#journeytober

[digitalagepulao]

Journeytober: #1 Tree

OFF WE GOOOOOO~! Time will tell if I'll see through it, but we give it the old good try anyways. Gonna try and keep these as grayscale to not fuss with colors, hopefully the next ones are less rendered so I don't burn out. For the Tree prompt, Wukong sleeping by a tree right before the Underworld summons drag him into another immortality lololol

[kaynanarie]

Journeytober! Master List

Big thanks to @vorpaldoodles for putting together the prompt list!

Day 1 - Trees

Day 2 - Ghost

Day 3 - Fruit

Day 4 - Bear

Day 5 - Lotus

Day 6 - Cycle

Day 7 - Scripture (Fire)

Day 8 - Legacy

Day 9 - Wound/Scar

Day 10 - Spider

Day 11 - Creation

Day 12 - Underworld (Stone)

Day 13 - Pagoda

Day 14 - Lunar

Day 15 - Mercy

Day 16 - Tiger

Day 17 - Weapon

Day 18 - Snake

Day 19 - Chaos

Day 20 - Kasaya/Robe

Day 21 - Bull (Metal)

Day 22 - Protection

Day 23 - Shadow/Light

Day 24 - Brotherhood (Wind)

Day 25 - Temple

Day 26 - Pillar

Day 27 - Family

Day 28 - Soul

Day 29 - Monk (Water) [NSFW]

Day 30 - Division (Unity)

Day 31 - Unity (Division)

Another big thanks to @s0rr3l for the beautiful artwork of Jen!

[frostedclock]

Journeytober Day 9/10

Scar / Spider

A mixed two of them together for today. Macaque in any version is such an interesting character and I love him

[lucagray813]

I caught back up! And I'm pretty happy with this one! I went a bit too heavy on the dark blue but I'm happy with it otherwise!

Also does anyone know if there is a platonic duo name for Pigsy and Sandy? I was struggling to find screenshots and I don't think I came across any art of just the two of them - which just feels like a travesty.

While I'm here I may as well plug some of my Sandy & Pigsy fics on AO3: Brothers, Pigsy's Noodles (Also available on Tumblr here), Tea

[vorpaldoodles]

Journey tober day 30! Division!

Wukong and the brotherhood! For some reason I decided to be really really ambitious with these last two days and do multi character pieces. I’m not entirely happy with this but I think parts of it look really good!

[inkiemonkey]

Day 22. Protection

[s0rr3l]

@kaynanarie i made your oc Jen from your Journeytober series 😊😊😊

EVERYONE!!! Please check it out you can find their prompts here!! ITS A GREAT READ IF YOUR INTO OC X MONKEY

@jeminiikrystal @blackknight-kai @marcu-bug

[darrencrissource]

broadwayevolved: DAY 2✔️ • Our #journeytoBE continued with motivational classes, feedback, and advice from our inspiring faculty. We’re loving our ΒΕ family!

August 8, 2018

[kaynanarie]

JourneyTober! Day 23 - Shadow/Light

            The flame of the torch flickered in the evening wind, casting dancing shadows amongst the trees. Night had long since fallen, a quiet chill settling over the forest. Jen kept her light close, following the trail up to the stone formation nearby. She stopped near a rocky alcove, the torch’s warm glow barely illuminating the inside.

            Monkey sat in the center of the floor, still and silent in meditation. The darkness surrounding him was stirred by his soft, rhythmic breaths. A blindfold was wrapped around his eyes, making his usual stoic expression seem deeper, his features sharpened and focused. Part of Jen wanted to reach out and smooth the furrowed brow and slight frown at his mouth.

            Hovering just outside the stone wall, Jen watched but hesitant to call out. After making camp, Monkey had excused himself to practice some new skill, leaving his companions to work out dinner. Hours later, he still hadn’t returned and Jen couldn’t help but worry. While Bajie had waved off her concerns, he did suggest she could fetch him for dinner. And now, she just felt silly, following him all the way to the stones to interrupt his training.

            Before she could turn to leave, Monkey perked up, head tilted to listen closely. Then the corner of his mouth curled just a bit. “Jen?”

            She winced, caught red-handed. “Sorry,” she said, quiet and contrite. “I–we wanted to remind you about dinner. I can go, if you want.”

            Monkey shook his head. “Please stay, I would like your company,” he said, tapping the floor in front of him.

            Warmth bloomed in Jen’s chest, coloring her face in a bashful blush. Leaving the torch outside the wall, she crossed the alcove, sitting cross-legged in front of Monkey close enough for their knees to touch.

            Up close, his handsome face seemed even more intense, cast in shadow and concentration. Monkey seemed to sense Jen’s stare, a knowing smirk lightening his features into something more playful. Biting her lip, she glanced away, thankful he couldn’t see her reddening cheeks.

