Chapter Text
MK sighed, pacing back and forth in the middle of the mansion. Where could Mei have possibly gone for so long? Why? He knew her well and she just wouldn’t do that without telling someone. Not for that long. Something had to be up.
His ‘brooding’ was quickly interrupted by Mei herself, jumping over MK like they were playing leap frog, smiling cheerfully. “Hey! What’s up, what’s got you so mopey?” She pinched MK’s cheeks, tugging them into a smile. MK sighs in slight relief.
“Yoo mortal 718040921807, sup!” Rika said, lying on the floor pretending to be a worm in normal form.
“I’m… not a mortal.” Mei raised an eyebrow. “But hi!”
“Hiiii immortal 718040921806!” Rika said, remaining on the ground.
“So what’s our adventure of the day, chief?” Mei asked MK, who blinked, shrugging. “We uh…. We could… ehhhh….”
He has no fucking clue.
“We could try and find ghasts mating again!” Rika suggested with a smile.
“Oh god no.” MK shudders.
“Come on, it could be fun- or just explore that place. I think I saw weird hell trees there.” Rika said, looking up at him from their floor position.
“I disagree. That place seems like trouble.” Ne Zha called out, entering the room. He looked frustrated. Why? His dearest darlingest sister was currently draped over his head.
“You’re probably too scared to go back.” Rika said, sticking their tongue out at him.
“Don’t bully him.” Wukong grumbled from the floor, sulking. “I can’t believe I’m not Monkey King anymore.”
MK looked at him in confusion. “You’re not?”
Wukong just buried his face into the ground with a groan.
“Wukong’s being weird!” Rika called out pointing to him before doing the worm.
“Long story.” Macaque smirked. “He just kinda… decided he wasn't cut out for the royal life. Wanted to be more….. Humble.”
MK looked at Macaque incredulously, pointing at Wukong. “...Him??”
Macaque shrugs. “Yeah.” Wukong, having to go along, just nods… into the ground.
“Oh, good for you!” Rika said, giving a thumbs up.
“Yeah. It is good for him.” Macaque grins. Ne Zha, not stupid, knew this was highly unlikely, and was incredibly suspicious.
“Well he’s still a pussy for not wanting to explore.” Rika said, sticking their tongue out at Ne Zha.
MK sighs. “Alright lets… lets do it.”
“Yippie!” Rika cheered, popping up.
“Why did I agree to this…?” MK mumbled.
“Cus you love me in the / platonic!” Rika said, batting his eyelashes.
MK sighs loudly.
Rika cheered.
“You guys have fun sweating your asses off.” Ace grinned, sliding off of Ne Zha. “I’ll be here.”
“Scaredy cat.” Rika stuck their tongue out at Ace.
“Nuh uh!” Ace stuck her tongue out. Ne Zha sighs. “I… suppose I should stay back too then.”
“Scaredy cats might need a shelter here.” Rika said with a smirk.
“Ooh ooh!” Mei jumps up and down. “I wanna be a scaredy cat!”
“Pussy.” Rika stuck their tongue out at Mei.
“Cat.” Mei finished. Wukong stands up. “Well I am definitely going. Can’t let my kid go off without me.” He smirked. Pigsy glared. “My kid you mean.” Wukong sweats.
“Cant believe you got a three for one dad special.” Rika teases MK.
MK rubbed the back of his neck. “I got lucky.”
Ace calls out. “Mehhhh four if you count the emo one!”
“Four dads and immune to your mom jokes.” RIka stated.
“Your momma so ugly your dad had to get a husband.” Ace puts on a new pair of sunglasses.
MK looked at her. “That’s… a your momma joke, not a your mom jo-” “YOUR MOM!” Ace points at him “That you don't have.”
Rika slowly inched their mouth closer to Ace’s sunglasses.
“No.” Ace scolds.
Rika starts bawling.
Redson groaned and patted them on the back.
“Yay pats!” Rika cheered.
Macaque raised his hand. “I’ll stay back too. I think I’ve had… enough excitement… for a little bit.” He smirks, tail flicking.
“Damn lot of pussies today, we need a crazy cat lady or something.” Rika smirked.
Redson smacks them.
Rika starts bawling again.
Redson groans.
Rika keeps bawling.
Redson pats their head.
“Yippie head pats!” Rika cheered as they stopped bawling.
“Whatever, let’s go.” Redson begins to walk out. MK looked. “Guess… the rest of us should get going then…?”
“Onward to Ghast mating!” Rika said as they left the manor.
“NO-” MK called out, rushing after, tailed by Wukong and the husbands of all time.
Rika rushed to the portal cheering.
MK sweats, but goes through. Redson groans.
Rika is already going from the roof of the nether to the main area of the nether.
“Eugh…” MK shudders. Redson and the rest of the crew just look around.
