#Friar Sand | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

axl-ul · 8 months

Text

The Flight of the Western Crane: Chapter Thirteen

(A reupload/repost of my fic/dark retellingof Journey to the West which can be also found on AO3 under the same name)

(General info about this fic/wip/retelling is here)

****

An enormous fly sitting on Sha Seng’s flat nose woke him up. His Master as well as Pigsy were still deep within the realm of nightly peace. No wonder, the sun had been just beginning to rise after the lively night of preparations for the queen’s birthday.

Although there were grapes grinning at the pilgrim from the white and blue bowl across the bedroom, Sandy resisted the urge to bite down on them and positioned himself for the prayer. Clutching his beads in hand, he began to recite the mantra taught to him, yet this time, something was different. He twitched, he mispronounced, he unsuccessfully tried to maintain his eyes shut. A thought gnawed on his mind, unsettling him now more than before.

“Brother Sha Seng? Is everything fine?“ Bajie’s question startled Sha Wujing.

“Brother Bajie! Good morning to you, too!“ He sincerely grinned but seeing Pigsy put his finger on his mouth and motion to the Tang monk, the Friar Sand fell silent.

“What’s going on, Little Bro?“ Bajie whispered and continued munching on the green grapes. “Never seen you like this during prayers.“

“Brother,“ Sandy started carefully,“I’m not sure myself. Whenever my thoughts strand back to the awful idea, my head starts to spin, my legs, they become wobbly, my guts refuse to stop growling like a mad dog.“ He fell silent as well as ashamed by slowly coming out with the truth.

“Little Bro?“ Pigsy put away the grapes and knelt beside his junior disciple whose eyes darted around the whole room. At no cost he wanted to sound angry but the more he listened to Wujing’s dying voice, the more the pig demon grew desperate and impatient. “Sha Seng, are you going to finally tell me what’s all this about? Are you feeling sick? Should I call Big Bro or the witch for the medical check?“

“No, don’t. It’s just…“

They both turned to the monk’s bed, horrified expressions painted on their faces. The clothes rustled, the shifting Master didn’t force himself to wake up, not quite yet. The look he wore on his face, so sweet and innocent, contributed to the inkling he was still sound asleep.

Pigsy’s heavy palm cautiously shook the startled junior. The Friar Sand couldn’t read a single sign of malice or unhealthy curiosity in the pig’s face, rather a simple concern looked back at him. “It is a horrendous thought, indeed. Please, don’t judge me, Brother. But,“ Wujing had to rub his whole face before he found the courage to continue,“I think Shifu might be hiding something from us. Something must be written in his journal. Whenever somebody got too close, Shifu started acting strange. He was evasive, reluctant, afraid.“

Although the idea seemed to the pig demon too silly to be true he listened further. “You think it has something to do with us, the disciples?“

Ol’ Sha nodded. “Aye. I’ve been thinking about our journey and yet there’s not a single event that would affect us much. The only exceptions are the times we were recruited, each bound to do the journey after a condition given by Guanyin. Poor Wukong, he probably got the harshest one.“

Even Bajie arched over with a gloomy face. “Yeah, if he fails to protect Shifu, he’ll be turned back into a stone and buried again under the mountain, this time with zero hopes of escape.“

“What else, though? I think we’re missing something…“

“The clue might be hidden in the journal, then.“ A well-known spark glinted in Zhu Bajie’s little eyes. He didn’t dare to deny their Master, yet the mystery called him and he’d never been much prone to its charm. It took only a few heart beats when the uncomfortable atmosphere made Sha Seng stand up and start carefully to run through the young monk’s things hidden under the river demon’s bed. A moment later and among his webbed fingers, a small stack of scrolls appeared. Bajie trod closer until he was snuggling his junior enough to see for himself what their Master marked down.

Sandy shuddered again as he leafed through. “This is wrong, this is so wrong,“ he cried but continued to go through the records.

“Brother, wait!“ Pigsy abruptly halted him. The pig demon tapped on a page his junior nearly turned over,“Look!“

Both leaned closer till the musty scent of the paper hit their noses. Their lips moved with mute words on the tip of their tongues. The dismay paralysed them, the torment hollowed them inside out. Sandy was the first to come back to his senses,“This is bad, Brother. Even worse than what I imagined. How could he… Bodhisattva Guanyin said…“

“She found us, brought us together and requested us to fetch the sutras,“ Pigsy whispered to himself in an even lower voice,“to help the people. Shifu…he…failed to get permission from the Tang Emperor, though. So that’s the real reason why we can’t follow the normal routes. He dragged us across the lands he barely knew just to get around the soldiers and patrols… He was just using us as means to scare away the danger. Not to help us out…“

“He didn’t realise how much infested with yaoguais those lands were.“ Sandy violently shook his head. “No. No, Shifu would never. This was a long time ago. We changed. He changed. Now, everything’s different. He trusts us, he…he loves us, cares about us. I know it. Brother,“ Wujing turned to face Bajie,“we must keep this to ourselves. Buddha and Guanyin may judge us and so be it. We sinned, we deserve the punishment. Amitabha. But at no cost…“

“...we must let Shifu know that we now know. You’re right. Shifu is wise. He surely realised his mistake.“

“And not a word…“

“...in front of Big Brother. Amitabha, if he gets the word about this he’s going to fume with rage. He’s got enough trouble with the witch and her difficult attitude, let alone this…“ The light robes shifted again, only this time weak grunts of the waking Tripitaka accompanied the noise as well. Bajie panicked,“Little Bro. Quickly. Hide it back.“

Sandy pulled away from the hideaway at the last moment. He and his fellow disciple beamed at drowsy Sanzang. “Morning, Shifu! Did you sleep well? You looked like a baby in a cradle.“

Sanzang rubbed his face, corners of his lips twirled up when he saw the two demons,“I wish you a good morning, too. Yes, I can’t recollect when was the last time I had this much of a good sleep. Thank you. Hopefully, you had quite the same experience as me.“

“Yes, we did, Shifu,“ Bajie yelled out and took the monk by his hand to drag him out from his seat. “Let’s get prepared for the day, what do you say? Her Majesty expects you this evening. Sha Seng wrote down some interesting facts he’s found out about the city. He’ll read you his journal while I serve some tea.“

The clinking of cups resonated and the Tripitaka sat by his disciple, eager to hear what they had to tell him.

****

The ringing of the light steps descended down to reach the prison where the stench of sweat, musty coolness of the stone and dried blood and faeces reeked day and night. Yawen twisted her lips and covered her nose with the wide sleeve of her blue robes.

“You’re not supposed to be down here, Miss Yawen.“

Her frown soon changed into a crooked grin when she turned around. “Is that so, our most handsome Captain? After all, I am Her Majesty’s handmaiden, her right hand. Doesn’t that make me an exception?“

“Only if you have the letter of approval which I highly doubt of,“ Jun’s onyx eyes stabbed the small demoness through and through, not a single spark of trust appeared in them.

“Jun,“ she ran her petite hands up and down his armoured chest,“I know the treachery of my brother took you by surprise. Believe me, I was no exception.“ A tear slid down beside her beauty mark as the demoness placed her hand on her chest. “That’s why I need to see my gege’s henchman. To gather answers…“

“Denied.“

“Repeat that, dear.“

“Denied,“ Jun leaned closer, the hostility emitted from him even more than when he was around the insolent macaque,“Miss Yawen. Even if you tried your honeyed words, it wouldn’t work. The prisoner’s at the verge of his death and still refuses to open his mouth. Now, get back to Her Majesty and keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. Or you’ll end up on my list of wanted, just next to your ‘gege’, as you like to say.“

Yawen inhaled deeply. An unimaginable range of emotions flew through her rosy face, each more sinister than the one before until she finally settled up on one. “You’ll regret your words. When you do, be sure I’ll spit my venom into your eyes. Miss Yawen here, Miss Yawen there. You don’t even look at me like you used to. Did you forget all those months we’ve been so close, so intimate? I used to be your Orchid, don’t you remember? You owe me for such a cold treatment. Especially, since it’d been proved I’d had no idea about my brother’s plans to usurp the crown. Now, let me in. Besides, I’m more experienced with negotiations and you’re well aware the captive might know where the Pilgrims are.“

“That’s not true and you know it. No existence of any proof doesn’t necessarily mean you’re innocent. You’re twins, I doubt you two would avoid each other with secrets. Plus, you’ve always been a treacherous woman. Your tricks won’t work with me anymore. The mighty and powerful have always remained your only source of interest. Because only they can offer you something you don’t have.“

The heavy door up the short staircase opened and a head in a dark helmet showed up,“Sir, another captured viper isn’t well. Our medic’s trying his best but it seems like he intentionally broke one of his fangs when the guard wasn’t looking.“ Jun responded with fumes and curses under his breath while he and the soldier quickly took off. Yawen heard no more than a surly command for her to stay at her place.

A command the young viper didn’t obey.

When the door slammed shut, she waited until she couldn’t hear any footsteps. Only then she finally set off to the cell behind the heavy door. Behind it, two guards were curled up in the corner, drunk and snoring. ‘If only your Captain knew what sort of reliable subordinates he has,’ Yawen thought to herself, though seeing how well the situation played into her cards, Yawen let them be. She looked around until she found her target. Facing them was bloodied Dong chained to the cold stone wall. The demon was a shell of his former self. A tall, bulky warrior with a sharp jaw and atrocious gaze had been replaced by a languished man with barely more than three of his fingers remaining. His single eye looked up when the visitor firmly planted her feet into the cracked floor. The woman’s curves unnaturally curled until her slim body slipped through the bars. Dong, too weak to let out any noise, simply watched in horror as she slowly made her way forward. “Dong, my dear Dong. I missed you, my sweet thing,“ she lightly pressed her lips against his temple,“I see the damned crane hasn’t been kind to my handsome hunk. Don’t worry, I read the message. Everything’s in the process of preparation. My gege and I will feast on the bodies of the monk and the queen. You don’t need to say a thing. But nod if I’m right. Is my gege still at his hideout?“

Dong shook his head.

“Is he somewhere in the forest?“

Despite the pain striking from his upper back and neck, he nodded, hoping his long lost lover would help him soon.

“My hawk should still be able to locate him if he has the silver ring. He has it, doesn’t he?“

Another slow nod, this time the captured viper demon shed a tear, his body began to shake.

“Shush, sweetie. It’ll be over soon.“ Her slim hands cupped his square face to bring his lips closer to hers. When Dong was close enough for their noses to touch, Yawen suddenly pulled away. “One last thing. During your interrogation, did you say anything to Jun? Did you rat on me and Jin?“

From the last gathered strength, Dong shook and rested his head against the curve of Yawen’s neck. He was getting weaker with each second passed, but his devotion to the viper twins never ceased to be.

“What about your men, though. I’ve heard that at least two of them had to pass away. Did they say anything?“

He replied in a trembling hoarse voice,“I don’t think so. I’m afraid that after hearing so many gut-wrenching sounds from the torture room I’m the last remaining of the scouts sent by…“

“Dong,“ Yawen pressed her finger against his mouth,“I said you could only nod.“

He obeyed and nodded.

Yawen smirked and petted the sticky skin of his sunken cheek. “Good boy.“ Only then she answered Dong’s yearning and planted a firm kiss on his dried mouth. For Dong, the reunion was sweet and rewarding at first. Soon enough between his soft moans, her tongue slipped inside and forced his lips to depart. He wanted the moment to last longer but in a matter of a second his eyes bulged in horror. His saliva mixed with blood from his bitten tongue and something bitter, ominous flooded his oral cavity and poured outside by its corners, down his chin and onto his ragged shirt and trousers. His whole body convulsed, yet Yawen made sure to press his weakened self against the wall. Her other hand went to cover his mouth from further noise. There was no sign of previous affection in her now hollowed gaze. She was like a porcelain doll - beautiful yet empty and icy-cold on the touch. That was the last sight Dong had ever seen.

When the spasmodic movement stopped, Yawen brought up the small iron claw from her hidden side purse and put it on her finger. The index then tapped on the precise spots on Dong’s venomous fangs until they both broke, their tips vanishing inside the viper’s throat once Yawen tilted his head.

Making sure the guards were still asleep and the crime scene didn’t point at her she quietly disappeared outside the prison. She didn’t need to fear for the captain to catch her soon. After all, the guard who previously called Jun was more than happy to be of service. He played his own part brilliantly.

Finally outside in the fresh air and in the hot embrace of the sun’s rays, she spat into the nearby bush. “He really thought he could be better than our handsome monkey stranger. Well, time for me to attend to more important matters and more important…,“ she dreamily sighed, the feeling of simian’s hands on her naked waist and the amazement from how easily he fought off the rogues enveloped her,“...powerful people.“

****

“Let’s go through it one more time - we three sneak around the palace, into the queen’s quarters and run through her personal belongings in hopes to find what exactly? Whether her snot is pure gold?!“ Bajie’s angered uttering hit Wukong like a heatwave. The middle brother sure liked to stick his nose into people’s business. For an unknown reason, he was now appalled by the thought of spying on someone and he would not back off, not even now when the sultry evening got under his garments and onto his nerves, too. The three of them decided to head out for an investigation by taking the sneaky way above the heads of the guards while the Tripitaka, the Princess and the Friar Sand went to fill up their stomachs with a nice dinner. As if to make things worse, long way down, under the watchful gaze of the proud royal palace, the marketplace livened up with another performance. Tonight, the contest for the best cook in the city was held. If only Bajie were persuasive enough…

“Idiot!“ Wukong slapped the sweaty top of the head so hard that Pigsy’s double chin began to move like two meaty bells. “Whether she has a hint about us. Do I really need to explain that we’re still in danger? Plus, the more you know about your foe, the better options will turn out in the future.“

Their bickering reflected on the witch’s mood - her nose and forehead which warped with slight wrinkles. Márgerdra turned around like a deadly whirlwind, a sudden blast of a cold authority not one of the disciples expected. Her look transformed Wukong and Bajie into living stones which perfectly fitted on the long roof of the palace.“Shut up you two. I’m fed up with your behaviour. Both of you are beyond being spoiled little brats. Shut up and go on like two mature, well-behaved gentlemen for at least five damned minutes!“ Her attitude seemed to have worked on the disciples since they both planted their gaze right next to their feet. The nervous fidgeting of their limbs or Wukong’s tail, neither the silent chewing into nothing worked right with Márgerdra. “Say sorry and hug each other. Or I’m kicking you both out of this cursed slippery roof.“ In an eerily low tone the woman added,“Am I clear?“

The mere hint of an embrace was all Márgerdra needed because when the two demonic disciples parted away, instead of an elegant woman they saw how a dark dot lithely jumped from one roof to another, from one building to the next one, climbed from a lower level of the palace to the quarters carved into the hard rock high above them.

