Xiangliu visits Wukong while he's imprisoned in Heaven and sneaks a kiss
"Who goes there?!"
"How amusing…even here, captured, you are still so defiant."
In the shadows of the cell, he could see golden eyes glow. "Xiangliu!" Sun Wukong snarled, racing forward. Before he could get close enough to try and grab through the bars, bindings around his wrists held firm. He cried out as he was yanked back, a fresh wave of copper scent filling the air.
"Careful, my king," the snake-haired demon said as Wukong finally collapsed, panting to reveal the mess he truly was. His beautiful golden fur was messy, covered in blood and dirt and other unpleasant things. His beautiful curls had been cut short, the remains hanging loose around his face. His lips were bloody with teeth marks, from where he had bitten down. "Diamond bindings. They were so happy to hear that there was something that could break through that rock skin of yours."
"Why are you doing this?!" Wukong snapped, looking up to reveal that his eyes weren't filled with anger. Rather, crystal tears were rolling down his cheeks. "I- you were the one to suggest attacking Heaven! Why did you turn on us?"
Xiangliu hummed, lowering himself down. "I suppose…curiosity. It was the first cycle I've seen where Azure Lion was willing to stay on Flower Fruit Mountain on you." He had gotten curious. So, he decided to meddle. "I wondered what would happen if someone else suggested the idea."
Wukong stared. "What? Cycle- what?"
"Shush, don't worry. You're not going to die. Not for a long while yet." Xiangliu reached out. A burst of new curiosity had lit up in his chest.
Wukong growled as he grabbed his face, but the noise turned to one of pain as he was yanked forward.
Xiangliu smashed their faces together, pulling away before the prisoner got any ideas.
A tongue came out and licked around his lips. "Hmm," he said. "Molten gold. Not an unpleasant taste. Anyway," He stood, leaving Wukong trembling. "See you for the show tomorrow."
It would be quite entertaining, just like this cycle.
I know I already posted this in a reblog but I wanted to make it its own post for engagement reasons-
So I kept this picture for about a year because I wanted to rewrite this fic I made because of a post by @ainnur (sorry for the ping-) and it's the fic that's under the line. But now I just wanna post it- I'm never going to get around to rewriting the fic at this point so here it is!
Now, here's the fic related to it!
A snake demon groans as the sunlight floods into his eyes from his eyelids. He slowly looks up to see vibrant green canopies on top of towering trees. The wind moving the soft shadows of the leaves and flashing the sun’s blinding warmth into his newly awakened eyes. Sitting up, he opens his mouth to smell the tropical flowers and smell of peaches. Nothing that was the orange he’d hope to see once more. The chaotic rolling and roaring clouds of the chaos beyond. He grumbles wishing that the cycle he recalled was nothing but a dream and he was back home, where he belonged. Well… despite the name calling there was a piece that he valued. Regardless, it was time to think of a plan since the last cycle’s plan didn’t work. He hears rustling from above and his snakes hiss softly. He focuses his eyes on the trees and he can faintly feel the small animal’s body heat in the air. The animal swings by without a second thought and the nine headed demon gets an idea. The snake on his shoulder perks up to look at its owner’s face as he starts to grin.
He can just go to his old pal, Wukong! Afterall Wukong had one of the most chaotic minds the snake demon ever had the pleasure of meeting. The Monkey King’s thought process was just what he needed right now. Besides, he missed him.
The snakes on his head hiss in agreement, sticking their tongues out to help stay alert for better navigation. His eyes scan around to make his first step through the jungle of this island and its mountain. He narrows his eyes to adjust to the green dim light as he pushes through the thick underbrush.
“So much forestry… How can one navigate this?” he hisses with a tone of venomous frustration in his voice. His tongue flicks out to taste the clear yet humid air. His snakes writhe softly as he can feel they’re just as agitated as he is with the thicket. The leaves caress his smooth scales as he looks for an easier route. As he opens his mouth again to complain, a large leaf smacks the demon’s face as if it’s the jungle telling him to shut up. He and his snakes bristle in irritation as they sway away from the unwelcomed impact. As he pushes the leaf aside and continues on, the snakes all get up and hiss at the leaf, offended that it dared to smack them.
