You stir awake unsated by the squabbles of Sun Wukong and MK outside. You check out the commotion, startling the brunette for your presence is incredibly convenient. He can only speculate you had slept over and did the deed with him. "Um...did you just come out of Monkey King's house or..." You avoid the question and point to the simian. "Oh, he says he's going on vacation."

"Vacation?" You parroted.

"That's what I said." MK pulls out his vibrating phone and reads the notification about some "sleep bug". Out of anger he throws his phone and crosses his arms like a child having a tantrum. You pat his head apologetically.

"Dawe, come on, bud. I promised myself when I found a successor I'd go see some friends, take a tour of my old stomping grounds, just cut loose, ya know?" Sun pulls out a pair of red shades from his bush and slips them on. "Ooo, gonna need these." You furrow your brows bewildered by his abrupt decision to go on vacation.

You cup Sun's cheeks, stunning his movements. "Sun, are you alright? You're behaving strangely. Does it have anything to do with the bone demon?" The close proximity is enough for him to waver, thankfully his glasses cover his true intentions.

He moves your hands in his, "I'm totally fine, sweetheart. As I said, I wanna visit some friends." You take his words with skepticism.

From the corner of your eye, MK is starstruck by the interaction. "Are you two-"

Bemused, Sun interjects, "no kid, we're not a couple." Then resumes packing.

"If it's a vacation then why not take us with you?" You protested.

"Because the living isn't allowed in the celestial realm." His reply is evidently a load of crap when the team has gone before during his lockdown. Maybe not as tourists, but it's a lie nonetheless. The simian is leaving you in the dark for who knows why. Frustrated, you concentrate on reading his inner thoughts. He senses the connection and shoots you a deadly glare. "Don't." You jerk back, frightened. The serious tone in his voice sends a chill up your spine. "I know you're concerned, but don't invade my head. Please, just trust me." You turn away abashedly. He subtly caresses your cheek with his tail as he walked by. A small sentiment to eliminate any lingering doubts.

"What about training?" MK Prompted.

"Oh, about that." Sun clears his throat and poses heroically. "The next step of your journey you must do alone, But don't worry I'll check in. Give you some training tools, remote lessons." He loads his luggage on the cloud ready to take flight. "We'll figure it out. You'll be great!" He rambled and then disappeared into the winds.

In a fit, Mk shouts, "Fine! T-then just leave! At least my friends will never abandon me." He whips his head at you for validation. "Right, (Y/n)?"

You were spaced out until he hollered again. "Um...yeah, of course, I'll stand right beside you, but right now I'd like to stay and sleep a little longer." You sheepishly said.

"Oh...alright." MK is perturbed in leaving you alone. The Monkey King's unexpected urgency to go on vacation after the Spider Queen's ordeal must be taxing on you. You had just reunited only to be apart once more. In MK's opinion, it's infuriating to be ditched. "Are you...sure you'll be alright?"

"I'll be ok, Mk." You softly said. "If I need you, I'll call." Your pledge is sufficient for him to depart. You bid farewell and retreat into the house.

As you stand in the living room, your blood begins to boil, clenching your fists till the whites of your knuckles are visible. You target the coffee table, and flip it, launching whatever was on top of it. You break down on your knees and hang your head in woe as a waterfall of tears runs down your face. You're ticked off. Sun had abandoned you with little to go on. You thought there was a mutual understanding to confide in one another whatever the circumstance. Instead, he shut you out.

'Why? Was I a fool to believe things would be different? Why are you running away?'

As you internally lament, your skin begins to crack, extending to the edge of your lips. Again your eyes change into a rainbow color.

You dawdle for what felt like hours then composed yourself to pick up the mess you created. Once you swept up the living room, you move onto the bedroom to tend the bed. Gradually, you undertake a trance of deep cleaning the house. It allowed your brain to shut off and numb the pain.

By the time you extinguished every spec of dust, night had arrived. You stare at the dark, empty space and chose on staying another night. You click the T.V. on as background noise. Eventually, your thoughts travel back to Wukong. It wasn't long ago that you both had snuggled on the couch, and enjoyed each other's company. He seemed so relaxed except for an instance of affliction where he also kept to himself.

