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axl-ul · 10 months

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The Flight of the Western Crane: Chapter Eleven

(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)

****

A distant screech woke the demon from his shallow sleep. He shot up and looked around only to find himself in a tiny alcove. His body was still aching, the small of his back was as if on fire, his innards distorted so much, it sent shivers down his spine. He felt sick from the stomach. He looked to his side, expecting a person to be there. All he found was an empty place, cold and dark like the void that gave birth to him once.

The nameless demon grabbed the gourd next to him and watered his head. Droplets cascaded down his sharp contours. Grinding his teeth, his shadow slid past to the open space of the grove. Monkey whoops spiralled down his ears and into his mind where the false sound settled down. Crickets were still lively, moving from one straw to another, like the fireflies gathering closely to them. The golden colour of the flying insect resembled the macaque's eyes who stared into the empty void ahead of himself. Those shiny dots soon lost the fire behind them, the liquid gold darkened significantly. The woods were too dull for him. He was fed up with everything around him. This forest, this wretched mountain was but a failed lookalike.

Suddenly, something white brushed against his cheek. Nervous at first, he turned around. He snorted, fangs glistened in the pale moonlight. There, on the ground, was but a feather of an unknown bird. Its fall reminded him of the carriage he wrecked many days ago. The hunger took over him before he could have thought about a trap or a trick. Still, it was nearly a perfect attack with no survivor. Then the demon caught a glimpse of two young women. Injured from the hard fall, he had to vanish before they noticed him, as well. But that was long ago. It’s impossible for him to remember such trivial matters. Although, the second woman, the image of her was engraved into his vision whenever he went to sleep. The demon couldn’t describe whether he felt tenderness or dread in those moments, but something foreign washed over him for sure. These latest dreams felt…different. His own and still, an indescribable nudge urged him to deny these fabrications of night to belong to him.

Shaking his head, he grabbed his cloak and put it on, the sharp movement made a whistling sound. Quickly, he hid himself and his grim intentions from the rest of the world.

One distant jump forward and the air was completely different - fresh and finally breathable. He crouched down and while recalling the events of his awakening, the macaque thought to himself. Should he feel repelled by himself? What about Buddha, the one who lies despite condemning deception? Or the Jade Emperor, the one who had no remorse upon darning his own sister and creating a living hell for his nephew? The demon offered the starless sky above his head a crooked smile. A group of pretentious murderers, liars and tricksters, all they do is judge.

Was it truly a sin when one must feed himself to sustain his strength and energy? Wouldn’t it be a pity for him to perish when he’d already achieved so many great things and many more are yet to come to his glory? Should he be the monster when he’s little to no different from the Immortals? It was his right, just like anybody else’s who has the ability and capability.

He became dizzy. The eerie demon with smouldering eyes no longer contained his disgust. Words he barked out burnt the air until the grove became a petrifying hell.

“He had everything at his command. That darned moron, that idiotic rascal could have been the next Emperor. All he had to do was to keep his cool and not to get overwhelmed by a snob who pretends to be a god. He was the greatest, the eternal. Sun Wukong could get anything he demanded…No. I. It was me the whole time. I was in charge of following the golden destiny! He is a fool. A cheap copy of me and no-one else. I, who hears into the four corners of the world, who knows every secret of living creatures, the one who went to Hell and came back. It was me who ruled Mount Huaguo as its rightful king and the greatest warlord! He stole my life, locked me away inside his head just to succumb and pretend to be an obedient circus monkey! He stole five centuries away from me, at least!“ He grabbed his head, expecting his claws to clink against a golden circlet. His fingers touched nothing but a burning skin which brought him back from stolen memories to the cool shadow of a nearby mountain. But were those memories his, to begin with?

“Very well then, as they wish. If the monk is truly destined to go to the westlands and retrieve the sutras to save the sinners, so be it. The holy man needs only a guardian as pure-minded as himself. A wise protector. The real Monkey King.“ As he solidified himself, the stranger directed his last thought upwards, as if he had been daring the Heaven itself, not his unknowing rival,“Even if we started out as one, now, we are two and so only one can live while the other must go and let the vermin feast on his rotting body.“

After speaking his mind out, at last, the wildlife didn’t dare to move or talk anymore. The macaque’s petrifying stare turned everything into a stone. His malice and hatred didn’t know the limits.

Unable to sleep, the demon chose to approach Golden Wind. Quietly, he made his way through the sleeping unit of demons until he was standing by the main viper’s sleeping bag. A hairy foot stretched out and kicked dust into the snake’s head. Golden Wind Viper woke up immediately and hissed. After realising who was the one waking him up, his forked tongue softened,“Sir, aren’t you asleep? The day was rough on us. You should rest if you desire to fight Sun Wukong.“

“That I, indeed, plan on, viper. I simply wish to know a few things which have been bothering me terribly.“

“Those are?“

“When fighting him, what was he like? Did you notice a sort of a weak spot? Maybe a disability? Apart from his right leg being maybe a bit too crooked than what it should be.“

“How do you know about his leg? Didn’t you say you’ve seen him only from a great distance?“ Golden Wind’s tongue slipped from the sheer surprise. Palms, shaking and covered in sweat, grasped the blanket. Soon, he caught up and tried to sooth the eerie stranger,“No, sir. Just that leg, I guess. But I wouldn’t say it’s crooked or anything. It’s normal. Upright and healthy. Maybe too healthy.“ The gang leader scratched the bruises caused by the fight with Wukong.

