You'd think that, after what happened back in cliff city, our two protagonists would start to get along. You would. Shaky beginning but hey, it'd be a start.
Oh, how nice it must be to have hope.
Ever since they left, Monkey has been leading (Y/n) through almost hellish paths just to see the extent of her climbing skills without actually saying it. Instead he kept saying they were shortcuts, and although it was true, it was very exhausting for a human like her.
"Come on (Y/n)." he looked down at her as she climbed a big pile of rocks that was blocking the way (he was already at the top with a few jumps) "Just do the leaping thing again."
The young woman simply screamed to express her exasperation towards him.
At some point she couldn't take it anymore and decided that she would take the lead. And for a young woman who only left her home for the very first time a week or so ago, it went about as well as you'd expect.
"Admit it, we're lost!" Monkey exclaimed, dragging his feet as he followed her through the forest.
"No we're not!" she kept going and didn't look back.
"I told you the mountain side was the easier route!"
"And risking falling to my doom?! You call that easier?!"
"At least it was the safer route!"
"Have you seen the footbridge on that wall?! It was like twenty centimeters ! *This* is the safer route!" she pointed at the ground.
"How would you know?! You've never been here before!"
"It's about basic logic! If you can't go around the mountain, you go straight through the mountain!" she said as she moved her arm to illustrate her words. "I thought you were all about shortcuts."
"Not this time. You say it's safer in the forest, all I'm seeing is that demons can pop out any seconds."
"Oh please, we've been lost for hours and we still haven't encountered anyone or anything. Chill."
"That doesn't mean we're safe yet-Wait! Did you just admit that we're lost?!" he pointed at her.
"Uuuuh-."
Before she could come up with an excuse, suddenly bandits came out from behind bushes and trees, surrounding them.
"Um, at least they're not demons." she nervously smiled.
Monkey sighed, put his staff down and cracked his knuckles.
"Just stay out of my way while I handle this." he said.
"Oh you think I can't take care of this with you?" she took a step closer but then flinched and yelped when the men in front of her took out weapons. "Alright nevermind go ahead!"
He rolled his eyes and proceeded to beat up the group of men. Although he didn't kill them, they were unable to run away and just laid there in pain while our duo walked away.
"I heard you! You said we were lost!"
"The forest is making you hear things. We better get going before you go insane."
Like the first course of a meal, the bandits were only the beginning. As the sun began to set, now demons were indeed popping out of nowhere. Monkey would defeat them like it was nothing, but the amount of fighting just made him grumpier, because (Y/n) refused to admit that she was the one to blame for this situation.
"I can't believe fighting demons isn't cheering me up." he said. "You ruined kicking demon ass for me. One of my favorite things to do in the whole world and you ruined it. Thanks."
"Oh would you stop whining already?" she looked back. "I feel like I'm babysitting a child."
"Excuse me?!" he stopped for a second, shocked by what she said, before he walked again. "If anyone's babysitting anyone here it's me! I keep saving you and I don't even get anything from it!"
"It's not like I'm having a blast here either!"
"Oh really?!" he smiled ironically. "Why, why not?! You are embarking on a road trip with your childhood hero the mighty Monkey King! Fun and games all around! Going through various locations to find Guan Yin's island and uncover the mystery of Golden Cicada! When really the real treasure..." dramatic pause. "is the friendships we made along the way."
She clenched her fist, really wanting to punch him in the face. And she was about to try, but then she saw something. Ignoring Monkey's monologue, she walked up to a wooden sign planted on the ground, saying there was an inn not far ahead and that it had a hot spring available.
"Well Monkey, you're in luck." she turned back and pointed at it. "Because tonight, you and I get a night off."
Curious, he stood beside her and read the sign. Then he frowned.
"An inn, with a hot spring, right in the middle of a demon-infested mountain." he glanced at her with a raised eyebrow. "How convenient."
"I know it's suspicious, I'm not stupid." she said. "But we're both tired and it'll get dark soon, mind as well check it out." she shrugged and walked passed the sign. "And if it was a trap, I'm sure you could take care of it."
Monkey sighed before following her. After a short while, they reached an old little building. They briefly looked at each-other before walking in.
"Hello travelers!" a rather overweight man greeted them from behind the front desk. "And welcome to our humble inn! How may I help you?"
"Uh..." (Y/n) took a long look at him, not finding anything out of the ordinary, as human behavior goes. "You see, we've been walking through the forest for what feels like forever and frankly we are exhausted."
"Of the forest and of each-other." Monkey mumbled.
"And so," she ignored him. "relaxing in a hot spring and sleeping in a bed, it would be luxury."
"Why of course! You're lucky, we don't get a lot of customers, so the hot spring would be all to yourself."
