Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

MK hesitates at their bed.

The place of comfort shouldn’t be intimidating: he has plenty of memories here relaxing, hanging out with Mei, getting read bedtime stories by Tang. They've loved their room since they were a little kid! 

Yet.

Rather than relaxation washing over him, trepidation does. They look at the old photos of themself and their friends, at the colorful Monkey King posters and drawings, at their Monkey Cop collection and feel… cold. Numb.

(Cold?)

 (Almost like the Lady Bone Demon is back.)

She isn’t! She isn’t… She isn’t. He knows this, he’d known it since the first time he came home from the battle. It doesn’t mean they don't feel this way, still, though. At first he made an effort to ignore, to throw himself in bed and back into routine, anyway. But then Azure happened. And now, the last time they fell asleep here they were kidnapped in their sleep… and nearly didn’t come back from it.

The thought twists his stomach. 

They try to force another step forward, but they can’t seem to move. MK sighs. Throwing his hands up, he complains to the universe or destiny or something, “Ok! Ok, no bed right now. You win, guy, you win!”

Grabbing a pillow, they try to lay on the ground. It isn’t too bad. But as he falls asleep, he can’t stop his mind or his hypervigilance. Every shadow, every piece of furniture sends spikes of fear, forcing their heart to pound quicker and quicker. He clenches his body, trying to force the sensations away. But they only grow stronger.

Jumping up, they find themself hyperventilating. 

He’s hot and cold all over and his body feels like it’s been shocked with an electric current, now running through him. The world feels like one big buzz. 

Panicked buzzing lashes through his system, pure adrenaline blares through him, heightening the pure buzz of everything. They can’t think, can’t see, can only panic. The buzzing seems to never end. A part of MK believes he’ll be here forever, that he’ll die like this. Is this what death’s like? 

They don’t know how long they stay like that, but slowly they begin to feel their hands again, their feet. He flexes his claws, feeling them stretch out. They’re still buzzing, but it begins to dip in intensity. Exhaustion comes over him. They reach out and find themself on the ground, hardwood flooring cool against their paw pads and wonderfully tensile against their claws, stretching their fingers out nicely. 

Thoughts begin to trickle in. He can’t tell up or down, can barely process the fact that apparently sleeping in his room is a no go, can only focus on the floor below him. It keeps them feeling sane. He vaguely wonders what to do now. 

All he knows is that he’s not staying in his room tonight. 

MK breathes in, breathes out. Thinks of Sandy and his calming breathing techniques, of his tea, of all of his little happy cats. MK could probably use a cat, right now. 

They begin to feel the rest of their body- their arms, chest, abdomen, and legs. There’s still a buzz, but it’s more background noise now. MK feels… better. Carefully, he stands, his body still reeling from the loud buzzing he experienced. Like a newborn deer, they struggle to their desk, grabbing their sketchbook and backpack. 

If he can’t stay in his room or wake his parents up, he can go have an outlet somewhere else. And honestly? Drawing on the roof doesn’t sound too bad. There's a full moon out tonight. It’s kind of perfect, actually, and MK feels a bit of excitement light up in themself. 

He plops on his headphones, clicking a comfort playlist. 

And all of a sudden, their night just got a lot better. The cool air calms him and the moon shines bright against the light of Megapolis. Music and city mix together in a comforting cacophony, and though the buzzing stays shaking in his fingers, MK feels relaxed. Good. Safe, even. They love their city. 

It’s a surprise when a spike of familiar energy pops up. He turns to see Macaque approaching from the shadows, a concerned look on his face. MK waits for him to make some snippy comment. It doesn’t come. 

MK’s surprised to see the once antagonist there for him, but he also isn’t. The shadow has always been there in a I-clearly-have-a-soft-spot-for-you-but-won’t-actually-trust-you-and-also-I-hate-your-mentor kind of way. 

“Hi Macaque!” They greet, a garble of a chirp almost making its way up their throat. 

“Hey kiddo, what’re you doing up here so late?” 

MK holds up the sketch he’s working on, “This.”

Macaque’s eyes study their sketch of the city, the bright moon they’re trying to make pop above it.

“That’s not bad.” He replies, sounding almost impressed. MK’ll take it.

“Thanks!” This time the chirping sensation makes an actual sound, a little pop at the tip of their tongue. It’s a pitch, feeling exactly like that sense of gratitude and apprehension bubbling inside of them. Happy! It seems to say.

Macaque’s widen in surprise. MK feels themself flinching back in embarrassment and a nervous laugh bubbles out of him. “Sorry… I guess I’m still getting used to,” They wave their hands over their monke-ified body, “This.”

He only now realizes his form had switched over after the bed buzz incident. Somehow, they don’t feel as upset as they thought they would.

The form still feels weird, but it feels like… him. Sitting with his feelings during the whole save the world trial kind of helped, and although MK still feels uncomfortable in his monkie form… he’s okay enough right now. Just letting themself sit in it and sketch brings an odd kind of peace. It’s not something he wants to actively think about, but it’s there. And maybe he’s okay with that.

Macaque seems to want to talk about it, though. 

“You doing okay with all that?”

“Yeah… Yeah I think I am.” MK’s voice softens at the end, vulnerable honesty leaking through their confession. He hopes sharing it with Macaque was the right choice. Macaque grins at him and MK finds himself sharing a grin back. The other monkie approaches their side and brings out a sketchbook of his own. 

Together, they draw in the peace of the night. Silently, MK’s glad they did make the right choice and that Macaque somehow found them during this late hour. Maybe MK should think more about self acceptance or something. That moment of it kind of helped.

They go to thank him, “Hey, thanks for finding me out here, I- Wait!” MK jumps up with a realization, “How did you find me?!”

“Uhhhh…” The older monkie looks to the side, tail swishing.

“Oh no, you’re like Monkey King!” MK exclaims, slapping a hand over his head. He dramatically falls back onto the concrete, whining. They guess they have to look out for not just 1 but 2 kinds of weirdly colored bugs in their room, now. What is it with celestial monkies and stalking MK?! He’s two for two in that area!

(It’s actually kind of sweet that they’re just probably trying to look out for him… if in a more invasive way. MK isn’t stupid. He’s noticed his mentor appear now and then, especially after a bad fight happens.)

((They’re all seriously going to need to have a talk about his privacy, though.))

(((Double though… a more instinctual part of their brain isn’t entirely opposed to having some light stalking, the powerful forces watching over them bring a sense of protection and comfort. But they seriously can't enter his room without permission!!)))

Macaque breathes in to respond, but the two are interrupted by a familiar voice, “Who’s like Monkey King?” 

MK sits up to find his mentor proudly standing behind them, wearing some cool armor! It’s battle ready and shiny, bright gold with a white pearl-like trim. It’s so fancy! And while MK’s excited, something also hits them, something really off. Macaque seems to think so, too, as he moves in front of MK. 

“Wukong?” He asks his voice soft yet questioning. 

“Hey Monkey King what, uh, what are you doing here?” MK joins in, nervous. He peeks out from behind Macaque to see the monkie’s smile grow larger, almost too large. It brings a shiver down MK’s spine. 

… And when did it get so cold?

MK grips his furry arms, trying to find some warmth. Surprisingly, it doesn’t work. Even his new, fluffy fur can’t stop the weird coldness. They let a gasp out and white air is breathed into the supposedly summer night.

Uh oh.

“Mon-” MK goes to speak up, but the king's smile stretches up like a horror movie, shutting them up in fear. Nevermind. This is not his beloved mentor.

Macaque's arm fly’s against them like a seatbelt and MK finds themself settling their paws into his arm, gently gripping the fabric of his sleeve for comfort. Scooching to his shady teacher’s side, he peers out as the lookalike belts out a bout of terrifying laughter. MK meets Macaque’s eyes for a second, feeling reassured at the confused yet determined look on the fellow celestial primate’s face. This is weird, but they’ll get out of it. They always do. 

Macaque slowly steps both himself and MK back, MK makes sure to carefully move with him. 

“Oh, how I’ve missed this! C’mere, you two!” The lookalike exclaims, suddenly hugging the pair close to him. It’s so cold!  It’s like being hugged by an iceberg! Both Macaque and them struggle in it, but the cold being only grips them harder, his strength worse than most blows MK’s ever felt. His chest feels like it’s on fire. 

White smoke surrounds them, burning MK’s lungs. Macaque doesn’t seem to be faring much better, coughing it up. 

“It’s okay my dear ones, sleep now.” The creature mutters, and MK can’t help but fall into sleep’s strong, blue tinged pull. 

Chapter Text

MK wakes up cold.

It isn’t the kind of cold that jolts someone awake. No, it makes him feel exhausted, like merely moving his finger takes so much. It’s a draining, persistent cold that freezes him up. They almost want to sleep again. He groans, snuggling into the icy yet soft, silky cushions surrounding him.

Something cold spreads across his face, and that jolts MK awake with a scream. They jump into the air, adrenaline filled awareness seeping into them. They try to summon the staff, but nothing happens. He lands onto the edge of the large bed- holy shit this bed is bigger than most of his room- and looks across to that smiling, weirdly cold… creature? MK can’t tell if it’s a demon or sort of evil spirit, just that it wears his mentor’s face.

Quickly he searches for Macaque, who is curled up sleeping as well. Relief loosens MK’s shoulders. 

Their kidnapper hasn’t attacked yet, just smiled. 

MK stays on guard, keeping a watchful side eye on Macaque’s sleeping form. They keep their gaze on the creature, though, to hopefully distract it with their attention. 

“Oh, cub.” It purrs, and it sends all kinds of weird signals through MK’s body. “You’re safe now. I’m here!” 

It spreads its arms out wide.

“Uhhh.” MK can’t think of what to say, their mind swirling, “Thanks.” Is what he ends up with, curling further under the creature’s intense gaze. 

As if he teleported, the creature moves in close to MK. Icy hands cup his face despite the whimpers MK lets out. “My cub.” It chirps, before hugging MK close.

MK stays frozen, letting the hug happen. 

“I’m so happy you’re here, I want you to know that.” The creature pulls away, “Are you hungry? Thirsty? Comfortable?”

Hands grace over them, checking through with little chitters. They put a layer of fog over MK’s brain, little chirps of his own nearly answering. Instincts conflict within them. Run away-cuddle-mentor-dad-enemy-safe-evil! All fight within him, a cacophony of confusion. MK can’t help but to bury his head into the creature’s chest, overwhelmed.

Cold arms, of course, entrap them in another embrace. 

“Aww bud, it’s okay. I know the world, it’s been cruel to you… But you’re safe with me and your Baba now, don’t worry! And you’re never, ever leaving!” 

MK flinches at the statement, the end sentence hitting him like a slap to the face.

“Never… leaving?” He mutters, trying to parse the words through the fog. 

“Yep!” The creature excitedly announces. Its face turns away from where it was buried in MK’s head. “Looks like Plum’s awake, too, now.”

Gently, he releases MK, pulling them back onto the bed. A fluffy tail pats MK’s head and cold blankets are laid on top of them. MK nearly falls back asleep. If not for the stuttering breath Macaque makes at the creature's greeting of, “Morning, Moonlight.”

MK forces himself to sit up. Their vision swirls blearily, however they can make out the gold-ish creature and Macaque snarling at him. He wants to go over and help, but he can barely seem to move. 

The creature just laughs. “Ooooh, are the cuffs hitting a little rough? I’m sorry, darling, I’ll try and see what I can do. I just need to keep you and our cub safe.”

“Wha-What’d you-” Macaque tries to sound out, weak. 

MK’s stomach drops. Even in their muzzy state, MK knows this isn’t good. He finds himself letting out something like a whine/chirp. 

The creature immediately coos, rushing over and wrapping MK in more coldness. “Aww Moon, just look at him! Even with the little glamor we’ve allowed him, he’s still the cutest little cub in the universe!” It chuckles, “All universes, really.”

MK’s then pulled into his chest. 

But as soon as that happens, the creature is ripped away from him.

“Get, huff, off of him!” Macaque yells, a screech at the end that screams away-threat-no-protect! Oddly, it clears a bit of the fog, making MK feel more grounded and sure of themself. They pull the blankets off their face and look at the scene just as the creature is saying a weird incantation at Macaque’s attempts to punch him. 

Glowing encircles Macaque’s wrists and the older monkie slumps, being caught by the creature. 

Shocked, MK jumps into action… only to fall down. Walking is harder than it looks and he, too, is caught by the creature’s tail. “Don’t worry, bud, your Baba’s just a little surprised.”

“Sur-surprised at what?” MK shivers, trying his best to play along with whatever this situation is. Is the Mayor impersonating his mentor or something? The Lady Bone Demon can’t be back and Monkey King would never do anything like this. Maybe the he and Macaque got trapped in the calabash? It has that kind of surreal-ness. 

“At being saved! Back to bed now kiddo, I’ll explain more later. We need to at least give Plum Blossom here a few minutes to rest, and you don’t look so hot yourself.” 

At that, Macaque pipes up. “No, Wukong, explain now.” 

“No, Plum, you need your rest! The cuffs are clearly affecting both of you and you need time to-”

“And what are these cuffs?!” Macaque angrily snaps back. MK feels his own wrist and is surprised to find smooth crystal on them, like a bracelet. A bracelet, they realize, that’s glued to their skin. In horror he lifts his wrists up to the dull light, finding that the white jade is melded into him. 

Petrified, he stares at the creature. 

“It’ll all be explained soon, my love. Why don’t you go on next to our son- he looks a little lonely over there all by his lonesome.” The creature gestures to MK. Macaque looks to them worriedly and MK wishes they could give a reassuring smile. But all he can do is stare in terror at the creature.

“Who… who are you?” MK finally murmurs, voice nearly a whisper. 

