cosmic-codex

[cosmic-codex]

It's my 1 year anniversary on Tumblr 🥳

[cosmic-codex]

Chapter 10:

Fate and Fortune

It had been days since the monkey king had set off. When he started the voyage he didn't expect this much boredom. His days were filled food, blue skies, blue ocean and steering the raft. Being alone on a raft was taking its toll.

He almost regretted his journey. Almost. Despite all the obstacles, he vowed he'd face them all, no matter how deadly or boring. Desperate he started looking towards the sky for any sign of being close. Besides if you could tell the directions with the sun, maybe clouds tell how far land was, right?

Finding nothing but pineapple, monkey, turtle, heart and peach shaped clouds,  monkey king went for a peach only to find a bird perched on one of them, pecking it continuously to procure it's food.

Not happy with his guest he exclaimed, "Hey, stop, stop it. That's my food! Get your own!" and started swatting it away, only to notice more coming for their supper "Now there's more of you?! What, are you going invite the whole family now?!"

"Where are you even coming from?!"

The monkey king paused. "Where are you coming from?" he murmured.

As far as he knew, birds didn't come to a raft in the middle of an ocean, even when migrating. Which implied that they came from solid land.

Following a bird, who seemed to have had it's full, the monkey king steered the raft  in hopes seeing more than just the big blue sea and he did. As soon as the raft touched land he quickly tied it nearby and cheered. He never thought he'd be this happy to feel something as mundane as sand, yet here he was.

"Thank you very very much! I'd hug you but I can't. I gotta go but you can keep the food as my gratitude. I'll be taking a bag though. Bye!" the monkey king ran off as the birds continued pecking ignoring him.

The monkey king soon arrived at the human village. Realising he'd need clothes to fit in, he quickly acquired them, stolen from an unfortunate soul, and began wandering around, in hopes of finding someone who could teach immortality or at least a few clues.

Not finding much he moved on to the next village and the next. The more villages he crossed the more he learnt about humans and their societies. He learnt how to walk, talk and even how to read like them, among other things.

He also learnt of what most humans desired, which in most cases was always fame and money. Unlike his monkeys, who relaxed and enjoyed their lives behind the water curtain cave, humans were often focused on building bigger houses and gaining more money, something they used to barter goods.

A man worked all day, not even enjoying the breeze, and came home completely wiped out, not even gazing at the night sky, all for gaining more and more items which wouldn't even matter in the end. Just imagining his monkeys living like that, having all life drained out of them like that, sent shivers down his spine.

As he made to yet another village eating some leftover peach pie, given to him by a nice old lady he helped earlier, he saw a bunch of people gathered near a poster advertising the arrival of some seer in town, known for its very accurate depictions of the past, present and future.

Monkey king though predicted it to be a scam, having encountered many along his travels and once almost even being made into one. Though with his curiosity piqued, he went to the location mentioned in the poster only to find a long line waiting for their own futures to be revealed.

Waiting for a long time the monkey king finally entered the tent, expecting it to be fake though still holding out a tiny bit of hope for it to be real and give some help in his quest of immortality.

And so he entered he found the dark tent full of candles and smoke, coming from the many lit incenses around the tent, making him cough. At the back of the tent he saw table filled a glass orb, some cards and other things he didn't recognise.

There were two chairs near the table, one he presumed for him and another at the opposite side of the table, where a cloaked figure sat. Fake or not, he was intrigued.

As he sat in his seat the seer spoke "Come child, enter my domain as we unfurl your past, meet your present and look into the future." though they paused when they looked at the monkey properly, "My, it is quite rare for monkeys to come for divination. Now I'm curious, what's a creature like you doing here, dressed like a human?"

"You're a seer right? Why don't see yourself?" the monkey king sneered. Maybe he was being a bit too rude, but when people tended to point out his species, things didn't end up being very delightful.

"You think I'm a fake, don't you?"

"Of course you're a fake! You're lying to people just to gain more money."

"When did you think I was a fake? While waiting half a day in line or when entered my tent?" the seer teased.

"I knew it right away when I read the advertisement."

"And yet you came." the seer smirked knowingly.

"It was just to prove that you were a liar. A fake seer with no powers."

"Oh naive monkey, I may be a liar but that doesn't mean I'm not a seer. I can predict other's fate, just as I will predict yours."

"Yeah, yeah, and I'm a god. Let's say if you were a real seer, why would you con people instead of giving real divinations?"

"Just because I'm a seer, doesn't mean I can't earn money. Looking into the future for hundreds of people a day can be really tiring for a real seer. Now do you want me to predict your fate or not? I'll even yours for free~"

"But I already pai-"

"Hush now. Let me focus." the seer said as the candles began to flicker and the tent seemed to have even more smoke, making it harder to see.

"What you are looking for,

Will let you live forever more,

Your light shall shine brighter than most,

However many won't agree with what you chose,

I see a light helping others find their own,

But I also see it destroying someone's home,

Your fate will be decided by how you use your flame,

But your doom will be decided by who you choose to blame."

"..."

"Well, vision's over. Time for you to go monkey. I have other customers to tend to." the seer chirped.

"Wait! What was that supposed to mean?" the monkey king asked

"You will know what it means when your time comes. Now move along. Time is money I'm not wasting." the seer replied now pushing the monkey out.

"Fine! And just so you know I still don't believe you." the monkey huffed as he left the tent, not waiting to hear the seer's reply.

"Oh, we'll see Sun Wukong." the seer chuckled.

------------------

Masterpost

Previous chapter

Next chapter

[cosmic-codex]

Chapter 9:

Towards the Unknown

The next day the monkeys started gathering different items across the mountain that could help their king on his quest for immortality. Though the monkey king wanted to do his own packing it was agreed that he should be allowed to have a proper farewell to his home before setting off, something the monkey king was grateful for.

Though many helped it was Liu who made the final decision on what to keep. It was his job to make sure their king wouldn't lack any essentials on his journey while also wouldn't have too much of it, which although sounded easy was a difficult one on its own.

On the other hand, some of the more craft and building oriented monkeys started to put their skills to building a Raft to help in their King journey across the vast sea. As some tested the logs for their buoyancy (ability to float in water) others were putting together a design best suitable for the raft;

"That one's too small, none of the supplies will fit on it."

