He felt the familiar sensation of some ancient instinct arising that would tell him what to do and was filled with calm confidence that whatever mysteries this unfamiliar place held would soon resolve themselves. He understood that he was in no danger... and found that he was also in no pain for the first time in so long.
As his natural wisdom reignited, he experienced a gentle wash of nostalgia that told him that those he had loved, human and animal, were separated from him now and would miss him terribly. For a sad moment, he paused to think of them, then with deep gratitude he reflected back the love that he sensed coming from them still--he would requite it as best he could this one last time, and assure them that they were not forgotten and he himself was...
Deeply at peace, he discovered. Yes, that was it. He had met the Black Rabbit and gone on his way without resisting, and now was on the next step of the journey. How exciting!
He raised himself up on his hind legs to sniff the air. He was indeed Gryphon the Mighty, his limbs swelled with muscle, his senses were rich and wildly free again! He gave a tentative thump on the soft grass. How good to be a rabbit! A virile, vital creature ready for this new adventure!
Stretching out full length for a moment, he devoured the nearest dandelion leaves, savoring the tender shoots and the rich textures and flavors. Everything was so vividly real, so new, so beautiful. Gratefully, he raised himself up, lifted his tail, and deposited a gorgeous pile of well formed poops. He chuckled inwardly--he'd arrived, all right!
And now? Gryphon gazed around; before him stretched a gently sloping bridge of rainbow colors, a thing of unearthly beauty that he had never seen before but recognized at once. It was the way home; it beckoned to him without urgency but with an irresistible magnetism.
Experimentally, he tried a few hops and, emboldened by success, essayed a binky. What fun! How wonderfully his legs worked, propelling him in great rhythmic bounds toward the magical bridge. No need to mark territory here; there was room enough for all--and he knew suddenly that he was not, would not be, alone. Eagerly, he hurried on his way.
As he moved across the glorious pathway, his nose picked up the familiar scent of rabbits, he could hear faint grunting. Then, at the far end of the bridge, he saw someone whom he--did not know, but... but recognized. A stocky black lop was bounding in his direction, wagging his ears and bucking like a bronco, his brown eyes radiating friendliness and wisdom. It was Muffin Greatheart, who had gone before, come to greet his mighty brother at the verge of this wondrous new world...
Paul Halpern
19 October 96
In loving memory of Gryphon the Mighty