So, instead of everything being tied into one chapter, I decided that it would probably be smarter if I just split things into 2 chapters. That way, it'll be easier to navigate and easier to read.
And, someone did bring up Kuroka suddenly appearing healed in the last chapter after Issei arrived. Well, this chapter will explain that part. It wasn't an error and I did it on purpose. The reason was because I didn't want to break the intense string of action that was going on, so I decided to show the part that explains Kuroka's recovery in this chapter instead.
I also wanted to address a Guest reviewer: [I Wanna Know]
I'm glad that you liked the chapter and I appreciate the time you took to read it. It proved to be a bit of a challenge for me. It's been a while since I wrote a chapter like that, but I can see that it bore some fruit. I'm also happy that you liked the music I suggested. I never really know if anyone does listen to the music that I suggest since not many make me aware of it. However, there are people that have said it to me in the past. As for the lack of reviews, it's fine for me. I do appreciate any feedback that I get and I just appreciate anyone who says something, especially if it's meaningful. Overall, if people are enjoying the story, then I take heart in that.
Chapter 20 Part 1: Gatecrashers
The battle was over. Kunlun had survived the attack of the Earth Avitur, with it being destroyed by Issei. However, it came at an unknown cost to himself. Now, everyone awaited his recovery. Rizevim and Ezagyra had personally come to see Issei's condition, concerned about his health and also curious as to what happened.
"So, tell me what happened, from the top." Rizevim sat across from the Vali Peerage in the room Issei was sleeping in.
"It all happened last night, when the Avitur just awoke and began rampaging. We all fought it and later, Issei just showed up and went toe-to-toe with it alone. Unlike us, it actually looked like he was hurting it back. They were fighting all over Kunlun and then he did something. I can't remember what, since I got knocked out." Lefay looked at Vali.
"Issei began channeling his power, Bahamut's power, and used it to destroy the Avitur. When he was on the brink of death, I used my Evil Pieces to save his life." Vali finished.
"I see. Did anything else happen? The Jade Emperor and Empress have told me that no one has intruded in the Palace and nothing is missing. However, we know better than to just leave it at that." Rizevim inquired.
"No, nothing happened. The Hero Faction showed up for that small bit but that was all. I think they tried to take the Avitur before it could break free but Cao Cao said that it was a failure." Vali shook her head.
While the others told the story, Bikou and Kuroka were remembering the details of that night.
Flashback Start
Bikou was holding onto Kuroka, desperately pouring Phoenix Tears onto her wounds. His hands trembled, failing to give him any composure. His heart was pounding as the thought of losing somebody close to him began to shake him to the core. The fact that she'd confessed her feelings for him moments before didn't help matters. He couldn't just let things end on that note.
Suddenly, Bikou felt thousands of chilly pricks going across his skin. Something was coming. He was scared that it was the Earth Avitur, but he noticed that a blue light was approaching. It wasn't orange like the Avitur.
Zipping over trees, Bikou was slowly able to make out the appearance of who it was as they approached.
"Issei?!"
"No time for talk, hold her steady." Issei said.
Bikou didn't understand it. Issei was wearing new navy greaves to go with his gauntlets. The most noticeable thing was that his aura was a fiery navy, resembling the one he had when he killed Kokabiel. Was Issei under some sort of trance again?
Issei held his hand over Kuroka's gaping wound. Imbuing some of his navy aura onto the red tear in her abdomen. Rapidly, the bleeding stopped before the flesh began repairing itself. It was like regeneration, basically. Unfortunately, Issei felt wonky and disoriented after that. It was like imparting a large part of his own strength to her and it didn't make his body feel good. Still, it was a minor price.
"How?" Bikou was mystified.
"Not now. Where're the others?" Issei asked impatiently.
"Scattered all over the place. That monster made of stone is rampaging right now. I think it's headed for Kunlun. I don't know where everybody else is." Bikou shook his head.
Issei looked irritated as he tried to sense where the others were. The closest that he could sense was Vali…and she was very close to the trees that were being thrown about. She had to be fighting right now. Everything was happening so quickly and yet, there so little time to speak or act.
"Alright, so Kuroka's wound will take care of itself. I don't know everything, myself, but she'll be fine. Make sure to get her and the others out of here." Issei said.
"What about you? You'll need help." Bikou protested.
"I'll be fine. I need to stop that thing before it gets to Kunlun." Issei said before he flew off.
