#-he's also the worst of what SWK thinks of himself

[imminent-danger-came]

Very very sorry for the spam but you are the only person outside of my immediate friend group who enjoys both shadowpeach AND dragonfruit in the very specific way that I do 🛐🛐🛐

Like I am the BIGGESTTTTT believer in aroace swk who has only ever really loved mcq in That Specific Way. Like not romantic but also not completely platonic— he loved him and he loved him in a way he never loved anyone else which is what mattered most. And mcq I see as...idk! Maybe he's aroace too, regardless I think he also loved and only loved swk BECAUSE he was swk. That is all that ever mattered to him. That it was swk. Loyal to a fault; even after swk hurt him so much, even after he hurt swk just as much. (Haha this is just like I'm Your Man by Mitski—)

And I do NOT see them as cutesy or as like a sweet and domestic couple. They are FAR from over their many, many issues and they will always have that bit of toxicity and hurt no matter how much they may hypothetically mellow out bc the ways in which they hurt each other WAS unforgivable. But the thing is, does that even matter? Does it matter if they'll still love each other anyways? If, in the end, all they ever wanted was to be by each others side even as they were covered in each others blood and blinded by their own heartbreak, anger, and hatred. Love. Obsession. Whatever it was that they felt for each other.

I also like,,, even if they somehow hypothetically hot their shit together enough to be a "functioning couple", I do not see them w any of the typical relationship labels like I think mcq would hurl if u called swk his boyfriend, husband, lover, etc like PLEASE I understand not everyone will have the same opinions and ship dynamics and I respect it, but I have a very specific view on their relationship and they are neither romantic or platonic, but a secret third thing. But they are also actually both. Whatever it is, it's love. A love that grew sharp and bent in its intensity when that love festered into a hatred that edged the line of obsession far too many times to ever be "normal" hatred.

Okay I think I've ranted enough. For now. Thankyou very much if u read all of this I have so very many shadowpeach thoughts 🛐

OMG HELLO

You are the only person outside of my immediate friend group who understands shadowpeach the way I do

I could honestly also read Macaque as allo, but no matter what their relationship is so aspec/arospec to me. Like whatever their bond was, it didn't matter because they had each other. Until they didn't. Until they knew their relationship was one of hatred. Until it was somehow even more complicated.

What drives me crazier is at this point, they would both choose MK over each other. It's pretty clear that Macaque expected Wukong to sacrifice himself in MK's place v ("He needs to know it's not all on him" "It doesn't always have to be you!" "Get the kid you idiot" "Wukong..."), because that was what he was willing to loose. He had already lost Wukong before, but MK? He's someone neither Macaque or Wukong could bear leaving them (the way they left each other). Like s5 committed so hard in the run motif ("You're the one always running off!"), and MK has been set up to be the one to leave Wukong since like s2.

It's also rare for me to run into another dragonfruit fan!! Tbh it is kinda just the text, but I find them so interesting. Like what if Mei handled the worst parts of Red Son better than he ever did. What if their mentor/mentee dynamic parallels MK and Macaque ("You don't use a weapon, you ARE a weapon! - "Don't use the flame Mei..." "Be the flame!"). What if Red Son knew Mei would stop at nothing to free his parents, the way he stopped at nothing to free her.

But also, what if Red Son was Mei's silly rabbit.

I know some people despise 5x05, but the truth is that Red Son has always been a support character to Mei. Even in AHiB, Mei and Red Son are often singled out together (ilu Mei saving MK and "I'll handle this" scenes). It's more obvious in 1x06 or 1x08, where Mei and Red are both racers and, of course, "Red flames are cool! Want to see some green ones?". RoTSQ focuses entirely on Mei and Red Son's relationship, which is continued into 3x06 and beyond.

Thank you for the rant it was a good read!

[quitealotofsodapop]

I love all the ideas and your response has given me some more to chew on for this au ty. (I might have already sent this but I'm not sure it sent but if it did i am sorry for the double ask)

[Wukong spending the Journey getting hit by all the symptoms of pregnancy during those 9-14 years.] the morning sickness is def the worst for him.

[Many foes back off just by the tired firey glare in the King's eyes.] his presence alone is usually able to get most of them to back off, but for those who were still going to risk trying a tired "I am running on 2 hours of sleep, crippling isolation and lonliness, and I haven't been able to keep any food down for three days, I am not in the mood" glare is enough to sen them running for the hills.

[Wukong never managed to tell Macaque about the Egg in that lifetime.] this fact breaks Wukong's heart, and it breaks Macaque to when he later learns that was with child the whole time because having a peacful life and a family was all he really ever wanted.

[He's convinced that the Egg's presence at the Samadhi Fire was what caused the Rings to Split and hit Ao Lie.] I was thinking that during the Samadhi fire ritual the egg suddenly started "kicking" and despite his attempts to not let it affect his performance the pain is what causes him to slip, allowing the ring to split. he absolutely blames himself for this.

[By isolating himself, he accidentally causes his body to *turn down the heat* and extend the process even longer.] he's gonna be so mad when he finds out thats one of the reasons it took so long. but maybe it was for the better, with no support group it would have been difficult to raise the egg on his own. the egg was "no troop, these are not prime baby raising conditions, i stay here longer", like giving Wukong time to find a safe and loving situation to give birth in.

[he geniunely believed that keeping MK whilst the Stone Egg was still draining life force could kill the cub. So SWK is forced to give the little toddler up to save his life.] again, as unfortunate as it is, perhaps for the better. even if not being adressed for the right reasons at the time Wukong knew he wasn't in the position to be caring for someone so young at that point, and the fact he took measures to ensure that MK still got a stable and loving home to grow up in says a lot about how even if he couldn't provide for MK he already loved him. the lack of being in the right headspace to care for an infant is also probably another reason for the egg to "turn down the heat", not able to be mentally there for child, child says in womb till he can.

[When him and MK finally reunite, its a little awkward but MK immediately understands the reason for the Monkey King's retirement.] does MK remember Monkey King, or is it a "I just met an actual god/my fav hero of legend and their pregnant" kind of awkward?

[MK, thinking its a bad breakup situation: "oh ok. I guess you're owed some long-overdue paternity leave, huh?"] this is funny if you remember the fact that this likely wouldn't have happened if it weren't for Wukong and Macaque actually having a bad break up, causing Macaque to leave and Wukong to lose the one thing keeping his body from triggering the egg making process. in a way, it is a bad break-up situation, just not exactly in the way MK thinks.

[MK only asks about the schematics on the Egg after Wukong makes a comment about being "like this longer than even Lao Tzu's mother".] Wukong def brags that he's had the longest pregnancy out of any immortal now.

[He returns to Pigsy's that evening silent with a horrifed look on his face.] the rest of the gang notice, they ask, MK explains what Wukong told him, and now everyone is silently horrified for the rest of the night.

[The Spider Queen can sense that theres a new life within the King, but she decides its an issue for after the takeover.] Wukong is kinda surprised when she doesn't instantly try and use it against him, she just responds that she still has some honor. this does not stop her from draining his power though. Wukong's far more concerned about a certain other demoness present learning about his egg...

[DBK frees himself, not only from the fear of losing his wife and his son, but also out of fury that Wukong had been hiding his condition for so long!!] he is not happy to learn that Wukong put his egg at risk with Samadhi fire situation and by fighting him, or that Wukong had hidden it at all from him as his sworn brother. and also with the webs draining Wukong's power it was putting the little one at risk, can't let that happen either, not if he has something to say about. DBK def learns about it because he overhears the deeply concerning conversation between SWK and LBD while their tied up, him being tied up close to Wukong and all.

[PIF demands a proper baby shower when she hears about it from her excited husband later.] PIF sitting at the dinner table, reading a book and eating while she waits for her husband and son to come home: why do I hear loud footsteps getting rapidly closer? DBK busting open the dining room door with Red Son tucked under his arm: DARLING WE'RE GONNA BE GODPARENTS!!!! PIF & Red Son: WHAT? cue a very excited bull king explaining everything to them

[but becomes concerned when his Sun refuses to fight in any way that leaves his stomach exposed.] protecting a specific part of the body usually means there's a vulnerability there, but Wukong didn't fight like he was injured, Macaque knows what that looks like and that wasn't it so now he's confused. the only other kind of vulnrability he could think of invovling one's stomach that would make them seem bloated as well as make them want to get away from the fight as fast as possible is if he was pregnant, but that can't be the case here can it?

["The Shadow Play" becomes more a plan to trap the Monkie Kid gang for answers. MK spills the beans. Macaque stares blankly for a minute before yelling in frustration. It's too much emotional baggage to process right now!] he lays awake for nights on end trying to figure out if its really what he thinks it is with the little evidence he has, and then he just can't take it anymore and sets up the play. trapping the gang in his lantern and threatening MK until he spills, MK does and even though an answer is what he wanted it takes a moment to process that he had been right, then he lashes out when more questions came to mind. how? when? for how long? who's the other parent? MK frees his friends while Macaque is lashing out and they make a break for it, they escape before Macaque can threaten more answers out of them.

[now with the additional threat that she will harm the Stone Egg if Macaque fails her again...] Macaque might not have answers about the egg, but it's still Wukong's egg at the end of the day. sure just the other day he'd been totally fine with the idea of killing the guy but now... was there still hope he could have the life he wanted with his Sun? even if he couldn't he could never bring himself to knowingly harm his former lover's unborn infant. Wukong ofc doesn't know this at first, and gets really worried about Mac getting involved. he doesn't want to have to choose between him and his egg ever again, but he will if he has to. the problem is avoided entirely when (much to SWK's surprise/confusion) Macaque straight up acts like doesn't exist while hunting the gang in s3. for this subtle blessing SWK is relieved and grateful.

