A Million Dreams

by Ducky_Dawn47

Summary:

Wukong has dreams of his childhood sometimes.

Mihou sees them every time.

Chapter 1: Watching... Waiting...

Summary:

The Monkey King misses his Moonlight dearly.

The Nowhere King watches his Sunlight from his prison in the stars.

Notes:

HEY! So in order to understand anything that's going on, You'd need to be up to Chapter 9 on my other fic; Legendary!
This fic begins the morning after the New Year's Attack.

Year 2037, January 1st, 4:46 AM

Wukong was so tired. Today had been...

A Lot.

Mk and Wukong were already back on the Island, thankfully due to the fact Wukong could perform about 2 spells at a time;

His Glamours, and a Non-combative spell of choice. 

Because Heaven was just- oh so gracious. 

Regardless, It meant Wukong could fly back home with Mk in tow on his cloud. The kid still wasn't waking up again, and it made Wukong pretty nervous-

He really hoped this wasn't gonna become a habit of the kid's...

But still, Wukong got him into the Cave and in his nest with minimal issues. And was now curled up in his own pile of blankets, pillows and plushies in the saftey of his home. 

The only place left that was ever safe.

Wukong anxiously rubbed at the crook of his neck. Sighing as he curled in on himself from where he was buried under his favorite weighted maroon blanket. 

that slimy spider bitch got way too close.

So Close.

Wukong tried to ignore the way his skin crawled as he rolled over in his nest. A small sliver of moonlight peeked in from the covered window above his bed. Landing right on the empty space in the right side of the nest. 

This wasn't Their nest. It was burned to ash a long... long time ago. 

But Wukong still left a space for him. 

Even though it would never be filled again. 

Wukong's arm slipped out from under his blanket to rest in that empty space under the moonlight. 

Wukong's heart gave that old, familiar ache. 

Another crack in the marble that made up the Monkey King. 

Staring at his hand under the shining, comforting light of the moon, Wukong's eyes slowly slid shut. 

' I just want to see Him...My Moonlight...'

Were his last lucid thoughts as he slipped into sleep. 

 

---

In the Twilight Prison 

Liu'er stared blankly at the stars that made up the roof of his jail cell. 

The Twilight Prison was a large sort of voidspace, an ever Twilight sky seemingly spanning on for forever, with 1foot deep indigo waters making up the floor, and stretching just as long. The trillions of false stars sparkled in their gradient sky. 

Each and every one a memory of someone he loved missing him. 

Xiaotian had come and gone, his little Starlight the only visitor Liu'er was allowed. 

Time was a fickle thing in the Twilight Prison. Showing his people, brother and mate grieving him at seemingly random intervals. 

All except the dreams, that is. Those came in regularly, and always about 3 minutes apart from eachother. 

Liu'er's only guess at how much time has passed during his time here was those little teal balls of light and when they appeared. 

But they never showed the present, like Wukong's nightly visits. 

Only the past, Their happiest memories. And even a few fantasies his mate would have about them; Their Reunion, Liu'er never dying, Wukong never leaving to cause Havoc in Heaven. He even still dreamed of their intimacy. 

It made Liu'er feel guilty, but he was never one to lie to himself, not anymore. 

It gave him great peace knowing Wukong still loved him. That he still held the same steadfast place in the Sunlight's heart. And how hollow it was without him there... 

Wukong was still Waiting for him. Despite wholly believing he was well and gone. 

Liu'er was still Watching for him. Endlessly anticipating those stars that he'd long learned were meant to signify his husband; Red, His nightly visits to Liu'er's grave. Teal, His dreams. And pale Gold, when he missed Liu'er or wished he was there to witness something, unknowingly allowing him to see it due to the prison he was trapped in. 

The most recent gold one threatened to break him, though. Watching his husband call out to him in their nearly dead native language through Liu'er's dormant realm, as he was being unwillingly courtnapped by the fugliest bitch in the 5 realms. All while Liu'er could do nothing but look. 

He would forever be grateful to their son for saving his mate when he couldn't. 

His twilight musings were interrupted by a new teal star gently falling from the sky, right above his head. 

3 minutes, right on time. 

He reached up with his new, shadowy limbs in order to catch it. 

Another thing to be grateful to his son for; the more his child remembered him, the more of himself he became. 

He was that stupid little ball of magic for Nuwa knows how long. 

When the star fell into his semi-corpporeal palms, he cradled it close to his chest in order to see tonight's dream. 

Liu'er just wanted to see his Sunlight...

He hoped to be reunited with him soon.

Notes:

I know I promised ShadowPeach fluff- AND YOU WILL GET IT I SWEAR- But I had to connect universes real fast in order for the worldbuilding to make sense.

These chapters will hold short snippets of the past of this AU! How ShadowPeach met, grew up, fell in love, The Brotherhood, and their last few minutes together.

Chapter 2: Sunlight and Stone

Summary:

The First Celestial Primate is Born
Chapter's song; "Home" (Vocal Cover // Undertale) (Feat.FamilyJules7x) (Adriana Figueroa)

Notes:

BABY WUKONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BABY STONE MONKEY BOY!!!!!

BABY SHIHOU!!!!!!!!

MY BOY!!!!!!!!!

ITS A BABY!!!! HELLO BABY!!!

BABY WUKONG'S- MOM!?!?!!?!??!

It was summer, a blisteringly hot day that shone down without mercy on the large island that was the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit. 

Home to every forest biome, but favoring that of a Tropical Rainforest Jungle. The Mountain the small continent was named after sat proudly at it's center, Waterfalls trailing down all sides, all coming from the same Holy Spring at the very peak of the mountain. 

