Tales of the Sea and it's Inhabitants || ateez

1. HONGJOONG

"It's your choice. You can continue with your worthless life or you can become someone who matters."

Those words still ring in my head, even after all these years. Who uttered those words is long gone by now. Killed, by the royal navy. I have stepped up to fill the space she left behind. She would be so proud of me. I have my own crew now, made up of 7 members. Including me, the captain, 8. Worldwide known as the fearless pirate crew, ateez but we are more than just an ordinary pirate crew. We are family. At least that's what my mentor would've said.

The ocean wind ruffles my ragged royal blue hair as I lean my slender body over the railing of my ship to catch some of the seafoam spraying upwards. I've always loved the sea. I feel at home out in the middle of nowhere, away from the prying eyes of the kingdom and from those who wish to hurt us. I breathe in the salty, fresh air. I let myself relax.

"Captain!" a voice calls out. I sigh, shaking myself from the past who had me bound.

"What?" I answer gruffly, not pleased to be disturbed. A tall, lanky young man saunters towards me. His bright red hair glistens in the sun, making it appear as though his hair was pure flame. My spitfire Mingi, I like to call him. His temper and quick tongue earned him that nickname.

"Don't fall off your own ship, Hongjoong." I scowl at those words.

"I won't. Stop worrying so much Mingi." I mutter. He just lets out a boisterous laugh.

"These brats." I sigh albeit fondly.

"You love us though~" a cheeky voice chirps.

"Never, brat." I say with an edge. No one seems to listen though. Do they ever? I wonder. I sink back into my thoughts smiling serenely at the peaceful and secure environment I had caused. These 7 kids sure deserve this. My smile slowly fades as I think back to how I gathered each and every one of them under my wing of protection. Let me tell you, it wasn't pretty.

[TO BE CONTINUED...]