Till the world's end|| (pirate!au) -'๑'-Ateez

Honor

None of the undercrew survived, none of Mingi's close companions survived.

In the somber aftermath, Hypaxia sat next to Hongjoong and Mingi, a heavy silence hanging in the air. Hongjoong, usually the fearless captain, now wore a wearied expression as he consoled Mingi, both sharing the weight of loss. The crew had paid a heavy price, and the toll of their sacrifices lingered in the air. No cheers or laughter echoed through the ship; the usually lively atmosphere now muted by the reality of the recent events. The absence of Mingi's close companions left a void that seemed impossible to fill. Each member of the crew felt the impact of the sacrifices made, the cost of their freedom etched into the fabric of the ship.

As Hypaxia glanced around, the ship felt different-haunted by the echoes of the past, the shadows of those who had fought bravely and lost. The Black Pearl, once a symbol of freedom, now carried the weight of sorrow, a vessel sailing through both the open sea and the depths of mourning.

The wind whispered through the sails, carrying the bittersweet memories of fallen comrades. Hongjoong, still holding Mingi close, looked out into the vast expanse of the sea, his eyes reflecting the turmoil within. It was a moment of reflection, a moment to honor those who had given everything for the crew's survival. Yunho kept his head softly on his friend's shoulder, not knowing what to say, while she did the same on the other side with Hongjoong's shoulder.

Seonghwa, seeing the captain's struggle, approached with a somber expression.

"We'll hold a proper memorial for them," he suggested his voice a gentle reassurance.

Hongjoong nodded gratitude in his eyes for Seonghwa's understanding.

"They deserve that much."
The two youngest sat on the wooden board, holding each other close. The weight of guilt pressed upon them, a heavy burden they both felt responsible for they knew it was their fault, if only San trusted Hongjoong, if only Wooyoung didn't misunderstand. Jongho, breaking the heavy silence, mumbled softly.

"It's all your fault."

Wooyoung sighed, his response laden with understanding. "I know."

"That's something I would say if I was a jerk," Jongho added, surprising Wooyoung.

"What happened has happened. I can see from your faces you're blaming yourself. Don't," Jongho continued, his words carrying a subtle reassurance that they needed to hear.

Hearing the unexpectedly soft words from their usually ruthless crewmate, Wooyoung couldn't hold back his emotions any longer. Tears streamed down his face as he looked down, trying to wipe them away. San, seeing his best friend in distress, immediately cradled him in his arms, his own tears threatening to fall as well.

As the crew gathered, the ship seemed to sail through a sea of memories, each wave carrying the echoes of laughter, and the sacrifices made. The Black Pearl, now a floating tribute to the fallen, sailed forward, guided by the memories etched into the very planks of its deck

Hongjoong, determined yet somber, clutched the wheel of the ship-their ship once more.

"We'll honor her memory every time these sails catch the wind," Hongjoong vowed, his eyes scanning the faces of his crew, each carrying the burden of sacrifice.

Seonghwa, ever the stoic first mate, nodded in agreement, a silent promise to uphold the legacy of those who had fallen.

"Where are we going to sail, Captain?" Hypaxia asked softly.

"We'll be sailing towards the island where Yeosang found Miray. It's the least we can do for him to have a proper goodbye," Hongjoong replied, his voice carrying a weight of grief and determination.