You would have pressed him about it, but you passed out. Which leads to now. You realize you had slept in his bed, unsure if he slept on the couch or with you. The thought makes you flustered despite the grievances. It's incredible how a monkey can slither his way into your heart making it impossible to remain mad. You just wish he can take his own advice and be open instead of having you chase your tail.

"What am I gonna do with you?" You yawned, ready for the sandman to ferry you to Dreamland. "Bed sounds good right about now." You weigh the pros and cons of sleeping on the bed. All of them led to pro. You click the television off and crawl under the sheets. As you lay quietly, the scent of peaches lulls you to sleep.

"I'm so excited! I haven't been to the movies in ages." MK exclaimed.

Pigsy had arranged for everyone to attend a play as a reward for MK's efforts as the Monkey Kid. Weirdly, the theater is found in a shady alley in contrast to the velvet exterior.

"Uh kid, this ain't a cinema," Pigsy said.

"It's a shadow play with puppets," Tang added.

"Wah? Puppets? Nooo!" The brunette rummages through his pockets and pulls out a legit movie poster of the Monkey King dressed in a policeman's attire. Your eyes bulged learning that the simian held more secrets than he led on. "I thought we were seeing "Kung Fu Monkey Cop" the movie."

"Eh...check the back." Mei points to the back part of the illustration of two people on top of a mountain.

MK groans, crunching the flyer into a ball. "Oh, Mei, isn't that the weird guy that gave us that weird key?"

You and Mei look over your shoulder. "You mean the magic key that can unlock anything?"

"Magic key?" You asked.

"It was a whole thing, but basically a skeleton key with magical powers that Red boy and his mom ended up stealing from us," Mei informed.

"Definitely not alarming the mayor would give anyone such a precious item." You mumbled, staring at the unhinged mayor.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure he's still not the mayor," Mei said.

The mayor waves back and cackles like a nutcase. MK waves back fearing his life.

"Ewe, well that's not creepy at all," Tang said sarcastically.

"Point is," Pigsy redirects the topic to MK's accomplishments. "Whatever we're watching you've earned a break, kid.

"You have been training super hard. I can't even remember the last time we all hung out together." Mei sighed contently. "I miss this."

"What are you talking about? We hang out all the time." Mk defended.

"Nuh-uh girlfriend, it's always, "Monkey King this" or some "scary skeleton thing" that lately." She quoted.

"And just yesterday you blew off checkers night 'cause you had to study." Tang rudely flings checkers at MK. "Study what, I might ask?"

MK flails his arms as he beckons them to stop. "Alright, alright I get it. It's just...Monkey King said-" He downcast his gaze sternly at his feet replaying Lady Bone Demon's words. "-I just need to be ready."

"Ready for what?" Pigsy queried.

Tang shushes everyone as the lights dim.
The room is ensured in an eeriness, creeping your friends out. The stillness is so tense that you cut it like butter. A slight jumpscare of a grinning puppet hangs from it's strings. You dig your claws into the bench ignorant that you signed up for a horror story.

'Crap! I don't do so well with horror.'

The terrified Tang and Pigsy hold each other for comfort. "Tang, what kind of play did you say this was?" Pigsy asked.

The curtains are drawn to unveil the host in a hooded robe. "Welcome viewers, to a shadow play. The likes of which have never been seen." Your heart sings at the sound of his voice for reasons unknown. He raises a vintage lantern in his hand as the screen displays a scenery of a mountain range. "It follows the tale of a legendary warrior," the character resembles Sun without a tail, "and to those that bring light into this world inevitably bring darkness to those they hold dear." As the warrior gets shrouded in darkness, you cannot help but envision yourself in their shoes. You didn't want to think about yourself when Sun is out doing who knows what.

Thankfully, MK's urgency for snacks is exactly the getaway ticket you were asking for. You excuse yourself from the others and into the lounge.

