Chapter Text
“A what festival?” Wukong said in confusion, staring at his successor with a mystified expression. The sage was lounging on top of his cloud, in the middle of munching on his iconic peach-flavored chips.
Mk replied back, rolling his eyes with a grin, “The lantern mooncake festival! It usually happens around this time of the year! Wait, you’ve never heard of it?”
Wukong silently shook his head, shoving another handful of clips in his mouth, crumbs sprinkling everywhere on his shirt and even his cloud. “Nope! I didn't even know we had festivals other than new years!” He replied nonchalantly as usual, his tail swaying curiously.
“How could you not know?” Mk deadpanned, raising an eyebrow. “You’ve been around this city longer than me!”
The sage simply shrugged, crossing his arms and replying back, “I’ve also been sitting pretty and comfortable in this cave and on this island for centuries!”
“And who’s fault is that, Mr. Hermit king?” Mk teased with a wide jovial grin.
Wukong grumbled, “Watch it, buddy. Besides, I was too busy venturing and doing my own thing to keep track of that city. Just popped in, stopped a demon attack, and popped out. Then I lounged here for years until I finally found you! My determined, hardworking, and very loud successor!” He murmured that last part, but it was still loud enough to be in earshot. Mk grumbled an inaudible remark.
“In any case, It’s happening later this week, and I’m taking you with me!”
Wukong gulped down the rest of his chips, a hint of disappointment in his eyes when the bag produced nothing but micro crumbs and dust. In the same motion, the monkey threw the empty bag out of his sight and brought out another brand new bag, bursting it open and digging in. “Me? Ah, kid, you know I’m not too much of a fan of being around…well…people. Especially so many. What if they recognize me? Then I gotta do autographs and pictures and—ugh.” Wukong quivered at the thought. Sure, he liked to be acknowledged and praised for his heroic efforts and wonderful captivating features, but after his prime, the monkey would do the good deed and vanish before anyone had a chance to approach him. It was nothing personal. After all, he loved the regular citizens of the world. He just had more comfort in coming home to his island filled with fruit and happy monkeys. No constant social stimulation. No traffic and crowds. It was paradise.
“You can just throw on a glamour or something!” Mk said with a smile. “And I’ll be with you, so it’ll be no worries having friends there, too!”
Wukong nervously scratched the back of his head with a slight frown, thinking of the decision. “Well..maybe if it's just for a day then—” He paused. “Wait. You said ‘friends’. Is anyone else coming?”
The kid seemed to tense up almost instantly like a deer in headlights. Immediately, Mk’s forehead began to bead with sweat, and the kid started to fiddle with his now trembling fingers as he bowed his head with embarrassment. He replied with a quieter voice as if he shrank a few sizes down. “Well…everyone else will be there. Y’know, Mei, Sandy, Pigsy, Tang…and uh…well…”
Wukong’s golden eyes narrowed. “You’re a terrible liar, so don't even try it, Bud. Spill.”
Mk took a deep breath, clutching his hands together, and quickly rambled out, “Macaque will probably be there too…”
There was a beat of shocked-filled silence. Then Wukong’s voice rang out like a siren, “ Macaque!? You’re inviting that loser!?”
“Well, I didn't invite him yet!” Mk anxiously protested.
Wukong huffed out, “Don’t bother if you want me to go. If he comes, I'll stay put right here in this mountain.”
Mk frowned and said, “Please!? You won't even have to talk to him much! Everyone else will be there, remember? Including me!”
As stubborn as he was for years, Wukong angrily shook his head. “Sorry kid, but you know what happens when Macaque and I are around each other for too long. We can barely stand to be in the same room together for a few minutes, and you want us to be together for an entire day?”
“Well, it'll only be for about five hours, actually. B-but what about when you two fought Lady bone demon?” Mk protested. Wukong’s expression darkened with grimness. The golden monkey turned away for a moment, contemplating as if he was choosing his next words carefully. Then, like he had been holding his breath, he let out a deep sigh as his gaze ever so slightly softened. But that shadow in his eyes never faded.
“Look kid, we only did that because many lives were on the line, including yours. It would've been more beneficial for everyone if Macaque and I tolerated each other to make everything smoother, and it did. I know you wanna fix things between us but…” He sighed, defeated. “Just…not right now, okay? I’m sorry bud. If Macaque is there, I’m not. That’s the end of it.”
Mk frowned, disappointment shimmering in his large eyes. Wukong deflated, letting out a long sigh and softly stating, “You go have fun at the festival with Macaque and the others, kid. Okay? Class is…dismissed for the day.”