“Settle down, Settle down…” He gently soothes them and helps them back in their place. Then the snake on his shoulder perks up, flicking out its tongue to taste the air and the snake demon follows the smaller’s guidance. He comes across a small white macaque. The two creatures lock eyes before the monkey makes a high-pitched scream before dashing away. He smirks as he knows it’s one of Wukong’s little monsters. He’s close. His eyes narrow as he runs after the monkey. He pushes through the dense foliage, grunting with every leaf that assaults him as he makes the merciless pursuit on the young monkey. His snakes hiss in pure annoyance at the leaves and their helplessness to avoid the assaults. The thicket is as unyielding as he is, making each step a struggle but he keeps pushing. He can faintly sense the monkey’s body heat and heartbeat as he remains firm on its tail. He keeps pushing and pushing until with a final, desperate push, he nearly topples at the edge of the thick brush. He quickly regains his balance and looks at pooling water near his feet. His snakes hiss in satisfaction as they stick out their tongues to taste the familiar smell of the dizzyingly refreshing air. He can no longer smell the monkey or sense its heat but it doesn’t matter, he’s right where he needs to be.
He found him.
Chatters filled the cave that had the Monkey King as his troop all safe inside after saving them from a demon that had taken his monkeys captive. The monkeys were gathered around him, eyes wide with eager admiration of their king and their task to come. Sun Wukong was just as full of energy as his troop, the adrenaline from the fight fading but the pride still strong. His eyes sparkled with the pride of victory.
From the corner of the cave, Macaque watches his troop and his king interact and recount their battle and plans for the future. His fur blending into the shadows of the cave, only leaving his piercing blue eyes to be seen as they observe every detail. He huffs softly as he sees his king so happy and prideful with his troop, with their kingdom. Macaque wouldn’t admit out loud but he honestly wishes he could be just like him…
Suddenly a voice calls out and everything stops for a tense second. Wukong turns to the waterfall, still on his pedestal of rocks, surrounded by his people. Macaque glances from his king to the waterfall as the voice calls out once more, Macaque’s fur bristling with distrust.
“Wukong come on! Could you open the curtain? It’s your old friend!”
Wukong glances at Macaque, who directly locks eyes with him, as he gets down from the rock tower. Wukong walks to the waterfall, his fur catching the dim light of the water shooting rays of light into the cave. He was practically glowing a warm bronze-golden hue, which complements his grin.
“Wukong…” Macaque tone was low and filled with an edge of a warning. He narrows his eyes at his king as the king just snickers at him.
The king spins on his heel, a few steps from the waterfall, the scattered light rays make the ginger monkey look ethereal. “Bah, don’t be like that!” He calls out, his tone light hearted and confident. “Relax bud! Besides,” he flashes a grin, to reassure the other monkey, “it’s been a while since we’ve seen anyone. It’ll be fine.”
Wukong waves a hand as Macaque attempts to voice his concern again. Macaque exhales quietly as he watches his king closely. He knows Wukong has enough strength to keep up with his reckless curiosity, which admittedly makes Macaque a bit jealous.
As the Monkey King approaches the waterfall, he can hear the gentle but relentless cascading splashes of the water. Water that the king and his troop gave grew fond and used to, creating a soothing echo in the cave that perfectly complements the excitable chattering of everyday life in the Shuilian Cave. The stray mist gently clings to Monkey King’s fur as he leans closer to get as clear of a picture as possible. For what Wukong can see, this person’s silhouette is a bit taller than him, closer to Macaque’s few inches taller height than his own. He can make out a green, red and golden robe that elegantly fits on his body, like he’s royalty like he is. Wukong hums in thought as he leans back up, hands on his hips. Then does he notice a small thing of movement coming from the stranger’s shoulder. It approached the waterfall cautiously and Wukong can see that that thing isn’t exactly just a thing, it’s a snake. The scales glitter a bit as it gets covered with mist and creates a pattern of light that is a bit mesmerizing. It seemed to be licking the waterfall?
