el-speth

[artemismoorea03]

Chirp! (Oneshot)

Co-Written/Inspired by @monkiebois

A Momcaque oneshot. Also posted on A03 under the same name :D

The Six-Eared Macaque was known for a lot of things; being able to hear past, present and future, having knowledge of all things, and being able to manipulate shadows to bend to his will. Teleportation, shadow clones, and even his warform was made out of shadows taking on a form that gave many literal nightmares about who and what they were seeing and experiencing. Though, there were also a lot of things about Macaque that people didn’t know.

For starters a lot of people didn’t know that Macaque’s fur was once a white coloring that he learned to cover with a glamour at a young age in order to help him fit in better with his troupe. People didn’t know that he knew how to speak and understand all spoken languages but could only read or write a handful of them. Those who didn’t know him when he was younger would have no idea that when he was younger he was quite shy and that he only started to become more flowy, bright, and dramatic as a way to keep him busy after his and Wukongs… ‘break-up’ for lack of a better term. The secret that Macaque kept closest to his chest though was how much being alone hurt.

Monkeys - especially Macaques - were very social creatures. He was no different, but due to his appearance he often was kept out of most Troupe activities. Nobody wanted to groom with him, or play, mates… well nobody was ever truly interested in him. The elderly monkeys would tolerate him for short spans of time, the monkeys his age would shun or bully him, and the infants loved him… until their parents saw that they were with him and then their fun would have to come to an end.

Things got better when he met Sun Wukong and his Troupe though. With their King to introduce him to them there was immediately a closer bond between him and the Troupe. Though, that didn’t mean they didn’t tease him for how messy his fur was, how clumsy he was at grooming, and how nervous he acted. The mothers and infants helped the most with these ‘quirks’ he had, often being patient and kind to the outsider. They taught him how to groom himself, how to get close to others, and even how to properly play with infants.

As weird as it was to say, he was more comfortable with the mother monkeys than he was with most of the others.

He lost all of that when Wukong killed him.

The comfort of family, the closeness of a Troupe, the feeling of home was all ripped away from him. Each day that passed brought with it more rage. When he was finally freed from his prison he began to plan revenge against Sun Wukong and his ‘successor’. After all, what right did Sun Wukong have to be that close to somebody when he ruined every chance he had?

At least… that was the plan.

Macaque’s number-one goal was still the same it had been since he was killed. Get revenge.

But after the fight with the Lady Bone Demon that became a bit more complicated. Sure, it had already been uncomfortably close when he spent all that time training MK in order to steal his powers. Then when he put on his Shadow Play scheme he had again gotten closer to Wukongs successor but managed to pull back that connection when he saw just how alike MK was to Wukong. The most dangerous of the ‘connections’ was by far the fight against the Lady Bone Demon. Working side by side with not only MK but Wukong for the first time? That was dangerous. He had almost let himself get caught up in the kids' speech and Wukong’s willingness to trust him.

It was comfortable awful.

He couldn’t get swept up in those emotions, in the willingness to trust and get close to others. Especially when one of those ‘others’ were responsible for most of the pain Macaque had suffered in his recent past. So, again he took off. He ran away and hid at the dojo within Megapolis.

Whenever MK or any of his ‘squad’ came to visit he would make himself scarce but otherwise his routine had gotten uncomfortably comfortable.

Wake up, train, practice cooking (often leading in failure), occasionally singing just to pass time, and scheming. Though… lately his ‘scheme’ board had gotten less and less important to him. Not because his revenge was any less important to him, but because Macaque found himself much too tired to care as much as he had before.

Everything felt… gray and cold. A familiar feeling he hadn’t experienced for centuries, a feeling that had been slowly growing over time now felt absolutely crushing. It was like that feeling of cold loneliness that gripped at his heart when he was a child multiplied a thousand times over. He was exhausted yet he couldn’t sleep. He felt bored and sad yet he couldn’t get himself to do anything.

It was too much.

‘That’s it!’ He thought with a growl as he forced himself to sit up. ‘This… this is too much. If I stay here in this dark dojo I’m going to go crazy. It’s time to come up with something to do… even if it’s just to get out of here for a while, I need to do something.’ He thought, then smirked. ‘Oh… hold on, I know exactly what I want to do.’

Macaque had no intention of hurting the kid, but he was bored and looking for entertainment, so he was going to mess with him. Though, just glancing at the kid made it obvious to Macaque that he wasn’t all that well either. He looked tired, jumpy, and just as out of it as Macaque felt most of the time. Macaque didn’t get why MK looked so broken up, especially when he had such a ‘great’ connection with his friends. He had friends, a family, he had Wukong. So what could make MK so miserable?!

Didn’t MK know that he literally had everything that Wukong had taken from him? Why wasn’t that enough for him?!

Suddenly, whatever ‘scheme’ that Macaque had put together for that day went out of the window as exhaustion and anger overtook him. He waited until MK had made his delivery and was on his way back to the vehicle he drove, then he attacked. 

Letting out a shout Macaque launched himself out of the shadows slamming into MK. MK cried out in surprise, the two tumbling and crashing to the ground as they rolled into an alleyway. MK swung a fist at Macaque who caught it with one fist before the other took a fist full of MK’s hair, snarling in his face.

“M-Macaque?!” MK said in surprise, reaching up and grabbing the hand that was tangled in his hair while trying to pull his fist away from Macaque. “What are you doing?! Let me go!”

“I don’t get it!” Macaque snarled, “Why did he pick you?! Why does he let you live when he killed me?! Why did he take my happiness and why do you just brush past the fact that you have exactly what I wanted!” Macaque said, slamming MK’s head down on the ground, causing the teen to cry out in pain.

“What are you talking about?!” MK said, yanking Macaque’s hand out of his hair, ripping out a small chunk of brown locks before MK sat up, headbutting Macaque.

Macaque yanked away from MK, loosening his grip on MK’s hand which allowed MK the chance to swing his fist again and crack Macaque across the jaw, knocking him the rest of the way off of MK. Macaque jumped up to his feet as MK scrambled to his, getting that familiar gold and red staff out from his ear as he formed it and growled.

