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axl-ul · 1 month

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The Flight of the Western Crane: Chapter Sixteen

(A reupload/repost of my fic/dark retellingof Journey to the West which can be also found on AO3 under the same name)

(General info about this fic/wip/retelling is here)

****

It had been three days since the monkey had talked the pig and the fish-man into severe training sessions. The sun hadn’t even begun to rise and the eldest disciple had already sneaked to his juniors’ beds and like three mice they had creeped out so as not to disturb their teacher. Sandy and Pigsy eventually had shown up a few times to rest and to check on the young Master. They also attended a dinner and chatted with the rest of their group by the evening hours. But not the monkey. He’d been training hard, using every second to keep himself in shape or even more, to make himself the superior fighter.

For three days the three disciples had kept a new home in the abandoned training hall.

For three days the young Master had been left with the Tiger Princess and the Wolf Witch.

In spite of their best efforts not to disturb the monk with mind as pure as fragile petals of a lotus and to take care of him the same way his disciples did. During this period, in fact, Tang Sanzang took care of their needs instead.

“Venerable monk, you’re the Emperor’s brother! No need to make such a hasty decision!“ cried the Princess of the Great Tiger Kingdom.

The Tang monk didn’t listen anymore. His faint smile and a little nod was all he responded with as he brought the tea and the medicine his senior disciple most politely scribbled on a note. Although it was an awkward experience for sure. After all, he did spill some of the tea on his apron and trousers, instantly changing the colour from bright yellow to dirty orange.

Still, the monk, who now possessed a look of a scholar with the small black hat and a pile of scrolls and papers he brought with himself, did find relief in the two women.

He found them with their messy hair slithering down by their shoulders and chests just to cover the long sky blue sleeping robes and their beds made of red toon with vividly colourful patterned blankets. Even their sleepy voices, dry skin around the eyes or the remains of makeup, which they didn’t bother to finish, didn’t discourage him from staying by their sides. Although he wasn’t permitted similar earthly joy, Sanzang needed advice, which was a matter of life and death. A peculiar issue Mei happened to be a master of, at least as he’d heard so from the monstrous disciples and the witch. Something he specifically brought the hoard of paper and ink for.

“C’mon, you’re all so stiff. This is poetry, not one of your lectures. Allow yourself to relax.“

“I am, Your Highness.“

“Not at all. Don’t worry and trust the process, fine?“ Mei helped Sanzang to adjust to a better posture. “Now for the vocabulary. I see Bajie told you a thing or two. But you sound like an obscene drunkard…“

“Mei!“ Márgerdra reprimanded the girl. “Language. We know this is your dearest passion. But language, sweetie, alright?“

Mei jumped up from suddenly hearing the steel command. The girl had taken a seat in an armchair which faced the eastern window with the low table by its left. Rarely did Márgerdra raise her voice on the princess. Hence the rosy blush creeped up to her ivory cheeks, which used to be as pale as the first snow but now got slightly darker as the princess lingered on the fresh air more often than ever.

The princess turned to the young Buddhist, then to her advisor and peeped, offering a lopsided grin,“My apologies, venerable Tripitaka. It got over my head a little bit.“

“That’s alright, Your Highness,“ Sanzang waved his hand and even gave a lighthearted chuckle,“I think I need a different approach these days anyway. Lady Márgerdra, please, know I’m not depreciating your guidance, of course.“

The witch, surprised by herself, assured the monk and soon they went on with the much needed lesson.

When not reciting long verses, coming up with rhymes or painting idyllic visions with words worn on their delicate lips, Sanzang let Mei and Márgerdra pull him into another pastime. Still remembering his vows and oath, he found the embroidery strangely relaxing and also fascinating.

Meanwhile he was handing the princess another cup of fennel tea, his smooth forehead and brows waved with wrinkles.

“What is it, venerable Tripitaka?“ Márgerdra, a woman who let barely anything slide her attention, asked.

“It’s nothing serious, Lady Márgerdra. I almost pricked my finger and nothing else. Please, don’t let yourself be distracted by my clumsiness.“

Pouring down her throat the warm liquid, Mei started choking. Tears formed in her hooded eyes and her little fist hit her chest several times as she wished to join the banter immediately,“What are you talking about? You’re doing just fine!“

“I’m afraid my piece is barely an embarrassing caricature in comparison to your artworks, Your Highness.“ The monk showed his attempt to depict a small simple flower of a too fantastical shape to be based on a real species. Truly, in comparison to the girl’s embroidered handkerchiefs and veils, the details were little more than an inept attempt of a novice.

“I’ll show you something, fine?“ the princess folded her arms and asked Márgerdra for her veil,“Do you see this?“ She showed him the fabric. Flowers of rich red and tender pink perfectly stood out on the light blue background and at the same time, they finely complemented it. The peonies and a magnolia flower intertwined among them caught the monk’s interest.

“Such a delicate work, Your Highness!“

“To you it might be. I did my best to make this for Márgerdra. But,“ the young woman’s chest heaved upon letting out a heavy sigh meanwhile her lids fell down and completely covered her black eyes,“especially today when my skill’s much better, I don’t see any of the appeal.“

Sanzang was prepared to protest. Sadly, he couldn’t overcome the drought in his throat.

“Yet, my mother and father adored my works. Lady Márgerdra did as well. I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Until I understood something. Do you know what it was?“

The man’s slender finger tapped on his chin a few times while he was thinking about the answer. Finding none, he brought his gaze to the princess’ face and gently shook his head.

In response, she giggled before taking his both hands into hers and chirped,“It was the loving care put into it. I wanted to make those around me happy. That’s why my effort counted so much.“ The young woman then turned to the witch. As she was handing over the veil, she squeezed Márgerdra’s warm hand. The witch returned the kindness which moved her equally as much as those years ago.

Sanzang gave the girl’s idea a second and even a third thought. He recalled the days he spent with his disciples. All the words and initial vilifying of them despite Guanyin’s reassurance, when he was still so afraid of what they used to be. He was uncertain. Yet after a few days later, after another prayer, when Sanzang saw the furred devil, the man-eating monster, the lustful fiend and lastly the self-absorbed beast were more than what he’d perceived them as, the Tang monk made his final decision to bring them together and to make them one of heart.

Now, looking at his nearly finished pattern, he had to admit he should show them the care from time to time.

