#The Vanished Queen | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

chaozsilhouette · 1 year

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Retrograde Joy

I have been looking forward to writing this chapter for a while. The very idea of Wukong with amnesia opens so many possibilities with his changed mindset. While I pulled a great deal from canon, I added my own twist to make it even more heart-wrenching.

I regret nothing.

You have been warned.

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

They had dedicated a full twelve hours to nonstop driving into a new mountain range.

Most of their trip was in an uncomfortable silence.

Despite their actions being for the salvation of the world, no one was happy with how things played out. They were supposed to be heroes. The good guys, who always did the right thing. So why was stealing an ancient artifact and betraying the trust of tenuous allies their first choice?

MK didn’t know what to think.

He felt horrible.

Princess Iron Fan let them into their home despite their history. Red Son refrained from unleashing his latest weapons cache on them. Demon Bull King answered questions they didn’t even know they had. And how did they repay them?

At the moment it felt like the only option, but who knows. Maybe if they had waited until breakfast, the family would have been willing to discuss other methods with cooler heads. But they were on borrowed time and Monkey King was still out of it…

The more he stared at the ring, the more guilt weighed on his conscious.

In a veiled attempt to pass the time, MK took out his sketch pad and continued refining the outline of the Dragon Palace of the East Sea. He needed something to do with his hands, anything to keep him busy while allowing him to process his betrayal of a demon he had grown to appreciate.

Words didn’t need to be exchanged to know everyone was suffering from the same dilemma.

Mei barely made a sound, just scrolling through the pictures she took of the bull family’s territory and fortress. Looking over the images of architecture, food, and people, she tried to reason if they didn’t hurry all that would be gone. Yet as she came across a picture of Red Son looking at their families’ shared dinner with the smallest smile, she couldn’t help but wonder.

She knew what they were doing was wrong, yet she held her tongue. The truth was…she was scared. Those visions, memories, whatever they were, they scared her. Were they a warning, a sign of what would happen if they continued or stopped? She didn’t know and everyone was already so tense, she couldn’t add her problems, not until she figured out what they meant.

They were obviously connected to the Samadhi Fire, but why was she seeing them? Why was she the only one having them? Or were the others having their own visions and were just as scared about sharing them?

She didn’t know.

Pigsy tried to focus on making sure everyone was well-fed and healthy. He absolutely knew their actions were going to have major consequences. To assume otherwise was the height of stupidity and to be honest, they demolished that milestone ages ago. Still, he held his tongue and waited for the so-called Great Sage to wake up so he could beat some actual answers out of him.

He had to endure over a decade of listening to his exploits and he did so because he loved seeing his kid smile. Yet now, when they needed the king, when he had the chance to prove himself worthy of all the fame and hype, he chooses to be practically worthless at every turn. All Pigsy knew was that if the monkey didn’t wake up soon, he couldn’t be held accountable for his actions.

Sandy drove on with little complaint, yet it was obvious he was in just as much emotional agony as the rest. He kept his eyes on the road and did his best to maintain a smooth ride, but as the hours came and went the number of therapy cats accompanying him grew and grew. His little soldiers kneaded his muscles and nuzzled whatever part of him they could reach. Soothing purrs echoed in his bones taking him to a place of contentment, however, this was only temporary.

Tang focused on the holy ring to distract himself, jotting down everything he learned from both his observations and from the history lesson the royal family was so kind to share. Yet even his lust for knowledge could not erase the sense they had committed an unbearable sin.

Sure, he tried to dress up the feelings of guilt and his compromised ability to focus.

Heh, heh, it wouldn’t do to try and fully analyze such an ancient artifact in one go. There’s no telling what he’d miss with that attitude.

…And without access to his normal tools and resources, there was only so much information he could gather.

So, to keep himself busy and his mind fresh (along with serving as a fresh distraction), Tang took up the task of brushing Monkey King’s fur. While they did wash him at the Demon Bull King’s palace, they didn’t really give too much thought as to actually taking care of him. Yes, at the time they had other things to think about and needed to get as much sleep as possible, but now he could give him all the attention he needed.

Tang did his best to be as gentle as possible, sticking to the fur on his head and trailing down his neck as going any further felt inappropriate with consent. Fortunately, or not depending on how you looked, there were hardly any tangles and those Tang found were relatively easy to smooth out without getting too violent. With every pass of the comb, golden sparks settled unseen against the immortal’s skin seeping into his pores to rejuvenate the ancient king.

Deep inside the recesses of the immortal’s mind, he sensed something familiar mingling with the trickles of power flowing into him, something he had to protect.

For what felt like a small eternity, the stone monkey had his limbs bound by an ever-tightening web of responsibilities and failures. Iron-like spikes had been driven through his hands and feet coupled with the sensation of everlasting disappointment. Yet the worst part was the sense that he was alone. That be had no one left. That he had been forgotten.

It was enough to drive a being who had known endless torture to tears. Until his face was touched by a glorious warmth.

The stress and responsibility that kept him tied down for what felt like millennia faded away as memories of a journey with family nuzzled against his consciousness. His pain melted away with his restraints, leaving only the feeling of acceptance and love. Wukong smiled as he held the images of his loved ones close, wishing never to part with them.

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

Watching the sun begin the dip behind the mountains as the moon became brighter in the growing darkness, Pigsy knew things had to change.

“Enough! Sandy, pull over.” He ordered in a tone that was not to be disobeyed.

Sandy was quick to comply without hesitation, both out of loyalty and a sense of relief. “Is something wrong?”

“Did they catch up to us?” Tang frantically searched the skies for any sign of ominous lights that warned of the Shackled.

“No, but we need a break. We’ve been driving since sunrise, and I think we could all use some fresh air and a chance to stretch our legs.” Besides, there was a lot of tension they needed to deal with and that wouldn’t get done sitting in a van.

“Good point.” Sandy happily pulled into a little clearing surrounded by a large cliff face on one side and a massive grass field on the other, with a miniature forest dotting throughout the center. An ideal camping site. “With everything going on, I haven’t been able to do my daily yoga.”

“My tai chi schedule has slipped with all the fuss,” Tang admitted, putting away his books.

“Then it’s settled, we’ll set up camp here. With all the rocks and vegetation, we’re safe from the desert heat and should have plenty of advanced warning from any approaching forces.” Pigsy stepped out savoring the cool fresh air. The subtle sound of running water told him there was a stream nearby.

Already he felt better. This environment toppled both the dry desert and the burning landscape of the Demon Bull family’s fortress.

“Mei, you up for a continuation of our sparring session?” MK asked, referring to their little match before everything went to hell. Picking up a fallen tree branch roughly the size of the golden cudgel, he faced a fanged grin that would fill the nightmares of most sane men.

“Only if you’re prepared to lose,” Mei smirked with her own stick at the ready.

Laughing the two went off into the field to prevent any of the others from getting hit by accident.

“Try not to go too crazy you two,” Tang pleaded.

“No promises,” MK shouted back with the first authentic laughter the group had heard since they started this journey.

The adults shared a smile, happy their boy hadn’t lost all his joy.

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

“Any chance your super strength’s back yet?” Mei asked, giving her sparring weapon a few practice whacks.

“Nope, just enhanced durability.”

Oh, that was new. “When did you get that?”

“How do you think I survived DBK’s wrath?” MK rhetorically asked.

“Do I-”

“No. No, you do not.” MK cut her off with a haunted stare and a disturbing smile.

“So…training?” Mei asked, feeling a touch uncomfortable.

“Yes!” The boy screamed, getting into a defensive stance.

Out of consideration of MK’s condition, their spar was mainly one of form. A makeshift sword and staff clashed against one another as their wielders strove to be the first to land a hit. Sweeps and dodges were employed as while the two loved each other deeply, in a completely platonic way, they were not above playing dirty.

While the trading of blows could be brutal to the point where they needed to seek out replacement weapons multiple times, neither held any malicious intent. No, this was a friendly spar, nothing more. Laughter filled the air as the two allowed themselves to sink into the rhythm of combat. Compliments were freely shared as were congratulations when one claimed a round.

In many ways it reminded them why they were fighting, so they could spend the rest of their lives experiencing more moments like this knowing the people they loved were safe and waiting for them.

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

In the light of the moon, the team gathered around a bonfire after a relaxing day and a delicious meal. It wasn’t as extravagant as the spread they had created for the Demon Bull family, but no one could complain. The looming danger of being in the residence of a powerful family that was just begging you to put a toe out of line, so they had free reign to butcher your loved ones does take the fun out of the process.

