#lmk xiwangmu

[quitealotofsodapop]

Just read through the MKEgged tag, and where's Redson? I want to see the roller-coaster he goes on of "A baby!? Wait, who's the father If it can't be me? Oh, okay, no other parent. I'll step in and help, what do you mean the pregnancy has a high mortality rate!?"

Just this guy trying to figure out what he's feeling and how to handle things with this baby, because yay baby, but also No you're not allowed to die!"

Prev.

haha yes! XD

Red Son's bull-brain tells him "Whomst is the father!?" immediately, even if him and MK aren't in a fully romantic relationship yet. His infatuation tells him that only *he* can father Noodle Boy's progeny!

The fact that the pregnancy was magical in nature calms him down only a little bit... until he learns that MK's true species have a high maternal mortality rate due to this unique form of reproduction.

Red Son, busting on into MK's prenatal appointment: "Noodle Boy!! Who said that you're allowed to die!? I strictly forbid it!"

Red Son goes out of his way to investigate what knowledge is available on Stone Monkeys so he can devise a way to help MK survive and recover. He knocks on the door of every soul he can think of who would hold some idea of what to do; Lao Tzu, The Gold Star of Venus, and even Guanyin herself.

The alchemist and planet god both only had second-hand accounts of how Stone Monkeys lived, but provided copies of their literature all the same.

Approaching her old master was a little awkward, but the Bodhisattva Guanyin is a patron god of safe childbirth, and Red Son wanted to have their input on the matter. To her surprise, Guanyin was equally concerned for MK's well-being - and had already offered to attend the birth to ensure that they could monitor MK and the baby. Red Son learns from Guanyin that Sun Wukong himself had such questions many centuries ago, but curiously dropped the matter sometime after the Journey. Former master and disciple share a warm goodbye, finally reunited by their worry over a noodle monkey-boy.

Xiwangmu was still mourning the loss of her husband, so Red Son thought it improper to bother her on such a matter - but clearly Lao Tzu or Gold Star blabbed. The very next time Red Son stepped into the Celestial Realm, he found himself swept into a suffocating hug by the Queen Mother of the West.

Xiwangmu, weeping: "Oh, my little fire opal. You are so proactive! Scouring the Heavens and Earth to find a way to save your mate and child!" Red Son, confused: "EHH!?!?"

Turns out, the Queen Mother had a gut-reaction to hearing that her grandson's beloved ("WHO TOLD!?" shrieks Red) Monkey Prince was pregnant. And that reaction was; "GREAT-GRANDCUBS?!?!"

Red Son barely has a second to object. The Queen Mother weeps how the Jade Emperor is to miss the birth of his first great-grandchild, but that the pregnancy is a light in a very dark time for her and the court. She orders her court secretary to give Red Son unlimited access to the celestial library so that he can continue his research.

After the whirlwind of discovering that apparently even Heaven itself blames him for MK's Egg, Red Son turns to only two known members of the Noodle Boy's species.

Sun Wukong and the Six Eared Macaque.

The Macaque was the most difficult to get information out of since he kept slipping into the shadows whenever Red brought up questions on his species. Luckily one attempt/battle (it got out of hand) lead to the appearance of Sun Wukong on the scene.

Wukong: "What's the issue, firecracker?" Red Son, holding thick notepad: "I need to understand your species so I can devise a way to prevent MK's stone egg from killing him!" Macaque, turns off powers: "Oh! Why didn't you say so? I thought you were trying to dissect me or something!" XD Wukong: "We know almost everything there is on our species, so fire away kiddo." Red Son: "Yes! Finally! Question 1; in the case of self-spawned eggs, is the child a genetic clone of the parent?" Wukong & Macaque: (*both shake their heads*) Wukong: "Oh no. Its not a clone. You see, the Egg absorbs Dao from it's surroundings - not just it's parent. So it steals bits of DNA from whatever troop happens to be around. You know like friends, family-" Macaque, slyly: "Former mates." Wukong: "Former ma- hey!" (*glares*) Red Son, thinking: "So an additional source of life energy could supplement MK's own depleted supply?" Wukong: "Yeah... but the healthiest option is usually a dear friend or life partner. Someone who can cling to them and supply the most juice. Also helpful if the pregnant person wants their kid to look like their fave person." Macaque, knowing smile: "Or... whoever they have a big crush on." Red Son: (*hair-flames briefly flicker pink in blush as he imagines a red-furred baby monkey with calf hooves*) Red Son: "Wait. How come you both know so much about this topic? I know Sun Wukong has access to the celestial library, but Macaque has been barred from the palace grounds since the rebellion! Why do you share the same knowledge?" Wukong & Macaque: (*both start spluttering and choking on air*) Wukong, trying to find words: "You see-! We uh...!" Macaque: (*fades into background at 50% opacity, hiding face in scarf*) Red Son, realising: "Ah. I see. Thank you for your input, gentlemen." Wukong: "Where are you going now?" Red Son: "I'm going over to Noodle Boy's place. I have been invited for company." (*Red Son leaves. Macaque phases back in*) Wukong: "Well. The Egg might not be her doing. But she certainly wishes it was." Macaque: "I'm just glad they didn't try getting more out of us." Wukong, cheeky grin: "Like what? How we both know so much about Stone Eggs because once upon a time we wanted some of our own?" Macaque: (*hides face in scarf again*) "Shut up, peaches."

As for the Demon Bull parents? Well..

PIF, calmly writing letters: "Even if the child was not made the traditional fashion, we will both adore them all the same. I expect any grandchildren of mine to be as beloved as a prince or princess ought to be." DBK, arms full of baby shower gifts: "Make sure to note the exact hour, day, month, and year of the child's birth! It's very important for divining the calf's fortune!" Red Son, flames twitching: "Are you two-!? ARE YOU PLANNING A ROYAL BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT!?" PIF: "Do not shout dear. My mother visited shortly after you left. Seems that a certain child of mine has been asking around about celestial monkeys and safe magical birthing practices, and it's stirred the court's rumour mill. Me and the simians are planning a formal announcement once the child arrives." Red Son, blushing pink: "I would have gone through the same effort if I only considered them a mere ally." PIF: "I know you would. But a mere ally, does not donate so much life energy to the parent in hopes that the child becomes theirs." Red Son: (*blush grows even bigger, flames spit embers onto the surrounding furniture*) PIF, brushes embers off of desk: "Hopefully, Xiaotian doesn't experience the terrible heartburn I did whilst carrying you." Red Son: "Mother!" DBK, wincing with sympathy: "Only exacerbated by your cravings, my love! You had a great desire for charcoal and spiced meat on the bone."

