pawnstorm | WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

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WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU
20 AUGUST (GLADIA) 2016

The quiet, seemingly unremarkable town of Friedgood doesn't seem like a prime target for a Noir attack. Ask any outsider what a Friedgood local's favorite activity might be, and they’ll likely respond "I don't know, digging?" They're not wrong: Friedgood's primary industry comes from the excavation of precious stones and minerals in the nearby mountain ranges and volcanoes. Those who don't make their living from mining most likely still enjoy digging, as the town is a hot destination for archeologists from the school of Pigeonsblood looking to uncover the ancient secrets of Gammon.

More important than shiny rocks, however, is Friedgood's strategic location within the country, specifically the checkpoint known as Platform 42 and 5/8ths. It forms a stark contrast to the sleepy town it resides in. This bustling travel hub is known as the "Gateway to Gammon", and boasts fast transport to almost anywhere in the kingdom. Security is tight here, with grim-faced Gammon soldiers working around the clock to ensure that criminal activity doesn't stand a chance. Keep your contraband at home — an infraction will cost you heavy jail time. Friedgood is also the only town with a road providing access to Grantebrycge, Gammon's illustrious University town.

By conquering Friedgood, Noir hopes for universal access to all of Gammon.

On the 20th of Gladia, amidst strong winds and persistent thunderstorms, Heroes will arrive to the Central West Plateau. Even surrounded by tall mountain ranges and ominous volcanoes, its ancient wall is truly a daunting sight. A marvel even by modern construction standards, it was built over 300 years ago to defend against hostile nomadic tribes, and remains as strong and sturdy as the day it was built. It also provides an important environmental buffer to the people of Friedgood — the wall is resistant to lava.

Basic info on the war can be found here. All OOC questions about the event may be directed to the thread below.

ONE ♙ The War of Three Armies
It’s time to head to the battle, Hero. You may be walking, riding a mount - your own, or a borrowed spider or boar - or hitching a ride from someone else. It’s a miserable trek to the plateau, but at least you’re not alone. Once you arrive, Verdoni is there to greet you, accompanied by another Gammonian, the commander of this battle.

Pinta
[ so god damned salty about not being a naval tactician and assigned to ships ] Ah, yes, the vaunted Heroes I’ve heard so much about. The name is Pinta, ah... naval tactician to Gammon’s armed forces. Ask why and I’ll show you a bloody hell. Anyway, welcome to the Central West Plateau! During ancient times, the volcanoes were said to be a wall of flame that protected Gammon. But if that stopped the Othellians, I suppose I wouldn’t be here, ahaha! Now, with them dormant, we must instead rely upon our steel and our wall. It’s strong enough to protect Gammon even if every volcano in the area were to erupt all at once! At least that’s what the locals say. They didn’t sound too dodgy, but... moving on!

If you have any questions, our men will be glad to explain; show you how the cannons work, where the traps are and whatnot. Again, this really isn’t my expertise—oh! Our wizards have been creative as of late. We’ve these wind platforms that will fling those Noirs up, up, up! Into the air! Try not to get caught in them, yeah?

Our navy will take care of our seas. They’re an outstanding lot, they are. All we need to do is focus! Gammon shall not sink here!

You’ll then be handed a magical bracelet. The miners use it protect them from toxic air, so this is a precaution; should you need it, it should last for the duration of the battle. Now all you have to do is wait and prepare for the battle. Acquaint yourself with the battleground: explore the Defense Wall and see what traps there are. It may give you some ideas of your own. There are also war cannons aligned on the top wall and within its interior. Otherwise, check your supplies or rest and collect yourself for what will come. Your mount may also want attention.

TWO ♙ Fellowship of the Bling
Initially cloaked by thick fumes of sulfur, ozone and the dreary overcast of the storm, the Noir battalion finally arrives. Their general, Spicy Spice, steps, nay, struts forward.

	Why is it that every time I come around, that Cochrane Bridge wants to go down? [ ADJUSTS HER WORLD CUP BRA ] They can’t keep that wall up forever.
Let’s make this a quick one, so we can get out of this smelly rain! [ gets ready to fire her gun in the air when she remembers something ] And don’t forget, target their puny pathetic healers, first. [ raises gun high above her head, signaling for the attack with a BANG! ]

On her cue, the Noir Vanguard rushes forward with a fearsome war cry, followed soon after by the Rearguard.