[Macaque breaks the King from his possession by casually placing a curious hand on his swollen stomach, smiling in a way Wukong hadn't seen in centuries. "I know," is all that is said as the two monkeys allow their foreheads to touch.] it's such a simple thing, but it's a certain type of soft kindness he hasn't felt in years, that he missed very deeply, the domesticity of it, makes him feel like his moon really is his again. he bursts out crying and almost sends them both to the ground when he collapses into Macaque for a hug.

[LBD is unexpectedly destroyed by the Stone Egg itself. She did not count upon the Egg recognising her as a yummy source of spirtual energy as she was possessing it's parent.] egg was hungry, and SWK was feeling drained after being possessed, LBD was right their and strong and had hurt the egg's parent. so LBD gets nommed on. naturally.

[MK is a little disturbed, but glad that the demoness is gone-gone.] the can't see it happen, but they all feel an absurdly powerful force emanating from SWK suddenly tearing apart and absorbing LBD's soul. everyone's a little shook up by that one. Macaque: did- did the egg just- SWK frozen on spot, with a nervous and tight expression: *exasperated inhale* yeah... everyone else: oh gods there was also a little concern that eating LBD whole soul would have consequences.

[Until the newly unpossessed Monkey King doubles over in pain and cries for the Bodhisattva to help him. Guanyin is on the scene in seconds, glaring at her little brother angrily. Half the gang stare jaws dropped at what is happening while the rest are panicking.] everyone was chilling, settling down and gtting some food after everything, SWK was feeling the most content and happy he had in ages as he refused to anywhere other then glued to Macaque's side, and the egg was like, "I just got a massive meal, and the whole troop is here now, guess it's time to come out now". Wukong surprisingly casually sits up and tells Ne Zha to go get Guanyin, NOW, being the patron god of infants, he quickly realizes whats going on and bolts for the south sea, the others clue in and start freaking out at this point too. Gaunyin is not happy at SWK for putting himself and the egg at risk with both the Samadhi fire (again, they also tried to warn him off it the first time) and with fighting LBD alone, but thats a conversation for after the egg is born, hatched, and healthy. Tang's fanboying over meeting the Guanyin is stifled only by the painc of egg on the way.

[After many hours of painful labor with Macaque clutching his hand for support, Wukong *finally* greets his baby for the first time.] Wukong is def squeezing so hard at one point that Macaque thinks his hand is either gonna break or pop off, it doesn't do either, but it is numb by the end of it. Macaque gladly would do it again if it meant getting to be there when the egg was born and hatched. Wukong def jokingly tells his newborn that she "sure kept them all waiting".

[Her dark fur is hard to ignore. As well as the ice-blue eyes that stare between the two monkeys with wonder. And the little excited chirps she makes that sing the tune of Wukong's favorite songs.] the ice blue eyes are from the last minute bone demon meal ofc, but what if the dark fur actually comes from Wukong's longing to be with macaque as a family again, and those feelings during early pregnancy were so strong it changed the infant's appearence in order to fit not just Wukong but his desires/emotional needs (that being having the family Macaque always wanted with him). Macaque def cries when she has dark fur like him, makes him feel more like he's possibly a bio parent. Wukong is def in love with everything about his little one, down to every little sound she makes. I like to think he would talk to the egg whenever he was alone while pregnant, and was also always humming to them, maybe the infant somehow knows some of those tunes he was humming and tries to mimic them fresh out of the egg.

[Yuebei Xing is celebrated across the many Realms as the first Stone Monkey to be born from a Stone Egg in milennia. Gold Star comes down from Heaven in person to bless her arrival.] they jokingly thank Gold Star for being too busy to oversee Wukong's punishment, because if he had Wukong likely wouldn't be holding the most precious ball of fur in his arms right now.

[singeing Azure Lion's fur as he goes to take the Jade Emperor's throne. All present, including members of the Brotherhood, laugh at the coincidence.] it's hard not to laugh, given the coincidence. the only one not laughing is Azure, who just saw his life flash before his eyes.

[Yuebei's whole family are willing to *destroy* the divine animals if even dare touch a single hair on her little head.] knowing Azure, he's either fantasizing about Yuebei being Wukong and his infant, or plotting how to use her for blackmail. or both. either way Wukong's none too happy to learn who's got their hands on his little one.

[The retrieve Yuebei after they enter the palace and see the three usurpers beaten to a pulp. The infant monkey rolling around on her butt as she giggles. Azure begs the crew to "please take her back".] Azure was perhaps a little too lost in his triumph and day-dreaming to notice the ultra powerful infant he was holding beginning to grow restless and playful, one of his many mistakes. especially seeing as she had little to no strength control at such a young age.

All in reference to the core "slow boiled stone egg au" post.

You did send a less detailed version of this ask a few days ago, I just hadn't gone through my inbox enough XD

I love the detailed responses though! It's nice to see so much interest in my silly aus!

[the morning sickness is def the worst for him.]

Based on my previous ironic pregnancy headcanons, Wukong occasionally gains a food adversion to his fave fruit ever; Peaches. Some days his brain/body just decides "Eww no. bleh. Spit it out right now" and the nausea hits him hard. Wukong is dismayed whenever it happens.

["I am running on 2 hours of sleep, crippling isolation and lonliness, and I haven't been able to keep any food down for three days, I am not in the mood" glare is enough to sen them running for the hills.]

[-this fact breaks Wukong's heart, and it breaks Macaque to when he later learns that was with child the whole time because having a peacful life and a family was all he really ever wanted.]

[the egg was "no troop, these are not prime baby raising conditions, i stay here longer"] + [the lack of being in the right headspace to care for an infant is also probably another reason for the egg to "turn down the heat", not able to be mentally there for child, child says in womb till he can.]

Pretty much yeah!

Stone Monkeys only have this backup for the absolute last resort when things are at their worst enviroment-wise. No mate, no troop, no support system, no mental health = Egg ain't moving. Think of it like the formation of a geode - it can do it either over a natural couple of centuries, or in a few months with intervention.

"Asleep" Stone Monkeys who are still buried know that they're unlikely to ever be recovered, but their egg can still be found by other troops and hatch in response to socialization even thousands of years on.

However, "Awake" Stone Monkeys with an Egg cooking need to have an active support system in place for the baby's development to progress faster/less riskily. By shuting out the outside world, all Wukong did was accidentally set the Egg to "sleep mode".

Sadly, even if Wukong was wrong and his body identified baby!MK harmlessly as a troop member - SWK simply wasn't in the mental headroom to raise a whole baby without someone to help him.

[does MK remember Monkey King, or is it a "I just met an actual god/my fav hero of legend and their pregnant" kind of awkward?]

The second one mostly. MK honestly can't remember his earliest memories beyond the sight of SWK's egg fragment + possibly Nuwa, and thats with supernatural help.

In a slightly sad note, it's possible MK *remembers* being held by someone soft with a round belly + gold eyes. He assumes throughout his life that this person was his birth mother before he was given up/orphaned.

[this likely wouldn't have happened if it weren't for Wukong and Macaque actually having a bad break up]

MK is right in his own way XD

[Wukong def brags that he's had the longest pregnancy out of any immortal now.]

Wukong's been carrying the egg since the Journey days, about the Tang Dynasty (690-907 AD)/irl Xuanzang's departure in 629. So that Stone Egg been slow boiling from anywhere between 1394 to 1116 years. 0_o

Either way SWK has beaten Lao Tzu/Zi's mom (pregnant for 62-80 years), and def brags about that fact to whatever immortal will hear.

[DBK def learns about it because he overhears the deeply concerning conversation between SWK and LBD while their tied up, him being tied up close to Wukong and all.]

DBK overhears LBD making threatening references to Wukong's conditon and immediately interrupts her villainy bs to yell at his sworn brother.

(inside the giant Spider Mech) LBD: "All will fall into place soon. Even with the unexpected additon of your... future heir." *guestures hand around SWK's stomach* DBK, furious ans still wrapped in web: "WHAT!?!? HEIR?! SUN WUKONG!! Are you so reckless that you'd fight even when your unborn child could have been harmed!?" Wukong, wrapped in less-tight web: "Not the best time DBK. I can handle it." LBD: "Quite. Then again it is all in char-" DBKm interrupting: "REALLY BROTHER?! YOU DIDN'T TRUST ME TO KNOW!? If I was aware of your condition - I would have never dared to invoke your anger! Even my beautifully ruthless wife would agree with me!" LBD: *glares at DBK in annoyance* "Ahem." Wukong, ignoring her: "I couldn't let you guys know! Look, I've been fine on own for centuries now!" LBD: "Exc-" DBK, super-concerned: "CENTURIES!?! WERE YOU WITH CHILD DURING THE RITUAL!?!" *DBK busts out of his bindings and gently grabs SWK* DBK: "LADY GUANYIN WILL TAN BOTH OUR HIDES WHEN SHE HEARS ABOUT THIS!" LBD: *gives up and leaves*

[DBK busting open the dining room door with Red Son tucked under his arm: DARLING WE'RE GONNA BE GODPARENTS!!!!]

After the initial shock wears off, PIF immediately summons a catalog to look for baby shower supplies. This is a monumentous occassion! She ofc assumes it's Macaque's fault (she's not wrong XD) and that this might be her future sworn niece/nephew! She simply must organise everything for her idiot sworn brother and his mate!

Red blinks in confusion before confronting the Monkie Kid gang about it later. Mei demands PIF's contact details right that second so that they can swap party ideas.

[even though an answer is what he wanted it takes a moment to process that he had been right, then he lashes out when more questions came to mind. how? when? for how long? who's the other parent?]

Even with knowing how Stone Eggs works, Macaque has such a mental 404 error at the news that he's reduced to yelling garbbled questions at the gang until they leave awkwardly.

[...was there still hope he could have the life he wanted with his Sun?]

Macaque spends most of S3 trying to bat away any thoughts/predictive sounds of a happy domestic life him and Wukong cna have together.

[it's such a simple thing, but it's a certain type of soft kindness he hasn't felt in years, that he missed very deeply, the domesticity of it, makes him feel like his moon really is his again. he bursts out crying and almost sends them both to the ground when he collapses into Macaque for a hug.]

