Chapter Text
The boy had sneered up at him with terrified eyes. Azure near felt pity. But his destiny awaited him, and he knew that as the new Heavenly Emperor he could better help the child from the delusions Sun Wukong had put upon him. His words could nay convince the child, now.
MK would understand one day.
He would make sure of it.
And Azure remembered this promise as he heard the demon out… As he heard exactly what the monster was saying about young MK.
“Harbinger of Chaos?” He questions, surprise feeling like palpitations in his heart. Yellowtusk reflects his horror with a gasp. He and his brother are too shocked to say much more.
Whereas Peng has no such proclivities. “And?? Is he a threat to our reign?” His brother sneers, ever protective of them. He can see why the idea of MK upsets Peng so. The child is quite the threat at the moment, and this news makes him all the more damning.
“Not unless we act.” The snake urges, beady eyes near manic. “The Harbinger could be the key to your reign. It is his soul that repairs the Pillar of Heaven- he was created to repair the Pillar of Heaven! To finally end the cycle!”
His gleeful voice sends shivers down Azure’s spine. The two match eyes. “You, Great Emperor, could handle the power with ease if only it comes back into balance. MK is your balance.”
He marches forward, too close. His brothers pull their weapons at his approach, protecting their Emperor. “I will help you. I will help you create this new cycle, if only in return you allow me into the beautiful chaos…… and for the remainders of the Harbinger’s soul.”
The… The Harbinger’s soul? MK’s soul???
No, no. Absolutely not- MK is not this demon’s to take. But that doesn’t mean Azure couldn’t use this to his advantage- if the crazed look and chaotic qi of the snake demon say anything, MK shouldn’t be hard to pull from under his nose.
In a way, destiny is blessing him. Here stands an easy chance to save MK, to prove to him that he is nothing like his corrupt hazbin of a mentor… Azure could lead the boy into the light.
He feigns worried. “MK’s… soul?”
The snake laughs. “You are already somehow holding the universe together just with sheer willpower! All you need is a bit of the actual material and all this will be a breeze. The new cycle could be yours! Pure power! Pure control! Shape the world, the celestial realm itself! You don’t need all of the Harbinger’s soul, just some of its essence. I will gladly take care of the rest.”
“And what does the rest entail?”
“The Harbinger deserves a choice.” The snake says simply, manic expression wiped minus the eyes, “I will ensure that happens.”
“How?” Azure intones, letting an undertone of his true annoyance leak into the word. It cowers the snake enough into the truth.
“I will not let the Harbinger die. In fact, I’ve decided that I will give him the gift of chaos! He won’t just have to make his one true decision once- he can make it forever and ever and ever and ever and ever and!”
The snake saunters, nearly to the throne steps. “EVER!”
Peng shoves him back. “And why should we trust anything you have to say?”
“Because, I’m your only hope.” The snake, once again, exudes a quietness. But that gleam in his eyes still shines strong. He giggles. “You can try. But without my knowledge of the Harbinger and my magic, your willpower will not succeed in holding the Pillar together.”
There’s a pause between the men.
“But you can try, though!” He spins. “No matter, this universe will not hold together without its glue. I will be free again no matter your choice. I am simply trying to give a parting gift, here.”
Azure sighs. Whether the snake tells truth or lies, he has both information Azure clearly doesn’t, and an opportunity to bring MK to his side.
He stands, the pressure of the universe creaking and groaning against any of his actions. He shall not admit the pain of it. Nor shall he admit the wonderful idea of relief. What he will do is go forth to build his new World. His new cycle. Azure can’t not admit he doesn’t enjoy the sound of that.
“Peng.” He orders, not taking his eyes off of the conniving snake. “Watch our… guest here.”
“You can’t be serious, brother.” Peng intones, Azure can practically hear the glare just from their mere voice. With his newfound power, he is nearly aware of it. Though it is hard to grasp any sense of newfound ability with the power’s instability. He holds down a flinch as it glitches through him once again.
“He speaks with unfortunate honesty, brother.” Yellowtusk steps in, now choosing to speak up. “The Emperor and I shall convene on our next course of action.”
“Hmph.” Peng is not happy, but they are in their place.
“Thank you, brother.” Azure brings a sense of honesty to his voice. It is what caused Peng to begin trusting him in the first place. None in the Jade Court were very genuine, yet their souls craved it.
Now Azure can be that healing balm to their poor souls.
He and his brother convene in a smaller tea room, away from the prying of any ears, especially straggler servants running amok like mice. He will need to test their loyalty as soon as his power is stabilized. Find those who he can keep close. There should be plenty in the Mortal Realm, as well, who would gladly take the chance to serve their new savior.
Yellowtusk kindly sets protection and silencing charms, leaving them in total privacy. He, as much as he can under the pressure of pain, shoots his brother a smile. Though it may more seem like a grimace.
The two sit, Azure more unused to his now hulking form. “Brother,” He starts, having to physically work to keep the pain out of his voice, “I suggest we keep the MK.”
“...What?” At Yellowtusk’s shock, Azure cuts in to explain.
“I have spent some time with the misled child. I was already planning to take him under my wing when I was more established as Emperor, but now it seems he is in danger. We must act quicker than I had originally desired.”
“...You see potential in the boy?”
“Much.” Azure holds his brother’s gaze, nodding with all the solidarity he can muster. “The poor thing has been manipulated by the propaganda of the old Celestial Realm…. And by the convictions of his selfish hazbin of a mentor. He is, truly, a sweet boy with power out of his control. He needs help.”
Yellowtusk nods. “And we promised to help the vulnerable, rather than condemn them. The poor boy….. I had thought of offering him training and allyship, myself, down the path. I can’t imagine what the old realm would have done to him.”
The mention of the old realm fills the Emperor with delight. He absorbs the look in his brother’s eyes, the determination to protect MK and their newfound Realm. The fear of what could have happened to the child. The two sit in silence, Yellowtusk absorbing the horrid possibility. Azure feels delighted that he now has a brother by his side to protect MK.
Peng won’t be nearly as easy to convince, but he knows his sibling will listen to him. And he knows the cold hearted celestial won’t help but warm up to the little sunlight that is his MK. It is only a matter of time.
