Seymour's Hakama: Part I

8/14/2019 Seymour's Hakama: Part I

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SeymoursHakama: Part I

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Let yourhakamabe a reminder that courage comes

in different shapes and sizes.


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Seymours Hakama:

Part I


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Folded Hakama

Hakamasare trousers worn long ago by warriors in a placefar to the east, and used still today in both the East and

the West by some who practice martial arts.


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Seymours Hakama:

Part I

Tom Chen and Kathleen Ranlett Mock


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No part of this book may be used orreproduced in any manner without written permission.

Copyright 2007 by Tom Chen and Kathleen Ranlett Mock

Published by Bradley Press231 Cambridge Ave

Kensington, CA 94708


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For Tigger,who provided inspiration for this story,

and mentored the feral littermates, Pup and Geddy.


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A Feline Family HistoryWhats all the commotion?

Uh-oh, were in trouble now, Seymour thought. The orange kitten hung

on the windowsill by one paw.Cant you two stay put while I nap?

Pepper makes it look so easy. Seymour dropped from the windowsill and

hid his round body behind the broken pot. Im sorry Uncle Higgins. I didnt

mean to knock the plant over. I just wanted to be with Pepper.

I dont suppose you could sit quietly to watch birds. Why the two of

you jump around and flap your legs, Ill never comprehend. What must the

cats next door think? The kitten let out a quiet mew as his eyes watered.

Its okay, Seymour, dont cry. The grown cat licked the kittens head. I

just wish, he continued, that you wouldnt break up the household trying to

do everything that sister of yours does. He nudged Seymour back to the

kittens box. Seymour scrambled over the edge and headed straight for the

food bowl.

Higgins raised his voice: Pepper, get back in here! The gray kitten

ignored him. Her eyes never left the sky as she flapped her paws up and down.

Higgins jumped up, grabbed her by the nape of the neck, and dropped her into

her box. Didnt I tell you about that behavior, Pepper? The cats next door

will think Im feeding you too much catnip!

No sooner had Higgins begun washing his forepaws than Pepper scrambled

up the edge of the box and jumped. Higgins heard the kittens paws hit the

floor. I cant even do a proper grooming. Bristling his brown and blackstriped fur, he grumbled, Nursemaid! Ive become nursemaid to a couple of

feral kittens. Higgins grabbed Pepper and dropped her in again. Pepper, this

time, stay put.


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Inside the box, Pepper growled as she paced back and forth, her catnip

mouse in her jaws. Her name referred to her spicy temperament, not her looks.

The edges of her ears had a dash of purple, but it was barely noticeable when

she was in motion. Her gray fur was lighter than the spice people sprinkle on

food. Compared to the other cats, her coat was nondescript. It sported not a

single stripe, much less orange-marmalade swirls like Seymours. Nor was there

white on her muzzle, chest, and paws to set off the colorthose accents

belonged to Higgins. But Seymour wasnt fooled by his sisters coat; he knew it

covered an animal as lively as they come.

That sister of mine! Seymour, mouth full of kibble, looked up and

mumbled, Dont be upset at Uncle Higgins, Pepper. Hes teaching us to be

proper catlings. I dont think he likes it when we copycat the birds.

Higgins doesnt have a clue about what Im trying to do, Seymour. Imnot a copycat. One day Im gonna... Peppers voice trailed off in a soft snore.

Seymour cuddled up next to her and shut his eyes. Gonna what? Seymour

drifted into his own catnap as he puzzled over her comment.


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As weeks went by, Pepper continued to jump out of her box, and then

graduated to springing onto chairs and leaping from tables. Soon, old enough to

be outside alone, the fence became her favorite launching site. One day

Seymour watched as she leapt off the fence and barely missed a prickly cactusas she landed on the ground.

Cats dont fly, Higgins told Seymour as he held him up so he could get

a closer view. You and your sister might as well get that straight.

Pepper is like the flying squirrels, Uncle Higgins.

Higgins straightened his back. I shouldnt have told you about them. I

might have known Pepper would go overboard with this flying business, and you

would follow right along.

Just then Pepper leapt so high that she cleared the tall cactus.

Hooray, Pepper! cheered Seymour, bouncing up and down in Higgins embrace.

But the sound was no sooner out of Seymours mouth than his sister landed with

a thud. Seymour scrambled down and ran to her side. Her head and shoulders

sagged. Dont be discouraged, Peppy, youll do it, I know you will. Peppers

wiry stance returned as he comforted her. She licked her paws then stood,

stretched, and climbed back up the fence.

No member of the species is expected to land softly from gigantic

jumps, Higgins said. You are just asking for trouble, Pepper, leaping from

pillar to post like you are trying to be a winged creature. You are bound to

get hurt one of these days jumping like that. Thats no way for a cat to be.

How come you know all about how a cat is sposed to be, Higgins?

