The Demon Bull Domain was a shell of its former self. Silent corridors held still with mournful echoes of the past.
Aside from a handful of guards, the only life that seemed to spur from here was of the two forms cradling the other against the carpet.
All while the slumbering Prince lay undisturbed in his bed, as he had for the last 500 years.
The room was stagnant, except for the faint sound of Princess Iron Fan's muffled sobs. She lifted her head after some time and looked away from her brother, ashamed and wishing she were stronger than to succumb to such emotions in front of him. After years of burying these feelings, she thought she had grown cold from their touch. To think it took one look from such familiar auburn eyes that she broke so easily.
Macaque's gaze never faltered. Lifting his hand, he softly wiped away one of the tears that had slid down her cheek. Gently he gathered a lock of her hair that had stuck to her damp skin, brushing it behind her ear.
He glanced around the room nervously before speaking in a soft voice, his words carrying with them a glimmer of optimism amidst the despair of his surroundings, "We will figure this out together."
Gongzhu's laugh was a hollow, lonely sound. Her eyes were dull and tired as she shook her head in disbelief. "I have searched for 500 years, Mihou..." She trailed off with a sigh.
Macaque leaned forward, the fire of determination alight in his gaze. "We will search 500 more if we need to," he said firmly. "Nothing is impossible."
Iron Fan closed her eyes and felt the fatigue of years of struggle. Each time she thought victory was within reach, she had been forced to start over from scratch. The weight of her losses sat in her soul like a stone.
There were only so many times a person could rebuild what was broken.
But in the depths of her despair, a spark of hope still burned. As unbelievable as it sounded, her brother had returned to her side, and he believed the future could be different. Perhaps it wasn't impossible to reclaim what she had lost.
"You have so much on your own side of things." She reminded him somberly, "Your own child to worry about. You should focus on him first."
"I will focus on my family." Mihou says, a tenderness in his voice. "That means you and my child." He offered a smile. The self-same smile that he held only for those precious to him.
Iron Fan took a deep breath, feeling the world's weight lift slightly from her shoulders. Perhaps this was the start of something new, something better. She wasn't naive enough to believe they could fix everything, but even something small was a start.
They both knew that the road ahead would be difficult and there would be many challenges to overcome, but they also knew that they had each other. Which is more than either of them had in a long time.
"We should focus on your young one first." She says, since there was a time limit. "Do you trust Wukong to keep to his side of the deal?"
Trust was a word Macaque didn't know how to associate with Wukong anymore. His mind couldn't help but wander to the possible scenarios of what Wukong could do, but he pushed it aside. He needed to focus on what they could control.
"I trust him to at least return by the end of the month," Macaque said, his voice barely above a grumble. "But if he doesn't, I will not hesitate to take matters into my own hands." The idea of burning down the Mountain, as he promised, was something heavy in his chest. Could he truly go through with such a crazy threat?
Iron Fan nodded, understanding the weight of his words. She knew what he was capable of, and she trusted him to do what was necessary to protect their family, "I suppose you will be making your return back to the Mountain then?"
His Brother nodded, "In case Wukong returns earlier than the end of the month." His eyes downcasted, not wishing to leave his Sister behind on her own.
Sensing his concern, Iron Fan clicked her teeth, "Save me your sympathies, Brother." She flicked her hair behind her shoulder, a fire in her eyes. "I have been on my own far longer than a measly month." She offered a rare smile, "In fact, I have a lot of preparations to busy myself with." She hadn't felt this inspired in a very long time.
Macaque watched as Iron Fan stood up, her movements fluid and graceful. He couldn't help but admire her strength and resilience. Despite all the hardships she had faced, she still stood tall and proud. Macaque smiled, feeling a sense of relief that his Sister was no longer burdened by the weight of hopelessness. He himself felt- lighter.
"I have never doubted your strength, Gongzhu," he said with a sense of pride, his words honest. Walking to the doors of the domain, Mihou adjusted his scarf to prepare for his journey back to the Mountain. Having reestablished his connection with Iron's Fan's shadow, it would be easy to return to her at a moment's notice. "If anything changes, let me know," he says.
"You do the same." She folded her arms. "You've always preferred to handle your business with that foolish King by yourself." Her cold gaze softened, if just a tad, "You needn't do that, though. Not after all he has done."
Macaque stood still for a moment, considering that. Perhaps she was right. This was no longer some quarrel between lovers that should be kept as a private affair. This was between enemies who had fought and subsequently killed the other now.
He had no reason to keep to himself on this anymore.
"I will let you know any updates as they happen." He says in a hushed tone.
As he slowly turned away from Iron Fan, Macaque could feel her eyes on him. Iron Fan's voice trembled as she called out behind him, "Mihou." When Macaque glanced at her over his shoulder, he saw a deep sadness in Gongzhu's eyes that managed to convey the weight of the world. She reached out towards him with one arm and softly said, "Be careful."
His throat tightened with emotion as he nodded to her. He would not be leaving his Sister behind on her own anymore. "Always."
He stepped and fell backward, dropping into the deep shadow cast behind him. For a moment, he felt as though the darkness had swallowed him up, but then the energy surged around him like a force of nature, lifting him up toward the top of Flower Fruit Mountain. He slowly opened his eyes to find himself standing in front of a magnificent waterfall cascading down from the rocky cliffs. Cautiously, he stepped forward and looked around to make sure nothing had changed since his last visit. His movements were less labored as he ventured inside, and a newfound sense of peace settled over his heart.
He had no plans for the evening as he gathered himself some fruit to eat. He barely sat down for a few seconds before a voice dampened his mood.
"You return."
He lowered the plum in his hands, scowling, "I do have things to attend to," he took a few steps, "Personal matters and things left behind after I died." Mihou tossed his scarf onto the hook, smoothing his hands over the new outfit his Sister had provided. It felt nice to get out of those bloody old rags that had clung to his body.
"Your attention should be on the search for the Monk."
Macaque snorted, turning to the key. He felt himself grinning, mocking the poor demon that could do nothing but speak and peer at their world from her prison. He felt in a good mood, which was something he didn't think he'd feel again.
