Trigger Warning

Death, Violence, Blood, Fighting, the whole lot really. 

"You all need to get changed and get your weapons. Jongho, you are to get on the cannons and be prepared to use them on my call. San, get your bow and get up on the crows nest. Yeosang, stay on the staircase as usual. No matter what, you don't engage unless absolutely necessary and if someone gets hurt, you get them out. Everyone else, get your swords and meet me back out on deck. We get prepared but keep the lights off, give them less time to realise we're prepared," Hongjoong said quickly.

"We can do this guys, we're all going to be ok," San said, but his voice was slightly shaky. Hongjoong quickly moved forwards and pulled him into a tight hug before pulling away again.

"We can do this guys, I know you're all capable. I love you all so much, don't ever forget that," Hongjoong said firmly. Yunho decided not to point out the fact that Hongjoong making sure they know he loves them is not the most encouraging.

"Love you too," Yeosang whispered, rushing over and pressing a kiss to the Captain's cheek as the others all nodded and said the same. Seonghwa just watched sadly, noticing how worried they all seemed.

"Let's get to it everyone," Hongjoong said and everyone immediately rushed off. Hongjoong quickly stepped forwards and grabbed Seonghwa's wrist, stopping him from going anywhere. Seonghwa quickly paused and walked closer.

"I know you've never killed anyone before, or probably been in a real fight so if this is too much for you, you can stay with Yeosang below deck," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa immediately shook his head. There's no way he's going to stop abandon them to fight alone, not when they're outnumbered.

"I'm not abandoning you guys," Seonghwa said immediately. Hongjoong shook his head quickly and lifted his hand, cupping Seonghwa's face softly.

"It's not abandoning us Seonghwa, it's keeping everyone as safe as we can. If you're too scared or unsure, it's best if you sit this out," Hongjoong said softly.

"I can do this Hongjoong. I need to help. If, if I'm going to die, I'm going to die beside you guys, fighting with the people I hold closest to my heart," Seonghwa whispered.

"Are you sure about this," Hongjoong questioned.

"I've never been so sure of anything in my life Hongjoong," Seonghwa said firmly. Hongjoong took a deep breath and nodded, pulling Seonghwa into a tight embrace.

"We can get through this, I know we can. But in case we don't, I want you to know I care about you," Hongjoong whispered.

"I know," Seonghwa replied quietly. They both held on tight for a few seconds, basking in each other's embrace before they finally pulled apart.

"Go find Jongho and get a sword. I want you ready to fight," Hongjoong said.

"Yes Captain," Seonghwa said, nodding before rushing off. Hongjoong chuckled softly to himself before sobering up and glancing across the water at the ship moving steadily towards them.

~~~~~

"Try this one, see how it feels. A sword needs to be balanced, to feel right in your hands, something you can wield and use easily," Jongho said, holding out a sword to Seonghwa. Seonghwa grabbed it and tested it out, swinging it a little and wincing. It was too heavy and awkward.

"Ok, next one," Jongho said, chuckling lightly and switching the sword. He hasn't spent too much time with Seonghwa, it's nice to have these last few moments in case something happens. Seonghwa grabbed it and held it up before giving it a little swing.

"Maybe I don't know what I'm looking for. They all feel terrible and I've tried like four. You're gonna run out of ones to try soon enough," Seonghwa said with a frown.

"You'll know it once you feel it. Think of Harry Potter with their wands, or Jedi with their crystal things in the Stars War thing," Jongho said.

"They're Kyber Crystals and it's Star Wars, not Stars War," Seonghwa said quietly, shifting slightly. Jongho smiled softly at the older boy.

"Let me guess, you read all the books and stuff when you were younger," he asked.

"Everything there is to know," Seonghwa said with a nod, smiling happily.

"Well then, your sword is like your Kyber crystal. Find the right one, and you can do wonderous things," Jongho said. Seonghwa took a deep breath and nodded, reaching for the next sword. He doesn't know how long they have before the other ship is upon them, so he needs to hurry up. It took three more swords before he finally felt it. The sword was light, thin, and easy to use. It didn't look very sharp but judging from the sound it made as it sliced through the air, it was very sharp.

"I like this one," Seonghwa said with a firm nod.

"Curious," Jongho said, making Seonghwa turn to him and raise an eyebrow.

"Seriously, you're quoting Harry Potter now? I'll bite though, what's so curious," Seonghwa asked.

"I won't be like Ollivander, I'll cut to the chase. That sword is Japanese, a spin off from a Katana. We have two of them that were given to Hongjoong after we saved a village on the south edge of Japan. One is his, that is the other one," Jongho said. Seonghwa was surprised by that revelation, not expecting it.

"It's like the universe is trying to telling you something," Jongho added.

"I kind of want the universe to tell me I'm not going to die," Seonghwa said nervously. Jongho sighed before pulling Seonghwa into his arms. Seonghwa abruptly realised that he hadn't really hugged Jongho much before and he clung to him, squeezing tightly. Jongho squeezed back just as firmly, closing his eyes and letting out a deep breath.

"What's your favourite colour," Seonghwa whispered.

"Huh," Jongho said in confusion.

"Your favourite colour, I don't know it. I know most of the others, but I don't, I don't know yours," Seonghwa said quickly. Jongho pat his back gently.

"My favourite colour is red and black, same with Sangie and Wooyoung," Jongho said quietly.

"Ok. Ok, that's good," Seonghwa said with a nod.

"Yeah, it's good," Jongho said, nodding as well. He understands what Seonghwa is thinking, they've all thought it at some point. He's scared for them and what will happen in this fight. Jongho's scared as well, given that they're outnumbered and haven't faced a crew like this but they're strong and he knows they can survive this.

"When this is over, we can do a Q and A and learn more stuff about each other alright," Jongho said. Seonghwa pulled away, smiling softly before nodding enthusiastically.

"Can't wait," he whispered.