However, when you walk out, MK is nowhere to be found. The only witness is the snack bar's cashier. "Excuse me, have you seen a brunette with a red bandana on his head in a yellow jacket?" The clerk blows her bubblegum and points to the exit. You thank her and step outside. Sure enough, he was hanging his head covered in garbage. "MK?" You hollered, picking off the rubbish off of him. "What are you doing out here?"

His lips parted, but he retracts what he was going to say. "Nothing."

You frown at his despondency. "Are you ok? Did you need fresh air?"

Somehow your hovering brought a smile to his face. "Yeah." He affirmed, bouncing back to his bubbly self. "We better hurry or we'll miss the show." He tows you eagerly into the theater.

You returned with a tower of snacks to share. Strangely, your friends were nowhere to be found. You shrugged it off assuming they went to the bathroom or something. MK had the same idea to sit back and enjoy the rest of the play. As the host went on, the story exposed the character's nature that ended on a bittersweet note in their friendship. It was a bit anticlimactic for your taste, yet it left you for more.

Afterward, you stood outside with MK calling up Mei for an explanation on why they ditched. Instead, it goes straight to voicemail, adding to the list of suspicions. In unison, you turn the presence. One minute it's there and the next it's gone. You squint at the corner as if daring it to come back. MK irritably rubs his eyes, haunted by the Monkey King.

"Are you ok?" You place a hand on his back to console him.

He jerks away. "Stop asking me that. I'm fine, ok? I just-" He shakes away his crude thoughts. "I need to be alone." He shoves his hands in his pockets and saunters in the rain. "I'll see ya later." There wasn't anything you could have done to assist the lad and using your powers to forcibly make him feel better wouldn't solve the problem. You hope he can at least come to you should he need to.

Your prediction materialized a month later when MK sent you a message. His texts consisted of random emojis and memes. A normal person would find nothing wrong with it, but MK isn't the type to nonsensically spam without a purpose. It was definitely a cry for help, ergo you invited him out to the Monkey King's shame temple.

To prepare, you run a detour to the store. As you enter an aisle, you detect an unwarranted creature you're well acquainted. "What do you want, Macaque?" You groaned.

"Awe, that's not the welcome I expected. I was in the neighborhood and wanted to check in on my favorite girl~" He cooed, causing your cheeks to heat up.

"Thanks for your concern. I'm doing swell." You toss a couple of chips into the basket and move on to the candy section.

"That's not what I heard." He snickered. You quirk a brow at his implication. "I know you have a crisis in your hands and it has to do with Wukong." He scoffed.

Your flinch over the name then glares at the shadow. "How did you-"

"I have heightened senses." He interrupted. "It's in the name, doll. Six-eared Macaque."

"In other words, you've been spying on me, again?" You accused.

"You should be honored. I keep tabs on the people I find interesting." He winked. Your heart throbs to his constant flirtations.

'What the hell is going on here?'

"Is that your justification for being a creeper?" You retorted while surveying for any onlookers.

"You always know how to make a comeback." He chuckled.

The conversation dies down allowing you to browse in peace. It's oddly comforting even though Macaque is observing you. For what reason? You don't know. If he were in person, you would discern his gaze glued onto you, imprinting every aspect as he daydreams of what could be. In the back of his head, he knows he can never have you, not when your heart belonged to Wukong. However, at least he has one-upped the hero by being your confidant about your blight.

"Does anybody know about your defect?" He started.

Defect sounds awful, but it is the truth. You've attained an unexplained deficiency whenever you're emotionally overwhelmed. "No, and I prefer to leave it that way, mind you."

"No need for threats. I got it. As for Wukong?" He prodded.

"That's none of your business." You said with venom.

"Ouch." He winced. He wished you would open up a little for him. It seems as though you've put him in the dog house for sure while he's still repenting for his evil deeds. Would nothing change your mind? Are his attempts futile? His heart squeezes in annoyance. "Fine, be miserable." With that, he vanishes.

Part of you felt bad for being rude, but every time you see Macaque he brings out the worst in you. It's as though he embodies negativity while Sun is the opposite. Their one and the same yet their auras are not. Whatever the backstory between them is more than just rivals.

You let out an exasperated sigh then finish your errand and meet MK at the temple.

