Crouching Pirate, Hidden Turtle

by Nroque18

To translate the writing on the map to El Dorado, Matt and his crew must seek out Cao Tzu, the wisest sage in MooShu. But first, they'll need to make a deal with Monkey King to get the five Turtle Balls, but can they trust him? The twelfth installment of Pirate Legacy.

1. Chapter 1: Journey to Subata

Crouching Pirate, Hidden Turtle

Chapter One

Journey to Subata

"What business brings you here?" Governor Umeboshi asked as I stood in the audience chamber of his palace in Hamamitsu. Ignoring the fact that his name meant "pickled plum," I explained to him what had happened in Khotan.

"So you say the Armada seeks to translate the markings upon a piece of Marco Pollo's map?" Governor Umeboshi asked, and I nodded as answered, "Yes, sir."

"To do so, they must consult the Scroll of Secrets, the only copy of which is held in the Library of Contemplation in Subata." Governor Umeboshi said. "In return for the aid you have given MooShu, I grant you free passage into Subata, so that you might pursue your foe."

"I suggest you speak with Lord Chagatai in Subata Temple. Tell him I sent you, and he will assist you in your quest." Governor Umeboshi said, and he handed me two imperial writs and flags bearing the crest of the Emperor that would allow the Aquila and the Santo Oro to sail freely in MooShu.

I stood up from my comfy cushion as I bowed deeply to the governor. "Thank you, sir, for all your help."

I returned to the Santo Oro, where I walked up the gangplank and below deck to the sickbay, where my trusted associates were still recovering from their battle with Rooke, general of the Armada, in Tso's fortress.

"Hoist the colors." I told one of the crewmen as I sat beside Rena's hammock, who nodded as he took one of the imperial flags from me.

Squeezing Rena's hand one last time, I went back up to the weather decks to take the helm and set sail west to Subata Skyway. The clouds beneath the hull of the Santo Oro were the color of cherry blossom petals as we sailed towards Subata Temple.

A while later, we dropped anchor at the pier outside the temple grounds, and as I stepped through the gates, I noticed a Bull wearing robes praying at a small shrine dedicated to the Moodha.

The Bull must've heard my footsteps, because as he ended his prayer, he stood up to turn and face me. "You are not from MooShu, pirate. What do you seek in Subata?"