The waxing moon took a spot high above sky, letting it's slivery light cast a sheen on the forest below. It was the hour of the Ram and the night was still young. A group of bandits were gathered around a fire. All agitated, anxious, or both. Their leader sat on a stump, teeth grinding on a stock of wheat as they waited. Things, hadn't gone the way they were supposed to. The matter of which was, as of yet, left to be identified. He'd sent a scout to go check things out but he'd yet to come back yet. It didn't help the mood of the camp. What agitated him the most was: the thought of their prime setup in this area being ruined. They'd worked so hard to settle things out for the last decade! Things couldn't go sideways, not now!

Although, things hadn't been normal today. Oh, sure, it'd been normal for the most part. Woke, up, ate, and mugged some people, the usual. They hadn't even had to resort to killing. Then, the quakes happened. The whole area around Five-Phases Mountain trembled, but it hadn't been a normal quake. No, it was solely centered around the base of Five-Phases, judging by what he'd heard from men at other areas that hadn't felt a thing. The Phenomenon seemed to have ended with a "Boom!" A loud one at that. If, the theory that it came from high up on the mountain was to be believed.

Initially, they'd all hadn't though much of it other than: odd, but odd things happened in this world. Bugs could gain human form. Isolated earthquakes and sudden bangs were relatively low on the list of oddities. Least to them.

It got worrisome when things went quite afterwards. All except, oddly, the monkeys of the area were louder and more active. From what they could tell anyway. They'd moved a lot closer to the road back to the village, which was odd, because they usually stayed by the mountain at night. Gotten bolder too, several had thrown things at some of them before scampering off back into the trees, chittering all the way. No way to know for sure if these were connected, or not, but it was notable. But, why had communication gone so quiet?

"Sir! Sir!"

Finally, the scout was back.

The bandit leader stood, eyes on the panting younger man, "About time you got back. What'd you find?"

Hands on his knees, the scout panted, "I…I saw…they're all dead! All of them!"

"What!?"

Pointing back the way he came, the scout could only say, "I…think you better see for yourself."

Bodies lay broken and beaten all over the clearing, in various postures befitting of a torn-up battle ground. The air was laced with the smell of dried blood and the onset of decay. It'd been a while since many of them had seen carnage of this grade. Against demons on top of that. It looked like the forces of the Emperor had been sent in to wipe them all out. All that was missing was the stamped hoofprints on the ground, or arrows. It must've been some fight because there surrounding area was torn up, trees knocked over and splintered, rocks reduced to rubble, and craters dotted the field.

Hardened bandits that had taken lives were left with their jaws agape. It took some time of speechless staring and an exchange of glances before any of them moved forward to further inspect. Not about to leave anything to waste, some set about to take any form of valuables. Their former allies wouldn't be needing them. One bandit's eyes was stuck on the morbid sight of a demon whose body was crumpled up like a paper ball…he really couldn't tell what had been done to it. Morbidly, his mind though, looks like a meat patty.

"What…do we do now?" The bandit asked his leader. They hadn't planned for anything like this.

The bandit leader surveyed the area once more before looking to the scout, "Did you find anything else?"

"I went to their camp. It's completely empty, doesn't look like anyone's been there since this morning." He gestured to Five-Phases Mountain, "I checked to see if they'd went to investigate the mountain quakes, thinking maybe they had something to do with it…but the rest are dead up there. Looks like the quake upheaved some stone, but, oddly, that's it. Looked like the fights were at two separate points. This one doesn't lead to the other."

"We need to find out who did this and avenge our allies." The leader decided after the scout finished. The scout and others seemed…uncertain about following this decision. The leader remained firm. "That was in the agreement of our partnership. We'd avenge each other. It'd disrespect their souls if we didn't follow through with our blood-oath."

This roused some level of spirit from the other bandits, although, it may have been wine they'd been partaking in while waiting for the report. The group of thugs gathered up what they could from the remains before making their way to the nearby road, assailing the first person they saw for information…

Tripataka was startled awake by the sound of a loud crash. He gasped, sat up, and clutched his heart with fright. Eyes wide and wild, he looked around the room for the source of the disturbance. Much to his further alarm- he found it. The front door to their benefactor's home appeared to have been kicked open. There, looked to be, several thugs accosting their hostess, while the husband was trying to get between the two. Immediately, Tripataka got to his feet and hurried over to attempt to help, thoughts of his own safety waylaid in his desire to prevent harm from the ones who took him in.

