Dance of Lilies

Chapter 2 - Kyuuna's POV

It's been two months since I got attacked by Ursa, and saved by Sabi. Two months, and I've reclaimed my place as the leader of the White Lilies, after Ursa almost demolished us all. We've relocated to the forest that Sabi guards, and we've been blessed with peace and safety. I know Ursa is there somewhere, waiting for me to take one step out of line, waiting for me to make one mistake, but it doesn't diminish the glimmer of hope deep inside of my being.

This morning is different from my usual ones. It's a gloomy beginning to the crack of dawn, dark clouds hanging over the little cottage I'm once again visiting, and rain tries to tackle the roof down with its violent taps.

I huddle into a better position under my blanket and juggle with the warm cup of tea between my hands. It's the same tea Sabi offered me the first time we met. The chair I'm sitting on is flower patterned, soft, safe, and I still recall crying on the same spot for days after the attack, trying to withstand the immense pain caused by my injuries.

Now it's just a chair that reminds me of Sabi and her kindness.

This morning is a different one, because Sabi isn't smiling. She sits at the table, her tea cold and forgotten, her eyes cold and distant, and her lips barely a thin line on her face.

I don't say anything, but I wonder if it's my fault. Did I come at a bad time? Did I interrupt something by barging in this morning? She did offer me tea and kissed my lips, softly, gently, but maybe— maybe I wasn't welcome.

Suddenly, a roar of thunder strikes right next to the hut. It makes me flinch. The air smells of electricity and burned wood. When I glance at Sabi, I'm surprised to see her frown, almost angry, almost disgusted. It's such an intimidating sight that I shrink against the back of the chair. Sabi notices it, and her expression melts.

"You don't have to be scared, Kyuuna," Sabi whispers, but her words are carrying a burden that confuses me.

"Are you okay?" I manage to ask.

"Mhm," Sabi replies and lifts up her teacup. She takes a quiet sip and continues with a frown. "We're just about to get a visitor I'd rather not have in my house."

I tense up. Is it Ursa?

When a knock echoes on the door, I know it's not. Ursa wouldn't knock, she doesn't have that kind of manners. I look at Sabi, questions in my gestures and confusion dancing in the shimmer of my eyes. She gets up, tense, all softness gone. She's a kind lover, but a fearsome enemy.

Sabi opens the door calmly and steps away from it to let in the one who knocked. It doesn't take long for a blue haired woman to storm in with electricity in her steps. She slams the door close, wipes the rain drops off her face and pushes the strands of hair back behind her ear. In her pastel blue eyes, there lies a spark of thunder and eternal rain, and I recognize that she's a storm nightmare.

"Mimoi." Sabi addresses the woman with a cold, harsh tone as she walks back to the table and sits down. She crosses her leg over the other, doesn't look at the woman, doesn't look at me.

Mimoi, on the other hand, has her eyes glued to my appearance. I feel awkward. Her gaze travels from my toes to my messy white hair, and I can feel blush take hold of my grey skin.

"Another lost little puppy you have?" Mimoi scoffs at Sabi.

"Not a puppy. Please show respect to my partner," Sabi says shortly.

"Respect? Why should I show respect to anyone you date, when you dumped me for... for a plant nightmare?" 

Mimoi growls and rubs her temples. Then, she swings her hand, so that her hoodie strings almost slap her in the face. She points at me and bares her fangs.