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The plan was pretty straight forward. Or as straight forward as it can get dealing with a skeleton demon. All Macaque was worried about was his part. Keeping Wukong distracted enough for MK to get the staff. Simple. But the Shadow Warrior knew it was easier said than done. Wukong was holding himself back for the kid’s sake when they’d first fought all those months ago. In talking with MK, he and Nezha also came to the realization how strong Wukong truly was. Almost winning against the Lady Bone Demon, before…
Macaque shook his head. Now was not the time to worry about that, he couldn’t change the past. He had to focus on getting MK to the top of that mech as fast as possible. Clearing his head to prepare himself for the soon-to-begin fight between him and the newly possessed Wukong.
“Come on kid!” The Shadow Warrior called out from the opened van door. MK gave one last look to his companions before joining Macaque. Both transforming to birds and taking to the sky.
Just as they thought, getting the staff back from Lady Bone Demon’s hold was not going to be that easy. MK was just barely able to dodge Wukong’s first attack, Macaque able to catch the kid before he was quite literally blown off the mech. Hiding behind sarcasm and smooth words, Macaque’s heart raced seeing Wukong take a fighting stance. He gave the call and MK responded, dashing forward, appearing to be making an attempt for the staff again. Macaque held off for as long as he could before blocking the attack meant for MK.
Even just standing there, holding the other monkey back, was a struggle. Macaque knowing he had a task ahead of him. “Alright MK…I hope that staff is worth it!”
He flung both himself and Wukong back. Holding back a wince as his back connected hard with the cold metal. Pushing away the (self-inflicted) pain to kick Wukong off and knocking the golden monkey further from MK. Every hit seemed to actually send shockwaves through Macaque’s body. The black furred monkey knew that Wukong wasn’t using his full strength at this point. Which just made the feeling even more worrisome.
“Why isn’t he fighting with his full strength? Is he just…toying with me?” Macaque growled as he went to deliver his first hit. Shocked when he actually connected, sending Wukong into the mountain side. “Maybe…she’s spread further than I originally thought? If she’s unable to get Wukong to actually fight me, then-”
That thought quickly ended when a chill traveled up Macaque’s back. Just registering that Wukong was right there before he was slammed into the ground. The possessed being following closely to pin the Shadow Warrior to the ground.
Macaque struggled, which only caused Wukong to press down harder. “L-Let…me go!”
No reply, the golden monkey didn’t even move. Continuing to stare down at his trapped prey. The Shadow Warrior growled, snapping at the Great Sage. “What, did you break? Do something! Hey lady, did your toy break! Why aren’t you-”
“Macaque?”
The black-furred monkey almost swallowed his tongue he’d stopped talking so fast. Wide eyes stared up at Wukong. Noting the other’s face had softened considerably, the harsh glare no longer in place. His eyes still held a lingering bit of blue, but Macaque could see flickers of gold showing on occation. Even with these changes, Wukong made no move, still keeping the Shadow Warrior pinned. Macaque had his guard up.
“Wukong…haven’t heard your voice in awhile. How are you feeling?”
“...Amazing.”
“I- Really? That’s a little hard to believe.”
“Our Lady has taken away all my pain.”
Macaque faltered at that. “Is…that so. What pain would that be?”
“My mistakes, the faults that rested on my shoulder, they’re no longer mine. My mind’s been freed from those burdens, I no longer think of them.”
“...How thoughtful…and what of MK? Pretty sure that kid’s dealing with what you left behind. You really want that resting on your shoulders.”
“MK…” Wukong laughed, but it wasn’t the sound Macaque remembered. It wasn’t warm and inviting. It was quiet and cold. “MK will join us soon enough! Our Lady is a kind individual, she’ll allow us to live on as her soldiers-”
“Wukong, this isn’t you! Stop talking like this, you know what the Lady Bone Demon is capable of, she’s not going to let any of us live.”
“Our Lady-”
“Stop saying that,” Macaque growled, “I don’t work for her.”
“But you do, your debt has not been repaid. You still have much work to do, My Shadow.”
Macaque felt the air get sucked from his lungs. Eyes widening, from shock or fear he couldn’t tell, as he stared up at Wukong. He hadn’t heard that name in so long. Heart hammering with joy upon hearing it once more, but he crushed that feeling quickly. “Don’t…call me that.”
“I thought you liked it when I did?”
“This isn’t you.”
“Come with me, My Precious Shadow.”
“Stop talking.”
