#im putting him in a jar and shaking him argh

[mihai-florescu]

Tsumugi "i wouldnt say im kind, people who have suffered the most pain are the kindest and i dont remember many painful memories, so i dont think im kind" Aoba, we're getting you a therapist that will suggest that maybe, maaaybe, you're so extremely repressed.

[atiny-piratequeen]

Against the Tide: Ninth Voyage (Ch.9)

Pairing : Poly Ot8

Genre: Heavy Angst, Action, Fantasy, Smut, Fluff

Rating: 18+

Tags: DemonPirate!Au, Supernatural, Eventual Poly Relationship, Violence, Blood, Elemental Powers, Past and Modern Day AU, Mythical Creatures, Character Death

Chapter Specific Tags:  *Main Character Death (though, this one is a technicality. It’s not,,,permanent), Slight Mysoginist Language,Graphic Violence and Blood, Mild Body Horror, Potential Triggering of Trypophobia

 Chapter WC: 17k+

A/N: There could be tags added later, especially if there’s something I write that potentially triggers my readers. The last thing I want is for that to happen, so please don’t hesitate to give me feedback if there’s something I write here you’d like me to tag.

Taglist moved to the bottom of the work. If you’d like to be added to the taglist for this or my other works, feel free to fill out the form here after reading the full post. AO3

Taglist

← Last Voyage  Next Voyage →

“O-Ow!”

“Listen, lad. Either you sit still or I’ll rip the whole lot of it from your head.”

Hongjoong pouted, sitting still as Jihyo combed through his hair. He was between her legs, sitting on an old weathered crate as she sat perched on a barrel, her eyes half-lidded as she ran a wooden comb through his locks. She hit another snag and he cringed, sucking in a sharp breath.

She sighed and tilted her head, watching as a chunk of sandy brown hair fell to the deck below.

“Didn’t I tell ye to properly look after yourself? You’ll be bald before twenty at this rate, ya little sea dog.” She teased. Hongjoong bit his lips, his small fists clenching as he looked at the deck.

Captain Jihyo noticed his silence and tilted her head.

“Oh? No response?”

“I...Never learned how. Normally I just let it go, it never got this bad before.” He muttered. Jihyo stared at him for a moment before she sighed, straightening his head once more as she dipped the comb in a small bucket of water she had at her side, her hand a little bit gentler this time as she combed through his hair over and over again, detangling it.

“So...you said you were an orphan. How have you been taking care of yourself this whole time, then?”

Hongjoong pursed his lips, looking down before he sighed.

“I lived in an orphanage. I’m kind of small, so I wasn’t able to hold my own well, so I ran away to be a port hand. It was hard, no one from the orphanage came to look for me. One day, I saw this really pretty ship in the sea and decided I needed to get away. No one would miss me if I disappeared, so at least I could go somewhere over the horizon.”

Jihyo looked down at the child, watching as he swung his feet. He didn’t seem too dismayed by what he’d said, but the captain couldn’t help but feel her lips pull down into a frown.

“Do ye even know how old you are?”

Hongjoong paused.

“Uh...ten? I think? I don’t know. The caregiver-Mrs. Lovelace-didn’t care much for keeping track. My mom...told her how long she had me and then. Left. Mrs. Lovelace always told us we were one year older on new years day. So I think I’m ten.” He hummed. Jihyo’s brows furrowed.

“Do...you not know your own birthday?”

Hongjoong shakes his head, responding with a small ‘nope’ while popping the p and Jihyo decides that’s not good enough.

“Oi! Daniel, what day is it?” She called the First Mate as he discussed something with Nayeon. He looked up from across the deck and Hongjoong could see his brows furrowing before he checked a small notepad he always kept on himself.

“It's November 7th, Cap.”

Jihyo nodded, dipping her fingers into a worn-out jar with something sweet-smelling inside. Hongjoong blinked as she began running her fingers through his detangled hair.

“That’s your birthday now, kid. November 7th. Happy 11th birthday, Hongjoong. Your present is me combing this damn rat’s nest. I won’t be doing it next time.” She muttered, gently pulling his hair up into a ponytail.

“What matters the most is that we’re your new family. Don’t even think about your life before this crew. You’re one of us now.”

Hongjoong looked back at her, his eyes watering without notice.

“Cap-”

Jihyo cringed and put a finger over his lips.

“Yah yah! No crying or any of that! Ugh, get back to work! Go away!” She pressed a hand to his forehead as he tried to hug her, a blubbering mess.

“I have a birthday! I have a birthday! I’ve never had a birthday before!”

“Argh! Daniel!! Get the lad before I keelhaul ‘im!”

-⚔-

Hongjoong stood beside Chaeyoung and Jeongyeon as Jihyo paced around a man who refused to meet their gaze. She grit her teeth, yanking his hair back to look him in the eyes. He cringed and eyes narrowed.

“You paid us to deliver you to the next harbor safely, what is this?!” She snapped, looking at the ship approaching on the horizon. They had a red flag upwards, and Hongjoong kept glancing back at the approaching ship anxiously.

He’d never been in a naval battle before.

This...was terrifying. Were they going to die out here?

Jihyo kicked the man down and leered at him, the heel of her boot settled against his neck as he sputtered.

“A woman should learn her place. I don’t know how many foolish men you and your group of charlatan wenches have tricked into giving you such freedom, but you all will receive exactly what you deserve.”

Jihyo’s lip curled and she pressed harder on his neck, ignoring his squirming as she looked upwards towards her crew.

“Run a shot across the bow!” She ordered, and Hongjoong stayed in place as the crew members around him began scrambling. His legs shook as he watched Jihyo pull a pistol from her hip, tilting her head as she looked down at the man.

“You may kill me, but that crew coming for you will prevail. You and this godforsaken crew will be no more!” He snapped, trying to spit at her. It failed and landed back on himself and Jihyo scoffed.

“That crew over there will meet you at the bottom of Davy Jones' locker, you rat. None of you will live long enough to tell another soul about this. Dead men tell no tales.”

The man opened his mouth to speak when a shot rang out, followed by another. Hongjoong jolted, but his vision went dark as a warm, roughened hand covered his eyes. He was turned around, his heart pounding and his eyes wide as he looked up to find Daniel had been the one to come to his side.

“Daniel-”

“Pirate life isn’t pretty, lad. But I’m not sure someone so young is ready to see all of that.” He hummed, keeping a firm grip on Hongjoong’s shoulder as he tried to turn around. Sana rushed past them as the ship’s cannons fired, nearly knocking Hongjoong off of his feet, had Daniel not have pulled him closer. She seemed unphased by the sudden motion, muttering a quick “everyone is in position, Cap’n!” before she scurried up the ratlines, situating herself in the crow’s nest.

“They’re still comin’!”

“Let them.”

The sound of boots on wood drew Hongjoong’s attention as Jihyo walked past them, her jaw clenched and her chin pointed upwards as her clothing billowed in the wind behind her. The feather attached to her tricorn bobbed with every movement as she crossed the deck, standing near the bowsprit. She slammed her foot onto the wood, her voice booming.

“FIRE! Give no quarter!”

Daniel watched his captain for a moment before he turned to Hongjoong, opening his mouth to order the child to go below the deck and stay in the crew’s quarters.

He was met with a defiant stare and Hongjoong standing firmly on the deck.

“Tell me how I can help. This is my family, what kind of man would I be if I hid away while my family was in danger?”

Daniel blinked owlishly, going to remind Hongjoong he was only twelve, but instead, he ran a hand through his hair and nodded towards the stairs that lead below the deck.

“A man, huh? Very well. Follow me, lad. You’re gonna learn to use the cannons today. Try not to get yourself blown up, I already have one person to mop up off this deck.”

-🎼🎶-

Hongjoong sat still as Jihyo combed his hair, rough, yet deliberate fingers working oil through the locks that had become quite long since he joined the crew. The now thirteen-year-old wanted to bring up how she had told him two years ago she wouldn’t comb his hair ever again for him, but he kept the comment to himself.

Truth be told, this was the closest he’d ever gotten to a mother’s touch in his life, and as rugged and crass as Jihyo was, Hongjoong had quickly become attached to the female pirate.

As she worked coconut oil into his locks, the sound of her idly humming filled his ears. Hongjoong closed his eyes, enjoying the moment. When she finished, Jihyo lightly tapped his shoulder for him to stand and she let out a small tut when he did.

“Aye, you must be goin’ through puberty, lad. Finally becoming a man, if that height is anything to go by. Remember, you may be getting taller than your old cap’n, but lose that respect and I’ll take your knees out myself.” she teased. Hongjoong laughed, knowing the threat was as empty as the idea of him disrespecting anyone on this crew. He followed Jihyo as she walked to the taffrail, watching the waves dance together as they sailed.

“ No wonder

It's still dark

After all

Time will solve it

Why am I always like this?

I'm always cheating on myself. Don't

Don't make me worse

I just need one word.”

Hongjoong looked down at Captain Jihyo as she began to sing under her breath, faraway eyes staring at the horizon.

“What I want someone to say to me

Even if it's a lie

‘You don't have to worry.’

‘You're doing great.’

‘Just keep it up. Just like you do now.’

No matter what some people say

No matter what some people hate

No matter what the things that make you sick“

Hongjoong closed his eyes. He’d heard this song before. Jihyo sang it all the time when she seemed to be lost in her own thoughts. Hongjoong let his captain sing, keeping his comments to himself. Jihyo wasn’t the type of person to easily accept compliments, and Hongjoong feared she would stop if he told her her voice was beautiful.

It really was….so beautiful.

So instead, he let his foot tap lightly, and for a few moments, it was only those two and the Utopia in the entire ocean, no, the entire world.

“Just keep it up

So everyone can see

Just keep it up more

For the world to hear

Just keep it up

Sometimes I don't feel like it

But I just keep it up

Just keep it up

Just keep it up”

-⚓-

Hongjoong opened his eyes, feeling wetness on his cheek. He gently pressed his fingers to his eyes, realizing he had cried in his sleep. As he sat up, he hissed ever so slightly, feeling the scratches on his back from the night before protesting the move.

Yeah, he needed to have a conversation with San about holding back, he thought as he looked down at the sleeping man in question.

San’s bare chest and neck were covered in bites, and his bangs fell in front of his face as he inhaled and exhaled quietly. Hongjoong felt his heart flutter ever so slightly.

Okay. Maybe he would skip that conversation. He couldn’t be mad at any of them, anyway. He’d probably fully heal by the next morning.

