[IO!-IJAIRC!] The Phoenix, the Fox, and the Finneas

[Demetri Malius]

Finneas was caught off guard as the white fox approached him and showed him affection, looking wide-eyed, but with a soft smile at its beauty. It was so bright against the green and brown earthy landscape, and he couldn’t help but chuckle as it snuggled against him, trying to gain back affection from his right hand, nuzzling it and pushing it up with its nose. A small pink tongue licked his fingertips and he smiled meekly, just before reach over to pet its fluffy little head. It was so adorable, but rather odd, since the fox seemed so out of place. He questioned in his mind where this critter may have originated from, somewhere deep in the forest perhaps. He ran his hand over its soft white fur, being sure to scratch behind its ears and give it his attention.

The little Phoenix tilted its head curiously, looking at the strange white creature before it, making tiny hops around to get a better look at what it was. It took a moment to examine the fox, and Finn glanced at it worriedly before looking back at the fox. It wouldn't try to catch it… would it?

Hoping to distract his new friend, the alchemist scratched under the fox’s chin, his lips parting to ask a question.

“Where did a cute little thing like you come from hmm?” His voice was soft but curious as he watched it smile from his affection. Out of suspicion, the alchemist focused his energy and noticed a large amount of magic emanating from the creature. So it was magical, but that didn't explain how it got here. Even though he had his suspicions, against his better judgment the alchemist stood one and ruffled the fox’s fur some more.

“Want to head back to my house little friend?” he said as he looked down at it with a smile. He dusted his book off one more time before stuffing it back in his bag. As he looked around once more, he realized that the bird was missing. Great. Where could it have gone this time?

Just as he sighed to signal that he wasn’t even gonna bother looking for the troublesome bird, a red streak flew past him and settled on a tree branch. The Phoenix held a small worm in its mouth, one which squirmed and flailed in response to the burning sensation of heat from its captor. After a moment the bird titled his head and chomped down on its prey, before ruffling its feathers in delight.

“Well, it seems that your tastes are more simple than I had originally thought, perhaps a trip to the pet store would have been a better alternative…” he said as he let his face fall into his palm. Sometimes he felt that he was often so oblivious. Once they arrived home he would have to record his discovery in his journal. His indignation turned into a smile as he tried to look friendly to the fox.

“I am not responsible for the bird's actions, but if you still want to join us, I don’t mind…”

Even though he knew that the fox likely didn't understand him at all, he felt comfortable with speaking aloud to something, often times he felt lonely in his room of bottles and vials. It was nice to get some company, even if it was a fox who couldn’t understand him.

With that, they trudged on home through the wilderness, until finally setting foot in the city of Ambrosia. They followed along the outskirts of the city before heading a bit deeper to where his home resided. The little shack that held much more than to be believed by your eyes. He opened his dingy looking shack with a small set of keys, opening the door wide enough for the Phoenix to zoom inside and the fox to look curiously at him. It softly pattered inside and down the stairs, where another set of locks protected the vast lab that lay within, and as they entered Finneas began speaking aloud as if the fox would nod along to his welcoming.

“Try not to knock over anything that has colorful liquid in it okay? I know you don't understand me but… look--”

He walked over to a bottle with blue liquid in it, softly taking it and swirling it in front of her, tapping it with his finger, shaking his head.

“Snuggling the dangerous vials is a nono.”

He then put the vial back as the fox tilted its head at him, and he began to unpack his supplies from the trip, tossing over a few alchemical ingredients he found. A bundle of plants and various leaves sitting upon a desk while he retrieved his book from his back, as well as a pencil to write in his descriptions for the Phoenix diet. Surely there would be more to discover from this young Phoenix in the future, so he left a lot of areas blank.

Once the writing portion was done he sat in a small chair and began to draw the worm he had seen the little bird eat, detailing the scorch marks on the wriggling body of the Phoenix food. Every so often he would glance at the two creatures that stared curiously at him, blushing ever so slightly. It was weird being watched. Even by animals.