The forest was pretty quiet without Roz around. Well, as quiet as it could be now that Spring had suitably sprung. Even after the assault on the animals’ home by those jerks who tried to take their friend, the robot they’d regrettably labeled as a ‘monster’, who had given them so much and asked for nothing in return, it didn’t dampen their spirits by any means. Least of all Fink, the once-wily fox who would do anything for a fresh meal: lie, cheat, steal, you name it.

But dang it, Roz had an effect on him. Now, instead of being the hated jerk of the forest who hated everyone else in turn, he found himself actually caring about others. Heck, everyone did. Predators and prey, working together as one to rebuild their home. Who’da thunk?

He had no regrets, though. Not when he had a sweet little runty goose like Brightbill to look after for Roz, who had grown well in the months following the forest fire, leading his own flock and making him so dang proud.

Fink wouldn’t say that out loud, though; those stupid squirrels would just laugh at him again. It’s okay, he had plenty of acorns to chuck at them.

Right now, he found himself nestled up in the den, which had since become a shelter for all the animals that called this island their home – though he had it all to himself at the moment.

…

Or, at least he did until he heard something rustle its way inside. Peering up from his nice, comfy bed with a miffed glower from being awoken, he spotted an animal he didn’t recognize right away, curiously sniffing around.

New neighbors. Huh.

Getting onto his paws, he stretched out with a relaxed grunt before padding over to them.

“Hey, how’s it goin’, pal?” he casually greeted, though was surprised when they jumped a little. “Whoa-whoa, hey, easy – no one's gonna hurt you. Kay? Everyone’s welcome to take a load off here if they want, even you… mysterious stranger.”

He chuckled. “Heh, well, I know a thing or two about being ‘mysterious’. The name’s Fink. You got a name, or are we sticking with ‘mysterious stranger’?”