StoneBornTrickster

It didn't take Yue Lan long to bring back some food and drink. She held a kind of wooden plate/bowl in one hand and a golden chalice inlaid with priceless gems in the other. 

In the short time she had been gone I was able to collect myself some but my head pounded on my temples and my mouth felt so dry it put the sands of the desert to shame. 

Once in front of me, she knelt once again, placing the cup beside me so that she could hold the plate/bowl in front of me.

The dish was simple, nothing complicated that would disagree with my stomach that had tied itself in knots. 

A perfect peach the size of my hand, a plum that was the size of my palm, a bushel of green grapes and some kind of what I assumed to be some cookies or crackers. 

I immediately chose to avoid the cookies, my mouth already too dry. I stare at the dish in front of me. I didn't know what to start with, and although I knew it wasn't poisoned a small voice in the back of my head said it would be, but I knew that it didn't make any sense. 

If the Kings wanted to kill me they would have done so already. And they wouldn't have gone through all the trouble to keep me safe and treat my wounds and even give me a handmaiden to be so careless as to risk someone poisoning me.

No, they wanted me for reasons that were unfathomable to myself and they took many precautions. 

And besides, If Yue Lan had been assigned to me as a handmaiden it would most likely displease her Kings greatly if anything happened to me. So I imagine she would have taken precautions of her own to ensure she completed her task.

I must have been taking too long for Yue Lan's comfort. I couldn't blame her if she thought me daft. My eyes must have been so glazed over I looked mindless. 

“Please, my Lady. I'm sure you'll feel better once you have eaten.”

My eyes focus up again and move from the dish to look into her dark yet kind eyes. 

For a moment I pondered what would happen if I didn't. Would she get in trouble…. would I? I didn't want to find out.

I gingerly picked up the plum, it had some good weight to it. Clearly picked at its peak ripeness. I slowly brought it to my lips but before I took a bite I paused for a moment and wondered if I'd even be able to keep anything down in my state, even if it was just something as light as a bit of fruit. All the fear, stress and pain making my tummy a bit queasy. 

But I figured there was only one way to find out. 

I took the smallest bite, testing the waters. 

My eyes closed in bliss as I softly hummed in delight. It was better than I had imagined. I had never been able to have fruit like this before. Like the tales of the outside world that travelers brought into our little village they also spoke of food beyond your wildest dreams. Orchards that stretched beyond where they eye could see. But not just fruit. Sweets reserved for the nobles of our world, savory dishes that kept you satisfied for days. 

I had dreamed of experiencing something like this. And while I was happy to finally get to have such an extraordinary experience I wasn't too pleased by the circumstances. There was still too much I didn't know and couldn't hope to understand. 

I decided not to dwell on it too much. Instead, I decided to enjoy the fruit in my hand more thoroughly.

I took another bite, but this time a much bigger bite. I didn't bother with any restraint, despite my trepidation in the beginning, the second the fruit reached my stomach I craved more. Suddenly feeling as if I was starving. 

Yue Lan finally took a breath and relaxed. Clearly glad I was eating with such gusto. I couldn't find myself to be embarrassed. And for the few minutes I had known her she didn't seem like the type to judge. 

The juice of the succulent plum ran down my palm, down my wrist and to my forearm before dripping off my elbow. 

Yue Lan saw the mess i was making and placed the dish of fruit down beside me and grabbed the cloth that she previously used to dry my tears and used it to gently clean my arm.

I was so distracted I hadn't realized her actions until the cloth touched skin, nearly making me choke on the piece of plum that I had been chewing as I yelp a little, not expecting the contact. 

 Yue Lan gasps as I involuntarily jerk my arm away, Yue Lan removing her hands from my person and holding them in front of me to see. As if showing me that she was no threat.

“I’m so sorry my Lady, I should have asked.”

I take a second to compose myself, swallowing the bit of plum I had been chewing before looking down at my lap.

“......No… I’m sorry….. I’m… just a little jumpy.”

Yue Lan's eyes softened from their concerned gaze and a small smile appeared on he lips. 

“Of course my Lady. You have been through a lot, it is only natural that you are on edge but I assure you that you are safe.”

I look into her eyes as she continues.

“The Kings have you here as their highly honored guest and you will be treated as such. You are in no danger my Lady. I am here to look after you and there are hundreds of guards all over the water curtain cave and beyond that are very loyal to our Kings and have been ordered to keep you safe.”

My eyes widened.

“I….. I don't understand….. Why am I their guest, and why would I be in their bedchambers instead of a guest room….. Or more fitting the dungeons with the rest of the humans.”

Yue Lan gasps, her hands holding onto my forearms gently but firmly, making sure her words sink in.

“Oh my Lady no! You are very special to their Majesties, you will not be treated as some prisoner!"

I feel my eyes getting teary and my throat tighten.

“But why?! And please, I am no Lady.” 

Yue Lan smiles at me but her eyes are sad.

“Oh my Lady, It is not for me to say, but I assure you that all will be revealed soon.”

I looked at her for a moment. 

“....My…my name is (Y/N)....”

Yue Lan continues to smile at me, her eyes impossibly kind but also forlorn. She clearly felt bad for me. Clearly seeing how confused I was and how distressed it made me. But she did her best to comfort me.

“I know my Lady, but it is not proper for me to call you by name. Their Majesties have ordered you their guest and our peoples Lady and so that is how you will be addressed, not only by me but by any on our little slice of paradise."

We didn't say anything for a moment. We just sat in silence as I processed this new information. 

Yue Lan lets go of my arms after a few moments of tenderly rubbing the skin with her thumbs. Her claws gently scratching my skin. It didn't hurt, and it didn't scare me. If anything it was soothing.

As she stood she spoke in her soothing voice.

“Let me get you some fresh clothes. A full belly and some clean clothes do wonders for the mind.”

She stood and walked into another adjacent room I had yet to notice. She rummaged around some, I could hear the sound of rustling fabrics. It must have been some kind of closet. 

A few moments later she came out with a beautiful peach colored hanfu with sage green sashes and details.

I gulped as I saw the dress. It was beautiful but I felt nervous at the thought of me wearing it. 

As Yue Lan approached with a smile on her face, clearly satisfied with her choice I picked up the chalice that she had set beside me and took a sip, hoping some water would keep me steady.

My hands shook like crazy as I lift the gem encrusted chalice to my lips.

The second the liquid hit my lips I choked and spit it out gasping.

“My Lady!”

Yue Lan rushes to my side and places the gown aside and focuses on me. Cleaning my chin with the cloth she had used earlier. 

“.....Wh….what is this?”

Yue Lan looked me over, making sure nothing was wrong and that she had cleaned me properly as I use my hand to cover my mouth with my hand as I cough a little.

“The finest peach wine in the water curtain cave my Lady. The Sun King's favorite. A very good vintage.”

I gather myself as she explains and look down into the cup. Upon closer look it was clearly a slight clear orange tinge, like a white wine. 

I focus more on the taste left on my tongue. It was sweet. Delightfully so. 

“It was made some ten years ago, picked from the orchards all over our mountain. This cask is one of many reserved for His royal Majesty the Sun King. The Moon King will also sometimes partake however he does prefer plum wine or even a simple red grape wine. His majesty the Sun King had ordered that you also be able to partake in the wines. Would you like me to bring something else?”

I took another sip, not that I knew what it was I didn't spit it out. I let the small sip of wine sit on my tongue for a few seconds before swallowing. It was smooth. Not at all harsh and very sweet yet not so overbearing. Definitely a drink fit for Royalty.

“....No… I’m sorry. I didn't mean to be wistful, I just…… wasn't expecting wine….. I… Ive never had wine before.”

Yue Lan looks almost panicked. 

“Oh, My Lady, I'm very sorry. I should have realized. Is it not to your taste?”

I looked at her worried face. I felt bad. I keep making her panic.”

“.... No.. It is very delicious. It just surprised me….. I’m flattered to be allowed to drink something as special as this.”

She relaxes, standing once more and picking up the hanfu she had set down. 

“Of course my Lady. I assure you that you will want for nothing here, and showered in many luxuries, Now please. Allow me to help you dress.”

I nodded. Setting down the chalice and was about to try to stand on my sore feet as best I could before Yue Lan stopped me.

“Oh no my Lady!” 

I freeze as she exclaims and remain sitting.

“You are hurt my Lady, you mustn't put pressure on your feet before they are properly healed, if not fully then at least not until you have some strong scabs to protect you.”

She begins helping me out of my torn and dirty hanfu.

“And even then, I wouldn't be surprised if their Majesties wouldn't let you walk by yourself until your feet are as smooth and soft as a newborn's.”

As kind and gentle as she is, Yue Lan only continues to confuse me with her words. She speaks as if the Kings hold me dear to their hearts but that doesn't make any sense. 

I had met The Moon King this morning and The Sun King for only a minute, if that.

As Yue Lan strips me from my clothes I am left bare in front of her. I felt embarrassed. I had never been naked in front of anyone before and unlike her I didn't have any fur to produce my decency.

My legs squeeze together and my arms come up to cover my chest as my cheeks redden with embarrassment. Unfortunately for me Yue Lan notices.

“Oh, my Lady, please don't be embarrassed. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You are beautiful if I may say so. Besides, I am your handmaiden. I am here to attend to your every need. One of said duties I am to attend to is to help dress and even bathe you.”

My eyes widened.

“....But…. Why?”

