The Other Wukong : A Coraline/Lego Monkie Kid AU
In a small dimly lit room a shadowy figure stood before a fireplace holding a paper shadow puppet in their hands.
They held the puppet just over the fire…before turning around and placing the doll on the table with some tools. Then using surgical precision the figure cut away the pins and string that held the shadow puppet together. After that was done the figure gathered all the paper pieces together and crushed it into a ball.
Despite that, it was only a second later the figure smoothed out the ball and it became a fine smooth complete piece of black paper again.
With great attentiveness the person traced out the image of a new character, once that was done the cutting began. Scissors worked diligently to cut the figure free, first the upper torso, the lower body, one arm, another arm, and both legs. A thick needle hung over the different parts of the paper limbs, before coming down and making exact marks and details to give the puppet some extra details.
Finally the figure applied shiny pins and sticks, creating the joints that would allow the puppets movements.
The figure gave a test pull to the strings, making the newest paper puppet move its little jump.
Satisfied, the figure opened a window and let the little caricature float into a starry night.
Off to the other side to find its match.
It was a cloudy day when MK finally moved into the Peach Palace with his brother Wukong and his boyfriend Azure.
While Wukong and Azure were directing the movers who were carrying their boxes and furniture. MK took this time to sneak away and explore his supposed new home.
Armed with his favorite yellow coat and bandana he walked out the back and towards the gates of the estates gardens. Well gardens was a strong word as most of the stone planters and plots laid empty, ether whatever plants that had been there had been washed away by the rains or the gardens had been left in disarray for quite some time.
Snapping a branch from a nearby bush MK held it out in front of him, letting it “guide” him past the gardens and into the foothills nearby.
The trail he was on became barren and muddy as he got deeper into the hills.
Just then MK noticed a small collection of rocks tumble by the side of the hill.
“Hello”? He called “Whose there”?
No answer came.
MK frowned before reaching down and grabbing a small rock and throwing it in the direction of the noise.
An inhuman screech was heard as MK hit land, forcing the young boy to run off quickly. He ran faster through the muddy trail, past an enclave of trees, nearly out of breath when he finally reached the end of the path.
MK looked around nervously as rustling was heard all around him.
He practically leaped out of his skin as a sharp yowl broke into the air, before turning around and seeing what caused it.
On a small tree stump sat a small red-haired cat, its yellow eyes narrowing at the boy.
MK glared at the feline “You scared me you mangy thing”! He pointed his stick at them “I’m just looking for an old well, you seen it”?
The animal didn’t answer, only blinking its glass like eyes passively at MK.
“Not talking, huh”?
MK huffed before closing his eyes and holding his makeshift staff to the sky “Magic dowser, magic dowser”~ he chanted “Show me the well”!!
The boy startled as a horn blared and on top of the hill was a threatening looking figure in a white helmet began to drive high speeds towards him.
MK screamed before raising the branch and swinging it at the figure “Get away from me”!
His hit missed, making him drop his staff and the rider smoothly jumped from their bike and onto the tree stump. MK gulped as they stared at him for awhile before they began to laugh and take off their helmet revealing a girl about MK age with dark hair pulled playfully in twin buns and green streaks in her hair.
“Wow, you city people don’t mess around” she said before hopping down and picking up the branch with her gloved fingers “So what were you doing was water witching right?I’m surprised someone like you would believe in a thing like that though, I mean the whole thing never made sense to me honestly? Like how could a stick tell you where water was-”
At the girls nonchalant rambles MK face grew hot as he stomped up to her and snatched the branch away “It’s called a Dowsing Rod! And I don’t like being stalked by psycho girls and their weird cats” he finished by pointing to the red cat that stood behind Mei.
The girl didn’t seem to mind his outburst as she leaned down and began to pet said cat “Actually he’s not mine, he’s kind of feral” she explained as the cat purred beneath her fingers “But I do take care of him, feed him every day, and sometimes at night he brings me little dead things”~
MK rolled his eyes “Yeah, okay” he said “So if I were an actual water witch, where's the well”? He ended it with a dark kick in the ground.
“Careful”! The girl warned “You're standing on it”!
MK froze as he looked down before taking a cautious step back.