“Your Highness? Would you mind if we make some more? I got an idea.“

“No problem with that! You’re going to recite what I taught you, though. You may improvise, too, if you want,“ Mei winked with a mischievous glint.

****

On the third day, four unbelievably tiny veils good for a personal display at best were finished. Chatting and laughing, the princess and her advisor agreed the monk made a headway. They praised his work under their critical eyes, unbeknown to them, there were two additional presents which Sanzang had patiently created in secret.

“Your Highness, Lady Wolf Witch, I didn’t expect to enjoy your company this thoroughly, though I knew from the very start you both are extraordinary and intelligent beings. I sincerely thank you for your lectures and guidance-“

“We like spending time with you, too! Just drop the formality a bit from time to time,“ Mei bumped into his elbow with a wink of a playful child. Her long hair, which had been made into a single thick plait by her protector and was now thrown over her shoulder, swished from side to side whenever the Tiger Princess shook her head.

“I-“ wide eyed Sanzang stuttered but in the end he sighed in great relief,“very well, Your Highness. So, thanks. A lot. That’s why I have a surprise for you.“

At first, the women sat in silence, not knowing what to expect. Their eyes followed the monk as he paced the length of the room to retrieve two items hidden in plain sight.

The muffled steps of the two slippers stopped in front of them and the women looked up in disbelief when the young man handed them two pieces of paper.

The characters in the short poems were rather tall and lightly tilted to the side. Yet, it didn’t take away from the grace of it.

Mei, who found her new spot on the bed next to Márgerdra, shot up her hand and dragged the nervous Sanzang in between to throw herself around him. Shy and dodging with her watering eyes as the first day they got introduced, she whispered while still clinging onto him,“Thanks, gege.“

“Thank you,“ Márgerdra gently ruffled the black silky spikes on his head.

“You don’t need to,“ Sanzang rubbed the back of his head with an uncertain smile,“it’s just a trifle.“

“That’s what you call it now,“ the witch whispered to his ear. Strangely, the manners reminded Sanzang of his own mother and a concubine, much younger than himself, whom he met at the Emperor’s palace.

The three enjoyed the moment as it was. That was until Mei twittered in her swallow-like voice. “When we get to the Brocade Lantern, you have to stay for a few days to preach a bit. And to teach my husband your patience.“

“Does he not like embroidery and poetry?“

“I haven’t met him yet. But I’d like to be sure he will want to spend some time with me like this. From time to time, at least. It’d be nice.“

After these words, Márgerdra’s mood sank. A decision she used to support so much in the beginning, wasn’t so certain now.

A stranger whom Mei doesn’t know much and she should pledge her life to him? The Great Tiger Kingdom was grasping at the last bits of hope for the better future which Mei was a bearer of. Such a young soul and already thrown into the world like this. However, she did grow a lot, she matured and ripened like a plum. A sweet fruit of such gentle colour which had no other option than to be born in the middle of the winter.

But should she let that young plum to face the coldest snowstorm by herself? To wait what shall come and take a bite off of her? Shall it be an eagle, a bear or a young sparrow? Or are those going to be worms devouring her inside out? Should she not intervene as the keeper she was though the plum’s fate was inevitable? Although what started out as a flower has to bring the spring, shall the girl witness sun herself?

Something in the hallway dropped. A whirlwind of swear words devoured the level of the palace in its entirety. The Pilgrim and the noblewomen averted their attention to the front, and only, door in that room. It shut Mei and Sanzang’s pleasant banter in a single heartbeat.

Márgerdra calmed them down, advised them to hide behind a large folding screen and prepared her whip. Her cold eyes narrowed and she waited.

In less than a minute, the door slid open and two demons barged in and sent the third one, who was in between them, flying inside the room. Wukong landed on top of the witch, yet it didn’t save his face from meeting the hard floor above her slim shoulder.

With a bruised nose and in great pain, he rolled to the side and yelled back at Sandy and Bajie,“I said,’Hurry up!’, not ‘Throw me like a ragdoll!’, morons.“

Sha Wujing tilted out of the door frame into the hallway. As his mouth went agape, he shoved the pig and himself inside, exclaiming,“Quickly! She’s coming!“

“Who’s she?“ confused, Sanzang tried to follow but he soon found out the unpleasant answer to his question.

Before Wujing shut the door, a petite hand with long dark green nails emerged from the tiny chink. “I hope I’m not disturbing,“ a high pitched voice of the handmaiden hit everyone’s nerves, the monk included. Miss Yawen didn’t wait for an invitation and with her head high up, a vicious sneer and graceful, yet stilted moves, she slid inside the room. “Oh my, the little cheeky pup and her owner are here, too,“ her facial muscles convoluted in disgust as she laid her eyes upon Mei and Márgerdra.

The witch and the princess snarled but kept themselves in line for the sake of the group’s safety.

“Miss, is there anything we can help with?“ Bajie did his best to distract the viper with his charm, though he shivered from head to toe.

“Honestly, the situation seems to be the other way around.“ Yawen ignored the junior disciples and made her way exactly past them towards the monkey.

Wukong was helplessly lying on the floor. However the moment the viper knelt down to caress his wrapped limb, he quickly retracted the leg. His clawed fingers wrapped around her wrist like a fishnet around an eel.

“Don’t be afraid. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Many fail at training and injure themselves all the time, my dear, you’re no exception.“

“What do you propose, then?“

“I am skilled in various massages and acupuncture. If you’d be interested in a treatment my door’s open,“ the viper cunningly looked at Wukong. “After all, your injury is quite a misfortune as the tournament approaches us mercilessly. Also, the bathhouse might be an option as well as I intend to attend the place tonight-“

Márgerdra rolled her eyes. She firmly stepped out and covered Wukong with her imposing figure,“Although we are grateful you care so much about my husband’s well-being, Miss Yawen,“ slowly but surely, Márgerdra was making the handmaiden back out of the bedroom,“ we must decline your offer.“

When Yawen stood on her tiptoes to cast a look behind the tall blonde, the Wolf Witch narrowed her eyes. Fed up with the handmaiden, Márgerdra ended their encounter with a hostility which made Yawen’s skin crawl with goosebumps,“Good day. Oh, and close the door. It’s getting windy, Miss Yawen. You don’t want to get cold.“

Márgerdra shut the door hard until its frame and the wall shook wildly.

