Wenling 🗡️

Bao. Hello. It’s been a bit since I’ve checked in…I apologize for that.

Uh…how are you?

Little sister!

I'm fine.

Adapting without my vision. It really should come back any day now. Or, at least, it would have come back earlier, but-

HUH?!

You don’t need to say any more. I’m on my way to the village. I’ll alert the temple that my family will be coming in soon.

Wenling is still in Megapolis after dropping Hàoyú off at his family’s apartment. Mostly because his mother saw how distraught she was (while also being soaking wet) and insisted that she stay until the weather was at least somewhat practical to travel in. She hates being pitied, but she wasn’t going to argue with her “friend’s” mom.

For the most part, it’s going well. She and Hàoyú are working on yet again other art project together. Despite it all, she can’t shake off the immense guilt she harbors. So…she decides to turn to a coping mechanism she’s had for a while: taking care of animals.

Wenling knocks on Sandy’s boat, attempting to peer into it.

Sandy. Are you home?

Hey there little buddy!

*Sandy happily opened the door, and stepped back. Over a dozen cats immediately charged forwards with delighted meows and tackled Wenling, climbing up her legs and sprawling on her shoulders.*

It's great to see you again! Come on in.

SO! Wenling and her “friend” Hàoyú are both on Gong’s island and have been for a while, because mod has just found out crap is about to go down and that they have to speed this plot up. H: Is this it? Whoa. I’ve never seen such a huge place before!

W: I’ve never quite felt so much burning hatred before.

Once they got there, they could feel the subjects staring at them. Reasonably so, it wasn’t every day that strange-looking adolescent humans just showed up. So, per Hàoyú’s request, they decided to try to blend in with the crowd just a little better. Needless to say, they look really dumb.

H: Oh! That’s…a really nice dress you’ve got there, Wen. Pfft…

W: Laugh and you’re going straight back to Megapolis.

Right now, Wenling is sort of stalking Gong’s palace in the bushes (with a pair of binoculars I TOTALLY FORGOT TO MENTION), Hàoyú by her side.

H: Do you usually stalk your brother like this? This seems kind of hardcore.

W: It isn’t stalking if he’s well aware of it. Bao’s sense of smell is as strong as all of the Celestials’ might combined.

*Bao was in one of the closed off gardens, protected from the storm eternally raging outside the walls of the Palace. He spoke to the small gaggle of beautiful (somewhat scaly) servants for a few more minutes before sending them away and moving on.*

*He settled down on a bench underneath a towering peach tree, setting down a small basket. Zi was sleeping inside, curled up between the fruit.*

*Bao watched his son with the softest smile, sighing and raising his voice.*

Funny. I have absolutely no idea where he got that from.

She turns to Hàoyú, her voice low.

W: Axe body spray. Seriously?

*Bao barely had to look for more than a second before spotting his little sister's hiding spot.*

H: You know what? Maybe the clothes weren’t my brightest idea.

I can't tell if you were trying to be offensive, or if you genuinely thought dressing like drunken rodeo clowns was a good idea.

My schoolmate was not part of the plan. We crossed paths in the village and he made it abundantly clear that he wouldn’t leave me be unless I let him “tag along.”

H: You let me come all on your own.

W: Quiet, Hàoyú. As I was saying…if you think I came here to battle your distasteful lover, you’re gravely mistaken. I only wanted to check in.

A beat.

W: The last time I saw you, you were battered and bruised. Upset, rambling about how you were a “bad brother…” And a day later, you’re gone. I wondered if you were dead in a ditch somewhere, but then I realized that you must have been…here. Now that I’ve—actually spoken to you, I’ll be on my way soon.

Wenling is startled a bit by Zi.

W: Ah. Hello, Zi.

*Bao snapped, reaching up to nuzzle Zi and scratch behind his ear.*

Hush for a moment, little one.

