Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Azure had said the other troop should be around here somewhere. Wukong just had to keep that in mind as he wondered about the deep snow. He just hopes this troop is not too weak to help. The last two that he found were so small that the idea of them helping was laughable.

This troop was made up of the spirit king macaque, and descendants of the zodiac monkey. Hopefully, that means they have a little bit more strength to them, but he is not gonna hold his breath.

Now, if only they did not live in this winter wasteland. Wukong is not sure why anyone would ever want to live here. A part of him wants to forget all about them and just go home. They do not honestly need them. But he had heard about a specific characteristic of the spirit king macaque bloodline; their six ears.

If he is right, then they are Macaque’s family. And they can shed some light on why he was sent out to sea on a giant blossom. He was only a baby at the time. There must be a reason as to why. And he was going to find out. Then Macaque can at least get some answers. 

The questions surrounding that as well as just who his family is, he knows has haunted his moonlight. And if he truly is related to these monkeys, then he may finally get some answers for his other half.

And they are going to give him answers, whether they like it or not.

Inside the clan house sitting by a window, was a black fur macaque. Her six ears straining to listen out for her husband and in-laws. Sangshen truly just wanted to be alone for a bit. Her husband constantly trying to give her to abort the child. And her in-laws constantly telling her that it had better be a grandson or she would regret it. She’s just so tired of it all.

As she glanced out the window, she couldn’t help but look towards the full moon. While, her brother was still around; he adored looking up at the moon. Father used to laugh and say that one day he would likely be incredibly close to Chang’e. Since then, anytime she looks up at the moon. She couldn’t help but think of that time. That actually gave her an idea. Well, it is still incredibly early, it is never too early to start thinking of names for the child.  I really think he would like the name. Yue is a good name, and it is an effective way to remember her brother. Her hand mindlessly went to her pregnant belly. She is not showing yet, but deep inside, she knows that her baby will be a little girl.

Who knows if he had a chance to live; what would he be like? Would he be strong or caring. Or both? Would he look like their mother or father? Would he love her, knowing what she was trying to do. Or would he blame her as the rest of their troop did. 

She just wanted to chance him surviving. The enemy was on their way, and he was just a little cub. They would have killed him; she knows they would. But the storm took his life. She did not know it was going to storm. If she could turn back time, she would have made them think he was her little sister. That could have bought them some time.

The more she thought about this, the worse she felt. She knows it’s her fault. She made that wish with their guardian, she’s the one who sent her little brother out. Because of her actions, one of their strongest protectors was gone when the enemy came. 

It took a while for her, breathing to calm down. It will do no good for her to just sit here reminiscing. Maybe if she takes a walk in the courtyard, it clear her mind.

As she walked through the courtyard, looking at the freshly fallen snow. Her mind couldn’t help but wander on the what if once more. She tried to stop it, but looking out at the vast horizon her mind couldn’t help but wander.

She was constantly reminded that the fall of the clan was on her shoulders as the heiress. She wasn’t strong enough to protect the clan. She wasn’t even strong enough to protect her little brother. She couldn’t even stop them, from hurting herself. She’s got to be the weakest to have ever been named heiress.

That is when she heard an unfamiliar heartbeat. This courtyard was for the head family alone. No member of the branch family or guest were welcome here. And she does not recognize this heartbeat. Did someone break in? She quickly turned around and fear to see who it was.

Wukong saw up ahead Macaque. He had to smile. His moonlight had come to join him. He was about to jump out and greet him when Macaque turned around in fear? Once they were facing him, he could see it was not his moonlight. For one, it was a woman. While she had six ears, they were not the right colors.

“Who are you?” She stepped back away from him. “How did you get here?”

He stepped out so she could see him clearly. If he is correct, then this would be a member of Macaque’s family. Distant relatives or close, he does not know yet; but he will make a good impression and show he would be an amazing mate. “My name is Sun Wukong, The Monkey King. The new Jade Emperor.”

The moment she heard who was in front of her, she immediately dropped into a kowtow. “Please forgive this one. She truly did not know it was your highness.” There was no lie in his heart as he spoke. And news had spread how the monkey king and his allies had overthrown the Jade Emperor. But why show up here? They had nothing to do with the celestial realm, as their ancestor the zodiac monkey had not come down to earth for many years. Had the family done something to displease the new emperor?

Everyone had heard of the Monkey King’s temper. If he is truly here to punish them, then there is nothing that can save them. 

Wukong was not expecting her to do this and immediately went over and helped her up.  “You do not need to bow. I just have a few questions for you.”

“Of course. Whatever you need. “She kept her head down, daring not to look at him.

Wukong thought for a moment on how to ask. Before deciding to speak directly. “ Long ago, someone I care for deeply was sent a drift on a giant plum blossom. I am here to find out why.”

As soon as Wukong spoke those words, Sangshen’s head shot up. Did he just…” pardon me, your majesty I must’ve misheard you. You said a giant blossom, correct?” Her voice was breaking as she spoke. She misheard him. There was no way.

“ You did not miss hear. I know how talented those six ears can be. Do not insult me by acting like you did not understand me.”

Her voice was a soft as a whisper, “…He lived?”

That was the wrong thing to say. As Wukong was barely holding back his temper. What does she mean? He lived as if that was a question. Was his first instinct right and it was a murder attempt. He was just about to show his displeasure. When she started to thank him… What?

“I am not in the mood for this nonsense. Now, you will tell me what you meant by that statement.”

She was still blubbering as she tried to explain. “I thought he…I thought he passed in the storm that night. You are saying that he lived, truly?”

“…Yes. He still lives. But why send him away?”

She worked to explain how it all happened that night. The warning of enemy forces closing in. Of the clan becoming weaker by the day. And the fear and desperation she felt that night. It had been so long since she had someone who would listen and not immediately jumped down her throat, saying it was her fault.

Wukong didn’t immediately blame her. It’s very clear that this member of his moonlight’s family was not a warrior. Not like him. And if he’s guessing the age right, she would’ve been a young cub herself when this happened. “May I ask, who are you to him? You clearly carry such guilt about what happened that night, but I still do not know your relation.”

“I’m his older sister. And I believed until this point the final member of our clan. But you, your majesty; you’ve given me the greatest gift letting me know he still lives.” She kowtowed once more. Her tears flowing freely.

Wukong straightened up himself. If what she says is true, then she might be the only relative left that he could find. And as such, he does need her approval desperately. He got her up again. And then bowed to her himself. “Then as his elder, I must ask, would you allow me to court him?”

It was only after all this that he remembered that Azure wanted to make them allies. He had completely forgotten.

Chapter Text

Flower Fruit Mountain hasn’t stopped celebrating since they caught wind of their king winning against the Jade Emperor. As of now, Sun Wukong was preparing to become the new ruler of the three realms. Not that any of them had any doubt.

The whole mountain was abuzz with excitement as the celebration continued into the night.

Macaque couldn’t help smiling at the sight of the monkeys having fun. It was especially entertaining to see the generals let loose. After everything, they truly deserved it.

As he looked on, he couldn’t help but think about their future. Wukong was now the Jade Emperor. He would have to stay in the celestial realm from now on, and Flower Fruit Mountain can’t just be guarded by the generals. So, just like so many times in the past, Macaque will have to stay behind to protect it. This will be where he and his king part ways. Possibly forever.

He already knows that not all will be happy with the new status quo, and everyone knows that a way to hurt Wukong is to attack the mountain and monkeys. So, in a way, this is a goodbye party as well. Not that the generals or other monkeys seem to realize this just yet… He can’t tell them. This is the first time that they have had something to celebrate in so long. He will let the generals know in the morning. For tonight, let them enjoy it. They have more than earned it.

Still, this is a bittersweet realization to make.

He took a deep breath before going to get a drink. Even if this is goodbye, he shouldn’t bring down the mood. As he tried to relax, his ears couldn’t help but pick up a conversation between a couple of celestial beings Azure brought.

“…can’t rule alone. It may have been alright on his mountain, but ruling all three realms can’t be done like that.”

“True. But from what I hear, he has no interest in things like that.”

“Well then, it shouldn’t be too hard to convince him to marry. We can just tell him it was so someone else handles the court, so he doesn’t have to.”

“Do you really think that would work?”

“Of course. We can push for Azure to be Empress. If Azure can’t be Emperor, then at least we can make him Empress.”

Macaque couldn’t bear to listen anymore. They were really trying to plan a marriage for Wukong. However, they don’t know Wukong has already been married once before. Now that he is thinking about it, he isn’t even sure the Brotherhood knew either. Maybe Demon Bull King, if his sister has told him; but he doubts that. He’s never really talk to her about the queen. As the queen’s life and death was before his time. And considering what he knows of her; he could not bring himself to complain to anyone but himself.

RinRin was said to be the perfect wife and Queen. The monkeys told him that she was always by Wukong’s side. She was both graceful and powerful, said to have the kindest smile and eyes, and general Liu would talk about his sister’s old tricks and pranks. She was truly beloved. Wukong still goes to clean her grave and talk to her every chance he gets. Macaque always knew she would always be in Wukong’s heart.

He was sure that Wukong would never marry again. While there is never been a Jade Emperor without an Empress, Wukong was always doing impossible things. What was one more?

At the same time, however, he would take a challenge, not knowing it would lead to marriage. Macaque quickly shook his head, to try to get rid of the thought. His king wasn’t stupid. He would not be tricked into marriage. As he started to think that he realized, Wukong is actually that kind of stupid. Would he be tricked? Before he started to really freak out, he knew he had to stop before it drove him crazy.

He sighed. Here they were celebrating, and Wukong wasn’t even here. He went out to some cold distant land, because Azure said they might be good allies.

As soon as that thought entered his head, he froze. Just because Azure asked, Wukong passed on what could be his last chance to spend time with the brothers… with Macaque.

Maybe marriage was on the horizon.

His vision got a bit blurred as he tried to pull himself together. Macaque wasn’t on the mountain when Wukong and RinRin courting or even married. So, he can’t say for certain if the way Wukong acts around Azure is love or not. But he can’t pretend that he hasn’t heard the monkeys talking about Wukong being in love.

So that’s it isn’t it?

His king was in love. In the coming spring he would most likely start picking flowers. He’s not sure who would count towards Azure’s family, but most likely to be Peng or Yellow Tusk. He can't help a shaky smile at the thought of Wukong beating Peng.

He’s getting ahead of himself again. Even if they end up together, that’s not today. So, he should just relax and enjoy the festivities.

Once the night finally started to wind down, he let out a deep breath, one that felt like he was holding in. This is it. Come morning, their king would be on his way to the celestial realm. Macaque slowly made his way to his hut, hoping to get some sleep so he could wake up early to say goodbye.

Unfortunately, it was all in vain. By the time he got up, all the celestial beings, the brotherhood, and Wukong himself were already gone. So that was it then. He knows that he’s not the most important and Wukong needs to be in the celestial realm, but could he just stay long enough for them to say goodbye… considering what happened, clearly not.

He tried to put on a brave front for the others, he knows it’ll slowly start to sink in later that Wukong isn’t coming back. And he needs to be ready to comfort the little ones.

Chapter Text

Wukong couldn’t see why Macaque’s sister was hesitant to let him court her brother. He loves his moon more than anything. Is that not clear? She wants to speak to Macaque before she gives him permission. That isn’t a problem, it just pushes his plans back a bit. That is fine, waiting a bit will make it so the prettiest flowers bloom. His moon should be covered in the best flowers the mountain can offer. And once he gets back home, then he can also let him know about his sister. 

Macaque had always wondered why he had been abandoned. And now, Wukong can answer that question for him. He was sent off to save his life. His sister made a difficult choice and that lead Macaque to where he is now. If she didn’t do what she did, then he never would have met his moon. And that is simply unacceptable. When he spoke to Sangshen, he could tell that her life hadn’t been good. He could see scars and with the way she moved, he doubted she had ever been a fighter of any capability. And he saw how she watched his every move. Her eyes had lost most of the fear as they spoke, but never lost all of it.

He knows how most see him, and he likes it that way. But this wasn’t just anyone. This woman was to be a member of his family. And he has never wanted any member of his family to be fearful. That is why he worked to get as strong as he is. And to be an important member of it. He will just have to work hard to show her that she doesn’t have anything to fear from him.

“Wukong.” 

Wukong thinks that if he offers to let Sangshen come to Flower Fruit Mountain, she'll see for herself how well he can take care of Macaque. He could set up a feast for her when she arrives to show what a gracious host he can be. That might work, and it would also give them a chance to get to know each other.

“Wukong.”

Before he could plan anything concrete, Azure shook his shoulder. Wukong turned to look at him. “What Azure?”

“Did you not hear me calling you?”

“I heard you; I am just thinking out some things and thought you could wait a moment.”

 That statement made Azure blush. He hadn’t meant to break Wukong’s train of thought. He just truly thought he hadn’t heard him. “I’m sorry. I just came over to see if you were ready to go.”

Wukong perked up, Azure finished speaking with whoever and now they can get back to his mountain. “Great let’s go. If we hurry, then we make the party my monkeys are throwing.” He immediately called Nimbus so they could start moving right now.

