[Mission] Calling for Reinforcements | Aries, Nobu, & Yasker

It was quite chilly, not "Fokradiin weather" chilly, but cold enough that the Surajan Magi was glad that he had opted to wear his white fur-collar jacket. "Fuck, I should have brought another bottle." He bemoaned as he stood on the beach, checking for changes in his position in relation to the location beacon on his phone before taking a sip of wine from a gold chalice.

An operative for the Movement hadn't checked in while investigating a slavery ring that was purported to be active in the Arecia Woods area near the coast, so they had put out a request for others to look for him. Another thing that was going wrong in the world, but completely insignificant to Yasker these days. He was sick and he didn't even know how he had gotten sick but the runny nose, sneezing and slight headache were definitely there and had been making his whole week hell. This little mission hadn't even been on his radar initially, especially after his mother had sent him five bottles of Romundian wine along with a thoughtful note as some sort of care-package; once that had happened Yasker had been prepared to spend the week getting his energy back while also savoring every drop of family wine, wine that was lovingly crafted with all the techniques known by Magi.

But of course Wyveria ruined that perfect plan like everything else that Yasker loved doing. One of her more trusted subordinates that helped with the smuggling had mentioned that the operative who was currently missing was a friend and if she could do anything about it. So probably with a smile, she volunteered her dear older brother for the assignment and a few hours later the Earth Magi was getting diluted with the information deemed necessary to succeed in the mission.

Yasker knew he could have refused if he had wanted to but that would have sent the wrong message to people within the Movement so refusal was more of an illusion than a real choice. With sickness working against him bringing a bottle of wine was almost a necessity as it would keep him warm when weather and clothes failed. Wine was definitely a good choice once he arrived on the scene and found out that in addition to working with someone he didn't know, the third individual on the case was Nobu. Yasker hadn't talked to him since their first encounter, the only communication between then and now a few texts describing where he could find the data-stick as per their "agreement". He could only hope that he wouldn't create any problems as being sick made him slightly more volatile than normal and killing a fellow Magi wouldn't be a good footnote in the mission report.

"I'm thinking we should check out the encampment." He said out loud to his two companions after finishing the cup of wine. His tone relayed that he was quite disinterested in all of this and wanted to get it over with so he could get back to other things. The associates he had been paired with also left a lot to be desired so he hadn't bothered to give his name to the woman yet. Besides the fact he didn't care to hear her own, Yasker simply wasn't in the mood to make small talk so he stuck to enjoying his wine and mulling over the investigation. "If you wanted to watch someone come and go from the beach you wouldn't also be at the beach, there wouldn't be any cover. You'd be in the nearby woods where you have cover and can follow them should they also enter the woods. The campfire is also still somewhat fresh so whether it was the slavers or our operative before he got ambushed, it is a good area to start off before considering combing the beach." Breaking down the logic so the other two could understand it and then not bring up any asinine counter-arguments for why walking along a beach was a good idea. Such were the annoyances of working with associates, not subordinates. Of course more wine would help soften these tribulations, something he readily supplied himself with by moving his cup down so the quartz wine bottle he was manipulating would pour it right into his cup.

"Maybe we'll get lucky while checking the site and find something that can give us his or the slavers' location." Sniffling twice before bringing the gold cup up to his lips. While Yasker wasn't in a particularly violent mood yet, he had prepared beforehand for the chance event that he and the other two Magi could end up finding the slavers and then proceed to murder them all; a belt full of diamond and obsidian throwing knives was adorned around his waist and a two ten-pound large diamond cubes slumped in a satchel he had brought. For now he let the two Magi go ahead of him preferring to enjoy this sip without seeing them in his peripherals for once. Once that was done he swished the remaining liquid in the cup a few times before joining them in looking for clues with his wine bottle floating beside him. "I really hope this doesn't turn into a hassle, it's too cold for there to be hassles." Muttering to himself.
@aries Nobu @fox

Aries said very little lost in her own thoughts. Yasker came from the closest thing to upper-crust magi had. However, while she didn't wholeheartedly agree with his sentiments, it at least meant he was not likely to have any qualms about her methods. Both he and his family were useful to the movement, and while the wine did not inspire much confidence in her, she knew many would look upon her tourniquets with a similar, wary eye. She'd learned not to judge a magi's actions until she saw how they played out in action.

