▪ "𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐠𝐨 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲." ▪

Your back laid against MK's as he rambled about whatever he was drawing to you. Admittingly, you weren't paying much attention, and instead closed your eyes with a blank mind. "So, what you doing, MK?" Mei asked, grabbing a stack of papers from his pile of drawings that included all their friends, as well as some Monkey King ones. You saw Wukong do the same, and wink at you when you noticed. "Just doodling." MK replied, an array of smudged colors on his face. "Looking good, bud." Monkey King laid on his back on his cloud, tilting his head back to look at MK. You chuckled at MK, and turned to him. He glanced up at you, tilting his head. "What?" He asked, as you knelt in front of him. You used one hand to tilt his chin up to look you in the eyes. You used your other hand to wipe away the smudges of color on his from his drawing. His breath hitched. He could feel his cheeks grow warm, in fact his whole face was. He was a stuttering, blushing mess. You seemed too busy cleaning his face to notice. Only you were done, you smiled. "Sorry, you had something on your face." And with that, you turned away from him, playing with your chains in boredom. MK stared at you, breathless. That was the closest you've ever been to him. He then started to ponder what would have happened if he closed the distance between him and you. His face grew redder at the thought, and steam was comedically coming out of his ears. Mei pouted in jealousy, and smudged her face with MK's drawing supplies, before turning to you to help her clean it off. Wukong did the same, except instead of art supplies, he had peach chip crumbs on his cheeks and mouth. MK was too busy going back to his drawing to notice. The one he was currently working on was a drawing of you in great detail. Other drawings of you were hidden under the one he was working on. The only reason he hid them was because they were of you and him. One of them even had you two holding hands, and he drew another of you two kissing. His heart pounded in his chest at the thought of your lips pressed against his. The way he would melt when you put your hand around his waist.

"Oh. Did you do any drawings of me, MK?" MK flinched, and hurriedly scrambled to hide the drawing of you under his arms. He didn't make eye contact with Tang, instead grabbing an finished drawing of him and his friends and pretended to add more to it. "Y-Yeah-" He pointed his thumb towards the trash can that was filled to the brim with crumpled papers. "They're over there. I didn't like how any of them turned out, though. It was hard to make you look, uh, cool. You know, you get it." Tang looked at the papers, frowning in disappointment. "What!? But I'm like the coolest guy you know." MK pretended not to hear the man, as he quickly grabbed the unfinished drawing of you and began finishing where he left off coloring it.

"Hey guys. Land ho!" You quickly finished cleaning Wukong's face, turning to the front of the truck. You could see the city, lit up with lanterns, and emitting a welcoming feeling. Everyone gasped and scramble to the front seat to get a better view. Mei grabbed your hand and pulled you along with her. Wukong chuckled, also looking out at the city with a smile. "Hasn't changed a bit."

∘ - ✩彡 - ∘

You stood, your hand hanging onto an overhead rail as you rode the monorail. It was crowded with people. You didn't like crowded areas, since you were never normally around places like these. Looking out the window, you could see stalls filled with all sorts of things, and the many people walking down the roads, looking around in awe and amazement. You curiously peeked a glance at Wukong, who was squished between the people sitting next to him. One person on Wukong's right was on their phone, while the other on his left was sleeping. Their head laid on Wukong's shoulder. Drool threatened to drop out of their mouth and on Wukong's jacket. "Okay, maybe it's changed a little." Wukong grunted, making you chuckle. As a disguise Wukong had only slapped on an orangish yellow hoodie with navy blue sleeves in front of his regular outfit. The sleeves have a vertical teal stripe and the hoodie had a front pocket. You wore something similar, except in your favorite colors. You wore a [F/C] jacket, with a [2/F/C] scarf that covered your chin. You will admit, it was slightly uncomfortable hiding you tails under the jacket.