Hongjoong tucked a piece of hair behind San’s ear, but the motion woke the Sailing Master, and suddenly Hongjoong had a pair of cat-like eyes peering at him. He smiled bashfully, muttering a quick ‘sorry for waking you’ before he sat up to give San some space. The younger pirate stopped him by sliding his hand to the back of Hongjoong’s neck. He pulled him down to press a kiss to his nose before tilting his head.

“You look like you’ve been crying. Are you alright? Bad dreams?” he inquired. Hongjoong shook his head, smoothing down San’s wayward locks before kissing the top of his head.

“Not bad. I just...had a dream about my mother.” He hummed. San frowned, sitting up and looking at him with slight concern settled in his brow. Hongjoong laughed and moved so they were sitting beside each other.

“I’m okay, really. It’s really just some memories. It’s nice, listening to her voice. I could hear her, clear as day.” he cooed, closing his eyes with a small smile as he let his head rest against the wooden headboard. San watched him for a moment before he looked down at his hands.

“Tell...tell me about Captain Jihyo. What made her so great? What about her makes you speak so fondly about her?” He muttered, and Hongjoong opened his eyes, picking up on the slightly perplexed tone in San’s voice. The slightly younger immortal seemingly couldn’t wrap his head around conversations with the others when it came to being affectionate and happily reminiscing about their guardians.

With how he and Yeosang were treated by their own respective parents, Hongjoong didn’t blame him. Yeosang at least had Shiber and the caretakers in the palace to look after him.

San had...no one. At least, no one he talked about openly.

Hongjoong hummed and laced his fingers with San, his eyes pointed up towards the ceiling, rubbing his thumb along the back of San’s hand.

“My mother...was probably the first person who ever properly ‘nurtured’ me, if that makes sense. She wasn’t as gentle as how Hwa describes Queen Dahlia, or Yunho when he talks about Miss Mei, but Captain Jihyo taught me what it meant to not just survive, but live. She wasn’t the gentlest, not in the slightest. She would curse like a sailor, rough house with me and other crew members all the same, even call me out when I was slacking off. I have this neat little scar on my thigh from a roughhousing session with her, actually. She never really cut me a break.” Hongjoong laughed good-naturedly despite the confused settle in San’s brow, but he kept talking.

“But she did everything she needed to do out of love. She never treated me differently, even though I was an outsider, even though I was some snot-nosed kid. I once asked her, when I was older, why she became a pirate. It’s already a dangerous occupation, but even more so to be a pirate AND a woman. She would be killed in an instant if anyone found out. Her whole crew would be executed if caught. So why go through all the danger, y’know?” He hummed before standing up, moving to the dresser. San watched him reach for a wooden comb. It was a peculiar pink color that caught his attention.

It was a decent size, fitting perfectly in the palm of his hand as he ran it through his sandy hair, staring at his reflection in a polished mirror Seonghwa had bought them at the last port because he "refused to keep staring at his reflection through ice and dirty mirrors, hmph!"

San stood and walked to his side, taking in the small engravings on the comb. There were butterflies carved into one of the edges, with flowers and beautiful leaves right beside them. Hongjoong gently placed the comb back in its spot on the dresser, alongside an old compass with a crack through the glass.

San looked at the items before looking at Hongjoong’s side profile.

"So...why did she become a pirate?"

"Freedom. Plus she won a bet."

San blinked in surprise at the second one and tilted his head. Hongjoong laughed and motioned for San to follow him as they began their day.  

"She never told me the full story, but she escaped from the house she was working as a personal servant in because she couldn't take the pretentiousness anymore and when she did, she donned stolen clothing from the head of the house and disguised herself as a man and slipped into a bar one evening. She found a man drunk off his ass, boasting loudly about his pirate ship, and she challenged him to a game of cards. If she won, he would let her onto the ship. If she lost, she would pay off his entire tab. Naturally, she didn’t have any money.” the two of them paused as Mingi ran by, holding a barrel with his wind as Daniel and Sana quietly trailed behind, talking quietly amongst themselves.

The two greeted Hongjoong and San before turning a corner and disappearing. Hongjoong continued.

"She won. And because she did, she was allowed to be part of the crew. The old captain was too drunk to realize she was a woman, and his first mate didn't say a word. He was curious to find out why this woman was trying so hard to be a pirate. It's not like it's a secret our life is dangerous. Nor is it a secret that women aren't usually welcomed. But he let curiosity pull at him. And that's how my mother became a pirate. That first mate of the old captain, he became hers when the captain died and she was voted to become the new captain after sailing aboard for 5 years." He explained, watching a sea bird fly by.

San blinked.

"Daniel…?"

"Daniel." Hongjoong confirmed. San pursed his lips.

"So he was the old Captain's first mate. And then Jihyo's. And then yours before Seonghwa? And then he just...stepped down? Why did he never become the new captain?"

Hongjoong looked over the rail, a thoughtful sound leaving his lips as Yeosang and two clones he'd made of himself rushed by, handing the awakening crew members mini 'breakfast pies', as he called it. He always made sure the crew was well fed before and after a hard day out at sea.

Before he got too lost in thoughts about the cheerful cook, he looked back at San.

"Daniel has always went where his heart took him. He supports the people he loves and this ship with his life. But he always felt like his role as a support was stronger than to fully lead. He supports the Captains of the Utopia and should she ever be without a captain, heavens forbid, then he'll step up to be that for her. Though, I doubt that will be necessary. After all, you guys have me." Hongjoong smiled and San chuckled ever so slightly.

"Does that make him your father? Since Jihyo is your mother?"

Hongjoong blinked.

He genuinely felt caught off guard and that much showed on his face. San frowned immediately and went to apologize for prying, when the brunette spoke.

"I've...never referred to him as such. Or even thought about it. I've never considered anyone to be a parent to me except for Captain Jihyo. I wonder…" Hongjoong frowned, tapping his chin while San watched him.

"You...have a really complex way you hold relationships with people. It's not bad or anything, I'm just...having trouble understanding. I've never met someone who treated their family the way most of you speak about yours. I've never had anyone be close enough to consider family until I came here. It's...strange. I still feel I have a lot to learn." He admitted, rubbing his arm. Hongjoong pulled him into his arms and kissed him lightly.

"That's alright, San. My mother once told me something when I was younger; “What matters the most is that we’re your new family. Don’t even think about your life before this crew. You’re one of us now.” She taught me to do anything to care and protect the people I love, and part of that is making sure they’re not being left behind. "

Hongjoong kissed San as a gentle, slightly chilled breeze blew between the two of them, ruffling their clothes and hair. When they pulled away, San couldn't help the small smile on his face.

"I wish I had someone like Captain Jihyo when I was being raised. I wish I could tell her what a fine job she did raising you."

Hongjoong blushed before he laughed and kissed San’s head.

“You flatter me. Come, let’s get the day started. The sun’s already risen high in the sky.” He mused, looking at the sky before he adjusted his clothing and moved to make the morning announcements to the crew. San trailed slightly behind him, watching every step the captain took.

The crew noticed him and turned with large smiles on their faces, with some waving and some greeting them verbally. San stuck his hands in his pocket and chuckled lightly, moving to join Wooyoung as Hongjoong began to speak.

-🏺-

“I really appreciate you giving me the time to rest and make my decision.”

Seonghwa stood with his hand on his hip, smiling as they stood in Delphi. Daniel had politely asked that they rest for a month, and at the end of the month, he’d decide if he was still fit to continue with sailing with them.

It wasn’t until recently that he had opened up about becoming exceedingly homesick after losing Jihyo and all of the pirates agreed it was in the man’s best interest if they all just settled their sea adventures for a moment and give him time to catch his breath.

He had been a pillar to the Utopia ’s success and growth all these years. The least the crew could do for him is let him rest.

“I’ll work on us getting lodging. It shouldn’t be hard, just...hang tight and try not to piss anyone off and start any fights or do anything stupid while I’m gone.” Seonghwa warned them. He was one of the only ones in their groups that could speak Greek. Yunho hummed and followed him, the two of them chattering amongst themselves as the rest of the crew members broke off into different groups.

Hongjoong ended up by himself, humming as he wandered through the streets of Delphi. He took in the hustle and bustle, walking through rows and rows of food stands until the sound of distant music caught his attention. Blinking, he looked around, turning his body to try and locate the sound.

The busy chatter of the people of Delphi nearly drowned out the faint sound, but after 15 minutes of walking, he stopped when he noticed a middle-aged man sitting underneath a laurel tree. He had a small string instrument in his hand that he gently guided his fingers across, plucking them with his eyes closed.

Hongjoong watched him for a moment before he slowly approached him, making sure to keep his steps gentle. The man paused, and Hongjoong stilled as a pair of piercing greyish blue eyes looked up at him.

He raised his hands in a disarming nature, smiling softly.

“Sorry to interrupt you, I was just coming closer to listen to your music. I heard it from over by the shops.” He told him gently before realizing the man may not be able to understand him. He rubbed his hands against his pants, cursing lightly.

“Shit, I think only Hwa and Yeosang know how to speak Greek...um...M-May I listen?” Hongjoong spoke slower, motioning to the instrument in the man’s hands before mimicking his playing and then pointing to his ears. The man looked at him with half-lidded, uninterested eyes before he turned his attention back to the instrument, strumming once more.

Hongjoong stood there awkwardly, unsure if he was intruding, and the man spoke finally.

“You can sit. I speak English.” He hummed, his fingers working nonstop on the instrument. Hongjoong startled slightly before blushing in embarrassment, sitting down a few feet away from the man. The man sent him a look every now and again as he played, singing underneath his breath.

After ten minutes or so, his singing came to a stop and he lifted his head to fully look at Hongjoong, never slowing with his strumming and plucking.

“You’re not from around here, are you? Who are you?” He inquired. Hongjoong blinked, as he had started daydreaming while listening. He sat up a bit straighter, scratching his head lightly as he chose his answer carefully.

Not everyone would appreciate him just coming out and telling them he was a pirate.

“My name is Captain Hongjoong. I’m a sailor.” He smiled after telling the half lie. The man across from him stared at him for a moment before he tutted.

“You are a pirate, aren’t you?” He inquired. Hongjoong’s eyes grew and the man hummed, satisfied with outing him for what he was, closing his eyes again.

“I could care less what you are. As long as you don’t interrupt my playing.” He told him stiffly. Hongjoong blinked a few times before he nodded, sitting cross legged in the grass underneath the laurel tree.

Another ten minutes or so passed before Hongjoong spoke again.

“Your songs sound beautiful, they seem to have a lot of emotion in them.” Hongjoong complimented. The man snorted quietly, sorrowful eyes fixed on the blades of grass below his legs.

“Thanks. It’s the sound of pain, loss, and regret.” He told him. Hongjoong frowned and went silent, playing with his fingers as he listened to the man’s sorrowful song.