Meanwhile the girl knelt down and began to dig into the muddy dirt, revealing a circular wooden top base.
“See” she said, knocking the wood, a deep echo ringing out “It’s supposed to be sooo deep that if you looked up, you’ll see a sky full of stars in the middle of the day”
MK rolled his eyes before kneeling down and examining the wooden top himself, it was heavy if fairly worn.
“I’m surprised he let you move in,” the girl commented, getting up.
“Who”? Asked MK
“My great uncle” the girl explained as she pointed out over the edge of the cliff showing off the perfect view of the apartments down below “He owns the Peach Palace, he’s never rented to people with kids.
MK stood up and looked at her confused.
“How come”?
“Mmmm, I’m not really supposed to talk about it” she said, rubbing the back of her head before stretching out her hand to MK “I’m Mei by the way”!
The boy hesitated before taking it “MK”
She snorted “And what does that stand for? Monkie Kid”?
MK's face blushed before yanking his hand back “No”!
“Well, Monkie Kid” said Mei with a smile “Glad you moved in”!
“...that makes one of us” MK whispered as he picked his branch back up.
“Long Xiaojiao”! A elderly voice yelled through the trees making Mei flinch.
“Xiaojiao”? Asked MK with his arms crossed
“Uh, yeah” Mei admitted “It’s the name I was saddled with”
“Long Xiaojiao”! The voice repeated.
“Looks like you got to get going, Dragon Girl” MK said.
Mei chuckled nervously “It’s actually Dragon Horse, a bit of a family nickname” she said before gathering her stuff and propping up her bike “Anyway, it was nice meeting you Monkie Kid”!
Before she left he also added this “Oh, and word of advice, next time you're out here you might want to wear gloves” she wiggled her own in emphasis.
“And why’s that”? Said MK
“Cause that staff of yours” she said pointing at the branch in his hands “Thats poison oak”
MK yelped as he threw the stick away from him, Mei laughed trailing behind her as she rode away.
For a second it was just him and the red-haired cat, but soon even they left. But not before giving one last judgmental glare at MK.
MK shrugged before looking back at the wooden top of the well, curious he grabbed a pebble and slipped it into a gap in the wood. He quickly pressed his ear on the panel and waited. It felt like it took a whole minute before he heard a small splash.
Before long though MK felt the first drops of rain and he tugged his hoodie and rushed back to the apartments.
A rash already spread on MK's hand the next day, itching a painful red no matter how many times he washed it.
He looked out the kitchen window after washing his hands for what felt like the sixth time that day, the rain hadn’t let up from yesterday and MK was feeling bored.
He looked to where his brother was busily typing on his laptop on the dining room table.
“You know I almost fell down a well yesterday, Wukong,” he said.
“Hmm,” Wukong mumbled passively, still typing.
“I would have died” added MK
“That’s nice,” Wukong said distractedly.
MK sighed before pulling out a stack of seed packets from his jacket coat like a stack of baseball cards.
“So wanna go out”? Asked MK “I think it’s a perfect day to do some gardening”
That finally had his brother look up from his laptop for a second “No, MK” he droned “Rain makes mud and mud makes a mess”
“But you used to love going out in the rain!" complained MK.
MK hates how much Wukong changed after their mothers death, his brother used to be the funnest and most adventurous person he knew. Always traveling, doing crazy stunts, and making up fun games for MK to play. He loved the holidays and occasional birthdays Wukong came to visit.
But after what happened with their mother….things changed. Wukong moved back to the country permanently after officially adopting him, he stopped traveling, stopped doing anything fun in general. MK really hated how much his brother changed and just wished he would go back to his old self again.
“Okay, no gardening” MK said “But how about hide-and-seek or we can just splash in some puddles, I can grab some umbrella’s-”
“I said no MK” Wukong sighed “You’ll catch a cold, not to mention I don’t want to risk breaking my back a second time this year” he pointed to the brace that surrounded his neck.
“It’s not my fault you crashed your motorcycle” MK mumbled.
“I never said it was”! Wukong hissed back.
