Disclaimer: *sigh* I can't believe I have to put this up, but it does get annoying after a while. The reader will stutter in this chapter but just for one sentence. I understand other books over do it and it can be traumatic lol believe me I understand. I want you all to know it's simply to convey the character is simply nervous, panicking, or fearful. That being said, I'd appreciate if you don't comment on it from here on out or you will get bonked. It's not that serious but as an author understand that it gets exhausting. Like yeah I know, cringe. Anyway, please enjoy yourselves.
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After a long drive through the desert, you came across a vegetated oasis. It was put to a vote to set up camp and be able to stretch your legs. It also gave you space from everyone. Each person pitched in excluding Sun Wukong. Having been in stasis for long period. The only good news is his radiance is increasing. One may conclude his powers rejuvenating.

"He's not going anywhere." You jump as Pigsy walks to your side. "Ya ain't gotta worry."

"Wh-what makes you think I care?" You try to play it off, failing miserably.

Pigsy quirks a brow. "You ain't fooling anyone, (Y/N)." He teased. Your cheeks begin to heat up. "Why don't ya help me whip up dinner?" You nod in agreement, taking one last glance over at your shoulder before trailing the pig.

Pigsy's nudge was the distraction you needed. He fixed everyone a bowl of noodles while you worked on the dessert portion. A cheesecake, perfect under the weather conditions. You secretly left a slice for the Monkey King, should he choose to eat it.

Later that night, you sat by the end of the river to meditate. Since the Spider Queen's invasion, you are able to visualize floating orbs. Furthermore, their aura resembles that of Sun and Macaque. Whenever they are close, you can picture them vividly. You've gathered the objects belonging to the simians. The question is why and how? It's a mystery the source of your powers. As much as you want to know, you have to put it on pause until Lady Bone Demon is vanquished.

'One step at a time.'

MK is gradually regaining his powers for the sake of his friends. It inspired you to harness your own. You inhale and exhale, repeating the process into a deep meditation. The floating spheres emerge from the darkness. You stare at the gold as it hums in harmony. The purple one burns like an exotic flame. You reach for it and hold it in your arms. You can feel him. He's unsettled and frightened. To soothe the ball, you embrace it, projecting your warmth onto his.

'You're okay.' You cooed.

The aura stabilizes in response to your efforts.

'I don't know where you are, but please be safe. I still believe you have good in you.'

Your eyes shift to Sun's energy orb.

'Both of you.'

You come to, content with the message. You gaze at the moon wondering about Macaque. Guilt consumes you, reminded of Sun's reaction toward your relationship with the demon. There is a secret you haven't told him in regard to the kiss.

You run a hand through your hair, distressed. "What the hell am I doing? Getting worked up over nothing when we're not a thing?" You scoffed. "I'm just acting a fool. A desperate fool."

The drama you've built is pointless. The real problem pretending there is something in between. How long will you keep a charade until Sun throws you away? The thought alone hurts you. The truth of the matter is you are the one straining the relationship. It's you. You let it sink in then retire to your tent.

The next day, the group decided to set out in the afternoon for a safer passage where the truck won't overheat. MK, however, wished to train a bit longer. Sandy and Mei assisted by the river while the rest Pack up camp. You neatly stashed the items received from Tang while Pigsy procures the furnishings. Tang peeks inside the car riveted by the Monkey King's glow.

"That's gotta be a good sign." He commented.

"That's all he does. Glows and sits around all day 'cause he's gotta get his strength back, and apparently can't spare five minutes to pack up camp." Pigsy grumbled. In the past, you would be prompted to concur with Pigsy, adding fuel to the fire; yet the argument has left quite the impact. Words were exchanged, harming each other in the process. You did most of the damage.

"Pigsy, you know never to wake up someone from a transcendental meditation." Tang cautioned.

Pigsy was fed up with the conversation involving the Monkey King's business. "Tang, go get the others and let's get going!" He shouted, startling the man into dropping his books. Pigsy sighs and then apologizes. They call out to the trio as they hop into the vehicle. MK, Sandy, and Mei soon join you in the back. What is weird is their ambiance is the same. You stare at Mei suspiciously. She smiles back unbothered.