~~~~~

Once everyone had quickly gotten ready for the upcoming fight, they went back above deck and over to Hongjoong. San hugged both Yeosang and Wooyoung together, hugging them tightly.

"I love you so much, stay safe," San whispered to them, turning his head and kissing the side of their heads.

"You stay safe as well. I love you both as well," Wooyoung said.

"Love you too, don't die out there," Yeosang said, squeezing them tightly and taking a deep breath to keep calm. San pulled away before running to Hongjoong quickly and throwing his arms around him.

"You stay safe San, no dying on me now after everything we've been through," Hongjoong whispered.

"I will. Don't be stupid either, don't try and be a hero and rely on the others if you need to. Protect them though, keep Youngie safe," San said, blinking quickly to keep his tears at bay. Hongjoong clapped his back tightly and nodded before pulling away. San quickly grabbed his bow and arrows and ran towards the main mast, climbing up to the Crowsnest to get into position. He was one of the first lines of defence for the ship, he needed to be ready.

"They're getting closer," Yeosang said quietly, looking out across the water.

"They are. They'll be upon us within half an hour," Hongjoong said with a sigh.

"What are we going to do? Should I go get the cannons ready," Jongho asked.

"From what I've heard, the cannons won't be of much help and I don't want to risk giving away that we're prepared for them," Hongjoong said, shaking his head. He'd had some time to think about it and bring up every fact he knew about the Crusaders.

"So, what do we do," Mingi asked.

"The winds are dying down so we won't be moving for much longer but they'll still have momentum because they have propellers on their ship," Hongjoong said.

"They have propellers? I thought they were still under invention," Wooyoung said nervously. His heart was starting to race, his hands shaking nervously as he thought about what could happen. Hongjoong noticed and grabbed the youngers hand, gently pulling him against his side. Wooyoung whimpered quietly and latched on to Hongjoong tightly, his breathing coming out short and sharp.

"Just breathe Wooyoung, just breathe," Hongjoong whispered, running his hand up and down the young cooks back. Wooyoung took a few shuddering breaths before he managed to calm down, his breathing slowing down. Once Hongjoong knew Wooyoung wasn't going to fall into a panic attack, he continued on.

