"So, what exactly are we doing? Racing towards a random roar with no idea what it came from and trying to rescue some random creature that will probably escape on its own sometime later if not already?" Mono asked bluntly as she pattered at Frostwing's side. "That's exactly what we're gonna do." Frostwing responded tersely. She caught a sideways glance from Mono that was a why-am-I-listening-to-this-totally-crazy-griffin-who-I-literally-just-met-this-is-a-horrible-idea kind of face, and it made her suddenly realize how stupid she was being. So, she slowed down to a walk and flashed her a I'm-super-sorry-for-making-you-do-this-but-it's-your-fault-if-you-die-because-you-chose-to-come-along face, earning herself a sigh from the fussy wolfdea. Instead of rushing towards the loud noise, she decided to approach it from the shadows. It was a way more logical way of dealing with the problem, and she had been acting unnaturally reckless lately. I wonder why?

They quietly snuck, shoulder to shoulder, deeper into the foliage, straying from the clearer path they had been previously taking. And, when another furious yet strangely victorious roar rang through the sky, she could see Mono practically leap out of her own skin. Frostwing suddenly felt bad for her. She definitely isn't as courageous as she likes to think... or acts. To be honest, Frostwing was terrified as well, for she had no idea what she was walking into or what animal she would need to rescue or if this side mission would even be worth it in the end. I guess that's just how every mission is, unfortunately.

they descended further down the hill, the various plants growing more and more wild until they couldn't see what was in front of them and they had to claw their way through. But, they never gave up, fueled by the desperate sound of the distressed creature in need of their help. And, only when they arrived at a small area that smelled of a campfire did they stop.

She could hear voices that sounded human but horse-like at the same time. Centaurs? What are they doing here? I thought that they lived miles away in the Dark Pines. Maybe something happened and a tribe of them had to migrate this way. But, that will just mean that they will be even more hostile than usual. I hate Centaurs... I'd rather avoid any contact with them whatsoever, so maybe we should approach at night?

Frostwing stuck out one of her large, feathered wings in a distinct motion to stop walking. "Centaurs." She growled without looking at Mono, who stepped à few feet forward in order to sniff the breeze. Then, she tilted her head and sent a very confused look at Frostwing, "what is a Centaur and should I be worried?" She said flatly. Frostwing noticed the black Wolfdae's fur begin to slightly stand on edge. Frostwing shook out her feathers before sitting down on the soft ground, her fluffy tail lashing nervously," Centaurs are ruthless, stuck up creatures that kill everything in their path if it is within their territory. Usually, you can find them threatening and beating down smaller creatures. Half man, half horse... one ugly mess." She said quietly, "I suggest we wait till sundown to start moving again."

Mono sighed and curled up next to her as if she were a human's dog, obviously cold and terrified at the same time. Even though Frostwing usually resented any contact with any other creature, Mono's overly fluffy fur seemed to absorb a small bit of her fear. Maybe this is why humans keep domesticated dogs around.

Frostwing stayed alert for any threats until the sun began to set, which was when she stood, her ears perked and listening for any signs of danger. "Let's go, Mono." She growled and trotted towards where the noise had sounded at a rather quick pace. The cushion-y, grassy floor further muffled her already light footsteps, and the direction of the wind help mask their scent, instead blowing the scent of the Centaurs towards them.

It wasn't long before she reached her destination. A small camp littered with cattle skin tents loomed in front of them, shrouded by a thick wall of bushes and trees. In the center of the camp was a large campfire with a Spit housing several raw chickens and turkies in the middle of being cooked. And, to Frostwing's dismay, there were various posts and cages with room for several helpless animals to be chained and tortured. However, there only seemed to be one animal in the Centaurs grasp.

"What is that?" Frostwing heard Mono say in awe as she gazed at the creature that the Centaurs had wrapped head to toe in ropes and chains. From where she was at the moment, Frostwing could hardly tell what it was, but she had a pretty good guess. Is that... a Kirin? Part Dragon, part Unicorn, the Kirin, despite its stereotype as being fearless, unforgiving, merciless, and independent, cowered in front of a large band of Centaurs of about four individuals, Its deer-like, silky white legs shaking in fear. Its head, bearing six horns with two being on top and two on each side of its face, was bent in submission. Its dragon like tail with a tuft of lime green at the at the end was curled between its legs, a universal sign of helplessness.