ENEMY ♟ Mounted Noir Soldier
Weak against None	Strong against Fire	Immune to None
These soldiers gallop onto the battlefield with their imposing GOLDHORN GOAT mounts. These are bigger and stronger than the average goat, and their golden horns tend to ABSORB SPELLS directed at their riders. Some spells in a soldier’s arsenal: GRISTRELKI sets fire to the rain — literally. It converts the rain in the sky into a barrage of fireballs. Pray your umbrella’s fireproof! With the PLAMEVODA spell, they can turn hot water (i.e. those from geysers) into bubbling hot lava. When combined with a strong cooling spell, the spell can trap you in rock… That is, if the lava doesn’t kill you first! DVIZHE SMERTI is a dangerous spell that paralyzes its target, rendering them unable to even speak or blink. This can be cured with mana exchange. Hurry before Noir strikes with a rain of fire!Of course, the soldiers are capable of HEALING SPELLS to assist their injured allies and mounts. The VANGUARD is lead by an impressive wall of massive shield units, armed with various melee weapons: swords, maces, and daunting battle axes. Herd them into the traps around the battlefield to render them immobile! The REARGUARD, armed with bows and arrows, will try to overwhelm the HEROIC VANGUARD. HEROIC DEFENSE back them up with long-ranged attacks and the cannons! If they get close enough to the wall, the Rearguard will relentlessly attack the Defense! Both units are under strict orders to prioritize an attack on the HEROIC SUPPORT. If they see any Hero or Gammonian soldiers helping each other or performing rescues on the battlefield, they will give chase IMMEDIATELY. DROPS: Shield with Noir Emblem, Flame Staff, Assorted Non-Magical Weapons, Golden Goat Horns, Lava Lamp

In the heat of battle, you will feel the ground beneath you shake and tremble. In a turn of events neither side could have predicted, a dormant volcano in the distance erupts, raining down fire and scorched earth on the area. More alarming, however, is how the resulting earthquake sets off powerful, white-hot geysers on the battlefield. Stay alert! To make matters worse, the approaching lava makes Noir’s fire spells even more deadly, and Noir shows no signs of letting up on their assault.

Spicy Spice
You think a little bad weather is going to stop us? Don't make me laugh. [ laughs anyway, then falls into a coughing fit ] Urghh, damn these fumes — Oh whatever, Send in the riders!

THREE ♙ The Desolation of Noir
Undeterred by the eruptions, the geysers, or the bad weather, they’ve called in their aerial units, fierce griffon riders who’re trying to fly over the wall and into Friedgood. Don’t let them pass! Make use of your resources and shoot them down: Heroes with long ranged weapons or magic will find their skills useful here. Learned how to fire a cannon? Now’s your chance! If not, protect your allies, Hero and Gammonian, as they line up their shots.

ENEMY ♟ Noir Griffon Rider
Weak against None	Strong against Fire, Lightning	Immune to Wind
For the first time, Heroes will witness firsthand how Noir’s legendary griffon riders—often called masters of the skies—live up to their name. A griffon’s powerful wings not only lets them soar at great heights; they can whip up terrifying BEAMS OF LIGHTNING. Griffon riders are armed with JAVELINS which they can also throw and cast the same spells as their counterparts on land. However, they share a closer bond with their griffon mounts. Upon losing their master, the griffons will go BERSERK and proceed to kill everything in sight. If a Hero gets caught in a griffon’s talons, the creature will drop them into their boiling demise at either a GEYSER or VOLCANO. DROPS: Mount Treats, Riding Gloves, Noir Lance, Harness, Griffon Feathers, Griffon Talon

The lava is fast approaching and Noir can no longer take the heat. The griffon riders are maintaining their assault, but the rest of their army is falling back to escape. Time for you to retreat too before Gammonian soldiers seal the wall and you’re trapped on the plateau side. Fried Heroes ain’t Fried Good.

Defense, continue shooting at any enemy target in range! Be attentive and aid your allies as they retreat back to the wall. Do not fear, you have the advantage.
Vanguard, fall back! Watch the skies for any griffon riders on the way to the wall. Once you arrive, take down enemies who try to breach. Letting even one enemy pass could spell disaster.
Support, grab the wounded and check the wall’s condition! Any damages should be repaired immediately to prevent the lava from entering Friedgood.

