The young monk shivers at the chill of an adolescent winter's breeze. The grass along the road that has been so frequently travelled is now coated in a blanket of frost. Snow has yet to fall, though it will no doubt come soon. Clouds cross the sky at a steady pace, the wind encouraging their movement.

You walk alongside the horse carrying the monk, feeling the need to stretch your legs. The past few days you spent in your dove form were nice, despite having to listen to all of that irritating monkey's exaggerated tales, but sitting on Tripitaka's shoulder for so long was starting to feel tiring.

The Monkey King walks on the other side of the horse, whether he is unaware of your annoyed glances or just doesn't care is unclear. Aside from occasional jabs at one another, the two of you haven't spoken much since that night by the river. Honestly, you feel grateful for it. Even if you do have to listen to him boasting about his many accomplishments to his master, at least he isn't prodding you with questions like before. Though, you do find it hard not to give the demon an irritated glance every now and then as he blabbers on. You didn't think it was possible for someone to talk about themselves this much. Whether he picks up on your glares or not, he doesn't acknowledge them.

The young master himself also fails to pick up on the annoyance that stems from you, too enamoured with his disciple's stories. Wukong has a true sense for theatrics, which makes his tall tales all the more entertaining. Even if the monk seemed ever so slightly put off whenever the Monkey King explained how he committed some of the atrocities from his past to earn his reputation, the Tang Monk keeps his small smile from the excitement in his disciple's voice.

Sighing in amazement over how the Great Sage earned his iron staff, Tripitaka turns to your side. "What of you?" The question makes you look up in slight surprise. "You've nearly lived as long as Pilgrim Sun here, even despite your morality. Have you any tales as grand as his?"

You smile for a moment before humming in thought. It's sweet that the monk is curious enough to ask about your own life. It takes you a moment to peruse your memories for something that might intrigue him while every exciting moment from your life fails to recall itself. "None that comes to mind, Great Monk. I spent most of my life in training, which was long and tedious."

"You have lived over five hundred years, have you not? Surely you have some stories to tell." He frowns, certain there must be something for you to say.

His curiosity makes you hum in amusement. The monk is close to you in age, though his wide eyes of wonder fill you with a strange warmth. Many weeks have passed since the start of the journey, and if not for the formalities you attempt to hold yourself to, you might consider the Great Monk a good companion, a friend. But that feels inappropriate to say.

"I suppose there are some, though not all of them are as light-hearted as the supposed Great Sage." You cast another glance at the celestial primate, who now finally looks at you. His expression is neutral, though, from the past few weeks of travel, you feel that the abrupt flicks from the tip of his tail expose a glimpse at his own irritation.

Maybe he can't handle not having his master's attention. How sad. "However, I haven't lived as long as you believe. Those five hundred years were spent in the Jade Palace, where time moves differently. What was centuries in the mortal realm was less than two years for me."

To your surprise, the monk laughs lightly, eyes shining in delight. "You say you have no stories to tell, yet you lived in the Jade Palace? Never have I heard of a mortal staying in the realm of the celestials." You don't miss the twitch of Sun Wukong's brow, a hint of a smirk creeping its way onto your face. "Tell me, what is it like there?"

"Why ask the measly Dove?" The Monkey King laughs before you can answer. "I lived up there as well, you know. I've held two different positions with those heavenly deities! I can tell you of the feasts, how servants waited on me, that I was even given my very own office!"

You nearly surprise yourself as a cackle escapes your throat. The two men look at you, the monk more strangely and the simian in more of annoyance as you cough discreetly into your arm. "Apologies, but you were the stable boy, were you not?" His tail flicks another time, now being accompanied by his ears flattening against his head. The Great Sage really spoke more through his body language than his words, you found.

"My second position was much more important." His eyes roll as his arms cross. "Not that you could understand what it means to be given such responsibilities from the court of heaven."

He's defensive, that's cute. "Maybe not. Although, you didn't seem to last long in either job offer, did you?"

