#You can be sure Wukong was thinking of this moment the whole night

[nekohime19]

Mini Mac #14 : Shrinked Monkey King

Today Wukong visits Mac home inside of the wall and they wrestled together like cubs.

Sun Wukong was looking at one of Macaque's gates in wonder. He was in the living room, leaning on his wooden couch. Summer was in full swing, the sun burning brighter than ever, and while the weather wasn't as bad as it could be, it was still pretty hot. The sage looked back at Macaque, who was floating inside of a bowl filled with cool water, and wondered if he should voice his desire. The lil guy looked good, he was dressed in some leaves (at Wukong's request), letting himself float in the shallow wooden bowl, serene as ever.

“You're enjoying yourself?”Snorted Wukong, fondness melting in his tone.

“Yeah, best idea you ever had.” Mumbled Macaque, a smile blooming on his lips. Wukong cooed a bit when he heard a hint of a purr stumble out of Macaque's lips.

The sage hesitated a little before shrinking himself, he didn't do it that often, mainly because he was still trying to control this power and he couldn't stay shrinked for long. Once properly shrinked (his clothes shrinking with him) he climbed the table and leaned on Macaque's wooden bowl. The black-furred monkey opened one eye and glanced at him, his eyes widened when he caught sight of the shrinked sage.

“Hey.” Chuckled Wukong, snorting at the lil guy's bewildered expression. Macaque blinked a few times before jumping on his feet (splashing some water around) and walking over Wukong. The black-furred monkey smiled when he noticed he was slightly taller than the sage.

“I'm taller.” Mumbled Macaque with a proud expression, Wukong fondly rolled his eyes at this.

“Because I let you be taller.” Huffed Wukong. “I was wondering… maybe you could make me visit your home? In the walls, I mean.”

“You're curious?” Chuckled the black-furred monkey, Wukong averted his eyes, cheeks reddening.

“A bit.”

Macaque got out of his bowl of freshwater and ruffled his own hair. He reached out to Wukong, his hand making a gimmie motion. The sage huffed, amused and slightly frustrated to be ordered around, and created a towel with one of his hair to put it in his palm. The black-furred monkey took the towel and dried up his fur, he then put the towel on his shoulders and stretched. He looked like a walking urchin with his fur sticking in all directions, Wukong found it endearing.

“Alright then, let's go.” Chuckled Macaque as he put an arm over Wukong and affectionately ruffled his hair, relishing in the fact Wukong was now his size.

“Hey, hey, my perfect hair!” Whined the sage in-between chuckles. Macaque ignored his whining and dragged him to one of his gates.

Sun Wukong went through one of the gates with curiosity, the inside of the walls was rather dark, lightened by various cracks that draw serpents of lights on their path. It was also rather narrow, Wukong couldn't be beside Macaque and stretch himself without hitting one wall. The sage followed the lil guy as he walked with ease inside of the wall, probably already used to the darkness. Macaque began to walk on nails studded in the wall, using them like stairs, Wukong readily followed after him. Macaque's chamber was embedded in the wall, a little wooden box hidden in the stones, lightened by wavering serpents of light. Macaque proudly showed his front door (a square cut in the wooden box) and turned towards Wukong with a huffed chest. Sun Wukong tied his tail on his waist to stop it from wagging, the lil guy was truly adorable.

The sage curiously entered the wooden box. The floor was lined with soft tissue, the walls covered in plants and flowers, there were some cupboards carved in the wooden walls filled with cut pieces of fruits and different vials. A spoon was put in one corner, it was tall enough to almost reach the roof. Sun Wukong passed before the silverware and chuckled at his distorted figure, he made silly faces and giggled at his reflection.

“Having fun?” Chuckled Macaque as he leaned on Wukong.

“Yeah that's fun. So that's your lair?” He asked as he twirled on himself and went to look at everything, he smiled at the doodles carved on the walls and chirped excitedly at the sight of a bed, or at least something resembling a bed. It was a nest made of hay and flowers carefully weaved together. Macaque sat on the nest and patted his side, Wukong immediately jumped on it. It was bouncy and soft, moreover it was drenched in Macaque's scent.

“I have multiple lairs though, that's the one in the living room’s wall.”

“Really?” Chuckled Wukong as he buried his snout in the tissue covering the nest. Macaque chuckled at his behavior.

“How come you don't shrink more often?”

“I can't stay like this for long.” Replied Wukong as he turned towards Macaque.

“Mh, then I have to enjoy this while it lasts!” Chuckled Macaque as he pounced on Wukong and began to tickle him. The sage hurled in laughter, curling on himself.

“Ha ha ha ha ha ha, w-wait ! Ha ha ha ha!” Wheezed Wukong as he was being assaulted by tickles. He tried to battle Macaque for a while, fighting against his hold on him. They stumbled in the bed, trying to pin the other down, chirps and trills escaping their lips. Macaque was usually not this playful, but seeing Wukong being his size was thrilling and he wanted to enjoy it while it lasted. They tumbled like cubs, hollering in laughter.

Macaque stopped tickling the sage after a bit and collapsed beside him on the nest, breath heaving. He looked up at the ceiling with a smile.

“You're okay there?” Asked the black-furred monkey when he calmed down a bit. Wukong giggled, still filled with adrenaline, and turned towards Macaque with a beaming smile.

“I'm more than okay!”Chuckled the sage with flushed cheeks and a beating heart. His gaze was guided downward and he looked at the lil guy's tail, he shyly guided his own tail towards the black-furred limb. He nervously flicked his tail on top of Macaque's and waited for a little. When he saw that Macaque wasn't bothered, he slowly tried to intertwine the two limbs.

He beamed when he felt Macaque tail squeeze his own and intertwine a little tighter. When he turned towards the lil guy he saw him looking at the ceiling with red-dusted cheeks and chuckled.

They both stayed on the nest, tail intertwined, gaze lost on the ceiling with silly smiles on their lips.

+ cut scenes

SWK *after an hour of chatting and holding tails* : Oh shoot, my shrinking is fading! 😅

Macaque : Like, right now ? 😨

SWK *with limbs already getting bigger* : Yeaaah 🥲

Macaque : Wukong I swear if you destroy my lair I'm gonna hide all the peaches on the island! 😠

SWK : 😭

SWK *later that night* : We held tails! 🤭🥰

Macaque *later that night* : Ew, now my bed smell like him 😑

Also Macaque *Jump on his bed and roll around in it, enjoying Wukong's smell*: 😆

The wind : 👀

Ch1 / Previous / Next

[kyri45]

✨ShadowPeach Bio Parents Bio AU Q&A! 28/10✨

I'll be streaming on my Twitch page TOMORROW at 1PM ET!

Welcome to the Q&A! A space where I can answer related or similar question about the Shadowpeach Bio Parents AU! If you submitted your ask anonimously, then you’ll have to check the whole post if it’s answered here, if it’s not, worry not! Your asks might have been used for a future comic or just in the queue~

Anonimo ha chiesto: Will MK have a power neither Wukong nor Macaque have ?

Probably something that is a mix of each parent power, creating something new. Like- He can hear the past, but can also use his gold vision. SO maybe he learns not only to hear to past, but also see it (but maybe instead of being gold the vision is purple)

Anonimo ha chiesto: Does MK have nightmares about LBD or Azures death or something? @the-ninja-girl-in-blue ha chiesto: I swear for some reason, even after returning back to his normal age, I still can’t help but picture MK having a nightmare in the middle of the night and just starts chirping in his sleep because of it and that ends up getting the attention of his two monkey dads. I can’t help but picture them either waking him up and asking him about the nightmare into his bed to cuddle with him to hopefully calm him down. I also kind of like the idea of them offering to let him stay in their bed with them for the night. basically, I just wanna see them comforting MK after he has a nightmare. For some reason, I could see the nightmare being about either LBD or about the ending of season five when he attempts suicide.

Yes he does have nightmares about that. He usually does, most times he's at Pigsy's, and Freenoodle is there to help him. He hasn't had a LBD nightmare at FFM yet, but even as an adult he would totally chirp without noticing it.

Anonimo ha chiesto: Angst idea what if heaven was scared of MK being the "harbinger of chaos" and took him away as a baby locking him away instead. It's up to you if wukong knew of his existence before he was taken. Eventually someone or something releases him. MK Finds out why he was locked away and just goes on a rampage through heaven bonus angst wukong has to stop him

Do heaven even knew he was the harbinger of chaos? Like seriously I don't remember if it was ever stated in the show. Honestly is crazy no one picked up that kid aurea. Makes you wonder who te fuck put such a powerful glamour on him when he was found by Pigsy.

Anonimo ha chiesto: Hi :D i wanted to say that i LOOOVE the bioparents au, it's so lovely 💖 and, i must ask, will we get more cliché scenes with our little monkeys? like accidental fall or something on this lines? i need my clichés back 😭😭

eeehhhhh maybe? I'm not too much of a fan of clichè I'll be honest, mostly bc I see them around all the time and I prefer to do something new.

Anonimo ha chiesto: I think it would be funny if MK started subconsciously mimicking things from his friends and family. little things like putting his shoes the same way Teng does. Standing in the same posture as Mei. Ext. Monkeys often will mimic each other as a sign of fondness and affection. Monkey see monkey do.

I think he already does that in the show with Wukong sometimes! It's super cute!

Anonimo ha chiesto: Okay hear me out, since mk kinda saw their past and everything. Does mk possibly have small abandonment issues (not that he doesn’t already) and does he hear little moments in the past of macaque and Wukong’s pain. By the way I absolutely love your art!!! I check your page everyday. 💕

I think if he ever said that to Wukong he'll make sure that every.single.day. he reminds him that he'll never leave his side.

@tinyplanetss ha chiesto: regarding the latest biodads update, did wukong ever know that macaque panicked and lashed out way back then due to seeing his "betrayal" in his future vision? i can't imagine it would've come up before he mentioned it to mk, unless they had a talk about it after their rooftop apology.....

I think they talked about it during the night Wukong apologized to Macaque. The comic I did stops after a certain point but they talked all night about what happened.

Anonimo ha chiesto: (Macaque on some late night mission): I've got to get back before Wukong realizes I'm not in bed. (Wukong who woke up and had a nightmare): Macaque.. MACAQUE

They can't stand being apart anymore now.

@eerieqloss ha chiesto: Wait I got a question, at the beginning of the Shadowpeach bio parent AU When they found out MK was their son biologically through Nuwa of course. But how did they get to her and ask her? I don't know why this question just randomly appeared in my head

Now that MK "opened the gate" access to other deities is much more easier.

@bottyshaker-900o ha chiesto: Wait! Does MK know they sleep together now!?

He did 2+2.

@youroriku ha chiesto: If MK monkey form is showing more or will there be a comic where he lost Control over it ?Recently, fewer people talk about it. Btw i love your art ❤️🌸🫶

mmm... Maybe not in my current timeline. Maybe more in the future. I don't think MK himself wants to loose control again like with Azure

Anonimo ha chiesto: Hii love your art! Wouldn't it be funny if someone was trying to have a serious conversation with Wukong and Macaque and baby MK is just climbing all over their shoulders and they're completely unfaced by it cuz it's like 'yeah this is normal just let him play' but whoever they're talking with can't focus on anything but MK's shinanigans.

hehehe baby shenanigans my beloved

Anonimo ha chiesto: I'll admit I'm more into the chubby, dad bod gang for Wukong but the way you draw buff wukong also makes me happy too! ^-^

Thank you!

@ketsuruithekiller ha chiesto: I like to suffer. So I would like to know if Wukong still has thoughts of guilt. If he fully accepted Mk's decision not to be his successor, without having the idea that like others he would hate it and leave at some point.

ye he does sometimes have the paranoia. But MK is there also to remind him that he'll always be in his life.

Anonimo ha chiesto: Are Wukong and Macaque, in your bio parents au, back together? Or is it a situationship? I'm sorry if it's already been stated in the story or if you've already answered something like this. I'm just a brain-dead potato who loves your comic.

Nah they still are in the progress of having to forgive each other but they are very much in a situationship.

Anonimo ha chiesto: Ello Ello, do you think any of the three monkeys would know how to take care of a sick person? Or would they just have to go to sandy or pigsy or someone?

I think yes. Canonically by JTTW, Wukong is an expert in many fields, including medicine. But I do wonder if sometimes he forget after so many years of reclusion that people can get sick.

Anonimo ha chiesto: So Wukong was stuck in the memory of MK sacrificing himself ? Was it identical to the scene in season 5 or was his dream different ? Poor Wukong looked so traumatized

It was the same as S5

Anonimo ha chiesto: I love, LOVE your bio au! I enjoy a lot!!!! Question! Wukong and Macaque have any chance to go to a date?

mmm maybe in the future

Anonimo ha chiesto: I know Is not the case but At some point, hasn't Pigsy felt a little jealous or strange of how MK goes directly to Wukong or Macacke when he has a problem?

I think Freenoodle is taking the opportunity of having the second set of parents to annoy the heck out of them and redirect all the akward questions and advices the kid ask them because "we had to do it for 21 years now you get to have the annoying part of parenting as well"

@azureandcrimson ha chiesto: Hello!! I absolutely love your art and I am currently watching your twitch (Which I can't log into and type in chat for some reason😭) but anyways. I also have a question if you ship Mei with anyone? Like a side character or Spindrax or someone else or if you make her Aroace or just don't generally ship her or smth! :) But besides that I love your art style and the way you draw everything!! Thank you for drawing this stuff and feeding my LMK hyperfixation!!

I do also ship Dragon fruit. Just in my comic I kind of had to choose one ship for now.

wolfsonic ha chiesto: Since we know WuKong is the bottom of ShadowPeach. Who's the bottom in SpiceyNoodles?

MMMMMMMMM TOO SOON TO SAY.

@draxeanlxia ha chiesto: Bio!Parents AU question, who does the laundry and who’s not allowed to touch the laundry because he’ll ruin your clothes without meaning to? For me, I think Wukong would be the one doing laundry while Macaque isn’t allowed near the washing machine. But that’s just me, what’s yours?

yeah seems fitting!

Anonimo ha chiesto: If MK started blushing when he saw Red Son in his true form I wonder how he would react to seeing Red Son shirtless with muscles and abs in that form XD

I headcanon MK as demisexual so probably he would notice and appreciate the aesthetic attraction but wouldn't be TOO flustered. In this case, it's RedSon who's the Wukong of the two of them (being flustered by like, seeing 2% of MK back or smt.)

Anonimo ha chiesto: So I wondered if Xiaotian's powers were like Steven's, since they responded to his emotions

yep.

Anonimo ha chiesto: If they decide to have a baby who will be pregnant macaque or wukong!?

I think I said it already once but I don't think that's how baby Stone Monkeys are born??? Like how would carry a stone inside your body work that's the thing. There's is to say they are demons who knows how they work honestly.

Anonimo ha chiesto:Will the calabash return ?

nope

Anonimo ha chiesto: Does Mei have a true form? Doesn’t seem fair that MK and Red Son have super forms and Mei doesn’t. I think she should be able to be a straight up dragon.

Doesn't she already goes straight up dragon in the show?

@phantom-premeir ha chiesto: Okay this is a pretty dumb question but I gotta know, out of the monkey trio whose the biggest crash out,just an absolute mess of a person?

I think Wukong

Anonimo ha chiesto: Are we gonna see a wedding of these gay monkeys?

Who knows.

@azureandcrimson ha chiesto:Oh my gosh, the new chapter is amazing, now we defiantly know Macaque has probably courtnapped Wukong >:3 I also have another question! Perhaps in the future will Macaques sacrifice be brought up? Like, yeah, he came back. But the guy was gone for days and who knows what he saw in there and/or what memories he saw because he was probably stuck in those for days. But just wondering if you might bring that up in the future? :) Make sure to take breaks, drink water and eat something!! >:(

Oh yeah that ahah. Maybe?

Anonimo ha chiesto: Imagine MK's sacrifice in season 5 would happen AFTER Macaque and Wukong found out that he is their son. This would make it even more heartbreaking

Bruh... Xiaotian wouldn't have been able to move an inch again from Wukong after he came back.

@autism-autobot ha chiesto: Wait... Is Wukong going to have to find a new successor now that MK won't be it?

Maybe what he will look for wont be a successor.... but an heir.

Anonimo ha chiesto: Is the monkey's tail sensitive or smt!? I mean what will happen if u pull it ?

We r getting into NSFW territory here...

Anonimo ha chiesto:who do u think is the fluffiest monkey? Also what happens if said monkey got towel dried and poofed up?

MK, becasue he's a cub by stone monkey standard. He would become a fur ball.

arrow-artzz ha chiesto: Hello! I just wanna say, I love your art style and this whole ShadowPeach parent au ur making and I get so hyped and excited when I see a new part/ep come out!! I hope ur having fun with it and keep up the great work, you do a fantastic job, and you also inspire me to keep trying small art projects at home!! I truly hope you’re having a wonderful night, after noon or night! also think it would be cute if the whole gang did a movie night (Halloween movie) at FFM and one scene comes up and macaque used Wukong as a shield as if the movie was real :3 sorry this was long I tap a lot “^^

I think Wukong would be the one scared. Macaque is literally has sleep paralysis monsters has pets

[lotusarchon]

cherry blossom ice tea (nezha x reader)

content warnings: female reader, second pov (you/your), headcanons, sfw headcanons, fluffiness, mild angst + reference to nezha's past, li jing is his own warning again, nsfw headcanons, minors + ageless blogs DNI!!, thigh kinks, tattoos + womb tattoo, lactation kinks, breeding kink, bondage, oral sex (male + female receiving), mating press positions < all kinks mentioned for the headcanons erm

author's notes: would you guys believe me when i say I genuinely had no idea half these kinks existed?? Damn I'm so vanilla

SFW :

𐙚 Dating Nezha includes having to deal with him go through a whole character arc while processing his feelings. Everyone but Nezha knows he's in love, so it takes a long, and I mean a long time for him to realize he's in love with you, and an even longer time for him to have the courage to confess. Or you can do what Wukong says and just be the first one to confess if you're impatient. That works too, I guess.

𐙚 Greenest flag boyfriend right there. He memorizes everything about you, from your favorite color to that one thing you mentioned from your childhood. He's not uncomfortable buying anything you ask for and is the happiest man alive to follow you wherever you go.

𐙚 Of course, dating Nezha means also dealing with his older brothers (and a rare Erlang at times.) Come on, you don't actually think they'd spare him, do you? What are older siblings for if not to embarrass their sibling to the point of melting?? Expect to see a bunch of paintings of him as a baby or even stories of his childhood and during the war. You might even see Deng Changyu ready to tell the great tale of the time she threw a rock at his head and broke his nose. Good times.

𐙚 Projecting on Nezha here but lord help the man because he's as loyal as a dog. If you went to hell, he'll follow you. You ask him to bark, and he would. He doesn't really love much (hehe aroace Nezha canon) but when he does in fact love, it's with one person and for life. Expect him to never leave you.

𐙚 He would also be the type of boyfriend to ask if you would love him if he was a worm. Yeah, the roles are reversed and he's a bit insecure, so please say yes. (If you were the one asking, he'd go off on a long story about how he'd learn about worms and create a kingdom of worms for you to command and make you immortal and shit. All with a straight fucking face.)

