Chapter Text
"I suppose the Moon never truly stops loving the Sun."
With Lady Bone Demon's final breath, Macaque's soul was once again his own. As her form shimmered out of existence, the shackles that had bound him cracked and shattered. The overwhelming sense of relief would have brought him to tears, if not for Wukong's presence beside him. He was the last person Macaque would ever allow to see his weak side again.
Still, he could breathe the free air. At long last, he could embrace his true self, no longer burdened by the expectations of others.
He was free after what felt like a millennium. With every ounce he had, he had tossed his power to join with MK's final attack in a last-ditch effort. Now that it was over, he felt spent. An empty husk that somehow was holding itself together.
His legs had wobbled, his knobby knees ricocheting with the other before he was slamming against the ground. For a moment, he heard Wukong turn and take a hasty step in his direction before freezing.
Wukong stood there, his hand outstretched and his mouth agape, uttering no words. He observed as Macaque exerted effort to prop himself up, finally managing to sit upright. Their eyes lock, and for the first time in recent memory, Macaque allows himself to savor the encounter without a trace of contempt.
They won.
Eventually, he looks away, his gaze locking with the ground to bitterly lick his wounds. He was too tired to say something snarky or build some budding conflict. His bones ached, no thanks to a certain possessed King pummeling him nearly straight into the Diyu for a second time.
Macaque hisses as he clutches his stomach, staggering to his feet. "It's over," he grumbles, his voice quiet and empty of its usual fire.
Wukong nodded solemnly, his head turning in the direction of some building noise. MK and the gang erupt in spontaneous cheers just over the hillside to celebrate their victory. With a few labored steps, Macaque began to inch his way forward. Wukong followed close behind, ever the silent sentinel, his eyes drilling holes into the back of Macaque's head.
Wukong seemed to grow more and more pensive, lowering his hand to his side. He flicked his gaze to Macaque a few times, brows furrowed and uncertain what to do. The last thing he expected was to be saved, and with Macaque leading the charge, "So," he finally says, "You helped them? The kid and his friends, I mean."
Macaque took in his words before releasing a breathey laugh, "Can't really live in a world that Lady Bone Demon destroys, can I?" Wukong nodded, and although he remained quiet, Macaque could tell the monkey was looking at him. Every subtle movement Macaque made was observed with the King's bated breath, causing the weight of the silence to grate on Macaque's nerves. He felt panic.
He had... said regrettable things while Wukong was under that Witch's control. Things he thought he could say and then meet his demise in peace... not stand before Wukong an hour later.
His own cheeks burned, "If you have something to say-!"
"You're hurt," Wukong's statement is glaringly obvious, which elicits a frown from Macaque, as if the fact should have been apparent to everyone.
"Duh."
Wukong's brow furrows as he glances at his open palm, cautiously uttering, "It's a bit hazy, but..." He stretches his neck, his expression inscrutable to Macaque. Perhaps it carries a hint of remorse. "Are those injuries caused by me?"
Macaque stopped walking, exhaling through burdening hollow lungs. He swallowed, wondering how much Wukong remembered. "You saying you don't remember?"
Wukong touched his temple, eye brows furrowed, "It's hazy," he admits.
Macaque found relief in that. "You were her puppet and warrior. You should see the bruises on Red Son's back when you slammed the kid into a building." He utters these words with minimal remorse, fully aware that no one would willingly choose to be under the control of Lady Bone Demon. So even knowing Wukong hadn't intended the action, it wasn't as though the Monkey was without blame- considering he was the one who opted to fight her alone. "So yeah, you did."
Wukong's head lowers his next breath through his gritted teeth. "Macaque," he stops the other by grabbing his wrist. It visibly startled Macaque, who tenses. He whips around to face the Monkey King, not sure what he expected- what he was waiting for. "Your injuries. Let me patch 'em up for you,"
He didn't expect nor need an apology or Wukong's pity. "I'm not made of glass," he grumbled. Wukong's grip didn't loosen, his eyes scanning over every inch of Macaque's frame. The bruises, the burns- Macaque could tell he had broken a rib or two. Though, what did that matter to the mighty Monkey King? Who, even despite Macaque's honest efforts to hold him at bay for MK's plan to work, didn't have a single scratch on him.
It was laughable how the kiddo had such confidence in him, and Macaque could hardly keep up for longer than a few minutes.
