Chapter Text
When Sun Wukong was finally given a new shot at redemption and to prove that he could be responsible even after his journey many centuries ago, he thought it would be something easy. He wouldn’t mind doing tasks for anyone in the Celestial Realm, or listening to every order the Jade Emperor gave. Yeah, it would be a bit embarrassing, but his reputation really couldn’t risk getting any lower. He wanted to be seen as the hero he sought out to be, but his past actions had always made him seem quite... reckless. Many places Wukong had stolen from in the past were now heavily guarded, and it was rare to find any god who even remotely trusted him. Wukong’s new task, however, was not even close to what he expected.
The Monkey King, Great Sage and hero, defeater of demons… was ordered to raise a child.
“..Hah! That’s hilarious. Come on now, what’s my real task?” He had asked, believing it all to be a joke. Surely he couldn’t be trusted with a baby . He could barely take care of adults! But alas, it wasn’t a joke. This child was assigned and destined to be his successor, holding the same powers that Wukong was born with himself. It was a shock, really. A human, having his abilities? It almost felt unfair, had he not known someone in the past with similar powers. Not only that, simply how could a little boy like him become the successor of the great Monkey King? But with no other option, he was forced to accept.
The child had no known parents, and Wukong was honestly curious if he was also born from a rock. Although lucky for the little guy, he would actually have someone to raise him. Even if Wukong really, really, did not want to do this. The boy’s name was Qi Xiaotian, although despite his alias he resorted to simply calling him “MK” as a nickname. It just felt right.
He was ordered to raise the child until he was old enough to begin training, and when he finally turned eighteen, Wukong would be free of his painful orders. So, before Xiaotian was scheduled to be given to him, Wukong did something he always hated doing. He researched. He found whatever books and articles he could about raising children, wondering how some humans even had the mental strength to go through this for so many years. It seemed like torture! To Wukong, eighteen years was nothing. But it sure as hell would feel like a millenia. Humans, luckily, had a lot of knowledge with raising young, so understanding the best ways to be a parent wasn’t that hard. Although a lot of information mentioned how it was a learning experience. He really had no clue what such a task would even teach him. Wukong wasn’t even able to finish the last half of “Parenting for Single Fathers” before he was called back to the Celestial Realm.
Wukong had truly thought he’d be prepared at this point. He had actually studied, and had at least a basic understanding of how humans raised children. It was still hard to grasp since he never had any sort of parental figure himself, but he could learn along the way. However, the second part of the deal made Wukong wonder if he should throw this entire plan away for good. The problem wasn’t the child (at least, not yet). Xiaotian was a bundle of joy, quickly reaching for Wukong the moment he was handed over to him. He grimaced, trying to pull away from those disgusting stubby hands. He was chubby and dressed in surprisingly formal attire, the best that could be done for a baby anyway. He had thick and short dark hair, which was held back by a red tie. He was at least glad he wasn’t completely bald and ugly as most babies seemed to be from his research. He was already almost a year old, which was a bit of relief. That only meant a little over seventeen years of care! Great, a head start.
At the time Wukong could care less about whatever happened to Xiaotian when he turned eighteen, he just had a job, he didn’t need to raise him after that! He just hoped he could get the baby years out real fast, because the disgusting little creature kept tugging at his orange fur. Letting out goo ’s and ga ’s in whatever strange language he spoke. Wukong shuddered in disgust, but forced himself to remain composed. There was no going back now. Although, he sort of wished there was when the second part of the deal was finally brought up.
“Your task will not be carried out alone, however.” Guanyin explained, waving over some guards. The goddess was always the one to assign him such things, so he trusted her despite his begrudging acceptance of the plan. Wukong squinted at the new arrival, before his jaw dropped in disbelief.
The Six Eared Macaque.
His best friend, now worst enemy, who had died by his own hands.
He was brought inside the room, wrists chained together. When he met his eyes, it was like he had just been pierced through the gut. Macaque always stared at him with hatred, but for some reason, it stung even more. Perhaps because the last time he saw him, it was as he left him to suffer in the underworld.
“Of course, you two have met. But it was decided that you may both work on redeeming yourselves. Together.”
Wukong shook his head, taking a step back with Xiaotian when Macaque was halted in front of him. The other monkie snarled, lips drawn back subtly.
“You only said I had to raise some stupid kid. You never said I had to work with this fool!” Macaque growled, ears pinned back.
The sage frowned, growling softly. “I don’t want to work with you either! This isn’t what I was assigned to do!” He whined, tail flicking irritably.
Guanyin sighed. “You do not have to accept, but you either both work together or can kiss this deal goodbye. I understand you have a troubled past, but perhaps this would be a good way for you to bond once more. If you fail to keep up, Lie’ur Mihou will be trapped back in the underworld and you will continue being outcast. Please, I want to give you both mercy.” She explained, lightly pushing the black-furred monkie closer.
“I could care less if he’s sent back to hell. How can you possibly expect us to work together? He’s evil!” He growled, glaring back at Macaque, who returned an equally intense stare.
