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blackknight-kai · 12 hours ago

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The Shape of Monkey

Some of my friends were talking about the monkey design in Black Myth Wukong, in terms of how much of monkey features the DO/SWK has, and how we wished they devs added a bit more "monkey" ness to the DO, which then made me realize, the devs did do that, but just not for the "normal" game model that we use to play.

The anatomy here is pretty much very normal, the only few traits pointing at him being a monkey are his feet, tail, his face and his fur.

My friend (who doesn't even play BMW or knows about JTTW but is a certified monster fucker) said she doesn't count him as a monster because his shape is too human LOL

This is how he looks in Chapter 5 ending animation:

very human shaped.

which brings me back to the monkey that looks more like a monkey in the game

The Stone Monkey is a two phase we fight in the final boss battle, after we defeat him he breaks and out comes the Broken Shell of the Great Sage

After you finish the first playthrough, you get the Stone Monkey as a transformation, called the Azure Dome.

If you do the True Ending, you transform into the Azure Dome for the first time towering over monkeys and beat the shit out of the four heavenly kings and Erlang. Great fight 10/10

proprotionally speaking, his arms seems a bit longer, or least looks like it due to his big hands. His tails is also longer (don't have a screenshot of that unfortunately), and his ears are pointed. I also think that his mouth structure is a lot more monkey like with it being more pointed forward than his normal model.

Canonly, SWK can change his size into very big or very small, but I don't think in JTTW it was ever described that he had a Stone Monkey form. He is a stone monkey, or monkey born from stone.

I really love that the devs took it literal and created a form and transformation that looks like a monkey and you can see from his tecture that he is supposed to be made from stone

He punches people and also when he dodges he walks on all four. So I guess that is the closest to a monkey we will get from DO/SWK

Chapter 6 ending animation also goes with a more "monkey" like anatomy for Wukong's design

point ears, longer limbs, shorter legs. I love that they added the red face blush here too. His tail is never shown in the animation, but looking at his pilgrim outfit set and the pulge in his pants (no not that one), he probably hides his tail inside his pants. it's kind of a cute detail

The Old Monkey we see also has more human like proportions:

all the other monkeys in the background (beside DO) are more monkey.

Here are the models I pulled from the game

I also love that each monkey has a different fur "pattern", gives them more variety

This one we only see when you reach the normal ending, when the DO did not break the cycle and the headband is put back onto his head, we see this monkey in the fetal position and then it zooms out to the stone egg and sad credit song plays. You can watch the clip here.

I think it's clear that the devs are trying to show an unbron monkey still in the womb, the stone egg/birth stone being the womb in this case, waiting for the next DO to come and finish SWK's revival.

I guess the stages of growth could be like this:

Why did Game Science went for a more human-like approach for the Monkey in terms of design?

We don't know the answer, it was never mentioned anything in the game about it and I have not come across any interviews about it yet.

I do think that the choice to make the Stone Monkey more monkey like and the "normal" monkey more human like was a deliberate choice by the devs.

For the animation, I believe the Game science gave the studio some references on "hey this is how our monkey looks like" and then let the studio do its own thing style-wise, hence why in Ch. 5 animation monkey has a more human like anatomy but ch. 6 comes with more monkey like anatomy

My personal HC is that SWK has a more human-like anatomy to show that he has a high level of cultivation maybe? We have seen in the game there are few yaoguais that are able to take on human appearances, such as the Pingping and the 5th spider sister. And yes, I also hc that SWK does have a monkey-form too that he can transform into.

I'm really begging for Game Science to release an artbook with concept art and background info on why they did this and that

#black myth rambling #black myth wukong #sun wukong #destined one

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blackknight-kai · 14 hours ago

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Black Myth Wukong Monkeys: LORE/HC stuff

I’ve had some recent thoughts about BMW and Wukong/Destined One.

So everyone has their own “Wukong looks like this” idea based on different chapter animations, in game armor, some back end files, etc. *I will not be proving or disproving anyone fyi*

I decided to take a little bit of a deeper look.

