Il Sung continent, Hangzhou
....
Sea horse-like creatures called Dol-chu, drifted across the night sky of south Hangzhuo. Rendering a breathtaking sight courtesy of adherence to their seasonal migration patterns.
They where the pride of the south and rightly so. Regions with their own extraordinary creatures were far and in between. Plus, they where a potential source of stable income in lieu of touring groups and pioneers.
Unfortunately, the south of Hangzhuo was surrounded by a vast desert and a malignant miasma that dolled a bad cost-benefit ratio for those with enough power to make the trip.
On the east end of Manreong towns only market a queer spectacle unfolded...
"Get your fresh Snapertrout here! Only 3 copper, buy now while I have them!" A wily, aged Fisher screamed at Baddak market.
"Fresh Snapertrout? That Amoniaic piece of fish is as fresh as little Seo's pile of crap. Wise folks of Manryeong, get a load of this season's set of twice blessed ornaments. By this time next year, you'll be clutching twins" After discrediting the aged fisher, Madam Moreoku, flashed a shallow smile at a couple passing by.
"Oh be quiet you old cooch. Here, here fine gentlemen of Manreong come snag your copy of Dasomi oil. Use this to polish your pole every night and the madam will never wake up with enough energy to scold you." A tall and thin man put on a wretched smile while winking at a shy laborer making his way over.
Before more arguing and rabbling on products could continue, a small figure pushed over the aged fisher's display. The wood cracked and crumbled releasing the snapertrout unto the foul earth, ruining the product.
"Aagh!!! You miserable little rat, when I get my hands on you, I'll gut your black intestines and put them up for sale!"the wily fisher roared as he chased down the runt with a pace belying his stooped back.
"Catch me if you can, you lowlife, hikhikhikhik." The haughty child shouted back with no remorse as he ran off.
The child, who couldn't be more than 11 years of age, weaved through the market place with a youthful agility and cunning, ducking and weaving through confused passersby where the fisher all but crashed through them.
By the time the boy exited the market grounds, the distance between them had widened considerably. But the red-eyed, huffing and puffing fisherman wasn't about to give up. Not when the boy was tiring and his wider pace gave him the advantage in the general townscape.
Every five seconds was the fisherman inched two meters closer to the boy. Between the corners they turned around shacks and homesteads he'd find an article of clothing but thinking of it as the boy's attempt at escaping faster he just quickened his pace, all the more determined to catch the wretch.
After a while the fisher man was a body away from the boy, leaping at this distance and he'd probably be able to leap onto the wicked runt
So he leaped indeed just as he was about to reach the boy a cold silver boot blinded him, knocking his several of his teeth off.
The duo had seemingly bumped into the guard captain followed by four miscellaneous guards.
Staring up in anger Pongpong was met with the guard captain's furious gaze.
"Han pongpong what are you doing chasing the mayor's kid screaming like a banshee in broadaylight?"
"Did the smell of rancid fish smoke your brain into puree? Explain yourself!"
"T-t-t-t-the Mayor's son. I-impossible this Wicked child could never be the mayor's son. Why would he be in the market place. Why would the mayor's son br–." Hearing the boy's identity, a shock jolted through Fisher Pongpong. He was so shocked and confused he denied the words of the guard captain.
"Waaagh! Uncle *sniff* guard I just went to see the *sniff*—the lively hood of the market and father's people *sniff*. When I asked him if I could sample one of his Snapertrout for 20 coppers *breath* he tried to hit me because he felt that the price was too low.*sobbing* but he missed and hit down his own stall. He said that–he said that–he said that*sobbing*"
"Tell me young master what did he say?" The guard captain's eyes darkened as he asked
By now a small crowd had gathered.
"No, no, no! This can't be don't listen to him, the viscous seed spouts evil!" The desperate fisherman was positively losing his mind over the situation he had found himself in.
"He said that he would cut me up and fish out my intestines. He said that he would put them on display and sell them!" A malevolent look adorned the boy's face as he accused the frightened fisherman.
The guard's eyes hardened and without another word, he turned back to the destitute, aged fisher.
"No, no you can't do this to me, he wasn't dressed like this back at the market you should find the clothes he threw on the way. He has an agenda. You cursed runt. You wicked snake how dare—"
*Squelch*
The fisherman's words were cut off as soon as the guard's sword stabbed him in the stomach.
"W-w-why *guk*" blood spilled out of the fisherman's mouth as his blaming sneer seared into the guard captain.
With a grunt the guard sliced upwards getting the sword stuck in his ribcage. Now blood was leaking out of the old man's open mouth as his strength quickly left him, in no time he slackened in death.
A few of those who still remained gasped and recoiled at the sight. Now the show was over they all dispersed going about their daily burdens with an extra gossip worthy story weighing on their lips.
Ruthlessly the guard continued his actions stretching out his hands into the dead man's bowels before ripping his intestines out.
Bafing a quick glance at his pale subordinates his voice came out gruffer
"I hope this satisfy you young master?"
"Mhm, *sobbing*" the mayor's son, Kang Poyul replied with his hands covering his face.
"I'll take you to the mayor as soon as we clean up young master." Relieved the guard captain replied.
"Feed this maggots entrails to the hounds." Wiping his hands with a linen cloth the captain ordered his entourage.
"Yes sir!" With a succinct reply they carried out their orders
All the while the blood stained boy was smiling with glee as everything played out to his satisfaction.
Just another day of fun, he wondered what other interesting play he could involve these mud lickers into the next time he snuck out.