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"Everyone knows you wear a costume, ApeTrully!" HighRoller laughed, eyes full of twisted mirth as he shouted the words to the whole army. "For a long time, I've wondered what you are. What do your friends think you are? Besides a traitor, of course, because you don't even trust them!"
The battle was over now. It had been hours since HighRoller had gleefully taunted the Commander of Big Green. Yet the words repeated inside the Monkey's head, again and again, tearing the hole in his heart wider each time. He stared at himself in the mirror, a mirror he normally used to adjust his costume in the morning. But now it was proof of his daily betrayal of his friends' trust. What was he to do? He felt so alone, so very alone, and his best Monkey friend Hardwin was miles away, hidden in their secret city.
Who could he turn to? The answer seemed to be nobody. Parrot King was back in his kingdom, celebrating a traditional Parrot holiday. And since Latimer was the only one in Big Green who knew who he was, what he was, that left him alone, wallowing in his misery and uncertainty.
A knock on his bedroom door startled him, and he instinctively cringed away from it. Whoever was on the other side would be angry with him, of that he was sure. For a minute, the Monkey said nothing, cowering away from the door as he waited for it to be broken down. It didn't happen. Instead, the person knocked again. Swallowing, he cleared his throat, speaking in a light, unbothered tone even as his body tensed to run away.
"Who is it?"
A shy, hesitant voice came through the door. "Commander? It's me, Woo. Are you alright?"
The Monkey shivered at the compassion in Woo's voice. He wanted to run over and throw open his door. He wanted to fall into the diminutive man's arms. He wanted to be held as he sobbed and screamed about the unfairness of the world.
But he didn't dare. He looked back into the mirror, his gaze roving over his true form. No. He couldn't. Gritting his teeth, he looked away from his distressed face and spoke in the same, even tone.
"I am fine," he lied, tears blooming in his eyes again. "I had a trying day. I will talk to you tomorrow."
There was a pause before Woo spoke again, soft and low. "Commander, if this is about what HighRoller said…"
The taunt beat a tattoo through his mind. He clenched his fists, forcing his eyes closed. "I said I will talk to you tomorrow!" he snapped, his bottom lip trembling.
For a few moments, silence fell. The Monkey could feel the pain and confusion radiating from his best Human friend, the one he pushed away whenever he got too close to the truth. He hoped the man would ignore him, force his door open and demand to know the truth. But after a minute, Woo replied with a wounded tone. "Alright then. I…I guess…Goodnight."
The Monkey King refused to let his sob escape him. Pressing his fists into his eyes, he forced the tears back. This was what he needed to do. Woo wouldn't be able to handle the truth. Monkeys were hated and feared by all Animals and Humans. The violence of his kind was well-known by the entirety of Hidden Kingdom. They wouldn't know what to think of a peaceful king. Not with the reputation of his father, and his grandfather, and all of the other Kings of his lineage going back nearly five hundred years. He knew that so much hatred and fear could not be overcome by one Monkey. Especially somebody like him.
When the tears were locked tight inside of him, he blew out the candles and crawled into bed, feeling more physically and emotionally drained than he had in his ten-year ruse, he prayed for sleep to find him quickly. But his mind wouldn't turn off. HighRoller's words echoed in his ears, and no matter how tightly he clutched his head, the truth of what his enemy had said would not leave him alone. He needed somebody to tell him that he was a good person, somebody worth looking up to. But was he a person? Was he an Animal?
The Monkey had spent his entire adult life fighting his instincts, his Animalistic tendencies, everything that defined him as an Animal. He never would be Human, he knew that now, but could he ever be content with being a Monkey?
"Latimer, Latimer, I need you," he groaned, curling his tail around himself to simulate another Monkey's tail. The movement gave him no comfort. "Hardwin, please come here," he whispered. "Come and make me laugh. I need my friend."
Squeezing his eyes shut, gritting his teeth, he didn't know what to do. But as if Hardwin was beside him, speaking low in his ear, speaking a truth that hurt. "You have a friend. You just need to trust him."
"How?" the Monkey moaned. "How can I tell him what I am?"
Hardwin's matter-of-fact tone replied. "Show him, of course."
