Chapter Text
If he had to look back, he couldn't remember ever feeling safe or at peace before he met the stone monkey.
If life had taught Liu'er anything, it's that it wasn't fair. Or kind.
No matter where he went, he'd feel like the odd one out. Not quite like the other monkeys. Not quite like the other demons.
And that wasn't even touching upon his peculiar appearance. Six petal shaped ears framing the sides of his head. The colorful pink, blue and teal standing out brightly from his black fur.
It was an oddity that seemed to invite a lot of negative attention from those he surrounded himself with. Perhaps that was the reason that the Monkey King captivated the dark-furred monkey so quickly.
It felt so long ago, but the memory stayed forever fresh in his mind. He had washed up on Flower Fruit Mountain after narrowly escaping some demons by jumping into the sea.
The island's beauty was unlike anything Liu'er had seen up until then in his relatively still short life.
Fresh water streamed through the lush forest. Fruit trees growing in abundance, producing the sweetest most tasteful fruit he ever had the pleasure of tasting.
It hadn't taken long for Wukong to stumble upon him.
"Hey! You there! You're trespassing upon the handsome Monkey King's territory!" The stern voice startled Liu'er who had been happily eating his fill of plums from a plum tree.
Quickly whipping around he was met with a ginger-furred monkey holding a red staff with golden hoops at the end, posing on top of the nearby rock formation. A confident grin plastered on his face.
For a moment neither spoke as they both seemed to study each other. The Monkey King let out a small gasp and jumped down, bridging the distance between them. Instinctively Liu'er leaned back as far as he could, the other getting way too close in his personal space.
"Oh wow! I have never seen a monkey with six ears before! So colorful!" The Monkey King exclaimed in excitement, eyeing his pink, blue and teal colored ears.
Thoroughly startled and not used to someone so… hyper, Liu'er quickly called forth a shadow portal to appear underneath him and sank down. Stepping out within the branches of the plum tree, feeling much more secure in the foliage and with some distance between him and the other monkey.
The Monkey King blinked a few times as the newcomer suddenly seemingly fell into the ground. Looking around he spotted the dark-furred monkey up in the tree.
"Ah sorry, didn't mean to startle you there." He said sheepishly. "I haven't seen another monkey demon like me before!"
Liu'er observed the other carefully as he spoke. He hadn't been attacked yet which was good. And it didn't look like the other was angry with him, despite calling him out on trespassing. Which, by the way, he didn't know he was doing.
"My name is Sun Wukong, also known as the handsome Monkey King-" Wukong said, posing dramatically upon announcing his title. Which has Liu'er rolling his eyes. "-And I look over Flower Fruit Mountain and rule over my subjects."
Not sensing any immediate danger, Liu'er carefully climbed down a few branches to get closer, but not too close.
"Sorry for trespassing, I didn't know someone owned this land…" He spoke carefully. The earlier run-in with the other demons left him a tad winded and weakened, best not to risk aggravating the ginger-furred monkey.
"Ah don't worry about that bud!" The other waved off his concern shockingly easy. "I just keep an eye on everyone who comes here. You don't seem like you're here to do any harm so…" Wukong looked up in thought before shaking his head.
"I could definitely take you on if you did try something though! Anyway, what's your name? It's only fair since I told you mine after all!" The lighter monkey gave him a wide smile as he stared expectantly up at him in the tree.
"...Liu'er Mihou."
-
Liu'er held his breath as he spread out his six petal-like ears to listen for Wukong. The other had the brilliant idea to play hide and seek and boldly proclaimed he had never been found by any of the other monkeys before.
The six-eared monkey had simply smiled at him and accepted the challenge. He didn't have six ears for nothing after all. Liu'er was even kind enough to give Wukong a thirty minute head start to find the perfect hiding spot at which the king snorted. Thinking he was being dumb, giving away a huge advantage.
Overconfident in his abilities Wukong set off to hide somewhere on the island as the shadow monkey stayed back and waited. The other monkeys looking with interest at what was happening with their king and the new member of the group. All of them had quickly noticed how taken their king was with the dark-furred newcomer.
It was rare to see those two apart ever since Wukong brought back the dark monkey to the water curtain cave.
The six petal shaped ears fluttered in all directions as they picked up the tiniest sounds. From the waves crashing down against shore below the mountain, to the ants busying themselves around their hill. The flutter of the leaves rustling in the cool breeze, and finally the sound he had been searching for.
Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.
The steady sound of the monkey king's heartbeat. It didn't take long for Liu'er to get familiar with the sound, practically being attached at the hip with the ginger-furred monkey. Grinning he honed in on the sound and let himself fall back into the shadows. Appearing somewhere near the fruit orchard within the shade of one of the many peach trees.
It came as no surprise to Liu'er that Wukong hid near the peach trees. At this point he'd even say the monkey has a dangerously unhealthy obsession with the fruit. Personally he thought peaches were too sweet.
He preferred plums thank you very much.
Staying in the shade of the tree he spread out his ears once more. The calm heartbeat of Wukong now sounded much closer, definitely within one of the many peach trees.
