章 2: The Story Begins Anew
The stars have aligned, ladies and gentlesirs. The stars have aligned.
Coming at you fast, with another chapter of a story that I didn't even think I would've continued!
Honestly, it was supposed to be a one-shot, but I guess I'm continuing it!
It's interesting, I guess, and there's not been too many proper Sun Wukong fanfics– especially Black Myth Wukong fanfics on this site, so this should be a nice change of pace to all you reincarnator/transmigrator/system/OP-as-fuck-pls-nerf/Bullshit-MC-OC-Protagonist-that-gets-a-massive-harem enjoyers.
Me, personally, I have nothing against these types of stories (I fucking love reading Dark Wolf Shiro's stories), but y'all have to admit it does kinda get a bit repetitive and boring sometimes…
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No? Just me? Well, okay, whatever.
To each their own, I guess.
But yeah. Another day, another chapter, another test that I somehow didn't fail (hooray :)).
So, anyways, please enjoy the chapter and leave a review.
If you want to.
But you don't have to if you don't want to.
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So yeah.
Y'all can move onto the chapter now.
There's nothing more here.
*Awkward Silence*
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Are you guys still here!?
Go away, nerds!
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The sun rose lazily over Flower Fruit Mountain, gilding its verdant slopes with liquid gold. The emerald canopy danced in the wind, whispering secrets only the trees could understand. Among the peaks and valleys of this paradise, a figure moved like a streak of sunlight — leaping, twirling, and flipping through the air with an effortless grace.
"Master! Look at this!" Wukong shouted, somersaulting high above the forest floor. He twisted mid-air, landing deftly on a boulder that jutted out of the cliffside. "I've perfected the Cloud Step. See? Even the wind can't catch me now!"
Below him, a figure sat cross-legged on a mossy rock, cloaked in plain, earth-toned robes. Master Subodhi, also called Puti, squinted up at his impish pupil with a sigh that carried both affection and exasperation. His face, creased by time and wisdom, remained inscrutable as he stroked his wispy beard.
"Perfected? Is that what you call it?" he said dryly. "You're more like a leaf tossed about by a storm. Unpredictable, reckless."
Wukong pouted, his tail flicking indignantly. "Storms are powerful! Leaves ride them without a care! Isn't that freedom?" He spread his arms wide and laughed, his voice carrying like the toll of a silver bell. "If freedom exists, then I alone am the freest of all! I am me, and always will be!"
Puti snorted, standing up and brushing off his robes. "You may claim freedom, but freedom without discipline is chaos. Come down here, you audacious little ape. Let us see how much of this freedom you've truly mastered."
With a gleeful whoop, Wukong somersaulted down, landing before his master in a crouch. His bright eyes sparkled with mischief as he straightened, adjusting the simple tiger-skin tunic he wore.
"Alright, old man. What will it be today?" he asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Another lecture about balance? More staff training? Or are you finally going to teach me how to transform into a dragon?"
Puti raised an eyebrow. "Dragon transformations already? Hah. You can't even master the basics, and you want to leap into the heavens? Fine. Show me your stance."
Wukong immediately dropped into a fighting pose, his movements a little too exaggerated, a little too eager. He threw a mock punch and grinned. "How's this?"
Puti shook his head. "Wrong. Again. Your center is off. Relax your shoulders, and ground your feet. You're not just a monkey swinging from vines. You're striving to become something greater. Now try again."
For hours they trained, the playful chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves providing a natural symphony to their movements. Wukong's energy seemed boundless; he attacked each task with the same zeal as he did life itself. But when he faltered, Puti was there, patient and precise, offering corrections with a sharp tongue and a steady hand.
"Freedom is not doing whatever you please," Puti said during a brief pause. "It is mastery over yourself. It is understanding your place in the world and moving with purpose."
Wukong wiped the sweat from his brow, tilting his head quizzically. "But isn't purpose just a fancy cage? I'd rather be free, like the clouds and the wind."
Puti chuckled softly. "The clouds have the sky. The wind has its currents. Even freedom has its boundaries, my boy. It's not about escaping them; it's about finding harmony within them."
The monkey frowned, his tail curling thoughtfully. "Harmony, huh? That sounds boring. What about fun? What about… being alive?"