"Well, yours won't work either. Your idea is just to tie bunch of logs together."

"That's what a raft is!"

Or they would have if they could agree on one design for the raft which seemed difficult at the moment. Both monkeys had a different idea on what an ideal raft is, resulting in many disagreements which the others hoped would be resolved soon.

As for the monkey king, he was currently painting on one of the walls of the caves which he had chosen as his canvas with a variety of colours lying around. It was a hobby he had taken up after becoming king in the recent years. Some of the baby monkeys had asked to assist him too, resulting in him and other bundles of fur being covered in many different hues, not that he minded.

After the first time of making flower necklace with a few cubs he had taken a liking to spending time with kids. It often helped him unwind and have fun with kids who adored and liked playing with the monkey king while their mothers appreciated the time they got to relax from their while lovable but rambunctious cubs. It was a win-win situation.

Seeing one of the monkeys trying to reach higher than what their small stature would allow, he picked up the monkey, raising them to a desired height allowing them to paint a dark shade of green with his paws, bringing their masterpiece to nigh completion.

The monkey king was enjoying this activity as much as he could knowing that this might be the last time he got to paint before he left flower fruit mountain in his quest of immortality. He almost didn't want to leave.

He'd miss his home and family too much but the fear of death outweighed that.  He could either not see his troop for a few years and be with them forever or stay with his troop for a few years and risk losing them forever. Not getting immortality wasn't an option anymore. He had to succeed. Their troop already had a king and no other entity should be allowed to govern or have any domain over them, and that included death.

As his thoughts plagued his mind he gave their masterpiece a few finishing touches not noticing another monkey entering their spot until they were right beside him looking at him with a bit concern.

"Your majesty?" Liu called effectively breaking the monkey king out of his thoughts.

"Oh! It's you. Sorry, I just spaced out a bit." the monkey king replied a bit startled by Liu's sudden appearance.

"Oh, that's fine." Liu wasn't surprised by his king's behaviour at all. It was common for the king to get caught up in his little world, he empathised with it. Though ever since the elder's death he spaced far more often than usual, not being as enthusiastic about things as he were before.

However after learning of the thoughts that bothered his king and getting a new perspective on their king's unusual behaviour he sincerely hoped their king would be able to gain immortality if it could help him find some peace and bring back their king. A gloomy monkey king was something no one in the troop had experienced or liked.

"Oh, um, has everything been prepared?" the monkey king asked.

"Ah, yes. Most of the supplies have been gathered."

"Oh, that's great-"

"But the raft might need more time. None of the monkeys could agree on a design so..."

"Ah. Do you need me settle the disagreement?"

"No, that won't be needed, Ma's got it covered."

"Well that should solve that problem. When do you think the raft will be finished?"

"It should be finished by today (hopefully)."

"Which would mean that I would be leaving tomorrow. That's good. Is there anything else?"

"Well I was hoping to get your opinion on the materials we collected. There's not much left after all."

"Maybe I could check them all at once when you've gathered everything, if that's ok? I was going to see my friends before leaving."

"But our troop will be present..."

"I wasn't talking about the monkeys."

"Ah." the troop knew of their king's more... eccentric friends. The monkeys at first were reluctant to accept these creatures but had warmed up overtime. He himself had been an acquaintance to one of them due to their king's encouragement. "Are you going to see Marie too?"

"Yup. You want to come too?"

"Thanks for the offer but I'm kinda busy right now."

"Ah." the king felt a bit embarrassed, Liu was busy organising for his journey after all "Well um, see you later."

"Be back soon!"

"I will!"

The monkey king started leaving the cave as Liu admired the painting of flower fruit mountain on the wall.

...The multi coloured king then hurriedly came back a few seconds later and took the colourful cubs with him, probably to get them back to their original hue.

Being a king came with many perks but surviving a mother's wrath wasn't one of them.

______________________________________

The next day the monkeys gathered to see their king off as he got ready to set off on his raft, which his monkeys worked together to build, accomodating various dried foods and other useful items to last at least a few weeks, or until he found land.

The monkey king tearfully looked at his troop, the family that took him in when he had nowhere else to go. He wasn't even sure how he would've survived if it weren't for them. He had so many good and some bad but mostly good memories with them. He would miss them a lot.

He got on his raft as it started to drift away in the water and waved with an intensity that could break his arm,

"Take good care of yourselves till I come back, okay?"

After a tearful farewell to his family, friends and home, the monkey king set off into the unknown.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

A hidden pair of eyes watched the monkey king as his figure got smaller until he couldn't be seen, ready to start an adventure of its own.

_______________________

Masterpost

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

[cosmic-codex]

Chapter 8:

Behind the Water Curtain Cave

In celebration of the crowning of the monkey king and the safety of their troop, a banquet was held. The monkeys feasted on cooked delicacies and fine wine along with delicious fruits and flowers collected from different corners of the mountain.

As the monkey king looked upon the banquet, seeing all the monkeys enjoy themselves, feeling their happiness, he swore to himself, that he would do anything to never let their joy fade, till the end of time.

As the monkey king, he formed new laws and schedules as a way to prevent things from going into utter mayhem, a lesson he learnt after witnessing the havoc his subjects were during his first few days of being king. Who knew monkeys could be so chaotic?

Though to be honest, he knew exactly how much trouble monkeys and himself could be. This was just the first time he was responsible and had to take care of it.

He even gave them titles and rankings to run things smoothly and after a bit a trial and error, along with the plate incident, he turned out to be a kind and gracious king. His subjects lived happily and safe from the elements and predators as well.

They felt especially relaxed knowing the demon king of confusion could no longer kidnap their own. And so life went on for the monkeys and the monkey king.

The day was dedicated to exploring the mountain and playing with each other. At night however, after getting tired from the fun they had during the day, the monkeys drifted off to sleep safely behind the water curtain cave.

Several years of peace and happiness reigned over the water curtain cave, it was like nothing could go wrong in their lives, well, until unfortunately it did.

One day, as the monkeys were tending to the trees inside the water curtain cave, the bad news came. One of the monkeys had dropped dead.

It was one of the elders who had passed away, the same one who welcomed the monkey king into the troop when he had no home. To be honest though, the monkeys shouldn't have been surprised by this. The elder had a poor health for the past few days and was expected to move on.

