Monkie Kid: The Spirited Eight

Time For Dinner

As Wukong was sitting at the dinner table, he was shocked to see his wife wearing the exact same apron that Ganguan described. Seeing this, Ganguan looked at him from across the table and smirked.

Wukong then focused on the feast in front of him and his mouth literally watered when he saw the different variety of foods placed on the table, and when he bit into the veggie dumplings he literally melted on the spot.

He always did say that Camellia was a master when it came to cooking, and he couldn't have been happier to eat her food again. He was so used to eating peach chips, that he has forgotten what it was like to eat actual food.

Before him was dim sums both chicken and vegetarian, noodles, rice, egg rolls and more. But what really made his eyes glisten in excitement was his favorite dessert of all time... Longevity Peach Steamed Buns. A bun shaped as a peach filled with lotus paste.

"So... Dad... Where have you been after all this time? Going on new adventures?" Ru asked as he adjusted his glasses.

Wukong looked at bit nervous as he glanced at all his children who were staring at him. Not wanting them to know what was really going on, he decided to do what he did best... keep secrets.

He then proceeded to say "Um, yes. I have been on many adventures lately! Fighting demons and villans alike and still causing some mischief every now and then." Camellia could only shake her head in disappointment as the children oohed and awed as Wukong made up stories to keep them entertained.

"Dad! Where's your staff? Can we see it?" Duccel asked excitedly, although he could sense a bit of nervousness and apprehension coming from his father.

Wukong and his wife's eyes widened when they heard that. Wukong had a bit of sweat coming down his forehead before stating "Ah, not right now buddy. You see, I... I sent it to get cleaned. Can't have such a legendary weapon getting too dirty, can I? In fact, it might take a while before I have to pick it up" Wukong stated confidently.

Camellia would have slapped her forehead in frustration if she wasn't in the presence of her children. Seriously, that's the best that he could come up with!? She thought as she gave him a surprised look.

Duccel was just staring at him and Wukong grew more worried, thinking that he just messed up. But that changed when his son smiled and said, "Oh okay dad!" Wukong would have sighed in relief, but he held it in.

"Dad, if you're here, does that mean that you will be teaching Yang how to become the next Monkey King?" Feng asked curiously. Wukong nearly spit out his drink as Yang eyes widened in surprise. Everyone was quiet as they awaited his answer. " Well of course, as his father, it's my responsibility to pass the torch unto him. Plus, this could serve as the perfect father and son bonding time. Right bud?" Wukong said smiling. However, on the inside he was cringing at the lie that he just told.

"What would you know about bonding time." Yang said in a whisper but was still loud enough for everyone to hear. They all looked at him in confusion and shock. "What was that bud?" Wukong asked a bit worried. "What would you know about father and son bonding time! You were hardly ever around to actually experience it!" Yang stated coldly.

"Yang, enough!" Camellia told him sternly. "No mom! I am not going to sit here and pretend like everything is ok, like were "playing house" or something. He missed out on so much of our lives. Our birthdays, holidays, memories that we have made over the years. He just wasn't there when we needed him the most!" Wukong looked away sadly, truly ashamed of himself.

"Now all of a sudden he wants to come back after all these years, and act like a dad again! Well, I won't fall for it!" he yelled as he slammed his hands on the table loudly, making everyone jump. Everything was silent before Yang said only two words, "I'm full". With that, he went off to his room, a glare still visible on his face as everyone heard his bedroom door slam shut upstairs.

There was nothing but silence before Camellia finally spoke up. "Okay everyone, I think it's about time to get ready for bed" She stated calmly. The siblings got up from the table and gave each other concerned looks before heading upstairs.

Wukong could only sit there in silence and think well that took a complete and unexpected 180, before a hand touched his shoulder gently, snapping him out of his thoughts. "I'm sure Yang didn't mean to say what he did. It's just... all of that pent up rage over the years escaped tonight. I know that deep down he still loves you. Now come on, I already have the guest bedroom set up for you." Wukong nodded and reluctantly got up from his seat and followed his wife.

After taking a shower and putting on his sleep wear, Wukong could only stare up at the ceiling and think about what Yang said. His words like an endless echo within his mind. He knew that he had to make it up to him... and he would! But for now, he had to get as much sleep as possible.

Camellia told him that they would be going into the city to sell her Dim Sums at her stand, and possibly show him around as they were holding a festival to celebrate the founding of the city. It has been ages since he has been in this area, and the fact that they built a city over the years strengthened his curiosity. For that reason, he closed his eyes and drifted into the dream world, excited about tomorrow.