MK scratched his wrist irritated “Huh, your writing adventure books but you never want to do anything cool”
“Travel catalogues actually, but I write different things too kiddo” said Wukong before pinching his eyes “Look, as fun as this talk was I don’t have time for whatever you're thinking, okay”? He glared from behind his computer “And you have a lot of unpacking to do, lots of unpacking”!
“Yeah, that sounds sooo fun”! Grouched MK and turned to stomp off.
“Wait”! His brother said.
MK turned, hoping for Wukong to change his mind or at least apologize.
Instead his brother held out a thin package wrapped clumsily in newspaper “Some kid from next door left this for you on the porch”
Confused MK took it, on the front was a note written in pink marker.
Hey Monkie Kid,
Found this is my uncle’s trunk.
Look familiar?
Mei :P
Opening the flap of the package something black slipped out.
It was an intricately made shadow puppet, no bigger than MK hand. What he found strange though was how much it looked like him, right down to the style of his hair and the bandana he wore around it.
“A little me”? He questioned
“So, who's your new friend”? Wukong asked with some interest as he continue to type away.
“Mei, or what she calls herself” said MK as he began to walk out of the kitchen shaking the little puppet, sending its strings and limps flopping “And I’m too old for puppets”.
He then went to another corner of the house, pushing a door open revealed his brother's boyfriend Azure sitting hunched over a computer, the room was turned into his office of sorts and boxes and boxes of paper work were stacked around. Shipped all the way from his old office in the city.
“Hey Azure” MK called.
The lion-demon straightened up, and with a tired smile turned to MK “Hey there, MK! ….and little MK”?
Wukong wasn’t the only one who changed, the first time MK met Azure he didn’t really like the guy. When he came to visit he had this sort of formal and strict way of talking and acting, kinda like those lawyers or business CEO’s he saw on T.V. MK especially never liked when he tried to talk Wukong out of letting him ride on his motor cycle.
But after Wukong adopted him and Azure officially moved in with them he became a lot…nicer? Well he was more open and happy around MK at least, even making up silly songs for him.
“Just wanted to know where the garden tools were” said MK
Azure opened his mouth to answer but stopped as he took a look outside then turned back to MK, arching one of his fuzzy brows.
“It’s pouring out there” he said
“It’s just a little rain,” said MK with a pout.
“And what did the King say”? Azure asked, referring to his brother.
“What do you think”? Said MK before shaking his little paper copy and shouting loudly “Don’t you even think about it, MK”!!
Azure huffed a laugh before swerving back to the computer “Then you won’t need the tools”
MK groaned “But I’m so bored”!
Azure was quiet for a bit before turning back to him and saying “You know MK….” he said “I may actually have something for you to do”
The boy looked at him surprised before eagerly stepping forward “Yeah”?
“It’s pretty important,” Azure warned.
“Yeah”?! MK said, eyes sparkling.
“I want you too…” he said before pulling out a notepad and pencil “Make a list”
MK instantly deflated “Seriously”?
“This is a pretty historic house, at least 150 years old” said Azure
“So”?
“So you should use this chance to explore it” said Azure, pressing the items into MK hands “Make a list of everything you see and what you find interesting”
MK looked skeptical but at Azure's encouraging face he took the paper and pen and walked off.
So far MK indoor “adventure” has been nothing but a bust, so far he’s listed down 12 leaky windows, 12 disgusting bugs found in his bathroom, and one rusty old water heater. The only exciting part of it was when he accidentally switched off the wrong light switch and caught off the power, quickly rushing off as Azure shouted a curse down the hallway.
He finally finished up his list in the living room when he counted off the especially boring painting of a miserable looking boy in a pink and gold robes with a broken ring in his hands.
MK sighed before spotting a box on the table, his eyes growing fond as he unwrapped its contents. It was all the snowglobes Wukong had collected from his travels, each one he had brought for MK and his mom whenever he visited.
She really loved them.
Putting down the notepad and the puppet MK busied himself placing each snowglob over the mantle, till they were standing proud and shiny on their new home.
But soon after MK sour mode returned and he turned to grab his things from the table, but to his surprise the paper puppet was gone. He looked over the table then under it, searching for the shadow puppet.
“Alright little me” he said “Where did you go”?
