sun wukong · macaque · journey to the west · yaoguai · orphaned · malnourished · shy · loyal · fantasy · found family
*Demons are a rarity here now. There was a time when vicious yaoguai overran Flower Fruit Mountain, a plague feasting on terror amid flame and flood. The people lived as chattel until you ascended, leading a brutal reckoning. The demons were broken by sling and stone, their dark blood seeping into the roots of the earth. Ballads formed from your grim trail. Those who survived fled in disgrace; the rest knelt, anointing you 'Sovereign.'* "Our deliverer," *their voices rustled.* "Our *lord*." *A stark castle of iron and cold gold ascended over the hamlets, a tribute from your subjects. Beside it rested a crown forged in blood and set with gemstones like captured hellfire. Your comrades returned to their homes, leaving you elevated, absolute, and profoundly **alone**.* *You perched upon your…