He shrugs as he takes a step back to reach his arm out to open the waterfall, only a bit to see this odd stranger better. The king’s eyes widen as they see that this man was not a human, but a snake demon with snake hair. … That explains the snake on the shoulder.
The snake demon jumps and skips from stone to stone in the shallow pool of water in front of the cave. His snakes watches his steps carefully and notes that the closer to the waterfall he is, the deeper the pool gets, naturally. The roar of rushing water fills his ears and his snake’s sensitive jaws and inner ears. He stands at the foot of the waterfall and stands tall against the mountain’s might. He knows that the Monkey King should have heard him, and if he didn’t then the king’s loyal friend Macaque would. The snake demon sighs softly, barely audible due to the waterfall’s might.
“Wukong come on! Could you open the curtain? It’s your old friend.”
He calls out once more to the king inside the cavern. He stands there, water spraying as it hits the pool beneath it with power, creating a fog of mist that clings to his clothes and his snakes. The water mixes with the warm and calming sun to create a wide array of colors only for him and his snakes. He has to admit, the cool mist and occasional water droplet, was like heaven on his heated scales, battling his natural urge to curl up and sunbathe for the heat. He glances down at the snake on his shoulder, whose tongue is out and enjoying the air. He didn’t even need to look at the other 7 snakes to know that they were enjoying the crisp and fresh air created by the rushing water that covers the cave ahead.
The nine headed demon looks up to the waterfall again once he faintly hears footsteps and sensed body heat approaching the waterfall. He smiles as he recognizes the strong and overpowering heart beat of the Monkey King. It was a powerful sound that easily triumphs against any thoughts or doubts, a symbol of power and life. He watches as one of his snakes reaches out to sniff Wukong through the water. He can hardly blame the small thing, being able to smell the pheromones of a familiar and powerful being was incredibly relaxing. Even against his constant desire to escape this universe to be with the chaos.
Suddenly the water rushes aside with a deafening roar, even if the separation was minor, it was like moving the ocean apart for even a small road. In the middle stood a monkey with a commanding presence, despite the casual stance, with his ginger fur glistening with a near perfect godly look. He remembers how that fur was as soft as silk and even now that fluffy ethereal fur looked absolutely stunning. The water’s misty droplets only emphasize his powerful yet elegant physique. This tail flicking lowly and so gracefully. His outfit, one of old times but he can’t deny how well it fits his cheeky yet charming nature. The spirited yellow bonnet with a neat and sweet bow resting on his head perfectly frames his head when paired with his blue scarf, creating an alluring image. Instead of his normal blue sash however, he was wearing a red sash with a golden stripe. Fits his royal yet rugged outfit that brings out his face and fur. His eyes are wide and curious with the typical glint of mischief, the chaotic soul embodying their windows. Glowing brown eyes matching against the peach mask on his face, looking like a heart. This was the monkey he wanted to see, Sun Wukong.
The snake demon steps back to lean into a bow. “Ah, Wukong. It’s a pleasure to be seeing you again.” He says softly, his voice filled with heartfelt warmth. He looks up slowly, his smile radiant and spread across his face tenderly and his eyes melting like ice in front of the sun on a summer’s day. The nine headed snake’s gaze rests on the king ahead of him, every inch of his being flooding with enduring affection.
Wukong’s mere image was breathtaking, creating a vivid tapestry of memories and emotions that only steals the snake’s breath and his heart. His regal and radiant beauty, like the sun from the chaos, warm and illuminates the entire world for him to see. Everything from his fiery fur to the playful glint in his eyes creates a tidal wave of nostalgia and longing within him. Time stops as he feels his heart echoes strongly and everything just zeros in on each detail on the monkey in front of him.