“But… Brother, he spoke hypothetically of using MK’s soul. Even if we are able to save him… won’t that cause the boy permanent damage?”
“First we must search through his plans and ensure they are viable in the first place.” Azure then gives a sigh, bringing on an expression of saddened exhaustion. “We may very well have to do so. We have to prepare for that possibility. At the very least, we must investigate what sort of danger this entity poses towards young MK… and our reign, of course.”
Yellowtusk, forlorn, nods. “I shall research the Harbinger and the Pillar of Heaven.”
“And I, along with Peng, will perform our due diligence on the claims of this demon. Together,” He grabs his brother’s hand in his, ignoring shake in his arms. “We will protect the boy and see this through. Together, we will bring in a new era of peace.”
Yellowtusk breaks into a smile, other hand gripping onto his arm. “As usual, you are correct brother… you have truly earned the title of Venerable Emperor, the True Emperor of Compassion.”
Azure beams back at him, the words melting something incredible into his soul. He knows his brother will go along with whatever he desires, now.
The trio stands, overlooking the cliff. Successor and mentor grip the staff in a shared smile, Macaque a supportive presence by their side.
The sun, the moon, the star.
With a shared nod, the staff is returned to the successor and the sun and star turn to the moon.
“Well, then.” Macaque gives them a wry smile, “What are we waiting for?”
“Absolutely nuthin’!” Wukong cheers, pulling along MK as they exit the scroll. MK is between the two, a buffer, but also… the young man feels as if there’s a different energy happening, now. Not just between master and student… but between the three.
Something has settled.
Delicate and new and certainly unstable, but there.
MK exits the scroll with a smile.
The lightheartedness continues, planning for the Brotherhood. Teases are made, plans are conjured, crayons are thrown. MK’s in the middle of explaining his idea on trapping the three in the scrolls when…..
BOOM!
The mountain shakes and everyone covers themself, Monkey King doing to stand at the front.
“Not enough time.” Macaque murmurs.
“WAIT!” Mei yells. “Let me go on with A Team! I have an idea.”
She meets his gaze and the best friends share a nod.
Together with Monkey King they sprint to the battlefield, towards the hulking figure of Azure. MK remembers the Camel Ridge skulls in the scroll, and readies himself, pulling his staff.
Now or never, he supposes.
But he isn’t given a “now”. Something pulls at him, stronger than any force he’s ever known.
White and bright.
One second he’s light as air, sprinting through the soft dirt of the mountain. The next he’s in so much pain he can’t even see.
He’s pulled in all directions, agony coursing through him.
Then, the next second, he’s awake again.
… What even happened??
Confusion reels him and his pounding head. He whips his head around, a smiling Azure gazing creepily down on him.
Oh my Great Sage what did he get himself into?
The room he’s in is all silk and shine, way too fancy- the walls, pillars, furniture, silk sheets of the bed he’s laying on. It all blares with the color of an all to perfect, hospital-like white. It’s blinding.
The only imperfection in the room is the cracks. The… oddly still cracks.
They don’t creak or crumble or anything.
Hell, the room is oddly still. No noise. Everything’s pristine, everything’s deathly silent.
It’s creepily static, and MK has a feeling that it’s not for a reason in his favor.
(Run.)
“Wha-?” He tries to move, but his wrists pull against something soft yet strong. A band, one that feels like silk. Moving his wrists up and down, he groans in frustration.
He does manage to sit up, glaring as Azure randomly appears in front of him.
“What the- how did you even get here?!” MK swirls his head around. “Where even IS here??”
Azure simply laughs, alighting frustration in his chest. Just who does this guy think he is?! He wishes Mei was here to knock some sense into his smug face. That’s always funny.
“It is good to see you again, MK.”
“Yeahhhhh… It’s not.” MK’s not going to be polite in this situation. He’s just not. “What’s going on??”
“I would expect a little more respect for your emperor.” Azure’s face hardens. At least he’s not smiling anymore, MK can be grateful for the small things.
Smiling while watching MK sleep… Ewwww.
Yeah, yep, no thanks. The change is all the way welcome.
Even if it is a little terrifying.
“Not my emperor.” MK grumbles, “Now what am I doing here? Didn’t you say you were going to leave me alone… This isn’t really leaving me alone?”
MK tries to gesture across the room, but his wrists are still banded under the blankets. He finds he can’t move his legs either.
Fuck.
That ain’t good.
He tries not to think about how this situation is just getting worse.
“Ah,” Azure starts, the darkness in his eyes contrasting with a Mona Lisa smile plastered across his face, “But I’m afraid I am, now.”
Azure leans in, MK leans away.
“And you will listen to me. I will not have a naughty, disobedient cub in my court.”
“Well, good thing I’m not a part of your court.” MK narrows his eyes up at him.
Azure laughs, leaning back. The sound is starting to grate on MK’s ears, he really wishes he was anywhere but here.
What happened back at the battlefield?
Azure struggles his way back to the throne room, attempting to hide the pain as he enters once again. It near takes all his concentration to hold the universe together, but he manages.
“Snake.” He greets. “Peng and I would love to hear out your plans to help us take control of the realm… and for you to… release yourself into the chaos?”
“It’s Xiangliu. And I will be going to the chaos beyond, yes. Outside of the realm, the cycles. Freedom.” The snake has an almost dreamy look on his face, but he quickly sobers up.
“Please lead me to a room where we can sit down and discuss.”
Peng is glaring at Azure for indulging, but indulge Azure does. “Come.” He leads them a few doors down to an old war room.
Oh, the memories Azure has here.
He and Peng sit across from the miscreant, readying themselves for the next bout of insanity.
With a gleam in his eye, the snake begins.
“My original plan was to lead the Harbinger to an ending. He would defeat you-“
Peng snarls at the pathetic implication.
“-, gather the stones of destiny, and be faced with the gift of true freedom. The one true choice in this world. Start the cycle anew by sacrificing himself and the stones to Nuwas pillar, or end it all watching the world tear itself apart, whole and himself.”
