Deviation Actions
Literature Text
Dedicated to Evil-Copper, in whom I discussed this story with. The wait is over!
In a fox hole, not far from where Copper, and his foster father, Chief and their owner, Amos Slade live, Vixey was pregnant. Tod was there beside her through it all. “Tod, honey,” an owl named Big Mama said, “Your mother would have been so proud after all the times you’ve spent with her daughter in law.”
“Thanks, Big Mama,” Tod glanced up at her, “I did it for the best.”
“But Vixey can teach you more ways in the forest. For example, gathering food for your kits.”
Tod smiled, touched by his wise guardian’s words, then turned back to Vixey. “Vixey. Remember when we watched a mother quail and her seven babies one day while you showed me around in the forest and teaching me how to survive the uncertainties? I did not get what you meant by ‘six’, but now I do.”
The vixen was breathing deeply, but replied, “Oh, Tod, I do.”
Again, Tod did not leave her side because that wasn’t who he was.
“You sit tight, Vixey, darling,” Big Mama told her, “And Tod, stay here. Big Mama’s gonna be right back. I just got to get Dinky and Boomer.” In seconds, she left her branch.
...
A gold finch named Dinky watched as his best friend, Boomer, the woodpecker drilled holes in one tree, where they can share a worm. To Dinky’s amazement, Boomer grabbed one.
“Good work, Boomer. Now, let’s split it,” Dinky said eagerly.
Boomer agreed and just when they were about to eat their lunch, a massive owl appeared before them. “Phew! Good to see you, boys!” she breathed, “Vixey is about to have kits.”
“Great Big Mama, you made us lose our lunch!” Dinky snapped and without second thoughts, he dove down to get his and his partner’s worm.
“I’m sorry, boys,” Big Mama apologized.
“It’s alright. Dinky’s just grumpy because he’s hungry,” Boomer told her.
“NO, I’M NOT!” Dinky boomed.
“YES, YOU ARE!” Boomer shot back.
“There’s no time for arguing, boys,” Big Mama warned, “Now, let’s go!”
Not wanting her to lose her patience, they followed.
...
Big Mama, Dinky, and Boomer rested on a branch, so they can each catch their breath.
An hour went by and Big Mama ordered the woodpecker and sparrow to fly over to Copper’s house. “Oh, shucks!” Boomer complained, “We just got here not too long ago!”
“Oh, it’s been only an hour, but you wouldn’t be long,” Big Mama insisted, “I assure you.”
“Boomer, everything’s going to turn out just right, you’ll see,” Dinky convinced, yanking Boomer’s hair with his talons.
“B-b-b-but do you have to pull my hair every time, Dinky?” Boomer scolded, “It’s driving me crazy!” Then, Boomer flapped his wings over to Copper’s behind his long-time pal.
...
“Copper!” they called.
“Dinky? Boomer? Is that you?” Copper inquired.
“For sure, kid,” Dinky answered, “But we got news for you: Your best friend and Vixey are having kits soon.”
Copper gently nudged a sleeping Chief aside. “Chief, wake up.”
Chief woke up immediately. “What is it, sonny?” he asked, one eyebrow raised, sleepily.
“Tod and Vixey are having kits,” Copper informed.
“Oh, we should signal our master!” Chief confirmed.
Without delay, he and his foster son hollowed for Amos Slade. Out came the hunter, who was stunned by the hollowing. “What in blue blazes is going on here?” he shouted.
Copper gestured towards Widow Tweed’s house. Unceremoniously, Chief and Amos followed in pursuit of Amos’s neighbor. Amos knocked on Mrs. Tweed’s door.
“Amos, what on earth?” she asked tersely.
“Get out and you’ll see,” Amos Slade said, taking her by the hand, gentlemanly.
Copper pointed toward the road that led to the Game Preserve.
Now, everyone was in a rush.
...
Every member was gathered to watch the fox pairing make a family of their own.
It wasn’t long after the baby foxes were given birth.
The coon bloodhound was admittedly proud of his long-time friend’s progress with Vixey and for being with her at all costs. “I’ve officially become an uncle,” Copper said, feverishly grinning.
The vixen was washing up her litter of cubs, while Tod counted, “One, two, three, four, five, SIX!”
“I told you six would be just right,” Vixey said with pleasure as she and Tod kissed with their noses.
“Hey, Chief, how’s your leg treatin’ ya?” Tod asked.
“Better ever since the master unwrapped my cast,” Chief replied.
“That fox of yours has done a great job,” Amos complimented Mrs. Tweed.
The little foxes reminded her so much of Tod when he was a youngster, covered in her laundry and thanks to Big Mama and Dinky.
“Tod, I hope you are very proud of what you’ve done,” Big Mama praised, “And honey, I’m very happy for you. You’ve become a father and soon, it’ll be passed on for many generations.”
“You know, Boomer? These remind me of that squirt that stood beside the fence,” Dinky stated.
“Well, I can’t believe my eyes, Dinky,” Boomer said, rubbing his eyes in bewilderment, “That farm boy has become a father!”
Soon, both Dinky and Boomer were gushing over the little ones once they became used to their company. Fate is left in store for the two birds, but that was another story…
Author’s note: Attention all FATH fans: This is my first ever multi-chapter of The Fox and the Hound. I’ve read Evil-Copper’s story, The Past and the Present not too long ago when Tod and Vixey eventually have pups. It was a fascinating read. Then again, see you in the next chapter. Looks like I’m off to a good start!