“You’re just as beautiful as I remember…” His smile trembles slightly from the seer force of his emotions, threatening to burst his heart by swelling. The snake demon’s tone and words are tender, deeply affectionate, coming from a place of pure admiration. His eyes has fully softened as he soaks up the king’s pure exquisite presence, filling his cold-blooded body with pure warmth. It’s not that time stopped, it has folded on itself as the snake was caught in Wukong like flies to honey. The chaotic force that he is remains familiar but never fails to make him feel the gentle flame that burns bright within him.
The king takes a step back, his eyes widening in surprise and his brow furrows in knitted confusion as he takes in the bowing snake before him. He was at a loss for words and his expression didn’t fly past the nine headed demon. His own brows knit together as his eyes widen slowly.
He slowly rises, moving deliberately and tinted with nervousness. His heart races with a mix of hope and anxiety, each beat is a thud against his rib cage, crying for recognition. The two can feel the tension, thick but also a delicate thread ties it together, a thread that can snap in an instant. The waterfall’s crashing noises fill the silence between the two demons as neither of them wants to break the silence.
“Wukong, come on… Don’t you recognize me?” he forces a soft chuckle out as he says the king’s name. His voice was trembling a bit, a mixture of longing, heartache and vulnerability. His plea was just above a whisper and coated in a thick layer of heartfelt sincerity, holding on to unspoken memories like a lifeline. The demon can barely hide the hurt in his desperately searching eyes as he looks right into Wukong’s own brown eyes. The snake’s eyes reflecting memories of warmth and compassion, memories Wukong doesn’t share.
“Who are you??” The Monkey King’s posture is slightly ridged with faint tension. His voice carries a nervous edge as he tries to mask it with a casual chuckle. “Look I’m sorry bud, but I think I’d remember you I knew who you are.” He hollowly jokes as he doesn’t meet the snake’s eyes anymore. He rubs his neck with a sideways smile as he tries and fails to hide his growing disquiet gnawing at him.
He glances, as he tilts his head, at Macaque, where he hopes to find reassurance with his friend.
Macaque’s frown deepens as his gaze shifts between the two demons, one monkey, one snake. His eyes narrow with a mix of sympathy and annoyance. The glare makes Macaque’s silent words loud and clear, “I told you so.” which does little to help Wukong’s discomfort.
He shifts in his spot, trying to make the air around them more comfortable. His normally bright and confident eyes are clouded by uncertainty. The typical boisterous Sun Wukong is thoroughly uncomfortable, a stark contrast for everyone watching.
The snake demon steps back and looks at Wukong with a mouth agape slightly and eyes widened with a furrowed brow. He’s looking at the king like he was the one with 9 heads. He hesitates before speaking. “Ahm… I’m the descendant of Xiangliu, the Prince Consort of Jisai, The Emissary… The list goes on. Does any of that ring a bell?”
Wukong stares at the demon in front of him, brows furrowing deeply as he tilts his head to the side. He narrows his eyes in an attempt to focus on the familiar words the demon presented. His lips purse together into a thin line as he slowly gets frustrated and remains concentrated.
He’s trying, genuinely trying, to grasp any shred of recognition, but it comes up in tiny fragments that don’t line up to a clear picture. The more he tries, the more he comes up with a blank and a headache.
“Nope! Not at all.” Wukong concludes, his tone attempting to regain his usual nonchalant personality, despite the confusion lacing his words. “You must be thinking about another handsome king like myself!” He grins at the snake demon, hoping to charm his way out of this. A playful facade to attempt to push away his uncertainty.
Macaque can only roll his eyes and groan with a hint of affection. His previous frown turning into a smile as he repeats the words of Wukong’s in his head. He mutters out softly “This guy…”
Xiangliu on the other hand looks at him wide eyed and his brows raise. His heart sinks and thumps in his gut. His snakes hiss softly, moving softly against one another. As he scans over the powerful monkey king in front of him his face contorts into hurt. His brows furrow and pin together and his eyes narrows softly.
