Bearclaw Valley softer than an icecream cone in june

At least once a day, each of @Laurel's pups got a little one-on-one time in the form of a walk with their mother. The other two remained behind under the watchful eye of Indra during these outings. They were never very long, but they represented an immense journey to the imaginative young boy who bounced along at her heels. The little hill from the den was a mountain housing a fire-breathing leviathan that they had to vanquish, and when they were successful then they strode back into a little village, made up of his siblings and the permanent visitors and ma and Indra, to celebrate. Lucas relived this adventure every day, each time they went on their walk.

Today was a little different. They went a little farther this time. Not quite to the territory's edge, but Laurel had taken her cubs further and pointed out the sole entrance to the packlands to first Wyatt, then Piper, and finally it was Lucas' turn. It came with a warning to never go there, which Lucas solemnly answered with his most serious rendition of, "yes, mama," while wiggling in place. His tail was whirring, letting out the excitement that was bottled in his chest. His paws couldn't stop moving of their own accord, carrying his over-large body in a little jig.

Because, you see, there was someone there. Dark-haired like Wyatt, but his paws were a funny colour. Before Lucas could catch himself, he sucked in a huge breath that puffed out his fat cheeks and shouted, "HI!" at Issun's backside.

Tag for reference and to explain why Lucas is way out here.