{"submission_id":"1921069","keywords":[{"keyword_id":"21","keyword_name":"dragon","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"93975"},{"keyword_id":"123","keyword_name":"female","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"616525"},{"keyword_id":"28976","keyword_name":"fluffball","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"44"},{"keyword_id":"33","keyword_name":"fox","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"156521"},{"keyword_id":"165","keyword_name":"male","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"737962"},{"keyword_id":"186","keyword_name":"rabbit","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"75432"},{"keyword_id":"2361","keyword_name":"robot","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"9242"}],"hidden":"f","scraps":"f","favorite":"f","favorites_count":"3","create_datetime":"2019-07-04 04:43:57.967461+02","create_datetime_usertime":"04 Jul 2019 04:43 CEST","last_file_update_datetime":"2019-07-04 04:41:40.62236+02","last_file_update_datetime_usertime":"04 Jul 2019 04:41 CEST","username":"Commando672","user_id":"252991","user_icon_file_name":"178003_Commando672_zach_head_icon_.png","user_icon_url_large":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/large/178/178003_Commando672_zach_head_icon_.png","user_icon_url_medium":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/medium/178/178003_Commando672_zach_head_icon_.png","user_icon_url_small":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/small/178/178003_Commando672_zach_head_icon_.png","file_name":"2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.png","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/2766/2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.png","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/2766/2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.png","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2766/2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.jpg","thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2766/2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.jpg","thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2766/2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover_noncustom.jpg","thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2766/2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover_noncustom.jpg","thumb_medium_noncustom_x":"120","thumb_medium_noncustom_y":"92","thumb_large_noncustom_x":"200","thumb_large_noncustom_y":"153","thumb_huge_noncustom_x":"300","thumb_huge_noncustom_y":"229","files":[{"file_id":"2766133","file_name":"2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.png","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/2766/2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.png","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/2766/2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.png","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2766/2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.jpg","mimetype":"image/png","submission_id":"1921069","user_id":"252991","submission_file_order":"0","full_size_x":"2296","full_size_y":"1756","screen_size_x":"920","screen_size_y":"704","preview_size_x":"300","preview_size_y":"229","initial_file_md5":"15eef21dbe64c1c1a4c7a352429aff06","full_file_md5":"85dcb3fe06fb1aabb5d8056b1ae2edf6","large_file_md5":"952c7ae32dd2d31d23737d0de2671ee9","small_file_md5":"33a7ef9fe8b83ce8fb390bde6a761b48","thumbnail_md5":"0e82e93d1f1dd57db6da21b20bc8f020","deleted":"f","create_datetime":"2019-07-04 04:41:40.62236+02","create_datetime_usertime":"04 Jul 2019 04:41 CEST","thumbnail_url_huge_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/2766/2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover.jpg","thumbnail_url_large_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2766/2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover_noncustom.jpg","thumbnail_url_medium_noncustom":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2766/2766133_Commando672_fox_and_friends_cover_noncustom.jpg","thumb_medium_noncustom_x":"120","thumb_medium_noncustom_y":"92","thumb_large_noncustom_x":"200","thumb_large_noncustom_y":"153","thumb_huge_noncustom_x":"300","thumb_huge_noncustom_y":"229"}],"pools":[],"description":"Awwww isn't Zach and Melissa's moment adorable? Also, here's Amina! :D","description_bbcode_parsed":"<span style='word-wrap: break-word;'>Awwww isn&#039;t Zach and Melissa&#039;s moment adorable? Also, here&#039;s Amina! :D</span>","writing":"The infamous steamy sounds from the calliope deafen the noises of the city, as well as screams of joy and terror from the rides. Bells and whistles sound off from the various game stalls littered around the area. The scents of cotton candy, corn dogs, funnel cakes, and other