Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Storms way out here was common…well, more than common anyway, which is why this shipping lane was typically avoided. They just had to pick this specific route to get to MC-7 faster, didn't they? And it had to be us for something to go terribly wrong…

The inside of the airship rocked uncontrollably as red flashing lights appeared in the dark cabin. Panic and fear set in…clamoring from the crew down the hall. The wind blew in from an opening into the hull…the door into the cockpit had swung open…

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY!

DESCENDING 10000, WE'RE LOSING PRESSURISATION! BAD WEATHER!

NEGATIVE, MASKS DID NOT DEPLOY!

030 INITIAL, HEADING 130!

5 SOULS ON BOARD

I quickly looked out my tiny window to see the fast-moving layer of clouds passing by…and the bullets of snow along with them. I snapped my head toward the corridor again…somebody was fast approaching…wobbling towards me.

"Mark!" I exclaimed with a high-pitched shrill. He could barely hear me from all the noise coming from the cabin…

"Brace yourself, squirt…it's a water landing" he helped put a life vest on me, and as he did, I could see the despair on his face…the sheer panic too.

He doesn't think we'll make it, does he?

Mark then gave me what seemed to be a bag with something in it, "break the seal, pull the string to inflate…" he then passed my small brown bag from the overhead compartment.

"What's going to happen!?" I shouted back to him as he looked at me in the eye, "listen…you"

He didn't finish his sentence: the cabin darkened and then a violent jolt sent everything forward! Unbeknownst to me, the airship began to fill with water rapidly. I am suddenly ejected…ending outside of the ship in the air as my chair's parachute deployed.

The wind was howling, pushing me around violently. I managed to look below me to see the raging waves coming closer and closer…along with the sinking wreck of the airship that was being consumed by fire.

I yelled in panic…thrashing in my seat: I'm not a very good swimmer.

The raft! I'm about to hit the water!

With some struggle I open the life raft and deploy it just below me. I got out of my chair and that's when I slammed into the freezing water! Once I breached the surface, gasping in shock, I pulled the raft closer to me and quickly got in.

Once I know I'm out of the water I searched everywhere for Mark and the others…but not a sound came from the wreckage…not a cry for help…nothing. It's not like I could get to them either…the current is taking me away from them!

"Mark!" I shouted at the top of my lungs, but my voice is drowned by something that was coming…

I look to my side and find myself in a more precarious situation: there's a wall rapidly approaching…a gigantic wall of water!

I braced myself, but nothing could prepare myself for it. I felt the seawater wash over me…almost capsizing my small circular vessel. The sheer impact thrashed me around violently without end. I hoped that the worst was over; however, soon more and more waves struck me as I held on for dear life and cried out.

…

The next thing I knew I felt my face against something cold and coarse…as if it was all a bad nightmare. Unfortunately, it was not a dream…but wait, it looked like sand…wait…dry land!?

I lifted my head to meet with a small beach with numerous rocky pillars in the distance. Trees were all around…boreal no doubt. I weakly lifted myself up and surveyed the area more: finding the raft (or what's left of it) not too far away. Once I have the strength, I make my way to the deflated raft but find nothing inside.

As luck would have it, my brown messenger bag managed to stay on me! I looked in it and I soon realized that Mark had cunningly placed some items inside during all the chaos. Inside there were some protein rations, canned drinks, and a knife…among other things. It's an emergency kit, did he anticipate this?

Mark…where are you?

I looked around but no one else was around. I'm…on my own…

Shipwrecked, alone…there's a first for everything, I guess.

I wanted to lie down and cry, just close my eyes and try to wake up from this hell, but it was real…too real.

Come on, snap out of it…you're twelve! You gotta find the others! I thought to myself.

I sighed, standing up from my crouched position to try and get off this beach and see where I had ended up. I'll have to get to higher ground before high tide comes in.

And so, I started ascending the moss and snow-covered slope and eventually made it to the top after some time.

"I-I just need to find the nearest town and get help…let them know what happened. Maybe the others have already called for help! I really need to find a house to shelter from this cold…" I said to myself…trying to keep myself motivated.

Once I catch my breath I am met with a dreadful sight: it's a large expanse of wilderness, all covered in deep snow. No trace of civilization as I had hoped…I seem to be on some kind of uncharted island by the looks of things.

"You've gotta be joking…"

This complicates things, doesn't it!? M-maybe there's a transmitter somewhere, a radio!? Who even uses those anymore!? Ugh!

I kick the snow in frustration, "stupid airship, stupid ocean, stupid island! Why, why did this have to happen to me!?"

I'm not dumb, even as a kid I know that I have to find shelter soon or else I'll freeze! This black raincoat is only suited for the temperate rainforest after all!

Okay, focus...we were just on a trip in the mainland interior, this should be a breeze…should be!

I started making my way into the center of the island…trying to find any kind of shelter to stay in until it's warmer. It took longer than expected. I never actually been in snow this deep…plus the wind is hitting at me from all directions…I think I have a good chance of a squall coming in tonight. Yeah, that's right…to make matters worse it's getting dark. The cloudy wintry sky had prevented much light from coming through…and I won't stand a chance at night.

I cupped my hands together and called out, "hello!? Is anybody there, hello!?" My voice echoed throughout the small wooden area, but I received no response.

I pulled out my personal device to scan the area for lifeforms: none…absolutely nothing…is this place barren? Am I truly alone in this place? No…I can't be…

Just because you don't hear a predator does not mean it's not there. Mark had once said that. I wish I had him with me during all this, he would know exactly what to do in this situation…

Again, I called out…not realizing that I was literally standing on an edge and one wrong step sent me tumbling down the snowy hill! I land face first into a blanket of snow!

It took me a few moments to realize what had happened and I quickly pulled myself up…shaking myself.

"Darn it…"

I can't go back the way I came…it's too steep.

And so, I pressed on…directionless as my situation soon turned grim. It got to the point where I was too cold now and too weak to move much further ahead. With one last cry for help I collapsed onto the ground.

The howling winds deafened the sound around my ears…and they were ringing from the trauma I just went through with the hill. It felt like a thousand knives were digging into my hands and fingers…so much so that I couldn't move them much right now.

I'm going to die, aren't I?

Fate had other plans.

A mysterious four-legged figure dressed in red and cream fur soon came into view unbeknownst to me…

They had caught my scent and heard my calls earlier from within the forest. Now I had ended up in an opening and they easily found me lying down barely conscious. The creature reels back, never having smelled something like me before. Their eyes slightly widened before it poked my side with their black triangular nose.

It's name was Fink.

Chapter Text

I eventually regained consciousness...looking at the mysterious creature in the eye before they jumped back in fear. The creature soon, however, composed themselves...knowing that I wouldn't make it without them.

And so, they attempted their best to help me up from the forest floor, and I used the last of my strength to pick myself up and guided me to a place not very far away. I had no choice but to follow. They seemed to be leading me somewhere...

After a minute, I finally saw where they had been taking me: a dome-shaped domicile not too far off in the distance!

W-wait, is that...people!? So, this island IS inhabited!

There's light coming from the inside...possibly a firepit/chimney...it's a rather primitive building, but a building regardless!

This four-legged animal must belong to someone if it's so inclined to help me, I thought to myself.

It isn't long before we make it to the entrance: I can already feel the warmth of the room inside...oh, this was an answer from the heavens to me! I'm saved! Who do I have to thank for the hospitality?