At this peak was a small, walled- in basin with a single entrance that led to a trail down the mountain. Inside this basin sat the Holy Spring in it's center, bubbling forth to pour over the mountainside opposite of the roofless cave's entrance. In one corner sat an ancient Peach Tree, shading a small stone pedestal. Empty for centuries, but on this day, the Holy Spring's Peak was blessed with the presence of a certain Goddess of Creation. The Mother to All; Nuwa. 

A Large, blinding white portal opened just in front of the Peach Tree and it's pedestal. Out slithered the All-Mother. A small, egg-shaped stone in her palms. A Peaceful smile on her face as she gently placed the little egg onto the pedestal.

She'd made this Nursery just for him. A New Creation, "The Harbinger of Change" She had called him. This cycle would give him many trials, but she had made him to be a figure of Hope, A Hero, A Father, A Lover, she had hoped him to become.

She did hope he would outlast his final trial this time. He didn't in the Last Cycle. 

Nuwa slithered back into her Realm unnoticed, leaving behind the Eldest of the newest creatures she'd designed;

A Celestial Primate. Born of the Cosmos, The Hells, and A Facet of the Earth. 

A Creature of it's own Kind, Meant to bring Celestial, Mortal and Demonic together.

He would be alone for a while. As is his first Trial, but he will succeed. He always did. This Chapter of the Cycle was always her Favorite, such new life brought into a fixed world. Nuwa adored watching the Change her Eldest Harbinger would bring.

 

---

 

Muqin never expected her walk to go this way. 

Muqin, A tall (5'8"), young-adult Monkey Demon with long cream fur, jade green eyes framed with a salmon colored butterfly mask, and pale skin.

Was wandering up The Mountain's side, following an old, dusty pathway that she had found branching off at the end of her usual trail at the edge of the bamboo forest, she was quite far from her troop's camp. A Loner, most would say. She'd often keep to herself. Despite her influence in the current hierarchy of the troop being The Elder's granddaughter, she didn't really have any friends, or any real mate-prospects. So she spent most of her time exploring her Troop's territory alone, climbing the tallest trees and crawling through the deepest caves. Watching the wonders of nature all around her as she slowly walked higher and higher into the mountain. 

she was walking along a cliffside, the sheer drop giving way to beautiful views of the island that made itself her home. It was almost idiotically hot today- Muqin forced herself to walk faster in hopes of finding shade soon. 

Until she was nearly knocked off the cliff as the earth rumbled and roared. 

Muqin gripped the cliff's wall with her hands and feet, holding on for dear life, looking up as a bright, blinding golden light shone from The Mountain's peak.

Two lights, Actually.

Thin, blisteringly bright golden beams shot straight into the sky, piercing through the Mortal Realm's top veil and into the Celestial Realm itself.

Muqin had never seen anything like it- just what in the ten hells was at the top of The Mountain!?

The Earthquake stilled as the lights faded, and flowed back down into the peak- Right where the Holy Spring was! Muqin was one of the few demons on the island that knew how to get in there. 

She tightened her grip on the mountainside, and began to climb.

 

---

 

The Sun was no less merciless as it bore down on the island, and on the cream-furred monkey demon climbing up the sheer cliff to gain access to the small path that led to the legendary spring at its peak. 

Muqin wanted to rip out her fur, if only for a second to cool down. But stubborn curiosity drove her onward, as it did for most monkeys.

That is, until she heard an infant crying when she'd finally made it to the path near the top. Hauling herself over the cliff's edge. Her sweaty head shot up at the sound. That sound was way too articulated to be some bird or stubborn spider monkey cub that got lost up here. 

Muqin grit her teeth, and swung her legs onto the path. Despite being overheated and exhausted, Muqin ran with all her worth up the winding path, and into the Spring's Peak.

Taking a moment to catch her breath and relishing in the shade the high walls of the Peak brought, she leaned on the rock making up the entrance. Jade green eyes lifting as she panted against the brutality she just put herself through. For them to land on;

Bright, golden fur. That shone in the sunlight. Small, chubby cheeks, a pale pink against cream skin. An adorable little peachy-hued heart mask over their eyes as they wept, crying out for a mother that wasnt there. 

Muqin was in awe... a Golden Cub-

There were many colors a Monkey Demon could come in, Browns, Blacks, Whites, even Ginger variants. But never this pure, celestial golden. It felt impossible... How this cub was up here alone was impossible... 

Muqin walked forward and around the Spring to get to the cub, it was a little girl. A beautiful golden girl... 

Jade green eyes met small, weeping honey gold ones. The little cub chirped and reached for Muqin. Which made her very confused-

This cub wasn't a newborn, it was new for sure, but not so young as to attach so easily to strangers.. where did she come from? 

Muqin crouched next to the pedestal the little golden cub was laid on, and reached a tentative hand over chest, something she saw new mothers in the troop do to newborns, she wasn't sure why though until now. 

The little golden cub quickly reached up for the hand to grab it with small, chubby fingers. Upon contact, a small string of pale blue colored magic drew up from both Muqin's and the cubs right palms. Connecting and tying themselves together where the met in the air.

Muqin's eyes widened. She didn't realize what she was doing in her heat exhausted mind until it was too late;

She's just placed a Maternal Claim on this Random Cub! 

Panicking now, she quickly brought the cub into her arms to check for it's actual parent's claims. Doing her best to ignore the happy chirps and coos from the little golden girl. 

Her heart sunk when she found none. 

Was this beautiful little one abandoned..?

She was at a loss- This cub was so special and lovley, so happy to be in her arms and looking up at Muqin with all the love in the world to give, how could it's parents abandon her all the way up here like this..? There was only 1 known troop of Monkey Demons on the mountain, and she knew every single one of her community's members.. 

No one would abandon their child like this, unwanted or not. It wasn't uncommon that cubs were given to those who were unable to have their own, or just raised by the troop as a whole. 

