Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Wukong was retired.

Really, he was done with all of the mischief and troublemaking of his youth. Gone were the days of purposely riling up Heaven to boost his own ego. He was past it! He made mistakes, he was punished for them, and he just wanted to put all of it behind him and move on.

He never meant to cause trouble this time, honestly. It's just.. retirement got boring, you know? Lonely. Plus, the mortals did need someone to protect them now that old villains from the past were showing their faces again. Getting a successor was clearly necessary! He never meant for it to snowball into the giant pile of trouble that it became, and he certainly never meant to get innocent mortals involved in all of it either.

He should've expected that messing with the samadhi fire would've gotten the attention of those assholes from Heaven. He just didn't realize how much of a commotion he, his successor, and his successor’s friends (maybe his friends too??) had made until Guanyin the Bodhisattva herself came to personally give him a scolding. All he wanted to do was relax with his successor and his new maybe-friends, not bring up old faces and old drama from the past. Unfortunately, the Heavens had other plans.

Which is why Wukong was wearily watching the goddess standing right outside of his cave, arms crossed and tail twitching behind him disconcertedly.

“Guanyin,” Wukong said dryly, raising an eyebrow “to what do I owe the pleasure?”

Guanyin’s blank, unimpressed gaze stared back at him. Inwardly, Wukong was sweating nervously. It was never a good sign when the goddess was in no mood to humor him. He knew he had fucked up somehow, and he had a sneaking suspicion that he knew what she was pissed about, but he didn’t want to admit it.

“Wukong, you have left your self imposed retirement I see,” she spoke evenly, her tone making his palms start to sweat, “to cause trouble yet again? I have to say, I never thought you would start regressing so soon.”

Wukong recoiled at the words, barely catching the snarl rising up in his throat. “Excuse you,” he said “I’ll have you know I’ve been on my best behavior these past few centuries. I’ve changed! I swore not to go back to my old ways on my vows as a monk and I intend to keep my word”

Guanyin’s mask broke for a second, annoyance seeping through to her expression making her eyelid twitch “Don’t pretend to not know what I ask of you, Monkey,” she said, “Stealing the map to the Samadhi fire? A mortal successor? Getting into fights with other demons? Has our discipline and your Journey taught you nothing?”

Wukongs breath caught in his throat at the mention of his old Master and brothers, and Guanyin’s displeasure. Nothing good ever came to him when the gods were annoyed or displeased. He had learned that lesson very thoroughly and had no intentions of repeating it.

“Guanyin, I swear I didn’t do it to cause trouble. Lady Bone Demon-!” Wukong exclaimed, desperately trying to explain himself. He had a sinking feeling in his stomach about the goddesses intentions with him

“Quiet, Monkey.” she cut him off, “I’m sorry, but the verdict has already been decided,” her voice softened somewhat “it’s only a precaution. For what it’s worth Wukong, I never wanted this for you again.”

Wukong swallowed nervously, all pretense of composure gone. A terrifying pit opened up in his stomach and his throat was dry. He had forgotten what interacting with the Gods felt like, and he would have liked to go the rest of his immortal life without remembering. “What the hell is that supposed to mea-,” he started, but stopped once he felt the hauntingly familiar golden weight atop his head. His mind went blank, filled with smoke and static. It had been centuries, but he would never forget the feeling. His tongue was numb as he stared blankly at the goddess in front of him, jaw slightly slacked. It couldn’t be real. It wasn’t. No, he earned the right to have it off centuries ago. They took it off of him. He was safe, he had been good, and his Master had been dead for centuries.

Slowly, Wukong reached his fingers up to touch the familiar scarring that should have been there, old and healed and comforting. Instead his fingers hit the smooth, cold metal of the golden circlet he wore all those years ago. His hand recoiled back as if it had been burned and hung limply at his side. He knew it would be no use to try and get it off.

He watched Guanyin get on her cloud and fly away as if she didn’t just shatter his entire world, leaving him to deal with the fallout of the Heavens' decision. Wukong didn’t know how long he sat out there, but eventually his monkey subjects came calling for him. He knew they wouldn’t understand the significance of the weight on his head, but he still didn’t want them to see his mark of shame. Collared like a rabid, impulsive beast who couldn’t control himself. No, they couldn’t see him like that. He casted a glamour over himself, hiding the circlet behind magic. His Master would never have allowed him to do that on their Journey, but his Master wasn’t here was he?

