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"THIS HAS TOO BE A SICK JOKE OF YOURS" He shouted. His eyes angrily staring at the person in front of him. She couldn't be serious. It was impossible.
For the words that she spoke, broke the heart of the King .
"Look pilgrim" she said not raising her voice "if you won't kill that wretched demon, I will send someone else to do it and theyr methods will be far more cruel then you can imagine."
While speaking, she turned to the side, not even bothering to look at the King.
Even though beeing the representation of peace, her words where filled with venom.
—————————————————————————————————————-
"Master " Wukong spoke, "Master, wake up. The sun is already rising."
He tried to wake his master as gently as possible, while his brothers packed up the camp.
They weren't able to find a house to stay for the night, that's why they had to result in camping in the middle of the woods this time. But the pilgrims didn't really care, for they only needed a couple hours of sleep to recharge their energy.
Their journey was a hard and tretures one, filled with danger and obstacles. Countless times the Pilgrims had to save their master from being eaten. And more did they only narrowly escape with the help of the celestial body.
A night outside under the stars was nothing compared to those, nothing to hard too overcome.
Their great journey already has taken them over eight years, and it did not seem to end any time soon.
Eight years travelling along side his Master and brothers, eight years away from home, eight years away from… him…
It was monotonous and exhausting, to say the least. Going to sleep at sundown, rising at sunrise, walking all day and having to beg for food. Day in and day out… And yet, dear old Monkey was content.
Sure, he would often remember fondly his dear home , filled with his subjects, or rather his family, and sometimes would space out thinking about them.
He sometimes wondered what games his little ones would play today? which fruits did they pick today?
But most importantly, he wondered if his dear old friend was okay.He wondered if he is able to protect everyone like he promised to do…
But Monkey knew , he should not worry about that. His friend was a skilled warrior, an equal to Wukong’s strength. He was able to hear danger from miles away, telling the monkeys when to play and when to hide.
Everything was fine, and after this great journey, he will not only be able to visit his home again. Soon he will be basking in the sun, lazily eating fruit, with the person he cared about the most. And maybe one day he could show his gorgeous home to his new found friends. What a day that would be. Dear old Monkey could not wait.
After the Tang Monk got up , the group started to continue their journey.
Monkey was walking in the front, his master right next to him and his younger Pilgrim brothers behind.
Always making sure no danger was coming close.
It was a warm spring day, flowers were blooming, birds were singing, trees around them started to grow fruits. Truly a wonderful day.
Not long after they started to walk, they even heard monkeys chirping and saw a few climbing on the trees above. He watched them while he walked, listend to their little conversation.
Monkey King smiled when he heard those sounds and hummed happily to himself. Humming a tune one of his Old Blood brothers used to sing when they where too drunk on coconut wine.
He didn't even realise it, not until his master broke the silence.
"My, my," He smiled "I have been traveling with you a long while Wukong, but I have never seen you this happy, you are even humming like a bird."
"Oh, I'm sorry, Master. I didn't realise." the pilgrim answers sheepishly.
A soft chuckle left Tripitakas lips.
"No need to be sorry" He smiled " It's just that I have never seen you being in so happy, that's all. Mind to share the reason for your happy mood?"
"Well you see Master, befor I became your desciple, and befor I caused havoc in heaven, I lived at a place called Flowerfruit mountain. The weather was always nice, beautiful flowers bloom there and all year long fruit trees are blooming. A wonderfull place, really.
Even more beautiful than this"
He puts his arms up in a circling motion to emphasise the last part.
"When I heard the small monkeys chirp , I got reminded of my old home and that made me happy."
Wukong smiled, looking up to his Master who listened to him speak. He sat high up on the Dragon horse, his feet never touching the dirty floor. But there was this rustling in the background, the sound of Bushes and leaves being pushed aside, but when he turned to look, no one was there.
"Your home sounds wonderful" said the Monk
"It is!" Monkey replied.
"Wait older brother, the great home of yours has fruits all around the year?" Entered Bajie the conversation. Of course he would listen close to this part of old Monkeys tale. He chuckled to himself befor responding to the other.
"Yes. We got sweet Peaches, golden Mangos, tasty coconuts , ripe plums, the most delicious fruits all year around. More and better than you could ever imagine!"
"This place sounds amazing . I can only dream of their sweet taste in my mouth" the pig lickt his lips enthusiastically thinking about all the yummy fruits.
"Oldest brother" Wujing began to talk "why is it that we only hear now from your great home?"