carnival goodies fill the air, driving those with weak minds and empty stomachs to purchase them for consumption. Upon arrival, the four friends stick together for the rides they eagerly wait for. They obtain their first enjoyment from riding the colorfully-painted horses of the carousel, spinning around at a slow pace as the carnival music plays. The gang soon find their fun swirling around rapidly while spinning in the large cups of the teacups before escalating their thrills on the runaway train roller coaster, screaming with excitement as it speeds around the wooden track above the fair. They soon find themselves against each other in the crowded spaces of the bumper cars pit, driving into one another, yet laughing with every bump and crash. After leaving the dodgems, the friends soon split into groups of two; one with Echo and Firework, and their new pet fluffball, while Zach and Melissa become the other. They spread among the tented stalls of the various games hosted. \nZach walks over to the first booth and places a coin on the table. Eyeing the rifle, he picks it up and aims. When the “outlaws” spring up from hidden places, the fox fires, hitting the targets in the middle with paintballs. After twenty shots with no misses, he is declared the winner, and receives his prize: a stuffed pink slime creature with no features but big, oval eyes and a smile, much resembling a fluffball. “Here, Melissa.” The fox extends his paws to her with the plush in them. \n“Oh, Zach!” She gracefully takes it and hugs the stuffed toy. “You’re so kind.” \nZach lets out a chuckle. “I’m always kind…”\n“Hey,” Melissa starts, looking at her fox friend. “Is it okay if you’d go on one ride with me? Just me, no one else.”\n“Um, sure… What ride?”\n“Come.” Melissa leads Zach away from the games and on line to the large wheel, hoisting animals around, up above the ground before descending.\nZach stares at the giant circular marvel. “The Ferris Wheel?! M-Melissa, I don’t know about this…”\n“What’s wrong? Scared?”\n“I… y-yeah… I’m afraid of heights…” \n“It’ll be okay, Zach. I’ll be sitting next to you on the ride. You won’t be alone.”\n“Y-you sure?” Melissa nods before turning back to the moving line. After being the next ones up, they take their seat in the open gondola before the operator closes the iron safety bar down in front of them. As the animal returns to the operating controls, the gondola lurches forward, moving upwards in a slow pace. Zach’s breathing and heartrate increase with their height, prompting him to grasp hold tightly. One paw of his latches onto the bar with the other gripping the animal’s paw next to him. Melissa takes notice of him holding her paw in his, but doesn’t hesitate or recoil it. Once the wheel comes to an abrupt stop, the fox and rabbit are way above the carnival grounds, touching the sky from within their seat. \n“Whoa, Zach,” Melissa begins. “Look at this view. Isn’t it pretty?” \nZach takes a look around, viewing the sun-lit clouds with the hue of orange as if the whole sky had been ignited on fire. “Y-yeah… I-It truly is pretty… Just like you…”\nMelissa smiles at him. “You’re such a sweet fox.” Zach faces her. “You’re very cute when you flirt and I love it when you hold my paw.” \nZach’s cheeks appear to turn pink. “Um, I… I’m sorry… I just-”\n“Zach, it’s okay. I don’t mind. I really enjoy your company. I do. It’s been a very long time since I felt love, and you’ve brought it back to me.”\nZach looks at her in the eyes. “M-Melissa, are you saying you-”\nMelissa nods, interrupting him. “Zach, I love you. You’ve been the only animal I feel I want to be closer with. There are so many things I could ask my daddy for, and he would get it for me with Capital Corp, with money, or anything else without interacting with me. But it doesn’t feel great when you don’t feel loved in return. I don’t want diamonds, fancy dresses, elegant dinners, or anything luxurious. I want to be loved and adored, and you make me feel that way when I’m around you. I want to be with you.”\n“Have you felt this way after our little moment in the shower?”\nShe nods again. “I’ve been holding back, thought… I always thought you were still infatuated with that sheep… I just-”\n“Actually, Melissa,” Zach starts. “There’s something I need to confess to you…” Melissa stands by and waits for him to speak as he looks to the skyline. “After we first met, for the first time, I never thought of Cindy at all. Yes, I felt heartbroken when she rejected me, and I was hoping to see her again to try and talk with her, but I don’t want her anymore… I’ve had my mind focused on someone different… Someone who’s been friendly, generous, and means a lot to me, and she’s helped me get back on my feet again.” He looks to the rabbit. “And that person is you, Melissa. However, I’ve pushed my feelings back because I was afraid… I was afraid you’d wanted someone much better than I would… I mean, who would want a flawed fox anyway?”