“Party?” Why would Wukong’s subjects be throwing a party in the celestial realm? They had all seemed content to stay of their mountain.

“Yeah, we won. Of course we would throw a party. Why is that a surprise?”

“I just didn’t think that your people would head to the celestial realm to throw a party.”

“Celestial realm? What are you talking about? The party is on the mountain.”

That was when it clicked for Azure. Wukong misunderstood. “Wukong, we need to get the celestial realm. We don’t have time to go the mountain. We have a duty to start to bring change as we promised.”

“What do you mean we don’t have time? I have to get my things and say goodbye to my troop as well…other things.” He didn’t want it getting out too soon that he was going to be courting his moon. While Azure can be trusted, he doesn’t know if the celestial beings he brought along could be. And he didn’t get the permission from Sangshen yet. He needs that permission before he can take the first step.

“One of your new servants can get your belongings. As for saying goodbye, I am sorry but we simply don’t have time. I thought you already had said goodbye.”

“Yeah for a quick trip. Not for me going to celestial realm.”

Azure felt for him, but they have already been away from court too long. “I wish I could tell you when you will be able to see your mountain, but with your rule so new, it will not be anytime soon. We have much work to do to begin with.”

Wukong can’t accept this. Not only is Azure trying to tell him that he can’t say goodbye to his troop, but he may not be able to come back for a long time. He remembers what it was like first becoming the Monkey King. It took forever for things to stabilize. And that is just one mountain, this is all three realms. How long will it take for that to stabilize if it ever does?

He doesn’t have time for this.

“We need to get back. If you stay away too long, it wouldn’t be good for the rest of the world.”

Wukong didn’t want to. He had so much to do, and he doesn’t have time for the celestial realm.

“Wukong remember this is why we fought this war. We’ve won, but now we have to get started on our plans.”

Plans, right. Wukong does have a lot of plans to put into motion. But still, to just skip going to the mountain. Plus, he still needs to tell Macaque about his sister, brother-in-law and future niece or nephew. His love had been wanting answers to this for his entire life, and when he finally gets him those answers, he can’t immediately tell him. He does not appreciate that. And Azure could sense this.

“ Let us at least get started there. Then whatever is troubling you…” Azure took a deep breath, “ I will cover for you so you can get it done.”

“Really?”

“Of course. If it troubles you this much then it must be important.”

“…Thank you Azure. You’re a good brother.”

Azure walked down the corridor with Yellow Tusk and Peng, as well as a few celestial beings who it’s worn loyalty to the brotherhood. They had only just arrived in the celestial court when Wukong ran off. There’s so much that needs to be done, but the new emperor already is leaving it to others. Although with the beginning paperwork, it does make sense, as he had recently discovered Wukong can’t read. At least that explains why anytime he had handed Wukong a report of the warfront, he would immediately pass it to Macaque.

That it always infuriated him. But, now he knows it wasn’t a slight against him. He let the others of the brotherhood know so that if a member of the court handed Wukong something he would likely hand it off to one of them. They’d have to be ready for it. And make it seem like whatever matter it is is being handled immediately. So early in the rule, they can’t afford for Wukong to insult someone they don’t have a replacement for yet.

He could only sigh in frustration. It hasn’t even been a full day yet and his headache is already immense. And he knows it’s only gonna get worse.

The others probably though that sigh was out of longing. So immediately one of the celestial beings tried comforting him.

“Azure, I am sure that the emperor will be starting the courtship soon.” One of Azure’s allies said. 

Azure was certain that was true. But he’s not so sure that he is the one who will be courted. He had long since seen how Wukong would always look to Macaque. For any discussion, or any trial, he would always look to his warrior first. At first, he tried to tell himself that it was just because that was his closest confident. But as time went on, he started listening to Wukong’s subjects.

He learned that Macaque hadn’t been born on the mountain as he and the other brothers had assumed. Wukong and Macaque met on one of the kings adventures to the mainland. And once he met Macaque, he immediately dragged him to the mountain to make that his home. The monkeys would all talk about how they hadn’t seen their king act like this in so long. And when he tried to ask what they meant, they looked at a bit shifty. He’s not sure what they’re trying to hide, but when he tried to bring it up with Wukong. He was told that his subjects weren’t being shifty. And when he tried to insist, Wukong did not appreciate it. 

Wukong is extremely loyal to his people.

It’s an admirable trait and one that will do the three realms justice. For once an emperor is going to actually care. Not just for power or prestige, but actually care about the people.

“I’m not so sure, once Macaque is here Wukong will focus all his energy on him.”

“Oh, but Azure, Macaque is not coming to the celestial realm. At least not anytime soon.”

Azure pauses before turning to his companion, “What do you mean?”

“While you were out with the emperor, the rest of us went to that quaint little party his subjects were throwing. We spoke with Wukong’s generals. It turns out whenever the emperor is away for too long. Macaque steps in to protect the mountain. And since the emperor is now going to be in the celestial realm full-time…”

“Macaque will have to end up running the mountain in his place.” It can’t be that simple. Nothing in life is enter the simple. This must be a trick that Macaque is playing. But what he’s not sure yet.

That’s when Yellow Tusk spoke up, “So, it’s just gonna be the four of us in the celestial realm full-time.”

“ What about Demon Bull King? Is he not coming up to join us?”

Yellow Tusk shook his head. “He’s already gone back to his territory to begin his pursuit. He said he would come visit, but he has much work to do himself.”

“Oh. Well, our brother knows that if he ever needs any help, we will be there.”

That’s when Peng couldn’t take it anymore. This question has been bothering them since the war ended. “Azure, I still don’t get why you didn’t become emperor. For so long that was your goal. Why did you give it up to Wukong?” it just made no sense to them. Azure was made for this position. He could handle the court and make actual change. Wukong was strong but he was never interested in change. Not truly. His main objective for joining this war have been revenge against a slight against him. And now that monkey was the emperor of everything. How is that just?

Azure thought back to the day of the final battle. Seeing the immense power, the Jade Emperor held, it made him realize that if he took that power, he would not be able to contain it. He simply is not strong enough. However, Wukong with his seven layers of immortality and his own will was able. Not only that, but the monkey King was the one to land the killing blow, not him.

“ I didn’t tell you both before, but that power was so much more than we had anticipated. If I had tried to take it, I would’ve been ripped apart. However, with Wukong’s immortalities…”

“…. he was able to withstand the power.” Yellow Tusk understood instantly. 

Wukong was taking a look at some of the jewelry different people had already gifted him to try and curry favor. He’s not sure anything will be good enough, but at the very least he does want to see just in case. His moonlight doesn’t typically wear jewelry, but when he went to go see some of his plays, he would occasionally wear a piece or two. 

So, he was looking for something that wasn’t too flashy and would complement black fur and amber eyes. But everything he seen so far wouldn’t really fit what he’s looking for. He was starting to think that they don’t understand what he wanted. Well everything that was gifted was very shiny and nice, there was a time in a place for such shiny.

And Macaque wouldn’t really like any of this gold jewelry they keep giving. With his fur and eyes, he thinks something like silver would complement better. Gold fits more, his fur color and eyes. Maybe he can commission some jewelry for his moon. What it seems like that’s the only way he’s gonna get what he wants.

Maybe he could have some jewelry like flowers commissioned. That way, the flowers would never wilt. That’s actually a good idea, what better way to show his forever undying devotion than flowers that’ll never wilt. Both peach and plum blossoms. He’ll have to commission the stems to be slightly curled that way they can be weave into his fur better.

He grabbed a paper and immediately started sketching the idea. He’s not sure what metals would be best, but he knows the peach blossoms likely should be gold to represent on him and maybe the plum Blossom silver to represent his moon.

All right, that’ll be the flowers done. As for the battle challenge, of course he’ll end up fighting his moon. His sister is not fighter. And for what he’s seen of his brother-in-law, while he is a fighter, he isn’t all that strong either. For the man who tried to fight him when he was speaking with Sangshen. He can understand why, he had been standing pretty close, trying to convince her that he was worthy of courting his love. And seen someone standing that close to his moonlight. He’s pretty sure he would attack them as well. So he wasn’t too angry, besides, they’re going to be family soon.

As for the court-napping, he won’t be able to take him to the waterfall as he had originally planned. A celestial beings are being so picky that he has to stay in the celestial realm. So that just means he has to make the Jade Palace as comfortable as home. That’s probably gonna be the toughest challenge. Luckily, after the first servant had messed up what he had created, the rest of them have learned to leave what he moves alone. 

He long since gotten one of the gifts. His moonlight tries to not show it, but he gets extremely cold very easily. So he had a magical artifact created for him. The scarf would be able to to make it feel to him like he was back on the mountain on a bright spring day. So even in the coldest of weather, his love will be warm.

But this still isn’t enough he needs more. But what?

Chapter Text

Macaque had to smile at all the little ones playing. It’s good to see them being carefree once again. He remembers just how hard it hit them when the troop had to explain that Wukong wasn’t living on the mountain anymore. They didn’t understand at first, but slowly it did sink in. It wasn’t just him and the mothers trying to comfort them back then. The whole troop came together to make them feel better. The little ones were used to Wukong going out for adventures, but they had thought he would always come back home.

Now that Wukong was the Jade emperor, his new home was the celestial realm. But Macaque hopes that he could come to visit soon. He thinks it'll do the little ones some good. And as far as he's aware right now Wukong is the only demon monkey up in the celestial realm. He can't imagine how lonely that is. They are very much a social species. They need others to thrive. Is he being groomed properly? Is he sleeping well? He doesn't think the celestial realm knows to look out for these things. And the brotherhood wouldn't know either, as he had always been nearby so the troop could take care of him.

Maybe he should go to the celestial realm to check on him.

He was still debating whether or not to go up to the celestial realm when General Liu returned from another trip to the Land of Eternal Snow.

“Hey Mihou. Do you know anyone at that Land of Eternal Snow?”

He turned to look, “Welcome back Liu. And no, I don’t think so. Why?” Liu was finally back from his trip to their ally’s home.

“The clan heir’s wife handed me this letter for you.”

That doesn’t sound right. “Why would she be writing to me?”

“She looks a lot like you. Maybe she is a relative.”

“Looked like me? So what? Does she have black fur? Amber eyes? Lots of monkeys have black fur.”

“….And six ears.”

“….What?”

Liu didn’t say anything else. He just handed him the letter.

Macaque looked down at the letter. He wasn’t sure why this woman would send him a letter. He has never met her, and with how things were already going; the alliance isn’t going well. Is this their way to try and smooth things over? And what is this about her having six ears? Was this woman wearing a glamor and just tricked Liu. If that is what happened, then he was going to ruin them all.

“Do you mind looking over the little ones? I’m going to read this.”

“Sure.” Liu still looked a bit concerned about it. It really does just seem to convenient. They had been asking for more and more supplies, then once they start saying no this woman sends a letter.

Dear Liu Er Mihou,

Hello, it’s me, Sangshen. Wow, I can’t believe that I’m actually writing this. Oh, I have so much I want to tell you. Where do I even start?

              I guess a good place would be, I am so thankful that you lived. I’ve thought so long that storm had killed you. That I had killed you. If you only believe one thing I ever tell you, please believe I did not know a storm was coming that night. I thought sending you out on that blossom is the only way to keep you safe. Please believe me when I say I had no idea that storm was coming. The invaders marching on our home I had to act quick.

              I might be getting ahead of myself here. I know that the Jade emperor had said that he would talk to you and you would contact me when you were ready. But, even if you’re not ready, I did want to send this. It’s been a year since I spoke to him, and I know a year isn’t that long. I just wanted to send this so you could at least have some closure in case that was something that you needed.

              While we spoke, he told me a bit about you. I hope you don’t mind. He told me that you enjoy theater. I wish I could say I enjoy it too, but the way my life has gone, I haven’t had a chance to see any theater in a very long time. But he wasn’t very clear, do you enjoy watching it or are you an actor? He also told me that you are very good with the little ones in your troop. If that is true, then I am glad. Typically, those that are good with the little ones are extremely kind. Since he told me about you living I had been wondering what you are like. He had told me that you were a great warrior, and I won't lie that had worried me a bit. The warriors that I know of can be extremely cruel.

              He also told me a bit of your powers. The shadow powers were an extremely rare gift among our tribe. The fact that you have such great control over it without being trained is nothing short of amazing. He also told me about your connection with the wind. You don't know this, but the wind was once our tribe's greatest protector. And every generation they would give a gift, I was the one who asked for the last gift. You were the greatest gift our guardian could have ever bestowed on us. And to know the guardian has watched over you all these years words cannot express how grateful I am.

              …You know, asking that I reminds me, I don’t really know anything about you. I would really like to change that if you are open to it. If you want, I wish to invite you to my home here. It isn’t much, but I would adore the chance to met and get to know you. If you choose to come then I will make sure it is a trip to remember. If not, then I do understand.