Apprehension freezes Azure's heart at the words. He would never let that happen.
The snake smiles like a monkey's paw. “But, watching him, I’ve decided that’s not fair.”
The snake sighs, leans back in the chair. Continues. “Since waking him up early from his little stone, I have watched him grow. The only thing in this cycle not controlled by fate. Him and me. The truly free ones, still trapped in confines. And he didn’t even know the weight of his freedom. Every grade in school, every acquaintance met, every breath taken- this was not prewritten by destiny. This was chaos…. And it was all my doing.”
He laughs. “The paradoxical messes I had to clean up. The records I had to fix. The mistakes I’ve had to hide the past 20 years!”
The snakes pauses, eyes closed, as if floating in memory.
Azure doesn’t like the familiarity towards little MK.
“I can’t do this to him, after all.” The snake admits. “I can’t just let him go; I can’t just say goodbye. And, certainly, I can’t just deprive of his freedom. No!”
The snake gleams, chaotic qi alighting. “I must show him what true freedom looks like! No confines! No more ignorance! They may not have understood before, but I know he will! He is chaos incarnate! And once we’re out there, free in the beyond, he will understand. He will be free.”
The demon now meets the gaze of the brothers. “And you two…. Oh, you two! All you want is a stable cycle. All you want is that control, that power.”
A sickening smile spreads across his face. “And by helping me with my goals, by freeing the boy, you will get it. By using some of his essence to glue this universe- to attach into your qi, Emperor- the realms will be perfectly stable. You will have full rule…. And the boy and I will have full freedom.”
The snake extends his hand.
And Azure takes it in his, shaking in a deal.
It goes like this.
Yellowtusk confirms. The snake readies a spell circle, adorned with the stones. Peng prepares the scrolls.
Azure, as much as he can follow whilst under the agony of bearing a universe that isn’t ready for him, studies with Brother Tusk the spell.
By simply ripping a piece of MK’s essence and absorbing it into Azure’s soul, he can morph into the glue his universe needs. MK’s soul will be damaged if it isn’t released into the chaos, but Azure knows a solution for that.
His own soul, of course.
Secretly, he copies the spell, readying a little piece of himself to be stored away for later’s surgery.
“Brother,” Yellowtusk whispers, tears in his eyes, “You are truly too kind.”
Azure knows this.
Still, he grips his shaking hand in his brother’s own. “Thank you. May the boy be healed and safe under our care.”
Carefully, they weave and patchwork the spell under the snake’s nose. He is strong but chaotic in nature. Sneaky, too. And if the brothers were a little less careful and a the snake a little more watchful, he could have noticed the betrayal coming his way.
However, his weakness of overconfidence sweeps a true chance at discovery.
The snake had been waiting a millennia already. He tires.
Meanwhile, Azure has all the time and all the power-quite literally- in the universe to weave misdirects in and rewrite the energetic code. MK- Xiaotian by official name, apparently- will now not be redirected to the chaos, but into a special chamber.
One that will hold his soul until he is sewn back together.
The snake will be banned from his Realms, though. Azure will not have any bit of that disturbing thing returning. Especially not around his Xiaotian!
They write that clause into the spell, too.
With Azure’s power and Xiaotian’s safety secured, it’s perfect.
“Now.” Azure announces. “Brother Tusk and Xiangliu, you are in charge of the spell. Xiaotian and I will arrive shortly. Peng,” He turns to the bird, “will help me to secure Xiaotian in the bind and release the scrolls upon the criminals he associates with.”
Peng nods. “Come, brother, let us plan our attack.”
With a look towards Yellowtusk and a glance at their failsafe protection spells around the snake, Azure holds himself up despite his pain and follows the best he can without staggering.
One step at a time.
Steps towards a new, bright future.
“Brother Emperor.” Peng begins, “Let us start with the bind.”
“Of course.” Azure draws it up, noting the special spell. It’s time for him to explain the truth to Peng.
“First, through, my dear brother- what is your impression of the boy?”
Peng scoffs. “Idiotic like his master, of course. And far too angry and powerful for his own good.”
“Hmm.” Azure pretends to consider, “A valid opinion.”
“They will be easy to fool. With your imposing powers and my quick thinking, the child’s soul will be confined within the bind and those stragglers all swallowed up by the scroll.” Peng preens themself proudly. “All we must do is surprise them and take action. The battle will be over before it begins!”
“Yes.” Azure agrees. “But there is one point you must consider.”
“And what is that? You are the Emperor, now, elder brother. There is little they can do against the force of Heaven itself, and our superior weapons.”
“The boy.” Azure simply states, drawing in his brother’s curiosity. “We began this tirade because of the cruelty of the Old Realm… And I ask, what do you think they would have done?”
He meets Pengs gaze, stony despite the overload of power he can barely keep grasping. Peng needs the seriousness.
He pauses, letting the moment dramatic.
“Would they have judged a child by their manipulative mentor and lifetime of propaganda? Would they have been kind to the scared little thing, powers out of his control?”
He hardens his gaze further. “Or would they have thrown the child out with a psychopath to further their own goals?”
The brother violet gazes stare into each other, glare on glare.
The room is silent.
He can practically feel Peng reeling from the onslaught of his speech.
“And what will we do with the boy, then?” Peng’s voice is quiet. Perhaps they now see themself in Xiaotian, another child nearly used and discarded to further fate.
Azure keeps care not to smile at the connection made. This may be easier than he’d imagined.
“Brother Tusk and I altered the spell. Rather than being expelled, Xiaotian will be contained until we can heal him.” He holds the magic silk out, “This bind will not only hold his soul, but the spell will expel him back here rather than into the chaos. He will be safe. He can rest and we can prepare properly for him.”
Peng raises an eyebrow. “We will not imprison him?”
“Of course not. He will be taught properly this time- both Yellowtusk and I were already planning to take him under our wing once all was settled. This offers a better opportunity.”
Both eyebrows now raise, Peng crossing their arms. “Yet we imprison his friends. Including that little influential dragon girl- isn’t she manipulated as well? And doesn’t her family and clan hold vast political influence?”
