Japan - Morioka (February 2018)

[Ariel]

***One hour later***

Nebula sat in a booth in the farthest corner of the noodle shop as she waited for Sophie's arrival. Originally, she was going to wait outside but the amount of tourists that thought she was one of those street performers you would take photos with was overwhelming as well as infuriating. Nebula knew she just needed some peace and quiet before she clobbered someone. She sat in the booth with a steaming cup of traditional green tea sitting before her, wondering what her boss had been up to while she had been questioning Ken-Chin. No matter, although looking like her stern and blunt self on the outside, Nebula was thrilled on the inside to be able to share with Sophie her findings. She peered towards the door, waiting for Sophie's arrival.

[Kristi Lynne]

Sophie ducked into the noodle shop and let her eyes adjust to the internal darkness. It was easy enough to spot Nebula among the crowd. Sophie took a seat in the booth with a sigh. "Well, I've been stonewalled by the mayor's office, and local police have the CCTV footage locked down," she informed her partner, while trying to get the server's attention. "So I'm hoping you were able to get something out of the kid." 

[Ariel]

"So I'm hoping you were able to get something out of the kid."

Nebula nodded, yet before she was able to speak a waitress came up to their table and greeted them.

"You like anything to drink? Water, green tea, Sapporo?"

Nebula wasn't sure what to request, but out of reflex she responded to the waitress, "Water," Nebula spoke bluntly, starring at the waitress blankly as she took down their drink order and placed two menus on the table before making her exit. Nebula pulled one of the menus in front of her, though to be honest she had no idea what exactly she was looking at. She only glanced at it for a mere moment before whipping her attention back up to Sophie.

"The boy is a local. He said that he had heard of rumors that a young girl was living in the forest near the dams that had caused problems before with the water system. He was in the village with his mother when the flood happened. He didn't say whether or not this girl was the one that caused the catastrophe, but I think she is still out there. Do you think this is the Inhuman we're looking for?" Nebula asked Sophie before the waitress swiftly came back and placed their ordered drinks onto the table.

[Kristi Lynne]

"...He didn't say whether or not this girl was the one that caused the catastrophe, but I think she is still out there. Do you think this is the Inhuman we're looking for?"

Sophie nodded as she sipped her mug of green tea and pondered Nebula's question. "She could be, or perhaps she could have seen something that day," she offered. "Hiding away in the forest certainly raises one's suspicions." After perusing the menu, she settled on a sushi and sashimi platter, avoiding the wanko soba noodles that the city was famous for. 

"Poor child," Sophie sighed, reminded of the boy on his own back at the hospital. "His mother, his home, his whole life gone in a matter of minutes. Hopefully he has family somewhere that can take him in." Though her line of work required her to keep up certain appearances, Sophie wasn't completely heartless. She and Nebula needed to act quickly to make sure that no one else got hurt. "Do you have...family back home?" Sophie asked casually, eyeing her companion over her mug of tea. Even if she did, Sophie would bet that Nebula wasn't eager to discuss it. Fight club champions weren't exactly the family type. 

[Ariel]

"Poor child," "His mother, his home, his whole life gone in a matter of minutes. Hopefully he has family somewhere that can take him in."  "Do you have...family back home?" 

Nebula was completely blindsided by the question Sophie had presented to her. The two of them hadn't exactly had many chances to get deep and personal, not that Nebula was looking for anything like that in this new partnership. She took a moment to think about whether or not she wanted to answer Sophie's question, but Nebula also wasn't the type to keep things bottled up inside. Stalling, she picked up her glass of water and took a sip before placing it down on the table, her metal hand still grasping onto it as she stared into the contents of the glass.