Márgerdra was holding on the outside of the alcove balcony when Wukong and Bajie caught up to her. The witch’s infamous whip dangled on her belt loop in the rhythm of a breeze blowing around them, which caught Bajie’s eye. His interest lingered that low too much, though. The witch didn’t offer him a single look when she muttered,“Stop staring at my ass, Bajie. You’ve seen more than enough at the bathhouse.“

The startled pig began to climb in through the railing to fudge the upcoming scold,“I-I’m not staring, Miss! Don’t you-Don’t you know me?!“

After Márgerdra and Wukong heard the loud bang coming from the demon queen’s bedroom, they shot out their arms and forced their comrade to back down. He barely managed to grab the blue-painted supporting bracket. After Pigsy shot Wukong a questioning look, the senior gestured him to keep silent.

It didn’t take long for the two oddly familiar voices to be heard. “Yawen, put it down there and help me change quickly. If I want to improve the lives of our citizens I need to be on time. This place’s been reeking with decay far too long. Besides, I can’t let my future husband keep waiting.“

“Naturally, Shufen. It’s been quite a while since somebody capable showed up. Except for myself, of course. Now, hands up.“

“You’re right. You and that one other servant have a mesmerising approach in the bedroom. Though this time, finally somebody worthy came. It won’t take too much time to make him fall hard. When the right time comes, at our wedding, we can feast on Golden Cicada’s reincarnation.“ The queen’s sharp giggle drowned out the rustling of fine damask.

“That’s what I’d love to see - a happy eternal couple. You and your gorgeous scholar with interest in poems. Please, tell me, you’re going to make him recite tonight!“

“Hands off of Shui, sweet Yawen. He’s mine. But…I can lend him to you from time to time. Or you could just join us. We can explore his divine form from head to toe together. But the finish - you let that ecstasy be mine and mine only.“

Wukong’s jaw clenched, his black claws dug into the wooden construction and the rock next to him. Small splinters flew past him while the dirt crumbled under his left arm. His eyes started to give a weak reddish glint. The tail he kept around his thin waist unwrapped and lashed around. Never before his ears had heard such insolence. Fury was slowly consuming him inside out and his guts began to twist.

“What an offer!“ Yawen yelled out. “I’d love to, Your Majesty. I bet the handsome Master is just as delicious as he’s good-looking. Although, I doubt he can ever compare to someone else.“

The monkey’s inner curses stopped for a moment. His thoughts raced inside his skull. All he wished for now was to burst in and beat both demonesses to death with his powerpole.

By Wukong’s right, Pigsy silently grunted. Despite the fact that he was right next to the monkey, Sun Wukong didn’t register the noise. Neither did he register Márgerdra who was carefully approaching him by climbing around Bajie.

But within a second, everything changed.

Five fingers hugged his forearm and the consoling tenderness they gave him was enough to make the Monkey King feel somewhat lighter.

Without further hesitation, Wukong cast a side eye. Although the decision was risky, Márgerdra couldn’t bear to watch and climbed a bit closer. After she confirmed the monkey was truly backing down from whichever dangerous idea struck him, her palm left his burning skin so the late evening’s breeze could at last cool it down. At the sound of a distant hoot, Márgerdra put her finger on her lips. Her proximity as well as Bajie’s pleading gaze were more than enough. On the third exhale, Wukong’s tail wrapped around his bright sash. His grip was solid enough just to keep his body from falling down, not to destroy their only handle.

“Yawen, quickly. Bring me the comb.“

Miss Yawen came over to the wall with the built alcove balcony, the very one where the disciples and the witch had been hiding. For a moment, Márgerdra’s heart pounded so hard she easily heard the wild rhythm in her ears. However, the years of hard training didn’t allow her to succumb to her emotions. One inhale later and her heart moved at a much slower rate, almost as if she were barely alive. The sweat on her temples became nothing more than a reminder of the merciless weather.

“Do you want to wear the flower buyao crown? Or rather something more exquisite?“

“You know which one. But,“ the demon queen returned to their topic,“I better be careful with him. I don’t want to exhaust him.“

“Oh, please. You’re not going to feed on his energy. Just a little fun,“ the snake demoness laughed it off, but a strange thrill resonated in her voice. A thrill which this time didn’t irk Wukong or Márgerdra. Rather, it caught their attention what showed in the two companions exchanging inquiring looks. It seemed like the handmaiden wasn’t comfortable with the direction of the conversation.

Unlike the Sage or the Wolf Witch, the crane demoness didn’t recognise the slight change in the tone. “Yawen, going by your experience, you know best that every such encounter leads to somebody losing a bit of themselves while the other party gains it. Any sort of intimacy should be held with a precaution as my good old Daoist friends would say.“

“Do you think those old farts are still looking?“

“No.“ The three heard how one of the women vigorously stood up and something metallic shook as she approached the opposite side of the large room. “I don’t think their search’s still up. I know it.“

As soon as the door closed behind the queen and her handmaiden, the three demons, who were still hanging over the steep rock formation, at last sighed. Finally reaching their destination, they at once climbed in.

****

The dining hall was, in fact, a cavernous narrow masterfully enlarged to meet the requirements for its function. The cold but drenched walls weren’t only grey. Dazzling turquoise, shining violet, mysterious purple, joyous carmine or orange, all the colours that a person can ever think of were present due to the rich deposits of ores within the mountain range. Miniature but numerous ceramic and bronze oil lamps with ivory handles as well as hanging red lanterns with black characters shone down on the guests. Their light reflected on wooden sculptures of seven dancers in real size, the stage where they were supposed to perform was made of rocks whose golden and silver veins flowed through the dull surface. In the corner, a large oval porcelain tablet was displayed with blue and black strokes which presented a highly detailed map.

When Mei stepped in, she was gasping whenever she found a new detail because the place was even more marvellous than her own palace. The ornaments in her bun swayed like a boat on waves and their clanging filled the empty space. “This is all so pretty! If only the rest was here to witness this…“ The princess was so amazed she didn’t notice the monk in the light attire approaching her from behind.

Sanzang had to take a deep breath before he leaned over. The princess was dressed in a pink half-sleeved waistcoat with a depicted plum blossom and yellow blouse with gold embroidered skirt and he couldn’t deny how much it neatly complemented her innocent face. He slowly noticed the princess’ fascination and also the sadness waking up behind her eyes. He whispered over in a happy voice while shallow dimples appeared on his cheeks, “You’re also very pretty tonight, Your Highness.“

Surprised, she turned around to face him. After a short while, she beamed in her usual joyous manner. “Thank you! You’re always so nice…Shui. No wonder Tao here,“ she mischievously winked at Ol’ Sha,“is also such a gentleman.“ Despite her small stature, the princess stretched out her arms and took both Sanzang and Wujing by their upper arms. Meanwhile appointing herself to lead the further way by positioning herself in between the two men, the princess curiously observed their elegant attire made of hemp and silk. The tailor surely struggled to deliver the best clothes for the two unusually tall men but the outcome was certainly worth it as both were now standing in light embellished cross-collar shirts with cuffed sleeves and with blue trousers and skirts. The only piece in which they differed was a loose thin coat worn by Sanzang. “By the way, you two are waaay too handsome tonight, as well! Glad to be alive and see this, boys.“

The Tigre Princess’ blunt comment astonished the monk and his disciple. To hide their reddening cheeks the both looked sideways as they scratched the back of their heads and nervously chuckled.

The princess, the monk and their current bodyguard descended the short staircase down to the centre of the room where a large round table was already waiting for them with prepared bowls, cups and chopsticks. Only food and the host herself were missing.

“Do you think we came too early?“ Mei whispered into Sanzang’s ear but quickly retracted as the large door opened and in them, several guards and servants entered. All of them positioned themselves in two rows to make a corridor and when the Queen Shufen entered as well in the retinue of Miss Yawen and few other handmaidens, the soldiers raised their swords in order to welcome their ruler.

The head of the Azure Crane Dynasty shone in her pure beauty and wonder - her long and light robes flowed around her and so it looked as if the queen’s slim figure was bathing in the gold, turquoise and red colours. Above the curled up shoes with flower and butterfly motifs the gold hoops were once again ringing around her ankles, the same gold jewellery also shone on her forearms and upper arms. A set of long earrings hung by the sides of her slim face painted with a neat layer of make-up. Similarly to Mei, an ornament in the shape of a bird marked her forehead under the gold crown with pearls and carved designs of dragon, phoenix and a crane. Dangling tassels, pendants and gemstones of the crown covered the majority of her thick hair.

“Welcome, Your Majesty,“ everyone greeted the queen and bowed deeply, the three guests were no exception.

Miss Yawen took a good look at the guests. Her shiny eyes became gloomier the more she observed. Eventually she murmured something into the queen’s ear. “I see that only half of you accepted my invitation. Something terrible happened?“

“Nothing serious, Your Majesty,“ Sanzang politely responded but he never gathered the courage to look at the demoness,“only my…brother…he twisted his ankle and my eldest brother with my sister-in-law decided to take care of him. I’d like to apologise on their behalf…“

“No need, young Master. I see your family ties are strong. Same as mine. If anything happened to my beloved nephew, believe me, I’d tear down even the throne of the Jade Emperor.“ Shufen gestured for the guests to face her, only then she ordered her servants to finally serve the meal. “Please, take a seat. But I must admit I’d love for you, Huang Shui, to sit by my side.“

The moment they sat various bowls and long plates with meals of every kind began to flood in - fish, soups, sweet dishes with fruits, sour ones with hot sauce, everyone found their own taste within the wide offer of delicacies. Similarly to Mei and Shufen’s discussion at the bathhouse, the queen started to question her guests with a great interest about their knowledge and advice on city repair. Sanzang tried his best whenever Shufen gazed upon him. Yet his conscience couldn’t ever possibly allow him to lie further and so he only tripped over his words as his thoughts raced around to find another topic for them to discuss. Wujing’s attempt to praise the royal cook didn’t help either and whenever Mei interrupted Sanzang’s spluttering, Shufen dismissed her with an annoyed grimace.

“I see you’re still quite shy. Don’t worry, I know many like this. What’s more, I also know how uncomfortable it must be for you, Master Huang, to be spoon fed words by the others,“ Shufen scorched the young princess and the river demon with her sharp eyes. Soon, her hand stretched out to touch Sanzang’s pale wrist. “Master Huang, I’ve just remembered you and I share an interest in poems. Would you care and recite a few verses for me? It doesn’t need to be anything special. Only if you’d really love to…“

“I’m afraid I cannot, Your Majesty.“

“Why so? And why do you refuse to look me in the eyes?“ Shufen didn’t shy away from feasting on the nervous young man by taking the full sight of him. Just like during their initial meeting, she was carefully sliding him down from the head with short spiky black hair and thick eyebrows, to his smooth chin, then his wide but thin shoulders and his slim chest heaving under the shirt. What was more, his smell was intoxicating. Too intoxicating. This confused her for a while. He smelt like a burnt sandalwood, like the most wonderful flower in the world. But for a moment all too short, he also smelt like a nice piece of meat waiting to be roasted and devoured by wolves.

****

The room was, as expected, larger than their three combined and not a single piece of space was left alone. A wide screen set inlaid with ivory and a wide armchair guarded the western wall. Opposite to them a writing table was set inside the alcove balcony, the smoke from a copper incense burner lazily drifted outside after licking the nearby table screen.

“Her Majesty must revel in the stunning view everytime she writes,“ Márgerdra commented while she entered the room as the last one.

“Blondie,“ Wukong cleared his throat once he saw his companion picking up the incense burner and sniffing it,“we’re here for another reason.“

“That doesn’t mean I can’t rate the place,“ she easily shrugged him off. “We’re going through her stuff one way or another anyway.“

Bajie snorted,“Yeah! My words right there, Lady Márgerdra. This room’s huge. Which leaves us one option.“

Márgerdra and Wukong exchanged annoyed looks and simultaneously asked, although they’d already known the answer,“That is?“

“Splitting up the room in three, of course!“ Pigsy’s wide smile showed his tusks when he stepped out to the pair of massive chests with the queen’s clothes, which were located exactly by the screen set. “I’m reserving this part! Do whatever you want with the rest.“

Both his friends rolled their eyes and muttered under their noses. “Perv.“ “Idiot.“ On the other hand, the pig was not completely wrong. Too many shelves with books and scrolls, a large rosewood canopy bed with suspicious recesses, the chests, the table itself, not to mention there could be a hideaway in the floor or the ceiling.

Seeing how invested Márgerdra was in the files and notes, Wukong focused on the bed in the centre of the room. Upon his closer inspection, the recesses were truly nothing more but an art. To make sure nothing escaped his attention, the Sage even stood up on the bed to inspect the canopy itself. Yet apart from a thin layer of dust he found nothing.

He was prepared to call on his mates and sneak out when all of a sudden Márgerdra was the one to call him,“Wukong? I guess I found something. Could you lend me a hand, though?“

“Sure thing.“ Wukong approached the black table. The incense hit his nose so hard it made him cringe.

