Currently Reading: Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas
(Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Mythological Chaos)
Boy do I have a book hangover today. Look, I had a plan. A beautiful, organized plan involving systematic reviews of beloved books from our collective teenage years. I even color-coded my reading schedule. But here’s the thing about plans: they’re adorable little fantasies we tell ourselves right before the book gods laugh…
Sometimes I get into the creative flow and I just have to STOP because yesterday morning I came up with an entire short story where the Nutcracker goes wrong; little Clara accidentally catches her finger in the Nutcracker’s mouth when she’s giving him a nut to crack, so he develops a taste for blood when he becomes a living being. I called it the Bonecracker and I am so bewildered by the fact that I sat down and thought “I could write and publish that this Christmas, people would definitely want to read that.”
Update: It’s published on my AO3 account (same name as my Tumblr account) and it’s the longest one shot I’ve ever written, you can find it in the reblogs of this post.
The Flight of the Western Crane: Chapter Twenty-four
(A reupload/repost of my fic/dark retellingof Journey to the West which can be also found on AO3 under the same name)
(General info about this fic/wip/retelling is here)
****
Although the Tripitaka didn’t deny his gratitude they were getting closer to a possible ally, he steadily grew anxious.
The thoughts lingered over the unknown fate of his guardian. The sharp pebbles, which got into his sandals, rent him as well as his memories. Each inhale of the little air that surrounded him crushed the inner voices. His cheeks and round earlobes turned red, perhaps even his body started mimicking the missing macaque.
Soon Sanzang’s mouth went dry and knees wobbled as he thought further,“How could I have abandoned you? I’m a foolish hypocrite. Amitabha. Shame on me. Amitabha. I won’t let go this time. Wukong, I’ll bring you back. You and Márgerdra and Bajie. No matter how far away you are now. If your souls aren’t among us anymore, I’ll find a way to bring you back.“
His steps remained as firm as his willpower became stout.
Sanzang stopped. Looking up, the mountain’s top shone through the clouds encircling it like claws of an icy blue behemoth that was the sky.
Finally, the young man smiled for the first time that day.
They arrived at last. Soon, Queen Shufen and Bai Long Ma, who also noticed and thus happily outran his Shifu in the path upwards, would surely convince the Spring Guardian.
Sanzang turned on his heels, prepared to spread his arms as if he were the mountain’s lord ready to welcome the visitors. All the joy washed away by the time he glimpsed at Mei.
Her long single braid, which Shufen helped her to make, hung past her shoulder since the princess kept her head low, almost too low for a person otherwise so full of life.
Sanzang slowly walked up to her, his stature easily towering over the young woman.
She shivered lightly before looking up to him. Sazang saw at last her reddened eyes, the skin around baggy with dark circles, yet her face a display of a blank piece of paper.
“Yes, Venerable Tripitaka?“
Sanzang broke his good manners and arched over to hear the monotone question. His brows rose, the expression reminiscent of a runaway horse. Still, his gentle hand stretched out to Mei’s upper arm,“Your Highness, this doesn’t blacken your heart a bit, do you realise?“
Mei showed him and the hope in the monk’s gaze faded away.
No delicate limb peeked out from the wide sleeve, no gentle fingers capable of the finest embroidery and writing the softest poetry touched him back. Instead, a stub wrapped in bandages stared back at him. Once again, she spoke quietly as if she were a mere ghost,“Although you have eyes, Venerable Tripitaka, Buddha still didn’t teach you how to see with them. I’ll pray for your blindness to be healed soon.“
“There must be another way!“
As she passed him, Mei added with regret reflected in her words, though unable to shed a tear anymore,“Thank you. You did more than enough. Yet the outside world is too unforgiving.“
Before Sanzang had the chance to respond, he noticed the rest of the group halted.
He saw the crane general had his head high like a hound. In the next moment, Jun’s demeanour transformed, his collected mask broke in half when the crane pointed to the black spot ahead of them on the other side of the vast but half-drained lake, which they reached only a while ago, and shouted harshly,“To the cave! Quickly!“
Not looking behind, they all obeyed.
Running by the lake’s shore was difficult enough for agile ones like Jun or Sha Seng, let alone for Shufen and especially Mei who were still garbed in long skirts and scarves with heavy jewellery.
Not only the rocks covered in algae posed an obstacle but also branches and leaves of the birch trees buried in the thick mud. It spattered under their soles, thus dark brown marks formed an uneven path.
There were so many sweat drops pouring down Sanzang’s head, his vision blurred as the blinking and wiping them wasn’t enough.
The moment Sanzang thought of slowing down, screeching, shouting and ringing of weapons reached him. Though a mistake, he briefly looked back.
At least two dozen well-armed vipers were after them. Suddenly, an electrifying feeling rushed down the monk’s spine. He realised they were less than wild foxes being hunted down by a group of blood-thirsty monsters more merciless than the hounds of a nobleman.
Yet, his heart missed a beat when he spotted the group’s leader who stood out in the plain background with her brightly coloured trousers and long shirt.
The moment, when the Handmaiden with a Nightingale Voice locked her eyes with the Tripitaka, lasted not more than a single exhale, but Sanzang saw every aspect of her blackened soul. The bitterness, the malice, the madness. Her own obsession.
Yawen’s smile widened beyond comprehension so much that Sanzang imagined her jaw to be dislocated any second. Her robes waved as if something started growing underneath. Soon, Yawen’s immense yet thin tail was revealed to the Buddhist as the demoness crawled, growing larger and larger in size till her initially tiny body was that on par with three bandits.
Quickly turning away from the horrible sight that would plague his dreams for many nights the monk sped up only to find out he was now as quick as Ol’ Sha.
With Yawen hot on their heels, the group managed to get on the other side of the damaged lake, though they were exhausted from the constant need of throwing rocks and casting spells behind in order to slow down their pursuers.
Just as they were rushing into the shadows, Sanzang heard a dull thud.
It was the physician who tripped over and was now rolling on the ground with a bandit jumping on him.
That was the last straw for Sanzang as the young maan clenched his fists, then quickly stretched the iron palm.
