#wrote this for a contest in my jttw discord server

[crzyimp]

New year, New you

Author note; Learned a lot while writing this story and tried to copy JTTW writing style here or there

No warning on this on, bit of angst, comfort, and humor. Long fic.

Enjoy!

The air was brisk, and the road covered in beautiful white, blanketing the landscape and mountains in snow. All was quiet expect for the sound of crunching; footsteps and hooves leaving marks on the path behind them. The four pilgrims and their white horse on their years’ long journey to the west, each special in their own right and memorable. All expect for one, the often forgotten white dragon horse.

Bailong, dragon prince and third son of the Dragon king of the west sea, huffs and puffs white clouds against the cold air. Keeping his golden eyes forward with the holy Tang Monk on his back. Another year is closing for a new to arise and yet the melancholy refuse to shake off like fleas or ticks. Instead, it burrows deep within and rise memories, one Bailong wishes to forget.

It will be the year of the dragon for the new year, one his family back in the western sea exclusively celebrated and no other zodiac. Sadly for Bailong, the rarely celebrated new years he always missed, his family never waited for him and even forgotten him among the festive celebration. This left him feeling hollow inside and with other emotions swimming within him. In the beginning, it was an overwhelming sadness that was drowning him, then resentment made way like an ocean wave in a storm, before settling in the sands of acceptance beneath waves, forgotten and never seen. He huffs again and shakes the thoughts away.

“Master, the path is becoming difficult. Let us stop at the nearest town and rest. At least until the roads are cleared.” A voice, like that of bells chimes during prayer, a familiar hand brushes against Bailong’s white furry neck. His eyes drift down to the fearsome thunder god, Pilgrim Sun, an infamous being with many names and titles, but best known as his elder brother, Sun Wukong. Sun Wukong study him carefully with his fiery eyes before smiling. “Besides, I think our young dragon horse might’ve fall under the weather.” Wukong tease deftly dodges a bite from Bailong sharp fangs, his laughter echoing in the mountains.

“Wukong,” a warm, but firm voice spoke up above Bailong. “I’ll take your advice, but refrain from teasing.” A delicate hand reaches out, the fingers comb through his fur. The owner of the hand can be no other than the holy Tang Monk. The one who started the journey to complete his quest. Tensions wash off of Bailong and briefly close his closing his eyes. The holy monk knew the best spots. “When is the closest village?” Sanzang asks.

“Yes, big brother! Use your nimbus to scout ahead.” Zhu Bajie pipe in, kicking up snow as he trudges up. Sha Wujing measly catch up behind Zhu Bajie, bits of frost covering the tips of his red beard. The pig and water demon turned disciples, each one with their own names and past, join the other three. “Little brother is freezing and see! His fiery beard is turning blue like his skin!”

“Do not worry about me my brothers, bits of frost nor snow won’t stop me in completing our quest.” Sha Wujing reply with a hum, keeping the rear and smiling gently to the others.

“You say that little brother, but old monkey can hear your teeth chattering from here.”

“Yes, and you’re losing your hue, my disciple.”

“Wukong, hurry up! Find a shelter soon or Sha Wujing will turn into an ice block!”

“Idiot, little brother would be more of an ice boulder than a block.” Wukong said, with more insults ready to throw at Zhu Bajie.

“Please stop bickering, you two! Sun Wukong, please go forth and look for everyone’s sakes.” Sanzang said, stopping them before they truly start.

“Of course, master.” Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie said in union with heads bowing. Bailong huff at the usual display, a normal occurrence and always lively compare to his quiet palace home. His heart feels warm at the concern, even light-heartedly, at the youngest disciple. Even Wukong’s teasing at him as well, far different from his home.

He idly listens to the group’s conversation and suppresses a laugh when Sanzang offers some of his outwear to warm Sha Wujing up; only for the three disciples to dog pile on him with their own winter clothes and becoming a fabric lump with a tiger skin skirt on top. Bailong won’t complain about the added weight, all part of his atonement and added benefit. He watches as the eldest brother somersault onto his cloud and speed ahead. Nothing more than the spec in the sky in a matter of seconds.