“Look at these scribbles. I managed to make some sense from it,“ Márgerdra cut herself off. She eyed Bajie for a moment before she lowered her voice,“But I wasn’ able to understand a few characters. Would you mind…reading them for me?“

Although he pouted, Wukong’s bright eyes gave his true feelings away to the witch. He arched over the scroll and for several seconds the room fell into an eerie silence. At last, Wukong raised his head. “It says something about a vast mountain lake with a spring. That they dug a way for it to course somewhere down. For the city to be supplied but also for some other purpose.“

“Wait, what?“ Márgerdra peeked over his shoulder. Then she unrolled another scroll just above the one Wukong was reading. “This makes so much more sense now.“

On Márgerdra’s scroll, the written word was retreating from long strings of numbers and incomplete formulas. Though the witch seemed to be excited over the calculations, confused Wukong wrinkled his brow. “What do you mean?“

“All these calculations served Shufen for the construction of a tunnel for the said lake. Here, at the corner, an estimated volume of water for the people and that ‘something’ is written. That was her result and her goal. But she needed a way to properly distribute the whole mass. To achieve something like that, pipelines had to be built to distribute water. Yet, this project hasn’t even begun. She just scrapped it and decided to use the river even though it’s slightly more difficult to pump it here into the palace since it’s much higher than the houses. But who knows. The paper doesn’t look old and neither does the used ink. She’ll probably return to it.“

Until now, Wukong’d kept himself utterly quiet, however, the last segment of Márgerdra’s discovery changed it. “How can you be so sure? Everything’s scratched out.“

“The project looks too important. It’ll gnaw on her mind and when she takes a second, better, look her brain’s going to burst. I bet my head on that.“ The witch noticed the puzzled demon and realised she didn’t exactly answer his question. Her right hand rose to her temple as the blonde nibbled her lower lip. “She forgot to add this result here,“ again, her index finger lightly tapped the paper, the material waved like the flame of the lit candle by their left,“which would then change this figure from fifteen thousand nine hundred forty to twenty one thousand seventy six hu. The next calculations are much easier and make more sense since the latter has the digit sum of sixteen. That means the retaining reservoir with such volume can equally supply the four destinations - the two halves of the city, palace and our secret place. All the while the former one has the digit sum of nineteen which is a prime number and you can’t do much about it since you can only divide it with one or-“

Wukong folded his arms. The amazement never left him, although the long monologue annoyed him real quick,“Cut it, blondie. I get it - she made a small but crucial mistake and we should find the secret place if we want to have the advantage for our escape.“ The Great Sage wanted to approach Bajie, who was still arching over the fine garments not minding any sound coming from either the room or the outside corridor, and ask for the pig’s potential discovery when a tiny spark lit inside his skull. “Riddle me this, though. You got problems with reading yet you know exactly how to calculate all these big numbers. How?“

Márgerdra shifted, put down the scrolls she was squinting her eyes over and coyly shrugged. It took her a while to collect her thoughts. “I’m not quite sure myself. It’s like a shapeless puzzle where rules repeat but you have full control of which way you can approach it. The letters seem to have their rules too, it’s just…I can’t comprehend it much.“ Streams of fresh air flowed around the room and brought delightful singing of a woman somewhere in the lower levels of the palace complex. The witch eyed the monkey demon warily before her lips parted so her much audacious voice could reach him.“But don’t think I’m letting myself stagnate at such a minor inconvenience. I will find a way. Don’t even doubt that.“

Wukong leaned against the table’s round edge with his back and let the grin play on his face. His darting eyes followed the quick motions of her gesturing hand. All the sheepiness he witnessed the previous night was gone as if the hidden demon of doubt, which gnawed on her all those years, finally vanished after the Wolf Witch allowed herself to spit out her trouble.“As fiery as always. I like that.“

“Ahem,“ the sound of Bajie’s deep voice interrupted them, a noise so sudden it made the two demons jump up,“sorry to bother but I guess I got something…“

When Wukong locked eyes with Pigsy, the smug glint behind them was undeniable.

****

As Yawen bowed, an applause resounded throughout the hall. “A splendid song by a splendid singer, Miss Yawen. Heavens truly gifted you with a voice of a nightingale,“ Wujing complimented the snake demoness who was slowly getting off of the stage with the wooden dancers. Her smug grin seemed to only widen by the praise.

“Precisely!“ Mei whole-heartedly added. “Your speaking voice can be a bit unpleasant but you’re a marvellous singer and performer!“ Although Mei blurted out the words as a flattery, the meaning and an honest adoration fell flat on Yawen. She scorched the girl and soon her forked tongue flickered in the air. “You surely are your sister’s relative, darling. Why don’t you sing for us, too? Because every time you or your equally impudent sister open your mouth all I can hear are two honking geese. Please, go on and convince me otherwise, dear Miss Ah Xiuying.“

Mei’s mouth hung open. However, she remembered the good manners and quickly shut it while she shook her head in disbelief. She indeed felt regretful about her poor decision. “Miss Yawen, I apologise. I did not at all mean it in an offensive way. Simply, I was too taken by surprise by your amazing set of skills, your singing and dancing and also by your instrument solo-“

“No, dear, I only accept the apology I deem enough. And this was not enough. Get up,“ Yawen slowly returned to her seat. While her full lips twisted into a crooked grin, her look burnt with venomous flames, a manner which Queen Shufen adopted as well, though the crane demoness was displeased by both women’s behaviour. Her plan was falling apart and it was only a matter of a few fleeing moments that the queen should silence them.

“Miss Yawen, please, calm yourself down. I can assure you she didn’t want to come across as hurtful,“ Sanzang rose from his seat but his plea was hardly heard by the snake demoness. It, however, didn’t discourage him from a second attempt,“Your song truly did spark some inspiration for my poem as Her Majesty hoped for. Yet there’s no need to be hateful towards this young lady. It was merely a slip of her tongue. If you desire for me or her to perform, please, we’ll be glad to carry out your wish under the condition of you putting your strife aside.“

“A slip of her tongue, you say? Maybe you’re right. I’ll give up strife if she puts away her tongue by cutting it out…“

“Yawen!“ Shufen’s furious shout resonated within the walls as the Queen of the Jade Valley stood up. “That’s enough! I’ve been tolerating your temper far too long. If you continue it’ll be you and no-one else to lose their tongue. Understand?“ The queen’s iron will and the sharp dagger being pulled out a bit from the guard’s sheath had its effect. Yawen sat down and didn’t utter a word more.

Shufen massaged her temples, then she turned to the Tripitaka and the young princess,“Please, accept my sincere apologies. This should not have happened under any circumstances. Hopefully, today’s marvellous evening shall not be ruined since the night is still rather young. Would you care to accompany me on a walk through the royal gardens? Take it as both a token of my gratitude that you offered all of your best suggestions to help our homeland as well as a way to compensate you for this distasteful and unnecessary dispute.“ Shufen offered Yawen one last disappointed look before she turned back to her guests.

Sanzang was so taken back he didn’t even notice when he found himself agreeing on her offer. “Thank you, Your Majesty. We’re grateful and gladly go with you.“

“Promise me one thing, though, young Master Huang,“ Shufen smiled as she approached him,“you will recite for me, won’t you?“

“Yes, Your Majesty,“ he sheepishly bowed,“I will.“

“Good.“ Sanzang felt Shufen’s hot finger as it directed his head upwards to face her. “Miss Yawen, bring me my cloak from my chambers, please. And if you find Captain Jun, tell him to send me the full report about the…unfortunate discovery in the cells he mentioned earlier but couldn’t discuss it further with me. And tell him about the promotion, too.“

****

Wukong cautiously observed the tiny bottle in Bajie’s hand with a sign ‘Immortality Pills’. “The shape of the bottle…I remember seeing one back in Heaven at Laozi’s place.“

“Seriously?“ Amused Bajie snorted,“Only ‘seeing’?“

“Fine, maybe I had one or two back in the day,“ Wukong rolled his eyes and took the white object. He shook it next to his ear, then opened it and turned it upside down, waiting. “Empty. What now?“

“I could do some miracles with our evidence,“ Márgerdra slyly reminded herself to the two disciples lost in their thoughts. Bajie didn’t comprehend at first but once he saw his senior to throw a scolding look at her, the pig understood perfectly.

The monkey growled,“Are you insane?! Did you forget what happened the last time?“

“You two will be there with me. If anything happens-“

“Nothing will happen. Because we’re not going through this mad plan.“

“Wukong, we need this,“ she grabbed the flask from him,“you never know whether it can save us some time or even us.“ Márgerdra didn’t refrain from the provocative smirk and wink. “Am I right, darling sir?“

Even though she directed her attention to Bajie to gain further support, he didn’t share her enthusiasm. After all, the pig marshal was much closer to snarling Wukong whose pointy tips of ears reddened beyond belief. Pigsy used it when Márgerdra turned once again to Wukong with a smug face and triumphantly took back the treasure he found at the bottom of a chest. “I think it’ll be better if this stayed with me and you, Lady Márgerdra, rethought your decision. We have much more options than such a reckless scenario, don’t you think, dear? Plus we don’t have much time left, I’m afraid.“

Márgerdra and Wukong offered him a puzzled look,“How so?“

“You probably didn’t notice because of your quarrel. But somebody’s coming our way,“ he pointed his thumb at the door behind,“I can hear the footsteps from the hallway.“

Indeed. Two sets of footsteps, one heavy, the other one much lighter and quicker, were heading towards the queen’s bedroom. Bajie thoughtlessly ran towards the alcove balcony. “Come on! Quickly!“ He was the first to climb out of the room, Márgerdra followed him soon.

The witch’s desperate gaze reached the monkey disciple but in no way he was able to make it in time. The door opened and Miss Yawen and Captain Jun both entered.

The demoness’ unmistakable voice pounded in Wukong’s ears,“So catch them, bring his head on a silver plate, find the Pilgrims and you’ll become a general, handsome Capt-!“

The Captain of the Royal Guard narrowed his eyes. His chest stuck out, yet his chin lowered down all the while his long neck curled. In combination with his long and slightly crooked nose and a few ruffled feathers, which sprouted on his forehead the moment he laid his eyes on the simian, there was no doubt the captain was the descendant of the Azure Crane Dynasty. “You?! What are you doing here? Guards!“

“No need for that, Captain,“ Yawen smiled sweetly as her eyes never left the frozen figure of Sun Wukong,“I called for him personally. Though, it seems our guest here confused the directions of my quarters, I believe.“

“Precisely, Miss Yawen,“ the monkey smirked and continued in his play on a poor stranded man. “I was here to discuss your offer. Even better that I got to meet my future opponent. I wish you all the best of luck for our rematch. You surely are going to need it.“

The crane demon’s haughty nature showed even more. He snorted with a growing smirk on his face,“I’d accept it if I didn’t know who shall become the winner, Huang.“

****

Márgerdra, who was silently grasping the outside wooden construction for her dear life, rested her hot forehead on her stretched arm and quietly sighed. “Cocky morons. Bajie, please, take care of Wukong. Follow him and that harlot wherever they go. Leave the captain to me.“

She readied herself for a risky jump - the rock crumbled under her feet and a few tiny pebbles slid down the steep hillside down to the ravine. “One last thing. Save the bottle as my back-up.“

“But, Lady Márgerdra, your whip’s visible!“ Bajie stretched out his arm to stop the woman. Alas, too late as she was already swiftly climbing and jumping towards the window leading into the hallway. “Not even a peck for good luck?“ he whimpered to pity himself.

****

A light cloak in Yawen’s hand kicked up a small cloud of dust when she clung to Wukong’s side. “Dear Captain, I’ve already informed you about everything. Now, please, move aside and let us through. Master Huang and I have an important topic ahead of us.“

“I’m afraid I can’t let that happen,“ the tall crane demon blocked the entrance of the room. “Although you said you called him here, I hardly believe it. A lie as simple as that can easily cost your tongue, Miss Yawen. Huang Wei, what is the real reason that you’re up here, in Her Majesty’s personal quarters, when instead you should treat your injured brother?“

A few weak words lingered on the tip of Wukong’s tongue when his saviour peeked her head from behind the soldier. His eyes popped out as the elegant she-wolf with swaying hips came forward. “Husband! I’ve found you after all. I just wanted to tell you your brother’s recovering fast but he needs you by his side. His big protective brother.“ She motioned with her eyes towards the balcony to alert Wukong. “Oh my, what an ensemble there is! Captain Jun, Miss Yawen, forgive me for interrupting you. Did anything serious happen?“

After witnessing the acting improvisation from the witch, the Monkey King forced himself to swallow the disgusting knob in his throat and theatrically opened his arms. “Eternal light of my life, there you are! I was about to talk to Miss Yawen.“

“Truly?“

“Indeed, my,“ the word stuck in between his gritted teeth but, somehow, it managed to escape the bone prison,“love.“

“In that case, I shall leave you to the business. You will find me at our quarters, resting. Captain Jun, would you mind accompanying this pitiful soul?“ Unlike Yawen, Márgerdra only lightly turned her head towards Jun. Her eyelids were heavy, blinking only sparely. Like in trance, Jun stepped closer. He regained his posture and offered a hand as a support for the strange woman. Wordlessly, they left the room together.

The privacy made Yawen conjure a grin. Once again, she snuggled to Wukong’s side,“As I told you, I know a wonderful spot in the upper gardens. Nobody will interrupt us there.“

Wukong motioned with his hand forward,“Lead the way, then, Miss Yawen.“

When the monkey closed the door behind them he slapped his forehead,“Apologies, Miss Yawen. I’m afraid I forgot something. Wait for me here, I’ll be right back.“

“Naturally, Master Huang. I’m able to wait for you the whole night, but, please, be so kind and don’t let that happen,“ the snake demoness’ lashes fluttered like wings of a caged bird, yet her expression reminded a hungry beast.

Once inside, Wukong slammed the door behind to call out his fellow disciple. He met the pig right as he was one leg in. The Sage didn’t hide his hurry. “Follow the witch, not me. I don’t care what she told you, do as I say and don’t let her see you.“

“Why? She just diverted his attention,“ Bajie whispered back, completely confused.

“She did not.“ The glint, that tiny little spark buried deep within her blue eyes Wukong came to know so well emerged from the simian’s memory. “She’s on to something. Go and be careful. We’ll talk later, Middle Bro. Good luck.“

Pigsy nodded,“Good luck to you, too, Big Bro.“

****

The fluffy clouds, whose colours continually ranged from bloody red to orange and soft pink to cobalt blue, swam above the pair’s heads as they progressed through the narrow stairway into the open area with a willow grove in the far back corner. The limp treetops swept the wet floor underneath, thousands of leaves caressed the grass beneath as if to say hello to their dearest neighbour. Brightly coloured nightingales chirped in the rich green crowns, though the time for their sweet sleep was approaching quickly, their nests were patiently waiting for them among the nearby bamboo, pines and plums.