“Sure do hope no fireballs come flying towards us!” Rika smiled. A ghast fired a fireball at them.
MK yelps, forgetting how to parry in his panic. Pigsy had not forgotten. Pigsy really wished he could.
Rika watched in awe at the ball of fire rushing directly at them.
“That can’t be good.” Wukong hummed. Pigsy was shaking. Tang put a hand on his shoulder, shaking his head.
Rika continues to watch in awe as the fireball comes closer and closer to hitting them.
“We are so fucked.” MK whispers.
“Who’s fucked?” Rika asked, turning to face MK.
“All of us.” MK sweats, pulling out his staff.
“YAYY!” Rika cheered the fireball seconds from hitting.
MK panics, growing the staff and hitting it like a fucking baseball.
The fireball moved and hit a nearby wall exploding. The ghast sent out another fire ball with a cry.
“Well, I’ve done all I can do.” MK accepts his fate.
“Maybe we should run… nahhhhh.” Rika shrugged looking at the fireball in awe again.
“Guess we’ll perish.” MK smiles. Pigsy looked at him like he was mad.
“Yay I can finally die!” Rika cheered, accepting their fate with a smile.
“No.” Redson grumbles, grabbing Rika and MK and dragging them out of the way.
Rika looked saddened as the fireball flew to where Rika was just standing.
“Maybe we should go now.” Redson huffed. “Before someone gets hurt.”
“No, we must keep exploring." Rika said, a tear in their eye as the fire ball landed on the ground.
“Fine.” Redson reluctantly let go.
“Yayyyy!” Rika ran off in a random direction.
“This… is gonna be a disaster.” Tang whispered.
“You’re already a gay disaster!" Rika yelled pointing at Tang before continuing to run while laughing.
“... They got me there.” Tang mumbled, pushing his glasses up.
Rika kept running while laughing like a mad man.
Redson followed. Forced to trek deeper, MK also follows. Wukong shrugged. “This is going to be… chaotic.”
“And fun!” Rika cheered.
“Sure it is.” Wukong smirked, walking along. The husbands just kinda tail behind.
—--------------------------------------------------------
“That is… not how you play Monopoly.” Ne Zha sighs. Mei had chosen to ‘rob the bank’, taking out all of the money and claiming to outrun the police, winning by default. Ace nods along, her one dollar in front of her. Mei had robbed her too.
A knock came from the door, outside a baa could be heard as well.
Macaque opens the door, curious.
“Hii Phil mentioned some new people staying and I wanted to introduce myself and Friend!” Ghost-bur said with a smile, holding out some blue.
“We’ve… met you before. Twice.” Macaque raised an eyebrow, ignoring the blue.
“Oh… I see, sorry then!” Ghost-bur said, still with a small smile as he started to leave.
“Woah-! Hey no no, you’re fine! Did you wanna come in…?” Macaque asked, opening the door wider. From the inside, Ace and Mei waved.
“Oh thank you!” Ghost-bur said smiling as he entered with the blue sheep.
“Sooo… what’s your story?” Macaque asks, hands folded.
“Oh well when the… real Wilbur died, I formed from him, and found Friend as well!” Ghost-bur said with a smile.
“I see. Lots of death here?” Macaque tilted his head.
“From what I know of not a lot of people lost their third life… I think.” Ghost-bur said as he looked at Macaque.
“Three?” Macaque hummed. “Interesting… Ah. Who sent you here again?”
“Dadza mentioned you all to me!” Ghost-bur smiled.
“When?” Macaque put his hands in his pockets, one leg crossed over another.
“He mentioned it earlier today!” Ghost-bur told him.
Macaque smirked slightly, tail flicking. “Oh yeah? What’d he say? It’s been a bit since we saw him.”
“He didn't say much besides that you all were here.” Ghost-bur told him.
“Good to know.” Macaque nods. “Tell him he’s welcome to stop by if he wants. I’m sure Sun Wukong of all people would be thrilled to see him.”
“Okay!” Ghost-bur said, turning to go back to Phil to tell him.
Macaque sweats. “Ooookaaay… right now…? You- it doesn’t have to be immediate y’know. I mean if you want to, go ahead.”
“Oh okay.” Ghost-bur said, turning back around.
“You’re an endearing one.” Macaque smiled.
“You think so? Most people don't like me.” Ghost-bur told him.
“I mean hey, same here.” Macaque pasted on a grin, an ear flicking.
“But you’re so nice!” Ghost-bur told him.
“When the time calls for it. I can be quite the… tricky one.” Macaque shrugs. Mei nodded along.
“Well I think you’re still nice!” Ghost-bur smiled.
“You too, kid.” Macaque tilts his head.
“Would you like some blue?” Ghost-bur offered holding out the bright blue substance.