“I thought we were done with this stuff, Macaque! We don’t have to be enemies, we can be-”

“What?! Friends!? You really think I can be friends with you?! With any of you?! The last time I had a ‘friend’ he beat me to death! You really think I’ll be able to have a second chance now?! Now that you’re in the picture?” Macaque formed his own staff as he swung it at MK’s head.

MK blocked the staff, being knocked back ever so slightly as he slid down the alley a few inches. “Yes! I won’t let anybody hurt you, Macaque! 

Macaque growled, “Even if the one who hurt me the most was your precious Master?” He snarled, pushing down harder on MK who’s arms began to tremble under the weight. “What about the day when Wukong decides that he’s had enough of me again, huh? What will you do when that day comes and you have to pick between me and Wukong?!”

“It wont come to that!” MK said desperately, his right leg falling out from under him as he dropped to his knee, still holding Macaque back desperately. “You don’t have to be alone anymore, Macaque! We don’t have to be scared!”

Macaque didn’t have time to process MK’s words as he brought up his staff and got ready to hit MK with it again, but just before the staff hit him, MK made a noise that startled both of them.

He flinched, closing his eyes tightly as he chirped loudly.

That one sound said so many things all at one time that it physically overwhelmed Macaque as his staff vanished right before it could hit the kid. That sound… It was so much. It was like it took Macaque by the heart and squeezed it until he felt like it was going to break.

‘Hurt. Scared. Danger. HELP!’ That one noise said all of those things all in a single moment.

But MK wasn’t an infant monkey, so why did he know how to make that noise? Why did that noise set his natural instincts on fire with a flare of guilt and protectiveness? Macaque didn’t understand - he couldn’t understand. He couldn’t understand how MK knew how to make the noise, how he could make it so easily, and he couldn’t understand why it made Macaque tear up.

Macaque hiccuped, his hands shaking violently as he suddenly got onto his own knees and pulled MK into a hug. The touch of another living creature felt unfamiliar and foreign to him, but that didn’t stop him from holding onto MK. MK seemed just as confused, letting out a soft noise as he just sat there for a moment. Shakily MK’s hands reached up to the back of Macaque’s shirt, rubbing a circle on his shoulder.

Tears dripped down Macaque’s cheeks as he squeezed MK, rocking him as he instinctively chattered at the teen as he chattered in a desperate attempt to comfort the teen. Macaque’s chest felt tight, like he was in physical pain as he pulled MK closer, putting his head on MK’s shoulder.

“Don’t cry… I’m sorry. Don’t cry…” Macaque said softly.

“But… you’re… the one crying?” MK questioned, partially muffled by Macaque’s scarf. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m confused.” MK whispered back, then yelped as Macaque suddenly picked him up. “Ack! W-what are you doing?!”

Macaque couldn’t think of anything to say. What could he say to make up for what he’d done that day? So instead he just said as simply as he could, “I’m kidnapping you.”

“WHAT?!” MK squeaked, shrinking his staff as he slipped it in his ear again. “What do you mean?! Why? Let go!” He said, gently hitting Macaque’s shoulder.

“Shut up.” Macaque said, confusion fogging his mind as he dropped through a shadow, causing MK to chirp again.

‘Scared! Scared!’

“Shit… shh, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you.” Macaque said, putting his ears down as he rubbed MK’s back again.

MK let out an uncomfortable noise as Macaque put him down in the center of the floor in the dojo.

“Stay.” He said tightly, then went over to a closet on the far side, opening it up and looked inside.

MK watched as Macaque began to yank out the few spare blankets and pillows he had, occasionally sniffing them to make sure they weren’t too musty and dusty from being stored. Meanwhile, MK stared at Macaque like he had grown a second head (or maybe another set of ears). Confusion swirled in the room, heavy on both ends.

Everything about this was so… weird.

Macaque glanced back at MK who seemed equally scared and confused as Macaque felt. But, Macaque didn’t let him dwell on it too much before he grabbed a pillow with his tail and threw it into MK’s face. MK let out a startled shout as he pulled the pillow from his face, studying it as though he expected it to attack him again. But it was out of Macaque’s reach, so the soft purple pillow wouldn’t be seeking out any more violence.

A second red pillow though held no such promise as he repeated the process with it and hit MK once again.

Little by little the pillows grew around MK, surrounding him in a pile before Macaque went to the blankets. MK let out an almost relieved sigh when he ran out of pillows, but then let out an offended noise when Macaque tossed a blanket over him, then immediately a second blanket.

“Two?!” MK said, sticking his head out of the pile. “That’s enough slices, Macaque!”

Macaque didn’t understand what that meant, but he also didn’t understand half of what he was feeling in that moment. So he threw a third and fourth blanket over MK. MK again stuck his head out, his hair standing up due to static but before he could complain again he touched the top blanket with big eyes.

“Soft.” He said, then looked at the tag. “Wait… is this new?”

“Most of ‘em are.” He grumbled, closing the closet and turning to MK who was now rubbing his face in the soft pink blanket with cheetah-ish spots on it. Macaque felt some tension leaving his body at this, a small smile tugging at his lips as he watched the teenager get more comfortable.

‘What is wrong with me?’ Macaque thought, rubbing the back of his neck as he approached the pile. “Okay, MK. Let’s make a nest.”

“A… what? A nest? With what? For what? Do you have a pet bird?”

Macaque looked at him, dumbfounded on two fronts. First of all, how had Wukong not taught him about nests? (Did Wukong know about the chirping? If he didn’t that might explain why he hadn’t taught him about nests). Second of all, why did Macaque suddenly decide that he needed to teach MK about nests? He wasn’t his teacher, his friend, or even the pig-guy who seemed to have called dibs on the kid long before even Wukong had.

So why was this his job?

Why did he doubt anybody else could teach him this?

“A monkey nest, bud. Here we start with one of these big blankets.” He grabbed MK out of the pile of blankets, putting him back down as he grabbed one of the bigger blankets, though it wasn’t the largest of them. “We start by laying this out and tucking in the corners.”

