Warnings: angst, language, potential violence, gore. The characters in this story are purely fictitious and do not portray actual people.
AN: italics are thoughts
Word count: ~2.2k
Summary: Women are considered bad luck upon the vessels that sail the Seven Seas. Before you became the captain of The Astraea, a witch of sorts cursed you and the crew leaving a physical mark upon your chest just above where your heart would lie. Anyone that sees the Black Standard flying on the black and gold ship knows that they have stumbled upon the Armada of the Damned which is piloted by the Buccaneer Queen.
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Previously on The Buccaneer Queen:
“Of all times to be without a storm,” you mumbled, pulling the brim of your hat lower over your eyes. Releasing the wheel, you turned to look at the man of legend. “Didn’t you say Yeosang had something to show me?” you asked as you moved towards the stairs.
“He must be piecing them together in your cabin,” Hongjoong stated, stepping up to the helm with his eyes focused on the sails.
“Ah, I see.” Turning on your heel, you started to make your way down.
Hongjoong smiled slightly, trailing his finger on the patterns in the helm before letting his hands grasp the wooden pegs. At his touch, the ship surged forward, cutting through the water faster than the ship was meant to go.
Catching yourself with the railing, you turned back to look at Hongjoong, and a smile stretched across your face.
Hongjoong’s eyes wandered to see you staring. “What, did you not believe me?”
“No, no, it’s just that seeing the legend to be true is much more impressive.” You gave him a smirk before going to find the young navigator.
»»————- ➴ ————-««
Silently stepping into your quarters you watch the blonde navigator piece together pieces of paper on your desk. Deciding it was time to make your presence known to the unsuspecting man, you wrap your knuckles against the door frame causing Yeosang to bang his head on the lamp hanging above your desk.
"For the love of every good and holy in the world- was that necessary?" Yeosang asked, pressing fingers tenderly to the top of his head.
You couldn't stop the giggle that slipped past your lips. "I'm sorry Yeosang. I didn't think I'd startle you that badly," you told him, as you slid into place behind him glancing at the table. "So, what do we have here?"
Removing his fingers from the goose egg that was forming, Yeosang directs his attention to the map in front of him. "This, this is the map of legend. One that many pirates have searched for but have never been able to find."
"Wait," your eyes scan the papers in front of you before they settle on the torn fragment. Lifting the paper to your face you can't help but run a thumb over the small emblem that adorns it. "Is this, is this supposed to be the map to Wonderland?"
"That's what Hongjoong and I both believe to be, the only piece missing is the compass," Yeosang confirms.
"How did Hongjoong ever manage to come across this map?" You ask, placing the torn parchment back on the table.
Rubbing his jaw Yeosang looks away from the map in front of him. "Truthfully, no one knows. He never bought it, and it was something that was never looted."
"So, you're saying it just magically showed up?"
"To put it simply, yes." Yeosang fixed his gaze back on you. "The map showed up on the Treasure one night after a raid, but we weren't looting maps. We went for supplies like gunpowder."
"And no one decided to bring this legendary piece with them?" You asked, gesturing broadly to the map. You just couldn't wrap your head around it. Magic. You've seen it, it's just hard to believe sometimes.
"No, we had no idea this even existed until it showed up. We had ransacked the place below deck and then lit the ship on fire, even watched it sink below the waves," Yeosang explains, shaking his head.
Huffing slightly, your eyes dance over the weathered pages. How is it that they came to be on the Treasure? "Guess our destinies were truly lined up to begin with," you mutter.
"I guess so," Yeosang gives a small shrug before pointing to a piece on the map, "what we don't know yet, is where this land mass actually is."
Your eyes follow his index as it travels across the paper and landing on an island with a giant stone door sketched on it. You squint your eyes at the landmass before turning on your heel to the shelf that occupies the other wall in the cabin. Yeosang watches with curious eyes as you wordlessly shuffle through the stacks of parchment before you turn around with several other maps in hand.
"How is it that this map here," you point to the map currently laying on the table before rolling out a new one over it, "doesn't match any other map? Nor has anyone ever seen this strange island."
"For as long as we've had the map in our possession we don't know, but," Yeosang hesitates slightly before turning to you, "I think it might have something to do with you."
"Me?" Your question was left unanswered, and you plopped yourself in your chair with elbows resting on the desk. Yeosang stood quietly off to the side of your desk waiting to hear anything else you might have to say about the discovery. Although he is more surprised when you roll up the maps you brought out, and hand him back the pieces that belonged to Hongjoong. "Not a word of this to anyone, except for the three of us. Understood?" When he hesitates to answer, you ask again more firmly, "I asked, Do you understand Yeosang?"