\n“You’re not flawed.” Melissa places her paw against the fox’s cheek, pressing against his fluff and caressing it. “You’re fantastic.”\n“R-really?” \n“Yes.” She leans closer to him, as does he, connecting their lips together as they remain suspended in the air in their seat. Scooting closer to each other, they lock themselves in their arms, embracing the comfort of each other as their bodies press against one another and their mouths hold them in place. \n\n*** \n\nBack on the ground, Echo and Firework walk amongst the crowd. Cotton remains snug on top of the robot’s head as they shuffle around. The two struggle as they hold various prizes of stuffed creatures in their arms. Upon making it through, they approach the rabbit and fox as they exit the Ferris Wheel. \n“Hello, Zach and Melissa,” says Echo. “It is good to regroup with you. How was your fun together without us?”\n“Oh, we just played a game and went on one ride,” Melissa utters. “Looks like you and Firework hit it big on the prizes.”\n“Firework and Echo master gamers!” Firework tells her. “Firework and Echo win many prizes!” Cotton squeaks in rejoice.\n“We see that,” chuckles Zach. “Looks like you two are going to sleep well tonight. Speaking of which… I don’t mean to ruin the fun, but maybe it’s time to head home. Wouldn’t want Melissa’s father to be worried.”\n“It isn’t,” Melissa says. “He usually doesn’t come home around late at night. But he probably will be a bit concerned that we have one of his robots, and a dragon child with a pet. We’re going to need to explain it all to him…”\n“Nothing we can’t handle,” Zach assures her. “Let’s just head back to the manor.” Melissa leads the way as her friends follow her. “That Ferris Wheel was so high up… I’ve never been so far off the ground in all my life…”\n“You should always try new things,” Echo adds. “Trying new things helps boost one’s confidence and character.”\nZach sighs. “I guess it does…” The ruffle of leaves catches him off guard, causing him to turn and scan the source. “What was that?”\nMelissa stops and turns to him, along with the others. “Huh? What do you mean, Zach?” \n“I heard something… Came from over there.” He points in the direction he heard the noise from. Echo scans, but reports nothing.\n“Probably just some creatures roaming about,” Melissa suggests. “Nothing to worry about.” More leaves ruffling stirs uneasiness in the gang. \nFirework inches closer, hiding behind the fox and using his tail to mask himself. “Firework not comfortable…”\n“Don’t worry, Firework. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Just some-” She pauses after watching a shadow zip by and disappear. “Oh, that did not look like a forest creature!” Echo’s colors change quickly to white as he gets behind Melissa. Cotton uses his tail as a means of hiding, trembling with fear. \nZach spots the shadow and traces it to a nearby bush, which ruffles and diverts the gang’s attention to. “Hello? Someone there? We know you’re in that bush! Come on out!” The bush ruffles as a shadow sticks out, standing. The figure steps out of the bush and appears in the shape of a fox with a feminine build. It looks toward the gang. It walks toward everyone with ease. The shadow reveals itself to be a fox, much like Zach, but with red fur and female build. A tuft of hair on her head resembles that of Zach’s. Her only accessories are the chocolate-brown bra top and loincloth covering her female parts. She stops before the gang, standing in place as her green eyes stare at them. \n“Hello there,” she says in such a heavenly voice. “I apologize for my actions. I did not mean to frighten you.” \n“Are you here to rob us?” Melissa asks.  \n“Why no,” she responds, shaking her head. “I mean no harm. I wouldn’t dare attack those who have helped unfortunate, helpless ones. I value your kind souls.”\n“Who are you?” Echo queries. “My scanners cannot pick up your information with this reception…”\n“They call me Amina,” the red fox tells him. “I am a wanderer. I have traveled great distances to meet the one I’ve helped.”\n“Helped?” Melissa repeats. “Who did you help?” Amina points to the orange fox. Everyone turns to Zach, who relaxes from his ready stance. “Zach? You helped Zach?” \nAmina nods. “Indeed, I have.” She walks up to Zach. “I am glad to see you again, and that you are in good health.”\n“Wait.” Zach raises his paws up. “Hold on. I’ve never seen you before. I don’t even know you… This is the first time I’ve met you.”\n“Yes, it is. However, I know you. I’ve helped you because I’ve felt it wasn’t right; the way you were treated.”\n“What red fox lady talking about?” Firework utters.