You screamed in a fit of panic as the ground began to glow, encasing everyone in a bubble and transporting them to the temple. Anyone who ascended first was not so lucky as they were inadvertently dog-piled. Nonetheless, you are grateful to be alive. From the corner of your eye, you spot an old man with a long beard dressed in robes. Mei is the first to raise her guard. "Who the heck is this guy? This is the last thing we need today." She tersely said. Tang recognizes the person even going as far as to shush Mei.

"The hour is late. It's time for the new companions to receive training." The man declared. "From this point forward you will address me as Master Subodhi. Before we begin, you must wear these uniforms." He points to a dark-haired lady who suddenly appeared beside him passing out the fabrics. "There is a dressing room down the hall. Meet back here when you are done." He leaves without so much as an explanation.

"Is anybody else confused by all of this?" You asked.

"Oh for sure. Who does that nutcase think he is?" Pigsy grumbled.

"Master Subodhi," Tang corrected. "Is the guy who taught Monkey King how to fight."

"In that case, I'm on board." Mei chirped.

"I don't know," Pigsy gawks at his linens with suspicion. "None of this makes sense."

"I concur, but if he is Sun's Master, we should play along since he's willing to give us free lessons." You suggested. What other choice is there given the current position they're in? Reluctantly, your friends agree.

              As promised, you sat at the table observing the students spar. Their techniques remind you of Wukong's movements. The longer you watch, the more you envision him going toe to toe with Macaque. You clasp your chest yearning for their presence. The way they bicker, but ultimately care for one another despite their past differences. They knew how to put a smile on your face. As you drift off into space, you are bonked in the head by Master Subodhi's baton. "Quit daydreaming, and you, do not bother with what they are doing. You need to focus on the task ahead of you." He scolded.

"That's what I'm doing. Isn't that why we're wasting time here to learn how to stop Azure Lion from taking over the world?" Mei retorted.

"Relax, Mei, have some brain food." Tang's offer of noodles was disciplined by the Master.

"And you need to stop gorging yourself on our rations." He reprimanded.

"I'm sorry! It's just that I am stressed about Azure Lion already taking over the celestial realm, Monkey King is gone, M.K. is missing, and I can't use my powers reliably. I just feel so useless."

Tang's confession is exactly what is on everyone's mind. They fought as best as they could only to come up empty-handed. It's as though the team was falling apart at the seams, yet you were holding on to hope knowing there is always a bright side at the end of the tunnel. Faith isn't enough, however. Compared to your allies, you are not combat-capable. You can only flail your bat around. The least you can do is come up with a plan.

The old man sighs, "You're too overwhelmed by emotion. Until now, you've overcome adversities through sheer power, and luck." He turns to the group with a serious gaze. "That won't be enough this time. Azure Lion, The Golden Wing Peng, and Yellow Tusk the Wise alone can defeat a million men army; together, they are unstoppable." That much is obvious from the previous fight. "I do not make a habit of extending my training to any mere mortals, however, the fate of the universe depends on you. But as you are now it cannot be saved." You hang your head dejected as the Master points out everyone's shortcomings except for Sandy who apparently is perfect. If that isn't enough, a silver star is given for their character. This causes him to be the envy of the squad. What's odd is the old man did not bother to tell you off. "You all have the potential for such unimaginable power. The only ones standing in the way are yourselves. In knowing this, we can begin your first lesson."
________________________________

While your friends concentrate on their tasks, you take the opportunity to sit in isolation and commune with M.K. You cross your legs taking the pose of a meditative state, breathing in and out as you search for the brunette's wavelength to no avail. You haven't practiced enough to extend your radius. He wasn't nearby. "Where could he be?" You start to worry considering the way he left in a state of existential crisis. You then recall how you've been absent without informing Macaque. "He must be freaking out. What do I tell him?" Regardless, you close your eyes to link up with his soul. "Macaque? Can you hear me?" On the other end, Macaque feels a shiver run through his spine then hears your voice.

"Sugar plum, is that you? Where the hell have you been?"

You can hear the discomfort in his voice. You can't help but be guilty. "It's a long story, my love. The guys and I had an adventure."

"Azure?"

You blink a couple of times from surprise. "Um, yeah. How did you know?"

"Misery Kid is here." He said.

"Misery-oh! M.K. is with you?" You pieced together. "How is he doing? He left abruptly."

"Yeah, he's frustrated but fine. I found him not too long ago. He glitched between monkey and human. Got any idea what that's about?"

"Not particularly, but I believe it has to do with Sun's stone and his identity. There was a lot of conflict when he fled. It was pretty heavy." The amount of weight on M.K.'s shoulders questioned his entire existence. You knew how it felt. If anyone can help it's you, but perhaps Sun's explanation would prove effective.