𐙚 He's pretty thin faced so while he does always appear pretty stoic and aloof, he does blush pretty easily. You flash him a smile? Red face. You laugh? Red face. You so much as look at him? Yep, you guessed it, red face.

𐙚 100% is the type to swoon on the spot. Full on blushing expression, heart eyes, dilated pupils, hand clutching his chest while Cupid's arrow pierces his poor beating heart. You could do so much as glance at him and he's in love with you over and over.

𐙚 I would like to think in whatever universe you and him exist together, he would always love you. He thinks he's incapable of being in love with anyone else, or for that matter, having anyone else to love.

𐙚 He lies awake at night dreaming of you. There's never a moment in his life where he stops thinking about you. There's probably even a picture frame with you that he holds and falls asleep with.

𐙚 I can see him being easily jealous if your attention isn't exactly on him, but he knows it's bad to think like that, so he wouldn't ever speak up or act on his feelings. You'd have to figure it out for yourself to understand why he's so moody sometimes. He'd much rather keep such feelings and thoughts to himself, because you do love him, and you aren't obliged to give him all of your attention, so what gives him the right to be jealous, right?

𐙚 His love language is probably gift giving. I'm not sure he's the type to feel comfortable with things like hugging at the beginning of a relationship, and even then things like that need to be kept behind doors. Maybe the occasional handholding sure, but definitely nothing to intimate in public, so…gift giving it is. Be it something silly as a new dress you might've mentioned, or a keychain you like. Hell, even merch if you're a fan girl. If you're happy then he's happy.

𐙚 Like I said, he's not too into PDA, but that doesn't mean he's not affectionate. Once the relationship feels steady, over the course of time, Nezha would occasionally give you kisses or hugs behind closed doors. If you move in together, he'd ask for a kiss from you every morning before he leaves.

𐙚 He's the type to have your future all planned out together. Every piece of his schedule eventually begins to involve you, in some form or manner. He can never stop thinking about you, and I can see him always trying to include you in anything he does, just so you're aware that he does love you, and he does appreciate you for loving someone like him.

𐙚 “Ah, (Name). They're so pretty…” “Gay.” “GET OUT OF MY ROOM JINZHA!”

𐙚 I can't see him introducing you to Li Jing. Even after things in season 5 have happened, he just can not introduce you to his father without being reminded of their past. He most likely would introduce you to his mother though, and she would adore you dearly.

NSFW ;

𐙚 Let's get one thing straight; you are Nezha’s first time. Before your relationship, he's never had an interest in anyone, romantic or sexual. His feelings had always been platonic or familial with people, if not estranged. You were his first love and by extension his first time, and he cherishes that dearly.

𐙚 Getting that out of the way, that man is incredibly pent up and horny. He literally has so much fucking duties to handle on a daily basis and I highly doubt he's ever been given a break for once in his goddamn life. Having a partner is probably the first time he's ever gotten the opportunity to relax and destress, and by the gods does he take advantage of it. (Always respects your boundaries though. My man would never do anything you're uncomfortable with.)

𐙚 Where did he get the experience? No idea, but he's a god so…yeah, he's a pretty fast learner. Especially if you're not a virgin.

𐙚 Now, Nezha. You know he's a strange guy, definitely not one to judge―he has a thigh kink. Yeah, that's right. Your thighs are his lifeline and if he can sink his teeth into them everyday then god forbid he would. He just wants you to wrap your legs around his head while he goes to town on you, eating you out like a starved man. If you get an inner thigh tattoo that just so happens to be a lotus flower then expect not to walk for days, because he is going to worship your lower body and probably eat you out till you're passed out.

𐙚 Hm…I can see him kinda being into the idea of a womb tattoo? But the author has no idea how that works so imagine the first time he fucks you it just appears on your lower stomach and the lotus patterns are so fucking hot he fucks you into another orgasm because that womb tattoo is from him, okay!?

𐙚 Look. He has a lot of parent issues, okay? He definitely has some sort of lactation kink that follows a breeding kink. Just, man. The idea of knocking you up with his kids is really fucking hot, and he thinks he can be a better father than his dad and prove he's better and well. One cannot blame a man for his kinks, okay?

𐙚 But yes, he does in fact think of knocking you up everyday and the idea of your tits with milk is kinda hot.

𐙚 Honestly though even if he doesn't get you pregnant, he's still obsessed with your tits. Squishy and soft, all for him to bury his head between and suck and bite while fucking you raw.

𐙚 Oh yeah, he's definitely a traditional type of guy. Missionary style all the way haha (he's not gonna look you in the face fot a while though. He's too embarassed about his actions in the bedroom.) But he might also find a mating press position rather interesting, the angles he could reach….

𐙚 100% ties you up with his armillary sash. Yes, I cannot be a Nezha simp without even thinking of him tying you up with his sash at any point. If you're into it, he might even have you all tied up with a vibrator strapped to you in his room until he returns from whatever he's got to do. I tell ya, that man is horny horny.

𐙚 Hm, can see him liking oral whichever direction it goes. He doesn't mind eating you out, but he also doesn't mind if you blow him. He thinks it's hot with your lips wrapped around his dick and tears in your eyes while you fuck yourself on him.

𐙚 He can be gentle if you ask, but I'd like to think 99% of the time he's just rough as fuck. Manhandling you if you like it, and fucking you until you pass out, and he's got the stamina to keep going until dawn. If it's a particularly stressful day though, he might be more into taking care of you (or you him, don't be fooled.) and making you feel good to forget your worries.

𐙚 Oh and he probably likes handjobs. Please jerk him off while he buries his face into your tits, he's just a silly guy.

𐙚 10/10 dick. Would recommend. Probably.

@lotusarchon, 25.11.2024, all rights reserved. do not copy, repost or translate my works without permission. likes, comments and reblogs are appreciated!!

[newkatzkafe2023]

We need a genderbend version of the courtnapping! Monkey Queens and Fem D.O getting kidnapped by a tall sexy monkey man! 🤩🤩🤩

Mama Always said get a boyfriend 🎶🎵🎵🎶-karmin

(Lmk Wukong) She was taking a break, she and Mk went extra hard on the training until the young girl finally went home. She was gonna take a nap until she heard something, causing a commotion and her some baby monkeys chitter. She quickly ran over and quickly found you playing with a baby monkey, and considering you didn't really cause much issues. Though Wukong still kelp her gaurd up thinking your another demon coming to challenge her like an moron, but she was only have right but your wanted her for another reason. You had an advantage considering she was already exhausted so you swoop in and nabbed her and took her away to your house. Wukong finally woke up and noticed she was in a very comfortable bed which explains why she was asleep for a while, and that's when she saw you. Wukong demanded to know why you bought her to your home and you told her that you wanted her to be your mate. With that Wukong put two and two together and realized She got courtnap by you, Well you're not Really bad looking so she guesses it won't be so bad.

(NR Wukong) It was a Saturday night and she was cutting loose and drinking at the bar, until she bumped into a cute much taller monkey man AKA you. Wukong begin to purr and blush upon seeing you and you were interested as well as you apologize for your clumsiness, but she didn't mind at all and was more interested in spending the night with you. The next morning she woke up with a mild hangover and noticed how she laid in a comfortable expensive looking bed and she looked around and noticed that she was in a fancy house. Wukong looked over to see breakfast in bed and she finally ask why you brought her to your house. Then you told her, that you had courtnapped her because she was your type of mate. This made her blushed and chirp if you wanted her that bad you only had to ask.

(MKR Wukong) She's has no idea how she found herself in the situation she was in, one moment she was patrolling around the camp and the next moment she was thrown over your shoulder. She was pissed and embarrassed because you are clearly stronger then her and Dangerously attractive, as she was brought to your home. Wukong's jaw dropped as she looked at you Mansion know your castle, CAUSE YOU WERE CLEARLY LOADED!!! You then took this time to explain to Wukong that you want her as your mate and had brought her here to show that you can provide and give her everything she wants. She still had responsibilities to the monk so she couldn't really stay, which is cool with you all you had to do was follow her to make sure nobody takes her from you. Making Wukong blush as you joined her on her journey to the west.

(HIB Wukong) She wasn't that hard to capture really but she sure liked to complain. You found her at the grocery shopping and that's when you decided to strike and take her, although you would roll your eyes as she complains the whole way to your about to be shared home. Wukong was rightfully surprised looking at the cozy cabin and for some reason it made her blush as she imagined a little family living there. Soon you dropped her on your ridiculously comfortable couch, and finally explained to her that you want her as your mate and you had prepared for her and her children to move in with you. Wukong was blushing heavily at your explanation as she didn't think you was pretty enough to be courtnap material but here we are.

(Netflix Wukong) She is such a slippery little lady, but she is sooo cute when she runs. So you had to make multiple plans to courtnap her, and soon you succeeded and Wukong was kinda freaking out. She thought this was a game she got to play with you but not that you caught her and now she wonders what's gonna happen now, but she then saw that she was being bought to your home. Your expensive looking castle home as you up her on a godly comfortable bed, and you bought her lots of food and snacks. Wukong then nervously ask why you took her home with you, and you finally explained that you courtnap her because you wanted her to be your mate. Wukong was blushing she heard the concept and accepted you as her mate, making you happy and chirp at her.

(BMW Wukong) This bullcrap began with you barging into her territory on flower fruit mountain, and she was pissed at your brazen audacity. That was how your battle began as punching and weapons were used against each other, and Wukong was rightfully surprised by you being able to keep up with her. After a while, you were a while you smacked the back of her head, knocking her ass out, which made it easy for you to haul her back to your home. Wukong woke up after a while, and she was both pissed and embarrassed by her major L until she noticed that she was in a cozy bed in a fancy mansion. You came in with some food for her and explained to her that you wanted her to be your mate and simply fought her to show your strength to her. Wukong was shocked and admittedly impressed by this whole thing and respectfully accepted being your mate.

(Destined one) She had felt that someone was following her for a long time, and no matter wear she went the mystery person's eyes on her. It grew very annoying very fast so she came up with a plan, to catch the person in the act. That's when she saw a tall monkey man come out the bushes looking around for her. That's when she ambushed and try to attack you but you turned around and grabbed her. The Destined one was majorly confused on what just happened and at how you were easily able to be subbed by you and taken her home. The Destined one looked around your mansion and explained to her that you successfully courtnapped her and showed her that you can give her whatever she ask for. The Destined one admittedly blush your words and considering she is like super comfortable in her fluffy throne so she accepted you with an open heart.

FEEL FREE TO REBLOG

[quitealotofsodapop]

Did Tripitaka ever experience the heat of a tiger? It sure was confusing for him. Humans do not have mating seasons (we look for love when we want but this is not the case with animals).

It must have been difficult for him, especially around Azure. Did Tripitaka come to consider Azure as a potential mate during a time of mating?

OK this is nsft territory so be warned!

Tripitaka is an interesting character to analyze since he's supposed to represent The Ideal™ buddhist monk for his adhereance to the rules... but he's never known anything else really. He was raised in a monastery, and very soon after becoming a priest (and solving his dad's murder + losing his mom), got sent on the mission for the scriptures. Would he be as dilligently a buddhist if his parents had not undergone such tragedies?

Tripitaka never approaches sexuality in Jttw (his own or others) because in Buddhist belief; sexuality is considered a "worldly attraction" like vanity or pride. Same reason the book never has him eat meat, whether for survival or unintentional (like in the Spider Sisters arc). It blemishes his perfect record.

But since the Tiger Monk au has Tripitaka in a situation where he honestly can't uphold the very human standards of buddhism...

Our boy fighting some biological demons rn.

My idea of Tripitaka is that he's mostly on the aro-ace spectrum, but seriously questions his sexuality over the course of the Journey. Seeing hot demons and celestials of many genders does that to a sheltered religious guy.

Combine that with a tiger's seasonal heat, and you got a monk frothing at the mouth, trying to keep himself from acting reckless.

Tigers go into seasonal "heat" every 3-9 weeks depending on the individual. Anyone whos met an unfixed cat or heard a cougar sounding like someone being murdered will know that these mfs make sure that you know about it. Tigers in particular have a deep "Meow" sound they broadcast to find mates. They even have "first dates" to get to know each other. Example.

Tripitaka feels weird one day and subconsciously makes a deep meow sound - scaring the whole gang. Wukong is immediately is putting a bicycle lock on that cassock!

I feel even when pushed to the brink of his urges, Tripitaka wouldn't be comfortable "going all the way" unless its literally someone he wants to stay with for the rest of their near-immortal lives.

Also his disciples are off-limits; the mentor-disciple bond is too precious to him to risk over a selfish urge.

But, Azure Lion offers an opportunity. He's a fellow feline demon with a similar Buddhist background who understands Tripitaka's moral conflict weighing his desires over his faith. He isn't the monk's superior or inferior, so no issue of power imbalances.

Tripitaka needs a moment to think. And to draft a diagram of pros and cons.

If these two ever did do "The Deed" (or just 3rd base)...

Macaque would be the first to know. And he'd be howling with laughter. XD At least until Azure threatens to tell the others why Macaque was in Wukong's room that very same night. Mutual glaring ensues.

And ofc Azure would be seconds away from being skinned alive by a quartet of the tiger's super-protective pilgrim brothers the very second of the them sniffs Tripitaka the next morning.

Peng would still brag in Azure's place as you can imagine - lion done pulled a baddie on insane difficulty. Yellow Tusk would shake his head in disapproval, but would also be a little impressed.

[smokeypeaches-and-honeyplums]

Could it be possible to have either headcanons or a scenario with Wukong and Macaque having a cat demon S/O? Like they loop their tails together and sleepy cuddles?

This is needed after I’ve been working on an angsty request for one of the simians here (you can probably guess who >:))

Reader is Gender Neutral by default

Doing a headcanon bulletpoint format

Sun Wukong (Monkey King)

He liked how sly and tricky you could be. Not to the same degree as him, but it was a nice change of pace to be sure

And, given your cat tendencies, he likes to trip you up time and again with something dangling in front of your face, a shiny light to chase or anything of the sort

Loves seeing your reaction after you realize what’s going on and try to recollect yourself

Also, it’s pretty great to have a partner that shares fur, so when he wants to snuggle up and get close and warm, it’s not uncomfortable for either of you and it’s a nice bit of warmth while the months get colder

Also, given how emotive Sun Wukong is with his tail, it’s a given he uses it as a means to show his affection towards you, especially when all snuggled up

He’ll wrap his tail around yours in a heartbeat if the moment presents itself, and you find it endearing, willing to indulge him from time to time

Though given this, he kinda uses it as a means to be handsy with you without being handsy, which bothers you when it disturbs your fur

Also! Given you guys both purr, you can be sure you find yourselves purring with each other as a bundle when words don’t need to be spoken

You tend to fall asleep on Wukong more than you’d think, which is not like he minds. It’s relaxing

Given how cat purrs kinda help with health, Wukong can be found more cheerful (if not already) and in better spirits

Also, with how territorial cats can be, you at first aren’t keen on seeing MK or his other friends around in areas where Wukong’s scent is strongest (Flower Fruit mainly)

You learn to get used to them

Still not keen on sharing though

More often than not, he’ll find you swiping things of his and hoarding them, a bit endearing

Has awoken to you on top of him, curled up and looking so comfortable

He couldn’t bring himself to move you

He could nap for a few more hours

Six-Eared Macaque/Liù ěr Míhóu

Honestly, Macaque more cat than monkey

So it’s kinda believable that you share more behavioral tendencies than you’d imagine, which he finds a strange solace in

He uses his tail less than Wukong, so it’s more of a marker in how far your relationship with him even is than it is a thing that happens

When you guys do get to the point of cuddles, he finds joy in the warmth of your fur

His is kinda

Gone

So he indulges in the warmth

Makes him feel more alive again

He also likes that, with you being more cat, you’re kinda like a creature of the night and darkness, his whole thing

Though sucks how you’re able to see him better than others when he wants to get the jump on you now and again

But, you do make a good sparring partner given your agility and heightened senses

Also being more so trickster demons, Macaque tends to drag you along in his little shenanigans now and again

not like you mind anyways

Back to tails, Macaque tends to get both your tails entangled more often than Wukong surprisingly

He gets so lost in the good feeling it brings

So your mornings involve you two trying very carefully to untangle yourselves from each other’s limbs

At least he offers to make breakfast to make up for it

[kaycode1999]

Monkey King x Reader pt.6 @bowbeforeyourphrogness @mimimroawwww

The next day Y/N wakes up to a delicious smell and pokes her/his/their out to see Sandy in the middle of cooking breakfast. “ Good morning.” Y/N says to Sangzang and Sandy stepping out of her/his/their tent, and both of them tell her/him/them good morning as she/he/they take a seat next to Monk Sangzang. Sandy hands Y/N a nice hot cup of tea who thanks him before blowing on it a few times and letting it cool slightly before downing the whole drink.

A few minutes later Sandy announces that the food will be ready to eat soon, and Y/N offers to go tell Pigsy and Wukong. Sanzang informs her/him/them that the two are just up the hill and Y/N heads up to where they are with a content smile. As Y/N is just about to round the corner where a large boulder sits she/he/they can hear Wukong and Pigsy’s voices. “ Oh, please.” Pigsy laughs “ I saw you two last night. It's obvious to everyone you both have feelings for each other.”, Y/N freezes waiting to hear more of the conversation unable to help the heat that rushes to her/his/their face. “ What?!” Wukong says in disbelief before laughing it off “ Look I can't speak for her/him/them, but I don't like Y/N like that.”, “ Oh, sure.” Pigsy says sarcastically. “ Seriously, I don't like her/him/them. I honestly can hardly stand her/him/them. The only reason I tolerate being around her/him/them is because she’s/he’s/they’re my friend's child.” Wukong says

Once the words sink in, Y/N nearly doubles over feeling like someone punched her/him/them in the stomach, and hot tears start to gather in her/his/their eyes. Y/N stands there frozen for several moments trying to calm her/his/their breathing before wiping her/his/their tears away trying to erase the evidence of any crying, she/he/they swallow hard. “ Hey guys, Sandy said the food is almost ready.” She/he/they call out not bothering to wait for them before heading back to the campsite.

For two days Y/N avoids Wukong as much as possible without drawing suspicion by keeping busy with restocking supplies and doing maintenance on some of the weapons and the cart. The day after; Sangzang, Sandy, Pigsy, and Wukong get up early and pack everything away. Just when they're about to leave Wukong looks around for Y/N before questioning her/his/their whereabouts; Pigsy, Sandy, and Sangzang share a look before turning back to him. “ She/he/they didn't tell you?” Sangzang asks in confusion, “ Tell me what?” Wukong asks. Sangzang’s face falls slightly and there are a few moments of silence before Sangzang answers. “ She/he/they decided to stay back in the city.” he says, and Wukong's eyes widen in surprise.

“ What? For how long? ” Wukong asks, “ She/he/they didn't say, but I'm guessing for the foreseeable future.” Sangzang explains. It's like a bucket of cold water is thrown over Wukong as the reality of the situation sets in, “ I-I have to go talk with her/him/them.” he says. “ Wukong, I don't think-” Sangzang starts before getting interrupted, “ Go on ahead, I'll meet back up with you in a few minutes.” he says not bothering to wait for an answer before rushing toward the city.

