The Black Swan

Chapter 15: Chaeyeon's Heel

Once Yoonie had met up with Chaeyeon, her heart began to race - but for all the wrong reasons. The squad leader had been open about her discontent with Yoonie's agreement to help Yena, often flipping her fringe away from her eyes or surreptitiously glaring at Yoonie whenever the opportunity arose. Yoonie soon took notice and realised how tense the atmosphere had become. With every step she took towards their meeting point, her palms were clammy and she wiggled uncomfortably in her own skin - almost regretting her decision to do this.

"...whatever, Yoonie - if it gets you a special item that can help your magic, it's not for nothing."

"I- Thank you..." She cleared her throat aptly. "Uh, anyway, where's Minju?"

"She's summoned to Full Moon Headquarters for another mission. You do know that her magical powers are unreal, do you? She's basically a spy that can playback people's memories."

"She must be very important to the faction." Yoonie guessed. "How I wish I was the same, too..."

"Don't sweat it, Yoonie. The fact that your faction leader Eunbi is putting her career on the line for you... that says something." Chaeyeon placed a comforting hand on Yoonie's shoulder. "Just focus on getting stronger - and use your powers for the greater good."

"Yes ma'am."

There was a pitter-patter that repeated itself, and Yoonie could feel the noise drawing closer to them. Yet unlike the hooves of a galloping horse, the sound was softer than the clatter of horseshoes on gravel ground. She gazed in the direction of the sound. Someone in the distance was riding a white quadrupedal creature charging towards them. This must be the special contact Yena wanted us to meet.

Fur as white as the first snow of winter, the ridden creature had green, luminescent eyes - a feline animal. Slightly larger than the human being riding it, it came to a halt right before Chaeyeon and Yoonie, who had tensed up from the unexpected entrance of the duo. It was a white panther, ridden by a female master. Her long ponytail weaved through the wind like a sharp blade. With the wind blowing her hair away from her uniform, Yoonie could see the patchwork of the Sanctuary sewn onto her shoulder. She dismounts.

"Well whass'up? Friends' of Yena?" She spread her hands wide as a form of greeting. Yoonie bows in response to greet her, "This is <Flame> Lee Chaeyeon and I am <Ember> Kim Yoonie of the Queen's oof-" Interrupted by the other party, Yoonie felt the wind knocked out of her lungs as the girl grabbed her hand and reeled her closer for a hug. There was a moment when the girl drew back and looked into her eyes to acknowledge her presence. Yoonie could not make another sound; stunned she was as the girl initiated such an intimate greeting. Her leather-gloved hand was warm and soft to the touch in Yoonie's hand, and her eyes were distinctly attractive at close-up - making her almost let out her internal scream.

"...Hi, Yujin. We're so equally glad to meet you." Chaeyeon let a hint of annoyance escape her as the girl repeated the same overly friendly gesture to her - disregarding the fact that Chaeyeon was probably higher in the ranks than herself. With a little effort, Chaeyeon shrugged the clingy Yujin away from her, then dusted herself. "Now, what exactly was the favour you owed Yena?"

Her jovial expression turned south as she made a choking sound, though hating to be reminded of that fact. "It was a bet - a drunken promise that I do happen to lose." She scowled at the thought, then brushed it aside. "Well, let's get you that White Fang and call it even. Deal?" Yujin started leading the group towards the gates of the Capital - separating the Common Circle from them. 

"Yes, thank you Yujin..." Yoonie paced up to her side as she walked together with her white beast. The majestic being wowed Yoonie, tempting her to rub her hand amidst the pillowy fur. "Say, are you working in the Sanctuary?"