FOUR ♙ There and Back Again
The wall closes, sealing the lava and ending the battle. Hopefully no one got left behind.

Spicy Spice
Now I'm wishing that I didn't wear these shoes (I hate heels). Better get up out my face! [ trips on her way out ] Oh shit!

Catch your breath, Hero. You won. First, check up on everyone and heal your wounds. If you borrowed a mount you might want to take the time to say farewell, since the trip back to Friedgood means you’ll be parting soon.

The people of Friedgood are grateful. They know what would have happened if you lost. There’s no time for fancy parties. They’re pulling out whatever they can find for a makeshift street party right then and there.

You can find bowls of Splotched Richard - a dessert pudding - and Bangers and Mash. If you’re in the mood for something strong you can get pints of Guileless or Pale Noir, maybe a Lasker Train Bomb if you can find someone who’s willing to mix it. Or perhaps you fancy a CreamAle, the favored drink of Grantebrycge.

You’re welcome to stay out and party as long as you like - the party is for you, after all! In fact, the people will respect you more if you get drunk and pass out on the side of the street. But for Heroes who’re tired from the war, you’re always welcome to stagger into the Bollox Inn for a room, free of charge.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ There's less visible skin on Naruto's face now than blood and ash, and for a second it's jarring, as though he's just pulled him out of a disaster. It's almost as though they're fighting two different battles, with Bolin more or less in one piece despite some bruises and shallow cuts. (It's more luck than skill.) ]

Yeah, it's blood.

[ Bolin doesn't sound all that impressed, going still before a small splash of water dumps over Naruto's head, and Bolin rubs a hand over the other boy's face to help clear away the blood and dirt, giving him a better idea of what the situation is. ]

And I wouldn't exactly use that as an example of success! [ He frowns more aggressively at Naruto, gaze shifting to meet his eyes before turning to his nose. ] You went nutso after that.

Anyway. [ He wants to explain himself clearly in case Naruto is still struggling with the uptake. ] I'm going to set your nose. Don't freak out.

Set it where?

[He's not used to Bolin frowning at him so much. He knows he crashed into the guy and all and that must have hurt, but it wasn't as if he did it on purpose- Bolin has to know that much at least. He wasn't causing problems all on his own, it was just an accident.

The water makes his lashes stick together and cuts a path through the dirt caking his skin- it's worse at his temples and throat, where sweat had collected every cloud of dust he'd run through- but that was all part of the fight as far as Naruto had been concerned. He'd worry about cleaning up after, when they aren't dodging spells and lava and when he's washing his clothes for seventy years instead. Still, Bolin is rubbing his face so Naruto might as well help if it'll make his friend feel better- ouch. It's really tender right in the middle. He must have a big big bruise.]

Ano- I'm really okay Bolin. I'm sorry for hitting you I didn't really see where I was gonna land'attebayo.

It's okay.

[ He's only half-aware of what Naruto is apologizing for anyway, and he must be really out of it if he's so unaware of the situation on his face. But Bolin's going to get it under control, because he's a good friend. ]

Hold still.

[ The instruction comes as he grips Naruto's jaw, almost entirely sure that the other boy won't listen. He raises the other hand to Naruto's nose, frowning a little as he reaches out, grabbing the bridge of the nose and moving swiftly to set it back so that it's no longer crooked. He has nothing to hold it in place, and it doesn't matter anyway as he focuses carefully to create magic in the space of contact, a healing spell pouring over the bruised area to bend the bone.

He just hadn't wanted to heal it all crooked. ]

How's that?

[Naruto isn't really out of it so much as he's an extreme example of someone with the I'll Just Walk It Off mentality. He's too busy trying to look at whatever it is Bolin is doing to his face- grabbing his jaw. Is there something on his face?? It hurts but he'll just heal when all this is over, it's not a big-]

OW!

[Which comes first, the pop or the pain. It makes Naruto's eyes sting and he jolts backwards immediately- his expression has it seem like he's been tricked somehow.]