Wukong quickly stood, making the sleeping person fall and take over Monkey King's seat, still snoring away. He made his way towards you, skillfully dodging the people, and clung to you. His arms were wrapped around your neck. He hid his face in the back of your jacket, muttering how uncomfortable this area was. Looked like he wasn't used to being in crowds either. The monorail reached its destination, as Tang looked at the map then out the window. You walked next to him to see where he was looking. Outside, a large lantern glowing brightly seemed to be the center of attention. You snuck closer to Tang to look at the map, as he hummed. He noticed you look at the map and leaned closer towards you for you to get a better look, and to share his thoughts. "So if this map is correct, the last Ring of Samadhi should be around here somewhere." He pointed to the fire ring painted onto the map that looked like the large lantern in front of you all. He looked over at you. "I mean, that looks as good a place as any to look for- hey!" You glanced over at the exit of the monorail, and saw everyone leave the car, including Wukong. Tang seemed to be saddened by this, as his head hung once they left him. You noticed and sighed, putting an arm around his shoulder. He glanced up at you, and you looked back at him with a smile, leading him out of the monorail. "Don't worry. You know how they can get when their excited. They would never leave you behind." Tang smiled at your words, letting out a breath as you both followed the others, who were ahead by much distance. You let go of his shoulder, giving him one last sympathetic smile, and walked side by side, slowly catching up to your friends.

Once out of the metro, MK and Mei immediately ran ahead, looking at all the available stalls and sights. souvenirs and cool items were sold in these stalls, and the people in them waved and greeted you all passing by. Overall, you liked this place a lot, despite the amount of people. You, Wukong, Pigsy, and Sandy stayed behind, looking at the decorations and lights that welcomed you all. Tang studied the map carefully, looking around to what building the Samadhi Fire ring would be in. You still stood next to him, also looking at the map, until MK made his way in front of you and snatched your hand, before dragging you along with him and Mei.

After looking around, Wukong, Mei, and MK started looking around for the ring. "All right. I remember throwing the Ring around here somewhere." Wukong stated, looking under a basket or dumplings. "I thought you hid it?" Mei inquired, making you nod and turn to Wukong. "Yeah, by throwing it, into the crust of the Earth, where no one could find it." Wukong toppled over the basket and sounds of breaking glass came from where it landed. You winced as the sound, as Wukong stuffed his hands into his pockets and slid away. "Keep up, Dragon Pony Girl." "Is there some kind of festival on?" MK asked, a hand on his chin as he looked around. "Looks like it." Pigsy replied, standing in front of a stall. MK approached a vendor, you following. "Hi! So, what's up, is there some kind of festival going on?" "Of course. It's the Ring of Light Festival!" "Yeah, that doesn't really explain how-" The vendor interrupted MK with a story. "Legends say that Lantern City was once a desolate village, until Monkey King thrust the Ring of Light into the earth, transforming the city into the prosperous metropolis it is today. Every year we hold a festival celebrating Monkey King's gift of the great Ring of Light."  Everyone turned to Monkey King, including you, with a blank look. "So much for the Rings being a secret." Pigsy said, as Tang hummed in agreement. Wukong nervously laughed, slowly walking away from the situation. "So. You gonna buy something?" You turned to the vendor, as MK slapped money onto the counter. He bought multiple souvenirs, and threw them on everyone. He gave you a lantern pin on your hoodie, with fire sunglasses, and a treat that you were contently munching on. 

"So what? We're just going to wander around until we stumble upon the Ring, or-" You nodded with Pigsy, you the treat stuffed into your mouth as you happily chewed it down. "Of course not, Pigsy. I think I know exactly where the Ring is." "It's in the giant lantern in the middle of the city." Tang then yelled up at Wukong, who was leaning on the rail of the rooftop he was on, for interrupting him . "How do you figure?" MK tilted his head, and you used your chains to wrap around the rail next to Wukong and swung yourself next to him. You now had an amazing view of the lantern. It glowed warmly, and made you smile at the sight of it. "Somehow, the villagers found my super well-hidden magic ring, there's a giant magic lantern in the middle of the city, I'm going to say they put it in that. It's two plus two, bud." MK threw himself onto Wukong's shoulders, as everyone else quickly joined in the sightseeing behind you both. "And two plus two is three! The third ring!" You gave MK a weird look. "I think you need to go back to school, MK." You muttered, as Mei encouraged him, the two sharing a high five. Pigsy groaned, facepalming. Monkey King then snatched a flier from the bulletin board, before passing it to Sandy. "There you go, blue guy. You haven't said anything in a while. Read this." "Can't read?" MK asked, making Wukong shrug. "I get stage fright. Or something..." You laughed at his statement, knowing MK thought it was an excuse. "Oh, I you do." You said, making the tip of Wukong's ears turn red as he blushed in embarrassment. Lucky for him, he managed to hide it well. Sandy cleared his throat, putting on reading glasses as he read the flier out loud. "Join the talented citizens of Lantern City as they try to win the coveted Ring of Light and bring the city to life."