It takes a few minutes before Wukong finally finds Y/N in one of the shops. “ What are you doing here Wukong?” Y/N asks as soon as she/he/they see him though there is a bit of an edge in her/his/their tone, “ Why did you decide to stay behind? And why didn't you tell me?” he asks looking at her/him/them with a pained expression. “ I thought you'd be happy to hear it.” Y/N says glaring at him causing him to take a step back in surprise, “ What?” he asks. “ I mean you can't stand me anyway. You only tolerate me because you were friends with my mom 500 years ago right?” Y/N snaps “ Well congratulations, now you don't have to.”, Y/N turns away from him and starts walking away as sickening guilt settles within him realizing she/he/they heard what he'd said. “ Wait!” Wukong calls finally forcing his feet to move walking after her/him/them “ Y/N, please! Let me explain.”, a large crowd of people suddenly gets in his way causing him to lose sight of Y/N as he has to carefully make his way through. Once he gets through the crowd he looks around frantically not seeing her/him/them anywhere.

Wukong curses himself feeling his heart shatter into a million pieces falling into the pit in his stomach as he begrudgingly makes his way back to the others. “ Did you tell her/him/them what I said?” Wukong demands walking beside Pigsy, “ Of course not.” Pigsy asserts “ But even if I had you did say it, didn't you?”. Wukong head drops slightly in shame and sadness, “ I lied, Pigsy.” Wukong says in a heartbroken tone “ I just didn't want to admit how I actually felt.”. Pigsy gives him a sympathetic look before hesitantly patting his back to try and console him.

[neoprowl]

Fatherly revelation(Tw: angst, smoking)

[at the balcony of the multirealm sharehouse, all the dads are enjoying some tea, water and coffee]

Pigsy: ....so Ryozan... what's up with purple head?

Ryozan: hm?

Lagravis: Ace, he seems much more mature than he appears

Ryozan: oh uh...

Macaque: what is he older than he looks?

Sun wukong: seems possible, the skeleton queen has done that before

DBK: *snorts at that name*...if he is a demon in the body of a child...I would gladly disperse that spirit

Ryozan: no it's not like that

Crominus: I see, since he is what you call a "robot" he has no age

Garmadon: that is also very likely, however my son is friends with a nindroid...and that..."child" has little to no emotions towards anything

Tang: so Ryozan...what is he?

Ryozan: ....he...he's ten

All dads: *spits out drinks* WHAT!?

Trimaar: surely you jist right...there is no possibility that your child is only ten

Ryozan: ....he is

Pigsy: wait! But...you mean to tell me...this whole time... YOU'VE BEEN FEEDING SWEETS TO A MALNOURISHED TODDLER!?

Lagravis: but his fighting skills...they seemed like that of a veteran fighter

Macaque: not to mention his dead monotoned voice

Sun wukong: and his cat like reflexes on the roof

Dbk: ...wait what

Ryozan: ....oh, there he is

Kagetsu: *Rooftop running while Bomb A Head! By m.c.A plays in headphones in the background*

Tang: okay...HOW IS HE NOT SCARED!?

Trimaar: I believe a better question is why he would do it in the first place

Crominus: such a reckless cub (to Ryozan) and to think you claim to be his...care...taker

Ryozan: *hands shaking* ....I'm sorry...his sweet tooth pallet...his need to run across roof tops...his demeanor....I...I don't know where it all came from...and I built him

Skales: *slithers in* so he isn't a real boy?

Pigsy: *squeals in shock* where did you come from!?

Skales: you might not know but I am also a father...however my son is much more well behaved, he is the prince of the serpentine after all...tho even he has some difficult moments, especially when I need to protect him

Pigsy: I hear ya...my own kid...adoptive or not...(Looks to sun wukong and Macaque)....he...tried doing something stupid...thinking he was saving us

Tang: he thought it was the only way...he cared so much for us that...he nearly killed himself...but it wouldn't be the first time

Sun wukong: admittedly...I still hold him close at night as punishment

Macaque: I can vouch...he never lets the kid go once at night

Dbk: ....I had to do what I could to save my son...when he was just a new born...his own power was too great...so me...the simian...and others had to dampen his flames

Garmadon: ...while Lloyd wouldn't consider me as much of a father...I try to teach him whats best...to get him to face his fears of his oni side...

Lagravis: my son once broke chima's most sacred rules and stole the golden chi to save his friend

Crominus: cragger...he was too curious for his own good...his fist try of chi would have been devastating if not for laval

Trimaar: *sigh* I often still have some plight with kalmaar...but benthomaar...even if not of royal blood...he is most kind hearted...those two are all the family I have

Ryozan: .....Kagetsu....I...had to build him....from the skeleton of an old friend...I was never a father before *lights a cigarette* ....I was just a gaurd...I...I almost don't know what I'm doing...*tears fall*...

Pigsy: well then...ya came to the right place

Ryozan: ....heh...

Kagetsu: *drops in yawning* got bored, going inside *goes inside*

Tang: uuuh, he may have to work on social ques

Pigsy(deadpan): no kidding

Skales: such a way to kill the mood

Garmadon: ...you have to admire his skills though, very cat like...fitting for his ridiculous clothing

Pigsy: and that's just another one of many things to work on

Ryozan: really? His clothing?

Pigsy: no... it's to not play assassin's creed in real life!

[lilith-little-world]

The Oracle|| Concept Oneshot 4||

Here is some fluff and a slightly suggestive theme. Sorry for not posting sooner, I had slight writer's block and some stuff came up.

“See, this isn't so bad!”

You bring a small cup of coffee up to drink. It has been a while since you went to a cafe. The weather was becoming warmer as the month came to the end, soon transitioning to spring. Today, however, was just perfect to be outside and eat out. Even though it took a little bit of persuading for a certain someone to join you.

“It wouldn't be so bad if people stopped staring.”

“Nobody is staring, my little sunspot.”

Wukong huffs before taking a sip from his tea, flustered by the pet name. You just smirk at his reaction. Enjoying the time together, you guys don't really go out in public. Since Wukong prefers not to be out in the eye of the public for obvious reasons.

“Is this payback for always teasing you? Why did you choose a cafe with lots of people?!”

“Sunshine, how dare you even think that? Of course, I did this just to see you all flustered and shy. Also, this place never got this full, so I'm just as surprised as you are.” You said the last part quietly and looked away to see the busy cafe.

Wukong groans, pulling the hoodie over his face. Whilst sinking into his chair, with clear annoyance. You take a bite from your muffin and think. How can you make this time more comfortable for him? Maybe, cool it with the pet names?

Nah.

He wouldn't dare show the same mercy to you.

You stretched your leg over and lightly rubbed against his calf. His body tensed up from the sensation. It took a minute before he raised his hoodie and peeked at you.

“Hope you know, I don't mind you sleeping over for the night.”

“Oh?” He sits up with a smirk. “What is that supposed to mean, peaches?”

You put down your foot but made sure it was touching his.

“Hm? I thought it was straightforward and clear what I meant. You can stay over the night at my place.” You glance at the window, trying to keep your composure.

“I mean it is, but you were quite vague. So please tell me, what are we planning to do all night?”

Wukong’s posture was now relaxed, having placed his elbows on the table and resting his head in both his hands. Leaning forward closing the distance. You glance at him and smile softly. Silently celebrating for finally achieving your goal, of making him comfortable.

“Oh I don't know, maybe-” You lean back and pretend to think for a moment. Wukong’s smirk falters but forms a small smile instead and leans back in his chair.

“Hmm, we can watch a series of your choice and eat snacks all night!” You innocently say. He let out a chuckle.

“That sounds lovely, just know I won't let you sleep. We are going to be staying up all night.”

He takes a sip from his tea, copying your actions from earlier. You laugh at his antics.

“But you must spend the day out with me.”

“I wouldn't have it any other way.”

“Great, let's go then!”

“Huh? Wait, where are we going? I thought you just wanted to go out to a cafe!” He said with panic.

“That changed when you agreed to spend the whole day by my side. I'm not going to let this opportunity go to waste. Don't worry though-” You lean close to his ear and whisper.

“You’ll have me all night within your arms.”

Wukong shuts his mouth, face red. You worry a bit when he just stares at the spot in front of him.

Looks like you broke him.

After 2 minutes of pure silence, you could see his fur prick up as his pupils dilated.

‘Oh, that's not a good sign.’

A coo came out from him. It was deep, almost purr-like. However, just as the sound quickly came out of him, it just as quickly disappeared. He slumps over the table and groans, slowly turning into a laugh.

“Hahaha, peaches, you- nearly got me there.”

You raise an eyebrow and smirk. Usually, it was him making you flustered and shy but now it was his turn. You felt proud that you managed to get the Great Sage, himself, all riled up and out in public, no less.

“Oh, I don't know what you mean. I just want to spend time with you. Now let's go shopping, while the sun is still out.” You slowly made your way out of the cafe. Wukong follows behind, already exhausted from the earlier incident.

As much as Wukong looked indifferent about everything you show him. He was enjoying his time spent with you. It had been a while since he had gotten out. However, he can't ignore the warm feeling in his chest whenever he sees you excitedly buy things for him.

If only this day could last forever.

______________________________

Okay, so I'm gonna be opening the asks now. So I can answer questions about the story or just want me to write some oneshot lmao

I need to update daily since I will forget about this and lose motivation. So send in questions or request if not there will be slower updates here.

[silverredtail]

-OH MY GOD!! BULLSHIT AU INCOMING!!

-Okay okay okay, so school au right?! Macaque-king of the theater program- if he's not lead he's a big character or master of the backstage always has his hands in everything cause he loves the stage and the other kids who have the drive and passion for it. Incomes wukong and the other preps and asses who suddenly wanna audition and be a part of the "magic" cause "oh my god it's just like that one episode/show/movie!!" Makes all of macaques fellow students feel so isolated when this was their space to shine. They had the fucking courts and hallways. Que some high school musical bullshit where macaque puts these preps through the ringer of the theater life, the heavy equipment, the long hours of lighting and blocking and he's not afraid to bully. He's the jock on this stage and he's got a bite to his bark. One by one they leave because they won't be disrespected/it's too hard/ this isnt fun at all...all but the biggest stubborn bitch mac's crossed paths with.

-✨Wukong, star jock, biggest bully cause he's clearly the best, and school massive douche of a prankster✨(Only cause we're going really Disney channel with this au)

-Macaques equal when it comes to weight they can throw around and what they can take. Wukong doesn't break at all, carrying stage peices like it's nothing, actually singing good, standing still out of pride and stubbornness more then anything. But with how loud he is and how above he thinks he is- it takes macaque literally screaming in his face "YOU FUCKS HAVE EVERYTHING! EVERY PEICE OF THE SCHOOL TO RUN BUT THE PLACE WHERE OUTCAST LIKE US CAN FEEL LIKE PEOPLE! AND YOU INVADED IT LIKE EVERYWHERE ELSE BECAUSE WERE LIKE A DAMN TV SHOW!" Then wukong kinda breaks alittle, blinking at his punkish/gothish rival in a new light, never seeing the other gets so emotional. "Oh..." "YEAH OH!! Why the hell do you think I've been trying to get you assholes out of here!! This is barely a fraction of the abuse you give us on the daily!"

-But!!!! The worst part is that wukong is good right?! And he doesn't even understand what's technically happening so two things could happen depending on what theme we're going for yeah???

-Either 1) wukong stops coming, gives the loners their space and actually stands up for them outside the theater as well. Opening night he's there frontish row cause you know...he wants to see what macaque sees..not see it for how the other jocks do..and then he slips backstage to offer Mac roses or something and they can start anew in a healthier way.

-Or the more dramatic 2) wukong doesn't quit the show. He's lead and with him there they get a whole new crowd interested in the theater program and macaque has to deal with it...but at least wukong is taking it more seriously. Till the big day..where wukong relaizes as he peeks out of the curtains that all those people..all watching, all waiting...he doesn't get to hide among the team or sit out when he fucks up...he's the lead, if messes up he ruins the whole show. Que his massive stage fright freak out so close to show time

-But macaque isn't a complete ass and he's had plenty of his stage crew who have stage fright..so he pulls wukong aside to a dark quiet space and they have a tender moment there..something along the lines around

"What if I fuck up?!"

"When has that stopped you before peaches?"

"It's nothing compared to this!!!"

"It's not so easy now huh?"

"no..i-I don't think I can do this..."

Which ya know...shows macaque just how bad this is running deep if Wukongs going to bail and humble himself that badly ya know?

-Which is another branch of things that could happen. Macaque doing the simple things of pulling wukong from the show..they have understudies for a reason. Sure they may suffer since the crowd came to see wukong but he's seen panic attacks..and this is the cusp of a big one..one wukong might not recover from.

-The other being the more cuter but again silly movie thing.

"I'm the lead too...just focus on me..just like in practice. The lights will be so bright you won't be able to see them and it will just be us out there..I won't let you mess up..and after, were all going out for food? I'll pay for an extra desert for you."

[criolla-star]

A Fiery Lovestory (Red Son x Mk part 4)

(I suggest you check out part 1-3 if you haven't already, just a reminder Macaque and Red Son are just friends they aren't like a father son duo cause that would be weird since i have Shadowpeach in this comic and since Macaque and Wukong are practically MKs' parent annnnd Red Son has bull ears, and horns that are small i'm sure you have seen fanart of it before, i'll shut up now)

Red Son woke up the next day it took him a moment to process where he was, but when he did he checked the time, it was 6:23am. Red Son always woke up early to prevent the scolding from his parents for being up late, but then he just realised, "Oh fuck...my parents don't know where I am..." Red Son thought to himself he hadn't thought about this yesterday when he agreed to follow he was just exhausted. "Hopefully Macaque can lie for me..." Red mumbled, sure he didn't know where he was but Macaque knew better than to out him. Red let out a sigh before getting up and stretching. He was still wearing MKs' clothes and it was really comfy this made him blush slightly. Suddenly he remembered his fire and then carefully attempted to ignite a fire it took a minute but he let out a sigh of relief when he finally managed to do it rain honestly really fucked him up but that won't be the only thing fucking him.....

He had a pretty peaceful sleep and looked and went to the bathroom he was honestly surprised with how furnished MK's home was, but his thought went back to MKs' sculpted body from when he was shirtless last night, "So hot..." Red Son whispered out, "Why the fuck am I thinking about him, he's an idiot...a handsome idiot" Red Son added, "That's it I'm just gonna find something to eat in this place" Red Son scolded himself before going into the kitchen. He looked around and saw discarder cereal boxes on the counter and table, there were dirty dishes in the sink, "It's such a mess in here" Red Son mumbled, the fire demon wasn't a fan of messy places the closest he's ever had a place this dirty was his workshop.

"I can't with this..." Red Son mumbled as he went and turned on the tap before tying up his hair, taking off MKs' jacket from yesterday, finding some gloves and beginning to do the dishes. Red Son didn't find cleaning a pain and actually enjoyed it (can ya believe someone likes cleaning) He continued to do the dishes and eventually finished that, the fire demon also enjoyed singing and talking to himself while he did things such as cleaning, working or cooking, and yes he can cook like really good also really enjoys it. Eventually Red finished cleaning the whole kitchen, it was now 7:30am he's been cleaning for an hour and was honestly surprised the noodle boy hasn't awoken from his slumber by now. "Hm...hungry..." Red Son said quietly to himself. The fire demon went through cupboards and the found ingredients to make pancakes, "Well he has something else other than cereal" Red Son mumbled before taking off the jacket and he surprisingly found an apron which wasn't dirty and put it one I mean of course it wouldn't be dirty by the looks of it Mk probably only ate cereal and noodles which was kinda sad for Red Son to think about but he shrugged it off.

Red Son grabbed a bowl and made the pancake mixture, I don't know how to bake/cook so don't expect a good description. Once the mixture was complete the fire demon poured it onto a pan, used his fire to ignite the stove and made pancake after pancake. It honestly smelt amazing and Red Son was singing whatever song you want with the most angelic voice very ironic for a demon.

Mk woke up to an amazing smell unaware of the stunning fire demon cooking in his apartment and the beautiful act of cleaning he did. Mk yawned out loudly then checked the time, it was 8am and honestly that surprised him he usually up later than this, "Wow I'm up early, must be the smell..." Mk thought, "Haha...Red Sons' here...OH SHIT RED SONS HERE!" Mk panicked realising that the fire demon was probably up and in the kitchen. He grabbed a shirt and rushed out while putting it on. Only to hear Red Son singing as well as him cooking, the fire demon didn't notice him and continued singing unaware that he was being watched Mk looked around and noticed how clean everything was, "Did he do this..?" The monkey thought. Mk leaned on the door frame and continued to listen until the demon noticed. He was honestly lost in his thoughts Red Sons' voice sounded so sweet and soft. He was watching for 2 minutes until Red Son did a twirl and realisation hit him, "AHHH!! WHAT THE FUCK HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE!!!??" Red Son panicked almost falling down. "Long enough...did you clean this place up?" Mk chuckled out walking towards Red Son, "I-I in fact did, this place was filthy!" Red Son nervously said out before talking in his bratty tone.

"Well thank you, was gonna eventually clean it but never had the motivation to" Mk responded before looking Red Son up and down, he was still wearing his sweatpants but the apron looked really cute on him. "I don't know how you could let your place get like this, but I made pancakes you barely had anything in those cupboards of yours other than cereal, eat it or not I couldn't care less" Red Son said before putting another pancake on a stack, "Hey I'll eat anything at this point I think I've had noodles and cereal a bit too much" Mk said as he sat at the table because Red Son signalled him to sit down. "As if that part wasn't obvious..." The fire demon mumbled before plating some pancakes and giving it to Mk. Before grabbing a tub of ice cream, and strawberries and placing it next to Mk. "Did you go through everything?" Mk chuckled out, "So what if I did? If you have a problem go back to eating cereal noodle boy" Red Son hissed slightly annoyed, "Haha...no..." Mk replied before beginning to eat. MKs' eyes lit up, "Holy shit this is like the best thing I've ever eaten, you are an amazing cook I never thought you would be able to cook" Mk said praising Red Son. Hearing this made the fire demon blush, "I-I tend to do cooking and baking as a hobby it relaxes me" Red Son replied before sitting down and beginning to eat.

Mk stared at him before smirking, "Does singing also relax you~?" the monkey teased, the fire demons' face lit up with blush, "D-Don't you mention that!!" Hr stuttered out embarrassingly. "Hey I'm not making fun of you, you're voice is really nice...I wouldn't mind listening to it forever..." Mk said his voice becoming softer as he lost himself while staring at Red Son. The fire demon blushed hearing that, "J-Just shut up you peasant and eat!" Red said nervously Mk chuckled before continuing to eat.

"I have work at 9:30, I don't mind if you stay here" Mk said breaking a silence as they ate, "Mhm...I suppose I could stay..." Red Son spoke, he was hoping Macaque managed to convince his parents that he didn't run away and somehow Mk must've read his mind, "Does Macaque know you're here...?" Mk added his voice going from his dumb tone to a more serious tone, "No...but, he won't be bothering you till he knows where I am..." Red Son replied.

