𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐧𝐞
Chapter 1: The Ghost Ship
The water sparkled turquoise, reflecting the bright noontime sun. Seagulls cawed overhead loudly, but Eden was focused on pushing a boat off the shallow beach. He turned around and beckoned with a wave. “Come on! There’s nothing to be afraid of!”
Hongjoong hesitated, digging his feet into the sand. He kept a cautious eye on the clouds in the sky, searching for any sign of bad weather. Eden followed his gaze and shook his head. “The seas are calm. Nothing to worry about.”
Chewing his lip, he remembered a day in the past that had been clear at first, and disastrous later. “Not this time,” he whispered. “I trust Eden.”
Sand shifting between his toes, he took a step forward and then a second and then a third. The water was up to his waist by the time he reached the sailboat.
“Alright,” Eden grunted softly as he hoisted the boy up and into a seat. “I’ll take the tiller, you’re going to tack.” Hongjoong said nothing but gave his hyung a pleading face. “Just let your body remember,” Eden encouraged with a soft smile.
Grasping the ropes for the sail, something reawakened inside Hongjoong. It was a sensation he hadn’t experienced since he was much younger in a time of innocence and unregulated discovery. Waves of nostalgia washed over him as he crested the ocean waves in his little boat and thought about the exploration that had been the centre of his childhood. A childhood that was snatched away too early, but it seemed was being offered to him again.
“You’ve got so much potential, Hongjoong,” Eden sighed from behind.
Hongjoong turned to face him, resolved. “Would you teach me?”
...
“Captain? Captain!” Yeosang’s voice seemed to part the heavens and descend to him. “How is the deciphering coming along?” Hongjoong blinked until his eyes could fully open.
Asleep again, this time at the bowsprit, where he had hoped the brisk winds bearing on them would keep him awake. He sighed. “Yes, I’ll do it now, I promise.”
With Yeosang’s eyes on him, Hongjoong positioned the magnifying glass over Eden’s map splayed in front of him, and traced it over the blank areas of sea. As he gazed into it, the glass revealed markings of islands, which he traced over with pen to make them readable without the glass.
“There’s a port two points northeast, that’s the closest stop.” Yeosang looked over his captain’s shoulder, trying not to intrude but longing to witness the navigational magic for himself.
Hongjoong nodded. “In all honesty, the ATEEZ desperately needs repairs and we need some recovery time. Assuming the port is neutral, let’s dock there. Since we have this now, I won’t mind waiting a few days to get on course in earnest.”
Yeosang couldn’t argue with that logic, and with permission to take the map, retreated to his cabin to update his own charts.
Hongjoong’s eyes lingered on the sea before him. It sparkled the same way it had in his dream. The dream was really a memory, and one Hongjoong thought back to frequently.
There was such a yearning in his heart to be reunited with Eden, assured of his safety, and told that he did well. But next to that yearning had grown a new desire over time, one for protecting his own crew. He was their Eden now, and he wanted to do what he could for them, putting their well-being first and helping them reinvent themselves from their own troubled pasts.
He watched his men cheerfully go about their work, a secret smile on his face, before succumbing to his ever-present fatigue and retiring to his cabin.
...
Wooyoung had loosened up astronomically in the week or so that had passed as the ATEEZ made its way to the harbour. So much so that he was, in fact, among the troublemakers onboard. When Mingi went to fetch him, he need only follow the sound of his extremely squeaky high pitched laugh to find his location.
Wooyoung was in the rigging with Yunho when Mingi yelled his name from the quarterdeck. Both scampered down with ease and presented themselves to their quartermaster, wondering what they were in trouble for this time.
“It’s payday,” Mingi announced, unloading the money bags he had carried over into the confused officers’ arms. “Perfect timing!” Yunho exclaimed, beaming at the cash collecting in his arms. Mingi unleashed his gummy smile and nodded enthusiastically. “Enough for the tavern and the sauna this time! It’s been awhile since the last payday.”
Wooyoung’s eyeballs almost flew out of their sockets as the money kept coming. “This is all for me?”
Mingi giggled at him shamelessly. “You’re an officer, remember?”
Wooyoung was speechless and began to count his earnings as Mingi chatted with Yunho. “You think they’ll have a sauna at the port? We are a good ways from the last one we visited...”
“Where’s San?” Wooyoung interrupted, already taking a step towards the infirmary.
Yunho’s arm shot out and grasped his. “Talking to Seonghwa,” he muttered, an edge to his voice that Wooyoung heard and understood. His mouth formed the shape of an “ah” but he didn’t say anything.
All three of them knew it would be best to wait until the two had finished their confrontation before bursting in with good news. Instead Wooyoung helped the conversation resume. “Saunas on the eastern islands? I don’t know, but perhaps you can find a natural hot spring.”
...