MK texts Red Son a few hours later asking if he'd like to go out for some barbecue; "Just started craving it for some reason. Oh! And we should make sure to get cheese tea too! Acid reflux acting up rn and I need something to quench the flame."

Red is so down bad.

It's not all sunshine and baby monkeys though - there is genuine worry across the families about MK's condition. None more so than the men who raised him.

(*Red is leaving MK's place after a hang out session, when a certain pig-man in the kitchen speaks up*) Pigsy: "Hey... thanks for being there for him." Red Son, surprised: "Huh? Oh! No problem..." Pigsy: "I know you like him. Like, like-like him. I don't exactly approve but.... you've been going out of your way to find ways to help me. Make sure he..." Pigsy: (*trails off, eyes puffy*) Red Son: (*quietly approaches, awkwardly places a hand on Pigsy's shoulder*) Pigsy: "Promise me something." Red Son: "Ok." Pigsy: "If the worst happens... I want you to still be there. For them. Not just because you like him. But because you really care about him and his kid." Red Son, certain: "I do. I truly care for Xiaotian. And I wish to be there for him through it all. And if the unthinkable were to occur, I would still be there for them." Pigsy, wipes tears with sleeve: "Thanks, punk." Red Son: "Again, no problem." Pigsy, changing tone: "Now! What's with this letter I got saying MK and his baby are gonna be presented to the Heavenly and Infernal Court?" Red Son, remembers previous encounters: "oops."

Once he fully explains the misunderstanding in heaven, Pigsy whacks Red with a spatula.

[theycallmeazalea]

Queen mother of the west, but something’s off..

I present you all my version of lmk Xi wangmu sketch. Despite in most depictions of her she seems more human, but I liked the fact she also has feline anatomy, so I gave her cat ears, and gave her some marks that makes her look more like a tigress. I used Nezha and Núwa for inspiration, gave her more “fluffy” hair like Nezha, and earrings like Nüwa. Also, the mark on her forehead isn’t face makeup, she was born with it. Like how a tiger is born with its markings.

And some doodles with her and Yudi (when they were younger):

I hope that Xwm and Yudi are very much in love with each other 😭

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[tsa-smth]

The one who supports women’s rights and women’s wrongs

[weaverpop]

Remember how I said people find out?

Let’s just say that certian Silver and Gold Demons find out via a hang out with a certain six eared snitch.

And the rumor mill starts up. Mostly Demon and celestial. Whispers of the JE’s cruelty to his own perceived family. Whispers of forbidden romance behind palace walls. Whispers about how a certain lion may not have killed the JE for power- but to save his love.

Rumors question the Queen Mom. They wonder if she knew.

And well, all romours make it back to the rumoree eventually.

Ref

[violetjedisylveon]

The Samadhi Flower

Spicynoodles Tangled AU chapter 1

Summary: The Samadhi Flower is the last chance to save Queen Iron Fan's life, and her husband will do whatever he can to save her.

Word count: 2.9k

Warnings: Near death experience, sickness, curses, child birth, c-section, forced pregnancy and LBD is really creepy at the end. Those last two go together.

A/N: You need context for this, here's the AU Masterpost it has the context. These first two-ish chapters are before the kidnapping btw.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Once, long, long ago, the Queen of the Heavens descended to the mortal realm and planted a singular seed.

This small seed held a fraction of the Queen's power, an infinitesimal amount for a goddess to give up, but nearly unimaginable to the vast majority of mortal beings.

From that seed, the goddess’s gift to the world below, grew a magic fire flower. The Samadhi Flower 

It had the ability to heal the sick and injured, cure even the most devastating curses, chase away dark forces from the possessed, and even save one from the brink of death itself if used properly.

And it was powerful, just being near the flower’s influence would heal one of any ailments.

Though much like its creator, the flower had a darker side. Its creator was a goddess of destruction after all.

The Samadhi Flower created the most powerful flames ever seen in all the realms. Its heat scorched the land around it, turning it into an inhospitable barren waste that few would dare venture far into, the flower's healing powers could be felt from the edge of the burned lands.

The Queen had instructed the flower to protect itself from those who might use its power for their own selfish desires, so it harnessed the destructive powers to do as it was told.

To further protect the flower she had graciously gifted the world, the Queen decreed that only one of her divine blood could truly control the power of the flower, and that the flower could only be picked by one willing to risk the fury of the Queen of Heaven to save another they cared for more than themself.

When the Queen thought her gift was safe from greed and power hungry mortals, she left it to the mortal realm to be used as she intended.

And there it was.

The Samadhi Flower.

Sitting in the center of a burnt, barren land, the symbol of its power scorched into the ground it grew from.

The fabled gift from the Queen Mother Of The West herself.

The last chance he had to save the love of his life.

“Brother, are you sure about this? The legends say the Samadhi Flower will burn any who dare attempt to pick it.” His ears flicked in acknowledgement of his sworn brother’s warning.

DBK silenced the dragon prince with a glare. His other brother was not so easily silenced.

“We still have time to figure something else out, we don't need to resort to this.” The golden furred monkey said with a gesture towards the flower.

“No, if we delay any longer, Iron Fan will die.” He grunted.

“And if you try to pick that flower, you will die. Even if you somehow manage to get the stupid weed out of the ground, she could still die from the damned thing burning her, or from giving birth, and that leaves the kid an orphan!” The monkey king argued.

“If it comes to that, I trust you and Mihou will fulfill your duty as our child's godparents.” DBK said.

The monkey stared up at him with a fiery rage in his eyes.

“Then let me try, I'm a lot more-”

“No. The Samadhi Flower is very selective about who it will allow to pick it.” He cut his brother off.

“Besides, I doubt the Queen Mother would appreciate you picking her flower, Wukong.” He added in a late attempt to lighten the mood.

The monkey’s tail lashed around angrily and he clenched his fists in frustration. Instead of hitting him, Wukong merely stomped the ground, hard enough to leave an indent.

“I fuckin hate you.” He growled with crossed arms.

He nodded to his brothers and turned to the Samadhi Flower, glowing with an immortal fire. He approached the flower and before his brothers could interfere or try a last minute attempt to stop him, he thrust his hands into the ground and grabbed onto the flower’s roots.

The ground itself burned.

His thick fur caught fire and the heat blast filled his eyes with tears.

Squinting through his tears, he could see his mate's image in the dancing flames. She was alive and healthy. That was the only thing he wanted, being without her was worse than any pain this flower could dish out.

He dug his heels in and pulled.

For a split second, he thought he saw someone else in the fire, a woman with a harsh frown on her face stared at him with dark, hard eyes.

Then the woman gave him a subtle nod and he ripped the flower from the ground.

He fell back into his brothers’ waiting arms.