It! [He's going to yell that it hurts. But it hurt before. And now it's... well it's sore but]

Actually... it's not so bad.

[ Bolin grins, letting one hand drop to squeeze Naruto's shoulder. ]

See? You just need to trust me.

[ The ground is trembling as he stands up, but he doesn't stumble, turning his head instead to catch two of the giant goats in the distance, rider and beast alike terrorizing opposing soldiers. His gaze snags on the way that one the men falls, the hooves of the giant creature destroying muscle and bone under its weight.

With an exhale, he turns back to Naruto. ]

Did you break any other bones? Stop acting tough. I'll start grabbing you if you lie.

What's that supposed to- [He already trusts you he's just never had someone karate chop his face before?? Naruto's reaching up to touch it tentatively- it's still really sore and swollen. It still feels all bruised and tender, but at least it isn't pain spiking across his face every time the wind blows.

His voice trails off when the pair of goats go by, the shouts and cries he can barely hear from here. That's where they should be. Adrenaline throbs in his veins.

Naruto grabs hold of Bolin's wrist and starts running towards the scene.]

C'mon!

You didn't— [ Well, it's self-evident now, given that Naruto appears to be running just fine, so Bolin shifts his focus.

He brings his shield out, working with his other weapon to move the material under his control, making it narrower, sharper along the edges before he swings it out with a punch of his fist. The aim is for the flanks and legs of the beasts; the weapon jerking back and forth until, snagging as the goats move, they're roars ringing louder than the men they'd crushed and garnering the attention of their riders.

Bolin's not sure how long it'll take for the riders to determine the source of the assault, but it doesn't matter too much as the pair of them close in on the scene, the goats now considerably slower under the weight of their injuries. Which is fine for Bolin, he doesn't like the look of those horns anyway. ]

[It's hard for something as simple as a break to register to him, in the grand scheme of things. Naruto has been stabbed, cut, set on fire, had his neck broken, been electrocuted- what's a broken nose in the face of all that? Or even a broken arm for that matter. It's more than just the years of relying on the nine-tailed fox to keep him alive, or his unusual healing abilities. He's used to taking a hit- to having to take hit after hit after hit because the fight won't stop until someone stops moving.

He lets go of Bolin's wrist somewhere between where they'd been standing and the guys that're waiting for them. He's peripherally aware of Bolin's weapon moving ahead of them, snagging around the legs of the goats charging in their direction and slowing them down in the process. Maybe magic doesn't work on the mounts, but that's why Naruto reaches for the riders- he pulls hard, using his understanding of gravity yank them out of their saddles, hurtling them straight at he and Bolin.]

[ Naruto's right next to him when he casts the magic, but Bolin's focus is entirely on the disc that his shield has become. It doesn't work on autopilot, and he needs to keep his attention on it to keep it moving.

He doesn't notice the incoming bodies at first, though it's rather difficult not to catch sight of two, yelling soldiers and Bolin yanks his shield back toward himself to have something to protect himself with but there's no way it'll come back fast enough and ]

Hrgh—

[ He catches at least one of the soldiers with his own body, sending the both of them sprawling back into the dried earth. ]

Eh- [It hasn't occurred to him that Bolin wouldn't see it coming. He plants his feet and meets the incoming soldier with the hilt of his short blade braced against his shoulder- impaling him the moment they connect. It's another beat before he registers that Bolin isn't actually still standing beside him, flinging his weapon around.

He realizes what he's done only when he sees the two of them sprawled out on the ground and his eyes widen with shock. In a comical wax-on-wax off moment, the same soldier that he'd thrown onto Bolin is yanked back with gravity magic once more and hurtled in the opposite direction.] EH?

Bolin! Are you okay?

[ He exhales a little roughly once the weight is gone, coughing to regain his breath before he's pushing himself up. The wind's been knocked out of him, but he's not particularly dazed by the hit, feeling urgent and hurt, eyes frantically searching for his shield and pulling it back to his hold once he's got it in his sights.

Naruto's questions registers but he doesn't answer, his heartbeat is unnaturally quick and his actions are panicked; almost jittery when he sees the soldier that had tackled him. There's blood not too far from them, from the other soldier that Naruto had cut down; fire in the sky and the explosion of geysers in the distance.

He's spooked.