I stopped in place...frozen as if the ice around me finally took hold: inside of the building, there were countless woodland creatures!!!

They all froze too, staring at me and soon they entered a panicked frenzy as I yelled in response.

They ran all over, trampling each other and whatnot as I fell on my back and backpaddled. The red animal across from me stepped inside and began yelping...barking to get his companions to cease their relentless clamoring. It almost worked; however, they continued. It wasn't until a rather small creature got everyone's attention with a whistle.

I was at a loss for words, I couldn't almost comprehend what was happening in front of me. One: whoever owns this bungalow must be a really good veterinarian, and two: the animals are actually communicating with each other as if they were people!

But...where were they...people, I mean? How did they manage to domesticate these creatures? It would have to be answered later, for my attention is soon drawn towards the de facto leader of the group (I assumed.)

They had all calmed down finally and had begun to examine me. I stood up...wobbling into the dome to be met with all of them, "h-hello..." I waved my hand to them, but they appeared to not understand me and my gesture.

I glanced over an item that rested on this primitive home. I gasped upon realizing what it was: a Rozzum unit... what was left of it...

I could really use one of those with me right now, I sighed softly toward myself.

Unbeknownst to me, the animals could speak to each other.

"What is it, Fink!?" One young opossum exclaimed, lifting its head from their fetal position.

"Maybe it's a relative of Roz" Paddler, an aging beaver had suggested...grabbing his prized sculpture of himself and holding it tight.

The red fox standing across from him shook his head, "it's not. They're like us animals...they have a scent..."

Thorn, the only bear in the group, finally got up and snorted loudly before approaching the bipedal stranger, "they sure DO smell...I say we eat them!" They said with a deep, gruff, snarl, "maybe we can share..." suddenly, the grizzly felt somebody land on top of their head to rest on it, "I think we should make sure what they are capable of first, then we'll go from there, big guy." Fink gave a slightly mischievous face, winking to his former archenemy before the latter shook him off. The vulpine was joking, of course, but that wasn't any comfort for me (who couldn't understand their grunts, growls, and shrills.)

I pulled out my transparent PDA (one that the red-furred creature across from me was familiar with thanks to Roz) and the bear stopped in its tracks. I began scanning each animal to get information on every single one present. They stood there in awe as a grid-shaped light enveloped each of them, "North American Beaver...Red Fox...Virginia Opossum...Grizzly Bear...these are all endangered species...and they're all on this island!" I gasped, shutting the scanner off...looking toward them in shock.

None of them could understand my gibberish, but Fink knew that the strange mammal across from him had a level of curiosity like Roz (and used similar technology.) It didn't take a higher mammal with genius intellect to know that the bipedal creature across from the woodland critters could conceptualize (and is therefore intelligent.)

Knowing that with each passing second the threat posed by me was decreasing, the animals began to examine me more thoroughly. Some crawled up my legs...some landed on my back and started to mess with my clothing as I tried shaking them off, "h-hey, get off!"

Suddenly, one young, and shifty, raccoon managed to snatch my device from my hand and landed away: brandishing it to the others. I didn't really have the strength in me to chase them or stop them, so I just let it go for now. The raccoon siblings next to them had an idea. Sure enough, they pointed the scanner at me.

Information on my species, humans, was displayed on the screen as the animals gathered...looking at examples of humans doing...human things, I guess.

The mother of the opossums, and arguably the second in command of the group, Pinktail, had examined the images more closely, "you see, they mean us no harm! They are well acquainted with our dear friend, Rozzum!"

"A friend of Roz is a friend of mine!" Thunderbolt, a falcon, exclaimed in the back while roosting on a support beam.

Sure enough, the fox considered the notion: the other animals were right...this person possibly knows Roz. Regardless, Fink made it his mission to step forward and present his case to the forest, "alright everybody, listen up!" He got their attention, sitting in his custom-made chair, "this animal doesn't look hostile, and they could be Roz's friend. So, I am asking everyone to show them some hospitality until the storm blows over, got it?"

All the residents of the island nodded in agreement and decided to move away from me to seek warmth close to the fire in the center of the room. I suppose that gave me the incentive needed to join their ranks without further incident. It's clear they are allowing me to stay with them. I've never seen animals this intelligent...am I dreaming? This has to be a dream...either way, I'm freezing and I'm not close enough to the fire...

I soon made my way to the pit and sat down next to it. Some of the creatures continued looking at me, poking at me, smelling me: basically, they invaded my personal space. To be fair, I wouldn't want to offend them, I'd be easy food for them honestly.

"Uh...hello...oh, hi!" I said softly and weakly to one animal after another. The fox sat on their hunches across from me, giving a light smug look. Pinktail sat next to him, also examining the new arrival, "he looks and smells so young, he's not fully mature...and the poor thing has no fur. He probably has no means to survive in our world."

"That explains why these animals wear those strange garments and use those silly square things...without me, they almost didn't stand a chance."

She turned toward him, "and like Brightbill, you have to guide this one too."

Suddenly, his ears rose at this, turning toward her with a snarl, "h-hey, why me!?"

"You've proven yourself to be indispensable for this type of parenting."

"Yeah, well...Brightbill was a one-time gig!"

"I think I speak for the forest when I say...he's all yours, Fink!" She smirked, slipping away to scold her children after she found them messing with another bigger animal, "hey-get down from them this instant!"

"Why don't YOU take care of him...with all of your motherly wisdom you seem more capable than me!" He snapped back...soon groaning loudly with a shake of his head, here we go again, the fox thought to himself.

He tried getting my attention, but all I heard from him were barks and yips, unfortunately. I shook my head to the red vulpine, "I'm sorry, I don't understand..." suddenly, I was too weak to say anything else...I finally rested my head against the ground, and I surrendered myself to sleep. The animals could sense me still shivering from the cold and got closer to me...much closer. I had subconsciously pressed against them...sharing my warmth with them...pure survival instinct unknown to me. Fink stood there, tilting his head in a curious manner, and then nodded softly, "he does kind of remind me of Brightbill a little...okay, maybe a lot."

Chapter Text

The next thing I knew, I felt the sun shining down on me. Sunlight had managed to break through the interior of the dome. I lifted my head and rubbed my eyes, looking around. The hut was now unoccupied. Light smoke was rising from the blazing fire pit the night before. Where did everybody go?

Suddenly, a certain fox came into my field of vision…right in front of me as I yelped in surprise!

"Rise and shine, two legs! I got a BIG surprise for you!" The creature soon brandished several live clams that squirmed around in their paws.

I reeled in disgust, sticking my tongue out, "eww!"

"No? More for me then!" He laid on his back and soon devoured the helpless sea critters before licking his paws clean, "so, what are you exactly? You don't look the carnivore type." The fox asked in their native tongue. Of course, I couldn't understand a single word muttered and I just sat there in silence…unsure what to say or do.

He soon gave an annoyed face in response and growled softly to himself, "we gotta fix this language barrier somehow."

I soon stood up and took a good look around. Without it being so crowded, I can now see all the articles on the walls: decorations and whatnot. One that caught my eye almost immediately was a piece of wood that had a carving of several animals on it. But the interesting part was that they were being embraced by what appeared to be a Rozzum model!

This is all so strange…it's all rather puzzling.