"Not a lot of customers? Gee, I wonder why." Monkey rolled his eyes.
She quickly glared at him. But she was relaxed by the fact that, if this guy was a demon, he would see it right away.
"Don't mind him." she smiled at the man. "The forest made him cranky."
"That's okay." he smiled back. "A room for two I suppose. Would you like a couple room, or a regular two people room?"
"Regular please." she quickly replied, not wanting to even wonder why he would suggest this first option.
"Alrighty then." he turned to the side, towards a hallway. "Meilin!!!" the sudden intensity of his voice made both (Y/n) and Monkey flinch.
Not long after, a young woman around (Y/n)'s age rushed in the entry hall, slightly panting.
"Yes boss?" she asked.
"Lead the guests to their room."
She simply nodded and then the young woman Meilin escorted them to their room for the night. Meanwhile, Monkey was looking around, from time to time they'd pass by other employees, but it seemed like they were indeed the only guests here. The corner of his mouth naturally went upwards: this place was filled with demons.
Did he knew that from the second he saw the boss? Of course. Is he gonna say anything? Not so sure. He was considering it at first, but then he saw the exciting smile on (Y/n)'s face and thought otherwise. It would be funnier if he observed from a distance and waited for them to attack and then he'd save her at the last minute so she'd see how wrong she was to have taken them here. And it was his night off after all, and hers too, who was he to disturb such an occasion? He forced himself not to giggle. Honestly, the look of regret on her face when she'll call for help will be the pay he'll receive for all this babysitting.
After settling in their room, Monkey "went out" to "pick up some fruits" because he was "hungry".
"More like hungry for justice." he whispered to himself, smiling as he watched (Y/n) through the window from outside, laying on a tree branch.
She took off her japamala and placed it on the wooden table, then she took her monkey doll out of the bag and placed it beside it. Monkey watched, confused as she began to pray. Was she praying for him via his doll replica? He couldn't help but be creeped out by this. Just then, Meilin entered the room, making her flinched.
"I apologize for startling you Miss." she said. "I got you your sheets for the night. Shall I come back later?"
"Oh, thank you." she stood up and walked up to her with her arms open. "And no, it's fine."
"What are you doing?"
"Uh, taking the sheets?"
"Huh? No no no." she walked passed her. "You are a guest here, you shouldn't be taking care of the beds. I'll do it."
"I supposed that is how it works." she followed her. "But I don't feel comfortable sitting here while you do all the work."
"It's...It's my job though."
"That shouldn't prevent me from helping you a little bit at least."
Meilin took a moment to look at her, she pursued her lips, as if trying not to express any emotion.
"Very well." she finally said.
While she helped her with her task, Monkey closely observed Meilin to make sure she wouldn't pull any tricks. The demons here were pretty weak but she seemed to be the weakest one out of them. And from the way the boss addressed her, she was bullied for it. Which he kind of understood, he would bully his old companion Pigsy everyday.
'Not my fault he was such a hilarious loser.' he smiled.
"Where is your companion?" Meilin asked.
"He went out, said he was hungry."
"You must be worried about him."
"Not really, why do you think that?" she looked at her.
"W-well, it is dangerous to be outside at such a late hour. And..."
She looked over at the doll, still on the table. (Y/n) followed her gaze and blushed.
"That's not it at all!" she exclaimed, turning back to her. "That has nothing to do with him!"
"I-I'm so sorry! My greatest apologies! Please forgive me!"
(Y/n) was taken aback by the expression on Meilin's face as she apologized, she looked beyond terrified.
"It's okay," she softly said. "a lot of people would make that connection. It's not your fault."
The young woman relaxed a little bit at her words. (Y/n) looked over to the table.
"My...My father made it for me when I was a baby."
"Oh, a doll-maker?"
She shook her head, smiling faintly.
"He was the high monk of the monastery I used to live in."
"Was...?" Meilin asked in a little voice.
She looked down, her smile didn't change but her eyes became sadder.
"He died while saving me from demons years ago." she paused. "And, I believe it's related as to why I'm here now."
"What do you mean?" Meilin leaned closer a little bit in curiosity.
She looked at her and chuckled.
"It's...kind of a long story but...Ironically enough, I had to run away from my home in order to protect it."
"I see..."
The conversation ended there, although Monkey really wanted her to develop. He wasn't smiling anymore.
"Thank you very much for helping me." Meilin bowed once they were finished.
"Oh it was nothing really. Now." she put her doll back in her bag. "I'll go relax in the hot spring!"
"Have you...?"
"Mmh?"
"Have you ever been in a hot spring before?"
"No."
"Oh my! Then please allow me to come with you." she said with a bit of confidence. "You see there are cases of people who pass out because they're not used to the heat."
"Really? I didn't know that." she smiled. "In that case yes, I would very much appreciate it. Thank you."
