Chapter Text
Mk was determined. After the whole Lady Bone Demon debacle things were finally returning back to normal. Well, almost everything. In the past couple days Mk had noticed a couple of things, his shadow getting darker, lights flickering, and what sounded like the whispers of deep sighs. He knew Macaque had to be following him, at least maybe a little. But… why? He racked his brain for the answer as to why the dark haired monkey would feel the need to hang around but nothing stuck until one day…
“MEI!” Mk yelled, “Mei, Mei, Mei!!!!!” He turned the corner of Pigsy’s shop after his deliveries, greeting his best friend with a gigantic hug.
“Mk! What’s up buttercup?” Mei asked with a sweet smile.
“Mei.” Mk took a step back, put his head down, and grasped the girl's shoulders.
Mei stood in confusion. But, honestly at this point she really shouldn’t be surprised by this behavior.
“Yes…?” She inquired after realizing Mk wasn’t going to say anything until she asked.
Mk lifted his head, a mischievous glint in his eye, “I have an idea.”
“Ooooh, no no no, what did we say about ideas Mk? Hm? What did I tell you?” She scolded
MK groaned with a roll of his eyes, “An Mk idea is not an idea-“ He recited
“-It’s an impulsive thought.” He and Mei finished at the same time.
“Preeeecisley.” She grinned.
“Oh c’mon, please just let me get it out. It’s killing me.” Mk whined, hunching over.
Mei laughed, “Fine, fine, you know I’m just messing with you.”
Mk hopped right up and got to explaining excitedly, “Ok. So. I’ve been noticing a couple things recently, my shadow seems like it’s watching me, my lights are always flickering, AND I’ve been hearing stuff!” He pointed to his ears.
“So you’ve gone crazy. Alright.” Mei nodded.
“No! I think Macaque is back in town!” Mk was practically brimming with untapped energy.
Mei immediately grimaced, “This is a good thing? Mk… you remember what he did, right? I know you try and see the good in everyone but-“
Her best friend cut her off,
“No buts Mei. I don’t think he’s good. I know he’s good! He just needs a couple friends, that’s all.” Mk argued.
Mei sighed, she knew she wouldn’t be able to convince him not to. He’d go through with whatever scheme he was cooking up with or without her. Might as well be there to help when it all goes sour.
“What’s the plan, Monkey boy?”
It didn’t take long for the two to spring into action. It was Mei’s job to try and pull Pigsy and Tang away from the shop in order to meet Macaque. Mk guessed it didn’t really matter though, once he found the monkey he could just bring him back to Pigsy’s place anyways. As the boy trotted along to the spot he thought he might find Macaque he began to picture how the meeting would go, if his friends would be accepting.
“Guys! Do I have a surprise for you.” Inner thought Mk grinned ear to ear, hiding his ‘surprise’ behind the door entrance to the noodle shop.
“If it’s not 100 satisfied customers, I don’t want it.” Pigsy grumbled from behind the counter.
Tang spun around in his chair, “Is it an artifact from Monkey King???” He asked expectantly.
Mk thought on it for a second, “Not exactly?” He shrugged.
“Okay. Here goes nothing.” He spoke, his friend's attention captured.
He pulled Macaque forward from his spot behind the door frame , “Tah-dah!!”
The two gasped, Tang almost falling out of his chair and Pigsy grabbing a kitchen knife and sliding over the counter.
“What is he doing here?” Pigsy sneered.
“Howdy.” Macaque lazily waved his hand, “Can I leave now? I don’t particularly like being threatened.”
“Get him out of here!” Pigsy yelled, “Are you crazy?!”
“Whatever.” Macaque ripped his arm from Mk’s grip and stalked out the door.
“Macaque! Wait!” Mk glared at Pigsy in disappointment before running after the monkey.
When he finally reached Macaque he placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, “Hey-“
Macaque swatted his hand away, “No Mk. Stop trying. It’s not going to work. Ever. Just quit while you’re ahead. Don’t try to find me again. I mean it.”
And with a wisp of air he was gone.
No! Mk smacked his hands against his cheeks. It would not go that way. He wouldn’t let it! He needed his friends to accept Macaque. He needed to prove that the monkey just needed some positivity in his life, and that they could be that positive energy.
He turned a corner into the alleyway by the shadow play theater. If Macaque was hanging around anywhere he thought this would be a good spot to check first.
He stepped deeper into the darkness of the alley, “Macaque?” He called out.
He turned slowly, taking in his surroundings, “I know you’ve been following me. I want to help you. Please let me.”
He didn’t want to plead but he didn’t know if Macaque would even take up his offer. Maybe he wouldn’t see that he could gain anything from Mk’s help.
After about five minutes of complete silence Mk was about to give up. Maybe he was crazy, maybe he was just seeing and hearing things. This idea was stupid anyways, what would Macaque want with his friendship in the first place.
Dejected, he began to walk out of the alley when he felt the wind pick up from behind him, sending chills up his spine.
