Chapter Text
"Run! Run! Run!"
As the quintet sprinted towards the exit, evading a barrage of lethal arrows and malevolent bursts of sorcery, Wukong emerged as the unfortunate casualty, his visage clouded and his respiration feeble. His lifeblood already besmirching Yellowtusk's garments, the stalwart comrade who bore his weight.
Wukong had valiantly took a devastating strike on behalf of Macaque during their arduous skirmish, its impact leaving him teetering on the precipice of consciousness. This worrisome turn of events gave rise to deep concern, for Wukong had always managed to rally from his wounds, yet now he faltered. Their presence in this hamlet had been prompted by a distress signal from its inhabitants, only to discover it was an insidious ruse, their true objective clandestine.
They reached the exit, the promise of safety within reach. Azure halted beside the exit, ensuring the safe passage of all his companions before himself. Yet, one was absent. A surge of panic coursed through Azure as he glanced back, witnessing Macaque's unfortunate fall, a conspicuous wound adorning the back of his leg, evidence of a deadly magic impact. Azure swiveled, compelled to aid Macaque, only to have his arm seized by Peng, restraining his instincts.
"Leave him! You are as good as dead if you go back for him!" Peng firmly clasped Azure's arm with both of their own.
In a swift and instinctive motion, Azure swiftly unsheathed his blade, intercepting a perilous magical beam that posed a fatal threat to Peng. Azure maintained his position, solidifying his stance while redirecting the magical force towards its originator, causing them to fall back. Peng, taken aback, cautiously took a step back as Azure fixed a gaze upon them.
"Go! I'll meet you guys at the safe point!" Unyielding to Peng's dissent, Azure disregarded their pleas and surged forward to rescue Macaque.
With a quick nip to their lower lip, Peng stole a final glance at Azure before making a hasty retreat alongside their companions.
Azure navigated his way through the throng of soldiers, employing a series of well-placed kicks and punches to forge a path towards Macaque. A wave of relief washed over Azure as he beheld Macaque's resolute stance, brandishing his ebony staff adorned with ethereal purple traceries in a attempt to ward off his adversaries. Alas, Macaque's brief respite on his feet was abruptly curtailed as he was forcefully thrown to the ground. Azure intervened, swiftly dislodging the encroaching soldiers from Macaque's form, and with a determined pull, hoisting him upright once more.
Macaque's eyes expanded slightly in shock. "Azure-!"
"Let's go!" Azure scooped up Macaque in his arms and darted towards the exit.
However, Azure's progress was abruptly halted as he became aware of their complete encirclement, the adversaries skillfully cutting off any means of escape. Azure's inner frustration surged as he assumed a combat-ready posture, attentively observing the emergence of their leader from the midst of the cluster, exuding an air of unwavering confidence. Yet, the leader's triumphant grin gradually faded upon laying eyes upon Azure and Macaque, prompting him to forcefully shove a subordinate to the ground, who emitted a loud exaggerated scream.
"You useless twats, why are there only two of them?! The least you could've done was catch The great Sage, not the ripoff and some... lion!" The leader wrinkled his face.
"We tried, they were too fast." Emerging from the crowd, a sorceress appeared, adjusting her hat.
"How dare you trick my team like this!" Azure yelled. "And for what reason?!"
Azure extended his blade towards the leader with a single hand, his teeth bared in a display of furious resolve. The leader studied him keenly, detecting the subtle tremor coursing through his frame and the rawness in his voice. It was not born of fear, but rather an enigmatic essence that piqued the leader's curiosity, compelling him to uncover its source.
"The Jade Emperor wants all of you for punishment." The leader gestured towards a servant, who swiftly approached and unfurled a parchment beside him.
"A reward will be given to the ones who catch all five... six of you?" The leader gazed upon a soldier, who offered a solemn nod of affirmation.
"Okay, okay, I knew there was six of them, but I only saw five when they came in? Wasn't there a bull one who ran off with a celestial princess? Shameleeess~" Joshed the leader.
With a menacing growl, Azure could not help but seethe as the room exploded with laughter. The memory of Demon Bull King's treachery, a painful recollection he had desperately attempted to suppress, ignited an intense fury within Azure. Despite his simmering rage, a glimpse of Macaque's anguished countenance served as a sobering reminder. He could not afford to act impulsively, especially considering Macaque's vulnerable state.
"Would you like me to read out your crimes?" Chuckled the leader.
"My crimes?" Azure gripped his Saber. "The Jade Emperor has committed the biggest crime of all: letting people suffer while he sits comfortable on his throne. You would side with a man who-"
"You're talking to a man who always sits comfortable on his throne while others suffer." The leader cut him off. "Can you really be mad at him? If you were give such great powers, you would be selfish too."