He doesn’t get an answer as the creature drags Macaque over, the monkie immediately tucking MK behind him, tail wrapping around MK’s middle like a security belt. They finally feel a bit of warmth. Both him and Macaque stare at the creature for an answer.

“I’m your father, MK.” The creature sounds sad, heartbroken. “And I’m your husband, Moonlight.” The creature sighs, “I know you’re both a little disoriented and that Mihou and I have had our disagreements over the years. But there’s no need for this anymore. You’re with me. You’re mine now.”

The creature spreads his arms out.

“And things are going to be perfect.” 

A wave of magic crashes over them at the words, white and burning.

Macaque’s tail curls tighter around MK, sending in feelings of protection and reassurance despite the chilling speech. At Macaque’s growls, MK tries to mediate. 

“Monk- uh,” He probably shouldn’t call this guy Monkey King, “Where is here?”

“Here in my palace!” Despite Macaque’s growls, he goes forward to ruffle MK’s hair. Macaque claws its hand away, shrieking at it. MK curls back on instinct. He’s barely able to hold back a whimper as the creature now releases a growl of his own, the room reverberating in its intensity. 

Macaque jumps to attack, but the creature flings him aside, activating the wrists. 

“Wait!” MK exclaims, jumping to the creature’s side. They grab onto it, pleading. “No, no, no! I’m  sorry, he didn’t mean too! He won’t attack you anymore, just please stop!” The stop comes out with a chirp at the end, and MK is pulled into the ever freezing side of the creature. 

“Sorry, bud, but it seems your Baba is a little disoriented here. He needs to sleep a tad more.” At that, Macaque falls to the ground and MK shrieks, panicked. They try to run to his side, but the creature holds them to him, solid and immovable against his side. 

“I know bud, I know.” 

There’s pats on his head but MK can’t care, buzzing shocks through him as he tries to struggle towards Macaque. 

It’s then that his own bracelets glow. An exhausting, draining sensation flows through them, causing MK to slowly stop clawing for freedom and droop down, leaning as far away from the creature as they can. 

“That’s it, bud, you’re doing great.” MK barely registers himself being moved, shifted into the crook of its neck. Smell assaults their senses, of blood and peaches and burning cold. It’s like his mentor. But it’s also so different- twisted, maybe, is a good way to describe it. 

He lets out little peeping, fearful chirps at the thought, hot tears burning at his eyes. 

The creature chirps back, cuddling close to them.

“Okay,” the creature sighs, “This wasn’t the plan, but I just miss you so much, kiddo. Moonlight might need a little more sleep, but something tells me you’re a little on the hungrier side. Why don’t we grab some food?”

MK can’t respond, too overwhelmed.

They’re carried about, curled into the cold creature’s side. 

It’s when MK is transferred to another cold being that they look up, meeting red eyes. A scared chirp escapes his mouth. This creature is so much more intense than the one that drops him off, the one poofing like a hair clone, now. The intensity overwhelms MK to the point their vision grows blurry and all they can do is float in the overwhelming feelings, trying not to succumb to everything they sense around them. He feels like he’s in a storm at sea. The push and pull, the lack of visibility- how does Sandy do it out there?!

“Oh, bud.” It croons, squeezing MK close.  He hears snaps under the pressure and it immediately pulls away. Oddly, the sensation causes them to feel slightly more present.

“Shit, bud!” Its eyes are panicked, “I broke your bones again, didn’t I?”

Worried chirps check them over, MK hisses in pain as sore spots are touched, at how cold they feel. 

“I know, I know. I’ll get you fixed up.” 

Cold washes over them and the pain is gone. He’s numb now. The sea is farther away; its pull muted among the cold that sinks into MK.

MK just feels so far away, that words slip out of his mouth.

“Who are you?” MK questions, weakly. 

There’s a sharp intake of breath. 

Then.

 “I’m the Great Ruler of All Realms. The Emperor of Ice and Sun.”

“No…” Emperor? All Realms? He’s too floaty, to exhausted to fully absorb the words and their meanings. Only concerns float through him. What happened while Macaque and them while they were asleep? What happened to his family and friends? 

(He couldn’t have hurt them, surely-)

“It’s okay, bud! I defeated her- but she did have one thing right. The world is imperfect. Now I’m perfecting it- I’m making you and Mihou absolutely perfect!”

MK doesn’t know what to think. The “emperor” feels like his father figure but he clearly isn’t, he somehow has the ice powers and “perfect world” bullshit of the Lady Bone Demon but she’s out of the picture, and now there’s all this talk about making MK and probably Macaque perfect.

…If they’re “perfect” then what about everyone else?

What about his family?

Where is the rest of MK’s family.

“My family-” MK begins to question, but a growl erupts from the ruler.

“I’m your family.” He seethes, frigid wind erupting at MK’s unasked question. The lights glow and dim, and terrible chi seems to scream in the air. MK unintentionally grips tighter onto the angry celestial. 

Family-child-mine-confirm. The emperor barks out chirps and MK doesn’t know how to respond. At their silence, the emperor growls. Confirm. 

A little peep makes its way out of MK’s mouth. 

The bracelets are activated and the last thing MK feels is the crushing grip of the crazed ruler. 

………………………

The next time they wake up, they’re warm. 

His chest comfortingly vibrates and MK realizes he’s purring. It’s a soft, gentle thing. They snuggle into the warmth and surprisingly, more of it comes, holding them safe. 

It’s almost nice enough to ignore the intuitive feeling of wrong. 

MK floats back into a dreamlike state, a turquoise blue on the edges of the black plane around him. 

Behind them, their monkie form floats. 

MK sighs, “You’re back again.”

“Can’t escape me.” The reflection teases, their gold magic flashing at their words.

“Nope.” MK turns, facing himself. “What kinda advice do ya have for me this time, guy? Am I the Harbinger of Crazy Ice Demons, now? Am I magically set to destroy the world again? We kinda just got back from that.”

“Nah, I’m just here to warn ya.” His reflection crosses his arms, leaning back casually. “You're a long way from home.” 

MK groans. “How long?” They relent, knowing they aren’t going to like the answer. 

“Well, you know how we’re a harbinger? Meant to destroy the old cycle to start a new one?”

“... Yeah?”

Their reflection glitches. “Shit. We don’t have a lot of time. He’s even stealing me away from you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean,” More glitching, “We have the power to destroy and create worlds. We’re literally a pillar of heaven! And you’ve noticed the cuffs siphon our power.”

“Shit.” MK mutters. The glitching is only getting worse, the reflection is fizzling out. 

“Look, there’s a lot to say. I’m about to go. Just think that for now, okay- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!” Panicked, his reflection reaches out and MK can’t help but reach back.

Their reflection fizzes out before they can grab onto it. 

And MK is left in the darkness.

Alone.

……………………

MK wasn’t in his room when Pigsy stormed in, ready to chastise his son for sleeping in. 

He was expecting a tired MK, probably drooling all over his bed. He was expecting to give him a lecture about regulating his circadian rhythm. Then they’d go make pancakes. MK would complain about getting up and Pigsy would have to cajole him to get dressed and ready. He was expecting to take the day off with his son and Tang. He’d already planned a day of Monkey Cop marathons and family cooking and maybe a hike or a few hours relaxing at the park. 

Instead, his son is gone.

His bed is made, his room is its normal amount of messy. The only thing off is an open window which Pigsy runs to, looking out for any sign of his son out in the morning cityscape. 

He tries to calm his breathing, attempting to suck in longer breaths than the panicked huffs he’s putting out now. He turns, eyeing the small room. 

He can’t find anything out of place, he can’t see anything amiss. 

“TANG!” He yells, hoping his husband has answers.

Something must sound in his voice because he can hear the lazy man clamber up stairs, calling back to him. 

“The kid’s gone.” He announces as Tang arrives, his voice soft despite the volatile emotions mixing up in his chest. His husband puts a hand on his shoulder. 

“The window’s open. Maybe he just went for a walk, or to a friend’s place- he has been having trouble sleeping, lately.”

Some of the tension leaves his body. Of course the kid went out and forgot to call- a typical MK move. The normalcy of it brings him comfort.

“You always know what to say.” He turns to his husband, bringing the man in for a hug. Soft arms hug him right back.

“He’ll be fine. He’s gone through a lot, I’m sure he’s just dealing with things the best he can.” 

“Yeah… yeah, yeah you’re right. We’ll give him a call in a bit. He still ain’t getting off easy from this stunt, though.”

“You worry too much.” Tang teases, burying his head deeper into the crook of his neck. “Everythings been, well, a little crazy lately, but MK is a grown adult. He’s allowed to venture out if he wants to.”

“Yeah, but he shoulda called. Especially with… everything…. lately.”

They’re both silent at that statement. His mind replays the moment his kid jumped away, trying to… trying to…

Tang sighs, breath warm. “You're right on that one. We’ll call him.”

“We’ll call him.”

It was then that Sun Wukong burst through his son’s window.

Chapter Text

They jolt awake and feel a warmth enraptured around them, squeezing them tighter in their erratic movements. Fur tickles his nose. They turn their head to see Macaque, who's holding them curled up into his lap. 

“Hi.” MK greets, his voice a little raspy. He hasn’t eaten or drank anything since… however long he’s been here. 

“Kiddo.” Macaque pulls them into his chest, hugging them close. “Kiddo, I’m so sorry.”

“What’s there to be sorry about?” MK questions, muffled through the monkie’s thick fur. 

Macaque just hugs them tighter. 

… Well, this can’t be good- it’s pretty rare to see the shadow shaken up like this. What happened while MK was asleep?

“Awh,” A familiar voice cuts through, causing the two to flinch, “Plum’s just a little upset at the cuffs bud, but don’t worry. They’re for both of your safety!”

“MK was out for days!” Macaque seethes, arms curling further around them. His grip is gentle, yet somehow protective. MK is fully wrapped up in warm fur, as if Macaque could protect them from the menacing figure behind them. For a second, MK lets himself think Macaque can. That his soft fur and protective growls can shield out all the bad, can warm away all the cold. 

“...days…” The monkie murmurs, sighing onto MK’s head. The warm air is a comfort. MK almost doesn’t want him to let go. They hug back, gentle and safe. MK doesn’t think he’s ever felt safe around the other monkie before, not completely at least. 

“I’m okay…” He reassures, “I’m okay.”

Icy cold embraces both of them, MK letting out a sharp chirp at the sudden intrusion. 

“Aww, this is nice! See, Moonlight, -” But before the evil ice monkie could finish his sentence, Macaque snarls fiercely, shoving the monster away. Another whine escapes MK. Anxiety swirls in their stomach at all these new instincts and feelings. Unfortunately, the shadow can’t get far, but he does face MK away from the cold, shoving the two of them as close to the ground as possible.

MK breathes in the smell of plums and ice, just trying to calm down. He feels floaty and instincts he’s never experienced before are at an all time high, conflicting inside of him. Run-safe-danger-DANGER-home seem to play on in repeat, wrecking through their tired body. Part of MK wants to pass out again. 

“Moonlight, you’re scaring our son.”

“He’s scared of you.” Macaque seethes back, MK feels every rumble he makes as he speaks. They grip on tighter.

But rather than a dumb insult, the emperor doesn’t speak, letting go of the two. Macaque immediately begins scurrying away, but-

C O L D.

Cold reaches into the duo, tearing them apart. Macaque screams. MK feels the cold hit like a thousand knives, paralyzing him. 

Golden glowing ice chains entrap them, all too much like the ones the Lady Bone Demon had used. MK can barely lift their head, but tries to see Macaque across from him, the other one snarling and screeching against his chains. MK’s fingers lift towards him, his hand trying to reach out. It seems the chains notice this as they wrap their hand tighter, locking MK up.

After what feels like forever, the emperor speaks. 

“I am protecting both of you.” His announcement is somehow soft, but his words still hold an ever burning coldness. “You don’t understand what’s out there. And you both barely understand your purposes in all this- but I do. I understand everything.”

The emperor’s power explodes, shaking the entire room. His magic is all consuming, all powerful. MK feels a weird sense of his mentor’s distinct magic, and at the same time none of it at all. It feels familiar and different all in one. That bright power hasn’t just been mixed in with the ice, it’s combined with it and expanded it. Infinitely, it feels. So many different textures of magic combine, forced to harmonize into one terrifying note. If MK were standing, they would have been brought to their knees. 

And just as soon as it comes, it leaves.

MK slumps in the chains. He blinks up at the silhouette of the powerful emperor, floating above them with an unreadable expression on his face. They risk a glance at Macaque. But just as their eyes move, so does the emperor. He blocks MK’s view of the other, leaning down and saying something to him that MK can’t hear. 

MK floats, letting the panicked buzzing take over. He feels useless- he wants to run over and see if Macaque is okay but he can’t move! The buzzing only intensifies.

Before he knows it, cold hands are gripped on his shoulders, forcing calming chi into him. The emperor’s magic slinks into them, both revitalizing and panicking them further. They meet his eyes, now a deep ruby red rather than glowing bright.

“It’s okay, Xiaotian. I’m here.” His voice is almost soothing, if not for the pure, cold power emanating from it. It shakes MK to his bones.

MK swallows. He tries to respond to the emperor, the room is too quiet, the situation too tense.

“Wh-Where’s-”

“Moonlight needs to calm down a little. I think he needs some alone time… And you and I need some bonding time!” The sentence is ended with a joyful tone, giving MK whiplash with how stony he was at the beginning. The emperor whoops, grabbing MK. 

The chains poof away; MK is somehow snuggled up the cold one’s back, claws clinging to freezing fur. “You ready, bud?” The emperor asks cheekily, smiling over his shoulder. It’s somehow both creepy and endearing, the familiar echoes of an old friend twisted into… whatever happened here. Because this is not the Monkey King that MK knows and loves!

