VOYAGE II: To Where You Are

Chapter 7

A letter

Hongjoong sneezed, feeling a chill crawl up his spine, as he silently lied on his bed, feeling lazy to get up.

There wasn't much to do today, as the cargo had just been unloaded yesterday, and they were still waiting for any inquiries.

He gets up and gets dressed, heading to the galley to eat something, to warm up his empty complaining stomach.

"Hey Captain, breakfast is ready!"Woo cheered with a grin as soon the older made it down the stairs of the galley.

Joong settles on a seat, Woo serving the food in front of him. The breakfast before him consisted of coffee, bacon and eggs, toasted garlic bread, and a small serving of mash potatoes.

He immediately sinks his teeth into the delectables before him, as the glistening oil on the surface if the meat and sunny side up called to him, and the misty smoke that came from the plate and coffee had bewitched the famished Captain.

Hongjoong finishes his breakfast and leaves with a burp, signaling that he was satisfied by the meal and Woo couldn't help by trail his eyes on the Captain that made his way upstairs, a proud smile creeping onto the cook's face, as he waltz towards the table to clean up the dishes.

Reaching the front of his quarters, the Captain was greeted by the first mate, who stood outside the closed door, waiting for him.

"Good morning Captain, a letter arrived addressed to you." the brunette takes something out his coat, an envelope that he hands over to the other.

Hongjoong takes the white paper, eyeing the inscriptions on the back that contained the sender and location where it was from."Nam Byeol, Cloudhouser. "his eyes narrow at the mention of the place.

He hastily open the mail, retrieving the folded paper inside and spreading it open for his eyes to see.

Dear, Kim Hongjoong

I don't know who you are, and you most definitely don't know me as well. But I am writing to you with regards to my friend Shinji. You two must know each other.

She disappeared yesterday. I believe she was taken by some people, who's intentions I hope are not of anything bad. I went to her house and she was gone, only a black rose and a note containing your name was left at the scene.

Please help me find her, come to Cloudhouser.

Sincerely
Nam Byeol

His blood ran cold, the cool breeze brushing over them making it more tormenting for him. His grip on the letter tightens, as he looks up to the first mate with grim expression.

"Someone took Shinji."he breathes out, worrying washing over him."They're after me though, but how did they know about her? Let alone use her to get to me?"he runs a hand over his face.

Seonghwa had a thought."What if it's someone who has beef with you?"

"Call the others to my quarters, we need to talk about this."he says, moving past the first mate towards his room.

Seonghwa nods and heads downstairs, on his way to gather everyone.

Pretty soon, the Captain's quarters was packed with the members, all seemingly confused as to why they were all summoned in one place.

Woo was still wearing his apron, San had a cloth around his neck and he appeared to be sweaty, Yunho had a book with him, Yeosang a notepad and pen, Mingi had his coat slumped over his shoulder revealing his sleeveless to, and Jongho was eating a red fruit.

Seonghwa stands beside the Captain, waiting for the other to make his announcement.

Joong stands before them, the letter from earlier dangling from his right hand, raised just about his height beside his head.

"This letter arrived earlier, from someone named Nam Byeol, a resident of Cloudhouser, and a friend of Shinji's."he starts, eyeing each one of them."Someone took Shinji and left a note addressed to me."

"Oh no."Woo had his hands over his mouth, his eyebrows knitting in worry.

"But why go for Shinji?"Mingi scratches the back of his head.

"How did they even know that you know Shinji?"Yunho says."Let alone drag her into this. If they're after you?"

"I don't know, I can't even think of anyone who would have beef with me."the Captain squints his eyes."Except the Welkins I guess."his eyes darting to Yeosang.

"But didn't Yeosang make them strand on Illusion island? I thought they would be dead by now."San comments.

"That or they survived."Yeosang speaks up with a solemn look. The rest focusing their attention on him.

"Remember what Donghun-hyung said? If you have a strong mentality, you might just survive."the navigator mutters."If they happened to do so, they may be out to get us back for it. I may have just caused our new predicament."

"They deserved it."Jongho side comments, a scorn on his face as he took another bite of the fruit.

"It's not your fault. If anything, they definitely deserved what they got, they're a distasteful group of hooligans to begin with."Hongjoong slips the paper back in his coat."We're going to Cloudhouser to meet with Nam Byeol. And if we ever need to fight, I trust that all of you will make it out fine."

***

After stuffing the unconscious girl in a sack, Luxio slings it over his shoulder and two of them make their exit. The pooch continues to snarl and bark at then, making the first mate point a musket at it, in an attempt to shoot it.

Haiden, pushes the weapon away with his hand, glaring at the other not to shoot at the poor animal. He was a lover of animals, and despises it when people hurt them. Despite killing being one of their usual endeavors, he heavily dislikes causing harm to other living creatures, particularly animals.

They abandon the abode, disappearing into the darkness, and swiftly retreating back to their vessel.

They open the metal gate of the confinement they were to put her in, taking her out of the sack, and leaving her to lie on the floor.

Haiden locks the gate and takes one last glance at the sleeping lass, before turning his back to leave.