"But I have talked about it, I always say where I'm from."
"Yes indeed you have. Always saying that you're 'the greate sage equal to heaven, king of the watercurtain cave on Flowerfruit Mountain' " recited the Tang Monk as if following a script "but you never really spoke of your homeland"
"I only follow your teachings Master 'those of us who have left a home shall not keep resting their mind on what they had but rather open it for the world im front of them'" His Master looked Proud when he heard him reciting one of his teachings. Teachings that he was made to remember.
"Wise of you my disciple" The Tang Monk praised "but not speaking of your home is like forgetting your roots"
Wujing agreed "Master is right eldest brother, please tell us more about your home, for it sounds fabulous to say the least."
"Well..."The Monkey started to speak, unsure where to begin. What should he tell? What should be private? And what should he safe for another day? Old Monkey pondered. Though he quickly figured that he should just start with the truth about his tales, and that was, that he didn’t get to make many.
"I do not have many tales of my home, because I left it in the persiute of power and knowledge. I rarely visited it since. But I do have family and friends there.
My two marshals Ma and Liu , my two generals Ba and Bang , my little monkey subjects, My soldiers and... " listed Monkey King, befor pausing a bit. He didn’t mean to, he meant to finish this whole sentence, he meant for it to come out at once. But his word choked. They got stuck in his throat when trying to say them as care free as those words befor. His smile slightly shivered, although he tried to hold it up. He took a deep breath, imagining breathing out these sad emotions, then continued to talk again.
"And my Warrior" Sadness grew only stronger in his stomach as he thought about him. Sure he missed his generals and Marshals, his Subjekt and soldiers, but the one he missed the most was his Ma-.
"What's wrong eldest brother?" His trail of thought got interrupted by Wujing, who asked concerned, seeing the mood change of his Companion.
"Ah, it's nothing... " Wukong shook it of "nothing really." "Then why so sad now all of the sudden?" Blurted Bajie out.
"I just... miss them , that's all."
He forced a smiled through this sudden wave of sadness. He tried to no longer think about that.
Memories bubbling up inside him, replaying all those moments he had spent with his friend. All the joy he had shared, all the moments he had taken for granted years ago.
Way back, when the only worries in his mind where were to find the most delicious fruit, what games to play, but also how to protect the ones he loved.
But there was this sound again, the rustling of bushes, the turning of leafs. Something was afoot, but he did not know what. He thought of telling his companions about the sudden noises. Thinking about warning them befor anything bad happened to Master again. But on second thought he doubted that they would believe him. And if they did and it turned out to be nothing… He touched his temple with one hand, feeling the golden crown on his head. No. It was not worth it.
Deciding to keep his happy mood, he continued his conversation.
"But you know, on the bright side, when we have finished our great mission and retrieved this scriptures from the Great Thunderclap Monastery, I will be able to take you to my home to meet all of them. You can taste all of the yummy foods, bask in the sun, play with the monkeys, does this not sound fun Master and my dear Brothers?”
"That would be really nice" said Tripitaka while Bajie happily cheered in the background.
"Yeah! All those yummy fruits to eat!"
Wukong only chuckled.
————————————————————————————————————
Many hours past and the Pilgrims all set up camp for the soon incoming night.
They sat and ate all by the fire. Bajie munched on some fruits he found growing on some trees near, some Peaches and Plums.
A sigh left Pilgrims lips. One of regret, one of remembering.
He remembered the last night he ever saw his blood brothers again, the last night he spent on Flowerfruit Mountain.
————————————————————————————————————
Clear was the night, and bright shone the stars.
A night filled with Talk and laughter. He remembered all of them coming up with Titels to take on once they defeated heaven. While Pilgrim claimed the Titel of Great Sage equal to heaven, his older Blood-brother Demon Bull King came up with the great title of The Great Sage Parallel with Heaven.
The others quickly joined in with their creations of a great sage Titel, all with a similar ring to them. First was Yellow Tusk, beaming with pride: “If you claim the Titel of great Sage, why shall i not join in? I will be known as the Great Sage, Mover of Mountains”
Impressed Old Monkey smiled. Then the Golden-Winged Peng join in, as Big and proud as they ever were. A smirk drew on their lips “ Then I shall be known as the God-Routing Great Sage,” Quickly they turned to Azure who was following the name giving with great content. “What about you Brother ? What shall your new Titel be, after we defeat the Heavens ? “ For a while the strong Lion pondered. Pressing one finger on his lips, until he finally spoke up. His expression befor resembled unsureness but it quickly turned to one determined. A smile as big as the sky shone bright. “I shall be called the Great Sage, United with Heaven,” Azure normally acted like you would expect any great leader to act. Loud, strong, Proud. He was mostly all of those things, but when he looked around. When he saw the faces of his brother sitting around the table, ready to make history together. He looked soft. Filled with compassion and gratefulness. Although for all his greatness, he always looked around, he always looked behind, making sure all he cared for was there with him.
