It had been raining for several days, but finally the clouds opened up again and it was getting warmer as well.
With the sun coming up, it was bound to be a pleasant autumn day. Golden October, so to speak.
After having to mostly stay inside for so long, Sascha was itching to get out and play and was practically bouncing through breakfast.
As soon as he wolfed down the last of his cinnamon-apple porridge he jumped up from his seat, begging his step mom to help him with getting dressed.
Of course he could do it by himself now, but it was much faster that way. His mom couldn't resist the antics of her little son for very long, so she finally gave up with a huge grin and extended her paw.
"All right, all right, you win... let's get you dressed, okay?"
Nodding eagerly, the bear hybrid grabbed her paw and waddled into his room by her side.
After the indispensable pit stop, Sascha got dressed into a plain purple onesie, some comfy denim shortalls, a brightly yellow rain coat and some rubber boots in the same color.
"All done. Have fun, baby... and don't venture off too deep into the woods. It's still terribly muddy. So, stay near the edge of the forest, okay?"
Snatching a still drowsy looking Sammy from his bed and stuffing him safely under his coat, the young bear hybrid was getting impatient.
"Okay, mom. Can I go noooow?"
"Yes. Off you go, you little rascal!"
With a playful light swat on Sascha's bum, that did nothing more than to produce a soft ploffing noise, the snow leopard let her little bearkitty go, shaking her head. "Boys..." she laughed.
A few minutes later, the ursine arrived at his usual spot, a small clearing at the edge of the woods, not far away from his parent's house. He play a bit there, but more sooner than later, his curiousity got the better of him.
Venturing deeper into the woods, he felt like an adventurer on his way to treasures and glory.
"Meow!" Sammy interjected, from inside the rain coat, being the voice of reason again.
"Oh c'mon Sammy, it's really not that bad. And maybe we can find the dragon that lives here!"
"Me..ow!"
"I'm sure it will be okay. And if we find the dragon's hoard of chocolate coins, I'll share with you."
Ignoring any further comment, Sascha went deeper, climbing over fallen trees and crawling through bushes, getting pretty muddy in the progress.
"Careful now.. we're here. Now grab some coins and be quiet. I forgot my sword so we have to be carefu...uh oh..."
A rustling noise and branch snapping indicated the danger.
"Grab everything and run, Sammy.... run, the dragon is coming!"
Snatching up some leaves as loot, the young ursine dashed off, the imaginary dragon in close pursuit.
After a few minutes the duo reached the clearing and Sascha grabbed a stick, lying on the ground, before placing his plushie companion on a tree stump.
"Don't worry, Sammy, I have my magic sword back... I'll protect you."
Turning around and brandishing his stick like a weapon , he was totally immersed in his play and totally read to take on the imaginary dragon.
Sammy however wasn't exactly happy with his little owner, who was covered in mud stains. Luckily the lynx plushie was still clean, but that didn't stop him from frowning at the bearkitty.

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A wonderful fall themed commission that I got from the friendly and skilled  strawberryneko
She really nailed that adorable slice of life of a young boy and his antics. And the scene she drew is soooo beautiful!
Thank you very much!