Under her breath she added, If you were right, Id rather be a dog!I wish they wouldnt talk that way, Seymour thought as he moved to an

observation site at some distance from the grown-up cat.


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Seymour had been sleepy and ready for his nap, but not now. He didnt

want to miss his sister finally defying gravity. He held his breath and watched

her next leap. You did it Pepper, you did it! You glided just like those

squirrels! He ran to where Pepper had landed and hugged her. They rolled inthe dirt, wrestling with delight. When she climbed back up the fence, he

reached for Higgins to lift him high.

Look, Seymour, I know you believe she glided, Higgins said. What

probably happened is that she launched herself on a wider arc. She appeared

to stay in the air longer, but she still fell to earth. If persistence were

enough, that feline would fly for sure, but it isnt enough. Shell never stay in

the air like a bird.

Uncle Higgins, do you spose Id ever be brave enough to leap off that

fence?

Higgins let out a long sigh. Look, Seymour, I know this is hard for you.

You are your sisters loyal shadow. You are a good catling but this flying

business is going to get both of you in trouble.

Sure,I want to be a good catling, Seymour thought. But why cant Uncle

Higgy believe in Pepper the way I do?

You remind me of myself at your age, Higgins said, looking at his young

charge. You appreciate the finer points of domesticity, like regular kibble and

a nap uninterrupted by a howling coyote. Reminiscing was always safer than

arguing about Peppers efforts to defy gravity. Just as Seymour relaxed,

thinking that Higgins tirade was over, there was one more outburst: By golly,

Seymour, youve got to get this in your head: felines cant fly, no matter howmuch they leap off high places. We do land on our feet and see in the dark,

dont we? Be thankful you werent born a dog.


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But Pepper fetches like a dog! Seymour protested. When balls of

paper are thrown, she brings them back. So why couldnt she fly like a bird,

Uncle Higgy?

Under his breath, Higgins said, Youd think someone besides me wouldencourage Peppers cattishness. Then, with more force, Our people dont

realize that encouraging canine behavior will only bring grief. Higgins was on

his pet peeve. We should urge Pepper to be the best cat she can benot dog,

not bird, but cat. And dont call me Higgy! Theres just no respect for names

around here.

***


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Cat Spats

In the months following Peppers glide, the kittens turned into cats.

Tension continued to build; one afternoon a nasty row developed. Pepper had

jumped from the lowest branch of a cottonwood tree. Seymour tagged along

and got stuck on a limb, unable to extricate himself without the intervention of

their people.

You know very well that Seymour will follow you, Higgins snarled. Yet

you willy-nilly expose him to danger. You know how clumsy he is!

Mind your own business, you old poopy bottom! Seymour and I arepractically grown. He can make up his own mind. Higgins responded in a quiet

voice then Pepper uttered a low growl and swiped her claws across the elder

cats head. Fur flew. A melee broke out with hissing and growling.

Stop, stop, pleaded Seymour as he moved between the scrapping cats.

Pepper, Uncle Higgins, stop!

Pepper confined insults to words. Youre a jealous old tomcat, Higgins!

she asserted as she backed off, leaving Higgins to grumble to himself.

Seymour had never heard so many words at once from his sister, and such

angry ones. Thank goodness thats over, he thought, but nevertheless he

wondered about Peppers claim. How come Uncle Higgys nice to me, but not to

Pepper? Oh, family relations! His sister was the most important person in his

life, and he liked having an adopted uncle. I wish wed all get along.

Seymours head ached; he was tired from sorting it out.

That evening Pepper did not join the others for dinner. Seymour paced

up and down the kitchen. I dont know what to do, Uncle Higgy. I dont want

you and Pepper upset cause of me.


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Its not your fault, worrywart. Your sister and I get on each others

nerves. And with that Higgins headed toward the living room for his after-

dinner nap.

Seymour looked around. Had their people put out any milk? He liked alittle milk when his tummy was upset. Unable to find any, he shut his eyes for

just a moment and waited for Pepper to come in for the night...

The next thing he knew he was in a place he didnt recognize. It was

night and the moon was full. He and Higgins were jumping out ofwhat? Not

the cottonwood tree. The landing area had spiky plants, worse than the cactus

he knew. His heart raced; he didnt like this place. He spotted Pepper,

already on the ground, licking an injured paw. Thud! Higgins landed. Oh my

goodness, thought Seymour, Uncle Higgins is right. We could get hurt.

Then Pepper put down her paw and began speaking, but her voice sounded

far away. I need to get out of here. Im tired of being scolded.

As Seymour landed, he woke with a start, his round body all in a dither.

Looking around the familiar kitchen, he wondered, where am I? Through the

window he could see the pinks and purples of the sky as the sun was setting.

Pepper? Uncle Higgins? No answer. He listened to the sounds of the evening

until he could hear a faint snoring. He got up and walked to the living room.