"I would never." Azure objected.
"Whatever, apprehended him and lock both of them up." The leader pivoted. "We'll use them as bait. If push comes to shove and the rest don't show up, we'll get the location out of these two."
Azure was taken aback by the audacity of the leader, unabashedly divulging his scheme knowing Azure's current powerlessness. In an instant, the wizard unleashed a torrent of lightning towards Azure. Swiftly, Azure dropped Macaque, allowing himself to bear the brunt of the attack alone. An agonizing scream escaped Azure's lips as his body convulsed uncontrollably before he finally succumbed to unconsciousness. His last sensory perception was that of Macaque's frantic cries and the footsteps of approaching soldiers.
-
"Azure! Azure, wake up!"
Azure awoke to the resonating echoes of a familiar voice, accompanied by a gentle touch upon his chest. Gradually, Azure unveiled his eyes, his sight gradually sharpening to unveil the presence of Macaque. As Macaque recognized Azure's awakening from his state of unconsciousness, he retreated, shifting himself to a more comfortable proximity. Azure emitted a subdued groan, his hand instinctively clutching his throbbing cranium.
"Are you okay?" Macaque asked.
"I'm fine." Azure surveyed his surroundings. "... Where are we?"
His gaze was drawn to the imposing iron bars situated to his left, accompanied by a formidable iron door secured by an giant padlock. Beyond these confinements, he observed a multitude of fellow humans, languishing in a state of emaciation, their feeble figures attracting a swarm of flies, symbolizing their near-lifeless existence.
"They outnumbered me when I tried to fight back... then they took us down to what I think is there dungeon." Macaque cast a fleeting gaze beyond the confines.
"From what I'm seeing, if we don't escape this place, we'll starve to death down here." Macaque said.
Azure furrowed his brows slightly and averted his gaze, attempting to conceal his inner turmoil. Rising from the floor, Azure's movements caught the attention of Macaque.
"We need to-" Azure emitted a gruff exhalation as an external force compelled him to cease his stride, tugging at the nape of his neck.
Azure glanced to the side, his eyes falling upon a gilded chain extending from the wall to his very presence. Adjacent to it, another chain snaked its way towards Macaque, tethered to a collar enveloping the primate's neck. With confusion, Azure cautiously reached towards his own neck, his fingers anticipating contact with the expected texture, only to caress the sleek surface of a metallic object, likely identical to the one encircling Macaque's neck.
"What the..." Azure trailed off.
"Oh... yeah." Macaque mumbled. "The soldiers put these shackles on us when they put us down here. I'm pretty sure these things are restricting our powers, I tried to conjure a portal earlier while you were out."
Azure made a valiant effort to remove the collar, but his attempts proved futile as it only yielded a slight bend before resisting any further manipulation. Defeated, he exhaled wearily and resumed his seated position. Azure recognized the futility of his current predicament and understood the necessity of formulating a well-conceived plan before taking any further action.
Meanwhile, Macaque remained silently observant, witnessing Azure's contemplative state. This marked a rare occasion for Macaque, as it was the first instance in which he found himself alone with Azure, separated from their usual companion, Wukong. Although this situation left Macaque feeling somewhat uneasy, he reassured himself that composure was key, as he knew Wukong would imminently reunite with him alongside their companions.
"Macaque."
Macaque emerged from his reverie, his attention captured by Azure's beckoning gesture, compelling him to draw nearer. Perplexed, Macaque reluctantly acquiesced, cautiously inching forward. In that moment, Azure discerned the subtle manifestation of anguish etched upon Macaque's countenance. And then, a recollection flooded Azure's consciousness - Macaque injured earlier.
"Macaque! How is your wound?!" Panic emanated from Azure's voice.
Macaque recoiled in alarm as Azure drew near. "Woah! I'm fine I-"
In the blink of an eye, Azure's hand reached for Macaque, leaving him no chance to respond. Macaque emitted a startled yelp as Azure delicately clasped his ankle, drawing him nearer without inflicting any pain. A blush tinged Macaque's countenance as Azure elevated his leg, delicately rotating it for inspection. A sense of relief washed over Azure as he observed Macaque's resourcefulness in fashioning a makeshift bandage to staunch the flow of blood.
"How bad does it hurt?" Questioned Azure.
Macaque gradually eased into a state of calm upon witnessing the anxious expression of Azure. There existed no discernible motive for Azure to inflict harm upon him, thus allaying any apprehensions.