“What I did was unforgivable,” San faced Seonghwa with carefully composed strength and confessed. There was no more waiting. Leaving the truth unspoken between them could only ever strain their relationship and those around them, and San knew he had done enough harm as it was. “I’ll understand if you want to stay away from me.”
“No, San, I understand perfectly,” Seonghwa comforted quietly. “I saw a vision when I was there, too.”
San shook his head bitterly. “But you ignored it. I didn’t.” It felt like the room was closing in. Both were silent for a long time. “There was so much blood.” Sobs began to surface, breaking through his defences and racking his body. “I’ve seen blood like that before but I’ve never seen your blood and on my hands, Seonghwa-hyung!”
Seonghwa’s hands played with the threads of his blanket.
Everything had come back to him as San explained, haltingly, and almost too quietly to be heard. The book he had been reading before San came in to take off his bandages lay paralysed on the table next to him.
Something inside Seonghwa was twisting around uncomfortably, a feeling of being stuck midway in a battle, ducking until the crossfire let up. He had a decision to make. The San in his mind held a steaming gun and had wild eyes, but the San in front of him was vulnerable, shaking under the pressure of sobs being held back.
Seonghwa’s eyes drifted down to his wound. A scar graced his torso, a constant presence to remind him how he came by it. Part of him yearned for justice and needed to see the end of the demonic San of his imagination. But he could see how fragile this had made the younger boy and knew any turmoil he felt over this must be kept in, neatly packed away somewhere to stay untouched and unspoken so that Seonghwa could forget about it and put an end to San’s self-inflicted suffering.
“San, look at me.” San acted as if he wasn’t already peeking at him from the corner of his eye and shuffled his position to face his patient fully. “I forgive you,” Seonghwa said. “I know you meant no harm— the real you. And I know you would do anything to take back that bullet. I’m going to be fine, see? Already scarring over. Let’s put it behind us.”
San released a shaky breath. Seonghwa had truly risen above his circumstances to offer San this peace of mind. “Never talk about it again?” San whispered, wiping the tears off his face.
Seonghwa nodded and beckoned the boy in for a hug. San whimpered a thank you and curled up in his arms. Seonghwa’s cheek rested on the green hair and he kept the grimace off his face as San’s hiccups distressed his fresh scar.
If that’s what it took to ease the atmosphere, he would do it a hundred times.
...
Finally docked in the port of the nearest settled and neutral island all eight officers departed excitedly for their night on the town. Everyone was in a good mood and ready for an enjoyable time.
Wooyoung had to admit he was truly happy. His doubts at the beginning of his time on the ATEEZ had not been unfounded, and the voyage had not been without its difficult moments but what he had gained out of it was more special than anything he had ever had in his life. What he had on Si-Hyuk’s ship was never really camaraderie but a shared fear and a loose bond formed around desires to make it to the next meal if it ever came. He wondered distantly if those little boys would open up onboard the ATEEZ as well, or if they were beyond saving.
“Five silver pieces says you can’t lift me with your neck!” Jongho’s challenge to San shook Wooyoung out of his reverie. San looked appalled. “No way I’m taking that up! I need this for the rum!”
“Five pieces says you can’t lift me with your neck!” Wooyoung spoke up, turning the bet around on Jongho who simply laughed and held his hand in front of the pair, halting them.
“Watch this!” He announced confidently before leaning down behind Wooyoung, grabbing him from the backs of his legs and lifting him up with his neck onto his shoulders. “No!” Wooyoung protested, throwing his head back in despair as the hyungs all laughed at him.
Five silver pieces short was still enough for the booze Wooyoung wanted to order, and soon all eight of them were seated around a table in a tavern enjoying their drinks and conversation.
“How about a game?” Yunho suggested.
“Oh! Let’s play the animal ga—”
“Not the animal game,” Yeosang cut Mingi off with a death glare. “Your giraffe will get us kicked out of this pub.”
Yunho observed Mingi’s pout and made another suggestion. “How about the drawing guessing game?”
“But we don’t have any parchment,” Jongho pointed out before offering his own idea. “We could do an acrostic game.” The company oohed and ahhed at the suggestion before agreeing on it and beginning a wild competition. By the end of the night nearly all of them were tipsy and several sported the red foreheads that resulted from finger flicking punishment for losing.
There was still work to be done the next day so the older four members dragged themselves out of their beds in the morning and went back into town. Yeosang shook a sluggish Wooyoung awake just before noon and brought him along with them to do some bartering in the market.
Next over from the stall they were at, a group of men had caught Mingi’s attention and seemed to be having a conversation with him. “What’s that all about?” Wooyoung grabbed Yeosang’s sleeve and pulled on it until he got an answer. “Just locals looking for work. If they’re competent, we’ll probably take them. We lost those men who deserted in the doldrums, remember.”