Wondering if he was brave enough, his thoughts swirled into images as he fell into a distressing doze. Images of darkness and blood and pain.
His father was angry! He was nothing but a disappointment. And that was how he always felt. HighRoller confirmed with his words. A real man would tell his friends the truth, not lie to protect himself. But was he a man or a Monkey? His father wouldn't say. All the Monkey could see were those black eyes, deep as pools and sparkling with malice and revulsion. He fell into them and saw Hardwin, his usually jovial smile gone.
"Wake up, Blayze. Go show him."
Unable to speak, Blayze reached for his best friend, trying to call out that he needed his warmth and love. As he touched Hardwin's soft blue fur, it blackened, all the color leaching out of it. Blayze looked up to see his father's fist raised, ready to strike him down because he was nothing but a failure…
Gasping, Blayze sat up, his eyes trying to see where his father had gone. He was nowhere. Or was he? He could jump out of a shadow, spewing pain and curses. The Monkey moaned. He knew that something was wrong. He felt as if his skin was on fire, and his fur was matted with sweat. All he could think of was needing his friend, any friend. Woo. That was the only one left. Would he help him against his father?
Overcome with a sudden desire to see Woo, the Monkey King scrambled out of bed, looking around as he tried to put together what he had to do. He was so desperate that he was going to do it. He would show his best Human friend his true form. Laughing almost hysterically, the red Monkey walked toward the door. He paused as his eyes fell on his brush. He must have forgotten to put it away. Giggling, he picked it up and began to groom himself like a Human would. If he were home, he would be groomed by a servant's hands.
Almost delirious with fear and desperation for a friendly ear, he threw the brush aside after realizing that it wasn't working before grabbing his costume. He struggled into the boxy, uncomfortable disguise, his hands trembling as he placed his headpiece on. His gaze fell on the mirror, and he gauged how well his lie looked. Just the same as usual. Moaning, he ran as fast as he could from his room, closing the door behind him. He nearly tripped as he rounded a corner. The only thought in his head was that he had to get to Woo's workshop.
It was very late, which meant most of the base was asleep. But the Monkey knew there was a good chance that Woo was up working on an invention. The wise man tended to do that when he was upset. And the Monkey knew he had upset him with his harsh words. Glancing at a sleeping peacock, he realized that he must have tossed and turned in bed for a few hours. He had been so miserable that time had slipped through his grasp like sand through an hourglass.
The red Monkey met nobody. Nothing stirred in the base. Not even Lin Chung was awake. The silence made him tense, made him afraid. It reminded him of dark nights hiding from his angry father. If he was caught, he would be beaten badly. He would be thrown into a wall. A flash of fear filled him, and he nearly screamed. He couldn't be caught! He couldn't! What would his father do this time?
Without even knocking, ApeTrully bolted into the workroom, slamming the door behind him. Exhausted, half-delirious, his heart pounding and his head light, he saw Woo sitting on his bench, a part of something in his hand, gaping at his commander. Leaping up, Woo hurried over and opened his mouth.
"Shh," ApeTrully hissed. "Father will be angry if he catches me. We must be quiet."
Woo stood frozen in front of the disguised Monkey, looking him up and down. "Your…father? Commander, are you alright?"
ApeTrully stared at Woo with wide eyes then began to laugh. He could hear the Animalistic shriek as it began to build inside of him. He gripped his head and laughed, wondering if this was a bad dream. All he could think of was his father. HighRoller reminded him of his father, violent and rude. And now it was his father's voice that shouted HighRoller's taunt.
"Alright? Alright?" he choked through his laughter. "That's funny! I haven't been alright in years! Years, Woo! Make it stop! Don't let Father hurt me anymore! He doesn't like me dressing like a Hu-man! I'm just curious! P-please!"
ApeTrully was screaming now, tears streaming out of his eyes. He was so hot, so confused. He didn't know if he was here or there. Was he Commander of Big Green or the Monkey Prince? Was he staring at Woo or Hardwin? Was it HighRoller laughing at him or his drunken father? He sobbed, wrapping his arms around himself.
Woo looked frightened but determined. "Come here, Commander."
