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Chapter Text

Sun Wukong sighed as he looked back at the mountain that sealed both Princess Iron Fan and his former sworn brother, Demon Bull King. His staff planted firmly on top of their prison, he didn’t regret what he did, it had to be done but he still felt a ping of sadness for having to do it. He remembers seeing how in love they were for each other, a celestial warrior and a demon king being together despite all odds. A part of him was relieved that they could stay together even if it was in prison. But those thoughts were pushed away and instead consumed with what was really important. The Monkey King slammed the iron doors open that lead into the palace of his former friends and was quickly surrounded by bull clones.

Red Son was sobbing as he hid under his bed, he could hear the Monkey King tearing apart his father’s clones even when he covered his ears. He knew that something bad had happened to his parents. His father had left early in the morning and had even kissed his forehead goodbye before he left and later his mother had rushed out saying that his father needed his help fighting Sun Wukong and had told him to be brave when he had cried and begged her to stay. She promised that they would both be back soon but now they were both gone and the enemy was going to get him too. He covered his mouth to cover the noise of his breathing when the noise of fighting suddenly stopped. Everything was deadly quiet for a moment before the sound of footsteps started to make their way towards his room. Did the monkey know where he was!?

Red Son squeezed his eyes shut as the footsteps stopped and his door was pushed open slowly. Then it was quiet again, he held his breath hoping that maybe the demon wouldn’t find him. Nothing happened for a few moments and Red Son just started to open his eyes again only for the bed he was under to be lifted in the air. He let out a scream and immediately scrambled trying to get distance between him and the monkey that was lifting his bed with only one hand. Panicked Red Son launched a burst of fire from his right hand making Wukong drop the bed on the ground with a bang. Red Son felt a burst of hope that maybe he could beat the Monkey King but froze.

Red glowing eyes glared down at him and Red Son could see that his fire didn’t even hurt him, it seemed to only irritate him. The hope was now long gone, replaced with deep fear he has never felt before. He wanted his father and mother to come and save him but seeing the simian unharmed from his fire and having just fought both his parents he knew that they weren’t coming. With that the dam broke and the child dropped to the ground and curled into a ball, crying again. He pressed his face into his knees and waited for the terrible fate that would fall on him.

Wukong stared down at the crying boy for a moment and sighed. This was not how he wanted this to go but he supposed it made sense. The poor kid must be terrified and having the one person that just defeated his parents to walk in right after that was no doubt traumatizing. Seeing Red Son again brought back memories of when he first saw him. The samadhi fire was far too powerful and it had to be taken away, at first the kid was legit terrifying. Laughing as he destroyed everything around him and Wukong could feel the power and heat even from a sorta safe distance away. Then they were able to split the fire and the baby fell through the air as DBK rushed to catch him. Wukong only caught a glimpse of the baby but just that made Wukong want to hold him. Red Son was so small and he did always want to be an uncle but knew that he would probably be rejected if he had asked so he simply left with his ring. Now the same child was in front of him crying his eyes out with no parents in sight so he finally crouched down and scooped the child into his arms. Red Son screamed as he was lifted but was immediately shushed softly. “Shhh it’s okay I’m not going to hurt you.” Wukong bounced the child softly and started to walk out of the room into the long hallway.

Red Son sobbed and thrashed but that did nothing to loosen the grip the other had on him. By the time Wukong made it outside of the palace, Red Son had tired himself out. “I-I want my mother! I want my father! Pl-Please take me to them.”

Wukong stared down at him for a moment with a blank face that made Red Son flinch in fear but then his face softened as he chuckled softly, “I can’t do that kiddo but don’t worry I’m your dad now.” Wukong said it with such certainty that Red Son could only stare back in scared confusion but that didn’t matter. Sure he wanted to be an uncle but a dad was ten times better! After all he did defeat his parents so Red Son was now his.

He made a cloud appear below them and started to race through the sky. The sooner they get home the sooner Red Son could get used to his new life and who knows maybe when he was feeling generous he would return to the mountain and let the imprisoned couple know that he was taking their role. Wind whipped around them and Wukong pressed Red Son closer to protect him from the cold. Red Son tried to look around but they were moving to fast that everything blurred together making him dizzy so he closed his eyes. The journey was only a few minutes but by the time they made it to the mountain Red Son was fighting to keep himself awake.

Wukong noticed this so he started to groom the child's long hair after he landed and walked through the island. It surprisingly seemed to comfort the child slightly but Red Son was too exhausted to put up a struggle soon lost the fight and fell into a restless sleep. The monkeys quickly noticed their king carrying a child and cooed curiously as they stared at the boy. Wukong smiled softly and told them all that this was their new prince. They were all surprised but then started to cheer in excitement as they realized what he meant not even thinking to question him but Wukong quickly shushed them so they didn’t wake up the boy.

Wukong walked into the sealed waterfall making sure that not a drop fell on Red Son and quickly walked towards his son’s new room. Of course the room was bare with just being a guest room but he and Red Son could decorate it tomorrow but it would do for now. Wukong lowered the child down to tuck him into bed but the movement jolted Red Son awake. Red Son whimpered seeing he was now in a place he didn’t recognize and Sun Wukong taking him away from home was not some terrible nightmare. Tears welled in his eyes again and Red Son felt shame fill him for letting himself cry three times in front of the enemy. He knew that he was bringing shame onto his parents but couldn’t stop the tears from falling. Then Red Son felt a thumb wipe the tears away and Wukong chirped softly, gathering the child back in his arms and this time let Red Son cry it out. Wukong whispered words of comfort as Red Son finally fought against him slamming his fists into his chest and screaming, demanding that he take him back home. But Wukong would simply tell him this was his home now and that made Red Son more frustrated but soon the energy was sapped out of him completely this time and he fell limp in the monkey’s arms.

Wukong sighed as he once again tucked Red Son into bed, this time Red Son didn’t even stir. Wukong stared down at the boy’s tear stained face and knew that he had a lot of work to do but knew he was the best for the job. He was going to raise this boy as his own and soon Red Son would accept his new life. Wukong thought back to when Red Son had launched fire at him and sure it wasn’t nearly as dangerous as his original power but it still held a threat. Not to Wukong of course but he didn’t want him to accidentally burn down the mountain by trying to attack him. So after searching his relic room he was able to find the three golden bands that would seal the boy’s powers with a snap of his fingers. He also put a tracker seal on it so he would always know Red Son’s location. Wukong quietly entered the room and with a wave his hand the bands flew at the boy and locked around each wrist and around his neck softly. Wukong knew that once his son woke up and saw the sealers he would not be happy but this was the right choice.

Wukong brushed his hand through Red Son’s red hair and kissed his forehead softly, wishing him a goodnight before he turned the light off in the room letting Red Son sleep. Sure the first few days would be difficult but Wukong was still overjoyed that Red Son was his cub now! Wukong swore that he was going to be a better father than his former brother could ever hope to be.

Chapter Text

Wukong had been acting strange that morning and it was putting Red Son on edge. After Wukong had taken him to the mountain and had sealed away his only way of protecting himself, Red Son had been spiraling. He had never been away from home before and everyday of waking up to a room that wasn’t his to a monkey that was determined to be his father when he already had one had been stressful.

At first Red Son had tried to refuse to leave his room but Wukong was having none of it. He would simply pick Red Son up and take him to the dining table even as Red Son would thrash trying to escape his grip. The first time Wukong sent him down on his chair and set a plate of eggs and fruit in front of him then took his own seat, Red Son had gotten off his chair in a huff. Wukong set the piece of fruit he had been holding down and slowly stood from his chair. The glamour from his eyes left and red eyes gleamed in warning as the rest of his face was completely blank. They stared at each other for only a few seconds but to Red Son it felt like hours before he carefully got back onto his chair and started to eat the eggs. Wukong stared down at him for a moment before he sat down again and started to eat as well. Wukong then smiled and his golden eyes returned as he asked how Red Son slept as if nothing happened. Red Son knew he should feel bad about backing down so fast but he was too proud of himself for not crying during the whole meal.