              I can't imagine how you likely felt. Since I learned that you lived all I could think about was what you must have been feeling all your life. Let me be clear, you were never abandoned. You were adored by our entire family. If there was any other way that I could have saved your life I would have taken it. But I've slowly come to realize I was just a child then myself, and I was just doing the best I could. Even if you don't feel it now, you are loved. You will always be loved. And soon enough someone else will love you as well.

Oh, I think I forgot to mention, I'm pregnant. You're going to have a little niece or nephew. Between you and me I believe it's going to be a niece. Did I ever tell you who I was to you? I'm your older sister. I can't believe that I completely forgotten about this. You would have been a baby of course you wouldn't have known. But yes when it comes to relations I am your older sister. So any child I have would be your niece or nephew.

              I think that's everything for now. I don't wanna make this letter too long in case you're not interested in hearing from me. So, I think those are the major topics. I am sorry if I forgot something my head is just everywhere. I would say that it's pregnancy brain but I think it might just be the knowledge that you may actually read this. You're alive and you can actually read what I write. That is just the craziest thing.

              I truly do hope you take me up on my offer.

Love your older sister,

              Sangshen

Macaque couldn’t believe what he had just read. If this is true, and he's inclined to believe it is; then he wasn’t abandoned. He holds the fact that he was sent adrift on a blossom into the ocean close to his chest. He knows for a fact none of the brotherhood have any knowledge of it. He hasn't even told his sworn sister. The only ones who has ever known is Wukong and the others on the mountain. That isn’t just information someone could get from anywhere.

Not only that, but if they were trying to trick him, they would think of something better than a lost relative. At least he hopes they would be smart enough to know that is a stupid idea.

He's just not sure about the offer to go to the Land of Eternal Snow. Even if she is his sister, this may be a ploy just so they give more supplies. After all blood relations do make alliances stronger. And even knowing this may be a trap he could feel his heart softening a bit at just the possibility. So, if this is a trick, then it is working.

The other thing though, she wrote multiple times; Wukong talked to her. If she really has six ears like Liu said, then why didn’t he tell him?

He took a walk still clutching the letter in his hand. Liu caught up with him while he was walking.

“ is everything all right with that letter?”

“….She claims to be my sister.”

“You don’t believe it?”

“Liu, problem is that I kinda do. Not many people know about me being on that blossom when I was a baby. But she did. If I am to believe the letter, she is the one who sent me a drift on that blossom.”

“What?! Why would she do that?” Liu was enraged on his behalf. The whole mountain knows how badly it messed with Mihou to be sent a drift like that. The idea that it was his own sister to do it…

Macaque had to smile, “You can see for yourself.” He passed the letter over so he may read it himself. “I’m just not sure whether the timing is in a little convenient. You had said they had been asking for a lot of things, and out of nowhere. I have a sister who lives there.”

Liu quickly read the contents of the letter. “Honestly this seems more like ramblings, then an actual letter.”

“That is the main reason why I believe it. If it was more coherent, I would just believe it to be fake.”

Liu could see it, if his sister had truly fought him dead for all these years and made a coherent kind of letter it would seem extremely fake. “So, you have a sister. And a little niece or nephew on the way. How do you feel?”

“Happy and maybe a bit hopeful.”

Liu nodded, “Makes sense. But the big question would be, are you going to visit her?”

Macaque didn’t think much about it. “On the chance this is true, then I have to take it. I’m going.”

Liu smiled. “Alright. Don’t worry, we can watch over the mountain. Reconnect with your family. I think I will do you some good.”

Macaque looked down at the letter once more. Yeah, reconnecting with family would be a good thing. So why didn't Wukong ever say anything? “Have you heard anything about Wukong?”

Liu immediately clamed up. He clearly knew something and was hiding it.

“Liu, please tell me. You read the letter too. Wukong talked to her, and didn’t tell me. If you know anything…please.”

“…I tried to see him while I was gone.”

“Tried? You didn’t see him?”

Liu shook his head, “I just talked to an assistant or something. When I introduced myself, he cut me off and told me that the emperor was far too busy and whatever was going on with our mountain we could take care of ourselves. When I tried to push further, I was thrown out. I didn’t even see Wukong.”

“What?”

Liu had clearly been holding this in for a long time and was glad to finally get it off his chest. “After that I started thinking, can you remember where the old jade emperor was from before he became the jade emperor?”

Macaque thought for a bit then shook his head. He assumes that the old jade emperor was from the celestial realm.

“You're probably thinking what I thought that the old jade emperor was from the celestial realm. Then I started thinking what if that's not true? What if he was from somewhere else but the celestial realm cut him off from it and slowly started rewriting history. What if he was from somewhere else and he was isolated from it. What if that's what's going on with Wukong?”

“What? No, the brotherhood won’t allow that.” He may not like the brotherhood all that much, but they do like Wukong. They wouldn't do such a blatant thing to hurt him.

“See, I thought that too, but Azure Lion was there when I was getting thrown out. He didn't do anything to stop it. At this point I don't think even you could get into the celestial realm.”

Chapter Text

“Your highness, an empress would be able to handle the courts so you could focus on more important things.”

“Sire, surely you are lonely in the palace. Wouldn’t you like to invite someone to keep you company?”

“Your majesty, we can handle this situation. Why don’t you relax with Azure and catch up?”

These ‘advisors’ were seriously getting on Wukong’s nerves. Every word out of their mouths were about him finding an empress. Do they not understand how long it takes to properly court someone? Not only that, but anytime he tries to go and contact Macaque - not even about the courtship, just to let him know about his sister - they are suddenly so incompetent that they need him to hold their hands through everything they do.

He is getting extremely sick and tired of this nonsense.

Besides, he has to wait until these idiots leave him alone long enough to go see Macaque and take him to see his sister. Once she sees how much he loves her brother, then he will have her blessing. Plus, by then, the flowers that he commissioned should be done. At least they had better be. In his eyes, it was already taking far too long to move things along.

He escaped to his room and sighed. These vultures just don't know when to quit. He had already told them multiple times that he had everything under control when it came to courting an empress-to-be. Their input was unnecessary. Besides, it’s not like any of these pests knows anything about Mihou’s taste in…anything. They so clearly had someone in mind when they thought of an empress, and it is clear that isn’t who it is going to be.

Whatever. They can plan and scheme all they want. At the end of the day, the only one who can decide who is going to be Empress is him. Whoever they wanted it to be doesn't matter.

He looked towards the nest he had made. It wasn't his best work, so at some point he is going to remake it; but that time is not right now. For now, it is a place for him to rest and recharge. All of this, and it has only been one day. He really needs to find replacements for these advisors.

When he woke up, he immediately got up so he could hopefully get things done.

As he walked to the throne room, he couldn’t help but catch the tail end of a conversation.

“You really should be more careful.”

“I know, the time shift is just getting to me. I’ll be better soon.”

Time shift? Why does that make him feel like he is forgetting something super important? It took a moment for him to remember. Then it hit him like a strike from his staff. The celestial realm and mortal realm don’t run on the same time. One day in the celestial realm is one year to the mortal realm - and he has already been here for over a day.

He can’t accept this. It couldn’t have been a year.

He ran down the corridor. He needs to from someone he could trust. They will tell him if it had been a year or not.

It took some time, but he had found a member of the brotherhood. Yellow Tusk was working away in the library.  “Brother!”

The shout startled Yellow Tusk. He dropped the scrolls that he held. He turned around and saw Wukong running at him full speed. “Wukong, are you alright?”

“Yellow Tusk, I need you to be honest to me. Do the celestial realm and mortal realm run on the same time or different?”

“It’s different. One day here is one year down there. You know this Wukong. Are you alright?”

He shook his head. Yellow Tusk has to be joking. “This is not the time for jokes.”

It didn’t Yellow Tusk long to figure out why Wukong was freaking out. “Wukong…did you forget that? We had fought here for so long, how could you forget?”

“My monkeys are immortal; time means nothing to us.”

Yellow Tusk couldn’t believe that Wukong didn’t remember that. “Is there anything else you could’ve forgotten?” Yellow Tusk asked, feeling sick to his stomach. He already felt horrible about not telling Wukong about what it means to be the Jade Emperor, and to find out that he hadn’t been aware of the difference between the mortal and celestial realms...Even with all the immortalities and will power, is this the right thing for Wukong? He just didn’t know any more.

He was about to speak and come clean to his brother until the library doors were thrown open. Walking in was Wukong’s secretary and a maiden of the garden of immortal peaches. The secretary was clearly trying to flirt with the young woman.

“That dirty monkey should have known his place. He can’t just show up here and expect an audience with the emperor,” the secretary said, brushing off the growing concern on the maiden’s face. But the moment the words dirty monkey was said, all Wukong’s attention was on his secretary. His eyes blazing red with rage.

“Are you not worried that the emperor will be mad that you throw out one of his generals? What if it was something important?” Wukong slowly pulled out Ruyi Jingu Bang. The more he hears, the angrier he gets.

“Nothing that thing could say would ever be important.” That was the last straw.

Before anyone knew what was happening, the secretary was on the ground with Ruyi lifting his chin up. Now the celestial beast had to look into Wukong’s eyes. “How dare you? Do you know who-“ He became silent as he saw who was in front of him.

A chill swept over the room. “What was that I heard?” 

The maiden fell into a bow instantly. She couldn’t stop shaking in fright. She know this would happen. Wukong was notoriously protective of both his mountain and his people. To throw one out, especially one of his most trusted generals. She does not want to stick around to see what happens to the secretary, but she dare not move. 

The secretary dared not speak. From that cold look in his emperor's eyes, he knew he would die where he stood. But hopefully, if he doesn't speak another word, it won't be as painful.

“I asked you a question.” He dug the staff a bit more into the beast’s neck. It was too much for the secretary and he passed out.

Wukong sneered in disgust. He was about to turn to the maiden and ask her when Yellow Tusk put his hand on his shoulder.

“Brother please, allow me.” He waited for Wukong to give the go ahead before turning to her. “Miss, do you know of what he was speaking of?

It took her a moment to compose herself enough to speak. “He had told this one that, yesterday, just before dinner; one of the generals had come to the palace in search of the emperor. He was told that the emperor was too busy and…” The more she spoke the angrier Wukong got. She was afraid to speak any more for fear she may be punished as well.

Yellow Tusk quickly consult her before Wukong could speak. “If you were not apart of this incident personally, then you will not be punished. Only those that had partaken in such shall receive punishment.”

That seemed to calm her a bit. “I was told that he was told that whatever was happening on the mountain was theirs to handle.” Yellow Tusk thanked her and sent her on her way.

“I will look into who should be your new secretary. I just ask that you don’t kill him here. The blood may mess up the scrolls.”

Wukong didn’t say anything, he just dragged the out of the library.

“Sire.” The new secretary walked towards the emperor, as he was slowly cleaning his staff of all the blood.

“What?” Wukong was not in the mood to deal with any more of these idiots. If it isn’t truly important, then heads would roll.

“You had asked us to keep an eye on the Land of Eternal Snow.” The secretary was shaking in fear. The emperor was already displeased and this news may just make it worse.

Wukong’s head snapped to look at the scared celestial beast before him. “What is wrong there?”

“…There seems to be a war brewing there, sir.” His hand trembled as he handed the report to the emperor.

Wukong was already getting on his armor. He was not going to let his future sister in law’s home be ravaged in war.

“Sir, you can’t just go down there.”

He looked at the advisor. “And who is going to stop me? You?” Wukong laughed at the mere thought of that. This beast isn’t even strong enough to withstand looking at him; what makes him think he could stop Wukong from doing whatever he wants? With that done, he turned his attention to the report.

Wukong may not be fully literate, but he does know some words. He instantly recognized a few, namely...Liu’Er Mihou? And he thinks he sees a name next to it. Helen of Troy. Who the hell is Helen?!

Chapter Text

The first sight of the Land of Eternal Snow was almost magical. While the animals were dangerous, they were no trouble for him. He followed his sister’s map to the clan’s main residence. It took him a few days to find it in the bitter cold of the winter, but he managed to get there without too much fuss.

The clan house was extremely spacious. As he walked through, the few people that caught sight of him couldn’t stop staring. They’re probably looking at my six ears, he thought, fighting the urge to cover them with his hands. He kept quiet, hoping they would eventually lose interest.

But no matter what, their gazes never strayed from him, and he was starting to feel uncomfortable with the way that their eyes seemed to burn holes into him.

He managed to stumble across a small alcove and he hid inside it, swaddling himself in shadow. Knowing that they couldn’t see him anymore made him feel safer, and he decided that’s how he would travel. Now, where would his sister be? She had giving him a map to the land, but not where they could meet.

He traveled through the darkness, hearing voices in the many rooms and hallways of the house. Focusing in on their voices, he noticed that they were talking about him and his sister. He clenched his jaw, nervous at the thought of them mocking him for his ears and wanting to leave as soon as possible. But just as he was about to zone out and return to searching-

“That’s him? He’s way prettier than I thought he’d be!”

A strange and uncomfortable warmth welled up in him. Since when has anyone found him pretty? He’s average at best, especially in comparison to his more glamorous and tasteful friends. The taste of the people here must be odd, but it still felt nice to be complimented for something other than his fighting skill.