MK nods, unsure of themself. “Is Macaque going to be okay?” He finds himself asking, not able to resist the question at the thought of him safe out here and Macaque probably locked up somewhere terrifying. Guilt bites them at the thought. Oh great sage, Macaque’s “time alone” is probably in some horrifying ice dungeon. Maybe with skulls. And even more awful cold, with no blankets to help!

They kind of don’t help anyway but it’s the principle that matters. 

“Of course, bao bei!” Is all MK gets, a kiss pressed into his temple. They fly off. MK barely feels the quick speeds, too shocked at the term of endearment. 

No one has ever called him “bao bei” before. Except maybe Tang on some late nights or Pigsy in a few small moments. It feels… It feels...

MK stuffs away the feelings, violently shutting down the confusion and grief and homesickness. He chirps an eep! grabbing tighter onto the ice- like fur. Each strand burns into them but MK can’t seem to care, trying to distract themself. 

The emperor booms a laugh. He speeds up their travel, looping them upside down and dodging palace things that go by too fast for MK to see. MK’s forced to grip even harder so he doesn’t fall off. It’s lucky that their claws and the emperor’s fur seem to slot together perfectly, because otherwise MK wouldn’t be strong enough to stay on. 

They end up in a gorgeous courtyard- like something out of an art piece. Frozen ponds and gardens, sprawling walkways cleared of the snow around them, an entire winter wonderland surrounding them. The palace is at the top of a mountain, overlooking a winter forest. MK thinks he sees a city out in the distance, too, just barely able to make out the specs of light. The two float on the cloud, now, taking it all in. 

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it, bud?”

MK looks to the emperor at his words. The monkie(?) wistfully stares out into the distance, more quiet than MK’s seen him this entire time. His posture is slightly slumped but still upright. He’s barely leaning on his staff, now golden and pearlscent rather than a warm crismon, his gaze out towards the landscape. 

Then, he turns to MK.

MK is barely able to hold back a flinch at the emperor’s intense gaze, finding his numb hands trying to pry themselves off the pelt, to get any amount of away from that unnatural gaze. Something is just… so not right with this man. And MK really, really wishes they knew what to do. Wishes there could be anything to melt that icy threat beaming from that copy of their mentor. His instincts scream to run but his body stays still. Silent. Good.

(MK must be still-sweet-good-son) 

The emperor’s paw pats his head, the sensation somehow gentle and shocking all at once. Careful claws comb through tangles, like icicles softly needling through their scalp.

Chi pushes into him and MK finds his heartbeat that he didn’t know was pounding slow down, the buzzing giving away into a cool, calm, darkness. MK’s eyes feel heavy at the sensation. Tension leaves their body, having them lean into the side of the demon, chilling them further. 

“That’s it, little one. You’re safe now, and you’ll become less confused soon enough.” 

The words twist their stomach but also calm pushes into them at the statement, feeling as if things are finally making sense. 

He snuggles into his dad, a purr finding its way in his chest. 

A laugh brings a bit of alertness back to MK as the creature holding them gently continues the conversation, “Don’t go sleeping on me now, bud. I’ve waited longer than you can imagine for this!” 

They zip off, air numbly whipping past them. The copy doesn’t seem to notice, a cheeky expression on his face as he flies MK through the landscape, over the huge palace courtyard. MK can spot other buildings, beautifully snowy gardens, and even white-robed people scurrying about, occasional glints of gold flickering off their outfits. There is little color to be found. MK almost finds himself comparing it with the colorful, warm, bountiful summer land of Flower Fruit Mountain. But he shouldn’t think such thoughts.

(They hope FFM is okay, at least.)

“Sooo, where is this place?” MK decides to make conversation, unable to take silence for too long. 

“We’re at one of my earthen palaces. One a bit hard to locate, too- no fancy bureaucrats or court members reside here. Just us! And some servants, of course. Think of it like a vacation home- you got your very own vacation palace, bud!” 

“Wait, this is one of your…. Palaces?”

“One of my Earthen palaces- just wait till’ I take you to the Celestial Realm, bao bei! You’ll be a real prince, there!!” 

“Waittt how many palaces are there?” MK’s going to ignore the craziness the best he can, for now. He focuses on the absurdity of having all these houses- are all of them as majestic as this one?!

If he can also find out why the copy has so many palaces and what the hell happened here, that would be nice.

“If you think this is majestic just wait! When you’re a little better, I’ll have to give you a whole tour. You have to see it all, I promise there’s nothing you’ll ever want for.” The emperor's excitement reverberates off of him. The emperor is animated, his eyes glowing a soft, elated light and a smile stands big and proud on his face.  MK feels a smile stretch on their own face as they feel a mix of dread and joy for the emperor. The feelings make his stomach roll. 

... What happened to make him get this power? And just how trapped are MK and Macaque in this situation?

Gently, they land in front of a great white hall, gold pillars towering above him at the front. The emperor holds his shoulder, guiding him past the looming pillars and into the abode. White gleams and crystal details decorate the inside, fancy tables and couches decorate the tea room and daylight streams in through the fancy paneling, making beautiful designs. MK spots a few pictures shaped in the paneling. The one that catches his eye is of what seems to be the emperor, an outline of him holding his staff up in pride, a littler monkie by his side. 

“That’s you, kiddo.” The emperor intones, pointing at the outline. He then directs MK’s gaze to the end of the room, a large, ancient-like painting of 3 fancy monkies. The two royal-like figures are dressed in peach and purple hanfus with glowing crystal detailing, both holding onto a tiny little monkie, who is dressed in bright gold with the same detailing. It makes the three have an ethereal glow, looking godlike. The painting seems to shimmer with magic all on its own, the loving craft gleaming. It’s a beautiful, romantic painting. It also sends chills up MK’s spine. 

“... Is that me, too?”

The emperor's hand grows tighter on MK’s shoulder, “Yes.”

The tiny monkie looks to barely be a foot long. He’s so supposedly tiny that he fits in the palms of the painted duo- his golden hanfu would barely pull over MK’s head! MK looks to the emperor, suspicious and confused, “Uhh, you sure that’s me?”

The emperor laughs. It booms, shocking MK and giving a shake to the building. Still, his hand steadies MK from flinching or falling over. 

“Oh bud, of course it is! Moonlight and I still need to give you the talk, but take a good look at yourself, there.” The emperor reaches from his shoulder to across his chest, pulling MK in, “That’s your true form, after all.”

Wait, what?!

MK struggles against him, “What?!” 

The emperor ruffles his hair, “You know 21’s pretty young in cub years, right? Just cause ya forced yourself to look like a growing human doesn’t mean you actually have… developed. Your magic’s just tried to adjust you to the environment around you.”

“What?!”

“Why do you think Macaque and I call ya ‘kid’ all the time- it’s not just ‘cause you’re a few thousand years younger than us. It’s ‘cause we can tell what’s up with you… in one way or another. Instincts don’t lie. And intuition leads us all, whether we realize it or not. I know I’ve always had my suspicions. I’m just sorry it took me so long to wake up.”

He wilts, hugging MK tighter.

“.... I’m sorry.”

The emperor goes from excited and slightly threatening to forlorn, reminding MK of fresh soup spilled, porcelain bowl cracked across the floor. MK pats his arm, surprised at the sudden personality change. “Uhh, it’s okay?”

The emperor hops to life once again, pulling MK flush against him. “We’re gonna figure this out, cub, but for now- you need food!” The emperor releases MK to clap twice, letting MK stumble, falling further against his side. A slight chirp pops out of them in surprise. Around the pair, warm balls of light pop up like fireflies and light the room in an oddly comforting glow. Like sunlight streaming through ice. Servants upon servants fill in, bringing amazing smelling food to a few tables out ahead of them. 

MK leans forward towards those tantalizing smells, instincts eager at the amount of food in front of them. 

He’s pulled back to the emperor.

They try again to inch forward, but the monkie gives out a growl. MK reacts immediately, instincts deciding the growl is much more important than some snacking. He peeps, freezing up, his eyes now staring at the ground in guilt. 

It’s only quiet for a second, before the emperor laughs. 

It doesn’t make MK feel better, though. If anything, the cub- the young man stiffens further, instincts practically assaulting him. Danger-don’t-stop-stay. It makes them feel mixed up, and like a stupid toddler. But they're not a toddler, they're anything but a toddler or a tiny little ornament of a monkie. He hates just how small he feels, the emperor looming over him. Did he make himself bigger on purpose- he must have because there's no way he's naturally this tall and this intimidating. Shame rips at their sides like a pack of hungry dogs, chastised at the emasculating scolding. They may be young and kinda childish and possibly a demon/celestial monkey cub- but they’ve still lived! They’re a delivery boy and a hero! They graduated high school! That was really hard, but they did it!

 MK wants to scream this from the top of his lungs, but he can’t seem to move. The ever present power of the Emperor looms over him, warning him. They know not to cross the emperor, to play along until they can get back to Macaque and figure something out. But their brain feels so weird. And the stark contrasts of shame, terror, and his instincts make it hard to keep a handle on his emotions. 

They kind of just want to cry in a corner from it all, now. 

He’s so cold.

“It’s ok, bud! I know how all that feels, but we don't just run at everything that entices us, yeah? Sometimes, patience is a virtue.” He pats MK’s head, “You’re too adorable for your own good sometimes!"

The shame barely registers, cold numbing it out. MK’s led- practically dragged- to sit in the emperor's lap, and the emperor gladly digs in, pushing MK a few dishes. 

Normally, MK would get excited by all the food. He’d text Tang a picture, and- the thought of his father hits him hard, he misses Mr. Tang so much. The history info dumps, the storytelling, how he and MK would team up on Pigsy… His chest clenches at the happy memories.

“Eat your food, bud.” 

A great white washes over the homesickness like a fresh rainstorm over the land. Pain washes away... What was MK thinking about again?

It didn’t matter.

MK picks at the food, taking little bites. Somehow, the warm dishes don’t give off any heat- they taste good, but there’s no warmth to greet him. 

In a way, it makes MK feel number than before.

..................................................................................

 ? Days Ago

Macaque hugs his kid tighter to him, trying to give off any warmth he can. 

The two are in that stupid bed again, with that stupid clone watching over them with his stupid smile. Macaque wants to smite the thing, but knows the consequences. He’s especially worried of any unknown consequences that could affect the little one currently snoozing away on his chest... Hopefully, it’s a nap.

He doesn’t know how long it's been for the kid, just that he’s been out like a light. Breathing, at least. And pretty cuddly- not that Macaque can blame him in this situation. He needs warmth, too.

(And it’s kinda completely adorable, but he can’t focus on that right now.)

Macaque only woke up a few hours ago. The cuffs had knocked him out hard, forcing him into a dreamless sleep. Waking up, his first thoughts were on MK- luckily, the poor kid was knocked out beside him, but less luckily the clone wouldn’t talk on what happened while he was asleep. It was the only time it threatened him, forcing Macaque into this awkward stalemate.

His kid safely at his side, the clone at the edge of the bed, blocking the way to the door, and Macaque glaring at him, dissuading the thing from getting any closer.

The clone had tried to make conversation a few times. Macaque wasn’t having it. 

“Moonlight,” 

Oh gods he’s starting again-

“I know we’ve had our disagreements, but you could be a little more cordial. I mean, I did all of this for us. I-” 

Macaque shuts him up before he can go on, “You what? Kidnapped the kid and I away to some- to some ice fortress? You took MK away from his parents!”

At this, the room rumbles. “His parents?” It intones, eyes setting aglow. Then, at an inhuman speed it appears in front of him, neck making a snapping sound as its eyes bore straight into Macaque’s. “We’re his parents.”

Macaque swallows down the cold he feels invading him. Taking a deep breath, he presses forward as a simmering, hot anger takes over the warning instincts screaming at the clear threat in front of him. Leaning forward and hiding the kid into him, he seethes a hiss at the maniac. “Neither of us have exactly been stellar father figures. And that kid has people who love him, love the hell out of him- why would you take that away from him? All in the name of being his only parent? Of trying to create this fucked family dynamic?! You’re so selfish! I-”

But before he can finish his point, a freezing hand grips his throat, claws digging into his skin. A horrible magic seeps into him from the grip, like a mix of magma and cold- it shudders like sludge through him, filling into him. 

This can’t be good.

“Wu-kong- stop-!” He attempts to beg, hugging his kid tight against his side. His own chi is no match against this overpowering force, and all he can do is try to hold onto his own mind and child as something weaves within it, disturbing his flow. 

“How could you say that, moonlight? After everything we’ve been through? You have no idea what I’ve done for our family, you have no idea just how hard it’s been! To see you and our Xiaotian every single day, down there in that archaic little world. To see you suffer. To see you both triumph and fail and feel- all without me. Do you have any idea what it’s been like for me?! I’ve been fighting so hard for so long- I’ve been fixing everything into perfection, and now you’re finally here where you belong. My reward. Yet you still don’t know your place. You’re still trying to run away from me!” He roars at the end, slamming Macaque down further. There’s no breathing room, anymore. Only suffocation. 

Especially with the way the thing’s face is nearly pressed against his, no air left between them. 

“I love you. I’ve always loved you, why can’t you see that?” Tears pour out of the king’s eyes, freezing white onto his fur. 

Macaque blacks out. 

The next time he wakes up, it’s within the thing’s clutches. The kiddo is still warm at his side, buried as far as possible from the arms wrapped around the two of them. Macaque shifts, bringing his kid further into him. He tucks MK further under his body and into the blankets, hiding him away from the world. 

Okay. Kid, protected. As much as he can, at least. Now it’s time for him to take a breathing moment and think. 