Before he realized it, the sun had begun to set and Hongjoong stood, hearing the distant calling of his name. He dusted his pants off and looked back and forth between the town and the musician. The blonde glanced up at him before he nodded towards the town.

“I believe you’re being called. You should go.” He hummed. Hongjoong nodded, sending him a small smile and reaching into his pocket to pass him a few gold pieces. The man arched a brow at him and Hongjoong stood back to his full height.

“I did not ask you for any compensation.”

“No, but you let me listen to your music. I can’t just consume content for free and not give anything back, y’know.” He explained. He glanced at the mark on Hongjoong’s wrist before looking at him and shrugging a shoulder.

“I suppose I can’t argue with that reasoning.” He muttered. Hongjoong sent him a smile before he made his way back into Delphi.

As he met up with the others, he realized he never got the man’s name.

-💤-

“You can feel free to speak to most of the staff here. They speak English.” Seonghwa informed them as they all worked out sleeping arrangements. Ideally, they’d all be able to share a room, but with eight of them, it was unrealistic and a bit uncomfy, so they usually pulled lots on who would stay with who during their resting periods.

Hongjoong sat cross-legged on the bed, running his hand through Mingi’s hair as the tall man read quietly under his breath, his eyes wide and doe-like. It was the third book he’d picked up this month, and Hongjoong couldn’t be prouder of him. Mingi hummed as Hongjoong’s nails ran over a particularly sensitive part of his scalp, a hum of satisfaction leaving his lips as his captain focused on that spot.

“I suppose we can draw lots if we’re undecided on who goes where.” Seonghwa hummed.  The boys nodded, and ten minutes later, they were broken up. Yunho and Jongho had a room to themselves while San, Wooyoung, and Seonghwa had a room. Yeosang, Hongjoong, and Mingi had the other.

“Tomorrow we can explore Delphi. It’s a very important area for Grecian people, so I hope you all like a little historical nuance with your stay.” Seonghwa mused, twitching when he heard a chorus of groans come from his left.

“Wooyoung, San-”

“Why should we stare at a bunch of old rocks when we could be treasure hunting?” San huffed. Seonghwa shot him a look and Yeosang pursed his lips, pulling his hair back into a small ponytail.

“A lot of towns in Greece are dedicated to the gods and goddesses. I’m not sure we should carelessly run around treasure hunting when there’s a pretty good chance we could be angering some of the gods. I’m not sure how well versed you are in Grecko-Roman Mythologies but I can assure you they don’t take kindly to disrespect. We should tread carefully and do so respectfully.” Seonghwa cautioned.

“But Seonghwa-”

“No. I’m not taking a thunderbolt up the ass because you all want to be chaotic. Learn something while we rest. Knowledge is fun, too.”

“I don’t care about dusty ass rocks, Hwa. Nothing you can say will make me care about rocks.” San huffed flatly. Yunho hummed for a moment before his triangle flashed over his eye.

“I beg to differ, Mr. Choi. I think I can find some ways-”

“Geb please stay out of this.”

“...Okay.”

“Oh, dear. He’s pouting now.”

A gentle curtain of laughter fell over the men as Yunho’s eye returned to normal. They all talked for a bit longer before they split up into different pairs for the month’s lodging. Mingi and Seonghwa turned in first, with San and Jongho leaving soon after. Wooyoung cheerfully pulled Yeosang along and when the door closed, Yunho hummed, looking over at Hongjoong as he started unpacking things from the little knapsack he had taken with him off of the Utopia when they docked.

Mingi had made it for him months ago.

Yunho watched him take out a small wooden comb and tilted his head as Hongjoong sat in front of the mirror in the room, staring at it for a long while before he smiled softly and began combing his hair, the soft pink wood catching Yunho’s eye.

“That wood is a really pretty color. I don’t think I’ve seen that comb before, where did you get it from?”

“My mother. I went through some of her possessions while everyone was working the other day and found it again. I’m glad I did. I always loved sitting with her as she combed my hair. It had become a sort of...birthday tradition of ours, to have her comb my hair and sing to me on my birthday. I missed it the past few years since I couldn’t bring myself to go through her items, but I finally did and I’m glad. I’d feel bad if I missed another birthday without combing my hair with mom’s comb.” He teased.

Yunho smiled at him, though internally he was panicking.

Hongjoong’s birthday was coming up…?

-x Next Day ☀️x-

The boys cringed as Daniel barked out a laugh at breakfast.

“None of you know his birthday?” He snorted before another peel of laughter rolled through him. Seonghwa hissed at him and reached to cover his mouth while Jongho pursed his lips.

“I mean, I’m new, so that’s my excuse...Plus my birthday just passed and no one said anything to me about the captain’s birthday-”

“We didn’t know. I realize, in my years of being with mon petit putois, we haven’t...celebrated...his birthday...once.”

The group stared at Seonghwa for a long time before Daniel looked at him and the others in disbelief.

“Wow...ya’ll suck. Anyway, I take it you’re trying to do something for him now?” He inquired, tilting his head as all the boys nodded guiltily. He hummed slightly, watching as Mingi shifted from foot to foot.

“We’re...not too late, are we?”

“His birthday, or rather, the one we gave him, is November 7th. You have a little less than a month.” Daniel told them helpfully. The seven men exchanged a look with one another before they all darted off to town.

Their captain hadn’t celebrated his birthday in years, so they all had to make sure this one was one he’d remember for centuries.

-x-

“You’re back.”

“I am. May I?” Hongjoong motioned to the spot beside the man and he only shrugged a shoulder, still strumming away.

Hongjoong nodded as he sat down under the laurel tree, listening to the blonde man playing his instrument. The song was different, and Hongjoong could tell there was some anger behind his strums and plucks. He sat cross-legged, watching him for a long moment before he spoke.

“What kind of stories are you trying to tell today?”

The man’s jaw ticked slightly before he looked up at Hongjoong.

“Remorse. Anger. Realization.”

His voice was stiff, and Hongjoong hummed, turning his body fully towards him.

“May I ask more about why? Or is that too much? I really like your...harp…?” He trailed off in question and the man’s nose curled ever so slightly.

“It’s a lyre.”

“Ah, yes. That.” Hongjoong deflated lamely and the man rolled his eyes before he continued his playing. Hongjoong didn’t say anything, slightly flushed with embarrassment at the slip up with the instrument.

They sat together for a while before the man spoke.

“My name is Alistair.” He hummed, his fingers plucking away without looking up at Hongjoong. The captain blinked at him before he smiled wide, almost as radiant as the sun itself.

“I’m-”

“Captain Hongjoong. I recall.”

Hongjoong smiled wider, happy to be remembered. Alistair continued playing for another half an hour as Hongjoong swayed to and fro beside him.

“I realize-much too late for my liking-that I am becoming a man much like my father. That would be the reason for the melancholy playing.” He admitted quietly, the tempo of the song slowing down for the first time in the hour Hongjoong had been sitting with him.

“Is that a bad thing?” He questioned, tilting his head. The man let out a tut.

“My father is a great man. Sometimes. He does some...not great things, however. Honestly, if one were to take the time to delve into it, maybe he’s not as great as I’ve always been led to believe he was, and part of me is afraid to admit that aloud. Then I’d have to look at myself and loathe that I’m becoming like him.” He mumbled. Hongjoong listened intently before he propped his cheek up in his palm, staring at him in interest.

“Then...don’t become him. You’ve made mistakes, as I’m sure you know we all have done before, too. People do it all the time, that’s just how humans are. You’re doing no one any favors by wallowing in your own self-pity. You know what’s wrong here, you know you’re becoming too much like him. Fix it.” Hongjoong let himself fall back, blades of grass tickling his cheeks as he looked up at the sky.

Alistair sent him an unreadable look before he closed his eyes and went back to playing.

“And what about you? What has brought you here, under this old laurel tree in Delphi, listening to a sad old man play instead of being with your crew?”

Hongjoong covered his eyes with his arm, slowly finding his words.

He told Alistair a heavily redacted story of his life and how he met his crew members. Naturally, he left out the part about their being women aboard his crew and the immortals and gods part, for safety reasons.

There was something about sitting in the grass as Alistair played his lyre that seemed to have made both of them want to spill their guts to each other.

“Captain!”

Alistair was hit with a wave of deja vu as Hongjoong’s voice was called. He looked up, watching as a thick man with peculiar marks along his arms walked over to them in the grass. He sent Alistair a cautious, yet curious look before he looked at the small man in the grass.

“Captain, Seonghwa told me to look for you. He told me he wants to take us to Delphi’s famous temple or something so we have to plan ahead. Dunno.” He seemed disinterested, shrugging a shoulder. Alistair stared at his arms as he played, his eyebrow quirking ever so slightly at the minuscule, almost undetectable shift of the black lines.

Interesting.

“I don’t like the way he’s lookin’ at me.”

Jongho ignored Whiro’s voice in his head as Hongjoong stood up, stretching. He let out a content yawn and sent Alistair a smile, going to pay him once more. Alistair watched him for a moment before he let out the smallest of laughs.

“A stubborn man, aren’t you?”

“You can say that. See you again, Alistair. Get home safe~” Hongjoong waved and followed Jongho out, missing the slightly perplexed look Jongho sent Alistair over Hongjoong’s head. The blonde man went back to playing, seemingly unphased by the stare.

Jongho put an arm over his shoulder as they walked away.

-🌌-

“Your mother always wanted to go to Greece. Never worked out quite like she wanted, though.”

Hongjoong paused mid-sip, looking over at Daniel. The two of them sat outside together under the stars, the ex first mate nursing a glass of wine while Hongjoong held a small clay cup between his palms. Occasionally he would pour himself more water using his powers.

“Why not?”

“She was always looking for something. She loved the sea, but she always looked towards the horizon like she wanted to chase the sun itself down. She never told us much of what she wanted out of life. Just that she wanted to live free with the wind in her sails and beneath her wings. In a way, you turned out to be just like Jihyo. She really would have been proud of you.”

Hongjoong’s grip on the cup tightened for a moment before he looked up towards the moon, finding the stars twinkling brightly at him.

Idly, he wondered what Jihyo would think of his crew. Of his lovers, and the way he’s kept Utopia sailing strong.

Would she like the multilingual ex prince he’d made the First Mate? The sarcastic Sailing Master with a crooked smile, or the one with the mischievous look in his eye and the infectious laughter?

Would she sit down with their Boatswain and listen to him read? Would she challenge their gunner to roughhousing matches? She wasn’t a woman who liked feminine coded things, but maybe she would enjoy a flower crown made by their kind doctor? Which one of the sweets from their darling chef would be her favorite?