“With the palm’s side hitting the ear, you won’t cause much of an injury. But you’ll surely make the enemy disoriented for a good while, Shifu. Please, try it only once on this wooden block, for your own sake.“
Wukong’s words echoed with the image of the bitter-sweet memory.
The monk lounged at the viper.
Truly, his strike worked, earning enough time for the Buddhist to help the elder demon to recover. Even Mei with the dagger shining in her right hand got to the two quickly enough to create another distraction for the bandit. Her blade smoothly slid down his armour several times while she deftly dodged. Only at her seventh jab did the weapon’s tip find a spot by the armpit to penetrate the armour.
The princess backed away while the bandit roared in anguish. No matter how calm she tried to stay meanwhile helping the Tripitaka with the physician, Sanzang still read a great disturbance in her startled eyes.
Altogether, they screamed in the next moment because the rest of the vipers caught up to them and went to attack them.
Mei and Sanzang shut their eyes tight, prayers escaping the prison of their lips. Yet the ringing of weapons and Jun’s war cry brought them back to senses.
The crane demon fought like never before with his loyal sword in hand and shooting webs of lightings with his other limb while a pair of majestic wings sprouted from his back. Sha Seng grew a great measure and swung his spade as Bai Long Ma charged forward, biting around as the dragon blood boiled inside his veins. Neither did Shufen let herself be embarrassed.
Growing even larger wings than her nephew, she wrapped them around the three, only opening the tight embracing to send a pressure wave targeting the bandits.
The attackers flew back, the majority laid unmoving in the mud and a few even hit the water.
Alas, the worst was about to happen as Yawen slid down from the cave's roof where she hid during the chaos.
Her long tail swished in Shufen’s direction, who charged flying at the treacherous handmaiden. Shufen dodged the first two jabs, but the third hit her hard when the queen tried to fly around to attack from the back.
Before Yawen stretched out for the Tripitaka, Mei threw a sharp rock at the viper’s head since the princess could never reach the much larger yaoguai. Seeing the princess, all the contempt and rage within Yawen significantly increased until the viper nearly choked with her bile.
“Filthy whore! You and that fucking bitch sealed my gege’s fate!“ The venom spurted from Yawen’s fangs at Mei and it would’ve hit the princess if the monk hadn’t yanked her to the side.
With no dying girl in sight, the situation puzzled Yawen, though only temporarily. Her hesitation was enough for Sha Seng and Bai Long Ma to strike the demoness several times into her long tail. Under the unbearable pain Yawen collapsed, squirming and shrieking, vain efforts to protect her head under the web of her spider fingers from the sword that Jun was about to bring upon her neck.
Yet, the slightest of the giggles Sanzang recognised among the horrors presented, he yelled,“No! She’s bluffing!“
Yawen snapped her tail at all three. While the Friar Sand and the dragon horse were tossed into the long dark tunnel like Shufen before, Jun went the opposite direction and hit the wall behind him. The impact was so strong, the cave shook tremendously.
“Get inside, fools! Hide!“ the crane shouted after Sanzang and Mei, who attempted to drag along them inside.
As the viper yaoguai went to grab Mei, Sanzang stood in between them for the last time only to understand the true reason as to why Miss Yawen went the unusual lengths to keep her nails in even better condition than the queen.
A deep scratch across the monk’s chest stung the man like thousands of bees at the same time. Only thanks to the stallion he didn’t fall onto the floor to perish under the weight of the rocks as he quickly scooped him and the princess on his back to rush deeper into the cave.
Glancing behind, he heard Shufen’s cry while Sha Seng carried the queen over his shoulder.
“Wukong…“
In the dying light, just as he was fainting, the silhouette of Yawen carrying the unmoving bodies of the physician and the general disappeared from the monk’s vision.
****
Bajie advised his brother to take a quick nap after applying the last bits of medicine he and the she-wolf prepared despite Wukong being now in a seemingly great shape.
The Monkey King obeyed reluctantly. A faint melody he instantly recognised accompanied him while walking by the shallows of dreams. However, it was the acrid smell coming from the cracks of embers lining the fire pit. Blinking a few times, he noticed the Wolf Witch was sitting in front of neverdying fire. Her whip could have sung under her attentive touch, a welcoming change from the shore and its stones’ rough treatment.
“You must really like the song when you hum it all the time, blondie,“ Wukong rolled on his side to watch over the cave better.
The witch replied but kept treating the old leather until she was at last satisfied with the result,“Master would sing it to us.“
“A lullaby?“
“No. But as children, anything would put us to sleep,“ Márgerdra stood up to go over to Bajie’s rake and carefully checked one of the teeth’s tips - the metal rattled under her touch despite it being lighter than butterfly wings. “Brother Bajie will return soon.“
“Is he taking a leak?“
“Probably, I don’t deny.“
Márgerdra’s concern grew when she turned around to see Wukong standing up. Although his strength was back, worry seized the reins. She quickly rushed to him. The lack of her presence by the fire pit revealed a pile of small river shells, birch leaves and twigs.
“Do you want one of us to quickly tend to your cudgel?“
“Good old Ruyi Jingu Bang doesn’t need much,“ Wukong smirked upon the idea of Márgerdra chanting above those shells but soon his heartwarming smile ceased to be.
He gently wiped her nose. It was more out of habit as there was no trickle on her skin.
“I stopped once my head started aching. Still, I’m positive Yawen serves that monster well. She captured somebody too. Other than that, nothing,“ Márgerdra cut herself before her gaze focused on Wukong’s left shin. Hesitation carved into her features.
The Great Sage took her hand while the Wolf Witch handed him a tunic with a buckle and a shoulder pad. Márgerdra shivered from his whisper.
“I’ll wait. Even if it would mean a thousand years. I trust in you, your visions and your judgement. All of us do, Great Wolf Witch.“
“Great?“ Márgredra cocked her eyebrow,“Wukong, I have no need for a new title.“
“Afraid it’s another empty one like mine back in the day?“
His genuineness made her fumble despite all odds.
“That’s an advantage,“ the Qitian Dasheng winked,“It’s up to you to fill the emptiness.“
Márgerdra crossed her arms, her voice and features hard like steel. “I did change my ways. Shall it be enough, however?“
“Only when you deem so.“
Her warm breath transformed into white whirls of vapour when it met with the surrounding fresh air. Clearly Márgerdra’s mind swarmed with considerations of all kinds.
