Chapter Text
‘’ MK!?…’’
The only words spoken in a dead silent moment. All eyes fallen on the duo. The dark aura on the brunette falls away slowly, his eyes still wide and glowing and ominous color, but then returning to their golden form. MK just stood still, staff still pointed at the injured female on the ground, eyes wide with fear, sadness, and shock.
Mk stepped back-- almost stumbling as he came to realize what had just happened. Tears swelled MK’s vision as his senses came back to him. He slowly, and shakingly, stood back normally, the staff in his hands falling to the floor, clattering on the ground as it did. He looked away, unsure of what he had done. His heart started beating faster, seeing what he had done to his mentor, his family and friends.
It like he was unable to look away. All the pain he had suddenly caused, all because of something he couldn’t control. He wasn’t able to mov his body, he was frozen in place. He looked back and Mei, leaning on a pillar on the floor, bleeding from head to toe. She was covered in cuts and bruises, blood all over her clothes. Emerald Green stained in Crimson red.
The others were also soaked in blood, sustaining nasty injuries. The male wasn’t sure what to make of what happened. One minute, Sun Wukong was telling him life will go down hill at times, then next, he had body slammed the Monkey King into a wall, and then just started beating everyone to a pulp. It was like a massacre, and he was the fault. He was to blame. He had gone beserk- from who knows what. And he almost killed all of the people he cared for.
MK looked down at the staff on the floor, seeing it was stained in blood and scratches from fighting with the others. His head was cloudy, unsure of what to make of the situation and what the others were to now think of him.
’’Kid?! You.. You okay?’’ Pigsy called out to MK, with no response. ‘’Give him a second, he’s trying to process this Pigsy.’’ Tang said, standing up with the help of his staff, and leaning on it, ‘’He.. looks normal. But we should just proceed with caution.’’ Pigsy stood silent. He heeded the words, but he just hoped Mk was at least feeling okay-- oh forget that. The kid was clearly not okay.
Sandy was able to Help Princess Iron Fan and Demon Bull King out of the Rubble where they were slightly stuck in. ‘’What happened to that kid? I thought he was a good person..’’ Iron Fan said, standing up in a wobbly state. Demon Bull King stared down at the smaller Male on the far side of the room, ‘’Seems like history almost repeated itself..’’ He said in a hushed manner.
Macaque helped up Red Son from the rubble, fixing his glasses, ‘’You good Kid? You took a hard blow..’’. The demon looked up at The monkey, and scoffed, ‘’I.. I’m Fine. Thank you.. but what about Noodle Boy?’’ Red son leaned on Macaque’s shoulder, looking at MK, concerned. The dark fur monkey didn’t answer, but instead looked at MK, for any sign of possible action. ‘’I-- have No idea..’’
Mei looked at MK, her face swollen in pain and tears. Her friends had just attacked them all, out of the blue. Nor rhyme, no reason. He just stood there, looking at his hands, his whole body shaking. ‘’M-MK? You.. okay?’’ The dragon girl groaned a bit, sitting up and leaning more on the pillar.
No response.
Silence filled the air, everyone waiting for someone to say something. They all instead just looked around at each other, until a voice broke the silence,
‘’What.. have I done?’’
Mei looked back up at MK, worry on her face. She noticed how his eyes were still wide, tears flowing, and fear on his face. His hands were shaking, but his body unmoving. The girl wasn’t sure what to answer with. The whole ordeal was so sudden, she was positively sure no one wanted to say a thing to MK, as to make sure they didn’t hurt his feelings. ‘’You..’’
’’It wasn’t you fault.’’ Mei looked over, seeing Red Son standing up, no longer leaning on Macaque for support, ‘’Don’t believe this was at all your Fault Noodle-- MK.. This was just something that’s was completely out of our, and your-- control.’’ He took a step forward, looking at Mk, hoping for an answer. The brunette turned his head, looking at the demon, ‘’What?’’
’’It’s going to be fine, we’ve all had these moments in our life..’’ Another, slow and steady, step forward. Hand out, patting downwards. ‘’It’s Fine.’’
’’No this is not ‘Fine’! Some demon took control of my son, and made him attack all of us! MK had no say whatsoever!’’ Pigsy turned to Red Son, anger on his face, ‘’Almost none of us has had this ‘Moment’ where we went berserk, and almost killed everyone!’’
’’He has a point,’’ Tang says, leaning over to look Red Son, ‘’This is something new for all of us.’’ He looked over at Mk, worry on his face, ‘’It’s okay MK, Red Son is right, It’s going to be okay-‘’
’’IT’S NOT GOING TO BE OKAY!’’
The black haired male stumbled back, eyes wide. ‘’Mk-’’
’’NO! I DON’T want to hear is! This is never going to be Okay! I almost killed all of you..’’ The male’s voice started to die out, as he cupped his face with both of his hands, trying to hide himself from the others. All that could be heard as muffled, almost silent, crying as Mk seeped into his own hands. Mei stood up, with the Help of Wukong, and they walked over to him, ‘’Mk.. It is going to be okay. This was a one time affair.’’ Mei placed her hand on MK’s shoulder, a small smile on her face.