            “So, what kind of training is this?” Jen asked after a moment, her hushed voice echoing off the stone walls.

            “Learning to rely on other senses,” Monkey answered, tapping at the blindfold. “I may not be able to see an opponent but I can learn to sense them; to see without seeing. Through sound, smell, touch.”

            Jen stifled a gasp when Monkey reached over, taking her hands in his. They were calloused and warm, his large palms dwarfing hers in their gentle grasp. His thumb caressed the delicate skin of her wrist, feeling the jump of her racing pulse. Even while obscured, his unseen eyes were fully focused on her.

            “What can you sense right now?” Jen asked, curiosity overriding her anxiety.

            Monkey sat still, head tilted in thought. After a moment, he spoke, “Would you like to find out?”

            There were a thousand possibilities in his question. And all of them sent jolts of panicky anticipation through Jen, tying her stomach in knots. “S–sure,” she managed to squeak out.

            He pulled his hands away, the loss of his hold sending a pang of disappointment right to her heart. They weren’t gone for long, one brushing the side of Jen’s face before gently covering her eyes, the warm palm shrouding her sight in darkness.

            “Okay?” Monkey’s voice whispered across from her.

            Jen nodded, careful not to dislodge his touch. “Okay.”

            “Take a deep breath, find your center,” Monkey instructed. Inhaling slowly, Jen willed her racing heart and trembling nerves to calm. “Now listen; what do you hear?”

            Without her eyes, the sounds of the cave echoed even louder than before. “The wind outside,” she said, listing each noise that reached her straining ears. “The torch fire crackling. Your breathing.”

            “Good. Now,” he leaned closer, knees pressing against hers. “What do you feel?”

            “The ground,” Jen answered. She reached up slowly, tapping his wrist. “Your hand. And–ack!” she broke off with a laugh. Something fluffy brushed against her neck and ear, tickling a giggle out of her. Jen’s hand flailed blindly in the air until Monkey chuckled, wrapping his tail around her wrist. “And someone making fun of me.”

            “Never,” Monkey assured softly. Her hand was guided forward, palm pressed to his chest and fingers buried in plush fur. Jen could feel his heart pounding like a drum.

            “Warm fur,” she murmured, brushing through the soft hairs before smoothing them back down. “And your heartbeat.”

            A nervous twinge froze Monkey under her hand. “We can stop now if–”

            “What about smell?” Jen cut in, feeling cheeky at his sudden shyness. “Isn’t that one of the senses?”

            She didn’t need to see to know he was frowning. “Now who’s making fun.”

            “I’m not; you smell nice,” she smiled in his direction. “Like a storm in the forest mixed with campfire smoke. Fresh and outdoorsy and a little wild.”

            “Incense,” Monkey suddenly said. “You smell like incense, and morning mist, and fresh leaves.” There was a weight to his words, a hidden meaning Jen couldn’t decipher. Her ponderings scattered when Monkey’s free hand cradled her jaw, thumb tracing the growing heat of her cheek. “It’s warm, comforting, safe. I feel at ease when you’re near.”

            As his confession faded into silence, Jen’s senses focused solely on Monkey. He was closer than she originally thought, the heat of his body radiating to her own. Even without touching, she could feel his face hovering just in front of her, their noses nearly brushing. Soft breaths tickled her cheeks and breezed down her throat in a shivering caress.

            “There is…one more…” Monkey offered, voice tense and slightly strangled.

            The spike of anticipation returned, every want and desire suddenly battling to escape her fluttering ribcage. “Yes?”

            A tension built between them, something heavy and overwhelming but painfully fragile. Jen waited, hopeful and anxious, nearly trembling where she sat. What she wanted, Monkey clearly wanted, too. She could feel it in his panted breaths, in the desperate clutch of his grasp. His desire, his hesitation, his ironclad restraint crumbling. “May I?”

            “Please,” Jen breathed.

            Lips pressed against hers, warm and soft and perfect. The hands on her face held her steady, the delicate touch meant for something precious. It was sweet and chaste and still set Jen’s heart aflutter. She reached up, stroking the fur of his cheek. Her other hand remained on his chest, feeling his heartrate jump at her approving hum. Monkey sat up, pulling her close so their bodies were flush, tail wrapping around her waist. Heat and desire burned through Jen, fanned higher when Monkey deepened the kiss, sharp fangs nipping at her lips.

            An unimpressed snort boomed around the cave, startling them both. They jumped apart, frazzled and panting, Monkey’s hands clutching Jen’s shoulders protectively. With her sight restored, Jen blinked against the sudden light, a familiar figure focusing into view.  “Is this what’s considered training, nowadays?”

            “Uncle?”

            “Bajie?”

            “Oh, remember I exist now, do you?” Bajie scoffed. “I thought maybe you got lost on the way here. If I had known what sort of training you were up to, I would have saved myself the trouble and had dinner already.”