The soft candle’s glow and the inked paper touches their skins. The snowy magnolia flowers, so elegant and pure, hide them and allow them to bathe in the moon veil undisturbed.
But she knew more. Márgerdra saw something in her last visions and now restrains from telling. Wukong wondered what caused it - fear, respect or necessity.
Bajie entered the cave. An obedient metal bird settled among his thick fingers and let its master sharpen the nine dangerous beaks. He grunted,“The ducks these days. So much denser than in the past. They seem only to fly ‘round each other way too hesitant to come onto the water with the flock. Maybe ‘cause the sun hasn’t shown itself properly yet.“
“Bajie, speak up when you talk!“
“Sorry, Big Bro. I was thinkin’.“
“About what?“
“‘Bout how much I better hug little Mei and our monk boy Sanzang once we get ‘em.“
“If we get them,“ Márgerdra retrieved her whip while the gloomy gaze slid on the few shells.
A single wave of her hand and the fire went out. In its place, a simple grey ribbon was rising above the dead firepit. Like an elegant cobra, it climbed Márgerdra’s left forearm and vanished above her head. As it did, Márgerdra suppressed a growl as her mind caught on fire with something sinister lurking around.
Zhu Bajie didn’t register it, however, and bumped into the witch’s side playfully,“Don’t ya worry, miss. All three of us made a name for ourselves, aye? Besides, there are two other brave disciples that monster must battle in order to get to our Shifu and Her Highness. I got this little voice in the back of my head sayin’ the kids can take good care of themselves, too!“
“How on Earth would you know that?“ The Monkey King’s head shook vehemently alongside his tail that seemed to have a willpower of its own.
“Well, didn’t ya teach them?“ Before anyone spoke, the boar’s massive hands flapped. Bajie turned around, one of his ears almost smacking Wukong across the face unless the monkey’s astonishing reflexes hadn’t been put to work. “They’re far more courageous and fierce than ya give ‘em credit for. Guess they took after ya without ya ever realisin’.“
“Let’s go, company! Better get to our destination before the sunset. We’ve got yer double doing a terrible job of impersonating ya.“
The boar’s footsteps, which smaller feet of his senior followed, rumbled, only to die out where the cave’s shadows met the sunshine.
It was Márgerdra’s resonant voice that stopped the two,“Gentlemen, whatever happens, please, know that it was an honour to fight beside you, the chosen ones of Bodhisattva Guanyin and protectors of Jin Chanzi.“
A smile splattered from one cheek to another while a thundering laughter went through the wide gap of Zhu Bajie’s mouth, “Oh, miss, what an honour it was to know such a beautiful, delightful and talented wonder as well! Ya’re even sharper than all the Heavenly steel I’ve ever witnessed! Both in mind and arms, Great Wolf Witch!“
“Bajie, where did you get that name from? Were you eavesdropping?“ The she-wolf was about to put down the boar’s palm from her shoulder when Pigsy’s arms encircled her whole torso. His strong embrace pushed all the air out of the witch’s lungs, however she didn’t complain. “No, miss, it just occurred to me the name’d suit ya.“
Noticing Wukong rolled his eyes, Bajie pulled him in in spite of the monkey’s complaints.
Bajie set out first, a rare occurrence for sure.
“I, Great Wolf Witch, though still haven’t touched the lotus’ petals nor bathed in the sun’s clear light, am a changed woman. I’m prepared to face my fate at last thanks to you. It was an honour, Great Sage Equal to Heaven.“
At first, her words were a delight to be remembered as the Monkey King watched the she-wolf walk out with a head raised high above, as fearless and as calm as it was possible.
But shivers ran down his spine despite the warm breeze hitting him repeatedly.
****
Bai Long Ma’s back became gradually uncomfortable, however, Mei couldn’t leave Sanzang unsupported. Crimson coloured his whole tunic in the front and the slash seemed to only worsen over the time passed. Although wordless, the Buddhist’s shaky breaths were easy to distinguish in the musty air. The Princess of the Great Tiger Kingdom wasn’t any better as her perfectly still posture soon crumbled. Her face was just as pale as the monk’s from the fatigue, injuries and dismay.
Sanzang’s weight gently shifted in order not to crush the princess. However what the monk hoped to be a better position for them both turned into a grave mistake. Strength left his body and even if Mei still had her left arm, she wouldn’t manage to catch him.
The dragon horse’s scared neighing attracted attention as the monk slipped to the floor and stayed there unmoving.
Mei was the first to kneel beside him and like a child, the princess kept nudging his side.
“Don’t worry, Your Highness. He’ll get better like you! Shifu, look at me. I’ll apply…“
Sandy’s blue fingers didn’t grab any flacon or an ointment. In fact, he grew more frantic when he didn’t find the whole bag of remedies which usually clung to his left side.
“No use for your tears, Sand Monk or yours, little girl,“ Shufen spoke slowly, at first sounding as if the scene ahead of her was a mundane occurrence,“Neither mine saved my little boy so why are you of the opinion these shall salvage the young master?“
“Your Majesty, you promised us something. We have a deal! Help us! Surely, a being powerful like you must know how to heal such wounds. Laozi taught you after all-“
“I would if I could. What do you think, Friar Sand,“ Shufen’s voice gradually rose,“why exactly was there an attempt to grow the heavenly trees and to harvest the miraculous fruits? Why did I need those and the monk’s blessed flesh to feed on as well?“
Naturally graceful and elegant, she was hardly prone to losing her temper. However, something broke inside. Defeat settled down as Shufen kneeled by Sanzang’s side to take his hand. It, like the rest of his body, was sweaty. Yet, thankfully, not shaking like a livid beast, a symptom feared by everyone present.
“Foolish we are, Sand Monk. All of us.“
Even those bits of resolution were a spark of a bygone era when Shufen’s whisper failed to bounce in the dark space as it would before,“With no Master Simiao, we can’t do much.“
Her fingers brushing his hair made Sanzang open his eyes. But only momentarily. Taking no more than one or two heartbeats, his gaze vanished behind the drapery of lashes.
