Kingdom Hearts: From Descent and Corruption

"Don't harm that bird! I need it alive!"

Dozens of dogs howled as they chased after the fast-moving creature. Even the canines had trouble following it. One second, it's behind a stood in an open field, the next second, it vanished in thin air. A man watched as his hounds tailed the lightning-fast animal. 'This time, she's all mine.' Even though this was his fourth attempt of an all-out chase, he felt it in his explorer blood. Though the bird was fast, there was only so much one animal can do. 'And now I have you cornered. They thought I was crazy, they thought that I forged your bones. Just wait until they get a look at you.'

The man recalled the day that ruined his life. He could still feel the tug of his jacket as the sewed patch was torn off in disgrace. It was more than a badge, it was a sign of honor. The next day, he ventured out to prove that they were all fools. Then, he would make history.

"That day will come sure enough." He looked at himself. Time wasn't kind to Charles Muntz. The days have turned into decades. The animal was the only ticket he had back home. He couldn't go back in defeat. Giving up on the bird was the same as giving up at life.

"Sir, the Bravo pack has just surrounded the far side."

Charles looked at his trusty Alpha Dog. Every single dog had a voice collar that enabled them to speak their thoughts. They were his family, likely, the only thing keeping Charles from going insane. He responded, "Then it has nowhere to run. Have Bravo watch over the bird until my arrival. Go join your pack and await my signal for capture."

"Understood sir." Alpha ran back to his pack.

"Finally, the moment has come."

The legendary bird stood still to observe its surroundings. The walls behind were unable to climb. In front, half a dozen dogs had corned it. Surely, more would arrive any minute. Then, it noticed the obvious recruit. He was the only one wagging his tail instead of ready to pounce. And, reluctantly, stood on one end of the perimeter, next to a rock. The bird ran up to a rock and soared over the weak point in the barrier. Even after he was tricked, the dog just stared in awe instead of chasing it. Being the closest one, he probably still could have stopped the escape.

"What are you doing rookie? After it!"

Bravo managed to gain ahead of the recruit on the chase, but it was too late. The animal got away.

*   *   *

"Sir."

"This better be good. I'm hunting the-"

"The bird has escaped."

"No..."

When he got the news, Charles Muntz looked at the assigned packs. As soon as he saw the members of Bravo, he knew the source of the falter in his air-tight plan.

"Doug".