Unexpected

Chapter 16. part one

Family party. It was supposed to take place in the garden. The party was supposed to be attended by: 3 brothers and two sisters. Of course, the King and Queen were supposed to be there too.
A huge stole was placed in the garden so that everyone could fit. The garden was also illuminated with colorful lanterns. Liuer took care of it, because today everything had to be perfect.
Wukong wasn't happy about having to attend this family party. He's not even part of the damn family. Okay, he'll only be there for a while and then he'll know he doesn't feel well and go back to his room... but then they'll force him to go to the doctor. he definitely won't go to him. He could come up with something else. ah.. he doesn't even know the rest of the Liuer family.. he doesn't even want to meet them. It's so frustrating.
"Wukong?" said the prince. They were now walking along the corridor leading to the garden. Wukong stated that they were walking on their feet. It actually looked like Wukong was going to be sentenced. Wukong broke away from his thoughts. He looked at the prince. "Hmm?" the prince took his hand.
"what is wrong?" asked the prince.
"what? I don't know what you mean"
"I can see that something is bothering you... will you tell me?" looked straight into his eyes.
"maybe... but it doesn't matter. Anyway, we'll be late for this stupid meeting" he looked away and was about to move on, but Liuer didn't let go of his hand.
"Are you nervous about this meeting? It'll really be fine, besides, I have something for you..."
"oh? what?" he crossed his arms.
"and you'll see this at the party," he said in a charming voice, but Wukong rolled his eyes. What will it be? Something to replace his freedom?
"hey? it'll be ok. You won't be alone, I'm coming with you" he said with a smile. If only it was worth it...
They arrived at their destination. The prince held Wukong's hand for support. It helped a little.
and it looked like they were late, because only two chairs were free and waiting for them. Everyone looked straight at them. Wukong felt the imprint of their glances on him.
"I present to you... Wukong, my partner," said the prince. Wukong word made his partner shudder. However, the prince did not change. And nothing showed otherwise. Fine, let him present him however he wants, if it gets him out of this dark kingdom, so be it.
"Wukong, this (and now he points to each person) is my brother Lai, my sister Lil, another brother Ling, another sister Ting, the last brother Yu." The king and queen were still there. Wukong smiled shyly. He didn't remember those anyway. names, too many. He can't even tell them apart. Why do they all look the same?! At least Liuer looks the prettiest... What?! Wukong blushed slightly. They sat down. Apparently it was just a tea and cake party. Wukong hoped that it won't be this disgusting tea. The prince poured him a cup. Wukong took a sip and... of course this horrible tea. He missed his tea. He wonders if they would bring it to him if he asked for another tea? It's better not to ask. Their eyes are on  him. Do they all have to look so terrifying?! He hasn't done anything to them yet, and he already feels like he did something to them. Let it end...
"That's... Wukong... you have very beautiful fur. So... unusual," Ting said.
"Thank you?" he felt more offended, but he had to endure.
"so how did our brother manage to snatch a beauty like you?" Lai joked. Wukong couldn't answer that. First of all, it's not like he had any choice in this matter or any other.
"Come on Liuer, tell us. You've always been picky." Yu said.
"What? Not true"
"True. He rejected everyone. His parents were afraid, we all were, that he would be left alone, but thanks to this, our bitter brother has a partner, and she is so... unusual... I mean special," said Lil.
“You always had to have the best,” Ling said.
"Is that something bad?" Liuer said irritably.
A moment of silence.
"Wukong, tell us, how do our brother treat you?" Lai asked.
"Is...."
"Don't be embarrassed, we know how possessive our beloved Liuer can be," Ling joked. The prince glared at him. "what? it's true. greedy. can't believe she's still with you" The King and Queen just drank tea and listened. They didn't feel like talking because their children... well, they were what they were.
Wukong felt sorry. It was sad, how could they talk about him like that?! Wukong had to say something.
"You know what... Liuer is the greatest in the world and he treats me well. I feel safe with him" he took Liuer's hand. They smiled.
"Wow... that's too much sweetness for our first meeting," Ling giggled. Wukong blushed.
"Wukong, we heard about that terrible accident, you fell straight out of the sky here," Lil said.
"Did you hear?"
