It was decided the next morning that due to everyone now being awake and recovering, they would set out on the journey to find their missing Quarter Master. Yunho and Jongho got up bright and early at sunrise and went back to the Illusion to get it ready to set sail in a few hours. Yeosang was the next to wake up and he woke up Wooyoung, urging him to go to the ship to start cooking so they could have a meal before they leave. The two left, Wooyoung glancing back at the three curled up on the bed one last time before following Yeosang out of the hut. San was the next to wake up, lifting his head to look around the room and finding that everyone else was gone apart from Mingi, Hongjoong and him who were still laying down on the bed. He sighed and gently rocked Mingi's shoulder to rouse him, trying not to wake Hongjoong up just yet. Mingi's eyes slipped open and he glanced around before they landed on San.

"Hey," he said quietly as he slowly sat up, gentle moving Hongjoong's body to the side so he wouldn't wake him up.

"Hey, the others must already be out getting things ready to go," San said quietly.

"That's probably a good idea. Hongjoong will want us to set off as soon as possible and we're already a full week behind. Anything could've happened within a week," Mingi said sadly.

"There's nothing we could have done Mingi. We'll find them and we'll get him back, you need to believe in that," San told him. Mingi sighed but nodded.

"I know, but I can't help but worry. We have no idea what they're doing to him and he's already been through so much in his life," Mingi said.

"But he's tough, he will be able to pull through," San said firmly.

"I hope so. For his sake, and for Hongjoong's sake," Mingi whispered, glancing down at the still sleeping Captain. He had woken up multiple times throughout the night screaming, so he hadn't gotten much sleep which is probably the reason why he hadn't woken up yet, he was just far too tired.

