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Waves were crashing relentlessly into the hull of the ship, every hit rattling through the wooden frame. Jungkook was desperately trying to hold onto the thick rope attached to a wooden beam, watching as the first mate was screaming orders at the crew.
They had been sailing through the open sea when an unexpected storm caught them in its deathly arms. The crew was in a state of organized chaos, no strangers to rough weather, but the fear was ever present in each and every one of them.
Everyone except the captain it seemed. As Jungkook observed his friends, his family of outcasts, do everything to keep themselves on board, his gaze wandered up the body of the ship towards the helm. There stood Kim Seokjin, captain of the Ghostly Siren. His demeanor was calm, a stern look out to the ocean, keeping the whole ship under his control. For a moment Jungkook felt the world still around him, the crashing and clashing of waves and cannons vanishing, his crewmen's shouts silent. In awe he looked at Seokjin, the captain seemingly engulfed in a glowing light, not from this world.
Then, just for a mere second, their eyes met and suddenly the moment was broken. Jungkook was ripped from it with force when a wave crashed over the railing right into him and he was hurtled across the floor, sliding across the wooden planks and trying to hold onto anything in his way with no luck. He braced himself for a fall that never came.
A strong hand grabbed his arm, forcefully stopping his descent. When he opened his eyes, it was Hoseok who had saved him from what could have become his demise.
“Be more careful next time.”
That was all the older man said before he ran across deck to stop more accidents from happening.
Jungkook huffed as he straightened himself and got his bearings back. Looking at the horizon he could tell they were almost through this storm, relief not yet flooding his veins. Making his way below deck, he was looking for any loose cargo that still needed fixing. He was surely in for a scolding, still remembering Yoongi’s words from earlier that day.
“Make sure everything is secured before we set sail, you got that?” Jungkook had nodded and assured the other he would take care of it. Only he got distracted when Namjoon excitedly wanted to show him some of the crabs he found on shore and now the damage had been done.
Grabbing one of the ropes next to a cannon that was threatening to roll off, he made quick work of tightly binding it to the metal holdings. He had no time to waste.
🏴☠️ 🏴☠️ 🏴☠️
Jimin was shouting orders at the top of his lungs, his throat feeling parched and burnt. They were lucky to not have recruited any new crew members or the body count of this storm would have surpassed the zero he was clinging on to with hope.
As the first mate it was his job to reinforce the captain's orders as the man himself was keeping a tight grip on the ship's wheel. New waves were sweeping over the deck every second as the ship was thundering through.
He was helping Taehyung up from where the slightly younger man had slipped on the wooden floor, when he realized that no more rain was falling down on them and the ship wasn't being thrown around anymore by the waves. Casting a glance at Seokjin, he was met with determined eyes and a nod.
They had finally made it through the storm.
🏴☠️ 🏴☠️ 🏴☠️
Jungkook was gathering the crew as Jimin kept note of the headcount. It was their protocol to always make sure no person went overboard.
Letting out a sigh of relief as the numbers added up, Jimin was about to let everyone get back to their stations, when he heard a heavy footstep right behind him. He slowly turned around and came face to face with Seokjin who was regarding him with a raised eyebrow. Jimin almost stumbled over his words.
“Captain! Just made the count and everyone made it.”
Seokjin let out a hum, turning to regard his crew. He seemed calm, but there was a dangerous air to him. Everyone could tell something was not satisfying the captain and Jimin was bracing himself for whatever was to come his way.
But the older man just nodded and turned to walk away, leaving his first mate in control once again. Slightly unsettled, Jimin belted out the order he’s been meaning to give.
“Back to your stations!”
And immediately the crew scuttled away. All except one. Jungkook, one of the youngest members. Who was currently staring at him with a challenging look. Jimin pinched the bridge of his nose, frustrated, before he made his way down the steps and towards the boy.
“What’s with that look, Jeon?”
Jungkook just sneered.
“Getting a scolding from the captain, huh?”
“That’s big of you to say, don’t think Yoongi didn’t inform me of your.. Slacking.”