As she watched, the two Centaurs holding the chains binding the Kirin forced the legendary creature to its wobbly knees, a cackling laugh escaping their lips. Then, another Centaur drew a small hand axe from its waist belt and brought it down upon one of the Kirin's long, golden horns, snapping them clean off its face. A loud cry followed the action as she saw the Kirin desperately try to escape the chains, but they wouldn't budge.

Mono gasped and shuffled closer to Frostwing, her fur fluffed up even more so," why would they do such a thing?" She whimpered. Frostwing turned away from the scene and began searching for a clear path into the camp," because, one: they are Centaurs. Two: they are Centaurs. And three: because Kirins are said to have healing powers and stuff in their horns, and if you cut one off, then you are granted that power." she growled quietly.

Suddenly, she heard the snap of a twig ring out from behind her. She spun around on her back paws, her large ears pinned back. "Mono! Be quiet!" She snarled quietly at the nervous Wolfdea. Mono gulped and stared indignantly back, her tail rising rigidly in a rather dominant way, " that wasn't me!" She growled. Her glowing silver eyes flashed in anger as she glared back at her.

"Aldrudis! Found a couple of scoundrels hiding in the shrub! What should I do with 'em?" boomed a raspy voice from behind them. Frostwing jumped backwards when she saw the Centaur . It had large, bulging muscles, black eyes, tangled black hair, and a very dark brown horse abdomen equipped with large and sharp hooves. It stood double her own height and carried a crossbow that was aimed directly at her face. "Bring 'em here." Ordered the Centaur that she assumed was Aldrudis.

The Centaur adjusted his crossbow more accurately, causing it to make a very loud and very deliberate clicking noise, "you heard him. Get out of my sight before I make you." He said in a low and threatening tone. Frostwing was not in the mood to retaliate the Centaur's orders, for if she chose to fight back, she would most likely end up as a blob of broken bones. A Centaur could most likely kill a skinny griffin like her with just one kick of their back legs, not to mention their lethal crossbow and brute arm strength. She wouldn't be able to do much anyway because of her injured back leg.

The Centaur pushed her forward after a moment's hesitation, causing her to step right into their small camp. However, there was no sight of the Kirin. They must have hidden it. She could feel Mono shivering beside her with a strangely confident expression plastered onto her face. But, it wasn't long before Frostwing too had to fight the urge to cower and fly away.

The Centaur was the largest she's seen in her entire life. Aldrudis had a solid black coat color with faint grey speckles, and his white tail and head hair were both long and braided. His entire body was covered in scars that laid upon powerful muscles, and he had electric blue eyes that shined with power and greed, even more so than any human could have. But, what was strange about this Centaur was that he had long, black curled horns that resembled that of an ibex's atop his head.

Aldrudis stepped up to them, his eyes staring at them wickedly. "A puppy dog and kitty cat... Soon to be dead-- noted." He said in a worrying, matter-of-fact way. It was as if he knew that they didn't stand a chance against them. "lock them up. I'll see to them later." He said breezily as if the task was no big deal. But, when he began to stomp away to make room for the three other Centaurs to take care of them, Frostwing could see Mono shake even more. But, she could tell that it wasn't from fear, but from fury. Are a trigger for her anger... chains?

The violet marks on her shoulder and tail began to glow a very bright purple, and her fur began to stand on end. At this sight, the Centaurs looked very concerned, "uhh... is it supposed to do that?" She heard one of them ask before Mono's entirety became encased in flames. She could see the Centaurs furiously try to shoot every crossbow arrow they had at her, but they melted once they touched the purple fire. Right before she took off to find the Kirin, Frostwing spotted Mono leap at the three Centaurs, her large teeth tearing apart and burning away flesh.

Frostwing bolted as fast as she could while limping in the direction that her highly sensitive ears could hear faint sniffles and the clatter of metal on metal. The tiny noises were originating from an incredibly thick, large bush with dark green leaves and a wide trunk. The perfect place to hide a small Kirin... Crouching low to the ground, she slunk silently towards the bush, pushing her way through the branches instead of searching for an entrance. She was correct. Cowering in a hopeless heap was the Kirin. She could see the tips of its six horns where they had been cut off glowing a bright gold as well as emitting some kind of a golden aura. At first, she was mystified by the sight, as Kirins were creatures of legend that were thought to have died off years ago. They were known for their evil and for their good, for Kirins have the ability to heal and to destroy. And probably many more... but, if they were all powerful, then why did they die off in the first place? And, why can't this one defend itself? Enough pondering... I need to free it from these monsters!