He didn’t realize he was crying until Daniel reached over and wiped his cheeks before ruffling his hair.

“Protect them, Hongjoong. Protect them and this crew, and I know your mother will continue watching over you and us all. You’ve done well. Don’t cry.” he mused, leaning back and going back to his rum.

The two of them sat together in silence.

Just outside the door, San quietly listened to the two of them trade stories about Jihyo. He pushed himself off of the doorframe and left after a while, a small smile on his face.

Maybe he was beginning to understand.

As he entered his room, he decided to do his absolute best to give Hongjoong an amazing gift.

-🍫-

“Yeo! What are you doing?!”

Yeosang jolted, dropping the small glass in his hands onto the counter. His eyes widened, as a loud gasp left his lips, his souffle collapsing from the sudden movement. The grey-eyed prince clenched his fists, looking at Wooyoung with a look that made him deflate just as much as the souffle did.

“What?” He huffed, running his hand through his hair as he looked at the collapsed chocolate dessert.

“O-Oh...what were...you doing?” He inquired slowly, feeling flushed with embarrassment as Yeosang walked around his form to start a new batch of batter for it. Yeosang pursed his lips as he moved around the kitchen. With some sweet words (and money), he had talked the chefs into letting him use the kitchen during the late hours of the evening after they closed up.

“I was trying to make him a souffle. Or at least, test this new recipe. I want to make sure I give him something he’s never tasted before. This isn’t easy to make so...I kind of need the utmost focus for it, if you don’t mind.” He muttered, cracking some eggs. Wooyoung frowned, slightly dejected.

“But...he would like anything you made, y’know?” He muttered, trying to lighten the mood. It only made the look on Yeosang’s sour, however.

“I’ve been here for two years at the very least, and not a single time have I celebrated the captain’s birthday. He saved both me and Shiber’s lives by allowing us on this ship and taking such good care of us. The very least that I can do is go all out for his birthday. He deserves much more than some food like I always do, but that’s the one thing I’m good at, unless I buy a present. I need to do this, I want to see Hongjoong’s face and know he was happy on his birthday because of something I did well for him. No, not just well. I want to go above and beyond for him, so some boring mini pies aren’t gonna cut it.”

Wooyoung looked at him, his brows pulled up in surprise at the conviction in his voice, and nodded, kissing him briefly before he moved to leave, worrying his thumbnail between his teeth.

Maybe he should be taking this more seriously, as well.

-🏛-

“Hyung, I found out something from my book!”

Hongjoong looked behind him as Yunho and Seonghwa led their groups through a worn-out path through some trees. Yunho spoke with Geb as the god gently informed them of the flora surrounding them, seemingly excited to see the new plants.

Hongjoong tilted his head and Mingi jogged up to him, his glasses perched on his nose as he looked at the words on the book he’d picked up from the market. Thankfully, they had a copy in English, so the man began to excitedly recap for him.

“The god Apollo, had a lot of lovers, and one of them was a Spartan man named Hyacinthus. The two of them were deeply in love, but there was another man, the west wind Ze...um...Seonghwa-”

“Zephyrus." The older immortal responded without missing a beat, just listening to Mingi retell the story.

"Right! Zebra-"

"Zephryus, Mingi." Jongho gently corrected, chuckling as his hair blew in the wind, not currently tied in his usual bun.

"Yeah, sorry," Mingi laughed and continued. "He really was in love with Hyacinthus, and because of that, he decided to go with the shitty 'if I can't have him, no one can' route and he waited until Apollo and Hyacinthus were throwing around something called a discus and then he like, used his wind powers to turn the discus and kill Hyacinthus with it by hitting him in the head with it."

There was a collective cringe from the men in the group, sans Seonghwa and Yeosang, who knew the tale.

"There are plenty of artistic representations of the fallout of the strike, with Apollo depicted desperately clinging to his lover. Greek deities are usually patrons of more than just one thing, and Apollo was also the god of medicine. His divine status and his knowledge and powers regarding medicine and healing were not enough to bring his lover back.” Seonghwa added, smiling gratefully at Yunho as he lifted a branch with his powers so the rest of them could walk under it.

“Yeah, not even something called...am..um...ambrosia?” Mingi looked towards Yeosang for confirmation and the man nodded with a smile. Mingi pumped his fist in small victory and went back to his notes.

“He tried to give him something called ambrosia, which is some drink that only gods and divine beings can have, to Hyacinthus to bring him back, but none of it worked. Something about it not being able to cure the wounds caused by ‘Fate’ or something.” Mingi flipped the page, a sad look in his eyes, despite the excitement thrumming through him at being able to retell the story.

“He tried to give up being a god, y’know. He wanted to become mortal like Hyacinthus and die beside him. Of course, he couldn’t do that in the end, so he promised to always remember him with his songs.”

“Is that the only thing you found out?”

“Um...Right, from Hyacinthus’ blood, Apollo brought forth flowers, and now we have a flower called a Hyacinth! Isn’t that cool? Really sad and morbid, but cool!” He beamed. Hongjoong blinked at him before smiling as Mingi closed his book, setting it aside in his knapsack. He reached down and took his hand, sending him a proud look.

“It’s kind of sad, but I’m really proud of you for reading through the book so quickly. I don’t know much about mythology, so I guess you’ll have to be my guide while you read, huh?” He beamed, kissing Mingi’s cheek. The tall boatswain blushed and nodded happily. All of their attention fell to Seonghwa as he began speaking.

“Greco-Roman mythology is like that. Tragic tales of star crossed lovers, overzealous and competitive gods, innocents being punished, clashing of ideals and egos. Drama upon drama. Makes for great storytelling.” He came to a stop and waited for the others to catch up with him and Yunho as they reached a break in the treeline.

As they did, their eyes fell upon row upon row of beautiful stone monuments.

“We’re gonna be here all day, so get comfortable, but welcome to the Temple of Apollo.”

San resisted the urge to groan, just to annoy Seonghwa, though he seemed interested in the beautiful mountains surrounding them at every side. Wooyoung ran forward, spinning happily as he chattered about never being so high on a mountain before with Yeosang quietly nodding beside him. Jongho trailed behind them, curious to hear more stories about other cultures and their deities.

Finding out was fun, though he felt like some of the magic had been taken out of it for him by being bonded with one of his own gods.

Whiro yawned in his head, but he ignored him for now.

Mingi and Seonghwa were talking about someone else, some god named ‘Zeus’ and his misadventures while Hongjoong looked around, the wind blowing his bangs.

As the sound of Seonghwa’s quiet, yet informative voice sounded off behind him to the boys that were listening, Hongjoong walked ahead, his boots making the gravel crunch beneath his feet with every step.

He could hear the sound of a song being played, far enough that he couldn't tell the exact melody, or why it was so familiar, but close enough that he could hear it being carried by the wind.

The captain stopped in front of some columns, looking up and finding a swan staring back at him. It was in direct sunlight, though with the way it was positioned, it shielded Hongjoong’s eyes from the rays just behind it.

It looked...ethereal.

"You’re kind of high up, aren't you?" He mused playfully. The swan stared at him before letting out a honk and spreading its wings, flying off. Hongjoong watched it go with a small look of wonder on his face. He could still hear the music in his head as he watched the swan disappear on the horizon.

“Captain! You’re gonna fall behind! C’mon, Mingi is gonna tell us about the Oracle!” Wooyoung’s voice snapped him back to attention, and Hongjoong could swear he heard the music stop all at once the moment he looked away from the swan.

“Oh? I’m coming, wait for me!” He jogged up to meet with them, staying close as Seonghwa helped Mingi read more from his book.

The eight of them hiked through the temple and mountains for hours, sharing stories and listening intently, all while the sun shone warmly on them.

-🌱-

“Have you ever been betrayed by someone you love?”

Hongjoong frowned as he watched Alistair play. He thought to himself for a moment before he shook his head.

“No...No, I don’t think I have been. My boys are good, y’know. They wouldn’t hurt each other or me.” He reached back and tapped his knuckles against the wood of the tree the two of them were leaning on, just for good measure. Alistair watched the move before he shook his head, chuckling.

“Would you want revenge on them if they did? If your trust was betrayed by those you love, would you make them suffer?” He followed up, never fully watching Hongjoong as he spoke. Hongjoong shook his head without hesitation.

“Never. Not me. I trust those men with my life, they’d never betray me and even if I did, I doubt I’d have it in me to want to hurt them.” He spoke honestly as he stared at the older man, analyzing his side profile.

“Is...that why your songs are so sad?”

Alistair huffed out a small laugh.

“That’s why crows are black instead of white, kid. Betrayal and anger.”

Hongjoong’s brows pinched together in confusion, but Alistair simply shrugged a shoulder, staring at the glass below him.

With a small huff, Hongjoong let a few minutes of lonesome playing drift between the two of them before he sang, his mother’s song gently filling in the vocal silence between them.

‘Why is my life so dark?

Why, always makes me hard?

A lost heart

The burden on my shoulders

Let's wait a little longer

Even if it's cold

It's gonna rise. Sooner or later

Let's wait and see, alright

What I want someone to say to me

Even if it's a lie

"You don't have to worry."

"You're doing great."

"Just keep it up. Just like you do now."

Hongjoong kept singing, even as Alistair’s playing came to a halt. The man watched as Hongjoong swayed from side to side, his fingers tapping against the blades of grass beneath his palms as he continued, remembering his mother’s voice like it was still right in his ear.

‘No matter what some people say

No matter what some people hate

No matter what the things that make you sick

Just keep it up

So everyone can see

Just keep it up more

For the world to hear

Just keep it up

Sometimes I don't feel like it

But I just keep it up

Just keep it up

Just keep it up’

Alistair let out a small chuckle, distracting Hongjoong and making the captain stop with a flush.

“Ah- Sorry, did I distract you from your playing?” He blushed and scratched his head. Alistair nodded, but then shrugged his shoulders.

“It matters not. That song you were singing. I’ve never heard it before. I’m assuming it’s from where you came from?” He inquired. Hongjoong shook his head, looking up at the clouds as they rolled by.

“My mother used to sing it when she needed to give herself a pick-me-up. She really did have the most beautiful voice. I wanted to try and lift you up, since you’re always so sad and brooding. Uh, no offense.” He swiftly apologized, but Alistair graced him with a radiant smile that caught him off guard.

“No worries. You’re right. I really should...work on that. To think, a pirate is the one talking sense into me.” He chuckled, moving to pluck at his strings once more. Hongjoong pouted and pointed at him slightly.

“Hey, I’m more than just some pirate. I’m the best pirate this world will ever see.” He pouted. Alistair glanced at his wrist, looking at the tattoo and stone and hummed slightly.

