Chapter Text
They were flying steady toward their destination. Things got a bit more complicated with seven people aboard now, but they made it work. Yunho and San became quick friends and Yunho thought best if they were roommates (if to keep away from his crush) and Jongho and Mingi made fast friends, also becoming roommates. Wooyoung was thrilled to be the only one without a roommate. They had stopped at a planet quickly to grab more food, clothes, and medical supplies. They were there and gone in a blink to avoid drawing attention that came with piloting the Illusion. Hongjoong easily fit into his position as leader and captain. His crew respected him, mostly. And they all seemed to mesh well. With SeongHwa also mothering them all except HongJoong.
The first time Hongjoong woke up next to SeongHwa, he had accidentally woken up the entire ship. Wooyoung and San came in with weapons drawn. Jongho with blue eyes, Mingi with green and Yunho with a pistol. He sent them back to bed with apologies, while Seonghwa offered to sleep on the couch.
"No, no I'm sorry I yelled. I just, you shocked me. I didn't expect to be cuddled into you." He said, his cheeks flushed up pink.
"You were very warm. You said my name. I assumed you knew I was in bed with you."
Hongjoong prayed for there to be some kind of space time wormhole to open up and swallow him. Not only did he wake up big spooning SeongHwa, but he said his name too. He couldn't deny that lately he had grown quite fond of his sparkling eyes and fond smile, as he watched the kids interact. The gentle sway in his hips, as he walked from room to room. The gentle touches on his arm or head, as he walked by him. Ok, fuck it he was crazy for him. But it felt wrong. SeongHwa was an Android, no matter how human he seemed he was still a part of the Illusion. Of course he seemed attached to the Captain of the ship. It was natural, right?
———
Wooyoung had expressed delight in being alone, but actually he felt lonely. Also, San hadn't made a move on him yet. Sure, they were both very affectionate, clinging to each other or the others. Holding hands or exchanging kisses on the cheek, but nothing more. And he was upset. Sure, he could have made the first move, but where was the fun in that? He'd always wanted to be romanced, and maybe San could do that for him.
"Wooyoung," Precious called out "Yunho would like to see you in the Medbay at your earliest convenience." So he made his way there.
"Well San, it seems you're in great shape. Totally healthy!" Yunho said to him.
San smiled, dimples dotting his cheeks "Sounds great! I've never seen, like a real doctor before, but I've been missing out if they were all like you."
Yunho laughed and ruffled San's hair affectionately before he walked off. "Ah, Wooyoung, please come sit. I don't know much about Fox Hybrids, only wolf ones, so please excuse me if I offend you."
"It's ok. I'll answer questions, if ya got some."
"Ok, your accent is so cute. I really love it. So, I see you have human ears too. Are they real or magic for show?"
"They're real, but I'm mostly deaf in dem. I can hear a little but I normally use my fox ears because my hearin' is better."
Yunho hummed as he inspected both sets of Wooyoung's ears, and the boy sat patiently. "Do you move your tail, or is it like it's own thing?"
"Both. I can intentionally move it." He moved his tail left and right to emphasize his point "but it can reflect my emotions or move on its own."
Yunho wrote some notes down, nodding to himself before looking into his nose "Do you have a heightened sense of smell too?"
"I dunno. I think I do. Sometimes I seem to smell things Hongjoong can't or before he does."
"Open your mouth" he said, pressing down on his tongue with a stick. After looking he continued making notes "All your teeth are pretty sharp, are you carnivorous?"
Wooyoung shook his head "I'm an omnivore. I prefer meat and need it to be able to access my special skill, but I can eat non meat things."
"What's your special skill? Mingi gets superior strength."
"It's like a shimmery magic. It's like I disappear and move fast."
Yunho nodded and pulled out a blood pressure cuff. He took his pressure and then put on a pair of green glasses. "Here just sit still, ok? These glasses will help me look at you as a whole, and detect any abnormalities."
Wooyoung merely nodded and sat still as Yunho basically checked him out. He kind of felt exposed, and he noticed how very cute Yunho was. His cheeks flushed, but he continued to hold still until Yunho pulled the glasses off
"You're all healthy Wooyoung. No problems detected."
"Ah, that's good!"
"Precious, can you call for the Captain?"
"No problem, Doctor." Precious said "Captain Hongjoong Yunho would like to see you in the medbay at your earliest convenience."
"You know," Yunho said "I wasn't sure I'd adapt to having an onboard AI, but she's just so helpful."
"Yeah, she's pretty great. I thought it was strange at first too."
"Yeah? How long have you been with her now?"