The next few days were filled with decorating his new room and Wukong showing Red Son around the mountain. After the first few days Wukong even let him explore on his own but always made sure that a few monkeys were with him at all times. Red Son felt like he could finally relax in those moments but that peace would never last long. Wukong never left him alone for long and they had to eat every meal together. Wukong told him that it was normal for families to eat every meal together and Red Son told him that his parents didn’t do that. Wukong sighed, “Well they're not your parents anymore are they?” This time Red Son did burst into tears and Wukong mentally kicked himself as he gathered his son in his arms and started to comfort him.

So when Red Son sat down for breakfast Wukong had told him that he would be gone for a while but to enjoy his breakfast and he would see him later Red Son had been confused but did what he was told. Honestly Wukong had been acting weird since yesterday, getting lost in thought more and more to the point that Red Son thought he was meditating for a moment before Wukong shook his thoughts away and continued their day. Red Son couldn’t leave because of the seal on the waterfall so he knew he couldn’t try to find a way to leave the island while he was gone. Then after a few moments he finished his breakfast and well… He was bored! He didn’t know what possessed him but he started to actually start looking for Wukong. Seeking him out but stopped when he turned a corner just in time to see Wukong opening a secret door in the hallway.

Wukong stepped into the passage that opened down to a large fleet of stairs that led deep into the mountain. After a minute Red Son hestatied before following the monkey down, curiosity taking over. It was a long way down and by the time Red Son made it to the bottom he was worried about how he was going to get back up but it was too late now. Wukong’s back was turned to him but Red Son could see him breaking a powerful seal that he created years ago. After the seal was broken Wukong stepped into a small room and Red Son peaked into it ready to bolt if it looked like Wukong was coming back. Then Red Son could see why Wukong was there.

On a small table there was what looked like a crown. It shimmered as Wukong lifted it into his hands and held it up to his face for a moment. Red Son looked at the thing in confusion and stepped closer to get a better look only for Wukong’s head to snap in his direction the second his foot touched the ground. Red froze like a deer in headlights. He was going to run even though he knew it wouldn’t help but before he did Wukong’s face softened and a gentle smile fell on his face. Red Son wasn’t used to being smiled at like that. His parents never really smiled much or at least not nice smiles. Smiles that showed teeth and full of cruelty as they fought battles and punished traitors. They never smiled cruelly at him of course but it seemed all their nice smiles were only for each other.

Wukong beckoned his son closer and Red Son hesitated before slowly walking towards him hoping that he wasn’t in trouble for spying. When Red Son stopped halfway as if that was close enough and Wukong gave him a look that made him quickly walk the rest of the way. After Red Son was close enough Wukong picked him up with one arm and actually handed him the golden band. It was surprisingly light and reminded him of the bands on his wrist and neck and the thought made him frown. “What’s this for?” Red Son asked nervously hoping it wasn’t for him but Wukong’s smile widened and it reminded him of a predator making him shiver.

“This is how I’m going to get you a second parent,” Red Son’s eyes widened and Wukong continued, “I’ve been thinking a lot about how to make this the best home for you and it occurred to me that you lost two parents so you deserve to get two better ones. So,” Wukong grabbed the fillet again and this time magic hummed in his hands as the golden fillet started to turn into a pretty purple, “I’m going to go get you a second father using this.”

Red Son felt his stomach drop at the words and wanted to ask him more questions but didn’t even know where to start. Soon the fillet was completely purple and glowing slightly then Wukong turned on his feet sharply and started to climb back up the stairs still carrying his son. After he closed the passage back up he walked outside and towards a group of monkeys that were playing and set Red Son down in front of them. “I’m going to go grab a surprise but I’m going to need you all to watch over my cub until I get back.” The monkeys all nodded in excitement and Red Son smiled awkwardly. Wukong says maybe one day he would be able to understand his subjects but for now he only had social cues to understand. The monkeys were always nice to him and would even give him presents like food and sometimes a shiny stone. He liked playing with the younger monkeys and they would cuddle with him when he was napping. They were one of the few comforts on the mountain and Red Son enjoyed their company.

Then Wukong led them all back to the waterfall and Red Son felt himself deflate as he realized that Wukong was going to make him stay in the cave while he was gone. Wukong kissed his forehead and ruffled his hair before he left on his cloud waving goodbye, “Don’t worry I’ll be back soon.” Red Son flinched at the words that reminded him of the last thing his mother said to him. Red Son watched him go with a sense of dread wondering who Wukong was going to get to be another parent for him as the monkeys around him waved back.

Wukong hated the idea of leaving his cub but knew his monkey’s would keep him safe and it had been centuries since anyone dared to intrude on his mountain. Not to mention that no one could enter or leave the waterfall without him. So he was confident that his son was safe. Wukong took a deep breath as he thought about what he was going to do next. Macaque. Wukong knew when Macaque had returned, he felt it the moment it happened. He didn’t know how Macaque had been able to return but he first felt confusion then relief. He regretted what he did to Macaque, the image of Macaque lying on the ground. His only eye glossy and lifeless staring up at the sky unseeing as the other side of his face was crushed in by his staff. That had haunted his nightmares for years, he did what he had to to protect his new brothers but he didn’t mean to take it so fair. When he felt Macaque return he wanted to run straight to him but stopped himself. He had killed Macaque and now had no right or reason to try and get him back. He had betrayed the love of his life and that would always be his biggest regret. He felt like it was punishment to know his Macaque was back but he couldn’t have him.

Then Wukong got himself a cub… That had changed things for him. Now memories of the past kept replaying in his mind, when a baby monkey was born the mother would present her new cub to Wukong and Macaque and each time Wukong would smile down at the baby and congratulate the mother promising her that he would do his best to protect her and her baby from danger. Then he would watch Macaque hold the baby close and was always so gentle. Wukong’s heart always melted as he watched Macaque coo at the infant and smile, calling them perfect. One time Wukong had asked him if he ever wanted to be a dad and Macaque had nodded saying he would love to be a father as long as Wukong was with him. Wukong’s tail didn’t stop wagging for the rest of the day and he lunged at Macaque for a kiss as a response. Now he had a cub but Macaque wasn’t there.

Then last night Wukong had a dream, he was holding Red Son as he walked down the beach watching the waves crash against the shore. Then out of nowhere Macaque had appeared right in front of them, Wukong had frozen but watched as Red Son lit up and reached out towards the darker monkey and Macaque had smiled so gently as he reached over and gathered Red Son close to his chest. Red Son had cuddled right into his shoulder and Macaque kissed the side of his head. It all felt so right and then Macaque had looked at him and stepped closer putting a hand on his cheek and leaned in for a kiss. Wukong still couldn’t move but felt his heart pounded as he closed his eyes right before their lips touched only to open them again to find himself in bed with crushing disappointment to find himself alone.

Red Son deserved to have a father as amazing as Macaque and Wukong was going to get his mate back! So now he was flying into the village, he may not have made contact with the other simian but he knew how to track him down. He flew down as his heart throbbed as he felt a familiar presence close by.

Macaque had finally gotten his own place and was still fixing it up but thoughts of opening his own dojo or maybe even a stage for his plays filled his mind. He still was plotting his revenge against the great sage equal to heaven but he could still have other goals. After returning from the dead and betraying the Lady Bone Demon he had wandered for a long time, he had felt so lost and alone and if he was being honest with himself he still was but then he found an abandoned building that happened to be in the village closest to Flower Fruit Mountain which was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

Macaque had been lost in thought when suddenly all his ears twitched. Someone had just entered the room with him and they were very good at masking their presence. Someone had to be very powerful to be able to hide from him but then the mask dropped and Macaque knew exactly who was behind him. Everything inside him tensed and it felt like all the air in the room evaporated but he still felt himself slowly turn to see Wukong himself only a few feet away from him. Macaque was too busy panicking to see Wukong’s expression full of remorse but also hopeful. Neither of them moved for about ten seconds just staring at each other before Wukong took a step forward about to speak but that was enough for Macaque to snap. In a split second he had a portal opened and was already rushing into it but screamed.