“Y’know what? Sure.” Macaque held his hand out. Whatever it was couldn’t be too bad. “So what exactly was life like before you died? And HOW did you die?”
“Oh I… don't remember… apparently I wasn't the best. As for how… Phil never mentioned that.” Ghost-bur told him.
“I see.” Macaque nodded.
“Oh but we could ask the others if you’d like!” Ghost-bur said with a smile.
“Uh… sure.” Macaque shrugs.
“Yay, come on Friend!” Ghost-bur smiled as he left the sheep following.
Macaque raises an eyebrow, but sets off after Ghost-bur. Ace and Mei, not ones to be left behind, follow. Reluctantly, knowing he can’t trust them, Ne Zha trudges after.
Ghost-bur had a smile, humming a melody as he went to the nether portal to head to the main area of the smp.
“Sooo…” Mei crossed her arms behind her back. “What are we doing? I wasn’t listening.”
“Going to find someone who knows more about Alive-bur!” Ghost-bur told her with a smile.
“Oh yay!” Mei cheered. Macaque tilts his head. “Whatcha humming, kid?”
“Oh I don't know- must've been something Alive-bur liked.” Ghost-bur told him with a shrug.
“Interesting.” Macaque nods. Mei had somehow, within seconds, climbed up onto Macaque’s shoulders. He didn’t seem to mind.
Ghost-bur continued to hum, heading within the portal and going through the nether and leaving though the smp portal, before making his way to the L’Manberg crater.
“Oh hey! I remember this from the tour!” Mei points out. Macaque shook his head fondly. “Yeah. Why are we here though?”
“From what I do know, Alive-bur was the founder.” Ghost-bur told him. Within a side of a mountain was a small but nice grave, Fundy standing there, facing away from the group.
“Hey, it’s the guy who keeps showing up everywhere for some reason!” Ace points out. Ne Zha hits them over the head with his spear.
“Fundy!” Ghost-bur smiled, heading over to the fox.
The group follows, Mei waving at Fundy. Ace was not waving. Fundy did not appreciate the weird friend from the casino, so Ace did not appreciate him.
“Fundy! Hiiiii!” Ghost-bur waved to Fundy with a smile. The fox flinched before turning to face Ghost-bur with a sigh.
“Hey dad…” Fundy said, large eyebag’s under his eyes.
“Yeesh-” Ace muttered. Ne Zha hit her again before covering her mouth, expression apologetic.
“How are you Fundy?” Ghost-bur asked, smiling.
“I’m fine.” Fundy muttered with a sigh, going to leave.
“Where are you going?” Mei tilted her head.
Fundy gave a small shrug.
“Are you okay?” Mei asked, tilting her head.
“I’m fine.” Fundy lied.
“No you’re not.” Mei observes.
Fundy shot a small glare at her before trying to leave again, clearly tense.
Mei waves.
Fundy doesn't wave back.
“Oh wait- here have some blue!” Ghost-bur said putting the same blue substance into Fundy’s hands.
“Yay, thanks.” Funder muttered sarcastically.
“What’s your problem?” Macaque narrowed his eyes. He really wasn’t cut out for this whole therapist thing.
“Like I said, I’m fine.” Fundy stated, tense still.
“Alright then. Bye.” Macaque waves. “This place is exhausting.” He grumbled to himself, used to isolation.
“Oh Fundy, before you leave they were wanting to know more about Alive-bur!” Ghost-bur smiled at the fox who grew even more tense at that stopping in his place.
“I… think that’s not a subject he’s comfortable with.” Ne Zha grumbles.
“...” Fundy remained quiet, “He was pretty shitty when alive.” Fundy said under his breath.
“Could you elaborate?” Ne Zha huffed softly.
“I mean for starters ate my fucking mom, and also had me as a literal child soldier in a war.” Fundy grumbled quietly, growing more tense by the second. Ghost-bur wanted to reach out but hesitated.
“I see. That says everything, thank you.” Ne Zha nodded. Macaque builds upon this. “Hey if it’s not too… upsetting… how’d he die?”
“... Went fucking crazy and blew shit up before… before having someone kill him.” Fundy muttered under his breath.
“I see. I’m sorry.” Macaque also nods. “Thank you.”
“Yeah.” Fundy huffed before walking away.
“...Poor thing.” Macaque mumbled. Why the fuck was evryone here traumatized?
“Well shit.” Ace whispered. “Welp! We’ve done what we set out to do! Time to go back to playing Monopoly!”
Mei cheers.
“Right…” Ghost-bur said with a small sigh.
In the distance a hidden figure could just barely be made out watching them.
Macaque’s ear twitched, but other than that he feigns ignorance. He’s too perceptive to have missed it.
Ghost-bur looks at the grave before placing his hand on the raised casket. Schlatt’s casket, as he stood there silently, Friend next to him.