MK was especially happy in regaining his enhanced speed. Turns out that constantly being attacked by a terrifying dragon was a good motivator to get the fuck out of dodge. The others congratulated him on his progress and praised Mei for her improvement in wielding a weapon; even if it wasn’t the actual blade, it was impossible to ignore how she now held herself with more confidence as an armed combatant.

With the stars shining and the full moon illuminating the night, one could almost pretend it was a normal camping trip.

Naturally, that was the universe’s cue to remind the crew they were never safe.

Mo started hissing at a gathering of rocks a brief sprint away.

Having grown wise to the slightest hint of danger, everyone jumped to their feet, waiting for the latest threat to show itself.

Where the forest met the mountains, there was a small plain of rocks where the ground had cracked open revealing an eerie green glow. Strange sounds slowly built upon one another, the snapping of hard armor against stone, the hissing of a disturbed beast, the skittering of a thousand insects on hard ground.

Something was coming up.

The ground was shifting as massive chunks of the earth broke apart by an unseen force.

Brandishing her sword, Mei took point and shattered a thrown boulder before it could destroy their campsite. Her efforts protected the group but left her wide open for an unseen attack. Something pierced her left side and suddenly she couldn’t hold her sword, she couldn’t move, she couldn’t stand. All she could do was collapse as the pain took hold.

“Mei!” With his newfound speed, MK grabbed Mei and the Dragon blade, whisking them to safety in the T.E.A. where the others had holed up.

For a brief moment, MK felt the urge to ask her if she was hurt. Thankfully, he was able to hold his tongue. Obviously, she wasn’t okay!

No one hunched over, gripping their side with their face scrunched up in agony would say they were okay as anything more than flagrant assurance. He knew that much. But he could check to see if she could still understand him. “How bad is it?” Again, stupid question, but he was panicking!

Fortunately, Mei was able to respond, but it was weak and wobbly. “Hurts. Really hurts.” Her voice was soft as the lightest whisper as if she couldn’t dream of a higher decibel.

Her body felt both numb and tense, like she had been struck with lightning and her body was caught between seizing with pain and blacking out. Sweat gathered on her face as her body became wracked with tremors.

Tang gently removed her hands that were clenched around the wound, seeing a few beads of a pale lilac liquid oozing out of a needle-sized puncture.

“Venomous demons, such headaches,” Pigsy growled, both out of annoyance for the ability and concern for the young dragon. There was no telling what kind of venom the demon had, it could simply induce pain, be temporary, or Mei could be dead in less than an hour.

MK didn’t know what to do. With most of his powers still out of reach, there was only so much he could do. Mei was much stronger than him and she was taken out in a second. He didn’t even see what hit her. Against that kind of speed and a poison capable of dropping a dragon, even one in human form, what chance did he have?

The T.E.A. rocked as something heavy rammed into it.

The left side nearly caved into itself as a massive dent nearly ripped the beds from the wall.

A loud roar showed that whatever was out there wasn’t done with them yet. It struck again and again; each strike targeted a different side. It was testing their defenses and it was only a matter of time before something gave.

Sandy was still recovering from the ambush with that unknown demon from his past. He was in no position to fight anyone. And while Pigsy and Tang would eagerly defend him with their lives, neither was likely to survive.

The only one who could actually protect them was dead to the world! With no way of them being able to reach him!

“What are you doing?!” Tang’s voice dragged MK out of his head. Blinking to make sure he hadn’t gone insane with worry, the raising of his eyelids proved he hadn’t gone over the edge, yet.

Pigsy had stomped over to the meditating sage, taking his collar into a trembling fist.

“It’s dangerous to disrupt a transcendental meditation!” Tang pleaded. There was no telling what could happen if Monkey King was pulled out before he was ready.

“Not as dangerous as whatever’s out there.” Pigsy started shaking the monkey using every ounce of pent-up frustration he had from this trip. The only change was the slight tilt of his head.

The father growled but whatever he planned to do next was forgotten as the vehicle shook. Pigsy dropped the celestial simian as he scrambled to hold onto anything when the TEA nearly capsized.

Alright, they couldn’t play it safe anymore.

“Alright, I have an idea.” Slipping on an oven mitt, Pigsy dug into his front pocket to pull out something odd. “Avert your gaze from the legendary Dusk Ghost Pepper!”

A wrinkled light grey pepper the size of a ghost pepper with markings a darker shade of grey that resembled a human skull. An ominous light was emitted from the dangerous ingredient, a warning most would take as plenty of reasons to steer clear of this agonizing force, clearly, it failed this time.

“This infamous spice is capable of bestowing third-degree burns from mere eye contact.”

“Ooh- OW!” MK could be heard tripping over his own feet as he desperately shielded his eyes from the agonizing heat coursing through his retinas.

“I said don’t look at it!” Pigsy barked in his trademark tone of worried and angry.

Meanwhile, Tang was still debating if this was necessary, and the status of his friend’s sanity. “And you felt it was wise to carry that with you, in your pocket?”

“Not important! What is important is making sure everyone lives to see tomorrow.” Pigsy stared down the annoying glowing pain in his ass that trapped them in this nonsense. It would be quite a lie to say he wasn’t going to enjoy what he was about to do. “Aright your majesty, time to pull your own weight!” Lunging forward he forced the monkey to swallow the crushed pepper whole.

Oils were released as wrinkled flesh met sharp fangs, releasing a literal explosion in the simian’s mouth. Golden eyes snapped open as the consciousness within was roused from a wonderful dream. His beloved family smiled at him as their faces faded away in golden light.

Wukong threw his head back as a burst of raw divine power lifted the king from his meditation pose and into awareness. The others were thrown back by the sheer might of the king’s inner strength.

For an instant, their fear of the Lady Bone Demon grew. If the Monkey King with all his power required a mystical weapon such as the Samadhi Fire to best her, just how dangerous was she?

Sensing the immense power, the unknown demon fled. They knew anything with that kind of aura was one they would do best to avoid. They would have to be patient and wait until the time was right.

Cracking his neck, the awakened sage’s fangs flashed in the dimmed light. “No need to panic Master. The Great Sage Equal to Heaven is here.”

With a mighty kick, the reinforced doors capable of withstanding a constant assault were ripped from their hinges and sent flying.

Wukong jumped into the clearing, eyes trained for any sign of his latest opponent. Yet not even the Golden Eyes of Truth revealed the source of the skittering and hissing he detected mere seconds ago. No doubt it would return, they always did.

“Hmm, looks like I scared it off.”

But for now, his family was safe. “Master, little brothers, it’s safe to come out now. The idiot, too.”

“Master?” Tang repeated in disbelief.

“Brothers?” MK and Sandy exchanged a confused look. This was…new.

“Idiot!” Pigsy growled. He saw that insufferable monkey stare him dead in the eye, he knew that remark was for him.

“Ugh…” Wukong groaned, adjusting his head so he could properly stare down the demon he assumed to be the infamous glutton. “Fine, Zhu Bajie, better?” His tail twitched in annoyance.

Okay, this was fucked up in so many ways, but Pigsy refused to fall for this arrogant ass’s tricks when a child was suffering. “If you’re done showing off, perhaps you could brother to help her!” He shouted, pointing at Mei’s trembling form.

Following the gesture, Wukong leaped back into the strange metal structure. His eyes immediately locked onto the child-like form his master was cradling that was emanating familiar draconic energy. “Huh? Sheesh. Ao Lie, what happened to you?”

Once more the group blinked in confusion.

“The demon you chased off hit her with something. All we know was that there was poison involved.” Tang explained as he gently rubbed Mei’s head, not certain his actions were having any effect but too scared to stop.

“One sec, Master.” Wukong enjoyed a brief laugh. Even after so many battles, his Master remained so emotional when it came to their safety. It was comforting in a way, to know someone would always care, regardless of how strong you were. “Always so worried.”

Looking over the female body with the Golden Eyes of Truth, Wukong almost scoffed at what he saw. It wasn’t even lethal, merely to cause minor pain. Gathering celestial power into his fingertips, Wukong tapped the young dragon’s forehead. The results were instant.

Mei’s eyes snapped open with a faint golden glow. Twisting she faced the ground as her body was wracked with coughs. With each painful wheeze, the poison was forced from her body as tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. For a full minute, her entire world was centered on expelling the dangerous liquid along with other bodily fluids until none of the foreign substance was left. MK and Tang grabbed her as she went still, stopping her from collapsing into the upheaved toxic mixture.