"I'm going to go and help Yunho fix the ship up. It took some damage when they came through so it's best to have both of us making sure it's sail worthy. You just keep an eye on Joong and come get someone if anything happens," Mingi said. San nodded to him and watched as he slipped out of bed before leaving the room. San sighed to himself before laying back down with Hongjoong and wrapping his arms around him. He decided to let Hongjoong sleep for another half an hour before attempting to get him up. The others would take some time to make sure the ship was prepared and he wanted Hongjoong to sleep as long as possible. He curled close to the older boy and let out a breath, just holding him delicately. He tried to stay awake but before long, his eyes had slipped closed and he fell asleep.

~~~~~

San was roused back awake sometime later when he felt movement beside him. He was confused and disorientated at first, his eyes slipping open with a whine as he tried to figure out what was going on. It was only when he heard the quiet whimpers and soft sniffles that he finally jumped into action. He sat up quickly, looking down at the body beside him and finding Hongjoong curled up and crying into his hands that were covering his face. San's heart broke at the sight and he instantly wrapped his arms as best as he could around the boy's waist to try and give him some comfort. Hongjoong rolled over and curled into the hold with a sob, burying his head into San's neck. San sighed and gently rubbed his hand up and down Hongjoong's back, doing his best to soothe him despite knowing there was no way to give him what he truly wanted. He can hug the Captain as much as he wants but it will never be the arms of the one he loves.

"Shh, I've got you," San whispered, sitting them both up slightly and running his hand up and down Hongjoong's back.

"He's gone," Hongjoong sobbed.

"For now, but we're going to get him back. I promise Hongjoong, we will get him back," San said firmly.

"H-He's dead Sannie," Hongjoong cried. San immediately shook his head and pulled back slightly.

"He isn't. They didn't kill him, just knocked him out," he said quickly.

"But they're going to," Hongjoong said with a sniffle as he wiped his eyes.

"I don't think so. I think they took him for a reason," San said.

"To get to me," Hongjoong said quietly.

"Maybe. Or maybe they wanted to get to all of us. Even with their weapons, they knew they were outnumbered. They're probably trying to lure us in for a technically more fair fight," San explained.

"So they're going to keep him alive," Hongjoong said with a sigh.

"Yeah, they will have to," San said with a nod. Hongjoong's eyes welled up slightly again as he pictured Seonghwa being held captive in cells. They may keep him alive but they will definitely want to get information from him, information he wouldn't give even if tortured which is something they will do.

"They're going to hurt him. He's gone through enough trauma and he's going to go through more now. It was our wedding day Sannie, we were going to get married," Hongjoong said sadly and San's heart broke.

"It was a lovely wedding," San said quietly. Hongjoong smiled weakly at that and nodded.

"He was, he was so beautiful Sannie. Did you, did you see his corset. And he had some makeup on as well, his cheeks were all rosy. And that necklace, it looked so gorgeous on his neck, like it was meant to be there. His sleeve on his arm as well, it made him look so delicate. He's not delicate by any means but it suits him, the wolf in sheep's clothing look," Hongjoong said sadly. San tried his best to keep the tears from forming in his eyes but hearing how sweetly Hongjoong talked about Seonghwa, describing how beautiful he was in his eyes, it saddened him even more. He wrapped Hongjoong back into a hug before burying his head into the older boys shoulder, crying quietly into it while Hongjoong did the same. The two of them lightly fell back into a laid down position on the bed, holding each other and crying sadly.

It was a couple of minutes later when Yunho walked into the room, pausing in the doorway as he saw the two crying quietly on the bed curled up together. He sighed quietly before walking further into the room, going to the side of the bed where San was. He gently placed his hand on the youngers shoulder and shook it lightly.

"San," he said softly. San sniffled and turned his head to look up at Yunho with red watery eyes. Yunho smiled sadly at him and gently wiped the tears from his cheeks.

"Come on sweetie, let's get you up now ok," Yunho said gently. San whimpered sadly but Yunho managed to pry his hands from Hongjoong and gently coaxed him off of the bed.

"Come on sweetie, why don't you go back to the ship. Wooyoung was a little upset earlier and he was asking for you," Yunho said. He felt bad for lying to the navigator but from what he's seen, San cares more for Wooyoung then they've all realised. Sure enough, San nodded and padded over to his shoes, putting them on before leaving the room with one last glance back at Hongjoong.

"Hey Joong," Yunho said quietly, sitting down on the edge of the bed and resting his hand on Hongjoong's hip. Hongjoong was still curled up in his bed but he tilted his head up to look at Yunho.

"Come on, let's get back to Illusion so we can start looking ok," Yunho said, trying to be soft so he wouldn't upset Hongjoong further. It is unsettling for him to see Hongjoong so broken, not used to seeing their strong leader so beat down. Hongjoong shook his head and buried deeper in the covers. All he wanted to do was just curl up forever and not move.

"Hongjoong, we need to go," Yunho repeated, sighing as Hongjoong just rolled over. He drew in a deep breath before walking over to the other side and swiftly scooping Hongjoong up. Hongjoong whimpered but didn't protest much, just remained limp in Yunho's arms. Yunho frowned but held Hongjoong securely before leaving the hut. He walked down to the port and over to the Illusion that was almost ready to go.