“That mark on your wrist. It’s a rather cursed looking thing, isn’t it?” He mused. Hongjoong looked at the compass mark and traced over the alexandrite stone with a fond look on his face.

“You think so? To me, it means the whole world. I wouldn’t be here with my crew and my partners if it weren’t for this mark, believe it or not.” He chuckled. Alistair stared at the stone, watching it change from blue to red depending on how the light hit it as Hongjoong began chattering about things he was learning about Delphi.

“Yeah. I believe it.”

-🎁-

“How has the gift making thing gone? Have you decided what you’re going to do?” Jongho hummed, leaning against a wall as Mingi paced back and forth in front of him, San, and Yunho.

“I...None of my projects can be done so quickly without rushing and making them sloppy. My powers don’t exactly help me with crocheting things.” Mingi sighed, sitting down unceremoniously. San pursed his lips toying with a piece of thread from his pants that had become frayed from wear.

“At least you’re good at something. I don’t have any skills aside from fighting, map making, and navigation. What the hell am I gonna do with that? Punch him in the face and draw him a map to Yunho’s room?” He huffed, running a hand through his hair.

Yunho gently pet his back in an understanding manner, though he had some conflict settled across his face, as well.

“Honestly, same? Aside from doctoral work and fighting, what can I do? Make him a bouquet? That’s...so lackluster.” He murmured. Geb rumbled inside of his head and he pouted, tapping his temple.

“Hush, you know what I mean. If this is the first official birthday gift I’m going to get him, it should be something extraordinary.” He muttered. Geb nodded in understanding from inside of him and Jongho sighed.

“I mean. I could carve something for him, but I don’t know if he would care as much about all of that. Plus, my father wasn’t the tohunga whakairo, I actually don’t know enough for my carvings to be presentable.”

“I could always help.”

Jongho rolled his eyes.

“My ass. I know you. You’ll probably carve him a dick or something.”

“The audacity. You think I would waste my time carving out just anyone’s dick for our lovely captain?”

“Whiro-”

“I’d give him a carving of our dick, Jongho. Don’t be foolish.”

“Gods, I hate you. I really do.”

“Love you too, buttercup.”

Yunho couldn’t stifle the laugh that bubbled out of his chest at the banter while the rest of the boys joined in, momentarily forgetting about the original worries that evening.

-🥮-

Sweat rolled down his temple as he sat cross-legged in the forest. His eyes shone a bright red as he focused in front of him, watching as the metal rod he’d had Wooyoung made for him rotated gently over one of his illusions, a gentle heat baking batter as he dipped the rolling dessert into a tub with more batter.

“You’re doing well, Yeosang. He’ll love it.” He whispered to himself, his fox tail swaying behind him as he baked. It was late and he was deep in the woods, so hopefully, no one would stumble across him.

Honestly, he didn’t care. As long as he perfected the food he’d be making for Hongjoong, nothing else mattered. He closed his eyes and exhaled, gently raising the temperature of the heat he was using to bake the cake.

In a few hours, he could add the glaze and pack it up before retreating from the mountains, slicing it up before letting the crew members-sans Hongjoong-taste the cake and give him feedback on how he could improve.

A small mouse watched him from the bushes, blue eyes trained on him as he worked from dusk till dawn. When he got up and collected his things, the mouse disappeared into the brush.

-🐀-

“Your birthday is coming soon?”

“Yep. Everyone is stressing out about buying or making things for me and it’s honestly as endearing as it is a waste. That’s why I didn’t tell any of them my birthday. I’m fine not celebrating. Every day is a celebration when I’m with my crew.”

Alistair couldn’t hold back the snort that left his lips. Hongjoong blushed, scratching his cheek as the two of them leaned against the laurel tree. The song today was different from what Alistair usually played, and it lifted the mood between them as the sun shone over Delphi, creating a gentle, autumn warmth that made the captain feel at peace.

Maybe he should pick up his own instrument. He underestimated how calming the music could be.

Maybe one of the boys could play music? All of them could sing with varying ranges so maybe-

“I guess an early present is in order.”

Hongjoong blinked before he opened his mouth to protest. Before he could, Alistair held up a finger, shushing him quietly.

“It’s nothing materialistic. It’s more....me allowing you to go to some places very close to me. Do not fret. While you’re here in Delphi, you and your crew- only them -may go to the places I speak of. I trust you’ll not bring anyone else there.” He sent Hongjoong a look in warning, though it fell instantly, as Hongjoong shook his head instantly.

“I would never!”

Alistair chuckled and began giving him directions as he played. Hongjoong scrambled to pull a pen out of his knapsack, scrawling down the directions.

A small laurel leaf fell from the tree, landing in Alistair’s blonde hair as he spoke.

-🍃💐-

“How...did you find this place…?”

“A little birdie told me.”

Hongjoong triumphantly wadded through the woods, walking with the confidence of someone who had walked this path time and time again. That clearly wasn’t the case, but as they emerged from the treeline after he’d pushed aside some vines, he tucked the small piece of paper in his hand away, smiling wide as they walked into an orchard, seemingly hidden from the outside world.

The boys looked on in awe as Yunho stepped forward, excitement practically rolling off of him in waves. Geb seemed excited too, if the glowing triangle that appeared over Yunho’s eye was anything to go by.

“Oh my, wow okay, I don’t mean to get so excited but-”

“No no, by all means. You are our plant experts.” Hongjoong gently gestured forward, a smile on his face. Yunho beamed wide and continued, switching between allowing Geb to speak through him, and speaking for himself.

“Okay, see these pretty pink trees? These are actually crabapple trees. My eomma used to love putting these into drinks. Had to grab a lot of them at a time, but it was so worth it��” He gently plucked a small crabapple from the tree, raising it to his lips before he bashfully held it out to Hongjoong.

“Ah- Do you mind-”

“Sure, here you go.” Hongjoong raised his hand, washing it off before watching Yunho try the fruit. Stars exploded behind his eyes as he looked back at the tree.

“I’ve never tasted one so delicious-”

“Oh! I wanna taste!”

“Me too!”

“You said your mother used to cook with them?”

Hongjoong smiled as Wooyoung, Mingi, and Yeosang walked forward, trying more of the small apples. They were mindful not to take more than two each, not knowing exactly if they belonged to someone or not, but not wanting to scarf down all of the small fruits.

Their captain appreciated them not having to be told to respect this place. He could tell it was important to Alistair, and the last thing he wanted was for them to ruin the small grove he seemed to be attached to.

“Oh look, there are some sloes over there!” Yunho pointed to a shrub with blue fruit growing from it while San walked slightly past them, his eyes lighting up when he recognized some strawberries.

“Oh finally, normal fruit.” He bent down, plucking some of them off of the shrub.

As the boys wandered around, Hongjoong gently removed his shoes, walking through the grove with a serene smile on his face. He was careful not to step directly on the flowers below him, enjoying the sweet fragrance all of the flora let out.

He walked past some red, pink, and yellow gladiolus flowers as Seonghwa and Jongho tried some of the olives growing from some of the olive trees.

There were about four in the orchard, and Seonghwa walked some over to Yeosang, feeding him an olive and smiling when the smaller ex prince’s eyes lit up.

“Oh-”

“I know, right? Maybe we could take a few of them home and you can make me some olive bread?” He winked. Yeosang smiled and followed him back to one of the trees, chattering in Greek together as they planned some Mediterranean dinner.

Hongjoong walked to the end of the orchard, blinking when he heard rushing water. He followed the sound, the blades of grass tickling his toes as he stopped by a particularly large crabapple tree. It was thicker than the others and Hongjoong continued listening, finding the sound of the water was closer, though the crabapple tree seemed to be at the end of the orchard, as behind it, was simply a large stone.

A keen caught his attention and he looked to his right, immediately on guard as he found a blue-eyed wolf staring at him. He moved, backing away but the wolf never made a move towards him.

They stared at each other before the wolf turned around, heading towards the rock.

Hongjoong blinked in surprise as it ducked under some hanging plants, and Hongjoong noticed it was another secluded entrance. He followed the wolf, catching Jongho’s attention as his captain disappeared behind a curtain of vines.

“Cap’n?”

His perplexed voice caught the attention of the other boys and they all followed Hongjoong. When it noticed the other boys, the wolf took off running and Hongjoong followed, his feet slightly digging into the dirt. The wolf leaped out of the vines on the other side and Hongjoong tossed back the curtain of vines.

“Why are we chasing a wolf through the woods- Oh holy shit.”

Hongjoong stumbled as Yeosang flew into his back. They stood in a field of hyacinths that fed its way towards the shore of a pool. As they stood in the flowers, their eyes trailed up, finding a waterfall above the pool of crystal clear water.

Hongjoong looked down, noticing the wolf was no longer around, but he turned back towards the water and smiled, peeling his shirt off.

“What are you doing?! It’s the end of October, it’s cold!”

“We’re immortals, Seonghwa. What is a cold gonna do to me? Aren't you our resident frosty first mate? Plus, Yeosang can keep us warm.” He beamed, popping open the button to his trousers. Seonghwa pursed his lips, but any complaints he had were ignored as a shirt flew his way, landing on his face.

“San!”

“Hurry up, I wanna swim!”

Hongjoong stripped down naked first, dipping into the water and ducking under the surface. He was pleased to find the water was deep under the waterfall, and as he swam down, he gaged it was a good 20 feet or more down and a smile came to his face as he propelled himself up to the surface with his powers, popping up and smiling at the awaiting boys.

“It’s pretty deep. So it’s safe for diving!”

The boys exchanged a look with one another before delighted naked chaos broke out.

Seonghwa sighed and folded up everyone’s clothes, sitting down in the hyacinths, watching them with a fond smile.

Hongjoong dove deep into the water as the boys played above him. The water caressed his skin, moving alongside him as he looked around curiously. The sun was still shining bright and the area they’d discovered had a break in the canopy, so the sunlight illuminated much of the water.

As he stayed below, he realized he hadn’t had to resurface and laughed, watching the bubbles float up from the move. He supposed it was a perk of his powers, being able to breathe underwater. He was grateful, it meant he got to explore more without having to resurface.

Something golden caught his eye and he squinted, grabbing it. He brought it closer to his face, using a strong burst of water to push him back to the surface.

Mingi yelped in surprise when Hongjoong popped up beside him, the water rippling from the move as Hongjoong lifted the golden item and tilted his head.

“Whatcha got?” San hummed, hugging him from behind and kissing at his neck as his feline eyes eyed the necklace. Hongjoong laughed, tickled by the move before he lowered it, placing it on his palm.

“I found it underwater. I’m not quite sure what it is-”

“Hm? It looks like a sun disk.”

Hongjoong and San looked over at Jongho when he spoke and he blinked at them.

