#Everyone clap for Macaque

[imminent-danger-came]

Macaque and azure have lots of parallels. Loved wukong, felt betrayed and got send to the underworld, used mk by befriending him in order to get to wukong, tried to kill wukong, projected their issues and wukong relationship to everyone around them, didnt care for the innocents they hurt as long as they reached their endgoal (i already stated mk, so talking about how they hurt the gang while trying to get the sahmadi fire/throne), manipulated by forces higher than them. And those are just the obvious surface level parallels.

Im honestly pretty dissapointed that when i see them interact in fics its usually almost nothing or wukong love triangle. Theres something there

YEAH. YEAH YOU'RE SO RIGHT.

I mentioned a while ago that the way Azure treats MK in s4 is how Macaque treats MK in 1x09—again, pretending to be MK's friend, trying to hurt his relationship with Wukong, attempting revenge against Wukong etc. etc.. They even both have their change of heart because of MK while they're at their lowest, "Help us, make it right." "You still can—you're the only one who can." When viewing them through a "Hero and Warrior" lens, I totally see both Macaque and Azure as Warriors to Wukong's Hero.

Now, I think their differences are pretty interesting too! Azure is very globally minded while Macaque focuses on himself and those close to him. Azure's going to take risks while Macaque is far more cautious. Azure is very over the top and focused on glory while Macaque "slinks in the shadows". Azure's willing to sacrifice even his close friends (looking at you 4x10 roar and the fact he almost hit Yellowtusk with the scroll in 4x13), while Macaque (if he is actually close to someone) wouldn't sacrifice them for some goal. His goal is them, if that makes sense ("Pretending like you're just in it for you! But deep, deep down you're not that guy."). Macaque will gladly quit while he's ahead and not reach for anything more. Azure on the other hand is always reaching for something more, something greater.

There really is something there.

[itsabouttimex2]

Any fandom trends in LMK you literally can’t stand?

Urgh fucking absolutely.

Every now and then (often in the cycle of several months) there’s a new fic that circulates the fandom promising that it’s going to be “The nuanced portrayal of Macaque and Sun Wukong that all of you were waiting for!” and the fandom cheers and claps and begins to hype and recommend this fic to every little corner of the audience that it possibly can, on twitter and reddit and tumblr-

Except the author’s idea of “nuance” is fucking inevitably:

“Sun Wukong gets his asshole verbally ripped and his teeth kicked in every other chapter and Macaque gets lightly scolded every five chapters and also everyone loves and forgives him and is on his side without any trouble. Also Wukong is a big bumbling dumbass who can’t tie his own shoes without making people hate him. Also Macaque never ever makes mistakes because the author likes him too much just doesn’t. But if he does no one calls him out on it. And if they do they’re in the wrong. And we’re going to address and rip apart Wukong for all of his shortcomings and mistakes, while pretending that Macaque has never done anything wrong. Look how nuanced I’m being!”

This also inevitably comes with a hefty helping of a side dish of “the author doesn’t know the difference between killing for fun and killing in self defense” that is never fun to deal with under any terms, where Sun Wukong puts down Macaque because the latter is a legitimate threat to either Wukong himself, his fellow pilgrims, a town or even the world, and then being treated like a cold-blooded murdered because the author can’t comprehend morality he committed the grave sin of “self-defense”.

(And yes, I’m aware that portraying a flawed relationship as nuanced isn’t a situation of splitting the blame exactly 50/50, it’s engaging with both sides of a situation and giving them proper care in regards to the context arisen from conflict and abrasion, etc. But when you’re hitting us with a 90/10, man? Just tell us that you’re biased! People will still read your stories!)

(And obv this doesn’t include villain AUS)

It’s just so fucking tiresome to hear the constancy hype around a big new “nuanced” fic and then it’s more of the fandom typical “shitting on Sun Wukong”.

The most recent one was genuinely so egregious in spite of the constant hype that I stopped reading Monkie Kid fanfic on A03 almost entirely at this point.

It’s just not worth the hassle.

[genderfluid-insomniac]

A/N: I had fun with this one!

Behind the curtain// Six-Eared Macaque x reader (NSFW)

“Fuck!” You harshly whispered and tugged on Macaque's midnight black fur, clapping your hand on your mouth as your heart raced and hearing the soft murmurs of the audience. The cold brick wall of the backstage pressed against your bare back and jolts of pleasure shot through you causing your legs to tighten around his head, hearing a hiss and feeling him bite your inner thigh. “Close your thighs together anymore and I’ll make you scream my name.” Slowly teasing your clit with his tongue and brushing the sensitive nub with his fangs.

Oh, how he adored that sharp intake of breath and how you easily agreed to this risky little escapade. The confusion washed over your face as he hoisted you up so your thighs were on either side of his head and your cute blush appeared when you realized he planned to eat you out just before a show. He looked back up at you with a smirk, hands firmly wrapped around your hips to keep you up. “Any louder and the audience might think they’re seeing a different show. I think that’d be fun, showing everyone else that you’re mine and mine alone.” You whined softly and gave him a desperate expression. Your chest and thighs were covered in hickeys and bites for proof you were taken.

He went back to work, letting his tongue roam your walls and searching for which spots gave the best reactions. Every now and then Macaque would let one of his sharp teeth graze your bundle of nerves which made you closer to cumming. Of course, he couldn’t let you cum now. Sucking your pussy harshly as you muffled a loud moan with your hand and glared at him for edging you, smirking against your wet cunt. “Bastard.” You managed to spit out.

Slick dripped from his lips and was smeared on your thigh as he left a trail of kisses up to your vagina, biting your soft plush skin and licking the tiny pricks of blood popping up. “My own mate calling me a bastard? After all the pleasure I’ve given you I would’ve thought you’d be begging for me to fuck you.” He teased and pushed his tongue into your hole before you could finish your retort. Your hand grabbed clumps of his fur behind his head and pushed your pussy closer to his mouth, rolling your hips as you felt your orgasm about to come crashing over you.

”Not yet, lotus.” He clicked his tongue and carefully lowered you down, keeping you against his chest to stop you from collapsing and kissing your lips softly. You caught your breath and whimpered as you felt your walls clamp around nothing, feeling your high quickly fall till it was nothing. Nuzzling his nose against your cheek and whispering in your ear. “I’ll consider letting you cum if you don’t touch yourself until my performance is over. You can be my good mate, can’t you?” He chuckled richly.

You nodded and bit back a curse, not wanting to dig your grave even further. Carefully putting on your discarded clothes with his help and sitting on on table near the ropes for the curtains and lights. Macaque put his hood up along with his human disguise and began to walk towards the center of the stage, glancing back at you for one last smug grin.

[lunar-wandering]

names

i had a silly hc and had to write a 700 word drabble about it

“Yo, Mac!”

MK froze mid-step, expression dropping in horror.

Macaque tilted his head in confusion, and turned around just in time to see someone around MK’s age throw an arm over MK’s shoulders.

“Hey Mackenzie, how ya doing?”

“Uh, doing… great! Just fine, as always!” MK sneaked a glance at Macaque out of the corner of his eye, seeing the shadow monkey silently mouthing ‘Mackenzie???’ to himself.

Oh. He was so screwed.

“Good, good!” The person patted MK on the shoulder, before removing their arm, waving at him while they started to walk away. “Well, I’m kinda in a rush right now, but we should totally hang out sometime? Gravity arcade maybe? Eh, whatever, I’ll see you around!”

“See ya!” MK held his false cheery expression until the other was out of sight, then let it drop as he turned back to Macaque. “Please don’t tell Monkey King about this.”

“…Uh-huh. Sure. Uh. Who was that?” Macaque’s expression of confusion was slowly starting to turn into an amused smirk.

“Just an old classmate from, like, high-school I think, not sure, I really only hung out with Mei-”

“And why did he call you-”

“Listen.” MK clapped his hands together, held them in front of his face, and took a deep breath in, preparing himself. “Okay. So. Kids are mean, yeah? And my name is pretty long. Um. So when I was asked, y’know, what ‘MK’ stands for. I… kindasortaliedtothem-”

“You what-”

“And people believed it! I thought it’d get found out really quick, but like, even the teachers thought the system had just glitched out and written the wrong name on the attendance sheet! Man, I had people calling me Mackenzie for years-”

“Really fooled me too.” Mei chimed in, fiddling with her phone with a seemingly bored expression on her face.

“Yeah, Mei didn’t know- wait.” MK paused, turning to face her, “When did you get here?”

“About the same time Macaque collapsed to the ground.”

“About the same time Maca- what?” MK quickly turned his head back to stare at Macaque and- sure enough, he was down on the ground, arms wrapped around his chest, shaking with silent laughter. “What- when did he do that?”

“Dunno, he was like that when I got here.” Mei said, putting her phone in her pocket. “Anyways. I still cannot believe you didn’t tell me the truth until my 18th birthday-”

“Hey, I thought that if I treated it like some kind of grand important thing, you wouldn’t be angry at me!”

“Not that it worked. I still pranked the shit out of you once I stopped laughing.”

“I think I’m still finding glitter in my clothes- okay, I can’t stop thinking about it, do you think he’s okay?” MK said, pointing down at Macaque, “Like, is this normal?”

“Oh, yeah-” Wukong said, “He used to do this all the time, his body just kinda gives up on him when he really finds something funny.”

“Okay, so long as it’s- wait.” MK whirled around to point at Wukong, “When did you get here?!”

“Dragon Kid over here texted me that something was going on so I decided to come check it out.” Wukong said, “Soooo. What’s so funny that it’s got Maccie down on the ground anyways?”

“Nothing! I, uh-”

“MK was just telling him about he used to lie to people and tell them his nickname stood for ‘Mackenzie’.” Mei explained before MK could even get the chance to come up with an excuse.

Wukong let out some sort of amused sputter.

“M-Mackenzie? You- you know, you do kinda seem like, like an Mackenzie-” Wukong snorted, and then he was doubling over, slowly collapsing to the ground.

“Ah, both monkeys have fallen.” Mei said solemnly, pulling out her phone and snapping a picture of them as MK sighed.

“Welp, it’s official.” He said, “I’m never living this one down. Why does everyone always find it so funny anyways?”

Mei shrugged, not knowing the answer herself as she started sending the picture of the two monkeys on the ground to Red Son. Movement in the corner of his eye caught MK’s attention, and he turned to see Macaque seemingly forcing himself up again.

“Hey- hey, Kid.” He wheezed, “Just, just out of, y’know, curiosity and for like, comparison. What is?? Your actual name??”

