I could have expected that you would reply to one accusation with another. I would like to remind you that I wasn't alone in Tulon and consequently, I alone cannot bear the blame. Our Spanish "friends" proved as useful as always.
As far as I'm aware though, you and only you were leading the squadron that attacked Tenerife. So... what can you say for yourself?
I am attaching a lovely caricature I found around here. You might enjoy it.
https://imgur.com/a/6ynXaDo
Your faithful servant,
William Sidney Smith
P. S. The world isn't a Shakesperean play.
*The admiral is staring at the provided drawing, which would be called a "meme" today:*
Dear Admiral Smith,
Always the entertainer, aren’t you? Still nursing that grudge over Trafalgar Square’s Nelson’s Column instead of a Smith’s Column? Remind me—what grand victory of yours secured naval supremacy and changed the course of history?
Your Childhood enemy shows up on your doorstep, begging for help, what do you do?
The sparks of crimson fire erupted from the eyes at the simplest of question. Though, was it really as simple as one claimed it to be? The Lord's childhood, although not well known, had quite the checkered past. For the half that led to some of the developments in adulthood he lived a homeless lifestyle. But that first decade had proven difficult. Very few children, let alone adults, had accepted him for what he was.
And then, something within him came to life in thought. " If they are seeking me for help, they must be pretty desperate. Because I am the last one, they need to have a debt on their hands. " A sly grin started to curl into his cheeks, creating a series of wrinkles in its wiliness. " But I will entertain this question since it specific. In youth, I was not a well-liked individual. So, there is a high probability that one such may be on my doorstep. " His hand possessing a missing ring digit caressed his chin at the thought of such.
" Childhood is often the root of many things, deepest seeded hatreds from rivalries. And children are impressionable in all their innocence. Little Timmy the Terror may not even be so terrible on his own. But let's go along with the fact that they had always tormented me. I would let them speak and, in my house, as I would any other. Now, do I trust them? Oh shadows no. If they came to me out of desperation, it was either because they wish to abuse my kindness when they are out of options or something far more malicious. And I would make absolutely sure that by merely being in my presence alone, they best keep their sense about them. And if they think to touch what mine is or who is under my wing, they best be prepared to take more than a dagger in the back. "
The pressure in the room built up, before slowly back into a calm as if the calamity never existed. This gave birth to a jovial expression as he chuckled amongst himself. " But if they follow my guidelines of proper treatment and hospitality, then perhaps I can let old grudges be water under the bridge, yes? "
[[ Thank you @dinthoqaf I hope this satisfies your curiosity in the network ]]
Thanks for the tag @anneapocalypse, @theluckywizard, and anyone else who has recently tagged me for these! Sorry I've been so bad at keeping up! Tagging @bluewren, @inquisimer, and @crackinglamb!
Now for the WIP! Here's a quick snippet from an upcoming chapter of The Black City that I've finally just sent to my beta reader:
With a reluctant sigh, [Varric] reaches into his coat and pulls forth a key to unlock one of his drawers, revealing a metal box with delicate gold filigree. The sigil of House Vael is engraved across the lid.
“This arrived about a month ago, via special courier.” He sets it down with an unexpectedly loud thud, indicating it’s heavier than it looks. Theresa knows exactly what’s within, even before he opens it and the sickly crimson glow of red lyrium floods the room.
She steps far back, her hand protectively covering her abdomen. “Put it away, Varric.”
He blinks, curses, and quickly snaps the lid shut, practically throwing the box back into the drawer and closing it. “Sorry. Forgot.”
She lets out a slow breath, but her hand doesn’t move. Varric steeples his fingers in front of his face, looking up at her over them with uncharacteristic sincerity. “That sample was pulled from the dungeons of Choir Boy’s very own palace in Starkhaven,” he explains, sounding hollow. “I know you have your issues with—”
“They’re not issues,” she spits. “Abolishing the Circles is probably the one lasting change the Inquisition will have on this world.” For what time it has left. “And you want to invite the woman who’s made it her life’s mission to undo all that progress to sabotage yet another of my endeavours.”
“Our endeavours,” Varric corrects, but one look from her silences that line of conversation. But he doesn’t entirely back down, impressively composed. He’s settling into his position better than he will ever admit. “Red lyrium is spreading to just about every corner of the damn continent. No matter what we try, it just keeps coming back. And judging by the contents of that journal you decoded, Vivienne is one of the few researchers who’s made any progress at all in figuring out why.”
His chair creaks as he leans back, wearing his age in his face. The chair is an antique he’d taken with him from Skyhold, despite a more comfortable and impressive chair already provided for his office. He’d insisted his older one made him more productive.
“So yes,” he continues, sounding suddenly very tired. “I invited Choir Boy, knowing he would also be bringing her, because we need their expertise.” He’s almost apologetic, eyes pleading as they look up at Theresa. Begging her to see reason. “I know you don’t want to hear it, but this is bigger than the Circles. You’re not the only one being asked to set aside a grudge for this, you know.”
And because he’s right, she bites her tongue about how it’s not as simple as a grudge. Because she knows, better than anyone except Hawke, where that pained hitch in his voice comes from. Who it comes from. She crumples the invitation in her fist, and sets her jaw, and lays down her pride.
“Alright,” she says quietly. “We’ll be there.”
Varric raises an eyebrow. “‘We’?”
“Cullen and myself… and Fiona.” She grits her teeth, knowing she’ll have to be the one to convince her. “I’ll make sure of it.”
Varric visibly relaxes… but not by much. “Thank you. You know I wouldn’t ask unless—”
“---I know.” She’s already turned toward the exit, and has to remind herself not to slam the door on her way out.
I fear I may have once again made it even darker than canon. But as a consolation, you can expect more of our favorite prince. Seriously, his mere presence has resulted in my most popular posts.
Let us all celebrate the release of the masterful Season 3 Finale!
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
They should not have been surprised.
They knew they were under attack. They knew they were facing a world level threat. They knew she attacked their home. Yet, despite knowing all this, they were still caught off guard.
It was a meeting to continue discussing their plans for obtaining the three holy rings and gathering supplies to last them through the journey. Everything was going well. Spirits were high and hearts were full with hope.
However, they failed to take in account just how low the Lady Bone Demon would sink.
“What just attacked us?” Tang asked nursing his latest collection of bruises.
What had once been a humble gathering in discussing saving the world had transformed into a barely contained battleground. Everyone was gathering themselves after fighting off waves of demons and struggling to protect the dronecopter’s engines.
Mei was panting heavily as she leaned on her sword. It had taken everything she had, but she managed to protect the upper left side’s engine without killing her opponents and while protecting MK.
Their beloved Monkie Kid was struggling to come to grips with losing his powers and the staff. He could not longer tank crippling blows with minimal effort. He couldn’t fight on the front lines anymore. He was no longer an asset, but a liability.
Tang and Pigsy both worked to protect the engine of the lower left side. Tang, surprisngly, performed advanced martial arts while Pigsy showed off his skills with a wok and frying pan. The two of them managed to work in nearly perfect sync through years of bickering, but still suffered their share of hits.
Monkie King was responsible for safeguarding the entire right side. Normally this would be a simple task, but with his injuries and the fact he was fighting civilians he found it far more challenging than he’d admit.
All the while Sandy struggled to keep them in the air.
For nearly a full hour they were forced to fend off wave after wave of assaults or risk being ripped from the skies. Yet with each attack, none of the pilgrims got the sense their attackers were happy be doing any of this.
“Desperate souls seeking the keys to their chains.” Sun Wukong stated recalling the dried tear tracks on the faces of more than half the attack force.
“Translation.” Pigsy grumbled as he fussed over MK’s injuries and mental state.
“Megalopolis is a city unique in how it openly inhabits both human and demons with minimal discrimination. In many ways it is the epidemy of my master’s beliefs, but that creates a tempting target.” Wukong explained, voice turning slightly wistful at the mention of the Great Monk. His master always believed, regardless of one’s origin or ability, everyone was capable of doing good and deserved to be treated with basic decency.
He shook off his nostalgia to focus on the current dilemma. “Lady Bone Demon spent centuries honing her skills in crafting soul chains. Magical constructs designed to siphon off all aspects of the victim’s strength, tying down their very essence so that not even death can grant them freedom. A binding technique that can only be broken by a power greater than and more absolute than the caster’s will.”
With each word the group’s horror grew and grew. The King was not helping their fears.
“With MK’s power and my staff boosting her own, I’d say she was able to collar every demon in the city and sent them to hunt us down.” He finished, looking away from their terrified faces. With every word he was adding to his failure, none of them should know this fear, none should know this terror, yet due to his mistakes all he could do was watch.
“Our friends…Our neighbors…” Sandy whispered, thinking of his fellow demons who called the docks their home. The demons he greeted every time he sought out new tea blends. His fellow yoga enthusiasts. The other members of his monthly anger management group sessions. The volunteers at the city’s pet shelter. The people he grew to know and care about over decades of life.
Shackled against their will, forced to obey a true monster.
“Is it possible keep those chains off of us?” Pigsy asked, needing to know if their days as free individuals were truly limited.
“Of course. Until the bond is crafted, they’re simply chains and can be escaped just as easily. But if you are looking for magical protection, I have no idea.” A shaky laugh did nothing to dispel the growing dread and terrified/enraged looks. “I mean I do know of a spell, but I hardly have the power nor the experience to cast such a high level of divine protection.” He was always more of an appreciator of the direct approach. Didn’t need a shield if you could tear through your opponents before they could let out an attack.
His master was always the one obsessed with keeping the others safe. He could really use his master right now. With his comforting presence, soothing arura, and desire to tend to every life even if would put his life on the line. Someone to help him figure this mess out. To tell him things were going to be okay.
“I think round two’s starting up.” Tang announced as more lights appeared in the distance.
Nodding, Sandy pressed a few buttons and gripped the wheel. “Everyone, hold on to something. This is gonna get rough.”
