Super Junior: Parchment and Blood (1/?)
Parchment and Blood
Super Junior (and SJ-M): AU (pirates (!!!))
Zhou Mi/Kyuhyun (more later), PG, adventure
Summary: An upstanding junior officer in the Royal Navy with a bright future ahead of him, Cho Kyuhyun's world was upturned and thrown into disarray when he wakes to find his town burning and a pirate ship on the horizon.
Chapters: Prologue. o1. o2.
Chapter One
Kyuhyun jerked awake, his eyes snapping open. The night was still and the air cool around him and his medallion cold on his chest; why had he woken? He frowned and sat up.
He heard doors slam shut in the hallway, feet moving in heavy haste, panicked voices, hushed and urgent. “What the hell is going on?” Kyuhyun asked aloud, reaching to grab a robe. His house was never a place of such disorder.
His door swung open and Ryeowook darted in, hand trembling as he held a candle aloft, illuminating his wide, frightened eyes. “Kyu!” Kyuhyun frowned. Ryeowook never called him so casually despite their long friendship; something must be very wrong for him to drop formality like that. And then-
The deep, distant rumble and a loud crashing sound shook Kyuhyun's bedroom. Kyuhyun stared at Ryeowook, who had let out a terrified cry before dropping to the ground. Kyuhyun swiftly rolled out of bed and strode to his window, taking handfuls of the heavy cloth to yank open.
“No!” Ryeowook scrambled to his feet and was suddenly at his side, tugging on his arm desperately. “Kyuhyun, you can't! You- they'll see! They'll see the lights and the windows and they'll come here. Kyuhyun, you mustn't! We have to go.” Ryeowook's voice broke.
Kyuhyun tugged his curtains carefully, peeking out through the crack. The air was painted with thick clouds of smoke, and the town below glowed, bright - fire. And on the horizon, the dark silhouette of a ship. Pirates, Kyuhyun thought to himself, tensing. A scream pierced the air and Kyuhyun let the curtain drop back, his face pale. He inhaled deeply, calming himself.
“Ryeowook, is my mother awake? Get dressed, and make sure everybody's up. Quickly, now!” Kyuhyun ordered sharply as he opened the mahogany doors of his closet and pulled a shirt over his head. “We don't have much time.”
“Yes, sir.” Ryeowook's face was white and drawn, his voice shaky. He turned and left the room quickly. Kyuhyun could hear his footsteps running lightly down the hall.
Kyuhyun swore quietly under his breath, hands frantically searching as he looked around for his practice sword. His own blade was being resharpened at the smithy, and his gun was kept locked away in his study downstairs; his mother insisted that a dangerous firearm like that was not to be kept in sleeping quarters, and until now, Kyuhyun didn't really have a reason to oppose. If only his father were here, things would be different. No pirate would dare attack this town!
Kyuhyun's father was a vice admiral of the Royal Navy, a highly esteemed man who had seen more than Kyuhyun could even dream. One of the lieutenants accompanying his father, a man Kyuhyhun had known since childhood, had hinted in a rare letter that his father was soon to be promoted to Admiral; he was a man of high rank and prestige. Kyuhyun himself was a member of the Navy, recently promoted to sub lieutenant, despite his relative inexperience; all were expecting him to follow his father's footsteps and become a respected leader. He was already well known for his sharp wit and keen observations, showing talent in theoretical tactical warfare. Kyuhyun had mostly filled the role as head of the house in his father's absence. His mother was the second daughter of the town's governor, and Kyuhyun had lived a fairly comfortable life, with a large, full house and a promising career in the navy.
Why? Why here of all places? The town was small and although it did well with trade, was hardly a place of riches. The naval outpost was small, the number of men negligible, and the only man of considerable rank was his father, who had not returned from duty for two years. It was a quiet, sleepy place. There was no reason for it to become the target of pirates.
Ryeowook re-entered the room, breathing heavily and still in his night wear. “Everyone's up, your mother and the maids, but I can't find the cook! I-” Kyuhyun cut him off, waving his hand.
