Chapter 1: Barky
It was an imperfect world, for they had made it that way. Only then could the life upon it flourish, change, and become many differing things. An endless number of possibilities, an unfurling blossom of hearts and souls and minds, each one distinct, unique. The planet grew in any way it so pleased, and it was beautiful.
I really like the idea behind this bit. I'd have imagined a creator wanting to make a world beyond perfection as a reflection of their capabilities, but a world that's made imperfect so those imperfections can lead to greater possibilities is very valid too. In a way, a world that changes and grows into something greater is already perfect in its own way.
Struggling into full awareness, their turned their attention to the small world. Their visions of the world had brought them such joy, and yet, some kind of sadness. A yearning. They knew what they needed to do. Gathering their spirit together, they began to manifest in the universe, for the first time in an eternity.
Oh no, is this the part where Arceus realized that their true vision for the world is to run as the president of the United States????!!!
Traversing the living plane was a different experience, but a welcome one. It was easy to forget the simple joys of inhabiting a body, to reach with corporeal limbs and to feel the energy of the universe around them. With the strength of the full awareness of their mind, locating a being with an ideal heart was as simple as merely crafting a star.
Oooooh, this is cool. It's interesting that Arceus can switch between a corporeal form and an ethereal, drifting one. Makes me wonder if they only choose one or the other depending on circumstances and what perks either form grant to them.
They descended before the human, grass and flowers sprouting where their hooves touched the soil.
Environmentally friendly God.
As the human staggered back in uncertainty, cradling her tiny sunkern friend, they tilted their head and regarded her with a certain fondness. They could see that this human had experienced a difficult life, and yet had grown a beautiful soul through her own efforts and through the love for her Pokémon. Despite the hardships, she had persevered - a worthy soul.
And that's how the trainer became a chosen one. A chosen one to be tasked with a great duty.
Leaning down to meet them, they got what they had arrived for. The human was petting their head. They were soothed.
I feel so jealous. Also this is an incredibly blessed and adorable moment. It's also funny to think that the yearning they've always sought for were headpats. Though a deeper read into it makes me feel that it was the connection their creations had with one another that Arceus yearned to be a part of too.
Several humans of different shapes and sizes had come to meet the original one, summoned by the communications of the girl they had originally met. Among them were also various species of Pokémon. They were pleased to see so many different creatures with such thriving friendships, in yet such an incredibly small part of the world they had made - all of them, fully willing and ready to come forth to aid their friends.
If I was part of this crowd and got to experience this literal once in a lifetime opportunity, I'd singing speaking words of praise about Arceus the next day. And I shall let every man, woman and child know the legends about how I gave Arceus head pats
The conglomeration had quickly gotten to work at petting the divine being, and had even brought treats. They carefully picked a PokéPuff out of the hands of a short boy, savouring the sweet senses of taste that the pastry evoked. Some of the Pokémon, not having hands nor petting-capable limbs, merely huddled and nuzzled against their physical form, among the bed of flowers that their presence had called forth. Overcome by the comfort their attention brought, the original one carefully rolled over upon their side, allowing the eager humans access to some tummy pats. They were finally content. All was as it should be.
Man, this is all just so adorable. I really love Arceus' depiction in this even though it's so short and not much happens. This Arceus gives me the impression that they're a pretty chill God, one who doesn't mind mingling with his creations to receive all important headpats. Overall I say this was a pretty joyful read and I only wish it'd been longer. Then again, some things taste best in small servings. :D
Chapter 2: Mew's Son Needs Therapy
It had been one week since he had stopped lurking and stepped into the light. There were still those who gave him looks of curiosity and awe, questions and doubts bubbling in their minds that they had not the courage to speak. It was only natural, after the circumstances of his birth and the various media publications and news outlets that wouldn't let him forget. They had even produced a movie based on it, as if the struggles he went through were just another entertaining story.
