Wisteria And Monkey Fur (Journey to the West Au)
(Yes, it's demon slayer inspired. Don't look at me. Just read.This was plaguing my mind for a while.)
You walk along the lone path, your journey to nowhere starting again as the residents from the village you are leaving from,waving goodbye, sending you are on your way. Some had sad looks on their faces, some wore a look of gratefulness, some with worry, and a few even prayed as you left, hoping luck will always be with you.
You smile back at the villagers and waved back as you continue on your journey, gifts of food and clothing nicely set in your bag. You couldn’t stay long, as your work never allowed it.
Well, Dear. It’s because you are a Demon Slayer.
You happened upon this Village when it was being terrorized by a Bear Demon. The smell of blood and distress still lingered on your nose when you first arrived. You came just in time before the Demon could eat any more innocent lives. Fighting it made you break a leg in the process but the villagers let you rest and recover for saving their lives and were then happy to aid you in the way they could. But after you were healed, they had to watch you go as you had more lives to protect on your journey.
You had already swore an oath to save and protect humans from demons, but there was a special mission you were currently on.
During the time that you were in recovery, you had a peculiar dream that felt too real to distinguish from reality.
The dream was peaceful. You felt calm and serene as you were supposedly sitting above the never ending pool of clear water as being on a Beautiful Lotus Plant sat across from you, beaming with light and radiance. It made the feeling of confusion or anxiety leave your body as you realized who it was. It was Guanyin, Bodhisattva of Mercy and Compassion.
As you bowed your head in respect, She smiled gently and told you she had a task for you to do. She requested that you aid her by helping a monk and his disciples to go West to retrieve sacred scrolls. She saw something in you that made you perfect for the job, and she promised a reward for helping her aid in such a voyage. A reward that you made you jump in the opportunity to become part of the Journey.
So here you were. Traveling to find the Pilgrims and aid in their Journey.
The Problem however was that you didn’t know exactly where to find them. Let alone catch up with them. Guanyin didn’t really give you clear instructions. She just smile and said:
‘Worry not, young one. The Path to them will not be hard.You will find them. Trust the Path you walk along.’
You heeded her words but still can’t fight the doubt in your mind. It’s not like you don’t trust her or anything, but-
“Where do I even start?” You ask yourself quietly. A few minutes quickly turn into a few hours and a few hours turn into a few days. The Search continues forth.
‘Am I doing this right? I probably should have asked for a hint before walking so aimlessly.’ Sweat trickled down your head as your mind began to race. ‘Now that I think about it. I don’t even know what to look for! I forgot to ask?! I can’t expect them to just appear out of nowhere and tell me everything I need to know?! Do they even know I’m coming!?’
Your body stopped as an aura of Gloom surrounds your body, eyes staring at the ground with a look of exasperation and comical dread. “I think I’m lost…Am I a moron?”
Nothing but the silence of the wind answers your question. A weak chuckle was all you could do.
Your thoughts were interrupted by a familiar scent. The air around you became repulsive , smelling of rotten meat and decay. It could only mean one thing. A demon was nearby.
You straighten yourself up and ready your blade. You run quickly and follow the scent, pulling your mask down to your face as you run into an unpredictable battle.
A certain Buddhist monk laid in a cave, tied up and bound as his eyes held distress for his current situation. He had been kidnapped while his disciples were distracted and the demons were eager to devour him to obtain the power of immortality. Cackles were heard in a different part of the dark cave as Tripitaka pondered if he would be saved in time.
He silently prays for his rescue, becoming more unaware of his surroundings. He didn’t even hear the footsteps of a swordsman coming to his rescue.
A shadow loomed over him, the light sudden change causing the monk to open his eyes. It was no demon, nor was it any of his colleagues to his rescue.
It was a human. Or at least he thinks they’re human. It was hard to tell because their face was covered up. He was staring at a mask that resembled that of a fox. It held a small painting of a blue lotus on its forehead, while the rest of the mask had a long scar-like shape run across it. The beaded eyes of the mask caused Tripitaka to flinch in place. This was not what he expected.
The swordsman quickly held a hand up their mask, silently shushing him. They looked around and came closer to the monk. It made the monk both curious and afraid, not knowing this new person’s motive.