He could just shadow travel towards his location and end the game. But why not have a little fun? Summoning another shadow portal he stepped out at the edge of the forest and made a show of entering the orchard.
Honing in on Wukong's heartbeat and breathing, Liu'er made sure to deliberately make a lot of sound stepping out, branches snapping underneath his feet.
As expected the other's breathing got quieter upon hearing Liu'er get close. Not giving away anything on his face, the shadow monkey made an effort to make it look like he was intensely searching. Checking behind the trees and climbing a few to search among the thick foliage.
Jumping down from the tree he had just searched Liu'er sighed and walked out of the orchard. Once out of view he hid within the bushes and listened for the other again.
He could hear Wukong let out a sigh of relief before giggling. Followed by him munching on one of the many peaches growing in the tree.
Liu'er smirked as the Monkey King let his guard down. This was perfect, he now thought he was completely safe up in his tree and that Liu'er was long gone.
Time to make his entrance.
Putting his hand through a small shadow he grabbed a plum from the other side before disappearing into his shadow beneath him.
Quietly Liu'er stepped out on a thick branch right above the Monkey King who was happily eating his peach, tail swaying calmly beside him.
"Enjoying your peach there, peaches?" Liu'er said as he crouched down on the branch, taking a bite from his own plum.
"Mhpmf!" Startled, the Monkey King choked on his bite as he tried to keep his balance. "You! Bu- ugh, how?!" He sputtered as he regained his breath. Wide eyes staring at his darker counterpart in shock and disbelief.
Liu'er let out a deep laugh at seeing the Monkey King's flustered reaction. This was priceless! Absolutely worth the extra effort of pretending he couldn't find him.
"Yeah yeah, laugh it up! Seriously, how did you do that?" Wukong pouted after getting his bearings together. There was no real irritation behind it, to be fair Wukong was impressed that he had been found. And so quickly too!
Besides, it was hard to be mad when his friend was so openly laughing and enjoying himself, his pout giving away to a soft smile.
"I'll always find you, peaches. There's nowhere you could hide where I couldn't find you." Liu'er purred in satisfaction at his victory, still grinning down at the other. "So… What's my price?" He smugly asked.
"Hmm, hadn't thought about it. Honestly I never thought you'd find me." Wukong mused as he relaxed back against the tree, continuing to delight himself on some more peaches. They continued to eat their respective fruits in silence for a minute.
"Can I pick something?" Liu'er spoke up once he finished his plum. Wukong raised a curious eyebrow at him and nodded.
"Tonight, come stargazing with me at the cliffside?"
-
Once night fell the two monkeys reached the cliffside overlooking the ocean below and the flaming mountains in the distance. A single tree with a thick bark stood right by the edge. This spot had quickly become Liu'er's favorite due to the clear, uninterrupted view you had of the night sky.
"I don't get what's so nice about sitting still and watching something." The king complained as they sat down on the grass. "I'd much rather do something!" He dramatically fell back on the grass emphasizing his boredom, despite them just arriving here.
"Well, I want to do this and you agreed." Liu'er rolled his eyes at his friend's dramatics. The Monkey King was not known for sitting still, living a life much too fast for that. Constantly busying himself and doing something. Liu'er on the other hand liked standing still and appreciating the moment.
"I promise you it'll be worth it, the stars are beautiful from here, peaches." The shadow demon said as he laid down next to the lighter monkey.
Wukong huffed but turned his attention to the sky anyway. He'd always known his home was the most beautiful place on earth. It was a true paradise. The sky was dark and decorated with thousands of glowing specks. Brushes of magenta, purple and blue painted the vast expanse of stars. The moon was bright and full, standing out in all its beauty.
Wukong turned around to make some stupid remarks to his friend about the sight, but any words he wanted to say got stuck in his throat as he turned his head to look at Liu'er.
The dark-furred monkey looked like he was almost glowing silver in the moonlight. The galaxy above reflected in his golden eyes, filled with an emotion that struck the lighter monkey straight through the heart.
The sky may be pretty, but in that moment Wukong swore it couldn't light a candle to how Liu'er looked right then and there.
"Do I have something on my face or something, peaches?" The monkey in question had turned his head around as he felt Wukong staring, and couldn't help but tease the other a little.
"Oh! No! I was just, I wasn't, I…" The Monkey King sputtered as he felt his cheeks warm, which made the other chuckle.
"I'm just playing with you Wukong!" Liu'er playfully shoved the flustered King's arm, eyes closing as he giggled.
Rustling from his side made him reopen his eyes, meeting Wukong's bright golden eyes inches from his own. It was Liu'ers turn to flush as the lighter monkey had prompted himself up on his elbows, hovering above the shadow demon. He could feel the other's breath warm on his face.
"Wukong…?"
"You look really pretty…" Liu'er entire face flushed red at the unexpected confession. He could feel his heart speed up in his chest, and heard Wukong's heart do the same.
"Pff, says the one who calls himself the handsome Monkey King. I doubt I'm anything to write home about…" Liu'er deflects as he tries to look to the side. Not sure what to do with this electric feeling that seemed to overwhelm him.