"Any family I ever had is dead to me," Nebula uttered, infusing her pain into her words as she spoke in her efforts to avoid any sort of eye contact with Sophie, "My sister was all I had, but I was never as good as her. So my father mutilated me, pulled my eye from my head...my brain from my skull...my arm from my body and made me into this. All because of her," Nebula swore that she could still feel the agony and torture she had to endure by the hands of Thanos every time she talked or even thought about what he put her through, "She always wanted to win, but I always just wanted the love of my sister. We made amends, before she stood me up and abandoned me on this planet," Nebula gritted her teeth in anger, unaware that her metal hand was squeezing the glass in her hand before it began to crack. Realizing what she could have done, Nebula held her breath as she slowly moved her hand away from the glass and turned her attention onto Sophie, "And you? What's your story, Sophie?" Nebula turned the conversation onto Sophie as she was done with talking about herself and reliving her traumatic past.

[Kristi Lynne]

"Any family I ever had is dead to me. My sister was all I had, but I was never as good as her. So my father mutilated me, pulled my eye from my head...my brain from my skull...my arm from my body and made me into this. All because of her. She always wanted to win, but I always just wanted the love of my sister. We made amends, before she stood me up and abandoned me on this planet."

Sophie's eyes widened at Nebula's retelling of her path to 'this planet.' So much pain and betrayal inflicted by those who should have loved and supported her -- it was no wonder there was so much anger pent up in that small blue frame. Sure, Sophie had battle scars of her own, but none like this woman. Scars that were on the inside as well as the outside. And something they had in common: a sister. Sophie wondered if it was even possible for Nebula to reunite with this sister that had apparently ditched her and taken off to somewhere else in the galaxy. They were hunting for a woman who controlled water, after all; anything was possible.

"And you? What's your story, Sophie?"

"Oh, me? Nothing quite so ... colorful," she replied, gingerly taking the cracked glass out of Nebula's proximity and placing it on the table behind them that was awaiting cleaning. "My parents both retired. My sister, she died several years ago. Car accident," Sophie recited plainly, not wishing to revisit those emotions. But that memory opened the door to a host of others. Though the ending was sad, she couldn't help but smile as she recalled the prelude. "And I had a partner. He was extraordinary. He made me believe that we could take on the world together. Then I lost him, too."  

[Ariel]

"And I had a partner. He was extraordinary. He made me believe that we could take on the world together. Then I lost him, too."

Nebula stared at Sophie, her words triggering thoughts and flashbacks of someone she had managed to force out of her mind since landing in Japan. Andro. There was a point in time where Nebula could also say that she and him could have taken on the world. Killed Thanos and lived happily together. He would have been everything she ever needed. Yet, he had different ideas and so did she. The worst part about leaving him was that she had to face the despairing pit of loneliness once more, until Sophie came along. 

 "Did he rip your heart out too? Or was it something else? If you need me to cave a skull in...," Nebula started, feeling rather angsty from the conversation. Though she didn't end her sentence as she figured Sophie got the gist of what she was saying. She didn't know this woman all too well yet, but she knew Sophie was real and cut the bullshit which was something uncommon for Nebula to experience in a human thus far. 

[Kristi Lynne]

"Did he rip your heart out too? Or was it something else? If you need me to cave a skull in...."

Sophie nearly choked on her tea, realizing that Nebula was quite serious in the offer. "I appreciate the sentiment, really, but that won't be necessary," she declared, sipping from her mug again. "He and I were separated by circumstances. I’ve been trying for years to get back to him. Someday I will."

After all, being SHIELD's errand girl and constantly taking out their trash had to have earned her points in someone's book. When Zemo was captured after the bombing in Vienna, she reasoned that the CIA had then turned him over to the Wakandans to face their justice for the death of King T'Chaka. Even if one could find the reclusive African kingdom, it was said that it was impossible to get in without being born there. And that was just one of many puzzle pieces that she would need if she were ever to see him again.

Eager to take the focus off herself, Sophie volleyed back, "I take it someone ripped your heart out, metaphorically speaking. I do have one mercenary on injured reserve, but I have a dozen others on speed dial should you need them.” She held up her phone to show Nebula that she was willing to return the hypothetical favor. 

