"Um, we are certain that humans can travel to the celestial world, yes?" Tang queried. Red Son had engraved a magical glyph aboard the ship as a means of interdimensional transport.

"Of course, they can," Red assured. He begins to concentrate all of his energy on activating a portal while the team took cover.

"Safely?" Pigsy inquired once more.

"Probably." Red shrugged. The team protest in a heap of panic, too late to turn back.

The warp between worlds was similar to hyper jumping through space. Much like the movies, it leaves you nauseous and distorted afterward. The team groans as they attempt to regain their composure. Red Son is the only one unfazed by the travel.

"I did say it'd melt your brains." He points to the ember on Sandy's mohawk. It wasn't as bad as Red made it out to be. Maybe an inside joke of sorts? Regardless, it's relieving to count everyone in one piece.

As you dust yourself off, you behold the Celestial realm in all it's glory structured amongst the clouds. Chinese architecture is painted in white and gold. Your eyes light up, engrossed with the place.

'This is the celestial realm? It looks enchanting.'

Your shoulders drop as the atmosphere soothes all your cares away. As the others marvel, Red Son glances specifically at you through the corner of his eye in wide wonder.

"So some special pills, a fancy peach, and a furnace. Where are we gonna find these things?" Pigsy started. All eyes fall on the redhead. He hasn't a clue of the item's whereabouts. Mei immediately jumps at the opportunity to taunt him. It was quite adorable how the two acted like children pretending to hate one another.

"I know they're somewhere. I'm a demon, it's not like I've been here before." He argued. Tang sighs as though burdened to be the knowledgeable one of the group.

"Well, in the legend, Monkey King stole-"

"Stole? That's not the Monkey King I know." Sandy interjected. "Borrowed," Tang corrected. "Peaches of immortality from the heavenly orchard. So unless he did the sensible thing and moved them, they'll still be there. The pills of the great master Lautsu, Monkey King stole-err "borrowed" some of those too. They must be in Lautsu's alchemy lab."

"And what about the furnace? I can't make anything without that." Red Son whined. Tang coincidentally pulls out his diary containing a map and points to the center.

"It could be there in the lab, but my guess is it would be in the Jade Emperor's throne room."

"Alright then, I'll be off to grab that peach. Tootles!" Red said before leaping off the ship.

Mei, however, inhibits the demon. "Wait! Like we'd let you wander off on your own. I'm keeping you where I can see you." She growled. The pair begin to squabble as the others proceed.

"I'll look for the pills. Eh, they're just regular looki'n pills right? Round, kind of shaped like pills? Ya know like normal pills?" Pigsy questioned.

"I better come too." Tang sighed. Everyone started to pair off for a task leaving you with the least person you wanted to partner with.

"I'll get the furnace," MK said.

"On your own? I don't know if that's a good idea." Pigsy croaked.

"The throne room is too well guarded," Tang commented. Sandy intervenes before you could say or do anything.

"You guys get the items and get here as fast as you can. (Y/n) and I will stay here and knock some sense into the engines." The giant spoke for you without consent. As bewildering as it was, you are partly content to be on standby if it meant being away from MK.

A group of women dressed in traditional hanfus, exit the Heavenly Orchard with baskets filled with peaches. Once the coast has cleared, Mei and Red Son stroll through the garden. The lack of security within the plains is dubious. Anyone or anything could easily rob whatever they please much like the team is doing now. Despite the flaw, Red Son can appreciate the peace.

Sadly, Mei breaks the silence for another chance at poking fun. "So, I heard that MK beat your dad?"

"That was one time! My father the great demon bull king, was..." Red Son downcast his eyes dejectedly. "...not himself." Mei frowns seeing the redhead so forlorn. She has accustomed to his temper tantrums that she genuinely pity the man. "But in no other instance would I ever assist that sorry excuse for a hero."

"But you're totally assisting right now." Mei gasps as if illuminated by the irony. "You are a hero!" She then begins to narrate the demon's accomplishments theatrically, reverting Red head to his old self.

"Will you stop fooling around?" He growled. "Honestly, how do your friends put up with you?"

"Maybe I'm just cool?" She shrugged.

"I doubt that." Red resumes along the path scoping the area for any suspicious activity. "Speaking of friends, that messenger girl is unusual."

Mei tilts her head puzzled, "messenger girl? Oh, you mean (Y/n)? Just because she wears a messenger bag every time doesn't make her one." She chuckled.

