Fights

"Sacrifice is the art of giving up something good for something even better." Unknown

When the Burning Flame's flag appeared closer, showing the ferocity of the black dragon surrounded by a fiery flame of bright orange and red colors, the pirates of the Three Lions began to feel the excitement reigning along their bodies.

"M'ready." Jimin heard the captain mumble.

He watched him looking at the rival ship coming, he was waiting for his enemies with such impatience, but something was missing...the confidence.

No matter how fierce and strong he looks in the exterior, the Prince could feel how tense he was. Suho was afraid to face the Flamian pirates, but he wanted to show his crew that they had no reason to fear them. This is the role of a captain or a leader, he should always be an example to the ones following him in order not to feel discouraged.

Jimin always admired fearless people, but he had a stronger admiration for the ones who do not give up a battle.

"Brother." Taehyung came closer and whispered, "I doubt we can win this."

They lifted their heads to see one of the most beautiful ships standing majestically before their eyes. The wood was painted with the same colors as its flag; black, orange and red. The symbolic colors of the Kingdom of Flames.

The vessel was slightly bigger than the Three Lions, which meant it outnumbered it in terms of people. They could hardly win with the fifty men they had and the few weapons left aboard.

"Let's just believe that we can." the older prince said. "Do not be scared of them, we have been trained for years for this kind of situation brother, it is maybe time for us to show our skills."

The blond-haired simply nodded and watched the Flamian crew looking at them with thirst of blood in their eyes.

In a blink of an eye, ropes were thrown and a dozen pirates jumped on their territory, roaring like tigers who found their prey, sneering like excited hyenas.

Jimin was quick to draw his sword and attack the first males who faced him. He was used to fighting because he would train almost everyday with Kai, the most skillful knight in the castle. He taught him how not to let anyone the chance to touch him with his weapon and how to attack in their weakest spots.

The Eagle did not move from beside him. Fighting was like a game to him, so he needn't look at his enemies, he simply used his dagger to pierce their hearts and push away others with his silver swords. His eyes were on the two princes who were doing better than he thought.

He didn't know who to protect, so he decided to keep an eye on both.

The beautiful melody of the waves crushing against the ship was interrupted by the slamming of swords and howling pirates.

The princes did not have time to be horrified by the number of dead who were on the ground, they who have always lived in calm and luxury, because their lives were at stake.

Taehyung ran between the men to climb the stairs which led to the quarterdeck to better target his opponents and shoot the arrows. His older brother always told him he had feline eyes because of his incredible eyesight that makes him never miss his target.

The pirates of the Three Lions were leading the fight, they managed to put down a dozen of men and were ready to end the battle with pride until their hopes were evaporated by a certain man; the Flamian quartermaster.

"Y'all miss me?" his smirk succeeded to make his rivals shake with fear and draw their swords toward him.

"Oh, please." he rolled his eyes. "I deserve a better welcome."

Taehyung put down his bow and watched the young pirate jump in the middle of the ship. He wore a red leather vest over a black shirt open to his chest, showing his silver chain. He framed it all with a long black leather jacket and boots reaching his knees.

He was surprised by how his presence changed the atmosphere in such a short time. He needn't draw his sword and put out his daggers to scare them, him standing in front of the men was enough threat to them.

Suddenly, he saw a blond-haired walking angrily between the crown and jumped on the young quartermaster. He grabbed him by the collar and pushed him against the wood, "Ye aren't welcome here." Wonho told him. "Last time was pure luck, now ye will die!"

The crewmen finally unfrozen their jaws and opened their mouths to cheer.

Jungkook stared directly at Wonho's eyes and burst out laughing. "Isn't it the joke of the year?" he said, causing his men to laugh. "Dearest mate, I am sorry to disappoint you but I am immortal." he smirked. "I give no chances to anyone to kill me." he added, before pushing the blond pirate strong enough to make him fall on the ground. He drew his sword and was about to stab him when the crewmen stepped ahead to protect their quartermaster.

"Playing the saviors, I see." Jungkook smirked. "I'd like to join your game." he wasted no time to cut their heads because he could not bare seeing their pitiful stares.

Taehyung frowned and clenched his fists. He could not believe how can someone be so cruel and merciless. His heart ached by seeing the men who were just drinking and laughing the night before fall and be stepped on like animals.

"I will make you regret your filthy actions." he mumbled between his teeth before choosing his best arrow and pointing it toward the pirate.

"Now it's your turn." Jungkook stood before Wonho and placed his boot on his stomach.