"Still-"
"I can handle anything you throw at me," Macaque said, his voice laced with a confidence he did not feel. He yanked his arm free of Wukong's grasp, pulling an expression from Wukong that he couldn't read. Or maybe he just didn't want to. "Let go,"
Before Wukong could continue speaking, MK's loud and boisterous call abruptly drowned out his voice.
"Monkey King! Macaque! Where are you?!" he was zooming along the hillside, scampering over the wreck of the battlezone to track down the two stone monkeys. "Hello?! Hello! HELLO-!"
Macaque recoils and clutches the side of his head to cover his ears. Wukong sharply called back, "Kid, we're over here! We're fine, so stop the yelling...!"
The stone monkey's conversation was cut short as MK stumbled upon them, panting and sweating. He was rushing for Monkey King, barrelling into the man's chest. "Monkey King! You're back!" he hadn't had the time to do this earlier, but he wasn't missing his chance now. So he squeezed his mentor with all his might.
Wukong offered a somber laugh, his expression softening as he wrapped his arm around MK's frame, his other still holding Macaque's wrist in a firm grip- like he was worried the inky monkey might run off. Macaque quietly tugged against the hold, something hot against his face.
"Hey, Bud." his hand slipped to the back of MK's head, ruffling his hair. Despite his easy smile, the exhale he let out was heavy with relief.
"I'm so glad you're back!" After a few seconds of silence, MK finally noticed their expressions and leaned back to stare. His gaze flickered to how Wukong held Macaque's arm. Quietly he asked with concern, "What happened? Did I interrupt something?"
"No," Macaque rips his wrist free, averting his gaze momentarily.
Wukong stared after him, softly agreeing. "Yeah. What about everyone else?" he changed the topic to MK.
"They are good! We are waiting for you." MK gestured to the hill. His eyes focused on Macaque, "Oh! You-" his eyes pooled with worry, "You're hurt. I'm sorry this is my fault." he was starting to slip into that self-blame, "It was dumb of me to think my plan would work-"
"It did work," Macaque interrupts him. Macaque lets out a breathy laugh before patting MK on the head. "No worries, kiddo," he says, "I've been through worse." His voice was dull. He was far too exhausted to hash out anything important right now. He hadn't been the one to save Wukong; the kid and his friends did. He was just the punching bag to stand between them until things turned in their favor.
That was what he was best at.
MK's expression puckered with concern, glancing down at Macaque's teetering form. While the bruises weren't visible, it was clear by his disheveled clothes and haggard breathing that he wasn't in the best condition right now.
MK pressed his hands to Macaque's shoulder to steady him. "The others are up ahead." he attempted a smile. It was soft but endearing, earnestly wanting to thank Macaque for being their shield when he was too weak to do anything to help. "Pigsy is making Noodles. You gotta try them. "
"Oh, Kiddo." Macaque frowned, eyes shifting to the side, "I'm not really-"
"I insist." MK tightened his shoulders, beseeching with his expressive, doe-like brown eyes. "Pleaseeeee?"
Macaque grumbled, tilting his head back with a grimace. That kind of look was far too powerful. Forced to submit, Macaque sighs, "Fine."
MK cheered, filled with joy and sincerity. He took the two monkeys by the arm, personally guiding them back. Unbeknownst to him, the two simians behind him desperately avoided making eye contact. As they breached the hillside, they were welcomed with robust cheers from his friends. Their Hero and allies returned.
Releasing his hold, MK hurried towards the rest of the group, leaving the immortal simians lingering at the outskirts of the gathering, feeling out of place. Neither exactly that close with anyone other than MK- and even less so for Macaque. With a little glance at each other, the two monkeys looked away.
The others had already started setting up a makeshift camp for the day, fully aware that they wouldn't be able to make the journey back home given the recent ordeal they had endured.
Rushing through the crowd, MK seemed to be searching for one in particular. When his target was found, he crashed against Red Son's chest.
The Bull Prince let out a startled shriek as he was lifted and spun around. "N-Noodle Boy!" he exclaimed, kicking his feet in surprise. His face turned red, taken aback by such an unexpectedly affectionate outburst. "Put me down!" He felt blinded by the pure warmth of MK's smile.
"You found her! You found Mei!' MK couldn't resist. Amidst the chaos of the battle, Red Son had accomplished the impossible: he had located and rescued Mei. MK held him tighter, causing a pained whimper to escape Red Son's lips. Surprised, MK glanced up at the Prince, observing the visible signs of discomfort etched across his face.