No child just went unloved like this.

And that trend wouldn't end now.

She's already committed to this little golden cub, accidentally or not. She would honor the bond this little gift from the earth trusted her with. 

"What to name you...?" Muqin's gentle voice cooed to the little cub in her arms. 

Her's. Now and forever, she hoped. Muqin would treasure this child made of gold and sunlight until time's end. Her heart swelled as the sweet thing in her grasp reached up and pawed at her cheeks. Happy little chitters and chirps and a gently wagging tail coming from the Cub. 

She had a few light and sun name ideas, but still looked to her surroundings for inspiration. This child needed a special name. 

Stone surrounded them on all sides, and the child was left on a stone pedestal. The Holy Spring bubbling up and over the mountainside. The ancient Peach Tree bearing heavy fruit, which the cub took notice of, and was making adorable little grabby hands for. 

Muqin thought of a good name for this little light. "Shihou.." named after the child' stone crib. It was a good name, she thought. 

At least for now. 

She stood, with the hungry little cub still chirping, asking for food. Muqin reached up to the lowest branch, holding a large Peach that her new child seemed to be aiming for.

Despite it being almost half the size of the little one, it grabbed at it eagerly, and began nomming on it with it's gummy mouth. The soft ripe flesh easily giving way to the sweet fruit inside. Shihou cooed happily as she ate. 

Mama was so kind.

Wukong missed her. 

Notes:

I regret nothing.

Chapter 3: New Moon and Seafoam

Summary:

The Third Celestial Primate is Born

Song; Rises the Moon by Liana Flores

Notes:

Haha Mac's a middle child-

Also the inspiration for his "phenomenon" goes to Cloud-summersault! I thought it was SO freaking cool so I expanded upon it!

Also Also-

Each phenomenon of the Celestial Primates introduces something new, sort of "returned to nature" to the realms.

Wukong The Stone Monkey introduced Earthquakes!
The Gibbon Intoduced non god-driven rain!
The Horse Monkey introduced natural fire!
Now let's see what Mihou the Six Eared Macaque brought...

Shihou was the most mischievous little thing in the world, Muqin bet. But she loved her child all the same. 

It's been a wonderful 50 years with Shihou, when Muqin brought her back down the mountain to introduce her to the troop (and subtly look for her biological parents, finding none still) Shihou was quickly absorbed and adored by the entire population. Quickly making friends with Hoa's twins; Ma and Ba, the adorable black and white duo who was around the same age as Shihou when Muqin found them. 

Ma, a white cub with black tips and skin, with big round blue eyes framed inside a cream oval mask. Her twin brother Ba, a black cub with white tips and pale skin, mischief in his green eye's shape, and framed inside a charcoal oval mask. 

The Troop speculated that Shihou's miraculous golden color would eventually fade to maybe blonde, but it never did. Muqin's little miracle was still that beautiful gold. With pale skin just like Muqin, and that adorable Peach Mask, with lovley honey gold eyes. Her fur's only change as Shihou got a bit older was that it grew into adorable curls- another rarity. Muqin loved grooming through it, and styling the curls near Shihou's face into little hearts to match her peach mask. 

It was a calm winter day, Muqin and Hoa decided to take their TroubleTrio to the beach. Loazi, a single father within the troop- His cub being the incredibly shy Liu, both identical to the other in their dark brown fur, tan skin, and amber eyes framed inside coral colored diamond masks- Tagging along. Loazi was trying his hardest to get Liu to join the beloved trio, since his mother and Loazi's mate's passing in an unfortunate leopard attack. Liu clung to his father nearly constantly, terrified to let go. 

The same still true as Muqin, Hoa, and Loazi sat on the cold sand, watching Shihou, Ma and Ba run around and play in the sand, daring eachother to dip their toes or tails into the freezing ocean, the squeals and laughter following suit. 

All the while Liu sat in his father's lap. Just watching them play. 

The late afternoon sun quickly fell away over the oceans horizon. Allowing the moon to rise above the water. 

Shihou stopped running after Ba to watch it. They loved the moon. How round and bright it shone every night. Like a comforting, dimmer sun. Small honey eyes watching the Moon rise higher and higher above their island home. Framing everything in a silvery glow. Making the sand shine white. And turning the ocean into a glittering black expanse. 

Muqin watched her cub admire the moon with contentment. There was no real hurry to return to camp since Laozi was here. And they were within shouting distance of their home anyways. 

Monkey Demons were not made weaker or stronger based on their sex. But for some reason, the non-demonic animals on the island thought otherwise. Often targeting females, especially with cubs, unless a male was nearby. It's true that mothers were definitely made weaker during pregnancy and immediately after birth, due to their power cores being used to help form the child, but after about a year, the mother was back to full strength. 

Hoa was pregnant, but since Muqin and Loazi were with her, all should be fine. At least, that's what Muqin had hoped. 

Until the Moon snuffed out. Quickly becoming absorbed in a shadow, unlike anything anyone had seen before. 

Wails and screams rang throughout the island. Ma and Ba ran back to their mother the instant the light of the moon began to wane, Liu turned to hide in his father's chest. 

Muqin quickly rose from the sand, chirping for her cub-

But Shihou was lost to the darkness. Last being seen at the seashore about 30 feet away from her mother and troop. 

Muqin kept calling for her baby in the now pitch black night. The only light being the stars that shone overhead. She had only ever seen such darkness in the deepest of caves. It was terrifying. Muqin was running in the direction she hoped was the shoreline, her sense of smell and the meager light the stars provided her only guides. 

 

---

 

Shihou blinked against the darkness. Small fists rubbing at her eyes as they adjusted. 