She smiles.

“You are my honorable Lady and will be treated as such. And not only by me but by every citizen of Flowers and Fruit Mountain. It is our Lord King's decree. And ladies such as yourself aren't to lift a finger.”

I relax a little, my shoulders moving down from their place by my ears, but I still don't remove my arms from around my chest. 

Yue Lan finishes removing my clothes and is about to start dressing me in the beautiful hanfu before she gasps in shock.

I tense again, my arms tightening around my chest. 

“Oh my Lady!!”

Her hands gently trance my stomach. I looked down to see what had shocked her so only to gasp myself.

It had only been maybe an hour since I was removed from The Moon Kings shoulder but already my stomach had a harsh bruise already forming. It wasn't too dark yet but the fact you could already see the change in color on my skin already was a tell tale sign that it would become very dark and most likely grow some more and stretch over the entirety of my stomach. 

Yue Lan looks up at me, I could almost swear I saw tears in her eyes.

“Is it terribly painful my Lady?”

Her fingers have a feather light touch on my stomach, her hands trembling worse than mine did just a few moments ago.

“.....i-its a bit tender but not too painful yet…. I imagine it will get worse yet…”

I mumbled the last bit but she heard me anyway. 

“Oh my Lady, I'll be sure to notify our healers, they will create a salve to tend to the pain.”

I looked at her in silence before nodding, it had been made very clear that there was no use in arguing or questioning.

“....Thank you… Yue Lan…”

She smiles, it was the first time I used her name. 

“Of course my Lady, I'll be sure not to tie your hanfu too tightly.”

I nodded.

She took her time. Being careful of all my injuries as she dressed me methodically. 

Once she was finished I picked up the chalice once again and took a sip. I had never had alcohol before. The warming feeling as it went down my throat and into my stomach was very nice. I suddenly understood why people liked drinking so much. 

Yue Lan smiled, clearly seeing that I was finally relaxing.

“Take it slow my Lady, Is it safe to assume you have never partaken in alcohol before?”

I nodded sheepishly, embarrassed at how obvious I had made my inexperience. 

She smiled kindly. I was beginning to think she didn't have the capacity to be unkind.

“Please don't be embarrassed my Lady, enjoy as much as you please, I can even have more be brought to you but the stress of the day has taken its toll and I don't want you to become sick. That would do you no good.”

I nodded. She was right. I had seen men get drunk before and I had also seen the aftermath. Inexperienced men who had never drank before had always suffered the worst of hangovers, and I didn't need another reason for my head to hurt. 

Once Yue Lan was sure that I was properly dressed she stood. Picking up the basin of blooded water that was still beside us on the floor. As well as the basket that held the bandages and ointments used to treat me. 

“I’ll take my leave now, my Lady. I recommend you rest. I swear you are safe and there are soldiers right outside the door. If you need anything just call out and they will attend to you or summon me. I shall return later.”

She bows, waiting to see if I will say anything.

“.....Thank you, Yue Lan….”

She straightens her back, smiling with her eyes closed before opening them again.

“Of course my Lady.”

She turns around and walks out, her tail swaying behind her.

Once the massive doors had shut behind her I found myself feeling awkward in the silence. I had never felt so truly alone before. I didn't even feel truly alone at the river. The comfort of the safety of my village never being far. And when in town it was always abuzz with noise. From adults working at their trade to children playing in the streets. 

I turned on the ledge, my shoulder facing the window so that I could turn my head and look out and see what could only be described as paradise. 

The King's bedchamber was so high up in the mountain that the water curtain cave was made from, so high it would be impossible for someone to sneak up and enter the chamber from this way unless they could fly, and so high up it would be impossible to escape from. 

The silence deepens in a way I couldn't even imagine, unbearably so.

I move so my knees are underneath me, so that I could properly see outside the window. Looking down I could see several plateaus that made up the mountain of Flowers and Fruit. Several species of Monkeys and Monkey Yauguais, young and old alike. Children playing in the fruit trees and mothers chatting with one another, some grooming each other. 

There were even some soldiers around, standing guard and even paying with some children. One I saw holding his arm out so that a few young children could hang from it with their tails and swing back and forth. I couldn't hear it but I could see that they were laughing, 

The sight made me think of the children of my village. Children I had taken care of, children I had played with, children I had taught. 

Now, instead of seeing their smiling faces all I could see was their blank faces and lifeless eyes as they laid in the mud. Mud that had been created from their and their parents' blood.

I moved back so my butt was sitting properly on the ledge now, a pillow under me to keep me comfortable as I brought my knees up to my chest. 

Once the images of my village finished running through my mind, I started to envision children and parents I didn't know. They were people from other villages. Countless other villages that had come to the same fate as mine, but unlike mine, there was no girl such as myself who had been brought here. 

I started crying again, thought this time silently as I lay my cheek on my knees so my face was facing the window. There was so much beauty, beauty any woman would be incredibly grateful to witness, especially after being one of the only spared while the rest of her people were slaughtered. 

________________________________

I couldn't imagine how long I stared out that grand window. My tears had long dried up, even my sniffles had calmed. 

I had placed my hand on the cool stone of the window. It was smooth yet textured. The coolness calmed me greatly. The duality of the cold stone to my burning cheeks and eyes did wonders to ground my mind. 

So much so that I hadn't even noticed that I was no longer alone. 

It wasn't until I felt a large clawed hand be placed on the top of my head that moved down to my back and the tingle of claws running through my hair and scratching my scalp ever so delicately that I even realized someone else was in the room. 

I gasped, my breath getting caught in my throat as I lifted my head and turned to see who it was. 

There in front of me was the Sun King, Sun Wukong. He was kneeling on one knee, his free arm resting on his knee. 

Even kneeling, much like the Moon King, he towered over me, so much so that I had to look up at him. 

I didn't say anything and neither did he as his hand stroked my hair tenderly, his claws lightly scratching my scalp in just the right way. If my heart wasn't beating a mile a minute I would find it soothing. 

Unlike before he wasn't wearing any armour, in fact he was wearing very little right now.

He was completely topless, his ru nowhere to be found. His chest was completely bare, just smooth skin going down to his navel where I could see some of his fur peaking out of the top of his orange pants with a red and gold sash tied at the top. While he had no fur on his stomach, chest and up the front of his neck, though he did have fur on his sides and his collarbones, going all the way up the side of his neck before the fur joins the hair on the top of his head.

As we continue to stare at each other, I begin to feel the burning of tears once again, though I doubt I could cry if I wanted to. 

His eyes on the other hand were incredibly soft. Not at all the cruel stare I had expected to receive from The Sun King. 

His hand never stops moving through my hair, his claws scraping the back of my neck every now and again. It was incredibly soothing but I couldn't help but think of all the lives these hands have taken. 

Despite the silence and the staring I never felt uncomfortable. I was nervous to be in his presence, and I was anxious because I didn't know why I was here.

His eyes were as calm as a sunrise even though it felt as if his eyes could see through me and into my soul.

After a few more moments of silence The Sun King finally looked away and to the bowl beside me, removing his hand from the back of my neck so as to pick up the peach that still sat untouched in the bowl. 

When he turned back to look at me he raised the peach to his lips and took a bite. When his mouth opened I could see his sharp canine teeth. 

He took a generous bite, took a moment to chew before swallowing and held the peach up to my lips. 

“Eat, Little Star.”

Little Star, that nickname. I didn't understand why he and The Moon King felt the need to give me such a nickname. But I dare not contradict The Sun King, I knew no matter what they would call me whatever they please. I suppose I should be grateful it's not an insult or something derogatory. 

I opened my mouth and The Sun King gently pressed the juicy fruit to my teeth so that I could take a bite. 

As I chewed he smiled softly, clearly pleased with my obedience and took another bite himself.

We continued on like this until all that was left was the pit of the delicious stone fruit. 

I felt a bit awkward, having never shared food like this before but on the other hand I suppose I should feel grateful to be able to share food with The Sun King in such an intimate matter but at the same time this left me with even more questions than answers. 

The Sun King held the pit for a moment before tossing it out the window down to one of the plateaus, no doubt in a few years it will be a beautiful peach tree. 

As I looked outside, my eyes followed the pit until it was too small and too far away for my eyes, I noticed that the sun was almost done setting. Just a small sliver of sunlight peaking past the horizon. In another minute or two it will be dark. 

I hadn't even noticed it had gotten so late, the torches that were on the walls surrounding the room had kept everything so bright I hadn't noticed the light fading from the sky. 

When I looked back at The Sun King I was met with the sight of his stomach, and the muscles that adorned him. He moved to sit beside me, I was about to remove my feet from the ledge to make more room for him but before I could The Sun King placed his hand on my feet. One of his hands almost covered the entirety of both my feet. 

I gasped at the contact and chastised myself for being so jumpy. I wanted to present myself as calm and collected but I was as skittish as a newborn fawn. 

The Sun King looks down at my feet, his thumb stroking the bandages. He didn't say anything for a while but when he did finally speak his deep voice was smooth yet rich like a dark chocolate.  

“Are you in pain, Little One?”

I stared at his hand as he caressed my feet. His gentleness, while appreciated, only confused me more. He hated humans, as far as I was aware all the Yaouguais who call Flower Fruit Mountain home did. So why did he and his mate treat me so kindly? Furthermore, why would his people, such as Yue Lan, treat me so kindly?

I swallowed before answering him.

