Chapter Text
Long ago, a child was born. He was a special child, born of an immortal and a human.
Hundreds of years later, a stone that had fallen during Pangu’s time turned into an egg and was officially formed, later birthing a stone monkey.
The two were fated to meet. In every universe they would cross paths. In this one, it’s no exception. They meet. And much earlier than expected, too.
***
The Jade Emperor was furious when he found out that his sister had fallen in love with a regular mortal.
Yun Hua was stubborn. She refused to give up on her love. Later it was discovered that Yang Tian You was actually the reincarnation of Golden Boy who had been punished to go down to the human realm and endure tribulations until death, where he would be resurrected once more and return to his immortal form.
The Jade Emperor was extremely embarrassed and heavily criticized by all the immortals for subjecting his only sister to such a horrible punishment. He had decreed she would be trapped under a mountain until Yang Tian You died and demanded her freedom.
The Emperor agreed naturally. And Yang Jian, the son of Yun Hua and Tian You was reunited with his family. The family was whole and the realms were satisfied that justice was delivered.
Yang Jian, titled Erlang Shen, grew up to be a beautiful and loving son. He was perfect in every way. Responsible, serious, kind, brave.
…Maybe a little too perfect.
Because of his strong desire to protect his dear family, he developed an extremely aloof and mature personality despite being a very young child.
Erlang’s depressive, cold, and stoic nature while making him the very best future soldier and member of the celestial court made his mother very concerned. Erlang didn’t like to socialize at the immortals school and most people felt too intimidated to go up to him. (Granted he glared at anyone who dared to approach him).
YunHua then learned that spiritual creatures sometimes helped with shy or aloof individuals
She immediately sent people on a search for a perfect friend for her son.
Spiritual creatures are beings that are far too spiritual to be considered a mere “animal” but haven’t obtained complete immortality or a completed human form yet usually retaining some aspect of their original form such as ears or a tail. They are seen as companions, sometimes assistants. If they decide to go down the cultivation route, they are able to become immortal but if they choose another path, they can also become powerful Yao Guais.
He hated all of the ones they found. The bird spirit had an annoying squawk. The lion spirit had an unbearable prideful personality. The deer spirit was far too meek (and even more anti-social than Erlang).
Yun Hua was starting to lose hope. Was there not a single companion that her darling son could accept as a friend? She knew her son was so caring, so loving.
But also so picky…
When news came of a spiritual new rock bursting out a unique being, YunHua was very interested and demanded to have her servants bring her the newly created spirit. This had to be it. She could sense it.
After a long time of searching, they brought her the creature. She was surprised when she met the spirit for the first time. But pleasantly so. She saw a small, round, and very cute monkey looking spirit who was curious and friendly. The little guy came up to her and grabbed her long, ink black hair and said, “Pretty…” He smiled a sweet smile and Yun Hua saw purity behind those shiny black eyes.
She immediately decided that fate had chosen him to be her son’s partner and named him “Wukong” or “awaken to nothing” since he had no parents and was essentially awoken to “nothing.”
On Yang Jian’s 500th birthday, (like 5-10ish in mortal age because the early formative years take way longer. They age more quickly after they turn 500. Immortals age differently than mortals do), he receives numerous gifts and many immortals come to pay him congratulations. Some of his classmates showed up but Yang Jian paid no attention to them. Towards the end of the gift giving, YunHua presents Wukong as his last gift.
The monkey was hiding behind her and peeked out from behind shyly. She was afraid Erlang would dislike this spiritual creature as well and bully him away just like the previous ones. (The poor bird spirit likely will never sing or speak again after the hurtful words Erlang said to her).
To everyone’s surprise, Erlang doesn’t frown or grimace at all (like he usually did when meeting someone new). He simply stares at the monkey with a hard to read expression. He had an impeccable poker face.
Then, he extends his hand out towards Wukong, palm up and the back of his hand towards the ground in a “Come over here” gesture.
Wukong looks at it and slowly emerges from behind YunHua, taking it cautiously. Yang Jian felt that his furry paw was quite soft and saw that the monkey held no ill or shallow intentions towards him in his eyes (unlike all these fake deities present who hadn’t even tried to help his mother when she was in danger but were now trying to gain his favor). He smiles. Wukong smiles back.
YunHua almost cried tears of joy and relief. Yes! Finally, her son seems to accept someone! The birthday celebration continues successfully. After the celebration, Erlang continues holding Wukong’s hand and takes him to his room. It’s the first time Erlang’s ever let anyone in willingly (other than his parents).
Yang Jian sits on the bed and tells Wukong to sit right next to him, turning to face him directly.
“I’m Yang Jian. What’s your name?”
“I think your mom named me Wukong.”
“Do you not have a family name?” Yang Jian meant no harm. He simply assumed everyone had parents and a family name.
Wukong, however, looked down with a sad expression. “I don’t have a family. So I don’t have a family name.”
Yang Jian thought for a while then said, “If you come with me to meet my Shifu, I’m sure he’ll be able to give you a suitable last name.”
“Shifu? Where is he?”
“At my school. You should come with me to school. Do you want to?”
“What’s a school?”
Erlang found that it was incredibly easy to talk to the monkey about anything and everything. He continues to explain certain cultures and words that Wukong didn’t understand and the monkey
listened and learned incredibly fast. Wukong didn’t have as much to talk about since he was only recently born and then “kidnapped” away from his home. But he’s very happy to meet a new friend!
Wukong does tell Yang Jian that he had other monkey friends he got to meet before he was suddenly brought here. There was a six eared monkey that he was really close to and they had all lived in a cave and the lush, green forests. He describes his home as really beautiful and lovely and hopes that one day he can return with Yang Jian and live there again.
Yang Jian for the first time in his life also wants to leave GuanJiangKou, leave his parents and go with this fascinating, adorable new friend.
They fall asleep together in the same bed, Yang Jian cuddling Wukong all night and the latter falling comfortably asleep in his embrace.