“Tell the women to hide in the cellar, tell them to get a knife or something from the kitchens when they go past. If you can see the cook, tell him to either stay with the women and look out for them, or to report to the town hall.” Ryeowook nodded, running out the room.
“That's a good plan.”
Kyuhyun froze.
A laugh rang out, and Kyuhyun whirled around to face the source. There. A man, tall and lean with sharp features, leaning casually against his door frame, his hand tapping a rapier against his foot easily.
The man inclined his head in greeting. “Your name, if you would?” His voice was light and lilting and coloured with an unfamiliar accent, his tone polite and teasing as though Kyuhyun's confusion amused him. The pirate was lanky, stepping clumsily in his unfamiliar surroundings but wielding his blade with confidence. Someone with a lot experience with a weapon, then.
“You have better manners than expected, for a pirate.” Kyuhyun drawled, edging towards the fireplace mantle. There! His spare practice sword was there leaning against the stone, if only he could just reach it in time! It was dull and unpolished, but Kyuhyun had little doubt it could still kill a man.
The man smiled, bright and sunny, and Kyuhyun couldn't help his surprise; the man before him was a far cry from the bandits of the oceans, crude and filthily crusted in sea salt, with violence as their first and favourite language. “Maybe. But I'll have to forget them soon, unfortunately. I have a terrible memory.” The man darted forward suddenly, and Kyuhyun stepped back immediately, defensive. Damn. There was no way of reaching the fireplace now, not with that sword in the way.
“Looking for this?” The tall man reached behind him, brandishing the worn practice sword with flair. Great. Now he had two weapons, while Kyuhyun was still unarmed. “Come on, don't be like that.” His voice took on a cajoling tone, irritating Kyuhyun no end. “Let's not fight. Why don't you just tell me your name?”
Kyuhyun gritted his teeth. “Kui Xian.” No sense denying the man an answer, although nothing said it had to be the correct one.
The tall man frowned slightly, his eyes studying Kyuhyun, lingering on the heavy gold chain around his neck. “Kui Xian, hm? That's a nice name.” The man stepped closer towards him, idly flicking his sword left and right.
“Sir, I can't find the cook, I can't even go downstairs anymore, there's a man and it's a mess everywhere-”
Kyuhyun groaned inwardly. Ryeowook blanched when he saw the pirate, shrinking back against the wall. The was a loud crash downstairs, a woman shrieking and vases smashing.
“Sir?” The pirate cocked his head. “Ah, I see. I take it that you are the servant of the young master of the house?” He smiled agreeably at Ryeowook before continuing, not waiting for a reply. “Then, I hope you'll both indulge me in taking a walk. Come on, up you get.”
There was nothing Kyuhyun could do. He was weaponless. Ryeowook, too. The house staff would by now be in the kitchens or the cellar, and hopefully his mother would be with them. He didn't want to consider the alternative.
Kyuhyun sent Ryeowook a tiny nod, and they both slowly headed towards the door, the cold press of steel at their backs.
***
They made their way downstairs, Kyuhyun scowling at the damage done to his home; deep grooves cut into the dark walls, paintings slashed, fine embroidery torn roughly. All gifts from his father as he traveled the world. Kyuhyun felt a anger churn, slow and hot in his stomach. Another man with light brown hair and a pretty face joined them at the foot of the stairs, smiling when he saw the three approach. He was armed, a thin dagger in hand and three more still sheathed at Kyuhyun's count. Behind him was his father's portrait, the artwork cut into ribbons. His mother and the house staff were nowhere to be seen.
“Hello!” The man with the light hair greeted them cheerfully. “We should get moving or we'll actually have a fight on our hands. Is he...” He nodded at Kyuhyun meaningfully with a curious expression.
“Yes, and the other is his servant. They seem quite close.” His captor smiled, handing the other man Kyuhyun's practice sword. Ah. So Ryeowook is supposed to be leverage against me. Kyuhyun glanced at his friend, who seemed quite ready to faint.
