#and wukong finally stopped trying to focus his life in ruining someone else's

[real-sun-wukong-fan01]

"now that everything is over-" the black macaque, with six ears started saying, "that orange fits you better than black." to the orange macaque.

"Mihou, i gave you permission to lay down with me. i didn't say 'talk.'" the king mumbled back, with his eyes closed and a monkey snuggling with him.

"..right. Um- just wanted to say it. let's relax now, shall we?" He asked quietly. "..." But didn't receive any answer.

"Do i really look good with my actual fur color?" the monkey king asked out of nowhere, opening one of his eyes to look at the macaque next to him.

"Yes, yes you do. It makes you look unique among everyone else, because there's no one who will have the same fur as you."

[simpz-art-stash]

Late Beginnings [Ch. 2]

Summary: Macaque’s gotten over the biggest gap on his side of the burnt bridge between him and his broke af relationship with Wukong. Now he’s gotta take an even bigger leap in hopes of getting MK to give him a chance as well.

(Author’s note: DUNNO IF THERE’LL BE MORE BUT WE’LL SEE, FEEL FREE TO SUGGEST STUFF TO PUT IN HERE)

Previous | Next

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It should’ve been easy, a kid like MK had a good head on his shoulders, enough to see the good in all besides himself.

It should’ve been easy.

So then why the hell was he still standing on the sidelines mulling over what to say to the kid who was just a few yards away training under the careful eye of his mentor?

What could he say? The same to Wukong? He felt that might be a bit too cliche, even if it had worked.

‘Just barely.’

Mac sighed, brushing his hair back and watching the two practice stillness together, Wukong resting on his tail in a lotus position while MK stood on one foot, straining to keep his posture in check. Even with the staff being used as a counter-balance his muscles flexed against the lack of support in his other leg.

Maybe he could offer him something? Nothing major of course, something innocent but worthwhile and thoughtful. Demon head’s wouldn’t do, the kid had no real use for those, nor would he probably appreciate a trophy that wasn’t his. What did kids even like these days anyways? He thought of toys but, MK was practically a bigger kid than most other cub’s. Most kids like him usually just kept to popular places or their phones…

Decisions decisions…

A small yelp forced him out of his thoughts, his gaze shifting back over to MK who had since fallen back on his butt. Groaning and complaining like usual before Wukong gave him the ol’ ‘keep it up!’ attitude, prompting MK to simply nod and give it another try.

‘Geeze, and I thought my training was harsh. At least I gave him actual critique on his form…’

Then an idea flashed in his mind, popping off like a rocket and he suddenly found himself with something worthwhile.

------~------

“Alright bud, I think that’s enough of that. Why don’t you hit the bench, I need to go check on the kids back inside n’ make sure they haven’t left a mess after that marathon I set up for em.” Wukong claimed, patting MK on the back before turning away. Offering a curt wave as he left, “Call me if you need me!”

“Alright, I will!” MK sighed and made his way over to a makeshift seat, which happened to be nothing more than a split log. And proceeded to take his headband off if not to just drench his hair in some of the water from one of the bottle’s he’d brought along with him. Before guzzling the rest of it down like he hadn’t drank in forever.

“I see he’s been keepin’ you on your toes. Full pun intended.” Mac commented, earning him a startled squeak from MK who had just about spat his drink out when Mac rounded him from behind to sit himself down on the opposing side of the log.

MK had heard a little snippet from MKing about Macaque trying to make amends, he didn’t get the full details but he’d heard enough to know to keep an eye out for the guy. Not that he wasn’t already always on high alert for any suspicious activity.

“Guh- yeah.” MK coughed a little, rubbing his throat a little as he cleared it. “It hasn’t been uh, easy, but I think I’m gettin’ better. Just need to try harder or whatever…”

“Mmm…” Mac let his gaze concentrate on the immortal peach tree Wukong had planted out in the front of his yard, it having long since bloomed and been picked clean.

MK shifted a little under the uncomfortable silence that spread between the two, there wasn’t tension in it per sey, but it was still a lil awkward for him to just outright be chatting it up with the same guy who had once tried to kill him at one point.

“So uh..I was hoping to..make it up to you, what with everything that happened the last time…” Mac’s face squinted a little, his tail irritably swaying behind him, it seemed this was just as awkward for him as it was MK.

“Uhm..okay?..” MK veered a little away from the guy, not too sure how to handle that. “Hey if this is about the whole ‘you trying to kill me thing’ then uh, hey man we’re cool.”

“What? I mean yeah but, it’s more than just that..” Mac fiddled idly with the hem of his cloak, the things color long since having been worn down from the elements. “A lot more…”

“Complicated?” MK quirked a brow at him.

“Yeeaaahh…”

“Heh, been there. Done that.” MK nodded, not that it was anything to be proud of.

“He didn’t tell you?” Mac looked at MK finally with a concerned expression.

“About you and him?? I mean..yeah he told me a lil..mostly just warned me to keep an eye out for you but…” MK rubbed the back of his neck out of nervous habit, shifting under the demon’s gaze.

“Of course he didn’t…” Mac sighed with a frown, “Well, maybe that’s where I can help you out. I know Wukong, he doesn’t exactly give you the full picture so easily, then again he’s never really had a student before either so.”

“So?”

‘So, he won’t just outright give you the benefit of the doubt just like that, especially if you just say you’ll give him whatever advice he wants. He’ll think you’re just trying to pull him from Wukong again or worse.’

“What I mean to say is, if you want to correct your form with that whole balancing thing, you should try putting less focus into just your foot, and put it towards your whole body.” Macaque stated plainly, his gaze shifting away back to the peach tree.