Monkey kept watching. Although he couldn't care less about seeing people naked in general, out of respect, he averted his eyes from when the two woman took off the towels covering them to when they went into the water.
"Are you the only woman here?" (Y/n) asked.
"I am yes."
"Man, must be tough. Back in the monastery, I was the one girl in a field of boys. Don't get me wrong, I love them all like brothers, but they are times when things would get...awkward? Like you could feel the gap."
"I see what you mean. But you don't need to worry about me, they are nice."
"Really?" (Y/n) leaned closer.
She must've come to the same conclusion as Monkey's. From the way she reacted to her raising her voice, they both figured that this wasn't just some friendly bullying.
"Y-yes, they're all good to me." Meilin looked down, her smile twitching slightly. "The boss is...good to me."
(Y/n)'s eyebrows furrowed and she slowly leaned back.
"If you say so. Do be careful okay? With all those demons in these parts of the mountain, having somewhere safe to stay in," she paused and her gaze wandered a bit. "or someone to protect you... It's important."
"Thank you." she smiled. "...You're very kind."
"My name is (Y/n) by the way."
Meilin gasped, she tilted her head.
"It's the first time I learn the guest's name."
"Oh? Well, there's a first time for everything I suppose." she smiled. "Like the first time I went fishing for example!"
After that, the conversation turned friendlier, (Y/n) spoke about the shenanigans that ensued with her and her disciple-monk-brothers. It was at this point that Monkey left, he figured Meilin wouldn't attack her, not anymore at least. Instead he went to check on the boss on the other side of the inn. He was talking to his employees about his plan to sneak in their room at night and kill them. Then another one of his goons came in and talked about how Meilin was 'getting all buddy-buddy' with the human girl. The boss didn't like it one bit and said he'd have a word with her.
"By the way boss," one of them said. "what about the monkey?"
"Another human sympathizer," he waved his hand. "and I didn't sense any powers from him. We'll just kill him and throw his body out. Oh! Or maybe we'll keep him as a pet!"
"Good idea boss!"
"You're so smart!"
"Hehe, I know."
Monkey rolled his eyes and went back to their room. He laid down on his bed, one leg up with his ankle on his knee and hands behind his head, just in time for (Y/n) to come back, her wet hair tied up.
"Yo." he simply said.
She just hummed and kneeled in a corner, joining her hands together. She closed her eyes and started to whisper inaudibly. Monkey was about to say something, but then his eyes widen and he quickly sat up when she started to glow a gentle blue light. This went on for a little while until it slowly dissipated, after that she opened her eyes and noticed him staring at her.
"What?" she frowned.
"Did you...Did you just...?"
"I was worried about Meilin, and so I prayed for her protection. What about it?"
"...Nothing." he stood up and went for the window.
"Where are you going?"
"I gotta check something."
"At this hour?" she raised an eyebrow in suspicion.
"Hey, didn't you say this was my *night* off?" he glanced back at her. "You do you, I'll do me."
They looked at each-other for a moment, finally she huffed and turned around.
"I'm not running away." his voice softened.
"You better not."
He silently sighed before leaving.
He watched from the roof as the boss dragged Meilin in the backyard and started to yell at her.
"How many times will I have to tell you?! Don't play with your food!"
"B-but she-"
"Oh let me guess: she said 'please' and 'thank you' and that makes her just the best person ever?"
Meilin didn't respond.
"You get all friendly with her even though I told you not to!" he raised a fist. "Looks like I'll have to beat it into your brain!"
She yelped and protected her head as he brought his fist down. But just before he could hit her, he was stopped by some sort of shield around her. They both gasped as Monkey leaned closer.
"How...?" the boss was shocked at first but soon his expression became furious again. "Where did you learn how to do that?!"
"I don't know! I swear! Maybe (Y/-)" she cut herself. "It might be that woman." she said in a little voice.
'She cast a shield to protect her and didn't even realize it?' Monkey thought, a hand to his chin. 'What is the deal with her?'
"In that case," the boss began to walk back inside. "we shall kill her as soon as her and her monkey are asleep."
Now alone, Meilin brought her hands close to her chest and fell on her knees. A moment passed before she slowly stood up with a determined expression.
"You want to try and stop them." Monkey said as he jumped down and landed in front of her, making her flinch and take a step back. "You know you're no match for them. Even with your protection barrier, it won't last forever."
She clenched her fists and looked down.
"Do you want them dead?" he asked.
"...The others aren't bad. They're just as scared of the boss as I am and don't dare to go against him."
"Very well then." he turned back. "You go to bed, I'm sure you had a long day."
And with that, he jumped back on the roof and was out of sight.
