"Icarus" submitted by Clark of the Almia Ranger Union.
The last feather was stark white, unlike the grayish-brown plumage that clung to the chimchar's fur. She lathered it with her hot saliva, slapped it on her head, and felt herself lighter. The mystical powers of the skyrunners surged within her, she knew.
Scaling the tree to its highest branch, she overlooked the forest canopy. In the far distance, her rival cawed, taunting her. Again. With her tiny fists, she beat her chest and screeched back.
Nearby, a nest of startled hoothoot watched unblinking, her only audience as she ran towards the edge and leapt into the sky.
Soar.
Please.