Getting the cart fueled up for the final trip of the day, he knows that it's been rather hectic for him and Red Son. He's been working with him for a week or two now. It's been fun, what with him literally flaring up and nearly picking fights with the ruder of customers. It's given the entire store a reputation, yes, but on the bright side, you'll never have cold food if you order from Pigsy's Noodles! It doesn't take MK long to get to work again, and it doesn't take him long to get put right on deliveries. Of course, Red Son is going to be coming along too for practice sake today. In fact, he already has the noodles loaded onto the noodle cart and is already in the passenger seat. MK simply gets into the driver's seat and begins the journey to the workers down by a destroyed building. Clearing all that rubble is a hard job and with Pigsy offering a discount for the workers helping with that stuff and Pigsy's good food he's become the go-to for food in recent weeks. Of course, as they drive around, the city goes from a bustling metropolis to the aftermath of a warzone. Smoke, some fires, and construction workers finding dead bodies or torn limbs in the rubble. It's hell for anyone working there. And now, there are some of Pigsy's noodles to make it better. Red Son covers his face more, not wanting to be seen by the damage since he's partially responsible what with building the entire army his father used to destroy the city. The workers see the cart and already they're waving. It doesn't take long for the noodles to be distributed and the noodles to be paid for and a tip for being 5 minutes early to be given to them. Red Son simply stares at the barren wasteland that he and his family have created. What does it matter if they rule everything if there's no one to rule over? No one to admire their greatness? Is it really even "greatness" when victory is going to look something like this? Would victory be worth anything then? Surely it would be, right? Right? All he's ever done in his life should be worth it... right? Red Son is pulled out of thought when MK taps him on his shoulder.

"Hey, I know this place looks terrible... and everything that happened is terrible... but it isn't your fault. You didn't ask for this to happen. No one asked for this to happen. And plus, you're looking to be better."

"But I-"

Part of him wanted to tell the truth, but Red Son knew better than to do that. It would ruin his plan to gather as much information on them as possible to crush them thoroughly. But, that same part of him doesn't want that either. He does his best to repress that part, tuning it out and trying to let it die. Though, MK takes that silence differently.

"But nothing. We're off now, right? Let's go clock out and then chill out! I know this really good section of the mall that's the best for anyone to hang at! You'll love it!"

"Alright..."

In truth, Red Son was curious about the "mall". He knows it's where teens meet up and talk allegiance and strategy to take down enemies and rise among the rest as the true rulers of their social class through their small group of commanders and naturally good looks, but he doesn't know why such activities would be useful, let alone fun. As they drive back into the comforts of society, Red Son only thinks of his family and all they've done more and more. But, then thoughts of MK swell up. He believes in him with every inch of his being, but why? Red Son knows the first time they met he tried to murder him, so why give Red Son the time of day?

"Alright, we're here."

Red Son looks at the large structure, he can already tell that it's a labyrinth to any that merely step foot in its domain. No wonder those that frequent it seem to be the leaders of their class. Navigating this takes strategy and planning... it must be a test of strength and intelligence for these mortals. But, it will be no match for the great Red Son-

-------------------------

Within less than 5 minutes, Red Son has already lost any hope of leaving the maze of halls, stores, and crowds on his own. His only hope is MK, who has led him to who knows where.

"Welcome to the best place in the mall, the arcade!"

Red Son looks into the darkened room, only highlighted by neon and arcade screens. It reeks of pizza, ramen, and nachos. MK pulls Red Son in, showing his favorite game in the arcade.

"Dance Dance Mania?"

"Yeah! You can move around and bust some moves! Its tech tracks your movements to make sure you're moving perfectly in sync at all times! It can be kind of unforgiving at harder levels, but I'm not here to add my name to the leaderboards, I'm here to show you what fun you can have!"

MK places a token into the slot and the game quickly starts. MK starts a combo, already having the time of his life. As Red Son stares, he can't help but laugh at this idiot. MK is laughing away too, smiling and enjoying himself as he continues to dance. Red Son simply can't believe how much of a dork he is. How did he lose to this guy? His moves are great, fluid, and quick. In fact, this probably contributed to his wins against him. As he watches, Red Son keeps looking back at MK's face rather than the scores on the screen. He finds himself enamored with the joy on his face, how smooth his skin seems to be, how cute he is-Hold on! He can't think that, MK is still his enemy... but yet, he can't stop staring, can't stop enjoying the sound of his laughter, his personality... why did he have to fall for him of all people. Red Son is still partially convinced that MK is the actual son of the Monkey King, which should mean that he should hate him even more as their entire families clash. Though, does that matter? It's MK. That's probably all that matters. Well, if there's one thing that his mother taught him that he still has to heart, if you want it then it's yours and you will take what's yours. It's the will of the Demon Bull Family! But, how will he convince his parents that MK could be of value? To forgive him for his perceived misdeeds? He'll think about it later. For now, it's best to enjoy these moments.