It's been quite some time since you were at the temple. What was once an attraction holds sentimental value to both you and MK. It's the first place you met Sun, and when he celebrated having two students under his wing. It's perfect to unwind with everything that has happened.

Standing before the building is MK staring at the architecture in a melancholy state. You squeeze his shoulder.

"Monkey King put me in charge of the city, but when the Spider Queen rose to power I let him down. I let everyone down. We almost lost everything. How am I supposed to rise to greatness without a mentor?" He looks to you for an answer.

"I don't know, but what I do know is that you'll find a way in your own Monkey Kid way." Your cheesy attempt failed to put a smile on his face, but he appreciated it nonetheless. You guide him to the edge of the cliff and set out the snacks for him to pick.

"What are we doing here?" He started.

"I thought some star gazing would help. You've been stressed out, and we don't have to talk just enjoy the view." You said.

The brunette cracks a smile and dives into the potato chips. The beautiful serene drops his shoulders from a heavyweight, but even as he accommodates the offer, the burning thoughts deprive him of sanity. You're no stranger to overthinking, you can guess how deeply troubled he is. You wait for him to break the silence. "This isn't doing much, sorry."

"Don't be." You said sweetly.

"It's hard not to think about my magical destiny as the successor. I mean how hard is it to mentor me, and what's the deal with him going on vacation when there is a vile demon on the loose that could show up at any given time." He ranted, then sprawls on the ground. "I need more training, I have to be on my toes so I can prevent another disaster."

"How do you know if it's ever going to come?" You stuff your mouth with another chip.

MK sits up, contemplating spilling the beans. "Because I've seen our next enemy." He abruptly said. "And what she's capable of. She is far worse than the Spider Queen and the Bull King combined. She's...she's pure evil."

You listen as he talks about the demon in horror. "Lady Bone Demon?" You surmised. He looks at you shocked.

"Y-yeah, her! How do you know?" He questioned.

You shiver, balling your fist at the memory of her. The intimidating aura and the atmosphere were cold as ice. "Because the Monkey King and I ran into her." You revealed. "I think she spooked him. I'd never seen him so shaken until that day. Whatever you may think, I believe he's planning something." You grip your soda tightly. "It's just frustrating that he's left me in the dark or that he won't confide in anyone. I get he's trying to be the protector, but he could at least fill us in, ya know?"

Hearing you distraught over the situation comforts MK into learning that he's not alone in the matter. "I know what you mean." He said somberly. "But knowing that he's actually doing something changes things. It means that I have to do my best when disaster strikes." You're glad that your perspective has helped him cheer up. "Man, I should have known Monkey King is on top of things. I mean, going to the spa. Yeah right, he was holding a giant spike trap over his head. I don't know what was up with the dumpling when he astral projected."

"What? He astral projected?" You yelped in disbelief.

"Yeah, it was so cool. I didn't know he could do that." He chirped. "Didn't you know?"

"No...I didn't."

MK cringes as though he slipped a secret he wasn't supposed to say. "O-oh...I'm sorry. I thought since you two were close he would be checking in on you."

"He doesn't tell me anything anymore!" You cried, startling the brunette. You stare at the illuminated city, tears pinpricking your eyes. "I blew it." You cover your face.

MK scoots close and rubs your back. "What do you mean?"

"I strained our friendship when I ghosted him." You sniffled. "We hung out the day before he left. Things were quiet and awkward. We didn't speak to one another because there was nothing to say. I know he was messed up from Lady Bone Demon's appearance, but he refused to talk to me about her."

"You two were probably tired from the fight and didn't want to make you worry." MK cooed.

"But he's my friend. I'm supposed to know what's bothering him just like he knows whenever I'm troubled." You whimpered.

MK didn't know what to do. No amount of words could resolve your distress towards the Monkey King except for the monkey himself. He's the one causing your torment to his close friend. Love plays a part in the game, but you were unaware. Instead of being vocal, MK embraces you until you're calm.

"I'm sorry." You whispered.

"Don't be. I know how you feel." He reaches for his soda and raises it. "Let's just enjoy the stars, and whatever else you have planned."

You smile softly and raise your can. "Agreed."