"oh.. just rumors. We don't have abilities like father or Liuer"
"Yeah... only Liuer inherited all these super powers... it's a pity... although we all can play with shadows a little bit," Yu said and demonstrated. He waved his hand and the light went off. Wukong didn't feel comfortable. He started to shiver. His heart was beating faster.
Liuer waved his hand and restored the light. Yu and Liuer glared at each other.
"Liuer? What is it? Tonight is a beautiful night. It's not worth sitting by the light that hurts our eyes." Lai said with insult. The siblings were not happy with the light. Yes, they are all used to sitting in the dark.
"She's not used to our climate yet," Liuer said.
The siblings widened their eyes in surprise.
"Really? So how do you survive here? You know... Wukong... it's eternal night here... in case you haven't noticed," Ling said ironically.
"Stop. She needs time to get used to the atmosphere," Liuer said.
"The puree has been here so long that it should be... tame by now," Ling said irritably.
"Come on, Ling. She obviously comes from the outside world. It's not as dark there as here. Understand," Ting said. It was a nice defense in a way? But more than that... there were other words behind the words and Wukong knew that. There's nothing left to say for now anyway.
"Okay... okay... but you know this, don't come to me with her, because I won't turn on the light especially for her," said Ling.
"What a boor you are," Ting said. Ling rolled his eyes. Wukong looked at Liuer in confusion.
"The thing is, there's no light in their properties..." Liuer said.
"Someone has to keep the tradition going with the family...ow..." said Ling, who was elbowed by Ting. "That's not true. Wukong, don't listen to him, he talks nonsense."
"But it's true... mostly. I have a little light, but not too much," Yu continued.
"By the way, the whole kingdom is buzzing about you two being together," Lil said.
"Well. There hasn't been a situation like this since... I guess your wedding, Lai," Yu said. Lai rolled his eyes. Liuer looked pissed at the mere mention of it.
"So what happened then?" Wukong spoke up. He was a little confused, but he wanted to somehow show that he was there too.
"Come on Lai, brag," Ling said and punched him in the shoulder. Lai gave it back to him. And Liuer punched Ling. The king glared at them and they calmed down. The Queen sighed.
"As the years go by, you are getting worse and worse... That's what I'll say. Lai. He was the first to get married. There was a great stir among the whole country, because he was second in line to the throne and he found a partner faster than Liuer. It is expected that the firstborn (Lai rolled his eyes) he should have been the first to get married, but what happened. Moreover, our Lai married a girl whom Liuer also secretly had a crush on (Liuer blushed)"
"Not true. These are rumors," Liuer said.
"It's possible... but it turned out to be a scandal."
"Why?" Wukong didn't understand.
"Because our beloved brother, Liuer, was also going to propose to her... only she chose Lai. And it was a very good choice," Lil said.
"But since then, our dear brother has closed his heart, his feelings, from all those who would like to break his heart all over again," Ling said, obviously proud of it. Wukong felt sad... he felt a twinge of pain in his heart... he slowly realized that Liuer had fallen in love with him and... he was probably afraid that he would lose Wukong like he had lost that girl. Paradox Wukong doesn't dare to break the prince's heart, he's afraid of it because he's his only... friend (partner, he's slowly getting used to this word because he knows he can't avoid it, sigh).
Liuer felt sad at the memory. But this time, none of his brothers will take Wukong from him. This time it's real feelings. Sincere love.
Wukong looked at him with concern. Wukong's tail connected with Liuer's. They smiled.
"Plus, Liuer wanted to destroy the entire city after that," Ling said. Yu laughed. Lai snorted. Ting was already annoyed, and Lil smiled slightly. Liuer glared at him. "Really? Did you have to say that?" Liuer said irritably.
"What? Let Wukong know what she's gotten himself into," Ling said.
So what if Wukong refuses him? He doesn't want to know, this family... is too strange.
"Oh... Wukong, he's just teasing," Ting said and punched Ling.
"But he's right, Wukong you still have time to leave him," Lai said. Looking straight towards Wukong. What were they all about? After all, they are family, they should support Liuer somehow. Wukong thought. Besides, they won't discourage him from the prince... it's too late to back out... to say no, to break his heart. Wukong glared at them "No thanks, I'll stay with him" Wukong said. Liuer smiled.