“Oh, uh, it’s-”

[alexitheslayer02]

Spiderhunt

The Gang: *gathered at Pigsy's* Mei: MK, you have something on your pants- MK: AH! It's a spider! *jumps onto a chair* Tang: Mei why did you do that? Pigsy: You know how he gets... He turns into a cartoon elephant of yesteryear who just saw a mouse. MK: Where is it? We've got to hunt it down. We got to have a spiderhunt! Wukong: What is a "spiderhunt"? Macaque: I think it's obvious- Pigsy: We're not having one of those. MK: Guys, they're all over me! Red Son: This is childish, and you need to get over it. MK: Red Son , would you please?! You know this fear comes from a very real place...the Spider Queen- Pigsy: You were scared even before then MK: THAT DOESN'T MATTER! I'm embarrassed for you guys to see me like this... Red Son: -_- *silently judging MK* MK: ... T^T Especially Red Son and Monkey King. Pigsy: You're fine... MK: It's embarrassing... Mei: It's just a little spider! Wukong: You're fine. MK: And there it is! I just saw it! *climbs onto the table* Pigsy: GET OFF THE TABLE! Tang: We'll do the spiderhunt... MK: There it is! It's right there... It's licking it's lips. Red Son: Spiders don't even have lips! MK: Guys, please, hurry up, we're gotta go on a hunt!It could be right above our heads right now. Hanging from its butt-rope. Pigsy: We get it! Macaque: All over a spider? MK: I can hear it. I can hear it building its house. Building its sticky, deadly house that you can never leave. Everyone: ... MK: *whispers* Building it... with its ass. Wukong: *claps hands* OKAY THEN! Wear shoes you don't mind getting spider guts on!

[sunflower1experiment]

Reader is deity of a sauna

Sun Wukong

“Now everyone, when we meet this being please refer to them in a neutral term. Their people see them in many many forms and I don’t think they take kindly to make breaking anymore rules- after I broke a couple with them.”

MK and Mei nod while Sandy claps excitedly, “We’re going to a Sauna!!! YES! The right place to relax and admire your growth when it comes to glow ups!” Sun nods lightly, “Exactly this deity is a being of growth, and relaxation. I don’t want them to worry to much.”

“So they’re a deity of the sauna?”

“No they’re a descendant of the being who cultivates in self growth. They created this hot tub and Sauna as a form of respect to their great grandparent, and many people who came in, came out happy, exhilarating and well: they changed.” Ping shifts his glasses, a cool glint pierces them before he grabs his book.

“This being is also known for their beauty, grace and tidiness! Sooo MK please don’t ruin anything treasure to them.”

“Will do!” MK smiles before falling onto the doorstep. “Starting now…hehe.”

The doors open, someone’s hand appears following with a robe and long hair. “Sun Wukong?”

“That-That’s them!? They’re so…” Pigsy’s eyes sparkle with pure adoration. “Beautiful.”

“|Name| meet my crew!” They bow respectfully, “You have my thanks for taking care of Sun Wukong, he’s a hero in my eyes: though he made a few bad choices he’s always welcomed to be rehabilitated.” The deity steps forward now behind MK. “Who’s the adorable child.” Scooping him up they admire him. “Such gorgeous eyes.”

“Yet very emotionally distressed.” Another step, and MK was being carried inside, suddenly a string of the robe grabs Mei and Pigsy. “Come along. Ah you must be Sandy, one of my workers know of you, let’s get going I wish for you to be comfortable.”

Sun Wukong blushes lightly as his tail slightly droops, ‘Hm no headpats from them. Odd..’ As they got their new customers situated they pull Sun aside and hug him. “You’ve been gone awhile and now you’re back?” He chuckles. “Not all the way back but I’m sure you missed me?”

“Of course I did, you bring new friends and come back all stressed, emotional and I can tell you’re close to relapsing: what happened.” Sun Wukong sighs, leaning into their arms. “I’m…not sure honestly..” their hand rubs his face. “Stay as long as you like dear, Monkie King you need to be careful with your choices.”

Macaque

“Macaque is here.” Sun Wukong winces as a booming voice leaves the sauna. “IS THAT SO!?”

Soon an angry deity walks out then charges at Macaque who was ready to be pummeled but instead their hands held his face as he was then smothered. “My poor sweetheart!! What happened, where were you? Was my caregiving not enough? Was I too smothering?” He sighs. “No no- I just wanted to get us home.”

“Dear no matter what, you’ll always be my home.” He hugs |Name| close, allowing them to peck his cheek multiple times before they hold Macaque’s hand and help him inside. “Let’s go. I have so much warmth and sleeping space for you.” MK sighs then yells loudly. “FINALLLYYYY!!!!!”

“FINALLY SOME REST!” He cries softly while the deity chuckles a bit. “Consider this your home too.” Macaque stares at them, with a gentle squeeze |Name| turns to him then the two share a warm smile.

Red son

“Red son?”

“Yes Red son- Please!!!!” The door opens, a couple of men and women peek out from the sauna. “My workers and I will do all we can to help him relax.”

“YES- thank you! You rule!! WOOO! Red son come on.” Red son grumbles, walking towards them while they step aside and guide them in. Mei giggles happily while walking with the duo of boys to the sauna. “Look at this place! It’s so gorgeous!”

“Well of course, this is the sauna of healing! Anyone that comes in, will leave feeling like a new person!”

Two women bow and show them their robes, “I’m not wearing that!? What if it exposes me!?” |Name|’s towering form leans down, “We can’t have that, come along. I’ll take you to my quarters.” He blushes with a sigh but follows them, they then show him their own hot tub. “Comfort is what I seek out. Now, relax.”

The demon prince stood there, as the deity got ready to leave he spoke. “Do you ever miss what we shared together?”

“Always…”

“Were we ever broken apart?”

“Never my king. You’ve always been my prince.” The blush he wore darkens. “So will you, beloved deity of healing…Grace me with your company?” They chuckle happily as they hold Red Son’s hand to nuzzle him. “Of course my king.”

Ne Zha

“This guy really needs a break!” Ne Zha glares at Sun Wukong while |Name| acknowledges their presence but still felt annoyance grace them. “Sun Wukong let Ne Zha, handle his own affairs and quit meddling with us.”

“But |Naaaaameeee|!!”

“AHT AHT! Quit! I’m a deity of healing, growth and rejuvenation!” Sun Wukong nods. “So?”

“Ne Zha would you like to be rejuvenated?” The male chuckles, “If it’s anything involving being with you my dear then I accept.”

“Thank you.” The deity turns, then focuses on their settings within the sauna once more. “….You still need to ask them for their companionship.”

“Sun Wukong. You know neither of us do what humans do.”

“Wait you’re already together!?” He looks between the two, “Yes, we just don’t reciprocate any romantic feelings. It’s more of we care for one another and are willing to express the companionship we share emotionally but in terms of romance it doesn’t matter to us.”

Sun Wukong hums. “You both are perfect for each other…”

“Thank you, |Name| and I agree.” |Name| sits with the two and they continue enjoying their teas while Macaque joins in soon after sitting beside Sun Wukong.

[thefandomcrewblogs]

@lopsushi Ladies and gentlemen give a warm welcome to the new Kings of Flower Fruit Mountain Sun Wukong & his dearly beloved soulmate The Six Eared Macaque, but it looks like the great sage is getting the cold feet come on everyone give him a round of applause of encouragement!

(People clapping and cheering)

Now that's what I'm talking about and here they are the Legends themselves finally together at long last

[ritz-writes]

Lego Monkie Kid Spotlight AU

What if, when Macaque came back, he didn't want revenge. What if did at first, just a few fights with Wukong that he lost every time, but eventually went "whats the point in this?" and moves on? What if he went to one of the few things that still brought him comfort: Theater.

Welcome to the Macaque-Preforms-In-Musicals AU, aka Spotlight AU

Everything is exactly the same. But one day, MK drags Wukong to a musical Mei got tickets for, Heathers to be exact (cuz i say so). Mei got three, and the third was supposed to be for Tang, but he got hella sick before and couldn't go (he was VERY upset about it. poor guy) so MK convinces Wukong to tag along so the ticket didn't go to waste. Wukong is in his hoodie, all slumped in his chair, thinking this was a waste of time and maybe he could just nap until the end. And that was his plan, really. He tries to block out the noise, tries to just sleep, but then hears-

"September 1st, 1989. Dear Diary-"

And he sits up cuz he KNOWS that voice. He knows it like he knows his own. He sits up and, lo and behold, Macaque was center stage as Veronica Sawyer (also cuz i say so). Wukong is in shock. He hadn't seen Macaque in years, and now he was performing in a musical? He wasn't surprised at that, at least. He knew how much Macaque loved performing.

He just... wasn't expecting it. He also wasn't expecting to get jealous during Dead Girl Walking, or to cry during Seventeen. And when MK saw him crying, borderline sobbing, he just assumed Wukong REALLY liked the musical.

MK and Mei have no idea who the darker monkey is, of course. They just see an actor with an amazing voice and hella good skills. Wukong knows though. He hardly pays attention to the story, eyes zeroed in on Macaque alone, ears only tuned into his voice. It was weird, seeing him so close (cuz of course Mei had to get seats close to the stage) without them trying to tear each others throats out.

And when the musical came to an end, he stood with everyone else, clapping. Macaque is all smiles and sweat, bowing with his fellow cast members. His eyes go over the crowd and eventually fall onto a familiar shade of gold. He didn't flinch, he didn't react, but his smile faltered ever so slightly. And as soon as the curtain fell, he ran to his dressing room to try and breathe.

He did all of this to AVOID Wukong. He knew the king never liked the theater arts, only ever enjoying the ones Macaque were in or held. But now he was here, clapping with tears in his eyes.

When he leaves to go home, Wukong's waiting for him. He tries to talk to him, his words stuttered and awkward, but Macaque shuts it down fast.

"I don't want to hear it, Wukong," he says. "Leave me alone. I've moved on. You should to." And walks past him.

Wukong was hurt, but not surprised. He tries to honor Macaque's wishes, TRIES to leave him alone... but apparently MK thinks Wukong would LOVE to keep going to musicals with them.

He tries to say no, but can't really come up with a good excuse. I mean, he can't rlly say 'sorry kid, but my ex that i kinda sorta killed is starring in a lot of them and he still doesnt like me and asked me to leave him alone. so i cant come with you, sorry.'

So he goes, but with a better disguise. That better disguise being a different colored hoodie and sunglasses. Cuz macaque totally wont recognize him that way.