'Maybe I'm overthinking?'

You're deterred by another presence. You sought out the shadow as the alarms in your head go off. "Something is wrong." You spoke up. We're not alone." Tang began to cower in fear searching frantically for the enemy. In the blink of an eye, a creature towers on the road. "Watch out!" You cried too little too late. Pigsy swerves, crashing into a ditch. You tumble backward into the bedframe saving Sun from harm.

"Is everyone ok?" Tang groaned adjusting his spectacles. You look around the room to find Mei, Sandy, and MK missing.

"They're gone!" You gasped.

Suddenly, there is a low growl outside. You can hear it's footfalls circling the truck in anticipation. You set Sun on his pedestal as Tang and Pigsy regroup with you. As per usual, The raven-haired is the first to overreact. "We're all gonna die!" He chanted, gripping each of your shoulders. "The three of us aren't built for the action stuff, guys. We're sidekicks at best and you know it."

You slap Tang's hand away. "Speak for yourself. Get a hold of yourself man. You know that's not true. Everyone contributes something to the team."

"Look at who you're standing with." You scan the room at Tang's behest.

"Okay, point proven, but I have a bat." On cue, you activate your bracelet. "We can ward it off if we try."

"No way! We are no match against mystic forces. Maybe if they were our size we'd stand a chance." Tang ranted. Pigsy turns to Sun and grabs him by the collar. "Pigsy, wait! It's-"

"Dangerous to wake up someone from a "transcendental meditation". I know, but so is whatever is out there." He shakes Sun like a ragdoll hoping to snap him out of his trance. The truck shakes again causing all to stumble. It's evident the demon is growing impatient and it wouldn't be long until something occurs. "Okay. I have an idea." Pigsy grabs a blue cooking mitten from his pockets, using it to pull out a white jalapeño. "I've been saving this for a special occasion. Guys, I present the Chaos Ultra Pepper of Doom. It's so hot you'll get third-degree burns just from looki'n at it." You turn away as soon as he said that.

"Uh...are you sure you should be keeping that in your pocket?" Tang queried.

"That's the least of our problems." You commented.

"If anything is gonna wake up Monkey King it will be this," Pigsy said.

"What are you gonna do? Make him sniff it or something?" You asked.

"Nope. This. Incoming!" He shoves the jalapeño into Sun's mouth, arousing him from his meditation as predicted.

The simian lands gracefully from his awakening. You smile, relieved to see him up and atom. "Stand back, master! Sun Wukong will handle this demon." He proclaimed, kicking the door open to survey the area. "Hmm, guess I must have scared it off." He hummed. "Master, it's safe to come out now. You to piglet and uh...stranger?"

"What did he just call me? Stranger?" Is he truly upset that he would refer to you without a name? Tang's eyes shimmer with delight to be called, "Master". Pigsy on the other hand is offended. Sun reluctantly groans and corrects himself. "Fine, Zhu Bajie, better?"

"Uh...what is happening right now?" You shrug equally confused as Pigsy.

"Um...Monkey-uh Sun Wukong, who exactly do you think we are?"

"What kind of question is that, master?" He gasps and drops Mo. "Unless..." He grabs Tang and shakes him. "Master, you've lost your memories. You have to remember who you are." Pigsy snickers in amusement as Sun points out everyone's identity. "You have to remember." He shakes Tang more vigorously than the last time.

"Ok, ok, I remember." Tang slurred.

"Excellent." Sun chirped. "Where's my staff?" He trots to a nearby bush in search of his weapon.

Pigsy quietly laughs at the nonsense. It irritated you that he would find it enjoyable while you're devastated at the fact that Sun has lost all memory of you. You're just a faceless person to him. Your chest squeezes. As if things couldn't have gone worse, now you'll never be able to apologize for the horrible things you've said.

'No, maybe he does remember.'

Determined, you approach him carefully and with a sweet voice, you call to him. "Do you really not know who I am?"