“Oh..uhm..alright?...Thanks???” MK blinked, none too sure what to make of that, but he wasn’t trying to kill him, or hurt his feelings so, maybe that was a good thing??

“Feel free to mention it to him…” Macaque claimed, his gaze softening before he got up finally and began to walk elsewhere.

“h-Wait!” MK called out, standing up right then. To which Macaque of course obliged, though he kept his back facing kid.

“..are you..like...being serious about that whole, ‘making amends’ thing?..” MK squinted at him suspiciously, even if Macaque could lie about his true intentions, MK at least thought it right to ask. Considering everything else…

“Yes.” Mac stated, his tail curling a little behind him.

“Ohkaaay... “ It was still hard to tell but, “Then why’re you trying to?-”

“Because he told me to.” Mac claimed, his head turning just enough to share a glance with the kid. “Don’t get the wrong idea..it was wrong of me, but.”

“Buuut?”

-------~-------

“But whatever you do, you gotta stop lyin’ about the real stuff.”

Mac grunted, that was probably gonna be the hardest trial of his to overcome. For him, lying was basically his day by day means of survival. “I think I’d rather cut my own tongue out at that point an be mute then cut that out.”

The chick shrugged, “Hey, I’m just sayin’. Honesty is the best policy. Even if it hurts to hear it, better said than left for dead. You want em to trust you again? You gotta earn it. A few pretty words ain’t never gonna be enough. You gotta put some effort behind em.”

“Uuuugh.” He rolled his eyes, already regretting having decided to go through with the whole thing. “Fine...but if I get my ass beat because someone couldn’t take the heat, I’ll hunt you down.”

“I’ll take that chance.” The chick smirked.

-------~-------

Macaque sighed, he could already imagine just how easy it’d be to screw up something so casually done by others. Century old lies he’d held onto for most his life being the worst one’s, with how gnarled they were from the many times they’d been knotted by his reasons to keep them from being undone by any means necessary. He’d run from them for such a long time though, enough to the point where he’d finally hit the end of his lead, and now he was forced to look back at the mess he’d caused.

It wasn’t a pretty sight at all.

But that didn’t mean he couldn’t go back and try to fix some of it. Now matter how long it took, little by little. He just had to be careful in doing so or else he’d just get himself wrapped up in knots all over again.

“...I..” Just say it, even if it’s half the truth.

“I didn’t want to see you waste that potential under a guy who wouldn’t appreciate it...” Macaque claimed, his gaze shifting away.

That...was probably the first time MK had ever seen Mac show a genuine side of himself before. Even during training he’d been distant and strict, similar to Wukong but a lot less merciful in a spar. Where with Mac, bruises were lessons learned.

“...Thanks. For the uh..advice I mean.”

Macaque stiffened a little at the response, but he didn’t spoil it for fear of ruining what little ground he had on that bridge.

“Anytime.”

And then he was gone.

[tigerseye46]

A Hero Is Born (Red Shark/Sand Au)

Summary: After being dismissed by Guanyin after centuries under their teaching, Red arrived at the city to live a normal life, hiding his identity and powers. He has spent four years in the city and works at Culinary Cicada, content with how he is now. He didn’t expect his life to change one day.

A/N: Finally got this done. There are going to be rarepairs but aren’t the main focus for this chapter so I didn’t tag it. Sun Wukong’s alias is Sun Hàoyú 昊瑜 meaning “vast and limitless excellence.” Zhu Bajie’s alias is Zhu Xiùliàng 秀亮 meaning “refined light.” Sorry if these aren’t good aliases. I know Sha Wujing’s staff can’t control water, but in this au, it can. He learned how to do that after the journey. Also I want to say thank you all my anons and others who put in ideas for this au! It made it really fun! Anyway enjoy!

AO3 Link

Red would admit he didn’t care much for the legends as other people did. He had been a small part of those legends so they weren’t extraordinary to him (not that he had revealed that information to anyone). 

But Mr. Sun and Tang always loved to talk about them, especially the latter, so he listened to the elders. Today was one of those days. A special day that would change his life forever. 

“The thing you need to understand, bud, is that the old legends are never finished. While there may be no pages left to turn, there is always more. Years ago, the Spider Queen and her army attacked. No one could stop them, no one except… Sha Wujing. Using his crescent moon spade, he trapped the Spider Queen under a mountain. He made it so no one else could wield it and he trapped her forever.”

“With the battle won, Sha Wujing… disappeared and was never seen again. It is said that the spade remains there, preventing our world from being destroyed. Because of him, civilization was able to prosper into the awesome world we see today. All thanks to Sha Wujing!”

Red hummed as he leaned against the counter. “That’s cool I guess.”

Mr. Sun scoffed. “Just cool? You know how many people would love that story?”

“I’m just not that impressed by it.”

“How dare you. You always react to the stories that way. Thought that one would bring more excitement.”

“Well, I’m not your audience. You’re not putting on a play for me.”

“At least you listen anyway.”

“That I do. I do think Sha Wujing is more impressive than say the Sun Wukong or Zhu Bajie.” At least he didn’t attack him as much as the others.

Sun appeared as if he was offended by the statement. “He is impressive… I like the Monkey King better,” he muttered. “Anyway, you know the deal. One peach soup.”

“Yea, yea. You got it.” He attempted to pass the bowl but it was quickly taken away by Tang.

“Not so fast. You left out so many details, Hàoyú. No extensive details of how he defeated the Spider Queen? He’s a hero! He deserves a better explanation than that.”

With an eye roll, Hàoyú responded, “Whatever.” He made grabby hands at the bowl. “Can I have my soup now?”

