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You wipe the beaded sweat from your brow as you lean back from the plant you've been trimming. The cheery tune you're humming cuts off with a pleased sigh as you admire your work. The previously wilting plant already looks much spryer. It brings a tender smile to your face as you rise to your feet and pat the dust from your worn apron.
The sun sits high in the sky--its warmth having reached its peak for the day. You had begun your day's tasks just as the light began to lift from the horizon, and you've finished most of the work in your garden that needed to be done with plenty of daylight to spare. There are still a few things you need to prepare for your trip to the market tomorrow morning, but then you can take the remainder of your day to rest. Your back aches from the heavy labor in your garden after all.
Turning towards your house, you halt swiftly as a loud screech sounds off from the forest beyond your garden. Your eyes widen as your breath hitches in your throat. Before you can even think it over, your feet are already carrying you past the tree line as your heart wrenches with concern. Someone, or something, has been hurt, and you can't bring yourself to just ignore it. That's not the kind of person you are.
Eyes scanning the surrounding foliage, you find that you don't have to travel far into the forest after you burst into a clearing where you find the source of the screech. There's a small, black-furred monkey, wide eyes now fixated on you with distrust as it tries to tug against the iron trap clamped down on its foot. The distressed creature bares its teeth and growls with a clear promise to inflict harm.
Quickly and carefully, you eye the situation, deciding to place little thought to the sharp warning. Its leg is bleeding heavily, and you know it's only a matter of time before the poor creature loses too much of that blood to walk away from this. That thought alone sends you forward with a steady yet calm pace. Reaching out, you grab the two sides of the trap, and the small simian does not hesitate to act on its prior warnings as sharp teeth sink into your hand. You wince but ultimately remain quiet and determined as you start to force the trap open. It takes every ounce of strength you've got, and you worry it won't be enough, but then it finally starts to budge with a grinding screech.
When the trap is open just far enough, the small monkey releases your hand from its jaws and pulls its leg from the trap. As soon as the monkey is out, you swiftly yank your hands back and let the trap snap back shut with a deafening clang. Tired arms hang limply at your side as your chest rises and falls with heavy breaths. Only a moment is needed to catch your breath before you glance at the monkey to make sure it is okay.
The small simian has moved to the edge of the clearing, eyes locked on you cautiously, albeit a little less aggressively than before. You're impressed and relieved that it hasn't run off already into the farther depths of the forest. That isn't a wound that can be licked clean and healed so easily.
"You'll bleed out if that's not treated," you comment to the creature with a matter-of-fact tone.
Eyes roving across the nearby ground, you look for a suitable stick, and when your eyes land on one that'll work for what you have in mind you reach out and grab it. The monkey hisses at you, but you ignore it in favor of grabbing the threadbare hem of your skirt and tearing away a sizeable strip. The monkey watches you curiously before growling lowly once again when you start to walk towards it. Still a clear warning in its tone, though far less intense.
"I'm not going to hurt you, or at least I'm going to try not to." A heavy sigh passes your lips as you regard the growing puddle of blood on the ground. "I fear tying that up might sting a bit no matter how careful I am."
At last, as if understanding your intent to help, the monkey stops growling but watches you carefully with narrowed eyes as you kneel down before it.
"May I?" You inquire with brief eye contact as though you might receive a verbal permission.
To your surprise, the monkey cautiously adjusts its position so that its leg is laid out before you. You work slowly and carefully as you start to line the stick up with the leg and wrap the fabric to secure it in place. Not once does your unorthodox patient move or make a sound as it watches you work--not even when pressure is applied as you tighten the knot of the cloth.
"There, that should do it." You declare with an air of finality before smiling gently at the small monkey. "I won't bother you anymore, I promise."
As the simian begins to limp away, you rise to your feet and brush the dirt off of your apron once more. Once the last flick of the black tail disappears into the brush, you turn away to walk back to your house. Along the way, your stomach twists itself into nervous knots as your thoughts revolve around the creature. While you set it on the right path for healing, there are dangerous creatures in those woods that would see an easy meal out of a wounded target. Not to mention the numerous demons rumored to live near your village. It's said that just beyond the forest, beyond the fiery wastes, there's the domain of great demon warlords. You've never traveled far enough in that direction to look for yourself, you've had no need, but others in your village have spread the dire warnings.
