As the final finger curled up into the monkeys paw I readied a shielding spell. A pretty standard shield of kinetic energy was probably about all I’d be able to muster given my current condition. I could’ve wished to be in perfect health again. I could’ve wished for the gods to forget that I ever existed and go home to rest. But no. Maybe it was the adrenaline after the battle with that damned vampire but I couldn’t think of anything better than to wish for the rest of the monkey. There’s always a cost after all.

A burst of Golden light radiated from the paw before a young man appeared standing in front where I’d dropped the paw. I’d wished for a monkey but this’ll do I guess. I dropped my shield.

“Heya little guy… you feeling alright?”

“Yeah. Just a little dizzy. And hungry. You haven’t got anything on ya do you?”

“Some Jerky I think?” I reached into my pocket passing him the small brown bag with the last of my rations in it.

“Thanks miss! So what’re you’re other two wishes?”

“What?”

“Well ya see, I’m Sun Wukong, but everyone just calls me Saul. Been ages since I’ve been back on Earth? What’s the year now?” Saul began chewing happily on his Jerky.

“2019 mate. And hang on. Sun Wukong? You’re the Monkey King? God slayer and destroyer of heavens?” I took a step back from the kid, slipping a hand into the pocket of my coat and taking firm grasp of my blasting rod.

“Ya won’t need that. You’re looking pretty rough as it is little lady. How bout I heal ya up?”

“I’ll pass”

“It’s been almost 900 years since I was last here. You lot get rid of those damn Romans yet? Last one I met ratted me out to Mercury and I had the whole damn pantheon bearing down on me quicker than a Druid on an earth elemental.” Saul laughed to himself for a second before turning to me, deadly serious. A look in his eyes like no man should even be capable of. “So look, I’m bound by contract to give you 2 more wishes before I’m free to do what I like. Make it quick I’ve got work to do.”

“You’re not gonna screw me over are you….”

“Nah you’re alright. You’ve done me a great service, uhh. I dunno your name lovely.”

“It’s Kate. Kate Stag. And I think you and I should have a couple of drinks and a nice long chat.”