Son of The Monkey King

Chapter 37

A full thirty six hours later the duo were awake and on the move. Their mission? Find the art collector Gerald Collins.

"Alright Raymond we got a big day ahead of us. We need to stay focused, and find this guy then we hit the road. No distractions." Lyra said. Her shoulders were squared back, head held high, and conviction in her voice. However her confidence left her when she realized her companion was no where to be found.

"Ugh!" She groaned. The girl stomped through the casino in an attempt to find her half monkey friend. After five minutes she found him amongst the many slot machines.

Raymond was entranced by the bright blinking lights, and the bells and whistles. He was pulling the levers of three different machines. Each one spun, and each one let out a disappointed sound signifying he lost. The half monkey was about to pull the lever again, but was quickly interrupted by the white haired girl. Lyra grabbed Raymond by his ear and pulled him away from the casino.

"Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!" Raymond cried out. After walking a certain distance Lyra released Raymond. "Was that really necessary?" He said indignantly. "Not everything has to be solved with violence you know!?" He yelled. He was rubbing his ear in pain.

"Suck it up Raymond. Don't you get that what we're doing is serious? People are trying to kill us! Kill you! They already killed my brother what more needs to happen for you to take this seriously?! Does someone you love have to die for you to grow up!?" She yelled. Her patience with him was growing thin. At some point he had to realize what was at stake.

His entire expression changed. For the first time since she met him the carefree veneer broke. The girl was a little taken aback by the change.

However. As soon as the change happened it was gone. Raymond took a deep breathe and visibly deflated. A look of chagrin took over.

"Raymond." Lyra said quietly.

"No you're right. Sometimes I get lost in my own little world. I'm not used to actually having someone else around. When you're on your own, you're not used to thinking about others." He explained. Raymond turned and started walking away. It was at that moment she saw her companion in a new light.

At the end of the day the strong girl didn't really know much about her companion. All she knew was his name and his dad was The Monkey King. His previous words rang in her head.

'Just how long has he be alone for?' She thought to herself.
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"And I thought the Fox's place was gaudy." Raymond said. The two were seen in an art gallery owned by one Gerald Collins. The room was filled with stuffy high society types wearing their best clothes.

"I feel so underdressed." Lyra said. Beating up monsters, and tracking down killers was no problem for the white haired girl. Social situations was completely different.

"Eh no problem. I've been to a few of these things. It's all in the attitude, something I know you have in spades. Also lying, lie through your teeth because everybody is too. Got it?" The half monkey questioned.

"Attitude and lying got it." Lyra said.

"Follow my lead." He told her. His eyes had that mischevious glint back to them. Raymond had a swagger to his step. As they milled about the place. A server walked by with a tray of glasses; most likely filled with alcohol. Grabbing two glasses he handed one to Lyra. The tailed man lead them to a group of people admiring a painting.

"This work is quite exquisite. The brush strokes, the color, the depth of field. Truly an amazing piece of work." The man said.

"I agree. I love the layering, it looks as though it's a real place." The woman said.

"I don't know. I find it to be derivative. Like he copied a Bob Ross video, but didn't put his heart and soul into it like Bob did." Raymond said to the people while taking a sip of his drink.

"Don't let Uncle Gerald here you say that Raymond. This is one of his favorite pieces." Lyra said playing the part. A second man in the group looked at the two.

"You are related to Gerald Collin's?" He asked Lyra.

"That she is. Gerald invited her to see the works. She's an aspiring painter." Raymond said.

"Oh do you have any works displayed?" Another woman asked. The white haired girl was about to respond in the negative, but Raymond spoke up first.

"Yes she does actually that one over their." He said with a point. Lyra followed her companion's outstretched finger. What she saw filled her with embarrassment, as she saw a painting of many people in the nude performing 'acts'.

"Oh my. You're the incredible artist who did that?" Their eyes lit up at the prospect of meeting the 'artist' who created such a 'masterpiece'. Lyra however couldn't answer. She could feel heat spreading to her face and neck from embarrassment. Raymond having noticed wrapped an arm around her.

"Don't mind her she's awfully shy about her work. This is her first time showcasing a piece." Raymond told the people.

"You must tell us what your inspiration was. You must." One of the women spoke up.

"Uh-err-ummm." The girl stammered. Her blue eyes were looking everywhere but the people.

"I think she would much rather here what we think it is. Art is subjective after all. I'll go first." The half monkey said. Golden eyes shining with mischief. A look the girl grew to fear.

"Personally I think it represents sexual repression until it can no longer be contained." He was about continue his analysis with more colorful language until Lyra found her voice.

"It was so nice meeting all of you, but I'm afraid we must go find Uncle Gerald. Excuse us." As soon as the words left her mouth she grabbed her companion by the arm, physically dragging him away. Before Raymond could say anything Lyra had her first firmly planted into his kidney. Her punch was so hard that he fell to the ground in a heap. With a deep breathe she calmed herself down and walked back into the gallery.

"Ok. Admittedly. I deserved that." The half monkey said before getting up and following after her.
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AN:

I think four months is long enough of a break don't you think?

Quick shout out to RnLuUwU who's comment pushed me to do this chapter.

And my Dad too I guess.