Isle of the Captain's Oath | Seongjoong AU

𝟘𝟛

♥╣[-_-]╠♥

- ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔯𝔢𝔢 - 

Echoes on Jeju's Shores

The shores of Jeju Island embraced the crisp dawn, the sun peeking over the horizon as Seonghwa stood on the deck of the patrol ship, his gaze sweeping across the azure waters. A small time jump had seen him dispatched to oversee the waters surrounding the island, following reports of increased pirate activity menacing local fisherman boats.

The Marine Enforcement Corps vessel cruised along the coast, Seonghwa's sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of disturbance. The island's tranquility contrasted sharply with the tension coursing through the crew. They were on high alert, ready to intervene at the first sign of trouble.

Hours passed with an uneventful calmness, the sun inching higher into the sky. But as the afternoon approached, a call came in over the ship's radio—a distress signal from a fishing boat that had been attacked. Seonghwa's heart quickened as adrenaline surged through him; this was what they had been waiting for.

The patrol ship arrived at the distress signal's location, only to find a haunting sight—a shattered fishing boat, its remains scattered across the serene ocean's surface. There were no pirates in sight, no trace of the attackers that had left devastation in their wake. Seonghwa's gut twisted with a mix of frustration and concern.

Surveying the wreckage, Seonghwa gritted his teeth, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of movement. The air was heavy with the acrid scent of destruction, a testament to the chaos that had unfolded moments before their arrival.

The stranded fishermen were helped onto the patrol ship, their expressions etched with a mixture of relief and distress. Seonghwa and his crew did what they could to reassure them, offering water, blankets, and what little comfort they could provide.

Seonghwa approached one of the men, handing him a dry towel as he crouched down in front of him. "what happened here?" he asked. The fisherman, his weathered face etched with worry, took the offered towel and dabbed at the moisture on his face. He looked up at Seonghwa, his eyes reflecting a mix of fear and confusion.

"It was like a nightmare," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "We were sailing back to the island after a successful catch. The night was calm, the sea tranquil. And then..." He paused, his gaze dropping to the remnants of the boat. "They came out of nowhere. Their ships were swift, silent. We barely saw them before they struck."

Seonghwa listened intently, his expression serious, as the fisherman recounted the sudden attack. "They boarded our vessel, moving with such speed and precision. They looted our catch and supplies, then left the boat in pieces." The fisherman's hands trembled as he gestured to the scattered debris floating in the water.

"Did you see anything that could identify them?" Seonghwa asked, his tone gentle yet probing.

The fisherman shook his head, his gaze distant. "No, it was dark. They moved too quickly. All I remember were the sails—dark, tattered sails flapping in the wind."

Seonghwa nodded, his mind racing with the scant information. The attackers seemed elusive, striking swiftly under the cloak of darkness, leaving no trace but chaos in their wake. With a reassuring pat on the fisherman's shoulder, Seonghwa rose to his feet.

"Rest assured, we'll do everything in our power to find those responsible," he assured the fishermen, his voice projecting confidence despite the uncertainty of the situation.

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

As Seonghwa and his crew walked through the quaint town, the air was laced with the scent of salt and the distant sound of seagulls. The small village boasted colorful houses and cobblestone streets, a charming scene that contrasted with the day's grim events. Amidst the picturesque setting, the sight of a ship with dark, tattered sails in the distance caught Seonghwa's attention, leaving him puzzled momentarily.