The Monkey King: A Superhero Tale of China, Retold from The Journey to the West (Ancient Fantasy) Read online

  Contents

  Start Here

  How to Say the Names

  Prologue: From Out of Stone

  1 ~ The Birthday Quest

  2 ~ Meeting the Master

  3 ~ The Dragon King’s Gift

  4 ~ Death’s Domain

  5 ~ The Emperor of All

  6 ~ Havoc in Heaven

  7 ~ The Buddha’s Bet

  Epilogue: To Stone Returned

  About the Story

  The Monkey King

  The Monkey King has been China’s favorite superhero for at least five centuries. He's amazingly strong, can fly, and has tricks those other superheroes never heard of!

  Also available in paperback!

  Author Online!

  For special features and more

  stories, visit Aaron Shepard at

  www.aaronshep.com

  The “Ancient Fantasy” Series

  By Aaron Shepard

  #1 ~ The Mountain of Marvels

  A Celtic Tale of Magic

  Retold from The Mabinogion

  #2 ~ The Songs of Power

  A Finnish Tale of Magic

  Retold from the Kalevala

  #3 ~ The Magic Flyswatter

  A Superhero Tale of Africa

  Retold from the Mwindo Epic

  #4 ~ The Monkey King

  A Superhero Tale of China

  Retold from The Journey to the West

  ANCIENT FANTASY #4

  The Monkey King

  A Superhero Tale of China

  Retold from

  The Journey to the West

  Aaron Shepard

  Skyhook Press

  Friday Harbor, Washington

  2009

  Copyright © 2005, 2008, 2009 by Aaron Shepard

  All rights reserved.

  Originally published in hardcover and paperback by Skyhook Press, 2008. An earlier version was published by Skyhook Press as Monkey: A Superhero Tale of China, 2005.

  Kindle Version 1.3

  For Kwan Yin

  How to Say the Names

  Bodhisattva ~ BO-dee-SOT-va

  Buddha ~ BOO-da

  Kwan Yin ~ KWON YIN

  Lao Tzu ~ LOW TZOO

  Siddhartha ~ sid-AR-ta

  Subodhi ~ soo-BO-dee

  Yama ~ YAH-ma

  * * *

  If you think Superman or Spiderman has been around a long time, think about Monkey. He has been China’s favorite superhero for at least five centuries. He’s amazingly strong, he can fly, and he has a few tricks those other superheroes never heard of. And he’s always ready to do battle with demons, dragons—sometimes even the gods.

  Monkey stars in The Journey to the West, an epic comic fantasy from the sixteenth century. The part told here is about Monkey’s origin and early career—and the one time he didn’t come out on top. . . .

  Prologue:

  From Out of Stone

  Far across the Eastern Sea, on the island called the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, a magic boulder had sat on the mountain’s peak since the creation of the world. Bathed in the energies of Earth and Heaven, quickened by the light of Sun and Moon, the stone became fertile, and at last cracked open to release its young.

  From this stone egg emerged a full-grown monkey. As it gazed about and above, golden light shot from its eyes to the farthest reaches of Heaven and Earth.

  * * *

  High above in Heaven, the Jade Emperor, Ruler of Heaven and Earth, was startled by the rays of light reaching his Celestial Throne.

  “See what’s causing that,” he ordered his chief minister, the Spirit of the Great White Planet Venus.

  The Great White Planet went to look out the East Gate of Heaven and soon returned with his report. “Your Majesty, a stone has given birth to a monkey. The rays of light came from its eyes. But now that the monkey has taken food, the light is fading.”

  The Jade Emperor sighed. “Only a monkey, is it? Well, we have important business here. A monkey is no concern of ours.”

  * * *

  Elsewhere in Heaven, Lord Lao Tzu, Supreme Patriarch of the Way, was refining Elixir of Life, when just for a moment the golden rays penetrated his alchemy laboratory.

  “Such a powerful beam!” murmured Lao Tzu in wonder. “The one who produced it will surely become an Immortal!”

  * * *

  Far off in the Western Paradise, the Buddha paused in his blessed discourse to his disciples as the rays of light shone into the temple hall. He closed his eyes a moment in silent meditation, then turned to Kwan Yin, Most Compassionate Bodhisattva and Goddess of Mercy.

  “A remarkable creature has been born: a monkey, yet not an ordinary one. I see he is destined to become an enlightened being, a true Buddha. Yet before he does, he will offer us no end of mischief.”

  And so saying, he resumed his blessed discourse.

  1

  The Birthday Quest

  On the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, in the Heavenly Cave of the Water Curtain, the island monkeys were feasting to celebrate the birthday of their king. But the Monkey King himself sat there gloomily.

  “What’s wrong, Your Majesty?” asked an old gibbon.

  “Here I am, only four hundred years old,” said the Monkey King, “and I’ve already reached the heights of greatness. What is left to hope and strive for? What can be higher than a king?”

  “Your Majesty,” said the gibbon carefully, “we have ever been grateful for that time four centuries ago when you hatched from the stone, wandered into our midst, and found for us this hidden cave behind the waterfall. We made you our king as the greatest honor we could bestow. Still, I must tell you that kings are not the highest of beings.”