“I’m fine.” MK assured Pigsy even as his heart crumbled under the weight of his uselessness.
Knowing the kid was lying, but unable to give him the proper attention with the approaching danger, Pigsy was forced to return to his position.
The latest assault was the worst one yet.
Whether it was due to the Monkey King’s words or the exhaustion catching up with them, their blows were not as effective. They couldn’t keep this up forever, but they didn’t have any other option.
Mei was the first to falter. Trying to protect both the engine and her friend was taxing but something felt off. With each pass of her blade, it felt like less demons were going after the engine and more were interested in going after her depowered friend.
Weakened and left with little more than a crowbar to defend himself, MK was trapped in a horrible situation. Mei knew if she moved, she’d be leaving the engine wide open, but if she didn’t MK would be killed.
The choice was obvious.
In a blaze of green lightning, Mei scattered the opposing force with powerful strikes. Scores of demons were sent hurtling overboard. MK stared at his old friend both grateful and with immense guilt.
The entire vessel lurched as smoke started pouring out of the damaged engine.
“We’re hit.” The water demon announced as he struggled to keep the massive vehicle level. An attempt that was soon rendered pointless as the second engine on the left side was damaged, this time by their own Monkie Kid trying to protect those who raised him from a group of demons aiming to take advantage of the distraction.
Sensing the craft was compromised, the invading force decided to flee for their safety. Leaving the pilgrims’ full attention on their imminent crash and how only one of them knew how to actually fly.
“Everyone inside! Now!” Pigsy shouted, furious and terrified for their lives.
Monkey King immediately grabbed his student and dashed into the main body.
“I’m sorry,” Mei said to the stubborn chef, not so much as for her actions as for the consequences. “But I just couldn’t-”
“Hey, I’d do the same.” Pigsy faced Mei with a kind smile. He saw everything. Even if he couldn’t go anything to help, he was still proud she chose to protect what was important.
A hand landed on her shoulder, revealed to be Tang who couldn’t be prouder. “We all would.”
“Alright inside all of you.” Pigsy yelled throwing them into the main compartment and closing the hatch behind him.
Being inside the cockpit unfortunately gave them an unobstructed view of how close they were to crashing into a mountain every time Sandy steered them away from crashing into a another one.
An abnormally loud clap burst from the back of the sealed room followed by a golden glow slowly spreading across the entire dronecopter.
“A barrier?” Tang observed, adjusting his glasses to make sure this wasn’t a trick of the light.
“I thought you said shields weren’t your thing.” Pigsy asked the struggling monkie.
“Just because I’m not an expert, doesn’t mean I don’t know how to cast them. My first master was adamant I learn at least the basics no matter how fast or strong I was.” Sun Wukong said, pouring more and more energy into keeping the ship in one piece.
“Sounds like a nice guy.” Sandy grunted from the wheel as he tried to keep them in the air as long as possible.
Sun Wukong was silent at that, but even at his worst the Monkey could not deny all the hard work and effort his immortal master put into preparing him to truly become more than a king.
Something was up ahead. Water. Were they that close to the ocean? Doesn’t matter. They won’t be airborne for much longer. There was only one thing he could do.
“Brace for impact!”
The dronecopter plunged beneath the waves with enough force to launch a geyser of water several stories high. The dark depths hungrily devoured the vessel as it did to a thousand others.
Like a dying light, the golden barrier flickered, barley clinging to life. Until not even divine magic could remain alit.
The five passengers and small army of cats were alive, but their ship had sustained heavy damage and was taking on water fast. Not even two minutes in and water was up to their hips.
The windows were cracking under the intense ocean pressure, letting in even more water by the gallon.
“Well, ain’t this something. We survive a demon army and now we all get to drown!” Pigsy yelled as he tried climbing the walls to buy himself as much time as he could.
“Hey Sandy. This would be a good time for a cool water adventure vehicle, right?” Mei asked, batting away a fish one of the cracked windows dropped on her face. She was really hoping not to be the reason why her closest friends died.
From the pilot’s seat, Sandy was completely helpless as critical failure after critical failure popped up on the main screen. “I would but-This is a sky drone, its not water adventure friendly.” He was literally beating his own skull as his cats tried to comfort him, and use him as a small island.
“Monkey King! You’ve got to use your powers to get us out of here!” MK pleaded with his master.
“Huh?” Said monkey however had a much different reaction to their circumstance. He was lounging on his side, using handfuls of water to pat down his air whipped fur. “Calm down, a little water won’t hurt- Right, you lot are mortal.” For a brief moment, it was as if he forgot why he never wanted them on this journey in the first place.
Was it an accident? Or did he truly wish to forget just how easily being close to him could get them all killed?
Suddenly the former airship took on a new rattle as a sound unlike anything that could be produced on dray land echoed through the darkness.
“What’s that?” Mei asked panicking at the deep, rattling moan.
“Something big!” MK squeaked, wondering what else the universe wanted to throw at them.
A statement which proved to be a massive understatement if the approaching shadow was any indication.
Sun Wukong looked at the large figure with a confident grin. “Everyone relax. It’s my old friend. Looks like he’s here to help us out.”
The rushing waters calmed, revealing the face of a massive dragon like beast the size of a palace with glowing purple eyes and metal shell resembling a turtle. It’s golden claws the size of houses were fully elongated and a green glow was building at the back of its throat.
Getting the sense this was not a warm welcome, Wukong felt it was best to clarify a few things. “Hmm, actually friend might~ be stretching it.”
With a single blow, the sinking vessel was launched deeper into the ocean. Until they struck land, within a massive bubble housing an entire city. Somehow they had been perfectly removed from the dying vehicle to stand before what could only be called a palace.
It was breathtaking.
Not unlike the Celestial Realm, everything felt like it belonged to another world. The flawless white walls had no trace of paint yet they seemed to emanate a slow glow. The roof tiles were the perfect shade of teal as they curved in the traditional shape accented with pure gold. Towers forged from the seafloor climbed stories in random intervals, decorated with colorful coral and glowing algae.
In the center of it all was a massive palace that bore a strong resemblance to Mei’s home. The primary difference was the massive gate artistically carved from gold at the front. Whose courtyard they were currently standing in.
“The Dragon Palace of the East Sea. We’re in the Dragon Palace of the East Sea!” Mei cheered, holding an equally ecstatic MK as they took in the majesty of the underwater city. The two young adults cheered at their good fortune.
Both at finding a potential ally and being alive.
“Yeah, this is my kinda-sorta ol’ buddy’s mansion.” Monkey King slid close, while still technically being the closest to the main doors.
“Isn’t this where you got your staff?” Tang asked, doing everything he could not to freak out about how he was in yet another legendary domain of a major mythological figure.
“Yep. Ah, good times. Good times.” Monkey King wistfully said, a spark of gold shining in his eyes.
Pigsy, however, recalled the story a bit differently. “‘Got’ or…”
“Took.” MK finished, seeing a massive flaw in their plan. “You took it. Oh boy…”
“Wait.” Sandy said. “If this is the house of Mei’s extended family, shouldn’t we have brought a gift?” He didn’t want to be rude. Plus, you never know when a little act of kindness could smooth things over. After all, they are trespassing. Technically.
“That is a good point, but it’s not like we planned to end up here.” Pigsy admitted while smiling at his old friend’s heart. If they had time, normally he would whip up one of his grandmother’s famous recipes. There was something about good food and pleasant conversation that allowed strong bonds to form even in the most unlikely circumstances. Or at least be able to tolerate one another.
Monkey King continued to wave off their worries. “Don’t worry about it. Just follow my lead and let me do the talking.” His ears twitched at the sound of doors opening “Oh, here they come.”
The gate rose revealing a humanoid figure who filled their entire courtyard with the sense of power and authority. He was joined by two guards, each wielding a golden spear, and a female demon with blue hair and fin-like ears. Stepping into the light was none other than the Dragon King of the East Sea, Ao Guang.
His human form was tall and quite muscular, sporting emerald eyes with reptilian slits. His impressive mane and beard was a lovely shade of purple, a small bun was held by two golden pieces carved to resemble horns. He was donned in a white robe decorated with elegant teal and gold designs. Wickedly sharp pieces of golden shoulder armor rested on each side, leading to an even greater intimidating presence.
“Smiles, everyone, smiles.” Wukong demonstrated taking center stage.
“Hey Ao Guang!” The simian happily greeted, turning up the cuteness factor. “Haven’t seen you-”
“Dirty Monkey!” The question was cut off by an enraged shout and the release of a draconic arura. “You dare return to my domain after humiliating me before my own court and that of my family. Taking one of the iron pillars of my treasury and turning it into a weapon.”
“Wha? But that was thousands of years ago.” Sputtering briefly, Wukong was quick to try and turn things around while keeping a happy face. “I thought we grew quite close during my journey.”
“And now I learn the Ruyi Jingu Bang hath been stolen. You have given the Lady Bone Demon exactly what she needs to destroy us all.” The ancient king stated as his true form an ivory dragon curled behind him. “Everyone’s lives are hanging by a thread due to your incompetence.”
Wukong could not say anything to counter the hurtful attacks. They were all true. Everyone was in danger because of him. This was his fault. He should have acted the moment he sensed her presence, yet he didn’t. He’d grown complacent in this peaceful era.
But that doesn’t mean he can’t work to make things right. If only he’s given the opportunity.
“I should execute you here and now!” Ao Guang threatened knowing the majority of the Celestial Realm would proudly support his decision.
“We both know that would accomplish nothing but blowing up your own house,” Wukong said, feeling pity for his fellow king. Heaven’s numerous attempts to kill him were common knowledge, along with their equal number of failures. And to immediately manifest his draconic arura? Sheesh, poor guy must have been under incredible stress to slip up this badly.
Slit pupils continued to emanate a pale green glow, yet one could say despite its divine light it grew all the more wicked. “Perhaps, but I doubt the same could be said for your companions.”
At his words, several soldiers circled the group, each one aiming their spears at their necks without hesitation. Even at little Mo.
