Alarmed, Tripataka found his feet again, quickly standing. There was a bright, fiery, glow from around the monkey's head. The intensity was nearly blinding. He had to squint to be safe. Tripataka watched as the monkey dropped from the sky like a block of lead, screaming loudly all the way. Even if he did try to catch him, the monk felt that he'd be harmed in the process with how fast Sun Wukong was falling. Even still, Tripataka hurried forward and dove.

The impact was as painful as expected, his right arm was aflame with it. His goal was achieved though, the Monkey King laid in his arms. Relieved, Tripataka breathed out, "Are…you alright? What-" His words were cut off by another cry of pain. The circlet on his head was glowing white hot, like smelting metal. Sun Wukong flailed. Clawed hands gripping at the decoration in attempt to pry it off. Yet, a being that could make a mountain tremble, effortlessly slaughter demons, couldn't make a piece of jewelry budge. Tripataka, immediately knew what was going on: a binding spell.

Seemingly unaware of the other's presence, Sun Wukong struggled to his feet, thrashing, twisting, jumping, and summersaulting, everything seemingly possible to writhe free the circlet from his head. His face had turned beat red with all the straining. Or, rather, caused by the bind around his head, squeezing harder and harder down into his skull. Oddly, at points, the monkey seemed to try and pull something from his ear. To, apparently, no avail, which only caused him to wail louder in dismay. Unable to remove the source of his agony, Wukong switched to attempting to destroy it instead. He rammed it into trees, rocks both of which smashed upon impact. Trees splintered in two, rocks reduced to mere rubble. Soon, the monkey resorted to smashing his head into the ground itself. By the time he stopped there was a sizable crater in the ground around Sun Wukong.

Only when the enraged distress petered out, did Tripataka dare to approach. The monk waded through a kicked-up dust cloud, warily calling out, "Sun…Wukong, Wukong?"

He got no response. No direct one. As he reached the outer edge of the dip, Tripataka made out the Monkey King's frustrated rambling, "No, no, no! I- I was supposed to be free! I was supposed to be free! Even out from under the mountain- I remain under his thumb!"

Tripataka expected to see the demon's eyes aflame like before, but instead…he saw the monkey clutching his head, sat curled up. It took the monk crouching down but in Wukong's eyes he saw tears, frantic, feverish tears. This struck a chord in the monk. He slid down to the monkey, "Wukong, what happened?"

Though he had a strong suspicion, he asked to be certain and out of customary reflex.

At first, the Monkey King seemed perplexed by this question but then winced at the reminder. He gripped vainly at the circlet, growling, "It-It's this damnable circlet! When I tried to mount my cloud, it began to squeeze and burn. I've felt fires of all kinds before but this one actually hurt-I thought my head would melt or burst- or both! All my powers. I tried to use them… but it only made it worse!" Suddenly he snapped his attention to Tripataka, who pulled back, startled. "You- You removed the seal, like I told- didn't you?"

His tone was distressed, as if he couldn't bear the thought of betrayal.

"Yes, of course!" Tripataka insisted immediately, trying to placate him, "It disappeared upon my touch."

While this did prevent any wrath from falling upon him, the look of hallow dread on Sun Wukong's face as a result prevented any sense of relief. It was an expression of defeat. "No, no- that can't be right." Suddenly, Sun Wukong grabbed Tripataka by the hem of his Kasaya, "No! You must have it! You must! Otherwise…" His voice petered off, unable to finish the sentence. He returned with frantic desperation, "Why am I not free!?"

"I don't know! I don't have it, I swear Wukong!" He pulled down one of his sleeves to show it was empty, "See? Check if you must! The truth will show itself!"

Sun Wukong did just that. He checked each sleeve, underneath the robe, anywhere at all. Even upon the horse and it's luggage. Regardless of the fact that Tripataka had just been reunited with it, nor had the time to stash it. The verification only lit further panic in Wukong. He collapsed to his knees, reality setting its weighty truth down upon him. Out of pure frustration he struck the earth, shaking the nearby ground and making another indent with his fist, "Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!"