The impact of Jimin’s words could be observed instantly. The younger man was flushing from his neck up, his bravado suddenly gone.
“You- Whatever.”
With that, Jungkook turned on his heel, almost jogging towards his station. Jimin let out a long suffering sigh. Before he could ponder for too long, a different voice called for his attention.
“Jimin. Captain wants to see you.”
Nodding, he made his way towards the captain's cabin.
“Thank you, Joon”, was his weak response.
His hand was shaking ever so slightly as it gripped the handle of the door. It was unusual for him to be so nervous, scared even, around his captain. He knew that Seokjin could be ruthless, he didn’t earn his title and position for nothing, but he was normally kind and gentle with his crew.
The captain was hunched over the big navigation table, murmuring about which route would be the safest to take. He raised his head slightly as he heard Jimin come in, eyes narrowing as they focused on the blonde.
Jimin cleared his throat and tried not to let his nerves show.
“You asked for me?”
Seokjin nodded.
“I did. We have to- why are you shaking?”
Fuck. So he wasn’t that subtle.
“It’s nothing. Just, stressful day?”
It came out more like a question, Jimin immediately noticing that the other man was not buying it if the eyebrow raise was anything to go by.
“Very well. We have to do a supply run. This storm lost us too much, we won’t make it all the way if we don’t stock up. I was thinking of stopping at Shipwreck Cove.”
Jimin stepped closer, taking a look to where Seokjin was pointing on the map. His eyes widened as he took in the island that was chosen.
“Captain, are you sure? This region is known to be ruled by the Chitauri. It’s dangerous.”
At his words, Seokjin straightened up and regarded him with a sharp look. After a second, the taller man swiftly made his way around the table and stepped right into Jimin’s personal space. Rough hands took hold of his jaw and lifted his head so he couldn’t do anything but look right into the captain's eyes.
“My dear, you know i am more than capable of making rational decisions. Are you questioning our crews ability to fight? Are you questioning Jungkook’s ability to train them?”
At the mention of the younger crew member's name, Jimin sucked in a sharp inhale. He wasn’t sure why.
“No, Captain. Of course not.”
The grip on his face loosened and Seokjin softly let his fingers caress Jimin’s cheek. Jimin felt heat rise up his neck.
“Good. Let the others know about the change in course. You know what to do.”
Then the captain let go completely and returned to his maps. The shorter of the two stood frozen in his place for another second before he too turned around and hurried back out.
🏴☠️ 🏴☠️ 🏴☠️
They had arrived at Shipwreck Cove in the early evening, most of the crew quickly dispersing into the streets and various pubs close to the port after receiving some last orders. Seokjin had held Jungkook, Jimin and Yoongi back, telling them to stay on guard and follow him.
That’s how they had found themselves in a small room located in an inconspicuous house deeper into the island.
They’ve been waiting in said room for a while now, the captain mumbling something about an old friend being able to provide more insight. The other two men were huddled together, conversing quietly between themselves, but Jimin felt too restless. He didn’t know why Seokjin had led them here or who was going to meet them. Rising from his seat and brushing off the splinters that had come off the old wooden stool, he was about to approach his captain when a voice interrupted this process.
“Seokjin. Didn’t think you’d show yourself again.”
Everyone’s eyes were drawn to the person who entered from behind a curtain that was lining the south wall of the tiny room. They were taller than Jimin and held themselves with an air of mystery. A black cloak was covering most of them, but their eyes were a piercing white that seemed to be glowing.
“Ah, Aryia, you know i would never abandon my friends.”
Aryia, apparently, chuckled and pulled Seokjin into a hug. Then, they turned to face Jimin and the others.
“You must be from Jin’s crew. Come and have a seat.”
They were all led through the curtain and directed to sit down on cushions lining a small low table on the floor.
“So, what is going on?” They regarded Seokjin with a questioning look.
“Something in the air has been changing. We got caught up in a storm that was not supposed to be there and i’ve gotten a feeling that there is something brewing on the horizon.”
Aryia nodded thoughtfully, reaching across the table and taking the captain’s hand in theirs. Seokjin easily let them, obviously familiar with the process of whatever was happening right now. Jimin wanted to ask, but felt it wasn't the right time.