*He stood up, face flush with anger and embarrassment. The shiny bruise on his cheek seemed even brighter in his humiliation.*

You should have come through the front doors. You'd have been welcomed. Did you.. get through the storm without trouble?

Wenling pauses.

I didn’t want to intrude. I know that you can be…quite private, and I didn’t want you to be angry with me. Though, one could argue that sneaking in is precisely what intrusion is. I just thought…that if you knew I was here, but if I didn’t talk to you, you would know that I would…be here for you, regardless of what happens. Now that I’m saying it out loud, it sounds—rather stupid.

I.. I am not angry with you. I wish you'd come properly, instead of sneaking around like you're not my sister. You're always welcome here. Your friend, too.

*Bao was going to continue before Zi squeaked and spoke up, his face going crimson.*

Zi, please, Wenling doesn't need to know about my embarrassing tumbles.

Yes, I've been icing it. It's not my first bruise. But I appreciate your concern.

*He looked uneasy, glancing over his shoulder at something unseen.*

What was she thinking? How could she do that to her friend? She should have just come by herself. By the Gods, she was stupid.

Of course, I understand completely. I would be devastated if you started to ignore your schoolwork over field trips.

*He did stand up, stepping forward to hug Wenling and kiss her cheek. His voice dropped to a whisper.*

Never come without protection again.

*Then he stepped back.*

A silly thing to worry about. You know I always do well.

SO! Wenling and her “friend” Hàoyú are both on Gong’s island and have been for a while, because mod has just found out crap is about to go down and that they have to speed this plot up. H: Is this it? Whoa. I’ve never seen such a huge place before!

W: I’ve never quite felt so much burning hatred before.

Once they got there, they could feel the subjects staring at them. Reasonably so, it wasn’t every day that strange-looking adolescent humans just showed up. So, per Hàoyú’s request, they decided to try to blend in with the crowd just a little better. Needless to say, they look really dumb.

H: Oh! That’s…a really nice dress you’ve got there, Wen. Pfft…

W: Laugh and you’re going straight back to Megapolis.

Right now, Wenling is sort of stalking Gong’s palace in the bushes (with a pair of binoculars I TOTALLY FORGOT TO MENTION), Hàoyú by her side.

H: Do you usually stalk your brother like this? This seems kind of hardcore.

W: It isn’t stalking if he’s well aware of it. Bao’s sense of smell is as strong as all of the Celestials’ might combined.

*Bao was in one of the closed off gardens, protected from the storm eternally raging outside the walls of the Palace. He spoke to the small gaggle of beautiful (somewhat scaly) servants for a few more minutes before sending them away and moving on.*

*He settled down on a bench underneath a towering peach tree, setting down a small basket. Zi was sleeping inside, curled up between the fruit.*

*Bao watched his son with the softest smile, sighing and raising his voice.*

Funny. I have absolutely no idea where he got that from.

She turns to Hàoyú, her voice low.

W: Axe body spray. Seriously?

*Bao barely had to look for more than a second before spotting his little sister's hiding spot.*

H: You know what? Maybe the clothes weren’t my brightest idea.

I can't tell if you were trying to be offensive, or if you genuinely thought dressing like drunken rodeo clowns was a good idea.

My schoolmate was not part of the plan. We crossed paths in the village and he made it abundantly clear that he wouldn’t leave me be unless I let him “tag along.”

H: You let me come all on your own.

W: Quiet, Hàoyú. As I was saying…if you think I came here to battle your distasteful lover, you’re gravely mistaken. I only wanted to check in.

A beat.

W: The last time I saw you, you were battered and bruised. Upset, rambling about how you were a “bad brother…” And a day later, you’re gone. I wondered if you were dead in a ditch somewhere, but then I realized that you must have been…here. Now that I’ve—actually spoken to you, I’ll be on my way soon.

Wenling is startled a bit by Zi.

W: Ah. Hello, Zi.

*Bao snapped, reaching up to nuzzle Zi and scratch behind his ear.*

Hush for a moment, little one.