Sure enough, Higgins was on top of a scratching post, napping. Snores were

coming from him, but no sign of Pepper. Seymour cased the house. He checked

the dresser tops, in the back of closets, under the beds. No Pepper. He went

to the basket where their people put the cats toys: balls, stuffed animals,

and crackly paper. Peppers catnip mouse was gone. Seymour felt faint.In the kitchen, he chewed a bit of kibble. Courage boosted, he walked

into the living room, thinking, Im going from one nightmare to another.


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Uncle Higgins, please come down from there. We need to talk. Higgins

curled his back and stretched his legs. Please, Uncle Higgins, its Pepper.

You worry too much, Seymour. You know Pepper likes to stay out at

night. Higgins began to groom his whiskers. She is one odd cat, Seymour,thats for sure. She doesnt even watch birds like an ordinary feline. Most

feral cats stalk them, but not her. No crouching down, no creeping closer, no

swishing tail. She jumps around and flaps her legs. Makes me wonder what

went wrong with her instincts when our people brought you two inside.

Uncle Higgins, shes gone. I fell asleep and had pictures in my head.

We have to find her.

Slow down, Seymour. What did you hear and see?

Seymour told Higgins his dream, about the scary plants where they were

jumping, about landing hard. He got to the part where he heard Pepper say

she needed to get out. Speeding up again, he said, It wouldnt be the first

time. After our mother brought the bird home, Pepper left. Oh, Uncle Higgins,

we have to bring her back.

What bird, Seymour? What are you talking about?

Well, you know how she likes watching birds, Seymour began. Thats

always been true. When we got big enough to practice hunting, mother brought

home a mouse for us. We stalked it a little bit, then mother turned the mouse

into dinner. Seymour stopped. I cant tell you any more Uncle Higgy, cause

youll tease Pepper about the birds.

You catlings are the ones that tease. And why shouldnt she be teased

about the birds; why is she so sensitive?Promise not to tease?

Do you need your ears washed, Seymour? What did I just say about

who teases in this household? Answer my questionwhy is she so sensitive?


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Well, he continued, another day our mother came home with a bird.

Pepper was the only one in the litter awake when she arrived. Pepper must

have thought it was a playmate cause she made friends. When our brother

and I woke up, we tried to jump on the bird, but Pepper was so upset that shejumped on us. Course, while this was happening, the bird flew away. Well,

anyway, thats when Pepper left. He sighed. That was the last time I saw

my mother or brother, cause I followed Pepper.

Higgins gave Seymour a quizzical look. You mean, Pepper doesnt know

what birds are for? Oh, my goodness... and I thought she wouldnt eat chicken

kibble because it didnt agree with her stomach.

Well, Uncle Higgy, I think she jumps to birds. But not to eat.

Higgins had a look on his face that Seymour recognized from after dinner

when he was digesting. Finally he promised, No teasing. Dont worry.

So you see, Uncle Higgins, we have to go. We have to find Pepper!

Higgins didnt respond. Finally, he spoke. I have my doubts about those

pictures in your head, Seymour. And that sister of yours unsettles my nerves,

but I never meant for her to leave. If shes gone, well find her.

Seymour considered waiting till morning to search, as Higgins advised.

You know that coyotes lurk at night, Higgins warned. They just wait to pick

off an unsuspecting cat for dinner. But Seymour was too worried about his

sister to heed his uncles advice. Besides, the sooner they left, the easier to

track any signs of Peppers presence. So, in spite of danger, by nightfall

Seymour set out to find Pepper. Higgins grumbled, but joined the younger cat.

***


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Martial Moves

They took the path near their home, the one that followed a small

stream with trees along the bank. Higgins looked for broken twigs, bent

leavesany sign an animal had recently gone by. Before long Seymour smelled

Peppers scent. They moved slowly, losing the scent and backtracking to pick it

up again. Seymour was cautious but determined. He knew that traipsing

around at night put them in danger from larger animals looking for an easy

meal, but he could not risk Peppers trail getting cold. The night passed with

Seymour and Higgins in pursuit of Pepper.By midmorning, the air was warm. Occasionally the cats stopped to lap

water from the stream. Come mid-afternoon, they were too tired to continue.

They had not eaten for hours and Seymours stomach rumbled. Since no food

was in sight, they settled for a catnap. When they awoke and stretched, the

warmth of day had passed. The light was beginning to change. Theyd slept

through the afternoon. Seymour detected Peppers scent again. Little

conversation took place as they concentrated on following her trail.

Higgins limped for a few steps. He sat down and licked his right front

paw. Seymour noticed the pads on Higgins foot, so different from the rough,

callused feet his sister had. Whats wrong, Uncle Higgins? he asked.

I cut myself on a rock, Higgins replied.

Though it was getting dark, Seymour could see a smear of blood. And I

dont need any teasing about tender pads, Higgins added. This isnt the time

for frivolity. Higgins continued on his way with a slight limp. Twigs snapped

behind him. He whirled aroundnothing there. Stupid paw! he cursed.