One second they were bonding on a rooftop, the next some freak came out and kidnapped them. Macaque doesn’t want to immediately assume it’s his Wukong. Even when the king was at his most selfish, he’d never do anything like this. The creature does have his magic though- if extremely warped, and clearly mixed with the Lady Bone Demon’s. Macaque’s been too emotional to get a good read on his chi, but he’s at least picked up on that.

The annoying thing is, it doesn’t feel like just his magic or the Lady Bone Demon’s. 

It has both, but… there’s more here. And at the moment, Macaque doesn’t have the information to guess just what is happening there. There’s a lot he could assume. Revenge of the “Mayor”, a contingency plan from that group, Wukong getting possessed, a creature masquerading with both of their chi, him and MK being trapped in some weird artifact- hell, even Heaven could be trying to enact some plan to turn them against each other. Macaque wouldn’t put it past the bastards. 

Celestial magic absolutely rings through the air, but it’s somehow nothing like the Jade Court of Heaven’s. Then again, he can’t say he’s visited the place, much, either. Not to mention that other Celestial Courts may have chosen to stick their fingers into this mess of a world, especially after its near destruction.

He keeps his eyes closed, feigning sleep as he feels himself pulled deeper into the cold of the creature. 

Clingy bastard.

It almost reminds him of the real Wukong and the nights they used to spend cuddled up amongst the troupe. For a second, he leans into the feeling of the memories- the soft- but it’s so soft and sweet now, isn’t it? With their cub and the beautifully detailed silky sheets. Only meant for the highest of royals.

… What was that? 

Sleep.

Chapter Text

? Days Ago

They have dinner in an admittedly- gorgeous living room, decked out in white and gold. Of course. The halls, the room… The blinding coloring is just everywhere, isn’t it? It feels ethereal. Unreal, as if it is not made for creatures of Earth such as him and the kid... yet here they are. Across from the actual maniac, now, who had come down himself for a meal. The honor. Macaque nearly wishes it was just a clone.

 Macaque had refused to leave a vulnerable, sleeping MK alone with another clone, so there he is, naturally clinging to Macaque’s chest. His little claws slot perfectly within Macaque’s pelt, stable. Macaque could swing through trees and leap through portals, and the kid would still be safely secured. The thought brings a little more warmth to him.

One thing he now notices, though, is the smallness of the kid. Normally, MK’s a fine height for an adult male human- a little on the shorter side, but just fine all the same. Macaque knows the human form is some sort of seal now, but he won’t push MK to change- kid’s gone through enough, and doesn’t need to know how small he really might be, if he ages closer to a demon. If he’s truly only been alive for around twenty years, he’d be well in the middle of his baby demon stages now. He’d be…. Really small. Here, he looks to be about in between the baby demon and young adult human stages- like a young teenager. 12, maybe, in human years? 9?

Him and Wukong popped out of their eggs on the older side. They weren’t young, helpless cubs when they were introduced to the world, and they weren’t of age, either. They were about 17 human years. Maybe it’s a celestial monkie thing…. Is what Macaque would assume, if not for the obvious feel of extra glamor- it's a flighty and feathery contort of features, unlike the thick, all-encompassing coating of MK’s human form. It's just enough to shape him, shift him. Still, more of MK’s features are now uncovered, on display. His auburn fur has a celestial shine (if infected with the maniac’s magic), his lotus petal ears flutter delicately, his three tails gently curl around Macaque’s abdomen, and his new smaller stature. It’s… honestly the cutest thing.

He’d almost enjoy it, if not for the terrifying circumstances. If not for the implications of just how little control and knowledge he and the kid hold in this situation, of the possible clues this could point to. The kid isn’t the only one with a different glamor- Macaque’s six ears are out, but their abilities and celestial shine are muted, practically cut off. He can’t even hear the kid’s heartbeat, anymore. Or the scuffle of his feet against cold marble.

The maniac hasn’t said a word besides the awkwardly enthusiastic greeting he’d given the pair upon their arrival. He had peppered Macaque’s face with kisses as Macaque had tried to pull away, really amping up his growling when that psycho went for MK. He wasn’t fucking touching MK. Not on Macaque’s watch- if he could help it, at least. He certainly won’t let the psycho get his hands on his kid for long. 

That’s the one thing Macaque knows, going into this. He’s going to ensure that the kid is going to come out of this with the least amount of trauma possible, he’ll prevent everything he possibly can. Carefully, he shifts to get a better view at the psycho without putting his gaze on him. He doesn’t want to look into those cold eyes again.

As he’s trying to study the thing, it speaks. “Have you tried the plums yet, darling? I picked them specifically for you!” 

Macaque can’t manage to hide his flinch at the sudden intrusive voice, his energy too low to react enough. He’s not going to be able to put a good performance on for this encounter. But he’s going to have to put on something if he wants to get information. Anything can be an upper hand. Anything can become a weapon, when wielded correctly. Even if he’s subpar at the moment, he can still parce out those little slips this “Wukong” lets out. They’ll all give him something for later.

It’s at this that a spring of warm determination pops within him, making him sit up and tuck the kid a little deeper into him, ready to play this game. 

“Well my dear,-” He begins, hoping affection will win him favor, but it seems to be met with a thick wall of impassiveness. 

“Oh? And I’m ‘my dear’ now? You were so surly a minute ago, love, what’s brought this on?” It goes from eagerly leaning forward to sauntering back in its seat, gaze icy and angry at Macaque. Macaque knows that anger. The king had wielded it in demonic politics so very long ago. Wukong's copy has his old habits- always forthright, and generally quick to insult. If the king values anything, it's honesty, and any slight against him, no- it can and will be met with aggression. The thing has that old huffy expression Wukong used to have before he exploded on others. And the thing has none of Wukong's old childishness nor compassion.

Oh, he played that so wrong. Time to correct. 

Maybe a bit of gratitude will do him some good? It can be defensive and neutral, the thing’s response will give him more clues on how to act on the situation- does it want an ungrateful guest to bully, does it want to win Macaque over, or does it want a helpless lover at its feet after a bit of a fight? What game is it trying to play here?

“... I’m just trying to make conversation.” Macaque corrects, put off by the thing’s sudden coldness. “I realize you are kind for inviting us into your home-”

“It’s your home, too.” Magic reverberates off its tone, intrusive into Macaque’s mind. A headache he didn’t know he had worsens. “You’d do well to remember that.”

The magic is a strong riptide, nearly pulling him under in its intensity.

“...Yes,” Macaque tries to recover his bearings, to show no weakness, especially with his child at his side. 

“You know,” It sighs, languishing with a tea cup, leisurely sipping the drink, “I’m not blind to the fact our courtship never went through all those years ago. I’m not blind to the fact that I… that I focused on power instead of us.” It turns, ruby gaze vulnerable to Macaque, like a golden one once was so many years ago. “I was so focused on gaining power to protect you, our people. I ended up forgetting what was important. And believe me, I am never making that mistake again.” 

And Macaque… Mihou can’t deny the feelings that well up inside of him. The vulnerability. The grief and anger and everything- it’s what he needs to hear. He needs to be held, loved through the pain. By the one who loves him most, has- 

W A I T.

Macaque’s being influenced, seriously influenced. How? He doesn’t completely know, but-

“You look tired, my love. What’s wrong?” 

The words sound so sweet, so sickly sweet. Domestic. Yet despite the magic pulling him in and the exhaustion weighing against him, he doesn’t let himself fall into the lull of false kindness. He stays strong. Gripping MK to him a little tighter, he meets the fake’s gaze with a glare.

“I am just fine, darling.”

Its smile is manic, its eye twitches. Macaque’s afraid, for a moment, that its going to explode on him. But instead it laughs, “Oh, moonlight. You always know how to make things fun.”

It stands, stretches. “Come, let’s take a walk in the garden.”

Cautiously, Macaque allows himself to be led by the arm, conceding to the demeaning follower position for now. He’d really like to rip out that maniac’s throat. 

He doesn’t bother to make conversation as they walk. This isn’t his chessboard, his game. Making a move in such unfamiliar territory would be foolish. He watches his enemy, waiting. He keeps the kid warm at his side, protected.

“Do you remember the old days? When you used to get kidnapped all the time?” The creature’s voice is surprisingly soft, but Macaque doesn’t fall into its stupid trap. 

“Yes.” He’s curt, he can’t afford to be too curt. Who knows when the thing will really explode? “I remember that embarrassment.” 

The comedic effect works as it gives a giggle, leaning into Macaque’s side. “No, it was adorable.” 

Macaque rolls his eyes. 

It continues on, deciding this humiliating method of torture is effective, “I remember how it felt to see the relief on your beautiful face, the thrill we felt fighting our enemies together. How it felt to be with you, dancing after… In the nest, after.”

It slows its pace, looking out upon the massive garden space. 

“For a while, I never thought I could feel that way again.” It grips him harder, pressure nearly breaking his bones.

Macaque decides to play into its wistfulness. “I… remember how safe I felt, with you there.”

And it’s not completely a lie. He likely can’t lie, not knowing if it’ll backfire on him in this situation. He allows himself to play into the delusion, the nostalgia. Despite the hatred boiling- no.

So, he gives a little spin, letting the hanfu twirl pretty. MK’s little weight adds to the spin, the heavier center of gravity causing a little more flair. Gently, he uses his enemy occupied arm to hold the silken fabrics underneath gleaming gold armor, presenting a soft smile. “I remember how even in the worst of situations I’d snarl and snap. How determined I was, to live. Escape. And when you’d come, the frustration would melt away to joy. Adrenaline. I remember how it felt, to be by your side.”

They share a look. A heartbeat. 

Safe.

(But it isn’t. It really, really isn’t.)

He and MK are brought into its chest, arms wrapping around them with a gentle yet unmovable touch. “I promise, moonlight, to make it all up to you and our little one. I swear that as Emperor of All Realms, I will do everything in my power to make it up to you, to lavish you. For eons of pain, we now can have eons of love. More than that, even.” 

Cautiously, Macaque wraps a free arm around it, completing the hug.

He resolutely ignores any feelings that rise up from it.

Emperor of All Realms? What could that mean- especially for his and MK’s survival chances? 

The pair begins to walk around a tree, bare but still pretty with snow and icicles gleaming on it. It nearly looks like the creature’s armor. “Emperor of All Realms?” Macaque gives a little laugh, casual. “Then it sounds like making it up will be an easy task.”

It shoots him a toothy smile, a threat. Still, it indulges the teasing line of questioning, allowing bits of information into Macaque’s eager hands. “Yes, my plum. All realms- Immortal, Mortal, the Underground. Beyond, even. There is nowhere you could go where my love won’t be felt.” 

Threats, threats, threats. But Macaque still thinks he can manage a push forward, get more information. Especially if it has a bit of charm. “Oh? You must be a lovely king, then, having so many under your domain. Why choose me by your side? Aren’t there other-”

“NO!” The thing growls, pulling Macaque deeper into him by the waist, “You are the only one for me, my love. No one else could ever compare to your beauty, your strategy, your power. Your shadow to my light. Only you are my equal. Only you are mine, my mate.”

Now Macaque is squished up against the creature like a teddy bear. He pretends he’s not suffocated. Both with its overbearing smothering and with a violent flurry of emotions he does not want to get into.

“Your mate.” He agrees, attempting a loving tone. 

They walk back, the thing gushing about its domain. “I had this commissioned, just for our family. A little hide away place.”

“You think this is little?” Macaque gestures, this is an entire palace! The courtyard is expansive with multiple buildings and pagodas and a gorgeous castle of ice, gleaming in the sky. It is nearly one with the blue with how tall it is. 

(The prestige looms over him, threatening. Escape is looking less and less ideal, but if Macaque escaped death and the Burning centuries ago, he can escape from a crazed “emperor”. Especially if the kid is in danger.) 

((If he truly took Heaven down, then surely there must be some survivors. Some very powerful survivors. Macaque dares not to actively think this, but tucks this bit of analysis away for later. The time for it will come and the shadow must be ready.))

? Days Ago

MK still hasn’t woken up. He still hasn’t woken up! The cub stays sleeping, his breathing the only thing keeping Macaque from keeling over into total panic. He’s attempted to wake the child over the hours, but nothing has worked. Scaring him, talking to him, shouting at him, rousing him- even playing with his fur did nothing, a tactic Macaque used to use to rouse the little infants when they wanted to sleep in, way back when.

It’s terrifying, how little reaction Macaque is given. It’s chilling to compare this little lifeless cub to the ones he’d used to rouse up with the old tactic. Not even a scrunch of the eyebrows, a huff of the breath. Nothing. 

Nothing.

Nothing.

In the fancy nesting room with the fancy clones and the fancy finger foods, he is completely and utterly alone, an injured child at his side. He can’t fix this. He can’t make MK wake up, can’t cajole him to eat anything. There’s nothing he can do, he has zero control. All he can do is groom the baby. His sweet baby.

The cuffs constantly drain him, filling his mind with more and more fog. All he feels is wearier, and wearier yet. He longs to strategize, to find escape routes, to dig at the clone for more information but the drain is just constant. He’s trapped within this cycle of helplessness. He grooms around his child’s mask, whispering sweet nothings. “C’mon kid, where’s that little attitude. C’mon, c’mon. You ran right at the Samadhi Fire, you can open your eyes. Open your eyes for me. Open your eyes!!!”

It’s not that Macaque has completely lost it, but that it's easier to delve into these feelings than fight against them. Fighting them takes too much energy. Fighting them means he loses even more of himself to the pull. 

He’ll allow himself the sea of panic. 

(If his enemy wants him to be distraught and dependent, then he’ll put on one hell of a show of it.)

? Days Ago, Possibly Afternoon

“My love~!” 