Macaque emitted a gentle exhalation, shifting his eyes away. "Just a bit, it's like a dull... ache?"
Azure gazed pensively at the injury, his eyes then shifting towards Macaque's face. "Are you sure?"
Macaque tensed up again. "... Yes, I'm sure."
Azure felt uncertain about Macaque's response, but he placed his trust in him as a comrade, relying on him to seek assistance if necessary. Gradually withdrawing, Azure allowed Macaque to lower his leg with a faint, pained exhale.
"So." Macaque lifted his gaze towards Azure. "You got a plan?"
Azure responded with a slight shake of his head. "Not yet. If I don't come up with one soon we'll probably have to wait for the others to rescue us."
Macaque gave a subtle nod, positioning himself and reclining against the adjacent wall. "Hopefully everyone made it out."
-
Countless hours had slipped away since Azure and Macaque found themselves imprisoned, the flow of their conversation dwindling until it dissolved into an oppressive silence. Naturally, neither possessed the familiarity required to sustain a prolonged exchange, a realization that Azure vowed to address once their predicament had been vanquished. Ascertaining the hour had become an impossible feat for both captives, their weariness mounting.
Moreover, the prospect of sleep remained elusive, disrupted by intermittent outbursts of anguished screams emanating from a distant corridor. Each agonized cry pierced Azure's very essence, igniting a seething fury within him. Already, he had gleaned that the village's despicable ruler was akin to a repugnant swine, the plight suffered by innocent souls was beyond Azure's darkest imaginings.
Azure was on the brink of drifting into slumber when a distinct noise stirred him from his drowsy state. His focus abruptly shifted to Macaque, who sat with his back turned, his hands positioned conspicuously near his visage. Initially, Azure endeavored to maintain respectability and not pry into Macaque's affairs. However, upon hearing the ominous sound of choking emanating from Macaque, Azure promptly jolted upright, fully alert.
"Macaque?" Azure called out.
No spoken response was given by the black-furred primate, only a visceral reaction as Macaque hunched forward, his strangled noises growing in intensity while his body convulsed. Azure found himself taken aback, his state of mind overwhelmed by sheer panic. Swiftly rising to his feet, Azure hastened to Macaque's side, firmly clasping his trembling shoulders.
"Macaque! Are you-" Azure fell silent, his gaze widening in astonishment as he raised Macaque's head.
Macaque appeared to be writhing in excruciating agony, his mouth gaping open with blood trickling down his lips. Yet, what truly captured Azure's attention were the scattered crimson petals of a precious golden flower adorning Macaque's attire.
A dreadful realization dawned upon Azure, prompting a resounding "oh no" within his mind. Abruptly, Macaque's eyes widened, and he bent forward, clutching at Azure's furry chest. Violently, he coughed, expelling a blood-stained golden blossom onto Azure's lap, accompanied by more crimson fluid. Overwhelmed by shock, Azure found himself unable to utter a single word, his countenance darkening as he tenderly rubbed Macaque's back.
"It's okay, just get all of it out." Reassured Azure.
Macaque appeared to take solace in Azure's comforting words, his body trembling with increasing intensity as he involuntarily coughed, mixing in with small sobs. Azure maintained a silent presence, offering solace to Macaque during this agonizing moment, gently rubbing his back. Suddenly, Macaque drew in a deep breath, his head snapping up and unintentionally locking eyes with Azure.
Upon encountering Azure's sympathetic and concerned gaze, Macaque's face contorted with profound sorrow. Slowly distancing himself from Azure, Macaque turned away, embracing himself. A palpable silence enveloped the pair, one unsure of what to say and the other unwilling to utter a single word. In a hushed manner, Azure picked up the flower resting on his lap and examined it. A faint sigh escaped Azure as he observed that the flower possessed a fragment of a stem, accompanied by thorns, offering an explanation for the presence of blood.
"How..." Azure's gaze fell upon Macaque's figure, his view obstructed by his turned back. "How long have you had it?"
"For a few years... maybe even a few centuries." With a scratchy voice, Macaque confessed, bowing his head.
Azure was both deeply concerned and astounded by Macaque's ability to endure the disease without succumbing. Most individuals would unquestionably have fallen victim to it and perished. It appeared as though Macaque was a book momentarily opened, offering a fleeting glimpse of his innermost pages before inevitably closing
"The flowers started a few months ago, I'm lucky to still be alive." Macaque whispered.
Azure gave a slight nod. "I'm apologize, this must be hard for you."
Macaque embraced himself tighter. "It whatever... but I've been through worse."