“Handsome.” The man with light hair winked at Kyuhyun before moving behind them and pushing him roughly forward. “And off we go.”
The four of them made their way to the town square. Kyuhyun could hardly believe his eyes. This was his town? The air reeked of smoke. There were people huddled against walls, covering their ears and clutching their children. The smith, lying unconscious at his doorway, a thin streak of blood at his stomach. The bakery, his favourite place as a child, now burning brightly, cruel flames licking up at the colourful welcoming banners. Evidence of a pirate raid. He was almost afraid to look down, lest he see the body of a friend laying in the cobbled streets.
Kyuhyun felt sick.
***
“'Hyung! I found him!” The tall pirate grabbed Kyuhyun's wrist, pulling him forward proudly when they reached the town square. “This is him, I found him!” The tall man yanked Kyuhyun's arm into the air, waving it around.
They were looking specifically for me? Kyuhyun glared at the skinny man holding him. I have nothing of value, and I'm certainly not the ranking officer here. His captor continued to wave his sword in the air triumphantly as he led Kyuhyun closer to the docks, his hand an iron grip around Kyuhyun's wrist. At last, one of the pirates turned to face him, holding a torch aloft as he climbed an upturned wagon.
The man in front of him was intimidating, despite the colourful scarves woven about his body, the tarnished silver decorating his hands, wrists, everything. A pirate, and an inexplicably clean one at that, considering the chaos around them. His bright eyes raked over Kyuhyun and one corner of his mouth curled in a smirk, the flames around them casting dancing shadows on his face. Kyuhyun bit his lip, itching to leap forward and show this man that Kyuhyun was far from someone to laugh at. He was an officer in the Royal Navy. His father was soon to be promoted to Admiral. He had never lost a fight, and he didn't intend to start now. He scowled.
“Feisty, aren't you?” The man dropped down from the wagon, landing directly in front of Kyuhyun. He smiled lazily. “So what are you called?”
“...Kui Xian.” Better to be consistent here. One wrong word could mean the end of them both.
“Kui... huh. I see. And the other?” The man nodded toward Ryeowook.
“That's-” Kyuhyun started, halting when the man leaned closer to him, pressing his sword against Kyuhyun's throat with a casual air. “Let the boy speak for himself, hmm? Don't need anything else from you.” The man said, not taking his eyes off Ryeowook.
Ryeowook shakily gave his real name, and Kyuhyun cursed inwardly. The less these men knew about the two of them, the better. Knowledge was power. His father taught him that.
The colourful man hummed thoughtfully before withdrawing his sword. Kyuhyun exhaled harshly - he hadn't been aware he was holding his breath. In the distance he could hear the sound of men shouting and hammering at doors - is that where his fellow officers were? Locked away? He twisted slightly, eyes flicking towards the naval quarters - yes, burning barrels and crates were piled up at the doors, broken wood covered in a dark, sticky substance. The walls were decorated with bullet holes and Kyuhyun wondered if anyone had been killed.
“One last thing.” The man turned his eyes back to Kyuhyun. “Seasoning, pull off his shirt.”
What?
The man holding him - Seasoning? - grinned and reached out, taking Kyuhyun's collar and tugging roughly. The other pirates had gathered around them by now, waving their swords threateningly at the few people unfortunate enough to still be around in a warning - stay the hell away. Kyuhyun's shirt fell away, and ten pairs of eyes turned to him. He felt naked, his medallion cold and heavy against his chest. He straightened his back, glaring defiantly at the men before him.
The man with the scarves smiled, a sharp, glittering thing.
“All right, boys,” the man called out, waving his hand casually, “time to get going. Take 'em both. We've got what we came for.”
A/N: Okay, so I feel I should warn you: this is my first fic. Quality is not guaranteed... Also, my knowledge of pirates and naval terms is pretty limited, despite trying to educate myself with wiki (I asked around but people just started going ARRRR at me). So yes, Pirates of the Caribbean is going to have a fairly large influence on this. I hope you enjoy it!