"Alright, Red, It's your turn!"

"Well then, prepare to be bested by the great and powerful Red Son!"

--------------------------------

They've been playing for an hour, and it's dark out now. So, it's about time they pack up and go. Red Son already won a grand trophy for his battles with MK, a Red Money. After all, he got the higher score, so MK had to get him a trophy for this victory.

"Is that going to be a thing we do?"

"Only if you wish to be bested time and time again, noodle boy."

"Hey, you only won because I sneezed!"

"I still won."

"Yeah, take your half victory, I will be basking in the glory of honesty and actually being good at DDM."

Red Son gives a gasp at the clear mockery of his voice.

"Do not mock my tone simply because you're jealous that I, Red Son, am far more elegant and eloquent than you."

MK starts laughing and Red Son can't help but follow suit. That smile is contagious.

"Is that the Son of the Demon bull king?!"

"Oh my god!"

"Get out of here, demon!"

It would appear as though people heard him. They know who he is. He'll be dead to the mob now. Well, if he doesn't use his powers that is. But, MK is in the blast zone, he can't flame up while he's here. He's at least partially useful... Red Son currently can no longer deny his feelings for MK as he's refusing to burn him up which, a month or two ago, he would have done with no questions asked. Soon, they've surrounded him. Already things are starting to be thrown, and there's nothing Red Son can do to calm them down. Then, MK blocks a rock from hitting Red Son by using his staff.

"Look, it's the Monkie Kid! He has his staff!"

"Yeah, I do, so listen up!"

Red, for a moment, thinks this is where MK betrays him. All this time, all to toy with him. To cut him open and then rub salt in the wound! Of all the unexpected things, MK had been playing him the entire time!

"Red Son is not a villain!"

And then that thought ceases to be.

"Is the Demon Bull King a villain? Yes! He destroyed your homes, killed thousands! But that wasn't Red Son! He had to build an army for them, he had no choice! His family was all he ever knew, and now he's looking to repair the damages his family caused! He knows what happened was wrong, and now he's looking to get better! He's undeniably a demon, but he's still like the rest of us! He's capable of change. And the fact that he's trying to change is already a big enough step for me to believe in him."

Red Son can't help but be in awe of MK. He's far too trusting for his own good... but that trust is a bit founded so, it's good judgment.

"That change won't bring our homes back!"

"Oh my-- Lady, the Demon Bull King did that! Not Red Son!"

MK grabs Red Son, activating his staff and boosting out of the mall.

After twenty minutes, the two land at the park. The lights are out, and it's extremely dark.

"Looks like the power's out... again."

"I... I think I can help with that."

Red Son uses his fire powers to create dazzling lights, almost like fireflies, that flicker and die, yet light the path for the two to see. They almost seem like little stars. MK can't help but stare with child-like wonder as they warm the space around him. He touches one, getting burned.

"Ouch!"

"Of all the things to do, you touched fire."

"I- shut up. It looks pretty."

"Thank you."

Red Son continues to put on a grand display, dazzling MK completely. MK stares at Red Son, seeing how happy he is and how great he looks in the lighting.

"Remember when you tried to kill me when we first met?"

"Did you feel the need to ruin the mood or do you want another apology? I believe I apologized twice for that incident."

"No, just looking back that seems like something you'd never do. You've changed so much."

MK holds Red Son's hand, feeling a burning heat turn down to a gentle warmth, which makes MK chuckle.

"You're really amazing, you know?"

Red Son feels a different kind of heat take over his body as his cheeks flush and hair burst into flames. MK can't help but laugh at the sudden burst.

"H-Hey! That's not my fault! I-I've just been using my flames a bit too much, that's all!"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, you just spooked me a bit. I mean, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you got embarrassed by my compliment~."

He laughs a bit more.

"Are we going to enjoy this moment or are we just going to cut it short?"

"Depends, are you going to let go of my hand anytime soon?"

Red Son flares up again, this time letting go and immediately giving chase to MK.

"Get back here, you insolent fool! You know I can't control that!"

"Doesn't change the fact that it's adorable!"

As the two give chase to each other with dazzling flames lighting their way, Monkey king watches from far off, seeing Red Son has changed for the better. It's obvious to him what's been going on. He was aware of his plan the whole time, but he's happy it changed. Anything that happens from here on out is their business, not his. After all, if he was to really hurt MK... that would be his business.