Flashback End
Not long after that, Kuroka awoke. Despite feeling weak, she was still able to keep moving forward. Bikou still wondered about how Issei was able to heal Kuroka so well and so quickly, but when they caught up, Issei was fighting the Avitur. When things finally calmed down, it was Issei who was unconscious. Regardless, he'd get answers later.
"I see. Still, I'm glad to see that Issei's alive. Has he woken up before now?" Ezagyra asked as she wiped the sweat off his forehead.
Looking at her now, it was like watching a parent care for their sick child. It was touching, really. Issei wasn't even her child and had only known her for several months, but here they were.
"No, he hasn't." Vali quietly said.
"Well, thanks to all of you, the Jade Emperor has completely agreed to sign on with the Alliance. However, since we're all here, there's something I want to tell you as well."
"It is that time." Bikou nodded.
"What's he mean?" Lefay asked.
"The Rating Game between Young Devils is going to happen soon. Be prepared, the official start is in a few months. Amongst the rookies selected, this group is a main prospect, along with many others who've shown martial progress in combatting the Khaos Brigade."
Lefay nodded in understanding.
"For now, you all should rest. Don't worry about security, since we've used our own brands of magic and stationed additional guards to protect Kunlun. Take this time to enjoy the present. That is, if your grandmother doesn't stop fretting." Rizevim looked at his wife.
"Hey, they're my babies!" Ezagyra fired back.
Currently, she was trying to feed Lefay some medicine for her broken arm and patting down Arthur's forehead with a towel.
"We're okay, Grandma, don't worry." Vali said, although she still drank the soup that Ezagyra was spoon-feeding her.
"So, what's the plan, then?"
Kuroka asked.
"We recover and just do whatever, really."
"Ah, that reminds me, Lianshi and Sun Quan's wedding is this weekend." Sun Wukong mused.
The room got quiet when he said that. Everyone glanced at Bikou, who was the most connected to this.
"What?" Bikou irately asked.
"So, will you let this happen, or will you actually spit it out with her? You'd have to be blind not to notice that the two of you have feelings for each other. It's time to stop beating the bush, Mei Hou." Wukong sighed.
Bikou didn't respond. He was in a dilemma right now. His feelings for Lianshi were strong but that coupled with the knowledge of Kuroka's love for him made things ultra-complicated. How was he supposed to respond with Kuroka right in the same room with him?
"I…"
"Mei Hou, if you're going to say you love her, then prove it. Don't just sit here like a sorry kid beating himself up in he corner because he wasn't brave enough to say anything. Yes, you might fail, but do you want to live the rest of your life regretting? If you want something to happen, you've got to take that plunge." Kuroka said.
Everyone looked at her in surprise. She was the last person they expected to say all that. Normally, they bickered like it was DEFCON, but right now, she was genuinely trying to give him a push forward. Bikou sighed, mulling over what she said. He knew that she was talking about taking the same plunge that she did when she confessed her feelings for him.
Still, he knew the look in her eyes.
'We still need to talk. I still want to come to a conclusion.' Kuroka seemed to communicate with him.
Bikou nodded in understanding. He just hoped she'd be patient with him.
"Geezer…think I'll be banished again?" Bikou asked sheepishly.
Wukong smirked.
"Don't you remember? The Jade Emperor and Empress decreed that they wouldn't be involved and only they can banish people. As for the political fallout between the Sun and Bu families…I can handle it. I've lived a long time and their little squabble isn't as bad as they play it up to be. I'm not the only one annoyed with the squabbling of their followers, either. Of course, you're all welcome to try to convince them too. It just depends on how far you'll go."
"Whatever it is, you've got our support." Vali said.
"Should we wait until Issei wakes up?" Lefay asked.
"No, Bahamut's a source of a lot of political tension. If he interfered, it'd be as if the Biblical Faction, specifically, the Devils, were flaunting their power. Now that he's a part of the Peerage, his freedom to act should be held low for a bit until things calm down here. Besides, he needs his rest and we don't know how long it'll be till he wakes up." Rizevim interjected.
"Gramps has a point. So, what're you thinking, Bikou?" Vali asked.
"Well, we might make enemies out of the Bu family elders. The plan itself, is pretty simple. Crash the wedding and try to convince her of my feelings and get her to stop pretending. If it comes to blows, then fight and run away." Bikou plainly stated.
A long pause passed through the room again.
'That is seriously too simple…' Everyone thought at the same time.