“Um… okay?” MK grabbed two of the corners helping Macaque laying it down before they tucked in the four corners making it a large circle-ish shape. “Like that?”

“Yep. Now we surround the edges with pillows.”

MK nodded, grabbing a pillow looking at it for a moment before throwing it at Macaque’s face.

Macaque let out a sputtered noise, pulling the pillow away from his face as he looked at MK who let out a soft chuckle then grabbed another pillow, bringing it over as they began to surround the edges of the blanket with pillows. The longer he and MK worked together to make this nest the more comfortable the two fell.

“There we go, now we put the biggest blanket over the entire thing and tuck it in on the edges.” Macaque explained, the two continuing to work together. “Now the remaining blankets and pillows go in the center of the nest for us to use and stuff.”

With just a few final touches MK looked at it then smiled. “Ooh! It looks so soft!”

Macaque chuckled lowly, “Take off your shoes and give it a try, bud.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. We didn’t make it just to look at it, y’know.”

MK smiled, taking off his shoes and putting them near the door before jogging back and climbing into the nest. He then let out a soft noise as he stretched, grabbing and hugging onto a pillow as he hummed. “This feels… good? But weird good.”

Macaque nodded, discarding his own shoes rather boredly before he stepped into the nest and sat down with MK who tensed slightly. “Monkey’s make these to help take care of their young. Demon monkeys are a bit different because we have other reasons for making nests but typically it’s all for tending to their young, physical health and mental health.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. We especially need to nest when we’re young or it could take a big toll on us… so I’m surprised that Wukong hasn’t taught you about it.”

MK fell quietly for a moment, looking down at the pillow he’d been snuggling since he climbed in. “Wukong… has gotten better since all the… everything.” He said, gesturing vaguely with his hand. “But it’s clear he still doesn’t know what to do. I think he’s been lonely… I don’t know how long he’s been feeling this way but he’s sad. He’s sad… kind of like you’re sad.”

Macaque looked away, “I’m not sad, bud.”

“You are though. Your eyes are… they’re sad.”

Macaque sighed, “Listen, cub.” He said, “What’s going on with Wukong and I - personal and otherwise - doesn’t involve you. Okay? Wukong and I will figure out our own shit on our own time. You just… worry about whatever is going on with you.”

MK pulled the pillow to his chest. “I’m… I’m okay. Just having nightmares makes it hard to sleep.”

“Yeah.. I get that.” He said with a sad sigh. “Nesting should help… in theory. It helps if you have people to share it with but nesting alone can sometimes help too.”

Macaque gently reached over petting the back of MK’s hair, then frowned when MK fliched and chirped again.

‘Hurts! Ow!’

Macaque’s eyes widened when he remembered what he’d done. He’d slammed MK’s head against the ground. He’d hurt him! He had hurt his cub! Anxiety dug at his chest as he pulled MK into his lap quickly, causing the teen to let out a confused sound. Macaque then wrapped his tail around MK’s middle to hold him still as he gently began to move his hair to look at the scalp below it.

Here was a small wound, a very small one, no bigger than a grain of rice but it was enough to make Macaque’s eyes burn again. He let out a shaky breath, fixing his hair again.

“Sorry…” He said, cleaning some dirt out of MK’s hair. “I… I just wanted to mess with you, but I lost my temper. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I don’t… I don’t want to hurt you, cub.”

MK glanced at him, his eyes full of confusion and sadness. “Why do you keep calling me that..?”

“Calling you what?” Macaque asked, sniffling as he choked back his tears.

“‘Cub’?”

Macaque’s eyes widened. “I… I didn’t.”

MK nodded, “Yes you did. Twice. I thought I misheard you the first time but you just said it again. Why?”

“I… I don’t know cu… Bud. Probably just slipped.”

“What does it mean?”

Macaque sighed, loosening his grip on MK as he turned to face him, tilting his head confused. “It’s - well - uh…”

MK chuckled and Macaque again smiled hearing the noise of happiness from his cub.

Wait. His cub?! If anything MK was Wukongs cub, and he had no claim to him! Not to mention baby monkeys were called infants so calling him cub didn’t make any sense but… how he was feeling did feel right. It didn’t matter if it didn’t make sense to his head, for the first time in centuries Macaque’s heart felt truly happy.

Macaque pulled MK into a hug, letting MK lean with his head on Macaque’s chest. MK no longer sounded confused, scared or even concerned and instead just relaxed into the hold. “Cub is the name for some types of baby animals. Though some demons call their own children ‘cubs’.”

“So… why do you keep calling me ‘cub’?”

Macaque hesitated once more. “Honestly? No idea. But until I figure it out, you’re stuck with me. You’re mine now, cub.”

All of the arguments that MK might have made were cut off by a tired yawn and a soft stretch.

“At least let me call Pigsy… he’ll be pissed when I don’t show back up at work…” He said, his eyes slipping shut.

Macaque grumbled, reaching back and pulling MK’s phone out of his jacket pocket. “Password?”

“Monkey Cop.”

“Get a shorter password.” Macaque grumbled, but typed it in and clicked on the contact with the pigs face on it. He then debated on what to do. Calling MK’s boss would lead to less confusion and panic… probably. But he was still determined to have fun so he just sent a picture of MK now sleeping against his chest, though he did make sure that his own red scarf was within the picture so that the pig knew who took the picture.

Then without any context he just sent the picture and a short text saying; MK is mine now. He won’t be coming back tonight >:D

The responding flurry of texts, swears, and phone calls from everybody in his contacts went ignored due to Macaque turning the phone on silent and discarding it to the side. They’d find him eventually he was sure, but for now at least MK could get some genuine sleep.

Macaque rubbed circles on MK’s back, his chin on MK’s hair as he looked up at the ceiling.

Macaque felt… strange. He didn’t know how to explain it or even attempt to put it into words.

It had been so long since he had held someone, laughed with them, or genuinely smiled in the presence of another living person. When was the last time he had felt so light? So full of life? So… content with his current position and situation? He couldn’t remember - it was all too distant - all just a memory of warmth, comfort and love.

That was it. That was the feeling.