After a while they finished eating Mk had to go to work and told Red Son rules he had to follow. "Morning kid, you're here early" Pigsy said surprisingly when Mk came in, "Yep" Mk replied happily while waiting for order but he couldn't quite get Red Son off his mind.

(The amount of times i lost motivation for this is unspeakable like i clicked off it and started reading other fanfic or watching youtube, ALSO the true power of the samadhi fire is blue which alters based on the power used if it's a little amount it will stay as red too much it'll be blue saying that i already mentioned this before that Meis' fire is a way downgraded version of the actual fire due to the colour)

[mandareeboo]

Super happy and excited that it sounds like your enjoying the small bits of lmk so far!! When I first got into this show I got immediately hooked- I'd be even more curious to hear your little journey watching this, like more thoughts/any hc's or like you mentioned, possible fanfic ideas? :3c

I'mma be real most of the stuff I do know is from s3. Specifically Mei's Samadhi Fire and her training with Red Son. Also she yells at Wukong at one point? I have exactly ZERO context for it but it has given me fic ideas!

Specifically of Mei still dealing with the aftereffects of her big blowout with Sun Wukong (which might be dealt with in canon, idk!) and Wukong being distant with her bc, well, she was right. Mei heads out one night to blow off some steam and Red Son shows up bc he saw the fire and was like "oooh what are we destroying tonight". He convinces Mei to leave her less than healthy coping mechanisms behind and they go to a kid-appropriate club (now that I'm watching this weather club episode, probably there!) and they dance (basically The Dancing Dragons from Avatar) and Red Son casually explains that he can feel when her fire activates from his own leftover vibes with it. I'm specifically thinking of a bit like:

"Oh," Mei says, twirling. The Samadhi Fire had always burnt hot inside her. It was like a constant source of heartburn, eating away at her chest and throat. "Does it... hurt?"

Red Son scoffed. "Hurt? Please. You forget I'm built of fire, Dragon Girl." He sobered a moment, voice almost soft. "I imagine it's very different for you. The fire was made to burn you apart and cause the world to fall to its knees. But to me..."

They clap their hands together side by side like swords clashing, bits of fire escaping their fingers. Red Son was... smiling?

"To me, it feels like home," he finished.

Wukong eventually tries to break up the party because he's on over-alert mode and he's not sure what to make of Red Son. Sure, the kid is usually just a fun distraction, but coupled with Mei's mental state he's worried about the boy forcing her to do something. Mei almost kicks his ass but Red Son stops her (mostly because he likes the club and doesn't want it obliterated). Mei stomps off and Sun Wukong watches pillars of fire burst upwards in the distance.

Red Son is like "you want my advice?" and before Wukong can be like gross, no, never, he goes on. "Stop treating her like a villain, or she'll end up as one. The reason she comes to me is because I treat her the same as I always have- an obnoxious brat I'm stuck with."

And then Mei and Wukong hash it out lol.

(Fun fact the whole thing would be set against "Burn the Whole House Down" by AJR bc Red Son gives me those vibes)

[axl-ul]

The Flight of the Western Crane: Chapter Thirteen

(A reupload/repost of my fic/dark retellingof Journey to the West which can be also found on AO3 under the same name)

(General info about this fic/wip/retelling is here)

****

An enormous fly sitting on Sha Seng’s flat nose woke him up. His Master as well as Pigsy were still deep within the realm of nightly peace. No wonder, the sun had been just beginning to rise after the lively night of preparations for the queen’s birthday.

Although there were grapes grinning at the pilgrim from the white and blue bowl across the bedroom, Sandy resisted the urge to bite down on them and positioned himself for the prayer. Clutching his beads in hand, he began to recite the mantra taught to him, yet this time, something was different. He twitched, he mispronounced, he unsuccessfully tried to maintain his eyes shut. A thought gnawed on his mind, unsettling him now more than before.

“Brother Sha Seng? Is everything fine?“ Bajie’s question startled Sha Wujing.

“Brother Bajie! Good morning to you, too!“ He sincerely grinned but seeing Pigsy put his finger on his mouth and motion to the Tang monk, the Friar Sand fell silent.

“What’s going on, Little Bro?“ Bajie whispered and continued munching on the green grapes. “Never seen you like this during prayers.“

“Brother,“ Sandy started carefully,“I’m not sure myself. Whenever my thoughts strand back to the awful idea, my head starts to spin, my legs, they become wobbly, my guts refuse to stop growling like a mad dog.“ He fell silent as well as ashamed by slowly coming out with the truth.

“Little Bro?“ Pigsy put away the grapes and knelt beside his junior disciple whose eyes darted around the whole room. At no cost he wanted to sound angry but the more he listened to Wujing’s dying voice, the more the pig demon grew desperate and impatient. “Sha Seng, are you going to finally tell me what’s all this about? Are you feeling sick? Should I call Big Bro or the witch for the medical check?“

“No, don’t. It’s just…“

They both turned to the monk’s bed, horrified expressions painted on their faces. The clothes rustled, the shifting Master didn’t force himself to wake up, not quite yet. The look he wore on his face, so sweet and innocent, contributed to the inkling he was still sound asleep.

Pigsy’s heavy palm cautiously shook the startled junior. The Friar Sand couldn’t read a single sign of malice or unhealthy curiosity in the pig’s face, rather a simple concern looked back at him. “It is a horrendous thought, indeed. Please, don’t judge me, Brother. But,“ Wujing had to rub his whole face before he found the courage to continue,“I think Shifu might be hiding something from us. Something must be written in his journal. Whenever somebody got too close, Shifu started acting strange. He was evasive, reluctant, afraid.“

Although the idea seemed to the pig demon too silly to be true he listened further. “You think it has something to do with us, the disciples?“

Ol’ Sha nodded. “Aye. I’ve been thinking about our journey and yet there’s not a single event that would affect us much. The only exceptions are the times we were recruited, each bound to do the journey after a condition given by Guanyin. Poor Wukong, he probably got the harshest one.“

Even Bajie arched over with a gloomy face. “Yeah, if he fails to protect Shifu, he’ll be turned back into a stone and buried again under the mountain, this time with zero hopes of escape.“

“What else, though? I think we’re missing something…“

“The clue might be hidden in the journal, then.“ A well-known spark glinted in Zhu Bajie’s little eyes. He didn’t dare to deny their Master, yet the mystery called him and he’d never been much prone to its charm. It took only a few heart beats when the uncomfortable atmosphere made Sha Seng stand up and start carefully to run through the young monk’s things hidden under the river demon’s bed. A moment later and among his webbed fingers, a small stack of scrolls appeared. Bajie trod closer until he was snuggling his junior enough to see for himself what their Master marked down.

Sandy shuddered again as he leafed through. “This is wrong, this is so wrong,“ he cried but continued to go through the records.

“Brother, wait!“ Pigsy abruptly halted him. The pig demon tapped on a page his junior nearly turned over,“Look!“

Both leaned closer till the musty scent of the paper hit their noses. Their lips moved with mute words on the tip of their tongues. The dismay paralysed them, the torment hollowed them inside out. Sandy was the first to come back to his senses,“This is bad, Brother. Even worse than what I imagined. How could he… Bodhisattva Guanyin said…“

“She found us, brought us together and requested us to fetch the sutras,“ Pigsy whispered to himself in an even lower voice,“to help the people. Shifu…he…failed to get permission from the Tang Emperor, though. So that’s the real reason why we can’t follow the normal routes. He dragged us across the lands he barely knew just to get around the soldiers and patrols… He was just using us as means to scare away the danger. Not to help us out…“

“He didn’t realise how much infested with yaoguais those lands were.“ Sandy violently shook his head. “No. No, Shifu would never. This was a long time ago. We changed. He changed. Now, everything’s different. He trusts us, he…he loves us, cares about us. I know it. Brother,“ Wujing turned to face Bajie,“we must keep this to ourselves. Buddha and Guanyin may judge us and so be it. We sinned, we deserve the punishment. Amitabha. But at no cost…“

“...we must let Shifu know that we now know. You’re right. Shifu is wise. He surely realised his mistake.“

“And not a word…“

“...in front of Big Brother. Amitabha, if he gets the word about this he’s going to fume with rage. He’s got enough trouble with the witch and her difficult attitude, let alone this…“ The light robes shifted again, only this time weak grunts of the waking Tripitaka accompanied the noise as well. Bajie panicked,“Little Bro. Quickly. Hide it back.“

Sandy pulled away from the hideaway at the last moment. He and his fellow disciple beamed at drowsy Sanzang. “Morning, Shifu! Did you sleep well? You looked like a baby in a cradle.“

Sanzang rubbed his face, corners of his lips twirled up when he saw the two demons,“I wish you a good morning, too. Yes, I can’t recollect when was the last time I had this much of a good sleep. Thank you. Hopefully, you had quite the same experience as me.“

“Yes, we did, Shifu,“ Bajie yelled out and took the monk by his hand to drag him out from his seat. “Let’s get prepared for the day, what do you say? Her Majesty expects you this evening. Sha Seng wrote down some interesting facts he’s found out about the city. He’ll read you his journal while I serve some tea.“

The clinking of cups resonated and the Tripitaka sat by his disciple, eager to hear what they had to tell him.

****

The ringing of the light steps descended down to reach the prison where the stench of sweat, musty coolness of the stone and dried blood and faeces reeked day and night. Yawen twisted her lips and covered her nose with the wide sleeve of her blue robes.

“You’re not supposed to be down here, Miss Yawen.“

Her frown soon changed into a crooked grin when she turned around. “Is that so, our most handsome Captain? After all, I am Her Majesty’s handmaiden, her right hand. Doesn’t that make me an exception?“

“Only if you have the letter of approval which I highly doubt of,“ Jun’s onyx eyes stabbed the small demoness through and through, not a single spark of trust appeared in them.

“Jun,“ she ran her petite hands up and down his armoured chest,“I know the treachery of my brother took you by surprise. Believe me, I was no exception.“ A tear slid down beside her beauty mark as the demoness placed her hand on her chest. “That’s why I need to see my gege’s henchman. To gather answers…“

“Denied.“

“Repeat that, dear.“

“Denied,“ Jun leaned closer, the hostility emitted from him even more than when he was around the insolent macaque,“Miss Yawen. Even if you tried your honeyed words, it wouldn’t work. The prisoner’s at the verge of his death and still refuses to open his mouth. Now, get back to Her Majesty and keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. Or you’ll end up on my list of wanted, just next to your ‘gege’, as you like to say.“

Yawen inhaled deeply. An unimaginable range of emotions flew through her rosy face, each more sinister than the one before until she finally settled up on one. “You’ll regret your words. When you do, be sure I’ll spit my venom into your eyes. Miss Yawen here, Miss Yawen there. You don’t even look at me like you used to. Did you forget all those months we’ve been so close, so intimate? I used to be your Orchid, don’t you remember? You owe me for such a cold treatment. Especially, since it’d been proved I’d had no idea about my brother’s plans to usurp the crown. Now, let me in. Besides, I’m more experienced with negotiations and you’re well aware the captive might know where the Pilgrims are.“

“That’s not true and you know it. No existence of any proof doesn’t necessarily mean you’re innocent. You’re twins, I doubt you two would avoid each other with secrets. Plus, you’ve always been a treacherous woman. Your tricks won’t work with me anymore. The mighty and powerful have always remained your only source of interest. Because only they can offer you something you don’t have.“

The heavy door up the short staircase opened and a head in a dark helmet showed up,“Sir, another captured viper isn’t well. Our medic’s trying his best but it seems like he intentionally broke one of his fangs when the guard wasn’t looking.“ Jun responded with fumes and curses under his breath while he and the soldier quickly took off. Yawen heard no more than a surly command for her to stay at her place.

A command the young viper didn’t obey.

When the door slammed shut, she waited until she couldn’t hear any footsteps. Only then she finally set off to the cell behind the heavy door. Behind it, two guards were curled up in the corner, drunk and snoring. ‘If only your Captain knew what sort of reliable subordinates he has,’ Yawen thought to herself, though seeing how well the situation played into her cards, Yawen let them be. She looked around until she found her target. Facing them was bloodied Dong chained to the cold stone wall. The demon was a shell of his former self. A tall, bulky warrior with a sharp jaw and atrocious gaze had been replaced by a languished man with barely more than three of his fingers remaining. His single eye looked up when the visitor firmly planted her feet into the cracked floor. The woman’s curves unnaturally curled until her slim body slipped through the bars. Dong, too weak to let out any noise, simply watched in horror as she slowly made her way forward. “Dong, my dear Dong. I missed you, my sweet thing,“ she lightly pressed her lips against his temple,“I see the damned crane hasn’t been kind to my handsome hunk. Don’t worry, I read the message. Everything’s in the process of preparation. My gege and I will feast on the bodies of the monk and the queen. You don’t need to say a thing. But nod if I’m right. Is my gege still at his hideout?“

Dong shook his head.

“Is he somewhere in the forest?“

Despite the pain striking from his upper back and neck, he nodded, hoping his long lost lover would help him soon.

“My hawk should still be able to locate him if he has the silver ring. He has it, doesn’t he?“

Another slow nod, this time the captured viper demon shed a tear, his body began to shake.

“Shush, sweetie. It’ll be over soon.“ Her slim hands cupped his square face to bring his lips closer to hers. When Dong was close enough for their noses to touch, Yawen suddenly pulled away. “One last thing. During your interrogation, did you say anything to Jun? Did you rat on me and Jin?“

From the last gathered strength, Dong shook and rested his head against the curve of Yawen’s neck. He was getting weaker with each second passed, but his devotion to the viper twins never ceased to be.

“What about your men, though. I’ve heard that at least two of them had to pass away. Did they say anything?“

He replied in a trembling hoarse voice,“I don’t think so. I’m afraid that after hearing so many gut-wrenching sounds from the torture room I’m the last remaining of the scouts sent by…“

“Dong,“ Yawen pressed her finger against his mouth,“I said you could only nod.“

He obeyed and nodded.

Yawen smirked and petted the sticky skin of his sunken cheek. “Good boy.“ Only then she answered Dong’s yearning and planted a firm kiss on his dried mouth. For Dong, the reunion was sweet and rewarding at first. Soon enough between his soft moans, her tongue slipped inside and forced his lips to depart. He wanted the moment to last longer but in a matter of a second his eyes bulged in horror. His saliva mixed with blood from his bitten tongue and something bitter, ominous flooded his oral cavity and poured outside by its corners, down his chin and onto his ragged shirt and trousers. His whole body convulsed, yet Yawen made sure to press his weakened self against the wall. Her other hand went to cover his mouth from further noise. There was no sign of previous affection in her now hollowed gaze. She was like a porcelain doll - beautiful yet empty and icy-cold on the touch. That was the last sight Dong had ever seen.

When the spasmodic movement stopped, Yawen brought up the small iron claw from her hidden side purse and put it on her finger. The index then tapped on the precise spots on Dong’s venomous fangs until they both broke, their tips vanishing inside the viper’s throat once Yawen tilted his head.

Making sure the guards were still asleep and the crime scene didn’t point at her she quietly disappeared outside the prison. She didn’t need to fear for the captain to catch her soon. After all, the guard who previously called Jun was more than happy to be of service. He played his own part brilliantly.

Finally outside in the fresh air and in the hot embrace of the sun’s rays, she spat into the nearby bush. “He really thought he could be better than our handsome monkey stranger. Well, time for me to attend to more important matters and more important…,“ she dreamily sighed, the feeling of simian’s hands on her naked waist and the amazement from how easily he fought off the rogues enveloped her,“...powerful people.“

****

“Let’s go through it one more time - we three sneak around the palace, into the queen’s quarters and run through her personal belongings in hopes to find what exactly? Whether her snot is pure gold?!“ Bajie’s angered uttering hit Wukong like a heatwave. The middle brother sure liked to stick his nose into people’s business. For an unknown reason, he was now appalled by the thought of spying on someone and he would not back off, not even now when the sultry evening got under his garments and onto his nerves, too. The three of them decided to head out for an investigation by taking the sneaky way above the heads of the guards while the Tripitaka, the Princess and the Friar Sand went to fill up their stomachs with a nice dinner. As if to make things worse, long way down, under the watchful gaze of the proud royal palace, the marketplace livened up with another performance. Tonight, the contest for the best cook in the city was held. If only Bajie were persuasive enough…

“Idiot!“ Wukong slapped the sweaty top of the head so hard that Pigsy’s double chin began to move like two meaty bells. “Whether she has a hint about us. Do I really need to explain that we’re still in danger? Plus, the more you know about your foe, the better options will turn out in the future.“

Their bickering reflected on the witch’s mood - her nose and forehead which warped with slight wrinkles. Márgerdra turned around like a deadly whirlwind, a sudden blast of a cold authority not one of the disciples expected. Her look transformed Wukong and Bajie into living stones which perfectly fitted on the long roof of the palace.“Shut up you two. I’m fed up with your behaviour. Both of you are beyond being spoiled little brats. Shut up and go on like two mature, well-behaved gentlemen for at least five damned minutes!“ Her attitude seemed to have worked on the disciples since they both planted their gaze right next to their feet. The nervous fidgeting of their limbs or Wukong’s tail, neither the silent chewing into nothing worked right with Márgerdra. “Say sorry and hug each other. Or I’m kicking you both out of this cursed slippery roof.“ In an eerily low tone the woman added,“Am I clear?“

The mere hint of an embrace was all Márgerdra needed because when the two demonic disciples parted away, instead of an elegant woman they saw how a dark dot lithely jumped from one roof to another, from one building to the next one, climbed from a lower level of the palace to the quarters carved into the hard rock high above them.

Márgerdra was holding on the outside of the alcove balcony when Wukong and Bajie caught up to her. The witch’s infamous whip dangled on her belt loop in the rhythm of a breeze blowing around them, which caught Bajie’s eye. His interest lingered that low too much, though. The witch didn’t offer him a single look when she muttered,“Stop staring at my ass, Bajie. You’ve seen more than enough at the bathhouse.“

The startled pig began to climb in through the railing to fudge the upcoming scold,“I-I’m not staring, Miss! Don’t you-Don’t you know me?!“

After Márgerdra and Wukong heard the loud bang coming from the demon queen’s bedroom, they shot out their arms and forced their comrade to back down. He barely managed to grab the blue-painted supporting bracket. After Pigsy shot Wukong a questioning look, the senior gestured him to keep silent.

It didn’t take long for the two oddly familiar voices to be heard. “Yawen, put it down there and help me change quickly. If I want to improve the lives of our citizens I need to be on time. This place’s been reeking with decay far too long. Besides, I can’t let my future husband keep waiting.“

“Naturally, Shufen. It’s been quite a while since somebody capable showed up. Except for myself, of course. Now, hands up.“

“You’re right. You and that one other servant have a mesmerising approach in the bedroom. Though this time, finally somebody worthy came. It won’t take too much time to make him fall hard. When the right time comes, at our wedding, we can feast on Golden Cicada’s reincarnation.“ The queen’s sharp giggle drowned out the rustling of fine damask.