A low hum sounded from Aryia’s mouth and every noise seemed to just stop.
Looking at Jungkook and Yoongi, it was obvious he wasn’t the only one out of the loop. Trying to gauge their reactions, he caught Yoongi’s eyes, but the older man just shrugged and turned his attention back to Seokjin and his mysterious friend. Jungkook however didn’t seem as easily appeased. With furrowed brows the young Master-at-arms was regarding the situation, doubt evident on his face.
Jimin couldn't blame him, this was a bizarre scenario. Bizarre, but somehow fitting for Seokjin.
Before any of them could ponder any longer, the captain and Aryia seemed to be ripped out of their trance. Seokjin was wearing a tense expression on his face as he stood up and silently ordered for his crew to do the same.
“Be careful, Jin. You know what awaits you if you're not.”
Aryia squeezed his hand one last time before letting go, leaving them to exit the house on their own.
Jimin was immediately at the captain’s side.
“Sir, what is going on?”
Stepping out the door, Seokjin stopped and gave them all a look.
“A war is coming and we all need to prepare for it.”
“Captain?”
“There’s no time for explanations. Jungkook, i’m sure you can get the crew ready? We’re heading to the Isle with No Name, count down our days there.”
There was no room left for argument as the captain walked past them and back towards the ship. Yoongi pulled the two younger men, who were standing rooted in their spots, with him before they could get left behind.
“Come on boys, gotta get the rest of the crew together. Captain’s orders.”
Jimin and Jungkook shared one last look, then nodded and got into motion. What was one more challenge in their way.
🏴☠️ 🏴☠️ 🏴☠️
The sky was filled with dark clouds and the wind was breezing over the mountains at a relentless pace. Seokjin stood at the ledge of the stone platform, looking out over the valley and the vast ocean. His face was grim, everything about him saying he was prepared for something that was awaiting them ahead. Jungkook had been working under direct orders from the captain to intensify the training of the crew while they were hiding out on this remote island made up of mostly mountains. He knew that Jin was worried, but didn’t want to show it in front of the others. During talks with Jimin he learned that the oldest man had been more strained than usual, a sharp edge to everything he said and danger reflecting in his eyes. Their captain was a force to be reckoned with and Jungkook almost felt bad that Jimin was the one who had to be in the presence of an angry and uneasy Seokjin the most out of all of them.
Looking at the man now, Jungkook knew he was simply concerned for the wellbeing of his crew. Their enemy was strong, stronger than they might anticipate and they had just gotten through a hard patch. The captain remained secretive about something, so much was clear. Not even Yoongi had been enlightened and that was surprising. But Jungkook trusted Seokjin, he trusted the crew and he knew that if there was to be vital information, they would be told.
With newfound determination, Jungkook averted his eyes from the captain and regarded the men he let train unattended for a bit. They were doing good progress, none of them sticking out as particularly weak or unable to defend themselves. Even Namjoon, who usually rather stuck to healing people than hurting them, was a strong fighter and ruthless, if he needed to be. There was nothing more Jungkook could teach them, this was it. When the fight came, that would be the moment of truth.
“Alright, take a break!” Jungkook shouted out the order.
He watched Jimin drop his sword and jog over to him.
“You did well, training us. Whatever happens, it’s not on you.”
Jungkook was surprised that the older had figured him out this fast and by the hand that came down on his shoulder, it had to be evident on his face.
“I know you, always trying to take responsibility for everything. You don’t have to do that, you know?”
Jimin’s voice was close to his ear. He swallowed.
“I know.”
Before either of them could continue, they felt a presence behind them. Turning around, it was their captain approaching them.
“Captain!”
Seokjin held his hands up, silently telling Jungkook to leave the formalities.
“This fight.. It’s going to be a tough one. Are you ready for that?”
The two younger ones nodded.
“You know you mean a lot to me. All of you, the crew, but especially you two. Do me a favor and be careful.”
He turned to Jungkook.
“That includes no random acts of heroism from you.”