"We warned you.." said Lai who was punched by Yu. The Queen sighed. A moment of silence.
"You guys are married? All of you?" Wukong said.
"Yeah?"
"So where are your partners?"
"oh.. they stayed at home"
"you know, someone has to keep watch when the main heads of the family are not at home"
"I see.."
There was silence again. "It's surprising that you just fell straight from the sky. You must have miraculously survived. Because as far as we know, anyone in your place wouldn't have survived," Lil said.
"Yeah... very surprising," Yu said.
"Well, our doctor, as you know, works wonders," said the king.
"I don't think so," Lai said. That's not why I gained... immortality... Wukong thought.
"The important thing is that she survived." said Liuer, who smiled at Wukong, Wukong smiled back. How cute is he... What?! No... though... what's happening to me?! Wukong thought.
"By the way, Wukong, didn't you want to go home?" Lil asked.
The king looked at her suspiciously. Wukong looked at her questioningly.
"You know. You must have a home somewhere... loved ones who are definitely worried about you. But you've been here... well, for a long time... how long has it been? Since that accident... well... a long time anyway. No, Did you want to go back to wherever your home is?" Lil said. What's that supposed to mean?! His home... he felt a bittersweet feeling. A sudden feeling of longing. He didn't remember... he still didn't remember... he had a home... he had... a kingdom? Or maybe they were just hallucinations... maybe he never had a home or... a family and it was all a figment of his imagination? Possibly or maybe not. Waking and dreaming are two different realities that cannot be distinguished. No matter how much Wukong wanted to remember, he wanted to go back to the home he doesn't remember... he just doesn't remember... everything he has experienced now, which seems real, that his memories have returned are just his own dream? Because he doesn't want to stay in this kingdom anymore... so is what's happening here even real? Did he just make it up to escape reality? No... he had a home... he had to have a home, a family... right? The feeling of pain was increasing.
"Ooo... interesting topic. Wukong, tell us where you are from." Yu said.
The pain... the right had to come from somewhere, but the question was where?! He searched his broken memory, memories of home... family... the more he tried, the more the pain grew. There was a battle going on in his mind. Trying to regain his memories by force. But it didn't help... he had to come up with something else. He inhaled and exhaled. He closed his eyes for a second that was a long time for him. He relaxed. And he did it! Maybe he won't finish, but he remembers something... not much, but the important thing is that he had a home and he knows that this kingdom is not his home. He smiled. "I don't come from this land"
"Even we know that," Ling interjected. Wukong glared at him. It was so strange. "Ling, let her tell us," Ting said. Ling rolled his eyes.
"I come from a distant land. Completely different from yours..." Everyone listened carefully. Especially the king and Liuer.
"It's eternal night here. For me, there's the sun during the day and the moon at night, so there's balance."
"What you're saying is there's no balance here," Lil said.
"It's not for me to judge"
"Anything else you can tell us?" Yu asked.
"Wukong, are you okay?" Liuer asked.
Wukong looked at him in surprise. That was an interesting question. Is he doing well? NO. Definitely not, but he has gained peace... after all, he has fragments of memories that don't connect to each other, but based on them you can determine where he lived, who... what he was... not great, but it's comforting. He won't pretend to be someone he's not. And obedience is not in his nature and he knows it now. He won't bow to anyone. What will they do to him? Nothing. He would take Liuer from here to his kingdom... yes, it was his kingdom. he won't leave him. Now that he's involved in this love...
"Yes. I'm fine. Coming back... where I come from... the locals don't worry about anything. There's never a shortage of anything there."
"That sounds wonderful," Yu said.
"Yes, and it was wonderful living there," Wukong said with a smile.
"And what is the name of this land?" Ling asked ironically.
Wukong looked at the king. "It's more of an island and a mountain. It was easy to call it what was there. So we call it Flower Fruit Mountain" Wukong looked straight into the king's eyes. The king felt his power to maintain control over Wukong's mind crumble. How on earth did he remember? Maybe he doesn't remember everything? It's hard... he'll come up with anything to keep him close, so to speak.
"Honey, you never told us that," said the queen.
"Yes... it sounds unreal," said the king. Wukong looked at him resentfully.