The feeling so warm and foreign in his chest, a light airy feeling that he hadn’t felt since the days of ripe peaches and sunshine. It’s revitalizing and almost addicting, leaving Macaque with a yearning that he hadn’t become aware that he had even lost.

A yearning for life.

He understood what it was like to die, and what it felt like to want to live, but this was different. This yearning came without the heavy - almost haunting - thoughts of spiteful revenge or rage. It was like he no longer wanted to track down the one responsible for his pain, suffering and agony. Like that no longer mattered to him anymore.

The loss of that was almost overwhelming, but the new realizations that came with it was enough to keep him grounded.

He didn’t just want to survive anymore, he wanted to live. To live and enjoy living. He wanted to smile and laugh instead of brood and drag his feet through the muck of the day.

He had lived, he had died, he had been revived, but until that moment - while he was laying in a nest with his cub on his chest - he realized he had never felt truly alive.

[artemismoorea03]

Protective Urge (Chirp pt 2)

Yet another super fun collab between @monkiebois and I! This time we went more where each of us wrote parts of the story so the writing style shifts part way. I might edit this post later and change the word colors so people can tell who wrote what parts but I think the shift is already pretty easy to tell. IAnyways, this one is a bit less fluffy and has some minor violence. :D

I hope you all enjoy! Please check out @monkiebois profile to see some of their amazing art and works if you haven’t already!

This will also be posted on A03 under the same name :D

Sun Wukong tried to keep his 'issues' close to the vest. He didn't like to burden, bother, or worry others with his shortcomings, anxieties, and past mistakes. Though, it seemed like after he got a successor that's all he could think about.

The friends he had lost.

The friend he had killed.

The pain he caused others.

The headaches he occasionally still felt.

It was hard not to think about all of the things he had done wrong. The people he had hurt. The people who had hurt him. But the things he tried not to think about most was how his mistakes would affect MK in the future. He tried not to dwell on the fact that more people from his past would come to try and hurt MK in the future.

Macaque had been proof of that.

Sure, the kid claimed that Macaque was his friend. That Macaque helped save the day - which, yeah, Wukong had seen for himself but he still didn't believe it was out of the 'goodness of his heart' - and had made up for everything he did wrong. But none of that was Macaque.

Macaque wasn't the type of person who just did something because it was the 'right thing to do'. He was the type of greedy, self-centered and cold bastard that he had always been.

Those thoughts were only cemented by a phone call he got from Pigsy one fateful Friday. (Why he let MK convince him to give his number out to Pigsy and Sandy he would never remember.)

He didn't even get a chance to say "hello" before Pigsy's frantic voice asked.

"Where does Macaque live?!"

Wukong blinked in surprise. "Probably a dumpster somewhere." He said.

"Don't joke with me, Wukong! This is serious. He has the kid!"

Suddenly any other jokes he could have considered making were gone and replaced with panic. Wukong’s fur bristled slightly, his tail lashing as he got to his feet and walked out of his shrine.

"What happened?"

"No idea. I got a picture of MK… asleep? Unconscious? I can't tell but Macaque’s stupid scarf is in the photo and is the only clue we have to go on other than a message that says 'MK is mine now. He wont be coming back tonight.' With a stupid fuckin smiley face at the end of it!"

Wukong growled, mentally racking his brain to try and remember where MK had mentioned seeing Macaque in the past. All he could think about though was that damn rocky area they’d fought in! But if MK had been training with Macaque for a while he had to be training with him away from prying eyes. Plus MK had mentioned something about a play? So maybe a park? Though Macaque hardly seemed the park type… was there a different kind of ‘play’?

“Where was the kid last?” Wukong asked, jumping onto a cloud as it shot through the Water Curtain Cave, the waterfall opening just long enough for Wukong to slip out and fly towards the city of Megapolis.

“A delivery, when I got the message I sent Mei to the drop off. She found the tuk-tuk, signs of fight, and blood but no sign of the kid.”

Blood.

Macaque had hurt his kid hard enough to make him bleed?! 

He clenched his fist, letting out a snarl. “We’ll find him. MK mentioned a ‘play’ once. What is it?”

“The Shadow Play! Tang, text Mei and tell her to check the theater. Also, message Sandy, he mentioned the other day that he saw Macaque near the pier. He might be living in the area.”

Shadow play.

His rage faltered for a second, his heart squeezing as he remembered the first time Macaque showed him his abilities. He had been so small, shy and quiet. He wasn’t one to speak out of turn and often just observed but that didn’t mean that Macaque wasn’t one of the first to point out when Wukong was being dumb. Wukong had respected that a lot and liked that he had somebody he could count on to call him out on his bullshit.

It’s why Wukong felt so drawn to Macaque in the first place, and insisted on spending time with him over many others. Perhaps that was part of the reason that Macaque let him watch the first time he used his shadows to put on a puppet show for the infants of the Troupe. From there Wukong got to watch as the stories that he told at dinners and parties were retold with shadows to the younger generation.

Was he still telling Wukong’s stories or was he telling his own stories now?

Wukong shook his head as he poured on the speed, getting closer to the city as he activated his gold vision and scanned the horizon. He couldn’t waste time caring about if Macaque liked telling stories still or not. Not when Macaque had his successor and had hurt him. If he got caught up in the past now then he wouldn’t be able to do what he needed to do in the present.

He just hoped MK would forgive him for whatever he had to do next.

“Monkey King, you there?” Pigsy asked and Wukong jumped slightly.

“Yeah, I’m here. Listen, I’ll call you if I find him. Please do the same.”

“Of course. Watch your back, Monkey King. This could be a trap.”

“Yep.” Wukong said, then hung up and slipped his phone back into his pocket.

Was this a trap? But if it was then why did Macaque only message Pigsy? Surely if it was a trap he would have just used MK’s phone to send him a message instead, right? Unless he was trying to capture the entire group and use them all as bait for Wukong? Honestly, knowing Macaque, that was completely possible.

