Antifragile

“Eunbi unnie, we received a message. It’s from Nako unnie.” Wonyoung announced as she barged through the door, panting.

Yujin handed Eunbi the crumpled note, squinting at the illegible handwriting. It was just a series of dots and lines.

“They want to meet us tonight at the abandoned warehouse near the docks. They said that it was important and that we should bring everyone if possible.” Eunbi deciphered.

“What’s going on?” Chaewon asked as she strolled in, Yuri and Yena in tow.

“Hitomi and Nako want to meet us tonight. It sounds urgent. Be prepared, arm yourselves before we leave.” Eunbi ordered curtly, disappearing into the dimly lit room.

The rest of the group scrambled to prepare, sharpening their knives and sticks. Eunchae was passing what little armour they had to Yujin and Wonyoung, while Yunjin helped them put it on. The older girls were more than capable of defending themselves, but Yujin and Wonyoung were still the most inexperienced of the bunch. Eunchae, despite being younger than them, had much more experience in fighting and therefore insisted on giving them the armour instead.

“I hope that we don’t run into any soldiers tonight. Some peace would be nice, plus they’re scary.” Yena grumbled.

“Fighting them every day is getting old. I swear even my grandfather could fight better than them.” Yuri agreed.

“Your grandfather is dead.” Wonyoung pointed out bluntly.

“That’s the whole point dumbass!” Yujin exclaimed, hitting Wonyoung’s head lightly as the younger girl groaned.

“Don’t squabble. The two of you are always fighting. Remember that time Eunbi unnie had to rescue you because you started quarrelling in the middle of a fight with the soldiers? Without her, you two would probably be dead right now.” Chaewon chided, rolling her eyes.

Eunchae separated the two as Yujin turned away with a huff, while Wonyoung simply ignored her and moved to talk to Yunjin. Yena let out a soft giggle, but one glare from Chaewon was all it took for her to zip her mouth and run off.

“Everybody ready?” Eunbi asked, reappearing.

“Ready.”

“It’s so dark, I can’t see anything.”

“Shut up dumbass, you’re gonna get us killed.”

“Just follow Eunbi unnie.”

“I can’t even see Eunbi unnie!”

“Idiot! You were meant to be holding on to her hand! Don’t tell me you let go!”

“Of course not! I’m holding her hand right now!”

“Then how could you lose her if you’re holding her hand? Stupid.”

“Okay everybody shut up!” Eunbi whisper-screamed.

The group behind her fell silent, except for the sound of Wonyoung nudging Yujin roughly. Yuri impatiently divided the two, shoving Yujin in between herself and Yena. She had no idea why Eunbi had thought it was a good idea to put those two together, they never stopped fighting.

“There’s a guard over there. Everybody keep quiet.” Eunbi warned.

A loud snoring sound came from the docks, where the guard was meant to be keeping watch. Eunchae stifled her laugh at how unprofessional he was, grateful for his laziness. It allowed them to move around freely at least.

Eunbi led the group through the darkness, finally arriving at the abandoned warehouse. She pushed away the small bunch of leaves hiding the tunnel to enter, allowing Wonyoung to crawl through. She waited patiently until everyone else had entered before finally going in.

The warehouse was devoid of light, except for a tiny candlelit lantern in the middle. Hitomi and Nako were huddled around it, shivering from the cold.

“Did something happen?” Chaewon asked, getting straight to the point.

“Of sorts. We found some people who might be of interest to you.” Hitomi replied.

Sakura stepped out from behind a box of crates, followed by Kazuha. Kazuha was still limping slightly, but they looked relieved upon seeing Eunbi.

“Princess Sakura! What brings you here?” Eunbi asked in shock, quickly bowing to the princess.

“Don’t, I’m no longer a princess. I’ve run away from the palace, and I was hoping to seek refuge with you. The soldiers attacked us and wounded Kazuha, and it was thanks to Hitomi and Nako that we made it out alive.”

“What can we do to help? It’s a dangerous world out here.” Eunbi warned.

“I’m prepared for it. It’s better than staying in that horrid palace. I just couldn’t take it anymore.”

“Hold on. We already have enough mouths to feed and we’re struggling to support ourselves as it is. We simply don’t have the resources or space to house two more people. I’m sorry, but we can’t help you.” Yujin objected.

“We can help. I know that some of you may have misconceptions of me, but trust me, I’m tougher than you think. Life in the palace isn’t as cosy as it seems. I’ve survived countless assassination attempts from my own parents. The soldiers are a piece of cake.”

Yujin was about to argue once more, but Chaewon pulled her back and shook her head. Eunbi was deep in thought, carefully weighing the situation.

“I think we should help them. Sure there would be two more mouths to feed and we might have a little bit less room, but think of the benefits we could have too. I mean I for one would be honoured to house the princess of the country. And I mean, we all know that she can fight. The extra help would be more than enough to make up for the resources they use.” Yena piped up.

“I agree with Yena. Some extra help would be nice. They could help Yujin and Wonyoung so that Chaewon or Eunchae doesn’t always have to keep an eye on them.” Yuri added.

“I wouldn’t mind that. It’s always nice to make new friends. And it would make me feel a lot safer as well.” Wonyoung chirped happily.

“Then I guess that we’re in agreement. Welcome to the crew.” Eunbi declared, shaking Sakura’s hand.

“I’m looking forward to it.”