A Recognition of Shadows

[Reno]

The brunette noticed though and he looked back, smiling charmingly as he met Ventus' gaze. "Don't worry Ventus, I'll see you in the morning." As he turned away, his look became thoughtful once again as he slipped out the door with his family, following them home. As they stepped inside the door, he hesitated finally and said, "Mom, dad.... I need to talk to you."


Back at Braig's house, Roxas was climbing into his own cot, glanced outside the window, "I guess Axel isn't coming back."
"He seems to like to sleep by himself. He doesn't seem to like company very much." Soran said, sounding a bit saddened by this. It was almost a strange how the Avatar's attitude was always so empathetic, even to people he seemed to dislike. The brunette sighed though and shut his eyes shaking his head. "But... maybe Terra is right. Maybe going to the Fire Nation isn't the right idea right now."
Beside him his friend asked what he meant.
"Well, if it is a spirit doing this... it is my erm... duty as the Avatar to stop him, right? But, I don't know how. I mean, history says that to solve most spiritual problems I need to go into the spirit world. But I don't even know how to get there! And the only people who know the answer are my past lives - and well that doesn't really help me!"

Beside them, Roxas laid down and frowned, looking up towards the ceiling, not minding as the mother Raptor-lion found her way onto his bed. "Well, why not go to a place with a lot of spiritual energy? That might help you get there."
"Maybe... but I don't know where one of those are."
"Well... I fought with a water-bender once who was traveling from the Northern Water Tribe. He was really talented; he beat me in under a minute." Roxas frowned a bit at this, but continued, "After we sparred, I asked him how he got so good. He told me about this... oasis they have where he went and found enlightenment about his bending. He said unlike any other place in their tribe, it is a spot that is so warm, grass can go there. He said it's the most spiritual place on earth."
Soran tilted his head, thinking about it. "A spiritual oasis huh.... You think they'd really let me see it?"
Roxas turned over in an indication he was going to bed, waving his hand in the air. "Why not. Your the Avatar aren't you? As long as you tell them that you're doing it for 'the good of everyone' I'm sure they'll be dropping at your feet to help."

The bald teen blinked, looking at the other with a small frown, before glancing at Ventus with an unsure look. But... it was the best bet he had. He had to get to the spirit world if he wanted to help... and if the oasis would help him get there, what did he have to lose?

[Rikugurl]

Ventus looked back at him, giving him a reassuring smile. "Maybe Roxas is right. Maybe we should head to the Northern Water Tribe. The water tribes are pretty peaceful as far as we know, even if they keep to themselves. If they let you into the spiritual oasis, you can meditate there and maybe be able to contact the spirits to ask them why they are angered..." He trailed off, getting comfortable in his cot as well, lowering his bald head and sighing softly. He missed the warmth that Atteris gave him..
"I just don't know how well Axel is going to take that decision. He's pretty grounded on the idea that we head right for the Fire Nation.

There was some silence until Braig said his good-nights to the boys, heading into his room for rest. He really deserved it. Him as his nephew had been remarkably helpful in the last few days.

"I wonder... if Axel is in a hurry because of his order... or if it's because he wants to get his order done and over with so he can be in solitude again." The air bender thought out loud. His eyes glanced to the side, looking at the blonde who had turned away. "But... he did rescue Roxas..."


"YOU WHAT!?"
Ida called in shock as she looked at her son who was standing straight and grounded to their dirt floor of their house. "Terra, you can't be serious! What... what about your family? Terra, you're of working age. We need help around the house and some income. You need to find a pretty girl and settle down. How can you do this while... traveling the world? You're even frightened of heights!" She argued, frowning as her catowl landed on her shoulder. "Terra... you can't leave. I won't allow it. I don't know what nonsense your uncle has been drilling into your head but this is unacceptable. You need to take some responsibility."

[Reno]

"Just because he likes being alone doesn't mean he is unwilling to help people." Soran pointed out gently, though for Axel is WAS peculiar. After seeing the display he put on in the Northern Air Nomad village... it was hard to imagine Axel helping ANYone. But... but he didn't just help Roxas - he saved his life. "Well, we'll talk about it with Axel tomorrow. Right now... let's just get some rest." Soran said, laying down as well.