“His left eye?“

The bald head with wrinkled brows shook again. “No, the scar doesn’t seem to affect him.“

“His style?“

“Perfection. The way he wields his staff is beyond magnificent. I bet my neck he’s just as brilliant in boxing.“

Macaque frowned. His squirming body threw a disturbing shadow. If he asked about the Tang monk and the two juniors, the circle would always remain the same. He didn’t show any more of his unsettlement, yet deep inside the demon was infuriated. How come that he, the master of whispers, can’t best his opponent despite his deep knowledge?

A tiny flash lit the gloomy inside of his skull. The soulless demon might know everything about the Pilgrims. Yet, he never focused on the young women accompanying them. He committed a terrible mistake for he never thought of them as another solid option.

“Viper,“ the hoarse voice bounced against the half-asleep rogue,“you experienced those women, didn’t you? Tell me more about them.“ The eerie macaque insidiously pointed at Golden Wind Viper’s disfigured cheek. Admittedly, the foreigner quite amused the hairy demon with her actions. She sure knew how to play around and what strings she ought to pull.

Golden Wind stiffened. Wrathful thunderbolts shot from the shallow eye sockets. “Whores, that is what they are, sir. The princess just cries and yowls, so there’s no worry about her causing much trouble. But her protector is a much bigger pain in the arse,“ the snake shouted and his fist came down crushing everything that was in the way. “No better than the dumb beak Shufen. You see, sir, she was the one who fled before the Immortals and established the kingdom. She may try to deceive with those pretty lashes but be aware, sir, as she’s in just for the power. She learnt from the best and she won’t let anyone be an obstacle to her ambition.“

A wise crane escaping the knowledge of Daoist secrets was a thing the macaque hardly expected. “She fled the enlightened life among the Immortals? I thought the Longevity Cranes are born and live on the top of Mount Kunlun.“

“Your knowledge’s flawless, sir,“ the viper, smiling from ear to ear, coyly ducked his head.

The demon thought to himself. Why would the demon queen then waste her time by coming all the way down here, to the Southern regions? There are many hideouts in the Northern part. For an escapee it’s more advantageous. Unless she took something she had to hide…

Soon, the crackling voice took him back to reality. “Good thing I got away, she paid miserably. Her nephew is the same breed as she is. To think he got the job of the Guard Captain makes me vomit on the spot,“ the snake mumbled.

“As a former captain, I suspect you must still maintain connections inside the palace.“

“Well, many of my boys are actually ex-soldiers or guards. But you’re right. I do keep a few aces up my sleeve,“ the bald demon laughed. “Let me tell you, there’s no more trustworthy ally than her.“

The name as well as the relationship between Golden Wind and his accomplice took the stranded demon by surprise. Still, the shock didn’t wash away his growing grin.

****

“Come on. Wake up already. We’re going to be late.“ Márgerdra quickly fixed her thick hair with a pin in front of the bronze mirror. She ignored the approaching footsteps from the hallway and hurried to the bedside.

“Monkey! Get up! The servants will be already here any second and if the Queen comes with them…“

To her dismay, Wukong didn’t answer her third and final call.

Márgerdra wanted to lightly push into Wukong, instead, she wrongly calculated the used force and ultimately pushed the body under the blanket out of the bed. The woman covered her mouth before she managed to let out a squeal. Rushing to the other side to help the monkey demon, her nose wrinkled.

There was no smelly body in ragged clothes, only a watermelon with a scribbled note.

The moment she picked it up, the sliding door behind her opened and a person entered.

“Morning, blondie. Hope you don’t mind me taking up the role of a delivery man,“ Wukong nonchalantly kicked the nearby carved chair so he could put down the package he was carrying. “This is yours, this is mine. Go behind that curtain, I can change here. What are you staring at? Go and change. We don’t have enough time to waste it.“

“Excuse me? I might have misunderstood. Are you scolding me?! Because I think it’s you who got up without telling me a single word! What if something happened to you? I’d be still here, waiting, aware of nothing.“ Márgerdra’s voice thrilled, her otherwise pale cheeks burnt bright red.

While she was yelling at him, Wukong drew another chair. In spite of the piece of furniture letting out an awful sound enough to rip an eardrum, it seemingly had no impact on the furious demoness.

Her companion munched on the peach from the pile of fruits on the low table, lazily slid down to sit on the wooden armchair, and inspected the black wear interlaced with silver threads and red selvage. His mouth twisted. Colours differed, yet the cut unpleasantly reminded him of the official’s uniform he used to wear once.

“Are you listening to me?!“ She yelled and slammed the table with her palm, the sudden noise made Wukong jump up.

Wukong threw both the hanfu and the pair of deer-skinned boots across the large room and rapidly stood up, snarling,“Of course, I am!“

“Then answer me!“

“Blondie,“ his eyes rolled to the back of his skull when he touched the bridge of his nose,“do you know what that thing in your hand is called? Alright, I can help. It’s a note. You usually write it down and leave it for someone to read later because you clearly couldn’t have a chat with them.“ Wukong’s clawed index pointed at Márgerdra's right hand. “Did you read it? Or were you still sleeping, tight and well?“

Márgerdra’s face reddened beyond recognition. “I wasn’t sleeping. I was already awake, preparing to pick up our clothes and to meet the Queen.“ She paused for a moment. “Why didn’t you wake me up sooner?“

“I doubt you’d be happy with my usual early morning routine. I get up much sooner than you. Though, I gotta admit you’re more active at night.“

She cast him a doubtful look which caused him to sigh and add,“Look, coming from experience, I know how harsh you can be when you don’t receive enough sleep. Don’t pretend you’re not. Shifu also wanted to have a word with me.“

“Is that all that's written there?“ She persisted and let the breeze of a pleasant citrus fragrance from the outer gardens play with the few strands which escaped her perfect knot.