            Both Monkey and Jen sat in stunned silence, red faced and mortified. Rolling his eyes, Bajie handed Jen the torch and marched out of the cave. “Come on before the food gets cold or something else finds it before we get back.”

            As the shock wore off, a nervous chuckle bubbled out of Jen. A rumbling chuckle followed from Monkey, sharing in her mirth. “Well,” Jen sighed, climbing to her feet. “Let’s go before he decides come back and scar us even further.”

            Monkey grumbled but stood as well, Jen taking his hand to lead the way out of the shadowy alcove. Even after tugging off the blindfold, Monkey let Jen guide the way back by the light of the torch, hands still firmly clasped together and blushing faces smiling.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------(This has been in my head for nearly a week, I'm so glad I got to finish it! Come get yo juice! Longest one yet, totally worth it. Bajie is a terrible wingman but a terrific cockblock, change my mind. Big thanks to everyone for reading, hope you enjoyed!)

[kaynanarie]

JourneyTober! Day 6 - Cycle

            “Sit down, young one. Have some tea with us.”

            A fresh cup was poured and passed across the make-shift table by a long-armed gibbon. Next to him, a baboon nodded in approval, taking a sip of his own drink.

            Five minutes earlier, Jen and Monkey had been strolling along the path when an ambush of wolves appeared from the trees. Monkey shoved her behind him, engaging the pack while Jen retreated to a safe distance. With most of their comrades outnumbering Monkey, two of the left-over wolves set their sights on the defenseless human. All it took was a toothy grin to send Jen fleeing into the forest, the wolves in hot pursuit.

           First, she ran, then tripped and tumbled down the hill, landing in a pile of fallen leaves. Jen scrambled back to her feet and ducked behind a rocky outcrop to hide. As gruff voices echoed nearby, she pressed herself flat against the wall and shuffled away step by careful step. Where her hand grazed a thick tangle of vines, the stone vanished. Glancing down, Jen found a small hollow hidden beneath the leafy curtain. The voices of the wolves were growing closer so she brushed the plants aside and crawled into the crevice.

           Instead of a cramped gap in the rocks like she had been expecting, a short tunnel led into the hillside and ended in a spacious cave. The ceiling was tall enough for her to stand without bumping her head. Candles were scattered along the rough walls, illuminating the space in a warm light. In the center of the room was a tree trunk, a glowing lantern and teacups set upon its smoothed surface. Seated at the rustic table were two primates; a monkey with long arms and a baboon with a colorful face.

           And that was how Jen found herself sat on the ground, holding a steaming cup of tea, and listening to the chatter of her monkey hosts.

           “Not many Destined Ones have made it this far,” the baboon noted.

           The gibbon nodded. “Even less Companions as well. This monkey seems more diligent in keeping his human alive. Perhaps this pair will find all the relics.”

           “They’ve been found before, but all must be found or all will be for naught. And the cycle begins anew.”

           “And the cycle begins anew,” the gibbon repeated as both took careful sips of their tea.

           “You know about the relics?” Jen asked, glancing between the two. “How? Who are you guys?”

           “I am the Long-Armed Gibbon. This is the Red-Bottomed Horse Baboon. We are the Celestial Primates. Where there were once four, then there were three, but now there is only two.”

           “Till our stone brethren can return.”

           Jen choked on her drink when the riddle almost made sense. “You mean the Monkey King?”

           “Yes,” the Baboon answered simply. “The Stone Monkey set this all in motion and all must be understood. The Destined One can see his mission fulfilled but be warned; mindlessness leads to failure and the crown is a terrible burden. Only when the cycle is broken can he truly succeed. Until then, the Destined One is doomed to fail.”

           “What do you mean doomed?!” Jen snapped, slamming her cup on the table. “What cycle? Is finding the relics not enough? What do we need to do?”

           “You are the Companion,” the Gibbon said. “With your guidance, the Destined One may find the true path and complete his journey.”

           “How am I supposed to guide him when I barely know what’s going on?” Jen begged, reeling from the bombardment of critic words. Instead of answering, the two monkeys tilted their heads and glanced towards the cave entrance.

           The Baboon spoke first. “Your friend is looking for you.”

           “Better hurry,” the Gibbon added. “He sounds quite distraught.”

           Jen immediately jumped to her feet and hurried to the cave entrance. The monkeys’ voices echoed down the tunnel as she crawled back the way she came in.

           “Good luck, young Companion; to you and the Destined One!”

           “Trust and rely on each other and you may live to see this journey’s end!”

            Brushing past the ivy curtain, Jen emerged to fresh air and sunlight. The alarming sound of footfalls on leave was quickly alleviated by Monkey rounded the corner. He was still wielding his staff on high alert, fur bristled and tail lashing in agitation. A wash of relief smoothed his figure when he spotted Jen. In an instant, he was by her side, one arm pulling her into a tight hug against his shoulder.