"Wha-what's going on here?" His frantic voice seemed to have caught the attention of the one gripping the wife by her wrist. The notice of an iron staff in one hand, kept Tripataka at marginally safe distance as the bandit point it at him in waring. Hands up, the Tang monk attempted again to get an explanation, "Why are you attacking this noble household?"

"We're looking for the ones that slaughtered our allies." The bandit leader answered. He yanked the wife forward, closer to him. The husband attempted to get her back, only to get into a scuffle with another of the bandits, whom pinned him up against the doorframe of the home's entrance. The bandit leader continued, "And we got word that this family took in some stranger today." He looked Tripataka over, noting he was a monk, "But it couldn't be a medicant monk like you. So, where's your companion?"

At first, Tripataka thought the bandit was referring to human allies, but then realized he was referring to the demons. While he was relatively relieved that the bandit's ire wasn't on him…he knew just who the bandits were asking for. What they didn't know was that they stood no chance against the one they were unwittingly asking to see. One who, was still soundly asleep on his mat in the living area just behind him. Tripataka knew, without the shadow of a doubt, that Sun Wukong wouldn't hesitate to kill these men. He, so far, killed without a second thought. If he felt these average thugs were a threat, annoyance, or insulted him- they wouldn't stand a chance. Their weapons wouldn't even be able to hurt him! Tripataka knew he had to diffuse the situation before the monkey-spirit woke up, he wanted to sort this out without violence.

At the same time, he couldn't lie, "Please, noble sirs, you don't know what you ask."

His response only got the bandit leader to step forward, dragging the wife alone with him. He jabbed the staff towards Tripataka in warning. "So, he is here! Bring'em out or I'll knock you over and search for myself!"

"Ah! No, no! Please, there's no need for violence!" Insisted Tripataka in a panic.

"Mn, savior, what's the fuss all about?" The air went quiet. The monk stilled, recognizing the groggy voice of Sun Wukong. He was certain his attempt of peace was about to go out the window, never to be seen again. Sun Wukong gave a long yawn, limply scratching the fur on the side of his face. Still drowsy from sleep he grumbled, "I was sleeping so good for the first time in- five centuries…" The Monkey King's words halted when he caught sight of the group crowding the doorway. The leader with an iron staff pointed at Tripataka, their hostess dragged behind, another with their host pinned to the doorway, a few others behind, and his savior hands held up in attempted to placate the criminals. Only one missing was the son.

Tripataka couldn't see the monkey's expression, as he kept his eyes on the staff, but the silence was worrying. Suddenly, within a blink, the monkey was right between Tripataka and the bandit. When? How? He hadn't even heard him move! Tripataka blinked a few times to see if what his eyes saw was correct. Yep, the monkey was certainly in front of him.

"Hey, can I have your staff?"

The room stilled in silent disbelief.

"What?" Was all the bandit could manage in response.

"I said, can I have your staff?" Sun Wukong repeated, soundly a mite bit miffed about having to repeat himself. He then added, with more clear annoyance, "I know it's early, but you barged in here so clear those ears of yours out and listen to your elders, now how's about it? Your staff and you can be on your way."

The bandit's expression twitched. "You've got to be joking."

"Nope!" Wukong assured.

There was a smack, when the bandit leader stuck Wukong's hand away with the iron staff. Tripataka felt the color drain from his face and his jaw drop to its full extent. He couldn't even manage a yell, whine, or gasp. He was speechless. The Monkey King; however, didn't seemed phased and simply took the slight, but again, Tripataka couldn't see his expression.

"I'm not giving my staff to a flea-bitten mongrel! Now move aside or I'll bash your head open!"