\n“Allow me to recount a story,” Amina begins, keeping her gaze on the other fox. “Have you told them about your misfortunes in Heroto?” Zach nods. “I was there. I had witnessed you leave and enter the forest. You seemed deeply upset, yet I had to know why. I pursued you down the path, learning of your past and present from ranting your story to no soul around. Then, that huge beast, unlike anything I’ve ever hunted, emerged from the trees and set its eyes on you. However, you were no match for the large animal, receiving scratches and injuries to your body. I was able to kill the beast with my bow and arrows. Once the large creature collapsed in death, you had disappeared. However, I saw you left a trail of blood for me to follow. Soon, I came upon your motionless body. I did what I could, applying herbal remedies and stopping the blood, but it wasn’t enough. You needed more help… I carried your body back down the river until I heard the noisy horns of civilization. I wandered down, but had stopped from hearing voices. I had thought it was some threat, so I ran. However, I realized I had dropped you while retreating. I went to retrieve you, but the voices were getting closer. I couldn’t risk getting spotted… I was afraid of being seen… I climbed the trees to hide and watched in the hopes the strangers would leave, and I would carry you onwards. Those four animals found you in the brush, though. They took you back to their home to help you. I’ve been trying to track you down, tried to find you to ensure you were safe… And now, I have found you.” Echo shows she is telling the truth.\n“You were the one who saved my life from the beast,” Zach comments, fixed on her. “You helped me when I was hurt… You’re the reason I’m alive… Why did you wait until now to appear?”\n“I was afraid,” Amina tells him. “I did not know what those animals were going to do if they found me. I am sorry I did not appear sooner. I am nothing but-”\n“Amina…” Zach puts his paw on her shoulder and smiles. “It’s okay. If it wasn’t for you, I would’ve been dead. I wouldn’t have met my friends here. Thank you…”\n“I never knew I’ve made a big impact on such a single soul with such small actions. I must know something, however. What is your name?”\n“My name is Zach.” He goes around to introduce the gang to her. After telling her who his friends are, he shifts back to Amina. “I appreciate everything you’ve done.”\n“Where do you come from, Amina?” asks Melissa. “Do you have a tribe?”\n“Sadly, I do not,” Amina says. “I did live in a tribe when I was a kid. But they decided to send me out into the woods and leave me for dead. They’ve deemed me as unworthy and unfit because I struggled to do things on my own. That didn’t stop me from learning, however. With time, I learned how to craft my own tools and weapons, plant crops, hunt, build fires and other structures, and so forth. I’ve been alone for years.”\n“That is why you helped Zach,” Melissa adds. “You have commonalities with him… He’s not the only one, though. I’m the same with my father, as well as my old school. Everyone wouldn’t talk to me or go near me…”\n“I fit in with Zach and Melissa as well,” Echo utters, turning blue with a frown. “The other robots from my facility would make belittle me because of my size, function, and purpose. They do not take kind to robots who aren’t like them; tall, combat-worthy, and inhumane. I do not fit in with them…”\n“Firework share pain,” says the grey dragon. “Firework banned from flock because was annoying to them. Now Firework with new flock, but memories hurt Firework so much...” Cotton’s ears droop, sharing everyone’s past with them.\n“I understand how you all feel,” Amina comments. “It’s something we’ve all been through, and it’s what has made us who we are. Perhaps you may find it better if I tagged along with you.” The gang look to her, curious to what she means. “I have been alone in all the years it took me to learn… I have found it isn’t natural to be on your own for the rest of your life. When you have no one, it makes life miserable.” She looks to Zach. “When I found you, I had high hopes to become a friend, but was too afraid to come forth until now. I ask if you’d be so kind to add another loyal animal to your party.” Zach turns his head to Melissa, who looks at him as well. \nThe rabbit gives him a slight tilt of her head before facing the red fox. “I’m sure we can work something out, Amina. I can try and talk to my father about taking you in. Not sure what his response will be, but we’ll see what happens.”\n“Much obliged, Good Melissa. I shall accompany you to your dwelling.” Amina follows her new friends as they continue down the trail back to the city.\n“I have so much to explain to my father,” remarks Melissa.