“No. You’re a scholar, tell the story accurately or I might go to your rival.” Sun huffed at the mention. “I could do better, better than those stupid depictions of Sha Wujing, no one can really capture his handsomeness, huh?” He cleared his throat, the small blush on his cheeks fading away. “Anyway, Red, you have orders to take out. Get to it!”

“I was about to take my break.”

“Break? You've been taking a break all morning. How is Culinary Cicada supposed to flourish if you’re slacking off?”

He began pushing Red, rumpling the other’s lotus print shirt. He shoved takeout bags in his hands then sent him out. The human heard a slurp behind him. He spun around to see Sun had stolen the soup back. Furrowing his brows, he suggested, “How about you tell an actually good and detailed story about Sha Wujing and you keep the bowl?”

“You just love hearing about your crush. Alright, it’s a deal.”

————

Red entered an abandoned construction site, whistling a tune under their breath and focusing on their phone. He paused when he heard a voice. “It’s amazing that you’ve finally done it! Are you ready, you two?”

A nasally voice replied, “For the last time, Goliath, we’re almost done.”

“Sorry, Syntax! I’m just so excited!”

“You can’t blame uncle Goliath’s excitement, dad.”

“Hmph. Well, try to hold it in for a bit longer.”

The demon hid behind some rocks. He spotted three spiders and a human surrounding a mountain.

One spider towered over the group, he fiddled with his fingers nervously, indicating that despite being the giant, he was probably the most gentle one out there.

Another had his hands behind his back, tapping his feet impatiently.

The third was tinkering with an invention, a device strapped to his back. The human was beside the third, he had a purple bandanna with two green marks, almost like eyes, wrapped around his forehead and a black coat with white fur.

“Because of you two, we can lift Sha Wujing’s spade!”

Red moved higher up and looked at the glowing object. The duck beside him quacked out of surprise. What was a duck doing here? Whatever. It wasn’t important.

“Sha Wujing’s spade,” he whispered.

“The spider clan will be restored!” Goliath’s shoulders briefly bounced up in surprise. “Huh?”

Huntsman was on top of the mountain and started reaching for the weapon. “Huntsman,” Syntax yelled. “Don’t do that!”

“Whatever, nerd.” He gripped it and instantly got zapped by it which sent him crashing into a wall.

Syntax stood over him. “Idiot. This is the hundredth time you’ve tried this. You think you would have learned your lesson by now. We’ve clarified that he made it so only someone worthy would wield it.”

“Which is why we have this.” The human gestured to the power glove. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

“Hmph, brat.”

“Go ahead, Xiaotian.” Syntax pulled Huntsman up, their cheeks becoming green for the slightest second before they focused on the kid.

Xiaotian strolled up to the weapon and pulled on it with the glove. Sparks danced until he was able to rip it off. He held it high in the air and shouted in triumph, “Look at what I did!” Goliath and Syntax applauded him while Huntsman huffed.

“I could have done it,” he mumbled.

Xiaotian went back up to his family with a smile and waited a second before asking, “Wait, why isn’t anything happening? Are you three sure this is the right mountain?”

Syntax scoffed. “No, Xiaotian, I think it’s the other one.”

The mountain rumbled and cracked in the center. The Spider Queen destroyed it and crawled out with a cackle. “I’ve returned! The queen is back!”

Red’s eyes widened. Oh no. The queen was free. What should he do?

The duck pecked his hands as he was pondering. “Hey!” He attempted to shoo the duck away. “Shoo! It’s rude to peck at people’s hands!”

The four bowed to her with heads hung low, the human placed the crescent moon spade aside. “My queen,” Huntsman started. “We’re glad to have you free.”

“My clan,” she cried. “Wait, where are the rest of you?”

“I’m sorry. We’re some of the few spiders left.”

The Queen’s fist clenched, her happy tone at being freed slipped away. “I see. It’s all Sha Wujing’s fault. Now introductions are in order for the new members.”

“Well, there’s me, Huntsman. Then there’s Goliath and…”

“I can introduce myself, brute. I’m Syntax, my lady, and this is my son, Qi Xiaotian.”

If Red wasn’t so focused on the situation, he would have thought, Son? Those two look nothing alike.

“Son?” Her majesty questioned.

“Yes, he is my biological son. I wasn’t born a spider but I would say those details are for another time.”

“Alright. How did you all manage to free me?”

The human stepped forward with a spring in his step. “I did it, my queen! I managed to harness its power to make it our-” Her majesty loomed with a glare. Xiaotian nervously chuckled. “Our power,” he finished.

With a scoff, the queen congratulated him reluctantly, “Good job… for a human.”

Ignoring the human comment, he beamed. “Thank you! Now, we, the Spider clan, can rule the world!”

The duck continued to peck at the demon. The demon flapped a hand to get rid of the sting while the bird focused on the other one and made him fall right onto Qi Xiaotian.

Red held up the bag of food. “Hey… did someone order food?”

Huntsman and Syntax stared at Goliath. “What? I didn’t order anything.”

Xiaotian shoved him. “Get off me, dumbass! You ruined my moment!”

Spider Queen focused on the intruder. “Well, well, we’ll, an eavesdropper has fallen into our midst. It’s a shame to crush such a tiny, insignificant thing like you as my first act but, oh, what can you do?” She was about to crush them when she was interrupted.

“Wait, my queen.”

Ugh, the human. She rubbed her face. “Yes?”

“You don’t have to waste your energy. I’ll handle it! Allow me to prove myself!”

“Fine. Go ahead.”

Red muttered, “Maybe I can go now.”

