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wolfsonic · 9 months

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Fire on the mountain

So before I begin this, I entirely blame @journey-to-the-au for this, cause I rememeber they mentioned that Liu and Rin Rin and the others of the main group survived the attack on the mountian, but they didn't say anything about any of them not being hurt in the process. Am I about to make myself cry by writing this? Yes. Yes, I am. And, please, if i get anyone wrong or mix up anything with the timeline, please let me know, and I'll fix it, but ENJOY THE ANGST ANYWAY!

TW!!! Death, injures, child injury, fire, and the destruction it brings

(if I forget any let me know please, but I think that's all of them)

"GET EVERYONE IN THE WATERFALL CAVE NOW!" XinShu's scream had rang across the mountain hours ago. The celestials that attacked the mountain have all but left, leaving the smoldering remains of the once great forest. Leaving the remaining monkeys scrambling to look for survivors or any food that was salvageable. In some parts, fires still raged, making Liu cough from the smoke.

Ma, Liu, and XinShu were a part of the few ok enough to search the mountain. Beng was in the cave tending to survivors. Thankfully, he had kept his herbs stored away in a smaller cave attached to the waterfall cave, so they remained untouched by the fires. Unfortunately, he had lost most of his equipment in the attack. Ba had taken a serious burn to his back, Chestnut having minor scratches from the ordeal was tending to him after Beng had looked him over.

Courage and Wisdom had made it safely to the cave, thanks to XinShu. But, that only left one monkey unaccounted for. One Liu was despretly trying to find.

Rin Rin.

The Marshal held a tiny cub in his arms as he raced back to Waterfall Cave. The little thing looked to be a month old. His mother long since passed, protecting him from most of the brunt of whatever happened to them. A cut was across his side. Thankfully, it didn't look too bad, but Liu didn't want to take any chances.

When he finally entered the cave, the sight of many hurt monkeys made his heart sink. He swept the crowd and looked for Beng while simultaneously hoping Rin Rin had finally made it to them. Liu raced towards medicine monkey, calling out to him. The stress lines on Beng's face showed brightly as he gently took the cub from Liu's arms. His tiny, pained whimpers from the child was the only thing Liu could hear.

Everything else felt muffled to him, as his panic to find Rin Rin grew, before he could sink further, a gentle paw rested on his shoulder. The Marshal turned to meet the eyes of Courage, and the mute monkey gently cupped his face before she made an exaggerated breath. Liu held onto her as he fought to get his breathing under control.

[You can not search if you don't have a clear head. You will find her.] She signed to him when he finally was able to calm down enough to make out what she was saying.

"Thank you." Liu said softly, before gently letting the older monkey go, she nodded before he turned and raced back out of the cave, passing by Ma who led a group of monkeys into it.

Liu searched, his panic continuing to grow each second he couldn't find Rin Rin. What felt like an eternity, a pained voice spoke making him stop in his tracks. "Liu..."

He immediately whipped his head, searching for his moonlight. Before he could stop himself, he called out to her, his voice desperate. "RIN RIN!"

A pained whimpers was all he received back, and immediately he followed the sounds. Not caring for the increasing burn marks that littered his hands, arms and back. He had forgone his armor ages ago, after it got melted beyond repair in the first attack of the celestials. The first thing he spotted was the tattered remains of the flower Rin Rin wore proudly. One he had picked for her himself, it was then when he looked up he saw the sight before him.

Rin Rin looked up from where she laid, meeting his eyes her own swam with relief at the sight of him. A barely mature tree had fallen due to fire, one of its many branches currently had the smaller monkey's leg trapped. Tiny flames still danced along its bark, one of them being too close to Rin Rin for his liking, and Liu immediately raced towards her.

Without a second thought, he grabbed the branch trapping her, and slowly began to lift it. He held back any sound of pain, as the very hot bark touched his palms. When finally it was high enough, Rin Rin scooted out from under the tree branch. The Marshal dropped the branch before immediately checking her over.

Soot and dirt covered her once pristine fur, old and fresh tears trailed down her cheeks, Liu gently leaned down lookin over the ankle that had been trapped. It was swollen, his panic brain couldn't tell if it was broken or just sprained. Thankfully it looked to not be burned, which was a small blessing.

Liu after the check immediately pulled her into a hug, careful not to aggravate anything, one she returned. Sobs of pain mixed with relief came from her, only making him cling tighter to her. After a bit, he spoke gently to her "I'm going to pick you up. Ok?"

Rin Rin could only nod, and with as much care and gentle apologies, Liu held her close to his chest as he began to walk back to Waterfall Cave. That's when he finally got a good look around, and realized where they were. One of Flower Fruit Mountain's many berry fields, the once beautiful field now laid smoking.

Liu bit the bottom of his lip at the sight but, continued his trek. Focusing on the shaking form in his arms, one of his hands gently kept Rin Rin's face hidden in the crook of his neck. Keeping her from seeing the majority of the remians of their once thriving population. Liu fought the urge to cough.

Liu tried desperately to keep the walk back as smooth as possible, finally after what felt like hours, the cave was in sight. Making a immediate bee line towards it. The Marshal once again looked around for Beng, seeing him sitting down, Ma was next to him holding his hands, and talking to him gently.

A voice broke through the silence as Chestnut raced towards them. "Rin Rin! Marshal!"

The monkey gently tugged Liu forward fretting over both of them. Which Liu tried to brush off himself to direct it more towards Rin Rin. At the call Beng shot up. "I'm sorry Beng." Liu said seeing the tired eyes of the other as he approached. Beng just waved it off before motioning for Liu to put her down.

With gentle coaxing, Rin Rin finally let go of Liu from the hug but, kept her hand into his own. Beng first checked her leg, his face pulled into a frown before making a snapping motion with his hands. Rin Rin asked softly "do you have stuff to fix it?"

Beng nodded before walking off toward what little supplies he had left. He returned with a salve, some herbs, splints, and a wrap. Beng with gentle hands reset the foot with the splints and wrap, Liu cooing softly to Rin Rin with words of encouragement. Then he moved to adding salve to Rin Rin's scraps, before finally giving her herbs to eat. Beng then turned to Liu thrusting them as well as the salve into the Marshal's hands.

"Beng I don't need-" Liu was cut off by a gab in his good side, and he immediately looked as an irritated Rin Rin.

"Don't even think about not taking them, your breathing already sounds bad!" Rin Rin said with a glare, bringing Liu to notjust how raspy his breath has gotten. Liu just nodded making Beng relaxed before the medicine monkey walk off. Ma gently leading him to lay down and finally rest.

Liu looked at the Monkey's around them. Chestnut had returned to Ba's side, but the General was sound asleep. So all she did was curl up next to him to fall asleep as well. Wisdom, Courage and XinShu all say in a small circle, he immediately averted his gaze when he realized they were hugging one another. Beng had his head in Ma's lap, grooming him gently as she spoke softly to him.