Once honey eyes reopened against the new night, Shihou wasn't afraid. It was cool! She'd never seen anything like it! It made the stars shine so much brighter, and the Night sky now had so many colors in it! Instead of just black against the light of the moon, the night now had awesome purples, reds, blues, and pinks running across it behind the stars! 

The sea just before her began to bubble and froth- thick seafoam rising from the depths and reaching towards her across the sand. 

Pulling away just before it touched her little toes to reveal something the Sea had washed ashore, Shihou couldn't really see it in the darkness- it was about the same size as her, but a little smaller. And from the smells- it was covered in wet fur, and wrapped in seaweed. 

Shihou couched down onto all fours, and cautiously padded closer. Her damp tail curled up high in curiosity. 

She felt the need to be quiet, for some reason... as she padded closer to the strange large object. 

Shihou gave a small greeting coo to the Sea Lump once she was close enough. Her face leaning in close to sniff it. Small pink nose shifting quickly to take in as much information as possible about the strange thing-

Until something smacked her nose. 

Shihou shot back with a whine. Her small, sand-covered hand reaching up to soothe the sensitive facial feature. But once she looked up, the minor sting she felt melted away to awe. 

The Moon was returning to the sky slowly, the shadow casted across it pulling away to the left like melting wax being burned away. 

Allowing Shihou to really see what was washed ashore, and what had hit her nose. 

Pale silver shone in the brightening moonlight. They were face down, and wrapped in a little swaddle of seaweed. Long, long fur draped over a small monkey head and flowed along the sand below. Three petals framing the side of their head. One above the temple, one in line with it, and one below. They all glowed with the colors Shihou saw in the darkness of the night. Purple, Pink, and Teal. A long, thick-furred silver tail snaked out from under the seaweed as the little monkey lifted its head to look at who made the Noise.

Shihou made eye contact with the little silver monkey as it turned to her. It's hands also shifting out from under itself to prop them up to get a better look at their surroundings. Three more petals of the same colors being revealed from under their long mane of fur. Some of it falling over their face as the little monkey shifted.

Silver fur, Bronze skin, Golden eyes, alot like Shihou's. With a bright ruby-red mask in the shape of Phoenix Wings across their face. With the colors of the true night glowing in six ears like jewels fanning out on either side of their head. 

They were beautiful... Shihou stared in awe, almost unaware of her mother rushing up behind her and picking her up in order to back off from the strange creature now on the shore. Loazi rushing forward as well with Liu holding onto his back. The tall brown monkey placing an arm and his tail out in front of Muqin and Shihou while he criticized the strange, Moon-Hiding creature that washed ashore.

Hoa, Ma and Ba stayed far away. Hoa's mate came rushing to his family's side, looking for them as soon as the moon dissapeared. Several other troop members gathered on the beach. Watching to see what the Creature would do to Loazi, Muqin and their Cubs. 

Not realizing The Creature was just a cub himself. 

Shihou tried to struggle against Mama's hold. But Muqin wouldn't have it. Liu, however. Quietly slipped off his father's back, and down to the sand.

For the first time in a decade.

Muqin cried out, warning Loazi that his cub was wandering towards danger-

But Loazi knew his son better. Liu would only get down if he felt safe, usually in their nest or Loazi's lap. So if his son felt safe enough to approach this..thing. Then he chose to trust his little doppelganger. Relaxing his protective stance as the little brown cub approached the creature that seemed to glow in the moonlight. 

Liu dropped to all fours, his tail gently swishing about with caution as he approached the colorful, seaweed covered Moon Creature. All the while it's sharp, wide golden eyes watched him approach. 

Everything about this creature seemed to glow in the dark, it's six colorful ears, it's eyes, and it's pale silver fur shone in the moonlight. Liu was fascinated by it.. but it wasn't the reason the cub decided to approach the creature. 

It was the silver fur, that, in the moonlight, almost shone an ethereal white. Alot like Liu's mom's fur used to... 

Once Liu was close enough, he sat on his haunches, and reached out with a small hand to pat the head of the small glowing thing. 

It gave a confused chirp-

And the adults within the 100ft radius let out a breath they didn't know they were holding.

It was another mysterious cub like Shihou! This was another gift from their Island home to love and raise as theirs. Loazi chuckled and stepped forward, crouching next to his son, who was still petting the very confused juvenile. Fascinated by the extremely long mane of silver fur- it typically took years for a monkey demon's mane to grow this long- The Elder, the oldest Demon on the Island and their current Leader, didn't even have fur as long as this! And it was so soft despite the cub coming from the sea. 

Loazi reached out his large tan hand for the cub to sniff. The little silver monkey did so once Liu stopped patting it's head and turned to look at his father. 

Loazi laughed hard when the cub bit down on his hand- apparently being just old enough for it's tiny baby fangs to have started peeking out of its gums. 

The little thing was hungry, and in need of a bath, it seemed. He began to untangle the cub and it's long silver fur from the seaweed it was swaddled in. 

It was a calm, lovely little boy. Thankfully, the abnormally long fur ended at it's mane and tail, the majority of the fur covering the cubs body was a manageable length like the rest of his neighboring species. The cub curiously let Loazi untangle him and pick him up, his six glowing ears twitching about to listen to his new home. 

With the pale fur and deep red mask, he really did look alot like Loazi's deceased mate, Yue. 

Loazi chose to believe that this special cub was a gift from her. And took in this gift from the sea, giving him the name Mihou. 

Both a play on Shihou's name, and an honor to the Moonlight and Sea he came from. As Loazi cradled his new cub, Liu peeking at him from over his left shoulder, Loazi lifted his hand over Mihou's chest. 

Mihou lifted his tiny right rand in response, a thin, blue string of magic rising from both palms to meet mid-air in the middle. 

Laozi smiled. A real one, Liu noticed. Baba hadn't done that since Mama died. Liu smiled too. 