"You have much to learn," Puti replied, though his voice was tinged with warmth. "But perhaps, that's what makes you so extraordinary."
As the day wore on, the sun began its descent, painting the mountain in hues of amber and crimson. Wukong climbed to the highest peak, standing on the edge of the world as the horizon stretched endlessly before him. The wind ruffled his fur, carrying the scents of earth and sky, and for a moment, he stood still, letting it all wash over him.
"Master," he called, his voice softer now. "Do you think the world is big enough for me?"
Puti, leaning on his staff at the base of the peak, smiled faintly. "The world is vast, Sun Wukong. But your spirit… your spirit might be bigger still. Just remember, even the freest soul must walk a path. Choose yours wisely."
Wukong laughed again, throwing his arms wide as if to embrace the entire world. "I'll carve my own path! You'll see, old man. Someday, the heavens themselves will tremble at my name!"
Puti shook his head but didn't argue. Instead, he watched as the irrepressible monkey leapt into the fading light, a creature of boundless energy and joy, destined for greatness and chaos alike. And for now, that was enough.
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"When the clash of swords echo,
The journey chasing the past ends and
The journey to know today begins
One soul seeks another and
Pledges their sworn friendship to another.
One mystery begets the next and
The doors of fate are opened
You are free to sever the chains of fate that bind you"
Legends of Dragoon - Opening Scene
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The Story Begins Anew
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The forest was endless, a twisting nightmare of towering trees and shadows and silence. A frail, injured girl stumbled onward, each step a battle against the relentless ache in her legs and the heavy weight of fear pressing down on her chest.
Her pursuers were close—too close. Their voices cut through the night like jagged knives, a mix of cruel taunts and confident orders. They thought her capture was inevitable, their arrogance palpable even through the darkness.
"Find the girl!" one barked, his voice carrying over the rustling of leaves. "She can't have gone far!"
Valerie clutched the Sephiroth Graal tighter, its faint glow illuminating her path just enough to keep her from tripping over the gnarled roots underfoot. She couldn't let them have it. She wouldn't.
A sudden burst of shouting behind her made her heart leap. They were closing in.
Panic clawed at her mind as she pushed forward, weaving through the trees with desperation born of sheer survival instinct. But her body was reaching its limit, and when her foot caught on an exposed root, she went sprawling to the ground.
She slipped on the uneven ground, her knees buckling as she fell hard onto the forest floor. The impact jarred her senses, the taste of dirt and blood mingling on her tongue.
"Get up," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling. "You have to keep going."
The Sephiroth Graal had rolled free from her grasp, its faint glow cutting through the shadows like a beacon. Crawling toward it, she reached out with trembling fingers and clutched it to her chest.
A crack of a branch behind her sent her scrambling to her feet, her legs screaming in protest as she forced herself onward.
The forest grew denser the further she went, its ancient roots forming natural barriers that twisted and turned with cruel precision. Her cloak snagged on a thorny bush, and she yanked it free, the fabric tearing further.
"Don't stop," she urged herself. "Don't—"
Her words died in her throat as she tripped again, this time tumbling down a steep incline. The world spun around her as she rolled, branches and stones tearing at her clothes and skin. She came to a stop at the base of a hill, her body aching and bruised.
The impact took the breath from her lungs, and for a moment, she simply lay there, her vision swimming. The Graal rolled from her grasp, its light casting eerie shadows on the forest floor.
"No," she whispered, forcing herself to move. She crawled toward the artifact, her fingers trembling as they closed around its smooth surface.
The voices grew louder, the soldiers' footsteps crunching through the underbrush. Valerie's heart pounded as she struggled to her feet, clutching the Graal to her chest.
The sound of the soldiers grew louder, their footfalls steady and unrelenting. Valerie tried to rise, but her body refused to obey. She clutched the Graal tighter, tears streaming down her face.
"Please," she whispered, her voice breaking. "If anyone is listening… Please help me!"
The Sephiroth Graal pulsed in response, its light intensifying. The ground beneath her began to tremble, the vibrations growing stronger with each passing second.
Her eyes darted desperately, seeking any hope of refuge. And then she saw it—a cave at the base of a jagged mountain, its entrance hidden by vines and shadows.