Sandy offered Mei some water, which she gratefully inhaled.

Wukong watched it all with a carefree smile. “There we go, good as new. Such dramatics over such a weak poison.” Who’d know the stuck-up prince was such an actor? He’d have to recruit his littlest brother for Macaque’s latest production.

“Uh…Great Sage, who exactly do you think we are?” Tang asked as MK guided Mei outside, not sure he’d like the answer.

“What kind of question is that, Master?” Wukong was almost unnaturally cheerful as he picked up a therapy cat who had gotten curious. “Unless…” His expression suddenly became shadowed with worry as a dangerous thought appeared. It was so distracting he didn’t realize he had carelessly dropped the cat.

“You lost your memories. You can’t forget who you are!” He shouted, furiously yet mindfully shaking the scholar as though with enough force his wishes would be granted. By some miracle Tang’s glasses remained on his head, if lopsided.

In the back, Pigsy snickered at the whole thing.

Tang steadied himself against the immortal King, putting on his best smile as he mentally prayed for his words to have some effect. “I-I am fine, but don’t you think you are forgetting something? Something important?”

Golden eyes locked with dark brown.

The wind gently blew through the clearing, sending swirls of leaves through the air. The smell of a dying fire mingled with the area’s natural scents. Yet the sky was clear under the light of a waxing moon as millions of stars twinkled above.

In that one moment, Tang felt a connection was made, somehow his words did reach him.

“Hey, where’s my staff?” It was as if a switch had been flipped.

Wukong released the scholar as he started searching through the tall grasses for the Ruyi Jingu Bang.

The team shared another look, this one much more exhausted than the last.

“What’s the last thing you remember?” Sandy asked.

“We had just sealed away the Kings of Cold, Heat, and Dust Protection on Master’s orders so they may reflect upon their actions in the hopes they could one day be released as better people.” While he was all for second chances, Wukong still believed in there being limitations. Not everyone wanted to change for the better, not everyone could seek redemption. At least, not in this life. “Now we’re here.”

“I’m afraid it was stolen by our current enemy,” Sandy said. He wasn’t sure why he didn’t just tell Monkey King the truth, but something told him the truth would not be as well received as a half-lie.

“Ugh…” Wukong groaned. “It’s the One-Horned Rhino King all over again.” That guy was such a pain, in so many ways.

“I guess this will have to suffice,” he said plucking a single hair and transforming it into a flawless replica of his trademark weapon. It wouldn’t be nearly as good as the real thing, but for protecting his family it would suffice until he reclaimed his staff. He started going through basic exercises to reintroduce himself to the shift in weight.

“When Tang said it was dangerous to wake him up, I don’t think this is what he had in mind,” MK whispered.

“No kidding. This is a whole new level of weird.” Mei couldn’t help but agree, although she wished someone was recording this mess.

Still a bit dizzy from the rough treatment, Tang figured this would be the best opportunity to get a straight answer from the normally distant and cryptic monkey. “Are you back to full strength?”

Wukong halted in his staff twirling, face lowered as he considered the question.

“I am not, Master.” While it pained him to say, and he was still more than capable of demolishing thousands of enemies in a single strike, hiding this knowledge was pointless when one wrong move could rob him of his family forever.

“What! But you were meditating for days! How much pain were you hiding from us?” Tang rushed to take the simian’s head in both hands to inspect him for anything he could have missed.

This was his fault. He was the one who treated the king. He was the one who allowed him to fight too soon. He thought the injuries weren’t dire, but clearly, they were. He should have known the king would have downplayed his pain, he was like MK. Neither liked to interpret themselves as a burden.

Nuzzling the golden fur, Tang could only mentally berate himself for failing his patient. For putting his family at risk.

Wukong, however, was gleefully soaking in the gentle touches. Perhaps he should have clarified that his injuries were more centered around being spiritually drained than physically compromised…Meh. Wrapping his tail around his Master’s waist, the immortal king savored the sensations he couldn’t help but feel he had been deprived of for far too long.

Unfortunately, duty calls.

While he treasured the times his Master was willing to indulge in bold physical acts of kindness, Wukong removed himself from the embrace. There was still much to do.

“So, what’s this thing?” Wukong asked, prodding the strange metal structure they all had been confined to. Their scents were deeply infused into the structure, meaning they had been inside it for quite some time, but that didn’t answer his question. There were no chains or suppression seals, so it probably wasn’t a prison but knowing his enemies he wouldn’t rule it out just yet.

“That’s the T.E.A., it’s basically a modified van and mobile headquarters,” Sandy explained, quite proud that his mechanical marvel was still standing despite the beating it took from that unknown demon. While he should have been proud that it was still standing after taking such a beating, his soul wept at all the repairs he’d have to make to keep it from collapsing from under them.

“Eh?” Okay, Wukong was sure he knew what most of those words meant but the context was throwing him off.

“Oh, that’s right I never really explained how it functions. Here,” Sandy picked up Wukong by his scruff and placed him on his shoulder, giving the monkey a perfect view and a chance to tower over the pig demon, much to his delight. “let me give you the grand tour.”

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

“I warned you.” Tang marched up to his old friend, both terrified and curious. “This is why you don’t wake someone prematurely from transcendental meditation. We broke the Monkey King!”

Pigsy and Mei couldn’t help but laugh at the finishing statement. It was just too golden. Not even Mk could resist smiling.

Tang glared at the reactions while taking the time to adjust his glasses. “This is serious.” Taking Mk’s book, he flipped to a page where the five pilgrims were beautifully rendered as what was imagined to be their peak. “He thinks he’s still traveling with his master and younger brothers.” A belief that was further solidified by the Tang dynasty-inspired clothing they were sporting. “If we don’t figure out a way to get our monkey back, we’re going to be stuck with this one.”

At the sound of something breaking, Pigsy gathered himself. He wasn’t entirely sure how this worked, but they had to start somewhere. “So, amnesia rules, right? We just hit him on the head or something?”

“I’ll do it,” Mei offered. She may not be able to stand, but she’ll never pass up a free shot on her best friend’s so-called “mentor”.

“That could just make things worse.” Tang was quick to put an end to a humorous but ill-fated plan.

“Then what can we do?” MK asked, feeling pretty much useless and kinda scared. If Monkey King saw everyone else as his old family, then who was he?

At that, Tang took off his glasses to press the heels of his palms into his eyes until some of the pain relented. “I’ve never read anything like this outside fiction. I fear we’re in new territory. All we can do is wait for the memories to return on their own, that is the safest route.”

“But it could take weeks.” And last he checked the Lady Bone Demon wasn’t going to wait for them to sort this out.

Sighing, Mei drew their attention back to herself. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I could go for a nap.” Not only was her body one massive bruise and felt as if someone had replaced her blood with lead but she could hardly move and was growing more and more impatient with their ‘Great Sage’.

She just wanted the night to be over.

Was it too much to ask for one day when things don’t go horribly wrong?!

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

The tour was strange.

Wukong had never heard a good chunk of the words his little brother was using, but that didn’t mean he didn’t pay attention. While he doubted he would be able to replicate such a vehicle without detailed instructions, it didn’t take away what he was learning. He always knew Sha Wujing was powerful and intelligent, but this was a sign of just how much skill and potential the Celestial Realm was eager to abandon. More than cast out, by the former general’s description, they were all too eager to torture him.

All over one meager vase.

Another sign his rampage was well deserved. But he’d do well never to let Master hear that. Just because he was learning greater restraint and respect for lives outside his court and family, didn’t mean he regretted showing those pompous fools the true meaning of fear. Just because he was trapped in that furnace didn’t mean he didn’t hear them bragging about Erlang burning his home in a thinly veiled act of spite.

They underestimated the rage he learned to choke down in those five hundred years. All he needed was an outlet, but that was for another time. Now his attention was on his incredible family.

Although he still had many questions.

“What’s with all the cats?” If there was one thing Wukong saw during the Sha Wujing’s tour it was a ridiculous number of cats. Not counting the one who he was pretty sure was infused with his little brother’s chi, he found no less than twelve cats lounging around this ‘T.E.A.’