Sure enough, I muttered a simple word that got the other inhabitant's attention, "Rozzum…" their ears rose and they smiled, "wait…so you DO know Roz?" The vulpine understood that one word. He soon rested his front paws on my pants before I turned around to face him…realizing his sudden interest in me again. In response, I moved away to get him off, "what's the deal?"

He soon climbed to be at the same level as the decommissioned Roz unit and pointed his nose at it and then towards me.

Body language…fascinating…he's trying to tell me something…something about the Rozzum, I thought.

"This robot took care of all of you, is that it?" I had asked…as if they would actually answer me like people would. Unbeknownst to me, this wasn't the Rozzum that ingratiated itself with the forest, but rather another short-lived look-alike.

I soon pulled out my PDA and scanned them, Universal Dynamics reported these robots as missing…

I investigated further just as "Fink" walked toward me…standing at eye level with the robot…sniffing me as I worked to solve this case. I found something on the side of the mechanical head as the fox moved closer, "what are you…"

Then, the port behind containing its circuitry opened and gave me full access. I took out a wire from my PDA and inserted it into the machine. On my screen, I managed to find a video file. Once I accessed it, the robot's only working eye displayed a projection against the wall for both of us to see. The fox was certainly startled but realized what was being shown on screen. He sat on his haunches and smiled softly, "ohh! You've got to teach me how to do that!"

"A recording" I muttered softly. The video was taken inside a cave…and from the point of view of this robot we could see it was looking at another Rozzum unit (Rozzum 6262…Rummage.)

Fink realized who it was…Roz!

The two machines were discussing Brightbill and how to accomplish the task of helping him fly; however, for me, I had no idea what was happening. Yet, I soon realized an important piece of information: the automaton walking back and forth in the cave did not behave like the others.

My eyes widened upon realizing…they're sentient!

How is this possible? All machines behave the same, NONE OF THEM are programmed with emotion or the ability to conceptualize…unless it suits human needs…how is this one able to?

The video ended when "Rummage" ran a diagnostic to see what was "wrong" with Roz, unintentionally sharing their databases.

The fox next to me had never seen such a video from Roz 6262, and he could only understand his dear friend and not the other robot. Yet, he knew she was talking about Brightbill and how she was quickly developing her personality.

"There's an entire library" I decided to quickly glance over most of them…using my PDA as a controller for the projections. Both the fox and I saw life through the eyes of Rozzum 7134 interacting with the inhabitants of this island…talking…TALKING WITH THEM!

Fink watched on…reliving the events that transpired months prior: helping Brightbill learn to fly, living side by side with his strange, adopted family…fighting off the monsters, and saying goodbye to both his family members…

"She saved everything for us…" he muttered to himself. Roz had made a back up memory file in case she ever DID lose her memory of the island forever…a smart move.

I just stood there, amazed by what was transpiring as I swiped through the files, "a wild robot…" I laughed a bit.

Again, Fink heard a similar phrase being said by the stepmother not too long ago. I did notice her ability to communicate with the animals. Is this why Universal Dynamics wanted her back so badly? Is this why they're no longer here? Imagine the data they could use to improve the neural pathways for future models…the possibilities are endless!

The next part blew my mind: the data was available to me. Yes, that's right…I could, in theory, download the language AI prompt that Roz 7134 had learned…for myself. Could this mean if I downloaded it to my BCI, my brain implant, that I could actually learn to communicate with this fox and the other animals of this forest? M-maybe they can help me get home…they seem to be more than willing to with all the hospitality they have provided to me. It's worth a shot…

It would have to wait, unfortunately, for I started getting hungry. I'd have to be cautious…there isn't much to eat or drink…it'll all probably last a week at best.

And so, I shut off the decommissioned Rozzum unit for now and sat down before the vulpine joined me.

Fink saw that I pulled out from my brown bag a square-shaped object to eat. It was coated in a metallic shine that I soon ripped open to reveal a brownish substance underneath. The fox felt disgusted, it certainly didn't look appealing to him.

Sure enough, I offered him some, but he growled lightly at me before I moved away, "fine! Keep eating those raw mollusks and I'll eat my refined protein ration!"

Soon, I opened my can of water to drink from it. Fink smelled what was inside and knew the scent more than anything: water! He licked his mouth…getting pretty thirsty just by seeing me drink.

I took notice and shrugged, pouring some water into a smaller cup I've taken out to offer them. Fink, instead, cunningly grabbed the bigger can of water from my hands…surprising me, "h-hey! No, that one's not for you, bad fox!"

Fink had already strutted away with the can in his mouth…victorious. He was smirking back at me…quite a mischievous little devil if I may say so…

I sighed shortly afterward, "fine…take it!"

This just gives me more resolve to learn their language now…

Kind of makes me think that I might be the first human to learn how to speak like these animals. This is not how I expected my weekend to go. This will be quite the story to tell to mom and dad if I manage to get off this island.

Chapter Text

Later in the day after lunch, we exited the bungalow to be met with sun and mostly clear skies. Some of the snow on the ground was melting away since it was considerably warmer now.

Now, this felt pleasant…a stark contrast to what I was subjected to the night before. I decided to leave my PDA behind to download Roz 6262's translation file to later transfer when the day ends. I might as well leave all my tech behind for now and embrace my "wild side" for a bit, eh?

The feral fox was leading me somewhere…where…I wasn't quite sure yet. Unbeknownst to me, he was taking me on a tour of the island. Fink had taken the role of leader ever since Roz left and Brightbill was on migration: he was doing his daily checkup on all the animals…predator and prey alike.

The first creature he visited was the aging Beaver known as Paddler.

"How's it going, old timer? Works dried up since Roz left, huh?"

The older animal across the fox scoffed while resting on a bed of dry leaves. He looked at him with one eye open and said as a jab back, "as a matter of fact, yes…consider me retired!"

Soon, however, he focused his attention on me…the sole human on the island, and they gave a slightly worried look, "does he bite?"

Fink simply shrugged his front arms, "with those small cuspids, I doubt it very much."

Again, I could only hear yips and chittering between the two intelligent parties, but I somehow tried to inject myself into the conversation. I crouched forward…leaning in between the two creatures, "so…whatcha talking about, my fellow mammals?"

In retaliation from my quick move…Paddler smacked me with his tail in the face before I fell on my back. Fink cringed at the sight, wincing sharply.

Moving on, the fox took me deeper into the forest. I just tried to forget what had just happened, simply rubbing my face to soothe the dull pain. I had no idea getting hit by a beaver could be so painful!

Anyway, we run into a family of opossums. It turns out it's the same one from inside the bungalow the night before. The single parent of the family, Pinktail, stopped in her tracks. Her children were well rested on her back…almost a dozen of them.

"Hey scouts…I hope you aren't causing too much mischief around mom" Fink said with a mischievous look…almost as if he wasn't being truthful in his words…as if he WANTED to see them cause problems for his entertainment.

"You're one to talk, Uncle Fink!" one of the young opossums stated.

"Yeah! You almost burned the squirrels' food supply last week!"

Fink immediately moved in to close their mouths with his paw, "buuuutt, I didn't! So…let's not repeat that for Uncle Fink's sake, okay?" He begged, fearing that the squirrels might be listening in. He then looked toward Pinktail who was slowly losing patience with him.

Suddenly, their attention is drawn toward one of the kids who screams upon seeing me move closer to watch everything unfold, "monster!" Next thing we know, the kids panicked before playing dead in synch. The mother put her paws on her hips and sighed softly, "now kids, what did I say with behaving around guests who visit the island?"