Chapter Text

Mk was sure he would pace a hole into his floor at this rate. The whole situation with Monkey King just set off so many alarms in Mk’s brain. It’d been a little over a week since he’d last seen Monkey King which was weird in itself since Monkey King was always talking about how important it was to not miss training sessions and all that, even if it was just meditation. He also hadn’t reached out to Mk over text or a note on his window, it was complete radio silence and Mk hated it. They both had agreed to be open about what’s going on and there was no way something wasn’t happening. There was no other explanation for the Sages ghosting.

Mk understood he might need his space before he can talk about what’s going on, but a week of silence?! The only other time this kind of thing had happened before was when he went to search for a weapon to use against LBD, and that week turned into a month and then two. Plus when he did get into contact with the king it was always short lasting, about 15 minutes at the very most. Mks stomach churned at the thought. He wasn’t ready to go back to the secrecy and mistrust that had plagued their relationship.

Since he couldn’t do most things he loved with the pit of dread and anxiety growing in his stomach every day, he went to go talk to Mei. He always told her everything, from his mentor's disappearance to the similarities his brain kept pestering him with. There was something special about Mei, she could think of great plans on the spot or pull anyone out of a rough spot. Mk was sure he’d made the right choice coming to his best friend instead of someone like Pigsy or Tang. While Mk was sure he could confide in them, they don't exactly have similar problem solving skills when it comes to this stuff.

There was also Macaque he could talk to, but he hasn't really been able to talk in person with Macaque since LBD. Plus would Macaque even want to help? It was about Monkey King after all and who knows how Macaque would even react if Mk just walked up to him like, “oh macaque! Monkey Kings might be in trouble!” The only plausible reason Macaque would help when it came to the great sage would be because he thinks he owes Mk something. Not that Mk didn't understand why. Apparently Monkey King had abandoned Macaque, so it's understable why Macaque wouldn't be jumping to help the sage.

“You haven’t seen him either huh?” the sound of her voice pulling him out of his head. Mk saw her leaning her hands forward on the noodle shop counter, resting her face in her palms. “He’s always been kind of reserved to the rest of3 us, but I thought he would’ve at least reached out to you?”

“Nope,” Mk groaned, “it’s been radio silence all week! I’m getting worried, Mei.” The girl frowned, her body leaning forward slightly. “Well, if he pulls another stunt like the last time I’ll kick his ass into next week for you! No one puts my best friend in danger!” She grinned, leaning forward even more.

Mk let out a small laugh. ‘No matter what happens atleast she’s going to be right there with me,’ he thought.

“Would you come with me to Flower Fruit Mountain after my shift to go check on him?” He asked. “Of course!” She grinned again, punching him lightly in the arm.

They walked out to Mks delivery van, laughter and banter filling the air as Mk finished up his shift.

_______

Mk bit his lip nervously, wringing his hands as he walked. He wasn’t nervous about seeing his mentor, but he was anxious about possibly hearing that something bad was going on, or that Monkey King had been hurt somehow!

It had only been a month since the defeat of LBD, and they all deserved some time to just chill out and go back to semi-normalcy. Another big threat was the last thing they all needed.

The walk up flower fruit mountain was a long one, which unfortunately gave Mk all the time in the world for overthinking. At this point, it wasn’t even just thinking about a new threat, it was thinking about how the Monkey King perceived him. Had he gone out to find a better successor? Had Mk somehow failed Monkey King? He knew it was all very likely to be caused by paranoia, but that didn’t exactly soothe the thoughts. Mk huffed and kicked a stray branch in his path. Thoughts like these plagued his mind about every relationship he had so it wasn't something that would qualify as trip stopping, at least in his opinion.

Mei looked over at him and frowned, nudging his shoulder to get his attention.