He spotted Sandy on the pier walking around and decided to land. If Pigsy was right about Sandy seeing Macaque in the area then it would be best to start with them and go from there. When he got close enough to the pier he dispersed the somersault cloud then jumped onto the ground near Sandy who jumped, but then smiled.

“Oh, hey, Mr. Monkey King.”

“Hey.” Wukong replied, it always caught him off guard how much Sandy felt like Sha Wujing (he knew why he did but still). “Pigsy said you saw Macaque around here?”

Sandy nodded, “I did! Only a glimpse of him heading that way.” He said, pointing further down the pier. “I didn’t get a chance to talk to him but when I told MK about it later that day he said ‘he’s finally home, maybe now I can talk to him!’ then ran in that same direction.”

Wukong glared down the pier and began to walk. “‘Home’ huh? So he must be crashing somewhere around here. Any ideas where?”

Sandy walked along side him, the blue cat that was always with him - Mo? - was walking in front of them, sniffing the air. “There’s a bunch of abandoned buildings in the area, but a few were recently purchased.” He hummed with thought, “You know, there was a building that was being used as a Dojo for a while, but I haven’t seen it active since the Lady Bone Demon incident.”

“That’s it. Can you show me where?”

“Sure thing, Mr. Monkey King! Follow me!”

They walked further down the pier until they reached a set of doors outside of a rather run down building. Though it was clear by the scent in the area that Macaque had been here frequently. It almost felt like an insult having such a strong scent so close to MK’s territory. Like there was a trespasser on the land of an ally. What was more insulting though was the fact that MK’s scent was mixed in with it and was fresh.

“They’re in there.” Wukong said about to kick down the door before Sandy stopped him. “What?”

“This is private property, Mr. Monkey King.” Sandy said and Wukong growled.

“And?”

“And it would be wrong to break in.” He explained and Wukong would have rolled his eyes if it hadn’t physically hurt him to hear that. Damn Sandy. Damn Sha Wujing. Damn memories.

“Then what do you suggest?” Wukong asked, then felt dumbfounded when Sandy gently knocked on the front doors. “Knocking? This is Macaque we’re talking about, he won’t just open the door!”

The door clicked and opened, a familiar tired looking black monkey standing on the other side.

“Macaque.” He snarled.

Macaque bristled, slightly. “Uh… yo. I expected the blue guy, but you’re a surprise. I was hoping I was mishearing.”

Wukong went to throw himself at Macaque but again Sandy held him back.

“We’re looking for MK, is he here?”

“Yeah, he’s inside.” He said, glancing between the two hesitantly, his eyes lingering on Wukong the longest. “Come on in, I guess.”

‘What’s his game? What does he want? Why is he so calm!? This is totally a trap. I have to get Sandy and MK out of here.’ Wukong thought as he followed Mo and Sandy into the building as Macaque kept a close eye on the two of them.

Wukong faltered slightly when he saw the state of the building. Dusty, messy, with parts of the floor chipping and broken windows. It was clearly lived in but it was like Macaque hadn’t been cleaning it or taking care of it for a while. Then again… a glance at Macaque’s fur could pretty much confirm that the monkey also wasn’t taking care of himself either. His fur was messy, ungroomed, and part of his tail was even matted.

The one part of the room that wasn’t completely destroyed though was the center where a nest had been made and sitting in the nest rubbing his eyes sleepily was MK.

“Little buddy! There you are!” Sandy said, walking over.

“Sandy?” MK yawned, then looked at Wukong and scrambled to his feet. “M-Monkey King!? W-w-w-what are you doing here?” He asked quickly.

“Pigsy called me.” Wukong said, keeping a close eye on Macaque as he moved closer to MK. “You okay, bud?”

“I’m alright.” MK said, slowly moving to Wukong. “Just hanging out with Macaque.”

Wukong picked up MK’s phone off the floor, handing it to him and after MK looked at the screen he paled. “Hanging out, huh? If you were ‘hanging out’ willingly I doubt you would have abandoned your tuk-tuk and deliveries, I also doubt you would have ignored that many phonecalls.”

“Dammit…” MK said, then looked at Macaque. “It’s okay. I’m fine, guys. See, no harm done! My head doesn’t even hurt anymore.”

“Your head?” Sandy asked concerned, “What happened?”

“I-I um, I hit it?”

“I slammed it against the floor of the alleyway when I kidnapped him.” Macaque said, hands in pockets. There was a flicker of something in Macaque’s eyes. Confusion? Guilt? Wukong didn’t know and after hearing that he didn’t care.

“So you admit it! You son of a bitch.” Wukong went to take a step forward but MK slid between them.

“W-wait! Monkey King, it’s not as bad as it sounds!” He promised.

Wukong growled, then looked at Macaque who looked almost relieved with the kid between them. “MK. Move.”

MK hardened his glare. “No.”

“MK. Move.” He said again with a soft glare. “He can’t keep getting away with this shit!”

“He didn’t do anything! Well… he did but if you just let me explain, I-”

Macaque wrapped his tail around MK’s middle causing Wukong to snarl viciously. Especially when Macaque walked right up behind the kid. “Listen, Wukong. I messed up today, I attacked the kid but it wasn’t… I didn’t mean to-”

“Stop hiding behind the kid.”

“Not until you listen to me.” Macaque said, “Something is going on with MK… or maybe me? Doesn’t matter which but something is changing and you need to-”

“The only thing I need to do is get him away from you and beat you into a bloody pulp!” He said, baring his teeth, feeling a bit of pride when he saw the way Macaque flinched. Though that pride was replaced with guilt when MK shrunk down as well. 

His successor’s flinch made Wukong’s fighting spirit die out, he…he had scared his kid. Memories of being possessed flashed before his eyes and made Wukong take a small step back. His tail twitched anxiously behind him, taking a second to look between the two in front of him and consider his actions. He had come here to protect Mk from Macaque yet here his kid was defending the person that had thrown his head into concrete ground, His hand twitched as he contemplated grabbing Mk and shoving him out of the way but-

If Mk is so bent on protecting Macaque there has to be a reason, as much as he trusted Mk he didn't trust Macaque. Had he manipulated Mk again? His kid is too good for his own good. Perhaps Macaque had realized it was well and came up with some sob story to get the kid to put down his guard? Only to betray him just as he had before.