They all got up and stepped forward, putting their paws behind them in shame, "sorry…" all had said in unison. I stared at them, giggling at the scene…entertained by the pantomime.

Suddenly, one young opossum that had slipped away ended up on my shoulder…startling me a bit, "if they're not a monster, what are they?"

"I'm…not quite sure. We've seen them in those fancy portals in Roz's den" Pinktail offered her case, "unlike Roz, they live and breathe like we do."

"So…they're some kind of mutant animal?" One kid asked innocently.

"Let's shorten it to 'animal', kids" the mother retorted.

"In any case, I'm just taking them along for the ride, I guess" Fink chimed in…circling around them.

"I think that'll be good for you, Fink…" something in her words suggested to the fox that he was doing this simply because he's been lonely since both Roz and Brightbill left. Still, he shook that off and soon ushered me to follow before I silently waved the family goodbye.

…

I tried all I could to chat with the wild fox, but it was a one-sided conversation. Fink just rolled his eyes; we might as well be talking to a wall separating us. Either way, he continued showing his island and it was quite uneventful for me.

Every interaction seemed to end with me getting a negative response from the inhabitants (intentional or not.) I got scratched, bit, trampled, pecked…and among other things. It got so bad that when Fink took me to check on Thorn's bear cave…he looked at my bruised, scrawny, form and said with an anxious tone, "let's not…"

At a certain point, we were passing by a cliff where I could try and get a signal! I have to come by later with my PDA to try!

Eventually, we decided to stop by a small pond to recuperate. The sun was beginning to come down, so you could see some of its light hitting the top of the boreal trees above.

I washed my face and decided to do something I've been meaning to try all day.

Fink drank the water before lifting his head to catch me doing something in the dirt across from him. He raised an eyebrow and slowly went in to investigate. He sniffed the ground just where I had pulled my hand away from and examined the strange markings I had made on the soil.

It was a word in bold text: my name.

TERRY

I half-expected the vulpine to understand, but he simply wiped the name away with a paw out of curiosity…not realizing what he had just done. He pulled away as if regretful by his decision, but I simply laughed playfully in response, "I love that curiosity!" The fox looked at me like I was crazy or something…not sure how to react to everything happening.

I put a hand against my chin and sighed shortly afterward, "I wish I knew your name. I guess it won't be long until I know…unless animals don't carry names around like we do…in that case it makes perfect sense. I guess I'll hold off on naming you for now."

That's when a thought crossed me: the download should be done by now! I didn't even need to "ask" the fox knew it was getting late and cold, and he knew I was ready to leave. So, we both made our way back to the dome structure.

Once we're inside, we unwind. Gosh, even though I'm used to trails and simulations back in Mega City 7, my legs are SCREAMING right now!

As Fink stretched his legs and kept an eye on me, I took off my boots and smiled to him innocently, "thanks for the hospitality."

The red vulpine simply rolled his head to the side as I finally grabbed the PDA. I have everything I need on the gadget, "I have your friend, Roz, to thank for this valuable information" I brandished it to him as the fox lightly sniffed the object.

After an awkward silence, I nodded to myself…looking at them straight in their greenish-yellow eyes, "here goes nothing, Terry" I said to myself.

I began the transferring process. All of Roz's information on animal language would now be uploaded to my brain link device on the side of my head. It started blinking brightly as Fink widened his eyes…he knew something was happening but wasn't sure what!

I slapped my hands against my sides and blew air nervously, "it'll take some time…it might not even work. But…I'm excited to see what happens for the sake of science and discovery!" I blurted out.

And so, that night, I slept and allowed myself to subconsciously obtain all the words and phrases that every single animal on the island mutters to communicate with one another. It may take a few days…in fact, I'm certain it will. Yet, I had to remain optimistic. If it was done before, by no less a robot who became sentient, then it can be replicated.

I've got to remain hopeful; my survival may depend on it.

Chapter Text

I am jolted from my resting place…grabbing my chest…reliving the hellish experience of the crash. The moment I saw the water rushing towards me like a tsunami…and the cries of Mark that were silenced…it felt like I was reliving the moment again…

I pant like a dog…sweat falling from my face as if I actually was drowning again…my entire body is shaking uncontrollably as I breathe in rapidly.

Fink must have heard the commotion and sensed my panicked state, for he soon sat next to me: wondering what the hell I was going through. The partial moon from the outside illuminated him so I could see his concerned face.

He didn't understand PTSD…never seen someone sweat and shake from a traumatic experience…yet he could SMELL it. My despair ran down his nostrils and he immediately knew what I was going through.

"Are you okay?" He yipped; I still could not understand him…even with the device on my temple pulsating throughout the night…

I began to break down…covering my face with my hands to hide my crying fit. The fox knew this feeling very well when he was always lonely. He never showed it, he felt as though that's what has kept him alive so far…even with Roz and Brightbill in his life. The fox must have imagined me having a similar experience…being the only member of my kind on this island.

Something terrible happened, he thought…but what? Fink wasn't sure. It was times like this he wished he could talk to the two-legged beast lying in front of him.

"Everybody on that airship…is gone…why did it happen? It makes no sense, why would there be a hole in the hull!?" I yelled out to no one in question, "did someone attack us!? H-how can a weather system destroy such a hardy ship!? Who would do such a thing!? What's the point in even thinking about it, though!? It's been days and NO ONE has bothered to go looking for us!"

Fink lowered his head, his ears folded behind him as he witnessed me break down further, "my friends…my family…they probably have no idea that I'm here…and I'll probably never see them again…never!"

Suddenly, I felt something warm touch the side of my face…it was Fink's head…and my somber demeanor ceased.

"Listen kid" the smaller animal said in his language, "I can't imagine what you must be feeling…but we'll help you get through this. I promise."

All I could hear was soft whining, yet somehow…I understood this as the fox's attempts to calm me, and it worked.

I stopped crying and he pulled away to look into my gray eyes…giving a soft, reassuring smile. To me, I reminded him of Brightbill…and I needed him more than ever at this moment. He never objected.

We decided to return to sleep, only this time: Fink rested beside me for the first time since I came to the island.

…

The next day arrived. It was slightly colder today, but it wasn't snowing anymore: maybe it wouldn't snow again for the rest of the season? I really hope this is the case. Either way, we quit Roz's shelter to go looking for food.

Turns out, I had only a few days of rations left. If I am going to stay here longer than expected, I must learn how to gather food myself. Funny enough, that's exactly where Fink was leading me.

As we walked towards the beach, I thought about how my trips into the mainland from MC-7 usually had me on expeditions with other humans. I always had to rely on people to help me get food and water (and we often brought our own.) Now here lies the dilemma: if I can't eat the other intelligent animals on this island, what CAN I eat?

I guess I can eat whatever the fox eats, which has so far consisted of raw seafood! Well, maybe I can compare it to something like Sushi? I just hope I don't get sick.

Sure enough, he began to catch some mollusk from shore and soon offered some to me, "come on, kid…you've got to eat some REAL food…none of that weird stuff" Fink demanded…brandishing a shell in his paw to me.

Unfortunately, hunger by this point had begun messing with me. With each passing second the temptation grew until it became too much, and I finally grabbed one…gobbling it up.

"Huh…carnivore after all" the fox smirked.

Sure enough, he shared more with me, and it wasn't long before we managed to have our little seafood banquet. We lie down against some rocks…watching the waves crash into pillars and sea stacks further out. A thought crossed my mind: the day I got here and how hectic it was.

