Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 3 2018 | Page 224

Journey to the West Sha Tin College, Wong, Clement - 11 W e all know about the journey to the west, but have we wondered what happened after that? One particular day, the five travellers who journeyed to the west had a small re-union. The White Dragon decided to visit his family in heaven accompanied by Sandy and Pigsy. They were more than happy to tag along, knowing the Jade Emperor would have a large feast awaiting for their arrival. The Monk and the Monkey King however decided they would once again venture to the world of men to help the ones in need. The Monk and the Monkey King helped numerous people. Feeling proud and humble of their accomplishments, they decided it was time to return to heaven. While passing by a particularly large mountain, in the distance, they spotted a cottage. There was a small figure appearing to burying something. Without hesitation, they paced slowly towards what appeared to be a young boy. Weeping in deep sorrow over a dead lady’s body, presumably his mother. As they approached the boy, he hastily into a hut and slammed the door shut. The Monk and the Monkey King walked to the door at the house. Just as they were about to knock, the boy rushed out, holding a rake, pointing at them. He was relieved when he saw them and said his apologies. The two travellers asked for his name and story when the boy sat down in front of them in the meadows. The boy was named Zane and he had just lost his mother. He had lived without a father in this cottage, his mother always told his stories about how his father resided in a mysterious island that floated amongst the mists. As he spoke, a jade medallion tucked in his shirt began to glow. Reaching into his pocket, he turned the emerald green mineral over, showing the inscription to the travellers. ‘The Jade of Nature and Life’ there was also a riddle written on it. He was told that if he could solve it, it would guide him to his father. However, little did they know, someone was already waiting for them to begin their journey. High up in the mountains hidden by blankets of thick mist was a snake hissing frantically. Fuxi was no ordinary snake. It was a nine headed snake. The snake had nine individual daunting heads, linked together in one giant body, skin so thick that no electric shock could hurt them. Fuxi was idle in his den freely testing its own special skills on a freshly caught mountain goat. It spat venom, roared flames and finally, strangled its prey to death. Nearby, on the other side of the wall lived the most sinister evil villain in the world. The villain, seated on a throne, was not as cruel and as fearsome as you think, he is a very knowledgeable person. Being educated in a royal family, he was a descendant of the royal house of villainy. He hated to be evil and wished to be accepted by the Gods from heaven but was always rejected for the cruel ways his family treated them before. Years later after giving up upon the request for the Gods he turned evil. He was locked away in a palace where his parents taught him the arts of becoming a masterful trickster. He recruited a snake from the land of the dead, hidden miles beneath the Earth’s crust. Now, Hiro and Fuxi wait patiently for Zane’s arrival. Still oblivious to what lies ahead, the Monk, Monkey King and Zane began on their journey. Whilst passing through the forest, the Monk had one of his unique visions. From time to time, he would receive these warnings, he then solemnly spoke, “We will meet people who are unpleasant. The child must be escorted by the Army of Heaven,” the Monk immediately collapsed to the floor in the forest and fainted. The young boy, had a reaction so quick that lightning couldn’t beat him in a race of speed, catching him before he got hurt. He rested the Monk’s head on a bamboo pillow and put the cloak onto him as a blanket. Upon requesting to examine the jade, Zane rested under a tree half awake, half asleep. The monkey mumbled words while inspecting the magnificent green translucent mineral. When he saw what the inscription actually read, he muttered under his breath just loud enough for Zane to hear, “The King of Nature and Life.” The Monkey King stood underneath a tall willow tree in wonder. Zane sat in awe under the tree listening to the Monkey King’s story one that was told amongst the Gods. “There were two pieces made by the Jade Emperor. They were both given to a friend of his, rumours said