“Good to see you, Kid.” A deep voice came from the shadows, it had a familiar playful lilt to it.
Mk spun around, “Macaque!”
“The one and only.” He stepped out of the shadows, placing his hands on his hips.
“So, what are you doing here? Looking for little ol’ me?” The monkey grinned.
“Yeah! I am. Uhm… I have a bit of a proposition for you.” Mk explained.
“And what would that be?” Macaque asked, crossing his arms.
Mk didn’t know why he was so nervous to just say it. It’s not like anything bad could come from it. Well… He didn’t want to think about that.
“I was thinking… what if….” Mk bit his lip, “WHAT IF YOU BECOME PART OF THE MONKEY SQUAD?” He bursted out as fast as his mouth could move.
Macaque stared at him, Mk couldn’t tell if it was a look of surprise or distaste.
All of a sudden the monkey began to laugh hysterically, holding his stomach and leaning onto a nearby wall, keeping himself up from falling. He laughed like that for a bit, only stopping to wipe away some tears that had fallen from laughing so hard.
“W-what, heh- wha- What??” He finally got a word out.
“Well,” Mk shied away, “I was hoping that maybe you'd like to join our group. Y’know, with me and Mei and Pigsy and Tang and Sandy…” He trailed off.
“And Monkey King.” Macaque finished for him, “What does the mighty Sage equal to Heaven think of this plan, hm? Does he want me in the group?”
Mk squinted, looking away with a nervous air, “That’s the thing, I don’t quite know.”
Macaque let out an annoyed huff.
“BUT- But we’ll figure it out! He’ll accept you. I promise. All of them will. I’ll make sure of it,” Mk felt like he was coaxing a stray dog, inches away from capturing it while the chance of it running remained high.
“Look. Kid.” Macaque scratched the back of his neck, “I realize you’re trying to do what you think is right. I… appreciate… that you want to help me but I don’t need help. I’m centuries old, Kid. I know how to handle myself. I don’t need friends.”
“Why?” Mk’s demeanor switched, he was getting bold.
“Why?” the monkey repeated, “I don’t care about friendship. It’s not something I find myself craving.”
“Okay, you don’t crave it or whatever but if you’re so indifferent then why not give it a try? Are you afraid?” Mk knew what he was doing, he was changing tactics.
“Afraid? Why the hell do you think I’d be afraid of you and your little buddies?” Macaque growled, maybe taunting wasn’t a good move. Shit.
“Wait- I didn’t mean- Macaque, I- I wasn’t trying to imply-“ Mk was reeling back on his words.
The monkey’s eyes softened and he chuckled, “Don’t try that again. You’re not made for hardball kiddo.”
Mk stared at him wide-eyed, “I- I wasn’t…” He sighed, “You’re right. I should leave the taunting to you.”
“Lesson one. If you’re going to try and exploit someone’s weaknesses through words and expressions, don’t back down so easily. You can’t be afraid of hurting their feelings.” Macaque sauntered towards him and ruffled his hair.
“I’ll take you up on your offer. What have I got to lose? Like I said, I don’t need any of this. Maybe it’ll be a fun way to pass the time.” Macaque walked past the boy and towards the exit of the alley
Mk smiled, “Yes! That’s the spirit! Well. Kinda?” He followed the monkey, brimming with excitement.
It didn’t take long for the duo to find their way back to Pigsy’s shop. Mk had been texting Mei on the walk back to see if she’d succeeded in getting the two older guys outside.
Mei Mei: MK!!!
Mk: what’s up?? Did you get them out of the shop? Where are you guys?
Mei Mei: well… not exactly ^^;
Mk: what do you mean?
Mei Mei: we’re still in the shop, SORRY!!:)/$/
Mk: it’s fine! we’ll deal with it, it’s not that important. I just thought Pigsy would be nicer if he wasn’t on his own turf. You know how protective he gets.
Mei Mei: I guess. But that’s not the only problem.”
Mk’s heart stopped, what was wrong? He gasped to himself, was Monkey King there?
His phone dinged again,
Mei Mei: Pigsy is in a REALLY bad mood. He and Tang got into another fight about noodles and I don’t know if it’s the best time to introduce a reformed villain into the group.
Mk: he’s not a villain Mei.
“Yeah I am.” Macaque was leaning over the Monkie Kid’s shoulder, watching him type away.
“Hey! No peeking!” Mk shoved him away.
Mei Mei: what should we do?
Mk: maybe i’ll take him to Sandy first. You know the big guy, he’ll probably be the most accepting of all of them.
Mei Mei: YEAH! That’s a great idea Mk! :D
Mk: perfect, we’ll do that. Maybe try and separate those two bozos for awhile. I’ll ttyl Mei ^^
Mei: you can count on me!
Mk slipped his phone back into his pocket and turned to Macaque.
“Change of plans. Pigsy and Tang seem to be a bit compromised right now so we’re going to see Sandy first. You’ll like him, he’s very nice.”