The Human took his hand, guiding him forward to a bed behind a curtain. When the disguised Monkey sat down, Woo clambered up some stairs and sat beside him.
ApeTrully stared at the small Human, unable to catch his breath. Why was it so unbearably hot?
"Commander, I need to take your temperature."
Woo waited patiently as ApeTrully blinked. "What?"
"I need to take your temperature."
"O-okay. If Father doesn't mind. I don't want him angry again."
"I have his permission," Woo said calmly.
"Okay."
"I need you to take off your costume."
"Costume?" ApeTrully murmured then looked down. He yipped in fear. "Oh, Woo! You can't tell Father I was visiting the Hu-mans again! He hit me so hard last time that I still have a headache!"
Woo's face pinched in pain. "I need you to take it off. It's okay, Commander. Just take it off."
Standing shakily, ApeTrully struggled out of his costume. The cool air against his matted, sweaty fur felt so good that he forgot what he was doing. He stood there shivering until Woo called him to sit down again.
Sinking down on the soft, cool sheets, the Monkey moaned. "I don't feel so well, Woo."
"I know, Commander. Stay still."
Woo pressed a gentle hand to his forehead. He pursed his lips and shook his head then looked into his eyes. Clicking his tongue, he sat on his heels.
"You've got a fever, Commander."
"Fever?" the Monkey asked. "No, no fever. Mother got over her fever last Autumn. Don't you remember, Woo?"
"Of course, Commander. Wait here."
"No!" the red Monkey gasped. "Don't leave me alone, Woo! Father will come back! P-please don't leave me alone! Please!"
"I'm not going far. Just count to ten."
ApeTrully stared up at the ceiling and tried to count. He tried three times, but he couldn't get past four. He sobbed.
"Father always said I was stupid," he lamented.
"You're not stupid," Woo said as he climbed back onto the bed.
"But I can't even count to ten!" the Monkey sobbed. "I'm stupid!"
"Shh," Woo whispered, smoothing his hairless hand over the matted red fur on his Commander's forehead. "Now, I need you to drink this. It will help you sleep, okay?"
"If you won't leave me," the Monkey whispered. "I don't want to be alone."
"I promise," Woo said. He lifted the furry head up and smiled. "Drink up, Commander."
The medicine tasted of fruit, and the Monkey downed it in three great swallows. He lay back, a little dizzy from the movement. He stared at the ceiling, curling his tail around Woo's waist when the man sat beside him. Within minutes, he began to nod off, cooing in his native tongue. His last hazy thought was of his kind Human friend.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Woo watched as the red Monkey slept in his bed. He knew that he had to keep his identity safe, so he had helped his commander struggle into the inventor's personal room. For four days, the Monkey had tossed and turned, crying out and shivering as the fever wracked his body. The things he said broke Woo's heart. But he knew it was more than simple hallucinations. He knew as well as everybody did how violent the Monkeys were.Shouting and sobbing in pain and fear, the Monkey was delirious most of the time. Woo stayed by him as much as possible without raising too much alarm. When Mr. No-Hands asked where the commander was, Woo replied that he was sick with an infectious disease of some sort and was in quarantine. Just as he'd expected, nobody wanted to be quarantined, so nobody asked to see their leader. Woo knew that ApeTrully's secret was safe for the moment.As he sat beside the Monkey, he thought of the enormity of the secret that he held close to his heart. Woo had been telling the truth. Everybody in Big Green knew that Commander ApeTrully wasn't human. But nobody dared ask what he was. It didn't matter to them that their leader was in costume. They would follow him just the same. But now the inventor understood why his commander was constantly disguised. He was a Monkey.Woo honestly didn't care about that. He didn't think it would make much of a difference to those who were already a part of Big Green. But recruitment was a different matter entirely. Monkeys were despised by every Animal. The Kings of the Monkeys had long situated their position as despised and hated amongst all others. Humans, Animals, it didn't matter who it was. They loathed the violent brutes. And now Woo knew that the commander of Big Green was a Monkey. And from the way his beloved friend talked, he had been at the mercy of his father for many years, and the Monkey clearly hadn't had any mercy.A