[Ariel]

"I take it someone ripped your heart out, metaphorically speaking. I do have one mercenary on injured reserve, but I have a dozen others on speed dial should you need them.”

Nebula flinched into a slight half grin for a moment, considering Sophie's returned proposal. Though, she was quick to turn back to her normal, stern complexion as she grabbed a menu before her once more and lifted it up to cover her face halfway. Don't get attached, she told herself inwardly, remember what the last human did to you. Though, there were noticeable differences between her last close encounter with another human and Sophie. And quite frankly, Nebula was far more favorable of this arrangement than any she had been in on this planet thus far. As long as Sophie didn't do her wrong like the rest of them. Like Andro.

"What is this?" Nebula asked nonchalantly, showing Sophie her menu as she pointed down at the bottom towards text that read 'INSANE NOODLE CHALLENGE', "Challange...is this a fight?" Nebula's gaze snapped upward. Although they were on strict business, even if they could have a little tango with someone, then Nebula wouldn't mind. If anything, she would feel rather entertained.

[Kristi Lynne]

"What is this? Challenge...is this a fight?"

Sophie uttered a short laugh. "Not that sort of fight, my dear," she replied. "It's some challenge where you eat as many bowls of soba noodles as you can. Apparently the city's famous for it. Money grab for tourists, if you ask me."

A man from the next table, clearly overhearing their conversation, decided to inject himself into their space. "Tourists who think they can come here and beat my record."

"Yes, but we're here on business so--" Sophie remarked dismissively.

"132!" he proclaimed. "The most in the city!" 

"Well, we know better than to take on a local hero like you."

"Little girl like you can probably only eat 10 bowls," he added with a sneering laugh while pointing at the two of them.

Sophie's annoyance at the interruption eventually shifted into the beginnings of a plan. A way to take advantage of the man's pride, and sate Nebula's competitive streak. "Actually I think my colleague can beat your record," she declared. "And when she does, you're going to be our guide to anywhere in the city that we want. Including the Mitsuishi Shrine that's forbidden to foreigners. Do we have a deal?" 

The man seemed stunned or perhaps confused into silence.

"I asked if we have a deal," Sophie repeated more slowly. The man quickly nodded. "Alright then," she beamed, then raised her hand to grab the attention of their server. "Sushi and sashimi platter for me, and my friend will be taking part in the noodle challenge with this fine gentleman." She snatched both of their menus and handed them back to the server, throwing Nebula an encouraging smile. "Okay, now it's a fight."

[Ariel]

"Actually I think my colleague can beat your record,"  "And when she does, you're going to be our guide to anywhere in the city that we want. Including the Mitsuishi Shrine that's forbidden to foreigners. Do we have a deal?" "Sushi and sashimi platter for me, and my friend will be taking part in the noodle challenge with this fine gentleman." "Okay, now it's a fight."

Nebula's surprised gaze darted between Sophie, the noodle eating opponent and the server. Sophie had acted quickly to volunteer Nebula for the challenge. Though, Nebula never backed down from a fight, she knew that she would have to win the challenge in order to get what they were looking for. Nonetheless, she was intrigued by the idea of a noodle challenge and hoped to get it over with in a quick manner. Nebula looked at Sophie and gave a single, serious nod in her direction as the server took their menus, "I'll do what I must to win," Nebula proclaimed without a doubt before prodding Sophie curiously, "...What is a soda noodle?" She wasn't sure if she was saying it right, but then again, Earth had unusual names to call their foods and items at times.

[Kristi Lynne]

"I'll do what I must to win ... What is a soda noodle?"

"Soba noodle," Sophie corrected. "I think they're made from buckwheat. I can't tell you if they taste any good, only that you'll need to eat more of them than him. Ready for battle?" she asked, handing over a pair of chopsticks to her partner across the table. "These are not to be used for stabbing anyone, understood?" she added hastily out of an abundance of caution.