Super Junior (and SJ-M): AU (pirates (!!!))
Zhou Mi/Kyuhyun (more later), PG, adventure
Summary: An upstanding junior officer in the Royal Navy with a bright future ahead of him, Cho Kyuhyun's world was upturned and thrown into disarray when he wakes to find his town burning and a pirate ship on the horizon.
Chapters: Prologue. o1. o2.
Chapter One
Kyuhyun jerked awake, his eyes snapping open. The night was still and the air cool around him and his medallion cold on his chest; why had he woken? He frowned and sat up.
He heard doors slam shut in the hallway, feet moving in heavy haste, panicked voices, hushed and urgent. “What the hell is going on?” Kyuhyun asked aloud, reaching to grab a robe. His house was never a place of such disorder.
His door swung open and Ryeowook darted in, hand trembling as he held a candle aloft, illuminating his wide, frightened eyes. “Kyu!” Kyuhyun frowned. Ryeowook never called him so casually despite their long friendship; something must be very wrong for him to drop formality like that. And then-
The deep, distant rumble and a loud crashing sound shook Kyuhyun's bedroom. Kyuhyun stared at Ryeowook, who had let out a terrified cry before dropping to the ground. Kyuhyun swiftly rolled out of bed and strode to his window, taking handfuls of the heavy cloth to yank open.
“No!” Ryeowook scrambled to his feet and was suddenly at his side, tugging on his arm desperately. “Kyuhyun, you can't! You- they'll see! They'll see the lights and the windows and they'll come here. Kyuhyun, you mustn't! We have to go.” Ryeowook's voice broke.
Kyuhyun tugged his curtains carefully, peeking out through the crack. The air was painted with thick clouds of smoke, and the town below glowed, bright - fire. And on the horizon, the dark silhouette of a ship. Pirates, Kyuhyun thought to himself, tensing. A scream pierced the air and Kyuhyun let the curtain drop back, his face pale. He inhaled deeply, calming himself.
“Ryeowook, is my mother awake? Get dressed, and make sure everybody's up. Quickly, now!” Kyuhyun ordered sharply as he opened the mahogany doors of his closet and pulled a shirt over his head. “We don't have much time.”
“Yes, sir.” Ryeowook's face was white and drawn, his voice shaky. He turned and left the room quickly. Kyuhyun could hear his footsteps running lightly down the hall.
Kyuhyun swore quietly under his breath, hands frantically searching as he looked around for his practice sword. His own blade was being resharpened at the smithy, and his gun was kept locked away in his study downstairs; his mother insisted that a dangerous firearm like that was not to be kept in sleeping quarters, and until now, Kyuhyun didn't really have a reason to oppose. If only his father were here, things would be different. No pirate would dare attack this town!
Kyuhyun's father was a vice admiral of the Royal Navy, a highly esteemed man who had seen more than Kyuhyun could even dream. One of the lieutenants accompanying his father, a man Kyuhyhun had known since childhood, had hinted in a rare letter that his father was soon to be promoted to Admiral; he was a man of high rank and prestige. Kyuhyun himself was a member of the Navy, recently promoted to sub lieutenant, despite his relative inexperience; all were expecting him to follow his father's footsteps and become a respected leader. He was already well known for his sharp wit and keen observations, showing talent in theoretical tactical warfare. Kyuhyun had mostly filled the role as head of the house in his father's absence. His mother was the second daughter of the town's governor, and Kyuhyun had lived a fairly comfortable life, with a large, full house and a promising career in the navy.
Why? Why here of all places? The town was small and although it did well with trade, was hardly a place of riches. The naval outpost was small, the number of men negligible, and the only man of considerable rank was his father, who had not returned from duty for two years. It was a quiet, sleepy place. There was no reason for it to become the target of pirates.
Ryeowook re-entered the room, breathing heavily and still in his night wear. “Everyone's up, your mother and the maids, but I can't find the cook! I-” Kyuhyun cut him off, waving his hand.