“That’s what I’d love to see - a happy eternal couple. You and your gorgeous scholar with interest in poems. Please, tell me, you’re going to make him recite tonight!“

“Hands off of Shui, sweet Yawen. He’s mine. But…I can lend him to you from time to time. Or you could just join us. We can explore his divine form from head to toe together. But the finish - you let that ecstasy be mine and mine only.“

Wukong’s jaw clenched, his black claws dug into the wooden construction and the rock next to him. Small splinters flew past him while the dirt crumbled under his left arm. His eyes started to give a weak reddish glint. The tail he kept around his thin waist unwrapped and lashed around. Never before his ears had heard such insolence. Fury was slowly consuming him inside out and his guts began to twist.

“What an offer!“ Yawen yelled out. “I’d love to, Your Majesty. I bet the handsome Master is just as delicious as he’s good-looking. Although, I doubt he can ever compare to someone else.“

The monkey’s inner curses stopped for a moment. His thoughts raced inside his skull. All he wished for now was to burst in and beat both demonesses to death with his powerpole.

By Wukong’s right, Pigsy silently grunted. Despite the fact that he was right next to the monkey, Sun Wukong didn’t register the noise. Neither did he register Márgerdra who was carefully approaching him by climbing around Bajie.

But within a second, everything changed.

Five fingers hugged his forearm and the consoling tenderness they gave him was enough to make the Monkey King feel somewhat lighter.

Without further hesitation, Wukong cast a side eye. Although the decision was risky, Márgerdra couldn’t bear to watch and climbed a bit closer. After she confirmed the monkey was truly backing down from whichever dangerous idea struck him, her palm left his burning skin so the late evening’s breeze could at last cool it down. At the sound of a distant hoot, Márgerdra put her finger on her lips. Her proximity as well as Bajie’s pleading gaze were more than enough. On the third exhale, Wukong’s tail wrapped around his bright sash. His grip was solid enough just to keep his body from falling down, not to destroy their only handle.

“Yawen, quickly. Bring me the comb.“

Miss Yawen came over to the wall with the built alcove balcony, the very one where the disciples and the witch had been hiding. For a moment, Márgerdra’s heart pounded so hard she easily heard the wild rhythm in her ears. However, the years of hard training didn’t allow her to succumb to her emotions. One inhale later and her heart moved at a much slower rate, almost as if she were barely alive. The sweat on her temples became nothing more than a reminder of the merciless weather. 

“Do you want to wear the flower buyao crown? Or rather something more exquisite?“

“You know which one. But,“ the demon queen returned to their topic,“I better be careful with him. I don’t want to exhaust him.“

“Oh, please. You’re not going to feed on his energy. Just a little fun,“ the snake demoness laughed it off, but a strange thrill resonated in her voice. A thrill which this time didn’t irk Wukong or Márgerdra. Rather, it caught their attention what showed in the two companions exchanging inquiring looks. It seemed like the handmaiden wasn’t comfortable with the direction of the conversation.

Unlike the Sage or the Wolf Witch, the crane demoness didn’t recognise the slight change in the tone. “Yawen, going by your experience, you know best that every such encounter leads to somebody losing a bit of themselves while the other party gains it. Any sort of intimacy should be held with a precaution as my good old Daoist friends would say.“

“Do you think those old farts are still looking?“

“No.“ The three heard how one of the women vigorously stood up and something metallic shook as she approached the opposite side of the large room. “I don’t think their search’s still up. I know it.“

As soon as the door closed behind the queen and her handmaiden, the three demons, who were still hanging over the steep rock formation, at last sighed. Finally reaching their destination, they at once climbed in.

****

The dining hall was, in fact, a cavernous narrow masterfully enlarged to meet the requirements for its function. The cold but drenched walls weren’t only grey. Dazzling turquoise, shining violet, mysterious purple, joyous carmine or orange, all the colours that a person can ever think of were present due to the rich deposits of ores within the mountain range. Miniature but numerous ceramic and bronze oil lamps with ivory handles as well as hanging red lanterns with black characters shone down on the guests. Their light reflected on wooden sculptures of seven dancers in real size, the stage where they were supposed to perform was made of rocks whose golden and silver veins flowed through the dull surface. In the corner, a large oval porcelain tablet was displayed with blue and black strokes which presented a highly detailed map.

When Mei stepped in, she was gasping whenever she found a new detail because the place was even more marvellous than her own palace. The ornaments in her bun swayed like a boat on waves and their clanging filled the empty space. “This is all so pretty! If only the rest was here to witness this…“ The princess was so amazed she didn’t notice the monk in the light attire approaching her from behind.

Sanzang had to take a deep breath before he leaned over. The princess was dressed in a pink half-sleeved waistcoat with a depicted plum blossom and yellow blouse with gold embroidered skirt and he couldn’t deny how much it neatly complemented her innocent face. He slowly noticed the princess’ fascination and also the sadness waking up behind her eyes. He whispered over in a happy voice while shallow dimples appeared on his cheeks, “You’re also very pretty tonight, Your Highness.“

Surprised, she turned around to face him. After a short while, she beamed in her usual joyous manner. “Thank you! You’re always so nice…Shui. No wonder Tao here,“ she mischievously winked at Ol’ Sha,“is also such a gentleman.“ Despite her small stature, the princess stretched out her arms and took both Sanzang and Wujing by their upper arms. Meanwhile appointing herself to lead the further way by positioning herself in between the two men, the princess curiously observed their elegant attire made of hemp and silk. The tailor surely struggled to deliver the best clothes for the two unusually tall men but the outcome was certainly worth it as both were now standing in light embellished cross-collar shirts with cuffed sleeves and with blue trousers and skirts. The only piece in which they differed was a loose thin coat worn by Sanzang. “By the way, you two are waaay too handsome tonight, as well! Glad to be alive and see this, boys.“

The Tigre Princess’ blunt comment astonished the monk and his disciple. To hide their reddening cheeks the both looked sideways as they scratched the back of their heads and nervously chuckled.

The princess, the monk and their current bodyguard descended the short staircase down to the centre of the room where a large round table was already waiting for them with prepared bowls, cups and chopsticks. Only food and the host herself were missing.

“Do you think we came too early?“ Mei whispered into Sanzang’s ear but quickly retracted as the large door opened and in them, several guards and servants entered. All of them positioned themselves in two rows to make a corridor and when the Queen Shufen entered as well in the retinue of Miss Yawen and few other handmaidens, the soldiers raised their swords in order to welcome their ruler.

The head of the Azure Crane Dynasty shone in her pure beauty and wonder - her long and light robes flowed around her and so it looked as if the queen’s slim figure was bathing in the gold, turquoise and red colours. Above the curled up shoes with flower and butterfly motifs the gold hoops were once again ringing around her ankles, the same gold jewellery also shone on her forearms and upper arms. A set of long earrings hung by the sides of her slim face painted with a neat layer of make-up. Similarly to Mei, an ornament in the shape of a bird marked her forehead under the gold crown with pearls and carved designs of dragon, phoenix and a crane. Dangling tassels, pendants and gemstones of the crown covered the majority of her thick hair.

“Welcome, Your Majesty,“ everyone greeted the queen and bowed deeply, the three guests were no exception.

Miss Yawen took a good look at the guests. Her shiny eyes became gloomier the more she observed. Eventually she murmured something into the queen’s ear. “I see that only half of you accepted my invitation. Something terrible happened?“

“Nothing serious, Your Majesty,“ Sanzang politely responded but he never gathered the courage to look at the demoness,“only my…brother…he twisted his ankle and my eldest brother with my sister-in-law decided to take care of him. I’d like to apologise on their behalf…“

“No need, young Master. I see your family ties are strong. Same as mine. If anything happened to my beloved nephew, believe me, I’d tear down even the throne of the Jade Emperor.“ Shufen gestured for the guests to face her, only then she ordered her servants to finally serve the meal. “Please, take a seat. But I must admit I’d love for you, Huang Shui, to sit by my side.“

The moment they sat various bowls and long plates with meals of every kind began to flood in - fish, soups, sweet dishes with fruits, sour ones with hot sauce, everyone found their own taste within the wide offer of delicacies. Similarly to Mei and Shufen’s discussion at the bathhouse, the queen started to question her guests with a great interest about their knowledge and advice on city repair. Sanzang tried his best whenever Shufen gazed upon him. Yet his conscience couldn’t ever possibly allow him to lie further and so he only tripped over his words as his thoughts raced around to find another topic for them to discuss. Wujing’s attempt to praise the royal cook didn’t help either and whenever Mei interrupted Sanzang’s spluttering, Shufen  dismissed her with an annoyed grimace.

“I see you’re still quite shy. Don’t worry, I know many like this. What’s more, I also know how uncomfortable it must be for you, Master Huang, to be spoon fed words by the others,“ Shufen scorched the young princess and the river demon with her sharp eyes. Soon, her hand stretched out to touch Sanzang’s pale wrist. “Master Huang, I’ve just remembered you and I share an interest in poems. Would you care and recite a few verses for me? It doesn’t need to be anything special. Only if you’d really love to��“

“I’m afraid I cannot, Your Majesty.“

“Why so? And why do you refuse to look me in the eyes?“ Shufen didn’t shy away from feasting on the nervous young man by taking the full sight of him. Just like during their initial meeting, she was carefully sliding him down from the head with short spiky black hair and thick eyebrows, to his smooth chin, then his wide but thin shoulders and his slim chest heaving under the shirt. What was more, his smell was intoxicating. Too intoxicating. This confused her for a while. He smelt like a burnt sandalwood, like the most wonderful flower in the world. But for a moment all too short, he also smelt like a nice piece of meat waiting to be roasted and devoured by wolves.

****

The room was, as expected, larger than their three combined and not a single piece of space was left alone. A wide screen set inlaid with ivory and a wide armchair guarded the western wall. Opposite to them a writing table was set inside the alcove balcony, the smoke from a copper incense burner lazily drifted outside after licking the nearby table screen.

“Her Majesty must revel in the stunning view everytime she writes,“ Márgerdra commented while she entered the room as the last one.

“Blondie,“ Wukong cleared his throat once he saw his companion picking up the incense burner and sniffing it,“we’re here for another reason.“

“That doesn’t mean I can’t rate the place,“ she easily shrugged him off. “We’re going through her stuff one way or another anyway.“

Bajie snorted,“Yeah! My words right there, Lady Márgerdra. This room’s huge. Which leaves us one option.“

Márgerdra and Wukong exchanged annoyed looks and simultaneously asked, although they’d already known the answer,“That is?“

“Splitting up the room in three, of course!“ Pigsy’s wide smile showed his tusks when he stepped out to the pair of massive chests with the queen’s clothes, which were located exactly by the screen set. “I’m reserving this part! Do whatever you want with the rest.“

Both his friends rolled their eyes and muttered under their noses. “Perv.“ “Idiot.“ On the other hand, the pig was not completely wrong. Too many shelves with books and scrolls, a large rosewood canopy bed with suspicious recesses, the chests, the table itself, not to mention there could be a hideaway in the floor or the ceiling.

Seeing how invested Márgerdra was in the files and notes, Wukong focused on the bed in the centre of the room. Upon his closer inspection, the recesses were truly nothing more but an art. To make sure nothing escaped his attention, the Sage even stood up on the bed to inspect the canopy itself. Yet apart from a thin layer of dust he found nothing.

He was prepared to call on his mates and sneak out when all of a sudden Márgerdra was the one to call him,“Wukong? I guess I found something. Could you lend me a hand, though?“

“Sure thing.“ Wukong approached the black table. The incense hit his nose so hard it made him cringe.

“Look at these scribbles. I managed to make some sense from it,“ Márgerdra cut herself off. She eyed Bajie for a moment before she lowered her voice,“But I wasn’ able to understand a few characters. Would you mind…reading them for me?“

Although he pouted, Wukong’s bright eyes gave his true feelings away to the witch. He arched over the scroll and for several seconds the room fell into an eerie silence. At last, Wukong raised his head. “It says something about a vast mountain lake with a spring. That they dug a way for it to course somewhere down. For the city to be supplied but also for some other purpose.“

“Wait, what?“ Márgerdra peeked over his shoulder. Then she unrolled another scroll just above the one Wukong was reading. “This makes so much more sense now.“

On Márgerdra’s scroll, the written word was retreating from long strings of numbers and incomplete formulas. Though the witch seemed to be excited over the calculations, confused Wukong wrinkled his brow. “What do you mean?“

“All these calculations served Shufen for the construction of a tunnel for the said lake. Here, at the corner, an estimated volume of water for the people and that ‘something’ is written. That was her result and her goal. But she needed a way to properly distribute the whole mass. To achieve something like that, pipelines had to be built to distribute water. Yet, this project hasn’t even begun. She just scrapped it and decided to use the river even though it’s slightly more difficult to pump it here into the palace since it’s much higher than the houses. But who knows. The paper doesn’t look old and neither does the used ink. She’ll probably return to it.“ 

Until now, Wukong’d kept himself utterly quiet, however, the last segment of Márgerdra’s discovery changed it. “How can you be so sure? Everything’s scratched out.“

“The project looks too important. It’ll gnaw on her mind and when she takes a second, better, look her brain’s going to burst. I bet my head on that.“ The witch noticed the puzzled demon and realised she didn’t exactly answer his question. Her right hand rose to her temple as the blonde nibbled her lower lip. “She forgot to add this result here,“ again, her index finger lightly tapped the paper, the material waved like the flame of the lit candle by their left,“which would then change this figure from fifteen thousand nine hundred forty to twenty one thousand seventy six hu. The next calculations are much easier and make more sense since the latter has the digit sum of sixteen. That means the retaining reservoir with such volume can equally supply the four destinations - the two halves of the city, palace and our secret place. All the while the former one has the digit sum of nineteen which is a prime number and you can’t do much about it since you can only divide it with one or-“

Wukong folded his arms. The amazement never left him, although the long monologue annoyed him real quick,“Cut it, blondie. I get it - she made a small but crucial mistake and we should find the secret place if we want to have the advantage for our escape.“ The Great Sage wanted to approach Bajie, who was still arching over the fine garments not minding any sound coming from either the room or the outside corridor, and ask for the pig’s potential discovery when a tiny spark lit inside his skull. “Riddle me this, though. You got problems with reading yet you know exactly how to calculate all these big numbers. How?“

Márgerdra shifted, put down the scrolls she was squinting her eyes over and coyly shrugged. It took her a while to collect her thoughts. “I’m not quite sure myself. It’s like a shapeless puzzle where rules repeat but you have full control of which way you can approach it. The letters seem to have their rules too, it’s just…I can’t comprehend it much.“ Streams of fresh air flowed around the room and brought delightful singing of a woman somewhere in the lower levels of the palace complex. The witch eyed the monkey demon warily before her lips parted so her much audacious voice could reach him.“But don’t think I’m letting myself stagnate at such a minor inconvenience. I will find a way. Don’t even doubt that.“

Wukong leaned against the table’s round edge with his back and let the grin play on his face. His darting eyes followed the quick motions of her gesturing hand. All the sheepiness he witnessed the previous night was gone as if the hidden demon of doubt, which gnawed on her all those years, finally vanished after the Wolf Witch allowed herself to spit out her trouble.“As fiery as always. I like that.“

“Ahem,“ the sound of Bajie’s deep voice interrupted them, a noise so sudden it made the two demons jump up,“sorry to bother but I guess I got something…“

When Wukong locked eyes with Pigsy, the smug glint behind them was undeniable.

****

As Yawen bowed, an applause resounded throughout the hall. “A splendid song by a splendid singer, Miss Yawen. Heavens truly gifted you with a voice of a nightingale,“ Wujing complimented the snake demoness who was slowly getting off of the stage with the wooden dancers. Her smug grin seemed to only widen by the praise.

“Precisely!“ Mei whole-heartedly added. “Your speaking voice can be a bit unpleasant but you’re a marvellous singer and performer!“ Although Mei blurted out the words as a flattery, the meaning and an honest adoration fell flat on Yawen. She scorched the girl and soon her forked tongue flickered in the air. “You surely are your sister’s relative, darling. Why don’t you sing for us, too? Because every time you or your equally impudent sister open your mouth all I can hear are two honking geese. Please, go on and convince me otherwise, dear Miss Ah Xiuying.“

Mei’s mouth hung open. However, she remembered the good manners and quickly shut it while she shook her head in disbelief. She indeed felt regretful about her poor decision. “Miss Yawen, I apologise. I did not at all mean it in an offensive way. Simply, I was too taken by surprise by your amazing set of skills, your singing and dancing and also by your instrument solo-“

“No, dear, I only accept the apology I deem enough. And this was not enough. Get up,“ Yawen slowly returned to her seat. While her full lips twisted into a crooked grin, her look burnt with venomous flames, a manner which Queen Shufen adopted as well, though the crane demoness was displeased by both women’s behaviour. Her plan was falling apart and it was only a matter of a few fleeing moments that the queen should silence them.

“Miss Yawen, please, calm yourself down. I can assure you she didn’t want to come across as hurtful,“ Sanzang rose from his seat but his plea was hardly heard by the snake demoness. It, however, didn’t discourage him from a second attempt,“Your song truly did spark some inspiration for my poem as Her Majesty hoped for. Yet there’s no need to be hateful towards this young lady. It was merely a slip of her tongue. If you desire for me or her to perform, please, we’ll be glad to carry out your wish under the condition of you putting your strife aside.“

“A slip of her tongue, you say? Maybe you’re right. I’ll give up strife if she puts away her tongue by cutting it out…“

“Yawen!“ Shufen’s furious shout resonated within the walls as the Queen of the Jade Valley stood up. “That’s enough! I’ve been tolerating your temper far too long. If you continue it’ll be you and no-one else to lose their tongue. Understand?“ The queen’s iron will and the sharp dagger being pulled out a bit from the guard’s sheath had its effect. Yawen sat down and didn’t utter a word more.

Shufen massaged her temples, then she turned to the Tripitaka and the young princess,“Please, accept my sincere apologies. This should not have happened under any circumstances. Hopefully, today’s marvellous evening shall not be ruined since the night is still rather young. Would you care to accompany me on a walk through the royal gardens? Take it as both a token of my gratitude that you offered all of your best suggestions to help our homeland as well as a way to compensate you for this distasteful and unnecessary dispute.“ Shufen offered Yawen one last disappointed look before she turned back to her guests.

Sanzang was so taken back he didn’t even notice when he found himself agreeing on her offer. “Thank you, Your Majesty. We’re grateful and gladly go with you.“

“Promise me one thing, though, young Master Huang,“ Shufen smiled as she approached him,“you will recite for me, won’t you?“

“Yes, Your Majesty,“ he sheepishly bowed,“I will.“

“Good.“ Sanzang felt Shufen’s hot finger as it directed his head upwards to face her. “Miss Yawen, bring me my cloak from my chambers, please. And if you find Captain Jun, tell him to send me the full report about the…unfortunate discovery in the cells he mentioned earlier but couldn’t discuss it further with me. And tell him about the promotion, too.“

****

Wukong cautiously observed the tiny bottle in Bajie’s hand with a sign ‘Immortality Pills’. “The shape of the bottle…I remember seeing one back in Heaven at Laozi’s place.“

“Seriously?“ Amused Bajie snorted,“Only ‘seeing’?“

“Fine, maybe I had one or two back in the day,“ Wukong rolled his eyes and took the white object. He shook it next to his ear, then opened it and turned it upside down, waiting. “Empty. What now?“

“I could do some miracles with our evidence,“ Márgerdra slyly reminded herself to the two disciples lost in their thoughts. Bajie didn’t comprehend at first but once he saw his senior to throw a scolding look at her, the pig understood perfectly.