"Yes, well...I don't bother to remember with names." He said. "It was curious that she had no idea how to open the gates to the celestial realm, let alone know of it's existence." He reminisced.

"Why would she? She's just a human with empathic powers." Red's ears perk to Mei's portrayal of you.

"An empathic...human?" She turns to the redhead perplexed by what he's trying to say. "You guys don't know what she is, do you?"

"Nope. I don't think she does either. Do you?" Mei asked.

"I may have some idea, but I won't know for sure without research." He replied.

"In other words, you haven't a clue." Mei jested, instigating their old banter as they retrieve the immortality peach.

You vacantly stare at the palace from the airship, hounded by your thoughts. Had you gone with MK, would the task prove difficult knowing some words must be said? You don't know how to even begin to apologize for shunning the lad. You were distraught at the moment by the bombshell he dropped. In truth, you're heartbroken that Sun Wukong has been captured, possibly tortured. You projected your anger at him for you have done the same thing during the evacuation. MK was your final hope, and it was all for naught.

"Can you pass me the wrench?" You hand the tool and then wait for the next request. Sandy has been keeping you preoccupied, teaching you about mechanics should the worst come to pass. Aside from helping, one question remains of why he nominated you to stay.

"Hey, Sandy, why did you vouch for me?" The man closes the compartment as he collects his thoughts.

"I saw how uncomfortable you've been around MK after he told us about the Monkey King's condition." You shamefully shrink in your seat. "I assumed you didn't want to be in his company. I don't pretend to know what's going on, but I hope it won't deter you guys from being friends."

You sigh as you run a hand through your hair. "He made a mistake and I know I should forgive him, but he said he did nothing to help our sensei. How can we rely on him after what he did? I'm angry at him, myself, and the Spider Queen. We let you all down. If I would have gone after Sun...the Monkey King, maybe things would be different?" You cover your face grumbling curses under your breath.

"(Y/n), there is nothing you could have done, and the same goes for MK. We all did what we thought was best. If you both were to take a detour, we wouldn't be here taking a chance on Red Son's plan." You nod in agreement and hug the brute for his counseling. "It's sweet that you care deeply about your master." You blush at his naivety.

"Uh...yeah...me too." You pull away, "thanks, Sandy. I needed that." You help put away the tools as you think back on the fire demon. "How did you guys meet Red Son and who's his dad?"

"You don't remember? He's the Demon Bull King's son." The name triggers you from the first day MK found the staff. To think that a minotaur is the father of a humanoid demon. You hear a clicking sound followed by a "meow" from Mo nearby. "Whatcha got there, Mo? Some kind of ominously beeping spider-themed tracker?" Sandy's crazy speculation becomes on point. The beeping is giving off a signal until it burns out. "I'm sure it's fine." Sandy dismisses what could be.

"Sandy, that was the spider's tracking device." You affirmed. "The others are in danger. We have to" the screams of your fellow companions suddenly ring throughout the realm. All of them begging to start the engine. Pigsy and Tang are the first to arrive with a bottle of floating pills, then Mei and Red Son with the peach. "Sandy!" You hollered enough to get him to operate the ship. You help the crew on their feet. You look around for the leader of the squad. "Where is MK?" On cue, the brunette hurdles using his new dog mech with the furnace intact. He descends, exhausted from being given a chase by two foo dogs. You embrace him, flummoxed by the unprecedented contact. "I'm glad you're ok and I'm sorry for being a brat." You whispered.

He smiles softly, "awe, it's fine. I understand. I would have been mad at me too." He assured.

Now that the supplies are acquired, it was time to set a course to Flower Fruit Mountain.

"It's weird to be on the island without Sun." You gawked at the tip of the mountain where the Monkey King resides.

"It is." MK concurred. "But I'm gonna get him back."

"We are gonna get him back." You corrected. Determination courses through both of you prepared to take on the Spider Queen.

"Just as soon as Red Son creates the antidote." MK redirects his attention. "How's it going?" "I, Red Son, will bind the powers of the celestial artifacts with the spider queen's own venom, save my father and reforge the world as I see fit." You sweat dropped at his enthusiasm.

"Should we be worried?" You ask no one in particular.

As Red Son explains to the team how he'll craft a serum, MK does the work by chucking the ingredients into the furnace, thus creating a chemical explosion. The venom once green changes to gold. "Alright, time to take the fight back to the Spider Queen and end this nightmare once and for all." Lingering doubts surface for Tang and Pigsy, this time MK isn't wavering. He repeats what they've told him when he felt lost, "we'll find a way, we always do." All that was left to do is how to apply the antidote. "Well, I might have an idea." Sandy pulls out a remote from his beard, a questionable place for storage. Nonetheless, he exhibits water cannons installed on the drone. The team becomes hyped as everything is falling into place. Sandy taps your shoulder. He hands you a smooth, metallic bracelet. "I made this for you."