Safety.
She scrambled to her feet and stumbled toward it. Her legs screamed in protest, every step agony, but she refused to give in. As she crossed the threshold into the cave's darkness, the weight of exhaustion overtook her. She collapsed against the stone wall, her body trembling violently.
Inside the cave, the air was cold and still. It swallowed her in darkness, but the faint glow of the Graal provided just enough light to guide her deeper. The soldiers' shouts grew fainter as she descended, the sound of her own footsteps echoing in the enclosed space.
The only sounds were her ragged breaths and the distant rustle of leaves. She hugged her knees to her chest, pressing her forehead against them. Her tears fell silently, streaking her dirt-smeared face.
For a moment, she allowed herself to believe she was safe. But her pursuers were still out there, and she knew they wouldn't stop until they had her. She closed her eyes, clutching the Sephiroth Graal tightly into her chest, trying to warm her body with its heat. Memories surged, unbidden, dragging her back to the nightmare she had fled.
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Hours earlier, the world had been a picture of deceptive calm. The Trans-Siberian Railway had carried its private procession of vampires across the icy landscape, the train's opulent cars humming with muted revelry.
The Tepes vampires had commandeered the railway with all the pride and entitlement befitting their ancient bloodline. The train was a masterpiece of dark elegance, its iron and steel adorned with intricate carvings and enchanted runes that pulsed faintly in the moonlight. Anti-scrying wards shielded it from prying eyes, and its luxurious interiors spoke of their centuries-old wealth.
Valerie had been relegated to the rear carriage, a grim reminder of her place. The silver cuffs around her wrists bit into her skin, their runes suppressing her power. She sat in a small cell, her knees drawn to her chest. The faint glow of a single lantern illuminated the room, casting long shadows on the walls.
In the forward cars, the vampires dined and revealed, their laughter sharp and cruel. She could hear the clink of goblets and the low hum of ancient songs. She had been dragged along as a bargaining chip, her Sephiroth Graal both her curse and her salvation. They feared her, yes, but they would use her nonetheless.
'They're using me,' she thought bitterly. 'A bargaining chip. A tool.'
She stared at the cold iron bars of her cell, her mind drifting to the freedom she had never truly known.
The vampires had dined and laughed in the cars ahead, their voices carrying faintly through the thick steel walls. Valerie had clenched her fists, frustration and fear warring within her.
Then, the first explosion came.
When the first explosion had rocked the train, she had been thrown from her seat, her body slamming against the cell's unyielding walls.
"What's happening?" she gasped, staggering to her feet.
Another explosion followed, and the walls of her cell groaned under the strain. Through the narrow window, she saw golden figures descending from the mountains–a horde of golden-armored soldiers marching down upon the train like divine wrath.
The Celestial Court.
She had heard whispers of their arrogance, their disdain for mortals. The vampires had thought their precautions were enough, but the gods of the East had found them. Their golden armor gleamed in the moonlight, their swords shining with divine power. They descended upon the train like a righteous fury, their attacks precise and devastating.
The vampires had fought back with tooth and claw, their supernatural speed and strength a match for mortal armies. But the Celestial Court's soldiers had been anything but ordinary. Their weapons had glowed with celestial energy, cutting through vampire flesh with devastating efficiency.
Another blast tore through the carriages, and the walls of Valerie's cell crumbled. The suppression runes faltered, their light flickering and dying. She didn't wait for the bars to give way. With a desperate surge of strength, she threw herself against them, squeezing through the narrow gap.
Valerie had pounded on the glass, screaming for help as the battle raged on. When the cell door had finally broken open, Valerie grabbed the Graal and fled into the night, the screams of her captors echoing in her ears. The train had shuddered and groaned under the onslaught, its luxurious cars reduced to smoking wreckage. Valerie barely registered the destruction as she ran, her only thought to escape.
Jumping from the still-running train, she hit the ground hard, her body rolling down a steep incline before coming to rest among the trees. Darkness claimed her, and she knew no more.
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Valerie's trembling fingers brushed against the Sephiroth Graal as the memory faded. The faint glow of the artifact seemed to pulse in time with her heartbeat, a fragile light in the suffocating darkness.