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Higgins hadnt traveled more that a hundred feet when his nose and

whiskers began to twitch. Do you smell that? he asked. Seymour took a

deep breath, expecting the familiar scent of his sister. He wondered why

Higgins voice was so agitated, then he heard sounds that made his ears standup. But his attention turned to movement as he saw something grab Higgins by

the nape of the neck. Whap! Higgins was struck by a heavy blow and fell to

his side; he tried to rise to his feet, but was struck again by a large gray

creature.

Seymour was rooted in place, his body not responding to any commands

from his mind. He was holding his breath. Before he could wonder why the

creatures beady eyes were set inside a black mask, everything slowed down for

Seymour and he swooned.

Coming out of his faint, Seymour heard a raspy whisper: I thought I

smelled the blood of a house cat. I can tell one of your kind by the soft

underbelly. As Higgins turned his face away from the animals pointy snout, it

continued, Dont bother struggling, pussy cat, that will only make it worse.

Seymour had opened his eyes, but the creatures black-ringed bushy tail

obscured his view of the scuffle. The creatures focus was on Higgins,

apparently unaware that Seymour had come around.

I was hoping for a little meat to round out my diet. The creature

bared its yellow teeth. Now, I wont have to forage for days.

A twig snapped. Ah, I hear my friends behind me. Looks like Ill have

to share this meal. The only question is where to start. Nice you house cats

are so big.The masked animal drew back one open hand. Each black finger held a

sharp claw at the end. As the claws moved in an arc toward Higgins belly,

Seymour gasped. Before the sound of the inhalation could throw off the larger


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animals focus, there was a swishing sound as a smaller gray form streaked

toward Higgins and his attacker.

Seymour could see the jolt as the newly arrived contender collided with

the masked animal, interrupting its attack. The two creatures wrestled, lockedin each others grip. When they broke free of each other, Seymour began

jumping up and down, waving his arms, and shouting, Go getum! You can do it,

Pepper! The large masked animal cursed and swung wildly at the smaller

darting one.

As if he were a superheros sidekick, Seymour thought, oh dear, I cant

leave it all to her. He looked around. There was Higgins, whose enormous eyes

had stuck in startle position. Goodness, Seymour thought, Uncle Higgy looks

terrible! He cant help. Id better get him to safety. Uncle Higgins,

Seymour said, quick, come on! Higgins rolled to his feet. Come on! Seymour

repeated. Youve got to head for cover. He rushed off and Higgins followed.

They hid behind the largest tree trunk they found. From there, they watched

the two animals struggle.

Seymour was transfixed by the action as he watched Pepper twist and

turn her agile body, deftly avoiding every swipe from the creatures powerful

claws. His voice filled with pride. My sister really knows how to move fast.

Higgins looked as if he had watched his nine lives pass in front of him.

His voice trembled. Where did she come from, Seymour?

I dont know, but Im sure glad to see her. We were on her trail.

Maybe she heard that monster trying to hurt you. That thing was going to

finish you off for sure, Uncle Higgins.Pepper stood on her hind legs in a stance that Seymour hadnt seen. She

held her forepaws at her sides. Seymour got worried. Was Pepper giving up?

Seymour called out from the sideline, Go getum, Pepper! The larger animal


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seized this opportunity and charged toward Pepper, stabbing with its left claws

straight for the cats midsection.

Then, Seymour responded. Scared or not, his legs moved him toward the

fray; his sister was in danger. One second, Pepper was in line to be skewered.The next, the aggressor was distracted by Seymours arrival. In that moment,

before Seymour had an opportunity to reach the attacking animal, Pepper

moved directly to its blind spot. From behind the masked animal, Pepper held

onto its furry neck with her own claws and drew her other paw across its face.

Peppers opponent was upended and crashed to the ground. Seymour heard a

loud inhalation of breath from Higgins hiding place.

Eyes still on the downed attacker, Pepper whispered to Seymour: Get

Higgins up a tree, Seymour. Raccoons can climb, so go up as high as you can.

And keep Higgins quiet. Then she added, Just dont get stuck.

Seymours nose was bent out of shape. I only got stuck once, he thought

as he scurried back to urge Higgins up a tree. So thats a raccoon. How come

he wears a mask, he wondered, and how does Pepper know about raccoons?

Meanwhile, the raccoon coughed, righted itself and turned toward

Pepper. Pepper stood in her previous calm pose. The raccoon glared. Seymour

watched in the dark from the vantage of the tree hed climbed with Higgins.

His sister and the raccoon faced each other for what seemed to Seymour like

ages. The raccoon craned its head slightly to the right and then the left as it

displayed a toothsome grin.

From the safety of a tree, Seymour gasped as two dark shapes could be

seen in the distance loping toward the clearing. Stay here, Uncle Higgins, andkeep still till we come after you. Seymour scurried down the tree, and as he

broke into the clearing, ahead of the raccoons, he shouted to Pepper, Run,

more are coming!