“Of course.” Azure considers. “As a show of kindness and good faith, we will mercifully return the child to her lost family.”
“And she won’t try revenge?”
“She may. But how could she succeed- taking Xiaotian would kill him and all her allies are locked away. Not to mention what her parents would think. Would they dare go against the Heavenly Emperor? The one who bestowed them kindness? The one who shall work tirelessly to fix their pathetic realm?”
Azure shakes his head. “No. I believe the girl will learn her place.”
Peng agrees with a sly smile. “Then, the Realms are ours.”
Azure grins back, ignoring the pain. “Indeed they are.”
“There is one detail you should know, though, my Emperor.”
This sends a little shock of surprise through Azure. “Oh?”
Peng looks away, guilty written all over their form. “Sun Wukong has been released from the Scroll of Memory. He will be a factor in the battle.”
“… WHAT.” Anger courses through Azure's veins, a glitch released from him into the world.
But the celestial cares not.
How dare that meddling monkey interfere with his plans once more?! How dare he show his face again?!?!
The fight may well be plenty more difficult.
“… And you didn’t lead with this news, brother?” He glares.
Peng hides a flinch in a shrug. “I wanted to state all facts beforehand. They are nothing against our might and weapons- not even the monkey.”
Azure hums. Considers. “Well, the most important thing is gathering MK. Once we have him as hostage, there is little they can do against us.” Azure taps his chin, continuing, “There should be emotional chaos once we take him, too. Emotions and the shock will make it plenty more difficult to escape the might of the scrolls, let alone run from us.”
“So the stragglers won’t be as fun to pick off?” Peng suggests with an over exaggerated frown.
“Indeed.” Azure’s face stretches into a smile, against the pull of the universe, amused at his brother's antics.
“Then, without further ado,”Peng stands, opening a portal to Flower Fruit Mountain. “Let us bring our wrath.”
Azure grins, drawing up his power.
He teleports himself in a shockwave, booming over the land. His great power stands before all, trees bowing and wind screaming his name.
But he only has eyes for one.
A little boy running towards him, stuck in the form of a human once again.
Azure doesn’t hesitate.
He alights the spell and the fabric launches itself at Xiaotian, the boy gone in a flash of white before he can even blink.
“MK!!” The voice grates on Azure's ears, even in his superior form. The stupid monkey reaches for where Xiaotian once was, attempting to grab the silk.
Pathetic.
The bind flies back to its master, wrapping itself securely around Azure’s wrist.
Xiaotian’s qi hums against his skin.
Now, the boy is safe.
Wukong screams a pained screech, the sound traveling across the land. He’s already launching himself at Azure, but the Emperor deals with such disobedience easily.
The monkey meets the scroll once more.
The idiot is so caught up in his emotions that he notices the black ink entrapping him until the last second, eyes softening in a beautiful fear.
Azure drinks in the pretty expressions- rage, anguish, fear. It’s exactly what he should be feeling after betraying Azure.
Hopefully, he’s now learning his lesson.
Boosting the scrolls with his power, Azure descends the ink over the land, wrapping up all creatures in its way. Peng flies to him, laughing with shock.
“Great Emperor!” They cry, hand clasping Azure’s shoulder. “That was easier than even I’d imagined!”
The universe rips against him, but Azure pulls himself together, forcing a grin for his brother. “I…” The pain rings but Azure is stronger, “I didn’t expect the power to flow through me this easily. My Realms are truly happy to serve me.”
Pengs smiling sentimental now, a rare sight for the celestial. “Indeed, brother. The Realms know who their true ruler is.”
The two share the moment, scrolls taking care of the clean up.
Peacefully, the mountain is quiet.
Azure wishes he could enjoy it, but instead he and his sibling return to the Celestial Palace, where Brother Tusk and the snake have the ritual ready.
“It is time~!” The snake cheers gleefully. “Hand me the Harbinger’s bind and we shall begin.”
“Of course, my ally.” Azure replies, forcing a friendly smile across his face. Then. He drops a look of doubt. “Just… I do not know if that is the best idea.” Azure gestures to reduced calamity around them- his boy’s mere qi against his own skin calms the cracks, eases the pressure on Azure. “Look around. The Harbinger’s mere presence against me calms the universe.”
For good measure, he rubs his arm. It isn't a complete exaggeration- for even this small relief is immense.
“I was thinking he would be more on me. The bind is merely supposed to be within the spell circle, correct? It matters not if I hold it?”
Azure saddens his expression further. “I would also like to have a goodbye with the boy before he descends into the chaos. He was a sweet lad… You’re sure he will be alright out there?”
The snake, unfortunately, glints with suspect. Yet he still reassures Azure. “The boy will be more than alright. He will be free.”
“Then!” Azure claps, “We shall commence the ritual.”
Soon, the Realms and the boy will be his.
It begins.
They thought they had more time, but there is none.
As soon as the battle begins, it’s over.
The kid disappears and Wukong loses it before Macaque can do anything. Scrolls descend over the land and all Macaque can do is portal away before the ink gets him, too.
No. No.
He was supposed to protect MK.
That was his only goal, his only plan and he failed.
Miserably.
He growls, the sound feeling good in his throat. Punching the wall of his dojo, he releases a breath.
Okay.
Okay.
He has a choice. He can bide his time and steal the scrolls back after some planning and timing his strike right. This leaves him a moment to gather allies, too. Or he can sneak into the celestial realm right under their noses and steal back the scrolls or MK back now.
Normally, he’d for option one, but the idea of leaving MK up there, kidnapped, sits so wrong in his stomach.
He grabs a glass of water, still reeling from the sudden loss.
A month or so ago, he would have just given up.
Looked out for number one.
It’s what he always should have done- loyalty to the king was a clear mistake. His hole of an eye socket rings loud with that truth.
Yet.
“Then, be a warrior.”
He has a purpose now- protect the kid from the mistakes he’d suffered from. Be a warrior. Keep the kid, and the world he supposes, safe. Maybe get therapy.
He can't exactly say looking out for himself first isn’t the wrong choice, but he can say it’s not just him he’s looking out for anymore.
