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 32
The climb up the base of the skyscraper on the girder was pure agony for Caesar. Normally such a climb wouldn't have been a problem for him to handle, but the wound in his shoulder was still fresh and weakened him more.
Willow's heart ached watching her father struggle where the rest of them were at full strength. Caesar's movements were slow and painful, his torn body fighting to stay strong. He had to stop multiple times on the ladder to catch his breath. A couple of times she thought they were about to lose him, but each time a hand or foot slipped he managed to regain his grip. Even if he did fall it wouldn't have mattered. There were apes below him ready to catch Caesar at any time if he did. But Caesar did not falter, he pushed on determined to see this through till the very end.
When the hardened group of escapees was a couple of stories below the unfinished section of the tower the first ape in Koba's army finally noticed them. Screeching he alerted the others and soon one after another they peered over the edge observing the progress of the new arrivals. When, at last, they reached the top Koba's apes backed away taking positions on the borderline of the surrounding beams as they clambered over.
Caesar was the last one to make it. Willow, Luca, and Maurice stood in the middle with Caesar, flanked by Blue Eyes and Rocket with the rest forming an impregnable wall. Standing he stumbled, Luca steadied Caesar with a hand on his arm allowing a brief interlude to catch his breath. The chill in the early morning air from the harbor at such a high altitude caused his breath to come out in puffs. Composing himself Caesar nodded tapping Luca's wrist and the gorilla released.
Caesar pulled away from the group taking slow measured steps across the beam grid serving as a substitute for a walkway. Willow appeared as if she wanted to follow, but Blue Eyes kept a restraining hand on her shoulder shaking his head. Caesar had to do this alone.
When Caesar made himself known to them the aggression radiating off of Koba's apes changed into stunned uncertain denial. Surely it couldn't be Caesar? And yet it was.
Koba dropped from the highest point in the skyscraper. In one hand he had a rifle propped on his shoulder while the other held Caesar's spear. Willow hissed in fury when she saw it. Koba wasn't worthy to possess a weapon from a noble ape when he, himself, was far from it.
On his side of the walkway, Koba stared at Caesar shocked to see him alive. He'd honestly believed the shot he'd taken killed him instantly. Now with Caesar staring stoically at him from across the way he realized he should've been more thorough. He should've made sure Caesar was dead. This was going to ruin everything. He then saw Willow standing shoulder to shoulder with Blue Eyes. Kobe snarled and Blue Eyes shifted in front of Willow in her defense which just seemed to enrage the bonobo more. Kobe knew just by looking at Blue Eyes that the times when the youngster idolized him unconditionally were long passed. The Prince was no longer controlled under his thumb. Koba jumped the railing on the platform becoming level with Caesar.
Caesar's face was neutral and unwavering, his gaze focused on Koba.
"Caesar has no place here," smirked Koba, leering darkly. "Apes follow…Koba now."
Saddened eyes sweeping over the gathered apes assembled, Caesar said "Follow Koba to war."
"Apes win the war! Apes together strong," proclaimed Koba, mockingly, taunting Caesar as he maneuvered across the grid. "Caesar weak."
Aiming a pointed sidelong glance at the gun in Koba's hand, inscrutable, Caesar said "Koba weaker."
A true ape proved his worth as a warrior with his own strength not that provided by human weaponry, especially guns. Viewing them as insignificant tools. From the expression on his face, Caesar's comment did have the desired effect as he looked from Caesar to the gun and then back at Caesar again.
Tossing the rifle spear aside Koba roared launching himself at Caesar to stab him with the spear.
Authors Note:
Oh my, did I say this chapter would contain the fight? I meant it would be leading into the fight. Syke! Ha! Ha!