From room to room, he heard more voices. It wasn’t just that one person who thought he was pretty, but many of them were praising his looks. Without even having to look at himself, he knew that his ears were beet red. Some of what he heard was too much for polite company- but in the shadows, he could hear it all.

Deciding to file those thoughts for later, Macaque went back to his search. It took a while but eventually he found his sister.

Sangshen was in the garden. She was sitting on a bench and seemed to be writing something before crumpling up the paper and putting it in her purse. She sighed and took a deep breath, then grabbed a new sheet of paper and started writing once more. She ripped up that one faster than the last one. She didn’t try again. Tears welled up in her eyes, falling softly and quietly down her face.

Macaque slowly made his way to her. “Are you Sangshen?”

At the sound of that voice, she slowly looked up then froze.

They stood in silence for a while before she slowly got up and made her way over. Her hands were shaking as she held his face. “Are you real?”

“Yeah, I’m real.”

She cried as she held him close to her. Her little brother was here. He was truly here. She was never going to let him go again. They have no clue how long they stood there holding each other, but eventually Macaque started shivering from the cold. She immediately led him inside and through the corridors that he was lost in just a few minutes ago. Once they were inside her room, he could see crumpled up papers everywhere.

She blushed and immediately rushed to clean up. He picked up one of the papers and smoothed it out. Skimming over it, he realized that it was another version of the letter she sent. He picked up another one and saw it was a different version. All of these papers were different versions of the letter that was sent to him. Once he understood this, he couldn't help but ask, “Did you send me the letter?”

“What?” None of the letters she had written yet were good enough to send out. So how did her brother know that she had been writing letters?

Her wide eyes and still frame told him everything he needed to know. While she had likely written the letter, she had not sent it out. Someone had sent it on her behalf. But who?

It didn’t take long for Sangshen to realize what had happened. For the past year, she had been so focused on trying to make the perfect letter to send to her brother. But none that she made was good enough and she was getting sadder by the day. But there was one man who could not stand to see her upset for even a moment. Her husband. This might be the kindest thing he's ever done for her.  “I believe my husband wanted to do me a favor.”

“Is he good to you?”

It took her a moment to answer. “He loves me very much.”

Macaque quicky noticed that she didn’t answer his question. You can love someone very much and still hurt them. He was about to say as much when he saw the weary look in her eyes. Once he saw that, he decided not to push her. He’ll learn as he gets to know her, and if things are that bad, he’ll help her as best he can.

She sighed and explained. “Truly, he loves me more than anything in this world and he is not afraid to show it. I can see the worry in your eyes, just know he would never hurt me.” She very much emphasized that he wouldn't hurt her; just her. So likely he's not a good man in general but has not hurt her personally. Macaque thought it over, wondering what he should say.

“From that description I'm guessing he's more the possessive type.” She nodded her head. “And do you mind it?” And some of his adventures with Wukong, he had seen some husbands that were possessive of their wives. Very rarely were they good to the wives behind closed doors.

“I'm very thankful that he saved me.”

“Saved you?”

“Yes, he saved me.” It's clear that she did not want to speak on this more so he dropped it. They were only just meeting; it isn't really his place to comment on her marriage, and he’ll help her if she asks for it.

What they didn’t know was Yishan, Sangshen’s husband, was behind the room door listening in. It did hurt him that his wife didn’t say that she loves him. Maybe he should be more romantic in the future? He'll make plans once his wife is alone once more, but he knows that it's going to take a while, especially with her long-lost brother having just arrived.

While this was happening, news was quickly spreading about the appearance of a beauty at the clan house. The beauty seemed to know the heir’s wife. Some of the smarter members quickly realized with how similar they look they must be related, and that spread as well. By nightfall, almost all of the people near the clan house knew of a stranger with shadow powers and petal ears, and the word was starting to get to those outside the clan too.

Of course, they wanted to know everything there is to know about him. Where is he from? Why did he only arrive now? Who is his mate? Is he up to other lovers? So on and so forth.

All kinds of curious monkeys tried to find more information on them, with braver ones asking to have dinner with the heir, his wife, and their interesting guest, but Yishan refused them all. It’s bad enough that he has to share his wife with her brother; he will not chance having anyone else near them.

One of them pointed out that if they found someone suitable, then the newcomer’s attention wouldn’t be on Yishan’s wife anymore. He won't lie; he was tempted for a second, but then he thought about how sad his wife would be if her dear brother was focusing on someone other than her. It's not worth it; he’s trying to be better.

It was almost time for dinner when he debated whether he should leave his post at her door. He needs to make sure the food is actually worthy of going to his wife, but with all this commotion, who knows if someone will try to break in to her room.

In the end he decided the thought of someone going to her room was too much to bear. So, he just assigned more taste testers for tonight. When her brother left to freshen up for dinner, his wife called him into the room.

“You sent my brother one of my letters.” It wasn't a question.

“Yes.”

She ran over and hugged him tight. “Thank you. I don't think any of them would have ever been good enough for me to send. So, thank you for doing that for me. This may be the nicest thing you have ever done for me.” She held him tight. She actually got her brother back.

The three of them sat and enjoyed a dinner together, unaware of the brewing conflict that would soon land on their doorstep...

Chapter Text

Wukong raced to the Land of Eternal Snow as fast as Nimbus could take him. He touched down not far from where he had met his sister-in-law for the first time and immediately started looking for her so he may protect her. He ran through the clan house. Anyone who saw him immediately got out of his way.

He had just turned a corner when he saw something that made him freeze for a moment. There, sitting on the couch, was his moonlight. But that’s not what made him freeze, he saw someone holding his hand while they were on their knees. He didn’t even think before he walked over and grabbed them by the back of their collar. They turned to look at who dared pull him away from the perfect beauty in front of him, and the stranger couldn’t believe it. It was the Jade Emperor.

“Give me one reason why you should live,” Wukong said through gritted teeth.

The stranger was terrified. He hadn’t known that the Jade Emperor was after this beautiful being too. He knows that he isn’t strong enough to fight against him. No one is.

“Wukong?” Macaque got up and walked over. He put a hand on his king’s shoulder. Wukong relaxed as Macaque slowly pulled him away from the other man.

Wukong only dropped the man when his moon put his hand over his. He didn’t want his future mate to touch such a dirty being. He took a deep breath before he led Macaque away.

Once they were far enough away, Wukong turned to Macaque. “I missed you, Mihou.” He wrapped his arms around him and held him close.

Macaque was about to push him away, but his embrace was so warm and…he really had missed him. “…Why didn’t you say goodbye?” He could understand not visiting. After all, in the celestial realm it had only been a day. He knew that it wasn’t reasonable, but it still bothered him that Wukong didn't even use astral projection to say goodbye to them.

“By the time I had recruiting this place for an alliance, I was told that we had no time but to go to the celestial realm. I’m sorry, plum.”

Macaque couldn't help but turn his head and blush at that old nickname. It's been a while since Wukong used it. Honestly, it’s been a while since he even had the chance to talk to Wukong. “But did you know that Liu tried to see you? Why was he turned away?”

Being reminded of that made Wukong grit his teeth for a moment. “That was due to my last secretary thinking he had power. I didn’t know it was Liu. I was just told after the fact that one of the generals was turned away.”

“How did you find out?” The Brotherhood wouldn’t have told him. Macaque was sure of that at least, even if there wasn’t much else he knew.

“…The secretary was bragging about it and Yellow Tusk and I both heard him.”

“Bragging?” Were the celestial beings so set in their place that they would brag about turning away their emperor’s old general?

“Don’t worry Mihou, he isn’t a problem anymore.”

Macaque knew exactly what that meant. Well, that is a least one less nuisance for Wukong up there. “You don’t think others would try the same kind of tricks?”

Wukong wasn’t worried. With how and where he left the body of the secretary, he very much doubts that anyone would dare take the chance. But, he didn’t think any of them were dumb enough to do it in the first place, so he should still be on the look out. “I’m going to try and keep track of those kinds of matters.”

That was more than Macaque was expecting from Wukong. “Thank you. I just worry with you up there.”

“….You could always come back with me,” Wukong said softly, despite already knew his moon’s answer. When they were fighting in the war, he had asked that Macaque join him in the celestial realm once they win, but he pointed out that someone had to protect their home.

“The answer hasn’t changed.” He wished it had so he could watch his king’s back, but…

“I know. Just...the offer will always be available to you.” He put his chin on his moon’s shoulder. He squeezes him tighter; he never wants to let him go.

It was only when Macaque heard his sister looking for him that he stepped out of Wukong’s embrace. His king looked so heartbroken that he couldn’t help a small laugh. “My sister is looking for me.”

He slowly let his hands fall to his sides, reluctant to break contact with Macaque. “Okay.”

The two of them went looking for her. When they got there, Yishan was with her already. Yishan got tense when he saw Wukong. He wrapped an arm around Sangshen and kept a close eye on the emperor. He was sure he was here to take away his wife. With how perfect she is, there is no way he could resist. But, to his surprise, Wukong only paid attention to Macaque. He was kind to his future in-laws, but clearly his eyes were only on Macaque.

While they were meeting with each other, the servants were all fighting for the chance to be the one to serve them, and it was getting pretty ugly. Sangshen and Macaque both looked to the servants after hearing the commotion. They had heard so talk about how pretty they were and such, but for servants to start a fistfight for the chance to serve them tea…That is just going too far.

Yishan and Wukong both noticed their loves were focusing on something else and immediately went to see what was going on. Yishan was not pleased. He hates being reminded that others wish for a chance to glance at his wife. He quickly broke up the fight, memorizing each of the servants faces. They will not be around for much longer.

Wukong hasn’t liked catching sight of all the other people looking at his moon. He can't hear what they're saying but catching sight of Mihou’s ears turning red every so often, he can only guess the contents of their conversations. He is the only one who should be able to make that blush appear. He knows it isn't because his moonlight is attracted to any of them, so it must be because of how vulgar these outsiders were being. Clearly, they need a lesson or two on how to act around their future empress.

While they were gone, a stranger (either stupid or brave; perhaps both) approached the siblings. He was a lanky monkey, clearly not every strong; likely why he appears now when the emperor and husband are gone. He tried to sit between them, but, before he could speak, Macaque opened a portal beneath him, dropping him outside the compound.

“I’m sorry if he was important, but I don’t appreciate strangers coming into my personal space,” Macaque said to his sister, looking a bit sheepish. He didn't want to make things difficult for her, but he had no idea who that monkey was and trying to get so close to him just rubbed him the wrong way.

“I had never seen him before, so I don’t care either. More importantly, you have our family’s gift?”

“Our family’s gift?”

“Yes, the shadow powers you just used.”

“Oh, then, yes, I guess I do.”

“Oh, that is wonderful! I was never too good at it, so I thought it was lost to time.”

They spend the time while the others were away talking about the different ways the powers could and have been used before. Sangshen had never heard of their family’s powers being used as entertainment before. So, to have heard that her brother would put on shadow shows for the cubs on his mountain warmed her heart.

Macaque had never thought of using the shadows as a psychological weapon, but to hear the stories of some of the warriors of their family, it's a bit terrifying, thinking about just how much damage the shadows could do to one you're just one’s spirit. Then he started to mull over how he could do it. He couldn’t help a small smile from creeping onto his face. He was so going to mess with Peng using this method. Let's see if they call him cowardly then.

Wukong returned to them first. Once he got there, he noticed the scent of a strange; and far too close to his moon it seemed. At first, he thought maybe one of the servants came to serve them, but he saw that his food had not been refilled nor were there new treats. “Did someone come by?” He asked, trying to sound casual.

Sangshen was a bit fearful still. The emperor may be trying to appear unassuming, but there was something about him that terrified her.

“There was, but not anymore,” Macaque said.

Wukong tried to probe for more information. “And where did he go?”

“I sent him outside the compound.” That finally calmed Wukong down again. With how cold it is, it's likely the other monkey was going to freeze out there before he could get back inside. That was good enough for now.

Chapter Text

Zhi had been hearing about this new beauty at the Zodiac Monkey clan house. He normally didn’t listen to such rumors; sure, it was about the clan heir’s wife again. It happens every few years when someone new catches a glimpse of her. They will die down as the heir gets rid of them.

However, when his business lead him to the house, he caught sight of the beautiful monkey that started these rumors. He was clearly related to Sangshen...but he had thought that she was the last of her clan. Where had she been hiding this pretty little thing? Even just looking at the way he moves, Zhi could see that he was a fighter. How good of a fighter, he doesn’t know yet. But he will. He will know everything about this perfect stranger.

The warlord Jun had been planning his next move when his spy from the Zodiac house came running in. His face was a beat red. “Lord Jun, I bring news.”

“Clearly.” He said coldly. “Well, what is it?”

“Lady Sangshen has found her brother.”

Jun waited for more, but none came. “Is that it? You dare to bring me such useless information?”

The spy slowly pulled out a mystic mirror, allowing his lord to see the brother. Jun grabbed it and stared, frozen at the sight of such a pretty face.

“You said that this is her brother?”