Finally Liu turned his gaze to Rin Rin, her eyes still looking at him. He then relented and ate the herbs he was given. The Marshal's face screwing up at the taste, but thankfully the pain in his throat seemed to lessen. Before he could do anything, Rin Rin took the salve and started applying it to his burns. Taking great care, especially with the ones on his hands. "You hurt yourself because of me." her pained whisper made Liu look at her.

He leaned down and gently rested his forehead to her own. "And I'd do it again. If that ment taking you away from pain." Fresh tears slid down her cheeks at the vow, the two sat there as the fires dwindled down to nothing outside the cave.

#marshal liu #rin rin #Liurin #general ba #marshal ma #sun xinshu #beng #chestnut #mama courage #mama wisdom #flower fruit mountain #fire of flower fruit mountain #fanfic #i have no self control #angst #wukongs mom au

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hcdragonwrites · 9 months

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Love of a Mountain

(Part two to @journey-to-the-au Banquet Fic)

Here is part two to Banquet! I hope you enjoy !

Willow walked out of her room sometime later, having divested herself of the Heavenly court garments. Instead she was back in her simple gowns and letting her hair fall free the way she liked. If Wukong insists upon a feast then it’s best not to get the garments Heaven-approved-of messy.

Feasts were never the same thing twice here on Flower Fruit Mountain. Each one was as different as a sunset- a thing to be experienced and enjoyed. Heaven's orderly festivals and banquets were usually repetitive and ended the same. No two feasts upon the mountain could ever be compared or summed up as the same.

Rin Rin was coming just from around the corner as Willow closed her door. Though she and Wukong were married- they still enjoyed having a room to run back to and sequester themselves in. They had a shared room- one that linked the two seperate ones together. They used this only when the two desired affection and connection. Or when one or both was having a day of it. For Wukong this would be phantom pains from the circlet he had worn across his brow, or nightmares from his time within the vats being boiled alive. For Willow, this would be memories of the imposter, or nightmares of glowing eyes in the dark asking her how sweet she would taste.

Just a Kiss Willow dear~

Willow shook her head, chasing the cobwebs from her mind. Rin Rin came with a smile and wave. The little gray monkey had a fresh flower behind her ear and her fur was all a sparkle beneath her ochre robes. Willow bent to greet her friend in a warm hug as she collided.

“Willow! I’ve come to collect you.” Rin Rin said. Willow sighed.

“Truly all this fuss and bother for a bit of a missed meal.” Willow grumbled back. “I told Wukong it would be fine, but he insisted on waking everyone for a feast.”

Rin Rin smiled as she stepped back, taking Willow's hand and rushing her along the corridor. Even from way back here, she could make out the gaiety and laughter spilling from the great dining hall beyond. Music was being struck up and Willow couldn’t help but hum a bit of the tune. The folk songs of Flower Fruit Mountain usually were rhymes or twisting trickster tales and harrowing pranks that brought glory. The tune now was a song written for Courage, of her triumph over a tiger and how her trade for her life was her voice.

“Well I heard that Heavenly feasts can’t compare to our own!” Rin Rin touched her flower with her free hand, adjusting it. “Besides, Wukong has some entertainment planned!”

Willow couldn’t help feeling a little bit excited for that. Wukong loved to act out and depict his tales and songs and many deeds with improvisation and magic. He would change shape as swiftly as a wind shifted direction, catching all the crowd up in his story weaving. Her dear friend had many stories to tell and a delightful way to show the little ones of the troupe all the stories he delivered on.

“He didn’t have to wake up the whole mountain.” Willow protested but her protests were getting weaker of conviction the closer they got to the hall. Delicious smells set her stomach to rumbling and Rin Rin grinned. The small monkey knew her friend was losing the battle to protest. She simply pulled her along faster, eager herself to join in the merry making.

“We like parties, Willow.” Rin Rin put simply. The monkeys of Flower Fruit Mountain adored parties. Festivals were favorites. Banquets were boastful. Special occasions were sublime. Any excuse to have a good time and to enjoy themselves was enough. And Rin Rin loved showing off her outfits to Liu, her husband. “Wukong seems more excited than he usually is coming back from the Palace.”

That was true. Usually when they came back from such an excursion to the Heavenly Palace he was tired, fed up with celestial interactions. The human behaviours threw him even now because some celestials would act more human and then those few that came from origins on the mortal world would act more animalistic but look the most human of all. It was always a balancing game of how to interact with who and it was something Wukong could never truly get the hang of.

Willow helped where she could but Wukong preferred to, as he liked to say, ‘Shove himself into a live volcano then try and talk to another official celestial body’. Her handsome monkey tried so hard and usually by the end of a night, was beyond tired and grumpy. Especially if that night was like this one. Hearing Wukong was in good spirits had her thinking.

“What is he trying to pull?” She said aloud.

“Whatever it is, it's for you and you have to be in your spot!” Rin Rin chuckled.

They came around the bend of a stalagmites and out into the great cavern that held the dining area. The stone tables and stools were filled with row upon row of monkeys, of every shade and color imaginable. A living rainbow of fur and silk, the Flower Fruit Mountain troupe were in full jovial mood. Willow caught sight of the overflowing dishes- so quickly prepared!- lining the tables in great silver platters. Fruit cobblers, sweet breads drizzled in glazes of sugar, pies stuffed with almonds and oats, great heaps of fruits of all kinds littered the table. Coconut toddy was passed around in great glass jugs between neighbors on benches. Willow saw shellfish poached and buttered, swaths of tofu fried or grilled in a number of sauces passed from table to table. The comradery, the welcome air, was like snuggling into a warm blanket on a cold night.

Rin Rin led the way to the highest table, one exclusively left for Wukongs closest family and his most trusted advisors. They passed the theater floor, which had been cleared of stools and tables. There would be an event of some kind then.

Great swaths of coconut flesh were shining like white snow upon nearby tables and one of the littlest babes held it out to Willow as they passed.

“Granma Willow! Granma Willow!” The little babe spoke up, holding the coconut flake out. “Try try! I got it myself”

“All by yourself?” Willow remembered the name of this little tuft of fluff. He had been named for the pink of his eyes, and for the rare seasoning brought down upon the world from mountain heights. “Salt thats quite a feat!” She took the coconut from Salts little paw and popped it into her mouth.

“Mmm! Delicious!” And the little babe beamed, flapping his hands excitedly. This started up a small baby monkey storm as the littles, hearing that Grandmother Willow was trying and tasting food, came running. It was like a small tidal wave that Rin Rin got swept up in as well.

“Try my apple!” A brown furred little named Braken chirped, presenting a slice of a ruby red apple to Willow. Before Willow could respond, another little monkey climbed her dress, determination across his very tight little face.

“No no!” Storm challenged. “I made my berries into a jam! Just like you showed me!” He held the tiny little jar in one tiny fist. He was yanked down by another baby, a bit bigger female of the group.

“Grandma Willow would prefer my bread!” Scarlet said.