He knits his brows, quizzically "No. Am I supposed to?" His reply stung like a thousand needles digging into your heart.

"Oh...I see." You drop your head, disheartened.

"But," He proceeded. "I do know you're absolutely gorgeous." You raise your head, his face is inches away from you. His tail sways behind him playfully before circling around you, sizing you up from head to toe. "What's your name?"

"M-my name? It's (Y-Y/n)." You stuttered.

His tail occasionally brushes against your skin. "(Y/n)? What a lovely name." He stops behind you. You wait apprehensively for his next move. All you can hear is the drumming heart as your palms sweat minutely. The young Monkey King is unpredictable. What he does next makes your heart swoon and face flush. He rubs his cheek against yours. "You're so soft~" He cooed. "Are you taken?"

'Did he seriously just ask me that?'

You internally scream for everything is moving too to process. "N-No, but I mean Macaque-err we haven't-" You tripped over your words, and in an attempt, Macaque slipped out of your lips.

"Macaque? Who's that?" His affection comes to a halt as he bores his eyes at you.

"He's another monkey like-"

"What?" He interjected. "No-no-no this won't do." You bite your lower lip assuming you screwed up. "As of today, you belong to the great Sun Wukong, kay?" He coils his tail on your waist and returns to rubbing his cheek against yours. It's short-lived as his attention takes him elsewhere. "There's my trustee staff!" He moves to pick up a random stick as you watch in a daze until he snaps overhearing the "dumb" part from Pigsy. "What'd you say, piglet?" He growled. The two stare down intensely. "Master, just say the word and this little piggy will be a steamed ham."

Tang shakes in his boots for the tension between felt as though you could get caught in the crossfire. You step in and push both of them away. "Enough! The infighting will not solve anything. It will only delay us from our objective." You reprimanded.

"She's right, let's calm down and not get carried away-!" The demon snatches Tang into the jungle from underneath your nose.

"The demon! It took our master!" Sun cried.

"We gotta do something," Pigsy added.

The sage picks up his stick and carries you like a damsel with Mo in your arms while Pigsy is held by his tail. "Exactly, let's go!" He sprints after the kidnapper to who knows where.

Along the chase, Wukong lost sight of them. Fortunately, all was not lost. He made a detour to a meadow for whatever reason. He sets you and Pigsy down as he actively scours the fields. You silently observe while petting Mo.

"What does this have to do with getting Tang back?" Pigsy started. "Is this the same sort of garbage you tell MK instead of talking to him straight?" You hate to admit it but there are times when he dodges responsibility without considering his student.

Sun pops out of the meadow holding patches of grass. "MK?" He parroted.

"Of course, you don't remember the kid. One day you're gonna grow up to be a terrible mentor!" Pigsy snarled.

"Ha! Zhu Bajie, can you imagine me teaching someone?" Sun laughed. Even he believes the concept is ludicrous. You found it to be a red flag, confirming your suspicions. It's disappointing you fell in love with a jerk who only cares about himself. What kept you strung up was the fact that he has flaws and eventually fixes them when he sees his mistakes. The only problem is he must be guided in order to change.

"It's not ridiculous. I'm one of your students." You said. The simian is surprised, perplexed even by the newfound information.

"I don't remember accepting your request, but I don't blame you for following me around and calling me master." He smirked. You avert your gaze and grumble. "Awe, don't look away from me, peaches." He rubs his cheek again then dips you down to whisper in your ear, "I like your flustered expression~" He peppers your face earning giggles. The sensation makes you ticklish, and his energy is intoxicating to refuse. "You have such an adorable laugh."

"Sun, please you're embarrassing me." You turn your head and use your hands to push his face away but instead, he takes one of them and kisses your palm, up your arm to your neck. You shudder as he attacks your neck sparking a heat within you. "Oh~" you moaned.

Pigsy clears his throat and says, "that's enough you love birds. Can we go find master, already?" He crosses his arms bemused. You've forgotten he was there.