Nobu, meanwhile, was a solid fit for this mission. He'd be emotionally invested and had no qualms with utterly destroying the enemy, if necessary. He had an honorable streak though, and she was sure her reputation put her at ends with this. Still, they'd never worked together, and it was still possible to dismiss such talks as hearsay if she conducted herself properly on this mission. Seeing as the only people on this mission were so useful to M.L.M., and by extension Elijah, she had no concerns that she'd be committing any sort of fratricide this mission unless absolutely necessary.

In fact, remembering she'd brought it, she'd pull out a choker from one of the many pockets that adorned her vest and place it upon her neck. It appeared to be a simple leather band, not too dissimilar from the sort of collar one might get for an animal. However, if one was particularly perceptive, they might notice the two metal studs on the inside, specifically tailored to put pressure on the blood vessels leading to her own brain. She put it on lightly so that they'd be little more than constant reminders of their presence, rather than performing their intended function.

Upon reaching the camp, she'd listen to Yasker's thoughts. They seemed reasonable so she'd give a silent nod and murmur softly, "Sounds good." She hoped that he'd catch the subtle hint to be quieter, and that stealth was still of the utmost importance, as they had the element of surprise. She'd also note how Yasker took to the rear without comment. She had no desire to antagonize him, and so long as he performed when the time came, that would not change.

Meanwhile, Nobu seemed eager to begin investigating himself: a stark contrast to her other companion. This suited her fine. While she was perfectly capable of investigating herself, she'd already delegated the role of "subject expert" to Nobu in her head on accounts of him being a water magi. So long as he didn't do anything stupid, she was willing to let him act in that role.

For herself, she had already given herself the unspoken roles of peacekeeper, for the reputation of their relationship proceeded them, mission overseer, and support. While she was very competent when working alone, she realized she could utilize her techniques far more efficiently and aggressively with good companions. These sorts of members were as "good" as you could get from anyone that wasn't Elijah or herself, which was as close to a compliment as Aries allowed, simply due to their merit of being useful.

Thus it was she took position in the middle, brandishing her knife in case it was needed, and would proceed to perform overwatch on the surrounding area, reading to assail any who might be ready to attack unsuspecting investigators - like her bait Nobu - with excruciating pain. Probably a sharp stab either to the kidney or the hand they held their weapon. The pain of one and the disabling nature of the other usually sufficed when sudden need trumped more calculated approaches.

"Hmmmmmmm....." Pondering out loud as he stirred his chalice before taking another sip. "It seems something did indeed go down here." Stating the obvious before allowing the wine bottle to fall right into his other hand. He took a few seconds to gauge how much wine he had left in the bottle and whether there would be enough to last the rest of the 'adventure', guessing it to be around 80% full and probably not if the rate of consumption and his level of boredom was anything to go by. "The drag marks and haste at which this site was abandoned makes me think the operative was ambushed here and whoever got him did a mediocre job at cleaning up as if they weren't sure whether he was a lone wolf or to expect more to follow." Already visualizing the events happening as he closed his eyes.

Yes, that made sense, no doubt this site had been discovered by the operative. A few guards might have been here just by the size of the encampment, not a lot but enough to subdue a Magi, especially if they had some downer on hand. They wouldn't know what to do at first. How could they being human and regular thugs to boot? They would panic unsure whether to just kill the magi or bring him to their boss. Maybe the whole operation as been compromised and more would be coming any second, but maybe, just maybe this Magi had stumbled along this by himself and was alone in this whole endeavor. They'd argue for a bit, unable to agree because their brains lack the necessary intelligence before settling on a compromise of half-ass-ly making the site look abandoned and take the operative to their leader, most likely via the hatch right in front of him.

"I really hope there are enough humans down there to make my day worthwhile." Yasker said with a light chuckle as he drained the rest of his cup before turning the gold chalice into dirt and allowing it to fall to the ground through his hands. The hatch held more promise of answers and entertainment so that would be where he would go. He then crouched and pressed his hand against the soil before slowly bringing it up with a slender smooth pole of Calcite in hand. "This should light my way for a little bit." As the staff began breaking apart into small chunks that orbited around him as he approached the hatch. "I shouldn't have to elaborate past the facts that I'm the only one at an advantage underground and we need people watching the hatch so we don't get flanked." Glancing back at the other two Magi as he opened the hatch with his boot. They had been cooperative and quiet so far, although the girl seemed to be quite eager to stick her blade into someone and the collar around her neck was a thing of curiosity, but still adequate enough. They could probably handle anything that approached from above just as easily as Yasker could handle anyone underground.