A few minutes later, Sophie's platter of food was placed before her on the table, and another tray filled with small bowls of noodles was presented to Nebula. Sophie raised her mug of green tea to the other woman in encouragement, hoping that this gamble would pay off. 

[Ariel]

"Soba noodle,"  "I think they're made from buckwheat. I can't tell you if they taste any good, only that you'll need to eat more of them than him. Ready for battle?"

Nebula nodded, affirming she understood what Sophie was saying. Even if she didn't quite know terms such as 'buckwheat' which sounded like a very Earthy substance, Nebula figured that she would now be learning as she went along. Nebula retrieved two pointy sticks from Sophie, looking at them curiously she held them up in her hands as if they were spears.

"These are not to be used for stabbing anyone, understood?"

"If not for stabbing, why make them so pointy?" Nebula uttered, still confused as to what to do with them. She peered over at her opponent and saw that he held them together with one hand, nestled between his fingertips to form a type of utensil. Nebula tried to hold them the same way as the tray with small noodle bowls was plopped down in front of her, though the sticks between her fingers felt rather stiff and unnatural.

"Ready?...Start!" The server initiated that the challenge had begun, and Nebula rapidly grabbed the first bowl. She tried to grab a bunch of noodles from the bowl, however her chopsticks refused to work with her hands and kept falling out, unable to retrieve any noodles. Letting out an audible growl of frustration, she took matter into her own hands to reinvent the usage of these utensils - Nebula style. Grabbing one chopstick in each hand, she placed her face over the bowl and began to scoop the noodles quickly between the two sticks and into her mouth. Her new plan seemed to work, and finishing the first bowl she moved onto another. And another. She didn't think, speak or look over at her opponent. She just kept eating - the mission depended on it.

[Kristi Lynne]

After a bit of a false start, Sophie noticed that Nebula seemed to settle into a rhythm. She kept an eye on the man at the other table to gauge his progress while she dunked a California roll in a bowl of soy sauce. "You're doing great," she told Nebula. "Slow and steady, dear. It's a marathon, not a sprint." 

The minutes ticked by, and the empty bowls began to accumulate in front of both competitors. But it was soon clear that Nebula was in the lead.

[Ariel]

"Slow and steady, dear. It's a marathon, not a sprint."

Her glaring eyes flashed up at Sophie, not in a malicious way but in the fury of the moment. She was in the game and was focused on making it to the finish line. One by one, Nebula shoved empty bowls away from her and welcomed another. And another. Finally, as Nebula still had some gas in her tank to keep pressing forward, her opponent let out a groan of grief as he tapped out of the challenge, making Nebula the winner.

"Congratulations!" The server cheered as she grabbed Nebula's hand and lifted it up in victory, "We have a winner!" Everyone around them began to clap. As for Nebula, as a born champion, her complexion remained neutral as she wasn't the least bit surprised. Though, she did felt the satisfaction of victory running through her body.

[Kristi Lynne]

"Congratulations! We have a winner!"

Sophie began clapping along with the rest of the shop's patrons. Not that she had doubted Nebula's killer instinct for a moment, but this was a different arena than an illegal fight club. The stacks of empty bowls were counted and then cleared. While their server was busy making notes for Nebula's congratulatory certificate and wooden plaque, Sophie turned back to the man who had made the initial challenge.

"My condolences, sir. I trust you'll still honor our agreement," Sophie insisted, to which he weakly nodded. "Fabulous! Give yourself some time to recover and then meet us outside the Mitsuishi Shrine at sunset." She handed him a business card and then returned her attention to her plate of sushi.

"Well done, Nebula," she said. "Now you can add eating challenges to your skill set."

[Ariel]

"Well done, Nebula," "Now you can add eating challenges to your skill set."