More tears sprang forth from his eyes as Sun Wukong gripped the ground. His imprisonment hadn't ceased yet and now he was forced to bear a collar upon his head instead of a crown. Utterly humiliating. Now, he wouldn't be able to destroy the monument of his imprisonment nor exact his revenge upon the heavens, much less Buddha himself, the architect of his punishment. Oh, how they must be mocking him. His liberation yanked right out from underneath him. Sun Wukong flinched, startled from his wallowing, as a gentle hand placed itself on his shoulder. He looked and saw Tripataka looking at him with soft, sad eyes, the look took Wukong aback. It was like when he'd asked him what'd happened. He was…concerned? It perplexed the great Monkey King, yet, he didn't reject it.

"Wukong, please, do not think that all is lost for you." Tripataka words were soft and held compassion great enough that it left Wukong speechless. He helped the monkey up, who complied like an infant who needed aid to stand. "I see you feel defeated, spiritually. All is not hopeless. I promise you that. I believe, I believe I may have a possible solution for what binds you." He held up a hand when Wukong was about to speak, gesturing for him to hold his words, "I will explain. But, first, you must be famished and parched from your imprisonment."

Drained, emotionally, and mentally, Sun Wukong had no energy to refute this, even though it seemed wholly unimportant currently, and nodded. Tripataka do so in turn. "I have fruit among my rations. Do you like peaches?"

This caused Wukong to perk slightly, "They're my favorite."

Tripataka smiled. It was slight, but he'd gotten him to poke his head out from his sorrows. He only had two, but he'd give them both to the monkey. He needed the pick-me-up a lot more than he.

Moments later, Sun Wukong sat cross-legged in the grass, at a location comfortably away from where he'd slaughtered the demons, in clothing lent to him by Tripataka. The monk being, notably, taller than him caused the clothing to be baggy but comfortably so. It was clear that the outfit had some age behind it but had been tended to carefully. Along with a pair of peaches, he was also given some water to drink. Peach in hand, Wukong looked at Tripataka who was quietly eating some rice. He wanted to say something but, he let his now gnawing hunger distract him for a moment. Wukong scarfed down the peach with zeal, it was the first thing he'd eaten in five centuries. While it wasn't a peach of immortality, or even one from his homeland, the time made it taste all the sweeter. After washing it down with some refreshing water, Wukong exhaled with relief. Though he couldn't die from hunger or thirst, lack of either left an uncomfortable nagging at him. With those itches scratched, Wukong picked up the second peach and said, "Thank you, savior, you are truly generous."

Tripataka looked up from his rice, the Monkey King's tone sounded more upbeat, but it was forced. While he was smiling appreciatively, and it was genuine; Tripataka felt, there was something muddling the brightness of his eyes. It wasn't quite sheepish or uncomfortable. Foreign, odd, something of that sort, the monk couldn't quiet pin it. He surmised that it was likely due to the fact kindness hadn't been shown to the monkey-spirit during his exceedingly long imprisonment. He smiled, "Think nothing of it. Gestures of kindness are part of my duty. You needed food, water, and clothing more than I."

Wukong tilted his head a touch to the side, "I enjoy food and drink, but I can't die from thirst or starvation." He looked at the simple clothing he now wore, the ruined armor he once wore discarded in a bundle. "I did need a change of clothing though, my old armor isn't presentable anymore."

"I figured as much." Tripataka admitted. Wukong was still alive after centuries of imprisonment after all. His response caused the monkey to arc a brow, motioning for further explanation, "This was more to lift your spirit."

"Oh." Wukong blinked. He looked off to the side, he did feel a bit better. Beaming he remarked, "You're truly are a thoughtful savior!" Tripataka laughed sheepishly, a bit uncomfortable with being called such. It was rather embarrassing. Then the monkey king hummed inquiringly, "So, what's this idea of yours?" He pointed to the circlet rooted to his head. "To get this thing off me?"

An expression of uncertainty flited across Tripataka's face. How…should approach explaining this, without upsetting this powerful simian? "Ah, well…my thought is," He began warily. Wukong knitted his brow at this. No dropping the subject now, Tripataka thought, he sighed internally, he'd approach this slowly, lead into his idea. Slowly unwrap the bandage of this fresh wound. "This must be Buddha's method of burdening you with a lesson to learn."