So, no, despite the utter helplessness of the situation, the washed up warrior isn’t going to give up on the shining star.
It’s then, that a bright light appears.
Macaque would jump back, draw his shadows, if not for the calming, holy energy emanating from it.
Guanyin.
She smiles at him like a soft summer morning, dewy and warm. He hates to admit something in his chest loosens at her comforting qi. He holds tight to his resentment. She was the one who agreed to his punishment in the Diyu after all- an ally now, maybe, but he will never forget the never ending cold, the claustrophobia of the chains.
(Oh, the times he’d cried to be mortal. To reincarnate. To please, please, please end it.)
He glares up at the goddess, but decides to be nothing if not civil to his new ally. He can’t deny he could absolutely use her help, though her goals are likely less on the kid and more on keeping the peace.
“Six Eared Macaque. You have been on quite the journey.” She greets, with a smile that acts as if it knows everything, acts as if it surveys his very soul.
“Venerable Goddess.” He returns. He doesn’t comment on the second part, letting her make the next move. He needs to see her angle.
“The Jade Emperor wanted more time for you in the Diyu, but it seems fate had other plans. I am glad to see that fate was right. You have begun to make quite the life for yourself. Learning lessons better than I could have ever taught.”
Rage boils in his chest something fierce. How dare she act as if she is glad for his freedom when she is the one who imprisoned him? How dare she wax about fate and lessons, acting as if she is proud?
How dare she be any bit of proud!
Still, he has no room for this anger, for this vengeance. It isn’t just him he’s looking out for anymore.
If he spent months coding one of those horrendously complicated newfangled video games, he can handle 5 minutes of whatever this is. If she’s trying to endear herself to him, to present herself as a sort of guide, there will be plenty of time to tell her off later, and in a much more satisfying way.
So, no, it’s angle time.
(Sometimes, though, he wishes he could pull a Wukong and impulsively end this infuriating conversation before it begins.)
“More time for me?” He questions, pushing down the anger deep into a little cavity in his chest. It burns. He focuses on the information she is giving him.
Was there a… plan for him? Was the celestial realm planning to put him in bindings, too, and send him on some “heroic” redemption journey?
Ew.
The goddess nods. “We wanted you to reflect for 2,000 years before gifting you an opportunity for redemption. You had much resentment in your heart.”
He still does?? Is the celestial realm truly this delusional? Like he’d ever go on some half baked “journey” to atone for his so called sins?
His expression must not be hidden enough because she gives him a knowing look. “And plenty more still, yet you still choose to help others, to replace your quest of revenge for one of healing.”
“Healing?”
“Was it not you who helped the boy, who stuck by him through hard times? You who creatively expressed yourself on stage? You who had the courage to call several therapy offices just last week?”
“Were you SPYING on me???” He’s seething, now.
Her smile grows. “Liu’er, I was watching over you. You are my responsibility, after all. And now…” She pauses for some damn dramatic affect. Macaque doesn’t bother to hide his unimpressed stare. “You begin at the precipice of a great journey.”
Don’t attack the goddess.
Do not attack the goddess.
Murder is probably still illegal.
Do not.
Do not.
He clenches his jaw, not letting the growl building in his throat escape his mouth. He focuses on breathing. Ignore the goddess, do not attack a powerful ally. It is not worth it.
He imagines MK’s hopeful face, the sunrise he’d watched the other day, the good reviews he’d gotten on some of his shows. He doesn’t want to lose this.
He can’t lose this.
“I’m not being sent back, am I?” He confirms, looking up to the weirdly peaceful face of the goddess.
“Of course not. You have begun to prove yourself, and should you not commit any more… egregious grievances… the Buddhists are happy to negotiate with the Diyu to offer you a true opportunity at redemption.”
“And what would that redemption be?” He questions, preparing himself just in case she mentions him going on a “journey” again.
“It was decided that after watching over you and counting your crimes, we would deliberate and offer you a deal. Should you have acted out of resentment, we would have bound you once again.”
She pauses.
“I meant to give you more time to settle in this modern world. To decide your life. But…” Her face is now serious, meeting his gaze dead on. “Fate has changed plans. The Jade Court is now in a crisis. And you are in the middle of it.”
She’s not wrong about that.
Honestly, he blames Wukong; he stuck his neck out for the idiot, watched over his kid, cleaned up his messes, tried to help them fight their enemies…. Honestly Macaque deserves a medal for putting up with this. And the guy just had to jump in the scroll. The strongest one there- their group’s biggest chance at deflecting the scrolls, gone in a flash of impulsivity.
Ugh. It's always him.
Aaaaaaaand maybe it’s a bit of a stress reliever to blame his ex, an amount of petty revenge towards insurmountable pain. Maybe Wukong deserves it.
Macaque was the punching bag their entire alliance with the Brotherhood, the punching bag during his journey, and hey- practically their whole relationship! He was always sacrificing for his so-called king.
And how did the king repay him, exactly?
Yeah, Wukong can be the punching bag for two fucking seconds.
He more than deserves it.
But Macaque stuffs away his seething resentment for another late night playwright, focuses on the current crisis.
Even apart, he cannot escape the chaos of his once king. He sighs. Remembers MK, and how he’s not going to abandon the kid alone to experience another shitty fate with the king. Resigns himself to another horrid situation he’s been caught in post-resurrection/escape.
Perhaps he will get peace someday.
“How bad is it?” He wonders at the goddess, “Is the Jade Emperor truly… gone?”
Just saying the sentence felt like insanity.
Yet, that was their original goal. And if not for the Buddha’s intervention, the Brotherhood would have achieved it. The thought sends chills down his spine.
That would have been a mess, their success.
He knows the answer, can feel it in the chaotic air, see it in the cracks.
“He has indeed been vanquished.” Guyanyin now looks truly sullen, any amount of joy or light wiped from her face. Like an overcast sky overcoming a bright sun.
Still, somehow, peace exudes from her. Though her mood is down at the death of a great being, her spirit and qi are strong. Solid. She practically exudes a graceful acceptance of the circumstances, a determination in the change. Something about that sparks admiration in Macaque. He immediately tries to squish it down, remembering her deeds against him, her position against him.