Nebula wasn't sure if it was an amazing skill to add to her list of incredibly qualified abilities. Though, she did not doubt that perhaps this new skill would come in handy in some other galaxy someday. She gave Sophie a nod in acknowledgement, her stomach suddenly beginning to hurt a little from the mound of noodles she had just consumed. Leaning back into her seat, Nebula groaned slightly, "Hopefully it was worth it. I believe I am experiencing symptoms of what you Earthlings classify as a 'food coma'," Nebula admitted.

[Kristi Lynne]

"Hopefully it was worth it. I believe I am experiencing symptoms of what you Earthlings classify as a 'food coma'."

"Eh, I probably should have warned you about that," Sophie said with a sympathetic grimace. "And you probably never want to see a bowl of noodles ever again." It was likely asking too much for Nebula to relax and be off-mission for a time, but they had a few hours before they had to be at the Shrine. And Sophie was still enjoying her own meal.

"What do you think your former employer is up to now?" she inquired. "Holding auditions for your replacement? Not an easy task, I'd wager. And it seems rather ... anti-climactic, coming all the way to Earth just to run a fight club. Or does the Grandmaster have bigger ambitions?"

[Ariel]

"What do you think your former employer is up to now?"  "Holding auditions for your replacement? Not an easy task, I'd wager. And it seems rather ... anti-climactic, coming all the way to Earth just to run a fight club. Or does the Grandmaster have bigger ambitions?"

Nebula shrugged, reaching her hand over the table to grab the drink in front of her, " Probably," She said as she took a sip from the cup before placing it back down on the table, "Regarding his ambitions, I know nothing. It was strictly a business relationship, and we kept it that way. I had no need to question or get close to him to obtain such information," Nebula implied nonchalantly before slightly smirking, "Though he'll have a hell of a time trying to find someone just as great as I." Nebula reveled in this fact, for she saw herself as the best fighter to live in these times. Especially on Earth, "I am just glad to feel like I have a purpose. A meaning on this rock. So...thank you." Nebula nodded sheepishly in Sophie's direction as she grabbed her glass again. Not that she was particularly thirsty, but more or less she was looking to break the emotional tension that arose. The last thing she wanted to be seen as was emotionally weak. Especially in front of her new boss.

[Kristi Lynne]

"Probably. Regarding his ambitions, I know nothing. It was strictly a business relationship, and we kept it that way. I had no need to question or get close to him to obtain such information. Though he'll have a hell of a time trying to find someone just as great as I. I am just glad to feel like I have a purpose. A meaning on this rock. So...thank you."


Sophie smiled in response to what must have been a rare feeling for Nebula. Something close to uncertainty or humility followed by an expression of gratitude. “You should know the invitation was a selfish gesture on my part. Like I said, you left me a man down,” she reminded, the joking comment signaling that she was also more comfortable with a strictly business relationship. The alien woman could open doors that Sophie couldn't, literally, but the strategic use of Nebula's abilities to her own ends didn't make them partners. And certainly not friends. Sophie could no longer afford those.

"I've found purpose is a tough thing to pin down," she stated with a sigh. "Being financially compensated for a job well done -- that's rather more concrete."

[Ariel]

"I've found purpose is a tough thing to pin down," "Being financially compensated for a job well done -- that's rather more concrete."


"I've never cared for the pay," Nebula admitted. It was easy for her to say, as money was never merely much of a concept to her. Her passion was always in the game. But this one was different. This time, she got the opportunity to possibly help a misfit, just like herself. Whether they were to succeed or fail, Nebula would have peace knowing she did her part, "But now, it's for all the girls out there like me who were mistreated, beaten and exiled for being what they are - different. I don't want anyone else to go through what I did to be here." Nebula gave Sophie a swift nod before breaking the awkward tension with another sip from her cup.

[Kristi Lynne]

"I've never cared for the pay. But now, it's for all the girls out there like me who were mistreated, beaten and exiled for being what they are - different. I don't want anyone else to go through what I did to be here."

