Alone on a westward road, trotted a magnificent white stallion with golden mane that reflected the light of they skyward sun. Atop its back was a monk, dressed in mostly modest Kasaya, worn but well-kept, the most detail thing on his person is that Vairocana hat that sat atop his bald head. The monk was refined in disposition but clearly slight in physical prowess his person gave off the air of aimable pacifist. Yet, he road along, keeping his spirit high with songs of his holy Buddha. As he sang to himself, stead trotting steadily along; seemingly enjoying the seranation, he took in the nature around him.

Above the road the sky was a rich azure. The air was crisp thanks to the emerald green forests, in which leaves gently rusted on the cool breeze. He'd seen plenty of animals deer, birds or all kinds, and monkeys playing in the trees. Though the frequency seemed to be less and less as he went along. The center piece of the scenery was oddly hand-shaped mountain in the backdrop. This unique formation caused the monk, Tripataka, to pause his progress westward and his singing. He held a hand out in the air, comparing it to the solitary mountain. Seeing that it did, indeed, resemble a hand he smiled to himself, saying, "What a peculiar rarity, this world, truly, does hold wonders."

Shortly thereafter, he resumed his trek. While he continued his cheery singing, he couldn't help but notice he was alone. His grip on the reigns tightened at the recollection that he hadn't begun the journey that way. Tripataka swallowed, took a breath, and continued his hymns in earnest.

The day had turned to noon when he came upon humble village. Idly he thought these people were blessed to live near such a unique mountain, but then again, they could easily overlook it with normalcy. Such was the monotony of life. Regardless, he sought out and found a home to take him in for the night. He bowed gratefully, thanking them for taking in this poor monk. The family was a pleasant one, consisting of a father, mother, and son, easily accommodating his vegetarian lifestyle. Though it was nothing special in the ways of furnishings, modest as was their standing as small-time farmers, Tripataka was certain he'd sleep comfortably for the night.

"By the way," he began, while eating dinner with the family, "what is the name of that nearby mountain? It caught my eye as I headed this way. Almost resembled outstretched fingers of a hand."

"That would be the Five Phases Mountain." The husband began, casually, almost thoughtful for a brief moment of recollection, "I suppose it is an odd formation. If you think about it."

"I heard there's a monster sealed underneath it!" Piped their son.

Tripataka was taken aback by this. Seeing his reaction, the boy's mother shushed him, "None of that."

This only caused the boy to protest, small arms waving insistently, "But that's what I've heard! Every so often a voice calls out from underneath it! Trying to get any who hears it, to set it free!"

The boy pouted when his father shook his head, dismissing his tale. The boy lowered his head, grumbling to himself as he sulked. He turned back to Tripataka, assuredly saying, "Don't mind what he says Father, it's just an old ghost story. I've lived here all my life and have heard not a peep from the mountain. You know how children can be, trying to scare one another." He held a thoughtful pause before adding, "Do be careful though, living by the boarders, there is plenty of danger that preys on travelers. We lost my parents to it…"

The mention caused Tripataka's voice to turn more quiet, with sympathy, "I expect danger on my pilgrimage, but I'll endeavor to hold my senses tight." He put his hands together, bowing his head, "And I shall pray for the spirits of you parent's tonight. My they find peace in their next life."

"We'd appreciate that Father."

"It's the least this poor monk could do for your hospitality."

Once Tripataka turned in for the night, he laid on a mat set out for him in the living area of the small hut home. He found himself wondering about what the boy had said, eyes drifting in the direction of Five Phases Mountain. In the back of the monk's thoughts, his mind told him that there's always some truth to old stories, although the more solidly real threats remained his focus: bandits and demons. Memories of narrowly escaping both reminded him that this journey wouldn't be so idyllic as scenery would suggest. Even still, he would not give up on this pilgrimage.

He couldn't. For the sake of his Emperor and his people.

The next morning, Tripataka awoke feeling rested, refreshed, and ready to continue on his quest. He was seen off by the humble little family, with supplies generously added to his stock. Tripataka waved back to them, wishing them happy lives and thanking them again for their kindness.

As he followed the road out of the little village, Tripataka noticed that it curved closer towards the Five-Phases Mountain, which now loomed at the center of focus. As he looked at it, curiosity prodded him. Shaking his head, Tripataka put aside his concerns roused up by the child's claims of a monster. Enough that he had his horse hold pause at the bend closest to the rock formation. How much semblance of truth was there to the old tale, he wondered? And what would need an entire mountain to contain it?

His wonder was interrupted by the sudden sound of gurgling laughter. Tipitaka's body stiffened, it didn't sound human. In fright he looked up to the top of a rough hillslope beside him. There, along with a few others, were some hideous ogre-like demons. Their skins various colors, some with fur other with leather-like skin. The seeming leader, housing up curled tusks and large fangs, up-curled ram-like horns, and olive-green skin. A large mace slung over his shoulder. "Well, well, a lone monk?" It chortled, "All alone? Well, not much, but monk flesh always tastes sweet." Its comrades concurred with giddy and eager noises. Tripataka readied to flee forward but, much to his horror, his way was blocked both front and back by more demons.

