Chapter Text
The Faded Mist cut through the water with ease. With wind in her sails and the subtle help of the Ocean, she met no resistance. Her speed was more than any ship should be able to achieve. Yet everyone on board knew the Faded Mist was no ordinary ship. The moment a destination was secured, Hongjoong called to the crew to brace and spun the wheel turning the ship. Yunho and other crewmates swung around on the rigging to properly direct the sails and capture as much of the coming wind as possible.
Yeosang hadn’t moved from his spot at the railing near the helm ever since Yunho confirmed that Captain Kim’s ship was in their sight. His heart raced with such a myriad of emotions that he couldn’t even dream to name them all. The radiating pain in his leg was long forgotten as his nails dug into the wooden railing that supported him. His eyes remained focused on the ship in the distance. Even standing at the stern of the ship, he could make out the tiny silhouette on the waters. Yeosang tried again to get a sense for Seonghwa or anything else that may help him. Yet the silence and lack of magical response left him feeling empty.
The storm that formed behind them felt like an army at their back. It’s strength and support aided in their journey of confrontation. Yeosang always dreamed of what it would be like to be a pirate. To explore the world and do as he wanted with no rigid rules. No longer locked away in his castle and guarded. Yet Yeosang had a harsh awakening to the reality of his life. How his father had kept many secrets that put him in danger. How cruel the world could truly be.
Sea spray gently cooled Yeosang’s skin and coated the tricorn hat he still wore. Once again, Yeosang was reminded of the stories he used to fill his time with. Yeosang recalled the stories of the Pirate King arriving like a storm. Hidden by the clouds that sunk low into the water and escorted by the electric currents. Only instead of imagined visuals, he was there, on the very ship the tales were about. This time, the Pirate King led the storm, bringing it closer and closer to the ship that still held their loved ones captive.
Hongjoong barked orders that Yunho parroted to the crew. The men ran quickly about the ship in anticipation of the coming fight. Most things were previously prepared, knowing a fight was in their near future. Now, they triple checked the lines, handed out any weapons needed, and prepared the cannons to fire. Jongho stood below deck at the gundeck to relay the order to fire when Hongjoong called for it. He would man the cannon himself for the first shot, never missing a disabling blow.
During storms at the castle, Yeosang would sometimes sit on the balcony and watch it. The wind whipped his blonde curls while thunder echoed over the land. Rain drops sometimes painted his skin with its chilled moisture and encouraged goosebumps to raise along his arms. Out on the ship, it was as if the storm couldn’t touch him. The wind aided the sails and tousled his curls. The thunder still sounded, but Yeosang felt like he was inside a glass dome, safe from the harsher elements. If he wasn’t so focused on their goal, Yeosang would have marveled over the magic of it. Seonghwa would have explained it for him and patiently answered every question he had. Yet Seonghwa wasn’t there.
Yeosang’s chest ached and he pressed his hand against the discomfort. His nails dug into his skin a little as he gripped the front of his shirt to ground himself. Part of him was eager to jump into the water and swim to the ship himself. Yeosang knew it wasn’t a good idea to do so but his desire to reach them faster was strong. Almost too much to control.
“You should go below deck.” Hongjoong spoke from behind. His hands still gripped the helm firmly as he guided the ship toward the enemy. His fierce eyes focused on the target ahead.
“What?” Yeosang turned around with wide eyes. “No, I need to be here!”
“Yeosang—” Hongjoong tried to reason. The Prince reminded him so much of Seonghwa already. Perhaps that was part of why he subconsciously needed to protect him from danger.
“No! This is all because of me. I can’t hide away while you all fight.” Yeosang stepped toward him and gasped in surprise when Hongjoong reached out and snatched his wrist to tug him close. His arm then wrapped around Yeosang’s waist to keep him from escaping. “Hongjoong!”
“Yeosang.” Hongjoong spoke again. His voice was calm yet firm as his eyes locked onto Yeosang’s face. He didn’t need volume to demand the younger listen to him. It didn’t matter that Hongjoong was a little shorter than him. The mermaid Prince could see the storm in Hongjoong’s gaze. The power of the Pirate King’s ferocity but at the same time, of a man who cared too much.
“My father wants you. He’s not drawing us in just to steal gold or silks. Once he has his hands on you he won’t stop at just locking you away this time. I know him. I know what he is capable of.”
“But—” Yeosang tried to resist but Hongjoong’s hold on him was strong. The argument died in his throat. Hongjoong had survive years of abuse from his own father. Brought to the brink of death then cruelly forced to live another day with the medicinal healing of Jia’s blood. Yeosang’s mother’s blood.