\n“Don’t worry, I have your back, Melissa,” Zach tells her. “I’m sure your dad will understand... hopefully.” \n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"<span style='word-wrap: break-word;'>The infamous steamy sounds from the calliope deafen the noises of the city, as well as screams of joy and terror from the rides. Bells and whistles sound off from the various game stalls littered around the area. The scents of cotton candy, corn dogs, funnel cakes, and other carnival goodies fill the air, driving those with weak minds and empty stomachs to purchase them for consumption. Upon arrival, the four friends stick together for the rides they eagerly wait for. They obtain their first enjoyment from riding the colorfully-painted horses of the carousel, spinning around at a slow pace as the carnival music plays. The gang soon find their fun swirling around rapidly while spinning in the large cups of the teacups before escalating their thrills on the runaway train roller coaster, screaming with excitement as it speeds around the wooden track above the fair. They soon find themselves against each other in the crowded spaces of the bumper cars pit, driving into one another, yet laughing with every bump and crash. After leaving the dodgems, the friends soon split into groups of two; one with Echo and Firework, and their new pet fluffball, while Zach and Melissa become the other. They spread among the tented stalls of the various games hosted. <br />Zach walks over to the first booth and places a coin on the table. Eyeing the rifle, he picks it up and aims. When the &ldquo;outlaws&rdquo; spring up from hidden places, the fox fires, hitting the targets in the middle with paintballs. After twenty shots with no misses, he is declared the winner, and receives his prize: a stuffed pink slime creature with no features but big, oval eyes and a smile, much resembling a fluffball. &ldquo;Here, Melissa.&rdquo; The fox extends his paws to her with the plush in them. <br />&ldquo;Oh, Zach!&rdquo; She gracefully takes it and hugs the stuffed toy. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re so kind.&rdquo; <br />Zach lets out a chuckle. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m always kind&hellip;&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Hey,&rdquo; Melissa starts, looking at her fox friend. &ldquo;Is it okay if you&rsquo;d go on one ride with me? Just me, no one else.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Um, sure&hellip; What ride?&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Come.&rdquo; Melissa leads Zach away from the games and on line to the large wheel, hoisting animals around, up above the ground before descending.<br />Zach stares at the giant circular marvel. &ldquo;The Ferris Wheel?! M-Melissa, I don&rsquo;t know about this&hellip;&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;What&rsquo;s wrong? Scared?&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;I&hellip; y-yeah&hellip; I&rsquo;m afraid of heights&hellip;&rdquo; <br />&ldquo;It&rsquo;ll be okay, Zach. I&rsquo;ll be sitting next to you on the ride. You won&rsquo;t be alone.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Y-you sure?&rdquo; Melissa nods before turning back to the moving line. After being the next ones up, they take their seat in the open gondola before the operator closes the iron safety bar down in front of them. As the animal returns to the operating controls, the gondola lurches forward, moving upwards in a slow pace. Zach&rsquo;s breathing and heartrate increase with their height, prompting him to grasp hold tightly. One paw of his latches onto the bar with the other gripping the animal&rsquo;s paw next to him. Melissa takes notice of him holding her paw in his, but doesn&rsquo;t hesitate or recoil it. Once the wheel comes to an abrupt stop, the fox and rabbit are way above the carnival grounds, touching the sky from within their seat. <br />&ldquo;Whoa, Zach,&rdquo; Melissa begins. &ldquo;Look at this view. Isn&rsquo;t it pretty?&rdquo; <br />Zach takes a look around, viewing the sun-lit clouds with the hue of orange as if the whole sky had been ignited on fire. &ldquo;Y-yeah&hellip; I-It truly is pretty&hellip; Just like you&hellip;&rdquo;<br />Melissa smiles at him. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re such a sweet fox.&rdquo; Zach faces her. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re very cute when you flirt and I love it when you hold my paw.&rdquo; <br />Zach&rsquo;s cheeks appear to turn pink. &ldquo;Um, I&hellip; I&rsquo;m sorry&hellip; I just-&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Zach, it&rsquo;s okay. I don&rsquo;t mind. I really enjoy your company. I do. It&rsquo;s been a very long time since I felt love, and you&rsquo;ve brought it back to me.