“Tell the women to hide in the cellar, tell them to get a knife or something from the kitchens when they go past. If you can see the cook, tell him to either stay with the women and look out for them, or to report to the town hall.” Ryeowook nodded, running out the room.
“That's a good plan.”
Kyuhyun froze.
A laugh rang out, and Kyuhyun whirled around to face the source. There. A man, tall and lean with sharp features, leaning casually against his door frame, his hand tapping a rapier against his foot easily.
The man inclined his head in greeting. “Your name, if you would?” His voice was light and lilting and coloured with an unfamiliar accent, his tone polite and teasing as though Kyuhyun's confusion amused him. The pirate was lanky, stepping clumsily in his unfamiliar surroundings but wielding his blade with confidence. Someone with a lot experience with a weapon, then.
“You have better manners than expected, for a pirate.” Kyuhyun drawled, edging towards the fireplace mantle. There! His spare practice sword was there leaning against the stone, if only he could just reach it in time! It was dull and unpolished, but Kyuhyun had little doubt it could still kill a man.
The man smiled, bright and sunny, and Kyuhyun couldn't help his surprise; the man before him was a far cry from the bandits of the oceans, crude and filthily crusted in sea salt, with violence as their first and favourite language. “Maybe. But I'll have to forget them soon, unfortunately. I have a terrible memory.” The man darted forward suddenly, and Kyuhyun stepped back immediately, defensive. Damn. There was no way of reaching the fireplace now, not with that sword in the way.
“Looking for this?” The tall man reached behind him, brandishing the worn practice sword with flair. Great. Now he had two weapons, while Kyuhyun was still unarmed. “Come on, don't be like that.” His voice took on a cajoling tone, irritating Kyuhyun no end. “Let's not fight. Why don't you just tell me your name?”
Kyuhyun gritted his teeth. “Kui Xian.” No sense denying the man an answer, although nothing said it had to be the correct one.
The tall man frowned slightly, his eyes studying Kyuhyun, lingering on the heavy gold chain around his neck. “Kui Xian, hm? That's a nice name.” The man stepped closer towards him, idly flicking his sword left and right.
“Sir, I can't find the cook, I can't even go downstairs anymore, there's a man and it's a mess everywhere-”
Kyuhyun groaned inwardly. Ryeowook blanched when he saw the pirate, shrinking back against the wall. The was a loud crash downstairs, a woman shrieking and vases smashing.
“Sir?” The pirate cocked his head. “Ah, I see. I take it that you are the servant of the young master of the house?” He smiled agreeably at Ryeowook before continuing, not waiting for a reply. “Then, I hope you'll both indulge me in taking a walk. Come on, up you get.”
There was nothing Kyuhyun could do. He was weaponless. Ryeowook, too. The house staff would by now be in the kitchens or the cellar, and hopefully his mother would be with them. He didn't want to consider the alternative.
Kyuhyun sent Ryeowook a tiny nod, and they both slowly headed towards the door, the cold press of steel at their backs.
***
They made their way downstairs, Kyuhyun scowling at the damage done to his home; deep grooves cut into the dark walls, paintings slashed, fine embroidery torn roughly. All gifts from his father as he traveled the world. Kyuhyun felt a anger churn, slow and hot in his stomach. Another man with light brown hair and a pretty face joined them at the foot of the stairs, smiling when he saw the three approach. He was armed, a thin dagger in hand and three more still sheathed at Kyuhyun's count. Behind him was his father's portrait, the artwork cut into ribbons. His mother and the house staff were nowhere to be seen.
“Hello!” The man with the light hair greeted them cheerfully. “We should get moving or we'll actually have a fight on our hands. Is he...” He nodded at Kyuhyun meaningfully with a curious expression.
“Yes, and the other is his servant. They seem quite close.” His captor smiled, handing the other man Kyuhyun's practice sword. Ah. So Ryeowook is supposed to be leverage against me. Kyuhyun glanced at his friend, who seemed quite ready to faint.