"Our deal was spurred by the notion that I would get my child back. I have yet to receive my side of things; thus, I am not inclined to help you with yours. Also, your lack of communication and details for what you required to be free does not constitute an emergency for me." He lifted the key, twisting it between his fingers. "You made it clear you needed this key and this key alone. I've done the courtesy of at least keeping it safe for you. Nothing was said about the Monk or that I needed to find him when our agreement was struck" The corners of his mouth curled into a cocky smirk as he stared at her with fierce eyes, his chest puffed out in pride. He felt he was in complete control, as if her fate were entirely at his mercy. Which at this point, it was, "So you should really be rushing your little lackey when it comes to finding the Monk."
For the first time since his reincarnation, he sensed a tone of agitation from the Witch, "You know not who you are dealing with, Six-Eared Macaque."
"Neither do you. If I wanted, I could drop this key right here and prevent that man in the suit from ever reaching you." Macaque held his arm out as if he intended to drop the key. "You purposely withheld information and are far too impatient. How am I supposed to trust that you will ensure my safety or the safety of my child when your original deal builds on lies?" He challenged, his eyes narrowed to dangerous slits.
He was sick of being pulled around by some puppet. Denied his own choice in how his story was meant to play out. Well, no longer.
He had one goal now: to ensure his family's happiness and safety- and no one would get in his way.
"Insolent simian. Do you not understand the severity of the situation? The longer we wait, the more this world churns in turmoil. No one will be 'safe' so long as it continues to spin as it currently does! Destiny-!"
Macaque reached his finger up, boaredly rubbing his ear, "See, you keep talking about that- about Destiny or whatever. And frankly..." He snorted, "I just don't care." He flicked the key upward as he strolled across the room. "Listen, Witch." He gave a grin, opening the drawer. "You go ahead and clear your head. I'll come back and chat when I feel like it. Or if I remember you at all." He dropped the key into a drawer. "Byee~"
"Macaque-!"
He promptly closed the drawer, turning to dust his hands off. A weight was lifted from his shoulders. He felt confident and free. The poisonous whispers of her promises held no weight when compared to the assurances of his Sister. Truly, he was a fool for not returning to Gongzhu sooner.
Ah, but this did give the concern of that little lackey of hers. Undoubtedly the Witch would complain to him and force a visit between them. That weirdo wouldn't be able to get beyond the waterfall, but Macaque would have to be careful while he was outside on the Mountain side.
Pacing for a moment, he considered his best options. He supposed he could return to Gongzhu to ensure his safety when this month was done. He didn't want to head off just yet and give Wukong even the slightest inclination that he could run away from their deal.
He continued with his day-to-day life. He ate fruit, finished cleaning the house, and found something strange... Square device?
He sat on the couch and delicately ran his fingers over the strange assortment of buttons along the device's surface. He admired the round glistening red button at the top, hesitating for a moment before pressing it. The room suddenly filled with sound as he jumped in surprise.
Macaque leaped from the couch, his eyes as wide as saucers. There, on a small table in front of him, was a large box with an illuminated screen filled with shifting colors and shimmering images like astral projections.
What was this thing?? Was it some sort of creature? A machine?
For the next few hours, he worked tirelessly on the large black box, his brow furrowed in concentration. Through some trial and error, he discovered this is what mortals referred to as a TV.
He muttered to himself as he adjusted dials and flipped switches. The little square button-covered box, a remote, seemed to be the source of control for this complex machine, shifting images on its display and altering the volume of sound it emitted.
It offered Macaque peeks into the world and how far it had come within the last 500 years.
During his two-year journey, he'd catch glimpses of ever-growing cities in the distance, stretching into the sky like brick and steel mountains. He had never ventured too close, though; the sight of them gave him an uneasy feeling, as if their noise alone could consume him whole.
That night he spent farrrr too long watching the glowing box, learning of the world and what they deemed as entertainment nowadays. By the time he realized what time it was, the morning sun had started to creep in through the blinds of the hut.
Astonished, Macaque turned off the machine, shaking his head. "Just eats away your time." He says, his body feeling sluggish from having sunk into the couch for so long. He definitely didn't want Xiaotian falling for this kind of spell.
It curiously made him ponder exactly what Wukong did with things like this when raising their son. Was Wukong carefree- a lack of presence in Xiaotian's life? Was he strict and a stickler for the rules he had set? Macaque seriously doubted that. Wukong couldn't even be strict with the tribe about most things.
What did their day-to-day look like? Was Xiaotian eating balanced meals or just snacks and peaches? Did he have a bedtime to get the proper amount of sleep?
These sorts of questions only made Macaque dread when he would finally meet the boy. Good or bad, he truly had no means to correctly guess what Wukong had done. He once prided himself on being able to perfectly predict the unpredictable King- but that was a pride long since gone.
Now Wukong was a stranger to him. Everything he thought he knew felt like a lie.
Exhausted but not wanting to throw off his sleep schedule, Macaque kept to the safety of the waterfall for the day. He didn't want to risk running into the Witch's henchman when he was lacking a good night's worth of sleep. So he lounged around, dug through Wukong's stuff, and stumbled upon his... Hoard.
"You've got to be kidding me," he murmured in horror, the towering piles of junk and garbage looming over him. "Wukong- why??" He threw his hands up. He had always had an issue with item collecting, but it was never to this extent! What was even the point of keeping things you were just going to toss into a pile and forget about??
Was it for a sense of nostalgia when he eventually went through this massive heap?
Stepping over some discarded weapons, Macaque shifted his way through the junk. He grabbed an item from time to time, peering at its quality or reason to be kept. Weapons, clothes, trinkets, and items- all pointless to keep.
By sheer boredom, Macaque found himself going through the piles to organize. Rare jewels and ancient tomes set to one side, giving Macaque a roll of his eyes. Such things could make one man the richest person in this world- but were nothing else but glimmering toys to the Monkey King.
He once loved that Wukong didn't care for material possessions. Stuff was just stuff. Of course, like all people in this world, Wukong still held value to what was his, but it never had weight in his heart.
Which is why it was in giant hidden-away piles of mess where no one could see.
With the help of his own shadows, they managed to knock out a good amount of the room by noon. Macaque had taken over the overcoat of his outfit, tying it to his waist as the summer heat reached its peak.
He brushed his palm to his sweaty forehead, bending over to scoop the next abandoned cloth he stumbled upon. Lifting it, he admired the slickness of such an amazing cape. "Something worthy of a King," he mumbled, holding it out. Glistening golden shoulders and a deep-hued red silky fabric. Folding it with care, Macaque set it with the other clothing items.