“Kid…what happened?” Wukong finally sighed, he needs the story first. Maybe that will get Mk out of the way.

“W-well, okay so-and it really wasn't that bad so don't get mad-”

“Kid” Wukong cut off Mk’s ramblings 

“Right okay yeah so basically, Macaque attacked me when I was out doing deliveries-”

Wukong’s fist clenched.

“So I pulled out my staff and defended myself, it wasn't that bad of a fight anyways and I barely even got hurt at all-”

Wukongs eyes widened with a hushed hiss, protective anger boiling in his chest.

“But after he threw me into the ground he hit me with the staff, then he tried to to do I again and I blocked so he tried again but the-”

Mk’s rambling was once again cut off but this time it was by a loud monkey screech as Wukong stepped to the side and tackled Macaque. Macaque gasped, using his hold on Mk to throw him to the side as Wukong attacked. He moved quick enough that Mk had barely enough time to defend the darker furred monkey. 

Macaque and Wukong both fell to the ground, Wukong had grabbed Macaque's forearms and now had him pinned against the ground. Macaque growled and bared his teeth, the shadows beneath him darkened and shadow ribbons emerged. Quickly grasping onto Wukong and throwing him into the nearest wall, causing cracks to form on said wall. Wukong recovered quickly just as Macaque did. Both monkeys glaring each other down with fangs and claws bared, fur bristling and low growls echoing through the tense room. 

Wukongs fur bristled yet again, sensing something behind him but he didn't have enough time to react as two shadow clones had manifested and grabbed Wukong by his arms Macaque suddenly appeared in front of him and punched him in the gut. Wukong doubled over with the clones holding him up, but Macaque was close and with Wukongs current position he had the perfect opportunity.

Wukong reached his head out and opened his jaw wide then bit down hard onto Macaque's arm. Digging his fangs deep into the shadow demon's arm and breaking skin. Wukong could taste the metallic red liquid drip out and down his arm as Macaque roared in pain and used his other hand to grab a handful of his fur to try and yank him awa-

A scared chirp echoed through the room, breaking through the sounds of the bloody fight. Both monkeys froze in place and all attention was pulled to the source of the chirp.

Sandy stood with an arm out in front of Mk who looked near a panic attack. Shaking and breathing hard and fast, his hands up by his mouth in shock with wide scared eyes. 

Wukong slowly let go of Macaque's arm. Something…new, stirring within him. Something telling-screaming at him that whatever he was doing just now wasn't important. That nothing was as important as scooping Mk up into his arms and comforting him. Making sure he felt safe and loved. 

Yet his hesitation made him forgo the chance to do any of that since Macaque had moved much quicker then Wukong did. He panicked as Macaque pushed Sandy aside and scooped Mk into his arms yet he was still frozen in place. Mostly because.

Mk didn't look upset by the action. In fact Mk seemed to embrace it. He wrapped his own arms around Macaque from what Wukong could see. 

Shakily, Wukong stood up straight, noticing now that the clones no longer held him. He looked up to Sandy who merely shrugged in confusion then looked back to the two. 

“K-kid…?” Wukong croaked out. That protective urge still beating in his chest like a drum, the chirp-that was a chirp holy shit that was Mk’s chirp how long had he been doing this why is he doing this- still echoing in his ears like thunder.

“H-hey hey it's okay, don't be scared. I’m sorry I'm sorry….shhh your safe now, nothing will hurt you. I promise” 

Those words reached Wukongs instead of an expected reply from Mk. They almost made him freeze once again. What was Macaque doing, why was he comforting Mk when Wukong was the once that should be comforting his cub-no not cub Mk’s a human. A Human teen. Not…not a…

Wukong stepped forward. He kept slowly approaching the two until he could get a good view of Mk. He had buried himself into Macaque's chest with his shaking arms wrapped around him. Macaque held Mk protectively, rubbing circles into his back and using his other hand to gently comb through his hair. Once Macaque had noticed Wukong had gotten so close he bared his fangs and growled protectively while his tail wrapped around Mk’s middle.

Wukong is normally good at controlling himself, he’s had eons of practice and reasons to. Yet now in this moment he can't help his spiraling thoughts. Why is Macaque holding his cub, why is Macaque the one soothing his cubs worries, why had he hesitated to protect and comfort his cub. Protect, protect protect-

“Mk?” Wukong broke through his spiraling, gently reaching out for Mk despite the growing growl from Macaque. Mk flinched and didn’t respond. 

“K-kid im…im sorry. I didn't mean to scare you” Wukong pleaded but Mk still didn't reply, instead straightened his back and raised his head to hide underneath Macaque's scarf. 

If Wukong didn't have so many other things spiraling in his mind he would have thought that was the cutest damn thing he’s ever seen in his life. 

"How about we all sit down for a moment?" Sandy suggested calmly, "I think it's time we all hear what MK has to say, don't you?" Sandy asked and despite the smile he had the way his eyes looked said it wasn't a suggestion.

Wukong looked at Macaque with a glare but sighed. "Fine."

"Good! I'll make some tea!"

Wukong kept his gaze locked on Macaque as the darker furred monkey moved back towards the nest, sitting down with MK as Macaque kept whispering to MK while glaring over at Wukong. It was clear neither side wanted the other near the cub kid. But given the fact that MK was clinging to Macaque in a way that didn’t seem to make sense to even MK they had no choice but to let the kid lead the situation.

Though the worst part of the entire situation happening in front of him was the fact that MK had chosen Macaque of all people over Wukong! Macaque was a villain! A villain with messy hair, a bad smell, and clothes that were at least two sizes too big on him! (Maybe they should worry more about that…? Nah, Macaque was fine, because again he was a villain!)

Wukong sat on the ground flicking his ear at Sandy who was starting to clean up the kitchen area as he prepared to make tea, meanwhile Mo sat between Macaque and Wukong almost looking like he was scolding both of them for their actions. It felt strange to even consider that the blue cat was aware enough to scold them but in that moment that was exactly how it felt. Wukong sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, looking over at Macaque.