"Joong, I'm going to put you down so you can climb up ok," Yunho said gently. He lowered Hongjoong's feet so they were on the ground before slowly letting him go. He grabbed him again almost immediately as Hongjoong's knees buckled completely.

"Hongjoong, come on," he said, giving him a light jostle but Hongjoong still didn't react. Yunho sighed and bent down, grabbing Hongjoong and flopping him over his shoulder before standing up once again. He made sure Hongjoong was secured before climbing up the ladder for the both of them. When he got above deck, Yeosang noticed them and hurried over quickly to help make sure Hongjoong didn't fall. Yeosang pulled him from Yunho and hugged him tightly while Yunho climbed the rest of the way on board. Hongjoong sniffled and curled close to Yeosang, zoning out slightly.

"Come on, we need to get him to bed. He's going through a lot so I think some more rest would do him good," Yunho said.

"Is that really a good idea," Yeosang asked worriedly.

"Letting him sleep more," Yunho asked in confusion.

"No, having him go in there. It's only going to remind him about things," Yeosang pointed out. Yunho paused at that, glancing down at Hongjoong. Yeosang was right, going into the room will only remind Hongjoong that Seonghwa is no longer there.

"Maybe we should put him into a different room," he said slowly.

"He needs to be in there guys. Just let him grieve," Wooyoung said as he walked over, having heard most of their conversation. Yeosang sighed but nodded and with Yunho's help, carried Hongjoong over to the Captain's quarters. Yunho opened the door and Yeosang carried Hongjoong inside, placing Hongjoong on the bed. Hongjoong instantly rolled over onto Seonghwa's side of the bed and grabbed his pillow, cuddling it tightly to his body.

"Do we um, do we just leave now," Yeosang asked quietly. Yunho shrugged before going over to the side of the bed and leaning closer to Hongjoong.

"You get some rest Hongjoong, I'll hold up the fort for as long as you need," Yunho said before pulling back.

"Come on," he said, nodding to Yeosang. The two of them left the room, closing the door behind them.

"Are we heading out soon," Mingi asked as he walked up.

"Yeah. Yeosang, can you go make sure San is ready to go," Yunho asked.

"On it," Yeosang said with a nod.

"How's Hongjoong," Mingi asked.

"As good as one would expect given his husband was taken from him on his wedding day," Yunho said with a shrug.

"So not good at all," Mingi said with a sigh.

"No, definitely not good," Yunho said with a nod.

"I'm going to go tell Jongho to bring up the anchor," he added quietly before walking off. He went below deck and peaked into Jongho's room. He wasn't there however, so Yunho instead moved on to checking the gym room where he found Jongho lifting weights.

"Jjong," he called out softly, giving a gentle knock on the door as he opened it. Jongho stopped what he was doing, putting down the weights and turning to him.

"Oh, hey," he said.

"We're getting ready to head out, can you bring up the anchor," Yunho asked.

"Yeah, of course," Jongho said with a nod. Yunho sent him a small smile before turning to leave.

"Yunho," Jongho called out, causing Yunho to pause in the doorway and turn back to glance at him.

"Are you doing ok," Jongho asked gently.

"I feel like that's a question I should be asking you. I'm not the one that got stabbed in the shoulder a week ago," Yunho pointed out.

"Perhaps not. But you're the one who has suddenly had all of the responsibility thrust on him after years of not having to have any of it," Jongho said softly. Yunho hesitated at that, his chest feeling slightly tight before he plastered a smile onto his face.

"I'm ok. Worried, but ok. We'll have a proper talk about things tonight at dinner," Yunho assured the young gunner before finally leaving the room. He went straight to his room and made it was empty before closing the door. He quickly went to the corner of the room and sat down against it, leaning his head back to rest against the wall as well. He let his eyes slip closed and took slow, deep breaths, trying to calm himself down. Jongho was right, there was a lot of pressure on him now to be in charge and lead them towards finding Seonghwa. Who knows how long Hongjoong will be out of commission for.

"Shit," Yunho mumbled as felt a few tears slip down his face. He was startled when the door opened suddenly and went to shoot up but relaxed when he realised it was just Mingi.

"Close the door when you come in," he said quietly, wiping the tears from his face. Mingi did as asked before walking over and sitting down beside Yunho.

"You want to talk about it," he asked quietly.

"Just scared. It's my responsibility to find Hwa and if I fail, everything is going to fall apart. It's a lot of pressure," Yunho said with a sigh, fiddling with the cuff of his sleeve as a distraction.

"It's not just all on you Yunnie, it's on all of us. We're a crew, a family, we'll work together with this. Our parents have been hurt and we don't let anyone get away with that right," Mingi said firmly.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Yunho said with a sigh. The ship jolted suddenly and Yunho felt it beginning to move.

"So where are we headed," Mingi asked.

"Um, Sannie mentioned the markings on the ship were Chinese, something like Eyun. I don't think that's how you say it but San said it basically means doom. We've heard about this crew before so he's going to head along a path they're known to take and hopefully we can come across them," Yunho explained.

"We'll find them and we'll get Seonghwa back, I know we will," Mingi said. Yunho sighed and dropped his head down, resting it on Mingi's shoulder.

"I hope so Mingi, I really hope so," he whispered.