"Oh, Zhu Bajie, when you have someone in your life..." Sun's golden eyes soften towards you. "...you'll understand." For a moment you see his genuine feelings pouring through. It makes your heart skip a beat. "Now you know as well as I do, that in order to find out what type of demon we're after we need to talk to the local Tudi."

In unison, you say, "the local what now?"

The senile monkey calls out to Tudi repeatedly. They erupt from beneath Pigsy's feet, this casting him aside. What has been unearthed is a bearded old man with a wooden staff. "Ah, there ya are."

"Uh...he lives in a hole?" Pigsy questioned.

The Monkey King's next move was unlike him. He bowed out of respect before asking, "Oh great Tudi, a demon has captured our master. We fear for his safety. So you've heard anything like that?" It's amazing how carefree and well-mannered Sun was in his youth. A breath of fresh air compared to the one you currently know. Tudi starts speaking in his native dialect for anyone except Sun to understand. What felt like it could be five minutes ended up taking all night.

You peered at the moon reflecting on the past few hours as you wait patiently. The experience has taught you much about Sun Wukong and yourself. Sun being smitten over you meant he has an attraction to you. You've heard it from his own lips and MK's. He hasn't bothered to propose in any way that would lead to a relationship and it's taxing to be dragged on along. It's evident you love him. Your reaction to his voice, his touch, and his kisses were like a drug. Everything about him is invigorating. You can't help but yearn for more.

As dawn breaks, so too did the conversation. "Thank you for your knowledge." You perk up to those words. "The demon we seek is in that castle." He points to the large building across your view.

"Finding that out took all night?" Pigsy scolded.

"No, of course not. He is so awesome, so many great stories." He begins to lead the way to the castle.

Recklessly, Sun breaks his way through the castle walls. He poses for his heroic speech.

"Unhand my master, evil demon." He quoted. "I am Sun Wukong, and the monk is under my protection." You find Tang well, seated at the table with an entire feast laid upon him. The kidnapper stands beside him dressed as a human. It's obvious she is the main suspect, yet she proceeds to convince everyone she is a mere mortal.

"Protection from what? A beautiful queen?" She said.

"Look lady, we are not gonna let you eat my friend." Pigsy huffed.

"I would never!" She gasped.

"Oh really? Then why all the illusions?" The sage snaps his fingers revealing the palace to be ruins of an old palace. The meals Tang consumed are covered in scorpions and random gunk. The queen's form is exposed as a giant scorpion lady.

"Ok fine, fine! I'm a demon, ok? You happy? I just wanted to be a beautiful queen but I'm a demon." She lamented.

You notice Sun is eating some random meat. "What the-where did you get that?"

"I found it. You want some?" He offers you a leg off the ground.

In disgust, you push his hand aside. "Ewe, no. Stop eating things off the floor. It's unsanitary." You nagged. "You're gonna get a tummy ache." Sun saves his meat, blocking your attempts from being stricken. He coyly slips a kiss on your cheek. "Ewe!" You whined as you wipe the grease off your cheek.

Meanwhile, Tang tries to crawl away. The queen picks him up from the hem of his robes. "Just to be clear, eating me won't make you immortal." He stated.

"Of course it will, he's the great monk Tang Zang Jung!" Sun cheered. You scold the ape for his idiocy.

"Ignore him. It's the pepper talking." Tang nervously chuckled.

"For the last time, I don't want to eat anyone!" The queen exclaimed.

"Oh, so can we just go?"

"What? No, you can't just go. You have to stay. Forever." She emphasized.

"Don't worry master. Here comes Monkey King." Said ape launches himself for an assault. Alas, he ends up with a broken stick. Distraught, Sun mourns his "staff". He prepares for a serious fight throwing everything he has at the Scorpion Queen. You're absorbed in the fight never before seen Monkey King in combat. He was agile, swift, and precise with his moves. Their blows began to affect their surroundings nearly caught in the blast.

'This is getting too dangerous. We have to leave.'

On cue, Tang gets in the middle emitting a golden flash. The fight comes to a hard stop. "I get that you're alone, but lying about who you are, and forcing people to be your companion is not the answer." He lectured.