“....A little…. But the ointment his Majesty The Moon King was kind enough to apply really helps…”

I didn't want to lie to him to avoid seeming weak. Though I imagine that I already looked quite pathetic, I also didn't want to seem like I was ungrateful for the kind treatment I had received, especially from someone as important as his mate and fellow King. 

The Sun King smiles softly. His eyes closing and his head hanging down a little as he chuckled.  

“Come now Little Star, I do believe you have been told to call him by his name.”

My cheeks reddened at his words and only deepened when his eyes met mine again. 

I tried to find the words but none came to mind. I didn't want to seem like I was being disobedient towards either of the great Kings. 

The Sun King suddenly got up from his place on the ledge, placing one knee on it while the other was planted firmly on the ground, both his hands taking their place on either side of my hips as he leaned in close. 

He smelled like warm white sand on the beach and fruit. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, probably a strong smell of iron from blood that had no doubt coated him many times, but it wasn't that.

“Come now, Little One, you don't want to disobey him do you?”

My eyes widened, my heart beating so fast I was worried it would stop from exhaustion. Gods know it had been working overtime today.

“N-No! Of course not!.... I-I just….”

The Sun King chuckles again, I guess I should be glad that I was amusing him though I knew that my next words had to be chosen carefully or that would change very quickly. 

The Sun King tilted his head to the side a little, raising one of his hands to cup my chin, making sure I was forced to look into his eyes. 

“Come Little Star, He told you to call him by name so why aren't you.”

I could feel my breath quickening along with my heart. 

“I… I assumed he only meant with him… It.. It would be disrespectful to refer to him so unceremoniously in front of others….. I- I never meant to offend.”

I pat myself on the back for getting my explanation out semi-clearly.

The Sun King smiles.

“You are very precious to us, but when we tell you to do something we expect you to listen.”

I nod as much as I could with my chin still in his grasp. 

 “Y-Yes your Majesty! I understand!”

His smile fads a little. The sight made my heart go from beating a mile a minute to stopping completely. I had displeased him. 

“Do you know my name? What I am called?”

I nod a little,

“Y-you are The Sun King… The Monkey King and Great Sage Equal of Heaven…"

His frown deepens and his fingers squeeze my chin a little, shaking my head. If I hadn't spent all day crying I would have started again but that didn't stop my eyes from stinging as if tears would come. 

“No, not my titles… Do you know my name?”

I gulp, before opening my mouth. I hesitated another moment. It felt wrong to refer to him without any title but I knew it was what he wanted and I didn't want to find out what he would do if I refused to say his name even if I was just standing on ceremony and proper etiquette.

“...Y-you… you are.”

I take a breath, trying to calm my heart.

“You are Sun Wukong.”

His smiles return, his fingers loosening their grip but not letting go. His thumb stroked my cheek.

“Good girl, And my fellow King's name?”

“M-macaque.”

He lets go of my chin, instead moving his hand to cup my cheek, his thumb now stroking just underneath my eye. 

“There, that wasn't so hard, now was it?”

I shook my head, but it was hard. It felt so wrong.

“That is all you will call us, do you understand?”

I gulp, I didn't want to question him, I really didn't but I figured it would be better to ask now rather than be sorry later.

“...E-even in front of others?”

Wukong smirks.

“Yes Little Star. Like I said; you are precious to us. So precious that we would be offended by you calling us by any other title but our given names, even if they are our royal titles.”

I look at him, my eyes wide. 

“Why?”

Wukong's smile drops, but he doesn't frown, just stops smiling.

“Why what, Little One?”

“Why am I so important?”

His smile returns a little, leaning forward even more so our forehead touched, his eyes staring into mine. 

“Not just important… precious. Very, very precious.”

I gulp, trying to compose myself.

“Why am I precious? I have heard of both of you before but I have never met either of you before, I've never even seen a Yaoguai before today. How could I be precious?”

Wukong closes his eyes for a moment, just breathing with me. His warm breath over my lips forced me to calm down and match my breathing with his breathing.

“All in good time, Little Star. For now just know you are safe. We will explain in time but you have been through enough today.”

His eyes open.

“You are hurt, and your heart breaks for your people.”

My eyes widen, my nervousness increasing. 

“Relax, Little One. It is only natural for you to be saddened by the death of your people, and while I can't bring them back I promise that you will never feel such grief again.”

I tried taking a few deep breaths but my breath trembled with each exhale. 

Wukong had made it clear that was the end of that conversation by pulling his forehead away from mine and standing. Before I could say anything he picked me up with one hand on my shoulder blades and the other under my knees.

“...W-wait!”

Wukong chuckles.

“Hush, Little Star. It is late and you are bound to be exhausted after the trauma you have faced this day. We will sleep.”

I was going to protest more but Wukong had already gotten into the bed/nest that was carved into the floor and lined with furs and pillows. 

He set me down onto my back very gently. Making sure there was a pillow behind my head and a fur pelt big enough to cover me to keep me warm. 

Once he was sure I was settled he lay down beside me on his side, one of his arms coming behind my neck and around my shoulders and tugging me into his chest. I gasped, placing my hand on his chest. It was my poor attempt to create distance but I knew that if he wanted to hold me while we slept he would do just that and I was no match for his great strength. 

Wukong pulls me close. His nose brushed my temple as he whispered in my ear.

“Relax. Just breathe. You don't need to be scared. Least of all of me”

I almost rolled my eyes, if I had anyone to fear it was him and his fellow King. But on the other hand if I was truly as precious to the two of them as he says I truly was safe. Probably the safest person in the world. 

I was about to attempt to convince him that it wasn't right for a great King such as himself to sleep in the same bed as a human peasant girl, and that I should be moved to a different room and not impose on him and his mate. 

But I was interrupted by the opening of the doors to the bedchamber. 

Macaque walked in. No longer in armour and in the same style of loose pants with a sash. Only his pants were a dark purple with a black and silver sash. 

For a moment I was relieved to not be alone with The Sun King in his bed but that relief quickly disappeared when Macaque, without a single word, approached the nest and collapsed on my other side. 

Macaque signed deeply, nuzzling into my neck. His long hair and soft fur that surrounded his face tickled my neck. 

One of his arms joined Wukongs behind my neck and the other around my waist. Wukong placed his free hand on my stomach, his thumb brushing the soft silk of the hanfu Yue Lan had dressed me in. 

I could feel a tear start to fall down my cheek. I was so confused, and it made me scared.

Macaque seemed to notice, his hand around my waist coming up so that his knuckle brushed away the tear.

“Sleep precious one.”

Macaque said,

“You will feel better in the morning.”

I gasped as I felt Wukong press a lingering kiss to my neck. Macaque following his lead and kissed the other side.

I didn't think I’d be able to sleep, but as my breathing leveled out and my heart calmed, being guided by their own breathing and heartbeat, I suddenly found my eyelids became too heavy to keep open. 

I couldn't believe my eyes. I knew what I was seeing was real but I couldn't actually believe it, but here it was, right in front of my very eyes. I had pinched my arm so hard and so many times just to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

I had always wanted to see the world but I never would have thought in my wildest dreams I would get to see it like this. The Moon King kept me very secure over his shoulder as we soared through the clouds, my stomach aching like it had never ached before due to his armor that was continuously digging into my soft skin that was getting more and more tender by the second. 

But despite the pain all I could think of was what was below us. I had missed some of the journey's views, my tears making it impossible to see the distance, but I could only cry so much. I was still a little choked up from my tears, as well as still not being able to take in a full breath to try and calm down. For a while that was all I could focus on but when I realised what we were flying over I couldn't help but be in awe of the view. 

I had heard many stories from travelers passing through our quaint little village who were kind enough to speak on their travels and never spared any detail. They seemed to love talking about it as much as me and the younger children liked to listen, even some of the elders could become enraptured by the tales they wove, but never in my life did I think it would be this amazing. 

Travelers spoke of great mountains that were surrounded by lush forests with all manner of animals roaming the forest floor. Summits that were near impossible to reach but if you were lucky enough to survive the journey you would not only see the most beautiful view but also be given countless blessings from the Lords and Ladies of the heavens and the Bodhisattvas that loyalty served the Buddah himself.

They spoke of miles of farmland like rice fields and wheat surrounding the capital and fed thousands.

Past our vast forest, the only view I had ever known, was miles upon mines of roads. Roads that connected the peoples of the world. Connecting all small villages and fields of crops planted and tended to by hard working farmers, and even massive cities full of beauty and wealth.

There were rivers that were so much bigger than the one outside my village's boundaries. One that would be impossible to cross on foot or even on horse. 

I had never dreamed of seeing all this in my lifetime nonetheless to see it in one afternoon from the great height of the clouds. I had a view similar to the gods and I couldn't believe it. But it was true. 

We were so incredibly high up so I couldn't make out some of the smaller details but what I could see was breathtaking, a sight no normal mortal like myself could ever dream to see. 

But despite my awe at the sights below me I wasn't able to enjoy and truly take in a view for too long, not only were we high up but also moving incredibly fast, faster than I thought ever possible. But it was still amazing. What I wouldn't do to be able to experience this in different circumstances. 

We weren't in the sky for long before we reached our destination, maybe an hour or two. It seems we have crossed the world in a few hours instead of what would take any normal person a lifetime and even then they would never be able to see what I just witnessed. 