Vali smirked. Yes, it was simple, but it sounded just about right. That was just their style.
"So, you've got your words ready?" Vali asked.
"Nope. I'll just tell her the truth and how I really feel. I'm a simple guy, so rather than try something that'll mess me up, I'll be my real self." Bikou shook his head.
"Well, we got the wedding invitation. It's going to be this weekend after everything's fixed up and everyone's recovered. Make sure to be ready by then." Lefay noted.
"Try not to go overboard." Rizevim smirked.
The only ones left in the room was the Vali Peerage after that.
"So, you're just going to march right up there, break the door down, pour your heart out to Lianshi, and see if she reciprocates? And if she says 'yes' and the families try to stop you, we fight?" Kuroka summarized, still trying to see the logic.
"'Essentially."
"Why not do the convincing now?" Lefay asked.
"Because she refuses to see me. Every time I go to their front door, I get turned away because she won't talk to me." Bikou sighed.
"And what do the families think of you?" Vali asked.
"The Bu family likes me, I think. The Sun family is kind of meh about me. I never got really involved with those guys because they were mafia back then."
"Then, we'll have to assume that the Sun family will resist us, for starters. If the Bu family is reluctant with this arranged marriage, then we might be able to convince them not to go through with it." Vali suggested.
"But that would mean the Sun family would feel insulted and might retaliate in some way. Also, let's not forget that they want that full-pardon from the deal." Arthur said.
"That would drag the Wukong family into it too, but the Geezer did say he'd handle it. He might just lay down the law on them. We are allies of the Bu Family." Bikou mused.
"But, that would breed resentment too, because one side would be punished while the other would get away scot-free. There has to be a way to appease both sides while letting Lianshi go free."
"And does anyone know how Sun Quan feels?" Elaine interjected.
That was right. Nobody had talked to him yet about how he felt.
"Then we'd better find out." Vali decided.
"And what do you think will happen if he really does like Lianshi and we make an enemy out of him?" Lefay asked.
"Then it's a risk we've gotta take." Bikou said.
No more beating around the bush and being mopey. If Kuroka was going to grit her teeth and push herself, then so would he.
Bikou had decided to visit Sun Quan. It felt so wrong to do this, but he felt that he had to. If Sun Quan truly did have feelings for Lianshi… Bikou would have no real idea on what to do.
The Sun Mansion was like a multi-story building of Asian design. Black tiled roofs with red pillars and walls made it up. A large grey wall surrounded the grounds with golden tiger statues keeping watch over the home. Outside, were patches of tall trees that gave some obscurity to the Mansion.
When he entered the home, Bikou was warmly greeted by the Sun family.
"Welcome, Mei Hou, please, come inside." Sun Quan smiled.
The two young-men sat in his room, where privacy was assured.
"So, what brings you by, my friend?" Sun Quan asked.
"I just came to talk and to see how you all were doing. I heard many of the Sun family members were killed in the attack the other day."
"Yes, that's true. Many of my clansmen were killed by that Beast. Thankfully, your friend, Issei, managed to stop it. How is he?" Sun Quan asked.
"He's resting and alive. We don't know the full details of his condition, so we'll have to wait and see." Bikou said.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I may have just the thing that could help." Sun Quan walked over to one of his drawers.
Rummaging through a number of things, he came back with a small box.
"This is a herb that'll heal physical wounds and rejuvenate the mind. Take it and share it with him. Kunlun owes him for his risks." Sun Quan smiled.
This always perplexed Bikou. Sun Quan had nothing to gain out of being so friendly and helpful to everyone. Yet, he still extended a helping hand.
"You mind if I ask you something?" Bikou started.
"Go ahead."
"No offense, but why are you so nice to us? We barely know each other." Bikou bluntly stated.
Sun Quan nodded in understanding. Apparently, he was used to this kind of question.
"I get that a lot. Well, as you know, I grew up in a crime family. We engaged in assassinations, drug-dealing, and espionage. We even made profits off of it. Naturally, anyone who grew up in this kind of environment would end up following in those footsteps left behind and become a horrible person. However, when I was exposed to it, I decided that I didn't want to live this kind of life. I don't like hurting people. I don't like death and I don't like injustice. I've seen a lot of horrible people like my clansmen walk away scot-free because of a failed system. As a person, I just want to do the right thing and change how people see me and my family. That's also why I chose to go into law."
