Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 -1 2019 | Page 260

The Dangerous Giveaway
Pui Ching Primary School, Tsang, Lok Ching Leia - 12
My ship, The Rosemary, was set free. It raced and plowerd up and down the playful waves like a harmless
seesaw. Someone was being sent to India from the emperor to give presents such as silks and tea leaves.
That’s me! I am Yu, the captain. Some may know me from different voyages sent by different people. This
time, I have agreed to regain my services again. I wear a thin beard along my face and I’m fairly neat, for a
pirate. Before the crew got to work, I gave them a little pep talk to prepare them along the journey. What
the crew didn’t know was that this journey wasn’t just a nice giveaway, it was a risk on our lives.
Suddenly, something rose up from the sea. One by one, jelly-like tentacles splashed and stirred, crawling up
the main vast, scaring everyone on the ship. In a second, the sky turned dark like a big, black cloth covered
the sky. Then, an octopus-like shadow loomed over the ship. But can you believe that that wasn’t the
scariest part? It was a kraken! It was razor-bladed, had white copper teeth and two eyeballs filled with fire
and had tentacles with sockets that will suck your blood. It was as fast as a cannonball, moving as fast as it
can.
“Well, well, look what we have here. A ship full of refreshments for your dearest kraken king!”
I took a glance towards my old enemy, and said as if it was nothing important,“Hey! Remember me? I’m
the one who didn’t make myself dessert, you old kraken!”
As it roared in delight, I signaled the sailors to steer the boat to its stomach because everyone knows that
stomaches are the animal’s weakest point.
The ship sailed forward at full speed. Of course I knew that it was a risk. I’m not dumb but I’ve done it a
thousand times on multiple voyages, it should be safe, right? The kraken saw us rushing towards it and so it
dodged right. Seawater splashed on us. We were traumatized but at least we didn’t end up as chow for the
big old kraken!
And again we sailed to our destination to India, where we will finished our mission and return home to
China. But alas, we all know that this isn’t the end of it. We sailed through islands, big and small, seen
everything that nature has given us. And mostly, as a sailor, I enjoyed the clear cobalt water, shining under
the golden sun. But good things always come to an end.
We entered a deadly zone. “They” were known to have roamed about in these waters. “They” sing
beautifully, but are the assassins of song. They lure you with their soprano voices and slaughter for fun. And
worst of all, somehow they crossed our paths. Can you guess what that imbecilic creature is? Of course you
can, it’s the famous sirens!
Well, let me tell you something I wouldn’t dare tell anyone else. I was actually scared of sirens when my
mom told me the Greek stories about these creatures that roamed the sea. From that moment on, I dreamed
of being a pirate in anyway possible, whether it was being a cook onboard, a deck scrubber or anything just
for a glance of a sea monster. Luckily, I was lucky enough to get into an elite school for pirates. And I left
myself the position as captain for many voyages to come. I was waiting for this moment for my whole life,
I’m really going to face my childhood fears right now. Fortunately for me, I have read the whole manuscript
of “How to Defend Yourself in Front of Sea Creatures” and knew it by heart.
The waves began to rock, and it was getting bumpy on the ship. We were entering a stage where sirens
were going to appear soon enough. Speaking of the devil then, it appeared right in front of our eyes. I told
my crew to stuff some cotton balls into their ears, to act as earbuds, creating a layer of material to shield us
from the siren’s shrill voice. But they weren’t going to give up soon enough, they created a whirlpool full of
deadly sharks. I always hated sharks; their sharp teeth, the grey skin and eyes as black as charcoal. I had to
think of a plan, quick! I thought, what is a pirate’s best friend? Cannons, of course! Despite the
consequences, I told my crew to fire the cannons. Blood flew everywhere on my white shirt, the sails, even
on the jolly roger! Now, I’m not even sure that this was a good idea after all. After the bloody scene we’d
just seen, we finally sailed through the ear-shredding voice of the deadly sirens and the booming voice of
the cannons and left the zone of the dangers.
As the days passed, we sailed peacefully on the sea, just as if it was a cruise. At last, we arrived in India,
our last destination. We met the emperor and gave him the gifts we carried from afar. I even prayed in the
local temple for good luck. We stayed for a few days and attended a few banquets. Alas, all good things must
come to an end. The crew set sail for the last time for this voyage and I must say, this voyage was quite a
challenge, unlike the others. Most importantly, I got over my childhood fear! I personally loved this voyage,
because it has been a long time since I had been a captain, or even aboard a ship.Well, I guess this is the end,
and may everything you desire come true!