Saved from Servitude
(LotMK'99) Sun Wukong x Fem!Reader
(Prompt - Servant)
(Thank you to @jennaakaninjastarart for the request!)
There was something strange about the youngest wolf. Ever since he had returned from his scouting mission, he seemed different but you couldn’t quite put your finger on how. He looked the same, sounded the same, and his brothers didn’t seem to notice anything out of sorts. They welcomed him back and accepted his report without question or suspicion.
“The rumors are true,” he growled, knelt in a respectful bow. “There is indeed a holy monk traveling this way. But his disciples are powerful beings; challenging them would be unwise.”
The others, already tipsy from wine and arrogance, only laughed at his warning. It wasn’t until he was ordered to sit and gather his nerve that you caught sight of his tail. The usually short, bushy appendage was suddenly long, thin, and curled against his leg as if trying to hide. It looked less like a wolf’s and more like a monkey’s but you weren’t sure what to make of it.
“Woman!” the leader snarled, startling you from your observations. “Bring our brother food and refreshments! Perhaps it will give his spirit courage as well.”
You limped forward, carefully balancing a plate of food and jug of wine on a platter. The other two demons barely gave you a second glance but the young wolf watched you serve him with unusual concern. Taking a chance, you leaned closer as you poured his drink.
“You’re not actually their brother, are you?” The question was barely a whisper but the wolf still stiffened in alarm. His met your curious gaze, the golden eyes much different from the ominous red you were used to leering at you.
After a moment, he let out a quiet chuckle under his breath. “Is it that obvious?”
“No,” you murmured back, fidgeting with his plate to stall. “But the others might notice once they’re sober. Whatever you’re doing here, I suggest you do it quickly.”
A frown pulled at his muzzle. “And what exactly are you doing here?”
“This used to be my village before the wolves attacked.” The imposter glanced around, his posture casual but his eyes melancholy as he took in the ruined houses. “I’m the last survivor. I was spared to act as their servant but I doubt they’ll see me as useful for much longer.”
The frown tightened to a barely hidden scowl when he glanced down at your leg. “And I suppose the injury was to hinder any escape attempts?”
You smiled sadly. “Actually, I tried to run away but hurt my ankle when I tripped in the dark. But even if I had managed to escape, I have nowhere to go so it was just a matter of time until they, or some other demons, caught me. I think they’re hoping I’ll try again just so they’ll have something to hunt.”
Suddenly, a bowl hurtled past your shoulder and smashed against the ground. “You! Quit stalling and get us more wine!” one of the other wolves snarled. “We need a plan to capture that monk and I can’t do that with an empty cup, now can I?”
You bowed your head and turned away but the fake wolf’s gentle grip on your wrist made you pause.
“I promise; I’ll get you out of here,” he said, assurance and certainty in his every whispered word. As futile as it seemed, you desperately wanted to believe him. “When the fighting starts, hide yourself somewhere safe. I’ll find you once it’s over.”
With a final nod, you shuffled away from the table, equal parts doubtful and hopeful. You knew the wolves were vicious and being outnumbered didn’t bode well for your unlikely alley. But there was something in his gilded stare, so bright and brimming with confidence, that you immediately trusted whatever plan the imposter had in mind.
As the wolves began their scheming to confront the travelers and abduct their master, a frantic howl made everyone snap to attention. Footsteps rushed into the village and a figure, battered and bruised, collapsed before the demon pack in a sweaty, panting mess.
The elder wolves blinked in confusion, looking between their brother sat at the table and their brother also crouched on the ground.
“It’s true!” the newcomer wheezed, tongue lolling out of his mouth. “The holy monk is headed this way! But one of his disciples attacked me and I woke up in the forest! If we hurry, we can still set a trap for them! And then…”
He trailed off when he noticed the other him looking on with something akin to amusement. Yelping, he leapt to his feet and drew his sword with shaky claws.
“It’s him! The one that attacked me! The Monkey King!”
A high, chittery laugh answered him; an unnerving sound coming from the imposter. In a flash of gold, his form shifted before your very eyes. Where once an armored wolf sat, a monkey in yellow robes and a tiger skin kilt now lounged, a cheeky grin on his simian face.
“Guess I’ve been caught. And here I was hope you would nap a little longer.” The monkey leapt up, standing atop his chair with an air of authority. “Now, I’ll warn you a final time; leave my master and fellow pilgrims alone.”
The leader let out a bark that could almost be considered a laugh. “And why should we listen to the whims of a mere monkey?”