&rdquo;<br />Zach looks at her in the eyes. &ldquo;M-Melissa, are you saying you-&rdquo;<br />Melissa nods, interrupting him. &ldquo;Zach, I love you. You&rsquo;ve been the only animal I feel I want to be closer with. There are so many things I could ask my daddy for, and he would get it for me with Capital Corp, with money, or anything else without interacting with me. But it doesn&rsquo;t feel great when you don&rsquo;t feel loved in return. I don&rsquo;t want diamonds, fancy dresses, elegant dinners, or anything luxurious. I want to be loved and adored, and you make me feel that way when I&rsquo;m around you. I want to be with you.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Have you felt this way after our little moment in the shower?&rdquo;<br />She nods again. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been holding back, thought&hellip; I always thought you were still infatuated with that sheep&hellip; I just-&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Actually, Melissa,&rdquo; Zach starts. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s something I need to confess to you&hellip;&rdquo; Melissa stands by and waits for him to speak as he looks to the skyline. &ldquo;After we first met, for the first time, I never thought of Cindy at all. Yes, I felt heartbroken when she rejected me, and I was hoping to see her again to try and talk with her, but I don&rsquo;t want her anymore&hellip; I&rsquo;ve had my mind focused on someone different&hellip; Someone who&rsquo;s been friendly, generous, and means a lot to me, and she&rsquo;s helped me get back on my feet again.&rdquo; He looks to the rabbit. &ldquo;And that person is you, Melissa. However, I&rsquo;ve pushed my feelings back because I was afraid&hellip; I was afraid you&rsquo;d wanted someone much better than I would&hellip; I mean, who would want a flawed fox anyway?&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;You&rsquo;re not flawed.&rdquo; Melissa places her paw against the fox&rsquo;s cheek, pressing against his fluff and caressing it. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re fantastic.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;R-really?&rdquo; <br />&ldquo;Yes.&rdquo; She leans closer to him, as does he, connecting their lips together as they remain suspended in the air in their seat. Scooting closer to each other, they lock themselves in their arms, embracing the comfort of each other as their bodies press against one another and their mouths hold them in place. <br /><br />*** <br /><br />Back on the ground, Echo and Firework walk amongst the crowd. Cotton remains snug on top of the robot&rsquo;s head as they shuffle around. The two struggle as they hold various prizes of stuffed creatures in their arms. Upon making it through, they approach the rabbit and fox as they exit the Ferris Wheel. <br />&ldquo;Hello, Zach and Melissa,&rdquo; says Echo. &ldquo;It is good to regroup with you. How was your fun together without us?&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Oh, we just played a game and went on one ride,&rdquo; Melissa utters. &ldquo;Looks like you and Firework hit it big on the prizes.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Firework and Echo master gamers!&rdquo; Firework tells her. &ldquo;Firework and Echo win many prizes!&rdquo; Cotton squeaks in rejoice.<br />&ldquo;We see that,&rdquo; chuckles Zach. &ldquo;Looks like you two are going to sleep well tonight. Speaking of which&hellip; I don&rsquo;t mean to ruin the fun, but maybe it&rsquo;s time to head home. Wouldn&rsquo;t want Melissa&rsquo;s father to be worried.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;It isn&rsquo;t,&rdquo; Melissa says. &ldquo;He usually doesn&rsquo;t come home around late at night. But he probably will be a bit concerned that we have one of his robots, and a dragon child with a pet. We&rsquo;re going to need to explain it all to him&hellip;&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Nothing we can&rsquo;t handle,&rdquo; Zach assures her. &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s just head back to the manor.&rdquo; Melissa leads the way as her friends follow her. &ldquo;That Ferris Wheel was so high up&hellip; I&rsquo;ve never been so far off the ground in all my life&hellip;&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;You should always try new things,&rdquo; Echo adds. &ldquo;Trying new things helps boost one&rsquo;s confidence and character.&rdquo;<br />Zach sighs. &ldquo;I guess it does&hellip;&rdquo; The ruffle of leaves catches him off guard, causing him to turn and scan the source. &ldquo;What was that?&rdquo;<br />Melissa stops and turns to him, along with the others. &ldquo;Huh? What do you mean, Zach?&rdquo; <br />&ldquo;I heard something&hellip; Came from over there.&rdquo; He points in the direction he heard the noise from. Echo scans, but reports nothing.