"S-stop." the Crystalian quartermaster felt his stomach hurt every time the young pirate stepped harder on it.

The young prince could not wait anymore, he pulled the thread of his bow and mumbled a small "Asshole" before he finally shot the arrow.

It flew as fast as an eagle, in a very short time, it succeeded to pierce its target's leg.

"Aghh!" Jungkook dropped his sword and let out a loud scream. He took a look at his leg and hurried to look up and find the young prince staring at him with a frown on his face. "YOU BASTARD!" he groaned and cut the arrow in half.

Jimin looked at his brother with wide eyes. He never expected the man who was usually quiet and peaceful to be brave and fearless. He turned to look at Yoongi and both shared a small smile.

The young quartermaster took back his sword and was ready to fight back when a voice interrupted him.

"Dearest Suho!" a man caught everyone's attention. His long hair was as dark as the night and the large hat resting on his head highlighted his charisma and his leadership. It was obvious that he was the captain of the Burning Flames judging from the luxurious leather jacket and leather boots he was wearing along with the daggers and pistols he hide in them.

He spoke with a slow and elegant voice that can make you doubt his merciless actions. He wore a patch over one eye and limped when he walked but they were no reasons for him not to be brave.

"Captain Jinyoung." Suho gritted his teeth. "How good to see ya."

"Oh, I am deeply sorry." Jinyoung put his hand on his chest, "We never mean' to kill so many lads...I mean, the only lads ye had." he chuckled.

Suho could not say anything, his anger was devouring him little by little.

"Jungkook, I thought I warned ye to go easy on them." Jinyoung slapped the quartermaster's head with a smirk.

"You son of a-" one of Suho's men ran to attack the captain of the Burning Flame. The latter simply let out a small laugh and took out his sword discreetly to put the man down.

His smile did not leave his face. He took a handkerchief from his jacket's pocket to wipe the blood on his sword.

"Well mate, it seems like ye lost this battle." Jinyoung said. "How sad."

"We haven't lost!" Hoseok drew his sword and approached him.

"Hoseok no!" Suho widened his eyes. He tried to grab his arm but the sailing master was quick to reach the other captain. He almost touched him when suddenly he threw his sword into the other side of the ship thanks to his own, which he still held in his hand.

Hoseok gulped when he felt him grabbing his neck and pointed the sharp weapon against the skin of his cheek.

"Let him go." he heard Suho say.

He smirked and wondered why the captain of the Three Lions was so scared about losing his sailing master and as he approached his face to his, he started to understand. The young pirate's brown eyes were shining brightly under the sunlight, the same sun drawn on his naked chest.

There was a deep silence, everyone was catching his breath, waiting for the captain to decide when to kill the man who just wanted to end his life.

Unexpectedly, Jinyoung dropped his sword to the ground and caressed the sailer's cheek with the back of his gloved hand, "Hoseok is yer name?" he asked with a quiet voice.

Hoseok simply nodded.

The captain smiled and let him go.

Suho did not waste a time to grab his man's arm and keep him by his side.

Jungkook groaned with pain, catching his captain's attention.

"Isn't it an arrow?" Jinyoung furrowed and looked around him to find who was its owner.

He laughed when he spotted Taehyung. "I've been a pirate for so many years and I've never met one who's an archer."

"I am not a pirate." the prince said.

"Ah." Jungkook chuckled. "This is interesting."

"Marvelous." Jinyoung whispered.

"What do ye want know?" Suho sighed. "Silver? Gold?"

"I have it all mate, I have it all." Jinyoung smiled. "The pleasure of the fight is enough." he added. "My lads were gettin' bored, they haven't fought in days, I couldn't deprive them from it."

"Ye don't want to kill me?" Suho asked.

"Ye?" the Flamian captain chuckled. "Ye have always been weak mate, always. The only man that matters to me is the one who cut my hand. One day, I'll find him and cut his throat." he mumbled while clinching his fists.

"No actually captain, there is something we need." Jungkook interrupted them.

"And what is it?" Jinyoung raised an eyebrow.

The quartermaster raised his head and looked at Taehyung, "An archer." he smirked.

Jinyoung smiled and looked at Suho who hesitated for a moment before saying, "Take him."

"What do you mean take him?!" Jimin widened his eyes. "No one is touching my brother!"

"How sweet." Jinyoung shook his head, "But my lad wants him."

"No!" the prince shouted. He faced Jungkook and drew his sword, "Take me instead."

Yoongi widened his eyes and hurried to grab his arm, "Jimin." he whispered. "Don't."

