Aurora - You are my light (Ateez x reader)

FORTY

The days aboard the Treasure blurred together, and the ship's constant rocking became an ever-present companion, tiring my body and mind more than I wanted to admit. We had about eight days left until reaching Dune, and everyone knew San's survival depended on us arriving on time. Tension hung over the crew like an invisible net, ensnaring us all. We worked with an intensity that barely eased, but there were still moments when we reminded each other that, despite everything, we were alive—and that there was more to life than the uncertainty of the days ahead.

My day began early, way too early, as Jongho would drag me out of Yeosang's cabin every morning for his rigorous training sessions. He was a tough teacher, relentless in his dedication to teaching me every possible way to defend myself in combat. It was as if he could see my weaknesses before I even noticed them.

"You're too loose in the shoulders, Aurora," he called out one exhausting morning as I tried to block a strike from his blade.

"I... I'm not loose! I'm just... tired," I gasped, my arms shaking under the weight of his sword.

"Fatigue is no excuse. In a fight, you're only as strong as your weakest moment," Jongho replied, pressing harder on my blade until I had no choice but to sidestep quickly. My breathing was ragged, but I felt a strange sense of triumph as I finally managed to deflect his strike. Jongho paused, lowered his sword, and nodded. "That's better. Remember, there's no second chance when you're facing an enemy."

His praise was rare, which made it all the more meaningful. Still, after these sessions, I often felt completely drained. My muscles burned, my thoughts felt heavy, and yet there was barely any time to recover. Next up was Yunho, who had been tirelessly helping me refine my magic over the last few days.

---

Yunho was the complete opposite of Jongho—while Jongho was strict and demanding, Yunho was easygoing, charming, and always had a mischievous grin on his face. But I didn't let that fool me. His playful attitude hid the fact that his magic and knowledge were impressive.

"Aurora, you doubt yourself too much," he said one afternoon as I struggled to form a ball of light in my hand. "Let it flow. It has to come from within, not from your head."

"That's easy for you to say," I muttered, staring intently at my hand, where the light flickered before fading out.

"It is easy," Yunho said with a laugh, snapping his fingers. A perfect ball of light appeared in his hand, which he casually tossed from one hand to the other. "See? You just need to relax. Think of something nice. Or better yet... think of me."

I couldn't help but laugh at his cocky attitude, and maybe that was exactly what I needed. The light in my hand suddenly became steadier, and I managed to hold it for a moment before it gently faded. Yunho grinned.

"Told you. I'm a true source of inspiration."

"Or a distraction," I shot back, but deep down I knew he was right. When I let the magic come from within, without overthinking, it actually grew stronger.

These training sessions with Yunho were intense, but there was something playful, almost lighthearted about them. He often made me laugh, even when I felt like I had no energy left. And in those moments, I found the strength to keep going, even when my powers began to wane.

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After magic training came the third challenge of the day: navigation with Hongjoong. The Captain was a man who didn't tolerate mistakes. He was precise, attentive, and unforgiving when it came to steering his Treasure. He taught me to read the stars, feel the currents, and use the wind to speed up our journey.