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*Bzzz--* ... *Bzzzzzz--* ... *Bzzzzzzzzzz--* ... ... *--BZZZTP*

I awoke with a start. Sitting upright, I started furiously kicking and scratching my ear with my hind paw. A fly had been circling my head, and it decided to land in my ear while I lay in my new den. Twitching and flicking my ear to shoo the fly away, I dabbed gingerly a few more times with my paw. The fly was long gone, but it still felt good waking up to a good ear scratch. Once done with my brief grooming session, I dutifully crawled over to the calendar stick I stashed at the back wall. Taking a claw, I gouged another mark into the bark of the dead wood, marking yet another morning.

It had been three weeks since the last shipment of food from the city. Big Mike had handled himself well enough with the food delivery, but I wanted to be there in his camp once the truck arrived with all the modern conveniences I had ordered. I still had a knack for making human things work under my paw, and every fox would be needed to push, pull, dig, and connect the tents and equipment together. As long as we kept the use of the Flame to a minimum while setting up, it will be worth it in the long run. Without email or phone communication to the human world, I needed to check in daily to see if the appliances had arrived.

Stretching and yawning, I pulled myself out of the mouth of my den. The cool morning air was brightly lit by a brilliant yellow sun, and dew covered the grassy field ahead and below of me. Some twenty yards behind, I heard the scratching of the Apartment Vixen in her den. She was awake, but not yet ready to start the day as I now was. Without hesitating for another moment, I hopped into the dewy field to head over to the cottage that housed the rest of the foxes.

The clan had handled the bad news quite well. When I told them what had happened to the Vixen, no one was nearly as mad at me as I thought they would have been over the loss of their matriarch. Not a single fox kept their ears above their head that day, each wearing an expression of grief on their faces, but Leader Fox seemed more at peace than the rest. It was as if he expected it all to end this way when she set out to the city with me. Before returning to his partitioned space in the rear of the den, he declared to the clan that James and the dozen newcomers would be welcome in the forest, as they were authorized to become foxes by the Vixen.

Grief and loneliness haunted me for the next couple days, but I was handling it better than I thought I would have. Still, sleeping in the den was impossible as it reminded me strongly of her. I tried moving out to the cool night of my sanctuary, but memories of how the Vixen and I had worked together to clear it came flooding back, leaving me restless. Eventually, I ran down the game trail and over the stream to the field. Setting up a new den near my place of exile, near the Apartment Vixen, was my only real hope for comfort. It was a place free from reminders of my loss and grief.

The dew clung to my fur as I scurried across the field, and by the time I reached the stream, I was as wet as I would have been had I decided to take a bath. Clearing past the stream, I planted my paws down on the opposite bank and shook off the excess moisture. There was no need to use the Flame this morning: I would be dry soon enough, and the dampness was energizing, like a cool shower. The trail back to the cottage was empty, save for two hunter foxes out on their daily errands. We gave a quick raise of our noses in salutations as we pranced past each other.

I had been having issues using the Flame since I got back from the city. Its power was ever present, and I could still call it when I needed it, but it felt different. No longer was the light changing between blue and purple. Every time I used it, purple light shone forth from my eyes, but the feeling of emptiness from the void wouldn't linger for more than a few minutes. Instead, I felt compelled to use it again and again, no longer burdened by its restrictions, and that feeling scared me. The Apartment Vixen suffered last time I used it freely and recklessly. Whatever transformation the Flame within me had undergone, I knew I couldn't trust the absence of the void as a signal for careless use. Still, I found more freedom within the new circumstances: I could cook my dinner and dig a den without fearing damage to myself, and I had made more exceptions for a few luxuries other foxes would have harmed themselves pursuing, like renewing the wood and iron that made up the front door to the den.

Padding carefully around the random holes dug in the cottage's side yard, I passed in front of the ancient building. Its door now hung open to let daylight inside; the repairs to the roof made the interior darker than everyone preferred. Leader Fox stood in the threshold, watching the members of his clan trotting about their day. I nose-saluted him as I passed, and he gave a wry smile before turning around and disappearing inside. He had charged me with continuing to handle the Big Mike situation and ensuring they didn't disrupt the balance in the forest.

