Foxified

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01. prologue

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“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday my dear Rae, Happy Birthday to you.”

Five years old Rae’s eyes shone with happiness as her parents sang her the birthday song.

“Cut the cake, honey.” Her mother said in a silky voice, a big smile on her face.

“But mommy, the cake won’t be nice anymore if I cut it.” Rae protested with a small frown, innocence radiating from her eyes.

Her father smiled fondly. “Then why don’t you open the present we have for you first? This year’s gift is special, Rae.”

Little Rae tilted her head to the side in anticipation. “Really, Daddy? What is it?” She asked excitedly, bouncing up and down at the idea of a special gift.

Her mother stepped forward with a medium size box. “Open it, dear.” She said softly, exchanging a glance with her husband.

Rae opened the box impatiently with her small hands. She gasped in delight. “Oh look! Daddy, Mommy, it’s a puppy! Is it sleeping?” She inquired, her hands reaching forward in curiosity.

Rae’s father stopped her before she could touch the sleeping animal. “Rae.” He said in a quiet and strong voice.

Rae dropped her hands and looked up immediately. “Yes Daddy?”

Her father bends down with a small smile. “This is not a puppy, Rae. It’s a fox.” He said slowly.

“A fox?” Curiosity invaded Rae’s voice.

“Yes a fox. Now Rae, from now onwards, Kilan,” He gestured towards the light brown fox, “he will be your pet.”

“My pet? His name is Kilan?” Rae asked with awestruck eyes. “I have a pet?”

“Yes Rae, his name is Kilan, and he’s your new pet. I have a fox too. He’s my pet, just like Kilan is your pet. His name is Tenjo. Your grandfather gave Tenjo to me when I was five years old too.”

“Really? How come I never see it Daddy?” Rae asked with a confused expression.

Rae’s father laughed. “I kept him upstairs, honey. He’s at the part of the house where you were not allowed to venture into.”

“Oh that.” Rae scrunched up her nose. “Why can’t I? Daddy and Mommy never told me the reason.” She stomped her foot in indignation.

Rae’s mother smiled. “Rae, you’re still young. We don’t want Daddy’s fox to scare you.”

“But I have Kilan now. So I’m not afraid.” Rae said earnestly.

“Of course.” Her mother replied. “We would like you to meet Tenjo too.” She added.

“Tenjo!” Rae’s father bellowed.

Rae watched as a beautiful gray fox made his entrance. He looked at Rae with friendly eyes and wagged his tail as a greeting. Rae let out a big smile. She reached out and stroked his soft fur. “He’s cute.” Rae said, giggling with the essence of a five year old.

A low growl interrupted the moment. Rae turned around and saw Kilan glaring at her with his striking navy eyes. She hesitated and took a tentative step forward. “Kilan?” She reached out for him, expecting him to curl into her touch like Tenjo had. Instead, Kilan let out another growl and sprinted away from Rae, surprising the little girl. Tenjo took off after him.

Rae turned to her parents with teary eyes. “Daddy, Mommy, Kilan doesn’t like me.” She sobbed. “Kilan doesn’t like Rae.”

Rae’s mother exchanged a worried glance with her husband. “Rae,” She said softly. “Give Kilan some time ok? He will grow to like you, I promise.”

“Really?” Rae looked up with watery eyes, hope shining deep beneath her amber orbs.

“Yes, I promise.”

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A/N: Well, I’m not sure if you guys like this type of story, but it’s an idea that I have, and I would like to try it out. Please do review, thankies.