∘ - ✩彡 - ∘

"A talent show?" You hummed at Mei, looking out the curtains and peering at the large crowd gathered around the main stage. The other had been so eager to sign up to win the ring, that they were now processing what they had one. "So, if we win, we get the ring." "But none of us have any talents! There's no way we can win!" "I can impress them with my chain tricks." You replied, pulling out your chains, and making them float through the air while turning them into shapes. MK and Mei beamed as you worked your magic. Wukong pat your shoulder once you finished. "I'm sure you could easily wow them." He complimented, pointing his thumb towards the crowd. Sandy slid in with a knowing smile. "Actually, Pigsy-" Pugsy grabbed the end of the scarf around Sady's neck and pulled on it, silencing him. "Sandy! Would you just-" "Pigsy~ Do you have some kind of secret talent that you're not telling us about that might help us win the thing, maybe?" "Uh-" "Pigsy is an amazing singer!" Sandy quickly blurted out. "I'm sorry Pigsy, I had to tell him. His voice is like a choir of angels." MK seemed to be pleased by this, releasing Pigsy and grabbing instruments that were strewn out in the corner and handing them to his friends. "Awesome! That's good enough for me. Pigsy will sing, I'll play the bang bangs, Sandy is on the bass, obviously." "I mean, obviously." "Mei, you get this thing with way too many strings, and Monkey King-" "Hey, kid, can I talk to you a moment?" Wukong muttered, pulling MK aside to talk with him privately. You knew what they were discussing, and chuckled. Wukong had always been afraid of crowds, at least he was like that when you met him. "And Monkey King can play the gong!" You laughed at Wukong's uncomfortable expression, as he groaned out. "Wonderful." "And what about me?" Tang asked, as MK turned to the group. "Oh, Mr. Tang. For you, I've saved the most important role of all." MK placed a hand on the man's shoulder, hyping Tang up. "There isn't a band on Earth that can have any hope to win the Ring of Light without-" MK slapped a clipboard on Tang's hands. "-the band manager." "Wait, what!?" Tang looked at the clipboard, before looking at MK with disappointment. "You're benching me?" "Pretty much." MK clapped his hands, before turning to you. "And Y/N will do her fancy chain moves to make us even cooler!" You shook your head, walking over to Tang and placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm good. I'd rather be benched as well. I'm not the best with crowds either." That wasn't a complete lie. You didn't like crowds, even if you could do well performing for them. Tang smiled sadly at you, knowing you were just trying to make him feel better. MK sighed, muttering a disappointed 'fine' and turned back to his group. "All right team. Let's go win ourselves that last Ring of Samadhi!" Sandy and Mei yelled out words of agreement. "Yay." Tang responded with a sad voice. You pat his shoulder, leading him to an area where you both weren't seen by the crowd. The two of you watched as your friends played in front for the crowd, Tang looking with clear sadness. You tried your best to make him feel better with words, which worked a small bit. He still looked pretty sad though. You heard some commotion coming from behind you and glanced over to see three demons. One of them was pulling the two by their ears, away from the large lever in front of them. "Don't pull it until the end of the show!"

You gasped loudly, running over to them. "Yin, Jin! Hey guys!" The two demons perked up at your voice and small tears of joy left their eyes as they noticed you. They jumped out of the other demon's grasp, and pounced onto you, hugging you tight. You laughed when clung onto you, patting their back. "Nice to see you guys again. It's been forever!" The two demon only sobbed comedically in happyness, burying their faces in your shoulders. You looked up at the purple demon, and smiled kindly. "I hope these two trouble makers haven't given you much trouble."

