Aurora's Child - ATEEZ Pirate AU

Chapter III: A Pirate's Life

A/N: There will be some Spanish in this chapter, but there will be translations where they correspond.

//TW: Cuss words

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          "We need to go to Tortuga."

          The way Mingi twisted his head to look at Hongjoong, almost gave himself whiplash, "What?"

          "I said we-" Hongjoong started.

          "No, no. I heard you the first time. What?!"

          They've been a full day at sea already. Avoiding the merchant's routes was the best option, but it they also had to stay close to land in case they had to make stops. Thank Goddess the winds and waters were in their favor. They were speeding smoothly over the waves and barely had to take helm. All they needed was a place to start his quest for Utopia. They were going to need a bigger ship, a crew, supplies, and hopefully start finding the rest of ATEEZ.

          Hongjoong's intuition was telling to head towards Tortuga, the Pirate Island. It was the best place to start. They needed all the information possible about Utopia and Emerald People, someone there might have the information they needed. Considering they were about face pirates, they would have to gamble their way through the whole ordeal. It was all a matter of luck at this point.

          "Hongjoong, are you absolutely sure about this? We are rogues from the bloody British Crown for crying out loud! There is probably a bounty over our heads already!"

          Hongjoong could feel his right eye twitch at the fact that Mingi had the audacity to address him so informally again. Not going to ignore that again. Hongjoong was tightening the ropes of the mast as he answered Mingi, "Song Mingi, it is hyung. Number two, we are Korean. I really doubt anyone would notice we are from a British colony at first glance." He checked the ropes one last time and finally turned to glare at Mingi directly.

          "And number three," his glare turned into a cheeky grin, "I think I would look really good in my wanted poster."

          Mingi could only look up at the heavens in exasperation and pray for Calypso to drown him already.

          "Fine! We will go to Tortuga," Hongjoong was about to celebrate for the agreement, "BUT we will stop by Puerto Rico first!" Never mind.

          "Why Puerto Rico specifically?" Inquired Hongjoong.

          Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony known for the trading of goods, and being a rather strategic point that made it prone to attacks and contraband. It was probably quite easy to blend in since its ports were always filled with activity. They weren't there for trades, so he wasn't entirely sure why Mingi would've suggested Puerto Rico as a stop considering the amount of guards that protected El Morro; a fortress that surrounded the land. Hongjoong has never been there, but Mingi had. He must have a reason for wanting to stop by Puerto Rico first.

          "I have a friend in San Juan that might help us get in without much issue. I met him during a visit with Father. He works at the ports, but he is also a pirate."

          Hongjoong's eyes widened at this new knowledge and laughed in disbelief, "Goddess! You hid this from Commander Song?!"

          Mingi scratched the back of his head and blushed. He avoided Hongjoong's eyes as he continued, "Well... Father would disapprove of far more than just his lifestyle..."

          What did Mingi mean by that? Wait. Waaaait, hold on just a second. There is no way...

          When Mingi was forced to join the Royal Navy, he would accompany Commander Song to his visits to other colonies outside of British territory to deliver messages. One of those visits was to deliver a message to someone from Puerto Rico. They stayed in Puerto Rico for a week, to rest and restock. During that time, Mingi met another young man and befriended each other rather quickly. Commander Song thought nothing more of it, just a new useful connection in the Island.