The Rares

Chapter 5

~~~~Russet~~~~

I heard footsteps.

I crept to my door, which was slightly open.

"Russet?" Cosan murmured, his voice strangely muffled.

I blinked at him. He was carrying food.

I took it from him. "Thank you," I replied.

"How are your kits?" He asked me.

"They're good. Getting close to opening their eyes."

It had been two weeks since the kits were born, but I hadn't​ decided on names.

"When will we see them?"

"When they're four weeks. The usual time that they leave a den."

"What are their names?"

"They don't have names yet."

"Go eat," Cosan ordered. "You need it."

I nodded, and turned away, laying back next to my kits.

They suddenly woke up, squealing.

The gray one headed right for me, but the black kit ended up going in circles.

"Silly little thing," I laughed, nudging him to the right direction.

I looked at my black-furred son.

"I know what I'll name you," I told him, as if he could hear me. "I'll call you Zimri. That means 'spin' in some languages."

Zimri gekkered a little, as if in response.

My unnamed kit squeaked.

"I didn't forget you, little one." I nuzzled him.

His fur was soft, and felt like his father's.

"Well, I can't name you Zerrec." I mused. "Cosan would never have it."

His shook his head, side to side.

"But I want your name to start with a 'z'. What will I name you?"

I looked down at the meat Cosan had brought me.

"I'll eat, then think. How about that, kits?"

I ate quickly, swiping my tongue over my jaws when I was done.

Refreshed, I looked back down at my kit, now trying to climb up my side.

I put my muzzle near him, and he clung on as I lifted my head back up.

"You're light as a feather!" I laughed.

A burst of inspiration hit me as I set him back down.

"Zephyr!" I told him triumphantly. "I'll name you Zephyr."

Zephyr lifted his head. He looked like Jasper did when he was trying to open his eyes.

I watched patiently as Zephyr struggled. Unsuccessful, he gave up.

Zimri squealed. I looked to him quickly.

He had opened his eyes, and was gazing around in wonder.

"Hi, Zimri," I murmured. "How do you like your eyes being open?"

"It's...Wow!" He exclaimed. "Everything's so big!"

I smiled down at my little pup, and noticed his eyes.

Instead of being the normal gray/blue that fox kits eyes are supposed to be, his were bloodred.

Like Zorio.