“You’ll have to figure that one out for yourself. I also will be requiring a check-up every year to record your improvements and to see if you are keeping up well. If I feel that the child is being neglected in any way, he will be returned to us, and you will receive more punishment.” She stated, holding her hands behind her back. “Now, if there are no more questions, you are dismissed.” And with that, the goddess undid Macaque’s chains and left the two alone. It took all of Wukong’s little willpower to not tear him to shreds the moment she was out of sight.
“How could she possibly trust you of all people?” He snarled, ears lowering.
Macaque huffed. “I could say the same to you. You think I'm evil? You made me this way, gave me this!” He growled, pointing to the scar above his right eye. It was common for him to use his glamor to disguise the traumatic mark, although his power had been weakened from his journey up to the Celestial Realm, and there was no point in hiding it when Wukong knew what was underneath.
Wukong rubbed his temple, groaning. “I’m not ready for this conversation, Macaque. Look, we’re going to raise him on Flower Fruit Mountain. I’ve got everything set up, even his own room. There’s a few separate rooms you can stay in too, or just sleep outside for all I care.” He explained, turning around and forming his nimbus cloud.
The six-eared monkie narrowed his eyes, scowling. “I hate you, and this stupid kid. Once I'm free I'll go right back to trying my best to rip you to shreds.” He promised, Wukong simply rolling his eyes at the remark. He knew that after this Macaque would have to be cautious with such a thing, after all it would be quite easy for him to simply attempt murder while Wukong slept. Although any attempt to kill an immortal such as him usually fell flat. Because he literally couldn’t die.
Without any more words, Wukong flew off on his cloud, leaving Macaque to get to Flower Fruit Mountain himself. Of course, that wouldn’t be hard for him, considering he could easily teleport with his shadows. Wukong was just glad he had a few moments alone. Of course, not counting the baby he held in his hands. Xiaotian was growing sleepy, somehow seeming to doze off as if the ride was comfortable. He nuzzled the fur of Wukong’s neck, and maybe somewhere deep down inside the sage would find that adorable. But definitely not now.
☼ - ☾
Wukong arrived at Flower Fruit Mountain quickly, Xiaotian fast asleep in his arms. He sighed, nimbus cloud dissipating as he stepped down and headed to the waterfall. Macaque stepped out from a shadow in the rocks, glaring over to the peach-colored monkie. He broke his gaze, looking around the familiar scenery. “It’s been… a long time since I've been here. I hate this place.” He scowled, kicking a rock.
Twitching his ear irritably, Wukong scoffed. “Well, that’s too bad for you. You’re stuck here for the next seventeen years until we raise this damn child.” He growled, stepping in front of the rushing water. He raised a paw up to it and it glowed with gold before breaking open to allow him inside the cave. Macaque slunk behind him, tail flicking and muscles tense; as if Wukong would attack him at any moment. Despite feeling tempted to, the sage knew he couldn’t lay a finger on Macaque. He had to work together with him, although that was surely impossible. They hated each other, and Wukong had always believed the demon would stay in the underworld he belonged to for eternity. Plans changing like this were always the worst!
Wukong walked towards the house, looking down at the small human sleeping in his arms. One day, he would succeed him. It didn’t quite make sense to Wukong, after all he was immortal, and didn’t need such a thing! He couldn’t defy his assignment, however, not this time. Perhaps things would be explained and he wouldn’t have to worry about what having a “successor” entailed.
“So this is where your lazy ass has been hiding out all these years?” A voice growled, and Wukong glared back at the other monkie. They had arrived at the doorstep, and he huffed as he stepped inside.
“Actually, my ‘lazy ass’ has spent plenty of time fighting demons and being the hero that everyone loves.” Wukong said proudly, tilting his chin up.
“‘Everyone’ seems like quite an exaggeration to me.” Macaque chuckled, a sly smile on his face. His eye twitched subtly, scar once again hidden by his glamor.
Wukong snarled softly, but he had no response to that. There was no need, anyway. He and Macaque could argue on for the rest of time and get absolutely no where in the end. It was pointless. Besides, he could tick the demon off another day.
“I’m gonna put the kid in his crib, you go… set up your room or something.” Wukong stated, waving him off dismissively as he walked off, which immediately ticked Macaque off anyway.
Macaque bared his teeth. “I’m not here to listen to your orders, idiot!” He snapped after him, hand curling into a fist. He stepped closer, as if to attack, before remembering he was already on thin ice. He growled and quickly turned heel, stomping off to find a room to make himself at home in. Not like he would ever consider this place anything of the sort.
Xiaotian squirmed slightly in the Monkey King’s arms as he gently laid him down in his crib. He hummed thoughtfully, grabbing a plushie of himself off a nearby shelf and placing it beside him, Xiaotian immediately snuggling against it. Once he was comfortably laid down Wukong leaned back up and gazed at the boy, tail twitching. He seemed so peaceful like this, and maybe slightly less disgusting. The sage took a deep breath and sighed, turning around and shutting the light as he left the room. This was going to be a long seventeen years.
☼ - ☾
“WHY is he making that AWFUL SOUND?!” Macaque hissed, hands clasped over his ears. The two monkies were awoken early in the morning by Xiaotian screaming and crying. Wukong nearly had a heart attack, wondering if he had already failed his mission by the kid getting hurt or something. “Can you make it stop?!”