Secretly, he was excited. He always wanted to see the Northern Water tribe! Hopefully they could convince Axel that this was the right thing to do.


"I've decided I'm going to travel with the Avatar." It was such a simple statement, but it drew Ida into a fury it seemed.
Terra listened to her argument before slowly crossing his arms, speaking plainly. "I'm ALSO of an age to make my own decisions mother! What are you going to do to stop me, lock me in my room?!" He frowned more and drew his shoulders back, "And I am being responsible. I'm not just taking a vacation or something! I'm helping the Avatar. There's no greater honor then doing something like that!"

Hatori scoffed, shaking his head. "Honor? What do you know of such things boy?"
"I know enough that if it wasn't for him and his friends, we might all be dead right now! You saw those creatures! And if I can help him stop what is going on, why shouldn't I go with him?"
"Boy I don't want to hear any more of this prattle. Your mother is right. Your place is here, not in the sky... gallivanting off with a bunch of kids."

[Rikugurl]

"WHAT!? No, no, no, no, NO!" The redhead huffed the next morning, his full attire on, ready to ride. Behind him were three boys around the same age with nearly the same look on their face.
"I am NOT bringing you to the Northern Water Tribe."
"But---"
"Have you ever been there!?"
"Well----"
"It's made out of ICE!? Did you all forget that I'm from a land of scorching volcanoes and tropical weather? I DON'T go to the poles and neither does Shesha." The redhead ended, walking over to the dragon who was all packed up and ready for flight.

"But... but Soran has to talk to the spirits to calm them. We have to go... with or without you." Ventus stood up straight, walking in front of Soran.
Narrow green eyes met his spiraled around and the firebender walked back to them in fury. "Look. My orders were to bring back the Avatar to the Fire Nation and I am going to do that. I will do what I must to go where ever he does to make sure this order is complete. Where the Avatar goes, I go."

There was a cork in the young boy's lips. "Oh, so then you'll be coming to the Norther Water Tribe after all. Thank you for the offer, Axel!"
"W-wha!?" The redhead stuttered, making Soran laugh. He was caught in his own statement.
"Hey----"
"Ah, so now you're lying to the great Avatar Soran?" Ventus questioned, making Soran laugh even more. This didn't settle well with the redhead though. His face became red with anger and one was sure they could see smoke coming from his ears.

For the third time, the fire bender turned his back from the three, stomping over to the dragon. "Fine. However, whether you are finished or not, we have to return to the Fire Nation in a week. I will knock you out and drag you back if I must."
The air benders shared a glance before the group walked closer to Shesha who was flexing her wings to get ready for the flight. "Why a week?"
"Because," Axel started as he threw on another bag over the dragon's back. "It is the time of year where the Fire Nation celebrates Fire Days Festival. I have always attended the festival and I'm not planning on missing it once."

Blue eyes widened and Soran was the first to burst in wonder, liking the sound of a festival. It was then that he promised they would return to the Fire Nation before the festival... or at least try his hardest to.
"Alright... but before we go, I have a simple question." Axel turned to face them all, his face negative but willing. "How do you expect Shesha to carry five people?"
Ventus tilted his head before looking around and counting to himself.
Axel. One.
Soran. Two.
Himself. Three.
Roxas. Four.
And.....
He continued to look around before glancing behind him and his eyes became bright and wide when he saw another figure walking from the forest trail and into the sight of the clear field. "Terra!"

[Reno]

"Terra!" Came a second happy cry, Soran jumping off the back of the large dragon to greet him. Braig had told him he offered to the brunette to come along... it seemed that the other teen had made his decision. "So you're coming along after all?"
The man's lips quirked and he nodded. "If that is alright with you Avatar, it would be my honor to assist you." He glanced over his shoulder, meeting Ven's eyes. "Besides, I would feel at ease if I could make sure my stitches hold on that wound of your friend's."

"Alright? I would love for you to come along!" Soran chirped with a grin. "The more the merrier." Terra wouldn't just be good company though... He would be an excellent guide to this area. The brunette was obviously very knowledgeable about plants and people; those kinds of things would be very helpful whenever they camped out and were scourging for food, or got hurt.

As he spoke though he heard Axel clear his throat, making the Airbender look back. Oh yeah... there was a bit of a problem with this. "Well... Me and Ven can take turns flying!" He said with a grin, the idea exciting him. "It'll be fun!"