Demons that skin humans alive for fun or devour them piece by piece as loved ones are forced to look on in horror. Aside from such atrocious rumors, demons have never been an immediate issue for you, and you prefer to keep it that way. After your parents died many years ago, you've been on your own. You picked up a number of useful skills to take care of yourself and the house and have stayed secluded aside from your occasional trips to the market in town. You have little interest in looking for trouble with demons or humans.
After cleaning up your gardening tools, you retreat to your small house. You dunk a small bowl into the water basin and wash your face and hands in the bowl before tossing the dirty water outside to water some nearby plants. You then tear another strip of fabric from your tattered skirt to wrap your bleeding hand before setting to work on making yourself something to eat.
When you've finished eating, you pull out your sketch journal and a piece of charcoal and set to work beside the light of your lantern. You sketch out the face of the monkey from earlier as you hum a soft tune. You can't help but wonder if it's okay, if it made it somewhere safe. Hopefully the leg will heal quickly, and it will live a long life.
Satisfied with your sketch, you set the journal down with a yawn before pulling out your bedding. You strip away your outer layers of clothing until you're left in a simple linen robe, and crawl under your blanket. You're out in minutes.
Unknown to you, purple eyes have stared at you from the deepest shadows of your home as you wound down for the night. Even after you've fallen asleep, they remain glued to you for several more minutes before vanishing. Gone in a blink as if they had never existed in the first place.
The next morning, the first rays of the rising sun stream light through your window and stir you from restful sleep. Groaning softly, you pull your blanket over your face, but barely a tick passes before you throw it back again with a grumpy huff. You have to go to town today, and you cannot afford to linger in bed if you want to make it there and return home before the sun finishes its daily cycle.
Dressing swiftly, you move to prepare a slice of bread that you spread with fruit preserves to munch on as you pack your wares. Numerous fruits and vegetables that you can trade in the market for the things you will need until you have to make your next trip. The linen sack swings heavily over your shoulders and then you set off.
It's fairly early on in the trip when you get the unshakable feeling of being watched. Your shoulders tense, and your eyes narrow as they scan the surrounding area for signs of movement. All is quiet, and you realize after a moment that it's too quiet. No crickets or cicadas singing their tunes, and no birds chirping at each other.
Freezing on the spot before slowly spinning in a circle, you look again for any indication of movement. Unease twists your stomach into knots as you know that anything able to silence a forest is not something you wish to engage with. In fact, you're about to set down your sack and return home when something pops out of the bushes in front of you. You jump back with a startled yelp, ready to run until you recognize the small monkey from yesterday!
"You scared me." You mutter to the small creature as you note how the sounds of the forest start up again.
Chirping happily in response, the small monkey runs up to you before climbing up your body to rest on your shoulder. You're effectively rendered speechless. Not only by the monkey's injured leg appearing to be completely healed, but also its once aggressive attitude towards you has done a complete turn!
"I'm glad to see you're feeling better." You comment breathily, still too stunned by the miracle.
A sudden thought occurs and you hold up your injured hand and unwrap it long enough to see it's still in pretty bad shape, though the punctures have at least scabbed over. With a passive shrug, you quickly wrap it back up. Maybe the monkey just has better luck than you.
From its perch on your shoulders, the monkey begins to chirp and you turn your head to offer it a soft smile. You definitely like this friendlier side of the little creature. The poor thing must've been scared witless yesterday, and most humans aren't known for their kindness. The trap likely wouldn't have been an issue if they were.
"Do you want to accompany me into town?" You ask the small creature as you begin to walk again.
The monkey remains quiet but ultimately remains seated on your shoulder. It stays there almost the entire trip only jumping off just as the edge of the village comes into view. You offer the small creature a kind smile.
"Thank you for your company. Maybe I'll see you again later." You bid the monkey farewell with a short bow.
Once you make it into town, you head straight for the marketplace. People bustle in thick crowds as they trade wares and coin. Despite the overabundance of sounds, you can still hear the whispers when people begin to catch sight of you. Cruel hisses, and false rumors passed from person to person at your expense--but you're used to it.
Ever since your parents passed away, people became wary of you. A young woman living on her own deep in the forest must be some kind of wicked being. A seductress with dark morals. Someone to be scorned and despised, though none of it bothers you any. If anything, it makes it easier to get your shopping done when people part the crowds for you and merchants do their best to appease and send you on your way.
