A Secret Journey ( Wukong X Sanzang )

Chapter 5: False Truths

The virtuous monks were in quite a pickle, their journey now a frantic escape from the consequences of what was unfairly pinned on them. Comfortable beds? Oh, those were now a distant memory. Instead, they found themselves nestled under a tree, far from the offended village and its accusatory glares.

Sandy and Pigsy were practically running on fumes, their stamina almost worn out. Yet, the dynamic duo of Master and Student were far from putting a stop to their little spectacle.

SMACK! The echoing sound of a harsh slap filled the air, grabbing Sandy and Pigsy's attention. They glanced toward the source of the drama, only to witness Sanzang's hand suspended mid-air and Wukong's gaze directed toward the ground, presumably the spot where he had just received a stinging slap.

"You're a sinner through and through! I won't have a murderer in my pilgrim," Sanzang reprimanded.

Wukong's lips curled back into a primal snarl, a little more saliva than necessary making its escape.

"Oh, you're a special kind of dumbass, aren't you? When have I ever faltered? Each time I shield you from demons in the most painfully OBVIOUS disguises, I end up in trouble. So tell me, should I just let those monsters have you for lunch?"

"Buddhists wouldn't even kill an ant! I took you in, hoping your felonious past could be mended along the road to enlightenment. Yet, your progress is as elusive as a dream," Sanzang retorted, his lecture mode activated.

"Enough with the sanctimonious speeches! Buddha this, Buddha that—did I even ask to be a fuckin' monk? Guanyin practically forced me into this mess! Oh, and by the way, I pissed on that divine dude's hand five centuries ago. So, you can imagine my utmost respect for his stupid religion. If I could just yank this accursed headband off, I'd have left you to be demon-chow. Because, guess what?" Wukong closed the distance.

"I," poke, "Don't," poke, "Give," poke, "A damn," poke, "About," poke, "YOU."

Sanzang stumbled back from each vehement poke, his chest tingling from the unexpected assaults. Wukong's verbal daggers cut deeper than he could have anticipated. Sanzang's eyes became moist, betraying more hurt than he wanted to display.

In a huff, the Great Tang Monk dashed away, retreating into the tent that his loyal companions had dutifully set up.

"Oh, go on, cry! Sob like a little girl! You're utterly useless! Without you, I could have circled the Earth twenty thousand times, twice, while learning how to juggle dragons!" Wukong's voice boomed across the field, piercing the dimly illuminated tent.

Pigsy and Sandy exchanged a look, then turned their attention back to their fiery elder. His clenched fists and grinding teeth painted a vivid picture of anger. Though they were aware Wukong had a temper slimmer than guqin strings, they knew his every venomous word was an exaggerated lie. But they also understood that Wukong would probably regret it all later, once the dust of his stormy outburst had settled.