Things soon return to the tranquil quiet as before, with sounds of foot and hooves crushing snow in the white landscape. The thoughts of his family far gone from Bailong’s mind, the group continues on with light snow fall until only an hour later Pilgrim Sun returns with news. Bailong didn’t pay no mind to it, only the important bit; the nearest village is only a few hours away and Pilgrim Sun already establish a lodging for them all. An empty home they can all stay for with food provided. He tune out Zhu Bajie as he starts the normal hungry complaints and the distance. Or when the two oldest brothers go at it again and Sanzang muffles a sigh under the pile. Sha Wujing smiles through his chattering teeth, always keeping up in the rear and never complaining. Together, the monk and his disciples travel to their destination, with the eldest leading the way.

True to Sun Wukong’s word, the party arrives just a few hours with a small home fit for a family of five. “I didn’t realize it was of the new years already. It’s nice of the locals to have our lodge decorated for the occasion.” Sha Wujing said, stepping towards to the door, using his transformation to shrink down to the size of an average man. “Though it’s a shame there isn’t any bamboo for us to burn, I always did enjoy hearing the crackles during this time of year.”

“Maybe there will be plenty of food then.” Zhu Bajie reply, rushing forward and doing the same as Sha Wujing, almost matching his height. “A nice hot meal will be nice to shake off the bitter cold! Better yet, a feast!” Zhu Bajie said with excitement, passing the youngest brother and first through the door into the house with Sha Wujing behind him.

Wukong quietly watches his two brothers before he leads Bailong to the stables with a now sleeping Tang monk softly snoring on top of him. “Little Bailong,..” Bailong always hated that, he’s not that young, “…come inside with Master and old monkey. It’s much too cold for you to be out here.” Speaking in a hush tone, Wukong grows into size enough to grab the bundles of fabrics that is his master. He carries the monk like a parent does with a sleeping child. Sanzang’s red nose was the only thing peeking out. Wukong chuckles as the dragon horse, the extra warm gone and now left his body shivering, “See, come with me and I’ll prepare tea for you and Master.” Titling his head to the side, he studies Bailong’s state; flakes and dull skin, even his eyes lost their shine. “Ah, even as a horse you still molt, old Sun shall draw you a bath. Let me bring Master into our lodging and I’ll come back for you.” Bailong bobs his head in reply, watching the two leave. The cold seeps into his bones and feels of constriction of his skin with an itch that won’t go away. A wooden beam stands only a few steps away from him with ever-growing temptation, soon the satisfaction of the coarse wood against his hide. He sighs, his thoughts of his family back at the forefront of his mind, along with hollowness. Perhaps this year they’ll send a letter or even wishes or gifts. Anything to remind him he’s still family. His ears perk at the distance sound of chatter coming from the house.

Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing stood in the kitchen discussing among themselves of tonight’s feast and the rooms they briefly explore. A main room where everyone can eat, one with a tub for washing, a kitchen, and two for sleeping or storage. The sound of a door opens and closes draws their attention. Peeking out, they see their oldest brother carrying their master. Their eyes on him as he disappears into the bathroom and shortly coming out, then in another room where the two store everyone’s luggage and out again. At this is when Sha Wujing spoke up. “Brother, the sleeping quarters are down the hall at the end.”

“Ha! Fool getting lost in a small home, is that the reason you bother everyone in heaven because you couldn’t find your way?” Zhu Bajie laughs, his belly shaking and wiping a tear. His laughter doubles and clutching his gut when Sun Wukong glares at him.

“Quiet Idiot! Are you trying to wake Master?” Sun Wukong whispers harshly with narrow fiery eyes, briefly glances at the sleeping monk. “And I see you haven’t gained more weight yet. Why don’t you make yourself useful and cook for us tonight.”

“I don’t know, perhaps you should, Mother Sun.” Zhu Bajie replies, grinning when Sha Wujing covers his mouth and looking away, his shoulders shaking.

“I guess you make a poor husband who can’t cook. Old monkey can see why your wife and in-laws wanted you gone.” Wukong smiles, smug when Idiot’s ears flaps and his face turn red like Sha Wujing beard. At this, the youngest brother couldn’t contain his joyful laughter, using the wooden beams to support himself.