A hand gripped the back of his neck reaching into the portal and pulling him out. He was slammed into the ground and Macaque immediately started to claw, kick and snare trying to get away. He suddenly felt slight pressure on his head and the idea of Wukong crushing his skull with his bare hands was a very real possibility. He didn’t even realize that words were spilling out of his mouth until he was fully pinned down, overpowered by the monkey king that had his wrists pinned and was towering over him, “Please Wukong not again, please I can’t go through it again.” Macaque hated how tears streamed down his face as he begged but he didn’t want to die.

He ducked his head to the side trying to protect his damaged eye that was throbbing his other eye closed. He didn’t want to see the last blow coming like he did before. Watching the staff come down and feeling his face explode in pain before everything fell away. He knew he wasn’t going to get another chance. Then he felt something wet touch his cheek and he realized he wasn’t currently being maimed to death. He slowly looked up at Wukong and… Wukong was crying.

It shocked Macaque so badly that his mind was still processing as Wukong suddenly pulled up taking Macaque with him and pulled the smaller monkey right into his lap pinning him to his chest. Macaque was frozen as his head was pressed right over Wukong’s heart and he felt a warm hand brushed through his mane. Finally his mind caught up to the situation and he started to struggle trying to pull away but it did nothing against Wukong’s grip. Then he finally heard Wukong’s voice over his heartbeat, “Never again Moonlight, I promise I will never hurt you like that again.” Wukong was slowly rocking his body and was still softly grooming his mane and Macaque realized what he was doing.

In another life Macaque struggled controlling his hearing and would get overwhelmed all the time to the point that it would send him into a full blown breakdown. Macaque had at first tried to hide somewhere before he would start sobbing violently and grip his ears in pain trying to shut the world out. One day Wukong followed him and seeing his friend and crush writhing on the ground he immediately acted. He grabbed Macaque hands that were digging into his skull and when seeing Macaque sob harder at the noise he panicked and forced Macaque into his chest so that he could focus on one noise instead of all of it. Wukong had rocked him and held him close for a full hour before Macaque had been calmed down and even then they stayed like that for even longer. Macaque listened to his king’s heartbeat and Wukong groomed his mane and gently covered his three ears that weren’t against his chest.

After that Macaque had been worried that Wukong would treat him differently, thinking that he was weak for not being able to handle his own hearing but Wukong didn’t. He kept treating him like he always did but from then on when Macaque separated from everyone into an isolated area Wukong was right behind him to help him through it. Macaque quickly fell in love after that and Wukong had thought they were already a couple when Macaque had nervously asked him out.

Now those memories were tainted and instead of the action that once brought him peace it brought back the hot feeling of betrayal and yet.. His body didn’t seem to be listening to him and he couldn’t stop himself going limp in the man’s arms. He was still sobbing softly and he could feel Wukong nuzzling the top of his head as he chirped in comfort. It was overwhelming but Macaque was so tired. He hated Wukong but he hated himself more for missing him so much.

Wukong continued to whisper sweet nothings and Macaque continued to cry for what felt like hours but was probably a few minutes until finally Macaque quieted down and remained limp in Wukong’s arms. Wukong looked down at the other to see him asleep, Wukong sighed and leaned down to kiss his forehead before a fist collided into his face. Wukong’s grip disappeared for a split second as pain erupted in his jaw from the punch which was enough time for Macaque to get back on his feet and start running. Macaque summoned a portal into his shadow but it didn’t appear. He tried again but still nothing, then he heard Wukong start to mumble under his breath for a second before increasing pressure then pain crushed his skull. He screamed as his hands grabbed his head and his heart stopped when he felt cold metal tightening on his head. He collapsed to his knees as it got worse and barely connected the dots that Wukong had put the fillet on his head. That bastard!

The pain suddenly disappeared and Wukong was at his side helping him stand. Macaque snared and tried to pull away but Wukong grabbed his arm and pulled him closer so that he towered right over the shorter monkey. The glamor was gone and red eyes narrowed down at him and Macaque was back to the moments before he died. Fear spiked again but Macaque didn’t allow it to cross his face this time, “We both know that you don’t have your powers and that fillet makes it impossible for you to get far.”

Macaque glared knowing he was right, “What do you want?” Macaque asked softly, scared of the answer.

An excited smile spread across the king's face and his golden eyes returned, "We are going to raise a cub together."

What? “What! You have a cub?!” Macaque had expected a lot of reasons on why Wukong would come for him, the biggest one was to kill him, but raising a cub was not even on the list.

Wukong’s smile somehow widened, “I adopted him, he was once the cub of Demon Bull King and Princess Iron Fan.”

“What!?” The gossip of Wukong and DBK’s fight was everywhere, at one point he heard that it was Bull King and Iron Fan but Macaque had immediately known that wasn’t true because there was no way in hell they would both be that foolish. Macaque hadn’t been close with DBK but he was always kind enough but Princess Iron Fan and him were a lot closer to the point where Macaque saw her as maybe even a sworn sister. A small baby with red hair flashed in Macaque’s mind, he had visited her a couple days after the birth and Iron Fan immediately let him hold the Bull Family’s pride and joy. The baby was perfect of course, Iron Fan smiled saying this baby would be the perfect addition to the family. Macaque had smiled and held the child for hours letting both parents have a break and remembering how tightly the baby demon grabbed his finger just being a few days old. So when Maqacue had heard it was both parents that fought and lost he knew it couldn't be true. They wouldn't do that to their baby, would they?

Wukong could see the conflicting emotions crossing his Moonlight's face and his expression darkened with anger at the memory of finding Red Son alone, "They left him alone with a handful of bull clones."

Macaque’s heart dropped, sure clones were useful in battle but he wouldn’t trust them with a cub. Macaque didn’t want to believe it but he knew Wukong wasn’t lying. Red Son in his mind had been abandoned and of all people Wukong had stepped in. Fuck, this was bad, oh no this was so bad. Wukong had sealed the poor boy’s parents away and taken him home, the cub must have been terrified. As terrified as Macaque felt when Wukong suddenly picked him up bridal style and carried out of the building he thought was going to be his new home.

The nimbus cloud appeared and Macaque yelped as it immediately shot through the sky. Macaque had been on the cloud multiple times when Wukong would get bored and would make Macaque go with him to fly around the mountain. So Macaque was very familiar with the cloud but never had Wukong gone so fast with him on it. The wind was whipping around them so fast that it was painful. Macaque had planned to at least struggle on the way there but with how fast and high they were going Macaque would probably break his neck if he tried anything. A very small part of Macaque purred that Wukong was going so fast to get back to their cub but Macaque had immediately smothered that thought. Red Son was not Wukong’s or his cub!

In record time they reached the mountain and Macaque had to take a moment to take in his old home. It hadn’t changed after all these years, memories of his youth rushed him as Wukong lowered him onto the beach that they used to spend hours building sandcastles and swimming. Then the monkeys that weren’t babysitting all rushed forward seeing him and immediately started to climb on top of him. All of them were chirping and shrieking in excitement, Macaque had finally returned home, they had all missed him so much! Macaque blinked in confusion hearing this and glared at Wukong whose smile dropped at the look and he looked guilty away, Wukong couldn’t bring himself to tell them that he had killed Macaque instead he would change the subject everytime one of the monkeys tried to ask about him. Macaque continued glaring but his attention switched to the younger ones that he hadn’t meant before trotted up to him curiously and Macaque couldn’t stop himself from smiling at them softly which was enough for them to join the monkey pile.