“The buff blue guy?” Macaque asked, trailing behind Kid, his tail swishing with anticipation.
“Yeah. He’s a sweetheart, don’t be nervous.” Mk gave him a reassuring smile.
“I’m not nervous.” Macaque scoffed.
Mk shrugged it off as the two walked to the pier to see Sandy. Mk was trying to be positive, he knew Sandy though, this would be a good start.
“Sandy!” Mk called once they got to his houseboat, looking around for his big blue friend,
“Oh no. Maybe he’s not here.” Macaque turned on his heel, “Let’s leave.”
Mk grabbed him by the scarf, “He’s here, you’re not going anywhere.”
The pair made their way towards the main entrance to the home, maybe Sandy was taking his mid-day nap already. Mk pushed the door open and called again, “Sandy?”
“I’m in here Mk!” A voice bellowed from the kitchen, “I was just about to make some tea and take my daily nap.”
Mk loosened up, the tenseness in his muscles dissipating when he heard his friend's voice.
“I’ve got a visitor Sandy. I hope that’s okay.” The boy kicked off his shoes and motioned for Macaque to do the same.
The monkey followed suit. He looked nervous. Mk could feel the air grow colder around him, he just guessed Macaque had that effect when he wasn’t feeling like himself.
Mk reached out to him, “It’s okay.”
Macaque didn’t give him a response, just snorted, but he didn’t pull away.
“Who’s the guest?” Sandy asked, walking into the living room with a tray of freshly steeped tea in his favorite jade and gold teapot.
When Sandy saw that it was Macaque he tripped over his own feet, flinging the teapot and the tray up into the air, hurling over at Mk.
“Sandy!” Mk shouted, rushing out of the way of the teapot and catching his friend.
Macaque calmly caught the pot, careful of the hot contents, he’d be pissed if he got scalding tea all over himself.
“Quite the clutz, hm?” He commented.
Mk rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to Sandy, “Are you okay?”
Sandy laughed it off and got up, dusting himself off, “I’m alright Mk! Just a little surprised is all.”
Mk chucked unsurely, “Well, yeah, I guess I could’ve introduced him when you didn’t have a pot of hot tea in your hands.”
“Mhmm.” Sandy sent a thoughtful gaze over to the monkey in the room, who was neatly placing the pot on a table, surrounding it with the small tea cups that had been on the tray as well.
“Shall we sit?” Macaque asked, looking up from his task.
Sandy nodded, walking over to the couch and taking a seat. Macaque sat in a chair across from him while Mk stood, looking between the two of them, he was too nervewrecked to sit down.
“So,” Mk started, “Sandy. I wanted to reintroduce you to Macaque. I was hoping that we could help him turn a new leaf. Accept him into our group, y’know?.”
Sandy looked deep in thought, his eyes not once leaving the dark haired monkey in front of him. Macaque was his typical nonchalant self but Mk could still feel that eerie coldness in the air.
“Mk. Why do you want this?” Sandy finally spoke, looking at the boy.
“I know it might be crazy Sandy but… Macaque helped us in the end. He was being manipulated and- I just want to give him another chance. I believe he is good and he deserves to be respected.” Mk declared, taking a step forward.
“Good speech Kid.” Macaque muttered.
Sandy looked between the two, “Mk, I trust you. You might make mistakes but I don’t think you’ve ever been wrong about a person. You have an intuitive spirit, you see the good in everyone and I can appreciate that. I believe that you know what’s best here and I’ll stand behind your decision. Besides, what’s better than one monkey? Two monkeys!”
Mk lit up like the brightest lantern in the lantern city, practically beaming. He ran over to his friend on the couch and threw himself into a huge bear hug.
“Yes! Thank you Sandy! I knew I could count on you.” He cheered.
Sandy gave him a tight squeeze back and laughed, the noise rumbling through him, “Of course! You’re one of my best friends. If you think this is a good idea, so do I.”
Mk gave him a soft smile, “Thanks Sandy. I mean it,”
The blue demon ruffled his hair, “Let’s have some tea.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon taking, drinking tea, and telling stories. Mk watched happily as Macaque warmed up to Sandy, he was actually talking and kind of… smiling? Maybe? Who cared, his plan was going well so far.
His joy of the moment was stunted when his thoughts drifted over to Pigsy and Tang. He really didn’t want to disappoint them. He was fighting himself on it though, he knew they would stand behind his every decision and be supportive like they’d always been but what about this decision? Would they be able to forgive and forget?
Pigsy always told Mk that he had moments of intense nativity but that he’d do everything in his power to keep him protected. Truly, he was like a father to Mk, more than anyone, same with Tang. The two of them were a force to be reckoned with. Mk remembered back to when even Monkey King was introduced to the two. Of course Tang was super excited to meet the King but Pigsy was hesitant. He saw the King as someone impulsive and dangerous, a bad influence on his adopted son. He knew it would be the same, if not worse, with Macaque. But Pigsy had warmed up to the Monkey King, so it could happen again. It would have to happen again.