In a shadowed clearing surrounded by lush forest and towering oaks, a concerned lion padded around the open area in anxiety. He glanced at the sleek pale brown dachshund sprawled on a comforting nest of leaves and moss in a den that she had excavated a few nights before. The dachshund had been expecting pups for a few months now, and had been shocked by the timing of her puppies arriving, for she had not expected to give birth at this very moment. The lion could only imagine what pain she was going through. Moments later, two tiny puppies were pressed against the dachshund's soft belly. They were extrordinary, with delicate ears and faces that resembled their mother, but also having the thick fur and tail of a majestic lion. The lion, Blaze, watched in admiration of his pups as they nuzzled the dachsund's protective tail. The brown dog's bark broke the silence. "We should begin naming these pups." Blaze hesitated. "Of course, Petal." He gazed at the stronger of the two puppies. "This one should be called Flame." Petal nodded. "And the other?" The smaller pup still needed a name. "How about Loki?" The dachshund agreed. "Two handsome males, Loki and Flame." Blaze stared into the forest, deep in thought. He finally spoke, his loud voice ringing through the clearing. "Petal, we have started a new generation of animals. We have created a new species. Welcome to the Forest of Shadows, Loki and Flame, for you are Azmerions." Loki opened his eyes to a flash of brightness. He rapidly blinked them before he got used to the light of the forest. Petal's voice inturrupted his thoughts. "Look who's awake, Blaze." Loki pressed his face into his mother's fur. His ears perked up as he heard his father approaching. Blaze touched his muzzle to Petal's. "Has Flame woken up yet?" The small Azmerion was now aware of the other pup's presence. Loki turned to look at his sibling. Flame's paws twiched in his sleep. His brother quietly yawned and woke from his rest. Flame curiously examined his surroundings the same way that Loki had. Petal exposed her belly and the puppies began to suckle her milk. As Loki was feeding, he caught a flash of movement out of the corner of his eye. He paused and turned to glance at the thicket. The light brown Azmerion saw a burst of tan colored fur. He heard leaves crunch under the paws of the animal as it drew closer to the hollow. Blaze suddenly looked away from the puppies, pricking his ears. He motioned for his mate to stay in the den with the pups. The lion crept toward the sound, placing his paws on the ground ever so lightly. Two sets of paws emerged from the forest, revealing a lioness and another dachshund, this one male. The most shocking part was the animal held by the scruff of its neck in the lioness's jaws. It was another Azmerion.
Tell me in the Comments: Who's your favorite character? What do you think so far of the storyline? What should I add next? Bonus Question for Prizes: (There will be one per project) What do you think the names are of the three newcomers? (2 loves, 2 favorites, 1 follow, 1 art request) Favorite Character Votes: Loki: @SunstripeDraws, @RainbowDerpicorn, @frogpool553 , @-Lunar3clipse-
