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kaynanarie · 2 days ago

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Eyes of Gold (Part 11)

(A WukongxReader story inspired by Beauty and the Beast and Lutung Kasarung.) (First) (Prev)

An awed silence fell over the crowd as they took in the immortal might of Sun Wukong himself. While you felt nothing but sheer relief at the sight, the demons’ reactions were much different. Some turned tail and ran while others lingered, shocked and whispering in nervous tones. But no one dared approach the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.

The bull, while surprised, was not as intimidated as his underlings. He stood slowly, hands still bound by the glowing hair. “Monkey King, I didn’t expect to see you here,” he growled in a thinly veiled question.

“Bull Demon King,” Sun Wukong greeted with a tilt of his head. “I heard there was some commotion happening outside my mountain and came to see for myself.”

His tone was casual, even a little curious. You couldn’t see his face, only his back where he stood between you and the bull demon, but you had been around enough monkeys to quickly read his mood. The fur bristling on his neck and the lashing of his tail were evident to his barely contained rage.

“I’m here on behalf of the wolf pack,” Bull Demon King answered, gesturing to the two on the sidelines. “They claimed a human was responsible for their captain’s death and begged me to seek justice on their behalf.”

When the Monkey King glanced their way, the wolves yelped and cowered behind their comrades. “These two? I don’t suppose they also mentioned how they trespassed on my mountain, terrorized my kin, attacked my royal guest, resisted capture, and fled when their captain tried to fight and lost?” He let out a humorless chuckle. “So much for wolf-clan loyalty.”

Bull Demon King snapped his attention to the wolves, shock and outrage clear even with his bovine features. “Is this true?”

Trembling, both wolves fell to their knees with bowed heads. “It’s true, Venerable Great King. We were only passing through when we saw the human. We had no idea they were of any importance!”

“That’s a lie!” you spoke up, too insulted to stay silent. “I told you I was a guest of the Monkey King and you mocked me!”

The hunched wolf growled, “Why you…!” but flinched when both demon kings pinned him with a warning glare.

“Then the wolves are at fault,” Sun Wukong concluded as he turned back to the bull, “And have no one to blame but themselves for their transgression.”

Bull Demon King nodded, still staring down the guilty wolves. “The human is innocent so the claim on their life is forfeit. I will have no further dealings with them or the wolf clan.”

“Wonderful to hear.” The tense stance relaxed and Sun Wukong casually slung his weapon across his shoulders. “You may all leave the village without further incident, then.”

“Unfortunately, Monkey King…” The bull snorted in defiance as he looked down on the shorter demon. “We will be going nowhere. I have already negotiated the surrender of this village and will have my promised dues. Whether you choose to stay or leave is not my concern.”

The irritated tail whips returned while the rest of the monkey stood still as stone, head cocked in ominous thought. “That is unfortunate,” he murmured after a moment. “You see, this village is already under my protection. So, unless you plan to challenge me for it,” Sun Wukong spun his staff, pointing the golden tip in warning. “I suggest you take your little horde here and leave.”

Bull Demon King snarled in outrage. “You dare to order me?” Steam billowed from the bull’s flared nostrils while his hooves stamped the ground. “Perhaps I’ll claim this village and take your precious mountain next!”

A flash of red-gold eyes met yours over Monkey King’s shoulder. “Run, get to safety,” he ordered. The bellows of the enraged bull demon reclaimed his attention. Turning away, he braced himself for combat. “Go, now!”

You did as you were told, scrambling to your feet and hurrying out of the way. What remained of the demon crowd also scattered, abandoning their leader and village conquest in a panicky retreat. Soon, only the Bull Demon King and the Monkey King were left standing on the once crowded street. Sheltering behind a still-standing house, you peeked around the corner to watch the fight from a safe distance.

Growling and stomping the ground, the bull demon lowered his head and charged with a shout. But Monkey King didn’t move, not even a flinch, as the sharp horns sped towards him. He only waited until his opponent drew closer to thrust his staff out. The golden end drove against Bull Demon King’s brow and lurched him to a sudden stop.

