Deep in a secluded forest glade a world, unlike all other worlds, thrives. Tall branching trees sway and swallow up the rays of sun that race around trying to find any break in the leaves. Multitudes of flowers blossom in a kaleidoscope of color. Way up high on a branching arm of one of those towering trees perches a blue jay named Anomaly. He just sits there, carefully and silently observing all that is below.

---

  Out from the forest erupts a barrage of cries.
A grey squirrel leaps out, pursued by Anomaly's cousin.
His cousin glides forward swiftly and tries
to capture the acorn from the fleeing squirrel.
"We often try to steal acorns, but why?"
Anomaly thinks," All this is not kind,
someone needs to stand up or at least try.
I shall defend the feeble from the mighty."
With that, he catapults from his perch
and swoops in pursuit of his relative.
He races after the two and shoots past a birch
with talons curled into a fist like position,
and he battering rams his cousin's side
plunging him toward the grassy earth.
His cousin scans the expanse for the reason for the ride.
His eyes finally rest on Anomaly.
He stares with a gaze of wonder
and contemplates his next move.
He leaps into the air with a burst of ardor
only to be boxed out by Anomaly.
"Why do you barricade me from the squirrel.
This is not like you or our people.
This action makes you a rebel
Or do you think you better than all?"
"I'm going to protect those who are in danger.
Our people prey on the weak, and I'm through with it.
Please hold back you anger."
"Traitor!" His cousin yelled and then let out a shrill cry.
Expeditiously came multitudes of blue jays.
They captured Anomaly and took him as a hostage.
They brought him to the Great Oak in the sun's dying rays,
and hastily held a trial, in the early night.
His family shouted their disgust with his action,
and his people nodded in assent.
They asked, "Why have you done this treacherous action."
"Our ways were wrong from the beginning.
Instead of hate we need to love.
Instead on being thieves, we need to share.
Instead of war, we should be like a dove.
And instead of tolerating, we need to act."
With that statement, the unanimous decision was made and Anomaly was cast out.
Left with no home, he whisked off into the night.
He came to a pond and there perched out
on a limb outcropping over the crystal water.
Leaves rustled behind him, he didn't look.
"Thanks," a soft voice breathed behind him.
He swiveled around and there sat a squirrel in a little nook.
"You don't deserve this," the squirrel stated.
"No, I do, I chose my fate today."
"You know, I'm an outcast myself for the same reason.
Please live with me. I have a place to stay."
"I cordially accept your benevolence," Anomaly replied.

The two left for the home of the squirrel.
Deep in the forest, where the leaves, by wind, rarely swirl.

---

  The two outcasts created an unbreakable alliance that day. Anomaly and Rejected (for that is the squirrel's name). They swore to protect the anomalies of the world. They were content to be the rebels, no matter what the world said or thought.

The End