*He stood up, face flush with anger and embarrassment. The shiny bruise on his cheek seemed even brighter in his humiliation.*

You should have come through the front doors. You'd have been welcomed. Did you.. get through the storm without trouble?

Wenling pauses.

I didn’t want to intrude. I know that you can be…quite private, and I didn’t want you to be angry with me. Though, one could argue that sneaking in is precisely what intrusion is. I just thought…that if you knew I was here, but if I didn’t talk to you, you would know that I would…be here for you, regardless of what happens. Now that I’m saying it out loud, it sounds—rather stupid.

I.. I am not angry with you. I wish you'd come properly, instead of sneaking around like you're not my sister. You're always welcome here. Your friend, too.

*Bao was going to continue before Zi squeaked and spoke up, his face going crimson.*

Zi, please, Wenling doesn't need to know about my embarrassing tumbles.

Yes, I've been icing it. It's not my first bruise. But I appreciate your concern.

*He looked uneasy, glancing over his shoulder at something unseen.*

What was she thinking? How could she do that to her friend? She should have just come by herself. By the Gods, she was stupid.

SO! Wenling and her “friend” Hàoyú are both on Gong’s island and have been for a while, because mod has just found out crap is about to go down and that they have to speed this plot up. H: Is this it? Whoa. I’ve never seen such a huge place before!

W: I’ve never quite felt so much burning hatred before.

Once they got there, they could feel the subjects staring at them. Reasonably so, it wasn’t every day that strange-looking adolescent humans just showed up. So, per Hàoyú’s request, they decided to try to blend in with the crowd just a little better. Needless to say, they look really dumb.

H: Oh! That’s…a really nice dress you’ve got there, Wen. Pfft…

W: Laugh and you’re going straight back to Megapolis.

Right now, Wenling is sort of stalking Gong’s palace in the bushes (with a pair of binoculars I TOTALLY FORGOT TO MENTION), Hàoyú by her side.

H: Do you usually stalk your brother like this? This seems kind of hardcore.

W: It isn’t stalking if he’s well aware of it. Bao’s sense of smell is as strong as all of the Celestials’ might combined.

*Bao was in one of the closed off gardens, protected from the storm eternally raging outside the walls of the Palace. He spoke to the small gaggle of beautiful (somewhat scaly) servants for a few more minutes before sending them away and moving on.*

*He settled down on a bench underneath a towering peach tree, setting down a small basket. Zi was sleeping inside, curled up between the fruit.*

*Bao watched his son with the softest smile, sighing and raising his voice.*

Funny. I have absolutely no idea where he got that from.

She turns to Hàoyú, her voice low.

W: Axe body spray. Seriously?

*Bao barely had to look for more than a second before spotting his little sister's hiding spot.*

H: You know what? Maybe the clothes weren’t my brightest idea.

I can't tell if you were trying to be offensive, or if you genuinely thought dressing like drunken rodeo clowns was a good idea.

My schoolmate was not part of the plan. We crossed paths in the village and he made it abundantly clear that he wouldn’t leave me be unless I let him “tag along.”

H: You let me come all on your own.

W: Quiet, Hàoyú. As I was saying…if you think I came here to battle your distasteful lover, you’re gravely mistaken. I only wanted to check in.

A beat.

W: The last time I saw you, you were battered and bruised. Upset, rambling about how you were a “bad brother…” And a day later, you’re gone. I wondered if you were dead in a ditch somewhere, but then I realized that you must have been…here. Now that I’ve—actually spoken to you, I’ll be on my way soon.

Wenling is startled a bit by Zi.

W: Ah. Hello, Zi.

*Bao snapped, reaching up to nuzzle Zi and scratch behind his ear.*

Hush for a moment, little one.

*He stood up, face flush with anger and embarrassment. The shiny bruise on his cheek seemed even brighter in his humiliation.*

You should have come through the front doors. You'd have been welcomed. Did you.. get through the storm without trouble?

