(Monkey King Reborn) Sun Wukong x Reader
(Requested by Alleycat28 on AO3)
Three pairs of eyes stared at you, each looking on with a mix of confusion, curiosity, and suspicion. The pig and blue skinned demon were intimidating at first glance but the gaze of the human monk felt the heaviest in its scrutiny. After a tense moment, he cleared his throat and turned his attention to the demon that had led you to them.
“Wukong, who is this?” His tone was neutral but there was disapproval hidden in his tight frown.
The monkey barely offered a side glance. “This is Peaches,” he answered with a shrug. “They want to join us on our journey.”
Surprise rippled through the group as they looked between you and Wukong. You wanted to speak up; wanted to say something, anything, but the words were caught in your throat. The tension only got worse when the monk and monkey met eyes and proceeded to stare each other down.
“We were tasked with this journey for a reason, Wukong,” the human argued. “We can’t just bring along every farmer and villager we come across.”
Wukong answered him with a cheeky grin. “But Master, the whole point of the journey is to bring back lessons and guidance to enlightenment for everyone. Doesn’t it go against the teachings to turn away those who wish to learn?”
Silence followed and everyone waited with bated breath for the final verdict. Finally, the monk let out a weary sigh and murmured an exasperated prayer under his breath. Then he turned to you, his expression softer than before.
“Peaches, was it?” he asked with a kind smile. “It’s noble of you to want to join us on our pilgrimage. But before you do, I must warn you; this path will be difficult and dangerous. We will suffer many hardships and are expected to learn from them before we can reach the journey’s end. Our group does what it can to protect one another but I cannot promise complete safety. If that is a risk you aren’t willing to take, you may return home with no ill will.”
Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Wukong glance your way. He almost looked unbothered if not for the slight bristle of his fur and the agitated twitch of his tail. You didn’t meet his gaze but the weight of his dark rimmed stare felt apprehensive.
When you didn’t immediately answer, the monk continued. “But if you’re true in your intentions to join us, you will be welcome as a fellow pilgrim.”
Another stretch of silence followed as you considered the offer and warning in equal measure. Sure, travel was risky under normal circumstances and keeping the company of demons was bound to attract all kinds of trouble. But Wukong had promised to protect you and, despite only knowing him a short while, you trusted the monkey and wanted to follow wherever he may lead.
“I understand,” you finally spoke with a fierce nod. “And I would like to travel with you into the west if you would allow me.”
“Very well.” The monk placed a gentle hand on your shoulder. “Then you are most welcome on our pilgrimage, Peaches. You may call me Sanzang. It seems you already know Wukong.”
The monkey scoffed and rolled his eyes but had relaxed upon hearing your acceptance. You could even see a hint of a smug smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.
“This is Pigsy,” Sanzang continued, gesturing to the boar demon, “And Sandy,” he finished with nod to the blue skinned creature.
Pigsy stammered over his words in bewilderment before finally blurting out, “That’s not fair, Master! Why does Brother Monkey get to bring a human along but none of my lady friends are allowed?”
“What lady friends?” Sandy asked innocently, earning a glare from the boar.
“Peaches is joining us as a fellow pilgrim, not entertainment,” Wukong growled.
The pig snorted, unimpressed. “Well, since they are now the youngest disciple, they can set up camp tonight.”
“Don’t try and pawn your chores off on Peaches!”
Sanzang sighed and shook his head. “No fighting, you two. We’ll show Peaches our daily tasks and divide up chores accordingly later. For now, we should get moving. It’s nearly midday and we still have a long way to go before nightfall.”
Mounting his horse, the monk led the way down the road, the others quick to follow after him. You had barely managed a step before the blue demon, Sandy, tugged at your bag.
“I can carry that for you,” he offered with giant, fishlike eyes.
“Are you sure?” It wasn’t much; just a small satchel filled with a few meager possessions. But you were still hesitant to make it someone else’s burden.
“It’s no problem.” Sandy took the bag and added it to the dozens of other packs hung from his shoulder. “I’m much stronger than I look.”
Before you could answer, Wukong’s arm looped over your shoulders and guided you along. “Come on, don’t fall behind. Can’t have you getting lost or kidnapped on your first day.”
“It happens sometimes but don’t worry.” He gave your shoulders a reassuring squeeze. “Just stay by me and you’ll be fine.”
It was enough to quiet the anxiety still buzzing under your skin. “Okay!” you smiled brightly and giggled when the monkey chirped and turned away bashfully.
His arm stayed around you as you walked further away from home, leaving behind everything you once knew. The familiar scenery of your village eventually faded, replaced by the wild lands beyond it. And all the while, the road continued onward, guiding you and your new friends into the distant west.
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AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/62162575/chapters/226738316
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