Brows furrowed, Sun Wukong replied, "What lesson?" His scoffed at the idea openly, "That bald patron of yours tricked me and aided the ones who wronged me!" The mere thought of the memories urged a growl up from him. He glared daggers at the clouds above, "They tried their damnedest to kill me-but failed! Naturally. I wrecked my vengeance upon them." He took a hearty bite of his second peach, "Nearly took that weak oaf's throne too."

Throne? Does-does he mean the Jade Emperor? He nearly overthrew the Jade Emperor!? Tripataka felt the weight of his decision bare down upon him again, ten-fold. As well as realized, he truly knew little of what he was dealing with. This prompted his next question, "Why…don't you tell me, in full, of what happened? Why, did you war against heaven? I'm afraid, all I know is what little I heard from the demons while I hid."

This seemed to surprise Wukong, "Really?"

"Yes, I've not lived as long as you. Much of my life has been in a monastery." Tripataka explained.

This made sense to the Monkey King and, ever eager to tell his tale, he explained his feud with heaven. How he was first offered a position, him believing it'd be something fitting of his greatness…only to later realize, he'd been tricked into being a stable boy after inquiring his rank. Of course, he left in a huff and named himself "The Great Sage: Equal to Heaven." The Celestial Court didn't take kindly to this and attempted to apprehend him. Emphasis on attempt. That not working, they allowed him his title and gave him his own office. Being an empty title, he wasn't invited to the Festival of Immortal Peaches. So, he invited himself. Impersonated a Sage, raided the banquet, got drunk and then ate the golden elixir...Realizing his mistake, he left. Causing his war with heaven- consequently leading him single handedly besting the whole army. Then Erlang managed to catch him- after a cheap shot from Laozi. After trying, and failing, to kill him they attempted to smelt him in the Eight Trigram Furnace for forty-eight days. This also failed (but is why his eyes are the way they are now). Furious, he wrecked his vengeance across heaven with the goal of overthrowing the Jade Emperor as retribution. Leading to him being tricked by Buddha, who swore he'd have the throne if he could leap out of the palm of his hand- not knowing that he was one with everything.

Upon hearing this, Tripataka was left floored. Never before he'd heard of such a brazen daredevil, so reckless and impulsive, as the one before him. Not to mention, anyone so arrogant and conceited or with so little concept of repercussions. Yet, he could see some form of logic, cause, and effect. The Celestial Court had insulted Wukong, who in turn lashed out. While, he didn't agree with his lashing out…much less to such an utterly blasphemous degree, there wasn't a malicious angle to it. At least, it was a relief he wasn't trying to do so for simply power's sake.

"Well…that's, quite a tale." Tripataka remarked, barely regaining his words.

"Heh, ain't it?" Sun Wukong smirked.

"Very…" Tripataka concurred listlessly.

Wukong huffed, chin propped onto his hand, "I just think this is his way of keeping me in line. What else could it be?"

Tripataka thinned his mouth at this line of thinking. While it wasn't likely entirely untrue. If it weren't for the circlet, he likely would go get his revenge on the heavenly realm and, by the sound of it, there wouldn't be much outside Buddha himself to stop him. Again. Still, "I cannot say, but I am certain there is a lesson to this." The monkey scoffed bitterly at this. With a sigh, Tripataka felt now was the time to drop his proposal, "Which is why, I offer to teach you Buddhism."

"What!?" As expected, Sun Wukong's reaction was less than accepting. He shot to his feet, fanged teeth bared, "You can't expect me to accept the teaching of the one who- took my freedom from me!?"

In spite of his internal fear, having braced for this, Tripataka was able to keep himself composed, "I only offer it." His response got the Monkey King's refusal to falter. Tripataka put his hands together, "Buddha was the one to create your bind. It stands to reason that his teachings hold the key to loosen its hold on you. Of course, I admit this is only a hunch. I have no certainty to say whether it will work, or not. The choice is yours,' I will not press my offer."

The choice left to him, Sun Wukong's hackles loosened and he thought to himself. Tripataka waited, silently and patiently for the monkey's decision. He could see that he wasn't rather swayed, more so placated towards him- specifically. Tension racked his frame as resentment struggled in his gaze, chance for freedom vs a wounded pride. As time slipped by, Tripataka could tell which was winning out. He readied for it. The Monkey King snapped his head away, "No! Not happening, I won't bend to the teachings of the one who tricked me, collared me!"

