here have something wholesome, imagine while during courtship wukong gave reader some yarn and reader knows how to knit, so reader makes a blanket, now when the gang is setting up camp, they're stuck somewhere cold, oh what's this? reader's blanket, too bad the rest of the cast is asleep and only wukong is awake, welp time to share the blanket and cuddle.

Since we talking wholesome I'll take this moment to throw out my own wholesome headcanon.

Wukong is a shapeshifter and shapeshifts quite often in jttw. I love the thought that if him and Reader were ever not talking because of some argument or smn but he still wanted to cuddle or keep her warm or smn like that he'd use her love of animals against her.

Wukong turning into a cat so he can sit in her lap:

Honestly he'd probably do this even when he isn't in the doghouse.

But also Wukong when Reader gets a little too affectionate with his cat form:

Still tho I love the thought of Wukong growing to like 7 feet tall and scooping up reader so they can cuddle in her handmade blanket. So many monkey purrs🥰

Prepare the Dead

Tang looks at the demon monkey as he is covered head to toe in blood, with multiple bodies of the demon kidnappers behind him, as Wukong stands proudly in front of him puffing his chest out expecting Tang to thank him for yet another rescue.

Unfortunately, instead of a thank you, a scolding lecture is given.

"Wukong, what have I told you about killing?!?! Killing is bad!! We are buddhist monks, we solve our problems WITHOUT VIOLENCE!!!!," Tang shouted at the monkey, as said monkey turns away with a scoff, now with a deep frown on his face. Wukong has heard this lecture so many times that it has almost became second nature to block him out at this point. "OH YEAH, let me just convince these demons out of eating my master, the reincarnation of the Golden Cicada, one of Buddha's diciples, and gaining immortality! DO YOU KNOW HOW REDICULOUS YOU SOUND??," Wukong argues back.

Tang and Wukong's squabble continues on for a few more minutes, until Lily slams her now extended wand on the ground, creating a loud thud to garther everyone's attention. The glowing stone at the end of her wand releases a wave of energy which then transforms into the shape of a shovel blade. She throws the glowing shovel towards Wukong, which succeeds in catching it.

"Since you are responsible for the corpses, you will also be responsible in helping me prepare them for burial," Lily stated. "Pigsy and Tang will assist me in recovering and moving the bodies, once finished with digging up the graves, Wukong and I will prepare the bodies for burial, and Sandy will help Wukong in lowering the bodies to the graves." Lily then faces the Monkey King before facing Pigsy since they are the touble makers in the gang. "I expect no snarky remarks, sarcasm, and especially no disrespect for the dead beginning, during, and after these tasks are done." If looks could kill, she would be more than six feet under, with the glare a certain monkey is giving to her right about now.

The woman ignored the progressively fuming monkey, as she walked towards Tang to grab the string of coins that was on his person. "I will also now be responsible for this gang's money. For every person Wukong has killed, there will be one coin used and placed under their tounges to ensure them safe passage to the Underworld."

Tang looked at his deciples, before turning to the woman with a look of uncertainty. "Miss Lily, that's our entire supply of coins for buying food, shelter, and other supplies when we get to the nearest town. What will happen if we used up all the coins for Monkey's misdeeds?" Lily rolls her eyes at the monk, explaining (lol mansplaining) to her the monetary value and purpose of the coins, as if she doesn't know currency. "Then you will know who to thank when we arrive at the next town with no money to afford a single bowl of rice, and forced to find alternative ways to get by before our next departure."

Wukong stares in shock for a split second, before he bares his teeth and fangs at the only woman in the group, looking like he is about to add one more to the pile of copses. "How dare you command me to do such an abhorrant task woman, I aught to knock some sense to you. I am a KING, therefore you will treat me like one!!! I will not do such foolish and lowly tasks of a undertaker, ESPECIALLY to the bodies of my enemies!!!"