I was about to think further about my misfortunes until the vulpine got my attention with a yip…requesting me to follow them. I stand up, dusting some sand off my black raincoat before I follow them.

During our return to the forest, we silently walked through…hearing some squeaks and chittering above in the branches. I stopped for a moment as the fox looked back to see me frozen in place like a statue.

Those sounds…they're new. It was coming from some squirrels above…but the way they were communicating…sounded gibberish like a language but NOTHING animal-like.

I shook it off…thinking maybe my mind was playing tricks with me or something. Sure enough, however, I heard more of it all around…from every animal.

A new distraction soon took over: we were not too far from the same hill I had wanted to get a signal from. And so, I ran ahead, grabbing my PDA from my bag.

"H-hey, kid!?" The fox said in their indiscernible language. Fink followed and stopped close once I got to the top.

By the time he made it to me, I held my device out above me…waving it high above my head.

Déjà vu, Fink thought, like Roz…they're probably wanting to rejoin their pack.

A subtle hint of sadness hit him, as if he knew my desire to return to civilization and the vulpine didn't try to object. It's only natural to try and find where you belong. Despite being alone, for the most part, Fink still belonged.

I began to get frustrated with the lack of results, "I can't get a connection…why…why is there so much interference here!?"

Suddenly, a small gust of wind struck me, and I began to lose balance! Fink yelped and began rushing toward me, "kid!"

Very shortly after I realized I was too close to the edge, and I was at risk of falling to my death!

"Careful!"

He grabbed my coat with his sharp teeth and pulled me back to safety…unintentionally ripping a small portion of my raincoat in the process. It took a second to catch our breath.

"T-thanks…" I panted, nodding to him before Fink rolled his eyes to me.

Then, that's when I realized that I heard a voice…human-like...just before the fox grabbed me. I rubbed my head before Fink sniffed me, "you okay?"

"Yeah…thanks for that…" that's when my eyes widened, my face went cold as a shiver went down my spine.

W-wait…did he just…DID HE JUST…TALK!?

I shake my head in disbelief…run that by me again!?

"Y-you just talked!" I exclaimed before he stepped back…soon realizing what I just said. He understood what I just muttered also…at least a bit of it. He soon gave a big smile…realizing what this means! It wasn't much but it was progress! We both knew now that somebody like me could learn like Roz…it's working…I think, or maybe I'm just CRAZY!

I stood up…wobbling as Fink tried to help me, "kid…are you alright?" He said in his gibberish, but slowly but surely, I began to pick up broken letters and phrases. I rubbed my face in disbelief…disoriented by all this. My head started getting dizzy…overwhelmed by the influx of new information.

Fink knew this was bad and did everything he could to usher me back to the shelter for the day. After a few minutes, I was stumbling through the forest as if I was intoxicated. The world around me was swirling…many voices were ringing out and starting to be understood by me…but they were not meant to be.

My brain was having a literal battle against the artificial translation from my implant. I gasped…unknowingly running into a tree…holding onto it before I heard more voices from above.

"What is it doing?"

"Something is wrong with it…"

Many different animals were witnessing the event happening…the device on my temple was processing thousands of different chirps and growls and translating them at a pace that my human mind could barely keep up with. Unlike Roz, who probably could withstand this surge, I was only human, so I easily succumbed to whatever was happening.

Was this a mistake? Is it too late to stop it?

I was now learning at such a fast pace that I felt like my head was going to explode! Fink could only watch as I tried stumbling away from the tree I used as an anchor.

And that's when the spinning intensified…voices echoing in my head all around as if I was experiencing psychosis.

"Kid…what is WRONG with you!?" I can hear Fink say in perfect English before I finally fall…face-first…into the ground. I give one last breath before I pass out.

Chapter Text

I slowly opened my eyes…finding myself on the floor, but it wasn't cold. My head began hurting as a massive migraine took over immediately. I tried with much effort to look around, but it's clear that I'm "bedridden" for now.

I don't have to guess where I am for too long: I'm back at the log cabin. I must had been carried here by a large animal or something...possibly Thorn? Sitting across from me…close to the flaming firepit is none other than the feral fox.

Speaking of them, they sensed my awakening and were overwhelmed with joy upon seeing me. They scurried over to me, soon after sitting on their haunches close to me…looking down with a worried expression running down their demeanor.

I raised a hand… rubbed my forehead, "w-what happened?"

"You alright, Two-Legs?"

I stopped…as if all my pain suddenly vanished, I sat up with my eyes widened, gasping, "w-wait a minute! S-so that actually happened back there!?"

"Relax, it happened with Roz…it's happening to you too" he offered his reassurances…speaking in perfect English…or was it English? No, it wasn't, I actually understand his language now!

He inspected me, sniffing me all around as I boxed myself in slightly, trying my best not to freak out at the moment, "so…how did it happen?" He queried.

I stared at the red fox for several seconds…looking away slightly…looking toward the defunct Roz unit on the wall, "I…downloaded Rozzum 7134's database from that Robot over there. I transferred the AI language prompt she had learned, from her backup, into my brain-computer interface."

He just stared at me…at a loss for words before he gave an annoyed look, "have you been talking like that all this time?"

I rolled my eyes, growling back to him, soon brandishing the implant on my temple, "this helped me learn your language" I stated in a simpler manner, "it helps me, and other kids learn lots of things much faster, as a matter of fact. It allows for more leisure and less study overall."

"I…see…" he began circling me as if I was his prey or something. Honestly, I somehow felt intimidated by them now. Instead of the higher pitch wailing and innocent feral yips, he now had a deeper voice akin to an older adult male…with a slight accent no less. Perhaps this was my brain's way of filling in the blanks?

"Is there a problem?" I meekly asked.

"Did Roz send you?" Out of all the questions he wanted to ask me (believe me, I KNOW there's a list) he asked that. I shake my head to them, "I never even heard of them until I came here."

He looked away as if saddened by the news somewhat. I finally stood up before a surge of pain hit my mind and I collapsed forward. The fox had to jump out of the way before walking up to me with concern, "h-hey!? Are you still feeling sick?"

"It must be a side effect…I think I'll be alright…uh…I never got your name…do animals even have names" I looked into his fox eyes before he sat down and smirked.

"Fink, that's my name. I run the show around here…couldn't you tell?" he placed a paw to his chest in a proud manner, leaving one eye open to see my reaction. I shrugged, "I thought the female opossum was in charge?"

"W-what, Pinktail!?" He seemed briefly offended in a sort of over-the-top manner, "she's busy enough taking care of her current litter as it is!"

"Okay, okay. Sorry…" a short silence took over before I broke the awkward moment, officially introducing myself, "my name is Terry…Terry Bennett."

"Uh, what kind of name is that?"

"I should be asking that" I retorted, folding my arms.

"My name is PERFECTLY normal!" The fox snarled.

"Ah huh."

"What's with that second name anyway?" He asked further, "a bit egotistical, don'cha think?"

"My species have last names to distinguish ourselves from one another." I explained. It appears he still found it weird. A lot of things I'll try and tell them will go over their head…I'll have to keep that in mind. And speaking of mind, I suddenly cringed…again feeling the migraine come back. Gosh, with no medicine this is problematic. He sniffed me, trying to make sure whatever I had wasn't fatal. I guess scent would give that away, eh?