"Crystal, Captain."
Nodding once you look at the wood grain of your desk deciding what the next course of action would be. "For now," your eyes meet those of the blonde navigator, "We stick to the current plan. Retrieving the compass from the Treasure. Then and only then will we discuss further action on the map."
Nodding in agreement, Yeosang bows his head slightly before making his way to your cabin door. As the door shuts with a click you finally let your shoulders sag.
»»————- ➴ ————-««
Curious eyes spy the navigator from the rigging before landing gracefully behind him.
"So what's with the long face?" San asks, falling into step with Yeosang.
Heaving a sigh Yeosang looks over at San, "Just, just Y/N being hard headed as usual. She's been more tense lately is all." Yeosang takes a quick peek at the green haired man before picking up his pace. "If you'll excuse me, I need to speak to Hongjoong."
"Uh, alright? I'll see you then?" San waved lamely at the back of Yeosang's retreating figure.
"What was that all about?" San turns his head to see Yunho and Seonghwa emerge from below deck.
"I wish I knew, but I think it has to do with the captains," San said, making his way back to the rigging.
Sharing a knowing look with Seonghwa, Yunho follows San back to his post.
»»————- ➴ ————-««
Seonghwa watches as the two clamber up the ropes of the mizzenmast before trailing behind Yeosang to the helm. Glancing up at the helm he sees that Hongjoong is at its head, the oceans breeze at his call. Letting his mind wander as he stares out over the blue water before joining them. It wouldn't be long before they make it back to Port Royal, the place that they were imprisoned and also set free from only to join another crew. Freedom my ass, Seonghwa thinks with a shake of his head turning away from the vast expanse of ocean.
Climbing the last steps to the helm he catches the tail end of what Yeosang was saying. "-retrieve the compass, before we move on." Single eyebrow raised, Seonghwa coughs to make his presence known.
"Come to join us?" Hongjoong inquires, shifting his gaze from Yeosang to the raven haired quartermaster.
"I suppose that's why I'm here," Seonghwa answers, sliding to Hongjoong's right side. Only to receive a hum of acknowledgment from the short captain. "So, we're sailing back to Port Royal, I take it?"
"Captain's orders," Hongjoong answered, eyes moving to look at his remaining crew members hanging from the masts before looking at the compass that's brandished into the railing next to the helm giving it a slight turn to head east. "Shouldn't be too long, at most three days at sea."
It was silent between the three of them before Hongjoong looked at Seonghwa, "Keep course for Port Royal, I'm going to speak to our lovely Captain." Turning on his heel he left the quartermaster and navigator alone at the helm.
"So, what exactly is the compass needed for?" Seonghwa asked, stepping up to the helm trying to appear as nonchalant as possible.
"Hm, it's something that Hongjoong believes we need and so does Y/N," Yeosang answered, giving the side of his head a level gaze.
"I see."
»»————- ➴ ————-««
Rapping his knuckles on the wood frame of the captain's quarters Hongjoong pushed his way through the door to see your chair turned to the window at the back of the cabin. "You seem lost in thought," Hongjoong states, sitting against your desk at your side.
You only hum in acknowledgment, eyes watching the waves form back together as the boat cuts through the water.
Hongjoong thinks for a moment before deciding to rest a hand on your shoulder to brush your hair away from your neck, "How are you feeling today?"
Finally shifting your gaze to him you let your posture sag. "In all honesty, I feel pretty terrible, even with the herbs Jamey had brought me."
"Will you be able to step into port once we get there?"
Scoffing you give him a glare, "Of course I'll set foot in Port Royal. I'm hurting not dying, and it's not like I can die anyway."
Frowning at your comment he lifts his hands in surrender as the both of you return to sitting in silence.
The silence wasn't uncomfortable, but it was enough for you to not like the silence that was left in the wake of your comment. Sighing you turn your gaze back to the man in red. "I didn't mean it like that, I just can't let the crew see this side of me."
"You mean they don't know?" Hongjoong asks, giving you an incredulous look.
"Mr. Aggus and I thought it would be for the best if the crew didn't know the extent of the curse. Didn't want them to worry more than they already were," you murmured, shifting your gaze away. "Now, the only people that know about," you gesture to your neck, "are Jamey, now you, and Mr. Aggus who took it to the grave."
With a slow nod he tries to understand from your point of view. What would it be like for him if he had to deal with a curse like yours? Would he have only a few he trusted in as well?
"How long until we reach Port Royal?" You ask, trying to shift the subject away from the tension that you had created.