Sun Quan walked toward his window, staring off into the distance.
"Growing up, kids always ran away from me when I told them that about my family. Just hearing my last name made them scared. It left things quite impaired for me. So, I resolved to be different. Along with my parents and several other members of my clan, I decided to turn things around and try to clean up the reputation and act of the Sun Family. I just want to be a decent guy, at least. Rather, I wanted to be like Jian Long when I was a kid." Sun Quan smiled back at Bikou.
Bikou nodded in understanding.
'He sounds a lot like Issei.'
Growing up, Bikou always lived under the shadow of his ancestor, the notorious Monkey King. He'd been surrounded by a lot of people for most of his life, so he didn't really understand loneliness like they did. Still, he understood an honest person whenever he met one.
"Anyways, enough about me, how else can I help you?"
Bikou geared himself up and took a deep breath.
"I also came here to talk to you about Lianshi."
Sun Quan smiled.
"I was actually going to talk to you about that too. Has she told you?"
"About?"
"About how this whole wedding isn't exactly compliant on our ends."
Bikou went silent, feeling the strong awkwardness in the air.
"I'll be honest with you, Mei Hou, I don't want to go through with this wedding, either. Lianshi is a wonderful young lady, but…I can't see myself having a family and growing old with her. However, for the sake of my family, I must do this. The noose is coming for or necks sooner or later and with the promise of full pardons for everyone in my family…I have to take it. It would save many lives that could contribute greatly to our home."
That was all Bikou needed to know. Sun Quan didn't have feelings for Lianshi. Yet, he just couldn't feel any joy out of this. He felt so devious and it just wasn't like him. Before he could say anything else, a knock came at the door.
"Lord Quan, the Elders wish to speak with you." A servant said.
"I'll have to talk with you later. I'm happy that you came to check up on me. Make sure to tell your friends not to have any dairy after drinking that medicine. There'll be a lot of visits to the toilet if they do." Sun Quan merrily laughed before escorting Bikou off the grounds.
When he went back inside his home, he entered the room where the Sun Elders awaited. It was a round room with a carpeted floor with a large round table. Sitting there, were eight people, including Sun Quan's parents. The other six were Sun Quan's aunt, uncle, maternal, and paternal grandparents.
"I assume you know why we called you today?" One elderly woman asked.
Her name was Huang Xing, Sun Quan's paternal grandmother. Next to her, was her husband, Sun Jilin. She had short grey hair with purple eyes and wore a dark purple attire. Adorning her were several pieces of fine jewelry, showing her status as a leader of the Family.
"Yes."
"We require your answer, Quan. Will you proceed towards a future where we all live or a future where only you live?" Sun Jilin sighed.
He had brown eyes and gray hair combed back and wore a red suit.
"Is it necessary for you to pressure the boy so much?" Guo Ping, Sun Quan's maternal grandfather asked. His tone was stern, denoting his opposition to this whole thing.
He had dark gray hair with streaks of black in it. His attire was a green suit with a black shirt and gold tie.
"Our family has escaped punishment for the many crimes we've committed in the past. The day where we're hanged for them is going to come sooner or later. This Alliance that the foreigners brought has completely unbalanced our society. We have enemies elsewhere and the Jade Emperor just might execute us to satisfy their desires if desired. Things have now entered a time of negotiation and we could become sacrificial lambs." Huang Xing interjected.
Sun Quan remained silent. Whatever he said, he was sure the family elders would overrule him. They'd already done it before.
"I see…You may go now. If you do not give us an answer soon, then we will take your silence as an agreement." Huang Xing sighed.
Sun Quan nodded and left.
The night before the wedding, Lianshi was in her room, her hair being combed by her mother, Yuyan. She had the same dark hair that Lianshi had, but her eyes were green instead. She wore a red nightgown as she stood behind her daughter, who was sitting on a chair. It was tradition for someone close to the bride to comb their hair while wishing them good luck in their marriage.
"Are you excited?" Lianshi's mother asked.
"Nervous." Lianshi nodded.
"I don't blame you…" Yuyan went quiet.
After finishing the combing, she sat in front of her daughter.
"I'm so sorry about this, Lianshi." She softly said.
"It's okay, mother. Sun Quan is a good man. I don't mind spending the rest of my life with him." Lianshi smiled.
She had immediately known where her mother was going with this.
"You're fine being married to a man you don't love for all your life?"
(HERO OST – Love In Distance. Play Song.)
