Day 5 of @suntangworld's Suntang Week and I got an idea for a childhood friends AU!
"Do you remember what we talked about?"
"Be polite," Tang Sanzang said, his foster father's words easily coming to mind. "Don't speak out of turn, or be rude about their beliefs. And don't wander off unless our host gives permission."
The abbot smiled, patting him on the head. "You have a wonderful memory for a seven-year-old," he said. "I don't think I have to worry about you. Patriarch Subodhi, however…" His smile faded at whatever thought about the Daoist came to his mind. Sanzang waited patiently until he came back to himself, smiling. "Well, no worries. Come along, Sanzang." He took his hand and guided him out of the room.
Outside, a glowing array waited. The abbot seemed to show no fear, boldly walking in. Sanzang swallowed back any fear and followed, holding the older man's hand tight.
It only took a few seconds before sunlight broke through, and the two of them stepped out into a courtyard. Sanzang looked down and couldn't help but admire the decor of a crescent moon and stars before big doors opened, revealing what seemed to be an assistant. "Abbot," she said, her voice soft and gentle. "My master waits for you and your…" Her eyes drifted down, and she raised a brow.
"This is Sanzang, my ward," the abbot said. "Apologies for not forewarning you, the disciple who usually watches him got sick."
The assistant's brow lowered. "That is no problem. My master faces a similar issue with his…" She paused, her face scrunching up. "Student."
"Oh?" He felt the abbot's hand loosen slightly. "Maybe you can make a friend, Sanzang."
He gave a polite nod, resisting the urge to make a face. The abbot was always annoyed whenever he found him not playing with the other children. He was a monk, though, and had things to learn! Hopefully, this student would understand.
The assistant turned, and the two of them followed.
The monastery was very pretty, Sanzang had to admit. It was decorated with mostly flowers and plants, allowing a peaceful green serenity as disciples practiced and moved. They reached a set of grand doors, decorated with moons and stars. The assistant opened it, and the abbot gave a polite bow before moving inwards. Sanzang tried his best to do the same, trailing behind the abbot.
And then a bowl was shoved in his face.
"Would you like an orange?!"
Loud was the first thing he processed. And then, that's a demon.
"Wukong!" Master Subodhi said, standing up from the table. "I thought I told you-"
"It's alright, old friend," the abbot laughed, letting go of Sanzang's hand to grab an orange slice from the bowl. "Aren't you a polite thing?"
The bowl lowered, revealing more of the monkey demon.
They looked a little bit younger than him, with curly orange fur that almost resembled a cloud. Their golden eyes sparkled with clear joy, paired with a close-mouthed smile that almost seemed brighter than a full tooth smile.
Those eyes landed on him, and Sanzang stiffened. Was he expected to get an orange too?
Before the demon could say anything, Master Subodhi wrapped arms around them and picked them up. "Apologies for Wukong. He got excited when he heard he was allowed to attend this meeting." The Daoist glanced at the monkey. "And I told him to behave."
"Again, it's alright," the abbot said, pushing Sanzang forward. "What's his name?"
"I'm Sun Wukong!" the monkey said, starting to squirm anew. "What's your name!"
"This is Tang Sanzang, your new friend!"
The monkey gasped, and Sanzang felt his heart sink.
This was gonna take forever, wasn't it?