I literally came up with this last night, so I haven't worked out all the details yet. This is a shadowpeach au tho, and they do eventually make up <3

[phoenixeclipse-lmkau]

Chapter #4 - The Great Sage Equal To Heaven

Sun Wukong learns about what his title as Baiwen truly means and storms out of Heaven with his mate right behind him.

"What?" Wukong's entire body tensed, his eye twitched and his tail froze when he heard the maiden.

"The Baiwen is the lowest celestial rank," the maiden stuttered noticing the way that Wukong was getting more and more angry.

The celestial guard that started the conversation looked rather smug about the information given to the Monkey demon. Neither noticed the shadows around the King's feet trying to keep him from flying off the rails. Even his own precious shadow was having a hard time reigning in this anger.

What did they take him for? He was Sun Wukong the Monkey King! He wasn't some lowly servant. How dare they treat him this way! He was king of flower fruit mountain, a demon king with several generals and an army of demon monkies back home. He came and blessed the celestial realm with HIS glory and they treat him like this!?

"Exactly what I was saying, now go gather the horses. They need to be returned to the stables immediately," the guard in front of him sneered.

This did not do anything except ignite the anger in Wukong, something that many knew not to do. Even the maiden was shivering in fear at the sight of his furious gaze that looked up at the man.

His hands clenched into fists as his body shook with rage. He wasn't even given a decent position, he wasn't given something fitting of his stature hell, he wasn't even on the same level as Azure and he was just a warrior! He wasn't a king like himself, he was a warrior who patrolled in the mortal plane!

How dare they! How dare they! His teeth gritted together when the man before him clapped his hands. "Chop, chop."

In the next moment a fist collided with the man's face. The maiden behind the guard screamed as he dropped to the ground. Wukong growled, ready to rip the guard apart with his claws until a hand wrapped around his wrist.

"My King enough," Macaque growled, having finally come out of his shadow.

Wukong tilted his head to look at his Moon with enraged eyes, "What?"

"A demon!" The maiden all but screamed before running away causing the Shadow demon to sigh in deep annoyance.

His dark purple eyes glowed as shadows warped around him, midnight black fur covered his body shimmering slightly where he stood. His six ears were fanned out the red, purple and blue colors slightly glowing as they listened for any real threats. His tail slowly swaying behind him even through his annoyance.

"Wukong you were supposed to remain calm, we had a plan," Macaque, the Shadow of the Monkey King hissed angrily as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

Wukong growled back angrily, calm... calm!? How the hell was he supposed to remain calm after this!? Fuck the plan! He was not going to be humiliated like this! Snarling he turned on his heel and began to stalk away, his shadow right behind him.

"Wukong, Wukong! What are you doing!?" Macaque yelled when he noticed they were heading towards a group of guards. Immediately he knew that this spelled trouble, trouble that they were trying to stay out of.

Wukong stepped closer having yet being noticed it didn't cause any commotion when he suddenly fell through the ground. He couldn't scream now even if he did the shadows swallowed up all of his sound to everyone except for.. 

"MACAQUE! What the hell!" Wukong raged in the darkness.

Of course he wasn’t met with an immediate response, his mate waited for a while before he calmed himself down. How was he supposed to calm down!? They took him for some fool! He threw a punch forward but in the darkness it did nothing, he knew it wouldn’t do anything but still yelled out anyways.

“Wukong, you are the one who wanted to do this. You are the one who wanted to get into heaven, now you need to calm down. You are going to get us into trouble before we can even do anything,” Macaque snapped at him, his violet eyes glowing in the darkness as he showed himself to his mate.

Wukong growled at his mate, but didn’t say anything. He knew that the plan was sensitive, relying on him staying in the celestial realm without causing any trouble while Macaque gathered enough information. Information on how to become more immortal and how to defeat these damned celestials.

A pout formed on Wukong’s face, he wanted to tear them apart. But he was calming down as his mate wrapped his arms around him for a cuddle. Macaque’s warmth was welcoming and calming. It was also one of the only things that could calm the raging king down aside from taking his anger out on everyone else.

“Wukong,” Macaque purred causing a shiver to run up Wukong’s spine.

Eyes flickered to look at Macaque who started to comb through his King’s fur. “Fine, I won’t kill them… yet.”

“Exactly, we can kill them after we launch the attack,” Macaque nodded in approval to Wukong’s now calm expression.

With the now calm king, Macaque pushed him gently out of the shadow so that he was standing back in the stables. Of course the sight of the horses caused the king’s anger go begin resurfacing. It was fine, he took a breath. His claws dug into his palms as he sat down to calm himself down.

His peace didn’t last long before the stable doors were flung open. He turned his head and his eye twitched when he saw a furious soldier.

“Well, well what do we have here?” Wukong asked, jumping up to his feet, his tail swaying lazily behind him.

“What do we- you attacked a guard! No one in the celestial realm would ever do something so stupid! You are to come before the Emperor now!” He all but shouted angrily.

Wukong stared back at the man with boredom. So much for the plan, in fact so much for staying calm. His boredom turned into a look of rage that seemed to pulse through his body rather quickly.

“Oh fuck it,” Macaque rolled his eyes when he saw his king tense for battle.

In a matter of moments Wukong had punched the solider out of the stables. He was ready to fight, several more guards jumped at him but were insultingly easy to dodge out of the way of. With wicked glee he easily knocked each solider down, ready to end them before leaving. However then Macaque grabbed his wrist.

“What now?” Wukong whined, stomping his foot.

“There are more coming. Let’s go home,” he explained.

“More? So what?” Wukong asked with a grin forming in his face.

Macaque needed to get his mate out of here. Knocking out these soldiers was bad enough, and there were many more coming. He should have just told Azure to do the scouting, his mate has too much of a temper problem.

Not to mention when he hit the guards one of them dropped their weapon. A weapon with the ability to produce flames that were rapidly expanding. He was not going to deal with fire, not today.

“Let’s go. Please,” Macaque asked, curling his tail around his mate’s leg as he tugged him away.

Hearing his mate’s plea he finally relented. Rolling his eyes slightly he summoned his nimbus, and pulled Macaque up onto it with him. In an instant they were breaking through the clouds back to their home on Flower Fruit Mountain.

The island was as warm and welcoming as the day they had left it. The island was full of lush forests, tall mountains, long rivers and an abundance of resources. All for Wukong and HIS troop, no one else could even step foot onto the land without being absolutely destroyed. Excitedly Wukong jumped off of his cloud, before he was bombarded with the many monkeys and monkey demons of his troop.

“King! King! Your back!” They called out excitedly.

Wukong soaked in the attention with pride as he grabbed his mate’s hand and pulled him along. As they entered the forest more, there were more hoots and hollers about the king’s return. The arrived at the water curtain cave and watched the waterfall break open to allow them through.

“My King! How was your trip?” The one who asked was Marshel Ma, one of the more talkative of the four generals they had.

However at the mention of his trip, Wukong’s face immediately soured. He let out a low growl before storming off to his room, leaving the troop to wonder what happened in confusion. The generals looked to Macaque who let our a deep and slightly annoyed sigh.

“Let him sulk. They had granted him the lowest possible station and now he doesn’t want to return,” Macaque explained and his words were followed by Wukong’s shout.

“I AM THE GREAT SAGE EQUAL TO HEAVEN! They should bow before me!” He hollered, clearly still sulking to himself.

The Monkeys all looked between each other before shrugging. If he wished to be called The Great Sage Equal To Heaven then let him. Unfortunately, heaven didn’t seem to want to think the same way.

>>><<< 

The Celestial Realm was in an uproar due to the Monkey King’s actions. Phoenix was immediately pulled away to Guan Yin before Moksha rushed to help put out the fire that didn’t seem to want to go out. Everyone was in a frenzy.

“What do we do?” Phoenix asked, her heart pounding in her chest loudly.

“Stay out of the way,” Guan Yin responded calmly.

Phoenix didn’t know what to do, she knew she should listen but… the thought of someone getting hurt because of this was horrible. She clenched her fists as she was lead further away from the chaos before Guan Yin settled her with some other fretting maidens.

“Did you hear what happened?”

“The baiwen caused such a commotion.”

“A demon wrecked the stables.”

“I’m not surprised, a demon is a demon.”

Phoenix frowned not a single maiden seemed surprised by Sun Wukong’s actions. While it was true that she wasn’t surprised either, she had a reason she wasn’t surprised. She knew the basics of how the story goes. It had solidified in her mind that she was in The Journey To The West when he left the celestial realm. The thought that she was in this story terrified her, but she was sure that she would be gone before anything too terrible happened. At least she hoped she’d be gone. Even so, the way that the maidens spoke didn’t sit well with her at all.

“Sun Wukong is powerful, he is a king to his people and all he was granted was the lowest possible rank in the Celestial Realm. Yet all of you act as though he is out of line completely. Sure he should have been for more calm, but he isn’t the one who asked for the position in the first place. He was basically given a slap in the face,” Phoenix calmly said staring at the table, before looking up to see that every single maiden was staring at her with eyes wide and full of shock.

Phoenix for her own part just stared back with a look of disappointment in all of them. Every word she said was true, they had practically slapped him in the face but it was also true that he let his anger get the best of him. With a stern gaze at the maidens she was surprised when one of them walked up to her.

The woman was elegant to say the least, with dark black eyes, long black hair that was twisted on her head in a braid adorned with flowers. She wore a dark red and gold hanfu and in her hand was a large red and gold fan. Phoenix’s eyes widened when she realized who this was, Princess Iron Fan. But- She wasn’t a celestial in the story… was she?

“You have quite the mouth,” She said calmly, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

Phoenix stared at her for a moment in silence, looking the woman over trying to figure out if she was truly who she thought she was. “I’m sorry, but I’m not lying.”

“You aren’t, but that is no reason to speak so brazenly,” Even though her words were slightly harsh, it was clear that she didn’t really mean them, her voice was almost sarcastic.

The group of maidens behind her immediately began to gossip again, albeit much quieter this time. Whispering about the new vulgar maiden. Phoenix glanced up at Guan Yin who remained silently watching the chatter. It sparked a flame within her, when her eyes met the goddess’s she frowned.

“And yet everyone in this room has spoken nothing but biased insults and mockery. Most without the knowledge of who they are talking about. Sure they may have heard of The Monkey King but how many of you can honestly say that you have spoken with him?” She responded in kind, a thick layer of determination on her tongue.

