Have you ever found yourself lost in dreams, imagining you're a mythical creature? Have you ever watched your fantasies come so close to reality?

These were the questions I started my day with because I was in a scenario where I couldn't distinguish between reality and fantasy. Luna had woken me up and told me to have a quick breakfast. I washed my face and headed downstairs. Alpha and Alvin had already arrived by then. When our eyes met, I shot them an angry glance and changed my direction to move to the living room. They were sitting there, rubbing their hands together and looking tense. Despite their efforts to start a conversation, they couldn't get a single word out, so this time, I asked the question.

V: So, how hard was it for you two idiots to keep this from me? Care to explain?

Af: I can explain everything from the beginning if you let me, V.

Al: Well then, it's your turn to tell us what we've been through. Laughs

Af: You're acting like a clown when you should be a wolf. Grow up a little.

L: I already told him everything he needed to know.

V: Yes, so what you need to explain is why you kept it a secret from me.

Al: Really, everything, Luna?

L: Well, everything theoretical.

Af, V, and Al: Loudly Luna!!!!

L: I didn't want him to be more scared and affected. Why are you mad at me?

Al: It's a good thought, but didn't you think that would make him even more dangerous?

Af: He's right. Even the slightest mistake will make it easier for Victor to approach us.

V: So?

Al: So, Violet, it's important that you know everything clearly, no secrets.

L: He's right.

V: What else do I need to know?

Af: We'll fill in the gaps as you ask, but now let's hit the road before it's too late.

L: We're ready. Are you?

Al: Uh, bathroom break?

Af: Our path goes through the forest.

L: Is he an animal, Alpha?

V: Isn't he? I thought he was a chicken.

Al: What chicken now? Gets angry

L: Calm down, champ. I'll explain it to you when we're alone. Flirts with Alvin

Al: I'm ready. Let's go.

Af & V: You guys are disgusting.

After this lovely conversation, we set off. I looked around, and Luna hadn't taken the car. I didn't see any vehicles with the boys either. How did they get here without a vehicle? I couldn't help but ask.

V: How exactly are we getting there? Can you enlighten me?

L: Do you want to fly?

Af: No, I think he wants to go off-road.

V: Can we really do that? Asks excitedly and laughs

Al: Sure, if you want, we can even take our private jet, Violet.

L: Alvin, don't mess with him. Smiles

V: Come on, guys, be serious.

Al: Hakuna matata, isn't it a wonderful thing?

Af: Will you ever grow up?

Al: Never, old man.

L: Jokes aside, V can't transform, so I'll take him. You guys follow us; they can't catch us in the air.

Af: You're right, that's a reasonable idea.

After saying that, they looked at each other, and suddenly, in front of me stood two wolves and a still chicken-like creature. Apparently, I had done something funny. It was quite strange to see them in their gryffin forms, and I was trying to get used to it. After all, you don't encounter mythical creatures every day. Knowing that I was one of them was something else entirely.

V: Oh no, I can't believe what I'm seeing, guys.

L: What happened, V? Is there a problem with my wings? Asks worriedly

V: Yes, silly, you're still a chicken.

Al: Was this chicken really a chicken? Laughs

L: Haha, very funny, Fido.

Al: Hey, that was hurtful. Giggles innocently

Af: Stop bickering. Come on, Luna, let's take Violet and hit the road. This is going to be a long journey.

Luna took me on her back, and we set off. Despite living in this area for so many years, I had never seen these forests, these types of trees. Sometimes we passed through places so mysterious that Luna started acting like a tour guide, introducing me to caves and showing me places I had never explored before. She told me I needed to prepare myself and practice mental exercises. This started with clearing my mind by repeatedly focusing on a specific object. I lay on my back, closed my eyes, and felt the sounds of the wind, branches clashing, and leaves falling into my ears.

After a while, I got so absorbed in it that the sounds were replaced by the footsteps of a rabbit running on the ground, the flapping of a bird's wings, and even the sound of Luna's heartbeat. I felt like my sensitivity was increasing exponentially every day. Soon, I would gain my powers, or rather, I would discover these powers. I felt a strange excitement inside. At one point, I felt a headache from thinking too much, but the pain suddenly disappearing relieved me. It was as if I had forgotten the existence of that pain, and with that thought, the pain suddenly vanished.

Luna was descending and approaching a forested riverside. The weather had darkened, and the cold had set in. We landed, and Alvin and Alpha had already set up a fire and pitched a tent. From what I could tell, we hadn't reached our destination yet, or we were being followed.

Af: Why are you so late?

L: What do you mean? When did you guys arrive?

Al: About half an hour ago.

L: We were coming from behind.

V: Did something happen? Why did we stop here?

Al: We need to perform a fire dance to revive dead spirits, V.

L: Don't mess with him, Alvin, he's already confused.

V: So, where did you get this information?

L: Everyone can already hear each other's thoughts.

Af: I guess we didn't tell you the most basic information.

Al: Dunkoff.

V: Is this a joke, one of Alvin's jokes?

Al: Hey, I had no hand in this one, but I wish I had. How did I miss this! Laughs

V: Haha, you're so funny.

L: Alvin, let's go, it's late, and we should get some sleep.

Al: Oh, Moon's Daughter, what a beautiful offer. This is not always available! Laughs

L: Come on, Romeo. (Drags him into the tent by the collar)

Af: So, V, have you gotten used to it?

V: If you can hear my thoughts, why are you asking?

Af: We can't always hear them. It depends on whether you choose to communicate.

V: Tell me about it.

Af: What do you want me to tell you?

V: I want to know everything, this universe, myself, what’s happening, and what kind of situation I’m in.

Af: You're right, but there's no need to rush; how about we start with something simple?

V: Sure, go ahead.

Af: The most basic thing you need to know is that you can’t talk to anyone from the Ryu people. You can't be friends, partners, or allies with them.

V: But why?

Af: They are the spirits forbidden by the Heiliants. They don't benefit anyone, except one. I trust her because she saved my life, and she has a daughter.

V: Who is she, then?

Af: Her name is Raya, but we can talk about this later, okay?

V: Okay. Well, um... Asks shyly and hesitantly

Af: What’s wrong?

V: Who is Merlin? Can you tell me about him? After all, we’re going to meet him, and I know nothing about him.

Af: You’re right. Let me explain. He’s a fox like you, a magician. I don’t want you to trust him too much. I don’t want you to form any close bonds with him either, for a special reason, I don’t feel comfortable keeping you close to him. But since he’s our only option right now, we have no choice but to go to him.

V: Is he a bad person? Will he harm me?

Af: As long as I exist, I will protect you just like I protected my sister. So never be afraid, he can't harm you.

V: Thank you.

Af: You’re welcome. Let’s get some sleep now; it’s really late. Let’s separate those lovebirds; they can go one night without sleeping together.

V: I completely agree with you; I’ll take care of it now.

I put out the fire, woke Luna, and put her to bed. Alpha curled up next to Alvin. Despite their constant bickering, we all knew that Alpha loved and cared for us with a brotherly affection. I was so exhausted that the things I had experienced in the last few days were beyond me, and now Merlin was added to the mix. I had definite prejudices about trusting or meeting him, and I would only learn more about