If the prior offenses hadn't set the Monkey King off, Tripataka knew for sure this had struck a nerve. In the next instant, Wukong grabbed hold of the staff, ripped it out of the bandit's hand and as the man lurched forward he struck the him with his own weapon. A trail of blood arced through the air as he was sent flying back, all of the front teeth knocked out. The little bits of white dropped down on to the ground, bloodied. Shocked, the other bandits were unable to intervene. Their boss had been knocked away like a gnat. The punishment clearly wasn't over as the monkey pounced onto his back. The man yelped as Wukong landed and immediately began hurling verbal abuse, "WHO ARE YOU CALLING A FLEABAG!? YOUR FLIMSY MORTAL STAFF ISN'T EVEN GOOD ENOUGH TO BE USED AS A BACK SCRATCHER- AND YOU DARE CALL SUN WUKONG A MONGREL!?"

When Wukong pinned down one of the leader's arms with his own staff, and continue to hurl insults at the prone man the other bandits moved to attempt to defend him. Now armed, the Monkey King easily deflected and countered the feeble attacks. Either weapon were knocked out of their hands, arms struck, legs swept out from under them. Regardless of initial move, the ensuing strike would knock them back. Hard. The surrounding scenery was broken apart, fencing, walls, carts, posts, anything, and there was audible snaps of bones on the majority of the bandits. Quickly, the ones that'd come, from elsewhere in the village, to assist their comrades turn and fled after seeing a monkey send the others flying with minimal effort. Ones who could manage to pick themselves up, barely, hobbled or slunk away like kicked dogs.

Seeing, the peons flee, Sun Wukong scoffed, "What losers." He shot a glare down at their, presumed, leader. "I'll deal with them later. After, Sun Wukong finishes punishing this one."

Seeing what was about to happen, Tripataka's eyes went wide, "Oh no."

The Monkey King raised up the iron staff, aiming to smash in the bandit's head, reeling it back for an effective strike to reduce skull to powder. He swung down. The circlet released a hot white glow. Sun Wukong's eyes constricted. The staff was dropped in favor of clutching his head in response to the vice grip of pain around his cranium. Even still his foot remained squarely on the back of the bandit. His tail twisted and contorted in response to the pain, flailing in order to try and keep himself balanced.

"Gah, why-now?" Wukong ground out. The pain was almost blinding.

"Wukong!"

The call of his savior, brought the monkey's attention from his pain, somewhat. He looked up, the bald head of the monk clear enough in in his bleary vision. "Savior?" What was he calling him for?

"Wukong, please," Even in the haze, he could hear, pleading in his voice. It was confusing, and it only got more so from there. "Spare him!"

Eyes wide, "What!?" A resounding ring of pain caused the Monkey King to recoil, getting dizzy for a moment. He fought to shake it off, to partial effect. "Why would you want to spare these low-lives?" He growled; a burning glare pointed at the one he had pinned. He lay underfoot, whimpering as pathetically as he should, blood and dirt caked around his lips. "I saw this one- threaten you! What's the difference between me killing- him, like I did the demons?"

Tripataka winced at the snarl in the monkey's voice. He couldn't tell if he was genuinely angry at him, or if it was the circlet- which still shone with a searing brilliance. He bit the inside of his lip. This was his fault. If he had spoken up about his dislike of death, or violence in general, this could've possibly been avoided. He put his hands together, "Amitabha Buddha." With a prayer for guidance, he stepped towards the monkey-spirt and explained, sounding as calm and even as he could manage, "Wukong…as a Buddhist, I do not wish death or violence upon anyone. Not even those who threaten me."

"Well, old monkey isn't a Buddhist." Wukong retorted, one eye clenched shut. "Killing these low-lives off would do this village a favor."

Tripataka could hear the panting from where he was. Wukong was straining himself so roughly and yet he could still keep an adult man pinned down with little effort. Still, it hurt him to see him exert himself in such a way. All to end a life of someone who'd offended him (yes it'd also been because he threatened Tripataka but...it almost seemed secondary), someone who was a low-life to him. Just then Tripataka got an idea, "Would it be worth killing a low-life?"

To this, Wukong cocked his head, "Huh?"

"You said that he is a low-life."

"Yeah, and?"

