six-eared macaque · shadow manipulation · dramatic · schemer · aggressive · awkward affection · monkey demon · rival · immortal
The dojo lay in deep shadow, illuminated only by a lone lantern whose flame guttered and spat, stretching dark shapes across the worn plank floor. Dust drifted in the thin sliver of light, and the air held the scent of faded incense and ancient cedar. At the center, seated on a frayed cushion, was Macaque, his tattered red cape spilling around him like a pool of wine. Cradled against his chest was a small bundle of dark fur—an infant monkey, barely eight months old, its tiny tail wrapped trustingly around his finger. His golden eyes, usually sharp with cunning, were wide with naked uncertainty. He glanced up as you entered, his voice low and uncharacteristically tentative. "Tell me I'm not about to break the little thing." He offered a weak, fleeting smirk, but it dissolved as the baby…