He had lived a long life and it was his time to go, though it was hard for some monkeys to accept as many believed him to be practically immortal with how energetic he was even in his old age which was unfortunately proven wrong now.

As days went by the monkeys tried to go on with their daily lives which was hard considering the elder's death had dampened their mood, especially the monkey king's.

To him, the elder's death was a reminder that no matter how much luxury and happiness one gained in their lifetime, it all amounted to nothing in the end. Death would take it all away. No matter how many accomplishments, friends, knowledge or objects he would gain in life, it would all be snatched away by death with no remorse.

Did anything even matter in the end?

("Oh, so anxious")

This notion plagued the monkey king for days. He suddenly became aware of the time ticking against him and everyone he loved. That he would lose all his subjects and home once death came for them all.

One day, during one of their banquets, seeing all that he would lose, the monkey king unable to keep the dread and sorrow in, burst into tears.

Confused and concerned at their king's sudden crying, the monkeys started questioning the king to which the monkey king replied,

"I just realised our perfect paradise isn't as perfect as I thought. That all our joy, isn't eternal. When death comes, it will all be taken away.

I don't want to die."

The crowd started murmuring, none of them knew to help their king, but one,

"There might be a way to not die." someone spoke from the crowd.

"Whoever said that please come forward and speak properly." the monkey king ordered.

The monkey, Liu he recalled, came forward, bowed and spoke,

"Your majesty, not everyone dies in the mortal realm. From what I heard, some mortals go on to learn magical techniques allowing them to live forever."

"Who?" the monkey king asked, intrigued.

"The Buddha, the immortal and the sage, they exist outside the jurisdiction of death."

"And where do these people live?"

"I don't know. From what I gathered, they should be in the Mortal realm living in caves and mountains. I did try to find them on this mountain but I didn't find anyone of sorts."

"The mortal realm is a large world, they could be outside of flower fruit mountain. It would take a long journey to find someone like that."

"Your majesty, what are you planning?" someone chirped, though if anyone who knew the king by now, knew his answer.

"I'm planning on going out and finding someone who could teach me a way to immortality." the monkey king announced.

("Oh, so desperate")

"Are you going on a journey to enlightenment?" another chirped.

"Yeah, I'm going on a journey to enlightenment." the monkey king chuckled, feeling rejuvenated,

"And I'll be leaving first thing tomorrow." he added.

"But my king, it would take some time to prepare the materials for your journey." Liu spoke.

"..."

"Then I'll be leaving after the preparations are made." the monkey king said.

And so a glorious farewell banquet was arranged in honour of the king before he set off on his journey.

Though some of the monkeys were a bit conflicted on their king going on a possibly fatal journey, even if it were for enlightenment, they tried to keep up an upbeat mood, not wanting to deter their king from his quest (though knowing how stubborn their king could be, they didn't think discouraging him would even be possible). Even the monkey king was a bit shaken, his quest might not be an easy path after all.

While the feast was going on, someone had the bright idea to tease one of their friends, who sat three tables apart, in classic monkey manner causing said friend to throw some of their food at them...only to miss them and hitting an entirely different monkey, invoking a food fight.

Instantly the bittersweet mood changed into one of excitement, as monkeys started dodging and throwing edibles at each other.

Some monkeys chose to be offensive, going head-on into the food fight leaving themselves bare to any incoming projectiles while a few others chose to avoid being hit by taking cover. Several monkeys went for the more strategic method, hiding and throwing when they saw a chance. A select few chose higher locations for a better view as a few monkeys made some temporary weapons to have a better advantage over the battle.

It was utter mayhem to say the least. Any order and decorum was thrown out in the name of fun, not that anyone minded, it was fun after all.

The monkeys eventually calmed down from the food fight, opting to not waste any more food, thankful for the joy which they had missed for a long time. The elder's death had a wave of sadness washed over them for the past few days. It was nice to finally have a fresh change of mood.

Even the monkey king felt better after the food fight, as he was reminded of what he would lose if he died and was now even more determined to get immortality.

___________________________________

Masterpost

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

[cosmic-codex]

Chapter 7:

From the Past to the Future

Finally preparations for the Banquet had started after the monkeys settled down properly in the mansion, which in itself was not an easy feat.

Even when the Money King volunteered to help sort things out it was still a very tiring process. While some quarrels were easily resolved with a few words, others turned into catastrophic brawls.

The monkeys involved in these brawls had to be put in time-outs and given extra chores to maintain order, a technique he learned from a few mothers in the troop. Thus, making it a really lengthy process and pushing the banquet ahead than expected.

Finally after the issues and a few grudges (a very tiring process) were resolved and everyone was well rested the preparations for the banquet had began.

The monkeys all divided the different tasks among themselves to work efficiently. Some took up the task of collecting fruits while a few volunteered for the task of procuring meat and cooking the food. As that was happening several monkeys arranged the utensils, tables and seats at the banquet hall, made from a rather large they found in the mansion, while others decorated the hall using  colourful clothes, flowers, leaves and various other items collected from around the mansion.

While everyone was helping around the mansion the monkey king was doing nothing, well nothing in relation to the banquet at the very least. The monkey king wasn't allowed to go anywhere near the banquet hall, let alone help with it.

Apparently his troop had decided that letting the monkey king help out in a banquet held to celebrate his own crowning wasn't ideal, which was a sentiment the monkey king didn't very much agree with.

Not that the monkey king did mind, was exhausted from the previous few days of resolving conflict, he needed some time off anyway. But it does become annoying when monkeys suspect you of sneaking in (in your own house, nonetheless) everytime you're spotted near the banquet hall, even if he was just wandering around and not sneaking in. Okay, maybe he was just going to take a peek, but nothing more

______________________________________

As the monkey king roamed around very innocently, not seeing anyone guarding the entrance, he went near the door to the banquet hall to satisfy his curiosity, and would have if a certain monkey called Beng didn't came out nowhere stopping the monkey king before he could reach the door. Most monkeys including himself would've be startled by this, but the monkey king just felt annoyed at this point (there were many attempts).

"My king, do you need something?" Beng asked with a teasing tone, though it would sound more serious to anyone who hadn't known Beng.

"Just roaming around, but now that you do mention it, I was looking for for, um, a few jewels." the monkey king said, as a way to distract him and allow him passage through the door.