Okay, he retracted his pity.
For one member, this was not how she envisioned her first visit to the Dragon Palace of the East Sea would go. Admittedly she thought she would be accompanied by her parents, but at the very least she never thought she’d be threated by what should be allies. The whole world was at danger and they were more interested in punishing the ones trying to stop it. With this anger, Mei drew the Dragon Blade forcing the solider in front of her to step back or risk decapitation.
But it had a secondary effect.
“Where did you get that sword?” The ancient king questioned his arura dissipating. He had seen that blade many times before, always in the claws of a relative. Yes, pale imitations have been forged in the past but none possessed the original’s purity and strength. None until this one.
Eyes darting to sides as the guards halted their progression, Mei carefully swallowed knowing her answer could change everything. “My family.” It was shaky and weak, but it was the truth and she’s had a long day. Seeing the unimpressed looks around her she followed with, “It was my ancestors.” Because it was the truth.
She was part of this family. She earned the right to wield this blade. And no one could say otherwise. And even if this dragon was her thousand times great granduncle, he would not stop her from using it to defend those she loved. It was this righteous fury that gave her the strength to bare her teeth, now fully transformed into proper fangs, at the Dragon King far stronger than herself going against every instinct she had.
Seeing a spark of true power, Ao Guang gauged the girl’s spirit with finer precision. “Who are you?”
“Long Mei.” She stated, growing more impatient and less respectful the longer she had to tolerate strangers shoving spears in her and her best friend’s face.
“I suppose it cannot be expected to recognize all your nieces.” Tang cleared his throat, stealing the guards’ attention from their cherished son and daughter towards himself. “I believe you’d be more familiar with Lady Lóng Xiǎo Jiāo.”
The levy was broken by a single name.
“Mr. Tang, a word.” The heiress growled at the use of her formal name, the name she spent so long loathing, green lightning whipped her hair around as a massive dragon curled around her.
The guards gasped at the display, a few of them dropped into a respectful bow at the sight. The signature radiating from the construct was unmistakably that of the four royal clans.
For Ao Guang, that was all the proof he needed. Only a descendent of the Four Dragon Kings could conquer such a potent display of draconic aura with such ease. Along with being able to wield the true Dragon Blade, without a doubt this was a member of his family.
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
“You know when we agreed to go on this journey, this was not what I envisioned.” MK complained as he took in their prison cell.
It was dark and musky with plant life sprouting from the cracks in the walls and the ceiling. Every inch of stone was damp, despite the rest of the palace being perfectly dry, making the air feel colder than it actually was. The skeletal remains of the last occupant gave an ominous message, especially since it was still cuffed to the wall. What meager light they had came from the few dim torches placed between every three cells and the window facing the dark depths of the eastern sea.
In total, it was not a scene that inspired hope.
“Meh. You can’t always predict what life’s gonna throw your way. Besides this is a way better start than my first journey.” Monkie King said, choosing to focus on the positives. He wasn’t even stretching the truth. Compared with being tramped under a mountain and having to fight his allies before they joined their group, this was a lazy morning stroll.
Restraining himself from falling into a complete mental breakdown, MK tried to see what could be done to aid in their escape. Because while he adored Pigsy, the idea of breaking out of an ancient prison with spoons was…laughable, to be kind.
“Tang, you work with the Longs, can’t you call them and ask them to explain everything?” MK pleaded. The couple had literally called him mere hours ago.
“I would if I could. But as we all know almost drowning in salt water has consequences.” Tang said holding out a thoroughly soaked phone. His device along with all his precious contacts were all but dead until he could dry it out. Even if he could talk to the Eastern King again, without proof, anything he said would be dismissed. He simply didn’t have the pedigree or status to back up his claims.
As a further kick in the teeth, it seemed being associated with the Monkey King was igniting centuries old grudges.
“What are our chances Pigsy can dig us out while MK is still young?” Monkie King asked, fascinated by the struggling chef and his growing pile of broken utensils.
“I heard that!” Pigsy shot back, breaking another spoon. Snarling, he turned to the lounging monkey. “Last I checked you are fully capable of crumbling mountains with a pinkie, so why don’t you make yourself useful and just make an exit?”
“Can’t, doctor’s orders.” He calmly stated, showing off his still bandaged tail and head. “No strenuous activity for a minimum of 48 hours and it’s only been 37. Plus, I’ve already had to push myself with the whole army nonsense.” Not that he’d ever voice that fighting off all those demons had started to pull on his wounds and he may have possibly reopened one. It was best they didn’t know. They had other things to focus on.
“Using my instructions against me. Wow.” Tang observed in a dry tone.
“Besides, this isn’t so bad. We may be imprisoned, but it’s not like we’re being tortured.” They were essentially being left to their own devices, which easily made his top five imprisonments. “Plus, they wouldn’t harm a hair on Mei’s head.” Ao Guang would never dare risk insulting the other dragon clans with such a disrespectful act as threatening the heir to his brother’s legacy. “She’ll be treated like a princess of the highest order.” And a prime hostage they couldn’t afford to endanger.
“Which she’ll hate after an hour of pampering,” MK stated, knowing full well how much Mei hated being part of such a high-class family when it came to strict rules and traditions. It was why she insisted they use her nickname over her birth name.
Well, one of the reasons anyway.
“Have faith. She’s a Lóng.” Sun Wukong said shifting into a more comfortable position. “They have always been a reliable family. Until then, we best conserve our energy. When she comes to spring us, we cannot hesitate.”
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
Turns out running blindly in a dress you just got while holding a sword in a building you’ve never visited was harder than Mei thought.
She had to find the map, free her friends, and get the fuck out before the enslaved citizens caught up with them and turned the city into a graveyard.
Panicking, much like failure, was not an option.
She couldn’t let herself be caught. Her friends were in jail. Sandy was only free due to his cats, and his offer to clean the wreckage of their ship. And she essentially just took advantage of her thousand times great uncle’s hospitality. And locked his assistant in a closet.
She only had one shot at this.
She needed to be smart. Think like her family and choose wisely. The map had to be put somewhere safe. A place where Ao Guang would know no one would touch it, in a place he could ensure it was the real thing.
That door…
Stopping at a door that looked identical to dozens she passed, Mei couldn’t help but feel this one was different. Something was calling to her…
A deeper examination revealed the dragon’s carver around the knockers were more intricate than the others she’s seen. Then there was the two dragon statues on either side. A subtle hint to a room containing great value. Gently opening one door, she slipped inside and eased it closed.
Taking a proper look, she allowed herself a short dance of victory. All around her were ancient weapons and artifacts, either mounted on the walls or on pedestals much like her home.
Oh, that blade almost looked like the Dragon Sword, only blue. Was that the East’s version? Did each royal clan possess one?
Questions for another time.
Ha! There it is.
The map was unfolded on a pillar near the back of the room. Perfectly presented and just waiting for someone to grab it. There was even a little spotlight to give it a contrasting glow to the rest of the room.
She could already hear the word ‘cliché’ being shouted from every direction, but she had to take the risk. But before she could close the distance, she felt the roar of a dragon.
White, purple, and teal lightning struck down between her and the map, transforming into Ao Guang with his arura fully released. “It is never wise to wonder uninvited into the lair of a dragon.”
Putting on a long practiced smile Mei wondered just how she was gonna get out of this.
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
“So long as we’re here, maybe we should go over your plan.” MK prodded. “You never actually explained what happens after we gather the three rings.”
Suddenly Tang shot up completely panicked. “Sweet, merciful Buddha! Ma!”
“Eh? What?” Pigsy paused in his escape attempts at the bizarre phrase.
“Ma and the other generals.” Tang started pacing as his worry grew over the new friends he made, who were surely on Lady Bone Demon’s hit list. “I’ve been so preoccupied with everything else, I completely forgot about checking in with them.”
“You’re right.” Eyes blowing wide, MK joined the scholar in his concerned frenzy. “I completely blanked on them. Do you think we’re too late?”
Wukong, however, remained stretched out on the comfortable patch of floor he found. “They’re fine. So long as we don’t take too long obtaining the fire, not a single spec of frost will touch my kingdom.”
“And how can you be so certain?” Pigsy inquired as he continued to chip away at the wall, not willing to take the King’s words at face value given where they ended up.
“As an apology for over using the fillet in the first half of our journey, my master personally crafted a massive shield array to completely surround Mount Huagou.” He could still remember his master’s embarrassment over his past behavior and his desire to ‘make amends for his foolishness’. “The more power an enemy pours into attacking my kingdom, the more powerful the shield becomes. It may not be able to stop weak demons from entering, but a being of Lady Bone Demon’s strength? Pfft. She’d never be able to pass through. Not without having to sacrifice at least half of her full power.”
And while the demoness was truly crazy, he doubted even she was insane enough to pull something like that just to slight him.
“So, they’ll all be safe?” MK pushed, eager to know the Stalwart Generals and all the little monkeys would be safe.
“Yep. So long as they stay on the mountain, they will have nothing to worry about.” Wukong happily explained, turning to his cell mates with a cocky grin. “Did you really think I’d leave my home undefended after everything they’ve endured over the millennia?
As one they answered with nothing but the truth. “Yes.”
“Okay, ouch.”
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
Mei had to admit the Dragon King of the East was powerful, but he had gone centuries with a real challenge. Whilst she was still developing her powers, it was through years of street racing that gave her the edge in speed. There was the benfit of him not wishing to hurt her, instead he was trying to use her love for her family to make her stand down.
Which first of all was a cheap tactic.
Secondly, she did love her family. She loved them more than she could put into words, but she loved her friends too. She had so many good memories with each of them. And they were counting on her to free them so they could enjoy even more time together.
No matter what, she refused to let anyone down!
With some tight maneuvers, she was able to reclaim the map, but now she had to pull off the impossible again to reach the exit.
Ao Guang thought he could talk sense into his blood relative, yet she was determined to follow that incorrigible monkey into an early grave. With that map they would only hasten their demise. Why couldn’t she understand that?