From what I could see over the shoulder of the Moon King this place was truly a paradise. The Flower Fruit Mountain, home of the Sun and Moon King and their true Monkey and Monkey Yaoguais subject was beautiful. Lush trees, many of which were fruit trees, covered the entirety of the mountain. Many rivers stretched across the mountain side as well as waterfalls. 

But what caught my eye most was the entrance to their home. The tallest of the waterfalls that covered the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, one of many. A falls that would make any great warrior tremble at the sight of its magnificence. 

The peak of the mountain was still quite a ways above us, it looked near impossible to summit due to its incredible height and steepness. The waterfall did not come from the top of the mountain but wasn't too far off. The water flowed down several meters before meeting a plateau and creating a beautiful pond that was also surrounded by lush green grass and a few peach trees before it continued to fall down the plato into another body of water and so on until it reached the base of the mountain.

 The Moon King slowly lowered us onto the plateau that led to the entrance of the water curtain cave, several Monkey and Monkey Yauguais waiting for us at the entrance of the cave. Mostly "civilians" while a few of the Monkey Yauguais were in armor and carried weapons such as spears and swords. 

Once landed I had expected the King to put me down but much to my surprise he kept me on his shoulder. Now that we had landed his armour dug viciously into my stomach. I could feel a large bruise forming on my stomach at every little movement made by the King. 

I placed my hands on his back and pushed my upper body up, both to see what was around us but also to try and lessen the pain on my stomach. It helped a little but made the pain on my lower stomach that was still on his shoulder and was now holding all my weight was much worse, but I didn't have long to dwell on my own pain.

As I look up I see several Monkeys and Monkey Yauguais surrounding me, or… I guess I should say surrounding their King, Many were smiling and chittering at their newly returned King while some kept their distance at the sight of me.

I must have looked horrible. My face red and puffy, my eyes still wet with tears. I had blood still pouring down my arm and staining my clothes from the scratch I had received when I yanked my arm for the Yauguai soldiers grip earlier. My feet also still bleeding from when I had cut them running back to my village though not as severely as my arm.

But I didn't find much time to dwell on how I was feeling before I saw a few soldiers also descend from the clouds, covered in blood and ash with Ms. Mei Ling in their clutches. I guess several of the Yauguai soldiers had the ability to ride the clouds. 

I feel more tears as I look at Ms. Mei Ling, Her hair bloodied from her head wound. She was barely conscious. Her head hanging down low as two soldiers hold her up by heather arm. 

I was about to say something when they approached their King and myself.

“My Lord, what would you wish to be done with the hag?”

The Yauguai that spoke bowed his head to his Lord as he spoke, awaiting instructions.

I could feel the Moon Kings clawed hand grip my upper thigh, squeezing so his sharp claws would press into my skin but not break it, a clear warning to keep my mouth shut. 

“Take her to the Pit. then return to your usual posts and await instructions from your commanders.”

I felt like the breath had been sucked from my lungs as I panicked at the King's words. The Pit, which I could only assume is their dungeon or some kind of torture chamber would be Ms. Mei Lings death.

Despite the warning I spoke up anyways.

“My King, please! She is old and frail and already wounded! It'll be her death if you lock her away! Please I be…..AAAAAAH!!”

I was cut off as his hand released my thigh and smacked my butt again, much harder than before. The blow forced more tears from my eyes but shut me up. My arms giving out as I collapse over his shoulder, my stomach so tender it felt like a blow from a fist covered in metal. My tears flowing much like the waterfall as I tremble under his hand that had gripped my thigh again.

He didn't say anything, just nodding his head in a gesture telling the soldiers to follow his command. 

I whimpered out a soft “No” as I watched through blurry eyes as they took her into the cave. The waterfall parted by itself to let them pass, no doubt by some kind of magic. 

Without another word to his subjects, who were still smiling and wishing him the best as well as congratulating him on his victory and his safe return, he walked through the now open waterfall.

I had never seen anything like it. A massive cavern so vast it would have taken my breath away if I was able to get a proper breath in. 

There was a massive temple, carved of stone on the back wall, huge pillars that were carved and painted mostly in honor of their Kings. Their images engraved in the stone. Large sections of wall that were carved out so as to let in natural light so as to illuminate the caverns. I watched as Soldiers dragged a now unconscious Ms. Mei Ling to the side where a carved stone staircase descended down into the mountain. 

I watched as they disappeared into the darkness and the Moon King took me to the other side of the cavern. He walks under a large archway to the side that leads to another stone staircase, this one leading up into the mountain. 

All of a sudden, I felt what little strength I had in me. I couldn't feel my legs and my hands felt numb. My right arm, the arm that had the gashes from the Yauguai Soldier earlier, was covered in blood, my hanfu ruined and I could barely feel the gashes regardless of their depth. 

After a few minutes of the Moon King walking up the stone steps we reach the top. There is a long hallway and at the very end two massive double doors. One door depicts the sun while the other depicts the moon. Two guards on either side bow as the Moon king approaches and opens the doors to them. 

It was clearly the King's bedchambers. I would begin to panic but I was so exhausted from today and the blood loss from my arm that I couldn't do anything about it. All I could do was listen to my heart beating faster and faster in my ears. 

The room was big. The chamber was a large circle with torches illuminated the room on the walls, a large circular hole in the roof that acted as a window on the roof also helping to illuminate the room as well as a large window that was carved into the far wall just a few feet off the ground but that stretched all the way up almost touching the roof. 

In front of this window there was a bit of a ledge that jutted out from the wall acting as a kind of bench to sit on while looking out the window. Several pillows and soft furs covering the stone ledge so as to make it more comfortable. 

In the middle of the room was some kind of nest. I didn't know what else to call it. It was carved into the floor, also a circle, and was lined with pillows and furs much like the ledge in front of the window. 

The Moon King walked past it and over to the ledge finally setting me down. Now that I could get in a full breath I felt like I was about to pass out. My head was light and my mind spinning as I clutched onto the furs as well as I could trying to ground myself. 

My body swayed as if in the wind as I did my best not to collapse. Whatever was about to happen I wanted to be conscious. 

The Moon King knelt in front of me. If I wasn't so lightheaded I would have been surprised but I barely registered his actions. Not even when he placed his large clawed hands on my legs.

I felt him looking at me and did my best to face him but could barely keep my eyes open. 

I vaguely notice him turning and calling out to the guards. One of whom opened one of the doors to bow to his King and ask what he wished.

I heard something about a King before collapsing on the soft pillows. I wasn't unconscious but I was very close and I couldn't hold my body up any longer. 

Next thing I know I feel something wet and cold on my forehead. Forcing my eyes open I see the Moon King still kneeling in front of me but this time he had a cloth in his hand that he was pressing to my forehead and neck. 

We just looked at each other for a while. I wasn't too sure what to do next, this was never a situation I had even dreamed to be in before. I found myself lost in his eyes.

I had never seen eyes like his before. The sclera of his eyes is a deep black instead of white, and both his iris and pupil were practically gold, His pupils a slightly darker gold than his iris, but I never would have noticed that detail if his face wasn't so close to mine.  

I didn't have much time to dwell on the realization before the massive double doors opened again and a younger monkey demoness walks in with a basket in her hands.

The King stands and turns to the young woman.

“Help me tend to her wounds.”

She doesn't say a word, just nods and approaches me. 

She sets the basket on the floor in front of the bench before kneeling herself and placing her hands on my shoulders. Her hands were much smaller than the Moon Kings but she also had claws though she was careful enough not to prick me with them.

The basket she had set down was full of bandages and a few small clay pots that held a few different kinds of ointments. 

The King came back once the young woman was sure I wouldn't fall over again. He was carrying a large clay basin, placing it by my feet. He then stood up and walked across the room to the doors, opening one and saying something to the guard outside before closing the door and walking back over to me and the young demoness. 

The woman takes a cloth and dips it into the water of the basin before raising my sleeve and slowly cleaning the wound. 

I did my best to bite my tongue but I couldn't stop the soft whimpers and sharp hisses as she cleansed around the five gashes. The pain gets worse as she gets closer and closer to the gashes themselves. 

The King stands behind her and watches her clean my wounds, his arms crossed against his chest as he watches the young demoness like a hawk. 

Despite my best efforts I couldn't help the tears from spilling from my eyes again. Both from pain but also in grief. Now, with my wounds being treated and my mind a little more clear from the pain, I couldn't help but grieve over my fellow villagers, villagers that are now dead. Villagers that woke up and expected nothing but our usual boring days only for it to be their last day. 

I didn't know how long I was crying silently as my wounds were being treated but it must have been a few minutes. Before I knew it the demoness was done with my arm and moved to my feet, but just as she was about to begin treating them the Moon King interrupted her.

“Thats enough, you may leave.”

The demoness looks to her King, a little confused but doesn't question him. She's about to pick up the basket before the King stops her again.

“Leave that, we will need it.”

She still doesn't say a word. Simply bows and walks out of the room. 

Once the doors closed again the King picked up the basin full of water that was now red from my blood and took it to an adjoining room, coming back a few seconds later with fresh, clean water. 

He kneels down again and picks up one of my feet, being very gentle as he dips it in the water. I hiss at the feeling of the cool water touching my bloodied feet but after a few seconds it starts to feel very soothing. 

I sigh, trying to relax knowing I couldn't do anything about what was to come, whatever that may be, but all I could do was take in shaky breaths and cry. 