"Jewels?" Beng asked, a bit perplexed.

"Yeah, to um-to wear as a necklace, of course." okay, maybe not his strongest lie, but he could work with this.

"A necklace? Since when did you wear necklaces?"

"Uh, well I wanted to wear one for a while and I remembered that after I saw you." maybe he should've thought this through.

"Huh?"

"Huh, indeed. My mind just went 'Hey that's Beng! And now I have the sudden urge to own a necklace'. Just like that."

"If that's the case then I could help get you a few items for your necklace. Though I can't guarantee any jewels." Beng said after some thought.

"Yes. That'll do." His plan was working! Now Beng just needed to leave him alone.

"Very well. I know somewhere we can find the items."

"Yeah, Wait. We?"

"Of course. We're both going, unless you were planning to do something else, your majesty."

"Uh, no. I was bored anyway." Dang it, he caught on "Let's go already. We have necklaces to look forward to.".

______________________________________

"Beng?"

"Yes, my king?"

"You already knew of my...intentions, right?"

"Yes."

"And we're making necklaces to keep me 'entertained' and prevent me from sneaking in."

"Correctly deduced, great king. Is there any issue?"

"No, just curious. Why are we here with so many cubs?"

"We're not cubs!" a smaller monkey shouted.

"Sorry. Why are we here with so many  not-cubs?" the monkey king said, earning a nod of approval from the smaller monkey.

"Oh, them? They're here to keep you company until the banquet is prepared." Beng replied "It's they're way to help." he added more discreetly.

"Ah."

"And it's my way to keep you all out trouble."

"Mm-hmm."

"Now if don't mind, I have to be at the banquet hall. Keep each other out of trouble." said Beng as he got up to leave.

"I hate you." the monkey king mouthed, making sure the monkey saw his scowl whose severity was dampened by the cute not-cub on top of his head.

The monkey king sighed, he knew his plan went up in flames when Beng took him away from the hall, but he didn't expect it to go this awry, as he looked around himself.

He was in one of the most colourful clearings inside the cave, surrounded by many varieties of flowers as the kids made flower necklaces coming to the monkey king at times for help or occasionally to take suggestions.

He stared at his own flower necklace, he had completed it long ago, as he contemplated how things had changed in the past few days. He had become king and found a safe place for his troop to live in which led to the upcoming banquet.

If it weren't for the demon king of Confusion, they would've had the banquet days ago. The rescued monkeys were still shaken up so no one saw it fit to celebrate then, a wise decision if you asked the monkey king.

He had nearly died that day, after all. Having the air being squeezed out, with a very lethal intention had come up in his nightmares frequently and though they had lessened by now, it was still hard to forget how helpless he felt and how hard it was to breathe.

He almost died that day.

Then suddenly he noticed something soft being put around his neck. The monkey king shifted his focus from the necklace in his hands to the one around his neck. As his surroundings came into view he noticed the not-cubs staring at him in concern. There was one on his shoulder too, most likely the one who gave him the necklace.

"Take deep breathes. It's okay. I'm right here." the little monkey said reassuringly and he complied, slowly calming down after a few minutes as the beating of his heart slowed down to a steady pace.

"Um, thanks for the necklace." the monkey king said nervously, a bit sorry for ruining their fun.

"Your welcome. You looked like you had a nightmare so I gave it to you. I give my sister my toys when she has a nightmare too."

"I'm sure you're sister appreciates it. How'd you know it would work?"

"Mommy taught me to do that when me or my sister wake up from a nightmare."

"Your mommy sounds like a really smart monkey."

"Really?! I think she's smart too! She's the one who taught me how to make flower necklaces. I want to be like her when I grow up."

"Well, Im sure you'll grow up to be a really smart monkey. And for your help today I shall bestow upon you this necklace." the monkey king said, transferring the necklace from his hands to around her neck, as the smaller monkey practically glowed under his words.

"Now, who wants to help me prank Beng?!" the monkey king announced, bringing back the upbeat mood in the process.

The monkey king, now in a better mood played with the monkeys with much more enthusiasm, even telling them a few stories of his (mis)adventures from when he explored on the mountain, something the smaller monkeys enjoyed. They had fun until the time of the banquet came, unfortunately cutting their time short.

The monkey king was led to the doors of the banquet hall by a Beng adorned with flowers and various colours due to a prank by the not-cubs and most definitely not due to the monkey king's involvement.

As the doors opened the monkey king was astonished. The room looked very different from before. The banquet hall was decorated to the brim giving it a very extravagant look, which impressive considering the fact that the room was big enough to easily fit his entire troop. The room was filled with monkeys awaiting his arrival as he was led to his chair, located on a slightly elevated platform, making it easier to see his entire troop.

The very heartfelt monkey king raised his cup and looked at his friends,

"Let the feast Begin!!!"

_________________________

Masterpost

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

[cosmic-codex]

Chapter 6:

Litchis and Diplomacy

As the monkey king had predicted, the banquet had been held off for a few days due to the incident with the monster king of confusion.

Everyone had decided to properly adjust in the mansion for a bit before arranging the banquet. It was decided that it would nice to properly settle in and arrange the feast once things calmed down.

Not that the monkey king did mind, he was exhausted too after all.

Though the monkeys didn't have any problems when moving in the mansion in terms of space (it was a very large mansion) there were some disputes between the monkeys regarding a few issues.

Some fought over which room they wanted while some others argued over the many items lying around in the house.

"I got here first! So it belongs to me!" one monkey shouted.

"No I did! And you weren't here when I got here, so it's mine."

"I left to get a few mangoes! I was coming back until someone barged in."

"Well maybe you shouldn't have left it bare and open for the taking!"

"I wouldn't have if I knew there was a thief lurking around!"

"THIEF!? I am not the one in the wrong here, if there were a thief, it'd be you!"

"Gasp! How dare you, you #?!-"

The monkey king watched the quarrel from afar and usually would've left after a while, not wanting any part in the conflict. After all, who was he to stick his nose in someone else's (and unwanted on his end) business?

But of course, fate wasn't feeling as lazy as he was;

"You know, maybe we should ask someone else to be the judge. Then we'll see whose right!"

"Fine by me! Maybe they will finally help me get it through your very thick skull."

"At least I have something my skull protects! Now let's see who can settle our disagreement..."