The next day, you busied yourself at the café. Thoughts of Sun Wukong's ability to astral project from a distance perturbed you. How and why he hasn't popped in to update you is suspect. As shady as it was that Mei, Tang, or Pigsy's disappearance. Something is amuck and you've been investigating the issue on your own. MK had a lot on his plate, so you've been digging up information on their whereabouts. So far, something happened in the theater that caused the trio to vanish. Mei would always pick up her phone since she's always sending puppy memes. Pigsy is a businessman who hasn't taken a break from work in who knows how long, and then there is Tang that sits around at the ramen shop. Whatever mystical forces are at work, you'll be sure to call MK when you solve the case.

The scent of burning cookies brings you down to Earth. You hastily open the oven and drop the tray on the counter. You aggressively slam the mittens on the table. The cookies you burnt were shaped like Sun. Your mind couldn't stop thinking about him and your heart yearned for him too. You wanted answers to your questions, but most of all have him at your side.

"Ugh! You are such a jerk. Why can't you just talk to me." You whispered.

You stop baking for the night and clean to pass the time. During your janitorial shift, you catch Macaque coolly leaning on the streetlight taking shelter just outside your door from the pouring rain. You refuse to acknowledge the man and leave him be, but for some reason, your heart said otherwise. It wouldn't be right for him to be out in the cold. Reluctantly you curse under your breath and open the door. He looks up at you surprised to see you as if he hadn't planned on meeting you.

"Come inside, you'll catch a cold." You bashfully mumbled. It takes a minute for him to step inside. "Sit." You demanded. He obediently obliged. His eyes scanned the café in a child-like manner. It made you crack a smile to see him so well behaved. You hand him a towel, he tilts his head quizzically. "You use it to dry your hair like this."

You demonstrate by overlaying the towel on his head and begin drying his hair. The feeling of you against his back, touching him so intimately flusters him. His heart races, unable to handle the attention. To his dismay, you pull away.

"Thanks." He said.

"You're welcome." You head to the back and bring out a cup of cocoa and some cookies you had made prior to the burnt ones. His eyes briefly twinkle at the sight. On cue, his stomach growls. He sheepishly holds his stomach then shifts to you giggling. "Good thing I made extra. Eat up." You continue to sweep the floors as Macaque eats in silence. You halt and face the raven-haired sipping his cocoa. "You saved me more times than I can count on the day the Demon Bull King attacked the city, didn't you?"

Macaque nonchalantly proceeds to eat his cookie. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Modest, I see." You said. "Thank you for that."

He hums in acknowledgment then sets the mug down. "Why did you invite me in?"

"Because it was the right thing to do." You simply said.

"Riiiight...I suppose you would do that to your mortal enemy?"

The question leaves you to ponder before saying, "yes actually. It depends. If they were trying to redeem themselves then I would grant them a chance." You set the broom in the closet when you are done and waltz toward the kitchen. Macaque stares at the glass pensively.

The scraping of cookies makes him hiss in pain. You quickly step into the front with the tray and scraper. "Ugh, don't make any loud noises. I can't stand it." He scolded.

"Oh...you weren't kidding when you said you have good ears."

Macaque glares daggers your way before noticing the torched cookies being disposed of. The faces resemble Wukong. Suddenly he's reminded of where he stands in your circle. Anger builds within him, returning to his cunning self. "Is that your way of saying goodbye to Wukong?"

Your brows furrow. "No, I accidentally burned them."

"I see, and how does that happen? Distracted by him, I'm guessing?" You can hear his arrogance in his tone.

"No." You lied. "Why are you obsessed with him, anyway?"

He bites his tongue. The question was about a loaded gun and for him to answer meant unloading a bunch of baggage. He contemplated disclosing his story to you though you've heard half of it already in the theater. Could he trust you is a risk he wasn't sure he's willing to do just yet, but you've given him a chance before, why shouldn't he? You're awfully sweet that it wouldn't be so bad to tell you. What else does he have to lose? He finally lets out a long sigh. "Because he l behind by killing me." His response leaves you dumbfounded. "We were best friends once and we did everything together. Then one day, it ended up in tragedy."

