🪷 Hibiscus 🌺

Chapter 4. The Flower Wolf

Zogarth paused in the vibrant garden, the sweet scent of hibiscus filling the air. He leaned in closer, inhaling deeply, when suddenly—*bump*! His nose collided with something soft and warm. Startled, he opened his eyes wide and found himself staring into the mesmerizing, multicolored eyes of a blush-colored wolf, it's coat a perfect match for the surrounding flowers.

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Zogarth exclaimed, stepping back with a sheepish grin. He brushed a few petals off his shoulder, trying to regain his composure. "I didn't see you there! I was just—uh—admiring the flowers."

The wolf tilted it's head, a playful glint in their eyes. "No harm done, Zogarth! I like to blend in with the blooms. They're quite lovely, aren't they?" The pink wolf stretched out among the hibiscus flowers, blending seamlessly with the vibrant petals. "You know," it began in a dreamy voice, "I love to lay in flower fields like this to daydream. Sometimes, I imagine what it would be like to be a flower myself—just swaying in the breeze, soaking up the sun, and spreading joy to everyone who passes by. What about you, Zogarth? What do you daydream about?"

Zogarth grinned, his mind racing with possibilities. "I dream of exploring far-off lands, meeting all sorts of creatures, although I never learn their names."

The wolf's ears perked up, and they smiled warmly. "That sounds like quite the adventure! Speaking of names, I realized I never asked you—what's your name?"

"Zogarth," he replied proudly, puffing out his chest a little. "And you?"

The blush-colored wolf paused, it's expression shifting to one of contemplation. "I don't really have a name. I've always just been… well, me."

Zogarth's eyes lit up with inspiration. "How about I give you a name? Since you love flowers so much, what do you think of 'Hibiscus'?"

Hibiscus stood up gracefully, shaking off a few petals that clung to their fur. "I can't wait to embrace my new name!" they declared in a voice filled with enthusiasm. Zogarth couldn't help but admire the wolf's strong, lithe body.

"Hey, why don't you follow me?" Zogarth suggested, welcoming Hibiscus into the pack. "With your build, I bet you could become the next huntress of the pack! We could use someone like you!"

Hibiscus paused mid-step, a look of confusion crossing his face. "Huntress? Zogarth, I think there's been a misunderstanding." He tilted his head, his ears perked up in curiosity. "I'm not a she-wolf."

Zogarth's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson as he processed this revelation. "Oh! I—uh—didn't realize!" He lowered his ears, feeling a mix of embarrassment and confusion swirling inside him. "I just thought… well, you're so pretty, I guess I assumed…"

Hibiscus chuckled softly, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Pretty? Oh, you're a charmer, Zogarth!"

Zogarth's eyes widened, and he felt his heart race as he stumbled over his words. "Oh! I—I didn't mean it like that! I mean, I just thought you were… uh, you know, interesting!" His flustered response only made Hibiscus chuckle more, the sound light and airy like the petals around them.

"Relax, Zogarth," Hibiscus said, amusement dancing in his eyes. "I'm just teasing you. It's nice to hear compliments from other wolves. It's a rarity, actually!" Just then, Hibiscus stopped and picked a vibrant hibiscus flower, holding it delicately in his mouth. He approached Zogarth with a playful glint in his eyes and gently offered the flower as a token of friendship. "Here! A gift for you, my charming friend," he said, his voice muffled but cheerful.

Zogarth leaned forward and took a big bite. The petals were soft and sweet, and he chewed happily, savoring the taste. But then he noticed Hibiscus staring at him with wide, shocked eyes.

"Zogarth! No! You weren't supposed to eat it!" Hibiscus exclaimed, his voice a mix of disbelief and concern.

Zogarth paused mid-chew, his ears perking up. "What do you mean?" He swallowed, and a loud burp escaped him, echoing through the wilderness.

Hibiscus's expression shifted from shock to alarm. "That flower is poisonous! You could be in serious trouble!"