“If only I had listened sooner.“ When the droplets landing on the rock sharper than a dragon’s tooth ceased to be in that faraway end of the narrow corridor, the crane demoness added,“Although the dragon horse’s relative should possess enough strength and energy to help me heal your Shifu. After all, you’re descendants of Dragon Kings. But shall we be quick enough? Even more, I’ve sensed something must have happened to your relative, Ao Lie. He may refuse us, he may not even be there deep in his lair. The Mother of the Jade Valley at last falls like her kingdom only to be covered by dust with no legacy left behind.“
Bai Long Ma didn’t shy away under her intense gaze. On the other hand, Mei’s heart began chasing. With wobbly legs, the young princess stood up to confront her,“What do you mean ‘quick enough’? You’re the Azure Crane of Immortality! You were surely a disciple of Laozi! Mount Kunlun gave birth to you like Mount Huaguo gave birth to Qitian Dasheng! Out of all people, is it you who’s afraid of running out of time? That demoness took my hand! She scarred me for life, left me out for ridicule, butchered many of your loyal folk like pigs, now terribly harmed the Tang monk and you fear your effort is up to nothing?!“
“A log can hardly defy the flow of a stream it has been thrown into.“
“Maybe,“ Mei mentioned for Ol’ Sha and together they sat Sanzzang back onto Bai Long Ma’s back with Mei supporting the fainted monk from the back,“But once you were willing otherwise. All that for your family or for your love. Now that we may finally reach the light of a new hope, you doubt, Your Majesty. Hence, let me ask you. Do you intend for the fiend to catch you? Or are you prepared to face your consequences with the knowledge of those around you, those whom you care so much about, being safe? Isn’t that your legacy? Your dynasty certainly never wished to be remembered as cowards or merciless killers.“
Sha Seng nodded after each proof presented. A wide proud smile grew on his fish-like mouth meanwhile the dragon horse’s vivid white mane waved in the air as he tossed his head.
Only a handful of words, yet they all solidified the queen’s previously shaken will. Her doubts, one by one, faded away.
The Mother of the Jade Valley firmly planted her feet next to Bai Long Ma and offered Sanzang one last comforting rub on his knee while expressing her honesty to Mei,"Young one is the descendant of the Great Tiger Throne after all. With the Tang monk, you possess a brave heart. I value and respect that. Especially considering you’re not like us. None of the yaoguai blood flows in your veins.“
“Is it a ‘yes’, then, Your Majesty? Shall you lead us to the Spring Guardian?“ Wujing raised the question in an auspicious tone, though one easily read the confidence inherited from his seniors,“I’m positive you’re familiar with these dark corridors more than us. Besides, I fear this summoned light ball isn’t going to last long. It would be rather convenient for us to meet brother Bai’s relative quickly.“
Shufen stepped out into the murky space. The air around got into motion when her hand, scratched badly and dirty from dust and mud, waved,“Follow me, Pilgrims.“
****
The cold of the stone floor bit into Jun and Master Simiao’s knees when the guards were dragging them into the throne room. The chains were ringing and swinging but the enchanted steel refused to break when the crane flexed all his body.
“Home sweet home. Do I stand correct, dear master of the Azure Crane Dynasty?“ somebody ahead trilled the welcome.
Yawen was sitting on the throne. A gold crown displayed in hands. She was playing with it like a child until the precious jewell crashed on the floor. Its pearls rolled around with the noise startling everyone except the general.
“Sorry,“ Yawen covered her mouth and giggled. She swung her legs and leapt forward. “It’s a miracle the goose's neck didn’t break. I better ask the jeweller to make mine lighter while also more splendid. This one’s always looked cheap.“
Jun gulped. He struggled to keep his calm attitude when Yawen made her way closer.
Her grin grew wide after she shaded her eyes. “Do my pretty eyes deceive me? Is it truly our most honorable Master Physician? I thought you were to visit your relatives, hence your absence at Her Majesty’s wonderful celebration. Or were you hiding him?“ Yawen’s gaze narrowed when directing her attention to Jun.
Nonetheless, she returned to her relaxed, even playful stance at once. “Anyway, a pleasure to meet you again, old wretched bastard,“ she snuffled,“Too bad you didn’t get dropped into the lake. You could use a bath, per usual.“
“It was only a relatively good day when meeting with you, miss. It seems nothing’s changed.“
Jun joined Master Simiao in wearing his heart on sleeve. Even more when Yawen fondled his dishevelled hair. The crane yaoguai pulled away under the pressure of her hand.
“You won’t blink quick enough and you’ll be dead for what you’ve done to us.“
His tone progressed gradually. He would’ve sent more threats until he heard Master Simiao’s clinking teeth. Jun turned to where Yawen faced. The shock took over him as well.
From the shadows, a short man, a yaoguai, with burning eyes and steel face stepped out. His sharp and awful face lit when his gaze fell upon the prisoners.
“A little bird got his wings crushed,“ the macaque joked and let the smug grin take over,“Who is this little fella, viper?“
“Dear, why are you so shy to call me by my name?“ Yawen sounded annoyed but she kept circling around Liu’er Mihou at whom both men stared in disbelief. “Isn’t it obvious? The young soldier is the queen’s nephew and the bearded yaoguai is the royal physician. Though, he is more of a charlatan, in my opinion.“
“Jun, am I right?“ Liu’er Mihou squatted down, ignoring baffled Yawen.
“You’re a handsome fellow. You’re big, too. Why the ugly frown, grandson? Do you want to say something to your elder?“ The initial sneer changed. Long yellow hair glinted between his thumb and index finger. His voice dropped as the macaque went on,“Where are they, boy? Where is my Shifu? Don’t lie, I can smell them and see their presence all around you.“
When Jun didn’t reply, Liu’er Mihou motioned to the guards. The dry snake skin flayed Jun as they forced his right hand to extend.
Liu’er Mihou repeated his questions ten times and ten times the crane refused to tell. Each time, either his nail was removed or his finger was crushed by the weight of the imposter’s cudgel. He would then yell and wail like a wind barging inside the house during the harshest winter. A hard kick in the stomach silenced it quickly.