Several maidens gasped at her words, others flushed while a few looked at her with small smiles. Of course they weren’t the majority for most were heavily insulted by Phoenix’s words. It looked as if a few were about to speak when Princess Iron Fan spoke up one again.

“You are interesting. I’ll give you that,” She stated before turning around and walking away gracefully not admitting defeat but also not claiming that she won.

Phoenix was surprised at how fast she left, when her eyes caught a glint of gold on her. Was that… The Demon Bull King crest? It would make sense, they were married in the original story. Deep in her thoughts she didn’t notice a guard come in until he was speaking.

“Guan Yin, everyone is trying to get Sun Wukong back to the heavens for his punishment. We were hoping for some help,” He said with a bow as he nervously looked at the merciful goddess.

“Of course, Phoenix come with me,” Phoenix immediately stood up and followed the woman without speaking.

She was curious as to what they were planning to do, but deep down she was pretty sure she knew what was going to happen. He was going to return after being granted the title he complained for, and they would assign him to guard the Immortal Peaches. The thought of being immortal, of wishing to out live everyone you loved and cared for settled a bad feeling in her gut. A feeling that she quickly pushed away.

The duo left to the Jade Emperor’s courtroom. The room was far bigger and grander than she could have imagined. It made her feel so small, and so- weak.

The courtroom was filled with a few generals, gods, and only a few goddesses. However the person that demanded the most attention from everyone around him was none other than the Jade Emperor himself. Phoenix made sure she stood behind Guan Yin to stay out of everyone else’s sight and mind. While also trying to listen to every conversation that was going on around her.

“We need to kill that monkey!” One god yelled angrily.

Another shouted back, “We need to capture him!”

The room was full of nothing except raging gods who all seemed to think they had the best idea. For all of the ones that were yelling there were several in the back not speaking as they actually thought before speaking. It was strange, she wasn’t sure why but Phoenix actually thought that there would be more that were acting on impulse instead of thinking rationally.

“If I may speak,” Everyone seemed to go silent as The Jade Emperor was addressed, the giant turning to look down at a golden haired man spoke. “I have another idea.”

>>><<<

Wukong let out a cackle as a spear clashed with his staff. He immediately threw the celestial into a mountain, felling several trees. His ruthless smile didn’t faulter as he knocked out immortal after immortal. For any that tried to attack him from behind were immediately pulled into the shadows only there screams being heard before they appeared half dead on the other side of the island.

“SUN WUKONG!” The voice bellowed throughout the valley the battle was taking place in, a valley decorated in blood.

“OOHHOO! What do we have here?” Wukong cackled again as he looked up at the gods around him that were fleeing in fear.

Deep golden eyes stared up at the god who was standing on a cloud. The Gold Star of Venus, the very one who told him of the position he had received as the Bimawen. This is one of the gods who tricked him. Anger bubbled up in his gut as he clenched his staff even tighter. He was about to attack when he was pulled slightly back.

He barely turned to notice his shadow standing next to him, tail slowly swaying as he stared up at the god. There was no move to attack, instead he was watching. Deep purple eyes stared up at The Gold Star of Venus as he lowered to the ground slowly.

“Wait till we find out what he wants,” Macaque muttered barely enough for Wukong to hear, getting a gruff sigh from him.

“Sun Wukong, The Jade Emperor has decided to grant you the title you asked for,” He spoke almost proudly, but all he got was narrowed eyes in response.

Wukong was already pissed, and at this point all he wanted to do was slaughter the ones who dared to make a fool out of him. He growled lowly before gripping his staff tighter, all he had to do was bash this guys head and he wouldn’t have to listen to their mockery anymore. However before he could a hand settled on his shoulder causing him to glance at Macaque.

He gave an ever so slight nod signaling for him to at least listen to what this golden idiot had to offer him, though he was sure that it wouldn’t be anything that would lift his spirits. With a low growl he lowered himself from his cloud until he was standing on the ground in front of the immortal. The Golden Star of Venus cautiously came forward until he stood directly in front of the two monkey demons.

He knew that his every move was being watched, not just by the two in front of him but also by the thousands that surrounded them. The battle which was once raging went silent staring at what looked to be peace negotiations. A large table was summoned from the shadows, it was the only thing that separated the two groups. Two other immortals had gone to the Golden Star’s sides in case the monkey demons would attack.

“Speak,” Wukong growled harshly, his eyes on the ones who dared to make a fool of him.

The Golden Star waisted no time before he began speaking to the Monkey King, “Of course. The Jade Emperor is willing to accept the title that you have given yourself. With that title you will once again be allowed into the celestial realm and there will be no more need to fight against each other.”

Wukong clicked his teeth and glanced over to his mate who was silently watching the group in front of them. His six ears fluttered out while listening for any signs of deceit or ambush. When nothing came he glanced back at his king and nodded.

Immediately Wukong’s eyes widened at his action. For someone else they may not have even noticed it but for the one who stood by his side through thick and thin, life and death of course Wukong knew what his mate meant. He was telling him to accept! His mate wanted him to accept this!? His mate who was so opposed to the idea of him merely being the Bimawen!? With a scowl he looked up at the smiling god who appeared to be getting more and more nervous.

Rightfully so as Wukong was standing there with teeth bared, vibrant firey golden eyes and his staff in hand. Looking up at the taller god he let out a low growl.

“Of course my mate accepts,” Macaque spoke up before Wukong could pounce.

Whirling his head around he stared at Macaque with a shocked expression. He was accepting on his behalf!? Why the hell was he being so compliant after everything! Growling lowly he looked at him mate with anger before directing that scowl straight at the god.

“Wukong, calm yourself. This is our key to get back into heaven so you can get your peaches. Unless you changed your mind,” Macaque’s words were almost silent as he leaned against the King’s ear, his lips brushing against it.

Wukong went silent, he did want those peaches. He wanted more immortality, not just from the diyu. He could make the heavens pay for the humiliation they put upon him. He took a deep breath before releasing it, a powerful wind sweeping the ground before he turned to look at the battle that seemed to seize around him.

“Put your weapons down!” He shouted and immediately all of his subjects hollered before practically disappearing into the woods.

Macaque will have to speak with his generals and explain why all of this is happening. The thought of it angered him, all he wanted to do was rip this golden idiot to shreds.

“Excellent, you will be able to go to and from the celestial realm as you please and-“ Macaque cut him off calmly.

“Of course there is a catch,” the wind was almost still, everything seemed to stop as the shadow monkey made his ‘request.’

>>><<< 

“Oh my mate! I love you, I love you!” Wukong grinned as they reentered Water-curtain Cave.

Of course Macaque would make something good out of this horrid experience. Before when he went to the Celestial Realm they tried to make him leave his beloved mate behind but this time. ‘As the Mate of The Great Sage Equal To Heaven, I will be joining him back up the the Celestial Realm.’ They were so desperate to stop the fighting that it barely took those words before they agreed to the Shadow’s demand.

Macaque glanced at Wukong with a smirk before rolling his eyes as if he was stating the obvious. A smirk graced his lips but he didn’t speak what was on his mind. A way to get the peaches of immortality, it was right in front of them. And if he was being honest with himself, he knew that Wukong wasn’t the only one who wanted that power. A power to stay alive even more than they already were.

He shook the greed away as they arrived at the large banquet table within the safety of The Stone Palace. They were going to leave tomorrow and planned to make the most of the day that they had left in their home.

“Mihou~ You’re spacing away from me,” Wukong purred suddenly with his arms wrapped around the slightly taller monkey’s waist.

Turning his head to look at his mate Macaque rolled his eyes and nuzzled his face into Wukong’s with a grin. They were going to get all they wanted and more all in just a few days, once they finalized their plans. Now all they had to do was keep an eye on the Celestial Realm which would be more than easy from within their walls. They just needed to make sure that everything went according to their plan, nothing could get in their way.

He wasn’t sure why but the image of black eyes and dark brown hair flashed through his vision. What was he thinking, there was no way for some low powered celestial to get in their way. Pushing the thought of that strange woman from his head he took his mate’s hand and grinned.

“My apologies my love, I was just thinking of the future is all,” He chuckled lightly.

“Well no more of that, let’s focus on the here and now. And the me!” Wukong laughed as he sat down next to the rest of his generals.

They were all cheering and all more than excited about the future. A future where they would rule and where they wouldn’t have to bow down to anyone other than their king and his warrior. There was nothing that would get in the way, nothing that would take away this for them.

“Of course my King, My Great Sage Equal To The Heavens. Nothing can stop us now,” Macaque grinned knowing that his mate was the strongest in the realm and he wouldn’t fall to anyone.

Sorry for the technically late update. I hope you all enjoy the chapter though. Please like and comment. I love hearing feedback from anyone, it is awesome to hear people’s thoughts.

[starsfic]

prompt to continue the azure/wukong storyline

azures longing turns into something sharper; obsession.

when MK has a small fight with wukong’s husband azure’s mind randomly decides that “qi xiaotian is my son and this bastard is his kidnapper.”

maybe he puts a love potion into food he knows wukong likes and sent it home w/MK unknowingly. poor MK has to watch his baba get delirious and tired, eyes blown out leaning over the table mumbling azures name as the powerful potion kicks in

So I presume this is for the Art School AU. Unfortunately, the au is no magic. So, instead, you get this!

The news nearly made Azure fall over.

“Wukong is alive?!” He gripped the table tight, trying to steady himself, unsure of how to react to the news he had just been presented with. Some part of him screamed in anger- Wukong and his successor was the biggest challenge against his campaign. The other part of him, the weak part that he had given away so many centuries ago, screamed in joy.

No matter what, he could not silence that weak part of himself.

“Well, yes. The boy-” Of course, of course, it was Qi Xiaotian. Azure had found it too easy to give a part of that weakness to him- they both loved too easily. “And Macaque.” Also of course. “They managed to release him.”

“I…” Wait. He barely managed a chuckle, straightening. Oh, he was an idiot. He had forgotten what he had done, before he had left for the ridge. A simple backup plan. “They’re hiding out at the mountain.”

“Yes, of course they are, but what is so amusing?” Yellowtusk said. “I have not heard you laugh like that before.” He sounded tense, as if worried reality would begin to break again.

“Just a backup plan.” Azure straightened. “Wukong will not be an issue.”

Peng cackled as Yellowtusk's eyes went wide.

"You poisoned him?"

-_-

"Alright," Wukong clapped his hands together. Everything was going great! The plan was fully hammered out and everyone was on the same page. "Before we get to training, who wants snacks?"

Hands went up. Even Nezha, who he figured would be furious at the pause, even raised his hands.