He awaits her next words as they both absorb the impact of the Jade Emperor’s death.
“You are the last remaining member of the Brotherhood who isn’t under capture or operating against the Celestial Realm.” Guanyin begins. “And now that you are here, in the precipice of their success with all your allies turned or trapped… I must know, what exactly are you thinking?”
Her gaze holds a gentle judgement. Her soft tone betrays her sharp words, though he isn’t surprised by the question in the slightest. In fact, it is quite easy to answer. “Honestly?” He leans back, shifting his weight in case he needs to run. “My only concern is the kid. The realm, obviously, I live here- but if Azure leaves well enough alone, then I suppose I’ll leave him well enough alone. I just don’t want that kid getting hurt because of our own sins.”
He glares up at her, making his answer clear.
As long as the Celestial Realm isn’t causing him problems, it can go fuck itself. He’s done with its bullshit. He’s been done. Only if need be, will he fight. Only if there’s a strong chance at success, will he fight. Only for the kid, will he fight.
“An admirable answer.” Guanyin answers, a soft smile blooming on her face once more. “I, too, worry for the successor. And we will include his safety in our plans. But, first, I invite you to come up to the Buddhist realm where we are discussing this new development. I understand wanting to stay far from the Celestial Realm. You have every right to your own life and redemption. However, you both have the best perspective on where the Brotherhood is at in the veracity of their conquest and the story for how this situation came to be. You have the understanding of how dangerous they are to the population. We need that. If they present any threat, we, at the very least, need to understand what kind.”
Her eyes stare into his soul. A sense of importance is shared between them, it settles in his chest like a tree rooted in the Earth. He’s listening, considering. Grounded in the meaning of her words.
“We can guarantee your protection if you let us. And we can rescue or negotiate the child’s safety, release him into your care. But, Six Eared Macaque, we need your allyship. It is invaluable. For the safety of yourself and the child, for the good of the realms, will you join us?”
The answer is one he thought he would never give.
A free agent, a general, a traveller, a trickster. A warrior. He was never one to be bound down the confines of a celestial rule- except for the utopia his king had ideally strewed about. In his entire life and entrapment- even just yesterday, he would have spat at the question. Hissed in agitation at the idea.
Yet, now he looks to the glowing goddess, hand outstretched in a promise (and, likely, a trick to guarantee his obedience). He sighs, releasing tension held.
It looks like he’s doing this.
He still blames Wukong.
“Will I be working under you, then?” He questions, looking up to meet the goddess’s gaze.
“If you like.” She offers. “I would be happy to have you as a disciple.”
“And what would the parameters be?”
They need a contract negotiated. But first Macaque needs to know what he’s hypothetically agreeing to. Will he be wearing his own crown? Binds like Red Son did? Will he be allowed to still have his own life and home, or will he be relegated to sleeping and living in her mountain? What duties will he be required to perform?
And how will this all factor into his “redemption journey”?
“Let us travel to the Celestial Realm, attend the meeting, then we may discuss the rest over tea?” She suggests, gesturing out his window. He’s silent, and she gives him an apologetic look. “Time is of the essence. I am sorry there is very little time-”
“Yeah, yeah.” He interrupts, understanding the severity of the situation. “Let’s go save the realm.”
He smiles wry and she smiles sweet. Together, a cloud and a lotus float up to another realm and Macaque looks behind from his seat, hoping this isn’t his last goodbye to his home. To the world he’d just only discovered.
The twinkling lights of Megapolis greet him farewell.
He can barely remember the ritual, but it doesn’t matter at the moment because he wakes up with his soft little cub in his arms.
Xiaotian.
His true form, his qi signature glowing with Azure’s own intertwined qi. Like a halo of sunlight.
The boy is a baby, a small little monkie with a button nose and a tiny blood orange mask on his fluffy face.With the littlest claws and the most soft fur. With three baby tails, wrapping around himself for comfort. With tiny, gold tipped ears in the most delicate, flower petal like shape. Four, apparently. A tad unsightly there, Azure doesn’t want anything maring the appearance of his perfect boy.
His.
Because with their souls now tied, with how fate brought Xiaotian to Azure to be saved… how could he not be? How could Xiaotian not be his?
His son, Azure decides. The child may need a moment to get used to that reality, but reality it is. There is no one else in all the realms that could be his son like little Xiaotian. He sees that now. He thinks he’s seen it from the moment they met, the moment he decided to convince the sweet boy to save his uncles. Oh, he is excited to get to know his boy better!
They have so much to do together.
And forever to do it.
The heavenly empire, a son, and his brothers by his side?
Azure’s won.
The thought glows, warming his chest and relaxing his limbs. He’s truly won. Sighing, he pets his Xiaotian gently, shrinking down his large form so that more than one of his fingers can have the pleasure of running through his pet’s fur. It’s incredible, the feeling of his baby son in his arms.
He hums gently like he has at cubs before. But this time, he truly gets to keep the cub as his, hold it gently and love it greatly. It always used to upset him so, when he had to let go.
He’d never recognized the urge within him, but he supposes Xiaotian managed to bring it out. Parental instinct. Baby fever, one could even call it. It's his prize for suffering all these years, his prize for saving the Heavenly Realm from its old, destitute cycle. No wonder Nuwa planned to end it.
How dare she use his son for such purposes, but still- clearly, the Jade Emperor was never meant to last. Clearly, Azure had to learn who the real emperor was always meant to be. Clearly, mayhaps, Xiaotian was never meant to be his sacrifice, but his son. The eons have been tough. Suffering was certainly a lesson. But with his Realms and his son now under his control, he basks in the fruit of his labor.
And feels a sense of excitement at the hard work ahead.
The snake was correct about one thing- eternity is his to control.
He will get started soon, but for now he enjoys the filling of the void in his heart that Xiaotian so easily slots into, his sunlight gently filling the darkness.
It was so, so hard.
And this moment is so, so worth it.
MK doesn’t know when he falls asleep and doesn’t know when exactly he awakes again.
Just that it HURTS.
Pain is ripping itself through him and he doesn’t know when started or ends or if it ever did.
