【Chronicles of the Therianthropes Origins — Chapter 25: Settlements and Regional Development】
On the planet Jarno, situated 1.25 million light-years away from the solar system, exists an advanced biological settlement known as the Therianthropy civilization, akin in many ways to the Blue Star civilization. Throughout the protracted course of biological evolution, the Therianthropes diverged significantly from their counterparts on the Blue Star. They retained certain genes from their beastly ancestors, thereby acquiring the transient atavistic ability for combat, hunting, agriculture, and more. Concurrently, in this land abundant with natural resources, robust and formidable exotic flora and fauna flourished, posing immense obstacles to communication and migration among the various regional settlements of the Therianthropes. As a result, each tribe of Therianthropes developed a relatively homogenous species composition.
In a hushed tone, Father softly recited a passage from 'Chronicles of the Therianthropes Origins,' casting a gentle gaze upon his little 6-year-old cub, Coral, nestled in his arms. He gave a tender pat to the small head, urging the youngster to hasten to bed. Coral, in a refusal-like manner, squirmed his chubby little body, using his delightfully fleshy hands to clutch onto Father even tighter. The little one was in one of his affectionate moods, mischievous to the core. His two amber-colored orbs spun around mischievously; he must have been brewing another mischievous prank! Yet, with a turn of his head, he sweetly cooed in his soft, melodic voice to his doting father, 'Daddy, Daddy, Coral isn't sleepy yet! Wants to hear a story! Wants to play a game! Wants Daddy's company!' With that, he charmingly flashed a mischievous smile, and in the midst of his laughter, as if struck by the inspiration of some delightful mischief, he began to playfully cajole and tease his fond father. His two little tiger teeth, shining with radiance, seemed to sparkle in perfect harmony with his joyful mood.
"Papa!?" Coral made a concerted effort to adjust his posture, chubby little hands seizing the excess softness around Dad's midriff. Affectionately, he nuzzled Dad's cheek with his small head. The black-and-white mane of hair, slightly electrified, added an extra touch of mischief to this spirited little one. With a cunning twinkle in his eyes, he squinted and uttered, "Coa wants a birthday gift!"
Coral's gentle father, a Red Pine Chow Chow Therianthrope from the frigid lands, helplessly smoothed down the unruly tufts of fur atop little Coral's head. "Coral, haven't you already claimed several birthday gifts? Just yesterday, you expressed a desire to celebrate the birthday of the Chow Chow Therianthropes and received a gift. The day before, you wished to experience the birthday ambience of the border collie Therianthropes, and yet another gift was granted. The day before that, you had a video call with Grandpa and Grandma in the Frostlands, inquiring about your birthday presents and amassing a pile of toys. And even earlier, you consulted Grandma and Grandpa on the Pale Sun hill about what style of sweets Mom should buy for you, along with a heap of jerky as snacks... My little friend, this isn't quite acceptable. A child can only celebrate their birthday once a year and receive one gift! You can't request another birthday gift this time. If you persist, Dad will be upset."
"Daddy~" Little Coral pouted, attempting one more plea, but noticed a subtle transformation in his father's demeanor—a looming semblance of a colossal Red Pine Chow Chow ready to scoop him back into the den. Recognizing the boundaries, Coral abandoned his persistence and prepared to obediently return to his cozy nest for bedtime. After a few steps, a sudden realization struck him. He darted back towards his father, tugging at his sleeve and playfully said, "Daddy, this time Coa doesn't want toys or treats. Coa wants a little brother! Coa wants a little brother as a birthday gift!" The Chow Chow Therianthrope father found himself somewhat astonished. Wasn't it typical for children of this age to dread the prospect of sharing parental affection with siblings? Coral, who usually reveled in being a mischievous little king at home, why did he suddenly wish for a little brother as a birthday gift?
Witnessing his father's silent contemplation, little Coral, fearing his gift request might be in jeopardy, intensified his charm offensive. Clinging to his father's sleeve, he began to stomp his tiny feet and continued, "Daddy, Coa wants a little brother! Coa really wants a little brother! *Sniffle, sniffle,* you and Mom are always at work, and there's no one to keep me company at home. *Sniffle, sniffle,* you won't even let me play outside alone. *Sniffle, sniffle.*" To make lonely Coral's act more convincing and lifelike, he even managed to squeeze out two "crocodile tears." This further unsettled the Chow Chow Therianthrope father, who, sensing an opportunity, found himself under a continued assault. Coral capitalized on the momentum, offering solemn promises and sweet words, "Daddy, Coa promises to take good care of the little brother. Coa will be the best big brother in the whole world! Will play with him nicely, won't bully him (if he behaves well, Coral thought)!"
Gazing at his son, who was earnestly pleading, the Chow Chow father felt a mix of guilt and affection. The demands of their livelihood forced both him and his wife to spend extended periods away, leaving little time for their cherished cub. Yet, childhood comes but once, and he didn't want his beloved offspring to harbor any regrets!
"All right, I'll go ask your mom," Dad finally conceded to Coral's relentless charm. Ever since this child gained a certain level of understanding, the Chow Chow father couldn't shake the feeling that he might be spoiling his son. Yet, let him be a mischievous kid. Coral was the apple of his eye, the crystallization of his and Whitney's love—deserving nothing but the best! The Chow Chow father nodded to himself, making the decision to discuss the "second child venture" with his wife. Coral nestled into his soft little den, covering himself with his favorite Cupid's downy quilt (a gift from his beloved grandfather! His grandma even embroidered "CORAL" on it!), slyly chuckling to himself. "Now Coa can get an extra gift! After all, his little brother's gifts are also Coa's!" Coral thought smugly. That night, he dreamed a sweet dream where his new little brother offered him all the gifts, gazing up at Coral with admiration, playing together, and promising to follow him for a lifetime!