Uh uh, he did NOT just talk to her like that. Lily will not stand for such disrespect. She turned towards Wukong with a sickly sweet smile, eyes shining with hidden rage. "Then you, my homicidal ass of a furry gremlin with nuts for brains and no impulse control, will have the blood of your enemies as well as an innocent on your hands. And you are not a king right now, you are a traveling monk, and last time I checked, monks result to violence when there is no other option other than self-defense, and even then it is NON FATAL. Now start finding a spot and start digging, these bodies aren't going to bury themselves. We will be here all day and night doing this if we have to. You took their lives prematurely, the LEAST you can do is provide them with a safe passage to the Underworld!"

The two of them have a stare down, analyzing each others movements, before Wukong lets out a frustrated shout and backs off with the shovel to find a spot to dig. "Stupid woman, making a king do such disgusting tasks," he muttered.

Songs I listen to when I think about Isekai’d to the West (Headcanon)

The fic belongs to @skittlescripts sorry if these suck. I’m a garbage-y new metal person.

Sun Wukong’s theme candidates:

Cell’s Theme by RMaster: https://youtu.be/J_iAaEKIXvk

This one feels a bit more organic and “wild” than Cell’s normal theme, and I feel like that fits a character like Wukong, who is wilder (on account of him being a literal monkey), and it’d be way scarier to actually fight him than Cell.

Rage Beneath the Mountains by Lindsey Stirling: https://youtu.be/dYFkLuoaJpk

I picked this one because, come on, the title alone made me curious enough to listen, the way the song sounds made me stay. Who would fit this song called “Rage Beneath the Mountains” more than someone who was stuck under a mountain for 500 years and was most definitely not happy to be there?

Songs about the relationship between Wukong and Reader

Ashes of Eden by Breaking Benjamin: https://youtu.be/D8IrtEkWcBQ

Forever by Breaking Benjamin: https://youtu.be/gKrdn08G_RM

This is a bit early into Wukong accepting his feelings for her he’s still not used to it so that’s why some parts are phrased the way they are. If anything, Wukong initially sought out immortality (if my interpretation makes any sense) BECAUSE he was scared to die. Part of me wonders that if Reader doesn’t become immortal after they marry, he might consider giving that immortality up so he wouldn’t have to live with the pain of losing her. The other part of me knows that if he was willing to mark out the names of as many monkeys as he could in the underworld, he wouldn’t give up his immortality and would just try to get Reader to become immortal or will find her reincarnation and try to have another relationship with the new version of his love. (This is all speculative, btw)

“I Won’t Say I’m in Love,” from Hercules:

either of them realizing “oh shit, I’m actually getting *gasp* feelings for them?! Nope, no way. if I deny it long enough, it’ll just go away on its own.” (Spoiler: it does not.)

“Bruises and Bite Marks” by Good with Grenades (we know he has a marking kink.)

“Every Me, Every You,” by Placebo

I just like this one and some of the lyrics make sense for someone grappling with unfamiliar feelings.

More will come after I slumber.

I have a small head cannon now with my version of reader that I wanted to share with you:

She has a lotus pin in her hair due to her association with Quanyin and it has the added bonus of extra protection (like a protection seal)

Just wanted to share, now I’m going back into my hole to finally finish a fic that’s been giving me writers block for two months now.

*gets slapped with writers block in the face*

Gosh darn it….

(By the way any tips on how to overcome writers block?)

That's a pretty interesting idea. Like a lil fashionable talisman~

And good luck with your writing hope you can get through the writers block

As far as tips go, I unfortunately can't help much in the writer's/artist's block since I don't really get it.😬 If anything I just get bursts of laziness where I don't wanna pick up my laptop cause that's too much effort and so end up curled up in my nest scrolling through tiktok all day. But to remedy that, I just force myself to pick up my laptop or @lovesick-ritz will kindly hand it to me so I can get things done.