He doesn’t know if he’s begging or screaming or asleep.
Nothing feels real.
Hurthurtshurtshurtshurtshurtshurtshurtshurtshurtshurtshurtshurtshurtshurts.
And then it’s…… over.
It’s over and he feels… different. He opens his eyes to blue silk and surrounding warmth. To a thrum in his chest and pounding in his head.
“Rghh.” He groans, stretching.
Oddly enough, nothing hurts- it just feels like he’d overworked himself from training and his job by a thousand. He needs to do more than collapse into his bed after whatever hard day he just had. He needs some dang vacation days!
The real question is if Pigsy will give him those. And the real-er question is if he can get up right now to ask.
He struggles. But his body is so angry at him that moving sends shockwaves down his limbs, making his head spin vertigo.
Okay. This has to be a fever.
Also, the thought comes to him, is that this silky silky goodness is a tad too fancy to be home. Tang might splurge on some silk sheets, but not just because MK’s sick and he feels bad. No, in fact, if that was happening he’d already be here with a comforting word and a story in hand.
… Something happened.
Struggling once more, MK forces himself to sit up. His body screams, but he does manage to struggle up on the millions of pillows surrounding them, popping himself out of the cocoon to observe the room around him.
And boy, was he right about not being home!
Fabric is draped above him, little stars and jewels hanging down. It nearly looks otherworldly. MK would think it was cool, if he knew where the hell he was. All he can see is this closed in, blue bed.
He falls back, unable to support his body any longer.
Tremors run through him, worsening the nausea and spinning. All he can do is focus on his breathing, trying not to throw up. Oddly enough, the pounding panic in his chest calms him, too. Anchors him.
Beat. Beat. Beat.
Slowly, he begins to wonder where he is. What happened?
He feels like the memories are there. Like they’re just out of reach, waiting for him.
But what would they be waiting for?
MK sighs, feeling nauseous and tired and honestly? Depleted. The warmth of the silk is so nice against his body, the millions of pillows and blankets are like cozy clouds he gladly snuggles into. It offers him better rest than he thinks he ever got in his life.
Yet… something in him can’t completely relax.
Danger.
But what would be dangerous about this?
It’s so oddly calm in this empty room, or at least in this huge, fluffy bed. He wants to ignore the pull in his gut. Wants to bury his sick self under the covers and wallow. Wants to wait for Pigsy or Tang to check up on him with a warm bowl of broth.
Hell, even Mei could climb through the window at any time. No window could ever stop her.
He wants to believe, so badly, that he’s safe and he’ll see the people he loves soon enough. That this is just a weird sickness. That Tang redecorated because he got a raise at his job and decided to splurge on a sick, overworked MK. Or that maybe MK is at a friend’s house. Maybe Mei has a fancy room they’re crashing in.
He wants to believe, but something in him knows he’s bullshitting.
And it won’t let go. MK wallows anyway, imagining someone he loves busting through the door any second now and appearing at his bedside with some soup and an apologetic smile…
…But no one comes.
He twists and turns, buries himself further in the comfort.
As perfectly comfortable as he is- or can be with this stupid head and also entire body ache- the room stays weirdly silent.
And MK’s abandonment issues really, really don’t like the lonely quiet. As exhausted as he is, as much as it hurts to move, his hands itch to draw. He imagines crayons and paper. Music blasting in the background, the sound of crayons against paper, creating.
And as he’s imagining, he hears a door open. He tries to pop up, but falls back down with a squeak.
Laughter rumbles.
It sounds oddly familiar and MK can’t place his finger on why until the large, imposing figure comes into view.
A giant blue lion, decked out in ancient robes that would give Tang an informational meltdown, with a glow. Not a harsh glow, but a soft, celestial kind of halo.
… Was MK kidnapped by Heaven?
Oh my great Sage, was he actually kidnapped by Heaven?
That’s so cool!
“Xiaotian, it is good to see you.” The lion’s melodic voice is so familiar that,- Azure!
The lion is Azure!!
Memories flash at him but they’re a little too fast for MK to make out. Mainly, his feelings of danger and deja vu intensify.
“Uh, hi.” He greets, deciding that mayyyyyybe getting kidnapped by Heaven isn’t as cool, actually. “Am I kidnapped?”
No one can ever say he isn’t efficient. He totally didn’t just spaz out his brain fried concerns to a total probably dangerous stranger.
This is totally a great thing to ask in this situation.
Except it isn’t because Azure’s face twists hurt. MK feels a little bad. “I can see why you would think that.” The lion admits, tone soft and sad. “But know that I brought you here to heal, Qi Xiaotian. You are quite sick.”
“... Can I see my family? Also, how do you know my full government name?? Most just call me MK, feel free too!”
The celestial sighs. “What do you remember of our battle?”
“Our…. battle…?”
Memories flash back to him, of betrayal and determination.
I never even questioned who I was.
It’s then, that MK notices his hands. Fur. Chocolate fur, gleaming an amber gold.
It’s beautiful, is his first thought.
ITS HIM?????? Is the second to pop in his mind, reeling him back.
Heart pounding, he lifts his fluffy arms, pulling up silk sleeves to see that the fur continues.
Why does it continue?? What’s going on????
Who am I? I’m your best friend!
Nononononono. This can’t be happening. What happened to his body? What happened????
He looks back up at Azure, panicked. “What happened to me?!”
Azure sighs.
“Why am I a monkey????” MK freaks out further, hoping for a word of guidance. His chest heaves. He feels like he’s about to fall down a cliff and looks for anything to make it stop.
But rather than comfort, Azure laughs.
MK grabs his fur, feeling its soft touch in his fingers. He pulls. His skin pulls back, the fur firmly growing out of him. A rock drops in his stomach. He feels sicker than ever, flopping further against the pillows.
“This is your true form, dear boy. I am sorry that it scares you so.” The lion comforts, sitting on the edge of the bed. It dips at his presence.
The smile on his face is meant to be comforting. But all MK feels is dangerdangerdanger. Something in him, something instinctive feeling, warns him to get away and get out.
