Having found its opening, the magic poured out like a mighty river.
And like a mighty river, it reshaped its channel. The magic had adjusted over the generations to the differences between human bodies and foxes. But it still needed a female body to fully engage with the world. Blindly, unconsciously, but with the pressing need to keep its channel alive, the magic reshaped the body of the young fox that was its vessel.
Rob, stunned by the sudden jet of flame (fortunately, the surrounding area was too wet for the fire to spread) felt an overwhelming nausea emanating from the core of his body. Then he passed out from the stress.
Sami and Nick hovered fearfully over their child. While the rest of the litter scattered to play with the friends in other litters they had missed over the rains, Sami squatted by the quiet body of Rob. After she had failed to wake him, she busied herself checking his breathing and making him as comfortable as possible. After making sure the fire wasn't going to spread, Nick joined his worried wife.
The couple noticed that the body of their son was changing. Although male and female foxcubs didn't differ that much on the outside, the two foxes saw that Rob was shrinking, and his hair was growing. Sami was the first to notice that her son's penis was disappearing. She clutched her husband, and the two drew strength from the fact that whatever had happened to their child, the could face it together as a family.
Rob stirred, and woke up. "Oh Rob." Sami hugged her child. "We were so worried."
"What happened?"
"There was a big flame, and then you passed out. We're so glad to see you back!"
"Didn't something else happen? I feel funny."
Sami and Nick exchanged glances. Sami began. "You remember the story of first parents? Do you remember how as they were falling from heaven, Earthfather gave them a special blessing?"
"Yes, he made them a girl and a boy rather than a boy and a girl."
"Rob." Sami hesitated. "Earthfather blessed you the same way."
"You mean I'm, I'm"
"Yes, you're a girl now."
"Oh." Rob didn't seem surprised. "It's still Drying Skymother's Tears, isn't it?"
Nick joined the conversation. "No, you haven't missed anything, s. . . Rob."
Rob smiled. It was going to be a good day, and she was glad she hadn't missed anything.