“Our Lady can take away your pain.”
“Please stop…”
“We can be together again, after so many centuries.”
Macaque had his eyes shut, breathing deeply trying to keep himself together. The words were so soft, so welcoming, but he knew they were empty. The Lady Bone Demon must have dug into Wukong’s memories, found out about their…past lives. Using that as some sort of sick leverage against him. But he wasn’t going to fall for it. He wasn’t. Wukong wouldn’t even look his way, let alone say those things. Not now, not after everything they’ve been through.
He flinched, feeling a hand cup his face. Macaque realized that one of his own hands was free. Taking advantage, he let out a growl as he threw a punch. But it never made contact. Wukong caught it easily and pinned it down once more. Moving to have both pinned by one of the golden’s own.
Macaque attempted to turn away from the gentle touches. Shivering weakly, knowing he didn’t want this, but it had been so long…
“I’ve missed you, My Shadow.”
Macaque responded by trying to bite at the hand. Missing and being given a harsh slap. Head ringing from the sudden impact, he couldn’t fight back as a hand gripped the back of his head. Macaque hissing as he attempted to move, legs digging into the dirt. He let out a noise of complaint as lips harshly clashed into his. Shivering, in disgust and pleasure, as Wukong’s tongue was forced into Macaque’s mouth. Thinking quickly, the black-furred monkey bit down hard.
Wukong pulled back quickly. Glaring down at Macaque as he spat blood onto the dirt. “My patience is running thin.”
“You try that again and I’ll bite it off. I don’t care if you’re possessed.”
“But I’m giving you what you’ve wanted for so long. Haven’t you missed me? I have…I’ve missed you so much.”
“Stop talking, this isn’t you Wukong!”
“You were always fearful of opening up, weren’t you? Afraid I would hurt you…that I would leave.”
“You did, you did leave me! You left me for dead, you never came back for me!” Macaque held his tongue, wanting to shout this, but knowing it would affect nothing. He twitched, shutting his eyes tightly as he felt lips pressed against his cheeks. Wukong slowly moved down to nip and kiss at the Shadow Warrior’s neck, who couldn’t help but shiver. “Stop this…”
“I’ve missed you so much. Everything about you-”
“S-Stop…”
“Holding you close, our quiet conversations at night, talking about our future together.”
“Please stop.”
“You always made the most adorable chirps when I was able to take you by surprise. You were clingy, I wasn’t able to go anywhere without you following…but I loved that. Because it made me feel like you’d always stay with me.”
“Wukong…”
“Don’t you want that back? I do, I want you here with me, by my side once more. Please Macaque…let me love you again.”
The words were sweet, but dripped into his ear like poison. Macaque wasn’t sure if it was left over magic that the Lady Bone Demon had over him. Or if his wanting heart was being won over by the sweet, empty promises. But it didn’t matter how hard Macaque tried to pull back, he felt himself losing.
Macaque didn’t fight back this time when he was pulled into another kiss. Didn’t shy away from the gentle touches that graced his cheek and neck. When his hands were released, instead of pushing the other away, he instead pulled Wukong close. Their tails wrapped together as they pressed closer.
Macaque was falling hard once again. That harsh voice of telling him to stop, stop this, this is wrong! was continually pushed further back. Seeming to ignore the chilled air that had begun to enter his lungs the more this continued. His racing thoughts started to quiet down.
All he needed to focus on were the gentle whispers from another.
Focus on the comfort from the other, the warmth (chill) coming from Wukong.
Allow himself to sink further into the calm quiet…
Macaque’s ear twitched hearing a cry sound a distance away. It…sounded familiar. Where had he heard it before? The ground shook, pulling the Shadow Warrior further out of his stupor. He was doing something important…something to do with…
Another cry sounded and this time, Macaque knew where he’d heard that from. “MK.”
“It’ll be alright, My Shadow, he’ll join us soon.” Wukong’s voice sounded wrong, a tinge of her voice coming through.
“No…No, this is wrong- Get off me! Stop this, Wukong, stop letting her use you like this!” Macaque reached up to swipe, landing an attack over the Great Sage’s left eye. Wukong let out a cry of pain as he stumbled back. Cradling the injured eye that was freely bleeding. Macaque was back on his feet just as fast, breathing heavily as he attempted to regain his focus. Mind still holding a little bit of fog.