"It must be pretty bad…" Fink muttered, rubbing his muzzle-chin before I looked back at him, "I'm sorry, it's just that…you're the first thing…uh, person…I've spoken to since I came here…but you're an animal" I explained, "it's all overwhelming."

He suddenly jumped up and smiled, "well, at least it won't feel like we're talking to a wall with you anymore!"

"I suppose that IS a good thing…I was getting tired of it, honestly" I admitted, still rubbing my forehead.

"Say…the gang's going to be REAL excited to officially meet you!"

"I bet the whole forest will have many questions for me" I lightly chuckled, rolling my eyes a bit.

"I have so many questions!" Fink excitedly said, emphasizing himself, "just don't keep speaking like a robot, for goodness' sake!"

"No promises…" I smirked back at him…mirroring this natural smug tone.

"Okay, first one…what are you?"

And so, I explained everything to Fink, and tried my best. I told him what I was, where I came from, how I ended up here. To the fox, it sounded very similar to Roz's origin story, but the world I described to him was so alien, and he ended up not understanding most of it. The more I talked with him, the less pain I felt in my head. I suppose I was starting to get used to this, which is a good sign.

"You…seem pretty mature for being just a kid…"

"As I stated before, the brain-computer chip I have allows me to learn anything and everything at a rate much faster than normal. We have Techlab Industries to thank, they invented it. More time to spend doing things that actually matter in life."

"Such as?" Fink moved his head closer, demanding a response.

"Allow me to demonstrate" I pulled out my PDA and soon found a video file that I could show Fink. I crouched down and we soon watched a video of humans taking part in leisurely activities. The fox was certainly amazed by how "safe" and orderly everything appeared in Mega-City 7, "so, that's where you're from?"

"Yes, it's far different than this place…it's also far away."

"Looks like it…what are those…tall shiny trees?" He squinted his eyes after I paused the video.

"Skyscrapers. People live and work in them."

"Like squirrels?" He asked with slight irritation, "if that's how you want to associate us by, by all means" I retorted. "Here's my question to you, Fink…" I stow away my device and face the feral creature, "why didn't you ask all this to Roz when she was here?"

"I'm not sure" he looked away in solemn, "I guess I didn't think about it until she was gone…plus, the kids ask me questions during story time, and I have to lie. It's…kind of my trademark." The animal explained, nodding to himself.

"Well, you ARE a fox, you don't have to explain yourself. It's in your nature."

"Now what is THAT supposed to mean?" He stood up and bared his teeth for a brief moment.

"I meant nothing by it. For example, we humans are arrogant, greedy, and ambitious by nature. Every creature has their unique traits that set them apart in nature."

"So…are you those things, kid?"

"Uh…I'm not sure. As you mentioned prior, I'm just a kid. I haven't matured yet, but it won't be long now."

"You seem alright."

I paced the room as he silently watched me, "I should say the same to you, Fink. I can now thank you." He smiled a bit as I continued, "you saved my life…offered me shelter…did everything for me."

"No problemo" he proudly said, puffing out his chest as if he were a superhero or something.

"I got to ask…you never saw me as a threat to the island?"

"W-what do you mean?" He slumped a bit as the heroic "music" in his head stopped suddenly, "did I need to have a reason to NOT save you?"

"Didn't Roz tell you?" I raised an eyebrow, slowly walking toward him before crouching down to be at eye level with them.

"Tell me what?"

"Humans…" I stopped, suddenly brandishing a finger as if I was telling him to stay put. I grabbed my PDA again and tried searching for an example. I found one…a photo I took of the mainland during our expedition out there…or what was left of the mainland after the floods and droughts.

He stared at the transparent image…unsure of what it meant. It was obvious of course: it used to be a forest, but it was cut down…most of it was gone…deforestation. He looked at me with a confused face.

"We humans…we caused that." I explained in a soft, guilty, voice, "I wish I could show you more, but without a connection, I cannot."

"H-how, why?" He looked at me, genuinely curious.

"It's…it's very hard to explain…reference my last statement…my species are…greedy…"

"Hmm…"

I sighed, deciding to sit down in a butterfly pose. I blew out air before I finally said, "it doesn't matter. What's done is done…we can't change the past…but we can set the groundwork for the future…to rebuild." I began to ramble on, "I…I think I understand now…rebuilding wasn't humans making the Mega Cities…perfecting their sealed farm domes…and trying to forget what happened…it's this…all this!" It's as if I was talking to myself at this point…as if I had a sudden realization.

Fink didn't expect me to grab the sides of his mouth as I brought myself closer to him…too close, "do you realize how special your island is, Fink!?"

"Uh…" He said as if his mouth was full before I pulled away, "all the animals here, ALL OF THEM…they're unique to this island. Many of them only exist in small pockets like these, and very few of them remain! Fink…Roz made the right choice to leave…she did it to PROTECT all of you."

"I…I know…" he looked away, and soon it all fell into place what I was explaining to him.

"I…I'm not so sure I should tell the others where I am now…" I suddenly realized…knowing how detrimental it would be to Fink and the others. Once I downloaded the language data, I sealed my fate without realizing it.

"Kid…"

"A robot they could just study and pass it off as abnormal…probably think it's impossible to replicate. I think that's what they did with Rozzum 7134, but a human…knowing how to communicate with all of you…UNDERSTAND THEM…that's something they can't ignore, and they would definitely try to exploit that. They would start coming here, it's too dangerous."

Fink was at a loss for words, "b-but…don't you want to leave? I mean, we'll help you get home…it's pretty much becoming a full-time gig at this point for me" he chuckled lightly.

"I don't know anymore" I admitted, walking away…having my back to him, "so much has happened these past few hours that it's tearing me apart."

"I'll tell you what" he jumped up and walked (with swagger) across the edge behind me to face me again…sitting down shortly after, "let's get you out of here and focus on officially introducing you to the island. Then we can figure this out, sounds good?"

I nodded softly to him, "I suppose I need a break…"

"There you go!" He smirked widely, bushy tail wagging behind him, "say…how good are you at getting us food?" Fink asked.

"You're the fox who's lived here all his life, you should know!"

Drat, the vulpine thought to himself, this won't be like when I first met Roz. Oh well, he's a fast learner, he imitated my voice in his head funny enough. Either way, things should get really interesting having this "human" around.

Sure enough, I grabbed my bag and followed him out. This would turn out to be a really strange day…

Chapter Text

Fink and I left the shelter and were greeted by cloudy skies…but a nicer day than yesterday. This time, unlike the other instances, I would be able to actually communicate with everybody.

The language barrier is gone and now I can focus on making a better impression on the island. There were a few families of deer grazing between the pockets of snow that would most likely be completely gone by the afternoon.

They soon diverted their attention to see me walking by with the fox…waving as I do. The fawn of both families was more than curious and had walked up. The parents tried to stand their ground but the moment I opened my mouth they lowered their defenses.

"Hello" I greeted before they gasped.

"It speaks!" One of the fathers, who had an impressive set of antlers, said. Their child silently sniffed me, pulling away.

"Are you a robot like Roz?"

I shake my head, smiling, "I'm like you."

"You're a deer?" One of the kids rolled their heads in confusion before the mother laughed, walking up, "no, honey, I think what they meant was they are an animal like we are."

"D-do you eat meat?" Another kid asked before the parents got nervous.

