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Dec 10, 2024

Uncovering the Connection ★

Don't you just love how the monkeys are immediately attached to Macaque? There must be more to it; they had to have been attached beforehand. Here's my take on that. (Fanfic)

As Mk approaches Flower Fruit Mountain, he heads towards the tiny house where he knows Monkey King sometimes resides. Upon entering, he finds the Monkey King sitting in a relaxed pose with a small clay pot of tea in front of him. "Ah, so that's what brings you here today. We didn't have training today, huh?" Mk nods in agreement and hesitantly begins, "Umm, actually... I wanted to ask you something."

Monkey King's eyes light up with curiosity as he leans forward. "Ask away! What's on your mind, bud?"

“Uh, it's about Macaque.”

His excitement momentarily fades as he hears the question about Macaque. He leans back, his expression becoming serious.

"Macaque, huh? What do you want to know about him?"

Mk fidgets nervously in the cozy confines of Wukong's house, the warm sunlight filtering through the wooden slats and casting playful shadows on the floor. He senses a subtle shift in the Monkey King's mood, the lighthearted atmosphere around them taking on a more serious tone.

With a hesitant glance at Wukong, Mk takes a deep breath and continues, “Well, I was wondering... Why are the monkeys on Flower Fruit Mountain so attached to Macaque? They seem really fond of him.”

As Mk speaks, he can't help but look around at the various trinkets and artifacts that adorn Wukong's home—each one a piece of history, perhaps reflecting the bond he shares with his fellow monkeys or his journey to the west. He thinks about the bustling chaos outside, where the other monkeys play and chatter, their joyful sounds trickling in like music. Mk noticed how they look at Macaque with a mix of admiration and affection, almost as if he holds a unique place in their hearts.

Mk shifts his weight, feeling the warmth of the wooden floor beneath him. “Is it just his strength that draws them to him, or is there something more?” he muses aloud, his curiosity growing. He remembers how Macaque used to live on Flower Fruit Mountain and currently too is in the process of moving back, and how Macaque seems to effortlessly get affection or tackled from the group of the mountain’s monkeys especially the younger cubs.

Wukong could only sigh softly, his eyes lost in memories as he gazes at the trinkets that surround him. "It's not just his strength, Mk. Macaque might appear aloof, but he has a way with the younger ones, especially the cubs. It's almost as if he brings out a protective, nurturing instinct in them." He pauses, taking a sip from his clay pot before continuing, "But there's more to it than that. Can you keep what I'm about to tell you a secret?"

Mk nods vigorously, a mix of anticipation and curiosity in his eyes. "Of course, Monkey King! I won't tell a soul."

Wukong leaned in closer, his breath barely a whisper as he spoke. "The bond between Macaque and the monkeys of Flower Fruit Mountain is profound, intricately woven into the fabric of his past." A haunting look crossed his face, eyes clouded with memories as he continued, "Macaque... He once called this mountain home for many years, a time that shaped him in ways few truly understand."

Mk momentarily got confused. “Wait. . .he didn’t always used to live on flower fruit mountain even before the best friend breakup?”

Wukong leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a quieter tone. "The connection between Macaque and the monkeys of Flower Fruit Mountain runs deep, rooted in the events of his past." A wistful expression takes hold of his features as he continues, "Macaque... He once lived on this mountain for a significant part of his life, you know."

"When Macaque first came to the mountain, many years ago, he was more open, more friendly. The monkeys, especially the younger ones, took an instant liking to him," Monkey King recalls, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "He would spend hours playing with the young cubs, letting them climb all over him and treating them with an unexpected tenderness," he continues, his eyes distant as he delves deeper into the past.

"But then," Monkey King's expression darkens for a moment, a flicker of pain and sorrow in his gaze, "something happened. Something that changed Macaque, making him more reserved, more solitary."

“Is it that thing that happened, the one I have no idea about because you two refuse to talk about it, but it’s clear that you’re both still a bit bitter?” Mk exclaimed, his exhaustion evident as he struggled to understand the tension hanging heavily between Wukong and Macaque. Wukong responded with a somber nod, his expression a mix of regret and resignation. "Ah, yes. That’s a crucial part of it," he said slowly, his voice barely a whisper. "Our friendship... it didn’t end well. There was a deep betrayal that shattered both of us, especially Macaque, leaving wounds that run deep." Mk gazed at him, his eyes pleading and curious, conveying a silent desire to uncover the truth of what really transpired between them.