While Mostly all went back to their normal conversation, forgetting one member of their Brother hood, Azure was the one to ask the most quietest person sitting amongst them. “What about you Six eared Macaque? What shall your new Titel be? “ All of the Attention turned to the one sitting beside Wukong. The most trusted ally of the great Monkey King. Unsure the dark furred Monkey did not know what to say, he did not think of a title, nor could he come up with one just as quick as the other once have. “What about ‘the Steadfast Great Sage’ ? “ suggested old Monkey and it truly had a ring to it. So much so that after considering it, The six eared Macaque agreed. “I will then go by that name, The Steadfast Great Sage “
Content Azure nodded. “My Dear Brothers, “he spoke, “Tonight is the night we become legends, our praises will be sung and our tales will be written. All world shall know the names of the brotherhood of the sages. All shall know The Great Sage United with Heaven, The Great Sage Parallel with Heaven, the Great Sage Mover of Mountains , God-Routing Great Sage, The Great Sage Equal to Heaven and The Steadfast Great Sage.” He raised his Chalice high, filled to the brim with Coconut Wine. “A toast to to our Brother Hood , may we always stay together.” His Blood Brothers followed suit. Clirring their Chalices together.
Their Feast continued after. The most delicious foods were plated, alongside the most tastiest fruits of the Island. Peaches, Plums, Mangos and Coconuts. The night was filled with laughter. Filled with Joy.
Filled with looks exchanged between the Hero and His Warrior.
———————————————————————————————
Back then they did not think of what dark bearings the future might bring. Back then they were filled with hopes and dreams. Moments now drowned in regret.
Lost in thought, Pilgrim did not notice what was going on around him, until they heard a suspicious noise from the woods.
Again It was near them. As if it followed them. This time however it was not just the sound of rustled leafs. No this time something else could be heard as well. It was not loud , it sounded like a strong wind brushing through the trees. But the strange part is that there was no wind to be felt.
Meaning something or someone is causing that noise.
"What was that?" Said a starteld Monk
"It's nothing, it's nothing, only the wind playing tricks on us " said Bajie and continued munching on his food.
But then they heard it again.
"The wind you say?" Wujing asked "but how come we don't feel any of it?"
'Wait ' Monkey thought to himself ‘this noise... I know it from somewhere....’
But he couldn't quite put his finger on it where he heared it last.
He closed his eyes and tried to concentrate.
Then there it was again.
His ears twitched, then it dawned on him.
He quickly stole himself away leaving his friends alone as he began to seek out the source of the sound.
It's not the wind he thought to himself, almost running through the woods in search of the source. These are the sounds of portals opening and closing and he was begging the universe that those portals belonged to one special person.
... It has to be him , it must be...!
He exlaimd in his mind until he found what he was searching for, who he was searching for.
"Liù'ěr !" He shouted with a big smile on his face.
Far away from him stood a smaller, black furred monkey, with not just one pair of ears, but three .
He saw the Six eared one turn his head side to side, as if making sure they where not witnessing a dream, that this was no hallucination. But soon he turned. Soon they saw each other.
Both where now running toward each other, running into each others arms and meeting in a strong imbrace. No words needed to be spoken, no greeting needed to be exchanged. The Sun and The Moon were now together again, and that was all that did matter. All that was important right now.
None of them dared to let go at first, as if fearing that letting go would make the other disappear. And the Univers stood still, even if it was only for a moment.
It had been too many years when he had seen his dear friend last, Countless years he had been holding the other in his arms last. Tears of joy welled up in his eyes. Tears that slowly rolled down his cheeks.
Taking in the moment, he took in everything, as if he tried to save it all in his head. He took in his scent, which was still smelling like sweet plums just like it did all those years ago, he took in the sound of his breathing and how his armes wrapped around the other. He could hear him breathing a sigh of relief. The realness of the moment setting in for the both of them. They really were together at last.