            “I’m fine,” she assured him with a smile. He pulled back to scan her for injuries, a stern brow arched in an unspoken question. “I was just hiding in here with–,” she turned to point but found that the cave entrance was gone. She shoved the vines out of the way, finding solid stone underneath. Monkey knelt down next to her, glancing between her and the wall curiously.

            “But…but there was a cave right here! And there were two monkeys drinking tea!” Jen’s mind whirled, trying to remember everything that may or may not have happened. Her thoughts were interrupted by Monkey placing a hand on her forehead.

            “I don’t have a fever and I didn’t imagine it,” Jen protested with a pout. He didn’t seem convinced, tugging her away from the mysterious rock. “Let’s just go before more wolves show up.”

            Climbing back up the hill, the two found the path and continued where they left off, Monkey’s gentle grip on her wrist keeping her by his side as they walked. Even after the disappearing cave was left far behind, the haunting words of the Celestial Primates echoed in Jen’s ears.

           ‘The Destined One is doomed to fail…’

           ‘The crown is a terrible burden…’

           ‘Mindlessness leads to failure…’

           ‘And the cycle begins anew…’

------------------------------------------------------------------------------(The mental gymnastics I went through to write this dialogue.)

[kaynanarie]

JourneyTober! Day 13 - Pagoda

            Everything was muddled and bitterly cold. Even after kicking down the door of his cell, Monkey could only make it a few stumbling steps before a cacophony of voices bellowed around the pagoda. Red haze filled his vision while a deafening ringing in his ears brought him to his knees. Agonizing minutes passed before the chanting fell silent, leaving Monkey shaky and disoriented.

            The last thing he remember was plunging into the frozen lake after defeating the dragon. He had made it to shore but was ambushed by the macaque chief before everything went dark. Waking up inside the tower, half frozen and dazed, did little to piece together his situation.

            Unshrinking his hidden staff, Monkey used it to heave himself off the ground. He needed a way out. He needed to find Jen and make sure she was safe. But first, he needed a plan.

            Outside his cell, the jagged walkway plummeted into a bottomless chasm. Rising from the pit all the way to the top of the pagoda was a massive monolith, carved with statues and slowly spinning in place.

            Cells lined the outer walls; some empty, some only housing the remains of deceased prisoners. The yaoguai still alive paced behind iron bars, watching Monkey pass with a sinister interest. There were guards, tall with treelike heads hung with glowing lanterns, patrolling along the path while other lesser demons kept watch.

            Monkey kept to the shadows, sneaking past guards and prisoners alike. He was nearing the next level of the tower when he heard quick footsteps echoing from the passageway. Backing behind a pillar, Monkey readied his staff and watched the figure approach.

            An oversized cloak obscured their features but they were short, much smaller than any yaoguai he had encountered so far. They also lacked the demonic aura of anything dangerous. Their covered head glanced left then right before hurrying out of the doorway. As they passed, Monkey caught a peek at the face hidden beneath the hood.

            A human. His human. Jen.

            He was already moving by the time his mind had recovered from the shock. One hand snagged her cloak while the other reached to stifle her shout, tugging her back to the safety of the shadows. Jen thrashed in his hold, knocking his hand away from her face and spinning to face him. The fury in her eyes shift to surprise then delight as she threw her arms around him.

            “There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

            After the ice of the lake and the frigid prison, her hug brought a warmth Monkey didn’t even know he craved. Rapid fire emotions ached in his chest; panic, anger, fear, but finally settled on relief as he returned her embrace.

            “How?” he managed to choke out, hands still clinging when she stepped back to look at him.

            “I saw when you got captured and followed you here,” she answered, ignoring his responding frown. “I stole a cloak, snuck in, and I’ve been looking for you ever since.”

            “Too reckless,” Monkey scolded. “It’s dangerous, you could have been hurt.”

            “Well, I found you and I’m not sorry,” Jen said, crossing her arms. “Besides, getting in was easy. Getting out is going to be the hard part.”

            “Not out. Up.” Monkey nodded to the top of the pagoda.

            “You’ve got to be kidding,” Jen muttered, eyeing the looming tower. “And how are we supposed to get up there? I haven’t exactly found any stairs.”

            This time, he pointed to the giant wooden beams cross-crossing over the pit, climbing to the upper levels one ledge at a time. Jen paled, glancing down at the empty darkness below.

            “Nope. No way. That’s dangerous and reckless.”

            “We’ll be fine,” Monkey chuckled. He took one of her hands in his, leading them towards the first bridge. “Just stay close and don’t look down.”

            Jen’s face went from white to burning red, her eyes suddenly finding the scuffs of her boots fascination. When she spoke, her words sounded small and nervous. “Just don’t let me fall, okay?”

            The firm grip on her hand gave a reassuring squeeze that settled her nerves.