"Hey, I see you getting all stuck in your head again! Talk to me Mk." Mk looked over at her and smiled lightly, not wanting to worry her, but knowing she would pester him about it anyways. "It's just..Mei, what if something bad happened? What if he's keeping things from me again?? What if I'm not good enough and he's found anoth-" Mk startled as Mei grabbed his shoulders, looking him straight in the eye.

"Mk, I know my best friend, and he's the strongest, bravest, kindest and best successor anyone could ever have and if Monkey King thinks any different, well- he's a giant dumbass!" Mk smiled, and Mei released his shoulders. "Thanks Mei, I really appreciate it"

"Of course!" she exclaimed, "now let's go find this monkey!"

____

They eventually arrived atop the mountain, Mei having some of her energy drained since unlike Mk she hadn't ever tried to hike this mountain before, and boy was it a long hike. But that wasn't really where her mind was.

During the month they spent searching for those rings and up to now Mei had grown to care for the Monkey in more than a ‘I want him to be safe because Mk cares about him’ way, but more a friend way. She wasn't upset about it though, and she could tell the feeling was mutual. He had definitely grown more comfortable with the group than the Monkey King who didn't want to even address how he feels and that he would ever need help. He was getting better even if it was slowly, but that's okay! Everyone grows and learns at their own pace.

Although she did wish he learned a little bit quicker so they wouldn't be here right now.

She looked towards Mk who seemed to be doing something with some sort of seal. Suddenly the waterfall is enchanted by the same color as the seal. Then in a moment the waterfall split open a little violently. Mei yelped in surprise while Mk just kept moving forwards. Mei quickly came out of shock and followed after him.

The cave they were in was beautiful but slightly dangerous. While they were walking Mk had said what it was first like when he got there and how much pleading and convincing he had to do to convince his mentor to help him, as Monkey King would say, ‘mortal proof’ the cave.

Then suddenly Mk came to a stop. They were there, right in front of Monkey King's cabin. She looked over to see how stiff and obviously anxious Mk was. He was tapping his foot and fiddling with his hands and jacket. She cleared her throat, “Mk, do you want me to knock on the door?" She asked. For as long as she’d known Mk he’d always struggled with being the first to reach out whether it be over text or as simple as knocking on a door. “No, I'll be fine but thanks anyways Mei." He shot a reassuring smile at her and she shot one right back at him.

Mk knocked on the door three times then they both heard some shuffling within the cabin. It wasn't followed by a voice but there were a few monkeys gathered around the cabin. Guess they hadn't seen him either. Suddenly there were steps coming close to the door and there he was. Monkey King just staring at them like he wasn't sure how to speak Mandarin or any other language. But most of all he looked so tired which definitely wasn't a good sign.

Chapter Text

Wukong stared at the two kids in front of him. Of course, by mortal standards the two weren't technically children, yet it was all the same to him. When you've lived as long as he has, most mortals end up feeling like children in comparison. After a couple seconds of awkward staring, Wukong's mind finally caught back up to him. He jolted a little when the realization hit, sliding on a smile like a well worn mask.

"Oh- Mk, Mei what uh, what are you doing here??" He chuckled nervously, trying to get his bearings, barely able to look the two in the eye. Mei frowned and Mk only looked even more worried than before. Shit. He had to fix this.

Mk shifted on his feet, looking apprehensive. Wukong opened his mouth, but before he could say anything Mk blurted out "Monkey King, we haven't heard from you in a week! You always talk about how important not missing training is, and the last time you missed this much was-"

Mk cut himself off, looking at Wukong with a mix of guilt and determination. Wukong glanced away, shifting and fidgeting guiltily with his tail. He really hadn't meant to ignore Mk and the others, but when you're an immortal, your sense of time..warps. Years could pass without him even realizing it, let alone days. It was part of the reason he had even left Mk alone for that long. He hadn't had to keep up with mortal companions for centuries, and he forgot how slowly time passes for them. He guessed it had been about two days since Guanyin's visit, but it felt like only a second to him, trapped in the thick fog that hadn't left him since he first felt the golden ring on his head again.

Wukong looked back at the pair, trying to stand up straighter and regain his composure. "I'm sorry kids, I guess I must've lost track of time," he laughed nervously, "it wasn't anything like the last time, I swear it.”