“I missed you” he finally admitted, breaking the comfortable silence they had found themself in. Without missing a beat the Oranges furred monkey replied the same “I missed you too my Moon” he could not help the smile that washed over his face. His friend, his warrior his other half finally here with him. After all these years his joy had returned to him. Brushing through the dark fur, that was as beautiful as the midnight sky, he had to remember when the last time was where he was able to do so. “After all these years, I found you, finally found you” Slowly they let go of each other.
Slowly letting go of each other , they looked in each others eyes.
"I finally found you, it's really you..." small Tears slowly filled up the eyes of the dark furred Monkey as he spoke these words.
“After heaven took you, way back when, we did not know where you were, many feared that you where dead. But i knew they could not kill old Monkey, so i began crafting plans to find you…. “ He could hear the boiled up anger in his voice. Emotions that he could only hardly put aside, as if they had been boiling within him for a long, long time.
“We lived in fear all those years, worried about our king, but when we finally heard a rumour that you might have been trapped under a mountain for all this time, my soldiers and I set out to find you,” Tears began to form in his eyes. They were flowing down his face, spelling out the sadness the other had felt for all those years. Seeing his friend cry, seeing him being sad because of actions he took or felt responsible for. It hurt the king. It hurt his heart, his soul, every part of his being. He wished he could apologise for it all, make all the sadness go away, make the other never feel sad in his entire life ever again. But he knew that was impossible. He knew he could not remove this from their history. All he could hope was for their future to be better. That he can do better. That fate was on their side and would never bring them hurt again.
“But you weren’t there, you were gone and we missed you, we missed you over and over again following the rumours of a Tang Monk and his Monkey disciple. I knew it was you! I knew it in my heart! Many gave up, even telling me to do so too, but i never did, i never could, i- “ Now even Monkeys eyes where filled with tears. His heart was moved by the words of his trusty old companion. He placed one of his hands on the other ones cheek , wiping away the tears with his thumb.
“Thank you for not giving up on me Liù'ěr míhóu. Thank you for finding me”
He meant those words as true as he stood. As true as the sun and the moon were up in the sky. He truly was thankful to be found. He truly was thankful for the other. He could not make right all the wrong that he did, all he hoped for was forgiveness. He did not deserve such a loyal friend, such a loyal companion, such a loyal Ma-.
"Heh.." Liù'ěr laught softly "I would never have even dreamed of giving you up"
His flowing tears turned to small sniffels. “Oh I have so much to tell you, so many tales have I witnessed, I can’t wait to tell you them all” The Pilgrim beamed in excitement. one that even made the other smile slightly while composing himself again. While he did Pilgrims golden eyes were focused on the other. He forgot that the other one was smaller than him, he forgot how long his hair was and how it always was ruffled in all kind of directions when he teleported too often. But as he looked, he noticed the others stare. A stare focused on what was on his head. The small smile that was there befor changed into an expression of concern and confusion.
"What's wrong? " he asked the other.
"What is that? " Liù'ěr pointed to the forehead of the other taller one.
when he however tried to reach out to touch it, he quickly stepped back in instinct.
After reacting in reflex, he caressed the sides of his head touching the golden ring lightly. The golden hoop , crowned on his head.
A reminder to always be on his best behaviour.
A reminder to always protect the Monk.
A reminder to always do what he was told.
A reminder to never disobey heaven ever again.
The golden circlet
But his dear friend didn't need to know those things, he would only worry.
"That old thing? I got it when I started this journey, a... gift of the heavens, of sort"
After he spoke those words, his masters teaching rang through his ears
'Buddhists do not lie'
He tried to justify this to himself, arguing that this, infact was not a lie. The circlet was a gift given to him, he just didn't tell the reason why he got it.
When looking at the other, he saw his Eyebrow raised in disbelief.
"It looks so tight on your head" Liù'ěr tried to touch it again, but hesitated, almost worried that his touch might hurt Monkey King. "can you even take it off?" Concern was in his eyes.
"Of course!" He laughed "why shouldn't I?"
'BUDDHISTS DO NOT LIE' His masters teaching only screamed louder in his head.
"Then prove it" said the other in disbelief
"Why? It is a symbol of my connection with the gods. Taking it off would only damage our bond "
The dark furred Monkey didn't believe his King. Taking it off for one moment wouldn't hurt a soul. What if he wanted to go to sleep, or do other things?
It wouldbe cruel if he had to wear it all the time, just to prove his bond.