  “They’re not?” said the Monkey King.

  “No, Your Majesty. Above them are gods, who dwell in Heaven and govern Earth. Then there are Immortals, who have gained great powers and live forever. And finally there are Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, who have conquered illusion and escaped rebirth.”

  “Wonderful!” cried the Monkey King. “Maybe I can become all three!” He considered a moment, then said, “I think I’ll start with the Immortals. I’ll search the earth till I’ve found one, then learn to become one myself!”

  The very next morning, the Monkey King ordered a pine raft to be built and loaded with fruit for the journey. Then he took leave of his cheering subjects, floated downstream to the island’s edge, and started across the great sea.

  2

  Meeting the Master

  On the Mountain of Heart and Mind, the Monkey King stood before a double door in the mountainside. Beside it was a huge stone tablet carved in ancient characters.

  DIVINE CAVE OF THE THREE STARS

  “This is the place!” said the Monkey King. “Right where the woodcutter told me. I just hope I look all right in these human clothes.” He glanced down at what he’d gathered on his journey—black boots, red robe, and yellow sash.

  Just then, one of the doors opened and a young man peered out at him. “You can’t be the one!” he exclaimed in horror.

  “What one?” asked the Monkey King.

  “My master, the Patriarch Subodhi, just mounted the dais to deliver the day’s discourse. But instead of starting, he told me to open the door, because someone had come who wished to study the Way.”

  “That’s me!” said the Monkey King.

  “You don’t say!” said the young man, laughing. “Then come along.”

  They walked down a stone corridor
and into a large chamber, where thirty or forty disciples faced a dais made of jade. Sitting cross-legged on the platform was a man who looked as old as Heaven, yet strong and healthy. His flowing beard trailed away behind him.

  “Master!” cried the Monkey King, dropping to his knees and knocking his head on the floor. “Please accept this humble seeker as your disciple!”

  “Humble, is it?” said the Patriarch. “We’ll see about that! But tell me, what is your name?”

  “I have no name, Master, for I had no parents to give me one. I was born from a magic stone.”

  “Most unusual,” said the Patriarch thoughtfully. “Well, what if I name you ‘Monkey’?”

  “Master, what an ingenious idea! It fits me perfectly!”

  “Then ‘Monkey’ it is,” said the Patriarch. “And for now, you may stay and learn with the others—just as long as you keep out of trouble!”

  * * *

  So Monkey became a student of the Way. Each day, he studied scriptures, discussed doctrine, and listened to the discourse of the Patriarch. The rest of the time, he swept the cave, helped in the vegetable garden and orchard, gathered firewood, and carried water from the stream. Days went by, then weeks, then months, then years.

  One day during the Patriarch’s discourse, Monkey grew so excited that he could not contain himself. With his eyes closed, he got up on all fours and began leaping and turning.

  “Stop that!” roared the Patriarch. “Monkey, why are you prancing about?”

  “Forgive me, Master!” said Monkey. “I was so happy to hear your words, I danced without knowing it!”

  “Is that so!” said the Patriarch, looking at Monkey thoughtfully. “You’ve been here seven years now, I believe. Tell me, what branch of the Way do you wish to learn from me?”

  “Master,” said Monkey, “you know how ignorant I am. Anything you want to teach me is fine.”

  “What if I teach you the Way of the Seventy-Two Changes? You’ll then be able to turn yourself into anything you want.”

  “Wonderful!” said Monkey.

  So the Patriarch whispered into Monkey’s ear.

  For three months, Monkey practiced the techniques in private. Then one day, as he walked back from his chores in the orchard, the Patriarch came up to him.

  “Monkey, how are you doing with those tidbits I taught you?”

  “Just fine, Master,” said Monkey. “I can now accomplish all of the Seventy-Two Changes. But tell me, Master, will this make me immortal?”

  “Not likely!” said the Patriarch.

  “Then I beg you to teach me more.”

  “All right,” said the Patriarch. “What about Cloud Soaring? You’ll then be able to travel quickly wherever you want.”

  “Marvelous!” said Monkey.

  The Patriarch explained, “When Immortals or Buddhas or gods want to travel great distances, they ride on magic clouds. They rise to the cloud by stamping one foot, and stamp it again to move the cloud forward. But you’re built differently. So instead, let’s try the Cloud Somersault.”

  Then the Patriarch taught Monkey how to somersault high into the air, land on a magic cloud, and propel it across the sky with more somersaults.

  Another three months passed while Monkey practiced. Soon he could travel for hundreds of miles with each somersault. Then one day the Patriarch paused in his discourse and addressed Monkey again from the dais.

  “Monkey, how are you doing with that little trick I taught you?”

  “Very well, Master. But tell me, will this make me immortal?”

  “I should say not!”

  “Then please, Master, teach me more!”

  The Patriarch jumped from the dais and stalked angrily up to Monkey. “You greedy creature! Will you never be satisfied? Will you never stop demanding?”

  He thumped Monkey on the head three times. Then, with his hands held behind his back, he stomped into his private chamber and slammed the door.