Ne Zha tilted his head.
Ghost-bur remained quiet as he stood there for a moment.
“You okay?” Macaque asked.
Ghost-bur turned around and smiled, “Oh hi friends, didn't realize you also were here!”
“We… came with you.” Macaque sweats.
“Oh sorry, must've forgotten.” Ghost-bur muttered.
“Hey, don’t worry about it.” Macaque held his hands up.
“You sure?” Ghost-bur asked as he tilted his head slightly.
“Yeah! We all have our moments.” He smiled. Mei nodded, still on his shoulders, giving thumbs ups.
Ghost-bur smiled like nothing was wrong.
“Soo… now what?” Mei questioned, chin resting on Macaque’s head.
“Oh maybe we could find Fundy!” Ghost-bur suggested with a smile, “Have you all met him yet?”
“More than a few times.” Ace grumbled from behind Ne Zha’s hand.
“Isn’t he a great kid?” Ghost-bur said with a smile.
“He is.” Macaque nodded. Ne Zha sighs.
“Oh, do you all want some blue?” Ghost-bur asked them, holding out more of the bright blue substance.
“We’ll pass.” Ne Zha huffed.
“Oh okay!” Ghost-bur smiled.
Macaque eyes the crater.
“Is everything okay?” Ghost-bur asked, tilting his head as he walked on the glass over the crater.
“Yup.” Macaque sighed. “Just connecting some dots.”
“What dots?” Ghost-bur asked, tilting his head.
“Don’t worry about it.” Macaque’s tail flicks. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Okay!” Ghost-bur smiled.
The same female from the syndicate meeting hummed to herself as she walked across the path, flinching ever so slightly when she saw Ghost-bur.
Macaque looked over, tail giving a flick. Mei waves at the ‘stranger’.
“Oh hi!” The female waved at Mei, deciding to ignore Ghost-bur.
“I don’t think we’ve met before.” Mei smiles. “I’m Mei! This is Macaque.” Mei pats Macaque's head. Macaque gives a wave. “Nice to meet you.”
“Niki, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Niki said with a smile as she looked at Macaque.
Mei points at Ne Zha and Ace, introducing them too. Ne Zha raised an eyebrow at the stranger. “Are you a friend of… well… anyone?” Ace asked.
“Hiiii Niki want some blue?” Ghost-bur called out waving at her excitedly.
“I’m fine Wil- Ghost-bur.” Niki said with a sigh.
“What brings you out here?” Macaque inquired casually.
“Oh I was just coming to visit a friend.” Niki smiled.
“Friend? What friend if I might ask?” Macaque tilted his head.
“Jack Manifold.” Niki told him.
“Mm. I see.” Macaque smiled, his expression neutral. The only hint at his unease was the fact his tail had puffed up ever so slightly. “Any particular reason or…?”
“Not really. Why do you ask?” Niki questioned, raising an eyebrow.
“Ah, it’s nothing. He just… didn’t give the best first impression. Or second impression.” Macaque’s tail flicked.
“Ah well he can be… like that at first, but when you get to know him he’s a nice guy.” Niki smiled.
“Is that so?” Macaque tilted his head. His eyes narrow, smile still forced on his expression.
Niki gave a nod.
“Well then. Don’t let us stop you.” Macaque held his hands up. Mei looked at Macaque and then at Niki, confused as to why he was this cautious.
“Bye Niki, have a great day!” Ghost-bur said, waving at her. Niki just muttered something under her breath at Ghost-bur before leaving.
“She seemed nice.” Mei beamed.
Macaque chuckled. “Isn’t her friend the guy you and MK fought?”
Mei goes quiet with realization before letting out an “Ooooohhhhhhhhhhhh…..”
“I like Niki!” Ghost-bur smiled.
“She’s… certainly a character.” Macaque chuckled. Mei hopped down and before Macaque could even look, she had already gone off. Ne Zha’s eye twitched.
“Oh bye friend!” Ghost-bur waved even though not knowing where Mei had gone.
Mei made her way back to the prison. To be honest, she wasn’t sure why she was doing this. Still, she made a promise to come back. So she did.
“You’re back.” Dream said as he saw her return, “Thank you again for the steaks, I don't even remember the last time I was able to eat something besides uncooked potatoes.”
“Yeah sure…!” Mei smiled. It was visibly strained. “So uh…”
“So how are you?” Dream asked her.
“I’m good… I think. You?” Mei tilted her head. “Oh! Has anyone else been by yet? The guard or anybody? No like… torture?”
“No, they haven't returned yet today, luckily enough.” Dream said, gesturing to the fact the bridge hadn't been closed yet.
“... Fair.” Mei nodded. “That’s… good. I think…” She mumbled. “Um… how long do you want me to keep visiting for? And how long should I be staying?”