soft whimper caught his attention and he looked over to see the red Monkey had opened his eyes. He was trying to speak. Woo grabbed a container of water and held it to the parched creature's lips. The Monkey took several large swallows then settled back. His eyes were actually focused on Woo. That was a good sign."Commander, are you alright?" Woo asked."Hot," he moaned. "What is wrong with me?""You've had a fever for days. I think you're getting through it though. You're doing good. Really good. Let me wet a rag for you."Woo dipped an old piece of cloth into cold water, swirling it around to wet it thoroughly. Pulling it out, he wrung out half of the extra water then began to wipe the Monkey's forehead. His commander sighed, relaxing a little."This feels nice, Woo. Thank you. It's so hot inside this costume sometimes."Woo knew that his commander was only half-conscious if he was talking about his disguise like that. He worried about what would happen when the fever broke and ApeTrully realized that Woo knew about what he was. But Woo didn't want to worry about that now. He wanted to take care of the Monkey, to help him get better. They would talk later.The Monkey settled into a restful sleep, drained from the little movement he'd done. Woo continued to wipe the cloth across the matted fur, wiping away some of the sweat. As his commander slept, Woo decided that the fever had broken. Hopefully, the Monkey would get some rest now. And when he woke up, Woo would be there to help him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Blayze awoke to soft humming. It sounded as if Woo was puttering around. Wait, in his room? No, no, that wasn't it. He must be in the infirmary. But what had happened? He remembered heat and exhaustion and discomfort, but that was it. He moaned softly as he forced himself to sit up. Blinking, he looked around and realized that he wasn't in the infirmary. He was in Woo's room.
More confused than ever, Blayze shook his head. A furless hand pressed against his cheek, and his eyes popped open. Woo stood there, a canteen of water in one hand and a bowl of noodles in the other. He smiled.
"Good to see you up and about, Commander," he said cheerfully. "Thirsty?"
Blayze nodded and snatched the canteen away from the inventor. He gulped half of it down before taking a breath.
"Thank you, Woo," he said, handing it back. He froze when he saw his own furry arm instead of his human robes. Panic set in and he looked up at Woo, who set down the bowl and pulled the canteen away from him.
"It's okay, Commander," he said. "It's okay."
"Everything?" Blayze asked, his voice higher than normal.
"Yes, everything."
"H-how many people know?" he asked, trembling.
"Just me," Woo said quickly. "You were very sick. Nobody else has seen you. I told them you were quarantined. That's why you're in my room. So nobody else would see you."
Blayze studied Woo's kind face until he was satisfied that the man was telling the truth. Letting out a breath, he leaned against the wall.
"You are not angry?"
"No. I understand why you hide," Woo replied. Sitting down, he picked up the bowl and held it out. "You need to eat. You've lost a lot of weight. I couldn't get much down your throat while you had the fever. Eat slowly."
Blayze smiled weakly and took the bowl. With deft movements, he picked up the chopsticks and began to eat. Woo watched him curiously. The Monkey glanced up and paused halfway through the bowl.
"What?"
Woo blushed and looked down. "I've never seen an Animal use chopsticks before. You're very good."
Blayze clenched his jaw and stared into the bowl of noodles. "I had no choice but to learn. I know much more about Hu-mans than most Animals."
The inventor frowned. "Are you angry?"
"It is complicated," Blayze replied as he picked up the chopsticks again.
"I'm here," Woo replied. "I'll listen, Commander."
Blayze chewed then swallowed. "Blayze."
Woo blinked. "What?"
"My name. It is Blayze. Like the fire on my belly."
Fascination colored the man's voice. "Really? I didn't know that Animals had names."
"Names mean things to Animals. It is not something that is freely shared with Hu-mans. Even Animals do not usually share with other species. The only name generally known to all Animals is the king's or queen's name. Even then, they are hard to translate into Hu-man-speak, so they do not know them."
"Do you know any other names?"
"Yes."
"Will you share them?"
"Depends. Will you go around telling people," Blayze asked, slurping up the last of his noodles.
"No," Woo said. "I won't."