"Well, that's...very commendable, Nebula," Sophie replied. She didn't have the heart to tell her that most of these acquisition assignments often ended up in the extended incarceration of the Inhuman, if not outright termination. The one they were looking for now had committed catastrophic damage and taken hundreds of lives. SHIELD wasn't going to be in the mood to figure whether the act was intentional or not before declaring them guilty.

"We should probably take a look around that damaged dam before we meet our tour guide at the shrine," Sophie advised, taking a last swallow of green tea. "See if we can find anything useful."

[Ariel]

"We should probably take a look around that damaged dam before we meet our tour guide at the shrine,"  "See if we can find anything useful."


Nebula nodded, agreeing with Sophie's instruction, "If the inhuman has been out there for a while and scared for the most part, he or she won't be thinking straight enough to cover tracks. Especially with the current events that have unfolded." Nebula added, placing the now empty cup down in front of her. She wasn't one to sit around for too long, especially when there was a job that was to be done - and someone out there that needed their help, "So, when do we leave?" Nebula asked Sophie, ready to go whenever her boss was.

[Kristi Lynne]

"If the inhuman has been out there for a while and scared for the most part, he or she won't be thinking straight enough to cover tracks. Especially with the current events that have unfolded. So, when do we leave?"

"I suppose now is good," Sophie replied. "Don't forget your award." She retrieved enough money from her bag to cover the meal, plus a generous tip, and then headed for the exit.

She and Nebula followed the path of the river through the city on foot, trying to get as close to the source of the damage as they could. Sophie's NOAA cover story might have worked with a confused and distressed survivor in the hospital, but security around the flood zone would be more skeptical. So they had to take a more roundabout route into the surrounding forest where the trees were thicker to avoid detection.

Trusting in Nebula's tracking skills, Sophie was happy to let the other woman lead the way. She still kept her eyes open for anything that looked out of the ordinary. A piece of multi-colored plastic on the ground caught her eye, far from any footpath, and she paused to look closer. "Empty noodle package," she advised Nebula. "Looks like someone's been out here." She took the time to make a more studied survey of their surroundings, even the branches overhead.

[Ariel]

The surrounding area of the broken dam was an absolute mess, without a doubt in mind. Yet, Nebula was on a mission and she allowed the senses that drove her tracking skills to lead the way. Tracks, markings, any sort of solace of a trace or even a smell was what she was looking for. The wreckage made things mildly difficult, but Nebula refused to allow the tough circumstances to create any sort of doubt. 

"Empty noodle package,"

Ahead of Sophie grazing the muddied floor, Nebula snapped her head around to Sophie as she discovered the noodle packet.

"Looks like someone's been out here."

Nebula nodded in affirmation as she returned her gaze back to the floor, "There are traces of markings. Women's trainers, size six...maybe six and a half," Nebula muttered, yet loud enough for Sophie to hear, "It's hard to tell, with all the water damage. But they look scattered, as if this person was scared." Nebula announced her observation in a confident matter.

[Kristi Lynne]

"There are traces of markings. Women's trainers, size six...maybe six and a half. It's hard to tell, with all the water damage. But they look scattered, as if this person was scared."

"Scared?" Sophie scoffed. "Or just trying to muddy the waters? So to speak." In her experience, those who found themselves with superhuman power were rarely shy and retiring. More like reckless and homicidal. She carried on walking, her boots squelching in the water-logged ground, but trying to be observant for any more footprints other than their own. "I gather you have a lot of experience with this sort of thing. Finding people who don't want to be found," Sophie said. It wasn't really a question; she hadn't asked for a resume when she'd hired Nebula. But she did need her companion to be a bit of a bloodhound now. 

