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 2
On her way back the first apes Willow runs into are Rocket and Tinker. Not on purpose, more like accidental.
The overwrought parents are in the middle of preparing their son's body for a proper burial. Since they're not in the Redwoods right now the two of them must find a way to improvise.
Wordlessly Willow quietly walks over to lend them a helping hand. Truthfully Blue Eyes should be down here doing the exact same thing, but given his initial horrible reaction after finding Ash's body as she did that might not be the best idea. Blue Eyes would probably allow his emotions to run wild on him again for a second time and that's far from what this grieving family needs on their plate right now.
No words are said or signs made as Willow takes her place in amongst their center, but they do send her expressions of appreciation. These do not go unnoticed.
As Willow is cleaning the body she gets an idea. They're closer to the water and from made up story's Maurice used to tell her age group at school she may have a way to do this.
Relaying her idea to Tinker and Ash they then reach a suitable accord with each other.
Once the body is clean they then wrap it up in blankets that are found scattered in some of the makeshift apartments so that the body is appropriately handled correctly.
Mindful that humans may still be lingering in certain areas, especially with more on the way as Caesar reported from Malcolm the three of them cautiously head down to the water.
Fortune favors them during this hour. Believe it or not there are no humans crossing their path that they have to avoid. Right now they all must be in different sections of the city, probably trying to keep their distance from all the apes everywhere these days.
Willow is the one whom unearths a rowboat loosely attached to a mooring line connected to a large boat. Together the trio then lay Ash's body flat in it to make it appear as if he is sleeping instead of dead.
Willow respectfully stands off to the side in order to allow Rocket and Tinker a semblance of a private final goodbye with their beloved son.
An upset Willow's heart is desolate as she patiently waits for her turn. Out of nowhere, Willow senses someone approaching from the rear without facing in that direction. The hairs rise on the back of Willow's neck, already presuming danger has reached them during this sacred send-off.
Spinning on her heels Willow is more than ready to confront the interloper, but as soon as she glimpses the person's identity she freezes in befuddlement.
Standing right there before her is Blue Eyes.
Willow thought he'd been given the slip back where the majority of the Tribe is congregated together. Appears as if Willow presumed wrong this time around.
Blue Eyes says nothing and merely stands there with a blank and stone-faced expression, somber. Blue Eye's face is red-rimmed a tiny amount around the eyes showing he'd been crying not too long ago, but his stubborn nature is unyielding in this whole thing. He will not display such a lack of decorum, not after that undignified behavior when Ash's body was first recovered at the City Hall building.
While Willow's concerns are justifiable they are unwarranted.
Blue Eyes keeps his composure, calmly closing the distance between his sister and Willow relaxes. She is much relieved Blue Eyes won't be causing any trouble. This is far too important to the four of them.
Fingers interlaced with each other's hands Blue Eyes and Willow slowly make their way over to the rowboat.
Blue Eyes clasp wrists with Ash's own limp and lifeless fingers one last time.
Leaning downward to graze Blue Eye's forehead with her lips, Willow whispers "Farewell, My Love. I'll never forget you. My love will carry with you forever and always."
It's time.
As one Willow, Rocket, Tinker, and Blue Eyes slide the rowboat into the water. Luck is on their side given it is reaching low tide. The current alone will force the rowboat to drift by itself out to see. The current does the most trying and time consuming part for them.
The four of them remain there taking comfort in the others presence as the rowboat is carried out to see, laying Ash to rest in peace along with it.
Ash's troubles may be done and over with, but theirs have only just begun to unravel.
Authors Note:
September 11th has come and gone once again. I was very young when it happened. Don't know about all of you, but I certainly was really scared. One minute I was at elementary school in class and the next my parents are pulling me out, taking my little sister and I home. That's when we learned the truth. The Twin Towers we'd see all the time whenever we traveled outside the city limits on road trips would no longer be there. We were stunned when we'd seen them destroyed on TV. Those trips were never the same again just like the lives of millions. In honor for the people that fell that day and to those still struggling to survive from the aftermath I suggest a moment of respective silence. I think we all can use that.
Hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
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.
Big time heads up! Article 13 is on the move again. Our freedom of speech is seriously on the line. Find a legitimate petition that is fighting this decision and sign onto it. Every signature counts to keep what we love alive.
I recently put up some other works I've put out at titled Secret Of Bristol Cove, Predators Redemption, A Revolutionary Romance, Fantine Tezla: Hot Wheels Acceleracers, and Nuala: The White Lioness. I highly recommend them. ;D