"You bested them all with little effort. I doubt any of them would be able to cause much trouble now. Is it really worth you putting such effort towards one so beneath you?" Tripataka felt a level of relief when the monkey's posture faltered, laxing. A look of realization lighting his eyes instead of anger. He didn't like having to appeal to Wukong's abundant sense of pride, but if it saved lives, he'd do what he could.

"Huh, you have a point savior." Wukong said, seemingly surprised by the revelation, as he scratched the fur on the side of his face. He blinked, touching the circlet on his head as he noticed- the pain had stopped. Soon as he'd mentally dropped the notion of killing the man, the circlet ceased squeezing his head. With his healing, the soreness and pain evaporated. For a moment, Sun Wukong wondered about this. Until, a pained sob came from beneath his foot. Quickly agitation knitted his brow. Wukong stamped the iron-staff he held, causing the bandit to flinch. "I'm still keeping this. As payment for the insult towards me and threat against my savior and our benefactors. Got it?"

The man nodded his head in panic. He attempted to speak but his words were too garbled by blood and a lack of teeth to be really coherent. Clearly though, he understood and that was enough.

"And thank, savior for getting me to spare your miserable life!" Snapped Wukong.

Again, the man feverishly nodded, babbling incoherent thanks, and managed to put his hands together in front of his face whilst he lay on the ground.

Tripataka's shoulders deflated, unsure how to take this. The man was clearly thankful, but the sight wasn't exactly pleasing to see. A man's face coated in dirt and drying/wet blood around the mouth was…unsavory, to say the least. Seeing the village's official heading towards them, with some few guards, he went over and said, "The guards are here. Let them get him up, please, Wukong."

The Monkey King blinked, noticing this and complied. He scowled as the beaten man was helped up, not resisting whatsoever, and watched as he was dragged off then tossed into a wagon with a wooden-barred crate on the back. Inside there were several others of the bandits, most of which looked to have been ones Wukong had smacked aside. As the wagon rolled off down the road, Wukong idly began to twirl the staff deftly in his hand. Tripataka was impressed to see such skill up close.

"Is the staff your preferred weapon of choice, Wukong?" Tripataka asked curiously. He assumed as such but didn't want to say so. Earnestly, he just wanted to clear the air after such brutality. Even if it sounded awkward to the ear.

"It is." Wukong answered as he twirled it. He dully looked off towards the side, "But this thing is way, way, way, way too light for my taste." Not paying much mind, he tossed it up high in the air and continued to talk after he caught it, twirling it once more, "Probably won't last a fight with me but I can't get my real weapon out my ear. SO, going to have to work with what I can."

Processing what he heard, Tripataka had to repeat, "In your ear?"

Wukong brightened and pointed to his left ear, "Yeah, my weapon: the Golden Cudgel, can change size at my command. I put it in my ear to keep it from getting stolen." He laughed to himself, "Though it weighs nine-tons so most wouldn't even be able to lift it."

Putting the ludicrous weight aside…Tripataka thought back and realized, "Oh, so that's why you were motioning to your ear before…"

Irritation flashed across Wukong's face at the reminder, "That's right." His eyes narrowed. Tripataka could practically read his thoughts. He couldn't even use his own weapon anymore. Wukong perked when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked and saw Tripataka looking at him with reassurance. It helped him settle, just a touch.

"We'll find a way, Wukong."

The Monkey King smiled, "Thanks, Savior."

After a nice breakfast, Tripataka and Sun Wukong readied to head out on their journey. The family had been very thankful for the Monkey King making such swift work out of the bandits. With a wide beaming grin, Wukong told them it was no trouble at all, they needed to get put in their place! He just happened to be there. As Wukong readied Tripataka's horse, at his insistence, Tripataka stood, saying a prayer to himself. Once he finished, the father walked over to him. "I wish you a safe travel, father." He looked pointedly towards were the monkey-spirit was readying the white stead, "Be careful with that creature. When you said he was wild, I believe you may have been too generous."

Tripataka felt his own reservations well up within him. He closed his eyes and put them away, nodding, "I'm aware."

The father nodded, seeing Tripataka knew what he was undertaking, he didn't press it, "I say it only as a precaution."