"They've been surprisingly tolerant these past few weeks, except for the times they weren't." The purple demon shrugged, putting a hand to her hip and looking at a clipboard with the other. She looked to be in deep thought as she looked at it, and not wanting to disturb her you put your attention down at the demon twins. The continued to weep happily on your shoulder, yelling out how much they missed you, and how you needed to visit more often. You only smiled, the three of you pulling away. You placed your hands on your hips, your two tails swaying in content.

"It's been a while. Sorry about not checking up on you guys sooner. I'm kind of on a mission to save the world with friends, so I've been busy." You slightly tilted your head, chuckling a bit when you noticed Yin and Jin were wearing fake mustaches. "What are you guys doing here?" Jin put his hand on his chin, explaining. "Well, we decided the best way to get back at the Monkie Kid for breaking our Calabash, was to sabotage his performance." The two demons snickered evilly, excited about the genius plan they had come up with. You sweat dropped, your tails stopping their swinging. "Uh huh.. And how do you plan to do that?" The two stopped snickering, and fell silent. Yin scratched the back of his neck, while Jin whistled loudly as he averted his gaze. It was obvious the two hadn't planned that far ahead. You sighed, glancing back at your friends performing, before noticing Tang wasn't anywhere to be found. You hesitantly looked up at the giant lantern that held the ring, seeing shadowy silhouettes of two people in there. Welp, looks like you found Tang. And Macaque. Your eyes narrowed at the sight, and you turned back to the twin demons with a sympathetic smile. "Looks like I'm going to have to go again. I'll see you two later!" 

Before they could respond, you leaped into the air, summoning your star under you, and flew up to the lantern as fast as you could. What greeted you there was Tang on his knees, and Macaque reaching for the ring. You quickly sent a kick to Macaque's side, the impact making him crash onto the soft walls of inside the lantern. You stood in front of the dragon statue that held the ring, glancing over at Tang. "You alright?" "Y/N!" Tang yelled in reif and happiness. You nodded, smiling at him. Macque laughed at the sight, and you soon looked over to meet his eyes. You glared at him, inching closer to the ring. Macque got to his feet, crossing his arms. "Y/N. What a lovely surprise. I see you're hiding my mark~" He mused, smirking as you growled at him. You were so tempted to punch him square in the face, but you couldn't leave the ring unprotected. You needed it for the Lady Bone Demon. "That's a shame. I put it on you for a reason you know." "And what's that reason?" You snarled, positioning your hands to grab your chains to use them if Macaque moved a muscle. Macaque huffed, growing agitated. He disappeared in his own shadow under him, making you take a step back and slowly make your chains float around you. Macaque's laugh echoed through the lantern, taunting you. "You're more dense than I thought." You grew tense, clenching your jaw as his words echoed in the lantern. You were alert, looking around you as shadow danced in the walls of the lantern. A bead of sweat ran down your forehead. "To let everyone know you're mine~" You gasped when you felt your scarf being ripped off your neck, and drift out of the lantern and over the city. You sent your chains behind you, narrowly missing Macaque by and inch. His hand shot to your neck, and he ripped off the bandage, exposing the bite mark he had given you. You continued to try and kick and grabbed him with your chains, but to no avail. He just kept doging like it was nothing. He then sent a strong kick to your back send you crashing into the lantern wall. At least it was a soft landing. Multiple shadow clones pinned you down, and you struggled to free yourself. "It's a shame you can't see it. Especially when it's right in front of your eye. I see the way they look at you. Wukong, MK, the dragon girl. They all want you for themselves. So, I had to step up my game. How can you not see that!?" You continued to struggle, not wanting to listen to him. He was lying. There was no way what he was saying was true. He only growled at you stubbornness, and reached for the ring. "Whatever. I'll knock some sense into you after I take the ring and finally be free from her."

"Stop! The Samadhi Fire is humanity's last chance to defeat the Lady Bone Demon!" Tang yelled, making Macaque stop and glare back at him. You tried to throw the clones off of you. You managed to throw a couple off, but they only kept coming. "Well, humanity's just gonna have to find something else. The Samadhi Fire is my best chance of getting as far away from her as possible." "Surely even you can see that unless we stand together-" Macaque cut him with a chuckle. "Together? Remind me again exactly what it is you tribute to the