It was supposed to be a normal day on the ship.

The Stray Kids crew could never catch a break, as it seems.

Their captain–Bang Chan, known for his confident and ruthless aggression amongst other crews–had been snapped out of his map-pathing from the sound of a shout.

The sea was peaceful today. The ship, which was large and grand (save for a few scrapes from recent duels), was working in motion. Sails were set and the crew were going about their usual duties.

“Uh, hyung?!” Jisung’s voice rang out, his worried high-pitched tone carrying through the planks to Chan’s open office door.

Chan sighed. He’d figured maybe somebody mis-stepped their duties and had gotten hurt. It wouldn’t have been the first time.

Though, as he walked across the deck–his boots thumping and the jewels around his neck clinking–his eyes nearly bulged out of his head at the sight.

A few of the boys stood around the deck, winded and trying to figure out what the hell to do. In the middle of them was one of the larger fish-nets they used. There were a few staggering fish flopping helplessly, but everyone was focused on the siren in the middle.

A living, breathing siren.

Chan had only ever seen one before. One that had been being held captive under another pirate crew, helpless and being prepared for a hefty sum.

This was different.

Scales that glimmered from their twitching tail. Their torso seemed to have an array of injuries, still steadily dripping crimson. It didn’t look accidental.

They also were very clearly struggling. Their eye lids seemed to be drooping, their chest stuttering around their breathing.

“Shit,” Chan breathed, the brazen captain facade dropping just briefly. It took him a moment of processing before he was rushing forward.

“Someone help me move them. Now.” They didn’t hesitate. The crew trusted him blindly.

With a little bit of struggle, they managed to get the injured siren into Chan’s office, settled onto some ragged blankets-turned towels.

“Ji, go get me the extra med from under-deck. And get everyone else to get back to their duties, please.” Chan directed, sounding breathless. He was still trying to wrap his head around.

Once it was just him and the siren, he gathered what little supplies he kept in the room and knelt beside them.

The room was brightly lit from the sun shining in the round windows, illuminating the situation. The room mostly consisted of a desk and several bolted shelves of maps and supplies, with a bed haphazardly shoved into the corner.

“Hey, sweetheart,” Chan spoke, trying to get them to focus. Their eyes were still fluttering, and it was a bit worrisome.

“Can you hear me?” His hands moved swiftly, unpacking the small amount of supplies he had. Jisung needed to return with the extra quickly. The other let out a pathetic sound in response.

He moved, beginning to wipe around the wounds. They looked like they had been deliberately attacked–holes and slashes that couldn’t have been done by any sea creature.

It made him inhale. It made him feel a little sick.

“Can you speak, sweetheart? Can you tell me your name?” His tone was softer. More worried.