Hongjoong joined the conversation with Mingi, briefly explaining the course of their expedition. “We understand the risks, but we’d like to be hired regardless,” the spokesman of the hopeful workers responded. He had an almost square jaw, intense eyebrows, and short hair. “I’ve got a dozen men here, all experienced on the water. My name is Seunghyun.”
Hongjoong scanned him up and down before offering his hand, which was taken. Seunghyun bowed while they shook hands, turning and relating the news to his followers gathered behind him. “You’ll be split up according to our needs, but we’ll take you on,” Hongjoong concluded before gathering his purchases and returning to the ship.
“Ready?” Yeosang had to wave his hand in front of Wooyoung’s face to capture his attention again.
“Oh? Yes. Have we got everything?” Wooyoung stopped eavesdropping to help Yeosang carry the supplies back to the ATEEZ. The walk back was quiet, but Yeosang could tell Wooyoung was deep in thought about something. “What is it?” He finally sighed.
“Those men...” Wooyoung lowered his voice almost to a whisper, leaning in to share his suspicion. “They seem quite nervous about something.”
Yeosang looked back over his shoulder, observing the new recruits as they followed them to their frigate. He nodded almost imperceptibly to Wooyoung. “You’re right. Maybe it’s just paranoia. The Eastern Sea is dangerous, but they sounded desperate for employment.”
Wooyoung didn’t answer but the air was still thin around them. “I’m sure Captain picked up on it too. Nothing to worry about.” Yeosang sounded as if he had convinced himself, but both knew better at this point.
Once the ship was careened and back in top shape, she set sail for the island with the X marked on it, which was slightly southeast and only a few days’ journey away. All the sailors were glad to be at sea again, having had trouble adjusting to their land legs. The winds were on their side and soon half of the journey had passed without incident. The new hands hadn’t caused any issues but were withdrawn from the rest of the crew in a way that Hongjoong didn’t appreciate.
The Captain was on the watch before sunrise when a figure approached the quarterdeck and kept walking in the direction of the Captain’s quarters until Hongjoong called him out. He turned abruptly, face coming into view in the soft lamplight. It was Seunghyun.
“Can I help you with something?” Captain asked the man.
“No, sir, just answering the call of nature.”
Hongjoong wasn’t buying it for a second. He could see the handle of a weapon peeking out. “You need to bring your knife to relieve yourself?”
Hongjoong’s flesh was crawling at the complete lack of a change in expression as he showed him two empty hands. Unflinching, Hongjoong reached straight into the man’s pocket and pulled out his knife. “I don’t like liars, Seunghyun.”
“All due respect, Captain,” Seunghyun whispered. “But I never said anything.” Hongjoong’s eyes narrowed at the implication. “That had better not be a challenge.”
Seunghyun raised his head slightly, an air of quiet confidence emanating from him. “It is.”
“Are you out of your mind?” Hongjoong scoffed but Seunghyun ignored it.
“A duel. Not to the death. Just for fun.” They stared at each other for a moment longer before Hongjoong crossed his arms. “You’re very eager to be humiliated in front of your friends.”
Seunghyun shrugged with a “We’ll see” and walked away casually.
“Don’t let me catch you on my quarterdeck again!” Hongjoong pursed his lips discreetly as he returned to the wheel. This wasn’t going to end well.
...
Seunghyun didn’t let Hongjoong forget about their nightly agreement and, as soon as it was sunrise, looked directly at him and drew his sword. Not even the officers had any idea what was happening when Hongjoong walked down calmly to the main deck and drew his own sword.
Jongho threw down the rope he was holding and rushed to intervene but stopped in his tracks at the Captain’s raised hand. “It’s my fight, Jongho.” His eyes stayed on his opponent and suddenly they clashed blades.
A gasp swept through the gathering crowd and a ring formed around the two contenders. They were acknowledging an unspoken challenge between their crossed swords, neither one backing down.
“What is—” Mingi pushed past some fascinated riggers to see what was happening. “Captain!”
Yunho held Mingi back. “Let him take care of it,” he cautioned.
Hongjoong broke the standoff and swept his weapon at Seunghyun’s neck. Seunghyun ducked and returned a blow that was evaded.
Spinning around with masterful footwork, Hongjoong had the challenger pinned and disarmed in a matter of minutes. “Well, that didn’t last very long, did it?” He growled, inches from Seunghyun’s face.
Embarrassment bloomed in the defeated sailor but again his expression was hardened and unchanged. “I see that it hasn’t. Well done, Captain.”
Hongjoong let him up but didn’t accept his handshake, turning his back and returning to the helm, sword back in its sheath. The onlookers gaped at the swiftness of the battle before obeying Mingi’s call of “Back to work!”
Not five minutes had passed when Yunho yelled from the crow’s nest. “Sail ho!” Instead of staying at his station as usual, the master rigger rushed down the webs of rope and ran to the bow of the ship with his telescope. “Sir, the ship looks completely devastated...” There was a sail, but it was tattered and useless.