The sound of footsteps snapped her back to the present. They were close now, their torches casting flickering light against the cave walls. She pressed herself deeper into the shadows, her tears falling freely. She was alone, powerless, and hunted like an animal.
"Someone… please…" The plea rose unbidden in her mind, her desperation spilling into the artifact. The Sephiroth Graal pulsed once, its light intensifying.
The air grew heavy, charged with an ancient energy that made her skin prickle. The ground beneath her trembled, and a low rumble echoed through the cave. Valerie's breath caught in her throat as the stone wall before her began to crack.
The fissures in the cave wall spread like veins of molten light, illuminating the cave in a golden glow. Valerie stumbled forward, her eyes wide as the trembling earth seemed to guide her.
The Sephiroth Graal grew warmer in her hands, its glow intensifying until it became blinding. The tremors reached a crescendo, and with a deafening crack, the cave wall split open to reveal a hidden chamber.
Her breath caught in her throat as she stepped inside. The chamber was vast, its air thick with an ancient energy that pricked her skin. At its center stood a towering statue, its form regal and defiant, the figure bound by thick chains that glowed faintly, their links etched with runes of containment. The statue's expression was one of smug confidence, its crossed arms and upturned smirk a challenge to the world itself.
Valerie's gaze was drawn to the staff resting against the statue's shoulder. Even in its petrified state, it exudes an aura of power that makes her knees weak.
Valerie's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight. The figure was imposing even in its stillness, its expression one of calm arrogance. She couldn't look away, drawn to the figure as if by some invisible force.
The Sephiroth Graal pulsed in her hands, its light intensifying. Valerie's heart raced as she approached the statue, her steps slow and hesitant.
"Please," she whispered, her voice trembling. "If you can hear me… if anyone can hear me… please… help me."
Suddenly, the Graal's glow became blinding, and the air in the chamber grew heavy with energy. Valerie gasped as the chains binding the statue began to crack, the sound like thunder in the confined space.
One by one, the chains shattered, their fragments dissolving into light. The statue itself began to tremble, fissures spreading across its surface as chunks of stone fell away to reveal golden fur beneath.
The energy in the chamber reached a fever pitch, the air crackling with raw power. Valerie took a step back, shielding her eyes as the last of the stone fell away in a burst of light.
Standing before her was a figure unlike any she had ever seen. His golden fur gleamed in the faint light, and his blazing, piercing eyes seemed to see straight through her. He stretched languidly, as if waking from a long nap, and his lips curved into a smirk.
"Freedom at las– *crack*!... Aah, these old bones of mine… is this how my master feels all the time?"
He continued to stretch without a care in the world, his back and bones cracking; Valerie just watched, astonished. He turned, scanning the cave, and he finally noticed her, his amused golden eyes meeting her frightened red ones.
"Well, well, well," he said, his voice rich with amusement, "it seems I've got a visitor. What brings you to my humble abode, daughter of the night?"
Her lips trembled. "They're coming for me," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Please… help me."
The simian figure's expression softened. His gaze shifted to the cave entrance, where the glow of torches came closer. His lips curved into a faint, mischievous smile.
"Let them come," he said. "It has been far too long since I reminded the heavens of my strength."
He stepped forward, his golden eyes gleaming with power. As he moved, the remnants of stone and dust fell away, revealing a body of lithe, muscular grace. His fur shimmered like liquid sunlight, every movement radiating restrained strength. Valerie watched, transfixed, as he extended a hand. From the void of the chasm, a red and gold staff materialized, its presence crackling with divine energy.
Sun Wukong grasped it with a reverence that belied his impish grin. His fingers traced the staff's surface, as if reacquainting himself with an old friend.
"Hello, old friend," he murmured, his voice tinged with melancholy, his gaze filled with a mixture of nostalgia and amusement. For a brief moment, a shadow crossed his face, memories flickering behind his eyes. The staff hummed in response, glowing softly in his grasp, its power awakening in his grip.
The footsteps at the cave's entrance grew louder. Valerie trembled, her wide eyes darting between Sun Wukong and the advancing soldiers. The simian warrior glanced over his shoulder, his grin widening into something dangerous.
"Stay behind me," he muttered softly, his tone carrying an edge of command.
