New Journeys to the West
Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School , Ho , Leanne - 11
“
Xuanzang . The famous monk who traveled in search for a magical community of learning in India called Nalanda . Although he was defenseless all by himself , three trustworthy , strong , handsome and courageous companions protected him throughout the journey . They …” The Monkey King spread arms wide to continue telling the rest of the story , as he proceeded , Xuanzang swatted his arm and put his finger on his dry , cracked lips .
Xuanzang sat in a calm position , his eyes closed . He rested his hands on the lap while humming the awful tune The Monkey King despised . The Monkey King screeched and hugged himself , his face twisted in a sour expression , like he had eaten lemons raw . Xuanzang smirked and kept on humming the horrifying tune . Pig crawled away and chewed on his dusty fingernails . Sandy threw his head back and laughed , mimicking The Monkey King .
Suddenly , Xuanzang stopped humming . His eyelids fluttered open and revealed his brown eyes , but glinting in a can ’ t-wait-to-kill-you way . The Monkey King snarled and jumped back , noticing the silent and still air . Sandy immediately stopped laughing and rested his hand on the hilt of his blade . Pig squeaked in alarm and transformed into a wild boar , growling , showing off his sharp tusks . Pig pawed the floor impatiently , waiting for The Monkey King ’ s signal .
Despite the hot and still air , the dust from the floor flew up and swirled around Xuanzang . He whispered in a raspy voice , his eyes now glowing a dark shade of green “ Meet me . Don ’ t get lost . Be ready .” The Monkey King ’ s face went slack and stumbled back as if he ’ s been pushed , “ I can ’ t … No … But I …” He stuttered , he looked at Xuanzang with a blank stare . “ You know what to do ” Xuanzang replied , not looking at The Monkey King .
The dust settled back on the floor as Xuanzang lay back , startled . The Monkey King sat down and buried his face into his hands . Xuanzang blinked in shock , terrified , he felt as if someone and pulled him inside out and told to walk in a straight line . He gripped the sides of his head and asked The Monkey King what happened .
Sandy explained because The Monkey King was in no condition to speak or walk . The Monkey King lay sprawled across the bench which was caked with dust . His skin was pale and lime green , his eyes drooped , mouth cracked , forehead beaded with sweat . Pig kneeled beside him stroking the wisps of golden fun on The Monkey King ’ s arm , Sandy ’ s hand rested on The Monkey King ’ s lap .
Xuanzang struggled to get up , he hobbled towards The Monkey King and made an attempt to hum the hideous song . As soon as he started , The Monkey King bolted up , his eyes squeezed shut . Pig screeched and laughed , scrambling off . Sandy smiled , relieved to see his friend back to his normal condition . Xuanzang stopped humming and squeezed The Monkey King . “ Are you okay , my friend ?” Xuanzang asked . The Monkey King let out a hoarse laugh and nodded . The following days , they trudged over mountains of dirt , pools of mud and over dead carcasses of tiny critters .
“ We ’ re here .” The Monkey King announced . In front of them , the roads made a Y around a round park paved in grey slate , with some scrubby trees and a couple on wonky park benches . The surrounding buildings were dark and unusually quiet . Further out , a golden castle sat on top of the crust hill , the blinds behind the windows were shut tight , not allowing them to peek inside . The rubies glistened on the palace walls .
The Monkey King shuddered . Sandy rested his hand on The Monkey King ’ s shoulder , calming him . Pig smiled warmly and said “ The god Hanuman really isn ’ t a myth after all .” Sandy fixed Pig with a stern look and muttered under his breath “ Stupid pig .” He also added a vocabulary of words so colourful Xuanzang couldn ’ t bring himself up to say them .
“ BRING YOUR MERCIFUL SELVES FORWARD !” A deep , melodious voice rang out and shocked them all .
Sandy was the first one to recover from the shock . He stepped forward and puffed his blue , hairy and bare chest out . His black hair was messy and ruffled , his eyes bloodshot . The Monkey King and Xuanzang didn ’ t look as good either . The Monkey King ’ s fur shot out in all different directions , His golden crown was tilted on his nest of golden-yellow fur . Xuanzang ’ s eyes drooped , his clothes were torn and his back ached from carrying his backpack everywhere . Only Pig didn ’ t look stressed or tired . His blue robe covered his peachy skin , his rosy cheeks were puffed out as usual . Pigs ears twitched nervously , picking up on the voice . “ I am Sandy ! These are my friends ! Xuanzang ! The Monkey King ! And Pig !” Sandy yelled at no particular direction .