“They’re my little soldiers, trained warriors to help remind me of what’s important in life and provide invaluable company.” Sandy declared, before remembering who he was with. Rubbing the back of his head as embarrassment grew, he turned his gaze away. “I guess you may find it silly-”

“Why would I?” Wukong was quick to cut him with a friendly smile. “You forget, little brother, I take care of thousands of monkeys in my kingdom. Their presence has always made my time at home more fulfilling. Whether they’re watching me spar with Macaque, playing around, grooming sessions, or curling up to have one big nap pile, the world feels so much brighter when we’re together.”

Placing a hand on the buff shoulder that provided an excellent perch, the king looked at all his little brother built for himself and their family with pride. “The fact you have so many so devoted to you proves Master was right, ‘the beauty of your heart can never be overstated’.”

Sniffling, Sandy cradled the Monkey King, his heart too full of emotions to even speak, much less express how much such earnest comradery and sympathy meant to him. It didn’t matter if the Great Sage thought he was talking about someone else, after the recent reminder of his sins, he needed this.

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

A light tap and the T.E.A. looked better than new.

But the team was not in the mood to conduct a proper inspection. With the Monkey King awake, but in a questionable mindset, they decided to turn in early and facing the problem with fresh eyes was the best choice.

This approach was quick to prove itself when the Monkey King drew a circle around the custom vehicle and glared at Pigsy to not even think about leaving.

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

Sun Wukong wasn’t sure what was going on, but he knew he could handle it. Of course, it didn’t hurt to double-check. Activating his golden vision, he took a closer look at his sleeping companion’s souls, wanting to see if there were any traces of the curse or spell that robbed them of their memory.

Zhu Bajie still radiated power, but it was far more restrained and untampered than last he checked. The power felt coarse and without direction, almost as if it was waiting to find the proper outlet. No, that wasn’t quite right. More like he was only part-way trained but stopped just as he was starting to make real progress, which didn’t make much sense either. If he didn’t train his mind and body to use it, the power would overtake him whenever he dared acknowledge it.

Sha Wujing’s essence was as mighty as ever, but it was scarred. Gnarled and twisted veins flowed throughout his being. However, Wukong released a breath seeing that while the ill markings were there they were not interfering with the nature of his being, at least not in a physical sense. The damage was mental in nature and given how it melded into the natural energy, it had been part of him for years and had even begun to heal. Sure, his little brother suffered greatly in his punishment bestowed by the heavenly court, but this… this was something else.

Ao Lie’s spirit was much brighter and looser than the last time he checked, making the prince feel younger and…well, freer in a sense. There was barely a sign of the honor bond bore he remembered (and yes that was due to centuries of feeling pressured by his family’s high standards), but there was no denying its true form was that of a noble dragon. The fact he was in the form of a young girl meant nothing, as his brother had transformed into a beautiful woman in the past to aid them (usually as a last resort).

Finally, his master…

Six golden iridescent wings fluttered gently against his back. A soothing arura surrounded him filling the space around him with a comforting presence. Although there was his fair share of strange, it almost looked like his own chi was strangling itself. Yes, it always looked like that, but it was never this bad. He would have to fix it at first dawn. And since when did he need spectacles?

These definitely were his companions and there was no obvious sign of spiritual or mental tampering, so why didn’t they remember who they are? Why were they so devoted to acting so differently? Why did their spirits look so damaged yet whole? What was he missing?

The second biggest mystery had to be where the kid fit into all this.

When he looked at him it was like looking at a mirror, if slightly distorted and watered down, but he didn’t recall making any clones recently and the boy didn’t feel like a clone. He didn’t feel like a stranger, and he carried the protective scents of the others and his own, but for the life of him, Wukong couldn’t remember the child’s name. Was he an orphan his Master took in with the hope of guiding him down the path of enlightenment?

Meh, he’d get his answers tomorrow.

Nuzzling his master’s neck, pushing past the traces of parchment and ink to the core of sandalwood, Sun Wukong allowed himself to breathe. So long as they were together anything was possible.

Hopefully, this latest disaster would be over soon. He really missed his kingdom. He couldn’t wait to introduce his family to his subjects. He knew they would be in awe of Mount Huaguo. And he just knew they’d bond with his generals.

It wouldn’t matter if Ma tore into him for leaving them alone for so many centuries. Or if he had to pull multiple shifts to make it up to Ba and Beng so they could finally resume their ‘not dating’ schedule. He’d even assist in Liu’s elaborate tributes to the Seven Kings. Man, he was going to get roasted in the next meeting, he just knew it.

But none of that mattered, so long as he was able to see Liu’er again.

He needed to see his old friend alive and well. To groom that silky ivory fur, feel the hairs against his fingers as contented purrs filled the air. To see those molted orbs glow alight with passion as he gushed over his latest play. For those gorgeous ears to flutter as his cheeks were dusted pink. To watch him care for the infants so the new mothers could have a moment’s peace, thinking one day it could lead to something more.

Yes, everything would be okay.

They just had to stick together.

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

When the sun rose, a silent arrangement had been concocted.

Tang would lead Monkey King to the stream Pigsy heard yesterday so he could get a proper bath, while the others figured out what their next move would be as they made breakfast. Thankfully since Monkey King believed Tang to be the Great Monk, he had no problem following the scholar’s wishes. To be honest, the monkey had practically glued himself to Tang’s side when he learned it would be just the two of them.

No doubt a side effect of the Great Monk’s many, many kidnappings.

“So, what’s the plan?” Mei asked, polishing her sword. Mercifully, when she woke up she felt almost good as new. Sure, there were a few cramps, but nothing like last night. She agreed to take it easy for the day in exchange for not being tied to her bunk. (Not that it would have held her for long anyway. Hehe.)

“We can’t leave with him like this,” Pigsy said as he chopped vegetables for breakfast. “So, we give it another day.”

“What?!” The adrenaline junkies shouted after pressing their faces into Sandy’s hands to muffle the sound, just because they were shocked didn’t mean they wanted Monkey King to barge in.

“We can’t continue on with him suck in the past. We need to ease him back to his old self.” Even if he doubted Tang’s plan, he could see the issues if they did it and nothing changed. “We have time and no one’s ambushed us for a while, the demon from last night doesn’t count since they're too scared of Monkey King to make a move. Plus, with him thinking Tang is his old master odds are he’ll start acting like an actual member of the team.” The pig explained.

“Besides even if Monkey King restored the TEA physically, I need at least two hours to make sure all of the internals have been properly restored.” Just because Monkey King fixed it, did not automatically mean the retired warrior was going to shove his family into it. Not without an extensive check. “Unless you’ve regained your powers of creation?” Sandy faced MK, who wilted under the hopeful stare.

“No.”

“But what if things haven’t changed by tomorrow?” Mei pressed.

Pigsy tried not to let it show how the same thoughts had buzzed around his skull till they invaded his dreams. “We’ll think of something but going off on some half-formed idea won’t help.”

“So just play along?” MK asked, not sure how they’d be able to pull it off.

“Pretty much. Also, we have no idea where the next ring could be. So~ we’re pretty much stuck here until we come up with a lead.” Sandy added even though he shared similar doubts.

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

Breakfast turned out expectedly chaotic.

“You have your own seat,” Pigsy said when the spot he vacated less than a minute ago to start serving everyone now had an unwanted occupant.

“I know.” Was his only response, accompanied by a cheeky grin.

Refrained from bearing his fangs, Pigsy mentally counted to ten. It wouldn’t help to start off the day fighting. “Would you please return to your spot?”

“I’m already in it.” Sun Wukong proceeded to stretch as his spine let out a series of satisfying pops. “Is there a problem?”

Taking a deep breath Pigsy went back to making sure everyone was satisfied with their portion. Task completed; the chef turned towards the king with darkened eyes.

Removing his outer robe, Pigsy’s dark eyes locked with mischievous gold. A fresh breeze wafted into the clearing and one by one tore the petals from a humble flower. In less than three seconds, only one remained until it fell like all the others as it met the unforgiving ground. Almost like a starter’s pistol went off, the two dashed in a random direction. The demonic chef chasing after the Immortal Monkey King, who was howling with laughter.

The others watched in worry, but not sensing any true malice, chose to let Pigsy get it out of his system. Besides he’d be even more insulted if they let his carefully prepared food go to waste.

“You’re way too stressed, idiot,” Wukong called out from his perch in the trees.

“And you are a menace to society!” Pigsy shot back.

“Heh, heh.” The monkey just laughed at the truth, far too proud of his accomplishments to ever deny it.

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

“He’s so different,” MK said in a daze.