Blayze drank the broth then set the bowl aside. After taking another long drink of water, he reclined against the wall. He grabbed his tail and began to preen it.
"Well, Parrot King is known as Latimer," Blayze began. "The Cheetahs are Hua and Huan. Makani is Elephant King. And then there is Panther King. His name is Rahim, and his mate is Althea."
"Panthers?" Woo gasped. "You know the Panthers?"
"Yes. They are my friends. The only Animals besides the Parrots that do not despise me for what I am."
Blayze couldn't keep the bitterness out of his voice. Woo stared at him then reached over and took hold of his paw with his small, furless hand.
"I don't despise you," Woo said. "You're still my commander, even if you are a Monkey."
A soft chittering noise escaped from Blayze's throat, and he hurriedly turned away. Woo caught the look of pain and disbelief on the Monkey's face. He crawled forward and gripped the white cheeks.
"Don't do that, Blayze. You're my best friend. I don't want you to think I hate you. I don't. You know that, right?"
"Why not?" Blayze whispered. "Why are you not yelling and cursing me? It is what I deserve."
"No, you don't," Woo insisted.
Blayze shook his head sadly, still attempting to preen his tail. Woo decided that it was a nervous habit, but even he could tell that the Monkey was making no progress. The Human stood up.
"How about a bath? You've been tossing and turning for days. I think you'd feel better if you were clean."
The Monkey glanced over. "That sounds wonderful."
"You can use the medical baths. That way nobody will see you. The infirmary is empty. Let me go lock the door."
Blayze watched him go, unsure of what to think of his friend's attitude. Could it be? Was he genuinely not angry with him? Were his long-held fears unfounded? When the Monkey heard running water, he stood slowly and began to make his way to the bathroom. His entire body was sore, and it was a great effort for the Monkey to make it to the bath. He sat down against the wall, panting. Woo had just finished filling the tub, and he turned to smile at his friend.
"Alright, Blayze. Catch your breath. Is there any kind of special soap you need for your fur?"
Blayze hesitated, but when Woo continued to stare at him expectantly, he grabbed his tail and began to preen it again.
"Um, you know the soap that you make for the Cheetahs?" he ventured shyly. "Can I have some of that? It would be nice to be soft again. Hu-man soap may clean, but it does not agree with my fur."
Woo nodded and headed over to a shelf. Scrambling up a ladder, he selected a green bar and skittered back down. Setting the soap beside the tub, Woo walked over and offered his arm. Blayze took it, and Woo guided him to the tub. He slid into the warm water with a contented sigh as his sore muscles relaxed.
"This is very nice," Blayze said, ducking beneath the water to wet himself.
When he came back up, Woo nodded. "I thought you would like it. If you need help, just let me know."
Blayze nodded as he picked up the sweet-smelling soap. It contained honey, which would soften his fur. Within minutes, he was covered in bubbles from head to tail. When he ducked under, the water washed away the soap. He held his breath and scrubbed his fur clean then surfaced with a great inhale. Water wicked off of his ears as he shook his head. Oh, what a joy it was to be clean! He chittered contentedly as he heaved himself onto the edge of the tub.
The Monkey was so intent on washing himself properly that he had forgotten that a Human was in the room. He began to preen, his paws dashing over his wet fur with movements as skillful as his use of chopsticks. Woo had been trying not to stare, busying himself with counting the various soaps to see what he needed to make more of, but when his commander began his cleaning ritual, he forgot himself. Most Animals refused to do such things in front of Humans. Woo had once asked Cheetah King why, and he had looked at him with great contempt as he'd asked how he would like it if Animals watched him bathe. Woo had never dared to ask again.
But now he watched as his commander unabashedly drew his hands over his fur, smoothing and straightening, occasionally licking a particularly stubborn spot. Woo leaned forward, fascinated at the noises and movements that the Monkey made. With a yelp, he tumbled off the third rung of the ladder into the second shelf. The noise as it collapsed was so loud that Woo wondered how it was possible for so large a noise to come from one of his actions. Soap tumbled all over the floor, and Woo found himself sitting on the ground surrounded by little bars.