“And you,“ she didn’t need to turn around to make Wukong stop from getting up and let him stare at her, absolutely uncertain of his future,“better explain yourself and how you ended up having less stability than that viper’s mentality.“

“Lady Márg-“

“Shut your mouth up, Wujing. You’re a sweetheart. But shut up now.“

“Hey, you’re angry with me, blondie. Don’t target him,“ Wukong finally climbed up the bed and sat next to his teacher as sweat drops slid down his forehead and nose and finally let go of him once they reached the sharp chin,“Shifu, how’s it going? Sorry we let you wait. Ladies, please, get out, it’s time for a preaching and then our prayers.“

Mei, just like her best friend, was equally not getting any of the Monkey King’s excuses,“Suddenly, you’re a model monk…“

“How interesting, Your Highness,“ Wukong offered a fake grin,“you didn’t have many remarks when you asked me to show you some fighting techniques with that little kitchen knife you got.“

Although, the girl jumped in to cover the monkey’s snout, it wasn’t enough. Mei lowered her head in order to hide her blush. However, everybody already saw her and it went in vain.

Fortunately, the witch had expected the princess would try to schedule a training session after receiving the dagger with a tiger tilt and made no fuss about it. Instead, she shook her head as she rolled her striking eyes and came closer to the rosewood bunk enlightened by the golden rays of the early afternoon sun.

Mei already knew what to do and pressed herself against Wukong’s back. Sanzang, after spending so much time with the ladies, carefully straightened the Sage’s legs. The master soothed his disciple as much as he could, though he couldn’t deny the horror inside whenever Wukong yanked. “What are you doing?“

“Shush. Bajie, Wujing, what is the case?“

Both demons replied simultaneously,“A training injury. We ran a few separate exams and the right leg doesn’t seem to be broken.“

While she was stretching, pulling, then bending the limb again and repeating the exercise in various directions, the witch asked more,“Dear Pigsy?“

“The knee cap seems to be fine. His thigh bone and shin, too. The same goes for the foot. But he hissed like a damn mad cat whenever I moved it just like now. We had to support him when we went to the city.“

Sandy disapprovingly shoved into his senior’s elbow. Márgerdra, irked even more upon hearing the questionable decision of the two juniors. She cocked her eyebrow and twisted her lips, letting out hot fumes through her nose. “Well, what happened can’t be taken back. Sandy, sweetie?“

“If it’s just a pulled muscle it could heal pretty quickly. I know a few treatments and I’ve already applied an oil on the limb.“

“This one seems to be more serious, though,“ Márgerdra pulled by the foot and observed the monkey’s reaction. He twisted like a worm on the sun.

“Sadly, you’re right, Lady Márgerdra. Though nothing’s contused nor the ankle’s twisted, the muscles seem to be rather damaged. It could be from weeks to months until the full recovery. Please, don’t be angry at him, Shifu, Lady Márgerdra.“

“Exactly. Big Bro wasn’t trying to show off or anything. It was just a stupid accident. Please, we’ll gladly take any punishment. After all, we should have stopped him from being so hard on himself.“

The blonde turned to find the two demons almost kneeling down, the sunrays from the southern window shone on their faces drowning in guilt, as they begged their teacher. Sanzang couldn’t find a single real reason to punish them. In fact, he felt terribly sorry for all three of his disciples no matter how monstrous and scary they looked. “No, there would be no point in such a thing. Lady Márgerdra do you think you could help?“

“Shifu, stop being so soft-hearted. Wujing, get yourself together. I’m fine. I just need a little bit of relaxation. This evening I’ll-“

“This evening me and your disciple visit the bathhouse,“ Márgerdra dug her nails into the sole of Wukong’s foot, making the demon almost bite off his tongue when he suppressed the yell,“I better start with the treatment immediately. Massages, the switch between hot and colder water might help as well. Ol’ Sha, would you mind showing me the oils and ointments you’ve applied on him?“

The handsome monk put a hand on the witch’s shoulder,“Thank you. I mean it.“

Márgerdra gave it a light squeeze,“We thank you, venerable Master. Just take care of Her Highness while I’m away.“

“Don’t worry,“ Mei yelped from his seat, feeling much better and stronger. She hugged Sanzang around his shoulders, the two ivory-coloured silky tunics rustled against each other,“we’ll be fine. He’ll take care of me and I’ll check on him, too. You better heal the Great Sage, though.“

****

The bathhouse hadn't changed much since Wukong’s last visit.

The place was humid and hot already by its entrance. The water rhythmically dropped from the tall pillars painted with blue peacock tails, which the Queen had ordered to repair as soon as the captain’s investigation had ended. The glaze on the vases was shiny from the thick steam, the statues from white jade gleamed in their full glory, signifying the splendour of the palace. The reliefs of fantastical animals, like nine-antlered deer carved by the sole of the pillars or a turtle with lion paws of gold and dragons spouting water out of their mouths, were no less imposing and breath-taking.

Having familiarised themselves with the quarters in the past, their walk was a certain one, even though the footsteps were slower, even more as when they’d been descending the stairs leading to the bathhouse.

Sun Wukong muttered. He was no longer able to rapidly fly to the point of his interest. When the she-wolf suggested a walking cane, the monkey demon didn’t hesitate and snapped at her. Hence his irregular footsteps echoed besides the demoness with the patience of a saint.

The couple soon found a room which suited their needs the most. It happened to be the farthest from the entrance door. While its walls were tall, they were also rough, unlike the rest, with numerous dark cracks, so thin only a mouse could possibly fit in, which let the pool blend more naturally with the cave itself. However it didn’t take away an inch of the place’s charm. A thick golden folding screen which depicted a lion with majestic mane listening to a phoenix’s song separated it from the previous bathhouse compartments. Whoever the painter was, they had to be a master of the craft as both animals had their watchful eyes directed at each one, both appearing nearly alive. The impression of a sacred intimacy immediately affected anyone who walked behind and entered the circular pool with bubbling surface made of granite rich with veins of a pomegranate colour and of a moderate size. A long stone bench and a wide ornamented table were positioned right in front of it.

Finally, Márgerdra was able to put down the armful of tools and ointments she borrowed from Friar Sand. “Sit down. We’ll do one more exercise before you take a bath.“

“Blondie, I’m fine. Go back and pay attention to your nails or whatever. Now, don’t tell me nobody left a single straw in here.“ Wukong stood in front of the bench and tossed his head while he returned to the habit of pursing his snout. His eyes were scanning the surroundings around as he nervously chewed on his lower lip before the witch’s slender hands grabbed his shoulders from behind and pushed him down to sit on the bench with a dull thud.