“What? I’ve been reading a bit on things, too.” He huffed, looking away. Whiro chuckled and snuck out of Jongho’s arms, splashing him before cackling as he put himself back on the gunner’s arms.

The two began to banter like usual and Hongjoong eyed the golden charm. With a shrug, he handed it off to Seonghwa before he went back to his merry swimming.

Yeosang closed his eyes as he, Yunho, and Wooyoung sat on the edge of the water. Yunho closed his eyes, floating on the back of a giant lilypad he’d created, a small leaf over his eyes as he let the sunbeam on his body. Wooyoung and Yeosang sat together as Yeosang warmed the water, relaxing in it as it began to bubble around them.

“Someone should invent this… it’s like a bath but bubbly...bubble bath? No. Not everyone has a Yeosang so...warm tub? Hot...tub?” Wooyoung hummed, tilting his head while Yeosang laughed, kissing his shoulder as he sat in his lap.

“Hot tub? That sounds like a normal tub. People take hot baths in tubs, you know.” He teased. Wooyoung turned in his lap, pinching his cheeks and pouting at him.

As the boys splashed around, Seonghwa gently took the small satchel he had secured around his waist off, looking at the boys with a content smile on his face. It had been a while since he’d drawn anything, but he figured now as good a time as any.

He still hadn’t figured out what to give Hongjoong.

Shaking his head and putting those thoughts aside, for now, he began to draw after he’d watched Hongjoong resurface from the water.

Some flowers had floated by and gently stuck to his neck and chest when he resurfaced and Seonghwa felt his breath catch slightly as Hongjoong brushed his chestnut-colored bangs back, his eyes full of love and joy as Mingi and Jongho began to play water horse with Yunho and Wooyoung after he had freed himself from the warm side of the natural pool, going over to play and splash around. Yeosang swam over curiously, his ears still situated atop his head.

Seonghwa leaned against the lone laurel tree that was amongst the hyacinths and drew the captain, all with a small smile on his face.

They stayed in the pool until the sun began to set, casting a gentle pink, orange, and yellow glow on all of them as they finally emerged from the water, pruned up, but satisfied and happy.

Seonghwa tucked his sketchbook away before anyone could see it, smiling as they all dried off via Yeosang and made their way out of the hidden falls and orchard all together. As they walked back, most of them cuddled close to Yeosang for warmth, Hongjoong toyed with the sun disk charm.

“How did you even find this place? I thought Daniel said you had never spent time in Greece except for when Yeosang was mourning Shiber?” Seonghwa inquired as they got farther and farther from the hidden area.

One would have to know where they were going to get there, that was for sure. The trees in the area looked near-identical, and it would be easy to get lost or walk right past the entrance if you didn’t know it was there.

Hongjoong smiled.

“A friend told me.” He beamed, shivering, and moving closer to Yeosang.

Seonghwa, unbothered by the cold dip in temperature, watched his back before he chuckled and shook his head.

“You always find yourself in such strange company, don’t you, captain?”

-...-

“So...does anyone know for sure what they’re doing?”

The seven of them sat together, nursing plates of some dessert Yeosang had made called pavlova. Mingi, San, and Jongho’s were already gone, while Seonghwa and Yunho took their time eating. Wooyoung was already on his third slice.

“We have a week left.” Seonghwa reminded them, though that seemed to send the tension spiked between all of them.

Some of them still had no clue what to do.

“I’ve already decided the spread I'm going to make for him. I’ve started the sour for my sourdough for the upcoming week and I may ask Hongjoong to take me back to that orchard so I can have some more of those olives. Yunho and Geb can replicate the taste of the berries and fruit, but those olives definitely taste different.”

Yunho nodded in agreement while Geb rumbled in his head.

“It’s strange. I usually can replicate anything unless it's divine.”

Whiro shifted from Jongho’s arms, and the gunner rolled his eyes and sighed before he could even say anything.

“Maybe you’re losing your touch, dusty.”

“Why I never-”

“Enough. Stop it. We need to focus. As of right now, the only one who has a confirmed gift for Hongjoong is Yeosang. I think that’s pretty pathetic, and I’m talking about myself too here.” San cut in, crossing his arms over his chest. Wooyoung frowned, his brows pinched together while Seonghwa shook his head.

“And myself. I have a gift in the works, as well. I’ll be painting him a portrait.”

Everyone stared at him for a moment before San hummed.

“Right. So that still means five of us need to come up with something for him. Our captain works too hard for us to half ass it. I know he personally doesn’t care for gifts and the like, but I don’t feel right not giving him a present for a third year in a row. He saved my life, it’s the least I can do.”

The others nodded and Yeosang gently pet the closest person to him, Jongho.

“Feel free to let me know if you all need help or my powers. I’ve written out the menu for next week’s feast, so don’t worry about interrupting. I can help.”

"Do you think we should ask Hyuna? Maybe she knows some good-"

"Absolutely not. I'd rather chew glass than call that woman for any kind of help. Especially after what she pulled last time." Seonghwa spat.

Wooyoung flinched at the frigid tone, but San placed a hand on his back.

"It's fine. We don't need her help. We got this."

They all nodded and decided to call it for bed for the night, splitting off into their respective groups, a cloud of self-disappointment looming over some more than others.

-x-

“And then you should have seen the look on their faces when they tried the berries! I’ve never seen people so happy to go foraging!”

Alistair laughed as he strummed his lyre, the melody upbeat and plucky. Hongjoong excitedly chattered about his day in the hidden orchard before he stopped, snapping his fingers when he remembered something.

“Do you have any pets?”

“Hm?”

“Pets? Do you have any? There was a wolf there and I thought it would attack us, but it ended up leading us right to the waterfall and it disappeared before I could get a full look at it. I do think it had some peculiar eyes.” He tapped his chin and pursed his lips. Alistair looked at him for a long while before laughing.

“A wolf? Do you think beasts of the woods are so easily tamed? I am just a man with his lyre. I have tamed no beast of the sort.” He shook his head in disbelief. Hongjoong stared at him before he pouted, playing with a blade of grass. Alistair looked down, noticing the gold sun disk charm dangling from a silver bracelet on Hongjoong’s wrist.

His lips quired ever so slightly before he jutted his chin out towards the charm.

“That’s new. Where did you buy that?”

“Oh, it’s funny, actually! I got it while I was diving underwater. I had one of my loves make me a bracelet so I could wear it. It looks rather nice, in my opinion.” He hummed, lifting the bracelet. The sun reflected off of it and Alistair nodded.

“I agree. It does look nice.”

He adjusted the strings on his lyre, strumming a song Hongjoong had never heard before. He blinked in surprise, looking over at him as he began to sing. It was Grecian, but the sound of his voice, accompanied by his playing, instantly made Hongjoong’s whole body relax. He watched as Alistair’s fingers danced along the strings, shifting from fast to slow speeds. Hongjoong lost track of time as he watched Alistair play, snapping back into focus when he slowly brought the song to a close.

“I-”

“Happy birthday, Captain Hongjoong. That is my gift to you.” He spoke. Hongjoong blushed and smiled at him, scratching his head.

“You didn’t have to-”

“You have to learn to accept the gifts of people who care about you, Captain. Running from affection because you are too bashful to accept it can lead to horrid misunderstandings. If someone cares for you and you enjoy their presence, learn to relinquish a little control and let them show you how they want to make you happy.” He mused, strumming random notes now that the song was over. They still made melodic chords, in Hongjoong’s opinion, but the captain couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face.

“So….You’re saying you care about me?”

“If I say no, you won’t believe me regardless, will you?”

“Correct” Hongjoong grinned. Alistair rolled his greyish blue eyes and chuckled.

“I suppose I’ve gotten fond of the little pirate that so persistently comes to visit me every other day and refuses to listen to me when I say I don’t need you to pay me for my songs. Maybe a smidge. Don’t let it go to your head.” He pointed at Hongjoong as a wild smile and laugh broke out on his face.

The two of them bantered slightly before Hongjoong fell silent, the wind blowing his bangs as he looked at the town.

“I’m going to miss this once we go back out to sea.” He hummed. Alistair didn’t say a word, but he nodded, nonetheless. They stayed together for a while before it was time to split apart.

As the two of them stood from the grass and Hongjoong moved to leave, a crow landed on the laurel tree, cawing. Alistair stared at it, his eyes widening marginally before he turned on his heel, taking a few long strides and grabbing Hongjoong’s wrist, startling the man.

“Hm? What’s wrong?” Hongjoong inquired. Alistair let his wrist go and tucked his lyre under his arm, a conflicted look on his face before he sent Hongjoong a look.

“Enjoy your birthday, captain. But I have one word of advice for you. Beware that which gives off false light.”

Hongjoong frowned at the urgency in his voice, but nodded nonetheless. He didn’t take Alistair as a superstitious person, but he didn’t want to seem uncaring of the warning...as unclear and vague as it may be.

When they separated, Hongjoong took the long way back to the place they were staying at, enjoying the sights around him.

They’d be leaving Delphi on his birthday. Three days certainly wasn’t enough, in his opinion, but it is what it is.

-🌟-

A bell chimes as a figure enters an old shop. From behind the counter, an old, blind woman rocks in a chair, a hood covering her head as she crooned a low, ‘welcome to our shop…’

The man shuddered and only nodded in response, looking at rows upon rows of miniature statues, clay pots, jewelry, and everything in between. Frustration began to build. There was no time for such small, lackluster gifts.

“Excuse me? Do you have anything...a little fancier? One of a kind, preferably?” He inquired. The blind woman hummed, tilting her head.

“Pricilla, assist the man.”

“Yes, dear sister.” A woman emerged from behind a curtain of beads, her piercing eyes falling onto the man across the counter from her. He shuddered at the scrutinizing look before watching as she crossed the counter, walking towards the back of the store, gesturing for him to follow.

He did so and she stopped in front of a small box shaped like a treasure chest. She pulled it out of the box and his eyes lit up.

It was a nice sized rod of sorts, with the handle fitting perfectly in her hand. The top of it was made of textured crystal and was shaped like a globe. A copper protrusion came from the top of it and curled down the side, though what caught his eye was the oddly-shaped hourglass in the center. There was a glittering powder in the hourglass. The shopkeeper’s lips quirked up as she tilted the end of the rod up.

“Look through here, child.” She urged, ignoring the way he frowned at the child comment. He closed one of his eyes, looking through the bottom and gasping as he saw an explosion of color from the bottom. The rod end of the small staff was a kaleidoscope and he gently took it from her hands, shifting it from left and right and watching as the brown, cream, and rose gold colored fractals shifted with every angle.