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I said my friends were coming, the raccoon chortled. Pepper started

to move, but hesitated. Come on, Pepper, Seymour insisted. For once follow

my lead! Seymour ran from the sound of the new arrivals and Pepper joined

him, leaving the chortling raccoon behind.

But then Pepper stopped and turned toward the raspy sounds of the

raccoon being joined by its friends. Seymour, Im going back! I can takeem!

You wait with Higgins.

No! Seymour shouted, as he jumped on his sister, pinning her to the

ground. No, Pepper! Even if you can, it doesnt mean you should! And what

about me if you get hurt? How would my life be without you? For once, listen

to me!

Let me up, Seymour, I can hardly breathe.

Not till you promise. We walk away or Im not moving.

Okay, Pepper said. Just let me up. Hurry, the raccoons are coming.

Seymour was so intent on stopping Pepper that he hadnt paid attention

to the change in sounds coming from the direction of the raccoons. Three

raccoons surrounded the catlings. Any escape was effectively sealed off.


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A raccoon rushed in at Pepper. She turned her body as she grabbed the

raccoon under the armpits and threw it at a second charging animal, knocking

the second one down. Pepper turned in the other direction just in time to grab

the third assailant under the arms. This one she threw into the first raccoon

that had gotten up and was about to reach Seymour.


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Seymour, get out of here! Pepper ordered her stunned brother. While

Seymour moved to the edge of the clearing, the three raccoons rushed at

Pepper simultaneously. Pepper leapt into the air and all three collided under

her. Pepper did a somersault and landed safely on her four feet. The threeraccoons were faster this time. One grabbed the gray cat by an ankle and the

other two pounced upon her. A melee of writhing bodies and gnashing teeth

filled the clearing. Seymour felt faint again but this time let his head drop

until the world stopped spinning. My poor sister, he thought. I wanted to

bring her home and now Im getting her killed.

But wait! Suddenly Seymour stared wide-eyed. Pepper stood a few

yards from the pile of scrambling, clawing bodies. The enraged raccoons had

not noticed she was no longer in their midst. Pepper walked calmly to the spot

where her brother was watching. Lets move, she said in a soft voice. They

traveled nearly a hundred yards but could still hear the raccoons.

Shes mine. Let me have her.

No, Ill be the one to teach her a lesson.

Ow, watch it you idiot. You kicked me!

When they went far enough that the sound of the raccoons was dim, they

stopped. Seymour trembled as they hid in some underbrush. Oh Pepper, I

was so scared. First I was just thrilled to see you, and I figured you could

handle that bully cause youre so fast, but then when you were on your hind

legs I thought you were a goner.

When Pepper didnt respond, he added, Are you sulking, Pepper? Still

no answer. Ah, come on, Peppy, dont be a spoilsport. I always do what youwant. Is it such a big deal to follow my lead for once? He rubbed up against

his slender sister, who accepted the affection.


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I just wasnt ready to stop, and I believed I could beatem! I did it,

didnt I? Theyre big, but they arent as fast as I am. They really annoy me

with their king-of-the-night attitude.

Seymour didnt respond for a moment, deciding not to engage his sister inargument. Well, he said, youd already saved Uncle Higgins for sure andoh,

my gosh, Higgins! I told him to stay in the tree and be quiet till we came back

for him. Oh, I hope hes okay!

Hell be fine, Pepper said. Those coons are nighttime animals, but I

dont think they see as well as we do. And if hes quiet, they wont hear him.

Well go get him after the coast is clear. Pepper had begun licking her paws,

cleaning herself after the ordeal. Ill bet they head down stream and wash

some vegetable matter for dinner. Strange creatures. They arent fussy about

what they eat, but they wash their food just like our people do. Ive watched

them at night at the stream.

Thats how you knew about raccoons, Pepper? Why didnt I know youd

go down to the stream at night?

After dinner when you nap, I head down there.

What about coyotes? Werent you scared? Seymour became animated

as he imagined his sister traipsing around ignoring Higgins warnings. Oh

Pepper, its like a secret life. You are so brave! What do you do there?

Seymour asked.

Think about flying. I stay hidden from coyotes. But those noisy

raccoons, they act as if they own the place. She was quiet, then added,

Well, size isnt everything. Ive watched how they move. My eyes stole theirsecrets.


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Where else do you go? Seymour asked. The sound of the raccoons grew

distant.

Listen, Pepper said. I think we can go get Higgins now.

They retraced their steps, being very quiet as they did so. Soon theygot to the tree where Higgins was waiting. Seymour climbed to where Higgins

was perched. You can come down now, Uncle Higgins, he said. As he climbed

back down, feeling his own clumsiness, Seymour resigned himself to being more

comfortable with cuddling than climbing. He rubbed against his uncle, pleased

to have his beloved family together once again.

If you hadnt run off in a snit, Pepper, Higgins said, pride regained, we

wouldnt have been in this mess.