In a rush of recollection, MK swiftly released his grip on the Prince, allowing him to regain his footing, all the while stumbling over his words. "S-Sorry." he whispered, his eyes focusing on Red Son's back. They had bandaged it when they had reconvened with Pigsy and the others, but the impact of Sun Wukong's attack had littered the Prince's back with bruises. MK's hands were reaching out to fuss over the Prince, mumbling apologies and concerns.
Red Son shook his head in frustration. Just as he was about to express his anger, he suddenly paused, struck by MK's genuine concern. It made his heart clench painfully, knowing MK was a light who was far better off smiling than being clouded with worries, "It's alright, NoodleBoy," he insisted, offering the hero a knowing nod before meeting his gaze. Despite the pain, despite all that had happened, Red Son still managed to smirk, "The Dragon Horse girl isn't hard to track."
The girl in question was sliding closer, throwing her arms over their shoulders with a brilliant grin, "Alright, stop talking about how amazing I am." she joked, jostling the two a little. "Honestly, Red Boy-" her expression softened from humor to gratitude, "Thanks for coming to get me."
The Prince's eyes widened, embarrassed, as he glanced away. "Just to be clear, I didn't do that to be a hero," he says, already predicting what they might say next. "I was just pissed that the Witch thought she could bend your power for her control when I had worked tediously to train you."
"Aww, you like us~" Mei cooed.
His words took a complete 90-degree turn from what he attended; Red Son sputtered, "Excuse me??" he demanded.
"You were trying to impress MK, weren't you?" she teased, playfully poking his chest. MK, with wide eyes, observed the interaction between the two, his curious gaze meeting Red Son's. Red Son found himself captivated by MK's chocolate-brown eyes, if only for a brief moment before Mei's laughter broke the spell.
"That's not it at all!" Red exclaimed, breaking free from her grasp. His ears burned, a boiling red, as he knew he acted out of his deep love for his parents, the realms, and his own sense of pride. It had nothing to do with seeking favor from the Noodle Boy! Why would he even want such a thing in the first place?!
"Uh-huh. Right~" Mei arched her eyebrow, delicately cradling MK's face in her hands. Her hands holding softened cheeks, dusted in constellation-like freckles. "Cause this face definitely didn't win you over?"
Red Son struggled to maintain his composure, determined not to be distracted by the allure of soft, petal-like lips and fluttering eyelashes. It was undeniable that the Noodle boy possessed an undeniable charm. SO WHAT??
"My face?" MK asked, blissfully unaware of his own looks.
This conversation could have continued had it not been for the interruption from Pigsy. The noodles he had prepared were now ready. MK hurriedly served himself a bowl, flashing a smile at Mei as she pulled Red Son by the arm to join them at a nearby stump.
Casually, she draped her arm around him, a budding connection forming between the two after the recent events they had experienced together. They both understood what no one else in the group could comprehend.
The simmering, potent energy of the samadhi fire always lingered like a ticking time bomb. Their expression matches in somber acceptance of its influence, knowing somewhere deep down, even should the power be sealed away again, they were forever changed by it.
Leaving the two alone for a moment, MK turned in search of his mentor. He found Macaque and Wukong almost exactly where he left them. Not far from the group, but distant enough to be out of the fold. They were looking out to the distant city, no words spoken between them.
"Hey?", MK asked, approaching the two experienced warriors. He felt a bit nervous, having never seen the two stand next to each other so calmly before. Normally they would be trying to tear the other's throat out by now.
The tension between them was palpable; Wukong stood there like a statue, arms crossed and a stone-cold expression etched on his face. Macaque turned to MK with a raised brow, not expecting any interruption. But after a moment of thought, he opened his mouth, "Hey, Kiddo," he greeted with a casual smile. "Those Noodles for me~?" he teased.
MK gave a puzzled smile, "Actually, these are for-"
"For his Mentor~" Wukong snagged the bowl from MK's unexpected clutches. He didn't even have time to argue before Macaque opted to start picking a fight for him.
"Typical Wukong, always taking what doesn't belong to him,"
Annoyed, MK pressed between the two, "Speaking of Mentors," he said with a scoff, hands on his hips. With a bounce to his steps, he says, "I was actually thinking about that since running into you again, Macaque." He had learned a lot since Monkey King had run off in search of the map to the Samadhi fire, and surprisingly even learned a thing or two from Macaque while his Mentor was gone. Even if that lesson was beaten into him the hard way.
