Chapter Text
Today was the day. The generational tradition that instilled dread in Seonghwa since he was little. Not because he believed he would be picked, but because any of his father's children would see their end today, including him, yet he didn’t want to see any of them go. He was the crown prince, the eldest of his brothers and sisters. He was loved by his people, kind, brave, and unapologetic in his pursuit of justice. He talked and walked with commoners frequently, always trying to note their complaints to bring up to the King, his father.
He would sacrifice it all if his people could live happily; that was the one thing he had promised himself when he learned of this tradition. The gods demanded this tradition; his ancestors had angered them, and in return, they demanded a child from each new king who was crowned. His ancestors initially refused, unwilling to sacrifice their flesh and blood.
Then came the storms, killing their crops and flooding their streets. Ships could not dock at the harbor, and they could not trade for goods, food, and supplies. Their people were suffering from famine, their homes crowded with the mixing of families as homes disappeared under water, the storms never stopped, and the waves destroyed homes.
They built the temple as quickly and efficiently as they could, at the tallest cliff on their island, so the gods could oversee and make their choice of sacrifice. After the first sacrifice was made, the storms ceased, and the tide quelled. Now, the gods had called upon his family. It was time. They dressed in simple silk, lined with gold. No more, no less. The carriages were prepared, and he stood tall, waiting for the rest of the royal family.
“Brother..” A scared, timid, deep voice from behind him. Seonghwa turned; it was the second-born son, eyebrows furrowed and eyes glazed with fear. Seonghwa smiled at Seonha, opening his arms to comfort his brother. “One of us dies today.” Seonha’s voice cracked.
“I know, do not fear, whoever it is will join the gods,” Seonghwa said simply. Of course, he was just as nervous as Seonha, but he had decided long ago that if he was chosen, he would go with grace, with good faith, and his people would be taken care of. Seonha was a good kid. He would make a fine king if Seonghwa died too soon. “It will be a brave act.”
“You’re only unworried because we all know they will not choose you, brother.” Seonhee, his sister and youngest sibling, walked forward, hands clasped behind her back. She had never been particularly fond of Seonghwa; she believed him to be too soft-hearted, that he was incapable of the cruelty required to stay in power.
“Nonsense.” Seonghwa frowned, just slightly, tone firm and demanding. “I am at the same risk as all of you.” He held his head high, hands behind his back, as he turned to the carriage again. They were to depart as soon as the king finished his speech to the townspeople in the town square. He knew Sunghee was already in the carriage, pinned down by guards. He was very opposed to this tradition and had tried running away each time he was left alone these past few days.
“It’s time, your majesties.” A castle guard had approached them, opening the carriage door. Seonghwa stepped to the side, letting his siblings enter first as usual, offering his hand to help them in. Seonha had taken it with a grateful smile, Seonhee simply swatted it away, climbing in herself. Seonghwa got in gracefully, taking his place next to Sunghee, who had long given up and stared out the carriage window.
The carriage ride had seemed too fast and too slow all at once, the townspeople wishing their luck and sorrows for the young royals. “What a tragic reason to have a parade,” Seonha murmured, staring at the temple that loomed ahead. Seonghwa hummed his response with a nod, watching the townspeople follow behind their carriage with offerings to the gods.
The carriage came to a stop, each of them holding their breath until the door opened. This would be the last time they would all be together in a room. They would never see one of them again. Seonghwa stepped out first, offering his hand to his siblings yet again. Seonha, Seonhee, Sunghee. Seonghwa took a deep breath, raising his head high and following his siblings into the temple.
It was dark; the only light coming in was from the windows in the ceiling. There were five pedestals with blue crystals stationed in a circle. Each of them stood at one, one empty for a potential fifth child. Their father and mother had to stay outside; they were condemned to find out at the same time as everyone else. The sacrifice would step out last and had to jump off the cliff into the waters below.
“I love all of you.” It was the only thing Seonghwa could muster as they closed their eyes, placing a hand on the crystal and waiting for the shock. It felt like an eternity, as if the gods could not make up their minds, or no one indicated the lightning that had shocked them. Seonghwa bit his cheek, praying for more than anything that this would get over with quickly.
His wish was granted as he yelped in shock, his eyes snapping open as he watched the smoke rise off his hand. Seonha was already by Seonghwa, holding onto his older brother's hand, grief plastered all over his face. Sunghee stepped closer slowly, staring in disbelief. Seonhee simply looked confused. “It wasn’t supposed to be you. It couldn’t possibly be you! The kingdom needs you! I- I’m not fit to be king! Seonghwa, we need you.” Seonha whimpered.