"I see." He hummed. "Whelp, don't worry your pretty little head. I'll help him get his head straight."

"Thank you." You chuckled. "You do know how to talk your way into people's hearts."

"You know it~" He chimed. "The only heart I want whisper to is yours."

You blush at his flirtatious attempt. "I miss you so much."

"I do too, sugar plum." He cooed. "H-how are you doing?"

"I'm fine for the most part, but I think we need to stay here and train with Master Subodhi." You mentioned.

"That old coot? I can teach you a few pointers here."

"No, I think this time it's less about physical and more about inner conflict."

There is a stillness between the two of you making you unsettled. "What does that mean? Is something wrong?"

"I don't know, but I'll let you know when I do." You assured.

"Ok, be careful."

"I will." You disconnect and let out a heavy sigh. You're relieved M.K. is well, and thankful Macaque is keeping an eye on him. It warms your heart to know you can count on him.

"Interesting. You are a Celestial messenger."

You jump in your seat as Master Subodhi approaches. "Y-yes. How did you know?"

"Your life force is unique in contrast to your fellow comrades." He articulated.

"Is that a problem?" You said in an irritated tone.

"Not indefinitely, however, it can be blinding. I understand your species requires to be in tune with emotions, but there is a fine line between your own and another's feelings. On the battlefield discard your own thoughts and focus on the enemy." He stated, opening a new perspective.

"Even if I do use my abilities, I have no fighting skills." You glance at your hands and ball them tightly. "I want to protect my friends."

"And you will be under my wing." Master Subodhi squeezes your shoulder reassuringly. "You will be refined by the end of my lessons."

You bow, "thank you, Master. To be honest I assumed you didn't like me when you pointed out everyone's flaws except for me."

"That is because you are going through a personal moment." He revealed. You tilt your head puzzled. "You may not know it, but you are grieving, but not healing."

"That can't be right. I cried during my mother's loss and even had a supporting group." You defended.

"That is all well, but your body says otherwise. It takes a great deal to overcome grief." You were certain you were over your mother's death. After what happened when searching for Pigsy, it's hard to tell. "Locate the source, recognize, and process. You will then be unburdened."

With that, he walks away leaving you to reflect. His vague hints were somewhat welcoming. Perhaps the despair in your heart is not for your mother but for the loss of someone else. It clicked. You were mourning Wukong. The longing to see him safe and sound, the broken fragment where you last saw him is now gone forever. The terrifying reality without him. It happened so quickly that you blocked out your own emotions. What you felt was stress. You cover your face to weep wishing everything to be fine.
___________________________________

After a period of training, everyone gathered for meditation under the gray sky turn gray. The thrashing sound of thunder is a clear indication of the heavens in trouble. The ominous air disrupts not only you but Mei as well. The impulsive girl growls under her breath before deciding to walk out. Her heavy steps catch the Master's attention. "Where do you think you are going?

Mei spins on her heel with her arms crossed, "We can't keep sitting here. We have to stop Azure."

"You are not ready."

The girl summons her blade in outrage, pointing the tip at the elder man. "What is your deal? We are so ready to end this."

Nonchalantly, he pushes the tip away. "Still, you have learned nothing. If you leave now you will be walking into the embrace of your own demise." Ironically, the thunder thrashes once again as though agreeing with him.

"You're right. Perhaps we aren't ready." Tang interjected. "We might be clumsy, and kind of figuring things out as we go, but it has worked out for us so far."

"And with Master's training surely we stand a chance?" Sandy added. "Personally, I've never been more in sync than I do right now."

You stand up with the rest to show Master Subodhi how in tune you are. Restless even to save the world from falling. You've done so several times before.

"Even if we don't have M.K. or Monkey King, we have to try." Mei proclaimed leading the group to an open area. The storm brews relentlessly. As you follow the herd you realize how she poses as a leader when M.K. is absent. If only the Master can see how strong she is from your perspective.

"How are we even going to get to the Celestial realm? Normally we need a machine." Pigsy pointed out. On cue, Sandy uses his star stickers to magically create a blimp. As magnificent as the hovercraft is, the problem is how slow it is. Pigsy makes it apparent to question the blue oaf.

Tang clears his throat and says, "If I may do the honors?" And forms a warp pad to the heavens.
___________________________________

In a split second, you reach the Celestial Realm practically paved as a warzone. Fallen disciples were scattered across the map by the brotherhood's ambush. You may not be fond of the world, but what reason is there to wreak havoc on the innocent? Mei felt your anger as she elected to lighten the mood by making noise. She stands on top of the blimp announcing her arrival, thus confusing the enemy. "Sorry to keep you waiting. We were busy with our Montague." The raven-haired lands on Azure's face throwing him off for a loop as she uses the opportunity to swipe the broken fragment. Alas, Peng and Yellow Tusk strike back. Pigsy and Sandy intervene in time to save Mei.