~~~~~

"Dinner is ready, do you want to go get everyone else to head here," Wooyoung asked, turning to Yeosang.

"Yeah, I'll go let everyone know," Yeosang said with a nod. He quickly went below deck and gathered everyone from their rooms, with the exception of San who was still navigating and Hongjoong who was still in the Captain's quarters.

"So uh, who is going to be the brave one to try and bring Hongjoong out to eat," Yeosang asked slowly once everyone was gathered in the eating area. Everyone was silent at that, just glancing around at each other. They had made attempts throughout the day to try to talk to Hongjoong, get him out of his room or at the very least to have him eat something but was always met with yelling and screaming.

"I'll go," Mingi said with a sigh.

"Are you sure," Yunho asked worriedly.

"Yeah, gotta broaden my vocabulary anyway," Mingi said with a shrug as he stood up. By broadening his vocabulary, he means the very colourful words Hongjoong uses. He left the kitchens and went over to the Captain's quarters, knocking on the door loudly. He waited half a minute before knocking again as he got no reply.

"Go away," Hongjoong said from inside.

"Hongjoong, dinner is ready and you really need to eat something," Mingi called through the door.

"I'm not hungry," Hongjoong said.

"You haven't eaten all day and we're getting worried. I know for a fact that you would be hungry by now," Mingi said. It was a quiet for a few seconds before the door suddenly swung open to show an angry Hongjoong. He looked like shit, his eyes red and bloodshot, bags under his eyes and his skin slightly pale but that didn't make the look he was giving any less intimidating. Mingi instinctively shuffled back a little bit to give Hongjoong some space.

"Do you think Seonghwa is eating right now? Huh, you think they're feeding him," Hongjoong asked and Mingi cringed internally.

"DO YOU THINK THEY'RE GIVING HIM FOOD, THAT HE ISN'T CURRENTLY STARVING RIGHT NOW AND BEGGING FOR SOME FOOD," Hongjoong yelled.

"Hongjoong," Mingi said softly.

"NO, DON'T HONGJOONG ME. YOU GUYS LEFT HIM, YOU GUYS LET HIM GET TAKEN. THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT AND YOU'RE ALL JUST PIGGING OUT AND HAVING FUN. JUST FUCK OFF AND LEAVE ME ALONE, ALL OF YOU," Hongjoong screamed before slamming the door closed once again. Mingi winced, half expecting the door to come off it's hinges from the force of the slam. He sighed and turned back around to see everyone peaking out from the doorway to the kitchens worriedly.

"No new words for my vocabulary unfortunately," he said dryly as he walked past them.

Hongjoong sobbed quietly as he shuffled back over to the bed that was covered with Seonghwa's shirts and jacket and he laid down, fisting Seonghwa's favourite jacket and holding it close. It smelt like Seonghwa, the lingering scent of his favourite perfume still etched into the piece of clothing and it both soothed but upset Hongjoong at the same time. It should be Seonghwa in the bed next to him, not Seonghwa's clothes. He curled up and sobbed once again, bringing his hand close to his face and gently kissing the ring on it.