Muqin walked over to Loazi and his boys, holding Shihou- who was still fighting Mama to see this new cub that was like her- 

Muqin and Loazi's eyes met. Jade green and Amber softening with a shared understanding. 

They wouldn't become mates, But Muqin and Loazi would raise their little gifts side by side from then on. 

The Moon disappeared again the next night, but the night after it reappeared as a small sliver. Getting larger and larger every night until the moon was full again a month later. 

It happened again the next month. And every month ever after. 

Mihou smiled as he watched the dream. It was sweet to see that Wukong thought him so akin to precious metals and jewels even as small children. It was also nice to see his father and brother again... He missed them.

Notes:

Hey! So I'm sure yall have noticed a pattern for me uploading between these two stories!

It's gonna be; MD one week, LEG the other, and back and forth until MD is finished and I start "The Journey and the Aftermath" then the pattern will repeat with that instead of Million Dreams.

My uploading schedule is still very much at the whims of the Inspiration Demons- but at least there will be a pattern between stories instead of back to back chapter updates in Legendary-
So i don't burn out. Lol.

Yes, this does mean Macaque "introduced" the phases of the moon! Whether or not this means this literal toddler moved PLANETS on his birthday, or if it just means in this world the moon used to just not move until Macaque came along by coincidence-.

No comment.
Yet.
:)

*whispers of a Red Son specific spin-off in the distance*

Chapter 4: A King and his Warrior.

Summary:

Shihou and Mihou are suddenly realized to be very different than normal Monkey Demon children..

Notes:

Heheheh Poor Muqin and Loazi were NOT ready for what they signed up for lmao.

The ages of the cubs in this chapter by Calendar Years and Development;

Liu; 187= 7 and a half

Ma & Ba; 153 = 6

Shihou; 103 = 5

Mihou; 53= 4

Beng; 3 = 0 (about 7 months)

Song; A Million Miles Away - Belle (English Version)

Muqin and Loazi fell into their respective Nests in near sync. 

Having just finally convinced the never-ending ball of Energy Shihou and Outrageously Curious Mihou to finally go to sleep. 

It's been another- Well, Loved 50 years. But it became pretty clear pretty fast that the little Gold and Silver cubs were NOT typical children. 

Whenever Shihou came across an obstacle that was too big- Like a fallen tree or boulder-

She would just Lift It. But all the while still having her wobbly cub limbs. Leaving Muqin to almost constantly have to rescue her cub from its own stubbornness. 

Muqin's tail still ached from the 'RedWood Tree Incident'. Thankfully Shihou saw that Muqin was stuck and freed her in enough time for her mother's tail to still be functional-

But Shihou has since been unallowed to go wandering alone. 

Much to her discontent, as Ma and Ba and Liu got to do that- as was typical for cubs in the 100-150 age range, But Muqin would rather not find her cub crushed one day, thank you!

...But she did really enjoy the flowers and ferns that would sometimes grow in her little golden girl's footsteps when she was happy. And how her once bare and lonely nest was now full of magic and joy-made flowers and little colorful feathers Shihou would find and present to her mother. 

The very Island seemed to Sing when Shihou did. As if the Earth and Celestial Pillars were her birth parents themselves. 

...perhaps they were. 

Some of said flowers and feathers now decorated Muqin's mane and tail. Surprisingly well-woven into her fur by her talented little joy. 

----

Loazi didn't fare much better. It was almost as if Mihou would just- dissappear at random intervals, only to reappear a few moments later where Loazi THOUGHT he left his son. 

This habit got especially bad at night. Nevermind the activity Mihou got up to in the day- As the cub learned to Walk after just 1 year. A walking New-Cub (What the Troop finally agreed Shihou and Mihou were, not quite Newborns- but definitely lacking the understanding other cubs their size had.) was a horror story that unfortunately Laozi had to live through. 

Thank the Stars for Liu, of course. Who would always be able to find Mihou in a very appreciated timely manner. Usually his eldest son would find Mihou either in a bush or in a particular cove by the sea. 

Another challenge Mihou presented was being incredibly sensitive to sound. Which Loazi supposed made sense- the world must be very loud with 6 ears. 

....But he did enjoy how when Loazi gained a new son, his elder one had come back to him. Liu was once again a happy little boy, that carried Mihou around almost constantly until the little silver cub learned to walk. Liu even remembered how his mother Yue taught him to weave fur, helping Loazi manage Mihou's overwhelmingly long mane and tail fur by also teaching him how to weave the strands of silver into more manageable braids and buns. 

Loazi favored what Liu called "Zha Zha Buns", the two little bulbs on Mihou's small head made his pretty petal-like ears stand out so adorably. 

Even late at night, on a New Moon, when Loazi would feel Mihou disappear from the nest, and Liu was asleep, Loazi knew he could usually find his gift on the shore he came from. 

Always staring at the stars, and the clouds of color from far away. His braided and decorated silver tail always dipped into the push and pull of the waves. The Glow-Fish rushing to play and swim with it in the tide...

That always seemed to calm when the six-eared cub was nearby. 

Like the very Night, and Water Pillar, were of his blood. 

...Maybe they were. 

-----

Muqin and Loazi's friendship became swiftly unbreakable, being the only parents able to sympathize with the other genuinely. 

Although, with Hoa having now 3 cubs- Her newst one being Beng, an adorable blonde cub- just like his father- with a brown oval mask over hazel eyes. She too could sympathize with Muqin and Loazi a fair bit- keeping up with 3 children was certainly hard, thankfully she had her mate Bao. 

While Muqin and Loazi only had eachother. 

---

 

Muqin and Loazi were panicking. 

Shihou AND Mihou were missing, at the same time. Which never happens. Ma, Ba and Liu were helping them by searching the camp while the two adults searched the surrounding jungle.