“Be still, and don’t say anything. I’m here to help. We must go before they come back.” They began to untie the knots that held tightly on the monk.The cool yet comforting voice of the stranger made Tripitaka ease up. As naive as it may be, he felt like he could trust this person.
Before the restraints could be undone, a spear suddenly came honing towards them. The Swordsman quickly picked the monk up in there arms and swiftly got the way as a crater was formed from the attack. The attack came from none other than the two giant demons that took shelter in the cave to eat the poor monk.
“What Lowly creature dares to take what is rightfully ours?” One Demon snarled. The Swordsman just stared at them while the monk stared wide-eyed at the large demons.
“I’m simply returning him to where he belongs. You will not be dining on anything tonight. Let us leave or I’ll have no choice but to kill you.” They State calmly to the Demons, as they began to howl with laughter at the claims of such a small human.
“As if a weak human girl could even lay a hand on us. Maybe you will make a nice pet. Or perhaps an even better appetizer.”
‘Girl?’ Tripitaka looks up at the masked woman in shock. More shock at the fact that not only had she carried him with such ease, but she also stood with confidence at the demons. Like a certain disciple of his.
“...Very Well. You Leave me no choice.” She placed the Monk down behind her and unsheathed her sword that was enveloped in black.
“Wait, MIss! This is absolutely dangerous. Are you absolutely sure you know what you’re doing?”
She didn’t look back at him, her eyes only focused on the demons that prepared their own spears at her. “Don’t worry. It’ll be Okay. Get to a safe distance and guard yourself.”
He did as he was told, but still stared at her with worry. But this worry soon turned into disbelief as one of demon attempted to Spear through her body, but the sharp weapon only met the ground as a blur was only seen as the the sickening sound of a swift slice through bone was heard, the hand of the demon that held the weapon now laid on the ground, separate from its host, blood splattered going everywhere. The demon screamed in pain, holding where it used to be its hand in pain, Anger flashed in his eyes as he raised a fist to the girl.
“You BITCH!!” He punched at the ground where she stood, But she was faster. She went up the arm of the giant demon and raised her sword. She took a Deep Breath.
“Water Breathing:First Form…” Water began to form from the sword. The black blade now engulfed in the waves, ready to hit its target. “Water Surface Slash!”
The Blade hits its target's neck, swiftly decapitating the demon in one slash, ending its life. His body goes down with a sickening thud, the ground jumping up at the impact.
The monk watched in pure disbelief from a distance. No thoughts were able to form at the scene before him.
A low growl broke his trance as the other demon loomed over her. Violence feeling their eyes as their boy began to morph. Two more arms formed from the body, as more weapons appeared in the demon's hands.
“I should’ve known that a demon slayer appeared before us. You insolent human!! I will avenge my brother and tear the skin from your body!!” Flurries of Spears of swords came down your way, the demon making more weapons appear as you swiftly leaped out of harm's way, imitating that of a dance, moving as swift as the waves of shore. But the weapons did not stop coming even as you danced away from the attacks. Sweat began to form as on your brown as the attacks didn’t let up. A spear grazed your arm, blood began to seep out of the Haori uniform. Tripitaka's body filled with panic at the injury while the demon held a wicked grin on its face
“This is your end. I’ll mount that fox mask as a trophy!”
You said nothing as your breath became still. The thread became clear as everything felt still. Water formed around you, your blade raised up.
“Water breathing.Third Form: Flowing Dance.” A flurry of water began to form as the water around the demon became ribbon liked. The flow of water dances beautifully, that demon distracted by graceful flow. The Demon couldn’t react fast as you not only chopped off the 4 arms it bared, but also the head on its body. Its eyes widened at how sudden it was defeated, its body disintegrating alongside its brother. With its vision blurry, it saw how the demon slayer came to its body slowly before it stopped at its head. With its last strength in its body, it could only glare at her, thinking that the girl came to gloat and stand in triumph over it.
The Demon slayer only lifted the mask of its face and the demon could see what they truly looked like. There was a deep scar that ran across the girl’s face .The slayer's eyes held that of gloom for the demon as compassion was shone in their eyes. The demon slayer then brought their hand to the temple of its head and closed their eyes, kneeling in front of it. As the head was the last to disintegrate, it heard the words of the demon slayer, in such a soft spoken way.