Yawen guided Wukong by the narrow path until they passed through a moon bridge. Lily pads floated in the pond, the only obstacle of an otherwise perfect mirror that was the crystal clear surface.

“How do you like the garden so far, Master Huang?“ the snake demoness said with a smug face.

Wukong avoided the reply the best he could, though. His arm was as if on fire the longer he was standing beside the petite woman. “I see nobody’s here. Not even guards although you claimed this to be Her Majesty’s biggest pride.“

“Please, spare me your neverending detective wisdom, Master. I’ve explained when we set out for these gardens. I’m one of the few alongside the captain who are free to go in and out whenever they like. When it comes to you, don’t be concerned. A friend of mine is also a friend of Her Majesty.“ She led him further, deeper until they came across a white wall with a brown gabled roof. Above the set bright circular door was engraved a sign like a matte crown of the moongate. The characters on it read ‘The Blessed Spot between Heaven and Earth Where the Western Crane Flew’.

Without ever letting go of him, the demoness pressed her glowing right palm against the hardwood and opened the passageway to the most wonderful of places Wukong had ever seen in his long life.

The private garden hidden at the very top of the complex, of the whole mountain, protected by a magical seal was truly the most mesmerising wonder of the world. A rivulet danced around the limestones of the most peculiar shapes, the shiny scales of goldfish threw magnificent images of gold, orange and occasionally silver, white and black as the playful creatures progressed towards the circular pond with lotuses. A heron with feathers of flaming red was taking a sip by the small ornamented bridge when it was startled by the visitors. The bird took off into the wide sky, its wings brushed against the treetops of two great trees planted in the garden, the true gemstones of the palace’s crown. One of them Wukong recognised immediately. The white flowers blossomed in sweetly citrus-like fragrance on the thickly branched enormous tree that resembled a tree planted in the Heavenly Gardens, an exquisite Laozi’s gift for the Jade Emperor. Yet, the second plant was quite the mystery to the Monkey King. It was somewhat smaller, its leaves were more fragile-looking. There were twenty fig-like delightfully smelling fruits in total carried by the twigs and branches, something that Sun Wukong had never seen before. With each inhale he felt lighter, stronger. His iron body began to bloom with euphoria inside out. He was so caught up in that fleeting moment he didn’t even notice how or when Yawen made him sit on a red bench in the round pavilion under the two trees. “It’s nice here, isn’t it?“

Again, he avoided the posed question and her infinite look. “I see Her Majesty planted a magnolia tree here. What a magnificent plant that is,“ he murmured with widened eyes and let his memories drift to the Wolf Witch. Her smell wasn’t much different from the one consuming him. “Miss Yawen, say, isn’t it forbidden for anyone beside emperors to own the noble tree?“

Yawen rolled her eyes but chuckled brightly nonetheless. “Oh, my, you surely are persistent with your questions. It sure is. But you witnessed how ambitious Her Majesty is. It won’t be long and the title of ‘Emperor’ shall be hers. Hush now, dear. May I offer you a cup of yulan tea? It may help you to put aside your restless mind.“ She raised a set for tea preparation which was stored inside a carved cabinet.

At first, the monkey demon was prepared to decline but realising the unpleasant drought in his throat, he, at last, nodded. Once again, he caught himself thinking of the witch. Although they’d become significantly close, her choice still irked him. The advisor refused to let Wukong take the risk and now she’s promenading with someone who’s clearly a bigger threat if confronted directly. But…she’d never done anything that wouldn’t benefit her. Wukong scolded himself for not counting with this outcome. Even the tiniest of the details were crucial with her deceitful nature. The Lady Wolf Witch was truly a person of great ambitions and self-confidence. Something Wukong himself hardly lacked. Something that once again landed them in unnecessary trouble.

And yet Wukong wished to bring her there and show her the two trees. No doubt Márgerdra had never witnessed the source of her perfume and he was willing to bet his own head the woman would be equally astounded as he was, if not more.

“Here you are, Master Huang.“ The gold-coloured liquid rippled in the porcelain cup in front of him. Yawen patiently waited for Wukong to accept and when he did she sat down as close to him as possible, yet she set her own cup on the low table in front of them. “Before we start with the business subject, I have one more additional yet no less important offer for you.“

Dimples accompanied her broad grin plastered across her face, the black beauty mark on her cheekbone shone but the man paid it no attention. All he let out was a bored groan,“Apart from brewing tea, making strange proposals must be your top hobby.“

“You’re such a jokester. Not something I’d expect from a tough fighter like you. I like that.“ She bit on her long painted nail. “You see, titles are used between two people who barely know each other. This no longer applies for the two of us. Let’s put all those formalities aside.“

“I’m not sure whether such a thing would be suitable, Miss Yawen…“

“Please, call me only Yawen from now on. And you shall be Wei for me. Are we settled, dear?“

The way she put up her legs next to her body on the bench and leaned closer to him reminded Wukong of the witch even more. She used to choose this pose whenever they set up a camp and she wanted Bajie to share more food either for her or the princess. Márgerdra would tempt the woodcutter’s son or the merchants at the inn just like Yawen was doing right now. She too had that cold, stabbing, unnervingly deep gaze, piercing anyone through and through. Even Bajie started to see beneath Márgerdra’s charade, otherwise the pig would adamantly obey her demand, not Wukong’s. The two women were so similar, so mendacious. However he’d started this game long ago. There was no escape.

“Very well…Yawen.“

“Excellent!“ She clapped her hands. “Back to the main topic of this evening, shall we? You see, Her Majesty’s going to celebrate her birthday soon. She loves martial arts tournaments and so does her nephew. The only difference is that she’s an observer while he enjoys being much more active. Captain Jun started a few years ago but since his debut we haven’t seen other champion than him.“

Wukong cocked his eyebrow. “Is that the case? Sure, he’s rather good. His technique’s on a high level, I wouldn’t dare to deny the fact. But there’s just as many imperfections he doesn’t seem to care to reduce.“

“That’s why I want you to participate. He needs a little nudge, the queen needs a celebration, you need a rematch and I need entertainment. By the way, did I mention the winner is also compensated with a reward? Simply put, everybody wins. Besides, I can help you, too.“

Wukong’s curiosity and distrust was piqued,“How?“

“I shall provide you with a safe place for your training, a hall at first used for soldiers to train but now it’s abandoned due to moving them to another location. I’ve already arranged the place, knowing well you’re not going to decline. It’s right above the bathhouse. As a bonus I’ll train with you. We don’t have much time left, not more than two weeks. I know the captain’s weaknesses. How he dodges, where he likes to kick, what’s his most used attack.“

The monkey began choking on his tea, though it didn’t last long. He pulled himself together quicker than expected, brushing away the concerned snake woman,“I have no doubt you can fight. But you’re too small for me. Your stamina, strength, there’s no way you’d be able to keep up with me. Plus, I've been training with Yaling much longer. I’m too used to her to let go and find another partner. Thank you but I can only agree on the training place. Nothing more. What’s more, when it comes to the captain, I’d like to save the thrill and not know more about his fighting skills beforehand. It’d ruin the experience.“

Yawen had a lot of problems keeping her tongue behind her teeth. At first the girl, now the handsome stranger is mocking her, too. She reminded herself, though, not to overdo her effort and simply do what she was best at - keep waiting. “As you wish. However, if you change your mind in the future, let me know. My door’s always open for you.“

For a while they were only sitting side by side and sipping on the warm liquid. None of them spoke as if they had their tongues cut out. Only the buzzing of insects echoed in their ears. However, Yawen didn’t let herself be chased off. And Wukong knew all too well. She pretended not to care. He saw beneath. She finally broke the silence. He didn’t like it. Both her speaking and the topic she chose. “I wonder how close the Pilgrims are. With the mighty protector in the charge, they must proceed fast.“

“If you think then so be it.“

“Wei, my lovely, sweet Wei,“ Yawen put her palm on his chest. The silk rustled but the pounding in his chest didn’t join. There, under his ribs, deep within the now flesh, his heart always remained a lifeless stone. “Of course ‘so be it’. Are you truly that careless about the probable presence of the Tang monk?“

“Probable doesn’t mean possible.“

“Oh my, how cold you can be!“ Yawen playfully pulled away and pretended to be offended. “Be honest now-“

“I always am. You don’t need to worry about that.“ Wukong used his chance of the slight distance between him and his unfavourable companion and stretched out to pour another cup. The last drops seemed to have been waiting solely for him and he couldn’t be more grateful.

“Would you taste the monk’s flesh once he gets here?“

“No.“

“Why? Just imagine it. Eternal life, wisdom, the forever beauty of never-fading youth. Is this your true answer, Wei?“

“Indeed it is. The monk’s sent to retrieve sutras. He was chosen by the Bodhisattva Guanyin, he’s the reincarnation of Golden Cicada. This quest of his, it’s far more important, far more valuable than what we can imagine. The selfless act to face the dangers and fears. All of that…just to save the souls who would in return spit onto his face due to the ragged clothing and dirty face. Yet, he still proceeds further. Not because of mercy or whatever other fancy word. It’s just…the right thing to do. And that, Yawen, is the sole reason I’d never feast on his flesh. I’d be tearing away the hope for the better tomorrow. I don’t want that.“

The pause which came after the last word was appalling. The Great Sage wished he’d kept his mouth shut, although the nudge inside he listened to told him otherwise. At last, the lecherous woman barked out,“What an honest man you are! A speech of a man who’s a monk at heart, that’s what you delivered. Though rather short, you went straight to the point. I envy you, sweet Wei. If I didn’t know you, I’d think you’re a member of that party. After all, your youngest brother is easily just as dashing as the monk, or so do they say. However, I admit, he’s rather shy and tattered for the chosen one of Bodhisattva Guanyin, someone who’s an emperor’s brother. Not to mention the black mane. Monks can’t grow out their hair. Am I correct?“

“Yes, you are.“

“Wei!“ She laughed and bumped into his shoulder,“You’re so offhand! Come on, cheer up a bit. With this attitude, you could easily pass for the first disciple. I’ve heard he’s got a huge…“ Yawen paused, wearing a bright expression on her face. She teasingly bit on her lower lip as she looked the monkey up and down before she settled on a single word. “...ego. What’s the name of that brutish ape?“

Wukong recognised the dance she was trying to pull him into. This time, he suppressed his urge to lash out on her. He brought his knee under his chin and calmly responded as he scratched beneath the sharp chin,“Not exactly sure. There’s too many hairy bastards these days. But if you mean it in connection to the Tang monk it’s probably, hm, Sun Wukong?“

“Yes! That’s his name. Sun Wukong. The strongest of all demon kings. The Monkey King himself. The Great Sage Equal to Heaven. The Heavenly Rebel,“ just as she was about to open her mouth for the last title, her grin grew from playful to wicked and at last it twisted into an ominous grimace,“The Kinbutcher.“

The cold and honest truth hid behind the wicked name. It froze Wukong from head to toe. Rage and regret, it all mixed and flushed through his veins, it consumed him bit by bit, although he couldn’t deny it. Truly, Sun Wukong had become the hunter of his own. Though he did have a reason to do so it could not change the fact he was a murderer. Only the circumstances changed yet the blood on his hands never vanished. The Kinbutcher. The word pounded on his tongue, on his guts, on his mind.

He withstood the temptation to pull out his powerpole. He knew better. Instead, he buried the bitterness underneath the laughing mask. “So many titles! I better start working hard on my own career if I want to become this famous.“

The sudden easy-going approach of the simian threw Yawen off balance which forced her to join in on the little joke. “Planning on taking the imperial exams?“

“Absolutely! I bet I could easily answer all my questions. Though, there’s one subject I’m not particularly excellent at.“ He forced himself to wear a broad smile even when Yawen put her legs over his lap, the thin green fabric slid down her pale skin, revealing a good portion of it. The decorations in her hair dangled. She wanted to ask what he was aiming at but Wukong was ahead of her. He pointed his clawed finger over the low railing of the pavilion. It was directed at one target - the unknown tree bearing twenty mauve figs. “What is this tree over there? I’ve never seen it before nor have I heard about a similar plant in my life.“

“Sweet Wei, that is an alchemical experiment of Her Majesty. I should not talk much about it. However, with you, I’m willing to make an exception,“ the back of her hand slid down Wukong’s cheek, but she had to quickly retract it when the monkey clicked his sharp teeth, nearly biting the snake’s fingers off. Nevertheless, she laughed it off as a trivial matter, something a restless innocent child would do, not an adult demon with a diabolical gaze. She moved her hips and arched her back till she was breathing on the side of his face and only then she softly spoke to the man in black and gold,“Her Majesty, Queen Shufen, once obtained special seeds and decided to grow them here, in the safety of the mountain. Do you see those fig-like fruits? I’m sure you’ve already noticed their splendid smell. That alone gives you the strength of a hundred men. Nonetheless, if you come completely close and smell them right there, they shall grant you five hundred years of life. If you taste them, though, you gain immortality and eternal youth. That is the reason why this garden is sealed by such a complicated spell. You see, Her Majesty’s still waiting for the right time to harvest the figs and taste their unusual peach-like flavour.“

Wukong’s stomach growled. Still, he didn’t tear away from the astonishing view ahead of him,“Why exactly?“

“Silly, silly Wei,“ her unpleasant chuckle bounced against Wukong’s eardrums but at least she put her legs down,“she needs them to ripen! That shall take the next two weeks. At least that’s the estimated date for this alchemical miracle. If she ought to take the figs now they’d all crumble into dust immediately. Hence why she’s saving it for the best opportunity. Because once they’re fully mature, they should last long enough to be consumed. Or at least so does our court alchemist estimate. Although, he’s not even sure himself.“

“The immortal fruit,“ Wukong snorted,“something so valuable and Her Majesty still wants to devour the Tang monk?“

“Devouring him is a matter of both - gaining immortality but also his gathered wisdom. The latter is what tempts our beloved Queen.“

“If the tree is so important that nearly nobody ought to know about it,“ this time it was Wukong who leaned uncomfortably close,“why are you telling me all of this, then, Yawen? How can you be so sure I’m not going to rat on you?“

Perhaps for the first time since the demons had met, Yawen’s eyes glistened with a hint of uncertainty. Her head turned right and left, the long strands of her coal black hair fell down to her worried face and created a silky curtain in front of her forehead and narrow cheeks. Her voice became a fragile whisper,“I told you this because I need someone to have my back if things go south. I fear for my safety. The captain, well, he’s not the most pleasant type to work with. The man can be extremely, overly, suspicious even if he means it in a good way. He’s been on about some sort of coup in the palace. In case he’d start accusing me I want you, an honourable man with a healthy judgement, to be aware of my side of the story - I would never harm Shufen. Not even in a dream. I don’t care about the figs as you can see that I talk about them without a single notion of ulterior motives. Although not many will trust you. Still, it’s better than nothing…“ Yawen slowly backed off and made herself once again comfortable in her pompous seat. In a blink of an eye, she lost all of the innocence drawn across her face.