Bao and Hoa keeping an eye on the remaining cubs and informing the other adults of the two missing. 

Thankfully the New Cubs' parents were able to reason that Shihou probably followed Mihou wherever he went. As the two often did activities together, Like drawing in the sand or challenging the other in their own 'feats of power and strength', whatever that was..

But they were rarely alone together, since Hoa's cubs were often piled onto Shihou (sometimes literally, seeing as the golden cub could carry all 3 of them and take them on "rides") and Liu and Mihou preferred eachother's company at the moment.

And Mihou was also thankfully becoming predictable in his hiding spots. 

Until Loazi searched all of said hiding spots. And Muqin's stomach dropped. 

When Shihou wanted to rebel, She'd do it in the most outrageous way possible. 

By Malicious Compliance. Technically, she isn't alone. So She was allowed to go wherever she wanted, as long as Mihou was with her. 

THEY COULD BE ANYWHERE!!!

 

---

 

Shihou giggled as she dragged Mihou behind her by the hand as they ran through the bamboo.

Mihou's little chuckles fueling the golden cub onwards in their rebellious behavior. 

" This way! " Mihou was now dragging Shihou, and she adjusted quickly. Excited to see what Mihou found with his ears. 

They were honestly her favorite part of her friend. Mihou could hear an Elephant Bird from all the way across the island! 

The cubs were currently running through a bamboo forest. Dodging the thin trees while somehow never letting go of the others hand. 

" What is it? " Shihou chittered through giggles as Mihou led her through the bamboo. 

" I hear a waterfall, but it's HUGE! I wanna see it! " Mihou called back to his friend, finally slowing down when they reached a sudden wall of thick ivy at the edge of the bamboo forest. 

Shihou was confused at first, thinking they somehow circled back to the Troop's camp, which also had a similar wall of greenery hiding it from predators... but when Mihou reached his little hand forward and parted the ivy-

She was amazed to find what was on the other side. Shihou and Mihou sharing a small gasp at the beautiful sight. 

Mihou was right; This waterfall was the biggest Shihou had ever seen! The vines, flowers, moss and ferns lining it made it look stunning, the rushing river below bubbled a beautiful clear blue. And large, smooth river stones led up to directly in front of the fall.

" Let's go lets go!! I wanna see it up close!! " Shihou excitedly screeched as she launched herself off the river bed, towoards the nearest river boulder. 

" Wh- SHIHOU Wait!! " Mihou barely had time to call after his over-impulsive friend. Worried that she'll fall into the water and be swept away. 

She landed solidly in the middle of the stone, though. Mihou letting out a sigh of releif. 

His worry short lived, though. For a game was now afoot; BEAT SHIHOU TO THE FALL!!

Manic giggling ensued as Mihou also landed safely on the boulder, the gold and silver cubs leaping from stone to stone on all fours in a race. 

Shihou won, of course she did. Always the faster one, since she was a bit older than Mihou. 

But Mihou only lost by a hare's length this time. He was getting faster as he aged too.

Marking his loss by tackling Shihou, of course.

Playful, shrill shrieks and giggles bubbled like the flowing waters around them from the wrestling cubs. 

Once they'd tuckered themselves out from wrestling, they each looked back up at the massive blue waterfall. Enjoying the gentle mist from the froth where fall met river. 

" This waterfall is HUUUUUGGEE!! " Shihou cooed. " Wait- wasn't there a story about a giant waterfall? " The golden cub turned to their companion.

Mihou rolled his eyes, and playfully smacked the back of Shihou's head with his tail. " You know, if you actually listened to the Elders' Stories you'd sound alot smarter. " The little silver cub giggled. 

" I sound TONS SMART, THANK YOU! " Shihou shot a weak glare at her smaller friend, but the giggles were infectious, and soon she struggled to speak as she said;

" heheheh! Jus- hahaha!! Just tell me the story, you old man! " Shihou emphasized her faux- insult by taking the extra length of tail-fur Mihou had into her lap as she sat on the stone, already set to grooming it before the storyteller himself could sit down.

"haha! Okay! Okay! Just don't pull on the shells, Liu and Ba worked hard weaving those in! " Mihou chided as he too sat on the stone, bringing his braid in front of himself in order to work on the tangles he could find there. He found it easier to focus on telling a story when he was doing something with his hands. 

" I Wooonnt!! " Shihou groaned like the mere suggestion was draining her very life force, before near immediately perking up, getting back to work on her friend's tail, and chanting: " Now Story! Sto-ry! Sto-ry! "

Mihou laughed, he always found Shihou funny. Waiting until his larger golden companion settled to begin; 

" Long time ago, There was a mystical Monkey. He was the Monkey King! Power and Strength unlike anything anyone had ever seen! He protected Monkeys cuz- they were his monkeys! But one day, Monkey King had to go, but he left behind his Magic Crown behind a Giant waterfall! So that one day, someone could jump through it, and become the new Monkey King! "

Mihou embellished his story with wild hand gestures, and even gave Shihou a visual of a crown, by making a shadow puppet with his little fingers. 

Shihou was bouncing in her seat on the stone, She really wanted to be like this Monkey King! 

She wanted to be the boss! And have all monkeys be their monkeys!! It sounded like so much fun! 

While Mihou was still telling his story- something about a 'Warning' or whatever, Shihou's honey gaze found itself locked with the Waterfall. 

They didn't know why. 

But Shihou knew this waterfall was the right one. 

And if she got enough of a running start...

Before Mihou could even open his eyes, He'd felt his tail be dropped, and heard Shihou stepping away. 

By the time his eyes were open?

Shihou was already flying through the air. Towards the crushing waters.

Completely ignoring his retelling of the Warning the Elder gave them; Of how many older monkeys had died doing what Shihou was.

