Somewhere Between the Sea and the Sky.

Episode 1: Chapter 4.

Pain. A soft but persistent pain invaded the captain, like a headache trying to warn him about something? But, about what? He had no idea. Everything was going okay, their course was giving no trouble and the kids were working well. Hongjoong made sure they were, constantly checking on them in case they needed help or guidance.

The biggest trouble they had appeared when the sun rose, when Yeosang's claws posed a threat for the ropes.

But it was under control, everything was in place.

Then why did he feel that way? The constant, mental pain was starting to cause an actual headache. He needed to know what was wrong.

Okay Hongjoong , he thought, what could be wrong?

He took another look at the ones working around him.

Yeosang was doing well, he didn't accidentally stab anyone with his claws yet which was a plus. He got used to the pirate life quite fast, even if it was completely different from the palace. Now he has to get used to himself.

Jongho was strong and followed orders well, he wasn't the most experienced sailor but he was of great help. He joked about his home some times, but it didn't seem like it kept him awake at night. I don't think he'll open up easily.

San learned fast, actually. Perhaps they teached him how to navigate in the church, that would make sense. He was probably the one who was having the hardest time, the drastic change of lifestyle hit him like a sharp rock in the guts. Also, they didn't know well about what happened to him but they knew the church betrayed him. At least that was how he should be feeling. He'll need more time.

The newbies were adapting themselves the best they could, the problem wasn't with them.

What about the rest?

Was Seonghwa okay? Perhaps too tired? Did Mingi's wounds heal well? Was he too nervous because of Yunho? And Wooyoung? It seemed like their new prisoner mentioned something from his past, something the boatswain perhaps wanted to forget.

Should he just go and ask him? At first the captain considered it, but he was no one to get in Wooyoung's past if he didn't want him to. If he needed to talk about it he would, Hongjoong knew well. He was perhaps the most communicative one among them, at least among the three that passed more time together.

What was wrong?

What was wrong?

What the hell was wrong?

Frustration invaded Hongjoong as he considered every problem his dear crew could have, trying to find the thought that wouldn't let him calm down. The biggest issue was about the lieutenant, about the mistakes made weeks ago. The blond didn't seem to let it go, but his anger really calmed down with time and conversation.

He didn't really answer Joong's questions yet, but the captain knew he was no one to demand explanations. Even if it really pissed him off back then, he already knew. It wasn't like he didn't trust Seonghwa, tho, he trusted him with his whole heart. But that kinda was the problem, the other probably did some crazy bullshit back then. It made Hongjoong's blood boil, how the other probably sacrificed something so huge for him and didn't even talk about it.

But it was fine. It was absolutely fine. Seonghwa was calmer, he listened to his apologies and fucking shot him to death. He was perfectly fine.

Oh.

Perhaps the lieutenant Seonghwa wasn't the one who needed help.

Perhaps it was him. He needed help. Hongjoong needed help. He checked the whole crew and found nothing, nothing he could really assist on. He was worried about the whole crew but forgot to worry about the captain.