Wooyoung tilted his head "Hmm, Precious how long have we known each other?"
"You first boarded the ship exactly 20 days ago, WooYoung." Precious said.
"20 days? You guys have only been flying this for 20 days?"
Hongjoong limped in on his cast at that moment, "We've only been pirates for 20 days."
"Y-you seem so professional!"
"Thank you! So you've been calling people all day. Why?"
"With this big meeting, I've heard things can get nasty. So I'm making notes on all the hybrids, conditions, and things of that nature so I have a base to work with. I can't exactly ask you questions if you're unconscious."
"Oh, well that's a good idea."
Wooyoung walked out of the medbay and his head was in turmoil. He felt like something was extremely wrong with him. He loved Hongjoong and held the biggest candle to him, but he was also inexplicably drawn to San. And then while being scrutinized by Yunho, he noticed how very attractive the doctor was. Hell, he'd even found himself fantasizing about Mingi's plump lips. Maybe he needed to get laid. He was so wrapped in his inner turmoil he bumped into Seonghwa. He hadn't even seen the android.
"Wooyoung," the Android said, grabbing on to his upper biceps "are you quite alright? You look flushed."
"I'm fine hyung. I just have a lot on my mind."
"As we are friends, would you like to discuss your problems with me? I cannot guarantee I will understand your feelings, but I can try."
Wooyoung grabbed his hands, squeezing them tight "Thank you, but I think I should figure this out on my own."
"What is the term?" His eyebrows furrowed together "Ah, my door is always open to you."
Wooyoung laughed high and bright "Thank you hyung. That means a lot."
"Seonghwa, Yunho would like to see you in the medbay at your earliest convenience." Precious called and the Android laughed.
"It seems no one is safe from the doctor today."
Wooyoung waved to Seonghwa as he walked off. He began walking to his room, but stopped as his ears twitched hearing a noise. He followed the sound, bringing him to Mingi and Jongho's shared room. The door wasn't fully closed. He planned to just peek his head in to investigate the noise, and remind them to close the door but instead he slapped a palm over his mouth to suppress the gasp. Jongho was sitting in Mingi's lap, his arms wrapped around his shoulders, and they were clearly making out. The sounds he heard were barely perceptible whimpers coming from Mingi. He backed up, slowly closing the door to give them privacy before bolting quickly to his room. His heart was beating frantically in his chest. He'd seen something he probably wasn't meant to. He thought Mingi and Yunho we're close to being a thing. And anyone with eyes could see Jongho liked San (which is another reason he wanted San to make a move on him first) so why in the world were they making out? He knew what he saw, clearly their tongues were in each other's mouths. There was no misconstruing that. But the main question was why? Should he say something? Perhaps he misunderstood something. Maybe it was better to keep it to himself. His head was starting to hurt and he decided to lay down. There was a soft knock on his door and he called out to open it, as he left it unlocked. His blood froze as San popped his head in
"Hey Wooyoungie are you going to nap?" He asked, just as sweet as ever.
"Y-yeah. Feelin' a little tired and overwhelmed."
"Can I nap with you?"
"Course you can. Climb in." It didn't matter what personal dilemma he was going through, there was no way he was turning down a cuddle nap with San.
~~~~~
"Captain, we are approaching upon an unknown planet." Seonghwa said, his voice ringing throughout the cabin. It was late late at night, well that's hard to tell in space. But they had all decided to take a rest. Luckily, Precious has used Seonghwa's internal sensors to wake only him, but this was curious. Hongjoong quickly sat up rushing to the cabin of the ship followed by his crew. Everyone had tired eyes, but settled into their positions.
"Lookout, what do you see?" He asked, referring to Wooyoung.
"It's the spinnin' planet Captain. We made it to Tortuga." Wooyoung said, his voice in awe.
"Tortuga?" Yunho asked.
"Tortuga is a magical planet that only appears when there's been a call to port. It's named after a well known pirate island from way back when on Earth. No one knows where it came from or how but the call is made, and the planet appears in the middle of all the ships." Jongho said.
Hongjoong had recently learned that Jongho had developed an interest in space and pirates, and followed Monsta X religiously. Much like Wooyoung had followed Bangtan, so the two knew a lot about pirate things. He was still learning, but studying hard.
"Are you ready for this, Captain?" Seonghwa asked gently.
"Not really. A lot of 3rd gens will be here to toss their chips in for 4th gens. So, precious activate the ship's cloaking device."
"Understood Captain. Activating ship's cloaking device."
They pulled into the port docking the ship. Seonghwa came out, fully dressed.