"If I find anything interesting I'll probably return to the surface to fetch you two or drag it to you should it be someone that can enlighten us to the whereabouts of our dear missing Magi. Or at the very least wait for me to secure the bottom of the hatch before following, I don't need extra people on the ladder down. Beyond that you are free to do what you two want to." Stuffing his wine bottle into his jacket pocket as he began to descend with his calcite lumps lighting the way.
@aries Nobu @fox

Aries watched as her companions both left to accomplish their own, seperate objectives; taking note at the way Nobu acted in pettiness as he took Yasker's wine. Once she was sure they were out of earshot, she'd give an exasperated sigh. The tension between these two was stressful, and their relunctance to work together, and by extension with her, was something she was oddly uncomfortable with. She was worried their actions might lead to failure, and that was a concern she never handled well.

Still, they both expected her to maintain overwatch of the hatch entrance, and she saw no reason not to do so at this point. She'd attempt to conceal herself nearby within the surrounding wilderness and observe. She'd spin the knife in her hand nervously. She liked actively pursuing her objectives, or acting with the enemies clearly before her. Waiting, watching, being unaware of where the enemy might be - she'd look around her to make sure they weren't sneaking up on her as slight paranoia set in - left her ill at ease.

She'd never admit it, but the limitations of her powers, that they took time and required her to weaken herself - if no one else was around to act as a vessel to inflict wounds upon - made her uneasy when she was alone on a mission. Sure she did plenty of solo missions, and always played it off when she returned severely wounded, but it was not the wounds she feared. She feared death. She feared failure. Both meant she'd have failed Elijah.

There was no worse fate.

She'd take a deep breath and regain both her composure and her focus. She had a good team, even if they didn't work well together. She needed to keep vigilant. If she was give a sign by other member that the needed her, she'd rush to them, prepared to assist however she may. Otherwise, she'd do what she could to ensure that would not be flanked. It was an important job. She would perform it with great intensity. She could not risk failing him.

Yasker was disappointed to say the least. While finding the operative's hideout was a step in the right direction, things would have been far more entertaining had it been the base of the slavers, not to mention more simple. "I'd be wrapping things up now and be asleep in a few hours." He grumbled as he walked towards the flashing locator while examining what he could from the distance. The lights in the base seemed to be functioning thanks to the generator so the Calcite wasn't needed anymore. Slowly, the orbiting chunks came together into a single ball before Yasker transmuted it into an obsidian one with the touch of his hand. He allowed it to keep hovering above him as he turned off the locator and began going over all the data in front of him.

The person certainly seemed to have been collecting a lot of information if all the notes were anything to go by and was set-up well with a generator and computers. It'd probably take a team of data collectors to go through all of this, not a single disinterested Magi who only wanted to get this over with. He started with the map, looking over all the notes pinned to certain locations since that would at least be relevant to their current location. "Going to need a drink to get through all of this." Sniffling as he took the wine bottle out of his pocket.

Romundia family wine was pretty expensive. As far as wine vintage went it was in the top 100 in the world and would probably be even higher if people didn't know that it was crafted with Magi techniques and sold by a company run by Magi. For Yasker it didn't just taste good but was a reminder of home and his father, who personally made each bottle that was sent to him and his siblings. Needless to say finding the bottle empty was equally devastating and enraging. At first he examined the bottle to make sure it hadn't cracked in the time since his last drink. It hadn't. If it had spilled on the stairs he would have heard it, Yasker knew that as well. So that only left someone pulling shenanigans because it certainly hadn't evaporated into nothing. "Nobu..." The Magi's name coming out as a growl as he considered the possibility that he had stolen his wine through liquid manipulation. If it was true then it was highly disrespectful on Nobu's part and would only increase Yasker's willingness to dispose of or sacrifice him later on. The mission would come first but he wouldn't be escaping the consequences.