“You don't have to stay long, I’ve just been so lonely, I mean I don't even have a way to tell what time it is in this cell.” Dream told her with a sigh.
“Oh no… isn’t that like… cruel and unusual punishment?” Mei tilted her head in the other direction.
“Just one of the many here.” Dream gave another sigh.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Is there something I can do to help…?” Mei inquired, fidgeting with her hands. She was still pretty uncomfortable, but her mistrust was lessening bit by bit.
“If it isn't too much, could you bring me a clock? Just something to know if a day has passed and if it’s day or night in here.” Dream asked of her.
“Uh… yeah sure! I can do that. Where do I find one here?” Mei perked up.
“Well you can always craft one.” Dream told her.
“I dunno how to craft.” Mei shrugs.
“I see- I would show you but well.” Dream gestured to himself in the cell.
“Hmm… I could always ask around again. Or maybe go searching in general.” Mei offered.
“Right, I’m certain you can do something.” Dream told her. “You’ve already been a massive help.”
“Okay, I’ll see what I can do. Uh… be safe while I’m out, yeah?” Mei calls out.
“Same to you, friend.” Dream said, holding back a scoff at the word friend- he wouldn't risk his opportunity.
Mei waves, turning to leave. She just needed to find a clock…
Dream just smirks under his mask, only a matter of time. Only a matter of time.
—-------------------------------------------------------------
“Well one thing is for sure…. It’s hot as fuck here.” MK sweats.
“Nahhhhhhh really I thought it was freezing here.” Rika said sarcastically.
“You’ve had an interesting attitude recently.” Wukong smirked. “It is…. fascinating.”
“Thank you, been finding this one entertaining.” Rika said with a nod.
Redson raised an eyebrow at them but said nothing.
“I mean funny joke here!” Rika exclaimed, smiling.
Redson shook his head, forcing down a smirk.
Rika kept smiling, frog blinking before looking around, “Where are we?”
“Hell.” MK mumbles.
“Where in hell is the question… no to hell or not to hell is the question.” Rika said, pulling out a random skull and holding it up.
“...” MK looked at Rika with a raised eyebrow. Redson sighs, patting their head.
“Yay head pats!” Rika cheered.
“So… what exactly are we doing here?” Wukong asked.
“You deaf? We finding ghasts mating.” Rika said going to boink Wukong on the top of the head.
“Right… I don’t wanna see that.” Wukong rolled his eyes. MK nodded. Tang and Pigsy also nod. Redson was neutral.
“Then why come?” Rika said, sticking their round out at them.
“You made us.” MK deadpanned.
“Then womp womp don’t complain.”
Redson rolled his eyes yet again. “Stop bullying them, that’s my job.”
“Oki!” Rika gave a thumbs up before default dancing.
Wukong looked at them, eye twitching.
Rika smiled and gave a thumbs up once again.
Redson held out his hand to Rika. “Just… settle down.”
“Okayyyyyyyy.” Rika said, taking his hand.
“Thank you.” Redson huffed. MK’s jaw drops.
A ghasts jaw also dropped as it yet out a cry sending a fire ball at them.
“Oh you have got to be- Kid, give me the staff.” Wukong held his hand out to MK. MK gave him the staff. Wukong hits the fireball… and then also hits the ghast by extending it.
“Aw poor guy he did nothing wrong.” Rika whined.
Wukong handed the staff back to MK, smirking. “What was it you said earlier? ‘Womp womp’?”
“You’re just a bully.” Rika said, sticking their tongue out at him.
“You’re just a force of chaos.” Wukong stuck his tongue out back.
“Yeah well chaos is more fun then being a bully.” Rika huffed.
Wukong glared.
Rika glared back.
MK pulls Wukong back. Redson pulls Rika back. “Look, let’s just find something to do.”
“I mean I have an idea on something- multiple things actually.” Rika said.
“Go on.”
“Watching ghasts mating.” Rika said, batting their eyelashes.
“... We’re leaving.” Redson begins to drag Rika back. MK eagerly follows.
“Noooooooooo.” Rika whined.
Redson made his way back to the portal. “Let’s go.”
A ghast shot another fireball, it landing in the portal blowing it up.
Redson's eye twitched. “How…. the fuck… do we get back now?”
“Good question!” Rika smiled.
“....” Redson groans, turning around. “Let’s just… find another. Or something.”
“One to main area isn’t far…. I think.” Rika commented.
“Let’s go then.” MK beamed.
“One way!” Rika said pointing in a random direction.
MK followed.
Rika had no idea where the other portal was, just used to following people to it. Rika had no idea where they were going.
“We’re so fucking lost.” Wukong mumbled. Tang nodded, pushing his glasses up. “Yyyyeahhhh….”
“No we’re not.” Rika said, sweating a bit.