"I've been here by myself for so long." She revealed. "I heard Monkey King talk about you're his companions. Well, that's all I ever wanted. Friendship." You feel sorry for the demon, understanding fully what it's like to be alone for years. No one to rely on or lend an ear to. The only difference is you accepted being alone for the rest of your life that is until you met MK and Sun. You shift at the monkey. He winks back putting a smile on your face.

"You can't steal friendship. It's something that's earned." Tang continued.

"He's right. The three of us are friends because we choose to be." Sun huddles all three of you. It baffles you that he actually considers the team his friends. Even Pigsy was taken aback. "Everyone needs friends. Can you imagine what I would be like without them? I'd probably turn into a manipulative jerk or something." You deadpan on the last bit.

"You just need to find someone who wants to stay here in this...lovely home. Forever." Tang suggested.

"Yeah, yeah. But where am I gonna find someone like that?" She asked.

"Oh, I just had the best idea." Pigsy grinned as he recommends Tudi to be her companion.

At last, the goose chase was over and done with. The only thing to check off is regressing Sun to normality. Pigsy and Tang opt to fix the dent in the truck and brainstorm on the way. In the meantime, you babysat Wukong as he scouts for his staff.

You hum in thought, replaying Tang's wisdom. "Lying about who I am." You mumbled. It's what you're best at, playing a facade for all to adore when in reality, you haven't a clue who you are as a person. You're grateful for amassing friends. You never imagined it would happen to you. You've accepted your life long ago yet life is a funny way of showing you there is more to offer. You're afraid it might not last and all that you've worked for is for naught. Allowing yourself to get hurt after you were certain you couldn't. Fear holds you back the majority of the time, yet you've taken a huge risk to be where you are and it's wonderful. With everything that has happened, it's your turn to take the reigns and write your own story rather than waiting for something to drop.

You admire the Monkey King from the sidelines. "Can't take your eyes on me, huh Peaches?" He teased.

"Something like that." You chuckled. "I am definitely going to miss you."

He tilts his head. "Miss me? Are you going away?"

"Oh...um...yes." You affirmed. "After the mission is completed, you and I will part ways. Sooner than later."

"That doesn't mean we have to split. I can come with you and protect you." The genuine concern in his eyes tugs at your heartstrings. It was hard to pretend to lie about the situation they don't understand.

"What about your friends?"

"They'll be fine without me. In good hands in fact." He assured.

"Sun, what if I hurt you? What if I want to run away because I'm frightened?" Pinpricks appear on the edge of your eyes.

"Then I'll give you space and when you're frightened, I'll be there to fight away your fears. I won't ever let anything happen to you. Whatever it is, you and I can get through it together." He entwines his fingers with yours. "I'll be there every step of the way and as my mate, that means you're important to me. You'll never be alone." He panicked when met with your tears. "Whoa, hey! Did I say something wrong?"

You shake your head compelled by an overwhelming weight. "No, you're fine. It's just...that's all I ever wanted, for someone to love me back to tell me it's ok. I'm not alone anymore. I don't have to be alone." You cover your face and cry harder. He removes your hands to personally wipe your tears.

"Let it all out. I'm here." He cooed then peppers your face. His kisses tickle you, prompting you to laugh. "There's my beautiful, girl~" He nuzzles your temple then switches modes. "Wait, where is my staff?"

You sigh in dismay. He quickly retrieved a stick inside a bush and talks to himself. You retreat to Tang and Pigsy, discussing the amnesia issue.

"We can't leave him like this. He's getting worse." Tang said.

"I don't know. I'm starting to like him." Pigsy said.

"Me too." You concurred.

Tang groans feeling like he's the only logical person in the group. A large boulder catches his eyes as an epiphany bloom. "Amnesia rules!" He exclaimed. "I'm gonna find something to bonk him on the head." He reported, ignoring your protests.

Pigsy spots Tang's journal and looks into it. Illustrations of the Monkey King's journey are drawn on each page. It astonishes you that Tang holds an artistic talent. You and Pigsy fail to notice Sun stick his nose in between to admire the work.