"Well... I didn't see the need to tell you about it," he said bluntly. Everyone was surprised. "Wukong? Look at me" Wukong looked at Liuer.
"What's going on?"
"Nothing. Nothing is happening."
"Really?"
"Yes. Nothing is happening. Now, for your sake, let's end this party."
"Wukong, I see you're not feeling well..."
"Yes. Liuer. I've had enough. I told you I don't want to be here." He stood up.
"Wukong, where are you going?" asked the queen.
"It was nice meeting you. I'm going back to my room." and left. Liuer stared in surprise. He couldn't comprehend just what had happened here.
"Well, you've got yourself a pretty partner," Lil said. "I didn't like her right away"
"Liuer. Couldn't you get a more normal one?" Ling said.
"Weak material for a future queen," said Lai.
The Queen sat down next to Liuer. "Baby, do you still think she's right for you?"
Liuer glared at them. "I shouldn't have brought her here."
"Honey... it's not your fault," said the queen
"He/She is like that," the king muttered.
"What?" Liuer stood up. "You know what, I don't care about your opinion or yours. It's mine and that's all and I won't give it up."
"Really? Liuer? You know what... I understand, you take what you have left because no one wants you," Ling said. Lai smiled.
"Yeah... Liuer, you've fallen really low," Ling said. "You used to be able to have anyone and now you're left with this... alien one from nowhere." Liuer pinned him to the ground and choked him.
"Liuer?!"
"If you say one more bad word about my partner... you will regret that you were born. And you know well what I am capable of..."
"That's enough!"
Liuer smiled and stood up, letting go of Ling, who was still choking and had marks on his neck.
"Yes. That's enough. Today was supposed to be a happy day and I'm not going to change that. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go back to my partner" and disappeared into the shadows. Everyone (except the king) looked in horror at where Liuer was. The king was holding his head. He glared at his children.
"Crazy," gasped Ling, who sat back in his seat.
"You know very well that you can't upset him... especially now that she's here," said the queen.
"Really? Mom. Are you defending him? He almost choked Ling," Yu said.
"And what does the appearance of this golden-haired monkey change?" Lil asked.
"I won't let you destroy what I have built now."
"Father, what are you talking about?" Ting asked.
"You are to behave properly as befits members of the royal family. And respect Liuer and his porter. Do you understand?"
There was silence.
"Liuer isn't the only one who gets angry easily. Do you understand?"
They nodded. The queen sat down next to the king. "Let's hope everything goes according to plan" The Queen took the King's hand. The siblings looked at them in confusion.
.
.
.
Liuer emerged from the shadows in the room. Wukong sat. His legs were drawn to his chest and he wrapped his arms around them. His head was resting on his knees. His face couldn't be seen. Liuer sat in front of him. He gently touched his head with his hand. Wanting him to look at him.
"Leave me alone," he muttered. Liuer sat down next to him.
"I'm sorry..." Liuer said.
"Oh.. you're welcome," Wukong muttered.
"Will you look at me?"
"No, I don't want to see you"
"Why didn't you say anything that... you remember where you come from?"
"I just remembered it now, okay?" Wukong raised his head and looked at the prince.
Liuer touched Wukong's cheek. He wiped away his tears. He touched Wukong's forehead, checking if he had a fever. "You have a fever"
"which did not."
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have taken you there"
It was quiet for a while. Wukong moved closer to the prince. He rested his head against the shoulder of a prince. The prince took his hand and massaged it gently.
"Tell me.. what do you remember?"
"NO"
"I won't tell anyone. We're alone here..."
Wukong sighed. "I know where I come from, I know I was... a king... I had my people. And I know I should go back to them."
Liuer analyzed it.
"you can go away with me. You'll see how nice it will be... we'll be together... and..."
"Wukong... what you say is beautiful... that place you said, but... don't you think it's..."
"What?"
"a figment of your imagination"
"which did not!"
"Wukong, I would really like to believe in such a place as you said and you were a king but you are not male"
"Liuer, I AM and it exists, I... I remember it..."
Wukong looked at Liuer. The prince gently cupped his face. "Sunshine... forgive me, I shouldn't have taken you to this meeting. I thought you were over it..."
"What?! Liuer, I'm not mad"
Liuer had a sad expression on his face. "You are sick"
Wukong stared at him in horror. Liuer hugged him. "We'll get through this together. I'm here for you, I won't leave you."