“No. Why don’t you read it?“

“Why should I when you’re here? Speak.“

“Do I look like a peasant to you, Lady Wolf Witch?“

The pitch in his voice and the forced bow drove her insane. Her already sharp teeth elongated even more, her ears became pointy like Wukong’s and thick fur surrounded her eyes. The guffawing sun immediately hid behind the upcoming clouds and the room with admirable tapestries of cranes, tigers, phoenixes, bamboo groves and gigantic mountains swimming in the sea of mists fell into darkness. Any person with the right mind would have already fled the scene, leaving everything behind just to save their precious life. But not Wukong who didn’t flinch at all.

Never moving more than his lips, he muttered in a calm voice,“Is that all? Are you close to your monthly bleeding or what?“

If she hadn’t known him, Márgerdra would have already been throwing anything in sight after the Monkey King. After nearly two weeks, if not more, she was not only used to it, rather, it brought back some sense to the Wolf Witch. The same way she tamed him, he was beginning to tame her, as well. Strangely, she enjoyed such company as she was growing more aware of the fact that he was reliable as a companion, as an ally and as a close friend.

She brought her rubbing hands under her chin.

“Stupid me. Never a grown-up woman…“

“Stop it. You were the one to keep me down to earth. I’m just returning the favour,“ he lightly tapped her shoulder and offered a pile of new hanfu. “Take these and try them on. In the meantime, I’m going to inform Mei and Shifu. By the way, if they don’t suit you I’ll go and take another one. You’re about to meet Shufen or whatever her name is.“

Once Márgerdra got behind the curtain and started stripping off, Wukong changed the quickest he could and was prepared to march out. His trembling fingers didn’t manage to open the door in time as a whisper of the young woman stopped the Great Sage in his tracks. “Wukong, I know it sounds strange. But even if I had more time, it would be to no avail.“

“The note? You can’t read or what?“ His question was raised as a playful response but due to his nervousness of being in the presence of a naked woman it came off as derisive, the thing he soon regretted.

“No, I can’t.“

The last noise Márgerdra heard was the door shutting and Wukong’s brisk walk vanishing in the distance.

****

Servants took the two women down the spiralling staircase. Dry warmth of the palace turned into the humidity of the royal bathhouse. Although the majority of the complex was carved into the massive rock, the vibrant colours were ever-so present in the cold relief the same way they were in the main building. The most peculiar part which took them by surprise was the furniture made of massive pieces of gemstone. Jade, amethyst, fluorite, lapis and turquoise statues, tables, chairs, benches and even teapots flooded every part of the place appointed for the demon queen and her handmaidens. Lychee wine flowed through the place as much as did the scented water. Flowers in each corner brought the gloomy place to live. River pearls decorated both the furniture and hair of young demonesses. Elegance of shiny nacre was indescribable, the Wolf Witch couldn’t remember a single ruler keeping pieces finer than these. Ringing voices of the handmaidens elevated the increasingly pleasant atmosphere and so, the amazed foreigner let the mood get under her skin. Gradually, Mei got infected, hence once they finally reached the lowest floor, the largest and most detailed with masterful tapestries, astonishing blooming flowers, both were radiant as ever. Despite their beaming faces, which put any star on the night sky to shame, concern and worries bubbled under the surface.

“Ladies, I welcome you. A moment longer and I would have started doubting myself. However, my judgement is as good if not better than what Miss Yawen tried to convince me.“

“Her Majesty showed she’s far ahead of me once again. I should take this as a lesson for our future bets.“

Márgerdra shot her head to the side from where the familiar voices were coming out. There she was, the queen, the host, the beast.

Shufen was leaning over the edge of an enormous bronze bathtub underlaid with carved and painted timber. The demon queen had her eyes closed as she took another sip, then laid her head backwards to relax her muscles. Her right hand, Yawen, was inside with her mistress and taking care of her nails. Both demonesses were as mesmerising as they were dangerous. Every room in the bathhouse could have been loaded twice as much with the divine sculptures and sumptuous bouquets, and the Queen of the Jade Valley with the Handmaiden with Nightingale Voice would still outshine it all.

The princess and the protector obediently bowed. “Your Majesty, we’ve been looking forward to this meeting. Missing such a thing would be impudent, to put it lightly. Besides, only a fool would refuse a proper cleaning after days in the mountains inhabited by awful beasts and the companions they call pets. Apologies, as I nearly forgot to mention the demon bandits.“

“Aren’t you two half-human since you call those ‘awful beasts’?“ Shufen’s open eye gleamed under the raised brow.

“Does that make us less than half-demons? Plus, a desperate need requires a desperate solution, as our demonic mother liked to say.“

For a moment a bit too long, there was a deafening silence, only water plopped. Suddenly, both demonesses burst into laughter so heartfelt, the advisor with her princess had to simply join. “You,“ Shufen pointed at Márgerdra,“I didn’t think you’re funny. You surprised me. I like that.“ The crane demoness motioned for her servants, one of them hurried to her side with another cup of wine and bowl of fruits. She ordered them to give the women a spare loincloth while their robes were taken to the next room where the private possessions were stored.