"They're going to pull up beside us and they're going to board the ship. That is better for us because we know the Illusion better than any of them and better than we would know their ship. San will be up in the crows nest and will wait until they are all on board and close to finding us and then he will fire. At most he will get three as they might not go down with just one shot. Once we come out and fight, San won't fire any more arrows as it would be risky with us as well so he will join us down here. That leaves ten men and the Captain who from what I've heard, only comes out once they've been boarded for a couple of minutes. I will be in my quarters with Yunho, ready to jump them when they come in. It should catch them off-guard because they will most likely expect me to be asleep or not prepared. Mingi and Seonghwa, you two can stay by the stairs until the fight breaks out and you can run in. Wooyoung and Jongho will be by the kitchens on the opposite side of the building. We will come at them from every direction to try and get as much of an upper hand as we can. When the Captain comes out, none of you engage him. He his heartless and ruthless killer and I will be the one who will deal with him," Hongjoong said. Everyone nodded quickly at his words, knowing they would need to pay close attention and do exactly as said.

"We all protect each other alright, do everything to keep everyone unhurt and alive, but we don't sacrifice our life to stop an injury. If one of us is hurt, then we try to get them to Yeosang or Yeosang grabs them, but don't put yourself in danger. We do what we always do ok, this crew is no different," Hongjoong said firmly. Everyone nodded once again and Wooyoung curled his fingers up in Hongjoong's shirt, praying with everything that he had that it wouldn't be the last time he clung to his Captain.

"We don't have long guys, so get into your positions," Hongjoong said.

"ATEEZ," he said quietly.

"Present," the rest echoed quietly, even Seonghwa who had been told their little hype slogan by Mingi. As everyone started getting ready, Hongjoong glanced over at Seonghwa who was heading towards the other side of the ship to him.

"Wait," he called out quickly, making everyone freeze. He bit his lip anxious, thinking about whether he should say what he wanted to or not.

"Yunho go with Mingi, Seonghwa come with me," he said quickly. Yunho nodded, knowing it was a smarter idea to have the Captain closer to Seonghwa as the other hasn't been in a proper fight before. Hongjoong held out his hand and Seonghwa quickly moved over, grabbing it tightly. Hongjoong brought the two of them into his quarters before closing the door. Seonghwa fiddled with the handle of his sword nervously, unsure what to do. Hongjoong paced for a few seconds before pausing and looking at Seonghwa, noticing how worried he seemed in his body language.

"Seonghwa, come here," Hongjoong said, sitting on his bed and patting the spot beside him. Seonghwa quickly looked up and hurried over, sitting beside the younger boy. Hongjoong wrapped his right arm around Seonghwa, allowing him to relax into his side and tuck his head against his shoulder. Hongjoong turned his head to the side, placing a soft kiss to the top of the olders head.

"You're gonna be ok, I'll keep you safe," he whispered. Seonghwa chuckled softly and reached his hand out on Hongjoong's lap. Hongjoong quickly dropped his sword to the floor and slipped his left hand into Seonghwa's.

"I appreciate the words Joong, but you need to keep yourself safe ok," Seonghwa said quickly.

"I will, but I'll still protect you ok," Hongjoong said.

"I know but remember that I can hold my own in a fight ok. I know I haven't killed anyone but at some point in time, you had never done that before as well. If you worry about me too much then you'll put yourself in danger," Seonghwa said.

"Ok, I won't lose my focus but if you need me, you yell ok. I can't bear the thought of you getting hurt," Hongjoong whispered, his voice wavering slightly as he tightened his hold on Seonghwa. Seonghwa's heart was pounding but he glanced up at the Captain to see him already watching him with worried eyes.

"Hongjoong I'm scared," he admitted quietly. Hongjoong's eyes softened and he turned his body, hugging Seonghwa close again, the older dropping his sword as well.

"Truth be told, I'm scared as well. There's nothing wrong with being scared though," Hongjoong said softly.

"We can make it through this right," Seonghwa asked, making Hongjoong chuckle.

"I know we can. The Crusaders are good, but they've never faced us before. We were trying to build up to them but I know we are more than capable of getting through this. The only problem we might face is their Captain. He's like me, he's grown up as a pirate and as I've said, he's heartless and ruthless. He's mine to deal with though, so you don't need to worry about it," Hongjoong said, patting Seonghwa's head. Seonghwa remained quiet but squeezed Hongjoong's waist softly. Hongjoong took a deep breath before pulling away, knowing they couldn't just sit around and hug like this as the Crusaders would be upon them soon.

"Did you get your sword," Hongjoong asked Seonghwa. Seonghwa nodded and picked up his sword, holding it out for the Captain, curious to see his reaction. Hongjoong grabbed it and examined it, a small smile slipping onto his face.