His clones were loudly working around him, scampering about and, at times, being crushed by massive overturns of teetering piles. Wukong once told him that they always seemed to be smirking- though Macaque insisted they were just smiling. Scampering little inklets of power that were mindless enough to need direct orders to do anything. Unlike Wukong's clones, which, if left unattended for too long, gained a mind of their own.
Heading back to his section, Macaque found a squished section of items. Crushed by its pile's own weight, tugging on one item threatened the collapse of the entire pile. Macaque eyed the area, figuring a topple was best. Noticing a golden piece of circular jewelry sticking out, half hidden below the pile, he figured this would be the best breaking point to loosen the stack.
Taking it with both hands, he leaned back, tugging with all his might. After a sharp few tugs, it popped out with a kerplunk!
Macaque fell backward, rolling just as the mass of objects toppled above him. Barely out of the way, he huffed. "This is worse than any human dump." He grumbled. Sitting up, he scratched the back of his head with a huff. The loose pile at his feet, its scattered mess, had ruined the pristine circle of clean he had worked so hard on. "Great."
His hand felt like it was burning. Billowing heat warmed his palm, drawing his eye when it increased in scale. Lifting his palm, the jewelry still held between his fingers, he saw it in its whole.
He tossed the golden piece with a shriek, drawing the eyes of his startled clones. They lurched closer, eyes wide with the shared horror of their host. One by one, they began to fall apart, the power within jostled and unstable as Macaque wheezed. He crawled back on his hands and knees, determined to distance himself from the curse he had just uncovered.
Why?
Why Why WHY?!
Why would Wukong keep that?!
Wukong's screams of pain were echoing in his mind. His anguish- he had never wanted to hear his mate scream like that!!
Macaque covered his ears, desperate to drown out the sounds of the past that haunted him. "Stop it!" Sounds were things not so easily forgotten by him. No, they stayed with him forever, slipping into his thoughts when he least expected.
Don't hurt him! Peaches!
He ran, rushing through his dispersing clone to escape the room and back to the safety of the hut. His ears were already working against him, tuning and listening- seeking the far past.
The crunch of leaves as Wukong's knees fell upon them. His throat choked up before breaking into a high-pitchedhead-on wail. Clasping at his head as it squeezed-
The creak of bone as the circlet tightens.
Wukong pleading for it to stop. Wukong, his Wukong, begging.
The grimace from the Monk as he looked away. Cruel enough to enact the spell but too spineless to face his own actions head-on. Cutting it off halfway to rush to Wukong and kneel before his disciple. Pleading for Wukong to just listen to reason and stray from his violence- despite the Monk himself using violence to teach this lesson .
Macaque tossed himself against the wall to bang his head against the wood, "I don't want to hear this!" He screamed at himself, clawing his ears in desperation.
"...I'm sorry, Master."
"Don't-" Macaque choked, collapsing to the floor. He curled into himself. Don't apologize to that Monk for hurting you, Wukong!
The hypocrisy of it is all. Self-indulgent teachings as if their way is the only correct way to live. Not that Wukong was perfect, no, Macaque knew that better than anyone. And yes, he made mistakes on many accounts for many people who loved him- but he was still 'Theirs'.
He was still their Brother, their friend, their love, their everything-!! And that Monk managed to rip him from them!!
Riddled with memories, Macaque yanked the blanket off the couch to cover him in a veil of darkness. He cowered below its comfort until exhaustion found him. Nothing was changing the past- and nothing was comforting him in its wake.
He murmured Wukong's name as he passed out from noise and suffering. He couldn't save him. No, it was his own fault that he lost his Sun. He was too weak- too naive to trust that Wukong could handle everything on his own.
Perhaps he was never meant to bask in the sun as long as he did. It was always destined to burn him at some point.
He slept for a long time. When his eyes opened the following morning, his back ached, and his heart felt cold.
He rubbed his eyes, welcoming another dreary day. His good mood had been cut down.
Drowsily he stood, heading to the washroom to clean his face and wake himself up. His stomach growled, demanding some sort of food. Opting that he should gather some fruit, he grabbed a basket. He would need to be mindful of anything around him to avoid getting caught off guard if Lady Bone Demon's tie-wearing freak decided to show up.
Heading out of the cave, the morning air kissed his nose. He expected the day to be cooler compared to most.
What he hadn't expected was for Wukong to be waiting for him down the path from the waterfall.
The sound of Wukong's heart thumped in his ears, and the air around him seemed to hum with energy. It was a sensation he used to relish but now filled him with dread. He felt the power radiating off his ex-lover, like heat from a furnace.
The power of his presence was unmistakable, and Macaque couldn't help but feel a tug toward it. Drawn by its warmth, needing even just a glance of sunshine.
He followed the source of energy with ease, not surprised in the least that Wukong hadn't bothered to conceal himself amidst the trees.
Macaque peered cautiously around the bend in the river shore and spotted him perched on a rock, his gaze fixed on the rippling water below. He was dressed in dress pants and a neat button-up shirt, his long-furred tail tucked away out of sight. As Macaque approached, the Monkey King slowly shifted his attention to his visitor, regarding him with an unreadable expression.
Macaque's gaze traveled the length of Wukong's body, taking in the unfamiliar sight of him wearing something so mortal. It was a far cry from the usually dazzling array of colors and bright attire he typically sported.
But despite the change in his appearance, Macaque could still feel the raw power emanating from Wukong. It was a power that he had been drawn to since they first met, a power that had ignited their passionate love affair and a power that had ultimately torn them apart.
Wukong stood up from his perch and approached Macaque, his steps graceful and controlled. As he drew closer, there was a heaviness to his gaze that Macaque had never seen before, and it made him uneasy.
"Why are you here, Wukong?" Macaque asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I..." Wukong shifted from foot to foot, cleared his throat, and clasped his hands behind his back to stop them from trembling. He felt a bead of sweat slide down his forehead as he averted his gaze, "I'm here to talk."
Macaque scowled, on edge, "I told you I only wanted to talk if you had answers for me."
Wukong nodded, "Yeah. And you deserve those. So that is why I am here. I shouldn't wait till the last day."
Macaque furrowed his brow and cocked his head to the side, perplexed. He hadn't received any warnings from Wukong that something was about to happen, so this obviously came as a shock. Wukong usually waited until the very last minute before acting on such heavy topics - something Macaque had grown accustomed to over the years - but this time, he seemed to have been one step ahead, "How unexpected of you."