“Well I made yogurt! With bananas !” Another baby called from the top of Rin Rins head, and suddenly Willow couldn’t keep track of the babies who started to bicker.

“That’s nothing- I MADE THE BEST THING!”

“NO I DID.”

“NO ME!”

Rin Rin popped up from beneath a group trying to climb her, laughing and trying to be serious to reprimand the over eager children in their quest to impress the grandmother of the mountain. Willow herself was laughing too hard as she tried and failed to take a taste of all the treats the babies held out to her. Being bombarded in such a way with so much love was a bit overwhelming but also such a warm and buttery feeling.

It’s nice to feel and see so much love. To be wanted and loved in such a way.

“You littles better get back in your places right now!” The voice of her friend called from beyond Willows sight.

“GRANDPA WUKONG!!” And the small tidal wave of littles swamped the Monkey King. He used his magic, growing larger to collect them all in his arms and swing them about.

“Oh my treasures! How are each of you darling gems! You listening to your mothers? Minding your fathers?” A chorus of yes! Came from the clinging little children, laughing as their grandpa swung them about and placed them back at each table with their parents. “Remember! We can’t swamp Grandma Willow! She may get overwhelmed ok?”

“Yes grandpa!”

“Good little treasures!” He said to them in approval. Once all the babies were back with their parents at their respective tables, Wukong held out his hand to Willow. She took it, Rin Rin holding the other as her two friends pulled her up from the floor and to the table.

“I love them all so much.” Willow thought aloud, as she watched the eager and open love from some of the children and their family’s. She would do anything for these tiny gems that shone with such brightness.

“They almost drowned you in that love.” Rin Rin remarked, straightening her fur and having it lie back in place. “They almost drowned me as well-to get at you- the cheeky lemmings.” This last part was said with such soft love that it took all the teeth out of the remark.

“It would have been a good death.” Willow replied.

“Death by smothering?” Wukong snorted. He nodded to his mothers who greeted him, Willow and Rin Rin in return. Wukong led Rin Rin to her seat beside Marshal Liu who was dressed in his finest armor. His soft cream colored fur looked extra well brushed and presentable. Liu smiled to Willow, bowing his head. Rin Rin eagerly went to her seat, setting the both of them to blushing. Ma and Chestnut were seated beside them, already enjoying the sautéed mushrooms and several shellfish between them.

“Death by love is poetic. Especially when it comes from such little hands and happy hearts.” Willow's smile was warm as she spoke, her gaze sweeping the full and boisterous hall. She didn’t notice the slight sparkle that entered Wukongs eyes as he witnessed Willows face melt into one of such love and adoration.

Wukong then led Willow to her spot at the table, right beside his mothers Wisdom and Courage. To their left was Xinshu, quietly picking and dismantling some poor raspberries. Willow wondered how she was peeling them without the berries bursting. Xinshu was expertly dissecting the berries with the tips of her claws. She turned and waved a red tipped claw at Willow and, though there was no malice, there was a hint of cool challenge.

Willow wouldn’t dare comment on her sister-in-laws habit of spooking her or the others of the celestial court. It had taken a while for her and the white simian to come to a sort of trust and agreement of mutual respect. Willow knew that her little wave wasn’t meant to scare her in the fashion she had originally set about when Willow had first come to the mountain. Instead she was testing her strength, challenging Willow as if to say ‘see? Can you do that?’

Willow could not eviscerate a raspberry. She didn’t even know it was possible to do so. Beyond Xinshu sat Ba and Chestnut. It was good to keep Ma and Ba separate to prevent the start of food fights.

Though, Willow admitted, it wasn’t always bad pranks- food fighting was a new experince. It was quite humorous to join in.

Willow would never tell Ma or Ba but she did enjoy their antics to a point. They kept everyone, including herself, on their toes. But they had also taught her better pranks after she had tricked Wukong with a bucket, a door and some simple water. She recalled that memory fondly when the two standoffish monkeys suddenly approached her one day while she was out tending to the orchards.

“Listen-“ Ma said, coming out from beneath an overhanging peach tree, tail curled in a casual S shape

“We love the classic prank you pulled-“ Ba continued. He hopped down from the opposite tree, a peach in his hand. He took a bite, leaning against the bark.

“It was amazing-“ Ma said.

“Ten out of ten!” Ba Replied.

“But if you really want to get Wukong-“ Ma leaned in.

“Like TRUELY trick that old man-“ Ba continued, leaning in conspiratorial.

“Your gonna need better material!” They said together, their tails twitching in tandem.

“Fear not-“ Ba grumbled, finishing off the peach and tossing the pit.

“You're in good hands now.” Ma finished, taking Willow by the hand and leading her through the orchard to discuss further prank material.

Willow had slowly won over much of the mountain's love and adoration in just her actions and her words. She had proven to the cautious and most hesitant of Flower Fruit Mountain that she was not like other Celestials. She wasn’t like the rest of the court that had brought their wrath down upon the mountain during Wukongs younger days.

Willow was partially through a quite delectable bit of sautéed Chicken of the Woods with shallots and chopped onions when Wukong stood, tapping the side of his coconut toddy with the tip of a knife. The simple noise brought a calmer atmosphere to the hall as Wukong cleared his throat.

“My family! I called on this sudden feast to celebrate my wonderous Wife Willow!” A collective murmur of appreciation swept through the attendants.

“Oh no Wukong why…” Willow felt her face flame a bit in embarrassment. While her friend delighted in the spotlight, Willow didn’t mind watching from the sidelines. Suddenly being thrust into the whole reason for a feast made Willow groan in second hand embarrassment.

“Yes ! She defended my honor when the celestial men of the court cornered me to ask and pester questions from your good king!” Gasps. A few furious teeth barings. Xinshu sliced a little too harshly through her raspberry and sprayed red juice across the table. Wisdom rolled her eyes at her sons theatrics.

“Was it really all that bad?” Rin Rin asked, leaning into Willow.

“They did ask about our ability to reproduce -“ Willow began and Liu grumbled.

“I cannot understand the Celestials' obsession with putting their noses into others' familial relations.” The Marshal shook his head. “I am sorry you were put through that … embarrassment, my Lady. If I had been there I would have challenged his honor.” Willow smiled at him, feeling touched by his need to defend her. Marshal Liu had been one of the first to start calling her ‘My Lady’ after her incident at the river. He was always polite and professional, reminding her of the few times she had actually talked to her brothers.

“Your king was cornered,” Wukong continued, beginning to replay the events with magic. He had pulled several hairs from his coat, chewed and then created duplicates from the strands. The doubles changed themselves into leering courtly men, surrounding a very terribly distressed Wukong. “He was communicating quite clearly how he wished to be away and alone when Willow put on the best performance!”

Another double appeared a bit further down on the cleared theater space, Willow in all her courtly attire. Real Willow was pretty convinced Willow douple was glamoured just a bit much. Her hair shone like a ravens wing and her face almost gave off sparkle as it turned. The real Wukong stood back narrating, pointing out each scene as it happened.