“I cannot live with myself if he gets his hands on you.” Hongjoong kept his other hand on the helm. Somehow able to steadily steer the ship even while his eyes were focused on the younger man in his grasp. It was as if the ship acted as his eyes while he was looking elsewhere.
Yeosang swallowed hard trying his best to understand where Hongjoong was coming from. He arched his back a little to be able to see him a little easier but Hongjoong still refused to let go. The strength in his hand pressed tightly against Yeosang’s back kept him close. They didn’t know each other for very long, but somehow Hongjoong had come to care about Yeosang far more than the Prince realized. Yeosang took a moment to breathe before he pressed his hand against Hongjoong’s chest. He could feel his heart pounding heavily beneath his skin. Hongjoong was scared. The strong, brave and powerful Pirate King, was scared.
“No matter what happens, none of it is your fault.” Yeosang spoke softly but his voice carried to Hongjoong despite the storm behind them. “I’ve spent my entire life hidden behind walls. Men I love are on that ship. I cannot sit back and watch.”
Tears filled Yeosang’s eyes as he spoke. Seonghwa felt closer than a brother to him. San had made himself a special place in Yeosang’s heart. It had been easier to admit to himself that he cared about him, even loved him. And then there was Wooyoung. His feelings for his lifelong companion crashed against him like a tidal wave. He’d known for a long time that Wooyoung was special to him. That his presence meant so much more to Yeosang’s life than anyone else. Yeosang knew he was weak when it came to fighting, but he knew he couldn’t live with it if he didn’t try. For all of them.
Hongjoong’s arm loosened slightly and his hand slid up to rest just below the back of Yeosang’s neck. He pulled Yeosang close enough to press their foreheads together. The gesture so familiar now even if Hongjoong wasn’t a mermaid. Another part of Seonghwa that lived inside him.
“Alright. I understand.” Hongjoong moved his hand to wipe the tears from Yeosang’s cheeks with his fingers. He didn’t blame the other man for being so emotional. Yeosang learned and experienced a lot in the last few weeks. He barely slept and his worry followed him constantly. “I won’t make you go below deck. But Yeosang please…for my own selfish sake. Remain on the Faded Mist.”
Yeosang wanted to protest. He wanted to say that wasn’t much better but the feeling he got from Hongjoong’s actions stopped him. He let out a soft sigh and whispered. “Okay.”
Hongjoong let out a soft breath that sounded almost like a cut off sob. He held the back of Yeosang’s head while he kissed his forehead before he let him go. The relief in Hongjoong’s voice made Yeosang’s heart constrict. “Thank you. I will be able to fight better knowing you are safe.”
Yeosang nodded and Hongjoong gave him an encouraging smile before his expression shifted into one of hard determination. The enemy ship was much closer now and Yeosang knew it would only be minutes before Jongho was ordered to fire the cannons. Yeosang took off the tricorn and held it out to the Captain. He then told Hongjoong he would gather his dagger and the spyglass to prepare before he left the helm.
Yeosang staggered haphazardly down the steps but adrenaline fueled him more than the pain could slow him down. He dodged the rushing men as best as he could. One ran into him but quickly helped stabilize him before he was on his way back up into the rigging. Yeosang quickly skirted along the railing until he reached the steps that led down toward his room.
Hongjoong watched him go then focused solely on commanding his men and the ship. He called orders to prepare to fight. Several men readied themselves to shift the sails as needed while others tied things down. Two more laid large planks of wood along the railing, ready to be thrown across to the other ship once they were side by side. Ropes were strung from the rigging to aid in swinging across the divide. There was no telling what would happen during this fight and they wanted to avoid as many issues as possible. The more they could focus on the fight, the better off they were.
Once they reached cannonball firing range Hongjoong gripped the helm even tighter and turned the wheel. The ship curved to bring it broadside. Everyone was ready at standing by or orders. Yunho was prepared to climb the rigging while Mingi had his supplies packed into his satchel that he wore across his body. Jongho listened below deck for the order, his cannon aimed and ready at the ship in the distance. Other gunners stood by, waiting his command. They weren’t close enough to see people, but Jongho could see that main mast standing tall, waiting to come crashing down.
“Ready!” Hongjoong yelled. His voice carried through the air. The men prepared for the loud sound of ignited powder. Yeosang stepped out from below deck and rushed to the railing. His dagger on his hip and the spy glass in his hand. He gripped the railing in one hand to keep steady.