Wukong let out a low, warning growl as he pulled his hands away. Three clean claw marks running over his eye, but thankfully not enough for it to be lost. The golden monkey let out a soft laugh. One that made Macaque’s fur stand on end. “Oh…My Precious Shadow… An eye for an eye, is that where we are now? How poetic…”
“I’m not falling for this again. MK needs my help and-” Macaque let out a gasp as a hand was instantly wrapped around his neck. Clawing desperately at it as he tried to suck air into his lungs.
“You lost your chance at a given path. One where your end would have been far less painful.” Wukong had fallen quiet, stoic once more. Instead, Lady Bone Demon’s voice was the only thing heard. Echoing in Macaque’s head. “I gave you what you’ve longed for the most. I simpler time where it was just the two of you-”
“You can’t erase centuries of…of turmoil with just a few simple words,” Macaque hissed back, “I know better than that.”
“...Then you shall suffer, just as the rest of them.”
____________________
The day was won.
The city was in ruin, there was a pile of scrap metal lying around the mountain range, and there’s a lot of physical/mental/emotional damage to deal with. But right now, all were content to just enjoy their food in peace. MK was clearly exhausted, dark shadows under his eyes, but was smiling widely. Content with the people surrounding him. Mei and Redson were practically glued to each other’s side, the demon teen going so far as to rest his head on the dragon teen’s shoulders. Nezha, the being covered in the most wrappings while sitting around the fire, was content to just watch and listen while everyone celebrated. The child, once possessed by Lady Bone Demon, had color returning to her cheeks, a wide smile resting on her face.
All were gathered around the warmth of the campfire. All…except for two.
Macaque couldn’t speak on behalf of Wukong, but the Shadow Warrior wasn’t feeling much for being social. His mind and heart were still heavy, not wanting to share his experiences during the final fight. As far as anyone was concerned, he’d held his own against the possessed Monkey King long enough to weaken the hold over him to allow Wukong to break free. They didn’t need to know of his…slip up.
So he’d taken to a nearby tree, hidden by the leaves as he ate. Content with just watching the group below him. His own bowl had been finished only a few minutes after being given. Resting at the base of the tree he now sat in. He’d return it later, but he just wanted to remain in his hideaway for a few moments longer.
In the back of his mind, a nagging voice told him that he should be out looking for Wukong. The golden monkey had disappeared the moment everyone was accounted for and settled in. Macaque wasn’t even sure if the other had grabbed food before fleeing. But the Shadow Warrior wasn’t comfortable with finding Wukong. His stomach still churned and his head hurt thinking about the other monkey.
However, he wasn’t going to get his way that evening. No more than a few minutes after having this thought did MK appear. Knocking on the tree while he stood at the base of it. Macaque let out a sigh before dropping down, offering a tight smirk. “What’s up kid?”
“Um, so, you have good hearing, right?”
That was…a strange question. But Macaque played it off. “Sure do. Missing something?”
“I was going to ask if you could find Monkey King.” MK was looking away towards the surrounding forest, missing the way Macaque winced. The black furred monkey’s tail swishing anxiously. “I haven’t seen him and…and I’m really worried.”
“You gonna talk to him? I can search him out pretty-”
“I was actually hoping you could talk to him? Please?”
Macaque faltered at that. “Me? I…don’t think that’d be a good idea kid. You know the Great Sage and I…”
“You worked together, just now! You helped me get him back,” Macaque felt his skin crawl at that, “You…You know him better than I do. And…”
“And? Come on kid, you’re not really making that good of an argument here.”
“...I’m afraid to be around him right now.” Macaque was thankful for his sharp hearing because MK barely spoke, barely opened his mouth. The teen appeared like his age now. Arms crossed over himself, looking away fully from the monkey now. Looking…small.
Of course…of course the kid would still be feeling the effects of everything they’d been forced to face. It would probably be a long time before MK could look at his mentor and not think back to all the moments he was almost handed his end by the person he looked up to. To the person he cared about and who cared about him in return. To have that trust and comfort shattered…
Well, let’s just say Macaque knew what MK was feeling. Even if the monkey’s fall out was far more damaging.
“Okay, fine, I’ll go find the missing Sage. Make sure he hasn’t run off again.”
Wrong thing to say, regretting it the moment he saw MK wince. But it was wiped away and replaced with a wide smile. “Thanks Macaque.”
“Yeah, yeah, just get back with the rest of your little family. And get some more to eat, you’re looking skinny.”
MK replied back by sticking out his tongue, dodging a playful swipe from the other, and grabbing the discarded bowl before running back to the group.