“The highlight is this right here.” She put her thumb over his, pressing down on the small button that was shaped like a keyhole. There was a click and the staff illuminated, shining a soft rosy-colored glow before it shifted to an aqua colored one.

“This...this is it, I want it. How much?”

“Three thousand gold.”

“Are you insane?!”

The woman shrugged, placing the rod back in the box and sending him a devilish smile.

“Too much? You can always help yourself to one of the clay pots or something. The price is as it is.” she taunted before returning it to its spot and moving to go back around the counter. She disappeared behind the curtain and the man stared at the box before sighing and walking back to look around.

He stayed there for a considerable amount of time before he ultimately left, his eyes set on the Utopia .

Tucked under his shirt, was the colorful rod. Part of him felt bad stealing from the old blind shopkeep and her sister, but the part of him that wished to see Hongjoong happy overrode all of that.

Besides, he was a pirate. A little theft here and there never hurt anyone.

-🏴☠️-

“O h? S o m e o n e s e e m s t o h a v e m a d e a g r a v e m i s t a k e, h m?”

-☠-

Hongjoong frowned as he stood under the laurel tree. Alistair was missing today, and there was only a small, blowing hyacinth flower where he usually sat. Hongjoong didn’t recall seeing it there before, but he figured the man just sat covering it.

A damn shame. He’d grown fond of him over the past month and wanted to properly say goodbye to him.

He turned on his heel, walking back into the mountains. He and the boys had visited the hidden orchard several times, so he knew the way by now. He stood amongst the flowers, taking in the scene with a small smile on his face.

His mother really would have liked this place.

At least, he thinks she would have.

Hongjoong sat down under one of the crabapple trees, cleaning one of and bringing it to his lips.

He was awoken to kisses today and Yeosang politely but firmly telling him he needed to leave so he could finish the surprise. Everyone appeared to be readying gifts for him, as they were to set sail around midnight.

So, they’d lift their sails and leave on his birthday.

Hongjoong checked the watch on his wrist, finding it was just barely past 3pm. He let his head rest against the crabapple tree, the scent of flowers calming his whole body.

Maybe he could nap. Just a little.

A wolf howled in the distance, but Hongjoong paid it no mind.

-⚡☀️-

“You have to let me go!”

“No.”

“Why not?!”

“Matters like that are out of your jurisdiction. Let your uncle and your cousins handle issues in their own domain.”

“Just this once! Let me go! Uncle doesn’t even care for them and you know it”

“No. Sea-based issues have nothing to do with you. If you go, you run the risk of another war. Is it really worth it?”

“.....”

“Good. Now leave me.”

-🌊🎁🎂-

Hongjoong laughed as Jongho led him up to the deck, a shadow covering his eyes as he guided him. He stopped when Jongho pulled him back, holding him still. He could feel the Utopia loving and a small smile came to his face.

As much as he liked Greece, being out on the ocean was a pirate’s true home.  

“What time is it?” Wooyoung excitedly whispered. Hongjoong snickered as a chorus of ‘shush!!!’ broke out before Seonghwa’s voice cut in.

“Eleven fifty-nine….It’ll be midnight in three...two...o-”

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HONGJOONG!”

Hongjoong jolted as Jongho moved the shadow, revealing the huge spread of food and gifts situated on a large table rooted to the top deck, thanks to Yunho’s powers. Hongjoong’s lips fell open as he walked closer, his eyes glancing around left and right.

There was a large spread of foods he’d never seen before, and beyond the table, was Yeosang, smiling brightly. His mouth instantly watered as he looked around, realizing everything on the table was fresh.

“Yeosang-”

“Shh. Thank me when you taste it. Look at your presents first!”

Hongjoong turned his attention to the second table, slowly approaching it. He felt tears water in his eyes as he surveyed it all.

Sitting in the back was a large painting, carefully designed to look like stained glass. It was made entirely of different shades of blue, and Hongjoong didn’t have to look twice to know what the painting was.

It was him. A stained glass portrait of him.

He wiped at his eyes as he picked up the next item, a heavy glass case shaped like a crystal. Inside were small plants, and the closer he looked, he could see there was a small, painted wooden doll on the inside.

It was him, standing amongst small, glowing plants and flowers.

The next three presents were beside each other.

All three of them were resin pieces, with one being a small glass cup. Hongjoong held it up to his face, eyes widening as he saw it was a rather complex piece that looked awfully familiar to the hidden falls in the orchard Alistair had let them go to. The water for the falls looked realistic, along with the mossy rocks at the very top. The resin held a white color to simulate rushing water, which fed downwards to a large pool, and as Hongjoong held it higher, he could see whoever crafted it even put some small flowers at the surface of the ‘water’ and some small fish figurines below the artificial waterline.

He looked towards the other small piece, smiling when he recognized the crabapple and olive oil trees, the hyacinths, and the gladiolus flowers.

While the first piece was in a glass cup, the second was in a small cube. It was completely encased, and Hongjoong smiled as he admired the see-through cube made to be a small look-alike.

He set it down and looked over at the final resin piece and ran his fingers over it. It was the second-largest thing, next to Seonghwa’s painting. It looked to be in a large frame that was placed on its side. Hongjoong took his time delicately running his fingers over the resin.

It was an ocean scene. There were blue waves made from colored resin, going from deep cerulean, all the way to a turquoise color. They even captured the white of the seafoam along the waves, and as his eyes trailed closer to the shore, he ran his fingers over the small shells and rocks that were fixed into the end of the piece. What caught his eye was the model ship in the resin water, his brows pinching together softly as he saw it was Utopia in her majestic beauty.

“Don’t cry, mon putois.” Seonghwa handed him a handkerchief and he paused momentarily, wiping his eyes. As he looked down, he found a sheathed short sword. The hilt was made with a familiar pink wood with a glossy finish and Hongjoong’s lip wobbled as he ran his thumb over it. It was the same colored wood as his mother’s comb, and he knew it was the same.

As he pulled the short sword out, he beamed, seeing intricate engravings in the steel. He ran the tips of his fingers over it, feeling every bump, groove, and curve of it before he held it up, watching it glint in the moonlight.

“Gorgeous.” He hummed, instantly taking the small dagger he had fastened to his hip off and replacing it with the sword.

Finally, he got to the small peculiar staff, holding it up to his face. He admired the small details of the staff, even turning it upside down. As he did, he noticed the bottom and closed his left eye, peering into the bottom and gasping at the fractals that shifted around in it.

As he held the base of the staff, his thumb pressed down and it lit up. He startled at first before looking through the kaleidoscope, a small ‘woah’ leaving his lips as the colors inside changed. When he lowered it, he looked at the button he’d pressed, clicking it again.

It changed from a rose gold color to an aurora blue. The light illuminated his face.

‘Beware that which gives off false light.’

“They all look wonderful! Let’s eat before I cry on everything.”

-🌀-

“We should clean up. Who got me what, by the way?” Hongjoong inquired as they began moving the table.

“We actually did everything independent of one another, so I have no idea, but I made the painting.” Seonghwa hummed. Hongjoong nodded looking at the small staff in his hand. He opened his mouth to ask who’d got it for him when there was a sigh from in front of him.

“Ah, so there it is. You really tried to weasel away, huh?”

Hongjoong looked up, finding two women standing near the bowsprit. His brows furrowed as he looked at them. Immediately, Jongho and Seonghwa were on guard at either side of them, a falcata glinting in the light of the moon as it loomed over the Utopia . Jongho had his mere charoite in his hand, with Whiro shifting on his skin.

“Woah, you steal from us and then greet us with hostility? How mean.”

Hongjoong clicked his tongue.

“Stolen?”

“The staff. That doesn’t belong to you. Any of you. It was stolen, and I believe that’s grounds for punishment, no? Isn’t that right. Charlotte?” the younger of the two women cheered.

There was a low hissing sound that came from the woman named ‘Charlotte’.

“Stolen. Stolen, they stole it. Father gave it to us, Pricilla! They stole it!”

The ship began to shake and Pricilla laughed wildly.

“Of course they did! So we take it back! We sink them and take what’s ours!”

“Captain-”

“Humans under the deck. Now!” Hongjoong barked, his eyes glowing electric blue. Charlotte dropped her hood and the eight of them cringed as they saw not a woman, but an amalgam of parts that were definitely not human.

Her skin was more like hide, with several eyes along her neck. Wooyoung stepped back, terrified as she let out a scream, revealing a serrated row of teeth. The boat shook again as Charlotte turned and dove into the water. Hongjoong furrowed his brow, Pricilla seemed unphased, checking her nails.

“Enough of this.” Seonghwa stepped forward before he ran full speed at her. She calmly undid the knot to her robe, letting it fall away. As soon as it did, Seonghwa thrust the blade of the falcata at her, hissing in surprise when a dog’s head rushed forward, biting down hard on the blade and stopping it completely.

“Boo.” She grinned as another dog bit into his midsection and threw him full force at the others. Jongho surged forward, catching him with shadows as Pricilla began to grow before their eyes.instead of legs, she had twelve thick, tentacle-like legs and six feral dog heads sprouting from her waist, snapping wildly.

“What the fuck are you?” San spat. Pricilla laughed, petting one of the dogs.

“Imma monster~”

The Utopia creaked in protest as it began to spin. Hongjoong ran to the edge of the ship, his eyes widening as he saw a massive whirlpool pulling the Utopia into it. In the rapids, he could see fangs, and he cursed as they began to scrape at the wood of the ship.

“She’s a monster too! She’s going to sink ‘er!” He screamed. Back on the center deck, Pricilla’s dogs snapped and bit at Yunho as he tried to get close. He cursed and ducked under one, sending a vine around her waist. He started constricting her, but one dog bit him around the torso, snapping it’s long neck and throwing him at Mingi as he tried to send blades of wind her way. The six-foot-tall pirates collided with one another, the wind being knocked out of their lungs as they rolled across the soaked deck.

Wooyoung took a deep breath, screaming at the top of his lungs. Metal flew towards Pricilla, slicing off one of her legs.

“YOU BITCH!”

“TAKE ANOTHER ONE!” San barked, using his powers to pull the green blood that oozed from the wound to create a scythe. He spun it and aimed for her neck, cursing when she disappeared into a waterfall of seawater that landed on the deck. It moved quickly, dousing Yeosang in water when he tried to light her on fire. The foxfire flickered and he moved to ignite her when a thick tentacle wrapped around his neck, immediately trying to crush his neck.

While they fought on the deck, Hongjoong grit his teeth and jumped into the ocean, in the center of the swirling whirlpool.

Immediately, the fangs in the whirlpool’s rushing water tried to close in on him, but he swam faster, like a fish in water, using his powers to force the water outwards and keep himself from being bit.

