Aurora - You are my light (Ateez x reader)

THIRTYTWO

Trigger Warning: Weapons, Injuries, Blood, Violence, Glorification of Violence, Wounds

I wasn't prepared for all this. I couldn't fight and had never learned how. Every time the men of Seraphil went into battle and didn't all return, I shed silent tears for them behind closed doors. It broke my heart to see their wives and children mourning in the village. I couldn't bear to witness such loss. I knew that wars and battles were part of life, but I could never condone them.

I was afraid. Not for my life, but for the lives of others. All I could do was watch the spectacle unfold, frozen. The battle hadn't fully started yet; King Valthor's ship was still too far away, but I flinched at every cannon blast, as if it could sink the Treasure at any moment.

The Treasure rocked violently on the ocean waves, disturbed by the cannon fire. The ship's wood creaked under the pressure of the violence, and if it weren't so sturdily built, cracks would surely have appeared in the planks by now. The ropes of the sails whipped against the masts, and the Treasure's flag flapped wildly in the wind, a silent witness to the chaos. The smell of burnt gunpowder mixed with the salty sea air as foam from the waves sprayed onto the decks.

Seonghwa rushed onto the aft deck, tossing a belt with holsters containing two pistols to Hongjoong on the stairs. Hongjoong briefly let go of the wheel to put on and fasten the belt. Seonghwa, now with us, was also armed. A massive sword hung from his belt—a masterpiece of craftsmanship with a broad blade of polished steel. Elegant engravings ran along its length, revealed by the dim light. It looked impressive if one forgot that it was deadly.

I glanced between the two men. "What are the weapons for?" It seemed so unnecessary, given that their abilities far exceeded what mere combat skills could offer.

"In case you haven't noticed," Hongjoong paused and pointed to the enemy ship drawing closer. "We're under attack."

Seonghwa scrutinized me intently before turning to Hongjoong with a smirk. "Is she okay?"

Hongjoong turned to his second in command. "She's a bit shaken."

"I'm standing right here," I interjected, trying to regain their attention. "What I meant was that Seonghwa casually caught a heavy cannonball out of the air as if it were child's play."

"Yeah, that was pretty cool, don't you think?" Seonghwa smiled tightly.

"What is wrong with you two? The imminent bloodshed seems to be affecting you." I looked at them both, raising an eyebrow. They looked like excited children anticipating their first sleepover. The fact that they were grown men carrying deadly weapons and intending to send Seraphil's ship to the ocean floor brought a grim reality back, destroying the thought immediately.

"These aren't serious opponents," Hongjoong made a dismissive gesture. "We'll only use our powers if necessary. Besides, the men need some refresher training. It's been a while since the last battle." He grinned at Seonghwa, who grasped his sword, ready for combat.

"A bit of training will do us good," Seonghwa said, drawing the massive sword. With a fluid motion, he sliced the air, and the steel glinted menacingly in the dim light.

The sword cut through the air with a sharp hiss, tracing an elegant arc. Every swing was precise and controlled. Seonghwa's movements were smooth yet powerful, as if the sword was a natural extension of his arm.

The air displaced by the swift movement of the blade was almost tangible, and a soft, ominous hum accompanied each cut like a warning whisper. Seonghwa wielded the sword with masterful precision, his eyes fixed on an invisible opponent, muscles tensing and flexing under his skin. It was as if time stood still for a moment, just to showcase his deadly grace in full glory.