Haerin's mind was clouded, unable to think of a solution, unable to see how to get out of this. She was already starting to feel dizzy, the sweat on her forehead turning cold with the icy breeze seeping through the windows, but the warmth of Minji's body against hers anchored her to the present. She was paralyzed with fear, every fiber of her being trembling as she felt Medusa's snakes hissing nearby, the tension in the air palpable. At least Minji had her firmly held, her warm hands protecting her from Medusa's deadly gaze.
The beat of Minji's heart resonated in her ears, a rapid rhythm that almost matched her own. She didn't think she was so nervous about that monster, but somehow it was a comfort to know she wasn't the only one feeling that way. Haerin couldn't help but feel comforted by her presence, even though she knew they shouldn't be so close, and considering that closeness was surely due to the adrenaline of almost dying from the manticores and now Medusa.
Why now? Why just when everything was at stake, did she feel a strange mixture of appreciation and resentment towards Minji? It was ironic and frustrating. Her thoughts were a completely mess, struggling against logic and survival instinct. She knew she had to stay calm, but the contradictory feelings distracted her. If only her feelings towards Hades' daughter were linear and not a rollercoaster.
Damn Kim Minji, you always find a way to fuck with my head.
I hate you.
Focus, Haerin! She mentally scolded herself.
They needed a plan.
The hissing of the snakes grew more intense, as if Medusa was approaching her again. Haerin looked down, gripping her sword, she couldn't let Minji do everything. Glancing at her sideways, she could slightly see her reflection in the blade of her sword, and an idea crossed her mind.
However, before she could develop her plan further, she heard a scream and felt Medusa crashing into the wall. Haerin lifted her head in fear and Minji was stunned by the scene.
Did Danielle just tackle Medusa?
The blow seemed to have stunned the monster enough to leave her inert laying on the ground. Danielle was getting up and dusting off her clothes, looking shocked, she herself seemed surprise. She could hear Hanni laughing, and the two of them could finally move around the room.
"Damn, Marsh! What the hell was that?" Hanni laughed as she approached Medusa. "Who would have thought you had so much strength, seems like you just killed her with one hit."
"I-I just got really nervous and didn't think—"
Haerin approached her friend and hugged her. "What are you saying? I'm proud of you, Dani, that was amazing."
Danielle nodded thanking her friend, embarrased.
"Not bad, Marsh," said Minji.
Hanni threw a stone at Minji's head, causing her to look at her worse than Medusa did. That stare would've petrified anybody, but not literally.
"Hanni! You fucker! They hug as soon as they see each other, and the first thing you do is throwing a stone at me? What the fuck was that about? It hurts for your information, " she said sobbing her side of her head.
The girl began circling Medusa's body, observing the snakes in her hair with a grimace of disgust.
"Be more grateful, Kim, Marsh just saved us. She's got more guts than you," Hanni joked.
Haerin laughed. "Learn to be thankful when you're saved, Minji."
Minji raised an eyebrow and huffed. "Y'all are unbearable, I swear to God."

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Divine Enmity (Catnipz)
FanfictionWhen she turned 17 she didn't expect to face monsters, gods, puberty, the heat of the summer and an exhausting training, all at the same time. But since a bronze bull started to chase her, everything changed drastically and now she has to learn to l...