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“You look worn-out.” Six-Eared Macaque said with a blank, unreadable expression while gazing at the disheveled man- monkey on his bed.
“And whose fault is that?” The monkey grunted, head facing down on the pillow. The monkey, Sun Wukong, disliked how Macaque always had this annoyingly calm manner even after their… business deal, as if Wukong was the only one who put too many unnecessary thoughts into their deal. Although he might be wrong, for Buddha knew what the other was thinking about.
Wukong was lost in thought and clearly didn’t notice the fixed stare behind his back. Suddenly, he felt damp on his nape.
…
!?! This guy?!
Sun Wukong immediately turned around and was about to make a fuss when he got a cup of water swung in front of his face.
“I will be in the study chamber later. The servants outside have prepared hot water for you already so tell them when you need a bath.”
After finishing, Macaque swiftly got out of the room which left Wukong a little bit baffled. Normally, the guy would linger around a bit to either check on him or to annoy him before doing any actual work.
…
No– why bother anyway? He should be happy that he wouldn't have to deal with the guy more than necessary. Sun Wukong told himself that he could finally have a well-rested night, which had nearly been impossible ever since the first day their deal started.
“Good night to me!” -he said.
…
….
Sun Wukong did not have a good night.
In fact, he was even more awake than those nights when he had to stay up to guard his companions, protecting them from demons lurking around. Perhaps because he had been trying to sort out these complicated feelings towards Macaque, and this tranquil night had let him reflect on this deal altogether.
Had he been more tolerant of Macaque recently? Wukong tried not to lower his guard too often when the guy was around, yet he occasionally indulged himself in small talks between them, the subtle, gentle gestures that went by unnoticed, the concerned look the guy wouldn’t outright admit when Wukong got injured, the—
Ahem. This, however, wasn’t the first time Sun Wukong contemplated Macaque’s intent and their relationship. Unfortunately, he once again hit a wall, so he decided to quit thinking about it. After all, if both Macaque and he did their work according to the deal, everything else, including this strange feeling Wukong kept having, would be trivial.
Wukong tugged everything into the corner of his mind for the time being. He should be the one to make the most out of this deal, he thought, so he would start off with the nice bath that Macaque’s servants had prepared for him.
Greeted Wukong were the two wolf demons who guided Wukong to the bathroom nearby after many twists and turns. Such an intricate place, no wonder Wukong and his companions were unable to find Macaque’s hideout. The bathroom, as expected from the guy, was decent enough with basic decoration and some ornaments on the wooden wall; and in the middle of the room lies a wooden, round bathtub big enough to fit two people.
Wukong began to undress himself, revealing his slight, almost delicate frame with narrow waist and graceful limbs. Yet, beneath it laid taut lines of a toned body— a perfect balance between softness and strength. He certainly poured his heart into attaining these fine, defined abs after the 500-year imprisonment. Wukong scanned through his body to seek for any remaining marks left by the other, and fortunately enough, his healing factor still did its job pretty well. Looking back, it was almost unbelievable for the sheer number of bite marks Macaque gave him. Is this guy a dog or something? Still, he wouldn't outright inquire Macaque about this as it seemed of no importance, and those marks went away within seconds anyway.
Wukong tested the water temperature first before slowly dipping himself into the warm stream, breathing a sigh of contentment. Props to the servants for somehow getting just the right heat; the bath genuinely felt like a reward after that rough night. He lazily sank in the soothing water, relishing the rare, peaceful moment he had for himself, or so he thought.
The creak of the door abruptly broke the silence.
“Um, sorry, this place is already occupied.”
“Hmmm~? Is that so?” —That aggravating, obnoxious voice.
Wukong definitely knew whose silhouette was behind the paravent, so he clicked his tongue in annoyance.
“What do you want?” -He replied in a distasteful manner. Wukong thought to himself that he should've known Macaque wouldn't leave him alone with all the precious solitary time. The guy was always finding ways to disrupt him at any given moment.
Instead of responding, Macaque promptly walked towards the bathtub while also disrobing himself. By the time he stood in front of Wukong, he was already buck naked.
“...” Is this guy for real?
Having said that, Wukong couldn't help but gaze at him. Macaque’s frame was tall, broad and solid, standing next to him kind of felt like a humbling experience for Wukong. He thought that they were supposed to be almost the same, but apparently that wasn't the case, not to mention that thing dangling there too. Besides the question of how it could fit inside him, Wukong was puzzled by the stark difference between theirs.
