Cursing and groaning, Sehun rubbed his eyes a couple of time, then attempted to sit up, only to realize he couldn't. Snapping his head to his side, he was met with the sight of the male he had spent the night with. He was a handsome man– a human probably, that Sehun had picked up from the bar last night. The guy was good, really knew how to use his .What was his name again? Sehun didn't remember and didn't care to. If only Sehun was the type to sleep with a person more than once, he might keep this guy, but then he didn't want attachments. And something told him this male was the type to really get attached. Having better things to do than continue staring at the handsome male– he couldn't even remember his name– Sehun pushed the male's hand that was holding his waist, in a not gently manner. Well he didn't do gentle. He was a warrior, a pirate. Gentleness and Sehun didn't mingle in the same spot. Er, that wasn't entirely true, Sehun knew he was capable of gentleness when it involved his family. Especially his baby siblings. Irene, Wendy and Sizhui. Then there was Lyla. And Hyunjin, the teen werewolf, Sehun had rescued and taken in five years ago. Hyunjin was once an orphan human attacked bitten by corrupt group of lycans, that forced Hyunjin to join their society as a slave. Normal werewolves were born, but as a bitten human they were considered second-class. There were a number of bitten young men like Hyunjin: the damned werewolves were creating slaves to serve them. Though most werewolves were honorable creatures, however there were some that were the opposite. Sehun had already dealt with those lycans, had reported their deeds to their Alpha. As compensation, the Alpha had permitted Hyunjin and the other bitten, to join his pack in planet Logan, where they would be taught and trained as warriors– while studying as well– for four years. It had been three and half years already, just few more months till Hyunjin come home for real. Sehun missed the boy, dearly. The last time Hyunjin came for holidays, he had been in his last year of college. With a sigh, Sehun glanced down at the person next to him. The guy blinked his eyes open, staring at Sehun blankly for a while. It seem to take forever for him to orient himself, and then he gave Sehun a wide smile, that made the pirate cringe. "Good morning!" The man's voice was hoarse from all the shouting he had done the night before, one would think he was the one getting ed. Oh boy was he shouter? Sehun was certain his crew would to the death the moment he stepped out of his cabin. "Morning" Sehun greeted back out of politeness, as he rolled to his feet and cracked his neck. He’d slept wrong and his muscles felt like wet sand. While Ignoring the slight discomfort in his backside, he could feel the man's eyes on his . "Get dressed and off." "Really pretty? I was hoping for a morning round–" "Call me pretty one more time, I bet no will miss you when I bury you in an unmarked grave today,” Sehun snarled. Though it was widely known his race were beautiful, if not the prettiest, but Sehun hated comments about his looks. He was a warrior, not a model. He gave an extra scowl toward the man, who responded with a smile. "Alright." The man raised his hands in mock surrender, a look in his eyes, that Sehun didn't bother to discern. Sehun ignored him in favor of getting himself dressed."Pearl, what is all the ruckus all about?" Now that he was fully awake, he recalled being awaken by the Al, ing over something. Pearl's ing worked better than his alarm clock. "Captain, it's time to leave, the item has been secured." Came the ship's female voice. "Everyone is waiting for you." Sehun and his crew had landed on Bh5 planet while on their way to Dure. One of his crew Hoseok– a strong telepath had suddenly picked up a distressed signal, from some creatures in this planet being kept against their will and tortured. Sehun was a pirate, but one thing he couldn't stand was slavery. Thus, it had prompted Sehun to instantly change course from his original destination. Though he couldn't save all the slaves in the Galaxy, but even saving a few would make a difference. The most disturbing thing about slavery was; it killed one from the inside out, take away the will to live, which resulted in many slaves taking their own lives. Fortunately, many planets were against it, only a few, still practiced it. Breaking out the twenty plus people hadn't been an issue. It was only then that he realized, they were elves, taken to be sold on Haba– a planet well known for its love of using elves as slaves, at same time trying but failing each time to breed them. As if elves could be bred without their will. During and after the purge, his race had scattered across the galaxy, in search of sanctuary, thus some had ended up in planets unfriendly to their race. Haba, Mona17, Nero and Dure were on Sehun's list, he was just waiting for the right moment, for the terraforming of Zetex-0 to be completed, which according to the terraformers wouldn't be long. Zetex-0 was a remote planet hidden from most species with no living lifeform whatsoever. Sehun had coincidentally came across it during one of his escapades. It was mostly made of ice. But with his connection he was able to hire the best terraforming company. They had shipped the best seismologists and genetic engineers there in the middle of an alien ocean a year and a bit ago, to terraform the planetoid Zetex-0. They’d altered its orbit to increase daylight, melted its ice into freshwater oceans, and dumped a few patented life forms into them. From the holovid that was sent to Sehun, they had successful tuned the planetoid’s manmade climate to tropical paradise and the sea had cooled to an endless rolling pound