As Minnie dashed through the streets, she couldn't quiet the fear gnawing at her heart. She angrily shook her head and swung her horse around.

“Miyeon, take Shuhua to the hideout! I’m going to go back to help Soyeon!” Minnie cried as she headed back the way they came.

“But Minnie, Soyeon told us to leave her—” Miyeon started to protest but Minnie cut her off.

“She’s our leader and I’m making sure she’s staying alive. I’ll see you guys later!”

Minnie urged her stallion on as she flew over the cobblestones. She pulled her bow from its sheath across her back and struggled to string it as she rode. But she managed to in the end. Notching an arrow against the string, Minnie readied herself for battle.

Soyeon, I swore I’ll always fight with you so don’t just expect me to leave you behind.

After a few minutes, Minnie emerged into the pleasure district. Her horse’s hooves made strange echoing sounds on the quiet streets. Just ahead, she thought she could make out the shadows of three people. She pulled her steed back into a gentle trot and warily approached, bow at the ready. Through the fog she could just see Soyeon sitting on her horse with two young soldiers. Minnie drew the bowstring to her cheek and aimed it at the taller one.

“If you move I’ll shoot!” she warned. “Soyeon! Are you all right?”

Soyeon waved her over. Minnie didn’t relax her guard, but she did lower the bow a fraction of an inch. She cantered up to the trio and took a good look at the two soldiers. They both seemed very young—one was almost still a boy. Both of them were injured. The older one looked worse for wear, a clumsily wrapped bandage around his head gradually turning red with blood. The other cradled his hand in the crook of his elbow, his fingers bent at strange angles. They were in no condition to fight. Minnie finally unnotched her arrow and