Seonghwa took a shuddering breath as he shook his head, cupping Seonha’s cheek. “I will always be with you. You are capable and worthy. If you get stuck, just ask ‘What would Seonghwa do?’ Okay?” His thumb brushed away his brother's tears.
“The gods are cruel,” Sunghee spoke for the first time today, fury behind his eyes. “You don’t deserve this.” Seonghwa pulled them both into a tight hug, trying to convey everything he couldn’t and didn’t know how to say.
“All three of you will carry legacy. Don’t grieve for me too long. Go. They’re waiting.” Seonghwa pulled away, looking at his siblings one by one. They exited the temple one by one: Seonha, Sunghee, Seonhee. Seonghwa’s heart clenched as he heard the wail of his mother, the gasps of the townspeople. His fists clenched at his sides, his mind completely blank as his legs worked on autopilot. He stopped at the entrance, raising his now burned hand as confirmation.
“I do not fear my fate.” He began, purposefully ignoring his mother's cries. “Long ago, I chose to accept this with grace. That this was for you, my people, do not grieve; instead, celebrate. Celebrate life, and live happily.” He felt completely numb, his body numb to the pain he felt, numb to the fear screaming at him to run; he moved in long strides. His silk tunic flowed behind him, his long hair coming undone in the wind.
The cliff called for him, like it had been waiting for this very moment for a long, long time. He felt light, like this was right. Like it was destiny. He stopped at the edge, turning around one last time. His mother was being held by his father, the townspeople looked lost and distraught, and his siblings looked conflicted. At least he got to say goodbye. That was his only wish as he fell, unseeing, into the water below him. Tears fell from his face, the wind blowing his hair in every direction, his limbs limp and floating.
He didn’t feel the water envelop him; it was cold and salty, burning his eyes and lungs. His body didn’t fight it; he simply stared at the shrinking light as he sank. It felt like home, like he belonged in the sea. His tears disappeared into the sea, and soon, he too was never to be seen again.
–
“Wake up, Park Seonghwa.”
“Can you hear me?”
“It’s time.”
Seonghwa had woken on a beach not too long ago, dazed and confused. He didn’t know who he was, why he was there, what he was, or how. He was lost on this foreign island, with only a small recollection of his name. Park Seonghwa. That was all he remembered. It felt familiar on his tongue, yet estranged, like that wasn’t the only thing he was called.
He walked through the town in a loose blue tunic, embroidered with gold, his head held high and sand in his hair. People glanced at him with wide eyes, or with a gleam in them if they were planning something. To them, he looked like a dead man risen from the sea to haunt them, still wet and dripping. Everyone seemed to be quiet around him; the sound of his bare feet hitting the stone beneath him was loud.
How unusual. He thinks, glancing around. I thought markets were supposed to be loud and busy. His eyes grazed over the people disappearing behind stalls, into stores, and down dark alleyways. He’s not sure what he’s looking for, or where he’s going, but his feet are carrying him to something, and the only thing he has in this moment is instinct.
He stopped before a stall, which had freshly smoked meats of all kinds: pork, beef, chicken, and fish. He almost drooled at the sight of them. He cleared his throat; it felt tight, like it hadn’t been used in a long time. “May I have some?” Seonghwa peered over the stall at the owner, who was crouching under it. The stall owner nodded hastily, motioning for him to take whatever he pleased.
He gave a satisfied hum, looking through his choices. He picked out a large drumstick, whisking away to the other stalls. He pouted as he took a bite of the food. He felt like something was missing, like he was supposed to do more than just take the chicken leg. The stall owner didn’t call after him, so he shrugged it off and moved on, strolling casually past the different stalls in the market.
He reached the jewelry stalls, stopping dead in his tracks. Is jewelry supposed to gleam this bright? Is he supposed to want to steal these priceless gems? Is he allowed to take them just like the chicken? He finished the stolen food quicker than he knew was possible, throwing the bone on the ground. He lurked forward like a snake, reaching out for a deep red ruby. He needed it. That wasn’t up for debate.
“Don’t you even try it.” A man hissed from the alley, stepping out with something sharp in his hands. Something in Seonghwa switched; he felt his face churn into a scowl, flexing his hands out like claws beside himself. Something in the man's gaze flickered; he was scared. Like a predator in the jungle, Seonghwa lunged with a hiss, claws sinking into the man's abdomen and throat.