Macaque awakes with a start, body nearly whirling around to defend against the intrusive presence. He would have moved, if not for the pure exhaustion and dumbass magic already familiar around him. All he can manage is a growl. He makes it more pouty than anything, as if the creature was a lover cheekily rousing him from a nap, rather than a monster encircling his newest catch. 

(But still. It’s resistance, rather than helplessness. 

And in situations like this, Macaque supposes, it’s the little rebellions that matter. He’ll go insane otherwise.)

“Love.” He responds, gruffly. Yawns, (to play off his own tiredness). 

“I know plum blossom, I know.” It strokes his fur, icy fingers gliding through knots like a gentle breeze of cool air. He wants to shy away from the touch, but forces himself still. And, he’ll admit, he needs a groom, anyway. It can feel good. 

“Today was a hard day for you.” The thing soothes with a crooning chirp, Wukong’s voice yet not. Like a scratched record, distorted from the real thing. How odd that new technology is. How odd things can change, even in split seconds on supposedly peaceful rooftop nights. 

“Yeah…” Macaque finds himself agreeing.

“Adjustment is hard. Right now, the thing you and our cub most need is some good ol’ rest.” It somehow curls deeper into him and MK. “I promise more answers are forthcoming, moonlight. I just need you and our Xiaotian to be a little more receptive first. It’s harder on me than it is on you, trust this.”

Anger is quickly squashed down at the statement, gone as soon as it came. 

(Too easily.)

Rage, at the moment, will get him nowhere: screaming and clawing that like hell it’s harder for this maniac who trapped them, who put cursed objects on them. It must be so hard for him to apparently rule “all realms” and kidnap children.

(Nope. He can’t go down that train of thought, he actually will start attacking.

Play this smart. For the kid, at least- if it was only himself, he’d already be at the thing’s throat.)

Another, thankfully neutral, topic interests him. “Xiaotian?”

(It also may give him more information.)

“Our cub- MK’s a nickname, apparently. His official name is Xiaotian. Our Sun Xiaotian.”

“Xiaotian…” Little heaven. Little sky. The name is beautiful on his tongue- it fits MK well, if he does say so himself. MK’s disposition is that of a little sunshine or bright open sky, always ready to help and always with a bigger heart than he should have- what mortals think Heaven should be, should represent. MK and Xiaotian are good names for the kid. For a second, there’s a little warmth in his chest.

He cherishes it. 

But it's interrupted. “Beautiful name, isn’t it?” The thing’s cold breath is on his face, and Macaque forces himself to face it, stomach lurching at the touch of their noses.

“It fits him.” Is all Macaque gives, wanting to see if the thing goes anywhere with this.

It does.

“It must have been fate, that name. Great Sage Equal to Heaven. Little Heaven.” It laughs. “Of course, I rule all of Heaven now.” It boops Macaque’s nose. “Xiaotian truly is the little heaven.” 

Macaque resolutely ignores the rant. “All of Heaven, hmm?”

“That’s right~!” It snuggles deeper into the two. “Ah, plum, I can see why you don’t want ‘ta get up! I never would in this nest!” 

Macaque lets himself be hugged, tucking the kid against him as much as possible so he’s the least touched in the bundle. Even in sleep, Macaque protects him from the violating cold.

Speaking of which… “Will the kid wake up soon?”

It freezes. “You mean, will our cub wake up soon?”

“Yes.. apologies… my love.” 

It’s silent a moment, heart thumping in Macaque’s chest.

(The enemy is attempting to psychologically affect him. Macaque can pretend. But deep down, he will stay resolute for his kid. Deep down, he won’t ever let that damn maniac disrespect the parents who raised MK, who love him deeply. He knows that someday, hopefully soon, the maniac will come to regret that disrespect. Macaque will make sure of it.)

((Even if the demon and the human are dead, Macaque will be sure their names and legacies are not disrespected. It would be least he could do, in this situation.))

He stares into dark crimson eyes, trying not to glare. Up close, he catches specks in them. Celestial gold and white bone fleck across the ruby surface. 

Interesting. 

(That’s being saved for later.)

He focuses on the beauty, nearly comparing it from how different Wukong’s eyes used to be, pre-havoc in Heaven. Like Macaque and MK’s, they used to gleam golden with celestial magic. There used to be nothing but pools of gold. Macaque used to feel he could drown in them for hours, never getting lost. Now, he observes the newness. He can almost appreciate the red from the smoke, like darkened rubies. His pupils are gold, the magic still there, still gleaming. Just smaller. And now, with something a little new.

The thing sighs, interrupting his surface observations. “Things take getting used to. But I know you see him as your own, moonlight- you always have. Even back at our fight at that mountain, even when we were in the midst of our tiff, you still felt affection for him. I could tell.” It glares into him. “Your eyes softened. You kept testing him, teasing him, kept going on about what a ‘good kid’ he was- guilty. I could smell it. You loved him from the start. It’s what brought us together again.”

His face travels by Macaque’s ears, cold practically assaulting the delicate appendages. “Destiny always has a way of working out. Never forget that. My destiny was always the both of you. This is my reward.”

“Reward… for what…?” Macaque chokes out, overwhelmed by the magic crawling through him. The cuffs, the voice, the emperor’s very body all leak power and it overtakes him. 

“I was going to invite you to dinner, but I think you need to rest a little longer, love.” 

It goes dark.

Hours Later(?)

Macaque is awakened far past sunset. The crystal window obscures the outside world, but it’s at least been giving Macaque a somewhat awareness of time’s passage. Without it and MK’s breathing, he’s sure he’d be much further gone than he is now. 

(The cold chi and the darkness remind him all too much of his sealing down in the Diyu. But he’s going to resolutely ignore this until there’s some time for a proper mental breakdown. Especially for the kid’s sake.)

So, okay, ignoring the dark. Clones pepper throughout the room, silent and still as the guards they are. He tries to feign sleep, but one of them seems to notice, perking up. “Finally awake?” It questions with a chirping call, in a loving yet foreboding tone that Macaque knows not to push his luck on. For now. 

“Yes.” He’s surprised at how gruff his voice sounds, then again he hasn’t had much water to drink the past few days. Or food. Perhaps that’s why his body is led and his head spins in vertigo. He barely notices it, now, the horrible, all consuming exhaustion is just simply a part of life at the moment. The clone seems to notice this, going to help Macaque sit up. 

“I’m sorry.” It says. “Boss’ll be here soon with some refreshments- especially since I just sent him a message. He’s a few minutes out.”

Only a few minutes. Macaque can wait, is glad to wait for such things. 

(How deep has that magic affected him? And: if the original is only a few minutes out, that’s a tad too convenient. This isn’t a coincidence. The clone can wipe that stupid, fake sympathetic look off of its- nope, no emotion, no active thoughts.)

Macaque lets his mind fuzz. “Hmm.” He lets out, a croaking chirp nearly making its vulnerable way out of his throat. He slumps against the side of the next, automatically bringing MK further into his side. The kid is warm. He wishes he could be warmer for the kid, knowing he runs colder. 

The small moment is ruined when the real thing comes back, refusing to leave Macaque’s side. Its cold is so overwhelming that Macaque practically spends the time in a daze, dozing off sometime during the thing’s handsy feeding of finger foods and sips of water. 

The Morning(?)

The window is light when Macaque is awake again, with MK sleeping light and warm at his side. It’s more of a comfort than he’ll admit. 

What’s not a comfort is the face right above his, ruby eyes manic and unblinking. 

Macaque freezes, shocked. 

The thing laughs, pulling him against it. “My love! I’ve been waiting for you to wake up!”

“What time is it?”

“It’s family bonding time! Our cub’s bound to wake up soon, too, so I say let’s go over to the lounge room.”

Macaque, still barely awake and still getting his chi sucked dry, doesn’t respond in time for the creature to continue, talking all about how wonderful the lounge is and how good he prepared it. Great. It’s like Wukong was when he built their first courting nest. Wouldn’t shut up about it for weeks.

(That was cute. This makes Macaque want to bury himself and the kid away forever.)

“C’mon, my love, I set up some nice little snacks and those blankets you so like. There’s even a cozy fireplace-”

“I’ll go.”

“Great!” He pulls both Macaque and the kid against him, MK still clinging to Macaque’s pelt like a baby. It would be adorable if not for the- it’s absolutely precious, Macaque lets the feeling take over. Happy and comfortable.

“I suppose we’re taking the little one, then, huh?” 

It’s almost like Wukong how the creature's smile is wry, his eyes giving that sickeningly familiar mirthy twinkle. Macaque has to stop himself from grinning right back. 

Instead, he coughs. “Yes, let’s go.”

It’s embarrassing how he needs help out of bed, the creature’s hands somehow greedy yet respectful. Touches light but strong. There’s a hand on him as he’s guided through the great halls, white and gold sparkling around them. The sight overwhelms him. White, white floor. White, white walls. It’s so bright it burns, like the magic running through him and practically pulsating off of the creature beside him.  It almost feels brainwashing, Macaque wonders if the monotonous splendor was intentional.

“Do you like it?” 

The question startles Macaque, but he assures himself not to jump at the voice or change the carefully neutral expression on his face. "Of course." He replies, voice forcibily warm.

It glares, all ice once again. "Truly, my love?" 

(Okay, he’s right. The maniac is somehow sensing his thoughts- the real question is how far it goes. Does he know the quiet observations Macaque is making now? Is there a defense or distraction against it? Maybe he should play his affection up a bit.)

((Don’t be obvious, be open. Ready.))

“I am… certainly getting used to it.” He settles with that, tail flicking in nerves. “It has been a moment since I experienced such grandeur. This palace is like nothing I have ever seen.”

“Hmm, I suppose it would seem a bit too grand at first.” It pulls Macaque further against it, reaching to grasp his hand in an icy prison of a grip. “Soon, such charms will be the mere mundane to you, love. You will be dripping in jewels, everything you could ever desire and more.”

Macaque is pulled further against a burning side.

(It hurts.)

He can go numb from the everlasting cold around him, but not from the cold of his benefactor. It burns into him like a brand. Like the fire of the sun and the subzero of the Diyu, only ever growing. Fire will not stop catching. 

“Yet…” It has a thoughtful expression, taking its eyes off of Macaque and into the distance for a moment,  “You don’t seem very thankful…” 

Macaque’s heart drops at the silent anger emanating in the tone, anxiety freezing within him. 

It’s deadly silent.

Then.

Macaque is flung into a room, crashing into a plushy surface. “WHAT are you doing?!” He exclaims, shocked. Quickly, he checks MK’s head for any signs of injury, keeping an eye on the figure sauntering forth. He wants to summon his shadows, but he can already feel there would be consequences to that, if he can get past the cuffs. His best bet is to keep the kid safe, go on the offensive if need be. 

He growls at the approach, warning. 

But fast as lightning, the creature cuts him off, freezing hand digging claws into his throat. 

“Hrr-” He stubbornly attempts to get words out, pleads to stop. 

It only crushes cold against him, entrapping Macaque further than he’s ever been trapped. Even his coffin didn’t feel this invasive. Confining, but not invading. He struggles against the maniac’s side, trying to get any sort of free. 

“You’re not grateful.” 

Its voice is angry, sad. Like Macaque just tore up a gift and threw it back in the thing’s face. 

It squeezes hard, claws going deeper. 

“You’re so, so ungrateful! You, our cub, have everything- you have no idea how much you have!” And deeper the claws go. Macaque chokes on warmth filling his throat.

“I love you. I love you more than anything. You and our cub are everything- you don’t know how much you both are. What you are to me. All you do is throw it back in my face! Ungrateful! Ungrateful!”

Stars. He’s seeing beautiful stars again, nearly, ironically, grateful for the relief. 

“UNGRATEFUL!” He’s roaring now. 

“You and my baby will obey. You will love me. Love me always. You’re both not getting away again, you’re not getting away again, you’re not getting away from me again, not getting away, not getting away, not getting away, not getting away, not getting a w a y, …”

It goes on. Macaque is floating, barely hearing the shouts. He doesn’t want to hear the shouts. 

He wants to float in the stars forever.

But his cub, his cub. 

“NEVER GETTING AWAY, YOU’RE NEVER GETTING AWAY, YOU’RE-”

“KKghh-Wu-” Sounds can’t come out, he can barely hear them through the floating.

Still.

“WU-K… C’MON!” He struggles, constants barely bursting out. He struggles against the all encompassing weight, pathetic kicks and claws trying to gain the attention of his enemy. 

Something works. 

Vaguely, weight lifts off him and Macaque’s kicks are easier, higher in the air. 

“--Hear me? My love, my love… Stop… STOP.”

Macaque stops. 

His body collapses, becoming as still as death. 

Slowly, the world begins to fade into focus. Macaque doesn’t want to rejoin it, would rather have let the damn thing choke him out… But the small weight against him. 

That little warmth. 

MK.

The kid who reminded him who he was, who practically brought his life back to him. 

Slowly, he lifts his stiff arms to wrap around the child, not quite able to grip but relieved anyway at the feel of the rise and fall of sleep, at the warmth of life still beaming off the kid’s body. 

(It relieves him more than he’ll admit.)

Focus continues to seep into him, all too white surroundings coming more and more into view. He feels a cold weight holding his hand and doesn’t have the energy to be mad at it. 

He lets himself float back into his body, like docking a ship. He still sloshes in the waters of sweet nothing, but this time he’s confined in a line to shore. MK’s weight on him becomes more real. He can now feel small, precious breaths against his collarbone, oddly peaceful. He could almost cry from relief. 

He allows himself the precious feelings, the rare warmth. 

It cajoles him to feel a squeeze on his hands, attention automatically turning to (his kidnapper)- this “Wukong”. 

It’s silent, between them.

Chapter Text

The fire’s gold, burning into blue edges. Its magic fuels the fireplace, Macaque can feel it pulsing through the flames. It makes him wonder just how powerful this “Wukong” is. The cuffs, the entire castle, the frozen land… just how great is his enemy? 