“Yes my lord.”

“Hm...with how Yishan is, he will be looking for a way to get rid of him. Why don’t I help with that?” He started to rearrange his plans so that he could drop by the clan house. He will be mine.

Meanwhile, the clan house was all abuzz with the excitement of possibly seeing Lady Sangshen’s brother. He and his sister were both beauties, but he was a different kind of beautiful that many hadn’t encountered. Now that he was here, they just had to find a way to keep him here forever. They heard he was only here for a short visit, but they can’t lose this eye candy. Not now, not ever. One of the members of the house just has to win him over. That shouldn’t be too hard.

A pure white fur monkey walked down the corridor of his home. He had been hearing about a perfect beauty in his half-brother's house. It is said that this beauty was his sister-in-law’s little brother. He knows his brother; he will be looking to get rid of the newcomer soon. Why not help him out this time?

He investigated a way to win over the pretty little thing. The easiest way to win his heart would be the Junbei berries. But does he want it to be false love?

Macaque shivered out of nowhere. He can’t help but feel like people are talking about him, and, with what he has been hearing, he isn’t looking forward to this nonsense. Wukong wrapped a thick blanket around him. “This should warm you up.”

“Thank you Wukong,” Macaque said, snuggling into the blanket. It’s so warm.

The dinner party for later that night was fully prepared. One of the monkeys had worked on a special treat for the beauty, wanting to win over this stranger. His future spouse was going to be so loving and clingy. He can’t wait.

The servants were all abuzz trying to make things perfect. They wanted to show this important guest why he should stay here with them. If they mess up, then the emperor may take him away, so they resolved to push back. They may not be strong enough to fight him physically, but they still have ways to keep the guest here.

Jin was just a small heir to the market empire. When he saw the guest of the Zodiac Monkey family, he couldn’t breathe. That’s got to be the most perfect being in existence. He was about to walk over and start flirting when another monkey came by. Honestly, he didn’t care about any others who would try to approach the guest, until he recognized the intruder. That other monkey was the new Jade Emperor. That broke his confidence. What could he do to compare to the Jade Emperor?

Of course, the most powerful would be the mate of such a beauty. But maybe he would be open to some lovers. He would be happy with that kind of arrangement.

“Why are you starring at us?”

That made Jin jump, the emperor was focusing on him. That stare was so intimidating.

“I believe I asked you a question?” Wukong slowly got up and walked over. “Answer.”

That is a trap. He knows it is a trap. If he tells the truth then the emperor will kill him. If he lies then the emperor will know he is lying and kill him. This is a lose-lose situation for him. Everything leading to death. The emperor seems to realize this and smiled. “You just got lost didn't you?”

It was clear that was going to be his only mercy. It wasn't because Macaque couldn't stand blood. Wukong just doesn't know how his sister-in-law would feel and doesn't want to make a bad impression on her. So, it's probably best to be on the side of caution. So, he would give this monkey one chance to back away.

“Yes sire, I’m terribly sorry. I won’t disturb you.” He bowed and backed away, keeping his eyes on the floor.

Wukong was glad to see that one at least had the good sense to retreat quickly. There are oh so few of their kind, he truly does hate having to kill them. So, seeing a few of them willing to concede when they are so clearly outmatched, it truly is a good thing.

After that the dinner party was almost ready. Before Wukong could take his seat, his sister-in-law approached him. “Your majesty, would you mind if I spoke to you for a moment?”

“Of course.” He went with her to a corner. He saw out of the corner of his eye that her husband was following them a short distance away. Just enough that he was in earshot but out of sight.

“What do you need?”

“…Sire, I have watched how you are with my brother. You seem far too much like my husband. Why should I trust you with him?”

Wukong wasn’t sure how to explain to her just how much his moon means to him. So, he decided to speak from the heart. “Sangshen, I adore Mihou more than anything in this world. If he asked it, I would rip out my heart and hand it to him. Anything he wishes for, I will grant. I became so powerful because I wanted to take care of him and make sure he would never be hurt, and I will do the same as a husband. I know you are weary of me, and I cannot fault you for that.” He fell to his knees in front of her. “All I ask is that you give me a chance. Whatever I must do, I will gladly do just for the chance to stay with him.”

She was stunned. The emperor of the three realms was kowtowing to her. Is this real life? “Sire, marriage is extremely hard.”

“….I know.”

That was not the tone of someone who has not been married before. “…Have you been married before?”

“I have. I have been a widower for longer than I have known Mihou.” He will not hid this from her.

Sangshen didn’t know that. And she couldn’t help but think Wukong wanted her brother as a consort rather than a legal spouse. With how possessive he seems, she's not sure that anyone other than his past wife would be a legal spouse. She was about to let him know that she doesn’t want him to court her brother when he continued to speak.

“While I was out trying to get stronger, an enemy took over my home. My wife held him back and when I came back it was too late.” He took a deep breath. “Sangshen, I wish I could tell you that I could protect him. But I learned that lesson the hard way. All I can do I swear that if we must fight, we will fight together. You will never for a moment doubt my love. Please know that I am sincere. I will do any task that you set, I will follow any rule you in-state. Just please, I ask that you give me the chance to court my love.”

While they were speaking, so many people brought Macaque different little snacks or drinks before dinner. It was irritating him. Eventually, he snapped and said, “Alright, I’ll eat one if you will just stop bothering me.” He ate a random treat that was handed to him.

And, slowly, unnoticeably, his eyes began turning pink.

Chapter Text

Something is wrong with his moon. When Wukong came back to the table from his talk with Sangshen, some random monkey was in his seat, flirting with Mihou. The odd thing was Mihou wasn’t rejecting him. He was actually leaning in closer with his tail swishing left to right over the floor. This situation isn’t normal. His moonlight detests any stranger coming into his space; strangers have always made him feel overwhelmed.

Wukong was trying to figure out what was going on, but had to think fast as he saw the other monkey try to hand Macaque a little cake with peanut toppings. He made his way over and knocked the treat out of the stranger’s hands.

“Wukong, what was that for?” Macaque said, seemingly….upset?

“Mihou, you are allergic to nuts. Why would you let that anywhere near you?”

That seemed to get through to him. Macaque looked to the treat now thrown away from him. The entire top was covered in nuts. Why did he let that near him? “…I…I don’t know.”

“Are you okay?” Wukong felt his forehead, but he felt normal.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

Sangshen had caught up to Wukong after a bit. Her brother is allergic. She didn’t know that. What else does she not know?

The other monkey blushed in embarrassment. He was trying to show how well he knew the pretty little thing, and the emperor showed everyone that he doesn’t. He wanted to say something to prove he does know, but he didn’t know what he could say.

Just then he caught sight of some of the cubs running around and couldn’t help but sneer. He despises cubs. They should really ought to be seen and not heard.

“Someone should really teach those kids to be quiet.”

Wukong waited for Macaque to take this monkey down, as he had anyone talking that way about cubs. But it never came.

“Oh, …yeah…. someone should.” That is wrong, Mihou adores cubs. They were his favorite task to take care of back on the mountain. Now, because of this one man’s words, suddenly he despises them. Normally he used his shadows to throw them far away from the cubs then he would make them feel better with a shadow play.

Wukong needs to find out what happened to him, but he doesn’t think he’ll get any progress by just standing here.. “Macaque, will you be okay?”

“Of course. Do what you have to do.” Macaque waved him off. His moonlight has never acted like this before. Wukong needs to get to the bottom of this.

He left the dining room. He wasn’t sure where he should start. He tried to think. That is when Sangshen caught up to him.

“Sire, I haven’t known my brother long; correct me if I’m wrong, but were his eyes always pink?”

“No, they are amber.” His eyes always seemed to shine brighter at both sunset and sunrise. It’s like magic.

“…Do you know what it means when someone’s eyes turn pink?”

Wukong looked up, confused. “No. Is it important?”

She was afraid to tell him. With how he had been, she was so sure he would go on a murder spree. “It’s from some Junbei berries.”

“Fake love.”

“Fake love?” Why would he call it that? That is what it is, but she had never heard it called that.

“That is what we call it on our mountain. You think that is what is going on with Mihou?”

“Yes.”

He sighed, “Sangshen, I have noticed that you do not like bloodshed, and I have tried to accommodate that, but this one needs to die so Mihou can be free.”

….This whole time, he had been holding back? “Why?”

“You don’t know this, but when he would talk about possibly seeing where he came from, he wanted them to both accept both him and whoever became his mate. He wants that family bond, even if it is hard for him to say outright. You are not some distant relative; you are his older sister. You are able to tell him about your family, and that alone was more than he hoped for. You are already so important to him, and so you are important to me as well.” He took a breath before continuing, “We have both seen how you shy away from violence. It is odd to us, but we have wanted you to feel comfortable. So, we have both held back in some of our more violent tendencies.”

“…My brother too?”

“Him too, yes. Sangshen, when I told you he is a great warrior I meant it. He is the only one that can come close to going toe to toe with me. He is capable. You saw how he sent away that one that tried to sit between you two; he opened a portal at the drop of a hat and teleported him away. That’s not how he usually deals with nuisances; he was peaceful only for your sake.”

But they can’t pick to be peaceful this time. The only known way to break fake love is by killing the one who had concocted it.

Sangshen was about to back off when she remembered something, “Your majesty, I'm not sure if she has finished but my sister-in-law has been working on a cure for just such an ailment. Maybe she can save my brother without the loss of life.”

“Is that truly the way you want us to go about this?” It would be so much easier and fulfilling to just get rid of the suitor.

“Please.”

Wukong sighed, “Alright, I will go and see this woman and ask if she has a cure.”

Sangshen was shocked, she didn’t truly believe that the emperor would humor her. Even with his speech, she thought it to be lip service. Yet here he was, willing to take her up on her offer. “…Thank you.”

While this was going on in the corridor, Macaque was listening intently to the other monkey. He was talking about what it would be like when he joined his family. This monkey already has two wives and a husband. So, it will be a big happy family. He gave a dopey like smile at the thought. The other monkey kept going on about how things were going to go from now on.

Macaque wasn’t going to leave the compound without him. He would only love him. He had to cut off contact with everyone from his past, including his sister. All he will need is to be with his new family.

He was about to agree when his brother-in-law stepped in. “You will have to discuss this matter with myself and my wife first, as we are the elders in this situation.”

“Why?” The other wasn’t willing to chance the heir’s wife from ruining this for him. He won the beauty, now it was time to claim his prize.

“Would you dare to side step the laws of courting?” To disrespect an elder like this, is unforgiveable. If there are elders, then they must agree to the courtship; otherwise, both parties are disgraced. More often than not the elders get rid of the offending party. Then they take their clan member and remind them of the rules of courtship.

“No, you are right, of course. When can we sit down and discuss this?”

“When my wife feels up to it.”

“But-“

“Are you questioning me?”

“No, sir.”

Yishan had been watching over his brother-in-law so he didn’t hurt his wife by agreeing to something exactly like that. He knows that if the stranger’s offer to Macaque was accepted, then she may never recover. And he couldn’t chance that happening.

Chapter Text

Why isn’t my body listening to me? I wanted to punch this guy, but I can’t move. What is happening to me?

Macaque tried to jerk away from the monkey sitting next to me, but felt dread wash over himself when he realized that he was frozen in place. When he took a sip a water, he was able to catch a small glimpse of his face. His eyes weren’t amber anymore; they were pink. And he only knows of one potion that makes a person’s eyes change to pink. But why? Any demon worth their salt would never have to stoop to such a level.

He looked at the monkey who had given him the love potion. Just by looking at him, he could tell that he isn’t that strong, but he claims to have multiple spouses. Is this how he got them? Are they all trapped in this state?

That is the dumbest rule for courtship. He had been alone for so long and now out of nowhere; he needs permission to be with the one he loves. This is the worst thing ever.

Wait, why did he just think that? He doesn’t want to be married to this man. His heart belongs to…another. He was unable to kill this monkey to free him, so he must trust that his king will take care of it and save him. But with how his sister is, will he be willing to upset her and do this? He isn’t sure, and that does scare him.

He tried to get his brother-in-law to back down with no luck. Anytime he tries, he just tells him that his sister will talk to him about it. He tried to get up to find her, but so many people got in his way. No matter what he attempted, they just kept coming.

At least the others vying for his attention are being useful right now. He doesn’t really want to find his sister. For now, so long as she stays away, he doesn’t have to move forward with this courtship. All he can hope for is that he doesn’t see his sister for a while and that Wukong is quick to rescue him. His king hasn’t done anything to let him down before, and he doesn’t believe he will do so now. Not when he needs him the most.

Eventually, he decided to sit back down and just wait for her to show up.

But neither her nor Wukong came back that night. His brother-in-law was clearly antsy but he still didn’t leave his side.

He was thankful for this. He doesn’t know what this monkey would do if he was left alone with him. And with this potion, he isn’t sure that he will be able to protect himself. The thought terrified him.

Eventually, the dinner ended. The strange monkey got up as if to escort him to his room, but, thankfully, his brother-in-law didn’t allow it. He’s not sure if this is how it’s normally done but even if it’s not, he’s incredibly glad.