"Awe, thanks, Sandy. This is so kind."

"It's more than an accessory." He presses a button carved as a symbol and transforms into a metal baseball bat. "After your showmanship in our last battle, I whipped up a weapon in case of an emergency. Now that you're part of the team, we'll be facing a lot of enemies in the future."

You're at a loss for words that he would be generous enough to provide you with protection. "I don't know what else to say. This is awesome." You do a few test swings to estimate the weight and speed. At the same time, MK is entranced by your weapon. "Sandy made it for me so I can fight back." You retreat the bat into a bracelet.

"Yeah, I heard you fought valiantly with them. It's good to know you can handle things on your own. This leads me to what I have in store for you. I have a special job for you. The team and I will deal with Spider Queen while you infiltrate the base using my hoverboard." Mk appointed.

"What? Seriously? You want me to save the Monkey King by myself? It's dangerous. I-"

"You can do it." He ceases you from overthinking much like Sun Wukong used to do to you. "I know better than anyone that you also have what it takes to sabotage the mech." His eyes are fiery gleam. "They won't know what hit'em." His boost in confidence reminds you of your master. It's baffling how uncanny MK is compared to him.

"Alright." You sighed. "I can't change your mind, can I?"

"Nope~" He sing-songed.

Now that everything was in motion, it was no time to delay the queen's advances.

The idea of a hoverboard supposedly being easy to ride is misconstrued. There were plenty of near-death experiences due to being unbalanced, yet you kept your focus on the task. The spider mech was as hollow as a hermit crab's shell. Nothing but titanium walls and tech while the entire entourage is at the Queen's side.

'There have to be traps lying around somewhere. They can't be too dumb enough to leave their base unattended.'

The only space within the machine is surveillance cameras and a laboratory. As you approach the cameras, a red button sits in plain sight. The button reads "off". You press it and turn off the monitors as well as security measures.

'Ok...I stand corrected.'

You search the room for any secret traps before standing in front of the laboratory. On the other side, you sense exhaustion and fear. However, there are two distinct auras. One is rage-fueled, and the other is warm. Your soul resonates with the gold aura, urging you to approach.

'He's in here.'

You push the door open in anticipation. Inside is another story. Dozens of web pods containing an assertion of demons. You're in disbelief that there are many in the mortal world let alone in the city. Despite who they are, it saddens you to see them in a terrible state, proving how rotten the Spider Queen is. You hear grunts further into the room. Across from you is a tired Sun restrained by webs.

"Sun!" You called. His golden eyes lock onto your frame.

"(Y/n)? What are you doing here?" His voice sounds strained from the constant endurance of endless shocks.

"I'm here to get you out of...here." Your eyes widen as you meet the Bull King. You're paralyzed briefly as images flash through your head. The ghostly scratch mark on your cheek reappears. He recognizes you. Sun's voice breaks through and when you react, he's relieved. "I-I'm sorry...I'm sorry. I'm here. I'll get you out." You touch the web unaware of it's purpose.

"No!" He shouted. You wince upon touch, suddenly you're weary. "If you touch the webs, you'll be depleted of power." He warned.

"Alright, I guess I'll have to manually shut down the ship if I can find it." You huffed.

"You can't. One of Spider Queen's lackeys controls the mech."

"Ok, something sharp it is." You groaned. "I'll be back."

"(Y/n)...if you find yourself in danger, please...bail."

You ball your fist, irked that he sees you as some weakling. "I can't do that." You exit the lab ignoring Sun's protests. You came to fulfill a duty and it's exactly what you're going to do.

However, long it took you to frantically search for a sharp object, you hear roars that quake the mech itself. You hurry into the lab, dusted in craters. The Bull King is free. Pinned under his grasp is the Monkey King. You presume the worst but are proven wrong as he strips the webs off of the simian.

"Wait, where are you going?" Sun queried.

"To find my half-baked-s-son." The Bull King grits his teeth, regretting calling his offspring in a belittling way. "Take care of that girl or else." That is all he said as he smashed his way through the wall. An odd behest from a minotaur you barely know. A soft side similar to Red Son. It was starting to connect how the two could be related.

"Imma honestly miss that guy," Sun said.