Azure paused, inhaling deeply, his mind consumed with the weighty task of choosing his next words. An overpowering sense of defeat washed over him, as if an ominous cloud had at last descended upon him. This pivotal moment signaled the commencement of a big decision that demanded a quick resolution. Azure frowned as he observed Macaque's hands move, discerning the motion of them rising to his visage, wiping away the traces of either blood, tears, or perhaps both.
"Who is it?" Azure asked. "Thi- Your unrequited love?"
"I'm not telling you." Macaque mumbled.
The air fell into a profound stillness, as if time itself had paused. Macaque, on the verge of concluding that Azure had given up, was startled when he broke the silence once more.
"Then... I would like to guess." Azure said.
Macaque emitted a soft exhalation as he observed the subtle movements of Azure from his position. It was all too apparent to Macaque that if anyone were privy to his affliction, the true recipient of the delicate blossoms would become readily apparent. The petals possessed a resplendent golden hue, akin to the shade of his irises, while the crimson droplets Macaque sheded mirrored the color of his exposed sclera, a glimpse into his authentic self, unadorned by his glamor.
"Fine." Macaque gave in and casted a glance at Azure. "It's pointless any..."
Macaque's voice dwindled into silence as his gaze fixated upon Azure's extended hand, cradling the blossom. No, it differed from the previous flower; its antiquated appearance bore no trace of crimson stains. Possessing a striking hue akin to his own, the flower loomed with an enormity that would have surely obstructed Macaque's throat if...
Macaque's gaze expanded as the epiphany washed over him, and in that moment, his eyes locked with Azure's.
"Sun Wukong."
Macaque's hand instinctively rose to his his mouth, his entire being pivoting to face Azure fully. "This... you have Hanahaki Disease too?"
Macaque found no need for an explanation, for it was evident that this floral beauty did not belong to him. Azure extended the flower, the very one regurgitated by Macaque, and with delicate grace, Macaque accepted it. As Macaque beheld the striking similarity, a faint cough escaped Azure's lips.
"I know, they look a lot alike."
Macaque observed as Azure swiftly put away his flower, as if unable to endure its presence any longer.
"Is it the same?"
Azure gazed upon Macaque. "The roses?"
"No." Macaque started. "Are... you in love with Wukong too?"
Never before had Azure been confronted with the question of his love for Wukong. The mere contemplation of it evoked feelings of shame and vulnerability within him. While Azure longed to experience love under different circumstances, the present moment was ill-suited for such distractions, as it would impede his mission to overthrow the mighty Jade Emperor. However, the presence of the flowers within his lungs served as undeniable evidence of his inability to maintain focus and achieve his goal.
"Yes." Azure's body grew taut, his eyes darting away repeatedly.
Macaque cast his eyes downward, a wave of apprehension engulfing his being. His fingers clenched around the delicate blossom, its thorns piercing his flesh and eliciting a crimson trickle.
"You should confess to him."
Macaque's reverie was abruptly interrupted, his focus abruptly redirected towards Azure. A gentle smile adorned Azure's countenance as he casted his gaze upon Macaque.
"If anyone has a chance, it would definitely be you." Encourage Azure.
Macaque experienced a temporary astonishment before narrowing his eyes with a sense of distrust. He diligently scrutinized Azure's countenance, seeking any subtle signs of duplicity, until a slight relaxation graced his features.
"How can you be so sure?" Macaque asked.
"Because you are everything to him." Azure replied. "He told me that once."
Upon hearing that, Macaque's heart skipped a beat, his cheeks flushed and heat engulfed his face as he envisioned the precise manner in which Wukong would utter those words. Observing Macaque's reaction, Azure couldn't help but smile a little wider, yet a sharp pang in his chest caused his expression to momentarily waver.
"Really? He said that?" Macaque shyly cast his gaze on Azure. "You aren't just pulling my tail?"
Azure shook his head in gentle bemusement, allowing a soft chuckle to escape his lips. "I have no reason lie to you."
The fleeting smile on Macaque's face gradually disappeared. "But... you have every reason to lie to me. The fact that both of us are spitting up full flowers mean both of our lives are at stake."
Macaque averted his gaze. "One of us will lose."
In a moment of profound stillness, the atmosphere between them became heavy with melancholy. Azure's countenance underwent a subtle transformation, while Macaque's tail coiled beneath him. Amidst this poignant backdrop, an idea dawned upon Azure.
"I have absolutely no reason to lie. I plan on getting the surgery."
Macaque casted a glance at Azure, his visage contorting with worry. "But, won't that erase all your memories of Wukong, you're okay with that?"