Master Simiao shook his head and pleaded,“Mercy on the poor man! I’ll tell you! I will!“
Corners of Liu’er Mihou’s lips twirled up. One last punch made Jun lose his consciousness so Liu’er Mihou listened to the physician’s story.
At first, Yawen was slyly circling around. Occasionally, she drew closer to play with the macaque’s hair but he drove her off. Despite the physician talking rapidly, her face hardened when a realisation kicked in.
It was a vain attempt of hers to place the attention elsewhere.
“One more word, Yawen, and I’m ripping out that forked tongue. I’ve had enough of your constant blabbering.“
“Then, Miss Yawen captured us. Well, she intended to take the Venerable Master, too,“ Simiao stuttered when Liu’er Mihou grinned but his twisted joy dispersed soon,“The ceiling collapsed then and I only noticed the slash across the poor boy’s chest.“
“Slash? What slash?“
For the first time since meeting her, Simiao saw Yawen pleading, but his fear over Jun’s wellbeing was greater,“Miss Yawen injured him. I fear the monk may not be among us anymore. Unless, they reached the Spring Guardian in time.“
Quick as a flash, a hand swished in the air.
In the next moment, Yawen fell onto her side. The burning sensation in her cheek spread around from the five scratches.
“You hurt him?!“ the palace’s walls shook under his rumbling voice.
“My liege, I would never dare!“
“Lying filth!“ another slap fell upon her,“You laugh when I point out they fight like rabid dogs and don’t see the bigger picture. Yet you’re the same. I told you not to lie a finger on my Shifu! Now I have to teach you a lesson.“
Liu’er Mihou grabbed her hair. In the corner of her eye, matt metal surfaced from the dim light and made her honeyed words turn into a helpless shriek,“Please don’t, my liege! I might have scratched that monk in the hurry. But it’s because of this vermin here! Please, my dearest, it was not my fault. If they hadn’t put up any resistance-“
“Shut it!“
The cudgel shattered the floor next to Yawen’s head, the sharp bits barely missed her.
Yawen stared, her eyes wide open. She barely sucked in the air that was forcefully pushed from her only a moment ago.
Above her, Liu’er Mihou was standing astride. The sight of him woke the ancient dread lurking within any living being. His eyes alight exactly like the vessels, those seething webs and worms living under his skin. His mouth grew bigger, wider. The same grotesque and unproportional twist spread to the rest of his face.
In the heat of the moment, the guile broke through to make her bargain. “The immortality fruit! Give the boy the immortality fruit and you won’t need to fear for his safety anymore!“
The trick worked. As rapidly as he flared up, his petrifying appearance dissolved and his rage with it. Only his right palm still glowed.
Liu’er Mihou offered it to Yawen who had no choice but to accept.
He snarled at first but the more he saw of her tearing from the pain, the more he allowed himself to chuckle.
“There’s water in that jug. You can use it.“ Before the macaque left the room, he didn’t forget to pat Jun on the side of his head with the same hand. Hair and skin was sizzling while Jun tumbled down. Simiao crawled to him but the guards took hold of them until they were lost in the vast complex of the palace.
“Viper, don’t make me wait. You know how bad I can be with my temper.“
As soon as Yawen heard the tapping on the front door, she bolted out of the throne room. She kept the pace during their whole walk until they reached the upper gardens.
When she was unlocking the gate, she trembled again. The dread mixed with her excitement under Liu’er Mihou’s intense gaze.
“Out of my way.“
She was about to ask but instead Yawen nearly jumped from her skin. The macaque’s fist collided with the moon gate. Another one landed, then the next one. He kept on going but with his patience, his strength was draining too.
The viper used his state to her advantage. She stated proudly,“My liege, now you see if you get rid of me, you won’t reach your goal. I’m the key to your success.“
She slithered her hand around his nape. With all the confidence attempted to create the seal one last time. She sighed under her breath with great relief when the magical lock clicked.
They entered. As expected, Liu’er Mihou’s gaze fell onto the two trees and he remained focused on them meanwhile Yawen was telling him their history.
“But we are past the full moon already.“
“Indeed, my liege. You can already see some of the damage,“ the viper demoness motioned towards the rotting fruits hanging above them,“those that are lower to the ground were protected by the leaves of this and the neighbouring tree. The moonlight didn’t affect them as much. However, we must act quickly. I can assure you that your Master is safe. It was only a short way to the Spring Guardian. He is sworn to the demon queen, he won’t deny to help. Once he returns, feed him one of the fruits. Make him smell these flowers. You must if you wish to reach the West. Due to my small contribution, I ask you for a favour, though.“
“Which is?“
“Your power is immense. There’s no harm in gifting a small portion of it away. Even more if it sparks another life. Life that will fight for your cause, carry out the will you deem worthy. Life that shall obey as it is the pivotal filial duty of each child.“
Liu’er Mihou’s brows wrinkled.
“I have no need to force you to make me your wife,“ Yawen brushed away the few short strands above Liu’er Mihou’s scar,“A loyal mistress is enough. You’ll give me the title, all that comes with it. Everything done at my command, the world lying at our feet, the immortal life. In return, I’ll gladly reward you with heirs, the best of soldiers. Your seed…“
Her hands were moving down while she was speaking. They travelled his body, firm and determined to finally achieve what the handmaiden wanted, in search for a knot. Her forked tongue flickered even more when his fingers playfully drew circles on her wrist.
The joy was short-lived, yet. The fire of their sacred intimate dance went out as soon as Liu’er Mihou’s grip tightened. Yawen was laughing it off at first. However, she quickly cast her gaze to the ground.