"I know, I know," the king said, his voice tinged with a weariness that spoke volumes. He ran a hand through his hair, the weight of unspoken memories heavy in the air. "You've approached me about our falling out on several occasions, and I truly wish I could divulge the details. However, this is a matter that Macaque and I must confront in our own time, away from prying eyes and restless hearts."

Mk's lips curved into a slight pout, a hint of disappointment shadowing his expression as he lowered his gaze to the floor, the vibrant colors of the surroundings fading momentarily from his focus. However, lifting his eyes once more, he turned his attention to the Monkey King. Wukong, noticing the glimmer of disappointment in Mk's eyes, responded with a warm, reassuring smile, as if trying to infuse some light back into the moment. "Hey, don't look so down," he encouraged, his voice carrying a gentle tone. "There's so much more to the story. Macaque's history on Flower Fruit Mountain goes a little deeper than just our fallout."

"After our friendship ended and Macaque… well, I suppose he came back," the Monkey King says, his voice tinged with sadness. "He wandered for a while, but eventually he found his way back to Flower Fruit Mountain despite everything that happened. I don't quite understand why he could return so easily, but the monkeys always seemed to welcome him back with open arms, no matter our past."

Monkey King straightens a bit, his eyes lighting up as he dives into a vivid recollection of the monkeys' lively behavior. "Ah, the bond between the monkeys and Macaque runs remarkably deep. When he first returned to Flower Fruit Mountain, thanks to your efforts, Mk, the monkeys wasted no time in welcoming him back with open arms. The younger ones, in particular, reacted as if time had stood still; they scampered toward him with uncontained joy, climbing over him with the same carefree exuberance they had displayed in the past, eager for his presence and playful companionship." Yet, Mk couldn’t help but wonder how Macaque managed to create such an atmosphere of comfort and familiarity among them.

Wukong let out a soft chuckle, a glimmer of admiration flickering in his eyes as he spoke. "Ah, that’s a tricky one to pinpoint. Macaque possesses a remarkable affinity for the younger monkeys. There’s something almost magnetic about him; they’re simply drawn to his presence as if enchanted by an unseen force. He has this unique ability to connect with them on a level that transcends words, creating an aura of safety and comfort that wraps around them like a warm blanket."

"He might not always express his feelings outwardly, but deep down, he truly cares for them—albeit in his own aloof manner," Wukong continued, his tone softening, laden with affection. "You see, he’ll allow them to climb on his back, their tiny fingers gripping his fur as they playfully chatter away. He’s always watchful, ready to protect them from any harm that might come their way. The monkeys, especially the young ones, possess an instinctive ability to sense his unwavering loyalty and trustworthiness, which fosters a deep bond. It’s no wonder they feel so comfortable around him, their innocent hearts instinctively reaching out for the warmth he offers."

The Monkey King leaned back, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he regarded his companion. "You know," he said, his voice rich with intrigue, "if you truly wish to understand the bond that Macaque shares with the monkeys, the best approach is to observe him in their company. Experience speaks volumes, after all." He paused, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "And don’t underestimate the power of curiosity—perhaps you should consider asking Macaque directly. Though, be warned: he might not reveal his secrets easily." With a slight shrug, the Monkey King continued, "If you manage to coax him out of his shell, however, you just might catch a glimpse of the hidden ties that bind him to the monkeys of Flower Fruit Mountain. It’s a connection shrouded in mystery, but worth every effort to uncover."

Wukong leaned forward, a touch of seriousness in his eyes. "Just be prepared, Mk. Macaque can be a bit prickly, so don't be surprised if he shuts you down or deflects your questions. He's not exactly known for being an open book, you know?" With a touch of seriousness in his eyes he continued. "Just be prepared, Mk. Macaque can be a bit prickly, so don't be surprised if he shuts you down or deflects your questions. He's not exactly known for being an open book, you know?"