Azure let out a soft chuckle. "It's a whole lot better than dying, Macaque."
As Macaque attempted to utter another word, Azure released a protracted yawn, seizing the opportunity to leisurely stretch his arms.
"We should sleep. Maybe with enough rest, my head will clear enough for a plan." Azure suggested.
With a gradual nod, Macaque acknowledged Azure's deliberate evasion, a behavior not unexpected given the delicate nature of their discourse. "Well... okay. But, it's gonna be hard with these things around our necks."
Azure's ears perked up, and his gaze returned to Macaque once more. "Oh! I almost forgot, that is why I called you over earlier."
Macaque observed intently as Azure extended his hands, gently placing them on Macaque's collar. Macaque's confusion was evident, his gaze shifting upward to meet Azure's intense focus as his hands deftly slipped beneath the collar.
The unexpected contact of Azure's fingers against his neck startled Macaque, who realized in that moment that he had never allowed anyone within their group to touch him, save for Wukong. On one occasion, Peng had attempted to rest their arm upon Macaque's head, only for Macaque to swiftly evade the gesture, causing Peng to stumble and fall.
With determination, Azure began exerting force, striving to free Macaque from the constraints of the collar. The collar pressed uncomfortably against Macaque's neck, gradually loosened under Azure's determined efforts. The distinct sound of bending metal resonated briefly before Azure finally withdrew, emitting a frustrated grunt.
"Dam it." Azure mumbled. "I'm not strong enough."
Macaque's countenance contorted slightly as he furrowed his brow, his delicate fingers exploring the confines of the collar. Macaque gingerly ran his digits along the edge of the restraining device, all the while fixing his gaze upon Azure once more.
"Hey, you were able to bend it a little." Macaque said.
With a melancholic gaze, Azure directed his attention towards Macaque. "It is not enough, if I can't bend the gold then we'll be stuck here."
In an abrupt and peculiar stillness, Azure found himself compelled to cast a second glance towards Macaque, who stared at him.
"Azure... this isn't gold." Macaque started. "Maybe steel, but definitely not gold."
Azure touched the surface of his collar. "Wha- wait... then why is it..."
A chuckle escaped Macaque's lips, brief and small. "Dude, gold is one of the weakest elements... did you really think..."
The pair locked eyes, Macaque observing with keen interest as the dawning comprehension washed over Azure's face.
"Y- You really..." Macaque concealed his mouth as a broad grin effortlessly etched itself onto his countenance.
The countenance of Azure flushed with a tinge of mortification, as Macaque's snickering infiltrated the air. Macaque had long regarded Azure as possessing an exorbitant intellect, yet it appeared that perhaps Azure's intellectual prowess had been overestimated. However, this realization did not incite any negative sentiments; rather, it engendered a sense of ease within Macaque. Suppressing the impulse to burst into laughter, Macaque instead emitted a contented exhalation.
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna laugh at you." Macaque readjusted his position so that he reclined against the wall.
"But if you think about it for real, if you were able to bend it now... you'll definitely be able to break it with time." Macaque suggested.
Azure cast a fleeting glance at Macaque, a faint smile adorning his lips. "Maybe you are right."
The pair engaged in further dialogue, delving into a medley of topics that occasionally unveiled novel insights about one another or veered off into unrelated subjects. So captivated were they by their exchange that the unfortunate circumstances that had befallen them slipped from their consciousness briefly. It was only when Macaque let out a yawn that the notion of sleep resurfaced, reminding them of its pressing necessity.
"Ah." Azure realized. "We should go to sleep now. It's probably getting late."
Macaque nodded. "Yeah."
Azure sauntered over and pressed his back against the cool, stone wall, observing as Macaque sprawled out on the ground. A faint smile played upon Azure's lips as he witnessed Macaque curling up into a cozy ball. Such a posture appeared strangely inviting, a new experience that Azure mentally resolved to attempt once their imprisonment came to an end.
As Macaque's eyelids gradually drooped, a twinge of unease settled within him. He couldn't help but fret over Wukong's well-being, knowing full well that it was his own fault Wukong had took that devastating blow. An unwavering determination to extend his heartfelt apologies to Wukong once reunited surged through Macaque, mingled with fervent prayers that Wukong would still be among the living to accept his contrition.
"You are nice to talk to, Macaque."
Macaque's eyelids fluttered open, gazing upward at Azure. Though his eyes remained shut, a joyful grin adorned his countenance. The contagion of his smile enveloped Macaque, prompting him to reciprocate the gesture and surrender his eyes to a blissful slumber once more.
"Honestly, you too."