#ateezdays

Inktober Day 24: EXPEDITION

HALATEEZ

“I know each and every one of you would sacrifice anything for our cause. I know because I'm the same. But if there ever comes a time when we can't go on, freedom and hope have to live on in the hearts of people. And they will need leaders to aid them in their fight - so we will go on a little expedition."

"What expedition, Captain?"

”We will use the Cromer to search for the perfect candidates. The people who can take up the mantle of the Black Pirates."

[ATEEZ days - Part 4]

Inktober Day 25: SCARECROW

HALATEEZ!Hongjoong & HALATEEZ!Yeosang

“Are you sure about them, Captain?“

"We both saw the worst-case scenario during our search, where the Black Pirates became nothing more than ghosts of the past in that desolate place... They are the ones we need.”

"Their path won't be easy either. They will suffer for this World."

"They will, but we don't have time to look for others. The enemy is closing in on us. It is now or never."

”We will hold them back as long as we can. Good luck, Captain.“

"See you at the beginning, Yeosang."

Inktober Day 31: LANDMARK

ATEEZ

As the first landmark of oppression fell, the great sound of a bell resonated through the air, waking Strictland's grey and monotone landscape from its deep slumber.

A new Eight made their appearance.

"Wake up. Wake up, world. Are you there? It's time."

[ATEEZ days - Part 11]

Inktober Day 30: VIOLIN

Yeosang

When Yeosang broke the Cromer, he knew he had made the right decision. If they wanted to fulfil the expectations the Black Pirates placed on them, the others couldn't be captured, not then. And Yeosang could bear the burden until they found their way back even stronger - he had more than enough experience.

Being held with the captured resistance fighters allowed him to learn more about World Z and the people fighting for it. He just wasn't prepared to see how the Android Guardians stole their emotions until they became nothing but obedient dolls. At his lowest, he even wished his emotions could be stolen too, so he wouldn't feel this pain. But he knew the others were coming back for him. He just had to survive.

And just like he broke his violin to break free of his family's oppressing expectations, he broke free of his glass prison too to shatter the chains that trapped the people of Strictland.

"Let's clear the darkness together."

Inktober Day 29: NAVIGATOR

Hongjoong & Seonghwa

Hongjoong dreamed of becoming a bright star everyone could see and bring people together, much like music brought together his friends. But he realised quickly that becoming a star wasn't enough because the darkness they faced was great and his light wasn't yet bright enough to guide everyone through it, scattered as it was in the night sky.

Seonghwa, who learned how too much control could destroy happiness much like it destroyed people's lives in World Z, knew it wasn't any easier to be trusted into freedom without guidance. People needed help, a navigator, to find their way and realise the opportunities that waited for them. And it wasn't something that he could do alone.

But together their light could make a beautiful constellation, bright enough to lead everyone through the darkest of times.

"We will free Yeosang, and together we will save everyone."

Inktober Day 28: JUMBO

Mingi & Jongho

When they got the chance to return to World Z to save Yeosang, Mingi and Jongho didn't hesitate for even a second. They knew more than anyone what was on the line. Their group had already been broken once because of their fight and it took enormous effort and almost losing themself to despair and loneliness to find each other again.

Knowing this didn't mean they were past their insecurities or that they had lost all the sharp edges that caused their original clash. But they finally understood that the two of them were more similar than either realised at first—they were both ready to fight to the bitter end for their dreams and their loved ones, even if it meant burning the world down to protect them.

In that, they were in perfect agreement.

“One jumbo-sized ass-kicking, ready to be served for all these World Z bastards.”

Inktober Day 27: ROAD

Yunho & San

When Yeosang's sacrifice sent them back to their World, Yunho thought he could change his brother's fate, even if he found happiness in making his dreams a reality. Yet his efforts were meaningless. His death was always meant to be a fixed point on their road to World Z, and he questioned the meaning of this journey, as all it brought were hardships and tragedy.

San, whose entire existence was tied to moving and starting anew, knew that no matter how hard the way forward was, it was always worth it. He found his friends on this road to a World where they all could make a difference. He could never regret going through all the hurt knowing they would wait for him at the end of the day.

“Your brother wanted you to live without regrets, Yunho. So let's make this journey count and save Yeosang.”

Inktober Day 26: CAMERA

Wooyoung

When they crossed over to World Z, Wooyoung had terrible stage fright, which caused him to freeze when he knew others were watching. He tried to hide his weakness with boisterous laughter even when he was amongst his friends.

Being in Strictland taught him to overcome his fears because performing for the people was more important. It was the best way to touch their hearts and he, more than anything, wanted to help and teach the oppressed citizens what passion and happiness were all about.

"If the Black Pirates thought we could win, I will do anything to free everyone. I want to perform and I want to enjoy it too."