Wukong chuckled, but it was a humorless sound, "I know, right?" His voice was laced with a hint of bitterness, and Macaque could see the torment in his eyes.
"What is it that you need to tell me?" Macaque asked, his heart pounding with trepidation.
Wukong drew in a deep breath and then exhaled slowly, his eyes never leaving Macaque's, "Do you um- want to sit or-"
"No." Macaque shakes his head, his voice thundering, "Say your mind, or I leave."
Wukong's voice dropped to something vulnerable, but he nodded. "R-Right." He shifted his weight, "Well, first..." Wukong held up his hands so that Mihou wouldn't be alarmed. "I have something for you." Wukong pulled a folded piece of paper out of his pocket, the creases in its corners seemingly worn out from being carried around so often. He gently offered it outward, his hands raised slightly in a sign of peace.
Mihou stood ready, his muscles taut and tail twitching as he watched Wukong cautiously offer the paper. He snatched it away to unfold it.
As soon as he saw what was printed on it, Macaque's features transformed into one of surprise.
The picture was of a child, barely the age of two. He was clearly being held out by Wukong and staring at the camera rather confused. Head tilted so sweetly and little legs hanging in the air.
Macaque hunched over, physically floored. He almost fell to his knees, eyes wide. "Is this...??"
"Qi Xiaotian." Wukong smiled and nodded, his heart fluttering as he watched Mihou's eyes light up with excitement. The inky monkey's ears twitched, their delicate structure barely visible beneath the shimmery glamor that engulfed them.
The emotional intake was enough to have the glamors fade, Macaque's mind far too distracted to care that his defenses had dropped.
"He's beautiful.." Mihou's voice was barely audible, letting out a quiet chuckle as his eyes watered at the sight of Xiaotian. His gaze softened. Xiaotians fur resembled deep chocolate- his eyes were like stars! And, Oh, that velvety nose. "His ears." He says slowly, realization dawning. His own twitched against his head. For the first time in his life, Mihou had someone who looked like him. Who had ears like his own.
"He takes after you," Wukong says quietly. As he hoped Xiaotian would. For the longest time, Xiaotian was the last living remnant and legacy of Mihou.
Mihou was silent for a long time as he gazed upon their child. His tail twitched slowly, his body turning away from Wukong as he directed all of his attention to the picture of the tiny being in front of him. "...He's so little."
"But a little menace too." Wukong chuckled.
His old mate shook his head, "No." He frowned. "He's young." He didn't understand, "Is this an old photo?"
Wukong hesitated for a moment and then answered, "No." Realizing what Mihou was getting at, his expression fell. "Qi Xiaotian was only born two years ago. He'll be three in 2 months."
Mihou's eyes widened, and he raised his head in surprise, his mouth slightly agape as he tried to process the sudden influx of information. His confusion was understandable as he looked at Wukong for an explanation, "Two years?? How can that be?"
Wukong froze, the muscles in his jaw tensing as he fought to find words that could explain what had happened. He avoided Mihou's gaze, unable to pluck the right ones from thin air—how does one tell someone that your child died and then was inexplicably brought back to life without any explanation?
But, he explained anyway.
As hard it was to delve into the past, he swallowed it down to give Mihou the answers he deserved. It left them both feeling cold.
"He... died?" Mihou looked horrified.
"Yes." Wukong's voice broke, "There wasn't a crack to his egg. Not a soul who was near him. But his soul had vanished." Wukong clutched his chest tightly. "I would like to say I discovered what happened and fixed it, but I'd be lying."
Macaque's eyes were glassy as he swayed back and forth, gradually easing himself onto the boulder behind him. His gaze was fixed on Xiaotian's photo, like a lifeline.
"500 years later, he was born all the same. I don't know what caused it; it just... Happened?" Wukong's voice was like an echo in Macaque's ears, distant but sharply clung to.
"It just happened..." Macaque repeated fully, venom in his tone.
Wukong bowed his head to accept that look of blame that graced Macaque's face, "I wish I had an answer. I could go to the underworld to find out, but I wasn't going to be leaving Xiaotian on his own any time soon."
Macaque understood that plan, knowing he wouldn't want to step away from this little bundle of life anytime soon either. "So he was born two, almost three years ago." He stared at his own hand. That was similar to when he was resurrected. All within the same 6-month span.
Was that a coincidence?
Knowing his luck, it definitely wasn't, but he would have to figure that out later.
Macaque's mind was in a whirlwind as he tried to process all that had been said. He traced the outline of Xiaotian's face on the picture, his fingers trembling with emotion. "He's really alive," he whispered, his eyes shining with unshed tears.
Wukong nodded, albeit a bit numbly. It was hard for himself to believe that after 500 years of thinking otherwise. Giving Mihou a moment to process, he eventually cleared his throat.
So far this was going well- or at least better than he thought it would. They weren't ripping out each other's throats so- WIN! Kinda...
Recalling how Tang said he should be 100% honest, Wukong continued.
"It isn't an excuse-" Wukong twiddled his thumbs. "But I should also explain why I was hesitant to tell you any of this the first time."
Mihou's expression darkened, scowling at the Monkey King.
Because you hate me.
Because you wanted me dead.
Because you want Xiaotian all to yourself.
"The Lady Bone Demon." Wukong narrowed his eyes.
Macaque held his breath, mouth hanging open in disbelief. What?
"The reason we left the Mountain is for several things. I had dreams about her. Or visions?" He shakes his head, puzzled by the difference. "She spoke Xiaotian's name. Made it sound like she was invested in him somehow??" Sparks of anger and worry flashed in Wukong's eyes as he spoke."It drove me crazy just thinking about anyone trying to take him."
Macaque was quiet, his eyes wide and searching.
"So I took him. I didn't trust myself with him here in the mountains." Wukong's voice softened, becoming almost vulnerable as he muttered, "Even contemplated-" He couldn't bring himself to speak further on the matter, "In the end, the Mountain didn't feel safe. I didn't know what her plans were, or any other demon for that matter. Everyone knows I live here, so I thought, until Xiaotian is of age and can defend himself, we would leave the mountain to raise him elsewhere."
....for Xiaotian's sake. Not because he didn't care for the Mountain.
Macaque exhaled. He lowered his head, quietly scolding his own brain for always thinking of the worse outcome first.
Noticing Wukong staring, Macaque's gaze shifted to something colder. Perhaps Wukong had expected him to say something at this point. "Go on."