Naturally, the story was never enough for the old demon. The Sage scratched his nose and put one leg over another while simultaneously leaning back to rest his tired back against the red-painted railing. “You hardly know me and still you’re putting all your trust into me. Don’t start with the ‘I’m so alone in this cursed palace’ nonsense. Just answer me - why should I keep my lips sealed in front of the captain of the queen, Yawen?“

“The answer’s easy. I’m sure you’ve already taken the hint, sweetie. I showed you this secret, yes. But, tell me, what exactly were you searching for in the queen’s bedroom? Hm? I’ve never once mentioned to you my quarters’ location. Plus, I doubt you wanted to find a pretty trinket for your wretched cold-hearted hag of a ‘wife’. I think you were there for another reason. Maybe to know more about Her Majesty? Why did she, the Azure Crane, go the long way here from the western parts of Mount Kunlun? There are many reasons you should not interfere with her privacy. Unless you’re afraid for your group's safety, monkey. Almost as if you wanted to run away as quickly as possible. It would make sense to scavenge her private chambers to find drafts of secret tunnels and such. What do you think? What would Her Majesty or the Royal Guard Captain do if I told them the truth? I may trust you but they certainly won’t if my tongue accidentally slipped.“

For a while, they both fell into an uncomfortable silence. Inside, Wukong was screeching, howling, spitting blood, sulphur and fire. It reflected in his eyes as they caught on the slightly amber hue. A single look at them and one could easily think a wild fire was raging behind them which was not far from the truth.

On the other hand, Yawen airily played with her hair as if nothing serious occurred. “Let’s keep it our little secret. I mean this whole evening. Are we clear, sweetie?“ Yawen winked at him.

Seeing how fed up he was she decided to elaborate for the first time and put up no protest when he politely but hurriedly excused himself. “Miss Yawen…“

“Only Yawen, please, Wei.“

“Yawen, thank you for your company. As we settled down on the tournament proposition and also went through various interesting topics, I dare to say this evening was more than delightful. Yet, I have to return to my wife and younger brother. I sincerely wish you a goodnight.“

“Sweetest dreams to you, too, darling.“

The door behind Wukong slammed hard. The monkey demon clearly didn’t care anymore whether a dismissed guard could have heard him or not. He simply wished to get as away from the place as he could. When he was a good distance away, he slyly smirked to himself. At last, they may have a lead.

On the other hand, Yawen was of the opposite opinion. She put her empty cup on the table and lightly sneaked towards the fig tree. The lowest hanging fruit was exactly the size of her palm. She gently grabbed it but didn’t yank. She only kept the light touch on it while the snake lady imagined how the sweet flavour flooded her mouth. The demoness licked her lips before she pulled away. She needs to wait a little longer.

Yawen yanked the cloak and went searching for Queen Shufen.

****

“Your Majesty, didn’t you ask for your cloak? Shouldn’t we wait for Miss Yawen?“ Sanzang swallowed the gulp in his throat. His body shivered from head to toe whenever Queen Shufen snuggled closer to him. The thought that the demoness was already clinging to his arm was making him nervous, which showed on his sweat-drenched shirt and red cheeks.

“She’ll catch on us. You needn’t to worry, young Master Huang. Besides, the weather is still relatively fine. I expected for the wind to pick up any time soon.“ The queen stopped and so did the escort with Mei and Ol’ Sha behind her. With a single wave of her hand she dismissed her party so only the two of them remained, in spite of Wujing and Mei’s initial protests. All they could do at the moment was solely let the servants accompany them to their own quarters.

Crickets chirred among the tall peonies and orchids in the back of the wide space. The sun no longer reigned in the sky yet the moon was still nowhere in sight, however, it was no obstacle for the breeze to chafe the decorative limestone wall with a grotto by their left. It swished and whistled, it ran and flew up and down, right and left until it reached the couple. Goldfish swam in the narrow pond beside them, the tiny waves created by their nimble tails licked the white platform.

Sanzang began to dart his eyes in every direction while the tremor seized him as if the land beneath manifested the earthquake. He knew he had nowhere to back away.

His hands fell down, the sleeves brushed the sides of his robes. His eyes were downcast. The monk’s dejected voice spreaded through the shivering air. The despair was so strong it even shut the croaking in the pond.

“The land is sour with the sun shining on it,

yet at night, when the moon rises from the cloudy bed,

the eyes of Budd- the eyes of,“ Sanzang’s voice cracked as he faltered,“of the merciful one,

they shall guide me through both, the white day and black night,

till I can find salvation…“ He was about to finish when he remembered one of Bajie’s many poems. The young monk gladly grasped the memory and the idea it gave him. “Till I can find salvation in her lily-like eyes!“

Shufen’s smile widened, the two onyx gems of her porcelain face danced with unmistakable joy. Her slender palms rested on Sanzang’s quivering shoulders. Her ruthlessness was gone in a mere second. It didn’t take long for the monk to come to believe the queen’s soothing words. “Dear, this was the most wonderful poem one has ever told, heard and witnessed. You have a talent many can envy. That is why I decided to ask you something. Would you be comfortable to recite for me at my celebration? After we hold a tournament it would be the finest present for the Queen of the Jade Valley.“

With each bit she drew nearer to the delightful young man, the more his inner urge to scream and run built up. The Tripitaka began to tilt his head back. Anything just to avoid the unbearable proximity. He almost stopped believing for a miracle to happen.

But it did.

From a distance, a deep husky call reached them, making the queen break her intense gaze. “Shui, brother! Almost thought I would never find you in these vast but unearthly beautiful gardens. Your Majesty! My apologies. In that hurry, my simple and poor self failed to notice your radiance as it was somehow covered by the cloak of the approaching night.“ Wukong bowed deeply. The gesture and tone of his voice made Shufen stutter but she ultimately only gently waved her hand. “No need to worry about such a detail, Master Huang. Did something bad happen? You rushed in like there's lightning coming to strike you any second.“

“No, Your Majesty. I was simply wondering where my little brother went. I was a bit worried.“ Wukong was prepared to take Sanzang with himself the moment he saw his master’s reddened face. At the last moment, he backed off on the immediate rescue of the monk. The mischief in the monkey’s expression couldn’t be denied while his stern posture remained unchanged. “But I see that little Shui is in good hands. Shall I leave you two be by yourselves? Perhaps I could return in an hour or so…“

While Shufen was about to politely accept the Great Sage’s offer, the Tripitaka quickly interrupted her,“That won’t be needed…big brother… It’s getting late and Her Majesty surely has had plenty of difficult matters to attend to. She must be terribly tired from the trouble that’s been happening lately. Am I correct? Anyway, I wish you goodnight, Your Majesty. I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.“

“Young Master,“ Shufen’s steel command stopped the two men once they turned their backs to her, but her next words carried a significantly softer, warmer tone, like the sun that had just hid behind the horizon,“do you promise me, please, to recite? I’ll understand if you decline. Yet, I’d be very much pleased if you accept, Master Huang.“

Something within her voice convinced Sanzang’s gentle heart. Truly, he was afraid but at the same time he didn’t wish to sadden the woman, although she was no human at all. He turned around for the last time with a sincere look, his elegant light robes quietly whispered as he bowed deeper than ever before,“Yes, Your Majesty. I’d never dare to take away the happiness from you. Everyone deserves it. You included. Goodnight.“

Delighted Shufen soon marched away in an opposite direction. While the disciple and his Master slowly closed the distance between them and the staircase, the Sage uttered a sneaky remark,“Are you gonna recite for me, too, Shui? Or you’re saving the best for the queen?“

“Argh, shut it, Wukong. Now, get us out of here. I really thought my pants were so wet for some…reason. Thankfully, it’s just the sweat.“

Wukong smacked his thigh as he laughed hard. His contagious laughter soon jumped onto Sanzang, as well, and the two descended into an illuminated corridor.

“Hey, Wukong.“

“All ears, Shifu.“

“You and Márgerdra are going to stay for a while in our room, right? We got a story to tell you from dinner.“

Wukong hesitated but eventually gave into the unusual idea and even more unusual enthusiasm of his young Master. “Sure. Why not, Shifu.“

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Taglist (let me know if you'd like to be added): @vanessaroades-author @rubywrite @aohendo @rbbess110 @jgmartin @outpost51

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

List of chapters:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Epilogue

2 notes · View notes

axl-ul · 9 months

Text

The Flight of the Western Crane: Chapter Twelve

(A reupload/repost of my fic/dark retellingof Journey tot he West because the whole AO3 site, where I originally posted this, got taken down for now)

(General info about this fic/wip/retelling is here)

****

The heat flew inside the vast chamber whose thin walls were inlaid with webs of such warm gold that even the sun would be embarrassed once its mute eye would peek there. The swelter pushing through the low hanging windows covered by shutters became unbearable yet none of the people, who were sitting on the three moderate-sized bamboo beds, made a move to open them. Their silhouettes petrified in anticipation of what was about to happen next.

Sanzang was the only one furiously pacing up and down the whole length of the room. Skin on his bald head was shiny from sweat and it reddened so much he slowly began to resemble a lobster in boiling water. His eyes, usually as calm as fish in a fresh pool on a sunny spring day, were ferociously gnawing at the eldest disciple, “What did I say? What did we agree on, Wukong? Wuneng, this applies to you, as well. No fighting. No collisions. No troubles. But look at what happened!“

“Shifu, please, calm down. Sit with us, have this delicious cup of tea and relax,“ Bajie hugged the monk around the shoulders and guided the young man between him and Mei. “Sit with us on this terribly hot day. I can assure you that neither Brother Wukong nor I planned on creating such a ruckus.“

“Shifu,“ the Friar Sand took off from his seat on the opposite bed and knelt,“my seniors didn’t think much ahead. Out of all people you ought to know this best. Please, forgive them and stop shouting so much. Your voice might get damaged and somebody is going to hear you. Shifu, please, listen to my plea and forgive my brothers because they only meant the best and by the unfortunate circumstances they dug too deep.“ Ol’ Sha’s lips had been trembling like leaves on a tree in autumn until he finished with a humble bow.

The demon was such a sore sight Sanzang couldn’t bear to look at him any longer. “Wujing, I’m not angry. I am simply,“ trying to find the right word which described the twitching inside his guts the best, the monk settled down on his usual choice,“disappointed. You dive in head first despite me telling you otherwise. Do you even listen to me? Or are my lectures and hopes of you three becoming honest people and model monks just a tick on your list of things you need to present in case Bodhisattva Guanyin comes to inspect?!“

Sanzang looked daggers at the disciples, mainly on Wukong who as the only one didn’t drop his eyes. The demon didn’t move a muscle, his breaths were so shallow they were almost non-existent. He was like a silent vulcano waiting for the next explosion of seething anger. However, Wukong was more patient than he’d ever been before as the simian was truly trying his best to calm himself down and not to pay attention to his Master’s enraged screech.

“Venerable monk, if I may I’d like to point out that your disciples are valiant men. They saved me and my advisor. I doubt the snakes would leave us unharmed. Brother Bajie was protecting us with his own body and he even got me out of the room as quickly as possible.“ Bajie blushed from hearing such a praise, nobody seemed to notice him, though. “He was the one to bring me to the safety of this room and made sure I had enough food and peace to recover from the awful incident.“

“Brother Wukong fought magnificently and didn’t let the intruders get closer to Her Highness and Brother Bajie,“ Márgerdra joined as well. “His extraordinary skills did not only come in handy, he also showed his devotion to your cause and purpose.“

Such a remark took Sanzang aback,“What sort of dedication are you talking about, Lady Wolf Witch?“

Knowing well where this was leading to, Wukong’s eyes popped out. Behind Sanzang’s back, he was frantically gesturing to the witch to hold her tongue. The woman, although she immediately understood the message behind the agitated hinting, decided on her own and kept on ignoring the Great Sage while she explained,“You see, venerable Master, the place we were at is a bathhouse. Naturally, Her Highness and I had to strip off a…majority of our clothes in order to clean ourselves. Yet, not the Eight Rules nor the Great Sage,“ she offered both demons a meaningful look,“took advantage of it. They behaved like true gentlemen.“

Bajie sensed the woman lied on purpose on his behalf and so, in his own embarrassment and with the temperature of his forehead rising, he joined in praising the immortal monkey,“Shifu, see? Here Big Brother wanted to commit a good deed by heart. He’s got a rather delicate soul-“

“I don’t have a soul, Daizi-“ Bajie’s ear slapped Wukong across the mouth and as if by magic shut him up for good. The red print on his cheek and the annoying pinching on his skin bristled Wukong’s fur as he launched at the pig’s flapping ear, however he restrained himself from the bite at the last second.

“Venerable Master, do you finally see the reason? It was more than a self-defence. As well as Lady Wolf Witch nearly getting knocked off in that horrible fight my own poor heart wouldn’t be able to survive another scarring-“

“Enough!“ Sanzang’s resolute voice was irked. A strange unknown feeling washed over him and his heart. The monk didn’t recognise it but he was capable of describing it - his ears were swollen from Mei’s urging, his skin was breaking out in rash from the constant Sha Seng’s squeezing and his throat squeezed whenever both directed their puppy eyes on him. How strange as he had never before minded them, quite the opposite, they were one those whose presence he enjoyed the most. “The Queen is outraged! Her captain is ready to corner us even more! What’s worse, the city is surely under a lockdown…“

“Shifu, you're exaggerating. It was only a small group which got in. The Queen surely won’t think much of it,“ Bajie beamed as his tusks bored into a tart apple.