“Yes we are.” Pigsy grumbled.
“I’m sure the portal is right around the cor- oh nope just more lava.” Rika looked down at the amount of lava. There was a lot of it.
“Well shit.” Redson grumbled. Wukong put his hands up in the air. “Look what you did Rika!”
MK looked at his mentor, confused. “But they didn-” “Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh” Wukong covers MK’s mouth.
“Welp I know something to keep us going- besides finding a way back of course.” Rika said with a smug grin.
Redson covers Rika’s mouth. “No.”
“Aw shucks.” Rika said, their voice muffled by Redson’s hand.
“Why don’t you avoid his hand like you did with Ace or whatever?” MK asked.
“Cus this.” Rika said, voice still muffled as they slowly flipped MK off.
MK frowned. Pigsy sighs. “Hey. So why did nobody bother to remember where the other portal was?” He raised an eyebrow. MK, Tang, and Wukong all sweat. Redson does not.
“I just kinda follow him around, I don't know where shit is.” Rika said as they pointed to Redson.
“Yeah. You should stop that.” Redson grumbled. “You should be able to think for yourself, I mean.”
“I do- I just think ‘oh yay Redson’” Rika said, their tail flicking.
“Right. Maybe there’s a way to get back further down.” Redson mumbles. “Let’s go.”
“Oki!” Rika said, giving a thumbs up following Redson.
Redson sighs loudly, continuing his trek, followed by the others… until Wukong decides he wants to be at the front.
Rika glares at Wukong sticking their tongue out at him.
Wukong stuck his tongue out back.
Rika kept their tongue out at him.
Wukong also keeps his tongue out.
Rika flips Wukong off.
Wukong mimicked them.
Rika flipped him off with both hands.
Wukong flips them off with both hands for about a millisecond before Redson takes the staff from MK and hits Wukong over the head with it.
“Fuck yeah!” Rika cheered seeing Wukong get hit with it.
“Come on. Let’s just- ew what the fuck is that?” Redson points at a creature.
“Can we keep it?” Rika asked, batting their eye lashes at Redson gesturing to the pig-like creature with massive tusks.
“No. It’s hideous.” Redson huffs. Pigsy glared, rolling his eyes. Tang patted his head, smiling reassuringly.
“Well you told me to think for myself or something so I am!” Rika said, going up to the creature. It immediately tried killing them.
MK quickly takes his staff and uses it to nudge Rika back. “Do I… uh…. Kill it?”
“No! It’s just a lil guy!” Rika frowned.
“Then… maybe we should run.” MK offered.
“Eh yeah I guess.” Rika said with a shrug as the creature prepared to knock into them again.
Redson grabs their wrist. “Then get moving, MORON.” He yanked them along.
“Awww mannn. I’ll be back soon Jeff.” Rika said a single tear leaving their eye.
“You NAMED it??” Redson exclaimed. Wukong nodded. “What he said.”
MK sighs loudly before starting to shove everyone along, holding his staff horizontally to effectively bulldoze them.
“Goodbye Thomas.” Rika said before yeeting out of there.
“...” Everyone just kinda stared. Tang was the first to speak, mumbling to himself. “I thought he was Jeff…”
“Why would Eliza be named Jeff?” Rika asked him.
“Who is– what??” Tang sweats.
“The pig thing. Who else would I be talking about besides Caesar?” Rika questioned.
“...Riiiiiight…” Tang takes a small step back.
“I’m going to miss Billie.” Rika frowned.
Redson slowly covers their mouth again.
Rika for once shuts up.
Redson patted their head. Wukong, a smug piece of shit, uses his tail to shove Redson into Rika. “I learned from the best.” He mocked Rika, sticking his tongue out.
“It feels like you’re mocking me but I don't remember when I said that so womp womp.” Rika shrugged.
“I… that’s… mocking is making fun of. Taunting.” MK explains. Wukong, smirking, covers MK’s mouth again.
“Good for you?” Rika said, raising an eyebrow.
“Wow. I had no idea gay people were real. Good for them.” Tang smiled, arms crossed. Pigsy slowly turns to look at him, eyebrows furrowed.
“They are?!” Rika exclaimed, genuinely shocked.
“What the hell are we?!” Redson scoffed. “What did you THINK- nevermind. Nevermind. I don’t want to know.”
“In love.” Rika said with a shrug.
Redson just kinda blinked, flustered. “I think you need to shut up now.” He muttered, looking away.
“Aw man.” Rika frowned.
Wukong watched, smug. “Proud of you.”
“Ew, don't say that to me.” Rika said, looking at Wukong.
“Not proud of you.” Wukong corrects himself.
“Fuck yeah!” Rika cheered.
“... We’re gonna be here forever.” MK whispered to himself in horror.
“We could find Lola again!” Rika said starry eyed.