Wukong sighed happily at the sight of Macaque reuniting with their subjects but it had to be interpreted due to the cub that was waiting for his return. He gently told the monkeys that they had to let Macaque up and when they all chirped in disappointment he reminded them that Macaque needed to meet their prince and that had them leaping off and jumping in excitement. Macaque was going to love the new prince! The warmth on Macaque’s face disappeared as he remembered why he was there and made his face blank as Wukong grabbed his hand and led him to the waterfall with the rest of the monkeys following behind. The fillet on his head was still keeping his powers locked away and he knew he couldn’t beat Wukong in this state so he followed without a fuss not wanting to upset the troop of monkeys around them. As they entered the waterfall the monkeys stayed outside knowing that it was a private family moment and Macaque had to bite his tongue to not correct them.

The group of monkeys that were watching the prince all lit up in excitement as the others but this time they were quiet. On the couch in the living room Red Son was in a nest of blankets sound asleep. Macaque hugged the monkeys before they quickly left even after Macaque had tried to get them to stay; now he was alone again with the king but this time with a small demon child. Macaque watched as Wukong approached the couch and softly shook the bull prince awake. The cub-demon child slowly opened his eyes before jolting up seeing Wukong in front of him. Wukong chirped softly “Hey bud, I’m back,” and helped the boy escape the blankets before gathering him up in his arms. Red Son mumbled still trying to wake up before tensing seeing another celestial monkey in the room. The boy quickly ducked his head into Wukong’s shoulder trying to look small, “Red this is Macaque, he is going to also be your father.”

Red Son glanced at the dark haired monkey to see his face was cold and seemed to be mad though Wukong was smiling like he wasn’t, looking down at him expectantly so Red Son gave a quick wave before looking away again. “He’s a little shy.” Wukong told Macaque which made Macaque narrow his eyes in warning before Wukong caught them both off guard when he suddenly set Red Son down. Red Son’s eyes widened and he actually tried to cling to the monkey king, “W-wukong?”

Wukong smiled softly down at the boy in comfort but looked back up at Macaque as he pushed Red Son forward towards him then actually stepped away giving the two space. Red Son had no idea what was happening but Macaque did, he was trying to get Macaque to accept the boy as his cub but that was not going to happen. Then Macaque made the mistake of actually looking at the boy since he got there.

Red Son looked like he was going to have a panic attack glancing back at Wukong multiple times as the other monkey was glaring down at him and still hasn’t spoken a word. Did Red Son do something wrong to make the adult so mad at him? He hated how he wished Wukong would pick him back up and cuddle him, telling him he was loved and wanted but Wukong had his arms crossed and just watching. He felt as helpless as he did when Wukong had kidnapped him and took him away from home and the stranger was still glaring down at him. Red Son couldn’t stop his lip from trembling as he stared up trying to understand what to do. Then Macaque sighed in frustration and Red Son was once again scooped off the ground but not by Wukong.

Macaque really did hate himself sometimes, seeing the cub look so scared was killing him but not only that but the child’s hair was all tangled and wild from sleeping on the couch and Macaque’s instincts screamed at him to groom the knots out and comfort his cub. The cub needed him and he couldn’t let Wukong try to raise a cub by himself. He also noticed the bands that sealed the cub’s fire away and stopped himself from snaring at Wukong knowing it would probably cause the already frightened child to run. Macaque was able to fight himself for a solid minute before he had Red Son in his arms and started to groom the red hair gently. Chirping in comfort at the startled child, “It’s going to be okay I promise,” Macaque whispered to his cub and kissed his forehead gently.

Wukong’s eyes sparkled as he watched his mate except Red Son as his cub and his heart soared. He started to step towards them and rolled his eyes when Macaque bared his teeth at him and pulled their cub closer. Wukong ignored this and instead pulled the two close into a bear hug with his tail wagging like crazy. Macaque tried not to bask in the warmth of the hug and was repeating in his head that Wukong could not be trusted. Red Son was limp in Macaque’s arms because now there was two of them. Wukong nuzzled Macaque’s head but didn’t go for a kiss knowing that was too soon and he would probably get bit but it was just a matter of time before his dream came true. They were going to be the perfect family.

Chapter Text

Nezha knew the moment he laid eyes on the Monkey King that he was going to lose. Nezha had fought the king only once when he first started to cause trouble in heaven and the Jade Emperor sent him down to retrieve the monkey. When he first met Sun Wukong he vividly remembered him saying “You are just a child, why did they send you to fight me?” He said the question with such anger that it made Nezha pause for a second and feel surprisingly small. Nezha felt heat rush into his cheeks and his pride flared up. “I am not a child!” Nezha knew he would always look to be 12 years old but now he was the third lotus prince and was a warrior of heaven. He wasn’t a child!

Then Nezha began to throw everything he had, using all his weapons and even going into his strongest state that had three heads and multiple arms. It did nothing. Everything he did didn’t even seem to faze the Monkey King. He was too fast, too strong and far too powerful for Nezha to even get a good hit on him. Nezha hadn’t felt so weak in years and the worst part was how obvious the king was holding back. It was like the monkey thought he was fragile and that just made him more enraged. But soon the king decided to end the fight and began to duplicate himself in order to subdue the eternal 12 year old. With one good strong strike from the golden staff Nezha was sent plummeting to the ground. It hurt, it hurt a lot as his back bounced off the unforgiving ground and then the monkey was in front of him in seconds. Nezha tried to grab his spear but it was kicked away before he was even close to touching it. Wukong stood above him as he tried to get up but his arms simply trembled with exhaustion in response. Nezha went limp and stared up at the thief waiting for the next blow knowing he had lost before the king’s face somewhat softened. Surprisingly the king backed off and he sighed as he watched Nezha shakily stand up after a moment.

Nezha knew he had been beaten and would return to heaven in defeat like the mighty spirit god. But just as he started to leave, Wukong stepped towards him, reaching out like he was going to grab him, making Nezha flinch violently, causing Wukong to stop. Seeing this Nezha took off before Wukong could do anything else. Wukong clenched his fist as he watched the boy flee, feeling the anger simmering in his gut. Heaven had sent a child to fight him!

After that they only ran into each other a couple times and at first Nezha would be tense and ready for the attack that would never come. Instead Wukong seemed to do everything in his power to show him he meant him no harm. Nezha would even banter with him from time to time but never fully trusted the king.. No he ruined any chance of that a long time ago.

Now Nezha had a feeling he was going to fight the king again but this time he felt more prepared. He was stronger and a lot faster then he was all those years ago and he was going to win this time. When Nezha first learned of the bull couples sealing he immediately went to find their child. He had been there when the salamhi fire was unforged and he was entrusted with one ring and the very map that could find the rest. Only to find more than a dozen bull clones torn into shreds and knew that Sun Wukong was responsible. He rushed to heaven and reported that Wukong had Red Son and thought that would make everyone worry. He was told that Wukong had claimed the child as his own and Nezha felt sympathy for the poor boy. He was probably terrified and Nezha didn’t trust Wukong to actually raise the kid.

Nezha expected the heavenly court to send him to Flower Fruit Mountain and get the child away from the king but no orders were made. Two weeks later of waiting and constantly asking what was to be done only to get no answers Nezha had had enough. He was about to go to the Jade Emperor himself if he had to, but then his mentor, Erlang Shen, summoned him. Nezha felt relief knowing finally something was going to be done, “No one is allowed to interfere with Wukong’s business.”

Nezha slowly blinked hoping he heard wrong but the solemn look on his face told him it wasn’t, “Why?” Nezha said with gritted teeth trying to control his anger.

“Wukong was an oath brother with the Bull King even if they were enemies in the end. The boy has no other family from the looks of it and-”

“Tell me the truth!” Nezha yelled, he felt like he already knew why but he wanted to hear it for himself.