Terra chuckled at the other's enthusiasm but shrugged his shoulders at the unhappy firebender, following the Avatar over, stringing his things onto Shesha as well while the avatar grabbed his glider, getting ready for flight. Before the brunette could climb on though, there was a howl that made him pause and look back...

And then in two seconds flat he was bowled over by a large bull-wolf. "A-Ah, Atteris! You should be at my uncle's!" The wolf whined and started licking his face, not wanting to be left behind. There was a chuckle from above, Ventus tugged the wolf some by his horn so Terra could sit up, the brunette adjusting the green headband around his forehead before he looked at the wolf, petting his muzzle. "You have to stay here and protect everyone, alright? I won't be gone long." The other whined again, nudging his hands some, but even his puppy-dog look didn't work this time. "Go home."

The ears flattened and the dog whined once more before he turned, his tail down as he trekked back to town. The brunette sighed and shook his head, chuckling.
"Ah... it must be nice to have such a loyal friend." Sora said, his mind wandering some. When would he find his animal guide?
"Heh, I suppose." Terra said, getting onto the dragon successfully this time.
It was the blonde behind him, who also had to saw goodbye to his lion-raptor friend this morning, asked curiously, a suspicious gleam in his eyes. "Why is he going to your uncle's though?"
"Hmm...? Oh! To keep him company." The brunette said absent-mindedly. "Since I'll be gone for awhile, I thought he could use the company is all."
Sitting in front of him, Ven gushed about how thoughtful that was, neither seeing the peculiar frown that fell over Roxas' face.

[Rikugurl]

"Ah, Soran! Do you not find me loyal enough?" Ventus giggled as his friend blushed, explaining that he meant no harm.The dragon groaned as Terra's weight was added with the others, her large golden eyes looking at the small group she was about to carry. "Aaaaaaaar..."
"Don't worry, Shesha, they will spare you some." Axel patted her gently as he walked her length to get up front. As he did so, he couldn't help but see the frown on the blonde's face. "Why the long face? Oh... right. Now you're stuck with the people you love being around." He grinned, his eyes flickering some before he continued to the front.

"T-that's really not necessary, Terra..." Ventus was saying, a small blush on his cheeks as he waved back to the earth bender. "You did a great job. I can hardly feel a thing!" However, when he heard Axel point out the frown on Roxas's face, he glanced pass the brunette to spot it too. "Hey, don't be so mean. I know it's hard..." He frowned at the redhead but Axel seemed to ignoring it. Blue eyes looked back at Roxas in concern. "RoxAAAAAAAAA!!!" He cried, fumbling against Terra who luckily caught him as the dragon flapped her wings and pushed up into the sky.

For some, this was their first time flying.

And Terra didn't seem to be taking it well. As they pushed through the clouds, Ventus could feel the man shake, and his tanner fingers clenched onto his shoulders. The ride was a bit unsteady, the dragon not use to carrying all the extra weight. "Soran! Why don't you glide first!?" Ventus suggest and Soran was more than happy to do so. With a flick of his wrist, the glider was alive and off the boy went, diving from the dragon's back. He quickly came back up, a joyous smile on his face as he enjoyed the wind around him. Ventus smiled back at him, waving him off as he flew in front before glancing back at Terra who was still a bit shaken.

A soft and gentle smile slowly ran over Ventus's face as he turned to face forward. He took in a deep breath and placed his hands in the air. His torso started to sway in a relaxing motion and his hands swayed along with it. The wind around them started to slowly pick up and the puffy white clouds started to swirl around and form into something. They collected and broke apart, making some designs that made the watcher guess until it was completely finished. It was always a game to pass time; to look up at the clouds and think of what they took shape of. It was no guessing now for the clouds were formed to look like a bull-wolf.

[Reno]

"Ah!" Roxas' eyes narrowed his frown lengthening as he was about to snap at Axel that if he DIDN'T want to come along he WOULDN'T be but the airbender was quick to step up in the argument first before he could. When Soran had given him the invitation to follow them, Roxas had been hesitant to take it, mainly BECAUSE he would be traveling with benders but... he did know that some of the strongest waterbenders lived in the northern water tribe. It WOULD be a good chance to test his skills...