“Every word out of his mouth is a lie!” He learned long ago, while Sun Wukong was impossibly strong and had moments of kindness, he was a manipulator and a ruthless combatant at his core. Any deal was merely a new opportunity for him to screw over a new party.
“Then what is your plan?! How do you intend to kill Lady Bone Demon? Are you just going to hide down here, hoping she never looks in your direction? Are you that blind! You cannot imagine she will be satisfied with only his death!” Mei screamed. She demanded to know what was going on. If the fire was too dangerous then how did they plan to fix this mess!
Stubbornly, Ao Guang refused to answer knowing the truth would only be more heartbreaking. “Actions will be taken, but not the kind that will doom the rest of the world.”
“Like what? I barely escaped her first assault. I barely saw a fraction of what she is capable of and willing to do. And you expect me to be calm when apparently the Celestial Realm and Major Kings knew about her release for months, but don’t have an actual plan?!” Mei trembled with barely contained rage. Green lightning danced around her with more fury and wrath than ever before.
That was the source. Knowing beings far older and more powerful than her and her friends knew about this danger yet only the Monkey king bothered to do anything to stop it. Were their lives, was this world worth so little to them that they were willing to let that monster roam free?
Was there any plan, or were they expecting a couples of teenagers to hold the front line until the Monkey King pulled a victory out of thin air?
Walls became scorched and priceless antiques were shattered as the green dragon manifested. It roared against its pale counterpart with raw fury fueled by betrayal and desperation. The ivory dragon remained steadfast in its silence even as the youngling continued to challenge it.
Ao Guang had nothing to say. It was clear no words would calm his relative’s fears. He knew that from personal experience, but he could keep her safe as long as he could. However, for that to be a reality he needed to seal away that wretched map.
Reaching out to take the scroll, he was hardly surprised when Mei raised her arm to block him. Ao Guang grasped her arm, much to his regret. Both dragon aruras vanished leaving behind a vacuum of power that gave the unsettling knowledge something was very wrong.
The map pulsed in the young dragon’s grip.
Two pairs of eyes were consumed by an eerie green glow as the sound of vengeful laughter echoed in the back of their skulls.
Roaring flames
Hunger
Power beyond measure confined
Crushed and starved
Stolen from master
Reunion
Imminent
Revenge
Destruction
Death
Soon
Soon
Soon
Releasing his grip, Ao Guang stepped back in horror. “This cannot be…” Those visions, those emotions…What sort of evil was being unleashed-No! What burden had his family been cursed with?
Confused and scared and so very, very angry, Mei did the only thing she could. Clutching her fist around the map, she ran. She ran past servants and nobles, kicking up dust clouds and over turning rocks, desperate to find the others, to find something to block out those horrible thoughts.
She ran and ran and ran and ran and ran and ran.
She ran down every hall she came across, hoping it would bring her closer to the ones who helped fill her life with laughter. It made no sense how one building could be this big. From the outside, the main structure of the palace was barely two thirds the size of her family’s mansion. Yet as she struggled to find any sign of her friends it almost felt like the building was doubling in size with every turn.
“Why is the Dragon Palace bigger than my house?!” She cried in frustration.
Oh, turn right here.
Ah ha, she’d know those bulging muscles and mohawk anywhere. “Sandy.”
Rushing over to where her tea loving buddy was standing, and a bunch of guards were relentlessly pampering Mo and the other therapy cats (turns out demon guards of an undersea palace can’t resist such cuteness either), Mei was all set to preform a flying hug on the big guy when something caught her eye.
He was standing before a strangely awesome vehicle, complete with a mechanized version of Mo on the roof. It was twice the size of the dronecopter’s original main body with adjustable wheels, retractable tank-like trends, and a stylish paintjob. “What is that?!”
“Our new mobile base.” Sandy announced.
But first things first.
They couldn’t leave their fuzzy buddies behind. Which meant breaking a few bones.
“So, you made this from the smashed-up drone?” Mei questioned as the two of them entered their new base with all the little soldiers. Mei took it all in, especially all the little cat walks and beds built into the walls.
The two of them happily ignored the moans of pain from the guards, who truly weren’t that good at their job.
“Yeah, I mean I tried to rebuild our original customizations, but without your notes it wasn’t gonna happen.” Sandy bashfully admitted, even though Mei was mentally and vocally praising his mechanical skills and speed. “On the plus side, I was able to remove a lot of unnecessary weight and add a few new tricks to our arsenal.”
“Mercy,” a guard pleaded from the windshield. Huh, she really wasn’t thinking about where’d they’d end up while she was thrashing them.
Wincing, Mei activated the wipers to remove the poor guy from his spot of humiliation. After a few tries he was able to rest on the floor.
“Okay, let’s go!” Sandy shifted into high gear and with that they were on their way to find the dungeons. There was something satisfying about driving what was essentially a battle tank/safe house through a pristine palace.
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
“Alright.” After far too many spoons one would ever suspect Pigsy being able to carry on his person and what felt like an eternity a thimble size dent in the wall was starting to form. “Everyone hold tight. I’m getting us out of here in just five or six more-”
“Years?” Tang cut in having no faith in this plan working what so ever. On the plus side, his deadpan snarking did sneak a laugh out of MK. So, he counted that as a win.
Monkey King was just enjoying the show.
Pigsy turned to the unbeliever with a tired glare. “Hey. Ever hear the tale of Yu Gong moving mountains?”
Tag raised an unimpressed eyebrow at the question.
Thankfully before things could escalate everyone was alerted to a rather odd sound. It almost sounded like an engine but way more intense and getter closer.
Suddenly the wall Pigsy had been chipping away at was met with an overwhelming force. The explosion pushed every back as rubble scattered around the cell. No one was crushed by the chunks of stone, but not a single resident of the little cell could claim to be unharmed by the well-intentioned act.
At most MK could barely lift his head to meet the eyes of his rescuers.
“Mei! Sandy! You escaped! You jail breaked us! You broke the jail! Freedom!” MK excitedly shouted before falling limp back onto the ground with a wide grin.
Pigsy made a mental note to have them all checked for concussions before the day’s end.
“And I got the map, too.” Mei leaned out the window showing off her prize to the destruction before her.
Not knowing how much time they had until the guards rushed in, Sun Wukong immediately picked himself up and shoved everyone into the vehicle in a single blink.
“Mei, that outfit is fierce!” Tang claimed as he took in her new dress. One look was enough to tell him it was made of the finest materials.
“You know it. Oh, and I picked up something for you,” Mei said passing MK what she saw in the tailor.
It was a jacket, just his size. But while his old one helped remind him of the simpler times, this one had an arura of maturity and confidence.
“Sweet! I’ve been meaning to try a new look.” MK said, putting on the jacket with a flourish.
“Ready when you are, big guy.” Wukong said eager to leave his latest confinement and get back to saving the world. He didn’t want to lose this momentum.
“We’re missing someone.” Tang said sounding mentally exhausted.
“Huh?” But that couldn’t be right. He was certain he grabbed everyone. Wait. Where’s the pig?
Apparently while MK was trying out his gift, Pigsy returned to the cell to retrieve something very ‘important’. “It’s okay spoony. They couldn’t have knocked down that wall without your contribution.”
“Piggy, no time.” Mei said growing all too aware of how much time had passed since she ran from her relative.
Strapping the chef into the passenger seat and they were on their way.
“Okay, we’re escaping an underwater city…in a van…” Pigsy stated, now in a rational state of mind, before shouting, “Am I the only one seeing the problem here?”
Sandy could only laugh at his passionate friend’s reaction. “Oh, my sweet and sour Pigsy, allow me to introduce you to the Total Environment Automobile or T.E.A.”
“You just wanted it to spell tea, didn’t you?”
Sandy just smiled at his old friend. “Maybe…” He probably could have gotten away with it if his cats didn’t look like they were all smirking. “With this beauty, we will be able to handle practically any terrain.”
With the press of a touch screen, the vehicle was set for submersible travel. Outside pieces shifted as it took on a more water friendly dynamic and became airtight.
And with the palace gates wide open things were finally going their way. Or so they thought.
A single figure landed directly in front of them with tremendous force, fury pouring off them in waves. A tangible presence of barely tempered rage boiled the air around them as their targets inched ever closer.
Ao Guang lifted his head to glare at the approaching vehicle.
Fearful, Sandy hastily twisted the wheel to avoid the humanoid dragon, turning the van a full 180 degrees.
Throwing open the back doors, taking care to not rip them off their hinges no matter how satisfying it would be, the king locked eyes with the troublesome monkey. “I will not allow you to leave with that map!”
Said monkey was swiftly losing whatever patience he had left. “Are you really choosing to be this dense? The Samadhi Fire is the only option of killing the Lady Bone demon. Is your hatred towards me really worth sacrificing our one chance?”
“The Samadhi Fire has proven to be beyond control.” Even now he could remember its power, how even thousands of miles away he could sense the ravenous hunger of the flames and the knowledge nothing he could do would protect his people if it ever drew near. “Especially by one who has not even mastered mortal fire.”
Besides, the simian had much to answer for. He suspected the monkie knew the cause behind those terrible visions and why they were tied to his brother’s family.
MK rushed to his knees. “Dragon King, please! If you know of another way, tell us and we will listen.”
Mei joined in, trying to end this nonsense. “This is our only hope. You must see how desperate the situation has become.”
Suddenly the Monkey King was forced to kneel as he felt a stabbing pain behind his eyes. Visions of vile chains and crying children flooded into his mind, an army of slaves forced underwater. “They’ve found us,” Wukong said gripping his forehead.
Unknowingly, Ao Guang experienced the same images, yet not as clear. Almost as if he was caught in the vapor trail of the original message, but that did not make the meaning behind it any less real.
At his cryptic statement, everyone’s attention was draw upwards into the dark recesses of the sea. Or it once was dark. Now it was filled with hundreds of demons bound by ghostly blue chains that appeared to drain the life out of the waters around them.
