National Geographic's The Hippogriff
Author's Note
Just something short and silly. Just a piece of fluff. Enjoy! 
The Hippogriff
"This world consists of a great amount of nature and beauty. So many different forms of life in all shapes and sizes; animals, plants, even our own humans. And that is what we do here on this show here today!"
A set of film cameras spun around showing a girl in gray skin, hair as black as coal, and soft purple eyes. She had an outdoorsy vest, short sleeved shirt, shorts, and a pair of hiking shoes. "My name is Octavia Melody; and we are back to explore the strange and bizarre creatures of the world! Today's subject; the hippogriff!"
A picture of a hippogriff was put on display on the television monitors, showing off the exoskeleton and parts.
"As you all at home can see, the hippogriff is a very bizarre creature indeed. From ancient times, the creatures were often said to be found as half pony, half bird hybrids. But in ancient lore, it was also said that the hippogriff can change into hippocampi; half fish, half horse hybrids."
And a still image of a hippocampi flipped on screen as well, just before going back to the regular hippogriff picture. Octavia walked from off-screen into the picture, pointing at the few different parts of the hippogriff body.
"The hippogriff consists of four major parts. The sharpened feetsies, the pecky nose, the swishy hair and tail, and of course, the floofing wings. Each vital to the species as a whole. Without them, they are mere horses with a lot of extra fluff."
A map of the world was put into focus, and a single red dot spread little soft circular waves in all directions.
"The hippogriffs, according to mythology, live in the lands close to Mount Aris, in Greece. Which is exactly where we're going to go to," Octavia said, soon looking back at the camera. "So please, everyone if you would follow me..."
The camera suddenly changed to show some landscape shots, with a calm blue sky filled with clouds. And soon enough the focus was back onto Octavia as she led her crew through the jungle.
"As we set foot on Mount Aris, we take a short moment to notice the land around us. Hippogriffs live in lush environments, with plenty of trees, grass, and of course; water."
The cameras moved around to take in the scenary. The sounds of birds chirping in the jungle, and the many creatures living in the forest. Water from a nearby waterfall could be heard from a distant, as Octavia and her camera crew continued their journey to the watering hole nearby. Part of it was covered by the mountain caverns with some vines and plants hanging from the ceiling.
The cameramen and Octavia all froze as they listened to the sound of what sounded like a bird noise, only much more louder than usual.
"I believe that is our hippogriff nearby. If you'll follow me carefully, we'll be able to see them in a moment."
Close by they could see the creature just perching on a rock. It had a mammal like body, with wings of a bird and an eagle-like face. But what made this creature stand out more was it's back legs were very hoof-like, like it was a horse. And it's front legs had claws, like the common birds. This one sitting on the rock was pink with a bluish colored mane. Her eyes were soft purple like little amethyst diamonds.
"And here we see the young hippogriff, behaving in it's natural habitat," Octavia said, watching the hippogriff perch on the rock like a cat. The hippogriff's tail swished side to side as it just sat there, perching happily and peacefully. Her head kept looking down, eyeing the variety of fish that kept swimming in the streams. "This rare and exotic species, despite this creature being a half bird, half pony hybrid, has another unique trait; the behavior and playfulness of a common housecat!"
Right on cue, the young hippogriff slowly rolled over on the rock, upside down as if it wanted it's belly scratched. It's front legs curled up just like a cat as well, and she kept turning her head, looking for someone, anyone who would scratch her belly. But soon she rolled back over, noticing the strange creature who was standing there, watching her every movement.
Carefully, she waddled off the rock and into the water before waddling onto land again, approaching the strange hairless ape. She kept one front claw arched back like a dog, softly cooing as she observed the animal for any signs of danger. Was this animal predator, or prey?
"When threatened, the hippogriff’s pecky nose will scrunch, before it lets out a deafening battle cry, unfurling its floofing wings to pounce upon its prey."
The griff didn't make any sudden movements, until she just walked from where she was arched, and perched on a rock, her tail continuing to swish. Slowly, she waddled across the water and onto the dry land again, her head raised as she gazed as this weird animal.
"This young hippogriff is trying to figure out whether we are friend or foe. Now lets see how she reacts when we try to offer her some food," Octavia said, holding her palm out with some birdseed in hand. She slowly tip-toed towards the young hippogriff, trying her best not to startle it.
Squatting down, she opened up her palm some more, and the griff's attention was drawn to her. It's front left claw raised up, like a dog thinking about whether or not she wanted the food. She slowly waddled closer and lowered his head near her palm and nibbled the bird seed, cooing softly. Octavia smiled, looking at how adorable the hipoogriff was as she nibbled on the food.
When she finished, the young hippogriff slowly sat, much like a cat. Her floofy tail swished back and forth with great interest at this strange gray-skinned furless creature before her. She seemed so kind and sweet to her!
Slowly, but not too slow, Octavia raised a hand up, offering it to the creature's snoot so she could sniff her scent. This creature did behave like a cat, but she wanted to know for sure if it was safe to pet it. The hippogriff sniffed her hand, and immediately rubbed herself against her open hand, making Octavia giggle. The narrator for the show then patted the griff's head before giving her some soft pets against her head and mane.
"Depending on the hippogriff's mood, they can approach with you with absolute sweetness, or sheer unbridled rage. And as we can see here, this hippogriff is in a very good mood today."
The hippogriff purred as she rubbed her head against Octavia's hand, behaving oh so very much like a cat. Even more as she flopped onto the ground and rolled over onto her back, flipping her head upside down to look at her.
"As we can see here, this creature is asking for some more affection."
The young griff purred as Octavia moved her fingers up and down on her belly, scratching the most itchy parts, making the little bird happy.
"Well aren't you a precious little thing?" Octavia smiled. And instantly she pet the hippogriff's ears, making her even more happy, as shown by the playful bat from her front claws.
In the next fade, Octavia was shown standing right back up on her feet. In her arms was the young hippogriff, cradled like a cat. With one hand holding her carefully, she used the other to give some soft pets.
"A hippogriff is generally considered an omnivore, but their diet does also include some smaller animals, such as ferrets. But as we saw from earlier, this little one was hunting for a fish. So..."
Octavia was handed a small fish, which made the young hippogriff's tail swish in excitement. Slowly she gave the hippogriff the fish who happily nibbled down on it. And it slowly squirmed in Octavia's grasp, trying to get free.
"Oh, she wants off." She carefully set her back down on the ground on all fours, letting her waddle off to get some water.
"Now as you all, the viewers, could see, this young hippogriff was a rather friendly one. But it doesn't mean that all hippogriff's are. Whether the hippogriff's parents will detect predators having come close to it is something we will need to keep a close eye for. So for the next few days, we'll be keeping a close eye on this one to make sure she stays in perfect shape and health. Thank you all for joining me today, I'm Octavia Melody, and join me next week for when we climb into the world of another rare creature; the kirins!"
