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milkyplumstea · 8 months

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The Reward of Patience

TW: VIOLENCE, MANIPULATION

Oh BOY I had fun writing this. I hope you all have fun reading it. : )

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It was done. After so long keeping his head ducked to avoid the gaze of that wretched king, after months of playing grandfather for the little whelp waiting for him to grow some form of trust with the troupe…after pandering to the desires of that delicious morsel at the foot of the mountain and getting what he needed.

It was all finally done.

“Grandpa!”

Excellent timing.

Settling the tincture aside he turned to greet the excitable little simian who ran up to greet him, his tail lashing so fervently with giddy glee that it took the macaque every bit of his will to force the smile on his face. But then, given how this day would hopefully pan out, his smile would soon be the most sincere it had been in centuries, perhaps the will was to stop the expression slipping into a more malicious flash of fangs.

“My little bug, whatever is the joy for today?” He crooned in those sweet tones of him, plucking at the youngster’s fur in an attempt to soothe the energy in them if only so it didn’t grate on his nerves more than it already had for his presence.

It didn’t work with how the little simian bounced about.

“Marshal Liu took me and Pear out on a patrol! And then he brought me back to the Water Curtain Cave to have dinner with his family and the king!”

Easy, macaque, easy. He felt his fangs dig into his gums slightly to keep himself from growling.

The young monkey just smiled with such ease, it almost sickened the elder to see someone so happy in his presence knowing they shared the same blood. A pang of envy gnawing at the pit of his heart and making his muscles tighten uncomfortably as he watched him before giving a soft mock huff of amusement.

“What a prestigious day you’ve had, my little bug.”

Following the eyeline of the youth he saw him notice the platter of fruit he had arranged earlier next to the tincture that he gently slid aside on the make-do surface he’d fashioned for himself from rock and wood. The youngster’s curiosity got the best of him and the macaque had to suppress the laughter that threatened the back of his throat like hot bile whose exit would surely relieve him of this overly saccharine show he was putting on.

“What’s the fruit for, grandpa? You usually eat fruit whole.” Clover chirped curiously.

The macaque felt himself brim with pride, like a cat having successfully hooked its claws in a bird.

“Oh this? With so much revelry happening with the birth of the king’s niece I thought it’d be nice to try a peace offering…” A sigh rattled him, perfect in its morose tone as he forced it from between his teeth. “...perhaps it will be a start to me making right with their family.”

He saw his grandson’s features soften with concern and felt his own giddiness grow.

“So I thought as a start, I would offer these prepared fruits to the queen mothers, the fastest way to soothe a king’s woes is through those that are close to him after all and it’s such a rarity to find these sweet treats at this time of year.” He smiled, were it anyone but Clover, it would’ve been a terrifying expression. “These are the favorites of mother Wisdom and Courage after all.”

“Really?” The response was so sweet, so unknowing, sometimes this child was so terribly amusing it was almost a shame to use him this way. Almost.

“Indeed.” He cooed before another well practiced somber noise left him. “The problem is I don’t think I could approach them without them being…reasonably upset with my presence.”

After a length of silence the macaque felt his back itch with tension, felt heat beneath his ears as nothing but the echoed breaths shared between them in this small hovel filled the air. For a moment he worried his bait wasn’t taken, before eventually;

“Well- I could take it to them for you, grandpa-”

Where was this kid when he wanted to take over that fool’s identity? He’d have made a wonderful little helper.

“You will? Really?” He feigned a shocked look before leaning to nibble at some of the boy’s fur atop his head affectionately, taking every precaution not to just sink his fangs into him there and then. “Oh, my little bug, what would I do without you?”

It certainly would’ve taken him longer to play out his little plan, that’s for sure. All he had to suffer during this was this asinine charade of playing the doddery but doting grandfather to some milquetoast brat. But he could weigh out the pros and cons of this whole venture after everything was sorted and he could finally drop the pretenses.

For now he gently settled the tray into his hands, he’d made sure to make it alluring. Sun swollen grapes, tender fleshed papaya and peaches, a few sprigs of leaves and pine needles, the usual array for a pair of old ladies.