Sun Wukong looked at his student, then averted his gaze, ‘’This was my fault.. I triggered this.’’ he placed his hand on MK’s other shoulder, and looked at the brunette. ‘’I’m sorry kid..’’
’’You Better be.. My Life is ruined now.’’ MK dropped his hands, and turned his head to look at his mentor, anger in his eyes. He turned his whole body to face the Monkey King, shoving the monkey's hand off his shoulder.
Wukong was appalled, ‘’Kid-‘’
’’No. I'm not going to hear it. Had you-- not caused.. all of These near world ending events To happen-- maybe.. Just Maybe.. I wouldn't be here! All Riled up that I Almost killed me family and friends!’’ Mk shouts, eyes locked onto his mentor's eyes, ‘’I blame you for this.. all of this! You Ruined my life!’’
Mei and Sun Wukong stayed put. ‘’Ki-‘’ ‘’Stop it! I don't want to hear anymore! It's your fault! All! Your! Fault Sun Wukong!’’ In the brazen second he shouted, Mk subconsciously punched The Monkey king right in the face, and sent him falling backwards towards the floor, taking Mei with him. The girl yelped as she collied with the fallen pillar once more. The wolrd fell mute to Mk, who stood where he was was, hand and arm frozen in place. He just stared at the girl and his mentor. Several of their friends rushed to the duo's side. Pisgy and Red Son helping Mei who was stumbling one again, and Wukong leaning on Sandy.
Mk could onlt stay still. What had he done? His eyes darted between the grouo, and he looked down at his hand, ‘’No no no no no.. Not again..’’ He took a step back looking at everyone once more. Several emotions flowed into his mind. ‘’Mk.. Mk?’
The only thing he could think of.. was Run.
Run from the problems you caused. They can't always chase after you after all..
‘’MK?’’ Mei repeated, looking at her best friend. Mk shook his head, guilt washed over him, ‘’No.. I..’’ he started, hands shaking as he stepped backwards. ''Kid--' Macaque tried to call out, but Mk's head was shaking like he was trying to deny his truth of what had just happened.
‘’Mk!’’ Mei cried out, as Mk darted from the temple. She tried to give chase, but her wounds and sides weren't allowing that. She fell right back into Red Son's arms. She huffed, hand on her chest as she glared at the entrance of the pillar. She wanted to scream.
But her words wouldn't matter--
Mk was gone.
Princess Iron Fan and Tang were at the entrance, but the demoness turned around-- shaking her head. Mk was no-where to be seen.
''Kid..'' Wukong said lowly, eyes on the floor. Regret and Guilt flooding over him at once.
All that Mk could hear, was the sound of his own shaky breath, the sound of the branches breaking under his feet, and the bushes and trees that are pushed aside as he ran.
He didn’t even know where in the world he was, but he was long far away from his home, family and friends. He wanted to be as far away from them so he couldn’t hurt them. Not after what had just happened.
The guilt and pain that ran through his mind was immense. He wasn’t able to think of practically anything else. He nearly killed the people he loved and cared for, even people that were once his enemies. It was to much for him. He wasn’t able to forgive himself.
Had he just not let himself become corrupted for that fight, he might not have spent so much time just running away. He was on the run, running as far as he could go. Not sure where he was going, but it was to be nowhere where he called home. He heart was beating so fast, he was sure it was going to burst out of his chest. Tears were staining his eyes and vision, and it wasn’t helping that wherever he was, the woodland was thick and it was difficult to see in front of himself.
As long as no-one could find him-- the guilt couldn't follow him.. right?
-
And After what felt like ages, Mk stopped. He stopped right in his tracks, and fell to his knees, gasping for oxygen after running for so long. He was sure, almost positive his legs were going to detach from his body if he kept running. He lifted his head, looking around where he was.
Soft, mushy grass, mud, and tall wisteria trees. He wasn’t somewhere he could recognize, at all. He tried standing up, but his knees nearly gave in. He tried for a second time, and leaned on a tree for support, until he slipped and started falling down a steep slope.
Mk kept falling until he landed laying flat on his back, in a muddy and wet area. He didn’t dare move, unsure if he had broken anything during the plunge. He felt something wet near his legs, and saw his legs were laying a body of water. He looked at his surroundings, and noticed he was in some kind of swamp like land. Majestic wisteria trees, lily pads on the water, with water lilies on to them, lotuses and other flowers blooming all around him.
Mk was left in awe, and pain has he slowly turned his head. He wasn’t sure what to do. Was he stuck? His legs didn’t feel broken, or injured at the moment, neither did any other part of his body. He was unsure What to do, as he didn’t want to strain any muscles. So he just laid there, in the mud and water. Watching. Waiting. All in emotional and physical distress and pain.
After waiting some time, Mk felt his eyes were growing tired, and soon, he fell asleep. Alone and afraid in the mud.
‘’Is he alive?’’
’’Like I know..’’
Mk wasn’t Awake, but he was conscious at the least. He heard voices talking. ‘Mei? Red Son?’ He thought. But the voices sounded different. If it was Mei and Red Son, they would have their regular speech patterns. These voices belong to some else entirely.