With that matter settled, Macaque made his way into the forest. Once he knew he was hidden well in the foliage, he let the glamour fall away. Six ears, each a color of magenta, blue, and green respectfully, twisted and turned. Fluttering as they sought out a familiar sound. One he’d heard plenty of times before.
Macaque perked up, ears facing towards the steady beat of a heart. Eyes opened as he followed the strong sound. Passing through the planets easily as he made his way closer. He eventually found himself nearing a river bank. The soothing sound of the running water unable to drown out the steady beating. Resting at the edge, back facing Macaque, was Wukong. The heavy armor off, sleeves from the undergarments had been torn off and were now crumpled next to the golden monkey.
Even from a distance, there was a heaviness to Wukong’s stance. Shoulders slumped, unaware of his surroundings. Macaque didn’t even see an ear twitch when he drew closer. In the rippling water was the reflection of the Great Sage. Looking tired, golden eyes not holding their normal luster for life, Wukong seemed to be glaring at that version of himself. Not looking up as Macaque sat next to him. The silence stretched on between them.
“...Do you remember the first time we met?” Macaque voiced quietly, eyes landing on Wukong’s reflection. “You were…being an idiot. Even before your abilities, you were a bleeding heart. Keeping younger ones safe from some predator… I had to step in because you took on way more than you could deal with… I think that’s what I was drawn to. You doing what you thought was right, no matter the consequences… Heh, probably why we got into so many fights with other people.”
“Is this supposed to be a pep talk.” Wukong growled out, now glaring at the water.
“Eh, kind of. More of I didn’t like the quiet. Kind of weird to not have you talking my ears off.”
“What do you want Macaque?”
“Nothing, really. Truth be told I’m only out here looking for you because the kid wanted me to.”
That caused a reaction. Wukong’s gaze broke away from his reflection to look at Macaque’s, worry and fear weighing heavily in his eyes. “Is MK alright?”
“He’s been better, we all have. But if you’re so concerned, you could go talk to him.”
“...I can’t…not right now anyway.”
“Okay, fair. Nice fashion statement by the way.”
“I felt constricted.”
“Fair part two.” Macaque’s ears twitched as they fell quiet. Really hating how much Wukong wasn’t acting like…well, like Wukong. The Monkey King was loud and boisterous. This quiet was alarmingly unnerving, Macaque feeling jitter from it. “So, crazy past few days right? Who could have guessed it, right? Better be happy you found a successor that could handle a lot. Fast thinker and quiet the man of words, when the situation calls for it. Did you know that-”
Macaque faltered when Wukong gave a harsh sob. Arms wrapping around himself and he bowed, forehead almost touching the muddied ground. The Shadow Warrior panicking, hands hovering nervously over the distraught form. “Wukong? Hey, this- are you okay? Did I say something? Was honestly just trying to lighten the mood. Figured you’d be happy to hear how MK did-”
“I saw everything .” Wukong choked out, clawing at his arms.
“...Wukong.”
“I saw everything and I couldn’t stop myself. It was like I was chained up in my own mind and my actions were displayed to me like some movie. I came so close, so many times, to killing MK. It had taken everything to not land those blows. Every time I held back, she whispered how soft I’d become, how weak. Telling me that if I really cared, I would be able to break free.”
“You did.”
“Yeah, eventually! But I’d done so much damage already! I betrayed Mei, I hurt Redson in hopes of keeping MK safe. As if damaging one would make sure I could spare the kid. And MK…jeez, MK. Whatever trust that had been left before I left was gone. He wouldn’t even look at me during the final fight. Not that I could blame him… Why would you even want to give a passing glance to someone who tried to kill him so many times?”
“...That wasn’t you Wukong, you know that.”
“It doesn’t make it hurt any less… I keep thinking that, maybe if I had reached out before, asked for help when I could, it wouldn’t have turned out like this. That MK wouldn’t be hurt. That everyone could trust me. …That my secrets could still lie with me.”
Macaque perked up at that. “Secrets?”
Wukong laughed weakly. “Don’t act coy… She made me spill my heart to you.”
The Shadow Warrior swallowed hard, facing away slightly. “...I thought…she was just… I thought it was just a ploy to lower my defenses. To try and bring me back to her side.”
“I think that was the original idea. Then she found my deeper thoughts and just…she made me say everything I’d hope to say to you one day. You know, when we weren’t at each other’s throats.” Wukong trailed off, still hunched over.
