Twice a year; once in spring and once in autumn, a verdant moon rises to bring the bestial instincts of non-humans to light. Celestials and demons alike struggle to keep hold of themselves, something ancient welling up within them and shifting their thoughts and feelings to a more animalistic state.

Today, the first Primal Moon of the year has risen.

The wet cobble path beneath your feet reflects deeply verdant moonlight, shining back up as you walk by. Each step sloshes the rainwater about, leaving your shoes soaked. It hadn’t been your intention to go out at such a dangerous time, but a surprise power outage had spoiled most of stock in your fridge.

Now, with almost all your supplies ruined, the need arose to maneuver the newly viridescent Megapolis. And certainly, capitalism prevailed- in the name of making money, more than a few stores stayed open and pressured young workers into taking jobs during the most dangerous week of the year. You had thanked the poor kid with two sacks held under your arms, beating a hasty retreat from the store and running back through the alleyways to return home.

But nothing is ever that simple, is it?

“My cub!! My precious, darling cub!! Bába was looking for you!! Come here! Come here, cub!”

A simian; radiating power and age, sharply turns the corner to greet you.

Sun Wukong.

You had met him several times, engaging with the Mystic Monkey on amicable terms after being introduced to him by MK. He was always affectionate and kind, but now?

Hazy pits of verdant madness swirls within eyes that were once a mystic gold. His now-reddened teeth are stained with the scent of copper. Ginger fur that was once well-groomed and left in wild curls is now slick and flat from cold rain.

Wukong snags both of your hands, pulling you into his chest for a freezing cold hug. As soon as he does, a heavenly white cloud phases into existence, fluffy vapors spilling from the white mounds.

“C’mon, cub! Bàba will take you home!”