You had heard the stories of Sun Wukong’s great strength and battle prowess; the impossible weight of his weapon, countless battles against gods and demons alike, and his stubbornness in the face of insurmountable odds. Seeing it with your own eyes was something else entirely. He easily wielded thousands of pounds of iron and halted the stampeding bull with only one hand. It was incredible, terrifying even; and you were never more grateful to be under his protection.

The bull heaved and dug in his hooves, shoving his weight forward with huffs and growls. But the Monkey King was unmoved, solid as a statue as he held the other demon in place. With a single thrust, he flung Bull Demon King back down the street with an earthshaking crash.

“Enough, Brother,” Sun Wukong said, planting the end of his staff on the ground. “Leave this village in peace and end this fight now.”

Bull Demon King stumbled to his feet, hands still bound and eyes blazing. “You are no brother of mine!” he roared.

A silence followed the echoes as both demon kings stared each other down. In a tone weighed heavy with regret, the Monkey King sighed, “So be it.” He raised one hand, muttering something under his breath before speaking up. “I’ve bested you before and I’ll do it again if I must.”

Before the bull could prepare another charge, the golden hair began to glow again. A thread broke away from his wrist and coiled around his legs, tangling his ankles together and sending him tumbling to the ground. Another strand wrapped around his horns, yanking his chin down to his chest and completely binding him. No matter how much he squirmed and thrashed, the ties refused to release him.

Sun Wukong approached the downed bull demon, staff hung over his shoulders and tail swishing with each strut. He crouched just shy of the sharp horns, tilting his head curiously. “What say you now, Bull Demon King?”

With a final snort, the bull demon slumped in defeat. “We’ll leave. Let me lead my soldiers out of here and there will be no more quarrel.”

Nodding, the monkey stood and waved his hand. The threads binding Bull Demon King fell away, leaving him free to stand. In a final golden glow, the single strand of fur floated through the air and into Sun Wukong’s waiting palm. “I’ll escort your demons from the village. Nothing is to be taken and no humans are to be harmed. Understood?”

“Fine.” The bull demon glanced to his men still lingering about. “Gather our troops! Leave everything and harm none; any who disobey will answer to me!”

They nodded, dropping their weapons in surrender. More demons appeared from the ruined buildings; some scowling, some nervous, but none eager to argue under the glares of the two demon kings. Soon, dozens of demons were crowded on the street, awaiting further orders.

Despite the fresh sting of defeat, the bull held his head high as he stood before his men. “We march west! No stopping until we return home!”

“Yes, Venerable Great King!” the crowd shouted. They turned as one and filed out of the village with Bull Demon King bringing up the rear.

As they faded into the distance, you could finally breathe a sigh of relief. You shuffled out of your hiding place, taking in the desolation left behind. Buildings were damaged, houses ransacked, and belongings scattered along the road; all things that could be fixed with time.

And amidst it all was the Monkey King; the unexpected savior of your village. Standing proud with his gilded armor and formidable weapon, it was hard to believe the terrifying demon from the elders’ tales was the same hero before you.

“Sun Wukong!”

He perked up at your call but didn’t turn around, still keeping a watchful eye on the retreating demon pack. So many words and gestures spun through your mind. Everything from tearful groveling to a friendly hug were considered, though you were still not bold enough to get too close.

“Thank you for saving us,” you finally said with a deep bow. Though overflowing with gratitude, your simple words didn’t feel like nearly enough. “I don’t know how we could ever repay you.”

“There’s no need.” The tone was dismissive but the happy curl of his tail and the tiny smile barely visible over his shoulder was too telling to ignore. “You should check on your kin. I’ll make sure the demons leave for good.”

Jumping into the air, a cloud materialized under his feet and kept him aloft. With a final parting wave, the Great Sage flew away, following after the Bull Demon King’s troops. You watched him fade into the horizon, a newfound fondness in your heart warming you against the winter cold.

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I went light on the action for this chapter since I have another fight planned later in the story. Had so much fun getting to write Wukong showing off with his fancy stick, it's what he deserves. Thank you all so much for reading and for all the wonderful comments and theories! They really make my day!

You can also find this story on AO3:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/60643669