The Moon King did me the courtesy of not mocking me. I assume because I was not only a weak human woman but because I was also a civilian not a warrior, so I suppose it was less courtesy and more pity. He probably looked down on me for being as weak as I am. 

The Moon King continued to tend to my foot, slowly removing any debris with a tenderness I did not expect from his hands. If I hadn't just witnessed the slaughter of my people I would find this relaxing, even flattering. To have a King such as himself kneeling in front of me and tending to my wounds.

I stilled at the thought… why? Why would a King like him, a King who openly despised humans with his fellow King and lover be tending to my wounds. A servant like the woman before should be doing this if doing it at all. 

I felt lightheaded again. All I knew and all I thought I knew had been turned on its head and I didn't know what to believe. This had to be some kind of tactic, it just had to be. He wanted me to lower my guard, to relax and be lulled into a false sense of security. 

I was resolving myself not to fall for his tactics, no matter how nice he seemed I wouldn't fall for it. As I tried to convince myself to stay strong the door opened and all my resolve, all my “strength” left me. 

It was him….

The Victorious Fighting Buddha, 

The Stone Monkey,

The Great Sage, Equal to Heaven

The Sun King,

The Monkey King,

Sun Wukong.

I gasped, having no idea what to do I just froze. Maybe this is how I would die. Having my wounds treated just so the great Sun King himself could torture and kill me.

The Moon King stands, breaking me out of my panic for a moment but only a moment before it came back full force. Maybe the two Kings just wanted a play thing. Someone pathetic to toy with and torture. 

As the Moon King walked towards his mate, who still just stood in the doorway in full armour and with a look that could kill, his golden and red eyes looked like they literally saw right through me. I remembered  that another moniker the common people had given the two kings. 

Sun Wukong; The Killer of Man

And,

The Six Eared Macaque; The Shadow Killer

My tears flow with a vengeance now. Hot as fire and stinging on my already raw cheeks. 

I couldn't hear them, The Moon King had leaned into his mate's ear as he spoke, making it impossible to guess their intentions. Though I highly doubt that those intentions are anything but ruthless. 

The Moon king is probably convincing his mate that I would be fun to keep around and toy with for a bit, explaining how he got to this conclusion and why he brought me into what was obviously their bed chambers. 

The Sun King looked at his mate intently, clearly hanging onto every word with a devotion only someone like him could give his lover. 

I would have found it romantic and admirable to be so loyal and loving towards one's mate if I wasn't trembling like a baby deer. 

Once the Moon king was done talking both their eyes looked over to me. For a moment they just stared, taking in the sight of me. A no doubt pathetic sight, and for a moment I wondered if I jumped out of this window right now would it kill me quickly or just add to my suffering. 

My entire body tensed when the Sun King finally moved, regrettably in my direction. I tried to brace myself for whatever would happen next, wanting so badly to grip the edge of the window and fling myself out of it. The urge got stronger the closer he got, but as much as my body wanted me to run I just couldn't. 

I tried to stay quiet, trying to retain at least some dignity but despite my best efforts the occasional whimper or hiccup would escape my throat.

It took no time at all for him to finally stand in front of me. He towered over me. He would even if I was standing. 

Now that he was in front of me I bowed my head, not daring to look him in the eye when he was this close. Maybe if I was respectful enough and did as he pleased he would grant me a swift death.

He just stood there for a while, looking down at me. Most likely thinking me to be pathetic. Maybe if I made myself so pathetic he would decide I wasn't worth tormenting. 

After a moment he raised his hand. I couldn't help but cower into myself, I knew a swift death would be my best option in this situation but I was still scared of the pain. The worst pain I had ever experienced before today was a scraped knee or a small cut on my finger for a kitchen knife. I knew the pain this man could inflict on me would be so much worse, even compared to the gashes on my arm and the cuts on my feet. 

But to my surprise nothing of the sort happened, no slap, no scratch, no violent grab… nothing.

He raised his hand and placed the knuckle of his pointer finger under my chin and tilted it up forcing my watery eyes to meet his. 

His eyes were sharp, but I couldn't bring myself to call them cruel. These are the eyes of a haunted man.

I didn't understand it. He had killed thousands, men, women and children alike. He had done so many atrocities that calling him cruel was too kind. But as I look into those eyes now the descriptor just didn't fit.

I didn't know what to call it, but he didn't look at me with cruel eyes, if anything they were searching, almost desperately. Almost as if he believed if he looked into my eyes long enough he would find a long lost treasure.

After a few moments he finally spoke, his voice deep and commanding yet smooth. Not raspy or gravely.

“What is your name?”

It took me a second to respond, my tongue having gone numb. 

After a few moments of my silence he clearly got inpatient, taking my chin in his thumb and forefinger squeezing my cheeks just enough that his claws pocked my soft skin in warning. 

“Your name.”

It wasn't a question that time, it was demanded from a King. But not just any King. Not a King that required an army to strike fear in his enemies and his people. But a King who had seen things beyond my or anyone's understanding, a King who knew exactly who he was, and the power he possessed.

“….. (Y/N)... your M-Majesty”

His eyes widened, but only a little. If his face wasn't so close to mine I never would have noticed. 

I almost felt pride for a second. How many people could say they got so close to the Sun King to not only be in his bedchambers but to be so close to him to notice such a minute change in expression. 

He stared at me for a little while longer before turning and walking back to his mate without another word. They spoke again, too softly for me to understand before the Sun King took one last look at me and walked out the door.

I could barely breathe. Nothing made sense, I didn't understand. Why am I alive, why aren't I with Ms. Mei Ling in the dungeon. Even if I, for some unfathomable reason, was a guest of the Kings, why would I be in their personal bedchambers instead of a guest room of some kind. Nothing made sense.

While I was stewing over my own thoughts, The Moon King had made his way back over to me. Kneeling once more, grabbing a small clay jar and dipping his clawed finger into the white paste. He gently covers the bottom of my foot with the paste as I try my best to sit still. I couldn't help but wince every now and again from the pain of  fresh cuts having a healing ointment applied to them. 

The silence had given me a moment to collect myself. My breathing finally calmed, I was able to take in a few deep breaths without any hiccuping or choking up but my tears wouldn't stop. 

The Moon King did me the courtesy of not mentioning my lack of composure. As embarrassed as I was to be crying uncontrollably in front of a man such as The Moon King, the grief I felt simply did not care. 

Once done with the ointment, the King placed the clay jar back to its place and then grabbed a roll of bandages from the basket and began to wrap my treated foot. 

Once he was sure the bandage wasn't going anywhere he then grabbed my other foot and started the same treatment. Cleaning my foot of any dried blood and debris before applying the ointment and finally wrapping it. 

Throughout this entire process, his gentle hands working on my wounds on my tender souls, I felt conflicted with my own feelings. 

I found myself lost in my own thoughts as I stared at the basin of what was once clean water, now red with my blood.

For some reason I couldn't understand; I wasn't angry, there was no animosity towards the two Kings even though they had ordered their soldiers to kill my people, my friends and family. I was scared, but not just because I knew they could snap me in half like it was nothing but also because I didn't know their plans for me and why on earth I would be here. Nothing made sense.

“.......o they feel?”

My eyes focused again, looking into The Moon King's deep eyes.

My mouth hung open for a moment, unsure what to do. I knew he was talking to me, there was no one else to talk to but I had been so lost in my own thoughts I hadn't been paying attention. 

I must have looked like a gaping fish, my mouth closing and opening as my mind scrambled trying to figure out what to do next. It did not feel right to ask a King to repeat himself because if I did that it would prove I hadn't been paying attention, and I knew there was no greater insult to a King than ignoring them.

The Moon King realized pretty quickly that I wasn't paying attention and had missed what he had said. But instead of getting angry with me, he smirked. 

I couldn't believe it. It wasn't a mocking smirk. It was one of actual amusement. He wasn't insulted in the slightest. 

I asked how your feet feel, are the bandages too tight?”

It took me a second to collect myself, but I did so quickly not wanting to risk incurring his wrath. 

I looked down and wiggled my toes a bit, the only part of my feet that weren't covered in bandages. 

The bandages were tight but not painful, if anything the tightness was soothing, like a hug. 

“No….”

He stood up before taking a seat beside me, his armour making a sound similar to the chiming of bells, instead of the clanging one would expect from armor. Clearly a testament to the quality of the metal work. Not at all surprising, I would expect nothing but. 

His clawed hand gently took my arm in his hand. His fingers tracing the bandage that covered the gashes on my arm.

“And here?”

He looks into my eyes, awaiting my answer.

“.... It doesn't hurt…. Your majesty.”

He rolls his eyes ever so slightly.

“Enough of that, Little Star. Call me Macaque.”

I froze in place. 

The Moon King wanted me to call him by his name. My inner turmoil deepens. I am in the great Sun and Moon Kings bedchambers, they had kept me alive and treated my wounds and now The Moon King was telling me to call him by his name. 

“I couldn't, your Majesty. It would be improper!”

I gasped, covering my mouth with my hand. I had just yelled at The Moon King. Not only that but I disagreed with him. Even if his demand felt wrong I had no place to defy him.

“..... I-I’m sor-”

Before I could properly apologize the King took the hand covering my mouth and kissed my knuckles, chuckling as he looked at me through his lashes as his lips that had settled in a satisfied smirk lingered on my knuckles. 

“Relax, Love. Take a breath.”