            “Never.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------(This one had a completely different ending than I originally planned. Set during Chapter 3 of Black Myth Wukong. I'm still trying to catch up on these, maybe someday. Thanks to everyone still reading.)

[kaynanarie]

JourneyTober! Day 28 - Soul

            The shrines of the Yellow Wind Ridge were different than the root carved, flower covered sanctuaries of Black Wind Mountain. They were sand colored and perched on stone daises while Buddha statues sat in thoughtful meditation inside.

            Monkey plucked a hair and conjured it into an incense stick, setting it within the dusty shrine. Smoke curled from the lit offering, dancing away on the dry wind as it swept through the desert village.

            “Why do you do that?” Jen asked once Monkey had finished his silent prayer. “I know Tudi helped us on the mountain but are there other like him here, too?”

            Monkey nodded. “Yes. Though we’ve yet to see them, the shrine keepers will lend us their aid.”

            With the incense lit and the shrine properly acknowledged, Monkey continued down the sandy road, Jen trailing behind.

            “What kind of help do they usually offer?”

            “Guidance,” Monkey answered, scanning the buildings ahead for guards and archers. “Directions, warnings of enemies, aid in battle.”

            “Battle?” Jen blinked, thinking back to Monkey’s numerous fights and victories. “I think I saw Tudi help you once with the immobilizing spell. Would they really fight if you needed help?”

        ��   “Not fight. Recover.” Monkey plucked another hair, holding it out to Jen. “If I ever fall in battle, they can withdraw me to safety. Every offering holds my energy that can be used as a tether to reach me.

            Jen stared at the ordinary looking strand of fur in her hand. “You leave a piece of your soul at the shrines for a tactical retreat?”

            “Something like that,” Monkey agreed after a moment. He turned suddenly, expression grim, eyes dark and serious. “If that ever happens, you must run. Go to the nearest shrine; it will keep you safe until I find you again. Understood?”

            “But what if you need–?”

            “No,” Monkey interrupted, the word blunt and final. “If I fall, I cannot protect you, and I won’t have you attacked in my absence. Okay?”

            This time, the request was soft and pleading, concern heavy in Monkey’s eyes as he waited for Jen’s response. While she didn’t like the idea of running away, she finally sighed and nodded.

            “Fine, I’ll keep myself safe. Just try not to make getting hurt a habit, alright?”

            A flaming arrow shot past, pining itself to the wall behind them. Monkey grabbed Jen’s arm and ducked behind a doorway as more archers fired down from the rooftops.

            “That part might be out of my hands.” Monkey spun his staff and darted out into the opening, rushing the rat guards as yet another battle began.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (I really struggled with an idea for this one so it's pretty short. Thanks for reading.)

[kaynanarie]

JourneyTober! Day 31 - Unity (Division)

(Warning: Mild Spoilers for Black Myth Wukong.)

(This is Part 2. Read Part 1 Here.)

            Jen sat near the edge of the waterfall, overlooking the lush forest and colorful flowers of Mount Huaguo. Of all the lands they had traveled through, it stood out as a true paradise. She could see why Monkey felt such pride and longing for his beautiful home.

            Thinking of him sent another wave of sorrow through her, squeezing her chest till her heart ached and her lungs burned. Tears trickled down Jen’s cheeks, falling no matter how much she sniffled and wiped them away. She hugged her knees close, the chill of mourning leaving her numb and regretful.

            Her worst fear had unfolded before her very eyes. Even as Monkey faced his destiny, Jen naively believed he would return to her. But in a flash of light, he was gone and there was nothing she could do. Monkey had broken his promise and she was left in pieces for it.

            As she watched the forest glow in the rays of the setting sun, quiet footsteps approached from the trees, too measured and careful to be Bajie. Jen listened but didn’t react as they grew closer. Hands settled on her shoulders; gentle, firm, a familiar comfort from an unfamiliar source.

            “You shouldn’t sit so close,” his voice chided. “It’s dangerous.”

            Jen shrugged out of his grasp and stood, moving away from the waterfall. When Monkey King or Wukong or whoever he was now tried to follow, Jen stepped out of his reach. The confusion on her former companion’s face pained her, adding to her overall distress. She crossed her arms, fighting the urge to reach for him; to both seek and offer comfort.

            Clearing her throat of the sudden lump choking her, Jen spoke in a voice far steadier than she felt. “Congratulations, I guess,” she offered, avoiding his gaze. “You got what you wanted.”

            Monkey King tilted his head, pondering her words. “Not quite,” he admitted, voice carefully neutral. The casual response flared Jen’s grief to fury.

            “You aren’t satisfied?! What more could you want?!” she snapped. Stomping towards the imposter monkey, she jabbed a finger against his fancy chest plate. “We went on your stupid journey and got your stupid relics, all to bring you back! My friend suffered every hardship, protected me the entire way, nearly died over and over again! And now he’s gone!”

