Hello, Big World

This had been a long time coming and Kuroki couldn't be more ready. His little sister Iki may have been the first to wake but he followed hot on her heels, toddling out of the palace hallways out into the light of day. He'd taken a peek or two at the world outside, it wasn't completely unknown to him as it ought to be, but the sudden shift of colours made his dark eyes squeeze tight as they adjusted to the change. He didn't really understand why today was so important, he didn't feel any different from yesterday or even the day before that, but he wasn't gonna complain either way. He lived and breathed in the here and now, letting the salty brine of the ocean fill his lungs as he cast a daring look over his shoulder. Surely no one would mind if he went to see what his sister was doing, right? He was doing his duty as a big brother, looking out for the littles.

With a bounce in his step he rushed after her, clumsy with short strides he almost bowled his sister over in his haste to be by her side. Whoops! He fumbled and landed in a messy heap, a tangle of limbs and too big paws as he rolled onto his back. The world looked even prettier from this angle, bright and shining, and he clicked his teeth shut as a shiver ran down his spine. The white stuff that coated the ground was far colder than he'd first thought, nothing at all like the soft plush furs that lined his Mama's den. Sticking out a leg he gave Iki a good poke or tow with his hind paw, he knew it was wishful thinking since she'd never shown much interest in rough housing but maybe that'd change since they were now allowed out. A boy could dream.

"Ikiiii." He sang as he scooted over on his belly, trying to grab a mouthful of her long tail.