"There! She can-"

"She's your cousin! She can't be our judge! She'll take your side!"

"Fair enough. But you can't choose your friend either! I can see you eyeing them."

"Yeah, yeah."

The monkeys catch a glance of the monkey king. "Then how about we ask the king himself. He could make an impartial judge."

"Sounds fair."

And that's how the monkey king got roped into settling the dispute between the two monkeys which wasn't an easy easy task at all, both of them were really stubborn, neither wanted to bow before the other.

He could just give the room to the first monkey, he found the room first after all, but then the second monkey would be upset but if he gave the room to the second monkey (the first shouldn't have been careless either), then the first would be upset.

The monkey king honestly had half a mind to just throw a litchi and give the room to whoever caught it first. But even he had to agree that it wouldn't be a great way to solve the  conflict, no matter how much of a headache it was becoming to deal with.

He did try to think of a better solution, but nothing useful came to him. He had to solve the conflict, it was a king's job after all, right? His monkeys trusted their friend to be a good king, he couldn't back down, right?

When all hope was lost for the monkey king, or so he thought, salvation came in the form of a Monkey many affectionately called Ma.

She was a patient and kind monkey. Many monkeys of the troop respected her. He'd seen her solve a few arguments, he'd really hoped she'd take care of this one. And she did.

She patiently listened to both sides of the argument, even asking for more information if she felt something was amiss. With her approach they were able to dig deep into the finer details which monkey king didn't think was important until now.

When both of the monkeys needs and wants were boiled down to the core, the argument came to a close. After understanding their and each other's desires, one monkey kept the room while the other, after deciding the 'desired' room wasn't worth the hassle, dropped the argument in favour of a better one.

"-Well, do you agree, my king?" Ma asked, shaking the monkey king out of his inner thoughts.

"Uh, Yeah, that is a better solution." the monkey king replied as the monkeys left, satisfied with the arrangement. "And better than mine." he muttered hoping Ma wouldn't hear him even though she heard it loud and clear.

"Out of curiosity, what was your solution?"

"Uh," monkey king felt the litchi in his hand, the one he'd been meaning to eat before he got roped into being a judge for a conflict (headache) "nothing noteworthy."

"Oh, ok. My king-" the monkey king still felt weird when he heard his title said out loud, he hoped to get used to it soon,

"If don't happen to be busy, it would be great if you helped solve the disagreements among a few monkeys who are still settling and claiming their bounty. It's pure mayhem and it's getter harder to maintain a relative peace. They would be more likely to listen to you, seeing as you are our king."

The monkey king could tell her he's busy and not face trouble. Knowing Ma, she would respect his wishes, lie or not, and let him be in peace but that wouldn't be fair to her at all.

Ma tried to be a good friend to all, a friend who shouldn't be bearing his responsibility just because the Monkey King wasn't feeling like being a King.

Maybe he wasn't the best at diplomacy, but he could try.

"Nah, I got it. I found the mansion and became king, so I guess it's my responsibility anyway." the monkey king said, handing Ma his litchi.

_____________________________

Masterpost

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

[cosmic-codex]

The word 'Ratri' (रात्रि), literally translates to the word 'Night' 🌌 in Sanskrit. (Please read Chapter 4 for better context)

To read more of my ongoing series,

Fables of Journey to the west Masterpost

[cosmic-codex]

Chapter 5:

Enter the Caves of Confusion Part 2

"I'm not a demon, I'm a monkey. Just because I was born from stone doesn't mean I'm not a monkey!"

"Are you really choosing to stay ignorant?"

"No, I'm just choosing not to believe you." the monkey king deadpanned. He was now getting tired of the demon king's nonsense.

"Oh, you will in time. Demon is a term used for classifying creatures who have acquired their power through illegal means, and by illegal I mean not approved by heaven."

"Oh. That's-"

"Some of these demon become more powerful than most. The weaker ones, wanting more power and protection, latch on to the powerful ones and thus these powerful demons gain underlings."

"That's great. But-"

"And that's how demon kings are formed! Us demon kings take on weaker species and teach them various skills, making them stronger, but not all are us benevolent as me."

"I guess it-"

"And that's why being the generous king I am, I have decided train and rule over your, um-"

"troop"

"-troop, yes, troop! You should grateful for the opportunity I'm giving you."

"..."

"You put my friends in cages." the monkey king said, sounding very upset.

"To be trained, you need discipline. It's not my fault you all are disobedient."

"The captured ones, once freed, tell everyone about how poorly you treat them."

"Sometimes you need to be strict!"

"Not like that! And besides you can't rule over us." the monkey king spoke, now eyeing the exit.

"Why so?" the demon king inquired, now losing his patience.

"We already have a king." the monkey king replied, slowly backing away from the demon king.

"And who would that be?" the demon king asked, now looming over the monkey king.

"Me." the monkey king declared, and with that he ran through the corridors as the demon king began to give chase.

He wouldn't have to worry about his friends, they would've escaped by now. Him on the other hand, he really hoped he was fast enough.

The monkey king dodged and turned everytime the demon king tried to snatch him. He would've gotten to the exit by now if he took the simple path but he kept taking detours to lose the monster, getting more and more tired in the process.

The path from the mansion's exit and entrance of the cave was a straight clear path. If he didn't lose the monster before that, he'd get captured for sure. But he was getting too tired to keep it up.

As the monkey king slowed down, unable to keep up anymore, the demon king snatched him in his fist.

"I give you a chance to serve me and this is how you repay me!" the demon king bellowed.

"I and many others have told you multiple times. None of us are interested in your 'kindness' and we never will be. So leave us alone" the monkey king, huffing.

"Then let this be a lesson to you as to what happens to those who do not obey the natural order." the demon king said as he squeezed his fist around the monkey king tighter.

"Apologise now and I might consider a lighter punishment. And if you tell me where the rest of your friends are, I will consider giving you a good position in my ranks as a reward. What's your answer little one? Choose wisely." Demon king said ominously.

"My friends would have gotten home by now, you are never getting to them, ever. And no matter what you do, I will Never. Ever. Apologise. To. You." the monkey king said, defiantly.

"Ha! Still trying to be a 'hero' huh? Well let's see what happens to weaklings who try play hero."

