It Happened One Heist

The Mountain

Monkey Fist returned to the dojo. His ninjas didn't join him this time, as they were just as shocked as Maggie by what had just transpired between them. Not that it mattered; he had everything he needed.

In the corner where he kept his computer he had gathered all the records, articles and charts that he needed. Reports of a rare breed of cherry blossom found healthy and in full bloom in the winter months. Soil as fertile as volcanic, in spite of there not being a volcano for thousands of miles. A stream where an abundance of animals gathered to drink, but especially simians.

All of which Monkey Fist used to triangulate his destination.

The Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, the former domain of Sun Wukong the Monkey King.

He smiled evilly. Now that he had the gourd in his possession, he had ensured that the throne was now his for the taking.

It had taken him hours, but he finally was able to pinpoint the exact location of this mystical mountain. He marched back up to the parlor where his monkey ninjas hadn't left the sofa. Maggie had gone, the liquor cabinet was left untouched, and the monkeys were trying to console each other that they weren't going to see their new mommy again.

Monkey Fist guessed that by now Maggie would have driven back to town on her motorcycle. Even if she hadn't, what did it matter to him? She could have the castle if she so wished.

His true domain awaited him.

***

Monkey Fist and his horde trekked through the foreboding mists of the forest. Deep in China's wilderness they were miles away from the nearest town or city, far from the nearest person to ask for directions, not that he wanted the help from any more humans.

In spite of his vigorous research, the search for Flower Fruit Mountain was not an easy one. Many geologists and biologists before him had scoured the area to study the fruitful phenomena, but they were always thwarted by the mist. It was as if nature itself didn't want them to discover the source.

However with his simian troops, Monkey Fist had nature on his side. They were able to sniff out the fresh volcanic soil and the aroma of rare foliage.

It wasn't until they came across the oddly-colored cherry blossoms that they realized just how close they were. Golden yellow petals with blood-red stamen. The colors of a vibrant sunset.

Monkey Fist heard the rushing of water and he smiled. They were very close indeed.

They came across a wide river; they followed it upstream to a waterfall at the foot of a mountain.

This was it. The Mountain of Flowers and Fruit.

It was no easy task scaling it alongside the waterfall. However, for both Monkey Fist and his ninjas rock climbing was made much easier with their opposable feet.

Finally he found it. A cave behind the waterfall.

Monkey Fist grinned. "This is it! Onward, my disciples!"

He swung himself over and landed inside the cave, the water barely spraying him. His monkey ninjas followed suit and landed behind him.

The cave was illuminated by the shimmer of wet rock, phosphorus within the stone, and as they walked further inside there were also lanterns along the walls. There was a small stream that flowed out to the mouth of the cave, and as they followed it they came across a bridge, leading to a bright red three-tiered stone pagoda.

They firmly marched across the bridge to see a troop of gibbons and macaques excitedly gathered at the door. They were mildly surprised upon seeing Monkey Fist.

Must be awaiting my arrival, he thought. Smart monkeys.

He threw the doors open.

"What...?!" he gasped.

On the far end of the room, sitting on the throne, was none other than Sun Wukong himself.

He was giving individual hugs and greetings to his simian family members. He hadn't seen them in so long.

Sun Wukong's face had retained much of its youth, but the rasp in his voice as he greeted his family showed his age a bit. The ancient macaque was dressed in ornate garments of red and gold, with an enchanted gold band firmly fastened around his head.

Wukong was in the middle of hugging his great-great-great grand-niece, three-times-removed, when he finally noticed Monkey Fist's presence. He set his niece down.

"Ah, so you must be the great Lord Monkey Fist," Wukong presumed with a smile.

"This isn't possible!" Monkey Fist protested, storming further into the room. "You're supposed to be entombed in your own gourd!"

"'Supposed to'?" Wukong objected. "I assure you that was an accident on my part! I had to hide somewhere before the humans found me!"

"That isn't the point! I had you locked in my liquor cabinet when last I—" He scowled as it dawned on him how that happened. "Oh..."

With that, a displeased Margaret Beckhert stepped out from behind Wukong's throne.