“Fucking hells, you got it. You actually got it you crazy bastard!” Wukong shouted gleefully, shaking his arm aggressively.

He hissed in pain and pulled away from his brother.

“Are you alright?” Ao Lie asked.

He shook his head and staggered to his feet.

“I will be.” He grunted.

“We must hurry this back to Iron Fan.” He said.

Wukong nodded and formed his cloud underneath their feet.

“Hold on tight boys, we're going home.”

XXX

DBK paced anxiously outside of the royal delivery room.

The birth had been going well so far. Iron Fan’s sickness, though now Wukong was starting to think it was some form of curse designed to imitate illness which explained why none of the previous treatments had worked. Whatever it was, the Samadhi Flower had cured her of it.

They got back just in time too, Mihou had told them that Iron Fan would have died if they were even a day later.

DBK had been right, they really had been out of time.

Ao Lie came in with another tray of tea, from the smell of it he made all their personal favorites.

Out of the three of them, DBK had the experience with birth and the process it entailed. Ao Lie had been present and assisted in the births of many other dragons, family members or otherwise, he helped his own mate birth their daughter years ago. He had never seen someone so calm at their own mate’s labor.

And Wukong himself had served as a midwife more times than he could count for his people, though he trusted his mate more than he trusted himself to handle a more difficult birth. Mihou was Iron Fan’s sworn brother too so she probably felt more comfortable with him tending to her.

He took the tea Ao Lie offered and forced himself to relax externally. He had been through this enough times to know that the only thing he could do right now was keep his cool, help his brother stay calm, and wait for the results.

XXX

Liu'er Mihou shouldn't be scared, he had helped deliver countless babies before and performed many cesarean sections in his lifetime. He was no stranger to the struggles of birth.

So why was he stressing so much over this one?

Iron Fan was his sister, but he had helped many close to him give birth before.

It could be added stress from her near death experience only than a week ago, or it could be his aid.

He glanced up as Ivory entered the main room with a bin of cool water for his sister.

The ice demon always set him off for reasons he could never explain, but he knew to trust his instincts and not trust her.

He usually tried to keep the lesser advisor away from his sister, except for when absolutely necessary and right now, she was the only ice demon in the palace. He needed her powers.

Iron Fan was burning up and Ivory's ice magic worked wonders at keeping the Queen cool. That didn't mean he would trust the bone white demon.

He signaled the doctor with his tail, they quickly came to his side.

“I don't think I can turn the baby, I'm starting to think I'll have to go for a cesarean.” He told them.

They frowned and felt around for themself.

“That baby is pretty stuck in there. You'll probably have to.” They agreed.

“I was really hoping I wouldn't.” He sighed.

Cesareans were tricky, vertical or horizontal, though in his experience a horizontal was much easier, but he didn't have the time for that one. He had to get the baby out soon.

“Can you get everything ready? I'm going to tell her.” He requested quietly.

The doctor nodded and set about preparing the birthing room for surgery.

“Ivory, go tell Wukong that the Queen needs a cesarean.” He ordered.

The ice demon nodded and bowed then swiftly left the room.

Mihou went to his sister's side and tapped her arm gently. She opened her now burnt magenta eyes and frowned.

“There's trouble.” She guessed.

“Yes, the baby is stuck, the best thing to do is a cesarean.” He said.

She closed her eyes and leaned her head back with a soft groan.

“Are you okay with that?” He asked.

“You're the expert here. Do what you think is-” she broke off with a shout as a particularly strong contraction hit her.

“I'll get started.” He told her.

Everything was prepared for the surgery, he ordered Ivory to fetch a healer and prepare a bath for the baby.

He took a deep breath and made the first incision.

XXX

Mihou gently washed the newborn in a warm bath as Lihua got the incision healing. The young demon was pretty good at giving injuries a healing kickstart. He was very glad when Ivory had returned with her.

Iron Fan was resting, he had given her a few heavy pain killers so she wouldn't feel her skin being knit back together. Sometimes healing injuries like that felt worse than receiving them.

She would recover quickly, she had always healed fast, it was why she lasted so long against the sickness-curse that nearly took her life, and she could be back to her normal life soon. With her son of course.

The newborn was a little boy, he had floppy little bull ears, little spots where horns would eventually grow and a cute little tail that looked like a paint brush. And he had a lot of hair already.

It was bright red and silky soft.

He was already so excited to introduce his sister to her little boy.

XXX

DBK sat up as soon as the door opened, Mihou gave him a tired, happy smile.

“Would you like to meet your son?” He asked.

He practically tore the doors off the hinges in his rush to get in the room.

The love of his life was resting in the delivery bed, or she had been until he disturbed her.

His queen shot him a fiery, tired glare before a soft smile graced her lips.

“Darling, it's so wonderful to see you well.” He said, kneeling at her bedside.

“It's wonderful to be well.” She said, cupping his cheek with her free hand.

Her fingers twirled around the burnt and permanently damaged fur.

She leaned closer to him and he wrapped his arms around her. They sat together for a quiet moment of peace before Iron Fan spoke again.

“Do you want to hold him?” She asked.

He nodded eagerly and she gently placed their little boy in his hands.

He fit perfectly in his palms.

“He's so tiny.” He almost squealed.

Iron Fan laughed softly and leaned on his shoulder, reaching over to run her fingers through their son's fluffy red hair. 

“Perfect, isn't he?” she mused.

“Yes, our precious Red Son.” he said, nuzzling her forehead gently.

He overheard his brothers trying to leave quietly.

“I want one.”

“Me too.”

“Can we get one?”

“Not now…”

Their voices faded as the pair of monkeys shut the door softly behind them.

DBK shifted into a more comfortable position and held his wife and son as they both succumbed to the exhaustion of the last day.

This, holding his family close to him, was a gift, it was a blessing they were even alive at all.

Their survival was in a way a gift from Iron Fan’s estranged mother.

Their child bore the mark of her gift to the realm on his back.

DBK swore he saw the goddess in the flames of the flower when he picked it. Even if their relationship wasn't the best, she didn't want her daughter and grandchild to die.

Even if she never did anything else for them or even acknowledged her grandson, he would be forever grateful for her gift to him.

His wife and son.

XXX

LBD slipped quietly into the humble house she had built deep into the woods. Far east from the capital city of the Ironbull Empire.

It was far from her preferred home, but if all went well, she would be returning there soon enough.

Regardless of her preferences, this spot was carefully chosen; it was far enough from most settlements that her residence was completely unknown, yet in an area known for having some isolated hermits living in it.

Her activities could go unnoticed yet if she was seen no one would think anything of it. The cost of making a portal to go back and forth between the capital was worth it.

This was the perfect place to plan and continue her experiments.

Her thrall opened the door for her.