He tried to push further, wanting to know the real reason. But as he tried to speak, Wukong cut him off.
"Why bother with this old thing on my head" Wukong pointed at the circlet " We need the time to catch up, we haven't seen each other in so long"
He had a soft smile as he spoke. Out of sheer happiness to see his Warrior, his moon, again. He can tell him another time
And with that they began to talk. And They Talked, and Talked. The Great Sage spinning one tale after the other, while the other just listened, and the same the other way around. They did not notice the stars slowly leaving the sky, nor did they notice the sun rising above. All they did care where the words of the other.
__________________________________________________
“So you really managed to seal away the powers of Demon Bull Kings son?” Asked the Six eared Macaque in disbelief. “Well, not all of it, only the samadi Fire. We split it into three rings, each of us is keeping them safe now.”
“And where is yours? “ “Uhm, i kinda sorta… chucked it somewhere on the ground” “You what?” “I can explain, I-“ but he got cut short, his words getting shushed by the other.
"Wait" shushed the six eared Warrior the other "I hear something..." his six ears twitching slightly as he spoke. “Something is getting close to us.”
This prompted Wukong to look around, to see if he could Identify the danger , instinctively putting himself in front of the other in a protective stance. His body tencing up.
Even though the other was a skilled warrior, it has become second nature to Wukong to protect who ever he was with.
However he promptly realised that the night had turned into day and he quickly figured that they where in no danger. He knew who made the sound.
His stanced relaxed and he turned back to the other.
"I know who made the sound!" He smiled.
Earning him a look that questioned him from his old friend.
With the other one's full attention, he pointed up and continued to speak.
"It is day, my master must be awake by now and my brothers too. We set camp only a few meters away from here, it must be them" He laughed slightly.
"Are you sure?" Liù'ěr hesitated but Monkey just nodded his head.
"Quick, hide!"
"Why?"
"Just yesterday I told Master about you, I wanna surprise him with your presence!" He smiled and Liù'ěr did as he was told, looking back with an unsure expression in his face befor hiding in the shadows.
————————————————————————————————————
Not long after, three figures came forth, leading a horse behind them.
All of them had sleep in their eyes.
"Good morning you three" Monkey smiled happily. "Master I hoped you slept well, I have great news d-"
He began to explain, but the usually so calm Tang Monk, cut him off.
"Slept well?! You wretched Ape!" His Master cursed "first we hear that scary sound and then you went missing! We were scared!"
Wukongs happy smile turned into a sheepish one. Wasn’t his master a dear? Carrying about Old Monkeys safety "Master all is fine, I'm fine, nothing to worry-"
Again he was cut off.
"ha! You think we where worried about you?! our strongest defence was gone! Wujing and Bajie can hardly hold something at bay, that even scared you off!"
He scolded, looking angrily at the Monkey pilgrim.
"Me? Scared off you say? Ha" Monkey laughed "I would never be scared of something. I, the powerful Great sage equal to heaven, am stronger then any demon!"
"And yet you left us without saying a word! That's it! I had it with you! Only thinking about yourself all the time! " Tripitaka screamed.
No, why was his master angry? Nothing happened. he did nothing wrong. He just wanted to see his friend again. He just wanted to feel happy again.
"No, you have to learn, and I will make you learn to never leave again!"
Monkeys eyes widen as he heard those words. No. No. No. Not now, not here. He could not let this happen. He could not let his friend see.
"No! please don't Master I'm sorry ! I did it because-" but his pleading was cut short.
The Monk recited the hoop tightening spell and the pain began.
Monkey fell to his knees screaming in agony and pain as the circlet tightened around his head.
“Master-” He managed to plead in between his screams , "Please- stop!" but the Monk did not stop reciting the spell.
The pain was an Unbearable one.
A pain you would not even wish on your worst enemy. A migraine stronger than any Migraine, any Head injury. Even cutting of your head would hurt much less.
He fell to his knees. Desperately holding his head, hoping he could rip that dreaded thing off once and for all. All he could do was scream.
His throat became sore, his lungs lost all their air. Tired of screaming, tired of pain. But the pain did not stop. Only spreading deeper and deeper into his core.
He felt blood running down his sides. Blood that was his own.
for a short moment he breathed the name of the only one that could safe him, the only one he could trust. He needed his help. Maybe he could bring the Monk to listen to reason. And Maybe he could bring him to stop.
Even if for a short moment.
