"Done." You test the flexibility of your shoulder under the new plaster. "It's not too restricting, is it?" Macaque queried.

"It's just right, love." You chirped.

He helps you with your shirt. His eyes wander to your neck where his intrusive thoughts win to plant a kiss. You shudder in response. Before you can protest, he pulls you onto his lap and embraces you. You're uncertain of the sudden action yet permit it. His hold on you becomes intimate as he tightens his grip. His hand holds the back of your head as he nestles into the crook of your neck. You reciprocate by combing your fingers through his mane earning a hum of approval. "I shouldn't have left. I would have saved everyone if I stayed put." The regret in his tone tugs at your heat-strings.

"You didn't know, and it's not your fault." You assumed, knowing well he was blaming himself.

He raises his head to look at you. The sight of your lovely face is the only thing that comforts him. You cup his face, reading his thoughts. You don't usually use your powers to force emotions onto someone, but this time, you did. Macaque did not deny consenting to the unconditional love you're giving him. "Thanks. I needed that."

"You're welcome." You chuckled, adoring his shy behavior.

___________________________________

As you step out of the shack to join the others, you notice the cracks in the sky are gradually restitching. Watching the fabric of the universe in tatters is oddly terrifying and beautiful. It wouldn't be the worst way to go if it all came down. Mei agrees commenting, "At least it's pretty."

"Oh sure, if you ignore the strong end-of-the-world vibes." Pigsy sarcastically said.

"The Pig-man is right. Azure underestimated the control it takes to wield the power of the Jade Emperor. If we don't stop him, that power is gonna tear this world apart." Nezha's information is evident. You hope Lyn and your father are safe for the most part. You're positive Lyn is internally freaking out. Memories come flooding in on all the beautiful times spent together. If anything were to happen to the world your mother fought hard to save, her death would have been in vain. All of your faith is in the hands of Sun and M.K. "Monk, have you repaired it?"

Tang unveils the fragment poorly patched up. "One repaired magical bamboo scroll coming up!"

Not even Nezha is convinced it will activate. "You can't be serious? There's no way that will hold."

"There ain't nothing a bit of tape can't fix," Sandy reassured.

"Alrighty, time to jump in there and find Monkey King," M.K. said.

Mei tugs the brunette aside hesitantly, "Wait, how do you know Monkey King is still alive?"

He quirks a brow dismissing the bad possibilities. "It's fine. It's Monkey King. That guy is indestructible." The amount of trust in Sun is astounding. Regardless, the lad is right. You're unwilling to give up on your partner, and there is no way he will admit defeat.

"Be that as it may, you have no idea what you will find or if this magical tape will even hold," Nezha added.

M.K. can see the doubt in everyone's eyes. It's frustrating that he is the only one willing to bet everything on the line for a rescue mission. "We have to try. He'd do the same for any of us." He stated.

You're proud of him for sticking to his guns. From your peripheral, Macaque is skeptical. You reach for his hand, "you know he would despite what you believe."

Macaque squeezes your hand and lets out a heavy sigh as he volunteers to travel with M.K. "Ugh, I can't believe I'm sticking my neck out for Wukong. Again." He emphasized.

"You're coming too?" M.K. gasped.

"He's lost some broken memories from his past who better to tag along than someone who was there for some of it." Macaque vouched. "And besides, your knowledge of the journey to the west seems pretty selective."

"Mac!" You scolded defending your child.

"You know what? Harsh criticism but fair." The brunette accepted. "Alright, Lego!" Tang transports the two inside the scroll leaving everyone to sit and wait.

"What the heck do we do now?" Pigsy asked.

"We should brainstorm on ideas of how to take down Azure and prepare to map it out. If-" you shake your head. "No, when M.K. and Macaque return with Wukong, we will be bustling with ideas." Your friends nod in agreement arranging necessities for the conference.

___________________________________

An hour later, you sit outside for a breather wondering how long it will take to come back. Just then, you hear something behind you. When you turn around, you begin to well up with tears of joy. There he stood, your cheeky monkey. "Hey...peaches." His voice strained from exhaustion. You tackle your boys, including M.K. for a hug.

"I thought I'd never see you again." You sniffled. "You slipped right through my fingers and I couldn't do anything." The heavy load lifts off of your chest.