Taking a seat beside the man, the Wolf Witch brought up his limb into her lap. She tapped it a few times before she suggested,“You better do as I say, Wukong. Do you not wish to be back to your full strength?“

“Yes, ma’am,“ Wukong replied, mildly annoyed by his current position. “Be careful, though. My skin’s rather delicate,“ he added with a snark and delicately moved his toes.

Márgerdra didn’t let him disgust her. She simply redid her hair bun, rolled up the long sleeves of her lilac jacket with a silver kingfisher pattern and began her precise massage.

Slowly, she was moving from the monkey’s sole to his shin and higher, to his thigh, then down again. “Do you wish me to use the needles now or after the bath?“ Her voice, so tranquil it was nearly devoid of emotion, tore out Wukong from his little nap.

Making small circles on his temples, he gave a simple answer,“No.“

“Fine. Then let me help you up.“

“Már-“

The witch shushed him and offered her right forearm arm as a support. It took a long time before the Monkey King accepted.

Her grip was firm, steel-like. She was still angry with him. At least, she pretended so, as Wukong noted to himself.

A light draught from the entrance door washed over them and the candlelight danced in quick rhythm.

She smelt delightfully as ever but he doubted she used anymore of her perfume. After all, he was well aware that she depleted the last saved bottle a couple days ago. Insead, it mixed with her oddly strong body odour and became an eternal part of her. Even more, the perfume only highlighted what already had been there since the beginning.

Just like the first, the second, the third and many more times later, it drew him in even tonight.

Wukong imagined thousands of snow-white petals spread across the background of the darkening evening sky of indescribably wonderful shades of blue just like the pair of her strangely round eyes looking back at him. Her courage, the millions of dazzling silver stars, glittered on the surface of those two deep ponds. Yet they’re no illusion. The ponds are no mirror, not this time. They are two large windows and the stars became one with them. What Wukong saw behind puzzled him at first. Now he slowly began to understand.

He limped forward. With her hand encircled by his palm, Wukong looked up. Long pearl earrings added on a charm of her heart-shaped face and even the contours caused by the annoyance.

Márgerdra leaned back, but Wukong didn’t allow her to walk off. Instead, he shoved his head upwards, which tossed from side to side as his eyelashes fluttered, until he felt her shallow breaths. Wukong sniffed again. His dark eyes lit up.

“What are you doing?“ Márgerdra’s nose wrinkled, tired that the monkey’s temper was forever going to stay as nimble as the late autumn’s breeze. However, the witch knew well she secretly found it endearing at times.

“Looking. Smelling. Anyway, your odour is interesting. Different from the rest.“

“I’m a demoness, Wukong. Of course, I’m not going to smell like your Master or Mei. Neither was I born in these lands. Naturally, I’m going to look different. A foreigner shall always stand out in the crowd. Sometimes even among my own.“ The Wolf Witch faintly hugged herself and said so quietly that Wukong had a hard time understanding the words,“A thorn in everybody’s side.“

The Great Sage was prepared to contradict her. He caught himself at the last second and drove off the foolish thought. “You’re right. I suppose. Just not the thorn part. You make a solid travel buddy.“

Calming herself down immediately, she looked up,“And you for a solid travel guide.“

The Great Sage smiled faintly. He felt the tips of his ears burnt, Surely, they reddened as well. A gratifying flower bloomed in his chest, it consolingly brushed against his ribs.

“How do you feel?“ he asked after a while.

“I’m much better,“ Márgerdra slipped from his grasp and walked behind the screen. She came back with a thin piece of white cloth, though Wukong didn’t pay much attention to it at first.

“Thanks to the rest and medicine. Your Master was a pleasure to be around. The small change in schedule certainly helped Mei, as well. Oh my little one, she’s chirping once again happily as ever like a sparrow’s chick and playing around like a tiger’s cub,“ the witch placed her hand over her heart and giggled to herself not at all expecting to find such understanding anywhere, let alone in the Monkey King.

“Well, I knew he was in good hands when I witnessed all the compassion around Her Highness.“ Wukong let the gurgle of the streams envelop them for a brief moment before he joked,“Blondie, now that you’re better, do you think you can still take me down in a fight?“

“What a daring statement! Injured beyond belief and he still wants to pick up a fight! Wukong, when are you going to come to senses?“

“Are you refusing a chance for retaliation? Or are you afraid you shall lose again?“ His wink finally managed to get the blonde to join his little game.

She answered easily, even though it took a while. “I am certain about my skills. That I can say. Before I agree on your challenge, what’s in for me when I win?“

His hoarse voice rumbled with laughter,“‘When’ and not ‘if’? Our Lady’s confident today.“ He spread his arms and continued,“You tell me. Whatever you wish for. But promise me that you will turn out for the training.“

“I have to. I need to be sure how many bones you’re going to break before so I can put you back in one piece perfectly.“

“We’re settled, then?“

“Yes. Now, would you be so kind and, please, get inside?“

Wukong, still not reflecting the purpose of the fabric held by the demoness,“Yeah, sure. Sorry ‘bout that.“ Without hesitation, he untied the wide belt in-wrought with gold inlaid with ruby plaques and stripped his maroon cross-collar shirt. Barefooted since they set out from the bedroom, he tossed the clothing on the bench and stepped out in the direction of the pool.

Carefully lifting the right leg, Wukong froze on the spot when Márgerdra admonished him,“What do you think you’re doing?“

Wukong frowned,“Taking a bath?“

“In your trousers? Please, tell me you’re joking,“ Márgerdra touched the bridge of her nose and tossed him the white cloth.