"N-no! You're lying." You argued.

"Why the hell would I lie? You asked me about why I have a bone to pick with him and I gave you my answer." He testified.

You set the tray down and run a hand through your hair. You try desperately to process what he just said. "Why? Why would he do such a thing? I don't understand." You begin to be short and out of breath with the blood rushing through your head. Macaque rushes to balance you.

"Easy, take a deep breath." He suggested. You follow his instructions and stare into his eyes as he breathes with you. "Good girl." He sits you on a stool. "Maybe I'll tell you the story some other time."

"No, I want to know." You insisted.

"No way."

"Why are you suddenly defending him?" You argued.

"I'm protecting you!" He snarled. "I don't want to tell you anymore if you're going to faint on me. It's the last thing I want. I know you care about him, but I-" He holds his tongue nearly saying something stupid. The remorse in his eyes keeps you from fighting. It's flattering that he's genuinely caring about you.

"Ok." You said. "I won't ask again. I'll wait for you to tell me whenever you want." For the first time in a while, you shoot him a smile.

He returns the favor. "Thanks, doll." The nickname makes your heart flutter and for some reason at that moment, you hold his hand and squeeze it. They're cold unlike Sun's. He blushes and does the same entangling his hand in yours. His eyes dart to the window. "Looks like the rain is gone. I better get going." Hearing him say that makes your heartache.

"Oh...ok. Where will you be staying?"

"Dunno, the stars look good tonight, if the clouds ever go away." He said.

You frown realizing he had no place to go. "Why don't you stay over for the night? It might rain again." You offered.

"What's this? You don't want me to leave?" He teased, amused that you would even bother to take in a scrappy demon like him.

"Well...no." You said honestly. He blushes taken aback by your boldness. "You could get sick as I said and since your clothes are wet, I can wash them for you while you have a bath."

He looks down at his soaked clothes and then rubs his nape sheepishly. "That's mighty kind of you, doll."

"Then it's settled." You take his hand and run upstairs where you draw him a bath. Everything was happening so fast.

He set his clothes outside while he soaked in a warm bath. He was in awe of your generosity even after everything he did. He stares at the ceiling in thought while you vacantly stare at the washing machine.

'What am I doing? Why did I just let a bad guy into my home?' You peer out the window. 'It's not in good conscious to let him sleep in the rain.' Your mind thinks back to Macaque's words. 'Sun Wukong killing his best friend for no reason? There has to be more than that. He's not bad...he can't be bad.' 

You whined trying to make sense of it all. The fact that they were once upon a time best friends concerns you. Does that mean if you get close, he'll throw you away? Would you turn up like Macaque? You don't know. You have more questions than answers and it's driving you nuts. Luckily, the machine beeps as it's time to toss his clothes in the dryer

Afterward, you prepared the sofa bed with a pillow and some blankets before returning his clothes. Macaque steps out once he was clean and takes notice of the bed. "Hopefully it's to your liking. I made it as comfortable as I can."

He tests the cushions and slides right in. "It's perfect, doll." He assured. You stood there fumbling with the hem of your pajama shirt.

"Whelp, have a good night Macaque." You take a few steps and halt midway through the doorframe.

"Thanks. This really is kind of you." He said.

"No problem." You replied and pause. "How did you come back to life?" You randomly asked.

Macaque is taken aback. He hadn't expected you to ask him about him. He's flattered that you're interested in his backstory, but alas, he could not tell you the full story. "That's a secret, but I will say someone summoned me."

"Keep your secrets then." You sighed, disappointed in his reservation before heading to bed. Macaque lays down, realizing this is as close as he's gotten to you without you being snarky. It's a new perspective on how you originally were when he forgave you. Is this your way of saying you've forgiven him? As he tinkers with the idea, his eyes grow heavy, and soon succumbs to sleep.

When you rose up for work, Macaque had disappeared through what you can assume was the window. It was wide open allowing the cool air to freeze your apartment. His goodbye present was a neatly folded blanket and couch back to it's former self. It was disheartening that he didn't stay long enough to enjoy breakfast. You mentally reprimand yourself for caring about the oaf, but you felt sorry for what happened to him. The fact that Sun would do such a thing to a companion, understanding what it felt to be abandoned.