His shield swings out hard under his control, smashing hard against the remains soldier's head to knock him right unconscious as he struggles to regain his balance, drawing blood.

That's it. That's both of them, and Bolin's drawing quick breaths as he searches for others. ]

Hey-

[It's a little wobbly at first, threaded with confusion as Bolin climbs to his feet and flings his shield back out. There's a smear of blood across Naruto's chest, from the soldier he'd just impaled, and it looks almost black in the waning light. He reaches for his friend's arm without really knowing what he's going to do- he's just worried, he's just trying to check on him. Naruto knows what it's like to suddenly be thrown off center in a fight. It's the almost shaken quality to him, the quick and shallow breaths he takes that tightens his gut. It's hard not to remember Bolin's face on the train, when everything had gone wrong.

His grip is firm, grounding, a band just above the earthbender's elbow.]

Hey, Bolin.

[ He just hasn't seen anything like this. It's not as though there hadn't been war and violence in the Four Nations—on the streets of Republic City even, but those guys weren't so bad. Even the Triads were just trying to survive out there. They wouldn't draw out executions, or come up with new and creative ways to kill their enemies. Those were things that existed, but distantly, seemed unreal.

Naruto's hand on his elbow draws his attention immediately, and there's still adrenaline pumping so fiercely in his blood but he thinks that his thoughts are becoming more rational, conscious enough to know that he should calm down. ]

Oh, hey—

[ And his hand goes out to Naruto's chest, fingertips brushing the fabric of his shirt as healing magic lights up between them on instinct. He'd been training since the train. ]

[The thing that makes every fight different is intent. A struggle for survival is more desperate than an act of greed and neither one is as ruthless as a desire for conquest. He remembers being twelve and recognizing that for the first time- coming face to face with a fight no one could be talked out of, with people resolved to die for their cause and with his own unwillingness to surrender in turn.

Bolin's fingers a spread over his chest like the points of a star and he feels more than sees the healing magic pass through his body. Naruto doesn't let go. Instead he just holds them both there for a moment, watching his friend's face, voice soft but no less solid- guiding a ship back into a dock.]

You with me?
[What do you need instead of are you okay, because he isn't. Naruto knows him well enough to know that.]

[ He’s never thought, I don’t want to fight anymore. He’d never even wanted to think it. Fighting is normal for him: something that had become normal to him ever since he’d been orphaned, but those were petty fights; squabbles and skirmishes that he could laugh about. (At least, in Bolin’s young mind. The narrative would likely be different if you asked Mako.)

It’s not like fighting the Equalists, Unalaq, and the Red Lotus hadn’t gotten his blood pumping with both fear and urgency, but it wasn’t fear like this. There was something in him that had always felt unstoppable back home; he always felt protected somehow. Suffering, really suffering, seemed unfathomable. Everything would always be all right, surely. They were the good guys.

He doesn’t think it now either. Even if he’s tired, he doesn’t. They’ve got to protect this town, and he can’t leave the others to shed blood without him. But he does wish it wasn’t like this.

Naruto’s so level-headed in front of him. ]

Yeah. It’s fine, just got caught off guard. [ He ducks his head, frowning out of frustration. ] We shouldn’t stand around for too long.

[It's the most painful, and also the most important thing that Naruto has learned from all the people he's seen and the things he's done. Whether it was fighting other teams from Konoha for scrolls to qualify for an exam, or fighting the man that killed his master, or fighting a man that wanted to remake the world- everyone always believes they're the good guys. They always have a reason for what they're doing, something that's important enough to live and die for- an idea, a creed, someone special, pride, home, peace. It can be heartbreaking to look that resolve in the face and recognize that sometimes there can't be a compromise.

But it can be reassuring too. To remember that no matter what, people really aren't that different from one another. As long as that exists- there's hope.

Naruto puts an arm around Bolin's shoulders, it's sudden and firm and without warning. A shuffle of feet, and a powerful hug. He means it, not just to reassure or to distract, but because hugging Bolin is what he wants to do right now. Because it's abrupt and solid and real. Because like this he can hear his friend breathing and feel the rise and fall of his chest against his own.]

Don't give up.

[I know it's hard. But things will change.]

