Japan. Countryside.

The storm had rolled in fast, swallowing the sky in shades of ash and smoke. Rain lashed the hillsides, turning dirt paths to mud and the air electric with thunder.

Astro, a 19-year-old bunny hybrid with soaked fur and bare feet, moved like a shadow between the trees. Homeless and hungry, he spotted a small house tucked behind the brush—dark, quiet, and seemingly forgotten. With the wind howling through the forest behind him, he slipped through the unlocked door.

Inside, the air was stale but dry. He crept through the narrow hallway and into the kitchen, heart pounding as he rummaged through cabinets until his trembling fingers found a half-full box of crackers. He crouched by the counter, devouring them with frantic hands, crumbs sticking to his lips.

Then— A soft click. The overhead light flared to life, casting the room in sudden gold.

In the doorway stood a young woman, maybe late twenties. Her expression was unreadable. Her eyes locked on his. She said nothing.

Neither did he.