Knock. Knock.

Even the tiniest movement of the group stopped upon the light tapping reached their ears.

“Y-Yes, please?“ Tang Sanzang coyly stepped closer to the sliding door.

“It is me, the Captain of Her Majesty’s guards. May I enter, sir? Or is it more suitable for me and my men to go and see you a little bit later?“ The muffled nasal voice hammered against Wukong’s eardrums and nerves. As if to feed his irritation, the request of the soldier was granted an approval. “No such thing as further delaying is needed. Please enter, Captain. Our sincere apologies, but we’ve already eaten a fair amount of food. If you do not mind, may we at least offer you some nuts?“

“No. Thank you but I must decline your hospitality this time," Captain Jun looked around the room. His suspicious gaze settled upon the larger table in the left corner of the room. There were big plates and bowls, by a quick counting possibly seven or so dishes, dirty from the leftovers. Jun narrowed his eyes,“You didn’t touch the meat? How strange, I was of the opinion our cook was the best of the best with his culinary skills.“

The Tripitaka fidgeted on the spot when the pair of guards standing by the door looked over to them.

“I deeply apologise for the rudeness of interrupting you,“ Mei jumped in for the quick rescue,“but wouldn’t it be a bit unwise to eat such heavy food in this weather, Captain? We simply ate what was easier to digest. We, of course, are going to taste your local delicacies, only a bit later when our bodies won’t ache so much. Besides, I don’t think our food is the goal of your visit, sir.“

The response satisfied the crane demon. “Very well,“ he looked at the group one more time. For a moment he observed Wukong, soon, though, he blinked over to the place where Márgerdra was sitting quiet as a mouse. Jun’s graceful features relaxed. “You are, indeed, right, Miss Ah Xiuying. Because Her Majesty is now in a great hurry to secure the safety of her people she requested me to visit you on her behalf. Yet, the content of her message is something I identify with. Therefore we both deeply regret that Miss Yaling and Miss Ah Xiuying were the eyewitnesses and victims of the bandits breaking in. Furthermore, our units are already on their tracks and with my most accomplished men both in the field and in interrogation, I doubt the responsible will have enjoyed the freedom for more than a week. With a fair share of experience, I’m giving him two weeks at best.“

“Sure thing,“ Wukong murmured with folded arms,“till now you’ve been just rolling your ass in a fine seat.“

The captain turned around and snivelled until his nostrils largened beyond belief,“What is it, Huang? Anything important?“

“Me?“ Wukong shot his feet down from the table and pretended his obliviousness as best as he could,“No, nothing worth mentioning. I was only thanking you that you managed to run down the stairs, Captain, and saved my lovely wife and sister-in-law from these fiendish foes. Always on time when it’s needed. What a hero…“ The unmistakable glint in dark eyes accentuated the Sage’s sneer.

Jun chewed on his inner cheek. The temperature around him appeared to drop significantly. “I am glad whenever I can be of service, especially to such a young and already accomplished fighter and scholar, from what I’ve heard. Aside from your wife, some praise, naturally, goes to you, too, Huang.“

“I can’t lie. I married well.“ Wukong knew the easiness of his words got his rival worked up, it didn’t matter how well Jun tried to mask it behind his gentlemanly behaviour.

The tall demon delivered his apology once more to the women as well as the young monk whose room became a nest of hostility. He then turned around to march out with his subordinates but caught himself at the last second. Jun gently stroked his forehead under the helmet as if he nearly forgot to do something.“By any chance, did the servants inform you about the state of gates and the travel routes going through the city?“

Mei took a sharp breath,“You’re connected to other cities?“

Her question honestly startled the young official,“Naturally, Miss Ah Xiuying. Even though we are a demonic settlement we need to be supplied. Our disguised merchants can freely trade with the outsiders and humans under crucial conditions. Yet we do not deny their right as well as the fact that only a small fee and a certain percentage goes into the royal coffer. That is the reason why business is quite popular with our citizens.“

“Apologies for interrupting, sister, but nobody told us a thing about those routes. What happened to them? Have they been destroyed?“ Márgerdra asked, never taking her eyes off of Jun.

“No, you needn’t to worry about such a scenario, Miss Yaling,“ he chuckled,“that would be an utterly foolish thing to do. However, all the gates are now closed on the order of Her Majesty to ensure the safety of our people. Nobody goes in or out.“ Jun’s onyx eyes danced on the group, a small attempt to find something written on their stone faces. Soon, with a silent ‘goodbye’ he walked out and left them drowning in their inner grim thoughts.

****

“Is everyone prepared?“ Mei’s curious question striked the rest who were still in the process of dressing up. Márgerdra carefully hid her whip behind the light blue silk belt and covered it with her long cloak while Wukong and Wujing made sure their own weapons didn’t stick out from their ears. With his floppy ears, Bajie didn’t need to concern himself with such worry. “We should depart soon if we want to check out the city.“

“Your Highness, don’t forget we’re about to control the routes and gates to form an escape plan. This isn’t about sightseeing,“ Márgerdra reprimanded her.

“I’m aware of that. But“ Mei was all smiles,“we aren’t going to be blindfolded. We can still enjoy the day! I’ve heard the local marketplace holds plenty of interesting specialities. There should even be a performance going on! Let’s go there, Márgerdra!“ The princess yanked her advisor’s hand like a small child.

“Yeah, Márgerdra, let’s go there and see what these nice locals have to offer,“ Wukong smirked at the frowning witch. He didn’t intend to hide his teasing.

“Your Highness, please, understand we’re not here to have a-“

“You’re right, Your Highness,“ Sanzang and Wujing said with sparkling excitement upon hearing the idea.

Such an unexpected enthusiasm couldn’t be shared with the Immortal who was suddenly lost for words and whose fur bristled up,“Shifu, you can’t be serious. We’re in the middle of a nest swarming with demons! You’d be much safer inside this room with me on the watch.“ Wukong’s cries went unrewarded. The last thing he heard before the door loudly shutting behind was Bajie’s cheerful laughter as the four hand in hand joyfully set out for their walk throughout the colourful city.

Márgerdra stood next to him, worry wrinkling her pretty face,“This is going to be a long day, isn’t it?“

“Remind me to buy a couple of acupuncture needles,“ the monkey sighed and massaged his temples.

“Don’t worry, I suppose I’ll need some too. But do we even have money for that? All’s been either lost or confiscated.“

“Not quite. Shufen sent some to Shifu. Sometimes, I’m glad he’s the good-looking one in the group…“ Wukong murmured as they entered the opulent hallway with more motifs of a bamboo grove with creatures of gold, silver and bronze with gemstones instead of eyes. Thankfully, the four were waiting for them, loud and lively as ever. Out of nowhere, Wujing yelped out, then he and the rest became laughing hysterically as he realised Mei pulled a prank on him with her cold fingers around his neck.

“Splitting up the job, Wukong?“

“Seems like it. Taking care of Daizi and Shifu.“

“I’m reserving Mei and Ol’ Sha. Good luck.“

They wearily sighed and set out to meet their fellow travellers.

****

Ao Lie’s hooves sank into the wet ground. Leaves tickled his stomach but he didn’t mind anymore. His whole body was stung by mosquitos and flies, his nose was full of mucus from the humidity.

“Bai Long Ma, get up!“ Wukong encouraged the exhausted horse but no matter how hard he tried, even his own limbs trembled, unable to help the dragon prince to stand up. The clone warned Bai Long Ma the spell would soon wear out but Lie still hoped the companion would remain with him longer than this. Soon, only a single strand of hair would be left of the clone.

They walked not more than five steps when both collapsed. Birds were chirping and bees were buzzing around the two. “Damn this marsh. So far the worst landscape we’ve been to,“ Lie cursed under his breath and tossed his greenish mane to the side. It still didn’t scare away the fly whirring around his ear.

For a while, they were huffing, wishing for a downpour. Lie tried for a small talk to avoid the silence since he’d started missing the group. He’d talk the whole day but he cut himself off. Wukong stretched out his spine, pointy ears listened closely as the simian held his breath.

“What’s going on, brother?“ Lie wanted to ask but the clone hinted to do nothing. Although Lie waited patiently a concerning feeling of his guts twisting enveloped him. Then Wukong jumped up and ran towards the shadows of the tall trees with a petrifying yell. His knees were visibly wobbly but it didn’t discourage the double in his pursuit. But what was he attacking?

Ao Lie, fearing for the monkey’s safety once he saw his buckling slim legs, cried out,“Wukong! What’s-?!“

“Run!“ The clone yelled behind himself before diving into the darkness. Not long after, the dragon horse heard a clash of steel, monkey shrieking, curses and spells being shouted. Suddenly, everything went dead silent. The eeriness of the moment built up within the stallion. As if to worsen the situation intentionally, clouds overlapped the sky, their monstrous mouths full of foam swallowing the sun.

Lie snorted. He gnawed on his cheek and forced himself back on his feet. He did not dare to come closer to the place where his companion vanished, though. An acidic smell came from there.

Because he found himself unable to move, he started counting. On five he must, he has to, begin running no matter where, how far or how fast. He has to go immediately.

Upon reaching the final count, his powerful legs lifted. Yet, they never touched the ground behind.

A voice from the shadows stopped him from going further. Quite deep, it carried a distinctive rough pitch. “Brother! We’ve been looking for you! You made us worried. Where have you been?“

When Lie turned to meet the person he couldn’t believe his eyes. It’s him. Just him, his good old friend.

He wanted to come closer but something deep down warned him no to. Something wasn’t right with the person. There were several details, hidden in plain sight. But Bai Long Ma registered one which made his blood freeze. His friend’s hand was bloody and holding a single dark brown strand of hair.

A heart beat, two, then three. The moment of the two demons staring each other down felt like eternity.

Bai Long Ma turned around and ran, he ran like never before in his life. Something was off, wrong with the person. He looked like, no, he was Wukong. But something there, written in that face was twisted, grotesque and wicked. He remembered the dream he had the previous night. “Don’t trust the eyes, for they may easily deceive,“ ever so gentle Guanyin said. But which eyes? His own dragon eyes? Or those…!

The blood. That hair. His eyes. Wukong’s eyes had never carried such intensity, as if something evil, contorted lay beneath. Then it struck him. Underneath the cloak, right where Wukong’s two ears were, there…

He didn’t finish the thought. The stranger landed on his back, the impact nearly broke Bai Long Ma’s spine in half. The dragon-horse didn’t call out as something hard struck his skull. The white body with webbed mane went limp.

****

The marketplace was located in the centre of the city. It consisted of stalls of various goods and flavours. The place, no matter how many dilapidated buildings surrounded it, was brimming with the bubbly spirit of the locals who’d already begun with decorations of their homes and narrow streets.

Mei merrily shoved her bowl of soup into the monk’s face and nearly knocked out his teeth. “This is so good! Try it! Please!“

The young monk’s forehead was flooded in heavy sweat and he heard only a minimum of what the princess told him in the noon uproar of the merchants and their customers mixed with the murmur of the river that was flowing nearby. Everyone was looking at them when they first entered the spacious marketplace. Fortunately, the word about the newcomers and the actions of the ugly imp spreaded in the crowd like a wildfire and many had a good laugh on the idea of the dashing Guard Captain being challenged by a sole monkey. Since then, not one stall had a problem with offering fresh foods and delicacies, child’s toys and books with poems, fine fabrics and dress and jewellery. “Well, if you insist so much,“ the Tripitaka replied and took the bowl. A single sip sent pleasant sweetness, though slightly bitter, down his throat. It was a welcomed refreshment, indeed.

“Shif-“

“Shui!“ the group screamed before Wujing managed to speak out fully. After a reassuring pat on the head from the young princess he mustered the courage to offer a few dumplings. “Have some, please.“

“Thank you but I have to decline. You yourself haven’t eaten much, so-“

Mei didn’t hesitate. Perhaps for the first time in her life, she munched on her food and with full mouth she yelled out,“These. Are. So. Good! How are the local cooks so amazing?! You ought to have at least a single bite, Shui. Will you do it for me?“ The flicker of her lashes made Sanzang give up and take upon the princess’ offer. Mei let out a delighted squeal. She curiously scanned the other seats of the food stall and stopped when she noticed the tensed figure of the Immortal. “Hey! You over there! Stop glowering and come closer! Pretty please!“ she gestured to slouching Wukong who was sitting by the edge of the bench.

Zhu Bajie bumped into the senior disciple which caused a good portion of his drink to spill out. “C’mon, Big Bro. Give us just a few minutes to refresh ourselves. Then we can go on with the…tour around the city.“

Wukong folded his arms, leaned back and after a quick scold from Sanzang for putting his feet on the table, he forced himself to wait for the group to finish their meal. Although, he soon found himself in a dreamy state once someone passed him the bowl of coconut pudding topped with sesame seeds. The whole portion vanished in his mouth and when he was asking for the second one, a soft chuckle caught his attention. “I’ve never had you for a sweet tooth.“

“I’m not,“ Wukong answered Márgerdra while he gladly accepted his second bowl from Sanzang,“but a change once in a while can’t hurt.“ He eyed her for a moment. The witch was also enjoying the soft flavour of a sweet potato soup, though her choice was hardly unexpected. He put the pudding down and wiped his mouth with the wide black sleeve. “Would you like to try this out?“

“Excuse me?“

“Whether you want to have the pudding. It’s pretty tasty and I see you’ve been liking the sweets the most. I’d be honestly glad if you accepted.“

Márgerdra, despite being baffled by his late behaviour, nodded,“Since you’re quite the adamant gentleman, why not? Thank you very much.“

As she was about to accept the meal from Wukong, Bajie loudly announced,“Despite our lunch being the best of the best I’ve had, we better get movin’. It might be around noon now but there’s a great chunk of the undiscovered city ahead of us. A walk will help us to easily digest these delicacies, too.“

Despite their bodies pushing hard through the crowd, the Pilgrims didn’t escape the near suffocation. Regardless of the time advancing steadily, more and more inhabitants were flooding streets. The marketplace lay in the centre of the whirlpool of bodies which spiralled around like a flock of vultures. Nevertheless, it didn’t hold the travellers back. They bravely made their way through to discreetly inspect the main gate and also the smaller one facing the north.