I just love this image. The possession being broken by Macaque expressing softness, his vunerability, to Wukong. And the possessed King snapping out of it since he's so conflcitingly overwhelmed by the joy of having his Moon back again + the weakness he feels.

[egg was hungry, and SWK was feeling drained after being possessed, LBD was right their and strong and had hurt the egg's parent. so LBD gets nommed on. naturally.] + [the can't see it happen, but they all feel an absurdly powerful force emanating from SWK suddenly tearing apart and absorbing LBD's soul. everyone's a little shook up by that one.]

Yuebei's first immortal kill is in fact LBD, preformed before she was even born. Once the switch "flipped" on the possesed SWK, the Egg recognised LBD as both a threat to her parent and a tasty source of Dao, hence; nom-nom-nom.

All thats left behind of the ancient bone demon is a picked-clean skull. The Ten Kings and Yama feel this hungry act from beyond the Realms and wonder *what* creature could have created such a great power vacuum.

[the egg was like, "I just got a massive meal, and the whole troop is here now, guess it's time to come out now".]

Ah, a fellow party crasher, just like her baba. Wukong and Macaque can barely enjoy the bowl of noodles they've stolen (in good humor) from MK when Wukong's face just drops from a shift in his body.

[Tang's fanboying over meeting the Guanyin is stifled only by the painc of egg on the way.]

Tang: "Oh gracious Buddha! The bodhisattva Guanyi herse-- oh gosh this is a lot grosser than I was expecting..." *gets woozy and hides face in Pigsy's chest*

[but what if the dark fur actually comes from Wukong's longing to be with macaque as a family again] + [Macaque def cries when she has dark fur like him, makes him feel more like he's possibly a bio parent]

Oooo! Wukong's emotional need to be reunited with his mate was so great that it impressed upon the Stone Egg itself.

Imagine how much crying would be involved if little Yuebei just so happened to be born six-eared as well? Macaque and Wukong would never stop sobbing over how cute their baby is!!

Macaque is still very much assumed by the demonic/celestial/mortal public not in the know of Stone Eggs, to be Yuebei's other bio parent. Hard to refute their claims when the little Monkey Princess has such lovely midnight-dark fur and glowing ears.

[I like to think he would talk to the egg whenever he was alone while pregnant, and was also always humming to them, maybe the infant somehow knows some of those tunes he was humming and tries to mimic them fresh out of the egg.]

Thats so super adorable I love it! <3

Wukong loved talking to the Egg when he was on his own on the island. He'd talk to it about what his old Pilgrim brothers were like, what happened in Heaven, his early days on the mountain, and how much he wishes to be there to see all the little havoc's she'll cause in the future. He def recorded a tape + wrote letters to Yuebei before she was born ala "For Steven" in Steven Universe... just in case his immortality didn't work in the end.

Babies can hear things going on on the outside irl as early as 14 weeks along - it's how they become acclimated to the voices of their family. Little Yuebei spent so much time in the "final run" hearing show tunes, action movies, and the voices of Wukong's new found family/troop that she thinks theses are all "good noises"!

As Yuebei looks around at her "troop" she tries matching a "good sound" to them. Everyone is just aww-ing at her tiny chirping mimicry, and burst out laughing when she gets to Pigsy and makes a deep sound they swear sounds like "freeloader!".

Her pre-natal eavessdropping does however, lead her to fall asleep to the heavy metal soundtrack of the Monkey Cop series. XD

[Azure was perhaps a little too lost in his triumph and day-dreaming to notice the ultra powerful infant he was holding beginning to grow restless and playful, one of his many mistakes. especially seeing as she had little to no strength control at such a young age.]

Yuebei decided that "Kitty" wasn't playing with her, wasn't holding her right, and wasn't even singing to her! And she wanted to make her frustrations known.

I love these mass responses, even if it takes some time for me to reply. Ty so much for your interest!

[fellow-fandom-fruitifier]

Does any1 else just casually wonder wtf it’d b like if SWK didn’t actually kill 6EM & it was all a plot by the big bad? Like imagine he & 6EM start healing

(I REFUSE 2 BELIEVE THESE DUMBASSES WOULD TALK ABT IT, THEY WOULD SHOVE IT DOWN LIKE “PAST IS PAST LMAO” REGARDLESS OF IF THATS HEALTHY😭)

& sumhow sumway it gets revealed that 6EM fully believes SWK killed him. Remember what Pengshit said abt how SWK can’t do anything 2 break his hold over 6EM? Right, well imagine how SWK would feel knowing that his most loyal friend is so loyal he’d stay even if he thought SWK did, like, The Worst Thing Ever™️ to him.

Like I feel like that’d fuck him up soooo bad. Cause now he’s gotta clarify that, no, I didn’t kill u. And, also, Why The Fuck r u still here??? Bcz now bro has 2 cope w/ the idea that 6EM genuinely thinks SWK has it in himself 2 literally murder his oldest friend, but also has 2 cope w/ the fact that 6EM loves him sm he’s just willing 2 try & 4get abt his literal DEATH 4 him

ALSO CAN I PLS TALK ABT HOW IF SWK DID ACTUALLY KILL 6EM HOW PENGSHIT IS SO FUCKED UP FOR THAT LINE⁉️

Also I think it’s 4shadowing 4 s5. Like obv if SWK & 6EM r gonna heal they gotta b near eachother/work 2gether. But Pengshit’s last word is gonna instill even more doubt. Bcz now that the question of “is there anything SWK can do to me that’ll make me any less loyal to him??” has actually been spoken aloud, it’s a tangible thing. It’d also b worse if it was a private thought 6EM had, bcz then he knows he’s not the only 1 thinking abt it.

So now 6EM is caught in wanting 2 fix their relationship & not sure if he should. Which is just gonna do absolute wonders 4 their A-grade communication I’m sure (WHY CANT THEY JUST FUCKING TALK LIKE NORMAL PEOPLE-)

[esmailsadeh]

Puppet Strings - Chapter 2

Note: Gooooood Morning everybody! Cleo here. Welcome back to Chapter 2! I had lots and lots of inboxes. I did for all the good people who were asking me, and liked my work. Maybe I'll write my own comic! Someday! So let's go ahead and get into this. (And also please don't offer me friendly budgets, or association on cover art or new comic. Thank you!)

Warning: Hurt/Comfort, Major Angst, Angry/Evil MK, Mischaracterization, Sunburst duo, Grammar problems, bad writing, Minor Blood, Psychological horror

Chapter 2: Innocent Monster

Mk and Wukong were still asleep after last night. It was silent. Too quiet. Suddenly Alarm clock! It was MK's alarm clock. He had set it to wake him up for the new job.

Beep. Beep. Beep

MK was quickly woken up. He immediately shut it off, so that SWK wouldn't be woken up.

Sigh.

He thought, that was close. I hope I didn't wake up. I have to get going. I have to get to work soon on the first day.

He grabbed his backpack and took out a sticky note. He was about to write when he suddenly remembered that his mentor can't read.

Shoot. What do I do now?

He got dressed and Went outside the house. He called a monkey and told him:

''Tell Monkey King I've gone to work and not to worry. That we can't train today. Sorry!''

The Monkey nodded. MK looked one last time at the house and went off.

Work

''Good morning everyone. We have a new employee joining us today. I heard he has quit the reputation! His name is MK the monkie kid.''

MK stood at the front of the crowd of workers. He bowed and said ''Nice to meet you!~''

The chatters began. MK rose up. He listened carefully for decipherable comments. "Is it really him?'' ''I heard he can't control his monkey form, what a weakling!'' ''If it weren't for him, the city would have never been destroyed'' '' He just another puppet for the Monkey King, poor thing!'' '' yeah, he's the worst. Reputation? Oh please! As if"

Mk heard everything they said, But didn't pay attention. A few Days passed, And MK is more stressed than ever! School With It's problems

Study! Exam! Study! Exam! Study! Another Exam! Study! Final Exam!

Pigsy's noodles with deliveries, Martial arts classes, And Training with the Monkey King, If That wasn't enough Anxiety a new job added to the list: Working at a normal looking café. He had taken martial arts just to get stronger to protect his friends. Especially Wukong since he almost tried to sacrifice himself. Well at least he rested the night so it should be fine. Until someday, "I like you. Please go out with me"

Silence.

It was Bai He. The who got possessed by LBD. She also happens to work there. What a surprise! She was the youngest girl there. Being a girl who works in a café she obviously worked as a maid. A maid to satisfy and serve as the waiter for the costumers.

''Y-You can tell me later if you-''

'' Eh- No I'm really sorry. I've given my heart to someone else.'' I lied. I had to come up with something to decline with…I just don't have the time to take care of a girlfriend.

MK walked away quickly. Bai He was just standing there in shock. MK went back to work. Chatting with others. He had become popular. "MK how's it like to be you?" "Yeah you're so popular. You handle yourself in situations greatly, I wish I had to be amazing like you."

"I'm not that perfect…" That's right. I almost lost someone that's precious to me. Monkey King. I won't let such a thing happen again, NEVER! I have to become stronger and keep it a secret, So that I can use my full power for emergencies. Just like that! I can't be brutally honest! Such a thing is a big mistake!

MK shook the thoughts and smiled brightly and changed the subject "I think you girls should smile more often than not! You look cuter when you do, so keep smiling. Hehe~"

"Wow, MK marry me!"

In the distance boys stood there chattering "I can see why he's popular" "yeah! Everyone was all over the manager until now tho!" The manager, A tall man listening in-on them, before walking back to his office.

A couple looong hours later…

Running to the exit MK Said loudly "I'm leaving now!" "Oh! Thanks for all your hard work! Have a lovely day dear."

