Magic Fire

Journey to the West 50 Magic Fire

Wukong and his companions ran back down the mountain, escaping the fire. “ Red Boy’s fire is powerful, ” said the monkey. “ We were nearly roasted! ” said Bajie. Wujing looked up at the mountain peak. “ The fire is dying down now. ” “ Yes, ” said Wukong, looking at the last few wisps of smoke. “ But he’ll use it again if we go back up there. ”

“ We need water, ” said Wujing. “ Then if he makes fire again, we can just put it out. ” Wukong nodded. “ You two wait here. I know who can help us. ” The monkey shot into the air and flew away. When he returned, the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea was with him. Wukong introduced the Dragon King to Bajie and Wujing.

“ I can summon rain clouds, ” said the Dragon King. “ Go back up the mountain, and get Red Boy to come out. As soon as he makes his fire, I’ll create a huge rainstorm. ” The Dragon King flew up into the sky. Wukong and the others returned to the cave. “ Open up, Red Boy! ” The monkey pounded on the cave door.

The door flew open and Red Boy ran outside. “ Release the Tang Monk right now! ” shouted Wukong. “ Never! ” shouted the demon. He made a fist and punched himself in the nose. Smoke and fire poured from his face again. “ Dragon King! ” called the monkey. “ Make it rain! ”

Thunder rumbled as dark clouds filled the sky. Rain poured down. The fire, however, didn’t go out. Instead it grew—bigger and bigger. The smoke became thick. Coughing and unable to breathe, Wukong covered his face. He saw Bajie and Wujing running away. The monkey tried to get to the cave door, but the smoke was too thick. He tripped on a rock and tumbled down the side of the mountain.