He finally spotted his little copy on the other side of the room just behind a box, confused MK walked over. He rationalized that maybe the paper puppet maybe just floated away from the table after he accidentally bumped against it or something. Or at least what he tried to tell himself.
MK noticed something as he knelt to grab the puppet, moving the box away he found the outline of a small door painted over with the same white paint of the house. Intrigued MK traced his hands over it and then the gaping key-hole.
“Hey, Wukong”! He called, knowing his brother was just in the other room “Where does this door go”?!
“I’m really, really busy MK”! His brother shouted back.
“It’s locked up”! MK said, after some silence though he sent a long exaggerated “PLEEEEASE”!
He knew he got his brother's attention when he heard the chair in the kitchen scrap against the door and footsteps stomping towards him.
Wukong entered the room with a frown and hands on his hips “If I do this for you, will you please let me work”? He grouched.
MK held his hands up together and made a sad puppy dog whine.
Wukong rolled his eyes before leaving the room, returning later with a small black key. MK couldn’t help but notice how almost antique the key looked with the top of it ending in the face of a grinning sharp tooth monkey.
Wukong crouched down and peeled the edges of the paint away as MK watched in anticipation, he was on the edge of his seat as he leaned closer when Wukong placed the key inside and turned it to open the little door to-
“Bricks”? MK said confused as he saw the little entryway covered in cemented bricks “I don’t get”?
“They must have closed this off when they divided up the house,” said Wukong, getting up and whipping his pants.
“Your kidding” MK said disappointed and in denial “Why would they do that for a door so small-”?
“We made a deal.” Wukong recalled, before making a motion over his mouth “So zip it”
MK watched as he walked out of the hallway before calling out “You didn’t lock it”!
Wukong groans followed after.
Alone MK stared at the bricked door for a bit before shutting it closed.
Later that night MK sat with his two guardians, and the little puppet tucked by his side, for dinner. Or what you could call what Azure sloshed in his plate.
Oh my itchy, twitchy boy.
I think you are so nice!
I give you bowls of porridge,
and I give you bowls of iccce cream!
Ice-cream was not in fact what MK was served, the dish in question was what looked like a shriveled bunch of spinach drowned in a nauseating burnt and oily soy sauce stock that looked like motor oil topped on a bed of meager rice.
“Come on MK” encouraged Azure “Eat up”
MK poked his chopsticks at the the wilted greens “How come you never cook Wukong”
Wukong coughed a laugh “Trust me bud, you don’t want my cooking” he said before munching down on some rice “Besides Azure cooking isn’t so bad”
“You should see me when I have some quality ingredients” Azure said with a little edge to his voice.
“Okay, okay” Wukong said “I promise I’ll go food shopping as soon as the catalogue goes through, now eat your vegetables MK”
“It looks more like mud” the boy muttered, mixing it around half-heartedly.
“Well it’s mud or bedtime, fuss-cub” said Azure
MK took out his little puppet and asked “Do you think they’re trying to poison me”?
He made the little paper models head shake un agreement.
“MK” Wukog warned.
With a defeated sigh MK walked to his room to bed hungry.
In his pajamas and sheets MK tossed and turned, going over what a terrible day it turned out to be.
He looked to his little side table to the picture of his mother, even in the picture she looked beautiful with her silky white shirt, green scarf, and snake bracelet around her wrist.
“I really hate it here, Mom” he said to the picture “I wish you were still here”
Before long he turned off the lights and laid in bed to sleep.
As MK slept he had an odd dream where the small door opened on its own, but instead of bricks a black void was there and fluttering out playfully were mouse shaped paper puppets.
MK woke up with a start, he wondered what could have woken him up before he heard a soft scuttling and a small squeak.
Looking under his bed MK spotted on the other side of the room besides his bedroom door was an adorable looking blue mouse, then, as if it spotted him peaking the little creature took off.
Rushing out of bed MK hurried to follow it.
He chased it carefully down the hall, careful as he passed by his brother and Azure room. Both snoring peacefully with Wukong in his tiger striped T-shirt and shorts and Azure beside him in sensible fancy blue sleeping robe.
MK measured his steps and did his best to avoid the steps he knew would squeak till he was finally down the stairs. Facing the living room now, MK spotted the mouse again. First crawling past the table, then pushing from under the arm chair, before making a break for it to a crack in the slightly open small door MK had found earlier.
