"When is mommy coming back? I want to go outside and play." whined Chibi, tucking his head under his foreleg. "She'll be here when she'll be here. In the meantime," replied Koyuki, patting him on the head, "go to sleep." Koyuki was the best babysitter this side of the Kalahari, and was left babysitting the boss's new pups, Chibi and Gaki. Hitora was outside the burrow, keeping watch while the pups slept and his cousin, Koyuki, took a break. The rest of the mob was out foraging. The dominant female, Hanji, had given birth to the pups earlier in the winter and was hoping to see them grow to adults before the summer. Hanji's mate and dominant male, Kiritsuki, also had high hopes for his children. Meanwhile, in the burrow, Gaki and Chibi had finally fallen asleep, but Kiritsuki and Hanji hadn't returned...
"Are you sure she'll be back soon, Koyuki?" asked Gaki, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. "I'm sure she will. Go back to sleep, sweetie." she replied, tussling his fur. He nods and cuddles back down next to Chibi. Then Hitora quickly scrambles into the burrow. "Fire! There's a fire in the bush! Quick, we've got to get out of here!" he cried, snatching Gaki and racing back out. Koyuki, without giving a thought, picks up Chibi and scrambles after him. "What's going on, auntie Koy?" asked Chibi, rubbing his eyes. "Are we going on an adventure?" "I'm sorry, Chibi. We have to get somewhere safe. Then I can explain." panted Koyuki, darting under a flaming log.