"It's a very good sword, we seem to have the same taste," Hongjoong said, picking up his sword and placing it beside Seonghwa's. They were basically the same, the only difference being that Hongjoong's handle was black and Seonghwa's was purple.

"Yeah, Jongho mentioned," Seonghwa said with a small smile. Hongjoong nodded before shooting up straight, his body rigid. Seonghwa's blood went cold and his heart started racing.

"Joong," he whispered. Hongjoong turned to the window before his hand shot out and grabbed Seonghwa's wrist, tugging him back so they were pressed against the wall, near the doorway.

"They're here, just listen," Hongjoong whispered. They both went silent and it was then that Seonghwa picked up the sound of wood creaking and the water sloshing. There was a dull thud and Seonghwa glanced at Hongjoong. Hongjoong mouthed to him that they were boarding and Seonghwa nodded, taking a deep breath to calm himself, grabbing his sword and holding tightly. It was relatively quiet before Hongjoong heard footsteps heading towards the quarters. He remained silent, waiting for San to strike first, knowing the younger boy was waiting for the right moment. The moment came with a whistle before there was a grunt and a thud. There were a few more whistles as the arrows cut through the air before the door to the quarters were swung open. Hongjoong pushed Seonghwa back slightly before lunging forward and swinging his sword out, instantly slicing the pirates neck before they could react. There was another behind him though and they moved quickly swinging their sword towards Hongjoong. However, Hongjoong was fast and he brought his sword back and blocked the swing. He pushed their sword back and swung his foot into the mans chest. Usually that would be enough to knock them down but he only stumbled before regaining his footing and moved forwards again. Hongjoong spun around, dodging the blow and ending up beside the man, elbowing the side of his head aggressively and successfully catching him off guard. Hongjoong then moved behind him and stabbed his sword through his back, the end of it piercing out through his chest. Seonghwa's eyes went wide as he stepped out to see a man with a sword piercing through his chest and blood dripping from his mouth. Hongjoong yanked out his sword and the body fell to the floor with a thud. Seonghwa blinked in surprise, his eyes meeting Hongjoong's hard ones before the Captain smirked and turned around. He scanned the area, taking note that San had indeed taken out three of the crew members with his bow and arrow. He was scaling down the mast and jumped down, engaging with a Crusader. Mingi and Yunho were engaged in a fight with three Crusaders, standing back to back to protect each other. Jongho was fighting another two Crusaders, Wooyoung whizzing around and slashing them with his daggers. Seonghwa thought it was truly a sight to see. Well, before there were rushed footsteps and he barely had enough time to turn around and block the sword that was swung towards him. Hongjoong heard the clang from the swords behind him and he spun around instantly. He heart stopped and he sprinted forwards as he saw another Crusader coming up behind Seonghwa. He tackled the Crusader, preventing him from getting close to Seonghwa. They both jumped back to their feet at the same time and Hongjoong wasted no time to swing his sword towards the man who was able to deflect it. They were going back and forth for around thirty seconds before Hongjoong found his opening and slashed the mans wrist with his sword, making him cry out and drop his sword. That's when Hongjoong made the fatal blow, slicing his neck open and pushing him to the floor for him to bleed out. He turned to find Seonghwa still engaged with the Crusader, trading back and forth blows but nothing landing on either. He could immediately tell that Seonghwa was holding back. He was fighting to protect himself, to stop him from getting hurt but he wasn't fighting to kill. Hongjoong didn't expect him to immediately be fine with going for the kill but he's glad that Seonghwa is able to hold his own so someone can finish the job, someone like him. He moved forwards and grabbed Seonghwa, yanking him back and raising his sword, blocking the next attack from the Crusader. Seonghwa stumbled back and looked up to watch as Hongjoong stabbed the man through the stomach before pulling his sword out and stabbing him in the chest. Hongjoong pulled his sword out and turned to Seonghwa, giving him a sharp nod of approval. Seonghwa nodded before his eyes went wide as he saw a man walking across the plank joining the two ships together. The man held an intimidating aura, wearing a long fur coat, much like Hongjoong's except his was dirty, full of grime and what seemed to be blood. The mans eyes scanned the deck before landing on Hongjoong who turned when he noticed Seonghwa's eyes drifting. The man grinned a wide smile, showing ugly yellow teeth and Hongjoong scowled.