Beyond the den, I passed by a few stray scout foxes before bumping into a wandering Tyler. He joined me quietly, wagging his fluffy tail behind him in merriment. After the food had arrived a few weeks ago, Scout Leader Fox had removed the detail surrounding the camp, so seeing her scouts wandering around at random had become a common occurrence. There was little need to keep protecting the forest from Big Mike's clan once they had food, as the forest was meant for all the foxes. Alerting everyone to intruders and animals large enough to hunt foxes remained their primary duty, after all.

Together, we arrived at the grassy clearing before the trees turned dead and gray; the repeated daily check-ins had made the long trip feel like a short jaunt through the woods. Stepping across the divide, I trotted through the lichen covered forest, feeling the prickly twigs and needles on the forest floor stab and nip my rough pads. Tyler stopped to sniff at a shelf of fungus on one tree before leaping and bounding to catch up to me. The camp and delivery zone was not far.

Standing atop a fallen log in the middle of the clearing was Big Mike. His attention was on the foxes around him, each dutifully following his directions on how to organize the camp. The camp was starting to look a lot more lived in: the small foxholes had smoothed and compacted dirt at their mouths, and a few discarded bags of dog food were piled against a tree with a large rock weighing them down. Off in another corner, the remaining supply was neatly stacked against the trunk of a tree, the plastic wrap that held it together on its pallet was draped over it to protect it from the elements. Big Mike was directing two foxes to nip the corners of the plastic to adjust its positioning.

Hi Mike, I yipped as I came up behind him.

Hi to you too, he replied dismissively. He was busy watching one of his foxes nosing around the opened bag of food the camp had been sharing. I'm watching you, Kris! he barked, loud squeaky voice filling the clearing.

Turning toward me finally, he chuffed , Damn property manager won't stop stealing anything he can get his paws on. His golden eyes flicked over to Tyler who had busied himself with challenging other foxes

to play. You're lucky you found a palatable brand of food. Half of us had said they would leave anyway rather than eat dog food. So, what do you want?

Just checking in, I wagged. It's been three weeks since the last shipment, and I want to be around once the hardware arrives.

Yes, I know, he snorted. I also have been keeping a stick after you mentioned yours. He leaned in closer to whisper, Now, could all this attention you keep giving us have something to do with us 'being a mess for you to clean up?' A menacing glare crossed his brow.

My own words suddenly came back to me, remembering what I had said to the Vixen. Oh yes, Mike continued, Don't think I forgot what you said all those weeks ago. I didn't tell anyone else, he winked, but I still would like to know what you meant by that. His tone was stern, but his tail was swaying playfully behind him.

Before I could answer, he lifted his head, barking out once more, For the love of god, Kris, you can't use the trash as den lining!

Quickly, quietly, I rumbled to him my answer, explaining the path of transformation that led between the Vixen, me, and his clan.

Oh! He barked loudly in sharp contrast to the hushed tones we had just been using. You're just an idiot! Laughing in a squeaky gekker, he slapped a heavy paw across my back, You're not responsible at all for this mess! He continued to gekker merrily. This whole time, I thought you were finding new ways to screw with us. Asking us to stick around in a dead forest and feeding us dog food; but you were only feeling guilty for something someone else did!

That, and I couldn't sit around and do nothing, I added for him. Not after all I went through, and not while knowing the stakes.

I think you'll find most here aren't satisfied with the food you got us, he rumbled in hushed tones, but we all do appreciate the effort you went through, and the cost to you to bring it to us.

My ears dipped mournfully, knowing he was referring to my mate. Wistfully, I stared off toward the trees, only to notice Tyler. He had picked up on Kris's misbehavior, and was now following him all around the camp, preventing him from getting into any more trouble with a few herding nips when he got too close to something valuable.

Wanting to change the subject, I asked, Did you check the tower for a utility outlet?

I did, and there is one, Big Mike said. But I'll be damned if I'm the one to plug anything into it. There's no safe way to get a cable into it without shoving your face into the socket too. Not with these paws, at least.

Maybe you could get the driver to do it? I asked.

See, I thought of that already, but I'm not comfortable asking him. He rumbled quietly, flattening his ears down. There was a moment where I felt the urge to get... close to him. He trailed off for a moment. You were right about not wanting us to go back among the humans, he finished. His tone told me he didn't want to discuss it further.