“Are you okay, MK?” Wukong asked.

MK glanced over at him, his eyes with dark circles under them, his nose pink from fighting off tears. “I was trying to explain… why don’t you ever listen…?” He asked in a whisper and Wukong’s tail dropped sadly.

“You’re… you’re right bud. I need to listen more. So… can we try again? Please?”

MK hesitated, but nodded, ducking out of Macaque’s scarf as he sat near his leg, letting Macaque continue grooming his hair, the dark furred Macaque’s eyes locked onto Wukong with a glare. In that moment as their eyes met the only thing Wukong could think was; ‘If looks could kill he would have killed me five times over.’

“I-I’ve been making that noise all day. I don’t know why but the first time I made it was when Macaque attacked me this afternoon. “Next thing I know Macaque brought me here, we made a nest and then we just took a nap. That was all that happened. He hasn’t hurt me other than in that fight and that fight stopped the second I let out that little hiccup-burp-squeak-thing.” He explained, hugging himself. “I don’t understand and I don’t think Macaque understands either… which is why I think he brought me here. And why he-”

Macaque’s cheeks grew red as he quickly covered MK’s mouth. “We don’t need to say anything else.” He said, his tail swishing.

Wukong glared. This whole situation was suspicious and he still had red flags going off in the back of his mind. Macaque was a villain, not a monster, so he doubted he’d done anything too vile to the kid but the secrets of this whole situation still made him uncomfortable. Not to mention the way he was still holding MK with his tail made his chest flare with a type of protective - or maybe even possessive - rage.

“Okay.” MK said when Macaque moved his hand and Macaque sighed.

“Listen, Wukong. I don’t care what you think about me and right now I could hardly care about you but the last thing I want to do is hurt MK. Hell, in this moment I honestly don’t think I could if I wanted to. But I can and will hurt you. You need to figure out what’s going on with my cub before he gets  hurt or sick.”

Wukong blinked in surprise, “Your cub? Who the fuck gave you dad-rights, you hobo?”

Macaque snarled. “Who said I’m taking dad-rights. I’ve taken mom-rights you strawberry-blonde bitch.”

Sandy returned with cups of tea, handing the first one to MK before handing one to Wukong and Macaque. Sandy then sat near Wukong, letting Mo climb into his lap as he pet the orange fur on the blue cat. “Now, let’s stop with the insults for a moment and talk about what’s happening. Wukong, how about you tell us what you’re feeling and what you think about this situation.”

‘Gross, we’re dealing with feelings.’ Wukong thought, but didn’t argue as he sighed. “I feel like Macaque shouldn’t be anywhere near MK, or any of us. He’s dangerous, cold, cruel and only thinks of himself.” He spat, as Macaque’s ears and tail both dropped slightly but he continued. “I can help MK figure out… whatever is happening with him, without Macaque in my way. But if he’s here it’ll just slow down my progress.”

Macaque went to argue but Sandy shot him down with a single glance.

“I see, but without Mr. Maquack here to tell us about this issue we might not have known it was happening at all.” Sandy pointed out to them. “MK has the unfortunate habit of keeping this kind of thing to himself and unintentionally hurting himself. Something that has happened before and could happen again. MK needed somebody in that moment and who he had was Macaque. From what I understand Macaque handled the situation well, though the message to Pigsy could have been a bit more clear on his intentions.”

Macaque looked away as MK sipped on his tea, not looking at anybody.

“Tsk. I guess.” Wukong growled, “Doesn’t change the fact that he attacked MK though.”

“You’re right, it doesn’t. But that’s not for us to get mad at him for with only the facts we have. We don’t know what made Macaque attack MK, and given the way MK is acting with Macaque now he wasn’t hurt too badly. Now, let’s move onto Mr. Macaque, can you explain why you attacked MK, how you’re feeling and what you think about all of this?”

Macaque hesitated, “I um… honestly? I-I don’t know why I attacked MK today. My plans were just to mess with him a bit; take his keys, waste time, make a bunch of trouble. But when I saw him I got so mad about things that aren’t MK’s fault and just… attacked. Then he chirped and it kind of snapped me out of it? I realized that I wasn’t attacking the person I was actually mad at and instead I was hurting a kid. I panicked and brought him here, doing what I could to make him comfortable until I figured out what was going on with him. The kid fell asleep and told me to message Pigsy, so I did. I honestly didn’t expect him to bother Wukong with this though… guess that was an oversight on my part.”

Sandy nodded slowly, taking a small drink of his own tea. “I see. What’s a chirp?”

“That little noise he made. It’s how infant monkeys express ‘big emotions’ like fear, pain, and distress. It’s sharp, loud, and easy to catch over the sound of a fight. In Demons and Celestials though this noise can also stimulate the instincts of those of the same species. In a way it forces us to stop and take notice even more.” Wukong said.

“It’s why we stopped fighting.” Macaque said, “We literally couldn’t help it. It overwhelms our senses and depending on the situation, relation to the one who chirped, and a few other things it could make us protect the cub more quickly or cause fights to turn more vicious because we have to protect them even more from whatever is hurting or scaring them.”

“Okay, I understand now.” Sandy said with a smile. “So when you heard this chirp from MK your instincts stopped you from hurting MK and you went into overdrive to try and protect him?”

Macaque nodded, “Y-yeah. Those instincts haven’t gone away yet which is why I don’t think I could physically hurt him…” He said, looking away from MK who glanced at him.

“S-so wait… did I brainwash you? A-am I hurting you?” MK asked worriedly and Macaque turned his gaze back to him.

“What?! No, of course not, cub.” Macaque said, “It doesn’t hurt. It’s a little… overwhelming but not painful, just stressful because I know that I hurt you and that you’re hurting. It also brought back up emotions I haven’t felt in a long time. But I’m not hurt and I’m not brainwashed. I promise.” He patted MK’s hair. “I’m all good, bud.”

MK relaxed, then looked at Sandy as the blue man began to speak again.

“So, MK. What do you want to do? How do you feel about all of this?”

