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 21
The following day, early in the morning, the assigned apes went down to the human's campsite on their way to the dam. Most of the work had been finished yesterday so the amount of apes that came was much smaller, cut by half. It was still a good number to do the required heavy work if needed.
Willow wasn't on her horse this time. She joined the apes traveling on foot with Maurice.
Surprisingly, when the group got there, not all of the humans were tucked away in their tents. Alexander was sitting outside his family's tent and it appeared he'd been waiting for them. He stood from his seated position when he saw Maurice and Willow. In his hands were the comic book Maurice was so interested in and the bad he carried his belongings.
Meetings Alex's eyes Maurice and Willow stayed behind while the other apes continued on.
Slowly they loped down the hill to the boy. He met them with no fear or apprehension.
Smiling he held out the comic book for Maurice to take. The orangutan was skeptical, but accepted the gift. Alex moved on to Willow. Holding out the satchel he nodded for Willow to take it. Confused Willow let Alex place it in her hands.
"For yesterday," clarified Alex to Maurice, indicating it was because the orangutan prevented Koba from hurting him. He then did the same Willow. "For what you did yesterday, helping my dad, and the food you gave me."
Willow was speechless, not knowing what to do as thanks.
Lifting the strap Alex wrapped it on her shoulders showing Willow how to wear it, saying "You wear it like this."
Smiling at Alex, Willow stroked the fabric absentmindedly.
Maurice and Alex sat together, the human boy directing Maurice on how to read the graphic novel. Willow leaned over Maurice's shoulder, included in the lesson, enthralled.
The commotion woke Malcolm and Ellie. When they saw the interaction undergoing between humans and apes they were content to sit and watch for a little. They were amused when Alex told them the term "hanging out" when the apes saw it in the book and they copied the sign. Eventually, the passage of time compelled them to rise. A reminder they had a job to do.
The dam repairs were completed as promised on schedule. All that remained to do now was to do a test to see if it was actually functional.
Inside the main tunnel of the dam, Malcolm twisted a rusty flywheel. Adjusted enough it would let all the water that had been blocked off into the dam to work the turbines that would create electricity.
There was urgency in Malcolm's actions, the deadline for the one day his team was permitted was barely an hour away. They needed this done now. Soon enough there was a telltale thrumming origination from the turbines and that thrum became louder and louder with each crank of the wheel. As water pumped freely in the pipes, as it hadn't done in over a decade, the gizmos and machines flared to life electricity flowing through them.
"Malcolm," shouted Ellie, excitedly, into the hatch leading into the tunnel. "Malcolm!"
"What," said Malcolm, sticking his head out. "What is it? What happened?"
"You better come up here and see," grinned Ellie, elated.
Malcolm climbed up the ladder to get to the surface. Only then did he glimpse what everyone else could see.
They went to the rundown human gas station where it all started for Willow.
The humans got there first the apes arriving second, attracted by the glow of the electric lights inside of the building and the orange ball outside the station. All stared at it in wonder, especially Willow.
Atop her father's horse, riding behind him, Willow reached out to one of the lights on one of the gas pumps. She grazed her fingers over the glass. It was warm to the touch. This was a big moment for her. The one place she was never allowed to explore, counting the human city of San Francisco, and she was here.
Unable to contain himself Kemp went inside the gas station Alex following him. They found an old CD collection the owner of the gas station must've had before everything went dark. Rooting through the scattered pile Kemp saw one he remembered hearing every once in a while as a kid, an old classic-rock chestnut. The music blared from the speakers engulfing the surrounding area with the sound. Any creature for a couple of miles would be able to hear that.
Willow sat there listening amazed. Thanks to her music box she'd heard music before, but none with lyrics. Technically this could be considered her first time.
The humans were beyond happy. The music and power in the gas station proved they'd succeeded. The electricity was back on at last.
All of the humans reacted in different ways expressing their joy. Ellie and Malcolm were laughing and crying, Foster was dancing in place, and Alexander and Kemp were freaking out inside the building.
Things could only get better for them from here.
Everyone was all smiles including the apes.
Maneuvering his horse around Foster, Caesar guided his horse over to where Malcolm stood with Ellie. Malcolm met them partway.
Looking at Willow, Malcolm breathed "Thank you. None of this would've been possible without you."
Embarrassed by the thanks Willow buried her face in her father's shoulder blushing quite bashful. Malcolm chuckled gently at Willow good-naturedly as did her father.
"It worked," said Malcolm to Caesar. "At least here it did. We'll know when we get back to the city."
A thoughtful expression shaped Caesar's face as he considered how to rectify this.
Getting an idea Willow tapped her father on the shoulder. Leaning forward she whispered in his ear what she had in mind. When she was done Caesar smiled at his daughter nodding in silent agreement.
Extending an arm to Malcolm, quietly, Caesar said "Trust."
Malcolm took the proffered hand, shaking it, and he repeated "Trust."
Authors Note:
And so we have finally gotten to the major climax. Things are about to get very hectic! :D
Next chapter is where you finally get to find out which of our favorites gets shot. Will it be Caesar, Willow, or both? No one knows. You'll just have to read to find out! Muahahahah!