Erlang’s face saddened but he sighed, “The heavenly court doesn’t want to risk its armies for a hybrid of a demon king and a traitor.”

Nezha clenched his fists before he turned on his heel and left the room, Erlang called after him trying to get him to stay but Nezha didn’t look back. The last thing Erlang said to him before he teleported away was, “Please Nezha don’t do anything foolish.”

Nezha knew what he was doing was foolish but he had to do something. He was the third lotus prince, the protector of children for buddha’s sake! He couldn’t leave a child in the clutches of Sun Wukong even if heaven had ordered him too. Nezha thought back to when he first saw the child and couldn’t help but compare his own past to the situation. A child born with too much destructive power that was too hard to control. The Qiankun Ring on Nezha’s neck was a reminder of how he had lost control. Still after all his mistakes and even his death he had been given a title and responsibility in heaven.

Now he was risking everything for a child he had only seen once but didn’t even second guess himself. Once he got Red Son he was sure Guanyin, goddess of mercy would take him in. Nezha could see Flower Fruit Mountain approaching and stopped, he had to be fast as possible the sooner he got Red Son and left the better. Nezha mentally prepared himself before he landed and the minute his foot touched the sand he was slammed into the ground.

Wukong could feel Nezha's presence approaching from miles away. He was in the middle of grooming Red Son's hair but now he was quickly carrying the boy into his bedroom and calling for Macaque. Macaque rushed into the room knowing from Wukong's tone of voice that something was wrong. Red Son was looking up at him in confusion but Wukong didn't have much time to ease his worries. He handed the boy to Macaque and the dark haired monkey quickly tucked the child's head into his neck holding him protectively. Wukong could see his ears flickering trying to hear what was making Wukong worried.

"I feel Nezha approaching." Macaque's eyes widened at this, he remembered when Nezha and Wukong had fought the first time. How angry Wukong had been that they sent a child to fight him and how said child was a soldier for heaven. Macaque also remembers how sad they both got when Wukong had asked him to find out why Nezha was a warrior for heaven. A child shouldn't have to sacrifice their life by their own hands to save countless lives. Heaven didn't step in when the dragons threatened to drown hundreds of people just because a child had to defend themselves against a dragon prince. Macaque and Red Son bunkered down in the room but Macaque knew that Nezha didn’t stand a chance.

After Wukong left, Red Son stared up at him with big eyes, “What’s going on?”

Macaque sighed and seeing Red’s hair only half way done he began to groom the rest of it, “I think we are going to get a new family member.”

After learning about Nezha’s past Wukong always wished he could take the child away from heaven that stood by and after the deed had been done resurrected him and forced him to become a child soldier forever. Now said child soldier was at his doorstep and Wukong knew he was looking for a fight. It was a surprise but a welcomed one. It’s only been a week since Macaque had joined the family but he had already complained about Red Son being isolated. Wukong protested saying he had them and the monkeys so he was not isolated but Macaque told him he needed to have interaction with other children. In the end Wukong had changed the subject before it could lead into a fight but now it seemed the universe had given them a solution.

Wukong knew heaven’s court wouldn’t pick a fight with him over Red Son so that meant that Nezha had gone rogue to be there. Which worked out perfectly for him, heaven had a thing about disobeying orders and he had a feeling they wouldn’t be to please with the third lotus prince. Wukong knew that Nezha was going to be a great older brother, he was going to be the perfect addition to their little family.

Pinning Nezha to the ground had been easy but having to deal with Nezha’s fire had been annoying. Not to mention the spear almost plunged into his neck but Wukong grabbed it in time and threw it out of Nezha’s reach. Nezha got a few punches in but Wukong tore a few strands of his hair out and clones were quick to pin down his arms and legs. Nezha thrashed but it did nothing against the grip of the clones. Wukong sighed as he watched Nezha panic and stood up to stand over him for a moment before crouching down and started to run a hand through his hair.

Nezha froze and stared at Wukong in bewilderment, he felt ashamed that he was beaten so quickly even after years of training but he knew if he lost Wukong was probably going to break every bone in his body. That didn’t happen, sure he was pinned down but it didn’t hurt and now he was it seemed like Wukong was trying to comfort him, “What’s your game Wukong?” Nezha growled.

Wukong smiled sadly down at him in response. “I’m not playing a game Nezha, you really should calm down, I'm not going to hurt you.”

“You do realize why I’m here right?”

“Take Red Son away from me, yeah I know. I also know that you didn’t get permission to come here and I have a feeling that’s not going to go well.” Nezha winced at that but then Wukong chirped at him to keep him calm.

Nezha’s eyes widened at the chirp but Wukong continued, “You really didn’t need to worry about Red Son. I might be new to this father thing but I think I'm doing a good job, you'll see.”

“What are you talking about?” Nezha started to get frustrated and tried to the clones off him again.

“You are going to be joining our family Nezha,” Wukong beamed at him as if what he was saying wasn’t completely insane.

“What!? Enough! Don’t try to trick me!” Nezha jerked his head away from Wukong’s hand but Wukong followed him and continued to brush his fingers through it.

“It’s not a trick Nezha, I promise you are going to be taken care of by parents that will actually protect you. You deserve a loving family and I know you are going to be an amazing big brother.” Nezha froze at the words not knowing what to say.

“But first I need to make a few adjustments,” Wukong stopped grooming Nezha’s head and used both hands to grab the ring around his neck. Nezha felt ice shot through his veins as he felt Wukong’s magic start surrounding the Qiankun Ring and felt it start to change. No no no no no!

At first Nezha had demanded for Wukong to stop but of course that didn’t work so he started to try and bargain which turned into begging when he felt the power shift in the ring to obey Wukong. It took almost an hour for the ring to fully be under Wukong’s control now and he immediately sealed all of Nezha’s powers away, this includes his glamors.

Nezha gasped as he felt his glamors disappear, shrinking down to a child again, the clones puffed away seeing Nezha was no longer a threat to himself. Nezha sat up on the ground staring at his hands that were again twelve years old again. Nezha had spent too much time and energy on his glamors so that people would take him seriously and see he wasn’t the same demon child he was in his past life. Now all that hard work was gone and Nezha realized that the reputation he had built was going to be ruined now.

To his horror tears of frustration began to build in his eyes. He covered his face in shame and tried to turn away but Wukong softly grabbed his wrists and pulled them away. He knew that it must be overwhelming but this really was the best for Nezha. He picked up Nezha but was surprised when Nezha actually started to punch and kick him with tears still running down his cheeks. Wukong continued to chirp down at him expecting this but then Nezha started to swear at him like a sailor. “I will never be apart of your family you sick fuc-”

“That’s enough Nezha.” The sharp tone made Nezha freeze and he stared up at Wukong to be pinned by red glowing eyes. Wukong frowned slightly but the rest of his face was blank of emotions. Nezha realized that he was walking on very thin ice and a big part of him didn’t care but his rational side told him to think. Wukong was probably taking him to Red Son right now and he could finally check in on the poor kid. Sure, him losing his powers and Wukong having control of the Qiankun Ring was very bad but he wasn’t going to be there for long. Wukong was still glaring down at him so he swallowed down his fear and anger, “I’m sorry Wukong, but you know heaven will come for me, right?”

Wukong’s face quickly softened at the apology but then he chuckled, “I don’t think we need to worry about heaven.” Nezha’s face turned worried but they had reached the waterfall. Macaque was already waiting for them and Red Son was behind him trying to get a look at the supposed new family member. Again Wukong put his new cub in front of his mate and this time Macaque stared down sadly at the prince who was quickly trying to wipe his tears away. Another prisoner on the island that Wukong deemed as family but again another part of Macaque, that part he hated purred at that chance to have another cub. A cub who has been through so much more than any child should ever have to go through. Him and his mate were saving him from an eternity of being heaven’s weapon.