Wenling pauses.

I didn’t want to intrude. I know that you can be…quite private, and I didn’t want you to be angry with me. Though, one could argue that sneaking in is precisely what intrusion is. I just thought…that if you knew I was here, but if I didn’t talk to you, you would know that I would…be here for you, regardless of what happens. Now that I’m saying it out loud, it sounds—rather stupid.

I.. I am not angry with you. I wish you'd come properly, instead of sneaking around like you're not my sister. You're always welcome here. Your friend, too.

*Bao was going to continue before Zi squeaked and spoke up, his face going crimson.*

Zi, please, Wenling doesn't need to know about my embarrassing tumbles.

SO! Wenling and her “friend” Hàoyú are both on Gong’s island and have been for a while, because mod has just found out crap is about to go down and that they have to speed this plot up. H: Is this it? Whoa. I’ve never seen such a huge place before!

W: I’ve never quite felt so much burning hatred before.

Once they got there, they could feel the subjects staring at them. Reasonably so, it wasn’t every day that strange-looking adolescent humans just showed up. So, per Hàoyú’s request, they decided to try to blend in with the crowd just a little better. Needless to say, they look really dumb.

H: Oh! That’s…a really nice dress you’ve got there, Wen. Pfft…

W: Laugh and you’re going straight back to Megapolis.

Right now, Wenling is sort of stalking Gong’s palace in the bushes (with a pair of binoculars I TOTALLY FORGOT TO MENTION), Hàoyú by her side.

H: Do you usually stalk your brother like this? This seems kind of hardcore.

W: It isn’t stalking if he’s well aware of it. Bao’s sense of smell is as strong as all of the Celestials’ might combined.

*Bao was in one of the closed off gardens, protected from the storm eternally raging outside the walls of the Palace. He spoke to the small gaggle of beautiful (somewhat scaly) servants for a few more minutes before sending them away and moving on.*

*He settled down on a bench underneath a towering peach tree, setting down a small basket. Zi was sleeping inside, curled up between the fruit.*

*Bao watched his son with the softest smile, sighing and raising his voice.*

Funny. I have absolutely no idea where he got that from.

She turns to Hàoyú, her voice low.

W: Axe body spray. Seriously?

*Bao barely had to look for more than a second before spotting his little sister's hiding spot.*

H: You know what? Maybe the clothes weren’t my brightest idea.

I can't tell if you were trying to be offensive, or if you genuinely thought dressing like drunken rodeo clowns was a good idea.

My schoolmate was not part of the plan. We crossed paths in the village and he made it abundantly clear that he wouldn’t leave me be unless I let him “tag along.”

H: You let me come all on your own.

W: Quiet, Hàoyú. As I was saying…if you think I came here to battle your distasteful lover, you’re gravely mistaken. I only wanted to check in.

A beat.

W: The last time I saw you, you were battered and bruised. Upset, rambling about how you were a “bad brother…” And a day later, you’re gone. I wondered if you were dead in a ditch somewhere, but then I realized that you must have been…here. Now that I’ve—actually spoken to you, I’ll be on my way soon.

Wenling is startled a bit by Zi.

W: Ah. Hello, Zi.

*Bao snapped, reaching up to nuzzle Zi and scratch behind his ear.*

Hush for a moment, little one.

*He stood up, face flush with anger and embarrassment. The shiny bruise on his cheek seemed even brighter in his humiliation.*

You should have come through the front doors. You'd have been welcomed. Did you.. get through the storm without trouble?

Wenling pauses.

I didn’t want to intrude. I know that you can be…quite private, and I didn’t want you to be angry with me. Though, one could argue that sneaking in is precisely what intrusion is. I just thought…that if you knew I was here, but if I didn’t talk to you, you would know that I would…be here for you, regardless of what happens. Now that I’m saying it out loud, it sounds—rather stupid.