The inky Monkey was perplexed, "What?"
"Well, Monkey King might not always be around, right? He's got stuff to do sometimes." as he talked, Wukong's eyes widened. "So, I was thinking, maybe you both could be my mentors?" Plus, from the signals he was getting, it seemed pretty obvious to MK that Macaque was interested in the role. And if he was willing, why would MK say no?
Macaque opened and closed his mouth, eventually mustering, "You want me to be your mentor?"
"Yes!" MK nodded.
Macaque couldn't believe his ears. After all he had done, MK wanted something like that?
The kid was unbearably good. The best Macaque had ever seen come out of this world. Which was surprising considering who the kid's mentor was. The instruction to do what I say, not what I do, was something MK had to live by if he was going to survive Wukong's teachings.
The child was already on the path to greatness, having accomplished the incredible feat of saving the world at such a tender age. Yet, he would settle for something like... him?
Macaque couldn't form the words to process this. "Kiddo, you..." he closed his mouth, his throat feeling dry and scratchy. "If you want to be a hero, I'm not exactly the best mentor to have."
Wukong remained wide-eyed, captured in the intensity of the question. "Kid," he began cautiously. The majority of his instincts flared like wildfire, urging him to put an end to this promptly. Having Macaque in close proximity to any of them was bound to bring nothing but trouble. He was cunning and unpredictable, always able to draw out the worst of you without you even realizing it. Stabbing you right where it hurt- Wukong was intimately familiar with the pain.
If he had to stare at Macaque for even a few more minutes, he feared his sanity would be at risk.
However, deep within Wukong's soul, there existed something he dared not acknowledge. A piece so small he sometimes could forget it was there.
This fragment yearned for Macaque's proximity- to hold the Monkey in view, right where Wukong could easily reach. A vantage point from where it could safeguard Macaque against any potential exploitation or harm, ensuring that he would never be hurt again.
He had managed to bury it down for decades- until just a few minutes ago, when he awoke from that Witch's spell- When he found Macaque at his feet, wheezing from injuries he had given him.
The grasp was already too powerful for him to resist. This insistent desire to tuck Macaque under his arm and drag the man home with him. To curl him against the bed, get him some food, and just- just keep him there. Keep him where Wukong could see him and watch over him. It was mind-numbing and startling, leaving Wukong a mess within his own head.
As MK insisted on the shared mentorship, Wukong glanced at his fingers. He could still feel the warm pulse of Macaque's wrist at his touch. Macaque had almost died… again.
From both the Witch and himself.
Anyone could easily rip the life from the other Monkey in his current state. What if Wukong looked away and someone had stolen him away again? Or cornered Macaque and left him desperate as the Witch had?
Wukong could claim his concern stemmed from not wanting MK to deal with any more of Macaque's little schemes, but in truth, Wukong just wanted Macaque to rest. Just wanted Macaque how he remembered him being- safe and happy and without worry, like Macaque had always insisted he wanted to be. Macaque had always been someone with more simple ambitions. He didn't need great power or wealth.
In fact, he only made a name for himself because Wukong insisted that he join along on his adventures. Otherwise, Macaque would have been safe on the mountain. Had Macaque never met him, he probably would be living a good life, doing what he loved and bringing art and inspiration into the world.
The kind of life Macaque deserved.
So Wukong popped up an easy smile and, with a subtle nod, said: "If that is what you want, Kid, then sure."
MK and Macaque were equally startled, both turning abruptly toward the King with identical looks of disbelief. "What?!"
Wukong leaped, casting a skeptical glance around, "I said Sure??" he glanced around. "Of course-" he puffed his chest, pompously sneering, "Who could be a better Mentor than me? I'm sure Macaque could teach something small, though."
Macaque grinded his teeth together. Honestly, this guy.
"Then he can be my Mentor too?!" MK squealed, throwing his arms up and around the two, "And you won't be weird around it??"
"Weird?? Since when am I weird??" Wukong demanded to know, drawing a little frown from his student as he recalled when he had first met Macaque.
"You are the jealous type," Macaque grumbled, trying to push away from the two. Wukong always had been, ever since they were little. Well, they both were, if Macaque was honest. Wukong was just more obvious about it.
"What?! Says who??" Wukong demanded. He could totally share the Mentor role!
MK gave a blank look, glancing at the all too knowing Macaque for a moment, "Um… if you are really okay with it then- Macaque?"