The sun disk bracelet on his wrist began to shine and he gasped underwater, looking at the bright light before he looked down, seeing past the rushing water.

Deep in the ocean, those eyes, bloodshot and full of rage, all looked at him. He grit his teeth, noticing the water was being pulled inwards towards a huge, serrated maw.

“It’s her. She’s the whirlpool.” He hissed before he swam downwards. The light from the bracelet began to fade, but Hongjoong had seen all he needed to see.

“Helping them?! You wound me!” Pricilla sneered towards the sky before she caught Wooyoung’s blades between her now scaled hands. The more they fought with her, the more they watched her change, noticing even her twelfth leg had begun to grow back, her dogs lashing out more viciously as she threw blasts of magic at them.

“You’re in my domain, boys! In the ocean, we are the law!” She sneered, gashing into San’s cheek when he lunged at her. He twisted his head, biting down on her hand and drawing blood. He spit it out into her face, using his powers to harden the blood into a small sharp blade, taking out her eye.

A visceral scream tore from her throat as she tossed him away, chasing after him with one of her tentacle legs and stabbing him through and through.

“San!” Wooyoung cried out before screaming as Pricilla threw San into him, slamming the slightly older immortal down ontop of Wooyoung.

“My eye! My fucking eye!”

“And we’ll take the other one!” Jongho snapped, letting Whiro rise from his skin.

Below the surface, Hongjoong swam directly into the center of the whirlpool, shielding himself from the fangs. Once he was certain he was inside of the beast, he brought his hands closer to himself, gathering water before forcing it outwards.

Pricilla had her hands around Seonghwa’s throat when an explosion of water startled all of them. She tossed Seonghwa away, looking back with wide eyes as chunks of Charlotte’s monstrous form began to rain down from the sky.

Hongjoong propelled himself out of the water, landing on the deck and leering at her through his bangs, the super moon behind him illuminating the deck.

“Charlotte…? Char?” She picked up one of the chunks in her clawed hand, her chest heaving.”

“You should have just taken the staff and left.” Yunho growled, his eyes glowing bright blue as vines appeared around his feet.

Pricilla stared at the remains of her sister and turned her head, laughing wildly. The waters began to rage again as she rose up, her shoulders shaking.

“You steal from us, then you kill my sister? The disrespect…” She looked up from her curtain of hair, leering at Hongjoong.

“Father won’t be happy. Father won’t be happy at all. Look at what he did! This pathetic pirate with that cursed woman’s mark on him! Father, let me take him to the Underworld! Let me rip him to sheds! To hell with immortality!” Pricilla’s legs and dogs began to go wild, slamming down and damaging the ship as she lashed out focusing on Hongjoong.

He ran past them, blocking them as he got closer. If he could get closer, he could do more damage.

‘Oh, it seems you’ve found yourself in a troubling situation, Captain.’

Hongjoong cursed as he raised his hand, but his powers flickered out. His eyes grew and a dog bit into his arm.

“Fuck!” He spat out a curse and drew the new blade, stabbing the wild dog head in the neck that attached it to Pricilla, looking around in a panic.

That voice-

‘Oh, a true shame it would be. If you had to take this on with none of your powers. None of my powers. A true pity.’

Hongjoong felt his heart race as that familiar voice rattled in his head.

“You’re not real. You’re not real. You don’t exist. Not now. Not now not now not-”

‘If not now...when? I come and go as I see fit, Captain.’

Hongjoong panted, his vision bleeding away from the deck in front of him. In a matter of seconds, he was once again standing in the underwater castle. In front of him, in the throne room, was the mirror image of himself, watching the fight unfold on a small mirror he held in his hand.

“No. This-”

‘What? This can’t be? Hm? You think because you had that little spat with the woman, I’m going to come out? The fact that you think she can dictate what I do entertains me. The fact that you think you have control...well that tickles me pink.’

Hongjoong brought his hand up to attack the double, but his powers didn’t work at all. The man laughed loudly, standing up and descending the stairs until he was in front of Hongjoong. He grabbed him by the throat, lifting him off his feet.

‘Give in to me. Give me control, and I’ll rid you of that menace. I would listen, if I were you. You’ve already killed one beastly bastard child of a god. Would you like to go for another?’

Hongjoong felt his vision fade slightly from the grip, but he grit his teeth, swinging his foot up and kneeing his double directly in the stomach.

When he landed, his world returned to normal and he looked up, panting as he found Seonghwa struggling to hold back the ever raging Priscilla. She had gotten in the water at some point when he was blanked out and as he looked around, he found Wooyoung trapped under a broken part of the mast, blood running out from the corner of his lips as Jongho and Whiro hefted the heavy wood up.

Yunho had fallen back, creating a thick barrier between him and the conflict to keep Mingi-and Wooyoung, as soon as Jongho rushed him over-away from the fight. From here, Hongjoong could see Mingi biting down on something Yunho handed to him as he seemingly reset his shoulder.

“Yeosang, higher!”

Hongjoong whipped his head around, a large white fox rush past him with San on his back, blood running from the open wound through his stomach as the runes on his face gleamed. His eyes shone their neon pink and green colors as he and Yeosang jumped overboard, running up the now-massive form of Pricilla as she loomed over the ship, screaming bloody murder and striking them and the ship. The hits were wild and off-kilter from her eye being stabbed out

“Hongjoong, back to earth!” Seonghwa snapped. Hongjoong finally located the ex prince, standing on a thick platform of ice just outside the ship as he tried to freeze over the holes Pricilla had put into it.

Utopia was sinking.

Hongjoong snapped back to focus, unaware of the scales that crossed his face, neck, and hands as he rushed over to the monstress.

He could do this. He took out Charlotte. He could take care of this and they could patch up their wounded.

‘Tick tock, tick-tock. If you don’t focus, you could get seriously hurt.’

Hongjoong threw his hand forward, a blade of water slicing off one of Pricilla’s dog heads completely. It fell into the ocean with a large splash, and she screamed, turning her focus back on Hongjoong as she grabbed both Yeosang and San, crushing them in the fangs of her other heads.

“They’re all fighting so hard for you, little man? Hm?” She tossed the two of them into the ocean, smiling as Hongjoong’s eyes widened.

Hongjoong ran to the edge, placing his foot on the taffrail before he dove into the water. He swam past the submerged tentacles and dog heads, grunting as he took a few bites to his body.

That didn’t matter. He could breathe underwater. They couldn’t. He had to protect them.

He reached Yeosang, finding the chef had reverted back to his human form. Hongjoong grabbed him, using his powers to push the water away from his head and snatch whatever was in his lungs out. He found San in the murky water, too, putting a bubble over him as well. Hongjoong looked up, squinting.

The water was clouded with blood and limbs, but he could see the bottom of Seonghwa’s ice, so he propelled himself and his lovers towards it, protecting them from attacks.

“What will you do without him?” Pricilla sneered, noticing his form in the water.

“What will you do when I rip him away? You took her, so it's even, isn’t it? Isn’t it?! ANSWER ME! ”

Hongjoong pushed them up onto Seonghwa’s ice and looked over at Pricilla as she fought with Jongho.

“You talk entirely too fucking much!”

“For once, he’s fucking right! Shut up!” Jongho growled, his eyes shifting to dark red as Whiro grew to a massive size on his back, tendrils of darkness coming from his body to combat the ones coming from hers.

“Thieves! First that woman and now you. You want to be thieves, I’ll show you thieves!”

Hongjoong stood up, but something wrapped around his ankle.

“I’ll kill you. Again and again and again! You disgusting sea rat!” Hongjoong cursed as he fell hard onto the ice, clawing at it as the now two dogs biting at his ankle began dragging him towards the ocean. Seonghwa didn’t immediately turn, trying to focus on keeping the ship afloat.

He expected Hongjoong to handle them, sever them with water.

The powers never came out of the smaller man.

‘Tsk tsk. Should’ve listened.’

“SEONGHWA HELP!”

Seonghwa turned, jolting when he saw the look of panic on Hongjoong’s face. He lowered his hand, but brought it back up immediately when the massive hole he had been working on cracked. Hongjoong turned at the dogs, trying fruitlessly to punch them off of him.

“Jongho! Something is wrong!”

Jongho looked away for a moment and Pricilla lunged at him, punching him through the top of the deck and leaving him in a wounded heap in the quarters where the rest of the crew were sheltering. Water began to lick at their feet and legs as Seonghwa tried to patch the holes outside.

“Hey! Kid, get up! I...I can’t���.do anything if you...pass….o..u...t…”

Pricilla turned her attention to Hongjoong, smiling wickedly.

“She gave you immortality, didn’t you. Do you know what else is ~immortal~? A phoenix, sea rat. And even they die again and again~” Hongjoong was dragged forward, kicking and screaming until he was in front of Pricilla.

“So be cursed, little captain. Destined to live and die again and again~ Forever wandering the earth never knowing about your little lovers.” She grinned wildly and began to descend into the water.

“NO! NO NO NO!” Seonghwa screamed and Yunho cursed, putting Mingi and Wooyoung aside and wrapping a thick vine around the dog heads and another around Hongjoong’s wrist.

“I got him! Hold on, Captain! Use your powers!”

Hongjoong screamed, holding onto the vines. Tears and blood rolled down his cheek as the fangs dug into his legs. His grip on the vine trembled as he looked at Yunho, shaking his hand.

“I…can’t use them…”

“WHAT?!” Yunho and Seonghwa barked at the same time. Hongjoong cried out as the fangs sunk deeper into his legs.

“He...he won’t let me...I can’t...use my powers...he’s blocking them.” He coughed, his grip loosening. Pricilla screamed from above him and Yunho knocked two tentacles away before he stood and began running.

“Hongjoong hold on!”

Seonghwa snarled and left the ship alone, rushing forward on platforms of ice.

“Protect them, Hwa! Find me later. Don’t let her sink!”

“To hell with the ship!”

“PROTECT HER!”

Seonghwa tensed, eyes wide with tears as Yunho struggled to fight off the tendrils, magic, and claws. Hongjoong smiled, his lip wobbling as he stared at the doctor, and then Seonghwa.

“Hongjoong, please-”

“Protect our crew. Find me later.” Hongjoong felt his vision fade from blood loss. In his head, he heard the other him chuckling.

‘Give in and I’ll take care of her. Let me have control.’

Tears slipped down Hongjoong’s cheek as he felt his grip on the vines fail.

“I love you all...so much.”

And with a screech, Pricilla sunk as many fangs into him as possible, dragging him underwater.

As his vision faded and water filled his lungs, the last thing he heard was the muffled sound of a scream and dark chuckling in his head.

‘What a shame, captain.’

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