"Sun!" You throw your arms around him, grateful to see him well. He spins you around, returning the gesture.

"Sweetheart!" He holds the back of your head still processing the fact that he's got you in his arms. He can feel you shaking.

"I thought I lost you. I thought I was too late. I felt how much danger you were in. I-I don't know how but I almost lost my best friend." You whimpered. Hearing you break down made his heart sink, but it was even more flattering that you've been thinking of him.

"Awe peaches, I'm invincible, remember? I'll always come back." He cooed. You stare into his beautiful eyes. His tail wipes your tears away. Even as you're a weeping mess, he finds you breath taking. It's the wrong time to be in a loving mood, but the pure relief of seeing someone dear after a hectic day is tempting.

The tender moment doesn't last as a shiver crawls up your back with an indescribable cold. Your body numbs and your eyes widen as lightning strikes from mid-air. Whispers emerge and a heavyweight takes it's toll on you. Sun senses the dark presence too. He kneels with you as you try to withstand the pressure. Standing behind Sun Wukong is a girl wearing a smug look on her face. A flash of a skeleton demon, the same one MK mentioned.

Sun looks over his shoulder, his demeanor is more serious. "So, you thought you had all the pieces where ya want'em." He said matter of fact.

"There are so many moves I have yet to play." She responded. Her voice is as cold as ice. The definition of evil is facing you dead in the eyes.

"You should have stayed buried." Sun lunges at the girl. She disperses into a whirlwind of whispers stating,

"I will erase the memory of you from this world." You listen as she unsettles the hero. Her presence disappears and Sun's legs buckle. You're free to move but you're just as shaken as he. You stagger to get up and drag yourself to him.

"Sun." You whispered. He jolts and turns on his heel nearly socking your face.

He steps back. "(Y/n)...I-" You clasp his hand.

"It's ok." You assured. He lets out a breath he was holding as you try to send positive vibes through him. "We have to help MK and the others." You reminded.

In an instant, he reverts to his former self. "Right." He hoists you like a damsel. "You know the rules. Hold on tight." He jumps out of the mech.

The battle overall was won. The Monkey King and MK succeeded in their quest. There was no need for the team to fight. The Spider Queen's reign was put to an end and the last gift of the Lunar new year is star showers from the queen's defeat. There is nothing left to do but bask in serenity. You trudge up to where Sun and MK sit. The group goes ballistic over the fact that the Monkey King is in the flesh. You thought they had already met. Tang's excitement says otherwise. "We should really get better at not smashing the city," MK suggested. "Eh, priorities." Sun chuckled. "You did really good today, bud." MK sheepishly acknowledges his mentor's praise. "Are you ok? After-" "It's fine, bud. It's dealt with." Sun said.

"So, I know the chaos is over, but are you uh..." MK looks over his shoulder. "...gonna confess to (Y/n)?"

Sun looks back at you for a glance then rubs the back of his head. "Um...maybe. It's a work in progress." Sun's perfect view of you is covered by the group idolizing him. "Wanna tell your friends to take it down a bit?" You laugh as Tang announces how much of a fan he is. The look on the monkey is priceless, to say the least.

Mei calls out to the demon boys, mentioning to DBK of his son's heroic deeds, contrary to his race. "No, No! For the last time, I am not a hero." Mei simply laughs it off granting the redhead a headache. "Father, let's never tell mother anything that happened today?" "Agreed. Come along, son."
Red son becomes giddy to be acknowledged by his father that he is indeed his child. You watch as Red prepares to teleport using his flames.

"W-wait! A moment, if I may Mr. Bull King?" Red halts to his dismay. His father glares at you, attempting to be intimidating. It worked. You're deeply regretting speaking up. "Uh...do you...know who I am? I-I know it's a silly question, but I feel like I know you from somewhere." Red Son scoffs as the bull leans in for a closer inspection. You stand still like a deer in headlights for something to occur. He hums coolly.

"No, I do not." You hang your head in disappointment. "But there is indeed something about you that is familiar" You look up at him hopeful. "This I cannot place a finger as to what."

"Thanks anyway." You sighed. Red Son stares at you once more in deep thought before teleporting. When you turn around, Tang is wandering around for the Monkey King. Your search for them as well disheartened that they left without so much as a thank you for a farewell. Just as you were about to join your friends, you hear his voice.

"Meet me in the alley." You look around wondering how in the hell is he capable of telepathy.

"Ok...definitely not shady to ask me that." You said sarcastically.

"Really? You too, sweetheart?" He grumbled. You snickered amused.