Wukong's eyes widened.
Wukong pushed him away. "You... you are afraid that I will leave you"
"What? Where did you get this idea?"
Wukong quickly stood up and moved away from him. Liuer also stood up. He smiled gently. Wukong looked at him with fear.
"Sunshine?"
"Don't come near me!"
"Wukong? What's going on?"
"You..."
"Does your head hurt more?"
Liuer slowly walked towards him. Wukong was too scared to move.
"Do not touch me"
Liuer took his hands anyway and squeezed gently. "Sunshine... I want what's best for you... to make you feel good, but you have to be honest with me... tell me... does your head hurt?"
Wukong closed his eyes. Tears rolled down his cheeks. He couldn't believe what was happening here now... his friend... his... lover... no... maybe? Maybe it's true after all? But...
Wukong nodded.
"Wukong, it'll be fine, I'm here, with you.... Let's go for a walk though. Okay?"
Wukong opened his eyes. He did not say anything. he took him by the hand. They left the room. They walked slowly.
"Where are we going?" Wukong asked.
Liuer did not respond.
They kept going. They entered a room. And there... there was a doctor. Wukong felt a shiver.
"Why did you bring me here?!"
"Wukong, nothing bad will happen. I'm here."
"How can I help you?" asked the doctor.
"You need to check... her condition... she has a fever which is causing her to have hallucinations."
"Liuer! I'm fine!"
"Good. Then let him get checked out."
"You promised me it would all be over"
Liuer ran his fingers through his hair. "It'll be ok, trust me, it's only for your own good," he said gently. Could Wukong have done something? NO.
Reluctantly, he sat down in the chair and allowed the doctor to examine him. Liuer watched everything, kept watch.
The doctor checked his blood pressure, temperature, and checked Wukong's head using magic.
"It's not good, but it can be fixed, if I may," said the Doctor.
Liuer nodded.
"I'll be right back and we'll go back to the room, okay?" Liuer said, holding Wukong's hand. Wukong nodded. Liuer and the doctor went to the back where there were various books, medicines, etc.
At this time, Wukong. He looked around. The last time he was there was not pleasant. Even terrible. But... there was something here... his weapon. The red and gold stick was still lying on the floor. Wukong stared at him. Did he think he was talking to him? He walked over to it. He crouched down, took it in his hand and lifted it. Then he felt free. The spell inhibiting his powers broke and a stream of golden energy lit up the room. Now he knew he couldn't stay here and had to run away. Regardless of anything. Holding a stick in his hand, he ran out of the room. Oddly enough, he knew how to use his powers. He had to find a way out of this palace. He ran ahead. It was dark, but he had golden eyesight, which was very helpful now. He had reached the throne room... now all he had to do was go through the main doors, straight ahead and he should be outside. Unfortunately, Lai, Ling and Yu were in the throne room. They were talking about something. Wukong could only hear his own heartbeat. He was stressed, he was scared. He was out of breath from running and a little sweaty. He had to move on. He put the stick to his ear. Yu noticed him.  Lai and Ling turned to him. They stood in his way. He couldn't show them what was happening. He had a plan and he would stick to it.
"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Liuer?" Ling said.
"You don't look good," Yu said.
Wukong didn't know what to say. "I.."
"What, now you have nothing to say?" Ling said.
"Ling!" Yu said. Ling rolled his eyes.
"Stand aside. I want to just go."
"Yeah? Where are you going?" Lai said.
"Just move aside," he tried to get past them, but they still wouldn't let him pass. "You must let me through immediately" he looked at them angrily and his eyes turned red. The brothers were a little scared.
"Your eyes are bad," Yu said. Wukong's eyes returned to gold.
"What kind of trick is this?" Ling said.
Liuer emerged from the shadows behind Wukong.Wukong felt a shiver."I was looking for you" he whispered into Wukong's ear.
.
To be continue...

Hi 😊,
How are you? You just met another part of the family or rather Wukong. What do you think about them? Oh... what do you think Liuer will do?😱🧐🤔
What's more, what Liuer was planing to give Wukong at the party?
And yes this chapter is long, so I divided it.
Bye.
(Comments welcome)