Auster Ninja (Puppy) Warrior

Once they'd reached the bush, Zeph was forced to slow. He was much larger than the pup was and not as thinly built to weave his way through the obstacles. He worked with his wings spread overhead, chest sucked in to make himself slimmer, and still his younger brother had come out ahead. Zeph was still stuck in the brush when he heard the boy call out a helpful yell of 'lava!'. He was going to catch that little black and blue butt! Wriggling hard to displace himself from the branches, Zeph broke free and half-climbed, half-fell out from the brush. Already the pup was scampering across the stones.

Zephyr had a benefit here that the little pup lacked - long legs and wings. His leaping across the stones (spread out for fair bird-lengths, not infant puppy lengths) were practically long strides, and with his wings outspread for balance it was his moment to catch up and peel slightly ahead. Victory! Zeph crossed the checkpoint with a grin on his beak, moving into the next - where each would push something across the spacious courtyard field. "Ball!" The bird called out 'helpfully', though it may have come across as slightly jeering, given the circumstances. Laughing joyously at his own retort along with the fun of the race, he shoved his shoulder against his log and began to heave it forward.

"Zephyr"