[ He doesn't really see that coming. Because this are drastic right now, dangerous and unpredictable. They shouldn't be allowed to stand like this without being targeted—that can't just be Bolin's worried thinking. But Naruto makes it happen, because Bolin is learning that he's unstoppable force.

(With more experience than Bolin can even comprehend, though he just reaps the benefits of having Naruto as a comforting presence.)

It helps. It helps and he feels calmer then: calm, and so grateful to have an ally; so thankful to Naruto for being patient when they're so short on time, and they need to remain focused. ]

Yeah. [ He smiles, warm despite his worries. ] I would never!

[ They need to focus, but Bolin still takes a moment to squeeze Naruto in return, regardless of any injury sustained, he's fierce with his embrace in return before he pulls away, gripping his shield again and feeling more steady where he stands. ]

I'm good.

[It isn't meant to linger because they can't, and though people are quick to call Naruto an optimist, he's acutely aware of what it means to take a risk on the battlefield. Diverting his attention, even for a few seconds, could spell disaster- but this is important too. He'd seen the look on Bolin's face, like he was getting lost in the space between his head and his heart, between himself and other people.

His palm slaps between the man's shoulder blades, an encouraging clap in the moment before they pull away. It's about solidarity, not comfort- letting Bolin he wasn't alone in the way he was feeling even if they didn't know how to make things better, how to solve this world's problems in a way that didn't end in blood and more blood. Sometimes, in Naruto's experience at least, all you need is to know that someone else is standing there with you. The echoing squeeze leaves him warm and full, thrumming with their connection even as they break it.]

Where do you gotta go?

[It's hard to know if the scene is more or less chaotic- there's so much smoke.]

I can cover you.

[ The weight of everything around them doesn't often sink in for Bolin; the lava, the lightning, the magic, and the soldiers cutting each other down. For better or for worse, he doesn't really try to be aware of it all, because that's when the weight settles in his bones, and his mind gets lost in all the possibilities and outcomes.

He'll have to ask Naruto about it later.

His gaze moves to where there's a noticeable concentration of soldiers, and he thinks that's it. ]

Okay, let's go. [ He can taste sulphur when he speaks, no longer jittery, but firm as he grips his weapon. ] I think we should to be there.

[It's a pretty big group of enemies. Naruto notices it the way people notice the weather and decide what they should wear for the day- and his weight rocks from one foot to the other. Of all of his friends back home he was probably the stockiest- well, except for Choji- and for that reason he'd always seemed deceptively agile. Maybe it was just because he was always running his mouth as a kid, and because he's still getting into trouble even though he's a man now. Whatever he's not thinking about it! His weight continues to rock, a build up of energy even as his gaze flicks to Bolin's shield and the corner of his mouth quirks. A thought.]

Hey hey, can you use that to knock a bunch of people out? Have you tried that before?

[ If only Bolin knew what a pinball was so that he could make the mental connection. Unfortunately, he doesn't, but as he considers his shield and moves it around in the air, carefully under his control, he's feeling pretty confident. ]

I haven't, but I can give it a shot.

[ He'd have to hit multiple targets right, and he might only bring a couple not and not actually knock them out, but he's not against trying something new. Especially when he's got Naruto next to him. ]

Why? Do you have an idea?

[Does he have an idea? Kinda. Does he have a plan? Not in the slightest.

Maybe, like whack-a-mole, if he can keep the guys distracted and make sure they're engaged in a fight with him- if he can make sure they don't really move- then Bolin'll be able to whack them a few times from behind. That way they don't have to kill anyone, but they won't have to worry about getting chased down after either.]

I'm just gonna try and keep some of 'em still!

[Yeah, because that sounds easy. Very articulate Naruto.
He reaches for the holster on his thigh, three fingers sliding into the loops of three individual throwing knives- and then they fly. Two of them pin guys to a rock wall- not enough to hold there forever but enough for a little bit of leverage for Bolin. The third grazes an opponent and brings his attention to the streak of gold heading into the crowd. Naruto uses the push of his gravity magic to send him backwards- against a wall as well, where he smacks into the surface and hits the ground.]

[ Bolin is used to fighting, but he wouldn't describe it as a fun past time. There's nothing fun to him about people trying to kill him or being forced to attack people, tear at them and break their bones. He loves bending, but he doesn't enjoy conflict.