SO! Wenling and her “friend” Hàoyú are both on Gong’s island and have been for a while, because mod has just found out crap is about to go down and that they have to speed this plot up. H: Is this it? Whoa. I’ve never seen such a huge place before!

W: I’ve never quite felt so much burning hatred before.

Once they got there, they could feel the subjects staring at them. Reasonably so, it wasn’t every day that strange-looking adolescent humans just showed up. So, per Hàoyú’s request, they decided to try to blend in with the crowd just a little better. Needless to say, they look really dumb.

H: Oh! That’s…a really nice dress you’ve got there, Wen. Pfft…

W: Laugh and you’re going straight back to Megapolis.

Right now, Wenling is sort of stalking Gong’s palace in the bushes (with a pair of binoculars I TOTALLY FORGOT TO MENTION), Hàoyú by her side.

H: Do you usually stalk your brother like this? This seems kind of hardcore.

W: It isn’t stalking if he’s well aware of it. Bao’s sense of smell is as strong as all of the Celestials’ might combined.

*Bao was in one of the closed off gardens, protected from the storm eternally raging outside the walls of the Palace. He spoke to the small gaggle of beautiful (somewhat scaly) servants for a few more minutes before sending them away and moving on.*

*He settled down on a bench underneath a towering peach tree, setting down a small basket. Zi was sleeping inside, curled up between the fruit.*

*Bao watched his son with the softest smile, sighing and raising his voice.*

Funny. I have absolutely no idea where he got that from.

She turns to Hàoyú, her voice low.

W: Axe body spray. Seriously?

*Bao barely had to look for more than a second before spotting his little sister's hiding spot.*

H: You know what? Maybe the clothes weren’t my brightest idea.

I can't tell if you were trying to be offensive, or if you genuinely thought dressing like drunken rodeo clowns was a good idea.

My schoolmate was not part of the plan. We crossed paths in the village and he made it abundantly clear that he wouldn’t leave me be unless I let him “tag along.”

H: You let me come all on your own.

W: Quiet, Hàoyú. As I was saying…if you think I came here to battle your distasteful lover, you’re gravely mistaken. I only wanted to check in.

A beat.

W: The last time I saw you, you were battered and bruised. Upset, rambling about how you were a “bad brother…” And a day later, you’re gone. I wondered if you were dead in a ditch somewhere, but then I realized that you must have been…here. Now that I’ve—actually spoken to you, I’ll be on my way soon.

Wenling is startled a bit by Zi.

W: Ah. Hello, Zi.

SO! Wenling and her “friend” Hàoyú are both on Gong’s island and have been for a while, because mod has just found out crap is about to go down and that they have to speed this plot up. H: Is this it? Whoa. I’ve never seen such a huge place before!

W: I’ve never quite felt so much burning hatred before.

Once they got there, they could feel the subjects staring at them. Reasonably so, it wasn’t every day that strange-looking adolescent humans just showed up. So, per Hàoyú’s request, they decided to try to blend in with the crowd just a little better. Needless to say, they look really dumb.

H: Oh! That’s…a really nice dress you’ve got there, Wen. Pfft…

W: Laugh and you’re going straight back to Megapolis.

Right now, Wenling is sort of stalking Gong’s palace in the bushes (with a pair of binoculars I TOTALLY FORGOT TO MENTION), Hàoyú by her side.

H: Do you usually stalk your brother like this? This seems kind of hardcore.

W: It isn’t stalking if he’s well aware of it. Bao’s sense of smell is as strong as all of the Celestials’ might combined.

*Bao was in one of the closed off gardens, protected from the storm eternally raging outside the walls of the Palace. He spoke to the small gaggle of beautiful (somewhat scaly) servants for a few more minutes before sending them away and moving on.*

*He settled down on a bench underneath a towering peach tree, setting down a small basket. Zi was sleeping inside, curled up between the fruit.*

*Bao watched his son with the softest smile, sighing and raising his voice.*

Funny. I have absolutely no idea where he got that from.