As she reached towards the lock to the chains, the Kirin finally realized what was happening and immediately jumped to its hooves, an utterly terrified and sickened look plastered on its face. "P-please d-don't hurt me!" it cried, "or else I-I will d-do... um... something! Something to uh... you!" Without responding, she lifted one of her long, black claws and used it to undo the lock, completely aware of the Kirin staying as far away from her as possible. Occasionally, a small whimper would escape its mouth until she finally picked the lock. Right after it dropped to the soft floor, the Kirin ran at full speed in the opposite direction and through the bush. "Wait!" she called, but there was no response.

When she backed out of the lush foliage, she saw that Mono had taken out all three Centaurs, but unfortunately was no laying on her side by a tree. But, there was no sign of Aldrudis. He probably left because he has what he needed: the Kirin horns. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case, but I don't want to risk it. We need to find shelter as soon as possible. So, she quickly made her way towards Mono before poking her in the shoulder multiple times until the tired Wolfdea cracked open an eye. "We need to leave, Mono." she said urgently and pulled her to her paws. Mono looked at her stubbornly and folded her ears back, "whyyyyyy?" she complained groggily, "we are perfectly safe here."

Frostwing didn't want to waste time explaining things to the half asleep Wolfdea, so she grabbed one of her paws in her talon and pulled her along as she ran deeper into the woods. And, she only stopped when she found an adequate place to hide. In front of her was a decently hidden den created from a fallen tree and a pile of boulders. She could tell that it was long vacant from the stale scent of wolves. After she entered the den, Mono almost automatically collapsed into a little ball of black, fluffy fur beside Frostwing. Since it was about the middle of the night, she decided that of course, it would be the perfect time to watch out for any danger nearby. At first, it was easy to stay up because the pain in her leg had worsened significantly because of her constant action, but it was almost impossible to stay awake in such darkness and after all of the tension not long ago.

Frostwing awoke with a start when the sound of hooves rang out through the cold morning air. Did the Centaurs come back? Have they come to capture us and sacrifice us or do whatever Centaurs do? Oh we're so dead! However, to her surprise, it was not a Centaur at all. It was the Kirin. Frostwing was stunned that it had come back after being so afraid of her. But, to be honest, it still looked as if it wanted to run away as soon as possible. "Um... Ms. Griffin, I... um... wanted t-to say th-thank you for um... s-saving me. And, I-I was wondering if um... I c-could." he looked down at his hooves in shame and hung his dragonish-unicorn-like tail.

"If I could s-stay with you both..." the young Kirin looked even more ashamed than before, and his ears drooped like a rabbit's.

Frostwing was completely lost for words. Stay with us? He probably feels so scared of being hunted down that he just wants our protection and friends that won't try and cut off his horns or kill him. She tilted her head slightly as she examined him head to toe, and she could tell that he had been hunted too many times to count. He bore permanent, deep scars on his ankles from chains and ropes that had rubbed them raw, and he had multiple places on his horns where, she could tell, had been cut.

"Sure...." she said tiredly before yawning and laying her head back down on the mossy floor. However, she seemed to only be resting for about one minute , even though it was probably longer, when a loud thud sounded from somewhere nearby. She opened one of her eyes just wide enough to at least see, only to practically leap out of her fur at the sight of one of Mono's creepy silver eyes staring straight at her as close as it could get. After this, she heard the wolfdea crack up in uncontrollable laughter. "What was that for!?" she snarled furiously, her tail lashing in embarrassment. After a couple more moments of Mono rolling around cackling, she finally managed to get out some words, "I... got you...good!" she said between suppressed laughter, "you are soooooo easy to scare!" Frostwing fixed on her most offended face and folded her ears back, "says you! You're the one who was cowering next to me the entire time we were with the Centaurs." she pointed out.

Mono stuck her tail up stubbornly, "was not! I was totally faking it to make them underestimate me so that I could take them out easier. Plus, I defeated three enemies at once, which is three more than you have so far." Mono raised her head proudly, "I'm the most courageous out of all of us. Oooh and the strongest!" Frostwing rolled her eyes, giving up on Mono, "sure, keep telling yourself that." she growled in a monotone voice. Suddenly, she let out a distressed squawk and pointed at the sky with her talon, "DRAGON!" she screamed in terror before throwing herself in a corner and covering herself with her huge wings.

