During a great famine in the animal kingdom, a rare invitation arrived: the Sky People were hosting a feast for those who could fly.
The Tortoise, hungry and cunning, convinced the Birds to take him along. Since he had no wings, the community of Birds decided to share their resources. Each bird gave him a single feather, creating a patchwork pair of wings so he could join the mission.
Before they reached the clouds, Tortoise suggested a "security protocol." He insisted they all take new names for the feast. For himself, he chose the name "All of You."
"He who seeks to hoard the entire system often finds himself disconnected from the network."
When the Sky People presented the magnificent feast, they announced, "This delicious food is for all of you." Tortoise immediately stepped forward. "I am 'All of You'," he declared. He ate almost everything, leaving the Birds with nothing but empty plates and scraps.
The Birds were furious at this betrayal. They didn't fight him; they simply withdrew their support. One by one, they plucked back their feathers. Without the shared strength of the group, Tortoise had no way to stay in the sky. He fell, crashing onto the hard earth below.
That is why, to this day, the Tortoise wears a cracked and bumpy shell—a permanent record of what happens when you try to exploit the generosity of your village.