The Value of Kicks

    By かわちゃん

    The Value of Kicks cover image

    29 Feb, 2024

    a fox and a fox cub are walking through the woods together, with a red jacket on and a red jacket on, furry art, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, key art

    Once upon a time, in a lush forest filled with various animals, lived a young fox named Kicks. Kicks was an ordinary fox with a shiny red coat and a bushy tail. He was happy but often found himself comparing his qualities with other animals in the forest.

    a fox is running through a forest with leaves on the ground and trees in the background, with leaves falling from the trees, furry art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    Kicks had friends who were beautiful peacocks with vibrant feathers, mighty elephants with strong trunks, and quick cheetahs with swift legs. He felt that unlike his friends, he had no special qualities or talents.

    a painting of a fox sitting on a rock in a river with a sunset in the background and trees, furry art, a digital painting, Dan Mumford, serene

    One day, Kicks was sitting by a river, watching the fish swim. He noticed how they moved swiftly and gracefully, making him feel even more ordinary. He sighed, "I wish I could be as special as them."

    a cartoon fox running through a forest with a red jacket on and a red jacket on, and a red blazer on, furry art, a character portrait, Diego Gisbert Llorens, official art

    Suddenly, a small rabbit named Hoppy came running towards him. He was panting heavily and looked scared. "Kicks," he gasped, "the forest is on fire! We need to escape!"

    a fox in a red jacket is running through the woods with a fox on his back and a red jacket on, furry art, a storybook illustration, Caspar Wolf, comic cover art

    Kicks was shocked. He looked towards the direction Hoppy had come from and saw smoke rising. He knew they had to act quickly. "Hoppy, follow me," he said and ran towards the safe part of the forest.

    a painting of two foxes running through a forest with birds flying overhead and a fire blazing in the air, furry art, concept art, Dan Mumford, official art

    Kicks ran to warn the other animals, his legs moving faster than he thought possible. The elephants used their trunks to spray water on the fire while the birds flew overhead, guiding the animals to safety.

    a fox standing on a rock near a river with a fire in the background and a forest fire in the background, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, official art

    Despite their efforts, the fire was spreading too quickly. They needed to cross the river, but many animals were afraid of water. Kicks, however, had an idea. He had watched the fish and knew how to swim.

    a fox standing in a river surrounded by rocks and flowers with a forest in the background and a stream running through it, furry art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, official art

    Kicks jumped into the river and swam back and forth, showing the other animals that it was safe. Encouraged, the animals began to follow, crossing the river one by one, led by Kicks.

    a fox sitting on a rock in a forest by a stream of water and trees with a sun shining through the trees, furry art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, forest

    Even after everyone had crossed the river, Kicks didn't rest. He made sure every animal reached the safe part of the forest. Only then did he allow himself to rest, exhausted but relieved.

    a fox in a red jacket and a peacock in a forest with red flowers and leaves, and a red jacket with a red hood, blue tail, and a red jacket, and a blue, furry art, a character portrait, Aaron Jasinski, official art

    The next day, Kicks woke up to the sound of chirping birds. The forest was safe again. The fire had been put out and the animals were slowly returning to their homes.

    a painting of a fox and her cubs in the woods with the sun shining through the trees behind them, furry art, a storybook illustration, Aaron Jasinski, official art

    The animals gathered around Kicks, thanking him for his bravery. "You saved us, Kicks," said the elephant, "Your speed and courage are what makes you special." The other animals nodded in agreement.

    a fox and a fox cub are walking through a forest together, with a red jacket on and a green coat on, furry art, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, official art

    Kicks was surprised. He had always believed he was just an ordinary fox. But now, he realized that even though he didn't have vibrant feathers, a strong trunk, or swift legs, he had something equally valuable.

    a fox in a red coat is standing in the woods with flowers and trees around him, and a forest path is in the background, furry art, a character portrait, Beatrix Potter, official art

    He had the courage to face danger, the speed to act quickly, and the wisdom to lead others. He had saved the forest and its inhabitants, and for that, he was special.

    a fox in a red coat stands in a forest with red flowers and trees, looking at the camera, furry art, a character portrait, Aaron Jasinski, official art

    From that day forward, Kicks no longer felt ordinary. He understood that each animal in the forest had unique qualities, including him. He realized that everyone is special in their own way.

    a fox in a red coat is standing in the woods with birds flying around him and a waterfall in the background, furry art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, key art

    Kicks continued to live in the forest, now with a newfound confidence. He played with the peacocks, ran with the cheetahs, and even swam with the fish. He was happy and content with who he was.

    a fox sitting in a forest with flowers and trees around it, looking at the camera with a smile, furry art, a character portrait, Anne Said, official art

    The forest thrived under the watchful eye of Kicks. The animals lived in harmony, respecting each other's abilities and talents. Kicks, once an ordinary fox, was now a hero in the eyes of all.

    a fox and a baby fox in a field of flowers and trees with a tent in the background and a tent in the background, furry art, a storybook illustration, Anne Said, official art

    One day, a young rabbit asked Kicks, "How did you become so special?" Kicks smiled and replied, "By realizing that I was special all along. And so are you."

    a painting of a fox in a red coat surrounded by other foxes in a forest with a man in the background, furry art, a storybook illustration, Aaron Jasinski, furaffinity

    Kicks' story spread throughout the forest and beyond. Animals, young and old, learned the important lesson that everyone has unique qualities that make them special. And that self-belief is the first step to recognizing one's worth.

    a fox in a red jacket is standing in the woods with leaves on the ground and trees in the background, furry art, a character portrait, Cliff Childs, official art

    Kicks the Fox will always be remembered as the fox who saved the forest. But more importantly, he will be remembered as the fox who taught others the value of self-worth. And that, was his special gift to the forest.

    a red fox in a red jacket stands in a forest with flowers and trees in the background, with a bright light coming from behind, furry art, a character portrait, Aaron Jasinski, official art

    So, the next time you feel ordinary, remember Kicks. Remember that everyone has something unique about them. And that being yourself, is what truly makes you special.

    a red fox sitting in the middle of a forest with flowers and trees around it, looking at the camera, furry art, a storybook illustration, Aaron Jasinski, official art

    Kicks the Fox lived happily in the forest, content in his own skin, proud of his own abilities. He knew he was special, not because he was told so, but because he believed so. And that made all the difference.