"Frostwing! Frostwing! Frostwing! Hide me too I wanna be under your wings please don't let them see me help me Frostwing!!!" cried Mono as she threw herself at Frostwing, who kicked her off with her back legs. "There are no dragons, idiot. Just a satisfied griffin who just proved you wrong." she said with a smirk. Mono only glared at her, her tail still hiding between her legs. It was then that Frostwing noticed that throughout that entire time, her wound hadn't bothered her at all, or at least the wound that she used to have. She scanned the place where it had once been, and she could see no sign of ever being hit by one of the Humans' weapons. She also noticed that the small Kirin was curled into a ball and staring shyly at the ground. Mono seemed to notice as well, because she stared in amazement at her leg.

Frostwing stepped over to the Kirin, her gaze curious, "did... did you... heal me?" she asked in disbelief. The Kirin flinched when she addressed it, but it answered nonetheless, "it... it was... the least I could d-do... for you saving m- I mean... oh no I forgot to thank you... please forgive me Ms Griffin! I'm really sorry! I'll never be impolite again, I promise please don't hurt me!" he begged. His eyes looked as if they were about to cry, and Frostwing felt immense pity for him. He must be traumatized! Poor thing... "she tried to smile, but any face she made seemed to always resemble a glare, but at least she tried, "we won't do anything to you, I promise." Frostwing reassured him, "you are safe with us. And, there is no need to be polite." she glanced at Mono, who was wearing a guilty smile while wagging her tail, "also, you have no need to call us Ms. Griffin and Ms. Wolfdea. My name is Frostwing-" Mono stepped forward, her tongue lolling out of the side of her mouth like a house dog, "and I'm Mono. What about you?"

The Kirin nervously shuffled his hooves and stared at the ground in shame once more, "I'm really sorry... but... I-I don't h-have a name." he said miserably. Frostwing and Mono exchanged confused glances. "Well, can we call you by a nickname? Like, I don't know.... Kyouki?" Mono asked, her head slightly tilted in concentration. "Where'd you hear that name?" Frostwing asked. Mono shrugged, "combining random letters?" frostwing nodded. Only the most noble and best names are created by combining random letters together and hoping it sounds good. The Kirin, after hearing his new nickname, suddenly seemed to grow a little happier. "Nobody has ever called me by a name before. Thank you so much! I feel so honored-" Mono silenced him with a weird look, "sssshhhh.... Don't waste your words, Kyouki." she said with a slightly annoyed expression. But, Kyouki didn't seem to mind. Instead, he seemed overjoyed at his new name, especially at the fact that Mono had just used it in an actual sentence directed at him.

Since this was not followed by any other statements, Frostwing decided to bring up the burning question that was at the back of her head, "Kyouki, if the Centaurs took your horns, then why is it that you can still use your powers." the small Kirin shuffled his hooves in the soft ground and glanced from Mono to Frostwing, nervous once again, "well... um... we don't keep all of our power inside our horns. We still have a tiny bit in our hearts just in case... that was how I was able to... uh... heal you. Because, you know, it was small and stuff..." he dropped his eyes and stared at the ground, obviously avoiding eye contact. Frostwing peered closely at him, her greyish-green eyes narrowed to slits. He's hiding something...

Mono slowly made a beeline for the exit of the den, her ears pointed straight up, "so, what do you guys suppose we do? Because, I know that I could do with some food." she barked, her tail wagging. Frostwing nodded her head in agreement, but she also wanted to something else. She remembered the Centaur from earlier by the name of Aldrudis, and she wanted nothing more than to track him down and  to make sure that he doesn't harm anything else. Something about him made her feel unnaturally uneasy, and she could tell right from the start that he was no ordinary Centaur. We need to stop him before he can get his hands on any more harmless creatures...

A/N: Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I have just been struggling a bit to get my ideas onto paper. Anyways, I made this chapter super long to make up for my inactivity! (3,604 words) So, now that I have introduced all three main characters, who do you guys like the best? What do you think will happen in the next chapter? (Here is me being desperate again) Also, do you prefer more action or more story? Any comments would help out, and I don't mind constructive criticism. I have kinda lost the will to write lately, but after I finished this chapter, I felt like I was back on a roll again!

thanks for reading this book even though it is super low quality!!!!!