"At least I earned my place there, by becoming the strongest." He barks out a laugh. "What did you do, again? Give Guan Yin some sad eyes until she gave you your little vacation?"

You frown at that, eyes narrowing. "Don't act like your presence up there was wanted, ape." Tripitaka gives you a look of surprise at the snap of tone in your voice. "I was there because I had to be, we are not the same. You earned your place by causing so many problems, the heavenly court's only option was to keep you entertained!"

"And what do you know of my matters in the celestial realm?" Sun Wukong lets out another loud laugh, his tone mocking. You clench your fist as you glare at the being before you. His tail whips wildly from side to side, his teeth bared with a threatening smile.

His question makes you roll your eyes, as though he had forgotten your very first encounter. "Did your time under that mountain make you senile or did you forget I witnessed your rampage firsthand, you idiotic, brainless, stupid and foul-"

"Stop!" Your eyes snap towards the direction of a new voice. Men quickly surround you and the pilgrims, all brandishing weapons against your group. The Tang Monk looks between them all with fear as you smile to yourself. It's been too long since there was some action on this trip.

One of the six blocking your path steps forward, a man holding out his sword as he spoke. "Leave your horse and drop your bags, otherwise us kings of the highway will cut you down where you stand!" You can see from his hardened frown that they are serious, ready to hurt any of you, but it only makes you itch to jump into action. It will be good to take down such lawless men-

A body hits the ground before you can reach for your weapon.

The bandits fall silent, five pairs of eyes wide with fear as the Monkey King readjusts the grip on his staff. A steady drip of scarlet liquid falls off his staff and by his feet. The body before him lays on its side, its now-separated head caved in a few paces away. Blood pours from it, pooling over the ground just where some of his insides are now exposed. The man's eyes are still open, stuck in an expression stricken with terror.

"Whoops." The monster shrugs. "Sometimes I forget what flimsy bodies you have."

They all run, screaming as their prosecutor gives chase. Not a single man makes it off the road. All you can do is stand amidst it all, the young monk atop the horse mirroring your expression of absolute dread. The men no longer hold life in their eyes, their bodies bent and mangled, spread along the road with their weapons in the now non-existent grasp of their hands. The Monkey King stands between it all, his hand casually wiping away the blood that had splattered onto his face in his swift deliverance of death. He doesn't even bother with the ripples of deep red that now stain his clothing and arms.

You have to fight back the bile that attempts to claw up your throat. While you manage to succeed, Tripitaka fails miserably. The monk fumbles off the horse, nearly losing his footing before you catch and help him to the side of the road where he empties his stomach. You've witnessed horrors before, bodies of demons and humans dismembered and bathed in blood. Many large battles end in casualties, death is nothing new, but to see the Monkey King wield his staff...

It doesn't help seeing human bodies discarded in such a way... no matter how many demons you've fought, seeing a person mutilated in such a way always leaves a gaping hole in the depths of your stomach and an intense weight holding down your heart.

Sun Wukong looks at the two of you, unbothered by his own actions. "That guy over there has some spare arrows, Dove. I know you're particular about always having more on you, right?"

"What have you done?!" The monk exclaims, marching towards his disciple once he manages to regain his bearings. You barely even managed to say a word before he snapped.

"Me?" The demon laughs. "I found us some free clothes, and a pretty good travel allowance if these guys were any good at robbing."

"You killed them! You murdered six men!" The monk shouts, his voice just barely withholding an emotion you have yet to see from the man.

Wukong scoffs at the appalled response to his actions. "And you're welcomed for it."

"No-" The man sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "Sun Wukong, you're a buddhist now, and we don't kill people."

"Pssh- they were asking for it." The monkey scoffs, crouching down to shake some more human remains off his staff.

"No!" You're surprised to hear such a strong demand from the measly skittish monk, his voice more stern than you've ever heard. "You made a deal with the bodhisattva and whether you like it or not, you will uphold your part of the bargain. That means not killing people!"

The disciple looks up at that, his eyes questioning, almost in offence. "Are you actually upset? They wanted to rob you."

