Heavenly Harpies

Chapter 16: A Ferocious Ally

(This was inspired the Alice in Wonderland live action)
A manticore stood in front of you, ready to pounce. He was missing an eye, scarred everywhere, spears sticking out from his fur. Looks like he was one no one could beat. You freeze, terrifed.
He exhales and you're knocked over. Shaking, you quickly get up and stand your ground. The manticore growls, and swings a paw at you. You jump and fly onto his head. Grabbing his fur tightly, he tried to throw you off. His snake tail snapped at you, hissing. You grab a flute out of your bag and start playing. The snake straightens and hisses again. You continue playing, the snake starts to move to the music. It approaches you and you pet it gently. The manticore whines, and growls at a wall.
You fly to the wall, and check the stones. A loose stone was found and fell to the ground, shattered. You see a eye in the gap, grabbing it you fly down to the ground. "Is this what you're mad about?" He growled as you carefully approached him, you put your hand on his nose and he whimpered. Gently climbing on to his snout, you place the eye back.
He flips his head up and you land on his back. He bounds out of the cave, shooting to the top. Landing on the ground, you get off. Chase, Poppy, Jackie and Kae stare at the manticore then at you, terrified.
"Hey. It's okay, hes going to help us get to the castle." Jackie grinned, "Never seen a manticore before, hes majestic. Isnt he Kae?" Kae nodded slowly. "Whatever you say, darling." Jackie stared at him, "I-I..." Kae realised what he just said and blushed heavily. "S-Sorry!" She shook her head; "Its okay. Youre too cute to get mad at."
Chase cleared his throat, the rest of the group were clearly uncomfortable. "Okay, hop on." You helped them up and take a deep breath. "Let's get the king."
You urge the manticore and he bounds off.