In that case, I'll do it, I volunteered, remembering the time I managed to plug a cell phone cable in with my paws. This couldn't be much worse, and I had the Flame to help.

Bold, Big Mike snorted in near disbelief. I can send for you once the truck shows up. No need to keep coming all this way for nothing.

Leader Fox has been asking me to play liaison between our sides of the forest, I informed him. He's following through on his promise to let you all stay now that food isn't a concern, but he still wants my daily reports.

That's nice, Mike said flatly. Forgive me if I don't jump at the opportunity to go make friends with him. First impressions and all...

No, I understand, I yipped. I think he knows too.

And you can tell that vixen from our complex that she's welcome here if she gets tired of living alone. I'm not going to tell anyone what you've told me and how she's linked to that crazy fox, he added with a knowing look.

I'll remind her, I replied. She's my next door neighbor right now.

Oh? Picking up a little tail on the side? He yipped, raising his eyebrows salaciously and wagging his own.

Maybe in another time, I would have found it funny, but I wasn't in the mood for such jokes. I snorted my dismissal and turned around to head back toward the den. Tyler, we're going, I called behind me as I left the clearing.

Tyler didn't follow, and I continued down the path of dead woods as quietly as possible, expecting him to suddenly change his mind and barrel at full speed toward me. At least for this moment, I could have some quiet, because I probably wouldn't get any more of it until I get back to my own den tonight.

Without warning, there was a brilliant blue flash that filled the darkened trail. Looking around, I caught sight of Mary Ann perched on a bough high above. Placing a paw forward, I stepped on a stick, and ended the relative silence with a loud *Crunch.*

Mary Ann jumped, nearly losing her footing on the tree. Terror in her wide eyes, she looked down and saw me standing there, tail swishing gently in agitation.

What are you doing there? she asked, poorly feigning casual conversation.

What are you doing there!? I responded. Didn't I warn you all about using the Flame carelessly?

There was no prey in this area of the woods, which meant she could only be using it improperly. I glanced at the dry, white tree branches around her. There was no signs of squirrels or birds, only a large frond of green leaves next to where she stood on the limb.

Yeah, but you said if it's blue, it's okay, she mumbled quietly. Quickly she added with a loud bark, Please don't tell my parents!

Come down here and tell me what you were doing, I demanded of the young fox.

Obediently, she shuffled her paws across the tree and reached the trunk. As I watched her carefully descend to the ground, I noticed something peculiar. All around the white lichen covered trees grew various white field flowers. Daisies, clovers, peonies, and a few varieties I couldn't identify, but many didn't look native to the region and were very out of place in a forest. Leaping from the lowest branch of her tree, Mary Ann did her best to avoid stepping on one of the flowers.

Mary Ann, I started, flabbergasted as I put it all together, did you make all these flowers with the Flame?

She was close to crying. Her golden eyes watered as she stared at me, voice cracking, I don't want to go crazy! I don't want to hurt anyone! I just wanted to make this ugly forest look pretty again!

Hey, calm down. I'm not upset, I rumbled. You sure the light always shone blue when you made these? She nodded with a whimper.

Then you're not going to go crazy, I said with finality to sooth her fears. You'll be fine, so long as you don't exhaust yourself and then fall out of the tree.

But flowers are not an emergency! She yipped. You said to use the magic only in emergencies, but it keeps happening every time I think about how ugly this place is!

I know, I said. I had something similar happen when I couldn't think about anything other than being human again. I sighed, but that didn't go as well for me.

Was it purple? She asked.

I nodded then continued down the trail, making my way back to the den to deliver my report. She didn't need to hear exactly how that night ended.

---

Lumberjack Fox was sitting next to the open cottage door, resembling a guard more than someone simply taking a break in the late morning air. As I approached, he stood up on all fours, swaying his tail gently.

Is he inside? I asked.

In back, as always, he snorted. At least he's letting us clean out his mess now.

Marching through the door, the interior of the den was filled with a mass of foxes, each scurrying about the room, finding new places to stash the debris that partitioned the back kitchen area from the main room. No one could tell me how long the Leader Fox called the back area his room, but it had been ages. The clan agreed with having the front door and roof fixed, it was time to let the stained glass window in back do its job and light up the den. Reluctantly, Leader Fox agreed, but he made sure we knew the rules about touching his books.