            Saying the words out loud broke something in Jen, tears returning in a flood. Sobs tore from her throat as her knees buckled, anguish sapping her remaining strength. Quick arms caught her, keeping her upright on unsteady feet.

            “Please don’t cry,” Monkey King murmured, tucking her close as she wept against his shoulder. “I’m right here.”

            Hiccups and sobs riddled her warbly words. “N–no, he’s g–gone! H–he promised and now I’ll n–never see him again!”

            She wasn’t sure how long she cried. Every pain and regret of lost love and unspoken words poured from her broken heart. Through it all, Monkey King held her in a familiar embrace, soothing hums and purrs rumbling from his chest. Jen hated how it comforted her but clung to it all the same. As her tears slowed and breathing settled, Monkey King eased her back to see her clearly.

            “Jen, please listen.” Gentle hands cradled her face, thumbs brushing away the last of her tears. “I may have Monkey King’s powers, memories, even title. But…” He leaned in close, forehead touching hers, his piercing gaze impossible to avoid. “I’m still me.”

            As Jen looked at him, really, truly looked at him, she realized something. His eyes. The glowing gold she saw before was gone. Now, they were dark brown; the same deep, mysterious color she had fallen in love with and feared never seeing again.

            “You’re…still you?” she repeated quietly, wishing but not daring to hope.

            He smiled; the barely-there pull of his mouth, full of mischief and mirth. “Well, I did promise, after all.”

            Relief washed through Jen, leaving her fatigued while also lighter than air. Her heart fluttered to life, delight melting away the last of her despair. Fresh tears shimmered in her eyes as a giddy smile lit up her face. Monkey chuckled, caressing the blush of her cheeks when she leaned into his touch.

            “No more tears, okay?”

            His lips met hers in a chaste kiss so tender and soft, warmth bloomed in Jen’s chest. She clung to his neck, finding solace in something uniquely him. Giggles interrupted the kiss when his arms found her waist, lifting her into a playful hug.

            “Now I’m satisfied,” he said, nuzzling her with affectionate purrs. When Jen leaned back, Monkey smiled at her curious gaze, fond and content. “You helped me succeed where other Destined Ones failed. My people have hope for the first time in centuries. And now, you’re here with me. I have everything I could ever want.”

            Jen flushed, recalling her outburst and all the cruel words she’d hurled at him. “I’m sorry for what I said. I thought you were gone. If I’d known it was you, I never–”

            “You didn’t know,” Monkey agreed, hushing her worries. He set her back on her feet, arms still snug around her. “I didn’t mean to upset you. We’ve been through so much and I’m grateful you’ve been by my side the whole way. Now that the journey’s over, I want us to stay together…if that’s what you want, too?”

            Monkey’s face shifted from hopeful to nervous then back, dark eyes wide in anticipation. Standing on her toes, Jen placed a quick kiss on his lips before giving her answer. “I’d love nothing more.”

            They held each other as the sun set, the last light of day fading over the horizon. The mountain settled into quiet shadow, the bright forest fading into shades of blue. As the sky darkened, stars emerged one by one, sparkling in diamond studded constellations. The evening breeze whooshed through the trees, brushing Jen’s ankles and sending a chill up her spine.

            “Are you cold?” Monkey asked, noticing her shiver.

            “A little. It is getting late. We should head back before…” Jen trailed off, nearly screaming when she looked down.

            Covering the ground was a thick layer of fog, similar to the one she had seen before arriving on Black Wind Mountain. Already, the white mist had wrapped itself around her knees and was slowly creeping upwards.

            “No no no!” she cried but couldn’t free her legs no matter how much she kicked. Every step she took, the fog followed, nearly up to her hips. With what little time she had left, Jen clung to Monkey, knowing it was all in vain.

            “What is it?” he asked, shielding her with his arms but powerless to help further.

            “This is what happened before I got here,” she answered. “I’m being sent back.”

            Everywhere the fog touched her seemed to vanish, lost to the mist encircling her waist. Monkey could feel Jen’s form fading in his hold, only a numbing chill left where warm skin used to be. No matter how tightly she latched onto him, more of her disappeared before his very eyes.

            “I don’t want to go,” she whimpered, scared and pleading. “I want to stay here with you. I love you.”

            “I love you, too.” Monkey nuzzled her cheek, offering what little comfort he could. “No matter what happens, I’ll find you.”

            “How?”

            “I don’t know. But fate brought us together; I won’t let it keep us apart.” When he looked into her eyes, nothing but fierce determination shown in their dark depths. “We’ll see each other again. I promise.”