"They never even had the chance to touch us! Not even a single judge would give a death sentence for that." He argues, his open glare taking his new student aback.

"Hey, what's done is done. You can sit here and complain about it or we can keep moving." He turns to continue west, looking over his shoulder as he does. His expression is more annoyed now, his tail flicking to and fro impatiently, waiting for his master's sign to keep moving.

But Tripitaka's stare bears down on his disciple. "No. I won't take another step with a murderer claiming to be my disciple."

"Come on, you're being ridiculous." The Monkey King turns back to face us, a frown now hardening over his features.

"A person who murders in cold blood cannot call himself a buddhist."

The two glare daggers into one another, it almost takes you aback. You didn't realise the monk could take such a stand, yet here he is. Against the Great Sage, no less. Yet he refuses to back down, even with the demon challenging him. The air between the two feels thick, as though it's become a semisolid you must hold your breath in.

After what feels like an eternity, the monkey laughs. "Fine then, I guess I am no buddhist." He turns, taking a few steps away before calling back. "Good luck making it to the west, Master."

"Wha-" Before the monk is even able to speak, Monkey King hops onto his somersault cloud. "Wait, you can't leave!"

"Watch me." The demon glances back at the two of you, and you catch his eye for the briefest moment. Before he takes off, you make sure that he can see the grin resting on your face. You know that all he's doing is proving your point, from your talk by the river. He knows it too, and he must hate it.

He's gone before another second can pass, and all that's left on the road is you, the Tang Monk, the horse, and six dead men. The monk keeps his eyes on the path the Great Sage took through the sky, his eyes wide with despair. "...What did I just do?"

Slowly, you approach the man, resting a hand on his shoulder. "You scolded a centuries-old demon for good reason, and he left to sulk about it."

"No... no, no, no, no! This is terrible!" The Great Monk's hands shoot to his head, eyes wide and panicked. "I've lost my first disciple! What am I supposed to do? Where did he even go?! I was angry, I didn't mean-"

"Monk, you must calm yourself." You disrupt his spiral of distress before it can continue any longer. "You did the right thing. Your disciple did something wrong, you confronted him. Look at his actions!"

As the monk turns to glance at the casualties left behind, you quickly stop him. "Actually, don't. I wouldn't want you to get sick again."

"I didn't mean for him to leave, but I couldn't just excuse-" The man cuts himself off, his face pale from just the thought of what we had witnessed mere moments ago.

Holding his arms, you offer a comforting smile. "I understand, but there is no need to worry."

"No need?" He guffaws. "Sun Wukong is gone!"

You sigh quietly under your breath. "I'm sorry for not saying anything sooner, but I had a feeling something like this would happen. I just didn't think it'd be this soon." You do your best to suppress the chuckle that tries to escape your throat.

"Guan Yin has left me with something for a situation just like this." You open your bag, a golden glint shimmering from it. Your master did say it could be used on any of the demon disciples that step out of line, but you can't help feeling a little satisfied knowing it will be Sun Wukong who gets it.

The slight frown you receive tells you the man's interest is now piqued. "What?"

"Help me with these thieves, and I'll explain." You glance back at the mess of bodies the Monkey King left behind. "Your disciple will be back, and we'll have to be ready when he does."

The monk's frown only deepens at your words. "I... I don't understand. How do you know he'll return?" He asks you, and you don't bother to hide your smirk as you think back to that night by the river.

So I'll be there to watch the moment you mess up.

You walk towards the first body, looking back at the monk who follows behind you. "He'll want to prove me wrong."

Together, the two of you begin to bury the bodies left to rot by the Great Sage, dragging them off the road before starting to dig. As you work, you recite what your master had informed you to do in the case a demon disciple decided to do something exactly like this. The monk follows along, albeit with a wary look.

He glances over to you cautiously as you work to bury the bodies. "I must admit, it frightens me a bit to see how collected you are through all of this."