-
MK’s face scrunched up. The figure that stood over him was unsure what to make of the sleeping male, ‘’Okay.. Yeah, he’s alive.’’ The male figure said. The female figure, whom held onto her weapon, ready to attack whenever necessary, turned her head to look up, and arched a brow at her brother. ‘’Yes, but what is he doing here.. Humans shouldn’t be able to see the swamp..’’
The male figure in the tree looked down at the sleeping male, and shrugged’, ‘’Like I know.’’ The female looked back down at Mk, when a realization came to her mind and she bent down, weapon pointed at the sleeping male. The figure in the tree’s eyes widen in realization as well, and he jumped down, ‘’Oh..’’
He walked over to the girl, weapon also at the ready. ‘’You don't suppose..’’
’’I do.’’
-
Mk stirred, and blinked a bit as he woke up. He had almost forgotten he had fallen asleep in mud, and almost ready freaked out about that, but instead freaked out at a sudden revelation that a unknown face had a weapon pointed at him. Anger was written on the girl’s face, and the male standing behind her had a ready position, with his blade at the ready.
’’Who are you?’’ The female leaned in towards Mk, looking at him in the eyes. MK’s eyes widen in confusion, and he slightly sat up. ‘’I-.. where am I?’’.
’’Answer mine first, then we will answer Yours'. Who are you?’’ The figure pointed her polearm at the male’s neck, leaning in closer. ‘’I’m..’’
The female figure seemed to have noticed his hesitation and fear, and put her weapon back as she stood up, towering over him and blocking the light a bit . ‘’Your the Monkey Kid, Mk-- or Qi Xiaotian. That’s who you are, correct?’’ MK’s eyes dart to look up at the figure, eyes wide with surprise, ‘’How did you.. whatever-- May you answer my question now?’’ he said, looking away. ‘’I guess since I answered my own question, I guess it is fair I answer yours'.’’ The figure asked, tilting her head. ‘’Where am I?’’
’’This.. is The Eternal Lilith Swamps of the North. Realm of the Spirit tortoises, and home of the Descendants of Ao--‘’ The girl stopped herself, and looked back at Mk, ‘’What are you?’’
‘’Excuse me?’’ Mk arched a brow, ‘’Humans can’t see this place. We put up a protective shield to prevent greedy human mortals from seeing this place so they could not ruin our lands. You look human.. but do not seem to be human.’’ The Female figure crawled forward a bit, placing a hand on MK’s face. MK’s face flushed a bit, and he looked at the girl. ‘’I’m not so sure myself. I just popped out of a rock one day, and here I was..’’ He said, looking down in awkwardness.
’’Just like Sun Wukong..’’ The male figure said, stepping forward, looking down at the male, ‘’and if The Monkey king is a Monkey.. Then you must be as well..’’ The male figure squatted down, looking at Mk, hand on chin with a puzzled expression. ‘’I.. guess? It's really really complicated. Like-- super stupid complicated.. if that answers anything?’’
The duo figures looked at each other, an uncomfortable look on their faces, ‘’Oh my Nüwa..’’. ‘’Pardon?’’ Mk looked between the two, unsure what was happening. ‘’N-Nothing. Anyways.. off topic, Introducing myself and my brother, I’m Ao Lily, and this is Ao Lotus.’’ The duo stood up once more, with Lily holding her hand out for Mk. Mk took it, standing up after sitting down for hours. And he felt the pain of such neglect of not doing anything with his legs in forever start shooting up his legs. Ow.
’’Where do you come from? You don’t look like you were raised like a monk, anything spiritual or demonic.’’ Lily asked, arching a brow and eyes Mk up and down. ‘’I’m from.. uh.. Megapoilis..’’ Mk said, doing leg stretches to hopefully stop the aching. Lotus arched a brow.
’’But You’re not human?’’ Lotus questions. ‘’Nope- That place is my…’’ Mk falls silent, and he looked down at the waters. ‘’Home..’' Home. He hasn't seen his home in ages. How long has been running for?
’’Homesick?’’ Lily asked after a few seconds of silence. Mk looked back up, ‘’I-- Left home after something happened.’’ He said, eyes growing dark. 'Something I caused..' he didn't dare utter, but let circle in his mind. ''I thought it'd be better if for a bit, I left. Just-- take a breather. And here I am.''
The siblings looked at each other again, ‘’Understood. If you don't wish to talk about it-- we won't pry. But-- you look exhausted-- even if you took an extensive nap in the mud.’’ Lily placed a hand on MK’s shoulder, then used it to lift his head, ‘’If you want to rest here in the mean while, then follow us. I’m sure the others won’t mind.’’
Lily took MK’s hand, and guided him through the waters, and further into the swamp. ‘’You’ll love it here,’’ Lotus says, ‘’The people here are wonderful. You’ll enjoy their company.’’
Mk looked between the two siblings, ‘’Okay.. but only until My friends find me, or until I heal over?’’ Lily looked at Mk, and nodded her head. ‘’Of course..’’