As both were already quite used to the nudity, and the queen herself saw no problem for the sake of time-saving, Mei and Márgerdra stripped on the spot. The only part covered by a light fabric became their hips. Mei undoubtedly bloomed from day to day, perfect nape and smooth abdomen were proof of it. Yet Márgerdra had fully achieved her peak a long time ago and certainly had been holding onto it since. Her body was the embodiment of a firm but heavenly delicate statue blessed with breath and flesh. This gave an opportunity for waiting Yawen whose tongue had been tickling with bitterness for some time,“Foreigner!“

“Watch your tongue!“ Mei yelled out before she caught exasperated words behind her teeth. To save them before Yawen’s wrathful gaze, she added in a sweeter, yet still unyielding tone,“My beloved sister has a name that is equally lovely to yours.“

The snake woman straightened her spine, a preparation for a venomous spit,“Apologies, then, my dear. What are your names, so I won’t commit this heinous crime again?“

“Ah Xuiying and my elder sister’s Yaling.“

Shufen chuckled upon hearing the childish squabble,“I see the boldness runs in the family. How adorable.“ The ruler mumbled the names under her nose a few times before speaking out,“Your parents chose wisely, it suits you both, I admit.“

“We still cannot compete with Her Majesty,“ Márgerdra smiled and let Mei enter the bathtub first after she noticed the pitiful state of the princess’ body. The bottom was surprisingly lower than expected causing Mei to nearly slip. She managed to catch herself just in time, nonetheless, Márgerdra and, surprisingly, Shufen helped her to get seated.

More servants came and offered the guests more wine, fruits and sweets. An offer kind enough for them to accept, yet it took them a second to actually choose. There was discreet and hidden untrust behind Márgerdra’s eyes. Mei was no different and followed her companion’s manners. Only when Shufen and Yawen bit into their berries did they submit.

“Yaling,“ Yawen started for the second time,“I see you’re a rather extraordinary woman.“

“If you think so,“ Márgerdra light-heartedly chuckled and sipped from her cup. Her full chest heaved up and down, the blonde woman truly didn’t have a bit of shame written on her face.

“Miss Yawen is right,“ Shufen joined immediately,“I don’t remember anybody close to your beauty and I’ve seen many goddesses and fairies with my very own eyes.“

“There must be many jealous of you,“ Yawen hissed but quickly masked it with a pretended cough.

“My little sister is equally lovely, ladies. Give her some credit for the fact that we share the same ancestors.“

Mei choked on her wine from both the direction of their conversation and the strong beverage. The blush rose up to her round cheeks; if anybody noticed, she was glad to toss the fault on the steaming water.

Yawen had different intentions,“I bet you’ve had plenty of attention your whole life. Say, is your current husband the only one you’ve charmed so far?“

Mei stiffened, Shufen massaged her temples but let the hustle unfold for her amusement. The foreigner seemed to have a tongue as sharp as the monkey brother and Yawen was known for her cold mockery.

Márgerdra licked her dry lips. She slowly turned to Yawen and locked eyes with her.“My husband is the only one who sees me as his equal, not his personal pet. It’s true I’ve caught the eyes of many. You’re right that I take pride in my face and body. However, am I going to run around and offer myself? I fear that is where you’re wrong, dear. It is neither my will or the will of my husband. We have an immense respect for each other. What’s more, I don’t know much about the locals. There’s no reason for me to linger over the place. But maybe you can try it on your own, running around naked, then reporting to me whether I should try it out, darling. After all, a small exercise every morning is rather healthy, isn’t it?“

“Why so aggressive, dear? Did I offend you?“

“No, not at all. At least, not as much as the spitting you do when you talk while eating,“ Márgerdra motioned towards the grapes the young viper was holding. “I see etiquette is not your strongest side along with being tactful.“

The remark made Shufen laugh. She sensed the thickening atmosphere. Since she wanted the show to go on, she needed to step in for a small pause,“Oh, my, it’s true that birds of a feather flock together. But we don’t need it now, do we? We’ve all been through rough times. Let’s drink and celebrate.“

****

“What’s the matter, Wukong? You seem to be nervous.“ Sanzang grabbed the monkey’s shaking knee thus making the whole limb stop.

“It’s nothing. You know me. I can’t sit properly for a second. Always in motion, what should I add?“

“Is it because of the Queen taking our companions with herself?“

The Monkey King paused. Really, he couldn’t stop thinking about the shadow he saw creeping around the rooftop. The figure dashed through, making it hard for Wukong to recognise much, but he was sure it must have been one of the rogue snakes since there was too much of agile wiggling and smooth movements.“Precisely,“ he offered a compromise in a form of a half-lie,“the demoness seems to be confident in the power she wields. I don’t like her sleazy handmaiden either.“ He crossed his legs while he changed his opinion,“Actually, no. Both are sleazy.“

“Wukong! How dare you talk about our hosts with such impudence? While I am aware that both are demonesses who didn’t take much liking to us. Yet they offered us a roof above our heads, food to finally feed on and clean clothes. Not to mention Her Majesty cares about her people and wants the best for them.“

“Would you like me to have dinner prepared for just the two of you in a locked room? I’m interested in seeing how things will turn out without my intervention if I do.“

The straightforward question cooled down the monk. Sanzang gulped and stood up. The young master looked into the distance. Behind the open window, there was the disastrous view on the collapsed peak. Dull echoes of the cave, the horrors hidden deep within its never-ending corridors, the evil by the name of Golden Wind Viper was born there. He and his companions and maybe somebody else, too. An invisible tear fell down the man’s cheek. He always reminded Wukong to choose roads leading through forests and mountains. Not because of the Bodhisattva Guanyin, it was the monk’s will all alone. Now, he saw the results of his decision. The hatred towards the choices clenched his heart.

“Wukong, check on them. No violence, no picking up fights, no killing. Be as discreet as possible. If needed, get us out immediately.“

A great satisfaction reached the simian. He leapt out from his seat, his black robes whistled behind him,“Understood, Shifu. Ol’ Sha, take care of Shifu, please. I know I can count on you.“

“Yes, Big Brother Monkey,“ Wujing saluted, determination toughened his muscles and mind.

