Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 - 2 | Page 183

The Exploits of the Mighty Sea
Victoria Shanghai Academy, Shaw, Micah - 10
“Dad, can you tell me a story before I go to bed?,” asked Kent, a 6-year-old boy to his father.
“Kent, it is getting late, you should go to bed now”, replied his father. “Please?”, begged Kent, eager
to hear a story. “Well, there is one story that I can tell you before bed” answered his father. “Yay!”,
screamed Kent, jumping with excitement.
More than 1000 years ago in the deep Pacific Ocean, the brave and mighty captain, Zheng He, set
sail for the long journey around the coast of Java. “I see land about 3 kilometers away!”, screamed the
lookout officer. “Everyone, all weapons ready!”, replied Zheng He loudly through the speakers. Then,
Zheng He caught sight of the colossal country Java. He was ready to start trading treasures for the
Yongle Emperor, defeat enemies of the Ming Dynasty, and most importantly, explore Java’s natural
wonder.
A few more minutes later after arriving and now circling the coast of Java stealthy, Zheng He called
out “All clear so far, I don’t see any enemies in our way...yet”. As the powerful fleet continued sailing,
Zheng He started feeling his stomach rumbling. Zheng He glanced at his shining watch. “I think we
should stop at Calcutta and eat at the Inn” suggested Zheng He. The others agreed with Zheng He for
they were also starving. Very soon, the mighty fleet arrived at Calcutta.
Before the pirates arrived at the inn, Calcutta’s ruler stopped Zheng He and his pirates. “Hi, Mighty
Zheng He”, he greeted. Zheng He replied, “Hi, may we eat at the inn?”. “Sure”, said Calcutta’s ruler.
Then, Zheng He marched into the inn with his crew and they all stuffed their faces.
As they were walking out, the local ruler stopped him. “Hi, Zheng He. Would you like to trade us
your silk for our matchlock guns?”, asked the local ruler. Zheng He replied, “Yes, quickly because I
think it’s time to leave.”. After trading, Zheng He ran to the ship in fear of enemies coming.
At the ship Zheng He asked, “Hey Ma Huan, do you see any enemies coming our way?”. “Let me
check sir, let me check”, replied the captain “Uh sir…”. “What?” asked Zheng He bothered. “Sir, I
see a fleet of ships with green sails incoming less than a mile away, you should be able to see it now
without a scope,” warned Ma Huan. “I see it…” Zheng He paused, mouth dropped open. “Everyone
all weapons in position! We've got incoming forces!” screamed Zheng He as he readied himself.
Very soon, the silent, wide stretch of water became a loud boiling volcano full of explosions. Hand
cannons were breaking through parts of ships, leading to massive explosions all around the ships. Pirates
were diving into the ocean trying to escape, and the commanders were barking out commands all over
the place. The unknown opposition fleet was soon screaming in fear from Zheng He’s leading fleet.
Zheng He knew the victory would be his. The captain was the only one left standing. “Arrest him!”
Zheng He commanded. Five of the best pirates took hold of the evil captain and locked him with
unbreakable chains. Then they made the pirate walk the plank and sold their ships for spices and silks.
The pirates soon sailed off for their next stop- Ceylon (Sri Lanka) which was only 2.1 miles away.
They could already feel the wide, weedy land ahead of them. “Land Ahoy!” shouted the chief. The
large, green plains in Ceylon amazed Zheng He, but what caught most of his attention was the huts
made of stone, grass, palm leaves, and branches. A man walked slowly out of a hut, noticing the army
of pirates approaching. The man screamed, “A FLEET OF SHIPS ARE INCOMING!!!”. The man
hurried back in the hut and came out again with his matchlock gun. Other farmers also spotted the
approaching fleet. Zheng He announced through the speakers “Stop! We mean no harm” he
continued “We only wish to refill our bunker fuel”. “Hold fire,” the first man said, “Follow me”.
Zheng He signaled the pirates to follow the man. The man showed him into the fuel dock. When
they were finished, it was already night.
Zheng He got into his ship and made his way back to Mainland China. Zheng He heard a scream
from behind. He spun around. A ship sank into the water with a huge splash. Then, two ships broke
in half, spinning Zheng He’s ship in the center. He knew something wasn’t right. It wasn’t a storm
and it wasn’t just misfortune. Zheng He felt goosebumps shivering inside him. His beating heart
trembled with fear.