He had spent the last fifteen minutes listening to Wukong and Mei debate on the ideal revenge technique. They had agreed not to say LBD’s name, but evidently, Mei was not opposed to leaking snippets of her crimes. The sheer glee radiating off the king was staggering as he described torture methods that would cause all, but the most sadistic demons to run in terror.

MK wasn’t sure whether he should be happy his best friend and mentor were bonding or terrified at the raw mayhem the two of them could conjure should they feel the urge.

“Not really. Still, the same idiot far as I’m concerned.” Pigsy stated not impressed with the monkey acting even more like a child.

“No, I mean he’s so much happier. Everything about him now feels lighter.” Just watching him laugh so freely as he scampered around, eager to take part in everything, MK realized something truly heartbreaking. “He was miserable.”

His time without his family had ruined him. The loneliness and mourning had robbed him of his zeal for life, but now he was able to relive those glory days. To truly immerse himself in a time when the world was simple, and he was surrounded by love.

Yet the world would not wait for them to grant the Monkey King his dearest wish. “Do we have the right to steal someone’s happiest from them?”

At that even Pigsy paused. Happiness, true happiness, was hard to come by. There was always something getting in the way. If things weren’t so close to the edge of the apocalypse, then maybe he wouldn’t mind the Monkey King’s antics, but that wasn’t the reality they lived in. “That is a difficult question, kid. I admit, the idea doesn’t make me wanna sing, but the world can’t afford for us to let him live out this fantasy.”

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

Every now and then Wukong would jump to his feet, eyes narrowed, and staff at the ready. Sometimes he would dash into the small forest or up the cliff, but he was quick to return with a smile explaining it was a false alarm. Yet his eyes always carried the sense he was just waiting for something to go horribly wrong.

The others were glad they still had time before the next attack, but they were growing increasingly uneasy having to tiptoe around the obvious.

“I gotta be honest, Tang, I thought you’d be taking advantage of Monkey King’s…new outlook,” Mk said, careful with his words even if Monkey King was currently emersed in learning about modern engineering from a patient Sandy, who pretty much had spent the past hour happily explaining the purpose of every moving part that went into the T.E.A. But the teen assumed the scholar would try to get as many answers as possible from a reliable source.

Buddha knew how eager he was to learn from Princess Iron Fan.

“MK, I fully admit being a massive fanboy, but that also means I am all too aware of how he responds to being taken advantage of.” Tang’s eyes grew hollow as passages of unholy wrath and pictures detailing spilled blood of every shade flitted through his mind. “Close to you or not, I’m not taking any chances.” Besides he had been feeling a bit odd since he woke up.

Not bad per say, but different.

MK could only nod in agreement, especially considering his mentor now viewed him as a potential threat. They came up with a story of how he was a survivor of a demon attack they choose to take with them to aid in his Buddhist training so that one day he’d be able to protect others. Wukong seemed to believe it, but that didn’t mean he trusted him.

MK could still remember the fear that took hold when he woke up halfway through the night. He didn’t know why he was dragged from sleep as he didn’t sense the usual reasons, but immediately he was forced wide awake. On the other side of the T.E.A., where Tang had claimed his bunk, a pair of glowing bloody red eyes surrounded in molten gold narrowed in warning.

Honestly, MK was not certain how he managed to get any more sleep that night. Or ever again.

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

The sun was setting, and everyone was feeling conflicted.

There had been no progress in restoring the King’s memories and according to social media and emergency broadcast networks, the crystal LBD had summoned to entomb Megapolis was spreading. Already ten more cities had become trapped in the growing ice and extensive evacuation attempts by local authorities and Demon Kings were underway.

Joint efforts were arranged to see if the ice could be halted or shielded against but had proven unsuccessful. Any forms of prevention were practically ignored, and the ice simply grew over the barriers put in place. The Celestial Realm continued to remain silent in the face of this overwhelming force, and hope was fading fast.

They needed to get going.

But they had no idea where they should go next!

“Why don’t we just show him the map? Maybe he’ll remember the sealing ritual, or at least where he hid his ring.” Pigsy brought forth.

“It’s worth a shot,” MK mumbled.

“Yeah, the worst that could happen is he doesn’t have a clue what it is, right?” Sandy pitched in, choosing to ignore all the ways this plan could go horribly wrong.

Clutching the map, Tang walked over to where Wukong had chosen to stand guard. He was worried. So far, they had managed to keep up the illusion (or Wukong’s memories were so scrambled he wasn’t willing to point out their mistakes), but he didn’t know how long it would last or how Wukong would react once he laid eyes on something so important. It could be the key to unlocking his memories, or it could be the thing that convinces the Monkey King they were enemies that were impersonating his family.

A twitch of the ear told Tang that his steps had been noticed, or that the Great Sage had chosen to let him know. Friendly golden eyes shifted to look at him while still keeping a careful vigil over their surroundings. “Hmm? Something wrong Master?”

Taking a deep breath, the scholar held out the map with both hands. “There is something we want you to look at. We believe it could be the key to your memories.”

The monkey’s head tilted slightly to the side. Tang restrained himself from gushing over the sheer cuteness, aided with the terror of the unknown as Wukong took the map and unraveled it.

The scroll held a map or was trying to imitate one as it hardly resembled any of the maps he’d seen during his numerous travels.

Wukong wasn’t certain what he was looking at, but he knew it was important.

No, he knew what this was. This was the map Master created as the final seal for the True Fire of Samadhi. He was there when the fire split. He was there when it lashed out, when it-

M̴̲̱̻͇̓ơ̶̼̼̬̆̇͗̎͑̒n̵̡̨̪̙̮̰͓̭̹̰̄̉͌̀̓̔̔͂k̶̪̲̬͔̻̩̞̝̊͠ę̶̢̛̹̪̤͎͎̄͗̍̇̅y̷̡̢̞̬͎̐̓̀̆̾͜ͅ!̶͍̭̟͑

̴̖̩̣̜̼̣̈̾͘ ̸̡͓̭̣͇́́̅̏͑̾͋̇̂͌̑͋W̷̢͎͎͑ų̸̤̱͚̗̥̦̻̹́̔͐͝k̶̢̖͕̗̲̟͈̯̻̿͠͝ǫ̴̨͍̩̩͕̰̘̦͉͚̼͑͗̊̎͑̒͘n̵̖͙̮̪̿̌̀̎̎̒̀͊͒̃͒̈́g̴̢̜͍͔̼̪͕͈͎͚̮̓̄͐͌̃͠͠!̷̡͙̱̬̠̤̭̺̗̘̥̾͆̆̆̈͐͜

̵͕͔̪͛̓̈̾͋̀͘͘̚͘͝ ̵̨̡̢͇̮̯͉̯͍̓̑̉̔̉̾̋̊̉̕̕͜͝ͅI̴̪̹͖̅̒̾̈̏̔̀̐͊̌͐̇m̷͓̹̻͎̤̙̃̓̍͆͋̽̆̓̿̅̐̚͜͜ḃ̸̡͔̯̥͍̰͙̥̞̖͕̞̂ĕ̸̛̺̲̺̭͔͆̊͒̐͗͂͝c̶̡̭̘̣̻̹͎̰̜̀̔̀͘i̴͈̳̝͔̞͊̀͌̎̒͊̆̀l̸͓̫͚̈́̕e̷̛̼͕̬̋̂͛̈́̅͂̆͒̉̕!̶͉̮̃̃̍̐̈́͊̽ ̴͔̮̳̞͍̻̳̤͍̩̭͗̅͜

“Master, why are we seeking out the holy rings?” The king’s voice sent a chill through the team.

“You said they were the only way to defeat our enemy,” Pigsy stated, seeing as Tang was nearly paralyzed with justifiable fear.

As the words touched the air, the world grew silent.

“I said that? I said that my incredible powers weren’t enough to protect you all. To protect Master!” Wukong growled at the despicable insult. Turning his head to meet the pig demon’s gaze, the chef almost backed away from the sight. Golden eyes had shifted into a vicious scarlet. “You expect me to believe that nonsense, Idiot!”

Refusing to back down, no matter who this moron thought he was. Pigsy clenched his fists and allowed his tusks to show. “I expect you to believe your own half-assed plan! It’s the only reason we’re out in the middle of nowhere!”

The two strode towards each other until they were less than a foot apart.

They could practically see the trade of lightning between the two.

“Okay, okay I think it’s best if we cool down before things go too far,” Tang said, hoping to prevent fists from flying.

From the corner of his eye, Sandy was slowly making his way over. No doubt to provide backup and hold back at least one of them. They really underestimated just how useful his strength was.