the temperature of arterial blood. Now they were in the process of farming. The farmstead covered a small patch of a hundred-acre volcanic landmass. They had had setbacks though. A few months ago, a storm had ravaged the island’s little cove, and they still hadn’t finished repairing the devastation. Ground lightning striking the curdled sky, the sky had thrown back a bolt of charged ions for two nights after the tempest, thousands of bright bee-moths– the biodesign spliced moths with bumblebee DNA to groom and pollinate vegetation, but rarely replaced them, for the crops– drifted on the tides as they tried and failed to fight their way back to the farmstead. But Sehun was assured, once the company finished fine-tuning the climate, the storms would cease and the planetoid would stabilize like every other corporate combine: islands of fertile dirt and brackish oceans, perfect for eel-ranching and irrigation. Losing the moths had ruined the meager harvest, but according to the terraformers it was nothing to worry about. The bee-moth had been replaced, and the work would be completed soon. They had better be right because Sehun's people were running out of time. He didn't know when he would be able to take his home planet back, thus opted for best next option. He wanted his people to feel safe and protected, away from anything and anyone that wished them harm. Also to have a place of their own, without needing to pay for it with their services. After taking care of that, then he would strike, put Haba, Dure and the other two to ruins and get his people to Zetex-0. And any another planet housing his people. When all that was done, Sehun would take back his home planet form the brutes. Apart from rescuing his people here, Sehun had found a rare treasure– a bracelet waiting to be transported to Lyfe. Though he had no idea what it was meant for, but anything that the dragons wanted to aquire no matter precious or not, was worth keeping. He had tasked three of his crew members, with the operation to get the bracelet while Sehun waited at the bar– not to draw attention– and as always Baekhyun never disappoint him. "Thank you Pearl. I will be out in a jiffy." He finished strapping his pants, and turned to look at the man now fully clothed. "Can I come with you?" The guy suddenly asked. "What?" Sehun blinked slowly, his brain still processing the words. "I want to be part of your crew." "You don't even know who I am–" "You're Sehun the pirate, from the house of Lan the emperor of the Zerg." "How did you know me?" Sehun furrowed his brows, he didn't like being known, especially by someone he didn't know himself. A shrug. "I have my recourse." "Doesn't matter. I don't just allow anyone into my crew– and no the fact that we slept together doesn't count." "I have skills, you could use." The man said, walking toward Sehun. At that Sehun paused, he liked his crew well equipped. If this guy really got some talent like he claimed then Sehun was willing to give it some thought, but no matter how skilled he was Sehun must know all there was to know about anyone willing to join his crew. After all over a hundred lives were at stake. "Well... What's your name again?" "Chanyeol," the guy supplied, not at all showing the slightest bit of disappointment or even annoyance at the fact that Sehun couldn't remember his name, after sharing a long pleasurable night together. "Okay Chanyeol what do you have to offer?" "Maybe it's best I show you." Chanyeol stepped back, creating some room, then pulled off his shirt and pants, and Sehun waited, for once being patient. Chanyeol took a deep breath, then his body shifted, as a huge octopus stood in his place. He had a minty green skin that seemed to be the fashionable color among his kind, but as he glided, he flashed the rusty-red undersides of his tentacles, and the tiny fingers where a Lyfe octopus would have ers. A few of the tentacles had red bands near the tips that reminded Sehun a little of a copperhead. He had a thick central tentacle he used for movement, and above a waistline bristling with tentacles, he had a bulbous head. Near where a human’s neck would be, he had dozens of eyes, and no two matched. "You're an octopus, form Oceanic Crust?" Sehun breathed, unable to believe his eyes and luck. One of the tentacles flicked, Sehun took that as nod. Sehun knew what he was looking at. Chanyeol was one of the strongest species in the Galaxy. Just like the elves, the dragons had taken over Oceanic Crust recent years ago, devoured every bit of vitality it had, while pushing the native inhabitants out of their world. Like taking over Lyfe wasn't enough. Greedy bastards. Still, Sehun needed to know."Why do want to join me?" Chanyeol half shifted, his torso now human–like a merman, but with tentacles instead of fishtail–before he spoke. "Because I don't belong here. It is hard keeping my identity hidden. I am afraid I can't hold on for much longer." Just like any other water creatures, octopi, needed to be close to open waters, and were required to dive once in a while for survival or else their human skin and bones would crack, a crack that would eventually lead to death. He understood why Chanyeol chose this world, BH5 had more water than land, just like Oceanic Crust. It was suitable for his kind to live in. Could dive anytime the urge required. It was true. Octopi, were considered treasures– hunted and wanted mostly for their ability to produce pearls instead of tears. Sehun had several species in his ship, from different places. Adding another to his crew wouldn't be hard. Beside this one could be relatively useful. "But before I let you join, there's a test you need to pass. A telepathic and combat test." Chanyeol shifted completely back to human