#progressively

Wukong was fidgeting with his tail, not knowing how to sit still. At his side, Wujing was sitting perfectly still, his posture more than perfect, and Bajie was snoring, head tilted to one side. The golden-furred monkey envied Bajie, he wanted to sleep too! It was better than this useless exercise the monk was forcing him to do. What was good in meditation anyway? Sitting still wasn't going to solve their problems. It was a waste of time.

“Wukong. Stop fidgeting.” Came the ever calm voice of Sanzang. The young human was sitting perfectly, back straight, shoulders aligned and hands open like blooming buds on his knees. He looked like the epitome of peacefulness.

“But meditation doesn't do anything! It's useless.” Mumbled Wukong as he crossed his arms.

“It helps you control your emotions. Something you need.” Soothingly replied the monk.

“Pfff, what? No, I control my emotions just good.” Brushed off Wukong as he averted his eyes, he knew he had some tantrum problems at times, but it couldn't be that bad.

“How about all the demons and bandits you kill, mm?” Replied Sanzang as he opened one eye, he was more comfortable with Wukong as of late, he knew the other wouldn't hurt him, no matter how terrifying he could be on the battlefield.

“Oh come on, Master! They're bad guys.” Whined Wukong with a groan.

“And I know you have very keen eyes to discern between good and bad but you often fail to see the humans behind all this.” Sighed Sanzang.

“What does that even mean?”

“Judging between good or bad is fine, but you don't need to kill. The punishment you unleash is too violent. You need to listen to your heart.”

“Well I think you listen too much to your heart, Master.” Groaned Wukong as he lifted his chin, not willing to listen. Sanzang sighed, something tired but yet a bit fond.

“That's true. Guess we have much to learn from each other then.” Replied Sanzang, Wukong was a bit surprised that the monk readily agreed to his own shortcomings. The sage scratched his neck before mumbling :

“I guess.” Wukong sighed and closed his eyes, he tried to empty his head and focus on present sensations. The wind ruffling his fresh braids weaved with petals, done by Macaque. The chirping birds settling on a branch a few meters above him. The grass swaying kindly under him. The river running across the forest. He felt oddly relaxed. Mayhaps the monk's teaching weren't as useless as he thought they were.

He couldn't stay still for long though.

They decided to stop the meditating exercice once Ao Lie and Macaque came back with food. Wukong woke up Bajie with a loud yell and snickered when the pig yelped and jumped on his feet, alerted. Meanwhile Wujing got out of his own meditative state and helped prepare the food.

“I've learned meditation.” Proudly declared Wukong as he served his thumb-sized bowl to Macaque. The black-furred monkey raised an eyebrow and chuckled.

“That's good.” Nodded Macaque as he sipped on his lil bowl. Wukong was about to say more (happy to be praised by Macaque) but he was interrupted by a demon barging out of nowhere. The demons tried to steal the pilgrims luggages and was swiftly stopped by Wukong.

The golden-furred was quite angry, he was just about to be praised by Macaque and this guy ruined it all. But as the sage lifted his staff and looked in the demon's eyes he remembered Sanzang's teaching. Wukong bit his lips, hesitating, and ultimately sighed.

“Just go.” He hissed, the demon ran away in a hurry, frightened by the great sage.

“That was good Wukong!” Proudly exclaimed Sanzang as he patted Wukong's shoulders.

“Wathever, the guy wasn't worth it. It's not like I care about your teachings.” Mumbled Wukong with a pouting face. He didn't want to admit that the young monk was rubbing off on him.

Macaque climbed Wukong and settled on his shoulder, he patted the golden-furred monkey's cheek in congratulation.

“You did very good.” Nodded Macaque. Wukong averted his eyes, biting his lips to stop himself from smiling like a fool, but he couldn't hide the way his tail was wagging.

+ cut scenes

Sanzang : Wukong can you wake up Bajie, please? ☺️

Wukong : of course, Master 😌

Wukong *proceed to yell loudly in Bajie ears* : 😈

Sanzang : today we're gonna learn meditation 😌

Bajie : Eugh, guess it's time to sleep 😒

Wukong : sounds boring 🙄

Wujing : Yay! Meditation ☺️

Macaque *perched on top of Ao Lie head* : Takes right I see a tree with fruits!

Ao Lie : Aye, aye captain! 😆

Macaque : Ao Lie that was left 😅