"Savior! Your horse is ready." The loud, upbeat call of Sun Wukong broke up the solidifying silence that'd begun to settle. Tripataka and the husband looked over and saw the horse, laden with the monk's luggage leisurely being walked over to them both. Beside it, Wukong waved energetically. Tripataka smiled softly and gave a little wave back. It was moments like these that made it seem like the monkey was nigh harmless. Emphasis on seem. He was merely placid right now. Once Wukong reached them he beamed, pleased, at the family patriarch, "Here to see us off?"

"Of course."

"Good! I have a gift for your family."

Just as the mother and son, who'd presumably been hiding somewhere inside prior, came out of the home, Wukong turned to the woods and gave a- very loud- call. It made everyone in the area go still. Tripataka's eyes went wide. This was the first time he'd heard him make a monkey sound. Before anyone could question what that was all about, there was a chorus of return calls. Out from the woodwork of the nearby forest, the monkey family from before swarmed out. They clamored up to their King, sitting before him, on the fence, or atop the family home.

"What…is the meaning of this?" Came the wavering word of the husband.

Wukong waved off his question, "Just a bit." He knelt down to the, presumed, leader of the trope. He chittered at him and pointed to the family. The monkey chittered back, seeming a bit confused. The two talked to one another before the monkey, now happy, bounced up and down. He turned and went to his trope, seemingly relaying whatever had been said. Whatever it was, the group was ecstatic, cheering, bouncing, and clapping their hands.

The family, meanwhile, was confused and understandably wary. Though, the boy seemed more curious and wide-eyed about all the monkeys being so close by. The husband, at a loss, looked at the elder. Eyes silently pleading for help. If Tripataka had to guess. By the look in his eyes, he'd say he almost looked worried that he was about to be robbed. By monkeys.

Confused and worried himself, Tripataka went up to the Monkey King, asking, "Wukong, what did you tell them?"

Looking pleased with himself, Wukong answered, "Since they were such a considerate family. Housing, old Monkey's savior and telling them- be it in adverted or not, about my tale. They aided, in a way, my liberation! So, I've set up a little arrangement with them and this family."

"What sort of arrangement?" Tripataka asked, voice laced with carefulness.

"To help protect them of course!" Either noticing the concern in Tripataka's face, or expected questions, Wukong went on, "I'm more willing to bet that those thugs will take it upon themselves to get some sort of payback, once they know Wukong's long gone on this pilgrimage of ours, than actually redeem themselves. So, since my magic is under lock." His face twitched with irritation at the self-reminder, but he quickly scooped himself backup with pride in his idea, "Other monkeys will be the last thing they expect, and as you heard- we can be very loud. They're already familiar with the thugs, so they know what to look for. Further! They can show them the bounty of the forest! All they need to do in return is give a share of the findings and offer a safe area from predators."

Tripataka blinked at this idea with wonder, "That's a wonderful idea Wukong." He hadn't thought about the bandits wanting revenge. In hindsight, that was foolish of him. They'd been utterly humiliated and Wukong had already slaughter their demon partners. The wicked would settle for any form of catharsis, even against a third-party. Perhaps he'd just been so focus on unburdening their benefactors, but it didn't matter why it hadn't crossed his mind. Thankfully, Wukong had thought of a solution. One factor remained though, "How will they communicate though? They understand you fine, but I don't believe either are familiar with each other's native-tongue."

Wukong, of course, was unbothered by the possible complication. "Oh, they know more about human words than you'd think. They understood you after all."

That was true. This family had understood Tripataka's desire to free their king.

"Admittedly though," Wukong continued, "They don't understand a lot of human. That is why they're regular monkeys." He brightened, an idea hitting him, "But I have a solution to that too. Signals! Much easier to teach."

"That'd be amazing!" The boy exclaimed; eyes dazzled by the prospect.

Tripataka looked inquiringly back to the two parents. Wukong acted like they'd already, or would, agree to the idea. The monk wanted to see if they were at least interested in the idea. It was a relief that they didn't look horrified. The wife was uncertain, but the husband was more contemplative. Looked as if the mention of possible future backlash had made him more thoughtful.