“You know it's inappropriate to stare directly at someone's body like that, do you not?” -The sudden voice disrupted Wukong's train of thought. Yet, despite saying such, Macaque's voice didn't show any dismay towards the gaze. More annoying so, the guy seemed to enjoy every moment of it.
…
!!!
Shit.
Being called out by his worst enemy ever totally wasn't on Wukong's agenda today. He attempted to shrug it off:
“Well, I was just trying to see if there's any of your potential vital points that we could utilize, in case you double-cross us in the near future.”
Still, it somehow came off as more of an excuse than an explanation, and Macaque knew.
“Oh? May this foolish one ask for enlightenment on the Victorious Buddha’s newfound knowledge then?”
“Bold of you to request such nonsense. What makes you think that I would be stupid enough to give away the secret to my enemy?”
… There was this sudden silence between them and Wukong might or might not see an immediate shift in Macaque's expression. Though when Wukong looked again, it was still that same, annoying, smug look on the guy's face.
“A pity. You could have gotten some feedback on your plans for countering me. No one knows the Six-eared Macaque more than myself.” -He said as he gradually dipped himself in the bathtub, lying on the opposite side to Wukong.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” -Wukong rolled his eyes in response. His night was once again ruined by this asshole prick.
Suddenly, Wukong recalled Macaque's quick leave a while ago, so he decided to ask the guy right away. His reply, instead, was just another plain, irritating hum, making Wukong more eager to beat up the guy.
“Should I be exhilarated that the Great Sage equal to Heaven, out of all people, is more interested in my business, hm?”
“...” -Wukong was at a loss for words for this guy. He should've kept his mouth shut every time he was with Macaque at this point, since this irksome monkey always had a way to get on his nerves.
Noticing how Wukong was starting to lose his head, Macaque hummed in amusement before properly explaining:
“I might have an idea who's the mastermind behind all of this.” That successfully caught Wukong's attention. Savoring every bit of changes on the other’s face, Macaque continued:
“Earlier, I left swiftly since I needed to piece all the clues we’ve had up until now. I’ve gotta say, this demon is quite devious with their schemes. Unfortunately for them, it's me that they have to deal with.”
Ignoring Macaque's complacent attitude, Wukong tilted his head in confusion:
“But didn't we already catch all the culprits from past incidents? And there doesn't seem to be any links between each of them as well.”
“And that's what they wanted us to think. The demon deliberately set up all these schemes and arranged their subordinates to be in charge of each case. The final touch is that they endeavored to make each distinctly different from one another, without any similarities or links whatsoever.”
Wukong leaned towards, wanting to see how this shrewd monkey could decipher the case.
“Considering what you've just said is true, how did you eventually figure it out anyway?”
Macaque leaned closer as well, narrowing the gap between them. Wukong was too fixated on the conversation to be bothered by the sudden closeness.
“Have you noticed how our journey has been smooth sailing lately with every major incident being dealt quite straightforwardly?”
“It’s true. But isn't that because of your meticulous plans that you're always proud of?” -Wukong questioned
“Well yes, but what's the fun of that? I intentionally started to build plans full of flaws after I noticed the similarities, to see whether or not those demons in charge took advantage of them. But apparently all of the holes in my plans were glossed over, and we managed to catch them without a single sweat. You know why?”
Wukong contemplated for a little then quickly shook his head. Macaque had to admit that Wukong's clueless face was invariably endearing and charming to see, not to mention that it provoked something malicious in him as well.
“First is to lower our guard so that they can strike us while we're unaware. Second, they can gain the upper hand by controlling our journey pace depending on the difficulty of each case.” Macaque halted, waiting for Wukong’s response.
After a bit of thinking, Wukong immediately snapped his fingers in realization
“Right! The difficulty of each incident that we’ve dealt with until now has varied, which also gives us the impression that they have nothing to do with each other!” Wukong gleefully looked at the guy as if he were a kid solving his first puzzle. Though he did look more adorable and less of a trickster monkey this way.
Macaque replied “Correct.” while flicking the other's forehead. Wukong held his forehead in disbelief but he let this slide for now. For the main focus…
“I still don't get it. What do all of these have to do with the mastermind you mentioned?”