Once he was safely back in his room, all his body would allow for was a little small sigh of relief.

He slowly walked over to his bed right under the window. The light curtains around it didn’t really do much in the way of privacy or blocking out the sunlight, but they do look pretty. The bed was covered with fluffy pillows and blankets so at night he could make a nest to rest comfortably in.

After the day he has had, he wants nothing more than to curl up and forget about everything going on.

Meanwhile, Yishan was not having a good time. He couldn’t accompany his wife and had to leave her in the care of another. At least he was now almost certain the emperor was not interested in his wife. He still does not like that he has to trust the emperor to be loyal to his brother-in-law.

At least, before they set out, he was able to talk with Emperor Wukong.

He had heard it all, someone had dared to bring that into his home. Oh, what were the other going to think? This can not stand. His wife can’t be too upset if he takes out this worthless thing. After all, he had done this to her brother. And the emperor may not have noticed, but Yishan saws her fists clench in anger. She wants to kill him too.

But she has never done it before. So, she may just not know how to get started on it. Oh, that could be a new date for them. He could teach her how to properly get rid of their enemies. She can already break them down easily with words, just not so much physically.

His daydream about their future date was interrupted by someone. He was about to yell when he saw it was the emperor.

“Yishan, can I ask you a favor?”

“…Depends on what it is?”

Wukong took a breath before explaining, “Your wife just told me that your sister may have a cure for fake love. She wants to lead me there to see.”

He can already kind of see where this is going, and he does not appreciate it. If his wife isn’t here, then why would he be?

“My favor is, would you be willing to watch over Macaque while we are gone?”

“You expect me to just let you gallivant around with my wife?” He was about to keep going when he was interrupted.

“You think I wouldn’t rather be with my love right now? I have to trust that you would keep him safe.” It clearly hurt Wukong to say this. “I don’t know you. I don’t trust you. But…” He glanced over at the dining room. “In this situation, I do not have the authority to put that man down properly. You however, do.”

“And what makes you think I would trust you? That woman is my everything, and everyone has heard the stories about you. I can accept you may not be attracted to her.” He’s not sure he understands how, but he can reasonably be sure that the emperor is not attracted to her. “But why would I believe that you will protect her?”

“Because I am trusting you to protect everything. This isn’t a game to me. This is Mihou’s life on the line.”

Yishan looked over to his wife, “Let me talk to her and see what she thinks.” He walked over to her.

She kept glancing at the dining room herself. She wants to protect her brother, but she isn’t that strong. She could break them emotionally but not physically. She wasn’t sure that her idea to protect her brother was going to happen as it depended on her husband.

“Hello, darling.”

She turned around, “Hello, husband.”

“You know, the emperor asked me a strange favor.”

“Wasn’t so much him as it was me.”

He looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

“You know when it comes to physical strength, I’m not the best.” He nodded before she went on, “All these monkeys won’t leave, and I don’t have the power to make them back off.” That hurt her to say. More than she wanted to admit. Ever since she found out her little brother was alive, she wanted to be strong enough to protect him. But she has not been able to, not even once. However, with this, she may have a chance. “I’m his older sister, and I haven’t been able to protect him at all. While visiting us, he got poisoned with that deplorable concoction.” The anger started to seep into her voice.

He likes it. He knows that she can be strong, it’s only in times like this that she truly starts to show it though. “We can just kill him and be done with it. It’s a quick fix.”

“…That’s too easy on him,” she said, shaking with rage, “I don’t ask you for much, but I am asking for this. While his majesty and I go to see your sister, I need you to make that monkey’s life hell. I want him to regret ever hearing our name. The worst off he is the better.”

“…Do you have to go? You could stay here and help me torment him.”

She was clearly tempted; he could see it in her eyes.

But she shook her head. “I want to take this time to thoroughly investigate the emperor, as well as let your sister know about her upcoming niece or nephew.”

Right, that thing. He had been trying so hard to convince her to get rid of it, but no such luck.

“Husband, I am trusting you to protect my last blood relative. He means a lot to me and I know you won’t let any harm come to him.”

She was manipulating him and he knew it; he loves this woman so much.

“Besides, with how things were looking before, it is entirely possible the emperor may be our future in law. I want to spend more time with him to see if he’s worthy of joining the family. I don’t doubt that he is strong, but I still want to know more about his character.”

Yishan wanted so badly to say no. He wanted to just scoop her up and take her back to the room away from everyone. But they have talked about this, many times. She truly does asks for so little. He knows that watching over Macaque will make her happy. So, in all actuality, he has no choice but to agree.

“…Keep your weapon handy. Just in case.”

Chapter Text

The temple sat at the top of the hill. Its ancient stones gleamed under the midday sun, each carved figure telling stories of long-forgotten deities and quests. As he climbed the winding path leading to the temple, he felt a mixture of hope and trepidation. The air was thick with the scent of incense, a promise of the intervention he so desperately sought.

Wukong assisted Sangshen up the path. She had grown larger since they first met, making it harder for her to move.

“Are you alright?”

"Don’t worry, your majesty. I will be fine." She sat down on a stone to the side for a short rest.

“…If you’re sure.” Wukong waited for her to rest up. He had offered to take them to the temple by Nimbus, but she had insisted on them walking. He doesn’t understand it, but if it makes her happy, that’s what they’ll do.

Sangshen observed him closely. Throughout this entire situation, he has consistently followed her guidance. As the emperor of all three realms, it is unusual for him to defer to her so frequently. She understands his desire to court her brother, but such a powerful individual would rarely show such consideration. Therefore, what are his true intentions?

She'll know by the trip's end.

The sun was beginning to set as they arrived at the temple door.

Sangshen was glad to finally make it. They had been walking for so long. She immediately set out to try and find her sister-in-law. It wasn’t too late in the night, so she should be able to speak with her and get what is required to rescue her brother.

Wukong followed after her.

They took some time to find her but eventually saw her sister-in-law, who was sweeping the temple.

“Shanzha, thank goodness we found you.”

Shanzha, taken by surprise, let the broom slip from her grasp. Upon turning, she observed her sister-in-law, though her brother was notably absent.

“It’s so good to see you. But where is my brother?” Her brother is many things, but willing to be away from his wife for any amount of time will never be one of them. Was he hurt or something? Is that why she’s here to see her?

“No no he’s fine. I asked him to stay back for this.” She walked over to her and grabbed her hand. “I remember in your last letter, you had spoken of attempting a cure for Junbei berries. Have you made any progress on that endeavor?” Anyone who heard her could hear the desperation in her voice.

“…Who ate the berries?” It’s not like her sister-in-law to really care if any of the clansman feel for such a trick. And her brother was so paranoid. He doesn’t allow it anywhere near his or his wife’s plates. Did a child eat it? Even if they did, by the time they would’ve gotten to her, it likely would be too late.

“…. Do you remember me telling you about my brother?”

“Yes, you told me that he had passed when he was a baby.”

“He lived.” Sangshen couldn’t help but start to gush once more. “He had survived my attempt to save him. And you remember those stories about the warrior by the new emperor side, that’s my brother. He ended up in the Monkey King’s troop. He’s been living on Flower Fruit Mountain this whole time. He looks so much like our mother...he even has our family’s magic, and he found a way to use it, not as a weapon, but as entertainment for children. He entertains the cubs of his troop by doing shadow puppet shows. I can’t believe no one in our clan had ever thought of that before.”

Shanzha cannot say that she has ever seen her sister-in-law this animated before. She had always been so quiet. It is a pleasant change.

Wukong had not been noticed yet and was just listening to her talk about his moonlight. He didn’t know that he looked like his mother. Or that the shadow magic he uses was a family trait. He couldn’t help the small smile from forming as he listened to her.

"Unfortunately like our mother before us, my brother has many suitors vying for his hand. “

“Wait, someone actually used that tactic to try and gain your brother ‘s favor?”

She nodded. It is deplorable and shameful; to think such a concoction ever made it to her brother’s plate enrages her. She should’ve been more on the lookout, but, at the time, she was so focused on the emperor. She didn’t think about the others that would be trying. This was a personal failing of hers make no mistake on that. She had heard just how many wanted her brother, but foolishly she had fought with the emperor clearly trying to win him over it would’ve bought them more time.

She can’t afford to make that mistake again. Whether her sister-in-law has the cure or not, once they get back to the clan house, that monkey will meet his end; but it will not be by the emperor. This monkey dared to try and force her brother into a relationship, after everything she had gone through just to avoid this exact situation for him. She will not let this stand. She’s not a fighter, but she will do what is needed to protect what is left of her family.

That was when Shanzha finally noticed Wukong in the background. “Sister who did you bring with you?”

Sangshen was so engulfed in her thoughts she had completely forgotten that the emperor was behind her. Hopefully he doesn’t mind. She slowly turned her head to glance back at him and saw his small smile. “Shanzha, this would be Sun Wukong, the new Jade emperor.”

Shanzha’s eyes widened and she immediately bowed to him. They had completely ignored the emperor. She can only hope he isn’t mad.

Wukong sighed, he wasn’t used to all this bowing. His people were never that formal. While he was technically king, he was still another member of the troop. I never did all this bowing and your majesty. Heck this clan hasn’t once had a cub come up to him to start to play. “Please rise.”

Shanzha did so hesitantly. Why was the emperor with her sister-in-law? She knows her brother would never allow such a thing. What was going on?

“Sangshen had told me of your talent. Is it true you were attempting to make a cure for fake love?”

Fake love? She guesses that the berries could be called that. “Yes, your grace. It has been a side project of mine for a while.”

“Do you think it is anywhere close to being ready? For if it is, then anything you desire shall be yours.”

She can’t lie. “…No, I know that it is missing something. I am just uncertain as to what.”

He figured as much. Still the fact that she is attempting it is nothing short of extraordinary. “Alright. Still, know this. If at any point in the future, you succeeded in making a cure, I will reward you handsomely. While it may not be ready now. Sangshen has convinced me that one day you will.”

Sangshen couldn’t accept it may not be ready. “What could you be missing? You’ve been working on this for so long.”

Shanzha started to explain. With the concoction she has right now, she is able to break part of it, but not all of it. What she has now would allow the victim to speak what they truly feel but their body would still react as if they were under the berries effect.

She had another concoction that allowed the body to be outside of the berries effect, but the words still spoke of love. Right now, she is trying to isolate the element that could do both.

“Is there anything we could do to help?”

Shanzha had to think for a moment. “Maybe if you two gather some of the ingredients I’m running low on I can do more experiments to see if I could isolate it.”

Sangshen immediately agreed. She had her sister-in-law write up a quick list and off she went. Wukong quickly followed after her. Wukong glanced at the list and saw a familiar flower. His first wife’s favorite flower, Hibiscus flowers. How ironic, would it be if his first wife’s favorite flower was the key ingredient to save his moonlight?

Chapter Text

Macaque was extremely appreciative of his brother-in-law. Throughout the period when his suitor persistently attempted to get closer, his brother-in-law successfully managed to deter those advances. That was a challenging task, considering the suitor's strong insistence on pursuing an engagement. Despite only recently meeting this individual, the suitor was already advocating for an engagement. This situation is far from being child’s play.

He did not wish to leave the guest room, as the suitor was attempting to wait just outside his door. The only thing keeping him at bay were the seals placed on the rooms, and even with that he did not feel safe around him.

He sighed and looked out the window.

His sister and Wukong had been gone for days. Why didn’t Wukong kill the suitor before he left? It would have been so quick, and then he wouldn’t have to deal with him anymore. That would have been the best way. As he thought about it, he was sure he knew why. His sister.

Wukong tried to rush back to the clan house as fast as he would. Sangshen had to hold on tight as he pushed Nimbus to go faster. He needs to be back to his moonlight’s side.

"Your majesty," she said, attempting to speak over the wind, but it was too strong.

They returned to the clan house before evening. They both immediately made their way inside. Wukong activated his gold vision and quickly found his moon hiding in his room here. And the suitor was right outside his door.

He wanted to immediately get rid of the monkey but Sangshen had a different idea.

She wanted to humiliate this monkey before death. Her sister-in-law at this point in time wasn’t able to separate what she needed. But she did hand them the concoction that allows the victim to speak what is truly in their heart. And what better way to let people know her brother isn’t OK with this than to hear him say it himself?

It’s going to be close, what she’s been hearing this suitor has been pushing for engagement ever since her brother ate the berries. Her husband has been doing a good job pushing it off, but the main way he’s been doing that is she hasn’t been around. Now that she is that tactic isn’t gonna work anymore.

“Sangshen, I know you don’t want violence and I have respected that choice. But this is different. Mihou is one of my subjects. While, he is a member of your family. It is my duty as his ruler to protect him. He has been in danger from this monkey for far too long already. It is time to end this.”

“Not in this matter you can’t. You have asked to court him this monkey is another suitor. You know you are not allowed to harm him. The only ones allowed to take care of this are myself, my husband or my little brother. You can not step in.”