“Our neighbors…” Sandy whispered in utter horror. Visions of past battles started to flash before his eyes as he took in all demons, both the old and the young, preparing to strike. The wheel creaked as his grip slowly increased and his breaths became more unstable.
Tang looked to the sonar, which revealed hundreds of unknown entities encircling the palace and were moving closer with every passing second. “If we hope to make it without entering a fight we cannot win, we need to leave. Now.” It was their only hope to avoid a second drowning attempt.
“Ao Guang, now you see a glimpse into what she intends for the world.” Wukong solemnly stated. His tail unconsciously wrapping around MK’s arm. “What will you do?” The question was but a whisper but its weight transcended reality.
The ancient king surveyed the small army of demons. A mere glance was all he needed to determine none of them were close to a threat, but that was not all he noticed. Frightened expressions, frustration burning through glowing eyes, tears blending with the surrounding water. None of the gathered demons wished to be here. They were simply civilians forced to play a part they never wanted.
Taking a deep breath, the Eastern Dragon King took in the motley collection of heroes before him. They risked much with such a dangerous weapon, but in the face of such a threat, even he could admit it was necessary. “If the Lady Bone Demon is able to shackle you in such a state, all hope will truly be lost.”
Jumping down from the T.E.A., Ao Guang stalked towards the palace gates. “I will buy you as much time as I can. Do not disappoint me, Sun Wukong.”
Before the king could go too far a young hand reached out to meet his.
Mei looked her distant relative in the eye and tried to pass on how truly grateful she was, for everything. “Thank you, great, great, thousand times great uncle!”
Even though they never met before nor did they hold the same beliefs, Mei could not deny how much he truly valued family. A mere flash of power and he was willing to take her in, keep her safe. Even now, when he did not have to do anything, he was willing to give them a chance.
For a moment, Ao Guang’s expression soften as he laid a gentle hand across his relative’s. Regardless of the passage of time or blood, she truly held her ancestor’s spirit of loyalty and protection. No matter what happened, he prayed for her safety. For her success. For their victory.
Mei returned to the vehicle and Sandy wasted no more time to get them as far away as possible from the battle doomed to end in needless blood.
As he watched the young heroes flee, Ao Guang focused on the task before him. He aimed to keep his word, which meant he could not falter.
“Out of respect for your predicament, I will forgive such a disrespectful display, but I cannot let such insolence go unpunished.” Sliding into a familiar stance, a dragon of pure ancient power tempered by eons of experience wound around the entire palace in a majestic display. “Brace yourselves.”
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
In the depts of a palace carved from the heart of a mountain, a war council had been called to order. Demons, born or former human alike, gathered to discuss a catastrophe that had been plaguing the land. As one they sat with the hope of finding a solution to preserve their way of life.
This was the Mosaic Court, a collection of the most unlikely of allies brought together to make something extraordinary.
“All new reports, trade, and traffic from Megalopolis has been frozen (No, that was not a pun, Xiulan) and shut down for three days. Scouts and surveillance confirm the presence of a dangerous demon taking residence. Life has been detected but its weak and growing weaker.” Jian, a sable demon, reported. He had just spent the last two days scouting the once thriving city and keeping watch over the ever-expanding wall of ice.
“We can’t risk our scouts moving any closer. Skeleton demons have been spotted along with demons shackled by ominous blue chains.” In his written report, he did not forget to mention how what few demons who managed to escape the first wave of chains were being hunted down by more chains to join the others. Why they were being captured? He didn’t know.
If his King’s suspicions were accurate, then the victims didn’t need to be alive to feed the chain’s conjurer. This was pure sadism at best.
“Has there been any movement detected from the Celestial Realm or the Four Dragon Kings?” Guotin, a white snake demon, asked.
“Nothing atypical, as usual.” The weasel like demon responded.
“Buddha forbid they actually help of their own free will.” Siyu bitterly muttered. The lion-tailed macaque’s nose wrinkled, distorting his green marking, as he tried to keep it together.
“However, surveillance shows that the Monkie Kid, his family, and Sun Wukong were able to escape. They were last seen over China’s Eastern Ocean.” And with that, Jian’s depressing report had concluded.
“Your highness, what should we do?” Renshu, a leopard demon and the council’s resident armourer, pleaded.
The full Mosaic Court turned to the head of the table where their King sat unresponsive.
“Sir?” Guotin prodded.
Yet Macaque remained as he was. Cross-legged in lotus position as all six ears were proudly displayed, in their multi-colored glory.
“Bàba?” Xiulan innocently asked green eyes stark against their blue butterfly-like mark.
And just like that, a pair of golden eyes snapped open.
“Don’t call me that,” Macaque said on reflex.
The rest of the table smirked at the immediate response, some of the tension dispersing from the room. The adopted Monkie siblings exchanged fist bumps underneath the table.
Groaning at the implications and for falling into such an obvious trap, Macaque rolled onto his hands as he unfolded his legs. Bouncing off his palms and landing perfectly on his throne, the council awaited his decision.
Stretching his muscles, the king looked to those who put their trust in him with utter confidence. “And as for the royal pain and my latest student, don’t worry. I doubt they’ll die so easily, but more than anything Wukong has something planned. We only need to be prepared to pick up the pieces when it falls apart.”
“Is there nothing else we can do?” Huan asked, refilling her pipe. Five fluffy tails rearranged themselves behind her to show her displeasure.
“Not yet. Until the time comes, maintain surveillance at a safe distance. Keep in contact with the courts of the surrounding areas. If the corruption spreads too close to our allies or the surrounding cities, we may have to call in a few favors for emergency teleportation circles.” Macaque listed, thinking about what else they could do to minimize casualties.
“With all due respect, can we not organize an attack now,” Ehuang said with more than a touch of bloodlust. The edges of her lavender mask grew all the more jagged, matching her bared fangs. “The longer the Lady Bone demon is allowed to spread her influence, the more energy she can gather. If we don’t cut her off, eventually only the Buddha will be able to strike her down.”
Macaque stared at one of his precocious students and children. He understood her frustration and worries all too well. Her concerns were valid, however, her ideas were doomed to failure. Macaque’s eyes roved over the council table’s only empty seat with regret.
Others followed his gaze and any further complaints were silenced.
“A full-out assault would only lead to more death. The truth is even if my natural power eclipses her own it is worthless if she is able to steal it from me. We need something that can rob her of her greatest weapon and defense.” Something Wukong was on his way to obtaining, but if his predictions were accurate, it would end in tears and rage.
That he would soothe with shadow.
“Until the time is right, we must be patient.”
For better or worse, it was their only option to secure victory without resorting to the final option.
I loved Jon in this episode, especially that he is not taking out 2 peoples betrayals on the whole family. Also good in future episodes for any haters expecting him to hate Dany because of her father/brother.
Hello anon,
I thought Jon’s action where right for the current situation they find themselves in. In an other time, Sansa would have been technically right, although, she went about expressing her opinion in the wrong way. Big no, no.
But for what they were currently facing, Jon was right to act that way. They can’t afford to create any discord anymore. There are too few of them and they need to band together.
I never thought Jon would hold Dany being Targaryen against her. Just like Dany didn’t hold Tyrion being a Lannister against him. This is an important parallel between Jon and Dany. They look at people based on their merit and judge them on that.
It’s going to be very exiting to see how their first meeting goes down.
I was quite disappointed on the lack of backstory, or really anything, for Sandy this season. So I decided to find more for our former soldier turned pacifist. The big guy clearly has a dark past, so why not dredge it up to endanger everyone he’s grown to love.
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
The barrier didn’t hold.
Not too surprising. It was always a possibility.
When Nezha first took up this duty, he fully understood the destruction that would ravage the world if he failed. Everything and everyone he cared for and protected would be at risk. It wouldn’t matter if they were in another realm, all would be turned to ash. That knowledge fueled him as days turned to centuries and centuries became millennia, it kept him moving when most guardians would become lost to the bitter isolation.
He assumed the others knew this truth and feared the repercussions with strength equal to his own. Yet as that monkey smiled at him, clutching the key to the ceremony in his greedy palm, Nezha feared just how wrong he was.
“Wukong, you fool. You’ll doom us all!” Clutching his throbbing side, Nezha glared at the Great Sage’s nimbus cloud fading into the distance.
Everything was starting to fade. Darkness was encroaching from the edges of his vision as he struggled to keep himself standing. Not even leaning on the rubble that was once his temple could stop the slow decline to the ground littered with signs of his failure.
He couldn’t pass out. He needed to track down that fool before he could start the end of the world.
No.
He’s stronger than this!
He won’t be stopped by mere pain!
He’s suffered far greater injuries than this!
No.
No.
“No!” Lunging forward, Nezha cringed as his ribs protested the sudden movement. But the pain was soon forgotten as he took in his surroundings.
He had been moved from the pitiful remains of his destroyed temple. Now he was on a soft mattress in a sparsely decorated room. Candles and incense burned around him, filling to room with a soothing scent.
By the door, his armor, astras, and weapon rested, freshly polished and repaired.
Looking down, the Third Prince saw his wounds had been tended to. Someone had dedicated a great deal of time to see him restored to full health. Someone was trying to help him make up for his unforgivable failure.
But who?
“It is comforting to see you awake, Nezha.” A deep voice said from the now open door, one that was rather familiar.
Nezha looked up to see a dear friend and teacher. Slick black hair pinned in the traditional style showing a visage free from wrinkle or scars. Dressed in his usual white and lilac robes, he had traded in his armor and weapons for instruments of healing, however, he was far from appearing weak. A powerful three-eyed warrior god joined by a sable furred magnificent canine with golden markings. The beast was a fine example of breeding, pure muscle and speed, yet somehow quite fluffy.
Erlang Shen
“Where am I?” Nezha asked. He was quite surprised to see one of the, if not the, most powerful warriors of the Celestial Realm tending to his wounds.