“Don’t be too hasty, you will see tomorrow.” He hummed.
What a pity. Still, he didn't mind as he knew Macaque needed further evidence to confirm his assumption. He can wait for that.
While Wukong wasn't paying attention, Macaque reached out his hand and lifted Wukong's chin, checking for something.
“???” Wukong shot a bewildered look at Macaque. To think the guy had such audacity to pull the move when it's not within the deal…
“Hey–!” Before Wukong could say anything, Macaque swiftly withdrew his hand. Wukong initially thought there was something on his neck or shoulder so he checked, but apparently that wasn't the case. Yet, Macaque gazed at him like he was scrutinizing a rare artifact, which gave Wukong goosebumps. Fortunately, it didn't last long as afterwards, Macaque stood up and got out of the bathtub, not to forget wrapping himself in a new bathrobe before leaving the room. Wukong frowned while watching everything unfolded. One moment he caressed Wukong's face, and the next he left without a word.
Sun Wukong will never understand what this guy is thinking.
Nonetheless, the longer Macaque was outside of his sight, the better for him anyway. Wukong leaned back and resumed his bath session. Strangely enough, the water temperature remained warm even after their talk, as if it was meddled with by someone.
———————————
As Macaque walked along the narrow, dark hallway, he deliberated over his impetuous action just then. Rushing things like that was unlike him, especially when Wukong was around.
He can wait. Patience has always been his game.
He will be there when the peaches are ripe.
———————————
“We got him!” Zhu Bajie said as he brought a tied up man to the crew, following were his all bruised and injured subordinates that were dragged along by Scripture and Ink Spirit.
Wukong quickly came and greeted them, patting both Scripture and Ink Spirit’s heads. “Good job you two.”
Meanwhile, Macaque nodded in reply. “Did you do what I told you?”
“You mean pulling this guy’s molar teeth? We did, but…” Zhu Bajie tilted his head. “Why do we have to do this in the first place?” Bajie definitely did not want to live through that agonizingly long moment of pure screaming and terror while doing such torment again.The others looked at Macaque in curiosity as well.
“Just a hunch.”
Macaque extended his hand asking for the said teeth and showing them afterwards. Everyone was puzzled while the guy only gave them an enigmatic smile.
After careful observation, Ink Spirit pointed out the unusual thing attached to each tooth which was barely visible. Macaque eventually nodded again and began to explain:
“Some people would rather perish than to fall in the hands of the enemies, so this tactic is pretty commonly used amongst them.” Macaque said as he took out the little thing stuck onto each tooth. “An extremely lethal poison, even a small drop of it can cause instant death. They would bite into this little thing so that all matters are buried with them.”
“The dead cannot speak…” -Scripture muttered.
“Unfortunately, someone's death plan failed so they had no choice but to reveal their schemes and their true master.” Macaque then took a glance at the owner of those teeth. “To be frank, if I were you, I would set up a death timer for myself the moment I sensed something wrong. If you want to die that badly, do it properly next time.”
Before anyone could say anything, the tied up man shouted “You will never get anything from me!! I have vowed myself to master, so beat me, torture me or even kill me however you want, I won't say a damn thing! You hear me?! I’ll take it to the grave!-”
Without letting the man finish his speech, Macaque casually interfered with his question.
“Could it possibly be that your master is Kun Peng?”
The immediate pause from the man confirmed his guess.
“...No-”
“And I wouldn't want the enemies to torment me in every possible way if I were you. There are times that you would want to wish death upon yourself.” The guy suddenly felt a shiver down his spine. “And I know just the way.” Macaque didn't elaborate further.
Scripture intervened. “Hey, we are not doing the torturing session or killing part. And we cannot let him die either.”
Macaque remained his laid-back temperament.
“Relax, little hero wannabe, you can keep your hands away while I do all the dirty work so our journey can be a flying success. Isn't that stated in our deal, is it?”
“Besides, I’m not fond of taking unimportant lives away anyway, but I can't assure you that he won't inflict death on himself later on.” He was being honest when he said the last part, yet it seemed to him that everyone loathed the notion. Well, it was their problems, not his so why bother?
Then, Macaque asked Wukong to carry the man to their base and he instantly opposed. “What rights do you have to order me around?”
Macaque arched an eyebrow at his question.
“Didn’t you and your past companions once go around saving people and stuff? It should come naturally to you to help an injured man, should it not?”
