Chapter 11: Linking

                                    

                                          

The crew of the rocking ship had gathered inside the spacious Captain's quarters, creating a protective circle around the Siren who lay in their midst. The creature's modesty was now preserved by a piece of cloth that draped over its body. Yeosang, dressed in San's old clothes and sporting a shell necklace that belonged to Siyeon, stood amongst them. The necklace helped regulate his body temperature, which was particularly sensitive to changes in the environment. Unlike Seonghwa, who was impervious to such fluctuations, Yeosang was vulnerable to sudden shifts in temperature. The cold air that felt warm to others was harsh and uncomfortable for him, while warmth was a prelude to fever and illness.
Despite the initial unsteadiness, Yeosang found his sea legs quickly and adapted to the ship's rocking motion with ease. He moved across the deck with the confidence of a seasoned sailor, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The fish that swam around the vessel seemed to sense his presence and glided gracefully along the ship's shaky surface, almost outdoing Hongjoong in their nimbleness. The atmosphere was tense, but the crew remained resolute, knowing that their mission to transport the Siren to safety was of paramount importance.
Hongjoong was seated at his desk, the cold Elf Seonghwa standing beside him, his hands calmly resting on the smooth surface. The rest of his crew stood nearby, their hands at the ready, fingers brushing against their weapons in case of danger. Jongho stood protectively beside his precious fish of a cargo, guarding it from any potential threat that could arise from the crew.
Hongjoong's eyes blazed with an intense anger that seemed to consume him, yet his face remained eerily calm as if he were wearing a mask. He let out a deep sigh, and a chilling grin slowly spread across his face, causing the crew to shudder with fear. They knew all too well what that expression meant - the danger was imminent.
"Captain," Jongho's voice was warning. "I suggest ye wipe that grin off ye face. I made me-self clear on Yeosang." 
Hongjoong's grin disappeared. 
"Ahem," Yunho spoke up, standing tall as he walked toward Hongjoong and Seonghwa. "I don' really know what be goin' on...but, if the Siren knows something, we don...I think that be a good reason to keep 'em."
"Aye," San agreed, taking his hand on his pistol and raising his hand. "We really be needin' the Eclipse's power...we have to save 'em, Cap." 
Hongjoong stayed silent as more people agreed, leaving Mingi neutral on the situation. The Captain leaned forward, leaning his elbows on the desk and resting his chin on the hammock he made with his hands.  
"I get that, I do," Hongjoong shrugged, looking at the fish. "But what I don' get is why he be choosin' to help...Jongho. He must know why we need 'em, but chooses to stay? I don' get it." 
The Siren opened his mouth as he would speak but snapped it shut and motioned for Jongho to lace his ear to his mouth. The boatswain nodded, listening closely to the fish before looking directly at Hongjoong. 
"He says even if it nearly impossible for him to shed a tear for it be forbidden in their Kingdom, for their race, he wishes to help me help ye."
"The fuck does that even mean?" 
Sighing, Yeosang raised his hands gracefully, moving them in motions that Hongjoong did not know.  The Captain stayed quiet, letting the fish do what he wished. Once done, Seonghwa took a deep breath and looked at Hongjoong.