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At the threshold of the White Quinoa Crossing, a small fishing boat slipped into the reeds under the cover of night. Emerging from the vessel were several tall and powerful male canine Therianthropes escorting a female canine Therianthrope with wheat-colored skin, cradling a peacefully sleeping cub. The group of Therianthropes navigated through the reeds for quite some time until they finally reached the anxiously awaiting rendezvous point, where the appointed liaison, Leiden of the Chow Chow Tribe, stood.
Approaching respectfully, Leiden addressed the lady, "Madam, you've endured a challenging journey. I am Leiden, a former officer of the general. The general has commanded me to ensure the safety of both you and the young master. Your safety is of the utmost importance."
Upon recollecting her husband, unjustly imprisoned, the former general's wife shed two crystal tears. With difficulty, she spoke, "Thank you for being willing to defend us. I am indebted for this kindness, and I vow to repay it. The traitor must be aware that I will pass through the White Quinoa Crossing. It's likely he has dispatched individuals ahead of us. You were already aware of this before your arrival, weren't you?"
Leiden paused for a moment, then spoke with unwavering determination, "The general has commanded me to ensure the safety of both you and the young master. I will dedicate everything, even my own life, to this cause."
"Please, do not do this, Leiden. I implore you to stay alive and find an opportunity to save the general," the elegant lady with wheat-colored skin said, tears shimmering in her eyes as she gently shook her head. With a tearful smile, she kissed the forehead of her peacefully sleeping cub and handed him to Leiden. "Please take my child, Belga, and foster him in a trustworthy home. Do not disclose his lineage to them. All I ask is that he grows up happy and carefree, ignorant of the knowledge of his parents. Please take him to a safe place, Mr. Leiden. I beseech you. If my husband or I manage to survive in this world, we will search for him. No matter where he is or how far the journey, he is our most cherished treasure."
Leiden cradled the cub known as "Belga" and vanished into the night, leaving the female Therianthrope with teary eyes. Yet, with unwavering determination, she addressed her subordinates, "We shall alter our course towards the 'Charred Pumpkin' city. Make all necessary preparations to vindicate the general." The small fishing boat silently disappeared as well.
Leiden transformed into a colossal Scarlet Chow Chow, the young cub held firmly in his jaws, and sprinted with all his might. He had a singular destination—the gathering place of the Scarlet Chow Chow tribe near the frigid lands, the village known as the 'Frostlands'. Once there, Belga would be relatively safe. Leiden's cousins, a friendly couple, had settled there, and until Belga found a suitable foster family, they would likely not refuse to temporarily shelter the unfortunate child. Time was running out for the general, and Leiden, with a heart heavy with sorrow, quickened his pace, gazing back at the peacefully sleeping, fragile child.
Several days later, the Scarlet Chow Chow Therianthrope, Megatron, and his Border Collie Therianthrope wife, Whitney, mysteriously informed their cub, Coral, that he had a gift arriving. All Coral had to do was be a good boy, take a nap, and he would receive the gift upon waking up. This thrilled the mischievous Coral, who eagerly rushed to his little bed for a quick nap. Despite his excitement making it difficult to fall asleep, the soothing lullaby from his mother eventually worked its magic, and Coral drifted into a peaceful slumber.
When Coral opened his eyes once again, he found a fluffy little "coal nugget" in his nest! This startled the usually mischievous Coral, who anxiously called out, "Dad! Mom! Why is there a black, fluffy ball in my nest?! Oh my goodness, he looks like a furry chocolate Babalua!" The fuzzball seemed to be awakened by Coral's exclamation and transformed back into human form. It was a boy who looked about three or four years old, with deep tan skin. One could easily tell he would grow up to be a handsome lad with his thick eyebrows and big eyes. He stared in bewilderment at the little Coral, who was crying out for his parents in his tender, babyish voice.
Dad and Mom quickly arrived, each embracing one of the cubs, comforting Coral, who was a bit startled and had his fur ruffled, and Belga, who seemed a bit dazed. "Coral, sweetheart, this is your birthday gift! You've always wanted a little brother, and here he is—meet Belga," Megatron said, gently patting Coral's head and smiling. "From now on, you need to take good care of your little brother, just like you promised! Right?"
Whitney gently pinched Belga's little face, noting the lack of chubby cheeks. She felt a twinge of sorrow, recalling how Coral, at this age, was pampered by the entire clan and chubby. Even when he was learning to walk, the elders would carry him. Concerned about not distressing the little one who had endured a journey, her voice softened further. "Dear Belga, this is your brother, Coral. From now on, you two are family."
The surprise and shock left little Coral feeling a bit dizzy. He was still somewhat dazed. Can he make a wish to send the little brother back now? Oh no, the assertive Coral never expected to have not just one but a little black coal nugget as a brother! Ah, assertive Coral regretted it deeply.
The young and innocent Coral could never have imagined that because of this new little coal nugget, the decision to "wish for a little brother as a birthday gift" would bring him regrettable consequences aplenty. However, all these experiences would transform into a collection of bittersweet memories in the more distant future, much like the countless twinkling stars adorning the galaxy, embellishing a legendary and romantic love story.
Nevertheless, for a naive and unknowing child, the allure of romance might not surpass the appeal of the sweet and smooth homemade egg pudding crafted by mom. Everything is just the beginning of a beautiful story.