The kittens who were later named Ash, the black one, and Phoenix, the orange one, were found retreating in a wood-burning stove along with their cat mom, when the rescue team arrived

However, while the rescuers were approaching their hideout, the feral cat mom ran away.

Even after the rescue, Phoenix, the older kitten, was often found covering over his little brother, like it was shielding it from something

It was then made clear by the traces of burns on Phoenix’s little body that he was his little brother’s protector throughout the fire He was fulfilling the duties of a big brother, even to the point of forsaking his own condition, just to keep his little brother safe.