“Welcome back my lady.” He said enthusiastically as he always did.

“How was your time away?” He asked.

She didn't respond, instead she went to the hidden staircase and descended into her dungeon to check on her little project’s process.

“You've been caring for my project while I was away?” She asked as she descended the stairs.

“Of course my lady.”

“Good. My visit to the capital has proved quite informative.” She told him.

“Oh?”

“The Samadhi Flower has been used to save Queen Iron Fan, her son now holds its power within him.” She said.

“The grandson of Xiwangmu.” he chuckled.

Oh yes, Xiwangmu’s attempt to prevent “mortals” from truly having control of her power was based on the fact she never thought one of her own would settle in the realm. Quite a humorous twist of fate really.

She stepped off the last step and approached the shadowy figure sitting in a cell of bone and ice.

The monkey growled softly at her approach. Clearly they were still doing just fine. Their process was coming along quite nicely. Her thrall didn't have any new injuries, so her little project had been very well behaved while she was gone.

That was deserving of a reward.

“What is to be done with the young prince?” Her thrall questioned as she prepared a nice treat for her well behaved monkey demon.

“Do you still plan to take him as your own?” He asked gleefully, knowing exactly how to get the monkey's undivided attention.

“Well, if all goes well, I won't have to resort to that quite yet.” She said with a glance over her shoulder at her experiment.

The monkey bared their fangs and their tail twitched in agitation, but otherwise they made no protest. How could they?

The icy blue chains blocked their magic and forced them to remain in this bitterly cold hell.

Laohu silently watched the witch come around with a tray of fruit. A reward for their perceived good behavior. They would have bitten the thrall if they hadn't felt so sick in the time the witch was gone.

The witch gave them a cold smile and oh so graciously offered them the tray. Laohu knew better than to refuse the witch's “charity” and accepted the “reward”.

They were to busy checking it for possible danger that they didn't notice the witch sneak closer to them until her long, boney fingers started working out the knots in their extra fluffy fur.

Laohu froze, they always did. The witch hummed to herself, uncaring of their discomfort.

Begrudgingly, they allowed the witch to groom their fur. It was necessary to deal with their now thick fur, and they couldn't do it themself anymore, but Laohu hated every moment of it.

The witch took something shared between family, between mates, and twisted it into something rotten.

It made their skin crawl and their stomach churn.

Qiuyue, their mate, should be the one going through their fur, not this witch.

Laohu suffered through the involuntary grooming session, not giving much of a response to the witch's comments about how they should take better care of themself for the child's sake, as if the witch would actually care about them, and finally relaxed enough to be able to eat once the witch and her thrall returned to their dwellings above.

They glared at the stone ceiling above them, then sighed and buried themself in the small nest they had made. The witch was cruel, but she provided them with the necessities to successfully produce what she wanted.

It was better than sleeping on the cold floor, but at the same time they didn't want to accept anything from the witch.

They curled up and wrapped their tail around their baby bump, around the little one who the witch would do gods know what to regardless of the outcome.

Laohu rested a hand on their bump and silently promised their child that they would find some way to get out of this, to keep their little lily safe from their “mother” and get back to their mate and cub.

[muavenusphoenix]

Xi Wang Mu by weiyi1995

[dorothygale123]

Since I've made a lot of mythology sh*tposts, I decided to make a masterlist for anyone who wants to skip around quickly.

The 5 Emperors

Red Son and the Red Emperor

Xing Tian, the headless giant

Red Emperor 2, the Reddening

Chiyou causes problems

Yellow Emperor makes a corpse drum (yes, really)

My fellow nerd and I have a lot to say about weeds

Dragons

The dragon princess and the dumbest in laws ever

The Dragon Kings who don't do anything

Ao Qin shows us why we shouldn't give in to peer pressure

Moving branches on the dragon family tree

China has a dragon problem

The Sun and Moon

The very similar stories of Hou Yi and Shen I

Erlang Shen killed the suns too

Why the 10 Suns were being jerks

The 12 Moons

Ancient Chinese Alice in Wonderland

More fun stuff about the 10 suns

Does Hou Yi have a backstory?

A dramatic retelling of the 10 suns myth

Earth and Sky

Eggs come up a lot, actually

Nuwa cleans up a big mess-

-But there was still more for Yu to clean later

Why is the sky all the way up there?

Sun Wukong

The 4 Spiritual Primates + 4 Elements

The Old Mother of Waters gets some bad takeout

Sun Wukong's first crime (they grow up so fast)

A more dramatic telling of how Monkey became Monkey King

The Underworld

The Chinese underworld is very judgy

But it also has a wholesome grandma who feeds you

Kuan Yin

Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy

Kuan Yin 2, Electric Boogaloo

Kuan Yin 3, This Time It's Personal

Rulers of the Cosmos

Xiwangmu, the Jade Emperor, and Nuwa

The Jade Emperor is someone's OC

Possible line of succession for the rulers of the cosmos

Was the Jade Emperor in charge for Wukong's entire life?

Shangdi and the void where his characterization used to be

How the Jade Emperor got his badass wife

Miscellaneous

Si-Men Bau is a genius

The very heterosexual fox and his 'drinking buddy'

This fox had one job and he decided to create footbinding instead

Seriously, what are the 8 trigrams?

Erlang Shen plays Sidekick while th 4 kings get their asses whooped

The 5 members of the 4 Guardian Beasts

The 5th Element isn't just an old movie

The cow can jump over the moon, but not the Milky Way

Cute figures I don't need got my research blood pumping

And I needed 2 posts to geek out appropriately

Dragon Ball Parallels

More info on some cool critters that happen to have adorable minis

Oops, is that Plato in my Chinese Mythology?

Bulma Briefs, Great Tang Monk

Tien Shinhan, Lord of Sichuan

Yamcha, River Spirit of the Desert and Puar the Dragon Horse

[yourlocaleggperson]

WELCOME TO ME GOING CRAZY THEORIZING ABOUT LMK

So who the hell is this woman?!

I already saw some theories of she being Guanyin (Wich doesn't make sense because she does appear one time with the leaves that were forgotten in jttw) and theories of she being Nüwa, the creation goodness... So Wich one of them is she???

WELL NEITHER, because I think she is The Queen Mother of the west ( or Xiwangmu)

But first.. Who is Xiwangmu? She is the most powerful goodness in the Chinese pantheon, she is also married to the Jade Emperor, the owner of the garden of the peachs of immortality and In some versions has complete control over life, death,creation and destruction. She went to various changes during time, but the most famous version of her is that she used to be a Demon that brought disasters to the world, causing her to be depicted sometimes with tiger features, and after repenting her evil ways she achieved enlightenment.