MK twitches in his sleep, distracting Macaque from his train of thought with the alighting of hope in his chest. 

“Looks like the kid’s waking up!” It exclaims, lighting up from the sorry state it's been in since attacking Macaque. The past several hours were spent healing Macaque (to a level, a bruising hurt leaves a certain reminder that Macaque knows is intentional- this demon can power a whole castle and control a plot of land, but can’t fix up some bruising? Please.), being all affectionate and caring, and trying to explain how Macaque is here for his “own good”. 

The creature is somewhat respecting his space for once, too. 

Macaque’s made a nest for him and the cub by the fireplace, blankets piled around them. The creature, unlike usual, hasn’t invaded, but sat on the couch above them, observing with that manic smile. 

(It can shove that stupid smile up its-)

“It seems so.” Macaque agrees, trying to re-center himself in this new, post-choke dynamic, “I hope he awakens soon.”

“He will.” It assures, gesturing out, “If not in the next hour, then by the evening.”

“Oh,” Macaque decides to take the risk of asking, “And what time is it?”

“I took an entire afternoon off for our family, my love.”

“...Thank you. I am… so very grateful.”

It smiles with a flash of teeth, a threat. “You’re so very welcome.” 

Macaque downs the anger that rises from the patronizing. 

(Not to mention the fact that he gave in to it. He’s “grateful”? They’re mere words- it’s temporary, to survive. Escape. Let it have a win, let it reel in its fake victory. But a shame still burns deep within him at the submission, unbecoming of a demon of his powerful rank. Unbecoming of any living being, really.)

“They’re not going to be happy with me, but once I have you by my side again, I’m sure they’ll forgive me quick enough. You always have been better at these bureaucratic things than me.” 

(Information. Look out.)

“You always did avoid paperwork.” 

“Why did they always make us record every little thing? A simple meeting and all the details are all ironed out- I don’t see why we can’t all just move on with our lives.” It huffs, spreading out its arms in frustration, “But noooo- we need to write every little thing down. And then more things about that. And then payroll for some reason-”

“Conquests cost money, dear.”

“And why is that my problem?” 

Macaque stares, indecorous. 

(He’s nearly brought back to conversations long ago, in Flower Fruit Mountain. Nights spent teasing each other away.)

He allows himself to laugh at the eons old argument they’re finding themselves in, once again. “You never did think that far ahead, huh? You always just went off and hoped things would work out.”

“In my defense, they usually did back then.” 

“Hmm.” Macaque can’t disagree with that. 

It’s quiet. Oddly, peacefully, quiet. 

They’re holding hands, now, and Macaque stares, wondering how he didn’t notice. In the moment of silence, it leans over him, looking at the adorable bundle of fur in his lap. 

Hackles raise and he scoots to hide the kid a bit, but there’s still a view. 

“Our cub seems like he’s having an interesting dream.” It comments, turning to the kid more. MK seems to be tossing and turning, now. Macaque sits up, pulling the kid into his lap. 

“It’s good.” Macaque comments, “Kiddo’s finally showing some signs of life!”

He strokes the kid’s fur, making sure it's smooth and untangled. If MK’s going to be upset when he wakes up (and why wouldn’t he be),  Macaque wants to make sure the kid’s at least as comfortable as possible.

But the air turns a few degrees cooler and Macaque’s attention is back to “Wukong” in front of them. Right at his face, in fact.

“Darling…” It’s voice has a threatening lit to it and somehow Macaque knows he fucked up. 

“The, uh, cub’s looking great. We’ve cared for him well.” Macaque attempts to placate, hoping to drive the conversation more towards MK’s cuteness (and information on whatever this thing’s idea of “parenting” the kid is). 

It beams up at Macaque’s statement. “We have. The poor baby just needs a minute to get used to all this. Soon enough he’ll be the perfect little prince!”

“Prince”, huh?

 “A little prince? And am I what- the queen?” 

(What is his position here? What can he do with it? C'mon, Copy, give him some information, here!)

It reaches for his hand, bringing it in for a kiss. “You’re my dear Empress- greater than any queen or other fool that dares call themselves a royal.”

Macaque gives a giggle. “It seems so… Emperor of All Realms.” 

It grips Macaque’s hand, the other cupping the side of his face, directing the shadow’s gaze into his eyes. They glow with power. 

A heartbeat goes between them.

Then, suddenly, they’re kissing. Macaque leans into the cold, letting it burn him through. 

(He grips the warm fur of his kid below him, as gently and unnoticeably as possible, an anchor in a storm.)

The emperor releases him, gently, as if placing an expensive vase on a counter. 

“Empress of All Realms.” It whispers, stroking the side of his face. Macaq- Mihou tries to ignore the pounding in his chest, instead choosing to look past the luminescent being and into the grand room around them. The walls seem to be thick ice, white with a gentle glow. They sparkle with a small hum of magic and reflection from the fireplace. 

“Like what you see?” The emperor teases.

“The room is beautiful.” 

It laughs, pulling Mihou in closer. “Yes, but anything else?”

Macaque pretends to consider, falling back into their old dynamic. “The blankets are quite lovely.”

“Aaaaaaand?”

“Well, I suppose you are, too.”

The emperor leans in and Macaque nuzzles him. Arms wrap around them like a chilling sheet of snow, but Macaque finds a level of comfort in the action, allowing himself a small, merciful, moment of security. 

(It feels better than he’ll admit.)

It chuckles against him, holding him and his kid into its chest. “If I’m so great, then why would you ever doubt our cub’s status?”

“... What?” The comfort is gone, now. Worry drops in Macaque’s stomach like a rock sinking to the bottom of the sea.

“‘Showing signs of life’?” Its grip tightens, the creature's voice ringing with a rage, “Of course our cub is alive! And in the best care he could ever receive- I’m taking care of you both. Why would you ever even joke about that, Mihou?!”

“I… I’m sorry, Wukong.” He looks up into ruby eyes, trying to convey how bad he feels (he shouldn’t). “I was just trying to joke-”

“Oh, so you think my care is a joke? You think you can just go around like that- joking about our child’s death?!” 

“No!” Macaque yells, panic seeping into him at the idea of his kid dead. 

He can almost see the kid in his own place, skull gouged in and colder than ever thought possible. He can almost see MK in a coffin, screaming himself hoarse and pleading to the silence to be released. To be wishing for a true death and reincarnation, not a thousand and a half years of imprisonment. Would his kid even last that long?

“Then don’t joke about our family like that.” It gentles its hold on Macaque, he didn’t even notice how harsh it had gotten. A tail joins, wrapping around his wrist, right next to the kid. The kid who flinches at the cold touch, even in sleep. Macaque hugs MK a little closer. The kid’s face falls into the crook of his neck, bringing a feeling of love Macaque didn’t know he could feel. His heart hurts in affection for his poor kid. 

(Wait.. ‘his’...? When had his subconscious started claiming MK that way?)

((In all bare honesty that he isn’t ready to admit to himself, since the beginning he’s been looking after his kid. Whatever thing this maniac is, it’s only right about one thing here. The guilt.))

“...Mihou? Promise me.” The emperor urges, with a confirm? chirp at the end.

Confirmed, Macaque finds himself responding.

The emperor then invades his nest, coiling himself around Macaque and his cub. Part of Macaque wants to bite its loving hands off, another part of him wants to give in, and a final part is just… tired. All that part cares about is MK. All it cares about is surviving and leaning into the cold, letting it numb him out. 

It’s then that MK begins to toss and turn, stirring awake. Finally!! Macaque automatically struggles out of the hold, bringing his cub closer to the fireplace, though it holds no warmth for him. He ends up cuddling up in Macaque’s lap, bringing a surge of joy, only for dread to follow it in. He’s about to wake up. He’s about to wake up, and (be trapped in this hell with Macaque- who is barely handling it as is, even with his lifetimes of experiences). 

Macaque nearly can’t bear to see him open those little golden eyes, pools of innocent light. To see him shiver at the cold he’s now aware of, his heart rate shooting up. 

Something horrible rips his heart at the image. 

“Hi.” His kid greets, so fucking innocent, so fucking sweet and trusting in this labyrinth.

“Kiddo.” Is all Macaque can say, overwhelmed. MK being awake nearly doesn’t feel real. Maybe Macaque began hallucinating in that stupid room and this isn’t real. The little heartbeat, the soft warm fur, the smell of sweet nectarine smothered with Macaque’s plum scenting... with the ice layered, too. It brings a warmth to him that nothing else can, an instinctual part of him soothed like nothing else could. It's good. So good. It’s too good. 

He brings the little hallucination in for a hug, feeling little arms grab onto his hanfu. “Kiddo.” he repeats, devastation burning his eyes at the small but impactful action. (Screw it, he knows this is real.) All too real. (He just doesn’t want to believe it, doesn’t want to accept this reality. And now he'll need to cover up his vulnerability.)

He doesn’t want to accept the fact that his kid is now a part of this.

“I’m so sorry.”

It’s all he can really say. He’s sorry he couldn’t save his kid, or prevent this from happening in the first place… Why hasn’t he tried to run? Why hasn’t he done anything? Made any move whilst the kid was still safe and untraumatized?

“What’s there to be sorry about?” 

(Everything, he doesn’t say- all words he’s learned over thousands of years cannot describe just how much there is to be “sorry” about. He failed his kid. He failed his kid. 

And, cowardly, he can’t open his mouth to tell him that. Doesn't even think it.)

It’s then that an infuriating voice cuts through, “Awh, plum’s just a little upset at the cuffs bud, but don’t worry. They’re for both of your safety!”

And all of a sudden, Macaque’s hackles are up, and a fresh sea of anger storms through him. His canines flash at the threat, daring it to make a move. 

It has the gall to put its paws up in the air in a peaceful gesture, making Macaque want to rip its throat out with a fresh vengeance. “MK was out for 3 days!” He seethes, bringing MK closer into him. He glares at the emperor, daring him to separate him and his cub. Daring him to challenge that bond. Daring him to deny the fact that he’d put their kid into a coma. He hopes it was only three days. 

But the collar activates, and Macaque feels the fight leave him, slumping further over his cub.

Useless, useless, useless. 

Still, he holds onto his drive. He is a warrior, after all. “3 days…” He mutters in defiance. He holds MK close like he’d done to young cubs so long ago, a false comfort of protection. 

He can almost feel the fire burning at his back, the panicked screams as Flower Fruit Mountain was ablaze. The cling of the infants on his pelt, the stench of death permeating the air. 

But no. His mind cannot go back there.

(It already was, wasn’t it? Fuck.)

“I’m okay… I’m okay.” MK reassures, his voice a scratchy, soft thing. It’s a whisper of his normal, excited self, but somehow it makes all the difference, filling something in him.

(Something that gives him a little strength.)

Before Macaque can respond, the Emperor entraps them, magic cutting in like a whip. His arms squeeze against the two hostages, a mockery of a loving gesture. 

Scared! Parent help! MK chirps, sharp and terrified at the sudden invasion. The warrior has to stop himself from attacking, from growling out and gnashing his fangs into the damn maniac's throat. But from Macaque's perceived compliance, it decides to speak up- like this is a sweet, family moment. 

"Aww! This is nice! See, moonlight-"

Macaque snarls before it can even dare to finish the sentence. 

(Macaque can't take the patronizing sweetness, the attack invading his and his cub's space. He needs to defend, but he can't let MK get hurt.)

(But if it hurts Macaque, that's okay. Clearly, there's a push and pull here- he can't be too compliant, or the maniac will take advantage of it. If its anything like Wukong, small gestures can turn big before the blink of an eye. He also can't be too defensive, or he'll be injured. While he's happy to stack up a few injuries, he doesn't know when the copy will start threatening MK rather than attacking himself. That's what he needs to avoid. The moment it starts threatening MK, he'll have to give up that battle and move on to the next strategy. He needs to go about this with a delicate balance. He needs to start gathering information on how to leave. He needs to not just protect MK, but help the kid resist the mind manipulation and nostalgia the copy attacks with.) 

He grips tight to his son, shoving him as far away from the monster as possible. Mk peeps out a little whine. Help, safe.

Of course, the copy is unenthused at this defiance. "Moonlight, you're scaring our son."

"He's scared of you." He seethes right back at the monster. 

(This will definitely have consequences, but if the other option is a forced bonding session then it is worth it. He can see where it was going. Grooming, scenting, cuddling, little conversations in both monkie and mandarin. Family nesting time is essential for a cub's development, and with MK likely having instincts he's never had to grapple with before... it's perfect to mess with his cub even further. To force an imprinting. And if there's anything Macaque can't allow- it's that. He, as much as possible, needs to bring discord into the thing's attempts. Make him angry. Make him as angry at Macaque as is manageable. This is a battle Macaque cannot let it win.)

And oh, does the anger come through. 

The two end up in chains. But rather than attempting to appeal to the thing, Macaque screeches and shrieks cries of anger and war. He can see the eye twitch, the clenched fists and ground teeth, Wukong's surprise and frustration at the fact that Macaque hasn't backed down yet. 

(It probably expected Macaque to reason with it, now. Nope. All its about to get from Macaque is a load of pure frustration.)

It can fuck off, if it thinks Macaque is going to be sympathetic. It stares right into the bastard's eyes, glaring. To others, those eyes may be full of horror- of ruby red and incredibly powerful magic, of thousands of years lived and legends told, of possible universes conquered. But Macaque glares anyway. Because no matter how powerful, the thing is pathetic for stealing a cub. 

That makes the emperor speak up.

"I am protecting both of you." His voice is somber, more quiet than Macaque's ever known from him. “You don’t understand what’s out there. And you both barely understand your purposes in all this- but I do. I understand everything.”