Wukong gently cupped his chin, making him face the other again.
"The stars don't hold a candle to you, plum."
Speechless. That's how the shadow demon felt. It felt like he was going to drown within that look Wukong was giving him. Eyes staring down at him with such a soft fondness and… love.
"Wukong…"
"Can I kiss you?"
With his throat dry and brain not functioning properly, Liu'er gave a slight nod, fearing his heart was going to beat out of his chest.
It was all the permission Wukong needed as he leaned in. Soft lips pressed gently against his own. Distantly he could hear his tail thumping against the ground in excitement.
Way too soon he felt the other pull back, now staring into each other's eyes, the lighter monkey smiled shyly.
"That was…"
"Yeah… wow…" Liu'er had never kissed anyone before. But he already doubted anyone could match this feeling he got from Wukong. Already missing it, he asked: "Could you… Kiss me again?"
Not needing to be asked twice, Wukong leaned down again. The press of his lips more bold this time, bringing up a hand to scratch behind Liu'ers ears.
The darker monkey started letting out soft purrs at the attention. Moving his lips against Wukong's own, his hands moving behind his head, grasping at the ginger fur to pull the other closer.
He let out a small mewl when he felt Wukong's tongue press against his lips, eagerly asking for permission. Liu'er wasted no time parting his lips for the other. They entered a dance, tongues and tails intertwined, exploring each other intimately.
Liu'er felt like he was in heaven, and he never wanted to leave.
-
"What do you mean you're leaving for heaven?!" He said irritated.
"Well, I… they've offered me a position in the celestial realm. The gold star of Venus is here to escort me…" Atleast Wukong had the decency to look nervous, fiddling with his hair as a nervous tic. Liu'ers tail bristled at the idea of his mate leaving.
"So what? You're just gonna leave? Leave the mountain? Your subjects? Me?" He hissed at the golden monkey. "Aren't we enough for you, your majesty?" He all but spat out the last bit. Making it known how incredibly unhappy he is with the prospect.
"No! No ofcourse not! You all mean everything to me!" Wukong frantically waved his arms. "But I've always wanted to see what's up there you know…?" He anxiously rubbed his arm. The darker monkey simply huffed as he turned around and took a few steps away, his arms crossed.
"Mihou…" His mate sighed as he stepped closer to the distressed shadow demon. Carefully he reached out and touched his shoulder, gently turning Liu'er around to face him. The monkey in question stubbornly looked down, not wanting to face his lover.
He felt a hand caress his cheek before slowly moving his chin up so he was facing the lighter monkey.
"I promise this isn't the end of us, Plum," Wukong softly said. "I'll come back down to see you, write you letters and such. I love you, Mihou."
Liu'er could feel himself relent to Wukong's soft tone and affections. The tension slowly left his body as he let himself lean forward, nuzzling his lover's neck.
"You better hold to that, peaches…" A soft chuckle came from Wukong as he leaned down to press a soft kiss on Liu'er lips.
"I promise."
-
Liu'er had kept himself pretty busy during the first week of Wukong's absence. There was a lot to look after on the mountain after all.
He looked after the younglings so the parents could have some rest, and made sure to tend to the fruit orchards. He also kept an eye on the demon population surrounding the mountain. Religiously patrolling their home, keeping an eye out for intruders or those who wished them harm.
Every evening he'd take the hanging vines path up to the cliffside where he and Wukong shared their first kiss so long ago. He missed his mate dearly, but it had only been a week. After Wukong's arrival it would take time to sort out documents and probably get familiar with the new place, so Liu'er stayed patient. Giving him time to make good on his promise.
Slowly days passed and the shadow demon made sure to keep himself busy on the mountain, lest he succumbs to the feeling of loneliness creeping up on him.
Days turned into weeks. And weeks turned into months.
Every day Liu'er woke up he sat down at the entrance of water curtain cave, hoping to see Wukong appear before him.
And every evening he sat down at the cliffside, gazing at the stars above. Wondering if perhaps his lover was staring down from heaven, thinking of him as well.
He hadn't known not being able to hear Wukong's heartbeat anymore would feel so devastating and… lonely.
He supposed his mate did find a place where Liu'er truly could not find him.
-
A new season rolled in as the new youngsters chattered and played in the always shining sun. Liu'er sat down on a rock at the edge of the clearing. His days had become somewhat repetitive and boring so he welcomed any distraction.
And nothing worked better as a distraction than a bunch of newly born monkeys causing havoc.
The shadow demon had found himself lost in thought, something that happened often nowadays, when the monkeys suddenly became louder.
Snapped out of his daze he looked up and his eyes widened at the sight.
"Woah there! Easy guys! It's just me!" Wukong was practically getting buried underneath the small monkeys who were all very excited at seeing their king again after a year of his absence.
Liu'er blinked a few times to check if what he was seeing was real. So many days he had wished to see his mate appear, that he now feared he perhaps was getting delusional. Getting up he slowly approached the ginger-furred monkey, who still had his hands full with all the enthusiastic monkeys.
"Peaches…?" He called out softly.