“No! We are settling this now!” Pigsy was sick of being this child’s favorite target for pranks and mockery, whatever was wrong with his head they needed to take care of it.

“You honestly think this time will be any different, darling.” The last word came out in an insultingly flirty hiss as scarlet slowly bled into his sclera. As though the original meaning was tied to something truly embarrassing for Zhu Bajie, and if Tang’s blush was any indication, it was a touch more than a simple deception.

Even so, it served its purpose to raise Pigsy’s blood pressure to dangerous levels.

The wind picked up speed and just before the yelling could descend into a brawl the air gained a purple tint. The tainted element swirled around the scholar, isolating him from the others while a powerful aura radiated demonic intent.

“Master!” “Tang!”

Wukong lunged forward, desperate to reach his Master, to keep him safe, but the king wasn’t fast enough. His claws only touched the dying winds.

He was gone…

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

There were times Tang truly pondered what sins he had committed in his past life.

Despite being abducted from his family in a sudden display of power, he was untouched. More than that, his robes had been exchanged for a regal set in a flawless shade of ivory and purple outlined in gold. They were more comfortable than anything he had ever known, but the symbol on the front prevented him from fully enjoying the experience.

Apparently, he was the honored guest of the honored Scorpion Queen.

She was indeed a vision of beauty, yet there was an undercurrent to her every move. A danger that could not be ignored no matter how bewitching her appearance. Apparently, she had taken notice of his interactions with the kids and declared that a meeting had to be arranged.

Taking note that his throat was suddenly bone dry, Tang debated exactly when he entered an ancient Chinese novel.

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

Pigsy, on the other hand, was learning that there were problems not even a cat’s affection could solve. “What does this have to do with getting Tang back?”

The Monkey King was harnessing all his immense focus on this, the most delicate of tasks. Scanning the ground, he took note of the state of the soil and the recent disturbances. The monarch crouched low to scan the thick grass as he traversed the unknown terrain.

“Is this the same sort of garbage you tell MK, instead of being straight with him?” The long-time father figure pressed, folding his arms to keep them occupied.

Reaching down, Monkey King ripped out two large clumps of grass. “MK? Who’s that?” He asked, despite being introduced to his successor earlier that very day.

“Course you don’t remember the kid.” Growling, Pigsy couldn’t hold it in any longer. “One day you are going grow up to be a terrible mentor!”

Everything about this so-called King was driving him insane. Even with his “precious master" missing, he still treated the world as a big joke. The chef refused to believe this was the being his kid idolized, the one who they entrusted to teach MK how to be the world’s next great hero.

“Ha! A mentor? Good one, Zhu Bajie. Seriously, could you even imagine me teaching someone?” Monkey King carelessly twirled his staff in a flagrant display of cockiness. “Where do you come up with this stuff?”

Sure, he passed down the self-defense lessons and war tactics he learned on his travels to his subjects, but mentorship? To become someone’s teacher? That required a level of trust and connection he couldn’t imagine sharing with anyone. Besides with all the responsibilities waiting for him back home, where would he even find the time?

In the back of the group, MK was choosing to ignore that.

He chose to ignore the fear.

He chose to ignore the bitterness.

He chose to ignore the loneliness.

He chose to ignore the hurt.

Soon this would all be over with, and they could go home. A watery film slowly settled over his eyes until he wiped it away. They could go home and pretend none of this ever happened.

Right.

Right?

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

Oh, Wukong. Why must you always hurt those who grow to love you?

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

“You know as well as I do that in order to find out what type of demon we're dealing with, we need to talk to the local Tudi.” Wukong happily explained as he scanned the horizon using his weapon as a perch.

“The local what now?” Pigsy asked, half convinced the monkey had just made up the word.

“Any idea what a ‘Tudi’ is?” MK asked.

“Not a one.” Mei shrugged.

“Nope.” Sandy followed suit, equally lost.

“Merow.” Even Mo chimed in from Sandy’s shoulder.

Come to think of it, normally Tang would have a lecture ready and with their scholar kidnapped, they were sorta clueless. Huh? Never thought about that. Come to think of it, things did feel a bit more still than they were used to.

Were things really that noticeable when one of them was missing?

“Tudi!” The group was shocked out of their thoughts by the Monkey King.

Never mind.

“Tudi!” He had called out to the local god, but seeing that more extreme methods were needed, proceeded to put a bit more energy into the summons.

“Tudi!”

“Tudi!” Picking up Pigsy and twirling him around.

“Tudi!”

“Tudi!” He danced in place, swinging his arms about as though he removed his bones.

“Tudi!”

“Tudi!” Rolled on the ground while in perfect lotus position.

“Tudi!”

“Tudi!” He even squished his face against…something?

“Please tell me you are recording this,” MK begged, unable to take his eyes off the shameless display before him. In a way, the Monkey King’s younger self felt like looking in a mirror during his more feral moments.

“Before he even opened his mouth.” Mei squealed, never more thankful for how her blackmail senses have developed over the years.

The two muffled their snickering behind their hands to avoid corrupting the only modern recording of the King looking utterly ridiculous while being utterly adorable. Pigsy’s deadpan expression in the background only made it even more hilarious.

A brief rumbling was their only warning before Pigsy went flying.

Sandy was quick to catch his old friend as Wukong took a stance in front of the growing pile.

The pile was absorbed into the ground, leaving a small hole where a formally dressed man popped out of. His magnificent beard and wooden staff gave the impression of great wisdom.

Wukong’s expression shifted into one of joy as he took in the two-foot-high deity. “Ah, there you are.”

“He lives in a hole?” Pigsy asked, picking the least annoying question.

Planting his staff in the ground, Wukong lowered himself into a respectful bow. “Oh wise Tudi, a dangerous demon has captured our master and we fear for his safety. Do you know of any being residing within your domain who could be the source of our woes?”

The Tudi smiled under his snow-white beard and nodded. Yet when he opened his mouth all that followed was a stream of nonsensical noises accompanied by exaggerated expressions.

Sun Wukong, however, seemed to be able to understand him just fine. “Hmm, interesting. Please, continue.”

Happily, the local god continued sharing, with Wukong nodding every few seconds. “Yes, yes, right.”

Hours passed and in time the starlit sky gave way to the pale pinks and yellows of a new day.

Finally, the Tudi had stopped and Wukong stood tall looking “You don’t say. Thank you for your knowledge.”

The change in tone snapped the others out of their varying stages of sleep.

“What exactly did he say?” Mei asked as she whipped her eyes, hoping for some good news.

“Our master is a prisoner of the Scorpion Queen.” Wukong declared.

“Scorpion Queen?” MK cautiously repeated.

The local mountain god nodded. “To enter her domicile, we must enter the Pipa Cave on Venom Mountain.”

“And where is this mountain?” Sandy politely asked.

“Over there.” Almost as if the old king commanded it, the dense fog that shrouded the land to the east parted, revealing a gorgeous castle decorated in varying shades of purple and gold. Even in the pale sunlight it gleamed and beckoned as though it were carved from pure crystal while holding a sense of dignity.

Compared to the fortress of the Demon Bull family, which eagerly took in modern advancements, this one appeared as an ideal representation of a palace of old.

“Finding that out took all night?!” Pigsy was practically spitting fire due to the effort of restraining himself from removing the simian’s spine.

Wukong just laughed. “Of course not. This guy’s just awesome. So many great stories”

“That doesn’t look like a cave or mountain to me.” Sandy pointed out, although he was grateful, they had a proper destination.

“Erosions done a number on this place, along with her occasional outbursts. The Scorpion Queen is supposedly a terrifying opponent not just for her strength, but her speed and deadly sting.” The local god had been very precise in his warning. He had witnessed many warriors fall by her unique skill set.

At the mention of the word ‘sting’, Mei gained a terrifying grin at the memory of lying helplessly on the ground writhing in agony. Revenge was a glorious thing.

“Anyway, she won’t be a problem for much longer.” Cracking his neck, Wukong summoned his nimbus cloud and was off before the others could get a word in. “Le~go.”

“Scorpions are classified as arachnids, are you gonna be okay?” Sandy asked their Monkey Kid who had grown silent at the demon’s title.

“Yeah, yeah totally. I mean, just because they’re in the same family doesn’t mean they are the same. I’ve seen pictures online and they haven’t filled me with the intense desire to either hide in the deepest hole I can find or arm myself with the closest flame thrower, so I should be okay. Heh heh…” MK said as his eyes darted from side to side and his words started merging together.