Uncle Higgins, Seymour said, Pepper saved your life!

I was getting the upper hand, he said with no conviction.

Pepper broke in, all the fire drained from her voice, We can talk about

this in the morning. Now we need to find something to eat.

Seymour noticed that his sister looked very tired and had a few cuts and

scrapes. He felt the fatigue in his own body. And for the first time in several

hours, his empty stomach made growling noises.

They scanned the area on a headland way above the stream bank. They

needed to get their bearings. Since there was no food in sight, Seymour and

Pepper, giddy with hunger, began wrestling and nipping like theyd done as

kittens. Better to have fun than fuss over the growls in your stomach. At

first Higgins would not play with the young cats, but after a few minutes he let

down his reserve. Then, his dignified demeanor regained, he left to perform hisevening ablutions in private.

Soon, not only the catlings but the dirt and leaves under them were in

motion. Seymour let out a yowl. Pepper stopped nipping and backed off. But

Seymour continued making dreadful sounds and flailed like something still hurt.


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Im stuck, Pepper, my hind leg is stuck! Seymour wailed, tugging to no

avail.

Must be a gopher hole, Pepper said, trying to pry him loose. Just then,

the bushes near them rustled, announcing another animals presence. Pepperspun on her heels.

Seymour stopped tugging, and, in a shaky voice, whispered, Do you think

its another raccoon, or a coyote? Before he had any more time for fright, the

leaves parted and out padded a brown and black cat. Uncle Higgins, Seymour

shouted, you scared me!

Well youre making enough noise to waken the dead! Whats wrong,

Seymour?

Hes stuck, Pepper volunteered. His paw is caught in a gopher hole.

Well, get him unstuck, snapped Higgins. I heard somethingcoyotes,

raccoons, I dont know, but we need to find cover.

By that time, Higgins was at Seymours side, comforting the distraught

cat. There, there, Seymour, he said, patting his head. Calm down; well get

you out.

All at once the dirt around the hole crumbled away under the weight of

the three cats, freeing Seymours paw. They jumped back from what appeared

to be a large hollow. Boy, those gophers have big houses, Pepper observed,

edging closer to the opening. Higgins and Seymour also looked into the hole.


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Pepper took the occasion to sort out details. What are you andSeymour doing here, Higgins? she asked. How did you get in a fight with a

raccoon?

Trying to find you, Higgins replied. When you didnt come to dinner,

then werent there later, Seymour got worried. I thought you were cooling off

or staying out like you do sometimes, but Seymour had pictures in his head. I

couldnt let him come out here alone.

Seymour broke in, telling Pepper about his dream. Oh, Pepper, it

wouldnt be home without you!

Pepper looked flustered. You two came looking for me? Well... she

stammered, how about that.

Shh, listen! Higgins warned.

All ears stood up. The sounds of snarls were rapidly getting louder.

Come on! Pepper urged. Follow me, quick! The agile cat leapt into

the hole.

Higgins nudged the portly Seymour toward the opening. No, Uncle

Higgins. Gophers have sharp teeth...

Higgins didnt wait for the end of the sentence. Jump! he ordered as

he disappeared down the hole.

Hurry Seymour. Peppers voice echoed from far below.

Raccoons or gophers? What a choice! Seymour shut his eyes andjumped.

***


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Sage Gifts

Seymour never would have guessed what they were about to hear, smell,

and see. First, louder than Seymours beating heart, was the bubbling sound of

water. As his eyes adjusted, he saw vivid hues from mushrooms along the

ground as well as shimmering pinks and aquamarines radiating from the walls of

the cave. Higgins let out a sound of delight. Oh my, what colors!

From the shadows came a roar: Who enters without asking and

interrupts my meditation? Startled, Seymour took a menacing pose: back

arched, hair standing up, and tail fluffed. Sweetly perfumed smoke stung hisnostrils.

Cats! How did you cats get here? Seymours body trembled. Then the

roar was replaced by a gentle, welcoming laugh and Seymour made out the

shape of a man sitting cross-legged. Well, all right, come here. Are these

your friends, kitty cat? Pepper meowed. Seymours fur settled down but his

confusion grew. Does this man know Pepper?

Why didnt you use the entrance? The white hair above the mans lip

twitched as he spoke. Higgins, unaware that the man was addressing Pepper,

assumed the job of spokes-cat. He told the man about jumping into the gopher

hole for cover.

Seymour listened intently as if it were not a bit unusual for feline and

human to understand each other. He wanted to catch each worda task so

easy it amazed him.


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They shared the particulars bringing them together. This cave is my

retreat, the old man explained. Each season I come and sit, pondering lifes

mysteries. Its when I withdraw from daily distractions. Hed possessed

warriors spirit when he was younger; he had a few students still, he told them,but now he was more sage than warrior, guiding others through life.

