False Light of Dawn [P/Kamiko]

The forests of the Fire Country hid dark secrets. Or at least, that's what Kokuei was beginning to believe. The Nara boy had read so many stories, and heard so many tales passed down by fellow clansmen. There were... well... there were things lurking in the dense woods. For a time, Kokuei did not find truth in such legends. But now? Being deep in forest, hearing next to nothing—it was eerie.

A light fog rolled through the woods, the sun rising above the horizon, it was an early dawn. There was a coolness to the air, and a darkness laid across the forest floor made even more apparent by the vast shadows that the sun cast. Spots of the forest floor that were free of the overhead canopy were coated with a warm bronze-like shade.

Kokuei was on the hunt for something. There was this creature from the lore and legends he had been told. It was said to be only found just after dawn in the greater forests of the Fire Country. Naturally, being a thing of curiosity, Kokuei had gone out to find it. Exposing himself to risk in order to do so, too. Though, it was more than just Kokuei being a bit curious. He had more motives than he had let anyone know before venturing out into the forest before dawn break.

"Croak!"

Nearly jumping out of his flak jacket, Kokuei turned to the sound of a cry from a raven. It was perched on a nearby tree, its head bobbing as it followed Kokuei with its beady black eyes. "Geez. Scare me half to death, why don't you?" Kokuei scoffed, readjusting his collar as he scanned his surroundings.

He walked slowly to the nearest tree, absentmindedly placing a hand on its trunk. He looked down to the dirt beneath it, his eyes wandering around for tracks. This was the right time of day to find it, right? Just about the right location, too. He hadn't honestly expected to come across the creature on his first venture, but he certainly hoped. There wasn't too much time to spend standing around, he had to keep searching.

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