"Ya know, they really got your face just right. Super unmodeled." He compliments as he hogs the book for a better view.

"Yeah, so anyway...I guess I wanted to say before you turn back to normal. You awe at the sheepish Pigsy. He sends you a look but you're immune. He rolls his eyes and continues, "maybe you ain't so bad for the kid after all. Just do me a favor. Keep him safe, alright? I mean when we get the three rings of Samadhi-"

"Four rings." Sun corrected.

You turn to Sun equally shocked as Pigsy. "Four rings? You never mentioned four-." A boulder slams on top of Wukong in the most horrific way possible.

"Sun!" You cried out and pan above.

"Did it work?"

"Tang, what are you doing?" Pigsy queried.

"What? You were the one who said to hit him on the head." Tang descends and joins you on ground level.

"Yeah, but I didn't say kill him." Pigsy scolded.

The boulder rumbles and breaks open as Sun emerges much like his birth. The first thing he notices is his tongue is on fire and in a comical way, spews fire. "Hey, wh-why is my mouth so hot?" He panicked. Tang comes from behind with crocodile tears and hugs him relieved. "Hey...why are you hugging me?" You would like to know the same, but you had the urge to do the same yourself.

"You're back!" Tang cheered as he began to the monkey in on the crazy events that happened. "I'm not sure what happened on Pigsy's end."

"He was too busy being lover boy to (Y/N) while searching for this Tudi guy." He answered. Sun's eyes widen and quickly whips to you. You merely blush in response.

"Yep, so that's everything. We have to hit the road and find the others. We might find them in our next destination." Tang speculated.

"Let's not stand around here any longer than we have to." Pigsy and Tang start heading to the truck. You tug Sun back from his sleeve.

"I know you have a lot to process, but I need to talk to you." He crosses his arms showing how he's still upset over the last conversation. "There is so much I have to say that needs to be addressed once and for all."

"Out with it." He said sternly.

"First, I'm really sorry for what I said to you. Words were exchanged and I got frustrated. It's been stressful for all of us. That's no excuse for me to dump my crap on you." You apologized.

"No, it's not." He lets out an exasperated sigh and drops his shoulders. "I admit, I've been reserved. I could be a little more open with you. Especially when you're my student." He softens up.

"That's another thing I want to address. Today has been so crazy that it opened my eyes." He quirks a brow. "Sun, this student and master thing isn't going to cut it. That's not what this is." You see the look of surprise on his features. "I can't keep playing this game and deny that I don't have feelings for you. I know for certain you do too. MK told me." You confessed. You take a deep breath prepared to say what's been in the back of your mind since day one. "Sun Wukong, I love you and there is nowhere in the world I would rather be than with you. You've been kind, gentle and the one to put me on the straight and narrow path." You take his hand. "What I mean is, you've changed my life. Whether you accept me or not, I am content to be with you."

Sun's heart flutters as you profess to him. To think, that his shy student would become a bold woman. "I..." One look in your eyes is all it takes to solidify his choice. He tips your chin up, "I love you too, peaches." He reciprocates with a squeeze of your hand.

"Good." You cup his face. "Cause I've been wanting to kiss your adorable face." You initiate a deep, long kiss. It takes him a minute to pull you close. When you pull away, you rub your cheek against his. His face becomes flustered. "I hope you don't mind but I marked myself as yours."

"Not at all. I just hope you know what you're getting yourself into." He smirked. His ego slowly returned to normal.

At the honk of the car, you both pull away.
"Let's get a move on, lovebirds." Pigsy urged. You composed yourself and board the vehicle with Sun.

On the drive, you and Sun cuddled after reconciling. He shares a story or two of his journey. His eyes fixated on the drawing in Tang's journal. He traces over the outlines as if remembering a past memory. You doze off against him after a long night. He looks over his shoulder, eyes met with Pigsy. There is a suspicion in the air, he just can't put a finger on it. He closes the journal and sets it aside then positions himself for you to be comfortable. "Sweet dreams, love."