“He’s a baby! It’s just how he communicates!” Wukong retorted in annoyance, using the slight knowledge he had from his research. He picked up Xiaotian, who was still crying in his hands. “Shh, come on bud, are you sick? Uncomfortable? Hungry? What is it?” He asked, lightly shaking him. Xiaotian, still a baby, continued to cry in his paws. Wukong groaned.
“Okay, he must be hungry. You’re going to have to help me feed him.” He said, glaring at Macaque.
Macaque grimaced in disgust. “Feed that… thing? Absolutely not!” He growled, nose scrunching up.
“Oh come on, you were a baby once too!”
“I don’t remember that.”
“No one does!”
Xiaotian cried louder in response to their arguing and Wukong sighed. “Just come with me to the kitchen and help me set things up.” He said, stomping out of the room.
Macaque hated when he was ordered around like this, especially by someone as awful as Sun Wukong, but taking care of the kid was his job. He followed the peach monkie, muttering under his breath. As they arrived into the kitchen area, Wukong sat Xiaotian down in a high chair. His crying eased a little, though he still whined and smacked his hands on the tray impatiently. Wukong already had his foods for the week set up neatly in the fridge, grabbing some apple sauce and milk, pouring the drink into a little baby bottle and adding some formula that apparently was supposed to help with growth. Technically Wukong could just generate some food for him with hair, but he decided to actually go through the effort of purchasing goods for him. And also because he was unsure about feeding a child his own hair. For now.
“You.. seem to know what you’re doing.” Macaque spoke, Wukong twitching his ear and looking back at him.
“Unlike you, I actually did plenty of research.” He huffed.
Macaque smiled, eye twitching in annoyance once again. “You’re so funny. It isn’t that easy to do research when I'm in literal hell!” He growled.
“Sucks for you, then.” Wukong replied, making the other monkie pull on his own black hair in anger.
“I’m suddenly starting to think this is even worse torture.” He hissed, making the sage roll his eyes. Wukong ignored him and brought over Xiaotian’s meal, setting it down along with a spoon. The baby widened his eyes at the sight of food, although Xiaotian, in fact, had no care for the spoon, simply grabbing slobs of apple sauce and stuffing it into his mouth.
“See? It’s not that hard. He already can feed himself!” Wukong said proudly, crossing his arms.
Macaque watched Xiaotian for a moment before glaring back at Wukong. “It’s easy now, but things will only get harder for you.” He growled lowly, stepping forward and poking him in the chest. “I know you can’t be trusted. Especially not with someone’s life.”
Wukong furrowed his brows, twitching his tail as he stared back at him. “You’re one to talk! And come on, can you go one minute without making everything grimacing? Man, you’re such a party pooper!” He whined, rolling his eyes.
The black furred monkie used all of his self control to not rip apart Wukong then and there. “You’re awful! How can anyone even stand you?” He hissed, voice raising as he gripped onto the front of Wukong’s scarf. “You’re insolent, annoying, useless!” He yelled, ears pinned back. Xiaotian began to cry again at the argument.
The words practically bounced off Wukong’s skull, and he chuckled. “You know none of that is going to get to me, Mac.” The sage snorted, cocking a brow.
Macaque hissed, lashing his tail. “Maybe I’ll just tear you to shreds instead.” He replied, nails digging into the fabric. The six-eared monkie was even more stressed by the loud crying which echoed through his head.
“I’d like to see you try.” Wukong remarked.
The demon was absolutely prepared to fight him, reeling back for a punch. However, he didn’t get the chance to even hit near Wukong. Before he thrust his fist at him, a hot pair of golden lasers shot between the two, making them both jump back. Macaque yelled, patting a smoking piece of fur on his head which was lit on fire for a moment. The two monkies slowly looked at Xiaotian, who rubbed his eyes and babbled more incoherent sounds. Wukong’s jaw was held agape, stunned by the sudden action.
“Did… Did he do that?” Macaque asked, glancing back at Wukong.
“...Yeah. That’s the first power I had when I was born.” He spoke softly, shifting his gaze to the hole in the wall the laser had hit, which now sifted a ray of light into the room. “He really does have my powers… fascinating.” He breathed.
Macaque still stared at him, the other monkie’s golden eyes seeming distant as he observed the hole in the wall. He eventually sighed, brushing a paw through his hair and composing himself. “Ugh. This is all so crazy. Nearly got my hair smoked off by some infant!” He huffed, lashing his tail as he stalked closer to Xiaotian, making Wukong snap back into the zone so his gaze could follow him.
“You are a despicable creature.” He growled lowly, pointing a finger at him. Xiaotian giggled, reaching for his finger and smearing apple sauce all over it. “Yuck!” He hissed, yanking his hand back and shaking off whatever he could from his finger.
For the first time in plenty of years, Wukong let out a real laugh beside Macaque. The scene was hilarious, the other monkie’s fur fluffed up in alarm as he desperately wiped his finger off on his pants. They had a long road ahead of them, but maybe it wouldn’t be all that bad.
☼ - ☾