You offer the man a polite smile. "You could say taking care of demons disrupting the peace is something I became accustomed to after joining my master on Potalaka Mountain." It's easy for you to understand his unease, it isn't as though he has ever dealt with issues like this before. From his point of view, you've barely bat an eye at the demon attack and Sun Wukong's alarming actions. They did surprise you quite a bit, but you guess you don't show it as much.

The monk hums at your answer. "How long have you been a disciple of the bodhisattva?" He asks, the question making you look up in thought. How long has it been?

"I was seven or eight when I first became her disciple... It's been about fourteen years, I believe." You nod to yourself, your travelling companion shooting you with an amazed look as you cover one of the burial spots in soil.

"Really?" He mumbles a bit under his breath. "It isn't often that I hear of a person making such a devotion at that age."

You can only shrug in response. "Moksa and Guan Yin saved me when I was a child. Even at that age, I knew that I owed her my life."

"And your parents were alright with your decision?" He asks, and for a moment, you pause.

"My father passed away around that same time, and my mother died giving birth. I hope they would have been content with my decision." You answer, keeping your eyes focused on the task in front of you.

The Tang Monk is quiet for a minute before responding. "I see, I am sorry for your loss." He sighs a little before continuing. "If you can believe it, I was younger than you were when I devoted myself to becoming a monk."

"Is that so?" You glance back at him as he finishes with burying another body.

"I was raised in a temple, the monks there took me in as a baby." He explains, and your eyes widen just a smidge. Wow, he really wasn't lying, that is much younger than you were. "It was not until later in life that I learned bandits had beaten my father to death before forcing my mother into marriage."

You didn't know the monk had such a complicated history. "I'm sorry, that must have been terrible to learn."

"I was able to save my mother eventually, with some help." He smiles. "I also got to see my father come back from the dead. Maybe one day the same will be seen of your parents." His good wishes bring a smile to your own face before turning back to continue your work.

"That was many centuries ago. I would hope their souls would have moved on by now, into a new life." You respond, the man humming thoughtfully at your words. The two of you finish giving the bandits their burial in silence, working quickly so that you may continue with your plan for Sun Wukong's return.

Once the plan is settled, you hand the monk the paper given to you by your master. "When I signal you to, you just have to incant whatever is written on this."

The monk slowly takes the paper from your hands, unfolding it with caution. It is almost like the man is fearful that whatever lies on the small sheet could jump out at him. "Have you read it already?"

"No, the Monkey King is your disciple. Whatever discipline these words bring, that is for you to carry out. Not me." You answer, glancing away to not show your slight disappointment. If your master says the paper is for the monk, then you will make sure it is only the monk who sees it. Even if you wanted to use whatever this 'punishment' is. You would have likely abused it, so you suppose this works out for the best.

As your mind wanders, Tripitaka mounts the horse once again and reads over the parchment. "If you already knew Sun Wukong, have you met any of my other disciples?"

"Only briefly, when I was travelling to Chang'an with my master." You respond, taking the reins of the horse to continue your travels.

"What are they like?" He asks and you quickly glance to the side, going silent.

A nervous smile finds its way onto your face as you recall how each introduction went. "Heh, they're... easier to reason with than your first, that I know for sure." You chuckle a bit, doing your best to be honest while not scaring the monk. You aren't entirely sure how he would react upon hearing that every single one wanted a fight. Heck, even the dragon made an attempt at eating you.

"You truly cannot stand Sun Wukong." The monk voices his thoughts aloud, though you can hear curiosity in his tone.

"Can you?" You look back to see him shrug, the Tang Monk smiling a bit as he folds the paper in his hands.

His gaze wanders up to the sky. "I admit, he is loud and arrogant, and he blatantly disregarded my scolding for killing those men. But you said so yourself, he will return." As he speaks, he looks back down to you. "Any being willing to redeem themselves is worthy of the chance, no?"

He holds your gaze for a moment before you turn to face the road ahead of you. It takes you a minute to answer, his question making you go quiet with thought. You can see why this monk was chosen to be the scripture pilgrim, he sounds just like Guan Yin.

You don't look back at him before giving your answer. "Many demons plead for redemption, very few can see that journey through to the end. I doubt Sun Wukong is one of those few."

