Glinting in the sunlight, awaiting the call of the phoenix, lay the summoning horn. Untouched for over a millenium, the bristol sheen of the brass coating had never shone so brightly. Only a few yards away, a herd of Unicorns grazed peacefully. The stallion lifted his head, sensing a slight waver in nature's balance. His nostrils dilated slowly, flaring with each breath. The mares watched him closely, casually flicking an ear towards their leader.

Then, it sounded. A sound full of strentgh and glory, bold and breath taking, the call of the phoenix. The summoning horn lifted into the air, floating only a few inches above the ground, as though an invisible string were holding it there. The horn's bell began to vibrate, quickly and suddenly. Breaking through the silence of the dew crested morning, the horn bugled its awakening.

The Unicorn leader's lobes pricked with excitment, a whinny of vibrato escaped his ebon lips. The mares's threw their elegantly sculpted heads into the air,and followed their leader into a brisk and ground covering gallop. The Unicorns were quite a sight to behold, manes caressing silken necks, tails streaming like ribbons behind sun dipped haunches, hoofs of liberty beating sounds of power and grace into the molten turf.

From his hiding place, the dark figure chuckled wickedly. His fingers tightened around the near invisible cord. Saliva cornered in his mouth, as his eyes flashed dangerously.
As the Unicorns neared, he settled himself deeper into his hiding place, not wanting to startle the creatures...not yet at least.

The stallion's stride broke, as he picked up the scent of one not recognized. Tossing his head with distress, he whickered urgently to his small band, warning them of unseen danger. Looking anxiously towards the lands beyond, the stallion summoned his courage and took a cautious step forward. The dark figure mumbled to himself softly. As soon as the stallion was parallel the cord he held, the figure pulled.

Even before the cord had tightened around his neck, the stallion had braced himself, and given silent orders for his comrades to take another route. As the cord began to restrain him, the Unicorn fought harder, throwing all of his strentgh into escape. The cord only closed tighter with every time he fought. The figure leapt from his hiding place. Eyes rolling wildly with fright, the stallion was able to catch a glimpse of his captuer.
A large and bulky man, with a sullen and dull look about him, Vine was certainly not one to mess with. An akward grin revealed several gold and cracked teeth, and Vine gave his belly a pat, obviously quite satisfied with himself.

He glanced sideways the stallion's herd, who was watching their leader's valiant struggle with curiousity and fear. He threw a stone at them, "Be gone ye' filthy mungrels! I'll be coming after yous next!" The Unicorns snorted and, deciding this man was certainly a threat, lowered their head into battle position, horns pointed directly at Vine. The man grumbled and threw another stone, he missed, but he took no heed.
"Damn Unicorns, ain't got no sense I tell ye! Well, theys be in fer a surprise soon enough!" He took out a long wand, shoved it in the stallion's chest and shouted,"Bugeos!" The trapped Unicorn fell, his long legs collapsing from underneath him. Vine nodding approvingly of his work and apparated both himself and the Unicorn stallion from the forest.

The others stood, weak with shock. An older looking Unicorn stepped forward, pushing in front of the crowd. Her bones showed in odd angles from her satin coat, and her tail was short and stubby. Her eyes however, were quite a contrast. Fire danced within them, giving her a slightly daring appearance. She opened her mouth to speak, waiting for complete before continuing. "As you are well aware I'm sure, Jupiter has been captured. We must continue forth, if we miss the phoenix's visit we are all as good as dead. Let us keep moving, Jupiter will be found, one way or another."

A young and inexperianced male shoved his way towards the elder creature. "What makes so sure we should go on Azreal?" He shook his head disgustedly," Honestly, this is the third of our herd thats been taken this month! Its notsafe Azreal, summon the phoenix, have him come to us."

Azreal smiled wisely and nodded," No doubt that our safety is at risk Destiny, but we must go on! None of you have seen the phoenix, you are all much to young! You cannot grasp the importance of this can you? The future of the humans is in our hands! Is our purpose not to defend those in need of our service? Comrades, losing Jupiter is a true setback, but we will retrieve him shortly. First, the journey must be made."

Destiny only smirked with mocking," Lets take a vote shall we? Who would like to continue?" Destiny's smile faded, as all the Unicorns placed forth an ivory hoof. He snorted with disbelief," Fine then Azreal, have it you way. By the time we get to the phoenix, we'll all be dead!" Azreal's eyes flashed with fury, she snaked her teeth around Destiny's jugalur. "You will not treat me with disrespect, and you will not ruin our chance to save this realm. If you do not wish to continue to the phoenix, then leave. I know you have always disaproved of Jupiter and his ways. I am simply continuing in his wishes."

Destiny flicked his tail with anger and stalked back to the valley. "Lets go on!" Azreal walked forwards, awaiting the others, who tentavily followed, at a distance, as though unsure whether or not they were doing the right thing...

CHECK BACK SOON FOR PART II