“Pig, get up, you’re going with me.“

“Why me? Can’t I rest here with Shifu and Sha Seng? Besides, I don't even know where those two are.“

“Brother,“ Friar Sand leaned over and carefully pulled the right strings,“they’re at the royal bathhouse with the Queen. You ought to help our senior since we are under the risk of lethal danger. I heard that all the handmaidens are allowed to visit the place to tend to their outer beauty.“

A piece of apple stuck in Bajie’s throat. He started violently coughing and spitting around. Images of the maids and servants he saw around made him swoon. Wujing caught his senior at the last second, though later the pig demon needed no further help when he ran up to the monkey, who was already standing by the door.

“On second thought, I haven’t exercised much lately. Plus, it’s for the greater good, right?“

****

Chatting about different matters such as the food being of high quality or the kingdom going through rough times, they managed to put the strife aside. Princess Mei managed to amaze Queen Shufen with her precise knowledge and recommendations. Her ideas about reparations and ways of saving finances or supplies and many more were both helpful and clever. “It would be better if your men chose to scout the Eastern side of the mountain. The terrain has been ruined by the collapsed mountain but thanks to it, more caves and potential hideouts could have been revealed. But back to the state of buildings. A new quarter should be built but this time, try to ask for rhombus holes in order to separate the smaller garbage and ensure smooth drainage. Later, I can ask my brothers-in-law to help me lay out an outline for more complex sewerage. Surely, your citizens won’t suffer from more diseases. But seeing your own ideas for an already smart decision made for a city surrounded by mountains, I can only applaud you, Your Majesty.“ Several other maids also joined in and brushed the hair of the four women while the lost princess continued. For a while, Márgerdra truly forgot about her worries, her past, her present and simply enjoyed herself the way she used to when she was still at the palace. She loved every moment a handmaiden came and oiled her skin, massaged the shoulders and palms. That was until…

“Your youngest brother-in-law doesn’t resemble his brothers in the least.“

“Indeed, Your Majesty.“

“What brought you to this topic, Your Majesty?“ Mei joined and took another bite from the papaya. Among the demonesses and with the help of the sweet wine, she was getting more confident as it showed in the change of her tone. She wasn��t even arching over any longer.

“Just a quick thought, nothing important. I noticed he is very handsome. Is he betrothed to someone?“

“Not that we know about it. Then again, he doesn’t speak much and likes to find company in poems,“ Mei tried her best, but her attempt attracted more attention.

Shufen’s white feathers ruffled up,“Meaning that he’s a man of delicate skills if he has the soul of a poet. Tell me, does he write as well?“

“No, Your Majesty. He only reads. Unfortunately, he hadn’t had much time due to the family research before we met. You see, my husband appreciates a rational approach, not daydreaming.“ The witch jumped in before Mei unintentionally revealed something more.

“What a pity as I myself find an escape in the world of rhymes and the warm beauty of simple but powerful words. Dear, your fingernails look terrible, all the red painting is almost gone. Do you wish for it to be repaired?“

“If you don’t mind, Your Majesty, I’d love to,“ Márgerdra joyfully accepted the offer. Mei followed her soon.

Yawen’s high pitched voice reappeared,“For a woman of your delicacy you have a rather strange left wrist. It looks like it was crushed and sliced at the same time. A past injury?“ Soon, she added with another too wide smile,“Don’t worry, it’s barely visible. I only happen to be an observant person.“

Overwhelmed by horror, the witch recalled her recent incident with Golden Wind Viper using her own whip against her. “Exactly, Miss Yawen. I had an accident. Fortunately, my brother-in-law healed me just in time.“ The more she watched Yawen’s face, the bigger uneasiness was waking up in her. The handmaiden’s features were soft but surely elongated, the scales on her arms were green in colour, her nostrils thrilled everytime she exhaled. The witch had seen similar details somewhere. To recall more memories she needs more time and space, which she obviously has to buy. “My apologies, Your Majesty, I’m jumping from question to question. What was the topic of our discussion? Wasn’t it my youngest brother-in-law?“

“Indeed, Miss Yaling,“ Shufen answered before ordering another sort of wine to be brought. A maid came to her and whispered something in Shufen’s ear. The queen’s red lips twisted, but she kept her cool in front of the guests. “Unfortunately, because my time is almost up I must ask you directly. Would your brother-in-law like a private audition? I can recognise one’s wisdom through the silence, not the boasting. Since you mentioned him being keen on poetry, the two of us certainly have more in common.“ Shufen carefully got out of the bathtub, her light feet rang against the floor. Before the swarm of demonesses managed to escort their mistress outside, Márgerdra raised her voice in a question,“What exactly does Her Majesty need from me?“

“After an official audition where I’ll meet his three brothers, I want him to report for another one, later in the evening. Tell him not to be late as I favour punctuality. Yawen will inform him later in greater detail. Now, excuse me, ladies, I must tend to other affairs. Though I have thoroughly enjoyed the company of your lovely and well-spoken beings.“

Alongside Queen Shufen of the Jade Valley, every other person left the last section of the bathhouse until Márgerdra, Mei and Yawen were left alone.

Mei used it to let the wonders of the place carry her away. Quickly, she was brought back to reality by enmity between the other two women. Another round was about to begin and all she could do was to sigh and watch the bubbles on the surface.

****

Furry tail served him as an excellent helm. Wukong’s agile jumps and somersaults carried him across the roof until he reached the last segment. He sniffed and whispered,“This way, Bajie. He’s been here recently, the track’s still fresh. I wonder where those stairs lead to… Bajie? Bajie! What are you doing there, idiot?“

“It’s easy for you to say,“ the pig demon struggled for breath as several roof tiles broke and slid down under the weight of the pig’s bulky physique,“when all you eat is a handful of nuts and water a day. I’m built differently, I need more to keep my muscle mass.“ His sentence ended with a loud wheezing noise. “Weren’t we going to the bathhouse, anyway? To meet the lovely ladies from around.“

“For once in your life think with the stuff that’s in your head, not in your pants!“

“Stop snarling like a mad dog! That’s the witch’s job.“

“I’ll show you what a snarling dog can do once we’re done with the job,“ the monkey clawed onto Zhu Bajie’s ear till the blood flushed away. “Now get down and breathe through your nose, not your mouth. It’ll be easier for your heart to slow down and your inhales to become regular and slow.“ Carefully they climbed down and throughout their descent Wukong let the pig lean on him.