A lot of people have different head canons about “how much fur” WK/DO actually has under his armor (Valid question 😏). This is based on ‘monkey types in real life’ or some hints / glimpses we see in game or even other media for Wukong. So I wanted to set out to look at the other monkeys we see in game. The issue? Blurry background monkeys LOL. (Some images will be…blurry ish…)

I was watching some TikTok’s with some Spider Monkeys - if you know the family youre awesome - and while looking on a first glance they look nearly identical. But looking closer you’ll start seeing the differences in fur, face color patterns - down to freckles, mannerisms etc etc etc. I already like anyone else was expecting Monkey demons to have some diversity to them but just like any ‘real life’ animal sometimes it’s not a lot of diversity between a same species. (I’m not thinking about house pets or birds, I’m thinking on the generic “lion” or “tiger” look if that makes sense).

Pulling up the game the first other monkey we see besides Wukong is the old Monkey - he has white hair and very thin fur (even a fur less tail). He almost looks like Destined One too in structure but not quite, he holds some less human mannerisms than even DO. (Will come back to that)

Shen Monkey was also the next monkey to look at - brightened up images show him to be dark in skin & fur color. He also has patches of fur and places like his under arms missing fur. He has a thin thatch of hair on the center of his chest with a bushy head of hair/fur and his face is a bit more ‘monkey’ than WK/DO’s. His feet are shorter than WK/DO’s too (toes also just a bit). Also, he has POINTY ears.

Link to the post I got these from @/aulostheremin https://www.tumblr.com/aulostheremin/773263251799687168/i-might-be-asking-too-much-but-can-we-have-fanart (wasn’t sure if you’d be okay tagging youuuuuuu)

After looking at him I took a look at the blurry background monkeys in that opening scene and started to notice something….interesting.

The background monkeys looked almost generic right? But on closer look I started to realize they had many differences.

You can see their fur colors vary for starters, some being tan, to brown, to that onyx greyish blue color. Same with skin color - some have peach/pail skin and others have that grey blue skin that Shen Monkey has.

*See above different color furs / skins.*

Most of them also have fur less chests, but this varies too - some having more fur less skin and others having a little less on their chests. For instance - these two monkeys *SEE BELOW*. Both are ‘wide’ bodied but one has a more square fur less pattern while the other has a more upside down triangle pattern. ALSO - the triangle pattern monkey seems to have thinner/furless skin on the underside of his arms where as the square pattern monkey seems to have full fur other than on his chest. (Also, is that war paint on the triangle monkey?? The two lines - one shown running down his pec? If so, that is a neat idea I am absolutely head canoning that they used tribal war paint for warriors for certain meanings be it rank or things like courage/bravery - maybe they have trials and such etc)- mini note yes I am incorporating stuff like this in future fics.

The next thing I noticed was their clothes. Some apparently wear loin clothes, pants only, shirt and pants, or nothing at all. Most seem to wear clothes though in some fashion. (You can see in above images some of those clothes.

Below - also as a note I think the tail placement here wasn’t supposed to be noticed because honestly its a little uh off - but there is a Monkey that runs in front of the camera at the beginning of the game. Fully nude. This monkey appears while blurry, to have THICK FULL body hair. Even on that booty and it’s hard to tell, but honestly it looks like he has fur on his chest.

As another note, we cannot tell, but based on look alone they have ROUND ears mostly vs pointy like Shen Monkey. So, we have different fur patterns, colors, states of dress/status where next? (Maybe pointy ears are something less common? Interesting thought)

Their mannerisms.

Watching the scene its clear these background monkeys really lean into ‘monkey’ walk and actions/behaviors. They are VERY bow legged and have that sway you see in Planet of The Apes. Their chests are a bit wider/barreled and their limbs a little thicker too than WK/DO. Some of them have their arms curled up to their bodies as well. They squat too (mostly) instead of sitting and remain closer to the ground, but looking around you’ll see another interesting thing - outside of WK/DO, the old Monkey, there is one other monkey deep into the background that ISNT squatting like the rest. Instead they are sitting like a person, like WK/DO was in that scene before he stands up.

Shen Monkey ALSO sits like a human (see above pics of him).

