Shadows and Vines: A Macaque and Reader Story.

Jaunts and Jabs

I giggled and ran behind a a tree, my tail swishing with mischief. I grinned as I heard footsteps walk heavily along the forest floor. I scampered up onto a branch and crouched to look over. I saw the flick of a dark colored tail and I immediately went up one branch. I heard the footsteps stop and the figure turned to look at the tree. 

"Come down little one~" The figure purred and looked up into the tree. "I know you're up there!" 

I giggled again and called down. "Come and get me then, old man!" I taunted and jumped up two branches.

"Ohhh, it is on!" The figure laughed maniacally and began to scamper up the tree as well.

I laughed and almost got to the top of the tree when the figure was on the branch across from me. 

"Well well well, Ryu, you have led me on quite the chase." The figure chuckled darkly.

"Oh you enjoyed it you old man." I smiled and walked along the branch. "The famous Six-Eared Macaque hunting me down! How thrilling! Have you enjoyed the chase?" I tilt my head, my tan fur looking gold in the sunlight.

"I've had worse hunts." Macaque yawned and stretched. 

"Good to know!" I smiled and disappeared in a poof of petals. I found myself on top of the tree and sat down looking at the horizon. Below me, Macaque was looking around wildly, trying to figure out where I had gone. I shifted and accidentally sent leaves scattering down below me. 

Macaque looked up and smirked. He raced up the tree as fast as lightning and popped up in front of me. I squeaked and scamped back.

"Tell me, little one, how did you disappear like that? Especially with the petals. That was quite the show..." Macaque started to walk towards me with a mischievous grin. "The Lady told me alllll about you. How you didn't have any powers and that it should be an easy catch." 

The Six-Eared Macaque scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Either the Lady wanted me to fail, or she didn't know. Probably the latter." Macaque brought a hand to his mouth and picked something out of his teeth. 

"I'm agreeing with you." I smiled nervously and stood up. "Well, Macaque, you have caught the Goddess of Nature." My tail swished uneasily. I spread my arms in a welcoming gesture."What shall you do now that you've caught me, God of Darkness and Shadow?" 

"I think..." Macaque tilted his head. "I'll keep saying to the Lady that you're a slippery one. I get closer and closer but you still slip out of my grasp." Macaque's tail curled. "What's your goddess name anyway? I didn't know there was a nature goddess."

I scoffed and crossed my arms. "No one really knows I'm here until I do something devastating." I wave my hand tiredly. "Even then, they don't respect me as much as they should." I snarl to myself, my lip curling in distaste. 

"They?" Macaque raised a brow. "Humans or deities?" 

"Both." I roll my eyes and fling away a branch.

"Ah." Macaque sat next to me hesitantly. "May I...?" He gestured to where he was going to sit.

"Be my guest." I smiled.

Macaque sat down and shifted til he was comfortable. "Sorry for chasing you." He said after a bit.

"It's fine. You were just doing your job." I smile again and close my eyes. I took in a deep sigh and  looked at the horizon line. The sun was setting, making the sky a vibrant orange. "Well... night I guess." I waved my hand and a canopy of branches and leaves started to build over me."

"Wait, you don't have a permanent house or something?" Macaque looked around, a bit scared and intimidated of what was happening around him. 

"Nah. I don't like making permanent areas. Instead I do this." I gestured to the now finished canopy. "It's more nature friendly and I can add it to this tree in the morning." I patted the top of the tree, which was now the floor of my bed.

"Oh. I'll just.." Macaque stood up and awkwardly made his way out of the canopy.

"Will I see you tomorrow?" I raised a brow.

"Most likely. Unless you disappear in petals again." Macaque chuckled. "Until tomorrow!" He waved and jumped off the tree.

I waved and opened my mouth to say the same but he was already gone. I shrugged and made the bed space more comfy. My eyes started to droop. It had been and exciting day, meeting with Macaque and all. I sighed and closed my eyes. Sleep came easily for me. I was lulled into an even deeper sleep by the rustling of the branches and the sweet smell of the flowers that adorned it.