(A/N): Alright, I know I said it a thousand times but guys we are officially at the climax for sure. This is the final arc and only maybe 4 chapters left. Not to worry there will be an epilogue that I am excited to write and ya'll will adore >///w///<  Also Happy New Year!

You sat in isolation contemplating where it all went wrong as footfalls approach your cell. You purposely ignore their presence after having the gall to imprison you. They quickly take notice. "I'm sorry." No reply. Nezha sighs heavily and proceeds, "I'm not your enemy. I was merely doing my job. If I could go against the council I would, but our duty is to uphold balance."

"Oh and I suppose I'm somehow a nuisance to the balance, right?" You scoffed. "I've heard over a thousand excuses. Find a better one Nezha." The Lotus prince tightens his grip on his glaive as he retains his composure. You were right, but being part of the help for justice is what he's known. "What's going to happen now?"

"The council is preparing for your trial. Once they're ready, they will send for you. You will most likely have to defend yourself as a Messenger." He said.

You run your hands through your hair as the stress takes effect. "This is so messed up. I don't even know what I did. I shouldn't be in trouble for the sins of my mother."

Nezha feels sorry for you. It's true you're not the one the council wants but you're the closest thing to their objective. He can relate to having to pay for one's actions. "You won't be alone. I promise you that." He assured as he leaves you alone.

You remain hunched over your knees for a good minute until you hear your mother's voice. "So now you want to show up."

"My dear, I never meant for any of this to happen."

"Really? Because whatever you did, I'm going to be punished for it. Did you ever think about the repercussions or bother to make sure your daughter would be safe?" You argued.

"That is why I asked your father to never tell you the truth about who I am. Using your powers is a beacon to the council." She informed.

"So I'm just supposed to suppress my powers forever and have an identity crisis? Seriously? That's so messed up. I deserve to be happy and be who I want to be. I'm not an object that you can control. Don't you see that keeping it all hidden from me is killing me!" You growled. Tears stream down your face, hurt by the pain inflicted by your parents. Everything they have done is tearing you apart. "I'm dying and you don't seem to care. Here I thought you were a wonderful mother, but you're both just as twisted." The voice disappears. You scoff for the second time. "Typical."
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"He did what?" Tang croaked in disbelief. "Surely there must be a misunderstanding?"

"To think, he helped us take down that Bone demon," Pigsy grumbled.

"He's a traitor for kidnapping (Y/n). I say we go to the celestial realm and bust her out." Mei shouted, hyping up the mob of friends.

"As much as I'd like to do that," Macaque started as he leaned against the wall. "That would cause issues for (Y/n)."

M.K. being the most levelheaded curiously asks, "what exactly does the council want with her and what did she do that was so foul?"

Sun Wukong sighs heavily disgruntled by the ordeal of having to cough up a confession. He didn't want to worry the team, but there is no other option. "She didn't do anything wrong. That's the problem." The group croak "what" in unison.

"Then why was she being punished? It doesn't sound fair." M.K. argued.

"No, it doesn't." Sun agreed. "Which is why I wanted her to run rather than to oblige to her summons. She's being set up."

"I thought the celestials are supposed to be good. Why would they do that?" M.k. said.

Macaque scoffs at the naive idea. "Good? Kid, every empire has it's flaws. There is no good or bad. The Celestial realm isn't always righteous. They have Skelton's in their closest too. One of them happens to be the genocide of Messengers." The squad turns pale hearing the words in the same sentence sent a cold shiver down their spines. "I don't know much about it but Wukong does."

Sun glares at the cunning demon for putting him in the spotlight. "For the record, I wasn't part of the witch hunt. The reason for Messengers being annihilated was the fear of their abilities. Telepathy, control of emotions. They were useful tools to the Celestials, but unfortunately the demons as well. Messengers are incredibly loyal and neutral. They can turn the tide in a snap with their abilities. This is why the Celestials sought to destroy anyone who dares helps a demon. No one knows how they came to be. The only clue we have is they came from the sky. For as long as I can remember, they've not been around. Some deduce they have blended among the humans to live peacefully or died off."

The room becomes quiet as they process the information. "That's so messed up," M.K. whispered. "They are people. They have a will. They can laugh, cry, and get angry just as we do. Why do they get to decide what's good and what's not?" Mei squeezes her best friend's shoulder feeling equally remorseful.

"This is what Ai was afraid of. She abandoned her post because she felt the need to run and protect her people. That includes our daughter." Lixin commented.

"You may think you two were doing what's right but it's also what's killing her," Wukong said sternly. "She has to use her powers. No matter how hard you try to protect her."

"Lixin, I'm sure if you had confided in her, she would be understanding," Macaque added.

"I know. I see that now, but there is something else I couldn't dare tell her. It would ruin her and that's what I'm afraid of." He said.

"Is it her mother?" Macaque queried. Lixin lowers his head. "What happened?" Lixin grips his cane attempting not to break. "Please, we need to know. Otherwise, it could be over for (Y/n)." Lixin exhales a breath he was holding and nods in agreement. Before he could make a sound, a golden portal opens. Stepping out of the light is Nezha. In an instant, everyone becomes on guard ready for whatever was coming.

Nezha noticed the hostile environment he put himself in. "I come in peace."

"Lies!" Mei cried.

"I'm no liar!" He barked back then pinches the bridge of his nose. "I've had a talk with the council about letting you guys join the trial. You'll only be watching, of course."

The group calms down suddenly switching moods. "I knew you were a good guy." Mei cheered.

"You were about to attack him seconds ago," Tang whined.

"Thank you, but what's the reason?" Wukong asked.

"I owed you and I'd rather not have to throw you in jail either," Nezha said.

"Awe, I knew you were a softy." Sun chirped earning protests.

"Anyway, you may want to hurry up and enter. Her trial is about to start."