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The talk of the morning over breakfast was the daring escape of Ash and Agnes. All the badger kids would retell their own versions of it, trying to out-fantasize the others with what they feel they would have done in the same situation.
“I’m afraid going to school at six in the morning would be out of the question.”
“Well, we could teach you, Ash, if there was no other way.”
Ash grimaced at the thought, but having to dodge an owl each morning wasn’t a better option.
“My father and I used to homeschool. At the time we couldn’t make the trip to the nearby school. I’d argue that it has more educational, though not necessarily any social, benefits than a normal school.” Kristopherson said.
Ash considered that. Education wise, Ash wasn’t sure what he wanted for his life; perhaps playing in a major sporting league, since athletics was his main passion. Perhaps a scholarship could get him to a university. That was something to think of during highschool, which would be starting next semester. It would really be no different than his previous schooling experience, since his parents usually helped him with his homework anyway after school.
“Also, Agnes, I wanted to take this time while we were here as a family to ask you, would you want to become part of our family?”
Agnes looked shocked, while Ash and Kristopherson looked sick. Agnes looked at the two older foxes and replied, “I thought I was already.”
Mr. and Mrs. Fox smiled, Mrs. Fox looked a bit more emotional about it. Both the older Foxes breathed a grateful sigh and Mr. Fox grinned. “Alright then.” Agnes smiled.
“Should I keep the cake in the fridge until the Badger’s leave?” Mrs. Fox asked her husband, only being loud enough for the Foxes to hear.
“Probably, that is, if you intend on fighting back the whole Badger family singlehandedly.”
“Thanks.” Mrs. Fox said, noting the lack of support.
The two older foxes couldn’t contain their excitement for Agnes, who was practically beaming at the family. Mrs. Fox had even taken liberties to get a cake in celebration for Agnes. It was only the boys who looked a little shocked and ever so slightly sick at the idea of someone they had considered marrying some day was now related to them. Of course, being foxes still, those rules could be bent, as sometimes was with humans. But, still, it was the principle of the thing. For the moment, though, the two tried to look like they enjoyed this new transition.
“I’m glad you’re going to be staying, Agnes.” Ash said, which was the truth.
Agnes smiled, looking down, feeling a little overcome with emotion. Kristopherson tentatively reached for her shoulder, but Agnes, ignorant to the fox’s intention, quickly stood and said, “excuse me.” Agnes quickly entered her room that contained her ‘unfinished’ painting. Quickly, after giving it a quick run over, she set to work adding more to it.

Later that day, Mrs. Fox found her husband looking out at the woods. “What’s wrong Foxy?”
“What are we going to do about that owl?” Mr. Fox asked.
“Why do you think we should do anything with it? Would teaching the children at home be too much?”
“It’s not that,” Mr. Fox said, eyes narrowing. “Owls don’t just stay in one place, they hunt wherever there’s food. I’m thinking this bird may become a menace soon if we don’t do anything about it.”
“Maybe we could ask the Jets, they could probably do something.”
“Maybe,” Mr. Fox said skeptically. “Tomorrow we’re going to have to get the Badgers settled with a home, whether it’s back in the sewer, or set up a different tree for them. Either way, that owl will be on the lookout every night from now on.”
Mrs. Fox looked uncomfortable with that mindset, but didn’t let that get to her too much. “Foxy, we’ll find a solution-”
A shadow fell over the pair. Immediately Mr. Fox looked up. “Get inside.” He said flatly. Mrs. Fox obeyed wordlessly. Mr. Fox looked at the sky. The owl was coming. Mrs. Fox’s voice could be heard as Mr. Fox backed into the house, telling the kids to get up to their rooms. Mr. Fox would have contacted Mr. Jet, but the owl came much earlier than he expected. Suddenly, a shot rained out. The bird took flight and flew off. Mr. Fox looked out the window and saw Mr. Jet standing on his back lawn with a pistol in hand, smoke curling off the barrel.