“He’s not just any monkey!” the youngest wolf protested nervously. “He’s the Monkey King of legend! The great demon that wrecked heaven and battled their armies to a standstill!”
An uneasy tension rippled through the air as the other demons shared hesitant glances. Slow and careful, you crept back into the shelter of one of the still standing buildings. But even as you hid, you still peeked out curiously, watching as the monkey grew more smug with the wolf’s every word.
“That’s right! I’m the Great Sage Equal to Heaven! The Handsome Monkey King of Fruit and Flower Mountain!” he boasted proudly, hands on his hips and head held high enough for the golden crown on his brow to gleam. “Sun Wukong himself! And I’ll defeat any who challenge me!”
If the wolves were anxious before, they seemed nearly terrified after the bold introduction. Snarling, the lead wolf steeled his nerve and drew his sword.
“I don’t care what you’re the king of! No one orders my pack around nor denies us a hunt! After we’ve deal with you, we’ll capture your precious monk and have ourselves a feast!”
His rallying howl was cut off by a wine jug shattering against his face. The wolf groaned, swayed, then toppled to the ground. His brother barely had time to register the attack before he was sent flying into a nearby wall by a staff strike to the chest. The final wolf yelped and scrambled to flee but a casual kick from the monkey flipped the heavy table over to pin him to the ground.
You gasped in shock and awe, barely able to believe your eyes. Within seconds, all three wolf demons had been defeated with nothing more than a table, a staff, and a jar. As the pack of demons laid scattered and unconscious, the Monkey King hummed in triumph before jumping down from his seat. Then he looked towards you, still watching warily from your hiding spot.
“It’s safe to come out now!” he called, casually strolling over. “Those guys weren’t so tough. But we should probably get out of here before they wake up.”
When he offered his hand, you hesitated, still unsure what kind of demon he might be. The wolves were terrified just to hear his name and part of you wondered if you should feel the same.
Noticing your fear, the Monkey King knelt down next to you. “Hey, I’m not going to hurt you,” he cooed, soft and reassuring. “I promised to get you out of here, remember? And I don’t break promises to my friends.”
The words alone could have held any lie but his gaze was earnest and patient as he watched you. It more kindness than the wolves had ever shown you and if it meant escaping your captors, you were willing to trust the strange monkey.
You took his hand and he smiled, warm and bright as the sun. Despite the strength you had seen him display, his grip was surprisingly gentle as he helped you up. He even kept you steady as you found your balance.
“Ready to go?”
“Yes,” you answered slowly, looking over the remnants of your village in a final farewell. “I am.”
“Alright!” The Monkey King suddenly swept you up into his arms like your weight meant nothing to him. Your flustered gasp and bashful blush went unnoticed as he started walking down the road, chatting all the while. “It shouldn’t take long to catch up with the others. But the sooner we make camp, the sooner we can get that ankle treated. Lucky for you, I’m pretty good with medicine and healing.”
“I can walk if it’s too much trouble,” you tried to protest but he only scoffed and held you tighter.
“Nope, no trouble at all. Besides, you’ll just make your injury worse.”
Being hugged against his chest, it was impossible not to take note of the Monkey King up close. His clothes were worn but his brown fur was soft and framed his simian face in adorable fluffs. The circlet perched on his head was bright and gilded; surely an emblem of his royal status. Most mesmerizing were his eyes; a curious blend of brown, gold, and red that seemed to shift colors in the light. Even if he was a monkey and a formidable demon, you couldn’t help admitting his claims of ‘handsome’ weren’t unfounded.
You didn’t even realize you were staring until he caught your gaze with a tiny smirk. The red of your blush deepened and you forced yourself to look away while he chuckled.
“My master won’t mind you traveling with us,” he continued casually. “Tripitaka’s too caring to turn away someone in need. He’s a good monk but he can be a bit uptight about rules. Sandy’s nice too; a bit quiet but always helpful if you need him. Now Pigsy on the other hand–”
“Thank you,” you spoke up, cutting off his ramblings. “For saving me. I…don’t know what I would have done without your help.”
The Monkey King blinked in surprise, a pink tint coloring his cheeks. “It was no problem, don’t worry about it! I’m just glad I got there before those wolves got too hungry.” His grip tightened a bit but his reassuring smile put you at ease. “You’ll be safe with us now, though. I promise you that.”
You nodded and relaxed in his arms, thankful for the Monkey King carrying you to safety.
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AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/62162575/chapters/213720951
