The Scared Boy

Journey to the West 48 The Scared Boy

Wukong stared at the mountains. “ A red cloud keeps appearing over those mountains, ” he said. “ There must be a demon ahead. ” “ The road leads right into those mountains, ” said the Tang Monk nervously. Wukong nodded. “ We must be careful. ” He pulled out his iron bar and held it up.

Wujing held up his spear, and Bajie held up his rake. The group walked cautiously. A red demon sat on a mountain peak, watching the travelers approach. “ The Tang Monk has finally arrived at my mountain, ” the demon said to himself. “ I’ve heard that eating just one bite of him will make me live forever. ”

The demon looked at the travelers again. “ Uh-oh. The monk’s companions have their weapons out. They probably saw my red cloud. I’ll have to trick them with a disguise. ” The demon made himself look like a scared little boy. Then he went down to the road, sat alongside it, and waited. Soon the travelers approached. The Tang Monk saw the boy and got down from his horse.

“ Master, that’s a demon, ” warned Wukong. The Tang Monk scowled at the monkey. “ He’s just a scared little boy. ” He turned back to the boy. “ What’s wrong?” “ My family was attacked by robbers, ” said the boy. “ Please help me. ” “ I know what you are! ” shouted Wukong. “ You’re a demon! I won’t let you eat the Tang Monk! ”

The boy looked horrified. “ Wukong! ” snapped the Tang Monk. “ You’re scaring him! ” “ Master, you’re being a fool again! ” cried the monkey. “ You always fall for demons’ tricks, and you never believe me. ” “ Be quiet, Wukong, ” said the Tang Monk. “ Or I’ll recite the Tight Headband spell. ”