He grunted as the lifted off, holding onto the scales of the dragon tightly, and moments after they got into the air, Soran was jumping off flying beside them on the air current. "Whoa..." The blonde breathed very quietly, going unheard by the others as he looked around, his eyes full of wonder. Even though he wasn't an airbender, he was from the nomad village and flying was an art every Air child dreamed about - even those who could not. And he... he was flying!

A small smile spread on his lips, hardly noticing the tense Earthbender sitting in front of him, feeling not exhalation like Roxas was but pure terror. Unlike air nomads, earthbenders never dreamed of flying. "Ahh.... shit..." Terra huffed softly, holding onto Ventus as tightly as he dared, feeling the boys shoulders shift as he lifted his arms and the clouds swirled around them. He looked up at them, knowing it was better to look up then miles and miles downward, realizing the blonde was... changing their shape.

As he recognized it, he chuckled. "I didn't know you could bend clouds..."
Roxas too was staring at the shape of the cloud, and then glanced at Terra's back, the frown returning to his face as he recalled their short conversation. He supposed it was a good think Ventus had interrupted the argument... because if he hadn't Roxas knew he would of blurted out the reason he had a 'long face' was because... Terra has been lying to them.

[Rikugurl]

"Hehehe, I can't cloud bend, no. However, the clouds move because wind blows them away. Since I can air bend, I can make the wind push and pull clouds apart if I want to. It's really fun. I practiced a lot because when we were younger, it would make Soran laugh and smile a lot. I kind of... mastered it, the monks said." He blushed some, again not seeing the frown that Roxas had casting over them.


Time passed and Soran became sore, slowly coming back to the dragon and resting on her back. When he did so, Ventus was next to flick his glider out and dripped down, quickly coming back up while doing some corkscrews in the sky. It was obvious that his wound was feeling better the way he twisted and flew about, his laughter easy to hear when he came close. They say all good things come to an end though as the sun started to set over this part of the land, having flown towards the setting day than against it. The group could see the sea coming up and it was wise for all of them to agree that settling near the beech for the night would be the safest plan for now.

They did not know what the dark waters ahead had in store for them during nightfall and they were not willing to find out. Shesha landed gently, going down in a slow corkscrew to break the speed before landing near a river mouth that opened up to the ocean. Here, it would be easier to find fish, which was great for those who were interested in eating them. The group quickly got off Shesha, stretching and moving around from their long flight. Axel patted her and she quickly found a place to rest, her wings stretching out to rest them too.

"Alright. We're all going to have to help with camp so first off, we need to clear a spa---"
Arms were quick to start moving and staffs swirled in fingers and over their heads. A gust of wind show out around the air benders, picking up all the natural debris and gently shooting it away into the forest that lined the area. Some nice firewood was then picked up and flown into the middle of the area, being sucked into a small twister until they gentle settled down together in a pile.
".......Oooook." Axel blinked before shaking his head. He grabbed his few bags from the dragon and walk up to the pile of logs, his fist coming out and his other slamming down next to it. This pushed fire from his hand and lit the wood up instantly.

Some iron stands and pots were set up as the rest of the group gathered their gear and headed over to find a spot where they would be sleeping.
"Roxas, Terra... I think you two should go look for food." Axel instructed as he handed the two airbenders iron pails. "You two get some water. I'll do the cooking."

[Reno]

As the flames burned, Terra was quick to slam down his foot, the earth rising around the burning wood in a small campfire ring, the even nicely shaped like rocks. He smirked at his workmanship, but glanced over as Axel announced he should go looking for food and the airbenders called happily as they took their pails and ran for the river - splashing into it to collect it. It seemed they had more fun ideas on their mind.

However, Roxas frowned and crossed his arms, looking none to happy about being ordered about. "And who put YOU in charge Mr. High and Mighty Pyro?" The red-head stared him down, snapping back that it was his dragon lugging everyone around so he got to give the commands.
"Oh, well in that case maybe SHE should be in charge,. She's smart enough not to burn down a forest!"
Axel started to turn a shade of red as his anger grew and before Terra knew it they were shouting back and forth, even stopping the two Airbenders as they looked back.
"YEAH WELL A ANTELOPE-MOUSE HAS MORE BRAINPOWER THAN YOU!"
"OKAY ENOUGH!" Terra called, gripping Roxas arm and yanking him back easily. "By the time you two are done the rest of us will have starved to death." He had to tug the blonde fighter hard to make him follow into the forest, the blonde bitching all the way. As they got away from the sight of camp though, Terra let go and the blonde huffed, crossing his arms sourly.