Willow felt her face flame a bit more.

“She swooned and put on a spectacular show of it, asking her husband to rescue her from the stifling court air.” Here the Douple Willow fell over in a dramatic recreation. Douple Wukong rushed forward, catching the fainting Willow.

“ And I, the magnificent King that I am, decided that enough was enough and brought her back to our wondrous mountain home.”

Wukong dismissed his copies and turned, to fix his eyes upon Willow. He smiled, and it was a fun and gentle one, full of teasing and love and such open warmth that it could rival the sun.

“Truly she saved us from a bland night of watching the controlled dances of horses and court gossip.”

Ma and Ba were both roaring and cheering with a large majority of the monkeys now. Willow blushed harder and kissed Wukongs forehead. “I can’t believe you.”

“That’s a good rebuff … right?”

“I am going to play the largest prank on you when you least expect it !” Willow smiled. She knew he did this out of love. And out of a need to tease and praise her. But she wanted to tease him back.

Wukong returned the kiss, placing one right on the tip of her nose. “I look forward to your pranks and will return them in kind.” And he snuck a cheeky tug to her hair in play.

As they pulled apart and settled into their meal again, Willow slowly became aware that there was a murmur going about the tables. A muttering and grumbling that started low and finally crested as some of the troupe of monkeys asked louder.

“Dancing horses? What -“

“They have dancing horses?”

Wukong heard the mutterings and rose once again from his seat.

“Oh yes and they danced with such boring restraint! I’ll show you how a real horse should dance!” Before anyone could tell Wukong no, he had somersaulted back into the cleared theatre space and shapeshifted. An adorable short chestnut stallion stood on the theater floor, his facial markings becoming a white banded blaze across his face. The dining hall whooped and cheered as Wukong began to go through the paces. The horse sidestepped and spun, reared and tossed his head. Then he did things that no horse would ever attempt or try. He stood up and walked several paces, trying to imitate several courtiers in the palace. Wukong balanced on one leg, hopping from table to table and alternating. The hall was a frenzy of calling and cries of laughter as the horse became more ridiculous with each iteration of his ‘dance’.

After landing on his front hooves and balancing a goblet on his back hooves, Wukong paused to allow the hall to cheer and to settle. Then the horse turned his face back to the table, to Willow.

“Of course Heavens horses did not dance alone.” He proclaimed. He bowed in horse fashion, neck pulling in as a foreleg extended outward and downward. “Will you join me Willow?”

An abrupt silence as the monkeys in the hall heard this. Then like a bubbling brook they began to babble and chatter.

“Join him Willow!”

“Show us what you can do!”

“Can a celestial keep pace with him?” Xinshu spoke up, raising a brow in playful challenge at her sister-in-law. “My brother does shape change swiftly.”

Willow, stood and walked to the theater floor. When she had first shown Wukong that she too could change shape, it had been from a deep place of trust. To celestials, changing shape like this was seen almost as taboo. Why would one born of Heavens Grace wish to besmirch that gift? Willow had been taught the ways as any young princess would, and told to use them only in dire circumstances.

That resolve had only begun to deteriorate when coming to Flower Fruit Mountain and seeing her friend somersault into bears and birds with a blink of an eye. Shape changing was not meant to show off or be boastful- but Wukong didn’t do it to rub it in others faces. He did it to entertain, to bring joy and laughter to his home and his people. Willow, after years and years of holding to her understanding, had decided to surprise him. They had been sitting on Willows favorite cliff, the one Wukong had brought her to to first experience a sunshower.

She had been filled with liquid joy- they had spent the day with a group of littles teaching them what could be approached and what to be avoided. Of course that meant Wukong had shapeshifted to be the physical representation of each animal that Willow would describe as either dangerous or neutral. Seeing him effortlessly entertain the littles and the smiles it brought the babies, had finally turned what resolve she had left to dust.

Heaven would never see her do what she was about to do- so why should she hold back?

“Wukong.”

“Mm? What is it Willow?”

“Look” She moved her hands back, pushing them over her face and felt the change take shape. It was a fizzing sensation not that strange from tickling. It had her smiling when she had completed the shift, now just as tall as Wukong. She had turned into a monkey.

Wukongs eyes had become large as saucers, the pupils blown out as he watched her. She had cute little paws, a sparkling face and adorable tail.

He took a deep breath and politely accused “First off. Wow. Secondly. Why are you so cute ? Like, that’s not fair.”

They had spent that day testing who was cuter and who had the better form. It had melted the last of Willows worries about the taboo of shape changing. On earth there were rules that didn’t need to be adhered to as in Heaven. Restraining the joy of being able to be you was one of those rules that got thrown completely clear of the mountain.

It was a slow process to fully get Willow to relax into shape changing for fun but it didn’t take long. As the celestial walked onto the theater stage she felt the fizz and bubble.it rippled across her skin. One step she was Earth Reaching Willow, eldest celestial daughter to Heaven. The next step she was a bay mare, hooves sticking the stone as she pranced up to Wukong.

The hall went wild with cheers and clapping. Willow could hear Ma and Ba calling out from behind.

“Why she is more stunning than our cousin!”

“Bet she could put you through the ringer Wukong!”

Wukong heard this and tossed his head, nostrils flaring. Dancing was gone from his mind as he turned to stare out into the crowd.

“Do we want to put that to a vote? Who here thinks I have the best transformations?”

A roar crashed down upon Willows ears.

“And who here believes Willow to be the better shifter?”

Surprisingly a good half of the room still shouted their support, Rin Rin the loudest with a “Kick his butt Willow!”

Willow stepped up to Wukong, nuzzling him in horse fashion and chewing a bit of his mane. The stallion, shorter than she, stuck his head beneath her neck and wickered affectionately.

“You’ve decided to make a game of this?” Willow snorted in laughter. Wukong could make a competition and game from anything mundane. If it was laundry it would be a race. If it was baking it would be a contest. Shape Changing would be no different now that he had discovered and helped build up Willows courage to do it.

“Heavens fun is boring compared to ours.” Wukong wuffed. He pulled back, flagging his tail and taking a few strides in a trot. The crowd of monkeys whistled. “I think I’ll be the favorite shape changer.”

“Oh really?” Willow decided to give as good as she got. She tossed her head sending the cascade of black mane across her neck. Willow strutted, performing a perfect Piaffe, giving the illusion of galloping in place. The monkeys were a great audience to perform too- they were enjoying this and eating it up like sweet fruits- crying out to each of them in turn.

“I am the favorite after all.” Wukong countered. Then she watched as he changed shape. One step he was a chestnut stallion, proud head and tail flagging. In the next he had stepped into a wolf, red brindled fur shining.

“Only because you are a king!” Willow called. She decided to leap over the wolf that was Wukong and change mid air, becoming a jet black she wolf on the landing. The crowd applauded. They circled each other, tails wagging in play.