A sense of macabre hung about it as it loomed in the distance, creeping close enough for everyone to see. “I don’t like the direction it’s heading,” Hongjoong whispered.
Still Wooyoung heard him and scrutinised the mysterious ship’s path. He understood his captain’s misgivings. The weather beaten bow of the frigate was pointed straight at them.
“C-Captain?” Yunho called out from the bow. The deck of the approaching ship was completely empty. “No one’s onboard...”
Jongho frowned from his spot at the rail. “No one’s onboard, or everyone’s hiding.” He shook his head at the others. “I don’t like it.”
Jongho was voicing what everyone else could feel in their gut. Something had happened here, and the ATEEZ was about to encounter it with no context. There was a hushed drone of men discussing the sighting with each other.
Hongjoong checked the contents of his gun and, deciding it was fit enough to proceed, called the officers to him. “Jongho, Yunho and Mingi with me. We’re going to board and investigate. I want the rest of you to keep a close eye on the horizon and our new friends. Be watchful.”
With that, he and his newly formed team prepared to board the swiftly approaching vessel. Wooyoung did as he was told, and stood at attention on the quarterdeck, ignoring the stirring in his stomach. “Bad feeling?” Yeosang whispered from behind him.
“I get them all the time,” Wooyoung rationalised. “Nothing to worry about.” He echoed Yeosang’s own words from before, a jab that didn’t escape the older officer.
“Captain!” A familiar voice arrived from the main deck. Hongjoong stopped in his tracks, eyes pressed shut in quiet annoyance. He turned to face Seunghyun who was approaching.
Mingi stepped between the two, trying to use his height to intimidate. “The Captain didn’t give you permission to come to the quarterdeck—”
“I recognise the ship,” Seunghyun cut him off, ignoring his presence entirely and locking eyes with Hongjoong. “Let me come, I might be of some use.”
Only the noise of wood and water punctuated the silence. “Very well.”
“Captain!” Yunho exclaimed.
“It’s a chance to redeem himself,” Hongjoong explained briefly before signaling to have the boards ready at the side rail. The rest of his team followed without further protest and crossed the boards to the mysterious ship.
Immediately an air of death penetrated the surroundings. Each creak of the vessel’s frame sent a shiver down Mingi’s spine as he followed the company, bringing up the rear. Hongjoong kept Seunghyun talking about the make and territory of the foreign ship as they crossed onto unfamiliar territory, getting everything he could about its purpose in the Eastern Sea out of the man.
“What business did he have challenging Captain to a duel anyway?” Jongho’s voice was just loud enough for Yunho to hear and answer, “My guess is he made a mistake of some kind and thought he could get his honour back by beating him.” An amused smirk etched onto his face. “Obviously that didn’t work out.” The two muffled their snickers as the group made their way into the hold.
“Split up,” Hongjoong ordered, receiving nods from all parties. It was Seunghyun in the gun deck who found a heap of bodies rotting in bilge water and ran to fetch Hongjoong.
“Dead bodies again...” the Captain grimaced at the putrefying smell. He leaned forward to observe closely, reaching out a hand and checking the elasticity of what was left of the skin.
“I wouldn’t touch that,” Mingi warned, hurrying in with Jongho and Yunho, obviously put out at not being summoned.
“They died of some kind of sickness.” It dawned on Hongjoong suddenly and he took a step back.
“Why weren’t they flying a yellow jack?” Mingi snapped, accusing eyes on Seunghyun.
“How should I know? It’s not my ship!”
“You said you’d seen it before. Where?” Jongho joined in.
“It just looks like some of the other ones I see in this area, I don’t have anything more specific, sir,” Seunghyun’s tone almost slipped into disrespect but he caught himself. Mingi averted his gaze, trying to cool off.
“You three find anything else of worth on this skeleton of a ship?” Hongjoong cleared the tension.
Yunho shook his head. “It’s just the bare bones. I think they’ve been dead and adrift for some time.”
That seemed correct judging by the state of the bodies as well and Hongjoong acknowledged it before leading the group above deck.
The officers met briefly on the quarterdeck to hear the report, struggled to keep their food down, and agreed unanimously to move on.
Wooyoung still couldn’t shake the feeling that had rooted itself in his mind again. Nothing to worry about, he repeated to himself while monitoring the soundless retreat of the ghost ship, once again the watchdog. Nothing to worry about.
...
Taglist: @nightynightnyx
A/N: Should’ve renamed this chap “nothing to worry about” lol. It appeared no fewer than 5 times. Easing into the action a bit but keep anticipating, things will pick up. I should preface it with a warning that things are getting more intense and there will be more and more potentially disturbing content. Thanks as always for the support and please reblog so others can enjoy it too xoxo
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