The boss and a few of his goons following him behind, armed with various weapons, slowly walked through the hallway and stopped in front of their only guests' room. He pressed his ear against the door and stayed silent in the darkness, nobody moved. He heard light snores and leaned back. He nodded towards the door, his men readied themselves as he opened it, but he stopped before he could even step in.
Sitting there cross-legged, with the girl's bed behind him, was the monkey. Beside him was his staff, standing straight in perfect balance. His arms were folded and his red eyes were glowing in the dark. He looked straight into his eyes like he was waiting for them.
The boss smiled and confidently walked in. His employees stayed behind, hesitant to follow him, as just the gaze of the monkey made their knees tremble.
"Heh, I see what's going on." he said. "You're her little bodyguard aren't ya? How cute, you really are fit to be a pet." he paused, crouching to be at eye level, Monkey kept fixing him with almost unblinking eyes. "But, you look like you're ready to fight. Come on now, we don't wanna wake up lil missy over here." he stood up and raised his sword. "So I will be merciful and give you a quick death."
Just then, Monkey flicked his staff, making it fall onto the boss who fell under its weight, shattering his shoulder and a few ribs. He was about to scream but Monkey quickly stood up and pressed his foot on his face. As his scream was muffled into really painful hums, Monkey looked at the other men, who stopped breathing at their eye contact.
"You will quietly leave this room and close the door behind you." Monkey instructed in a clear voice. "When morning comes, you will refuse her money and politely send us on our way." he paused. "Am I understood?"
They all nodded a few times.
"Then do it already. Don't just stand there."
They quickly but quietly closed the door and Monkey could hear them running in the hallway. He picked up his staff and the demon by his face. He smiled.
"Now, why don't we go in the backyard and enjoy the moonlight?" he brought his face closer. "Unlike you, I'm not feeling very merciful."
When (Y/n) stood up, Monkey was still asleep. She unknowingly sighed of relief when she saw him, she won't deny that his absence made it harder for her to fall asleep, but she managed. Not wanting to wake him up, she left the bed and went to the dining hall. The staff was extra nice to her this morning, downright forcing her to take seconds when they served her breakfast, which was much more fancier than the dinner they offered last night. As she enjoyed her meal, Monkey walked in yawning.
"Morning." she smiled, but then remembered that she was mad at him and looked away.
Monkey mumbled and sat across from her, grabbing an apple from one of the bowls.
"I hope your night off went well." she said, trying to sound monotonous.
"Better than I thought actually. Hey, look." he looked at her. "I'm sorry I haven't been the greatest of company."
She looked at him, taken aback by his words.
"I'm willing to try and be more understanding, but only if you do the same." he pointed at her. "I really do keep saving you and get nothing from it."
"...You're right. I'm sorry too, for various things. I know I forced you into this trip with me, but understand that, you really are the only one who could help me."
Monkey looked at her for a moment, his eyes softened.
"Yeah, I understand."
She smiled faintly and scratched her cheek.
"I'm sure we both have our own...crazy circumstances as to why we're here today." she offered him her hand. "So let's try to at least be on good terms during this trip."
He smiled and shook her hand.
"That's all I wanted to hear!"
"What?"
"You saying that I'm right."
She chuckled. And just like that, breakfast became a lot more enjoyable.
After they packed their things, they went to the front desk to pay for their stay. The boss was replaced by one of his men, Meilin standing beside him.
"Nononono, free of charge, free of charge!" he intensely shook his head.
"Oh come on now." (Y/n) looked at her, handing her the money. "Meilin?"
She simply shrugged.
"And where is the owner?"
"Oh I heard he was a real piece of trash and ran away." Monkey said. "He also said that now Meilin was in charge."
"Huh?! Me?!" she pointed at herself.
"Yeah. He also said that the others would never speak against it and go along with it like the good human boys they are." he said, staring at the men.
He gulped and nodded.
"Is it true?" (Y/n) asked her.
She briefly glanced at Monkey before smiling widely.
"Yes! I was there." she cheerfully said. "And as the new boss here, I say you're free of charges."
(Y/n) hesitated at first but then nodded. After asking for directions to leave the mountain, they said goodbye to each-other.
Back into the forest, she looked over at Monkey.
"Did you have anything to do with this?"
"Oh I would never!" he said, still looking ahead. "All I did during my night off was a bit of trash-cleaning."
She was about to press him on the subject when she recalled Meilin's happy expression. She sighed, smiling, and just nudged him. Something she'd naturally do to her friends back in the village.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"I don't know actually, my arm just moved."
"You're weird."
"You're a 500-something-year-old stone demon monkey."
"Hey, what happened to being understanding and on good terms?"
"Well, people change."
He chuckled.
"In the spam of a few hours?"
"I'm very quick-witted."
They smiled at each-other. This kind of argument was way more pleasant.
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