With a single slight nod, barely a dip of the chin, Mk weakly replied, “Okay.” The teen slowly turned on his heel, and practically dragged his feet on the way to the exit.
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Usually, Wukong slept like a baby at night, dreaming of peaches and clouds. But tonight, many things were plaguing him and denying him of his much-deserved beauty rest. Wukong tossed and turned on his couch inside his hut, groaning and moaning slurred words. His body feigned sleep, but his mind’s thoughts were moving a mile a minute. The sage finally pried open his tired eyes, restlessness immediately taking over and forcing his eyelids open completely, staring at the dark ceiling. The monkey frowned in the quiet space, his tail actively swishing around. He would love to go to the lantern festival and get to see all of the crew. They’d hang out, get some food, share some laughs, and watch whatever events the festival had to offer (hopefully, fireworks were included.) It all sounded wonderful, except for that one little problem.
Macaque would be there.
Wukong groaned, tossing his pillow over his face and breathing in the thick scent of peaches and other fruit. He laid there deep in thought about Mk’s words; contemplating. Maybe Macaque might not even come, especially if Mk told the monkey that Wukong would be there. But the only way to know for sure if he wasn't coming was…to go to the festival and play out that 50/50 chance. The more he thought of Mk, the more he felt a sinking pit in his stomach at the mere thought of his successor frowning or being disappointed.
Guit.
But Mk had to know that Wukong would love to hang out with the boy! Maybe he could just go and focus on Mk and his friends only. But he would hear Macaque’s voice too. The golden monkey sneered, shooting up from the couch and sporting a deep frown and heavy bags under his eyes. One night. It was one measly little night. After that, Mk wouldn't be sad anymore and Wukong could get some sleep. Because he knew that if he didn't go, this wouldn't be the last restless night. He also really didn't want the kid to be moping around after everything that’s happened, he deserved to be happy. Wukong would make sure of that. Even if it meant spending a day around Macaque.
With a deep sigh, Wukong came to a very difficult decision. He had been around and dealt with Macaque for centuries. One night with the shadow warrior wouldn't hurt.
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Mk sat in his room, curled up on his bed and slowly slurping on his noodles as his eyes were locked onto the tv. He watched the bright images flash and move, listening to the voices that blared through the tv. He felt stuck and very disappointed. Maybe if he had tried harder to convince Monkey king, his mentor would accept and come along. But that was wishful thinking. Monkey king was as stubborn as a person could be, and there was almost no changing his mind. Mk snuggled deeper into the blanket that draped over him, basking in its plush warmth and hugging sensation it offered. He slurped on more noodles, letting the thick steamy broth clear his head and fill his hungry stomach. If Monkey king wasn't coming, there would be no point in mentioning it to Macaque. But Monkey king had to come! That was the whole point of this master plan! He remembered telling Mei all about it. He would invite Monkey king and Macaque to the festival, and the three of them would hang out. And maybe, just maybe, the event would trigger all the friendly and endearing memories the simians had with each other that they hid deeply in their minds. Then, they would start the road to rekindling their friendship. It was worth a shot. A shot Mk felt like he was obligated to take. He was the Monkey king’s successor! And Macaque’s favorite student! He had to try something.
Just as Mk was about to increase the volume on the tv, a nonchalant and curious voice echoed, “Hey there, kiddo.” Mk choked on his noodles coughing and hacking as the teen looked around the room, only to see the shadow monkey perched on top of Mk’s tv. The warrior grinned while Mk rolled his eyes.
“Hey Macaque, you mind moving? You’re blocking the best part!”
Macaque peered down at the tv, scoffing when he saw Wukong on the screen before jumping off. “Ugh, you’re watching this again? I swear, kid, you’re the main thing that currently feeds Wukong’s already inflated ego.”
“Hey, I’m also watching this for the action scenes, I'll have you know!” the other argued, pointing his chopsticks that dripped with broth at the monkey. “What brings you here, anyway?’
The shadow monkey gave a dramatic sad frown. “Can’t I just drop by on my favorite student?”
Mk deadpanned, eyes glued to the tv screen, “I’m your only student.”
A portal on Mk’s bed suddenly formed, spitting out Macaque. The monkey landed perfectly next to the boy, leaning back as his dark tail swayed lazily. The shadow monkey had on his usual mischievous grin, rummaging around one of Mk’s drawers and pulling out a bag of plum-flavored mini cakes. Mk scanned the monkey and the snacks, gulping down the rest of the noodles and concluding, “That’s why those snacks were in my drawer!? I was wondering why I had those!”