“Right…” Mei decided it would probably be best if she went ahead of MK on this mission.

The Tudi simply waved goodbye to the travelers, looking forward to their next meeting.

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

In a lavish dining hall, two unlikely occupants were exchanging tales of the past.

“And then they just took it all and thought they could get away with it! I mean, really do they think things are that great for me that I wouldn’t notice?” The Scorpion Queen growled as she remembered the last group of thieves who dare barge into her domain.

“Things have been hard for everyone, but that’s just distasteful.” Tang agrees as he touched up the queen’s manicure.

While he had been biding time, hoping for a swift rescue, he could not deny that he was having a wonderful time.

The Scorpion Queen was a kind woman, who only desired companionship. She hadn’t touched him since he arrived and took pleasure in intelligent conversation.

Then there was the food.

A delectable spread of fine cuisine. The mouthwatering aromas painted a landscape of heaven, whilst being so sinful one's soul would be condemned to the deepest of hells.

He had to get Pigsy the recipes.

The numerous attendants lining the walls silently released a breath, grateful that the mortal was able to entertain their Queen.

This peaceful scene was interrupted by the sound of a powerful crash.

Rolling her eyes, the Scorpion Queen descended from her throne.

“Ah, yes, your companions. They do have the decency to use the front door, right?” She inquired.

“Some of them…” Tang offered as he braced himself for the fallout. While Pigsy and Sandy were unlikely to purposefully commit property damage, the same could not be said for the others.

Growling the Queen took a stance against those who would dare rob her of her newfound happiness. With a flick of the wrist, her gold arm bands transformed into masterfully forged tridents.

Suddenly the eastern wall was kicked in, revealing the Monkey King and four companions.

Barely a breath passed before, the scorpion Queen and Monkey King launched themselves at one another. Their speed could barely be tracked by the naked eye. Each blow sent shockwaves rippling throughout the palace.

Alarms sounded as the once orderly domain was thrown into chaos.

Seeing his old friend, Pigsy took advantage of the fight to get a closer look. “Tang, are you alright?” The swine gave the scholar a quick pat down to feel for any broken bones or bruises. Turning his face, it appeared he was not suffering from any obvious trauma and he didn’t feel any bumps.

“I’m fine, Pigsy. She was a wonderful hostess.” Tang said. “Although I am wondering how your day was?” It may have just been him, but the chef’s face looked a shade redder than usual.

“Other than reaching new levels of frustration I didn’t know existed, just dandy,” Pigsy said, not wishing to repeat all the methods of torture he wished to inflict on that overpowered toddler.

The two ducked as a new crater formed.

“I know you swore off fighting, but do you think you could hold her down? Ya’ know, so we can talk this out.” MK asked.

“Of course,” Sandy said, ecstatic his friend was thinking of more creative means to end the conflict.

Eyes narrowed, Sandy watched the two demons trade blows. He took notice of their stances, their reactions, how they twisted around unseen blows. When he noticed a pattern, he launched himself to intercept the Queen.

But she was not so easily defied.

“Sandy!” The team shouted as they watched the gentle giant be launched through a wall from an invisible strike. Looking closely, one could make out the veins of his left arm being flooded with a dull purple.

Green lighting danced across a jade blade at the confirmation of the demoness’s identity. Mei wanted to join the fight and pay the demon back for every ounce of agony she suffered. She wanted to, but she was not an idiot.

Sandy was far stronger than her and had decades of combat experience. If the Queen could do that to him, Mei would have to be patient for just a little longer. She’d wait for an opening and make her move.

The false staff and tridents clashed, both combatants channeled their demonic power through their chosen weapons, pushing them long passed the point of breaking.

“In consideration of your allies, I’d suggest you surrender. I doubt you’d be so confident if they turned up dead before you could blink.” Scorpion Queen offered, bloodlust filling her gaze.

“How bold,” Wukong said with a smirk. “In my experience, the only ones willing to make such statements are the ones with the most to hide.”

“Contrary to those weaklings, my strength requires no embellishments.” With a mighty shove, she sent the Great Sage flying, only for him to land on his feet with a whisper.

“Then why all the illusions!” With a snap, Wukong unleashed a wave of gold energy and a loud crack echoed throughout the palace.

At first, nothing happened, but the Scorpion Queen made the mistake of looking down. Golden cracks started to form on her skin. Slowly they spread until her entire body was consumed in a blinding flash.

The beautiful woman had vanished, in her place stood a figure of nightmares.

Porcelain skin changed in hue until it became a pale green. Delicate lips were twisted to make room for large mandibles. Sweet pink eyes were unveiled to be wreathed in dark emotions as her very whites were drowned out. Her arms and weapons were in truth purple pinchers large enough to snap a man in two. While the pointed buns remained, her impressive braid was revealed to be a massive tail and an obsidian sharp stinger.

Yet the greatest change was the removal of her legs in favor of a body that belonged to a scorpion. Thick exoskeleton encased a large abdomen as six massive legs ending in lethal points supporting the body. She was even bigger than Spider Queen at ten feet tall and to make things worse her lower half was unmistakably organic in comparison to the other’s more mechanized spider body.

At the sight of her true form, or rather the reactions of those who saw her in her truest sense, for a brief moment the Queen was terrified. However, it didn’t take long for fear to morph into wrath.

“How dare you!” The queen roared; her pincers snapped viciously as drops of venom dripping from her massive stinger.

“Now what was that saying about true beauty?” Wukong taunted.

Hissing, she snapped her pinchers twice more before vanishing from sight.

Wukong gave his own savage grin as he too disappeared, only to reappear blocking the queen’s crazed, yet controlled assault.

The others stood back as it became clear the battle had entered a new level of intensity.

“MK?” Mei asked, not seeing her friend in sight.

Looking around, she came to find him hiding behind an overturned table curled into the fetal position with his eyes far too wide to see.

“I was wrong,” MK whispered as he trembled in sheer terror. “So very, very wrong.”

Climbing over, Mei leaned in close, not jumping back when he launched himself into her chest so he could wrap every limb around her seeking any and every form of safety. Mei smiled as she rubbed circles on her friend’s back, happy she could provide at least this for him.

The battle continued to rage.

And the surroundings paid the price. Walls were destroyed, pillars were smashed to pieces, and dozens of servants ran for their lives as the two monarchs traded blows. Neither was willing to concede, but it was obvious who would walk away as the victor.

While this may have started as a kidnapping, Tang was never in any danger. He got to know the Queen, her attendants, and how much she meant to her subjects. He couldn’t let Monkey King hurt her, nor could he allow this to continue.

He knew what he had to do.

This could very well be his last act. Taking in the sun’s light, Tang took a deep breath and prayed.

“Wait!”

The remaining members of Team Monkie Kid could not believe what they just witnessed. Not only did Tang purposely put himself in between two powerful forces in the blink of an eye, but a golden barrier appeared. It was odd, but the wave seemed to drain them of their desire to fight. The tension and adrenaline that had fueled them vanished leaving desires bare to the world.

Trembling, Tang was almost afraid to open his eyes. He feared the instant he did, all he would see was the darkness of the underworld. But this had to be said. “I-I get that you’re alone, but lying about who you are, forcing people to be your companions, it’s not the answer.”

The Scorpion Queen lowered her pinchers at the painful truth. It was one she knew quite well, but in a way always hoped it could be overlooked. “I’ve been alone for so long. I saw you caring for the children, being kind to the others, and I wanted to know what that felt like. To be cherished and appreciated for who I was, not for my power and status.”

It was always so painful. Trying to find happiness just for some idiots to take advantage of her heart. She had been hurt so many times by countless demons. Was it really so wrong to crave happiness?

Apparently, it was.

When you looked the way she did.

“You can’t force bonds. It’s something that’s earned through communication and trust.” Even as Tang shared his wisdom, he knew the Queen was honest about her pain. She had suffered and would continue to suffer, but there was a solution.

“He’s right.” Wukong piped up, nearly scaring the scholar half to death. The king had been so quiet the others had nearly forgotten he was still there. “We are together because we choose to be.”

Sensing the demon had no desire to continue the fight, the king lowered his guard a touch, choosing to hug the scholar and pig with a large grin. “Can you imagine what I would be like on my own? I’d probably turn into a really manipulative jerk or something. Ha ha ha.”

Yeah, they weren’t touching that mess.

