"...uuugh..." Koji groans, his fluttering open. Kaito smiles, leaning back with a content sigh.

"He's awake," he says, turning to the rest of the group. Marcus nods, laying limply on the couch. Melody sits in the corner, hugging her knees to her chest. Her cheeks burn with embarrassment, and she only offers a silent nod in reply. She glances at Marcus, then quickly looks away when her face heats up even more.

When Marcus returned, most of the Kami dispersed, leaving only Kaito and Haruto. The medicine god promised he would stay with them until Koji recovered and would help Marcus heal the best he could. That didn't stop Melody from clinging to Marcus the entire way back to their shared living room. She only let go when Kaito said he needed to check Marcus's wounds - which is when she realized what she was doing. And now all she can do is try to convince herself she was trying to help him walk - and nothing more.

"What...?" Koji says, lifting his head. He grunts with pain, rolling onto his side. "Ow..."

"I'm afraid there's not much I can do for the pain right now," Kaito says, shaking his head sadly. "But I've healed most of your injuries. Get some rest and you should feel better by tomorrow."

"Thanks," Marcus says, touching the bandage wound tightly around his head. "Same for me?" He adds. Kaito glances over his shoulder, and Melody can't tell if his glare is a good sign or not.

"Koji is a god of storms. His body is used to channeling electricity, so he only had mild injuries. But you-" He turns to face Marcus directly, counting on his fingers as he lists off Marcus's injuries. "You have a mild concussion, three cracked ribs, severe burns - not including the ones you arrived with," he clarifies, gesturing to the wounds around Marcus's eyes. "Your leg was sprained, nearly broken by the time I got to it. How you've been walking around for the last few days I'll never know - and then you decided to walk nearly five kilometers with Erlang Shen." Melody's grip tightens on her arms, digging her nails into her skin harshly.

"I'm fine," Marcus says with a wave. "I'll be better in no time."

"Maybe when I'm done with you, if you're lucky," Kaito replies with a huff. "Quite frankly, I don't know how you're not dead." Melody flinches at the word, but Marcus just shrugs.

"I'm tough."

"You're stubborn," Kaito corrects. "I'm going to go mix some medicine that should speed up your recovery. But until I return, you're not to do anything. Understood?"

"He won't," Melody promises, glaring daggers at Marcus when it looks like he's about to argue. Her eyes are still puffy and stinging from how much she's been crying, but she does her best to look fierce. "I won't let him."

"Good. Then I'll be back in an hour - assuming I have all the ingredients in my office." He heaves himself to his feet, his breathing noticeably heavy as he crosses to the door. He pauses before opening it, turning back to his patients. "I didn't realize how late it was. I'll have someone bring some dinner for you." Melody blinks at him, scanning the room for a window or clock. She finds one hanging on the wall opposite the door, reading 8:13 pm.

"When did...?" She starts, but her voice fades before she can finish the thought. Kaito spent hours treating Koji - and even longer working on Marcus.

"You should eat. All of you. Doctor's orders," Kaito says, slipping through the door. He slides it closed behind him with a gentle click. Koji groans again, massaging his forehead with his fingers.

"What happened? How long have I-"

"A while," Marcus says dismissively. "We won, so don't worry about that. Sent Erlang packing too." Koji nods, letting out a weak laugh.

"Good. If we ended up losing because of me, I-"

"Please, don't do that," Melody says, stretching her back as she stands up. She rolls her shoulders, having grown stiff from sitting on the floor for so long. "You were amazing. Both of you. If anyone should feel bad for not doing anything, it's me."

"If he's not allowed to feel sorry for himself, neither are you," Marcus says. "We won, there's no point in dwelling on how. Especially since I've got some good news." He grins, motioning for Melody to join them. She slowly walks over to the couch, sitting on the edge, as far as she can from the boys. "I interrogated Erlang a bit while we were walking. He said the Jade Emperor is worried."

"The Jade Emperor?" Koji says, pulling himself up. He touches his head once he's upright, leaning into the couch heavily. "Why would he be worried? And actually, why was Erlang Shen here? I thought-"

"It's a long story, we'll explain later," Marcus interrupts. "Basically, the Jade Emperor has been trying to stop us from making the new treaty. He sent Erlang to take it from us because he's getting desperate." He turns to face Melody with a grin. "Apparently, he's worried that if we get much more support, he won't have a choice but to sign." Melody gives him a puzzled look.

"What do you mean, he won't have a choice? I'm not going to force him to sign it, that defeats the whole purpose."

"Sure, but according to Erlang, the other Pantheons will start to pressure him if he doesn't agree," Marcus explains. "I mean, think about it. Everyone who wants peace will see him fighting us and turn on him. He'll either have to sign or take on everyone who's already on board."