The monkey growled,“Are you insane?! Did you forget what happened the last time?“

“You two will be there with me. If anything happens-“

“Nothing will happen. Because we’re not going through this mad plan.“

“Wukong, we need this,“ she grabbed the flask from him,“you never know whether it can save us some time or even us.“ Márgerdra didn’t refrain from the provocative smirk and wink. “Am I right, darling sir?“

Even though she directed her attention to Bajie to gain further support, he didn’t share her enthusiasm. After all, the pig marshal was much closer to snarling Wukong whose pointy tips of ears reddened beyond belief. Pigsy used it when Márgerdra turned once again to Wukong with a smug face and triumphantly took back the treasure he found at the bottom of a chest. “I think it’ll be better if this stayed with me and you, Lady Márgerdra, rethought your decision. We have much more options than such a reckless scenario, don’t you think, dear? Plus we don’t have much time left, I’m afraid.“

Márgerdra and Wukong offered him a puzzled look,“How so?“

“You probably didn’t notice because of your quarrel. But somebody’s coming our way,“ he pointed his thumb at the door behind,“I can hear the footsteps from the hallway.“

Indeed. Two sets of footsteps, one heavy, the other one much lighter and quicker, were heading towards the queen’s bedroom. Bajie thoughtlessly ran towards the alcove balcony. “Come on! Quickly!“ He was the first to climb out of the room, Márgerdra followed him soon.

The witch’s desperate gaze reached the monkey disciple but in no way he was able to make it in time. The door opened and Miss Yawen and Captain Jun both entered.

The demoness’ unmistakable voice pounded in Wukong’s ears,“So catch them, bring his head on a silver plate, find the Pilgrims and you’ll become a general, handsome Capt-!“

The Captain of the Royal Guard narrowed his eyes. His chest stuck out, yet his chin lowered down all the while his long neck curled. In combination with his long and slightly crooked nose and a few ruffled feathers, which sprouted on his forehead the moment he laid his eyes on the simian, there was no doubt the captain was the descendant of the Azure Crane Dynasty. “You?! What are you doing here? Guards!“

“No need for that, Captain,“ Yawen smiled sweetly as her eyes never left the frozen figure of Sun Wukong,“I called for him personally. Though, it seems our guest here confused the directions of my quarters, I believe.“

“Precisely, Miss Yawen,“ the monkey smirked and continued in his play on a poor stranded man. “I was here to discuss your offer. Even better that I got to meet my future opponent. I wish you all the best of luck for our rematch. You surely are going to need it.“

The crane demon’s haughty nature showed even more. He snorted with a growing smirk on his face,“I’d accept it if I didn’t know who shall become the winner, Huang.“

****

Márgerdra, who was silently grasping the outside wooden construction for her dear life, rested her hot forehead on her stretched arm and quietly sighed. “Cocky morons. Bajie, please, take care of Wukong. Follow him and that harlot wherever they go. Leave the captain to me.“

She readied herself for a risky jump - the rock crumbled under her feet and a few tiny pebbles slid down the steep hillside down to the ravine. “One last thing. Save the bottle as my back-up.“

“But, Lady Márgerdra, your whip’s visible!“ Bajie stretched out his arm to stop the woman. Alas, too late as she was already swiftly climbing and jumping towards the window leading into the hallway. “Not even a peck for good luck?“ he whimpered to pity himself.

****

A light cloak in Yawen’s hand kicked up a small cloud of dust when she clung to Wukong’s side. “Dear Captain, I’ve already informed you about everything. Now, please, move aside and let us through. Master Huang and I have an important topic ahead of us.“

“I’m afraid I can’t let that happen,“ the tall crane demon blocked the entrance of the room. “Although you said you called him here, I hardly believe it. A lie as simple as that can easily cost your tongue, Miss Yawen. Huang Wei, what is the real reason that you’re up here, in Her Majesty’s personal quarters, when instead you should treat your injured brother?“

A few weak words lingered on the tip of Wukong’s tongue when his saviour peeked her head from behind the soldier. His eyes popped out as the elegant she-wolf with swaying hips came forward. “Husband! I’ve found you after all. I just wanted to tell you your brother’s recovering fast but he needs you by his side. His big protective brother.“ She motioned with her eyes towards the balcony to alert Wukong. “Oh my, what an ensemble there is! Captain Jun, Miss Yawen, forgive me for interrupting you. Did anything serious happen?“

After witnessing the acting improvisation from the witch, the Monkey King forced himself to swallow the disgusting knob in his throat and theatrically opened his arms. “Eternal light of my life, there you are! I was about to talk to Miss Yawen.“

“Truly?“

“Indeed, my,“ the word stuck in between his gritted teeth but, somehow, it managed to escape the bone prison,“love.“

“In that case, I shall leave you to the business. You will find me at our quarters, resting. Captain Jun, would you mind accompanying this pitiful soul?“ Unlike Yawen, Márgerdra only lightly turned her head towards Jun. Her eyelids were heavy, blinking only sparely. Like in trance, Jun stepped closer. He regained his posture and offered a hand as a support for the strange woman. Wordlessly, they left the room together.

The privacy made Yawen conjure a grin. Once again, she snuggled to Wukong’s side,“As I told you, I know a wonderful spot in the upper gardens. Nobody will interrupt us there.“

Wukong motioned with his hand forward,“Lead the way, then, Miss Yawen.“

When the monkey closed the door behind them he slapped his forehead,“Apologies, Miss Yawen. I’m afraid I forgot something. Wait for me here, I’ll be right back.“

“Naturally, Master Huang. I’m able to wait for you the whole night, but, please, be so kind and don’t let that happen,“ the snake demoness’ lashes fluttered like wings of a caged bird, yet her expression reminded a hungry beast.

Once inside, Wukong slammed the door behind to call out his fellow disciple. He met the pig right as he was one leg in. The Sage didn’t hide his hurry. “Follow the witch, not me. I don’t care what she told you, do as I say and don’t let her see you.“

“Why? She just diverted his attention,“ Bajie whispered back, completely confused.

“She did not.“ The glint, that tiny little spark buried deep within her blue eyes Wukong came to know so well emerged from the simian’s memory. “She’s on to something. Go and be careful. We’ll talk later, Middle Bro. Good luck.“

Pigsy nodded,“Good luck to you, too, Big Bro.“

****

The fluffy clouds, whose colours continually ranged from bloody red to orange and soft pink to cobalt blue, swam above the pair’s heads as they progressed through the narrow stairway into the open area with a willow grove in the far back corner. The limp treetops swept the wet floor underneath, thousands of leaves caressed the grass beneath as if to say hello to their dearest neighbour. Brightly coloured nightingales chirped in the rich green crowns, though the time for their sweet sleep was approaching quickly, their nests were patiently waiting for them among the nearby bamboo, pines and plums.

Yawen guided Wukong by the narrow path until they passed through a moon bridge. Lily pads floated in the pond, the only obstacle of an otherwise perfect mirror that was the crystal clear surface.

“How do you like the garden so far, Master Huang?“ the snake demoness said with a smug face.

Wukong avoided the reply the best he could, though. His arm was as if on fire the longer he was standing beside the petite woman. “I see nobody’s here. Not even guards although you claimed this to be Her Majesty’s biggest pride.“

“Please, spare me your neverending detective wisdom, Master. I’ve explained when we set out for these gardens. I’m one of the few alongside the captain who are free to go in and out whenever they like. When it comes to you, don’t be concerned. A friend of mine is also a friend of Her Majesty.“ She led him further, deeper until they came across a white wall with a brown gabled roof. Above the set bright circular door was engraved a sign like a matte crown of the moongate. The characters on it read ‘The Blessed Spot between Heaven and Earth Where the Western Crane Flew’.

Without ever letting go of him, the demoness pressed her glowing right palm against the hardwood and opened the passageway to the most wonderful of places Wukong had ever seen in his long life.

The private garden hidden at the very top of the complex, of the whole mountain, protected by a magical seal was truly the most mesmerising wonder of the world. A rivulet danced around the limestones of the most peculiar shapes, the shiny scales of goldfish threw magnificent images of gold, orange and occasionally silver, white and black as the playful creatures progressed towards the circular pond with lotuses. A heron with feathers of flaming red was taking a sip by the small ornamented bridge when it was startled by the visitors. The bird took off into the wide sky, its wings brushed against the treetops of two great trees planted in the garden, the true gemstones of the palace’s crown. One of them Wukong recognised immediately. The white flowers blossomed in sweetly citrus-like fragrance on the thickly branched enormous tree that resembled a tree planted in the Heavenly Gardens, an exquisite Laozi’s gift for the Jade Emperor. Yet, the second plant was quite the mystery to the Monkey King. It was somewhat smaller, its leaves were more fragile-looking. There were twenty fig-like delightfully smelling fruits in total carried by the twigs and branches, something that Sun Wukong had never seen before. With each inhale he felt lighter, stronger. His iron body began to bloom with euphoria inside out. He was so caught up in that fleeting moment he didn’t even notice how or when Yawen made him sit on a red bench in the round pavilion under the two trees. “It’s nice here, isn’t it?“

Again, he avoided the posed question and her infinite look. “I see Her Majesty planted a magnolia tree here. What a magnificent plant that is,“ he murmured with widened eyes and let his memories drift to the Wolf Witch. Her smell wasn’t much different from the one consuming him. “Miss Yawen, say, isn’t it forbidden for anyone beside emperors to own the noble tree?“

Yawen rolled her eyes but chuckled brightly nonetheless. “Oh, my, you surely are persistent with your questions. It sure is. But you witnessed how ambitious Her Majesty is. It won’t be long and the title of ‘Emperor’ shall be hers. Hush now, dear. May I offer you a cup of yulan tea? It may help you to put aside your restless mind.“ She raised a set for tea preparation which was stored inside a carved cabinet.

At first, the monkey demon was prepared to decline but realising the unpleasant drought in his throat, he, at last, nodded. Once again, he caught himself thinking of the witch. Although they’d become significantly close, her choice still irked him. The advisor refused to let Wukong take the risk and now she’s promenading with someone who’s clearly a bigger threat if confronted directly. But…she’d never done anything that wouldn’t benefit her. Wukong scolded himself for not counting with this outcome. Even the tiniest of the details were crucial with her deceitful nature. The Lady Wolf Witch was truly a person of great ambitions and self-confidence. Something Wukong himself hardly lacked. Something that once again landed them in unnecessary trouble.

And yet Wukong wished to bring her there and show her the two trees. No doubt Márgerdra had never witnessed the source of her perfume and he was willing to bet his own head the woman would be equally astounded as he was, if not more.

“Here you are, Master Huang.“ The gold-coloured liquid rippled in the porcelain cup in front of him. Yawen patiently waited for Wukong to accept and when he did she sat down as close to him as possible, yet she set her own cup on the low table in front of them. “Before we start with the business subject, I have one more additional yet no less important offer for you.“

Dimples accompanied her broad grin plastered across her face, the black beauty mark on her cheekbone shone but the man paid it no attention. All he let out was a bored groan,“Apart from brewing tea, making strange proposals must be your top hobby.“

“You’re such a jokester. Not something I’d expect from a tough fighter like you. I like that.“ She bit on her long painted nail. “You see, titles are used between two people who barely know each other. This no longer applies for the two of us. Let’s put all those formalities aside.“

“I’m not sure whether such a thing would be suitable, Miss Yawen…“

“Please, call me only Yawen from now on. And you shall be Wei for me. Are we settled, dear?“

The way she put up her legs next to her body on the bench and leaned closer to him reminded Wukong of the witch even more. She used to choose this pose whenever they set up a camp and she wanted Bajie to share more food either for her or the princess. Márgerdra would tempt the woodcutter’s son or the merchants at the inn just like Yawen was doing right now. She too had that cold, stabbing, unnervingly deep gaze, piercing anyone through and through. Even Bajie started to see beneath Márgerdra’s charade, otherwise the pig would adamantly obey her demand, not Wukong’s. The two women were so similar, so mendacious. However he’d started this game long ago. There was no escape.

“Very well…Yawen.“

“Excellent!“ She clapped her hands. “Back to the main topic of this evening, shall we? You see, Her Majesty’s going to celebrate her birthday soon. She loves martial arts tournaments and so does her nephew. The only difference is that she’s an observer while he enjoys being much more active. Captain Jun started a few years ago but since his debut we haven’t seen other champion than him.“

Wukong cocked his eyebrow. “Is that the case? Sure, he’s rather good. His technique’s on a high level, I wouldn’t dare to deny the fact. But there’s just as many imperfections he doesn’t seem to care to reduce.“

“That’s why I want you to participate. He needs a little nudge, the queen needs a celebration, you need a rematch and I need entertainment. By the way, did I mention the winner is also compensated with a reward? Simply put, everybody wins. Besides, I can help you, too.“

Wukong’s curiosity and distrust was piqued,“How?“

“I shall provide you with a safe place for your training, a hall at first used for soldiers to train but now it’s abandoned due to moving them to another location. I’ve already arranged the place, knowing well you’re not going to decline. It’s right above the bathhouse. As a bonus I’ll train with you. We don’t have much time left, not more than two weeks. I know the captain’s weaknesses. How he dodges, where he likes to kick, what’s his most used attack.“

The monkey began choking on his tea, though it didn’t last long. He pulled himself together quicker than expected, brushing away the concerned snake woman,“I have no doubt you can fight. But you’re too small for me. Your stamina, strength, there’s no way you’d be able to keep up with me. Plus, I've been training with Yaling much longer. I’m too used to her to let go and find another partner. Thank you but I can only agree on the training place. Nothing more. What’s more, when it comes to the captain, I’d like to save the thrill and not know more about his fighting skills beforehand. It’d ruin the experience.“

Yawen had a lot of problems keeping her tongue behind her teeth. At first the girl, now the handsome stranger is mocking her, too. She reminded herself, though, not to overdo her effort and simply do what she was best at - keep waiting. “As you wish. However, if you change your mind in the future, let me know. My door’s always open for you.“

For a while they were only sitting side by side and sipping on the warm liquid. None of them spoke as if they had their tongues cut out. Only the buzzing of insects echoed in their ears. However, Yawen didn’t let herself be chased off. And Wukong knew all too well. She pretended not to care. He saw beneath. She finally broke the silence. He didn’t like it. Both her speaking and the topic she chose. “I wonder how close the Pilgrims are. With the mighty protector in the charge, they must proceed fast.“

“If you think then so be it.“

“Wei, my lovely, sweet Wei,“ Yawen put her palm on his chest. The silk rustled but the pounding in his chest didn’t join. There, under his ribs, deep within the now flesh, his heart always remained a lifeless stone. “Of course ‘so be it’. Are you truly that careless about the probable presence of the Tang monk?“

“Probable doesn’t mean possible.“

“Oh my, how cold you can be!“ Yawen playfully pulled away and pretended to be offended. “Be honest now-“

“I always am. You don’t need to worry about that.“ Wukong used his chance of the slight distance between him and his unfavourable companion and stretched out to pour another cup. The last drops seemed to have been waiting solely for him and he couldn’t be more grateful.

“Would you taste the monk’s flesh once he gets here?“

“No.“

“Why? Just imagine it. Eternal life, wisdom, the forever beauty of never-fading youth. Is this your true answer, Wei?“

“Indeed it is. The monk’s sent to retrieve sutras. He was chosen by the Bodhisattva Guanyin, he’s the reincarnation of Golden Cicada. This quest of his, it’s far more important, far more valuable than what we can imagine. The selfless act to face the dangers and fears. All of that…just to save the souls who would in return spit onto his face due to the ragged clothing and dirty face. Yet, he still proceeds further. Not because of mercy or whatever other fancy word. It’s just…the right thing to do. And that, Yawen, is the sole reason I’d never feast on his flesh. I’d be tearing away the hope for the better tomorrow. I don’t want that.“

The pause which came after the last word was appalling. The Great Sage wished he’d kept his mouth shut, although the nudge inside he listened to told him otherwise. At last, the lecherous woman barked out,“What an honest man you are! A speech of a man who’s a monk at heart, that’s what you delivered. Though rather short, you went straight to the point. I envy you, sweet Wei. If I didn’t know you, I’d think you’re a member of that party. After all, your youngest brother is easily just as dashing as the monk, or so do they say. However, I admit, he’s rather shy and tattered for the chosen one of Bodhisattva Guanyin, someone who’s an emperor’s brother. Not to mention the black mane. Monks can’t grow out their hair. Am I correct?“

“Yes, you are.“

“Wei!“ She laughed and bumped into his shoulder,“You’re so offhand! Come on, cheer up a bit. With this attitude, you could easily pass for the first disciple. I’ve heard he’s got a huge…“ Yawen paused, wearing a bright expression on her face. She teasingly bit on her lower lip as she looked the monkey up and down before she settled on a single word. “...ego. What’s the name of that brutish ape?“

Wukong recognised the dance she was trying to pull him into. This time, he suppressed his urge to lash out on her. He brought his knee under his chin and calmly responded as he scratched beneath the sharp chin,“Not exactly sure. There’s too many hairy bastards these days. But if you mean it in connection to the Tang monk it’s probably, hm, Sun Wukong?“

“Yes! That’s his name. Sun Wukong. The strongest of all demon kings. The Monkey King himself. The Great Sage Equal to Heaven. The Heavenly Rebel,“ just as she was about to open her mouth for the last title, her grin grew from playful to wicked and at last it twisted into an ominous grimace,“The Kinbutcher.“

The cold and honest truth hid behind the wicked name. It froze Wukong from head to toe. Rage and regret, it all mixed and flushed through his veins, it consumed him bit by bit, although he couldn’t deny it. Truly, Sun Wukong had become the hunter of his own. Though he did have a reason to do so it could not change the fact he was a murderer. Only the circumstances changed yet the blood on his hands never vanished. The Kinbutcher. The word pounded on his tongue, on his guts, on his mind.