"I'm sorry my love, I'm so sorry," he whimpered. He can try to blame the others as much as he wants but it isn't fair on them. He knows they would have done everything they could to protect Seonghwa and he's the Captain, he's the only one to blame.

~~~~~

"Thanks for dinner Wooyoung, it was very nice," Mingi said softly as he placed his plate on the sink.

"No problem," Wooyoung replied, flashing him a small smile of appreciation.

"Would you like some help cleaning the dishes? I can help you if you'd like," Mingi offered.

"I'm alright. I think I just need something to distract myself right now," Wooyoung said quietly. Mingi understood that completely so he merely ruffled Wooyoung's hair gently before leaving. Dinner had been awkward to say the least. No one had said anything, everyone most likely just worrying about Seonghwa and Hongjoong. Even now everyone was remaining silent as they went about and did their tasks. Wooyoung had been hopeful and left a plate of food outside Hongjoong's door but it still hadn't been touched. Mingi sighed but decided to leave it there, hoping perhaps Hongjoong might change his mind at some point and actually eat it. He was going to go up to the helm to check on San but Yeosang was already up there, conversing quietly with him so he let the two of them be. He also knew Yunho was in his room going over some maps to try and figure out their next course of action so he knew to leave him be now. That just left Jongho, who Mingi had noticed had been the most quiet out of everyone the entire day. He paused by the youngest's door and knocked gently, waiting for a reply.

"Who is it," Jongho asked after a few seconds of quiet.

"It's me. Can I come in," Mingi asked.

"Ok," Jongho replied. Mingi opened the door and slipped inside, pausing in surprise as he noticed the tears on Jongho's face. Jongho isn't much of a crier, especially not in front of people so Mingi made sure he didn't react to harshly. He closed the door and walked inside, sitting down on the bed beside him.

"Do you want to talk about it," he asked quietly after a minute or two of them just sitting quietly beside each other.

"I feel guilty," Jongho admitted, making Mingi turn to look at him in surprise and confusion.

"Guilty? For what," he asked.

"For what happened," Jongho said. He had been replaying those moments after the first cannon went off in his head, thinking about what he could have done differently, what he could have done to make sure Seonghwa was safe. If he hadn't collapsed in the sand, then he may have been able to get to Seonghwa and to save him from being taken. Then Hongjoong wouldn't be upset and they would all be safe, they would have their crew. Hongjoong and Seonghwa would be married and would live happily ever after.

"You can't change what happened Jongho," Mingi said softly. Jongho sniffled and shook his head.

"I should have protected Seonghwa. I should have been there, should have pushed through the pain to save him. I was the only one that actually had a real chance to help him and I didn't," Jongho said. Mingi frowned at that, slipping his hand into Jongho's and thankful that he didn't pull away.

"You don't really believe that, do you," he asked worriedly.

"It's true Gigi. Seonghwa and I locked eyes before he was taken. He was yelling for Hongjoong and I tried to get to him but I couldn't. When he saw me struggle, he just, gave up. The last thing he did before they knocked him out was tell me that it was ok and that he loved me," Jongho said before letting out a sob.

"Oh baby," Mingi whispered, tugging Jongho into a comforting hug.

"I tried to save him, I promise I did," Jongho cried.

"I know, I know you did. No one blames you for what happened Jongho. None of us were prepared for it, there isn't anything anyone could have done," Mingi said.

"I had the chance Mingi," Jongho said.

"Jongho, you were busy saving Hongjoong's life. He was unconscious and they were going to kill him, I have no doubt about that," Mingi said firmly.

"And not only that. Seonghwa is still alive right now. Whereas if you left Hongjoong to try to save him, I doubt it would have made any difference only Hongjoong would be dead," Mingi pointed out.

"I know, I get that. But I still feel guilty. Hongjoong said it was our fault, that we didn't save him. He was down Gi, he couldn't do anything so it was up to us to protect everyone and we failed. I failed," Jongho cried. Mingi hushed him gently tugging him closer to his body. Jongho was sobbing harshly, his head buried in Mingi's shoulder while Mingi continued to rub his back soothingly. It didn't seem like the tears were going to stop anytime soon so Mingi kicked off his shoes and gently guided Jongho back on the bed, laying them both down cautiously. Jongho whimpered again and Mingi tugged him closer, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead to try and comfort him more.

"It's going to be ok Jongho, we're going to get him back. You did so well, you know that. So good. You kept our Captain safe, you risked your life to protect him. And he knows that, he's just scared and angry and he needs someone to blame," Mingi said gently.

"I miss him," Jongho sniffled.

"Oh baby, we're going to get Hwa back ok," Mingi promised.

"We don't know that," Jongho said.

"Maybe not. But nothing motivates us more than the need to protect our family. Have some hope Jjongie," Mingi said softly. Jongho sniffled again but nodded, curling closer in Mingi's embrace. Mingi tightened his hold even more, keeping Jongho secure. Jongho continued to cry quietly for a while until the tears finally stopped coming. It didn't take long after that for the youngest to fall asleep and Mingi followed shortly after.