[Ariel]

"I gather you have a lot of experience with this sort of thing. Finding people who don't want to be found,"

"I have," Nebula affirmed Sophie's assumptions as they continued to scout the area for any more clues that would lead them to their Inhuman, "From the youngest point I can remember, in order to become the deadly assassin my father needed he ingrained in me to be determined, intelligent, resourceful and strong," She explained as she briefly stopped to allow her fingertips to graze a fresh, fairly rough indent in a tree where wood once have been, "This spot on the tree has been sawed at multiple times, by something metal," Nebula moved away from the tree and peered downwards to see a sharp stone with fresh chalked edges. She knelt down to pick it up and examined her findings, "This Inhuman was bound, trying to free themselves," She said before spotting a pair of large metal cuffs that looked as if they were meant for a wild animal, "Are there any facilities nearby?" Nebula looked up at Sophie as she questioned her. Whoever this person was, they had to have come from somewhere only to emerge and cause chaos now.

[Kristi Lynne]

"I have. From the youngest point I can remember, in order to become the deadly assassin my father needed he ingrained in me to be determined, intelligent, resourceful and strong."

"Ah," Sophie uttered, gaining more insight into Nebula's upbringing. It was hard to imagine a child being raised for the express purpose of being a killer. "I think my father was just happy when my sister and I weren't coming to blows. Emilia had a tendency to flip the Snakes and Ladders board over when she lost."

"This spot on the tree has been sawed at multiple times, by something metal. This Inhuman was bound, trying to free themselves. Are there any facilities nearby?"

Sophie joined her to take a closer look at the tree as well as the discarded restraints. "Not that I saw on any map," she answered. "But such things do tend to be hidden from the public." Sophie was doubtful they would find anything that was deliberately concealed underneath the wreckage, but she was willing to keep looking. The path took them gradually uphill and away from the city, the snow-capped summit of Mount Iwate looming in the distance.

The debris and mud all started to blend together after a while, but Sophie thought she heard running water. At a point that was not near the river. She continued walking over the crest of a hill and finally found the source. Something looked off, though. "Nebula, is it just me, or is this water running uphill?" she observed. 

Excited to perhaps have a potential lead, Sophie followed the trail of water until it seemed to end beneath a pile of rocks and leaves. She moved some of it aside with her foot until she saw what looked like metal. "Well, that's definitely man-made. Some sort of hatch, maybe?" she asked Nebula, once she'd caught up.

[Ariel]

Nebula followed Sophie's lead without hesitation, aware that she was indeed onto something. They followed the water uphill, until they came across a sight that was peculiar to their senses. Suddenly, they stopped at a spot on the ground. She watched intently as Sophie cleared away the pile of rocks and and leaves, revealing a new possible clue to their Inhuman.

"Well, that's definitely man-made. Some sort of hatch, maybe?"

Nebula leaned forward to Sophie's findings as a metal door had made it's entrance. She examined it thoroughly for a moment before giving a slight nod, looking up at her boss, "We should investigate it," Nebula punched to the chase as she bent forward towards the hatch door, and with her strength she was able to open it in one go. She uncovered a vast, dark pit which had a sturdy pair of steps that led down into it's depths. Without hesitation, Nebula turned around and began to climb down into it, "Are you coming?" Nebula asked Sophie, her body already down inside with her head poking just above the ground Sophie stood on.

[Kristi Lynne]

"We should investigate it. Are you coming?"

"Of course! I'll be right behind you," Sophie asserted with false bravado, while Nebula continued her own descent. "Who doesn't want to explore a creepy dark tunnel in the middle of the forest?" she grumbled to herself. Flipping on the light on her phone, she pointed it downward but could see little in the shadows beyond the first few steps. And even though Nebula was far better armed and equipped to deal with whatever might be at the base of those steps, Sophie wouldn't let her face it alone.

So she began to climb down the steps as well, looking and listening for evidence of anything other than themselves. She couldn't accurately gauge the distance, but eventually her feet ran out of steps and landed on flat concrete. Once again, Sophie activated the light on her phone and swept the area in front of them.