"Yeah, I figured." Wukong chuckled. "I-"

"I got them!" Qi Xiaotian bounced up to his feet and zoomed into the kitchen. Immediately, noises began in the kitchen. Hopefully, Xiaotian was breaking into the cabinets designated for him and the others, not the giant fruit storage pantry.

As the others drifted around, Wukong turned to the art. His heart ached, just for a second, at the little drawn Camel Ridge Trio getting sucked into the scroll. He bit it back. Nobody needed him getting cold feet.

Even if he had questions.

-_-

“No. Nothing like that.” Azure had too many close calls with poison to ever use it. Besides, he didn’t want to kill Wukong, no matter what his anger claimed. “A moment of weakness, I admit.”

Yellowtusk’s eyes narrowed. “Not poison.” he said, slowly. “Something else.”

-_-

"Need some help?"

Xiaotian glanced back over his shoulder in time to see Pigsy press the pause button on the microwave. "Always." he said, barely fighting back a massive grin.

Son. Pigsy, for the first time Xiaotian could remember, had called him "son".

He knew Pigsy and Tang both viewed him as a son. He knew it. Too many stories had been told of Tnag calling himself Xiaotian's father figure from Pigsy gushing about him to his relatives. But it was the first time Xiaotian had ever heard it out loud.

Soon enough, a wide array of snacks was on the tray. "Need anything else?" Pigsy asked. "I was thinking water."

"Yeah, but the monkeys also make this really great peach juice. I'll grab it."

"Got it!" Pigsy picked up the tray and marched out.

-_-

There had been food in the weird cold box. Azure had not stayed long, the little vial burning in his pocket.

Too many solid things. Too much of a risk someone else would drink from that jug.

-_-

Xiaotian opened the fridge to grab the jug of peach juice and paused. An open peach yogurt was on the top shelf, right next to the others. It was something Xiaotian had found that Wukong had liked with great delight. Although, he had never seen his mentor not finish one . Even weirder, it looked completely full, as if Wukong had opened it, stirred it, and just set it back.

"Hey, Monkey King?"

His mentor's voice raised over the talking in the next room. "Yeah, bud?"

Xiaotian poked his head out, showing the opened yogurt. "Do you wanna finish this yogurt?"

Wukong raised a brow. "Huh. Didn't know I had that in there." He seemed worried for a second before shaking his head. 'Eh, probably forgot. Sure, bud!"

"Okay!" Xiaotian pulled out a spoon, set the yogurt on the other tray, and walked in with the jug and the rest of the snacks. The moment he set the tray down, Wukong grabbed the yogurt. He eyed it, looking like he was wondering if it was off. "I did come out of the blue," he suggested. "Maybe you didn't get to touch it?"

Wukong hummed. "Yeah." He scooped up a good dollop and bit down. He hummed. "Tastes good!"

-_-

The potion had slipped from the vial easily and, with a few stirs, had disappeared. Azure had set the yogurt back without another word and had left the small cottage.

Something slammed down. “You gave him a love potion?!” Yellowtusk bellowed.

“You gave him a love potion?!” Peng squawked before bursting into laughter. Their chuckles died down when a heavy jug full of wine sailed at their head.

“That is not okay!” Admittedly, Azure should’ve kept in mind how the others would react. Yellowtusk was the most sensitive to the idea. The number of times Wukong or DBK or even himself nearly got love potioned and had to be saved by Yellowtusk was ridiculous. “Why would you do that to him?!”

-_-

“Hey…Wukong? You okay there, bud?”

It was Macaque who first noticed. Of course it was, because Xiaotian was an idiot. His mentor looked weirdly pale, setting down the yogurt. Or, tried to set down the yogurt. It more fell out of his hand.

“Wukong!” Nezha actually sounded panicked, gripping his shoulders as the golden monkey slumped over. From where he sat, Xiaotian could see how his pupils had dilated. The lighter yellow was drowning out the gold. “What’s wrong?!”

“I…Azure…?” The words were slurred, Wukong pitching forward. Suddenly Macaque was there, leaning him back. “Where’s Azure…?” The slurred voice sounded distressed.

“He’s not here.” Nezha said, sounding like he was trying to be comforting. “He can’t get to you, Wukong, you’re safe.” If it was meant to be comforting, it didn’t work, based on the tears welling up.

“What’s wrong?” Xiaojiao said, grabbing Pigsy’s hand. She squeezed it as distress clouded her eyes. “What’s wrong with him?”

“I don’t know!” Xiaotian nearly whined, meeting his mentor’s clouded eyes.

Were they…pink?

-_-

“I just want to be happy with him.”

[sketching-shark]

Ngl sometimes i feel bad abt disliking LMK so much because some of my friends like it alot and one of them hyperfixates on it. But then i remember just how badly it fucked up in depicting Sun Wukong's character that im pretty sure even villainous portrayals of him in media have given him more dignity, how Six ears basically got woobified and Karma Houdinied despite the show itself showing him as a pretty fucked up villain in S1, how much the Eng Dub butchered the hell out of the Bull Demon Family's dynamic and that this show basically removed one of the core aspects of the story (Buddhism) and then i suddenly dont feel that bad anymore.

Plus its not like they know my actual opinions abt it. As long as they dont ask i think im good lol

Monkie Kid spoilers & complaining & likely exaggerating things below so avert thine eyes if you don't want to see all that

gterewfs not to add even more to the apparently intolerable trend of bringing up Xiyouji when talking about Monkie Kid but it is kind of funny how I've now seen multiple people say a lot of their dislike of the lego show comes from knowing how Sun Wukong can be depicted when he's not being written as a cringefail hermit (X_X). And as is @seasonalsummers if pressed you can probably just tell your friends that Monkie Kid just isn't your thing & leave it at that. Because yeah I've spoken before how it's not fair to expect people to make their way through the ~1,400 pages of the best English translation of the og classic in developing their sense of the journey and Sun Wukong's whole deal, and the vast diversity of depictions of the Monkey King in retellings does seem to stand testament to how much this monkey can be changed to suit the needs of a story. And as is the existence of Zaju Xiyou Ji does demonstrate how even in China this monkey's had bouts of being depicted as little more than a selfish clown, so maybe this is just the west's version of that lol.

THAT SAID, aaaaaAAAAAAA yeah genuinely is baffling and frustrating watching many people cheer and clap for what feels like the constant traumatization of Qi Xiaotian and the constant use of Sun Wukong as Monkie Kid's punching bag. Like heavens to betsy Flying Bark has so relentlessly focused on how thoroughly SWK screws up everything in both the past and the present and apparently, on his own admission, spent the entirely of his immortality doing little except making one mistake after another (i.e. routinely fucking up his life and the lives of everyone around him) that one really is left wondering why any of the show's cast would want to be even within 50 miles distance of this monkey, which is definitely something made all the more awesome by the sense that maybe the main reason is because the obvious villains of every season are explicitly trying to take over/ blow up the entire world rather than blundering their way into that position :(. And that's a dynamic definitely made even MORE awesome by everyone's favorite poor little meow meow never did anything wrong ever the Six-Eared Macaque spending the majority of his screen time both beating the tar out of Qi Xiaotian and telling anyone who will listen what a dumb bitch Sun Wukong is before the show then bends over backwards to validate his claims all while making sure he's never even slightly called out for the shit he pulls, with the clear favoritism made all the more clearer by such facts as Sun Wukong got screamed at by Long Xiaojiao in an extensive and dramatic scene for putting basically the monkie gang and the entirety of reality in danger through his doofus decisions and yet even though she literally watched the shadow simian beat Qi Xiaotian into unconsciousness and literally had her life seriously threatened by this same monkey until Tang Shifu started oh yeah the Fire of Samadhi ritual she's apparently perfectly fine with working with Mr. Six not long after. Add on top of that the way it now feels like SWK's not even really allowed to be friends with anyone except Macaque or even to interact with any of his other former besties in any meaningful way, and well this is really making for a not fun situation that keeps steering the plot away from some of the most interesting fun and heartfelt things that Monkie Kid could have done. And then on top of that Flying Bark has now shown themselves to have this habit of spending the majority of each season focusing on what a screw-up SWK is before waiting until the last possible episode before characters who up to that point couldn't have made their hatred for the Monkey King and Qi Xiaotian by extension more clear start pulling out abrupt and honestly hand-wavey reasons for why they suddenly like him. IDK! I like a good redemption arc but that's not something you can speedrun and then pretend like it's even remotely satisfying! And definitely doesn't do SWK any favors with the way he just stands there maybe looking kind of sad while someone yells at him for sucking entire before he runs off to suck at everything again and is barely ever allowed to be explicitly and messily upset about that or about what a colossal failure his life is or idk mayhaps what happened to the og pilgrims that apparently resulted in their premature deaths!! For as much as people keep saying they want characters to redeem themselves through living and working to be better and be upset and fucked up about their pasts well it sure might be nice in this situation if we actually got to spend some time on that instead of just relentlessly piling one catastrophic blunder on top of the other! tsetawraer sorry for the rant but yeah still pretty shocked on how much a silly lego show that started off as having fun adventures with the Monkey King would turn into the grimdark adventures of Young Man Traumatized, Asshole Goku, and the Stalker Shadow (X_X)

[imminent-danger-came]

Do you think Macaque is meant to be fully redeemed as of S4? I don't personally think so but apparently a lot of people do ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Well, I guess it depends how you view "redeemed"! At this point, I fully believe that Macaque has become one of the "good guys" (even as we're continually deconstructing what that is). Macaque chose to help "make things right" in "Embrace Your Destiny". Macaque chose to help MK when he was at his lowest in 4x09. Macaque's choice to stay and face the end of the world with everyone else, in contrast to his 2x07, 3x10, and 4x11 (flashback) choices to run away, is an extremely significant development. This is juxtaposed to Peng in particular, who chooses to leave when things look too dangerous for them, ultimately abandoning their brothers ("Is there anything Wukong could do that would break his hold over you?"). We can see the ways in which Macaque has started putting others/the greater good above himself. The fact that he willingly offered to help Wukong in 4x11 is HUGE for him, and proves he has started to understand and even forgive Wukong. He's grown. He's starting to gain more noble traits.

HOWEVER, would I say Macaque's character arc is complete? Absolutely not! "Redemption" isn't the end all be all for an arc. Macaque still has plenty of places to improve (particularly with his relationships), and we could stand for an MK apology.