Taking the out you had given him, he answers, "Normally, it would take us about a week's time, but with the wind at our control we should hit landfall in about three days."
"That blessing of yours truly is fascinating," you sigh, trying to imagine what it would feel like. Sitting up a little straighter you decide to pursue that thought, "what is it like?"
A small smirk touches the other captain's lips, "what's what like?"
Groaning you give him a small shove, "your blessing you ass. What's it feel like?"
Hongjoong grows quiet for a minute as he thinks about the blessing that was bestowed upon him many years ago. "Somedays it feels like a breeze just under the surface of my skin, almost like it ripples over still water. Other days," he pauses, "other days it's like a hurricane rushing over me that it's overwhelming."
"I see," you answer, feeling content with the answer he'd given you.
You both settle into a comfortable silence before a soft knock is heard causing you both to turn around and see a head of blonde hair pop around the corner.
"Mother, I brought you your dinner and medicine," Jamey enters, carrying a small plate and a glass to you.
"I'll leave you be," Hongjoong says, taking his leave.
You watch as he closes the door behind him before turning your attention to Jamey. "Thank you Jamey," you bring the cup of mashed herbs closer to you with a grimace, but stop as you notice that Jamey is fidgeting. "Is everything alright?"
"Seonghwa, he, when we went into town to get the herbs he went missing, and when he came back he was acting differently?" Jamey mumbled, fidgeting with his fingers.
Leaning forward you pressed, "Different how?"
"Just strange, like he saw a ghost or something."
"I see," you murmur, "thank you for letting me know. I'll keep an eye on him. If anything strange happens, be sure to tell me alright?"
"Yes mother," Jamey gives you a quick nod before making his way to the door.
What could've spooked you that bad Mr. Park? You wonder.
Summary: After going in different directions to work on different cases, you receive an alarming call. Driving to a small town that has wild nightlife and strange occurrences you begin your search for your missing hunting partner. This case you are about to take on will rival the others you’ve completed in the past. What could possibly happen as you search for your brother in arms?
Warnings: false identity, potential violence, language, depictions of gore, death, alcohol, mentions of nudity, angst. Story is purely for fictitious purposes and doesn't not portray actual people.
Word count: ~1.7k
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Previously on The Hunt:
Picking yourself up you stumble your way to the machete that was flung from your grip. Making quick work you turn on your heel with an upward swing of the machete that makes contact with a meaty thwack as it lodges in the neck of the vampire. Grunting you yank it out as the creature stumbles away from you trying to regain its composure. Grimacing, you bring your arm up and swing the blade back into the neck, this time sending the head rolling to your feet as blood splatters your face. Flicking the blood off the blade you step over the head and make your way further into the building.
»»————- ➴ ————-««
Wonwoo can't stop himself from pacing on all fours outside the front door. Ears straining to pick up the muted noises of scuffling inside of the brick building. Eventually his pacing stopped as he felt the small pressure of the mind link coming to the forefront of his head.
How are you two holding up? Seungcheol pressed. He could hear the tired pants through the link.
I've been told to stay put outside and keep watch, Wonwoo exhales through his snout. If he really focused he could hear the incredulous scoff that would've left the pack leaders snout.
Why would the human, sorry, your mate just leave you outside? Jeonghan couldn't help but butt into the conversation.
Said something about being out here in case you all needed help out there, and that she would call if she needed help, he couldn't help the ways his shoulders dropped or the pout that touched his furred lips.
First off, we're fine. Second, you should just go in after her! Mingyu interjected, checking on Seungkwan who had been tossed like a rag doll.
But-,
Whipped, Seungkwan attempted to sing through the link before coughing from the bruising.
Seungcheol eyed the younger wolves before turning his gaze to the tree line as if Wonwoo was there. Point is, you should be in there with her. As if sensing the other wolve’s hesitation he continued, besides we are going to start making our way there.
Plus you know, a single hunter against a nest is pretty bad odds. You'd at least be equivalent to another hunter, maybe even two, Chan added, as he made his way to the center of the formation.
Sensing that they made a fair point, Wonwoo decided it was time to pick up your scent.
Pushing at the door that was left slightly ajar he sniffed the air. The main corridor was musty and reeked of mildew, but your scent was prominent enough to track you.
He would pause in the door ways that you had ventured into, but remained in the main hall that you had taken until he picked up two new smells. The putrid smell of vampire blood which almost smelled like rot, and one of iron. Sniffing the blood smear on the wall he could pick up traces of your scent and his lips curled back in a snarl. Although it dropped slightly seeing the slumped figure of a headless man.
Note to self, don't get on YN's bad side, Wonwoo thought, padding over the dead body and following your scent.