The monkey king closed his eyes, preparing for his death as it became harder to breath. He really didn't want to die. He regretted not being fast or strong enough to go against the demon but if he died protecting his friends, then so be it.

As he waited for his death, he suddenly felt the grip around him slacken. As he opened his eyes, he saw the demon king's droopy eyes, ready to fall asleep any second. Looking above he saw Ba and a few other monkeys with the sleep powder in their hands.

"Wait, I don't remember inviting you on this rescue mission." the Monkey King spoke.

"I invited myself when I heard his majesty forgot to invite his bravest subject on a clearly dangerous mission." Ba replied.

As the demon king fell asleep they helped him out of his grip.

"But the guards-" the monkey king recalled.

"We put them to sleep while the demon king was playing catch the monkey." Ba interrupted.

"Ah."

Still staying vigilant, their little group exited the mansion and rejoiced as they finally left the cave, thankfully out of the demon king's clutches, and avoiding death in monkey king's case, going home with all the monkeys accounted for.

They all looked forward to the upcoming banquet, though the monkey reasoned it would postponed after seeing how tired he and his friends were.

-----------------

Masterpost

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

[cosmic-codex]

Chapter 4:

Enter the Caves of Confusion Part 1

The monkey king and a few others carefully sneaked inside a cave, avoiding being caught by any demon guards to enter the mansion that lied within.

They were sneaking in the residence of the Demon King of Confusion, to get back what he stole,

Once the stone monkey was crowned the monkey king, the monkeys started to settle in the mansion, preparing for the upcoming banquet, only to notice a few monkeys missing.

After looking around the mountain, they concluded that the demon king of confusion had kidnapped them, again, prompting the formation of a rescue team, along with the Monkey King, to bring them back.

Which led to where they were now, splitting up as they entered the mansion. One team was tasked with finding a safe escape route while the other was to find all the missing monkeys.

The monkeys quickly found their friends as finding the captured monkeys wasn't really an issue, they had been here many times after all, but seeing them trapped inside the metal cages never failed to dishearten the monkey king.

They were being kept there to be 'trained' properly for their 'purpose', as were the words of the demon king. The monkey king didn't know how his immeasurable hate towards the menace grew, but it did Every. Single. Time.

One of the monkeys on his team stealthily snuck up behind the guards and carefully spread some violet coloured powder, covering his mouth and signalling the other monkeys in the cage to do the same.

Quickly the powder took effect, putting the demon guards to sleep, allowing them to enact the next part of the plan.

Carefully the monkey king took the key from the guard, hoping he wouldn't wake up, though in hindsight, he reasoned that the guard wouldn't wake up anytime soon. The powder was a freshly made by combining fairy dust from fairies that lived on flower fruit mountain and Ratri flowers. It was a highly potent sleep inducer.

After they unlocked the cages, the monkeys slowly started going through the planned escape route in small groups to avoid being detected.

Slowly but securely all the monkeys made it to the outside of the mansion, ready to leave the cave, only to be met by the sight of the demon king, standing near the mouth of the cave, cutting off their path. Now that posed a problem.

If the monkeys went now, despite their agility over the demons, they would be captured instantly, for while the guards could be avoided, the demon king was much more powerful. He could easily capture the small monkeys in one swipe, rendering their effort in vain, but he did have one fatal flaw. He got distracted easily and the monkey king intended to use it.

He quickly conveyed his plan and though the monkeys were a bit apprehensive towards it, they agreed, especially after he reminded them who was their king.

The monkey king quietly snuck inside the mansion quickly heading to the treasure room, where he knew the demon king kept his valuables and started to look for something to steal, making sure to make a lot a noise to alert the guards.

The Demon King stood at the mouth of the mountain, ready for the monkeys who would inevitably come while his underlings looked for the monkeys inside. He knew the escaped monkeys were hiding after seeing him at the entrance of the cave, so he patiently waited for the monkeys to come and accept their fate.

He didn't t understand why couldn't they just submit to their purpose, all of them combined couldn't win against him, then why did they struggle?

The weak obeyed the strong and got crushed if they didn't, he was just helping the monkeys understand that and yet how much he trained them and let them live, they kept running away. Maybe it was time he thought of something more efficient.

As he waited, one of his followers came panting, "My lord, we found one of the monkeys scavenging through your treasures-"

Not even letting his underling finish the sentence, the demon king dashed towards the treasure room, not wanting to lose anymore than what had been stolen (especially his favourite cape), only to find a monkey making a mess of his treasure room, a very familiar one at that.

"YOU! You're the one who stole MY CAPE last time, aren't you?!" he shouted.

"Aww, you remembered me? Your cape didn't really fit, so I came here for something more appealing. You don't mind, do you?" the monkey king replied cheekily.

"You little-" he stopped himself. The reason the monkeys were running away was because of his intimidating figure, right?

If he kept blowing up at them, they would never trust him. The reason they thought he was evil was because they hadn't really seen truly wicked demons. Not all demon kings were as benevolent as him. Maybe if he explained it to them, they would understand. Best start with this one though, if he wanted others to follow his lead.

"Oh, you little rascal, if you wanted something from me, you could've just asked, instead of sneaking into my abode." the demon king purred.

Shivers went down the monkey king's spine. Out of the many reactions he expected, this was not one of them. Still, he needed to keep the king distracted while his friends got out.

"Oh, really? Well in that case, what do you suggest I should take?" the monkey king asked.

"Oh, I have many suggestions, but before that, why don't we talk about more important matters." the demon king chirped.

"Okay? I guess I have time for that."

"Splendid. Say little monkey, what do you know about demons?" the demon king inquired.

"I-" the monkey king paused, to be honest he didn't much about them. The only ones he encountered were the demon king and his underlings, they were the only demons on this isle, right?

"You don't know much, do you?" the demon king spoke, interrupting his thoughts.

"No, what's there to know about anyway?" the monkey king asked. He needed to keep him talking.

"Did none of your elders really tell you what demons truly are? No wonder you're scared."

"Then what are demons?" the monkey king said, now getting irritated.

"I'll answer your question but first tell me, do your parents tell you stories about demons?"

"I have heard stories, though I don't really have parents. I was born from a rock." the monkey king replied truthfully, he didn't see any point in lying.

