A vixen curled up in her nest, watching contently at her three pups.

" This couldn't get any better..." she sighed, " Three pups... A wonderful mate... And a safe and friendly place for my pups to grow up in..." She smiled. A small whimper sounded from one of the pups. The youngest of the three stirred in her sleep; she buried her muzzle into her tail. The vixen curled tightly around her pups and gently licked the youngest pup. " Its alright.... No harm shall come to you..." she muttered as she drifted off to sleep...

"PROTECT THE NURSERY!!" a loud howl sounded, jolting the vixen from her sleep. She looked in shock as a black, muscular fox stumbled into the nursery. He panted as his wounds flowed freely.

" Star Wing...." he panted, " Humans.... They're invading..."

" What do you mean..?' the vixen asked, " How... How did they find us..?" she flicked her tail anxiously. " Dragon Fur... Tell me... Whats going on..?" Dragon Fur didn't respond, he just collapse weakly on the ground. " Dragon Fur..?" Star Wing whispered, " DRAGON FUR??!!" He didn't respond. The scent of smoke suddenly filled the air. " What..?" Star Wing Sniffed the air once more, " A fire..? Whats happening??"

"FALL BACK!! DEFEND THE VILLAGE!!" a voice howled. A loud crash sounded outside, followed by the distressed barks of foxes and the loud shouts of the humans. Star Wing yelped in surprise, then quickly covered her muzzle.

" Oops...." She whispered, " Too loud... Don't want to wake the pups." A quiet whimper told Star Wing that she was too late. A black and silver head poked above her tail bushy red tail. " Soul Fire..," Star Wing muttered soothingly, " Everything's okay... " Soul Fire looked at Star Wing with her bi-colored eyes.

" Whats happening..?" Soul Fire asked timidly. She looked nervous and terrified.

" Wake your brothers..." Star Wing in a quiet voice. Soul Fire began to shake one of her litter mates, Dark Claw, with her fore paws. He paid to attention to it. " Try using your ability, Soul Fire." Star Wing instructed.

" Okay... I'll try.." Soul Fire barked. She shut her eyes and concentrated. A flickering red aura surrounded the pup. After a few minutes, Dark Claw snapped his head up in surprise. He glared at Soul Fire with his red eyes.

" What's your problem, little sis?" he growled, slightly annoyed. Soul Fire looked away and turned to do the same to her other litter mate, Ice Storm. Ice Storm soon woke up with the same shock and surprise as Dark Claw.

" Sis..? Whats the matter?" he asked. He tilted his head to the side, worry showing in his pale yellow eyes.

" Ice Storm... take your siblings and leave..." Star Wing barked. " Flee, go far away from this place." Her command caused a storm whines and whimpers of protest.

" Why do we have to leave??"

" Whats happening??"

" I cant leave you here!!"

" No, Its no longer safe for you here, leave." Star Wing commanded, tears formed at her eyes as she spoke. " Go, take this with you..." She handed Ice Storm a scroll and flicks her tail to the back of the nursery. " This will lead you to safety, away from here..." Ice Storm nodded and nudged Dark Claw towards the back of the nursery.

" Soul Fire, come, lets go." Ice Storm growled. Soul Fire lowered her head, she whispered softly.

" I'll be out in a couple of heartbeats... I need to do something first..." she whispered.

" Alright, don't take too long, Soul Fire." Ice Storm barked over his shoulder as he and Dark Claw disappeared beyond the sheltering ferns. Soul Fire trotted over to Star Wing. Her eyes were filled with sorrow.

" Good bye.... I'll always remember you..." She nuzzled Star Wing's flank. Star Wing knew that she wouldn't forget Soul Fire either. She smiled and licked Soul Fire's ears.

" I won't forget you either, my daughter... I love you with all my heart..." She muttered. They stayed like that for a couple heartbeats. Then Soul Fire slowly drew back and backed away towards the shadowy ferns. Star Wing watched as the shadows swallowed her daughter's dark pelt until only her bi-colored eyes glowed in the shadows. She held back her tears as the eyes faded away as Soul Fire turned around to join her litter mates outside. "Farewell, my beloved pups.... This is where we must depart....."