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 22

In the ultimate act of faith and trust Caesar allowed not only Ellie and Malcolm inside the village, but Alex, Foster, and Kemp too. Now all five knew where the village was hidden, but Caesar wasn't worried. These five had proven themselves in his eyes. They were welcome here.

In spite of the distance the song that had been played at the gas station had carried on the wind where the apes could hear it. Those who remembered what music sounded like were both very timid. On the other hand, the children listened in wonder asking their parents what it was.

When the tribe saw the humans, particularly the other three, they were justifiably skeptical of the humans but didn't act upon their emotions. Caesar radiated calm assurance that eased their nerves.

Alex, Kemp, and Foster stared at everything and everyone in amazed fascination in just as much awe as Malcolm had been when he waltzed into the camp to meet with Caesar.

Offering a hand to Ellie, Caesar assisted her with climbing the rocks to where the school stood. The others followed them.

Positioning the humans to where they could see the city, pointing in that direction, Caesar said "The…lights."

San Francisco was no longer ensnared in darkness. Beyond the Golden Gate Bridge thousands of specks of light glimmered in the dim night air, getting power at long last.

Malcolm was overcome with a variety of emotions tears glistening in his eyes. Laughing he wrapped an arm around Ellie's shoulders tugging her to him and the other around Caesar's in a comradely gesture.

"This…," said Malcolm, smiling, trying to find the right words to describe how he felt, "This is a new start, the beginning of a new era for all of us."

Caesar smiled nodding in agreement. Then a thought came to mind. He turned his head left and right searching for Willow. He found her walking down the oak tree. She'd been putting the bag Alex gifted her away with her music box for safekeeping. Hooting Caesar called waving Willow over.

"Yes, Father," signed Willow, head tilted.

"Now if I recall I believe there is an announcement to be made," signed Caesar, smirking, brow quirked.

Willow's eyes lit up recalling what Caesar said the other night, eyes sparkling as she nodded enthusiastically.

Amused Caesar chuckled putting a hand on Willow's shoulder steering her to the edge of his throne. The humans looked at them curiously so Caesar signed for them to stay where they were. They didn't know what he truly said to them, but the gesture was simple enough for the humans to understand.

"Dad, what's going on," asked Alex.

Shrugging, Malcolm said "I'm not sure. Lets wait and see."

Caesar signaled to Rocket.

Sucking in a huge breath Rocket belted out a shriek that rang in the ears of everyone who heard it. The humans were in such close proximity they had to shield their ears lest their eardrums burst. But it did the trick.

All apes were now looking directly at the school.

His job done Rocket bowed his head, stepping to the side as Caesar came forward. Instead of signing he spoke so the humans could hear what he had to say too.

"Much has happened these past few days. There have been struggles and hardships, but each and every one of you has proven yourselves worthy to call yourselves apes. Apes together strong," exclaimed Caesar, chin raised proudly. "We must all keep looking forward never back. To signify this, in two days, Ash and Princess Willow will be joined as one, as mates!"

Immediately hoots and screeches erupted at this declaration. Such an important ceremony involving two of the most prominent rising figures in the tribe was just the boost the Colony ordered.

Ash dashed to Willow, lifting her in the air and spinning around. Willow's laughter was joined by dozens of others, but it wasn't just the fact she was going to be with her love. Like all of the apes, Willow craved the solace of a calm life and at last, she was close to achieving a happy one.

Turning to Malcolm, Caesar said "You are welcome to stay for ceremony."

Surprised and humbled by the invitation, Malcolm said "Of course. We're going to have to go back to the city to clear some stuff up first, but, yeah, we'd-."

"We'd be honored," finished Ellie, sincerely.

Alex voiced his consent and when they looked at Kemp and Foster they, also, accepted the invite.

Bowls were provided to the humans filled with foods edible to share. Reserves of wild mushrooms, nettle, bark, berries, insects, salamanders, meats, and fruits were broken out for the celebration. The supplies that were edible to humans were passed around in carved wooden bowls. A few of the humans winced at what the apes called food, but out of common curtsey and etiquette, they accepted the morsels. They'd eat what they could, leaving the rest for the apes to devour.

Babbling from a baby caused the group to look up. Cornelia had emerged from the oak tree. She stood where Caesar could see her cradling the baby in her arms. The antibiotics did their work. She appeared well-rested and restored.

Caesar went to Cornelia meeting her halfway as she came down with her midwives to join the festivities. Stroking the side of her face, Caesar signed "Feeling better?"

Cornelia nodded, pressing her brow to his.

Caesar stroked the baby's tiny head, cupping it in his hand.

Willow then came over with Ash.

"Mother," she signed, grinning happily.

Mother and daughter hugged each reveling in the presence and warmth of the other. The last time they spoke both thought it was their last after Cornelia took a turn for the worst. Now the danger was passed and Cornelia was on the mend regaining her strength.

Taking Cornelia's hand in his he lead her to a spot under their oak tree. At the base, the roots of the tree created a platform. Willow and Ash followed suit. The two couples stood there admiring the beauty of the lights in the night.

The Queen noticed they had a visitor onlooker.

Cornelia touched Caesar's arm to get his attention. Caesar saw what had her so fixated. Blue Eyes was coming from the side. His eyes were only for his mother blinking at her in disbelief. He couldn't comprehend how she was still alive. Yesterday Cornelia was on the brink of death. Now she was up and about as if the disease didn't nearly steal her away.

"Mother," signed Blue Eyes.

Cornelia unwrapped an arm from around the baby chimp in his mother's arms. She gently stroked Blue Eye's temple and that touch was all the clarification he needed. Blue Eyes embraced his mother hugging her tight never wanting to let go.

Over Cornelia's shoulder, Blue Eyes met Willow's gaze. The two stared at one another. What Willow did next astonished him. Instead of glowering at him with scorn and hate, Willow gently in forgiveness holding out a hand to him.

Tentatively Blue Eyes placed a hand in hers and he made a cautious smile in return. The feeling of her soft fingers intertwining with his calmed him, the bitter resentful contempt fading.

Satisfied immensely, Caesar smiled at the twins taking the first steps into reconciliation and the love between Willow and Ash. His extended family was united. Malcolm was correct this was a new beginning for apes and humans. Things could only improve moving forward after this.

Hearing a twig snap Caesar looked below into the ravine. In that moment his smile vanished replaced by shock and far becoming rigid, seeing what no other ape could.

BANG!

Authors Note:

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!