MK stepped into the old temple, the air thick and quiet. Dust floated like stars in the sunlight, and every step he took echoed through the stillness.

Then he saw him.

Kneeling in the center of the room was a golden-armored monkey. His eyes were open but empty, staring at nothing. Beside him on the ground rested a shining staff — old, powerful, and beautiful.

MK’s eyes widened. His heart skipped a beat.

MK: “Whoa… You’re really him. Sun Wukong…!”

He took a few excited steps forward like a kid meeting his favorite hero — but then stopped. The monkey didn’t react at all.

MK: “I-I’m MK. I grew up hearing stories about you. About all the crazy, amazing things you did…”

Silence.

MK looked down, his excitement slowly melting into quiet concern. He knelt beside the staff and, after a short breath, reached out and touched it.

The second his fingers brushed the gold—

A roar.

Wukong sprang to life, eyes glowing cold blue. He launched forward with wild speed, claws out.

MK gasped, falling backward — but he didn’t run. Even as Wukong hovered over him, claws ready to strike, MK raised his hands slowly.

MK: “Wait! Please—I'm not here to hurt you!"

Wukong didn’t stop.

But MK didn’t move either. His voice trembled, but his eyes stayed steady.

MK: “I… I don’t know what happened to you. But I can see it. You’re lonely… trapped in something you can’t escape.”

Wukong’s attack slowed. His claws hovered in the air. His eyes flickered.

MK: “And it’s okay. Even like this… I accept you.”

The words hung in the air like magic.

The blue in Wukong’s eyes began to fade. Slowly… it turned into gold. His tense body relaxed. His arms dropped.

Then — his head bowed.

When he looked up at MK, there was something soft in his gaze. Something… grateful. A small smile appeared on his face — tired, but warm.

Wukong: "Thank you."