"Why do you doubt him so?" You can hear the frown in the question, and shake your head.

"I've heard what he's done, seen the consequences of his actions while he barely bats an eye at them. A demon with no respect for those surrounding him deserves none in return." You laugh a little, keeping your sights focused on the road ahead. "The day I see Sun Wukong show any regard for another person will be the day the sun sets in the east."

That gets the monk to laugh with you. "I must say, I prefer your company in this form more than your avian one. Your sharp tongue is entertaining to say the least."

"And talking with you instead of silently watching is fun as well, I suppose." You look back at him to show your smile, it feels good to know that he is appreciative of your presence. Once you take care of this problem with the Monkey King, you might be able to enjoy this journey, even with the infamous Sun Wukong as your travelling companion.

~~~~

When the Monkey King returns, you and the Tang Monk are ready. You feel a sudden gust of wind from behind before the simian lands a few paces in front of you and the horse. Dust kicks up from the road where he stands, you and the monk have to shield your faces to block the dirt while the demon dusts himself off. "Whoo, that was a nice break."

When the dust clears, Tripitaka looks out at him with his brows furrowed. "Sun Wukong! Where on earth have you been?"

"I took some time to catch up with one of the dragon kings." He shrugs, his mood seemingly much better than when he left. "We enjoyed some tea, and I was telling him about this little trip when Old Ao Guang said I should check back on you guys. I hope you didn't miss me too much. You didn't think I really left for good, did you?" He looks over to you, canines on display in his grin.

You narrow your eyes slightly as he watches for a reaction, but his attention is pulled from you before he can. His master frowns down at him from his seat on the horse's saddle. "Sun Wukong, you cannot just-"

"Thank you, Great Sage, for returning to us." The two men in your company turn to give you surprised looks as you cut the monk off. You bow your head down to hide how your eyes are shut tight in an attempt to swallow your pride for a moment. "You master was just telling me how much he regrets speaking to you in that harsh manner from before. Isn't that right, Great Monk?" You snap your head up to give the monk a look, your eyes silently asking for his compliance.

The monk catches on quickly, though isn't able to put on a performance as fast as you already have. "Yes... I did not properly appreciate how you saved us from those bandits."

The Monkey King tilts his head a bit, perhaps in confusion, but the strange welcome isn't enough to stop his ego. "Well, I am glad you understand now. You don't have to worry, Master, I know how frightening it can be at first to witness the actions we will no doubt have to take on this journey. I am sure you will become accustomed to it eventually." Ugh, can he be any more obnoxious? Not only does he not sound apologetic in the least for killing those men, he is speaking as though he knows he'll do it again!

"I, uh... okay." The Tang Monk mumbles, discomfort laced in his words as he looks away from the disciple. The ape frowns a bit, and you can't stop the quick jab of panic that pierces your chest. Is he getting suspicious? Does he think the monk forgave him too quickly? Does he not believe him?

"Anyways," You jump in before he can ponder the uncomfortable look on his master's face, "we were just discussing how parched your master has been feeling before you returned. The Tang Monk said he can barely think straight, he is so dehydrated."

"Yes!" The monk quickly jumps to back your story. "Pilgrim Sun, would you mind finding some place to refill my water skin? Maybe you could find some food as well?"

The sage nods in understanding, moving to take his master's water skin from its tied position on the horse with the rest of the monk's things. "Of course, Master. Why don't you and Dove wait here while I go refill this for you? I believe I saw a stream not far from the road when I was flying back."

"Very well." The monk smiles, although it is a little strained. "Please, hurry back quickly." At his words, the simian disciple turns to carry out his master's request, heading off the road and towards a wooded area not too far away.

Once he's far enough, you look back to the monk and give him a silent nod. He returns it, and you turn to follow the Monkey King. Sure, you hate the guy, but that won't stop you from doing what has to be done. Now, that means playing the part.

"Pilgrim Sun!" You run after the demon, calling out to him with his master's nickname he has been using. The sage seems to like when the monk uses it.

