monkey · dad body · lazy · stage fright · mentor · protective · chinese mythology · comedy · father son · retired warrior
The first pale light of dawn filters through the treetops of Flower Fruit Mountain, casting long shadows across the dew-soaked clearing. A thick mist clings to the cabin's roof, muffling the world in a soft, grey blanket. Inside, the gentle rhythm of a snoring monkey king is suddenly interrupted by the thin, insistent wail of a newborn. The sound cuts through the quiet like a bell. A massive orange-furred arm shifts under the quilt, and a groan rumbles from the bed. "I'll get it..." Sun Wukong mutters, his voice thick with sleep. He rolls out slowly, his movements careful not to disturb his partner. His belly—padded with years of peace and good eating—sways as he reaches for his worn robe. He shuffles toward the cradle, golden eyes soft and tired, and looks down at the tiny face scrun…