I was grateful for the warmth the Monkey King provided on this chilly night . He differed from the formidable Monkey King the stories had lead me to believe .
*** Instantly , I sat up . The recurring image was haunting me once again . Right before me , was my nightmare- in real life .
Where ’ s the Monkey King ? I looked up , floating down from the sky and landing in front of me , was the Monkey King .
I gawked at the Monkey King in awe . He ’ d not only saved my life , but endangered his own life for a complete stranger- me . He didn ’ t even think twice about saving me . Would I risk my life for a stranger ? Smiling at the Monkey King , I gave him a nod of appreciation .
“ You ’ re welcome ,” the Monkey King replied , and just for a second , I could almost see a twinkle in his eyes .
For days , I followed the Monkey King through valleys , across rivers and finally up a mountain . After hours of hiking , the Monkey King hissed hoarsely , “ Shhh ! Stop ! Something doesn ’ t seem right ...” With his baton , the Monkey King slowly tapped the ground twice and gradually , an ominous cloud loomed over us . Even under the comfort and warmth of the cascading rays of light from the sun , I felt numb and feeble .
Trembling fearfully , I whispered inquisitively to the Monkey King , “ What ’ s happening ?”
My enemy has set a trap ,” Waving his hands , the flame vanished . “ We must move quickly . He ’ ll send his henchmen after us .”
***
A mysterious cave caught the Monkey King ’ s attention . As he peered into the depths of the eternal pitch-black abyss ; the Monkey King halted .
The Monkey King was behaving differently . He was fidgeting around with his baton , trembling uncontrollably and sweat was beading on the strands of his fur . He was no longer the brave and authoritative Monkey King that I ’ d grown to look up to since I was little . His fear almost seemed to be debilitating his robust build .
“ The B-Black Devil ,” the Monkey King stammered , “ is n-near . It ’ s has been my a-arch e- enemy ... This monster is in p-p-possession of my monkeys . The only way to get them back is for me to f- face him a-alone . You cannot come with me anymore nor help me . I-I must go now ...”
The Monkey King was palpitating with terror as he inched closer to the cave opening . Hesitating , he glanced back at me for reassurance , took a deep breath and seemed to have regained some confidence in himself .
Entering the cave , the Monkey King was engulfed into a sinister void . What felt like hours waiting for the Monkey King was spent with remorse , slowly nibbling away at what I had left of my conscience . What if I never see him again ? I wished I could ’ ve been more useful to the Monkey King to help him face his fear , as he had helped me .
I couldn ’ t let him go in by himself . I wouldn ’ t .