Lianshi went silent, looking down. The door rung as four knocks came. Entering was Lianshi's father, Dingwen. He had a clean-shaven face with black hair that had a few streaks of white in it. His cheek had a long, faded scar while his attire consisted of a olive-green robe. His frame was tall and a bit skinny, but far from scrawny.
"Father…" Lianshi regarded him.
He smiled at her softly before sitting next to his wife.
"So, it's happening tomorrow." He looked into the distance.
"Shall we tell her?"
Lianshi looked at them in confusion.
"Why not leave with Mei Hou?" Dingwen suggested.
"What?!" Lianshi exclaimed.
"The family will be fine. You should leave with Mei Hou before he leaves Kunlun. That way, you two can be together." Her mother explained.
"Why would I run away with him?" Lianshi asked.
Yuyan only chuckled.
"We both knew just how much you loved him. The entire time he was banished, you were unlike yourself. You were less happy, smiled less, and we noticed the law books that you'd read every day and night." Dingwen gently said.
"Not to mention, you refused dates from all of the boys that came for you." Yuyan smiled.
"Lianshi, it's time for you to be true to yourself. We'll be okay. If anything, we can give it all up and live humble lives. There's also the Wukong family, who've always been our dearest friends. There won't be a bloodbath, we promise. Those days are done." Dingwen smiled as he put a hand on his daughter's.
"Father, I know better than that. You and mother have been hiding things from me, haven't you? About the Family Elders wanting to end it all in a very unsavory way." Lianshi gave them a look.
Neither of her parents could refute.
"It's alright. This needs to happen. Whether the Elders like it or not, the public will have accepted the union along with the Jade Emperor and Empress recognition. They wouldn't dare go against that. It'll buy us time to lock them up." Liansh said.
"How did you know?" Dingwen asked.
"I've intercepted messages between you and the Elders. If this marriage doesn't work, then they'll force war on the streets. The last thing I want to do is involve the Jade Emperor. He might punish everyone if things get out of hand." Lianshi explained.
"He told you this?" Yuyan asked.
"I'm one of the Royal Guards. It's no surprise that we have spoken about it. The Sun and Bu families have had a massive rift since the Warring Kingdoms Era ended and it carried over to Kunlun. If our families fought on the streets, then there'd be no way we'd be let off the hook if we helped start it." Lianshi answered.
Both her parents sighed in defeat.
"There has to be a way." Dingwen put his head in his hands.
"There is no other way. At least for a while, we can keep things from escalating." Lianshi tearfully said.
She looked out the window and stared at the moon. If only she'd thought of something sooner, she wouldn't have had to surrender her freedom. Now, it was too late. The bed had been made and now she had to lay in it.
Dingwen and Yuyan, on the other hand, decided that they needed to head things off.
"If it comes to this, then we can seek help from someone we trust dearly. I promise, we'll fix this." Dingwen said as he left the room.
Whatever he was going to try, he hoped time would be on their side.
(HERO OST – Love In Distance. End Song.)
Soon, the day of the wedding had arrived. Lianshi was dressing up in her wedding qipao as a maid applied make-up. Her hair was tied into a neat bun with golden pins and clips as she sat as still as a statue.
While doing so, she thought to herself, contemplating. Here she was, putting on a beautiful wedding dress, with her make-up being applied for her, her friends and family gathering inside her home. She thought about her groom-to-be. Sun Quan was the kind of guy that would make any parent proud. He worked hard, was earnest, and friendly. However, when she pictured him as a husband in her head, he wasn't there. She would beat herself up over these thoughts. When she thought of family, Bikou would pop up in her head.
He was a jokester, unruly, and snarky. Yet, behind that brash exterior, he had a heart of gold. Bikou was the one who stole a Peach of Immortality to cure her. Honestly, she would've died if he hadn't done so. In exchange, he'd gotten banished. Some friend she was. Even worse, even after her confession, she was still going to go through with all this. What was wrong with her? Her façade was being smashed to bits and she didn't know what to do with herself anymore. If only she could turn back the clock and stop herself from agreeing to all this. It was just that so many lives depended on her decision. Deep down, she knew that her heart lied with Bikou, not Sun Quan. She was an utter fool.
At the same time, Sun Qun was on his way from his home to Lianshi's. It was Kunlun tradition for the Groom to lead a procession of his family members to the Bride's home. There, he would perform tricks, play games, and give out gifts to appease friends and family of the Bride, all for the sake of symbolizing the struggles of taking their daughter away.