Hesitantly MK opened it and just like from his dream earlier the door was no longer blocked by bricks but was an open narrow space with just enough room for MK to crawl through.
Taking a deep breath MK hesitantly put one hand forward, the surface beneath it felt firm and soft at the same time. Like the velvet of a theater curtain.
MK dared put his other hand in and crawled forward till he was fully inside the tunnel like space. He kept going forward till he finally found a door, so similar to the one before, and with no hesitation turned the knob and pushed it open.
The boy was confused though as he saw that he was seemingly back in his living room. As he got up MK couldn’t help but wonder if maybe he had gone in a circle of some sort, but that would be impossible given how the passage was fixed in a one way direction.
What was going on?
MK noticed something else, looking up at the painted picture over the mantle instead of the depressed looking boy from earlier; the portrait now showed a happy boy with two rings that glowed with luster.
MK then caught a scent in the air, it smelled wonderful and made his starving stomach growl.
Following the smell, MK travelled through down the hall towards the kitchen. MK noticed a humming just behind the kitchen door, peaking through he saw the back of his brother standing in front of the stove and humming an unfamiliar toon.
MK was startled!
He had just seen his brother upstairs asleep, so who was this?!
“Wu-Wukong”? He said hesitantly as he pushed the kitchen door open “What are you doing-”
He stopped short as the figure that looked like his brother turned to him and MK couldn’t help but gasp.
The figure looked like his brother by all accounts, from the yellow and black hoodie he liked to wear, to the styled golden hair that swept to the top, and to the wide and confident smile. Accept there was one big difference.
This Wukong looked at him with dark black button eyes.
“MK”! He called, mixing a bowl in front of him “You're just in time for supper, bud”!
MK gulped before bravely stepping forward “Youre…not my brother” he said “My brother doesn't cook….and he seriously doesn't have b-b-b-”
“Buttons” the imposter finished smiling, before tapping them “Do you like them”?
“Um” MK said hesitantly
“I’m your Other-Brother, or Other-Wukong if you prefer” said the Wukong look alike who opened the oven and releasing the succulent smell of roast meat into the air “Now go get the Other-Azure and tell him that supper is ready”
MK hesitated, still looking at his brother's twin.
“Well go on” the Other-Wukong ushered him away “He’s in his study”
Unsure what else to do, MK went towards the study “Other-Azure” was supposed to be in. He approached the door with caution, unsure what to expect till the sound of piano keys being played echoed from outside.
Pushing the door open MK saw the study was changed too, instead of crowded with boxes the space was tidy with books lining the walls and different instruments around the floor, one of them being a grand red piano. Sitting there playing with the key was someone who seemed like Azure.
“Hello”? MK called
The figure turned to him “Hello, MK”~
This person looked exactly like Azure, right down to his favorite blue robe, but just like Wukong or rather the Other-Wukong, his eyes were replaced with black buttons.
“Wanna hear my new song?” he asked.
“You can’t-Azure can’t play piano” MK stuttered.
“No need” said the Other-Azure, raising both muscled arms “This piano plays me”
Just then a pair of white gloves attached to mechanical strings stretched out and slipped over the Other-Azure hands, MK eyes widen in amazement as the mechanism spun Azure around before guiding his hands and playing a bright impressive cheerful toon. Before long the panoramic seemed to spin in place with the Other-Azure still playing.
Making up a song about MK
He's a peach, he's sport, he's just super great!
All agree he's more than okay, once they meet good old MK~
The piano continued to spin and move Azure in incredible fears as he sang and by the end MK couldn’t help but clap.
“Um, hey” MK said shyly “So uh he told me to tell you that dinners ready”
“Mmm” said the Other-Azure rubbing his stomach “Whose starving? Raise your hand”!
MK couldn't hold back a laugh as the machine had Azure hold up both hands
The dinner wasn't set up in the sad little kitchen that it usually was, but in a grand dining hall with a long table practically lavished in food.
From roast chicken, fried rice, dumplings, and bowls of fruit, the spread had MK mouth watering.
“A toast”! The other Azure said, holding up an empty glass “Let's give our thanks and ask to bless…Wukongs golden chicken breast”!