<br />&ldquo;Probably just some creatures roaming about,&rdquo; Melissa suggests. &ldquo;Nothing to worry about.&rdquo; More leaves ruffling stirs uneasiness in the gang. <br />Firework inches closer, hiding behind the fox and using his tail to mask himself. &ldquo;Firework not comfortable&hellip;&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t worry, Firework. There&rsquo;s nothing to be afraid of. Just some-&rdquo; She pauses after watching a shadow zip by and disappear. &ldquo;Oh, that did not look like a forest creature!&rdquo; Echo&rsquo;s colors change quickly to white as he gets behind Melissa. Cotton uses his tail as a means of hiding, trembling with fear. <br />Zach spots the shadow and traces it to a nearby bush, which ruffles and diverts the gang&rsquo;s attention to. &ldquo;Hello? Someone there? We know you&rsquo;re in that bush! Come on out!&rdquo; The bush ruffles as a shadow sticks out, standing. The figure steps out of the bush and appears in the shape of a fox with a feminine build. It looks toward the gang. It walks toward everyone with ease. The shadow reveals itself to be a fox, much like Zach, but with red fur and female build. A tuft of hair on her head resembles that of Zach&rsquo;s. Her only accessories are the chocolate-brown bra top and loincloth covering her female parts. She stops before the gang, standing in place as her green eyes stare at them. <br />&ldquo;Hello there,&rdquo; she says in such a heavenly voice. &ldquo;I apologize for my actions. I did not mean to frighten you.&rdquo; <br />&ldquo;Are you here to rob us?&rdquo; Melissa asks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;Why no,&rdquo; she responds, shaking her head. &ldquo;I mean no harm. I wouldn&rsquo;t dare attack those who have helped unfortunate, helpless ones. I value your kind souls.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Who are you?&rdquo; Echo queries. &ldquo;My scanners cannot pick up your information with this reception&hellip;&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;They call me Amina,&rdquo; the red fox tells him. &ldquo;I am a wanderer. I have traveled great distances to meet the one I&rsquo;ve helped.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Helped?&rdquo; Melissa repeats. &ldquo;Who did you help?&rdquo; Amina points to the orange fox. Everyone turns to Zach, who relaxes from his ready stance. &ldquo;Zach? You helped Zach?&rdquo; <br />Amina nods. &ldquo;Indeed, I have.&rdquo; She walks up to Zach. &ldquo;I am glad to see you again, and that you are in good health.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Wait.&rdquo; Zach raises his paws up. &ldquo;Hold on. I&rsquo;ve never seen you before. I don&rsquo;t even know you&hellip; This is the first time I&rsquo;ve met you.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Yes, it is. However, I know you. I&rsquo;ve helped you because I&rsquo;ve felt it wasn&rsquo;t right; the way you were treated.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;What red fox lady talking about?&rdquo; Firework utters.<br />&ldquo;Allow me to recount a story,&rdquo; Amina begins, keeping her gaze on the other fox. &ldquo;Have you told them about your misfortunes in Heroto?&rdquo; Zach nods. &ldquo;I was there. I had witnessed you leave and enter the forest. You seemed deeply upset, yet I had to know why. I pursued you down the path, learning of your past and present from ranting your story to no soul around. Then, that huge beast, unlike anything I&rsquo;ve ever hunted, emerged from the trees and set its eyes on you. However, you were no match for the large animal, receiving scratches and injuries to your body. I was able to kill the beast with my bow and arrows. Once the large creature collapsed in death, you had disappeared. However, I saw you left a trail of blood for me to follow. Soon, I came upon your motionless body. I did what I could, applying herbal remedies and stopping the blood, but it wasn&rsquo;t enough. You needed more help&hellip; I carried your body back down the river until I heard the noisy horns of civilization. I wandered down, but had stopped from hearing voices. I had thought it was some threat, so I ran. However, I realized I had dropped you while retreating. I went to retrieve you, but the voices were getting closer. I couldn&rsquo;t risk getting spotted&hellip; I was afraid of being seen&hellip; I climbed the trees to hide and watched in the hopes the strangers would leave, and I would carry you onwards. Those four animals found you in the brush, though. They took you back to their home to help you. I&rsquo;ve been trying to track you down, tried to find you to ensure you were safe&hellip; And now, I have found you.&rdquo; Echo shows she is telling the truth.