Mk burst into laughter, recalling moments when Macaque had been nothing short of closed off and aloof. Wukong couldn’t help but grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, trust me, I’m well aware," he replied, his tone playful. "Macaque has a remarkable knack for shutting people out when he feels like it. Yet, beneath that gruff exterior lies a flicker of warmth, particularly when it comes to the monkeys. It’s a side of him not many get to see."

"I've seen moments, brief as they may be, where Macaque let his guard down around the monkeys," he continues, his smile softer now. "A gentle touch, a small smile, a word of comfort or protection. It's clear he cares for them in his own aloof way."

After his insightful conversation with Monkey King, Mk thanked him and stood up, a determined gleam in his eyes. As he walked out of Monkey King's tiny house, he set his sights on finding Macaque.

Mk was having some trouble trying to locate Macaque as he realized something quite obvious. Mk chuckled to himself as he realized his oversight. "Ah, of course. Where there's monkeys, there's also likely to be Macaque. Of course, why didn't I think of that?" With the unmistakable chirps of monkeys serving as his guide, Mk headed in the direction of the lively commotion. He navigated the familiar landscape of Flower Fruit Mountain, following the sound of laughter, chirps, and the occasional ruckus. As he drew closer to the source of the noise, Mk could see the vibrant scene unfold before him. The monkeys were engaged in a lively game, their cheerful chatter filling the air. And sure enough, perched on a nearby tree branch, was Macaque, lazily watching over the monkeys.

Mk paused for a moment, taking in the scene. Macaque looked at the monkeys with a mixture of both annoyance and affection, his expression a contrast to their boisterous energy. He seemed to have a sort of aloof but devoted attitude with the mischievous creatures.

Mk's rushed approach was abruptly halted when he stumbled over a pesky rock, causing a few of the monkeys to startle in surprise. One particularly brave cub, in a surprising turn of events, landed right on Mk's face. Macaque, who had been perched on the tree branch, raised an eyebrow in confusion as he witnessed the unexpected scene unfold.

"Well, that's one way to make an entrance," Macaque commented with a dry tone, his eyes flickering with amused annoyance. He remained nonchalantly perched on the branch, watching Mk and the cub with an air of aloofness. The cub, unperturbed by the fall, clung to Mk's face, chattering and giggling with innocent glee. Meanwhile, Mk, still recovering from his tripping debacle, clumsily attempted to untangle himself from the cub's unexpected grip.

Macaque leaned back against the tree, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Well, good luck with that. Those little ones can be pretty clingy when they want to be. Especially that one. "

Indeed, the cub on Mk's face had wrapped its tiny arms and legs around his head, seeming quite content to stay there for the time being. As Mk struggled to dislodge the cub, Macaque chuckled slightly at the sight. "You might as well resign yourself to having that little bundle of mischief attached to your face for a while," he teased.

Mk shot a desperate look at Macaque, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation. "Help? A little? Any advice on how to get this little one off my face?"

Macaque feigned a sigh, crossing his arms. "Oh, you're asking the great Macaque for advice on how to handle a small cub? And here I thought you were a disciple of the Monkey King."

Despite his sarcastic tone, a hint of playfulness glimmered in his eyes.

Macaque hopped down from the tree branch, approaching Mk and the cub. "You're being too gentle," he smirked, observing Mk's struggles. "They respond better to a more firm approach." As Mk continued to struggle with the stubborn cub on his face, Macaque gracefully swooped in, his tail extending with calculated finesse. With a swift and practiced move, he used the tip of his tail to gently pry the cub off Mk's face.

The cub protested slightly, letting out a small whine, but relented under Macaque's firm, yet gentle touch. Macaque held the squirming cub in his arms, and turned to Mk. "It's all about firmness and confidence. If you're too hesitant, they'll walk all over you." The cub in his arms now calmed down, chittering softly and clinging to Macaque instead.

As soon as Macaque held the cub in his arms, the mischievous little creature's attention shifted to his tail. Without missing a beat, the cub scampered up the long, shadowy limb, clinging onto Macaque's tail with a tenacious grip.