He turned the conversation back to the cats, and Higgins described the

problems between them. Pepper so wants to join the birds, he explained,

that she leaps for hours and hours. Higgins talked about his conviction that

cats cant fly, Peppers belief that shed actually glided, and Seymours support

of Peppers fantasy. As he told their story, he paced back and forth, tail

swishing as he moved. And since our kind really cant fly, Higgins insisted,

Pepper puts herself and her copycat brother in danger. True, we cats are

known for landing on all fours, but from sensible heights. Pepper must have the

most bruised paws in the entire cat kingdom!

Seymours tummy was in a knot. Once more he was torn between his

loved ones. I want us to get along. Why cant we just get along, Uncle

Higgy?

Higgins, head bowed, continued. Ive watched over Seymour and Pepper

since they were kittens. No matter what I do, Pepper is not content to be like

other cats. When I protect Seymour from Peppers shenanigans, it causes

trouble. He sighed. Well, Seymour is practically grown up now, just like his

sister says. He doesnt need me anymore.

All this emotion was stirring Seymour enough that he focused on

something soothingthe odor of food in the cave. Manners forgotten, he lickedhis chops and uttered a nervous meow. The old man offered bowls of food.

Though still confused, Seymour was less worried. He asked, What should we

call you?


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Some call me Teacher, others call me... well, never mind, those are

human beings. My animals call me...

Could you guide me?

Looking directly at Seymour, he replied, Could I guide a feline seeker?What are you looking for?

Well, Seymour stammered, you know about warriors, and I get scared

a lot. Rapidly, before he could think better of it, he added, I even get

scared when Im with my sister, but I want to be with her, so I try to do

whatever Pepper does. The old man listened but said nothing. Seymour

continued, telling the teacher about the raccoon attack on Higgins.


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Well, Seymour stammered, you know about warriors, and I get scared

a lot. Rapidly, before he could think better of it, he added, I even get

scared when Im with my sister, but I want to be with her, so I try to do

whatever Pepper does. The old man listened but said nothing. Seymourcontinued, telling the teacher about the raccoon attack on Higgins

You were out at night?

Seymour was uncomfortable as he explained that Pepper wasnt home and

hed urged Higgins to look for her in spite of his uncles warnings about the

nighttime dangers. Then he described Peppers arrival during the attack, and

her fight with the raccoon.

The old man gave Pepper a surprised glance. Pepper looked down at her

paws and squirmed. Seymour thought Pepper was flustered, but didnt know

why.

Kitty cat, the teacher said to Pepper, you stole from me. You sat in

my cave, watched what I showed my students, and your eyes stole my secrets.

A cat! Then he laughed, There is a tradition in which students must learn by

using their eyes to steal what they can from their teachers. But who would

thinka martial cat!

Youve been here before, Pepper? Seymour asked.

Pepper squirmed again, then told Seymour and Higgins, that, yes, shed

been there on several occasions, spending evenings with the teacher, including

times when students were there. Shed found the caves entrance one evening

when she was out late. This is where I was going after my blow-up with

Higgins. I knew I would calm down here. But I didnt know we were on top ofthe cave when Seymours foot got caught.

Since nobody spoke, and Seymour felt rattled with so much silence, he

finished the raccoon story. He reported how Pepper wanted to take on the


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raccoons friends, but he was scared for his sister and tried to stop her from

fighting. Finally Seymour blurted, How can I get courage?

Another tense silence hung in the air; Seymour held his breath. Loyal

Seymour, the man began, you follow your sister through thick and thin. Whatmakes you think you dont have courage? You go ahead and do what you must,

even when you are scared. That is courageto act in spite of your fear.

Thank you, Teacher, Seymour replied, a catch in his voice.

Then, the normally reticent Pepper broke the silence. I know Im a

flyer. In my sleep, I have dreams. I didnt realize they were pictures in my

head till Seymour told me about his pictures of Higgins and me. Well, anyway,

in my best dream of all, Seymour and Higgins are there, and we fly with the

birds. Pepper continued, Im not trying to upset Higgins, but I dont care

what he says, this cat is going to fly!

More silence, then the old man invited them to sit as he was. Soon

Seymour asked, What are we doing?

The old man replied, We are listening for the sounds of our hearts and

spirits, as those who are still and go within are prone to do. The man looked

thoughtful. Just notice your breathing, Seymour, thats all.

Seymour tried to notice, but was about to fall asleep when a tone caused

his eyes to open. The man was striking a piece of metal with a smooth stick;

when the tone died away, he stretched his legs and invited the cats to do the

same.

By then, most of the night was gone. Seymour was more tired than he

could ever remember, and there were churning things inside him, like pride allmixed up with awe. He was glad to curl up between Higgins and Pepper and

drift into sleep.


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At daybreak, the sage stood up slowly, stretched, then lifted the cover

on a trunk and took out three doll-sized garments, which he presented, one by

one, to each of them. These, he said, are very small hakamas.