The man tried to shout in pain, to swing the object towards Seonghwa, but all he did was gargle until he collapsed on the ground. Seonghwa slid his hands from the man, curiously bringing his hands up to his mouth to lick the blood off them. He hissed in disgust; it was much too bitter. He stood, taking the ruby and a few other jewels from the table.
He was about to raid another table, but he was alerted by metal clanking against the ground and loud shouting voices. Instinct told him to run, so he ran. There was a pocket in his tunic; he shoved the jewels into it and ran for the beach. He’ll be safe in the water; water is his friend.
The metal sounds followed him to the sand; he never glanced back once before diving in. Some of them followed in, but not for long, as they lost sight of him. He swam deeper and farther, not stopping until there was a new island ahead of him.
–
There had been rumors of a violent siren appearing on the Solcar islands, stealing food and jewelry, but never eating humans like the traditional siren, only killing them. Hongjoong was starting to believe in that crazy witch.
3 months ago, Hongjoong had been pulled into an alley by an old, crazy wench. She told him, “When the Sea God who does not eat emerges, find him.” Before Hongjoong could even question her, she had disappeared and left a vibrant blue conch shell necklace in his palm.
Walking through the market with eyes on his crew, spread out and searching for the fabled Siren, he thumbed over the necklace. He always kept it close to him. They had been on his trail for months, and Yeosang had finally figured out its pattern. He’ll shore up to this island sooner or later.
Hongjoong needed a siren to complete his quest. Only they had access to the jade star, and the jade star would be the most valuable piece of treasure Hongjoong had ever gotten his hands on. He wanted to conquer the sea to get revenge on the corrupted crown; he just loved the thrill of stealing something and making it his own. That is exactly what his crew has been doing. For years now, they have been on the quest to gather the Jade Star, the Book of Whispers, and the Shattered Compass.
They’d been here a few hours already, but there were no signs of the siren appearing. He whistled sharply before turning, his long coat flowing behind him as he strode back to their brig. Mothers had ushered their children closer to them at the sight of him. Stallholders stood closer to their goods. Hongjoong smirked, relishing in the fear that being a pirate granted. His steps slowed as he saw his crew's wanted posters.
He wanted to know the names the Navy called them. He brushed over it; it was mainly their own names, but his, his, made him grin like a madman. “The Ravaging Captain.” He was about to walk away when a crimson jewel on pale skin caught his attention. The stallholder didn’t seem the least bit bothered with him, continuing with his business like Hongjoong didn’t exist.
Hongjoong didn’t like that. He didn’t like that such a pretty thing would ignore him. He reached over and swiped a silver necklace from the stall, turning away. “Where do you think you’re going with my goods, ravager?” The stallholders' deep voice rang out; it held a regal air. Wasn’t this guy just a peasant? This piqued Hongjoong’s interest.
“By the look of that necklace you’re wearing and the one in my hand, these never belonged to you.” Hongjoong turned around, smirking at the man. He was taller than Hongjoong, with a straight posture, slick black hair, and a pointed nose. He almost looked like a painting. He wore a clean white blouse, frilled at the sleeves, and simple pants. He would look great in a corset.
The man scoffed, but smiled. “I trade for my wears, and I would like something in return if you’re going to take that.” He seemed calm, completely calm. He wasn’t afraid; something about it nagged at Hongjoong. Something felt off. Hongjoong stalked over, leaning towards the crimson jewel.
“I heard a rumor of a Siren appearing around here, wearing a stolen crimson ruby.” Hongjoong stared up at the man, who towered over him calmly, hands behind his back. Hongjoong leaned back, shoving a hand into his pocket. The shell necklace was missing. Hongjoong felt his jaw tense.
“It’s fortunate that this is a family heirloom, then.” The man raised his hand, the deep blue shell hanging out of his hand by the leather thread, “A necklace for a necklace. Fair, no?” He paused to grin at Hongjoong, “Unless this is as important as your body suggests it is, ravager.”
Hongjoong slid the metal necklace back to the stallholder, “Give that back before we get bloody.” Hongjoong held his hand out, expecting the necklace to be handed to him. The stallholder only shook his head and thumbed over the necklace; his nails seemed strangely long. He was inspecting it.
“Is this for your Siren?” The stallholder didn’t bother looking back up at Hongjoong. “You seriously expect to trap a god of the sea?” He laughed, pocketing the necklace. He disappeared down the alley, swiping his jewels with him. Hongjoong snarled, leaping over the table and pocketing some of the jewelry for himself. His main goal, however, was getting back what was his.