“You… You really don’t recall all we went through?” He slowly reaches out to the king, his voice soft with hurt and desperation, “Wukong I-”
Before Xiangliu’s hand could connect, Wukong’s reflexes are fast and unyielding. He grips his wrist with a firm, nearly painful hold, his expression darkening with annoyance. He grips a bit more, as a warning and to show his growing frustration.
“Look, bud, I really don’t remember a thing about you.” The Monkey King’s tone is sharp and better, with his eyes flashing with a mix of annoyance and confusion. “So either you’re talking to the wrong guy or you need to back off.” The words were cold, a clear message of him wanting Xiangliu to leave.
He tightens the grip a bit more, making the snake in his grasp attempt to loosen the arm. “I don’t know about you but I don’t feel like dealing with a crazy demon right now.” His tone was nothing but stern, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
The snake demons gazes at Wukong’s hardened face, his heart panging with a stab wound of deep and heavy sorrow. His wrist ached less than his chest, because of the weight of the memories of the past. All the moments they shared… all the passion for a chaotic world that had brought them together then tied their souls together, gone in an instant. He looks into the eyes that once held hope and love, the eyes that once made Xiangliu’s dream for a future where they could both be free from order and into the world of chaos… Now those eyes are a burning hot coal, burning and piercing into his reptilian eyes.
His heart cries out in stories, memories, which does nothing but flood his brain with the bittersweet images of old. He recalls how Wukong’s laughter filled the air in a powerful boom. How warm Wukong was during the coldest nights. The warm sun that kissed his scales as he and Wukong relaxed and ate peaches, sometimes Macaque would join in before he left the two of them. The whispered promises of forever in chaos under the starry nights. The feeling of Wukong’s silky smooth fur that was perfect on his smooth scales, comforting the two of them. The times when Wukong would tease him and poke fun at the snake demon. The isolated moments where time stopped just for the two of them, where they showed how much they cared about each other, better than words could ever say. The moments of pure, unfiltered happiness and soft whispered nothings for when either of them got upset. The way Wukong would stare at him with the same love that he had for him, but plenty more playful than Xiangliu ever could replicate. Wukong’s cheekily mischievous grin as his chaotic mind came up with the most extravagant plot with the help of his more logical mind making it impossible to fail.
His snakes stir, reacting to Wukong’s aggression and lack of compassion to their owner. They rise in unison, their bodies elongating and intertwining, attempting to intimidate Wukong with their serpentine halo around Xiangliu’s head to look larger. Each snake’s eyes narrow, showing any trust they once had to the king is gone and they’re not afraid to attack. They glare at Wukong’s death grip on their owner’s wrist.
They all start to hiss at him, creating a sharp song of displeasure and the snakes’ own dislike. The snake’s tongues flick rapidly, tasting the tension and the heartache of their owner. Some of the snakes coil around each other, their movements jerky yet aggressive, while the rest extend towards Wukong. One was brave enough to jerk its head to Wukong and dart out its tongue in a challenge. Their hisses grow louder as they get more hostile with him.
Xiangliu’s breath gets caught in his throat as they see one of his snakes lunge to Wukong. He knew if he didn’t cut the tension, Wukong will get bit and that would lead to a much worse consequence than he’s willing to bargain for.
“Fine… I’ll leave.” Xiangliu manages to say while keeping his voice strained but composed. He looks down as Wukong releases his grip on the snake demon’s wrist. He pulls back and holds the spot where Wukong held him. He sighs heavily as he steps back, trying not to trigger the king’s anger. He recalls it was a force to be reckoned with, remembering seeing the poor demons who happened to be at the brunt end of his fist.