“Handsome.” The man with light hair winked at Kyuhyun before moving behind them and pushing him roughly forward. “And off we go.”
The four of them made their way to the town square. Kyuhyun could hardly believe his eyes. This was his town? The air reeked of smoke. There were people huddled against walls, covering their ears and clutching their children. The smith, lying unconscious at his doorway, a thin streak of blood at his stomach. The bakery, his favourite place as a child, now burning brightly, cruel flames licking up at the colourful welcoming banners. Evidence of a pirate raid. He was almost afraid to look down, lest he see the body of a friend laying in the cobbled streets.
Kyuhyun felt sick.
***
“'Hyung! I found him!” The tall pirate grabbed Kyuhyun's wrist, pulling him forward proudly when they reached the town square. “This is him, I found him!” The tall man yanked Kyuhyun's arm into the air, waving it around.
They were looking specifically for me? Kyuhyun glared at the skinny man holding him. I have nothing of value, and I'm certainly not the ranking officer here. His captor continued to wave his sword in the air triumphantly as he led Kyuhyun closer to the docks, his hand an iron grip around Kyuhyun's wrist. At last, one of the pirates turned to face him, holding a torch aloft as he climbed an upturned wagon.
The man in front of him was intimidating, despite the colourful scarves woven about his body, the tarnished silver decorating his hands, wrists, everything. A pirate, and an inexplicably clean one at that, considering the chaos around them. His bright eyes raked over Kyuhyun and one corner of his mouth curled in a smirk, the flames around them casting dancing shadows on his face. Kyuhyun bit his lip, itching to leap forward and show this man that Kyuhyun was far from someone to laugh at. He was an officer in the Royal Navy. His father was soon to be promoted to Admiral. He had never lost a fight, and he didn't intend to start now. He scowled.
“Feisty, aren't you?” The man dropped down from the wagon, landing directly in front of Kyuhyun. He smiled lazily. “So what are you called?”
“...Kui Xian.” Better to be consistent here. One wrong word could mean the end of them both.
“Kui... huh. I see. And the other?” The man nodded toward Ryeowook.
“That's-” Kyuhyun started, halting when the man leaned closer to him, pressing his sword against Kyuhyun's throat with a casual air. “Let the boy speak for himself, hmm? Don't need anything else from you.” The man said, not taking his eyes off Ryeowook.
Ryeowook shakily gave his real name, and Kyuhyun cursed inwardly. The less these men knew about the two of them, the better. Knowledge was power. His father taught him that.
The colourful man hummed thoughtfully before withdrawing his sword. Kyuhyun exhaled harshly - he hadn't been aware he was holding his breath. In the distance he could hear the sound of men shouting and hammering at doors - is that where his fellow officers were? Locked away? He twisted slightly, eyes flicking towards the naval quarters - yes, burning barrels and crates were piled up at the doors, broken wood covered in a dark, sticky substance. The walls were decorated with bullet holes and Kyuhyun wondered if anyone had been killed.
“One last thing.” The man turned his eyes back to Kyuhyun. “Seasoning, pull off his shirt.”
What?
The man holding him - Seasoning? - grinned and reached out, taking Kyuhyun's collar and tugging roughly. The other pirates had gathered around them by now, waving their swords threateningly at the few people unfortunate enough to still be around in a warning - stay the hell away. Kyuhyun's shirt fell away, and ten pairs of eyes turned to him. He felt naked, his medallion cold and heavy against his chest. He straightened his back, glaring defiantly at the men before him.
The man with the scarves smiled, a sharp, glittering thing.
“All right, boys,” the man called out, waving his hand casually, “time to get going. Take 'em both. We've got what we came for.”
A/N: Okay, so I feel I should warn you: this is my first fic. Quality is not guaranteed... Also, my knowledge of pirates and naval terms is pretty limited, despite trying to educate myself with wiki (I asked around but people just started going ARRRR at me). So yes, Pirates of the Caribbean is going to have a fairly large influence on this. I hope you enjoy it!