You shake the thoughts from your head and descend to the café.

When you returned from a long day of work, you flop on the couch to relax. What you find embedded in between the cushions is a flyer for the shadow puppet play.

"How did this get here?" You queried. You couldn't put your finger on it, but it brought you back to the disappearance of the trio. As you intently stare at the poster it hits you like a thousand bricks. "Macaque is the mysterious robed man." How did you not see it before? The voice, shadows, and story are all connected. You run into the street while calling for MK for backup. The call goes to voicemail, causing you to think of the worst-case scenario. "He better be ok." You shove your phone into your pocket and make a beeline for the theater.

There in the alley stood MK with his staff talking to nothing, except there is someone there. The same demon that deceived you for a second time. "MK!" You called out, surprising the brunette. You hug him, relieved that he's in one piece. "Macaque, he-"

"Yeah, I know. I figured that out or rather he told me himself." He confessed. You blink, baffled that Macaque would be so honest. It made you wonder if he truly has changed. "You know the warrior and hero story he told? The warrior turned out to be him and the Monkey King is the hero." He said. So everything he was saying was true and wasn't lying after all. You're conflicted to learn all of this.

The missing trio busts down the door and looks at both you and MK. Pigsy asked what happened to which MK replied that snacks are in order for his tale. You looked around the alley once more before following the others to the ramen shop where MK explained the events that unfolded. When he entered the theater for the second time, Macaque began to play mind tricks on him that ended in a fight. It irritated you that he was torturing the kid for fun. It's confusing to understand what was going on in that head of his.

You returned home that night after the trip was secured. It ticked you off that you believed like a fool.

"All are Monkeys sly? Do I have a big L on my forehead?" You growled.

"No, you don't."

You gasp and turn towards the voice. Entering through your window is Macaque. You instantly draw your bat and swing at him. He manages to dodge your attacks.

"Wait, listen to me." He beckoned.

"No! I'm done listening to you. I truly thought you were sorry, in the end, I come to find out that you're just a typical demon." You slam the bat into the coffee table breaking it in two. Your defect activates, causing more cracks to appear not on your face, but stretch across your arms and down your neck." Hurting my friends. Seriously?"

"I was giving MK a lesson." He argued, then catches your bat restraining you from wrecking your house any further. You pull trying to break free of his clutches.

"A lesson in what? Pain? How does torturing him help? You said it was for your own entertainment." You sock his face causing him to stagger. "You're just like Sun."

That did it. It triggered the monkey to smack your bat away and pin you against the fridge. You can't move, his strength is immeasurable. Clearly, there is no way you can escape yet you squirm, blinking your pinpricks away. "I am nothing like him!" He snarled. "I would never leave you alone. I would shadow you wherever you go. I would never hurt you the way he does."

You stare at his eyes, as if frustrated, desperate for something. "But you did." You whispered. You don't understand why you said what you did but it was the truth. Your chest squeezes, broken that you're chasing a fantasy.

His heart sinks at the sound of your words. "I'm sorry." He releases your hands to cup your face and at that moment, you let yourself melt in them. "It was never my intention." He presses his forehead against yours. "I wish I could make it up to you, but there isn't much time."

"What are you talking about?" You huffed.

"I can't stay with you or I'll put you in danger. Please, whatever happens, don't resent me for what I do in the future."

(Note: To set the mood for this next part, listen to Solitude by Billie Holiday)

You're about to ask when he clashes his lips onto you. Your heart skips a beat, the body heats up from the deep kiss. Your legs buckle even though it feels like you're levitating. He holds the small of your back to keep you steady. The sweet, savory taste of your lips is all he needs before he pulls away to catch his breath. "I love you, sugar plum." He whispered. Your heart resonates with his confession and as you stare at him in a daze he starts to fade.

"No...wait...Macaque!" You hollered as he disappears into the dark. You stick your head out of the window and search for the ape, but here is nowhere to be found. Instead, you're utterly alone with a bittersweet goodbye.