Melody hums to herself, her eyes sinking to the floor. She remembers Oliver's story about the first treaty - how the Jade Emperor was forced into it against his will. Even if Marcus is the one that caused the rebellion, and Tsukuyomi is the one who officially broke the treaty, that kind of anger won't go away. It would only be a matter of time until this treaty is broken to.

"I don't know that name," Koji says, making Melody tune back into the conversation. "But Taoist gods call the Jade Palace Heaven, right? So, with a name like the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, he must be tough." He shivers, his shoulders tensing. "You think someone like that is going to come after you next?"

"Erlang didn't seem like the type to lie," Marcus says with a nod. "I mean, he left peacefully, like he promised. So, I think it's safe to say this Great Sage guy is next."

"The Great Sage Equal to Heaven..." Melody echoes, her mind kicking into overdrive. She digs into her years of researching the other Pantheons but comes back empty. She mentally chides herself for focusing so heavily on the Norse, Egyptian, and Greek Pantheons while neglecting the ones overseas.

"What are you going to do about him, then?" Koji says, looking at Melody for an answer.

"Same thing we did with Erlang and Li Jing. If he shows up, we deal with him." Marcus slams his fist into his palm, trying to hide his wince of pain. "If he won't leave us alone, then we fight."

"Oh, I'd love to see that!" The monkey-faced man says, appearing next to Melody with a pop. He lounges comfortably on the couch, blatantly ignoring Marcus when he springs onto the table. His daggers flash, but he collapses before he can utter his usual threat.

"W-what the - who are - where did-!?" Koji stammers, jerking to attention. His eyes glaze over when he does, and he flops back into the couch, grabbing his head. "Ow..."

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't laugh at them," Melody growls when the man starts to cackle. He grins at her, showing his pointed teeth.

"Don't worry, I'm not laughing at their injuries. But those are pretty funny." He adds an obvious giggle, eyeing Marcus as he struggles to his feet. "I'm laughing at the idea that you could fight the Great Sage. Hilarious!"

"You know him?" Koji says hopefully, lifting his head. "Then, you know how to beat him?"

"I would, if there was a way," the man says, crossing his legs. He leans forward, pressing his palms into his knees. "I know we have fun with our little chats, but I'll try to be clear this time. You have no hope against the Great Sage! None at all!" He bursts out laughing, clapping his hands merrily. "You might as well quit now and head back home!"

"That's not going to happen," Melody says stubbornly, crossing her arms. "So just tell us what you know. Does he have any weaknesses? What legends is he involved with?"

"No weaknesses at all! He's the best of the best!" He laughs, grabbing his ankles. He leans back, bouncing his knees happily. "If you want my advice, I'd say just hand over the treaty when he shows up. It will save you a lot of time and pain."

"So, you're just here to make fun of us, then?" Marcus snaps, his legs wobbling. He leans heavily on the table, raising one of his daggers threateningly. The man grins, his red eyes flashing.

"Pretty much, yeah. You've done well so far, but now you're screwed." He grins again, lifting his head. "Oh, and to thank you. You've been a huge help!" He jumps back, sitting on his feet and lowering his head respectfully. "Thanks, buds!"

"How have we helped you?" Melody says, pressure building in the back of her head. She feels a vein sticking out of her forehead, and she taps her finger against her forearm in annoyance.

"The Jade Emperor is going to be sooooo mad when Erlang comes back without the treaty. He's going to be so desperate that he'll consider taking drastic measures." He lifts his head, his usually playful grin turning cold and evil. "Which means soon enough, I'll have what I want."

"Does that mean you'll finally tell us who you are? And what exactly it is you want?" Melody snaps, glancing at Marcus. She knew he wouldn't follow Kaito's instructions for long.

"Freedom!" The man says, his eyes wide and wild. "For centuries I've waited for this chance, and finally it's here! You've done everything I needed you to do, and soon, I'll be free!" Melody's heart drops with horror, taking in the man's inhuman features. Again, she hears Oliver's voice, laced with fear and panic.

In Taoist myths, the only things strong enough to challenge the gods...are demons.

"I'm tired of your games," Marcus snarls, waving his dagger. He grits his teeth, eyebrows pressed together. "Tell us who you are, or else."

"Get away from him!" A sudden voice cries. The door flies open, giving way to a dark-haired girl. She dashes in, panting heavily, with a Hispanic boy fluttering after her. Her eyes are lined with dark makeup, slightly smeared from sweat.