          In the meantime, you and Tang pluck the golden feathers pinned to Nezha. Your stomach churns to see him in terrible condition. "Leave me." He grunted. "You must help your friends."

"No way." You harshly pull out a feather from Nezha's arm earning a groan from him. "We are not leaving you."

"I'm sure they'll be fine," Tang added, jinxing the fact things are not indeed okay as the trio skid toward you.

"I warned you not to rebel." Azure seethes as he activates the scrolls. "You did not heed that warning!"

The fragments are launched, and Nezha repels the attack in the nick of time at the expense of deepening his wounds. The glaive barely keeps the prince balanced. "You should not have come here. I must stop them from reaching the Jade Emperor."

"But what if you can't?" Pigsy queried.

Being the righteous man he is, Nezha responds, "That's not an option." Despite his bravery, it's not enough to take down Azure. You can see the power level difference between your team and his. Regrettably, Master Subodhi was right, yet you had to try and fight back.

"Now might be a good time to ask the Jade Emperor to tag in," Tang suggested.

"He cannot," Nezha replied.

Annoyed, Azure retorts, "cannot or will not. The only thing he cares for is himself. His lavish palace is proof enough of that. He has the power to do so much good in the world. But instead he looks down on the people, starving the poor souls that start wars for him. It's despicable!"

Is the Jade Emperor truly an awful ruler? Even Wukong was against him as did Lady Bone Demon. Every faction despised the Emperor's reign. From Azure's view, the world is treated unfairly. Rightfully so. Does it mean you're on the wrong side or is there a picture you're missing?

"Whether you like it or not," Nezha collects himself once more to fend off the lion. "The Jade Emperor has a greater role in this than you can comprehend."

"I guess I'll find that out for myself."

Before Azure can raise his sword, a flash of light assaults the lion at Mach speed. The unprecedented savior reveals themselves to be M.K. riding a nimbus cloud. The way the sun shines upon the brunette grants him a heroic glow. For Azure, he is a threat to his plans. M.K. dives in for an attack, but Azure's roar sweeps the boy into your arms. You're relieved to see him in one piece. "I cannot let anyone stand in my way, M.K."

"I'm not here to fight you, Azure." The lad looks at him pleadingly. "Don't do this."

There is a brief hesitation on the feline's face before contorting to disappointment. "Then you've come to throw your life away."

It's clear to M.K. Azure is unwilling to compromise anymore. All that is left is to retreat. On command, Tang safely transports everyone to Flower Fruit Mountain. As soon as the coast is clear, the team locks in a group hug. Your eyes notice a simian silhouette. You eagerly run up to them for comfort.

"Macaque. I missed you so much." Tears pinprick the edges of your eyes, content to be able to wrap your arms around your boyfriend.

"Welcome back, sugar plum." He whispered, returning the gesture. "I knew you'd come back to me." Your heart flutters. He has so much trust in you the way you do for him. You couldn't ask for a better lover. Macaque rubs your shoulders and notices your shoulder is patched. His brow furrows with question. "What happened here?"

In honesty, you completely forgot about your injury. "Ah, memory Peng stabbed my shoulder."

Macaque glares at the bandage. "Peng, huh?" You can hear his low growl. You cup his cheek and reassure him with one look. His eyes soften. He plants a kiss on your forehead comprehending the memo.

"You fools! We should have stood and fought to the end." Nezha protested.

"We didn't stand a chance against them. If we stayed. We wouldn't have made a difference." M.K. stated.

"So you're just gonna stand aside, and let Azure become the new Jade Emperor?"

"There is only one person who stood up against the Jade Emperor and lived to tell the tale." The brunette pulls out the broken fragment containing Wukong. Your eyes light up with hope.

"Monkey King." Nezha mummbled in awe.

"You snatched the fragment away from Azure?" You hold the plaque relieved the boy managed to set his hands on it. "But, how on Earth can we get him back when it's severed?"

"We can use magic tape." Sandy chirped as he displayed the tool in his hand. You sweatdrop as you can't help but feel l

(A/N): Hey, all! The next chapter is the last one before I close the book completely. I could keep going, but I feel like the reader no longer has conflict and is just following the crew at this point. I don't think everyone wants to read what was on the show ^^; Regardless, I do have another book I'm going to make some time in the future when I come back to it.