The smell of aromatic oils and herbal scents hit their noses. To Bajie it became the second Heaven, for Wukong, though, it was an obstacle in his tracking. His sight was just as sharp, yet he needed his nose to pinpoint the enemy from a safe distance.

As they were slowly going from room to room, they became amazed by the fantastic carvings. For a while, Wukong, in fact, considered borrowing one of the items as a nice souvenir for his monkeys at Mount Huaguo. The jade crane with gold claws and emerald eyes would make an excellent addition to his collection as well as the neighbouring bathtub heavy with vibrant gemstones.

“Bajie, do you think that feathered slut will notice if we take this as a souvenir?“ Wukong whispered without turning around. Green ornaments on a violet background mesmerised the imp.

Zhu Bajie wanted to warn his brother not to touch more items when he saw Wukong’s nail clink against a porcelain vase with an unknown steaming content but seeing how fascinated the monkey was, the junior decided to let his fellow be.

“Where are all the girls?“ Bajie, who was on the verge of tears, whimpered. Wukong, however, ignored him and continued scouring every corner, unaware that the enemy was right under his nose.

****

“As I mentioned earlier,“ the snake demoness broke the silence first,“Huang Wei is rather extraordinary. Despite not meeting the height standards, he does have a big mouth and muscles.“

“You don’t say, Miss Yawen. He’s been a lot of things to a lot of people.“

“Are you interested in what he’s to me?“

Mei coyly raised her hand to bail them out but Márgerdra adamantly continued in the debate. Whether it was because of her pride or curiosity, nobody shall ever know. “How much did you drink? I’m not sure you’re able to recognise the weight of your actions anymore, darling.“

“Miss Yaling, don’t doubt me. I wouldn’t last a day at court if it weren’t for my tough nails. Which brings me to an interesting topic. Does your beloved like jewellery? Apart from that earring, he’s got a nice headband. There’s a word that a certain simian wears it. His name should be Sun Wukong. Does it ring a bell?“

“Just slightly. Wei inherited it, a possession from a father to his eldest.“

“Truly? You swear? I could bet my neck that Sun Wukong is one of the Pilgrims fetching sutras from the West. The rest is a disgusting pig, a cowardly fishman and a dashing young monk whose flesh is a source of immortality…“

“Rubbish, Miss Yawen. I’m sorry for the vocabulary but there’s not another word on how to describe the nonsense coming out your mouth. Have you considered keeping it shut? Speech is silver but silence is gold. Please, take this as advice from a fellow friend,“ Márgerdra drew herself closer until she made Yawen visibly uncomfortable.

“And the demon stench coming from you? Did you truly seduce one of the Pilgrims? Or is there a different reason for your visage and smell?“

“We told the truth. We’re a group of researchers, we’ve been on a way to my parents and we’ve been ambushed by bandits. I thought of you as an educated and intelligent lady because only a wise one would realise that the Pilgrims are from a Buddhist sect, they’re monks. Or is it not prohibited for monks to maintain a relationship? Because then it’d be utmostly ridiculous for me and Ah Xuying to travel with them. Besides, from what I've gathered, the Tang monk rides a white dragon-horse. Did you see one when we arrived? “

Maybe it was the witch’s stubbornness, maybe her precise arguments and reserved approach which convinced Miss Yawen to abandon the idea of the monk settling down in the lair. The handmaiden shrugged. She still didn’t trust the foreigner nor the odd girl but the so-called husband surely piqued her interest.

Yawen offered Márgerdra and Mei a bowl of food and found more room for her to straighten out her legs. She still had quite some time before she returned to her duties. “Let’s say I believe you. But,“ her index created several circles in the scented water,“coming from own curiosity, where did Huang Wei learn such mesmerising techniques? I don’t want to suspect him anymore. Simply put, I’m quite a fan of martial arts and his face-off with the captain was magnificent.“

“He learnt from his father,“ Márgerdra wanted to shrug off the woman like an annoying fly.

“Would he like to perform for me?“

Mei and Márgerdra’s bulged eyes. “Excuse me, Miss Yawen?“

Yawen remained calm and simply added,“As Her Majesty’s right hand in many affairs, I can assure it’s a small test. It’s Her Majesty’s upcoming celebration and being similar to me, she too enjoys tournaments. Her champion is, naturally, the Guard Captain Jun. His opponent could be your beloved Huang Wei.“

Not hearing Márgerdra’s answer, Yawen put aside her cup. The snake demoness slid closer until their sides touched, cupped the blonde’s ear and sweetly whispered,“Look at it this way - you may earn a coin or two to finance your travels, Her Majesty will be pleased by the lovely present, I will get to see some thrilling action and those two can solve their initial confrontation. Everybody wins. Will you lend me your husband so I can privately talk to him about this offer?“

Mei held her breath. She knew Márgerdra and her calculating side well enough to recognise the moving wheels behind the stern look.

The wolf demoness bit her tongue. Her hands rose over the surface for the Wolf Witch to closely inspect them. Cracks and scratches which formed days ago vanished under the proper oil treatment. Her nails regained the fine red paint she liked to wear so much. Mei lost her dowry when their carriage collapsed and she’d looked like a pauper ever since. The snakes are never to be trusted. The meeting could lead Wukong to danger and potentially the monk to death. At the same time, she had to protect Mei first. Although, deep down, there was a little bit more to the enticement. The scents, the perfumes, jewellery, expensive fabrics, so much food the tables bursted at the seams, people taking care of her needs, taking away the filth from behind the witch’s claws. A coin or two meant a fortune in words of the elite. Is there really something to stop the witch from the right choice?