But, god be willing, in the event we get the "SWK & MK falling out", I hope Macaque is the one defending Wukong from MK. Reverse the roles. MK has been the one to constantly argue on Wukong's behalf to everyone else, he's been Wukong's greatest supporter (or his biggest fan dare I say). Macaque's been so deeply hurt by Wukong, and has arguably been one of Wukong's greatest disparagers. They'd be following in each others footsteps, so to speak. MK becoming more jaded and Macaque becoming more compassionate. After all, who knows more about the ways you can get too close to Wukong than Macaque! But, who else knows more about forgiving Wukong than Macaque? Though this was kind of a tangent lol.

Anyways, tldr: I think Macaque has been "redeemed" in the sense he's fully on team "protagonist" now, but he has plenty of room to grow!

[itsabouttimex2]

Here's a challenge: platonic x reader who hates monkeys with a passion (you could do it with phobia or irrational hatred). With Wukong, Macaque, and Mk.

Pithecophobia

Yandere MK, Sun Wukong, Macaque

(Fun fact 1- prunes are not their own fruit! They’re just dried plums.)

“I’m just saying,” he starts with a scoff, “it’s really silly that you’re expecting me to play along with this. Especially when I don’t get anything out of it.”

MK turns around to face the demon monkey, frowning. He folds his arms and walks backwards to keep eye contact, hoping that his mentor would watch his steps for him.

“Uh, you are getting something out of it, though? Y/N spent all day cooking for us so we could celebrate the new year together! They even made extra in case we wanted to bring someone else! That’s like… super nice of them!”

“Oh, I might get some maybe decent food, is that it? And all I’ve got to do is pretend to be a powerless mortal all the way through a probably mediocre dinner, huh? Just because this weird friend of yours is scared of monkeys?”

Sun Wukong; who had eyeing the sky for early fireworks more than he had been looking out for his student’s safety, finally chimed in. “To be fair, I think that mug of yours would scare anyone away!” A second later, he ducks down to avoid Macaque’s incoming tail, leaving MK to take the brunt of the relatively harmless blow.

MK stumbles backwards and almost into the street, only stopped when his mentor’s tail wraps around his waist and pulls him back onto the sidewalk. “Whoa,” the Great Sage mocks, setting MK safely back down, “someone’s in a bad mood today! Maybe… you’re just mad cause no one except us wanted you over for the new year?”

Macaque snarls and lunges at Wukong, ready to brawl. It’s only when MK swiftly moves to stand between them that the near fight is averted. “Guys, come on! Can’t you get along for just one day?!”

The “NO!” that they shout in perfect unison is just about what he was expecting, but he’s still a little disappointed about it. They both try to move past him to grab at one another, barely impeded by his physical position.

A thunderous bang echoes across the sky, a brilliant bloom of sparkling red painting the blue horizon. Macaque hisses and recoils, his arms quaking as he moves to clap his hands over his ears. At the exact same time, Wukong jumps up in delight, cheering and hollering at the sight. MK takes his chance to separate them, hooking his arm around Macaque’s, pulling the pained monkey demon along much quicker than he was moving before.

“Come on, come on! The food is gonna get cold if you two don’t hurry up! And! Y/N told me that there’s something special just for the two of you! Cause, y’know… when I asked if I could invite you both, they asked me what sort of stuff you liked, and I told ‘em about the whole ‘peaches and plums’ thing…”

Bringing up food seems to have been a decent enough distraction, as both of them choose to start moving along instead of fighting. Your house is already on the horizon. Now he just has to hope that another fight doesn’t break out between the rival demons.

As usual, life dashes his hopes of peace being anything more than a temporary lull.

“Yeah? Like how peaches are just about the best thing ever? And how everyone that isn’t crazy likes ‘em one way or another?”

“About how sweet-toothed meatheads can’t help but shovel them down whole? Those sort of people don’t have the brain to enjoy plums. Peaches are just sweet. Plums have a subtle astringent skin that mixes well with the flesh’s mellow sweetness.”

“Sure thing, old man. Go home and eat your prunes if ya like ‘em so much.”

“They are NOT-“

“Guys! We’re here!” Before they can argue any further, MK releases Macaque’s arm and rushes up to the door of your house. “Hurry up and come inside!”

He takes a moment to consider knocking, then grabs the doorknob and impatiently starts rattling it instead. To his delight, it’s already unlocked. A quick glance over his shoulder shows that both of his companions remain in their transformed state, tails safely tucked into their clothing.

He throws the door open and races inside, leaving the monkeys in the dust.

Just barely remembering to take off his shoes before he tears through the halls of your house without hesitation, he throws them aside near the door in a still-tied heap.

He follows a practiced path straight into the kitchen, finding you just as you remove a plate of pork-stuffed spring rolls from the oven. You set them down on the countertop to cool, then turn to face the very-expected intruder. You might’ve been surprised, if it wasn’t for his excited footsteps echoing through the house.

MK runs into your arms before you can even pull the oven mitts off, wrapping you up in a warm hug. For just a moment, it gives you the same feeling as coming home after a long day, cozy and inviting.

Then, his grip grows tight.

“I missed you,” he says, his voice quiet and low. “Invite me over more often. Or come to Pigsy’s and visit me, at least. Please.”

His grip tightens further.

And then he lets go of you, turning to face his two companions, neither of which you recognize. He waves them into the kitchen and moves to set the table.

Politely, you offer the first one your hand. He’s decked out in shining gold and exuberant red, like a brighter and flashier MK. “It’s nice to meet you! I’m glad you came to celebrate with me. Come and take a seat!”

He snags your hand between both of his own, giving it a firm pump. “It’s great to meet ya, bud! Thanks for having us!” He heads to the table and bounces on his heels, snatching up a seat for himself before anyone else gets the chance.

You smile and turn to MK’s other friend, the one dressed in a billowing black and red shroud that concealed most of his face and body. You offer him your hand as well.

He shrugs and walks right past you, sitting down at the opposite side of the table- probably to keep away from his colorful and loud companion.

MK frowns at his friend’s behavior, but turns back to you with a wide and rather forced smile. “Don’t worry about him. He’s just… not used to this.” His voice drops to a low whisper as he adds: “And his ears have been hurting all day. I think he’s getting grumpy.”

“I can hear you, kid,” the irritated man says from beneath his shroud. “There’s a reason that I’m called the S-”

“The SUPER SENSITIVE hearing guy, I know! The thing that all of your friends call you,” MK clumsily tries to lie, his ears and cheeks darkening to red with his poor attempt at deceiving you.

But before you can question him on it, his golden-clad friend pipes in with a snide: “He’s certainly sensitive, I’ll give him that.”

Outright chaos is only abated by the sharp click that sounds when you set a porcelain tray on the polished quartz surface of the table.

“MK told me about your favorite fruits, actually! So I stayed up late to make these for all of you,” you cheerily announce to the trio, lifting the delicate lid to reveal three plates of sticky-rice pudding. Each one is delicately drizzled with syrup sugar and studded in tiers with sweet fruits.

Your friend jumps forward, his palms hitting the table as he stares at you with wide-eyes. “Y/N! You made Eight Treasures Rice for us?!”

“Well, it’s more like ‘One Treasure Rice’, haha. It’s really only got the fruit in it, actually. I didn’t wanna put anything you guys didn’t like in there, so I decided to play it safe. I hope that’s not disappointing!”

“Not at all, bud! Not at all!” Several of his aureate accessories glint in the light as the man reaches eagerly for the peach-filled rice pudding.

You pass it to him with a smile, then give MK his own, stuffed full of tangerine slices. With only one left, you push the plum-packed dessert to the shrouded stranger, who seems to slightly brighten up at the sight of it.

Before anyone can say anything, you remove yourself from the table and hurry around the kitchen, gathering plates and utensils for the trio. You put them out quickly, then pile all the dishes you made in the morning onto the table.

“Good kid,” Wukong whispers to Macaque, picking bits of peach from the pudding as you arrange two plates of dumplings on the table. “And good food. Still regret coming, ‘Super Sensitive’?”

“…the kid’s alright. Jury’s still out on the food, though.” He pauses, taking a quick moment to think of something to criticize Wukong for. “And keep your tail under control. I can see the tip flicking back and forth in your pant leg.”

“Whatever you say, bud.”

A tray with a whole braised chicken is set between them, and a platter of steamed rice flour cakes after it. Finally, you take your own seat, next to the shrouded man and across from MK.

It strikes you then that you haven’t even learned the names of your guests.

“I’m Y/N, by the way! I’m sorry for not asking your names earlier! What should I call you?”

“The name’s Sun, bud! And that’s Mac, sitting in the edgy robe.”

“I like the robe,” you compliment politely, looking at the concealing garment. “The cloud embroidery is a nice touch.”

“It’s a cloak… and thanks.”

MK jumps forward in excitement and strikes his palms against the table, rattling the bowls and dishes.

“C‘mon! Let’s eat, everyone!

———————————————————————

“I think everything went well, today. You think so too, right?”

You set the knife down, turning to face ‘Sun’. As you cut up the leftovers, he’s sorting them into separate containers for everyone to take home. (And giving himself larger portions when you weren’t looking.)

“Definitely! I think my, uh… friend was pretty impressed. I hope we can do this again, Y/N! I don’t really have anything scheduled this time of year…like, ever.”

Except for watching fireworks from the top of his mountain, far away from company and civilization. Again and again, over and over, thinking only of his long-passed friends and companions.

“…we are going to do it again, right?”

“Oh, um, sure. I don’t see why not. My family doesn’t really come and visit, so I’ll probably have the house empty again next year. So, um… yes! I’d be happy to have you over!

He hums softly, nodding his head to your words.

“Sounds good, bud. I’ll be there. And… I’ll see if I can wrangle Mac into coming, too. Maybe just to see him jump at fireworks again, though.”

“He seemed interesting,” you graciously offer of the cloaked man, in spite of his admittedly poor behavior through dinner. “I enjoyed his stories.”

“Pfft! I could’ve told them better- I was there for most of them!”

“Well, the two of you should come again- MK seemed happy- more than usual, even. Honestly? I think he’s been stressed out lately… I’m glad he could have a day to relax. I really do need to visit him more often.”

“Huh. Guess it must be a little hard living so far from the city, bud. Any reason you’re this far out?”

“Oh, that’s… I inherited this house- and the orchard outside- from my parents, actually! I take a lot of pride in it, really. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, even if the work is a little lonely.”

“…I think I will come visit, then. And I might sample a few of your fruits, too,” he teases, lightly elbowing your side. “You think you can handle that, bud?”

“…you know what, Sun?” Sun, what he had informed you his name was. It fits him well. He’s bright and exuberant, and never stops smiling. He seems like he’d be a good friend.