Nezha’s eyes widened in horror upon seeing the other celestial monkey and could see the fillet on his head. What had Wukong done? Why on earth was Macaque here? Parents, Wukong had said he would be taken care of by the plural word parents. Then Macaque picked him up and started to comfort him like he was a cub, oh no.

Wukong purred and reached behind his mate to grab his first cub, “Red Son this is your new big brother, Nezha.” Red Son couldn’t believe another child was going to be a part of the family. Red Son was younger than the other boy but he had always wanted an older sibling. Red Son smiled nervously and Nezha glared up at Macaque and Wukong but looked back at the child and smiled back.

“It’s nice to meet you, Red Son.” Red Son's smile widened and he was actually excited.

“Nice to meet you Nezha!” Nezha's smile turned real at seeing this but he frowned again at the coo from both monkeys at the sight. This was going to be an annoying couple of days.

Guanyin the goddess of mercy was trying to vouch for Nezha but the heavenly court and the Jade Emperor both deemed that Nezha had broken a direct order. Everyone knew that Nezha had gone to the mountain and hadn’t come back but he hadn’t been killed. So everyone assumed that he was being held prisoner and everyone agreed to leave Nezha to his fate he had made for himself as punishment. Guanyin and a few others including Erlang tried to get them to reconsider but they didn’t want to start a war with the king and Nezha was going to be the perfect example to not go rogue.

Guanyin did however convince the Emperor that if she convinced Sun Wukong to release Nezha he was allowed to return to his post. She had decided to go alone not wanting to cause any misunderstandings. She softly landed on the beach and was immediately greeted by the monkey king who nodded in respect upon seeing her. Guanyin nodded back and smiled at the king. She knew that Wukong had become a better person after the journey with the Great Monk and she was sure she could get the monkey to forgive Nezha. She was unsure about having Wukong raise the bull child but she also knew that he was going to be the best father he could be. “I’m glad to see you again Guanyin but I know this isn’t a friendly visit.”

“Wukong I know that Nezha trespassed on your territory but I ask you to forgive him and allow him to return to heaven with me.” she asked softly.

Wukong smiled, “So, heaven really isn’t going to try and get him back themselves huh?”

Guanyin sighed, “They want to use him as an example to not disobey orders.”

“Probably doesn’t help that he is a demon child.” Guanyin didn’t respond and that was enough.

“Guanyin, do you know how demon adoption works?” Guanyin blinks in confusion but shakes her head lightly, “When a child is up for adoption the parents are usually dead so the closest family members will take the child in. Rarely and is looked down upon but it does happen when a stronger demon kills the parents they will take the child to raise as their own. I pretty much did this but without fully killing the child’s parents. There are other ways of it happening but another is for a demon to adopt a child is if the child runs away from home. If the parents can’t keep track of their own cub and keep them safe then another demon can step in and take the child for themselves.” Guanyin started to understand why Wukong was telling her this.

“Nezha is just a child, a child who has run away from heaven and ran right into my territory so I had every right to take him. I really had no choice but to make him my cub along with Red Son. So don’t worry, I have forgiven Nezha and he is in good hands.” After that Guanyin had still tried to get Wukong to reconsider but it was hopeless. After a while Guanyin left empty handed but Wukong had told her she was welcome back anytime as long as she respected that Nezha was now his.

As she flew away Nezha saw her and tried to call out to her but she didn’t hear him. Why was she here? Why was she leaving? When was heaven going to get him back home? But then Wukong walked up to the tree he was in and climbed up after him. He pulled Nezha into a hug knowing he was going to be upset but he had to get Nezha to understand that this was his home now. He told Nezha the truth, that heaven had abandoned him and Guanyin tried to get him back but Wukong told her no and she was not going to try again. That Nezha was now an example to heaven and nothing more. Nezha had tried to deny it and called him a liar but now Guanyin had fully disappeared and deep down Nezha knew he was telling the truth. Tears returned as Nezha realized that no one was coming for him. Wukong felt the tears in his fur and started to chirp and undid the ribbons in Nezha’s hair and started to groom it. Nezha told himself that just this once he would allow himself to be comforted by Wukong. He really did need the hug.

Chapter Text

To say that Nezha and Wukong's relationship was tense would be an understatement. With Red Son he was used to routine so it did take time and patience for him to adjust but once he got his new one done he seemed to do better. This was not the case for Nezha. Nezha fought against everything that Wukong and even Macaque tried to do. Nezha would refuse to eat unless it was in his room. When Red had tried the same thing but Wukong made it clear that it wouldn’t be allowed and he did the same for Nezha. So when Nezha stood from his seat and Wukong flashed a look of warning it made Nezha pause. Macaque looked between them then gestured to Nezha with his eyes to sit back down but was surprised when a look of defiance passed over the boy’s face. Red Son shrinked into his seat as Nezha turned on his heel and started to walk down the hallway.

A second later Nezha felt the back of his shirt get lifted and he was lifted from the ground. Nezha thrashed and his legs kicked uselessly in the air before he was dropped back into his chair. Wukong ripped a piece of his hair out and made a new chair to sit right next to Nezha to keep him in his chair. By now Macaque had also stood from his seat, “Wukong!”

Wukong’s eyes snapped to his mate before calmly saying, “He needs to eat Macaque and we eat meals together as a family.” Macaque knew that nothing he said would change Nezha’s mind and he also knew he needed to pick and choose which battles to fight. Macaque glanced at his older cub and again his instincts fought against him telling him that the cub did need to eat and he liked that they ate together. A cub should listen to their parents. Macaque shook the idea away before he had to face that part of himself.

He then looked at Red Son and saw that he had finished, Red Son learned to eat fast so that he would go outside sooner and Macaque smiled at him gently, “You can go play now Red but it will be a minute before you can go outside.”

Red Son looked back at Nezha and Wukong then to Macaque before he slowly nodded and did as he was told. Wukong ruffled his hair as he passed to show he was not mad at him before returning his attention to his disobedient cub. It took an hour of Wukong and Macaque coaxing Nezha to eat and keeping him in his seat until finally half the food was gone and Nezha said he wasn’t hungry. Wukong let him leave and slumped in defeat after the boy stomped out of the room to find Red Son. He looked at Macaque for answers, “He needs more time Wukong.” Wukong nodded in agreement but he had to admit that he just wanted him to accept it now.

This was just one example of the many fights Nezha had, Wukong always won of course but it was a slow and painful process. Wukong was suddenly glad he learned how to be less impulsive and more patient because Nezha was really testing him. Then Nezha had asked for his weapons back. Wukong couldn’t stop the chuckle that left him as he told him that wasn’t happening. Nezha quickly started to make demands and started to cuss Wukong out before Wukong picked him up and locked him in his room.

Nezha demanded his weapons back everyday for the next week and each time he was told no, “Can I at least have my Armillary Scarf back?” He loved his red ribbon.

“I said no Nezha now drop it.” It was a warning again but this time Nezha looked down and nodded before walking away and Wukong suddenly felt bad. Damnit.

Nezha looked back to make sure Wukong didn’t follow him before he walked to the group of baby monkeys and Red Son were playing. After Nezha was forced into the family, he and Red Son had gotten pretty close. Red Son even started to call him Big Brother and Nezha didn’t have the heart to tell him to stop, not that he really wanted him too. But each time Red said it it made Wukong smile as if to say I told you so.

“Red I need your help,” Red Son smiled at him, always ready to be useful. If he was useful and helpful then they wouldn’t leave him alone. Wukong and Maqacue were working on that.

Nezha felt bad for asking him this but he needed to get his weapons back if they had any hope of getting off this island, “I need you to distract Wukong for at least an hour.”

Red Son’s face dropped and he felt his heart dropped at the request. Nezha saw the look of dread cross the boy’s face and he put his hand on his shoulder, “I know what I’m asking is a lot but I promise it’s important.”

