Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 3 2018 | Page 46

The journey to the West
G.T. (Ellen Yeung) College, Tse, Alison - 13
Y
ear 2017, in the modern age of technology, three people dressed in old-fashioned Chinese clothes
descended from the clouds. They were the three disciples of Xuanzang from the Tang dynasty, and
they seemed to be on a mission.
‘Time sure passes quickly,’ said Monkey as he landed on the hard concrete, his head turning in
different directions to examine the apartments and skyscrapers around them. ‘Things seem to have changed
quite a lot since we have last been in the mortal world.’ ‘Oww!’ squealed Pig, whose landing skills were not
as perfect as the monkey’s, fell hard on the ground. ’Of course, big brother!’ Pig replied as he climbed up,
‘years and years have passed! See? They are even wearing clothes different from ours!’ He pointed at a
pedestrian who was wearing a dress and high-heels in astonishment. ‘Alright, we can discuss that later. For
now we are on an important mission from master Xuanzang,’ reminded Friar Sand. ‘Yes, sure, last time we
were travelling to bring back the sutras, this time we shall travel to the Western countries to search for
democracy and bring it back to the Chinese. It is said to do a lot of benefits to the country.’ Monkey added.
Pig was confused. ‘But how?’ ‘We can go there simply by taking the newly developed China Railway
express. Remember--- now is the modern age of technology. No more flying clouds are needed here.’
Monkey replied with a smile.
Now let me explain a bit about the train they’re taking. The China Railway express, or CR
express, is a railway system which travels straight to Western countries in Europe from China. Which means
it is the perfect transport for the three of them, who are in search of democracy in Western countries. The
next day they got on, dressed as normal passengers, headed for Spain. ‘I’ve heard that there is democracy
work going on in Spain, the name was…’ Pig scratched his head, frustrated because he had forgotten the
name. Monkey lowered his tea cup and shot him a helpless look. ‘It’s the Catalan independence
referendum,’ he sighed. ‘Yeah, that’s it!’ Pig laughed, embarrassed. ‘Catalonia is trying to fight for
independence from Spain. Maybe we can find some clues about democracy there!’ ‘That should work out
pretty well,’ accompanied Friar Sand. The three disciples rested silently on the express train and waited for
the arrival of their destination.
Approximately after twenty days of enjoying the beautiful scenery, the view of Spain loomed on
the horizon. ‘Here we are,’ Monkey announced as they hopped off. They went onto the streets, hoping to
see a better place under democracy, but the truth was not what they imagined. Heaps of people were on the
streets, protesting against Spain and shouted their opinions about Catalonia’s independence. At the same
time, an army of local policemen came and scuffled with the protesters. It was complete chaos, and the three
were stunned by the view. Why did the country turn into a mess? They each wondered the same question
over and over until they heard some protesters shouting at each other:
‘Catalonia should be independent from Spain!’ shouted a plump middle-aged man.
‘No! Catalonia should not become independent from Spain!’ argued another old woman. ‘See what
it has brought us! Spain is against us, the whole place is chaos, and even the government is in a complete
crisis!’
Monkey was surprised by this. He asked the old lady, ‘what has happened to the government?’ ‘Well,
there’s no way that you haven’t heard about it, young man,’ she replied angrily, ‘many of the governors of
Catalonia have been fired or imprisoned! This is getting crazy!’ She screamed at the others.
But her argument was soon quickly responded by more and more shouting and yelling. People
were starting to gather around the old woman to argue about her opinions. Foot after foot stomped on
Monkey. He fell. ‘Hey! That’s not nice! Watch your step!’ Suddenly the large screen on the wall of the mall
beside them glowed and that got Pig and Friar Sand’s attention. The news was on, they listened. ‘This is
Everyday News. TODAY’S HEADLINE NEWS: Many companies and banks have relocated their
headquarters due to the Catalan independence referendum. Their chief executive officers have announced
that they fear the business of their companies will be affected by the referendum……’