The air of power that crept around them was unmistakable, only further adding to the tension between the two of them, "A-And then when I saw you, I was happy! So happy! B-but I sensed..."
"What did you sense, Wukong?" The icy chill in Macaque's voice made Wukong flinch.
Wukong ducked his head in shame, "A power that wasn't yours. It was clinging to you. I thought it had taken over your mind when I saw how destroyed the mountain was."
That very thought pissed Macaque off. It pissed him off more than it wasn't fully unfounded.
Macaque scowled, deeply resenting the undeniable truth in Wukong's words. It was due to Lady Bone Demon's manipulation that he had gone on the rampage in the first place. But it was too late now; there was no changing what had been done.
"...I don't deny I went too far." Macaque glanced around the scenery. It was clear he had spruced the place up, which Wukong seemed to notice too. "You weren't exactly being cooperative yourself." He scowled.
Wukong's hands shook, his normally wild hair laying limp across his forehead. His mouth moved slowly, finally dropping into silence with a heavy sigh. Macaque had never seen the Monkey King so hesitant before. He seemed small like this- Stammering and struggling to find the right words. Thinking before speaking.
"And now?" Macaque asked, cutting between them. "What do you sense now?"
Wukong shakes his head, "I don't sense it."
Macaque sneered into his palm, feeling pitiful. Of course not. He had left the Key behind the waterfall.
So that is what Wukong sensed that day. This foolish Monkey had assumed the power had taken him over.
That is, of course, if he was to believe Wukong at face value.
Macaque stood back, arms folded. He kept a strong distance from Wukong, watching his movements carefully.
With all that said, it left only one matter of importance. One they both knew the other was dreading, but it was the most impactful conversation they would probably ever have in their lifetime.
"You know what it is I want," Macaque says simply, prepared.
Wukong nodded numbly. They shared the same mindset in that regard. "Qi Xiaotian." After a few seconds, he found the courage to say. "I don't wish to deny you a part of our son's life."
"But you are." Macaque growled, accusing.
Wukong quickly shook his head, his voice cracking in dismay, "No! No, I..." He trailed off. "I won't do that," he murmured. "I want you in his life, Mih- Macaque." He corrected himself. He lowered his hands to his side, rolling them into tight fists. "I shouldn't have done what I did. I shouldn't have threatened you and used Xiaotian as... Blackmail." The word felt heavy on his tongue. "I'm sorry."
Macaque didn't know how to process those words.
I'm sorry.
What was he meant to say to that? He didn't forgive Wukong, but couldn't deny he was at least grateful to hear him say that.
All in all, a sorry didn't change what had happened. What was continuing to happen. Nor does it change that those two words were things he had so desperately wanted to hear for so long- that had Wukong said them any earlier, Macaque would have forgiven him without hesitation.
Perhaps a part of him still wanted to.
Uncertainty clouded his mind as he pondered whether it was too late or not. A multitude of VERY pressing matters demanded his attention, leaving him overwhelmed. Even offering an apology failed to provide solace; instead, it left him with a hollow feeling. How he wished that it could have brought him some semblance of peace instead.
"That leaves us with a conundrum then, doesn't it?" With a cold, contemptuous spit, he chuckled at the absurdity of it all. The conversation seemed futile, rendered meaningless if he couldn't lay eyes upon his own child. And even if Wukong felt bad for using that leverage over his head, it didn't change that his threats were still very much real. Macaque had no means of overpowering Wukong- left to hope things would work out somehow.
Wukong spoke quietly, "He deserves you, and you deserve him." He shifted his weight, wondering how he was meant to go about explaining to his old mate his worries. "I never found out what stopped Qi Xiaotian from being born," he admits. "And I worry, whatever it was is still out there." Macaque's eyes locked on his, searching and deadly. He was quiet, letting Wukong finish. "I was.. Afraid." He swallowed. "Afraid it might return and take him again. So I left the Mountain with him to hide somewhere else. He's safe. He's growing bigger every day and he loves the life he has. We have- um... Support." He says awkwardly, "The Tribe is also with Xiaotian."
Macaque's shoulders relaxed, another burning question answered in his mind. So the tribe was safe as well- that is, if he believed Wukong's words. He wasn't quite convinced he could trust him yet. Wukong was always so good when it came to his tricks.
"The support we have- they are family. Family to Xiaotian and myself. They love him, and he loves them." Macaque wasn't sure where Wukong was going with this until he looked at him with those earnest eyes of his. Eyes that once made Macaque's knees weak. Perhaps they still did, in a way, "I want us both to raise him."
Macaque scowled, much to Wukong's apprehension. He had a hunch that Macaque wouldn't exactly be enthusiastic about the idea of 'co-parenting' as Tang had suggested Wukong to try.
"He's my son too." Wukong stressed, feeling like he could read Macaque's thoughts.
"Considering what you've done, I find it very hard to trust you capable of handling a child." Macaque hissed. Wukong couldn't disagree as much as he wanted to.
"I've been doing my best." Was all he could muster. Small and hopeful, he added, "And I think my best is... Okay."
Macaque raised his eyebrow. "Okay." He repeated.
Wukong nodded meekly, his gaze downward. "I learned a lot. I know what does and doesn't work with MK and he-"
"M- what?" Macaque cut him off.
Wukong's eyes widened, caught in something he hadn't meant to bring up. "Um..." He blushed, "MK." He repeated with a squeak, swaying back and forth. "For uh- you know, Monkey Kid?" He gave a sheepish smile and tilt of his head.
The dark monkey's mouth fell open in sheer disgust, "Tell me you didn't."
"I-It was cute!" Wukong insisted.
Liu'er turned his head sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. His scowl was prominent, spurred on with the horrible thought that it was cute, dammit! He shook his head, arguing with himself to insist he couldn't let Wukong know this. It was hard enough how- soft Wukong was. How he was shrinking in on himself to make himself smaller. His tail wrapped around his own ankles dejectedly and his hands constantly fiddling with his shirt. He had never seen Wukong so timid and desperate.
Wukong was desperate to please him...
Even though the King held all the balls in his court, he was trying to strike a deal of sorts. Macaque wasn't sure whether to indulge in this or take advantage of it- torn between his anger and his weakness.
"You are unbelievable." Macaque finally ends up saying, shaking his head and pinching the bridge of his nose. Sensing a silence, he peeked between his fingers to the Sun Monkey. Wukong was shifting side to side- the way he always did when he was holding something back.