But he does feel a sense of ease with Naruto here, and when the other boy lets his weapons and magic fly, Bolin gets moving. All of his attention is on the soldiers in front of him, as he holds his shield behind before

it shoots out. Released and moving of it's own momentum to keep the sharpness of its hits as Bolin balls up the shield, makes the impact greater as he cracks against skulls with the right about of force. His boots are kicking up dirt as his feet turn and pivot, moving with the rest of his body as he controls the projectile, making quick use of Naruto's help to ricochet the weapon from target to target. Mako's always believe that Bolin was a good shot, and he's glad to see that he hasn't lost it.

He's not sure if it matters whether or not Naruto has a plan, because more often than not things don't go according to plan in war. No matter how much careful precision is applied, things have a habit of going awry.

But this time it works. The hits are rapidfire, Bolin's weapon not stilling for a moment once he shoots it, swerving and accurate until each one of the soldiers is on the ground.

Clean. Better luck than they should be afforded but it— ]

Hey, you have really good ideas!

And no one ever believes me'attebayo!

[Against maybe all odds, Naruto is grinning as he shouts the words back. Bolin had pointed them to a fairly dense group of soldiers and it's only a matter of time before the numbers tip the balance in their favor. Naruto trusts his taijutsu- without meditating and by extension, without being able to become a Sage here- he can't feel the attacks before they reach him, but his instincts are enough to keep his head above metaphorical water.

A spell is fired from his right and Naruto wraps his gravity magic around it, imagining the ability like two hands that grab hold of it and pull it off course. It leaves an explosion of fire sailing just inches from him to crash into the ground. The swing of an axe follows because even though he's stopped the magic from hitting him, he hasn't stopped the soldiers themselves. He swings himself up and over, stepping onto the blade of the axe as if it's a ledge to leap from and pitching the soldier into the ground in the process. He's running low on kunai and knows he has maybe four more left, they need to last because even if he was able to pin someone with each of them, it's still not enough for the crowd that's been drawn.

He flings two more- catching a soldier in the shoulder and causing another to trip in order to avoid being hit, but it's not without cost.] Plamevoda! [Naruto's feet hit the ground and the heat is everywhere. Knee deep in lava Naruto bites out a cry, feels his body sink into the uneven earth- and then it begins to lock up- a cooling spell that solidifies the lava into rock.]

Bolin!

[ He might've replied with something encouraging if he had the chance, too busy rolling out of the way of the remaining attackers. The spells are difficult for him to deal with, and he's not as proficient with his own magic as Naruto might be, so most of his efforts are spent trying to get out of the way, retaliating with strikes of metal bands to incapacitate his attackers and pin them to the ground; tricks that he learned from watching Kuvira.

Bolin keeps aware of Naruto position though he's not necessarily tracking him. It's just the type of coordination that he's used though, though these fights are a little more high stakes, a little more chaotic than the ones back home.

It's enough to get his heart to drop before Naruto even calls his name, and the steady rhythm that he'd worked out in the battle crashes to a halt. Thoughts scattering into pieces of lava— bend— not anymore—

But he's not afforded enough time to panic, another soldier taking a sword to him, scraping his side and drawing his attention with enough focus that, impossibly, magic swells in him out of instinct and he shouts at the attacker, shattering his eardrums and bringing him to his knees. Then his attention shifts, two of the metal bands that are part of his uniform flying out toward the soldier and mage closest to Naruto, wrapping around their head and neck respectively, his magic weapon working in tandem with gravity magic to shove them as he runs closer, just getting them away. ]

Naruto!

[ He's not frantic when he reaches Naruto, but he's not calm. his shield warped into a giant arrow that he shoves into the ground, the cooled lava brittle but still rock. His thoughts are rapid fire, thinking of faster ways to get Naruto out, keeping aware of their enemies around them. They're so vulnerable. He barely as any time to focus when another mage tries to fling a spell at him, the shield morphing back into it's original shape to catch the magic, the metal heating up as Bolin counterattacks, flinging the attacker again before knocking her out with his shield, burning through mana fast enough that he starts to feel the strain.

But he resumes, letting the shield keep its shape as he bashes at the rock around Naruto, unable to think of way that would tear the boy out. ]

Just—

WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

ok...

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