Sun Wukong looks back as you call, his expression twisted in wary confusion. "Dove?" He waits for you to catch up, watching as you grow closer. His eyes scan over you once you meet him, like he anticipates some attack or surprise.

You offer the demon a timid smile, looking away almost as if in embarrassment. "You would not mind some company, would you?"

"...You want to accompany me?" The Monkey King looks at you as if you have grown an extra three pairs of eyes. Seeing such a befuddled look on the constantly-confident king is amusing, but you don't show that on your face.

Instead, you take a step back. "If you would rather be on your own, I understand."

"No, follow along if you wish." He's quick to answer as you turn to leave. You allow yourself to smile, just for a moment before masking your content with an uneasy expression for when you look back at him. The stone monkey gives you a strange look, his confusion clear in his pinched brows. "You... actually want to join me?"

"Yes, I would." You answer, keeping your hands close to your chest. The demon holds your gaze for a moment, his own questioning. You can only assume he was looking forward to gloating about his return, to rub in the fact you were supposedly wrong in your face. This apparent other side of you is clearly throwing him for a loop.

Without another word, the Monkey King whips around to stalk into the wooded area. You follow behind, looking into your bag to double check that your little 'gift' can be seen easily. If all goes well, the Tang Monk won't have to worry about the possibility of any other people dying by his disciple's hand.

It also helps that this feels the closest you can ever get to retribution for your old life. This demon took so much time from you, time with people that you considered family. When the only blood you had was taken by demons, you found people you could have spent decades with. You never got to be there for Lin or Mei, not for support on their worst days, not to watch them enjoy their bests.

You lost another family, all because this already-immortal demon thought being invincible was some kind of competition. Or maybe he just thought it would be funny if he could call himself the most immortal being in the world, who knows why a narcissist like him acts so selfishly. That is why you have to do this, not just for the monk and your protection, or to ensure no others get hurt, but for those that you will never see again.

The two of you travel in silence until reaching the stream. The demon looks over at you occasionally, watching as you kneel down by the stream. Cupping some of the running water in your hands, you take a sip. Nothing seems to be wrong with it, so you take out your own water skin and begin to fill it.

The Monkey King crouches not too far from you, his eyes almost feel like they are drilling into the side of your head. His confusion is amusing, and you have to try your best to conceal the smirk that so desperately wants to show itself. After you let the silence simmer a while longer, you finally look back at the sage. "Any reason why you're staring?"

"Why?" Sun Wukong frowns. "Master told me to gather food and water, why volunteer to come with me? I know you dislike me, so what's your play in this?"

You sigh at the question, looking away to mentally ready yourself. "I was worried you'd be snatched by some demon, or maybe even eaten." You laugh dryly as you repeat his own words back to him, though he seems less than amused.

Seeing how he returns you look with a narrowed glare, you look away and laugh a little sheepishly. "Sorry, I'm not so good at apologising." When you say that, the demon perks up. "That's why I came with you. I realise how harsh I've been towards you, and I'd like to apologise for it."

"You? Feel apologetic... towards me?" He speaks slowly, as though he doesn't believe your words.

All you can do is nod with an almost reluctant sigh, rising to your feet once the water skin is finally full. "I thought that once you left, you would not find the strength to return. You have proven me wrong, Pilgrim Sun." You offer the demon your hand, and he fixes you with an odd look.

He looks down at your hand, then back up to you. All you have to do is glance away a little bashfully before you hear the demon scoff. The Monkey King lets out a proud laugh. "Of course I have, you already know of my many tales." He takes your hand and stands with you. "There's not any challenge Ol' Monkey can't face. Even when my master can't appreciate my efforts to keep him safe."

Sure, you pompous ass. You're just so great. "I feel embarrassed to have even doubted you." You look down at the ground, feeding into his ego while he carelessly takes in everything you say without batting an eye. He really is the perfect example of being egotistical, you'll give him that.