"Emelia?" Melody says dumbly, her mouth falling open. Emelia glares at the monkey-faced man, who returns a confused blink. "What are you - how did-?" Melody's eyes shift to Oliver, who floats behind his girlfriend, gripping Caduceus like he's about to use it as a bat.

"It's him. He's the Great Sage Equal to Heaven," Emelia pants, her eyes flashing with power. "Or should I use your real name? Sun Wukong."

The room seems to freeze, the name hanging over everyone like a curse. Marcus stares at the man, his eyes wide. Koji's mouth hangs open, his eyes unblinking as they shift from Emelia to the man and back again. Melody watches the man, taking in his features for what feels like the first time. The round cheeks, flat nose, and rounded ears. His blood-red eyes and extra canines.

"Sun Wukong," she repeats, trying it out for herself. Even without researching Taoism, she knows the name. And that knowledge makes her blood run cold.

"Man, you figured it out. That's no fun," Sun says, stretching his arms over his head. He slowly stands up, Emelia and Oliver following his movements with their hands. "But I guess it was only a matter of time. We'll be meeting in person before long."

"I-In person?" Oliver breathes, his hands trembling. "But aren't you-"

"Clone," Sun explains with a wink. "If you cooperate, maybe I'll tell you about it. It's quite clever if I do say so myself."

"What are you going to do now?" Emelia says, light sparking from her fingers. It extends up from her hand, and she curls her fingers around it as it shapes into a sparkling bow. She aims the arrow at Sun Wukong's heart, narrowing her eyes. "You should still be sealed, so you won't be able to beat all of us."

"Oh, this one's funny too!" Sun chuckles, clapping his hands. "You weren't here for this, so I'll say it again." His eyes grow cold and cruel, and he grins darkly, leaning towards Emelia. "You can't beat me. No matter what you do, or how hard you try. I've already won."

"We'll see about that!" Marcus roars, vaulting over the table. Sun makes a show of yawning, and suddenly Marcus is thrown aside, slamming into the couch next to Koji. He wheezes and flops onto the floor, disappearing under the table. Sun grins at Melody, a long tail swaying behind him.

"Let's keep this civil, okay?" He warns, his eyes flaring with power. "Here's what's going to happen. I'm going to leave - can't miss the big event when the Jade Emperor releases my seal. Then I'm going to wait for you on Wozhang Shan." He shifts his attention back to Emelia and Oliver, the latter twitching nervously. "When you're done here, you'll head there and hand over the treaty. Feel free to struggle if you want - I'm sure I'll need a good warmup." He stretches his back again, his tail going rigid. "Deal?"

"No," Emelia hisses.

"Never," Melody agrees, carefully rising to her feet. Sun giggles, throwing his arms up in a mock shrug.

"Oh no, I guess I'll have to hunt you down then. That's going to be soooo hard." He grins back at Melody again, his tail swaying slowly. "It's not like I've been following you this whole time."

"If you're going to leave, then go," Emelia says, letting out a slow breath. "We'll see what happens after that."

"I'm sure we will," Sun agrees with a proud nod. "Well, I'm sure you'll make the right choice! Enjoy yourselves while you can!" He claps his hands, disappearing in the blink of an eye. A fly buzzes towards the door from where he stood, and Emelia follows it with her arrow until it disappears into the hall.

Three long minutes pass before she lowers her bow, letting out a deep sigh. Marcus and Koji groan, picking themselves up. Melody's heart races, staring at the doorway. Everything fits together now - Sun's interest in the treaty, appearing to warn them about the Jade Emperor's soldiers, and even his ridiculous confidence. But how much does he know about them? How long has he been watching? Her mind jumps back to all the flies that have been buzzing around her recently.

"You can come in now," Emelia calls. Melody's chest tightens, and she flares her magic, preparing for whoever is there. To her surprise, two people slip through the door - Julien and Ra.

"Well, that was dramatic," Julien says, running his fingers through his ginger hair. He looks around the room, his other hand sitting lazily in his pocket. "Everyone okay?"

"Sure, you could call it that," Marcus grunts, gripping his stomach. Melody dashes to his side, easing him and Koji into a seated position. "Who are you?" Marcus adds when he's settled. Julien's calm expression darkens into a glare, his lip curling.

"Apollo," he hisses. "Akari's boyfriend. And Patrick's best friend." Marcus shrinks back, balling his hands into fists. Melody pats his back, squeezing her eyes closed. Of course, Julien would bring up the former Hermes - the one Marcus had killed at the start of his rebellion.

"Now isn't the time for that," Ra says gently, placing a hand on Julien's shoulder. He looks around the room, his dark skin glittering with sweat. His eyes settle on Koji last. "We've kept Akari waiting long enough. I'm told you can get us an audience with her."