To his dismay, Blayze had bolted to the opposite wall, frightened by the sudden noise, and he was looking so embarrassed and wary that Woo knew at once that he had been forgotten. Woo could feel his face burning as he ducked his head and began to gather the spilled goods.
"I'm sorry, Commander," he muttered, trying to clean up his mess. There was no answer. "Commander?" Woo asked, looking up.
The empty room was filled with a thick silence. Woo closed his eyes, knowing that he had just set himself back several paces with Blayze. Why, oh why, was he so curious? If he had just focused on his work! But it was too late for that. He had been caught, and he was acutely ashamed of himself.
Woo had been trying so hard to show Blayze that he accepted him, even if he was a Monkey. The Human had tried not to stare openly as the Monkey had moved around. And then he had watched him clean himself, knowing full well that Animals didn't like to be stared at any more than Humans did. He had to make it up to him. But how?
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Woo was frustrated by his commander's lack of response. Every time the inventor had gone to his room to check on the Monkey, Blayze seemed to be sleeping. Woo knew he wasn't, and he knew that the Monkey knew, but the man was also unsure of how to apologize for his curiosity, so he left the Monkey be. After two days of recovery, Woo went into his room to find it empty. The costume that had been laying in the corner was gone.
Big Green was thrilled that Commander ApeTrully was better. They welcomed him back into their ranks with great joy. But Woo noticed that something had changed. Almost every day before his sickness, the costumed Monkey would usually come and chat with the inventor about his latest invention or ask for a solution to a problem or just talk about life at Big Green. Woo waited for his commander to visit, determined to offer an apology, but day after day, there was no visit.
About a week after he had left Woo's room, the Human realized that his commander was avoiding him. Woo didn't know what to think of this at first. He blamed himself in the beginning. But he soon grew vexed that the Monkey that he considered to be his best friend was now avoiding him. So Woo decided to go to him. He refused to let their friendship die over knowing what Animal his commander was. So one lunchtime, he hunted ApeTrully down in the lunch hall.
Everybody was talking and eating, and the noise in the hall was ideal. Woo got a bowl of noodles and a bun then marched purposefully to the disguised Monkey's table. ApeTrully sat alone, perusing some old scrolls. Usually, Woo would politely sit at another table as everybody else did; this was a sign that their commander didn't want to be interrupted. But this time, Woo didn't care. So, he set his bowl down beside ApeTrully's, climbed up onto the seat beside him, and began to eat, staring intently at the leader of Big Green.
It became apparent that Woo had been correct. ApeTrully glanced at him then angled his face away and ignored him. Woo wasn't deterred. He sat there and continued to eat, sipping mango juice and letting the Monkey feel his gaze. When his commander began to fidget, he knew he was getting his point across. Before ApeTrully could shout at him, Woo swallowed a mouthful of noodles and set his chopsticks down.
"I need your advice," he said simply.
ApeTrully glanced over, his eyes wary. But he couldn't resist. "About?"
Woo tapped his fingers on the table and pursed his lips. "I have this friend who has a big secret. Recently, I found out what the secret was, and he is extremely embarrassed about it. I think he believes that I don't like him now, shouldn't like him, in fact. Or perhaps that I will judge him for this secret. Maybe both. How do I tell him that I don't mind it at all? Not only that, but I'm actually relieved that the truth is out. How can I convince him that he can trust me with this secret?"
Woo refused to look away from ApeTrully's eyes, trying to convey the truth of what he said. ApeTrully glanced away briefly, but for the most part, he continued to stare at Woo as if trying to gauge the honesty of his second-in-command. After a minute, ApeTrully blew out a breath and rolled up the scroll he was reading. Pushing it away, he began to poke at his untouched bowl of noodles.
"You really need my advice on this?" he asked.
"Yes. I'm afraid I will lose the best friend I've ever had if he doesn't trust me."
ApeTrully thought for a few moments then spoke in a low voice. Woo leaned forward to hear him, hoping that he'd gotten through.
"I would say to tell him those things. Be honest. He obviously needs to hear that he is not a monster or extremely foolish. He has kept his secret for so long, so very, very long, that it is hard for him to trust anybody. Especially since he did not have a choice when he revealed it. Perhaps talk with him about it, let him know how you feel and what you think. Does that sound agreeable?"