“Are you saying my monkeys would be biased to me?” Wukong woofed, tongue lolling in a smile. He chased his tail, earning some giggles from the littles as shifted again into a red buck. He tossed his head, displaying the twelve pointed tines like a crown on his head. “They would never favor me unfairly over you.”

“Is that so?” Willow teased. She slid beneath his neck, stepping into the next shape as a beautiful doe, eyes as black as the night. “Last I recall, I think they chose you as the winner for the pie baking contest we held- even though your pie was inedible!”

Willow nipped his ear affectionately and sprang back, hooves light as a dancer.

“It was completely edible!”

“It was undercooked and you know it!”

The two friends continued to shift from shape to shape. Wukong leading, Willow following. As they jabbed and teased, joked and called the others bluffs, they flowed through shape after shape. Like dancers they moved, becoming butterflies in one step, to crowing peacocks the next. They became so many shapes- cheetahs and foxes, phoenixes and unicorns, dragons and serpents.

Each turn of their game elicited more calls from the crowd. Applause as the pair turned into hyenas and set the room to laughing. Whoops as Wukong and Willow folded into antelope. They flowed through forms, trading jests and conversation in a playful manner. The game became less of a contest and more of a performance as each movement was either matched or complimented by the other.

Finally Wukong turned into a flaming tiger, roaring into the hall. Smaller babes squeaked in fear but most exclaimed their joy. Willow flowed seamlessly from the crane she had been before to a great white tigress, matching his roar.

Willow had forgotten the crowd almost entirely. She was laughing and so was Wukong as they came out of that final shape and back to themselves. They were both breathing hard as magic like that done so rapidly was an exercise in itself. Like any sport, magic was taxing. Wukong took his wife’s hand and they stepped to the edge of the cleared ground. They bowed in unison.

The hall erupted in joyous calls. Their names were shouted in unison, the game forgotten by the crowd themselves. The night from there on devolved into song and dance, food and good company. Sweets musical band struck up another song, a new one of tonight’s performances and the shifting grace of the mountain's two rulers. It was received with jubilant applause and calls for more and more. The wine flowed, the dancing ensued and Willow and Wukong laughed, the Polestar Palace Banquet far behind them.

It was hours later, the flow of wine leaving Willows head a bit lighter than usual. She had possibly drunk a bit too much tonight. Wukong, Rin Rin, Liu and herself were all trying to make their way back to their rooms. All four of them kept either tripping or stumbling which would elicit giggles from the others.

“What a Night..” Rin Rin hiccuped. She was spun in Lius arms in a very shoddy imitation of the dance from early.

“A night to remember~” Liu had stars within his eyes as he dipped his mate into a bow and proceeded to press as many kisses to her face. This elicited Rin Rin and Willow to laugh- Rin Rin because it set her face aflame and Willow because she loved seeing her friends be in love.

“We better give ‘em some privacy.” Wukong took Willows hand, tugging her toward their rooms. “Make sure you at least make it back to your room!”

The two love birds didnt respond as Liu began to whisper in her ear and set Rin Rin to giggling further. Wukong snagged something from inside their room - a pillow - and tossed it at Liu. It plunked against the Marshals head and he stopped his playful torture to look up.

“Make it back to your room Liu before you turn Rin into melted wax!” Wukong said. His friend gave a nod. Then he immediately swooped Rin Rin up into his arms and marched away.

“Well at least they will have some sort of privacy…” Wukong laughed, closing the door. This was their shared room- the space that the two could come together in. A great mound of bed stuffs- pillows, blankets, and soft downy furs, rose from a circular spot in the middle of the room. Willow made her way to it now, not caring to change and not worrying about the clothes she wore. They wouldn’t wrinkle terribly or dig into her skin from hidden pins or corsets.

These were her comfortable dresses made to toss and roll in. Wukong had had them made for her when she first came to Flower Fruit Mountain and had complained of her tight clothes and binding silks. Willow tumbled straight into the nest of bed stuff, grumbling and stretching happily as the soft down consumed her.

Well I’m not getting back up again.

She was beginning to fall asleep, drifting away on a warm glow when she heard the Monkey King call to her.

“Willow?”

“Mm?” She lifted her head up, fighting the sleep. A belly full of food and wine with her body tired from magic and dancing- it was a great feat for Earth Reaching Willow to make eye contact with her friend.

Wukong had slipped from his mottled and fancy clothes, wearing a plain tunic. He looked at her with his great golden eyes then looked away. He kicked an invisible bit of dust at his feet.

“Would you … mind …” Wukong began. Then trailed off. Even half asleep, even with a good bit of Coconut Toddy in her body, Willow could read that look a mile away.

“You want to cuddle don't you?” She summarized.

His eyes grew as big as saucers as he nodded, eagerly.

“Come here, my handsome Monkey.” Willow opened her arms, an open invitation to him. Wukong came barreling in, settling himself into her. Wukong burrowed a hand into her hair. Willow curled her own into his fur. Wukong tucked her head into his chest and Willow made that her pillow. His tail wound around her leg as her free hand began to scratch his back. Wukong chirped and smacked his lips, nuzzling the top of her head and eliciting laughter from her.

The warm glow wasn’t just from the wine. Nor from the warmth these two souls shared. It was a common and honest love, deeper than physical. A bond of trust and care.

“That was fun.” Wukong spoke between his happy rumbles.

“You were planning to perform like those horses huh?” Willow asked him. Her fingers began to scratch behind his ears.

“Yeah- I was gonna be the sole horse dancer.” Wukong began to run his fingers through her hair, gentle as a spring breeze. “But… I’m glad you joined in. It’s more fun when there’s a partner to play with.”

“We’re partners for life.” Willow mumbled. Her fingers were slowing as Wukong pet and tended her.

“Partners to the end.” Wukong chuckled and pressed a kiss to her brow.

“Mm love you Wukong.” Willow muttered, falling back into sleep.

“Love you too Willow..” Wukong spoke between the happy baby noises he was making.

The two fell into sleep, happy and content and the troubles of the previous Banquet already buried beneath the memories of the new one. The safest place for both Willow and Wukong was here, within the gentle embrace of each other's arms. No nightmares came for them. Only blissful sleep and warm dreams. Dreams of food and wine and shifting shapes. And of a love that was the size and greatest of Flower Fruit Mountain.