She turns to Hàoyú, her voice low.

W: Axe body spray. Seriously?

*Bao barely had to look for more than a second before spotting his little sister's hiding spot.*

H: You know what? Maybe the clothes weren’t my brightest idea.

SO! Wenling and her “friend” Hàoyú are both on Gong’s island and have been for a while, because mod has just found out crap is about to go down and that they have to speed this plot up. H: Is this it? Whoa. I’ve never seen such a huge place before!

W: I’ve never quite felt so much burning hatred before.

Once they got there, they could feel the subjects staring at them. Reasonably so, it wasn’t every day that strange-looking adolescent humans just showed up. So, per Hàoyú’s request, they decided to try to blend in with the crowd just a little better. Needless to say, they look really dumb.

H: Oh! That’s…a really nice dress you’ve got there, Wen. Pfft…

W: Laugh and you’re going straight back to Megapolis.

Right now, Wenling is sort of stalking Gong’s palace in the bushes (with a pair of binoculars I TOTALLY FORGOT TO MENTION), Hàoyú by her side.

H: Do you usually stalk your brother like this? This seems kind of hardcore.

W: It isn’t stalking if he’s well aware of it. Bao’s sense of smell is as strong as all of the Celestials’ might combined.

*Bao was in one of the closed off gardens, protected from the storm eternally raging outside the walls of the Palace. He spoke to the small gaggle of beautiful (somewhat scaly) servants for a few more minutes before sending them away and moving on.*

*He settled down on a bench underneath a towering peach tree, setting down a small basket. Zi was sleeping inside, curled up between the fruit.*

*Bao watched his son with the softest smile, sighing and raising his voice.*

Funny. I have absolutely no idea where he got that from.

She turns to Hàoyú, her voice low.

W: Axe body spray. Seriously?

*MK runs over to Bao, clearly worried sick about the shapeshifter. Though he’s clearly been going through it, with a couple injuries himself from his previous fight with possessed Sun Wukong. MK eyes are dark, bags under his eyes and tear streaks on his face*

I THOUGHT I LOST YOU!

Never do that again! You scared the crap out of me!

*Bao flinched back so hard he nearly fell back down again, gripping the cloak around his shoulders even tighter. It didn't do much to hide the many, many bruises and little injuries, and it certainly didn't hide his matted hair and wild eyes. Eye.

Bao had been injured so many times in the past, battered this way and that. But this was the first time MK had seen his precious hair unkempt.*

MK..?

I...

I...

*Bao looked a little dazed, like he wasn't quite sure what to do, battling with his newfound beliefs and his instinctual bond with his family.*

M-MK, Qiaotian-

I thought I lost you Bao…

M'sorry... I didn't... Wukong, h-he-

*He took a deep shuddering breath, burying his face in Wukong's shoulder.*

*MK picks Bao up*

*Bao was suddenly in the air again, and his mind went blank with fear.

Dangling off Wukong's hip, helpless to go where he was forced. Falling over and over to the whim of a madman.*

Let GO!

*A sharp, anguished birdlike screech rattled in the air, as Bao twisted himself free. He hit the ground with a heavy thud, unfeeling of the new bleeding wounds on his arms and knees. The rock was cold against his forehead, the dust tickling the back of his throat as he heaved for breath.*

P-please.

*Bao looked down at his arms, mottled with bruises and little cuts*

I want to see Wenling. She'll help. At the.. the temple, the one I was in before..

Bao is an utter idiot, she thinks. Why wouldn’t he ever let anyone help him? And if he did, he would always run off afterwards. He’s so…so…

Why does he always do that? Maybe, by some wild chance, it’s not him. Maybe it’s her. Perhaps, she’s just too weak to protect him. Perhaps, she’s not a proper fit for…her family.