So here's the tips that I could think of:

Set a designated area or method for writing (ex. I only write on my laptop bc I've assigned it mentally as my preferred place to write)

Make it as easy as possible for you to write (ie. leave the writing tabs open. I personally never have word closed there's always at least my notes tab open but I usually have at least 3 word tabs don't ask me why I'm addicted to keeping tabs open)

Try to get rid of as many distractions as you can like unneeded social media (having a tumblr tab open is always my down fall cause I get distracted by asks)

Since I have adhd and autism complete silence honestly distracts me more than anything so I like to play this 10 hour thunder storm video on YouTube (this also helps with my tinnitus in case anyone else got that)

Another thing I've been told that help is just start writing little notes or just anything at all and maybe that'll spur you into what you want to be writing

Also some random tips if found useful when it comes to writing/drawing:

If you hyperfixate on writing and drawing for long periods of time like I do (like I'm talking about 8 hour sit down don't move sessions) get water and a couple snacks before you start and be sure to stretch at least once an hour

Remember to specifically do full hand stretches to avoid carpal tunnel and writer's/artist's arthritis

Try to get up and walk around as much as possible (if you can as someone with walking issues I know that isn't always easy or even possible)

One thing I like to do to rest my eyes and brain is after a few hours I'll go to Spotify and play a few songs (or in my case one song on repeat I've been particularly obsessed with the Epic sagas since they've come out and have been constant listening to Survive in the Cyclops saga) with your eyes closed. Staring at a screen all day can be harmful to your eyes and brain.

And for drawing with adhd, if you're working on a long piece it can get frustrating to work on one part for long periods of time so keep in mind that if you're start to feel bored or tired with the part that you're working on it's ok to move to a different part. (ie. you've been working on the hair for a while and start to feel understimulated to move to the face or even a completely different area so get that stimulation) It's not like a story where you gotta remember plot points and continuity the whole thing is right there so just work on whatever part catches your fancy. Or hell if you get bored just draw lil scribbles for a second in a corner somewhere until you feel up to going back to the piece.

Please keep in mind while reading these that I by no means have healthy habits. As I stated I hyperfixate on projects and will often neglect my human needs for extremely long periods on accident; however, I am lucky enough to have a very attentive partner that reminds me and encourages me to take care of myself and helps me when I can't. (Love you Ritz. Literally couldn't live without you~ mwah💜)

HOWEVER! Because of this I am extremely used to living with unhealthy habits and have an OBSENE amount of tips for dealing/living with them so if anyone wants some autism/adhd/depression/anxiety (all of which I have kinda extreme forms of) life tips lemme know and I'll write a whole essay for you. Tho again I will say these tips are not cures. These conditions are permanent so these tips would just be ways to make living with them a little easier. (Honestly I might just make that post even if no one asks for it on the off chance that helps even one person)

I’m glad you’re feeling better!

I have come with a hc

I think reader would have a lot of nightmares from yknow LITERALLY FUCKING DYING so whenever that happens her and the rest of the group cuddle pile for the rest of the night

Ty! I'm glad to be back in action!

And speaking as someone with very intense nightmares from near-death experiences this hc makes me very happy 🥹

Like I can just imagine the gang cuddling up like this with reader being the one buried in the middle:

so cute 🥺

How i imagine Reader’s relationships with the “Journey Pilgrim band™️” might be like..

Tripitaka: Annoying little brother who refuses to listen to the OBVIOUSLY smart and IMPORTANT advice you try giving him… deserving MANY slaps upside his polished bald head. (Maybe one day he’ll actually listen..)

Wukong: the infuriatingly Hot & Sexy guy you simultaneously want to both slap him in his stupid pretty face, and kiss the cocky smirk right off his lips..

Ao Lia: Depressed and disassociating teenager you don’t remember adopting.. but anyone who hurts him automatically goes to the top of your list of Dead-men walking..

Pigsy: … it’s Reader’s personal mission to make this guy’s life as miserable as Heavenly/Humanly possible.. if he gets attacked you’re just sitting back in a comfy chair, and enjoying the show..