“You’re fortunate, grocery boy. It’s not every day someone is crushed by the Spider Clan! You should consider yourself-”

The demon’s ears picked up a sound, his gaze drifted to the staff. “Sha Wujing’s staff,” a voice whispered.

Xiaotian growled, “You’re not listening! I, Qi Xiaotian, will not be disrespected! You’re toast!”

The human attempted to punch him with the glove but he blocked it… blocked it with the crescent moon staff. Fuck. “How did you?”

How did he? He could have used his fire to block it. Why didn’t he? Well, his identity was a secret and he barely used his fire since he became Guanyin’s disciple so that was understandable. But to grab the staff, what was he thinking?

“That’s scientifically impossible,” Syntax said.

“I don’t understand what’s happening but I don’t care. That’s ours!”

“I was supposed to be on my break! Dang it, Mr. Tang!” The weapon activated and whacked the human and the spiders (save the queen) away.

“This can’t be,” her majesty muttered in disbelief.

“That was not what I expected.”

Huntsman hissed, “That doesn’t belong to you. Give it to us!”

“Ummmm… no?” Then suddenly he was launched into the air by the weapon. “AHHHHHH!”

“He can’t leave with the damn thing!”

“I was trapped under a mountain and suddenly, a thief takes it!”

Xiaotian bowed. “Allow me, your majesty. I won’t fail again.”

“Fine! Go!”

The human grabbed his technological staff and made off in his motorcycle to give chase.

-------

Red took in deep breaths to calm himself down as he landed on the ground. Xiaojiao snapped a picture of herself with her sword and motorcycle outfit. During the picture, she used her magic to create sparkles. “Nailed it!” She pocketed her phone and put the sword away.

“Xiaojiao!”

“That was a cool game of tag! You looked like you were having fun! I wanted to join in too!”

“I almost died.”

“But you didn’t! We should go to the arcade! Invite your new friend!”

“He was trying to kill me.”

Her face turned dark. “Where does he live? I’ll handle him.”

“Red Son! Where are you?” Tang stormed up to them. He showed his phone to reveal a zero-star rating. “I got a zero-star rating because of you. Would you like to explain yourself?”

“I think what happened is-”

Xiaojiao giggled. “Congrats, Tang! It’s better than nothing!”

“No, it isn’t! You know you would be in trouble if this happened to my magic shop, missy. Now, Red, you’re-” Tang searched around. “Where did he go?”

Red slipped past him. “Mr. Sun!”

“Hey! Come back here!”

Ignoring him, the demon ran into the shop. “Mr. Sun!”

Hàoyú was in the middle of his bowl. “Yea?”

“So, remember the story you told me this morning? About the Spider Queen?”

Tang and Mei followed him. “Red, we weren’t done talking.”

“Yea, that’s great, Mr. Tang.”

Sun sipped his soup, completely disinterested. “Yea? What about her?”

Red got close to his face. “She’s back! Sha Wujing’s staff was removed! We have to find him! He has to save-”

Sun pushed him back and held his bowl protectively. “You’re getting spit in my soup. Calm down. Who knew that would be the story you get wrapped up in? Relax, it’s just a story.”

“It’s not just a story.” He showed the spade. Hàoyú pursed his lips, contemplating the possibility or holding back from saying something snarky, Red wasn’t sure.

“Wow, Red, you found a stick!”

“No! It belongs to Sha Wujing!” The three burst into laughter. Red growled, his fists briefly flamed but no one noticed except him. “Listen to me! The Spider Queen is out there. I’ll prove this belongs to Sha Wujing.”

Sun raised a brow. “Okay. How?”

“Ummm…” The spade wobbled, it grew then stabbed part of the wall, causing a crack before shortening.

Sun gasped and he was about to get a closer look when Tang pushed him away. Tang grabbed the arm holding the spade and hoisted it up towards the sky. His eyes twinkled. “Sha Wujing’s spade! I knew it! His awesome weapon that he used to seal evil! Wait… why do you have it? And where is the queen now?”

“She’s at a fashion store,” Mei responded.

“What?!”

“I hope this isn’t one of your puppy videos, young lady.”

“There’s always time for a puppy video, Tangy, but no. Look at what’s trending. Hashtag Spider Queen!” She showed a video of the Spider Queen robbing a fashion store with Qi Xiaotian. The queen used some device to absorb a one-of-a-kind item.

Tang panicked when the video ended. “Okay! We have to do something! Get in the truck!” He shoved them in the truck while they shouted out of surprise.

The group yelped as Tang drove like a madman through the streets. They were squished in the car, Red rasped out, “This is a little uncomfortable.”

“Tang! Can you slow down? You’re going to kill us,” Mr. Sun told him. He couldn’t die but he knew it would be unfortunate if the group got into a crash.

“Yea. We need to get to Sha Wujing without getting injured in a crash.”

“Guys! The Spider Queen moved downtown! She’s destroying the mall!”

“We need to get to Sha Wujing fast. The only problem is we have no idea how to get there.”

“Ugh, you’re right. How do we get there? Do we just keep driving?” Tang asked in a frantic tone.

Mr. Sun replied, “Well, if you would have let me talk before you pushed us in here. I know someone who could get us there!”

“Really?”

“Yep! An old friend of mine. The greatest, excellent, glorious Zhu Xiùliàng. Now drive there, Tang!”

“Drive where?”

“Uhhhh… oh, yea, you need directions.”

-------

The group watched kids climb on the tall pig like a jungle gym while others were in the corner conversing or doing other activities. Wukong had a big grin on his face at the scene.