Climbing the shallow remains of the partition, I dropped off the pile and found Leader Fox studying one of his books.

I just got back from Big Mike's place. Still no shipments from the humans today, I reported dutifully.

Leader Fox looked up from the book he had his nose stuffed in. It many day now. Human not do as you ask.

Give it some more time, I chirped. I ordered a lot of stuff. They probably need to collect it all together before bringing it here.

I not comfortable with human in forest, he remarked as he shifted to holding himself up on all fours, but keeping one paw in between the pages of the book he was reading. Human hurt forest when they sneak in. Put big machine and nothing grow now. Foxes must protect forest better. Now you invite them. More machine. More junk.

I said I was going to take care of it, it won't be a problem, I growled casually. And if it goes well, we should have a few more luxuries around here.

He shook his head, No need luxury, fox get what they need from forest. Strong forest make strong fox, but human junk make weak.

He leaned forward, trying to emphasize his words. There was a sound of paper tearing as the wax binding of the book he was reading snapped down its spine.

Leader Fox's eyes went wide. Despite all his care, the book had cracked in half, leaving only the aged outer leather cover to hold the parts together. Stunned, shocked, he couldn't say a word. He had severely damaged something sacred and irreplaceable.

I gasped too, knowing the importance he held for the book. It was so sudden that neither of us had a chance to react. How bad is it, Leader Fox? I asked.

He pulled his paw away. The pages still held to their respective halves of the binding, but there would be little hope of reading it with paws. Without firm bindings, there was no longer a way to teeter them to get the pages to slowly turn.

I never learn about Flame now, he whimpered. Never find answer to questions.

Let me have a look at it, I yipped out. A strange confidence was building in my chest as I stared at the broken tome. I wish for the book to be good as new!

*WISH*

Purple light shone from my eyes, and the two halves of the book snapped closed like a trap, a faint twinkle of purple lingering on its spine. Once the light faded away, the book fell open and its spine was mended back into one piece.

Leader Fox eyed me suspiciously, That one question I want answer for, he said as he tried to place his paws on both sides of the cover again, shifting the paper around until he found his page. Flame not right with you.

I shrugged, dipping my head to the side. It doesn't feel the same either. Looking around, I saw another book laying open, its cover bound in a blue dyed leather. Do you want some preventative maintenance on this one too?

Looking up from his recovered page again, he rumbled, No need. Not about Flame. Only say things foxes don't do.

I craned my neck and looked at the open page. It showed a diagram of a tree growing from a ghostly seed. Above it, rays from a set of stars shone down as it grew.

Leader Fox, what is this? I asked, recognition dawning on the back of my mind.

He looked up from his book, glancing over to the blue one in front of me. It say 'Spontaneous Growth' on page. I leave page open. Forest magic. May be help for forest, but fox no able to make thing from nothing. Dangerous if fox could. Still waste Flame.

Has... Has anyone tried? I asked incredulously.

Never try. Too risky. If go bad, then need human to fix fox. You know why it bad idea.

I saw one of Big Mike's foxes making flowers today. The Flame was blue.

What?! Leader Fox shot upright from his tome. Make plant not help fox survive!

That's what I was thinking, I rumbled thoughtfully. But I'm certain the light was blue, and she had made a lot of flowers that don't belong under tree cover. She definitely didn't grow them from seeds in three weeks.

I need see now, he barked. Quickly, he got up and leapt over the piled partition, heading straight out the front door.

I wasn't nearly as excited about a bunch of flowers that Mary Ann had grown, so I casually climbed the junk pile and thumped down on the other side. Strolling through the open door, I sat down next to Lumberjack Fox, tail stretched out behind me.

He suddenly was in a hurry, Lumberjack Fox commented. I haven't seen him that rushed in a while. Did you bring him good news?

I think I solved one of his mysteries from those books he's always reading.

That'll do it, he snorted. He's always plotting and planning for the clan.

He craned his neck to look at me. You heading back for some early hunting?

Yup, I yipped.

Ok, we'll see you tomorrow, Bus Stop Fox.

You too, Lumberjack Fox, I said as I stood up and headed back toward my den. Tomorrow would be another day.