"And there is more."
"More?" Macaque wanted to moan because, of course there was more. What else could there possibly be?
Wukong seemed the most hesitant to say this part. "I want to be honest with you. I want to... Even just a little, gain your trust back. So I'm not going to keep anything from you."
"How noble of you." Macaque sneered. Where was this Wukong 500 years ago? It was jeering how much Wukong seemed to want to do things right, and painful how easy it seemed for him to do so now. Why couldn't he have been this way when Macaque needed him to be back then?
Wukong didn't falter, "The support I have." He explained. Unsure how else to say this he opted to just rip it off like a bandaid. "Are the reincarnated souls of my old companions to the west."
Silence followed.
"...Excuse me?"
Wukong bit his lower lip, grimacing. "Their names are Pigsy, Sandy and Tang." He offered the weakest smile, prepared for this to explode in his face. He needed to say it though- because they weren't going away any time soon. At least, he hoped they weren't. "They are wonderful people."
Wukong lifted his hands to his ears when Mihou responded with a spew of wild curses.
Macaque whipped around, his teeth sharp and hissing at all that existed in this stupid world.
His child is being raised with Wukong and his dumb company! To think Wukong would go crawling back to them. Why was he not surprised?? Pissed, but not surprised. Oh, it was almost comedic!
"Why am I not surprised??" Macaque arched his head and burst into laughter, a mixture of bitterness and sourness. "You would go back to them, wouldn't you?? Can't seem to peel them off your back!"
"Mihou." Wukong says, cautiously, almost pleading. "Please. If you would just meet them-"
"Would rather rip out my own ears!" Macaque spat back brutally. His ears flickered to his name. Ah, he hadn't corrected Wukong that time.
Wukong felt frustration building, trying his best to swallow it down. Mihou had every right to be mad at him, he knew- but his friends had NEVER done anything wrong! Both 500 years ago and now. Especially now! Everything that went wrong was because of him, not them.
"They aren't how you think they are, Macaque." He tried to reason with him. "They are good people. They live good lives."
"Oh, I bet they were just so happy to see their old bud Wukong again~!"
Wukong flinched, feeling something sharp in his chest. No.. No, they weren't happy to see him at first. They didn't know him. His friends were dead. His mentor was dead...
"They aren't-" he started to say, but Macaque was going off. He was yelling and throwing his arms around.
"A big heroes' welcome for Wukong~! Yay for the Hero! Our own personal slave has returned to us! Yay! Did they offer you a circlet like the good old days??" His mind was reeling. His fingers burned, drawn to the memory of what he had found. Of what Wukong dared to keep. And for what purpose?? For memory's sake? A reminder? To use one day?? Macaque felt like he was losing his own mind at the implications of it all. What was worse, was Xiaotian was right in the middle of it! They could hurt him! "Have to keep the crazy Monkeys from acting out, right?? They are different so they have to be kept in line!"
"Maca-"
"I'm surprised you aren't already wearing one! Everyone in your little group did! What a fashion statement! Is the pig wearing one?? The Monk maybe this time?!"
"Mac-!"
"Did they offer one to Xiaotian-!!?"
"Mihou!" Wukong raised his voice, making the trees shake around them. His ex-mate panted, eyes flaring. Realizing his words, Macaque lowered his head, quickly covering his mouth.
No no...
He forced himself to calm down.
The very notion of a circlet anywhere near their child was-
Macaque bit his palm, choking down rising bile, and looked to the side, "Forget what I just said." He mumbled.
Wukong rubbed the back of his neck, his fingers drawn to his forehead for a moment. Just a quick moment, before he ripped it away. The feeling of the circlet never truly leaving, "They don't remember me." Wukong announced, stepping around what had just been said. It was better that way.
Macaque turned to look at him, head tilting. They didn't remember. He felt himself smirk, pitying this man before him. "Oh?" He laughed. It was as pitiful as it was hilarious. "The Mighty Monkey King resorting to his mortal friends because he's lost all else."
Because he turned his back on all else.
"That isn't-!" Wukong wanted to tear his own hair out. Could Macaque work with him even just a little here??
"Are you ever going to tell them?" Macaque sneered. "Tell them what they were to you? Tell them that the only reason you approached them is because you are chasing the shadow of what they once were?"
"No!" Wukong shakes his head, his voice cracking with emotion. "That isn't-" he can't deny he approached them at first because of who they used to be. But that isn't why he stuck around! He had been shown that time and time again. Tang, Pigsy and Sandy weren't his old companions. They were different people. He missed and mourned his companions, but he valued his new friends!
"Same Wukong. Always looking for the next replacement."
"They aren't replacements!" Wukong shakes his head, "They are my friends!" His hands shook, rage building in the back of his neck and making it feel hot. He inhaled sharply to calm himself down, touching the side of his head gingerly. "Macaque, I'm not saying you have to like them," he tried to reason with his Moon- his everything. "You don't even have to talk to them. But please understand, Xiaotian loves them."
Macaque stilled, his eyes wide and searching. He frowned, frustrated with that idea. Everything about this either pissed him off or upset him, "Are they even aware of what you both are?" He scowled, needing to know the chances these so-called 'friends' might have on turning on his own kid.
"They know." Wukong swallowed thickly. "They know I am Monkey King, and they have seen us both in our natural forms. They- love us how we are." He lowered his hands, his expression soft. "The only thing I haven't told them is who they once were." He frowned. Before Macaque could throw some insults his way he added, "I didn't tell them because, it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter what they were in their last life, because they aren't them. The companions to the West... are dead. They are gone, and are never coming back." His tone dropped to a somber whisper. He stared at his hands, the only living member of the original company.
Macaque stared at Wukong, not sure what to make of him. He was soft, quieter than he usually was. He didn't have that push to him. The push that made him so persistent. He was just there.
Something about that made Macaque pensive. He had been expecting a fight. A squabble. Something where he could push Wukong's buttons and watch him flip out and justify this hatred Macaque felt. But Wukong was different.
That normal spark in his eyes had faded, leaving nothing but a broken man desperate to cling to what little he had left. Wukong had truly lost it all.
What a fitting punishment.
If only he didn't hold the one thing Macaque himself desperately wanted.
"So what exactly do you want now, Wukong?" Macaque felt himself ask. What do you hope to gain by coming here, knowing how I feel about you and them?"