“But-”, Jungkook was about to retort, but a gentle hand on his arm stopped him short. Looking up, both Jimin and Seokjin were regarding him with an expression that could only be described as fond but warning. And concerned.
“We need you. During the fight, but after it as well.”
Their captain nodded in agreement.
“Fine.. But Seokjin, Jimin. Don’t do anything stupid without me.”
This made Seokjin chuckle and Jimin roll his eyes. Jungkook felt satisfied with getting these reactions out of the other men.
Seokjin pulled them close, almost a hug, before letting go and stepping back. The sky had darkened even further during their talk and the waves could be seen even from their distance. “It’s time”, Jimin murmured.
“So this is it?”
“This is it.” Seokjin confirmed.
🏴☠️ 🏴☠️ 🏴☠️
Jungkook tried to keep his eyes on the crew, not wanting there to be any casualties under his watch. But the enemy was strong, his sword clashing with metals every second. There was a nasty gash lining his cheek down to his chin and he couldn't afford even one moment of distraction.
He just pulled his sword from another body when he could hear someone scream the captain's name. Immediately, his eyes scanned across the ship and sure enough, he found Seokjin fighting off three men at once. It was like time slowed down as he watched one man stumble and another charge forward, the enemy's blade not missing Jin’s body this time.
With one last blast of energy, Seokjin defeated the two men that were still trying to get to him and then the captain staggered once, twice, and fell to the ground.
Jungkook’s body was moving on autopilot, pushing his way through fighting pirates to get to Seokjin. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Jimin do the same. It was as if all air had been sucked out of his lungs. He couldn’t believe what was happening right in front of his eyes. Their strong and invincible captain has fallen.
With a loud thump he dropped to his knees and slid across the floor, coming to a stop next to the heaving body. Jimin joined him only seconds later and together they tore open Seokjin’s shirt, revealing the wound caused by the enemy’s sword. It was bleeding heavily, so Jungkook ripped off the bottom half of his own shirt, wrapping it around the captain’s torso and trying to compress the injury.
His hands were shaking heavily though, Jimin pushing them away and replacing them with his own. Seokjin was groaning in pain, gasping for breaths in between. To Jungkook’s horror, the older man was struggling to keep his eyes open and it would be only a matter of minutes before it was too late.
He cradled Seokjin’s soft cheek in one hand, his other clinging onto Jimin’s that was placed on the captain's chest.
“Seokjin, please, we’ll get you safe!”
He was begging for nothing, he knew that.
Jimin rapidly nodded his head, grabbing Seokjin’s arm as if to keep him in the present with them.
“Yes! You’ll be okay! Just hold on a little longer!”
The desperation in both their voices was obvious, but Seokjin only gave them a weak smile.
“You’re strong. You’ll win. Promise me?”
Tears were streaming down Jungkook’s face, shaking his head. Jimin hesitated before, “yes. Yes, i promise.”
The captain turned to the youngest.
“Jungkookie? Please?”
And Jungkook nodded, had to agree, now full on sobbing.
“Yes, yes.”
Seokjin smiled at them one last time and then a long exhale left his lips. Jungkook distantly heard Jimin shouting for Namjoon, the shorter man already back on his feet and charging at anyone standing in his way. Rough hands grabbed Jungkook, pulling him away from the captain’s body, Namjoon taking his place. He wanted to protest, but his body wasn’t listening to him, his limbs no longer under his control.
Suddenly someone pushed him from behind and he almost fell down the narrow flight of stairs leading down from the helm. This interruption seemed to bring Jungkook back to his senses, the noise of clashing swords and men shouting filtering through the haze he had found himself in. His eyes narrowed and he remembered Seokjin’s words. “You’ll win.”
Energy flooded his veins and with a scream ripped straight from his soul he sprung up, sword ready. Nobody was going to take Seokjin away from them and get away with it.
🏴☠️ 🏴☠️ 🏴☠️
Jungkook hadn’t slept in days. His limbs felt heavy and every tiny movement hurt. He closed his eyes and tried to focus on the sensation of Jimin’s hand carding through his hair. The two of them haven’t left Seokjin’s side ever since the battle had ended.
