her back with Koba on top raining blow after blow on her chest, raising hands high over his head before slamming them downward in unison.
Thinking fast Willow kicked Koba hard in the stomach causing him to go flying. He landed on his back stunned. Not allowing him a chance to recover Willow pounced. Straddling him Willow wrapped her hands tightly around Koba's neck effectively squeezing the life out of him.
Koba clawed at her hands to loosen her grip, but she wouldn't let go.
Willow was more than prepared to annihilate Koba.
Then suddenly Willow remembered her mother's words about wisdom and how she could be dying at this very moment. If her mother is going to die on this day Willow would not dishonor her memory in this heinous, savage manner.
Slowly Willow released her chokehold on Koba's neck. Koba gasped, breathing deeply to fill his aching-deprived lungs.
Standing, repeating the ape's most important law, Willow panted "Ape…not…kill…ape."
Looking behind her at her father Willow backed off allowing Caesar to take her place looming over Koba. Willow chose not to kill him, but Caesar could easily veto this. Only one thing could save Koba now.
Koba looked at the other apes present, but none would meet his eyes only the humans. Even his best friends Grey and Stone shunned him.
He wouldn't be given any support here.
Struggling Koba staggered to his feet. Head bowed Koba dropped to his knees extending a palm in supplication to Caesar.
"Forgive me," submitted Koba. This was all an act. Outwardly he was contrite, but inside he thirsted for revenge, crying for retribution, after being on the receiving end of this humiliating defeat.
Caesar brushed his hand over Koba's palm and the bonobo was gone nearly as fast as he'd arrived, but lacking the dramatics.
In his wake, Blue Eyes glowered at his family particularly at his sister. Willow met his anger head on.
This was far from done.
Authors Note:
Ha! Bet you guys weren't expecting that.