the story

author's corner

gemini headquarters

—  2010; 18:45

  “You’re late.”

  “My apologies, but I believe I did not announce a time for this meeting.” 

  Minkyung studied the woman in front of her, lips folded thinly into a smile that vaguely resembled politeness. No matter how much she tried to look into this...organisation she would be joining (ahem, invited to join), and especially the woman who had contacted her, Minkyung had came up to a blank. ‘Gemini’ simply did not exist on search engines. 

   However, she had caught snatches of gossip from her Underworlder clients, and the news were either very positive, or very negative. Which wasn’t exactly helpful. 

  Either way, here she was, in this unfamiliar building (can one even call it a building? They don’t seem to be above ground), wearing a suit because, formal wear, and staring at a faery, who was somewhat politely staring back.

  “You said to arrive at 6:30pm,” Minkyung replied pointedly, crossing her arms.

  “I did not say when I would show up, however,” The other pointed out, and her heel before the girl could reply. “But it does not matter. Follow me to the King, please.”

  Minkyung frowned slightly at the tone of voice adopted. She normally tend to not have any problems with Underworlders, but this woman seemed to be rather sure of herself, and Minkyung found herself not liking that. However, she had noticed the myriad of corridors stretching in front of them, resembling a labyrinth, and deciding that perhaps following the faery woman might be the best choice. 

  As they made their way deeper into the building, Minkyung decided to make a mental note of all the winding corridors, just in case an emergency exit was needed. When they finally stopped in front of a pair of double oak doors, the other turned back and gave her another thin smile, before opening them.

  "His Majesty the King." The faery gave a motion of her arm that indicated towards the man sat on the chair, behind an enormous desk. Minkyung strode forward boldly, looking up at him with a defiant air. "I'm Ahn Minkyung." 

  "Holder of the Knight position," The other then added, seemingly an additional introduction. The aforementioned girl then turned back to the faery, who gave a short bow and retreated away, before closing the doors behind her.

  After they were shut with a click, the man then gave a soft sigh, and leaned forward towards the light. Minkyung scanned the person in front of her, noticing that the King had relatively fair features for a man, light, green-blue eyes that seemed to flicker in the fading sunlight and brown hair growing over the navy fabric of his suit, taking all that in in a brief moment. 

  "The Knight." As her eyes rested on the King, she could feel the weight of his gaze on her as well. Sizing her up. Seeing if she was up to the job. Minkyung allowed a slight spark of challenge dance in her eyes before matching his stare with her own. "Welcome, to Gemini." 

  "Thank you." And awkward silence then followed. The King was the first to break the staring contest between the two, threading his fingers in front of him and leaning back on his chair. 

  "Perhaps a self-introduction is in order. My name is Lee Sungjong, and I would be leading the group also known as 'Gemini'. You are to be the holder of the Knight position, who serves as the second-in-command to King." When there was no response to that either, Sungjong gave another sigh. "Any questions?" 

  "No, thank you." 

  "Very well." The King straightened up slightly. "Chess will lead you to the next meeting place. Please wait there patiently." Pressing a button on his desk, the doors behind Minkyung then flew open to reveal the faery woman who had lead her there - ah, so her name was Chess - standing there. 

  "Oh, and you would be sharing the position with another person, by the way." 

  As Chess led Minkyung away, the last thing Sungjong saw was her burning glare.

  And the silhouette of a potential middle finger.