“My life essence, you mean,“ Liu’er Mihou wasn’t holding back his disgust,“This is my last warning Yawen. I don’t have a problem with awarding when it comes to gold or a prolonged life. You’re smart. But beware, not as much as you like to think. You do your part of the deal and I may consider an appropriate reward. If I feel generous enough, it truly might be special. Until then, don’t push your luck or my patience.“
“So sceptical. So lonely and deprived yet so afraid of a woman’s touch,“ Yawen went in to stroke his cheek but it became the far side of the Moon to the demoness who taunted him further,“Are you saving it for that she-wolf?“
This time, he didn’t throw her to the ground, although the pressure pushed her away far enough for her not to touch him. His command was stern as if directed at a dog, and Yawen obeyed happily because her blinded eyes saw the picture far greater for her mind to comprehend in the right way. Liu’er Mihou showed her to the small pavilion by the two trees,“Wait for me there. I’ll take a closer look at what good ol’ Laozi once crafted.“
“Indeed, my dear. Shall I prepare some delicious yulan tea in the meanwhile? Or peach one to help you relive the memories from the Heavens fully?“
Her daring chuckle amused Liu’er Mihou who agreed, much to Yawen’s surprise,“Of course, Yawen. That is an offer I probably won’t refuse. Not even from you.“
****
“Your Majesty,“ the Friar Sand’s bashful face glistened above Shufen’s shoulder when the Pilgrims’ feet touched the floor of yet another vast passage,“are you certain this is the lair?“
The demoness’ hand swished in the air and although Wujing’s head ducked down, Shufen intended to create another flying light sphere.“If you’d like to continue to question my judgment, Sand Monk, then it’s for the better that you leave this group and wander around freely. We shall see whether you can locate the guardian faster.“
Although Shufen’s sharp answer ended their short lived banter, Mei furrowed her brows. Not only the smallest of the group but also the youngest, she wished to admonish the two for disturbing the Tang monk whose last mumbles had faded away. Only Mei’s immense respect, and possibly even bits of fear, for Shufen didn’t allow the princess to utter a single word which would travel with them alongside those empty tunnels.
In the end, she sighed into the Tripitaka’s ear, to which he murmured back with pleas. Pleas stammered for a simple drop of the clearest of all waters, but the hurt surely stained the monk’s light voice.
It flowed in between his shallow breaths and words woke up remorse in Shufen. Once she tried to press her glowing palm to the monk’s wound, her legs gave up.
“Your Majesty!“ both Mei and Wujing exclaimed while Bai Long Ma carefully caressed the queen’s cheek with his long snout.
The queen coughed when Sha Seng picked her up from the ground to carry her. However, it didn’t take long for the prideful demoness to protest. “Your Majesty, I understand you wish not to become little more than a mere baggage. Yet it goes against the logic to let you walk. Don’t you worry, Her Highness shall provide even more care to our Shifu. For now,“ good Ol’ Sha tearfully gazed back at Sanzang whose pale skin glowed on the dark background; even Mei regained some of her colours back, though her spirits seemed to have wandered too far away despite her never-ceasing caution around the monk,“you must listen.“
“Who on Earth do you think you are speaking to? Shut that nonsense at once!“ she commanded with a strong voice worthy of a hundred of the toughest of generals.
Yet the idea such noise would go unnoticed, especially in the depth they managed to reach after a long walk, was foolish.
The walls quaked and crumbled and, unlike before, a booming roar was pushing itself through the passage. It paralyzed the incomers, yet a pleasant realization soon hit them.
They’re close. The Spring Guardian is here and alive.
Shufen stopped protesting about Ol’ Sha carrying her. A grin finally appeared on Mei like Sanzang mastered a similar grimace as he overcame his sleepiness and watched the path Bai Long Ma’s hooves rang upon.
At once, their breath was snatched by the overwhelming beauty that was hidden underneath the hostile rocky environment.
There, standing by the edge of the path’s end, a valley on its own sprawled across what at first sight seemed to be a chamber. Upon bringing their gazes up, the group discovered the ceiling was absent. Instead, a veil like a fishnet freshly taken out from the sea glistened above their heads and the protective seal in the centre radiated like a local sun. In the four corners, waterfalls brought the much needed irrigation to the ancient ginkgo trees. Further down, a grove of thorny bamboo rose up from the soft moss carpet and eventually, the bright heads of heliconias caught their attention as they burnt like stars fallen from the sky in that blue glow.
Sanzang’s clouded mind tried to process the beauty but also the possible dangers lurking under the surface. Shiny leopard eyes or a wolf’s tail were often present not only in the regular forests but also in other karsts he and his disciples had to travel through. Although, the whole basin was nothing ordinary.
The following sight proved it.
In the sinkhole’s centre, a mound sat. As they proceeded closer, it enlarged into a hill and by the time they were by its side, Wujing understood the reason behind Bai Long Ma’s excitement.
Behind a small shrine, which housed a crystal clear spring, a gigantic creature laid on its side. At least twenty thousand chi in height and twice as long, the Spring Guardian staggered the Pilgrims. His visage was both petrifying and enigmatic as the Dragon Kings’ kinsman shone his pearl-like lidless eyes in the ever-present gloom. His broad head was covered in wrinkles like the rest of his black body that dozen white rodents ran along.
“Huoshu?!“ Bai Long Ma paused in surprise,“I haven’t seen them in ages.“
Wujing wondered too,“But what are they doing here? I thought the water kills fire rats.“ As curiosity got the better of him, Sandy forgot to watch his tone. Once hearing his nearly yelled observation, the huoshu fled in all directions until not a single of their white silk hair or naked tails were perceived in among the low bushes.