Sandy: … intimidating at first, but a living embodiment of the phrase “gentle giant” (at least to the gang) with massive “Fun-loving big-brother” vibes.. and absolutely the gossip queen of the bunch. What’s this?? You want to spill some delicious, petty Tea?? Sandy’s already making a pot.. absolutely becomes Best friends.

🎃~

Honestly 🎃... where's the lie?

These are pretty solid interpretations tbh and are pretty close to canon minus a few differences😌😊

I'm fuckin living for the first one with Tripitaka😂 I just wanna wind up and slap him upside the head SO BAD!😤😡

The only thing I'd say in addition is that their relationships will change over time😶‍🌫️ whatever could that mean?👁👅👁

Introduction to the Gang

I have decided that I will give some ideas in how everyone will treat Reader in my Reaper AU: How the Reader meets the gang would be that Tang will be once again kidnapped by the featured demon of the week. Reader senses that this monk in distress is the one she was looking for after landing in this world a few days before (she finds a village to live in and scope out her options in before the gang just so happens to arrive in town to rest and replenish supplies). Reader sneaks into the demon's lair and manages to free Tang from his prison, but gets found out after accidentally alerting the demon when she failed to sneak away with the monk. Panicking, she then pulls out her trusty little can of pepper spray (I need to describe what is in her bag someday) and uses it on the demon, enraging them even more. That is where our favorite Monkey King comes to the rescue. While Wukong was busy fighting the demon, Reader helps Tang escape the lair, only to be corner by Sandy and Pigsy. Also Panicking, not knowing that they are Tang's disciples, she also pepper sprays them XD

After the whole fiasco is over (and Sandy and Pigsy mostly recovered from being temporary blinded and in pain) Tang thanks Reader for helping him escape the demon and from almost getting eaten and starts introducing his disciples one by one. Reader's brain slowly remembers where she heard their names before, and slowly puts two and two together. Unfortunately, Reader didn't finish reading the Journey to the West book before being isekai'd into this world, not because it was a boring story, but because it was a hard read (the books really are difficult to read for me). When Tang ask for her name, she panics, and introduces herself as "Lilly", despite not being her real name. I also like to imagine that since Lilly is not from this world, and with her affinity with her Nari/ Death, she has a sort of "aura" to her that is present and foreign, but not to the point where it is bothersome. With that case in point, everyone in the gang, including the dragon horse, EXCEPT Tang (everyone that is not human), can sense that Lilly is not normal. Everyone is cautious, but still hospitable to Lilly. Sandy and the dragon horse plays devil's advocate, and ignores it cause she hasn't showed hostility yet, Pigsy is still flirting, but stops temporarily after Lilly gives him a look (he also doesn't want to get pepper sprayed again, that stuff HURT T^T) Wukong is the most distrusting of them all. He knows that she is not a normal human, yet when he uses his eyes to see if she is a demon in disguise, he can't find anything. HIM, THE GREAT SAGE EQUAL TO HEAVEN, CAN'T EVEN FIGURE OUT WHO THIS WOMAN IS!!!! HOW PERPOSTEROUR IS THAT?!?!?! He thinks she will kidnap Tang at their most vulnerable, and steal their supplies when they are not looking. When Tang says the word, he would gladly change this woman's pronouns into was/were.

Lilly asks them where they are going, and Tang happily answers and explains their journey to the west and recover the sacred scriptures from the Buddha. After another explanation on who the Buddha is, Lilly asks if she can join the group, because she also has some questions for the Buddha. If he is really one with the universe in this world, perhaps he knows a way for her to get home to her Nari, and Death Inc.

Stumped

I'm still trying to find a good title for my JTTW Reaper AU, and I've been sitting on this for an entire month, and now it's almost time to me to go back to school, so I won't be on Tumblr to post as much anymore ;A; I'll post a teaser or something of another scenario of the Gang sometime this week, or at least, before August ends. In the meantime, if anyone has a title, feel free to send me a message or comment on this post :V