And ofcourse a lacing of his tincture.

A weaker form of course, he didn’t want to spoil the fun too early. He needed all of the strongest mixture that he could for that bastard.

“Now you go straight to their cave, take your friends if you want and then come back to the stone palace…I’ll be attempting to put on a brave face and serve the king some tea with the medicine I mentioned.”

Clover’s eyes lit up. “You finally finished it??? Is that what the little vase is for?”

Nosey little thing.

He ushered his grandson out with a chortle that strained the humor in it, trying to keep the light tone as he watched the young monkey falter to his bipedal state and watch him attentively. Curious. Excited. Happy for him…it was an odd thing to see creatures happy for his efforts. He hadn’t seen it in quite a while and it almost stumped the macaque as his ears twisted silently to observe the youngster.

“I know you’ll be able to do it, grandpa! Best of luck, I’ll be back soon! I love you!”

Watching the young simian saunter off proud and cheerful up the slope with the drugged fruit, the macaque felt that resounding ache in his chest again. One he’d been getting too often nowadays since the voices that crippled his progress had stopped their incessant jabbering. No visions of his wife, of himself vitriolic and mirthless baying for his own blood, though it wasn’t the ache of the golden bands about him. No no. That was a different ache. Right now it was a sickening feeling, like the hollow cramps in one’s belly before they felt it turn inside out and splatter the contents across soil, a tugging and driving sensation that made his brain burn at the core.

Love. The silly little thing loved him. Of course he did, the macaque was his only family…

Fortunately that would soon be nipped in the bud. And gently he scooped the tincture into his hand as he felt his skin itch, felt the heat drive forth under the surface of his flesh as thick blotches of black smoke twisted and bubbled and reformed parts of him. Hearing the aching snap of bones recentering themselves and changing.

It hurt.

But it would be worth it.

The show had to go on.

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Everything was wonderful today!

Flowers decorated the stone palace, stools and tables had been swept clean, the smells of fresh sliced fruit, of almond cakes and sweet breads rested within the kitchens to cool so they wouldn’t burn the mouth. A large and festive mood had swept across the mountain and every monkey drank it all in with such joyous revelry as they prepared for the official arrival of the Monkey King’s niece.

Though no official name had been settled yet upon her, the adolescents had joked of naming her ‘Blueberry’ for the time being so that she may frolic amidst them as another member of the affectionately named ‘Fruit Troupe’. And Blueberry’s mother was more than happy with that as it gave her more time to deliberate an actual name.

Wukong was delighted. Why wouldn’t he be?

Sat upon his throne, now and then interrupted from his thoughts by passing servants or chefs asking what color flowers should be decorated upon which balustrade, or how sweet the sugar coated fruits should be. Wukong mostly sat in excited, if somewhat stressed thought, of what to do when his new little niece got here.

A new member to the family through his little sister, though he would utterly torment her for her choice in fatherhood for the dear infant, was a joyous occasion. More family for Huaguoshan. He couldn’t have been more thrilled, added onto the other newest member if you counted that dear four eared boy that’d shown up on their stoop several months prior.

He had initially been hesitant of the boy, but once the not-so-littles had vouched for him and told him of their adventures together he had calmed down and grew much more interested in the little fellow. It was clear to him that Liu and Rin Rin had taken a deep shine to the boy, he blamed the influence of their daughter Pear. Wukong chittered amusedly, it certainly wouldn’t be long till Liu had a son to worry about with how his wife and little pear blossom already doted on the boy like he had been Pear’s sibling from birth. It was the popular jab of amusement amidst the war council nowadays and he couldn’t blame them. The boy, Clover, was very sweet and he admitted he’d have been happy if such a boy would’ve been his son in another life.

Definitely a more preferred counterpart to the creature that’d threatened his identity and his family oh so long ago.

A frown crossed his features, how long had it been since he’d actually visited the macaque? He’d been very quiet…he wondered if his tone had changed or anything new had come to his mind…

Maybe he should consider offering another visit…

“Grandpa Sun!”