Even the way WK/DO & the old monkey walk is more ‘human leaning’ with WK/DO being even more so than the old monkey. It shows me that WK/DO is still an anomaly even in those that are ‘human leaning’ because he is a true blend of the two but also something all his own, the old monkey being the only one closest to him in this.

Why does this all of this matter? It shows me the difference and diversity between the monkeys. Some are very heavy in their ‘monkey’ appearance and body movements (maybe slightly even brain function on a more primal level?) and others lean into more human aspects. BUT the more human leaning monkeys are not as common it seems. Essentially this makes my brain run. It shows a level of difference that is somewhat on par with how humans are diverse as well which again was what caught my eye and made me wonder about these Monkey Demons. Such as are there preferences of appearance, or do certain features make them more warriors/gatherers or what about intelligence of some? What differentiates leaders & followers or what genes get passed on? (Yes I’m adding this shit to my head canons LOL)

As another side note, I think WK/DO is just taller than his monkey kind. Mainly because he stands so far upright. Also also also, paying close attention in that opening scene the background monkeys tails are so cute LOL we get to see a little tail movement.

Okay so what conclusion does this bring us to? They are suuuuuper diverse. Meaning, if you see WK/DO with specific fur patterns vs another person? It works either way you see it because genuinely there are so many different variations, be it mostly furry with a small patch on his chest furless or the fur running down most of his torso…or even missing fur on the underside of his arms or having fur on the underside of his arms. Also the booty discourse of does he have furry cheeks or not honestly….up to you. Also I think it shows WK/DO is truly a 1 of a kind (which we knew duh) but ‘human leaning’ is such a rare feature (I’m assuming) and WK/DO doesnt even quite fit there either.

So at the end of the day……theres no wrong answer here. Just was doing some digging 🧐☺️ this was to help ME because I have ideas 😉 and I can’t wait to start digging into them in fics.

@szynkaaa has another in depth look at this too sharing the same thoughts 😉 https://szynkaaa.tumblr.com/post/769217021192945664/the-shape-of-monkey

#black myth wukong #black myth wukong x reader #sun wukong #the destined one #journey to the west #monkey business #I was diving in deeply for no real reason 🤣

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blackknight-kai · 17 hours ago

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Naidnfofndod he’s so cute for that but also dumb 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Has Wukong ever taken Sulkha out on a romantic date? If so, how’d it go?

Hello !!♡

Yes he has! Throughout his journey, he learnt his mistakes and made a better date each time.

Usually they both spend time with each other just basking and spending quality time, some might call it a date but they dont really consider it as one. A date is moreso when a big thing has been planned by one of the two, thats what they call a date.

Their first ever "date" that the two agreed upon is when Wukong accidentally dragged Suklha to the cavern where she got ambushed by a previous lover. Traumatized her a lil. She gave him a chance and continued the date on a nearby meadow eating his beautifully chopped up fruits. They shared stupid stories they experienced during this.

Well Wukong didn't know it. Despite being her stalker for awhile. This was early on their relationship.

#adorable

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blackknight-kai · 2 days ago

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https://archiveofourown.org/works/58851448/chapters/159199930

Chapter 9 Summary: Driven by an obsession, Monkey marches toward an unseen force, heedless of his own well-being. Ember refuses to stand idly by and watch.

Word count: 10k (sorry)

Relationships: ♡ Sun Wukong x OC/Reader ♡ Destined One x OC/Reader ♡

Sneak peek below cut!

He burned beneath my touch, a furnace of anger and resolve, and I could feel it—his need to strike, to punish, to make the Bear guai pay for standing in his way on obtaining whatever had his complete attention. But I held tighter, my grip pleading where my voice faltered as I pushed back against his rage. Despite everything—the blood that stained the Bear's hands, the lives he more than likely had taken, and the shadows of sins I couldn’t begin to name—it wasn’t right. Not like this. Not when the Bear guai knelt, trembling and broken, his pleas for mercy spilling like water from a fractured dam.

He wasn’t innocent but his desperate words lingered in my mind. He was a pawn, a piece moved by hands far greater than his own. Hands that belonged to this Celestial Court, wherever or whoever they were.

“Please,” I whispered, though whether I was begging for the Bear guai’s life or for Monkey Boy to hold on to what remained of his, I couldn’t tell.