~~~~~

"It's going to be ok. I'm right here just in case," Yeosang whispered as he held Wooyoung close. Wooyoung's body was shaking uncontrollably in Yeosang's hold.

"Just take a deep breath for me Youngie, a deep breath. Everything is going to be ok," Yeosang said softly, trying to calm Wooyoung down. Wooyoung had been getting nightmares whenever he fell asleep the past few days so San and Yeosang have been sleeping with him to try and stop them but not much has been helping.

"I've got you baby," Yeosang said, kissing Wooyoung's cheek softly. Wooyoung shivered and curled even closer, his hand clutching tightly to Yeosang's shirt.

"Deep breaths with me ok, deep breaths," Yeosang said, nuzzling his head against Wooyoung's.

"Deep breaths," he repeated.

"M'scared," Wooyoung whimpered.

"I know but I'm right here with you, I'll make sure you're safe," Yeosang promised.

"Aren't I supposed to keep you safe," Wooyoung said quietly, making Yeosang chuckle lightly.

"We can both keep each other safe Woo. It's a two way street right," Yeosang said, brushing a strand of hair away from Wooyoung's face and tucking it behind his ear. Wooyoung calmed down slightly at the loving action, his shaking beginning to subside.

"Feeling any better," Yeosang asked.

"A little bit," Wooyoung replied quietly. Yeosang frowned at that, knowing that Wooyoung was still unsettled.

"Can I try something," he asked. Wooyoung was confused by the question as there isn't anything he wouldn't trust Yeosang to do but he nodded in reply. Yeosang leant over softly, shifting his hand to delicately rest on Wooyoung's cheek before he pressed his lips softly to the others. Wooyoung made a noise of surprise but relaxed into the kiss, his hands slowly unclenching from Yeosang's shirt, slipping down to rest on his waist.

Yeosang smiled slightly into the kiss, tilting his head to deepen it and feeling Wooyoung physically relax into the bed. Yeosang shifted so Wooyoung was laying flat on his back, brushing his cheek lightly with his thumb. He flicked a leg over so he was straddling Wooyoung's waist and pulled back from the kiss to lightly pepper them across Wooyoung's face.

Wooyoung giggled lightly before letting out a small yawn as he begun to feel the tiredness hit him. He felt safe and comfortable which meant he was beginning to fall asleep. Yeosang noticed and quickly but gently laid his body down on top of Wooyoung's. Wooyoung tends to find comfort in when he or San lay on top of him, something about the pressure being nice. He continued to press gentle, soft kisses to Wooyoung's nose and cheek, watching as his eyes fluttered shut. He smiled softly when a few minutes later, he noticed Wooyoung's breathing even out, meaning he had fallen asleep finally.

"I love you," he whispered before resting against the younger, letting his own eyes slip closed, holding him tightly for the reassurance that he was still there with him. 

A/N

Here is Chapter 10 everyone, I hope you all enjoyed reading it. 

Let me know what you thought of the chapter and what you enjoyed. Also let me know if there's anything you're hoping to see before the end of the book.

Next chapter is going to be focused on Seonghwa, so it may not be the happiest but you know, it will still be good, hopefully