MK was hurrying to the exit thinking: I have to get home soon. I need to hurry to training, I'm a bit late! But he suddenly slowed down hiding behind the wall that lead to the exit. And it also led to the manager's office at the left deeper side of it. He could hear the manager talking and grinning to Bai He, MK poke his head to see them walking to the manager's office. The manager was smiling to Bai he. MK stood there for a long while after they had left. Then continuing his way to the exit. On his way back home…

I wonder what that was all about. Was the manager drunk or something?

By the next day something unexpected happened… The manager asked

"MK can you work Overtime today?!"

"But I thought we didn't have overtime here…"

"We are short of staff. Considering Bai He didn't come because of you so it's your fault"

"Huh?"

"She was crying she said you made a total fool of her, since it's your fault you should take responsibility, right MK?"

"But…" He turned to see a boy grinning at MK whispering "poor MK"

Later

Everyone had left. MK was still there cleaning the tables. It was the middle of the night with another girl with him. She spilled some juice on the table, which was left on table MK was cleaning.

"Ah sorry it was an accident… don't look at me like that. I've had worse, I worked even more. You should be thankful." Before turning to the exit door and leaving she said "Thanks for all your hard work~"

MK was still cleaning. "…" A few hours past and It was 3 in the morning. He was ready to leave when "The bathrooms and backrooms too please, Thanks for all your hard work"

"…Okay"

It was practically 6 in the morning and the sun was almost up. MK was rushing to pigsy's noodles quickly. He had been really tired after all the classes and jobs. Not to mention in an hour was school time! He at least had to see his family right?

Pant. Pant. Pant.*

He opened the shop door only to see everyone wide asleep. No. He changed and packed for collage.

A couple of weeks went on without rest for MK. This was tough.

MK arrived in time for training with the Monkey King. He had dark eye bags. He hadn't slept for weeks. At least he got to see Wukong. This was more than enough.

"So Monkey Class is back in session. You ready?"

MK was in a daze standing there listening to SWK.

"Uh- MK?"

MK was shaken up by Wukong He clumsily said "What? Uh-Yeah soooo ready. Heheh"

"You sure? We can rest if you want. You seem to kinda need it…"Yikes.

"No, we're gonna train and that's final!" Even tho I reeeeally want to spend time with you I have to maintain my strength.

MK was so tired that in the middle of training, He fell unconscious and almost hit his head on a stone, but luckily Wukong caught him before that disaster could happen. He caught him right about he was going to fall and carried MK in his arms and took him to his Home.

"Sigh. What did I say about overworking yourself?"

He placed MK on to his couch. Ready to wake him up, but quickly stopped and thought it was the best thing to do at the moment: to let him rest a little.

Wukong was just sitting on the chair for the past few hours staring at MK in case last night's incident happens again. MK was gracefully sleeping Wukong thought it was kinda cute. (NOT A SHIP THO GUYS, DON'T GET FUNNY IDEAS, OKAY?) He took out his phone and took a picture. Is he a puppy? (Me rn: Time to destroy your cute moments. Lemme push the button and-)

Beep. Beep Beep. Beep

The tension is suddenly ruined as MK's alarm clock goes haywire. MK is jolted by this and gracefully falls to the ground. Wukong is stunned and leans over to check on his child.

"AAAh. I'm sooo late. Monkey King why didn't you wake me up?"

"Ah sorry" replied Wukong.

MK quickly open his bag and puts on uniform from over his clothes, and just as he is about to leave-

"Bud wait, do you have to leave? Don't'cha need to rest a little first?"

"No. I have to, but hey I'll make time, I promise, pinky promise that I won't ditch you"

They very cutely and shyly bring their pinkies close each other and wave them.

"If you say so…"

A few days go by and no sign of Bai He, nor rest.

Pant. Pant. Pant*

MK is running at 6 A.M. to get to his house, Thinking: Unlike the other days today HAS to-be different I have to make it, and see my friends. He openes the shop door to see that everyone is sleeping like the other days. MK shifts his gaze to Mai that's on the floor next to the door with a blanket wrapped around her. MK bends to his knees and hugs her. Thinking "I can't go on any longer, I can't bear it. If it continues my sugar castle will begin to rot. Things rot when they aren't alive anymore. If this goes on, I'll go crazy!" he thought that last part with his eyes wide open staring at the wall.

The next day…

The manager gave the paychecks to his co-workers. They were happy. MK opened up his own paycheck only to stare at it with shock. In the middle of the crowd he asked the manager "Is it okay if I ask a question?~" The crowd went silent staring between MK and the manager. The two went to the manager's office.

Manager commented "There was a mistake?"

MK replied back "The paycheck doesn't match the hours I worked, there's a mistake-"

"No it's correct."

MK blinked his eyes at that comment. Manager continued "MK you understand why don't you?"

"I don't. I worked like I was supposed to."

The manager's smile grow bigger at that comment walking one step forward and grabbing MK by the face and looked into his eyes and stated

"Oh, that's too bad. Really, you're just a cute little bird aren't you (in my fanfic MK is described as a cute blue bird) and you think you can get away with anything, don't you? I bet people went easy on you, and made a big fuss over just because you're cute and special. But life isn't that easy y'know. You caused trouble here. That's why your pay was cut. You understand don't you?"

The manager's grip over MK's cheeks got titer and his nails were squeezed into the deep side of MK's face causing it to bleed where the nails were pressed on.

MK un-phased by this and continues "Are you allowed to cut my pay whenever you want?"

"Yes. This is my kingdom of love. I'm the king. I have no need for anyone that doesn't love me…"

He shoved MK's head hard towards the back of the room. Causing him (MK) to step a few steps back from the manager.

MK blurts out "Love?"

Manager still smiling says "that's right, harbinger. I love you too."

MK is shocked by this and does something…chilling.

He raises his hands to his bleeding face and covers it.

The familiar yet un-known voice in MK's head goes "I will swallow any desire you have. After all dear Xiaotian, That's what love means."

He quietly with a soft voice responds "No." He continues with a not so nice tone "I can't agree to this. You can't. It's just wrong…" He peeks his eye through one on his fingers on his right hand, while the other still remains fully covered on the left side his face, and his eyes were…odd? Slightly red.

With this expression on his face and a threatening voice, he continues "You're not supposed to go after underage kids."

"Huh?" the manager is confused.

MK maliciously continues "I saw. I saw you bring Bai He in here."

The manager a bit loses himself in the statement stepping one step back saying "S-So what? Enough with the false pretenses-"

MK puts his hands to the side of his body with a death stare saying "They're hardly false." He looks around the room continuing "This place is thick with the scent of you and Bai He's dirty deeds."

This shocked the manager. "Uh" MK strikes commenting "It's like your gross, damp smell swallowed Bai He

"Haa? (What?)"

"Then I'll just have to ask Bai He myself directly"

"Well you won't be able to do that-"

"Why's that so?"

Manager looks at MK. MK tilted his head to the side with a sinister death stare and red bright eyes denying "I can."

"Wha-?"

His voice sounded non-human and a mixture of multiple voices repeating "I said I can." MK shifts his gaze to a near-by closet in that same position.

The manager is stressed by this. MK pays no attention hands wrapped around his back, saying "What's going to happen after that?" He steps one step forward while the manager takes one back. MK goes on "The kind and handsome manager…" The manager takes several steps back. "…is charged with sexual misconduct… Could your majesty endure having everyone look at you with disgust?" The manager bumps to his desk and slaps his hand on it. He Shouts:

"Who do you think you are? You're just a kid! You should respect adults!"

MK with the same tone asks "How come you couldn't control yourself with a kid?"

"-What?"

MK stings the manager like a bee saying "Did it sting that badly for everyone to pay more attention to a kid like me that you?"

The manager snaps pointing to MK "Of course it did! You guys are supposed to love me! But Bai He said he loved you." Arms wide open "So I taught her about my love. I made sure to thoroughly teach his body. Uh…" The manager stopped as he spotted a phone camera sticking out of MK's hip.

MK brought out the phone fully in his hand as the other was on his cheek. He replayed the video. "What an interesting face."

"Give me that!"

MK said "I'll post it somewhere."

The manager was beat up "Who do you think you are? Are you threatening me? Are you trying to destroy my kingdom?"

"I don't care about your kingdom. I don't care what you do here, or how you behave. It really didn't matter one way or another" The phone was in his hands and next to his head. Showing the manager his face in the picture.

"Then why?"

"Why didn't you control yourself? I controlled myself. I worked overtime and cleaned up because it was part of my job. I had less time to spend with my friends, but I controlled myself and did it all!" He pressured the word 'control'. His voice seemed hurt.

"You should have controlled yourself too…" MK's eyes were red with black swirls and a black dot at the middle "-then neither of us would have to go through this." He said this with striking voice.

The manager was crushed by MK's words saying "What? What are you saying?"

MK became soft for moment "What you feel might not be love, rather desire. Because love…is something your heart feels by itself. It's sweet, it sparkles and it makes realize what makes you happy without anyone telling you." He became dark again differing "If you had to teach her about your love, if you ask something in return, Something bad and bitter like that, that's not love. Hey manager, Even if it doesn't interest me, if it's unsightly I want to break it. I'm sure you know the feeling."

The manager falls to his knees. "It's okay just pay me what I'm owed okay?"

MK is on the way home. He opens the shop door, Only to get surprised by Mei.

"MK welcome home!" She hugs him.

"Did you wait for me? Wasn't it cold?"

"No. I didn't want to not greet you at the door."

I think it's a bit late for that. But it's enough. Thanks.

Good End

Hope you liked it. Let me know if I should keep traumatizing them. Or if I should keep doing cutesy stuff. Also let me know if I should do more and keep the psychological horror Monkie Kid. Looks that all the time we have for today. Suggest new ideas for upcoming chapters I'll appreciate it. Have lovely day amazing people. I will continue if we get 5 reviews. Bye~ Cleo Out!

