Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 159

Tales of Buju on the Ming Treasure Voyages
Korean International School, Leung, Jade - 16
“Hey, you! Come over here and clean up this mess.” Jack, the captain shouted. I took my broom and swept the floor
swiftly as I didn’t want to get scolded again. I always wanted to part of the pirates because I admire their bravery and it
seems adventurous. Even though I am not a pirate, but being on the same ship, traveling and working for them is my
dream.
It was the afternoon when the fight started. I was sweeping the floor as usual and all of a sudden, there was an explosion
sound on the other ships which were on the left side. It was a bomb attack. I rushed to the end of the ship to see what
was happening. There were people on small boats trying to intrude our ship. In the meantime, they grabbed their
weapons and loaded up the guns and all I have was my broom and a small knife. I didn’t know what to do but to stand
with them. “ Don’t worry, kid. We’re going to get through this.” One of the pirates said.
Awhile later, the intruders finally came up and began fighting with the pirates. I stood behind the door because I was
afraid to go out. Suddenly, there was a man in a black mask rushed in with a knife in his hand. I took my broom and
smacked his head from behind. He fell down and his head was bleeding. I felt like I am one of them now so I took the
knife from his hand and ran out. At last, some of the intruders were killed and some escaped into the water. None of
our properties were stolen but there was some damage to the ship.
While I was cleaning up the mess, one of the pirates called me in. The pirates were having a meeting and they wanted
me to join them. When I heard the news, I was shocked. I am officially part of them now. I am the youngest pirate on
the ship.
A few days later, we arrived at our final destination. The place we were heading is called Buju. We decided to stay on
this island for a week to enjoy the paradise. We got off the ship as soon as we arrived and gave some of our wonderful
presents to their Emperor. Meeting the emperor of Buju was one of the greatest things I’ve ever done on this trip. We
had a lot of fun and learned so much of their culture and made some new friends there. One of the best things in Buju
was the stars at night. When it was getting dark, the sky would become like a galaxy. I have never seen so many stars at
night in my life. It was stunning and I will never forget that.
As time passed, it was finally the time for us to say goodbye. We left and sailed back to China. When we were on our
way back, we were all celebrating and dancing around. As soon as we arrived in China, I said goodbye to all of them
and went ack home. I had the best time of my life and I wish to go on this adventurous trip again.