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 27

Inside the rundown bus the apes Koba had imprisoned upon suspected acts of "treason" were resigned to their inevitable fate especially Willow. At some point, she'd drifted away from the others as far as the chain would allow. She was lost in her own sorrowful world grieving by herself wallowing in misery. The demises of Ash and Caesar played over and over in her head similar to a recurring nightmare, trapped, unable to escape.

Maurice, Luca, and Rocket tired to comfort Willow. They wanted to show her she wasn't alone. Lifting her head Willow looked up at them vague, expressionless. She turned away her back facing them all.

Saddened Maurice shook his head at the other apes. Discouraged the rest of them left her be.

Willow had lost everything. There was nothing left for her to live for anymore. She just wanted to die and join Ash where she knew he'd be waiting for her.

Willow didn't know why, but out of the blue she could hear her parent's voices whispering into her ears with specific memories springing to mind.

"You are your father's daughter, stubbornness and pride. Mind what he says, but remember you may hear a voice inside. Willow, that voice inside is who you are."

"You and Blue Eyes are the future of our people, Willow. It's time to be who they need you to be."

A spark was lit inside Willow's heart. It made her eyes return to normal as did her remarkable persevering inner strength. She knew what she had to do.

Caesar was dead, but his spirit lived on inside of her.

There was nothing Willow could do for Ash or her father, they were beyond saving, but there were others she could save. Apes that needed a leader to guide them. If Blue Eyes wouldn't step up to the plate to do what needed to be done for the sake of their people then Willow would act in his stead. The tribe is her family, Willow feels like she has to protect her family even if it costs her life. Willow is her father's daughter and when called to arms she will protect her own no matter what. Caesar was their hope before, she must be so now.

Willow rose with a newfound steely determined resolve, emboldened. This cannot and will not be the end. Willow looked upon her fellow prisoners.

Maurice noted the change in her demeanor. Grunting he told the other apes. They looked at Willow in surprise by this sudden turnaround watching her approach. The surprise they held quickly transferred to hope. Hope that the Princess hadn't given up the will to live after all.

"So," signed Willow, cheekily, "who is ready to get out of here? Who wants freedom?"

The apes in the bus with her hooted stomping their feet in jubilation, hope restored.

Smiling, raising a quizzical brow, Willow signed"Shall we begin?"

Authors Note:

She's back!