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The Celestial soldiers entered the cave with practiced precision, their golden armor glinting in the flickering torchlight. Each bore a sword or spear, their divine weapons humming with power. They halted upon seeing Sun Wukong, their confident smirks faltering into expressions of uncertainty. They whispered among themselves, their leader stepping forward with an air of authority.
"Who are you, beast?" the captain demanded, his voice echoing through the cavern. "Stand aside. We are here for the girl."
Sun Wukong tilted his head, his grin never wavering. "Beast, is it? Hmph. You storm into my home, threaten a child, and call me names? The heavens have truly fallen into disrepair."
The captain stiffened, but his arrogance didn't waver. "I don't care who you are. If you are in opposition to the Celestial Court, you will die."
The soldiers fanned out, their weapons at the ready. Sun Wukong sighed, shaking his head.
"It seems you've forgotten who I am," he said, his voice low and dangerous. He twirled his staff, the motion a blur of red and gold. "Allow me to remind you."
A soldier stepped forward, enraged. "Demon!" he barked. "Stand down and surrender, or face divine—"
Before he could finish, Sun Wukong closed the distance between them in a blur, his staff materializing in his hand with a flash of golden light. He twirled it effortlessly, knocking the spear aside and sending the soldier sprawling with a single strike.
"Divine what?" Wukong asked, tilting his head mockingly. "You're going to have to be more specific."
With another casual swing, the soldier was sent crashing into the cave wall, his armor crumpling like paper.
"Oops," He said, feigning innocence. "Did I do that?"
Roaring, the first wave of soldiers charged, their movements coordinated but woefully inadequate. Wukong darted between them with ease, his staff a golden streak that sent them flying in every direction.
Sun Wukong sighed, rolling his stiff shoulders as he moved. "I guess it's been a while since I've had a good workout."
He spun his staff with a flourish, the motion so fast it became a blur. "Let's make this fun."
The strike came too fast to see. Sun Wukong moved with impossible speed, his staff whistling through the air as it smashed into the chest of another soldier. The impact sent the man flying, his golden armor crumpling like paper as he crashed into the cave wall.
Before the others could react, Wukong was among them, a whirlwind of motion. His staff extended, growing to the length of the cavern, sweeping through the ranks like a scythe through wheat. Soldiers were thrown in every direction, their cries of pain mingling with the deafening roar of the weapon.
"Is this all the Celestial Court can muster?" Wukong taunted, his laughter echoing through the cavern. He spun the staff overhead, its tip crackling with energy. With a downward thrust, he drove it into the ground. The cave trembled, a shockwave rippling outward and sending the remaining soldiers to their knees. Scrambling to their feet, they came at the monkey, wildly swinging their weapons in his direction. "Left, right, duck!" he called out, dodging strikes with a mock yawn. "Come on, come on! Try to keep up!"
One managed to get close, his sword aimed at Wukong's chest. The Monkey King caught the blade with his bare hand, his smirk widening. "Cute. But you're a little out of your league."
With a flick of his wrist, he snapped the sword in two, sending the soldier reeling.
The captain of the squadron managed to graze his arm. Sun Wukong glanced at the wound, his expression one of mock disbelief.
"Really? That's your best shot? I've seen toddlers who can hit harder."
The captain snarled, his face a mask of fury. He barked orders, and the soldiers regrouped as they advanced, their weapons glowing brighter as they channeled their ki. They charged as one, a golden tide of 'fury'. Wukong watched them with amusement, tapping his staff against the ground.
Sun Wukong met them head-on, his staff spinning in a mesmerizing dance. He ducked under a sword strike, the weapon passing harmlessly over his head, and retaliated with a brutal upward swing. The soldier's helmet shattered, the man collapsing in a heap.
Another lunged from behind, but Wukong was already gone, flipping over his attacker and landing gracefully behind him. He slammed the butt of his staff into the man's back, sending him sprawling.
Spears and swords came at him from all sides, but Wukong moved like the wind, his form a blur of golden fur and red cloth. He leaped into the air, landing on the shoulders of one soldier and vaulting off him to deliver a devastating strike to another. Each blow was precise, each movement a masterful display of martial prowess.
