Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 -1 2019 | Page 108

The Mission
Dulwich College Beijing, You, Lauren - 11
“Sir, the emperor would like to see you.” Emperor Yong Le’s advisor called.
“I will be right there, thank you for informing me.” Zheng He responded politely.
Sliding the sturdy, red door open, he stepped inside the gigantic office. Bowing, he said: “Your advisor sent me, Emperor Yong
Le.”
The emperor turned around saying: “Yes, I’ve been observing your team, the ‘Red Dragons’, in training. They are determined,
trustworthy and resilient. Therefore, I have a mission which will be perfect for you,” explained the emperor, “I want the ‘Red
Dragons’ to sail to Kolkata, India, to trade, give gifts and test your skills…”
“What do you mean?” Asked Zheng He curiously.
“You will see for yourself…” the emperor said slyly, “Be prepared...”
Joyfully, the seagulls sang whilst the Red Dragons loaded their reliable junk, ‘ Explorer’, and prepared for the long and arduous
journey ahead of them.
Finally, it was time to leave. Time to leave their family behind. Time to leave their friends behind. Time, perhaps, to leave their
lives behind… forever… “The emperor is counting on us to accomplish this treacherous voyage, and we mustn’t let him down!”
Zheng He bellowed, breaking the silence. The crew frantically scattered off, getting everything ready for their departure. Fluttering
in the wind, the sails opened, slightly shifting the junk; the anchor was heaved up and the Red Dragons were ready to embark on
their journey.
For the first few days, it was rough for the crew. The gale made a small hole in the once pristine sail, the seas roared, sending
several obstacles their way but despite this, they had faith in themselves and kept going. They now knew almost After what
seemed like decades, the voyage to India was officially over and they safely reached their destination and started their trading
activities. After a few months, they had achieved all they needed on the trip, the crew joyously celebrated their great success with
a party, honoring their captain, Zheng He for his leadership on this successful mission.
“I’m sorry to ruin the enjoyable party but does anyone else feel that something seems amiss?” asked a member of the crew. Half of
the Red Dragons shrugged, whilst the others looked confused.
“Well, I guess…” But, before he could finish, something suspicious caught his eye… “THIEF!” The crew member called out.
“GET HER!” Zheng He ordered.
Sprinting down the narrow aisles, they followed the mysterious, masked, young girl into a dark alley. She ran to the entrance of a
gloomy dilapidated building and crept inside. “Master, I have stolen the jewelry upon your request, please can you let me go
now?”
“Fine! But you better be back tomorrow at 8:00am SHARP.” an unknown voice hollered sternly.
“Come on, let’s go inside and investigate.” whispered Zheng He to his crew. Tiptoeing, Zheng He and two of his crew members
caught a glimpse of someone that they knew from a long time ago and whom they thought was dead… It was the one and only
CAPTAIN HOOK!
“Well hello there Zheng He, glad you could make it, please do come out of the shadows” Captain Hook called out.
“Captain Hook?! I thought my father had destroyed you!” exclaimed Zheng He in surprise.
“You see, when your father pushed me off that cliff, he assumed I was dead, but I successfully climbed back up the cliff and
survived!” Hook hollered with laughter.
Looking confused, the two members of Zheng He’s crew immediately drew out their swords, ready for a battle. Their enemy and
his fellow pirates did the same. “Let’s settle this the right way then!” shouted Captain Hook.
The ear-piercing sound of metal swords clashing against each other triggered the rest of the Red Dragons crew to follow inside.
The violent battle went on for what seemed like eternity for the Pirate and Zheng He. Both challengers were equally talented and
very experienced in combat, which caused uncertainty of the winner. However, with the Red Dragon army on Zheng He’s side,
they were unstoppable…
As time passed, Hook and his pirates grew weaker, were tired and eventually noticed it was no use trying to fight back. The Red
Dragon army was far too formidable for mere pirates like Hook. A few moments later, Zheng He hollered to his opponent
“SURRENDER or prepare to be killed!” Astonishingly, the answer no one expected stammered out of his arch enemy’s mouth.
“I-I-I-I Surrender!” And that was it, the words Zheng He had been waiting for. The battle had eventually concluded.
“LET GO OF ME!!” Captain Hook shouted as he was forced by the Red Dragons to board the junk against his wishes. It was
time for Zheng He and his crew to bid farewell to India and sail back home to China. This time however, they were heading
back home with a little more than what they had expected. On top of items that were traded and gifts that they had received, the
Red Dragons brought back with them a PIRATE. And not just any pirate, it was the very same pirate that Zheng He’s father
spent years tracking down and whom he thought he had successfully eliminated.
This mission had indeed tested their skills as the Emperor had stated earlier on. Zheng He was proud of his army for
accomplishing the mission that Emperor Yong Le set out for them, and he was especially grateful to his team for their efforts in
helping him capture their arch enemy and fulfill his father’s legacy.
“Finally, let’s go home.” Zheng He said with a contented smile.