Chapter Text
It wasn’t supposed to end like this, no one believed this could happen, not the gods, mortals, or demons thought the sun would never hurt their beloved friend the moon. Such a strong bond that some even envied their connection. Everyone knew if they fought one the other was waiting to jump in. So it was shocking when the battle started between the sun and moon. The warrior and the king.
They were equal in strength at first, rattling the mortal and heavenly realms, scaring anyone who was unfortunate enough to be too close. The fight lasted what seemed like an eternity. Every living thing thought it would end in a stalemate, but was soon made obvious who had won when the moon begged for mercy.
“Wukong please, I'm sorry-no no please!”
-Crunch-
The sound echoed throughout the land, the screaming had ceased. The only sound was the staff being lifted from the body and the golden footsteps leaving the field as the moon began taking their last breath.
And just like that the world froze, out of fear of angering the sage or the death of the wind demon no one will ever know. It felt like the entire world was witnessing the black monkey's departure from the living realm, yet as the world slowly went black the dark monkey has never felt more alone. He heard death was peaceful, a safe passage to the next life, but he didn’t feel at peace. Instead he felt nothing but pain and fear as Diyu welcomed the new soul with cold open arms.
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He spent years in Diyu suffering for every little action committed during his life as Liu er. Hope was lost as he became numb to the pain both physical and mental, he was the shell of a great warrior who was now being forgotten by the world.
Until something happened, it was a mere whisper so small like a single note being played in a live orchestra. Ironically he didn’t hear the voice at first thinking it was insanity talking again, but then he felt a difference in the atmosphere, it was weak then it grew enveloping him in a kind magic.
The chains began loosening their grip but were still holding on to him not wanting to let go of what was rightfully theirs. The voice returned louder this time but he still couldn’t hear them clearly, so opening his six dull colored ears he began searching for the whispers pushing beyond his limits, hoping they were real. When he thought they were gone he nearly believed it was all in his head, but then they spoke again this time he heard them. It almost made him cry because of how long it’s been since he heard someone else. Focusing solely on the voice he tried to decipher what they were saying. “Can’t…take off chains…need to…fight.” He didn’t care who or what it was; it was a chance to break from the chains and he would rather take this opportunity than never try.
Gathering whatever strength he had left he began to place his foot under himself trying to stand on it. The chains trying to hold him down were beginning to weaken; however in his weakened state it felt like he was holding the world on his shoulders. This could be his only chance to be free from this hell, from the never-ending torture and abuse. Giving one final tug at the chains with barely any strength left they snapped into little glass pieces, falling on the floor around him.
Standing on weak legs barely holding himself up a light caught his eyes. It was like a single star in a black void and every instinct in him was telling him to go towards it. With painful steps he walked to the heavenly light, tripping on every other step he took and trying to not pass out on the cold stone floor.
Standing in front of the light he hesitated for a second thinking it was a bad idea, but with a shaky step forward he was through the portal.
Dirt crushing him was the first thing he was met with, pushing on his already broken bones he began clawing and digging his way up, hoping he wasn’t buried too deep. Once his hand pierced the surface of the shallow grave and was greeted by the open air he desperately dug faster hope flooding through his every being as his eyes caught onto the beautiful night sky.
Lifting his upper half out the dirt he felt relieved beyond comprehension. He paused to take in the world. Fanning all of his ears out he heard the gentle melodies of the peaceful world, it was so loud yet it didn’t hurt him at all, the grass below him feeling soft as the finest silks, and the view in front of him made him think it was all just a dream; flowers of different color and scents were stretching far beyond the horizon, the trees swaying lightly against the gentle winds, and the beautiful moon was hanging high above him with half of it so dark it was on the verge of blending with the night sky. One long breath through the reborn body made it official and undoubtedly real.
The Six-eared Macaque has returned
However all peaceful moments must end as thoughts were now racing through his mind, questions and fears were spinning at lightning speed making it hard to think at all, but the one that stuck out the most that he deep down didn’t want answered was this. How am I alive!? Who would possibly resurrect him and risk disrupting the universe's balance? A hidden thought from the back of his made itself known. Maybe it was- No, he wouldn’t after what happened. After what he did.
He didn’t get time to question any longer before hearing a twig snap from behind. Jumping into a defense position became a huge regret as every part of him was screaming in pain, but he couldn’t risk showing it to a potential enemy so he hid it behind a masked expression. “Show-show yourself!” His voice was unused and broken from time making his threat worthless. A small figure stepped out from the bush and his fur bristled at the thought of fighting now. I can’t run or escape. I'm gonna die again and I just got here. Panic was setting in as the person jumped for him. Closing his eyes he braced himself for impact, but it never came. He was about to open his eyes when an overjoyed voice started yelling in his ears. “It worked, I can't believe it! I nearly thought I lost you at that last second but you heard me! I can’t believe I did it.”
Opening his eyes he was met with a woman with long curly black hair, wearing a golden crescent moon on the top of her head and a long white hanfu with blue moons decorating the ends. Macaque stumbled back at the close proximity, almost tripping on his feet. New questions began to spike as the woman rambled on about something. Is she the one that revived me, why though? Why would anyone want to revive me? I’m nothing, I shouldn’t even exist right now! Noticing the demon’s growing panic she stopped talking and became worried. “Hey, are you alright?” He collapsed on his knees not caring who saw him as his breathing became short and quick. I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe! I am dying again!? The woman got closer and laid her hand on his back earning a harsh flinch in return. She didn’t touch him again but instead looked at the state of him. His armor was in ruins almost falling off, black fur with scars that had gone uncleaned for years littered his skin, his ears kept moving at a rapid rate at the slightest noise, but the most noticeable and worrying thing about him was the scar stretching down his right eye giving it a milky white color.
She felt so stupid for not preparing for this, she knew about the effects of resurrection on the body but didn’t think about the effects on the mind. Of Course he would react this way, his death and time in duyi wasn’t the most… pleasant. She knew stealing a soul from diyu was risky but when she pulled it off she thought that would be it, but this was turning out to be worse than she planned. Not knowing what to do and not wanting to scare him made her feel hopeless, so with nothing left to do she sat near the panicking demon waiting for him to calm down.
After what felt like hours Macaque was finally starting to calm down, and trying to ground himself by focusing on his surroundings. Catching sight of the woman sitting nearby made him almost jump out of his skin. He honestly forgot the woman was even there thinking she had gotten bored and moved on. Before he could even think about sneaking away she caught sight of him making him freeze.
Seeing that the monkey was doing better made her sigh in relief. Looking at the now calm monkey she spoke up in a now quieter tone. “I’m sorry for scaring you, I didn’t think about how you would react to the sudden…change and I deeply apologize.”
He stared at her wide eyed as if she had grown two heads. Still not believing what was happening he began asking the stranger some of his questions. “Why…why did you do it.” She hummed in confusion silently asking him to elaborate. “Why did you revive me?” He said in a more serious tone. Relaxing her shoulders and looking up at him, she smiled. “I believe you deserve another chance at something better. A chance at redemption.” He looked at her searching for a lie, a sign of deceit or trickery, but there was nothing but truth in her words.
The voices thought otherwise. Don’t trust her, she’s lying, look what happened the last time you trusted someone. Even if her words did speak some truth he wouldn’t put his trust in her or anyone else. He didn’t need anyone, they would only hurt him later on.
Macaque realizes a key important fact, something he should’ve asked at the start. In an unsure tone he asked. "Who even are you?” She perked up with a smile as she sat up straighter making him lean back, tail curling in in discomfort.
“I am Chang’e, goddess of the moon. It’s nice to finally meet you Liu er Mihou.”