“Aim!”
Yells coursed through the crew down into the depths of the ship as the order was relayed to Jongho below. The Master Gunner pulled his lanyard until the hammer was at full cock and ready. His body was tense, braced for the final tug. He held up his hand so the other shipmates could relay that he was ready. Jongho held his breath waiting for the Captain’s command.
Yeosang lifted the spyglass to his eye and searched the water until he found the ship. He first caught sight of the bow with its mermaid figurehead, a noose draped around her worn neck. The sight made Yeosang’s stomach roll. He tore his eyes from the figurehead and searched the deck until something else caught his eye. Captain Kim was at the helm of his own ship, shouting orders. Beside him, tied to the mizzenmast, was a man with his head hung down, clearly unconscious. The shirt over his left shoulder was covered in dried blood. Even without seeing his face, Yeosang could recognize him anywhere. His breath caught in his throat and he barely gasped out his name. “Wooyoung.”
Yeosang heard the crew yelling back to Hongjoong that the cannon was ready. He wondered why Wooyoung was tied to the mast there. He supposed it was so that Captain Kim could keep him close but something felt wrong. Yeosang quickly searched the deck again. His heart stopped in his chest. His blood ran cold. All three masts had captives tied to them. San, Wooyoung, Seonghwa. His fellow mermaid was tied higher than the others. Balanced on two stacked barrels well above the ship deck.
Yeosang choked out a gasp. “Seonghwa—”
“FIRE!” Hongjoong’s voice boomed over the deck shattering Yeosang to the core. He knew the first target was always the main mast. The same mast that Seonghwa was bound to.
“WAIT!” Yeosang screamed dropping the spyglass from his hands. The metal instrument clanged against the deck and rolled to a stop against the railing. Yeosang spun around and yelled as loud as he could. Everything seemed to move in slow motion for him.
The Captain’s order continued through the crew echoing the cry of ‘fire’. No one seemed to hear his pleas. Yeosang yelled again and tried to run toward the helm but his leg chose that moment to stop supporting him. He crashed to the deck gasping for breath. Terror in his eyes. Yunho caught on first and whistled for the Captain. Hongjoong jerked his head toward Yunho then to where he pointed at Yeosang.
“STOP!” Yeosang screamed so loud his voice cracked. His hands slammed against the deck. His nails dug crescents into the wood as they elongated minutely. He screamed in anguish and the entire ship pitched upward a fraction of a second before the cannon fired. The deafening sound of ignited black powder washed away his voice. Water splashed along the side of the wood as the ship settled again. Men yelled in shock from the movement.
“Man the helm! Cease fire!” Hongjoong yelled and rushed down the steps. Yunho swung down from the rigging and landed on the deck before he ran toward Yeosang followed by Mingi. The man was gasping for breath on the floor supported only by his trembling arms.
“Yeosang! What is it?” Hongjoong dropped to his knees beside him, having run as fast as he could. His tricorn laid on the deck, abandoned in his haste. They were too far away for anything to have harmed him but Yeosang’s extreme reaction held Hongjoong’s emotions captive.
“T-they….they’re tied to the masts…Seonghwa—” Yeosang managed through his cries. His nails scratched the deck.
Hongjoong’s face shifted through several emotions at once before he paled and looked toward the ship they had just fired upon. His heart dropped out of his chest and through the floor. Wood shattered in the distance. His blood turned to arctic ice. Jongho never missed.
********
Captain Kim was well aware that the Faded Mist was closing in on them. Yet he wasn’t worried. At least Hongjoong would be good for something before he took him from the earth. Shadow had warned him of the power the Faded Mist held but he wasn’t bothered. Shadow himself was powerful. Even if Captain Kim had to sacrifice several of his men, he would have the Mermaid Prince one way or another. If only that pesky fake prince would stay awake long enough so he could witness all of his failures. Kim would love to watch the fight die in his eyes as Yeosang was made to bow to him and become his slave.
His other captives hadn’t done much, not like they could, since word spread of the Pirate King’s arrival. The Mermaid was stoic as ever. His head leaned back against the mast and eyes closed, almost as if he knew what was coming. San, on the other hand, kept watching the horizon and glancing back toward his fellow prisoners. Kim wondered why Fortain was so focused on the boy but no matter. He wouldn’t be a problem for much longer.