“Tsk.” Wukong knew arguing with the guy wouldn't get him nowhere, so he just did what he said.
Sun Wukong was crouching down to take care of the man when Scripture noticed something unusual on Monkey King’s neck. Zhu Bajie did as well.
“Great Sage, there is something on your n-... Mm?!” Scripture got his mouth instantly covered by Bajie.
“Wha-”
“Nothing! Nothing really, haha… Keep doing what you're doing, Senior brother!” Scripture struggled to break free from Zhu Bajie’s grasp, with the help of Ink Spirit, but Bajie told both of them to stay put, then shot a gaze at Macaque. He casually shrugged instead, as if he was saying It is exactly what you think.
“Say… Who is this Kun Peng that you mentioned about? And how did you figure out that this man is his subordinate?” Wukong curiously inquired Macaque while carrying the man on his back.
“Your pyroclarity, use it.”
“?”
After activating his power, through the pyroclarity Wukong found out that instead of an ordinary human being that he was carrying, it was…
“A water snake demon?” Though it was already expected that some kinds of demons would be involved in this grand scheme.
“Transcending wordly limitations, the giant Kun fish from the Northern sea manifested itself into a large bird Peng that soared through the vast sky. It once stood above many demons with its formidable mana power and outstanding future sight. Any sea creatures that weren't under the Dragon Kings’ influence would adhere to Kun Peng’s commands.”
“However, since the War between Divine Beasts, Kun Peng had never revealed itself until now.”
Despite that, the crew still had many questions on their mind. Macaque knew what resulted in their reactions so he continued.
“Throughout this journey, we weren't under any watchful eyes, or so I thought. Kun Peng perhaps used their future sight ability to spy on us, hence the intricate and scrupulous scheme. Regarding the Dragon Kings, if we don't bother them then they won't bother us—like river and well water. I could easily deduce the mastermind by taking the future sight and Kun’s influence on the aquatic creatures into consideration. Honestly, even a human child or lower lifeforms can come to this conclusion with all the evidence laid before our naked eyes.” The others were unsure whether Macaque intentionally added the last part to imply that they were worse than a child. Macaque casually hummed again afterwards.
“Say…What are Kun Peng's true motives anyways, we haven't even crossed them in the first place” Wukong questioned.
“Maybe, or maybe not. If it's you that they are at loggerheads with, I won't be surprised. You probably made as many enemies as you do with companions anyway.
“Hey?!”
Macaque ignored his complaint and looked at the crew. “I will borrow your Great Sage for some moments, proceed with the journey as usual. There won't be any major problems for you within the next two days so rest assured.”
Then, he shifted his focus on Wukong again.
“Let us find out their grand scheme, shall we?” Macaque extended his hand. “May I?”
“Nonsense. Just go already.” This guy really knew how to get on his nerves.
Wukong ignored the offer and started walking forward while carrying the man–water snake on his back as well as dragging his subordinates along. Macaque hummed in amusement and followed behind.
———————————
The two monkeys stopped mid-journey to rest. Wukong told Macaque in advance he would be cleaning himself by the river.
Wukong was cleaning his face first when he noticed a strange detail in his reflection on the river. He took a close look at it and the sudden realization hit him.
It was… a mark.
Wukong, all flustered, immediately covered it with his hand. In hindsight, it seemed that Scripture and Bajie saw it as well, and maybe some other people that he had interacted after that night.
That prick…
Wukong may or may not have underestimated Macaque's perverted nature and his own negligence.
———————————
“Um… can you do the stuff a bit… lower-?” Wukong murmured.
“Oh~?” Macaque leaned over, gleefully asking “Why the sudden request?”
“Well…” Wukong really couldn't bring himself to tell the other about that morning incident. Unfortunate for Wukong, however, Macaque was the first to know already.
“Are you afraid that people might see it?”
“!?No?!” Wukong quickly denied.
With that, Macaque continued to fuel the fire.
“What's there to be afraid of anyways? Doesn't you superior healing ability always remove them the instance they appear? Oh! Is the Victorious Buddha doubting his own capacity to deal with such insignificant matter then?”
The nonstop questions overwhelmed Wukong
“Ugh, do whatever you want.”
Knowing that he achieved what he wanted, Macaque stopped his teasing as well.
“No turning back then, Great Sage."