As early morning arrived, the sun rose above the tops of the tall oaks and other various trees that made up the forest. Small beams of sunlight peeked through the thick cover of tree tops and created small patches of light on the forest floor below. One of the beams of sunlight shone on a patch of grass and revealed a small creature. A rabbit quietly emerged from its underground burrow and hopped over to the patch of grass. After it scented the air and glanced around, it lowered its head and began to nibble at the tender shoots of grass. Just a short distance away and downwind from the rabbit, a male fox quietly moved from bush to bush and closed the distance between the two of them. A predator skillfully closing in on its prey. Soon, he was as close as he needed to be. Without hesitation he leapt from his hiding place and pounced on top of the rabbit. The rabbit's panicked squeaks were quickly silenced when the fox bit down firmly on the back of its neck. The fox smiled a slight, but proud smile before he picked up the rabbit and headed back to his den.
The fox stopped outside of his home then placed the rabbit down and pushed it forward slightly with his nose toward the entrance. He tilted his head and peeked inside of the den then yipped softly and sat down. Soon a female fox appeared from inside of the den. She was heavily pregnant and healthy. She smiled and affectionately nuzzled her nose underneath the male's chin.
"Thank you Todd," The female fox said with a soft tone. Todd wagged his tail happily and licked the side of the female's muzzle.
"You are quite welcome, Vixey. I did learn from the best, after all," Todd complimented with a chuckle. Vixey giggled softly and nuzzled her nose against Todd's.
"Well, you were a good student," Vixey replied with a smile. Todd chuckled softly and dipped his head slightly at the compliment. He flicked his ears then pushed the rabbit a little closer to Vixey. Vixey smiled warmly then began to eat. Todd lay down and waited patiently for her to have her fill. Ever since the two of them had found out that Vixey was expecting kits, Todd had always let his mate eat as much as she wanted before he ate. Luckily since they lived in a game preserve there was plenty of food and both of them made it though winter without any trouble. It was now early March and Vixey would be giving birth any day now. Vixey had her fill then pushed the rest of the rabbit toward Todd. Todd smiled warmly and finished off the rest. Vixey nuzzled Todd before she headed back into the den to rest. Todd smiled happily then stretched his limbs before he dashed off into the forest.
After a short while, Todd reached the edge of a small cliff which marked one of the edges of the game reserve. From the top of the cliff, Todd was able to spot his old home in the distance. He sat down and let his memories race back to him. He recalled living on the farm as well as playing hide and seek in the woods. He flicked his ears as his memories were interrupted by the familiar sound of Copper's bark. He smiled softly at the sound. He understood that he and Copper were both parts of two different worlds and it would remain that way, but he would never forget their friendship and he knew that Copper would not forget it either. With one last momentary glance back at his old home, he headed back into the forest.
The next morning, Todd was woken up by Vixey's soft whimpers. Todd nuzzled Vixey and licked her cheek gently in an attempt to comfort her. Though his expression appeared calm on the surface, his thoughts were racing about what could wrong and if Vixey was going to be alright. In spite of those thoughts, he did not want to worry Vixey any more than necessary since she was likely already under enough stress as is. Vixey glanced up at him for a moment, but then quickly closed her eyes tightly as her body quivered with a contraction. It was the first of more to come that would bring Todd and Vixey's kits into the world. Todd lowered his ears slightly in worry then placed a paw gently on top of Vixey's then nuzzled her again to comfort not only her but himself as well.
"It is alright Vixey. I am here," Todd said in a soft, reassuring tone. Vixey nodded lightly and placed her other paw on top of Todd's. Vixey whimpered softly as the first kit came into the world. As if by instinct, she immediately when to action and cleaned off the newborn. She then placed the kit by her stomach so it would be able to begin nursing. A little over an hour had passed by the time Vixey had finally finished delivering all of her kits. She laid her head on her paws and smile tiredly up at Todd. Todd licked her muzzle affectionately then turned his attention to the kits and smiled with pride.
"You did so well, Vixey. We are now the proud parents of six healthy kits," Todd said, not even trying to hide the relief, joy and pride that was present in his tone. Vixey let out a soft giggle and nodded slightly.
"Didn't I tell you that six would be just right?" Vixey asked in a soft, yet playful tone before she gazed fondly at the kits. Todd chuckled softly and nodded. He then moved his gaze to the kits again.
"What are their genders?" Todd asked curiously. Vixey flicked her ears at the sound of Todd's voice then turned her head to look at him.
"There are three handsome boys and three beautiful girls," Vixey replied with a warm smile. Todd returned the smile and wagged his tail happily.
"What are we going to name them?" Todd asked excitedly. Vixey giggled softly and placed a paw gently on Todd's.
"I think we should wait until they are a little older figure out what names would suit them," Vixey said. Todd nodded in agreement and nuzzled Vixey affectionately.
"Sounds like plan. Now, you should get some rest, Vixey. You deserve it," Todd said. Vixey nodded once and yawned then laid her head on her paws. She was soon asleep and Todd smiled warmly at his new expanded family before he headed outside of the den.
"Morning Todd," A large brown owl called from a tree branch above. Todd immediately recognized the warm and kind voice. He smiled brightly and glanced upward.
"Well hello, Big Mama. How are you today?" Todd asked as he sat down. Big Mama spread her large wings then glided down to the ground and stood beside Todd.
"I am doing quite well, honey. Where is Vixey today?" Big Mama asked. Todd smiled brightly and glanced at the den.
"She is inside sleeping. She had kits this morning," Todd said happily. Big Mama wrapped her large wings around Todd and hugged him tightly.
"Well congratulations to the both of you. I know the two of you were bound to have some little ones soon," Big Mama said with a warm smile as she released Todd from the embrace. Todd chuckled softly and nodded.
"Thank you, Big Mama. Vixey and I are now the proud parents of six kits," Todd said with a grin. Big Mama pat Todd on the shoulder enthusiastically.
"My oh my, that is a big litter! Good luck to you taking care of all them, honey. That will be some work," Big Mama said soft smile. Todd nodded once and returned the smile.
"Thank you. I am sure Vixey and I will be fine," Todd said confidently. Big Mama nodded firmly in agreement then flew up into the air.
"Once Boomer and Dinky get back we'll come by to pay you a visit! See you in a couple weeks to check in once the kits' eyes are open and they all start getting around," Big Mama said as she began to fly back towards her tree back by the farm.
"See you then, Big Mama!" Todd called. Big Mama turned slightly midair to wave with her wing and then flew off. Todd smiled then headed deeper into the forest to find some food for him and Vixey.