Our hearts, two stars, and the sea

Chapter three- The Pirate Lord

Luo Binghe squeezes Zhen Wu's throat as he struggles to breathe. Zhen Wu claws at Luo Binghe's hands but Luo Binghe doesn't seem to care. Finally, Luo Binghe squeezes and Zhen Wu's neck snaps.

Luo Binghe throws him aside like trash and turns his attention to Shang Qinghua. Shang Qinghua almost pisses himself, he is shaking like a leaf.

Luo Binghe points his sword at Shang Qinghua, the tip aimed at his eyes.

"WAIT!" Shang Qinghua shouted, trying to lean away from the sword. He can't go very far when he's still restrained. "WE'RE NOT PIRATES!"

"...that is obvious. Why are you tied up?" Luo Binghe asks. Shang Qinghua doesn't answer, after all this man is also a pirate. "Answer me."

"He-uh- was using us for ransom!" Shang Qinghua quickly answered. Luo Binghe raised an eyebrow and turned to where Shen Yuan lays collapsed on the ground.

Luo Binghes eyes widen, the man is painfully familiar. He remembers a boy all those years ago who gave him kindness. Of course, he has matured and grown now but is still familiar.

"...Shi Tu?" Luo Binghe whispers, stepping shakily closer.

"No, that's Shen Yuan! If you return us safely I'm sure you will get a reward!" Shang Qinghua rambles.

'Shen Yuan, the prince of Cang Qiong?' Luo Binghe wonders. He's a very valuable bounty, to really anyone. Not only is he being courted from just about every important person but he is also the star of eternity.

He may look like Shi Tu, but he isn't. Shi Tu is back in Cang Qiong, or maybe he is somewhere with a decent life. Luo Binghe will find him someday.

Another set of footsteps walk down the stairs to the lower deck.

Shang Qinghua turns his head to see another man, almost as big as Luo Binghe. He has dark hair and icy blue eyes. His ears are pointed and he has a blue demon mark on his forehead. His robes are black and expose his chest.

He is only slightly shorter than Luo Binghe by an inch but still equally as intimidating.

"Mobei-Jun, cut him free." Luo Binghe instructs, gesturing to Shang Qinghua. Mobei-Jun nods and draws his sword. Shang Qinghua winces but gets cut free from the ropes. Mobei-Jun pulls him up by his wrist.

"What now?" Mobei-Jun asks, still holding Shang Qinghua.

Luo Binghe cuts Shen Yuan from his restraints and picks him up in a princess carry.

"His highness could be counted as loot or our prisoner, he's valuable. As for the one your holding... he's yours do what you please." Luo Binghe shrugs and walks out of the lower deck. Mobei-Jun follows.

Shang Qinghua is lead outside. The masts of the ship are destroyed and bodies liter the deck. On both sides of the ship there are two ships. The crew is also on the ship, glaring at Shang Qinghua as he walks out.

Luo Binghe steps onto a board that leads onto a ship huge ship. The wood was black and the sails were a bloody red color. On its flag, it had a Jade pendent drawing.

Shang Qinghua goes to follow but Mobei-Jun tugs him back.

"You are on my ship." Mobei Jun deadpanned, tugging Shang Qinghua to the ship on the other side.

"But-,"

"No."

"You don't understand-,"

"Follow or I will drag you."

Shang Qinghua quickly (but reluctantly) followed. He hopes Shen Yuan will be safe. Shang Qinghua just needs to figure out how to signal for help while under the watch of a pirate.