In the nearby rolling hills near the carnival, two figures stopped on a hill as they surveyed the area.
One of these figures, a creature resembling a cross between a dragon and a horse, closed his eyes and inhaled deeply through his nostrils. His companion, a fox with 6 tails, watched him with calm intent. The kirin opened his eyes, peering towards the carnival. "He's in there, somewhere," he said.
The fox looked to the same place. "A carnival," she replied. "Would've figured, since he is a kid, after all..."
"It's not it... He'd never go anywhere on his own. He was taught well by his father before he died. And his scent is faint. He must've been taken these..."
"Well, let's not stand around here and get our fur ruffled by the wind. After you."
The kirin gave a half-smile in response to the kitsune, and lead the way towards town...
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Already in town, a red-furred feline strides down the streets of the carnival straight towards the bathhouse, whistling an unknown tune as he walks...
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Upon a high balcony of the bathhouse, overlooking the sea, a dog-like spirit stares off at the horizon...