CROSSFIRE | MYSTIC MESSENGER / 707

ONE

Yuna always found herself at the water's edge. Sometimes she would arrive around dawn or when the moon was high in the sky. No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn't find a reason to why she came. However, when she stood there for what seemed like hours, she realized that her thoughts often muddled into a thin film over her eyes. Somehow that film made the ocean seem even more beautiful than it was. Even in the midst of beauty, the woman's face remained indifferent.

Without much thought her pale hands gripped the heel of her shoes and quietly slipped them off along with her socks. The sand felt cool beneath her bare feet, sending a small shiver up her spine. It was comforting. Small pearlescent grains seemed to soak up all the stress that had built up in her wary body. Before she knew it, Yuna was taking smooth steps forward into the water. The way the ocean lapped against her skin was fascinating.

How could such a vicious entity spare such a gentle touch for her?

She let out a short and bitter chuckle. Perhaps she would never know the answer.

It was when she stood thigh-deep in the water that she came back to her senses. The vibration in her jacket continued obnoxiously. Reaching into the pocket beside her breast, Yuna pulled out one of the many disposable phones in her possession. The number was unknown, but she was aware of who was on the other end.

"I told you to stop calling me for every little thing," the platinum blonde sighed. Sounds of groaning and pained shouts were lingering in the background of the call. "I'm running out of disps."

"I know darling, but I can't help it~" the voice on the other end cooed. Yuna's brow twitched.

"Spit it out before I hang up," she warned. The tip of her finger hovered over the big red button. It practically begged her to press it. What sweet temptation.

    "Vacation's over, there's been a new assignment. Boss wants you back by sunrise. Seems important this time," her senior sighed. Another moan filtered its way through the brief silence.

    "Oh? So you do have some use," Yuna replied with a drawl. The grin on her face grew as Herring began his protests.

    "Oi, not all of us can be the best. Just so you know, I come pretty damn close! Boss is definitely promoting me this month."

"Right. In the future, if you call me for something not essential to work, I will tell boss to rethink bumping up your pay. Got it," she taunted.

    "Yes ma'am!"

    Without further delay she hung up and flipped the phone over. Her fingers deftly plucked the back off and removed the SD card, crushing it and tossing it in the ocean along with the device. Until it was no longer visible, she stayed.

    The sand that felt so soft clung to the bottom of her feet, welcoming her back to the land. A soft sigh passed her lips as she contemplated. Shoes would be cumbersome to wear now, so she continued up the stone steps and onto the sidewalk. There was ample opportunity to buy a new pair when she wanted.

    The woman swung her leg over the motorcycle that lay dormant on the road. Its black coating shimmered in the city lights as it revved up. It purred obediently under her touch, gliding forward as soon as she kicked the stand. The helmet she wore concealed her features under a dark visor, convenient for avoiding unnecessary comments from the men that prowled the streets.

Upon reaching the main road, she quickened her pace. Just as she was about to race past a light, it turned red, forcing her to slam her break a bit. The time on her watch indicated it was four in the morning. Even she had to rush in order to make it on time to the base. A rough sigh once again exited her lungs.