Ah that could wait, his favorite title had been called out and he sprung to his heels with jubilant excitement as he saw Clover, bright eyes and wiggling ears so cheerful heading his way. And carrying a tray? Who was making the boy work on such a day?

A good natured snort escaped him. He’d rib whoever did this gently later after the festivities were over, probably one of the servants with their hands full, they did oh so overwork themselves when everything was in such a frenzy as this.

“Clover, my boy!” He chirped cheerfully as he approached, minding the tray and the steaming cup it had upon it. Briefly wondering if it was for him, but pressing a more important issue. “Are you well? Not being forced to work are you?”

He watched at the short little figure before him blinking his large cool hued eyes, feeling partly perplexed at the hint of…something he couldn’t make out, till the boy smiled and held up the tray to him.

“Ah! No grandpa, someone mentioned how you’ve been fretting so I suggested bringing you this tea to relax you!”

The Monkey King felt warmth bloom across his chest as he smiled at him, such soft eyes, such a smile, he couldn’t wait to see him walking in tow with Liu’s family and as a full member of Flower and Fruit mountain. He had earned his place here.

So why was his back prickled so tensely? He hummed and itched at the back of his head, dislodging a hair or two in the process as he grinned playfully before reaching out to the tray.

“Thank you, Clover, you know I think I could use a good hot drink in me.” He chortled as his fingers gently grasped the rim of the cup, not seeing the smile that curled the boy’s features. Or noticing how oddly sweet and floral the tea smelled mingled with that familiar sourness that he had once sensed in another’s cup…

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“Does mother Wisdom and Courage usually take naps at this time of day?”

Clover walked back towards the Water Curtain Cave like he had promised his grandfather, feet traipsing across soft verdant grass that rivaled the robes he wore whilst his friends walked alongside him. Lychee stood upright to support Pomelo on his back who had, once again, fallen asleep on the way back with how comfortable and warm the sun had been on their fur. Pear tottering beside the ‘leader’ whilst Apple and Mulberry strafed the sides of him and caused his fur to bristle with delight at their closeness.

“Not usually, but it has been quite warm.” Lychee commented. “I could go for a nap myself.”

“You just don’t want to carry Pom-Pom.” Pear teased to the amusement of the others and the embarrassment of their ‘leader’ who took it all in good nature.

Despite their comforting reassurance, Clover still felt something pinching at the back of his head, like the beginning of a headache that was burdening from irritation to pain along his top ears. Why only the top?

“Clover?” Apple’s voice nearly startled him from his thoughts as he looked at the larger monkey and felt his face flush softly with a bloom of heat. He could only imagine the color of himself right now, even as Apple continued to talk. “Are you okay?”

At this he noticed Mulberry lean over and check on him as well, which didn’t help the heat beneath his face whatsoever and doubly so when Pear called out over her shoulder with a frown set on her features.

“You better not be getting anxious! Mommy’ll get worried sick about you, y’know!”

The poor four eared macaque simply sighed and shook himself out like he was hoping his nerves would follow the puffs of loose gray dander that freed themselves from his pelt as he did so. His hands raised in gentle reassurance that he was in fact fine…but was he?

When they dropped off the fruit to the elation of the two older ladies who had been grooming one another’s pelts, they had eaten heartily but commented on an odd taste before mentioning that they felt tired. Blaming the sun, the warmth, the sweet song of breeze through branches…

But Clover couldn’t put his finger on it.

Something felt off.

“I’m sure miss Rin Rin will worry a normal amount, Pear-” Clover chirped, only to be cut off.

“Mom.” Pear interrupted with a frown set to her features once more. Making the macaque all the more confused before the other monkey’s face softened into a light hearted smile that made him smile back in return. “You practically sleep in our cave every night now, when are you going to accept that you’re part of our family?”