"Ok, there's going to be a lot of pirates here. Please try not to cause a scene, but don't take shit either. Try to keep your special abilities well hidden." Hongjoong said, making eye contact with each one of them. They each nodded along with him, and he took a deep breath, pushing the button to open the hatch. Suddenly, he felt a warm hand grab his and thread their fingers together. He followed the arm with his eyes, finding Seonghwa was holding him firmly. He smiled bashfully, squeezing his hand. This was it, their moment. To officially become the 4th generation. It was exciting, but also incredibly scary. They stepped out, him and his crew.
There were lots of ships already here. He saw Wooyoung running over to Yeonjun. Apparently, he and Captain of the Eternity Soobin, had made up as he was clinging to his arm. He waved cheerily to Bang Chan, Captain of the Miroh, who was talking to Changbin. He froze when he saw Namjoon of the Black Swan, gripping tightly to Seonghwa's hand. As if, if he let go, Seonghwa would be snatched from him. The man walked over to him, crossing his arms across his broad chest before uncrossing them, and holding out his hand. Hongjooong grasped it tightly, shaking his hand.
"We are here to cast our chips in for the Eternity, and the boys of TxT, but Soobin and Yeonjun told us what you did for them. We have no quarrel, and I will keep your secret."
Hongjoong smiled gratefully "May I, as a comrade, ask for a favor."
"You may ask, but I don't promise to fulfill it."
"One of my crew mates...has been following Bangtan since he was small.." he let the implication hang in the air.
Namjoon laughed, "The fox hybrid?"
"That's the one."
About an hour later they were laughing and hanging out with the boys of Bangtan and Tomorrow by Together.
"That was some fancy flying Hongjoong. Our lookout here couldn't see you. Like you blipped out of existence." Namjoon said, talking about their battle.
"You pissed me off with those moves." Yoongi said, frowning.
"How long have you been flying to be that good?" Jungkook asked, who had Jongho staring at him with big heart eyes.
"About 3 weeks." Hongjoong answered. The boys of Bangtan dropped their mouths, staring at him in awe.
"You're joking, right?" Seokjin asked, his jaw dropping further when Hongjoong shook his head.
"Have you come up with a name for your group?" Jimin asked while clung to Wooyoung's back. Said boy was blissed out as Jimin wouldn't stop playing with his ears.
"I had some ideas, but I plan to talk it over with my crew first." He looked over at his crew, but couldn't help but feel as if something was missing. Maybe Seonghwa was onto something about needing 8 members. But he shook the feeling off. They laughed and hung out until they decided to get some rest. They were still missing some up and coming groups, and couldn't start until everyone was there.
"Come see us anytime." Hoseok said with a heart shaped smile. While waving to them.
When they got back on the ship he collapsed against Seonghwa. The Android easily held him up "You did it Joong. Your building connections!"
"It seems there are almost no hybrids among the ships. A lot were still asleep but it didn't look so good." Mingi said, sounding nervous as the glamour magic around him dissolved and his ears came out.
"People don't trust us. Even among pirates. Or they hide like you. I'm too proud fer all that." Wooyoung said.
"It seems our Captain isn't afraid to put his faith on those of us who are different, or who would otherwise be outcasts." Jongho said.
"I know we haven't exactly known each other long, but each of you have proven yourselves to be a valuable asset to the ship and to just me in general."
Suddenly a loud banging happened on the hatch of the ship and Hongjoong jumped thinking they were being attacked "Precious?"
"Bringing up Cameras, captain."
A screen dropped and there was a very pretty looking person standing there, banging against the door to the hatch. Their features were so wildly beautiful and yet completely androgynous with vivid pink hair.
"Please, please help!" They said, their voice high with fear and concern as they glanced behind themself.
"Melody's Captain." Wooyoung said after bringing up the outside cameras. God, he was really getting sick of Eunkwang and his crew.
"Get them, Seonghwa." Hongjooong said.
"Understood, Captain." Seonghwa opened the hatch, grabbing the person by the front of their shirt, and hauling them into the cabin. "Greetings. Please follow me."
"Not a word, precious." Hongjooong said as Seonghwa walked in with the pink haired stranger.
"What's got the crew of the Outsider after you?" Hongjoong asked turning to the stranger, surveying them and taking in more of their appearance. Loose flowy clothing, but he could see they were heavily armed. Why run when they could fight?
The stranger crossed their arms in a defensive posture in front of themself "I may have knocked out their second command when he got a bit too fresh with me." They said, their voice deceptively deep "he's lucky i didn't take his hands off."
"You knocked out Minhyuk?" Mingi asked, stunned.