Macaque—his face full of the plum cakes—chuckled before gulping them all down and licking his lips. “Surprised you never guessed it was me. These, my student, are sweet and savory snacks I used to eat all the time back when I was younger. Wukong had his precious stone fruit and all, but these bad boys were to die for!” The shadow monkey and successor paused at that, contemplating the words in their heads. Mk drew in a deep, long breath, wide eyes falling on his second mentor. The gears began turning in Macaque’s head, and the shadow warrior gave a nervous grin and began munching on more of the delicious treats.
“Oh yeah,” Mk said, setting his bowl down. “Hey uh, I have an invitation!”
The warrior gave Mk a curious look and said, “Invite to what?”
“The lantern mooncake festival!” Mk exclaimed, already taking note of Macaque’s confusion growing. Though, he wasn't surprised. The shadow warrior hadn't been around cities much in years, so this was to be expected. Mk happily gave Macaque a quick summary of the festival and its activities, and the dark-furred monkey tapped his chin in thought as Mk impatiently waited for his decision.
Then, Macaque blurted out, “Will Wukong be there?”
Mk tried his best to hide the frown that threatened to form on his face. The successor slowly shook his head, saying, “No, Monkey king said he didn't wanna go.”
“As usual,” Macaque said, bitterly rolling his eyes. “The guy is a big hermit.”
Actually, you both are. Mk thought to himself but deemed it best to shut his mouth for the time being as he waited for the warrior’s decision. Macaque was stuck in a thinking pose, his eyes peeking upward like the heavens would send him the answer. Finally, Macaque grinned. “Yeah, why not.”
Mk threw off his blankets in delight, happily saying “Awesome! It starts in a week!”
Macaque scoffed at the successor’s enthusiastic nature. “Alright kid, I’ll see you then.”
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The time had finally come! The sky was bathed in evening hues, and Mk glanced at the clock that displayed 5:30 pm. Mk sat on the bench near the entrance to the festival—which took place in one of Megapolis’s biggest parks that oversaw a beautiful river—anxiously kicking his feet. He was staring at his phone, secretly wishing all of his friends could’ve actually accompanied him. But, Mei had a family event to attend, Pigsy was too busy taking care of Tang—the scholar had caught a bad case of food poisoning, Sandy was on a water adventure delivering cargo to one of his long-time buddies, and Monkey king was…well…just not coming. The boy didn't mind hanging out with Macaque though, having been with the dark-furred monkey long enough to be comfortable and hold a conversation. He supposed it would be a pretty good bonding time to explore their friendship more.
The soft chatter of the festival attendants hung in the air, along with the thick scent of pastries, food, and streams of smoke from sparklers many children ran around carelessly with. Mk slumped on the bench, glancing at his phone as many people passed by. Sometimes he’d peer up, looking for a celestial monkey or someone with a teasing grin and keen eyes with a purple twinkle. Unfortunately, no matter how many demons passed by, Macaque was not among them. The thought of simply calling or texting Macaque crossed his mind, and it seemed like a good idea! Until he realized that the monkey possessed no phone. Mk groaned under his breath, shuddering and pressing himself further against the bench. He waited and waited and waited. Annoyance began to bubble in his chest realizing the festival had started nearly twenty minutes ago. Maybe Macaque also had better things to do, Mk figured. The two celestial monkeys always had something better else to attend to. They saw him nearly every day. Perhaps he would just enter the festival alone, or go to the arcade…or just go home and lay in his bed and wait for the next morning. Maybe this was karma for trying to lie to them and stick his nose where it didn't belong. But he just wanted his two mentors to be more tolerant around each other since Wukong (begrudgingly) agreed to let Mk be trained by Macaque on rare occasions. He sighed, beginning to stand up and walk out, tears pooling in his eyes. That was, until, a stream of blue, red, and gold colors invaded his vision, and he collided with something solid. Jumping back, Mk gasped. “M-Monkey king!”
Wukong stood in front of his successor, a wide and jovial grin on his face. The monkey was in an ‘acceptable’ disguise. He still had the same face and features, but his usual attire was gone. The monkey now wore the same yellow jacket with its hood over his head and red pants, hiding his golden brown tail underneath. That outfit did always look cozier than his usual attire, Mk always thought. “Hey, bud!”
“You’re here!” Mk exclaimed, before hesitantly drawing back and adding, “but I thought you weren't coming.”
“I thought about it and I figured one night with Macaque isn't gonna be the end of the world,” the sage brushed off, ruffling Mk’s hair and laughing at the teen’s small protest. “Sorry I’m late though, I lost track of time getting ready. So, where’s the six-eared menace?”