POV : This song Is What I think would fit the fanfic perfectly:

*Comes in throws music* Mblue - Try *Runs Out* or check it on YouTube here: Mblue - Try

[honestmouse20]

okay now that all 10 episodes are out on youtube in english, Ful lthoughts on monkie kid s5! spoilers under the cut :)

So, the big one. I really hardly notice the chance in animiation studio. I still see people being upset about it and saying its worse. But if no one had told me, I wouldn't have noticed.

On to the Fun stuff (pain)

This season is so freaking heartbeaking yall. Like MK has always felt like things were His fault, that he was bringing the chaos to the world. And then his Worst fear comes true. Nyua tells him that she created him For that reason. He exists for taht sacrafice and the demon (what's his name? the guy at the end?) only sped things up. Woke him up early. That's Insane! He really is the beginning of the end. And even when he Tried to do the right thing, sacrafice himself so everyone else would be safe, the universe/gods/whatever still were going to take his sacrafice and rewrite the world again anyway. And that's what Gets me about this season. Bc yeah MK listens at first and sacrafices himself. But the seccond he learns they've been pulling his strings this whole time and that his friends Won't be safe, he realizes taht he's still in control. He goes back to spend their last moments with his family and That ends up being waht saves everything. They share the power and prove that they don't need someone else calling every shot. it's just... a Lot for a lego show and im so so pleased with it.

Second thing! Uh we need to talk about Wukong in episode 9 and 10 bc oooh boy. NOt only was the man who was Terrified of dying to the point of becoming multiple times over imortal and taking his name out of the book of the dead WILLING to die so that MK wouldn't. But he fought MK with what I am assuming was his full power for the first time. MK wasn't holding back either. And that means a lot I think. MK is finally stronger (or maybe AS strong as him). Also the fact that MK used the circlet on him guts me everytime.

Also, adding onto the whole Wukong those last two episodes. What the Hell were those screams when MK 'dies'??? I have never heard something like that in a lego show. it gave me Chills. Like I fully expected him to yk get angry get Mean again but not just LIke That. That was so real sounding. Props to his va bc Shit dudes

third thing! Speaking of VA's god MK's was doing Just as good. All those little moments where his voice wavers as he comes to belive that sacraficing himself is the only way. God and the way his voice sounds as he tells Piggsy that 'jsut because it's hard doesn't mean it's not the right thing' (or something along those lines). This season Hurt me so much yall. Especially as MK chose to come back and Wukong catches him. And he just keeps telling him he's okay??? PAIN??

Oh and at the end when MK is just crying??? IM fine. Yep. His voice actor really nailed all of this. 10/10

Fourth thing! I said it in my other post but uhhhh Macaque?? He sacrafices himself Twice in this season. First into the Pagoda and then by using up a lot of his strength getting them all out of those bindings so SWK can save MK. For all their bickering this season (some might say like an old married couple) Maqaque and Wukong really do seem to be making up yk? and i mean not to mention at the end when they all think it's over and Wukong reaches for him????

Fifth! Are we gonna talk about the memory demon thign showing Wukong The fight with Macaque???? Like of all the shitty/awful things he's done and lived through, That is what the demon shows him to hurt him the most. And it is the Most painful thing bc MK's is all about his monkie side and sacraficing himself. And that's His biggest fear. SO it makes sense that Wukong( and the others) were shown Their worst memories. And yk the fact taht after he's cut free there are Tears in his eyes??? god Im gonna have to watch this season a few more times to pick out all the little details cause the tears thing I only noticed bc someone pointed it out in the comments on the video i was watching.

Final thoughts lol

This season was Incredible! Not only did everything MK has been through Finally catch up with him, something they've been hinting at since s1, but it did in a very satisfying way. I was on the edge of my seat all through the 9th and 10th episodes. I genuinly didn't know who was gonna do the sacrafice. And then when MK jumpped in, I was in awe bc this is a lego show. They wouldn't kill the main charcter. But I really like how they got around that. BC it doesn't Feel like getting around it. It feels like the thing mk Would have done. IF the goddess had told him that his friends were safe, MK would have stayed. 100%. The way his voice breaks as his knees give out when he realizes (incorectly) that they're safe. He'd have died to save them. The only reason he comes back is bc it was a pointless sacrafice.

The season as a whole was also really good. I was a bit confused why it was so easy for MK to get al the stones but then it was revealed that it was Meant to be. This was supposed to be his destiny so things litterally fell into his lap. That was a really nice touch I think. I also really loved all the character interactions! Piggsy calling him son Repeatedly. MK saying he has a ton of dads. Just. Big emphasis on family and i Can't Wait to see how MK's almost sacrafice is gonna change things in following seasons! Bc that was a suicide attempt guys. He saw a world better without him in it and tried to die. if you take away all the fancy wording that's what it is. And ik lego would never yk Say that. but they're already tackling bigger themes than they have before (in this show and dreams and ninjago) so I have faith that they'll go somewhere with this too. Clearly Mk is still terrified and hurt by everything so I really hope eveyrone will come together to try and help him through all this. And yk the next big bad. Can Chaos be a big bad??? I'm so excited for S6!

[sketching-shark]

I really hope macaque's death was by his own hand.

Like a Disney villain

What you mean with that, well, love when the villain's actions end up causing his own destruction, I love that so much, it's so charming and poetic.

So here's a theory

Macaco's shadow powers are not original to him, he was not born with those powers, just like sun wukong, macaco learned from them somewhere maybe a demon taught macaco about them, but told him that those powers come with a curse. From time to time diyu chains would come to look for it, But it would only be once and can escape the chains if it is veils or struggle hard enough

So the chains appear to take him to the diyu at the worst possible time.

After losing his battle against sun wukong (which started because monkey attacked the tripitaka monk) monkey cannot move because he is exhausted and cannot teleport because he has no strength,

He tries to escape and ask sun wukong for help, but he had already left, Not knowing that macaque was sent to the diyu.

Ooooo you know @maidenofthecloud @ar-blackshaw came up with this really neat theory awhile ago that LEMH had made a deal with the Red Python Demon to get his shadow powers, as if memory serves correctly that snake was a pretty vicious yaoguai that had powers over darkness and reasons for a massive grudge against SWK (and could have potentially helped explain/helped create LEMH's henchmonkeys Rumble and Savage from the lego sets if Flying Bark had included them in the cartoon, as those two monkey yao do have some pretty snake-like fangs in addition to their red and black coloring).

Also I have to say I quite like proposal for what happens to the shadow simian here, as it does fit quite well with the Six-Eared Macaque of the og classic likely being partially an embodiment of the Buddhist saying (and I'm likely getting this somewhat wrong) that teachings should not be transmitted to the third ear; that is, teachings can only be best understood if transmitted from shifu to tudi, and someone else listening in on that private conversation or getting it secondhand won't truly understand what's being said. So since one proposal for how LEMH was able to copy SWK so perfectly was due to his ears letting him listen in on everything the Monkey King was saying and doing, including his lessons on gaining immortality from Puti Zushi, but in his actions was very much little more than a twisted version of SWK, that could very much explain how he was able to cultivate an imperfect form of immortality where instead of just having to avoid the three calamities and be immortal forever after he has to frequently avoid chains from diyu. This proposal could also make SWK at least a little bit less of an entire a-hole than the lego show as it currently stands would seem to suggest, as it's become downright baffling and pretty frustrating the level to which LEMH fully believes SWK killed him for purely selfish reasons & has spent like 3/4th of his screentime yelling about how horrible the monkey king is (but suddenly changed his mind about that & decided that his monkey king induced death wasn't worth mentioning even when asked directly lol) and yet for the entire show SWK has acted like nothing that bad happened lmao.

Also tbh it could make for a pretty neat story for LEMH if he gained an ally or even a genuine friend in the Red Python Demon but then left the snake to go confront SWK on the journey & then abandoned the serpent completely once he died & became violently obsessed with getting revenge on the monkey king in a parallel to what SWK seems to have done to him, & then got a chance to acknowledge that and start making a life for himself outside of the monkey king's orbit. Said it before, but I do think it sucks that there's still like nothing defining LEMH's life outside of his obsession with SWK, & I genuinely think it would do both him & SWK's characters a world of good if they were given opportunities to grow outside of each other's influence instead of the plot now routinely forcing them to interact.

[mikka-minns]

Yeah in most media and I've noticed in Modern Chinese media too, Gods only see Humans as lesser forms of them or insects they can easily crush beneath their feet and we're only useful as their tools but in Vietnam, Gods would quite literally go against whatever more powerful than them if they think to harm the Humans they protect unjustly

Well the Water God Thuy Tinh practically almost ruined the country hence he got the worst punishment, imagine what they would do to some bitch who can't handle and kill innocent mortals cuz they didn't give enough offerings to them?

Yeah a God like that would get QUITE THE REPUTATION here, like you're automatically a trash if you don't do shits but expect more gifts from others, the social reputation they would have is atrocious, the gossip culture here is a huge part of our lives and I like to think it's also a thing to the Gods

Having a reputation of being a Bitch in the Gods' world here is honestly a torture, I mean Thuy Tinh's exile is at least better since most of the time he's spent by himself, I like to think the Gods here are social and well being a God who's known for "want to eat but not want to work" here would give you quite the extreme social ostracism, a big punishment as cruel as being unknown, considering that "you work for to earn to your keep" is a natural thing in Vietnam. Gods here work to earn the respect and devotion from the People so you get what I mean

Even if you aren't super good at your job, being a minor god of a village still has its goods and merits, considering how it's a neat simple job and you're still greatly appreciated even with small efforts, it means you made a contribution to the general benefits of everyone, which is a part of our culture too, as small as your efforts are, they're still contribution for the greater good

We have retired Gods here apparently so I think they just took small positions in small villages and chill for the rest of their immortality, the sweet life

Chinese Gods should go here for retirement since we have great retirement benefits here for Gods and Humans, Gods usually don't deal with too many problems except the occasional chaos which is honestly unavoidable and a part of nature, but it's mostly peaceful and we got great natural habitats perfect for rest and relaxation.

