The noises coming from outside the tree were deafening to the small animals inside. Ash's parents were becoming frantic, and though they tried to hide their worry from the kids, their fear was obvious. Ash didn't know much about humans, only that stealing from them would get you killed. Ash, Kylie and Kristofferson stood out in the hallway as Mr. and Mrs. Fox tried to think about what to do, as chunks of the wall shook loose and scattered on the floor. The ceiling cracked and began to cave in. Ash grabbed his cousin's paw and held it. Kris looked at him, and Ash could tell the younger fox was afraid as well.

"I've got it," said Mr. Fox suddenly. "Why didn't I think of this sooner?" He looked at his wife. "We've been trapped before," he continued. "Everyone, dig!"

And so they dug. They dug endlessly and tirelessly, leaving behind the great tree house Mr. Fox had been so happy to buy for his family. They dug relentlessly for over an hour until finally the humans could no longer be heard, and they stopped to rest a while.

"I think it's time for me to give us a pep talk and explain some things," said Mr. Fox. "A very long time ago-"

"Excuse me," interrupted Felicity. "May I have a word with you. Privately?"

"Well..." said Mr. Fox. "We're in a hole..."

"Just on the other side of this mineral deposit," said Felicity. "Follow me."

Her tone invited no negotiation. Mr. Fox followed.

"What do you think they're going to talk about," Ash asked Kristofferson.

"I don't know," said Kris. "But I think your mom is very upset about Uncle Foxie stealing from those farmers. The other night when I got home she confronted him while I still had my bandit mask on. She seemed very upset. I don't think Uncle Foxie was supposed to steal from humans ever again. I think he promised Aunt Felicity he wouldn't. "

"But why would my dad go back on his word?"

"I don't know. I think foxes from your side of the family take to many risks. Besides, I don't think he cares about the promises he makes."

"From my side of the family? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Never mind, Ash, I don't want to fight. I'm tired."

Just then Ash's parents came back. Mr. Fox was sporting a scratch on his face. Wow, Mom really lost her temper.

"Alright everyone," said Mr. Fox. "Let's all go to sleep. Kylie, you take that rock over there, Ash and Kristofferson, take those two little ones right there, Ash you take whichever one is the smallest. Your mom and I are going to take this ledge right here."

"You mean I'll be taking it," said Felicity in a cold voice.

"Right, yeah, that's what I meant," said Mr. Fox. "You take the ledge and I'll..., I'll just sleep on the ground right here. Yep, sounds good to me."

(A few hours later)

A great rumble woke the animals from sleep yet again. This time, it was louder than anything they had ever heard; great steel shovels with motors and treads were tearing up the earth. The foxes and Kylie began to dig again.

"Ash," said Mr. Fox as he dug alongside Ash. "Are you angry with me? I understand if you are and I never would have involved your cousin if I'd known you'd feel this way. It's only because he's a natural. I mean, look at him dig!"

Indeed Kristofferson was well ahead of the others, digging his way at a pace none could hope to match.

"Anyway, I'm sorry if-"

"You know what," Ash said, interrupting his father. "I'm just gonna put dirt in my ears...ah, that's better. I can't hear you now, but keep talking."

Ash didn't want to hear it. His father didn't care how he felt, it was only now that things had backfired that he was pretending to be sorry for anything. If those humans had not showed up with their shovels, guns and terrible tractors Ash's dad would still be sneaking out to steal from them, oblivious and unapologetic about any consequences or negative impact it may have on his family.

=^.^=

Much later, after the family was no longer in immediate danger, Kristofferson meditated while Ash sat nearby with a comic book.

"I don't have beagle ticks, by the way," said Kristofferson.

"What? Me neither! Er...uh... who said we have beagle ticks..or...whatever..." said Ash.

"Apparently that's what you've been telling everyone, that I have beagle ticks and pelt lice."

"I never said that. And you're misquoting me. Or someone is. But I'm going to get to the bottom of it."

"Look Ash we may or may not ever see the light of day again but I really like Agnes and I think she likes me."

"Uh-huh, well she's a free agent so what do I care?"

"Then why are you dead set on-"

"Can I ask you a question," interrupted Ash.

"You may."

"What is the point of sitting on the floor with your legs twisted into a pretzel and talking to yourself for an hour and a half? It's weird."

"My father and I first began meditating when-"

"Well, ok," Ash interrupted again. "But I'd worry more about what that does for my reputation than whether or not you have beagle ticks or not."

"I don't," said Kris. "Nor pelt lice."

=^.^=

Hours later, Ash was still upset about the conversation he'd had with his cousin. That Kristofferson knew he'd spread the rumors about Kris having ticks and lice didn't bother him as much as he'd have thought it would. It was the other stuff Kristofferson had said. About Agnes. It was clear that Kristofferson would prefer to spend time with her, rather than with him. Which hurt the little fox; Ash realized he may not show it on the outside, but inside he craved Kristofferson's attention.

Especially after the things Kris had said to him the other day. He knew Kris loved him, or at least Kris had loved him before the rumors and before their argument, but now there was such a divide between them Ash did not know if he'd ever have his cousin's full and undivided love.

If only I hadn't said that about his dad. With the way my father feels about me, I forget that others may dearly love their dads.

He wasn't sure why he wanted Kristofferson's attention, nor did he know why he wanted to get Kris alone or what they'd do by themselves; all Ash knew was that whatever kind of attention Kris gave Agnes, he'd rather Kris give it to him instead.