“Is this about getting your weapons?” Nezha nodded and Red frowned, maybe if he helped Nezha get his weapons in secret that all the fighting would stop. Plus after the first day Nezha was there he had made a promise to Red Son. That he was going to do everything in his power to get him back home and he was sure those weapons would help.

Red Son nodded but the frown was still there not liking this new plan but this was the first time Nezha had asked him for anything, he couldn’t let him down. “What should I do?” Nezha sighed at the question but he knew what would work.

Red Son walked towards the pair of celestial monkeys that were speaking quietly to each other, both looked up as their cub approached to see that it looked like Red Son was close to tears. Both immediately started to walk towards him, “What’s wrong bud?” Wukong asked, kneeling in front of the boy.

Red Son let the tears fall after making himself cry by thinking about his real parents before asking in a weak voice, “Do you both really love me?” Macaque and Wukong looked at the boy for a second in confusion before he was scooped up into Wukong’s arms and Macaque started to run his fingers through his red hair, both saying comforting words and promising to always love him and of course they do. Yeah they would be smothering Red Son with love for a long while.

As this was happening Nezha was making his way to Wukong’s relic room, this had to be the place where Wukong stashed his weapons. Both Nezha and Red Son were told to never go into the room but Nezha didn’t hesitate to open the door and was greeted to the sight of a large room with mountains of what looked like junk. Was Wukong a hoarder? This just got a lot harder.

Nezha dug through mountains of relics that didn’t seem to do anything but was still careful with each one. It was slowing him down but he knew better than to open or break anything in the Great Sage’s relic room. A spark of red caught his eye and he lunged, his red scarf reacted the moment he touched it, floating up and hovering above his neck and wrapping around his upper arms once. He had missed his scarf more than he thought was possible and was so happy to have it back. A lot of time had passed by now so he would have to do with just one item for now but he would be back. He made his way to the door about to push it open but right before he touched the door it suddenly opened.

Nezha froze and slowly looked up to see Wukong’s expression and his mind flashed back to when Wukong had escaped the furnace and started to attack everyone. The king was pissed and Nezha knew that he was in so much trouble. “Give me the scarf.” Wukong practically growled.

Nezha felt his legs trembling but his pride made his mouth open, “No it’s mine.”

Wukong breathed through his nose before responding, trying to keep his cool, “Either you hand it over now or I take it by force. Don’t make things worse for yourself.”

This was a way out for him but Nezha couldn’t bring himself to back down and him finally saying no to the monkey awoke something in him, “I already said no! No to you taking my scarf! No to taking me! And no to ever being your son!”

Nezha breathed heavily after his outburst and both just stared at each other for what felt like hours before Wukong stepped towards him making Nezha flinch. At first letting his anger out felt good but now all he felt was regret. “Fine, by force then.” Wukong grabbed Nezha by the front of his shirt while also grabbing the scarf that shrunk away from his hand but he still got a hold of it. Panic shot through Nezha as he was lifted on the ground and before he realized what he was doing he grabbed Wukong’s arm and bent his head down, his teeth sinked into flesh and he tasted blood.

Wukong yelped as pain erupted from his wrist, he paused to stop himself from launching his cub across the room instead he shook the child off causing the boy to stagger a couple feet away. Nezha wiped the blood off his chin and collapsed on the ground, his legs finally giving out. “You bit me.” Wukong said with disbelief as he stared down at his arm.

“You bit me.” he repeated as he looked down at the child on the floor. Nezha shook his head, no, there was no way he was foolish enough to bite the monkey king but one look at the king’s wrist and the iron taste in his mouth proved it.

Wukong’s eyes darkened more and more and the golden hue was long gone. Then his face became blank before his lips stretched into a smile which was ten times worse than before. Nezha felt his heart race as the king started to chuckle, “Okay Nezha, if you want your scarf so bad. You can have it.” Wukong lunged.

Macaque gasped as a terrified scream was quickly cut off. The sound of his distressed cub sent him running as he told Red Son to go to his room. He was just comforting his son with Wukong when he suddenly said he had to go and left. Macaque got a bad feeling but didn’t see the look of panic cross Red Son’s face. Now he could hear Red Son crying as he ran in the direction he heard the scream but he would have to comfort his poor cub but it had to be later. Nezha needed him.

The dark haired monkey burst into the relic room expecting the worst but paused at the sight before him. In front of him was Wukong tying their oldest cub up with his scarf wrapping him up tightly in the red fabric. He was wrapped from his feet to his mouth so his screams came out muffled and Wukong tied the end of the scarf to a random spear so that he dangled from the ground. This was done in the matter of seconds that Nezha could barely keep up, realizing just how fast the Great Sage was. Macaque swallowed at the crazed expression on his mate’s face as Wukong glared down at the poor cub.

Macaque scanned both in the room and saw the nasty bite on Wukong’s arm and quickly connected the dots. Nezha looked terrified but was surprisingly unharmed which was good but the king was still fuming. Macaque slowly walked towards them and Nezha snapped his head in his direction, eyes pleading and Macaque tried to convey in his expression that everything was going to be okay. He reached the king who hadn’t taken his eyes off the rebellious cub but then he felt a hand on his cheek slowly turning his head. His eyes ment his mate’s and in a second the anger was quelled. Macaque stepped closer and placed a soft kiss on Wukong’s lips, centuries ago he would do this to calm Wukong down and distract him from what was working him up. Now he had to do it again to keep his cubs safe, he didn’t think that Wukong would really hurt any of them but the scar on his eye reminded him that Wukong was capable of anything.

Wukong’s eyes widened in surprise at the kiss and pressed his face closer into the hand holding him. Peace entered Wukong’s mind as he felt like he was reconnecting with his mate and sweet memories replayed in his mind. Then Macaque stepped away and the spell was broken, Wukong’s eyes snapped back to Nezha and his heart froze. A steady stream of tears were dripping down his face and he was softly sobbing to the soft fabric. Macaque was now fussing over their distressed cub and guilt slapped Wukong across the face. Macaque was quick in untying his cub and Nezha immediately dove into his arms and wrapped his arms around his neck hiding his face into Macaque’s neck. Macaque froze in surprise for a split second before he wrapped his arms tightly around the boy and stood up as he started to softly rock him in his arms. “Shhhh it’s okay Nezha I’m here. I promise everything is going to be okay.” Macaque glanced at Wukong who stood there frozen unsure of what to do, “Red Son is crying in his room worried sick, go tell him everything is okay and that you’re not mad at him. I can take care of things here.” Wukong stared at Nezha for a moment before nodding and making his way out of the room.

It took hours for Nezha to fully calm down and Macaque not once stopped comforting him and chirped at him softly. “I’m sorry Macaque, I'm such an idiot.”

Macaque shook his head, “No, I’m sorry I should have protected you better.”

“He- he didn’t actually hurt me.” Nezha said, still confused. He bit him and Wukong didn’t respond with violence in kind. Sure he did get tied up but it was actually not that tight and Wukong didn’t break every bone in his body like he thought he would.

Macaque cupped the boy’s face softly, “What he did was not okay Nezha.” Macaque stared down at him making sure he understood and after Nezha nodded he sighed, “But I need you to be more careful. You have to trust me Nezha, I promise that I am going to get you and Red Son your freedom back but you have to leave the fight to me okay?”

Nezha let out a shaky breath as he took in the words, god he was so tired. He didn’t want to give up but he couldn’t keep doing this. Maybe it was time to let himself trust someone to take care of him, to protect him. “Okay.” It felt like he was waving a white flag but the relief and exhaustion after was crushing. Nezha curled back into Macaque and let himself be held before he finally let himself fall asleep.

