Kasai led Barron and Kieron through the entangled vines, the whole time she held in the irritation that was building in her chest. The radio was gripped firmly in her hand as her feet pounded the soft dirt of the forest. She focused on her breathing and drew in several deep breaths, exhaling slowly and feeling the tension leave her body with each vanishing breath. 

The radio came to live again when the other team's leader decided on her response. Just as Kasai had began to calm down, her frustration was mounting yet again. With the first comment, Kasai blushed and narrowed her eyes before opening her mouth to speak. Before she could formulate the words, however, Avani was already at it again. This time, Barron placed his hands on Kasai's shoulders and gave her a squeeze, reminding her to keep a level head. 

Kieron let out a laugh at the word "professionals." He contained himself and looked to Barron and Kas. "Pros, really? They're probably just a couple of street benders." He laughed again before noticing Barron's raised eyebrow.

"Uh, dude. You're not exactly what I would call 'professional' either." 

Kieron narrowed his eyes at Barron and stuck out his tongue. "Yeah well, at least you two are cops. I mean, c'mon. Doesn't really get more professional than that." He stood up straight and gave them both a salute, "Thank you for your service to this great city." He was only able to hold the posture for a half of a second before his wide, cheesy grin snuck in again. He chuckled and shrugged, "No, but seriously, you two are way more qualified."

Barron smacked Kieron in the arm, and then turned to listen again when the radio crackled out another response. Soon enough, the sound of lip smacking and food being pulverized lit up their ears. Kasai rolled her eyes and leaned against a tree, waiting to see if she would ever get a break. The chewing sounds lasted all too long and the three grew increasingly annoyed. The thing about those radios... they were one-way only. So as long as the other team's line was open, they couldn't say a thing. 

In the mean time, Barron pulled off his pack and motioned for Kieron to do the same. The two rummaged through the sacks and laid out their supplies, consciously rationing their water and food out to equal two days worth for all three of them. "Well, I would've come more prepared had the guy not told us before hand to pack light." Barron remarked.

Finally, the smacking sounds ceased and Kasai was able to get a thought in. She grabbed the radio again and closed her eyes for a moment, remembering to be the bigger person and keep her cool. Pressing the button, she talked with a more even tone this time. "Alright, kid. While I will have to disagree on your level of qualification," she licked her lips and drew in a breath, "I must say it was rather clever of you to run off with all of the supplies. So you know what? Keep it." 

At that, Barron and Kieron both stood and advanced towards Kas with raised hands and angered faces. She put up a hand and tilted her head to the side, raising her eyebrows. They both stopped and looked at her with puzzled expressions. She continued into the radio, "We don't need it anyways, we have a mission to finish. Have fun with that government-issued sandwich." She released the button on the radio and looked at the boys. 

"Let's see how a bit of reverse psychology works, boys." She smiled and turned on her heels, ready to head deeper into the spirit vines to begin their mission.