Memories of the Sea I BTS X OC I

Chapter 13 - Permission to Dance

The sun dipped lower and lower, disappearing beneath the horizon slowly but steadily. Two men stood facing each other in the golden evening light, their blades red with it. It was utterly silent on board the Savage Love.

The two adversaries didn't move, each studying the other with intent, waiting for the opportunity to strike. They weren't wearing any armour – every hit could end the duel, and neither was willing to risk an attack yet.

Hae watched them with bated breath, the fingers of one hand pressed to the point on her cheek where Yoongi had kissed her. She didn't dare to close her eyes for even one second, lest she would miss the moment the fight began. The Captain stood at her side now. She was tall, towering over Hae, and her presence did nothing to calm her nerves – on the contrary.

Yoongi tested the weight of the blade in his hand, using the time spent waiting to familiarise himself with the cutlass. It was a fine weapon, although heavier than he preferred. Still, he felt confident he would win this fight.

The two adversaries moved in slow circles that drew closer and closer, their steps light and soundless, the practiced gait of sailors, well accustomed to the steady rise and fall of the deck beneath their feet. When he felt he had the rising sun at his back, Yoongi stopped, turning to face Connor fully. Sweat beaded on the meaty visage that met his gaze, and the strange glint in blue eyes spoke of the desire to kill.

"You stop? Are you already tried of prolonging your pathetic life? Don't worry, my blade awaits you, boy. I have felled many men in my time, you'll be in good company", he proclaimed, laughing boisterously at the end.

For a moment, Yoongi contemplated staying silent. It would be the level-headed thing to do, he supposed. He dropped his eyes to the other men's weapon, the tip of which drew tiny, nervous circles into the air. Connor wasn't as confident as he wanted everyone to believe.

"He's too afraid to even talk, the poor lad! And all that for a simple girl. Have you realized yet that you are throwing everything away for her? Are you even sure she's worth it? I mean, she can't be that good, can she?" The sailor waggled his hairless brows suggestively.

"I think you're scared", Yoongi said matter-of-factly.

Connor guffawed loudly, gesturing wildly. Then he hollered: "Me? Scared? I've never been scared in my life! But I'll introduce you to fear, boy. Real fear. They will have to scrub the deck for days to get rid of your guts! I'll make sure of that."

"That", Yoongi thought coolly, "was a mistake". Connor had, in his bragging, revealed his preferred plan of attack. He didn't want a quick death for his adversary, he wouldn't go for his neck or heart, but he would try to draw it out.

The two men stood close together, Connor squinting against the light of the setting sun. Either could reach the other with his blade, if he were to step forward. But who would make the first move?

"You talk a lot", Yoongi remarked, studying the face of his enemy. "I begin to wonder if you even know how to use that sword of yours."

It happened quickly, then. One moment, Connors face twisted in rage, and the next he moved, directing his blade in a wide, powerful arc that was meant to cut Yoongi's stomach open from side to side.

Yoongi had been awaiting Connor's move. He sidestepped the blade, dancing out of reach before landing a hit of his own while his adversary reeled, caught off guard by the sudden movement.

Connor stumbled. When the caelian sailor rightened himself, there was a thin red line crossing his chest, and Yoongi stood several paces away, as unimpressed by his opponent as before.

Connor roared in anger, and he charged again, without thinking, his blade held low, still looking to make his enemy suffer by disembowelling him. Yoongi, again, danced out of the way, avoiding the hit dextrously. There was a smile now, playing around his lips.