Before Bai Long Ma reprimanded his senior for disrupting the peace, the roar they’d already heard grunted,“I hear visitors, yet only one smells familiar. You, Your Majesty, I greet you warmly in my den. Therefore I must ask the rest of you. State your name and title!“
“Cousin, fear not as it is me,“ the dragon horse firmly planted his hooves in the ground to shout at the top of his longs,“Ao Lie, the son of your most revered relative, the Dragon King of the West Sea Ao Run! With me is Princess Mei of the Bain Dynasty of the Great Tiger Kingdom who decided to travel by the side of my dearest shifu, who hails from the Great Tang Dynasty in the East, Tang Sanzang. Lastly, here's present one of my senior brothers, the monk from the River of Flowing Sands, Sha Wujing.“
“Ao Run’s son? Come closer,“ the Spring Guardian sat up. At last, he lifted his large head and tried to focus on the dragon horse. It took a moment as he sniffed both the dragon horse and the monk, yet the great salamander offered a warm smile and lamented,“Yes, I remember. Little cousin Lie from the West Sea. So many years, so many…“
However, before memories resurfaced from the sticky mud of the ancient mind, the giant halted. “Are you claiming this poor child here in the saddle is Tang Sanzang? The chosen one of Bodhisattva Guanyin? Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation?“
“Truly, dearest friend,“ Shufen let Wujing put her down. She weighed each step, but eventually closed the distance between her ally to caress the slimy snout,“Here, as I witness your poor state, I fear I might be asking too much.“
“No such thing, Your Majesty. It is you whom I owe everything for you didn’t let Death take hold of me all those years ago.“
“Still, old age has caught up to you as we see.“
“Don’t you mention it. It is you - Your Majesty, my beloved family I haven’t seen in ages and his most venerable Shifu born to fetch the scriptures. Don’t say anything now, however. Instead,“ the Spring Guardian watched Mei and Wujing bring down the monk who moaned whenever anything brushed against his blackening wound,“bring him here, quickly. And you, young lady, show me your hand.“
After Mei persisted in her place with shock dimming her gaze caused by the great beast’s gurgle, the salamander added,“Don’t worry, Your Highness. I don’t bite.“
“But I will if you don’t save the Tripitaka,“ Mei peeped back as she struggled with Sanzang leaning on her.
It wasn’t her trembling frame nor the small halt before she spoke that drew a chuckle from the Spring Guardian but the determination and the bravery she chose in spite of her shock.
The Spring Guardian’s amusement dispersed. The bloodied wraps around the princess’ limb were gone and the disfigurement laid there in plain sight, insolent and insulting. Despite the initial treatment the Spring Guardian’s watched its edges turning grey.
“Master Simiao improvised as much as he could,“ Sanzang uttered with the last bits of strength,“yet it’s not enough, is it?“
“Death’s by your throat. Yet you keep asking for everyone but yourself.“ The giant chuckled. He positioned his head until his white eye stood in front of them like a great mirror,“Don’t move nor gaze elsewhere, children.“
Although nothing seemed to have happened to the observing Pilgrims, Wujing quickly followed Shufen’s staggering walk as both Sanzang and Mei fell to their knees. Similarly, the huoshu ran out from their hiding. With little cups in their mouths, they filled them with water from the spring. Half was given to Mei and Sazang while the rest quickly poured it over the salamander. Some of the fire rats squealed in pain once the droplets landed on their thin paws but none stopped in reaching their goal.
Both mortals thanked the guardian thoroughly and so profusely their gratitude would’ve perceived it as insincere
“The stinging shall be gone any time soon now like those gashes, children,“ the salamander grunted and finally stopped shaking,“this water heals every wound.“
“Could we take some with us? There’s many who need it outside!“
“Only if you have a plant to store it, Shifu,“ Bai Long Ma noted,“The seal provides this effect only for the water that flows under its influence like a watchful eye.“
Sanzang shook his head, the world around him spinning when he stood up. His protests didn’t go silent,“Are you coming, then, Spring Guardian? Is my suspicion correct if I claim that you were in charge of spreading this water as blessed rain coming down on the people’s heads? If Her Majesty saved you before, that means you serve her, don’t you?“
“Jin Chanzi, careful with your tongue. It appears it sharpened in a fashion your oldest disciple liked to practice.“ Even when reprimanding Sanzang, Shufen couldn’t bring herself to be as harsh on him as she was on Wujing. Her eyes danced among him, the guardian and the ground where her feet were firmly planted, her mind occupied with thoughts of a dark future.
“Dear boy, don’t think I don’t revere you or that I have no interest in living creatures. Yet do you see this wretched state of mine?“ the Spring Guardian motioned to the huoshu running around,“I rely on their help, their good will to waste their precious short-lived time on me.“
Sanzang tried to persuade the giant numerous times. It took so long that the rest even decided to take a rest among the sleeping fire rats. Their hair gave off pleasant warmth and its softness brought an unexpected comfort. When Sanzang turned to confirm his suspicion, he found them all sound asleep. Bai Long Ma never seemed so exhausted, Wujing had attempted to keep himself awake thus keeping the cross-legged pose on the ground. One of the fire rats let Mei rest her head on it while another specimen became a toy she could squeeze during her sleep. Lastly he gazed at Shufen who appeared like an exquisite orchid.
The monk thought hard.
“You won’t help, after all. Is it truly your final decision?“ he directed his gleaming eyes up.
“I’m afraid so. There’s the last wish of mine that says my heart yearns to witness the palace of my great forefathers for the last time. As it is located far away, beyond the seas, my body needs a long rest before the final flight. I am no crane as light as a spring breeze. Instead, I have to save my strength,“ the Spring Guardian muttered and held up his trembling front paw,“Hence I withheld this year with a blessing. I can only hope I have paid all my dues for Her Majesty’s sacrifice when she pulled me from Death's grasp all those years ago.“
Sanzang hung his head low and turned. He was stumbling farther away, kicking into a tiny rock like he used to play jianzi, first in secret at his monastery, later with his disciples, although he always pretended not to be bothered by secular things.
The wet soil squelched till the feet settled on a large moss. It was nearly a perfect circle, a thick coat sewed for the low rock which laid there similarly to the amphibian.
Like the finest diamonds in the world, the droplets from the wildly running water glittered in the air. Falling to the ground, they sprinkled the soil alongside the monk’s tears equally sacred as the place around.
Sanzang didn’t wipe them. Inhale and exhale alternated but the hands almost didn’t connect in prayer as the shaking pads failed to remain restrained.
“Amitabha.“
At first, the mantra travelled through space just as loudly as the waterfall’s endless hum. What started as a low but soft steadily decreased. In the end, Sanzang was opening his mouth like a fish, voiceless, confused and lost.
Perhaps it was merely tens of minutes. To him, each second seemed like an hour.
New questions, new doubts popped out. But no answer he searched for.
“Bodhisattva, please, enlighten my mind. It’s as if a rabbit ran in the tall grass-“ He wondered. At last, in the moment of the greatest despair, he threw away all the ceremonial talk and with it, he stripped himself of the pretended balance and grace he’d only tapped, never fully touched nor grasped, let alone seen and understood.