            Monkey pulled Jen in for a final kiss. He felt the moment his arms only held air and her warm lips turned cold. When he opened his eyes, she was gone. The last of the mist danced away on the evening breeze, leaving only the lingering scent of fresh leaves and incense behind.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Don't worry, this isn't the end of the story! Think of it as more of an angsty cliffhanger. And with that, Journeytober is complete! Even if it nearly a week late. Big thanks to all my readers, all of your kind comments and feedback have meant so much to me! I plan to do the full story soon so stay tuned for that! Hope you've enjoyed the adventures of Jen and Monkey so far!)

[kaynanarie]

JourneyTober! Day 25 - Temple

            The tension in the room could be cut with a knife. Jen and Monkey knelt on one side of the table. A cross from them, two young servants scrutinized them with barely disguised distain. Between the pairs was a spread of assorted foods and drinks, all untouched.

            “The last time we had a stinky monkey as a guest,” one spoke curtly, flashing his eyes towards Monkey. “He ruined our Master’s cherished Gensing Fruit tree.”

            “We only allow you to stay because Master Zhenyuan deems it prudent,” the other continued in an equally sour tone. “But know that your presence is undesired in this temple.”

            “Wow, tell us how you really feel,” Jen snarked while Monkey bristled silently beside her. The boys turned their critical gazes towards her, all but sneering.

            “You shouldn’t be here at all, foreigner.”

            “To think Master would allow an outsider into his home.”

            A quiet growl rumbled between Monkey’s clenched teeth. Jen was starting to worry he would lunge across the table and smack some manners into the mouthy children. While they might deserve it, she doubted their master would appreciate the violence.

            “Qingfeng. Mingyue. That’s enough,” a voice cut through the room, bringing an end to the youths’ beratement. The immortal master appeared in the doorway. His long, white hair and beard with matching snowy robes gave him the appearance of a wise ghost. At his appearance, both servants fell into synchronized bows.

            “Master Zhenyuan! We prepared tea–”

            “–And served them food, as you requested.”

            He hummed, strolling past them to take a seat the table. “Very good. Now go prepare rooms for our guests. They will need rest before they continue their journey.”

            The servants bowed a final time and left the room, grumbling and shooting dirty looks to Monkey and Jen the whole way. Once they were gone, Master Zhenyuan let out a weary sigh, giving the two a sympathetic smile. “Apologies for my disciples. They take their roles very seriously and still hold grudges from our last group of guests.”

            “Yeah, I can’t imagine why they messed up your tree,” Jen muttered, crossing her arms. “We were told to come here and I’m sure it wasn’t just for the oh-so-welcoming hospitality.”

            “Yes, I have been expecting you,” Master Zhenyuan started, calmly pouring tea for each of them before picking up his own cup. “Many of us immortals are aware of the journey for the relics to restore the Monkey King. And while I myself have chosen not to get involved, my old friend Subodhi has lent his support to your quest.”

            Monkey perked up at the name, head tilting in surprise.

            “Who’s Subodhi?” Jen asked, glancing between the two for an answer.

            Master Zhenyuan sipped his tea thoughtfully before speaking. “Master Subodhi was Sun Wukong’s first master, the one who taught him many great skills and spells, most of which he later used to get into trouble. When his mischief became too great, Subodhi sent him away and swore him to secrecy of his tutelage. With Monkey King’s oath fulfilled and his renewal in the balance, Subodhi has sent aid on behalf of his former disciple.”

            “That’s great!” Jen gasped with relief. “So, what did he send to help?”

            Even Monkey nodded eagerly, leaning forward in anticipation. What they didn’t expect was Zhenyuan to gracefully raise a hand and gesture back at them.

            Jen looked around curiously but saw nothing. “Uh, is it something we already have?”

            “It’s you, dear child,” Zhenyuan answered, staring Jen down. “How do you think you arrived here, a land so far from your own?”

            “Well, I mean…” Jen fidgeted under his gaze, hands clutching her cold tea. “I thought it was because I lit an incense in that little house?”

            “The shrine, yes,” the immortal nodded. “Subodhi scattered those shrines throughout your world, searching for a companion swayed by neither the Celestial Court nor the Buddhists’ influence. Someone with no previous connection to the Monkey King or his legacy. A perfectly impartial witness to fate.”

            Monkey’s focus now turned to Jen as the information set in. He seemed just as baffled, mouth pulled in a frown and dark eyes searching her for answers.

            “I…don’t know what you expect me to do,” she admitted quietly.

            “The Companion to the Destined One is expected to travel with him and act as guide.” Master Zhenyuan’s words sounded practiced; an explanation quoted countless times before. “Without one, the other is doomed to fail. Only by working together, can all the relics be found and the journey truly succeed.”

            Jen balked, panic starting to set in. “I–I don’t know how to be a guide! I don’t know anything about this place! I just found out what’s going on and why I’m here, how am I supposed to guide anyone?”

            “All in good time,” Zhenyuan spoke softly, offering comfort that fell on deaf ears. “Not all guides lead to physical places. You two will find your way as long as you continue to work together. You’ve made it his far already but there’s still much ahead to overcome.”