Xiùliàng chuckled and cautioned, “Careful, little ones.” He gently put them down, they frowned and he reassured them, “You can play later. Grandpa has to talk to these people first.” They reluctantly agreed and began breaking away to do their own things.

Sun blushed as the light hit Xiùliàng in a way that illuminated his beauty. Tang whispered to him with a smirk, “Oh, now I know why you brought us here.”

Xiaojiao teased, “Wow, Mr. Sun. We have to save the world and here you are trying to pick up a guy. I see you.” Sun shot them both a glare.

The pig didn’t hear them, he instead focused on beaming at the kids as they walked away. A hand was placed on his hips and he turned to the group with a “Sorry about that. That’s a lot to take in.”

“It most certainly is, old friend. I was hoping something like this wouldn’t happen,” he muttered.

“I was hopin’ that too,” Xiùliàng muttered back. A child with black hair tied up in braids and a blue headband with a flower ran up to the pig with a drawing in hand. “What is it, Yǎshuǐ?” He picked her up so she rested on her arm.

“I made you a drawing, grandpa!” She waved it in front of the pig’s face then looked towards the group. Her eyes briefly widened in surprise before she gave a wave. “Hi, yéyé!”

“Hi, hon,” he greeted.

“Oooo, yéyé. Didn’t know you had grandkids with him,” he teased. “Why didn’t you invite me to your wedding and why didn’t the paparazzi cover it?”

“Shut up, Tang. It’s for respect, you know that.”

“Mhmm…”

Red shook his head. “Disregarding Mr. Sun’s love life,” he murmured. “Mr. Zhu, we need your help to find Sha Wujing.”

Xiaojiao got on her knees, bringing her friend down with her and pleaded, “Yea, we could really use your help.”

Red sighed. “Please help us. The fate of the world is at stake.”

“Alright,” he answered. “Really?”

“Of course. Anything for Sun.” The two cheered. “I’ll just drop these kids off then we’ll go.”

“WOOOOO!”

------

Tang hummed as he walked along the path, trying to contain his excitement. “See, this isn’t that bad,” he said then a trap sprung out of nowhere. “Eep! Never mind! Stupid Sun, stupid Zhu, why did we let them stay behind?”

“Because you said they could.”

“Careful, Tangy. I wonder why Sha Wujing chose to live here.”

“I don’t know. Good thing it isn’t Sun Wukong’s home or we would have to go pass the Flaming Mountains. They actually had to borrow my m- Princess Iron Fan’s fan to-”

A cackle came out of nowhere. Syntax appeared. “If it isn’t you three.” Syntax used the glove to pound at the ground, sending it up.

“Hey! Be careful, kids!”

“I’ll be taking that spade.”

Red held the weapon up. “This is Sha Wujing’s. You are not taking it.”

“You’re just a bunch of broken metal, can’t even make anything useful.” “What? Oh, whatever.” He charged at the spider who caught the spade with glove.

He was launched and heard the distant cry of “RED” as he blacked out.

------

The demon woke up on Sha Wujing’s mountain. “I’m… I’m here?” He stood up and started walking. He spotted a house and peeked inside but found no one so he continued onwards. There was a handmade statue of Tripitaka and Sha Wujing. “Wow.”

The sound of a twig snapping caught his attention. He saw the very person he was looking for glancing at him with a frown. “Huh?” Then the figure ran off.

He followed quickly and reached a river, a single fish. “A fish?” The fish jumped out of the water, a blue light surrounded it. “Ack!” The older demon appeared. “Sha Wujing?”

“It’s been a long time, Red Son or should I say, Red Boy?”

“You know it’s me?”

“You literally just switched the Boy to Son. No shit. Surprise your little friends haven’t figured it out yet.”

“Yea, I haven’t told them yet.”

“I know. Anyway, where’s my spade?”

“Oh… ummm… I’m sorry! I lost it. I was trying to bring it to you and-”

Wujing laughed. “I know. I’ve been watching you.”

“What?” He flashed back to some of the animals he saw. “That was you?”

“Yep. I need something of you, kid. I need you to be my successor.”

“What? Are you sure? Has your brain short circuited?”

“No,” he replied annoyed. “My brain is fine. You’re going to be my successor. Look you came all this way and were fine.”

“Because I’m a demon!”

“Regardless of that, you still made your way here and you’re experienced in fighting. Be a hero.”

“What about the Spider Queen?”

“What about the Spider Queen? Take it as a trial or a warmup.”

“But I-” He sighed, he was hoping he could lead a normal life but he supposed he had no other choice especially since the elder had no intent on helping. The elder was changed, certainly different from the demon who was considered more calm and rational.

Sha Wujing grunted. “What are one of those bullshit quotes I can give you? Oh, right. Believe in yourself and you’ll be fine. The spade was taken from you! Get it back!”

“Alright!” He zoomed off.

Wujing whispered, “Hope this makes you happy, master.”

-------

Xiaojiao was about to use her powers when Red Son crash landed. Red dusted himself off.

“Kid,” Tang yelled.

“Red,” Xiaojiao shouted. “You’re alive! We saw you blast off! We thought something happened to you! Where did you get the jet? You crashed it already! Did you find Sha Wujing?”

“Yep!”

Tang questioned as he looked around frantically, “Where is he?”

“He said it’s up to me, to all of us.” Sun and Zhu exchanged glances.

“What?”

“That’s anticlimactic.”

“How are we meant to fight that?” Sun motioned to the Spider Queen’s humongous form.

“We believe in ourselves. You clean the streets while I stop her… somehow.”

“The jet would have been useful.” She kicked the broken pieces and a speed bike was revealed.

“That works.”

“You can do it, pal!”

