Chapter 2: Beneath the Pale Lights
The sky had darkened into a deep indigo, the streets glistening from the rain that had passed.
Cars whooshed by, headlights cutting through the mist.
Michael stood near the curb, drenched, heart pounding, his hospital ID still clipped to his coat pocket.
In his arms was the limp, broken body of a small fox.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(breathless, concerned)It’s okay. Stay with me, little one.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
You’re going to be okay.
His scrubs were still stained from a long shift, but he didn’t hesitate.
He flagged down a cab, voice sharp with urgency.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(to driver) Pet emergency hospital. Now.
The small animal hospital glowed sterile and quiet beneath flickering fluorescent lights.
A tired vet tech rushed out with a stretcher, and Michael gently handed the fox over.
Veterinarian
(assessing) She’s breathing. Shallow. Some visible wounds.
Veterinarian
We’ll take it from here, sir.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(nodding) Please… help her.
Michael paced in the cold waiting room. The clock ticked in slow, mocking rhythm.
He sat. Stood again. Ran a hand through his damp hair.
His phone buzzed, missed messages, calls, but he ignored them all.
His thoughts kept drifting to the fox’s eyes.
Even through pain, they held something… not quite animal.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(quietly to himself) Where did you come from?
An hour later, the vet walked out, clipboard in hand, his expression calm.
Veterinarian
(kindly) She’s stable. You got her here just in time.
Veterinarian
She was dehydrated, had low glucose levels, and a few external injuries.
Veterinarian
We’ve bandaged her up, gave her fluids and a shot to ease the internal bruising.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(sighing in relief) Thank God…
Veterinarian
(continuing) Her front paw’s a little swollen, likely a sprain. And some bruising along the abdomen.
Veterinarian
She’ll need rest, and it’d be best to keep her somewhere quiet and warm for a few days.
Veterinarian
Are you her owner?
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(hesitating) …I found her on the road. Hit by a car.
Veterinarian
(gentle) Then you might be the only one she has. She’s lucky.
Michael left the hospital with the little fox late at night.
His home sat tucked at the edge of a quiet street.
Porch light flickering, lawn freshly cut, the kind of place that felt safe.
He gently opened the house door, cradling the still-unconscious fox in his arms.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(murmuring) Let’s get you somewhere soft, little survivor.
He walked carefully, mindful of the fox’s fragile body.
His living room was cozy, books stacked on every shelf, a soft couch, and photos of family and friends.
He fetched a clean towel and a soft pillow, arranging them in a little nest near the fireplace.
He placed the fox down gently.
Her fur had been cleaned, her small paw wrapped in a pale bandage.
Her chest rose and fell in steady rhythm.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(kneeling beside her) There you go… safe now.
He reached out, brushing his fingers softly through her fur.
She was warmer now. Less pale.
Still too small. Still trembling faintly.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(voice low, gentle) You fought to stay alive.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
And I’ll fight for you now.
As the night wore on. Michael stayed on the couch nearby, blanket over his lap, watching the fire crackle.
Inside, a secret did too.
He didn’t know that the fox lying there wasn’t just an animal. That her name was Izzy.
That she came from an ancient bloodline touched by the spirit realm.
That somewhere deep inside her chest, her heart was still calling out...
Izzy / FL Fox Form
(unconscious, weak thought) Kai… I haven’t given up yet…
Her tail twitched. A flicker of gold shimmered beneath her fur.. brief, faint.
Michael didn’t notice. But he leaned forward, brushing her ear gently.
Dr Michael Ren / ML
(softly) I’m not letting you go. Not tonight. Not ever.
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