Precious ◈ | Seongjoong/Yungi ✓

Episode 11: Pirate King ◈ Part 2

The alliance stands as a crowd of hundreds. Some are battered and scarred, but they hold strong. For this final struggle for their futures, they will expend every last bit of strength. At the head of the rebellion is Kim Hongjoong with the heart of Oh Sera sparking deep inside. For the first time in years, the pirates are united as one under their Pirate King.

"No more sneaking around. We're walking straight in, and we're knocking out whoever stands in our way. Let's go!" Hongjoong proclaims.

A chorus of approval lights his confidence anew. By his side, Seonghwa has his musket on his back and a mix of determination and anxiety. However, he asked for this, and he's going to do his best. Hongjoong squeezes his hand.

"Remember, no more than eight feet away from me. Okay?" he whispers. Seonghwa nods, his breathing even.

Unfortunately, Yeosang is not participating. His injury is too fresh, so he's still in the infirmary with Hangyeom looking after him. Jongho thought about paying him a visit before leaving, but he opted out. After the last time, he has a strange feeling that the elder doesn't want to see him right now. He's not sure what he's done, but he'll respect it.

As long as he's safe, it doesn't matter how he feels about him.

Chants of "HALA HALA" quake the ground, disturbing the streets of Seoul and trailblazing a road to a bright tomorrow. Any citizens who dare to peek are urged to retreat inside to avoid crossfire. It doesn't take long for soldiers to intercept the pirates, but they're not even given the time of day.

Gradually, pirates begin breaking off to handle the interlopers. The alliance moves forward without them, trusting them to hold their own. Clearing a path to Seoul Palace, the true battle begins in the outer courtyard.

As raucous fighting ensues all around him, Mingi gazes up at the place he grew up in with scorn. He knows his mother is in there somewhere. It's best if he finds her first, but he needs to get through these blurring bodies. Clenching his fists into hefty gauntlets, he throws himself into the fray.

Seonghwa trails his captain like a shadow, drawing his gun to either distract or incapacitate enemies so Hongjoong or their friends can deal the killing blow. Supporting like he said he would, he keeps his eyes focused on the living. He spares no glances to the dead already building up on the ground. He could lose his nerve.

Not too far away, he can see Wooyoung ducking under a violent swing and drilling his dagger into a man's groin. Seonghwa winces involuntarily; he can't imagine how much that must hurt.

Strapped with extra reloads, Jongho still tries to save his bullets by beating his foes with blunt force. He doesn't fight with his hands too often, but his super strength makes it a simple task. Combining rough hand-to-hand combat and throwing down his pistol like a hammer, the gunslinger engages in catastrophic melee.

The Circus is around as well. Instead of sniping from a high vantage point, Hyunjin is down in the midst. Seungmin and Jeongin are tag-teaming. Minho, Changbin, and Ryujin are tumbling about in a deadly brawl. Jisung is running about with Chaeryeong and some members of the Ahgase crew. Their leader is winning against a tough female opponent.

Sadly, Captain Taeyeon witnesses one of her pirates, Yoona, take a visceral hit to the gut. Nevertheless, almost everyone from Moomyung Island plus more is putting their all into this challenge.

It's tragically gorgeous.

Chan meets up with Hongjoong and Seonghwa, breathing heavily through his adrenaline. "This could go on forever. Start making your way inside the palace."

Hongjoong confirms, "You're right. We're pushing through now."

"Chan!" Jeongin runs up urgently.

"What is it?" the brunette replies.