"Mihou!" His mate exclaimed happily from the monkey pile. "Help me out will ya? They are being a handful!" He said, voice light and every bit as beautiful as Liu'er remembered.
Shaken from his stupor he hurriedly makes his way over and starts shooing the little ones away, helping the king back up on his feet.
"Man, I don't know what got into them- Oompf!" The golden monkey got cut off as Liu'er embraced him tightly. A bit confused, but happy at seeing his mate, Wukong wrapped his arms around the dark-furred monkey. "Whoa there Plum. Good to see you too."
Pulling back from the embrace Liu'er stared wide eyed at his lover. "Why didn't you reach out? Come visit like you promised?" The shadow demon asked in slight disbelief. Wukong raised an eyebrow.
"Geez did you miss me that quickly? I was only gone a day Mihou." The king chuckled in slight teasing. But he frowned as he saw his moon's eyes widen in shock.
"...A day…?" Liu'er whispered, mind reeling at the revelation. "Wukong… You've been gone a year…" Now it was Wukong's turn to be shocked upon hearing how long it has been for his subjects here in the mortal realm.
"A year…? But, no. That can't be. It's…" The darker monkey could barely hear Wukong processing the new information as his own mind was overwhelmed at all of it.
A pair of hands cupping his head brought his focus back to the present.
"Mihou, I promise you I didn't know there would be a time difference." Wukong spoke softly, eyes looking sorrowfully into his. Taking a deep breath Liu'er shook his head slightly.
"I believe you." He said as he nuzzled into Wukong's hand. "I'm just glad you're home, peaches."
That soft and loving smile Wukong gave him would come to haunt him at some point. But at this point in time he all but melted in his mate's affections, never doubting those words softly spoken to him.
"I'm glad too, Plum."
-
"You sure you're alright, peaches?" Liu'er asked the golden monkey concerned. Heaven had recently sent the Third Lotus Prince, Nezha, down to challenge Wukong after he demanded the title 'Great Sage equal to Heaven'.
His rebellion to the heavens was of great delight to the brotherhood. Azure Lion, Yellow Tusk, Peng and the Demon Bull King, who had all become their sworn brothers upon Wukong's return from heaven, after which the Monkey King happily shared his story to everyone who would listen.
Liu'er didn't really care that much for the brotherhood, he was in it because Wukong asked him to join excitedly. Truth be told, he was worried about causing trouble with the celestial realm, a worry none of the others seemed to share with him.
"Pff, as if that kid could do anything to me! I am the great Monkey King! And soon the Great Sage equal to Heaven!" Wukong boasted as they walked back to their shared hut in water curtain cave.
"Yeah, but do you really need this? You're already the handsome Monkey King. King of Flower Fruit Mountain. And twice immortal since you crossed your name off the book of the dead…" Liu'er hesitantly brought up, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.
"Ofcourse I do! Getting a good position in the celestial realm will place me among the immortals. We will no longer have to worry about anything or anyone!" The golden monkey continued with confidence.
Looking over his shoulder Wukong took in the cast down eyes of his mate. Frowning he walked up to his mate and held up his chin, looking down in those beautiful amber eyes.
"I promise it'll be all worth it, Mihou." He said as he leaned in closer, pressing a feather soft kiss to the darker monkey's lips. "Trust me?"
"I…"
The fast approaching footsteps interrupted the both of them, as a bunch of monkeys ran to their king chattering loudly.
"King! King! That gold star of Venus is here again! He's at the entrance asking for you!" They informed their king.
Dread started to pool in Liu'ers stomach as Wukong followed the little ones to the entrance of water curtain cave. Part of his mind whispered to follow his king, but he felt rooted to the spot.
Finally gathering the courage to push down those raging feelings, he made his way towards the entrance as well. Upon reaching the outside he spotted Wukong happily in conversation with the gold star of Venus.
"Splendid! Then that's settled!" Wukong exclaimed. When he heard footsteps approaching he turned around and gave the shadow demon a big smile.
"Mihou! I just got the best news!" The king said as he skipped over to the darker monkey. "I've been told that the heavens have accepted my demand and I will take on my own division in the celestial realm as the Great Sage equal to Heaven!"
A stone weighed heavy in his stomach, that's the best way Liu'er could describe this feeling. "Oh… So, you'll be going up there once in a while…?"
It was the gold star of Venus that actually responded with a lighthearted chuckle. "Dear ofcourse not! The division is in the celestial realm. I've been given orders by the Jade Emperor to escort the Great Sage to his new position." He spoke diplomatically, and revealed the shadow monkey's deepest fear.
Liu'er turned wide eyed to the Monkey King himself who gave him a nervous chuckle. "You're leaving? Again?" He asked shocked.
"Well… Yeah, I am. But it's gonna be worth it! Once everything it settled we-"
"I don't care about that! You're leaving us again! Me! We know time works differently now, how long must I be without you Wukong?!" Shock covered the golden monkey's face as Liu'er let out his fears.
"The heavens don't care about you! You said it yourself, they appointed you the lowest position as bimawen and now they're just hoping to appease you so you don't cause further trouble!" Liu'er yelled at his mate, desperate for him to understand.
"Mihou…"
"They don't care about you Sun Wukong." The shadow monkey gripped the king's shoulders, eyes pleading. "But I do. We do. We need you here."
Looking into those golden eyes Liu'er hoped to see understanding, a change of mind. Instead his mate just looked down at him apologetically.
"I'm sorry Mihou. I have to go. I have to do this." Wukong said sorrowfully, but he had made up his mind. "I know you'll make an excellent king in my absence. The little ones love you. You have to trust me on this okay?"
Pure disbelief showed on the dark monkey's face. Eyes flashing with an array of emotions from anger, to hurt, to a deep rooted sadness upon knowing he was gonna be without his mate. Again. For heaven knows how long.
"Mihou… Plum…" Wukong reached out with his hand as Liu'er shook his head, stepping back out of his lover's reach.
"Go Wukong. Just… go…" He ended in nothing but a whisper as he crossed his arms and turned his back to his king.
He could hear Wukong behind him debating what to do. Whether to reach out to the shadow demon or leave him be. After a few minutes of tense silence he could hear the Monkey King sigh and walk away.
When he heard the nimbus fly away with Wukong and the gold star of Venus, that's when he let himself fall to the ground as the emotions of it all overtook him.
Wails of sorrow echoed from his spot as he grieved being left behind once again. Deliberately this time.
The monkeys of the island witnessed his breakdown with great sorrow. None knew how to comfort the shadow who was always at their king's side.
One by one they approached the sobbing monkey and cuddled up around and on him, hoping to offer a sliver of comfort.
-
The sound of nimbus flying into water curtain cave alerted the inhabiting monkeys to their king's return, who excitedly clambered around him, asking a million questions.
Liu'er had heard him approach the mountain much earlier than that, but did not return to the cave. He wasn't gonna run into his arms, no matter how painful his aching heart was.
If Wukong wanted to see him, he'd find him at their spot on the cliff. That's where the shadow demon decided to sit down.
He had heard him coming from the moment Wukong left the celestial realm. During the king's absence, Liu'er had thrown himself into training. Expanding his control over the shadow realm, and enhancing his hearing by constantly trying to hear farther.
But his biggest accomplishment and pride is the capability of summoning his fa xiang. Either on its own, or encasing his body. It was the very culmination of his being, manifested into a looming representation of his soul. And now he could direct it into action. The monkeys of the island had simply resorted to calling it the smoke monster. And looking at it, Liu'er could indeed see how the wispy shadows could be confused with smoke.
Faintly he hoped that now that he was stronger… Maybe he wouldn't just be Wukong's shadow. Maybe now he could stand on equal footing besides the Great Sage.
Maybe it could be enough. He could be enough for him. Enough to make his lover stay.
It didn't take long for Liu'er to hear footsteps approaching, alongside that familiar beating drum of his mate's heartbeat. The steps halted at the treeline, and the dark-furred monkey knew he was perfectly visible sitting underneath their tree.
He chose not to acknowledge the golden monkey's presence.
Minutes passed and he could hear Wukong fidgeting with his hands, heartbeat slightly sped up and nervous. And then he finally seemed to have gathered the courage to speak up.
"Mihou…" Wukong called out softly. So soft that no one would be able to hear it spoken. No one except the six-eared Macaque who was being addressed. "I'm… I have returned?"
He sounded slightly hopeful yet hesitant at the end there, hoping to get a reaction. Liu'er took in a breath to steady his own nerves, but otherwise said nothing.
"Things went kinda... south…" Wukong nervously scratched the back of his head. "I brought something for you. It's ehm…" He continued speaking as he stepped closer to the shadow monkey, he stopped a few steps away.
"I hope it can make it up to you for eh… you know…" Wukong trailed off, not quite being able to finish the sentence. He held his head down, not daring to look at his lover sitting down in front of him, only a few steps away.
More silence filled the air around them.
"It's been decades, Wukong."
He could hear the flinch, hear the step back, the heartbeat impossibly louder in his colorful ears.
"I know…" Wukong gulped.
Finally Liu'er decided to glance back at the nervous king. He looked nothing like the grand tales told. Where most people hear of a confident, arrogant and larger than life gold-furred monkey, the Wukong standing there looked nothing like the tales painted him.
The king looked at the ground, ears drooped and tail hanging limply beside his body. His posture was nervous and small, gaze looking down at the ground. In his hand he held a small cloth with something in it.
Despite the hurt he felt, Liu'er couldn't help but look softly at his king. And finally seeing him again made his heart flutter. Knowing he wasn't gonna be able to hold onto his grudge he sighed.
"Sit down." He spoke as he patted the ground beside him, making eye contact as Wukong's head snapped up at the invitation. A sparkle of hope glimmered in those golden orbs, as his tail started to lightly wag.
As soon as he processed what he heard Wukong quickly sat down next to his dark-furred lover. Once he did, Liu'er tore his gaze from the other and stared straight ahead again.
Not knowing how to start, Wukong decided to impulsively begin at the more pressing issue, rather than the unspoken weight hanging over both of them.
"Heaven is coming after me. I may have… stolen from them."
"What?! Wukong… no… you didn't…" The shadow's eyes snap up to Wukong and widen, disbelief and disappointment clear.
"I know, it was stupid! You always told me I'm impulsive and act before I think, and…! And… you were right, it got me in trouble…" Wukong sputters, hands in his hair as he's trying to explain himself.
"Gods Wukong…" Liu'er groaned, tilting his head back as the situation dawned on him. "What exactly did you steal?" He asks as he lets out a sigh.
"Oh… All the celestial wine… Lao Tzu's pills of immortality… Ruined their entire festival…" He muttered the last part softly, unfortunately nothing escapes the shadows six-ears.
Wukong suddenly reached out with the hand holding the bundle of cloth.
"And this… I, eh… Got this one for you…" Wukong chuckles nervously. Narrowing his eyes suspiciously, Liu'er takes the bundle from the ginger furred monkey and carefully unravels the cloth.
"A peach…?" He asks with a raised eyebrow. His lover's obsession with peaches was well known, but why give him one?
"It's a peach of immortality from the peach orchard up in the celestial realm." Wukong explains as he turns around to sit on his knees, facing the darker monkey.
Liu'er eyes widened again, looking back at the peach in his hand with a whole new meaning. A light-furred hand encloses his own as he looks back at Wukong, who is looking down at their touching hands.
"You know I've always wanted to live forever. And I got my immortality, I'm practically invincible now." He chuckles a bit as he can't help but goat a little. His gaze softens as he looks up, golden orbs staring into his own.
"Mihou… I got my forever. But I want my forever to be with you, plum."
Liu'ers mouth hung open as words failed to form. He could feel a tear slipping down as the weight of what Wukong was proposing came crashing down on him. He felt like he was drowning in those golden orbs staring into his with so much love. That soft yet nervous smile makes his heart flutter. Warmth spreads through his body and he feels home.
In this moment all the hurt, doubts, insecurities and loneliness was forgotten. Nothing mattered except his sun right here in front of him.
"Mihou…? Plum? I'm sorry, did I break you?" Wukong attempted to banter a little as it looked like his mate had crashed. Giving a little boop on Liu'ers nose seemed to snap him out of it.
"Oh, yeah, no, I'm… okay. Gods, you're such a sap peaches." The shadow said softly as he reached up to wipe the tears away. Wukong smiled brightly at the use of his nickname, finally letting out that breath he hadn't even realized he was holding.
"But you love it." The king teased, earning a snort from his lover.
"Yeah, yeah I do." Liu'er chuckled. He then locks eyes with Wukong, a soft look on his face. "...I want to spend forever with you too."
"I'm so happy… Here, let me help you." Wukong moved closer and took the peach from his moon, and cut them into pieces. Feeding each slice to the shadow who eagerly ate them. Wukong couldn't help but think his moonlight looked adorable.
They ended up cuddling in the grass underneath their tree, limbs and tails intertwined as they basked in each other's presence. Snuggled up and gazing at the clouds above them, it felt like everything was right in the world for now.
They knew heaven would be coming, but that could wait until tomorrow.
For now they had each other, and nothing could ruin this peace they felt.
-
The battle was tough. Right now Liu'er was pretty thankful for all the training he did in Wukong's absence, as the mountain was completely surrounded by the forces of Heaven.
The Monkey King himself was beating through the hundreds of soldiers as if it was nothing up in the sky, while Liu'er and the monkeys took down the celestial warriors from the ground.
The shadow would glance up to keep an eye on his mate every so often, but it was hard to do so when he was attacked from all sides himself.
It became like an intricate dance. Dodge here, side step another, block with his staff, get a hit in with his own weapon. Calling forth a shadow portal a group of warriors fell through, getting spat back out above the ocean.
There was no time for a breather as two more came descending down from the sky, spears aimed and approaching fast. Putting his hand to the ground Liu'er summoned a bunch of clones to intercept them, immediately having to turn around to side step another incoming attack from his left.
From the corner of his eye he could see one of the monkey troops struggling against a huge number of celestial warriors. Quickly diving into his shadow below he glided through the dark realm in front of the troop.
With a roar of fury for daring to touch his and his king's mountain, Liu'er summoned all the neighboring shadows towards him. They slithered from the trees, rocks, monkeys and warriors to encase him as the dark monkey lifted off the ground.
A giant shadow built around him, his fa xiang encasing his body. Towering over the warriors below. Liu'er wasted no time in shredding his enemies apart and sending them flying.
Using the chaos as a small breather Liu'er looked up at Wukong who was meddled in a furious fight with Erlang. Neither seemed to be winning, weapons clashing against each other in blow after blow.
Not being able to look longer, the shadow focused his attention on the onslaught of enemies still coming his way. Wave after wave, it felt like the battle would never end. By pure luck none of the monkeys had been captured yet, and Liu'er likes to believe it was his protection making that so.
A sudden uproar from the sky caused his focus to break and the fa xiang to dissipate around him. Falling down from the sudden height he called forth a portal underneath him, catching him and stepping out elsewhere without a scratch.
Catching his bearings he spreads out his petal shaped ears to hone in on what just happened. Seeing a shape in the corner of his eye made him realize he didn't have to listen. Erlang has changed into a giant war form, easily towering over the mountain.
A furious roar was heard from their king as he too, rose up in his giant war form. Every eye on the battlefield was turned. Every other fight and scuffle halted as the two behemoths went at it.
It was a terrifying sight to behold. Liu'er couldn't help but be rooted to the spot. Scared chirps sounded from their subjects who could only watch their king in terror. Shaken from their stupor, a few started to run to the safety of water curtain cave.
All the while the dark-furred monkey did not move.
Wukong must have noticed the frightened monkeys as his expression became disheartened. Within moments the giant king vanished, having transformed into a sparrow to hide. With Erlang hunting down the Monkey King, Liu'er finally shook himself back into action.
Shaking his head he trusted his mate's abilities to keep himself safe. His duty as their king's shadow was to look after their subjects. With the celestial warriors all focused on the fight between Wukong and Erlang, the shadow demon rounded up all the monkeys still outside. Bringing them safely behind the waterfall.
He reassured them all that Wukong won't take long. Their king was the Great Sage equal to Heaven after all. They had nothing to worry about.
His lover would be back in his arms before he knew it. Of this the shadow was certain.
-
Fire.
The mountain was on fire.
And not a single sign of Wukong anywhere.
The furious flames spread quickly as they devoured every living thing in their path. It's force bright and destructive, swirling and dancing as it swallows everything whole.
Liu'er ran through the burning trees and foliage to seek out more monkeys and get them to shelters. Bodies were scattered everywhere, scarred and blackened flesh infecting the air with the putrid smell of death and smoke.
Letting out a loud chirp he called out to any survivors. The flames were licking at his own fur which was getting covered in a layer of ash. Once soft and thick, it now felt coarse and rough, some patches missing.
No answer was given when he was suddenly struck from above. Forced on his back Liu'er gasped as he felt pressure on his lower stomach and a sharp sting on his throat.
Above him stood none other than Erlang Shen, keeping him pinned with one foot on his stomach, and his lance pointing dangerously at his throat.
Why was he here?
"Well, it appears there's still someone left alive. You're not like the other monkeys on this mountain are you?" Erlang spoke with a calm voice. "No, you must be Liu'er Mihou. The damned ape's mate." He all but spat out the insult at Wukong.
Narrowing his eyes Liu'er started struggling against the celestial warriors' hold, trying to pry the lance away from his throat, in turn Erlang only pressed down the lance harder. A trickle of blood flowing from where it pricked into the shadow's flesh.
"Poor thing, all left behind. With no one else here."
Grimacing at the taunt, Liu'er bared his teeth and hissed. A pair of clones then struck Erlang from behind, startling the warrior. Falling through his own shadow the dark monkey took a deep breath as he stepped out again, brandishing his own shadow staff now.
"Where's Wukong?!" He grit out angrily. Erlang who had gotten rid of the shadow clones raised an amused eyebrow.
"Hopefully dead by now. We captured him, and now he shall face the consequences for his transgressions, and I'm here to burn down this mountain as retribution." He answered as he rushed forward, leaving Liu'er with barely any time to sidestep the attack, the lance making a deep cut on his side.
Quickly recovering the shadow tried to land a hit in with his own stuff but Erlang was faster and got a hit in first, sending Liu'er flying backwards, landing harshly on the ground.
Breathing was getting hard for the monkey as smoke filled the air, the fire raging all around him. Coughing he tried to get up but once again he felt Erlang's boot push him down.
"You unruly thing, stay down if you know what's good for you. You shall burn here with the rest of this forsaken mountain." He spoke like his cruel actions were justified. Damn him, Liu'er thought.
But he had no strength left to get up. Going around and gathering the monkeys he could, bringing them to safety, along with the harsh condition from the fire... It had left him worn down.
"Remember this as you cross over. Wukong is at fault for this. Had that ape not caused such an uproar, your fellow monkeys would still be alive. The mountain would still be lush and colorful. And you wouldn't have had to suffer." The celestial warrior spoke harshly. "Remember that, Liu'er Mihou."
Erlang's voice started to feel farther and farther away as unconsciousness started to take hold. Eyes growing heavy he could not find the strength to stay awake.
Darkness soon overtook him.
-
He couldn't tell how long he had drifted in and out of consciousness. Everything felt like a blur. Oranges, reds and yellows danced in his dreams.
Once again he felt himself stir, his body heavy and hurt. A sharp pain coming from his side, and throat dryer than the most scorching desert. Groggily opening his eyes Liu'er was greeted with nothing but ashes. Trees scorched and white. Plants long since burned. No sounds of insects or monkeys to be heard.
Numbing his mind to the overwhelming pain of both his wounds and seeing his home destroyed, the shadow stood up, having miraculously survived the raging blaze. He didn't know how long it took him, but eventually he arrived at water curtain cave. Inside he let out a hoarse chirp, calling out to any monkeys there.