„Liù'ěr …“
—————————————————————
His Body moved quicker than his mind did. He Jumped out of the shadow, summoning his shadow staff, charging toward that Demon that called himself a Monk. If he dared to make his friend suffer he shall meet the same fait.
Rage boiled within him, blinding his senses. When he was ready to strike, the Blue demon stepped between him and that monster, unjustly earning the hit that was reserved for that foul Monk.
Wujing took the blow, slightly staggering to the side holding his head.
Out of fear, the Monk stopped his spell, releasing the golden Monkey from his pain.
As he could now finally think, Wukong looked around to understand what happened.
But as he looked, his heart sank in fear.
Although his vision was Blurry, he saw his friend taking a fighting stance. He saw him charge up another blow. He was not done. He was not finished. His head was clouded in rage, that Old Monkey knew, and he also knew that his friend would not stop until the Monk was dead. He needed to intervene
"Liù'ěr! Please, Stop!" He pleaded hoping his six eared friend could hear his voice. He tried to sound strong. He tried to sound unfazed by the pain he had endured just moments earlier. But he failed. His voice was shaky, almost fragile. Almost silent.
But not for one.
His Friend held his attack, just when he was about to charge forward. Instead rushing to the Injured King.
He quickly rushed to the others side. His thoughts changed from revenge to concern.
"Wukong are you okay? Are you still hurt? "
"I'm fine Liù'ěr. " Said the monkey still kneeling on the ground , holding his head. He still felled the echoe of the pain, rippling through his bones, running through his core.
But although he was visibly hurt, he still tried to hide the Blood running down. If the other sees he thought, there was no way he won’t charge at his Master again.
Slowly he tried to stand up again, but failed to do it on his own. What a proud hero he was, unable to stand after being injured. How was he able to protect all if he was this weak?
Reaching for the others hand he stood unsure on his legs, trying his best not to fall again.
Bajie steped forward, having his rake in his hands. He tried to attack the other, he tried to hurt Monkeys old friend. although not sure if his legs could carry him he quickly rushed forward, standing in between the two.
"Younger Brother don't!" He said, trying hard to maintain balance with his still wonky feet.
"Older brother, how dare you protect a demon that tried to hurt Master? Now to the side, I won’t ask another time." He still did not move "He tried to protect me!"
"It doesn't matter what intention he had, he tried to hurt Master and managed to hurt Wujing!"
“I will not”
Firm he talked. Strong in his Intention. No blood shall be spilled today. No more than his own. But it seemed that destiny had its own plans. Plans that the Fate defining Old Monkey could not intervene in.
"No need to step away," The Six eared spoke from behind with a menacing grin. "I can just come closer and beet you up that way” a menacing glare shone in the kind Monkey. One fiuled by anger and determination.
And thus the battle began between Liù'ěr míhóu and Zhu Bajie.
Shadow staff meats nine pronged rake.
As they fought , Wukong didn't know what to do. The first time in a long while, he was not capable of fighting.
Not because of any injury, but because he didn't know which side to choose.
His companions or his family...
He looked around, searching for an answer.
He saw his Master cowering behind an Injured Wujing.
He saw the injured blue giant protect the Tang Monk to the best of his abilities
He saw the battle.
He saw Zhu Bajie reciving hit after hit
He saw Liù'ěr fighting
He could only watch the unjust battle unfold.
He could only stand by while both sides fought for a goal noble in each of their eyes.
No Peace to be insight, no Mercy to be felt.
Peace…
Mercy !
He had an idea .
He summend his trusty somersault cloud and travelled to the one person he hoped could help.
Guanyin .
——————————————————————————————
He travelled as fast as he could too go speak to her, hoping that the Bodhisattvat might know the most peaceful way to resolve this mess.
"Please wise Bodhisattva , please help us." He begged as he finally was let in for an audience with her. He fell into a kowtow, not looking up to face her. He was desperate for her help. That's why he did the one thing , he would never do:
Show respect and ettiquette.
"What is wrong monkey? Which demon is so strong that you have to come to me for help ?" She laughed.
"Dear Bodhisattva " He spoke up " I'm in a big dilemma. We and Master were resting for the night until we heard somthing. I knew what it was. It was my Ma- I mean friend , and we were talking all night after i found him, after he found me. After all those years we have spent apart. The thing is, Master thought I was slacking off and after he saw me, he used the tightening hoop spell on me. My friend misunderstood and resorted to attack my companions and Master to revenge me... I don 't know how to resolve this situation, what ever I choose to do, one person will get hurt."