“That- that sounds really nice. Come by anytime you’d like.”

Your words sound kind right now. They feel right to say. The Great Sage thinks so too.

And he’s certainly not going to forget about them. Neither will Macaque, listening in from the shadows beside your tangerine trees.

Why would they ever let go of this kindness?

[mythologyfolklore]

Liù'ěr Míhóu joins the jttw gang, or: How to redeem an all-hearing celestial monkey with a superiority complex and a seriously bad attitude

(A/N: Tw: misgendering, chronic pain, mention of torture)

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Pilgrims agree to aid the Golden Light Monastery

.

“In all twelve hours, you must not forget,

to reap the fruits of night and day.

For five years, one hundred and eighty thousand rounds.

Let the spirit water never run dry,

nor let the fire's light cause you distress …”

Sūn Wùkōng had no idea, why Liù'ěr Míhóu had just started singing out of the blue.

Not that he was complaining; the white monkey certainly could sing. It was just kinda surprising, as Liù'ěr Míhóu had never ever done it in their presence before.

Now he was warbling away, seemingly without a care in the world, and the other pilgrims were listening just as intently as the Monkey King was.

“… There's no harm, where fire and water blend well;

Five Phases would join, as if enchained.

Yin and yang at peace raise you up the cloudy tower.

Ride the phoenix to reach the Heavens!

Mount the crane to head for Yingzhou~”¹

“Your singing is beautiful, Wùhuàn”, Tripitaka praised the macaque.

Liù'ěr Míhóu paused and blinked. “Oh. Thanks. I don't even remember the last time I've sung. Or made up my own lyrics to a tune I know.”

“Ohh, you rhyme songs and poems?”, the monk exclaimed, beaming from ear to ear.

(Wùkōng could have sworn, that his master was glowing with the sheer excitement radiating off him.)

Damn. When was the last time Master was this happy?

Tripitaka's joy was contagious though, and Wùkōng found himself smiling as well.

Liù'ěr Míhóu, however, was swaying his head from side to side and looking at the monk strangely.

Then: “You wish to bond over poetry with me, don't you?”

The monk chuckled a bit sheepishly: “I mean, if you want to. If not, you don't have to. It's just that I enjoy poetry myself and … it would be nice to be able to share that with someone. Your brothers aren't really interested.”

The Six-Eared Macaque considered it and eventually decided: “Sure, why not? It might be nice to let others hear my songs once in a while.”

“Wait, is this the first time you're singing in front of someone else?”

“Second time. I sang for Tiě Yū Wūyā² once, but she's a crow demon, so she doesn't have an ear for music.”

“Oh. That … that kind of bites.”

“Yeah, but what can you do. Music is like cake; not everyone likes it.”

Zhū Bājiè gasped: “What kind of barbarian doesn't like cake?!”

Liù'ěr Míhóu just gave him a blank look. “Don't bring barbarians into this; most of those guys actually do like cake. Then again, if we're talking about the nomads from the northern steppes, they also like cheese …”

The whole group collectively shuddered in disgust.

Fucking. Cheese.

How could anyone like that?!³

“But yeah, tastes differ. What can you do.”

Bājiè huffed and started a wordy speech about the stupidity of disliking cake.

Wùkōng just rolled his eyes, while their master chuckled and Bái Lóng Mă let out a snort, that sounded suspiciously like an annoyed groan.

Shā Wùjìng laughed, gave Bājiè a pat on the back and turned to Liù'ěr Míhóu: “Can you sing some more? It was really relaxing.”

The Six-Eared Macaque smiled at the river spirit and began anew.

“Wild chrysanthemums drop their blooms,

tender buds emerge from new plums.

At every village they harvest grains,

everywhere they eat fragrant fare.

The woods shed their leaves and distant hills are seen.

By the brookside frost thickens, cleansing the ravine.

Moved by the winter breeze,

the insects stop their work.

Pure yin now becomes yang.

The month's ruled by Yuanming.

Water virtue's strong.

For peace reigns in bright, clear days.

Earth's aura descends,

Heaven's aura rises,

the Rainbow leaves without a trace.

Ice slowly forms in pools and ponds.

Dangling by the ridges, the wisteria flowers fade.

Absorbing cold, pines and bamboos grow more green~”⁴

As Tripitaka clapped enthusiastically (but quietly, for the sake of Liù'ěr Míhóu's sensitive ears), Sūn Wùkōng couldn't help but feel envy.

He got never such enthusiastic praise from their master, let alone applause.

But the Monkey King kept his mouth shut.

He was being ridiculous.

This was just his master being excited about being able to share a hobby. Who wouldn't get excited about such a thing?

And sure enough, while Liù'ěr Míhóu was clearly trying to look all cool and unfazed, his ears and wagging tail gave away his pleasure at the positive attention.⁵

Wùkōng just sighed and turned his gaze back to the horizon.

As did the monk apparently, because he spied the silhouette of a city in the distance.

And it was Wùkōng he turned to: “Wùkōng, look at those high buildings? You too wonder what place that is?”

Wùkōng squinted. “Hm … well, it's a walled city with a moat, so it's probably the residence of a king.”

“How do you know that?”, questioned Zhū Bājiè. “There are lots of walled cities with high buildings, that aren't home to a ruler. So how would you know, that a king lives here?”

“You mean apart from the huge, luxurious buildings and the abundance of gates?”, the monkey retorted. “Come on! This place has 'royal residence' written all over it!”

“I wonder what this place is called”, said Wùjìng.

Liù'ěr Míhóu hummed: “I've been here before. If I remember correctly, this is the Kingdom of Sacrifices. Last time I was there, they had the loveliest treasure.” A smirk. “Luckily for them, I didn't feel like stealing it.”

Wùkōng chortled: “I totally would've stolen it, if it was shiny enough!”

The other monkey laughed: “Oh, it was shiny alright! But you'll just have to see it! Anyway, since we're already here, why don't we have a look around the city? I think there's a Buddhist monastery, where we can stay.”

Tripitaka nodded. “Good idea. Let's do that!”

Indeed, the city was bustling with life and the market was busy.

Wùkōng might or might not have snagged a fruit here and there.

Fortunately, his master didn't notice.

Unfortunately, the reason his master didn't notice was a group of Buddhist monks begging for food, their wrists in cangues.

This better not be a second Slow-Cart-Kingdom, Wùkōng thought and followed his master's order to ask them what was wrong.

He was mildly surprise, when they didn't even bat an eye at his appearance (then again, they probably had bigger things to worry about), but that confusion was dispelled, when they told him, that he seemed … familiar? Odd. Wùkōng knew for a fact, that he'd never been here. Maybe they were confusing him with his youngest brother?

Either way, he introduced them to his master and brothers and the chained monks took the pilgrims to their own monastery.

The sign above the gate read: Golden Light Monastery, built by imperial command.

Golden Light Monastery, huh? What a pompous name.

Especially, when the group entered in and saw abandoned and neglected buildings.

“That's weird. Last time I was here, this place was prosperous and bustling with life. And that was just a few years ago”, Liù'ěr Míhóu remarked. “Wonder what happened here- whoa, are you okay?!”

Wùkōng turned to see, what the Six-Eared Macaque was freaking out about, only to be met with the sight of his master bawling his eyes out.

Wùjìng tried to soothe the monk by gently rubbing his back, but the latter was inconsolable.

The pilgrims let their guides lead them into the main hall, where they paid hommage to the Buddha, before proceeding to the backyard.

There they found another six monks chained to a pillar, which made Tripitaka cry even harder.

Liù'ěr Míhóu grimaced and covered his ears at the noise.

Well, isn't this place just a barrel of laughs, thought Pilgrim ironically.

Finally they entered the abbey.

Once inside, the local monks kowtowed in front of the group.

What?

Upon seeing their confusion, one of the monks spoke up: “You six look so very different from everyone around here. Are you from the Tang Empire in the east?”

Wùkōng couldn't help but laugh incredulously: “What, do you have the power of precognition without divination?”

“I'm impressed you even know what precognition means!”, quipped Liù'ěr Míhóu.

Wùkōng stuck his tongue at him, before turning back to the monk: “To answer your question, yes, we do come from there. How'd you know?”

The monk smiled wrily and explained to them, that everyone here had had a dream last night, of a group of pilgrims from Tang, who would deliver them from their suffering. And this ragtag group fit the description perfectly.

So that explained that.

Now Tripitaka spoke up: “And what is this place? My youngest disciple called it the Kingdom of Sacrifices, but he wasn't entirely sure.”

He nodded into Liù'ěr Míhóu's direction.

One of the monks took a double take, before asking the Tang Monk: “Holy Father, I don't mean to be disrespectful, but are you sure that's a 'he'???”

Liù'ěr Míhóu snarled, visibly upset.

Before Wùkōng could intervene, however, their master did it instead.

Placing a gentle hand on the white monkey's head, Tripitaka explained: “Don't let his voice and appearance fool you. He is very much male. But a wicked spirit afflicted him with a curse, that left him with this appearance. It makes him very unhappy, so we hope that through our pilgrimage we'll find a way to undo the curse. Thus I must ask you, on my disciple's behalf, to not focus on his physique.”

Wùkōng struggled not to gawk at his master in disbelief.

Had the guy seriously just pulled this sob story out of his ass?!

Impressive!

And the monks of this monastery seemed to buy it, as their whole demeanour became more sympathetic, they apologised and wished the Six-Eared Macaque good luck.

“Thanks”, he mumbled (but his tail and ears were still drooping).

Tripitaka gave him some pets, before returning to the original topic: “So, this place …”

One of the monks shook himself. “Oh yes! Right! Well, this is the Kingdom of Sacrifices, as your disciple told you. It's one of the most important cities around these parts and receives rich tributes from the surrounding territories.”

“You must have a good king and fine officials then.”

Wow, how can Master still be so fucking naïve?!

The local monks seemed to think similarly, since they collectively frowned.

One of them scoffed bitterly: “Hah! If only! They're the exact opposite! Why do you think we're wearing these cangues?!”

“Now, don't be rude”, an older confrater scolded. “It's unbecoming of a Buddhist monk to lash out like that.”

Now Wùkōng inquired: “Okay, but what is going on here? This monastery is called 'Golden Light', but it's the bleakest thing I've seen in a while! Did you do something to anger your king, or-?”