---

Daylight again. I opened my mouth to yawn at the early morning sun. Squinting my eyes, I rolled over and blinked a few times at the back of my dirty hovel. My calendar stick had gained another four notches since I had told Leader Fox about the flowers. Every time I swung by the den to deliver my reports, he was out in the forest somewhere. With him absent, the rest of the clan finished removing the remaining debris, allowing sunlight to filter directly into the room, taking on a yellow hue as it shone through the stained glass. It was a beautiful sight, although the space felt a little empty without Leader Fox in the back to pour over his books.

Lumberjack Fox had stayed to oversee the final extraction of all the decayed wood and dirt, and each day I relayed my reports to him. Nothing of note had been going on at Big Mike's camp: food supplies were being correctly rationed, no one was poaching from the rest of the forest, and Kris wouldn't stop being a pain in the tail for Mike. It was as if he enjoyed acting like a fox, or at least, was perfectly ready to use it as an excuse to continue his kleptomania.

Finally pulling myself out of my hole, I made my way down to the field, sidestepping a lingering Toby along the way. Stopping to roll around in the stream for a quick bath, I shook and dried myself as soon as I left the water, using the Flame to assist. Unimpeded, I reached the far edge of the forest and cheerfully entered Big Mike's camp.

Approaching Mike, I found him in the middle of a conversation with James. Good morning, Mike, James, I yipped in greeting.

Morning, Bus Stop, James said, wagging his tail absentmindedly. Mike nodded to me and then turned back to James.

You used to work there, do you have any idea how long we are supposed to wait? James shook his head. No, I just worked in the deli. Delivery was another department.

Mike growled in frustration, I'm running out of patience. Sitting here every day this week waiting and getting nothing done is a waste of time! Turning back to me he squealed, I think you need to go back to the city and make sure they didn't take the money and run. Three-month intervals are too long. They could have closed the account weeks ago and we wouldn't know for months from now!

Trust me, I said, the Flame always gives us what we ask for. Ray knew what he was doing. James piped up with a yip, Ray was a good manager. He wouldn't steal from our account.

Hrmph! Declared Mike. If I could get Howard over here to help out, I'd get something else done, but the driver is enchanted with my magic. I never asked it to account for someone else!

Take the day off, Mike, I snorted. I can handle the delivery if they arrive.

If you want, I can scout the end of the service road, Bus Stop, James offered. I can outrun a big truck on that old dirt road and give you a heads up if they arrive.

No need, I said. You and Mike should work together preparing some places to set up the tent and appliances.

Agreeing to my suggestion, Big Mike and James departed to the other end of the clearing, surveying and inspecting the best places to set a couple freezers and a microwave on top of the packed dirt.

Hours passed as I waited, and mid-afternoon rolled around. I was about to give up waiting when I heard a loud metallic bang in the woods. A large vehicle had bottomed out its shocks and was barreling down the road toward us!

Within a few minutes, the loud roar of a truck engine could be heard approaching, and once the headlights of the cab turned the corner, I quickly wished for the Flame to work its magic on the driver.

Much like last time, the driver swung the rear of the truck around, making a large Y turn in the clearing. A few foxes had to scatter out of the way, as the driver couldn't see them, and a few dens nearly got crushed under the large tires as it pulled in close to their openings.

Once in position, the driver exited the vehicle and began working at the rear door to unlock it. Swiftly, I approached the man, introducing myself as Big Mike.

"Hello again, Mike," said the driver. "Looks like you've already gone through a bunch of that food from last month!" He was scanning the clearing, seeing the bags he delivered now leaning against some trees.

Yup, I yipped in a friendly tone. Next shipment can't come too soon!

"I won't have any perishables on this ride," the driver said. "We've got your appliances instead."

I wagged my tail excitedly. The reserve has been waiting for them for a while now. Glad they are finally here. Would you be able to help us set them up? We're a little short handed today. I reared up on my haunches, holding out my paws as if the joke would make sense to his Flame-addled mind.

He chuckled, somehow getting it. "My company wouldn't like it if I don't keep my schedule, but I can help for a few minutes. It shouldn't be a problem!"

Thank you! I barked extatically.

