The Juma & the Tomamu: A Shenkuu Fable

     Those flying Petpets think they have it all, the Juma thought to itself. Always able to escape, having freedom from the difficult mountain climbs. Someone should bring them down a level. The Juma was quite jealous of the feathery wings of the Tomamu, and looked at its own earthbound paws in disdain, not realising that those same paws gave it the ability to tread without noise, and to dig burrows to safety.

     Flicking its fire-orange tail, the Juma decided today it would play a trick on the Tomamu. It approached the pond with a swagger and addressed the unaware Petpet.

     "Dear Tomamu, it's been so long since I've seen you! How beautiful your feathers are today!"

     The Tomamu looked up in surprise, but was quite flattered and startled by the friendliness of the other Petpet.

     "Won't you please join me for dinner tonight? I would love to have the company of such a lovely Petpet as yourself." The Juma spoke with words dripping in honey.

     The Tomamu finally spoke, having an elegant and soft voice. "I would love to, Juma. I always enjoy your company." She ruffled white feathers in contentment.

     "Well then, I'll meet you at the Shenkuu Temple at dusk."

     The Juma trotted away, but when he was finally alone, he could not stop grinning to himself.

     *****

     That evening, everything was prepared exquisitely at the temple as the Juma awaited its victim. When the Tomamu entered, ducking a long beak in greeting, she was surprised to see the table set for the two of them with porcelain dishware.

     "Please join me, Tomamu, and take a seat. So glad to see you this evening. I have prepared the most delicious soup for us for dinner. I certainly hope you enjoy it. " The Juma began with its own dish.

     The Tomamu took a seat opposite, but viewed the dishes with confusion at first. There were only two dishes available, one placed in front of each Petpet. It was a beautifully designed, shallow porcelain bowl. Like most Petpets, they did not rely on silverware. The Juma quickly began lapping up the soup, its canine face well-suited to the shallow dish. The Tomamu attempted to place a long beak into the bowl, but no matter how she oriented the beak against the shallow dish, there was no way to drink it.

     The Tomamu finally realised she had been tricked. Of course, it couldn't rely on this sly Juma! Instead of reacting in rage, she decided to maintain her composure and, with effort, smoothed its ruffled feathers. It would take time, but two could certainly play this game. Patience was always key to a Tomamu anyway.

     "Oh dear," the Juma finally commented. "Looks like you didn't enjoy our soup as much as I did."

     "Have a fine evening, Juma", was all the stoic Petpet could reply as she waltzed out of the shrine, still hungry. The Juma couldn't help but snicker to himself, wiping soup from its pointed snout.

     *****

     Some time later, the Tomamu was again enjoining the peacefulness of the tranquil Shenkuu pond, as she rested at the water's edge with wings folded and beak tucked.

     The Juma gradually came by again, following the scent of something and pouncing at Mootix among the grasses. It showed a toothy grin to the Tomamu. "Good day, Tomamu."

     The feathery Petpet cracked one eye open at the sly Juma, unfurled its long neck and stretched its wings.

     "Why, good afternoon, Juma. Say, why don't I treat you to dinner this time? All Juma are so smart and sly, I would benefit from your worldly conversation greatly."

     The Juma couldn't help but fall for the flattery, raising its pointy ears in interest. "I would love to join you. I have many tales to tell, after all."

     "Then I'll see you at dusk, at the edge of the pond."

     The Juma once again slunk away into the bamboo forest, fiery tail held out proudly. Perhaps someone finally understand its intelligent nature after all.

     *****

     It was evening, and the Juma brushed out his orange fur and tail to precision, wanting to look his best. He thought of himself as a very impressive Petpet. The Juma made his way to the appointed place at dusk, just as the sun was setting over the mountains of Shenkuu.

     The pond was even more beautiful in the coming dusk, the sunset reflecting on the quiet water as Petpetpets called gently in the grass. The Tomamu came prepared this time. She greeted the other Petpet with the false friendliness they had maintained and set their outdoor picnic with flourish, using only the best dishes and decorated placemats.

     "I do hope you enjoy, Juma." The bird-like Petpet placed two porcelain dishes out for them, just as it had last time. However, this time the dishes were a different shape: tall, elegant vases containing the most fragrant soup broth. The Juma even salivated at smelling the appealing meal.

     With ease, the Tomamu placed her long beak into the vase and drank deeply.

     The Juma could only smell the broth inside. He lapped at the edge of the container, but his snout could not fit inside, and even if it did, it wasn't long enough to reach the soup. The Petpet was restrained from licking the top in vain, but could not reach.

     It dawned on the Juma that this was payback. However, he refused to lose face and only grinned with squinted eyes at the other Petpet, watching him carefully with one eye.

     "Ah, well, look at the time. I'm late for a very important meeting, it seems. Juma-business. I certainly must be going."

     "And so soon?" The Tomama couldn't help but rattle his cage a bit. "Well, I surely hope you will join me again soon."

     The Juma left without another word, stomach growling in hunger. A shallow echo could be heard, as if someone was laughing into a porcelain container.

     For all time after, the Juma and the Tomamu treated one another with respect when they crossed paths at the ponds of Shenkuu. They often told each other "good day", but no more than that friendly greeting. The Juma, while still considered a wily and intelligent Petpet, was much less likely to play nefarious tricks ever again. And he certainly never played tricks on certain white-feathered Petpets in the mountains of Shenkuu.

     The End.