"Nowhere to run, monk!" They snarled.

With no choice, not wanting to be eaten, Tripataka blindly jerked his reigns to the side. His horse, also frightened by the surrounding demons, bolted headlong into thick brush, trampling a demon that tried blocking their escape. Behind them the others yelled to give chase. Some of them lobbed projectiles to try and stop them- likely attempting to knock Tripataka out. One such thing smacked into the horse's back, spooking it enough that it panicked- booking it even faster and more wildly into the woods. Tripataka lost control of his steed. He was whipped around too chaotically and lost all sense of orientation. All he was aware of was the sound of woodland rustling, hoofbeats, branches scratching the sides of his face, and hollering behind him. All he could do was desperately hold onto the horse. If he fell off, he'd be captured, and eaten.

Suddenly, there was a loud bang. His horse reared back with a startled, shrill neigh. Thrashing, it started to buck about wildly. One strong whip of the animal's strong body sent Tripataka sailing through the air. The world was a blur, but he knew he yelled in alarm, quickly things went from light to dark. Vaguely, he was aware that his fall was taking longer than it should-

His body impacted with cold, hard ground but didn't end. He tumbled further down, down, down. Eventually, after what seemed like forever, Tripataka came to a rough stop. Dazed, slowly, body racked with blunt-force pain, the monk managed to pull himself to a sitting position. He looked around. He was…in a cave? Confused, Tripataka got to his feet and looked around some more, attempting to figure out how in the heavens he'd gotten where he was now. Quickly he keyed-in on a crack of light. It was above a steep drop-off. The horse must've been by it when he was bucked off, then he tumbled his way off it. How distant the drop was explained why his side hurt so much…

"He must've fallen down here!"

"After him!"

Tripataka bristled, the demons. Nowhere else to go, he turned and ran deeper into the underground cavern. Perhaps, he could find a way out or somewhere to hide! He scrambled hurriedly in attempted to get ahead of his pursuers. This rush caused him to lunge headlong into another tumble off a steep drop. The monk ended up sliding down a slope that shot him into a large chamber.

"Ah- ow! Not again…" Tripataka gasped, wincing in pain his backside blistering with a fresh ripple of pain that shot up his back. He was going to be bruised, that much was certain. If he lived that long, that is. The pressing matter of the demons urged him to get up, wincing as he began- but he stalled at what was before him, illuminated.

Most of the center of the chamber was occupied by a rock formation that appeared to be comprised of large rocks so tightly compacted that they were seemingly fused together. It was so large that there was barely anything between it and the walls of the chamber, save the front that had a fair breathed between it and the front rock walls. What illuminated the space was golden chains weaved in and around rock. Looking up, they seemed to go up into the mountain itself. Some of the stone held a sliver sheen to it, making Tripataka realize it wasn't just rock, but metal also. Furthermore, there was chunks of wood also, thick roots coiled around the room. A chill revealed hard ice. Black rock, obsidian. All five elements. The Five Phases Mountain, really was being used to seal away something, and there, at the base of it all, sealed away was...

A monkey.

Tripataka was left bewildered by the sight. He wasn't sure what he expected, or imagined, but…this, was not it. This, from what he could tell, was a very powerful seal. All for a monkey? Without getting up, he peered more carefully at it. It…looked to be wearing some form of armor, from what he could see peeking out around its collar. On its head was a golden circlet with two curls pointed upward. Behind that was a, crown? With tattered read feathers. At first, Tripataka expected its eyes to snap open but…then he picked up on the slightest of movements from it. Breathing, the monkey was asleep. Even after his fumble into the room, it remained undisturbed.

"This way! This way!"

Danger jolted him back into panic, he ran forward out of pure preservation instinct. The monk didn't know where his feet were taking him, but, presently, there was no room to argue against impulse. Death was always a possibility, and he was willing to die on this sacred mission- but he wasn't about to lie down and accept it. Not if there was even a slim chance of continuing on.

Somehow, someway, he found himself a cramped little space behind the elemental pillar. He was certain he'd ripped up some of his cassock in doing so. Thankfully, this wasn't the one gifted to him by Guanyin. He only stopped squeezing his way in when there was no space to do so further. Hopefully he wasn't stuck. Hopefully, his heartbeat wasn't as loud as it sounded in his head. The sound of heavy thuds caused Tripataka to go still, an add on to the structure itself. One of the demons had jumped into the chamber, and was soon followed by several others: two, three four-eight. Each one adding a higher percent chance of him being discovered. Then eaten.

Please save me merciful Buddha…He prayed eyelids squeezed tightly together like it'd make his plea more potent, more likely to be heard. Tripataka's eyes opened when the demon's attention was suddenly diverted to what he'd been gawking at himself just prior.

"Wha- what's this monkey doing here, in rock no less!"

"Is it dead? Doesn't smell it."

"Forget that. What's with all these chains?"

