Book 3: Heart Strings

Chapter 1: Lady Hallendale

Heart Strings

Chapter 1

Lady Hallendale

The room was dark, the only line within the room came from a projector at the front of the room. The bright red, and gold outfit that adorned Tangs frame was what they could see moving as he pointed to facts on the picture. The familiar art style of the Tang period was what lay in front of him, the depiction of the tortures they did upon several peoples.

Tang didn't much like talking about these things, but they were a must for future Explorers, Archaeologists, and Historians that dotted his class.

"Demons in this era seemed to take on many different forms, mostly matching those of the zodiac. All of which had many different forms. Some could change themselves into humans, others into different animals...or both." He had personally seen Sun Wukong change into a bird during New Year's attacks so he knew this to be true.

"What about that one Mr. Tang?" Tang was a name he went by after being adopted into the family. Long long ago.

"That's Lady Hallendale. Or Lady Hell, the demon of string." He looked at his student or at least attempted to through the bright light of the projector. In turn all the girl could see was Tangs glasses flashing through the light.

"What can someone do with a string?" The girl asked with a scoff.

"What, indeed."

The bell rang, and his students began to gather their things to leave. "I want you to do a two page report due on Friday on the demon of string." He called out which got a lot of groaning and complaining.

Tang left the class room and walked across the campus and into the museum. Within were lots of boxes putting together a brand new exhibit.

"Good afternoon Professor." One of his old students called out. He was laying upside down painting the top of the room. A battle between Macaque, and Wukong.

It had been a solid year since Macaque and Tyla created a sanctuary out in the woods full of different monkey species. Tyla was reluctant at first, but it wasn't like she could stop them from calling her Eldest Princess, and MK the new King. Each one having their own titles but never called by name. Wukong voiced the fact that it was a respect thing.

It was an odd sight to see Macaque acting like a normal monkey sitting on a limb eating fruit with a toddler on his shoulders. Every so often reaching up to give his son a piece.

Tao was in his terrible twos and would often get into trouble. Yet one look from either parent would get him to stop and pout. He would cutely look up and then walk forward putting his forehead to either parents shin. A male asking the parent for forgiveness. Which happened so often that Macaque had begun to walk away when he was seeking forgiveness.

Tyla and Macaque were odd parents, they cared for Tao together, but they weren't in a relationship and the monkeys weren't sure why. Macaque wasn't related to them, and he was obviously with her...but they weren't mates.

Yomi or what the monkeys called Little Princess. Was mostly at school or helping out around the city with odd jobs. Except today...today was a family day. Tang had to hurry up, his own daughter waited for them.

Suna was at least two years old now. At least that's what they believed. Metally she was at least 7 years old. She still wanted to play a lot. Lately though she just wanted to lay down and watch tv with Pigsy. Pigsy didn't seem to mind at all, just moving his arm around her and hugging her closer.

"Master Tang!" A woman poked her head in. "You have got to see this." She was smiling from ear to ear.

"What is it Su?" He asked, walking in seeing her unboxing a coffin. A mummy they had found. They brought it there to study more.

"Their drawers on the sides that open! There's a necklace in this one." Tang was happy about this, something new to study.

"I read that some civilizations would hide treasures that belonged to the person. I've never heard of it in their coffin, mostly it was within the clothing. Unless...it was of someone who was rick, but killed." He looked into the drawer. It was empty, how odd.

"Did you see what was inside."

"Yes, there was a necklace with a green jewel inside." Tang turned to look at the Su.

"YOu mean...that one?" He pointed to the necklace in her hand. The woman looked at it and then gasped as if realizing.

"Oh wow, I must have been so excited that I grabbed it before going to tell you." She giggled holding it out.

Tang picked it up from her hand. Sad thing was this woman was that kind of person. Absent minded, he had no reason to believe that she didn't actually do that. Yet...after he took hold of the necklace his body lurched and the energy that flowed through him. He fell onto his back, panting hard. His vision fluctuated. He heard the top of the coffin slide over. He looked up into the silver eyes of a woman who had been trapped long ago.

"Good to see you again...old master." She smiled down at him. "So...you reincarnated. How splendid. Brand new person to play with." She picked up the necklace and placed it around his neck and moved her fingers as if they were spiders. "Now be a good puppet...and forget what you saw today...and go with your daily lives." She smiled kindly. Tang eyes flashed silver and he left the room. Walking back toward the house with his partner, and daughter. Oblivious to what he had against his chest.