MK played with his hands, “I… I don’t know how to feel about it. I haven’t felt… right since the Lady Bone Demon thing, it’s like a bad feeling is just constantly crawling down my back and I can’t ignore it. T-then when Macaque attacked me all I could think was ‘this is it, this is the next big fight’ and I got scared. Like all my fears and pain raised up and I let out that noise. Then it all stopped, it all stopped and Macaque was looking at me just as confused and scared as I was. Then he hugged me and I just… I crumbled. I didn’t realize how hurt and scared I was until he held me and I felt safe again. I don’t… I don’t think I can leave Macaque but I know that I need to go back home.”

“But now home feels weird without Macaque there?” Sandy asked and MK nodded.

“Kid… listen, I’ll… I’ll stay put for a while, but you’re right, you’ve got to go back home. You’ll know where to find me, right?”

MK looked at Macaque, “But what about you? You’re not okay either, Macaque. You’re scared, confused and… lost like I am. Plus you were so sad when I chirped at you, I don’t want to think that you’re here alone and sad by yourself.”

“He's a dangerous bud.” Wukong said again as Macaque shot a glare at him but didn’t argue. “Besides, he’s more of a loner anyways.”

“Mr. Monkey King.” Sandy warned softly.

“No, Wukong is right. I’m better off alone and I am dangerous.” Macaque said, untangling his tail from around MK, letting him go at a speed that was infuriating on its own. “But I’ll stay close so you can come see me now and then and I’ll stop hiding from you and your friends when you swing by… just don’t swing by every day, okay?” He said, his voice cracking slightly.

“Okay… are you sure you’re going to be okay?” MK asked.

“Totally, cu… MK. I’m fine. You just go home to Pigsy before he tracks me down here too and tries to rip me a new one. Honestly, that pig scares me more than even Wukong does.” Macaque said with a whisper making MK chuckle.

“Alright.”

Wukong glared at Macaque for a moment longer before MK got up and walked over to Sandy who smiled and patted his hair. “Well if we’re done here I’m going to go home.” Wukong said with a stretch, “I need to brush my teeth and take a bath to make sure I don’t get fleas.”

Macaque growled slowly, before wrapping his tail around himself. “Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out.”

“Then I’ll wash these out and walk you home.” Sandy offered MK.

“Don’t worry about it, I can do my own dishes.” Macaque said, “Just get the kid home safe.”

“Are you sure?” Sandy asked.

“Yep, no problem.” Macaque said.

Sandy shrugged, “Okay. Do you want a piggyback little buddy?”

“Sure.” MK said, glancing back at Macaque one last time.

Wukong was the first one out of the dojo, waving to MK and Sandy before flying just out of sight. Once he was sure he was gone long enough he transformed into a bird and flew back to the dojo, peeking through one of the broken windows at Macaque who was still sitting in the middle of the nest.

Macaque was now curled up in a ball, his arms wrapped around his knees, his ears down and his eyes downcast. 

Wukong was conflicted on all of this, especially seeing the smaller monkey so disheartened. He was not only the Monkey King but the Monkey God (though that title was a bit too much for even him sometimes). It was his job to keep all monkeys - Demonic, Celestial or Mortal - safe and protected even from each other. In some ways this all felt backwards, keeping a human teenager safe from a monkey but it’s what he needed to do. He needed to keep Macaque away from MK for the kids' safety.

But seeing Macaque like that… so down in the dumps and heartbroken reminded him of the first night after they met. While the rest of the Sages celebrated, or passed out drinking and Wukong went to join his Troupe for the evening he got a report that Macaque had wandered off alone by one of his generals. Wukong found him a short time later curled up under a tree, picking at his own fur in attempts to get a knot out of it. He had noticed immediately about Macaque that he was messy, knotted, and unkept though Wukong assumed it was just because he was lazy, seeing him like that though proved to Wukong that he didn’t have anybody to count on. He didn’t have a family to teach him how to groom and clean, how to be a monkey… any of it.

Seeing Macaque curled up in the dojo looking even worse than he had then hurt his heart. Especially when he saw the way Macaque’s shoulders trembled.

‘Is he crying?’ Wukong thought with a squeeze of his heart. ‘This has got to be a trap. Macaque is an actor, no way he’s crying for real. If he is crying it’s all a ruse because he knows I'm here watching him and he wants pity from me.’

Wukong flew down to the door, transforming back to his normal form as he opened the door and walked back into the dojo. Wukong then leaned against the far wall until Macaque acknowledge him.

“What do you want?” He asked, his voice cracking.

“I want you to leave the kid alone. Killing you would make him lose any trust he has in me but I can’t let you get close to him. Stay away from MK, because if something like this happens again, I will kill you. I care more for the kid than I do for you, monkey or not.”

“Please, tell me something I don’t know.” Macaque said, “You know he’ll come looking for me.”

“Then give him enough reasons not to Liu’er Mihou.” Wukong snarled, punching the wall with the side of his fist causing Macaque to jump. “You and I both know it’s safer for everybody if you stay the hell out of his life. Whatever your problem is it’s with me, leave the kid out of it and stay the hell out of his life. Do I make myself clear?”

“Wuk-”

Wukong walked over, grabbing Macaque by the hair as he forced Macaque to look at him. Tears in his eyes, his nose slightly pink from crying and a slight tremble in his shoulder. “Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?” He snarled.

Macaque looked away, “Yes.”

“Good.” Wukong let him go then scrunched his nose. “Take a shower while you’re at it, you’re a mess…”

“Just… leave, Wukong…”

Wukong shrugged, guilt clawing at his stomach as he walked out of the dojo and once again flew in the direction of Flower Fruit Mountain, this time not stopping or taking any detours. It hurt to see Macaque that disheartened, especially when he was the cause, but it’s what had to be done. Macaque was a schemer, he made plans and stuck to them until the very end. That’s what made him a nuisance and a long-term threat, but what made him dangerous was his powers. His powers and his emotions were connected.

If he got too attached to MK, to any of them he could hurt them… or he could destroy himself. For the safety of all of them he had to keep Macaque from getting any more attached to MK.

No matter the cost.