Fox and The Hound: A Spirit Tail

Ch.2

Tod sighed. It had been 1300 years since she'd last been here. The castle of the bird clan was still as big as ever. She hopped out of the carriage, wearing her usual Fox warrior uniform, her small pocket watch hanging around her neck. 'I wonder if I'll see him again,' Tod thought. She tuned out the pleasantries that her parents exchanged with Dinky, until she noticed him turn to her.

"Hey wait a minute here. This can't be the same small fry that wondered off last time she was here."

Lilvana smiled. "Believe it or not, it is. That's our daughter, Todeal."

"Well I got to say, she's grown up quite a bit."

"Well I am 1800 years old now." Tod said. She turned to her parents. "Mother, Father, I'm going to go look around."

"Sweetie, are you sure?"

"Don't worry Mom, I'll be alright." With that Tod walked off.

 

Meanwhile on the other side of the castle, Copper was wondering through the halls of the castle, trying to find that courtyard. Last time he had Tod's scent to guide him, but now he was on his own. Suddenly he picked up a familiar scent. Copper sniffed at the air, where had he smelt that? Copper followed the scent until he came to a familiar place. It was the courtyard he'd met Tod. Copper's ear lifted slightly as he heard something. It sounded like singing. The voice was soft and chiming, Copper could only think of one work to describe it, 'beautiful'. He followed the singing to the centre of the yard, there he saw something he didn't expect.

There sitting on the swing he and Tod had tied to the tree 1300 years ago, was a young adult fox. She was wearing the formal uniform of their warriors, her orange, messy hair came down to her waist and she was wearing a small gold pocked watch around her neck and a single ruby earring was on the right ear. Copper took a step forward and accidently stepped on a twig.

 

Tod looked up quickly at the sound of a twig snapping. To the left of her was a hound, he was wearing the official uniform of the royal military of the hound clan, his golden brown hair was short and neatly cut, his dark brown ears hang loosely, on one was a ruby earring that was just like hers. It took her a few moments to realise just what, or rather who, she was looking at.

"Copper?" She breathed.

"Tod?" Copper said in wonder.

Tod's eyes widened. She quickly got out of her seat and dashed up to her friend, throwing her arms around him.

"Copper! Oh my god, it really is you! You look so different than I remember!" Tod had tears in her eyes.

Carefully, Copper brought his arms up to hug Tod back. "You look different yourself. You're a full woman now."

Tod laughed and punched his arm. "Hey, just 'cause I'm a woman, doesn't mean I still can't take you down in a wrestling match."

Copper laughed. "Oh, really? Care to prove it, little girl?"

"Oh, you asked for it!" Tod laughed as she lunged at Copper.

 

Meanwhile in the gathering hall of the castle, the royal family of hound and the royal family of fox had run into each other. There would have been a full out fight, if the leader of the birds Big Mama, hadn't stepped in.

"Now hold it all of you." Everyone turned to her. "Now I think that this war has gone on for long enough. And frankly darling I don't even know what started it."

"Who do you think-" Chief began, but Big Mama cut him off.

"'I am'? I'm the one that's actually been paying attention to your kids." The two royal families fell silent. "Now 1300 years ago, I saw and amazing sight. Your two kids had been playing together before my very eyes. Now, here's what I propose. Your children stay here in the castle for one year. After that year we'll present them with a choice, to get married or stay apart. Now a marriage between your two families to end this silly war, that's my proposal."

"Our daughter, marry into that?"

"My son, marry into them?"

"It's either that or you break your little ones hearts. What's it ganna be?"

"Very well Big Mama. It is just one year. I doubt our daughter would agree to such a thing any way but if it will please you." Vixous said, folding his arms.

"Alright. One year than he comes home." Dixie agreed.

 

Back with Tod and Copper they had finished their wrestling match at a tie and had started playing on the swing. They felt like little kids.

"Copper."

"Todeal."

The two friends turned to see their parents, standing at the edge of the yard, they did not look pleased.

"Todeal, come here, please." Vixous said sternly.

Copper looked at Tod. "'Todeal'?"

She shook her head. "Only my parents call me that."

"Copper, come here." Chief ordered.

"What a grouch." Tod muttered before getting up and going to her parents.

Copper chuckled at Tod's comment, before going over to his mother and grandfather. Once the two families were away from each other the adults turned to their young ones.

"Todeal." Vixous said to his daughter. "You're going to be staying here for a while, to learn of the bird clan's culture."

"The fox child will be staying as well." Chief told Copper. "We want you to treat her like you would any member of that clan."

"They are our enemies, Todeal. Remember that."

 

Todeal sighed. Why did she have to stay away from Copper? This war was stupid anyway. She was sitting on a bench in the courtyard, fiddling with her hair. She turned at the sound of someone coming and saw Copper come toward her. She turned away sadly. Copper couldn't stand seeing Tod so sad. He walked up and knelt down next to her.

Hey, don't be looking down that way.

Copper gently took Tod's hand and pulled her to her feet.

Gonna do great things you'll see.

Yeah, I know we're gonna do good now

We should now

He led her through the courtyard and up the stairs of the castle to the top of the tower where they could see the town bellow.

We've got this destiny.

Copper smiled at Tod as she hugged him.

My friend, you can count on me.

Copper began leading Tod even higher up.

We won't just get by.

Hang on tight.

And we'll have adventures.

Diamonds and pearls.

We'll rescue damsels.

Did I mention Girl?

Tod rolled her eyes at that. But continued to follow Copper as they came out onto the roof and were greeted by the darkening sky as the first stars came out.

And then, I'll pick a star from the sky.

And all our dreams will come true, One-Two-Three.

You can count of me.

He began leading Tod back into the castle, a huge smile on his face.

You can always count on me.

'Cause I've got lots of plans.

So stick with me

And there will be riches

And magical places

A privet oasis

Out there in the sands

Till then

Copper opened the door to the room for Tod and let her through. He went in as Tod let out a yawn.

You keep smiling through

He helped Tod into bed and tucked her in.

And we'll get by

On what's out there for free

Troubles may appear

But turn and I'll be here

Copper turned back as he got to the door and smile.

You can count on me.

He flipped the light switch and left, closing the door behind him.