She feels herself choking up. Don’t do it, Wenling. Get a hold of yourself! You’re not supposed to cry when your brother is still in the hands of a psychopath and you have to help him—

It’s too late. Big, fat stupid tears begin rolling down her cheek as her breath uncontrollably quickens—quiet sobs being let out against her will. She takes a deep breath, wiping them from her face. Don’t feel sorry for yourself now. You have to go out and do something, you mindless dolt.

Almost on cue, MK and Bao land in front of her. She gasps subtly, straightening her back as she runs towards them.

*MK looks stressed and worried and somehow more tired than the unconscious shapeshifter at his side*

Let’s go inside.

MK's hurt too, Wen, he fought. Y'gotta help him first.

I was just - I-I just watched. Didn't do anything, Wen.

*As soon as Bao was close enough he was reaching out, clumsily pulling Wenling into a hug.*

Wenling slightly flinches at Bao’s touch, not expecting it.

*Bao felt fresh tears welling up, nuzzling his face into Wenling's shoulder and holding her tight.*

Wenling grabs his shoulders to let him know just how serious she is.

Are you really going to listen to that…thing? That stupid rock just wanted to break you. To control you. You can’t let it. You’re in control of your self-perception, not any supernatural nonsense that tries to hurt you.

A beat passes.

We both know that's not... Not true, Wen. M'not anything. Just a...

*A carrier for the Cintamani Jewel. A vessel, or a display case. He'd failed so miserably at being a person, perhaps he'd do better as a picture frame for the powered stone lodged in his head.

Horribly, selfishly, a little part of Bao was miserable at how easily Wukong's jewel could be removed. Most of what Bao thought and did was selfish.*

*MK runs over to Bao, clearly worried sick about the shapeshifter. Though he’s clearly been going through it, with a couple injuries himself from his previous fight with possessed Sun Wukong. MK eyes are dark, bags under his eyes and tear streaks on his face*

I THOUGHT I LOST YOU!

Never do that again! You scared the crap out of me!

*Bao flinched back so hard he nearly fell back down again, gripping the cloak around his shoulders even tighter. It didn't do much to hide the many, many bruises and little injuries, and it certainly didn't hide his matted hair and wild eyes. Eye.

Bao had been injured so many times in the past, battered this way and that. But this was the first time MK had seen his precious hair unkempt.*

MK..?

I...

I...

*Bao looked a little dazed, like he wasn't quite sure what to do, battling with his newfound beliefs and his instinctual bond with his family.*

M-MK, Qiaotian-

I thought I lost you Bao…

M'sorry... I didn't... Wukong, h-he-

*He took a deep shuddering breath, burying his face in Wukong's shoulder.*

*MK picks Bao up*

*Bao was suddenly in the air again, and his mind went blank with fear.

Dangling off Wukong's hip, helpless to go where he was forced. Falling over and over to the whim of a madman.*

Let GO!

*A sharp, anguished birdlike screech rattled in the air, as Bao twisted himself free. He hit the ground with a heavy thud, unfeeling of the new bleeding wounds on his arms and knees. The rock was cold against his forehead, the dust tickling the back of his throat as he heaved for breath.*

P-please.

*Bao looked down at his arms, mottled with bruises and little cuts*

I want to see Wenling. She'll help. At the.. the temple, the one I was in before..

Bao is an utter idiot, she thinks. Why wouldn’t he ever let anyone help him? And if he did, he would always run off afterwards. He’s so…so…

Why does he always do that? Maybe, by some wild chance, it’s not him. Maybe it’s her. Perhaps, she’s just too weak to protect him. Perhaps, she’s not a proper fit for…her family.

She feels herself choking up. Don’t do it, Wenling. Get a hold of yourself! You’re not supposed to cry when your brother is still in the hands of a psychopath and you have to help him—

It’s too late. Big, fat stupid tears begin rolling down her cheek as her breath uncontrollably quickens—quiet sobs being let out against her will. She takes a deep breath, wiping them from her face. Don’t feel sorry for yourself now. You have to go out and do something, you mindless dolt.