The monkey caught it at the last second. Still puzzled, he was turning the object in his hands, trying to figure out its purpose. “What’s that?“

“A loincloth. I’ll wait behind the screen until you’re done.“

The monkey widened his wild eyes. He understood the yelling wouldn’t do much and so, he tried the most winsome smile to gain the Wolf Witch’s sympathy,“Blondie, can’t I simply keep my pants on?“

“What an awesome idea? Why didn’t I think of that sooner? Yes, wear your filthy pants into the clean pool which serves everyone in this palace and when you’re done, return in those same, equally dirty, now also soaking wet pants to your room, lie down on your neatly made bed and sleep in them like you slept yesterday.“ Márgerdra’s pale silk skirt with ivory pendants and red knotted ribbons floated in the air when she turned around. Before she vanished behind the corner, the blonde gave out her order one last time,“Put it on. Or I’m telling the venerable Master.“

Angry that he was cornered by the woman, Wukong balanced while he was changing trousers and his apron for the loincloth. There were a few times when he nearly fell flat on his nose. Those were also times when Márgerdra called out, asking whether he needed help, a clear distress and guilt biting her conscience from earlier. As expected, he declined and rather fought on his own with the unyielding piece of clothing. Helping himself with his flexible tail, Wukong was finally free from the black trousers. His trembling hands stretched out and tied the loincloth around his thin waist.

One careful step, two careful steps, three steps and he was finally by the pool’s slippery edge.

“Are you done?“ Márgerdra called out.

“Sort of, blondie.“

“What do you mean, you stubborn mule?“

The Sage wanted to reply but as he was lifting his leg, his left foot slipped. Wukong yelled out and caught himself by the wooden edge at the last moment. He didn’t even notice how or when but the furious witch was already by his side, taking him under the armpit and flooding him with reprimands. Because he was still recovering from the slight shock and the striking pain was back again, he didn’t realise that she also put him into the hot water.

Wukong plunged there until only half of his chest was above the numerous bubbles.

“Hey, you can let go of me! I’m alright. By the way, shouldn’t we use cold water instead?“

“Don’t worry. We’ll be changing the hot and cold water pools. Are you sure you’re fine?“

“Yeah, blondie. No big deal.“

“Wukong, you heal quicker than humans and I believe that Bajie was right and it’s only a stretched muscle, though slightly more severe one,“ Márgerdra chewed on her lower lip, her voice was steel-like when she sat behind the monkey with a few ointments for muscle soreness,“But if you pop your kneecap, it won’t be easy. We’re running out of time.“ For a while, she fell silent and so did Wukong, who leaned back and dropped his eyes.

Márgerdra couldn’t stand it any longer. In nearly a whisper, she asked,“Does it still hurt?“

“No. I’m in good hands. It doesn’t have any reason to hurt.“ Wukong put his hairy hand over hers, which was resting not too far away on the pool’s edge. It was cold, fortunately, it started to quickly warm up under his palm.

He felt it again. The unfamiliar beat against his ribs and something twirling around inside.

“I should’ve kept an eye on you. Instead, I was laying in bed all day…“ the wolf demoness muttered in frustration.

“And hurt yourself instead? No. Don’t say that. I’ve been around some time and this isn’t my first time with a training injury. Don’t pretend I’m made out of a fragile glass, Márgerdra.“ Wukong tilted his head back and realised there had to be a stand for Márgerdra to sit on since the hair on the crown of his head brushed against the blonde’s abdomen. The inverted proportions in his vision made him chuckle. Soon, however, in the blinking sight of the few candles and lanterns, the Wolf Witch appeared as if she were an image of a mystical being where every brush stroke was sacred to the ancient painter in order to capture the core essence of this creature’s enigma hidden deep within from the rest of the world.

The witch had wrinkled her nose and averted her tightly shut eyes. The contours relaxed once Wukong started stroking her left hand with his thumb.

He gathered his courage and directed her to face him with his right hand. She finally looked at him, though her expression remained a worried one, almost disturbed. “We're gonna make it, alright? You can trust me.“

“But how can you trust me? I can’t even face Mei with the truth of what I truly am and she’s like a little sister to me.“

“I may not sometimes trust you,“ Wukong said in an unusually serious tone,“however I shall always believe you.“ He cupped her cheek, tips of his fingers submerged under her silky mane. Márgerdra didn’t pay it any attention anymore. For a fairly brief moment, it looked like Márgerdra welcomed his touch. “Can I ask for something? Smile up a bit. From time to time. I know you won’t do it all the time. After all, you must always have the last word.“

“Just like you?“

“Just like me,“ Wukong nodded,“The smile suits you more than those tears.“

The blonde sat up and took notice like a child who was caught red-handed. A chuckle like two small ringing bells followed the surprise,“Does it make me prettier than I already am?“

“Prettier than the stars, the moon and the sun, Great Wolf Witch of the North. Not a single Celestial fairy could compete with you.“

“I was of the opinion you weren’t a fan of poetry or an empty flattery.“

“I’m not. But I dislike not being truthful even more.“ His eyes shone bright as the fire in his heart got bigger. “I’d like to add one more thing though. They couldn’t compete with you, not because of the beauty. You got something else, something more.“

Suddenly, Márgerdra held her breath again. Her lips quivered and so did her chest where her heart began to race. “That is?“

“You’re unique. Clever, bold, a quick learner. No coward nor can you look easily at the inequity. What you look like, well, you’re interesting. In a good way. Just, it’s not all that there’s about you. I,“ Wukong hesitated before he settled down on the right word,“like that.“

Márgerdra didn’t know how to respond. However, a wave of relief washed over the witch. “In that case, thank you. I hope I can deliver an equally uplifting compliment some day, dear friend.“

Suddenly, it was as if a bucket of freezing water was thrown at him, tearing him out of the dream-like state. “The way I know you, that’s a far future ahead of ourselves. For now, you can just massage my shoulders and crack a joke or two,“ he smirked,“I bet you can now say millions of those when you saw me, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, the one who rebelled against the Heavens itself and proved to be the greatest warrior ever born, slipping on a simple floor.“

Márgerdra thoughtfully let out while she applied pressure to the back of his neck,“Do I hear a stench of a self-praise again, dear?“

“What’s true can’t be denied!“ the Great Sage gestured swiftly, making the water splash around,“Something more sensible on your mind that could distract us from those terrible doldrums? C’mon, the other day, you talk so much you’re giving me a headache and suddenly you’re an empty jug waiting to be filled up with water by somebody else? Blondie, I know you’re giggling at something right now. Share it, will ya?“

The Wolf Witch noticed the teasing pitch. She easily read through his comical movements he displayed. At the same time, she couldn’t disagree. Truly, the young woman was doing her best to suppress a smirk from the not so distant memory.