Standing back up, the captain roared, raising his hand. A glowing sigil formed in the air, its light bathing the cavern in an oppressive radiance. A massive spear materialized above him, its tip aimed at Wukong. With a shout, he hurled it forward, the weapon tearing through the air with the force of a thunderbolt.
Still grinning, he raised his staff, spinning it rapidly. The spear collided with the spinning barrier, sparks flying as the two forces clashed. The cavern shook, debris raining down from the ceiling.
With a small grunt, Wukong pushed the spear aside, sending it careening into the cave wall. He turned to the captain, his golden eyes blazing.
"Your strength is commendable," he spoke, grinning, "but your arrogance will be your undoing."
With a flick of his wrist, his staff extended, sweeping through the ranks like a hurricane. Soldiers were thrown into the air, their weapons shattering as they hit the ground.
Screams filled the air, their numbers slowly shrinking.
They rose again, wounded, lumps on their heads and bodies, and he sighed in annoyance and pity.
"You know," he said, his tone conversational, "you'd think after the first dozen of you went flying, the rest would take the hint."
He slammed the end of his staff into the ground. The weapon began to grow, extending upward and smashing through the cavern ceiling. Moonlight streamed in as the roof of the cave collapsed, revealing the night sky.
With a single leap, Wukong ascended into the open air, his staff extending to impossible lengths, and landing atop the now-giant staff. He looked down at the soldiers, his silhouette framed by the moonlight. "Hah!" The staff rose into the sky, and he brought it down in a sweeping arc, the air screaming as the heavens obeyed. A massive shockwave erupted, tearing through the ranks of the soldiers. The air was filled with the sound of thunder and the cries of the defeated.
When the dust settled, the battlefield was silent. The soldiers lay scattered, unconscious, their armor shattered, their weapons broken. The captain struggled to rise, his eyes wide with disbelief, before he too passed out.
Sun Wukong descended, his staff shrinking back to its original size. The last soldier standing dropped his weapon, his hands trembling, legs shaking as he shifted backward slowly, eyes full of fright.
Wukong landed lightly in front of him, his smirk turning wicked. He leaned forward, putting his face in front of the terrified soldier. "Boo." he whispered.
The soldier screamed and ran, his footsteps echoing in the silence that followed.
Laughter echoed through the cavern as Wukong slapped his knee, wiping a tear from his eye. "Hahaha, idiots, the lot of you! Have the Celestial Courts' warriors truly become so weak?"
He laughed more, smirking before turning to the stunned dhampir beside him, his smirk softening a bit. "Well," he chuckled, resting his staff on his shoulder, "that was fun. What's next?"
She looked up, her wide eyes still filled with awe. Sun Wukong smiled down at Valerie, his mischievous grin returning. "You can stop crying now," he said, extending a hand.
Slowly, she reached out, her small hand trembling in his. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Wukong chuckled. "No need for thanks. But tell me—what's a girl like you doing in a place like this?"
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The cavern was silent save for the gentle crackle of the fire. Its faint glow reflected on the jagged walls, creating shifting shadows that flickered in the limelight. Valerie sat close to the flames, her crimson eyes fixed on the flickering embers as she spoke.
"They never saw us as people," she began, her voice quiet but edged with venom. "To them, we were trash. The stain on their oh-so-perfect bloodlines." She exhaled sharply, her lips twisting in a bitter smile. "Dhampirs. Not human, not vampire. Just impure half-breeds that didn't deserve a place in their precious world."
Her gaze flickered toward the flames as her tone sharpened. "They called us lesser, unworthy of their vaunted 'purity.' We were barely tolerated, at best. And at worst? We were hunted." Her voice dropped, a cold bitterness settling into her words. "Gasper and I were born into that hatred. My existence was a shame to my family. His… an abomination."
Her hands clenched tightly around her cloak, the fabric bunching in her fists. "When they saw the Forbidden Balor View awaken in him, the whispers turned into shouts. He became the monster they always accused him of being. They locked him away, throwing him into darkness because they were too afraid of what he could do. And me?" She gave a humorless laugh. "They drained me, over and over. Blood, magic, my life—it didn't matter. As long as I could heal their soldiers or fortify their dying armies, I was worth keeping around."
Her gaze darkened as she continued, the firelight reflecting faintly in her crimson eyes. "It got worse after they discovered what else I had inside me. The Sephiroth Graal."