Macaque folded his arms with a huff, "Who says I even want to be a Mentor?"
"You don't want to?" MK's eyes widened, his lower lip puckering with distress. Macaque glanced away abruptly, his brow furrowed in thought. After a moment, MK added with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, "Technically, you already are."
Macaque frowned, his heart leaping in surprise at the sudden realization. This cheeky little...
His hands balled into fists, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Well-" it was a strange acceptance. "I messed with you a lot, Kid," he points out, wanting MK to understand what this all meant. "You shouldn't just forgive people so easily."
"Maybe it's you who needs to learn to let more things go." MK says with a carefree smile.
Macaque was visibly startled, eyes wide. "I-"
"You chased us around the country and then helped us defeat LBD. I think it balances out." MK offered his hand out. Macaque hesitated.
"I think it's fine," Wukong's golden eyes were peering into the moon monkey's very soul, "You can train MK- under one condition." Of course, there was a catch.
Macaque raised his eyebrow, "A catch…?" he nearly hissed, biting back the venom of his tone.
"Monkey King," MK slouched, knowing he should have also expected a catch.
"It's only on the weekend and I'm always there, Always." Wukong narrowed his eyes.
The inky Monkey bristled, his nostrils flaring with outrage, "I don't need any keeper, Wukong-"
"You don't exactly have the best track record with the Kid," Wukong points out simply, "So tough luck."
Talk about over-protectiveness. "I wouldn't hurt him," Macaque says after a moment of grumbling.
"And you can prove that to me." Wukong frowned.
It pissed Macaque off, if he was honest. The idea he had to prove anything to the man that killed him. However, if it gave him some peace to the guilt he felt when it came to the Kiddo… "Fine," he growled out. He exhaled slowly, turning to MK with a newfound resolve in his eyes, "Alright then." If the kid was so insistent, then how could Macaque say no?
He reached out, shaking MK's hand. "I won't go easy." He was honestly more surprised Wukong would even agree. He doubted it was without reason. Probably Wukong's means of keeping an eye on him so he didn't stir up more trouble. Whatever- it didn't matter.
"Great!" MK jumped upward, "Then I'll visit you twice a week!" he proudly declared. Macaque didn't notice the way MK's eyes wandered down his form for a moment- eyeing the damage. Undoubtedly feeling guilty for how things played out.
It made Macaque feel uncomfortable- the same sort of bitter feeling as when Wukong gave him a similar look. He had agreed, knowing exactly what would happen if he fought Wukong head-on. He honestly hadn't expected to come out of it alive.
Fighting the Lady Bone Demon was a death wish on its own, even without Wukong being a pawn of her's.
Macaque lifted his hand, "You really don't have to visit that much. Once is fine."
"Twice a week!" MK insisted, undeterred in this matter, "So with that said…" MK pulled out his phone to get into the note section on it. "Where do you live again?"
Macaque could see how Wukong's ear twitched, despite the King's best efforts to look uninterested in this information. Scratching the back of his head, his sighs, begrudgingly handing out the information.
MK's eyes were twice in size, "Wait- you actually live in that Dojo?? I thought you had just stolen that to trick me."
Macaque clicked his teeth, "I'll only let you do so many jabs at me since I owe you that, but, yeah, that Dojo is mine. I've been living in the city for a while."
"So you were that close all this time, and we weren't hanging out sooner??" MK was in shock, already scribbling down plans and times to meet up. "Since you will be recovering, I'll bring you noodles! Oh, and some sweet buns!" He was eagerly writing down his list. "You like puzzles? I'll bring some puzzles. You got some video games??"
"Uh-" Macaque stepped back, already feeling exhausted. "Can we- talk about this later?" he rubbed his temple, feeling a headache coming on. MK immediately shrunk, sinking back into his heels.
"O-Oh, right, right. Yeah, of course." he nodded, glancing back at the others, then back to Macaque's empty hands. Then his own empty hands. He frowns, "I'm getting more noodles!" he declared and ran back.
Macaque watched him go, his vision feeling spotty. He was running on fumes here, feeling more drained the more they talked. He turned, stalking a few steps forward before Wukong grunted.
"Where are you going?"
"Does it even matter to you?" Macaque sneered, looking back over his shoulder. "I did my part," Exhausted, all he desired now was to collapse into his bed for a few weeks. He was alive, and his first priority was to indulge in a much-needed nap, relishing in the simple pleasure it brought.