I felt lightheaded, this was simply too much. The kindness, the gentleness, the softness, and now the nicknames. I knew he knew my name, he had heard it many times already today. And not just any nicknames, but ones that you would think would be reserved for loved ones, which I definitely was not. 

“You really do need to calm down, Little Star. You will be staying with us from now on. You’ll need to get used to us eventually. Though we do understand the skittishness.”

I just stared, not too sure how to respond. Staying here? From now on? As in…for the foreseeable future?….forever?

His smirk grew ever so slightly at my continued silence, sitting up straight and lowering my hand from his warm lips but never letting go of them, even going so far as to take my other hand, holding them both in his lap. 

“Come on, say my name…”

He stares into my eyes. It felt like he was staring into my soul. It didn't feel right to call him by his name with no title whatsoever but it felt even worse to disobey a King such as himself.

“….. Ma….. Mac….”

I felt so conflicted, but an odd kindness in his eyes calmed me enough to finally get the name out.

“....Macaque…”

He smiled. Actually smiled. Not a smirk but a genuine smile. 

He brought both my hands up to his lips this time, kissing each of my knuckles. His lips lingering just a little too long on each one before standing, my hands still in his.

He towered over me. Even when he was sitting. But now as he stands and I remain sitting the height difference is even more distinct. 

I felt as if I should also stand but as I planted my feet on the ground the pain kept me from putting my weight on them, so I remained sitting, not that it seemed to bother him in the least. 

“There is someone I want you to meet.”

He turns his head to the door and calls out, the door opening a scene later to reveal another Monkey Demoness. 

She was very beautiful, with white fur with an almost pale blue tinge with pale tan skin and no mask like that of the Kings and many other Monkey Youguias I had seen. 

Her eyes were so dark that from a distance I thought they were completely black, but as she got closer I realised they were actually a very dark blue. 

She had long white hair that was in a half up, half down style. The part that was tied up in a bun. 

She dows to her King before looking at me and bowing again. 

I stared at her for a moment like she had grown two heads. Why on earth would she bow to me?!

“This is Sun Yue Lan. She will be your handmaiden from now on.”

She bowed again, this time not rising while she spoke. 

“It is an honor my Lady. Please, call me Yue Lan. I am here for whatever you need.”

I stare, my mouth agape like a fish out of water. Which wasn't too far off from how I felt. 

My Lady? My Handmaiden? What on earth was happening?! Why would I have a handmaiden?!

Credit to Yue Lan she never wavered. Staying bowed and not making a sound, clearly waiting for me to say something but I was utterly speechless. 

Macaque on the other hand chuckled at me, not that I could blame him. I must have looked ridiculous. 

“I have some things I must attend to, Love. She will tend to you, ask anything of her.”

He kissed my hands one last time before setting them gently in my lap and turning to leave.

I didn't make a sound as he left, but the second the door was closed I broke down completely yet again. 

Yue Lan finally looked up at me. Her face twisting into an expression that could only be described as distress. She got down to her knees in front of me, her hands taking mine as she tried to think of what to do next. She clearly wasn't expecting this. 

“My Lady?! Please tell me what you need.”

I couldn't get the words out, instead just removing my hands from hers so that I could wipe my tears off of my cheeks with my hands. 

Yue Lan quickly stands and, for lack of a better word, runs off into the adjoining room that The Moon King had fetched the basin from and returns swiftly with a cloth. 

She crouched down in front of me again, slowly and gently as humanly possible removing my hands from my face as if she was trying not to anger or offend me.

Once my hands were away from my cheeks she brought the cloth till it softly dabbs the underside of my eyes. As the cloth touched my skin I realized it had been dunked in water, no doubt from the same source The Moon King had gotten the basin of water from.

Nothing is said as she cleans up my face much better than I ever could. 

After a few minutes of me trying to cry out my feelings and Yue Lan dutifully cleaning my face I finally calmed. No longer able to cry. I hiccuped pathetically, but despite my state Yue Lan never once looked at me with disgust. If anything her face only showed concern. 

I didn't say anything. I didn't know what to say. But at this point words were useless. 

After a few more moments of silence Yue Lan spoke up softly. As if she was talking to a skittish kitten that would lash out at the slightest sound or movement. 

“Let me fetch you something to eat and drink, My Lady. I'll also gather some fresh clothes.”

She looked down at my torn, bloodied and dirtied hanfu with disdain. I didn't feel as if the disdain was directed at me though. More like it was directed at the people who put me in this state, not that she would make any comment in that regard since it was one of her Kings and the soldiers that protect her and the others on this mountain that put me in this condition. 

But still her disappointment at the fact I was left in such a state was clear. Though I didn't understand it, she seemed to care about my wellbeing. Though I know deep down the only reason that would be the case is because she had been ordered to by her King. 

I didn't say anything and she didn't move an inch. It took me a second to realise she was waiting for my permission to leave. I gave a very subtle nod of my head. Something that would have been near impossible to notice if she wasn't so close.

Once I had given ‘permission’ she didn't waste any time going to fetch some food and drink and assumably fresh clothes.

Life was boring, and while that is the cost of safety (and I know that, I swear) it was still a pain. Having such a monotonous life that’s the same day after day tends to slowly kill ones brain cells. But I digress, it's still safe. 

How have we remained so safe, you may ask: It’s because our tiny village is just that, tiny. And in the middle of nowhere. Well… not exactly. We’re in the middle of a forest that is so large, and so off the beaten path, that you would have to be both the luckiest and unluckiest person to exist to stumble upon our little home. This is very convenient and very much a pain in the ass, at least for me. 

Everyone here is content. Either because they have very young children and want to keep them safe, or they are as old as the seas and are content to be in such an isolated and quiet place till the end of their life. I am neither of those two. 

Now that's not to say that I hate my life, don't misunderstand. As far as lives go in this crazy world: I got it good, and I know that. I have a good job, I have a roof over my head and I have people that care about me, and that's a lot more than a lot of other people my age have. At least those who don't live here. 

Not like there is anyone else my age here. Like I said, it’s either old people, middle aged people with kids, and said kids being really young. Adults such as me are few and far between. 

While contemplating my life and its general boredom, I found myself walking around my tiny village. I didn't work at the local tea house called the Jade Lotus, owned by Mrs. Mei Ling that she named after her favorite jade hair stick she said her late husband gave her as a courting gift, a sweet old lady too stubborn to retire because, and I quote “these no quitting what you love”, until later tonight. 

Walking through the market on my way to a small river on the outskirts of the village, that I like to spend my free time at because literally no one goes there, I waved and said hello to everyone, messing with some of the older kids that were playing while their parents worked and giving a little help to any of the elders that needed it. 

There really was a generally peaceful air surrounding our home. 

After about a fifteen minute walk outside of our village I find myself plopping down on a large smooth boulder that sat a few inches above the surface of the calm running water so that the skirt of my hanfu wouldn't get wet. 

I was fortunate to have a few of these thanks to Mrs. Mei Ling, who always said it was important for a young woman such as myself to look presentable, especially when said young woman was as cute as I was. So she always made me these beautiful hanfus from several bolts of fabric she owned, yet another hobby of hers. 

I couldn't help giggling a little as I remembered her words as I tried to deny the beautiful clothes, saying it was too much, but she wasn't hearing any of it.

She was always like that, ever since I was little and my parents, who were travelers wanting to move to the capital after having a little girl, had died. They had both gotten sick on the road and stopped here to rest after stumbling across the tiny village of kind elders. But they had been sick for too long and passed away soon after arriving. Mrs. Mei Ling always said that they refused to pass on until they knew their baby was safe. It always made me feel warm inside. 

And yet despite that, I hate to say it but… I never missed my parents, as horrible as that may sound. I was only a few months old when they passed, and after that I had always been loved and cared for by all the villagers. I guess they weren't kidding when they said it takes a village. But that's not to say I don’t care that they aren't in my life.

I often visited their graves that sat on the outskirts of the village and just talked. Talking to the headstones like they could hear me. Telling them all about my day, any big life moments or even just to complain. I like to think they are looking down on me and listening. I like to think they hear me even if they aren't with me, so that one day when I die and join them they will already know me. 

Removing my shoes and placing them beside my smooth rock, I let my feet drift along the surface of the calm waters, letting the coolness of it soothe me. I always enjoyed water, it was so calming, so comforting, and yet so powerful. I giggled a little as the water lapped at the bottoms of my sensitive feet. 

After a while I find myself looking up into the sky. Looking into the vast blue infinity, spotted with the fluffiest clouds you could imagine I find myself wondering what else was beyond our tiny little village. 

I knew a little of the outside world, I wasn't at all ignorant regarding world affairs, we’re secluded, not oblivious. It's the reason why despite my inept boredom that gets so bad, sometimes I find myself  pulling my hair out just begging the Gods will make something happen to stir up the monotony of it all, that I remain here. 

For the last several years Yaoguais have terrorized the country, two in particular whom most know as the Sun and Moon King has raided and pillaged villages just like ours. Killing all in their path with no quarter or kindness. Just pure brutal slaughter that would make even the most hardened warriors sick to their stomach and leave them with nightmares for the rest of their days. I’ve been told by some passing travelers the only reason the world knows the details of all this carnage is because he and his armies leave one poor soul alive to tell the tale and to beg the Emperor for help. And while the Emperor and his armies have tried, they have yet to be successful, leaving even more to be killed honorably, if not in the most brutal fashion one could imagine. More families torn apart and more souls crushed worrying if their home was next but having nowhere to go that is safe. 

