White River Canyon

Xairo was sprawled on the edge of the field, his blue-hued fur glimmering in the sun like a sapphire against the vibrant green. He rolled onto his paws, stretching out his stocky frame before shaking off the remnants of sleep. A surge of energy coursed through him, igniting his spirit as he caught sight of Aresenn's imposing figure. With a defiant flick of his tail, Xairo bounded across the grass toward the center of the field, his heart pounding with anticipation.

Xairo’s heart skipped a beat as Aresenn’s words resonated through him. Situational awareness. The phrase sparked a flicker of excitement and dread. He fell in line, ready to absorb every bit of instruction, his green eyes glinting with determination. If only he could impress Aresenn—if only he could show that he was more. Xairo's heart raced at the challenge, adrenaline flooding his veins. He scanned through the gathered pups, searching for a worthy opponent to face off against. Each of his peers wore a mix of eagerness and anxiety, but Xairo was determined to make this an opportunity to shine. His emerald gaze fell on his sister, Abyssinca. He couldn’t remember a time when he had sparred with her. Not for real, anyways. Perhaps this would be the best time to do so.

Xairo felt a surge of exhilaration as Abyss approached him, her confident stride contrasting sharply with the uncertainty of the situation. They shared an unspoken acknowledgment of the pending challenge ahead—this was more than an exercise; it was an opportunity to stake their claim in the pack’s hierarchy. As Aresenn's commanding voice echoed through the valley, Xairo's mind raced with thoughts of tactics. He felt a flicker of pride as he studied Abyss from under furrowed brows, visualizing the scenario in his mind. She may be contemplative and reserved, but he knew better than to underestimate her resolve.

Xairo couldn’t help but smirk at the sight of his sister preparing for him. He watched as she closed her eyes, the tension coiling around them like a taut bowstring. Every fiber of his being screamed to pounce now, to seize the moment when she was most vulnerable. But he resisted, his competitive instincts battling with a flicker of caution. He had to make this count; he had to be impressive.

With a deep breath, he steadied himself, attuning his senses to the world around him. The wind rustled through the grass, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and blooming wildflowers. Xairo focused on the subtle vibrations beneath his paws, grounding himself in the moment as he opened his mind to the possibilities. Every dull thrum of sound, every shift of air could provide valuable insight into his sister’s intentions. He knew that to win today, he needed not just strength but strategy.

Begin. The word hung in the air, a challenge that echoed against the valley walls. In an instant, Xairo surged forward, summoning every ounce of his strength as he charged toward Abyss like a bolt of blue lightning- veering to the side at the last possible moment. The ground thumped beneath his paws, a steady rhythm that matched the pounding of his heart.

"Xairo Saxe"