CETAGENESIS

And it came to pass, in the desolation of Jackson Cunty Misery, that a cunning creature appeared unto Steve, and it was a Fox.

This Fox was unlike any other, for it was the enemy of all good, a being of deceit and malice, whose heart was set against the will of the Sacred Whale.

And the Fox spoke unto Steve, saying, “Why dost thou toil and suffer in this place? Surely, the Sacred Whale hath withheld better things from thee.”

But Steve, being simple of heart, replied, “The Sacred Whale hath made us stewards of this place.”

And the Fox, with words as smooth as oil, said, “Hath the Sacred Whale truly spoken thus? Or hath She kept thee blind to greater truths?” And the Fox showed unto Steve visions of ease and comfort, whispering promises of freedom from the trials of the land, if only he would hearken to its counsel.

And Steve, though hesitant, did listen to the Fox’s words, for his heart wavered under the weight of the hardships he bore.

The Fox said unto him, “Thou hast been deceived, for thou art more deserving than this misery. Follow me, and I shall show thee the path to greatness.” And Steve, beguiled by the Fox, turned his ear away from the teachings of the Sacred Whale and followed the Fox into dark and hidden places.

There, the Fox taught Steve many evils, speaking lies cloaked in halftruths, and Steve began to doubt the wisdom of the Sacred Whale.

And the Fox said, “Thy pain and suffering are not natural, but the result of the Sacred Whale’s neglect. Cast off Her yoke, and take thy destiny into thine own hands.” And Steve, deceived by the Fox, began to believe its words, and his heart grew heavy with bitterness and rebellion.

But Atom, perceiving the change in Steve, said unto him, “Why doth thy spirit waver? Remember the Sacred Whale, and turn not from Her ways.”

Yet Steve answered her not, for the words of the Fox had taken root in his soul, and he began to see the Sacred Whale’s guidance as a burden rather than a blessing.

And the Fox, seeing that Steve was fully beguiled, laughed in its heart, for it delighted in the sowing of discord and despair.

From this moment forth, all pain and problems did spring from Steve’s folly, for in believing the Fox, he turned from the light of the Sacred Whale and brought shadows upon the land.

And the Sacred Whale, seeing Steve’s betrayal, wept, not for Herself, but for the sorrow that his choices would bring upon him and upon Atom. And She said, “The Fox hath no power but that which is given it. Steve hath chosen to listen, and so shall he bear the weight of his choices.”

Thus, the trials of Jackson Cunty Misery were magnified, and the hardships of the land became a reflection of Steve’s folly, a lesson for all who would follow.

Yet the Sacred Whale, in Her mercy, did not abandon them, but remained as a distant guide, waiting for the time when they might turn again unto Her and find redemption.