"Do you really have to pick a fight with him about everything?" Terra asked, glancing at the steaming blonde.
"I just don't like him acting like he's some... all-knowing... jackass!"
The brunette sighed, wisely changing the subject. "Well... never mind that. We do need to find food. There's lots of fish... but we don't have any fishing poles so I'm not sure how to we're going to- Roxas?"
The blonde had stopped, but as Terra looked back, he saw a wicked grin on the blonde's lips. "Leave the fishing to me!" He announced, and was gone.

The brunette blinked, suddenly alone in the forest but the river was near so he wasn't worried about getting lost. He sighed and shrugged, "Well... I guess I'll gather fruit." He mumbled and went to look for some, knowing the two airbenders would eat nothing but.


When Roxas returned to the brunette, smirking as he held his sword on his shoulder, several fish gutted on the sharp blade. A few of them were still wiggling weakly, but soon enough they would be dead. He found Terra with a small sack of berries and other fruits, bending over a small push full of little white and red flowers with long, luscious green stems.
He chuckled as he saw the other pulling at the flowers, getting a small handful of them. "If you're going to be courting someone, I'm sorry to say you're a long way from any girls."
"Haha." Terra rolled his eyes but held up the flowers and smirked. "These are white dragon lilies. They make one of the best teas in the world. I figure it would go well with dinner."
"Hmm... tea huh?" Roxas mumbled uninterested as Terra started to free some more of the flowers. He walked away a few steps, blinking when he saw a large bushel of red berries on a tree. "What about these berries?" He asked pulling some off, finding them surprisingly hard and unripe.
"Huh? Oh, those aren't berries. They're coffea beans."
"Beans? Really?"
"Yeah, open one."

Roxas glanced at him before carefully cracking open the hard red shell with his fingernails and inside was a single brown bean inside.
"They supply a boost of energy if you consume them, but they're really bitter to eat or drink."
"Bitter huh..." Roxas mumbled but Terra had turned away, inspecting another plant nearby. A wicked gleam grew in his eyes as he started picking off more of the little red beans.


When they returned to camp, Roxas seemed to be in a much better mood, offering quite graciously to make the drinks while the fish was gutted and cleaned by Axel and Terra. The airbenders were happy to share the water for Roxas to do so before they went and took the fruit and berries down to the river to clean off.

No one noticed when, instead of leaves and flower petals, he poured a cup amount of water in the pot to brew with a handful of little brown beans first.

By the time the airbenders returned and the fish were properly cut and ready to cook, Roxas had pouring the tea and handed the six cups out to everyone, smiling very sweetly when he gave Axel his. "Here you go!" He said before walking away, blowing away wefts of steam from his own cup and trying to hold back a grin as he rested in the sand with the two airbenders, trying not to be obvious as he waited for Axel to take his first sip.

[Rikugurl]

Blue eyes blinked over the sound of rushing water, glancing back as he heard some shouting. "Really? They're at it again? How can someone enjoy arguing so much?" He had to wonder but Soran told him not to worry about it. It seemed like them being rowdy was like him and Ventus being peaceful. "I guess you're right..." He trailed off, slowly turning and scooping a pail full of water. He was really glad Soran was brought to the Air Temple. It was a wonder what the Avatar would be like if raised in the Fire Nation.

Soon enough, the walked back and water was sloshed into the large pot. Steam flew into the air as the cold matching hot sizzled. They didn't have to wait much longer before Roxas and Terra came back to camp, their arms and weapons full of food. A frown came over the tattooed bender as Roxas walked by him, seeing a fish wiggle as it was impaled with the sword. Nausea ran up his throat, wondering if that could of been someone get in the past. "Ut!" He blinked and snapped out of it as he and Soran were handed fruit and berries to wash. Blue eyes looked up and a smile was shared between the air and earthbender before he and Soran were off again to the river to clean.

