In its fitful state, the jab of the cane alone was enough to rouse the beast; its eyes snapped open, the pupils narrowing, and its talons ripped into the ground in a startled death-grip. Worryingly, the gryphon's body jumped in place, as if it had barely stopped itself from attacking the source of its disturbance.<br/><br/>It slowly lifted its head, the immense beak shifting beneath the blind monk's curious hand. A curious, low note lilted out of it as Swiftbeak tilted its head to the side, awaiting Al's explanation; he let his appointed guardian finish speaking before adding:<br/><br/>"Brother Al speaks true. I-" It paused, its attention shifting further afield as it caught sight of something aside from Zato's form.<br/><br/>"...Is that a child? Here?" It sounded utterly incredulous.