“There is a way we can end this peacefully with everyone walking away with what they want.” Tang calmly said, gently placing his hands on one of the pinchers. “Do you have a phone?” He asked, ignoring Wukong’s inquisitive stare.

“Of course.” She stated, curious as to where this was going.

“Here we are, a list of various demons I’ve befriended over the years. All are wonderful people looking to connect with others. I believe you will find long-lasting companions with at least one of them.” Tang offered a list of numbers accompanied by the names and titles of various demons he grew to call friends, including his own. “While I cannot stay here, in part to the danger the Lady Bone Demon poses to the mortal realm, I would not object to seeing you again. Is that acceptable?”

The Scorpion Queen was taken aback. She did not expect to be treated with such kindness, least of all when she looked like a monster. Yet here the sweet mortal stood, looking at her no different than when they had been exchanging stories.

“I will miss you, Tang. Good luck on your journey. Oh, one more thing.” She clapped twice to summon a servant, this one carrying a small vial filled with a teal-colored liquid. “The antidote for your friend. Since I used one of my weaker poisons once he takes this all he’ll need is food and rest to make a full recovery.”

Tang took the gift with a bow. “Thank you for your kindness. You have a beautiful heart.” Taking the initiative, he made a small jump and wrapped his arms around her elegant shoulders in a warm embrace.

Slowly, as though fearing this was but a cruel dream, the Scorpion Queen raised her arms to return the kind gesture. All too soon the warmth left her as the group departed, with the Monkey King repairing her home after a stern look.

The queen watched as the group left, her heart mired in bittersweet emotions. While she would have loved to have someone by her side as her equal for the rest of eternity, she would not deny the preservation of the mortal realm came first. She would have to be blind, deaf, and completely oblivious to ignore the danger the skeleton demon represents. She could only hope they would meet again soon.

But at the very least she came out somewhat richer than when she first laid eyes on the strange group.

Looking at the list, Scorpion Queen was surprised to recognize a few of the names. To be honest, she assumed quite a few of them had died centuries ago, yet here they were.

“Nine-Tailed Vixen, hmm?” Wasn’t she the honorable mother to a couple of mischief makers?

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§

“You really weren’t scared?” MK asked as he didn’t see a single sign of fear from only pure human in their group. One would think he’d be scared for his life, yet he was completely calm.

“Not as much as I should have been,” Tang said, happy to be grabbed in his usual clothes. “This isn’t my first kidnapping with the intent of marriage.” That is not something one should be so familiar with, yet that was his life.

MK blinked at the sheer nonchalance. In all the time he’d known the scholar he never mentioned being kidnapped, let alone being coveted as a potential husband in the demon community. Then there was the golden barrier, he didn’t act like that was a new thing. Does that mean he always had it?

Come to think of it, he knew Pigsy’s life story, and he was slowly piecing together Sandy’s past, but he barely knew anything about Tang. The scholar talked, a lot, but never about himself. He was always eager to shift the discussion to anything else. “I really know nothing about you.”

“That’s a good thing,” Tang assured. He’d much rather focus on his present and future than stay mired in the past.

“So, how many times has this happened before?” Mei pressed.

“27, and I guess this makes 28. For now.” Pigsy said with a sadistic chuckle.

“Pigsy!” Tang shouted completely flustered at the truth of his many, many near shotgun weddings.

“Wow, Mr. Tang. I had no idea you were such a ladies’ man,” Mei cackled.

“What makes you think it was just women?” Tang walked away with his own sly look. Leaving the teens both confused and eager to know more.

§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§ Wukong gently lowered Sandy into his cot, where his little soldiers wasted no time curling around him and doing everything they could to ease his pain.

Mk was quick to administer the antidote Scorpion Queen gifted them as Mei soaked a towel in the ice-cold water of Guanyin’s vase. With the last drop flowing down his throat and a cool towel accompanied by a purring symphony easing his troubled thoughts, the two teens breathed easier as their friend’s breathing evened out.

Outside Tang and Pigsy were watching the Monkey King digging through a random patch of grass.

“I think he’s getting worse,” Tang whispered.

“Oh, here’s my staff.” The Monkey King proclaimed as he raised an old stick from the field, grass and leaves sticking out of his fur. His golden eyes glazed over.

Pigsy, on the other hand, was just smiling.“Eh, I’m starting to like this version.”

Glaring at his old friend, Tang noticed a boulder precariously balanced on the edge of a ridge.

“Amnesia rules?” Maybe it was the strange fluttering echoing in his mind, but Tang had a crazy idea. “Stay here!”

Pigsy tried to catch the scholar before he could do something chaotic, but it was too late. “Tang! Don’t just, ugh.” Hopefully, he wouldn’t get kidnapped, again.

Then there was the book he dropped. Picking it up, Pigsy saw it was full of MK’s creations.

There was no question the kid had tallent, and as Pigsy flipped through the pages he stopped on the very image Tang had shown them two days ago. The image of the five pilgrims.

His opinion of the Monkey King’s ability to irritate him remained unchallenged, but he was starting to see where he was coming from.

Mei

Tang

Sandy

They were his family and if anything happened to them, he wouldn’t know how he’d carry on.

Did similar thoughts once run through the Great Sage’s mind? Is that why he closed himself off for five-hundred years?

To have everything, all the power in the world, and still lose what really mattered. The very idea was heartbreaking. Maybe he’d never see the Monkey King the way Tang and MK do, but maybe he could grow to see him as he truly was, an old soldier who needed support to recover from old wounds.

He was so caught up in his thoughts he didn’t hear a curious monkey walk up to him and lean over to see what was so interesting. When the King saw a beautiful portrait of himself, his eyes became stars. “You know, they got your face just right. Super on model.”

Taking the book, Wukong started examining the exquisite detail and shading.

“Yeah. So, ah, listen. I guess I just wanted to say before you turn back to, eh…” Taking a deep breath, Pigsy took a long look at the powerful immortal and tried to take what he learned to forge a connection. “Maybe, you ain’t so bad for the kid after all.” It was hard to admit, but perhaps the two of them were good for each other, just not in the ways he first thought. “Just do me a favor, eh? Keep him safe, alright?”

Why was he saying this? There was no guarantee he would remember this once he was back to normal. But he needed to say this. To show that he could trust Monkey King with one of his most beloved treasures. “I mean, when we get the three Rings of Samadhi-”

“Four rings.” Wukong corrected as he continued admiring the beautiful work. Silently he pondered if the artist did murals.

Whatever, Pigsy was going to say next was derailed by the casual reveal of such critical misinformation. “Four?! You never mentioned four-”

Pigsy cut himself off in horror as a massive bolder crashed down where the Monkey King had been standing. He had witnessed some truly horrifying deaths in his life, but never anything this sudden.

“Did it work?” A voice rang out.

It was Tang, standing at the edge of a small outreach, hands on his hips.

From the back door of the T.E.A., MK and Mei stared with their mouths wide open at the sight (although Mei’s was more of a sadistic grin). Never in a million years would they have thought Tang was not only strong enough to move a boulder three times his size, but willing to drop it on the Monkey King himself.

“What the hell, Tang!” Pigsy roared before staring at the crater. His worry was split over concern of the crazy simian and the knowledge he was about to share.

“What? You were the one who suggested hitting him over the head.” Tang said, sliding down to meet them. And if they were honest, he looked a bit too pleased with his work.

“Yeah, not kill him.”

“You honestly think he could be killed by such measly force,” Tang questioned with a raised eyebrow. One would think MK’s invincible moments would leave a lasting impression.

The rock shattered in a familiar pulse of golden light.

Flipping out of the crater, the Monkey King took a stance as he scanned the area for enemies. An angry glare shifted into one of confusion then pain as a torrent of flame burst from the simian’s mouth for a full second. Panting, the King wiped his brow as he tried to process what just happened.

“Ugh. Why is my mouth so hot?” The king stared into open space in confusion, only to jump as he was embraced on both sides by a sobbing MK and Tang. “And why are you hugging me?”

“Welcome back.” The scholar said, happy that their hero had returned.

Mk just nuzzled into golden fur, happy that his mentor no longer looked at him like he was a stranger.

“Okay~” The king awkwardly patted the backs of both mortals, unsure as to what he had missed, but he had a feeling he didn’t want to know.

#Vanishing Shadow AU #lmk au #MK #lmk mei #LMK pigsy #tang #sandy #lmk mo #sun wukong #scorpion queen #memory loss #temporary amnesia

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