術 [01] Ink Stroke

[painted_seals]

[The buildings are far below the camera's view making them barely visible in the darkness. Areas where the occupants left their lights turned on come into view showing the creatures gathered at most windows and doors. ]

They're still multiplying.

[An observation as the video records a creature appear from the seemingly empty darkness and slowly move

Comments

[painted_seals]

[What little technology he knew how to use did not include a phone like this, let alone one that came with... applications?

He received the instructions, and read through them. It took him a moment to navigate through the endless menu's, but a minute later the wall was lit up. He aimed the light toward the center of the hole and found endless sand on the other side.]

They're coming from... [he frowned] the beach.

[Skepticism filled in his voice. He'd done a thorough aerial exploration of the area only yesterday.]

There were no signs of those creatures before.

[He wasn't sure how he'd missed them, not when their trail was so easily visible. He pushed the thought away for the moment and focused on the situation at hand. He'd have time later to think over it

[whitestlie]

[Near waited patiently, nodding approvingly. This person was good at thinking and moving on his own quickly as well as relaying just enough information for Near to get a sense of what's going on. The earpiece would have been better of course, as it would have provided a continuous stream of video, leaving the hands free, but Near's was still tied to the line he had set up for himself and Eliot earlier. So this will have to do for now.]

If we can confirm that's where their nest is, then we'll have to destroy it as soon as possible. With this recording, we can get others to cooperate with us if necessary.

[The creatures themselves were no match for some of the residents here from what Near had observed. Taking care of nest should not be considered a completely impossible task. However, it's always good to be cautious.]

Are you able to make your way in?

[No, that's probably a little too risky.]

Better yet, are you able to send something else to take a look for you?

[Near's not sure what kind of stunt you had pulled earlier, Sai,

[painted_seals]

[He looked at the uncovered passageway, noting the way it sloped down.]

I'll send something.

[He wasn't stupid. He had no intention of entering the tunnel unless it was necessary, and for a better reason than simple investigation.

With that said, he set the phone down once more, the camera recorded the tidal waves crashing into the rocky beach. Out of the recording's view, Sai pulled out his scroll, unwrapping it as he pulled out the hidden ink compartment and brush. Moments later, he was drawing a score of ink snakes that slithered out of the paper and slipped into the tunnel in waves.]

I'm searching now.

[A gloved hand picked up the camera then, lifting it up giving him a view of the dark tunnel. He pointed the flashlight into the opening, the light pierced through the darkness until it connected with the surrounding walls, and thus, revealing the downward direction of the tunnel. He went quiet then, focusing on his snakes as they searched the labyrinth beneath, when his eyes suddenly narrowed

[whitestlie]

[So there was something else down there after all. No good.]

Then we can be sure that's definitely a nest for something. We will have to enlist the help of others in order to destroy it.

[Although secretly, Near would rather figure out exactly what was in there before eliminating it completely. Depending on what it was, he might just be able to use it to his advantage. However, motioning to obliterate any dangers sounded better in spirit.]

I propose we post a recording of our findings to the public network and ask for help in taking care of the nest. If there's something else, something worse down there, I'd rather not take my chances in them sneaking out as well.

I can take care of editing the recordings we have now and uploading them to the network. I can also supply a map with coordinates to the location. Due to injuries, I am incapable of moving at the moment, which means you will likely have to lead a team should one be created. [Although Near highly doubts that most of the people here are capable of organization. Didn't hurt

[painted_seals]

[Two more snakes disappeared from his senses, as the voice spoke. His eyes remained on the opening, shifting only when he heard words of interest. 'injuries... incapable of moving... lead a team...']

A nest is a home. Anyone entering will be treated as an intruder, and eliminated.

[The same way his own snakes were being eliminated as soon as they came in contact with a creature in the dark labyrinth.]

I'll wait for your call. [He replied curtly as he called back his remaining snakes. There was no point in wasting more of his ink. As he waited, he shifted his gaze to the camera, staring at the lifeless lens recording his every movement.]

The nest is a haven for any number of creatures that may attack us in the future. Eliminate the source before they eliminate us.

[A pause.]

Or we could make ourselves a target for those creatures that would have otherwise left us alone.

[He realized the tentacled monsters sudden arrival seemed like a hostile act, but it wasn't truly an attack. The seasoned ANBU knew what an attack looked like

1/2

[whitestlie]

[Interesting, most people would jump at the chance to elminate evil and "be a hero," so to say. However, this one's more concerned about universal codes of conduct.

Near himself had not wanted to destroy the nest completely, of course, but his reasons were far less noble. He wished to know what was in there first, so that he could possibly use it to his advantage.]

I simply said I plan to destroy them, not when. The cause is prevention, as you're well aware.

[He likewise knew the dangers of encroaching something dangerous without fully examining it's strengths and weaknesses in detail first. He could always send a few foolhardy people down there with cameras to see for himself while he sat at a safe distance. However, if the monsters end up attacking back and targeting their entire community, that would put Near in danger as well. But if they did nothing, there's a good enough chance that they would attack anyway. The abductors claimed that this was a "game," and Near knew how games worked. You always had to stay two steps ahead

[whitestlie]

However, at no time did I say I intend to do so without preparations first. Whether or not they would otherwise have left us alone, I do not wish to risk finding out, but I agree that attacking an unknown enemy without preparation is stupid.

I would like to know what exactly is down there first before any moves are made. There are two options. Either we wait for them to come out and demonstrate their real intentions, if any, or we send spies with cameras down there. The former relies too much on chance, and we already have a good idea of how the latter will turn out. As an alternative, we could find someone capable of physically or mentally possessing an already-deceased monster and sending them in there or someone capable of telecognition or nonphysical self-projections. As little as we know about these monsters, however, even that will be risky. I won't rule out the possibility that the creatures themselves can psychically sense intruders in ways we do not know yet. This requires more contemplation

[painted_seals]

[Sai was almost, reminded of Danzou. The way his mind worked, looking at the whole picture instead of what was immediately in front of them without letting emotions from obscuring their sight. Choosing the path that had a higher chance of success, while using available "tools" at his disposal.

Sai was a tool; had been nearly half his life. Blind loyalty to a man who made harsh decisions, but always for the good of the whole.]

Prevention is the best defense, while serving as an offense.

[Even if he planned to use him and the others to destroy those creatures Sai was okay with it.]

I'll wait for their decision. I can guide them to the tunnels if they choose to protect themselves.