Just when I thought I had reached him—when the pressure of his body against mine eased and his left arm began to rise, like maybe he was going to push my hands off his shoulders because he'd felt them, felt me, his stride forward halting—I let out a shaky breath of relief. For a moment, hope flickered, fragile and bright, a candle in the wind.

But his eyes… they never wavered. They remained locked ahead, distant and unrelenting, a force of nature on an unstoppable course. And then, before I could even comprehend it as I looked up to him, relief turned to…betrayal.

A/N: Out a day early!

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blackknight-kai · 2 days ago

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Second attempt of drawing with a drawing tablet! This one looks WAAAAY better then the first one

Look at the smilling sweet boy! :D (before becoming a moraly grey war lord- AHEM)

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blackknight-kai · 2 days ago

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USHIIII he’s so handsome 🤤🥰🤤🥰🤤🥰🤤🥰

sealed away forever in the sketch heap

#black myth wukong #destined one #sun wukong x reader #black myth wukong x reader

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blackknight-kai · 2 days ago

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Eyes of Gold (Part 11)

(A WukongxReader story inspired by Beauty and the Beast and Lutung Kasarung.) (First) (Prev)

An awed silence fell over the crowd as they took in the immortal might of Sun Wukong himself. While you felt nothing but sheer relief at the sight, the demons’ reactions were much different. Some turned tail and ran while others lingered, shocked and whispering in nervous tones. But no one dared approach the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.

The bull, while surprised, was not as intimidated as his underlings. He stood slowly, hands still bound by the glowing hair. “Monkey King, I didn’t expect to see you here,” he growled in a thinly veiled question.

“Bull Demon King,” Sun Wukong greeted with a tilt of his head. “I heard there was some commotion happening outside my mountain and came to see for myself.”

His tone was casual, even a little curious. You couldn’t see his face, only his back where he stood between you and the bull demon, but you had been around enough monkeys to quickly read his mood. The fur bristling on his neck and the lashing of his tail were evident to his barely contained rage.

“I’m here on behalf of the wolf pack,” Bull Demon King answered, gesturing to the two on the sidelines. “They claimed a human was responsible for their captain’s death and begged me to seek justice on their behalf.”

When the Monkey King glanced their way, the wolves yelped and cowered behind their comrades. “These two? I don’t suppose they also mentioned how they trespassed on my mountain, terrorized my kin, attacked my royal guest, resisted capture, and fled when their captain tried to fight and lost?” He let out a humorless chuckle. “So much for wolf-clan loyalty.”

Bull Demon King snapped his attention to the wolves, shock and outrage clear even with his bovine features. “Is this true?”

Trembling, both wolves fell to their knees with bowed heads. “It’s true, Venerable Great King. We were only passing through when we saw the human. We had no idea they were of any importance!”

“That’s a lie!” you spoke up, too insulted to stay silent. “I told you I was a guest of the Monkey King and you mocked me!”

The hunched wolf growled, “Why you…!” but flinched when both demon kings pinned him with a warning glare.

“Then the wolves are at fault,” Sun Wukong concluded as he turned back to the bull, “And have no one to blame but themselves for their transgression.”

Bull Demon King nodded, still staring down the guilty wolves. “The human is innocent so the claim on their life is forfeit. I will have no further dealings with them or the wolf clan.”

“Wonderful to hear.” The tense stance relaxed and Sun Wukong casually slung his weapon across his shoulders. “You may all leave the village without further incident, then.”

“Unfortunately, Monkey King…” The bull snorted in defiance as he looked down on the shorter demon. “We will be going nowhere. I have already negotiated the surrender of this village and will have my promised dues. Whether you choose to stay or leave is not my concern.”

The irritated tail whips returned while the rest of the monkey stood still as stone, head cocked in ominous thought. “That is unfortunate,” he murmured after a moment. “You see, this village is already under my protection. So, unless you plan to challenge me for it,” Sun Wukong spun his staff, pointing the golden tip in warning. “I suggest you take your little horde here and leave.”

Bull Demon King snarled in outrage. “You dare to order me?” Steam billowed from the bull’s flared nostrils while his hooves stamped the ground. “Perhaps I’ll claim this village and take your precious mountain next!”