Macaque clenched his fists, suddenly torn by what’s been said. “...You’re saying this as if I’ve forgiven you.”
“I don’t expect you to forgive me, that wasn’t the point. I know I played everything off. What happened between us. What I’d…done. But I wanted you to know that I felt grief, every day, since I lost you. Losing you hurt more than anything I had felt before and I knew there was no coming back from it. The first time my actions…made me feel sick.”
“I was trying to save you.”
“I didn’t…want to be rescued.”
Macaque’s head snapped over quickly. “What the hell? You were being tortured-”
“I was being disciplined.”
“Wukong-”
“You said it yourself, I did things without thought no matter the consequences. Not everything I did was for the right reasons and I think I knew that. After the mountain…I wanted to change. I knew I had to change or else I would become something I hated. When you…tried to pull me back, when you tricked my companions, I was angry.”
“And I got the brunt of all that anger.”
“...Yes.”
Macaque huffed, looking back to the river. He allowed a moment's pause before continuing. “Being alone for so long, it gave me time to think. When I approached you, it was for selfish reasons. I had the front of freeing you and it was true. But…I also missed you. And when I heard you were off on this adventure, that you were free, and you didn’t think to even find me… I was crushed. It felt like I had been just tossed aside. So, I guess I also lashed out because of anger too.”
“Heh…guess we really were meant for each other.”
“The sun and the moon.”
Wukong laughed softly. “I remember that story… It was one of my favorites.”
“Because it starred you.”
“And you too! Don’t just put this on me.” Wukong leaned over to gently push Macaque with a weak smile. To which the Shadow Warrior replied with a smirk. “...Do you think we could ever get back to where we once were?”
“No…but that doesn’t mean we can reach for something new.”
“...Don’t get my hopes up Macaque.”
“Then don’t act like you’re the only one who wants this.” Macaque felt his cheeks warm up, pointedly turning away, feeling Wukong’s eyes on him. “Don’t make it weird-”
“You loooove me.”
“Don’t you dare-”
“You caaaaare about me.”
“Wukong, I will take it back-”
“You woooorry about m-” Wukong let out a small ‘mmph!’ when lips pressed against him. Shock wearing off and he desperately kissed back. Uncaring as he was moved away from the bank. Being laid down, Macaque now positioned over him, never breaking away. When the other pulled back, Wukong opened his eyes again. Letting out a small laugh. “Your ears…I haven’t seen them in so long.”
“Well, had to find you somehow.” Was the simple reply. But he didn’t argue when hands reached up to scratch behind both sets, unable to hold back a purr.
“So cute!”
“Stop being weird…”
Wukong only let out a laugh, nuzzling under Macaque’s chin before initiating another kiss.
The sun had started to disappear when the two returned to the camp. Trying to appear casual as they left the foliage. Wukong was immediately filled with an excited teen, MK beaming as he wrapped his arm around his mentor. Who faltered, but eventually returned the gesture. “...Hey bud.”
“Hi Monkey King, you okay?”
“Yeah…just a little lost in my head. Nothing that you need to worry about. Although I’m sure you’re going to, no matter what I do.”
“You know me well.” MK pulled away, beaming up at the other. Laughing as his hair was ruffled. Batting away Wukong’s hands playfully. He stepped back, eyes landing on something on the ground with a brow raised. “So…did you two talk?”
“Yeah…there are a few things that I need to work out. But I’m feeling better.”
“Ooooh, we can tell!” Mei called out, giggling furiously behind her hand.
Wukong looked confused, turning back to MK. Who merely pointed to something between the two monkeys. The teen holding back laughter by biting his lower lip. When looking down, Wukong felt his face flush up, fur puffing out. At some point, his and Macaque’s tails had wrapped around each other. Swaying between the two easily.
“Um…so, we can explain-”
“Oh Wukong!” The Monkey King stumbled as Macaque practically collapsed against him, The Shadow Warrior seeming to have swooned . “I didn’t know you felt that way about me!”
“Macaque, I swear to everything-”
“A confession in the forest would have been a lot more romantic.”
“Get off me!”
“You were always so bad at timing- Mmph!”
“Ewww! Get a room you two, bleh!”
“Kid, you’ve seen Tang and I kiss plenty of times. Calm down.”
“Pigsy, don’t just say that out loud!”
“Do you peasants not know the meaning of privacy?”
“Oooh, this is so much more scandalous!”