form, grinning, a hand going to pick up his discarded clothes to wear. "I am ready for whatever test you see fit." Once clothed, he looked at Sehun, scratching the back of his head sheepishly, like he wanted to say something but didn't know how to. "What is it?" Sehun asked, after observing him for a moment. "Uhm I have a brother, and cannot go without him." His big ears twitched as he spoke. "Then you should stay with him. Here" Sehun shrugged. He didn't need extra cargo. He wasn't a nice guy that did charity work. Despite how much he cared for his crew, each member had something to offer before they were recruited, save for his sister and Jungkook. Those were his family, had been with Sehun since he was a boy. "No, you don't understand. Please we can't stay here any longer, my brother more than I is at risk." The octopus looked a minute from falling to his knees. He seemed real desperate. Sehun frowned. "I can give you some help, to catch a ship to a safer planet." He offered. Chanyeol shook his head, body slightly shaking. "I– we better stick with you." He looked Sehun in the eye, pleading. "Are you on the run from something?" Sehun crossed his arms over his chest as he studied the male. Chanyeol shook his head. But every instinct in Sehun told him otherwise. He could discern someone that needed to get away or something similar. "Someone?" He tried again. This time the male nodded."Yeah, but it's not what you might think. My brother, he's not like me, he's half octopus, half elf." "What?" Sehun knew his eyes were very wide at the moment, probably comical but like hells he care. "My Dad was an elf that came to seek refuge in our planet after the Purge of Lyfe. My mom fell in love and they married. I happened to take after my mom ,while my brother is more elf, but still has water creature characteristics." He paused, smiling a little, which told Sehun the male was fond of his brother. "He caught a lord's attention here, and the guy had his eyes on my brother. I don't need to spell what will happen if he does succeed." Sehun knew elves were compatible to mate with almost every species, but he didn't think sea creatures – especially an octopus was one of those. "Then he's welcome. You both are." Sehun might turn his back on many people in need, but not his race. Half or full, an elf was still an elf. He owed his Hayrik that much, for sacrificing himself so Sehun could live and see to their people. Besides he couldn't turn down Chanyeol and accept his brother, after all the octopus asked for himself first."Does he have connection with nature?" He asked after a moment of musing. Chanyeol smiled, brightly."Yeah he does." Then his smile, wilted. "That's how he caught the lord's attention, while tending to an injured mer." Nodding, Sehun tied his long blue hair into a half ponytail– something he had learned from Wei Ying. "One thing you should know. I don't my crew, this thing that happened between us is only one time." This time the tall guy, couldn't hide his disappoinment. "Can't you make an exception?" "No."He would allow his crew to each other, it was something he didn't have the right to dictate, but he didn't do his crew. Something he took very seriously. "Alright." Chanyeol nodded, after another attempt to convince Sehun, but failed. "Anything for my brother." "Now go get your brother, we leave in an hour, whether or not you're back." "I will be back." "Then you should better get going." Sehun glanced at the time. "Your time has begun ticking." He shrugged when Chanyeol gave him a look, as he quickly made for the door only to realize it was locked. "I have to introduce you to the crew, when you're back, I will test your combat skills too." He moved to the door, motioning for Chanyeol to step  aside. With a single tap, the doors slid open. "Make sure you pair me with the strongest." Chanyeol smirked, wiggling his brows. "That would be me" Sehun threw over his shoulder. The first person they bumped into was his sister. She regarded Chanyeol with furrowed brows, her antennas shaking the slightest. Sehun knew what she was doing, she was an empath and was trying to read Chanyeol, like she did to every guy Sehun had slept with. Her goal? Hoping to find Sehun a mate.The one, she liked to say. Rolling his eyes, Sehun grabbed one of her antennas, and Irene winced, her tail swishing threateningly, as though wanting to sting him but at same time wasn't what she wanted to do. "Not cool!" She glared, batting his hand away. "Then stop doing that." Sehun countered, fixing her with a glare of his own. "Sorry can't stop." She said, crossing her arms defiantly. "Until I find you the right person." "Dream on." He waved his hand, before turning to Chanyeol. "Hurry go get your brother, it's better to introduce you both at a time. Now you have less than an hour" he reminded. Chanyeol nodded eagerly, then he was rushing to the exit, almost banging his head at the still shut door. With a shake of his head, Sehun commanded the ship to open up and it did. Chanyeol all but ran, clearly thinking Sehun was truly going to leave them behind. As If Sehun would abandon an elf. If it were just Chanyeol, Sehun might. He really might. But not when an elf needed his help. Watching Chanyeol disappeared, Sehun commanded the door to shut, before turning to his sister that still had her eyes on him. "What?" He asked, raising his brows. "Who's he? And what do you mean get his brother? Are they joining us?" She grinned so wide, that Sehun couldn't help but flick her forehead. "Yeah, they are– hey don't get crazy ideas in your head. That guy and me are never gonna work." She frowned. "But he's clearly into you, I felt it." "That's his problem. He'll grow out of it." "Have you?" She gave him a pointed look, h