He withstood the temptation to pull out his powerpole. He knew better. Instead, he buried the bitterness underneath the laughing mask. “So many titles! I better start working hard on my own career if I want to become this famous.“

The sudden easy-going approach of the simian threw Yawen off balance which forced her to join in on the little joke. “Planning on taking the imperial exams?“

“Absolutely! I bet I could easily answer all my questions. Though, there’s one subject I’m not particularly excellent at.“ He forced himself to wear a broad smile even when Yawen put her legs over his lap, the thin green fabric slid down her pale skin, revealing a good portion of it. The decorations in her hair dangled. She wanted to ask what he was aiming at but Wukong was ahead of her. He pointed his clawed finger over the low railing of the pavilion. It was directed at one target - the unknown tree bearing twenty mauve figs. “What is this tree over there? I’ve never seen it before nor have I heard about a similar plant in my life.“

“Sweet Wei, that is an alchemical experiment of Her Majesty. I should not talk much about it. However, with you, I’m willing to make an exception,“ the back of her hand slid down Wukong’s cheek, but she had to quickly retract it when the monkey clicked his sharp teeth, nearly biting the snake’s fingers off. Nevertheless, she laughed it off as a trivial matter, something a restless innocent child would do, not an adult demon with a diabolical gaze. She moved her hips and arched her back till she was breathing on the side of his face and only then she softly spoke to the man in black and gold,“Her Majesty, Queen Shufen, once obtained special seeds and decided to grow them here, in the safety of the mountain. Do you see those fig-like fruits? I’m sure you’ve already noticed their splendid smell. That alone gives you the strength of a hundred men. Nonetheless, if you come completely close and smell them right there, they shall grant you five hundred years of life. If you taste them, though, you gain immortality and eternal youth. That is the reason why this garden is sealed by such a complicated spell. You see, Her Majesty’s still waiting for the right time to harvest the figs and taste their unusual peach-like flavour.“

Wukong’s stomach growled. Still, he didn’t tear away from the astonishing view ahead of him,“Why exactly?“

“Silly, silly Wei,“ her unpleasant chuckle bounced against Wukong’s eardrums but at least she put her legs down,“she needs them to ripen! That shall take the next two weeks. At least that’s the estimated date for this alchemical miracle. If she ought to take the figs now they’d all crumble into dust immediately. Hence why she’s saving it for the best opportunity. Because once they’re fully mature, they should last long enough to be consumed. Or at least so does our court alchemist estimate. Although, he’s not even sure himself.“

“The immortal fruit,“ Wukong snorted,“something so valuable and Her Majesty still wants to devour the Tang monk?“

“Devouring him is a matter of both - gaining immortality but also his gathered wisdom. The latter is what tempts our beloved Queen.“

“If the tree is so important that nearly nobody ought to know about it,“ this time it was Wukong who leaned uncomfortably close,“why are you telling me all of this, then, Yawen? How can you be so sure I’m not going to rat on you?“

Perhaps for the first time since the demons had met, Yawen’s eyes glistened with a hint of uncertainty. Her head turned right and left, the long strands of her coal black hair fell down to her worried face and created a silky curtain in front of her forehead and narrow cheeks. Her voice became a fragile whisper,“I told you this because I need someone to have my back if things go south. I fear for my safety. The captain, well, he’s not the most pleasant type to work with. The man can be extremely, overly, suspicious even if he means it in a good way. He’s been on about some sort of coup in the palace. In case he’d start accusing me I want you, an honourable man with a healthy judgement, to be aware of my side of the story - I would never harm Shufen. Not even in a dream. I don’t care about the figs as you can see that I talk about them without a single notion of ulterior motives. Although not many will trust you. Still, it’s better than nothing…“ Yawen slowly backed off and made herself once again comfortable in her pompous seat. In a blink of an eye, she lost all of the innocence drawn across her face.

Naturally, the story was never enough for the old demon. The Sage scratched his nose and put one leg over another while simultaneously leaning back to rest his tired back against the red-painted railing. “You hardly know me and still you’re putting all your trust into me. Don’t start with the ‘I’m so alone in this cursed palace’ nonsense. Just answer me - why should I keep my lips sealed in front of the captain of the queen, Yawen?“

“The answer’s easy. I’m sure you’ve already taken the hint, sweetie. I showed you this secret, yes. But, tell me, what exactly were you searching for in the queen’s bedroom? Hm? I’ve never once mentioned to you my quarters’ location. Plus, I doubt you wanted to find a pretty trinket for your wretched cold-hearted hag of a ‘wife’. I think you were there for another reason. Maybe to know more about Her Majesty? Why did she, the Azure Crane, go the long way here from the western parts of Mount Kunlun? There are many reasons you should not interfere with her privacy. Unless you’re afraid for your group's safety, monkey. Almost as if you wanted to run away as quickly as possible. It would make sense to scavenge her private chambers to find drafts of secret tunnels and such. What do you think? What would Her Majesty or the Royal Guard Captain do if I told them the truth? I may trust you but they certainly won’t if my tongue accidentally slipped.“

For a while, they both fell into an uncomfortable silence. Inside, Wukong was screeching, howling, spitting blood, sulphur and fire. It reflected in his eyes as they caught on the slightly amber hue. A single look at them and one could easily think a wild fire was raging behind them which was not far from the truth.

On the other hand, Yawen airily played with her hair as if nothing serious occurred. “Let’s keep it our little secret. I mean this whole evening. Are we clear, sweetie?“ Yawen winked at him.

Seeing how fed up he was she decided to elaborate for the first time and put up no protest when he politely but hurriedly excused himself. “Miss Yawen…“

“Only Yawen, please, Wei.“

“Yawen, thank you for your company. As we settled down on the tournament proposition and also went through various interesting topics, I dare to say this evening was more than delightful. Yet, I have to return to my wife and younger brother. I sincerely wish you a goodnight.“

“Sweetest dreams to you, too, darling.“

The door behind Wukong slammed hard. The monkey demon clearly didn’t care anymore whether a dismissed guard could have heard him or not. He simply wished to get as away from the place as he could. When he was a good distance away, he slyly smirked to himself. At last, they may have a lead.

On the other hand, Yawen was of the opposite opinion. She put her empty cup on the table and lightly sneaked towards the fig tree. The lowest hanging fruit was exactly the size of her palm. She gently grabbed it but didn’t yank. She only kept the light touch on it while the snake lady imagined how the sweet flavour flooded her mouth. The demoness licked her lips before she pulled away. She needs to wait a little longer.

Yawen yanked the cloak and went searching for Queen Shufen.

****

“Your Majesty, didn’t you ask for your cloak? Shouldn’t we wait for Miss Yawen?“ Sanzang swallowed the gulp in his throat. His body shivered from head to toe whenever Queen Shufen snuggled closer to him. The thought that the demoness was already clinging to his arm was making him nervous, which showed on his sweat-drenched shirt and red cheeks.

“She’ll catch on us. You needn’t to worry, young Master Huang. Besides, the weather is still relatively fine. I expected for the wind to pick up any time soon.“ The queen stopped and so did the escort with Mei and Ol’ Sha behind her. With a single wave of her hand she dismissed her party so only the two of them remained, in spite of Wujing and Mei’s initial protests. All they could do at the moment was solely let the servants accompany them to their own quarters.

Crickets chirred among the tall peonies and orchids in the back of the wide space. The sun no longer reigned in the sky yet the moon was still nowhere in sight, however, it was no obstacle for the breeze to chafe the decorative limestone wall with a grotto by their left. It swished and whistled, it ran and flew up and down, right and left until it reached the couple. Goldfish swam in the narrow pond beside them, the tiny waves created by their nimble tails licked the white platform.

Sanzang began to dart his eyes in every direction while the tremor seized him as if the land beneath manifested the earthquake. He knew he had nowhere to back away.

His hands fell down, the sleeves brushed the sides of his robes. His eyes were downcast. The monk’s dejected voice spreaded through the shivering air. The despair was so strong it even shut the croaking in the pond.

“The land is sour with the sun shining on it,

yet at night, when the moon rises from the cloudy bed,

the eyes of Budd- the eyes of,“ Sanzang’s voice cracked as he faltered,“of the merciful one,

they shall guide me through both, the white day and black night,

till I can find salvation…“ He was about to finish when he remembered one of Bajie’s many poems. The young monk gladly grasped the memory and the idea it gave him. “Till I can find salvation in her lily-like eyes!“

Shufen’s smile widened, the two onyx gems of her porcelain face danced with unmistakable joy. Her slender palms rested on Sanzang’s quivering shoulders. Her ruthlessness was gone in a mere second. It didn’t take long for the monk to come to believe the queen’s soothing words. “Dear, this was the most wonderful poem one has ever told, heard and witnessed. You have a talent many can envy. That is why I decided to ask you something. Would you be comfortable to recite for me at my celebration? After we hold a tournament it would be the finest present for the Queen of the Jade Valley.“

With each bit she drew nearer to the delightful young man, the more his inner urge to scream and run built up. The Tripitaka began to tilt his head back. Anything just to avoid the unbearable proximity. He almost stopped believing for a miracle to happen.

But it did.

From a distance, a deep husky call reached them, making the queen break her intense gaze. “Shui, brother! Almost thought I would never find you in these vast but unearthly beautiful gardens. Your Majesty! My apologies. In that hurry, my simple and poor self failed to notice your radiance as it was somehow covered by the cloak of the approaching night.“ Wukong bowed deeply. The gesture and tone of his voice made Shufen stutter but she ultimately only gently waved her hand. “No need to worry about such a detail, Master Huang. Did something bad happen? You rushed in like there's lightning coming to strike you any second.“

“No, Your Majesty. I was simply wondering where my little brother went. I was a bit worried.“ Wukong was prepared to take Sanzang with himself the moment he saw his master’s reddened face. At the last moment, he backed off on the immediate rescue of the monk. The mischief in the monkey’s expression couldn’t be denied while his stern posture remained unchanged. “But I see that little Shui is in good hands. Shall I leave you two be by yourselves? Perhaps I could return in an hour or so…“

While Shufen was about to politely accept the Great Sage’s offer, the Tripitaka quickly interrupted her,“That won’t be needed…big brother… It’s getting late and Her Majesty surely has had plenty of difficult matters to attend to. She must be terribly tired from the trouble that’s been happening lately. Am I correct? Anyway, I wish you goodnight, Your Majesty. I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.“

“Young Master,“ Shufen’s steel command stopped the two men once they turned their backs to her, but her next words carried a significantly softer, warmer tone, like the sun that had just hid behind the horizon,“do you promise me, please, to recite? I’ll understand if you decline. Yet, I’d be very much pleased if you accept, Master Huang.“

Something within her voice convinced Sanzang’s gentle heart. Truly, he was afraid but at the same time he didn’t wish to sadden the woman, although she was no human at all. He turned around for the last time with a sincere look, his elegant light robes quietly whispered as he bowed deeper than ever before,“Yes, Your Majesty. I’d never dare to take away the happiness from you. Everyone deserves it. You included. Goodnight.“

Delighted Shufen soon marched away in an opposite direction. While the disciple and his Master slowly closed the distance between them and the staircase, the Sage uttered a sneaky remark,“Are you gonna recite for me, too, Shui? Or you’re saving the best for the queen?“

“Argh, shut it, Wukong. Now, get us out of here. I really thought my pants were so wet for some…reason. Thankfully, it’s just the sweat.“

Wukong smacked his thigh as he laughed hard. His contagious laughter soon jumped onto Sanzang, as well, and the two descended into an illuminated corridor.

“Hey, Wukong.“

“All ears, Shifu.“

“You and Márgerdra are going to stay for a while in our room, right? We got a story to tell you from dinner.“

Wukong hesitated but eventually gave into the unusual idea and even more unusual enthusiasm of his young Master. “Sure. Why not, Shifu.“

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Taglist (let me know if you'd like to be added): @vanessaroades-author @rubywrite @aohendo @rbbess110 @jgmartin @outpost51

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List of chapters:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Epilogue

[gikairan]

Ive always looked at people complaining about Game Awards nominees/ winners as silly, because i've never seen anything wrong with the picks.

Like, they usually ARE the best games of that particular year?

but man... this years feels just.... sus as hell.....

Theres 2 things really sticking out to me:

Elden Rings expansion Shadow of the Erdtree, and the inclusion of Black Myth: Wukong under GOTY

Now apparently DLC could ALWAYS win GOTY. Its just somehow never been nominated before!! Meanwhile the thing thats made me sus that something has been rigged in the background was last years inclusion (And eventual win) of Cyberpunk 2077 in Best Evolving Game. Its, uh, not an evolving game! Its a game that should have been a GOTY contender, had it not released in... that state. It took 3 years to make the game presentable and release an expansion. Once that expansion came out, most development on CP2077 ended. it felt like TGAs wanted to give CP2077 an award, so they just found a category that it sort of fit. All at the expense of every other evolving game that was nominated.

If DLC could always be a GOTY contender, why not nominate Phantom Liberty as GOTY? ... Well because it probably wouldnt have won, as last years list of games was exceptional. If you wanted to rig something so CP2077 would win A Game Award, you dont nominate it for GOTY next to BG3.

And then we think about.... the genre it is. And the developer. FromSoft have appeared heavily at Geoff Keighley events over the years. Theres been a lot of "most anticipated" nominations for Elden Ring. Not only that, but im pretty sure if you decided to drink at TGAs for every Souls-like game shown off - you'd not be in a good way at the end. Geoff events showcase a lot of Souls-likes. I know this because they often pique my interest, only to lose it the moment they show off a bit of combat and i go "oh... looks like a Fromsoft game".

It feels like favouritism! They clarified a never before clarified rule as an excuse to nominate THIS particular game... again.

And then we get to Wukong....

It is, apparently, one of the lowest critically reviewed games nominated for GOTY. Its metacritic score is 81.

I can name 3 games off the top of my head that scored higher than it & didn't get nominated: Dragon Age (82), Dragons Dogma 2 (86) and Silent Hill 2 (86). But theres also... almost everything Nintendo released this year? Echoes of Wisdom (86), Super Mario RPG (84), Paper Mario: TTYD (88). While this year was pretty low in terms of volume of games released, theres been a high number of games in the high 80s. So nominating a game with an 81 score is... interesting.

And i cant help but see a trend in what got in and what got snubbed....

All of those games with better metacritic scores than Wukong.... did not have anywhere near the presence of Wukong at Geoff Keighleys events. In fact, many of them did not appear at all. Meanwhile i noted how Wukong appeared at basically every single one since that first Summer Games Fest. Including the last Gamescom Opening Night Live... a few days after it launched.

Now, games dont just appear on SGF because someone went "yeah, this has promise. it looks good" No They pay the company behind the whole thing

USD $250,000 for 1 minute of trailer

For a game to appear 3 times a year for 4 years, thats a minimum of three million United States Dollars given to the Game Awards company.

Nintendo rarely shows off their games outside of their own Directs. Dragon Age didnt go through Geoff this year - only past teases at TGAs. Silent Hill mostly went through Playstation. Dragons Dogma through Capcom directly.

And its a weird correlation, right? A bunch of better games that were not shown off at Geoff events all got snubbed for one that was heavily pushed by Geoff events? And, therefore, paid the Game Awards people a bunch of money. And look, i cant prove a damn thing. I'm a woman in England who just likes video games. I also cant prove the nomination for Wukong wasnt because it sold a lot of units and was one of this years biggest (if not best) games.

But something doesnt smell right?

Ill be honest, I fully expect Erdtree to win. Im not going to argue that it isnt one of the best gaming experiences released this year full stop. I think it might just be one of the most acclaimed expansions ever made? Literally, ever. But its not a full game in its own right, and I can't help but see favouritism towards a certain developer in the nomination of the First DLC for GOTY, instead of the creation of a Best Expansion category? Or, you know, nomination for "best evolving game" to match last years precedent 🙄.

[quitealotofsodapop]

haha I love the "slow-boiled stone egg" name for this au thats adorable! I have some to chew on now thank you! I will be drawing some funny moments for this au now <3

[Many foes back off just by the tired firey glare in the King's eyes.] Wukong's presence is enough to scare most off, and the most of the rest who think about still trying end up taking one look at him and just knowing it's not worth it XD

[Wukong never managed to tell Macaque about the Egg in that lifetime.] it breaks his heart. later, the fact he never knew breaks Macaque's heart too, he'd always wanted a family with his king

[he's convinced that the Egg's presence at the Samadhi Fire was what caused the Rings to Split and hit Ao Lie.] I didn't mention it in my first post but it was part of my thought process that the stone egg started "kicking" mid-ritual, and try as he might to keep control of the situation the pain from that is what causes Wukong to slip allowing the creation of the fourth ring.

[By isolating himself, he accidentally causes his body to *turn down the heat* and extend the process even longer.] awww no, nore isolation! he's gonna be so mad when he realizes he prolonged the whole thing more. but maybe it's better that way, it wouldn't be good to have the egg be born while his mental health is that bad and he doesn't have a support network. egg is like, "no troop? no family? not suitable conditions, I'm staying in here for now". [he geniunely believed that keeping MK whilst the Stone Egg was still draining life force could kill the cub. So SWK is forced to give the little toddler up to save his life.] on the same note it's also (unfortunately) for the better, he wasn't in the right mind to care for a kid, and ebven if that isn't the direct reason he acknowledges as he reason to give MK up the fact he recognizes he might not be safe for a kid right now and does things to ensure MK still gets a good life says a lot. bonus points if he still watches over MK as he grows and giving up MK leads him to trying to better his mental health for the sake of his unborn infant.

[When him and MK finally reunite, its a little awkward but MK immediately understands the reason for the Monkey King's retirement.] wait, did MK remember he was with SWK first here or was just "meeting my fav legend irl" kind of awkward? also MK assuming it's a bad break up situation is super funny when you remember that it was his break up with Macaque that led to Wukong's body finally reaching peak egg making conditions. in a way, it is a bad break up situation, just not in the way that MK is assuming.

[being "like this longer than even Lao Tzu's mother". He returns to Pigsy's that evening silent with a horrified look on his face.] SWK def brags that he now holds the record for the longest pregnancy from any immortal. when MK goes back to Pigsy's the othres notice, and MK having already told the others why SWK wasn't doing hero work himself anymore (with SWK's permission ofc) explains what Wukong told him and the whole shop is silently horrified/very sympathetic the rest of the night.

[New Years does not go smoothly. The Spider Queen can sense that there's a new life within the King, but she decides its an issue for after the takeover.] Wukong is very surprised she doesn't immediately try and exploit the obvious weakness but she's like "I hate you but I still have some honor ape" but still goes and drains him. he's very surprised to see LBD present, and her being there when he's caught is how she learns he's carrying a stone egg. her having this information freaks him out, especially when it doesn't take her long to start making passive threats. after the spider queen debacle SWK def make a really quick tri to the south sea for a check up with Kuan Yin to make sure being drained like that didn't hurt the egg.

[DBK frees himself, not only from the fear of losing his wife and his son, but also out of fury that Wukong had been hiding his condition for so long!!] LBD approaches SWK who is tied up close to DBK, so DBK hears the whole conversation, including the parts about Wukong's condition. he spends the whole time he's trying to escape grilling Wukong about keeping it secret from even him.

[Any resentment surrounding the Bull's imprisonment is forgiven due to a certain offer... + PIF demands a proper baby shower when she hears about it from her excited husband later.] it is surprisingly easy to get back into the bull family's good graces after imprisoning DBK with that single question, as well as making up for not telling them. DBK picks up red son and runs back home super excited, he busts down the doors to his family's castle and just yells "DARLING WE'RE GONNA BE GODPARENTS" to both PIF and RS's confusion until he explains everything.