<br />&ldquo;You were the one who saved my life from the beast,&rdquo; Zach comments, fixed on her. &ldquo;You helped me when I was hurt&hellip; You&rsquo;re the reason I&rsquo;m alive&hellip; Why did you wait until now to appear?&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;I was afraid,&rdquo; Amina tells him. &ldquo;I did not know what those animals were going to do if they found me. I am sorry I did not appear sooner. I am nothing but-&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Amina&hellip;&rdquo; Zach puts his paw on her shoulder and smiles. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s okay. If it wasn&rsquo;t for you, I would&rsquo;ve been dead. I wouldn&rsquo;t have met my friends here. Thank you&hellip;&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;I never knew I&rsquo;ve made a big impact on such a single soul with such small actions. I must know something, however. What is your name?&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;My name is Zach.&rdquo; He goes around to introduce the gang to her. After telling her who his friends are, he shifts back to Amina. &ldquo;I appreciate everything you&rsquo;ve done.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Where do you come from, Amina?&rdquo; asks Melissa. &ldquo;Do you have a tribe?&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Sadly, I do not,&rdquo; Amina says. &ldquo;I did live in a tribe when I was a kid. But they decided to send me out into the woods and leave me for dead. They&rsquo;ve deemed me as unworthy and unfit because I struggled to do things on my own. That didn&rsquo;t stop me from learning, however. With time, I learned how to craft my own tools and weapons, plant crops, hunt, build fires and other structures, and so forth. I&rsquo;ve been alone for years.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;That is why you helped Zach,&rdquo; Melissa adds. &ldquo;You have commonalities with him&hellip; He&rsquo;s not the only one, though. I&rsquo;m the same with my father, as well as my old school. Everyone wouldn&rsquo;t talk to me or go near me&hellip;&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;I fit in with Zach and Melissa as well,&rdquo; Echo utters, turning blue with a frown. &ldquo;The other robots from my facility would make belittle me because of my size, function, and purpose. They do not take kind to robots who aren&rsquo;t like them; tall, combat-worthy, and inhumane. I do not fit in with them&hellip;&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Firework share pain,&rdquo; says the grey dragon. &ldquo;Firework banned from flock because was annoying to them. Now Firework with new flock, but memories hurt Firework so much...&rdquo; Cotton&rsquo;s ears droop, sharing everyone&rsquo;s past with them.<br />&ldquo;I understand how you all feel,&rdquo; Amina comments. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s something we&rsquo;ve all been through, and it&rsquo;s what has made us who we are. Perhaps you may find it better if I tagged along with you.&rdquo; The gang look to her, curious to what she means. &ldquo;I have been alone in all the years it took me to learn&hellip; I have found it isn&rsquo;t natural to be on your own for the rest of your life. When you have no one, it makes life miserable.&rdquo; She looks to Zach. &ldquo;When I found you, I had high hopes to become a friend, but was too afraid to come forth until now. I ask if you&rsquo;d be so kind to add another loyal animal to your party.&rdquo; Zach turns his head to Melissa, who looks at him as well. <br />The rabbit gives him a slight tilt of her head before facing the red fox. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sure we can work something out, Amina. I can try and talk to my father about taking you in. Not sure what his response will be, but we&rsquo;ll see what happens.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Much obliged, Good Melissa. I shall accompany you to your dwelling.&rdquo; Amina follows her new friends as they continue down the trail back to the city.<br />&ldquo;I have so much to explain to my father,&rdquo; remarks Melissa.<br />&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t worry, I have your back, Melissa,&rdquo; Zach tells her. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sure your dad will understand... hopefully.&rdquo; <br /></span>","pools_count":0,"title":"Fox and Friends Episode 6: A Fair and A Fox","deleted":"f","public":"t","mimetype":"image/png","pagecount":"1","rating_id":"0","rating_name":"General","ratings":[],"submission_type_id":"12","type_name":"Writing - Document","guest_block":"f","friends_only":"f","comments_count":"3","views":"25","sales_description":null,"forsale":"f","digitalsales":"f","printsales":"f","digital_price":""}