So why do I think Queen Mother is the mysterious woman? Well, since she has completed control of disasters, chaos and creation, and we assume that she created MK and MK is know for Harbinger of chaos, then it is safe to assume that she is Queen Mother

But why can't she be Nüwa? Well, Nüwa is only know for creating mankind and some animals, monkeys not included( As far as I know, I might be wrong here) and we see a bunch of stone animals on the next scene, so that only leaves us with queen mother, wich yes.. I don't have that may proves but we only got to see one frame of her, so I guess it makes a little Sense

That's it, I might be completely wrong, just wanted to share my thoughts

[acoraxia]

My knowledge of fyss!Kui Mulang is not the best because since the fyss version is in English and the book is extra dense with many characters with different names, it has not been easy for me. I know more about Jttw!Kui Mulang. Jttw is easier for me because there is a version in my native language. But about Kui Mulang and his wife, Kui Mulang kidnapped his wife against her will. He also does not hesitate to hurt her If she does something agaisnt him. Furthermore, the moment Kui Mulang is caught, he betrays his wife and tries to put all the blame on her, saying that she was the one who seduced him.

Many fsyy characters have different names. So I think that's why not many recognize Azure Lion. He was part of the Jie Sect but is later turned into a mount when he loses. I think lmk is not taking fsyy as a prequel to Jttw like New gods. However, I feel like it gives more depth to his character? You know, imagine fighting on the side that accepts you because the other side doesn't really like your kind (from what I understand, there may be good reasons as well as discrimination against the Yaoguai) and then you're humiliated into being the mount of an immortal. And many centuries pass, and you gain respect and connections, but they still don't see you anymore than that. He also becomes very angry when he is not invited to Xiwangmu's peach banquet. I'm not saying this to defend him, but the topic of the Yaoguai and how they are perceived is interesting.

this person is answering questions about fsyy. It's the only blog I've found, so they might be able to give you the info you want to know about fsyy!Kui Mulang. I hope it helps you a lot if you ever need it! :)

https://www.tumblr.com/ryin-silverfish

I'm sorry if I send a lot of asks to reply. I tried to send a response to my ask but apparently my reply is too long??? I'm still not very familiar with Tumblr

Checked my inbox after me and my sib discussed media and honestly it made my mood go from “aw” to “OOOH” so quickly haha

Fyss!Kui Mulang will remain a mystery for a while… we gotta accept this fate my friends. At least until I do a little digging and end up launching him on top of my faves like I did with Erlang and Red Son— AHEM anyways!

I did not know he tried to victim blame his wife.. what the HECK dude… what is wrong with you… my guy.. my dude! What the heck!

Also Yaoguai were always very interesting imo… like at some point it makes you wonder if the hate and judgement they get is justified or not. Yes there are yao that eat people or kill them and do things that aren’t great but what of the ones that are just living? The ones who fight on the side of “good”? Makes you wonder about it. (I did learn that yaoguai stands for creatures that stand outside the natural order/cannot be explained. Which is fun!) Kind of interesting how he was turned into a mount… hm. That’s.. certainly something! Especially for a sentient being capable of thought and speech as eloquent as any other immortal he comes across!

I kind of wish they’d taken fyss as an inspiration ngl.. they did show the Nezha and Ao Bing fight scene but it was obviously shown as more aggressive (in the book, Nezha just smacked him while Ao Bing was the one who launched the first attack—meant to he comedic but also horrifying moment for the Ao family) and it’s funny how they introduced Nü Wa.. because they’ll have to address which version of her it is (in some myths she is the Jade Emperor’s daughter (fyss iirc), in other’s she marries her brother—options!) —but! Anyways, this was a fun read

Definitely makes me think about Azure Lion and Kui Mulang’s characterizations… hm hm hm

[quitealotofsodapop]

How do the courts react to Haoyu? I mean, this is the youngest stone monkey in existence and also looks like, in Pigsy's words "a Lisa Frank" piece and a mixture of Spicynoodles, so...

Haoyu arrives + Royal court confusion.

For those confused by the "Lisa Frank" comment; Haoyu has been imbedded with the power of the Five Heavenly (or Five-Coloured) Stones, and comes out with bits of rainbows in his features - notably his eyes. Add in Red Son's absorbed life energy, and you've got a ginger-furred baby monkey (reference pic is a langur) who sneezes rainbow fire.

The celestial and demon courts are jubilant, if not very confused. Haoyu's birth is the greatest news all of the Celestial Realm has had in months since the passing of the Jade Emperor. But the knowledge that the parents of said child is the Emperor's recently-recognised half-bull grandson + the surprise stone monkey successor of Sun Wukong = makes everyone baffled at the same time.

The Queen Mother has gone all out on the celebration ever since she learned that both parent and baby were safe and healthy. She's been planning the whole event for at least five weeks. Xiwangmu's great-grandson is the shining light of the universe as far as she's concerned!

MK shows up to the royal birth announcement wearing sweatpants cus monkey boy be exhausted. Red Son appears in traditional court attire, happily showing off MK and the baby like they both didn't just roll out of bed that morning. Also his big royal robe makes a great impromptu blanket once the three of them become too tired with the festivities.

Haoyu himself is still in "will not stop clinging to mom or will scream"-stage of development. So if a hard-headed noble or servant tried to take the baby off of MK; they get hit with the loudest screeching a barely-1-pound baby monkey can make. And a near-death experience courtesy of all baby's protective family members. MK has to stop Xiwangmu from reflexively tossing the offender off a cloud.

Many of the celestials and trusted demons of the party at first assume Sun Wukong and the Six Eared Macaque to be MK's parents, only to be shocked to be introduced to a stout pig-man and a gangly human scholar.

Tang, proudly: "He takes more after me, as you can see." MK & Pigsy: (*fond sighs*)

Wukong and Macaque still proudly refer to Haoyu as their "grand-student". Especially Macaque ever since the baby saw his real ears and started making his own wiggle and glow as some sort of wordless communication - Mei calls it "baby rave mode".

DBK is trying his best not to cry or explode out of his clothing. Haoyu isn't even the size of a human baby, and the old Bull sobs whenever he sees him. Haoyu loves his big purple Yeye Bull, and has started doing little calf-headbutts to greet him. DBK would destroy heaven itself for this little orange puffball.

DBK and Xiwangmu have also come to a tentative agreement; even though the Queen Mother didn't approve of the method in which DBK and PIF eloped, he's still the better of her son-in-laws (Li Jing has been kicked down the celestial food chain ever since the incident with the Stones).

PIF is busy making her presence known since this is her first time presenting to the celestial court in centuries. She's worse than Red for showing off MK and the baby; bragging to any curious ear that dare listens.