"Is something wrong, Young Master?" Someone asked Sun Quan.
"Hm?" Sun Quan snapped out of his thoughts.
"You look forlorn, Young Master."
"I'm just nervous, don't worry." Sun Quan sheepishly chuckled.
That was a lie, of course. He also didn't want to go through with this wedding. Lianshi was a wonderful young lady, but she wasn't somebody he could see in a romantic light. To be frank, it didn't feel like there was any sort of connection between the two of them.
They tried to hold hands, but it was such a loose entanglement. They looked each other in the eyes, but it felt like they were just trying to see if the other was lying. It was no secret to the other that neither of them loved each other. The only comfort out of all this was that both of them admired qualities in each other. To him, Lianshi was determined, dedicated, and selfless. She never did anything half-heartedly, and always did her best for others.
It was charming, but it wasn't enough to spark any feelings for her. He was sure nothing would develop either. Sun Quan sighed. If only the past could've been dropped. If he didn't create this union and grant his family some sort of immunity, then the executioner's axe was going to be swinging down on the necks of his family who still remained tied to crime life.
It sucked that the Jade Emperor and Empress declared that they would refrain from interfering in this matter, specifically. It was up to both families to come to a conclusion. Sun Quan always wondered why it was like this. Did something happen to them in the past that they refrained from interference? Was there a moral lesson to be learned? Or did the Jade Emperor and Empress simply not care? Whatever the case, it didn't matter anymore. He could only do what he could now.
After going through the traditional things for a Kunlun wedding, Sun Quan sang songs, did backflips, dances, and handed out gifts to members of the Bu family and Lianshi's friends. When that was over, he awaited for Lianshi to exit her room. True to customs, a red veil was placed over her face to symbolize her chastity that was reserved for the groom.
Carrying her on his back to the Bride's Palanquin, Lianshi sat inside as Sun Quan and his group made their return to his home with trumpets playing to announce the march.
Back at the Wukong Residence, everyone was preparing to go to the ceremony. They had been invited to attend since they'd played a role in defending Kunlun as well as Sun Wukong being one of the most influential figures on Kunlun.
Vali turned to Ezagyra.
"Are you going to stay with Issei?" She asked.
"Yeah. Someone needs to keep an eye on him. You all go on ahead. I'm sure you'll be needed, even if it's just emotional support." Her grandmother nodded.
"Hm…if only Jian Long were alive." Bang Hou said.
"Who's that?" Kuroka asked.
"A legendary figure in the history of Kunlun. He was known as the Jade Emperor and Empress's adopted son. They found him as a mortal and took him in. They trained him in martial arts and classical arts. He was on his way to succeeding the Jade Emperor but at the same time, there was insurrection. Jian Long, who was mortal, was favored heavily by his adopted parents, and the inhabitants of Kunlun, were dissatisfied. Their lives were poor and neglected in exchange for the constant intervention of any misfortune that would've befallen Jian Long. At the time, the Royal Court had people who also wanted to dethrone the monarchs, thus, they spread lies and rumors to fan the flames of rebellion. Jian Long discovered this scheme and tried to expose them but the people had been turned against him already. It was too late. They marched upon the Jade Palace but met his resistance. He fought them all to the death but in the end, he was slain but succeeded in protecting his adoptive parents. Later, my grandfather arrived and immediately put down the rebellion and the corrupted nobles. From that day forth, the Jade Emperor and Empress declared neutrality in personal matters. They strictly ran Kunlun in only its necessities and allowing certain disputes to remain between clans within reason.." Bang Hou explained.
"Jian Long then passed into legend after the truth was exposed. Many young men and women want to be like him. Selfless in service to their family and friends with great strength to back it up. He wasn't one for things like this. That's why, this would be a time for him to intervene. Being forced into things, was something that Jian Long was known for not being fond of." Xiuying sadly said.
"Wow, that's actually pretty sad." Kuroka nodded.
"Grandfather knew him personally. He says the legends don't do him justice since no historian was there for when Jian Long's character really stood out. He said his fighting abilities didn't matter. It was his personality that made him strong." Xiuying shrugged.
"Well, we're going to have to do this without him. Hopefully, his spirit will watch over us. So, are you ready?" Vali turned to Bikou.
He nodded.
"Remember, we're with you the entire way." Kuroka smiled.
He smiled back at her gratefully.