#hcwrites #writing stuff #hcfanfics #for journey to the au #HERE YOU GO PART 2 !#can you tell what my favourite part was in writing this ?#sun wukong #jttw tag #jttw au #the betrothal au #jttw sun wukong #marshal liu #rin rin #if you hadn’t guessed #it was the shape changer scene #I LOVED WRITING THAT BIT #I got to brush off on some old horse and dressage terminology from my days living on a ranch #I love imagining these two being adorable to eachother #also had to sneak in Liu and Rin Rin being sweet #I was gonna write the fruit troop but I was worried I would over saturate the text.#instead maybe being swamped by a tidal wave of monkeys was enough of a description to all the little babies on flower fruit mountain lol #I did Research what specific vegetarian foods and diets could eat what.#I decided to use Lacto-vegetarian so I could still write about butter and yogurt pfttt #I really really liked this one! it was super cute and had me cuddling my phone #I wrote this when I was having a bit of an off day and it really helped tbh because how CAN YOU BE SAD OR MELANCHOLY WHEN YOU WRITE THIS #Pls Wukong being a showboat is so fun to write #I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY!#I would link Part one but I am a boomer when it comes to Hyperlinks on my phone lol

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journeytothewestresearch · 4 months

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Any info on Wukong's generals?

I worked up an article for you.

#journey to the west #sun wukong #monkey king #jttw #Beng and Ba #Ma and Liu #Marshal Ma #Marshal Liu #General Beng #General Ba #Four Mighty Commanders

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ranscoffin · 2 years

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It's midnight, why are the monkeys out of bed >:(

(Beng design by @wolfcamellias )

#sworddance #General Beng x Marshal Liu #marshal Liu #General Beng #jttw #he starts making friends with the little ones while training #they just wanted cookies

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mythicalmagical-monkeyman · 22 days

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Summary: Marshal Ma & Marshal Liu fail at stalking Wukong while he's "Hanging out" with Macaque

#lmk #jttw #uhhh #both technically #lego monkie kid #lmk sun wukong #lmk macaque #lmk six eared macaque #lmk monkey king #marshal Liu #marshal ma #lmk fanfic #fanfic #shadowpeach

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winterpower98 · 20 days

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I missed my very soft ship *sniff*

#lego monkie kid #monkie kid #liu er mihou #marshal liu #jade rabbit #yutu #Snowdrop Ship #character reference #character design #doodles #digital art #sai #winterpower98

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sixteenthchapel · 10 months

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Liu is a simple monkey with a simple code. see demon? kill demon. simple, not complicated, good monkey

#someone is getting added to my art fight roster so doing new art of him #i was hesitant to add him before before because very technically speaking hes not an oc hes a canon character #but i do think its fine hes basically nothing in the novel #like this is all my own hyperfocus lol #marshal liu #jttw #jttw tag #demon hunter liu

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digitalagepulao · 10 months

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A-hian Jinju, Big Brother Golden-Orange, later Marshal Liu Jinju (Dusky Leaf Monkey)

Wukong's older brother by age and bond, as they were raised alongside each other. He and Wukong are quite close, and while he has an overall more mellow disposition, he's still quite capable of his own mischief. Once named Marshal Liu at the return of his younger brother, he wields a Japanese yari, one of the stolen weapons Wukong brings back to Huaguoshan. He often helps clean up after Wukong's messes in their youth, and once Wukong leaves for his search for immortality, he leaves the troop for a bachelor group. Together they fend off demons and spirits, and despite growing comfortable with being a rebellious leader in his own right, Wukong's return brings him much joy and he gladly bows to his king once more. His own charisma and reputation helped lead many monkeys into Wukong's rule and his support helps solidify the Monkey King's power.

I-bo Lanye, Auntie Orchid-Leaves (Silvery Lutung)

Biological mother of Jinju and great-granddaughter of Longan, one of Wukong's many many aunties in the troop. She's one of A-ma's favored babysitters to handle Wukong's antics, but she often takes a diplomatic role among their fellow mountain monkeys. As Wukong builds a proper kingdom at Huaguoshan, she becomes of of the many stewards in Water-Curtain Cave, managing all matters of the mansion on A-ma's name. Everyone knows her word is A-ma's word and even their imp and demon guests know to respect her.

for their names, i played around with google translate and some digging across dictionaries to make a somewhat educated guess of what terms would fit a two-syllable convention. also i'm going for their familial titles in Min Nan Chinese but their names in Mandarin because i'm using Taiwan as inspiration for Huaguoshan and so those terms would have been learned by the monkeys over time out of mostly exposure, while their names were given by either Longan or Wukong, both speakers of Mandarin.

concerning the fact that they are different species, interspecies breeding can sometimes create fertile offspring, as noted in a hybrid discovered recently, but also this is a fantasy story. i'm playing around with monkey species as i go to have some fun with designs and also make the monkeys more diverse and unique.

Jinju uses Japanese weapons because I figure that Wukong went to Japan in order to steal weapons for his monkey army, since it's said that he heads to a kingdom to the east of Huaguoshan and i'm eyeballing some directions to better fit with a real world setting for the story. I tried to place a time for when he'd land, but finding sources for Japanese weapons of that period is a bit hard so I went with my guts and what looked reasonable to expect from the period.

and yes, Jinju is named after the kumquat fruit ajdbjahwbdaw

#jttw #jttw au #jttw oc #xiyouji #journey to the west #marshal liu #Sun clan au #bell dragon art #expedition to the west au

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anxiescape · 11 months

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Stargaze is on a bit of a hiatus, but don’t worry. Ba is here, and he would like to introduce you to his family. :3

#Stargaze #Stargaze AU #lego monkie kid #fanfic art #my art #marshal ma #marshal liu #general beng #general ba #six eared macaque #sun wukong #comic

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wolfsonic · 7 months

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Growly monkies

I got more snippets of the monkeys cause @journey-to-the-au has given me monkey brain rot again with them, and I had to write about it.

Sorry if the snippets are not beta read, I started feeling iky around the last two stories and I just wanted to get them out of my head before I forgot XD

The WuKong and Willow snippet was inspired by this beautiful art they made!

Hope you like them!

---

Beng carefully adjusted forearm guards, Ma and him were due for a meeting with the others, and Ma had left a bit a go so she could get her adjusted armor. His mate's pregnancy was starting to show, and she, with Beng by her side, asked WuKong for the armor around the beginning of it so it would be ready by the time she would need it. WuKong had agreed easily with a smile.

The General frowned in thought, and he suspected a few monkeys on the island had expressed their distaste of Ma continuing her Marshal duties while pregnant. They have been smart enough to know not to have said anything in front of Beng himself, but he's seen Ma's mood has been lower than normal.

It was the reason Ma had been worried about asking for the new armor, WuKong, as well as Beng reassured her she could still be a Marshal.

Beng grabbed his polearm before he turned and followed where Ma had gone. He didn't walk very far before he heard a voice. Ma's voice which confused him since she should have so much farther ahead than he was.

He wasn't close enough to hear what she had said, but a second voice spoke up talking over the Marshal. Just that alone made his fur puff up slightly in irritation, and when Beng finally turned the corner to see them, did the words finally register.

"You shouldn't be over exerting yourself." The stupid monkey said sharply to Ma. The monkey back was towards Beng, with Ma facing towards him, her own features trying not to convey the annoyance radiating off her. "You should think about your child, not your own self interests."

