Somewhere in Mabi.
A peculiar, fantastical beast vigilantly moved through the dense jungle, its paws and talons pressing lightly against the damp earth.
Yes, the beast had both paws and talons…
It stood massive and imposing, its body built like a bear. It was broad, muscular, and covered in dark brown fur. But where a bear's head should have been was a sharp, angular face of a hawk.
Its golden eyes gleamed with intensity, scanning every little movement around it, almost as if… searching for something—or someone.
The beast's front limbs did not end in paws, but massive avian talons. The hind limbs, however, remained thick, powerful paws of a bear. The hawk-bear moved through the undergrowth, sniffing for a scent trail.
The prey was nearby, hiding. The beast was certain of it, but when it scanned its surroundings, it found no one.