PIF, talking to another noblewoman: "Well clearly Xiaotian and my son would produce the first great-grandchild! Red Son has had an infatuation for the boy ever since they met!" Red Son, embarrassed: "Mother!" MK, laughing: "Aww!! Babe! You had a crush on me?" Red Son: "MK, we're legally married with a baby." MK, giggling: "Still!"

Nezha's hackles are raised, watching over MK's shoulder like a guard dog. Not only keeping to his duty as Protector of Children - but also because part of the ceremony is him giving Haoyu his 100-day blessing (his Man Yue was a lot smaller and personal). It's a big deal for him. Erlang thankfully provides him some backup. At least the little guy isn't keen on being anywhere not attached to his parents anytime soon.

At the end of the day Mei and the rest of the Noodle Gang manage to distract the party so MK and Red can get out of there and relax. it's been a busy day for these two, and an even bigger one for the baby.

Xiwangmu goes searching for them frantically after noticing her Grandson and Grandson-in-law missing from the party. She finds them curled up in their guest room with little Haoyu snoring away between them. She quietly grants them her blessing and leaves the three sleep on. Her little rainbow quartz has a big universe to see.

[quitealotofsodapop]

Tripitaka is about to get a crash course in cat instincts. Warm sunny spots are his, he’s lightly pushing someone out of their spot. The pilgrims excluding Wukong found out about the catnip the hard way. Cute thought him just batting at Wukong’s tail like a kitten

Wait does Wukong have an egg during this au or separate from that?

Prev.

me and @soniclozdplove have been goofing with his au a bit in the dms.

Might instead rename the au to the "Tiger Monk" au - Tripitaka accidentally gaining his own demonic nickname over the course of the story.

Tripitaka is completely in the dark instinct-wise. He's not a born demon, heck I wouldn't be surprised if his only contact with cats were fat shrine cats without a hunting bone in their body.

He absolutely shrieks the first time he sees something that looks even vaguely like a snake, prompting the Pilgrims to freak out too for a moment before Wukong turns the "snake" over to reveal it to be just a plantain leaf.

Tripitaka panics the first time he subconsciously marks a tree with his claws (tigers do so to identify territory boundaries), only to get carried away and turn it into a scratching post.

Wukong and Ao Lie quickly discover that their Master gets distracted by swaying/twitching tails, and will go full kitten-mode to play with them. It's good fight practice.

Him and Wukong come to a mutual teaching/learning agreement; Wukong will help his master learn the ways of demons and how to protect himself from harm, and Tripitaka will teach his disciple means of curbing his more violent and impulsive actions.

Like how many demons, living a dangerous existence in the wild where humans and wildlife alike want you dead, tend to say "Hi" through fighting.

Tripitaka balks at the idea, but accidentally makes his first progress by lightly bapping the Gold and Silver twins on their backs when they try kidnapping him. The twins guffaw and mock his lack-of strength, but pointedly untie him and start a normal conversation with the Pilgrims.

See the problem is; demons tend to have non-humanoid forms and silhouettes. They need to prove to the other party that "Hey! I'm not dinner! I'm like you!" and the easiest way is to throw a punch. It's like if you were a deer hunter and everyone wore antlers on their heads.

And Tripitaka is now a type of demon that responds to surprise, or even excitement, with smacking their paws on their target.

Macaque's anger towards the Monk is a little lessened, since he sees that Tripitaka himself is victim of divine punishment, rather than the sole instigator. Laughs his ass off to see this tiger demon practically swimming in a cassock meant for a human, and offers help with the demonic etiquette part of Tripitaka's training.

Meanwhile with Azure "The Dud" Lion;

He still has no rizz. This tomcat getting smacked by eight (Macaque and Yellow Tusk tagged in) different hands whenever he tries flirting with the Buddha's Boy Scout. Also he still has unresolved feelings for Wukong, so his cat-brain isn't firing on all cylinders.

Tripitaka: "I never want to deal with another male cat demon again after that adventure!" The Tiger Power Priest: "Hello my dear Tiger Monk~" Tawny Lion Demon Clan: "We saw him first!" Leopard King of the Southern Hill: "No I saw him first!" The Pilgrims + Macaque: "NONE OF YOU SAW HIM FIRST!!"

The Queen Mother herself gets involved after she peaks down and nearly mistakes Tripitaka for one of her daughters. She thinks of the Human-turned-Tiger as adorable as a cub getting used to their legs. She gives him great advice on their species behaviours, and warns him of further suiting attempts.

Wukong doesn't have an Egg in this Au, but something hilarious probably occurs during the Kingdom of Women chapter;

Wukong: "Master! Me and Wujing managed to get the Spring Water Cure for you and Brother Pig!" Tripitaka: "Don't want it." Wukong & Wujing: "HUH!?" Tripitaka: "If the Buddha has blessed me with a sinless child, I do not wish to reject his gift." Bajie, in the bathroom: "A gift my hams!! Your mother cat instincts are going haywire!" Tripitaka: "Even if that is so, some of my more... undesirous instincts have quietened. I prefer to experience this than what I was suppressing before." (*curls up, purring*) Wukong, turns to Wujing: "Well! I guess we're going to have tiger cubs for the rest of the Journey!" Wujing: "Not exactly. I was in Heaven when the Queen Mother was with her final pregnancy. Celestial and demonic animals can carry their young for many years." Wukong, raises brow: "Uh-huh, yeah. Tell me, how many cubs did she have?" Wujing, gets quiet: "...lets consider that after we reach India." Bajie, pokes head out of bathroom: "Where's it gonna come out???" Ao Lie, giggling: "As if that's an issue for demons!"

[quitealotofsodapop]

Does that last ask mean Nezha is on MK’s side the whole time during the MK Egged au?

Ref.

Yup.

The second Nezha learned about MK's Stone Egg, his loyalty has been to his role as Protector of Children.

To ensure that the youngest Stone Monkey (whether that be MK himself or the future infant) is safe outweighs any other duties Nezha may have. Except perhaps finding safe place to hide the Emperor's power.

So when Li Jing treats MK like animal that needs to be tamed and caged, Nezha's trust in his father falters.

Nezha busts the monkeys out on purpose. And pretends he sees nothing when he attends the Dragon-Tiger festival.

Li Jing: "You let them get away!? Why didn't you react?!" Nezha:

When the gang jump into the Pagoda, Nezha is jumping in after them cus "Gotdang it! Gotta make sure MK is safe!"

Also once the Queen Mother of the West arrives on-scene to see what the commotion is about, Li Jing gets the crap beaten out of him for putting a pregnant person in distress.

Xiwangmu, destructive power lashing at Li Jing: "You are truly the worst son-in-law I have!" Li Jing, dodging her flames: "Do you forget the Bull!!?" Xiwangmu: "HE WOULD NEVER HURT A PREGNANT PERSON!"