Red drove off and approached the queen. “If isn’t the thief trying to ruin my big moment.”  She attempted to squish him when he dodged with the bike.

“Where is it? Where is it?” He squinted at the device the queen had been using to absorb objects, the spade rested in the middle. “Here goes nothing.” He ran into it.

Xiùliàng covered the group. “I’ve won! The clan has been restored!” She stumbled. “Huh?” Red emerged with the weapon. “Sha Wujing?”

“Nope. Just Red.” Red punched her. Spider Queen tried to blast them, they dodged with taunts, “Nice try! You missed! Almost!” They pushed her down with the spade then used it to cut half of a building. “Here we go!”

As he was about to trap her, the Queen roared, “I won’t let this happen again!” She destroyed it, the younger demon was sent backwards. “Sorry, doll. Good luck trying to trap me again. I AM THE QUEEN!” Red’s gaze shot towards a body of water. “You might have that idiot’s staff but you are not Sha Wujing!”

“No, I’m not. I’m Red, his successor!” He lifted the spade up, water swirled around it and he sent it to attack the queen. “It’s time for your reign of terror to end!”

The queen gasped and her powers waned, she turned back to her normal form. “That’s impossible!”

“Nothing is impossible if you believe.” Xiaotian raged, “This isn’t over! You wouldn’t be so mighty with your precious powers, sand boy! Come fight me!”

Red was about to do when a web entangled him. The three spiders showed themselves. “Nice try. We know when to leave the party. We’ll see you,” Huntsman said. Syntax threw a smoke bomb and they disappeared.

The group cut Red free. “You can’t run when I’m about to win! Hmph.”

His friend hugged him. “You kicked SQ’s butt! Without us the city would be toast.”

“I couldn’t have done it on my own.”

Xiùliàng hugged them. “You did.”

“You’re the new Sha Wujing now I guess.”

“I’m proud of you, Red,” Tang said. He was proud of his kid but he couldn’t understand why Sha Wujing had chosen to hand his weapon to a random kid. He’ll think about it later. “I’m really proud.”

“What do we do now?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Red perked up. “Yea! We could bring justice to the world! Go after bad guys!”

Sun suggested, “Or we could eat.”

“Let’s go with that.”

The group discussed their recent adventure while Sha Wujing watched from a building. He frowned, shifted to a duck and flew off.

[razorblade180]

Lasting Embers pt30 Finale:What comes next

[Jaune’s House]

Jaune:*opens door* Finally home! Gosh it feels like we’ve been gone forever but it’s only been a few hours. Yujin what do you want for- *turns around* lunch?

Yujin:*face down on the couch* I’m not hungry. *sniff*

Jaune:But you haven’t eaten today. *sits next to her*You okay?

Yujin:Yeah, I’m fun; for once I’m crying happy tears. Things worked out fine. For once I feel....calm.

Jaune:I’m glad to hear it sweetie. Seeing you hurt was killing.

Yujin:*grabs hand* Thanks for tolerating me through all this. I know I didn’t make this week easy on you; not to mention the entire thirteen days she was here.

Jaune:It wasn’t all bad and I didn’t think you were a problem. Honestly I’m sorry for not helping you through this m- *pulled down*

Yujin:*hugging him* None of that! The time for being bummed is over! You’re wonderful, sweet, kind, and I’m grateful for you.

Jaune:Hehe, it’s been forever since you hugged me like this. I kinda miss them.

Yujin:*pulls out journal* Well from what I’ve read so far about myself, two year old me hugged you a lot. Also we took naps on the couch.

Jaune:Trying to recreate simpler times?

Yujin:Nah, just cherishing the people I have......around.....

Those words cut through the haze of her promise to Nora that almost slipped her mind. Suddenly her heart starts to weigh heavy as things are put into perspective.

Jaune:Yujin?

Yujin:Dad.....I’ve always had you around. Not just you but Gramdma and Gramps. Adam’s been around more than he’s had to be as well; sure I’ve felt lonely but was never alone. Right now though....I bet Tenzen is feeling real loneliness. He never brought it up though; all he did was help me.

Jaune:..........

Jaune:Wanna go back to Vale?

Yujin:*nods* By myself though; can you make lunch for three while I’m gone?

Jaune:*smiles* Not a problem.

[Vale]

Tenzen:*watching old dance videos*........

*knock knock knock*

Yujin:Tenzen? Are you home? *opening door* Sorry to let myself in but your mom gave me a-

She was at a lost for words. For as long as she’s known her best friend she’d think that he had nothing else to surprise her with. Yujin was wrong though; it dawned on her that there’s plenty she hasn’t seen him do. Crying was one of these things but not anymore. The sight of it once however was enough for to know she never wanted to see it again. Without another thought she rushes to his side and holds him close.

Tenzen:Gotta hand it to you Jin, I was knew you were strong but living without knowing how a parent is doing? It has only been a few hours and it’s already torture.

Yujin:Don’t worry, it’ll get easier. You’ll have me just like I’ve had you. Not just that but my dad even thinks you should stay with us until you head to Beacon.

Tenzen:I’m not going......

Yujin:Huh?

Tenzen:I’m not going to take the exam this time around. Too much has happened for me to focus. Besides, what’s the point if you’re going to wait a year? Going without you doesn’t feel right *holds her tighter* honestly nothing without you feels right.

Yujin:*red*........You should know better to say things like that after recent events. Don’t get a girl’s hopes up; especially when you’re a flirt. Can we just...deal with all that stuff when everything feels less....complicated? *chuckles*

Tenzen:*chuckles* My bad guess I’m a little emotional.

