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Glad you liked it - you won't need to wait any longer. 'Cuz here's the next chapter. :3
Chapter 4: Unpleasant Surprises
Morning sunlight poured in through April's window as a warm feeling next to her foot moved. Looking down, the Magi noticed a white Winged Cat curled up into a ball near her toes, snoring softly as it slept. April smiled, stretching briefly and bending up and over to pet the Winged Cat. The creature looked up at her, yawning and showing off her sharp teeth, different-colored eyes blinking in the light.
"I think I'll visit the ocean today." April closed her blue eyes and opened her mouth in a gaping yawn. She got up and slipped into her regular clothing - it smelled wonderful. Deathdrop must've washed them in the pond after April went to sleep. Kiwon watched, tucking her paws under her belly and meowing in annoyance as the Magi strolled over and cradled her into her arms. Chuckling as the Winged Cat struggled in her arms before relaxing, April walked over to examine her Winged Cat egg. It had more cracks that the day before, and it looked as though it would hatch soon. Giggling at the thought of yet another kitten for Deathdrop to take care of, she strolled out the bedroom door and headed for the garden.
Alexander looked up from the Xand Bears and at April. While he looked after the creatures in the garden, he had agreed to leave his spear inside. A Xand Bear hatchling nipped at his hoof as the Centaur trotted over to April, whining as he approached the Magi.
"April," His voice was deep, "As Deathdrop most likely told you, there are some new herbs in your garden. I've been working to keep the bears away."
He gestured her over to a patch of mint and chamomile. April was delighted at the sight of both of the plants - Diablo loved mint, and the chamomile was enjoyed by Goddess, Alexander, Deathdrop, and April - it made excellent tea. Alexander scolded a young Xand Bear hatchling that had strayed a little too close to the precious herbs, making April laugh. He looked at her, blinking in confusion.
"What's so humorous?" The Centaur questioned, stamping his hoof impatiently as he waited for a reply.
"Nothing," April put a hand over her mouth as she giggled, trying to hide her laughter, "Thank you for informing me."
Nodding, Alexander turned and resumed his duties as April wandered over to the patch of daisies. She was searching for her Antelope Hare Jackalope - Daisy. She had recently given birth, and April wanted to see her child. Kiwon meowed from her arms, making the Magi forget about what she was doing and focus on the cat. It was looking up at the sky - a gold Gryphon was spiraling down towards them. As it landed, April could notice a letter attached to a string around the creature's neck. Another letter? April untied the string and opened the scroll.
Highest regards, April,
- You have been invited to a party that celebrates the completion of Archamange Thane's current studies. Dress up as a creature - we cannot wait to see you there in two days!
Creature companions are allowed to come to this party as long as they do not cause any destruction.
"Wow, a celebration!" April exclaimed, "That's wonderful!"
Alexander trotted over and read the note.
"Sounds interesting. What are you going to dress as?"
"I don't know yet. Any ideas?" April looked at Kiwon, who had flown onto her shoulder.
"What about a white Winged Cat?" Alexander suggested. They both laughed, making the cat on April's shoulder look at them curiously.
"If I can find a costume, then sure." April giggled, stroking her cat's fur affectionately, "I'll probably fly to the Keep tomorrow and see if I can find anything."
A sea breeze wafted in front of April's nose, reminding her of her plans.Oh, right! I was going to go to the ocean. April waved goodbye to Alexander and walked over to her Gryphon herd that resided nearby. The soot Gryphons cawed and screeched in happiness as she walked towards them, smiling at the hatchlings. One Gryphon in particular stepped forward, a blue necklace hanging from his neck.
"Wanna go to the ocean?" April patted his neck and smiled as he cawed in approval, "Great. Let's go."
She mounted him, placing Kiwon between her legs as the Gryphon took off. He soared into the sky, flying above the trees and heading for the beach. However, whines, cries, and other various noises came from the forest below, and April told her Gryphon to head downward. As the landed on the grassy forest floor, April dismounted and carried Kiwon in her arms, heading towards the noise. When she reached it's source, she gasped at the horrible sight...