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“This way,” signaled Monkey King as he jumped down from atop the building. He landed with a quiet ‘oomph’, feet quick as he pressed his back up against the wall. Following behind closely was MK, golden staff in hand as he leaped off after the monkey. “Just around this corner. Be quiet.”
There had been a powerful demon in Megapolis. Normally, that kind of thing didn’t worry MK, but if Monkey King felt the need to step in, then surely MK had to be on guard. He was used to being thrown into battle with little guidance or direction. A part of him did feel a sort of glee that he was fighting alongside his mentor, though, even if it slightly scared him. MK leaned over, watching Monkey King peek around the corner. They bit their lip and clutched his staff tighter, feeling.. somewhat uneasy. Like he was walking into a trap here. That couldn’t be right. He was with Monkey King! I mean, they couldn’t be safer, so what.. why was he feeling like he was in danger? And worst of all, why did it feel so familiar ?
“We’re going to split its sides. You come around the left, I’ll go around the right. Got it?” The other said, still watching the monster from around the corner. His tail flicked, glancing back at MK briefly.
… MK stepped back. That should’ve reassured him— that glance, the one where Monkey King could tell that he knew what he was doing. That this was safe. But it didn’t. Why didn’t it?
“.. Are you sure?” MK blurted out suddenly, biting his tongue after he said it. He didn’t mean to. Monkey King seemed to pause, then look back at him again. A confused stare. Since when did you doubt your mentor, MK?
“Am I sure about what?”
“.. About..” The younger trailed off, looking away. They could feel Monkey King’s gaze on him. He didn’t actually know what to say. The words weren’t forming right, swirling with confusion, doubt, and anxiety. “.. Nothing. Nevermind.” The monkey then reached over, patting MK on the shoulder with a friendly smile. He crouched down to see the kid better, golden eyes looking into him.
“Hey, don’t worry bud. I got this totally covered. Just listen to me and you’ll be fine, alright? Trust me.”
They stared, their shoulders relaxing a little at the words of encouragement. Yeah. Yeah! This was Monkey King he was with here! There wasn’t anything to be worried about, he just needed to trust in him and it would work smoothly. Monkey King would never put him in real danger. This unease and uncertainty, it was probably just because he slept weird. It’s only anxiety. What was that thing Monkey King told him?
“Right. Thanks Monkey King.” He smiled, the mentor winking and standing up straight to return to watching the monster’s movements. MK leaned in close, watching carefully. He couldn’t quite see the monster from his standpoint, but he could definitely hear it. Feel it. There was something strong on the other side of this wall waiting for them.
Just then, there was a scuffle in the corner of MK’s eyes. They turned, looking to the trees and bushes across from the two. Did those just move? Or maybe it was his anxiety messing with them. God, what was that thing that Monkey King had taught him? He looked up to Monkey King, who didn’t seem to notice, then back down to the bushes. They were moving! There was something in them! MK’s body lowered a little, watching the bushes rustle again, and— aha! The flick of a black furry tail! A monkey!
.. A black-furred monkey? Wouldn't that mean ..?
“Is that Macaque?” MK asked, pointing ahead to the moving bushes. That would explain his unease perfectly! The other blinked.
“Hm? No, I’m Macaque.” Monkey King hummed, glancing at MK for a moment. The student nodded, then continued to stare at the bushes with a watchful ga—
What?
MK’s gaze slowly trailed up to look at Monkey King. It suddenly made sense. The air had changed now, a much heavier and doomed feeling sinking in on MK. Their throat felt dry and their heart sank into his stomach. And slowly, ‘Monkey King’ turned his head once more to look back at MK. But this stare was something more uncomfortable. Like sharp daggers pointed at his throat. The kid’s body was completely frozen, his feet locked to the ground as his grip on the staff tightened. This couldn't be happening. But it could. Slow, ‘Monkey King’ raised a finger to their mouth, their piercing stare turning into a sinister grin.
“Shhh.”
He remembered what it was now. What Monkey King taught him.
Always trust your gut.