“After the seal was broken, I traveled to your temple to see you safely retrieved. You were badly wounded and spiritually drained but have been making steady progress towards a full recovery.” Erlang said, checking the bandages, pleased the bleeding had long ceased.
The snarling hound jumped onto the bed to settle against the young god’s side.
“I was alone?” As an extra precaution, Nezha never employed servants at his temple. Yes, this act forced him to perform extra tasks to maintain his massive residence, but he felt it was worth it if it meant fewer beings knew about the map’s existence and location.
But that also meant…
“You were the only living thing within fifteen li,” Erlang clarified.
“So, the Great Sage was successful in stealing the map…” For a brief moment, he prayed it had been a nightmare. Losing the map to the simian, who should be more than aware of just how dangerous those flames were, after a thousand generations of flawless vigilance was truly a travesty. But that was what the Great Sage did.
He ruined everything for his own benefit.
“Do not be so hard on yourself. All the Celestial Realm knows better than to underestimate that monkey when he’s determined. The fact you were able to hold him off for so long is worthy of praise.” He, even with all his might, still bore the scars from his first battle with the Great Sage.
“It’s less than worthless unless I am able to retrieve the map before the Samadhi Fire is unleashed. The entire world is at stake, I cannot allow myself to be weak.” Nezha pulled at the covers so he may track down that worthless ape.
Only for a gentle yet firm hand to halt his progress.
“There is a time for action and a time for rest. Your body still has a long road to recovery. Soldiers, scouts, and those devoted to our temples are keeping watch over the Monkey King and those he accompanies. Recently he has left the palace of the Eastern Dragon King and is entering the Great Desert of Endless Hardships.” Erlang explained, attempting to gently ease the young deity back into the bliss of sleep.
His words were designed to inspire comfort, yet they only served to kindle the panic and rage inside the young prince. The Great Desert of Endless Hardships was part of the Demon Bull King’s territory. Sun Wukong was heading directly for the first of the three rings, Nehza was truly too far behind.
Seeing the effect his words had, Erlang went for a more tactical approach. “I know it is hard, but you must know if you were to leave now, he would simply best you again with greater ease. You must be patient.”
To further emphasize his point, the divine hound shifted its head so that it now rested on the youth’s chest. Deep eyes stared intently at the god who was once the young boy who endlessly played with him. Meaning that if he had any inclination of leaving, he would have to disrupt the slumber of a creature he personally knew and adored since his reincarnation.
Gritting his teeth, the young god battled with his eternal rage and fury. Knowing his old teacher was correct, he bowed to his wisdom and allowed himself to sink into the fluffy pillows and blankets.
“I respect your wisdom and…am grateful for your actions.”
Nodding, Erlang closed the door behind him, leaving his beloved companion to rest at the young prince’s side.
He was conflicted.
On one hand, he was proud to witness the once wild youth grow into such a mature and respectable warrior. On the other, it was clear the millennia of near total isolation and dedicating himself to this sole duty had taken its toll on his self-worth.
A whisper of fresh flowers and spring water told him another had reached a similar conclusion.
Regardless of the past, they were there now. Their prince would no longer have to bear this burden alone.
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
Inside the TEA, tensions were running hot as the temperature continued to rise.
Desert travel was rarely fun, even when you were inside an air-conditioned van because somehow the heat was able to sneak past the cooling mechanisms to force the travelers to each lose a liter of water with each passing hour.
Didn’t help that the map was not proving a helpful navigation tool.
Ever since his phone dried out, Tang had been trying to compare the ancient map with every digitized map of China he could find from the past three thousand years, yet nothing even resembled a single landmark. Currently, the only reason they were still moving was to get out of the desert and maintain the distance between them and the growing hellscape of crystal and ice that was once their home.
“Good news, everyone. GPS shows we’re just eight hours away from the nearest city.” Sandy announced, happy to have some good news.
“Awesome. We really need to stock up on…everything.” Pigsy said, using his overshirt to wipe away another layer of sweat.
“There’s no telling when the Shackled will be upon us again, so we need to grab what we can and leave as quickly as possible,” Tang advised from the passenger’s seat, clinging to the map as though if he looked closely enough something would start to make sense.
“‘Shackled’?” Mei questioned the phrase from her spot on the floor.
“We needed to call them something, as a bonus, it serves to remind us they are not doing this of their own free will.” Tang defended. While they were chasing them and nearly caused their deaths multiple times, Tang firmly believed they should not be held accountable for these acts. After all, if his family was being threatened by a seemingly unstoppable force, even he would bend to see them live.
The youngest members shrugged in acceptance, not having the energy to argue or come up with something better.
“Back to the matter at hand. While we have nothing else, we’d better write a list of what we need to avoid wasting any time.” Pigsy offered because putting as much distance between themselves and an army sounds pretty good.
“On it,” MK said, tearing out a fresh page from his art book that miraculously survived.
“Our main priorities are food, water, medical supplies, toiletries, and fresh clothing,” Sandy stated from the front. In times of survival, it was important to have a clear view of what you needed.
It pained them but the four moved around the living area to check on what they had at their disposal.
“Looks like we have enough emergency rations for two more meals, but that might be pushing it,” Pigsy said, never happier at the knowledge his buddy was once a soldier. “Didn’t help nearly everything I brought was lost when we hit the waves.”
It wasn’t like they planned to suddenly be whisked into this ancient mess. The fact he packed all that food in the beginning was because he knew those two would burn three times their daily calories with all the training. Even though they had already eaten most of it during their travels, he could have squeezed another two meals out of it.
“We still have four gallons of water stored up.” Mei counted from the back. Although she was considering making it three with the sheer amount of sweat she had been drowning in.
“Not great but it should last us until we get to the city,” Tang muttered. “As for medical supplies, we are nearly out of gauze, medical tape, pain relievers, and antibiotics. Honestly, given the start of our journey and everything we may encounter, we should just double stock everything.”
“Yeah.” MK wrote everything down, along with a few extra items. “Okay all that plus, basic necessities, cat food, and fuel. That should be it, aside from the issue of payment.”
“Everyone got your credit cards.” At the pig’s words, everyone whipped out at least one plastic card. “We’re good.” This meant everyone could handle payment when they split up.
“Here’s the plan: Tang you handle medical supplies, if you think you have enough grab three more. There’s no telling if the next city we encounter has been thrown into chaos from Lady Bone Demon’s attack or not.” Pigsy pointed to the man as he retook his original seat.
The scholar’s glasses glinted as he wore a strangely content smile.
“Mei, you know our styles and sizes, grab four standard outfits, a jacket, gloves, boots, and snow gear. I want us to be prepared for anything and everything.”
The pro-gamer gave a thumbs up, already devising a new wardrobe in her mind. The anime dream team uniforms were once more within reach.
“MK, you’ll grab at least three large bags of whatever brand of cat food Sandy uses and ten water dispenser jugs. Sandy, while we’re shopping double-check everything so we don’t end up stranded on the side of the road and fuel up.”
The two nodded as Sandy directed MK to the food cabinet so he could write down the name as a precaution.
“I’ll handle the food, including where we can store enough to feed six people for multiple days.” Pigsy finished with a mutter.
“Well, that killed twenty minutes. Anything else we can use as a distraction?” Sandy asked, glad that the atmosphere had taken a brighter turn.
A loud clap brought everyone’s attention to their very own Monkie Kid. “So, we all agree I need to find some way to get my powers back.”
“Ah, technically yes, but-” Tang began, only to get cut off.
“You didn’t actually give any reasons or make an argument,” Pigsy said, more than a little concerned. Even when they had spare time in their prison cell MK was adamant about not talking about his fight with Lady Bone Demon or when they were attacked on the dronecopter.
“I thought it was pretty obvious given how close we were to being killed at the Eastern Dragon Palace,” MK stated, before turning to face his best friend. “No offense to your great, great thousand times great uncle, Mei.”
“Meh. I doubt he cares.” The young dragon said with confidence.
“Both during the attack and when he was threatening us, I couldn’t do anything. I was worthless.” MK admitted, feeling the words carve a scar in his heart for what could have happened to his family. “Monkey King said that the powers came from me, not the staff, so I should be able to tap into them again.”
“How? It took centuries of training and practice for him to obtain all of his abilities. You haven’t even had them for a year.” Tang pointed out, not feeling particularly keen on diving in blind to such dangerous territory. It wasn’t that he was trying to be cruel, but he still fought the urge to heave at the slightest thought of the dog head and mop hands.
“I have no idea. I was honestly hoping you guys would have some plan based on how I unlocked abilities in the past.” Cause to be honest compared to the Monkey King’s arsenal he barely scratched the surface.
“Shouldn’t your ‘master’ be part of this meeting?” Pigsy asked. Ever since their escape, the pig demon had been growing even more skeptical of the so-called ‘Great Sage’ especially when he never fully answered any of their questions.
“He’s occupied with regaining his own strength,” MK said, pointing to where his master was in the depths of meditation. A soothing golden glow emanating from every inch of skin bathed the back half of the T.E.A. in divine light.
“How did we miss that?” Mei questioned, snapping a quick pic of the glowing monkey.
“Then why don’t you do the same?” The chef asked.
“Well, I can’t-” MK started but stalled as memories of past lessons flooded in. A different teacher, different lessons, but they allowed him to discover many truths about his powers and himself. One of those lessons was the importance of deep mediation to interact with abilities that were truly his.
Trails of power.
A golden statue.
A world built on the memories he held dear.
“Huh? Maybe I will.” Grabbing a fluffy pillow from one of the bunks, MK went into lotus position and closed his eyes. He really had been slacking on meditation in the last few months and the lack of incense didn’t help. Why didn’t he ask the dark monkey what brand he used at the theater, he’ll never know?
Okay yes, it was because he was internalizing a lot of stuff, including the safety of his friends, the return of one of his mentors, and the fact something terrifying was on its way! He’s allowed to be dramatic, damn it!
Getting off track here. Focus on his breathing. Let the rhythm of his heart take him deeper and deeper. Block out all distractions.
Slowly, slowly…
Ding!
