The deep and vast forest was known as Et Magia silvam or Forest of Magic for short, the local people and monsters chose this name because of the sighting of mythical creatures and the strong feeling of magic present in the forest. A few miles outside of the forest is the city, Rinesal River, where humans and monsters live together, conflicts usually occur between the two kinds but are solved just as quickly. The city was named Rinesal River because of the many underground rivers situated underground, mostly from the forest.

On the outskirts of the city brand, new apartments were made for monsters as the population was getting out of hand, and in one of those apartment buildings, 3 skeleton monsters had shifted just recently. One of them being a painter and the other 2 being employees at a pet care and rescue center, the painter's name was Ink, he is a normal skeleton monster with amazing art skills and creativity, he has a very calm and collective personality and often tends to make sure he's there for his friends. 

Dream is a very optimistic and hyper ball of positivity who never stops to think twice about who he is helping or talking to, often getting himself into trouble. Dream isn't a normal skeleton monster like everyone thinks he is, he too possesses the ability to shape-shift into his mythical animal, which is an Alicanto, a golden bird from the ancient times which used to lead miners to gold and silver or lead them to their deaths. 

Dream is an employee at a pet care center along with his other friend Blue. Blue is also a shape-shifter, a Xiaolong snake, it is said to be a Chinese snake that is cute but as they say, looks can be deceiving. Blue is a hyper ball of energy and kindness, he is very sweet and kind but his animal form is extremely venomous, and he will kill if necessary.  

The three were a small group of friends since high-school and stuck together till adulthood, they are inseparable and problematic at times but they manage. 

***

It was currently 5:47 pm in the evening, Ink had just finished locking up the apartment, wearing his normal clothing and carrying a satchel with his art supplies in it. Unfortunately, neither Blue or Dream could accompany Ink to the forest because they had taken Night Shifts for their close human friend at the workplace, meaning Ink have to journey alone to the forest. Both Ink and Blue had said that the outer part of the Forest was safe as there were no markings for the claim of the territory, meaning Ink and Blue had made it their group's little hideout. 

Making his way through the busy city, he finally found himself at the opening of the forest, easily finding the little hill they claimed as their own. On top of the hill was a beautiful cherry blossom tree, luscious grass surrounding it. Setting his canvas on the grassy hill he started to paint the beautiful sunset in front of him, he would like to keep it after it was finished but he figured it would sell for good money and besides, he could just paint another one. 

Just down the hill was a dirt pathway that led into the dark part of the forest, and in the distance, you could see a lake filled with crystal clear water. Ink stopped his painting for a moment, putting his paintbrush aside to admire the lake, it was truly enchanting, just like the forest. After a while of staring at the lake, he decided he had had enough, if he wanted to get home before nightfall with a finished painting he'd better start now. 

But just before he looked away from the lake he caught a glimpse of a black figure, likely an animal. Looking back he saw an elegant black wolf, it seemed to have these strange glitches on it and it had red and yellow paws, its body a coat of thick black fur.   

Ink gasped, quickly scrambling back to get his sketchbook and pencil out, sitting on the edge on the hill to get a better view of the mysterious wolf. After some time he had finished the drawing, seemingly proud of it. The sun had almost set, the sky a colour of orange and pink as the stars were barely visible. 

As he packed his things to go home, he noticed that the Blackwolf has now gotten up, standing on all fours before a strange light surrounded it. 'Could it be? Are they another shape-shifter?' Millions of thoughts buzzed through his head as the light was now gone, and standing in the wolfs place was a backboned skeleton having the same features as the wolf. 

Amazed by the sight, ink keep staring at the monster, not in a creepy way but in a more curious way. Ink had never met another or seen another shapeshifter aside from Blue and Dream, so this was very special to him. 

As if sensing his stare, the monster looked up at the hill where Ink was standing, both of them freezing as they made eye contact, before Ink could even utter a word, the monster transformed back into their wolf form and scrambling away from sight.

Disappointed yet excited, Ink hurryingly made his way back to their shared apartment, waiting for his skeleton friend to return to tell them the exciting news.