“Whoever hears me, Please let them be reborn as humans in their next life.” A silent prayer for the demon is heard. Before the head disintegrated into nothing, its eyes let out a few tears before disappearing.
The Monk that stared at the Slayer could only stare as he was mixed with bewilderment and relief. He was saved, and it was thanks to the compassion and bravery of the swordsman.
When She made her way to him, she swiftly cut the ropes of his body, freeing him finally, his silk and fancy monk robe became more visible to her as he shone brightly.
“Thank You Miss! I'm forever grateful. You have saved my life.” The Monk before you smiled warmly at you, making you fidget in place. The mask you wore wasn’t on your face and you honestly felt a little embarrassed by this praise. It did swell your heart with joy, but when your face was exposed, it made you feel a bit…vulnerable.
“It-it’s no problem,really. I’m just doing my job.” You cleared your voice to save face. “Now, Are you alright, Sir? Any Scars that were cast upon you? Do you know where your home is? I’ll make Sure to bring you there.”
“No, Miss. I am fine, really. You saved me just in time.” The monk answered you frantically, surprised by the sudden questions heading towards him. “If I am to be honest with you, I am more worried about you.That Demon seems to have gotten you on your arm? Are you going to be okay?” He says looking worried at you, the large gash on your arm still oozing blood. But you thought nothing of it.
“Trust me, I’ll be fine. I’ll be better once we get you out of here.” You said matter of factly. You then promptly carried Tripitaka in your arms again, surprising him.
“Wait, Miss. I can walk. There’s no need to-”
“I know but I’m not taking any chances. There’s no telling if there’s another demon ahead. Besides, It’ll be quicker this way. Trust me.”
The Monk could only look at you confused.
“How will it be faster for you,Miss?” If anything, it would most likely be sower this way, especially at such high altitudes in the mountains.
You pull down your mask and walk towards the entrance of the cave.
“You’ll see, don’t worry. Just tell me the direction I need to go and I'll take you there.” Your voice went back to being cool as you stared forward at the open space of land.
Although doubt was still in him, Tripitaka compiled. “Well, I’m actually traveling towards the West, me and my disciples on journeying there. They are probably looking for me.”
“Got it.” There were mixtures of scents on the monk that were not his. But the one that stood out was that of a horse. If you were to get close enough, then you would find them.
“You may want to hold on tight. Trust me on this.” The monk did as he was told as you began to run. The speed that you were going already made the monk hold on tighter to your body. And you seemed to be getting even faster.
“Total Concentration…” You whispered to yourself. The legs go into inhuman speed. Water can be heard from behind as The monk could only hold on for dear life,The slayer leaving waves in her path.
We now follow three pilgrims as they travel to find their kidnapped master. A Monkey sage wears a look of frustration, A pig demon wears one of exhaustion, while a river demon wears one of worry.
As much as they have now gotten ‘used’ to their master being kidnapped, it still didn’t make it any less tedious. Especially for The Demon Monkey that always had to go rescue him.
“Unbelievable! Way to go,pig. You are the worst.Bodyguard.Ever!!” Wukong shouts at Zhu Bajie, while the Pig demon snorts at him with a gruff voice.
“Me!? Well maybe if you weren’t taking your sweet time gathering up food, I wouldn’t have fallen asleep! Some Great Sage!”
“I swear, once we find Baldy, I’m gonna-”
“Brothers, be calm!None of this will help us find Master anytime soon.”
The three continue until Monkey spotted something peculiar in his vision. He saw a figure traveling at full speed, if it was anyone else, they probably would have seen a blur, but his eye could see that it was a person, or perhaps thing: that was carrying their master in their arms a the Monk look petrified. The figure had a weird aura as their fox mask covered their face, and the clothes on their back was covered in blood.
It was hard to tell if it was a demon or not, but the Monkey knew only one thing. His Master was in trouble. This gave him enough reason to pull his staff out of his ear.
You could smell the fear of the monk that you were currently holding. But you couldn’t really blame him as you were going at max speed.