"I think you misunderstood me." Jungkook frowned. He walked despite his injured leg and approached the prince. "I never said I needed a man." he mumbled before climbing the stairs and grabbing Taehyung's arm by force, "I need him."

Jimin looked at his brother and shook his head, "Don't." he whispered.

Jungkook lifted the archer's chin and said, "If you refuse me, be aware that I'll kill all the men left on this ship."

"This isn't gonna happen!" Suho shouted.

"Then I'll take the man!" the quartermaster said.

"Taehyung, don't." Jimin looked at his brother with teary eyes. "We cannot be separated!"

"I know, but I cannot let anyone kill you." the young prince said. "I promised I would protect you."

"You don't have to." the silver-haired sighed. "Please."

The young prince smiled sadly and walked closer to his brother to take his hand. "We will find each other. Remember when we used to play in the forest? I would hide from you and you would spend hours looking for me until you find me."

"This is not a game Taehyung!"

"I know, but we will find each other." the younger repeated with a confident tone.

"It's time to leave." Jungkook pulled his arm and pushed him in direction of the Burning Flame.

"Do not hurt my brother!" Jimin shouted.

He saw Jungkook stopping, his fists clenched. He turned to him and gave him the scariest stare, making him gulp.

"I had enough of you and your brother." he walked back and was ready to stab Jimin when Yoongi stepped quickly and pushed him away from the prince.

Taehyung covered his mouth. His heart burst inside his chest because he thought he was going to lose his older brother. "Thank you lord." he sighed from relief. "Thank you."

"Jungkook! We're going." Jinyoung told the young pirate.

Taehyung smiled to his brother for the last time before turning away.

Jungkook faced him and held the rope that one of the sailors launched him. He surprised him by putting his arm around his waist before he lifted him and swung to the other ship.

Jimin watched his brother leaving away from him with tears in his eyes. "I am so sorry Taehyung."

Yoongi looked at him with sad eyes. He knew what it felt like to have someone you love be taken away from you. He remembered when his little sister has been kidnapped from their cabin to be one of the concubines of a noble man. No matter how much he tried to fight for her, he would always lose or get hurt badly by his guards. He did everything he could to get her back home until one day when he heard she was dead.

He pressed his lips together in order not to cry. He didn't like remembering that part of his life because it would only tear his heart apart.

He sighed and walked closer to the prince. He hesitated for a moment before placing his arm around his shoulders, "I am sorry I could not protect him." he whispered.

Jimin didn't say anything. He wiped his tears with his fingers and rested his head on the masked man's shoulder.

"You saved me." he whispered after a long silence.

Yoongi looked at him and smiled. His eyes were covered with his soft silver hair and his hands were all covered with blood and scratches.

He cleared his throat and mumbled, "Anything for the gold."

The prince chuckled weakly and lifted his head. He avoided his stare and kept looking around him. He was disappointed because people would always help him because they want something from him.

Still, he could not be sad because he made an agreement with the Eagle, he knew he was accompanying him just for the prize he promised him.

"Why did ye do it?!" Suho's shout interrupted his thoughts.

The captain was facing the sailing master, looking at him with angry eyes.

"I hate his arrogant ass!" Hoseok said. "I should have killed him!"

"What was that earlier huh?" the captain clenched his fist. "Ye kept looking at him like a dog! Is that how pirates act? Ye were scared! Pirates aren't scared of death!"

"Ye!" the sailing master pointed at him with fire burning in his eyes. "Ye made me a pirate! I was never one at start...Ye did this to me!"

Wonho placed his arm around his shoulders, "Calm down mate, calm down." he whispered.

"I saved yer ass! Is that how ye thank me?!" the captain shouted. "I could have let ye rot in that bloody house but I didn't!"

Hoseok gave him a death glare and threw the bottle he was holding.

There were a lot of things going on between the two and Jimin was curious to know about them.

?

Later in the day, the captain ordered to stop at a village. He was not in the mood to sail.

"I'll stay here." one of the sailors told them.

Suho just nodded and left the ship. The only thing who could comfort him at that moment was alcohol, this is why he searched for the nearest tavern to the harbor.

The rest of the men followed him silently, each of them having his own thoughts.

"Hello sweetheart." a young woman welcomed the captain at the door. She looked at him with seducing eyes and caressed his arm gently.

He frowned and pushed her away from him, "Fuck off." he mumbled before entering.

The other pirates' case was different. They were happy to see so many women inside the tavern, they knew they would help them forget their horrible day so easily.