“No! We didn't do anything!”, the middle-aged monk exclaimed. “What actually happened is this …”

As it turned out, this monastery had once been blessed and surrounded by an auspicious aura, that had given it a golden glow – hence the name. But exactly three years ago, during a newmoon in autumn, a blood rain had fallen, this place had lost its chine and the treasure in the tall pagoda had vanished. The officials had convinced the king, that the monks were to blame. So these poor souls had been punished for a crime they hadn't committed.

“It's ridiculous!”, the rude young monk spat. “Why would we steal the treasure? But the king didn't believe us! He didn't even call for an investigation!”

“There used to be three generations of monks here”, the eldest said and a shadow came over his face. “But the oldest among us have succumbed to the torture. We and the ones chained to the pillar outside are the only ones, who survived.”

“That's horrible!”, cried Tripitaka. “Of course we'll do everything we can. But now, may I have a broom? I would like to sweep the pagoda.”

A short, slightly emaciated monk smiled: “Sure. In the meantime, we will cook something for our esteemed guests. We just need to find an axe for one of you to open these cangues …”

“I've got this!”, Wùkōng cried and cracked the locks with magic.

After finishing dinner and taking a bath, Tripitaka decided to offer some incense and a prayer to the Buddha and headed to the pagoda. Accompanied by Wùkōng and Wùhuàn, because the former worried about evil spirits nesting in the defiled pagoda, while the latter needed to busy himself to quiet his loud mind.

Not that Tripitaka was complaining.

He appreciated the help and with his two most powerful disciples around, he'd be safe.

“Wow, this place really needs a cleaning!”, Wùkōng noted, as they entered the pagoda.

“Gross! There is dirt and dust everywhere!”, Wùhuàn groaned.

Tripitaka smiled at them. “Well, we will just have to fix that, don't we?”

The two monkeys agreed and so the trio went to work.

Wùkōng announced he would sweep the second floor and climbed up, leaving the monk with his youngest disciple.

For a while they swept in silence.

Then Wùhuàn cleared his throat: “Hey. Uhh, I just wanted to say … thank you for that earlier. For sticking up for me. I appreciate it.”

Tripitaka smiled: “Of course, anytime.”

“I can't believe you lied to them.”

“I can't believe they bought it.”

They shared a giggle, before going back to companionable silence.

This was nice. Being able to laugh together. Doing something productive together. Being comfortable around each other. Tripitaka couldn't even remember when he had last felt like this, but he was going to enjoy this moment, while it lasted.

Once they were done sweeping the first floor, they climbed upstairs to join Wùkōng on the second floor. Pilgrim was currently busy poking the beams under the roof with his broom, probably trying to get rid of spiderwebs.

Tripitaka bit back a laugh, as he put a hand on his eldest disciple's shoulder and told him to leave it be.

“But spiders are so gross!”, Wùkōng whined. “So many eyes and legs!”

Now the monk laughed: “Maybe, but they're still innocent life forms, who never deliberately harmed anyone. Leave them alone. They won't bother anyone.”

“Fine”, the monkey grumbled and together the three proceeded onto the next floor.

But Tripitaka was beginning to feel the strain the movements put on his back. His spine was hurting, but for now he bit back the pain and continued to work without complaint.

As the three reached the sixth floor, however, the pain became too great to ignore. And then there was a flare of white-hot agony, making him groan and slump against a wall.

The two monkeys dropped their brooms and hurried over.

“Master, what's wrong?”, fretted Wùkōng and looked him over for injuries.

“M-my back”, whimpered the monk.

Wùhuàn frowned. “Maybe you should call it a night. Ask the others to give you some of the blue pills – the blue pills!”, he reiterated. “The ones for your back pain. Not the red ones, those are mine. Just a reminder, since the three dorks can never remember, which is which.”

Tripitaka would have laughed, if he wasn't in so much pain right now.

“And don't worry about the remaining floors, Master. We will do the rest”, said Wùkōng.

The monk sighed, but agreed. So Wùkōng carried him downstairs and into their sleeping quarters for the night, where his remaining three disciples scrambled to give him his painkillers and try to make his bed as comfortable as possible.⁶

.

---

.

1) Did I just yoink this song straight from Anthony C. Yu's revised translation of the novel? Yes. Yes, I did. According to the book it's sung to a tune called "Immortal at the River" and is meant to depict the pilgrims. 2) "Iron-Feathered Crow", my OC for this story. 3) Here's a fun fact: cheese isn't well liked in China. There are several reasons for this, from lactose intolerance over cultural trauma to the fact that cheese is basically fermented milk. 4) This is also from the novel. 5) I couldn't find any information on how macaques actually show joy. 6) In the novel, Tripitaka sweeps ten floors, before his legs and back hurt too much. However, in this fanfic he has a spinal injury, which would make the labour much harder and more straining. So I made it six floors.

[themissdnl]

JTTWC: Dark Awakening

One by one, the began to open about how it was usually fine- when he was here, but otherwise they were left pretty…defenseless and recent events they’d basically been thrown to the wolves. This was music to Macaque’s ears. He clapped his hands together, stating, in that case, they were all in agreement. Coyly he questioned what they thought about him, taking over. Permanently. There was silence. Then, one by one, all present bowed to their new leader. Now, Macaque could really get things underway. Slowly, at first. There was much repairing to do and their home was first priority. Further, he had to get a handle on his new powers.

-This picture is sort of a follow up to the previous

Now steady on his feet again, Macaque got up. Noting the pain in chest had dulled to a vague tenderness. He’d continue to wear bandages for now. He headed to the drawing room; he had some plans to get down. Half-tail was the first to notice he was up and about. No surprise there. She’d been the most diligent in his treatment. For that, he felt he could trust her with gathering up all the other higher ups for a little meeting. Once the other officials were gathered Macaque unveiled his new magic. The others were stunned but happy for him, and also acknowledging that he was now, fully, a demon. Macaque thanked everyone for the praise, as well as staying by his side. This informed everyone that he did indeed hear everything that was said while he was incapacitated. He assured them all that all in the room were among those who’d stayed loyal to him. His audience soothed. Macaque moved on. He began to detail all of Sun Wukong’s history as their king before asking what they thought of his reign. Naturally, they were all uneasy about voicing their opinion. Macaque assured them that he was no stranger to criticizing their King.

One by one, the began to open about how it was usually fine- when he was here, but otherwise they were left pretty…defenseless and recent events they’d basically been thrown to the wolves. This was music to Macaque’s ears. He clapped his hands together, stating, in that case, they were all in agreement. Coyly he questioned what they thought about him, taking over. Permanently. There was silence. Then, one by one, all present bowed to their new leader. Now, Macaque could really get things underway. Slowly, at first. There was much repairing to do and their home was first priority. Further, he had to get a handle on his new powers.

Now steady on his feet again, Macaque got up. Noting the pain in chest had dulled to a vague tenderness. He’d continue to wear bandages for now. He headed to the drawing room; he had some plans to get down. Half-tail was the first to notice he was up and about. No surprise there. She’d been the most diligent in his treatment. For that, he felt he could trust her with gathering up all the other higher ups for a little meeting. Once the other officials were gathered Macaque unveiled his new magic. The others were stunned but happy for him, and also acknowledging that he was now, fully, a demon. Macaque thanked everyone for the praise, as well as staying by his side. This informed everyone that he did indeed hear everything that was said while he was incapacitated. He assured them all that all in the room were among those who’d stayed loyal to him. His audience soothed. Macaque moved on. He began to detail all of Sun Wukong’s history as their king before asking what they thought of his reign. Naturally, they were all uneasy about voicing their opinion. Macaque assured them that he was no stranger to criticizing their King.



-This picture is sort of a follow up to the previous

[lunar-wandering]

well since you asked so nicely...

*(claps hands together)*

okay!! so!!! magic cores!!!

everyone has a magic core, it resides directly beside the heart, practically almost intertwined with it. even people that don't use magic have one. for those people (usually humans), the magic core is very small, barely detectable at all.

this is why Wukong tells MK that his body "won't be able to handle too much power", because when someone learns magic, their magic core grows bigger, and, if they gain magic too fast, it can actually damage the heart.

(as for the case with cracking skin from magic overload, usually its cause the magic core, with nowhere else to grow, starts eating into the heart, transferring magic from itself directly into a person's veins. This is usually too much for a person's body to handle; hence the cracks).

(yes this would mean that LBD's host is definitely gonna have some medical problems).

with Macaque, since he died, his heart is either no longer present, or not in use. he relies solely on his magic core as a replacement, so his magic core is kinda doing two jobs at once.

(should his magic core, or the magic contained within it, be removed in a way similar to how he took MK's in s1ep9; well, I don't think it would end very well).

on the other hand with Wukong, i believe his magic core and his heart have kind of... fused together?? they're both working as one entity now- his magic core started eating into his heart way back around Havoc in Heaven. the only reason he didn't start cracking is because he's got much stronger skin than most other people. (there are some upsides to being made out of stone).

what's FUN about Mei's magic core, specifically, is that there was a point when she had two of them. this is cause the Samadhi Fire ring contained within her was not passed down through blood, but through the magic of her sword. when it activated, the Samadhi Fire magic core and her own magic core, essentially, fought each other- with Mei's initial magic core eventually winning, absorbing the remaining magic into itself.

(i also hc that her absorbing the Samadhi fire into her own magic is why she's so much more impulsive/reckless in season 4, she can't stay still cause she feels like there's still fire in her).

MK's magic core would be interesting, cause I would guess that it was never small, like Wukong would've assumed it was, and instead was just inactive,or simply not generating magic (which, probably, can only be done with a seal or something similar). now that it is doing that though, obviously more recently there is very much an issue; MK's new monkey form. specifically, the transformations and resisting them is likely causing stress on MK's magic core, causing it to leak magic; which possible could also be affecting his mind (hence his slightly more feral personality while fighting Azure; that's the magic influencing him).

as for the others, well, i think they're all normal cases of magic cores slowly getting bigger over time as they learn more magic, or just. normal magic cores shdfksjdflkds.

oh, Red Son specifically though would've had to have had his core's size/power reduced, shortly after the Samadhi Fire incident as a kid (or possibly that was part of them sealing it?), because otherwise his core would've burned his heart to ash.

...yeah. anyways;

magic cores cool

i feel like i should say that when i bring up the concept of 'magic cores' in my monkie kid fics that i AM technically drawing from canon

i mean what else do you expect me to call this;

(yes it does amuse me that the only instances of this being shown in canon are all with Macaque.)

do i have entire mental lore on how the concept of magic cores would work? yes. am i gonna explain any of it? no.

...the magic strings idea is just cause i find the mental image fun though