Commotion broke about as dawn neared in time. The village folk gathered, needing to discuss possibilities and plans.
"How can we guarantee that the path will be well hidden?" One of the villagers asked.
"The trees. We've held them up using rope, giving clear passages for the carts to go through. Once everyone makes it through, the ropes will be cut, leaving no trace of our steps," Jihyo promptly answered.
"Where does this path lead us to? How do we know there won't be a death trap awaiting us?"
"It leads us to an underground passage. We can setup there and start anew—"
Bells started to ring, signaling that the last of the carriages were full.
The village's march began, an ocean of sorrow and desperation swallowing the atmosphere around them. Families weeped as they parted, children unaware of the dangers their fathers or mothers were about to face.
From a distance, Mina stared amongst the village folks marching. The overwhelming feeling of guilt corrupted her heart, painful beats pounding within her chest. She clenched the cloth over her breast, trying to withstand the pain she felt she deserved.
"—Mina? Hey, what's wrong?"
The princess snapped out of her thoughts, loosening her grip on her clothes. She swallowed the pain, turning towards her lover. "I'm feeling nervous. It's a terrifying situation. Preparing for war..."
"...Is something we never thought we'd have to face. Don't worry, as long as we stick together, we'll be safe."
Mina felt a tightening sensation in her chest again. "Momo... I need you to go on ahead with the crowd. It's my responsibility to face this attack."
"What...? What are you saying?"
"I'm saying... I'm going to fight in this war."
"But it's dangerous! How can you guarantee they won't harm you, even if you're the princess?"
"I can't... but the least I could do is buy the village migration more time before they figure out what's happened."
"Princess, please. I-If you stay, then I'm staying—"
Mina pulled Momo into an embrace, the feeling of anxiety flowing through every inch of her body. "Just this once, Momo. Let me take accountability for all the problems that I've caused. The difficulties I've burned into our lives."
Momo stayed silent, until saying, "don't forget the promise."
"Do you trust in me, Momo?" Mina questioned, caressing her lovers cheek, gliding a thumb on her lower lip.
A blush crept over Momo's face as she diverted her eyes away. "With all my heart, princess. You'd better come back to me."
"And if I don't?"
"I... I don't know."
Mina chuckled, amused by Momo's kindhearted nature. "I'm sorry for teasing you during a time like this." Leaning down slightly, Mina kissed Momo's forehead. "I will come back to you, don't worry too much"
"I'll try my best to, Mina. But, I'll get going now. I'm sure Jeongyeon's carriage is already ahead of the crowd."
"Please be careful on the way there."
Momo laughed, pinching Mina's cheek. "That's my line, silly. I'll be off, then."
With a last exchange for the night, Mina and Momo parted ways, smiles plastered with sadness and nervousness simultaneously.
YOU ARE READING
Runaways | Mimo
FanfictionLife as a princess was the dream of many little girls. Living in a big castle, wearing pretty dresses, holding fun events, it was all just a dream for them. Except for one girl. Princess Myoui Mina. She was living those girls' dreams. Yet, Mina wasn...