“No.” Everyone said in unison.
“Well fuck y’all too.” Rika pouted.
“....Wish we brought Ne Zha.” Wukong mumbled.
“Or didn’t come at all.” Pigsy points out.
“Come on, let’s just have some fun looking around- you know, why we came here.” Rika said with a shrug entering some strange forest-like area that was mainly blue colors.
“... Blue…” MK points out, eyes sparkling. Redson raised an eyebrow.
“Looks more green to me.” Rika said with a shrug.
“It’s clearly golden.” Wukong points out. He was using golden vision.
“I think you’re a lil color blind.” Rika muttered.
“I think you’re insane.” Wukong stuck his tongue out.
“Oh I know I am.” Rika shrugged before sticking their tongue out at him.
“...” Everyone just kinda looked at them in mild concern.
Rika gave a thumbs up smiling.
“Are you okay…?” Redson asked.
“Of course, at least this guy got it!” Rika said, pointing to a tall skinny black creature who let out a strange noise. Rika did bother looking up at it.
“What is with this world and weird… things.” Redson huffed, looking at the fella. “Strange creatures.”
The creature let out another strange noise tilting its head down slightly as the rest of its body remained upright.
Redson scoffed. “Seriously, it’s pathetic.” He turns back to look at the others. “You all see it too, right? How off this place is?”
“I think it likes you.” Rika noted looking at Redson with a smile.
“Oh please. I mean, of course it does.” Redson smirked.
“I mean it is like shaking hard.” Rika pointed out.
“Is… it okay?” MK questioned.
“Hey mister are you-”
Before Rika could finish the creature let out a scream and started teleporting, trying to attack Redson.
Redson sweats.
“I take back my liking statement.” Rika said.
The creature continued to try and attack Redson.
Redson fucking dies. Everyone kinda stared in horror.
Rika stared where Redson had died for a moment before going and throwing themself into the lava.
MK goes to get them out with his staff.
“Nuh uh.” Rika said with a glare.
“Don’t. Redson will… be fine. Just get out of there.” MK pleaded. “He wouldn’t want you dead.”
“...” Rika just sunk deeper into the lava.
“No-” MK sweats. “No no come on. Get out of there please. Please?”
Rika remained in the lava.
MK was noticeably panicking. “You can’t just- Rika please!”
Rika slowly floated to the top face down in the lava.
MK kinda froze, grip tightening on the staff. Even Wukong looked concerned.
Rika just remained floating there, not moving.
MK slowly knelt down, nudging them with his staff. “Please get up.”
“Why should I?” Rika muttered into the lava.
MK relaxes slightly, hand extended. “Please come back.”
“Why should I?” Rika repeated, still floating.
“I can’t get in after you. Please.” MK begged. “Redson is fine. I think I remember something being mentioned about like… I dunno… uh… what’s the word…” MK mumbled. “Even still, he wouldn’t want you to be like this.”
“Already been around longer than I’d like. Why not just…” Rika shrugged as they remained in the lava.
“....” It was here where Wukong decided to step in. “Get up. Now. Before I get you.” He huffed, trying to sound firm, but clearly worried.
“Why do you care?” Rika huffed quietly.
“Because- pssh.. I mean I don’t. But the kid clearly does.” Wukong forced a smirk on. “So you gonna come willingly or…?”
Rika didn't respond, choosing to remain in the lava.
Wukong sighs, shrugging, before going into the lava and pulling Rika out.
Rika just remained limp even if alive.
Wukong held them firmly. “Yeah we definitely need to get them out of here. And all of us. Like… now.”
—----------------------------------------------------------------
The hidden figure watching over the group as they remained at the L’Manberg site hadn't moved an inch as they kept careful watch on them all.
Macaque sighs. “We really should… get going now.” He muttered. Mei, who had since returned, jumps for joy. “Yay! Oki doki! Onwards to the Monopoly!”
“Yay Monopoly!” Ghost-bur cheered.
As the group heads through the portal, Mei climbs back onto Macaque. Ne Zha raised an eyebrow at it.
The figure waits for when Macaque enters the portal before seemingly disappearing.
“Hey uh… is it just me or was there supposed to be a portal right there.” Macaque mutters, gesturing to the destroyed portal home.
“Oh it just needs to be relit!” Ghost-bur said with a smile noting how all the obsidian was still there.
“How do we do that?” Macaque asked.
“I mean easiest way is with a flint and steel!” Ghost-bur smiled.
“... Like the fire starters?” Ne Zha asked.
“Exactly!” Ghost-bur nodded.
“So… a fire could fix it?” Ne Zha tilts his head, making sure he understood. “Any fire?”
“Any fire!” Ghost-bur nodded.
Ne Zha hums, summoning a pink flame before attempting to use it to light the portal.