When they returned for the second time, the smell of fish filled the small camp. Some of the fruit and spices were taken and cut up, small bits going into the pot. Ventus sat down on a rock, trying to avert his eyes from the grossness of the cooked animal, his nose cringing at times. He was thankful when Roxas came over though, handing him a cup of tea. "Thank you!" He smiled, gently blowing off the steam and took a sip.

As for ask, he poked the fish meat to keep it boiling right, waiting for his prongs to sink in just right. He and his brother had to learn how to hunt and cook for their own or they would of died from starvation. It was hard to tell with their thin body physics. He glanced up when he heard the sound of ground crunching, seeing a bogus smile on Roxas's face. His eyes became dull, his face untrusting but he reached up for the offered tea anyway. At least if he died, everyone knew who made the tea that night. He watched the blonde walk off before looking down into the cup, noting the different smell to it. It didn't smell like tea...

Narrow eyes glared over his cup, seeing Roxas watching him before looking away as if he wasn't waiting for anything. It was an obvious trap but Axel would humor him. It had been awhile since someone played a trick on him. Whatever this warrior thought he could peg on him, he was going to overcome it.
He put the cup to his lips and tilted it, the bitter taste suddenly filling his mouth. Definitely not tea.
It was bitter and thick, nearly feeling like tar but as he gulped it down and pulled the cup away, his face cringed for just a moment. The aftertaste... was delicious. It was missing something though...

He quickly reached back, hearing Roxas laugh as if he thought he was vomiting but he choked on his laughter when Axel took a water skin instead and poured a white liquid in the mix. It was milk from a Cow Hippo. A long finger stirred the blend together, making the brown drink turn lighter before drinking it again. "Mmmmm~~" His lips hitched upwards, his eyes closing and a satisfied look ran over his face.

[Reno]

"Hahaha..." Roxas chuckled, a grin spreading on his lips as the other grimaced, but he blinked curiously as the other reached back and added something to the mix... and when he next drank it, smiled in satisfaction. The blonde;s jaw fell open, the other shooting him a smug look. "Hmph!" He looked away, frowning. How dare he make his disgusting drink taste good!

Terra, having gone down to the river to wash his hands and deposit the unneeded fish parts, raised an eyebrow as he saw the exchange, sitting beside Ventus and picking up his own cup of tea. "What's with them?" He murmured to the blonde beside him, feeling a bit baffled. But then he rose an eyebrow, and pointed. "And what's with HIM?"

Who he was pointing to was Soran of course who had missed the little trick Roxas had done; he instead was laughing as he juggled a handful of peaches.

[Rikugurl]

Ventus just shook his head and shrugged his shoulders, not honestly knowing the answer. "I have no idea..." He trailed off as Terra suddenly pointed to Soran who looked way too amused. "Uuuuuuuh... s-sometimes he gets happy... on life." A small sweatdrop ran down his bald head as he giggled some, sipping on his sweet tea.

The iron cup was placed down and water was drained, sloshing out onto the grass below as a sharp metal knife started to rip through the boiled meat. It was sweetened with the fruits and given a kick from the spices Terra had found. Three bowls were set up the fish was distributed evenly. Some cut up vegetables were sprinkled over the white fish chunks that laid in the sweet juices as some slices of fruit hung around the edges. The redhead stood, carrying two of the bowls over to the group. A bowl was handed over to Terra and one handed to Roxas.

When the blonde grabbed his bowl, Axel didn't let it go instantly. Their dark eyes met before Axel gave a small grin. "Your poison wasn't so bad."
Large golden eyes rolled in the beast's head, her strong hand reaching over to grab the pot that the meal was made from to eat what was left over.

[Reno]

"Yeah no kidding." Terra chuckled, shaking his own head but when the food was finally handed out, he couldn't be happier to dig in, not noticing Ventus' pale look as he did so.

Meanwhile, Roxas' eyebrow rose as the other spoke to him and huffed. "Well you're welcome then!" And yanked his bowl free, looking away glad Axel had turned away... because he didn't understand why his cheeks were suddenly red. He huffed some and started to eat, trying to ignore it.

As everyone began to eat - or in one airbenders case he had fun - no one really noticed that they were being watched. The smell of the cooked fish had drawn attention, and blue eyes gleamed hungrily, a tongue licking over drooling lips. She lowered herself to the ground and stalked across the sand towards them, the night hiding her well, and when she was in distance... she rushed forward.