Woo nodded, smiling. "I think that's wonderful advice. Do you think I could ask him if he would like to come to my room and have a drink with me tonight?"
ApeTrully glanced at him. "That would not be a bad question. Perhaps he will say yes. What then?"
"I would tell him to come by around nine tonight because that's when the base will calm down and begin to go to sleep. That way we won't be overheard, so we can be honest, as you suggested."
ApeTrully paused for a long minute then nodded without a word. Woo finished eating, cleaned his dishes, then headed back to his workshop. The day passed by quickly, and Woo retired to his room to prepare some food and to pick out a bottle of wine that he had saved for special occasions. Then he waited. At nine sharp, his commander knocked then entered.
Woo nodded at him as he locked the door behind him. ApeTrully sat down, keeping his eyes on the ground. The inventor had never seen the costumed Monkey act so unsure and afraid. Woo didn't mention it as he poured the wine. He carried the cups over then retrieved the food and set it between them. Woo sipped his wine and picked up a piece of cheese and a cracker.
"How have you been? Are you completely over the fever?" he asked.
ApeTrully nodded then looked at the food. "Not easy to eat this in my condition," he whispered.
"You don't have to. It's your decision," Woo said.
"I appreciate it," ApeTrully said. After a moment, he stood up and removed his costume. He curled his tail around himself, showing just how insecure he was. Woo smiled and handed him the wine.
"To good friends," he said, holding his cup up.
The Monkey smiled. "To good friends," he agreed, gently toasting his friend.
They busied themselves with their snack for a few minutes. When it was clear that Blayze was relaxing, Woo cleared his throat.
"About what happened in the bathroom…"
"Yes?" Blayze asked as he popped another piece of cheese into his mouth.
"I'm sorry for staring. I knew that it was rude. I just couldn't help but be curious."
"I enjoy your curiosity. And I did not leave because I thought you were rude," Blayze said.
"You didn't? But I was watching you bathe! Cheetah King said that it was like watching another Human and—" Woo broke off when Blayze laughed. He blushed. "What?"
Blayze tittered. "It is like watching another Human, in a way. It is not because we are naked, as you are. It is because bathing is a vulnerable time. But I did not mind you watching me in that way."
"Why did you leave then? Why are you avoiding me if I wasn't rude?" Woo asked.
"It is a different reason. One you will not hear any other Animal say."
"What?"
Blayze worried his bottom lip then set his cup aside and began to preen his tail. "Because I was not acting Hu-man."
Woo blinked. "But you aren't Human! I knew that! Why does that bother you?"
"You must understand, Woo," Blayze replied. "You must think of how it would look for me in costume if I acted like an Animal. I have acted as a Hu-man for so long. I am almost ashamed of being an Animal after all these years. I cannot explain it any better than that."
Woo nodded. "You don't have to be ashamed of it in front of me. I want to learn all about Monkeys. Teach me."
Blayze smiled. "Even the language?"
The inventor flinched. "You know I'm not good with languages…But yes. Even the language. But let's start easy. How should I address the king?"
The Monkey chittered. "I don't care how you address me. You may call me Monkey King if you insist, but I would prefer Blayze from you. You are not my subject."
Woo blinked. "Wait. You're the king?"
"I am."
The Human thought about it for a few moments. "That makes sense. You're a natural leader."
"Thank you," Blayze said. He paused then looked up. "You really do not mind what I am?"
"No!" Woo laughed. "I like that you're a Monkey! I've never met one before."
"For good reason. Before me, the kingdom was very violent." The Monkey took another healthy swallow of wine. "Especially my father."
Woo heard deep pain in those three words. "What happened?"
Blayze's expression tightened. "I do not wish to talk about it. Not now. Please, can we speak of other things?"
"Sure," Woo said quickly. "But if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here."
"I know," Blayze responded. "I trust you."
Woo beamed at those words. He felt as if he had just won the greatest award in the world. He lifted his cup up, nodding at Blayze, who toasted him again. Woo knew that this was only the beginning of this new angle of their friendship. He couldn't wait to see where else it led.