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 20

Throughout dinner, Willow was a mixture of depressed and withdrawn. She barely ate any of her food most of it left untouched. Ash kept looking at her every few minutes concerned for her welfare. He'd never seen her so glum before. Not even when she lost her first sparring match one one-on-one with Luca was she this crestfallen. The twins were officially estranged. Blue Eye's outburst and Koka's insubordination had really been traumatic for her.

Ash had an idea that just might cheer her up. He was saving it for a more momentous occasion, but maybe now was the right time.

Placing his empty bowl on the ground Ash took Willow's hand, singing "Come with me."

Head tilted in curiosity, standing with him, Willow asked "Where are we going?"

"You'll see. It's a surprise," signed Ash, mysteriously. He nodded to his father and mother as the duo passed them sneaking off.

Rocket returned the gesture with one of his own smiling. He had a feeling he knew what Ash wanted to show Willow. After all, he did help build it.

Ash led her by the hand away from the fire pit. When they got to the oak tree he stopped momentarily, signing "Willow, do you trust me?"

"Why would you ask that, Ash," signed Willow, indignant."Of course, I do. Always."

"Good," signed Ash, smiling."Then I need you to close your eyes."

"Uh, okay," signed Willow, closing her eyes, and placing a hand over them as a precaution to resist the temptation.

Ash would catch her should she trip.

As they continued on Willow may not have been able to see, but her hearing was still intact. She caught the sound of the raging pounding of the waterfall increasing in volume with each step taken. She wondered why they were heading in that direction, but didn't voice her thoughts. Then when she could feel spray from the falls on her fur Ash finally stopped.

Squeezing Willow's hand, Ash rasped "Open eyes."

Willow removed her hand. Opening her eyes she gasped in astonished amazement at what she saw. There on the edge of the meadow, some yards from the edge of the water stood a hut.

Eyes wide, Willow signed "Ash, what is-."

"I've been working on this hut for months. This is where we'll live after we're married, enough room for a family. Adding to its structure only when I was certain you were heavily occupied so you wouldn't suspect what I was doing. Father helped me construct it whenever he found he could spare the time," explained Ash. "I'd hoped to give this to you as a present on our wedding day, but with everything that's happened I thought I'd reveal it to you now."

"How on earth did you keep this hidden," asked Willow. "I mean this is right underneath my family's tree."

"My guess is since you weren't aware of its existence you didn't think to look for it anywhere," signed Ash, shrugging.

Thoughtfully Willow surveyed the hut searching with her eyes to see if it had any flaws, weaknesses, or imperfections of any kind. She found none.

"Is it ready to live in," inquired Willow.

Nodding, Ash signed "Yes, in fact, if we were united this week we'd be more than ready."

"Well then let's do it," stated Willow, excitedly."Let's get married."

There was a slight pause the silence that followed uncomfortable.

"Are you sure," signed Ash, sheepish."What makes you think Caesar will give his permission?"

"I know he'll give us his blessing. I can literally feel it in my blood," signed Willow, confidently."I'm sure he'll give his leave for us to marry if only to see me happy."

"What are we waiting for," proclaimed Ash, grinning. "Let's go."

Together the lovers ran back to the village center. They found Caesar distanced from the others speaking to Rocket off to the side. Perfect. Both fathers were present.

As they approached Willow cleared her throat interjecting into the conversation to get their attention.

"Father…Ash and I have decided that after the humans leave we wish to be married," announced Willow.

Rocket and Caesar looked at each other amused.

"Indeed," signed Caesar, trying to cover his fluster, unsuccessfully with a smile. "And what is the cause of this sudden decision?"

Turning to face Rocket, Ash signed "I showed her the hut I'd been building. She loved it and thinks it's the right time."

"We have no problem with this, but are you sure you want to do this now," questioned Rocket, brow cocked. "It's still early. You can wait a few more seasons."

"Oh, yes," signed Willow, eyes soft and warm with love. "We couldn't be more sure."

Sharing a loving look with Willow, beaming, Ash signed "I've loved Willow ever since we were children. I want to make her as happy as she makes me."

Turning to his second in command, Caesar signed "Rocket?"

"I would be honored to have our two families joined in this way," signed Rocket.

"Then we are honored as well," signed Caesar, smiling. "I'll make the announcement tomorrow night. The actual ceremony will be held in three days hence. Preparations will begin immediately after tomorrow."

Squealing happily, overjoyed Willow lunged at Caesar hugging him before transferring the affection to Rocket. Rocket laughed at Willow's enthusiasm hugging her just as tightly as she was to him. Ash went over to Caesar the two shaking hands.

Disgusted Blue Eyes angrily thrust the shaft of his spear into the fire so the heat could sharpen the tip. He was too far away to know what they were saying, but it infuriated Blue Eye to see them so happy, his sister and best friend pitted against him. Things were all coming together for them, and so many good things heading their way. While, for him, everything he did went downhill.

The crunching of pebbles underfoot alerted Blue Eyes that he wasn't alone. Lifting his head Blue Eyes saw Koba cautiously approach from around the fire. Blue Eyes' gaze didn't shift from the bonobo even as Koba seated himself on a log beside his own.

Grunting softly, sullen, Koba signed "Your father doesn't trust me now, your sister even less so. Caesar's love for humans makes him blind. Willow will follow him to ruin if all said holds. You need to protect them. Above all keep your sister out of harm's way. Twice the humans have already threatened her. If she presents them with a third opportunity they'll kill her."

"I know," signed Blue Eyes.

"As long as the humans are here I fear for their lives," signed Koba, docile, raising his head to look at Blue Eyes.

A silent exchange passed between them carrying an unspoken understanding of sorts.

With that ended Koba left, Blue Eyes trailing after him with his eyes. As soon as Koba walked away a sneer erased the forlorn expression on his face. The Prince was so gullible. Manipulating the youngster was so easy with him so susceptible to suggestion. The seed had been planted. Now it was time to let it grow.

Everything was going according to plan.

Authors Note:

Told you guys you were in for a treat! :D