Beng, despite his big size, crept up silently behind the unsuspecting monkey, and once he was right behind her, he let out a smallest of growls, his voice low as he stared down of the monkey. "Are you the doctor of this mountian?" A loud squeak of fear came from the monkey as she jumped. She slowly turned around to see the big general standing over her. Her mouth opened and closing but no words came out of her mouth as Beng continued.

The monkey just cowered under Beng's intense stare before finally scurring away. He huffed angrily as he watched her run before turning to Ma. She was looking down as her feet. The General reached forward and cups her cheek, making her look at him. "I do not want you letting this slide anymore, I have been watching your mood lower because of it. I am here, talk to me."

Ma huffed less in anger before leaning forwards and resting her face into his shoulder. "I'm sorry... I thought I could handle it.."

Beng wrapped his arms around Ma in a hug, letting his other half cling to him. Soft reassurances whispered softly in her ear. The two didn't move for a little, and Beng wasn't surprised to see Liu after a while. Probably looking for them, but the Marshal instantly halted at the sight of the two before turning and walking away.

Wanting to give the two privacy, but Beng did not miss the frown settled on his lips. Beng knew they'd probably have to explain to the others, but for now, his focuse was on his mate.

~~~

Liu sat with his back towards Rin Rin as her fingers groomed him, working out burrs that were snagged in his fur. A small pout rested on his face as he stared grumply at the dirt, and Rin Rin could only giggle softly when she noticed his face. "You put yourself here, mister. It was just a small bird dropping a seed, and you're the one that tripped on a root and into a bush to investigate it."

Liu relaxed under her touch before speaking up, "it could have been something that could hurt you and the baby!" He said, trying to reason why he did it.

Rin Rin just shook her head with a smile. "Even an infant could have recognized that sound."

Liu only just seemed to pout more, making Rin Rin giggle even more. The Marshal couldn't hold back his own content smile at Rin Rin's giggles. A loud snap of a twig made Liu stand ramrod straight, his eyes narrowed and immediately growling in the direction of the sound. It turned into a sharp glare when a monkey that was the culprit of the sound scrambled away.

Rin Rin rolled her eyes before gently taking Liu's hand and placing it on her stomach. The change was immediate as his gaze softened and grew considerably less tense. He turned to look at Rin Rin as he felt a strong kick against his palm. He then nuzzled Rin Rin's stomach, where he felt another one against his cheek. "Hello, little one."

Liu wrapped his arms around Rin Rin's waist, in turn hold her and their child. "WuKong let you off your duties today so you can take a break." Rin Rin emphasized the word break as she leaned down to kiss his forehead.

Liu just sighed before nodding. This time, he relaxed fully as Rin Rin went back to grooming him. They remained like that as she worked, Liu talking softly to the infant still in Rin Rin.

Rin Rin finished grooming him, and she moved to just threaded her fingers through his fur on his head before he stood. Rin Rin tilted her head to the side in confusion for a second before he held out his hand. "Come on, let's get some food. You're probably hungry." Liu said as he held his hand out for her to take.

Rin Rin smiled and took it, letting her mate pull her up as she nodded. "I could eat." Rin Rin said as they walked away towards the orchards.

~~~

WuKong was laying flat on his stomach as he watched over a sleeping Willow, who was lying on her side facing WuKong. Earlier that day, the one time WuKong was pulled away from her, she had a fainting spell, putting the already tense simian on even more edge. Thankfully, Liu had been nearby to keep Willow from hurting herself, and she came too pretty quickly. Beng checked on her and the babies, finding nothing wrong, but he still told her to rest for the remainder of the day.

And now here Wukong was up in the early hours of the morning watching over Willow. He hadn't got a wink of sleep, and even a part of him agreed this could possibly be seen as a little creepy, but he couldn't help it. He needed to make sure all of them were safe. The soft sounds of the forest waking reached his ears as the king rested his head on to his forearm.

The small sense of tranquility was broken as a shift of magic touched the air, making WuKong shoot up from his laying position. The king looked wildly around, assessing the room for any threats, a soft snarl coming from his lips. It was then he had to bite back said snarl as he realized the magic had come from Willow, her transformation magic unconsciously activating as it shifted over her.

It wasn't long before a monkey form took the place of Willow's human one. The celestial didn't even awaken from the sudden change as she continued to sleep peacefully. The king let out a breath he was holding as he resumed his position.

It wasn't long later that Willow's eyes slowly opened as she woke from sleep. Her tired eyes turned confused as she spotted WuKong wide awake. "What are you doing up?" She asked softly, not even surprised she was in monkey form again. WuKong diverted his eyes at the question, Willow eyes widened at the realization that he didn't even sleep, made her cross her arms, and stared at him with disapproval. "You stayed up all night." She said, not even questioning it to know it was true.

WuKong has no defense for that, and Willow opened her arms, silently asking for cuddles. The king obliged instantly, though she had moved him to rest his head against her stomach. Willow spoke again "Your going to fall asleep during your buddhistic duties today."

"Maybe you don't know that." WuKong said as he relaxed under her voice and the small heartbeats and kicks of his children as she began to play with the hair on his head. Making him relax even more, his eyes drooping slightly.

"You're falling asleep right now." Willow said with a soft laugh.

WuKong shoke his head, trying to deny it. "No, I'm just blinking." He mumbled softly.

"Sleep, WuKong. I'll wake you in a few hours."

The king tried to deny it, but he couldn't stop himself, finally being pulled into sleep.

#journey to the west #jttw #xiyouji #earth reaching willow #sun wukong #rin rin #betrothal au #marshal liu #marshal ma #general ba #ERW #the fake marriage au

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hcdragonwrites · 8 months

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Epilogue ( @journey-to-the-au Fic)

This is what happens at the end of Tea trouble. It’s just short but it’s because I wanted to write fluff and cuddles and warmth.

The sun sank slowly into the sea, painting that great swath of liquid to fire. Willow felt the soft weariness sneak into her face as finally, finally her family mounted their heavenly steeds and kept back into the sky. The stars were beginning to appear in the darkening night. Gold, wood, water and fire. They marked the sky with their light as she waved her sisters goodbye.

From the mouth of babes came a second peace, a second chance. Lychee had offered the peach and Winter had taken a bite from it. An exchange and a wave of apologies. Willow had spent that time swapping tales and trading secrets of her home. Of her mountain. With her sisters. They listened attentively. They touched her hand- sought comfort and reassurance they had not lost her forever in their callous remarks. Willow reassured, reaffirmed and rebounded with each of her sisters.

She was exhausted. Willow sighed, itching her scalp. Her hairpins still bothered her, and her clothes felt too heavy. She wanted nothing more then to sleep for a fortnight. Anger was an emotion Willow rarely dove into, rarely utilized and unleashed. Calm rage? Yes. Anger that blinds like this one did ? No. It left her feeling achy and tired and o so sensitive to her skin.

Willow sighed. She was so thankful to the fruit troop, to Pear and Apple, Pomelo and Mulberry. And Lychee. The bravest little mischief maker ever. The first to offer a olive branch to her sisters and to forgive them. No one will talk that way to them ever again.