Macaque rolled his eyes at the cub's antics, but a small smile tugged at his lips. The cub now perched on Macaque's tail, it looked at Mk with big, curious eyes, chattering happily like it was enjoying its new mode of transportation. Mk blinked, a sense of surprise and disbelief crossing his face. Had he just seen Macaque, the brooding shadow warrior, actually smile?

The cub, still clinging to Macaque's tail, seemed equally amused, chirping happily and adding to the unlikely sight before them. For a moment, there was an almost tender expression on Macaque's face as he allowed the cub to cling to his tail. Despite his often aloof demeanor, there was no denying the genuine affection he held for the young monkeys of Flower Fruit Mountain.

Macaque, still holding the cub on his tail, turned his gaze towards Mk. A question formed in his yellow eyes, his eyebrow lifting slightly. "So, now that you're here, care to tell me why you're looking for me, kid?" Mk hesitated for a moment, composing his words in his mind. He had a specific question he wanted to ask, but he wasn't sure how Macaque would react. Finally, he gathered his courage and spoke up.

"Actually, I wanted to ask you something."

Macaque's interest was piqued, and his gaze sharpened. "Hmm, well, spit it out then. I've got better things to do than just stand here holding this little nuisance." Mk took a breath and went for it. "I've noticed how close you are with the monkeys around here, especially the younger ones. I was wondering... how do you do it? How do you get them to just instantly like you and be comfortable around you like that?" Macaque was taken aback. He had anticipated a question about his methods of combat or his powers, not something so direct and straightforward about his relationship with the monkeys. There was a moment of silence as Macaque pondered his response, the cub on his tail shifting its grip.

"Well," Macaque began, his voice steady, but with a hint of vulnerability. "I suppose it's a matter of understanding and connecting with them. The young ones... well, they're simple creatures. They just want someone they can trust, someone who shows them affection and makes them feel safe."

Macaque looked around at the monkeys playing nearby, his eyes softening slightly. "They sense things in people. They can tell when someone genuinely cares. I may not be as... open and warm as Monkey King, but I make sure they know I'm there for them, in my own way." Macaque's gaze shifted back to Mk. "It's not rocket science, kid. It's just about showing them kindness, compassion, and a bit of patience. It doesn't take much to win over their trust." Macaque chuckled at Mk's frustrated groan.

"Ah, don't beat yourself up about it, kid. The monkeys here are just more attached to me, I guess." He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, his tone light-hearted. "It's not like I'm going out of my way to win their affections. It just happens naturally." Macaque's carefree attitude was a stark contrast to Mk's evident frustration. He leaned against the tree trunk, the cub still clinging to his tail. "Maybe the younger ones are more drawn to me because I don't try too hard. They can sense sincerity, you know?"

Macaque chuckled again, a hint of mockery in his tone. "Or maybe they just like me better because I don't trip and fall over every rock I see. They value gracefulness and balance, kid." Four more monkeys, seemingly out of nowhere, had materialized behind his back, their presence subtle but unmistakable.

Macaque, seemingly unperturbed by the sudden appearance of the monkeys, continued his sarcastic banter as if nothing had happened. With an air of nonchalance, he casually addressed Mk whilst the monkeys behind him began to play with his tail.

"What's the matter, kid? Never seen monkeys appear out of thin air before?"

Despite their surprising appearance, the monkeys seemed completely at ease with Macaque, as if they were used to his presence. Mk, still stunned by the sudden appearance of the monkeys, watched in disbelief as they played with Macaque's tail. Mk couldn't help but point out the irony of the situation. "See? That's exactly what I mean! They just showed up behind you and started playing with your tail like it's the most natural thing in the world. How do you even do that?"

Macaque chuckled, clearly enjoying Mk's dumbfounded expression. "What can I say, kid? The monkeys of Flower Fruit Mountain have a soft spot for me. I guess they can't resist my charming personality." With a smirk, Macaque glanced at the monkeys playing with his tail. "Just like you can't resist the temptation to trip over every rock in sight."

Mk grumbled, obviously frustrated by Macaque's constant taunting. "Oh, hardy har har. You know I tripped on accident, right?" Macaque shrugged nonchalantly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Accident or not, it was still quite a show. Maybe you should invest in some walking lessons, kid."

