An Unexpected Host

+ CHAPTER 2 +

Mk got back to the Pigsy's Noodles in the early afternoon, he'd forgotten about the situation from last night at this point. The brunette stepped into the shop and looked around, spotting Pigsy standing on top of a stool, decorating the walls with traditional new year's streamers.

"So this is why the shop's closed. I almost forgot about New Years."

Mk looked around, most of the decorations were already up, he grinned, this time of year was always one of his favorites with all the pretty decorations, the celebration, and the food.

"Well of course, it's what? Two days away? Besides, we've done a lot lately, I thought we could have a nice day to celebrate since we'll be working a stand on New Years."

"What?! Oh come onnn! I wanted to watch the fireworks with Mei and Tang!"

Mk whined, sitting down at the freshly buffed counter, he ran a finger along the cold surface and felt a chill run up his spine, twitching.

"Oh shush, I'll let you run off with them for the fireworks, people won't be by the stands at that point anyways."

Mk sighed with relief, slouching down a bit.

"Chin up kid. You won't be working the stand all new years."

"I know I know!"

He set his head down, remembering what had happened last night, it couldn't have been an illusion, he felt it. But Monkey King said it was..! Mk felt conflicted, furrowing his brows.

Clearly, Pigsy took notice, as he sat down next to Mk, carding a hand through his hair.

"Is something wrong kid? You're usually excited about this."

"It's nothing. Just something Monkey King said.."

"Really now? Ya need me to talk sense into that lazy monkey?"

"W-what?! No no! It wasn't anything crazy. Just- something happened last night, and I went to him for help and he did this weird magic-y stuff on me and said nothing was wrong and it was an illusion when I FELT it!"

"Go on.."

Mk soon found himself spilling everything out to Pigsy, when he finished, he hugged him, closing his eyes.

"I know he's probably right, he's the Monkey King, but it still- I dunno.."

"Now.. I don't know about all this mystic-monkey-business. But what I do know is that if you think there's something wrong, just because Monkey King says there isn't, doesn't mean he's right."

Mk nodded quietly as Pigsy rubbed circles on his back to comfort the boy.

"I must say, this 'blob' you speak of seems.. Strange. D'ya think it has anything to do with the demon bull thingies being stronger?"

"Maybe.. Or there could just be some random demon in my stomach"

Mk let out a husky laugh, letting go of Pigsy.

Pigsy chuckled, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Geez, kid. If this turns out to be somethin' serious you're gonna regret jokin' about it."

The both laughed together about it for a little while longer, before Mk got up with Pigsy and helped him set up the last of the decorations. When they completed, it was late afternoon.

"I'd say we did a pretty good job. Thanks for helping me with the higher-up stuff, kid."

Pigsy patted Mk on the back, smiling softly.