The questions came to a halt by a sudden snort. The kind one makes when suddenly getting woken up. Tripataka immediately knew it had to be the monkey. He wondered; how would things go now? Were they going to attack the monkey? Poor creature, Tripataka couldn't help but think. Even with there, most assuredly, being a reason for the animal being sealed his compassion dictated that he pitied one getting assaulted without way of reprieve. Violence out of sadism was cruelty, against the helpless even more so. He readied to pray for the confined monkey, when,

A yawn.

The monkey had indeed awoken.

Tripataka felt his dread well up further, till choked to chilled stillness. He had no option but to be forced to listen in on whatever would transpire. What followed, was not how he expected to transpire.

"Huh? Ugh…" The monkey, he assumed, sounded…annoyed? Instead of fear, he sounded as if he were disgruntled by unwanted guests. Which, the monk supposed, was rather accurate. Irregardless of accuracy, these were demons! Blood-thirsty demons! Annoyance was not the proper response! Silent, Tripataka was left baffled by the lax disregard in the simian's tone, "Who let the riffraff in? Can't the heavens at least keep irrelevant mooks away? Is that too much to ask?"

There was a drawn-out groan from the monkey. Tripataka was stunned. Was he trying to piss off these monsters?

"Why you!" One of the demonic bandits snarled on cue. Tripataka could practically envision the veins on his head pulsate with indignant rage. He swallowed, hoping this would be over quickly. He heard several stomps, "Who do you think you are? Awfully bold for a chimp pinned down in rock! I could beat you senseless and you'd not be able to do nothing about it!"

Tripataka's eyes widened when the monkey responded with laughter, fully goading on the demon, "Go on! Go for it!" He then snickered, "If you do, be sure to strike above my left brow. I've got one nasty itch there. So, be a pal and hit hard as you can. Think you can do that?"

There was a scathing snarl before the strike hit. Then, something, broke. Not a bone crunching or a gut-wrenching splat, Tripataka couldn't believe what he heard. It sounded like, no, it had to be that- the demon's weapon, whatever it'd been, had broken. Shattered. Not the monkey. How? Bit by bit, shattered remains of the violent instrument fell to the floor.

"Wha-what the? How?" The demon's shock mirrored the hidden monk's. His comrades voiced similar sentiment through gasps.

"Ha! Don't be too shocked, just yet, old 'monkey here barely even felt that! You didn't even hit were I told you too. Can't you follow instruction if you're going to embarrass yourself?" Jeered the monkey. While the demon fumed the sealed prisoner hummed idly. Amused, he remarked, "I suppose you could try again-or, maybe one of your pals could! Surely one of you has to be able to scratch this itch of mine! Come'on! Don't be shy! You barged in here after all, paying me with this one favor is the least you lot could do to repay your rudeness!"

What followed, caused all the fear to slip out from Tripataka. He stayed where he was, hidden out of sight, limp. Gobsmacked by the sound of weapon after weapon striking this one, small, monkey. Each and every time, it was the weapon that broke and the monkey laughed loudly entertained a little bit more with each attempt.

"That tickles!" He giggled, almost as if on the verge of tears.

The fervent anger of the demons had died away with the shattering of their weapons. They, and Tripataka could hardly believe it, but they- these monsters, sounded…intimidated by this animal. Even though it wasn't even able to fight back. They muttered amongst each other, unsure of what to do about this. If anything at all. Then, one of them had a moment of recognition, "Wait." He sounded unsure at first, but gained certainty as he spoke, the impish monkey's laughter ceased for a moment, "A sealed monkey, under a mountain…this has to be the Monkey King: Sun Wukong."

"Sun Wukong…?" Tripataka echoed just beneath his breath.

Though the musing sounded as if it were more aimed towards the demon bandit, or his comrades, the monkey's snickering finally died down before he chimed, "Oh? So, old monkey's vast accomplishments still persist." There was a clear pleased tone to Wukong's voice, "Tell me, what do you know about me?"

"Enough," Grunted the knowledgeable demon, "to know we're wasting our time here." His voice turned to his comrades, "Come'on. Even heaven's forces couldn't crack this ape."

Begrudging mutters of agreement were followed by the shuffle of heavy feet and shoes as the demons lumbered their way out. Much to the apparent dismay of the Monkey King, "Ah, Wha- get back here! You lousy intruders! Get back here and entertain old' monkey!"

"As if," Scoffed the knowledgeable demon, "We'll just leave you to Buddha's punishment, as he intended. Let you and your fame gather dust." The demon's chortle petered out along with the sounds of footsteps, mingled with grumbles from the agitated Monkey King. Soon, relative silence settled in the cavern. Only the faint echoes of distant movement, the wispy draft of air flow, and dripping of water down stalactites to the hard floor remained.

Tripataka couldn't believe it…the demon's, in their indignation, had forgotten all about him. Both he, and this monkey, were still alive! He was still alive! But. Now, he was left with another conundrum. He'd have to wait for Sun Wukong to fall back into slumber so he could leave without notice. Or so he thought.

"You can come out now."

Author's Note: This is a personal take on JTTW, my spin on it sort of thing. There will be various beats from the various versions of the story from original story to Lego Monkie Kid (particularly that). I love the story and have dove in and been watching/reading different version of the story was very inspiring with how many ways it's been taken, so it lead to this. Enjoy!