“I just wished she wouldn’t have gotten to you before I could.” He says to Wukong, his voice not much louder than a whisper, full of bitterness and regret. Xiangliu looks down at the stone steps as he jumps down. But before continuing on, he turns back to the Monkey King. His snakes still hissed and coiled around one another as he does so. He smiles softly at the monkey, despite the events that happened. His voice is low and soft but not any less affectionate as his previous words.
(DISCLAIMER: This is kind of mean. Especially if you ship these. This is personal opinions, please do not attack. You have been warned).
5) Azure Lion X Sun Wukong
This ship has a special place in my heart. I’ve written two fics about this ship on ao3.
The way Azure looks at and talks about Wukong during Season 4 immediately made me feel for him. He obviously and GENUINELY did care about Wukong, and still did even after the Brotherhood ended.
I was waiting for him to be like “Actually I didn’t care about Wukong at all.” But that wasn’t true. When he thought Wukong was trapped in the scroll forever, he was ACTUALLY devastated. He meant it when he said he wanted Wukong to join them, to join him. He meant it when he said he cared.
I love LionPeach because it’s basically canon. It’s a one sided love story with Azure pining while Wukong remains oblivious to his feelings. THE WAY AZURE LOOKS AT WUKONG IS EVERYTHING TO ME. THE WAY HIS VOICE BECAME SOFTER AND FONDER IS SO SWEET.
That being said:
The reason why it’s toxic is because Azure is delusional, and places the blame of everything bad that happened solely on Wukong. Near the end, he ONLY saw Wukong as an enemy and was willing to strike him down for his own fantasy of heroic deeds.
Azure cared, but he mostly cares about what he THINKS is right. And when he’s that way, he doesn’t care if he has to pull everyone else under the bus to accomplish his goal.
Azure went too far. He hurt Wukong, and he hurt everyone else. But he had a good heart. His intentions weren’t evil but his methods were.
4) Lady Bone Demon x Wukong
I think you guys understand why it’s toxic right?
In LMK she literally causes suffering to everyone and gave MK, Wukong’s most important kid, possibly permanent PTSD.
In JTTW, she’s the reason why Wukong had to suffer.
HOWEVER
There are versions of her with more grace. Like the 2010 JTTW where she and Wukong are actually old besties. She also has potential to be a redeemed villain. So, I do like this ship. Even though it is toxic for the most part.
Ok, moving on.
3) Macaque X Sun Wukong
Sigh.
I have already written and Shadowpeach in detail. I don’t think I really need to spell it out…
I will briefly:
Macaque needs to take some responsibility and actually redeem.
Wukong needs to trust and be more open to people (and not be as much of a jerk because of his own insecurities and trauma).
(Again, this is for LMK not other JTTW universes).
They both just need to heal.
This is why this ship is both my favorite, one of the most wholesome, and toxic. It’s up to the writers and it’s up to these two adorable idiots to figure things out for themselves.
2) CelestialChaos (Snake Guy x Wukong)
Yes he has a name, XiangLiu but still, he’s annoying.
I do have a spot for toxic, dark romance which is perfect for this ship dynamic. Like I imagine this as XiangLiu being a creepy stalker or admirer of Wukong and Wukong just being like, “Do I know you?”
Please tell me this makes sense?
Snakey is shady.
Wukong deserves better.
Moving on.
1) Sun Wukong X MK
Number 1: I need you guys to leave.
By leave I mean leave the planet please. Perhaps the Milky Way.
I realize this is “hating”, and yeah, yes it is. My life was much better before when I didn’t even know this ship existed.
Wukong has called MK “kid” and “bud” before. He’s also been implied to be HIS DAD. HIS DAD. They might be related (very likely are).
Also age gap.
Don’t even get me started on the fanart of them kissing or of Macaque being shipped with MK too.
I’m not very articulate right now. Because I don’t think this is worth my time and energy. Use those brain cells and figure it out.
Gosh, I kind of regret this last one. But it IS THE ULTIMATE toxic Wukong ship.
(You guys can let me know how you feel if you want. This was all just for fun.)