Yujin:I know how that feels. Well Beacon or not, you’re living with us now. Think of it as training for dorm room life. Next year we’ll blow everyone out of the water.

Tenzen:That.....sounds wonderful.

Yujin:Let’s go home. From now on we’ll stop looking back and-

[Ship]

Jael:*staring at the water*

Blake:Looks like she’s gotten her sea legs.

Jacquelyn:I’m sure her mind is just busy with other things to care. She hasn’t said a word since we left. I know I should probably give her space but.....sigh who knows what she’s thinking.

Sun:Blake and I can talk to her.

Blake:What? I’m not sure if- *dragged over* wait! Sun!!!

Sun:Hey kiddo, getting used to the ocean?

Jael:Not really......it still makes me bad. Can’t really tell though since I was already feeling pretty awful. It’s not about my father either.

Blake:Really? What’s on your mind then.

Jael....*turns around* Can you two train me fight?

Blake:What?

Sun:I’m with her, what?

Jael:Dad isn’t here to train me anymore and frankly both mom and sis tend to hold back. *holds chest* I know it’s practically impossible to surpass my physical limitations, even so I want to try. Beacon is going to be the hardest challenge I ever faced; I need every advantage if I’m going to keep up with the rest. So....*bows* I’d be honored if I could learn from both High Leaders!

Sun:*eyes widened* Hey what’s with the bowing!? We’re all family here; can’t speak for Blake but I’ll help train you.

Jael:Thank you! *looks at Blake* what about you?

Blake:I mean I’ll busy now that I’m taking over full time. Not to mention I never mentored someone before....

Sun:Aw come on. The Benevolent Shadow, Blake Belladonna herself is nervous of having a student? I’m sure it’s easier than leading an organization. Besides, you got me to help!

Sienna:Vacou’s favorite son.....

Ilia:The Ray of Hope.....

Jacquelyn:Fourth High Leader in history and second High Leader of The Guiding Light....

Jael:Creator of the Sinister Shadow organization....

Everyone:*points at Blake* finish it off!

Blake:*red*........My husband, Sun Wukong.

Sun:That’s me!!! You know I always got your back. *extends hand* we can totally be mentors.

Blake:*smiles* I guess I could give it a-

Jael:Sweet! Can’t wait to show you what I’m made of.

To Blake’s surprise, the young girl literally went sky high with excitement; floating above the ship with her arms casually folded. It’s almost like she was on a sky hammock.

Jacquelyn:Thank you for that.

Sun:No problem! Who knows, we could be training the next High Leader.

Blake:Or the next leader of an uprising....Sorry to be so negative but at the train station-

Jacquelyn:I felt it too...... I don’t want to believe my daughter will go down the exact same path of her father but I’m not naive enough to think she’s growing up perfectly. Jael is only fifteen though; hopefully it’s just teen angst. Watch her closely please?

Blake:Of course, Jael has the benefit of having grateful people around her. It takes a village right?

Jael:*staring at clouds*(Just you watch dad, I’m gonna show the world just how impressive it is being your kid. I promise I’ll-)

[Location Unknown]

Somewhere in Remnant near Salem’s old territories Ruby and the gang lay in wait on a rock pillar just big enough for all of them. It’s nighttime and rain is pouring down on them with thunder roaring through the area at a deafening rate. Each of the battled hardened heroes stare into the distance as a massive wave of black, red, and white approaches from the ground and sky. Grimm and cultist slowly make their way step by step with only the thought of complete destruction on their mind.

Adam:I think your planned worked Ruby. This better be all the bases coming at us or I think I might lose it.

Yang:Even if it is we still have to visit each one to make sure. No stone is being left unturned.

Weiss:Ruby I’ve followed a lot of your crazy plans through the years.

Ruby:.....But?

Weiss:No that was it. This one is up there but not the craziest.

Ruby:To be fair, Adam helped make this plan.

Adam:We all don’t want to be away from home for an indefinite amount of years so why not lure them to us? We’ll carve chunks out of their group piece by piece.

Raven:*eyes glowing* This enough rain? The grounds pretty soaked.

Weiss:It’s perfect; might want to easy it up a little just so we can see.

Nora:Your sword charged or do I need to hit again?

Adam:It’s fine *glowing red* and not a moment too soon; they’re within range.

Ruby:Everyone perfectly clear with the plan? I’ve said it for months but I gotta make sure.

Yang:We got the timing down no problem.

Weiss:You better have it down packed. Freezer burn with a ten second delay after I land and then another ten seconds when you fight.

Yang:I know how to count Weiss, my grades were overall higher than yours.

Weiss:If we live through this I’m taking you down a peg for that.

Adam:Stay within three feet of Yang or I might get zapped?

Raven and Nora:Yep..... *channeling lightning*

Adam:*inhales*.....got it......

Ruby:Alright everyone, let’s kick some ass. *flies up into clouds* 1...2...3...4...5...*closes eyes*

Raven:1...2...3...*fires lightning ball*

Nora:1...2...3...*fires lightning ball*

Weiss:1...2...3...4...5...6...7 *launches off a glyph*

Yang:......1-

Adam:After she lands.

Yang:I know I was just messing around hehe

Cult Master:Are we sure they’re here?

Cult Thug:Yes master Seymour. The trail lead this way.

Seymour:Then where the hell are they!? They’ll pay for the murder of my son Jericho and his entire-

He couldn’t get the rest of threat out. Before he got the chance the dual lightning attacks fond their way to the soaked ground and stunning anything on the ground as the electricity jumped from cult member to grimm alike. As it faded Weiss came slamming down on the ground with her sword stabbed into it. A thin sheet of instantaneously spread for miles thanks to the rain. Now all enemies stood immobile as their feet became trapped.