He showed them how to wear a hakama, crossing the numerous ties justso, taking a tuck here and there, and tying the knots, until each one was right.

Warriors in a place far to the east wore trousers like them long ago, he

explained.

They continue to be used today, in the East and the West, by some who

practice martial arts. You three, he continued, have shown determination in

your individual ways. Pepper, in your effort to master flight: a hakamamight

be as close as you get to wings. And surely your landings will soften.


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After a moment of reflection he added, Why, if a cat practiced a

martial art with the same spirit, she would no doubt have a feline rank.

Teacher, Pepper said, Im sorry. I didnt mean to steal your moves. I

just did what Id seen you do.No apology; its an honorable way to learn.

And Higgins, youve done your best to guide these youngsters, even when

youve not understood their dreams. We must let others be who they are.

Even when you dont understand or agree, if you care about someone, accept

him as he is. Higgins let yourhakamabe a reminder that wisdom can come

through any of us.

Turning to Seymour he said, You are a loyal brother. Let yourhakama

be a reminder that courage comes in different shapes and sizes. There was a

long pause. He seemed to struggle with what to say next. Seymour, you

thought I knew about being a warrior. Well, you had something to teach your

sister. The wisest warrior practices with the hope of avoiding conflict. He

smiled. Enough advice for one day, kitty cats. Pepper, Im sure you are

wanting to practice leaps in yourhakama.

Pepper uttered a polite meow and headed toward the entrance of the

cave. Seymour scurried after his sister, eager to see any glide that occurred.

He was followed by Higgins, who tripped on the hem of his hakamabut did a

somersault and regained his balance with such dignity that Seymour assumed

hed done it on purpose.

Uncle Higgy, he said, will you show me how you did that?

Some other time, Seymour. Lets watch your sister.Hakamain place, Pepper was once again leaping. At first, the weight of

the material broke her concentration. After all, cats dont generally wear

trousers. But soon, she could run and twirl around and even do a few

cartwheels. The hakamafelt like an extension, she told Seymour, not so


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different from her long tail. She didnt instantly turn into a winged creature,

but when she leapt and headed toward the ground, the air currents under the

flowing material slowed her descent. Landing was softer.

After his morning quiet time, the old man came out of the cave andwatched Pepper. Just as before, Seymourhis own hakamain placecheered his

sister on. I know you can do it, Pepper. Even Teacher is rooting for you.

Seeing that the man had joined Seymour and Higgins, Pepper stopped practicing

and walked to where the others were.

I know you want to get home. Your people will be worried about you.

Ive prepared rice. So lets have a bite to eat and then get you on your way.

Pepper, your landing did appear light. But remember, the old man cautioned,

a hakamais only a beginning. Ultimately, your most important job is to find

out who you are, and to do the best you can of being just that.

So, they shared a meal and said their good-byes. Then, splendid in their

garments, the cats went on their way, headed toward home.

Finally the day came when Pepper, rather than falling down, glided up.

She landed many yards from where shed started. Seymour shouted till he was

hoarse, and turned cartwheels. He looked as happy as if hed been the gliding

cat. Even Higgins agreed Pepper had done it but pointed out that one glide

does not a flyer make. As if to prove him wrong, Pepper pushed herself until

she could glide each time she leapt.

Next, Pepper, looking fatigued but determined, marched to the nearby

cottonwood tree and proceeded to climb. Seymour turned to Higgins with a

quizzical look. Despite his faith and pride in his sister, Seymour worried forher safety. Do you think...?

Oh, not that tree again, Higgins interrupted. Your sister is preparing

to hurl herself into space. I cant watch, he said, and headed toward the

house.


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It was taking a long time to climb that tree and Seymours mind was

torn. One part wanted Pepper to hurry; the other hoped shed never get

there. Pepper reached a launching spot high above their heads and stood very

still. Seymour held his breath; everything seemed to be in slow motion. Then,Peppers feet left the branch. Finally, hakamafluttering in the air, front legs

stretched toward her destination, Pepper flew. Seymour let out his breath,

twirled around with joy, and caught a glimpse of Higgins at the window. Oh,

Uncle Higgy, she was beautifullike a bird with fur!

Higgins smiled. Yes Seymour, shes truly beautiful.

The End


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The adventures of Seymour, Pepper, and Higgins continue in

Seymours Hakama, Part II


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Tom Chen lives in Berkeley, California with his wife and their feline and caninecompanions. He created the computer artwork using three-dimensional graphics. Theanimals were modeled on those with whom he has shared his home. Now hes fashioningpapier-mch critters, particularly dinosaurs (see www.CuriousDinosaurs.com).

Kathleen Ranlett Mock lives in Kensington, California. This project began when she putwords to Toms sketches of flying cats. She practices psychotherapy (seewww.PsychotherapyExplorations.com) with the help of her dog who greets and comfortsclients. She wears a hakamain her study of Aikido, a Japanese martial art.

Documents

Seymour's Hakama: Part I