As you walk toward the alleyway, you're suddenly swept up by Sun Wukong on his cloud.

"Hiya~" He greeted.

"You could have given me a heads up before you kidnap me." You complained.

"I couldn't help but surprise ya. It's been a while since we hung out and we didn't get a chance to yesterday cause, ya know. So what do you say?" You smile softly at his offer.

"I'd love to." You accepted. He grins as though he had one more trick up his sleeve.

"Great!" He increases the speed without warning. You swear you're going to scold him on land.

You arrive at his humble abode in the mountain where he gently sets you down. The mountain hasn't changed a bit since you last showed.

"Home sweet home." He chirped.

"Yeah, cozy." You admitted. You awkwardly stand about forgetting how to act. The time away has certainly done a number on the relationship.

"What do you wanna do?" He queried. Luckily for you, you do have something in mind you've been itching to try.

"This will be new, but I want to sit on the couch, watch TV and simply have tea if that's ok?" He nods and guides you into his home. His living room and bedroom are the only rooms he's made. Sun flicks the TV on and fabricates a tea set.

"You don't have real tea?"

"Nope, most of my belongings are magically made." He informed.

"You need to get groceries. Eating your hair must be unhealthy." You criticized.

"Meh, tomatoe, tomato." He shrugged.

"Anyway..." You set your bag down and pull out the box containing rice balls. "...Sandy bought goodies for us during the festival. He let me have these which I have been wanting to share with you." You set them on the table and avoid eye contact. Your cheeks grow red as you explain. "Tang said it means the reunion of family or a beloved and since I was planning on seeing you again...I thought it was-"

"-Perfect." You raise your head as he bites into the ball. "It's a perfect snack." He mused. His tail sways happily eating the offering. You in turn sip his tea quietly. You enjoyed each other's company with the television sounds in the background.

After some time, you began to debrief yourself on the previous hours since the attack. You were apprehensive about the bone girl and her aim of erasing Sun Wukong from history. A disturbing thought for you couldn't imagine life without him. From the corner of your eye, Sun appears to be lost in in the confines of his mind. His aura fluctuation from a mixture of colors. You reach out in an attempt of alleviating him.

"Are you ok?" You cautiously asked.

He jerks out of his zone and blinks as he collects himself. "I'm okay, what about you?" He yawned.

"I'm scared. The bone demon is the same person MK claimed to have caught you off guard isn't she?" He raises his brows, surprised by your assessment.

"Yeah, but there's nothing to be afraid of. She's a minor threat." There was uncertainty as he spoke, yet you didn't want to pry any further. Instead, you grab his hand and put on a fake smile.

"Whatever the case, we'll figure it out together."

"Yeah." He solemnly acknowledged. Being with you after an eventful day soothes him. He needed some comfort and you are the one he chose. He's glad he invited you for he wasn't sure he would be able to unwind with Lady Bone Demon lurking. He rubs his thumb over your knuckles, admiring your hand in his. As he circles your knuckles, he thinks about how sweet it would be to have you with him at all times. Life would be less lonely, he would have someone else for him when days are grim.

"Sun, why did you call me "peaches"? The simian stiffens. He nervously searches for an excuse, but all he can hear is MK's words. His happiness is on the line. There's not a right time to confess, and right now, all he wants is you. What else could he ask for?

"Because you're like my peaches. They're sweet and luscious. They're my treasure as you are to me. Do you get what I'm trying to say?" You give no response. Maybe you're still trying to comprehend given how oblivious you can be. "(Y/n)...I love you and I want to be with you if you'll have me?" There is a long pause before he finally looks at you fast asleep. He frowns that you had missed him pouring his heart out. Perhaps it's for the best, given the impending doom Lady Bone demon has laid out.

He flicks the TV off and carries you to his bed. He tucks you in and debates on whether or not to join you. The empty spot seems ever so inviting. MK echoes in his mind again. He's not one to was an opportunity, and since tomorrow he's planning on a solo investigation, it would be in his best interest to soak up the little time he has with you.

He crawls into bed, ignoring his woes. He stares at your peaceful face and moves strands of hair from your face before pulling you close. His tail wraps around your waist under the covers. He sighs content being able to smell you and feel you. So many years alone, love has never been invigorating. He can't help the brewing feelings when he looks at you. You have been the only one to ignite a passion he's unaware of. His lips brush against your cheek, nose, and to your forehead where he plants a chaste kiss.

"Sleep well, Peaches." He hummed before taking his advice.