Opening his eyes MK looked around and saw he was no longer in the T.E.A.
“Step one in the books. Now for step two.”
The others watched as MK’s breathing evened out until it felt like he had froze.
“I guess this little think tank was worth something after all,” Mei commented, not sure how to handle this situation. Things were really going into new weird territory. And for their group that was saying something.
“So, we have two monkeys out of commission,” Tang observed, trying to keep the worry out of his voice.
“We’ll have to be careful until they wake up,” Pigsy stated. He wasn’t that worried, so long as they kept moving things should be alright. Besides, it wasn’t like they were completely defenseless without the two.
“Ah, guys? Our ETA might be a little off schedule.” Sandy said, trying not to reveal how nervous he was.
“But you said this vehicle can handle almost any terrain?” Pigsy asked, remembering how proud the yoga enthusiast was.
“It can but I underestimated how much coolant we’d go through.” At his words, the van completely stopped. The main screen showed a cup of boiling tea at the top of a thermometer. “The engine’s completely overheated.”
“So, we’re stuck here?” Mei asked already feeling a new layer of sweat soaking into her jacket.
“Just for a few hours,” Sandy assured, even though he was dreading the blistering heat like everyone else. “We need the engine to cool down or we’re not moving.” The water demon unbuckled his seat and went to throw open the hood, releasing a burst of steam that nearly hit him and Mo in the face.
Nursing a growing headache, Pigsy knew they had to make preparations. “Everybody out. Staying inside ain’t gonna help anyone.”
“Mei, grab MK. I’ll get Monkey King. Tang, I saw a spare blanket and metal rods in the back, we can use them to create some shade.” The others nodded, as a plus it would help distract them, somewhat.
Mei tenderly grabbed her best friend and the pillow he was using, while Pigsy had no qualms about throwing the spiritual primate over his shoulder. Seeing such drastically different attitudes, Tang wanted to say something but knew it wouldn’t change anything.
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
Deep inside MK’s mind, the boy was struggling to make sense of how different everything was.
The first time he entered this world everything felt so bright and vibrant. Now…
Now it felt so empty.
The colors were muted to mere memories of what they once were. Scenes he once walked past showcasing pieces of his family’s pastimes were crumbling under an unseen weight. He had walked for what felt like miles not one phantom to be seen. Jagged pieces of ice had grown out of the flaming mountains, encasing the buildings that were once randomly dotted about.
If he didn’t know any better, MK would assume the changes were symbolizing his mental trauma and sense of helplessness.
“What’s happening?” He muttered, scared of what was wrong with him.
Furiously shaking his head, MK proceeded to smack himself. This wasn’t a time to get lost in thought. He needed to reestablish his connection with his powers so he could protect everyone.
With that in mind, he continued his trek down the path and up the mountain to where the statue dwelled. But not even his heroic nature could distract him from the crushing silence.
The first time he came here nothing was quiet. Even if sounds felt muted compared to Macaque’s instructions, there was still so much he absorbed.
The force of the roaring fires. The crashing of the waves. The sound effects echoed from the arcades and clubs. Knives grating against cutting boards. The slight buzz of a text being sent. Pages being turned. Kettles whistling.
Monkeys chirped from the trees and cats purred as they were being petted.
Everything, everything little sound brought this place to life and made it feel real.
Now…
MK tried not to think about it.
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
Digging in the supply closet, Tang feared for the future if things continued this way. Ever since MK became the Monkie Kid, Pigsy had grown more and more irritated with the king. Whenever MK wasn’t around Pigsy never held back on his opinions of their child’s mentor. He felt the King wasn’t prepared to handle the responsibilities and emotional requirements to truly be a teacher, much less a good one. And given everything Tang had witnessed, from their situation to MK’s self-esteem, it was growing harder to defend him.
The scholar was pulled from his musings when he felt something very familiar brush against his hand. Cautiously, he pulled out a vase, one with striking floral designs and not a single blemish on its surface.
“Huh? Guanyin’s vase?” Tracing the deigns, Tang felt the same nurturing/terrifying aura that drew him to it the first time. Grabbing the supplies, he was tasked with retrieving, Tang went to get some answers. “Pigsy, did you pack this?”
The chef stared at the vase for barely a minute before images of a flaming city-sized delicacy hurling down from the atmosphere linked together. “That thing? Didn’t you and MK take it from Monkey King’s horde to deal with that giant dumpling a few months ago?” That was one weird adventure and one long cleaning session.
“Yes, but he took it back, right?” Sure, Tang didn’t see him do it, but after the vase was restored surely MK took it with him on his many trips to Mount Huaguo.
“Apparently not,” Mei muttered, stabbing the rods into the sand as deep as she could.
Tang, however, felt as if there was more to this. Rushing back into the T.E.A., he grabbed six glasses and returned to their group. Taking a single cup, Tang tipped the vase over, eyes widening as crystal clear water started to pour out.
“It’s cold.” The glass felt as if he just used a fridge’s water dispenser. From the first aid kit, he was thrilled to find pH strips. Dipping a fresh strip in, he waited and soon the strip indicated a solid scale of 7.
“Well, the pH is stable…we have an ocean of fresh water at our disposal.” But whether it was safe to drink was another question he wasn’t prepared to answer. They should boil it first to be safe though-
“Gimme!” Mei snatched the glass, proceeding to chug it down in one fell swoop. Immediately one could see improvements, the young water dragon once on the verge of collapsing now appeared well-rested and eager to take on the next challenge. “So good.”
Despite the inevitable headaches and potential dangers, Pigsy took what wins he could get. “Alright, one thing’s going right today.” He went on to pour himself and the kid a glass. Even if he was in a deep meditation didn’t mean they had to risk heatstroke.
“But how?” Tang asked, still fixating on how such a priceless and useful artifact just appeared in their possession.
“Let’s not question it now. It's too hot for that nonsense.” The chef stated, taking a test sip. Finding the refreshing drink everything he needed in that one moment he proceeded to slowly pour half of the second glass down MK’s throat. He couldn’t be sure, but he got the sense the kid was relieved if for a moment.
Sandy was quick to join in on the action, grabbing himself a glass and refilling the bowls for all his little soldiers, who eagerly lapped up the refreshing liquid.
“Ah, guys? Is it just me or are there suddenly a lot more clouds in the sky?” Mei asked, feeling the heat start to lessen as the winds shifted.
“Hm?” Sandy looked up at the odd question. However, the reason immediately became clear.
What was once a clear blue sky free of a trace of white, was slowly growing dark as grey clouds floated closer to their campsite. The winds were starting to pick up speed, bringing a sense of welcomed coolness but also a sense of danger.
The sky was growing darker as the clouds gathered above them. A metallic scent slowly poisoned the air sending the therapy cats rushing back into the T.E.A., with the exception of Mo who was determined to remain by his partner’s side. Lightning crackled between the gray masses as the winds began to howl with even more vigor, but none of that was important.
At least not compared to the figure that suddenly appeared mere feet before the group.
They weren’t very tall and their billowing clothes did not give the impression they were cut, but something about them truly held their attention. They held an aura, a charisma that drew them in; it would have been comforting if it wasn’t saturated with bloodlust and long-tempered fury.
Then they spoke. “I have waited ten years for this moment. Spirit of the Red Sand.” Their voice did not feel as though it originated from a living creature, but a force of nature. It echoed and distorted as whispers trailed behind, at least of their number flinched due to that familiarity alone.
Pigsy was the first to glare at the newcomer. “Sandy, who is this punk?”
Mei drew her sword, placing herself directly between MK and their new foe.
The former soldier, however, could only say this. “Pigsy. Tang. Get the kids in the T.E.A.”
The figure tilled their head as though they had finally taken notice of the entire group. “Companions. I always thought you didn’t need backup.” They spoke with such condescendence, as though viewing their presence was a sign of an inexcusable weakness.
“I’m not that man anymore. I’ve moved past it, but I can see you didn’t.” Sandy stated, both with pride and remorse. He seemed to recognize the individual, not necessarily who they were but why they were here.
And that was all it took. One little phrase and all that control, all that calm was torn to shreds. “A little hard, when you lose your entire family to one monster.”
Sandy looked down at the statement, not having anything to defend his past actions. He knew he committed horrible acts. He butchered hundreds without caring about their history or if they had families waiting for them. He didn’t care, didn’t want to care.
Why should he?
No one could touch him and he thought he had all he needed in a found family who respected his choices.
The enemy unsheathed a blade with one hand and his claws with the other. A stance was taken and all thoughts of conversation were abandoned. The winds were whipped into a frenzy as streams of sand circled the group like hungry predators.
Oh, what he wouldn’t give to turn back the clock.
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
MK grunted as he reached for a new finger hold.
He didn’t know why it was taking so much longer to find the source of his powers this time, but he knew he was getting closer.
Originally, he tried retracing his steps to Monkey King’s house, but nothing was to be found.
The golden statue was nowhere to be found, leaving him to scream his frustrations to an uncaring mental sky. Nails dug into his scalp as he viciously pulled at his hair. His vision turned watery as he forced the tears back.
Growling MK, returned to his feet and stared down the daunting mountain face before him. It was the only area he hadn’t checked yet and he refused to come back empty-handed. And that led to him climbing up an unstable mountain freestyle.
He honestly didn’t know if dying here would truly kill him, but he wasn’t eager to test that theory.
The only thing he had going for him was the faintest sense things had gotten a lot hotter since he entered his meditation. He could only pray the van hadn’t brook down or an ambush forced them into a sinkhole.
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
In the physical world, things were not going great.
Their opponent was proving to be one of their more annoying foes
“Illusions! He’s combining illusions with the sand storm.” Tang deduced. And for someone who spent so long blending in with the crowd, it made sense. From the back of the group, he saw moments when duplicates would just fade in and out of existence. Blows would be stuck but have no backlash. Real attacks were thrown into the mix, but the question of what was real and what wasn’t kept everyone on edge.