‘Maybe I should try to slow down a bit. Regular people aren't used to these movements. Plus,the scent is getting Heavier. That must mean I’m near. Hopefully they’ll be able to spot-’
You abruptly stop your train of thought, stopped in your tracks while holding the monk tightly as you jump back. A heavy thud is heard as staff meets ground, leaving behind a giant grater as the ground shakes at the impact. Only rubble hit you as you stared at the monk that began to cough at the debris.
“Unhand my Master, Stranger!”
You look up at the sky and you see what appears to be a Monkey. Well, more of a humanoid version of one as it wore a silk robe and a tiger kilt. His red and golden eyes pierced at you, coming closer to you as you gave the monk you were holding a look.
“Is this one of your disciples?”
“Yes, he is.” He gave an apologetic look before he yelled up at the Monkey. “ What, Wukong! This is just a misunderstanding. They actually-”
You set the Monk back down as you jump again to get away as The Sage saw an opportunity to strike you.
You only moved away as a flurry of attacks came your way. You couldn’t attack him like you would usually as this was a disciple of the monk. You had to think of a creative way to pacify him.
Tripitaka looks at the one sided battle between you and Wukong. He would have to do something. He quietly began to chant quietly as the circlet that was around Sun Wukong's head began to tighten, but it was only enough force to make him stop to grab his head in pain.
You saw the opening and took off your mask. You jumped up at him, Sun wukong saw your face and raised his eyebrow confused.
Without Warning, you take your head and bash it against the Demon Monkey. The Impact is loud as the thud is heard between the collision that happened. A Small Crack was Heard but there was no telling who’s skull it came from as both of you jumped back.
Both of you only stared at each other, making it a pseudo showdown. The rest of the pilgrims stare in disbelief at the display, expecting you to fall, but it looks like a close one. Blood began to seep out of both of your heads, the look of discomfort present in both your bodies. However, your eyes roll in the back of your head as you fall down, getting knocked unconscious.
The Monkey King wanted to grin in triumph, but as his vision blurred, he too also went down not long after, getting knocked unconscious as well.
The Group could only see the two. Nothing was said at the display that was just shown on them, while they laid unconscious on the ground.
“Ah! So you’re the legendary monk on the Journey To The West! Tripitaka, was it?” You asked with looks of wonder in your eyes.
It was nightfall and they had set up camp. Sun Wukong and the girl were bandaged up as the group settled down. The former had a peeved look on his face, glaring at the girl that caused the bump to form on his head, while the former held a look of amazement at the group, not caring about her current condition.
“That’s right, Miss. We’re on a journey to pick up some sacred scrolls and bring them back to the East. It…Hasn’t been an easy journey as you can see.” He sighed, taken aback at how so much has happened in one day.
You nod your head at his words. “Doesn’t look like it. Such an Important task seems like such a great feat. Doesn't it help that you seem to attract demons…also traveling with them?” You tilt your head in confusion.
Tripitaka smiled sheepishly. Yes, to normal bystanders, it would be questionable to have such strange company around him. It was always a chore to explain to people.
“Do not worry ,Miss. They will not harm any human in their path. They are also monks on this journey too.”
You stare for a moment before smiling at him too. “Well, if they're with you, then I suppose you're right!”
It felt right to trust the monk. Now that you think about it, It was easy to talk with him. Something about him and his crew made the gears in your head turn as you felt you were forgetting something.
You get up from your sitting position.
“You're the ones Guanyin Wanted me to find!” You pointed at the group that shared the same face of bewilderment as you pointed at the group. Wukong squinted his eyes at you, itching to grab his stuff if you pulled any funny business.
“You know, Calming presence, Lotus Flower, Bodhisattva of Mercy and compassion-”
“Yes, I know her. But, She has also talked to you as well?”
“Well, it’s more like she appeared in my dreams. She asked me to aid you in your journey and help you get to your goal! No wonder he didn’t tell me where you would be, you were already on my path this entire time!”
‘I can’t believe I almost forgot such important information.’ You silently scream at how useless your brain could be some time but still save face.
You cough in your sleeve and straighten up to bow at the Group.
“Let me formally introduce myself. I am (Y/N) (L/N). I am happy to help you on your journey.”
The group gave each other looks that were hard to read. This was much more interesting than they thought.
(I typed this out for a two days. lol. I decided to enter this monkey hell in my own creative way. I thought it would be interesting if the reader knew how to fight. And I love demon slayer so...yeah.)
