The hike started the same as any other; a holiday away from the stress of real life.

The forest lay in an isolated area, miles in from the nearest road. Trees grew densely, shading the interior of the forest. The path I walked was shaded in green light, filtering through the tree canopy.

A few hours in, I heard rustling in the bushes beside me. When I looked over, I saw nothing, so I shrugged it off. However, the sound continued to follow me. Curious, I stood still, looking intently toward the source of the noise.

From the darkness of the brush appeared two icy eyes. I froze.

Stepping into the open, I saw what appeared to be a lion, but its face was that of a fox. It stood four feet tall, and I wondered how it had followed me unnoticed. I remained still, unsure if it was friend or foe, my heart racing in my ears.

It stepped forward, fluffy paws padding silently toward me.

It stopped. I could see tears welling up in its eyes. Help us, she pleaded.

Its voice echoed in my mind. I blinked. "What?" I asked, uncertain how to respond.

I can't do this any longer. My people are dying, and I need help caring for the younglings. Behind her trailed fuzzballs in a myriad of colours; poofs with eyes that shone of fear.

"Me? what can I do?" I asked. "What are you?" I knelt before her, looking at the helpless fuzzballs.

We are Koivu (or was it Quivous?). We have lived here for countless ages, independent of man. But our elders are dying, and the young... She trailed off. Please, can you help me to save them? There are few of us left. She looked back into the depths of the forest, shifting her weight nervously.

I looked at her. Was I imagining things? The poofs began chirping, hopping up to me. Only a foot in size, they looked so innocent, so helpless. I could not resist. "I will help you."

There are more than just these...

"I may not be able to care for them all," I said, "But I can find those who can."