The Tang Monk bowed his head in acceptance. Before he could speak though, "But," surprised, Tripataka looked up and saw the monkey's gaze back on him, "I will keep my word, savior, I'll still go to the west with you." He stiffly glared his gaze towards their destination, "For releasing me from my prison," his jaw set, "and maybe I can get something out of that fat, bald, bastard. Give him a piece of my mind, at least." Suddenly a smirk curled at the ends of his lip, he huffed proudly, "Besides, even without my powers, I'm still more than a match for demons or human thugs." I pointed to himself with his thumb, "I can still keep you safe on our journey! Count on it!"

While Tripataka wasn't thrilled with the idea of Wukong still being antagonistic towards his patron…much less his flagrant insults towards him, he was welcoming of the monkey keeping his word. He smiled acceptingly, "Very well. Let's be off-" as the monk began to stand, he winced as a throb of pain, pulsed in his arm, "Ah!"

Quickly Wukong went to his side, "Savior, what's wrong?"

The monk finished pulling himself up, impart due to the monkey supporting him, "It seems all my tumbles today are catching up with me. Rush of things must've worn off. My body is sore and aching all over…"

"Well, that's not good." Wukong remarked, frowning. He knew mortals were fragile, a lot more fragile, and he wasn't sure what'd rough the monk up- though he was readily willing to guess the demons. Too bad he couldn't kill them all over again for this transgression. He looked around, everything looked similar, but off, and he didn't know what'd happened in the last few centuries. Quickly he realized a simple solution and he began to help Tripataka to his horse, "We should rest before we head out then, you know anywhere we can go?"

Tripataka perked at the idea, "Oh yes, there's a nice little village nearby." He frowned somewhat, "though I'd not like to burden them, again, I know of a kind family."

Sun Wukong brushed this off, as Tripataka mounted his stead, "No worries! I'm sure I can convince them."

Not liking the glint in the spirit-monster's eyes, Tripataka firmly said, "Please be nice to them Wukong. I can always ask elsewhere, should they turn us away."

The monkey flashed an appeasing smile, "Okay, okay, if they gave you shelter, I won't be nasty to them. Promise!"

Reassured enough, Tripataka began to lead his horse way, "Thank you. Follow me, it's not far from here."

The journey back was peaceful, stark contrast to the earth shaking, hecticness from just before. So much so, Tripataka felt the ache and strain of his body to a tiring clarity. At times it felt like he'd slip from his horse, or at the very least fall asleep upon it. The pain rattling his bones was what kept him focused, ironically enough. Afraid to inflict more pain upon himself, Tripataka kept firm hold of the reigns and his grip on the horse's sides. Solely focus on retracing his path back to the little village. The tinkling of metal against metal, like gentle chimes, also held his weary attention. Up ahead, following the curve of the grass patched path, was the Monkey King. He trotted along rather merrily, the priestly staff Tripataka kept, slung over his shoulder.

Sun Wukong's mood had yet again shifted, this time to a more, thankfully, placid one. There seemed to be a passive smile curled on his impish face. Appeared he was enjoying the walk, no doubt enjoying being able to stretch his legs again. It was a mood lifter for Tripataka as well, happy to see him enjoying such simple things like movement or sunlight warming the body. Moreso, the monk was actually happy to have company. He hadn't minded traveling alone but it'd not done his nerves good plenty of times.

Sounds of chittering reminded him it really wasn't just the two of them, sometime along their journey back, the monkey trope from before had caught up with them. Their reception of Wukong was very much like a people welcoming their leader back. Even though it was through animalistic noises, they were still clearly cheers. Ah, yes, that'd definitely boosted Sun Wukong's mood as he announced their king was back, hand to his head and a wide grin on his face. It was more obvious than the sun shining in the sky that he adored the adoration of his kind.

