Adventuring wasn't something Mina ever planned on in her life. At best, she'd expected to be foraging in the forest, maybe wander a little too far off the beaten path, instead she was three days from home. Thing had gone well as she'd hoped. No bandits attacked her, nor did any animals steal her food in the night, and Jackson was a true gentleman of a horse. He didn't even mind that she'd lean on him while sleeping.
She found a small town on the fourth day and made sure to stock up just in case. Being a farmer had taught her one thing above most others; be prepared. Whether that meant for starvation or to fend off something or someone, she was set for it. Her clothes were tough and handled any bramble she wandered through, and she kept a knife tucked into her pants. Townsfolk were happy to help. The men, anyway. Their women looked on at her chest in envy.
She headed for the local tavern, looking for information and lodging. A conversation caught her ear not long after.
"Another attack? That's the fifth time this week."
"Damn those futanari. We'll have to deal with them."
"Excuse me," Mina said and came to their table, "Are there Monster Futanari nearby?"
"Yes, damn nuisances. No one's been killed yet, but Nick over there lost five of his teeth to one," one said, gesturing to a man with a gapped smile.
"Whereabouts are they?" Mina asked.
"North-East of the town, they ambush anyone going through the forest." Must be them, Mina thought and recalled the compass pointing in the same direction for days now, "I hope you're not going that way. Who knows what'd happen to someone like you. It'll take longer, but just take the open road. Safer that way."
"I'll be fine," Mina said and palmed the handle of her knife. She hadn't used it for more than the occasional butchering, but she was confident it'd suffice.
"Let me come with you," a girl's voice said from behind, causing Mina to jump, nearly toppling the table as well. She turned and was met by a hooded figure, clearly a woman by their figure, but they kept their eyes hidden. Only her lips were visible under the cowl. The cloak fluttered open to reveal an oddly coloured dagger strapped to her side, "I can protect you."
Despite her words, Mina had her doubts. The girl was smaller than her, though she wasn't concerned with that. It was the unnerving aura she had, like an animal that might snap while petting it. And that dagger; just the sight of it prickled against her skin.
"I'll be fine," Mina repeated and walked away. The hairs on her neck bristled at the sensation of eyes on her, tracking every move. Rather than buy a room, she went back to Jackson and hurriedly mounted him once more. Even after the town was behind her, Mina still felt those predatory eyes. Fortunately, it faded once they reached a branch in the paths.
One was fresh and hurried, made from necessity it seemed. She checked the compass, which directed down the older road, into a lush forest with plenty of shade and abandoned burrows. Perfect place for a monster to ambush someone, she thought, but urged Jackson down it. She stayed alert for any sounds of pursuit.
Silence pervaded the woods but for the clop of Jackson's hooves and scurrying of animals. A twig snapped under his foot, startling her. Mina took a long breath, focusing on the clean aromas wafting on the breeze, and mourned that she hadn't asked exactly where the ambushes occurred. Now she almost wished she accepted that strange woman's offer. She also should've taken Samuel's when he offered his men to aid her.
"So much for pride," Mina groaned, then Jackson stopped. She whipped her head around, searching for a threat, but he just huffed at her and stamped his hoof. Following his direction, there were a series of odd, feet-like tracks. Odd, because surely a person would wear shoes, and claw-like marks also disturbed the dirt, "Wow, you're some horse."
He gave another huff and raised his head, as if to say, "Well, I am a Noble's horse." She gave him a firm pat, affirming that pride he had.
"Well, lead on," Mina said and eyed the tracks as he trotted, noting how they deepened from repeated use. Must be its primary route. A thicket blocked their path, one ripe with brambles. She hopped down and inspected the area, but the tracks seemed to vanish into the vegetation.
"I wonder..." Cautious, Mina grabbed a handful and pulled, peeling away some of the greenery and finding a gap large enough for a person to crawl through, "I knew it. You wait there, Jackson. I'll be back." He snorted in acknowledgement.
Sharp needles caught on her clothes as she crawled on her belly. Her breasts made it harder, forcing her back and head up slightly. A few scratches lined her skin and holes opened in her shirt, but she made it to the other side in one piece. Somehow, she'd expected the world to have completely changed; it was the same, but for a fallen tree with a tarp thrown over it to protect a sleeping figure.
Mina sank to a crouch and watched. The figure turned over, and her caution vanished. It was a girl, smaller than Mina, with the fluffiest ears atop her head, which at the slightest sound. They pointed toward Mina, who now saw the girl's tail as it swayed lazily.
"So cute," Mina said, then froze as the girl opened her eyes, a floral green that shone around the cat-like pupil. Her head raised in shock at Mina's presence, which brought her attention to the chain leading above.
"Get away from her!" If not for the rustling of the chain, Mina would've been cleaved in two, but scrambled back just in time, narrowly avoiding the flash of deadly claws.
A new figure leapt from the tarp and landed right where she'd been, striking the earth hard enough to blow up a cloud of dirt and leaves. As it cleared, Mina was faced with a girl cute as the first. This one had dog-like ears, however, and was crouched with a protective snarl marring her features. She stood between Mina and the other. A chain linked them, but beyond that, they were complete opposites.
The cat-girl stood and was immaculate despite sleeping on the ground. Her flesh was a doll-like alabaster, nose small and adorable above her lips that settled into a feline shape. Likewise, her robe was pure white and clear of blemish. Even her expression was a mastered calm as she looked back at Mina. All that broke the image of perfection was the large, iron collar around her neck. Following the chain brought her focus back to the immediate threat of the dog-girl, who, in every respect, stood as the cat's opposite.
Tan skin covered in dirt and scratches. Her robe was in tatters, falling around a sleek yet muscular frame. She must be protecting the other one, Mina thought and laid her hands down flat, head lowered, though she kept her eyes on the other's feet. A confused whine came from the dog-girl, who tilted her head in confusion. Oaken hair cascaded down her head, so long it grazed the floor.