“I’ll show you! I’ll make the finest dish that you’ll offer any daughters to marry me and honor me as your son-in-law!” Zhu Bajie declares and return to the kitchen. Wukong proudly watches and sees Idiot’s outstretch hand grabbing Sha Wujing. The youngest brother yelps when he’s yank in with barks of orders. Sun Wukong shakes his head with a smile, carrying the Tang Monk down the hall and gently laying him on the bed. Even tucking the monk before leaving.

“It’s amazing master slept through all that. Old monkey thought he’ll wake from Idiot’s blubbering and little brother’s laughing.” Walking back towards the kitchen, the sound of chopping and bickering reaching his ears. He steps closer and listens.

“Little brother! You’re chopping that wrong! Are you trying to feed rabbits like that? You’ll make a poor husband.”

“I don’t want to be a husband. I want to be a monk, big brother.” Sha Wujing mumbles, pricking his fingers for the third time.

“And you’re bleeding again! You want the master to break his vows? Go clean your wound again and tend to the fire.” the second brother ordered with his back turned.

“I see why your marriage failed.” the youngest brother mumbles

“Hmm!? What did you say?” Zhu Bajie whips his head at Sha Wujing’s direction.

“Nothing big brother! Must have been the wood crackling.” Sha Wujing reply sweetly.

Sun Wukong silently chuckles behind his hand, leaving his two brothers as the cold hits his golden fur. Chills burrow into his bones, the thick snow falling now and some landing on him. He admires the beauty of nature for only a moment before he trudges over to the stables. The sight of the youngest member of the group rubbing his side on the old wooden support beam, tilting dangerously. “Stop! Stop! Let Monkey help you before that beam collapses on us both…. I said, hold still!” Sun Wukong shouts, both hands on Bailong and a tail around the beam. He nods to himself, patting Bailong’s stomach. “Quite impatient today, young Bailong”

At this, Bailong shifts into a more humanoid appearance, with antler like horns and teal hair. His features resembles of that a boy on the cusp of adulthood. “Don’t call me that!” His voice cracks just like his skin.

“And moody too. Is it has becau-“

“That it’s the year of the dragon and my family hasn’t sent word or wishes. Treating me as if I don’t exist, as always.” Bailong turns his back to Wukong with arms crossed. His emotions swirl like a whirlpool inside, ready to burst.

“I thought it was the year of the monkey.” Wukong said, stepping closer to the young boy on the cusp of adulthood. Frowning at the poor condition he’s in from his molt and the sudden outburst.

“You say it’s the monkey’s year, every year.” Bailong said flatly as he spun back around, his eyes firmly on the spec of snow beneath him.

“Well, Idiot fell for it during the year of the pig, but I suppose it’s the dragon’s year, if you say so. As for your family…” Wukong reaches up to his ear, “…do you want Old Sun to pay them a vis-“

“No! I just….” Bailong when he interrupts a second time, but he continues. “…I just never spent new years with them, I just…” He sighs, his shoulders sagging. He was a dutiful son and never voiced or went against his family’s wishes until his mishap almost got him executed. If it wasn’t for this journey, he shivers at the thought. “I.. I just want to know that my family cares for me…” A part of him misses home, the luxury and the comforts. However, the other side of him loved seeing a world he’ll never get to see behind his watery palace or the people he met along the way. Did he truly misses his family or is he telling himself that? Familial loyalties can be the strongest and yet it was his father who sent him to the heavenly courts and his execution. Even in the years he travels with the monks, not once did his family reach out or seek him out. His eyes water as his thoughts swarm around him, intrusive and hostile, like the old and inhospitable world.

Until powerful arms wrap around him, protecting him and dashing his train of thought. Bailong buries his face against Wukong’s chest and staining his robes. Tears now flowing freely as he feels a hand rub against his back gently. No one exchanges words, and Bailong doesn’t mind or care as he quietly weeps. Only feeling Wukong lifting and carrying him like he did with the holy monk; the cold snow before the warmth of inside. His ears perking as the other brothers bickering and then laughing in the other room. Wukong carried him further into the home, the joyful sounds fading away.

A door opens and closes, the room far more humid compare to the main room and hallway. The moisture in the air doing wonders for his flaky skin. Bailong lifts his head from Wukong’s chest to see a bath ready with all the essentials. In the corner of his blurry vision, he spots what could only be a clone making final preparations and setting new clothes for after his bath.