The tall woman frowned. Calmly, she put her hands under water. Only the nearby streaming fountain didn’t allow the silence to approach the three.

Finally, Márgerdra exhaled and turned to Yawen with a blazing gaze,“Get lost.“ The vigour of her standing body moved waters, which stirred up and created powerful waves. “Sister, we’re going.“

An unmistakable sharp noise of breaking glass interrupted them once Márgerdra stepped out of the bathtub. A thump so intense spread through the bathhouse it shook their very hearts and snatched their already shallow breaths away.

****

The smell was back, stronger than ever. Wukong pretended to rub his cheeks, puffy from exhaustion, while he waved in front of his face.

The embers in his eye sockets woke up, their low flame bit through everything in sight as the dusty spirals formed and whirled in front of him, then merged together like wild streams up in the mountain until a wide orange river flowed behind his back and upwards. Skin by his small nose wrinkled as Wukong’s lips pulled into a smirk.

The Monkey King continued in his act to play with the enemy like a cat with a sewer rat. Soles of his boots landed with a splash, the wet floor allowed little more than an awkward hobbling through the thick fog until the breeze from outside cascaded down the narrow stairs and cleared the humid rooms. The simian’s whole body tensed up in anticipation.

“Ergh, Big Bro-“

Pigsy’s grumble died when Wukong shoved him aside at the last second, otherwise the former commander’s shoulders ended up being penetrated with curved daggers. “Take those from the left, I’ll take care of the rest.“ Bajie shook, but he no longer felt the monkey’s heels digging into his stomach.

Silent swishing of the agile body and the monkey appeared high up on the gold-plated pillar, as if every ounce of him formed from the rising steam. With the rage of Thunder God, Wukong leapt out and upon reaching the next pillar he punched the snake’s back, taking away his breath in a mere second. Unfortunately, the rogue had his own ace up his sleeve. Although he couldn’t compete with the monkey in dexterity, the scaly creature was born with extraordinary reflexes.

Regardless of the failure to deliver a painful bite, the viper’s elongated neck still managed to capture the Great Sage. Looping around the monkey’s iron biceps, the spy pulled them both to the hard ground.

Wukong felt his spine snap but knowing how fast he can heal and that the fiends truly sneaked into the fortress brought him back to senses. He abandoned the thought of painful moaning and sent himself back into a fighting stance by flipping up like a carp.

The snake followed his movement, yet he didn’t match Wukong’s speed and explosive attacks. One by one, the ribs were crushed by close-ranged fists until no air was left in the lungs.

Watching their brother in arms losing to the wretched islander, seven more demons jumped out from their covers. Three of them were immediately stopped by a blunt force. Thanks to his massive bult, Pigsy pushed the smaller group back. One of the vipers howled and sobbed when a hoof fell onto his feet. The pig elbowed him right after crushing at least two of his toes.

“Disgusting swine! You’re gonna pay for this!“ Remaining demons jumped on Bajie who effortlessly threw them into the nearby wall. Quicker than a rabbit chased by hounds, they got up and a harsh fight between them and the hardened boar with glistening tusks began.

In the opposite corner, Wukong was deflecting his four opponents - Wukong crossed hands intercepted the tallest viper’s punch and simultaneously kicked back until he sent the snake behind him flying ten yards away.

“Dong! Grab him finally!“ one of the two fiends yelled out and he and the right hand Dong rushed out with stretched hands and backs arching like wild bulls.

They had him cornered, nevertheless the Monkey King jumped up and spinning around his axis he gracefully landed on his palms and tips of his toes.

In a flash, Sun Wukong swept the legs of both demons, gaining back the upper hand. He would have laughed on the spot at their incompetence, but the pain from the fall caught up to him and made him suck on their air as he held onto his back while panting. Soon, he realised it wasn’t a bad thing - down on the ground, tied to Dong’s side, was laying a tube. Wukong reached out for it and glanced over the content of the message.

“My dearest, loveliest sister,

I need your help. There should be a monk with immortal flesh hidden in the palace. Please, help me catch him by using your honeyed words, kind eyes and sharp wits. You’ve always been the clever one while I was there for the kicks and punches. Lure him out into the gardens by the next full moon which should happen in a span of few days. I know it’s a lot which I’m asking for especially when you’re always watched by that wretched goose Shufen. I don’t care when you say she still trusts you. Moreover, there are three monstrous disciples of the monk who guard him day and night. One of them is the cursed demon-butcher Sun Wukong. He’s extra suspicious of everything that moves and breathes. So please, take my advice and avoid him as much as possible, sister. There may also be a girl and a strange tall woman accompanying her. Don’t, I repeat, don’t trust them. I think the woman might be a demon like us. As I said, just lure the monk out and I’ll take care of the rest. I promise you that from then on we’ll truly live the life we wanted - rich and powerful. Also, don’t hurt him. I need him for someone I made a pact with. I’d say ‘don’t let me down’, but I know you won’t. You never do.

Your dearest twin brother…“

Before Wukong finished reading, a massive blow to his side threw the monkey into the opposite direction. He bounced against Bajie’s back and went limp for a moment. When he came back, he noticed two things - Dong approaching him wearing a furious expression and two masked vipers being buried beneath Bajie’s large belly.

