Ash appeared at a faraway location from his previous one. He immediately fell to the ground and passed out, but not before a glowing cocoon surrounded the two.
It was days before he awoke, in throbbing pain at that. He got up and looked at the still sleeping white-eyed raven and thanked God he made it. Something he hadn't done in a while.
Feeling dehydrated, he quickly took out the last of his water from his pack. He drank all of it and took a nutrition pill along with a healing pill. Staring at his new partner, Ash noticed how a white feather was now at the base of his partner's feathers.
Observing both of their wounds, they seemed to have healed a lot more than he imagined. Ash knew this was the result of bonding and even more so his first bonding at that. This was now his new partner, and it would be up to the two of them to survive and prosper.
He was beyond fortunate to not only get his first bond but be teleported to a location that seemed to be safe.
He was in yet another cave, thankfully no one seemed to have discovered this area. He looked around and noticed a small puddle formed underneath a stalagmite that released a continuous drip of water.
He drank from the puddle slowly and went over to his partner again. Sitting by him he meditated until he sensed his new friend awakening.
The white eyed bird stared at him, this time he could feel some of the emotions and thoughts being conveyed. Ash took note of the strength of the bond, which was comically weak. Usually, you feel a line connected to the pair.
It was important in that it made communication, coordination, and distribution of benefits better. The stronger that line was, the more beneficial it was for either party.
This was something you could enhance through time and tribulation. The connection was like a thin thread that would break at any moment. He did sign a contract out of life or death, but this was an abysmal start.
The thoughts communicated were jumbled but enough to get somewhat of an idea about what the beast thought. It was asking for food; Ash gave it a nutrition pill which it happily ate before asking him a question. What was his name?
To which the beast had no answer, Ash decided to name him Grim. Ash sucked at names but thought the name suiting for the odd bird; especially considering the near death experience the two went through. Grim seemed to like that name and started to hop around on it's two legs.
He studied the bird for the first time in depths and noticed some details previously not taken in. Grim had dark red talons that were closer to black; he also had a faint marking on his forehead that was only visible when you glanced hard enough. His partner had handsome black feathers and shifty white eyes.
Ash couldn't make it out, but he was sure that it was something special. 'Guess that's why getting a bond here is sought after.'