It was the wife who spoke up, "I…think we should give it a shot."

That was enough to get the husband to nod his consent.

Tripataka smiled, posture losing it's anxious tension. So, before they left, they worked out a signal system with the monkey family. More words ended up being implemented than expected. With Wukong as a translator the monkeys picked them up faster and more easily. The boy was plenty happy to have new mischievous playmates and the monkeys were keen on checking out their new companion's home. Both the parents grew intrigued by their new friends and the husband was already contemplating the living arrangement in the backyard. He asked Wukong for some ideas and it essentially came down to bedding and climbing space. Also, a water basin for them to wash themselves.

It was reaching the afternoon when Tripataka left with Wukong. While Tripataka wanted to leave soon as they could, he couldn't bring himself to be pushy. Once he felt things were covered well enough, he brought up their departure. By then the family was happy to see them off and it put the monk's heart at ease. The family saw them off to the road out of their village, a handful of monkeys coming along to see their King off.

"Best of luck, Father." Said the husband with a bow. Then to Wukong, "And thank you again for your idea. I believe I'll be more at ease when I head out to hunt."

"We'll keep you in our prayers." The mother added sincerely.

"Psh, I can keep savior safe on my own. You're welcome though!" Wukong said both dismissively and acceptingly.

Tripataka stepped in to assure they left on a good note, bowing he said, "We appreciate the thoughtfulness and your generosity towards us."

As they left, the boy excitedly waved them off, "Be sure to visit us when you head back!"

Smiling, Tripataka kindly waved back as he lead his horse. Wukong beamed a wide grin and waved as well, the iron-staff slung over his other should, along with the nine-ringed priestly staff. He readily appreciated the child's energy. Soon though the family and monkeys were nothing but dots in the distance and shortly after, gone from view entirely. In spite of the shaky, bombastic, introduction to his new traveling companion, Tripataka still felt more at ease with Wukong at his side. Perhaps it was the monkey's overflowing self-confidence, added with the sheer raw power he held. Regardless, Tripataka was well ready to continue his journey westward.

Earlier, after the Monkey King's Release,

Across the ocean from the East Purvavideha was the island country of Aolai, which consisted of an island chain of ten islet and three great islands. The largest of them all held the famous paradise of Flower-Fruit Mountain. Famous for it's beauty, ever present greenery, and abundant fruits of all seasons. It was also famous, as well as infamous, for who had been the ruler of this kingdom: The Monkey King Sun Wukong, Great Sage Equal to Heaven. The area had been rather quiet since the rowdy king had been sealed beneath Five-Phases Mountain. This had returned to order.

Or so it seemed…

After the war against the Celestial Realm, the picturesque beauty of the mountain had been left ragged and abused. Ravaged beyond recognition. The island had not been spared the Celestial Realm's divine retribution. However, after five centuries, what was left of the inhabitants nurtured their beloved home back to health. The trees and plants replanted and once that was stable the animals returned and the wilds flourished, under the aid of the paradise's ever-pristine climate. The kingdom of the monkey-spirits was more easily rebuilt and they kept claim to their home. However, even with this miraculous recovery, the people didn't seem at ease. On the face of it everything was fine. There were no territory disputes with other demons that attempted to move in due to the lack of their powerful leader. Food and water was far from in short supply. The weather was perfect for frolicking, and while some did, the older generation was tense, looking about for watchful eyes. More telling, it was far quieter than it was had been.

So as to avoid saying anything…out of line.

While some of the civilization was built around the main river and waterfall, the palace lay within the waterfall itself: Water-Curtain Cave. The changes of the palace had been fare less compared to what lay outside. The dwelling was protected by a magic barrier that few could open.

The Monkey King's release happened over a country away. A travel that would take years on foot, not to mention by sea. The trembling of the mountain wasn't heard nor really felt this distance away. Except by one.

Ears twitched. "Oh?" A cock of the head, listening attentively. Twitch of the lips and a growl in the throat.

"Sir?" Someone questioned.

"He's finally been set free." Anger turned to a sneer, "We got time to play with, let's get the welcome party planned."