" SHIHOU!! " Mihou shot up, desperately trying to grab his friend's tail-

But its too late...

Mihou wasnt fast enough.

Shihou disappeared in the crushing weight of the falling water.

Mihou strained his six little petal-like ears to find his friend's heartbeat. But could hear nothing over the roar of the waterfall.

It was suddenly deafening. An all- consuming drum that pierced Mihou's ears, forcing him to both retract his hearing and cup his ears closed as hard as he could with his little hands.

He couldn't hear Shihou's Heartbeat. A sound that he never thought would leave him. The first sound he'd ever heard- 

Was Gone.

And Mihou began wailing.

 

---

 

Muqin lifts her head, her ears pointing towards a familiar cry she has heard countless of times. 

Mihou. 

Mihou was in distress. 

Which could only mean one horrible. Horrible thing. 

" Loazi! This way! " She called before vaulting over a large root into the direction of the bamboo forest. Thankful to her younger days 100 years ago of wandering the entire island. She knew it all like the claws on her hand. 

She knew exactly where the cubs were. 

And what her poor, stubborn, reckless cub did. 

Tears were already falling by the time Muqin and her companion reached the Waterfall. 

And upon seeing little Mihou absolutely sobbing at the waterfall's end from where he sat on that last stepping stone, she was falling to her knees down to the hard pebbles that made up the riverbank, while Loazi leaped on all fours across the river stones to grab his son before he was also lost to that horrid legend. 

-----

Loazi would never forget the scream of utter agony that ripped itself from his dearest friend's lungs. Even as his own cub clutched his ears and cried as he hid in his father's chest while Loazi held him firm in his arms. 

All he could think to do for Muqin would be to join her on his knees in the riverbank, and hug her as tight as he could with one arm, while she clutched at him, and pulled at his brown fur. His other arm holding his son so close to his chest. 

What else could he have done? He knew loss like this. And he knew there was nothing anyone could have said. 

He couldn't bring Shihou back. 

So Loazi just hoped that Yue would be a good guide for the cub to Diyu.. and let his friend cry, and beg and rip at his fur. 

He could mend his coat later, but Muqin would never get her daughter back. 

 

---

 

Shihou blinked awake, the uncomfortable feeling of being wet making her groan, and shake out her fur and tail like a direwolf before she got her bearings.

it was dark. And this cave felt weird. 

Not like, Danger, weird. But...

Familiar, Weird.

 The Cave's tunnels were in a weird, angular shape she'd never seen before. Decorated in strange, colored shadows of Dragons and Monkeys and Clouds. 

A shiny metal, that looked alot like their fur, also glittered in the dark of the cave, given light by the Full Moon-

And from a Strange, golden light coming from somewhere deeper in the cave.

Shihou followed that light through the strange cave system. 

Until it led her to a large throne room. 

She's never seen anything like it before. 

They carefully walked into the strange room. 

The walls were painted, they'd learn later. With Bowing Monkeys, Dragons, Gods. 

All kow-tow-ing in the direction of the Throne.

And its glowing, golden Lotus Crown, with Phoenix Feathers coming from the top, draped around it elegantly where it sat in the Seat of the King. 

Shihou carefully approached the crown, eventually dropping to all fours in the weight of the light. 

Having to Squint to truly see it. 

Even as their little hands reached up, and into the seat. 

The Crown glowed brighter, the closer He got. 

Brighter still, as his small hands lifted it up, and placed it onto his own head.

The Glow of The Monkey King consuming the Cave,

And spreading far out of it, Wisps of Glowing Golden Magic flowed through Mount Huaguo like low Northern Lights. 

Every Monkey, Mortal and Man, Knew that their King had claimed his Crown. 

And followed the Glowing Gold, back to the Waterfall, to meet him.

---

 

A little Belle chimed.

Muqin was the first to notice the swell of magic from her Parent Thread, coming from her Golden Joy inside the cave. 

Sobs and gasps for air halting in an instant, but tears still flowed like that horrible waterfall as she looked up, and saw how that Fall glowed golden. 

Before the Magic of The Monkey King began to ripple forth, on its way to inform it's People that their King had been chosen. 

And the Mountain Sang.

The music from the flowing golden lights a song of birds, Monkey chatter, rustling of leaves, the roars of Dragons- 

All singing in rejoice. 

Their King had Come Home, afterall.

Muqin, Loazi, and Mihou all watched the lights flow through the trees and around them-

But at that same moment, the Night's Shadows woke. 

Glowing in tandem with The Monkey King's magic, an enchanting Amethyst Violet. 

) ) " Shihou! " ( ( 

Mihou's voice boomed up from the shadows, like they were part of him. 

Searching, for their friend. 

Their new Keeper. 

Loazi's grip on his son was suddenly weightless. As Mihou had fallen into his father's shadow. 

As the Silver Cub Vanished, the glow of Gold and Violet magic bloomed ever brighter. Consuming the Island.

Until A Massive, Purple and Black Pillar, rose up from the Peak of Mount Huaguo. 

To the North, An Emerald Pillar lit up. 

The East, A Silver Pillar

The West, a Copper one, 

The South, A Saphire Pillar. 

An absolutely Massive ring of Tyrian Flames surrounded the Island. 

The Wind picked up with Howling speed, Pearlescent Clouds surrounding the Obsidian Pillar. 

And then rising to meet the Light from Above, a Pure Golden Pillar struck down, meeting the Amethyst and Obsidian one far into the Sky. 

Sending a massive, bright, sunny orange Shockwave through the realms.

Muqin and Loazi were still on the Riverbank. Watching this all-

Along with the Rest of The Realm's inhabitants. 

 

---

 

The Troop had all gathered at The Fall by the time The Pillars of the Universe had fallen back into hiding. 