But I also stayed for Mrs. Mei Ling. And while by no means is she a terribly frail, weak old lady; she is still an old lady and deserves to retire, but since she won't do that the closest I can get to her retiring and taking it easy for the rest of her days is by taking on as much of the work load at the Jade Lotus as possible. And besides, it’s enjoyable work. The elders who frequent the tea house are kind and sweet, always ready for a conversation. At this point I believe I've heard all of their stores five times each but I will always lend an ear regardless. Gods know the young children of the village won't sit long enough to listen to them. 

I continue to enjoy the peacefulness of the forest around me. As bored as I can get sometimes I wouldn't trade this for anything. Besides, we never really know how long peace will really last. It's important to acknowledge and appreciate what you have, as hard as that is to do while the thing you appreciate is in your possession. But in the forests, surrounded with the sounds of birds singing and the leaves rustling against one another in the wind and the soft rushing of the river and the coolness on my toes, this really is the best place to sit and think of all the things you love and appreciate. 

For example, I always find myself thinking of all the things I'm fortunate to have, especially considering the cards the Gods dealt me in the beginning of my life, possibly ending it before it even had a chance to start. Like Mrs. Mei Ling. A mother figure doesn't even begin to describe what she means to me. While everyone pitched in to help raise me, but she took on the brunt of the burden at an age of which she already should have been retired. She sacrificed so much but whenever I tried to pay her back, like working without wages for example, she always said I was the child she never had and refused whatever I would try and give as if I had insulted her. When I was around fifteen I learned to stop trying to pay her back and let my other actions say my ‘thank yous’ instead. She would even go as far as adding that the Gods never blessed her and her late husband with children because she was destined to tend to me. 

The memory always brought happy tears to my eyes. I really was the most fortunate person in the world to have been taken in by someone like her. Gods knows my parents could have passed anywhere, either leaving me to die in the middle of nowhere, or even someone worse finding me and selling me or keeping me as a slave. But instead they found this place full of kind elderly who were more than willing to take in an orphaned infant and love them with all their hearts and more. 

I smile as I think of all the good times, the times of joy, even the sad times, but the fact I was able to have such times at all I considered a blessing.

As I looked back on my life I had missed the fact that the only sound to be heard in this peaceful forest was the running river. The birds had stopped their singing, the trees going still as if alive. Like they knew something horrible was about to happen…. or worse, already did. Because like I said, peace never lasts. 

With my eyes closed in peaceful thought, I hadn't seen the rising column of black smoke lifting into the heavens, so high it would have gotten the Jade Emperor’s attention himself. I was so lost in thought that the scent of the smoke hadn't even registered in my mind. It wasn't until I heard it. 

The most gut wrenching scream I had ever heard. I swear it tore the sky open. 

My eyes shot open like I had been struck with an arrow. My heart was beating so fast I thought I might have been having a heart attack. I had never heard a scream so horrified in my life. 

I had heard many screams in my life. Kids having fallen while playing and skinning their knees, yelling out in a kind of shock and fear that only small children could feel when they have fallen and not out of actual pain, but boy could they scream bloody murder anyways. I had heard the screams of a mother giving birth, a few of which I had assisted in myself once I was reaching adulthood. Even the screams of family mourning the sudden passing of a loved one, screams of grief and sadness. Screams of the unsure. This was like those screams, but so much worse. 

Looking at the pillar of smoke that got higher by the second, I felt a horrible feeling of dread deep in my soul, a feeling that settled in the pit of my stomach. A feeling so much darker than I ever thought possible. 

Before I even thought about running, I found myself going full speed towards the village, my bare feet being cut by some of the jagged stones and broken tree branches that lay along the path, but I paid no mind as more screams filled my ears. 

The walk to the village usually takes around fifteen minutes, but I'm pretty sure I made it back in three. 

As I ran as fast as possible and my senses started to return to me I could hear the sounds of what could only be described as war cries and the hooting of animals. Armor clanging together from sudden movement was ringing louder than any bell ever could. 

Once I got there I knew why. A lump grew in my throat, my eyes burned and hot tears rolling down my cheeks in droves.

The village was burning, everything in sight was engulfed with violent, angry flames so bright it outshone the sun. 

In front of me was a massacre as the Monkey Yaoguais travelers of the past had warned us about was cutting through the village and ending innocent lives left and right while hooting in victory and laughing.

I stood in the gate of the village, unmoving. I felt like I had been turned into a stone statue from pure fear alone. The carnage in front of me is too much for my mind to comprehend. My mouth hung open, my hand covering in. I was shaking like a leaf. Never in my wildest nightmares did I think so much gruesome death to be possible. 

The attack couldn't have been going on long and yet in the few minutes it took me to get here bodies already littered the streets. More blood than I ever thought was possible covered every possible surface that wasn't already on fire.

There must  have been fifty some Monkey Yaoguai in our small village, killing all in sight as if we had wronged them in some horrible, unforgiving way. All in silver armour fit for Gods, all with weapons of all kinds, some with spears, some with swords, even some with daggers, killing all in their path. As they slaughtered innocents with smiles on their faces, showing off their fangs as blood covered their armour. They wore it like a badge of honor.

Pale bodies of children and their parents littered the streets, their last moments of fear still frozen on their faces, the very sight making me sick to my stomach. 

I stood there, frozen in place for what felt like an eternity. The killing and carnage taking place in front of me moving in slow motion. As If to force me to burn each stab and slash into my very soul, lest I dare to ever forget it before my own death, and even after it, that was no doubt soon at hand. It was a miracle none of the Yaoguais had seen me as of yet. But I was starting to wish one of them would, so as to put me out of my misery. So I wouldn't have to look upon all those I loved, cold and lifeless, their last moments filled with terror as they must have been asking; “WHY US!!!”.  

I began to take a few steps forward, ready to meet my end with my loved ones, but just as I took a few steps forward, two of the Yaoguais spotted me, each roughly grabbing one of my arms. The tightness of their grip made bruises bloom on my upper arms within seconds. 

They begin dragging me to the village square, more tears falling from my eyes at the sight of all the corpses. Screams and the sound of crumbling burning homes all around us. The smell of smoke and the tangy iron of blood filled my senses. Once we arrived at the Village square I gasped at the sight in front of me. I don't know if it is from joy or horror, though it was probably both. There I saw Mrs. Mei Ling. Still alive, on her knees in front of one of the Yaoguais about to be cut down. 

Her forehead was cut and bleeding from when they must have hit her and forced her to her knees. Her hanfu stained with blood and dirt as tears streaked down her own face, clearing away some of the blood as they fell. 

The Monkey Yaoguai raised their arm, sword in hand and before I could even register my own action, once again I was running faster than I ever had in my life. Having torn my arms from the Yaoguais grip, their claws leaving deep gashes on my arms but I paid no mind to my own pain.

The sound of my own blood was rushing in my ears, my heart beating faster than any war drums ever could, and twice as strong. Adrenalin coursing through my veins with a fury.

 I scream out Mrs. Mei Ling's name, gaining everyone's attention. Within seconds I cross the distance separating us and throw myself over her body just as I see the sword coming down.

If I thought the world was moving in slow motion before I was sorely mistaken, because it was nothing compared to how slow the world felt while waiting for the sword to land the deadly blow to my back and cut me down.

It almost felt like a kindness from the Gods. Like they were letting me have a few more moments holding and protecting the woman who loved and raised me before I died. I knew in my heart that even if I saved her life in this moment, it would no doubt be the next that she would join me in death, but at least we would be together. 

I feel a cold sweat all over my body as I wait a near eternity for the painful blow to come, praying to anyone who would listen that it would be as fast and merciful as these murderers be capable of. As if a reward for my bravery. My life was flashing before my eyes as if to grant me one last gift. Reliving all my past moments as if to give me some kind of reprieve, so the last thing I was thinking wouldn’t be on the monsters that are about to kill me and the woman who raised me.

I hold Mrs. Mei Ling tightly in my trembling arms. Her body was shaking as horribly as mine, if not more. We were most likely thinking the same thing, waiting to die in each other's arms and wait to be reunited in the land of the underworld as we await our sorting with King Yama. About to join all the others these demons had killed in cold blood. 

I shut my eyes so tight it hurt, saying a last prayer to anyone who would listen so that my death would be quick and as painless as possible. But just before I could feel the sharp blade end my life a voice called out so loud I swear it rattled the sky. 

“STOP!!!”

The voice was commanding, but not like anything I had ever heard before. It wasn't like hearing one of the mothers yelling at their children to stop doing something they weren't supposed to. 

No, this was something else. The kind of voice one only gets from years of experience.

I was so shaken up it took me a second to look up, only to be met with a sharp blade a hairs width from my face. 

I could see my reflection in the meticulously polished metal that the sword was made of, almost too clearly, like I was looking into a mirror. My eyes were red and puffy from all my tears, my face red as a tomato. My hair all disheveled from the elegant style Mrs. Mei Ling helped me do this morning. Sweat dripped from my forehead from the heat of the burning buildings.  

The world still felt like it was going in slow motion but it must have only been a few seconds before the blade was lifted away from my face as the monkey Yaoguai turned, lowering their weapon to their side, to look and bow at possibly the most imposing figure I've ever seen. 