Sun can see how much he unintentionally burdened you. "I'm sorry. I'm here now, peaches." The three return the gesture until you calmed.

Inside, the crew reunited with their mystic monkeys, relieved that they were unscathed. Now it was time to formulate a plan. As expected, Sun had already concocted one on his way home. Everyone was revving to hear what he had in store. On top of that, you can feel the room liven as Sun presents his ideas. You chuckle at the small bickering between the simian brothers. It's been a long time coming, to be together in harmony. It's as though nothing changed.

Once the crew is in accordance, Wukong suggests extra training before the real fight. What was meant for sparing became a transformation for M.K. and Mei. The two earn Celestial armor as a sign of blessings from the heavens. They are worthy to be guardians of Earth.

'Good for them.' You thought.

As everyone organizes themselves, Macaque and Sun wander through the halls in search of you. "Where could she be? She was with us not too long ago." Sun scans a room coming up empty as he proceeds to complain.

Macaque, on the other hand, sees the bedroom door left ajar. As he peeps inside, his jaw drops. "Uh, you might want to take a look at this." Sun opens the door to find you practicing your martial arts lessons.

"You can fight?" You jump at Wukong's outburst, and ruin Macaque's amusement. "Since when?"

You sheepishly rub the back of your head. "Yeah. While you were imprisoned, we were trained by Master Subodhi. He wanted to strengthen our abilities."

"That old coot?"

"That is exactly what I said," Macaque commented. "She could have been taught by one of us."

"It was last minute." You explained. "I realized I wanted to get stronger and actually fight rather than be on the sideline." You hang your head confessing something else. "Everyone is improving while I'm falling behind. I can't do that."

"But Peaches," Sun squeezes your shoulders. "The brotherhood is powerful. You're still a rookie." You pull away in offense. "No that's not what I mean. I-"

"Nice one, Wukong," Macaque said. "I think what this idiot is trying to say is we know how tough you can be, but we're worried about your safety. Tang and the others are not on par with Azure and still have a lot to learn."

"I know what I'm getting myself into. Besides," you grin. "I have to back you guys up somehow. I'm not going to be a damsel in distress forever. I have to be as strong as you guys. Starting with partnering with you." You kiss Macaque's cheek.

"What? Why go on his team?" Wukong pouted.

"I know my limit. You're going after Azure, and he's not one I want to battle. I have unfinished business with Peng." There is a fiery look in your eyes that attracts your boyfriends.

"I knew I liked you for a reason," Macaque smirked.

"We're proud of the person you've become, Peaches." Sun turns to his twin, "Take good care of her."

Macaque is surprised by the sudden request. "You don't have to tell me twice." He assured.

___________________________________

As predicted, Azure appeared in a larger form than normal. His giant size is due to the Jade Emperor's powers as Nezha informed. Nothing could have prepared you for this moment. The time to act is now. Sun makes the first move to lure Azure away as Macaque distracts Peng away from the lion leaving Yellow Tusk to Pigsy, Sandy, and Tang. Mei carries you at a safe distance to observe the war between Peng and Macaque. Your blood boils at the sight of the pigeon. The constant nitpicking on your lover, and their crude behavior as though they were superior.

"I don't know how you stomach it, brother. The six-eared Macaque fighting side by side with his own replacements." Golden feathers aim for the warrior who swiftly dodges them as he portals behind the bird in an attempt for a sneak attack. Peng sees right through and blocks him. "Is there anything that will break his hold over you?" The Golden Wing flings the simian in your area. "Pathetic!" Peng swoops in clashing his glaive against Macaque's staff.

Unable to contain yourself, you move in to swing your bat successfully landing a hit. " He is not pathetic! He's level-headed. There is a difference, pigeon." You puff your chest proudly. Peng's vision turns red to see you confidentially spouting what they would consider "nonsense". Worst of all, you managed to injure them.

"Well, if it isn't the insolent pest. How is that wound I left you?" They taunted.

"Heh! How's that injury I left on your ugly face?" You retorted.

Peng growls and lunges straight for you. Macaque steps in front of you to counter them with an upper swing. Peng staggers back. "Don't touch my girl." Macaque threatened.

"Of course, you went so low as to attach yourself to a human. It suits you well!" Peng strikes again. The collision between Macaque and Peng's rivalry is intense.