The shifting sands and raging winds were already throwing them off, throwing in projections would serve to further disorient. Against a powerhouse like Sandy, it was an ideal strategy. As any direct assault was doomed to failure.
Mei was having a new problem. She had never had more power at her disposal. Her speed was unquestionable. And no one could say she would hesitate in a fight. But this wasn’t a normal fight.
What good was power if she couldn’t land a hit on a target? What good was speed if she couldn’t see where she was going? How could she swing her blade knowing she could accidentally hit one of the others?
This was a new sense of helplessness, having all this power yet being unable to use it.
Sandy was clearly the main target, but even with his vow of pacifism, he had decades of experience to allow him to dodge or redirect deadly attacks. Of course, that came with the risk of the others getting hit in his place.
“Then how do we fight this?” Pigsy growled, pressing his back against Tang to avoid being separated again.
“Since none of us are skilled in dispelling magic like this, we’ll need the golden eyes of truth. It’s the only way I can think of us ending this without causalities.” Unfortunately, the only ones with access to such power were currently beyond their reach.
“Come on kid. If you’re planning to do a big hero moment, now’s the time.” Pigsy pleaded hoping his voice would reach the little boy he raised. The boy who became weighed down with far too many responsibilities and trauma much too soon.
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
Finally.
Finally, he reached the summit! Or whatever the tops of mountains were called. He was too mentally exhausted to care about accuracy.
Now it was time to receive his prize.
Nothing.
Nothing!
He climbed for what had to be hours while his family was waiting for him. He stumbled his way through the wreckage of his thoughts when they could have been attacked at any time!
Was this a sign?
A sign he wasn’t meant to be the Monkie Kid anymore?
Did he truly have nothing left?
Was he now and forever meant to be helpless while those he loved gave up everything?
Starring at the endless sky, MK stood firm. “This is not the end.”
“Do you hear me! This is not the end! I refuse to give up.” He shouted, not caring who heard him. In the end, all that mattered was that he said it.
“I messed up. I let the Lady Bone Demon steal every ounce of power I had. I let her manipulate me too many times. I let the world down. I let Monkey King down. I failed my family.” He almost broke down at the last one. It hurt admitting his failures. But they were the cold, hard truth. He couldn’t ignore them, but he could conquer them.
Here and now, he would.
“But that doesn’t mean I’m just going to sit back and do nothing. I will fix my mistakes, with or without powers.” Taking a deep breath, MK knew it was time to return to the outside. He had nothing left here, but so much out there.
A strange sensation drew his attention. Turning around he saw a glorious golden light.
“Huh?”
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
MK opened his eyes to the ongoing battle, feeling lighter. “Guys!” He cried out seeing them all struggling to stay unharmed.
“MK?” Mei returned as she darted around the sand twisters.
“What’s going on?” Because this didn’t feel like an attack by the shackled. There was no sense of the life being drained from him as all warmth fled from the universe.
“No time, Kid. We need golden vision if you have it.” Pigsy stated, dragging tang out of the latest barrage.
Not entirely sure what was going on, but knowing enough to comply MK reached deep inside. He stretched towards that tiny dot of warmth and willed it to flow into his eyes. Gritting his teeth, MK focused everything on his sight. TO focus on the world around him as it shifted and turned. Slowly a golden film slipped over his eyes as the duplicates of the unknown enemy faded away, leaving the original hopelessly exposed.
“He’s over there.” MK alerted, pointing to a small patch of sky above Sandy.
“On it.” Mei had been itching for this for far too long. In a flash, a green dragon charged forward and before the opponent could hide again, they were knocked from the sky, hurtling towards the ground. Mei returned to them with a satisfied grin, yet the sparks of energy revealed she was far from done.
“Stay down,” MK instructed. “We don’t want to fight you. The world is at the brink of destruction, none of us have time for this.” He may not know how this started, but if he could end it, he would.
“We know you are upset, but killing Sandy won’t solve anything,” Tang said, trying to reason with the demon weighed down with loneliness and heartache. “It won’t resurrect your family or lessen your pain. You know this. All you are doing is hurting yourself.”
Pigsy was occupied holding back an enraged dragon from tearing apart the landscape as while he’d love nothing more than to teach this ass a lesson, they needed to focus on what was important. And killing a defeated opponent in front of their friend who was still clearly struggling with his PTSD wasn’t going to help anyone.
“Why would I listen to such empty words? You are right about one thing, his death won’t make a difference, not in any way that will matter. The demon spoke, subtly pulling a knife from his boot. “However, it will achieve one thing.”
The demon lunged forward at the pig demon and the group’s only full human.
Then just as quickly as it began it was over.
Sandy stood protectively over the two, dagger shattered against his fist, but the attacker was quite the distance away. In a mere fraction of a second, Sandy intercepted a lethal attack with a crimpling blow of his own. He defended his friends, his family, but at the cost of his vow.
Once more shattered bodies lay before him as those around him looked on in fear. His past was becoming his present and his present was becoming his nightmare.
“Is he?” Mei asked, almost afraid to finish.
Swallowing MK walked over to the prone figure, placing two fingers on the demon’s neck as he was taught long ago. Subtly, he felt something. Fragile and weak, fluttering against overwhelming fear, yet stubbornly clinging to this world.
“No.” Barely.
The group let out a sigh of relief. Just because they weren’t fond of being attacked didn’t mean they wanted him dead.
“Looks like all that wind cooled down the engine,” Tang said, seeing the monitors return to normal and the engine no longer releasing steam. Perhaps it wasn’t the most tactful line, but they needed to focus on something else, some more than others.
“In that case, let’s go! I’ll drive.” Mei rushed to the wheel eager to leave this miserable place.
Pigsy was ready to follow her example but something held him back. Turning around he felt his protective instincts scream at how defeated his friend looked. “Sandy?”
“I tried.” The blue giant sounded like he was on the verge of tears. “I tried so hard to leave that part of my life in the past. But I failed, again. I almost lost control.” Not even the presence of his precious little soldiers could soothe this miserable sensation.
Just like with that spider demon, he nearly went too far. Just one fraction of a second without control and he would tack on another number to his body count. He just-just didn’t understand why this kept happening. He’d been making so much progress, had a good support system, and quality people in his life.
So why was it so easy to lose it all?
“But you didn’t. Don’t think for a second you are a failure. You gave that punk every opportunity to walk away. It’s not your fault.” Pigsy laid a comforting hand on his old friend. While he may not have understood why the big fella felt such a drastic change was necessary, he could respect it. He could see how much effort was put into making himself a better person.
“Besides how could anyone be upset with what you did? You only acted to protect us. That kind of selflessness is something to be treasured.” Tang added. While the two had never been that close before recently, it didn’t change that he cared about the water demon and wanted him to find joy in this life.
Wiping residual grains of sand from his eyes, Sandy looked down to his old friends, seeing nothing but kindness and support. “You guys are the best. I don’t know what I did in a previous life, but I know it wasn’t enough to deserve this.” It still hurt, but not as much.
“You deserve all this and more, big guy. Never forget that.” Pigsy smiled as he felt muscular arms wrap around him. While this setback would leave a mark on his friend, at least he knew he wasn’t alone.
§~~~~§~~~~§~~~~§
Night fell.
With the cool darkness and civilization mere hours away, the group decided it was best to get as much rest as possible before they hit the ground running. Besides after everything that happened, their hearts just weren’t into completing their tasks anymore.
So, one light meal and a generous amount of mystically sourced water later and they were all out.
With everyone asleep there was no one to disturb the meditation of the Great Sage nor was there anyone to see his struggles.
At first glance, the Monkey King didn’t look any different than he did during the rest of the day. He was still meditating as his body gave off a heavenly glow. But if one cared to look at his face, you could make out signs of distress. Pinched brow and clenched teeth were merely the start. Underneath closed eyelids, his eyes were darting from side to side as his hands twitched uncontrollably.
In his mind, he was trapped in a nightmare forged from his past.
Fire
Roaring flames everywhere he turned.
The ropes that bound him had long since disintegrated, but there was nowhere to go. Ash filled the confined space choking his lungs. The smoke was leaking into his eyes and trying to rub only spread the pain.
What made it worse was the flames were fueled by his own body. The soot and ash was fur and flesh weakened by war and ravaged by fire. Even if he regenerated what he had lost any flaw in his defense was merely tinder for elemental hunger.
The pain never ended. The agony never stopped. No matter how long he screamed he would not blackout, he was not meant to know the escape of sleep. Beyond his screams, he could hear the cheers of the Celestial Court as they celebrated their victory.
This-This was all their fault!
All he wanted was respect. All he desired was to protect his people. And they decided to make a joke out of him! When he was free, he’d personally carve his wrath into every resident of this forsaken realm!
They’d learn their lesson even if he had to paint the entire realm red!
Gasping Wukong was forced from his trance and fell to all fours on the provided pillow.
Hastily taking shallow rapid breaths, Sun Wukong did everything he could to separate himself from that memory. The air was cool, there was no fire. He could leave whenever he wanted. He was back in the Mortal Realm, not the Celestial.
‘Get it together.’ He thought, not daring to wake the others by saying it out loud.
He could not afford to be any more of a burden than he already was. Worry and fear killed armies just as easily as superior tactics and overwhelming strength. He needed to remain in control at all times. If they knew just how close he was to breaking, it would be all over.
The soft chirps and rustles from nature drew Wukong to the outside, where the world continued to breathe despite the encroaching danger. All this beauty, all this life, if he failed none of it would remain.
High above, the moon shone so brightly invoking memories of silky fur that made even Chang’e’s domain appear dull. When a hand lay outstretched to meet his even during their darkest days. A kind voice cooed at him as the two of them lay intertwined beneath the stars so certain their future would be happy.
When this was over, Sun Wukong vowed to find his other half. To make things right. To finally end this emptiness eating away at his sanity!
But until then…
‘Suck it up, Wukong. You are the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, such weakness is beneath you. You have a world to save and a new group to protect. Nothing else matters.’