Wukong's expression was something akin to concern, "You haven't even gotten yourself bandaged up."
Macaque stops mid-step, his face going ashen. The thought hadn't even crossed his mind. He cautiously brushed his hand against the cut on his cheek, now throbbing like a blazing inferno. He had endured far worse in the past. At least he could still see from one eye. At least he wasn't collapsed in the middle of nowhere, bleeding out and whimpering for anyone to help him.
At least he wasn't seeing Wukong standing over him as the last thing he would ever see.
Macaque shook his head, "They'll heal even if I leave them be," he muttered. He had the feeling that if someone was going to take care of him, it was going to be some reluctant friend of MK's. Someone doing it just because they cared about the kid and, thus, agreed to help Macaque as a favor. That kind of favor just left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Wukong shifted, "It would heal faster if you-"
"I'll stop you right there," Macaque peeked over his shoulder, stuffing his hands into his pockets, "I don't know exactly what you intend by saying this, Wukong... but we both know you don't give a shit about what happens to me."
The monkey king's eyes widened. His expression softened to something remorseful, "You don't have to act so tough."
Macaque almost wanted to laugh. Exactly what did Wukong expect him to do otherwise? Cry and moan that it hurts? Fall into his arms and wail that everything burned- that it was hard to breathe?
No. He wouldn't do that. Even if sometimes he wished he could. He didn't know how to muster anything like that anymore. Not when he knew what the consequences to his own mental state was if he did and was ignored. Better never to risk it.
Macaque cleared his throat, "I'll take care of it." He paused, "I'm not as weak as you seem to think."
"I didn't say-!"
Macaque sneered, gesturing for Wukong to be quiet. "It's all over your face, Wukong." There was a moment of silence. Wukong seemed to be deciding whether or not he should reply, that is until Macaque broke it with a tired sigh. "I don't need your help," Macaque said firmly, "And I don't need you playing nursemaid." He gave one last glance back.
Wukong's mouth set in a firm line, glaring at his feet. Eventually, he opted to say, "If you need anything, I can get it for you."
The offer draws the moon monkey to a still. It was an offer, a truce, in a way. Despite it all, Wukong was reaching. As for why, Macaque wasn't sure.
"If you truly are that bored, sure." Macaque had to remind himself to insert a drag of bitterness into his tone, because, in truth, he was just confused. Horribly so.
First MK, then Wukong? The child Macaque could chalk it up as naivety. Forgiving far too easily to someone who didn't deserve it. He knew Wukong well enough to know that similar to himself, the King could hold a grudge. So why was Wukong acting this way?
If Wukong wanted to hold back his rage because MK was there, then fine- but MK was out of ear distance. Wukong would gain no favors from the boy from saying these things. In fact, he seemed to be more annoying when MK was here- mellowing now that the kid was gone. Why?
"Then I must be pretty bored," Wukong mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. He was nervous. He only ever rubbed the back of his neck when he was nervous. Somehow or another, he was trying.
So in return, Macaque didn't give some snarky comment back. He just nodded, small and quiet.
That was the most either of them could give at the time.
The silence between them was filled with a charged tension. In the end, Macaque turned his back to Wukong and continued his trek home. "Tell the kid to leave me be for a few days," he finally said, before briskly walking away.
Wukong's expression remained unchanged as he watched Macaque unsteadily move away from him, vanishing into the night.
In the back of his head, words lingered. Not from the Witch, from MK, or from his mind- but it haunted him nonetheless. He felt he heard them while he was under the Witch's spell- but he dared not ask about them.
"Pretty pathetic, aren't you? To end up like this? Haha-" haggard breaths brushed against Wukong's cheek. "But who is the real pathetic one? The one still chasing after you, even like this? I guess the Moon never truly stops loving the Sun." the perpetual silence followed, and then the softest question. "You're in there, aren't you? You have to be. Peaches..."
"Come back to me,"
Wukong touched his head, closing his eyes when sharp pain made his head throb.
"Monkey King?" MK's had wondered his way back to him, settling his hand on his mentor's shoulder. "You okay?"
"H-Huh? Oh uh- yeah bud," Wukong smiles. "I'm fine." he got up, wrapping his arm around his student's shoulder. "Hey, Macaque had to bounce, but he TOTALLY said you can visit him whenever at any point."
MK's beamed, then he frowned, "Did he really say that?" he questioned.
"Eh, probably." Wukong waved it off.