Servant's Pride

14. Prodding

Hongjoong was in the middle of playing a game of Liar's Dice with several of his crew members when the call sounded.

"Land ahoy! We be nearin' the southern coast!"

Within seconds, Jongho had carried the game between them away. Busy hurrying swooped upon the crew and pushed Seonghwa, who had been watching their foul tricks with crossed arms, against the railing.

Free like the wind, Hongjoong sprung past the man and up the stairs. The skies were cloudy today, and the wind picked up as they turned their ship. It seemed to try to shove them out further into the open ocean, towards the direction of the dwelling enemy. The presence of the mighty being was palpable on Hongjoong's tongue like the upcoming storm. Threatening and more destructive than man could fathom.

With the wind in his hair and laughter on his lips, Hongjoong fell into the shanty that his crew sang. Together, they worked the sails and rudders until the stern of the Grief pointed right at the near island. A lush green place with a tall volcano that rose in its middle.

Seonghwa looked uncomfortable amidst the hollering pirates. With his posture and tidy appearance, he stuck out like a sore thumb between them. It wasn't long until he disappeared in the quarters behind Hongjoong and San. Probably to formulate his next grand escape plan.

Every member of the crew was busy until the very moment they threw their anchor in the sand. Yunho commanded the powder monkeys around, Youjin yelled information about reefs over the ship, Wooyoung yelled right back at him, San and Hongjoong manned the wheel together, Mingi helped Yeosang out of his cabin and over on a crate, Jongho readied the barrels and crates and everybody sunk into a messy, but merry hectic.

The second that Jongho belted out his elongated highest note, he dropped the anchor into the shallow waters. The crew applauded and cheered at him for the spectacle. As such a multi-talented boy, Jongho had always been popular with the ladies. No doubt, if they went into a town here, they would flock to him like chicken to grains.

Hongjoong pondered joining them. Or should he rather stay back and have an eye on Cabezon? Not that he distrusted his mates after last time, but Hongjoong would rather take care of this very personal issue himself before he had to bother his men again. Out of all people on board, Hongjoong knew best just how much of a nuisance Cabezon could be.

"Capt'n? Ye joinin' us on land?"

Hongjoong sighed and pushed his body off the railing. The warmth of the day had prompted him to wear his shirt halfway open and held together only by the sash on his hips. When the winds slipped inside to caress his skin, they left his clothing in a disarray.

"Nay today. Take care o' Yeosang today an' I will explore with ye tomorrow. Also, keep yer ears open fer lore on booty. This island looks as if it be 'oldin' quite a few secrets."

Yunho nodded at his decision and sprung off on his long legs to manage the group. Hongjoong didn't care who would stay back with him. He would get some work done and eat. He still had sleep to catch up on. That was if Seonghwa restrained his blood thirst for a night.

The captain saw the rest of the crew off. Accompanied by lighthearted conversation and laughter, they descended the plank. Yeosang was in their midst like a protected lamb in a herd of guard dogs. The surgeon was flattered and unwilling of the attention at the same time.

Youjin and San ran off to disappear into the guts of the ship. By the sounds of their plans, they looked forward to polishing the weapons and getting them ready for what would likely be their hardest fight yet. When Hongjoong would join them on land the day after, he would have to inquiry the people of ways to kill such a gigantic beast. Hongjoong had killed sharks before and seen whales, but he had yet to come up with a solution against a tentacled monster.