Pigsy’s face reddened and the pig disciple shouted,“This was for the last time! I swear that next time I’m shoving my hoof up your…“ The raging Bajie didn’t finish his sentence. A pair of two perfectly shaped breasts stopped him in the middle of his tracks. Glancing lower, he gazed upon a wet loincloth all too thin to cover everything below. Bajie smiled widely, his ears quivered in delight. “You’re such a gift from Heaven, dear.“

“Idiot!!!“ Márgerdra, who was standing just outside the bathtub, shrieked til the ears bled and slapped the pig across his face. Her hit was fueled by pure fury. It mirrored in Bajie’s spat out tooth.

“What was that for? I didn’t see a thing,“ he cried out.

The witch grabbed him by the collar and with a strength of twenty men she pulled him closer. Her right eye was piercing the demon with icicles while the left one wanted to drown him in eerie sea depths. “I bet my head you did.“ She wanted to spit out more but an ominous sound from the next room got her attention.

Looking sideways, she saw how Dong grabbed Wukong by the throat and smashed the smaller demon several times against a thick column. When he was done, he tossed Wukong like a ragdoll. The Monkey King wasn’t that easy to defeat, though.

Impressing everyone present, the monkey stretched out his arms to hook around a column and spinning around he kicked the attacker under his chin. Márgerdra used the distracting blow delivered to Dong - she leapt out, overlapped Dong’s lower chest with her leg and struck his calves. The impact of her attack, her body weight and the slipperiness of the floor made him fall to the ground. Screaming behind her, the witch began to choke the snake with her thighs,“Pig, get her out of here! Now!“

Bajie didn’t waste time, grabbed the princess and carried her in his arms away as quickly as possible. Another viper rushed after them but not only Mei’s infuriated face scared him, her punch left the spy with a swollen eye and three teeth less.

In the meantime, Dong at last escaped Márgerdra’s clench by twisting her ankle to the side. He would have bitten her too if Wukong didn’t pull her away. The monkey helped the witch to stand up. Thankfully, her injury wasn’t grave because she kicked Dong, who was back to his feet, to the stomach with the same leg. Pulling her closer to him, Wukong spinned them around. Márgerdra thought the Sage was about to deliver another powerful kick to the chest. To her surprise, Wukong yanked his head and from his ear, Ruyi Jingu Bang’s tip aimed right for Dong’s forehead. His skull colliding with the golden metal created an unpleasant thud.

The powerpole returned to its owner’s firm grasp immediately. It slowly slid down, its signature clinking marked a small break for the duo to catch their breaths.

Márgerdra raised her eyebrow upon looking at the unmoving snake demon. She spat at him, then turned to Wukong,“Is he dead?“

Wukong lightly tapped Dong’s calf with his foot. “Just knocked out.“

She nearly nodded to his response. Words lingered on the tip of her tongue when she noticed the warmth wrapping around her chest. Remembering she was still almost naked, she glanced down to see Wukong’s hand be tightly pressed against her breast. Hair on the back of her neck stood up at once and her eyes widened. “Wukong…“ The voice died in her throat.

Wukong turned his head, concerned,“What is it?“

She didn’t respond, but he followed her gaze, still not comprehending her uneasiness. Once he saw his palm clasping on her tender fresh, everything that he’d eaten that morning came back to his throat.

He recoiled, eyes bulged, voice trembled when he yelled out,“I’m sorry!“

Showing her his back, the monkey demon rubbed his hands as if he wanted to get rid of the worst dirt on earth. “I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry. Truly! I’m telling the truth. I didn’t want to look, let alone touch you.“

“I trust you. Just toss me my clothes. It’s behind that curtain,“ Márgerdra reassured him, even though she herself was as red as a papaya. She waited for him to get her robes.

He did. What was more, he honestly held onto his promise and didn’t look at her once. Instead, he approached her by walking backwards with eyes sealed shut. Gently taking the fine silk, she stroked his hand. As by a miracle, the gesture calmed him down. Márgerdra recognised it in his shoulders, which came down with each breath. The wolf demoness wanted to add something.

Her intentions, however, were broken by Yawen’s annoying voice. She was rushing to them and she even tripped on the slippery floor. Despite the demoness preparing for a hard fall nothing occurred. Thick fur tickled her waist causing her to open her eyes and gaze into Wukong’s wild painted face. Miss Yawen used their sudden proximity to suck in his smell. The demoness was bewitched by his big dark eyes so much that her own brightened up,“Sir, you were magnificent. I’ve never seen someone so handsome, so dashing, so well-trained and determined!“

“And I’ve never seen someone so obnoxious,“ Wukong dropped Yawen upon hearing her high-pitched voice. Recalling the message on the floor he found inside Dong’s tube, Wukong didn’t bother with formalities,“Wife, we better go now. It’s not…“

As he was about to search the room for the letter, a sound of clinking armour and heavy boots hurried down the stairs and right to them. It was too late to retrieve anything, especially when Captain Jun looked Wukong up and down. “I see you’ve already taken care of this, Huang Wei.“

Wukong narrowed his eyes and hissed,“When it comes to my wife’s well-being, I think it should be a priority, Captain Jun. Now if you excuse us, I want to tend to my beloved. She has a frail heart and needs to rest after such a shock.“

Márgerdra and Wukong left the bathhouse together. The guards left shortly afterwards, heading for the prison with the captives, after securing the place and making sure Miss Yawen was well and safe.

Dong looked behind but he was met with little more than a freezing cold from the demoness. What his eyes didn’t see, though, was a letter she hid in the wide sleeve of her robes and a treacherous smile.

“A husband who wields a magical staff and refuses to touch his own wife. As if I were blind not to notice him quickly shoving the cudgel into his ear.“ The paper between her fingers rustled,“Maybe this will tell me more about our fine gentleman.“

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

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List of chapters:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight