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Fandom Monkie Kid & Friends [1x1, Private]

bingleybongusbingus

bingleybongusbingus

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[ LAST ON MONKIE KID AND FRIENDS ; ]

{S1 EP9} [ev]

The morning was fast paced, as I'd woken up a bit later than I expected to. I'd thrown on some clothes - baggy pants, a white t-shirt, and and a brown hoodie with faded skeleton imagery - and booked it to Pigsy's after kissing Bolin on the forehead. The ground rumbled slightly as I stepped into the shop, causes me to cling to the doorway. Oh- and there's a podium. I sat on one of the barstools, hands grasping at it between my legs. I was the last one there. "I can't believe this is happening!" MK said, practically vibrating with excitement. "I thought this stuff only ever happened in tv shows and movies!" He was practically bouncing from wall to wall with excitement.
"And I'm livestreaming the whoole thing!" Mei said, wrangling MK into one place, focusing the camera on the two of them. The flap to the entrance opened and I immediately felt a full body chill as all my hairs stood on edge. I felt sweat on the back of my neck as I jolted in response, earning a concerned look from Tang.
"You okay?" He asked, pointing his chopsticks at me.
"Y-yeah. Just a full body shiver, is all." I assured him with an awkward smile. I looked at who'd entered the noodle shop to see...and old man in a striped tux. He...looked vaguely familiar. I couldn't stop staring as he walked up to the podium, a smile etched into his face. MK ran to the side of the podium, shoving his hands in his pockets. The man, who I guess is the mayor, held up a strange looking key.

"Thank you for this amazing turnout!" He said, his tone borderline giddy. Mei cheered, shaking Tang and hopping around the shop.
"LET'S HEAR IT FOR MONKIE KID, HERO OF THE CITY!" Aanndd she threw a chair-
"As Mayor-" the old man continued, twisting his body to face MK while he stared at me. He then turned his head to MK. "I hereby give Monkie Kid the key to our fair city." MK excitedly grasped the key in his hands, slouching slightly like it was his precious. He jolted up straight, eyes glazing blue for a moment before he held the key in one hand, rubbing his head.
"Uh, what does this key do, exactly?" He asked.
"Oh, you'll love this." The mayor said, resting his elbow on the podium. "It has the power to open anything!" He held out his arm, like he was showing Simba what would soon be his. Mei all but pounced onto the podium, getting into the man's personal space.
"Ooh~ Anything?" The dragon girl eagerly asked. "Like a pet shop full of puppies?"
"Yeesss." The mayor responded, tilting his head to the side as he spoke. "Or the door to a lion's cage. Or an orphan's piggy bank." I swore his eyes started to glow. "An imprisoned mystic power source." He shook his head before turning back to MK. "Or whatever you like! Today, you can do no wrong. You've got my permission 'cuz...IM THE MAYOR." He leaned back, cackling evilly before disappearing in a cloud of smoke. ...Is everyone in this city a fucking lunatic???
"Huh." Mei hummed, resting on the podium. "I'm starting to think...that's maybe not the mayor."
"Oh, ya think?" I retorted, standing up and moving to the podium. "How the fuck did he disappear, though?" I looked around the podium, finding no trace of him except...a skull ring? I picked it up, examining it in my fingers. It looked and felt like it was made of real bone, but the eye sockets were a bright shade of blue. I shrugged and slipped it onto my left middle finger. Just as I did, though, a pain rang through my head and I stepped back, holding my head. "Fuckin-"
"You okay, kid?" Pigsy asked, leaning over the counter. I nodded, eyes shut tight for a moment.
"Yeah...I just think today hates me or something."
 
Father had discovered something far beneath the ground, hidden under metal, rock, and dirt. An essence, a power he described as chilling and gleaming blue. A power beyond any he's faced or held. At once, he had demanded that it be unearthed from it's place, brought to the light so that he may look upon it, or even harness it as his own.
Redson and his mother Ironfan weren't ones to deny him, even if, most especially Redson, was skeptical of such a thing. Other than the Monkey King, what else could possibly be more powerful? He saw his parents powerful. He didn't know anything else that could be bigger and better beyond the Jade Emperor himself or relics lost to time. He'd researched and dug as much as he could on anything regarding power, should it help his father regain his throne in the far future- but nothing like this. Even being near the cracks in the floor gave him chills, raked claws up his spine and shocked his ever immortal heart.
It was powerful, he came to agree eventually, sending out and ordering his bull clones to follow his fathers bidding. It was tireless work, loud, bright, continuous to the point of being monotone. It was even being worked on during the time leading up to the race maybe... heavens, was it already a week ago? More? He couldn't recall, and he did his best not too, considering the memories that came slinking back alongside it. The softness of flower petals tickled his nose every time he put on his coat now.
He could wash it out, but- He paused, scowling at a hunk of metal panels adjacent to him, having used to be the floor not long ago before this project took hold over their little hidden base of operations. It didn't matter. His coat was fine. As his mind wandered, he was harshly brought back to present time as an angled pickaxe swung true down in the ever glowing hole in the ground.
Hisses of whispers slunk through, louder than ever as the pickaxe wedged itself into a particularly wide fissure. The little bull clone wielding it jolted, startled by the sudden activity. It's peers, who worked tirelessly around it paused their own work, peering worriedly. Blue mist billowed up, shaping itself into a skeletal face, continuing to hiss and groan. Before any of them knew it, pressure exceeded it's limit below, and the rock they'd been making their way through exploded in terrifying blast of brilliant blue. Rock and shrapnel flew every which way, undeterred and uncaring where it would inevitably land. Terrified bull clones were temporarily airborne, a regular occurrence for them as of late. Once the smoke and unrulyness of the blast had hit it's peak and began to calm, then and only then did his mother, Princess Ironfan, decide to walk through the carnage to see the fruits of their labor. Groaning, moaning, and grumbling was all that the floor flattened bull clones could muster, unbothered to move. Redson followed quick at her heels as she glided, careful not to step on her crimson skirt.
Over the edge the pair peered, the cavern so much larger and deeper than before. There, at the very bottom, sat an old box. A tomb of sorts, held together tightly by chains, locks and magic seals. The raw power from earlier had seemingly doubled, seeping off the marble and into the room, bringing the lava bed to a startlingly several degrees cooler. It was a frightening idea to imagine how much colder it could get once the locks were opened. Ironfan wasted no time bringing herself down to it, carried by her winds. Redson however took a more cautious approach, clambering down by his boots and nearly slipping before she'd decided he was taking too long, extending her breeze to him and wrapping him in it's pull, guiding him to the floor without so much as a glance. He briefly bowed his head in gratitude before joining at her side.

It was a large piece of work, so large in fact it towered over both of their heads. A tomb the size of a small house. Redson examined it as best he could from arms length, unsure whether to approach it for a matter of danger. The magic was stronger here, so close they could touch it. It was of beautiful craftsmanship. As a fellow man of craft and building, he couldn't help but wonder what it was built for, and why. He kept his hands hidden in his pockets, finding it wise as his father joined him and his mother down below.
Each step the Bull King took only shook the ground, a rumble that consistently carried within his chest reverberating his own. His shadow stretched the closer he got, a small growl of interest leaving his throat. He was tall enough to see over the top, it nearly being eye level to him. A wide, almost manic grin spread around his snout, jingling his nose ring.
"Finally..." He growled out, a clawed hand reaching for the first lock that barred the grand door. But before he could honestly touch it, his claw a breath away, the electric blue from before expanded. Like a shockwave, it shot his hand away. He howled with the force, being pushed a step backwards by it.
A gleaming seal revealed itself over the lock.
Bull King snarled furiously at the sight of it, enraged by the block. Another step he had to worm his way around or bust through. The wait to even get to the tomb was enough. With furious cry, he threw his fist into the door. The seal stopped him yet again. The force sent out another shockwave, bouncing him away. He threw another, and another, and another. One after the other, he continued to beat against the seal in an effort to make it crack or budge. It remained unscathed. He raked his claws through it, claws that could cut through buildings and steel. Still, nothing changed.
"Another infernal obstacle keeping me from my DESTINY!" He roared out, eyes wild and teeth bared. He jaw was so taught from gritting his teeth veins bulged along his neck. One final, flaming punch was thrown into it's surface. The entire cavern shook with its power. A breath, before the power was returned full throttle, sending a shockwave of air blasting right back, light bright as a burning star. The seal continued to hold strong, despite all the odds. Steam and mist hissed as it blew through. Bull King stood panting several feet back from where he started, heaving so deeply in his fury his shoulders shook. His fists clenched as the glow cleared, revealing the tomb the same as before.

"Patience, my love." Ironfan chided soothingly, hands clasped and relaxed behind her back. Bull King, did not respond well to this comfort. In but a moment he whirled upon her, baring teeth in her face, "I've been patient LONG ENOUGH!" He shouted.
Redson jumped, alarmed to find his father speaking to his mother in such a way. Any semblance of words or even his own voice were caught in his throat, staring on with tense shoulders. His father only continued to shout.
"I NEED that POWER!"
Ironfan merely looked up with a small gasp of disbelief, her brows furrowed and lips parted. She could hardly believe such a reaction either. Her stare hardened as he only stood, huffing. With a huff of her own, her painted lips pulled into a thin line. A frown. Redson watched as his mother gave his father no response, simply rounding him even as he seethed, taking up her spot before the tomb instead. A hand extended, much like Bull King had done before. The seal responded to her immediately, activating before her finger tips. But it made no move to shoo her away. She read into it's symbols, feeling out it's power with her own. She grunted in low frustration as she searched inside, before setting her arm at her side.
"The power that crafted this tomb is beyond my skill..." She told her husband and son firmly. The notion seemed to frustrate her, but she seemed indignant to it.
"Without an artifact of equal strength, there is nothing we can do." She turned, facing the two men, regarding them with her gaze, "We're locked out."

Redson jerked into action. This! This is what he'd been researching for! He could find something of equal power, he had no doubt he could have seen something equivalent before! Even if it felt a bit... Impossible. He flew to the center of his parents vision, posed in a confident way, "Not for long!" He chimed. Before him, he swung out an arm, revealing his holographic screens at the ready. With a smooth few swipes, he began to glide through hundreds, even thousands of artifacts that he had recorded and researched before. Something had to be of a match or closer. After only a moments worth of searching, he paused on one. Only one.
He smiled widely, baring fangs with a joy unmatched, prided on his skills. He turned, allowing his parents to look closer.
"All we need is a key!" He told them earnestly, as obvious as it may have been, "And look what I found~"


We were certainly late. I was hoping we wouldn't be, but Baihe's morning club ran a little later than usual. Rainrunner was down with a popped tire, so we had to essentially travel by foot the whole way. Even running to pick up quick treats and a gift for the event. Flower's were insisted by Baihe.
"Zaza hurry up! We're probably missing the whole thing!" She called, bounding up the sidewalk, flower petals flying off the bouquet and leaving a little trail leading to her as I fumbled with her backpack and the bags from the shopping district.
"Don't run so far ahead! And look both ways before crossing the street!" I scolded, tripping over my laces and scurrying after her, adjusting my hold on the things the whole time.
"Yeah, yeah I know! Hurry hurry! I wanna give Mk his- OOF!" I startled as her words cut off in a yelp, "Baihe??" I exclaimed worriedly, adjusting to see again for the hundredth time. My eyes widened when I finally spotted her. She was on her butt on the sidewalk, rubbing her nose, the bouquet spilled on the sidewalk. Before her was a man dressed to the nines. He seemed to be leaving the direction we were headed too.
"My! In quite a hurry, aren't you, my dear?" He exclaimed, a little louder than anticipated. Baihe jumped in her spot on the sidewalk, immediately trying to curl into herself. Petals stuck to his suit vest, hued with grays and blues. I hurried to catch up, dropping the stuff I held in favor of checking her over.
"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry- Baihe, sweetheart, are you okay?" I apologized, cupping her cheeks. Her nose was a little red and she had some flower petals stuck to her forehead and in her hair, but otherwise she was fine. A hand being extended into our vision was a bit of a surprise. I looked up, finding him hovering the both of us. Something about his eyes felt off. They were cloudy gray, the smallest gleam of icy blue catching the further his face shadowed.
"Oh not a problem at all! A pleasant surprise if you will. Children, such silly things."
Baihe's face went bright pink, flustered and thoroughly embarrassed. "I-I'm sorry mister!" She squeaked out. Awkwardly, she took his hand shakily, and he eased her up to her feet. I followed, hands on her shoulders in a steadying motion, taking up a close and defensive stance. His smile remained, like it was plastered there and unable to move.
He made a low sound in his chest, similar to a hum.
"So sweet." He said, lifting a hand to pat her head. "I best be off. A good day to you." He chirped, before turning and going across the street.
Ooookaayyy?...
"That was... um..."
"Be nice Zaza." Baihe chirped, combing her bangs anxiously as she tried to soothe the embarrassed flush in her cheeks. I flustered immediately, "I wasn't going to say anything mean! I just... Oh whatever. Please listen next time, okay punkin'? There's a reason I say things."
"He was really cold." Baihe suddenly said, rubbing her hand now. I blinked, confused, "What?"
"Like he was in a freezer or something." She explained, looking up at me and extending her hand, the one he pulled her up by. With a furrowed brow, I gently took her little hand in mine and jolted, "Geez!"
"I told you!" She exclaimed. Clasping her hand in mine, I held it, hoping my body heat would transfer, "And I thought you were cold." She added.
"Hey now- alright, just hold my hand until we get to the shop, okay? That way that doesn't happen again, and your hand will warm up." She huffed, but nodded, turning to help me pick up what all we'd dropped.
As odd as the encounter was, we had somewhere to be. sadly though, our worries were right. We were really late.

"Hey gang!" I called, pushing open the curtain, "Sorry we're- Ah, darnit. We totally missed the whole thing, didn't we?"
"Told you!" Baihe scolded, "Oh shush lil missy!"


Oh how exciting this was.
So many things, falling right into place, just as his mistress foresaw. It was going swimmingly, all things considered. He wandered almost aimlessly, adjusting his shirt cuffs, humming a tune no one seemed to know, lost to time. He could feel the moment his little gift was picked up, left lovingly in his place. A piece of himself, of his lady. They were one after all, having been shared by power and mind for so long. It drove a shiver through his chest, to a heart that sat still. There wasn't a question about it, his lady had picked well, even dormant and trapped as she was.
Not much longer now, he promised. He was almost unable to hide his pure glee, his humming dissolving into giggles. Soon, oh so soon, he could just feel it. All the pieces were falling into place, and with a tug, he knew, so too did you. A warmth amongst the frigid cold, opened to the connection. It was faint, feeling you, but he knew it would grow stronger in due time, especially once his lady was free to roam the earth once more. Preening, smoothing his hair, dusting his clothes, he pulled free some flower petals.
Cute little things, colored warm pinks and buttercup yellow, silky soft between his rough finger tips.
So respectful, so sweet. Perhaps there would be more than one little flower coming into play for this lovely little game.
This writing of destiny.
 
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I was staring at the ring, ignoring all that went on around me. I felt...different. Not in a major way, but...something felt off. Something in my mind felt...stronger? I didn't know how to describe it, and quite frankly I had thought I was beginning to go crazy.
"Yo, Ev!" Mei's voice in my ear caused me to jolt, taking a step back. Mei grabbed my hand, examining the ring. "What's the dealio with this dealy, yo?" She asked, poking at it.
"I dunno." I said with a shrug. "I just found it and it looked cool." BaiHe was suddenly next to me and Mei, wanting to look too. I lowered my hand so she could examine the ring.
"That's really creepy..." She said with a slight pout and I laughed, ruffling her hair.
"Yeah, but that's why I like it." MK had ducked outside of the shop already, dragging you with him. Mei, BaiHe and I all stepped outside and MK immediately wanted to go on an adventure with this key.
"Sorry, MK, I think I'm all adventured out for a bit." I said with an apologetic smile. "I'll stay behind on this one. BaiHe and I can go shopping!" BaiHe gasped loudly, bouncing on her toes.
"YESYESYESYES!!" She grabbed at my shirt, her smile wide as ever. "CAN WE??" I laughed, placing a hand on her head and looking at you.
"You can have fun on the adventure with MK and Mei, Bingy. It's been a while since BaiHe and I have gotten to hang out."
"That cuz you're always working." BaiHe pouted, jutting out her lower lip. I sighed with a light smile.
"Well, I gotta afford to take my favorite niece out shopping." I lifted her off the ground, spinning her and she giggled. By the time I'd set her down, Mei had already grabbed you and MK and pulled you into one of the doors MK had summoned and once the door had closed they all faded away. I looked back to BaiHe, placing my hands on my hips.
"Alright, my little flower, where to first?" I asked and BaiHe grabbed my arm and started dragging me to a store. It was full of plushies, video games, candy, anything a kid could dream of. BaiHe was all over the place, looking at everything she could. She was hard to keep up with, but I was determined, damnit! It was more of a workout than I expected, but I supposed that I could use one. Soon enough, our arms were full of plushies and candy as we made our way to the front. The cashier had a look of pure surprise and dread, and I apologized and even helped them bag the items. Most of the plushies and candies were for Baihe, but there were a few for me. I couldn't help myself! She'd also wanted to get some more plushies for Bolin which tugged at my heartstrings. A lot of the smaller cat plushies she'd picked out for him reminded me of our group, actually. One of them looked just like Mo but with Sandy's necklace, and another was a green cat-dragon.
We must've been quite a sight walking out of the store, my arms were being dug into by the bag strings, and BaiHe happily carried two bags in each hand. I looked up at the sky, and the sun had already started to set. Wow, we were in there for a long time. "Alright, BaiHe, we should head back to Pigsy's. Dingo's probably back there by now and they'll kill me if we stay out until it's dark." I said and BaiHe groaned and pouted.
"Okaayyy..." She groaned, puffing out her cheeks. I felt my lips twitch upwards and stifled a laugh.
"Don't you worry, little flower, we'll do this again soon, I promise." With that, her eyes once again sparkled with glee and she practically took off running back to Pigsy's.
"WAIT-" I shouted, stumbling on my own feet and starting to fall forward. I shut my eyes, preparing for impact, but was pleasently surprised when it wasn't the concrete. I opened my eyes as the person who'd caught me helped me stand back up, and I looked up to thank them but my words died in my throat. It...it was the guy who'd claimed to be the mayor! "Th-thank you." I managed to get out, voice strained. Why was I sweating? Why was I in fight or flight mode? For a second, I swore I saw him with longer hair. I honestly didn't catch what he'd said before BaiHe started tugging at my arm and telling me to hurry up.
"C'mon, Ayi!" She groaned, her little feet pounding against the ground. I said a quiet 'goodbye' to the 'Mayor' and stayed on BaiHe's tail as she ran. When we arrived, Pigsy was struggling with the door to his shop, which was rather confusing until I glanced upwards to see MK and Mei snickering, you looking a slight less amused, but still smiling. Just as I called out to Pigsy, a wild flame shoved the three of you off the fire exit of MK's home. My eyes widened, and I set everything down as Pigsy ran over to me and BaiHe. I watched as Redson emerged from the blaze, arms crossed. My blood ran cold and the first thing that came to mind was 'get BaiHe out of here.' She couldn't be near this guy, he was dangerous. And if she got hurt because of him, I'd have his head. It didn't matter how cool I thought he was, nobody hurts BaiHe and gets away with it. I shoved all the bags into the noodle cart, urging BaiHe into it. I felt Redson's gaze watching me, but I didn't return it. Not yet. BaiHe had to be safe first. I looked at Pigsy.
"Pigsy, can you-"
"I got it from here, kid." Pigsy interupted me, hopping into the cart. "I'll get her to safety. Just..." He looked at me, eyes pinched with a halfhearted smirk. "Try not to let that demon blow up my shop." And with that, he was off. I turned and the key had been engulfed in flame, floating towards Redson.
"Oh no you don't..." I'd muttered, hopping onto my hoverboard as fast as I could. But Redson grabbed the key before I could, and I'd almost had it, too! I shot him a side glare. BaiHe was safe, and for now that was all that mattered to me. I could be reckless because it meant she wouldn't get hurt.

"Finally decided to join us?" Redson asked, eyeing me. "Well, it's too late. So long-" As his hair lit into flames, I leapt off my hoverboard, tackling him.
"Gimme that-!!" I'd said, reaching for the key. I didn't know what it did, but I knew that if the Demon Bull Family wanted it, then we couldn't let them take it. I'd had his wrists pinned down despite his struggling and was about to grab the key when a bright blue flash came from the ring and a sharp pain rang through my head, causing me to fall backwards with a cry, holding my head. "FUCK-" Redson stared for a moment, but the pain rendered me immobile, so he'd let the fire take him to the alley where his bull car had been conspicously hiding. How the fuck did we not notice that? The moment he was in the car, the pain stopped. I looked at my hand, and small cracks of blue slipped back into the ring. I tried to pull it off, but it wouldn't budge. Shit! This thing was cursed! I scrambled back to my feet, whistling for my hoverboard and grabbing you as Mei sped off after Redson on her bike.
"BaiHe's safe." I told you, having to raise my voice over the wind. "Pigsy's taking care of her." I stepped a little harder on the front, making us go faster. We'd had to dodge a few cars, and I made sure Pigsy's wasn't one of them. He'd gone the opposite way, but I had to make sure. Mei came from the sky, landing in front of him as her motorbike bounced slightly so she was now only slightly behind him like we were. Redson was half out of the window, fist clenched.
"Can't you and your little peasant friends let me plot in piece?" He'd shouted. "Just one time!" His hair erupted into flame and I stuck my tongue out at him.
"Not when it comes to magic artifacts, sorry!" I said, and Mei quickly butted in.
"Red flames are cool!" She laughed. "Wanna see some green ones!?" She and Redson sped up, so I did too. I'd almost forgotten I'd grabbed you to come with if you weren't squeezing me to death as to not fly off. ...We really needed to get you a faster mode of transport. Redson kept trying to run Mei off the road, but she was too quick for him, and I'd managed to grab hold of the back of his car. "Dingo, I'm gonna do something stupid, so just stay on the hoverboard and hold onto the car, kay? If you let go, press your foot down on the back to slow down." And with that, I'd started climbing the car.
Mei was indulging in some mocking banter with the bull prince, but the main thing on my mind was the key. I'd managed to crawl my way to the front of the car as Redson was distracted with Mei, but the car whipped around and I held on for dear life as the top flew off. I only hoped that you'd let go before it did. I was blown back into Redson, who promptly shoved me off of him until I was clinging to the back of his seat to not go flying.
"WHEN DID YOU-!?!?!"
"Wouldn't you like to know, weather boy?" I said, reaching for the key, but he'd turned around to taunt Mei before I could grab it. PAY ATTENTION TO ME, DAMN YOU-
"So long 'Dragon Horse Girl'!" Redson called mockingly, cackling. "Here's a tip! Next time, pick one animal and-" He couldn't finish his sentence because a giant staff threw us into the air and he'd dropped the key. The moment my feet were on the ground, I scrambled to it, scraping my knuckled on the street as I snatched it. I handed it to MK as he stood in victory in front of Redson, holding his staff in his arm and behind his head.
"So, looks like you've reached the end of the line, Redson." MK said with a smirk. "What were you even gonna do with this thing anyway?"
I'd noticed a gust of wind and looked up, my face paling. "Guys-" I'd barely managed to get out before she spoke.
"Why spoil the surprise?" All eyes turned to IronFan, only one set of them happy to see her. "Now hand the key over and quit wasting my time." She spoke to us as if we were...pests. It felt...weird. And not in a good way. She'd spoken like this to us before, why was it suddenly bothering me??
MK and Mei looked at each other, before leaping into action.
"GUYS WAIT-" I was too late, they were already trying to fight her. I grabbed Redson by the collar, lifting him slightly from the ground. "You. What's going on? Why do you need that key?" Something about all of this felt wrong. That something was going to go horribly wrong, and I needed to stop it. MK and Mei flew past me and I let go of Redson to rush to their aid. The key bounced to the ground-THE KEY- I whipped around, but Redson had already grabbed it, rushing to his mother.
"Come Redson." She said, her tone bordering on casual. "We have things to do."
"THANKS FOR THEY KEY, LOSERS!" Redson shouted at us and Ironfan rolled her eyes with a sigh as she whisked the two of them away. I ran for the spiral of wind, diving into it to be met with nothing but air. A blurry image flashed in my head. What was going on? I heard MK and Mei talking and I turned around to face them. Oh, you were there too! If you'd arrived earlier, I hadn't noticed. I'd been too caught up with getting the key. You handed me the hoverboard and my phone went off. I looked at it and it was a text from Pigsy, assuring me BaiHe was safe and sound. He'd gone to Sandy's with her. I breathed a sigh of relief and let you know. I had to head home then, something told me. I said a brief goodbye and sped off on my hoverboard. I looked at my ring, and the eyes seemed to be glowing.

I hadn't gone home, not right away. I sat in the park, under a tree as I tried to the the ring off with my teeth to no avail. I groaned in frustration, considering chopping my own finger off.
Don't do that... A voice pestered in my mind. I sighed, yeah, I probably shouldn't. I looked up at the sky, staring at the stars. Pain rang through my head again and I leaned forward, head touching the grass as I shouted. I'd shut my eyes tight willing the pain to go away. When it did leave, I looked up but everything was different. I wasn't in the park anymore. I stood up, looking around. A white void...?
No. Absolutely not. It was your voice. I whipped around to where it'd come from and there you stood... but as an orange apparition. You stood there, arms crossed and glaring and something over my shoulder.
"Dingo, what's going on?" I reached out to you, but your apparition dissipated around my hand.
Mom! A voice called out, echoing around me. I looked around but I couldn't find the source.
Accept your destiny. A woman's voice called out. I didn't recognize it, but I could've sworn there was an echo of BaiHe just barely noticeable.
"Let me out!" I shouted, grasping at the sides of my head, fingers digging into my hair. One final sentence echoed in my mind as the world around me shattered.
What about my destiny!?

I sat up, breathing heavily. I clutched my chest as I felt a drop of sweat fall from my neck. Was that...a dream? Yeah, that's had to have been what it was. I stood up, my legs feeling weak. I needed to get home...
 
FandomTrash149 said:
Oh, you were there too! If you'd arrived earlier, I hadn't noticed. I'd been too caught up with getting the key. You handed me the hoverboard and my phone went off. I looked at it and it was a text from Pigsy, assuring me BaiHe was safe and sound. He'd gone to Sandy's with her. I breathed a sigh of relief and let you know. I had to head home then, something told me. I said a brief goodbye and sped off on my hoverboard. I looked at my ring, and the eyes seemed to be glowing.
Click to expand...

I didn't get a chance to see the ring Mei and Baihe seemed to be gawking over, busy setting bags onto the counter and presenting to treats and gifts Baihe and I had collected on our way to celebrate. It was pretty big to be noticed by the mayor and given such an honorary item. Least I'd believe it was? It would only make sense wouldn't it?
Though the bouquet was a bit smashed and missing many petals, I extended it to the eagerly bouncing Mk, "We got you these. Sorry we missed out on everything." I told him. He awed aloud at the flowers, taking them gratefully to his chest, "you guys didn't have to do that!" He said appreciatively, eyes sparkly. "These are great, thank you!" Baihe puffed up beside you and Mei like a proud bird. "I picked them out myself!" She beamed. "Zaza got you guys a bunch of cupcakes."
"Smashed cupcakes." Tang said mournfully as he peered inside the bags. I laughed awkwardly, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "Getting here was... a little chaotic." I tried to explain, before Mk was setting his gift on the counter and pulling me by the arm out the door.
"Cmon, cmon! I wanna see what this does!!" He ushered. I blinked, following along. "It's a key, so probably as any key does?" I tried to reason. But he shushed me, pausing on the sidewalk outside the shop to show me his prize from the Mayor. I blinked at the oddness of it. It was... certainly something.
"Are you... sure he gave you the right key?"
"I dunno! But it's pretty cool, right?" Mk beamed, turning it over and over in his hands. For a moment, it felt like the ghostly blue eyes of the key were staring into my soul. I tried to shake it off, and managed long enough to just admire the peculiar craftsmanship as you, Mei, and Baihe meandered your way back out.

"I wanna test this out right now!!" Mk cried, waving his arms wildly above his head. I laughed, "Down boy, you've got time." I missed the way his cheeks pinkened as he settled, unconsciously rocking on his heels as he eyed between the key and me. My attention was stolen by you and Baihe.
"We just left the shopping district, you goof! You wanna go back so soon?" I teased her. Baihe only flushed, cheeks puffed in a pout as she clung to your arm. "That was different! We got stuff for Mk cuz' today was his special day- but this time it's gonna be just Ayi and me. Ayi would be lonely if I didn't come, so..." She explained, cuddling closer as she drew her short-winded reasoning to a close.
"Oh you're being awful cheeky now." I chuckled, to which she only stuck a tongue at me with a giggle. I looked to you with a shake of my head, asking with a look if you were really okay taking her along if you were already tired. As sweet as Baihe was, she could be a real handful when she wanted to be. But you only smiled, waving me off.
"Alright, you guys have fun then! Text me if you need anything okay? Baihes got all her stuff in her backpack, so-"
"Quit being such a mother hen and let's go have fun!" Mei exclaimed, looping an arm around my middle and tugging me right off my feet, hauling Mk with her opposite as if we were just paper bags. I didn't even get to yelp out a proper goodbye before we fell through the magical door and into the other side. Weightless, we were met with the anti-gravity arcade.
"Dibs on Monkey Mech!" Mk hollered, swimming down until he found the sweet spot of gravity, sectioning to the ground to interact with the closest machine.
A little disoriented but feeling the spirit, I followed at Mei's tail. From then on, it was a whirlwind of places, events, and activities.

First was the arcade, playing game after game. Then with a hop we were after a parked truck, unloading it's latest arrivals of pets. Puppies primarily, and shockingly enough a random tiger. That scared us into another door to get away.

Doors were opening constantly, jumping, running, squealing, laughing.
It was quite literally endless, I lost track of so much time. The shoe store, trying out fresh kicks, unsure whether to go with something Sonic or Tails themed before Mei insisted all the bills were on her.
The arcade for the pumping base and flashy dance floor. I was anxious at first seeing Mk behind the DJ booth, having flashbacks to the clone scenario, but both of them showed me the ropes of how to man the booth, giving me the power for a moment. Making beats was pretty sick if you ask me. Maybe I was starting to get the power trip the party clone was on.
The pool was a blast in a half- I absolutely loved water. Though it was a little crazy trying to work on the wave pool, Mei putting the settings to Tsunami and us having to quickly save Mk and his upside down floatie being tossed around like a ragdoll.
Race track was like a roller coaster, though I'm making note never to let either of them drive me again unless absolutely necessary. Though when given the reigns of the wheel and gas peddle, I may have gotten a little adrenaline happy.

Mall claw machines cleared of everything they had, ice cream shop a free for all to the point we almost got sick, the bowling alley where competition got dicey, and then finally the unprompted photoshoot in the street. I tried to stay as out of the entire thing as I could, not liking the idea of a camera on me as they posed with the fruits of their labor. Hoards of stuffies and ice cream bars, a random throne, and a sick ass sports car that I tried not to drool over. Once the camera guys loosened up and moved on to other clients, Mei dragged me back over to have a more private shoot of our own, finding I found more comfort taking photos with them than with strangers.

With a series of clicks, she snapped as many as humanly possible between the three of us before her phone needed a cool down time. That was the most change of poses I'd ever done in my life, and man was I beat. Though the day was dwindling, and the sun was starting to sink into the horizon, Mk had one last idea.
"Guys!" He exclaimed, shaking us by our shoulders till our heads rattled.
"You know how this key can magically unlock anything, right?"
We nodded, leaning in, "Well... what if it can magically lock anything too??"
A pause. I fought off a snort.
"Uhm... Mk??" I giggled, trying to cover my mouth and stifle it.
"You literally just described... all keys." Mei told him slowly. Mk's face flushed before he viciously waved his hands, "right, yeah, whatever- my point is!!" He hurriedly began, before presenting the key to us again, his smile turning mischevious.
"I know just what to do with this."


When he said he knew what to do, I honestly hadn't been expecting he'd lock all entrances to the shop while Pigsy went to the market for spare ingredients.
"Pigsy's going to boil you two alive in his soups and serve you up tomorrow when he finds out." I forewarned as the two giddily scurried up the fire escape, me following steadily behind. We didn't have to wait long before Pigsy turned up, humming cheerfully and warmly to himself. A jingle of his own keys sent the two best friends into a stifled giggling fit, hurriedly trying to shush eachother as to not blow their cover. Leering over the edge of the railing, we heard Pigsy's cry of alarm and befuddlement. It quickly turned to rage as he rushed down the alleyway, slamming against the back door to try it next, only to face the same result.
"LET ME INTO MY NOODLE STORE!!" He hollered into the door window as we all stood above his head. We really started laughing then.
I looked over to see you and Baihe walked across the street, watching on as the situation unfolded. I perked at the glow in the both of your faces, a grin stretching my lips at seeing the pure joy that covered Baihe's as she proudly held her new prize. A stuffed animal almost the size of her torso.
I lifted a hand as you noticed us, your smile playful. I opened my mouth to say something, ready to greet you both-

A deafening sound rang behind our heads, and before we knew it, heat and pressure launched us out from the railing in a startling explosion. Mei rolled to the ground, Mk slammed into the wall and fell into a dumpster, and I found myself propped against an old trash can, the entirety of its silver metal dented inwards with the force I'd been thrown into it with. I heard Baihe scream, terrified by the blast and the fact that we'd all been thrown astray. My ears were ringing so loud, head pounding as I moved to sit up.
What just happened?
There was a voice yelling above us, and I could swear I recognized it based on the pure frustration hearing it brought.
"What are you doing in Mk's house?!" I heard Mei shout as my ears began to settle, rubbing my head. Mk was scrambling out from the garbage, shaking paper and a banana peel off his head, "You better not have touched my stuff!!" He exclaimed furiously, pointing up at the banister we all stood on not even a minute ago.
I finally looked up, and immediately felt an urge to suplex someone into the concrete. Preferably someone who's entire shtick involves red.
"Oh great. It's this guy again." I grumbled, moving to stand. Mk turned briefly, eyes wide, "aw geez, hang on Cheese-" He moved quickly, pulling me up properly. Ugh my ribs and head are killing me man. I hissed when he tried to wrap an arm around my side, to which he immediately pulled back, moving to just hold my arm. He looked ready to say something, his gaze uncertain and worried- but I only shook my head, glaring up at Redson.
Mk was hesitant, but followed my lead, giving the man a hard stare as I fought not to lean on him. I felt awfully unsteady, but that's a given when you're thrown into a wall at mock 7.
"I almost feel bad taking things from you!" Redson continued. "Buuuutt!~ I'm going to be needing that key." Though Mei had had it, said key that we'd had all day engulfed in flame at the same time his extended palm had, waiting for it. Mei leapt for it at the same time you'd zoomed into the alley, reaching where she missed, then Mk where you couldn't quite get it, leaving my side in an instant in an effort to stop the steadily rising super key.

It was moments away from his fingers, itching to close around its ivory body. With a lurch, you shot upwards, rocketing up and over the blown railing. Redson let out an undignified squeak as your aim rang true, body slamming him down into the messed up fire escape and grappling. His eyes were wide and glasses askew as you straddled him. The soft smell of blossoms invaded his nose, fresh and sweet. He made several sounds of discomfort, trying to wrestle free from you without honestly hurting you, more so alarmed you even dared to put him in such a position.
It was even worse when you latched onto his arms, shoving his hands down into the metal below him, locking his wrists on either sides of his head. He stared, mouth open with no sound. There was a fire in your eyes he only saw briefly the last time you were on top of that bull clone, in that video feed him and his mother refused to speak about ever again.
Immediately his face went as red as his trench coat, squirming in alarm. He was ages older then you, had more battle experience and body strength than you! How in all the realms could you PIN HIM??

He chalked it up to a surprise attack. You just caught him by surprise, that's all- ah, shit, you're trying to get the key! Trying to come to his senses, he kicked and bucked like his father's namesake, trying to throw you off and away- frankly he didn't need to do much. The moment your fingers were inches from touching the key in this wrestling match for possession of it, you jerked back with a scream of pain that shook his core. Something on your fingers lit up a brilliant blue.
His mind flashed back to the seal and the tomb, deep in the carved cavern they'd made inside his base. You flew backwards, as if trying to escape whatever caused you such agony, gripping your head to the point your knuckles turned white. Redson was aghast, feeling his heart race for an entirely new reason. Clutching the key in one hand, he reached out to you with the other. To comfort you, to aide you- he wasn't sure. But the moment the light faded and you eased, he knew he had to leave. He whipped up a whirlwind of fire, carrying himself off and away into his dormant vehicle at the end of the alley.

For a moment victory was in his sights, and he wasn't about to let it slip from his fingers again. He spared a sharp glance at the railing you sat on, finding you coming down from whatever had happened to you in the moments you tried to come after the key. With a rev, his engine spat fire, and he pulled out and off into the street, disappearing with a victorious cackle. Headstart it is!


Trying to keep myself steady was a lot harder than I thought. Here I was thinking all these weird adventures would give me some sort of immunity, but no. Turns out being thrown into a wall was enough. Your scream of pain overhead was not something any of us wanted to hear. My heart sank thinking Redson had burned you again, maybe even worse than before- but when he'd gone and you hopped down, you were unmarred except for being pale as a ghost and sweating like you'd caught a fever.
"Ev- Ev wait you don't have to-" but you were already pulling me onto your hoverboard, taking off in a flash.
My mind jumped to earlier, realizing now Baihe wasn't with you amidst the chaos. "Wait, wheres?!-"
"Baihe is safe." You told me, catching me up to speed. Did I look that out of it? Who knew a wall could do so much. Sorry wall. "Pigsy's got her." I felt myself sag with relief as I wrapped my arms a little tighter around your torso, feeling the wind already picking up the harder you pushed down on the front of the hover board.
"Thats... that's good. Good." I murmured back to you, unsure what else to say. When we'd finally caught up to Redson and Mei, I couldn't be bothered to listen to the banter, keeping an eye on the road and trying to figure where the key might be in his vehicle. Was he listening to smooth jazz right now while running people over?
I mean it's a good song, but that's beside the point-

Something that was being said put Redson and Mei at a neck and neck pace, burning color behind them. If I strained to look back, your hoverboard was gleaming a shocking electric pink streamline in its wake. You caught up fast, latching to the back of his beast of a truck by a back axle.
"Dingo, I'm gonna do something stupid, so just stay on the hoverboard and hold onto the car, kay? If you let go, press your foot down on the back to slow down."
"Wait, what?" I asked dumbly, eyes wide. My hands fumbled as you pulled to switch my grip to something else. I latched on to your previous hold, trying to keep my feet on the board as you began to clamber onto the speeding vehicle.
"I may love crazy, but this is pushing it!" I shouted at you. Goddess how do you even operate this thing?? I've seen you use this a hundred times before, and you always made it look so simple! Maybe it's because I didn't have gravity boots to keep me on it.

Suddenly, Redson swerved and turned his vehicle around entirely, driving backward. I held on tight like I was told to, realizing now I probably should have let go when I had the chance. Redson ended up ejecting his entire upper roof.
I yelped as the whole thing came free like a trampoline in the wind. It had stopped Mei long enough to have lost her, before he ripped back around. This time it lost me, the speed of the turn like whiplash. The hoverboard spun as he zipped off, and I fought to keep my footing, even slow it down. I stomped on the back, but it only sent the back end into the asphalt of the road. It spun out of control, scraping and screeching before both me and the hoverboard came off contact. I hit, bounced, and rolled across the road, the hoverboard coming and screeching upside down next to me.

I let out a loud, low groan of pain.
Hoverboards are awesome in theory when you have all the necessary parts. Got it. Safety 101. I may have failed, but- ugh yknow what forget it, that shit hurted.
Mei came screeching up next to me, halting her bike long enough to hop off and check on me.
"Oooo roadburn- that was a serious wipeout Cheesey, are you?-"
"I'm cool, totally cool." I wheezed out, shakily lifting myself. "If I ruined Ev's hoverboard, point me to the nearest river." I coughed. Thankfully, besides some minor scratches, your hoverboard was in peak shape compared to me.
"I'll catch up- go help Ev!" I ordered, waving the dragon girl away. She was like a flash of light, running ahead and whistling for her bike again before disappearing in a streak of green.
Flipping the hoverboard back over, the antigravity underside activated immediately. I stepped up, steadied myself, and feeling more self assured though looking worse for wear, I pressed front foot down and sped after her, leaning into the wind as to not be knocked off again.


The rest was history.
Returning your hoverboard, I apologized profusely for the scratches. "I can pay for those. Better yet, I can try to fix those if you want- I'm really sorry, I thought I would do better riding it-" I tried to explain, but slowly stopped.
"Ev are you okay?..." I murmured. You looked like something was ripping you from the inside out, whether it be worry, or something else, I really couldn't tell.
Shaky, pale, sweating, brows furrowed, jaw clenched. But you never answered me as you accepted back your hoverboard, hearing as your phone went off shortly after. At the mention of Baihe, I immediately perked up.
"Oh thank goddess... I should have figured. Sandy and the cats will keep her calm. I can't imagine the scare she got..." I heaved a sigh of relief.
"Are you sure you're safe to ride home? I think we should all go to Sandy's and-" but you were gone with a quick goodbye already.

"Cheese! You're elbow! Your face!!" Mk shrieked.
"Bad wipeout." Mei whispered not so discreetly to him, leaning to his side like I didn't already know. "Yep. I was there. Prolly should have had safety gear before using the hoverboard, huh?" I laughed a little, trying to ease the tension both left in me and from Mk.
"Not gonna lie... you're really bad at the hoverboard thing."
"Noted and understood. Will leave any and all hoverboard activities to Ev."
"Good idea." Mei chuckled.

Mei decided to give Mk and I a ride to Sandy's. To say Baihe was simply upset was an understatement.
She was furious, crying, and horrified all at once. She gave everyone an earful unbefitting of a ten year old and more like an angry teacher. Probably got it from me and Gramps, but who's to say?
"DONT YOU GUYS EVER DO THAT AGAIN! I THOUGHT YOU WERE ALL STINKIN DEAD-" She shrieked, tears and snot running down her little face as she beat Mk with her stuffed animal. "Haulin me off like some, some kind of- I didn't even get to know you guys were okay!" She wailed, her anger dying down.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid!" She sniffed.
"Do you guys even know how scared I was?" She hiccuped into her sleeves. Sandy hummed sympathetically as he sat her down on the couch. She cuddled to his side immediately, and like a swarm his kitties followed, purring and chirping all around her legs, arms and head in any place they could reach. I couldn't even hug her yet, as the second I got there Pigsy sat me down and started first aid.

I looked a little bit like a mummy, which was entirely unnecessary, but gave the old pig some peace of mind. After a long crying session and consoling the distraught little girl, she eased enough to simply cuddle. She was exhausted. Honestly, all of us were. Sandy and Pigsy were working hard to keep her calm the whole time since having taken her away from Redson blowing up part of Mk's apartment. We even had to call you up so you could show Baihe you were okay over video call. The last she ever saw of you was you hurrying her into the noodlecart and running to the still smoking half of Mk's apartment before Pigsy drove them far, far away.

You looked as exhausted as we all felt, but Baihe had never looked more relieved and satisfied than when she saw you pick up the call.
Sleepily, before hanging up, Baihe made us all promise to go get ice cream together to make up for everything that happened today. Everyone honestly laughed, but wholeheartedly agreed, and before we knew it, she was out like a light in a pile of all the toys and stuffies you'd bought her on Sandy's couch.

I didn't have to haul her home by myself though. Funnily enough, since Mk's apartment was needing some serious work, I offered he could stay with Baihe and I at KittyCorner until his wall was fixed. Considering the state I was in after today, he was a big help. I don't remember what we did for sleeping arrangements, but to just be home safe after such a long day was the biggest relief I could have ever asked for.
 
A couple or so days had passed since the key incident, and there was a lot on my mind. Every single time I slept, even if it was just a nap, I'd have...strange dreams. Most of which were unpleasant. I was always back in the strange white void, seeing brief apparitions of my loved ones, and even of people I didn't know. I even saw two masked figures talking to a younger Sun Wukong! I couldn't make out what they were saying, but they sounded like they were having fun. There were two that stuck out to me the most, though. One was of Bolin. He...he'd been dismembered. I ran over to his apparition but he'd disappeared. And the other one...Was of BaiHe. Her apparition was a pale blue compared to her usual pink, and she was wearing something entirely different. Her eyes were closed and I had stepped closer, reaching out to her. I'd quietly said her name and when she opened her eyes, there was a flash of pale blue and I'd woken up in a cold sweat. I'd hugged Bolin a little tighter every time I saw him since then.
I sat up in bed, rubbing at my eyes before staring at the ring. It'd become part of my morning routine at this point. Wake up, attempt to get the ring off, and carry on. I tried to get it off this time with scissors to no avail. It'd almost broken my damn scissors! I groaned and got out of bed, continuing with my morning routine. Shower, brush my teeth, have breakfast, hug Bolin and tell him I love him, and then look at the calender. I traced my finger to today's date, oh! MK was training with Wukong today. Looks like I'd be doing his portion, too. Not that I really minded, honestly. When I was working, it got my mind off of things. I could just listen to music and make deliveries on my hoverboard. It was kind of meditative in a way, if that makes any sense. I kissed Bolin's forehead and waved goodbye as I left to go to the shop. Picking up on MK's training days was actually how I'd gotten some extra money, since Pigsy refused to let me do it without pay. That meant I could spoil everyone if I wanted to! And, in just two week's time was the Lunar New Year festival. I'd been unable to go the past two years, since mother nature decided to cripple me both times, but i was determined to go this year! I was gonna buy everyone lots of things, damnit!

About an hour or two into my deliveries, the ground shook and I looked up to see...a giant purple monkey monster. Oh my fucking god, could we not catch a break for like, TWO SECONDS PLEASE??? I groaned and made the last delivery before booking it to the monster, where you and the others, sans MK, had gathered. Pigsy spun his wooden spoon in his hand, letting out some form of war cry as he leapt into action! ...Only to be smacked down into the pavement.
"WOAH, PIGSY-" I'd shouted, running to his side as Mei frantically called MK.
"I'm fine, kid, just let me stay like this for a moment." He'd groaned, clearly in more pain than he was letting on. I pouted, but I looked back up to the current monster. I really hoped it was just a villain of the week kind of monster and MK would beat it in no time. Mei had hung up the phone after MK said he was on the way, but was he going to get here in time? Shadows moved out of the corner of my eye, crawling up a wall. I decided to follow it, clambering up the fire escape less than gracefully. On the roof the shadows morphed into a figure, a monkey not unlike Wukong. Wait a minute is that-
Another shake of the ground knocked me onto my ass and I looked over the side of the roof, where MK was now in the same goku death pose as Pigsy. Like father, like son. The figure I'd seen took action then, faster than I'd ever seen anyone move, moving from rooftop to rooftop. I grabbed my hoverboard and followed him. He summoned a shadow staff not unlike MK's, although this one had spikes on the ends of it, and he'd taken out the monster with ease. I planted myself onto the ground to avoid being blown away by the wind he'd caused and when it was over, I stood up.
"Hey." I said, grabbing his attention. "Aren't you-"
"YES! MONKEY KING!" I startled slightly at the sound of MK's voice as he has climbed up the building, oh and there he goes. The monkey decided to try and walk away but MK appeared in front of him. I honestly decided to stop questioned how the fuck he did that. "That was awesome! I can't believe you came back to-" MK paused, getting a better look at the person who stood before him. I walked over, standing next to the shadow monkey. "Ooh, this is awkward." MK laughed nervously. "You're not Monkey King." With a slight laugh and a cross of his arms, the shadow monkey smirked.
"I get that a lot." He said, crouching down and balancing on his toes. I decided to look a bit closer at him. He had six ears, the insides each a different color. I was right!
"Monkie Kid, right?" He'd asked, and MK's eyes sparkled.
"How did you...?"
"Your staff kinda gives you away, dude. Not just anyone can wield that thing."
I let out a soft 'snrk' at that. Touche, Six Ears. Touche.
"Uhh, sorry, who are you?" MK asked, head tilted like a questioning puppy. I sighed.
"MK, I thought you've read Journey to The West-" I muttered, earning a barely concealed laugh from Six Ears.
"Macaque." He said at last, standing up and rubbing the back of his head. "Actually, the uh...Six Eared Macaque, is you know, my full name." He began to walk away as I spoke up again.
"Wait I thought you were d-"
"Whelp, see you around MK." He said, casting me a side glance. It wasn't a glare, not really. It felt like...one of sympathy? I was honestly confused.
"CAN YOU TEACH ME THAT AWESOME THING!?" MK ran in front of Macaque, smiling wide as he begged. I smirked. Oh, Wukong was not going to like that.
"Uh..." Macaque took a step back, trying to regain his personal space. "Don't you already have a master? I thought, uh, Monkey King was training you?"
"Oh, yeah, yeah, no, he is-" MK stammered as I saw you finally making your way up the fire escape. You were so gonna freak.
"But, you can never have too many teachers, right?" Macaque said, crossing his arms and leaning forward. My fight or flight suddenly went off and every hair stood on end. Macaque seemed to notice my change in demeanor, as gave me a slight glance, but returned to MK. "I'm sure Monkey King would agree. It's not like he'd wanna hold you back."
"Uhmmm...." MK hummed, unsure. He dismissed that though, his smile returning. "Yeah! Yes! He'd totally be cool with it." Macaque wrapped an arm around MK's shoulders.
"Alright then." He glanced at me, and then to you. "You two are welcome to come watch, if ya want." He added and I shook my head.
"N-no, I'm good. I've got more deliveries to make." I said, walking closer to you. I grabbed your sleeve, my eyes never leaving Macaque even as I lowered my voice. "Dingo, could you keep and eye on him? I've got a bad gut feeling about this." For a quick moment, Macaque and MK were replaced by...a younger Macaque and Wukong. Both of which who were smiling and laughing. I blinked and everything was normal again. Gods, what was happening to me? As you departed with MK and Macaque, I climbed back down the fire exit and grabbed more deliveries from the shop and I was off.


Off you and MK went with Macaque. MK was practically vibrating with energy, eager to finally be learning the hero stuff! Macaque unlocked the door to a place in a rather...worn down part of the city, and MK's eyes widened in pure awe at the sight inside. It was a personal dojo! He examined all the weapons he could as Macaque pointed you towards a sitting area that was out of the splash zone, so to speak. Couldn't have Monkie Kid's partner getting hurt, after all. MK froze as he heard those words, his cheeks and ears burning as he whipped around.
"Haha, what?? Partner???" He asked with forced laughter. "That's ridiculous! Cheese is just a really good friend!" His voice cracked at several points, and he couldn't make eye contact with you or Macaque, who was smirking. The shadow monkey just barely concealed a laugh.
"Oh, really? I thought- ah, nevermind." He said with a dismissive wave of his hand and got into a fighting position, summoning the staff he'd used earlier. "Alright, kiddo. Ready to get started?" MK quickly pushed away feelings he was not ready to think about and got into position as well.
"Let's do dis!"


I'd made the last of my deliveries as the sun began to set and I wiped my forehead with the back of my arm. "Woo! That was a lot." I said aloud, to no one in particular. The street lamps around me flickered and the air became frigid.
"Oh! Hello!" A voice said behind me and I whipped around, hoverboard in my hands as if that was at all threatening. Oh god it was him again. "Funny running into you again!" His smile was etched into his face, as if it'd been there for a millenia and he'd forgotten how to do anything else. I looked around and the streets were empty.
"Yeah...funny..." I said carefully. This guy was clearly not the mayor, but also dangerous. It wasn't just happenstance that he'd just...ran into me. This wasn't a coincidence, this was planned. "Wha-" I cleared my throat as my voice cracked. "What do you want from me?" He tilted his head, and I cringed at how many of his joints seemed to pop because of it. His eyebrows were pinched in faux confusion, and his smile stayed.
"I'm not quite sure what you mean, my dear." He said. Why did he always sound so cheerful?
"You're freaking me out, old man." I said, my grip on my hoverboard tightening. "I will smack you with this if you don't back off." In a moment, he seemed to glitch and he appeared right in front of me, leaning down so his head was next to my ear as his laugh echoed through the empty street.
"I'd love to see you try." Oh, he didn't sound as cheerful now. His voice had gone deeper, and I felt my cheeks heating up slightly because of it. I shook my head and whacked him with my hoverboard but he was already gone. I really needed to get back to Pigsy's.
 
Beyond the healing road rash and a few bruises, I'd nearly forgotten about the fiasco about the strange key. I'd busied myself as I usually did- the only new thing that kept reminding me of it all was the fact that Mk was temporarily living at my place. This was day three now, and the repair guys were hoping to have his wall fully done later today or tomorrow, alongside the fire escape and alley way. They were horrified that anyone would survive an explosion let alone being thrown into a wall hard enough to create a miniature crater, but upon discovering the client they were working for was the new hero the Monkie Kid, all qualms and concerns were dashed in favor of praise and asking for autographs. I didn't mind Mk living there temporarily, but there was an underlying anxiety that just happened when people were in my private space, especially for this long unless it was you.
Baihe lived with me full time now, so she got a major pass. Speaking of Baihe, she was positively ecstatic that Mk was living with us. An extended super awesome sleepover she proclaimed it to be, and Mk only egged her on for it. Her routine that I'd built was very quickly taken for late night games and movies, and enough treats to make her sick. He was the equivalent of a big brother, or even that of a dad who had only one goal; to spoil the ever loving crap out of his kid.

... Alright, well I'm gonna just brush off that second comparison, that's doing weird stuff to my heart and brain cave and I don't need that on my plate.
Luckily, I wasn't the only one feeling a little uncomfortable having the 'new person' in our living space; who just so happened to be Mr.Salty, the stray that came around and never left. I knew he could make a nasty face, but not to this caliber. His tail lashed irritably every time Mk was anywhere near his space, and the lowest snarl would start like an engine in his little chest. He's taken some swipes, but nothing struck true. Though funnily enough, he didn't start acting like this until after Mk showed up the first night when... I fumbled with the baby bottles I was prepping, scrambling to catch them before they spilled. My cheeks burned remembering. It wasn't even that big of a deal. He was just being really sweet anyways, not to mention tired. It didn't mean anything. Nothing at all.
"Does it hurt?..." His voice whispered in my memory.
"A little. But it's no problem- I've had worse." I remember telling him with a small tired laugh, waving. He was quiet for a beat, simply staring. I'm pretty sure he frog blinked then, being so groggy. But then he moved.
The ghost of warm lips pressing against my cheek through the bandage Pigsy had applied back at Sandy's boat tickled me even now, despite it being days ago. I set the bottle against the counter, not trusting my grip as I covered my face with my free hand, grumbling. I could still remember the way he looked, eyes droopy with exhaustion, but such a warmth in his smile that melted my heart like butter.
"Maybe it'll feel better now." He'd whispered, before he simply rested against my shoulder and slipped into sleep.

I chuckled softly to myself about it now, shaking my head. The 'kiss it better' thing was so silly to me, something you'd do for kids. The fact that he did it to me of all people was humorous and... unbelievably sweet. Calming down now, I brushed it off as best as I possibly could, reminding myself, continuously, that that was all it was. Just Mk being silly and sweet, like always. Humming faintly to myself, I took a deep breath, and let it out in a long sigh, hoping any heat in my cheeks left with the breath. Picking the bottles back up again, I finished mixing the baby bottles and got back to work. Shortly after routine was up, Baihe came down the stairs, rubbing her eyes.
"Club today?" She asked with a yawn.
"Nope," I told her, "but you do have a visit with gramps coming up."
She perked immediately, eyes sparkling, "Oh! That's right! Do you think he's gonna like the thing I made him?" She bounced. I smiled, walking up and brushing her wild nest of hair out of her face, "Without a doubt min elskede. Gramps always loves the things you make him." I said warmly. Leaning down, she got the message and shot to her tiptoes, cupping my hands that gingerly held her cheeks and pumping her forehead against mine. With a long, low hum, we harmonized our own little tune before pulling away. She beamed, "I got it right this time, right?"
I laughed, "You can't go wrong with it. Now go! Shoo, shoo- it's time to get ready for the day."
Baihe let out a long groan, "But it's Saturday," She whined, "Why can't I just wear my jam-jams today?"
"You sure you wanna go to the noodle shop in your jam-jams?" I asked her back. Baihe immediately stiffened, eyes wide. With a sharp turn, her hair following her and smacking her in the face- she swept it away and immediately bounded up the stairs on all fours, slipping and sliding. When she got up the stairs, I heard lots of thumping and scrambling. I could faintly hear her ranting.
Her head suddenly ducked out from the top of the stairs, yelling down at me, a brush stuck to the top of her head and a toothbrush in her other hand, "YOU SHOULD'VE SAID SOMETHING!!" She hollered at me, scolding. I held my hands up in mock defense, fighting off a snort. Trekking up the stairs myself as she disappeared again like a cat with it's tail on fire, I peered down the hall as clothes began to fly around her bedroom.
"I DIDN'T KNOW WE WERE GOING TODAY, YOU STINKY- ARGH!" She raged. I was actively trying not to laugh, clutching my stomach and mouth to smother anything from escaping. She'd annihilate me with her stuffies if she heard so much as a snicker. With a slam, she appeared again, holding out two hangers with ready picked outfits, "Which one?" She demanded, her face serious.
"Kitty extraordinaire. Other one has too little pink." I replied with a nod. Baihe considered her clothes, before nodding in agreement, "Good, good. Okay I'm gonna go get dressed, go away." She said quickly, shooing me from the hall before sharply shutting her door. She took looking her best for you and the gang very seriously, but goddess I wasn't about to breathe a word about it. She wanted her efforts to look effortless! I wasn't about to call her out as a sham! What kind of Zaza would I be if I did that?

As I waited, I heard Baihe speak up from behind her bedroom door.
"Hey Zaza?" She called. I perked up, "Yeah honey?" I answered.
"Are clouds supposed to be... purple?"
I paused. , "Not all the time? Only during dusk I think." I replied finally, "Why do you ask?"
A few beats went by.
Baihe opened her door to me, looking more confused than anything, and a little nervous.
"I think you might wanna take a look at this."

Which leads us to now!
I may have cussed a lot more than I should have on the bike ride over, but luckily only in Norsk, so Baihe didn't get to understand a word. She voiced confusion, to which I didn't answer- which lead her to trying to repeat it and me immediately trying to get her to stop in a panic. "But it sounded funny!" "Trust me it's really not-"
I would have left her back home, but the comfort of keeping her by my side was too great to ignore. Slapping safety gear on her and gathering us up on Rainrunner, I sped in the direction of Pigsy's. Luckily enough, the giant purple cloud? Smoke creature? Didn't honestly move an inch since it appeared. Baihe couldn't decide whether to stare at it or hide her face in my back.
When we arrived, I ushered her off the bike and tried to get her inside the little shop, finding everyone was already out and trying to understand what on earth was going on. Baihe insisted to stay glued to my hip this time however, which made it a little tricky.
"What's going on?" Were the first words out of my mouth when I saw the others. Mei only shrugged, biting her nails, and Tang shook his head, brows furrowed and lips pulled in a fearful frown. Pigsy cracked his neck and knuckles one by one, glaring up at the essential kaiju overhead, looming like a shadow over the city.
"Dunno, but it's not gonna be stayin'!" He told us confidently and firmly, wielding his wooden spoon like a baton leading an entourage. When you rode up in a streak of pink, Baihe peeked from around my side. Her mouth opened to greet you, but Pigsy's war cry swallowed up her voice, stealing her attention in an instant, her head whipping around just in time to see him leave the ground and launch upwards in an incredible show of power, spinning his spoon.
"Go Piggy, go!" Mei cheered.
"Pigsy, don't!" I shouted.
After the longest time of inactivity, the creature finally moved. It's ribbons swiftly rose, before striking the battle ready pig man right back down. Like swatting a fly, honestly. It was a little funny how fast it happened, but in the moment it was a big surprise.
Baihe yelped as he hit the ground, and I moved to shield her as dirt and pebble flew up from the crater Pigsy made in his landing. "Mr.Pigsy!" Baihe cried out.
"WOAH, PIGSY-" You'd shouted, running to his side as Mei frantically called MK. Baihe, Tang and I were quick to join you by his side, peering down into the little crater at the very disoriented pig demon. His eyes practically rolled around in his head with his newfound dizziness.
"I'm fine, kid, just let me stay like this for a moment." He waved, before flopping over and honestly looking dead. "Do we know any doctors??" Baihe asked quickly. I hissed a breath through my teeth, "Just uh... lets give him a minute."
Just about the second Mei hung up her frantic video call, Mk came zipping up the street so fast, the hoverboard he'd snagged continued on without him long after he'd hopped off it, crashing into a nearby building.
"Okay!" He exclaimed, staff already at the ready. "What did I miss?" He asked confidently, stepping up beside Mei. She tore her gaze away from the giant smoke monster, immediately rounding on him, "Mk! What took you so long?!" She scolded, brows knit together in frustration.
"Sorry! Sorry. Monkey King had me doing boring stuff... that the bad guy?" He said quickly, moving through his reasoning in a snap before turning to face the looming entity overhead. No one got a chance to answer as he began to spin his staff, "Okay! Be right back." He told us all proudly. Immediately all of us were waving our hands, "Wait wait no no no!" Seemed to be the overall chorus, to which said hero didn't listen or even probably hear a word of before he was taking off in a similar leap to Pigsy's.
Before being shot right back down to the ground with a hearty bitch slap from a waving ribbon.

A pitiful groan followed as a new crater was made, directly next to Pigsy. I had never swooped up Baihe in my arms so fast to dodge the thrown boy than I had then. She clung with her arms around my neck, eyes wide as dinner plates. I made a hissed sound of sympathy through my teeth. Mei stood adjacent to him, leg raised.
"Oohhhh, yeahhhh-" She started slowly, leaning over him. "We uh... already tried that." She told him as he continued to lay facedown in his little crater.
To his left, Sandy dropped a sad little napkin overtop the still downed Pigsy. Baihe and I shook our heads mournfully like they were soldiers lost to war before giggling quietly to each other. We were cut off however as a new shadow rushed overhead. Everyone gasped as it zipped by, quicker than a flash. Your hoverboard activated in an instant, zipping right after in just a heartbeat.
"Speed-E where are you going? E!" Mei shouted after you, but you remained focused on the figure dashing ahead. Everyone paused to squint, Mk especially.
"Uhhh... Is that?" Mei began, to which Mk finished, "Monkey King?" He asked hopefully, and dare I say surprised.
Baihe's eyes lit up, a small gasp leaving her mouth. I looked to her curiously, watching as she began to bounce in her spot in my arms. I didn't have my glasses, so I wouldn't have been able to really tell who it was until it hit me in the face. "You think it's Monkey King?" I asked her. She spared me a look, her smile widening, as if ready to explode, but she quickly covered her mouth and shook her head, turning back to look at the figure again, now having stopped on a rooftop.
I rose a brow at her, confused. What an odd reaction. Did Mk make her a Monkey King fan or something? Was this someone else? Goddess I didn't know, and for now it didn't matter. I turned to watch. Though blurry, I watched as the figure began to twirl their staff with a flourish. Faster and faster, spinning so fast it became a blur- before they struck out. There wasn't even a second spared to blink before a blast of wind appeared. A cyclone is the best comparable power. The gusts were so strong they nearly took us all off our feet. Baihe, despite the strength of the wind, began to cheer at the top of her lungs, pumping her little arms before I had to duck her down as to not be taken away by the after waves.
When the smoke and wind finally cleared, the entity and it's clouds were gone like a ghost, letting in the sun once more to wash the city in light.
"That was incredible!" Baihe squealed, waving her hands rapidly. I let her loose, seeing the area safe again, "Did you see Zaza? What did you think? Wasn't that cool??" She beamed, jumping up and down before bouncing back to me, rapidly tugging my flannel.
"Woah, woah! Hang tight there goober, gimme a sec! Yes, yes, it was pretty awesome, I know-" I laughed, unsure where all this energy was coming from. Then again, it was also Baihe. She had a hidden energy bank that rivaled even Mei and Mk's.
Sandy did a comb over of everyone, ensuring all of us were okay, even going as far as counting heads. Though it was a bit concerning when he did three recounts. Scratching the back of his head, he made a low sound of confusion.
"Uhh... I know Ev left, but where did Mk go?" He asked.
"Oh, they went that way." Mei said, pointing down the street.
"They?" I asked. "Yeah! Baihe ran after him." Mei replied with a smile.
My heart leapt into my throat, whipping to look down at my side, finding a blinking outline of where Baihe was before looking up. Low and behold, Mk was several blocks down and there was Baihe, right on his tail.
"WHA-"

I took off in a sprint immediately, probably leaving a cartoonish dust cloud behind me in my wake. She was literally pulling on me not even a second ago!!
"BAIHE, LITTLE MISSY, GET YOUR BUTT BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!"
"CAN'T HEAR YOU, IM RUNNING TOO FAST-"
"THAT'S NOT HOW HEARING WORKS-"
It didn't take me long to catch up, her stamina not being the best for one, and two, little legs. Swooping down I scooped her up in an instant, earning a startled yelp," What on Earth do you think you're doing??" I asked her incredulously. Heaving for air that she lost running, still managing to squirm, she heaved out, "Following-Mk!" She gasped, before going completely limp with a groan. "Stinkin' grownups and their big legs..."
When I looked up, it was just in time to hear Mk's enthusiastic, "Monkey King!" Before slipping and screaming into a trash-pile right in front of me. He landed with a thump, before scrambling back to his feet, going for the second try. Setting Baihe down, I moved to help him, or stop him- honestly I didn't know what I was doing. But he was quick as a whip, and I found myself scrambling up the fire escape to follow this time. At the sound of clanging, I looked back to find Baihe following me, follow Mk.
"Ah, ah- no! Stay down there, being on a roof is dangerous!" I told her firmly.
"But I wanna!-" She started, but with a look, she grumbled. Leaning against the wall and crossing her arms, she did as told. "I'll be back in a second, wait for me, okay sweetheart?"
She curled tighter into herself, her pout getting stronger before she huffed. "Fiiiiiinnneeee."
With a nod of thankfulness, I hurried back up the steps and pulled myself over the ledge. When I looked up, I felt myself jerk to a stop.

Oh shit dude- there was no fucking way.
"Do you see him??" Baihe suddenly asked from the alley below me, sounding eager. I almost couldn't find my voice, startled into silence. I glanced to the side, finding you there. Ah, so this is where you went. I wasn't fully processing what was being said between Mk and... am I sure I'm seeing this right?? I continued to side eye you, praying for an answer, or if I was going crazy. I jolted when I looked back at the pair and found eyes looking right back.
"You two are welcome to come watch, if ya want." He suddenly offered. Did Baihe just squeal?? I spared a glance behind me at her from over the edge, but didn't get a proper look before you were sidling up to my side, your grip on my sleeve taking my attention. Or at least part of it. I was hyperaware of the figure ahead next to Mk.
"N-no, I'm good. I've got more deliveries to make." You said apologetically, voice trying to smother a tremble. My brows knit together, gently tapping my knuckles to your side in acknowledgement and concern. When he'd turned away, chatting with Mk again, holding him close by the shoulders like a buddy, that was when you spoke, voice barely a whisper.
"Dingo, could you keep and eye on him? I've got a bad gut feeling about this." Any shock I was facing melted in an instant, and I turned my head to you fully this time, "Yeah- yeah of course. Could you take Baihe? She's uh... she followed Mk over here and I had to chase them both down. She's not gonna be happy that she can't come for..." I spared a glance ahead, watching the pair begin to walk closer to the other side of the roof, "Obvious reasons." I murmured. Once you agreed and hurried back down, I spoke up, accepting the extended the offer to spectate.
After a second of discussion how to get to where we were going, we ended up going by foot. Mk insisted it would be better, easier. At least on me. I tried to say I didn't mind how we got there, but he preferred we travel the way that was 'easier on me'. I'll be honest, I was slightly miffed by the way it was said, but brushed it off. We'd gotten down around the same time you and Baihe left the alley. I missed the bit where Macaque glanced back and winked to the little cat clad girl, who only grinned back and hurried the other way.
What I did catch however, was the subtle swipe of his hand across Mk's back and the swift change of his classic symbol. I blinked, unsure of my eyes, but knew for certain it was changed. I bit the inside of my cheek and looked ahead. I'll keep that to myself for now.


To be frank, though the outside and general area wasn't in the prettiest state, the inside was well kempt and cared for. Mk and I took a moment to simply gawk at the size of the place, and the things collected there. It was honestly impressive- not everyone can say they have a personal dojo. Most places for workouts are out of someone's garage, and this was several leagues above that. After a quick brief and some prep, I followed instruction and settled into the essential 'safe zone', not thinking much of the comment. I saw the partner bit as, well, like a sidekick sort of vibe, which felt accurate enough. Mk however, saw it differently, flying into a bluster.
I blinked, brows up to my hairline in befuddlement. "Uhh, Mk?" I began, thoroughly confused before he started to just... yap.
"Haha, what?? Partner???" He asked with forced laughter.
"That's ridiculous! Cheese is just a really good friend!" His voice cracked at several points, and he couldn't make eye contact with you or Macaque, who was smirking. Something about that... Stung. Did he not?... My mind began to dig, trying to understand, but came up with nothing that didn't make me feel a bit worse about it. My fingers dug into my jeans, clenching and unclenching fists. The shadow monkey just barely concealed a laugh.
"Oh, really? I thought- ah, nevermind." He said with a dismissive wave of his hand and got into a fighting position, summoning the staff he'd used earlier. "Alright, kiddo. Ready to get started?" MK quickly got into position as well with a shake of his head. I looked up then, having found I stopped looking at the both of them entirely. Ah, crap- focus, gotta focus. You're looking too much into it! It's not even a big deal! Focus!
"Let's do dis!" Mk exclaimed.
Oh if only that confidence stuck around.

I grimaced as Mk was thrown into a weapons rack, fighting the urge to stand and help him back up. I must have nail indents from how hard I was grabbing my legs. Macaque was putting the boy through the wringer, to put it lightly, and it was honestly painful to watch let alone hear. Though I wanted to text you all that was going on, I couldn't bring myself too. It felt like it would be rude to whip out my phone during all this, and secondly, it was hard to look away long enough to do so. Even as Mk began to sit up, rubbing his head uncomfortably, Macaque was already in front of him, his staff extended before his face and inches from his nose.
"Not bad...ugh-" He turned to huff a laugh into his scarf, "Don't get me wrong, but- I was kind of expecting a little more from someone with your power." He told him. Mk stared up, eyes wide. In an instant. he moved to stand, trying to get in a ready stance, "Hey, hey, I've got more. I can give way more than that. I can do better." He told Macaque earnestly, borderline begging under the lines for another go, another chance. Macaque only hummed, before turning and flipping his scarf over his shoulder, walking away, "Okay. Maybe show me next time."
"Next time?" Mk asked, following after his heels, "Are we not gonna do more?" He seemed borderline anxious about this being the end of the session. I stood now, trying to get the feeling back in my legs.
"Mk, you guys have been training for a good few hours now. It's late." I told him. I would have gestured to a window, but I couldn't exactly find any to help my reasoning.
"It is?" Mk seemed surprised.
"Easy to lose track of time when your busy, huh kid?" Macaque piped up, leaning against a pillar not far. "Come by again tomorrow. We can work on more than."
"It... might be a good idea to bump up that time frame." I offered. A brow was raised in my direction. "Why would you say that?"
"I don't think it's a good idea to put him up to more of this so soon. Give him a breather period." Mk glanced between us, unsure.
"I- I don't mind honestly- I can handle it." I looked at Mk, feeling my shoulders sag, "Mk, I don't think you should-"
"The sooner I can get some good training, the better I'll be." I tried searching his gaze. This didn't feel right. This would be an entirely new routine, a new strain, a new stress-
"...are you sure?" I asked, hoping he would at least think about it. Mk didn't hesitate to throw a thumbs up in the air, "Totally! It's gonna be great!"

The uncertainty and unease didn't go away. The burning feeling of eyes in my head began to become unbearable, and I finally looked in the direction.
"Let the kid do what he wants. Sides'," Macaque started, flashing a toothy smile, "What's the harm in extra help?"
 
After...whatever had happened with not mayor, I'd zoomed back to the shop where BaiHe was animatedly chatting with Pigsy with a crayon in hand, doodling on the paper. I smiled upon seeing her, my nerves finally relaxing. That was...until I took a closer look. She was...drawing Macaque?
"BaiHe, sweetie, whatcha drawin?" I asked, taking up a spot next to her.
"Mister Salty." She'd replied cheerfully, continuing to color in the hair. I froze.
"The...the cat?" I asked and she looked up at me with a wide smile and an eager nod.
"Yeah!" I rested a hand on her head as I looked at the paper she was drawing on. It was definitely Macaque. Pigsy had wandered back into the kitchen now that I was here to keep an eye on her. I briefly wondered where Tang was, but I turned my attention back to BaiHe.
"BaiHe, who's that?" I pointed to the figure she'd drawn that was clearly not a cat.
"I just told you!" She pouted, puffing out her cheeks. "It's Mister Salty!"
"Hey, look at me for a sec." I said, trying to sound gentle while switching to a serious tone. "That guy is named Macaque. You know how your ZaZa and MK always talk about the 'Journey to The West'?" She nodded, fully facing me now. "Well, he was in that story."
"I know! He told me!" BaiHe was still smiles.
"Does Cheese know?" I asked and she shook her head.
"No, he said he wanted to keep it a surprise!" She spoke as if it was a game. The feeling of dread creeped into my mind again.
"What else has he told you?"
"Nothing else about himself." BaiHe pouted, crossing her arms. "But, he does bring me candy sometimes!"
"Hey...BaiHe. Macaque..." Oh god how would I tell her this? "He used to be friends with Wukong, er-Monkey King." BaiHe's eyes widened.
"Really??" I had her attention now.
"Mhm. But...something happened between them. Something that really hurt Macaque. Stories say that he turned bitter, and wanted some form of revenge on Monkey King. And...he went away for a while. A long while. So, it's a little shocking that he's shown up now. So, I need you to tell me everything he's told you."
"...Promise not to tell ZaZa?" She asked, holding up her pinky finger. "I don't want Mr. Salty getting mad at me." I wrapped mine around hers.
"I promise." And with that, she told me pretty much everything she could remember. How he'd revealed himself on the night she guarded the store and kept her company, how he'd sometimes talk to her while she was alone in the shop. He'd always deflected when she wanted to know more about him, though. She was very upset about this fact, though. She swore he had no bad intentions, and that maybe he was trying to be nicer so he and Monkey King could make up! I nodded, really hoping that was the case. She was so excited to see him in action this morning, because this was her first time seeing him fight a monster. It was cool, unlike that mean old fire boy. Her words, not mine. Once she finished telling me everything I hummed in thought.
"Okay, so he hasn't done anything to hurt you, that's good." Because he'd see the underworld again if he did. "But, if he hurts MK or Cheese, you have to tell Cheese that Mr. Salty is Macaque, okay?"
"Okay!" She smiled as if she truly believed Macaque wasn't going to harm anyone. I wanted to believe her, I really did. But something in me was screaming that he was here to cause trouble. But then, why didn't I get this feeling when he was a cat? When he was around BaiHe? It was only when he was with MK that I got that horrible feeling. Maybe...he only meant harm with MK? That made me feel way more uneasy. My attention was grabbed by you and MK walking into the shop. MK looked...exhausted.
"Woah, buddy, are you alright?" I asked, getting up to place a hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah! Yeah. Macaque's training is a bit more intense than Monkey King's." MK said, flashing a tired smile. I looked at you, and you seemed worried. "What happened?"
While MK collapsed onto a chair for a breather, BaiHe quickly went to his side, pestering him with questions about Macaque. You explained what had gone on - minus the partner bit MK noted - and I sighed. "Okay...So...Just...training..." Maybe I was wrong and getting worked up over nothing. You'd asked if I was alright, and I realized how jumpy I've been since getting this ring.
"I-I'm fine...I just. I dunno, maybe my gut feeling was wrong, but..." I lowered my voice, so BaiHe wouldn't overhear. "Macaque died in the story right? How is he here? I just...I feel like he might use MK. I don't know why, but something is, like, nagging in my brain telling me something is wrong. I think I'm going nuts." BaiHe was tugging at your sleeve now.
"ZaZa, MK passed out!" There was worry in her eyes, and she was pointing to MK who was out cold.
"Don't worry, BaiHe. He's probably just exhausted from his training with Macaque today." I said, resting a hand on her head. When she looked up at me, she had a streak of white that hadn't been there before. I blinked and it was gone. I felt sick. "His apartment's almost fixed up already. This city is pretty fast with repairs. It kinda freaks me out." I laughed nervously. "I gotta jet. Bolin wants to show me something." I hugged you and BaiHe, giving her a quick kiss to the top of her head, before zooming off.

As soon as I got home, Bolin ran up and hugged me. I laughed, patting his head as I kicked the door closed behind me. "Heya, bud! Whatcha wanna show me?" He pulled me to the couch, grabbing my laptop and showing me what he'd been doing. Research on skull rings...! Sadly there was no information on it. Well, no solid information. I sighed and closed the laptop, placing a kiss to Bolin's forehead.
"Thanks for trying, Bo. I'll get rid of this thing soon enough." Bolin grunted, clearly not believing me, but decided not to push it. We watched TV for a while until I decided to go to bed.


E can come whenever she wants- just- not her buddy.
I'M BACK IN THE FUCKING BUILDING AGAIN- Goddamnit, could I not just have a normal dream? Macaque's voice echoed around the white void.
"Where am I!?" I shouted, my voice being the only one that didn't echo.
My lady...
A new voice filled the void and I whipped around, seeing a hunched figure on their knees, their color shifting between light blue and gray. I walked closer, reaching out. When my had reached them, they...didn't disappear. The figure looked up. Hold on is that-
My lady?
His hair was different and he looked so much younger, but it was him. It was the guy who'd given MK the skull key. He was wearing armor- ancient era armor by the looks of it. Tears had filled his eyes, and he was holding onto something, a wall maybe? He was barely holding himself up and his arm covered his abdomen as if he was injured. I stepped closer, wanting to help him up. His apparition still didn't disappear, but my touch did nothing, as he crumpled back onto the ground. I got onto my knees next to him as he began to mumble the same thing over and over.
"Hey..." I said, knowing he couldn't hear me. "It's gonna be okay. I dunno who your lady is, but I'm sure you'll see her again." He disappeared and I felt a hand on my shoulder. I flinched and looked over my shoulder to see...oh fUCK IT'S HIM- IT'S THE GUY- But he wasn't a colored apparition!! I scrambled backwards, pointing. "HOW THE HELL ARE YOU HERE?" He just stood there smiling.
"I-I'm not afraid to attack the elderly!" I got up to my feet, but he didn't move, nor make a sound. Okay...I need to wake up now. Please? I shut my eyes, trying to will myself to wake up but-
"That won't work here."
I looked at him, eyes wide now.
"What are you talking about?" He didn't bother to answer further and he disappeared into a plume of smoke. I ran up to touch it and-

My face hit the floor as I fell out of bed. I groaned and sat up, rubbing my cheeks. "God damnit..." I muttered, grabbing my phone to check the time. It was around time for me to wake up, anyway. I groaned and looked at the ring. "What are you...?" I muttered. I heard a yip from downstairs, so I ran down, thinking something had happened to Bolin. Bolin was on the couch, petting the fox that he'd found just the other week. Right. You had let it free a few days ago. How did it get in, though? Bolin waved at me and I waved back.
Over the next couple days, MK had been training with both Macaque and Wukong, and I could see the physical toll it was taking on him. Today though, he said Macaque had something big in mind. That made the gut feeling come back, but apparently Macaque just wanted MK on this one, since they were going up to a mountain to train. That made the gut feeling even worse. Over the next few hours, as the sun began to set, I couldn't stop worrying. When the stars were starting to come out and everyone was hanging out in the shop, since MK's apartment had been fixed and we wanted to surprise him with it, I just decided to call him.
Right as I pulled out my phone, though, he walked through the entrance looking worse for wear. BaiHe ran up to him, smiling at first but noting that he looked exhausted and injured.
"MK are you okay?" She asked, following him to a seat, where he sat down, resting his head on the table.
"So...bad news." He said, letting out a heavy sigh. "Macaque is evil." BaiHe's face paled.
"Wh-Why??" She questioned hands messing with the rim of her shirt. "What'd he do??"
"He uh..." MK took a deep breath. "Tried to take my powers and kill Monkey King. And also me, I think."
"WHAT!?" Everyone just about yelled the same thing at the same time. BaiHe looked at me, and I walked over to her, crouching down.
"BaiHe, remember our promise, yeah?" I said and she nodded sadly. She slowly made her way over to you, on the verge of tears. I stayed with her as she looked at the ground.
"ZaZa?" Her voice was meek. She didn't want to be in trouble. I rested a hand on her head.
"It's okay, BaiHe. You're not gonna get in trouble. I'll steal you if you do, and you can live with me." I joked, and that seemed to cheer her up slightly. She nodded and clenched her fists, taking a deep breath to ready herself.
"MISTERSALTYISMACAQUE-" She shouted quickly, before hiding in her jacket. I sighed when you looked between me and her, so I figured I'd explain.
"So, the cat you've named Mr. Salty? Apparently, that's Macaque. Wait. Macat. Heh."
"Ev, focus-" Pigsy said, leaning over the counter. "This is serious."
"Yeah, I know, sorry. BaiHe told me when we first saw Macaque that he'd revealed himself to her...the day we had our run in with Spider Queen. From what she told me, he didn't want her to tell Cheese because he wanted it to be a surprise. BaiHe swears up and down that he hasn't hurt her, but I made her promise me that if he hurt Cheese or MK that she'd have to fess up."
"OHHH Macat, I get it." MK said, poking his head over the seat. I snorted, sucking in my lips to refrain from laughing. He sure knew how to diffuse a situation.
"Does that mean he can't visit anymore?" BaiHe asked meekly, touching her pointer fingers together.
"I'm afraid so, kiddo." Pigsy said, pinching the bridge of his nose as he took in the information. "He's dangerous, which means that if he keeps visitin' you and Cheese, he could hurt you." BaiHe pouted, but didn't argue. I crouched down to her level, my arms resting on my knees.
"Hey, I've got tomorrow off. You, Me, and Cheese can go to the arcade." I said and she sighed and gave a sad smile. Mei slung herself over me.
"Oh! I'll come too!"
"Come on guys, you're going to the arcade when I have work???"
"It's your punishment for not listening to Cheese when they wanted you to take a break."
"Boooooo!"


About a week passed, and I was getting so excited for the Lunar New Year festival. Before then, though, MK was going to train at Flower Fruit Mountain for a few days. We all hugged him goodbye, but he did leave us with a clone. The clone was...not helpful. Like at all. Especially not when we were hanging out in the shop and the ground began to shake and the roar of the Bull King raged through the city. We'd taken Bolin, who'd not been affected by whatever the other bull clones had been, and BaiHe and we kept them on Sandy's ship, because that's quite literally the safest place they can be right now.
My first encounter with the possessed bull clones was...unpleasant. It exploded in my face and when I'd looked in a nearby window...my right eye was sprouting blue cracks. I'd grabbed a bandage and wrapped it over my head. I couldn't let anyone else see that. I grabbed a nearby jacket and slipped it on. Apocalypse gear, baby!
When we'd managed to get to sleep that night, everyone taking turns on watch...I'd had the worst nightmare yet.


I was back in the white void, but in front of me stood BaiHe, her apparition pink. She had her back faced to me and I reached out to her.
"BaiHe-" But she exploded into blue flame and I stumbled backwards, eyes wide. A woman's laughter echoed throughout the white void, and BaiHe, now a light blue, turned to me, her eyes glowing. She had a wide smile on her face, and she was wearing a different outfit, and her hair was up.
Destiny awaits.
 
"Okay, that's enough! "
I was on my feet in an instant, unable to stay seated. The two sparring partner's took a moment to slow down, but came to halt soon enough. Mk was heaving great lungful's of air, sweat dripping from his upper lip and chin as he was finally granted a moment to pause. If I hadn't stepped up onto the mats to steady him, he likely would have fallen over.
"What's the hold-up? We were kind of in the middle of something." It was hard to look away from Mk, worry building stronger in my chest.
"Sit down," I told him quietly, ushering him to the floor. He was shaky and unsteady, but he made no move to argue, eyes shut tight as he simply did his best to catch his breath. "I'll grab you some water, alright?"
"Hey, what's your deal? He was doing just fine-"
I grit my teeth as I stepped over to the side where my bag was, fishing out a water bottle. I'd been coming to the training sessions as often as time would allow, between my own work and taking care of Baihe. This was day four or five I'd say, and honestly, though it was efficient in it's own way, something about the methods and lessons being used didn't sit well with me. Today seemed to be the height of it. Making my way back onto the mat, I moved to kneel by Mk's side- a staff stuck out in front of me, cutting me off from moving further. With a deep inhale, I turned to look to the holder. Macaque stared back, tail lashing.
"I'm just giving him water. If you want some, you can ask." I said firmly, moving to slide the staff aside. He let me for the most part. Mk, having had a few seconds to recuperate, accepted the bottle like a man in a desert, tearing off the top and dropping it back. Immediately I had my hands on his, "Woah, woah! Slow! You gotta sip it first- if you drink too fast while dehydrated you'll just puke." He whined at this, wanting to get rid of the parched, dry feeling in his throat sooner rather than a few seconds later, but did as told. I watched him for a moment, just to be sure, before nodding and standing again. Macaque kept an eye on the scene, and despite his indifferent expression, his tail and occasionally twitching lip gave some of him away.
"Look- I get what you're trying to do. But this? It's too much. You need to slow down once in awhile-"
"You got something against how I teach? Listen- don't take it personally, but you don't exactly look like someone experienced in... any of this."
The immediate need to gnash my teeth came over me, but I only gritted my teeth and set my shoulders straight.
"You're right, I don't." I said honestly, "But I do know the importance of breaks during bodily strains like this. It's going to drain anyone to the point of collapse, and you're running him to that line faster than a street racer." The crinkling of the plastic bottle sounded, empty. I glanced at Mk, grateful to see he was looking a little better than a few seconds ago. He moved and rolled the bottle back and forth in his hands, glancing up at the two of us and down again.

"I dunno, I think it's kinda like... The sooner I can get used to it, the easier it will be." Mk finally piped up.
"Exactly," Macaque said appraisingly, "See? The kid gets it." Mk smiled a bit at that, but seeing my expression, he shrunk a bit. He gave a small, albeit nervous, laugh, "well, I've had a sec- might wanna get back to it. Rise and Grind I guess?" He began to stand, pressing his arms heavy on his knees to prop himself up. "Sit back down, Mk." I told him firmly. He looked up again, blinking. He tried to smile, something disarming, easing.
"Wha? No, really, I'm fine Cheese-"
"Mk, you're shaking." My brows furrowed, arms crossed so tightly my fingers began to dig into my biceps through my flannel. He paused, before looking down at himself. "You can't hold your staff like this..." It was a fact.
"He'll be fine. Come on, kid. From the top." Macaque coaxed, already getting into position. Mk looked a bit torn, but he still moved to pick up his staff, and staggered almost immediately, slipping into a pillar. I hurried to help him back up, but a grip on my arm stopped me. I was jerked backwards, off the mats. Stumbling over my shoes, I steadied and looked up, ruffled. Macaque stepped forward, standing in front of me to keep me from stepping back onto the mats. His gaze had hardened into a glare, frustration written all over his face.
"Quit babying him- how's he gonna get better if you're here?"
"Have you seen him? He's falling over with every step, Macaque!"
"He's still getting up. If he can get up, he can fight." He bared his teeth. My eyes widened, shrinking back a tad. He can't be serious. I wanted him to not be serious. I glanced over his shoulder. Mk was staring back, watching as his newest mentor practically loomed. The uncertainty was more clear than ever, but he didn't say a word. He was still leaning against the pillar he fell into. I looked back to Macaque, feeling a spark of anger in the overwhelming wave of concern. I returned his glare, straightening again.
"This is not how you train someone- this is how you break someone."
I didn't think Macaque's glare could get any sharper, yet here I stood, feeling the icy tip of the blade. It took a lot not to bend under the pressure his presence carried.

Soon enough, Macaque stood straight himself. "I don't think you should come to training anymore." He said coldly. Mk looked to him, eyes wide.
"You've been getting in the way, and you don't seem all on board with the new hero getting any better." My jaw nearly hit the floor.
"I think you know where the door is." He told me. When I didn't move, staring at him in utter disbelief, he sharply lifted his staff beside my head, pointing to the exit behind me. I jolted at the motion. After a moment, I finally breathed in, then out in a short sigh. My glare returned, "Fine." Something akin to a victory smirk quirked the dark furred monkey's lips.
"Glad we're on the same page." He hummed as I knelt and scooped up my bag, slinging it over my shoulder.
"Cheese..." Mk uttered, but I couldn't look at him. I didn't want to look at either of them. Macaque began to turn, ready to get back to work. Sharply, I dropped my bag back down to hold, digging in and freeing the extra bottles I had saved. I started to set them down on the floor, three in total, before coming to the last one. With an arm reeled back, I hurled it towards Macaque's back. Mk gave a short, strangled gasp of surprise, unexpecting of such an act from me.
Macaque's ear twitched, and he turned so quickly he was a blur, catching it in a millisecond. I looked at him then, locking gazes.
"Don't forget to drink water." I said, before finally turning and leaving. I heard a small huff of a laugh from him, but nothing else. I heard Mk shouting after me as I left the building and turned down the street, gripping the strap of my bag so tightly my fingers began to ache, but I didn't want to look back, head clouded with thoughts to the point it hurt. The walk home was lonelier than usual.

The next three days... Were rough. There wasn't any other way to put it. Mk was coming back looking more and more ragged by the day, and his entire demeanor was, well, sharp. He was quick to irritate, would even snap at Pigsy and Tang. I don't know what happened when I was kicked out of the dojo that day, or what was happening while I was away, unable to stop anything. It's not like I didn't try to go back, uncaring of my recalled invitation. But everything seemed to keep me from going. My bike missing bolts, popped tires, sudden road blocks, signs for detours leading me in circles. It was insane. The calls for animals skyrocketed too, and it was almost as bad as the calls were in the beginning. Like everything was trying to keep me from going to the Dojo.
What was even worse, was that Mk seemed especially avoidant of me. When I finally cornered him, trying to see what was up with him, if he was okay, if he needed any help- he snapped at me. He'd slammed what he'd been holding onto the counter and just- shouted. Even Pigsy jumped, and it's hard to catch the pig demon by surprise.
"God would you quit that?! You treat me like a baby, all the time! I'm fully capable of taking care of myself!" I remember him yelling, tugging his hair. "Would it kill you to just stop babying me?? Ugh!"
He'd left in a huff then. I'm glad you weren't there then, or Baihe. I'm ashamed Pigsy had to see me after that fiasco.
The same night, he'd actually dragged the boy to my door after I'd put Baihe to bed, and goddess he looked like a mess. He was in tears when I answered the door, Pigsy standing firm like an officer as he began apologizing profusely. He tried to hug me, but I stepped back, un-wanting of being touched. That only made him cry harder, I swore I heard his heart shatter for half a second. I'd assured him it was fine, that all was okay, and he calmed a bit before I told them it was late, and that I was tired. They accepted that, but I could tell they didn't quite believe it. I had a feeling I knew who to blame for this behavior, especially the wording- but I couldn't bring myself to feel angry about it. Just, sad.
Mr.Salty seemed more wanting of cuddles that night. I would have said it was weird of him a few weeks ago, but I'd started to get used to sharing my bed with him. He started this routine a little while ago, where he'd be with Baihe until she went to bed, then he'd show up when I finally decided to go to bed. Like he knew my routine and waited. Smart cat is what I chalked it up as.
I was glad he was there actually, even if I got his fur a little wet.

Mk was gone for the whole day today, all the way until the night came. No one knew where he was, he wouldn't answer his phone, nothing. We would have asked Monkey King, considering he was supposed to be with him today, but the trip over would take too long, and he didn't exactly have a phone. I'd taken a detour, uninterrupted this time, to the dojo. I was supposed to pick up Baihe from the senior center in a few minutes, and I was nearly there before my gut told me to check. I was fully prepared to get snapped at, or have Macaque shoving his staff in my face again, but there was nothing. It was quiet as a graveyard. They weren't there. Neither of them were.
Mei called then, asking me if I'd talked to Mk at all today. Then you, saying he didn't show up to work today. I felt like ice was poured over my head when I turned around again, riding back in the direction of the senior center. I was spam calling him, I knew I was, but I couldn't help it. Something felt horribly wrong, but the words wouldn't leave my chest. Baihe knew something was up- I didn't take her to the shop even once during this whole ordeal, scared Mk might hurt her feelings in his state. It was hard to imagine he ever would, but with the fact I got the brunt of being snapped at, I couldn't be certain. When I pulled up to the shop instead of going home, she was honestly excited at first- until we walked in and everyone was already there, looking more anxious than ever. She didn't understand why until she noticed Mk wasn't there at all.
We all waited together at the shop until it was sunset. Some of us had paced lines into the floor. Mei picked at her phone case so often that she'd ripped it trying to keep Baihe distracted with silly animal videos. We'd all tried calling on our own, and gave up for awhile- but you decided to give it one last try, pulling out your phone with a determined look in your eye. You were about to punch in your code, when the shade for the door shifted.

All eyes snapped to look, and low and behold, there he was. Mk, all limbs attached. He looking far worse than I'd ever seen him before, holding his ribs and stomach, almost limping, but alive and present.
BaiHe was on her feet in an instant, a smile so wide that it ran up to her ears. She hurried to him, arms ready to give him the biggest Baihe hug ever- but she halted, skidding on the tile. She stared, openly, before shrinking into herself. Through half lidded eyes, he looked to her, giving the barest hint of a smile before grimacing and shuffling past. Baihe followed at his heels until he sat down. We all watched, eyes wide like a ghost entered the room. Pigsy was hurrying for hi first aid kid on the wall. It was probably almost empty with how often he had to patch us up.
"MK, are you okay?" She asked quietly, as if speaking too loud would hurt him too. He had his face in his palm, before slowly resting his head onto the counter, feeling the cold against unseen bruises in his skin.
"So...bad news." He said, letting out a heavy sigh. "Macaque is evil." He told the room blandly. There was a chorus of mixed reactions, but all seemed to lean pretty heavy on the, 'yeah, we kind of saw that coming,' spectrum. I could only stare, before monotonously making my way into the kitchen, passing Pigsy as he wiggled his way out. I pulled open the freezer door, digging through the assortment of frozen goods as conversation progressed. A part of me was relieved my suspicions and concerns weren't just paranoia, or me thinking too far into it. The entire situation did feel inherently wrong, but I didn't trust myself to voice it the way I should have. I'd tried- and both times, I was snapped at, either by Macaque, or Mk.
I stood straight, closing the freezer with a bag of frozen peas in hand. When I'd walked back in, I faintly noticed you having taken Baihe off to the side to the dining tables, talking softly to her. If I wasn't so stuck on autopilot, I would have likely been more reactive to seeing my little girls eyes full of tears. Walking up to Mk's side, he nearly flinched seeing me beside him. I stared even more, before looking down, eyeing the bruises up and down his arms and the side of his head.
"Hey Cheese..." He murmured. I didn't answer. I held out the peas. He was quiet, but slowly accepted them with a small thank you and pressed them to his chest. I stepped back, and his eyes followed. I didn't meet his gaze. He sagged a little noticing that, but said nothing. When I turned, ready to walk further away, I found you and Baihe walking up to me. I blinked, confused, before willing myself to come out of autopilot as best I could. Baihe fiddled with her fingers and sleeves, biting her lip and looking anywhere but me. With a gentle hand on her shoulder and some encouraging words, she finally spoke.
"ZaZa?" Her voice was meek. She didn't want to be in trouble. You moved your hand from her shoulder to rest on her head.
"It's okay, BaiHe. You're not gonna get in trouble. I'll steal you if you do, and you can live with me." You'd joked, and that seemed to cheer her up slightly. I rose a brow, confused on what could possibly make her think she'd get in trouble for.
She nodded and clenched her fists, taking a deep breath to ready herself.

"MISTERSALTYISMACAQUE-" She shouted quickly, before hiding in her jacket.
My heart felt like it fell through the floor. I was frozen for a moment, before slowly looking to you. I must have lost some color. You grimaced sympathetically, before moving to explain; "So, the cat you've named Mr. Salty? Apparently, that's Macaque. Wait. Macat. Heh."
"Ev, focus-" Pigsy scolded, leaning over the counter. "This is serious."
"Yeah, I know, sorry. BaiHe told me when we first saw Macaque that he'd revealed himself to her...the day we had our run in with Spider Queen. From what she told me, he didn't want her to tell Cheese because he wanted it to be a surprise. BaiHe swears up and down that he hasn't hurt her, but I made her promise me that if he hurt Cheese or MK that she'd have to fess up." The run in with Spider Queen?... My brain was running as rapidly through memories as possible.
The door.
The icy feeling was back again, stronger than before. My heart rate picked up, and I couldn't look anywhere but the floor.
The door, the door, the door-
"Keep an eye on her for me, okay? I'll be back soon,"
The flash of violet eyes, the figure in the dark, looming over her asleep in her favorite bean chair, the fucking tail-
"OHHH Macat, I get it." I heard Mk faintly say. It felt like my ears were filling with water, sloshing storms rising in my head.
"Does that mean he can't visit anymore?" BaiHe asked meekly. I couldn't see her, my eyes foggy with the memory that kept me up for weeks. The danger she had been in- that I put her in.
"I'm afraid so, kiddo." Pigsy said, pinching the bridge of his nose as he took in the information. "He's dangerous, which means that if he keeps visitin' you and Cheese, he could hurt you."
He was in my house-
I felt on the verge of collapse.
"What's wrong with a little extra help?"

"It's your punishment for not listening to Cheese when they wanted you to take a break." Pigsy chimed, cutting through the white noise. I jerked. I was shaking, I was shaking so hard. I clenched my fists to steady it, but my breathing felt shallow and uneven.
"Ev," I managed to choke out. You looked at me, curious. Then concerned. "Can Baihe stay over at your place for a little bit?..." I couldn't talk any louder, bordering on a whisper. "Feel like her and Bolin haven't hung out in awhile, and the shop is kinda crazy right now." I felt like I was running for excuses. By the look on your face, I think you already knew that.
"Please." My voice cracked with the word. I didn't want her to be there, not at the shop. Not where I knew he was probably waiting, ready to pretend and cozy up as he always did.
The mysterious, grumpy little stray, what a part he could play.
The sudden feeling of needing to heave up my guts took over, and I turned for the door, needing air.
"Zaza?" Baihe called as I hunkered onto the sidewalk, feeling the concrete. Hard, cold, steady. I heard you take over talking to her, but whatever was said missed my ears. The shadow of a body was ahead, hidden and blending with the alley way across the street. I watched it from over my arms and through my lashes, watching as it changed shape, morphing into a slim body of a cat, and taking off in a bound, further into the dark.

The next week was also rough. You'd agreed to take in Baihe, though you were hesitant. Baihe and Bolin were ecstatic to have such a long sleepover for the time, and I was grateful for the lack of pressure to pretend all was fine. Turns out, Mr.Salty- or, well, Macaque was more persistent then ever. Determined to keep up his little disguise, to keep what was his routine in the months of playing literal house. He and I both knew the ruse was up, but it didn't seem to stop him. I think I chased him with a broom more often than I would've liked, and within the first few days, he stopped using the cat form altogether. No matter what I did, no matter what locks or alarms I put in, he still got in. It drove me nuts on how until I finally caught him. Y'know all those shadows I'd been seeing everywhere? Made me think I was going batshit insane? I was cooking myself food in the kitchen at three in the morning when the shadow on the wall slowly grew a hand and stole the sliced cheese off the counter.
Doubly grateful Baihe wasn't there, because I cussed like a sailor who'd stubbed his toe, and I didn't need her hearing or repeating the profanities I'd been screeching. Exhaustion and defeat rang true, as that same night I left an extra bowl at the other end of the table for him. I couldn't stand the fact that I did, but food was food, and I'd made enough for two anyhow.
The next day, Mk announced he was going on retreat to Flower Fruit Mountain for a few days to fix his training. It wasn't bad, but he had some burned into his brain habits that he needed adjusted. Mk was glad to give everyone hugs, but it didn't miss anyone that he hesitated when he got to me. We both stood a moment. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, unsure as I fidgeted with my bandages. With a deep sigh, I reached out, taking him by the arm and tugging him into my arms. He was stiff as a board at first, but melted immediately, hugging back so tightly I think my back popped.
I couldn't help laughing as he rubbed his head into my shoulder, gladly squeezing him back. He breathed a small sigh of relief, and I found myself doing the same.
"You take care of yourself over there, okay?..." I told him as he pulled away. He smiled wide, saluting, "Will do!" I smiled back, nodding, saluting too.
As he got ready to go, he blew on a hair and gave us a clone just in case. We waved him bye, wishing him all the luck.
When I turned, I was surprised to find you looking so tired. I couldn't tell if it was both the kids running you ragged or not, but I couldn't help but nod in sympathy.
"Maybe we should just take a nap day today." I joked as we all headed back to the shop.

Be it wonderful and on point for plot that the second Mk leaves, everything goes to shit. We didn't even get to be in the shop for longer than two hours before all hell broke loose.
Bull clones, everywhere. Worse than the first DBK takeover ever had been. Sandy took the kids, locking up at the docks, determined to keep them safe while we turned the shop into a makeshift hideout, barring the windows and doors. You'd been injured at some point, wrapping half your head and your eye. Pigsy and I insisted we take a look at it, but you were hellbent on keeping us from it, insisting you already had it and it was fine. We had to cave in due to yelling made the bull clones stalk up to the door like a stalking zombie hoard.
I had flashbacks to one of my favorite videogames, L4D, and immediately was petrified by images of the bull clone zombies evolving and mutating. That did not help with my stress levels, but hey, apocalypse fits go hard.
Now was just a matter of how to survive this, end this, and how soon Mk would get back.
If only three days was faster than it actually was.
 
The morning I'd awoken from that dream, I was...on edge, to say the least. I had to keep reminding myself that BaiHe was safe. Sandy's ship was the safest place she could be. She'll be fine. While I was on watch, I traced the bandage I'd applied. With everything happening, I couldn't let you guys worry about something else. I'd deal with it by myself. I just had to figure out what was going on, and that started with finding out what this ring was. When everyone was awake, we'd hopped into the Noodle Truck that Sandy had fortified. We were trying to help other people as well, getting them to safe areas.
At some point, we'd crashed into a small horde of possessed bull clones, sending them flying into the air. I'd climbed on top of the truck, to see why we'd stopped and-
"MK!" I shouted, stumbling down and hugging him. "Thank fuck you're back, dude!"
"Guys!" MK let out a laugh as he admired our outfits. "You look awesome!"
"Yeah..." Mei said, hopping in front of MK and sheathing her blade. "So, uh...some stuff happened while you were away. Got kind of...intense"
"But I left you with one of my boys?" MK said, head tilted like a puppy.
"Oh he's been super useful." Tang mused, glancing at the clone in the passenger seat beside him.
"I dunno what to tell ya, man." And with a poof, all that was left was hair. Good riddance to that guy, if you ask me. Now, we had the real MK back!
"So, what happened??" MK asked, grabbing me by the shoulders and shaking me. "AND WHY DO YOU HAVE YOUR EYE COVERED-"
"Well, after you left-" The sound of a gay nerd clearing his throat interrupted Mei as Tang slid over.
"If you'll allow me?" Mei and I groaned, but let the man proceed.
"Well, after you left, the bull clones attacked. But they were different. More powerful than before. We believe it's all tied back to the Demon Bull King himself. MK...He's conquered everything."
MK's face paled, and he looked to me.
"I uhm...just got injured. It's nothing serious, but better safe than sorry...heh..." Clearly nobody was buying this, but I was stubborn so they didn't push further. MK let out a deep sigh, a slight rumble coming from his throat.
"Where is he?" He asked. I don't think I've ever seen him this serious before... "Where's DBK?"
"We're not sure." Sandy said with a shake of his head, holding Mo in his arms. "But there's some pretty scary noises comin' from the mountain."

We'd all hopped into the truck, and I was in the back with you. Despite the swerving, and chaos from outside, I could see that you were panicking. You had every right to be! The stray cat you'd let into your home was actually a stray monkey who tried to kill MK! And now, we're going down to face DBK. I reached out to you, bumping my knuckles with yours.
"Hey..." I spoke in english, giving you a slight smile. "We're gonna be okay. MK's back with new training moves, and he'll kick ass like he always does." I tried not to let it show that not even I fully believed in those words, but with a jolt the truck stopped, abruptly ending my speaking. I'd sat up, now wielding a crowbar. Bolin had my hoverboard, just in case he and BaiHe needed to make a getaway.

"Alright, what's the plan?" Asked big blue. Ah, right, they'd all insited on being in the front.
"Uh...I dunno." MK said with a shrug. "I was just gonna...wing it?"
"Sounds great!" Sandy said as Mei offered a hyped up 'YEAH'. "Let's go!"
"What!? No!" MK scrambled, eyes wide. "I didn't mean you guys, too!"
"You thought you were going without us?" Tang asked, pushing up his glasses.
"MK, we get it." Pigsy said, hands still gripping the steering wheel. "You're the Monkie Kid, hah? And it's your job to fight the bad guys."
"But we're your team, little man!" Sandy chimed in, Mo on his shoulder. "It's our job to get ya there!"
"No matter what!" Mei slid in. I rested a hand on MK's shoulder.
"And besides, we're your friends. We're gonna help you the best we can." I said, looking at him with a smile and a firm nod.
MK looked around at all of us, his eyes watering at he smiled.

The engines revved as Pigsy hit the gas, and the truck flew onto the road beneath, now having to avoid one of the bull cars.
"LOOK!" Tang shouted, pointing at the window. "DBK's throne room! It's got to be down tHEEERRREEE-" His voice changed in tone as the bull car was now at our side, ready to ram into our truck. And it did, a couple times before we'd been grabbed by Sandy right before the truck exploded and we were booking it towards the bull car. Sandy leapt up, and I had to hold tight onto him because my gods did he go high, and came down with a ground shattering punch, effectively smashing the bull car. We jumped off of. Sandy and dove head first into the cavern, only for Mei to stab her sword into the wall to stop us from falling to our death. MK clung to her leg with one arm, you'd clung to him, and I was barely clinging to you.
"Now what?" MK asked and I sighed. Right, we were winging it. We really needed to start doing plans. Something caught my attention though, but none of you seemed to hear it.
Traitor...T r a i t o r...
The same word repeated over and over in the back of my mind. Something knew it wasn't for me, but if it wasn't then who...? I closed my eyes, trying to zone in on the voice when-oh god. Oh god no- Mei's phone started ringing and my grasp on you was slipping.
Let go...Let go.
I looked up at you and your grip on my arm was slipping.
"Dingo, bud? Do you trust me?" I asked, being met with a look of confusion. "Let me go. I'll be fine, I promise." I let go of your arm as the bull clones' eyes all started to glow the same shade of blue I'd been seeing for the past week or so. As they jumped, your hold on me slipped and I fell backwards, plummeting down. I braced myself for some form of impact, and shut my eyes for good measure. A cold touch caught me, and I jolted as I fell with it. I dared not open my eyes, but when the thing that grabbed me hit the ground, it smashed the ground beneath it. Then? I was dropped flat onto my back. I took a few deep breaths. Okay. I was still alive. Not for long, since you'd probably kill me for scaring you like that. I'd landed not too far from DBK and his family, because I could see them in the distance. But they were...fighting? As I gripped my crowbar and moved closer, Ironfan blocked an attack from DBK, who's eyes were glowing bright blue. Redson was knocked back onto the ground and bounced a few times. I'd started to run towards them when MK crash landed into the ground, holding onto you to make sure you didn't bare the brunt of the impact. He was mostly indestructible now, after all.
"MK! Cheese!-" I'd gasped, running over to making sure the two of you were okay.
"The little thief." Ruh oh, that didn't sound good. I looked up, and DBK had his head in his grasp, his eyes returning to normal for a moment, before glowing once again. As MK did a couple short stretched, DBK zeroed in on him.
"Sun Wukong! Come to lock me away again? I'll crush you where you stand!" Blue energy swirled around DBK, as he started to become stronger.
"Wukong?" MK asked, shaking his head. "Uh, I think you got the wrong guy. Are you feelin' okay, bud?"
"Guys, I don't think he's-" I'd started to speak as MK reached for the staff, but cut myself off when DBK was now charging at us. I grabbed you and yanked you out of the way as MK scrambled in his own escape.
"Mother, what are you-" I looked up as Ironfan used her fan to create wind blades that launched at her husband, but maneuvered behind him, exploding machinery as another gust of wind picked us up and brought us out of the blast radius. Okay, something was definitely up. DBK had to have been possessed or something.
"The canisters." Ironfan spoke, ready to defend or attack. "The power inside has driven him mad." More voices in the back of my head as I got onto my feet, gripping the crowbar.
"Alright." MK said, lifting his staff. "Time for round two."
"No." Redson put his arm in front of us. "This time, we fight with you." He shot himself forward with flames and I leapt into action as well. I knew there wasn't much I could do, but I could at least try. Redson hit the ground, dust and debris obscuring DBK's vision. I dug through my hair, pulling out... oh sick! Paint bomb! I threw it up and batted it with my crowbar, hitting DBK in the chest. I smiled, since I usually sucked at batting. I glanced at Redson, who was now staring at me.
"What? Somn' on my face?" I asked, wiping my cheek with my arm. Ironfan had used her fan to create a whirlwind around her husband, but all efforts were in vain.
"You will meet your fate together!" DBK roared, taking the power surrounding him and expelling it, launching us back. I landed on the ground between Ironfan and Redson-wait where were you and MK-OH SHIT MY CROWBAR- The voices were louder this time, but they weren't coming from me. Whatever was possessing DBK...could it possess me too? Would I become destructive and hurt you and the others? I didn't have much time to linger on these thoughts, as a rock hit DBK in the back of the head. We all turned our gaze to MK, who'd had stockpiled on rocks.
"Yeah!" He shouted. "I got more rocks where that one came from!" DBK shoved him into the wall with his hand, and I'd gotten onto my feet, leaning against a piece of rubble as I caught my breath. My eye started to tingle, and I grasped at the bandage. No, please don't. Not now, I needed to help MK- When I'd focused in again, hair was falling around DBK and MK had said something I didn't quite catch. Oh wow that is a lot of MK's, oh my gosh that's your dream isn't it??? MK was launched towards DBK, shattering the canisters as they bounced to the ground and exploded. Debris fell around us, and I'd spotted you inspecting the canisters- well, what was left of them anyhow. Whispers of freedom lingered in the back of my head and the bandage fell off my face and I'd grabbed at it- briefly making eye contact with Redson as I felt the blue cracks close themselves and returned my eye to normal. I looked away, gripping the bandage tightly. I was not going to let this thing take me. I couldn't. I wasn't going to hurt you guys. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did. With the swirl of wind, the Bull Family was gone and MK was groaning about it, just barely dodging a piece of debris.

When we were back on the surface, I shoved the bandage into my pocket, not ready to face any questions about my eye. And unluckily, I didn't have to. I saw Bolin running towards us and I smiled but-wait. Where's BaiHe? Bolin grabbed my by the shoulders, and if he'd had the mechanisms for it he'd be crying. He grunted something to me, and my eyes widened, tears welling up in my eyes.
"G-guys...BaiHe's missing."
 
FandomTrash149 said:
Let go...Let go.
I looked up at you and your grip on my arm was slipping.
"Dingo, bud? Do you trust me?" I asked, being met with a look of confusion. "Let me go. I'll be fine, I promise." I let go of your arm as the bull clones' eyes all started to glow the same shade of blue I'd been seeing for the past week or so. As they jumped, your hold on me slipped and I fell backwards, plummeting down. I braced myself for some form of impact, and shut my eyes for good measure. A cold touch caught me, and I jolted as I fell with it. I dared not open my eyes, but when the thing that grabbed me hit the ground, it smashed the ground beneath it. Then? I was dropped flat onto my back. I took a few deep breaths. Okay. I was still alive. Not for long, since you'd probably kill me for scaring you like that.
Click to expand...
Alright, being launched into a massive, deadly sinkhole was not on my checklist for experiences today, but y'know, here we are! Not much I could do now except keep as much of a death grip on you and Mk as possible. It was like an awful link chain, dangling several stories above any semblance of ground. It was so deep, doubled with mist, the bottom wasn't even visible from up here. Instant death lurked past the mist for any average human or low ranking demon. Even as we dangled, Mk couldn't help but ask.
"So... uh- now what?"
I immediately grimaced. Mayyybbeee we should have thought this more through-


Far below, a different group conversed, coming upon a new turmoil unlike our own. The Demon Bull family was nothing short of tense. The head of the family, the beast himself, Demon Bull King, all but loomed before the holographic screens, displaying every inch of his conquest. His face was sour, brows downturned and furrowed harshly together, teeth grit and jaw clamped. His usual golden eyes were over taken by a sick, ice blue, reflecting the glow of the canisters embedded to his back. If he breathed, the jangling of bones within their glass containment could be heard. Though he scowled and growled, eyes never tearing from watching the carnage he'd brought, aided by this newfound power, this incredible energy- his son, his boy, Redson stuck close to his side with a gleeful twinkle in his eye. He was eager as he spoke, "Father! Let me go up there and destroy those-" He began, ready to provide his services, his strengths- His confidence was cut in the line as DBK threw his head backwards in a deep, bellyful laugh. It was cruel, the way he sounded, mocking and borderline manic.
"YOU?!" He'd howled, "Why would I trust you?!" He'd barked out, body hunched into himself like a rabid dog. The way he twitched, tensed and gnashed his teeth felt horrifically similar. Redson jerked in surprise, recoiling into himself at the sudden harshness. The entire base he'd built with his own two hands, deep in the lava bed, had already lost most of it's heat ever since that tomb had been opened- but now, with his father cackling at him in such a way, it felt like the room had only dropped further towards a freeze. The manic grin that stretched across his fathers face morphed as he ducked his head low to his chin, all teeth bared out to his molars and canines. Redson staggered away as his fathers maniacal laugh gave way to a snarl unlike any he'd ever heard before, especially not directed towards him.
"You have brought me nothing but failure!" The Bull Kings voice was so loud it rocked against the cavern walls, returning tenfold in an echo. Redson sucked in a lip, shoulders hiked. With a quiver, he ducked his head in what could only be described as shame as his father began to stalk closer, voice growing rougher in his rage, "Time and time again, nothing but DISAPPOINTMENT!" He berated, uncaring as Redson only shrunk further into himself, but didn't dare move away. His hands shook as they clenched into fists, claws digging deep in his palms as he fought to stay still and listen to his fathers fury.
He sneered down at the young man now, finished with his short tirade, his lip curled in disgust. He began to turn, ready to look back once again on the carnage he inflicted. But he was caught by the whispers in his ears. They snuck in, soft as the breeze, growing louder. Like scratching at the back of his skull, burning into his cranium. He trembled as the words took hold. Louder and louder they grew, whispering and whispering until the one voice became many. Only one word was spoken like mantra to him.
traitor
he's a traitor
DBK stood stock straight, back as stiff as a board. His jaw trembled, and his hands shook as he stared ahead at nothing, succumbing to only hearing.
"Traitor?" He said, sounding strangled. Redson jolted, alarmed. "What?" He asked, disbelieving. "Yes, perhaps..." He started. The voices guided him, uttering nothing but praise as the mantra continued, "Yes, yes, yes-" Redson sputtered, utterly horrified. His heart thundered in his chest as he hurried to explain himself, correct his fathers sudden assumption, "N-no Father!" He exclaimed, ready to deny even the thought of such an act. He would never! How could he ever??
Bull King gave him no chance to speak, let alone explain- he rounded on him like a starving dog would over a leg of meat against another, smaller dog. His eyes were wild as he shouted, "You thought you could deceive me?? STAND AGAINST ME?!" His voice rose to almost a scream. He was screaming at Redson. Redson could hardly believe it, frozen in his spot, mouth agape. His eyes widened as his father reared back a mighty fist. He wouldn't... He couldn't! But even still, despite the thoughts of knowing his father, Bull King brought down his mighty fist. It approached so quickly Redson couldn't move if he wanted to.
Before it ever made contact however, the flash of his mother came into view. She was faster, faster than anything. Her winds carried her, and with a mighty swing, she held up her trusted weapon, her iron fan. Bull Kings fist made contact with such a force it sent off shockwaves, the metal unyielding. With the move halted, she lowered her fan, her gaze furious.
"Come to your senses!" She exclaimed, tapping her staff to the ground beside her. Her arms stuck out before her son, who could do nothing but watch on. "This power had poisoned your mind!" Her voice was stern, reaching. But Bull King could not hear her. He could hardly see her, hunched into himself. The blue in his eyes was stronger than ever, and so too were the voices.
traitor, traitor, traitor- they're all traitors
"Another traitor in my midst!" He screamed, nostrils flaring. IronFan continued to stand her ground. Her voice sounded close to breaking as she spoke again, brows knitted together, "I do not want to hurt you." She told him, as honest as she felt.
The wild laugh returned, bellowing from the Demon Bull Kings chest, "As if you could..."

The winds had noticeably picked up, but there wasn't much we could say or do against that, being in the position we were. All we really could do was hold tight to one another as we all wracked our brains for a plan.
"So..." Mei started slowly, " about getting down..." She asked awkwardly. "If you're friend jumped off a cliff, would you?" She laughed. My eyes widened. I mean, I knew the answer to that, but was now really the time to even think of considering it? Rolling my eyes, I adjusted my grip on both Mk and you, deciding that after that question I wasn't about to let either of you slip away. I'd of held onto Mei too, but that would just turn me into a pretzel and do us even less favors than we already had. Mk simply smirked at that, chuckling himself, before he suddenly jerked, his eyes going as wide as dinner plates.
"Uhhh... Guys??" He squeaked out. Mei made a small sound of confusion, and in moments our gazes followed up, perturbed by the sudden fearful silence Mk had fallen into. All of us released strangled gasps of fear and alarm. Bull clones. So, so many bull clones. Dormant for now, almost resting, but they lined almost the entirety of the cavern walls all around us like dolls lined up on shelves.
"What are we gonna do???" Mk partially screamed, partially whispered, already squirming. I grunted at this, bonking my head into his collarbone to get him to quit it. It was making Mei squirm herself, trying to hold her sort and the weight of all of us at once.
Be it our luck that Mei's ringtone decided to go off. As loudly as humanly possible.
Be it doubly our luck when it echoed right back, growing in sound ten fold to the point it the reverberations shook some pebbles off the walls. All of us paled to the color of printer paper. Like a scene from a videogame, eyes started to light up the walls all around a brilliant, lightning blue. Mei scrambled with one hand to dig her phone free from her jacket pocket, before fumbling it entirely, and proceeded to let go of the sword keeping all of us up to grab it with both hands-
My mouth opened in a silent scream as Mk yelped aloud, suddenly feeling the drag of gravity trying to pull us down for a lovely little meeting to the unforeseen ground below. OH HELL NO- He all but swam through the open air, launching upwards with a foothold in the wall to snatch the sword handle and Mei's ankle with his free hand. With both his hands occupied, I slipped downward and latched around his waist like a spider monkey, eyes probably bigger than my head.
"WOULD YOU TWO JUST SIT STILL FOR FIVE SECONDS??" I begged through my teeth, trying to tug you up and closer to my side- you seemed distracted, more so than Mei was as she hung completely upside down, checking her phone.
"Seriously?? An app update right now??" She asked in exasperation. Goddess I could relate to that. The lights of the bull clones were on full blast by now, and I could tell just about all of us were sweating bullets. A small tug on my arm had me looking down at you in an instant, worried you were about to fall.
"Dingo, bud? Do you trust me?" Was all you'd asked of me. My brows furrowed, feeling sweat build on my brow as I struggled to keep you in my grasp and not slip off Mk all at once.
"I mean- yeah, of course I do- but do you really need to ask that right now?" I said, trying to sound as genuine as possible despite the stress of this whole thing giving me gray hairs.
"Let me go. I'll be fine, I promise."
"Excuse me, you want me to what now??"
My heart rate was already going crazy, but the simple thought of even seeing you plummet by my choice or not was even more horrendous to me than an actual heart attack. Before I could really reply, you let go of me first. The sudden drop of disconnect had me jerking, sliding down Mk until I was hanging off his hip. I held tighter, gritting my teeth.
"Ev you can't be serious! I'm not doing that!" I damn near shouted, trying desperately to keep a grip on you. When your wrist began to slide, giving me only your hand, then just your fingers, creeping dread began to crawl up from my chest and into my throat.
"No- no no no no!" My hand suddenly felt empty, and I jerked to catch you again. Catch anything about you. My fingers brushed the sleeve of the brown aviator you'd picked up and never took off- but my hand still came up with nothing. You gave a slight smile as your hair flew free, caught in the wind the further down you went. My hand extended out to you, reaching as far as I could, almost letting go of Mk entirely as the bull clones began to leap off the walls with sounds unfit for the human ear. The outcries of Mk and Mei, the bull clones- far out shadowed my own as I screamed out to you.
The mist swallowed you whole.

I don't full remember how we got down there, the whole thing being a bit of a blur. I remember seeing two separate flashes. Gold from Mk as he gave Mei something of her own, and within the mists I couldn't stop staring into far below, lit up a brilliant blue. Through it's clouds, a figure was there. It was massive, brutish, but far different than the bull king with a spiked, swept to the side silhouette of hair. It was gone as quick as the light appeared. Then it was Mk and I who were free falling, and the ground came quick. When we made it, I found myself looking for you first. I heard Redson faintly speak, sounding a mix of relieved and startled, "Hover girl?? Nyoodle boy??" he'd called out. Why did that sound like bad super hero names in a Disney short?
The tears sprung to my eyes before I could stop them, seeing you standing, alive and well not that far from us. How the actual fuck did you do that? Did you have some crazy powers I didn't know about? From the looks of the crater you stood in, I felt about ready to believe it. Oh whatever! You were okay!
I'm absolutely going to kill you, what the hell were you thinking-
BUT FOR NOW YOUR OKAY, I LOVE YOU SO DAMN MUCH!!
NEVER DO THAT AGAIN OR I SWEAR TO THE GODDESS-
Lots of complicated emotions in the studio today, welcome to Inside Out 3.0
The second you got close enough I had all but launched out of Mk's arms and damn near tackled you right back to the ground. I tried to blink back any tears I could, burying my head in your shoulder. Once I figured I squeezed you enough, I pulled back, hands on your shoulders as I tried to catch my breath from either wanting to break down sobbing or screaming.
The urge to shake you like a maraca skyrocketed, so I very quickly had to let you go. Not the time! Later! Fight now, scold later! When we turned, DBK was already aware of us.
"The little thief." DBK snarled out overhead. I jumped, I won't apologize for it.
Did he get scarier?? Was I supposed to be aware we might need new pants after this??
Mk grumbled as he stood, looking as bad as one would expect after falling and landing back first from several stories. He moved to pop his back, and with a horrible crack, he wheezed, falling right back over. I winced. "Gimme a minute-" He choked out like he'd inhaled several lungful's of smoke. DBK made a horrible sound then. Torn between who to focus on, I voted to look to the biggest guy in the room. The creeping sense of dread never really would leave, would it? He clutched his head, eyes flashing and sparking. The canisters around the room began to pulse, glowing with the same light. Blue. Toxic, icey, beautiful blue. He looked in pain the longer it lasted. Gold, blue, gold, blue, gold- He threw his head back with an agonized roar, teeth bared to the nonexistent ceiling. When he finally looked back down, the blue in his eyes was potent, practically swimming with a mist from his mouth and nose.
"Hoo... okay! I think I'm ready to fight now!" Mk chimed, finally standing again, doing some stretches. Rolling his shoulders, the whole shebang to get into peak moving shape. But the interaction that transpired gave him no room to try.
The second DBK leapt into the air, crying out the name of his previous, most feared rival, I found you'd latched onto my arm and took off running in the opposite direction. Mk screamed like a girl (totally valid) before doing the same, hightailing it in a mad scramble opposite of us. The force of which DBK had struck the ground took us off our feet, literally. The feeling of weightlessness followed as IronFan once more stepped into play. The canisters along the walls from before, the pulsed with the inner battle DBK seemed to be fighting, took on the brunt of her ranged attack. We landed behind her, unsteady but fine. The same couldn't be said for IronFan, or Redson for that matter.
"M-mother?" He stuttered out, stepping up beside us, just behind his mother. He gave us a glance over, but nothing more. He was bruised and battered, scraped from his chin to his brow like he was dragged across the ground. The attack she sent out temporarily subdued the raging DBK, burying him under the pile of rubble that exploded in her wake. Mk was brought to us shortly after, hidden behind the safety of her billowing red skirt.

"The canisters." She said, putting us all at attention. She was held taught like the string of a bow, bent low at the knees and waist, ready to launch into attack should she need to. Permanently on the defensive. "The power inside has driven him mad." She told us firmly. "We need to destroy them." DBK began to pull himself from the rubble now, the canisters upon his back more bright and visible than ever. It wasn't long before he stood to attention, eyes unseeing but very aware of where we were. He turned, launching onto his hands. With all four limbs, he charged, claws pushing so strongly into the ground to gain speed he left deep grooves in the rock and metal. Both you and Mk rose to your feet, you gripping your found crowbar, and Mk his staff. Looks of determination gleamed in your eyes. Unsteadily, I rose too, unsure. What could I even do, here?

"Alright." MK said, lifting his staff. "Time for round two."
"No." Redson cut in, stepping forward. He held an arm out before us all, standing near side by side with his mother. He glanced back, making firm eye contact with you, before he looked upon Mk. "This time, we fight with you." With those words, he took off in a blast of fire. Iron Fan stood behind, looking upon us all.
"You have one shot." She informed us.
"Make it count."
The trust she was putting into us was so unbelievably palpable that the hair on my arms stood on end with chills. She was trusting us with this? Why would she ever? How would we even do this? Could we do this??
"We don't have a choice." I murmured aloud, coming to the conclusion, watching her back as she took off after her son. They clashed with DBK immediately. A family forced to go against each other in such a way; was heartbreaking. You and Mk took her words to heart, immediately diving into the action. You dug through your hair, and much to my surprise, out came a literal bomb. It was small, and round and shape like a bouncy ball. With a toss, you eyeballed it, reared back, and swung like your life depended on it. It nailed right on. The second it was flying, I cheered not far behind you, watching as it splattered across DBK's chest in a colorful pink explosion. OOOO glitter paint!
Redson, who had been mid-swing to punch back his father, turned with wide eyes, staring at the direction it came from. Carrying your crowbar like a baseball bat was enough of a clue as any. He couldn't believe he, the literal embodiment of flame was saying this- but that was hot.
It didn't even seem like something he could think, but he saw it, he witnessed, and he was the judge. It was incredibly hot. But he didn't have time to gawk, heading back into the heat of the battle.
But the battle lasted no more than a minute before we had to dive for cover. I'd hurried behind a rock shelf sticking up from the ground, ducking away from the wind that had no where else to go, uncontained from the failed whirlwind IronFan had whipped up. Everyone came flying through, landing heavy across the ground. I jolted as Mk came bouncing over the rock I hid behind, landing several feet ahead of me as DBK continued to yell and scream. Something about fate. Redson, despite being heavy and beaten, had hovered over you against the force of the gusts, choosing to shield you from the sheer power of the leftover wind and rubble with his body. He would never truly know why he did what he did, but what's done is done. Mk began to sit up as I leaned over, taking him by the arms and hauling him closer to my safe spot. He huddled close, back tucked against the rock as he breathed.
"I have an idea." I told him. "I don't know how well it will work- but please, goddess bare with me-" I hurried, scrambling to assemble any sort of plan. I didn't have much time, practically none. None of us did, so I sputtered what I could out to Mk. Iron Fans words continued to ring in my mind; one shot. We had one shot, we had to make it count, or it's game over.
A sudden feeling of helplessness threatened to choke me out. I couldn't fight. I had no weapons, no powers, nothing. Just some idea that I'd barely had any time to put together and all the hope I could muster that it had to work. As I rambled, I gathered rocks around my feet, bits of rubble and fly away. I pointed, moving rapidly, hoping to everything out there I made sense. The anxiety and dread was so bad I felt like I could heave my guts and quake out of my skin.
Mk listened though, and with the few seconds to spare, we split.
"Just one shot,"

I dove to IronFan as Mk disappeared elsewhere, carrying with him several small puffs of gold. Her eyes were glued to DBK, looking as helpless as I felt. A hand at her back had her jerking, glancing me from the side of her eye. I did my best to look encouraging, or even comforting. I didn't know what to do. I didn't even expect to touch her let alone be near her, but I did what I could with the cards I was dealt. With a stagger, I looped her arm over my shoulder and helped her stand as you did the same with Redson, leaning against eachother mutually. We could do nothing but look ahead as DBK leered, stomping closer, and closer.
From the far side, a rock flew into view. It clonked against DBK's head with a hearty thunk. His head jerked sideways, pausing in his stride, before whirling around. I couldn't resist the smile making it's way to my lips at seeing Mk there, standing high up on a rockface not unlike the one from earlier. In his hand, another rock that he tossed playfully up and down within his grasp. My smile widened seeing the rockpile. Ironfan peered at me curiously, then to Mk, unsure of what to make of any of this. Noticing her skepticism, I passed her a nervous shrug, my smile going crooked, "Trust the... process?..." I whispered to her uncertainly, trying to sound confident and failing miserably. It didn't do any favors when Mk was snatched up in a heart beat, slammed into the wall- she drooped minimally, coming close to accepting such a defeat.
"You have been an utter disappointment." DBK snarled, keeping Mk pinned below his grasp. "I had hoped you would have learnt more of the 'Great Sages' little tricks..." He clasped the boy in his fist, pulling him up to his face to the point where Mk's visage was aglow with the blue cast from DBK's eyes.
Mk suddenly gave a look of indifference, pulling free like a noodle in his grasp and leaning casually over his fingers.
"I dunno what to tell you, dude." He'd said with a sigh. DBK growled, lifting his fist, his grip tightening. My heart was in my throat seeing this- with a thumb raised, Mk squawked, "No, wait!-" He started, before DBK dug his thumb downward and squished him until he- with a pop of gold light, hair exploded from the demon bulls fist. He spluttered in alarm, yelling out a furious, "WHAT?!"
IronFan gaped, leaning forward, looking to me quickly, then the hair that delicately fell.
Then the glow returned.
"Yeah, turns out I did learn a few tricks." Mk called, his voice almost all around.
All eyes shot up as he appeared, clones exploding left and right into existence, all with the same determined gleam in their eyes and a smirk.
"Here, comes... MONKIE KID!!"
In a startling dance and glowing array, the clones got to work. Coming down from the ceiling, they descended upon him in an instant, and not before long, the canister was finally, truly rid of.

The gust from the explosion was something else, sending a freeze straight through our clothes. My chest felt strange after the ordeal as Ironfan staggered from me towards the downed bull king. She was cautious, but moved with a certainty that couldn't be questioned. No matter how beaten she was, she moved with a grace unmatched. Words were said as the once possessed bull king came to, but in the end, she pressed her head to his, hands against his cheeks. His eyes were glossy as she held close, but the winds swept in before we could know anything else.
I approached the canisters during the ordeal, staring into the remains. Bone fragments lingered, alongside some strange, blue mist and a permanent cold. My eyes narrowed to hone in on the details, to make sense of what I saw, what I felt, what had transpired- but the appearance of Mei in the collapsing cavern gave me no time to look further. She scooped us all up and got out of there without a second to spare. When we got to the surface again, it was a relief to see the clouds begin to clear and the bull clones lose their power, crumbling to the ground like puppets without string. Sighs of relief were like a choir amongst our group. I could have laughed after all was said and done. But this was a happy ending never to come.
Bolin appeared then, running like his life depended on it. Or someone else's.
He was hysterical, trying to make the words come out, even without the proper voice. Even his little metal limbs shook before you had to steady him from collapse. Whatever you'd gleaned from him had you pale as a sheet.
I approached, already worried out of my mind.
"What's happening? Bolin are you okay?" I asked, already trying to hover, to check the little bull boy myself as he cowered in your arms. You turned, eyes wide and lip quivering.
I stared back at you, seeing an almost haunted look staring back.
"G-guys..."
I wish I was ready for what you said next. But I knew I never would be.
"Baihe's missing."

[ back on sandy's ship, an hour prior ]

The blasts were getting louder than ever. Some were so strong the residual shockwaves rocked the boat and made the waters at the dock unsteady. The lights even flickered as screams continued on outside. Baihe and Bolin were huddled in the lower deck, hands over their heads and ears, huddled in front of the couch on the floor. The cats sat close to them, unsure where to go. The windows had been boarded by the two of them alone, Sandy having left to help the others. He promised he'd be back, and that they would be okay as long as they stayed on the ship. It was hard to believe though, as the longer the two were left alone, the worse the outside world became. It was like a waking nightmare they couldn't hide from. Baihe tried to be brave, sucking in her lip and biting, trying to keep away the tears as she held her hands tightly over her ears. Bolin tried to comfort her, but to no avail, finding he was as scared as she was. What could they do?
Who could they cry to other than each other?
No one to tell them it was okay, and no way to believe each other when they tried to extend the comforts themselves. Baihe tried to do something I would do when she was scared, huddling close to Bolin's side and hugging him like a lifeline. She hummed and whispered a song, even when her voice shook and trembled. It almost settled them enough to the point where they could stop crying- but it wasn't enough. Another blast and crash outside shook the boat again, knocking them over. Glass shattered off the counter. Another teacup gone. Baihe screamed, unsure what else to do as she lost her spot, back flat against the ground. It felt like forever before the outside calmed down enough for the two kids to even hear themselves think. As they sat, hiding nearly under the table, Baihe found herself thinking. Her little mind raced. Where was everyone? Were they okay? Was I okay? Was someone going to come back for them?
Baihe choked on a sob, tugging her hair. This stunk! It really stunk! Everytime there was danger, she was always just shoved away- but even then, there was always someone with her! There was always a grownup, someone who knew better, someone who could tell her what to do, that everything was going to be okay! But now there was no one. No one but Bolin, and he'd never left Ayi Evee's apartment before! How could this be the first time he comes out?
Baihe glanced at the little bull boy, feeling her heart pinch in her chest as he cowered beside her, hands over his head and face in his metal padded knees. She wanted to be big and strong for him, to be as brave as brave could be. She had to be the grownup in this situation, but how? She didn't have any idea how to be like a grownup!
The quiet outside after so long of chaos started to make her feel restless.
Was Zaza okay?... The thought brought burning to her eyes. Furiously, she rubbed it away. Of course Zaza was okay! They were strong, she saw it everyday! Plus, Zaza was with the others, there's no way they'd let anything happen to them, and the others would do the same. She felt confident we were going to be okay. But then another thought came to mind that had her feeling chills.
What about Gramps?

Baihe shot to her feet in an instant. Bolin jerked, blurrily looking up at her in confusion. Baihe clutched her chest, trying to calm her heart. Oh no. No, no, no- what about gramps? Gramps couldn't protect himself at all! He could hardly hold his spoon anymore! He was just an old grandpa, so old he could be part dinosaur! Baihe looked around wildly, feeling her breathing rise in tempo. She had to check on him! Gramps would know what to do, but... but!
Bolin reached out to her and she tugged her bangs, ready to start pacing, a habit she'd picked up. He gently took the hem of her pink skirt, making a small noise of concern. She looked to him quickly, eyes wide. She was breathing heavy.
"Bolin- Bolin, Bolin- I- I have to do something-" She told him quickly, hunkering to his level. She took him by the shoulders, looking him square in his digital eyes, broken up by glitches from his high emotional state. He blinked to clear them, but some still remained. "I've got to check on my Grandpa." She said. Bolin jumped, his eyes going wide. He began to shake his head furiously, waving his hands. But she'd already made up her mind.
"I'll take one of Sandy's cats with me. They'll keep me safe, I know it!" She said, moving to stand. Bolin grabbed her cardigan, the soft buttercup yellow weaving rumpled by his grip. His voice box pushed towards pleading he couldn't make the words too, begging. She looked to him, sadness and uncertainty written on her face. But she was stubborn in this. She had to check, she had to see Gramps.
No matter how much Bolin pleaded, she began to grab a few things, leaving her bag on the couch. She picked up a sandy colored tabby in her arms, hurrying up the stairs and pulling down the boards. Bolin chased after her heels, his voice box practically cutting out as he tried to yell after her. She stopped him, rushing out the door and slamming it in his face. The rolling handle locked into place, heavy as can be. She stood to her tiptoes as Bolin banged on the metal from the other side, peering through the circle window.
"It's okay! I know the way! I'll be back before you know it!" She promised. "You have to stay here- if I'm not back within an hour- uh- it's okay! Nevermind, I'll be back Bolin, I promise!" She yelled, her voice muffled through the door. Bolin continued to beat at it to the point of denting, his voice echoing back at him tenfold in the small stairwell. He tugged, turned and pulled, but the wheel to the door barely budged. Baihe gave him a small look of pity, sad to be leaving him. But with the kitty in her arms, she set off, running across the deck and clambering down the ramp to the loading dock. Bolin could do nothing but scream after her through the door, watching her inky black hair fly behind her before she disappeared from sight altogether.

It took him too long before he finally got the door down, but he never looked back as he ran.
It'd been longer than an hour.
 
I held Bolin tightly as he shook in my arms. After the months of living with him, he was practically my son! I’d started to learn to understand him, despite his lack of words. He frantically explained everything that had happened, and apologized over and over. I held him tightly as he shrunk into me.

“BaiHe ran off with one of Sandy’s cats.” I said shakily, holding Bolin as close to me as physically possible. “Sh-she was worried about her grandfather…and she’d locked Bolin in so he couldn’t chase after her…” I saw the skeptical look in Pigsy’s and Tang’s eyes, but I trusted Bolin and they trusted me. “It’s okay, baby…” I whispered to the shivering bot who kept apologizing. “We’ll find her. I promise.” I placed a kiss to the top of his head before looking at you. “Hey, can you take him back home for me? We’ll start the search as soon as possible, but you’re in no condition to do that right now.” I looked over at the rest of the group. “And quite frankly, neither are any of you. Get a few hours rest. I’ll give us at least a bit of a head start.”

“You don’t look too good yourself, Ev.” Mei said, crossing her arms.

“Yeah, kid. Let’s get your injuries checked out first-“
“No.” I said. “I’ve gotta find her. Cheese isn’t in any condition to go searching right now. I need you guys to keep an eye on them and Bo.”


“And what exactly are you going to do?” Tang asked, arms hidden in his sleeves with a skeptical brow raised.
“…I have a lead.” I said. “S-sort of. I’m gonna find Redson, or Ironfan or DBK. Whatever was possessing DBK might have something to do with this.” I’d handed Bolin off to MK, whistling for my hoverboard. “I’ll be back in two hours. If I don’t return by then or I don’t call for a check in…Just.” My hands fidgeted, curling into fists and stretching out again. “I-I’ll be back, or I’ll at least call to check in. I promise.” I placed a kiss to Bolin’s forehead, and zipped off before anyone could protest further.
I zipped back down into the crater, looking around.

“Redson?” I called out into the cavern, everything beaten and broken. “Anyone?” I walked closer to where the battle had just been, head on a constant swivel, searching for the slightest hint of movement. “Hello?” My voice echoed off the walls, almost deafening in my ears.
“What are you doing back here?” My head snapped to the source of the voice. Redson. He was crouched down, most likely inspecting the canisters, but his head faced me now.

“What happened?” I asked, trying to keep my voice from trembling. “What-“ I choked on my own voice, fighting back tears. “What was possessing DBK?”

“I’m…not sure.” He responded, standing up. He tapped the knuckle of his forefinger to his chin as the gears turned in his head. It was clear he hadn’t expected me to come back here, as he looked between myself and the broken canisters a few times. He seemed to be debating on giving me the information he had. “Why?”
“I-“ My hands reached for my hair, tugging it over my eyes. I hated crying, especially in front of others. “I think…I think it took my niece.” Redson stood upright at that, eyebrows to his hairline in pure shock.
“You have a-“
“N-not by blood.” I clarified, looking at him through my hair and fingers. “Even though it feels like it… She… She lives with Cheese-er- the… the one with the orange hair. I-we’d placed her on a friends ship to keep her safe but she wasn’t there when we got there.” I didn’t know how he’d react to me having one of the bull clones that had malfunctioned, so I twisted the truth slightly. “We think it’s because she was worried about her grandfather…If whatever was possessing DBK got her-“ I hiccuped, tugging harder on my hair. “It’s all my fault. I-I should’ve protected her. I should’ve-“ I bit down hard on my lower lip. “Just-Please. I-I’m begging you. I-I’ll get on my goddamn knees if I have to- I just- I need to know everything you know. Please.” A heavy sigh came from Redson and I peeked at him through my hair.

“Fine.” He said, arms crossed. “But, you have to tell me what that is.” He was pointing at my hands. Right. The ring.
“Deal.” I said, wiping my eyes on my sleeves. We’d found some rubble to sit on, facing each other.
“The day we met, after our…loss.”
“After MK kicked your ass.” I tried with a forced smile.
“Do you want the information or not?”
“Right, sorry.” He cleared his throat.
“The day we’d suffered our first defeat at the hands of the nyoodle boy, father had raged. He destroyed had cracked the surface, and we’d found traces of what seemed to be an ancient power source. After…quite a bit of work, we found a tomb. The magic that sealed it was stronger than mother’s abilities, and it required a key.”
“The skull key…”
“Exactly. When we’d acquired it-“
“Stole it.”
“Acquired it. We opened the tomb and…the power source seemed to be…alive, almost. I heard faint whispers, and that was the day father had begun to change. That is…all I know at the moment.”

I stared at my lap, my hands gripping tightly at my pants. I should’ve fought harder to keep the key. If we’d just kept it, destroyed it, BaiHe might’ve been safe and we’d go back to our normal routine. I shut my eyes, taking a deep breath. Brave face. I had to put on a brave face.

“I…I see. Thank you…for, uhm, telling me.” I looked at the ring on my left hand. “Now it’s my turn, I suppose.” I sighed, holding my hand out to show him the ring. “I…the day we got the key, it was given to MK by a guy who claimed to be the mayor. The key to the city, he’d called it. Soon after that, he’d disappeared into a cloud of smoke and I inspected where he had stood, but all I could find was thing ring. I thought it was cool, so I slipped it on. It was a stupid move, I know, but I wasn’t thinking at the time. I had suffered a sudden headache that was gone as soon as it came when I put it on.” My right hand reached to touch my forehead. “I…brushed it off then, but it must have been caused by the ring. Nothing really happened with it before you had showed up. When I tackled you to the ground- uhm, sorry about that by the way. It’s just, my niece was in the blast radius so I was on edge. Anyway…” I took another deep breath. “When I reached for the key, the ring flashed my eyes and another headache stabbed into my brain. It lasted a bit longer that time. I tried to take it off, but the damn thing is cursed. And…I’ve been having strange dreams recently. I’ve seen apparitions of my friends and people I don’t recognize. And I can’t interact with them, since they disappear when I try to touch them. But…I think…I’m glancing through time? I-I’m not exactly sure how to explain it. But…last night was the worst one. BaiHe was standing in front of me before she’d burst into blue flame and she’d changed entirely. I…I think whatever was controlling your father is connected to this ring…and I’m dreading the thought that BaiHe is now being possessed by it.”

Redson had taken my hand or his, inspecting the ring. “Hand holding already? Scandalous.” He looked up at me, flustered and sputtering. I couldn’t help but laugh, using my free hand to wipe tears from my eyes. “Sorry, sorry. If I get too in my feels I use humor to cope.” When he let go of my hand, I saw a glimpse of his. “Hold on.” I said, taking one of his hands in both of mine, holding it palm up. There were fresh wounds there, ones the size of nails…or claws. My shoulders dropped and I felt…calmer.
I let go of his hand and shuffled through my pockets. These things were deep. I pulled out a bandage roll and I then shuffled through my hair, pulling out the proper tape for it. When I looked at Redson, he looked confused. “Haha, yeah- So, my hair is thick enough to just put stuff in it. It…doesn’t weigh me down somehow.” I shrugged, now shuffling through my other pocket. I pulled out some disinfectant and a fresh roll of Cotten swabs. “Here.” I held out a hand to him, and he stared for a moment. He hesitated, but rested his hand in mine, palm up. “The day we met, and you burned my wrists, Pigsy taught me basic first aid. I’ve signed up for classes on how to do it properly, though.” I opened the disinfectant, placed a cotton swab on top, and flipped it upside down for a moment. I was sitting with my legs criss crossed, so I set the disinfectant between my calf and thigh.
“This usually stings for humans, but I’m not entirely sure if it would sting for a demon of your caliber.” I dabbed the cotton swab onto the freshly formed scabs. It looked like they’d only bled for a bit, and I knew nothing about how to help a demon with wounds, but it couldn’t hurt to try, right? I did the same treatment with his other hand. “Do you want me to wrap them in bandages?” I asked, tucking the used cotton swab into my pockets to throw away later. I closed up the disinfectant and shoved it back into my pocket. “It’d probably be unnecessary, considering I don’t know how fast demons heal, and they didn’t look too bad. But I’d be worried about picking at the scabs.” I lifted my bangs to show my forehead. “Got a lot of acne scars that way.” I let my bangs fall back into place. “But…it might be a good idea, since you work with mechanical stuff.” He was staring at me, eyes narrowed and scrutinizing. His eyebrows knitted together, causing small wrinkles around them. “I-uhm…did I say something wrong?” I asked, smiling nervously. “I-I’m sorry if I did-“

“No, you said nothing wrong.” He said, gaze still examining me. “I just can’t figure you out.”
“So is that a no on the bandages-“
“…It’s a smart idea.” He said after a few moments of silence, hesitantly extending his hands out to me again. I wrapped them just how you and Pigsy taught me. Tightly, but not suffocatingly so. I looked him over again.
"If it's not too much...could you show me your arms?" I asked, my voice barely even above a whisper. He seemed surprised I'd even asked such a thing, but hesitantly complied, taking off his jacket. I looked over his arms, and there were bruises and scrapes galore. I scooted a bit closer, turning his arm over. Nothing too bad, at least.

“The girl you were talking about…what does she look like?” He questioned. I blinked and looked up, unsure of how to answer.
“She’s a bit shorter than me, maybe up to my shoulder or a bit past that, she’s got long black hair and she usually wears a headband. And if I remember correctly, there’s a small scar on her left cheek from when she was trying to do a trick on my hoverboard unsupervised.” I relayed. “But…in the nightmare vision thing I had…she had changed. There was a white streak in her hair, and her hair was up partially and she was wearing a like, gods I don’t know how to describe it. She just…it wasn’t her. That wasn’t BaiHe.”
“So that’s why you believe she’s been possessed.” Redson mused, tapping the knuckle of his forefinger to his chin once more. I wondered how often he did that, and if he did it knowingly or not.
I nodded, moving to inspect his other arm. It was mostly the same as the last one, and I noted there were other scars that were from the past. I briefly recalled you telling me about the samadhi fire, but there were more recent ones as well. Probably with all the machines he makes, there's bound to have been thousands that have gone wrong. He let out a breath and I realized I'd started tracing one of the bigger ones. I pulled my hands back, cheeks flushing. "Sorry! Sorry." I apologized, looking to the side. "S-sorry. Uhm...do you get scars like that often...?" I still don't know why I asked, but the words came out before I could stop them.
"Sort of." He'd replied with a light shrug, and I honestly wasn't expecting him to. His tail lashed behind him slightly as he rolled his head around his shoulders. For a moment I couldn't stop myself from staring. Gods above he was...Beautiful. That's really the only word that described what I saw in that moment. "Do-" My voice cracked slightly, and I cleared my throat. "Do you wanna exchange numbers...?" It took me a few seconds of pause to realize how that sounded and my eyes widened. "NOT LIKE-" My hands waved wildly, as I desperately tried to stop the heat spreading on my cheeks. "Not like in a weird way or anything- Just...like...If you happen to see anything or if you see BaiHe...It'd be easier if you had a way to contact m-us." I swallowed dryly, noting on how dry my mouth felt now. "O-or like...if you wanted to talk about anything, I guess." Again, it took me a few seconds to realize how that sounded. "L-Like I feel like I like...dumped a lot of my personal bizz on you unprompted. I just...If you wanna talk about anything...I've been told I'm a pretty good listener." I watched as he considered it, his tail lashing a bit more now.
"I'll...I'll think about it." He said, crossing his arms, looking to the side. I dug through my hair, pulling out a sharpie. I slipped off the bomber jacket I'd picked up- oh gods that was a lot more bruises and scrapes I thought I'd gotten- and tore off part of the arm with my teeth. I wrote down my number on the part I'd ripped off and handed it to him. "Here. If you see BaiHe...can you make sure she's safe?" The tears welled up in my eyes again.
Your fault.
Your fault.
Y O U R F A U L T.
I shot up as a chill ran up my spine and I looked around.
“I have to go.” I said brushing off the dust and debris off my clothes with my hands. I wrapped the jacket around my waist, tying it firmly. “I told the others that I’d be back soon, and I don’t want to worry them even more than I already have. And…can you do me a favor? If you happen to come across any of them…please don’t tell them anything that I shared with you about the ring or my dreams. They'll worry about me more than they need to, and I don't want that. Plus, I’ve got a few ideas on how to get more information about this ring. But, those can wait until after the Lunar New Year festival…Because right now I’ve gotta look for BaiHe.” I looked at him again. I glanced to the side, hands flexing slightly. I gave him a quick hug, at which his whole body had stiffened. “Thank you.” I said, before stepping back. "I mean it. And...Sorry for...everything, I guess?" I stepped back up onto my hoverboard, trying to ignore the whispers in my head. “See you, around, Redson.”



Bolin tried to escape MK’s arms when I’d took off, wanting to come with me. MK held him tightly, though.

“It’s okay, bud.” He said, holding the bull clone tight to his chest. “She’ll be back. She’s strong.” Bolin struggled a bit more, but gave up, so MK turned to you. “…Cheese?” His voice was soft and quiet, and he released Bolin who huddled by a piece of rubble, knees to his chest. MK took a couple steps towards you, reaching out for a second before stopping. Right, probably no touchy. Instead, he did what he’d seen us do. He brushed his knuckles against yours. You seemed…out of it. Not that he blamed you, of course. When Bolin had come baring the bad news, he’d frozen and his blood had felt like it’d been turned to ice. He could only imagine how you were feeling right now. “Cheese, let’s get back to the shop so you can sit for a moment, okay?” He glanced at Pigsy, who had hesitantly moved to stand next to Bolin. MK walked over to the robot, crouching down to look at him. “Hey, it’ll be okay, Bo. We’ll find BaiHe and everything will go back to normal. I’m sure she’s okay. She probably just got lost. We’ll get help from others and we’ll find her in no time.” Bolin lifted his head slightly and nodded slowly. MK helped him up and walked over to you, taking your pinky in his. “C’mon, let’s get going.”

It was… a quiet walk, to say the least. Nobody knew what to say, so they said nothing. The shop was still intact, for the most part. The sign was a little banged up, and the inside had seen much better days, but it hadn’t completely fallen apart. MK sat you down on one of the counter seats, moving to grab the first aid kit Pigsy kept in the kitchen. He handed it to Pigsy as the pig man started examining your wounds, making sure nothing was infected or still bleeding. MK sat on the bar stool next to you. God, you were so pale. MK rested his knuckles against your shoulder.
“We’ll find her, Cheese. I promise.” He said, offering a smile. It was then that tears started to really pour out of your eyes, and MK’s eyes started to well up with them, too. He wrapped an arm around your shoulder, pulling you a bit closer to him, but still loose enough that you could push him off of you wanted to. Mei walked over as well, resting her chin on your leg.

“Yeah, Cheese. I’ll scour all the cameras in the city. We’ll find her in no time at all.” She said, a determined smile across her face, although it did falter ever so slightly. Bolin sat on the floor next to the stool you were on, knees to his chest, but head resting against your calf.
“Yeah, we’ve got the best search team ever.” Pigsy offered, resting a hand on your head. Tang stood beside you, leaning against the counter.


“Theres no way we won’t find her. She couldn’t have gone too far.” He said, pushing up his glasses. The flap to the doorway opened and in I walked, seeing everyone surrounding you. I hopped over the counter, leaning forward and resting my forehead on the back of your head.
“I think I know where to start.”


"C'mon kitty!" BaiHe groaned, trying to reach for the cat that had leapt out of her arms. "You're really not making this easy for me buddy! We've gotta go check on gramps!" She jumped up, but she was still too short to reach the cat who'd jumped onto a wall. The light flickered and whispers startle BaiHe, and she whipped around, looking around frantically. "H-Hello?" She'd called out into the alleyway, really starting to regret her choice. "Zaza...?" She tried meekly, hoping that it was just you. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she held her arms, gripping into the fabric of her sleeves. It was then that she saw it, a blue mist whispering and moving towards her. She screamed, hoping someone would hear her and come save her. She wanted to go back home to you. Shadows shifted around her, and in her last effort she managed to scream. "Mr. Macaque!"
Her body was no longer her own. She'd been thrown into the backseat, still barely conscious and able to perceive things. She looked around, her surroundings a white void. It was empty, but there were whispers surrounding her. She covered her ears as she curled up, wanting to go home. She wanted to see you again, for you to tell her it was going to be okay. She let out a quiet sob, mumbling that she wanted to go home.


I'd decided to stay with you for a while. I was not going to leave you alone before we found BaiHe, and even then, I'd probably stay with you until the panic subsided. Bolin clung to me as well. He wanted to help search for her. It was obvious how guilty he felt, about not being able to stop her. That night, Bolin insisted on charging himself in BaiHe's room, just in case she came back through the window. I'd made sure that you were asleep before I even considered heading to the couch to sleep. I wasn't about to let you go searching, not yet. You'd search until you collapsed if I did. Once you were asleep, I saw the silhouette of a cat outside your window. I walked over, making eye contact.
"I know that's you, Macaque. You're not allowed here anymore. Scram." I said as quietly as I could, trying not to wake you. The cat leapt away, towards the front door. I stepped out of your room, closing the door as quietly as possible before making my way downstairs. I stepped out of the shop, seeing Macaque leaning on the wall outside.
"What the hell are you doing here?" I had my guard up. I knew for a fact that I couldn't beat him, but I could still try.
"She's gone, you know." He said, staring forward.
"No she's not." I glared at him. "She's alive, and we're going to find her."
"She's alive, yeah." Macaque shrugged, looking at me. "But you won't find her. Not here anyway."
"What the fuck are you talking about?"
"You'll find out soon enough. Just...be careful." And with that ominous warning, he fell back into his shadow and was gone. I searched inside, making sure he hadn't decided to sneak in. When I confirmed that he wasn't, I laid on the couch, draping one of the throw blankets around me and closed my eyes. I was exhausted, so it wasn't exactly hard to fall asleep.


I sat up, looking around. Yep, same white void. Lovely. Something was different though. I could hear the sounds of crying, but they weren't echoing like the apparitions' voices would. "Hello?" I called out and the crying stopped. I heard the faint voice of...was that? I ran the direction that it came from. I saw her then, curled onto the ground. "Baihe!" I shouted, running faster. She looked up and scrambled to her feet.
"Ayi!" She tackled me and I held her tightly.
"BaiHe, oh my sweet girl..." I was crying and so was she. "Where are you? Can you tell me?"
"I-" She sobbed into my shirt. "There w-was an alley...Kitty had leapt out of my arms and-" She hiccupped, her little hands balling into fists as she held onto me.
"It's okay, Baihe, breathe. Deep breaths, in and out." I hugged her tightly, afraid if I let up even a little bit she'd vanish. "Everyone's so worried, but we're gonna find you, I promise. But you have to tell me where you are."
"I-I don't know!" She wailed, and I squeezed her.
"It's okay, it's okay. I'm here." I whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "We're gonna find you, I promise."
"I j-I just wanted to make sure gramps was ok-okay..." She buried her face into my shoulder. "I-I'm so scared, Ayi..."
"I know, baby, I know...Nobody's mad at you, I promise."
"I-Is Zaza okay?" Her voice was weak, her tears starting to slow.
"Y-yeah. They're okay. They're just really worried about you, Baihe." I said, hand on the back of her head. "I just need you to tell me where you are. Can you do that for me?
She nodded against my shoulder.
"Y-yeah...O-on the way to check on gramps...Kitty jumped out of my arms so-so I chased him...b-but I got lost...Th-there was this c-creepy alley a-and I heard noises-"
"Sweetie are you hurt!?"
"I-I don't think so...B-but th-there was a weird blu-blue mist and it was cold and then I was here..."
"Okay, sweetie. I think I know where you are. Just hold on tight, okay? We're gonna come get you. I don't know how long it'll take, but we're gonna come for you."
"P-promise?"
"I promise. We're gonna find you, and then we're gonna have a big ol' sleepover and we're gonna have so many snacks. And everything's gonna be okay, I promise." It was then that she started to fade.
"A-Ayi, where are you going!?" She held onto my tighter, but her grip was slipping. "D-don't leave!"
"It's okay, Baihe. We're gonna come find you. I love you, sweet flower." And then she was gone and I was shaking. A chill came from behind me. "Who are you?" I pushed myself to my feet. I didn't need to turn around to see who it was. "What have you done to her?" He didn't respond. "I swear, when I find you, I'm going to kill you."
Laughter. That fucker was laughing. I turned around, seeing his face with that smile still stapled onto his face.
"Give her back."
My nails dug into my palms.
"Give her back."
My feet were moving faster than I was thinking.
"She's just a kid!"

Every attempt to find BaiHe in that white void since then were futile. I couldn't find her anymore. But I had to keep my promise. I had to.
 
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Nothing could restore the air that was stolen from my chest, squeezed out with every bit by the icy claws of dread, and panic. I felt choked, suffocating as I stood, alive yet bruised.
Missing.
Baihe was missing.
How could that have happened, right under my nose?
The need to run was unbearable. The need to move, to scream her name, to look into every nook and cranny, tear into buildings- anything and everything under the sun, I wanted to overturn, thinking with every bit of my being where in the world she could have gone. But in spite of all my wants, the burning, roiling need to move- I found my shoes stuck to the destroyed asphalt below me. Completely grounded. Unmoving.

I could feel the tremor within my very bones, that unfathomable need to hurry- but I was stuck where I was, unsure of why my body refused to do what I wanted of it. There it was again, that feeling of being miles under water. Everything sounded muffled and quiet, and yet loud and sharp. Indistinguishable between voices and noise. It felt wrong. I felt wrong.
My eyes darted, glancing the ruins of the streets and buildings, chasing the lines of the world like I would spot her coming out from the growing dark of the city. Not a hair showed, or even the glimmer of her little pink headband.
People were trying to talk to me, but I couldn't find a voice in my chest to reply, or get the water out of my ears long enough to understand what they said in the first place. You had clambered onto your hoverboard, after passing Bolin off to the others. The second you sped off, I found myself moving, shifting. I took only a couple steps after you, but stopped abruptly, unable to understand why. Desperation clawed within me, like a trapped animal. It was inconsolable and unruly, but within its entrapment, it can do nothing but thrash.

Maybe that's how I looked, even on the outside. Everyone seemed to be giving me a wide berth, murmuring amongst themselves. It was only Mk who had managed to step forward, into that bubble that everyone seemed to assume had grown twice it's size than it normally was. I couldn't look at him. I couldn't look at any of them. I continued to stare, glancing the ground on occasion, but keeping my gaze glued far ahead. I wasn't sure I was even looking into the city anymore. Slowly but surely, I could feel the warmth of someone at my side. Close enough to feel, but not touching. Mk was talking, his voice was easy to recognize, even if the words were muddled.
After a moment of waiting for my response, I was only able to make a meager nod. Once that was given, I felt his pinky sneak into my fingers, lacing with my own. It was odd how cold I felt in that moment, only realizing after the warmth of his skin was on my own.

The chill in my chest never left. Bolin was cautious at my side, unsure who to stand with or be close too, but he followed never-the-less. It was quiet. The walk was stuck between feeling like it was ages of moving to practically none at all.
The familiar smell of the shop was tarnished by dust and soot. But the warm hints of ginger and spices stuck out enough that it didn't feel too far gone. I felt like a body wandering without anything inside it. It was an odd feeling. Sitting down was more mechanical than anything. It didn't go unnoticed. Pigsy was quick to set to work. He paused, hand hovering over my exposed arm, uncertain, before delicately getting to work, lifting it by the wrist and taking up a freshly opened alcohol pad. The sting felt distant as he made gentle swipes across something between my bicep and elbow. Did I get hit by something? I didn't remember.

The different touches were starting to bring some feeling back into my fingers, buzzing with what felt like static. It felt like my blood had been frozen for a time, and was getting to unthawing, leaving me in a state of discomfort and confusion.
Knuckles on my shoulder, brushing so lightly it could be like a feather were tickling me. The warmth was familiar.
"We'll find her, Cheese. I promise."
His voice was so warm. So sweet.
It was the first clear sentence I heard since I was informed. The water in my ears changed course, and suddenly the fuzzy world I'd been staring into wavered like a pebble kicked into an unforseen puddle. The ripples continued, and the trembling became so fierce my body seized. I nearly doubled over as the pieces keeping my throat and lips shut crumbled away, and a strangled hiccup was all that made it out. Hot, wet streams began to flow down my face, chasing away the cold.
This was real.
This wasn't just some bad dream.
Baihe was missing.
She was really, truly missing.

Why wasn't I there?

The question only made the flow in my eyes stronger, pouring out like a broken facet, continuous and unyielding. Pigsy and Mks hands on me had frozen, before jumping back into action with a jerk; going from gentle to firm, as if trying to steady and push together what was already coming apart. My hands, shaking and all, tried to cover what come out, to hide and smother the tears into stopping, to quiet the miserable noises that snuck from my throat, but even so, they didn't stop. They wouldn't stop. I bit my lip so hard I could taste the sharp tang of iron on my tongue. I felt myself tilt as Mks arm came around to tug me close. He smelled of dust from the rubble. Everyone did. But he was warm, and I couldn't help leaning into him despite the want to run and hide away, go off on my own where no one could see me, and try to find where ever my little one had gone too.

One by one, I felt the warmth and pressure of the others coming around. Mei's head in my lap, Mk's arms around my shoulders, Bolin cuddled against my legs, Pigsys calloused hooved hand on the top of my head, petting down the wild mess of my hair. It was so much, almost too much, but it kept that distant static and cold away. I couldn't even think to push anyone away. I wanted everyone close, to know they were there.
That they were safe. That they were in reach.
That I didn't lose them either.

The last bit of hay to the haystack, that sent it billowing down and away, was when I felt you. You'd come in so quietly, your familiar warmth a comfort I could never place or describe. The soft bump of your head, resting against the crown of mine had me seeking out hands. Mk and Mei found my wandering left, holding it steady, as my right sought behind me on the counter, finding yours close to your lap and grasping your fingers. Pigsys hand moved to rest over top of yours and mine.

We sat that way for awhile, long enough that eventually the shaking returned to little trembles and the tears no longer dripped.



I didn't want to sleep. I didn't want to wait. When we made it to my home, I felt restless and wrong. Exhaustion plagued my bones, but I couldn't stop the feeling. I knew the empty room down the hall. The extra body that shared my space and its absence.
It took a lot of convincing, bargaining- but you managed to keep me sat in my room, just talking. The only way I was able to close my eyes, even if I truly fought it, was holding your hand like a lifeline until my consciousness disappeared into the dark.
I didn't stay asleep long. The anxiety was too great for me too. I was up and down majority of the night, unable to sit still. I'd constantly check on you and Bolin, all the cats downstairs.
When I was certain you were all well, it was exhausted, anxiety ridden mind, I even tried to sneak out. Only to be met with a familiar figure in my window sill, stopping me with a stare.
"I need to go." I whispered, voice raw from crying and trying not to make a sound all at once. The figure of the black cat only stared, his tail swaying and his ears twitching. Surprisingly, they mostly stayed pointed at me tonight.
"Not tonight."
It was the first time I'd heard him use his voice in that form. I sucked in a breath, before turning, ready to just use the front door, even if it caused a ruckus. A small rush of air, and a hand was holding the back of my shirt. I hadn't even changed into pajamas, I'd realized. The hold was firm, but not enough that his claws would poke holes into my shirt.
I turned, brows furrowed. My eyes stung from the night air, but I did what I could to look at him. His face didn't change much, simply watching, but there was an anxious twitch in his tail that couldn't be denied.
"Not tonight." He repeated, his voice stronger in his true form.
"Why not?..." I choked out. "Why is everyone stopping me? She's out there, right now- it hasn't been long- I can find her if you all would just let me-" abruptly, he shot forward, two fingers pressed to the center of my forehead. I blinked in surprise, tumbling backwards. His arm looped my waist in an instant, holding me steady. His fingers didn't move.
He spoke only one word then.
"Sleep."
A soft flash of violet shown before my eyes, a symbol swirling from where his fingers pressed. A heaviness hit me soon after, and before I could process a single thing- the world went dark and I was limp as a doll.

Carefully, he crawled from his perch on the window sill, looping his arms under my legs and behind my back. He carried me back to my bed, resting me there and pulling the covers back where they belonged. He stood a moment, eyeing my face and the bandages that adorned it, even the ones crawling up my arms. He was quiet even still. His hand lifted, moving to brush a strand from my eyes before stopping. He pulled back, closing his hand so tightly he felt his nails split the skin of his palm.
"... it's for the best." He murmured before falling away into the dark, leaving everything as it was. All except the open window.




The next morning, when I awoke, it was hard to move. Everything was sluggish and off. I felt like all my limbs weighed several pounds. The sun had just started to rise, the rays dancing across my room with a cold morning chill. My hand moved to press my forehead, pushing to recall what I could have done to feel such a way. My eyes screwed shut at the headache that ensued, earning a discomforted groan.
I dug through the haze in my mind, like one would with their hands in a garden, or wading through a muddy pool. The pieces came together slowly but surely, and I found myself sparked with a feeling of frustration and almost grief. My hand turned to a fist and smacked the mattress, feeling the burn of tears threatening my eyes.
"Asshole... fucking-" I sharply inhaled, my hands rubbing my eyes and leaving them there, covering my face as I breathed through my nose.
"...Damn it."
No one better stop me today.
I won't stop now. Yesterday will be the last and only time I let anyone stop me. It's been long enough.
I won't let her wait.
 
It was a rough couple of days. Between my own searching and trying to get you to take a break, I was exhausted. I hadn't seen BaiHe or the old man in that white void, and something about that irked me. It felt like she was intentionally being let out of my sight, so she couldn't tell me what was going on. Or maybe she was- N o. I couldn't think like that. Baihe was alive, she had to be. Bolin was different, too. He helped around the shop whenever he could, and even wanted to do some of my delivery work, but I put a stop to that. I wouldn't let him get grabbed by whatever got Baihe. Not before we found her. Bolin felt guilty, and when no one was in the shop, he stayed with Sandy, hoping that Baihe would go there first. Sandy was just as worried as I was, and he made sure to keep Bolin as distracted as possible. The Lunar New Year Festival was getting closer, and, despite everything, I was excited about it. Maybe we'd find Baihe there. I wanted to enjoy myself for a night, instead of crying myself to sleep. What a mistake I had made, thinking something like that. Nothing in this city goes right anymore, does it?

The day of, Mei had all but dragged me with her to the salon, and somehow managed to grab you as well. She was very insistent that you take a break, and said that you looked like a zombie. I had to agree with her on that, honestly. It was impossible to escape her sight, so we had no choice but to go shopping with her. She, much to my own dismay, insisted on paying for everything. Damnit, Mei I'm a grown adult LET ME BUY MY CLOTHES DAMNIT- She hauled the two of us into a store, and for a split second, I saw a small smile on your face. It was the first time since Baihe went missing. Mei shoved some clothes into my arms and pushed me into a changing room. I looked down, seeing a cute white t-shirt with a half moon design on it, and a sweater that was pink and blue. Damn she's got me pegged. I slipped them on, examining myself in the mirror. I liked it. It felt...comfortable. Mei cheered and bounced on her toes when she saw me before eyeing me with a sherlock-like gaze. "Something's missing." I looked at her, confused. I barely even got to look at you before she grabbed us by the wrists again and bolted out of the store, slamming cash onto the counter, probably more than what it would've cost, but she had a goal in mind.
She dragged us into a hair salon, wait there are hair salons in malls??? Isn't that, like, a health code violation, oh and I'm in a chair now. It was fairly empty in the salon, only a few others besides the three of us. I wondered if Mei checked the credibility of this place. The chat with the barber was awkward, to say the least, but she was super sweet. I decided that just a clean up and a re-dye of my red ends was what I wanted. It took a bit, because my hair is absolutely insane to deal with, but eventually, my hair was much less greasy, felt somewhat lighter, and the lower half was now a bright pink! Mei whispered something to the barber and the barber nodded. Suddenly there was the violent wind of a blow dryer and the fastest hands I'd ever seen in a barber shop. When the dust cleared, my hair was in two buns, and very cute. I beamed and Mei gave me a thumbs up before rushing to your side as well.

By the time we left the salon, people were already rushing to get to the festival. I finally got a good look at you and you seemed a lot calmer, and less tense. I nudged you, noting all the little stars in your hair. “Lookin’ good, Cheese.” I said, nudging you with my elbow. “Ready for the festival?” At the first sign of sadness, I wrapped my arm around your shoulders. “Hey.” I said, pulling you into a side hug. “We’re gonna be okay. You’re gonna be okay.” I had switched to English. “Just one day off. The entire city is looking. I’ve even managed to get Redson to at least do some investigating.” I shrugged at the skeptical look you gave me. “Yeah, trust me I’m surprised, too. It was probably the endless amounts of bombs I kept pulling out of my hair.” You'd rolled your eyes and lightly shoved me. "No, no, I'm serious. It's like a factory up in here." An explosion came from the salon, causing brief cause. "Besides, they're not lethal. Just itty bitty ones that can only do a lotta damage if in bulk."

You shoved me again, but you were smiling. Gotcha. Now to land in the best part of it all. "I also said that I'd fuck his parents if he didn't help." You guffawed at that, hitting my shoulder.
"Shut up!" There we go.
"No, no, I'm serious! You should've seen the look on his face. Bro really lived up to his namesake. I shoulda gotten a picture." Mei ran up to us, I honestly didn't realize she had left our side at all, holding an armful of bags. "Alright! I've got some stuff to update your wardrobes!" I laughed a bit at that. She really always went above and beyond for us, huh?



All was bright and cheerful at the festival. Kids running around with their parents, buying concessions and playing games. Some people were dressed up, some weren't. I liked crowd watching, seeing so many people just enjoying themselves felt nice. Even if I could hear Pigsy's angry grumbling while he tried to keep his customer service smile. I turned on my stool, resting my arms on the counter, eyes now on Mei who was having trouble with making bao.
"I feel like this would be easier if I had fingers." She complained, and I cocked up an eyebrow.
"Mei, the hell are you talkin' about?" My voice was drowned out by Pigsy's frantic food prep, serving a customer with a very strained smile. He was sweating so much, goddamn.
"Mei..." The gay historian started. "Is it just me or does Pigsy seem more stressed than normal?"
"How'd ya figure?"
"Isn't MK supposed to be working today?" The old pig slowly turned to us, eyes filled with rage.
"YES TANG, HE IS." Damn, him being angry sure did make him look a lot bigger. "WHERE IS THAT PUNK, CUZ HE SURE AIN'T HERE."
"Pigsy, you know I can help, right? I really don't mind-"
"He's training with the Monkey King!" Mei chimed in a little too casually, before grabbing a mop and twirling it around. "He said: New year, new MK! I'm gonna take my training to a whole new level!" I had to admit, her MK impression was spot on. She posed and everything.
"Wow."
"GIMME THAT-" And I took that as my cue to sneak off for a bit. I was gonna do a bit of exploring before I helped out at the cart. I'd only be thirty minutes, tops. I passed Sandy holding a shit ton of prizes heading towards the Noodle Truck with Bolin on one of his shoulders. I needed to find where I could get those and fast.



Muffled sounds of excitement and cheer from above were irritating. Insufferable. "Yeah, keep laughin'." The powerful Queen glared up at the cave's ceiling. "Just wait til you see what I've got cookin' up! Then you'll have somethin' to celebrate! Only one hair left." In her hand was the last strand of MK's hair that she had left, the others used in failed experiments. "This little piece of that Monkie Kid holds all the power I need." She turned to the man typing at the big computer frantically. "You finished tinkerin' yet? The man shot upright, looking over his shoulder.
"I have constructed what you asked for." He said, his fingers diligently typing even while he wasn't looking. "The delivery systems are operational." He looked back at the computer, feeling an undeserved smirk pull at his lips. "So long as the venom works this time." I giant mechanical leg just barely missing him was quick to put him in his place.
"The venom will work." The queen stared down at him, eyes full of centuries of spite and hatred. She'd been ripped from her throne, and she wasn't going to lose it again. The man nodded, his entire body trembling. The queen turned, taking a few steps to what could only be described as a cauldron formed out of stone, and dropped the last piece of hair in. Green surged gold and a faint gong sounded as all the eggs glowed gold as well. From one of these eggs, sprouted a small mechanical robot. It landed on its feet, took a few steps and, before the Queen's waiting eyes, jolted before it exploded.
"No. NO. NO." She turned to the scientist, legs slamming into the ground as he stared up at her in fear. "I am the Queen!" Vials shattered. "I am meant to rule this world!" Cables torn out of place. "Not hide beneath it!" The scientist cowered as she brought her leg down, but it stopped just before it hit him. "It...can't be over..." A whispering chill seeped through the cave walls.

"It doesn't have to be."



I practically skipped through the shrinking crowds, arms full of plushies. Bo was going to love this haul! I heard the sound of complaining die out, and decided to investigate. A person with a blue bowl cut sprinted by me and I walked to where they had been running from. No fucking way. The sounds of chaos and screaming did not register in my mind as I felt myself beaming as my pace picked up.
"REDBOYYYyyyyyyyyyyyyyy-" I skidded to a stop, eyes widening as the words died in my throat. "Oh, hello Mister Bull King, sir." The Bull King merely gave me a once over before turning back around. I stepped forward and leaned against the counter. "I didn't know you had a food truck, Redson!" I was smiling again, but hoh boy my heart was screaming. I didn't want to say something wrong and have my life be forfeit at the hands of DBK.
"It's...new." The demon sighed, crossing his arms, glancing at my glorious prizes. "...You've been busy."
"Jealous?" He guffawed at that, hand flying to his chest in offense.
"I am not jealous!" He slammed his hands on the counter, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Sorry, sorry! So, what kinda food you selling?" I peeked behind him, watching a fly land on a kebab and burst into flame. I could feel my face shrink.
"Can't handle spice?" It was he who was smirking now. My cheeks burned slightly as I fumbled to defend myself.
"I-Well-It's-" I groaned, leaning my head back. "Okay, fine. I can't handle anything really spicy." I looked at him, trying to keep an annoyed face, but a smile was pushing its way forward. I dug through one of my bags, pulling out a small keychain of a kebab on fire. "Check it out! Crazy, right?" I held it out to him. "Here, you can have it." He looked over his shoulder at his father, who was monologuing to himself, and back to me. He hesitantly took the keychain.
"I...Thank you, I suppose." He shoved it into his pocket, and right as DBK finished his soliloquy, the top of the tent had been torn away and I felt the color drain from my face.
"ˢᵖⁱᵈᵉʳ"
"Uhm, father?" Redson's voice shook as DBK turned around to see the giant fucking spider mech that was right behind him. In the blink of an eye, he was ensnared in webs that refused to break. I pulled Redson over the counter by his collar when a web shot at him. DBK was launched into the air, taken by the webs.
"Father!" I was tackled to the ground by a little robot, flailing to get it off of me. IT GRABBED ME. BY THE FACE.
"AH WHAT THE FUCK-" A swirl of fire spun above me and the tiny thing exploded, leaving a vial of a green liquid to land into Redson's hand. I scrambled to my feet to reclaim what was left of my dignity. "Redson are you-" He bolted to a tarp that was thrown over a suspiciously jet shaped item. He tore the tarp off to reveal - GASP - a jet. I ran over, eyes wide.
"Dude, that's so sick!" He grabbed me by the arm and threw me into the jet. It was clearly made for one person, so there wasn't a whole lot of room, and once it got into the air, I clung to him.
"I'm sorry father!" He said, looking back only once. "I will come back." I felt a chill run up my spine and my heart dropped into my stomach as dread filled me. Oh god, could this be related to...My grip was a little tighter now.
"We'll get him back, Redson. I promise."
 
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Three weeks.
Three weeks of the same thing, over and over. I felt like I was going crazy, I really, truly felt that to be the case. There was nothing else that could explain this feeling, but I knew I wasn't going to give up. I'd made progress, I knew I had. Ever since the day I woke up after Baihe's disappearance, I didn't stop, hardly even for an hour- I would never stop looking. I would never stop talking, even if my voice grew hoarse and ragged and barely even stuck out above a whisper most days.
I'd scoured the entire city, even part of the village towards the jungle. I'd been tempted to knock on the grand doors of the temple I'd seen last I took the jet (goddess that felt so long ago), but I was told not a soul really came there or bothered to answer the door beyond great big groups of monkeys by the dozens. I'd definitely seen the monkeys, that was for sure, so I didn't think much of it and knew when to cut my losses.
... sometimes those losses didn't have as big of a hurdle as some people thought, and I ended up scaling the wall instead. Sadly enough, though the place certainly looked lived in, no one was there beyond monkeys having rule over the joint. It was harder to leave than it was getting in funnily enough, as the little ones took more interest in me being there than wanting me to leave. I'm pretty sure some made off with some things from my bag and one sneaky enough to take the laces out of my left shoe.

That one was a little hard to explain, but everyone chalked it up to me being so tired that I became disheveled and forgetful; which I mean, not wrong, but darn, did I really look that bad??
Yknow, don't answer that, I think I have an idea.

"Sorry Cheese, but you look like a zombie. Or something left in the back of the fridge."
"Ah, how lovely."

-and that's how I ended up being dragged along on a shopping trip through the mall. Believe me, I tried to avoid it, but Mei is awfully convincing with way too many resources for kidnapping people.
...I feel like we normalized that too quickly to be healthy, but to each their own.


It felt odd doing something so casual again. The most normalcy I seemed to let in these last three weeks was the company of the brothers, Yin and Jin. Ever since the Big Race I frankly thought I wouldn't see them ever again. But imagine my surprise when they turned up on my doorstep in the middle of the night and invited themselves in the moment I opened the door. It was... a complicated experience, but not one I'd want to get rid of.
Then again, just a few days ago, when I stumbled onto their street doing as I seemed to always be doing (putting up flyers), I never would have expected the turnout. I grimaced even now thinking about it.
This experience, or at least the end of it, is something I really wish never happened. It had been any other day, just with added Yin and Jin chaos and silliness they always seemed to carry. Stumbled on their street, they helped out with papers, they begged for me to stay for a house tour, went through several rooms of likely dangerous and definitely cursed objects and leftover takeout, ect. A house that you would probably imagine for the brothers.
Then, came the box. Or gift, to be more accurate.
The same gift that now wrapped around my ankles like a cold metal snake and held tight like a vice.
We didn't know what they could do, so I couldn't blame them. To be frank, it felt like the gift was a trap from the start, but I didn't have enough facts to say so.

It was... a really hard few days after that. I'd tried to lock myself in my house, just trying to figure out what to do, but after destroying three lamps, a door, put holes in the walls, and took the wind out of myself crashing into a table, I decided even my house with these damn things on my ankles was a death trap in itself. The trouble was though, even trying to act as normal as possible was, of course, impossible.
I still have bruises when I tried, very hard, to walk in that slow way tourist's do just trying to get groceries from the farmers market and crashing into a random stall at the very start. I think there might be a few images or videos on the internet now about that now.


I felt my phone buzz in my pocket at that moment, and looked down to see Mk had sent a video link with a buttload of laughing emojis and the text, "this person kind of looks like you! crazy stuff lol,".
The thumbnail was a very blurry figure of someone midcrash with wild orange hair and a screaming vendor in the background with fruit flying in every direction. With the smell of oranges still sticking to my flannel, I texted back, "haha yeah, totally wack," and left it at that.
"Cheese, cmon! You're even walking like a zombie now!" Mei called out, already a few feet ahead into the mall lobby with you at her side, looking into the different store windows.
"Ah, sorry." I replied, moving back into a slow stride, careful to make sure the toes of my shoes touched the floor first with each step. With the few days I'd had these anklets, I'd been testing, constantly, how on earth to walk without zipping around everywhere. With minimal pointers or a damn guide for these things, I had to figure everything out on my own. I'd come to find if I pointed my toes in a certain direction, I would go that way, which yknow, normal walking rules. Unless you have these things.

So, in order not to fly across the room and destroy a display or absolutely annihilate a baby stroller, I made sure to walk mostly on my toes. It might look a bit odd, but not everyone was determined to stare at whatever my feet were doing, so I would do as many weird things as possible to make sure I didn't actually die of a property damage fee.
For the most part, I honestly think I did pretty well! I looked mostly normal! At one point, you giggled about raptor feet when you happened to turn around at the exact moment I was trying to scurry after you both, but I just shrugged.
Just the 'tism.

First store we hit was clothes. Mei had practically hauled us into it, grabbing as many things she saw on the racks as possible and then shoved us into our own dressing closets. I didn't even have time to process a single thing until I was staring at the full length mirror with a small armful of clothes and blinking like someone hit me with a stun gun. I could faintly hear Mei outside, giggling giddily to herself. I heard someone coming into the dressing room, before I heard rapid tapping of someone running away.
Did she just growl at someone??

Shaking my head, I looked down, raising a brow. A few pairs of shirts and pants, but the most eye catching happened to be a blue varsity jacket. Sitting down on the little bench, I set the pile aside and pulled it out, holding it out in front of me. It was... really pretty, all things considered. It was heavy, something I enjoyed, and a happy in-between of not too thin, not too thick. When I turned it around, I could enjoyed the bold white star design and the little moon that hung in the background. It was like the star was racing around, or away from the moon.

Awkwardly looking around (as if anyone went into the dressing closet with me) I stood and switched out of my flannel, pulling on the blue jacket. After a moment of fidgeting and adjusting, I looked up into the mirror. It was beyond a nice jacket. It fit like a glove. Turning this way and that, I decided I had to take it with me.
"You guys all done?? Don't take anything off yet! I wanna see, I wanna see!" I heard Mei squeal outside the doors. I glanced at the pile again. It shouldn't hurt to try some other things, right?

By the time I came out, Mei was practically jumping up and down. I felt a hint of a smile quirk up my lips seeing what she was so excited about. You were dressed to the nines in soft pinks and blues, little moons adorning your person here and there. You looked awesome! Mei gave me a onceover, "there we go! Now you got something to match your new bling." She beamed, looking rather proud of herself. I blinked. New bling?
I looked down to observe, and noticed the anklets peering out from under my pantlegs. The blue of the center gems glimmered, matching the jacket that now laid over my shoulders. Ah, right.

"Mei, you really didn't have to-"
"Somethings missing." Mei cut me off, looking back at you again, a hand under her chin and her eyes squinting. "That's it!" She suddenly exclaimed, snapping her fingers. Without warning, she'd snatched us both up once again and scurried out the door in a flash of green, barely giving us time to grab our previous things and dropping money off on the counter before we were in an entirely different area of the mall and thrown into chairs so quickly we spun several times around like mini tornadoes.

Definitely disoriented and very, very confused, we were already being tended to the second Mei got to talking to the staff there. I jumped at the feeling of hands on the back of my chair, barely getting a chance to look behind me before I was being ran to the first wash bowl possible. It took just over five minutes before I was allowed to look in a mirror. The towel that had been wrapped around me like a mummy was pulled away swiftly, and with the last few spins of my chair, I stopped and was met face to face with my reflection.
My hair hadn't looked this fluffy in... forever honestly. I was startled at first seeing it. It was bright and poofed, back to neon orange. Delicately, the hair keeper came back around, a smile on her face. My eyes darted to the shiny things in her hands. Star clips. When her hands neared my face, I shut my eyes on instinct. With a few little clicks, I saw her shadow recede, and carefully opened my eyes again.
The yellow star clips seemed to glow once they were in my hair, like someone sprinkled fairylights into it.

"There you go, lovely! All better." She beamed, before helping turn my chair and letting me stand.
"Thanks for coming!"
Holy cow I'm clean. I haven't felt this fresh before in my life, what kind of magic is this??
"Aww there you are Cheese! Cute stars!" I blinked, absently fiddling and playing with my hair and the clips. They were oddly comforting.
"I think you guys are ready for the festival." Mei winked, giving us the finger guns.
The huh-
Oh.
O h my goddess the festival-

Any lightness in me dissipated, and a heaviness returned in my chest like a rock was dropped inside. How could I forget? How could I be doing all this while she was-
Your arm around my shoulders did little to calm the start of the storm in my brain, guilt racing strong in my veins, but you stuck close nevertheless.

“We’re gonna be okay. You’re gonna be okay.” You told me, switching to English as you tugged me closer, trading for a side hug.
“Just one day off. The entire city is looking. I’ve even managed to get Redson to at least do some investigating.” I paused, caught off guard at the mention of the bullprince. I did happen to be seeing him more often these few weeks than I ever did before. Was that why? I rose a brow at you, but you only shrugged.
“Yeah, trust me I’m surprised, too. It was probably the endless amounts of bombs I kept pulling out of my hair.” i gave a light snort at that, rolling my eyes. Lightly, I shoved you, but you only giggled, hurrying to add in, "No, no, I'm serious. It's like a factory up in here."
An explosion came from the salon, causing brief cause. I jolted at the sound, quickly whipping my head around to stare at the direction of the salon we'd left.
"Besides, they're not lethal. Just itty bitty ones that can only do a lotta damage if in bulk." You finished with another shrug, nodding as if that was normal and totally cool. I mean it was cool, but not normal. Least I didn't think so? This place was weird ever since we moved here, so it was hard to tell what was and wasn't normal.
Ah, the chaos, twas spreading I see.

I couldn't help shoving you again, bumping my side into yours. I couldn't resist the smile on my face.
"I also said that I'd fuck his parents if he didn't help." You suddenly added.
I immediately choked on air, a startled guffaw leaving my chest as I sat up straight.
"Shut up! There is no way you told him that!" I laughed, shaking my head in disbelief.
"No, no, I'm serious! You should've seen the look on his face. Bro really lived up to his namesake. I shoulda gotten a picture." You beamed mischeviously.
I felt myself dissolving into giggles as you continued, trying desperately to smother what I could.

I hardly noticed as Mei ran up to us, holding an armful of bags.
"Alright! I've got some stuff to update your wardrobes!"


It was a battle between zoning out and my anxiety by the time we made it into the festival. The place was completely decked out in streamers, lanterns, stalls, and games. Mascots were dancing the streets in big extravegent costumes and makeup, stalls were yelling out about samples, and in every corner the words "Happy New Year!" Were shouted to the rooftops. Smells, lights and colors were everywhere and anywhere.
The crowds were like pushing against waves. I had decided to wander after everyone met up at Pigsy's cart, greeting and giving pats and hugs. Pigsy looked both physically and emotionally constipated the way his face was, baring teeth rather than smiling. If he clenched his jaw any tighter, I was certain his teeth would shatter like a smartie under a kids fist on a school room desk.

Everyone seemed a little disappointed I didn't want to stay with them, but I brushed them off with the explanation of just wanting to spy out the snacks and explore. I feel like you all only partially believed me. At one point I happened to pass by Sandy being doted on by a large group of old ladies, all cooing and tittering to him and giving him treats by the armloads.
"What a sweet young man! So handsome, oh how lovely! Sandy our dear Sandy. Tea time again soon?" Was the most I caught between all the overlapping voices of the exuberant and joyous festival street. Sandy only waved his hand and blushed, chuckling and giggling shyly at them. I smiled at the sight, and moved on before he noticed I was there, weaving between the different bodies. Eventually I caught ear of shouting. Very, very familiar shouting.
Looking over my shoulder to a spot absolutely overflowing with ready to light and mostly illegal fiteworks, I spotted the pair on the counter with fake staches and big ties.

"Ah, trouble and make it double." I chuckled, shaking my head. Making my way over, I grimaced as a megaphone was shoved into my face once I was close enough, "HOW WOULD YOU LIKE A- oh, little buddy! Funny seeing you here." Jin beamed, putting it away. My ears felt like they were ringing. Yin had stopped what he was doing and dropped a box of matches, as if he was getting ready to demonstrate a firework in favor of greeting me.
"Lil CheezIt!" He exclaimed, kicking a box of fireworks off the counter as he scurried to get down and into my space, "here to buy some fireworks? We got some extra special, super rare and totally safe ones in stock~" He nudged me with his elbow.
"Ah, no thanks fellas. Heard you from a mile away, figured I'd say hi." I told them honestly. They got close to eachother, eyes full of sparkles, "aww!" They cooed together and I felt my face flush, "you came to check on lil ol us?? You shouldn't have!" They giggled.
"Hey! Listen, so- sales are booming." Jin started up, sliding from his brother to lean against my side. A firework proceeded to go off down the street, causing several people to scream as a fire immediately started. My mouth opened, raising a hand to point , to which Yin instantly put my hand back down, standing at my opposite side.
"But! We got some uh, not so great buddies wanting to shut us down. Think you can steer them away for us?" They asked.

I squinted at them both, feeling their eyes get bigger and sparklier, "what exactly are you asking me to do right now?" I asked. The boys eyes shrunk and some sweat formed on their brows.
"You knoooowww!!" They tried again, "for your super duper best pals, Jin and Yin, that you love so much and totally don't want in the dog house??" They beamed, their smiles getting strained as they locked hands and tried their big sparkly eyes again.
"You want me to keep cops off your tail, don't you."
"We knew you'd get it!"
"So smart our lil cheesey-weesy is!"
"... please never call me that again-"
"Got it! Never again!"

I groaned, running my hand through my hair. I couldn't believe this.
... no wait, I totally can. I can absolutely believe this.
"Have you considered just... moving your stall?"
Oh goddess why am I helping them evade the law-
The two of them looked at eachother, before nodding, "Yeah okay let's do that then." They said, immediately accepting the idea. "Cmon, pull your weight, hustle hustle!" They called out, already grabbing boxes of fireworks by the armful and kicking the stand over the reveal a ridiculously large getaway van.
"Wha!- I am not helping with this!"
"Less talky more packy!"

I must have gotten too used to the squealing from the fireworks, as before long, peoppe had started... running actually. I only really realized after people started crashing into me, and the music had stopped blasting.
"Uh, boys?" I asked, turning to them as they continued to pack the van with their contraband. They didnt seem to notice either, too focused on packing away what they could. The franticness of the crowd continued to build until people were just screaming. Then came the shadow, like a noxious cloud. I looked up- and was horrified to see the massive legs raised above the buildings.
"Boys?!" I shouted in panic, looking back to them.
"Is it the fuzz?!" Jin shouted back, now more aware than ever to my panic alongside the disappearing crowd. "Where?!" Yin shrieked, falling out of the van in a landslide of fireworks.
"No, its!-" I started to say, moving to step towards them, hand outstretched- before a web shot from the sky and wrapped around them like a massive sticky hand. Yelps ripped from the two before they were torn from the ground and into the air. I could do nothing but shout, horror gripping my chest as the legs moved on and they disappeared into the massive abdomen that finally came into view. It shook the ground with each step like an earthquake.

Just. One. Normal. Day.
IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK??
 
It was honestly surreal. One minute, I was enjoying the festival and chatting with Redboy and now I was clinging to said demon while the wind kept trying to blind me. I pushed my glasses back onto my face before latching it back around Redson’s waist, grabbing his coat as tightly as I could.
“Would you stop that!?” He shouted over the wind, hair sparking.
“I’m sorry for not wanting to fly off!” I shouted back, loosening my grip ever so slightly. “I’m not exactly a fan of being up this high!” He scoffed, and I could tell he rolled his eyes. “I wish I had my hoverboard…” I whined, jutting my lower lip in an exaggerated pout.
Behind you.
I felt a chill run up my spine, and I glanced over my shoulder, barely stifling a scream.
“R-Redson!?”
“I see ‘em!”
There were at least twenty missiles headed our way and the jet jolted to the side, causing me to grab onto Redson even tighter. I shut my eyes as he maneuvered us through the various explosions, and I felt my buns get loose in the process. I finally opened my eyes when the explosions stopped and let out a sigh of relief as the missiles were no longer after us.
"That was close..." I muttered, hooking my chin over Redson's shoulder.
It was a few more minutes of silence- well, as silent as you can be with wind in your ears- before I heard Redson screaming. I looked over his shoulder to see a giant drone. I started to scream as well, pressing my face against his shoulder blade as I shut my eyes once again. If I wasn’t literally mentally writing my will, I probably would’ve realized how close we were in this moment.
It wasn’t too long before the two of us were dangling, with me slipping from his waist. I opened my eyes and- oh! It was you guys! I was tackled off of Redson by Bolin, who made various sounds of worry and relief. I pat his little metal head(heh) and smiled.
“Good to see you too, bud.” I said, looking up to see everybody tackling Redson and I shot up to my feet. “Guys, wait-!”
“GET OFF ME YOU FILTHY PEASANTS!” Mei and MK were the first off of Redson, but only to get into his face to interrogate him in a bad cop/bad cop way.
“What are you doing here, Redson? Why do you have Ev!?”
“Yeah, spill! You one of Spider Queen’s henchman now, huh!? Huh!?” I shoved myself between them.
“Guys, wait!”
“HENCHMAN!?” Ugh, here we go. Redson shot up, flames ablazing and shoving everyone, sans myself, aside. “Not that any of you would care but my father was captured by that eight legged freak!” I stepped to his side, resting a hand on his shoulder.
"Redson-" He shrugged me off, standing up straight again.
"Now, If you'll excuse us-" He gestured to me with his arm. "We'll just steal this ship and be on our way."
"Wait, what!?" MK shouted. "You can't just-"
"UGH, fine." Redson groaned. "Will you let us steal your ship so we can save my father and also the world from this spider menace."
"Uh, Redson-"
I was cut off by everybody but Sandy making noise of disbelief and annoyance.
"I can't use mine! It's busted!" I decided that I no longer wished to be part of this conversation, and wandered off. I decided to explore the drone a bit. It was very steady for being a flying machine of death(I did not like heights), and at a slight bit of turbulence I dropped to the ground, deathly afraid. Was I being irrational? Probably. But, it is what it is. But, being this close to the ground granted me a peak at something moving on the side of the drone, and it crawled in front of me. It looked like...a spider themed tracker? Ominous. I poked it, and it beeped. I laughed slightly. "Okay, that's kind of cute..." Should I have told someone? Probably. But, I was not in the right frame of mind because so many thoughts-
"Ev!" Oop I'm being summoned. I stood and ran back over to the group, where Pigsy now had Redson by the collar.
"Woah, Pigsy-!" I said, rushing over and pulling him off of the demon in red. "Look, I know tensions are high, but killing each other isn't going to help anyone." I gave Redson a pointed look as well, but he only scoffed and rolled his eyes. I turned to MK, who looked nervous. I honestly didn't blame him. We were in a terrifying situation. "What's the plan, monkey man?" I asked, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, pulling him into my side. He glanced at me before staring back at the staff, saying nothing. I looked over at you, noting the glare you were giving Redson. ...This was not going to be fun. I gave MK a gentle squeeze before releasing him and wandering to you. "Hey." I switched over to English. "He didn't hurt me." I nudged your arm with my elbow. "Quite the opposite, actually." I looked over at Redson, who was drawing a symbol on the floor of the drone. "We can trust him. For now, at least."
"Hover girl." He said, not even sparing me a glance, instead raising an arm to point at Bolin as he finished the symbols. "I will require an explanation after this." I cringed inwardly, laughing awkwardly.
"Yeah...I should've expected that..." I muttered as he pushed himself to his feet, crossing his arms as a light circle of flame burned. Everyone, including myself appeared behind him, wanting to see was he'd done.
"So...how exactly does this work?" Asked Tang, and honestly I was rather curious as well. Redson only scoffed, taking a step forward and turning to face us.
"Ugh, if I tried to explain mystical interdimensional travel to a bunch of peasants, it'd melt your brains!" He poked the side of his head for extra effect, before glancing at me. "...Except, perhaps, hers, but I wouldn't count on it." Damn, okay then.
"We don't have any other option." MK said, sounding exasperated. I turned to look at him, eyebrows furrowed in concern. "We have to trust him."
"Great speech, nyoodle boy." Redson snickered. "Super motivational." I whipped my head around to look at Redson.
"Oi. Our truce is fragile at best, and I will not hesitate to punch you." I said and he scoffed, whipping around, arms spread. Everyone hid behind some of the rubble of his ship as he activated his spell.
"And we are sure that mortals can travel to the Celestial Realm, yes?" Tang piped up and Redson groaned in annoyance once again.
"Of course they can!"
"Safely?" Pigsy interjected. Wow, everyone is out to piss off Redson today, huh?
"Sure. Probably."
"Probably!?" But it was too late for second thoughts as Redson finally activated the spell and a portal opened up in front of the drone. I grabbed onto whatever I could get my hands on as I felt myself start to be pulled back by the sheer force of movement.
"I did say it'd melt your brains." Wow Redson sounded a lot closer than he did previously. I opened my eyes and realized I was latched onto the demon in question. I shoved myself off of him, feeling my cheeks burn slightly. Luckily, Sandy pointing to the view was enough to distract me from further embarrassment. I wandered to the side of the drone, taking in the gorgeous view of the Celestial Realm.
"Holy shit..." I muttered in English. Bolin made a noise beside me, and I looked down at him. He looked just as entranced as the rest of us, and I couldn't help but smile. It was just then that I'd noticed his attire was entirely different from when we left the apartment this morning. He had left in a simple sweater and some sweatpants, but now he had a t-shirt and a headband that had little antennas. Sandy must've bought those for him. How stinkin' cute!

"So some special pills, a fancy peach, and a furnace." Pigsy's voiced snapped me out of my thoughts and I realized we were docking. "Where are we gonna find these things!?" Everyone's gaze moved to Redson, who lifted a finger and opened his mouth to speak, but he paused, saying nothing.
"Redboy doesn't know!" Mei appeared behind Redson, startling the demon who's hair flickered.
"I know they're somewhere!" He defended. "I'm a demon it's not like I've been here before!" Tang sighed and cleared his throat. Okay, lore time. Oh hey! I looked over the side of the drone again, seeing a couple celestials walk by chatting. They seemed to be having a nice conversation. I couldn't help but smile until I noticed something in the shadows. It...looked like a hooded figure, but it was too far away for me to really tell who it could've been.
"I'm keeping you where I can see you." I looked over to see Mei biting Redson's hand like a feral playground child and couldn't help but laugh as he started to spin her around in an attempt to shake her off.
"I'll go for the pills." Pigsy said. "They're just regular looking pills, right? Round, kinda shaped like...pills? Y'know, like...normal pills?"
"I'd better come too..." Tang sighed, shutting the book in his hands.
"And I'll get the furnace." MK said, back facing us as he was turned towards the throne room. I would've protested, had Mei not grabbed me by the arm as MK took off on his staff.
"C'mon Speed-E! We're gonna go grab us a peach!" She said, leaping over the side of the drone with me and Redson in tow.
"W-wait, Mei-! What about Bo??" I protested, but one look at Sandy, who had Bo on his shoulders, reassured me that my little robot boy would be okay.


As Sandy was fixing up the drone, making sure everything was in place and not in flames, Mo had found a little device to toy with. Bolin, who wanted to keep an eye on Mo, let out a noise of interest that caught Sandy's attention. He walked over to the two and leaned down.
"Whatcha got there, Mo?" He asked his cat curiously. The cat swatted at a little purple and green bot in the shape of a spider. Bo scanned it with his systems and made a grunt of clarification. "An ominously beeping spider themed tracker?" Sandy asked and Bolin nodded, the antennas on his headband jiggling. One more swat from Mo had the tracker spark and let out a puff of steam as Mo hissed at it. It no longer seemed to be functioning. "I'm...sure it's fine."


I followed behind Mei and Redson, trying not to trip over my own two feet as Mei treated this like mission impossible much to the dismay of Redson. Soon enough, we made it to the celestial gardens and after hiding behind bushes when some lovely ladies floated by on clouds, we were in the clear.
"So!" Mei said, looking over her shoulder at the fire demon. "I heard you helped MK beat your dad." I made a desperate hand signal to try and stop Mei from this line of conversation.
"That was one time!" Retorted the bull in red, his hair flickering to life. "My father, the Great Demon Bull King was...!" He seemed to shrink, no longer loud and boisterous. "Not...himself." He straightened up at the sympathetic looks from Mei and I. "But in no other instance would I ever assist that sorry excuse for a hero!" He crossed his arms, turning away from us.
"But you're totally 'assisting' right now!" Something seemed to be happening in Mei's mind and she suddenly gasped. "You are a hero!"
"...Huh?"
Before either of us could get a word in, Mei started a montage in her announcer voice, dragging me and Redson along with her as she slapped her phone into his hand. Wait, was she livestreaming this!?
"Mei, Ev, and Redson!" She said, squishing me against her. "Heroes on a quest! LE-GO!!" She ran ahead towards one of the trees and I couldn't help but giggle.
"Wow." I laughed, resting my hands in my pockets. Redson swiftly ended the livestream on the phone and shoved it into his pocket with an annoyed sigh.
"I've just decided..." He muttered, seemingly to himself, as he continued on. "She's next on my hit list." I laughed again, bumping my shoulder against his.
"Ah, don't get so worked up." I smirked. "She's just tryna make you laugh." I watched as she bounced on the balls of her feet, waiting for us to hurry up. "And...she really does want to help you get your dad back. We all do. Even Cheese. They may not like you, but they know what it's like to lose someone important." I looked down at my feet. "...We all do." I shook my head and picked up my pace, grabbing his wrist and tugged him along with me. "Let's grab that stone fruit!"

When we arrived at the biggest tree, Mei hoisted Redson onto her shoulders and I noticed something on the ground nearby. I crouched down to inspect it, reaching out to touch it. It...it was a golden arrow. I furrowed my brows, grabbing it, a memory flashing into my eyes.


"Wait!" A man cried out, staring up at the figure floating up into the sky. He said something else, but I couldn't make out what he was saying. I think he was speaking Ancient Chinese. I stared at him, but I couldn't make out his face, only his hand that clutched the very same arrow I was holding. "Chang'E!"

I blinked back to the present, wiping tears from my eyes. What the hell was that? I looked down at my hand, and the arrow was still there. I stuck it through my belt, deciding to take it with me.
"His!?"
"Girlfriend!?" I looked back to the tree, where a giant purple man with mechanical spider legs stood in front of them. The next thing I knew, Mei had grabbed my arm as she started to bolt, not even letting Redson down from her shoulders.
 
After the boys were taken, it was like a nightmare had come alive to wreak havoc upon the once jubulous streets of Megaopolis. The once beautifully decorated stalls, the hanging lanterns and streamers, ripped and tarnished, ravaged by flame and smoke.
Green, noxious glowing puddles spattered the streets like blood, sticking to my jeans as I could do nothing but run. Things scittered in the dark after me, I could hear them. I could hear screams distantly, and I'd only managed to help so many people before we were overwhelmed.
I tried to find you guys, but to no avail. I hoped since the noodle truck was gone, that you'd all made it out safe.

Pushing harder, I zipped back and forth, weaving around cars and trampled food stalls. With each push of power from the anklets, I would be propelled always out of reach, but they were too fast for me to slow down to where I was going. I slammed into walls, pushing off again to get to the next point. It was like the Demon Bull Kings possession all over again, except this time, just about everyone in the city were under control. It was nauseating, watching and having no control over what those little mechanical spiders could do. I did my best to wipe any splatters of that green stuff off myself the moment it touched anything that wasn't my clothes.

"Look at you run! Like a rabbit in a marsh!"

Ah, did I forget to mention I had a spider demon on my tail?

"Run rabbit, run! I can't wait for the moment when I catch you."

'Fat chance!' Was all I wanted to shout back. I didn't bother to reply though, no matter how much I wanted to. I needed to focus on my breathing, and where I was going, or else I'd knock myself out with these darn things. Goddess the things this guy said were so creepy!
It felt like the anklets understood the feeling burning in my chest, connected to more than just my legs. The gems burned brighter, and for a moment, the blue flickered a flaming orange, and I shot ahead faster than before, quickly passing two blocks in only a second. I heard a startled guffaw from the rooftops before they turned to an overly excited cackle.
"Oh you're going to be fun!"
"Just buzz off bug boy, I don't have time for games!" I finally exclaimed, skidding to a stop and knocking shoulders with a brick wall, ready to turn down an exit alley and out of the main street. I knew where I needed to go- but how could I go there without short and spicy ube with legs following me all the way there??

I grimaced, gritting my teeth as I saw him picking up the pace, skidding to the edge of the roof and staring down with gleaming green eyes, the same noxious color of the puddles and vials that blared alarm bells in every direction. The metal of the anklets had been steadily moving from ice cold to burning the longer I used them, even going as far as letting off little sparks from standing still. They seemed eager to keep going. I couldn't help but agree with the sentiment.
His grin widened as I glowered up at him, panting and holding my shoulder uncomfortably. For a moment neither of us moved.
I just have to lose him. That's all I have to do.

We stared at eachother for a few beats, heaving. Shoulders tense, legs poised. We were ready if either one of us made a move, and I knew he wanted it to be me. With a gulp, I drew in a final breath- and bolted.
The sounds of his mechanical legs followed barely a second after, jumping across from one wall to the opposite, as if trying to have pinned me where I had been- he gave a snarl of frustration when his legs came up empty, glancing up after the flickering blue and orange trail racing ahead.
I pushed harder, and harder- my lungs felt like they were burning, tasting iron in my mouth. I started to take sharp corners, determined to confuse, hoping for any moment to escape to open up before me. The sounds of him racing after were always three seconds behind me.

At one point, I'd gone full circle. He acted almost triumphant, turning to meet me, a weblike lasso retrieved from his crossbelt in a flash- but I was faster. Just before he struck out, I curved to the side and crashed feet first into a dumpster. Between the sparks of the anklets and the sound of the collision, it sounded like a thundercloud had erupted in the alley way. The entire thing toppled, skidding so quickly it took him off his many legs. He made a rather undignified sound, more like a strangled squawk from a seagle before I hurried behind it- and with a strength I didn't even think I could muster, I heaved the bottom end and flipped it over top of him, trapping him inside.

"WHY YOU LITTLE-" He shrieked, echoing and yet muffled inside the metal. I took the seconds I'd given myself to breathe.
Oh my goddess everything burns. From my back, shoulders, lungs and down to my legs- ooohhh I hate this. I hate this so much. I didn't get to breath for long however, as right in front of my face, out came a metal leg from inside, piercing through like a knife in a cardboard box. I shouted as it nicked the bridge of my nose, reeling backwards to hold it. With wide eyes, I watched as the leg tugged and jerked, watching the inside dent with more as he attempted to break out from the dumpster- and was succeeding.

"Oh fuck me, dude-" I choked out, slipping easily into English. In a rush, I jumped, volting the overturned dumpster and making a mad, super powered dash out of the alley way. Even with these anklets, I don't think I've ever run from a place so fast in my life. Lucky for me, he didn't seem to be on my tail anymore.
With a few more pushes, taking long strides, I'd zipped off, continuing in bursts of lightning to where I knew I needed to be. Where I wanted to be.

"Cheese!" Mei had shouted, a mixture of surprise and relief as I slid into the docks, toppling with my hard stop and hitting a cargo crate. It took everything in me not to double over. They were in the process of pulling up the ramp from the loading bay when I arrived. I looked up through blurry eyes and sweat sticking hair to count.
Sandy, Pigsy, Tang, Mei, Bolin-

two missing.

My eyes widened, stumbling to stand straight as Mei scurried down the partially lifted ramp to run to me. She practically collided with me as I stumbled to meet her. Holding her arms, I looked her in the face, "the others- where are the others??" I asked, desperation clawing through the dry raspiness in my throat. I glanced around, peering around corners and standing on my toes to peep the deck- nothing but the ones I counted, unless you and Mk were down below. Something in me doubted that, and by Mei's face, I knew I was right.
"I- I don't know- but it's okay! Mk's probably still with Monkey King, and Ev- Ev's probably-" She tried to offer, brows furrowing as she tried to think. After a second of fumbling, she shook her head and looked me square in the eye with a look of determination.
"It's going to be fine, we'll find them- but we have to get out of here!" She told me earnestly. Immediately, I was against it.
"No- no I gotta get back out there- If Ev isn't here yet, we can't just leave!" I replied seriously, already turning to go back the way I came, the cities smoke enough to tell me where to go. But without my feet on the ground, I didn't get the chance. I was hauled up in an instant by Mei, who hurried back up the relowered ramp in a heartbeat. I yelped and squirmed, but with Mei's dragon like strength, worming out of her grasp felt futile.
"Damnit Mei, I'm not gonna lose anyone else!" I shouted, teeth bared- she flinched. I never shouted at her, or anyone, really. I recoiled at seeing her expression, shrinking into myself as she cautiously let me down on the deck. From the corner of my eye, i could see Bolins red optics blown wide. Something about being seen in such a state to the young little bull boy made me feel horrifically wrong.
Pigsy was quick to step up as Mei stepped back, uncertain. Her eyes couldn't decide if they wanted to keep watch on me, or look at anything else.

"Look Cheese- we're not losing anybody; but if we stick around, who's gonna run the rescue party? Ev and Mk are tough, and if I know anything, those two will probably find eachother in a jiffy. Or they'll find us." He told me firmly.
"Y-yeah! And besides, I think Mk and Monkey King already know the city is in trouble- they probably are already on their way here now!" Tang added in sheepishly, trying to sound optimistic despite how he trembled from head to toe. I looked between them, brows furrowed and with a pinch in my chest. I looked to the docks, past the cargo crates and old boats, up the hill and into the distance. The chaos in the city sounded as close as it was distant.

If I ran back now, would they still try to stop me?
Pigsy must have caught onto my train of thought, his cloven fingers knotting themselves in a tight grip into my new blue varsity jacket.
"Cmon kid, let's get you cleaned up and get the heck out of here. Dunno what you did to your nose, but it ain't lookin too good." With a tug, he began to move me away from the edge. Sandy and Mei worked on pulling the ramp back up and prepping to sail off.
Tang was the last one standing at the edge of the boat, rambling to himself in that anxious fashion he tends to do. The sound of the engines and turbines coming out of hiding whirred and roared in my ears, mostly tuning him out under their vibrations and rumble.
"Try turning us into spiders when we're in the middle of the o!-"
A crack of lightning split across the sky. I felt a jolt of static thrum through my legs as the anklets responded.
A gasp ripped from Mei's throat as Tang finished in a squeak, "-cean??..." Pigsy and I turned, brows raised. We both were slack jawed in a matter of seconds. There, among the cargo crates, had to be hundreds of those little spider mechs. Hoards of red, gleaming optics stared us down, completely locked on the lot of us and our boat.

I felt myself go several shades paler at the sight, and seeing the others from the corners of my vision, I knew I wasn't the only one.
"Uh? Sandy?? We gotta get going soon, aha-" Mei spoke up through her teeth, her face strained and fists clenched to the point of being white as printer paper. Sweat was already in my hairline from running, but I felt about ready to break into a second wind of a cold one. With a single glance backwards, I could spot Sandy in the captains quarters, pressing buttons and pulling levers to no avail. Nothing seemed to be working, and I could hear even the turbines slowing down rather than keeping speed.
Definitely not good.
The tell tale glow of fire sparked, and Sandy was quick to whip out a fire extinguisher to stifle it out of existence.
"S-sorry I don't have this problem- honest!" He stuttered out, getting back to work to make the boat go.

My eyes shot back to the spiders. More seemed to be crawling from around and out of the shadows. The vials embedded in their abdomens glimmered and glowed, bubbles within their liquid moving about like a poisonous threat. Tang swallowed hard, and whispered into the open air, "we're all gonna die."

For a moment none of us moved, let alone breathed. Least I didn't think so. Maybe I was the only one not breathing. The stillness gave me a sudden awareness to the slow trickle of blood down the bridge of my nose. How long had that been bleeding?

"Now now my pets~"
A voice started from the darkness. Deep and with a raspiness I had yet to forget. Everything in me suddenly was standing on end. From the dark, there he came. The same spider demon as before.
"Daddy's gonna have his fun." he'd all but purred, cocking a brow and baring fangs in an almost sadistic glee. I bristled when I felt as much as I saw his eyes dart in my direction. If it was possible, his already manic grin seemed to widen and his eyes narrowed. I had a feeling he wasn't about to forgive and forget that I trapped him in a dumpster.

"UHHHH SANDY??" Mei started, and Pigsy finished with a howl as both the dragon girl and scholar clung to him like a pair of koalas, "GET US OUT OF HEREE!!"
Sandy appeared briefly, his massive frame scurrying from the captains quarters to turn for the stairs, oddly swift for such a big man, "uh- working on it!" He called chipperly, before disappearing from sight.
"What's the rush?" The spider demon called from the docks, "it's not so bad if you go quietly~" He added in with a small shrug, as if we were being unreasonable for not wanting to re-arrange our spines.
"The transition will be... almost painless!" He followed up with a sinister chuckle. Already on edge and sweating up a storm, the four of us took position. Pigsy with a pan, Mei with her sword and- Tang... behind the... barrier of the boat. Fair enough.

"We can handle one of her lackeys!" Pigsy exclaimed. As if on cue, from the shadows behind the original spider demon, arose legs far larger than the other. With a height unrivaled, maybe equal to Sandy if I thought hard enough on it, the second spider demon revealed himself. With a hell of an underbite and fangs to crush cans, he was built like a tank to put it lightly, and the face to show he knew it.
"Two of her lackeys?? Oh boy..." Pigsy added in exasperatedly, shaking his head as his little floppy ears tucked closer to his head and his little curly tail tucked closer to his pants. The cast-iron pan he held tight in his grip trembled in the air as he continued to hold it high.

"Nice to see you again, rabbit. Should have expected you would be part of this little... ragtag group." The first spider demon sneered. I grimaced at the nickname, and tried to ignore as the three turned to give me curious and almost concerned looks.
"Can't say it's the same feeling." I shot back bitterly, raising a hand to purposefully wipe the blood that was building across the bridge of my nose. His grin lowered to a more triumphant smirk at the sight.
The urge to give the guy a shiner appeared in the back of my mind like a bad itch.

Luckily, none of us had to do a darn thing, as from the sky, as he usually came, was Mk.
A screaming ball of glowing destructive, panicking fury. He crashed to the concrete docks, staff first. The force blew the spiders and all their little bots several feet back and away, and when the dust cleared, Mk shakily stood in a crater of his own making, swinging his staff and heaving like he either ran a marathon or was about to say goodbye to his lunch.
"GUYS!! You're okay!" He cried out, turning to face us all as we hurried to the front of the boat to look down on him. "I thought you'd been turned into gross spider thingies!! They're... everywhere!!" He wailed, gagging faintly as he trembled like a wet chihuahua.
"Urgh- I can still feel them crawling all over me!! Bleh-"
"KID! Focus!" Pigsy barked.
"Yep! Yep yep yep- working on it!" Mk wheezed out, before turning to face the spider demons, waiting just a few feet ahead. But instead of launching in for a fight, the first spider demon looked satisfied with the appearance of the Monkie Kid. With a hand raised, he pressed to something in his pointed ear.
"We found the Monkey King's apprentice," he said suddenly, "Exactly where you'd said he'd be..."
I immediately went rigid.
Oh my goddess.
"Oh no..." Mk murmured, looking pale and with wide, haunted eyes. He turned tail immediately, slipping over himself as he did, hurrying towards the boat. I rushed to meet him, stretching a hand down to him. He leapt up, catching my palm, using his shoes against the side of the boat to push himself up and closer.
Pigsy, Mei, and Tang all crowded my sides, eager to lend a hand in hauling the hero up. Once he was on the boat, we hurried to get away from the edge to avoid being grabbed by anything the spiders had or the spiders themselves. Mei took up the defensive and I joined her, allowing Pigsy and Tang to comfort the shivering Mk.
"Sandy! It's now or never old buddy!" Pigsy shouted to the open lower cabin door.
"Found it!" Sandy shouted back, sounding breathless as he came barreling out to the center of the deck where we all huddled. With a remote in hand, he rose it to the sky and slammed a thumb down over the button.
A very familiar sound of Moe's meow blasted across the clearing.
Silence fell over us immediately.
"Uh- Sandy?" Mei asked incredulously. Sandy was already sweating bullets, hand still in the air.
"Give it a minute!" He shouted back hopefully. Not even a second later, came a loud crash, boom, and pow! And just like he said, in came flying the biggest fucking drone ever imagined.


It came directly to us, flying just off to the side. Far enough from the docks that if the spiders jumped, they couldn't reach it, but close enough for all of us to haul ass into.
I looked to Bolin, and opened my arms for him. He hurried over in an instant, and I held him tight as Sandy picked us all up and all but threw us like a box of dollies up into the hovering drone before promptly launching himself into the captains cockpit.
"They can't escape!!" Shrieked the spider demon below.
Eat it spicy ube guy! We can escape all we want! We're doing it right now, in your face!

Once Sandy had gotten us far enough away and into cruising altitude, it was a breath of fresh air from there. Cautiously, I let Bolin go, watching as he stood. Gently I adjusted his headband on instinct, noticing it had gotten crooked in the jump- he looked oddly at me for a moment, but let it happen. With a soft pat on the head, I turned to check on the others. Everyone seemed alright. Mei was talking about the horrifying vista's. I didn't want to bother looking down on it- I could already smell it even when hundreds of feet in the air.

I was almost a little relieved- but there as still one person missing, and that didn't sit right with me one bit. I looked to Mk, ready to ask if he'd seen you- but it was a different kind of horror when he beat me to the punch.
"Spider Queen captured Monkey King..."
Oh we're royally fucked, aren't we?

From there it was a lot of back and forth. A lot of uncertainty, a lot of trying to drum up motivation or morale, even contemplating our next moves- that was, until a screaming flaming Redson and his jet came zipping through. And who so happened to be clinging to his hips once Sandy obliterated said jet and apprehended the firey menace?
"Ev!" I exclaimed, relief falling over me like a heavy blanket. Bolin seemed to be a thousand times more relaxed seeing you aboard the ship and I couldn't help but relate. Now everyone was here, or at least just about, with a... well tentatively okay bonus person.
I would have had a lot more to say, or at least feel towards the bull prince- but after the few weeks I'd had, and the bomb you dropped that he'd actually... been helping with the search; the usual spit and vinegar I felt towards him felt dull and quiet. Plus, with the way he talked to you and about you, seemed relatively decent compared to previous. Just how much were you two hanging out, anyhow?
Was that why I couldn't find you? It was because you were with Redson?

For a moment I expected to feel a lot more frustration than I did in that moment, but if I'm being honest, I suddenly felt weirdly grateful to the Bull Prince for being nearby. If there was anyone I could probably trust to be strong enough to keep you safe, it would be him. Especially after the battle we shared to save his father and the city from that... possessive evil or whatever it was. Though it didn't stop me from giving the man a few suspicious and distrusting glares, I didn't approach or drop a snippy comment even once.

The others seemed to be spitting all the venom besides Sandy and Bolin, who didn't seem to mind his presence or mannerisms. Actually, now that I thought about it, looking on Bolin I was surprised to see him tentative and curious of the man. I glanced between the two of them.
Papa here for child support?
I'm kidding, I'm kidding.
... mostly.

Luckily, despite Redsons social ineptness and slightly awkward way of asking for help, he was decent altogether. He didn't even seem to mind when I hovered, eyeing the details of the symbols of the runes he put down in a large circle across the drones deck. After a brief, horrifically vague and mildly concerning explanation of what he was doing and how it was going to work and whether or not it could possibly kill us, in a burst of flame and impossible glow, he activated it. This feels like how I would imagine that one sci-fi trick to go- hyperspace, that's the word.

With a jerk, the entirety of the drone was sucked through portal after portal after portal. Each one louder, brighter, and faster than the last. The sound of a gong resounded, and the distant chiming of bells followed like a chorus before we jerked to a stop altogether. Some of us fell to the ground, some of us wobbled and others rolled. Scorch marks covered the interior and exterior of the drone, and some bits seemed to still be on fire or smoking at the very least. With a violent shake of my head, I set my windblown hair back to its place, grimacing against the sun and the burning from the wind on my retinas from the travel. Was that the sun? I really couldn't tell- everything was honestly just... glowing.

"Welcome... to the Celestial Realm, peasants!" Redson exclaimed with all the gusto of a showman.
To say the views were breathtaking was an understatement.
"The paintings don't do this place justice..." I murmured faintly as I joined everyone that crowded the edge, peering down upon the grand castle and all its cloud resting facets.
"Aaa no kidding!! What a dream!!" Tang squealed not far from me.
"Not even my camera is doing this place justice- this is insane!" Mei exclaimed, leaning over my shoulder to show me the pictures she'd already snapped since we arrived. She was awfully quick with that shutter feature. I nodded absently, half paying attention to her phone and half paying attention to looking over the sights. This was... this was insane. But incredible. So, so incredible.

"I'm a demon, okay?? Its not like I've been here before!" I heard Redson suddenly yell out in frustration. When I turned, I saw you and Mei hovering around him. His face was reddening by the second, clearly embarrassed. I stifled a small laugh at the sight, shaking my head. Maybe this guy isn't all too bad. I mean, only a little bit ago before we got here you promised and swore he was alright so... who's to say that isn't true? Right?

I'll still keep an eye on him though. Make no mistake.

When it came time to decide who got what, and Tang's lore drop came to a close (with a few side notes from myself on the grounds) everyone split off. I was hesitant to go anywhere, honestly. Sure, I managed to get these anklets to work with me for a short time, but who's to say I would get it right again? What if I get in the way? What if I screwed something up?
After some torn thinking, I jumped between the different groups.
Peach gang; too many people.
Drone gang; nothing I could do.
And the furnace, I was shot down almost immediately by Mk. He said he wanted to do it on his own, and that it shouldn't be too hard anyhow. That I should probably just stay with Sandy or something. I almost did if it wasn't for Pigsy asking for some help wrangling his husband; because even though we were both highly knowledgeable in the field of this sort of legend, he easily freaked out, and I just fact dropped. Out of the two, he needed someone to help him keep his sanity together.

Frankly, that helped a little in terms of wanting to feel useful, so off I went!
Aaannnndddd immediately burned rubber getting back to the drone fifteen minutes later with a very angry spider on our tail. Who knew rubber duckies could be so... evil??
 
Landing face first onto the floor of the drone was not on my list of things to do today. Although, neither was getting chased by a buff spider dude, so I guess it's fine. The moment I heard MK screaming for Sandy to start the drone, I pushed myself to my feet, looking to see if everyone but MK had arrived. Pigsy, Tangy, Bingy...check! Mei and Redson...also check! Big blue, little blue, robo boy...check! Okay, everyone but MK was accounted for. Oh and the drone is taking off. I lose my footing, crashing into Mei's back, but she, thankfully, does not budge. I rested my hands on Mei's shoulders, peeking over at Redson, who was in front of her. "So, this is everything, right?" I asked as MK landed on the drone with the furnace. Redson nodded curtly before turning on his heel and and stalking off. The drone zipped through the sky as everyone settled, Redson a bit higher up and with nothing better to do at the moment I decided to follow. I sat facing towards everyone, my legs dangling as I rested against the upper part of the drone.
"So...about Bolin." I said, looking over at Redson with a sheepish smile. "I kinda...found him a few days after we met. He was busted, missing his arms...and I kinda felt bad? So, I charged him up, stole an arm or two from your bots at the weather tower, and he was back in business. I think some of his circuitry got knocked around, since he kind of acts like a ten year old. So, I've basically taken to calling him my son." At Redson's baffled expression, I turned my head to stifle a laugh. "And...we've all gotten pretty attached to him." I pulled my knees to my chest, resting my forehead on them. "And...BaiHe really gets along with him...He's really worried about her, too. I think he feels guilty about not stopping her from running off, even though she prevented him from doing so." I took a deep breath, eyes shut tight burning with tears. "But it's-" I sucked in my lips as my voice cracked and I curled in on myself a bit more. "It's not his fault. It's mine." I leaned back, letting my legs hang over the side again as I wiped my eyes with my hands, staring up at the surrounding clouds. "And that's why I need to find her."

What makes you think she wants to be found?

I shot up, and if Redson hadn't grabbed me by the back of my sweater, I would've gone face first onto the drone's floor again. It felt like there were two cold hands on my shoulders, just resting there. As Redson pulled me back into my spot, the feeling dissipated and I just felt...empty for a second. I swallowed, my mouth feeling dry.

"Hover girl?" Redson's voice filled my ears and I looked at him, and he seemed to almost wince. My left hand tingled and I looked down at it. My finger was covered in retreating blue cracks and I covered it with my right hand. I shook my head, trying to steady myself. "I-" I cleared my throat. "I'm alright."

"So, uh...What now?" Tang asked, staring at all the materials that were gathered into the center of the drone.
"We find a place to lie low, make the antidote, and save everyone!" MK said, practically sparkling. Yay! He got out of whatever funk he was in and it was nice to see him back to normal.
"Ugh...you're back to your disgustingly enthusiastic self." Redson chided, arm resting over his propped up knee. "What happened?"
"I got a new power!" Everyone leaned in at that, eyes wide and curious. "The power..." Pause for dramatic affect. "...Of self reflection." I snorted, covering my mouth with my hands to muffle my laughter. I felt the coldness surrounding me start to fade, almost as if it were retreating.
"So!" Mei chimed in excitedly. "Where are we headed?"
"Set a course..." MK turned dramatically, propping a foot up on the railing. "For Flower Fruit Mountain!"

The drone jolted again, and I was prepared for it this time thank god, and was able to stay in place. I watched everyone chat and joke around, planning our next moves. It was a peaceful scene, despite recent events, and it was nice.
"...It's not your fault, for what it's worth." Redson's quiet voice had me looking over at him. I blinked a couple times quickly, giving him a quizzical look. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, rubbing slightly. "That she went missing. Nor is it...Cheese's." He paused, hand over his mouth as he stared out at the moving sky. "Things happen that you can't control." He side glanced me, resting his arm over his knee again. I wiped at my eyes again, feeling the tears well up.
"Thanks, Redson..." I said, voice cracking slightly. "That...means a lot...It really does." He only shrugged and looked back out at the clouds again, but I smiled slightly, reaching over to lightly punch his shoulder. "And...with your antidote, we'll save the city and get your dad back." The drone slowed to a stop, now just hovering above ground. I stood, rifling through my hair and pulling out an umbrella. I hopped onto the drone's floor, opening the umbrella as I wandered to the edge and hopped off. I floated down easily, Mary Poppins style. Once I was on the sand, I bowed while closing the umbrella with a flourish. Mei and MK clapped, and I held in a fit of giggles as I shoved the umbrella back into my hair. Sandy brought down the furnace while Redson grabbed the peach and the pills. He brewed some form of concoction with the furnace, maniacally giggling to himself as he grabbed a stick and began to draw some runes in the sand. He cackled when the runes were done, tossing the venom and catching it again.
"I, Redson, will bind the powers of the celestial artifacts with the Spider Queen's own venom-" He poured the venom into the furnace dramatically, fire twirling around his hands. "Save my father and reforge the world as I see fit!"
"Redson that was amazing!"
"Such a good hero speech."
"VILLAIN SPEECH. And perhaps my best of all time!"
I chuckled, crossing my arms. "It was more of a villain speech, guys."
Pigsy cleared his throat. "Okay, so, what do we do now, guy?"
"We-" Redson gestured to all of us. "Do nothing. I add the ingredients in a precise order you wouldn't understand." Wait where'd MK go?
"Uh, there's only two more ingredients, Redboy."
"And I already chucked them in." Oh there he is.
"WHAT!?"
"You're welcome~!"
A loud and violent poof of golden smoke momentarily blinded me and I rubbed my eyes as it dissipated. MK and Tang peeked into the furnace.
"Oh! I think it worked!"

After a pep talk, and Sandy whipping out a new mechanic of the drone that was super awesome, we were back off to the city! You, MK, and I whipped up a fake cardboard float that the drone somehow fit behind and we snuck our way into the parade. I'm honestly not sure how that worked, but it did and I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Gift monkey? I dunno. Once we revealed ourselves, I looked over the side of the drone. Wait a second was that-
"BAI-" I was swiftly cut off when a web caught my collar and the figure I'd seen evaporated into thin air. As MK gave his little hero speech, I was yanked off the side of the drone and right into one of spider queen's goons. I groaned as I slipped out of my sweater to no longer be binded to webs and jumped back, rifling through my hair once more. I pulled out a baseball bat and tossed it, catching it with both hands. The henchman I'd crashed into looked at me as if I had three heads, which was fair, but swiftly recovered. "So, you come here often?" I asked, twirling the bat slightly. He sputtered, lifting his goggles for a moment.
"I- What!?" I giggled but was swiftly cut off when one of his mechanical legs swung at me. I leaped to the side and one of the spider bots leapt at me, but I whacked it with the bat and sent it flying. "Home run!" I shouted, smiling, but another shot of web yanked the bat out of my hands and flung me into the air. Well that was short lived. I was ensnared right after, landing on my back. I squirmed, trying to free myself. A shadow loomed over me as I tore at the webbing with my teeth, and I looked up seeing the spider goon I'd crashed into. Unlike the other two, he seemed well-kempt, and based on his attire, I assumed he was the smart one.
"You must be the one the queen finds entertaining." He said, adjusting his goggles over his eyes. I felt my cheeks burn, and decided to be snarky because why not.
"Jealous?" I asked, smirking. Damnit, my glasses were crooked and I couldn't fix them. "Or just worried she'll find me as an adequate right hand man?" He scoffed, standing up straight with his hands behind his back. I laughed again, blowing some hair out of my face. "Speechless? Is it 'cause I'm adorable?" I slipped into a Mimzy way of speaking. I couldn't help it! It was fun talking like her sometimes. A pain shot through my head and I shut my eyes, reeling back with a strangled cry. Images flashed through my head. A baren wasteland, a white scorpion bone mech, MK succumbing to blue fire and...BaiHe. I opened my eyes again, looking up at the giant spider mech that would make a totally banger lego set and saw something burst out of the side of it. Was that...DBK?
 
"So... whatcha think big guy? Enjoying the party?"
The Demon Bull King glowered and snarled, lips pulled back to bare angry gritted teeth and brows furrowed so deeply they creased a 'v' into the space between his eyes.
This? A party? Hardly.
It wasn't enough to be a nightmare in his eyes, but it certainly was a start. It brought him more shame than it ever did fear, and among that shame, an inextinguishable burning ball of rage within his chest. His eyes darted sharply to the corner, just to the left of him. If his glare could turn any icier, he'd likely have coated the entire room in frost. He strained against the bindings where web held him tight, off and away from ground and out of reach of anything, or better yet, anyone else. A shame it was, seeing the target of his ire so close and yet so far from reach. His cloven hands clenched and re-clenched fiercely into fists.
"She would never have subdued me had you not given her the power she needed." the Demon Bull King growled, his voice like a rumble of a rockslide. The words he spoke did little to deter the cheeky figure above his head, ensnared just as he was, albeit it much tighter. Only his feet and tail were allowed to dangle, the rest of him completely encased in webbing.
"Ooorrr," He began, closing one eye to peer down at him with a small smirk, "It's just that she captured me first, because I'm her favorite-"
The Bull King was having none of his playful attempt at banter. In mere moments his face grew red hot, and steam billowed from his nostrils like a tank engine. Veins bulged in his neck and temple, and he reared, fighting against the bonds. The struggle must have triggered something inside the strands, as the second he jerked against them- they pulsed with rushing blue lights. Electricity like open wires ran rampant across the entire room, only amplifying in power the more they struggled to get away from the stinging, burning sensation that seemed to be sucking the life out of them almost too quickly and too slowly all at once. With gritted teeth and eyes clamped shut, they fought against it. In pain and more burnt than ever, the Bull King let out a roar of rage that could never be rivaled.
It only lasted a few seconds more before the room of trapped demons and magic baring persons were released from the electric agony that was bestowed upon them. Blurry and weary headed, it went unnoticed as their captor descended from the ceiling as her name sake described.

The Spider Queen gave a titter as she entered, eyeing over the many bodies that made up the battery of her hard working machine. Her magnum opus, her ticket back into power. At the very heart of the room she continued down, staring up at the body of DBK, heaving in all his glory. If that glory could hold out as long as she needed it to.
It'd be a shame if he were to just... burn out, here and now, wouldn't it?
With a final giggle, her many legs touched the floor, her chest puffed and shoulders pulled back with pride. It was at that moment that her servants decided to enter. Her head turned to them, curious as she was addressed; if not a little disappointed her moment alone was disturbed so soon.
"My Queen..." The small girl greeted, her hands clasped and her posture held in such a way unfitting of her age.
What a creepy little thing, the Spider Queen couldn't help but think.
"It seems the demon boy and the Monkey Kings protégé are working together." An almost knowing quirk of her lips appeared, but was gone in a flash. As if the little look she gave was a quiet 'I told you so' of a mother to a child. It felt odd, coming from a child to someone as old as she was, but she brushed it off. As if anything could truly ruin her moment. What could those two trouble makers even do at this point?

"So?" She asked, waving an arm off to the side just as the electricity in the webs came back for a second round, power hungry as she was it seemed. "What can they do?" She voiced her thoughts aloud, "This city is mine!" She began to laugh, high and loud from her chest.
"Perhaps, you should-" The smaller girl began to advise in that too sophisticated tone of hers. The Spider Queen was quick to shut her down, her head snapping in the direction of the door, her wide and manic grin gone and replaced with a frustrated frown.
"Enough!" She exclaimed fiercely.
Her spiders jumped in surprise on either side of the small girl as the Spider Queen's arm swung towards them and away, as if swatting flies.
"I don't need you coming in here being a party pooper! You know what we need to do?" She asked, expecting no answer as she continued. Her eyes were far brighter than they ever were before, gleaming an excellent leafy green even in the dark as she turned, her smiling returning ten fold, "Celebrate! Bring in the year of the spider in style!" And with that, the Spider Queen stalked further into the room, bothering not to even spare the three another glance.
The girls hands tightened, one over the other in front of her, her face a deathly calm beyond the slight pinch in her brows as she dipped her chin down.
"...As you wish."
The doors began to close without a hand to pull them, and as the door began to leave but a sliver of the outside, her eyes flashed a brilliant blue. Hisses of whispers followed as she disappeared from view, only silenced once the door had swung completely shut.
No one was the wiser.​

Back with our ragtag group, we had finally arrived at our destination. I'll be honest, majority of the flight back from the celestial realm was spent cooing to Mk's lion dog mech and people watching over our crew. Luckily I wasn't alone in it, as Sandy took as much of a liking to the silly little guy as I did. With a well aimed scratch under their metal chin the leg started tapping. Well, thudding. Every drop of that big metal foot made it feel like the floor of the drone was shaking out of place, but whatever.
"Such a silly guy. En god gutt, ja en så god gutt, hvem er en god gutt?? Eeeehehehe!- " Ahem- anyways ignore that-
It was a little sad to see the guy go, but I knew none of Mk's staff made creations lasted very long. As it served it's purpose, it was gone in a puff of gold, leaving behind some scraps of metal that Sandy gratefully took up and disappeared with into the lower cabin. I heard some whirring, hammering, and drill sounds, but didn't think much of it. He had been doing routine maintenance every once in awhile, so I brushed it off as just that.
The landing on the beach was smooth as butter, and the exit off of it relatively similar. I was surprised to see you whip out an entire umbrella, popping it open with a flourish and hopping down from off the side of the closed railing and floating delicately down like a flower on the breeze.
"Mary Poppins..." I whispered, earning a raised brow from Pigsy, who was part way clambering over the side.
"Who the heck is that?"
"A nanny that came from the sky." I replied without missing a beat. Pigsy paused, a little befuddled, but shook his head and continued down with a mumble along the lines of, "these kids, I swear. Don't make no sense these days."

After that, Tang was quick to follow, anxious as he squirmed and wriggled over the edge- before his fingers slipped and he gave a shriek of surprise. Luckily for him, Pigsy expected such a thing, and caught him like a falling princess without batting an eyelash.
Sandy hopped over next, and turned to hold out his arms. Glancing beside me, I saw Bolin scurry over. I held out my hands in case he needed them as he propped himself up onto the railing, before watching him slide down into Sandy's waiting hands who caught him with a smile. Some chirps and small little whirrs left the little bull boy, and Sandy responded with a quiet, "Aw shucks." In playful response, setting him down on the ground beside him with a little pat on the head. Bolin came him a closed eye sort of smile (without a mouth of course, but it was easy to spot) before hurrying off to join you and the others, sticking close to your hip.
Sandy turned to me then, hands held up with a smile reassuring smile. I blinked at him owlishly, trying to translate his silent request. Once it clicked, I resisted the urge to take a step back or wave him off. I could get down just fine, it would just take me a... little longer than the others probably- but Sandy's patient eyes pushed me to only nod in tentative agreement, repeating what I saw Bolin do. It was a little awkward and robotic as I clambered up, hesitating as I stared down at Sandy, but with gentle coaxing, I let go and dropped down into his waiting hands. He set me down on the ground quick enough I didn't have time to feel squeamish at the touch. I looked at Sandy and gave a quick thumbs up. He smiled broadly at the action, and quickly returned it with a sparkle and a small giggle to follow up. His smile was contagious as was his giggle, and I found myself doing the same back before he hauled up the furnace like a sack of potatoes and walked off to where Redson was anxiously setting up a space on the beach, instructing the big blue giant just where and how he wanted it set.
When did he set that down actually? I didn't even notice he hauled that off the drone already-
Oh, and Redson is already starting his monologue. Y'know, I honestly kind of missed that in a way.

With a high pitched, maniacal giggle, Redson clambered up the boulder he'd setup and got to work tossing and twirling the vial of venom he'd acquired from the city.
"I, Redson! Will bind the powers of the celestial artifacts with the spider queens own venom, save my father, and reforge the world as I see fit! WUAHAHAHA-" He exclaimed to the open air above the soft crashing of the waves on the shore and wind in the jungle far behind him. There he popped the cap of the venom's container and poured it inside the furnace was a swish, tossing the empty vial aside and alighting his palms with his firey signature. His moment was short-lived, as Mei called from the side, "Redson, that was amazing!" She squealed. Mk was quick to chime in, "Such a good hero speech."
Redson spluttered immediately, "VILLAIN speech! And perhaps my best of all time!"
"It was more of a villain speech, guys." You'd chuckled not far, arms crossed.
"Nah, nah- his tone was villainy- his words? Totally hero speech." I added in from the side, earning a frustrated glare from none other than Redson himself before he huffed and straightened his posture. With a sharp tug on the lapels of his coat, he set his hands firmly on his hips and looked over all of us from his high rock.
"Okay... so what do we do now, guy?" Pigsy decided to cut in, putting us all back on track.
Redson rolled his eyes, "We," He started, gesturing to all of us with a sharp pointed black nail, "Do nothing. I add the ingredients in a precise order," The second the words 'precise' and 'order' left that mans mouth, Mk had all but vanished from sight, and with that now obvious, I immediately knew we were in for trouble as Redson continued to talk.
"oh here we go." I sighed, holding the open half of my jacket to cover my head at a moments notice.
"uhhhh- there's only two more ingredients, Redboy." Mei told him frankly.
"Annndd!~ I already chucked them in." Mk called from behind Redson, who jerked sharply to look at him. His eyes went wide immediately.
"WHAT?!" He shrieked.
"You're welcome!" Mk beamed as the jar of floating immortal pills and the single peach dropped inside of the furnace with the small sounds of a gong sounding off in the distance.
There was a sudden and bright glow that began in the barrel, before sharply exploding outwards.
Expecting it and all the golden smoke and sparkles, I covered my head with my jacket- what I was not prepared for was the shockwave of power to completely knock all of us off our feet and sending all of us ass over teakettle and sprawling in the sand.
Was Redson doing a partial Peter Griffin death pose right now?
Honestly, I'd expect that more from Tang.

"Ooo! I think it worked!" Called out the aforementioned scholar, already on his feet with Mk and peering into the barrel of the brazier.
"You think?" I wheezed out a small cloud of gold and glitter. Was that glitter? Best not to think about it. No one paid any mind to my comment, focusing on getting to our feet and shaking sand out of our hair and ears. Mk hopped down from where he was on the rock, finished staring into the swirling gold concoction that illuminated part of the tree branches that were overhanging the beach. It was like a flashlight shined up into the sky from inside that furnace.
"Alright!" He called out. For a brief moment, he paused, turning to look into the side of the furnace. Its metal was so clean it was like a mirror staring right back at him. Gently, he touched a hand to his reflection, a determined smile crossing his visage before he turned to look upon all of us.
"Time to take the fight back to the Spider Queen, and end this nightmare once and for all!" He exclaimed.
"How?" Pigsy shot back, "Those spider people aren't just gonna line up for a sip!" He said. Ah, that was true.
"And even if they did... are we forgetting about Spider Queen?"
"Hard to forget." Redson and I chimed together bitterly. We both shot each other an awkward side glance, before quickly focusing back on Tang, who continued on without pause, "She defeated the Monkey King! How are you?..." Tang trailed off. Visibly Mk tensed, his fists clenching at his sides. But he didn't let that hold him back. With a gleam in his eye, he pumped a fist into the air.

"We'll find a way! We always do." He told us all honestly. It was enough to fire us up. Where there's a will, there's a way.
"Well..." Sandy suddenly spoke up. All eyes turned to him curiously as he raised a steady calloused hand. Moe was perched on his shoulder in the way familiars often were.
"I might have an idea." He dug that same hand into his beard, and faintly the sound of a startled clucking chicken appeared. D-did Sandy have a chicken in his beard?...
Did Sandy have a pocket space in his beard like you did in your hair?
Was everyone getting a pocket space except me??
From his beard, he pulled free a little remote with a big red button. Hanging off the end, was a charming little acrylic charm of Moe's little smiling kitty face. With a quick turn, he pointed the remote to the already floating drone, ready to roll. With a firm press of the button, the four different legs of the machine whirred and pulled back unseen panels to reveal giant turrets from under the cabin. The metal looked awfully familiar...
"Wait- that's what you did with the scrap pieces?!" I asked incredulously, collecting my jaw and pointing. Sandy smiled cheekily, nodding.
"Yeeup! Pretty neat, isn't it? Big guy gave me all the pieces I needed to finish them up!"
"Aww yeahhh!" Mei hooted and hollered.
"With this?" Mk laughed, "We might have a chance!" He called out. Without another second to spare, everyone hurried back into the drone, Redson using his fire to carefully teleport you, Bolin, the furnace, and himself onto the deck. He didn't seem too bothered by the touch, his hand on your waist- but from the subtle flush in your cheeks, I knew.
You knew I knew.
But that was a talk for later- right now? It's time to squish some spiders.
​


When we arrived back to the city, it was obvious what Spider Queen and her spider goons had been up to in our time away. Just about everyone in the city was gathered up in the original spot the Lunar New Year's parade took place in the first place- before she had turned up to crash and steal the party of course. While she sat back in her lavish throne, popping grapes between her fangs one by one and being fanned by a human turned spider zombie, giggling it up- we came up with our own little plan to uno reverse her ass.
Pardon my sailor.
You, Mk and I combined were faster than light in whipping up and cutting out a giant piece of cardboard. Man, I wish I had you two for school projects, but alas...
This was so ridiculous it felt like it wouldn't work at first. But in a crowd full of essential zombies? We made it work. How the drone kept the cardboard cutout up and waddled forward the way it did had to have been hopes, prayers, and the power of friendship because damn.
Once we were close enough and spotted, we made our move lickety split! For a brief moment as we rose into the air, staring down at the crowd and at the alarmed spider demons, I thought I saw... No it couldn't have been. My heart lurched as my eyes tried to focus in on the little figure not far, but without my glasses, it was nothing but a little blob of blues, whites and ebony. I heard you start to call out not far from me, and for a moment it almost sounded like you were about to yell to exactly who I thought I saw! But a web snatching you right off the deck didn't give me a chance to hear the rest of your shout.
"Hover girl!" "Ev!"
We didn't have to worry much though, as you proceeded to absolutely wreck a spider bot and absolutely confuse and bewilder the same spider demon that took you off your feet. I let out a small sigh as I watched from afar the lavender of his face bloom to a startled blushing green. Ah, working your magic. Get em, buddy, get em.
"Well if it isn't Spider Queen, throwing herself a party! Prepare to meet your doom! AHAHAHA!" Mk exclaimed above the roar of the turbines. Redson's eyes sparkled as his attention turned to the Monkie Kid, "Now that is a hero speech!" he beamed.
"We need to have a talk about the difference of words and tones after this, guys." I told the group firmly.
Pigsy and Tang gave absent nods and mutters of agreement, "eh, yeah probably a good idea," seemed to be the verdict.
"Wowww, Mk! You're handling your spider phobia so well!" Mei praised from her position in the weapons cabin, ready to turn her turret in any direction. Though her words were a bit lost, as Mk went from a proud, confident stance to shaking like a wet chihuahua and sweating like a sinner in church.
"I'm internalizing a lot of stuff right now-"
(Lmao, dawg, me too. me too.)
With a hard shake, he was back to how he was, shouting like a captain to his crew.
"RELEASE THE ANTIDOTE!"

Didn't have to tell the lot of us twice. With the slam of trigger fingers on buttons and manual pulls, we fired off with a rumble. The reaction was instantaneous, the green offsetting and glitching out before each tank embedded in civilians backs down below were transformed into shimmering gold. With familiar clicks, people were being released from zombie town left and right, the city filling with cries of joy and relief. The tension in my shoulders eased a little seeing most of them unscathed and only a little traumatized.
"It's working!" Mei exclaimed brightly, "Lets finish this!!" She shouted. Several steps were missed in my book as suddenly, everyone was jumping off the still flying drone several feet down. I had started to jump, but realized last minute it probably wasn't a smart idea- but someone had a grip on my sleeve and took me off the drone anyways.
"Still human guys, still human!!"
Memo ignored.
Turns out, the person who had a grip on me was Mei, and just as she landed, she glided me around her like a hula hoop and set me onto my feet, surprisingly in a hero pose like the others. My eyes were probably a little bigger than my skull at that point, but it's fine. Ankles unbroken and still alive, point in the books!
Mk struck out his staff, pointing it directly towards Spider Queen and her queens. With a smirk only befitting of his hero image, he yelled out, "Your reign of horror is Ooooverrrr-" His voice almost immediately died in his throat as Spider Queen took one single step in his direction, slamming a leg down so fiercely it created a hole in the asphalt.
You still seemed to have the... was he wearing an emo labcoat? Ah, spider scientist, I get it, I get it! Your type. Well at least you still had him distracted! Wow, you are, really turning this guy green (in a good way), would you look at that. If I could whistle I would, but at the moment?
Spider Queen reared her head back in a big belly laugh before looking back to us, regarding us with the same eyes as before. Like she planned to eat each and every one of us up for dinner.
"Oh, Monkey Boy! You're nothing without your master! There's nothing that can stop me!~" She jeered- her jubilous and condescending expression switched as fast as a Karen in a parking lot as her face contorted to one of rage and sheer certainty, "NOTHING!" She screamed.
With a horrific growl, something began to change.
Glowing green pulsed out the lines of her veins, brightened the gleam of her eyes. She stood taller as she convulsed, trembling with something that grew within her barely unseen. The belly of the giant mech above us sparked, pulsing with a green similar to that moving and glowing from within herself. It grew and grew, growing in tandem with her as she growled louder, turning to maniacal laughter. The very city seemed to shake and spark.
With each jolt of electricity, I felt the metal of the anklets respond. I glanced down briefly, startled to see the gems peaking from under the pantlegs of my jeans, glowing and pulsing blue like a heartbeat. All of us were on high alert, trying to understand what was happening, muscles tense and weapons even at the ready.
I was faced again with my same dilemma. Did... I have a weapon this time though? Did these... count?
I guess I was about to find out.

Mk took the charge, rushing off in a dead sprint ahead. I was starkly brought back to how our adventure first began.
The parallel was almost exact that it sent chills down my spine and put the hairs on my arms on end, even under the warmth of my jacket. He leapt, just like before, and struck down-
the buildup of all that electricty, of all that power- collected in the mandibles of the spider mech, balling up into one, condensed beam of electric green, purple, and blinding white light. Before being shot directly down, and into the Spider Queen. Mk was caught midair, his staff halted by a black manicured hand.
Spider Queen's eyes had never glowed so bright before, and her smile was downright manic. With all the force of a punch from DBK, Mk was sent flying faster than the speed of light itself, his staff followed barely half a second after, crashing just after he did. When the smoke cleared, gasps barely able to squeak from our throats, Mk and the staff were jammed into the wall by craters of cement and crumbled brick. All of us cried out his name, but we didn't have a single chance to move as Spider Queen took a step forward, gleefully rolling her neck with a crack as if just coming into her body with it's full potential for the first time in a long time. Flexing her clawed hands, green lightning seemed to roll off her being in waves. Everyone was quick to leap at her, or even at one of the goons. But something had changed within her, and there was no stopping it.
In moments, everyone was snatched up by webbing. She wielded them like a cowboy would a lasso, swinging them with accuracy and point blank power. Even Redson's fire wasn't quick enough to burn each new strand she slung out.
I jolted for a jagged piece of shrapnel on the ground, quick as a bullet, ready to turn on the webs holding the others for a second go. I zipped out, but-
"Ah ah rabbit! You know that's not how the game goes!" Above me- how did he get above me?!
A strangled gasp was ripped from my chest as I was crashed back into the ground, a heavy boot pressed into my spine, the shrapnel I collected lost in the fall. I heard it clatter somewhere else. With arms wrenched behind my back, I hissed.
Spider Queens laughter was joyous, in a crazy, not mentally okay way.
Winner takes all it seemed.
​

Far above our heads, the battery room resided, working overtime.
The Demon Bull King, the center of all, the heart of the giant, held his eyes shut tight and his teeth gritted so tightly they looked ready to crack. From the corner, Monkey King watched with a squint. With a deep breath, he pushed out a strained sigh, "It's a shame really..." He started with a stifled grunt of pain. "You being trapped here..." He continued on slowly. Carefully, the Bull King cracked open a tired eye, faintly listening. Monkey King took that as a cue to go on, and he delivered, "no one to protect poor little... Princess IronFan."
The very name seemed to renew the Bull Kings energy entirely. His eyes shot open, bloodshot and gleaming a frightening and dangerous purple. With a growl from the very depth of his chest, his muscles strained fiercely against his binds, far stronger than before.
"My wife doesn't need protecting!" He shouted for all to hear.
The sounds of strain came from more than just Bull King. Looking up, the Monkey King could spy the webbing that connected to the Bull King himself starting to give way, growing thinner and thinner with each pull and rough jerk he gave. A smile immediately made it's way to his face at the sight, struck with an idea.
"She will decimate all in her way!!" Bull King roared.
Monkey King didn't bother to look down on him, continuing cheekily as he eyed the webs before him.
"Oh yeah?" He called, "How about your half baked son??" He turned, watching as the electricity of the webs began to go completely haywire.
"Spider Queen's gonna eat him alive! All because you were to weak!"
That was the cherry on top of the deliciously destructive bull sundae.
With a horrendous roar that shook the walls, he jerked his arms down, and then back, and finally- the binds holding him back snapped entirely. Power that had been being sapped ripped back into him like a receding wave, and exploded outwards like a tsunami, ripping into any and all webbing around him. The shockwave of his power whipped the hair on everyones heads this way and that, like a tornado let loose.
When Monkey King's binds were torn, he let out a holler of joy, "hah! It worked!" He exclaimed, "Excelle-WOAH-" The roars of the Bull King did not stop, and by the time Monkey King had looked up, he was startled to find the shadow of the demon bulls hand upon him like a fly to a wall. He was slammed into the metal immediately, before being thrown down to the ground, gripped tightly like a ragdoll. Bull King held him there, seething and blowing out steam.
"Buddy! I was just gettin you angry so you could-" He rushed to explain- but Bull King cut him off in a growl, "I know what you were doing, simian." He snarled. With wide eyes, Bull King drew back, revealing he'd torn the binding's from the Monkey King completely. He sat up with a smile, tail flicking free.
"Wait..." He paused. "Where are you going?" He asked, sitting up from the crater the Bull King had put him in.
Bull King didn't spare him a glance, merely craning his head in the Monkey King's direction.
"To find my halfbaked s-..." He cut off abruptly, trembling with an emotion untold, "son." He finished with a hiss. With a final roar, he reared back, geared up his horns, and crashed through the wall that had kept him prisoner.

Monkey King, now left alone, seeing as all the demons and other kept prisoner were now scurrying for the hills and out the newly blasted door DBK left for them- crawled from where he was, standing to scratch the back of his head, smiling, "Man- I've honestly missed that guy!" He said with a small laugh.
But a shock of a chill at his back showed he wasn't alone for long. A jolt of recognition crossed his face, and his mood soured immediately.
"So..." He spoke up, turning his head to eye over his shoulder. "You thought you had all the pieces right where you wanted them."
There, just a few feet behind him, was a girl. The same girl from before, the one that he saw just before Spider Queen got the jump on him. But he knew this wasn't just any girl. Least, not anymore. Inside... Inside, he knew what she was.
Her head craned down, looking at him through her lashed. Her straightened and freshly snipped ebony black hair slipped minimally over her shoulders.
In a voice unfitting of her face, of her small frame, she spoke. A wisdom older than even him glimmered in her eyes.
" I have so many more moves I've yet to play..." She told him.
Her voice seemed to overlap with whispers of many, an unsettling sound that could put hair on end.
The Monkey King was not easily fooled, and in this case, she didn't bother to try hiding anything from him. He bared his teeth.
"You should have stayed buried."


​




​
 
A bright glow of golden danced across the sky, pushing back the green as a flash of purple soared down from it.
"I AM NO ONE'S SLAVE!" A hit to the ground sent all three goons flying and I got knocked back into the wall next to Redson, who was still struggling in his webs. His mouth was covered as well and I started to try and worm my way out of my own cocoon, but swiftly stopped when I realized the heavy steps that were approaching belonged to DBK. I looked up at him in both awe and fear as his eyes glowed purple, reaching out to rip the webbing off of his kin.
"Father..." Redson breathed out in relief and I couldn't help but smile. It was...honestly rather cute. Wait a minute why was everyone but me and Mei free??? That's not fair! Oh and here came Bolin, tugging at the sticky binds that rendered me immobile. I glanced over at Redson, who was freeing Mei. "Kinda reminds me of the weather tower." I said with a laugh as Bolin successfully got the webbing off of me. Redson froze and sputtered, turning to face me as his hair sparked.
"I-You-"
The Spider Queen's laughter caught everyone's attention, her helmet falling to the ground in pieces. "All of you together couldn't beat me!" A whack upside the head from Redson told me that I had been staring. It wasn't my fault she was gorgeous when she had that manic look in her eyes. "I am the queen!"
"Oh yeah?" A voice echoed and I looked up, seeing Monkey King walking on the wall as if he were in an edit or something. He grabbed the staff, twirled it in his had before landing on solid ground. "Well I'm the king." He tapped the staff to the wall, freeing MK from his webbing - how on God's green earth did I not notice that - and leaned down, staff held out to the younger monkey boy. "Turns out I'm not so good with spiders, either." Okay, I had to admit that was adorable. MK smiled and nodded, grabbing the staff as Wukong used it to pull him up. I noted that the two of them glanced in your direction, and I could feel a small smirk. Looks like we both gettin' bitches. Spider Queen was glaring at them, fists clenched tight at her sides.
"If I can't rule this world..." She shot out a web, flying up to one of the legs of the giant mech as the green glow in it resumed. "No one can!" We were flung into the air as the ground beneath us shattered, and I prepared to land on my ass, but was caught in a pair of arms. Not cold ones this time, but warm ones. I looked up at him, eyes wide. "Oh-uhm, th-thank you, Redson." I cleared my throat, moving to my feet. God my cheeks were burning what the fuck. Wait a damn second is DBK staring at me-OH GOD HE IS-
"I'll level this whole city!" Wukong and MK took off towards Spider Queen, shooting themselves into the air.

"Alright, kiddo." Wukong said, holding out his hand to MK. "It's now or never!" His apprentice placed the staff in his mentor's palm, so that they both wielded it.
"Right!"
"Here!" They used their momentum to start spinning. "Comes!" Beyblade beyblade, let it rip- "Monkie-!" Wukong's feet planted into the mech as he launched MK into the air with the staff. "Kid." The smile on his face did little justice to how proud he felt in that moment. MK shot through the air, faster than I'd ever seen before, staff wielded to shoot right through the spider mech. Various explosions happened throughout the mech, and I had to squint to see MK. Oh god no, he was falling. He was literally on fire right now!
DBK bounded to gain momentum, launching himself into the air as Redson and I watched in awe, catching Wukong and MK as the final and biggest explosions came from the mech. Debris flew at us from all directions, and Redson used his flames to create a sort of barrier around the rest of us, the fire a deep shade of purple. Once the worst had passed, everyone looked to the sky and I pulled out my phone to immediately take a picture of the sparkling, colorful sky. It reminded me of the aurora borealis.

With everyone free from Spider Queen's control, Pigsy checked our injuries. None of us were too badly hurt this time, if you can believe it. I found the remains of my sweater under some rubble. I frowned, as it was torn and covered in webbing. Mei wrapped an arm around my shoulder, looking at it in my hands. "Man! I thought it woulda lasted a little longer!" She said with a sigh, slumping against me. "Good thing I bought you all those new clothes, huh?" I rolled my eyes, smiling slightly.
"Yeah...But I did like this one. What's with me and getting sweaters ruined at the beginning of story arcs?"
"No idea, buddy." Mei and I giggled a bit before being alerted we were moving to be a bit higher up. We made our way to the top of one of the lesser destroyed buildings and Mei and I gathered everyone, including DBK and Redson, to take a photo. Sandy and DBK were in the back, of course, and MK had dragged you to sit with him and Wukong in the front. Bolin stood in front of me, my hands on his shoulders, and Redson stood next to me, and Pigsy and Tang had linked arms. Heh. Husbands. Mei set up her phone and hit the countdown button, scrambling over to my other side, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. Once the picture had been taken, Mei let everyone do what they were going to do. You stood behind Wukong and MK as they chatted a bit(and Tang fanboyed) and I sidled up next to you, elbowing you gently.
"How you feelin'?" I asked in English, crossing my arms over my chest as I examined your face. "No life endangering injuries?" You'd rolled your eyes, pointing out how you should be asking me that since I was the one who got yoinked off the drone. And in a flash, Wukong was in our faces, and I waved my arms in a totally cool karate like way that did not look like mad flailing at all. The Monkey King examined us or a moment.
"Do the names Hikaru and Kaoru mean anything to you two?" He asked in almost fluent English, which further startled me. I saw DBK perk up at the names in my peripheral.
"I-Huh...?" I muttered, processing his question. "Like...the twins from Ouran High-School Host Club...?" When we didn't give him the answer he wanted he looked...almost sad. But shook his head and waved his hand carelessly.
"Ah, nevermind." He was back to speaking Chinese, but I glanced at you, confused. Tang seemed to be freaking out even further, and I honestly expected his head to explode into confetti. I glanced over to Redson, who was seated on a giant piece of debris. I patted your shoulder and walked over to him, feeling DBK's eyes on me the whole time.
"Hey." I said awkwardly to get his attention, and he raised a brow at me. "Uhm...thanks for your help. Truly. I actually...want to ask you something. Would you be, like, willing to teach me how to fight?" He seemed taken aback by that, glancing at his father briefly.
"...Why?" He asked, and to my surprise it wasn't in a malicious way. He seemed genuinely curious to my reasoning.
"Well...Partly because of..." I swallowed dryly, letting out a breath. "And also because...I don't want to fall behind. MK's got monkie powers, Mei is...well, Mei and Cheese's got these new anklets that make 'em faster than Sonic the freakin' Hedgehog." I glanced at DBK, who's gaze would not relent, and I wanted to crawl into a hole. "Like, obviously you don't have to, I just thought I'd ask since you probably know a lot of fighting styles and all." Redson looked at DBK, as if he was asking for approval. The hulking bull finally looked away from me and shrugged casually.
"I'll...I'll think about it, hover girl." Redson said, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his thighs. I smiled slightly, breathing out in relief.
"Thanks, Redson." I glanced to DBK, awkwardly bowing in respect before scurrying back over to you, leaping onto your back, legs wrapped around your middle and arms around your eyes.
"IT'S MORBIN' TIME!"
​

That night, it'd been easy making you get some sleep. To my surprise, Jin and Yin were taking care of your shop and had made sure it hadn't gotten destroyed after being freed from Spider Queen. They were cleaning up the place and caring for the animals. They obviously hadn't expected to see me and Bolin making sure you got home safe, but after a swift Nami-esc punch to their heads for kidnaping MK a few weeks back, I was satisfied. I saw the shadows in the alley near your home shift and I glared into the darkness, my grip on Bolin's hand tightening as I pulled him closer to me. I knew who was hiding in there, as the slight purple shine of his eyes gave him away, and we stared at each other for a minute or so.
"You saw her." He said. It wasn't a question. It was a statement.
"That wasn't her."
"It's her body, kid."
Bolin tugged on my arm slightly, making a noise of concern, but I kept glaring into the alley.
"...You gonna tell Cheese?"
"No." I said a little too fast. I swallowed again and sighed. "Not...Not yet. Not until I figure out how I free her."
"...You do that, kiddo." And he was gone. Another firm tug on my arm had me looking at Bolin, who's digital eyes were filled with fear and concern.
"It's okay." I said, resting my free hand on his head as I softened my gaze. "I'm gonna figure it out. I can fix things. I will fix things."​
Ah. Hello again white void, it's been a few days.
"Hello!?" I shouted, voice echoing.
There's no need to shout.
The voice came from everywhere, surrounding me completely. I looked around, barely registering that my hand was tingling again. A woman appeared in front of me, dressed in ancient Chinese robes. They seemed regal and the way her hair and makeup was done, she must've been someone important. "Who are you?" I asked, crossing my arms.
Many call me the Ivory Lady.
For some reason, that name struck a chord of recognition in me, but I didn't know why.
It seems you've grown fond of our little gift.
A hand raised slightly to point at the skull ring. I looked down at it, before looking back up at her.
"Our?" I questioned. And another figure manifested next to her. It was him! The soldier guy who looked like totally-not-the-mayor!
Yes. We sense a chaos in your heart, child. You wish to right a wrong that affects your family here.
"I expect you have an offer for me?" I asked, eyes narrowed skeptically.
Allow us to help you, child. We will right this wrong that plagues you. All you need to do in return is help us when the time comes.
I felt a light, faint pull towards accepting her offer, but a larger one in the back of my mind screaming at me to refuse. It almost sounded like BaiHe...
"Yeah, no thanks." I said after a few moments of silence. "If I've learned anything from modern media, it's to not trust the stranger in my dreams who wants to make a deal." She seemed to consider my words, her gentle smile becoming more malicious as her black hair flowed into white as it fell from how it had been styled. In front of me no longer stood a young woman, but a skeleton demon.
You're more clever than I gave you credit for, little human.
The soldier at her side was now wearing the blue and grey suit, hands in his pockets as he just smiled.
I'll be keeping an eye on you, child. You'll come to accept my offer, I expect.
A blue flame surrounded her and the soldier, whisking them away.​
​
 
The spider goons didn't waste any time hoisting us up and taking us all aside. Strewn up and over head, held taught by webs even pulling and squirming couldn't break.
"Should've guessed tying up your little friends would've made you easier to catch." Scoffed the spider demon, taking a handful of my hair and shaking my head. I hissed through my teeth, feeling the sharpness in my scalp before he roughly let go, shoving my head down. The urge to snap my teeth at his retreating fingers was undeniable.
"Huntsman, quit playing with the humans. We've got work to do." Quietly griped the lab coat clad spider you'd been fighting earlier. Fitting name, I noted, albeit bitterly.
"You're one to talk, lab boy." Huntsman snipped back, his voice dropped to a growl, matching his quiet tone. The lab spider merely rolled his eyes, "Oh sooo original." He scoffed. The two locked into a short glaring contest, but quickly stifled whatever feud between them was for the sake of their Queen as she began to talk. It was rather easy to grab our attention- she commanded attention as any villain or form of royalty would, with the added bonus of us being unable to go literally anywhere else. Hard to ignore.
"After all I've won and lost, and won again," She growled out, moving forward in a purposeful stride. Each little step of her many mechanical legs made a sharp and short 'clink' against the cracked asphalt and concrete. "You really think I was gonna let some BOY take it from me?" She exclaimed, getting up in Mk's face where he sat trapped within the crater of the wall, strapped down by webs like it was a standing dissection table. She looked ready to take him apart, then and there. As she reared back, lifting a dangerously sharp metal leg, it became apparent she was ready to take him apart.
"Bye bye, problem child!" She sneered. My breath caught in my throat. But as she was about to bring her leg down- the sparks and glow that resonated her aura, disappeared. A small surprised gasp left her lips as she looked down upon her hands in bewilderment. The sound of a generator slowly losing energy whirred and whistled from overhead, and much like the Spider Queen, heads turned to follow it. There where the mech of the giant spider head sat, staring down at us, the lights of it's massive optics died out.
"M-my powers!" Spider Queen shouted in alarm, horror seeming to jolt through her like electricity.
Frantically, I could see the lab spider looking over his holographic bracelet, running a map of the interior. The entire system seemed to have gone out. He was pressing several buttons, but none seemed to be responding, popping blaring red error icons; I could see the sweat growing heavier on his face.
"M-my queen-" He began to choke out- but he didn't manage to get many words in let alone finish his announcement that was already so obvious. From the giant mech, the sound of an ear splitting, earth quaking boom erupted from overhead. The sound of the Demon Bull Kings roar was a familiar sound.
Absolutely no one had time to brace for impact as he came right down with all the power of a homing missile, fist connecting with the ground in a powerful flash of light and shattering the entirety of the ground beneath our feet. Gusts of the shockwave sent many of us flying, ripping away the webs. Spider Queens goons were found no where in sight besides a steadily disappearing sparkle in the sky and hollers of terror.
Team Rocket is blasting off again TM.

When the Bull King rose again, he lumbered in the direction closer to the wall, where Redson, Mei, and yourself resided still bound by webs. I watched on for only a moment before turning my gaze to the Spider Queen, who in the blast, was knocked back into the leg of her own mech. Her headdress was in shambles, and it crumbled just a little more with each tilt or twitch of her head as she lightly groaned in pain. The hit must have knocked the wind out of her, but that didn't bring my guard down any less.
"Cheese, get Mk down from there! We've got an eye on her eight legged highness." Pigsy seemed to snarl with disdain as he jerked his head to glare back at the spider demon ruler. I nodded firmly, taking the order with pleasure. With only a subtle shift of my foot, I turned and zipped to the wall in a streak of blue. It flickered orange for a brief moment, but I didn't notice or pay it any mind. It was a bit janky, and my stop was still not great- but the anklets were being cooperative for the most part. I looked up at Mk, eyeing the webs that kept him bound as everyone kept a steady and ready to fight stance towards the Spider Queen.
"Just hang tight- I'll get you down."
"Not uh- not much else I can do here, Cheese."
"Ah- fair enough-"
With that figured, I moved to start pulling at the webs, shaking my hands harshly with each strand I ripped free to loosen the sticking from myself to continue. Sadly, I didn't get any farther than a leg freed before Spider Queen began to laugh. That same, manic laugh as before. A crash like shattered porcelain followed.
I jerked to look back, feeling like the hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end.
"All of you together couldn't beat me!" She sneered, regarding everyone with a 'better than you' sort of gaze. As if she truly believed it to be true. Her hair, despite the action, was sleek like rivers of ebony, falling in thick strands down her shoulders and back. It flowed and flicked like ribbons with each movement she made. If it wasn't for the blatant effect of crazy, I likely would have been focused on how terrifyingly beautiful she was. The corner of my gaze caught Redson swiftly swatting you, and I quickly looked away to focus back on pulling Mk free. I didn't want to get caught staring too, and luckily for me, Mk was staring ahead, keeping just as much of an eye on her as the others were.
"I... am the QUEEN!" She shouted, baring all her fangs and sharp teeth in a much too wide grin.

"Oh yeah?" A voice suddenly called from overhead.
I jumped. Who was?...
Mk and I both looked up simultaneously, eyes wide.
No fucking way-
There, up on the wall taking a purposeful stride downwards and defying gravity, was the Monkey King himself. He leaned down minimally to the staff that was jammed a several feet up in the brick above Mk's crater. With a tug, it was let free. He leapt down, landing smoothly with a small 'thump' onto the shattered ground below. Now I really couldn't help myself from staring, mostly out of pure bewilderment and honest surprise. Ankles of steel... Ankles of steel, indeed.
He gave a swift twirl of the staff, before catching it in a fist and tapping his knuckles back against the wall Mk happened to be stuck in. The touch was featherlight to the eye, but the power was undeniable and indescribable. He punctuated the action with a grin, adding in,
"Well I'm the KING."
I had the sense to step away as the force and show of strength ripped the remaining webs apart, freeing Mk and allowing him to drop down in a small heap, rubbing his wrists. The Monkey King approached him as he sat up on his knees, extending the staff like an olive branch. A slightly apologetic smile crossed his visage as he told the younger man, "Turns out I'm not so good with spiders either..." in a quiet, but honest tone. Mk looked between him and the staff, before giving him a warm, freshly determined smile. I couldn't help the wamr, fuzzy feeling that spread through my chest, watching the scene unfold, just off to the side, feeling as the tension in my shoulders and arms eased. As they stood, I quickly looked away.
I felt more than saw their eyes dart in my direction, but I decided to ignore it, keeping my gaze ahead.

The fight was quick to ensue, and even quicker to end. With every fight, I was reminded how unbelievably strong Mk was. Watching as he ripped through the mech in a beam of golden light was like watching a true force of nature, one to never be reckoned with. But at the very end, when he was finally free, thousands of feet up in the air- he started to come right back down, lit up like a comet. I moved before I thought about it, taking off in a bolt of lightning to catch up to wherever he might land. The Demon Bull King seemed to have the same idea, launching off into the sky with the power of a rocket taking off. Two streaks of gold, a flight of feathers, then the blur of purple from the Bull King- and they came right back down, hidden close to his chest. I skidded beside him sharply just as he landed, creating burn marks on the already destroyed ground until we both slowed to a stop. Carefully, he opened his arms, and I peered up on my toes to look into his grasp, hands out to catch myself on his massive forearm but never touching. Mk sat up, heaving gasps of air, eyes a little wild- but completely fine never the less. I gave a tiny sigh of relief.
"Thank you!" He wheezed out, before sputtering at who had caught him. DBK, uh- didn't exactly look friendly in all honesty, but from the careful way he held him, I knew he wouldn't cause him harm. Especially not with the feathers of someone familiar made them-self known in the young hero's hood. The urge to stare at the bird came over me, as did the feeling of needing to back away. Was this what it was like to meet a celebrity? It felt odd.
Mk finished sputtering then, managing out a simple, "Mr.Bull King- sir?" He fluttered his lashes and gave him a small cheeky smile, shoulders up to his ears before the Bull King looked away from him, offering no comment. Mk followed his gaze, and a quiet rush of air left his lips, "Woahhh!" He murmured, the colors of the sky sparkling overhead, all the smog from the mech dissipating and moving away. I really hoped you and Mei were taking pictures right now, because boy, was this a sight to see.
Just then, the Monkey king decided to reveal himself. A puff of gold and he'd flipped into the air, landing swiftly atop Mk's head. The young man jerked, looking like a squished bug, but didn't bother to shove the legendary monkey man off as he excitedly pointed to the sky.
"HAH! Now those are New Years fireworks!" He exclaimed brightly.
I gave Mk a partial empathetic grimace, seeing his neck strain under the pressure. "Should I?..." I began to ask, trailing off, lifting a hand to offer, but Mk only waved, "No- no no it's fine- I got this-" he wheezed out. He did not 'got this', but clearly wasn't about to admit that to me. Luckily we didn't need to do anything, as Bull King simply stood up and unceremoniously dropped both the Monkey King and Monkie Kid to the ground.
He gave a huff over his shoulder when there were whines or groans of frustration at the action, but didn't say a word otherwise. He didn't care. He simply kept walking forward, back in the direction of the others we'd left in such a hurry. After being a bit to slow to offer a hand up to the mystic monkey's, Monkey King had already stood up and pulled Mk with him, prancing ahead to catch up.
"Hah, this guy- am I right?" He chuckled, talking loudly past the back of his hand as he passed by me like someone would with gossip, before continuing after the giant. Still unsure how to honestly talk to the guy, I made a short hum in acknowledgment instead. I kind of doubted he was looking for any response anyhow.


When we turned up, Bull King made a beeline for Redson, choosing to stay in as close proximity to the young, crimson clad man as possible. Though he tried to appear as aloof as he could, there was a familiar shine in his eye every time he glanced over. Checking on him periodically, and making a gruff snort of acknowledgement himself anytime the man addressed his father. In my head, the dots connected quickly. I usually did the same thing for... I grit my teeth and looked away. Just in time too, to very quickly notice you and Mei were scavenging through the rubble. I was surprised to find your brand new sweater in shambles.
'New project...' , the little gremlin in my brain seemed to whisper out of the blue.
My fingers moved to open up a pocket of my flannel, where I knew I kept thread- but when I patted my jacket, I remembered I actually wasn't wearing it today. Damn.
Mei had gotten a wild hair then, so I didn't get to dissolve into planning out what I could do with cleaning up and patching your sweater to be good as new for long- she decided we were all going to move up to a rooftop, somewhere nicer and out of the way of... well at least most of the destruction. When we got up top, you and her had actually set up a phone stand for pictures.
"What's all this about?" I began to ask, turning to look at you both, but you two were already rushing to get everyone into position. Mk was quick to follow suit, grabbing both Monkey King's arm and my own and hauling us over with an shockingly impressive strength. He quickly sat the three of us down in front of the group, just in front of yours, Bolin's, and Redson's feet. His arm switched from being looped around my bicep to over my shoulders, tugging me towards his side, and I was embarrassed to notice my cheeks felt like they were burning. Awkwardly I squirmed, trying to get comfy without seeming like I wanted to pull away, and to brush off the sudden heat in my face. It came pretty much out of nowhere after all-
Mei did some quick phone magic, and in moments a countdown of bold white numbers lit up the camera screen. She scurried back in a flash- I could hear as she scrambled behind me to get into position.
"Everybody say, 'MONKIE KIIIIDDD!' " She hollered out.
I could hear the smile in her words already. I giggled just a tad, but did as she said anyways. Hell, I even heard Bull King say it in that gruff, rocky tone of his. He didn't sound too happy, but he didn't happen to sound mad either.
When the shutter sound went off and the screen flashed, we knew the picture was taken, and Mei ran back for her phone with a smile so wide it was ear to ear. Taking her phone off the stand, she quickly opened the gallery and released a loud, happy squeal.
"Ohohoho!!! That's a keeper for sure!! I'm gonna print this out asap!" She beamed, jumping in a wide circle as we all got to our feet. Mk was quick to offer me a hand up, and with a small smile, I accepted. When I was on my feet, he held my hand a little tighter.
"It's good to see you smiling again," He said suddenly. I looked up, surprised. His face was nothing but pure sincerity, a soft smile on his lips, "I missed it." Was all he said to me, before finally letting my hand go, and turning to Monkey King, who quickly looked away and up at the sky, as if trying to pretend he wasn't paying any attention. The two quickly fell into conversation, but I continued to stand there, bewildered and stuck in a loop.
He... what?
I did my best to shake it off, but it just kept playing in my head. Unconsciously I cradled my hand to my chest, gripping it tightly. It wasn't that big of a deal, right?
A sharp feeling of guilt welcomed itself back into my chest. I didn't get the chance to address it, let alone think on any of it or what has happened before you were next to me, speaking in English with a playful smile.
"How you feelin'?" You'd asked, crossing your arms over your chest, "No life endangering injuries?" I couldn't help rolling my eyes, "Funny you should ask- I think I should be asking you that, Ms-'I got ripped off a drone'." There was no malice, just playful air, nudging you softly with my elbow as I stuck my hands in my blue jacket pockets, brushing off the odd mixed feelings in my chest. Or at least trying to. You were a little scuffed up as I looked you over- but the most you had was some gunpowder, dirt, and webs stuck to you. It was a relief to say the least.
Our banter and friendly check-in didn't last long however, as before we knew it, Monkey King himself had appeared before us, maybe a foot away from our faces.
I rightfully jumped, and you half flailed, half demonstrated some very... odd martial arts before settling with keeping your hands up in a Kuzco no touchy pose. If his sudden appearance and instrusion of our space bubbles wasn't already odd enough, he proceeded to, in fluent English, ask us, "Do the names Hikaru and Kaoru mean anything to you two?"
My brows rose. He... he could speak English? Wait- what else could he speak? The questions shot off in rapid fire in my brain, theorizing and trying to connect dots- but my mouth made no sound, opening before quickly shutting, leaning back a bit to give myself a little more space as I regarded him with wide eyes.
"Like...the twins from Ouran High-School Host Club...?" You asked incredulously.
"I- No... No I don't think so." I finally chimed after you. He shrank a bit, eyeing between the both of us, searching- but it seemed whatever he looked for didn't seem to be there.
There was almost a sort of... sadness in his eyes at our answers. The sight pulled at something in my chest.
"I'm sorry." I told him gently.
For the briefest moment, his mouth and brows pinched at the words- before he closed his eyes and pulled up a toothy, cheeky smile, shaking his head and waving his hand.
"Ah, nevermind-" He replied, switching back to Chinese without batting an eyelash. When his eyes opened again, I noticed his smile and gaze didn't match, no matter how brightly he made it.
"Don't worry about it." and he walked the short way back to Mk at the edge of the roof, who regarded his mentor curiously, but said nothing of it. He kept glancing back at us, as if silently asking us to explain why his mentor would ask such a random thing, but the most either of us could offer was a pair of awkward and uncertain shrugs.
I couldn't help staring at the Monkey King's back, unable to unsee what I'd saw. Even as you patted my shoulder and walked away to talk to Redson, I had a hard time looking away from the King's back.
Why did he look so sad?...
Should I ask? Would that make it worse? I... honestly wasn't sure.

An undeniable exhaustion started to settle heavily on me, weighed by the events and emotions. This was a far cry from the stress I'd been experiencing before, but stress nevertheless, and stress was tiring. For a second, the shadow on the roof entry door beside me shifted, and the Monkey King's head jerked to look back. The fur of his neck had risen, seemingly bristling like raised hackles.
I rose a brow at him, puzzled as his eyes darted between me and my shadow, flashing a brief gold- a familiar gold. But the fur on the back of his neck smoothed back down when whatever he was looking for didn't happen to be there, and he flashed me a quick disarming grin before quickly looking back to Mk, who didn't happen to notice his mentor's lack of attention, avidly rambling about the battle they'd experienced not that long ago. What was that about just now? Ugh, my head was starting to hurt with how many questions were moving around in it. I was getting ready to lean on the door, hand stretched out for balance before you came running in and leaping like a flying squirrel RIGHT ONTO MY BACK- successfully jerking me out of my dizzy and exhausted stupor.
"GYAH WHAT THE HECK-"
"IT'S MORBIN' TIME!!"
​

I was so tired when we returned to Kitty Corner, I almost didn't realize I was actually in Kitty Corner at all. I may have unlocked the door and let you and Bolin in- but I sure as heck didn't process I'd walked into my own house. When I turned, seeing the wide ruby red eyes of Yin and Jin, I nearly jumped out of my skin at their teary gazes.
"Lil Buddy!!" They wailed, dropping their dusters and brooms. Where in the world did they get those aprons from?? But I didn't get a chance to ask, simply relieved to see their silly faces. Expecting the inevitable tackle, I just opened my arms, feeling the wind get knocked out of me as they immediately crashed into my front and side. I nearly stumbled, but with a firm positioning of my feet, I managed to stay grounded, squeezing them right back.
"Thank goddess you boys are okay." I sighed when I finally got enough air back to even breathe, patting their backs and shoulders as they sniffled and whined like children. These were grown men, possibly centuries upon centuries old- but they didn't seem to mind one bit.
"We thought you were deeeheheeadddd!!" Howled Jin.
"We thought we were all goners for sure!!" Yin exclaimed, clinging tighter.
"Well, look here- not dead yet- call it a win." I gestured between all of us, including you and Bolin who stood awkwardly off to the side when I finally managed to pry from their vice grips. Bolin looked a little weirded out by the adults behaviour, but a sort of amusement was in the little bull boys eyes. I glanced back to address you both, "Are you... staying the night tonight?" I asked gently, "It's pretty late." But you only shook your head with a smile. When I looked back to the boys, I asked the same, "What about you two?" They both looked at eachother, weighing the options- they looked ready to say yes, but upon looking at the clock, their eyes widened.
"Hey Jin... what time did you put that pizza in the oven?" Yin asked, slowly turning to look at his brother.
"7:30, why?" Was Jin's only response.
The clock, very obviously, read 2AM.

I felt myself go pale, having already been making my way to the stairs to my apartment, beyond ready to go to bed, "boys-" I started, but bit off my words with a groan, rubbing my aching temples, "Extra fire extinguisher should be under the counter..." I told them plainly.
Both saluted immediately, "ON IT! Thanks boss!"
"Wha-" I looked at them in pure confusion, "I'm not your- yknow, forget it. G'night fellas, I'm hitting the hay. Get home safely, please." I begged. A small chorus of agreement was all my back was met with as I disappeared up the stairs, tailed by you and Bolin, likely trying to make sure I actually went to bed. Thankfully, with a more sincere and calm goodnight, I face planted onto my bed and was out like a light. (I fainted, but who's to be pulling facts right now?)​


Far below the surface, Spider Queen had shakenly returned to her lair. She could barely stand on her own, and it seemed the mechanics of her spider body were out of steam, unable to even assist her. She lay crumpled on the ground, but alive. Her hair was a mess, scrapes and bruises and signs of smoke littered any bit of her exposed skin.
"where were you??" She cried out into the dark, her voice broken and strained. Heartbreak and frustration seemed to meld together on her face in a miserable combo. "What happened to my destiny?!" She shouted again, more desperate for an answer as her voice simply echoed among the cavern of the underground. It was barely a moment more, before the strange little girl arrived again.
This time, her gleaming blue eyes were on full display.
"Your destiny has not been changed or diminished..." She told her proudly. Spider Queen looked at her with gritted teeth. Whether it was from frustration or pain was hard to decipher. It could very well have been a combination of both as she looked up at the small girl. To say the glow in her eyes was simply unnerving would have been an understatement.
"Your enemies have given us exactly what we needed." Her voice lilted, bordering on a pleased purr. With a wave of her hand, a large metal barrel floated into view, presenting itself in a veil of blue. The celestial trigram furnace.
"And now? My Queen..." She spoke, giving a deep bow as she bent completely at the waist.
"The real game can begin."​

The next day came like nothing ever happened at all.
Well, at least above ground it did.
Down below, a familiar foe from the night before raged. Absolutely nothing was spared in her path of destruction, screaming and shrieking to the rocky ceiling and shaky rusty pipes overhead. She smashed things, she punched and she stabbed holes through others with the metal of her many mechanical legs. She gnashed her fangs and glared at anything and everyone around her. Her goons could only watch on, just a few paces back and away from it. The debris from her rampage flew wildly and erratically, but the most they did was close their eyes or flinch if it made it to them. They continued to stand, patient and concerned, even despite her tantrum. Strong tentatively reached out to his Queen at one point, his brows furrowed and eyes full of nothing but sincere concern- but she either paid him no mind, or didn't notice a thing as she screamed.
"I had the Monkey Kings power! The city was MINE! and I still lost..." She snarled out, hunched over a completely destroyed monitor once belonging to her recently turned scientist.
"My Queen..." Rang the soft voice of the little mystery girl, gentle and sweet, like a song. All heads turned. Spider Queen bared the expression of a spoiled child, where as Strong and Huntsman, her attendees and loyal goons, looked startled, and dare they say, even put off by her. The girl certainly hadn't been in the room before- to see her here now and so close, too... She was almost like a ghost, lingering in the corner.
"You will have your revenge." She stated with a smile. From behind her, a familiar blue glow made itself known, carrying through the air with it their newly gained prize. Though to them it didn't mean much or do much if at all. "Now that we have the trigram furnace- it is time to take the next step towards your destiny."
"She sure seems to like that word an awful lot..." Strong couldn't help whispering to his smaller companion. Huntsman shot him a look, hissing through his teeth to be quiet, lest the odd girl heard him. Spider Queen regarded the girl reluctantly, turning in her place to face her. She crossed her arms over her chest loosely, quirking a sassy brow.
"And how is that, supposed to help?" She asked with a scoff barely bit back in her throat. "Actually-" She started, pressing her fingers in the space between her brows briefly as if staving off a headache. Likely from all her screaming, no doubt, "Better question; what is that?" She asked instead, almost incredulously.
The girl remained unphased, ready to answer without a moments hesitation. Her voice had almost a lilt of excitement as she began, "The first of six powerful items that we will need- one of which, must be retrieved, from the Cloud." She told the three proudly. A small, box like projection floated above her extended palm, to which she held out like an example. Something rang familiar to one of the goons, as he suddenly appeared from the dark, squeezing between his fellow companions in a heartbeat. One was reluctant to move, and was promptly shoved completely over, where as the other allowed himself to be moved aside with a curious blink.
"The Cloud?" He repeated, his lips already turned up in an interested smirk.
"Please, my Queen," He bowed slightly, a hand to his chest before his arms crossed. "Allow me to bring you this item."
"Oh really? And just how are you gonna do that?" She asked, once again cocking an eyebrow. Behind him, Huntsman stumbled back onto his feet, his face a very visible snarl as he stalked back to his spot, glaring daggers into the back of his limber colleague. Despite the tension in the room, and the pinning stares, the scientist seemed un-phased.
He drew back his sleeve, revealing a bracelet on his wrist. Noticeably, pink paint seemed to mar the outer surface, to which he absently tried to scrape off and failed to, before he quickly got back to talking.
"The Cloud is a Labyrinth of information," He began, swiping a finger over the screen and extending a holographic map big enough to fill the space between the group. Curiously, Strong approached, gently poking the floating 3D pixels, to which they fizzled at the intrustion before returning to normal as he drew his finger away. Beside him Huntsman glowered, barely able to see it with it being practically eye level with his face. It was practically at his standing height, and he grumbled about it, but made no comment. Strong poked the map again, and actually pulled up a tab of information, which made the two instinctively jump.
"An unrivaled connection of knowledge, guarded by fearsome beings who cannot be overcome by brute strength," A pointed look to the side, and Syntax zeroed in on his stockier colleague, "Or the ability to follow footprints in mud~" He sneered, before quickly putting all his focus back on his Queen and her... mysterious self appointed child advisor. He still questioned that.
"However!" He continued, "It is connected to all the technology in the world!" He exclaimed. With a few adjustments to his bracelet, some things began to move across the diorama. "Therefore I can exploit it." With a few more taps, he brought up a new screen before him, and from his bracelet he grabbed a small hologram of a pixel bit spider.
"Has anyone heard the story of...the sleep bug?"


The morning came quick, despite the fitful night of sleep. Granted, I did blackout, but it wasn't like it wasn't still sleep, y'know?
Aside from the hustle and bustle of construction, it was calm. Unbothered.
I groaned as I sat up, rubbing my nose. It felt bruised from going down smack dab into the mattress late the night before, but it was easy to ignore. With a small sigh, I shifted to stand, taking a few blurry steps out of my room- and immediately feeling my foot catch on something and sending me sprawling with a strangled sound between a yelp and a yawn.
"What in the world?..." I grumbled out, sitting up with my elbows and looking back to what sent me tumbling.
A sleeping Jin happened to be smackdab in the middle of the floor between the hallway and living room, snoring like a baby. My eyes widened. What the hell? I thought they went home last night! I jerked to stand, glancing around my living room. Turns out, Yin wasn't far, and had staked claim of my couch. Candy wrappers, a fresh pizza and charred pizza, and some water cups were set around the coffee table and the floor. It looked like they had fun with raiding my pantry during the night. Not the first time someone's done that, and I figured it wouldn't be the last.
With a slow glance towards the window, I realized they had let themselves in. With no idea when that was, and still groggy with my surprise sleep, I decided, no- I was not going to deal with this right now. That's a plan for later me.
After a horrendous chainsaw sound of a snore from Jin, I got them both blankets, and went on with my day, unknowing of the contained chaos preparing to ravage the city through the most attached to the hip item anyone has ever owned.
Cellphones.

​
 
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