Clover felt a mixture of elation and worry cross his already aching brain like cold rain slipping down his spine, the sudden jolt to the senses both refreshing and startling making him flinch with surprise. He had been without an actual blood family for so long, his whole life practically, his master and the attendants of the old tree had been the closest he’d had till he was drawn to mount Huaguoshan. And now not only did he have a wonderful grandfather, but Pear was the closest thing he’d imagined to a sister! Marshal Liu was caring and miss Rin Rin was kind, he would’ve been so lucky to have them as his family…but he was getting far too ahead of himself. His eyes softened from the surprise as he smiled awkwardly at the tawny furred monkey.

“T-That’s really up to them, Pear-” Once more he was cut off. But this time the interruption was so loud it made the group flinch in shock before the words sank in and made their blood run cold.

“HELP! THE KING HAS BEEN POISONED, HELP! SOMEONE HELP!”

…What?

Clover felt his limbs go numb as he glanced at his friends who shared the same look of horror and dismay that he could feel itching the corners of his eyes and mouth. He felt his stomach hollow and for once was thankful his ears had gone briefly numb to the worried chattering that started so small but only grew in volume. Angry and distraught, it was only when his ears finally re-acclimated to his surroundings did he notice the monkeys around the cave move from their happy working to a sudden frenzy as they all ran to check upon their king and corner whoever had hurt them.

But they wouldn’t catch them.

Because Clover could see them.

Amidst all the bodies running into the palace, he spotted one running out and heard the hideous champ of teeth of guards and sentries howling for someone to catch them.

Before he knew it and before he could even tell his friends where he was going, Clover sprang like a wolf seeing the flash of a doe’s snow white tail. His hands and feet thundering across the soft grass, ducking and weaving through bushes that snagged on his clothes that he had very little care for. The fury that had suddenly spurred inside of him! The burning in his chest, the tightness of his lips spread across his immature fangs that had yet to hold the breadth and length of a full grown male macaque’s, it was all sparked in him at the idea that the king - the dear, sweet king - had been hurt in some way!

His ears twitched as he cornered the assailant he had followed practically half way up the mountain slopes, through bush and bramble till finally he pushed past more greenery after his folly.

“Stop! Who are you and how dare y-”

The voice died in his throat.

The pulsing heat of anger had turned into a sickening chill of confusion and fear as he stared at the person who had poisoned the king…and saw his own face looking back at him.

For a moment that felt indiscernible between seconds and years, Clover just stared, unsure of how to act or what to even say as he felt his eyes bulge in his skull. Terrified to blink in case the figure before him simply disappeared, or worse, turned into some hideous yaoguai who would rip out his throat in less time than it took to chase him.

But when the silence was broken, Clover wished that it had been just a monster.

“Clover..”

…He knew that voice…it was his but it was mingled with someone else…

Someone he knew.

His eyes widened further, threatening to ache and pain him horribly as he saw his own face begin to blister and flutter away like ash, only to be replaced by another familiar visage that made his limbs shake and his tail curl fearfully to his body.

The King…

Before he could respond, he heard the further thundering steps of other figures scaling the mountain behind him that snapped his head unwillingly in an instinctive response. By the time he turned back, he saw a fist raised above him before a searing pain struck him upon his temple. The world spun in a fitful daze of color, his stomach groaning with the dizzy twirl it was set in and then he felt the sun warmed touch of soil and grass upon his features as his mind desperately grasped at consciousness that was slowly but surely ebbing away…

The burdened macaque whimpered from the ache turning into blooming pain, his eyes barely registering more than shapes and muffled noise as his ears whistled uncomfortably from the force of the blow…but words were made out…much to his sorrow.

“Ah! Your majesty???” One of the sentries.

“Calm calm, I’m one of his clones!” The king…? No, no not the king…his grandfather…

“I split myself from the original before I fell to the poison, my body is fine, just asleep!”

Why was his grandfather doing this…?

“I can’t believe the boy would do this…”

It wasn’t him!

“We’ll find out why, quick, take him to a holding room in the palace.”

It wasn’t him…

Clover groaned as he was picked up, the last thing he saw being the shape of Wukong that his grandfather had stolen flashing his teeth at him in the blurs of color that made up his face…and it finally struck him before the boy finally lost consciousness.

That might’ve been the only time he’d ever seen his grandfather smile so genuinely.

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