As for the palace guards he held as captives, Captain Kim debated what to do with them. Two of them were currently bound and tossed into a corner on the deck. The leader still in agony from the lashing’s he’d received days ago. He enjoyed having slaves to do the menial labor aboard the ship. But part of him wondered if they would be more trouble than they were worth. Perhaps he could use them to make the Prince suffer. Torture or kill them off one by one. Kim scoffed knowing that Yeosang was weak to the plight of others. He had no doubt he could control the Prince with those emotions. He didn’t need Yeosang to be strong. He needed him complicit.
The sound of distant cannon fire sent the crew scurrying for cover. Captain Kim’s eyes gleamed with mischief and glee. He barked orders to prepare for impact but remained standing tall. One hand gripped one spindle of the helm. If Hongjoong’s gunner was as good as the rumors said, the main mast would fall and with it Hongjoong would have killed his own lover. Captain Kim couldn’t help the laugh that pre-emptively bubbled up in his throat. The strangely giddy sound echoed across the poop deck.
San screamed in terror despite his gag as the cannonball drew closer. He knew that attacking ships always attacked the main mast first. He also heard from the crew how accurate Jongho was when manning the cannons. He tried to yell for Seonghwa, even knowing there wasn’t much the other man could do. Seonghwa had tears down his face and was saying something that he couldn’t hear. His head was stilled leaned back and his eyes closed. He looked almost serene in the impending danger.
The whistle of the cannonball came closer and louder until it ended in a loud crack. Wood splintered instantly and exploded from the impact. The ship rocked violently to the side, tossing a few unfortunate men to the ground.
Kim gripped the helm tightly in his hand to keep from teetering at the impact. He heard screaming and glanced up. He frowned when the mast wasn’t shattered to bits where he expected. It had indeed been hit, but much farther up. The crow’s nest had been shattered and debris fell to the deck below. A body hit the deck hard, dead even before impact. A few pieces of the splintered lookout point impaled two of his crew, which explained the screams of agony. A few feet of mast, below where the crow’s nest once stood, now hung from the rigging. The main sail was torn and hung awkwardly on one side. Yet somehow, the damned Mermaid was unharmed.
Kim growled and whipped around to order his crew to return fire. Then, he stalked toward Wooyoung and jabbed his fist against his injured shoulder. The wound was never allowed to heal and easily bled once again. Wooyoung groaned in pain and sluggishly lifted his head. He was disoriented from the loss of blood and lack of proper nutrition over the last few days. Kim grabbed his hair at the back of his head and forced him to look into his eyes. Wooyoung did his best to glare. The gag in his mouth prevented him from doing much else.
“Your precious Prince is here.” Kim grinned wickedly and released Wooyoung’s head with a shove.
The words seemed to spark Wooyoung’s adrenaline and he quickly shook the hazy feeling from his head. He looked around until the spotted the Faded Mist standing broadside in the water at a distance. He could hear yelling around him, having no idea the ship he was on had been hit once already. He understood what San had seen that day. The storm clouds looking ominous as they slowly surrounded the Pirate King’s ship, hiding it from view. Wooyoung had witness it before, but from the view on the Faded Mist. This was a whole new experience. Wooyoung’s heart raced in his chest knowing that help was on the way yet also filled with trepidation for what could happen.
Wooyoung knew that the crew would protect Yeosang. Hongjoong had promised him and he trusted Jongho, Mingi and Yunho to do so as well. Yet he also knew that Yeosang could be stubborn. He had only fled Captain Kim’s ship when Mingi was thrown overboard. Otherwise, Wooyoung believed Yeosang would have still been on the ship with them. Thankfully, he hadn’t been subjected to Captain Kim’s tortures more than he already had.
Seonghwa had told him about managing to contact Yeosang. Wooyoung was upset that he couldn’t hide what happened from him, but he understood. He hated that he couldn’t do anything to protect Yeosang. Even from fearing for Wooyoung or the others’ lives. He sometimes wished they were still at the castle, blissfully unaware of everything going on around them. He wished he could go back to waking up to find Yeosang had escaped the bed again. To track him down and find him safely curled up with his books in the garden under the wisteria tree.
But then Wooyoung thought about San. How the man had somehow become important to both of them in such a short time, especially to Yeosang. Strangely the thought didn’t stir jealousy in his heart. He’d even encouraged Yeosang to kiss San while still on the Navy ship. In that moment, it had felt right.
Wooyoung thought about Yeosang’s true identity and how Seonghwa was able to teach him about his other half and heritage. He recalled Hongjoong agreeing to help easily and how Jongho made sure Wooyoung could fight like a pirate. How Yunho didn’t hold a grudge against him for attacking him or how Mingi took care of their injuries with great care. There was so much that Wooyoung could regret. But that would mean that he and Yeosang would have never met any of the pirates they now called friends.