Faintly, Tripataka wondered, how one became the Monkey King? He wasn't aware of any such thing prior. Save among demons, perhaps it was something like that? Not that it mattered, he could ask later. It'd be best to know as much about what he was dealing with. Clear as it was, that Wukong was grateful to him…the recent memories of his wrath and how effortlessly he killed without a second thought, he wasn't a being to be treated lightly. As such, Tripataka wasn't foolhardy enough to just start ordering him around. He got a very foreboding feeling in his gut, that the monkey wouldn't take so kindly to that…

Tugging back on the reigns, his white stead came to a stopped, worn, and tired Tripataka still managed a smile as he peered out at the little village. Nestled between the open field and a thick, old forest that laid on the boarder of two kingdoms. To one side there could be seen a gentle river while the beyond the open filed Tripataka could see rolling mountains he had to cross just to get to this village. The village itself, was a quaint one, the buildings were huddled together, with dirt roads carved between the buildings, animal pens, sheds, and leather working could be made out despite the specks they were reduced to from this distance. Encircling it was a meager stone wall. In spite of the location, far from any large city and on a border that could be considered free game, as the family patriarch had clearly warned to him, there wasn't much focus on defense for this settlement.

The welcoming air lulled Tripataka to loosen the stress on his frame, welcoming the sense of safety with open arms. Rest was just within reach. Though, a dour thought prodded his mind, reminding him that, this would put him behind on his pilgrimage. He sighed, there wasn't much to be done. He couldn't be so reckless not when a safer option was so close at hand.

Hopefully, now with his companion, getting past the border wouldn't be so dangerous. Least, that's what Wukong had claimed. A sudden thought caused Tripataka to still, "Ah!"

"Eh? What's the matter all of a sudden?" Wukong questioned, a younger monkey sat atop his shoulder, mimicking his confusion as its forepaws rested atop his head.

"Uh well…" Tripataka looked at him from the corner of his eyes. Quite warily, from what Wukong could see, which puzzled him. The monk looked ahead, avoiding eye contact, as he tried to form his words properly and carefully. A smile, that was supposed to look casual, formed on his face. Which only served to cause the monkey to look at him with more focused confusion. Tripataka started, carefully, "It's just that…your appearance, may…"

"Captivated the village?" Sun Wukong pronounced, striking a pose that clearly displayed his already obvious conceited nature.

"Frighten, the village." Tripataka awkwardly corrected.

The Monkey King stilled. Apparently, the statement through him for a loop. He snapped to the monk, "What do you mean? Why would I frighten them." He paused, briefly, legitimately confused, "I mean, I'm the handsomest monkey ever!"

Tripataka couldn't help but think back to how this monkey, slaughtered a whole group of demons like it was a mere game. Even to the point of being disappointed that they died too easily. Like a child who'd unintentionally broke his toys. Now, he couldn't fathom why the average person would be repulsed by him. Tripataka explained, bracing for a rebuff, "I worry they may take you for a monster."

Inwardly, he added, and that you may retaliate, violently, to that.

As expected, Wukong took immediate offense to that, "How could that take -Me- for some monster?" Fists on his hips, Wukong looked at the monk accusingly, tail flicking like an irate cat, "are you suggesting I look like a demon?"

Still on his horse, Tripataka held his hands up, wary grin faltering some, "No, no. It's just that- I know you aren't, but these people, they live in an area fraught with monsters. They wouldn't know any better. Talking monkeys, aren't common here."

This, actually, got Wukong to blink in realization. His tail swayed back and forth, in thought, "Hm. True." He huffed, "I'm still far better looking than any monster." Tripataka gave conceding, wry, laugh in agreement. Wukong tilted his head to Tripataka, "I guess I can stay here while you explain to the family that I'm no monster."

That having been Tripataka's line of thought, was relieved the monkey-spirit came to the same conclusion. Thusly he exhaled and internal sigh, the situation diffused itself with little prodding. He nodded, "I shall." As he headed down into town he called back, "I'll call once things are settled."

Wukong waved, "Keep your step up! I look forward to the roof over my head being a home- not a cave, haha!"

Once the monk's form shank far towards the village, Wukong looked back to the trope of monkeys that'd been accompanying them. He smiled, flopped back onto a nearby tree trunk and asked, "So, what's been going on in my absence?"

Quickly, the monkey's gathered around their king and began to chatter away, one at a time like a proper conversation, about the happenings. Sun Wukong, nodded along, occasionally giving input, to prod the conversation along in ways that interested him.