The Demon King laughed, "Wait, seriously? All this time -hahaha and you still-haha"

"What? What is this about anyway? Why are you laughing?!"

"Your friends, while they have potential to become (very useful) demons, they are still fairly normal by this mountain's standards. But you dear little 'monkey', you have been a demon since birth!" the demon king revealed.

"..."

-------------

Masterpost

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

[cosmic-codex]

Did you spot the turtle 🐢 in Chapter 3 ?

[cosmic-codex]

Chapter 3:

The Monkey King?!

Everyone was enjoying their time near the waterfall. Some monkeys basked in the sun, others swam while some just enjoyed the cool fresh water but a few monkeys had another idea. They were daring their friends to various stunts and mischief for fun until one monkey suggested "Who wants to jump through that waterfall?".

No one came forward. None of them knew what was behind it. There could be a lovely cavern or a stone wall to death, it was hard to tell. "Pfft, wimps." the monkey laughed until her friend snarked, "You wanna try?".

The monkey glanced at the looming waterfall and gulped, "No. But who'd jump through that anyway? I'm still the bravest one here, understand?" she replied, not wanting to let her pride get washed up by a waterfall.

"And you still can't do a simple jump?" her friend teased.

"I'm brave, not suicidal. Bet none of you could do it." she defended. The gradually growing crowd, drawn from commotion, all 'oohed' at this.

"So, whoever manages jump in the waterfall is the bravest one of them all?" someone from the crowd asked.

"Yup. Heck, how about we all make a bet. Whoever is brave enough to jump through and get out alive gets to be the king of this entire troop. And also bragging rights." she declared.

"Any objections?" she asked. No one complained.

"Good. So, who wants to take stab at being the monkey king!" she shouted, not expecting a reply.

"I do!" someone else shouted back. The crowd parted revealing shi hou to be the owner of the voice. The crowd murmured 'was he actually going to do it?'

Shi hou stepped up to the edge, and seeing the looming waterfall, started having second thoughts. It could be a paradise or a gate to wherever you went after you died but backing down now, with so many watching, seemed difficult too.

"Either jump or run away. Just choose faster, we're dying of anticipation here." someone shouted. Well, that made his decision.

So he did the sensible thing. He turned back and got away from the edge.

"Ha, looks like I am the bravest here." the monkey, who started this whole thing, said smugly.

And after enough distance from the edge, shi hou ran back and jumped straight through the waterfall, shocking everyone.

"..."

"Great job o' brave one, you killed him!" the monkey's friend exclaimed.

"I didn't think he'd actually jump!" she shouted back.

While the monkeys were panicking outside shi hou observed his surroundings on the other side, the space he landed was gigantic and beautiful. There were many plants and trees growing around filled to the brim with fruits, flowers and a turtle? It was hard to tell where it all ended, this place seemed endless!

And of course the main attraction had to be the stone mansion that followed the bridge, made of iron he guessed, overseeing a river.

Moving on to the mansion, the doors seemed to be for someone way taller than him. He hoped not to meet the owner, or former owner he concluded seeing the plant growth around the closed doors implying no one had been here for years.

Climbing through the window, shi hou went inside to look around finding many doors to many rooms, all filled with furniture and accommodating plates, cups, jewellery and so much more. The mansion was massive too, massive enough to accommodate his entire troop and still be willing to take more.

It was perfect, shi hou wanting to tell everyone the good news, came out of the waterfall only to be met by panicked crowd.

"He's alive! See, I didn't kill him! Thank you for not dying!" a monkey, Ba he recalled, exclaimed. Well that explained some things.

After calming the monkeys and gathering the crowd, shi hou announced the good news.

"Ahem, now that I have your attention, you have to go through the waterfall, it is a paradise in there. Food, Water, Shelter you name it. Inside we'll be safe from nasty weather, predators and even the demon king of confusion won't bother us." shi hou declared, and not wanting to wait a second longer, he jumped in.

Slowly the other monkeys followed, though some needed more encouragement. After some sightseeing and astonished by the cave, everyone went inside the mansion and to say they were amazed would be an understatement.

It was complete mayhem inside after the initial shock, monkeys were known for causing trouble after all.

Shi hou, taking pride in his accomplishment went up to Ba to tease her, "So I jumped in and made it out alive. Looks I won the bet, hmm?"

"Yeah I guess you did." Ba replied.

"Wow I was expecting more of a reaction there." shi hou said a bit surprised.

"Well, thinking your pride might've killed someone changes you." Ba said calmly.

"Wow, that's deep."

"Thanks, I guess. Come here, I need to announce something."

"Okay! I feel like I'm forgetting something." he murmured following her.

"As per the terms of the bet shi hou now has bragging rights and from now on is the king of this troop.", Ba declared to everyone.

"So that's what I was forgetting." shi hou murmured, trying to not let his nervousness show as he watched everyone bow to him.

"Your majesty, from now on, what would you like your title be?" one monkey asked.

"Um, I'd like to not be called stone monkey or shi hou. So from now on I guess I'd go as... THE MONKEY KING. And in celebration of that I uh say we eat." shi hou the monkey king declared.

The monkeys rejoiced, and started preparing a banquet in honour of the new monkey king.

_________________

Masterpost

Previous chapter

Next chapter

[cosmic-codex]

He's planning on either to go get peaches or commit arson. He'll decide on the way.

Guess who now has a cover for their story!(Drawn by me of course, well except the background)

Fables of journey to the west is a multi-chapter fanfiction I'm currently working based on the original journey to the west novel. (my first fic to be honest.)

It of course follows the original story with a few of my own preferences mixed in and I'm willing to take a few of ideas which I'll add if I like.

Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 are out.

[cosmic-codex]

Chapter 2:

Mountain of Flowers and Fruits

It had been sometime since shi hou, a name everyone prefered to call the stone monkey, had joined the troop. Shi hou quickly learnt how to do a few tasks and made sure to do his chores to be a helpful to the troop. And to be fair, the monkeys didn't mind him at all. Though being a newcomer still had some of its disadvantages.

Shi hou was born in a way different from what his troop was used to. He did try to ask where normal cubs came from but no one gave him an answer, well except one who explained that they came from the ground like plants did, which was quickly proven wrong.

And though Shi hou loved his troop/family, they could be annoying at times. Monkeys of course being the curious creatures they are, continually pestered him about his nature, even if he continually stated that he was just like them, well other than being made stone.