His magic then explodes. Chi entraps the room like a tidal wave, dragging Macaque down under the current. It's like a force of nature, not something one can fight. 

Macaque's mind goes blank, overwhelmed by the pure force of it all. 

But his ears are always listening. Even within the discordant, warped version of the Great Sage's chi, there's a note- a plea. 

Love me, love me, love me, love me.

It fills Macaque, infecting his mind and very soul. He can't resist it, can't fight nor flee it- it is there, clawing its way into him, filling inside him. It feels like forever. But as soon as Macaque reaches a point, it stops. His mind is clear and clean, and any strife is wiped away with a cold hand. His heart thumps, forlorn and blank. 

The Emperor places a paw on his shoulder, a claw lifting under his chin to stare into eyes. "Isn't better, Mihou? Not to fight anymore, but to accept my love?" 

Words are jumbled in his head. It feels like the draining in that room, several times over. A blank, numb, exauhstion holds him, unrelenting. He can't croak out a response, but the paw moves to run through to stroke his head, gentle. "You need some rest, love.... Just remember, to stop fighting me."

He pulls away, paws cupping little pressures on the sides of Macaque's face. "We'll talk about this later."

And then Macaque falls.

Part of him wonders if he's back in the Diyu again. The cold, chains, claustrophobia. But it's different- it's different because this time he isn't tortured from the betrayal of the one he loves most, he isn't bitterly accepting of this cruel fate. No. He has a little light on his heart. A little heaven. His starlight. MK, despite everything, still shines, and sweet nectarine still stays scented into him. This time, he can scream himself hoarse and actually feel a sense of pain. This time, the chains numb rather than bite. And in any case, the Diyu was never this cold. It's cold was comforting, in a way- an end to be accepted, but with Macaque's immortality there would never be a true reset. He used to rot in it, still, hoping.

Part of him wants to fall away to the illusion. The familiarity of rot. But the nectarine and the differences remind him that this is different. And unlike his time in the Diyu, the door opens to bright before Macaque can even have time for a true, proper rot. It feels like only a few minutes, really. Though he can feel it was much longer, and his numb, dumb legs need the clone's assistance to be led back to the damn fireplace. 

(Down a hall and 3 right turns. 1 path way and two other decorative doors unopened.)

MK's chirp warms him as he goes in, the child not hesistating to go for a hug. Still numb, all Macaque can do is wrap his stiff arms around him, not quite reaching around. 

He didn't know he was moved until a cold hand clasps his shoulder, his face being moved in for a kiss. Macaque can't feel it. What he can feel is love, love, love.

Oh. He's on the couch now. It's turned into a nest, blankets upon blankets scented and piled about. Ice and peaches practically drown it. It reminds him all too much of the old, messy but loving nests Wukong used to make. His mind lazily drifts to the memories, of his first nights on Flower Fruit Mountain- how he had discovered Wukong's own prosperous kingdom and immediately gone to make good relations. His troupe, of course, had dutifully followed him and soon they all enjoyed the great wealth and safety the Monkey King had provided. Macaque remembers, for the first time in his life, feeling truly relaxed. He remembers that when the king had offered them a place in the kingdom he and his troupe had not hesitated. 

He remembers the way the king would look out for the little ones. How he'd attempt nests to comfort them and could never quite make them right, but just how much he'd try. He'd often succeed in comforting them, though. Because despite the shoddy work, those nests would always be full of love- overfilled with soft things and his comforting croons chirping out safety-protection-comfort. Who wouldn't feel safe with that? No matter how much Macaque had tried to school him in the correct way to make a nest, he'd keep up the messy gig.

Lucky for him, it endeared Macaque. Rather than scaring away a potential mate, it only brought them closer. Memories of chirping and cuddling float about him. He can almost feel the soft downs and leaves. He can almost hear their laughter and trills, their teases and taunts- he can almost see the littlest cubs letting out teases and trills, excited to see the troupe leaders unite. 

At the time, their mating was practically meant to be. It seemed nothing could get in the way of it- the troupes settled as one only meant benefits rather than politics, their kingdom was stable and safe, and the sun and the moon worked in sync, only becoming stronger. Even as new allies came in and new power was drawn, Macaque had been so sure nothing could get in their way- and nothing did. They're here now with their cub and in love. The nest is so safe and nothing will ever hurt them again. 

Yes. Yes, the three of them are safe. Macaque finds himself curling into his mate and the warmth of his cub. He trills a note of happy-safe. MK's little trill answers in a question- safe? Sad-scared underlies it, and Macaque's foggy brain doesn't know what to do. He can only bring his baby closer to him.

Eating with the emperor is weird, to say the least. 

MK can't leave the fortress of his lap. No matter how much he squirms or distracts, the emperor always seems to have a hand on him, tucking him into place. And if MK squirms a little too much, that stupid growl comes up, and their instincts shock them back into a foggy compliance. 

They spend the rest of the day eating and chatting- well, the emperor's talking mostly, MK's becoming more and more tired from that instinct fog and pure cold surrounding him. It feels weird to be this tired. It feels weird to not be riffing with his mentor, weird to feel the distorted version of the Monkey King. 

Little chirps and swipes of grooming on his head ground MK back into the moment. A little bite of peach is held up to their face. "Try this, my sweet treasure."

He's not going to question the nicknames at this rate.

It's... a peach?

At least, it looks sorta like a peach? A crystallized peach, maybe- the food here is also weird and tastes good if... off. Chilly. Numbing, rather than comforting. A far cry from Dadsy's noodles. And always covered in the ghostly sheen of ice, cracking at the slightest give of a bite. 

It's weird.

But at this point, it's not the weirdest thing here. 

The emperor seems to notice their lack of attention span, letting out a growl that seems to say attention-now. 

Sorry. MK chirps back, the sound almost foreign in his mouth. Still, they sound the sound out, getting used to the new pitch of their voice and roll of their tongue. 

No.

The emperor doesn't seem pleased, glaring now with a sheen of a light-ish, white-ish blue. It echoes the Lady Bone Demon, yet it's too fully... not(?) her. Her gaze was always ferocious, invading. The emperor's gaze stands strong, rather than trying to force its way in. It looms over him like a coming storm. Like a tsunami siren blaring the ocean's rush forth, or perhaps more like the snow blizzards he'd read about once- they come in clouds, looming over the land until they swallow it all in. 

Oh, my Great Sage, am I going to die? He thinks, fear rattling through them.

The emperor, almost in response, thumps his tail against the ground. His gaze turns from looming to a twisted rage, squeezing his arm further around MK, claws digging into his side with a painful, freezing sting.

It almost wakes them up from the floaty state they've been in.

"I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry!!" MK releases chirps alongside this, panic spreading as the emperor does not calm down, only clenching harder. "Sorry! I'm sorry! Please, stop! You're hurting-"

MK is flung. 

He almost doesn't notice until the rush of air is in his ears and his body crashes against a wall. Immediately, they're up. Panic nearly controls him but past experience gives him a bit of a mind for a fight-

THIS ISN'T A FIGHT.

White.

White.

White and a gleam of gold. 

Their on the ground, their limbs are led. And the Emperor's feet thump, thump, thump as his incoming figure slowly stalks forth. 

The blizzard is coming.

Chapter Text

It doesn't hit as expected.

The emperor's looming figure doesn't reach out to strike them, or try to pull them close again. Rather than eating him up, the blizzard sits before him, somehow encompassing his view of everything else. The silks are pooled before their eyes as the emperor sits criss cross, waiting on MK. 

Both don't say anything.

The silence is horrible.

MK's still shocked at the fact that his father figure threw him against the wall. They almost question if it even happened. The pain in his back is so numb that he nearly does, and the presence of the emperor is so intense that just- none of this feels real! It feels like some weird ice nightmare ! They'll wake up soon. He was about to sleep before, anyway, right? They passed out. Maybe it was Pigsy's soup, maybe it was some medicine, maybe-most likely- the lack of sleep caught up to him and now he's having the weirdest fever dream of his life. They'll wake up. He'll wake up and Pigsy will berate him about being late and Tang will studying some new book and Mei will be filling his phone with puppy videos. Soon they'll wake up and see another puppy making friends with a duck or... something!

He turns his gaze further up to the emperor, who is watching him with a slight smile to his face. His eyes are ruby red now, with irises of molten gold, standing out against the light colors of the room like small fires within the snow. Campfires maybe, but they ring too wild for that. Wildfires. His eyes are like wildfires. 

They're dangerous. Unpredictable. They're going to burn him, too.

He stays quiet, feeling so out of place. He just wants his mentor again- the warm hugs, the "aw, bud!"'s, the laughter, the oddball wisdom. Staring at this copy, at this vision of him makes MK reach his hand out. Numbly, he hopes for some flash of warmth. A cracked smile. An awkward laugh. A hand returned in his own. He wants to see gold eyes, confused and surprised at the gesture, laughing it off and returning it in full. Wants the awkward check in. Wants the squeeze of warmth and reassurance. That he's okay and they're okay and everything will be okay. 

All his fingertips meet are cold air. And the wane, bored smile of the emperor, unenthused with his display of outreach. 

It's so quiet. 

"Why?" MK finally breaks, the sound coming out of his mouth with a tinge of a whine. He hates how childlike it feels. 

The emperor's smile grows, still somehow ringing with an emptiness. "Why what, my son?"

Panic and numb pound through his chest, sending shivers through his body. His fingers feel like they have heartbeats in them, running quick fast at the weird conversation. 

None of this feels real. It just doesn't. 

Looming, looming, looming.

The emperor's cold yet gentle gaze, his fancy armor and light fur adorned with a dreamy glow, the smile on his face that feels so instinctually wrong .

Run.

"You've had a big day, bud. But you need to finish eating, at least this peach." He holds his hand out, "Why don't we go sit down and finish up?"

MK's barely able to blink up at him before they're lifted up against his chest, head gently clinking against gold armor.

"Oh!" The emperor exclaims, smacking one hand on his forehead. "That armor must not be comfy, huh?"

He sighs. "Sorry, cub, I'd taken the afternoon off from a meeting. I pretty much ran here immediately. I got all the blood off and took all that fancy shi- things off, but clearly not enough."

Ironically, he pulls MK closer to his metal chest. If MK wasn't so floaty, they might feel like a little teddy bear- and in another world, it just might be comforting, to be held securely against their mentor's chest. To be slumped and without energy, but supported by someone they love . 

It might be nice. 

"Whatdya say you eat a few more fruits, and then we go pick me out a new outfit." He pauses. "Actually, you too. You've been in that outfit for over a week, bud. Yeesh." 

"Uhhhh..." MK's brain is too foggy to come up with a proper response. 

"Shh." His arms rock MK. And MK hates to admit it, but it's comforting .

A chirp sounds from the emperor as a light rumble begins in his chest, the sound of it like a car drive at night, or the steady fall of rain in the evening. The rumble comforts MK, making them bury themself away in a floaty concoction of conflicting emotions. 

The thoughts barely realize before they're snuffed out. Were they important, anyway? MK can't really remember. 

All they know is they begin to fall asleep to rumbling chuckles. 

.........................

..............

.......

..

The darkness is peaceful. They've always had trouble keeping afloat in water, but this is what they'd think it'd feel like. They can almost imagine those old summers with Mei, attempting to float on a river like her and avoiding the hell out of homework. They... really miss it. And part of them wants to just hone in on that feeling, but... something sinister waves in the distance. Glowing cobalt , far away. It's just at the edges of their space, but somehow it looms in the distance, feeling closer than father. Part of them really, really wants to bury their head in the ground. Wants to wrap themself safely in old memories. 

Wants to just ignore it all. 

But then they think of how worried their actual friends must be, of how Macaque must be suffering and that maybe they'd give up on themself- but never their friends. Never them. So, they hold onto their remaining consciousness, snarling at the invading white .

Even as it roars back, deafeningly loud .

MK will not give up, MK will not give in.

They can't fail everyone again.

..

.......

..............

.................................

They awake with a freezing shock. 

The copy emperor chuckles , leaning into MK's space. Claws flash but as MK tries to dodge, a crushing grip holds them still. They're sure it bruises them. Instead of an attack, the claws simply comb through their hair, the emperor humming a little lullaby MK doesn't recognize. 

Instead of asking, they glare. Their mind is clearer than ever and their heart finally feels warm in determination again. 

"Fussy, fussy." The emperor tuts. "I just gave you the gift of rest and this is how you repay me? If you're so cranky, I can send you back to your old, nice little sleepy self. Cubs your age should be barely out of the nest, anyway."

They should pretend. They should be more docile, trick this weird demon that sure, you're totally my mentor-dad and I totally am not planning my escape right now.

But they can't play this game.

Not completely.

The idea of bowing down makes them want to throw up. But seeing how much power this guy has over them, they can't exactly throw their staff at his face right now . Where is that thing, anyway? 

"Uh... sorry about that." They grit the words out. Okay, maybe he needs to be sneaky. "Where's, uh, where's Macaque? I just... miss Baba. So much. Where is he? Exactly? Any directions?"

Nevermind. MK should really stop talking. 

He and the emperor have the most awkward stare down of his life. MK’s chest pounds wondering if they just put their foot in their mouth.

Oh my Great Sage, why does it have to be so awkward?! Someone needs to say something already or MK’s going to actually lose it!

It’s too quiet! The emperor should just scream at him already… Somehow the staring is so much worse. 

His ruby red gaze does not let up.

But. 

Finally, the emperor speaks… "Where is he 'Papa' ?"

A saccharine grin stretches on his face, deep red eyes boring down at MK with a manic, excited, blood red glow. From disappointed to elated within the second. He looks like a cat that got the canary, and MK doesn’t want to know what that means for them. 

Papa… Papa?!

