𝓢𝓲𝓻𝓮𝓷'𝓼 𝓒𝓪𝓵𝓵

⏳Blood and Promise⏳

Hongjoong's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of realization hitting him like lightning. "What." Hongjoong said, trying to ensure he had heard him right. "It was Antiny, Joong." Seonghwa repeated. "You're sure...?" He added. "I'd never forget their flag." Seonghwa stated. A beat of silence consumed them. Hongjoong leaned against the railing, the weight of coincidence, or even fate, sinking in. "If I..." Hongjoong started, his jaw clenching, a dark look clouding his eyes. "If I'd known they touched your kingdom, I wouldn't have let them die so quick...but now they're rotting at the bottom of the sea...suppose we can't change that." He finished. "Well...it wasn't exactly THAT Antiny..." Seonghwa added on. "What are you talking about...?" "It was the generation before them, their parents and such." "Well...either way, they can't hurt your kingdom again...I can't undo what they did...but maybe this was all meant to happen..." Hongjoong mumbled to himself, deep in thought. "Wait, why didn't you say something sooner?" He added. "I wasn't necessarily thinking about it with all that was going on. I mean, they kidnapped me, Joong." "True...true, I'm sorry." "You don't have to apologize, dear." Seonghwa said with a smile. "You know...we looted their ship back then...maybe we have some of those ancient artifacts that their parents stole...if you wanna come check with me." Hongjoong stated, hoping he could have a little more alone time with his wife. Seonghwa thought for a minute before replying. "Yes, it would be beneficial for me to go since I know what they look like." He said. Hongjoong smiled a little and grabbed Hwa's hand, kissing him softly. "After you, my dear." Hongjoong said, gesturing for him to go first.

They went below deck to look in the storage, looking through multiple unorganized boxes before pulling out three ancient objects covered in dried seaweed. The first was a Korean-style norigae with the pendant being a sage green and the tassels a darkened, worn beige. It was traditionally worn by Korean women as both a decorative accessory and a good luck charm. It belonged to the first Queen, and once she passed, it was a symbol of the nation. The second was a Chinese jade pendant, worn by one of their great generals before his eventual passing. He led them through a great war before Seonghwa's late parents were even born. The jade pendant was traditionally carried as a symbol of protection, good health, and good fortune. The third was a Japanese-style banishing bell, also known as a bonsho or joya no kane. They were traditionally rung 108 times on New Year's Eve in a ceremony to cleanse the old year and usher in the new. The bell symbolizes a fresh start and spiritual renewal. The bell was usually rung by the head of judgment, in this case, Council member Lian.

"Well, good thing they aren't damaged." Hongjoong said, looking at them. He examined them for a second before looking at Seonghwa. "How did you know that the pirate crew was Antiny if you weren't there?" "We're taught about it when we're young. 'Don't trust these pirates, blah, blah, blah.' My brother also described it in a speech to the nations, telling us not to trust them if we see them." Seonghwa explained. "Well, I guess that makes sense. Hell, maybe your brother will finally ease up on me and the crew since we're returning this." Seonghwa sighed. "Who knows. Only time will tell." They wrapped the artifacts up in soft cloth and put them in a chest in Hongjoong's office before returning to their bedroom and going to bed.

The next morning, they got up and had breakfast, preparing for the new day. Hongjoong and Seonghwa told the crew that they planned to bring back some stolen artifacts that belonged to the Wruya Empire, hoping it would change Seojun's opinion on them. After eating, they all got ready to go back down. Hwa sat down, taking Anh into his lap. "Anh, do you remember what happened yesterday? You stay up here until we get back, okay? If you get in the water again, I will have to punish you." Hwa said. Anh looked sad. "I want to...go..w...with you..." He mumbled. "It's for your safety. You won't understand until you're older, but just promise me this: you will stay with Mingi." "I promise" Anh said to Hwa, hugging him. Hwa left Anh with Mingi, and they went back to the water. He looked back at the ship before looking forward, hoping everything would go better than yesterday.