"Welcome back captain." a woman grabbed one of the sailors' hand and pulled him closer to her.

"Ho! The captain wouldn't like hearin' this." he laughed and followed her to her room.

All the men seemed to enjoy the presence of women and alcohol around them. It was too simple and easy for them to forget.

It was not Jimin's case unfortunately.

He rested his back against the wall and closed his eyes to listen to the music played inside. The image of his younger brother's smile could not leave his mind. He was scared not to find him again, he was also disappointed by himself for not being able to protect him. He asked himself how he would protect an entire kingdom if he could not even fight for his brother.

After what happened, he regretted leaving their castle and going on an adventure knowing its dangerous consequences.

"Good evening handsome." a woman's voice made him jump with surprise. He opened his eyes to find a pretty young girl with a long braided black hair looking at him. She bit her lower lip and rested her hand on her arm, "Rough day?" she asked with a melodious tone. "I can make you forget." her hand traveled from his arm to his torso then to his lower abdomen.

"Stop it." he mumbled coldly.

"Don't be shy." she giggled. "I can do anything for you tonight, just ask."

"Young lady." he gently pushed her and looked at her eyes. "You are still young, it is dangerous for you to be here."

"Oh." she smiled and covered her lips, "We have a gentleman here."

"A gentleman?" two of her friends joined. "What's your name captain?" they started touching his hair and his neck, making him uncomfortable. He wanted to push them but he was taught to never harm women.

"Ladies." Yoongi put his arms around their shoulders and smiled to them behind his mask. "This gentleman doesn't like to be disturbed. Would you be lovely to stay away from him?"

The three woman nodded with a smile, "How about you? I'm sure you'd like one of us?"

"Or the three of us."

The Eagle chuckled, "I am sorry to disappoint you ladies, but I am in no mood for this. Would you please leave us? I am sure our friends would love you." he said, pointing to the pirates.

After the women left, Yoongi faced the prince and chuckled. "You are too kind."

"I could never hurt any woman."

"I know." Yoongi nodded. "I would never either."

He saw how tired and depressed he looked. He pressed his lips and told him, "Wait for me here."

A few minutes after, he came back with two glasses. "Here."

"What is it?" Jimin asked after taking the glass.

"Rum, it might help you."

The silver-haired nodded and took a sip of the alcoholic beverage. "Agh!" he coughed and frowned. "What is this?!"

Yoongi burst out laughing, "Too strong for his highness?"

"It is!" Jimin said. "But I guess this is exactly what I need tonight."

"Better than women?" the masked man smirked.

The prince shrugged and avoided his stare.

After a few moments, Jimin was already drinking his third glass and started to get really drunk.

Yoongi watched him with amusement as he danced to the tavern music while drinking the rum he was disgusted by earlier.

The prince closed his eyes and kept moving along with the rhythm.

The Eagle hurried to catch him when he nearly stumbled. "Seems like you are already drunk." he chuckled and helped him walk until they arrived to an empty corner.

"Here, drink some water."

Jimin drank with his eyes still closed.

Yoongi laughed and poured some water on his hands to clean Jimin's face. "I wouldn't want you to collapse here." he said.

The prince opened his eyes and smiled. "You are a kind Eagle." he said, making Yoongi laugh harder because of his red cheeks.

"I know I am."

Jimin kept giggling for no reason as he stared at him. He approached him and tried to take off his mask.

"No, no!" Yoongi hurried to put it back on. "Don't touch it."

"Why not?" Jimin whined.

"Because." the young man shrugged. He stared at the prince and realized he was looking at him with a sad pout on his face. He could not help laughing again because he looked very different from the serious and charismatic man he usually is.

"Let me take it off." he said.

"Why do you want to take it off so badly?" Yoongi asked.

"I just want to see you."

"Why?" the masked man raised an eyebrow.

"I want to see how ugly you are." Jimin hiccuped and giggled again.

Yoongi chuckled and rolled his eyes, "I told you before. If you see me you will fall for me."

Jimin kept staring at him for a long moment. He had enough of all the the things covering his face and his body. He approached him until he could feel his warm breath against his left ear and whispered, "Try me."

Yoongi gulped. He felt his cheeks warm up and his heart beating faster. He could not believe that two small and simple words succeeded to get him flustered, "Y-you are drunk." he quickly looked away.

Jimin just laughed and returned to the crown to keep on dancing.

The Eagle sat on a table and watched him from afar. He rested his chin on his hand and smiled every time the prince would make a funny move or bumped onto someone.

He shook his head and let out a heavy sigh, "What did I get myself into?"