            “But…” Jen swallowed thickly, blinking away the tears building in her eyes. “How am I supposed to get home?”

            Master Zhenyuan sighed. “That I do not know. Perhaps by seeing this journey to its end, the way home will be revealed to you as well. But for now, I’m sure you could use some rest.”

            He looked to the doorway where the two servants had reappeared, both faces pinched in mirrored scowls. “Qingfeng and Mingyue will show you to your rooms. Please, make yourselves comfortable and let them know if you need anything. We can speak more over dinner.”

            Jen could only nod, following after the servants, mind still abuzz.

            “This will be your room, woman,” one of the boys said, pointing to the door on their left.

            The other continued down the corridor, not even looking to see if he was being followed. “The monkey will stay be staying down the hall. We ask that you remain in your chambers until summoned for dinner.”

            As her friend turned to leave, Jen’s anxiety flared and her hands reached out to grab his arm. “Monkey, wait! I…” But when he looked at her, the words faded away and she just felt silly and childish. “I’m sorry. I know you were expecting something else. I want to help, I really do, I…just don’t know how.”

            Monkey’s expression was carefully still, but his eyes held a mix of sympathy and disappointment. After a moment, he sighed, giving her shoulder a gentle pat before turning away. As Jen watched him go, she couldn’t help feeling like she had already failed him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Getting into the home stretch and Halloween right around the corner. Thank you so much to all my readers, every like and reblog brings me such joy.)

[kaynanarie]

JourneyTober! Day 24 - Brotherhood (Wind)

            Out of all the places they had traveled so far, the New West was proving to be the most hostile. Vengeful yaoguai, frozen undead, lightning dragons, and a demon prison had already attempted to bar their way through Little Lei Yin Temple. Being so high up in the mountains, the bitter cold and constant snowfall made travel slow and tedious.

            Along the way, they gained a new companion; the boar demon, Zhu Bajie, who claimed to be a sworn brother of Sun Wukong himself. He promised to help in their journey, even referring to Monkey as ‘Nephew’, before leading them away from the cymbals he was freed from.

            And while the new trio made steady progress during the day, the nights were unbearable.

            A blizzard had encompassed the temple, forcing Monkey, Jen, and Bajie to hunker down in one of the abandoned huts near Bitter Lake. The cracks in the dilapidated structure did little to hold the heat in and even less to keep the cold out. Howling winds whipped the snow into blinding waves, burying the house in deep drifts. Not even the crackling fire could provide enough warmth to stave off the creeping chill.

            Jen huddled as close to the flames as she could without burning herself. The cold felt bone deep, numbing her from the inside out. Her red face and trembling fingers absorbed what little heat the fire provided but never truly felt thawed. While her demon companions had the advantage of fur, they weren’t fairing much better.

            Monkey kept blowing in his hands and cupping them over his freezing ears, his fur fluffed up to conserve body heat. On the other side of the tiny hut, Bajie was keeping himself busy; boiling water for tea, sorting ingredients for dinner, tending the fire with the limited wood they could gather. Even as the hour grew late, the comfort of sleep was blown away with the storm.

            “We need to find more wood,” Bajie spoke after a while, watching the fire slowly shrink. He fed the last bundle of branches to the flames before pointing at Jen. “You won’t last much longer at this rate.”

            Monkey perked up from his light doze, dark eyes scanning the human in concern. She was pale and shivering, hugging her knees close. The dying fire was doing her no favors and without it, her condition would only worsen.

            “I’m fine,” Jen said, white breath puffing through her chattering teeth.

            Bajie snorted in disbelief. “You’re about two shades off from turning blue. I know how fragile humans are and I don’t plan to wake up next to an icicle.” He grabbed his tattered blanket and wrapped it around himself as a makeshift cloak. “Just try not to freeze while I’m gone, okay?”

            He cracked open the door and slipped out, a blast of snowflakes and icy wind left in his wake. Jen turned back to the fire, watching the flickering glow with tired eyes. She was startled by Monkey appearing at her side, draping something over her shaking shoulders. The familiar black and orange stripes caught her eye instant. It was the tiger pelt Monkey usually wore around his waist, the fur much softer and heavier than Jen would have guessed. Already, the chill started to fade under its cover.

            Jen smiled, Monkey’s face flushing pink at the sight. “Thanks.”

            Instead of an answer or even an acknowledging nod, Monkey wrapped his arms around Jen and pulled her close. Her head was tucked under his chin and his tail curled around her middle, sheltering her in a warm embrace. Too comfortable to protest, Jen leaned into him, enjoying the shared body heat as the wind outside calmed and the storm finally began to disperse.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Another switched out prompt. Thanks for reading!)

[vorpaldoodles]

Journey tober day 22! Protection!

Stay, just, just stay this time. Please? He’s begging.