A little sigh carried her amused words,“Don’t take this as I’m being mean to you… But you’re the first man I witnessed to have a completely smooth rear.“

Wukong straightened up as fast as a lightning bolt. The forward movement caused the already restless surface plop even louder. Numerous warm waves hit the monkey demon’s rib cage and the underwater pressure ruffled his submerged fur and the thin cloth. The monkey eyed her, the wild look of a daredevil gone. Yet the trickster’s playful side never left him,“Making me the butt of a joke, Márgerdra?“

The witch burst upon hearing the pun. “Never! I’m just amazed how different you are from what I used to perceive you as. Physically included. With all the strange details.“

Despite her cheerful response, the thought of a woman seeing a part of his naked body still unnerved the impish monk,“Blondie, did you see…anything else?“

Márgerdra leaned over his shoulder to face him at least from the side. “No. And if so, it was an accident.“

“No revenge for me…touching you back then?“

“Why would I do that? Especially choosing such a hurtful way? Plus, I know you didn’t mean it. Besides being a monk, you’re also a good man. Don’t doubt it. Ever, Wukong.“

“How can you be so sure?“ he blurted out while his tanned face turned pale, yet his eyes and mind darkened with distant thoughts. Dreadful images and screams were all he could perceive. The milky waters he was sitting in changed. An iron smell hit him, covered him, sprouted in his mouth, in his eyes, nose and on his hands. Oh his hands, how red they’d become. So harsh, so diabolical. He’s far from the little boy he once was. A murderer is all that is left of him. He doesn’t remember the face he used to wear nor the hands that fed him or put to sleep. No elders, no master. There were none. Only he now remains and stands in the face of the horrors that were, that are and that shall be. The terrible deeds he was the source of. His flaming gaze saw underneath and his hands shall forever remain covered with red, oozing liquid and so do his fangs.

Wukong is covered with it. He’s bathing in it. He became one with it.

The fates he has sealed. All life’s fleeting. He knows it, never daring to deny the fact. Yet these came back to be his shadow and earned the wicked name. The Kinbutcher.

“I’ve been shown proof many times. Now sit back and relax, our brave warrior.“

He obeyed and let the strong incense fill him up. It helped him forget, at least part of his burden he buried beneath.

Sensing something was still off, Márgerdra decided to distract her friend further.

“May I ask?“

“You? Anytime.“

“Who named you if you have no parents?“

At first, Wukong didn’t answer. Circles on the water surface created by his index hypnotised him equally as the mixture of smells and the witch’s smoky humming in between the strokes. “Prior to the Tang monk, I used to have another teacher.“

“Another Buddhist?“

“No,“ he took a deep breath and looked into the empty distance. “It was a Daoist school. I learnt a lot there. Martial arts, breathing techniques, magic. Wisdom,“ never tearing away from the void born in his mind, he added,“I was probably the best pupil he’d ever had.“

Márgerdra subconsciously quickened the tempo of her strokes, the more eager she became for knowing more about the Sage,“Who is he? Have I heard of him?“

“I can’t tell. He forbade me to ever mention his name in relation to me.“

She stopped right by his neck. To Wukong it seemed her touch got colder, distant, although she was as near as possible. His concern grew with each second. The demon king wanted to turn around. The witch stopped him midway and directed him forward to his place. “Why?“

“Well, what’s your guess? I’ve always been reckless with my decisions. I got too cocky. A show-off. Too uncontrollable. At the time, I refused to leave. No amount of tears and begs and threats moved my Shifu’s heart. I had to leave no matter what and I didn’t understand at all. Now, I can see why.“

Not saying anything anymore, Wukong bumped his forehead into the advisor’s palm that was left hanging by his temple. The strange dizziness reoccurred. His lashes fluttered as if he were experiencing the lightest dream. “This feels oddly good. Can you rub me on the head, too?“

Corners of the woman’s lips faintly lifted.

Within a heartbeat, the Wolf Witch slid her fingers into his mane, which was covered with dozens of tiny droplets like grass with the morning dew. Once she touched them, a fine refreshing feeling spread on the entirety of her slender palms. In response, the demon king shivered in pure delight, his tail waved underwater like an odd carp. “What does your name mean?“

His reply was faint. Maybe he was truly falling asleep. “Awakened to Emptiness.“

The blonde paused, his name slowly dancing on the edge of her tongue and lips. Wukong smirked and came to senses. He intuited Márgerdra’s state of thoughts. “Are you trying to guess the characters?“

“You bet. I suppose I figured them out.“

“I’m glad.“

The Monkey King carefully turned around. For the first time, he didn’t feel the urge to hiss. The pain penetrating his right leg wasn’t entirely gone, but it became more tolerable. The somewhat tranquil waters moved and splashed once he stood up on his knees. Blushing, he quickly ducked down so as not to show much of his private parts. “Your name? Who named you?“

Focusing on his deep gaze, Márgerdra lost herself within its grasp. The change of roles made her breaths quicker and more shallow, although she recovered fast and gave away no further notice of her inner state. “Protector of the Sea. So I was told. To be honest, I was found as an infant on a rock close to the seashore. No Land of Darkness eternally covered with snow. The fishermen thought I belonged to the Northerners and the Northerners thought so as well at the beginning and named me this way, although I resembled the Wend children from the neighbouring settlement more than their own. Then, it was discovered I was a wolf demon. There was none among the Northerns. Hence, the chieftain gave me away. Fortunately, a kind man was passing by. My father who didn’t bat an eye and took me in. The places switched. The foreign name remained.“

Wukong tilted his head and cocked his eyebrow,“I may not have real parents, but aunties and uncles had nicknames for me. Other kids too. One day I was a rascal, the other one I was called by my real…“ Wukong caught himself before his tongue slipped.

“Your real what?“ the blonde asked, curious about the sudden change.

“Nothing. I forgot what I wanted to say,“ he fidgeted on the spot. “The point is everyone on Mount Huaguo was a family and so, I had a nickname. Don’t tell me your father and sisters referred to you so curtly?“ He jokingly bowed, drawing a light chuckle out of the demoness.

“It’s a silly nickname.“

“I’m all down for silliness.“

“Maybe a difficult one, too,“ she tried to discourage him one more time.