Wukong rubbed the back of his neck, shifting his weight. "A little lenience." he wrung his hands together, "I can't bare to part with Xiaotian. I truly can't. None of us can." Wukong lowered his head, "They love Xiaotian, and Xiaotian loves them." He told Macaque. "He would miss them, Mihou. They are his family now and they treat him like their own."
Macaque wanted to turn away from Wukong, to gather himself and his thoughts. He didn't trust his back turned to the Monkey however and stood his ground. Stuffing his hands into his pockets he grumbled. How dare he look at him with those eyes.
"Mihou-"
"Stop, saying that name!" Macaque barked, frustrated. Frustrated that his own heart was even considering such things.
Wukong didn't know what else to do or say. He was pleading at this point. As such, it felt only right to go all the way. He was a desperate man.
He knelt before his mate, startling Mihou into taking a step back. He lowered his head, yielding to him, "Macaque." He says, bowing his head. "I'll do whatever you ask. Anything at all, no matter what it is. With just one condition."
Mihou swallowed thickly, gawking down at the man before him. Never did he think he would see Wukong bowing before anyone. He had only seen it once before, and that was due to the King having been forced to by the Great Monk.
"My condition- please don't take Xiaotian from his family." He lifted his eyes, pleading. "That includes his uncles, and me. Just the one thing- and I'll do whatever else you wish of me." His hands pressed together, his voice a sliver of the power Wukong normally possessed when he spoke, "Please don't take our son from me."
Just the one thing- it's the biggest thing!
Macaque stared and stared, looking at Wukong with something akin to astonishment. Macaque swallowed and looked away, deciding to ignore Wukong for the moment.
Where was the silly grin? Where was the angry stare? Was this even the same old Monkey King? The one who was so obstinate on his ways and making sure that he was right?
The one who would literally do anything to get his own way?
"What a bold thing to promise." He finally says, his voice a quiet hiss. "Exactly what assurance do I have that you will keep your word when you have never done so before?"
Wukong considered that, "There is little I have left other than my words. However, if it would convince you... In the Mountain-" his eyes lingered to it, "Within my trove of things, there is something you can have and use."
Macaque followed his gaze, curious. His trove? The only useful thing in there was...
Was...
Macaque felt himself going pale as Wukong stammered, "It's uh-" Wukong shrugged sheepishly. "A real mess in there, so it might take some time to find it, but it's there. If you can't trust me at my word..." He held Macaque's gaze, his own like fire. Macaque felt his breathing quicken, startled by such a look. "You may use the circlet my Master left with me."
"What?" Macaque's eyes widened at the severity of Wukong's suggestion. He stepped back, the fur on the back of his neck standing up straight. He felt cold, flashes of Wukong's blood curdling screams echoing in the back of his head. By impulse he reached upward to cover his ears, "Are you crazy??" He shrieked. The idea was foolish- horrid- He couldn't.
He wouldn't!!
"I must be." Wukong agreed, casually, but his hands shook, "But, it's the only thing that I can think of."
Macaque shook his head. Wukong must have truly lost his mind. How could anyone- it was true that it would be the most effective way to keep Wukong to his word. Not just that, he could bend the King to his will just as the Monk had all those years ago.
Macaque knew the incantation- how could he forget it?
Just a few words and he would have the Great sage Equal to Heaven at his knees, screaming for mercy. More power than anyone else could dare say they have over the Monkey.
With this, he could take his child by force, and cut Wukong from his life entirely. It was easy.
It was simple!
He could do it!
Please don't take our son from me.
Macaque faltered, something tight in his chest. It burned, constricting painfully.
Flashes of Wukong in pain- screaming and pleading...
Macaque's throat felt dry, swallowing thickly. His voice wobbled as he asked, "Why did you keep that thing? Did your Master give it to you to keep?"
Wukong's gaze remained unwavering, locked onto the ground, as his expression transformed into a solemn mask., "I asked him for it."
Macaque's head shook in disbelief, a whirlwind of confusion and frustration swirling within. "Why??" The words echoed, a cruel joke that seemed to mock their very existence.
"So I would always remember to never go back to what I was." Slowly, Wukong raised his head until he met Macaque's eyes. His gaze was gentle and understanding as he says, "Sometimes it is easy to forget what we left behind. To feel like nothing has changed. I never want to forget..."
Macaque's world crumbled beneath his feet as a searing pain tore through his chest, mercilessly twisting and contorting his every breath. Macaque's eyes closed tightly against the remorse that threatened to spill forth. All this time, all this sorrow and hatred- and it still hurt to see how cruel this world had been to the one he loved. He felt pathetic.
In the end, he couldn't do it. As much as he tried to deny it- Wukong held something in his chest. A small and pitiful part of himself that still loved this foolish King. Macaque tried to cut it down best he could, but it still lingered.
"...Shit..." he cursed. He couldn't bare to hear the man he loved screaming in agony ever again. He just couldn't. Macaque's eyes softened, the anger and frustration dissipating from his body. It left him feeling cold and hollow. Sadness came to his voice, but he choked it down.
He looked at Wukong, who was still kneeling before him, resigned to offering himself to whatever Macaque desired of him.
Macaque took a deep breath and shook his head. "You foolish monkey." he shuddered, "I won't use the circlet." He exhaled, his hands limp at his sides.
Wukong's eyes widened in a mix of astonishment and relief, "Y-You won't?"
"As if I could ever." Macaque chided him, bitter and small. He turned from the King, covering his mouth. He couldn't deny Wukong's efforts, as frustrating as they were. Or deny the effect they had on his mind. Always so convincing- even when his plans were nothing but foolhardy.
Finally, he spoke, "We can discuss terms of custody." He glanced over his shoulder, "I want to meet Xiaotian first, and then we can discuss it."
"Mi- I mean, Macaque." Wukong's eyes shimmered with relief. "Of course. Absolutely." He nodded in agreement, eager. His tail unabashedly wagging behind him.
Macaque sighed, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. He turned back to Wukong, his posture stiffening. "But you should know, Wukong. This is not a guarantee of anything. Not between us, or what you have done. I will only consider what is best for Xiaotian."
Wukong nodded. "I understand, Macaque." After all, he was doing the same. As much as he wanted to salvage anything between them, Xiaotian needed to come first. So, even if nothing between them was ever resolved, as long as Xiaotian was happy, Wukong was okay with that. It hurt, but it was okay. If they could agree on nothing else, he felt comfort that they at least had Xiaotian's best interest at heart.