Xiangliu barely has the screen time to explain their plans since they get a War Form Lotus Prince and Primordial Destruction Goddess squeezing them like a stress ball. Meanwhile, MK still puts himself in harms way by sacrificing himself to the Pillar, only to pop out moments later with Nuwa's permission to destroy the heavenly stones.

Once the baby Haoyu is finally born/hatched, Nezha holds them and prays; "Please, do not be as much trouble as your parent."

Haoyu sneezes and flames spit onto Nezha's face. Nezha sighs fondly.

[quitealotofsodapop]

When Tieshan told Macaque of the scarf, she knew what she was doing. She may not know much of Ancient Stone Monkey culture, but she had 500 years, a mountain full of lost stories and secrets regarding the clan, and quite the incentive to learn as much as she could. After all, it could literally be the difference between life and death for Wukong and his second try at parenthood. She wasn't going to risk sowmthing as simple as a lack of knowledge from stopping her...

So somewhere on that island she came across a depiction of Stone Monkey mourning rituals, including how some monkeys would choose to bury themselves beside their mates during the Stone Egg ritual, or lacking a proper resting place, with their mate's former items so that the dao of their mate would be absorbed by their Egg. A way for their mate to live on through their child, so to speak. This means she knows what it means for Wukong to have buried himself with Macaque's scarf and continue to wear it as a waist wrap even now. And she knows Macaque and Marshall Ma knows it, too.

Pigsy asks her how she knew mentioning the scarf would get Macaque out of his funk.

Pigsy: How the hell did you know that would work!?

Tieshan: Because despite not being raised by them, Macaque is still a Stone Monkey of the Lotus-Eared variant. In their culture, to bury oneself with something covered in their mate's dao is to wish for the cub to absorb the dao and have a piece ofntheir mate pass on to the cub, if not in blood, then in spirit. We can see in Xiaotian's coloration how Wukong and Macaque's dao had mixed together to create a child that looks like both parents.

Marshall Ma: Wukong would have known about this as well, the Elder whom led us before Wukong had taken the throne of the Stone Matriarch had raised him with as much knowledge about the Stone Monkeys as he could before he passed.

Xiwangmu, interested: Stone Matriarch? I have not heard of such a being.

Marshall Ma: 'Tis the title of Wukong's predecessor, the one whom Azure claims to be Lady Sonzi's reincarnation. We know her as the Stone Matriarch of Flower Fruit Mountain. She had led our predecessor tribe before the Floods. It is said she had left an egg bearing her Heir upon the Mountain, the very same one Wukong had hatched from. It is why we made him the Monkey King once he had discovered the ancestral palace behind the Water-Curtain Cave.

Prev.

Tieshan did spend about 500 years watching the island as it's vigil, and protector. She and the Stalwarts had many times come together for meals and chats. The topic of mourning rituals came up when she expressed a comparison to Wukong's state to that of a funeral burial. The Stalwarts were quick to show her the murals inside of Water Curtain Cave, relaying the stories Elder passed on to them from his time. How the Stone Monkeys not could form a vestal child from their own Dao, but from the Dao of lost spouses - given that they buried themselves at their side or with their belongings so that the couple had a chance to produce a shared child.

Tieshan recalls how her sworn-brother's favourite scarf was last seen in Wukong's arms...

The reveal that Macaque is Xiaotian's other parent (spiritually and genetically) is enough for him to shake out of his funk - not only did Wukong still love him after all that happened, but he made an effort to ensure that his second child would be born with Macaque's life energy!

I like to think that before they leave Flower Fruit Mountain; Xiwangmu and the Jade Emperor make a point of finding one of Shíhuā's shrines/statues and sitting down to just... talk. Both to each other and to their daughter (or whomever she became). They ask her if she was happy in that life. Mention how her son can be such a handful at times but they care for him still.

Guanyin witnesses this from a distance. Tears roll down their face as it hits how the two royals truly see them their kin. They weren't lying when they called Guanyin their daughter, and Wukong their grandson.

[quitealotofsodapop]

Wukong and Macaque end up practically moving to the Celestial Realm for the time beong, not to join the Celestial Body like Azure believes, but simply out of convenience and because of the revelations about their family history that were revealed to the entire Celestial Court during Azure's coup.

With such accusations thrown at Wukong regarding his heritage and the Jade Emperor not denying it, the Celestials all but demanded a rest to be done to verify Azure's words It wasn't the first time someone tried to claim to be a royal or noble's reincarnation or related to someone's reincarnation, and there are tests and trials in place to verify. When the test came out positive, Wukong was now officially confirmed as the son of Sonzi's first reincarnation and that sort of Pandora's Box cannot be closed. He is now, by spirit and blood, a member of the royal family and entitled to everything that comes with it.

That and his consistent health issues mean that despite his and Macaque's reluctance to be in Heaven, Macaque still had his community service to do and Wukong needed time to recover and to deal with a lot of bureaucratic bullshit what with him now being recognized as a Celestial Prince, it's just easier for the new family to just stay where they are to deal with all that and a commute from Flower Fruit Mountain. Plus after the coup the Jade Emperor and Xiwangmu are very reluctant to let their newly discovered grandson and great-grandson out of their sight.

Prev.

Nezha and Erlang were personally overseeing Macaque's community service (lots of cleaning the horse stalls bimawen-style) when the Brotherhood strikes.

So when Azure comes before the Celestial Court with Princess Songzi's Scrolls claiming that Sun Wukong is a lost Celestial Prince, Heaven is missing its two biggest warriors.

And when Peng appears, clutching both Wukong and his cub in their talons, Macaque isn't there to go kaiju on them.

The Celestial Court demands a test be done to deny the Brotherhood's claim, especially when the royal couple start sweating nervously at the accusation.

The Jade Emperor does something no one would ever thonk possible; he kneels before the Brotherhood to ensure the safety of Sun Wukong and his cub.

And after the coup is dealt with (courtesy of a released and furious DBK + a sympathetic Yellow Tusk), the monkeys still have to keep their "temporary" home in Wukong's old attendant quarters for the time being while the heat dies down. And for the monkeys health since Wukong us still recovering, and Macaque's own "condition" is discovered (note the latter is the only reason DBK hasn't turned Macaque into paste).

The Stalwart laugh when they learn about it. They had been trying to ease Wukong into leaving the island the last few centuries (barring his stasis), and now he's a whole Realm away! XD

[quitealotofsodapop]

I'm just imagining , for a few hours at least, Macaque wondering if he should even try to rescue Wukong from Azure in the Century Egg AU. After all, he was a shitty mate who caused his expecting partner to lose his baby. He knows Azure would never do that, the Lion loves kids, he would dote on Wukong...