Drowning out the harsh whispers, you get right to work on going down your mental checklist. Meats, spices, sugar, eggs, rice, and even a length of fabric to replace your torn skirt. Your fruits and vegetables are all traded away successfully by the time you finish, and you swiftly turn to leave for home again.
Unfortunately, you walk straight into another person, just barely managing to catch yourself before you fall back. You immediately recognize the man before you, and do your best to hold back a scowl.
Cheng, the second in command of the town's law enforcement. One of the few in town that ignore the rumors about you, much to your dismay. This man has been a thorn in your side ever since he came to this town. He's loud, annoying, narcissistic, and convinced he wants you for a wife.
"Hello, (Y/n)! It's so good to see you again, did you miss me?" He greets with a smug grin.
"Good to see you as well, but please excuse me, I was just about to head back home." You say evenly as you try to pass him by.
"Nonsense! You should stay in town a bit longer. It feels like it's been forever since I last saw you! I was recently promoted to a leadership rank over those protecting this town!" He boasts as he moves to block your escape path.
"That's nice, congratulations." You say with a slightly annoyed huff that he remains oblivious to.
"We should have a drink to celebrate! Won't you accompany me?" Cheng pushes.
The larger male takes a step forward to start guiding you away when his foot gets caught on seemingly nothing. You watch in awe as he hits the ground face first, but you don't waste your lucky chance and quickly side-step past him.
"I'm afraid I really must get home before it gets dark. Have a good day!" You shout over your shoulder as you hurriedly walk away.
It takes longer to make it back to the forest as the weight of your sack is significantly heavier, but the monkey is there waiting for you. It instantly crawls up to your shoulder again and proceeds to accompany you home. Just as the path opens up to your house, the sun starts to set in the sky. You made it just in time.
The monkey remains clinging to your shoulder as you get into your house. It finally jumps down when you go to pull your sack off, and watches from your bed as you put away your spoils from today's market trip. The monkey remains in that same spot while you cook and eat dinner, and even when you sit down beside it and pull out your sketch pad again. When you open to the page where you drew the monkey before, it hurriedly crawls into your lap to investigate. It chirps happily as if to signify it likes your drawing, and you chuckle softly.
"I hope you like it. I'm not the best artist, but I do try." You admit.
The monkey chirps again, and you decide to take a leap of faith. You slowly reach your hand out, and just as your fingertips are about to touch the simian's fur, it whips its head to stare at you intently.
"I'm sorry. Perhaps I should have asked first." You mumble.
The monkey stares for another moment before moving its head into your open palm. You smile softly as you begin to smooth your hand over its soft fur, scritching gently behind its ears. You both remain that way for a while until a yawn is pulled from your mouth.
You carefully nudge the monkey to move off of your lap before getting up to undress. Once in your under robes, you pull back the blankets and scoot underneath them. The small monkey doesn't waste a minute before cuddling up against your chest. You continue to pet the small creature until you fall asleep.
When you wake up the next morning, the monkey is gone again. Almost a week passes by before you see it again. You're tending the garden when you hear the bushes rustling. You look up in time for the monkey to pounce out. It wraps its arms around your neck, and you move your own arms to return the hug.
"I missed you too." You giggle as the small critter chirps happily into your neck. "And you brought a friend."
The black furred simian goes still in your hold before glancing over its shoulder. Sitting at the edge of the forest is another monkey with russet colored fur. It's eyes move between your face and the black furred simian in your arms. Its stare is almost accusing when it looks at the monkey in your arms. Thick tension builds in the air between you, and you squirm uncomfortably.
"Um, do you two need a moment?" You question unsurely.
It's absurd to think the two simians can understand you, but it seemed polite to ask anyways. The black furred monkey jumps down from your arms and you watch as it walks up to the new monkey. They chirp back and forth a moment as if bickering, meanwhile you return your attention to the garden before you. It seems rude to eavesdrop even if you can't understand a thing they're chirping.
After several minutes, the chirping finally stops and you look up to see both monkeys watching you. You offer them a kind smile in return.
"Are you guys hungry? I have a lot to eat around here." You say as you gesture to the numerous plants and trees around you.