Wukong felt the duo's unbelieving stares crush him. There had to be some way to fix this. He was determined to make sure that (unless needed) he fixed his own problems without the mortals' help. They never shunned him for needing help but he was the great sage equal to heaven! He should be able to clean up his own messes.

“If you say so.." Mk's voice uncertain and not hiding how worried he was for the sage. “Listen bud, everything's fine, just taking some time to myself is all. A mental break or whatever you and your friends call it.” Wukong said, shooting Mk and Mei a warm smile.

“Why didn’t you say anything? We were all worried sick!" Mei spoke but there wasn't much anger behind her words, just worry. The Sage had begun to relearn how to read emotions and tones, however he wasn't the best. The Journey had been a long time ago alright! He was just a little rusty. “I thought I did, honest!” He didn't like lying to them but he really didn't want them worrying. He sighed thinking over his options here. He could tell Mk he needed a little longer to recharge, oh Buddha did he. On the other hand he needed to keep up appearances. He knew, logically, that Mk and his friends had asked him to start relying on them and telling them things, but they were all still so young, relative to him. He didn't want to put that kind of burden on them. He needed to be the strong one, the one they could all rely on. One adventure couldn't undo 14 years of that mindset after all.

“I really didn't mean to worry you guys, is there any way I can make it up to you?" Wukong said, being genuine about it too. He did feel guilty for worrying his student, especially after the last time. He had really gotten soft hadn't he?

"Wellll" Mei said with a grin, "you could come back down with us to Pigsy's shop to have dinner with us! It's been a while since we all hung out." Mk visibly brightened at the suggestion, looking towards Wukong hopefully. Truthfully, Wukong wanted nothing more than to go back to his cave and shut out the world again like he had been doing for the past..days? weeks? he wasn't sure. He slept for most of it. Come to think of it, he wasn't sure exactly when he had last eaten either. Even though he was an immortal, he still needed to eat to be able to function properly, and he realized that he was extremely hungry.

Wukong snapped himself out of his train of thought. The silence went on for just a second too long to be natural but he replied "Of course bud, I'd love to come!". Wukong put on a grin that was honestly a little genuine. He still wanted to wallow in his own self pity, but he appreciated that Mei and Mk took the time to come and get him and invite him to dinner. It was nice to know that they cared.

He summoned a cloud, grabbed both kids and sped off towards Pigsy's shop, cackling at their loud screams of terror.

Chapter Text

As the trio approached the noodle shop, Wukong couldn't help being a little weary. He hadn't socialized with anyone properly in a full week, and he wasn't sure if he was up to the task. Underneath all the glamor, his fur was tangled and dull, and he looked like he hadn't slept in days. He sighed, running a hand through his fur.

He'd have to push through it though, for Mk and Mei's sake. It was the least they deserved after he ghosted them for that long.

As they reached the ground, Mk grabbed his sleeve and tugged him towards the shop, seeming determined. Determined to do what, he wasn't sure but he was amused at the kids' antics.

The sun had begun to set by the time they had made it back, making the glow coming from the shop look warm and inviting, alive in the way that his cave hadn't felt in a while. The smell drifting from the place made his stomach growl and his mouth water.

"Come on Monkey King," Mk said "Pigsy's noodles are the best there are! You won't regret coming to eat with us." Mei nodded in agreement.

"Oh I don't doubt it," he chuckled, "Pigsy's noodles are the best noodles I've had in centuries"

They walked into the shop, and Pigsy himself looked up at Wukong with a glare on his face that made Wukong wince. What had he done to piss the pig off? He hadn't even been in the shop for more than a few seconds!

"You!" Pigsy said, narrowing his eyes and stalking towards the sage, "And just where have you been! Mk and Mei have been worried sick and you've been MIA for a week!"

Mk watched the exchange with a little nervousness. It wasn't like Pigsy was wrong, they all had been worried, but something about Monkey King was off. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he still had the feeling that something was wrong. They exchanged a glance with Mei, and her concerned face told them that she shared their sentiment.