I felt my blood run cold as I remembered all the stories told by passing travelers of the two Monkey Kings who led all the raids and killing sprees against human villages over the last few years, and how they were described. There was no doubt in my mind that the man I was staring at was the Moon King of Flower Fruit Mountain, or by his more well known moniker, The Shadow Killer. 

He stood tall and imposing. His eyes cutting through me more than any blade ever could. It was like he was staring into my very soul and all I could do was stare back. Too scared to look away and incurring his wrath. 

His fur that covered his entire body, aside from his face and hands, was a midnight black. A dark tan skin tone covering his face and hands. The only color on his body was a dark red pattern over his eyes that reminded me of feathers, and his six ears. 

He was, of course, The Six Eared Macaque, but only those who had a true death wish called him that. Not even his own people would dare use his given name. 

The top row of ears was a deep purple, the middle ears a deep blue and the bottom ears green. 

But that was not what surprised me most, no it was his eyes. 

Many had described what he looked like, but they had never described his eyes. What would normally be the white of someone's eyes, his was black, making the cold of his iris and pupil all the more vivid. 

They were impossibly bright, even though it was the middle of the day they glowed as if it was midnight. Though the smoke in the air from the burning buildings that surrounded us did make it look dark. 

His armour was befitting a King. It was a dark red, black ru (shirt) with black pants and gold armor covering his shoulders, chest and down to the sides of his thighs and covering his knees and calves down to his feet that I now notice are bare, and not covered in fur. As well as a dark red scarf around his neck that matched the color of the markings on his face. And lastly, he had a gold Feng-tail crown with a single red feather befitting a king such as himself. 

He was by no doubt the most imposing man… or Yaoguai, I have ever seen.

We stared at each other for a few seconds, clearing looking each other over. 

I could have sworn his eyes softened as he looked me over but I must have been imagining it. A creature like him would never show softness to a human like me, no matter how innocent I may be. This was proven by all the other innocent women, elderly, and children he ordered his armies to kill and no doubt killed a few himself. 

Once he was done looking me over he started taking steps towards me, if I didn't know better I could have sworn that the earth itself was shaking with each step he took. 

With his long gate it took no time at all before he was standing in front of me, he was so tall that I had to crane my neck up to look at him. 

Much to my small relief he crouched down in front of me and Mrs. Mei Ling, who I would think had passed out if it wasn't for the incredibly strong grip she had on the clothes of my arm and side. It hurt a little, the scratches I had gotten earlier from tearing myself from the two monkey Yaoguais hands on my upper arms throbbing with pain now that the adrenalin was starting to leave my system. 

It was only then that I also noticed how much my feet hurt. I could feel warm blood pooling around my feet and training down the souls of them. 

But I refused to look away from the Moon King, as his eyes trailed over my body, looking at my arm that Mrs. Mei Ling was clinging to, the sleeve of my ripped hanfu that was no doubt covered in my own blood by now. 

His eyes keep moving downwards, making an uncomfortable shiver shoot down my spine. I don't think I would have been able to differentiate it from my trembles of fear if it wasn't for the fact that it felt like a bucket of ice water was just slashed on my bare spine. 

It felt like he was looking through my clothes. 

His eyes continued to move downwards until his gold eyes landed on my bleeding feet. His eyes sharpened again at the sight of them. Before looking back up at my face. 

It took another second but I finally found my voice, deciding to try and make the best of it. 

“P-lease, We’ve done nothing wrong…”

His face doesn't change as I begin talking, my voice shaky and raw from all my crying and screaming. 

“I-I beg you, a-at least spare her, she is old and of no threat to you great King… Please spare her life.”

I call him by his ‘proper’ title, not wanting to upset him and possibly even trying to flatter him enough to convince him to acquiesce to my request. 

His head tilts to the side a little, staring at me for a few more seconds in silence. 

I knew that others around us were being slaughtered as we speak, the crackling sounds of homes burning and crumbling around us. Mrs. Mei Lings heavy breathing, trying to catch her breath, but as I stare into his eyes I can hear nothing. He was the only thing my senses were registering. 

His smelled of fresh rain on grass, a slight fruity smell as well as a scent I can't quite place but it reminded me of the river I would sit by. Something fresh and light and natural. However it was mostly eclipsed by the tangy smell of iron from the blood coating his clothes. The blood of innocents.

“You beg for this old woman's life and not your own despite having many more years ahead of you if you were to be spared, unlike her… Why?”

His voice was deep and smooth, not like anything I had heard before. This was truly the voice of a King. 

I gulp, taking in a breath and squeezing my eyes shut as I try and collect myself before answering. As if a futile attempt to seem any less pathetic than I know I already look. 

“... She raised me when she could have saved herself the burden and let me die. She is more important to me than my own life, and I would do anything to ensure her survival or die trying.”

I tried to harden my eyes with resolve, but I must have just looked like I was about to cry again, which wasn't far off. I could feel the sting of tears in the back of my eyes. 

The Moon King stared at me for a while, as if trying to figure out why I would be so willing to sacrifice myself. Not like I would expect a monster like him to understand.

“What is your name, little human?”

His smooth voice was almost hypnotizing, it was like it was calming me down a little, giving me the courage to keep talking.

“... (Y/N)...”

His eyes widened, his hand raising a little as if to cup my cheek with his bloodied hand before he narrowed his eyes at me again before speaking.

“No family name?”

I was a little taken aback by his question, not thinking a Yaoguai such as himself would care about something as trivial as a human girl's family name.

“...No…”

My voice was hesitant, not really sure why he would want to know, or how to really answer him. 

“... The villagers didn't learn my past parents' family name before they passed on, and it didn't feel right taking her family name; I haven't earned it yet.”

I said gesturing to Mrs. Mei Ling.

The Moon King stares at me for a little too long. As if considering his next steps. I was about to continue begging for Mrs. Mei Ling's life before his hand reached forward, closing the last inch or two between us and gripping my arm, making me yelp out in pain as his claws dig into the cuts already in my arm. 

His one hand was so much larger than my own, the stark difference making itself known as I let go of Mrs. Mei Lings and cling to his hand with my own, trying to pry it off of my arm. 

I could feel even more blood pooling from the wound at the unyielding pressure. It was like he didn't even notice I was holding on to him. 

Luckily, or unluckily, his grip didn't last long. He held on just long enough to sling me over his shoulder, his hand going from holding my upper arm to his arm wrapping around my upper thighs and the bottom of my butt. 

I feel the breath shoot out of me as my stomach comes in contact with the armor that protected his shoulder. It felt like a punch as it came in contact with my tender flesh that had never been hit before. Once I gathered my breath again I couldn't help another yelp from my throat. I didn't even bother trying to hold back my tears now. The pain is too great between my feet, my arms and now my stomach. 

My screams only get louder when I feel him jump into the air, my eyes squeezing tightly closed. 

I cling tightly to the back of his ru and the armor that covered his back like a life line as I prepare for the drop. But that drop never comes. After a second I felt brave enough to open my eyes to see what was going on.

For a second I thought we were flying, it looked like he was just hovering in the air. It wasn't until I calmed down enough to really look down that I realized what was happening. 

Beneath us was my village, burning to the ground and painted red with the blood of innocents. It wasn't until I noticed the cloud underneath his clawed feet that I figured out how we were flying. 

A few of the travelers had mentioned that the Kings of Flower Fruit Mountain were able to command the skies themselves, summoning nimbus clouds at will. I understood that to mean they could create harsh storms, now I know that means they could summon these clouds that let them fly.

As I noticed we began to fly away I began yelling at him, probably not the wisest idea but when you're panicking there's no time for forethought. 

“Wait, what about Mrs. Mei Lings, the other villagers!!!”

I didn't even bother caring for myself and what he was going to do with me, all I cared about was whether or not Mrs. Mei Ling would be spared. 

I could feel his shoulders shaking with a chuckle, the feeling vibrating its way through my stomach, sending yet another shiver down my spine, the only difference being that this time it felt warm. It was reminiscent of getting into a hot bath at the end of a long cold winter's day. 

Before he answered I felt his free hand travel up and pat my behind a few times. I gasped at the audacity. I figured even a Yaoguai and especially a Yaoguai King such as himself would have the decency not to touch a young woman in such a  way but I guess I was wrong. 

“Relax, Little Star.”

I had half the mind to hit the back of his head, however his next words beat me to it.

“Spare the old lady!! Bring her with us but kill the rest before coming back home to celebrate!!”

He yelled his orders at his soldiers, and before I could even take a breath of relief that Mrs. Mei Ling would be safe and we would be together, the rest of his words registered. 

“WAIT!! NO!!! PLEA-”

His free hand slapped my butt hard enough that it stung viciously, pulling a yelp from my throat that cut off my words. 

“Hush, Little Star, I spared the woman who raised you, the rest will die as intended. Be grateful I don't kill the old woman as punishment for your ungratefulness."

I watch as two Monkey Yaoguais grab Mis. Mei Ling and start making their way from the village no doubt following their King and I to Flower Fruit Mountain as ordered. The other soldiers continued the slaughter with sharp grins on their faces and gleaming fangs, that even I could see from such a few distance. 

I feel myself go limp over the Moon Kings shoulder, my hands clinging desperately to the back of his ru that my knuckles went white. My eyes shut tightly, but that didn't stop the tears from falling from them to accompany my choked sobs. I felt like I was suffocating, the pressure of his shoulder on my stomach making it hard to take in a full breath. 

His arm is still holding me in place as his free hand continues to rest on my butt as if trying to sooth the sting he caused.