#I was going to write more; especially Wukong going absolutely feral and such on the poor fool BUT decided to cut it off before than

[siixkiing]

He's exhausted. He's not even sure what magic could trap him, it's like an arena. An arena for two, him and whatever greater demon came crawling out of the depths this time. Lightning and Fire were never his friend, that still proves true as flames scorch at his fur and then the bolt slams against him, sending him crashing against the barrier. If he was any weaker he swears he'd be an organic painting on it by now, he can feel the smear of a bloodstain he leaves behind. Collapsing to the ground as his single eye's vision has long gone blurry. He can feel the crackle of electricity, another strike is coming and he can't do anything to avoid it. The taste of defeat is bitter on his tongue, the acknowledgement that his death would come after that? It makes him want to scream.

Maybe he already is, even as he lays there prone on the ground, accepting his fate. It's muffled, some sort of sound, a grief stricken sound that tugs at him as he opens his eye, casting his gaze to the source. His blood runs cold, eye widening in shock. There- there on the other side of the barrier, pounding away with all his might, he can see the faint ripple of the impacts, is Wukong. Wukong screaming something at him, the ringing in his ears is slowly fading as it becomes clear.

DONT GIVE UP

Claws slowly digging against dirt, one knee finding its way below him, a groan of effort escaping him as the metallic taste is bittersweet in his mouth, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth and dribbling down his chin and throat. Dry wheezes and groans escaping him as he pushes himself upright, his body aches, he's in so much pain. The world's spinning even as he gets to his feet. He won't give up. He can't give up. Even as the enemy laughs, his pitiful show of strength as he manages to pick up the shadow cudgel dug into the ground, with some effort it comes loose. His battered and bruised frame is a canvas of pain. Dragging the cudgel as he staggers some steps forward before bursting into a full out last mad dash. Cudgel raised to deliver as strong a blow as he can in return.

I WONT GIVE UP

His body slams against the edges of the disappearing barrier, barely awake as lightning crackles over his frame that twitches and writhes as his nerves flare with pain. Blood dripping from the corner of his mouth and clothes soaked with the horrid liquid, his breathing is slow. He'll be okay, blinking slowly as he takes in what he swears is a crying face. He spits out the words 'Your turn. I'm tagging out.' Before his head slowly lulls to the side, he's not gonna die. No. He won't, not when he has something to wake up to. But he's too weak to continue the fight. So he'll leave it to someone more capable.

Typical life on the mountains was calm and peaceful, the king making sure of that fact. Not just for himself but also those that called these mountains home — the days of being a sanctuary had long since past, now it was just the troop dwelled here. Well, them and a certain shadow wielder too. Never in his wildest dreams did he think that the other would wish to stay here with him, not expecting him to give him a second chance like he had. Yet, his presence had made the lonely sage's heart brighten day by day. Bringing a warmth that he thought had long had been extinguished by the cruelty he had endured in the past — their bond forming closer and closer. They had been through a couple rough patches sure and had their moments but it only proved how much closer they had gotten that they still sought each other out and help each other through it. Something that he cherished above all else in the world.

So, it was a foolish mistake when someone had decided to attack his dearest warrior on one of his outings. While Dusk had gotten more use to the quiet life on the mountains, that didn't mean he didn't leave from time to time outside the range — often trying to encourage the hermit of a golden monkey to join him. Sometimes he was successful and other times not so much. This had been one of those and to say Wukong regretted declining the offer to join him was an understatement. He knew his beloved dealt with certain situations outside the comfort of the mountains, that it was probably never going to change — least not till they found that miracle fix for him. The demon in question would've been torn asunder had it not been for the barrier that they had erected, effectively trapping Dusk within and keeping the Monkey King out. Only temporarily though. His fist striking with blow after blow, force strong enough it cause a thunderous noise to erupt.

His gaze fixed on the ebony simian as he fought, getting battered and bruised by the much larger and stronger opponent. It only caused him to bash the barrier harder, the sound almost loud enough to drown out the way his heart pounded in his ear. Forming shifting, the glamors peeling away in his frenzy to reveal what truly laid beneath the image the world saw. The true appearance of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. Teeth bared as a final slam from his fist shattered the force keeping them apart into pieces, like glass.

No sooner did he break his way into the area did he catch the broken form of his beloved mate, quick to check him over with a worried eye. A callouses war-torn hand cradling the side of his face as he trilled softly, pressing his forehead into the other's own. Almost wanting to laugh at his weak 'tag in' joke even though it was less cheerful and more broken. Doing his best to choke back the sob that threatened to spill — that was not the time for that.

Turning his focus onto the foe, his gaze hardening into a cold and venomous stare that spoke more than words ever could. Summoning his somersault cloud and a clone to tend to and protect Dusk while he rested before standing. It was his turn now, golden aura igniting into an unbearable heat — watching with some twisted amusement as this seemed to startle the other demon, stepping back in a bit of shock.

"You had your fun — "

His voice cooed out in a tone that sounded like honey but seeping with danger. Summoning the duplicate of his staff from within it's usual resting spot, growing rapidly and glowing now too. A smile dancing across his lips, one that seemed cheerful and friendly but spelt danger.

" — now it's my turn."

The startled foe only seemed to tense before rushing forward with great speed, intended to strike the first blow. A concussive wave leaving upon contact as they gave a smug look, only for shock and fear to replace it when realization hit them at full force — fist caught in the Monkey King's grip with little effort. Did they really think it be that easy for them? Did they not understand they were dealing with a King and a God right now? He was but a mere paper tiger in a hurricane right now.

A loud thunderous noise erupting across the area that could be heard for miles upon miles range out as the golden simian struck. That grin spreading more and more across his features, fangs growing longer in the process — only adding to the haunting image that his opponent saw. The unfortunate fool clutching his now broken jaw in one hand and trying to scramble backwards away from the golden simian. It only earned a chuckle from the king, not his usual cheerful or friendly but one that caused more fear to spread across his enemy's being.

"Don't worry, I'll go easy on you."