[Macaque has... suspicions when he and Wukong finally meet again in S1. He makes a comment about the king being "out of shape", but becomes concerned when his Sun refuses to fight in any way that leaves his stomach exposed.] Macaque's "comprehension of all" be coming in clutch here baby! he's instantly concerned about Wukong so closely protecting a certain part of his bidy, that usually means there's a vulnrability, a big one, but it's only when he's laying in bed later that night that it occurs to him just what that vulbrability may have been. it causes many sleepless nights after that, driving himself insane trying to figure out if he;s right or not with the information he has at hand.

["The Shadow Play" becomes more a plan to trap the Monkie Kid gang for answers. MK spills the beans. Macaque stares blankly for a minute before yelling in frustration. It's too much emotional baggage to process right now!] the endless speculation becomes too much and he just needs answers, now. but with that question out of the way there's a couple more lined right up. how far a long is he? who;s the other parent? when did it happen? but ofc he ends up not having the chance to answer those questions before LBD decides to shake things up some more.

[now with the additional threat that she will harm the Stone Egg if Macaque fails her again...] even without all the answers he wants about the stone egg Macaque knows he can't let that happen, he may have hated Wukong for a while and they have yet to even begin reconciling but he would never do anything to harm Wukong's baby if he ever had one. he wasn't going to bring an infant into their conflict. but Wukong doesn't know that. he knows Wukong doesn't know that from the way he hunches in on himself to protect his stomach the second Macaque's voice is heard above the airship. Wukong is at first terrified when Macaque gets involved, he hates the idea of having to choose between him or his unborn infant again, but Wukong already knows what he'll choose if he has to. but Macaque barely even acknowledges him, specifically doesn't target him, a noteworthy thing since Macaque's quarrel is most personal with the sage. SWK doesn't complain, he doesn't want to have to choose again.

[She tries to offer protection for the Stone Egg in exchange for the world - but Wukong refuses to answer and gets the drop on him.] clever considering his love for children in general let alone his own, but what good is having his little one alone when he so desperately wants to share that love with his family? [Macaque breaks the King from his possession by casually placing a curious hand on his swollen stomach, smiling in a way Wukong hadn't seen in centuries. "I know," is all that is said as the two monkeys allow their foreheads to touch.] Macaque is very mindful not to do anything that would risk the stone egg's life during the fight because LBD doesn't care to protect SWK's stomach the way he himself did back in s1. still, Wukong was so stressed by what was happening while he was possessed that Macaque's gentleness+pregnancy hormones causes him to ust start bawling his eyes out. loud, ugly crying tears of joy and relief.

[She did not count upon the Egg recognising her as a yummy source of spirtual energy as she was possessing it's parent. LBD soul is literally devoured as the Stone Egg responds to Wukong and Macaque's reconcillation.] the mental image of the stone egg's magic just chomping down on LBD's soul is super funny, stone egg be like "you hurt bama and then try and leave like nothing? i think not! nom". SWK sensing the egg absorbing some powerful magic and is just like "oh gods".

[Until the newly unpossessed Monkey King doubles over in pain and cries for the Bodhisattva to help him. Guanyin is on the scene in seconds, glaring at her little brother angrily. Half the gang stare jaws dropped at what is happening while the rest are panicking.] the stone egg go the last of the magic it needed and later during the celebrations felt that SWK finally had his whole family present and didn't feel isolated anymore and was like "huh, guess it's time, is it? okay" and that's that. with how close he was to popping these days Wukong had Guanyin on speed dial in case of labor finally occuring, comes in handy now with how quick they shows up but they're not happy with Wukong for putting himself and the egg in so much danger with what was happening with LBD. he shouldn't have been fighting her! he shouldn't have been fighting at all! and the smadhi fire again? they're gonna skin Wukong.

[After many hours of painful labor with Macaque clutching his hand for support, Wukong *finally* greets his baby for the first time.] Macaque is def worried on a few occasions that his hand is gonna break, but he ends up only losing feeling in his hand for a while. it's also bruised and sore for a while but it's the price he's willing to pay to be present for the stone egg's arrival. Wukong, holding his new born infant after the egg hatches def joke that she "kept him waiting".

[Her dark fur is hard to ignore. As well as the ice-blue eyes that stare between the two monkeys with wonder.] ice blue eyes as a side affect of LBD's soul getting devoured at the end there, but what if the dark fur is actually because of SWK constantly yearning for Macaque to come back after their fight during the early stages of his pregnancy, SWK's desire and longing worsened by hormones causing her to shift in appearance to fit not just her parent but his wants. [And the little excited chirps she makes that sing the tune of Wukong's favorite songs. Everyone in the Monkie Kid gang, the Demon Bull family, and any present celestials are crying with joy.] I headcanon Wukong hums a lot, so his infant picking up on the sounds of the tunes he hummed in the later stages of his pregnancy is very cute, but he probably thinks every sound she makes is like music even when not trying to mimic him. he bursts into tears the first time she chirps. Macaque def cries at her having dark fur like him cause it makes him feel more like a bio parent. DBK tries to hold it together but starts crying when she can fit into his cupped palm with ease. Kuanyin cries and gives Wukong a hug when he holds her for the first time.

[Gold Star comes down from Heaven in person to bless her arrival.] he is thanked for his blessing and also thanked for being to busy to read the specifics of Wukong's imprisonment, seeing as if he had Wukong wouldn't be holding the most precious little furball in the universe right now.

[Her eye lazers come in a little later than expected... singeing Azure Lion's fur as he goes to take the Jade Emperor's throne. All present, including members of the Brotherhood, laugh at the coincidence.] it's hard not to laugh given the context, there ends up being a joke mad that every new Jade Emperor will have stone monkey lazer eyes shot at them when they try and sit on the throne for the first time. Wukong is insanely proud.

[Yuebei's whole family are willing to *destroy* the divine animals if even dare touch a single hair on her little head.] Azure would likely try deluding himself into believing that he, Wukong, and Yuebei could be a perfect family once justice is brought to Heaven, or try to blackmail the MKrew. or both. you can imagine that won't go over with anyone too well.

[The retrieve Yuebei after they enter the palace and see the three usurpers beaten to a pulp. The infant monkey rolling around on her butt as she giggles. Azure begs the crew to "please take her back".] Azure was so busy fantasizing he didn't notice Yuebei starting to get playful, and playful+super power do not mix. she starts tugging at him to play and the rest is history.

[Wukong and Macaque are so proud of their super-delayed baby girl. :3] they will always be super proud ;)

sorta mirror post to this one.

[it breaks his heart. later, the fact he never knew breaks Macaque's heart too, he'd always wanted a family with his king]

Macaque having the mega-regret when he finds out all those years later about the Stone Egg, feeling like a dad who wasn't around for their (ex)partner and unborn baby and barely having enough time to adjust when baby arrives.

[I didn't mention it in my first post but it was part of my thought process that the stone egg started "kicking" mid-ritual, and try as he might to keep control of the situation the pain from that is what causes Wukong to slip allowing the creation of the fourth ring.]

Ooh he'd feel so bad for allowing the slip-up to happen cus of being distracted by the Egg moving (likely responding to the Samadhi fire like it would consumable dao like; "Hey, can I eat that- OOO NO SPICY!!!"). Whats worse is that his slip-up indirectly hurt his baby's godfather, and nearly killed his master :(

Wukong's mental health was not good after the ritual, no matter how greatful the Ironbull couple were for the safety of their son. Wukong risked his own baby for them, and the couple don't learn this until centuries later.

[on the same note it's also (unfortunately) for the better, he wasn't in the right mind to care for a kid, and ebven if that isn't the direct reason he acknowledges as he reason to give MK up the fact he recognizes he might not be safe for a kid right now and does things to ensure MK still gets a good life says a lot. bonus points if he still watches over MK as he grows and giving up MK leads him to trying to better his mental health for the sake of his unborn infant.]

Bonus sad detail: Wukong probably didn't need to give up MK. The Stone Egg would have sensed MK as a fellow baby monkey, and hence "troop/sibling, no eat". But Wukong could not take that chance with the limited knowledge he had. He'd rather silently watch over MK being raised by other parents, than risk the Egg's magic killing the older cub. And ofc he was in a mental health pit and just *couldn't* raise MK on his own in that state.

[Wukong is very surprised she doesn't immediately try and exploit the obvious weakness but she's like "I hate you but I still have some honor ape" but still goes and drains him.] + [after the spider queen debacle SWK def make a really quick tri to the south sea for a check up with Kuan Yin to make sure being drained like that didn't hurt the egg.]

Ohhhh, imagine post-New Years the Spider gang hears some furious knocking at the entrance to the sewer-cave. Spider Queen turns, only to see Guanyin/Kuan Yin glaring her down like the vengeful goddess she is.

Quanyin: "You hurt my little brother and his unborn baby."

[even without all the answers he wants about the stone egg Macaque knows he can't let that happen, he may have hated Wukong for a while and they have yet to even begin reconciling but he would never do anything to harm Wukong's baby if he ever had one. he wasn't going to bring an infant into their conflict. but Wukong doesn't know that.he knows Wukong doesn't know that from the way he hunches in on himself to protect his stomach the second Macaque's voice is heard above the airship. Wukong is at first terrified when Macaque gets involved, he hates the idea of having to choose between him or his unborn infant again, but Wukong already knows what he'll choose if he has to.]

Ohohoho the spicy conflict. Wukong not wanting to choose his baby's safety over Macaque again, not knowing that this time Macaque knows about the Egg and is trying his damn best to ignore Wukong so he won't have to.

Instead of the infamous "OH WUKONG!" while flying overhead at the end of S2, Macaque instead announces hos presence to MK specifically. Wukong and the gang are confused when Mac is actively trying to pretend Wukong isn't there until it clicks that he knows.

[clever considering his love for children in general let alone his own, but what good is having his little one alone when he so desperately wants to share that love with his family?]

Wukong gets the drop on him cus it's such a paradoxial offer. If he agrees, his baby will be a lonely little cub in the world like he was + he'll lose all his found family and the world at large. If he refuses, LBD might just decide to aim for the Egg directly, taking away something Wukong has been incubating/nuturing for centuries away from him and using the energy accumilated within to fuel her mech.

It gives him enough pause that LBD manages to target her possession onto him.

LBD does not think about feeding Wukong in this timeframe ofc, since in her mind he's an immortal self-sustaining puppet now. It's ultimately what leads to her demise...

[the mental image of the stone egg's magic just chompingdown on LBD's soul is super funny, stone egg be like "you hurt bama and then try and leave like nothing? i think not! nom". SWK sensing the egg absorbing some powerful magic and is just like "oh gods".]

Oh gosh I'm trying to think of how terrfying that would be to witness.

You know when the Mayor gets un-possessed by LBD? Think that, but the soul energy is getting eaten like a string of noodles and slurped into Wukong's body.

Yuebei, from deep within Wukong's body: *burp!* Everyone present: 0_o Wukong, very concerned/proud(?): "Uh... I guess the Egg... ate her???"

[the stone egg go the last of the magic it needed and later during the celebrations felt that SWK finally had his whole family present and didn't feel isolated anymore and was like "huh, guess it's time, is it? okay" and that's that.]

The Egg needed Wukong to gain a couple few more family members before it could "hatch" into Baby. XD

[I headcanon Wukong hums a lot, so his infant picking up on the sounds of the tunes he hummed in the later stages of his pregnancy is very cute, but he probably thinks every sound she makes is like music even when not trying to mimic him. he bursts into tears the first time she chirps. Macaque def cries at her having dark fur like him cause it makes him feel more like a bio parent. DBK tries to hold it together but starts crying when she can fit into his cupped palm with ease. Kuanyin cries and gives Wukong a hug when he holds her for the first time.]

The whole squad is crying.

The baby does a little series of chirps that Wukong swears sound like a piece of music he hummed to himself when alone. He can barely explain it until he just buries his face into his (!!!) baby's dark fluffy hair. She smells like new beginnings and Wukong has to constantly wipe his eyes to prevent his tears from wetting her little face.

Mac's crying cus he's finally coming to terms with why Wukong hurt him all those years ago + he's meeting his former mate's little cub who looks like him!! He makes a sound akin to a dying squeaky toy when he's asked how he thinks of little Yuebei.

DBK holds it together until he has Yuebei in his palm. Smaller than even Red Son was as a baby. DBK does one deep breath... and quickly has to pass the baby to PIF cus his eyes have turned into waterfalls. She's so small!!

Quanyin has cried many times in their life as a goddess... but holding Yuebei is the first time in a long time she makes a joyful snotty sob. The baby monkey is confused by the bodhisattva's reaction, and tries kissing her tears away. This only makes her honorary aunt/grandmother cry even harder with pride and joy.

Not to mention how hard MK cries when Wukong introduces him to Yuebei as "your honorary big brother". Mei has hundreds of timelapsed photos of MK as his face contorts into an ugly cry as he holds Yuebei for the first time.

[he is thanked for his blessing and also thanked for being to busy to read the specifics of Wukong's imprisonment, seeing as if he had Wukong wouldn't be holding the most precious little furball in the universe right now.]

When Gold Star arrives to deliver his blessing, he finally gets a good look at the baby and is like "Oh!!" His previous divine demeanor immediately drops like an old coat, cus this is the first Stone Monkey infant he's seen in thousands of years!! And she's so beautiful!! He reminds himself to say sorry to Wukong for not checking if the Buddha's punishment was Stone Monkey friendly. Wukong and Mac laugh him off cus the Gold Star of Venus is currently having his beard nearly yanked off by the playful newborn cub.

[it's hard not to laugh given the context, there ends up being a joke mad that every new Jade Emperor will have stone monkey lazer eyes shot at them when they try and sit on the throne for the first time. Wukong is insanely proud.]

Wukong most certainly is proud!! His little girl is already developing ways to defend herself! She's supposed to be kidnapped after all.

[Azure would likely try deluding himself into believing that he, Wukong, and Yuebei could be a perfect family once justice is brought to Heaven, or try to blackmail the MKrew. or both. you can imagine that won't go over with anyone too well.]

Azure: "What do you think little cub? Am I not a fine Emperor and guardian? Do you think your mother will warm to being at my side?" Yuebei, hungry, frustrated, and bored: *glares and makes a distinctly "Macaque"-sound as her ears glow* The Brotherhood: "..." Peng: "She must be hard to impress. As any princess ought to be." Azure: *feels a little better* :'3 Yellowtusk the Wise, internally: "I'm telling Guanyin. I am not going to be held responsible for what nonsense Azure gets up to regarding Wukong and the infant."

[Azure was so busy fantasizing he didn't notice Yuebei starting to get playful, and playful+super power do not mix. she starts tugging at him to play and the rest is history.] + [they will always be super proud ;)]

If Azure still had a tail, Yuebei would have taken it as a chew toy long before the MKrew (love that name) got there. And Wukong would have let her keep it as a trophy.

Hope you enjoy this slightly different version of the other ask! I hope I managed to get to some details I forgot/overlooked in the other one!

[real-sun-wukong-fan01]

Ok I’m so sorry for constantly making asks cry 😭 but how would make group (+ dbk and pif) react to WuKong WITHOUT his glamour or how he looked in jttw????

AAAHH!! IT'S FINE!!

I love answering questions, especially when it's about my little meow meows.

Butttt but but but but!

That is a good question.

in the LMK universe, we have to accept the fact that thing have changed, and that things didn't happened.

So their reaction may vary, because while i would say that pif already knows about it because she is present in jttw and she is one of wukong enemies, in LMK it might not be true. But let's go with that.

Now I'm not sure if wukong does wear glamours, he likely does, even though I do headcanon him that he used to look like a literal demon during jttw and then took his sweet time those 500+ in flower fruit mountain to clean himself and finally look like what he is in the show, but if he did wore glamour or he would look like how he used to, then reactions would again be different for everyone.

I don't recall DBK ever getting mentioned or being in the journey against sun wukong, (it's probably not true, with how long the book is he could have taken a whole chapter with him) but i do think that in LMK he wouldn't even recognize wukong if he looked like he was in the book.

Now it's up to everyone rappresentation on what wukong used to look like in jttw, but i do imagine him having a somewhat orange/brown shade fur, with red eyes and probably scars and blood stains from the demons he killed. His voice would also be similar to Beetlejuice one because of him screaming in the furnace and the melting copper he had.

But still, he's a bit unrecognizable, y'know? So most characters won't recognize he is sun wukong.

PIF would also be someone who would absolutely not recognize wukong and just deny that, that is not him because there's no way dude.

MK would be confused at first, taken back when he realizes that the burned monkey is sun wukong, his teacher,and then starts asking questions.

Such as "are you okay?" "Why is your fur like that???" "Is that your blood stains?", Y'know getting worried for his teacher, he would never actually be scared of sun wukong.

Mei would be kind of not taking sun wukong look seriously, she would think it's a cosplay or that he is pulling off those silly shapeshifting abilities, but feeling uneasy a bit because his looks are still consider scary. Even though wukong was more feared because of his temper rather than looks.

Pigsy dad instinct would kick in once again and would try to keep MK back simply because wukong dosen't look trustworthy, but pigsy won't even recognize wukong, so that's also a why he just jumped to conclusions that the "burned monkey demon" might be bad.

He still thinks of wukong as bad, or well not bad but he's surely not the best guy in the world, but damn dude who hurt you

Tang? Tang woud need a moment both to process the fact that he has been writing and drawing the story of the monkey king wrong, because his looks are different than he thought, and that the almighty and untouchable sun wukong has so many scars from battle, and then he would ask questions. a lot of questions and some might do wukong uncomfortable.

Such as how he became like this, of people do that or if people do this because of his looks, ect.

Sandy? Sandy once again the only one with sympathy.

Sandy is a character who understand people, who knows when they need a break and went through a similar time to wukong,

Both had anger issues and both hurt because of their temper, so he understands wukong on that part, and he can probably also understand how does it feels to be described as scary because of how you look, his first appearance at first did look like he was gonna be a scary dude but he wasn't because of how he acted. (Because he offered tea.)

And honestly wukong might not even look scary, just abused.

He got abused, in countless fights, starved, kept awake for nights over night, again the only thing that makes him scary is his incredible strength and temper.

so sandy is gonna be the only one to ask if the monkey king is okay physically, ask for assistance anything like that. His cats would be happy to help Wukong with therapy 💪

If we could do other characters who are technically now part of the gang such as macaque (not so much), the hostess and red son,

The reaction would also vary.

Considering that macaque in the book literally impersonates sun wukong, and in LMK they were friends and they fought, i don't doubt he wouldn't know about it. He would just take his sweet time to look at wukong without having to fight.

The hostess would probably be taken back and be a little scared, she's a child. Especially when this is the dude who almost killed her. But i do think she doesn't have Ill thoughts towards wukong, they might be on good terms and she might even recognize that he's just misunderstood.

Red son? he would take an entire day to realize that sun wukong, his uncle, is that small man with blood stains and red eyes.

just like the parents, he wouldn't recognize the guy and even be in in denial with "you're lying you're just putting up your stupid tricks", wukong is a trickster god, he would do something like this.

He would still respect the fact that wukong looks like this and would try his best to accept it. (not like he can't, it's just weird since he knew another version since he was born)

sun wukong is getting accepted by most people and he needs a minute to understand that they are actual friends, not like Tripitaka or bajie.