"You know what Peng? Straight up, I have never liked you." The warrior tags Mei in for a second ambush. Quickly, the bird dodged her.

"You little brat." They growled, annoyed by the interference.

"Give it a rest, would ya?" Mei transforms before your eyes into a dragon. You haven't been this close to a mythical creature in your lifetime. The dragon blasts a beam of light at Peng who shields themselves with their wings.

"I'm surprised the decent of Ao Lie has so much bark. Your bite, however, needs some work. Perhaps I can give you some pointers."

Mei clicks her tongue and fights back. She's heard enough insults from the bird. If anyone was barking it's Peng. The way they twist the narrative to take advantage is cowardly. You want to give them a taste of your own medicine. Instead, the battle halts at a stand-still as cracks in the sky reopen caused by a pillar of light far off in the distance.

"Azure," Macaque mumbled, meaning whatever M.K. and Sun did was making Azure lose his grasp on the universe. Peng notices their plans dissolving right before their eyes. They knew it was time to retreat.

"Look, this has been fun, and all but here's some advice, kid. Never be the last one to leave the party." They tipped.

Mei becomes just as frustrated as you. The fact that they would ditch their allies to save their own tail. "How dare you! My friends are in danger because of you. And you're not even gonna stick around to finish the job?" She spams beams in an attempt to shoot them down.

"Hey! Let them go." Macaque ordered.

"What? But Mac." He squeezes your hand reassuringly.

"After all, you always were the most cowardly of the bunch." He teased and walked away with you. You recognize the line from his past. How Peng insulted Macaque because of his cool and collected demeanor. Now it's being thrown away as a comeback. It worked too. You can see the annoyance written across the pigeon's face.

"You dare turn your back on me?" They squawked as they made a petty attempt to attack. Macaque grins for they had taken the bait. He startles the bird by summoning his demon form. They grip their glaive deciding, "You're not worth the effort." And bailing the scene.

"Impressive." You complimented. "I'm glad you got a taste of revenge." You kiss his cheek. "My warrior~"

Macaque blushes and rubs the back of his head bashfully. "Alright, we should regroup with the others."

"Way ahead of you." Mei carries you to the pillar's origin.

___________________________________

It was sad to see Azure gone leaving multiple questions of his revival and the mastermind behind the ordeal. Still, the chapter of Sun's journey has closed with Peng on the run and Yellow Tusk paying his dues. It could have ended differently if they would have let go. Alas, not everything could be a happy ending. You are just glad that for the moment, there is balance in the universe with the exception of a fallen ruler of heaven. To celebrate, Sun invited everyone safe for Macaque for a beach palooza on his island.

Pigsy manned the grill as the others swam in the ocean. You stare at the wonderful life you have accomplished and the friends you've gained over the course of dating Sun and Macaque. Never in a million years did you think you would be blessed with a family. You also didn't think you would be wearing a bathing suit either. It's proving difficult to show up dressed half-naked. Still, you take a deep breath and force yourself to join the others.

As you approach, you eavesdrop on Sun and Macaque's conversation. Sun refused to invite Macaque to the venue. Despite what he says, he secretly is thankful the guy popped up and it shows in the form of a peach popsicle. Macaque stares at the frozen treat indifferently. "You do know this is the calm before the storm, right?"

"Yeah, I know, but that can be a tomorrow problem." Sun leans back in his beach chair, enjoying the view. "Whatever they are scheming, we can handle it." For once, you couldn't agree more with him.

"I'm glad you two are getting along." You pipped up. "I made the right call in asking Mac here." The two turn around slack-jawed by your beauty. You avert your gaze the longer they gawk. "Don't look at me like that. It'd embarrassing."

Mac clears his throat and respectfully turns away while Sun grins from ear to ear. "I mean, can you blame us? You look stunning, peaches."

"Thank you, but I'm specifically wearing this so I can go for a swim." You take off your skirt and walk past them. "Why don't you join me? The first one gets a prize by the end of the night?" You winked.

The two exchange a look and dismiss your attempts to lure them from their seats. You shrug and continue to the water. Sun and Macaque exchange a look before pursuing you. Yep, you couldn't have asked for a better life.

(A/N): The End! It could have ended better but I just wanted to finish the book. Anyway, that's it for this book. See you at the next one :D