The Brave Soul's Burden

A scattering of greens, browns, and reds covered the forest. Trees, magnificent and malicious, towered above, swaying and groaning, mocking the Creatures of the Ground. During this taunt, the Creatures of the Sky defended the groundlings with chirps, teasing the tall green beasts.

"You may reach as high as us, but we can fly," they would say.

Critters—crawling, running, climbing, leaping, swimming, and flying—travelled the forest to feed their young, to feed themselves, to play, or for entertainment. All moved with purpose.

Occasionally, Deer of the Grass, Tigers of the Rocks, Birds of the Sky, Monkeys of the Trees, and even Ants of the Dirt would work together. One such occasion was the Passing, a time when the forest was cleansed, making room for new life.

Birds of the Sky would fly over the forest, announcing to every animal and insect:

"Prepare for the Passing...Gather your young..."

"Mother?" asked Aki'U, a Deer of the Grass.

"What is it?" Ji'Unku answered, while gathering her children.

"Do we need the Passing?"

"Of course." She nudged Aki'U ahead and lined him up with his siblings. "It brings new life into our world."

"What if..."

"Not now, Aki'U. Get your father."

Aki'U obeyed and searched for his father. He had never liked the Passing. Everyone hurried, frantic, shouting until all gathered in one place and became deathly silent. That's when they would see the white smoke, odorless, tasteless. The only enjoyable part was having his friends gathered in one place.

After a while, Aki'U found his father, not far from home, speaking with a Tiger of the Rocks. Aki'U wanted to stay and listen, but his father turned around and spoke.

"I know, Aki'U. Return home. I'll be there."

"Yes, father."

Aki'U walked slowly, so that his father could catch up. It wasn't long before he heard a loud, "Remember what I said, Aki'Bu."

Aki'U turned around and saw his father nod to the Tiger of the Rocks.

"What was that, father?" Aki'U asked.

"Nothing, Aki."

"Why were you speaking with a Tiger of the Rocks?"

"Come, now, Aki. Too many questions. Remember what happened to the Cats of the Ground? They are a descendent of the Tigers of the Rocks, who betrayed us to fellowship with the Two-Leg-Uprights."

"Yes, I remember."

"Then you know that too many questions lead to disgrace?"

"Yes, father." Aki'U hung his head. He hated being chastised.

"Now, Aki'U, it is the Passing, but you don't have to act like it. There, I see your brothers and sisters. Run to them."

"Okay, father!"

Aki'U ran as fast as his legs could manage. He played with his siblings. They chased each other in circles, tossed sticks and pinecones to each other, and hid as they waited for their parents.

Suddenly, Birds of the Sky flew past the playing Deer, alerting the animals of the forest.

"It's time for Relocation...time for Relocation...Start migrating to the appointed area."

"Come, children!" Aki'Bu called. They ran to their parents; Ji'Unku counted, accounting for everyone.

"We're ready," Ji'Unku told Aki'Bu.