Inside the Purple-Gold Red Gourd.
Xuanzang sat cross-legged in the void, his monk's robes hanging loose.
Bajie was leaping about in this deathly silent space, feeling around everywhere, trying to find a way out.
Beside Xuanzang.
The pale-brown little fox lay curled into a ball, her eyes tightly shut.
Her eyes were clenched shut, her breathing rapid. All four paws kicked unconsciously in the void, and indistinct whimpers spilled from her throat as she struggled within a deep nightmare.
The pale fur on her forehead was soaked with cold sweat, plastered to her skin in clumps.
Xuanzang turned his head slightly, his gaze serene.
He slowly raised a hand.
The Nectar Buddha Wheel appeared behind his head, and a gentle Buddhist radiance glimmered at his fingertips. He lightly stroked the little fox's head, soothing her with slow caresses along her pale-brown fur.
"You're a good child. This isn't your fault."
Xuanzang lowered his eyes and spoke softly.
Then her rapid breathing gradually steadied, and her tightly furrowed brow slowly relaxed.
Inside Lotus Cave.
The Golden Horn King stood to one side and picked up the Purple-Gold Red Gourd.
He lowered his head, slowly rubbing the gourd with the pads of his fingers, a complicated look flashing through his eyes.
"A crooked shot that hit the mark, after all."
The Golden Horn King looked up and handed the gourd toward Silver Horn.
"Keep them inside for now, and put the gourd away safely. It's safe in there, too, and will keep our little sister from running about."
The Silver Horn King straightened, took the gourd, and tucked it away with a turn of his hand.
"I imagine that monkey will hesitate to strike the rat for fear of breaking the vessel. He won't dare launch a direct assault anytime soon."