The captain had been brought to his cabin by Namjoon and Taehyung after he had fallen - or so it had seemed. To everyone’s surprise, he was still breathing - although shallowly, his heart still beating. Nobody could explain why, Namjoon had declared it was an injury no normal human could withstand. But their captain had always been strong, at least that’s what Jungkook had told himself.
“He will wake up, you know?”
Jimin’s voice was rough but quiet.
“Mhmm.”
The shorter man softly nudged him.
“Wanna get some sleep? You’re tired.”
Jungkook yawned, but moved from his comfortable spot that was Jimin’s stomach. Stretching his arms and wincing at the sharp pain traveling through them, he shook his head.
“No way. Gotta keep an eye out for the captain.”
He was met with a raised eyebrow.
“And how are you going to do that if your eyes keep falling shut?”
The younger man huffed and was about to retort when a strained voice caught them both off guard.
“I leave you unattended for one time and you’re already fighting?”
Jimin and Jungkook whipped around, gawking at the man who was now trying to sit up in the bed. The cough that suddenly shook the injured man tore them out of their haze and Jungkook immediately jumped up to softly push Seokjin back down, insistently shaking his head.
“Hey, hey, don’t strain yourself!!”
Seokjin barked out a laugh that quickly divulged into another coughing fit.
“I thought i was giving the orders around here.”
Jungkook exchanged a glance with Jimin.
“We thought you were gone.”
The pain was evident in Jimin’s voice.
“Yea well, i’m still here. Bummer for whoever wanted to try out as captain.”
Jungkook sighed.
“This isn’t funny, Seokjin. I thought- we thought we lost you. For good. It was horrible.”
Seokjin’s face softened and reached both his hands out for the younger men to take.
“I’m sorry. I’m here now and i’m okay. For the most part.”
“We missed you”, Jimin chuckled sadly.
The three men sat in silence for a while, just basking in each others company after the horrors of the past few days. Eventually, Jungkook had to ask the question that had been plaguing his mind ever since he found out Seokjin was alive.
“How did you survive?”
Jimin tensed up next to him, shooting him a warning glare, but the younger one just shrugged. He needed to know.
“I don’t know. If i did, i would’ve told you, but i was hoping you’d have the answer to that.”
Jungkook raised an eyebrow, staring intently at Seokjin. The captain just blinked at him, seemingly not lying about his amount of knowledge on this matter. While they were having their little staring contest, Jimin stood up and brushed imaginary dust off his pants.
“Well then, i’ll let Namjoon know you’re awake. Jungkookie, you should come and eat something at least. We can come back later.”
Before Jimin could step away, Seokjin tugged on his sleeve and the shorter man stumbled, catching himself before he fell face first into Jin’s chest.
Seokjin used this opportunity to plant a quick kiss on Jimin’s cheek, the man immediately blushing and staggering away, falling over his words.
“Uhm, yes, i’ll be back! Jungkook?”
Jungkook grumbled out a “Coming!”, but the other man was already out the door before he could hear it.
“Now JK, don’t look so glum.”
Seokjin was grinning smugly. The younger of the two huffed, making to get up and leave as well, but Seokjin’s hand wasn’t letting go of his.
“What, you don’t want to give your wounded captain a kiss?”
His eyes widened.
“I- uhm. Sure?”
He could punch himself for sounding so flustered. It wasn’t bothering Seokjin though, who was already pushing himself up a little to close the distance between them. Jungkook didn’t hesitate any longer and pressed a lingering kiss to Seokjin’s forehead, a new and stronger feeling spreading through his chest.
As he pulled back, the captain was looking at him with a loving smile and mischief in his eyes. Eyes that he could’ve sworn had flashed red for just a second.
“Go on then, love. I’ll be waiting for you two, right here.”
A soft push to his chest got him upright and he nodded, hurrying after Jimin.
Letting the door fall closed behind him, he was certain.
There was a reason Kim Seokjin was still alive.
And Jungkook was going to find out why.
🏴☠️