Seymour:What the hell is this!? A giant ice rink!?

Weiss:Close, it’s a mirror.....*looks up* you know what those can do right?

Seymour:*looks up* Oh no......

Ruby:*eyes glowing and staring at her reflection* Say cheese.....

Her silver eyes activate and bounce off the icy surface. The world itself seems to go completely white as everything becomes blinding for a moment. When it clears, cult members still standing are left in complete shock and pain as the sea of grimm they controlled now is crippled severely. Stone and smoke now make the land seem like forgotten ruins. Seymour quickly reaches for Weiss but is blown back by an intense wave of steam;Yang landed right on time.

Weiss:*Running away* (Alright, time for phase 2. Give me a little time you guys.)

Cult thugs:Damn! We can’t see!!!!

Seymour:*spots glowing light* The light is the brawlers hair! WIPE HER OUT!

Yang:*punches thug* 6...7...8...9...*jumps up high* 10!

A portal from Raven appears but out of it comes a massive horizontal moon slice that sweeps the area. Adam proceeds to jump through and gets back to back with Yang.

Yang:I’ll be honest, I was waiting for a betrayal or something.

Adam:I’ve known about your family for years. Why would I wait until now?

Yang:I don’t know, shock and awe?

Adam:*chuckles* and people think I’m paranoid. On your left....

Yang:*blocks an arrow* Thanks.....*shoots flare* I thought more would survive the attack.

Adam:Well they migh be more in the back. This fog doesn’t do us too many favors.

Yang:It’s buying us time. Just stay close and- Right!!!

An Ursa comes rushing at them with its jaw wide opened. Before it reaches them though a pink lightning bolt strikes it down instantly.

Nora:I really hope I didn’t hit them. All I can see from here is a bright light.

Raven:Just keep the strikes three feet away. I’ll handle the Nevermores. You get more accurate hits if you-

Nora:*strikes hundreds of grimm with one bolt* Hehehe

Raven:.....That works too.

Seymour:Agh, this is a set up! Status report!!!!

Cult Hunter:We’re scattered and losing ground fast! What are your orders?

Seymour:Crap......the dragon should be here shortly. Just in case though, go back to head quarters and tell them about this situation.

Cult Hunter:You sure that’s a good idea? It could be breached as well.

Seymour:We would’ve heard it was. Mountain Glenn is too massive just for anyone to search through. Jumps-Agh! *looks down* what?

A bloody sickle forces it’s way through the mans stomach. His vision starts to blur as he falls to his. The image of the young huntsman fades away slowly; turning into a woman with dark skin and green hair. Her eyes dancing with satisfaction at her accomplishment.

Seymour:How......? Our intel said-

Emerald:Thieves and mercenaries know how to make you think what we want you to think. Didn’t get the chance to properly pay your son Jericho back; I wouldn’t miss this for the world. This more than makes up for it. Mountain Glenn was it? *grabs scroll* You guys get that?

Mercury:*in an airship* Crystal..... we’ll scope it out.

Ren:See all of you there.

Seymour:All of you.....are still....gonna die....

Emerald:You’re still alive huh? About to curse me with your dying breath?

Seymour:You’re not worth it.....you might cut us down but.....no way you all will survive. The proof.......is in the sky.

Emerald:*looks in the distance* Sigh....you said dragon, not dragons.

Three heavily armored dragons make their way over at alarming speed. Each one bigger than the one at Beacon. Their screams shake the area.

Yang:Oh I know that sound.

Adam:Think we can take them?

Yang:I mean I’m kinda a dragon myself you know?

Adam:.......

Yang:Sorry.....a little nervous. *grabs scroll* Ruby, please tell me Weiss is ready?

Ruby:*smirking* You think you’re ready Weiss?

Weiss:Yeah.....

Seymour:Your fate is-*starts shivering* c...cold!?

A gust of cold air pushes the fog away. All humans on the battle field slowly stop as their breath becomes visible and a shadow looms over them. All cultists drop their weapons in disbelief at the sight of their enemies standing under their own dragon of Weiss’s creation; complete with it spawning it’s own grimm. The huntress herself stands on its head proudly and with an ice tiara for nothing other than to show off.

Weiss:I think I’m ready.

Seymour:........ *clenches teeth*

Emerald:Don’t feel bad. Plenty have tried to keep these people down; me including. That’s the thing about people like them, they do their best work when all seems lost. Cinder learned the hard way; Salem learned the hard way. *points out gun* Now you do too....

bang!!

Many grimm start to slow down and lose the mind control either running away or staying; enticed by the fear of the numerous cult members why now are drastically caught off guard.

Yang:What’s wrong!? Not gonna make the first move!? *cracks knuckles*

Adam:We’re more than happy to. Should’ve known you were in hot water when you us two on the same side.

Yang:Just say the word Ruby.

Ruby:*smiling* The honor is all yours sis.

Yang:*eyes glow* All right everyone, phase 3-

“keep moving forward.....”

[angstandhappiness]

NICE

"now that everything is over-" the black macaque, with six ears started saying, "that orange fits you better than black." to the orange macaque.

"Mihou, i gave you permission to lay down with me. i didn't say 'talk.'" the king mumbled back, with his eyes closed and a monkey snuggling with him.

"..right. Um- just wanted to say it. let's relax now, shall we?" He asked quietly. "..." But didn't receive any answer.

"Do i really look good with my actual fur color?" the monkey king asked out of nowhere, opening one of his eyes to look at the macaque next to him.

"Yes, yes you do. It makes you look unique among everyone else, because there's no one who will have the same fur as you."