Standing back, I left the driver to do his job. Holding my concentration on keeping the foxes in the clearing invisible to him, I watched him unload the truck. Most of the time was spent watching the lift slowly descend and then rise once the pallet had been extracted from the truck. The order of seventy dog beds took the longest to unload: There were five pallets holding them all. After instructing the driver to place the large freezers on the ground James and Mike had prepared and requesting he take as much garbage as he could back with him, I waved him away and let him return to his base. He had helped us out far more that the Flame would ever let him know.

Watching the red taillights disappear into the gloom of the forest, I turned around and looked at all the foxes waiting for my orders.

Ok everyone, I need a brigade to take those beds back to the cottage den. Two or three foxes to carry each, I barked my orders out. Anyone comfortable staying here is free to grab what they want before we carry the rest away.

Turning to James and Mike, I asked, I'm going to need some help laying out the tarps and setting up the tent. It's not going to be easy, but I think we can do it.

Are you going to handle the power cords? Asked Mike.

As I promised, I nodded in confirmation. Whatever I couldn't do manually, I could always use the Flame to finish the job.

The work was arduous. Most of the foxes started carrying the beds to the den, while only five others stayed with me. One fox worked on deploying the tarps and garbage bags over the food supply, and another dutifully kept all the wrappings and cardboard collected in a pile. James and I worked on setting up the patio tent, which required a lot of coordination each time we needed to fit two pipes together. Mike and another fox worked on getting the electrical set up for the freezers and microwave. Using their claws, they carved out a small trench in the earth to hide the cords in.

All the foxes finished their tasks, except for me and James, who were still struggling with the tent frame. Just then, a flood of foxes returned from the den, ready to carry the next group of beds. I looked up from my work, and noticed there were a lot more foxes here now than had left. Among them was Leader Fox.

All fox get bed. Help move to den! He barked. Next to him stood Lumberjack Fox, and he was looking at me and James struggling with the tent.

Need an extra paw, Bus Stop? He asked, padding over.

I nodded. Gesturing my nose toward the poles, I said, I thought if we both held the ends in our fangs, we could sorta crash them into each other and have them connect, but we always miss.

He beamed, Then let me help guide you while you do that!

All three of us worked together, and with Lumberjack Fox telling us which way to turn our muzzles, James and I finally got two poles to connect.

Panting excitedly with the first success, I barked out, Finally! My tail was wagging uncontrollably. Only three more to go!

The rest of the clan departed with the next load of beds, and before they could return for the next load, we had finished assembling the frame. Feeding the poles through the loops in the fabric awning was a much easier task, and before long, we had the tent set upright and managed to drag it over the waiting freezers and microwave.

Triumphantly, I dashed over to the utility outlet where Mike had placed the end of the cord. After all the trouble we had with the tent, I wasn't going to spend any more time doing this manually. Squeezing shut my eyes, I wished for the plug to go into the socket.

*WISH*

Like a snake, the end of the cord rose up, and then lunged forward, embedding itself into the socket perfectly. No fuss. No risk of shock. Easy. The low rumble of an electric pump could be heard in the silent forest.

Turning back to the clearing, I met up with Lumberjack and James, both sitting and admiring the work we had done.

That's some nice hardware you got there, Bus Stop, Lumberjack said. It will be great having hot meals whenever we want with that Radar Range you got. Turning to me with an eyebrow raised skeptically, he then asked, but why the freezers? You know we bury our food, right?

My ears dipped and my smile faded.

Oh..., was all I could say.

---

James, Lumberjack Fox and I worked together to take another bed back to the den. There was hardly a path to follow, so we were stuck dragging it through thick brush and between low-hanging tree branches every ten yards. Eventually, we got the hang of it and we made it back to the den with our cargo intact and barely worse for wear.

Leader Fox was sitting outside the door, watching all the foxes running in and out, and admiring the number of beds I had acquired. Seeing the trio of us approach, he stood up and sauntered over.

Many beds. Never get so many from humans. All fox can have bed now! He wagged his tail in appreciation.

Hey Leader, I chirped between clenched fangs, trying to keep the bed from dragging needlessly in the dirt. Where have you been the last few days?

His tail excitedly thrashed harder than I had ever seen. Out with young vixen. She show me how make tree!

I slowed, which caused the other two foxes to stumble. Lumberjack Fox rumbled, We will take it from here, and I let go of the bed.

Making trees? I repeated. And using the Flame that way didn't hurt you?