Cannon’s boomed from below the ship and Wooyoung was jerked from his thoughts. He yelled around his gag in fear, unknowing if the cannon balls would reach their target. He couldn’t see the Pirate King’s ship lost in the mist. The ship rocked from the force, but the crew was used to it and continued their work as if projectiles weren’t being flung from their ship.
Wooyoung jerked his head toward the rest of the ship and spotted Seonghwa breathing heavily against the main mast. There were a few pieces of wood on his lap that he wiggled his legs to remove. One part of the rope seemed frayed but not nearly enough for Seonghwa to struggle free. Wooyoung wondered if he would attempt to transform back into a mermaid and use his claws to cut himself free. Yet Seonghwa seemed too weak to do so. Captain Kim knew far more about Mermaids than he should and it showed in how he treated Seonghwa.
Thunder boomed as if the storm had become an angered god. Perhaps it had. Wooyoung’s eyes widened at the sight of the rolling, dark clouds. Lightning scattered within the clouds and even struck the water sending currents outward in a terrifying display of power. The Faded Mist burst from the clouds and sailed at a speed far exceeding its capabilities and headed straight for them.
“Men! Kill anyone in your path! Save the Captain for me and capture the Prince!” Captain Kim ordered as he drew his sword.
“Aye Captain!” The crew sounded as well. They prepared for the incoming ship. At the speed it was going it appeared like it would slam directly into them. A daring plan but effective.
Captain Kim smirked. “Crazy even for you, Hongjoong.”
********
Yunho snatched the spyglass from the ground and lifted it to his eye. The glass had cracked but he could see well enough to see the damage to the other ship. He swallowed a desperate plea and breathed in relief. “Direct strike, but Seonghwa is safe.”
Yeosang let the tension bleed from his body and collapsed fully to the deck. He breathed heavily and struggled to regain his composure. His nails left marks in the wood, a few shavings coming loose. He’d been so terrified for the other Mermaid he hadn’t even realized what he’d done.
Jongho ran up from below deck, a blossoming bruise on his shoulder from being slammed against the wall unexpectedly. Thankfully, the cannons were well secured. “What the hell happened?”
Hongjoong dropped to the deck as well as if the relief had cut all the strength from holding him up. Mingi pulled Jongho close and kissed the side of his head but his face shifted in concern when the younger grimaced in pain. He immediately started to pull the Master Gunner’s shirt to the side to get a look at him.
“Seonghwa is tied to the main mast.” Yunho admitted to him.
Jongho’s eyes widened and he staggered from the weight of the words. Mingi quickly stabilized him again and held his arms. “He’s alive. He’s okay.”
“I—I could’ve—” Jongho stammered.
“It wouldn’t have been your fault.” Hongjoong spoke quietly. He glanced at Yeosang on the deck and crawled toward him. He helped him sit up and hugged him close to calm the distraught Prince. “Yeosang saved him…he protected him.”
Yeosang was too focused on calming himself down that he didn’t hear what was said beyond Seonghwa being safe. He clung onto Hongjoong for support. He focused on breathing and gathering his wits about him. Hongjoong hugged him tightly whispering his heartfelt thanks. Yeosang truly was amazing. He didn’t know if Yeosang meant to do what he did, but his power had shifted the ship just enough to save Seonghwa’s life.
“I’ll kill that man myself.” Hongjoong growled after a moment. Anger at his father’s audacity and the plan that almost trapped them into harming their own loved ones. As a cruel Captain, it made perfect sense. It would have broken Hongjoong. Thankfully, Yeosang had been quick to react. Hongjoong looked up at Jongho then at Mingi and Yunho waiting for his command.
“Mingi, take Yeosang to my Quarters until he’s able to calm down. Jongho, no more cannon fire. We’ll face them head on. Yunho, prepare to board. Tell me where Wooyoung, San and Seonghwa are.”
Each of them set to their tasks. Mingi gently lifted Yeosang into his arms after Hongjoong finally let go of him. The Captain kissed each of them on the cheek before he ran back to the helm. The navigator keeping the ship steady relinquished the wheel to the Captain then hurried to line up with the other crewmates prepared to board.
Yunho followed him to the helm and used the broken spyglass to determine each captive’s location. Hongjoong spun the wheel hard, turning the Faded Mist to head straight for the enemy ship. One way or another, Hongjoong was determined to finish the fight once and for all.