Mk looked around the crowd of people passing by, before shrugging. “I don't know, he was supposed to be here sooner.”
Then, as if on queue, Mk caught a figure a few feet away wearing black and red robes. He recognized those robes, remembering Macaque’s disguise he wore in the shadow play. The teen’s gaze flicked up toward Wukong, who was distracted searching around the crowd. Mk began feeling a nervous pit form in his chest again. He failed to tell Macaque about Wukong’s arrival since he thought the sage wasn't going to attend. It was a giant anomaly and shock that Wukong actually changed his mind and gave in. But, a sense of determination came over him, realizing his plan could be set into motion once again! He gulped, cupping his hands over his mouth and yelling, “Macaque!”
The figure perked up and immediately looked at Mk, the boy waving his hands obnoxiously, catching many other people’s attention. It was definitely Macaque. Mk could tell from the way the monkey’s eyes widened, flickering purple before he quickly melted into a shadow a reformed next to Mk, a forced grin on his face.
“Hey, kiddo…!” Macaque bit out, eyes glancing at Wukong, his expression dropping. “Wukong.”
“Macaque,” Wukong deadpanned, trying to sound as casual as possible. But it wasn't hard to miss the venom mixed with his tone as he addressed the other monkey.
Macaque harrumphed, laying a hand on Mk’s shoulder. The boy jolted softly at the touch, looking up at the monkey as Macaque whispered, “Kiddo, a word, please?”
Instantly, Wukong’s eyes narrowed, already suspicious. However, the shadow monkey made sure to indirectly let the sage know that his suspicions were being carefully ignored. Mk shot a nervous smile at his mentor and said, “I’ll be right back, Monkey king!”
Wukong said quietly. “Just don’t go too far.”
Mk nodded in understanding, before being practically yanked away by Macaque. Mk already noticed the growing fury in Wukong’s eyes as they trailed away. When they were at a safe distance, Macaque said in a stern and angry voice, “What is he doing here?! I thought it was just gonna be you and me!?”
“Well, it was actually supposed to be me, you, and monkey king from the beginning! But he told me he wasn't coming, remember? I’m as surprised as you!”
A labored and irritable groan escaped Macaque, the shadow monkey briefly glancing at the sage—who was currently staring daggers at the two. If the successor could guess, Wukong was probably waiting for Macaque to slip up and try to hurt him. Luckily, Mac and Mk’s relationship was much healthier. Mk asked worriedly, “You’re not gonna leave are you?”
Macaque replied, with his hateful gaze still locked on Wukong, “I just might.”
Mk frowned, grabbing Macaque’s sleeve and prying the monkey’s attention away from the sage. “No! It’ll be fine, I promise! Do you two really hate each other to the point you can’t even be together for one night? Even if I’m with you guys..?”
“It’s not like that, kid. I don't mind spending the day with you but…ugh, Wukong is just…” he trailed off, running a hand down his face.
Still, Mk pressed on. He would not let this plan collapse a second time. “Please? I just wanna hang out with you guys…”
Macaque thought for a moment, crossing his arms and grumbling something. If his tail was out, Mk knew it would be thumbing hard on the floor right now. The silence stretched on and on, before finally becoming thin and snapping. Macaque pinched the bridge of his nose and grunted out, “Fine. But I’ll make no promises that I won't say a snide remark or two.”
Mk gave the monkey a bright and hopeful smile, and a grin trailed back on the warrior’s lips. Macaque said, “Alright, let's go back. I can feel Wukong’s eyes burning a hole in the back of my head.”
The two returned back to Wukong, the golden monkey a bit more visibly released now that Mk was in his sight and close enough again. Mk gleefully pointed at the entrance, brimming with excitement and anticipation. “Alright, let’s go! Festivities await!” he hopped and skipped toward the entrance, the teen already exclaiming coos of wonderment at the decorations and game booths that were lines on the pavement, bursting with colors and prizes.
Wukong and Macaque trailed behind, silently admiring the setting while making sure to stay as far away from each other as possible, and simultaneously making sure they were both close enough to Mk. Mk glanced back and noticed the pair’s vacant expressions. At some point, the monkeys briefly locked eyes, earning a sneer toward each other before they both huffed and angrily turned their heads away again. Mk sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He had four hours to make this work. Even after defeating DBK and LBD, the successor knew this would be his hardest mission yet.
Operation: Salvage the king and warrior’s friendship had commenced, and Mk couldn’t be more terrified. This was going to be a very long night.