To his immense relief several replies rang out as monkeys rushed towards him, fawning over him with great worry. Observing the group Liu'er took count of the survivors.
Only a few troops of youngsters remained. Spreading out his injured ears he listened for any other survivors on the mountain, but it only confirmed what he already knew, there were none.
Gathering the group they all cuddled up together, grieving all that they lost. Their home. Their families. And their king. Liu'er silently wept as he realized he had lost his mate. Barely holding back sobs as he didn't want to disturb the resting monkeys around him.
Sorrow filled the air of the cavern.
-
The day came decades later where Liu'er picked up the sound of Wukong's heartbeat again. Dropping the fruits he was holding from the few trees they were able to regrow along the riverbank, he quickly spread out his six-ears to hone in on the sound.
Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.
There it was, that familiar drum he had missed so much. His chest churned with a mix of emotions. Relief above all else. Erlang was wrong, they hadn't killed his mate. Wukong was invincible after all.
Wasting no time he grabbed one of the ripe peaches and dropped into the shadow realm, following the sound of that familiar heartbeat.
-
The cavern underneath the five phases mountain was cold and dark. No sound could be heard beside the occasional drip of water falling from the stalactites decorating the cavern roof, and the ever so slight rattling of the chains. The chains held everything together, bound by a powerful seal.
A seal to detain the only occupant here. Stuck within the rocks in the middle of the large open space. So open, yet the monkey captured was completely immobile save for his head and a single hand.
The scene filled Liu’er Mihou with nothing but dread, but it was overshadowed by the sheer relief he felt upon seeing Wukong. The shadow portaled right next to his detained mate, a peach in hand. His peaches always loved the fruit, the dark-furred monkey hoped it would ease his predicament a bit. Wukong was a social and outgoing personality, he couldn’t imagine the torment of being stuck in a dark cavern all alone.
“Peaches, I came as soon as I could, look what I brought.” He spoke up, holding the peach up towards his lover. It seemed to snap Wukong out of whatever daze he was in and he dramatically gasped.
“Ah! This is for me?” He used his only free hand to gesture to himself. “Really? You seriously brought an entire peach just for me?” The king stressed the last word. “How could I possibly accept this?”
The mocking did not go unnoticed by Liu’er, feeling a stinging sensation in his chest. He sighed and slid down against the rock, sitting below the golden monkey. This wasn't how he had imagined seeing his mate again. “Don’t you think you’re being a bit much…” He huffed.
“No! No, I’m fine!” Wukong continued his dramatics, not noticing his mate’s distress increasing. “I’m just trapped under the five phases mountain, that’s all!” Liu'ers ears drooped down as the Monkey King continued his rant. “But Liu’er Mihou didn’t come to see me empty handed, he brought me a whole peach! I’m ecstatic!”
Liu’er dared to glance back up to his mate, his whole body feeling tense as a mixture of feelings started swarming in his gut. Pain clearly etched on his face. “I’d help you if I could…”
“Oh sure! Like you just rushed to my rescue before!”
Letting out a little gasp, Liu’er felt like he got struck in the chest. Tears threatened to slip out but he swallowed and held them back. He wasn’t gonna break down, he refused. “...Yeah, okay.” He said softly, not trusting his voice as he got up and started walking away. He would come back tomorrow when they both calmed down.
“Oh so glad to have seen you again! As always, you run away!”
“No, that’s you!” Liu’er stopped in his tracks, years and years of anguish and loneliness boiling up to the surface. Years of pain that he had pushed down for his mate’s sake finally snapped. “You’re the one who just leaves whenever he wants! If not to seek power, then it’s to find new ways of becoming immortal!”
Memories of Wukong leaving him behind on the mountain flash before his eyes. His pleads with the golden monkey to stay with him. To let go of this constant quest of more.
“I pleaded with you to stay so many times! You’re the one who has no restraint, who takes things too far! What is it, great Sage equal to Heaven?” He all but hissed out the name. “You’re just a troublesome monkey who drags others to drown with him!”
“How are you dragged down?! You’re still roaming free!” Wukong yelled at the accusation. His face twisted in offense and anger. Those once gently and loving golden eyes, now looked at him with a barely contained fury. “I did it for us!”
“Stop making excuses! You only did it for yourself!” Liu’er roared back, his fist now clenched. “You’ve become obsessed! I could never match, never be enough for that. For you!” Wukong’s face twisted in shock as he reeled back as much as he could.
“I warned you from the start that going against heaven was a terrible idea. But to the great Sage my advice fell on deaf ears. I could never reach you!” The Sage’s face furrowed in wrath the more Liu’er went on, growls echoing in the cavern. “You just do whatever you want, with no regard for others!”
“You’re the one who got yourself trapped here, not me!” The peach in Liu’ers hand got crushed by the force with which he clenched them. His heartbeat was racing in his chest, body feeling wound up like a spring ready to snap, blood boiling. He threw the peach to the side with force and turned around. Summoning a portal beneath him and falling through.
He just barely heard Wukong’s parting words, as the shadow realm greeted him.
“Fine! Go then! Don’t ever let me see you again!”