Peace of Mind

The Cassock: Fire

This took longer than I wanted it to, sorry about the late upload! I'm in the middle of packing rn, both for uni and also just everything (my family is gonna be moving houses while I'm across the country I guess??)

Don't expect another upload for a few weeks since I'm gonna be settling into my new apartment and getting ready for this next semester. I should be good in about 2 weeks? Anyways, enjoy the new chapter!

~~~~

You hum to yourself, taking in the decor of the monastery that has so kindly taken you in for the night. After several weeks in the wilderness, spending a night in a place with such civilised and well-mannered individuals feels like a welcome change of pace. The Tang Monk continues to be a good source of company– that is– when he isn't being terrified by the occasional demons you pass that try to attack. However, Monkey King continues to be difficult. You wouldn't expect anything less from him anyway.

The newest addition to your pilgrimage, Ao Lie, has become more of a silent companion. He seems to prefer staying in his equestrian form over his dragon one. Whether it is because of what he mentioned about his clumsiness or because he prefers to avoid getting between your disputes with Sun Wukong like his master often does, you're still unsure of.

The dragon-horse is now being taken care of by some of the attendants that serve in the monastery while the eldest of the monks make conversation with Tripitaka. As old as the elder appears, it was still a shock to everyone, Sun Wukong included, that he has walked the earth for well over 200 years. Despite his age, the old monk's smile is still as lively as the youngest one in the monastery. "So you have already travelled ten thousand miles in your pursuit to deliver these scriptures?" The man questions as he and the Tang Monk walk side by side.

"Yes, I am accompanied by my two disciples and a disciple of the bodhisattva you worship in this monastery." The young monk answers, smiling to you as you nod in acknowledgement. It was a pleasant surprise to find the main hall of the building was named after Guan Yin.

The monk's small smile to you also helps to keep your mind from wandering over to the many eyes that follow your group as you walk. It isn't uncommon for you and your travelling companions to receive strange looks in more populated places or buildings, that tends to happen when you walk by casually with a monkey demon. Still, you would usually stick to the monk's shoulder in avian form under those circumstances. It feels better to hide away from prying eyes as an inconspicuous dove, but if you did that now, there'd be no guarantee they'd give a whole room and bed to a bird. Nonetheless, all those stares tend to make you uncomfortable.

The older man shakes his head lightly to the Tang Monk. "Well then, I am sure you would all like a moment to rest. I will call for tea to be served, then you can be shown to your rooms where you may rest for the night."

Thanking the man, you all move to a room where your group can sit and drink together. You find it amusing how much joy the monk shows when everyone is given their cups, their edges lined in gold. Whatever tea they serve the three of you only adds to his wonder, the brew colourful and fragrant as a flower.

While the two monks continue their conversation, you catch the eye of another approaching cautiously. The watchful eyes of those from the halls are now gathered by the doorway you all entered from, whispering excitedly amongst each other as they watch their fellow monk grow closer to your group. Maybe they want to talk with the Tang Monk? You're sure it must be exciting to hear that the one chosen to collect the Buddha's scriptures is in your very own monastery. Of course they'd want to talk with him.

"Pardon, miss?" You blink, the monk you had noticed approaching now looking at you.

Oh, okay then, you nod at the newcomer with a smile. "Yes?"