For now as the sun cast itself into the sea Willow felt her final strength ebb and fade with its light. She took a step back to rebalance herself —

Great large furred arms swung her up and over broad shoulders. She squealed in surprise as Wukong raised her up, growing in size himself.

“WILLOW!” He practically roared as the rest of the mountain followed suit. Thousands of the troop came racing forward, pressing close and reaching up to her from the spot on Wukongs shoulders. The rest of them were crowing and hollering and screaming. Calling her name.

“Gather the softest pillows and blankets ! The night will hold for us all- set the guards to chasing any beasts out of the groves. Light the fire pits! And everyone GATHER YOUR FAVORITE FRUIT!” Willow heard the roar of the crowd as they thundered off. Hammocks were pulled between trees, bundles of blankets and pillows and downy things were dragged and set down in the field. Monkeys lit the fire pits that lined the clearing, the great orange light casting dancing shadows as the sun continued its decent. Willow saw the troop laugh and chortle as they brought fruits out. A veritable second feast of food. Kiwis, grapes, oranges, watermelons, melons and nectarines.

Wukong kept Willow on his shoulders. Willow was too tired to ask why or deny the outward pouring of love from her earthen family. This was just the way they heaped support and love onto her. A veritable jungle of nests and hammocks, of blanketed caves and soft spots to lay soon covered the grass all around.

To tangle and tug and touch was the Monkey way of showing love. Willow sighed, laying against her husbands very soft and large head.

“What did I do ? It was all my fault.”

“Hush you I won’t hear you taking the blame for others ever again.” Wukong admonished. Several of the troop had gathered nearby, dragging a forest of bedding and plush to make nests and enjoy the night. Wukong set himself down in the thick of the troop, taking Willow up off his shoulders and into his lap. His tail coiled around her a hand against her middle. The giant monkey practically swamped her as he chirped and cooed, crooned and kissed her temples and nose.

“Wukong don’t swallow her!” Ba admonished. Willow peered from between the fur of Wukongs neck. She felt like a chick beneath a mother hen, completely covered and warm. She saw Ba setting up a little nest beside them. Beng was busy swinging Pomelo and Mulberry about-throwing them into pillows that bounced them slightly in the air.

“Save some for the rest of us please.” Ba snorted. Lychee was seated on Chestnuts shoulders talking his mothers ear off about his day and how he and his friends had gotten Little Weaver Girl to braid them flower crowns. He still wore his on his brow, eyes bright. They two set their bedding and nesting material down beside them.

“Are we all sleeping out beneath the stars ?” Willow asked. Wukong didn’t say yes with words. He was too overcome with an emotion, a puff of pride that expanded his chest. Here was his Willow Tree. The strong women who had been betrothed to him but had chosen him- heart and soul. Willow who had turned Huaguoshan into a protected area. Willow who had stalwartly sat beside him when he had been burning and boiling and close to madness inside that bronze prison. Willow who had bravely offered herself to the Imposter to save the rest of his family. And it had been Willow again who had chosen his people and family, his friends and loved ones, and had brought to heel celestial who thought they could talk down to him and what was his.

Whatever I did - whatever luck shot through my sky and made my stone sentient - I am glad it made me in time to be with her.

“Yes princess.” He softly whispered to her. “You defended all of us yet again. You brilliant warrior.” For she was a warrior. Not of blades or fists or claws of teeth. Words were her weapon and she used them brilliantly. More accurate then an arrows fall, she pierced Huaguoshan enemies with no bloodshed.

If I had met her when I was seeking my enlightenment … before I sought Heavens recognition… he wondered. Would his life have gone on a entirely new path? Wukong mussed her hair with his teeth, nibbling until she tapped his jaw in play.

His friends settled about them and the rest of the troop began to visit Willow, offering food and comfort. The little bundle of baby fruits ran across the clearing. They had been hero’s and they didn’t even know it.

Wukong lay curled over and around Willow like some large languid cat, tail tucked possessively about her. He became larger still, letting the little fruits climb onto his back in their play. Rin Rin came forward and Wukong allowed her to take Willows hair down, to groom and to ease her scalp.

Rin Rin heard the story as Wukong, Ba, Liu and Beng recounted it. They were now all here against Wukongs side, grooming and offering fruits or each other, to Willow. The love was a warm glow in the night , a glow that came from within and rivaled that of the dying sunlight. Ba kept off his pranks and offered Willow sour green grapes- and his deepest vows of loyalty. Wukong snorted happily, a large hand gently scratching along Willows back. Beng checked their little word warrior over and then gave her a single hardy shake. Ma was blubbering with Rin Rin who simply held on and brushed Willows hair out. Liu bowed and offered his own vows of loyalty- setting Ba to trying to outdo him.

Wukong waited till the stars were bright in the sky, the moon rising now to cast her silver light to whisper and speak praise and words of love. He wanted to drown her in the emotion that beat in his chest. It was a glow as steady as the sun and as wild as the world. It was not the same love Rin Rin or Liu or Ba or Chestnut Or Beng Or Ma experienced.

Forever and always. I will See her days filled with joy and peace. I will topple the very pillars that hold this world up to give her that. Wukong watched her burrow into his side, fingers curled in his fur. He looked to the sky, to the Heavens. To beyond that- to the cosmic sphere of reality. The universe beyond the Heavens.

“Thank you for making her. She’s perfect.” Words failed. Perfect was so silly of a word. Willow was more then perfect. She was victorious, stalwart, kind, compassionate, a stone to rest his back against and the shade that hid him from the burning sun.

“I will keep you. Forever. Until the very definition of eternity crumbles. Thank you Willow, for filling my days with your love.”

Wukong kissed her temple and pulled her into his warmth, pulling several of his with her. Tails and hands, feet and limbs all intercrossed and overlapped. They were tangled, intertwined like the roots of a tree. Grounding the willow tree they all loved to their earth, to their mountain.

#hcwrites #writing stuff #hcfanfics #just something soft #I could have made this longer but #I just wanted it to be a happy little memory.#is the new hoizer album making me romantic even though the song I’m listening to is about endings #yes it is making me romantic #also just talking about fluff makes me want to write it.#jttw au #for journey to the au #jttw tag #sun wukong #jttw sun wukong #earth reaching willow #marshal liu #ugh the song makes me so soft #I just love love man.#yes they all pulled nesting stuff out.#Wukong wanted to bask in the love- Willow would probably have said it wasn’t nessicary if it wasn’t for how tired she is #Rin Rin gave Willow the best scalpe message so she could not get a headache from the pins she had to put her hair up #Ba trying to outcompete Liu on who values Willow most.#that’s flower fruit mountains willow #the mountain isn’t letting her go jsut as much as the monkeys upon it #I Like to thing that Wukong may have been talking to a cosmic spirit- or just telling the universe thanks for making willow

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