The bottle turned to sand in his hand, unable to bear thinking about the loss of his rich liquor anymore and not wanting a reminder of it. "I wish I had stayed home." Closing his eyes and trying to rub the growing headache away through his forehead before moving on to calming himself down with deep breaths. When he opened them he went back to examining the map and the attached notes. They needed a clue to the whereabouts of the slavers' base so they could find the operative or at least his body to finish the mission. The location of the base and all of it's information could be relayed back to the MLM later for retrieval, but tying up this last loose end was the priority. The anger was palpable, there was no way he was going home today without killing something to make up for the offense against him. "That Magi better pray we find some humans for me to kill." He muttered as he stared angrily at the information, demanding the answers he sought from the papers to shown themselves.
@aries @fox Nobu

The sound was distant and faint. Had she not been paying attention, she might not have heard it. She did, however, and a chill went down her spine. After giving one last look at her surroundings, she'd emerge from her place of hiding and rush towards the hatch door hastily. She'd throw open the hatch in and call down to Yasker. If she got a reply, she'd shout, "Nobu went to check out the beach, leaving me on overwatch. I heard gunfire that I'm pretty sure came from that way. He might already be engaged with our target." If not, she'd nervously continue overwatch from the open hatch, fearing their location had been compromised, until contact was made.

She'd wait for Yasker before making any further effort to assist Nobu. It had been foolish for him to go alone, and she would not make the same mistake. She'd seen what happens when a fool runs after their comrade after a sniper takes them.

No, they would not do Nobu any good by rushing to him without taking any sort of precautions. Also, regardless of what fate befell the Magi, the mission came first. That was always her rule, and it wouldn't be the first time she left a comrade to die if it came to that.

As she waited, she'd keep her knife at the ready. If she witnessed any enemies, she'd swiftly stab her self either in the limb they held their weapon in or in the kidney after establishing a Sympathetic connection in an attempt to either disarm them or begin to induce neurogenic shock.

She knew better than to injure her own spine to induce it, but she knew where it hurt, and she would rapidly mutilate herself, if need be, to disable a foe. She had a greater tolerance than most, and could usually utilize the adrenaline caused by her actions to ensure she was able to rush to and kill such an enemy, if necessary. She only had the healing ability to heal surface wounds, preventing her from going in to shock herself due to external blood loss. However, internal bleeding was still a very real concern, as was muscle damage and organ failure. She spent much of her time, when not on missions, in some sort of medical facility because of it.

She hoped it didn't come to that. She had valuable companions, and she had hoped that she would be able to utilize her abilities in a more controlled manner for this mission. Time in a hospital bed was time not assisting Elijah. She would rather not have to rest after this mission too.

There seemed to be a lot of information here, some of its significance admittedly lost on Yasker though. The video would probably be the best place to start, as it could hopefully fill him in on everything important. Of course, nothing went smoothly, though; as even before he could even press play, the female Magi was calling from above, going on about hearing gunfire and Nobu going off on his own. "If he has died then it will save me much trouble in punishing him myself for his transgression!" Yasker shouted back but nevertheless ascending up the stairs. The obsidian ball followed, now spiked with thick needles poking out in every direction. If Nobu was wounded or dead then securing the perimeter would be quite crucial to ensure the other Magi didn't get picked off since it was too early to have a 33% casualty ratio.

"Well, what do you want me to do about it?" His voice still radiating anger and annoyance although he didn't intend for it to be directed at her. "I have no desire to stumble into an ambush, especially for his sake. The wine-thief will suffer at someone's hands and I could care less who's as long as I know he feels pain." Delivering his decision on the matter before kneeling with two hands on the ground. "However the mission is still important so I will secure the perimeter. I am far more equipped the clear the area than you. A knife won't do you any good against a sniper but could do good at watching my back later." Providing her with a logical excuse so she wouldn't feel too insulted or useless. The ground began to slightly shake as a thin wall of dirt began to rise around them and the hatch. "Check out the hideout and more importantly the video on the computer, I believe it could give us some answers. Look under the file 'To those who follow'." Closing his eyes as he rose the walls to be above head level. It wasn't too high or thick but would be enough to stop the first bullet is someone tried shooting it; it wouldn't allow for Yasker to watch their surroundings in case Nobu or their assailant showed their face, but that was the best he could do. "I'll keep watch up here. Then once we know what we need to, we'll consider plans for evading our bush-shooter." His voice far calmer now that he had utilized his magic, if only for a few moments.

This wasn't good for the mission; down one Magi and the location of the assailant unknown. The walls would prevent the two of them from getting attacked directly while unaware but that wouldn't prevent anyone or a group from simple setting up around them and wait for them to inevitably drop the walls or just destroy it with superior force. This wasn't his style of tactics or combat but it would have to do until they could gather enough information to begin planning more meaningful actions.
Aries Morganna Fox Nobu