Eclipse || Seongjoong

Chapter 9: Pearl

"Captain," San shakily called out to Hongjoong.

Hongjoong paid no mind to San, trying his best to ensure the ship reached the island so they could restore their busted ship. He rushed back and forth, ensuring everything was stable enough to get to the island.

"Captain," San called out again, this time a bit louder.

"Give me a second, San," Hongjoong huffed, helping the crew fix the mast. "Is it important?" The Captain asked, looking around to find his strongest sailor, that seemed to be nowhere. "San, where be Jongho? Tell 'em to come help."

Seonghwa simply watched from the sidelines, helping nurse the wounded sailors to aid Siyeon. He watched Hongjoong work effortlessly to get the chaotic ship back on track. He hated to admit it, but the pirate was a decent leader. He watched from Hongjoong's room, peeking his head out sometimes to check on everything. Although he wanted to aid Siyeon more, Hongjoong told him to stay in his room to protect him from harm.

"Hongjoong!" San shouted, his face dark as he stared down at the floor. His voice pierced through the loud sounds of the ship and crew. The Captain stopped what he was doing, his face growing stern.

No one ever called him by his name.

No one.

Unless it was dire...

"I need to speak with ye...and the main crew," San's shoulders trembled, his eyes never looking at Hongjoong as he turned toward the Captain's quarters.

With a slight nod, Hongjoong followed San with great concern. San had never acted like this, so his actions frightened Hongjoong. The Captain whistled, earning the attention of his main crew, that made their way into his room one by one.

Seonghwa watched how...how lifeless San's face was as he walked into the room. Then Hongjoong's worried face was followed by the crew's confused expressions. Seonghwa stayed silent, sitting in the corner of the window ceil that looked out the vast window. It appeared they didn't realize he was there, which was fine; Seonghwa would stay hugging his knees and remembering the horrors of the night before.

"What be yer issues, San?" Hongjoong crossed his arm, leaning forward to see San's hidden face. "Look at me when I am speaking."

"San, what's wrong, mate?" Yunho asked, walking over and placing a hand on his shoulder. San quickly shrugged it off, moving to the side as he slowly looked up at Hongjoong. His eyes were bloodshot, and his face was scared with a claw mark. His eyes seemed like they held no meaning as his body slumped over despite trying to present strong.

"San?" Mingi asked, taking a set forward. "What's wrong?"

"Hey, where be Jongho?" Wooyoung asked, looking around. "Is he still below the ship? I will fetch him."

"No," San's voice trembled, its tune scratchy and tired. "There is no use for that."

"What do you mean?" Wooyoung asked, crossing his arms. "Shouldn't he be here-."

"He is not!" San snapped, his hair falling in his face from his quick movements. "He is gone! The Siren yanked him down, and he didn't arise!" Tears started to fall down San's face as he screamed. "I waited for ten minutes! Ten fucking minutes and he did not come up!" San sobbed, holding his bleeding hand. "I went down to look for him, but nothing but blood was in its wake!"

Hongjoong felt his heart drop.

His face changed multiple times from confusion, sadness, and rage.

Oh, how much rage he felt rushing within him.