Young vixen make plants for weeks. Still not Flamestarved. No sign of it. He was quivering with unbridled emotion. She can make forest strong. Bigger!

Well, that's nice, I said. I was exhausted from dealing with the tent and transfering the bed, so his excitement didn't carry over to me. I guess with all the new foxes in the forest, there won't be anyone peeing on your tree, I joked.

Leader Fox gekkered a laugh. Yes. No pee on my tree! Haha! Come in den. I give thing for you.

Marching after him, we entered the den. The cleaning of the room was complete, and the only clutter remaining was the entire wall stacked with columns of dog beds. Golden yellow light filtered in through the sole window on the back wall, casting a tall shadow from the tower of books stacked neatly on the wooden countertop of the kitchen.

Come, Leader Fox said as he trotted toward the furthest stack of beds. Reaching it, he started sniffing each of the mats, until he found the one he was looking for. Nipping it gently, he pulled it from the row, managing to not topple the whole pile by pushing against it with his paw.

Have too many beds. You take this one to your den. It was Vixen's favorite.

I reached out to nip the corner of the padded bed. An unmistakable scent reached my nostrils: one of many foxes from the den, but also of my mate's. Before my jaws could clasp onto it, I faltered, and left it dangling from Leader Fox's fangs.

Weakly, I whimpered, head drooping toward the cleaned wooden floor. Thank you, Leader Fox. Thank you. But I don't think I have the strength to carry this right now.

He looked like he understood. Bus Stop have long day. Much work done. Always more strength tomorrow.

I was no longer so sure he really understood, but I nodded in agreement. See you tomorrow? I asked.

Yes, he yipped. Always work tomorrow.

Good day, Leader Fox, I whimpered. Turning around, I slowly sauntered out the front door.

---

I decided to not head back to my den. The afternoon was slowly turning into evening, but that did not matter right now. I needed some time to clear my thoughts.

Strolling along in the woods, I thought of the last time I saw the Vixen. It was almost a month ago now, and only the orders of Leader Fox kept me busy enough to not dwell on that final day. But now that the shipments of food and appliances had arrived, there wasn't much to look forward to for another two months. My calendar stick would help with keeping track of time, but the future looked bleak and monotonous after today.

Oh, why did she have to attack everyone in the store like that? The day had gone so well up until that point. We had worked together to keep each other safe, and she threw our success into the trash out of a compulsion to continue her war. We could have hopped onto the next bus and gone home. She would have been here to celebrate with us.

And I never even got to say goodbye.

Heaving a sigh, I knew what I needed to do tonight. Crossing the stream and skirting left around some bushes, I met the road that bordered the forest.

She was always scared of crossing the road. I assumed she felt there was a danger of being struck by traffic and having her life ended before she could counter with the Flame. No, it seemed now she was more scared of what she would do if given freedom outside of the forest. Maybe it was both.

Overhead, I noticed a maple towering above me: one of its leaves had turned brown. It was late summer now, and autumn would be around the corner soon. I realized I had never been a fox in winter, and that proposed a new challenge ahead. Leader Fox was no longer concerned about the food supply, so perhaps it won't be nearly as challenging as other wild animals have it in the cold seasons. I always would have the flame to keep me warm if my fur didn't.

Lost in my reverie, I stumbled upon my destination before I realized it. The bench of the bus stop stood lonely alongside the road. It was where this life had started for me, it was where my old one ended. All because of my Vixen.

Sauntering over and sitting down in front of the bench, I stared at it resolutely, like I was challenging it. I thought about how the sun and the rain always beat down on me while I waited for the bus, and the discomfort it would bring. I wished they had made a shelter over the bench, but there was not a lot of chance of that happening this far out from the city. It would have been too costly. However, now I was here, I had an opportunity to change that for the next human that needed to ride the transit.

Welling up my desires, I tried to picture a grove of trees to honor my mate with: Strong, protective, and shade bearing. Like a geyser bubbling up within my chest, I felt the energies of the Flame burst forth in a brilliant purple light.

*WISH*

The earth rumbled, and then four cedar trees sprang up from the ground, surrounding the bench's sides and rear. Each tree hardly taller than a human, but that would change as time went on. For now, they would be an extension of the forest, offering its protection to anyone that needed to travel down this road, and a memorial to my lost mate.