Soran grinned as he quickly fetched another apple, juggling a total of five fruits now, "Hey Ve-whoa!" He called in shock as something came flying over his head in a blur of brilliant green. She landed on the sand and glanced back, Soran getting a good look at her. He's never seen anything like her though!

She was green-furred, with stripes of blue on her long, rabbit-like ears and her body small but bushy like a fox, her tail somewhat notched as the end. There seemed to be a gem on her forehead that glowed red like a sun stone. But even more amazing... where the dove-like wings upon her back, colored in greens and blues like her fur.

"Ah, a rabbit-fox!!" Terra cried in surprise.

The creature seemed to grin at Soran, before racing around the campfire and fluttered off and straight at Roxas!

"AH!" The blonde cried, shutting his eyes as he expected a collision. Instead his arms yanked a bit as a weight fell on the bowl he held. He opened his eyes just in time to see her bounce away and blinked looking down....

AND ALL HIS FISH WAS GONE?! "HEY!!" He called, looking back to see the creature as she gave a powerful hop, her wings fluttered out and helping her glide up to a tree branch where she curled up on it and started to chew into her stolen meal.

Roxas' eye twitched as he set down his bowl and stomped over. "Hey you RAT! Give me back my dinner!"
The rabbit-fox blinked and looked down at him from the peach she had mostly eaten up, before spitting the pit down at the blonde, nailing him square in the forehead.
"OW! ALRIGHT THATS IT YOU'RE MY NEW DINNER!" Roxas cried as he drew one of his swords.
"Hey wait!" Soran cried, jumping up and running over, putting his hand on the blonde's arm. "Calm down, she's just hungry!"
"SO AM I!"
"Besides I wouldn't dare kill it if I were you! Those creatures are near extinction." Terra called, standing up and walking over, looking up at the rabbit-fox who was chewing up the fish meat.
"Yeah well I'm going to be near extinction to!"
"Oh stop belly-aching there's plenty of food!"

[Rikugurl]

Axel couldn't help but watch the event with amusement, grinning as he saw the fox dive for Roxas's food. He continued to chow down on his meal as the blonde stormed over to the tree the fauna had fled to. This was the best entertainment he had in awhile.

Ventus was quick to get up, setting his bowl of fruit and vegetables down on the rock he was sitting on before rushing over to the scene. He looked up at the interesting creature, noting her odd colored fur and wings.
"How interesting..." He started, rubbing his chin with a tattooed hand. "You say it's a rabbit-fox... but... why such a brilliant color? And... how come she has wings? Rabbaroo and rabbits don't have wings... and neither do Fox Antelope."

His eyes widened some, seeing the little red gem on her forehead glow as Soran came close. "Do...do you think it's a form of a spirit!?"

[Reno]

Terra chuckled softly but shook his head, "No, they are not spirits. There used to be a lot of them a century ago." He said, looking up at the creature unnervingly staring down at the Avatar. "Rabbit-Foxes live in large families. The wings mean that they are the fighters, meant to protect the rest of their pack, much like beetle-ants. The ones not born with wings are the workers, meant to get the food, build the dens and take care of the young. There's been a lot of debate about changing their name to fox-ants actually, just because of that trait. And there fur... no one is really sure why they are colored that way but a lot of people wanted to call them fox-parrots too."

"Well... if she's supposed to be protecting the others, why is she hunting?" Soran asked with a frown.
"...Hmm.... she probably doesn't have a pack anymore."
"What?! Why!"
Terra pointed. "Do you see that gem? All rabbit-foxes are born with those gems in their foreheads. Those gems are worth... 500 gold coins each. Just getting a pack makes you a rich man. So, back them people would find the dens and pour smoke into them to suffocate them all."
"Thats horrible!" Soran cried, before giving Roxas a glare. The blonde looked a bit uneasy as he frowned and slowly sheathed his sword. The avatar smiled before taking out another peach and holding it up to the rabbit-fox. "You poor girl. Come on down, we aren't going to hurt you."
The creature stared at him for a few moments, wings twitching in curiosity before she leaped from the branch with her large back paws and onto Soran's shoulder without a problem, nuzzling his cheek. the Avatar laughed joyfully, letting her bite onto the peach. "Ah, she's so cute~"