He can barely call Pigsy “Dadsy”, and this asshole wants the Papa treatment??

MK can’t control his surprised reaction, as he lets out a screechy chirp.

" What ?!" MK exclaims, because oh hell no ????

This really can’t be happening.

But at the emperor's glare, they correct themself. "Um, I mean, what... what do you mean?"

The glare only hardens.

“What do I mean ?” The emperor’s voice is light, airy. Yet his tone sends shivers down MK’s spine, creating a quickening beat to their heart. 

“Well, I mean…. I mean, uh…” MK can’t think of what to say, it’s like his body suddenly frozen, his mind short circuiting. “I mean, uh..”

“You mean, uh… ”

“I mean…” A weird sense of guilt blooms in his gut, like a seedling poking out of the ground. They want to squash it down , but they just… can’t .

Feelings twist his insides. 

They need to say something, say something, say something!

“I…”

But he can’t.

The emperor stares down at them, disdain practically emanating from his gaze. “Xiaotian… I can’t believe you’d do this to me. After everything we’ve been through.”

MK tries to question why he knows their full, government name and what the hell they did but,... Their mouth can’t move. It’s as if it’s locked shut. And guilt festers in his heart like an infection , spreading through his veins and limbs. Invading their cells. It makes him want to curl up, away, forever.

And, somehow, tears prickle at their eyes from it all. 

The imagery, the conflicting feelings, the raging instincts still battling with his consciousness, still fighting him under his skin… A sob croaks out of their mouth. Throaty, painful. Like scraping nails on a chalkboard but after that he can’t stop. Sobs follow, screeching  out.

For the first time in their life, MK actually sounds like a monkey.

He screeches at the thought.

This can’t be real.

They’re screeching, screeching, screeching. 

STOP.

Then he stops. Their mouth closes. No sound, no note, no chirp vibrates in his throat. 

Nothing.

Silence.

MK’s silent as the Emperor stares daggers down at him, wildfire gaze burning. They would chirp in fear, but silence is forced through them.

Finally, the Emperor softens. 

“Sorry bud, but if you’re going to be bad and hurt me like this, you need to be punished.” The Emperor smiles. “It’s what good fathers do!”

He scoops MK into his arms, cradling him against his chest.

MK can’t breathe. Tears prick at their eyes, but the Emperor doesn’t seem to notice.

 “Anyways! Let’s go pick you out a new outfit!”

MK’s mouth is sealed shut- he can’t move even his jaw muscles! Their throat is closed in, only air travelling down through the back of it. He focuses on the fill of his lungs, the way air exhales. To slow their breath like Sandy taught. 

To be here, now. 

They ignore the world, burying into the soft robes of the Emperor. Control their breathing. 

“ Cub. ” The Emperor pauses, noticing MK’s burrowing. Something subtle scans him. MK ignores it all, claws slotting deeper into fabric and head shaking further into the Emperor’s icy side. 

It’s nice, how the cold burns all their troubles away. 

The scan lifts. Gentle, subtle, like a feather falling. MK can barely sense it- it’s almost ingrained in them. His wrist hurts. 

The Emperor’s chest rises, lifting MK with it. He sighs out, floating MK lower once again. “Okay, we’ll make this quick. Clearly, you need some cuddles.”

Away from the cold, MK is set up on a silk pillow, the Emperor draping blankets over them. They pool over his head, wrapping around his sides. Despite the numbing cold, it's oddly comforting. 

The Emperor takes his gaze off, and MK actually feels relief.  

They didn’t realize the whole “every move watched by terrifying wildfire eyes” thing was scary until now. Didn’t realize how much that was actually affecting them. 

He soaks up the moment of small freedom before the Emperor turns once again, holding up two way too fancy sets of- are those hanfus? They look too fancy to sleep in. 

“Alright kiddo!” The Emperor excitedly announces. “Point to your favorite!”

Both are orange, but one is more bright orange and the other is closer to a nectarine color, reminding them of markets with         . Wait… with         ??

MK tries to think, but cold clouds his mind. 

So much so, that their old train of thought is out the window. 

“Let’s do this one!” The Emperor suggests, holding up a bright orange hanfu-thing. It looks cozy. MK kind of remembers they were supposed to choose.

Uh oh, but he guesses the moment’s over now! It’s not like they have any control over anything, anyway. 

It would have been nice to choose, though. 

The Emperor is not the best at changing them and MK nearly bites him at the intrusion, but they keep themself in check. No use fighting now. 

When he meets Macaque again, they’ll figure something out!

They go to open their mouth to get any sort of secretly helpful conversation going… but it doesn’t work. No questions. For now, at least, maybe after cuddling the Emperor will change his mind?? 

Will that work?

He’s a powerful being and MK… MK should really be better than this. 

But - if even his mentor struggled against the Lady Bone Demon, if Macaque is clearly struggling here now, then maybe it's a little valid for MK to struggle as well.

It sucks, though.

They wonder if Macaque feels this powerless and overwhelmed and weirdly violated, too. 

“All done!” The Emperor finally steps away. MK’s fully in the robes, fur against the insanely soft silk. MK kind of feels refreshed.

But something does feel like it’s missing? His fur pulls at him and MK can’t tell what it is he needs. 

Before they can think more, they’re enwrapped in another embrace. The Emperor squeezes him, squealing at his “cuteness”.

“Ohhhhh! Please, please, please  get used to your true form soon so I can remove the seal bud, pleaseeeee!! ” This catches MK’s ears as they’re spun around, sending a spike of worry into their chest. 

That painting from earlier… It couldn’t be real, right? Who even created it??

(It looks like his mentor’s realism style of art…. But this guy isn’t his mentor so it can’t be him. That painting’s a fluke, right? This jerk is just using it to confuse them!)

“Bud~!” Right in his ear, the Emperor sings, making MK jump. They look up to the Emperor smiling down at them, edges too sharp. A fang pokes out. It sends butterflies of fear into MK’s stomach. “You got lost in your head again.”

MK’s lifted, eye to wildfire eye. 

“That was very rude of you.”

His eyes burn.  

MK still can’t speak, only a flinch runs through him. I’m sorry , they want to say. They want to stop that horrifying smile. 

“Aw, buddy. You’re shaking.” The Emperor tuts, running claws through MK’s head. The cold feels like heaven against their scalp. 

Slowly, something in MK loosens, instincts taking over in a purring joy of being groomed. Like a scalp wash at the salon, but a million times better. No shampoo massages or perfectly warm water could compare to the gentle thrums of relaxation pouring over his head. 

At the same time, they’re still terrified. His heart still pounds as his muscles unclench, his breathing stutters as his jaw relaxes. 

“There, there cub.” He comforts, crooning out a safe.  

As MK finds their eyes drooping, the Emperor begins to walk a thump-thump-thump of rhythm. He continues to pour the sweet honey of his claws over MK’s scalp, bringing MK further and further into a forced relaxation. 

It doesn’t help that he hums, chest rumbling comfortingly against MK’s ears. His heartbeat sounds, too, a thump that soothes something in MK’s worn spirit. 

By the time they’re soaring in a cloud, MK’s a weird mix of at peace and hyperaware. Hypervigilant, he thinks Sandy called it. 

A symptom of PTSD, Sandy had called it. 

MK ignores that thought. 

They’re being wrapped in silk blankets, in a place that smells oddly familiar. It sends another bout of hypervigilance into part of MK, but most of him is snuggling into his caretaker- wait… snuggling into the Emperor, instincts of peace making his head fuzzy and relaxed.

“That’s it, bud.” The Emperor speaks, tone comforting. “ Relax , you’re safe. No one will ever hurt you again. ” 

MK’s surrounded by cold.

Part of them doesn’t mind it, accepting the comfort from their caretaker. The safety . 

Most of him fights the instincts, fights the sleepy cold washing over him.

The Emperor hums, a trill of joy at the end of it. “I’ve waited hundreds of years for this, you know.” 

MK’s heart stops. What does that even mean?!

“You and my moon… you’re both everything. ” He laughs, “It’s funny. I never thought I’d love anyone as much as my moon. That no one could ever capture my heart as he. The way his pearl fur used to sparkle. His softness. His adorable determination. Your Baba was the catch- more than that, even. I fell more and more everyday; even when we fought, even when it all went to hell he captivated my heart, my soul.”

He sighs, MK falling a little deeper into his chest at the action. 

An arm securely wraps, holding MK in place.

“He’s everything. Or, I thought he was, until you- ” MK’s nose is booped, “-came along. My little star... Somehow, you captured my heart- just out of nowhere, it felt like. I don’t know when I’d woken up and realized just how you and your Baba both took up my entire soul. I didn’t know what I had until…”

He trails off, simply constricting MK further into his iron grip. And though MK can barely breathe, though the Emperor’s cold numbs them through… They don’t exactly feel uncomfortable.

He kind of feels… bad for the guy.

They have no clue who this guy is, or what could have happened to their mentor to make him like this. Everything feels off. But those emotions the guy was feeling? They’re real.

Pure anguish fills the air, it clenches something fierce in MK’s heart. His eyes practically watered at the speech, the emotions of the Emperor overwhelming him. 

Pain, pain, pain, PAINPAINPAINPAINPAIN.

It hurts.

So, out of maybe overwhelm, maybe pity, maybe empathy, MK finds themself hugging the Emperor back. 

His free arm reaches to wrap around coarse fur and soft silk, his trapped arm flexes fingers to hold the robes. They lean their head in, relaxing against him. 

His heartbeat sounds. And it's oddly… comforting, the beat of the heart takes away the enormity of the emotions. 

Slowly, MK finds themself drifting off. 

Red Son goes to sleep every night worrying for his head. He made a serious lapse in judgement in a moment of weakness for someone he once considered a friend and… it could not just destroy him, but his family. His family he barely managed to reunite with. 

If he’d known what would happen, he could have never chased after Noodle Boy. He would have left father and son alone, would have enjoyed his time with his family before the Lady Bone Demon brought the world to an end. 

Still.

He travels to the grave, incense in hand. The marble structure is oddly welcoming, but Mei’s photo stares back at him as if she knows what is running through his mind. 

She’d be proud of Red Son. 

He hypothesizes. 

A few months of battle and less than a week of training isn’t exactly a time period to get to know one well. But somehow he can near imagine her cheeky smile and pride at him for his small rebellion; at his carefully hidden opportunity for the soon-to-be Empress and Prince to escape. 

With care, he cleans the grave. Sweeps with a little broom, dusts with a damp cloth, shines the marble with a bit of polish. 

He checks over for any bugs, any magical signature. There hasn’t been anything in years, but paranoia has kept Red Son alive this long. Better to be a little more careful than dead. 

“I hope you’ve been well, Dragon Girl.” He whispers, lighting the incense. “I am afraid I cannot stay long.”

She doesn’t respond. 

Still, her voice, her eager assurances, echo in his ears.

“I wish I could say Noodle Boy was doing well. From what the court has whispered, he has returned from… wherever the emperor got him. I genuinely have no clue how, but from the projects I have been allotted to help with; I am inclined to believe such rumors.”

He pauses, a lump in his throat. 

“You would likely be jumping for joy, if you were here. You would be planning, already. Or you would jump in headfirst, ready to rescue. I…”

He leans his head down, whispering close into the sweetness of the incense. “I shall still try, Mei.”

Nothing answers him but soft smoke and the ever numbness of the cold. 

He hates himself for making the promise. 

He also can’t seem to regret it. 

Chapter Text

Hi everyone!

First off, if you're following this story throughout the year I've been posting... THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! You're actually the sweetest, and I appreciate you 🫶 I hope that this story has been good and that what will come next is even better! 

Secondly, I am so sorry about dropping off. AO3 writer's curse stuff happened and I've been trying to get my life back on track. Let's just say I relapsed hard on an addiction and now I'm somehow in college and starting two companies. Idk how I got here, either! And I'm so grateful but it is a lot!! I will be needing a lil more time to balance out my life. Conservatively, I'll say I'll be back in November/December and posting regularly. I'm actually hoping to post wayyy sooner than that though, so let's see! 

Y'all are the best though, and as a consolation prize, I will be posting 2 other fanfics!! Check them out if you like! 

First fic: Is actually what this AU was kinda inspired by- it's a "what-if Azure won and also we made him worse". The show made him better and kinda forced him to have a level of reflection..... Nope. Not here! He's gonna super enabled and going to cause super problems. I also saw his sympathetic character as more of a narcissist- that that scene from Camel Ridge in the scroll for example. The desert and Macaque coming across the skull were CHILLING. It was such a good physical metaphor on Azure making grandiose false promises and stripping the life away. Imagine that guy as emperor!

Also, if you really like Azure's character, I totally respect that! I can see how he's a fav, feel free to think of this as evil!Azure or not read it!!! 💞

I also wanted to play around with plotlines that aren't typical in books so we're doing that! Note that it actually is my depressing story tho. Coldest Winter is going to be very action based with soysauce duo fighting for their agency. In this one... Azure won. And that will have permanent consequences. It will be similar to this one in the way that Azure does a lil kidnapping and rules a dictatorship, but that's where the similarities end. Update schedule will be once every few months with 10K-ish long chapters!! 

Second fic: My silly one. Mei (2 Mei's actually) is the main character for once bc my glorious queen deserves attention. Fun fact: I actually didn't plan to make her the MC it just happened! It's an offshoot of an AU I was making and also mixed with the Sundown Era by Levi (universe rest that fic's soul, it was amazing). I basically did it to explore the AU, had fun, and now have decided to post it. It'll really be a deep dive of Mei's character and having fun with the two AU's. No idea what the update schedule is here, yet. Both of these fics should post this weekend <3

Thank you all for being here, and here's an Irish lullaby to bless your ears: mary o'hara - Óró Mo Bháidín