»»————- ➴ ————-««
Head pounding and walking with a slight limp you made your way to a set of stairs that you assumed led down to a basement. Uncertainty swelled in your belly as you looked at the stairs, ones that you couldn't make out where the bottom was. Casting a single glance behind you you swallow the lump in your throat before carefully making your way down the stairs.
Finally making it to the bottom of the stairs you can tell that it's a narrow hallway that leads to what you assume is a large room since you can only make out a faint light that comes from an open door. Oddly enough, it's quiet, save for the sound of ragged breathing which has started to echo. Brandishing the machete in your hand a little tighter, you push on, the thumping of your boots sounding loud in your ears.
Peering into the doorway you can see various chains and shackles hanging from the rafters in the room, and you can see a person hunched over a body. Taking a guess, you can only assume it's a vampire feeding. Taking a look inside the doorway you see a stray shoe and carefully pick it up off the floor. Guess no one will be missing this, you think, and then you're struck with a new thought. Where the hell are you, Adam?
Taking a look at the shoe in your hand and then the creature you decide to use it as a distraction, and toss it to the far corner of the room so you can sneak closer.
The vampire looks at the cause of the noise to find a shoe rolling onto its side. Sharp jagged teeth are exposed as it snarls before picking itself off the floor, beginning to investigate only to stop and flick around when it hears a voice behind it.
"Hey ass face," you snarl, as you bring the blade across its neck. Your ears are met with a squelching sound as the head separates from the body. Gingerly picking up your foot you slam it into the head and send it into the wall where it lands with a sickening crack.
Shoulders slumping you let your gaze fall to the current blood bag that was shackled to the floor and notice that matted mop of blonde hair and broken glasses. Lips quivering, you drop to your knees and release the hold on your weapon as you frantically look for a pulse.
"C'mon, c'mon. Please be there," you whisper frantically, but you're unable to find one.
In your frantic state you had let your guard down and became oblivious to the new set of footsteps that had made their way into the dingy room. It's only when you feel a sharp sting across your cheek and the warm trickle of blood running from the scratch marks do you realize that you fucked up.
“Shit,” you hiss, gingerly touching your cheek with your fingertips and pulling away to see crimson coating them.
“You know, it’s a shame really. One of the young ones just couldn’t seem to help themselves.” Your eyes jump to look at the vampire that’s speaking, and see a sick grin pull at his lips as he grips Adam’s chin, head lolling in his grip. “He would’ve made such a good addition to our nest, but I guess we can always settle for another hunter.”
Tears sting your eyes, but your lips are pulled back in a snarl before you shout, “Wonwoo!”
Quick to understand, the vampire speeds at you lifting you by the neck and bracing you against the wall.
»»————- ➴ ————-«
The fur bristles along the ridge of his back as Wonwoo hears your shouts coming from deeper in the building. Claws clicking against the tiled floors as he throws any caution out the door as he makes his way to you.
In his frantic state he loses his footing and slides into the wall next to a flight of stairs, heart thumping erratically against his ribs. He can hear the commotion that’s coming from the room at the bottom of the stairs. With how large his wolf is it takes him barely any time at all to leap down them.
Skidding to a halt at the doorway he can see four bodies; one that is beheaded, another who is drained of life, and then you being held against a wall using your legs to try and push the vampire away from you.
Blue eyes are now ringed red as his claws scrape against the concrete floor, he propels himself into the vampire's body sending both of you skidding across the floor away from each other.
Quickly moving to your side he sniffs at you to make sure you're okay before making his way to the dazed vampire. It's not worth the risk of letting him still be alive if it puts you at risk.
Placing a heavy paw on the vampire's chest he leans in with jaws wide, lips curling to reveal sharp canines. His gaze shifts to you to see you crawling to the only other intact body in the room, before fixing his gaze back on the creature born from Eve. Teeth puncturing skin and the taste of rotten blood coats his tongue, but he bites down harder as he begins to tear the head away from the body.
Your eyes flit over to Wonwoo as you watch him rip the head away from the body, the wet noise leaving a sickening feeling in your gut. Moving back to the task at hand, you inch your way back to Adam's body. Hasn't been long enough for the body to grow cold, but the grip you have on his cold fingers is enough to let you know that he's gone.
Wonwoo watches as you bring your friend into your arms and hold him like your life depends on it. His heart twists as he listens to the sobs that wrack through your body at the loss of your friend.
There will not be an update for The Hunt tomorrow. I've been sick the last couple of days, and even worse so today. Hopefully I feel up to writing a chapter in the next few days so that there will be an updated on Saturday.