“Look, I… I really need to get back to my family. Is there any way I can… or they can… something?” MK’s voice cracks embarrassingly at the end, a pop in his throat pitches out, too, scaring him further. What weird sound was that? Why did his body make it?
Azure’s (fake) smile turns sympathetic. “Your family dearly awaits you, but you are in no condition to face them, at the moment.” He moves closer and MK leans away from the huge, huge figure. For a second, MK imagines that the lion’s claws are reaching for him, about to tear into him, but instead a blanket is pulled up and tucked around him. Azure pats the blanket down, securely tucking MK in. A few fingers pat his head. Somehow, they take up the whole space of his head which wait- that isn’t normal!
MK feels weirdly small against the backdrop of the huge celestial. It makes him burrow in the silk further.
“You need to rest.” He continues, his voice taking on an oh so comforting tone but MK knows something is off.
“Why c’n’t I see ‘em?” He pushes, voice now wavering from the exhaustion. He fights it. Fights the blanket of led weighing him down into rest, fights the constant flashes of pain through his body, fights the pounding in his head, the weight pulling his eyelids down.
Something is wrong. Something is wrong and he needs to leave and he needs to know where his family is.
“Please.” He whispers, desperation pulling the words out of him.
But Azure doesn’t respond. He pets MK’s head again, humming, gazing at MK with a look that MK can’t place. Eyes gleam down at him in the low lighting, like a creature stalking prey at night.
MK feels like prey. He’s never felt like this before, never so small and trapped.
Azure’s hand waves in front of his face, a symbol popping up before MK’s head. He can’t even react. Can’t even ask what it is or beg Azure to stop before everything goes black.
He’s lost in the land of dreams.
He’s floating.
The dark is quiet and cool.
And then he lands somewhere, soft dirt and the smell of flowers and sea greeting him like an old friend. A home, even. Flower Fruit Mountain, he realizes, spinning around to see the scenery. It’s a path he’s been on a few times- it leads to the hot springs. He can hear them up ahead.
Yet, he’s not compelled to walk over. Instead, he turns and faces a goddess he’s seen plenty of times in statues, paintings, sculptures, and Tang’s books.
Is that… Guanyin?
THE Guanyin???????
Almost as confirmation she gives him a smile, and lotuses bloom in a circle around the two, one on MK’s shoulder. It gives him a soft, celestial glow both somehow earthen and otherworldly. The air fills with comfort.
It feels like a hug.
“Hello, there, little one. You have been through quite the ordeal this past week.”
MK laughs. “You can definitely say that!” He pauses, adding on, “Where are we?”
“We’re in your spirit.” Guanyin gestures. “When I called on your soul for a meeting, it brought us to a place where you could feel safe.”
“Oh.” MK looks around, noticing the dreamy-like glow of his surroundings. “So… we’re not really at Flower Fruit Mountain?”
“I’m afraid not.”
Dangit. He’d give anything to be home right now. It was stupid to hope, but the hope was there- and MK is, if anything, an optimist. He’s also a believer in the power of friendship.
“Where are my friends?” He gets straight to the point. There’s no way he’s getting out of this weird Heaven situation without his people. “Also, what happened to Heaven? Am I in Heaven? Was I kidnapped???”
He pauses, a terrifying thought entering his head. “Are… my friends hurt?”
Guanyin’s expression is not the kind of one he wants to see at his questions. Her smile is downtrodden, eyes holding a sympathetic shine. He hopes, for a second, that he’s imagining the sadness. That she’s actually about to let him know that yep- everything is fine, Heaven just wanted to make sure he wasn’t sick, and his family is on their way to pick him up.
He can almost hear the bickering between Pigsy and Tang already, the vivacious yet- in more alone moments- gentle and caring concern from his mentor, the “stop overworking yourself or we’re watching Ultra Mega Glitter Force: Friendship 4Ever all weekend, no breaks, because SOMEONE clearly needs a self care lesson” from Mei. Hell, even Macaque tagging along with a snippy comment and a look of concern and Sandy’s cat filled vehicles with probably more pillows than that Heaven bed.
But the image is shattered at her next words. “I… do not know about your friends. I believe they are in the Scrolls of Memory.”
The WHAT NOW?
“Okay?? Are they okay???” They can’t be hurt, they really, really can’t be hurt or MK is going to freak out.
Guanyin frowns. “How much do you remember of your battle against the Azure Emperor?”
“THE WHO??” MK is confused. Azure’s an emperor, since when? Did he take over some land…. Oh no, oh Great Sage no. He did not take over Heaven. He did not.
“He is the new Heavenly Emperor, rebuilding the Court as we speak.”
He did. He actually did. Oh, this is sooooo not good.
“Where’s uh, what happened to the Jade Emperor?”
Guanyin’s frown deepens. “You… Hmm.” She hums, her hand reaching out and pulling up gold magic. It tickles him. “You blocked it out.”
“I… What?”
“When memories can be too much for us, sometimes we block them out temporarily. Xiaotian,” She gives him a sympathetic look. “You are currently being held captive. You fought a hard battle and lost. On top of everything, I don’t exactly know how but the Emperor used you to help repair the Universe, and that has very significant impacts on your qi, soul, and physical body. You helped a great deal and made a great sacrifice, but that does come with consequences. Your poor mind must be overwhelmed. I am sorry.”
She pauses. “I understand you must be so scared and confused. But if you want to get to the end of this and see your family again, there is one thing you most definitely must do.”
He stares up at the goddess, heart pounding out of his chest.
She gives him a pointed look. “Rest, Xiaotian. Rest and survive and do your best to be on good terms with the Emperor.”
He can’t do that! He needs to find his family!!
“But-!”
Guanyin shakes her head. “I’m afraid there are no buts, here. Azure has won this war.”
Her words hit like a guillotine.
“However,” She continues. “We must recover and regroup for the next one. We must gauge how the Emperor is acting, and work from there. Perhaps if he is reasonable, we can come to an agreement. Perhaps if not…” She sighs. “Then we work with what we are given for the best solution possible. This next war will be a long one.”
Heart clenching, he stares into the solemn face of the merciful goddess.
“Be ready, Xiaotian.”