Je Te Laisserai De Mots

Chapter 4 - Hidden In The Holes Of Wintertime

It had gotten colder since last, wintertime approaching fast as the Brotherhood gathered for a meal together, possibly the last meal they would ever sit together in this place; the goal? To sit within the Heavens, drinking and eating and having a good time, having defeated the Jade Emperor, their overlord, and to be sitting comfortably in his throne. Their goal was great, their campaign even greater.

Of course, none of them knew what was going to happen during the events of battle, but they prayed that their efforts would at least be fruitful and their bounties plenty. They were assured of their victory, they had both Azure Lion and Sun Wukong, what on Earth could defeat them if they worked together? Two of the highest superpowers only rivalled by the Jade Emperor himself. Others would see a foolish lion and a stupid monkey, but their brothers? Their brothers saw leaders that could rival the world, and even Buddha if they so wished. The Great Sage Equal to Heaven and the Celestial Protector now fallen to betray his Emperor in cold blood. No feat was too great, no work unfinished.

Now, as they sat at their dining table, they felt assured in their victory, so much that the former would toast to the party; "To our assured victory against the Jade Emperor, and our ascension to the throne!" the monkey threw his tankard of celestial wine in the air, the rest following with delighted jeers and shouts.

Of course, what would be a victory party without copious amounts of stolen alcohol?

As the brothers drank they got to talking, happily proclaiming their thoughts and feelings as if not a care in the world, however, Wukong couldn't help but notice that the large blue lion was uncharacteristically quiet, so, in his inebriated mind, he decided to prod him with questions to see if the other would budge on his thoughts.

"Penny for your thoughts? Because you look like a bit of a bummer here, Azzie," Wukong said, taking another sip of his wine as he leant over to the other, watching him in interest as he waited for some kind of answer.

"I'm just a little worried about tomorrow's plans. I mean, I know we've planned for everything but I can't help but feel quite worried about what will transpire. I suppose it's just me being an anxious mess," Azure joked slightly, smiling softly as he looked at the Monkey King.

"Oh no, I totally get what you mean. I mean me? I'm terrified. But hey, you should still celebrate with friends," Wukong shrugged, looking at the lion who now wore a surprised expression, he supposed the other wasn't anticipating that confession.

"Really? How on Earth do you hide it so well?" The lion asked incredulously as he took his first sip of his drink that had been poured for him.

"I guess I just... Don't? I get anxious and worried, sure, but I have to believe in myself or else no one else will, you know? Need to be confident to be a leader," the hero answered confidently and smiled, putting a hand on Azure's shoulder softly as he toasted to him quietly, the lion's tankard clinking with the monkey's own.

"Hey, Bud... You did great... And no matter what happens tomorrow we will go down in the history books, not because we succeeded or failed, but for even daring to do something. It doesn't matter if we're heroes or villains as long as we are there and recognised, as long as they know our names, our cause, we will remain victorious because we were there... You're gonna be there... Whether you burn out like a dying star or simply fade away," Wukong said happily, downing the rest of his drink as he left the other to think.

He turned back to his other brothers who were laughing and stumbling over each other and he felt himself smile, he felt himself become excited, happier. They deserved this happiness, after everything they had done, everything they had prepared for, they were ready...

Peng was already stumbling over Yellowtusk, the other seeming more relaxed than ever to finally be done with preparations and finally celebrate their assured victory. He was holding Peng close, their head resting against the elephant's chest as they proclaimed how they were all going to be the King of Kings, and that their victory would tell the whole of the Celestial Realm that the Jade Emperor was not fit to live. Yellowtusk seemed to just be agreeing with whatever they said.