"He doessss" Fink said as if to stir the pot…sliding between my legs…giving off his signature mischievous grin, "but it's okay, I won't let him eat any of you unless you make me angry."

I facepalmed, deciding to take out a protein ration to show them, "don't listen to the fox. In situations such as this, this is my source of food."

Sure enough, they gathered…inspecting the bar-shaped food.

"Strange."

"It looks like poo!"

"That's…food?"

Fink slipped through…whispering in the ear of one of the kids, "don't ask 'em what's in that if I were you."

Either way, we said our goodbyes and pressed on: soon making our way through a waterfall and a ravine. We, again, ran into some creatures (raccoons and some other small critters) and he did the same thing with them.

Eventually, I look down toward the fox, who is strutting on all fours…sometimes climbing fallen logs and rocks. He still had that smug grin, half-lidded eyes…

"So, is this going to be a trend with you?" I said with my arms folded, looking down at him. Fink looked straight on, chuckling silently, "I don't know what you mean."

I slapped my arms against my sides, groaning loudly to get his attention, "I'm trying to ingratiate myself with the forest's inhabitants and you're NOT helping, Fink!"

"My dear human…" he gave a fake surprised gasp: sitting on his haunches and putting a paw to his mouth. Then he smirked at me…leaning towards me as I rolled my eyes at the fox, "I'm simply just trying to divulge information on your species. Plus…" he managed to jump on a downed tree that happened to be eye level with me. Fink sat down…crossing his arms and gave a toothy grin at me…straight in my face, "you humans eat deer…I can tell."

I narrowed my eyes at him in response, "and I'm about to eat a fox unless you cut it out, Fink!" I said in my high-pitched voice, pointing a finger at him.

"Ugh…fine…" Fink groaned loudly before jumping down to rejoin our walk, "sucking the joy out of my fun" he whispered to himself.

"How did Roz put up with you…" I muttered but thanks to his superior hearing he heard that. Yet, he found it more fun if I didn't know that.

Either way, we made it to a river with calm water and saw some fish swimming by. The red vulpine inspected the stream before looking up at me, "think you can catch those fish?"

I shake my head, "I don't really have anything to get them."

"No claws, no teeth…how DO you usually get them?"

"Fishing rods…usually."

"Uhh?" He just looked at me, all confused.

"I don't have one anyway, so catching fish will be out of the question…" suddenly, I had an idea, "what about that bear? They could help us!"

"Who…Thorn? He's hibernating."

"Right…" I sighed. Then another thought crossed me, "what if a bird got it for us?"

"Haha, good thinking, kid!" He shoved an arm against my side as a compliment. Silence prevailed until I muttered softly to him, "so...uh...do we just ask around?"

"I actually think there's someone who can help." The fox schemed.

Sure enough, they enlisted the help of the island's fastest raptor bird: Thunderbolt. The bird themselves didn't catch the fish, but knew birds on the island who did. So, it was a bit of in-between with the birds until finally Thunderbolt managed to snag a decently sized fish for us!

"Thanks Thunder!" The vulpine said as the raptor flew off, "anything for my friends!"

Fink turned around and sat...eyeing me, "soooo" he wiggled his paws around…waiting for me to do something. Sure enough, it got awkward and I just stared blankly at him. He gestured the fish with his nose and I soon understood, "I...can't eat this raw…"

"Sure you can, kid!"

"No, I mean...humans aren't meant to eat things raw. I'll cook it later."

"Uh…cook?" The fox raised an eyebrow as I nodded, "we'll just put it over a fire and burn it to a crisp" I laughed at my statement.

"After all that work we put our avian friends through, you want to waste our food?"

"Trust me, Fink, you'll like it." I put it away for safe keeping. We'll definitely have it once we get back to the cabin.

He decided to trust my intuition, since the fox (above all else) was always curious about civilization and its culture since he met Rozzum 7134. Besides, he's had cooked food before...just not fish, so this should be interesting.

Either way, we ran into more animals in our short travels such as the beaver by his pond. Paddler noticed us approaching and (like every other animal) was pleasantly surprised that I could now understand them.

"No hard feelings for slapping you around, mate?" The large rodent asked, "it's all good, I understand. You were just frightened. I heard from Fink that you helped save the forest by cutting down its largest tree."

"You bet! It took months to chip away and it was all worth it, now I'm living the easy life!"

"Looks like it. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Paddler. Good day" I waved before Fink and I moved on.

"Same to you!" Their voice echoed from behind us.

As we ventured into another trail, we heard some noises in the trees...giggles, laughter, which is obviously directed toward us. Sure enough we saw them: a gang of squirrels that had ran up and sat on the branches above Fink and I. They look like they're trouble.

"What do we have here?"

"Two mammals that don't belong on this island!"

"Every time weird stuff happens around here, it's because of Fink!"

Speaking of them, the fox stepped forward with a growl, "what now…"

"Are you THAT lonely that you had to go and bring more freaks to the island?" One gray squirrel chattered before I also moved forward, shaking my head, "why so hostile?"

"Ask your little friend next to you...he DESTROYED our food supply for the winter...now we're here trying to find what we can to make it through Spring!"

I look down toward Fink who suddenly put on a guilty face...his ears folded as he lowered his narrow head toward the ground. He soon scoffed...taking another route to leave the squirrel pack alone before I follow from behind.

"That's right, stay out of our territory if you know what's good for you!"

"Tell your freak show he ain't welcome either!"

Not too long after that, we decided to rest. There was a landmark we came across that I hadn't seen yet: a runway.

It's the same one that Rozzum 7134 made to help Brightbill fly...I had seen it in her recorded video she had downloaded for "Rummage." It's certainly been a while since she had made it because now moss and grass was steadily growing on the runway.

Fink sat down by the edge overlooking the ocean before I do the same...joining him. That encounter put him in a sour mood...he seemed to be ignoring my gaze entirely.

I wanted to try and lighten the mood, "...destroying their food supply huh? What did they do to make you mad?" I chuckled, leaning in toward him, but the fox kept his face tense. Sure enough I fell into silence before I looked back at him, "what is the reason you did it?"

"I'm a fox...I do...foxy things...it's in my nature…"

I nodded back, "you can't help it, huh?" I looked toward the horizon as he started softening up...lying down...crossing his arms, "I can most of the time...it's just...sometimes I can't help it, they're meant to be prey and it's just difficult sometimes to work around that after Roz came to our island."

I nodded in understanding, looking toward his smaller form, "she really did a lot for you guys…"

"She did..."

"You...miss her."

"I miss Brightbill too…"

Things were starting to unravel at that point...I referenced the statement that the squirrel made during our encounter: lonely...Fink was lonely.

"You feel alone…"

"Not as much anymore." He shook his head slightly, wincing a bit, "B-but...I have a family now and I miss them...they left so soon...I don't even know if we'll ever see Roz again…I don't even know if Brightbill will survive this current migration or not. I guess I was heading back to my old self for a while before you came..."

I just listened to what he had to say. I guess it all made perfect sense: meeting me, showing me around, trying his best to ingratiate me into the forest, it was all because he wanted companionship again.

"You...remind me of Brightbill…"

"He does appear to be very in-tune with Roz and the outside world" I laughed a bit, showing my missing tooth before he rolled his eyes at me.

He stood up, shaking himself, "let's get going, kid."

I just stood there and looked on...thinking to myself, Fink's done a lot for me. I suppose I should do something in return.