“I like challenges.“

She leaned over, wearing a daring expression. The steam danced around, it created a brief image of a silver crown around her head. Bright-eyed Márgerdra mimicked Wukong’s head tilt and quickly blinked a few times before she spoke up with a wide grin,“Marka.“

“What? That’s it?“ the Monkey King pulled back,“To be honest, I thought it was going to be something super difficult and you met me with this? Blondie, is this a joke after I finally mastered your formal name?“

“You better not complain, Wukong,“ the she-wolf pretended to threaten the Great Sage with her forefinger,“You didn’t master anything. Except for Mei, who’s been learning it since day one for a few years now, you butcher it on a daily basis,“ Márgerdra slowly buried herself in her inner world, her nose wrinkling and delicate lips pouting as a long red nail tapped on her chin,“That one’s on me, however. I should have thought it through when I first crossed the borders. Yaling would’ve been a nice choice now that everybody’s calling this way-“

“Teach me,“ the Monkey King blurted out and eagerly leaned forward once again forgetting his balance was more fragile. Fortunately, the edge of the pool wasn’t so far and he grabbed it just in time.

Still, Márgerdra yelped. “Forget it. Now sit down so I can finish the massage.“

“What about a wager, then?“

Márgerdra shook her head when Wukong yanked himself. “Suddenly, you’re all lively in comparison to the grumpiness you displayed at the quarters.“

“At tomorrow's training. If I win you’ll teach me just like I taught you,“ the imp started sinking down to assume his earlier post.

The Wolf Witch began to massage his back when she proposed,“If I am the winner, will you write with me one more time?“

“Prepare your whip, blondie. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.“

Sun Wukong arched over to show the witch as much of his spine as he could. He lowered his head until he felt the warm bubbles playing with his naughty hair. The ointments, the pool, Márgerdra, his own smell, the wild mixture struck his nostrils till he was no longer able to perceive his surroundings properly. One, however, became stronger than the rest. “Blondie, did you add the resin into the burner?“

The blonde’s response alarmed the stupefied monkey man who could barely focus on their conversation by now, let alone another blast of wind in the distance. “No. I don’t remember bringing the resin.“ The witch jumped up in her seat. “Did you hear it?“

“What do you mean?“

“The door,“ an alert appeared in the blonde’s voice,“somebody’s inside. You’re not fit for a serious fight yet, wait for me. I’ll be right back.“

The demon was prepared to protest. Gentle strokes of the woman’s hand on his jaw made him fall silent and obey. “Don’t worry, I’m armed.“ In a blink of an eye the royal protector was gone with no trace of her previous presence. Only the memory of her fragrance, voice and touch stayed with Wukong.

The monkey’s head spun around, tiny stars appeared in front of his eyes. Immediately, they disappeared only to show up in a few seconds on the dark beige background. Left with no other choice than to close his eyes, Sun Wukong pressed his back against the seat and seemingly drifted off while a shadow emerged from behind the golden folding screen.

A tray pinged on the bench, a light sound of shuffling clothes reached his pointy ears. The golden hoop on Wukong’s left ear glittered when the flickering flames, so small as if it was crouching from fear, fell on it.

Sensing a foreign presence, the monkey nearly turned around. A pair of smooth hands directed him forward. The fingers skillfully dug into his neck, then they grabbed his shoulders.

A raspy moan went around the room when the thin fingers with long nails traced the sides of the money’s spine. Never checking behind, the Monkey King finally spoke up,“Was there somebody? Or was it just a wind?“ he drew in with his nose and twisted his mouth. He smelt no flowers with a tint of citrus. “Seriously, if you added in the resin, and you’re pranking me, you better stop. I think I may throw up.“

The woman behind giggled. Wukong’s confidence slightly shook. The noise wasn’t as low as Márgerdra’s. But he was too sleepy to care and let the incident pass. Who else could it be if not the witch?

The hands gave his shoulders a few more forceful strokes as if the person was too raring for what happened next. The palms slid forward till they reached the demon’s toned chest. The fingers slithered up and down.

At last, Wukong came forward with his suspicion,“Did you plan these rubs from the start? By the way, what happened to your hands? Did they shrink in the meanwhile?“

The woman’s right arm shot up and covered the monkey’s mouth, shushed the man with a hissing-like sound and resumed her task only when Wukong showed no other protest.

Those numerous strokes starting at the base of his neck and then reaching his chest seemed more sensual to Wukong each time the woman moved.

He grew uncomfortable. Hair all over his body stood up, his tail twitched and occasionally splashed the water when it shot out from the depth of the pool.

All of a sudden, the hands reached significantly lower than previously. Once they dipped under the bubbling surface they stopped and rested on Wukong’s abdomen. He felt those cold tiny palms squeeze his core muscles. The woman’s sweaty chest pressed against the back of his head. In this strange hug, where Wukong felt more like a bunny trapped by a hawk’s claws than somebody receiving a sign of an honest affection, a breath brushed against his ear. Soft lips tickled the pointy tip of his right ear when she whispered,“I’m so glad you showed up, dearest Wei. I hope you’re enjoying these moments and resting well. It was such a shock to see you hurt. I brought some sweets for you in case you’d be hungry, as I was advised. Anyway, our physician also recommended a professional visit. In all due respect, I doubt your brothers are much help in this case. By the way, do you appreciate my hug?“

Such a foolish thing could have been announced solely by one person. Her high pitched fawning voice confirmed her identity.

Wukong’s eyes bulged out. Startled like never before, his right arm flew through the air as he rapidly spun in his seat.

Yawen wasn’t as swift with her reaction. Accidentally, Wukong hit her with his elbow. She didn’t even manage to yell out.

Her unconscious body covered in a thin pearly robe rolled down and stayed in an uncomfortable position with her stretched out left arm laying across her head. Her tied up hair came loose and splattered across the wet floor. The dragon-shaped hairpin fell beside her and broke into two pieces.

For a few moments, Wukong could only watch the scene in disgust while goosebumps covered him from head to toe. At first, he stepped out with his left leg first, the right one followed soon. Silently he crouched next to Yawen and checked her pulse.

It was normal, she’s breathing, too. Realising she would be alright when she came back to senses, Wukong stood up and walked up to his clothes and hurriedly put on his trousers not bothering with the rest. The used loincloth landed on Yawen’s head when he threw it behind, he, however, didn’t care enough to remove it from her and walked away.