  “Stupid ape!” yelled one of the disciples. “You’ve upset the Master!”

  “Yes,” said another, “and who knows when he’ll come out again!”

  But Monkey just sat there grinning.

  Late that night, Monkey crept from the disciples’ sleeping place, out the front door of the cave, and around to the back. There he found the Patriarch’s door left open a crack.

  “Come in, Monkey,” came the Patriarch’s voice.

  Monkey slipped inside. In the candlelight, he saw the Patriarch sitting cross-legged on his cot.

  The Patriarch smiled. “I see you understood my secret signs.”

  “Yes, Master. I knew that hitting me three times meant to come here in the third watch of the night. And holding your hands behind you meant to use the back door. I came just as you instructed.”

  “In that case,” said the Patriarch, “it’s your destiny to learn the Way of Immortality. Come close, my disciple, and hear the secrets of Eternal Life.”

  And so the Patriarch revealed his precious wisdom. But what he said must not be written here.

  * * *

  For three years Monkey practiced the secret techniques. His body grew hard and enduring and full of powerful energies. Then one day, he was sitting with the other disciples outside the cave.

  “Monkey,” said one of them, “what is that nonsense about the ‘Seventy-Two Changes’? Can you really turn yourself into something else?”

  “I certainly can,” said Monkey proudly.

  “We won’t believe it till we see it,” said another.

  “Then just watch this,” said Monkey. He called out, “Change!” And there in place of Monkey stood a unicorn!

  “Bravo! Bravo!” yelled the students. They cheered and applauded as Monkey changed back and took a bow.

  Just then, the Patriarch Subodhi burst from the cave. “What’s all this noise?” he shouted. “Don’t you know that followers of the Way never shout?”

  “We’re sorry, Master,” said Monkey. “I was just showing them one of my changes.”

  The Patriarch turned white. “Away, all of you—except Monkey!”

  When they were alone, the Patriarch turned on his disciple. “Is that how you use your powers—to show off? Don’t you realize the others will be jealous? They’re sure to come and demand your secrets. And if you refuse, they may seek revenge!”

  “Master, I’m sorry!” said Monkey. “I didn’t think!”

  “Well, I won’t punish you,” said the Patriarch. “But you’re not safe here any longer, so you’ll have to leave.”

  “Master, where would I go?” said Monkey in alarm.

  “That’s your business,” said the Patriarch. “But on your way, you’d better pick up a magic weapon for protection. The Dragon King of the Eastern Sea might have something useful.”

  “But, Master,” said Monkey with tears in his eyes, “how can I leave without repaying all your kindness?”

  “Don’t do me any favors,” said the Patriarch. “Once you’re gone, you’re bound to land in serious trouble. Just keep my name out of it, and don’t you dare tell anyone you’re my disciple!”

  “Master, I promise,” said Monkey. “Good-bye, Master.” Then he somersaulted into the air, landed on a magic cloud, and flew off, head over heels.

  3

  The Dragon King’s Gift

  At the bottom of the Eastern Sea, before the green jade palace of the Dragon King, Monkey marched up to a cowrie shell gate where a Dragon Captain stood guard. The captain stared in amazement.

  “I’m here to see the Dragon King,” declared Monkey. “Tell him it’s the Monkey King from the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit. And be quick about it!”

  “Yes, sir!” said the captain, saluting smartly.

  In a few minutes, the captain was ushering Monkey into the throne room.

  “Welcome, brother,” said the Dragon King stiffly. “How kind of you to pay this most unexpected visit.”

  “Don’t mention it,” said Monkey.

  “Tell me, brot
her,” said the Dragon King, “how did you gain the art of living under water?”

  “I’ve studied the magic arts of the Way for many years,” said Monkey. “In fact, that’s why I’m here! Now that I’m an Immortal, I need a magic weapon to match my abilities. Can you spare one?”

  “An Immortal!” remarked the Dragon King. “Well now, perhaps I can find one for you. Captain, bring out the Scimitar of the Waning Moon.”

  The captain fetched a large scimitar. Monkey took it and made a few passes at the air. “Too light! Too light!”

  The Dragon King laughed. “Brother, you must be joking. That scimitar weighs nearly a hundred pounds!”

  “It just doesn’t feel right,” said Monkey.

  The Dragon King looked somewhat alarmed. “Captain, bring out the Battle-Ax of the Noonday Sun.”

  The captain brought it out, and Monkey swung it a few times. “Still too light. Way too light!”

  Now the Dragon King looked really frightened. “Brother, that weapon is over a thousand pounds!”

  “I need more weight!” declared Monkey. “Don’t you have anything heavier?”

  “I assure you,” said the Dragon King, “that’s the heaviest weapon in the palace!”

  Just then, the Dragon Queen entered from a door behind the throne, bowed graciously to Monkey, then spoke low to the king. “This monkey is no ordinary fellow. Perhaps you should give him the giant stamping rod in your treasury.”

  “That old piece of scrap?” whispered the Dragon King. “What could he do with it?”

  “That’s his concern, not ours,” hissed the queen. “Just give it to him and get him out of the palace!”

  The queen bowed graciously to Monkey and took her leave.