At the name, a shadow of hatred crossed her delicate features. "They called it a miracle," she spat. "A Longinus-class Sacred Gear, its capabilities unknown; its potential beyond anyone's wildest dreams. The Chalice That Grants Wishes. Something that should have made them accept me, and let me go free. Instead, it became another reason for them to keep me caged. A tool to prolong their wars. They didn't care that I was barely alive. All that mattered was how much they could take."
Her voice faltered, her fingers loosening their grip as she whispered, "They would've torn me apart if it meant understanding its limits. I still don't know if I survived because of the Graal… or despite it."
She sighed, her voice softening as her gaze dropped to her lap. "Gasper… he escaped. He used his Sacred Gear to tear through reality itself and fled. He begged me to come with him, but I couldn't." Her voice wavered, and she swallowed hard. "If I had gone, they would've hunted him down. I couldn't let that happen. So I stayed."
Her fingers relaxed, resting against her knees. "I don't regret it. But I miss him. Every day."
The fire flickered, throwing shadows across the cavern walls. Sun Wukong, who had remained silent until now, shifted from where he perched on a nearby boulder. His golden eyes gleamed like molten fire, unblinking as he took in her words.
"They sound like the worst kind of fools," he said at last, his voice low and steady. "The kind who don't see the value of what's right in front of them. Who think power is all that matters."
Valerie gave him a weary look. "What would you know about it?"
Sun Wukong's lips curled into a sharp, almost feral grin. "More than you think."
He stood slowly, stepping into the firelight. The flickering glow danced across his furred features, highlighting the scars that crisscrossed his body like old battle maps. But as Valerie watched, his form began to shift. Golden fur rippled like sunlight breaking through clouds, his sharp features softening, reshaping themselves into something more human.
When the transformation ended, a man stood before her. His golden hair shone like spun light, tousled and wild but somehow fitting. His sharp jawline and piercing golden eyes carried an intensity that felt almost otherworldly, while red, tribal tattoos marked themselves under his eyes. He wore a long, dark coat that hung loosely over his broad shoulders, its edges frayed from countless battles. His staff was held loosely over his shoulders, as much a part of him as his grin.
Valerie blinked, startled by the sudden change. "Why would you—"
He shrugged, running a hand through his golden hair. "I've learned to blend in when I need to. Being as famous as I is… rather inconvenient sometimes." His grin softened, turning playful. "Besides, I figured you'd rather not draw too much attention when we leave this place."
"Leave?" she echoed, her brow furrowing.
Sun Wukong planted the end of his staff on the ground, the sharp clink echoing through the cavern. He leaned on it for a moment before straightening to his full height. His golden hair caught the firelight, shimmering like the first rays of dawn, and his golden eyes glowed with a mischievous spark.
"We're not staying here forever, are we?" he asked, his voice light but carrying a weight of certainty. "You said you miss your friend. You want to find him, don't you? And there's a world out there waiting for someone like you to shake it up."
He rested the staff across his shoulders, gripping it lazily with both hands as he turned to her, his grin wide and teasing. "So? Shall we?"
Valerie hesitated, her crimson eyes searching his face for something—reassurance, maybe, or just a hint of sincerity behind the playful exterior. Slowly, she stood, brushing off her cloak.
She reached out, her hand trembling slightly as it met his. His grip was firm, steady, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a spark of hope.
"Together," she said softly.
Sun Wukong's grin widened, his golden eyes gleaming as he turned toward the cavern's entrance. "Good answer. Let's make this world regret ever underestimating us."
With that, the two stepped forward, the fire behind them casting their shadows long against the cavern walls. For the first time in a long time, Valerie felt like she wasn't walking into the darkness alone.
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Not too shabby, eh~?
My writing has gotten the teensiest bit better (somehow), and I managed to get the interactions between these two characters work-ish. :)
This chapter was honestly one I'm happy with, and, though there are a few places I could touch up on, I'll just leave this one as is.
Oh, also, for Sun Wukong's 'human form', search up 'ORV Sun Wukong'. This version is a pretty close representation fo what I'm trying to describe
Welp.
As always, it was a pleasure to write for y'all nerds.
Thanks for reading! UMU
See y'all in the next one~
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