Avani was slightly annoyed that this government tool thought she was better than her at anything, but she decided to listen while she talked and think of an answer afterwards. She was surprised to hear that team b was willing to give up their share of the supplies. 

“Huh.” Avani said to no one in particular. “I guess they don’t want any of the supplies, Mio, so pack all of it into our bags. Leave the crate here.”

Mio nodded, but couldn’t fit much more into her own two bags, so she had to take Avani’s and Ryuu’s bags as well. 

Avani had to wonder why team b had given up the supplies so easily. Had they gotten another crate by calling headquarters, maybe? She certainly wouldn’t hold it above them to rat her out to their superior, just because they lost the crate fair and square. She felt like she’d won too easily though, especially when team b’s leader had just threatened to beat her moments ago.

Eventually Mio got finished packing everything in the crate into the bags, and they could set out in search of the solution to the city’s problem. Avani was strangely quiet for her, but picked up her own bag and lead them further into the spirit forest. Ryuu could tell something was gnawing at her, but he was more interested in the spirits that he thought he could see following behind them. They kept their distance from them, but he was fairly certain they were spirits. 

“I think we’ve probably got enough supplies to last us a week, more if we ration it.” Mio said to break the silence. “I doubt team b has enough to last them that long, so even if they do continue they won’t be able to do it for as long as we.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she’d called headquarters for another crate.” Avani responded with a pout. “She’s probably a real suck-up.”

“She?” Ryuu commented, getting a clue as to who had caused Avani’s current mood.

“Team b, whatever.”

The silence returned. Avani was brooding. She fingered the radio in her hand, almost expecting and waiting for it to crackle to life with her voice begging them to give them food. It was silly, obviously they’d survive the first day at least, even if they hadn’t begged headquarters for a new crate. 

It annoyed her nonetheless. She’d been brushed off like nothing, like if she was a kid too dumb to take this task seriously. All she’d done was have a bit of fun at the other team’s expense. She understood the mission was of importance, but saw it more as an adventure. If they truly thought her team was unable to complete it, they wouldn’t have sent them. Perhaps this was a test for them too, and if they failed she wouldn’t get any more chances to help with the spirits.

“Well, if you’ve already begged your masters for more food I guess we can keep this crate.” Avani said into the radio after they’d been walking for a while. “I would have shared once I’d had my fun, but it seems you’re just oblivious to the meaning of the word. I’m disappointed in you…” It occurred to Avani then that she didn’t even know the woman’s name. They hadn’t been introduced. “Hmm, so what’s your name anyway, girl-who’s-to-stiff-for-her-own-good?”

Ryuu sighed loud enough for Avani to hear, to let her know what he thought about what she was doing.