Her words knocked the air out of Wukong’s lungs. The whole reason he got as strong as he did was to protect those he loves, and here he was being told that he wasn’t able to protect the one he loves most. What makes it worse is that she is right.

The rules of demon courting were crystal clear. Because he is a suitor, he has to follow a clear set of rules; he can’t be alone with Mihou for long periods of tim, he must declare himself and his intentions in front of his love’s family, he must show that he can protect and provide for them, and, once he has shown that he is worthy, he’s able to take his love to the home he has provided for them. Not only that; every land has added rules on top of that. But unfortunately, there is one rule that makes it so he can’t hurt the little monkey who has done this. Suitors are not allowed to harm each other. They can use tricks to try to get rid of another, but no physical force.

For Flower Fruit Mountain, you were to gather flowers to weave into your partner's fur. If they accept your courtship, then you can weave them in. The longer the flowers are in, the more devoted your partner is to you. Your future in-laws or your future mate themselves, can challenge you to a fight to make you prove yourself. And of course, let’s not forget the little gifts that are just expected to show your appreciation and love; but that’s just a given.

All that being said, Wukong isn’t sure that he could calm down enough to trick the monkey. Every time he even thinks about him, he is enraged. He won’t be able to trick him not really, with how blind his rage is right now, he knows he will kill him. And if he does that, he forfeits the right to court his moon. He can’t chance that happening.

He really really doesn’t like it. But, he was going to have to depend on someone else to save his moon. He can only hope that she has the same cunning mind that his moon does. Because she does not have the physical strength, and neither does her husband. And while the other monkey doesn’t look like much either, he’s not so sure his future in-laws are strong enough to fight him.

He had to take several deep breaths before he could speak again. “… I know you are correct. But that does not make it easy for me to admit. It is not easy for me to depend on someone else to protect those I care for. But you are right. By law, I cannot touch him. If I was not so angry, I could probably trick him into doing it himself, but….”

“I know.” She may not have understood the emperor more than at this very moment. All she wants to do is rip that monkey limb from limb. He has dared to do such a brazen thing in her home. That is one of the lowest tricks you can do to get a mate. And to have it done to her little brother. Every instinct in her body was telling her to get revenge. To take action against this monkey. And to not stop until he was nothing more then a smear on the floor.

She was broke out of her thoughts when someone hugged her from behind. The servants of the house knew to never touch her, and none of the family members were willing to chance angering her husband to even look at her too long. That means it can only be one person. “Hello husband.”

“Hello my darling.” His voice was a bit muffled as he spoke into her hair than to her.

“Was the suitor too much trouble?”

“Never.” He debated whether or not to tell her about the suitor camping out in front of her brother’s room, however. The books say he shouldn’t keep secrets from his wife. “However, the little thing did get a little bold the last two days.”

“Oh?” Bold, he says. Considering her very love, obsessed, possessive husband, what on earth could he think is too bold?

“He’s been camping out in front of your brother’s room the last few days.”

That stopped both her and the emperor dead in their tracks. “I’m sorry I don’t think I heard you correctly. Did you just say that this suitor was…”

“Camping out in front of his room yes.”

“And you allowed this?”

“Of course not.” She had given him a very simple task. To protect his brother-in-law. So, the first night he had caught the suitor, he had him whipped. The second night he caught him, he forced him to eat poisonous plants, not enough to be fatal because he’s sure that his love would want to do that herself, but enough to be very painful. The third night she was gone. He was still recovering from the poison and was not able to camp out. Weakling. The fourth night he did try again, by then he had already set up seals to make that very uncomfortable for him. He will forever be dealing with the after effects of that. And now, on the fifth night his wife is finally back.

“Then what did you do to prevent this?” She was shaking in rage. She asked her husband for so little and yet the one task that she gave him he allowed for this.

He told her exactly what he had done. Every single punishment the monkey had gotten every night he caught him.

That did stop her short. It’s not that her husband wasn’t trying to protect her brother, just that the monkey was more persistent than any of them thought. She needed a moment to calm down. “How uncomfortable did you make it?”

“No matter what the outcome, he will never have cubs of his own.”

“You say that like I was ever going to let him live.”

He had to smile at that. “I know, but it is not a painless procedure, darling.”

While all this was happening, Wukong was thinking. The suitor had been camping outside his moonlight’s bedroom door. If not for his future brother-in-law‘s preparations, who knows what would’ve happened. Not only that but the suitor, he didn’t learn from being whipped, he didn’t learn from being poisoned and now it seems he didn’t learn from mutilation. So it absolutely must be a very painful death. But are they up for it?

Wukong looked to the two of them. And maybe, for the first time he was not seeing the gentle woman he has come to expect. For once he was seeing the calculation and the rage in her eyes. And now more than just her beauty, he can see just how this woman is related to Mihou. She has a plan. He just hopes that it is a good plan.

Macaque was not looking forward to the dinner. Now that his sister was finally home, he doesn’t have that as an excuse to push the suitor away from him. He can’t end up with this monkey. He doesn’t like him even a little bit. He just wanted to hide away from him a bit longer. At least until he finally figures out how to beat out this fake love. Once that happens, he’ll be free to get rid of the monkey and be done with it.

He tried to skip dinner and just avoid this awkward situation entirely, unfortunately, that wasn’t an option. And so, when his sister and brother-in-law came to get him for the night, he had to go with them.

His body was still not cooperating with him. He can feel himself smile when he catches side of the other monkey. He wants to throw up. He was clearly not doing so well after experiencing his brother-in-law‘s hospitality the last few days. You would think that would be a hint to leave him alone. But clearly not. The other monkey quickly started making his way over to them.

He shuddered thinking that he was coming to sit down with them. Luckily his sister had made it so there was no seat empty near him. He was sitting next to both his sister and Wukong.

The monkey clearly was caught off guard with the seating arrangement, but he still pushed forward with his plan. Now that the sister was finally back, he could start on the next step. Soon he would have the most beautiful monkey in existence on his arm forever more.

“It is so lovely to see you once more, Lady Sangshen. I’m not sure if you remember me, I am Deshen. I’ve traveled a great distance to ask for your permission to count your brother.” He did not offer any gifts as is customary when getting permission to court another. Even without his terrible first impressions and horrendous actions, he would not be starting off well.

Yishan could only grip the armchair until his knuckles turned white. His wife had told him the plan. He just needs to play his part to make it come together. Oh, but he doesn’t like it. How dare this vermin speak his wife’s name. He should have his tongue ripped out and fed to him. He’ll bring it up to his wife later.

“You come to ask permission, but you do not bring the customary gifts?” She raised a brow in question.

This caused Deshen to panic, this isn’t how it was meant to go. “I-I had given your husband the gifts on the first night I asked Madame.”

She turned to her husband to see if he would collaborate this monkey’s story.

He shook his head. “We were offered no gifts.” And truly they weren’t. What this monkey had given them was a poor attempt at concealed control talismans. With those talismans, they wouldn’t have been able to go against him. Did he really think that he would allow such a thing near his wife? That he wouldn’t know exactly what they were. This monkey clearly thinks them stupid.

She hummed an acknowledgment. Then she turned back to the monkey. He was clearly searching for whatever he had given. From what her husband told her those talismans if worn would have allowed this monkey to convince them of anything. Whether that be giving up territory or her own brother.

So many forget that there is a reason her husband has become clan heir over all his brothers and sisters. And little tricks like that are never going to slip by him. And with how many know just how possessive he is over her, does this stranger think he wouldn’t check any gifts religiously? It is simply common knowledge at this point.

“Since you clearly do not wish to follow procedure, is that how you are going to proceed with your entire courtship if we allow it to commence? You’ve seen how many want my brother’s hand in marriage. So why would we allow someone you cannot follow the rules to even attempt?”

Deshen immediately tried to get closer to her, but was blocked by her husband. “ My Lord and My Lady, whatever I must do to prove my sincerity I will do. Just give me a task and I will see it done.”

Sangshen smiled as if waiting for this moment. “ Then let it be a trial by combat. I will be choosing a champion, of course.”

This made Deshen freeze. He’s not as great at manipulation on the battlefield. However, since this is for courtship, he is unable to choose a champion. It must be done himself. He never thought she would choose this as she had said in the past it was a barbaric way of choosing a partner. But now she picks this for her brother?

“My lady, have you not said in the past that this is barbaric and you would never go this route for your loved ones?”

“I have.” She slowly stood up and walked over. “ However you have shown such blatant disrespect to both me and my husband throughout this entire process. You wish to show your sincerity? Then prove it.”

Deshen grid his teeth. Fine, if that’s how she wants to play then he’ll play. The champion will most likely be her husband. He is strong, but not so strong that he’s impossible to beat. His emotions constantly get the better of him. Deshen could barely stop himself from grinning. This can still work out in his favor. “ Very well. Am I allowed to know your champion?”

She nodded before waving, her hand, not towards her husband, but towards the Jade emperor. “ I am picking my brother‘s oldest friend. I still know very little of my brother, however, Sun Wukong has been by his side for centuries. Look better to test your work against than one who knows him so well.”

Deshen could barely hold back the whimper that started to build. She was angrier than he thought. She doesn’t want him to survive this. She wants him dead at her feet. The new emperor was not known for his mercy. And he was courting the beauty as well. Wait, that may be his loophole.

Chapter Text

“My lady, I’m not sure that will work. The Jade Emperor is a suitor himself. As stated by law, he is not allowed to harm me while we both court your brother.”

“That would be true if he was going in as a suitor. But,” she smiled, “he is going in as my champion. And I have given the reason why he is my champion.”

It’s a very delicate balance. A champion would have to be connected if not so the one picking them then the reason why there is a fight in the first place. His Majesty may not be connected to her, but he has been at her brother’s side for so long. The champion was to fight in her place as is customary. And it’s just her family’s luck that the one who is closest to her brother is also the strongest being in three realms.

Deshen could only grit his teeth. Technically that was true. But how was it fair that she was picking the emperor as her champion? He had a plan for her husband. He can’t use that plan against the emperor. And because this is a challenge to test his sincerity, he can not use the brother in the scenario. If he tried, then it would prove that he’s not truly sincere, and he can’t chance them turning away his courtship.

“Of course, your grace. May I ask that it take place a different day? It’ll be such a spectacle; it’s only right my spouses get to be here as well.”

Unfortunately, she could not deny him this. As this was trial by combat, it is entirely likely he will not survive. As such, he may need to see if he final words to his next of kin. And since he has asked it, they must comply. “Of course we are not unreasonable. The fight shall take place in three days time. Considering how quickly you got here once word had spread of my brother that should be more than enough for your spouses to get here.” It still makes her angry thinking about it. At the very least most of the others who would come to court her brother were single and didn’t have spouses already. This one however, wanted her brother to be a third spouse, not even the first. The disrespect this monkey has given enrages her every time she thinks back on it.

He was unable to say no. If he admits that he only found out because of the spies he has in their home then that would be a whole another issue. So he needs to somehow get his spouses here when the trip home there takes about three days. She likely already knew this and that’s why she gave him exactly that time. If they do not show up in three days time, it will be counted as him trying to stall, and his courtship will be void.

This means he won’t have time to be around her brother. As soon as he’s dismissed, he’s going to have to rush home, and that is probably the only reason that she accepted his request.

She smiled as she watch him squirm. He was clearly trying so hard to find a way to manipulate his way to the top. He didn’t understand that her clan, before they were destroyed, were master manipulators. She had learned how to manipulate such situations by the time she was thirty. But she has to admit; it is fun to see this monkey try to out maneuver her.

“You are dismissed. I’m sure you need to pack for your quick journey home. We will see you in three days time at the training courtyard at Dawn.” With that, she turned away from him. She said all she needs to say to him right now.

He couldn’t stay and eat, nor could he stop to speak with the beauty anymore. The second he was dismissed he turned and walked out. He can’t run; not yet. It cannot seem like he is in a hurry.

Once he had left, dinner had continued as peacefully as it could after such a display. One of the suitors didn’t give a gift when declaring themselves. Then because of the disrespect, the future lady of this house called for a trial by combat. This is so much more drama than the clan is used to seeing. Ever since the beauty had come into their lives, the clan house had been much livelier.

Now, by decree of the clan heir’s wife: the suitor must now fight against the jade emperor to prove his sincerity. Oh, everyone couldn’t help but wonder how the emperor is going to kill him? Was it going to be quick because of his rage or would he drag it out? So, many choices and it would all come to a head in three days time. They can’t wait.

Wukong looked to his right and caught sight of his moonlight relaxing into the chair. The suitor was gone for now, and he actually had a chance to breathe.

“Are you alright?”

“Huh?” Macaque looked over at him in surprise. He was so lost and thought that he had forgotten that Wukong was beside him. “Oh, yeah. I’m okay.”

Wukong didn’t push him. Even if he wasn’t okay now, he will be once the challenge comes to an end.

Sangshen put a specially prepared dish in front of her brother.

“Oh, thank you sister.” It was was really sweet. Not his favorite flavor but nice.

“So, how do you feel about this Deshen brother dear?”

“I want to gorge out his eyes for leering at me.” He actually could say what he truly wanted to say. How? The berries should make that impossible.

