#Ao Lie goes around eating horse cause he's hungry

[nekohime19]

Mini Mac # 22 : Monkey vs dragon

They meet Ao Lie and go on with the journey!

Macaque was curled up inside Wukong's heart-pocket, the golden-furred monkey called it like that because he sewed it right on top of his heart. The sage's heartbeat was the sweetest of lullabies, Macaque often than not found himself soothed by it. The pocket was comfortable, soft and warm, Macaque wouldn't mind spending the entire journey cuddled up there. Nonetheless, the black-furred monkey woke up when he smelled fruits, he stretched and straightened himself, his head perking from the pocket. Wukong patted his head affectionately the moment he saw him.

“Hey there, sleepy head. Here.” Wukong gave him some pieces of plums which Macaque nibbled on it. As he ate his fruits the black-furred monkey noticed how the sage was glaring at the monk, his eyes boring holes in the kid's back.

“You're still angry.” Mumbled Macaque.

“Of course I am! I protected him from thieves and he put this cursed circlet on my head!” Huffed Wukong, one of his claws flicked the golden headband tightly circling his head.

“... The headache sounded painful.” Whispered Macaque, he left Wukong's pocket and climbed him until he sat on top of his head. Then he saw how the flesh under the circlet was swollen and sighed, he began to apply a balm around the circlet to ease Wukong's pain. The sage sighed in relief and relaxed ever so slightly.

“It was.” Pouted Wukong, he crossed his arms, tail flicking in irritation.

“Let me talk to the kid, okay? I'll try to solve this.”

“Is there even something to talk about?” Grumbled Wukong.

“If we have to journey together, shouldn't we at least try to get along?” Replied Macaque, he took some strands of Wukong's fur and began to braid them by habit, Wukong's tail flicked happily and he let Macaque do as he pleased.

They walked until they came across a stream, Wukong called it the Eagle Grief Stream. They settled on the bank of the river, Macaque climbed down Wukong and took some of his vials to refill them with water. But the moment Macaque tried to touch the stream rippling surface a white dragon emerged from its depths. The golden-furred monkey threw away the luggages he was carrying and violently snatched Sanzang off his horse; he then carefully picked Macaque with his tail and ran behind nearby boddlers as the dragon gobbled up their horse.

“Master” Said Wukong with a hint of sarcasm, disliking calling someone master. “The dragon ate our horse.”

“W-what? But how can I travel West without a horse?? Are you sure it just didn't run away in fright?” Nervously asked Sanzang as he clutched his staff. “I'll never make it!” He whined.

“I have you know I have golden vision, you namby-pampy-”

“Wukong has great eyes, kiddo. He can see far and wide, he would know if the horse ran away.” Replied Macaque, cutting Wukong before he could say something harsher.

“... I'll just check for the dragon and try to get our horse back.” Sighed Wukong, he then looked at Macaque and groaned in frustration. “I'm sorry I yelled, Master.”

“Oh…I-it's okay. But you'll leave me? What if I'm attacked or a demon comes by or the dragon returns?”

“I'll stay with you.” Sighed Macaque as he pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation. Sun Wukong lingered a bit before kindly patting Macaque's on the head and jumping out of the boulders, staff in hands, ready to battle the dragon.

“He's really kind to you.” Observed Sanzang.

“Are you afraid of him, kiddo?” Sanzang flinched and averted his eyes. “Look, I understand him killing those thieves frightened you but the circlet business? That's not gonna solve anything. I'm quite angry at you for this actually.” Explained Macaque with narrowed eyes.

“But…how can I teach him Buddhism? He's… I can't control him. And Guanyin gave it to me…”

“How about I talk to Wukong about it? But you have to promise to not use the circlet again.” Compromised Macaque, he sat on the kid's knees, looked up at him and extended one of his lil paws. Sanzang stared at him for a bit before shaking Macaque lil paws with one of his fingers.

“I'll try, Mister Fairy.” Sighed Sanzang.

“I told you to not call me that.” Groaned Macaque as he threw his head back.

“But you really are like a fairy.” Mumbled Sanzang with a small smile.

Wukong returned shortly after, wet and frustrated, with someone new on his toe and Guanyin behind him.

“Bodhisattva!” Exclaimed Sanzang as he straightened himself.

“Fear not, Tang monk. The local spirits informed me of what was going on at Wukong's demand. I'm here to inform you the dragon is named Ao Lie, he was sentenced to death by the Jade Emperor for setting his father's palace on fire and will be redeemed if he accompanies you on your journey.” Then with a flick of the wrist Guanyin transformed the dragon into a pearl-white horse. Wukong was sulking, for some reason, and glaring at the bodhisattva every now and then. Guanyin paid him no mind and even gifted him three magic-imbued hair to help him on the journey. The sage mood was a bit better after receiving his gift. As Guanyin left on her auspicious cloud Ao Lie turned back in his human form and smiled at Sanzang.

“Hi! I am Ao Lie, pleasure to meet you.” Excitedly greeted Ao Lie, then his gaze fell on Macaque and his eyes widened in curiosity. He carefully grabbed Macaque and lifted him to his face to take a better look. “I never saw someone like you before.”

“I'm Macaque.” Nervously waved the black-furred monkey, he was lifted by the scruff of his neck before he could say more and held protectively in a very familiar pair of palms.

“Don't lift him like that.” Mumbled Wukong as he held Macaque close to his chest.

Macaque just hoped this new addition wouldn't bring any more chaos already.

+ cut scenes

Guanyin : Wukong why did you attack the dragon I hired him to go with you all on the journey? 🤨

Wukong : he attacked first! 😠

Ao Lie : omg you guys are the pilgrims? Sorry I ate your horse 🙏

Wukong : Does that mean I can't fight the dragon? 🥺

Guanyin : no 😑

Wukong : sad monkey noises 🥺

Wukong : Okay, the fight was kinda fun, maybe I can get along with this guy? 🤔

Wukong *see Ao Lie pick up Macaque* : this is war 😠

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