Ghost-bur watched in awe before quickly moving Friend to not risk the sheep getting hurt.
“Show off.” Ace huffs, watching as Ne Zha lit the portal. Macaque hummed. “Wonder if Redson could have done that.”
“Who?” Ghost-bur asked, tilting his head.
“Just a friend.” Macaque hums. “Well? After you.” Macaque gestured to the portal.
“Okay thank you!” Ghost-bur smiled entering the portal.
The rest of them followed close behind. Mei perked up. “Oh! By chance would you know where I could find a clock?”
“Oh I’m sure someone has one- though me and Dadza don’t.” Ghost-bur told her.
“Okay! I’ll keep asking around.” Mei beamed.
“Good luck!” Ghost-bur said, giving a thumbs up.
“Mmhm! Thanks.” Mei smiled.
“Of course!” Ghost bur smiled.
“Now what?” Ace blinks.
“I thought monopoly?” Ghost-bur asked, tilting his head.
“Oh yay!” Ace beams. “I hate board games!” She cheered.
Ne Zha looked at her, confused. “Then why did we…?”
Ace just shrugs.
Ghost-bur also cheered- he just liked being included.
They just make their way inside, Mei still sat on Macaque’s shoulders.
Ghost-bur had a smile as he and Friend followed.
Ace waves at Friend.
Friend let out a baa.
“This is great.” Ace decides. Mei gets off of Macaque to set up Monopoly.
“Sure do hope nothing bad is happening in the nether right now!” Ghost-bur smiled.
Just then Redson walked in, irritated and mildly horrified. “What… the… fuck…?”
“Hiii!” Ghost-bur waved to him with a smile.
“... Hello.” Redson sighs. “Mind telling me how I got here? Last I checked the portal was gone and I can’t just teleport.”
“You respawn where you last slept after dying!” Ghost-bur told him.
“Dying?” Redson scoffed. “Please, as if I could die. I’m an immortal, I can’t-.... Oh boy.” Redson grumbled. “Is the portal back?”
“Yup- he fixed it!” Ghost-bur smiled as he gestured to Ne Zha.
Ne Zha nodded. Redson did not care. “Great.” He turns to leave immediately.
“Where are you going?” Ghost-bur asked, tilting his head as he watched Redson.
“The others are still in there… and there’s a certain someone who probably isn’t taking my disappearance too well. Not that I owe you an explanation, of course.” Redson huffed before heading out.
“Oh if you want I can help you find them!” Ghost-bur smiled.
“... I don’t need help.” Redson lied. “But fine. Since you’re offering and it’s less work for me.”
Ghost-bur gave a small nod before turning to Friend, “You stay safe while we’re looking for them.” Friend baaed.
“Bye! Be safe!” Ace calls out, Mei waving. Redson had already walked out.
Ghost-bur quickly followed behind Redson.
Redson made his way to and through the portal. “We need to hurry.”
“Oki!” Ghost-bur gave a nod as he continued to follow Redson.
“Why are you just following me? You said you were gonna help.” Redson scoffed, not in the mood for this. He just had to rejoin the others ASAP.
“Am I not helping?” Ghost-bur asked, tilting his head as he continued to follow.
“No. If you want to be of use, help me locate them. I don't remember the exact path we took, and they might have moved.” Redson huffs, retracing the group’s footsteps.
“Ah okay!” Ghost-bur said before going in a random direction, not having any clue on where to start looking.
“Where are you- just stay close.” Redson grumbles, continuing along until he sees the recognizable blue.
“Oh a warped forest- be careful of the endermen and piglin’s there!” Ghost-bur commented with a smile at seeing the blue.
“So that’s what those were. Doesn’t matter.” Redson huffed, speedwalking through.
“Also some hoglins- gotta be careful of them as well.” Ghost-bur remarked as he continued to stay near- still mostly just following.
“Lovely.” Redson rolled his eyes, continuing until he finally located them, coincidentally in the same spot. “Hah. Pathetic. Just waiting here for me or something? Don’t know why I bothered coming back.” He huffed. MK looked over, expression brightening.
“Redson!” Rika cheered, almost instantly going back to their chipper self as they sprung themself onto Redson, attaching tightly as they wrapped their arms and legs around him.
“Yes yes, I know.” Redson huffs, patting their head. “Better not have pulled any stupid shit or there will be hell to pay.”
“...” Rika just continued to hold Redson tightly.
Redson looked at them before sighing, announcing to the group. “The portal is back.” He huffs. “Come on.”
MK nodded, with the others following his lead.
Rika did not let go, Rika was determined to not let go for a while.
“You really are nonfunctional without me.” Redson scoffed affectionately. “You’re lucky I came back for you.”
“I really am lucky.” Rika smiled as they continued to lean into him, tail wagging like there was no tomorrow.