I feel like Chinese Gods would apply for early retirement if they know how good the conditions are here in the Vietnamese Pantheon

Vietnamese pantheon fr gas the best conditions

I feel like they could succswsfully make peace with SWK. Since they are so chill in the first place and wouldnt do half(or any) of the stuff that got Wukong angry with the Chinese gods.

[antidotefortheawkward-art]

how fucked up would you be if you were told the embodiment of the worst parts of you was capable of killing members of your family

[ID: A sketchy two panel sepia comic. In the first panel, Sun Wukong is dressed in traditional deep mourning garb and kneeling before a grave, back to the viewer. The second panel is a close-up on his face. He has a hollow, terrified wide-eyed expression and half of his face is in deep shadow. He thinks, "Could I have done the same?" End ID]

[cheesecakezyum]

How about some competition? Like there's this character Who is also courting SWK and Macaque's s/o A LOT. How much annoyed and jelous would they be? Bonus scene: They came over just when s/o speak back at the other:"Look, I appreciate your feelings, I really do. But I am already in love with someone else"

Vying For Your Endearment

It continues, it continues. I really liked this idea though! Don’t know how I did thoughh

Didn’t put too much in this because of the fact that I want to keep some info for my fic. Mischief mischief mischief.

I like to think that while the scent of a demon is super pungent to them— when it comes to non-demons its rather faint to barely recognizable actually.

Scenting headcanons are so quirky

I’ll fix anything later we’re on that grind boyssss

Enjoy!

─────────────────

─────────────────

Sun Wukong

♡- At first? It really wouldn’t trouble him too much. He feels unintimidated, especially if the two of you have been courting for quite some time. If it’s around courting season, it’s only expected.

♡- The only thing he truly worries about in the beginning is certain traditions for demons who take interest in a potential mate; worst case scenario is you being kidnapped by this demon, and no way is that happening on his watch.

♡- It’s way more rare nowadays, but that doesn’t mean it’s essentially out of the question! Definitely would keep a better eye on you and take you home more often himself.

♡- If nothing changes though, and he notices that the other suitor just won’t bug off after a week— that’s when it starts getting to him.

♡- Catches you talking to the other demon in public? Definitely the one to impede on the conversation. He’ll just slide on over there, wrapping an arm around your waist.

“Mind if I just borrow them for a bit? Yeahh, thanks!”

♡- If Wukong happens to visit and notices you with any slight smell (Stench, in his personal opinion.) related to the demon— boy are you in for it.

“Let go already! That’s enough!”

“Just 5 more minutes.”

♡- Not just to provide more overall affection but to drown their scent with his own. A threat on his part.

♡- Kind of but not kind of a property thing. He doesn’t want to own you of course! Never. But.. wants it known that you’re being courted by him and him only. Wukong’s personal smell of peaches is rather recognizable as well— so he wonders why such a lower class demon would attempt getting their hands on you. Do they not realize who they’re competing with?

♡- It's nothing but confusing to the monkey king. What do they have that he doesn’t? Why you of all people? Did they have a personal grudge against them with hopes of stealing you away? Why haven’t you just turned them down already?

♡- Don’t even get me started if you mention the demon in question in front of him. Expect a pouting menace.

The monkey king spoke under his breath, grumbling.

“I can do that.”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing!”

♡- Even after an explanation of demon courting by Wukong did you not realize this new demon was trying to compete for your affection. You considered them more of an acquaintance, really.

♡- So when you got the sudden confession of their admiration for you with bold claims of wanting to make you his mate?— yuck.

“I’m sorry. I appreciate your feelings, really! But I already love someone else.”

♡- If he caught you in the act like that, rejecting the demon attempting to steal his place by your side? Fist bumping the air. I mean— cough cough, he never doubted you! Himself too, yeah.

♡- Would act as if he never saw it, brush it off and wait until that poor, poor rejectee finally left you alone to interact.

♡- It’d probably be the first time you told him you loved him as well! I mean, not up front just yet, but still said it! Wouldn’t actually mention it until way later, when you’ve most likely forgotten. It was an in the moment thing!

“You know, I love you too.”

─────────────────

─────────────────

The Six-Eared Macaque

♡- On Macaque’s part, it’s an instant alarm when he’s noticed another demons aura around you. Wouldn’t make it immediately known, but try to pry out as much as he can without sounding desperate.

“So— how was your day? Anything new?”

♡- When it turns out his suspicions are correct, he already knows their intentions. Courting season would give it out immediately. Not just anyone would attempt going for you— but then again, he did.

♡- He’d definitely be overprotective in the aspect that you’re at risk of being kidnapped. Would try to follow you around way more than usual. Going to the market? He’s been needing something actually. Taking a walk? He could use one too!

♡- Basically anything that would keep him closer to you. He respects courting rituals and wouldn’t go against them until absolutely necessary, so he takes the competition. Macaque isn’t letting you get away that easily.

♡- Similar to Wukong, your scent is a big thing to him. If you don’t smell like yourself or even him, man would it irritate him beyond belief.

♡- So coating his scent over the other demon’s will always be the #1 priority when he has you alone. Maybe leave in gentle bite or two for good measure depending on how far into courting the two of you have been.

♡- Macaque also takes it as an opportunity to be more bold with you— overall way more flirtatious. Any opportunity the six-eared demon has? He’ll take it.

“Aren’t you a pretty little thing for me.”

“Let me get a good look at you.”

♡- Whether it be spontaneously cornering you while the two of you walked in an alley, wrapping his tail around you in public when no one else can see, WAY more eye contact. He isn’t going down that easy.

♡- He wouldn’t really be too scared to point the other suitor out to you too.

“What did they bring you today?”

“Next time, just call me.”

♡- I mean, he wants anyone else to know that you belong to him. You leaving is just, something he dreads. Let alone to a low class demon.

♡- Definitely would think it’s someone he’s wronged in the past trying to get back at him. I mean, who would be stupid enough to go for his prize?

♡- So catching you in the act utterly rejecting the poor guys feelings? He wanted to crack up right then and there, but stayed behind and watch the beautiful scene unfold before him.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t return your feelings. I love someone else,“

♡- That last part caught Macaque off guard. You’ve told him you’ve cared about him, but never said loved. Not like that. He was quick to take residence in your shadow once the demon took their leave, and waited for the perfect opportunity to speak up as you walked home.

“Yeesh. Who knew you were so cruel?”

Startled by the all too familiar voice, you jumped and turned behind you, only to see a pair of violet eyes and a cunning smile replace your shadow.

“Macaque?!”

“Really liked that last part, though.”

[crypticjackal13]

Hello! Before I do the request I have to say..

I love your writing alot! And the way you express the characters are absolutely stunning!

But anyways since this is my first request so you gotta bare with me here..

Is it ok if its a MK X Filipino!reader?

If not its ok really!

Also I dont know how to explain things but if you need some points on the idea here is how it goes:

Filipino!reader is coming back to china to meet mk ( also their relationship started before the events of mk being swk's succesor ) and mk wanted to let the others know about Filipino!reader so basically mk invites everyone to pigsy's noodles and they finally meet filipino!reader for the first time! ( also you can add characters if you like but can you add swk and macaque there too? )

( sorry if this is very confusing its my first time really! And I am filipino so if I misspelled anything I am sorry ^^ )

Have a good day/afternoon/night!! <3

Not confusing at all! And thank you, I really do my best! Enjoy!! ^^

"City Sweet City" (MK x Filipino!GN!Reader)

(romantic oneshot)(827 w.c)

Pronouns: They/Them

CW: none? Food at the end

Weaving your way through Airport traffic to get to where your boyfriend said he was parked was arguably the worst part of your trip from the Philippines to get to China. Thank goodness MK’s vehicle of choice was the delivery buggy that he used at work. The large pig on top eliminated a lot of time you would have spent searching for him. As soon as MK saw you approaching, he leapt out of the car and ran to you. He enveloped you in a bear hug, lifting you up with ease and spinning the two of you around.

“Y/N! You’re here! In front of me! Wow!” He was beaming at you, practically jumping for joy, and you would be too if you weren’t holding all your luggage.

“I am! But before anybody goes crazy can we please put all this in your trunk?” You gestured to your bags, and he seemed to just realize they existed as he started helping you to put them in the back.

“Oh, right! I thought that maybe after we dropped your stuff off at my place you’d come to Pigsy’s with me? I want you to meet my friends!”

“Yeah, that sounds good!”

He locked the trunk and you both got into the car to drive to his apartment where you’d be staying. You’d been badgering him about cleaning it for ages, and from what you could see now that you were standing in it, he had. He also showed you the pull out bed that was on his couch just in case you wanted to sleep by yourself. This was incredibly sweet, you told him, however if he had space in his bed you wanted to fill it. MK blushed at this and started getting all flustered, since this would be the first time you’d ever slept over and since he was your boyfriend he didn’t have to really be alone at night.

“Anyways, c’mon! Pigsy’s is right downstairs.” He took your hand, leading you down and around the corner of the building, and sure enough, there was the famous noodle place you’d heard of a million times. Aptly decorated for its name with a cozy interior that smelled delicious.

“Hey guys! I want you to meet my partner, Y/N! They’re from the Philippines!” MK called as you two entered. You waved to the people in front of you. From pictures alone, you could figure out who Mei was, with her signature green jacket and cutesy hairstyle. There were two monkeys as well, one of them sitting on a cloud in the corner while the other one was leaning on a wall enjoying some noodles. And of course the pig-man behind the counter must be Pigsy himself.

“Ooh, so you’re the one MK won’t stop talking about! I’m Mei!” Mei came up to you and hugged you. You returned the hug, giving MK a mischievous smile.

“You talk about me a lot?” You asked him. He stammered.

“Not in a negative way or anything! I just think you’re really cool so I talk about it!—“

“Relax, kid, you’re gonna blow a fuse,” The monkey on the cloud spoke finally. He gave you a polite wave. “I’m Monkey King. Nice to meet you after all this time!”

