Monark woke up on a rock. This rock was very cold and smooth. Opening her nose, the place smelled of water; she was unused to this smell on its own. She smelled no food and heard only a low, droning hum.

Opening her eyes, she saw that she was in a cave. This, too, was made of the cold, smooth stone. She heard heavy footfall, like a hooved creature. What she saw next was another man in a funny white coat. He looked at her and laughed; he had something large in one hand. He opened one side of it, and set it down next to her; he continued to laugh as he left.

Curious, she padded over to it and looked in the hole. Before her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she smelled him. She barked softly, wagging her tail. He was a tod!

He woke up, hearing and smelling her. Before his eyes could adjust to the light, he got up and yipped with joy; his long, lonely captivity must finally have come to an end! They nuzzled each other, then took in each other's scents and committed these to memory.

They heard a rattling in the distance. Being more adventurous, she started walking toward it first. He followed, more to stay with her than to see what it was.

Monark was confused by the bowl. Its contents smelled vaguely like a dead animal, but they didn't look or feel like they had ever been alive. Nor did they look, feel, or smell like apples or other fruit that foxes love to eat.

Darkon (for such was the name of the male fox) was familiar with these already. It was the only food they would ever get; his expression fell, as he'd hoped he'd found her because he was set free. He ate a little to show her it was alright.

There was no telling how long they would be here. After they ate, they went back into his box and curled up together to sleep.

They were captives, but if they stayed together it might not be so bad...