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 1 ½ Chapter 1

Out of everyone in the Tribe Willow locates Ash's body first exactly where Koba had unceremoniously thrown him.

Despite how being worn down from sheer exhaustion Willow has found enough strength to make the trip back to where his body lay. For some reason, Willow had a very strong inclination that it would still be there. With all that went on before Caesar's timely return to the fold, no one probably had any second thoughts on what has actually befallen Ash or any of the other dead just yet.

Willow's instincts are right on the mark.

On the way Willow took great care to mentally prepare herself for what she was bound to see as soon as she came upon her beloved.

Unfortunately, that didn't make things any easier. Quite the contrary.

You see when Koba had initiated his malicious regime change Willow never got a clear look at Ash's body. Just heard the awful thump the second his body made an impact on the cold, hard, and unforgiving marble floor. From such a grand height all Willow managed to glimpse was a tiny pinprick of a black speck.

The anticipation was killing Willow until she reached the destination.

Now afterwards it's all too real.

Whatever joy Willow specifically felt as the family of five became reunited in the face of this extreme misfortune and tribulation instantly became spoiled to the core.

All that remains is the ultimate onslaught of despair and sorrow.

Ash is lying there prone as cold and still as death in itself. His eyes are misted and sunken in as the usual rate of decomposition sits in with dried blood caked around his nostrils and congealed in a pool on the stones surrounding Ash. Much to Willow's disgust and displeasure flies settled on his lips and nose. Willow has seen this on numerous animals in the Redwoods that had either already been found dead or were brought down. She never once imagined it on an ape or someone so dear to her heart.

Willow couldn't take it.

Trembling all over Willow collapses on her knees at Ash's head. With shaking hands Willow gently eases Ash a bit to the point where his head is in her lap. Unable to bear the sight Willow shoos the troublesome flies away, waving them off of Ash's face. Whatever resolve Willow has left crumbles shattering her soul. Tears start to stream from Willow's face as she cries. So much sorrow and heartbreak combined with guilt, shame, and remorse because she failed in her attempts to save him. In the past Ash was constantly loyal, tender, and gentle with her. Satisfied with their life and the future it held neither of them ever faltered.

And now that content and peaceful future that had been cooked up for their sake is impossible.

Willow didn't know how much time went by, but she soon came to terms that she wasn't alone with him anymore.

Blue Eyes has arrived as did Maurice, Rocket, Tinker, and many others.

Willow doesn't meet any of them except for her twin brother. For a couple of seconds, Blue Eyes avoids making eye contact until the weight of her stare is too much. In his eyes, Willow easily sees the same sorrow and grief in her own, but there is another element. Pure and unbridled fury. Not aimed at her, most certainly not, but at himself. Unlike her Blue Eyes did far more than just stand by and do nothing. Blue Eyes can't deny anymore that he fell under Koba's spell for a little while even though he snapped out of it. It's eating him far more than her.

Even now Willow still seeks to comfort. She leans in forward to press her forehead to his. She's broken-hearted when he pulls away after barely two seconds. She can't get angry at him for it in light of his distress.

Willow has to leave so she can mourn alone in peace.

Willow gently sets Ash's body on the ground and leaves passing by Rocket, Maurice, and Tinker on the way. The infuriated screeches and roars that burst from her brother force Willow to escape faster. Willow runs outside climbs the roof and reaches the very top.

Here Willow sits desolate and woeful.

The sun's rays shine down from clouds above covering the space.

Truthfully, she feels so broken inside. Willow is barely holding on with so much tragedy happening in such a short length of time. Willow may seem all confident and put together, but she doesn't know how to handle it. But each time she seems like she's getting close to breaking down Willow reminds herself whose daughter she is and because of that she can take it. She has to stay on her feet and be the ape everyone else needs her to be. She needs to stand her ground and keep on moving no matter what.

What the hell is Willow doing?

Sitting there wallowing in self-pity isn't going to help anybody not when there are so many that still need her.

Yes, Ash is gone, but his memory, bravery, and sacrifice will live on for future generations. Standing up to Koba like he did was no small feat. His love for her and everything they stand for is everlasting.

Willow chooses to at least try and move on from this experience because that's what Ash would've wished her to do, even if it kills her.

Willow won't let his memory down.

Authors Note:

Hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D

But right now I'm in a bit of a bind on which path Willow should take. Should she stay with Caesar in the city, go with Rocket and Blue Eyes on this mission, or travel with Cornelia to help with the Tribe as they go back into the Redwoods? I mean in the beginning of Born To Lead 2 Caesar mentions that Red and his splinter group tried to kidnap Willow at some point so I'm trying to figure out which one would be better for that.

I'm glad to have finally gotten back to this after such a long absence compared to some others on my profile. I've been meaning to for a while and only now I've managed to find time and inspiration for it. Still in the beginning stages, but I'm very satisfied and happy about it.