The black monkey wastes no time in running over and climbing into your arms again, and the russet furred monkey follows behind cautiously. It eventually climbs onto your shoulder and you carefully rise to your feet. You walk over to your peach tree first, pulling down a branch with ripe fruit on it. Both monkeys grab a piece of fruit and begin to munch on it. You pull off a peach for yourself and do the same. You sit on the bench outside of your house and the three of you sit in silence, eating and watching as the sun starts to lower.
"Are you both staying the night?" You question. "I don't mind the company."
The monkeys remain quiet, but still cling to you as you retire into your house for the night. They both leap from your shoulders and get cozy on your bed as you wash your hands and fix yourself something a bit more filling for dinner. After eating you clean the dirt off of your face and prepare for bed. Despite how cautious it was before, the russet furred simian doesn't hesitate to snuggle up to you when you lay down.
"Sleep well, you two." You mumble before falling asleep quickly.
Both monkeys are gone in the morning, and its almost another week before you see them again. You offer both of them a peach from your tree when they come bounding out of the forest to greet you. While they munch away on the fruit, you start gathering up your wares for the market. It's time for another trip into town.
"Will you be accompanying me?" You ask the two monkeys as you put your sack over your shoulders.
They waste no time in hurrying to walk beside you. They chirp happily as the three of you walk the path into town, and you can't help but smile. You must admit, you've been lonely since your parent's death. Having these little monkeys in your life is like a blessing from the gods.
"I'm glad you two are here." You speak up.
Both monkeys stop in their tracks to watch you for a moment, they then exchange a look with each other before hurrying to catch up with you.
Much like the last time, the monkeys don't follow you into the village. They simply watch from the edge of the forest as your form disappears in the distance. It makes your chest tighten slightly, almost wishing they would've come into town with you. For the first time in a long time, you dread hearing the cruel whispers behind your back.
The busy traffic and noise of the marketplace seeps in, and you hurry to get this over with. You're so busy trying to get the shopping over with that you don't notice a pair of leering eyes watching your every movement. The gaze blends in with all the others, scathing glares digging into your back like a dagger.
By the time you have everything you need, your shoulder sag tiredly. Thankfully, you realize you haven't been bombarded by Cheng yet. You even manage to make it back to the forest without even a single sign of him. It makes your chest swell with a temporary joy, and you put on a crooked smile for the monkeys when you make it back to the forest.
"It's a good day today." You declare timidly.
Your depressed attitude initially earns you strange looks from your companions, but soon they're running circles around you in an attempt to cheer you up. You can't help but smile at their sweet actions.
"Will you two be staying the night?" You question once you all make it back to your house.
The two monkeys chirp happily at you, but swiftly pounce away into the forest. You watch them go with a sad smile before retreating into your house for the night. You eat dinner, wash up, and prepare for bed as always. You fall asleep almost instantly, exhausted from your long day.
Its the overwhelming scent of smoke filling your lungs that wakes you up in a coughing fit. Flames have sprung up the walls around you, and you hurry out of your bed as panic sets in. Your door is thankfully void of flames, and you hurry outside to gasp for fresh air.
As you're bent over, coughing, you suddenly feel two arms wrap around you. The touch makes your stomach churn as your eyes widen in shock.
"Such a shame about your house, but you can just move in with me."
Cheng's voice is slurred in your ear, and you quickly rip yourself out of his arms. You turn to face him, expression twisted in horror. What is he doing here? Did he just admit to setting your house on fire?
"What did you do?!" You shout accusingly as you glare at him.
The man before you is obviously drunk, swaying unevenly as he grins at you lecherously. You take a wary step backwards.
"I just made it easier for us to be together." Cheng admits.
He's serious. He really thinks you'll go with him now that your house is destroyed! This monster stalked you to your home, and set it ablaze while you were in it. What would have happened if you hadn't woken up in time?
You take a step back as he stumbles forward, and then you turn and run. You don't make it far before a fist in your hair yanks you backwards. You scream as you're thrown to the ground mercilessly. Weight then settles over your legs, pinning you to the spot. Cheng looks furious as he snarls down at you, and fear paralyzes you.
"You can't run away from me anymore, you little bitch!" He shouts. "I'll make you mine here and now!"
