Mission Failed Successfully (A Yoru x Phoenix)

Three

Phoenix sat in the corner of the med centre on a rickety chair, struggling not to pout.

Sage had taken one glance at the body in his arms, and told him to place him on one of the beds. Since then, she'd been silent, eyes closed and a light green orb in her palm lighting the area in turquoise.

It was calming to watch, really, but Phoenix couldn't help but feel like a kicked puppy.

The second she was done, it was time for the scolding. Phoenix closed his eyes.

A gentle click brought him back to reality, as Sage removed the disc and placed it on a tray beside her. In it were already an assortment of medical equipment and vials of blood samples, no doubt ready to be sent to Headquarters for analysis.

It wasn't everyday an agent ran into an unknown Radiant cluelessly wandering in an abandoned city.

"How did you find this man, Phoenix?" Sage fiddled with her tools, disinfecting with a small wipe, "And what on Earth is with this poison in his veins?"

Phoenix shrugged easily, "You'll have to go to Viper for that. As for who, he never told me. I don't think he remembers, thought you could help with that."

With a sigh, she stood up and placed the vials in a box, clicking it shut, "Unfortunately, my powers do not work as far as to fix one's memory. We will need more tests to find why. In the meantime, could you send these to Viper? She should know what to do."

Phoenix rose to his feet with a grin, taking the box and giving the stranger one final look over. His eyebrows had softened in his sleep.

But as he went to exit, Sage cleared her throat.

"Just this once, I'll let your behaviour slide," she sharpened her gaze onto him, "I cannot stand your recklessness. It worries me."

Phoenix laughed, leaning against the doorway, "Listen, Doc, do you know who you're talking to?"

Sage crossed her arms, a flicker of a smile on her face. It was the hours spent quietly in each other's company, that led to this familiar routine between them.

"I just wish you were more compatible with someone."

"Not you too, Sage, you sound like my mum. I'm still young and hot, it's way too early to settle down," he winked cheekily as she rolled her eyes.

"You know what I mean, Phoenix."

He turned back towards the exit, box tucked under his arm, and waved, "Yeah, yeah. Gotcha, now you go do what you do best, girl. See you around."

"Goodbye, Phoenix."

The automatic doors swooshed shut, and he was left with the silence of the hall.

----

"Yooooo, Sabine-"

"Get out."

"Now hold on a minu- I said hold on! I bring gifts!"

Viper rolled her eyes towards Phoenix as the snake on the table hissed. He put his hands up in what he hoped was a placating manner, giving the cobra a wide berth in the darkened lab.

Green gases lit the glass tubes spread across the wall to his right. He shivered, and turned his attention to Viper, sat at the desk and eyes red from the blaring white of a multiscreen computer. It buzzed lightly alongside the refrigerator and it's chemicals, as well as the gentle rattling and slithering of snakes hidden from view.

"Here, the stuff from Sage. It's the blood samples from the new guy."

Viper wordlessly reached her hand out, and snatched the box from his fingers. Phoenix stood awkwardly as she pulled the small glass tubes out, twirling and glaring at the red liquid within.