“Yeah, this is the mentor I was telling you about!” MK chimed in. You waved back at him. The shadow in the corner cleared his throat, and MK gestured over to him. “And that’s Macaque!”

“It’s so nice to meet you all! Good to see there are people around MK that can keep him out of trouble!” You smiled, and Macaque huffed with a smirk.

“Our success rate isn’t that high.” He said.

“Hey! We do our best!” Monkey King argued.

MK seemed to feel like there would be a fight, so he walked in between the two under the guise of grabbing water from the cooler that was sitting near a table. Then he led you over to the counter to sit down.

“How about we split some noodles? I’ll pay for them.” MK offered.

“Just this once, since it’s a special occasion, you can just have ‘em.” Pigsy slid two bowls over to you and your boyfriend.

“Ah, thank you!” You grabbed a pair of chopsticks and gave the food a taste. It practically melted in your mouth and it brought tears to your eyes.

“What’s wrong? Do you not like them?” MK worriedly looked at you.

“No…it’s delicious. Better than I could have imagined…” you practically inhaled the rest of the bowl, happier that you didn’t have to suffer through airplane food anymore.

“Thanks, Y/N.” Pigsy gave you an over the shoulder smile as he continued to cook. MK was smiling too and enjoying his own bowl of noodles. Surrounded by the people he cared about. With you, in person, able to actually hold you and show you his favorite places…you two would have so much fun!

[imminent-danger-came]

IVE ONLY SEEN ONE PERSON POINT THIS OUT BUT MK TRIES TO PUNCH MACAQUE DISGUISED AS WUKONG BEFORE HE EVEN REALIZES ITS WUKONG. I CAN FEEL THE MK AND SWK FIGHT IN MY BONES. Also can you imagine with like that one art post Mei asks MK who HE wants to be, not a reflection of somebody, not the Monkie Kid, not the Harbringer of Chaos and HE REPLIES WITH HIS REAL NAME I WOULD GO INSANE

I'm like. 85% sure that person was me afasdfafsd. I know I've mentioned it before somewhere!

Because it's like, MK feels extremely abandoned and hurt by Wukong during s2. MK's line of "Fine! Then just leave! At least my friends will never abandon me!" in 2x01 Sleep Bug is VERY telling, and it also makes me sob when put together with 3x10 The Samadhi Fire:

MK: "NO! Mei is my best friend—I'd never abandon her when she needs me! We're heroes! It's what we do!"

And 4x02 New Adventures:

MK: “You don’t know! We’d risk it for sure! I won’t abandon them when they need us.”

MK's own low self-worth combined with Wukong's tendency to leave in the worst way possible, which was only further exacerbated by the Lady Bone Demon's manipulation.

And I think MK's experiences and feelings throughout s2 made him resolve to never make his friends feel abandoned.

But of course, since this is Lego Monkie Kid, it's more interesting than just that—because MK leaves at the end of s4. It was out of fear, sure, but so was Wukong leaving in s2 and at the end of s3. MK does exactly what he set out not to do, making the same mistakes his mentor has, literally going to isolate himself on Flower Fruit Mountain for an undetermined amount of time.

It's things like this that make the question of "Who is MK" so intriguing, because that's who MK want's to be. He want's to be himself. But who is that person?

Is MK just like Wukong? Is he a harbinger of chaos? Is he just a noodle delivery boy? Is he Monkie Kid? What if you remove all those labels? What's left? What is he?

(Plus the whole "I just want to be me—to be MK!" "Yeah well...we all know where that leads." interaction between MK and the curse in 4x07)

And now that we've thrown MK's mysterious past and ominous future into the mix, we are in for a FULL on identity crisis spiral next season.

And well, when it comes down to it, MK was willing and ready to fight Wukong in s2. The lmk writers are fantastic at paying off several arcs all at the same time (see all of 3x10, which literally had the culmination of Mei's, MK's, Wukong's, and Macaque's arcs all in one. It's fucking phenomenal), and this is partly due to the time constraints of the show as a whole, but it's also just damn good writing. MK's past, his identity, the hurt he's experienced across every season—that's all going to come to a head. I also imagine it's going to happen right along side Mei, Wukong, and Macaque's arcs once again, because that's just how this show do. It do insane shit.

I also happen to be a believer in "Samadhi Fire Part 3", in which we get another 3x10 and 4x08 parallel to round it all up, and I am waiting, WAITING, for Mei to repeat MK's words back at him:

“Mei! You have to stop. I know you’re upset, and that’s okay! I know what it’s like to have a power you don’t know how to control—to feel like the fate of the world is in your hands and you have no idea what to do! But you always have my back, and help me through it. We, will figure this out! Together!” (3x10 The Samadhi Fire)

((Which, MK himself is repeating Mei's words back at her, with "But we're going to figure this out." I NEED A POSITIVE FEEDBACK FRIEND LOOP BABY))

But yeah. I'M WAITING MAN. WE HAVE THE SAME BONE FEELINGS.

[quitealotofsodapop]

[Smokey is a protective guy at the best of times, and now that his mate is vunerable He's like a guard dog ready to snap at anyone who comes close to his little troop.]

Oof, imagine if a certain rhino tries something on Liang? Think Lao Tzu’s gonna need to find a whole new pet by the end of that chapter.

[Xiao Qi doesn't know what to expect - Bama isn't a tree, where fruit coming out?]

Ooof! I don’t think anybody is ready for that talk yet…so, they ask Peach and Plum for help. In turn those two ask their Tang and Pigsy for help…

Smokey, disbelief: Really?!

Peach: Look, Tang has the power points and Pigsy can keep him from going too in depth. Trust me, best way of keeping it PG.

[Zhu Bajie: "...I'm terrifed of that Liu'er Mihou. Any being that can get Older Brother to behave himself has power rivalling the Buddha himself."]

Honestly? Not the worst policy to have. Those LEMs do be terrifying and feral when given the chance – and they tend to woo absolute simps. XD

It’s like the ‘We support Women's Rights and Women's Wrongs!’ Except it’s Macaques.

referencing the Reborn! couple's twins + or why a pregnant monkey on a Journey is very difficult.

[Oof, imagine if a certain rhino tries something on Liang? Think Lao Tzu’s gonna need to find a whole new pet by the end of that chapter.]

A certain Rhino quickly learns that no matter the universe, SWK will turn him into minced beef for touching his mate. The Reborn! Rhino King gets sent to Lao Tzu as a handbag for touching Smokey's pregnant mate and/or their uber-powerful kids.

[Ooof! I don’t think anybody is ready for that talk yet…]

Smokey and Liang try to get a dialog going to explain to the kids where the twins are gonna come out, but they panic and try to pass the buck to another Pilgrim.

Xuanzang/Reborn!Tripitaka, also panicking: "Um. As I have taken a vow of chasitiy, I am not privy to such knowledge. Brother Bajie?" Zhu Bajie: "Hey! Just cus I like the act, doesn't mean I understand the schematics of it! Wujing reads those kind of books!" Sha Wujing: *nervously laughing and shaking his head No* Ao Lie, in horse-form: "When two beings come together and form a physical union..."

The horse has the best version of the Talk ready. Though he accidentally refers to the babies as coming out as eggs.

I love the idea of LMK! Tang being the kind of parent to have a powerpoint presentation ready for the occassion. He just wants to give the kids the straight facts.

[It’s like the ‘We support Women's Rights and Women's Wrongs!’ Except it’s Macaques.]

Oh gosh, I def can see a few of the Macaques wearing a t-shirt like that. The LMK!Macaques defintely.

Some SWKs oppose the title of "simp", but one look from their respective LEMs just proves the title further.

[fansids]

I am confused. I thought the whole point of season 4 was showing that people mess up and need to deal with their past mistakes head on instead of running from them because that makes it worse but also that there's always more than one side to every story and messing up in the past is not always your fault even if you tell yourself it is? I genuinely do not understand why so many people think this season is trying to make wukong look worse when to me it's trying to make it clear he isn't perfect but a lot of the people against him did not listen to him or get his side of the story. Same with MK and the ink demon to me it was clear it was taking things MK blames himself for that are not his fault and saying they are his fault because that's how MK feels and not what the truth actually is because it is intentionally twisting what happened to get into his head. The show isn't done yet shouldn't we be patient and wait for whatever it coming next because for all we know the special or season 5 will be about exactly what you want?

Yes and no.

The issue with Mk and his ink self is that MK blames himself for all the things that went wrong, and while we the audience know it's not entirely his fault, the show doesn't seem to. The message being told to him repeatedly is "You'll make mistakes, some of them apparently almost world-ending, but you need to move on and try to be a hero" not "you shouldn't guilt yourself for situations that were outside of your control, especially when you tried your hardest to prevent these things from happening" or "Don't blame yourself, you can't stop every bad thing from happening".

The show framed it as yes Mk made these mistakes that almost destroyed the world, but since he's trying to help the world he shouldn't let the guilt of that stop him from being a hero.

He didn't release DBK, Red Son did.

He didn't give DBK his staff, he nearly died trying to protect it

He didn't give Spider Queen his hair, I literally don't know how he was supposed to have the foresight for that kind of situation

And he didn't use the key to release LBD, that was Red Son and PIF.

Regardless, this is an issue that has only now come up in season 4, and the show generally treats Mk's character pretty fairly so while it's mildly annoying to see, it doesn't bother me too too much.

I never said the show is trying to make SWK look bad, I'm saying they tried to make him flawed, went too far in that direction and ended up making him look careless, if not downright idiotic at times. Which ends up making him look worse every season. It all feels like a misinterpretation of his character from jttw (in which he's given a good amount of both flaws and good characteristics even from the beginning of the journey when he's at his worst. And mind you this show takes place after all his character development has happened.).

And to put it bluntly, s5 isn't out, what we have is s1-4 and this has been an issue from s2-4, I'm perfectly justified in expressing my frustration at this point. If s5 manages to uplift SWK's character in a satisfying way, then that would be nice, but it's not that way right now.