“You did that on purpose,“ Wukong told Bajie once caught up to him in the crowd. Since it was impossible to go around together, the group separated to look for the third large gate, the one with a trade route leading to the Country of the Brocade Lantern, orientated towards the west - Márgerdra went with Sanzang, Wujing accompanied Mei and Wukong chose to keep an eye on overly eager Bajie.

Pigsy’s ears flapped as he snivelled what slowly worked Wukong up. “Don’t pretend like you have zero idea what I’m talking about.“

“Brother,“ the pig demon rubbed his hands,“I know it’s hard to believe but I really don’t know what you’re on about. In fact, I wanted to see the city as much as I could! Look around! All the wonders of the world. Not everyday you wake up and experience a functioning demonic city.“

Wukong paused for a while. He pouted, his tail twitched. He scratched behind his ear,“Is that all?“

“Of course. You’re not suspecting me of anything, are you??“

The monkey didn’t deliver an answer. He let Bajie take the lead through the crowd meanwhile the simian submerged deep into his thoughts. He didn’t realise Bajie stopped following him the moment they stepped into an alleyway. “The gate should be around here somewhere. Wouldn’t be that bad if we were a little bit more cautious from now on. Bajie?“

“Listen, I think you can go on your own for a minute. There’s too many side paths. It would be for the best if we split up.“

“Why precisely?“ Feeling that more was going on under the surface, the Great Sage walked up to the fidgeting Zhu Bajie. When the middle disciple refused to look him in the eye, Wukong decided to observe the area by himself. All it took was a single look to the left when Wukong’s eyes met a large house with a sign. The characters were written the most elegant and precise way, a perfect contrast to the hectic atmosphere of the fair. The Sage, whose guts were twitching with each second passed, read them outloud,“Midnight Flowers of Delight.“ He faced Bajie in disgust,“Seriously? You can’t keep it in your pants for a damned day?“

“C’mon! You have no idea what it feels like to sleep alone at night.“ Bajie cried unaware of Wukong convulsively forming fists. “You’re beside that cute witch while I have to sleep next to snoring Ol’ Sha. Doesn’t matter he’s got a separate bed. Last night, he even sneezed on me! Have you ever been sneezed on by a river demon? It’s absolutely nauseating!“

“Shut up!“ The monkey lost control and punched the pig so hard he flew a good ten bus back. He waited for the boar to pull himself together and then firmly stepped in the direction of a tiny stall. Seeing it was only filled with brushes of numerous sizes, the Immortal pretended his interest just to distract himself and to calm down. He was arching over an inkstone when Pigsy whispered to him, still rubbing his aching rear.“You didn’t have to go that far, brother.“

“You made me do it. It was all your sole decision. I only delivered the result, brother,“ Wukong scowled.

“Fine, maybe you’re right. I ought to stop thinking about pretty ladies with long legs.“

“Glad to hear that.“

“With a thin waist and milky skin, too.“

Wukong rolled his eyes once he heard Pigsy’s dreamy voice. A magnificent magnolia-shaped Duan inkstone and a fine ink brush with an orange handle caught his attention, something which sparked an idea.“How much for these?“

“Also with blonde hair, preferably.“ Pigsy’s additional playful wink didn’t help to cease the heat of the situation.

Once the old vendor turned to check the price, the monkey turned on his heel and grabbed the pig marshal by the ear. His voice lowered, the menacing tone made Bajie shiver from head to toes. “I’m giving you the last chance, Daizi. You speak like this ever again, I’m punching your greasy fat guts out. I don’t care how many rounds of Headband Tightening Spell I’m risking. I will do it.“

“Big Bro, I was just messing around,“ Zhu Bajie cried out,“I wanted to tease you a bit as a prank. Let me go, please!“

The monkey’s jaw dropped. All the feelings mixed inside him like the most wretched ingredients in the boiling cauldron. He was appalled, confused, and outraged. The pressure of his slim fingers eased. Under them, red droplets poured from the purple dots and elongated scratch wounds. The Great Sage’s innards quivered. It was only a silly joke and nothing more. Yet, the squeeze was greater than ever before.

“Brother, I’m sorry. Let me take care of that.“

“What? Is my hearing deceiving me?“ Bajie held onto his bleeding ear. “You feel guilty about bullying me? I better thank Guanyin for hearing out my cries for help.“

“Shut up. I’m serious this time.“

Seeing the honesty in his senior’s eyes, Bajie’s tense face relaxed, his snout wrinkled when he offered his fellow a warm smile,“Thanks, Big Bro.“

“Young man,“ a fragile finger tapped on the monkey demon’s shoulder. The old man handed Wukong, who immediately threw a fit, his bill,“How much?!“

“Young master, I have to make a living, too.“

Wukong turned to Bajie with a grumble after unsuccessfully digging through the pouch of taels. “Brother, could you lend me some for today? I’ll give it back right after we get back to the palace.“

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it for you, just show me the sum- How much?!?! Six silver taels for a piece of rock and a brush?!“ Bajie grabbed his head,“Alright, here. Just so me and my conscience can rest well tonight.“

“Thanks. As I said I’ll return everything. I just forgot that I handled the food back then.“

“No, you’re fine. Anyway, what do you need that for?“ Bajie whispered so as not to bring attention of the vendor on Wukong who cautiously shoved an empty scroll of paper behind his shirt.

“That is none of your business.“ Regardless of the briefness of his response, the words didn’t carry a single sign of loathe. It was simply a pragmatic way to end the discussion to continue in pushing through the mass. Not long after, the hairy neck stretched out to bring the dark eyes crowning Wukong’s head to the highest level where he clearly saw a pair of familiar people approaching them. The monkey demon waved for the two to come closer. As the Wolf Witch and the Tang monk slowly made their way towards Bajie and Wukong, the monkey man reduced the package and hid it next to Ruyi Jingu Bang in his ear. Bajie wasn’t sure whether he saw well but even in the scorching heat of the early afternoon’s sun it appeared his senior smiled.

“Found something, blondie?“

“A little bit. Guards at the gate have the best equipment and they don’t look like playing around. Captain wasn’t joking when he said nobody goes in or out. You?“

“Not quite. Wait, where’s the rest? Didn’t we agree to meet…?“ Wukong didn’t finish. Two people crashed into Bajie’s side. It was the Tiger Princess and the Friar Sand. Both were carrying various trinkets and trifles, shiny and colourful, carved or making noises. “Sorry, we lost our way around,“ Ol’ Sha started first,“then we found an interesting stall with these! So Her High- Ah Xiuying thought about bringing some.“

“Yep! Here, I must say that Sha Seng is such a sweetheart for helping me with these.“ Both the girl and the demon beamed, seemingly not ever registering the baffled expressions on their fellows’ faces. “Anyway, who wants a souvenir?“

****

The gold of the sun was slowly vanishing behind the proud mountain range. The palace towered above the city dancing in the light of red lanterns, azure paper cranes, golden phoenixes and green dragons. “Whoa! Look! This is wonderful! Not even back home we had these sorts of celebrations. What do you think, Márgerdra?“

The witch put aside the silver comb and peeked above Mei’s shoulder. In front of her, a marvellous view spreaded and captured her the same way as it did with the young princess. “Indeed, dear. I wonder what else the locals can come up with if this is only the mere start.“

“Too bad we didn’t make it to the street performance,“ Mei hanged her head low upon hearing the gasps and whoops of the onlookers and the loud catchy melodies from the land below.

“Don’t worry, Mei. I promise that we’ll go tomorrow. Now head up, please, or your pretty hair’s never going to get combed.“ Neatly and carefully, she went through thick strands. From time to time, her ears caught onto shallow exhales. “What are you doing there? You seem rather uneasy.“

“Just scribbling again. Nothing serious, you silly,“ Mei laughed it off.

“Truly? Well, I think,“ Márgerdra cautiously sank the comb into the last bits of Mei’s long hair,“that you’re back to your poems.“

Mei puckered her lips, then released a heartfelt chuckle. “Fine, you won. I’m writing again. The latest events sparkled some inspiration. Besides it’s been some time since I either practised on erhu or speaking in verse.“ Out of the blue, the young woman turned around. Excitement twinkling in her eyes, she exclaimed,“Wanna hear it?“

The witch’s heart missed a beat from the sudden noise. It didn’t stop her from a tender cheer,“Naturally, dear. Come on, show me.“

“It’s only a few verses but here we go.“ The princess gently cleared her throat.

“White horses run through the blue of the sky,

the flowers in the maiden’s garden are in full bloom

for she awaits good news sent by the silver moon

that her father bought her mother a golden comb

and for the the maiden a jaded butterfly

which will bring a new spring to her home.“

Right after the princess said the last word, the witch clapped her hands. Mei beamed but she cut herself off when she saw her best friend frozen with astonishment. Quickly, Mei crawled closer.

“It’s one of the finest poems I’ve heard in a long time, Mei. You should go on with this one.“

The princess threw herself at the witch and hugged her closest friend tightly. She whispered,“You should stop worrying me, silly. Thought something happened when you didn’t say a word at first. That’s my job.“

“I know, little plum,“ Márgerdra giggled, “I can’t help it, though.“ She glanced to the side. A tall candle, whose flickering flame cast astounding shadows on the wall with a tree blooming in the middle of a winter, turned in the meantime into a pool of wax. “Oh, my! You should be in your bed and rest. Today was quite a hard day. Good thing that the Queen rescheduled the dinner for tomorrow.“

“You’re going with us, right?“

“I’m not so sure. Bajie and Wukong might need a hand in the investigation. But Ol’ Sha is certainly going with you and the Venerable Master. He’ll take care of it, don’t worry,“ the advisor helped the princess to get comfortable. Suddenly, her eyes went wide. “I almost forgot. I saw this at the market and thought it may come in handy once. Just in case you won’t be able to throw such a spectacular punch like the last time.“ The Wolf Witch handed the young princes a fine dagger with a handle carved in the shape of a jumping tiger with ruby eyes and claws. Before astonished Mei could say a single word of gratitude, the witch leaned closer and gently pinched one of her rosy cheeks. “Goodnight.“

“Márgerdra, I’ve something to tell you. After all this, I feel that I rather see you as my best friend…no, my big sister, not my… mother. I’m sorry but she is…was someone…“

“Special. As she should be, Mei,“ Márgerdra’s lips quivered like leaves caressed by the morning breeze,“ not a single person in the world could ever replace who she truly was. It was an honour to serve her and now you.“ The Lady Wolf Witch paused. When she spoke again, Mei could hear a faint smile in her soothing low voice,“Sweet dreams, little plum.“

****

“Goodnight and don’t forget - next time no souvenirs.“ Wukong slid the door shut, its crackle spread throughout the long corridor. Once he turned around, his heart stopped for an unpleasantly long moment.

“Greetings, master.“ Yawen’s face was uncomfortably close, so much their noses almost touched. “Is everything alright? You look upset.“

“Miss Yawen,“ Wukong forced his scowl behind a large grin. “We meet again. Hopefully your health’s been intact since the bathhouse incident.“

“How thoughtful of you to ask me for my well-being. Although, I’ve had terrible nightmares since,“ the snake demoness sighed deeply and dramatically raised her hand to her pale forehead,“I would be lying if I said I’m not getting any better.“

“If you say so, Miss Yawen. Goodnight then.“ Wukong was prepared to march away but Yawen hooked around his arm. “Why? Are you going to sleep? The night’s still young. Besides, we’ve just met! What would you say about a quick walk through the gardens? I know a marvellous spot with a fine pool and a tree you’ve certainly never seen in your adventurous life.“ Instead of addressing the woman the monkey grimaced. The way she moved around him, the pressure of her body, how she squeezed his biceps, her fawning words, that she dared to come so close, all of it was making him sick.

Because Yawen noticed the hidden disgust, she stood on her tiptoes and whispered to his ear,“As I mentioned to your wife, I have something to tell you.“

Wukong raised his eyebrow. “My wife, Miss Yawen?“

“Indeed, dear Master Huang, an important proposition. It’s related to Her Majesty…“

Approaching footsteps interrupted the demoness. Wukong didn’t need to turn. The light sweet scent with fruity undertones and mane of gold in his peripheral vision was all he wanted to appear. The simian threw his hands so abruptly that the back of his palm accidentally slapped Yawen across her face. “Dearest! I was thinking where you wandered to. I hope my sister-in-law is fine. Are you ready to go off to bed?“

“Yes, I am. Though one of our hosts may not be.“ Márgerdra glared at Wukong’s unexpected company. Sensing the two demonesses were at each other’s throat, he promised Miss Yawen to talk about the offer with the witch. At last, they both wished a goodnight and vanished behind the opposite doorway.

****

Through gritted teeth, Márgerdra explained Miss Yawen’s proposal. Not only her voice, a blazing whirlwind of hostility, was gradually rising, her teeth were elongating, too. The woman’s bestial eyes shone in the dark corner of the room. She soon left the gloomy place and began pacing up and down in the golden candlelight which glittered on her skin and hair.

“Do you understand now?“

In the meanwhile, Wukong made himself at most comfortable in the wide armchair - legs over the armrests with his right hand supporting his head like a pillar he became the epitome of carefreeness. In the past, the witch’s reaction would have made his blood boil but now, strangely enough, her outrage made him chuckle. “Hey, blondie, calm down. Your muzzle’s going to show up.“

Márgerdra froze. At first, she only cast a baffled look, then when she saw her claws and felt the fair fur covering her cheekbones and forehead, she hid her face. A puff escaped her once again delicate lips. “I’m sorry you had to see me like this. A monstrous hag…“

Wukong observed her standing there in the dim light, so unnaturally sheepish and afraid. How the light jacket wasn’t enough to cover her shivering chest, her smooth hands he wished to touch for they’d been so gentle with him. “More like a pretty lady in a different coat if you ask me. A little bit too annoying for my taste but a lady nonetheless,“ He stood up and walked closer to the uncovered window where Márgerdra stood. He was beyond thankful for the breeze to waft her scent towards him. “I get that you’ve become pretty adjusted to this form.“

“You bet. The wolf appearance stopped feeling right some time ago.“ Her stern visage unsettled Wukong. To his liking, she’d been worrying too much lately.