Almost on cue, MK and Bao land in front of her. She gasps subtly, straightening her back as she runs towards them.

*MK looks stressed and worried and somehow more tired than the unconscious shapeshifter at his side*

Let’s go inside.

MK's hurt too, Wen, he fought. Y'gotta help him first.

I was just - I-I just watched. Didn't do anything, Wen.

*As soon as Bao was close enough he was reaching out, clumsily pulling Wenling into a hug.*

Wenling slightly flinches at Bao’s touch, not expecting it.

*Bao felt fresh tears welling up, nuzzling his face into Wenling's shoulder and holding her tight.*

Wenling grabs his shoulders to let him know just how serious she is.

Are you really going to listen to that…thing? That stupid rock just wanted to break you. To control you. You can’t let it. You’re in control of your self-perception, not any supernatural nonsense that tries to hurt you.

A beat passes.

*MK runs over to Bao, clearly worried sick about the shapeshifter. Though he’s clearly been going through it, with a couple injuries himself from his previous fight with possessed Sun Wukong. MK eyes are dark, bags under his eyes and tear streaks on his face*

I THOUGHT I LOST YOU!

Never do that again! You scared the crap out of me!

*Bao flinched back so hard he nearly fell back down again, gripping the cloak around his shoulders even tighter. It didn't do much to hide the many, many bruises and little injuries, and it certainly didn't hide his matted hair and wild eyes. Eye.

Bao had been injured so many times in the past, battered this way and that. But this was the first time MK had seen his precious hair unkempt.*

MK..?

I...

I...

*Bao looked a little dazed, like he wasn't quite sure what to do, battling with his newfound beliefs and his instinctual bond with his family.*

M-MK, Qiaotian-

I thought I lost you Bao…

M'sorry... I didn't... Wukong, h-he-

*He took a deep shuddering breath, burying his face in Wukong's shoulder.*

*MK picks Bao up*

*Bao was suddenly in the air again, and his mind went blank with fear.

Dangling off Wukong's hip, helpless to go where he was forced. Falling over and over to the whim of a madman.*

Let GO!

*A sharp, anguished birdlike screech rattled in the air, as Bao twisted himself free. He hit the ground with a heavy thud, unfeeling of the new bleeding wounds on his arms and knees. The rock was cold against his forehead, the dust tickling the back of his throat as he heaved for breath.*

P-please.

*Bao looked down at his arms, mottled with bruises and little cuts*

I want to see Wenling. She'll help. At the.. the temple, the one I was in before..

Bao is an utter idiot, she thinks. Why wouldn’t he ever let anyone help him? And if he did, he would always run off afterwards. He’s so…so…

Why does he always do that? Maybe, by some wild chance, it’s not him. Maybe it’s her. Perhaps, she’s just too weak to protect him. Perhaps, she’s not a proper fit for…her family.

She feels herself choking up. Don’t do it, Wenling. Get a hold of yourself! You’re not supposed to cry when your brother is still in the hands of a psychopath and you have to help him—

It’s too late. Big, fat stupid tears begin rolling down her cheek as her breath uncontrollably quickens—quiet sobs being let out against her will. She takes a deep breath, wiping them from her face. Don’t feel sorry for yourself now. You have to go out and do something, you mindless dolt.

Almost on cue, MK and Bao land in front of her. She gasps subtly, straightening her back as she runs towards them.

*MK looks stressed and worried and somehow more tired than the unconscious shapeshifter at his side*

Let’s go inside.

MK's hurt too, Wen, he fought. Y'gotta help him first.

I was just - I-I just watched. Didn't do anything, Wen.

*As soon as Bao was close enough he was reaching out, clumsily pulling Wenling into a hug.*

Wenling slightly flinches at Bao’s touch, not expecting it.