“Fascinating. And my sister was able to make this?”

“Yes she was.”

“Wait, what? What did she make? How can I…”

She grabbed Macaque’s hand. “I know this is confusing, but let’s wait until after dinner.” She wiggled her ears and he understood. You never know who is listening in.

“Of course. Thank you sister.” He squeezed her hand before releasing it and continue to eat.

His mind couldn’t stop racing. He was actually able to speak what he actually felt. With the berries still in fact he shouldn’t be able to do that. His brother-in-law mentioned his sister. Is that who made this? Whatever this is. He almost wants to cry in relief. It may not be much, but he could actually object now. That is huge.

Wukong grabbed his hand. When Macaque looked at their joint hands, he could see his were shaking badly. He tried to take a deep breath. It didn’t help as much as he had hoped it would.

“Sister, please excuse me. I think I’m going to retire early tonight.” With his hands shaking he’s not sure he’ll be able to eat anything else.

“Oh, of course.” She was about to stand up to walk with him to his room, when he waved her away.

“Eat. You’ve been on the road for days. Take the time to relax yourself. And if you don’t mind, I would like Wukong to escort me to my room.”

She she looked at him for a while before she slowly got back in her seat and nodded. “Alright. If you stay up a bit longer, we will be able to talk once I am finished here.”

“That sounds perfect.”

And with that, both Wukong and Macaque walked towards his room.

It was only when they were in front of his room that Macaque turned to look at Wukong. “…I need to know something. Are you going to kill him?”

“I want to.” Wukong has been daydreaming about this exact scenario since Mihou ingested the berries. “But if I am going in as a champion, then I don’t have the right to decide on whether he lives or dies. It will be up to your sister.”

He looked down trying to hold back tears. He knows this but at this point he just wants this monkey gone. He had heard so many nasty stories and comments from him while they waited. He doesn’t want to chance him trying again later. “Do you think she will listen to me if I ask?”

“I think so.” She had mumbled under her breath what she thought he deserved while they were on the trip. She was extremely creative about her plans. He hopes that she lets him implement one during the fight.

“I hope so.”

Wukong didn’t like just how scared his moonlight sounded. “Mihou, even if she doesn’t let me kill him in the fight, know that I will never let anyone hurt you.”

Macaque blushed at the decoration. He knows that Wukong wouldn’t let anyone hurt him, but it was still nice to hear once in a while. “I know sunshine, but still…”

“No buts. No one can harm you. I won’t allow it.”

The three days leading up to the fight went by quickly. Deshen returned to the clan house with his spouses just in time.

Sangshen smiled as Deshen scrambled into place across from Wukong. Everyone’s eyes were on the duel, especially with the Jade Emperor present as a champion. She raised her hand.

“3...2...1...Begin!”

Deshen lunged at Wukong, aiming for his eyes. Just as his claws dug into his flesh, Wukong disappeared in a golden poof of air. Deshen’s eyes widened, realizing that he was only attacking a clone.

From behind him, Wukong pulled out his staff and swept it across the air, hitting Dashen in the chest with an audible crack.

That was all it took.

As Deshen fell to the ground dead, his spouses all fell to the floor at the same time. The only reason that Mihou didn’t hit the floor was because his sister caught him in time.

Once Wukong saw them fall out of the corner of his eye, he immediately turned around and looked for Macaque. He found him in his sister’s arms. He rushed over. “Is he okay?”

“I- I’m not sure. I hope so. With that monkey dead, we can at least be sure that he will no longer be under the effects of the berries.”

The problem is that they don’t know just how much the berries messed with him mentally or emotionally. There was only one thing they could be certain of.

“Whatever it takes, we will be there to take care of him.”

“What if he isn’t all there anymore?” Most of the suitors would probably leave if that happens so that’s one good side. Of course the emperor will leave as well.

“Then I’ll take care of him.” Wukong didn’t hesitate.

“…What?” She had to have misheard him. There was no way that the emperor had said that he would take care of him.

“Sangshen, I meant it when I told you that I love him. If the worst happens then I will stand by his side forevermore.”

“But you would need to find a empress that could help you.”

“I don’t care about the realms. I care about my mountain and your brother. I’ve grown to care for you and your husband as well. But that’s pretty much it. I care about those connected to me.”

“But you have a duty to the realms.”

“The only reason I ever strived to become the Jade Emperor was to protect the people I love, and the person I love most is him.”

Sangshen was shocked at these words. She was so sure that Sun Wukong was just after her brother for his looks. But being willing to stand by his side even if the worst happens…

While she was distracted, Wukong moved closer to them. He got to his knees beside them and quietly asked if he could take Mihou into his arms.

Sangshen looked deep into his eyes before slowly passing her brother over to him.

Wukong brought him into his gentle embrace. Mihou’s eyes were open only for a few seconds, but that was all he needed to see the amber shining like gold once again. Wukong couldn’t help but smile. His pretty eyes are back the way they’re meant to be.

Chapter Text

The three spouses were as well as they could be after experiencing the influence of the berries for so long. Macaque can’t even begin to imagine how they must have felt this whole time. He didn’t see much of them before they went back to their own families, as his sister and Wukong have both been hovering over him since the fight.

They had dragged him to just about every medical professional that they could find in the area. Wukong had thought of going to the celestial realm and grabbing someone from up there, but the time difference stopped him. He didn’t want to chance someone doing anything else while he was gone. So, in the end, they both just hovered around as the others poked and prodded him to see if he was all right.

Macaque understands why they are hovering, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying. He just needs some space to breathe after all of that, but, with none of the suitors leaving, it makes things a bit difficult.

He knows that his sister is hoping that most of them would be willing to leave after this whole debacle, but no. Not a single one was willing to leave him alone. In fact, some of them have just become more brazen.

After this, he has not accepted any food or drinks from anyone that wasn’t his sister or Wukong. He just can’t trust that someone will not try the same tactic on him. It was hell being trapped within your own mind; he never wants to go through that again.

It was a bit difficult when it was mealtime, but Wukong would always be the one to go and get him something to eat, while his sister was the one to arrange for their snacks and drinks.

He has tried to stop his sister at least. She is pregnant, and he didn’t know if all this stress and anxiety would affect the baby. Whenever she thought he couldn’t see her, she was shaking with effort. Her fur wasn’t as glossy as it was when he first arrived. Anyone could see that she wasn’t having an easy time.

He has spoken with his brother-in-law to try and ease her stress, but anything they try just seems to make her more determined to do things herself. Why was it so hard for her to just sit down a relax for a bit?

“Something on your mind Mihou?”

He sighed before tilting his head up to look at Wukong. “I’m just thinking.”

“What about?”

“You and my sister mainly.”

“Oh, do tell.” Wukong sat down next to him.

Macaque sighed, “I get you guys are still worried about me. But Wukong, you know I can take care of myself; so why have you been hovering so much?”

Ah, that is what he was thinking about. Wukong didn’t really want to get into this right now. He knows that his other half is strong and doesn’t need so much protection, but anytime he thinks about backing off, all he can see in his mind is Mihou not being in control. He’s not sure he’ll ever be able to say it out loud, but he was worried whether or not Mihou would be okay after being freed. He knows himself well enough to know that wouldn’t have been a problem for him, but in his heart, he thinks it would’ve been a problem.

They have both heard and seen some horrible couplings when they leave the mountain together, and some of the things that Macaque would tell him he heard made them both sick to their stomachs. So, the idea that his love might’ve had to go through that if he didn’t succeed. That is going to keep him up at night for a very, very long time.

He knew he was going to succeed. That was never a question. But for some reason, his mind keeps telling him, what if he didn’t? He’s not sure why his mind is betraying him this way, but he won’t lie. The thought is lingering.

Wukong looked at his hands before he spoke. “I know in my head that you were strong enough, but for some reason, I keep asking myself about what if it did happen. I’m not sure how to remind myself that you don’t need me to hover around you. Every time that I think I might be all right with it, the thought pops back up.”

Macaque looked at him for a second before bursting out laughing. “Wukong, it’s perfectly normal. Do you remember when the demon king of confusion invaded the mountain while you were gone?”

Wukong couldn’t help but pout when Macaque laughed. But when that name was mentioned he gritted his teeth. That was a very old enemy. In his grief, when RinRin died, the coward slipped away. And on one of his trips off the mountain to search for him, he had made his way back onto the mountain.

And once he had returned home. He was more then a little dejected that he hadn’t found him. Only for his home to seem like he had gone back in time. His troop had been made slaves once more. And when he saw that worthless piece of trash looming over his moonlight and some cubs, he just lost it.

“I had heard all about him from both you and the troop. And when it seemed that all hope was lost, who showed up in dramatic fashion?”

“I did.”

“Yes, you did. And I can’t lie, after everything I had heard I had those doubts in my head when you faced him. In my heart I knew you would win, but I had that same kind of what if in my head.”

Wukong felt a bit better knowing that he wasn’t alone in having this feeling. Because he can’t lie, it had been bugging him.

“So, I do understand that feeling. But you knew I was going to be free. Let’s face it, you wouldn’t accept anything less. So, why the worry?”

“I think it had less to do with your freedom and more how you would be after you got free. Because anytime someone has been freed from these berries, it had been years after they consumed it so that was the only point of comparison anyone has ever had. So, the idea that you could’ve been hurt just has been replaying in my mind.”

Macaque had to concede that was a good point. Almost all the victims of this berry, if they ever get free, they had likely been under it for months if not years. So, while he was only under for about a week, it’s still not a fun time. “I have to admit, that’s a good point.”

“See, we haven’t been hovering just to crowd your space. We just want to be absolutely sure there are no side effects.”

Macaque gave a small smile and nodded. That all does make sense. “Just promise to back off a bit from now on. I don’t know how much longer I can take.”

Wukong thought about it. He didn’t want to jump into a promise he may not be able to keep. “I want to say yes, but I’m not sure if I could keep that promise.”

In all honesty, if not a promise, Macaque would probably prefer that answer to anything else. It means that Wukong is actually thinking it through and not just jumping in, and that is something his king has always had difficulty with. “…You’re really trying hard, aren’t you?”

“Of course. It’s not a hard request in the grand scheme of things. But I thought in my head makes it so I don’t know if I can do it properly.”

Macaque leaned against Wukong. “Thank you.”

“What for?”

“For actually thinking it through and not just jumping straight in.”

Jun had been watching the whole spectacle that surrounded the beauty. The berries were a deplorable tactic. He may be a vicious monkey, but even he wouldn’t do such a thing.

However, because of this whole debacle, it is now much harder to get close to the pretty little monkey. He was always near either the emperor or his sister. He is almost never alone.

It shouldn’t be this hard to get closer to him, but anytime he attempts he gets cut off. Not even his subordinate can get close. It’s driving him insane.

“Sir, I got the gift that you requested.” One of his subordinates ran up to him carrying a wrapped box.

“Perfect.” At least one thing was going according to plan.

Inside that box with a hairpin dagger. He had heard tails of the beauty’s exploits as a warrior, and while he is said to typically fight with a glowing black cudgel, that doesn’t mean that he can’t use something else. His enemies would be expecting a staff like weapon and then get hit by a dagger; that’ll just let him win more fights.

And if he is to be his mate, then he must be ready to win.

“And have you found a way into his room?”

The subordinate couldn’t look at his master. “Unfortunately no. The lady of the house has taken extreme measures to ensure her brother‘s dwelling was secure.”

He expected as much. And if it wasn’t the beauty’s sister, then it would’ve been the emperor. Either way he expected failure in this endeavor. He will just have to make an opportunity to give his gift.

As all this was going down, Sangshen couldn’t help but think over the last few days. It was truly amazing that her brother lives. She still can’t believe it. But even after many sessions of pitching herself to awake from this wonderful dream, it remains her reality. The only thing making it so this isn’t perfection is dealing with all her brother suitors.

She can’t remember anyone in the clan having this many. But so many of them don’t even have the right to look at her brother. They say they’re here to court him, but they do not do any of it properly. So far, the emperor has been the only one to take this seriously it seems like, which is probably a good thing as that is the one it seems her brother most wants to be with.

It just rubs her the wrong way. That’s so many of these suitors think just because they’re here they have the right to court her brother. They have not announced themselves to her as an elder of the clan. They have never before spoken to her brother. They have given no gifts. All they do is stalk her brother. But even so just the sheer number of them makes it dangerous to try and put them in their place.

Maybe a walk though her courtyard may help calm her nerves.

Sangshen was relaxing in her courtyard when she heard someone making their way towards her. At first, she thought it was either her brother or the emperor. But once you truly listened, the heartbeats did not match. This was someone new. So, when she turned her head to look, she saw a celestial beast coming towards her.

The celestial beast was a blue lion probably about 6 feet tall or so. Once he got close enough, he stopped short, and she could tell he was really looking her over. Once he was close enough, that’s when she spoke. “This is private property. What business do you have here?”

It took him a moment to respond to her. He kept staring at her like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Eventually, however, he did respond. “I am the Azure Lion, and I’m here to speak with the emperor.”