Panic surged through Zogarth as he felt a slight tingle in his stomach. "Poisonous? What do I do?!" He began to pace, his mind racing with thoughts of what could happen next.

"Hold your breath!" Hibiscus instructed, trying to keep a straight face but failing miserably. "It'll counter the effects!"

Without thinking twice, Zogarth took a deep breath and puffed out his cheeks, holding it in with all his might. He felt ridiculous, standing there with his cheeks bulging like a squirrel storing acorns for winter.

Hibiscus couldn't contain himself any longer and burst into laughter, his sides shaking. "Oh, Zogarth! You're so silly!" he managed between giggles.

Zogarth, still holding his breath, looked at Hibiscus with wide eyes. "What's so funny?" he managed to say, his voice muffled and comical.

Hibiscus rolled over on his back and cackled. "It was just a goof! The flower isn't poisonous! I can't believe you actually held your breath! You should've seen your face!"

Zogarth's cheeks deflated as he exhaled a long, relieved breath, a mix of embarrassment and amusement flooding over him. "You scared me half to death!" he laughed, shaking his head. "I thought I was going to turn into a flower myself!"

With laughter still bubbling in the air, Zogarth's playful spirit ignited. "Oh, you think you can get away with that prank?" he teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Before Hibiscus could react, Zogarth took off, bounding after him across the vibrant flower field, petals flying in a colorful whirlwind around them.

"Catch me if you can!" Hibiscus called over his shoulder, his laughter ringing like music as he darted between the towering hibiscus blooms. Zogarth picked up speed, his heart racing with excitement as he chased his new friend, the sun shining down on their playful escapade.

They hopped and twirled, the air filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the sound of their joyous laughter. Zogarth leaped over a patch of daisies, narrowly avoiding a tumble, and Hibiscus spun around, only to find Zogarth right on his tail. In a burst of energy, Hibiscus turned and, with a playful pounce, managed to pin Zogarth down, their noses almost touching.

For a moment, they both froze, caught in the unexpected closeness. Zogarth felt his cheeks heat up, a blush creeping across his face. "Uh, well… I have a mate," he stammered, his heart racing for a different reason now.

Hibiscus's ears drooped instantly, and he backed off, his expression shifting to one of guilt. "Oh no, I'm so sorry, Zogarth! I didn't mean to overstep! I thought we were just playing!" he apologized profusely, his voice laced with concern.

Zogarth, realizing how serious Hibiscus looked, quickly reassured him. "It's okay! Really! I didn't mean to make it awkward. We can still be best friends!" He smiled warmly, hoping to ease Hibiscus's worries.

Hibiscus perked up slightly, his ears lifting as he processed Zogarth's words. "You mean it?"

"Absolutely!" Zogarth looked at Hibiscus with a twinkle in his eye. "You know, you really make me feel like a pup again," he said, his voice light and playful. "All this running and playing—it's like I'm back in my younger days, just chasing butterflies and having fun!"

Hibiscus's face lit up with joy at the compliment. "Really? That's the best thing I've heard all day!" he replied, his tail wagging in excitement.

Suddenly, Zogarth's playful spirit surged again. With a cheeky grin, he leaped to his feet and tagged Hibiscus lightly on the side. "Tag! You're it!" he called out, his tail wagging furiously as he took off, laughter spilling from his lips.

Hibiscus hesitated for just a moment, surprised by the sudden burst of energy, but then a grin spread across his face. "Oh, you're going to regret that!" he shouted, his own tail wagging as he sprang into action, chasing after Zogarth with newfound enthusiasm.

The two of them raced through the flower field, weaving in and out of the colorful blooms, their laughter echoing like music in the warm afternoon sun. Zogarth led the way, darting towards his den, the familiar path filled with memories of adventures past. He could feel the thrill of the chase, the joy of being carefree and alive.

"Catch me if you can, Hibiscus!" Zogarth called back, glancing over his shoulder to see his friend gaining on him. The wind ruffled their fur as they dashed through the garden, petals swirling around them like confetti in a celebration of friendship.