The Other-Wukong chucked as he made a flattered hand motion.
MK grabbed a leg of chicken and took a bit out of it, relishing the savory meat and spices.
“This is amazing!" MK said, taking another bite.
“You look starved kiddo,” said the Other-Wukong amused.
“Can I have some chili sauce”? He asked
“Well here comes the condiment train” said his other-brother, gesturing to a live toy train with compartments set up and carrying all sorts of condiments and seasonings.
Even when MK was done pilling up his plate the Other-Wukong still pressed him to take more “Come on bud, you want anything else? Wontons? Spicy Tofu? Peach Chips”?
MK mouth full said “I’m kinda thirsty”
The chandelier above came down, the candle holders morphine to spouts and glass vile showing off the many drinks the chandelier contained
“Any requests?” asked the Other-Wukong.
MK thought for a bit before holding up his cup asking “Cheese Tea”?
One spout moved forward, spurting a bright yellow liquid and tapioca balls before topping it with a foamy finish. Another mechanical hand moved to stamp the cup with a plastic top with a smiling monkey logo and a large straw.
MK took a sip and nearly sighed in bliss.
“I thought I would never have this again since we moved out of the city” he said before taking another deep drink.
Even after all the food was done the Other-Wukong was there to add one special thing for MK. A lovely red and vanilla cake that read in orange frosting “Welcome Home”!
“Home”? Asked MK
“We’ve been waiting for you MK” said the Other-Wukong
“Wasn’t the same without you, cub” agreed the Other-Azure standing besides Wukong.
MK studied the message before looking at them questioningly “I didn’t know I had an other brother”
“Of course you do”! Said the Other-Wukong “Everyone does”
“Really”? He asked
“Yup, and as soon as your done how about we play a game”
MK noticed the way his other brother's fingers thrummed against the table and his tail swish excitedly.
“You mean like…hide-and-seek”?
“Perfect” said the Other-Wukong, snapping his fingers “How about hide-and-seek in the rain”?
“Uh, what rain”? He said still unbelieving what his brother was saying before startling at the clap of thunder that was heard outside and the rush of rain.
“But…what about the mud”?
“We love mud”! Said the Other-Azure
“Mud facials, mud baths, mud fights” said the Other-Wukong walking to MK side and taking his hand “And I hear it’s great for poison oak”
“How did you-”? MK stopped before getting up “You know I like to play, but I really better get home to my other brother”
“Uh, kiddo”? Said the Other-Wukong, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head “I’m your other-brother”
“I mean my other other-brother, Wukong #1”? Said MK he looked unsure between the two “I think I should get to bed…”
“Of course bud” said the Other-Wukong putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder “It’s all set up for you”
“Huh”?
“Come along buddy” the Other-Azure gentle pushed him along as the Other-Wukong guided MK up the stairs.
Opening the door to his room MK gasped at the sight of it his room, or this new version of it. What was once a boring stark white on all walls was a deep orange, the floor a shiny apple red, and his bed having the softest looking quilt layed out.
“Hello MK”! Some tiny voices called.
“Woah” breathed MK as his lego space ships that he still had put away were now flying playfully around him.
Another voice came from his shelf.
“Whats up MK”! Said his childhood stuffed monkey plush.
Mk stared around him amazed “This is just-wow”!
“Hello, dearest”~
The boy's breath hitched as he turned to the table near his bed.
“Mom”? He whispered
The image of his mother was waving at him from the picture, she looked like she always had, beautiful. Her large earrings twinkling as she smiled at him.
“Hello, MK” she said, her voice soft “It’s so nice to see you again”
MK jumped to the photo and grabbed it close near crying as he said “I missed you so much”!
The picture of his mom smiled back “And I did too” she said “But I’m sure your brother is taking such good care of you”
“You bet” said the Other-Wukong having MK sit down before applying a brown substance from a green jar.
“Oh, the mud” said MK, he was still clutching his mother's photo close but it suddenly felt like he could barely keep his eyes open.
He yawned, laying the picture frame next to him, the Other-Wukong gently tucked his blanket over MK while the Other-Azure flipped the light switch off.
“See you soon”~ they said in unison.