"Alright, let's go." Vali proceeded.
"Still no idea where Sun Wukong is?" Elaine asked.
"He said he was meeting with the Jade Emperor and Empress." Bikou explained.
"About what?"
"No idea. He just up and left."
Just as they mentioned, Sun Wukong arranged an audience with the rulers of Kunlun. They all sat in the Throne Room, with Wukong floating eye-to-eye with the two monarchs. Instead of sporting his casual demeanor, he carried himself with an air of authority and power. For starters, he wasn't wearing his shades, revealing his glowing eyes.
"What brings you here today, Wukong?"
"I'm sure you know." The Monkey King lit his pipe.
"We've already given our stance on the matter. We'll have no involvement. Our lesson was learned years ago."
Wukong gave the two a sympathetic look.
"Is this still about Jian Long?"
The two avoided his gaze.
"That was 3,000 years ago. You two have to let it go." Wukong sighed.
"That's easy for you to say. You didn't nearly bring a kingdom to the ground for intervening…" The Empress snapped.
When she realized what she just said, she went silent. She'd forgotten that Wukong wasn't a subordinate of theirs. Sure, he had less political power, but he had no obligations to obey them either. Not only that, but Wukong had also suffered tragedy within his life just like they had.
"We've lived long lives. We've all done things we regret and there are things we won't ever forget. However, we can't lose focus on the present. Let's be honest, none of us were good people back then. Right now, we're barely likeable. We were all trigger-happy buffoons that were no different from blood-thirsty mongrels. For that, countless people paid the price. I thought I was the absolute best and I was proven otherwise with unsurmountable results. The Great Buddha himself, had me in the palm of his hand, literally. With one small bet, I was defeated with no effort and my image of myself was shattered." Wukong puffed his pipe.
"Now, I've taken to trying to create a new generation where there won't be people like us. However, what about you two? Will you let these young people, our future, lock themselves into prison that they can't escape from? Will you let their forebearers manipulate and control them to repeat cycles? I'm sure you wouldn't want that. Just take a look at what happened to Jian Long."
"DON'T YOU DARE INSULT OUR SON'S NAME?!" The Jade Emperor snapped.
Wukong merely huffed.
"Hmph."
The Jade Emperor managed to calm himself.
(HERO OST – For the World. Play Song.)
"Jian Long wasn't our child by blood, but he was as good as. He was just an orphan that we'd come across on a stroll amongst the mortals. On a whim, we took him in and raised him. He was such a powerful warrior but he was still so kind and generous. So many people wanted to be like him. Yet, people weren't used to us showing so much favor and care for a mortal. It spurned others to plot. The other immortals tried to overthrow us when we kept intervening in his matters. It shifted their focus to him and he paid the price with his life." The Jade Empress recounted the tale.
As she spoke, the memory of what had happened made her lip quiver. It still hurt so much to remember what had happened to their adopted son, whom they'd adopted in the heat of the moment.
"Yes, I remember. He bought time for me to arrive and finish off the rebellion. Even now, people still want to be like him. A warrior with a strong body but a kind heart and a sound mind. Still, you've failed to understand that that sort of thing is happening again. That young lass and lad, Lianshi and Sun Quan, are sacrificing their freedom and time in order to buy time for you and others to come to your senses. If they don't do this, then we'll have another Warring States on the streets. The Sun family is afraid that they'll be executed for their past crimes soon. Even now, many amongst the people are pushing for these charges to go through, even though the current generations can't be blame for it. The Bu family is trying to uphold their duty as guardians, but there are some who are trying to cheat the system and rid themselves of the Sun family. If I do something, then they'll see it as a one-sided and unfair hand lent to one family. If you, the rulers of this land decide to pass judgement and interfere, then both sides can be appeased, depending on you verdict."
"And what will we do if others attempt to exploit our involvement again?"
"Then we'll deal with it when it comes. If we just wait and fear the future, then the present will spiral downwards into chaos and the future that we fear will only worsen. I know you're scared of what might happen if you intervene again, but if you're just going to sit here and do nothing, then you might as well give up your thrones. Jian Long died believing that your involvement with the people would teach you and others wisdom and kindness, not turn you into reclusive, blind, figureheads." Wukong scolded the two.
Struck deeply into silence, the two rulers could only reflect and contemplate on what to do.
(HERO OST - For the World. End Song.)
Alright, that ends part 1. Please progress to Part 2.