“It is all my fault. I am scared. Yes. I was taught to throw away all the earthly matters, all the emotions. But now what else remains other than those, Bodhisattva Guanyin,“ Sanzang looked into the distance where he imagined the spectacular depiction of the bodhisattva.
The child broke the stern pose. His hands slid down to touch the ground as he continued,“How could we fetch the sutras if we aren’t one in heart and soul? I broke the trust, I crushed my protectors. So many sins and I always let people use my title. Please, Bodhisattva Guanyin, if you hear, answer my call. Make sure all those citizens are safe. That they regain their homes soon. That the fiend finds the real purpose instead of the pillaging and murder. Humans and yaoguai, What’s the difference? They both wish for peace. They all deserve to be redeemed, saved, helped. I’ll pay with my life if it’s needed. Why bother to reach the West and dream of great things when I can’t do anything. This journey is not about protecting the essence within me. Take it, bodhisattva, and give it to the families of this valley, give it to the Spring Guardian, give it to Her Majesty, to little Mei, to my disciples. Please, reach Wukong and Márgerdra and give it to them. The strength he needs now that I’ve betrayed him. Him and Márgerdra put us, me, to sleep. Why did I turn my back on them? All of these people were caught up in these horrors! Please, bodhisattva, I beg you to show me at least one single sign you heard me out!“
Unaware his last cry was loud enough to attract attention, Sanzang gazed up. The strange sky above with the seal penetrated his vision. “That light,“ the boy murmured to himself with an aching smile faintly appearing on his lips,“its shine’s bold like you both.“
His throat burnt, the pain in his ears gradually built up. The saliva in his mouth became sticky like the mud nearby. It didn’t water his mouth, hence Sanzang choked slightly when he presented the last part of his plea,“My decisions led to misfortune. Even if I ever find my kassaya again, I could never wear it. I’ll set out for the Jade Peak to stop this madness, Bodhisattva Guanyin. If the fiend who wears the face of my most loyal guardian wants me, then he’ll have me. Guide me, bodhisattva, on my way to reach my last decision, hopefully a wise one this time.“
A few twigs cracked behind and set the monk on alert. Sanzang searched for any sign of danger. Chill ran down his spine when he found nothing. Then, the sound came back again. However, it wasn’t twigs only.
Trees themselves were breaking as a great mass made its way to him. Sanzang nearly fell back on his rear when the gargantuan shadow forced his eyes to dart up.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 (🌶️) | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Interlude 1
Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19
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Excerpt
"Let's find somewhere more private, hm?" Garreth Weasley whispers, each word thrumming on Livia Novik's eardrum.
His fingers bruise into her waist. She doesn't need to glance to the corner where the shadows coalesce to know Sebastian Sallow roves his smouldering eyes about her.
She leads Garreth through the corridors to the Room of Requirement. Within, it's all silks and damasks and feathery bed, but Garreth won't lay her down on it. Not tonight. The Collector needs to feed and Livia and Sebastian have no choice but to oblige him. Garreth claws her closer, his tongue roaming in the slant of her neck.
He is so churned with lust, he hasn't heard Sebastian creep up behind him. Nothing is permanent here, Livia tells herself, to ward off the guilt ploughing through her. Garreth will forget all about it-the harrowing pain, the bruises, the sundered flesh. Only Livia and Sebastian will remember his tormented whimpers and the feeling of his blood on their fingers.
Sebastian bends his knuckles around the Gryffindor's windpipe. All it takes is a squeeze and a string of seconds, and when he slumps to the ground, Sebastian spares him no glance. Instead, he palms the fabric of Livia's dress and pulls her to him.
His breath seesaws against her chin and when he kisses her, the room shifts. Walls shake away, the ground swallows the bed, the silks melt through the floorboards, and when they break their kiss to look around them, the walls choke with blood-red curtains, scalpels are arranged on a metallic table, and a wooden rack sits alone in the middle of the room.
Letters etch themselves in milk-white letters in the plaster.
'Boys are born, but men are made. Which one are you Sebastian Sallow?'
When he lugs Garreth's body and fastens him on the rack, Livia already has her answer. He will do it, and the boy in him will trickle down the drain along with Weasley's blood.
---
What this story promises: Drama, mystery, horror, dark romance, action, a lot of crunchy banter, some fluff (to take a break from the tension), an exhilarating plot.
Read the trigger warnings and disclaimer below.
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Synopsis
In this dark retelling of Hogwarts Legacy, Sebastian Sallow embarks on a dangerous mission to save his sister and acquire the cursed relic, Promissum Mortis. Sebastian crosses paths with Livia Novik, the enigmatic new Ravenclaw student that possesses a sinister gift. Bound by their shared purpose, they become allies, their fates intertwined as they unravel the secrets of the Collector, the dark presence that lives in the Room of Requirement and feeds on intense emotions. Forced by the Collector to endure unimaginable ordeals and even to lure and torment fellow students, Sebastian and Livia tread a treacherous path in their pursuit. As they navigate a realm of arcane might and hidden horrors, the sacrifices demanded are only the reflection of the innermost violences they both crave.
Release schedule: Updates daily.
Disclaimer: "These Violences We Crave" is a dark retelling of the events of Hogwarts Legacy. The plot, characters, as well as the lore of the Harry Potter universe, have been altered to adapt the story to more mature audiences and to serve the theme. New additions will be listed and explained in the story notes.
The Harry Potter universe belongs to JK Rowling. The character of Livia Novik, as well as other original characters, are my own. Their opinions do not reflect JK Rowling's opinions. Warning: This is a work of fiction borne of my twisted mind merely to entertain myself. As such, it is not suitable for all audiences.
If any of the following are something you cannot contend with right now, please refrain from reading and think of your own mental heath first (this list will be edited as the possible triggers are encountered): death, cannibalism, taboos, gore, torture, violence, sex, psychological trauma, drug use.
I finished Lost Boy by Christina Henry yesterday and I loved it.
☆☆☆☆☆
It was actually the second time I started te book. I couldn't get into it properly the first time and I'm glad I put it back down, because this time was so much better.
If you are into retellings of fairy tales with a dark twist, that may or may not be closer to the original than you might think, I highly recommend this one.