"Ahaha..Pigsy! Long time no see.." Wukong said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Long time no see!? Why I oughta-" Pigsy waved his cooking spoon in Wukong's face, and the sage flinched back a little bit, fear flashing on his face for a split second before returning to normal.

That startled the cook into cutting his sentence short, as Mk and Mei looked on with wide eyes. The Monkey King never flinched! It was a part of his whole brand!

"Monkey King..? Are you ok?" Mei asked, concern written all over her face.

Wukong wasn't really sure what to say. It felt like no matter what he said, they wouldn’t accept it easily. He took a deep breath and settled for a semi-truth, “Yeah kid, just tired. Laying around all day really takes it out of you. I haven’t properly exercised in a while!”

He chuckled, faking a stretch, but he could tell that it wasn’t satisfying. “Really Mei, I’m fine. I’ve just been tired recently.”

They all looked so worried, Tang, Mk, and Pigsy seemed to be having some sort of non verbal conversation with their eyes, (although Mk looked like he was definitely struggling to keep up with the older two,) and Mei had just been staring. She was just waiting for him to admit even a hint of what was bothering him. But Wukong was rarely known to back down, part of his whole brand!

“Well,” Mk had been the first to speak up because of course he had, it’s him after all. “If ya’ know, there was something wrong,” (he could have at least tried to make it less obvious he hadn’t believed the King,) “I’m open to listen..” his voice trailed off as if he’d lost his words. But Wukong knew he had more, Mk always did. It was part of his personality.

“Not just me! Mei and Mr. Tang are great listeners! They always have feedback and advice about anything!” Tang smiled slightly. Mei seemed proud of herself, but also hadn’t been modest or surprised like Tang was. “And of course there’s Sandy! I feel like that one’s obvious.. And I know you two don’t talk alot, but Pigsy has helped me through a lot with his straightforward advice! So if you don’t feel comfortable talking to me you can always talk to any of them! We’re all here for you!”

Wow. Wukong didn’t really know what to say. The others had said something in agreement but Wukong was admittedly not planning on taking the kids' suggestion. As much as he enjoyed the little group of mortals, who he wasn’t sure where exactly they stood, he was Sun Wukong, Great Sage Equal To Heaven, The Monkey King! He can handle himself!

He hadn't really ever found a real reason to be vulnerable with anyone besides his old brothers and master. As well as Macaque, but they weren’t exactly speaking as of now. They were definitely on better terms, (which made him happier than he’d ever admit) but not to where Wukong could go and bitch about his problems to him.

“Thanks, kid. But really, I’m fine. I was admittedly a little down before, but I feel better now, promise.” The kid looked like they had some sort of retaliation, but he chose not to voice it. They probably figured the Sage would brush it off. Which admittedly, he would.

Pigsy clapped his hands together, startling most of the room. "Well! if you all are done yapping, the food's ready if anyones hungry."

" Oooh don't mind if I do," Tang said, rushing towards the delicious aroma. Mei and Mk chuckled while following suit, teasing the man for his enthusiasm and clearly trying to force a lighter mood. It was easier to be genuine, though, after they all tasted the chef's cooking. No one could resist Pigsys noodles, not even the great sage himself.

Wukong gingerly took a seat, drooling at the sight of the steaming bowl of noodles in front of him. His stomach growled as he realized how long it had been since he'd eaten a proper meal. The tension slowly left his frame as he melted at the first bite.

"Hungry after all, eh?" Pigsy huffed amusedly, raising an eyebrow at the simian. "Yeah yeah," Wukong scoffed, rolling his eyes good-naturedly and waving a dismissive hand in the pig demon's direction. "You got me, enjoy being right for once"

" Well I for one am enjoying my 'I told you so' moment," Mk said snottily "and I expect full acknowledgement for my amazing judgment skills." Wukong scrunched his nose at Mk, stuffing his face full of noodles to avoid responding.

The atmosphere in the shop was warm and bright as Wukong let the chatter of the group wash over him, occasionally chiming in for a joke or comment. He had to give it to his successor, he did feel a lot better than he did holed up in Flower Fruit Mountain. If he ignored it long enough, maybe he could forget about his.. situation. Yeah, that would work, he thought to himself.