Macaque chuckled, his voice dripping with mockery. "Or perhaps some glasses. You know, so you can actually see where you're going next time."

Mk let out a deep sigh, clearly growing tired of Macaque's constant digs at his clumsiness. "Very funny. Real hilarious. Can you give it a rest already?" Macaque chuckled letting it go, but offered to help Mk with the monkeys so they could get used to him. Mk did not expect that at all.

Mk was caught off guard by Macaque's unexpected offer. He had expected more teasing from the monkey, but instead, he was actually being somewhat helpful.

"Wait... you're actually willing to help me?" Mk asked, slightly suspicious.

Macaque crossed his arms, his tone matter-of-fact. "Well, it's not like they actively dislike you. They just don't know you as well as they know me. And let's face it, I have a certain charm that you'll probably never possess." He smirked as he finished his statement, clearly enjoying his own arrogance. "But with a little effort and some guidance from the great Macaque, maybe the monkeys will start warming up to you more."

"Though I can't promise they'll like you as much as they like me," Macaque tacked on, a self-satisfied smile on his face. "I'm quite hard to compete with, you know."

Macaque leaned back against the tree, a hearty laugh escaping his lips. "You chose me, of all people, to help you win over the monkeys? I must say, your decision-making skills are truly astounding, kid."

"If you wanted to befriend the monkeys, you could've asked Monkey King. He's practically their favorite playmate. But you came to me. Not sure if that's a stroke of brilliance or just sheer stupidity." Macaque's yellow eyes gleamed with amusement as he continued, "Either way, I find it quite entertaining that you thought I'd be the one to help you with this little predicament."

Mk, taken aback by Macaque's continued amusement, decided to clarify himself. He looked directly at Macaque, determination in his eyes. "I didn't come to you because I thought you were the obvious choice. I came to you because I think you understand the monkeys on a different level than Monkey King."

Macaque, caught off guard by Mk's genuine explanation, raised an eyebrow. It wasn't often that someone looked to him for insight rather than Monkey King.

"What do you mean?" Macaque asked, tilting his head curiously.

Mk explained further, his voice filled with sincerity. "Monkey King may be the king and the monkeys' favorite, but he's always seen as this larger-than-life figure. He's the legend they worship and admire. But you... You have a different kind of connection with the monkeys here. You understand them on a more intimate level, and they trust and rely on you in a way that they don't with Monkey King."

Macaque was truly dumbfounded. He wasn't used to someone noticing the subtle bonds he had formed with the monkeys. No one, aside from the monkeys themselves, had ever pointed that out before. "You... You really believe that?" Macaque asked, a hint of vulnerability visible in his usually guarded eyes.

Mk nodded firmly, meeting Macaque's gaze. "Yes, I do. I've seen how the monkeys cling to you, follow your every move, and seek your comfort. That bond goes beyond just being their 'playmate.' It's trust, reliance, and... I think even a hint of affection." Macaque's composure faltered for a moment. He had always known there was a unique connection between him and the monkeys, but hearing someone else acknowledge it, especially someone like Mk, was jarring.

"I... I never thought someone like you would actually understand," Macaque admitted, his voice soft and slightly stunned. Mk took a step forward, his tone sincere yet curious. "So, will you help me? I want to understand the monkeys like you do, to form that bond with them. To have them trust and rely on me, just like they do with you." Macaque, still slightly taken aback by Mk's words, paused for a moment. He considered Mk's request, his thoughts flickering in his yellow eyes. Finally, he let out a sigh, resigned.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to help you out. But don't expect a miracle overnight, kid. Earning the trust of the monkeys takes time and patience." Macaque pushed himself off the tree, straightening up. "I'll give you some pointers, sure. But don't think you'll be instantly adored like me. That charm just can't be replicated." He gave Mk a mocking smile, regaining his usual confident demeanor. "You'll just have to settle for being the runner-up favorite, I suppose."

Macaque, noticing Mk's eagerness, smirked. "Well, eager beaver, let's get started then. The first lesson in winning the hearts of the monkeys around here is understanding them. You can't just waltz in and expect them to like you. They are creatures of instinct, and they need trust, comfort, and familiarity." This was how Mk began to get closer to the monkeys of Flower Fruit Mountain.

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