A flash of red-gold eyes met yours over Monkey King’s shoulder. “Run, get to safety,” he ordered. The bellows of the enraged bull demon reclaimed his attention. Turning away, he braced himself for combat. “Go, now!”

You did as you were told, scrambling to your feet and hurrying out of the way. What remained of the demon crowd also scattered, abandoning their leader and village conquest in a panicky retreat. Soon, only the Bull Demon King and the Monkey King were left standing on the once crowded street. Sheltering behind a still-standing house, you peeked around the corner to watch the fight from a safe distance.

Growling and stomping the ground, the bull demon lowered his head and charged with a shout. But Monkey King didn’t move, not even a flinch, as the sharp horns sped towards him. He only waited until his opponent drew closer to thrust his staff out. The golden end drove against Bull Demon King’s brow and lurched him to a sudden stop.

You had heard the stories of Sun Wukong’s great strength and battle prowess; the impossible weight of his weapon, countless battles against gods and demons alike, and his stubbornness in the face of insurmountable odds. Seeing it with your own eyes was something else entirely. He easily wielded thousands of pounds of iron and halted the stampeding bull with only one hand. It was incredible, terrifying even; and you were never more grateful to be under his protection.

The bull heaved and dug in his hooves, shoving his weight forward with huffs and growls. But the Monkey King was unmoved, solid as a statue as he held the other demon in place. With a single thrust, he flung Bull Demon King back down the street with an earthshaking crash.

“Enough, Brother,” Sun Wukong said, planting the end of his staff on the ground. “Leave this village in peace and end this fight now.”

Bull Demon King stumbled to his feet, hands still bound and eyes blazing. “You are no brother of mine!” he roared.

A silence followed the echoes as both demon kings stared each other down. In a tone weighed heavy with regret, the Monkey King sighed, “So be it.” He raised one hand, muttering something under his breath before speaking up. “I’ve bested you before and I’ll do it again if I must.”

Before the bull could prepare another charge, the golden hair began to glow again. A thread broke away from his wrist and coiled around his legs, tangling his ankles together and sending him tumbling to the ground. Another strand wrapped around his horns, yanking his chin down to his chest and completely binding him. No matter how much he squirmed and thrashed, the ties refused to release him.

Sun Wukong approached the downed bull demon, staff hung over his shoulders and tail swishing with each strut. He crouched just shy of the sharp horns, tilting his head curiously. “What say you now, Bull Demon King?”

With a final snort, the bull demon slumped in defeat. “We’ll leave. Let me lead my soldiers out of here and there will be no more quarrel.”

Nodding, the monkey stood and waved his hand. The threads binding Bull Demon King fell away, leaving him free to stand. In a final golden glow, the single strand of fur floated through the air and into Sun Wukong’s waiting palm. “I’ll escort your demons from the village. Nothing is to be taken and no humans are to be harmed. Understood?”

“Fine.” The bull demon glanced to his men still lingering about. “Gather our troops! Leave everything and harm none; any who disobey will answer to me!”

They nodded, dropping their weapons in surrender. More demons appeared from the ruined buildings; some scowling, some nervous, but none eager to argue under the glares of the two demon kings. Soon, dozens of demons were crowded on the street, awaiting further orders.

Despite the fresh sting of defeat, the bull held his head high as he stood before his men. “We march west! No stopping until we return home!”

“Yes, Venerable Great King!” the crowd shouted. They turned as one and filed out of the village with Bull Demon King bringing up the rear.

As they faded into the distance, you could finally breathe a sigh of relief. You shuffled out of your hiding place, taking in the desolation left behind. Buildings were damaged, houses ransacked, and belongings scattered along the road; all things that could be fixed with time.

And amidst it all was the Monkey King; the unexpected savior of your village. Standing proud with his gilded armor and formidable weapon, it was hard to believe the terrifying demon from the elders’ tales was the same hero before you.

“Sun Wukong!”

He perked up at your call but didn’t turn around, still keeping a watchful eye on the retreating demon pack. So many words and gestures spun through your mind. Everything from tearful groveling to a friendly hug were considered, though you were still not bold enough to get too close.