The Magic of The Monkey King, and Mihou, calmed into little floating balls of Gold and Violet lights around the Island.

All gasping in shock, as the Waterfall took its turn to shine golden, before splitting in half. 

Revealing a little golden cub, with the Phoenix Crown. 

And a smaller, Obsidian cub, with glowing Amethyst eyes. 

Holding hands, even as they fell into their own shadows, and appearing on the River Boulder in the center of the rushing river. 

In full view of their Audience; Their Troop, and Mortal brethren.

No one really knew what the thing with the Pillars meant- but it woukd seem as though the instigating cub in question didn't either... if the way He'd blinked away the strange purple magic in his eyes as they adjusted to the little lights floating around.

' One thing at a Time. ' Gulao thought. 

Gūlão- The Troop's Oldest, and Former Leader-

A Former Mortal Gorilla, Thought to be the First to drink from the Holy Spring. His shape changing as he took on the burden of Magic and Long Life. 

But Age, as it always does, Changed Him. 

Now a pale-gray Macaque of sorts. As was the "blueprint" for all Monkey Demons. Their markings and fur patterns unique to everyone. 

Gulao's markings, were that of long pale gray fur, dark gray skin, and large brown eyes framed in a splotchy, thin white mask directly over his eyes. Resembling more of a Vitiligo Spot than a mask. 

But no one held it against him. Not for quite a long time anyways. 

Gulao now had ambled his way onto the stone directly in front of the one the Cubs were on. His large walking Stick jingled with the shell-charms it was decorated with. 

Gulao greets the somewhat frightened cubs,  opting to ignore the New Pillar for now and start with; " The Monkey Qu- "

" King. " Shihou was quick to interrupt.

" Pardon? " The Elder Gulao tilted his head to the side, a small smile peeking out from the side of his mouth. 

" I'm the Monkey King! Like the Legend! I'm Legendary now too! "

Elder Gulao smiles fully then. Sheer pride on his face; " Of course, Your majesty. The Monkey King. Who has claimed their Crown, and conquered the Fall. "

Shihou smiles, puffing out her little chest with its peachy marking. Still holding Mihou's hand.

Elder Gulao turns to Mihou then, who is kinda hiding behind Shihou, about to ask What exactly might have just happened-

But the Troop is whispering in fear about how the once silver cub moved him and his friend through the shadows- And How his coat had changed...

" Is is Dark Magic? "

" I've never known any pillar to give that kind of power. "

" I always thought the shadows were in line with Death Magic... "

" Was he the cause for the Shadows glowing and the whole Pillars Thing? "

" What even was that? "

" Why did his fur change? "

" What do we have in our family? "

" Is he safe around us? Around the other cubs? "

Mihou starts quietly crying, tiny tears falling from his eyes, clinging to Shihou. 

The New King noticed this, turning her little golden head to her friend, before looking around. Seeing the adults whispering something and looking back at Mihou. 

A group was preventing Muqin and Loazi from coming forward. Holding them by the arms- 

Well, Loazi by the arms. Muqin was held up by Bao, the blonde Monkey Demon barely able to hold onto Muqin's torso while she scrambled and shouted at him to let her go.

This upset Shihou, her scowl plain as she turned, moving Mihou from hiding in her shoulder to her chest, taking advantage that she was taller than him. Mihou complied with gratitude, his little sniffles becoming barely restrained sobs. 

" Why so angry, Your Majesty? " The Elder  asked, following the child's gaze to the crowd around them. He couldn't hear their whispering, and for some reason they felt the need to keep the cub's parents away.

Muqin becoming frantic. Actually biting Bao's arm in an attempt to get him to relent, leading another person to come forward to help.

The Elder leaned down, catching Shihou's attention. She held Mihou tighter, her golden glare glowed a bit in the night. 

The Elder smiled warmly. 

He will make a fine King. 

" You are our leader now, Your Majesty. Its up to you and you alone now who is allowed in our Troop, and how the others should behave with them. " Shihou's glare fell, and Mihou turned his head in his friend's hold to peek up at the Elder.

The Elder gave the cubs a deep bow. Catching the attention of the Troop. Their whispering now silenced.

Shihou moved her head to rake a vicious glare at the adults and teens of the Troop. Before her gaze moved down to her friend. 

Mihou looked up at her, he was afraid. 

Shihou's glare shifted to a look of sheer defiance and determination. Before unwrapping Mihou from her hold and taking his right hand into hers. Lifting the little hands into the air, As the King made his first Decree;

" Mihou is not dangerous, He helped me with a power no one else has! He is the closest friend of your New King! And if you have a problem with that? Then you're not MY monkey!" 

Shihou might not have realized- But her threat of a monkey disowned by their king was a fatal fate. 

If The Monkey King didn't think you apart of his family, you weren't a monkey. By way of death. 

" Yeah!! Mihou is good! " shouted Liu, who had snuck away from the other elders in camp with Ma, Ba, and Beng in tow.

" All Hail the Monkey King! " Ma and Ba cheered in unison, Ma holding Beng on her back. 

" The King, and His Warrior. " The Elder bowed again. The action prompting the rest of the Troop to follow suit. 

Also finally allowing Muqin and Loazi to be let go.

Once Muqin and Loazi were let go, however. They raced across the riverside and lept to their cubs and Elder. 

Shihou giggling lightly, and Mihou smiling and wiping away his tears as they were picked up by their parents. 

Muqin and Loazi held their children tightly, hugging their laughing and safe cubs close while they leaned on eachother. they couldn't be prouder. 

Macaque wiped away the string of magic that fell from his working eye- his current forms substitute for tears- He loved this memory. 

He just wished things didn't go so south so fast...

Notes:

Jesus fucking christ i love this so much-

This is my happy place fr fr

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 3 of Legendary AU