[starsfic]

Consider: MksDadshipping post s3 special where Wukong is actually doing really well in NOT conflating Pigsy and Tang with Baije and Sanzang, but they're both still insecure about it because he's still... you know... SEVERELY traumatized from the whole 'getting possessed and nearly killing their kid' thing and one or both of them can't shake the feeling that Baije or Sanzang would be way more helpful than them.

Anon: Could I possibly bother you Promts 3 (You're not hurting me, you're not heavy, I’ve got you, Love"), 4 (kissing on the sofa, forheads pressed together) and 8(I don't... I've never been in a relationship before for and I'm going to make mistakes I nees you to tell me, I need you to talk to me) for Pigsy/Tang/Swk (I think it's called Mk'sDads'Shipping but idk)

It seemed so easy to fit Wukong in.

Scratch that, it was.

He had always wanted to keep others safe, even if creating that safety meant harming himself. He clearly cared about the kids, unglamoring the gray in his hair to comfort Sandy’s new kid about the streaks in her hair. Wukong’s therapist, one that he had willingly gone to, suggested it would be best if he didn’t continue to live alone on Flower Fruit Mountain. Despite the fact it was his home, it was also a place where he had suffered through many traumas.

The moment they had heard that, Pigsy offered his and Tang’s apartment.

It was the same offer he found himself extending again and again and Wukong was no different. Wukong had tried to scoff, saying that he didn’t need to do that, but the relief in his eyes was clear.

At first, Wukong had tried to not take up too much room. But, soon enough, he was wedged between Pigsy and Tang, bantering with Pigsy as they worked on dinner together, and got into debates with Tang about his writing. He was messy and the grocery bill went up but it was familiar and warm, especially when a tail wrapped around Pigsy’s waist or he saw Wukong rub his and Tang’s cheeks together.

What wasn’t warm was the nights.

The nights Pigsy woke up from Wukong giving a start. He would remain laying, feeling Wukong shiver as he carefully got out of bed. He would hear the balcony door open and then the quiet sobs.

Tang told him about the bad days too. The days Wukong had to cover up the mirrors to hide from the gray streaks in his fur and not visit Sandy, too afraid to come face to face with the child he nearly killed. When Tang had to read something else because he noticed how hard Wukong’s tail twitched.

It led to thinking.

It was Tang who said it, late one night. They were cuddling on the couch, waiting for Wukong to 

“...do you think he would know how to help him?”

The he was clear and Pigsy felt it. He knew Zhu Bajie and Sun Wukong had a turbulent relationship, but the way Wukong talked to him suggested that it was maybe the worst of it being brought up. He found himself wondering about it too.

Would Tripitaka and Bajie know how to do this? 

How to help him?

“Maybe,” Pigsy admitted. He couldn't help but press their foreheads together, pressing a kiss on Tang’s lips. “I know it hurts-”

“You aren’t hurting me.” Wukong’s voice made Tang yelp, yanking away from Pigsy. The golden monkey stood in the doorway, silhouetted in the gold sunset, looked tired and disheveled. What looked like a proud grin was fading away. He hopped off and stalked over to them, gently cupping Pigsy’s head and pressing a kiss to his forehead. “You're not heavy, I’ve got you, loves.”

“Do you even know what we were talking about?”

“I have guesses,” Wukong slid between them, wrapping his arms around them and holding them close. “And…believe me. You two are handling this great. I know I’m not.” He looked away and Pigsy shared a glance with Tang. The scholar looked ready to burst with protests. “I don’t…I've never been in a relationship before and I'm going to make mistakes. I need you to tell me, I need you to talk to me when I do.”

Pigsy sighed, leaning against Wukong. “Just as long as you tell us when we slip up.”

Tang piped up. “Agreed.”

Wukong nodded.

[bl00dh0rs3]

I seriously cant stop thinking about the six eared macaque like this is a Problem. Just the whole PREMISE behind the character. Like on a basic literary device level hes just a glassic evil twin/doppleganger--he exists in the story of the Journey to the West to be a metaphor for all of SWK's worst traits and impulses--hes what SWK could be if he wasn't actually trying (at least a little bit) to be a good Buddhist on this taxing roadtrip to India with his companions. They are repeatedly described by the Buddhist concept "being of two minds" (one being baser/simple/the one youre Born with, and the other more. Conceptual and heightened but to a negative degree, i suppose? The translations im looking at rn are rather vague but thats ok i get the feeling its kinda meant to be), and SWK killing him can be interpreted as him finally surpassing as well as accepting those darker parts of himself, and melding his two minds into One. So like the SEM EXISTS to further SWK as a character, obviously.

BUT. HES ALSO GOT ALL THIS OTHER SHIT GOING ON THAT ISNT NECESSARY RELATED TO HIS CONNECTION TO SWK????

Like the fucking six ears! I feel like im going crazy im just repeating the same shit over and over but i seriously CANNOT get over the implications of how his powers of hearing are defined. LIKE

KNOWLEDGE OF PAST AND FUTURE? COMPREHENSION OF ALL THINGS??? AM I FUCKING MISSING SOMETHING HERE??????

The absolute fucking TRAGEDY of the sux eared macaque being set up with these INCREDIBLE powers and existing in name as a play on a very interesting phrase (“The dharma is not to be transmitted to the sixth ear [i.e., the third pair or person]” (fa bu zhuan liu er, 法不傳六耳)), ONLY TO THEN BE LIMITED TO EXISTING SOLELY FOR SWK'S BENEFIT. And the consequence of him trying to OWN this connection by taking SWK's title and completing the Journey on his own is. Being fucking murdered.

Literally rolling around and flailing violently on the floor. What the FUCK man.

[sketching-shark]

Bangs head on my desk. Its sooooo fucking hard I have literally most of the LMK fandom blocked and I still can’t fucking escape that mid ass pairing I want to explode. Honest to god it sucks because I actually like analyzing LEMH and Sun wukong’s dynamic when it comes to the original story and like the idea of a character trying so hard to be this other person they just fundamentally erase any aspect of who they could be. That shit is interesting (especially if you interpret the two as actual family bc there’s a level of. Tragedy there) but NOOO mfs wanna focus on shipping clones/siblings together instead and painfully writing both characters ooc instead of just making an oc good fucking god. ( that being said I really like the art you draw of LEMH. It’s really cool. Keep up the good work 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾)

fregarewargtfds I once saw someone describe the LEMH & SWK ship as jttw retellings's reylo and. hm. yeah.

BUT YEAH YEAH YEAH to this day one of the things I find most baffling about the western monkie kid & jttw fandom is this widespread refusal to even recognize LEMH's actions in the og classic. Because it's like: here we have what could very well be one of literature's first instances of the "evil twin" trope and it's being done SPECIFICALLY in a way to create the maximum amount of conflict and uncertainty for SWK!

Because on one hand the false monkey of the true and false monkey king arc is essentially the very embodiment of everything that SWK ever wanted; LEMH, in copying SWK so completely, does it in such a way where he gets to be both a yaoguai warlord with a loving family AND a holy pilgrim bound for glory at the exact same time, whereas SWK is constantly being forced to choose between the two! But LEMH's also doing it in the worst way possible! He beats Tang Sanzang into unconsciousness, steals their stuff for his own use, and in so doing drives a serious rift between SWK and the pilgrims!

He clearly doesn't give af about the Mt. Huaguoshan monkeys outside of how they can serve as his personal tools to fulfill his own aims! He just wants them to use their own powers of transformation so that they can serve as his own obedient group of pilgrims! He even eats one of them as part of a merry feast he throws for himself after a violent encounter with Sha Wujing, and immediately has that monkey replaced with another! And he's doing ALL of this wearing SWK's face and adapting SWK's mannerisms! EVERYONE thinks that it's SWK doing these things! It's like LEMH's very existence is throwing it in SWK's face how this horrible version of himself is closer to achieving ALL of SWK's desires than SWK ever was, and that no matter how much SWK tries to change for the better even the two sides of his beloved family automatically think even this version which would inflict such violence on them is the "true" him! No wonder SWK hated him so much!

And AUGH the possibility of LEMH either being a manifestation of SWK's worst impulses or of being his brother just ramps the tragedy and horror of this situation even more! Like if it was part of SWK inflicting all this pain on the people SWK loves most, well there is truly something messed up about this situation where even if it's not technically "you" going along with your worst impulses they will still hurt people! Could you ever trust yourself again? Should you? How much of the blame for this situation lies with you? And can it be enough to fully acknowledge you have violent impulses but don't act on them?

And yes @the-bitter-ocean even in interpretations where LEMH is some random yaoguai who decides to commit identity fraud the story from his point of view of him throwing away his identity so completely that there's basically nothing left of him is just...goddamn. In his ambition he literally reduced himself to one part of SWK's story, just one more obstacle for the Monkey King to overcome.

And SCREAM if LEMH was SWK's brother? Imagine this situation where for SWK he's confronted by what is essentially the culmination of his failures to protect his family, where his beloved brother (I'm saying beloved because SWK loved all members of his monkey family very much) ended up despising SWK so much that he has essentially destroyed everything that he was or could have been in his bid to be the "real" monkey king and bring glory back to that name, but does so in the worst way possible to the point where SWK feels he has to take down LEMH himself. And then for LEMH, you can see how love and admiration for his brother would be twisted into resentment, envy, obsession, and hatred due to the series of atrocities the Mt. Huaguoshan simians faced in large part as a consequence of SWK's challenge to the heavens and his own sense of entitlement, so that eventually he convinced himself he would be a more "true" monkey king than the monkey king himself, and thus completely discarded his own identity to take on that of his brother, and in doing so basically tossed his own morals given how his "version" of the monkey king cares for no one but himself.

Sorry for the rant! But all the pieces for a whole series of interesting tragedies are! Already! Right! There!!!!! Why are we all so hellbent on ignoring/rewriting them!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!