"And you have come to me for a peaceful way?"
"Yes!" He finally looked up
His usual cocky attitude was gone and replaced with worry and distress.
"Well ... the most logical thing to do would be to kill that demon, so why don't you do that?"
Wukong looked up with confusion. Didn't he plead for a peaceful way? Maybe he misheard, he had to, it couldn't be the thing that she said. She wouldn't order him to kill his ma-
"Did you understand?" His thoughts were interrupted by an inpatient looking Bodhisattva.
He must have staid in his thoughts for to long.
She waited for an answer, but the Monkey struggled to find the right words.
"What is wrong monkey? Do I have to repeat myself?"
Still no answer.
"I said that you have to kill this demon "
She repeated now clearer then befor.
"I-I...I'm sorry but... Didn't I come here for you to tell me a peaceful way? A way without killing?"
"This demon poses a immediat threat towards the mission at hand. You need to protect the Tang Monk at all cost, did you forget?"
"B-But he is my- " he tried to say but yet again got cut off by the woman.
"NO 'BUTS', when I came to your prison you swore an oath!"
"Your teachings tought me that violence is never the answer, and yet?! How can you order me so easily to kill someone I hold dear?!"
He finally caught his voice , speaking up to the person in front of him.
He slowly rose from his kowtow to look her directly in the eyes.
A representative of peace, with a piercing look filled with anger looked back at him.
But she did not rase her voice, no , she was too good for that. While the other got louder, more heated by every sentence he spoke, she got more calmer , colder with every word.
"You wretched monkey, you have eyes but no pupils, do you not see the task at hand? Your first and most important order is to protect the Tang Monk, so he may reach the thunder clap monastery and retrieve the Tripitaka.
Every thing else comes last!
That demon friend of yours is a hurdle to that plan and has to be eliminated.
Demons are not worthy enough to receive mercy"
He was furious, how can she... , no... how dare she say that!
Demons are just as worthy than everyone else to receive mercy. Isn't that the reason why Bajie , Wujing and he where chosen for this task? To redeem themselves because theywhere granted her mercy?!
But as if she could read minds , she started to answer.
"You and your fellow companions on the other hand, are useful, even though you are demons , there for you are worthy of mercy so I give you a choice:
Either you do it, or I will send a celestial Warrior to do the job for you"
"THIS HAS TOO BE A SICK JOKE OF YOURS" He shouted finally.
His eyes angrily staring at the person in front of him. She couldn't be serious. It was impossible.
For the words that she spoke, broke his heart.
He was given the choice to either watch his friend die in the most painful way imaginable or he had to kill him himself...
This had to be a bad dream, she couldn't really expect pilgrim to do it.
She was a representative of peace after all.
All kinds of emotions washed over Monkey.
Hatred, anger, fear and sadness, all swirling up in his mind, numbing his head and hurting his heart.
"Look pilgrim" she said not raising her voice
"if you won't kill that wretched demon, I will send someone else to do it and theyr methods will be far more cruel then you can imagine."
While speaking, she turned to the side, not even bothering to look at the King anymore.
Even though beeing the representation of peace, her words were filled with venom.
"So why don't you do the reasonable thing, and kill him yourself? If you want to give the other a more merciful death..."
She shrugged and turned away.
"No.." He said quite, but yet still determined.
"What was that?" The Bodhisattva turned back around.
"You heard me ! NO !
I won't kill my friend and I won't let you do it !"
"Oh you small minded Ape " she spoke , almost pitiful with her voice. “As if you have a choice.”
The next thing he knew was her mouth opening, and his head hurting.
————————————————————————————————-
Defeted, Monkey flew back to the camp on his cloud.
Everything hurt, his head, his eyes. He carefully placed his palm on his forehead, to check if the bleeding had already stopped , thankfully it did.
From above on his cloud he could see Bajie and Liu er still fighting.
The dark furred monkey landed hit after hit while the pig only struggled to parry any of the attacks.
Right as Bajie lost his balance and fell down, and Liù'ěr prepared his final blow, Wukong flew down and blocked the attack with his staff.
“What are you doing Wukong? I am Trying to save you!” He argued confused . In disbelief that his friend would betray him like that. He heard that he was hurt, he hated his own actions, and yet he had to do this. He had to stop the one he cared about the most.
He knew that his friend saw his blood, saw his pained eyes. He hoped he knew that this was not his own free will.