Macaque carried Nezha to Red Son’s room and the look of relief on Red’s face he knew he made the right call. It looked like Wukong had just finished grooming Red Son again and Macaque set Nezha down on his bed and tucked both of his cubs into bed. They both need a nap after everything that has happened. After a minute Red Son also fell asleep and both parents stared down at them for a moment watching them sleep before Macaque grabbed Wukong’s arm and led him out of the room.

He took him to the kitchen and grabbed bandages and disinfectant, they were both quiet as Macaque cleaned the bite mark and wrapped it up. When the job was done Macaque let go of his arm and sighed before glaring at the stupid sage. Wukong nodded in agreement, neither of them needing to say a word to understand the other.

“I’ll apologize to Nezha once they wake up,” Wukong said softly but Macaque shook his head.

“Wukong, you told me that we were going to raise Nezha better than his previous parents not to be his new wardens.” Wukong flinched at that knowing he was right but he had his reasons.

“Nezha still hasn’t accepted us as his parents or being in this family. It’s not a good idea to give him his weapons or power back.”

Macaque’s eyes softened before he slowly reached out and grabbed Wukong’s hand and stared down at the wound on his wrist, “Well with how things are going now he never will. Something needs to change.” Wukong squeezed his mate’s hand then he nodded. Something did need to change.

After Nezha and Red Son woke up they all had lunch but no one really talked. It wasn’t exactly uncomfortable, more that everyone was still emotionally exhausted and just didn’t feel like talking. After Wukong softly asked Nezha to follow him and after Macaque nodded his okay, Nezha did as he was told. Red Son watched them go with worry but Macaque was quick to comfort him letting him know what Wukong was going to tell Nezha. Red Son smiled as he heard what Wukong planned and he knew that the fighting was going to happen a lot less frequently.

Wukong led Nezha outside and to the beach before sitting down in front of the water. Nezha hesitated before sitting down next to him. “I’m sorry that I scared you so badly, Nezha,” Wukong apologized as he looked at his cub. Nezha was surprised by the apology but it was a welcomed one. He had to be more careful like Macaque said and he knew he had to be better at talking with Wukong.

“I’m sorry I bit you,” Nezha looked down in shame not really knowing what got into him but he was pulled into a side hug and Wukong returned his gaze to the sea. “I am going to give you back your scarf and I am going to start training you so that you can get stronger.”

“Really!?” Nezha gasped, making Wukong smile.

“Yes but you are not getting any other weapons back and you are never going to go back into the relic room understand?” Nezha quickly nodded and Wukong chuckled but this time the laugh was filled with warmth and kindness. “Yep you’ll get it back after three months because you're grounded.”

“What?!” Nezha asked in surprise.

“You bit me! You also asked Red Son to be a part of your scheme and you went into a room you weren’t allowed to and you know, you bit me.” Nezha groaned in disappointment but Wukong was surprised when he nodded.

“Okay Wukong I understand.” Wukong hugged him tighter and his smile widened. Macaque was right, this was going to change things for the better.

Chapter Text

Red Son couldn’t sleep, it has been exactly one year since his real parents were taken away from him. The date brought back a lot of painful memories which lead to a lot of guilty thoughts. It started with him getting kidnapped and because he was too weak it led to Macaque getting forced to be his other parent and Nezha trying to save him leading him to also being forced into the family. The worst part is that Red Son was happy he wasn’t alone, he liked having Macaque and Nezha there and that made him an even worse person. But the real worst part, the thing that really ate him up inside was that sometimes in rare moments did he see Wukong and Macaque as his real parents and Nezha as his real brother. He sometimes forgot about his old life and enjoyed the new one he was forced in. Of course the memories and fears would always return and a part of him hated when it did.

His new life was not as lonely as his old one. Tears filled the cub’s eyes as the thought passed through his head. He rolled over in his bed and pressed his face into the pillow to quiet his crying. The thought was true though, Demon Bull King and Princess Iron Fan loved their son but didn’t spend a lot of time with him. They were busy running an emperor and trying to take over the world. It took a lot of their time and when they did have some free time they wanted to spend it with each other. They would check on their son’s progress in training and his studies and would tell him how he had to bring his family honor but that was about it. Wukong always made sure that Red Son was never lonely. Surrounded by his new family and the monkeys and getting a hug everyday was still new to him but slowly he had started to enjoy the attention.

He loved his new family and they loved him but it wasn’t really a family. He had to remind himself that they were there because of him. It was all his fault- Red Son’s thoughts were cut off when he heard his door knob start to turn. He held his breath as the door opened, “Red Son,” Wukong said softly as he stepped into the room.

Red felt his chest tighten but sat up in bed knowing there was no point in pretending to be asleep. Wukong, seeing his son’s eyes red from crying, quickly made his way to him and sat on the edge of the bed next to him and combed a hand through his hair, “What’s wrong bud? Did you have a nightmare?” Red Son shook his head before he got out of the covers and threw himself into the monkey king’s arms. “Hey, hey it’s okay you're okay.” Wukong held his crying son close as he cried while softly giving him words of comfort. After a few minutes of this Red Son calmed down and stopped crying now only sniffling softly.

“It’s been a year,” Red mumbled and Wukong sighed softly trying to think of what to say but Red Son continued, “And, and I don’t miss them as much as I used to.” Wukong’s eyes widened and he fought away a smile at the words as Red Son pulled away. Now Red Son stared down at his hands in guilt. “I also like having Macaque and Nezha around… But it’s my fault that they're here and I…” Red Son trailed off unable to continue but then he felt a hand under his chin slowly raise his head up to look back at his father.

“I am so proud to be your father Red Son and I know that Macaque feels that same. Nezha adores you and I think it’s time you knew why I did what I did to have this family.” Red Son looked at him confused but Wukong pulled him into his lap and started to tell him a story. A story of two young monkeys that were in love and made a promise to raise a cub together one day. Only for one monkey to betray the other and years later got the perfect cub they always wanted. Remembering the promise the no longer lonely monkey got the other back so they could be parents like they always wanted. Because promises should always be kept. Then Wukong told him a story of a young demon child who had to fight for his life at a young age. A child who was alone and hurt who had to sacrifice himself in order to save lives and was brought back. But instead of the child being protected after his trauma the child was made into a soldier for heaven and had to fight demons that were stronger than him. Then the hurt child ran away from heaven and ran right to the monkey and the monkey had always wanted to take him in and did just that.

Red Son had cried at some parts of the long story but listened intently and after it was finished Wukong smiled at him. “Yes Red our family may have started with just us but I got Macaque and Nezha not only for you but to also keep my promise to your other father and to protect your brother like he deserves to be. Do you understand?”

Red Son processed what he was told and after a moment asked, “So, us being a family was the best for everyone?”

Wukong's smile widened, “Absolutely it was.”

Red Son nodded and Wukong tucked him back into bed. Finally Red Son was able to fall asleep with the stories still swirling in his mind instead of the guilt from before. Wukong left the room and finally started to celebrate in his mind. His tail wagging and his smile getting even wider. Finally! Finally his son was accepting him and this family it was actually happening! Wukong dropped onto his bed also tired from the story but excitement buzzed in his skull. It was only a matter of time before the other two accepted it as well.

That morning the two slept in to the point that Macaque and Nezha got worried they were sick but Wukong told them they had a late night. When Macaque asked why Wukong told him about the one year anniversary of Red Son’s old parents being sealed and Macaque felt horrible for forgetting. Wukong saw the look of guilt cross his mate’s face and quickly leaned down and kissed him. It was a quick peck but Macaque looked at him in surprise. “Don’t worry love, I took care of it. Now let’s go make some brunch.” Wukong grabbed his hand and made his way to the kitchen pulling his mate behind him. Macaque was surprised by the others actions but for some reason let it slide. It kinda felt nice and Macaque told himself that he didn’t want to ruin the king’s good mood even if it wasn’t the complete truth. Letting Wukong have a couple kisses couldn’t hurt anything, right?