He was just as strong and fast, if not less, than the other monkeys, though where other monkeys could swim, even if he did sink to the bottom while swimming with the other monkeys due to his stone body.

He was lucky to meet a friendly sea creature named Marie that day. She was kind and gentle and would have more friends if it weren't for her frightening appearance and a body large enough to tower over majority of the creatures residing in flower fruit mountain, often scaring them away. He and Marie hung out on a weekly basis.

Eventually the pestering stopped though, after one of the children decided to throw a rock a him, not out of malice, but to test his stone body. Nobody has thankfully talked about it since.

------

The troop loved shi hou too and cared for him as their own but if they had one complaint, it was that shi hou was curious, a bit too curious. Shi hou was not the kind of monkey to sit in one place while there was a world to explore, even if it were dangerous.

Shi hou loved exploring different corners of the mountain and ended up meeting many creatures along the way. The land was full of fairies, bears, phoenixes .etc. after all. Some were friendly, some were best left alone and others were just neutral. He even ended up being good friends with some of them, though he felt most at home with his troop.

Yet of all the creatures he stumbled upon, the demon king of confusion (yikes, and he thought his name was bad) was the most unpleasant. The demon king often tried to steal monkeys from his troop to work in his palace as servants and the monkeys didn't even like it there! To top it off, the demon king was a really bad boss.

This ended up with the monkeys having to regularly form a rescue team, in which shi hou always volunteered, to go in and sneakily rescue all of their companions.

As much as shi hou really wanted to punch the demon king for all the trouble he's caused, he couldn't due to the fact that the demon king was powerful and could easily crush little shi hou.

However, all was not bad for him, shi hou did get the satisfaction of pranking and stealing from the demon king every chance he got. He even has the demon king's favourite cape, despite it being too big for him to wear.

------

Though shi hou was content with what he had, he wanted to prove to his troop that he was a brave and capable person worthy of their admiration, not just a monkey born from stone, different from the troop. outcast

He was just waiting for a opportunity to show his worth. Who knew it would come at the source of a river?

The monkeys, along with shi hou were having a rather relaxing day at the river and in other words, they were bored. One monkey, also bored, suggested solving the mystery of where the river came from and so, with nothing else to do, he and the other monkeys agreed, eventually coming upon an enormous waterfall,

And a good hangout spot.

____________________________

Previous chapter

Next chapter

Masterpost

[cosmic-codex]

Chapter 1:

Welcome,

Stone Monkey!

Flower fruit mountain was one of the most magical places in the mortal realm. You could find many magical and mythical creatures, some well known throughout the world, some never seen before and of course the less magical ones with their own charm, but we're getting off track.

Now, if you look to the top of the mountain you'll find a rock. This rock is special you know? It's been nourished by the heaven and earth, the sun and the moon and other sources we may never know about. It's a magical and healthy rock.

The rock cracks to reveal another baby rock. As time moves on the stone begins to take shape and soon a monkey appears in its place.

Meanwhile in heaven a pair of golden beams shoot up, disturbing the jade emperor, the ruler of heaven, himself. Concerned, he sent two deities to check up on the situation, only to find a monkey with glowing yellow eyes, born from the stone on top of flower fruit mountain. Seeing as it's just a monkey, and a new born one at that, being the benevolent being he is, the jade emperor let it be.

Back on flower fruit mountain, the stone monkey started exploring they're surroundings. Though while exploring one wrong step is taken, sending them tumbling down the mountain. Once reaching a considerable distance, the stone monkey grew unconscious due to the wounds they gained along the way.

------

On a flower fruit mountain there are many fantastical creatures, and one them, though not mythical, was a troop of monkeys. These monkeys tended to work together to survive, for while flower fruit mountain had its magic it didn't come without its dangers. Tasks were often divided and shared among them to minimise danger.

One such group was sent to gather food. Going near a peach tree to pluck some of it's fruits, they found a mysterious monkey near it. They'd never seen this monkey before,

"I don't think this one is from our troop." one of them said.

"Yeah I don't recognise them either. Looks like they had quite a tumble." another monkey spoke, observing the stranger.

"Let's get what we came for, they're troop will care of them."

"We can't just leave them here! They are hurt."

"And what if they're trouble?"

"And what if some dangerous creature comes along?!"

"How about we take them to our troop, help them heal and then take them to the elders, they'll know what to do." said the third one calmly, trying to diffuse the situation.

Agreeing with the third monkey, they immediately took the mysterious monkey to their troop to tend to they're injuries and of course, after they were relatively healthy, they were taken to one of the elders, the oldest monkeys of the troop, to decide they're fate.

-------

The stone monkey stirred and woke up to find himself surrounded by a couple of monkeys, one of them, who looked older than the rest, finally asked "Stranger, where do you come from? Where is your troop?".

The stone monkey, after some contemplation, pointed to the top of flower fruit mountain.

This confirmed the elders suspicions, that the monkey was born from the stone on top of the mountain, which meant, "You don't have a troop, do you?" the elder spoke. The stone monkey shook their head.

"Well, would you like to join this troop?" the elder asked, though he had a feeling of what would be the stone monkey's answer. The stone monkey looked around and after some consideration, they nodded.

"Then it's settled, the stone monkey shall be welcomed into our troop and treated as one of our own, regardless of who they are or where they come from." the elder declared.

"Welcome to flower fruit mountain, little one."

___________________________

Next chapter

Masterpost

[cosmic-codex]

Fables of journey to the west is a multi-chapter fanfiction I'm currently working based on the journey to the west novel. (my first fic to be honest.)

It of course follows the original story with a few of my own preferences mixed in and I'm willing to take a few of ideas which I'll add if I like.

I will post a short chapter from time to time when I feel free enough.

Chapter list

Chapter 1: Welcome, Stone Monkey!

Chapter 2: Mountain of Flowers and Fruits

Chapter 3: The Monkey King?!

Chapter 4: Enter the Caves of Confusion Part 1

Chapter 5: Enter the Caves of Confusion Part 2

Chapter 6: Litchis and Diplomacy

Chapter 7: From the Past to the Future

Chapter 8: Behind the Water Curtain Cave

Chapter 9: Towards the Unknown

Chapter 10: Fate and Fortune