"I know..." he said pained. “and i am Thankful for your loyalty… But i can not let you do this…”
"They hurt you! They mistreat you ! Wukong, can’t you see? Can’t you break out of this cage that they have put you in?”
Pilgrim did not answer to that.
He didn't even look up.
With his eyes locked to the ground, he readied his stance to fight.
“I am sorry my moon… But-“ he choked on his words, yet he still continued. “Every threat to Master….” He struggle within himself, to speak those brutal words. Those oreders he had been given without Mercy, but with venom and hate. He dared not to speak, but he had to, he had to warn his friend one last time “Has to be… killed”
He had no choice.
The only merciful thing he could do for his friend,
Was to kill him himself.
He saw the shock in the face of the six eared warrior. He saw his hurt, he saw his betrayal. Things that he caused and now if the other did not flee …. He was forced to hurt him even more.
Neither of the two wanted to fight but neither of them backed down.
So their fight began.
Shadow staff meets golden hooped staff.
Warrior against the Hero
The Moon against the Sun.
Both stuck in the most saddest dance.
How he wished it was a fight like they had back then. A fight to train, a fight without consequences. A fight in which they both laughed at the end.
But it was not.
Wukong pulled his punshes , didn't want to hurt the other, hoping the other would retreat.
But the warrior never did.
Non of them wanted to do this. Non of them wanted to fight. But it had to happen.
‘I'm sorry’ the golden monkey repeated over and over again, screaming it in his mind , but only saying it silently outloud, only for the other to hear.
—————————————————————————————————
The fight continued for a long while until the inevitable happens.
A winner was chosen in this battle of losing.
Monkey King only needed to land a final blow.
His opponent on the ground, not able to move.
Tears filled his eyes. He didn't want to do it, he couldn't.
He closed his eyes and put down his weapon. Still filled with hope the other one would run away or Heck, even strick him instead.
But sadly neither of those things happen, and tears just kept running down his face.
He praid inside his mind that his friend would still run away, teleport into his shadow, flee somewhere neither the heavens nor the Ten Kings could find him. But he didn’t. But he couldn’t.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! KILL HIM ALREADY!" An impatient voice screamd in the distance.
It was Bajie who was, thankfully, far enough away to not see the tears of the older disciple.
Wukong did not move , he couldn't finish this. He looked away from his friend. Did not want to see him hurt.
His heart tore apart and his soul burned in flames.
No punishment from the underworld could be more cruel than this.
“Hey.. look at me” the one on the ground spoke , "It's okay...pleas don't cry..." He begged with a tone that tried to be soothing.
Only then did monkey turn his eyes to see his hurt companion , looking up at him with compassion in his eyes.
"How can you say that? I ... How can you still be worried about me, while you are litterly about to die from my hands?"
His tears only flowed faster as he began to sob.
"How can you still be worried about me, while you are litterly about to die from my hands?"
His tears only flowed faster as he began to sob.
" I know I should care about my own fate right now, but…..seeing you like this, hurt with a broken heart, it hurts even worse then death."
Monkey king knelt down next to Liù'ěr.
"I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry " He said in-between his sobs.
Until he felt a hand on his cheek, slowly wiping away his tears.
"Don't be..."
He paused as the other tried to prob himself up, trying to look in the others eyes , one final time.
"I know it's not you who kills me, it's them forcing you to do it. So don't be sorry and please only promise me one thing .."
Monkey King looked him in his eyes , his expression already fortelling his answer. "Anything, I would do anything for you my moon" he bit his tung not wanting to cry anymore after the other begged him to stop. If only this wasn’t so hard.
"Please don't let them hurt you again."
Monkey was a bit taken back by this request, he expected anything but , not that.
"I beg you, please. Don't let them use that dreaded thing on your head ever again! Please Peaches… Promise me"
The six eared warrior spoke as loud as he could. A wound on his face bleeding. Like an oil drop destroying a painting, so did the dark liquid disrupt the face of the other.
"I promise Plum..." said Monkey going for a final embrace. Saying goodbye to his Moon.
Bittersweet was their tender embrace, for it was the last the two ever shared.
After that, Monkey king striked as the other excepts their fate.
—————————————————————-
The Warrior layed there for a while, with his eyes closed and a warm smile on his face. As if he was only sleeping, beeing comforted by a wonderfull dream.
But it wasn't for long.
Slowly his body turned into dust and the wind carefully carried it away.
The Monkey King watched as it happens and he couldn't stop thinking to himself, that this fate might be a cruel form of Mercy.