With that, a smile ran up my face as I nodded to myself, I'll get up bright n early tomorrow...I'm going to do it!

Chapter Text

The morning came. I made sure there was enough light outside to know where I was headed. I will get some clams for Fink and try and get him to undo what he did to the squirrels later.

There's one little problem: I got lost...easily.

Before I knew it, I was walking in circles and now I started freaking out. This is not good. I spent a good ten-twenty minutes looking for a clearing...but it's all just trees. Plus, I'm alone. With Fink, it's not usually a problem...he's the leader so everyone (almost everyone) respects him. Yet, without him, I might as well be somebody's lunch...

I prayed for a way out...or at least a sign that I was headed in the right direction.

Thankfully, I heard several voices nearby: a single female with several young children. I can see them walking next to a tree that had been downed for who knows how long. It's the opossums!

"Mom look, it's the Roz look-alike!"

"Where's your manners!?" Pinktail swatted at her eldest child with a paw.

"I seem to be lost; can you help me?"

"Wait, can he understand us?" One of the younger children gasped before another next to them sighed loudly, "mom's getting soft around strangers."

Pinktail didn't even need to ask how I understood her, only that I needed help. And so, I explained the situation and what I wanted to do for Fink...and the small critter family happily obliged. They led me out of the woods and toward the beach. There, they helped me collect clams: which I gathered in a small bag to take back to the refuge.

"So...do you eat?" I heard one of the kids say as they offered me a clam in their paw. Once I took it, I giggled, "of course I do!"

"Oh yeah, like what...you look like a carnivore" they said, putting their paws on their hips.

I took out my PDA to show them some pictures I had taken last Thanksgiving...many different images of food appeared as the kids gathered in awe.

"With that much food, they probably hibernate!" One said from the back.

"Do you aestivate?" One walked up and asked before I laughed.

"I don't."

Suddenly, the "leader" of the kids circled up my back and rested on my shoulder, "I'm Rowan...the oldest, smartest, and prettiest" she stated with such grandiose gesture. Then, she looked back and forth before whispering in my ear, "don't tell Petunia, she'll bite my face off."

"O-okay..."

"Promise me! Promise me you won't, or I'll bite your face off!" She warned.

"Okay, I promise!" I whispered back before she smiled and nodded in satisfaction...descending to rejoin the others.

The mother soon joined our side, nodding at all the raw mollusks we had collected, "that should be enough. I take it you'll need us to lead you back?"

I nodded "if it's not too much trouble. Unfortunately, my kind does not have a great sense of smell."

"So, you can't smell us when we play dead? Where's the fun in that!?" Petunia exclaimed.

Pinktail just shook her head.

And so, the family leads me back to the only artificial structure in the forest. About halfway there, we hear a panicked voice not too far away...a familiar voice.

It isn't long before we all see who's all worked up: it's Fink! Ah shucks, he's awake!

"Kid! Kid, where are you!?"

Pinktail gave a stern look to me in response as guilt filled me, "you didn't tell Fink where you were going?"

"I was going to be quick, I wanted to surprise him! I got lost remember!"

"Terry, you have to be careful next time...what if it wasn't us who ran into you?" The mother scolded me before I nodded, "sorry."

"Don't apologize to me, apologize to Fink" she suggested before I nodded. I will.

"Don't say we helped you. Say you did everything" Pinktail finished before rushing her children to leave the area.

"Thank you..." I said quietly.

"Bye Terry!" Rowan waved before I returned the gesture.

I watched them on, giving a light smile, they're quite nice...now I know why Roz was close friends with them.

As soon as they were gone, Fink came into view...jumping into the clearing I was at, "kid! Oh, thank goodness...I thought you were chow!" The despair, and soon relief, that was running down his face was insurmountable to ignore, "tell me where you're going next time, okay!?"

"Sorry...I...wanted to do something for you." I crouched down before he walked up and sniffed me, "w-where you at the beach today?" He raised an eyebrow

I nodded, "getting these" I brandished the clams me and the opossums had collected not too long ago, "I know you like them very much."

The red fox sighed softly, shaking his head, "gee, I wonder how you know" he sarcastically grunted, "come on then, I'll take you back."

"Lead the way, Fink" I adjusted my heavier bag, smiling gleefully at him.

...

Once we got back, we had the firepit going and I cooked the fish (we had caught previously) and the clams while Fink watched.

"This is nothing compared to what Dad makes...but it will suffice..." I offered him a piece of the cooked fish, "hopefully I didn't burn it."

"You humans sure put a lot of work into preparing your food..." Fink said with a raised brow.

I simply nodded, "this is nothing compared to what dad makes...but it will suffice" I offered him a piece of the cooked fish, "hopefully I didn't burn it..."

"I-I think you did kid...no offense?" He cringed upon tasting the vertebrae. I also realized that I messed it up a bit, "this is so much easier back at home...everything's automated..." I sighed softly.

"I guess living that life DOES have its perks" Fink laughed...still deciding to eat the portion given to him, "don't sweat it, just eat what you got there...your tummy will thank you later!" He grabbed a clam and threw it in his mouth soon afterward.

"Fink..."

"Hmm?" He looked toward me, still chewing.

"We should fix the problem with the squirrels."

He sighed...rolling his eyes, "was all this just a way to get me to do that?"

I nodded my head, "kinda...yeah" I admitted, "but honestly: I want to return the favor...after all you've done for me."

The fox stood there in silence, thinking to himself before standing up, "ah, what the heck...let's go."

I smiled wholeheartedly at that.

And so, we made our way back into the forest: gathering as many tree nuts as we could carry in my bag and then some.

As we work, I turn toward the animal, "so...how DID you destroy their nut supply?"

He groaned loudly, stopping to turn toward me, "I had Thorn run up their trees and eat them..."

"That's...awful" I retorted.

"Well, I didn't want Thorn to grow hungry in winter and eat me...so, there's that..." he growled at me.

Soon, we realized there wasn't enough space left...I had Fink carry the rest. Now, you might be thinking: how on earth can a feral fox carry them? Well, the solution was simple.

As we walk into squirrel territory, Fink (carrying the food in his mouth like a chipmunk) turns toward me and says with a scornful glare and mouth full, "I hate you."

I laughed it off and walked ahead, introducing myself. In my twelve-year-old high-pitched voice, I yelled at the trees, "everyone. Fink here would like to say something on your behalf! I believe it's an apology." Quickly, as if not to get embarrassed, the adult fox spat out the food behind me and quickly composed himself. I gestured for him to walk forward as the rodents all appeared from their homes in the trees.

He sighed softly, grabbing my brown bag with his teeth and laying it down towards the gathering squirrels, "...sorry for destroying your rations..." he expressed regret.

The leader of the squirrels...an aging female...looks up towards him with vim and vigor, "we accept; however, this is but a quarter of what we lost. We require more to suit our needs."

The vulpine gave a "are you serious" expression before I shrugged, "nothing better to do as of late" I said playfully, "we'll make it our task to retrieve more."

We leave the squirrels as Fink scurried next to me...pointing his black nose at me in response, "what ARE you doing!? Do you realize what you did?"

"We're fixing your problem" I deadpanned.

He bared his fangs slightly at me in annoyance, "do you know how long it'll take to get that many nuts for these greedy rats!? Too long!"

"Then we better get started" I mischievously leaned down toward him before walking ahead. He stopped and groaned loudly, "you're the worst!" His howls echoed in the forest.