After making his declaration, his hands grab for the fold of your robes. The sound of fabric ripping can be heard over the roar of flames as he tears the fabric open. Your fighting instinct quickly takes over as you lash your arms out trying to hit, scratch, anything. Your hand finds his cheek and you dig your nails in as deep as you can. You draw blood, and the cruel bastard rears back to grab his wounded face.
You try to push Cheng off of you, until suddenly a force meets the side of your face. Your head whips to the side and you're stunned for a moment. By the time you can function again, head dizzy from the hit and the smoke, there's hands wrapped around your throat.
"You should have just come with me." Cheng growls as he tightens his grip, a dark malice in his eyes.
You grab onto his hands, trying to pry them away, but to no use. You're not strong enough, no matter how hard you fight. Your air is being cut off, and your vision is starting to blur. You're about to give up hope, but then Cheng releases you, or rather is forced to release you.
A viciously animalistic growl reaches your ears as your senses slowly come back, and you hurry to sit up and put distance between yourself and wherever Cheng ended up.
You spot Cheng quickly, and another figure standing over him. This other figure is cast in shadows except for bright purple eyes glaring down at your attacker. The shadowy figure bends down, grabs Cheng's head, and twists. You can here the audible snap of the wretched man's neck breaking, and then the shadowy figure is turning to face you.
Your breath hitches fearfully, and you try to scooch backwards away from the figure as it stalks towards you. Before your eyes, the shadows seem to drip away, and a devilishly handsome demon is revealed. A monkey demon with sleek black fur, and a scowl on his face. His tail whips dangerously behind him, and his fists are clenched at his side. His ears, all six of them, flick back and forth as if trying to pick up on something.
Despite your best efforts to scoot away, he catches up swiftly. He reaches down and grabs your arm that you threw out to try and hit him with. Then you're yanked up into his arms. Much to your surprise, he holds you close, one hand around your back as the other cradles your head gently.
"It's okay, (Y/n)." The demon whispers softly. "Don't cry."
You're confused for a moment, how does he know your name? Also, you're not crying? Except you are. You realize there are indeed tears streaming down your face. Your sobs are choked sounding, throat still sore from the smoke and almost being choked to death.
"Did everything go well?" The demon questions, and you realize he's not talking to you, but rather someone behind you.
You yelp as another pair of arms pulls you back into a firm, armored, chest. The stench of blood mixes in with the smoke filling your nose, and you try to pull away from this new person. They allow you to go free and you step back so you can watch both of the demon monkeys. The newcomer, another handsome monkey demon, has russet colored fur, and that's when a spark of recognition hits you.
"It went well, of course, did you doubt me, Macaque?" The russet furred monkey questions smugly.
These two demons have the same coloring as your little monkey companions! From their fur, to the markings on their face, to the color of their eyes. The black furred monkey watches you with a stern look on his face while the russet colored one watches with an amused smile. His eyes flicker down for a brief moment, and you follow his gaze to where your bared chest peeks out from your torn robes.
Heat burns your cheeks in embarrassment as you quickly pull your robe shut and take another cautious step back. The russet furred simian is covered in blood, and you're pretty sure it's not his own. Are they going to kill you?!
"You're scaring her, Wukong." The black furred simian comments as a smirk perks up his lips.
The look in their eyes, while oddly adoring, is laced with something else. A predatory dare. A promise that if you run, you will be chased, but what other options do you have? If you stay here, you'll likely be killed like Cheng. You have no other choice.
Without wasting your time with another thought, you turn and sprint into the forest. The moon guides your path, keeping you from running into any trees as you push through the brush. You run until you can't run anymore, chest heaving as you try to fill your lungs with clean air, but the smoke keeps coming. When you press yourself against a tree to hide, you catch a glimpse of bright light in the near distance. You squint your eyes, and then they widen in shock. It's the village, and it's on fire!
Were those demons responsible for this? Did anybody escape? Will you be able to escape? Fear pounds rapidly in your chest, and you press your hand against it in an attempt to calm yourself. You have to get away from here!
You're about to start running again when a figure appears in front of you, arms shooting out to pin you in place. It's the russet furred demon, and there's excitement dancing in his red and gold eyes.
"Found you." He declares proudly. "It's time to go home now."
You prepare to fight him off and run again, but a lightning-fast flick of his wrist has your vision fading to black. Your body goes limp, and the last thing you feel are his hands catching you.