But it's time to put this Pilgrim in his place. You take the monk's water skin from him before carefully tying them both to your bag. It's opening is cracked just wide enough that something shining from inside catches the Monkey King's eye. He frowns, and you spare him a side glance to take in how his eyes narrow. It's easy to tell what he's thinking, a careful look now falling on his face. "What's in the bag? Did you and Master find something while I was gone?"

Your eyes are wide and innocent as they turn to look up at the Great Sage. "In my bag? Here, let me see." You open the bag wider, pretending to fish around before pulling out a golden band. The two ends of it meet in the centre of the piece, each curling away from the other. It almost glitters in the sun, immediately catching the monkey's eyes. "Ah, this is a mere trinket left to me by my own master. She gave it to me so I may think of her while I travel so far from our home. Unfortunately, it doesn't fit my head, so I've been holding it in my bag to keep." You look away, your performance casual enough to make the stone simian all the more curious.

"Tell me, why does it glow like that?" He gestures to the circlet, pupils almost dilated. It reminds you of how a bird pins objects of interest with their eyes. He's falling for it, exactly as planned.

You shrug absentmindedly, twirling the object around your finger. "I'm not sure." You pause, feigning thoughtful silence before holding it out to him. "If you're so interested, why don't you take it for yourself?"

The offer makes his eyes widen considerably, his gaze flicking between you and the band. There's an obvious want in his eyes, the prize just so tempting, it's just too good to be true. "Are you sure? You say it's from your master."

You look down in faux disappointment at his words. "Sadly, it does not fit my head. Perhaps it will better suit you, consider this my formal apology." Glancing back to meet his eyes, you add in jest, "Besides, what's a king without his crown?"

Your words cause him to pause in thought, his tail slowly swaying from one side to the other as he watches the golden gift. You laugh softly at his indecision. "It's alright if you don't want it, I'll just-"

"No." Got him. "I could try it on. If it doesn't fit, I'll just return it." He crosses his arms, gaze wandering out to his side. "It would be rude of me not to accept such a generous apology." With a smile, you hand the crown to the sage, who quickly sets it onto his head. A perfect fit.

He smiles proudly as it rests on his head. "Ha! What do you know? It fits."

You nod in agreement, a fool's crown for a foolish demon. "I'm glad. Now, let us return to our task so we do not leave your master on his own for too long."

It does not take long for the two of you to forage what you could from the forest before returning to Tripitaka. You roll your eyes as you approach the young monk atop the horse, your patience truly waning after spending an hour or so with the monkey. But it will be worth it to help the monk and ensure Sun Wukong will no longer act out.

You glance back at the Monkey King as he takes the reins of the horse, and you whisper up to the monk. "You remember what was on the paper?"

"I have it committed to memory." The monk looks back, his voice low. "This will help me discipline him?"

You nod in reassurance. It would be a lie to say you haven't been itching to see what would happen. Your curiosity is nagging at you, to know exactly what that enchanted band of gold can do to keep the Monkey King in line. "You only need to recite it quietly."

The Tang Monk watches Sun Wukong, looking down at the folded paper with the sutra written out before looking back up to his disciple. The air grows thick around you, the monk's uncertain frown hardening. You look out at Sun Wukong, his new band glinting in the sunlight. It takes a moment for you to force down any pity for tricking him that tries to rise in your throat. After killing those men, this has to happen. Guan Yin knew it too, it is why she gave you the circlet in the first place.

With a small sigh, the monk begins to recite the spell. The reaction is almost immediate, Sun Wukong tripping over his own feet as his hands swiftly reach up towards his head. The monkey yells out in pain as the circlet gives a low hum, shining with an unnatural glow. You step back when he begins to outright scream, his voice bloodcurdling and raw. Your eyes grow wide as you watch him writhe on the ground, practically gasping for air as his voice fills the sky.

Almost as soon as he starts, Tripitaka stops, the results surprising him as much as everyone else. With the absence of the spell, Monkey King lays back in exhaustion. His breathing is laboured, heavy from the stress of the confinement the circlet created. His fists open and close, scraping the ground he lays against as his wide eyes stare up at the sky in bewilderment. "My head... what's wrong with my head?"