Bailong didn’t have the chance to think more of where the clothes came from or if it was even his, when his feet dip into the steaming waters. His mind was blank and his body moved on its own. Quickly stripping away garments and diving into the waters. Splashing and spilling over, Wukong can be overheard grumbling about being wet and something else. It didn’t take long to feel the heat to soak into him and, like a weighted blanket, ease him into a peaceful sleep.

Sun Wukong watches all of this with annoyance and amusement, shaking the water off his fur and wringing his soggy robes. A plan forms in his mind as he glance at Bailong, closing his eyes and drifting off. Wukong sighs. He’ll have to leave the young man alone for his plan to work, but he wants to ensure that Bailong is up when dinner is ready or when Master is awake. He leaves and walks towards the kitchen, knowing the only ones still awake can help him.

“Little brother, how on earth or heaven did you survive on your own like this?” Bajie ask in astonishment, wrapping Wujing’s bleeding finger in cloth.

“I only know how to pickle and pickled anything that came to my river and eat when it was necessary. I’m not a cook like you,” Wujing said with his head hanging low.

“Please forgive your big brother. I got blinded by my attempt to prove to our eldest that you needed help.

Sha Wujing clasps Zhu Bajie’s shoulder and smiles. “Then please enlighten me on the ways of cooking, so that I can be an excellent monk.”

“You mean husband?” Zhu Bajie teasingly asked with a smile.

“No, I think he meant monk, Idiot.” Wukong said, standing in the doorway. Firey eyes wrinkling when the two jump and nearly hit each other. “I need to leave and gather supplies for tonight. Our dragon horse is dispirited- “he pauses as the two gasp and talk among themselves over poor Bailong. Wukong clears his throat and continues talking. “He’s soaking in the bathroom. Bring him out once dinner is ready. I’m-”

“Perhaps we should cook some of his favorites.” Bajie said, a hand under his chin with his eyes close.

“Maybe we can further decorate the home and I can gather bamboo. I remember seeing some on the way here.” Sha Wujing suggests. His eyes focus on the window.

“Brother, what do you think?” Zhu Bajie asks their eldest brother, “And the ugly bastard gone.” He grumbles at the empty spot Pilgrim Sun was in. Zhu Bajie asks their eldest brother, "Brother, what do you think? And the ugly bastard has disappeared." He grumbles at the empty spot Pilgrim Sun was in.

The two concluded on a plan without the eldest and went their separate ways, each completing tasks with intensity. Bajie cooked all meals the young dragon horse mentions over the years on the road. Add flavors and spices to Bailong’s personally loved. His mouth waters and his snout twitches as each of the dishes he set at the table, but he’ll abstain until he sees the delight on Bailong’s face. Bajie admires the handy work of Wujing’s decoration.

The villagers have set some up to make them as a welcome gift. One they were certainly grateful for, though Wujing took it further by writing scrolls and handing fabrics. Bajie’s ears twitch at the sound of the door and footsteps. He spots Wujing with bundles of bamboo under his arms and snow mix with his hair. “Once you set those down, please wake and retrieve our master and Bailong. I’ll set the final preparations and ensure everything is ready.” Bajie said, he watches as his little brother nods and disappears further into the house.

It doesn’t take long for Sha Wujing to return with tears in his eyes and something shrivels in his arms. Bajie feels his heart stop at the sight. “Zhu Bajie! Brother!” Wujing’s voice is loud as it echoes off the walls. Bajie rushes over to him. “It’s Bailong! He’s…he’s” Wujing wobbles, his body shaking and his breathing shallow. Bajie gasps, finally getting a better look before he, too, sob over what was once was Bailong. In Sha Wujing’s arms lies a husk, shell and translucent of Bailong’s body. Still warm and droplets dripping from his hands with tears landing on his frail body. Sha Wujing and Zhu Bajie collapses, each with arms wrap around the other.

“Why are you two crying? Did something happen?” Sun Wukong asks, his eyes searches for the source of the cause for his younger brothers’ sorrows.

“Brother! Bailong, he’s…he’s” Sha Wujing wiggle away from Zhu Bajie to show the eldest disciple of what has become Bailong.

“That’s what you two were crying about? Just toss it and wak-“

“How could you?!”

“You rotten ugly bastard!”