“Thank you for saving us,” you finally said with a deep bow. Though overflowing with gratitude, your simple words didn’t feel like nearly enough. “I don’t know how we could ever repay you.”

“There’s no need.” The tone was dismissive but the happy curl of his tail and the tiny smile barely visible over his shoulder was too telling to ignore. “You should check on your kin. I’ll make sure the demons leave for good.”

Jumping into the air, a cloud materialized under his feet and kept him aloft. With a final parting wave, the Great Sage flew away, following after the Bull Demon King’s troops. You watched him fade into the horizon, a newfound fondness in your heart warming you against the winter cold.

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~🍑 Peach Friends 🍑~

@joyfulllittlething @iluxurycruisedthatship @drspecialhell @moondrop39-dovewing70 @happycarp @chibifox88

(If you would like to join the tag list, let me know!)

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I went light on the action for this chapter since I have another fight planned later in the story. Had so much fun getting to write Wukong showing off with his fancy stick, it's what he deserves. Thank you all so much for reading and for all the wonderful comments and theories! They really make my day!

You can also find this story on AO3:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/60643669

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blackknight-kai · 2 days ago

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Okay I stumbled at this pic on Pinterest and IMMEDIATELY thought about Sun Wukong and Tang Sanzang!

This scene definetly took place somewhere in the beginning of the Journey!

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blackknight-kai · 3 days ago

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"You and I. We don't make sense to anyone."

"We make sense to me. And as long as we stick together I don't really see why we should try to make anyone understand us."

"I feel like if I say something deep you'll somehow ruin the moment with one of your lines..."

"Oh how you know me, doll..."

~•~

Being imprisoned under the Huaguo mountain for 500 years, Wukong experienced what real loneliness was.

He found himself trying to converse with the few servants and gods who were being forced to bring him food and water, but they never entertained him, making his frustrations grow further.

Never once did Yanmei come to visit him. He understood she was angry at him for pushing his luck, he also understood that she was also a fugitive as heaven affiliated her with him. It didn't hurt any less to never hear a word from or of her.

After he was freed by his master and a few years into the pilgrimage, they found a cave with a forgotten story. The village near the cave was tasked to protect it, they didn't know why or from whom, since whatever happened in it occurred centuries ago. No one dared to go inside as rumours spoke of a creature, a demon, who lived inside the cage and would attack any person unworthy of the treasure it protected.

Tang Sanzang, a gentle soul, decided to guide the group inside to see what all the fuss was about in hopes of helping the creature find peace. Wukong beat him half way into it. They all thought the broody monkey would be annoyed to investigate, as usual, but when he caught a whiff from the cave he rushed in. They found no monster, no demon. Just a big rodent's skull seemingly clean, untouched by nature. It was instinct that led him to take the skull and search the whole cave until they found a second opening that led to another different cave.

Blue light welcomed them once they went inside. A giant ice wall separated them from the rest of the cave. Bajie, impatient to finish this trip, tried to break the ice with his rake but it was so thick it barely got any damage from the hog's attack. Wukong tried another method by pressing the skull they found against the ice, which instantly changed its physics, transforming the surface into a water-like door. They were all hesitant to step past the structure, all but the great sage.

When he entered, he saw a headless skeleton tied to a wooden structure with the heavenly court's distinct markings. He could feel every hair on his body stand up, a familiar smell emanating from the carcass. The others spoke behind him, but he couldn't register half of it. A sudden desperation hit the monkey causing him to rush to Bajie, clumsily stripping him of his pumpkin bottle and pouring the alcohol to the bones and the skull still tightly clutched on his hand. The others watched clueless until after a few long minutes, the bones grew nerves, then muscles, then skin, then as the cranium did the same it fused to the rest of the body.

That's when he reunited with Yanmei and welcomed her to join the group.

~•~

Wukong finally found his rest at night when he began sleeping next to her. Eventually leading them to cuddle together in the same spot.

He still had nightmares of waking up and still being imprisoned under Buddha's hand, but Yanmei's scent and warmth kept him grounded until his eyes closed again from that day's exhaustion.

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