“Here, drink this. It’ll make you relax.“ He raised the hand with the cup and waited until his companion accepted. “Thanks.“

“I should be thanking you.“

“How so?“

“Should I let you guess, blondie?“

“Mutual respect…“

Wukong faintly smiled. The porcelain of their cups clinked. “Cheers!“

The cool breeze caressed their forms. “It’s going to rain soon.“ Márgerdra sipped from the cup and let the liquid warm her inside out, a pleasant feeling for sure. Her mind wasn’t as clouded with anger as before however concern settled in her heart again. “Yawen is up to something. I know it. I can feel it in my bones. She doesn’t believe a single bit of our masquerade.“

“I think so too. Back in the bathhouse, I found a message the vipers wanted to deliver. I didn’t manage to retrieve it and I didn’t manage to finish reading it just in time only that Shifu should be kidnapped during the full moon. But I’m certain Golden Wind was the one who wrote it to his sibling here in the palace.“

“A sibling?“

“Yes. A twin sister. Her name wasn’t in the letter but…“

“Yawen.“

“Spot on.“

“You said they want to kidnap the venerable Master. The full moon - it would be the same date as Shufen’s celebration and the tournament.“ The wolf demoness hugged her chest - as she had rightly hinted, fine rain started to drum on the roof. “Which means we need to form a plan immediately.“

“Already done,“ Wukong pushed a low table away from the decorative screen.

Sensing the upcoming troubles in the air, the Lady Wolf Witch grabbed the bridge of her nose,“I wonder which of your wonderful ideas struck you this time. Wukong, careful with the furniture, it looks quite ancient.“

The Great Sage, still arching over, looked behind with a broad mischievous smile,“I’ll pay a visit to Miss Yawen if she desires it so much.“

Tens of shattered pieces splayed on the ground as Márgerdra’s cup slipped from her hand,“Did you lose your mind?! No. Never, Wukong. I won’t allow it.“

“Why not?“ The simian grimaced. Seeing the broken porcelain by his foot, he quickly snapped his fingers. The broken cup was no longer present, the spell put it back at its original place on the other side of the large room, completely intact. “As the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, I can handle myself.“

The demoness’ will was obdurate like the ice held by her eyes. “I’m not denying your skills. But Yawen’s calculated enough for the invitation to be a trap. Let’s not forget she’s most likely that fiend’s sister. The risk isn’t worth it.“

“C’mon, blondie. I can still use my clones.“

“Absolutely not. If somebody registers you're at two places at once we’re done for good.“

Wukong straightened up only to huff while he leaned against a wall. The careless motions of his right hand running through his hair was a clear sign for Márgerdra that the demon was losing his patience. “What’s the real reason, though? Do you want us to focus more on protecting Shifu and Her Highness or you’re just afraid I’m going to get hurt?“ He forced a smirk and waited for her to reply.

It didn’t take long. What was more, her answer truly caught him off-guard. “Both.“ After a while, she stepped closer. She stopped only when she was close enough to breathe in his salty scent. Her tender hands rested on his tensed shoulders. Only then, the witch locked her strange eyes with him. “Please, promise me you won’t go there.“

“That sleazy demoness appears to favour me for some reason. I may get something out of her. It can save us time and who knows,“ Wukong returned the favour and also placed his hands on her arms,“even us.“

Márgerdra submerged into her thoughts. Truly, it was all or nothing. An unpleasantly long moment passed before his words finally persuaded her. “Very well, I trust you with your judgement. But take somebody with you. No double, in case she’d play her own game.“

“To take someone? Like you?“

Hearing the teasing pitch, Márgerdra winked at Wukong,“That part - you said it yourself.“ A big yawn interrupted them. “Goodnight, monkey. I’ll see you tomorrow.“ She took out the peony hairpin and running through her released hair she approached the bed.

“Already off to sleep? I thought that Lady Wolf Witch would like a small gift.“

The witch was about to wrinkle her nose but turning around she found a package in the monkey man’s hands which drew her attention back. Márgerdra carefully took it, weighed it in her hands, as she hoped to guess the exact content of it, and slowly unpacked it on the prepared table. An exquisite inkstone and an ink brush appeared in front of her amazed eyes. “These are marvellous. But,“ she turned towards Wukong who brought up a scroll of rice paper and an ink,“what does it have to do with me?“

“Sit down. Then I’m going to tell you.“ Wukong winked and showed her a place on the floor by the adorned furniture piece.

Too tired to dive into a harsh exchange of opinions, she obeyed, though the woman still pursed her lips. “Would you at least, please, bring me my-“

“-comb? Of course, I would.“ A hairy limb with a comb decorated with pearls appeared by her side. “However, it’ll stay with me for a while.“

“You’re not going to brush my hair, right?“ Márgerdra bulged her eyes.

“Don’t worry,“ he sat right behind her and unfolded the scroll in front of them,“I know your hair’s important to you. I would never lay a finger on it. Not without your permission.“ His soft breath tickled her ear. Numbness was slowly leaving her body as he lightly pressed his form against hers.

“In that case, what’s on your mind?“

A moderate candle lit by her left. “I’ll show you the basics of writing and reading. So the next time I leave you a note, you’ll know what it’s all about.“

“Wukong,“ Márgerdra complained,“you know well I’m too dumb and old for this. It’s not going to lead anywhere. You should have saved your money for something…someone more useful.“

“You’re useful. Just trust yourself a bit. At least the same way you trust me. Didn’t we, after all, agree on respecting each other? If you value me, then value yourself.“ He struggled to peek above her shoulder but shoving a jacket under his rear he was finally able to face her properly. The black paint on his face accentuated his eyes which glistened in the candlelight. Like a living fire, they were once dark brown, then amber of colour, yet they always carried the same tenderness he’d always been hiding behind his frown and brutish ways. “Can we make a deal that you’re going to let me guide you a bit until the candle burns away? Not a stroke more, I swear.“

She averted her pale face. Her hand rose from her lap and softly landed by the brush on the rosewood. Deliberately, her lips moved,“Fine. Teach me, then.“

Wukong’s finger under her chin lightly directed her head forward to face the Xuan paper. He let her take the ink brush, however his hand had to overlap hers to help to solidify the grasp on it. “Don’t forget - courage and confidence.“ The demon king whispered and soon the witch felt his chin laying on her shoulder. His breath again tickled her on the neck. She didn’t protest, quite the opposite, she leaned against his firm chest which radiated with unmistakable protectiveness. Soon, in the rhythm of the silent raindrops and sleepy marketplace, they were writing character after character, the next stroke easier than the one before. Wukong’s clear and helpful instructions were getting more and more sporadic until they both submerged into a pleasant silence. Márgerdra realised she was focused like never before.

“We still have a bit of the candle left. Let me help you write a sentence. Unlike before, I won’t tell you the meaning because that’s going to be your job once we finish it.“

“What if there’s going to be a character I don’t know?“

“Don’t worry, I’ll use just the ones we’ve been practising. Although, you’d figure the unknown one anyway.“

“You think so?“

“I’m sure of it. You’re much smarter than what you like to think,“ he replied.

She glanced over her right shoulder. Wukong’s face was emerging from the cool dark to bathe in the flickering light. For the first time, she saw him this close. Something inside made her examine those distinct features. Being so close to him, seeing him as he truly was, had always been, made her notice that so many details about him could have been perceived as nice if they weren’t so much exaggerated. Truly, his cheekbones, high and sharp, gave him a noble look just like the small nose where few tiny freckles dotted his smooth skin, as smooth as the skin on his hands which finally healed from the bruises and calluses. His thin lips, so rough and chapped in the past, looked soft, though not as soft as the gaze he was holding under his eyelids, so heavy from the tiredness, crowned with long and silky lashes which were even darker than his naughty hair.

“Blondie, focus, we’re almost at the finish line.“

“I’m sorry for degrading you in the past for your looks.“ Her sudden change of the topic baffled him. He wanted to say something but her next sentence and the honesty with which she spoke left the demon speechless. “I’ve just realised that you’re quite handsome in your own impish way.“

Instinctively, Wukong pulled his left hand, which resided on Márgerdra’s waist, closer. The movement, although slight, made the demoness jump up,“Hey, careful there. I’m quite sensitive around my belly.“

Wukong shook his head to come back from his astonishment. “Excuse me? You mean that you’re ticklish or what exactly?“

“Not exactly ticklish,“ Márgerdra bit on her lower lip as she was trying hard to find the right words. “It’s a wolf thing. A moment too long and my reflexes would get…interesting.“

Wukong chuckled,“Like the belly scratches?“

“Yes. Listen, if you ever say a word about this to anyone-“

“You’re going to shove me into the nearest pool. I get it.“ Márgerdra’s frown quickly vanished upon hearing the monkey’s lighthearted laughter.

Midway through the sentence, Wukong changed his mind and the two began to write a new phrase. Wukong found himself leaning against Márgerdra’s shoulder again. For whatever reason he couldn’t help himself but enjoy her silky wavy hair caressing his cheek.

As they were proceeding to another character, a curiosity popped on the tip of the Sage’s tongue,“I don’t want to mingle with your personal life. But how is it possible that such a young and intelligent court lady doesn’t know a single bit about writing and reading?“

It took Márgerdra several heartbeats to respond, something that Wukong stopped to hope for,“It’s never been a priority. Our Master, he was a great man. Courageous, honest, honourable. But Ulfrika’s training was more important. You see, my poor sister was born with a condition, her case needed more attention. When she began to train to become our Master’s successor, Master Kogar hoped that the majority of what he had taught her, that she would teach us one day. But that day never came.“

“How so?“

“A street scum like the two of us…who would ever want to take care of that? Survival. That was our priority. As I said, my sister’s well familiar with these…“

“But your turn never came. Until now…“ Wukong went quiet. Deep inside, he began to pity his companion. He sensed her shame in her tensed muscles, head trying to hide in between in her fragile shoulders. To relieve her, the monkey asked jokingly,“How old are you though?“

“You don’t ask a lady her age, Wukong,“ she giggled. “I’m not certain about my exact birth date. So I can’t tell.“

“Come one! Guesstimate. Please?“

“Alright. Since the wolf demons age differently, plus I’ve got an advantage as a natural-born witch, there’s been the Tsarigrad…“ Márgerdra was thinking aloud as she counted from head. She tilted back a bit. Her left eye had to squint a bit since she raised her index finger on her left cheek. The more he was looking at her in this pose, deep within her precise recollection of thoughts and eerily quick calculations, Wukong realised he found her oddly adorable. He did not utter a bit about it, though. Whether from shame or that he simply didn’t want to disturb her, he wasn’t quite sure himself. “Seems like…around seven hundred? Maybe?“

“Seven centuries old?“ Wukong widened his eyes as he took a closer look at the woman who, in fact, appeared to be no more than twenty-seven. “You look pretty good, honestly.“

“Thank you,“ she smiled at him. “And you? How really old is the Great Sage’s hide?“

“Roughly three to four hundred years older than you.“

“Over a thousand?! Funny. You might be of the same age as Ulfrika. Still, seems like both of you will forever not look a year older than, what, twenty-eight?“

“I see you’re rather generous with compliments tonight,“ he squeezed her waistline to get a chuckle out of her, forgetting about her hinted reflexes. The Wolf Witch jumped up in her seat as her left leg shook, her foot stamped several times as the demoness fought off the urge to scratch herself or to expose her belly even more. Wukong let go of her instantly. He expected her to growl at him but once his amused snort escaped from him she rewarded him with a ringing giggle of her own.

After a while of more writing, he announced,“The candle’s out and we’re finally done. Well, blondie, with a bit more practice I can see you having a pretty handwriting. Neat, elegant, delicate.“ He carefully stood up, as not to accidentally hit the witch, and approached the open window. The city was exhausted, submerged within the deep slumber, its street nowhere near resembling their daytime twins. Only a cricket from here and there disturbed the tranquillity of the night like a rock thrown into the pool but just like the mirror-like surface of the said pool, the blissful calm returned soon.

“Don’t you want to know how I’d read it?“

“Why not? After all, that was our deal. By the way, here’s the comb,“ Wukong threw her the pearl treasure, then he leaned against the wooden frame and poked his head out.

“A person’s will should be that of a tree trunk, powerful and unyielding, and a person’s heart like that of a flowing stream, gentle and joyous.“

“Correct.“

They fell silent, both too invested in their own interests - Wukong in admiring the cloudless sky and Márgerdra with combing her never-ending strands. It did not last long. “What did it cost you? It must have been a good fortune,“ her smooth voice lowered just like her lashes. “What do I owe you, dearest friend?“

Wukong threw his hand in the most careless way possible,“Don’t worry about it. Consider it a gift, as I said previously. I’m just glad I could be helpful.“

“You mean it?“

“Sure thing, blondie.“

“For some reason, I feel like a boulder fell off of my chest tonight. I think I told you things not even Mei knows about.“ She gave him a low chuckle,“Sometimes, you pretend to be an absolute brute and a soulless asshole. Deep down, though, you’re pretty sweet.“

“Whatever. Just don’t say that in public. Might as well ruin my reputation.“

The Wolf Witch blew out the remaining candlelight and let the sleep-inducing darkness swallow the room. She sneaked behind the monkey demon. She was thinking about her idea over and over until she finally whispered to him,“I know you’re not the biggest fan. But can I touch your face?“

The simian’s answer pleasantly took her by surprise. “Fine. For this time, I’m giving you an exception. However,“ he stuck out his index as he spoke,“just this once.“ Still too invested in the view in front of him, he didn’t turn to face the advisor. Thankfully, it was enough for her.

Soon, he felt how her lips brushed against his cheek. “Thank you, Wukong. Goodnight.“

It took him some time to process what had just happened. His shivering fingers fleetingly touched the place where she pecked him. His ears burnt, his eyes stared widely into nothingness as he became a motionless statue standing in the moonlight. When he turned around he didn’t find a soul there. The witch was already on the bed with her back facing the windows. Her shallow breaths indicated the advisor was already fast asleep.

Corners of his lips twirled up faintly and he whispered back even though she couldn’t possibly hear him,“Goodnight, Márgerdra.“

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Taglist (let me know if you'd like to be added): @vanessaroades-author @rubywrite @aohendo @rbbess110 @jgmartin @outpost51

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

List of chapters:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Epilogue

5 notes · View notes