Then Macaque hits himself with reality.

Prev.

yess.

In Macaque's mind, all he's done by coming back is bring more trouble with him. Azure on the other hand has made Wukong literally Empress of the Universe. How could he compete?

I imagine that the shadow monkey has a breakdown once all the gang comes together to plan their next move. Sitting listlessly in the corner of Wukong's hut.

Luckily he's in a room full of critics;

Pigsy: "We have to find a way to get him and the kid out of there!" Sandy: "Mr McQuack has shadow powers - maybe he can sneak in!" Macaque, gloomily: "I can't." Pigsy: "What do you mean you can't!?" Macaque: "All I've done for last nearly two thousand years is hurt Wukong. I hurt him when I left him under that mountain. I hurt him when I attacked the Monk. I hurt him with my death. I literally killed our first child! Azure has made him an Empress... all I've done is made him a widow. Ever since I came back, everything has gone wrong!" Tang: "Now thats not true!" Macaque: "IT IS! I helped bring the Lady Bone Demon back to life and nearly destroyed the world! I got Wukong possessed by her! And Wukong nearly died having Xiaotian! How has me being here made any positive change to his life!?" (*Mortal and immortal eyes avoid Macaque's gaze, all but one.*) Tieshan: "Your scarf." Macaque: "What?" Tieshan: "Your red scarf. The one you wore every day for almost a millennium. The one you died wearing. Where do you think it went after the earth took your body?" Macaque: "Why does that-" Tieshan: "What do you think Wukong wrapped himself in when he set out to make his second child?" Macaque: (*struck silent, eyes widening with realisation*) Marshal Ma, steps forward: "She's correct. Wukong made sure to be buried wearing only items that belonged to you. He thought that in some far-off way, both your Dao could survive in the child if neither of you were truly meant for this world." Macaque: "He... what does that mean? Why would he-" Tieshan: "He loved you Liu'er. He still loves you. Even when you hurt him in possibly the worst way imaginable, he still cried for you. He never stopped loving you." Macaque: (*openly crying*) "He... he would have been better off with me still dead." Xiwangmu: "I must understand something Liu'er Mihou - because you seem to not know yourself; why did you come back?" Macaque: "I..." Xiwangmu: (*gives him a stare that could set a inferno*) Macaque: "I... my ears told me that the soul I had taken was to be reborn. Reunited with Wukong. I wanted to be there to protect them both. I didn't know it meant literally returned as his child when I went searching for it." Sandy: "Explains why you tried so hard for him to let your stay then. You both still wanted a shot at having a family together." Macaque: "I did..." Pigsy, furious/annoyed: "You do. Get it into your head, bub! Wukong is stuck in that throne room in the arms of some creep, who could just decide some day to toss the kid off the cloud if he so pleases! Are you just going to mope here while that happens!?" Macaque, invigorated: "NO!" Pigsy: "Then what are you going to do?!" Macaque: "I'm- I'm going to need Bull." Pigsy: "Not the answer I was looking for but ok." Macaque, turns to the royals: "Emperor, my Lady, I must ask I great favour of you." Jade Emperor: "Go ahead." Macaque: "Azure will not stand to let even a trace of my magic inside the palace grounds - but he's been in a fair mood since Peng and Yellow Tusk have been returned to him. If we can play into that sense of camaraderie, we can get someone on the inside to smuggle Wukong and the baby out of there." Xiwangmu: "Consider his sentence null and void in the event that he helps saves my grandson and great-grandson." Tieshan, surprised: "Mother! You don't mean-" Xiwangmu: "Tieshan, currently your husband is my least disliked son-in-law. If he can help us retake the throne and save Sun Wukong, I will welcome him into our family with open arms." Tang, fanboying: "We're gonna release the Demon Bull King!!!" Red Son, appearing in a joyful whirlwind of fire: "YEAH!! Baba will kick their butts!" Tieshan: "AHH! Red Son! I thought I left you with the Ao-Longs!" Both of the Ao-Longs in dragon form: "You did." "He tried to take the baby back himself." Mei, mouth full of feathers: "I bit the birdy!"

Of course this leads to the conversation of who can lift the Staff to release DBK if Wukong isn't available.

Macaque isn't his mate's equal for nothing.

[quitealotofsodapop]

When Wukong was rescued, not course, he didn't let Azure be taken away or anything without one thing. He insisted on approaching the lion and taking something Azure had stolen from him back.

A little amethyst pendant with a black braided cord that Xiwangmu remembered seeing Wukong clutching to his chest like a noble woman's favored pearls. Macaque took one look at it and realized what it was..

Macaque: You... you kept that!?

Wukong, emotional: of course I did. You'd kept yours, didn't you?

Xiwangmu is suddenly feeling very emotional as she and the Emperor realize the significance of the little orange pendant with an orange chord around Macaque's neck.

Yes!!! The marriage pendant idea! Base post: here.

Stone Monkeys exchanging pendants made of their own hair + birth stone (literally the gemstone from their birth stone egg or barring that a replica) as a marriage tradition!

I just adore that even after everything thats happened between Shadowpeach, neither can let go of the one item that proves that they're a bonded pair. And reminds them of the other no matter how far they are apart.

Wukong at first wondering if Macaque is being truthful that he's back to make amends, and catches a glimpse of shining orange around the shadow's neck while he's readjusting his (new) scarf. Wukong's hand shoots to his own pendant hidden under hanfu against his heart, kept as close as possible to him when he buried himself. Thats when he knew that his mate was being honest - for not even in death Macaque dared to be parted with his marriage pendant.

The royal couple aren't sure of the significance of the monkeys' pendants at first, but they seem themed in a way. The Emperor even wonders if he recognises the very same amethyst shard on Sun Wukong's neck back when he was slated for execution - since no amount of physical force or magic able to remove it. Lao Tzu even tested if it was a source of the monkey's immortality, but confirmed that it itself was merely unable to be destroyed by anyone but the holder. They hadn't bothered looking in further. Now he knows why the King clutched it so tightly when each attempt on his life failed.

To think that the pendants were proof of their bond as much as a legal document or wedding ring was a shock to say the least! The fact that Azure Lion held Wukong's pendant hostage as a sign of "ownership" also brings a foul taste to everyone's mouths.

Xiwangmu now realises why Guanyin insisted on saving the shell of Xiaotian's egg after his birth - the bodhisattva remembering the significance from their past life. The little orange and yellow geode was being kept safe on Flower Fruit Mountain by the Four Stalwarts - personal witnesses to Wukong and Macaque's fumbled proposals.

I love this so much (⌒ω⌒)