"What's your name?" San asked.
"Why does your ship have a cloak to disguise it's appearance?"
"Answer a question with a question?" Mingi asked.
"We all have secrets."
"I can respect it." Hongjoong said.
"You can call me Aurora." They said,
"Are you a girl or a boy?" Wooyoung asked. "You're pretty, but your voice is deep."
"Wooyoung!" Yunho said, smacking his arm "That's rude."
The stranger chuckled "No, it's fine. It's nice to be asked for once. I'm a boy. Most people assume, and run with it. He's...he's very refreshing. Wooyoung was it?"
"Yup! Nice to meet you Aurora!" Wooyoung said brightly. And Hongjoong shook his head fondly at the boy.
"Well, anyone who knocks out the second in command of the Outsider is welcome here on my ship."
Aurora bowed to him "Thank you very much. I'm actually looking for something here on the planet."
"Nothing here but a bunch of pirates." San said.
"I know, but it's important that I find this. It belongs to someone." He said, fisting his shirt, determination flashing in his vivid blue eyes, "Someone very precious."
Before Hongjoong could stop her, Precious responded "How can I help you?"
Aurora gasped at hearing the AI "An AI system? What kind of ship is this?"
"Precious don't-" Seonghwa was cut off
"This ship is known as the Illusion."
"Y-you!" Aurora said, turning to look at Hongjoong who scratched the back of his head. "This is...the Illusion?"
"Uhm...surprise?" Hongjooong said.
"Wait a damn minute!" Jongho stood up quickly pointing to Aurora "You! I know you!"
He turned to look at Jongho and gasped "Oh no!"
"Oh yeah. Prince Yeosang, what the hell are you doing here?"
"Wait, Yeosang? Prince? What's he talking about?" Hongjooong asked.
"There's a hierarchy who rule over the strong Armed planets like the one Jongho is from," Seonghwa said "This is the Aurora prince, Yeosang."
"Why are you saying something just now?" Hongjoong asked.
"Apologies Captain, I was running through my databases. It took longer than expected."
"He don't look like some strong armed Prince." WooYoung said, tilting his head.
Yeosang sighed and unbuttoned his flowing shirt, and slipped it down his arms. Yunho blushed furiously, but San was staring. Yeosang was ripped. His flowy shirt had hidden all the layers of strong and well defined muscles. He looked even stronger than Jongho.
"Oh wow." Seonghwa said out loud. And Hongjoong mirrored the statement.
Yeosang picked up his shirt, putting it back on.
"I retract my statement." Wooyoung said his tail wagged like a dogs, and Hongjoong rolled his eyes at the horny fox.
"You still didn't answer why you are here!" Jongho said "Uhm, your majesty."
"It's fine, no need for formalities." Yeosang said, waving him off "Eunkwang and his crew want what l have. If their damn crew wasn't so damn big i would have slaughtered them already."
"Wait, are you the beautiful princess with the map to the Galactic Leyline?"
"God I'll kill whoever made that damn name up. I'm a prince!"
"What exactly are your requirements, because I need that map!" Hongjooong yelled
"Don't get testy." Yeosang said crossing his arms "it's a long story."
"Hongjoong, perhaps we should get everyone some snacks, and take this into the common area." Seonghwa said.
"Good idea." Mingi said, already heading to the kitchen.
"God it's going to be a long fucking night." Hongjooong said, rolling his eyes.
~~~~~
"I have prophetic dreams. In my dreams I gave a map to the captain of a ship whose name was written in beautiful curling letters. It was called Illusion." Yeosang said, cradling a tea cup in his hands now.
"Why kill anyone who you deemed unworthy?" San asked.
"It wasn't like that! But when I told them no, they attacked and I had to defend myself."
"The rumors tend to grow exponentially in the vastness of space." Yunho said.
"So you'll give us the map?" Hongjooong asked.
"Yes, but only under 1 condition."
"Which is?"
"Allow me to join your crew."
Hongjoong sighed, he should have known. The eighth piece "Precious."
"How may I assist you Captain?" She asked.
"Yeosang is given permissions on the ship."
"Understood Captain. Would you like to assign a position?"
Hongjooong smiled wickedly at the prince upon his ship "He can be swabbie until we find out what he's good at."
"Hey!" Yeosang said indignantly, but Precious cut him off
"Understood Captain. Assigning Yeosang as a swabbie."
And the prince's face flushed as everyone laughed.
Hongjooong stood up with a loud yawn "Fight amongst yourself over your rooms. I'm going to bed." And with that, he left with Seonghwa following behind him silently.