His irregular footsteps pattered on the stone floor. Just when he was about to exit the pool’s region, he changed his mind and returned behind the screen to head right to the bench with a tray. It was full of peaches, apples, sweet buns and even tiny coconut treats. Picking it up, he gave knocked out Yawen one last look,“I’m taking this as a recompense.“ Wukong vanished behind the folding screen. A second later, his head poked from behind one more time. With disgust, which contorted his lips, and deepening wrinkles around his nose and under his eyes, the monkey added,“No, I didn’t enjoy that. I’d tell you to think about the reason but it looks like your brain’s smoother than the outcome to your plans.“

Wukong rushed through the labyrinth of the royal bathhouse. Finally, he spotted the entrance door. The adrenalin rush and the moderate run fully brought him back to senses. He was able to hear the banging from the other side, which didn’t seem to ease up. Rather, the bangs became gradually more powerful and so did the shouts.

At first, Sun Wukong wondered why Márgerdra didn’t simply open the sliding door. Then he noticed a long wooden plank on the latches. “Damn you, Yawen,“ he snarled under his breath and cleared the path from the barricade.

****

“You better let me in whoever it is!“ Márgerdra, alone by the foot of the long staircase, shouted at the top of her lungs bruised by the dry air.

Upon recalling the familiar small silhouette she’d noticed earlier, her red nails elongated while the she-wolf growled, hair on her nape bristling up. Her nose was still rather numb after being exposed to the heavy scents of the baths. Fortunately, Márgerdra still trusted her ears when a suspicious scratching came from the other side of the door.

The Wolf Witch fell silent and positioned herself into a fighting stance with her right leg sliding backwards. Unhooking her whip from the belt in a single smooth motion, she lowered herself and waited. Her striking eyes focused on the door. Whoever it was, they were in a rush.

The slides started squeaking. The steam poured out and the dark blurry contours of the person came with it.

Márgerdra lashed out. Her whip looped around their neck and the blonde yanked her weapon, bringing the man forward. When he was close enough, the witch’s right leg shot out. Her knee aimed for the stranger’s stomach. At the last second, a left arm blocked her limb. It didn’t matter as she still had another card up her sleeve.

Quickly lowering her leg and then bouncing it back at the man, she chose to hit his head.

When her leg was only a bit away from its target, a hand with black nails grabbed it. The Wolf Witch did her best to disentangle. However, the grab was too strong.

“What did you do to him?“ Márgerdra snarled and used the only advantage she was left with. She pulled onto the whip which was still tied around the person’s throat.

The manoeuvre brought the two together and a pair of strong but completely wet arms wrapped around her waist meanwhile a tray full of treats fell to the ground. A thunder-like boom filled up the space and made the demoness squint hard upon such an ear-cutting noise struck her. The man, whom she noticed to be a half a head shorter, did the same, though he didn’t moan like her since the whip was still squeezing his neck all too tightly.

After the noise disappeared and the atmosphere calmed down, Márgerdra finally opened her eyes and the dissolving steam revealed the Monkey King in front of her. Wukong struggled for air and to maintain his stance but he still managed to craft an amused grin,“That’s the spirit I like, blondie.“

“You madman! Do you know how much you startled me?“ she yelled, however she couldn’t hide the worry in her eyes. Quickly, the blonde brought down the leg from Wukong’s grip. As soon as the opportunity offered itself, her nimble fingers started untangling him from the grasp of the old leather. Placing her hands on his neck and making him face various directions, the Wolf Witch observed him closely,“Are you alright? Did I hurt you? What happened there?“

Wukong answered with another question, although he knew the culprit,“How did you get locked out?“

“I told you I heard something. I swear I saw a shadow sliding past the door but when I got here, the door shut itself and I was no longer able to enter,“ she finished and fixed her eyes on the man’s right ear. Something wasn’t right. At first she couldn’t identify what it was. Soon, she took a note the red on its tip wasn’t natural to the skin as the colour was significantly noticeable. Not only that, the blonde also recognised the shade she’d seen many times in her life and she easily discerned the mark’s edges. She cocked her eyebrow uncertain how to react. “Is that a lipstick?“

“What are you drivelling about? Help me pick up those fruits instead,“ the monkey let her go and hoped the change of the topic would provide enough distraction as he wasn’t in the mood to recall the incident.

“I’m sorry,“ she brought the peach which tumbled the furthest from them,“You looked like a soldier in that steam.“

He snorted,“What a compliment.“

“By the way, where did you get these?“

“Blondie,“ Wukong straightened up and limped forward,“you should calm down for a while. I found the tray behind the screen. The Queen must have forgotten about it and left it there. So I took it for us. It would be a great shame to leave these out there to rot,“ he took a bite from the offered peach, the sweet juice poured down his chin to drop on the cobblestone.

“What if it’s a trap and they’re poisoned?“

Wukong froze. Immediately, he spat out the bite and wiped out his long tongue. Márgerdra, not impressed in the slightest and getting more disgusted with each second passed, shook her head and placed her hands on her hips. The lilac fabric was soaking wet and she shivered slightly when the breeze hugged her frame. She bent over to retrieve a small lychee fruit and peeled the spiky skin off. Chewing its sweet pulp and putting on Wukong his shirt, Márgerdra shrugged him off as soon as he opened his mouth to protest,“Or perhaps not. Let’s go. I need to change and you need another wrap for your leg. By the way, take that tray, these lychees are pretty good.“

“I guess we both deserve supper, too,“ not shying from rolling his eyes, Wukong agreed alongside listening to his and the witch’s growling stomach.

****

When Yawen came back to her senses, she found herself to be abandoned and lying on the wet floor covered with a strange cloth full of fur. The dark hair got everywhere it could. In her nose, on her teeth and tongue, in her eyes and ears and it tickled mercilessly. The ringing in her ears didn’t ease up either and she was hardly able to get up on her knees. Sitting on the empty bench, the frustrated handmaiden hissed. “Still escaping my affection, are you, monkey? Just wait, me and gege will seize the power. Then, your Shifu will be on our plates with the figs and Her Majesty and you’ll be in my bed. Otherwise, your energy would be a pitiful waste if you kept it to yourself. For now,“ she straightened up and stretched out for the single fig left behind from the plate,“Gege Jin needs help in discovering a potential horse boy. Oh brother, how much I love you as you’re my blood. But sometimes your dense brain really needs somebody to check up on you.“ Instead of taking the bite of the fresh fig, the viper crushed it in her palm, knowing well the time of golden harvest and much better fruits is coming soon.

The red juice splattered on one of the two hibiscuses under the singing phoenix occupied with the lion on the golden screen.

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List of chapters:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Epilogue

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