A tear welled up in my eye, but this was the best I would be able to do to honor her for now. Us foxes live a long time, and I would keep her memory alive with me. Padding back across the road, I turned once more to say farewell to her, and then I disappeared into the forest.

I barely got twenty yards back into cover when I heard a loud hiss of brakes from a bus back on the road. My ears sprang up out of curiosity. It was late. This wasn't a time for buses to be dropping off passengers!

Pulling a U-turn around the trunk of a tree, I sauntered my way back to the road. It would be interesting if the disembarking passenger would notice the memorial I had created. Through the underbrush, I could hear the low rumble of the bus idling, taking far longer than normal to depart.

Peering between the branches, I watched the bus, its driver side facing the forest and preventing me from seeing what was happening with the disembarking passenger. The cabin area was dark, and I couldn't see any heads bobbing or standing around the rest of the seating either.

Suddenly, around the back of the bus, a burly fox appeared, one about the size of Big Mike. He looked across the street, and then back to the side of the bus I couldn't see. Within a moment, a second fox appeared, this one looking a lot smaller and mousy compared to his colleague.

Who were these foxes? I had never seen them before, but they weren't wild. Their eyes shone with a golden hue, and they looked around the area with intelligence beyond that of a common animal. Hastily, I leapt from the brush and to the side of the pavement.

Who are you two?! I demanded with a bark.

The mousey fox shrank back fearfully at my challenge, his ears plastering to the sides of his head. In contrast, the burly fox puffed out his chest and barked back, I was told we would be welcome here! This is the forest of foxes, right?

Our food supplies are limited, I cautioned. While we did have much more food than a month ago, I had no idea how Leader Fox would accept another two mouths to feed of unknown origin. I couldn't freely promise anything just yet. Who told you that you would be welcome here?

I heard a rasp of his barking reply, but the driver of the bus started to gun the engine, making a roaring sound that drowned out what he said. As soon as the bus cleared the stop, a third fox was revealed standing behind it. My jaw dropped, as did my heart into my stomach. I was seeing a ghost.

Mate! Cried the Vixen as she gamboled over the road and tackled me.

I was too stunned to respond, and she bowled me over easily, licking my face and muzzle, messing up my whiskers and matting down my ear fur. Vixen, I finally choked out from under her, a lump in my throat restricting any further sounds or questions to squeak out.

Her tail was flailing around as happily as I had ever seen, but I couldn't believe what was happening, it didn't make sense! I saw her unmoving in the carrier. I was certain she was gone!

Finally settling down, she yipped over to the other two foxes. Go in forest now. Follow you later. Turning back to me, she pressed her muzzle against mine, giving my black nose one more lick.

I miss mate, she squeaked. Be gone long time in city.

She had me pinned on my back. Vixen! I snapped, finally finding my voice. Did you turn those two after all we went through at the store?!

Yes. She hesitated. No. I make them fox before store. Lost them. Had to track fox. Take them home. Take long time to find. Many days in city hunting for fox.

When did you turn someone into a fox before the store? I demanded, lifting my head from the bed of gravel underneath it. You were with me the whole time!

Her ears dipped guiltily. Not all time.

So how many more did you make in the last month? I gekkered. The shock of finding my mate alive was wearing off, and the prospect of her running around freely in the city to inflict as much damage as possible was a horrifying revelation.

No no no, she chittered. Mate was right. I not do things fox way. I wake up with human in building. Bank Fox say it called vet. I run away and have time to think. Think why mate leave me. Think what I do. How to fix. How make Mate happy. I not come home until I fix thing. Go to city again. Hunt foxes I make. Bring home. Take bus like Mate show. Now here with Mate!

I breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn't made any new foxes. The humans were safe, and loose ends I wasn't even aware of had been tied up to protect the forest once more.

Mate forgive me? She asked, her golden eyes wide in the waning light, pleading for my understanding.

With those eyes looking at me, and her explaining her contrite adventure without me, I couldn't help kissing her back on her black nose.

I forgive you, Vixen.

Looking back at the bench, she asked. New trees? Human plant them? No, actually. I did in your honor, I rumbled gently.

How get tree in ground like that?

Rolling out from under her and standing up on my paws I said, Come on back to the den. I'll tell you about it along the way.

THE END