“Disciples, why all the shouting at this hour and right before supper?” All eyes whip towards Tripitaka, rubbing his eyes and holding hands with a yawning Bailong. Who’s skin and hair shine brightly against the lights, his features closer to that of a young man, but with a hint of boyishness still lingers.

The second and third disciples cried again, practically tackles the monk and dragon into a hug. Once free from two burly men’s hugs; Bailong explains he sheds his skin every few years. His shedding always landed on the New Year, the year of the dragon, to be exact. The sea cold waters made it grueling process overall. However, this time it was easier on Bailong’s body thanks to the hot bath Sun Wukong prep for him. Wukong’s chest puffed up and smug with such praise.

“You ape! Why didn’t you say anything before?! Sha Wujing and I wouldn’t have to bawl our eyes out if you told us!”

“I would’ve if you kept your mouth shut and allowed me to speak. Not old monkey’s fault you lack manners.” Sun Wukong said matter-of-factly.

“You!”

Tripitaka sighs as moves himself over to the table, Bailong joining him while Sha Wujing set the table and the dishes. Soon he joins the other two as they help themselves to the food and watch the daily entertainment of the two older disciples argue like a comedic skit during a play. A dinner and a show, an array of flavors and non stop snickering laughter as Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie go at it. It took some time for both the disciples to tire themselves out before joining the others.

Bailong soon enough became the focus of attention from the other men. Zhu Bajie asking his thoughts on the dishes, many he recognizes as his favorites from his home, but more importantly from the travels with everyone. Each bite brings memories of the places they stop at and the stories it holds.

However, Bailong didn’t have the chance to answer the second disciple before the third was asking him about the decorations. His golden eyes wander the room, his cheeks puffy with food. The deep color of red littering the room with mixtures of yellow, none quite matching with the red. It’s nothing to compare to the one back at the western sea palace. However, despite that, everything felt warm to him, like when he was in the bath or when Tripitaka scooted over to allow him under the covers for a nap.

Finally, his eyes landing on the bamboo and his eyebrows raise, that was something his family definitely didn’t partake. He heard about burning bamboo to get it to crack and crackle. Even seen and heard it from a distance during the journey, but to partake in it? This was something he couldn’t contain his excitement, nearly bouncing in his chair and scarfing down the food.

“If you’re excited over burning bamboo, then Old Monkey has something even better.” Now this got everyone’s attention and eyes on Pilgrim Sun. Which leads to everyone with the same thought. Where did the oldest disciple run off to? “Old Monkey remembered an old acquaintance and pay them a visit. Kind enough to gift me a newly made invention! One that can light up the sky.”

“You mean you stole it.” Zhu Bajie said between bites, smugly when he sees the familiar frown etch on Sun Wukong’s face.

“No, Idiot, I did not steal it. I did a favor of exchange for it and it will make our new years a memorable one.”

“How long will we have to wait?” Bailong spoke up, hands on the table and leaning over. “Can we see it now? After dinner?” his voice was louder with a wide smile.

“After dinner.” Tripitaka announces, “After dinner and we’ll see what Pilgrim Sun brought.” Calmly declare with poise and elegance as he ate his food at a faster pace than he usually does. Although no one paid much mind as the rest soon clear off the rest of the dishes.

With much haste, everyone finishes dinner and rush out the door. Pushing the eldest disciple out first with unrestrained glee. “What happens to the men and who replaces them with children?” Sun Wukong laughs, making himself a little heavier. Let them work for it if only a little.

Outside in the brisk air, the group stands off by the entrance as Sun Wukong stands a respectful distance away with an object in his hand. A quick light and a good throw, the object soar high into the night air. With bated breath, everyone stares at the sky and waits.

“Nothing happ- “Bailong’s words die in his throat as the once darken sky soon turns into an explosion of colors with a thundering boom. He and the others feel it in their bones, but no one dare move as they watch vibrant colors spread across the sky before fading back into the darkness. This was nothing he could have imagined witnessing in all his life, nor does he ever wish to forget. Bailong spends the rest of the night among his fellow traveling companions, his family, celebrating the new years together. Until a heavenly official arrives about a noise complaint.

#sun wukong #journey to the west #jttw #xiyouji #bai longma #tripitaka #zhu bajie #sha wujing #long fic #please dont ask how long this took out of me #wrote this for a contest in my jttw discord server