Macaque nodded with a slow and deliberate motion. His heart was heavy with the thought of having to share his son with the one who had caused him so much pain. But he knew that Xiaotian deserved to know his other family, and it was his duty as a father to make that happen, "Then I will hold you to your word." Macaque rubbed his temple, his expression hardening, "This is for Xiaotian only. Anything else, whether between us or those- 'Friends' of yours, I want no part of."
Wukong's expression was unreadable for a moment, softening to a saddened understanding, "If that is what you want, Macaque," he nodded his head. After a moment, he blinked. His head shot upward, mouth falling open, "Oh wait um-!"
Wukong rises to his feet. There is something in his eyes. After all this time, Macaque couldn't believe he could still read Wukong as easily as he was now. It felt wrong to have such an in depth understanding- to know when Wukong was hesitant to say something.
"You've got to be kidding. There is still more??" He growled, folding his arms. He drew a flinch from the King, who stumbled on his words.
"W-Well um-" he waved his hands around, nervous. "He just really wanted to meet you-" he blabbered, confusing Macaque more. "And he was giving me those eyes this morning when I was getting ready to leave. They are super hard to say no to! So if you are ready um... Well uh..."
"What?' The darker Monkey frowned.
Wukong froze, realizing he didn't make sense. Taking a breath, he straightened his back to calm down. "Qi Xiaotian." He explained, "I was determined to find some- resolution of sorts with you today. And I've been telling him about you all week." And of course, as most two-year-olds, once they want something, they are determined to get it.
Wukong watched Macaque's gaze soften, earnest and curious. "You told him about me?" He glanced away for a moment, nervously asking, "What did he think?"
"Well-" he smiles, that secret sort of smile he always had when he knew something others didn't. His eyes crinkled in a joyful sort of way, "He had a lot to say. But, more importantly, he wants to meet you." Wukong stepped to the side. "In fact.." He gave a whistle. The sharp noise pierced the air, traveling down the Mountain with enough force to be heard two miles away. A whistle returned, matching Wukong's in pitch.
It was clearly coming from a clone of Wukong's. Why was one so far away?
He gazed at Wukong intently, seeking answers, yet deep down, he sensed he already had them. His heart quickened, his fingers tingling with anticipation. Emotions surged within him, spilling over like a rising tide. "He's here?" Macaque almost fell over, leaning against the tree beside him. It was barely quieter than a whisper, but Wukong heard it nonetheless and nodded. His clone was on his way, with their entire world in its hands.
Macaque found himself unexpectedly ill-equipped. The façade of his stoic nature began to crumble as he glanced over his own reflection. Did he look okay? Shit, did he smell? He sniffed himself, glad he had visited his Gongzhu and got that bath and new clothes.
He looked fine.
He struggled to breathe, "Wait wait-" he held his hands towards Wukong, "Make him stop." He was commanding this of Wukong's clone. The Monkey King was confused, his eyes wide. "Tell the clone to turn back..!"
Wukong's mouth fell open, "What?? But-"
"I'm not ready." Macaque shakes his head, hating to admit this, but what else could he do? His chest was tight, panic overtaking him. What if Xiaotian looked at him and didn't like what he saw? What if he denied him? He had wanted this for so long and now that it was here, he was positive he was going to mess it up. He had been the one out of the two of them to plan for their child's arrival. He had read book after book, seeked out counsel from anyone who would be knowledgeable on the concept of raising children- he was so prepared!
Why was he overwhelmed with such a profound sense of confusion and fear?
"I can't... he... I'm not..." Macaque's hands trembled, their gaze filled with helplessness.
His mind was spinning. He wanted to turn and run and cower away. He wasn't ready. He wasn't going to be a good parent. His child was going to hate him.
"Mihou." Wukong spoke, drawing the monkey from his thoughts to look toward the sun for just a moment. It was long enough to tell him, "It's terrifying."
Turning Macaque's gaze, the darker monkey held perfectly still. His chest was rising up and down sharply, expression broken in dismay. What was worse was that Wukong held the same fear in his eyes.
With an expression akin to mourning, exposing himself to the Monkey before him, Wukonh said, "He's so little Mihou." He tells him. As he speaks, there is a tremble in the King's voice. The chaotic god that set the heavens aflame, was trembling. He had never looked so small. "He's mortal, and so soft." Wukong holds his hand out to show Macaque his palm. He gestures to it, desperate for him to understand. "See this?" He touches his palm, circling its circumference to give Macaque an idea of the size. "His hand is smaller than my palm."
Macaque's tail wrapped around his own legs, his heart melting at the notion. Wukong had his full attention.
"When he was born-" Wukong used his hands to give a general idea of Xiaotian's size. "He was this big. And he was running everywhere." He waited for a response.
Macaque covered his mouth, giving a little nod for Wukong to keep going.
"His fur is soft. Like, really soft." Wukong insists, "His cheeks?? Don't get me started. They are chubby and bouncy-"
"Oh."
Wukong stopped for only a moment when Macaque made a noise similar to distress, or maybe it was adoration. He kept talking, "When he was first born, I didn't know what to do. I was afraid to even touch him because I..." Wukong looked defeated, smiling pitifully at his feet. "Well you know me...I ruin everything." He shakes his head. After a moment he found his courage to say more, "But trust me, Mihou." His eyes were earnest. "The moment you hold him for the first time- all this fear you have, it'll be pushed back. It won't go away, but it won't matter. You're going to feel something so much better. You're gonna know."
"Know what...?" Macaque asked.
Wukong's eyes brimmed, wet and dazzling, "That's he's yours, and he loves you."
Macaque choked back a sob. Sharply he turned around when he felt a surge of wind.
The Clone had arrived.
Wukong's final words held him, "You can do this."
Macaque, with his back turned towards the approaching figure, frantically rubbed his hands against his eyes in a desperate attempt to dry them. Behind him, he focused on every sound; The pitter-patter of a little heartbeat. The exhale of a soft breath. The curious chirp of a little one...
His son was behind him.
"Hey Bud." He heard Wukong speak, a puff following to signify the clone had dispersed. "You ready to meet your Baba?"
Macaque's lower lip shook. Baba... He dared not turn until he heard his voice.
"I'm ready...!" The squeakiest and sweetest voice filled the air. Macaque felt everything falling into place. All his suffering, all the emptiness he felt- it was filled in with gold. Glittering and perfect.
He turned, ready to meet his son for the first time.