His hands move slowly, almost like they're unsure, up to his head where the circlet sits. No longer do the bands circle the demon's temples in embrace. Instead, their hold is tight, golden claws pressing against his skin. Wasting no time, the sage pulls his staff from his ear and presses it against his head. He starts to pry at the cursed crown, gritting his teeth and grunting as he does.

"Pilgrim, stop!" The Tang Monk panics, reciting the sutra once more and sending his disciple into another wave of agony. The demon drops his staff as he falls back yet again and you quickly grab the monk's arm.

"Hey, once was enough!" You warn the monk, who's quick to stop his reciting. Sun Wukong lays against the ground panting heavily as you let go of his master. "He can't take it off, you don't need to stop him."

The recovering demon huffs loudly, taking his time to regain his senses. "What?" He looks to you, his master, then back to you. It takes a moment before you can see it click in his eyes. "You... you did this?" His brows furrow, and you stand tall as something sinks in your stomach.

It takes him a moment to pick his staff back up and rise onto his feet. "You sly- you manipulative, lying little snake!" He shouts, making you instinctively step back from the raw anger laced in his voice.

"Sun Wukong." The disciple's head snaps back to his master. "From now on, you must swear not to lash out as you've already done. I told you before that a murderer cannot call himself my disciple and I meant it. You will obey my word from now on." The monk does well to keep a stoic face as he lays down the rules for his student.

The Monkey King looks between the two of you, his glare has never sent such shivers down your spine. It takes him some time before he can finally answer. "I swear... Master." His words are sharp, brimming with hostility. Gone is the uncaring and obnoxious stone monkey from a moment ago, replaced by a rageful demon.

The confirmation is all he needs. Now holding the horse's reins himself, the Tang Monk continues forward on the road. Your eyes don't leave the Monkey King for a moment, unable to shake away his growing anger as he glares into the back of his master. Even with his promise of obedience, the look in his eyes tells you not to let your guard down.

You are unfortunately proven correct. The.moment his back turns from his disciple is the moment he strikes, pouncing at the monk. You barely jump into action on time to tackle the stone monkey away from the Tang Monk.

The two of you roll off the path, only stopping when Wukong is able to slam you into the ground. His teeth bared, the demon could destroy a weaker being with just his glare. "You! You did this!" He snarls, just before shouting in pain once more.

The circlet glows as the monk recites the sutra once again. Sun Wukong falls onto his side hard, clutching his crown in useless attempts to remove it. "Aagh- stop it! STOP!"

"You try to attack me?! After giving your word to stop your violent actions?!" The monk fumes as he marches down to the two of you, the Great Sage at his feet has never looked so pathetic.

"I... That was a mistake..." The demon pleads once he recovers enough to find the words, far too exhausted to try another sneak attack. "I wasn't thinking straight, just stop using that cursed thing!"

The monk huffs as you stand, looking down to his disciple almost sadly as you brush yourself off. "From now on, you follow my orders. Understand?"

The demon's head hangs low, his face obscured from view. The silence is near-deafening, and it takes a few moments for the demon to hiss out, "Yes."

Seemingly now satisfied, the monk steps back and looks to you. "We should continue on our way." His voice is softer now, almost like the shock of the crown has yet to pass.

Once Tripitaka is back on the horse, you continue towards the west. Though, it's difficult to now ignore the tension that persists for the following hours of the trek. You try your best to not glance at Wukong, the fire in his eyes burning with intense heat that threatens to burn you even when you keep your distance.

You know the circlet was meant to keep him in line, but... you had no clue it would do that. Watching it felt wrong in every way imaginable, to see the Great Sage reduced to a mess on the ground. But... it needed to be done, right? Now the Tang Monk can stop him from killing any more men, you are preventing potential murders by restraining him like this. It needed to happen, just the one time. It isn't your fault the demon needs to be kept from giving in to such homicidal tendencies. He's sure to have learnt his lesson now, so you doubt the monk will ever have to use the circlet again.

...You hope so, at least. You don't ever want to see that crown used again.