"Seonghwa, go help the others," Hongjoong said before striding forwards. Seonghwa frowned worriedly but ran to help Yunho and Mingi who were still fighting two men, one already dead while there was a large gash on Mingi's arm but he was still fighting. Hongjoong strode towards the other Captain, swinging his sword in a circle, his eyes narrowing in on his target. The other Captain had a sword in his right hand and a staff in his left. It would give him an advantage but Hongjoong couldn't stop now. The man stepped down from the plank, unclipping his coat and letting it fall to the deck.

"Kim Hongjoong, we finally meet. I've been eager to meet the man who has carried on Kim Jongwoo's legacy. It seems like only yesterday my sword was slicing through his neck," the man said with a heartless chuckle as the two begun to circle each other. Hongjoong's hand clenched around his sword, his jaw tightening.

"I made a promise to myself Min Beomjun, that your life will fall at the hands of my sword," Hongjoong spat angrily. He's been waiting almost 8 years for this moment, to kill the man who murdered his parents all those years ago. Beomjun only smiled patronizingly before lunging forwards, Hongjoong matching him quickly. Their swords swung forwards, clashing against each other, the noise ringing out over the sounds of all of the others swords.

Yeosang's head snapped up from where he was hiding in the staircase and he scrambled to poke his head out around the side. His eyes scanned the deck, noticing that there were scattered bodies around but thankfully none of them were the ATEEZ crew. His eyes landed on Hongjoong, fighting with what could only be the Captain of the Crusaders. Neither were holding back, no mercy showing in their movements as they went for the kill. The other Captain had a staff as well as his sword and it gave him an advantage, Hongjoong having to be extra vigilant to protect himself and stop both the sword and staff from hitting their mark. Yeosang held his breath, his eyes glued to the scene as he prayed that Hongjoong wouldn't get hurt.

Hongjoong continued to dodge each blow from both the sword and staff of Beomjun, adding his own attempts whenever he could but it was hard. He doesn't know how long he was going back and forth for before he made a potentially life-ending mistake. He did exactly what he had spent hours teaching Seonghwa not to do, what he had not done since he was seven. He turned too much and left his left side completely open. Beomjun saw the opening and he took it, swinging his staff backhandedly and landing a harsh blow straight to the side of Hongjoong's head. Hongjoong cried out and fell to the floor, his knees smashing into the deck and his sword slipping from his hand and skittering off across the deck. He desperately tried to get up and reach for his sword but his mind was hazy and his head was throbbing, making him trip and fall again. He heard a harsh cackle and dread filled his bones. He was defenceless. Unarmed and incapacitated with a merciless killer standing right above him.

Seonghwa heard Yeosang cry out suddenly, screaming Hongjoong's name. Seonghwa's blood ran cold and he spun around, seeing Hongjoong collapsed on the deck with the other Captain standing above him. Oh god, no. He desperately wanted to run to him immediately, to protect him just as he promise, something Hongjoong was so sure he wouldn't need, but a sword swung to him and he deflected it.

Yeosang watched in horror as the Captain grabbed the front of Hongjoong's shirt and dragged him to his feet. Hongjoong was clearly unable to do much as the blow to his head would've rendered him practically defenceless. Yeosang wanted to run to him, to try save him but he couldn't. He wouldn't be able to even if he tried to and he made a promise he wouldn't. The Captain dragged Hongjoong's body up an held it over the railing, reminding Yeosang of Hongjoong's actions when he first met Seonghwa, the déjà vu almost uncanny. Only this time, it wasn't their merciful and morally obligated Captain, it was a cold-hearted killer. He watched as Hongjoong desperately tried to push the man away but all of his attempts were weak and feeble. There was no way he would be able to save himself. Yeosang let out a sob as he watched the other raise his sword before pushing it down...

A/N

Here is Chapter 14, I hope you guys liked him

So first of all, I apologise because I know this is the worst cliffhanger yet and it's gonna drive you crazy but uh, whoopsie🤷‍♀️

There's only one chapter left and then this book will be over so I'll try to finish as quick as I can to get it out

Anyway, let me know what you thought of this Chapter, what you liked in it, if there was a certain scene that was your favourite