Ah yes, if I lived a traumatizing life I'd want people to commercialize and make a movie on it too. That sure would lift my spirits >:(. They better be paying Mewtwo a fat check in royalties every month, so he can buy his mom snacks every day
...No, that was far too negative a way to perceive it. He still had his demons, but he tried to remind himself that people were just curious about him. Nobody was out to get him, his abusers were long gone and he had every means of power to stop anyone else who ever tried.
Yeah, this is a much healthier way for Mewtwo to think about the way people view him. He is literally a pokemon unlike any other after all. Also I'm so happy for him that Team Rocket is long gone now and he'll not have to fear and or hate people coming after him and the innate power he possesses. :D
He was safe. He was welcome to walk anywhere a normal Pokémon could.
Bless.
His thoughts had brought his tail closer to him as he sat at the café table, taking small bites out of a toasted bagel. Outside the window he could see wild Pidove picking at the ground and cooing, and feel the presence of a lone Meowth watching them with great interest. The appliances in the café hummed, a warm and full sound. Steam billowed out of the coffee machine and brought with it an earthy, invigorating scent. He could hear the thoughts of a young woman turning over dialogue and story elements in her mind, tapping at a laptop nearby.
Oh man, this feels like a really relaxing atmosphere. I've never been to a Cafe before, but from here it sounds like a comfy place. Also I bet Mewtwo frequents this place and enjoys the bagel they make hehe.
It was warm in the café, cosy. Were he a less dignified individual, he could happily curl up and just rest here. His residual anxiety warned him otherwise.
Mew, on the other hand, absolutely would do this like it's nobody's business.
Eventually he saw fit to leave, nodding gratefully at the café owner as he stepped into the streets. He drew his tail close to avoid the door, and kept it close still out of politeness for other pedestrians. He could feel more people looking at him, but did his best to ignore their stares. He belonged here, just as they did.
That's the spirit, Mewtwo. You belong in the world as much as everyone else. Your life and story are just as valid (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:・ﾟ✧
(He was not like his mother Mew, he did not need to chase after small and enticing objects.)
Quietly pockets this character trait for my own depictions of Mew
...No, it would be the day. He drew his breath in, tail swishing behind him as he clasped his hands. Courage. He opened the front door to the office, and stepped up to the reception counter. "Oh-" The startled receptionist cleared her throat, quickly collecting herself together and smiling politely at Mewtwo. "Dawnside Pokémon Therapy, how may I help you?"
I am proud of Mewtwo here and happy for him. He's taken the next step for his self betterment. It's only the first of many steps of a long journey, but it'll all be worth it in the end. As far as my overall thoughts on this chapter goes, I think it's great. It feels like the kind of chapter that could easily work as the epilogue or prologue to a longer fic. In the former's case it could be about the beginning of his hardships at his lowest point and the story ends with Mewtwo finally getting some much needed and deserved therapy. In the latter's case it could be a story about Mewtwo's journey through therapy, the hardships involved and him making small steps and changing for the better each time. I'd read either story if they existed honestly!
Chapter 3: The Japanese Star Festival Mascot
They lifted their head to face the one holding them - a tall, greying man. They could sense the passion of the wishes in this man's heart, they could feel some kind of strange anguish from his soul. And yet, as he looked upon Jirachi, his expression softened considerably.
Old man: Hey you, you're finally awake. You were trying to cross the cosmos, right?
He did not make a wish that night. Instead, he took to caring for them. They didn't yet understand how, but they could sense both happiness and sadness in the man's heart.
Jirachi: I am the granter of wishes! Speak your desires mortal, and I shall fulfill the—wait why are you wrapping me in a comfy blanket? ⊚_⊚
On the second night they awoke bundled in soft blankets, almost too cosy to consider moving. They didn't realise they had fallen asleep, but it must have become daybreak when they hadn't noticed. The plates of delicious food the man had made the prior evening had vanished, but the memory of it and Jirachi's smile had not.
Good bean is being treated so well. I'm so happy for them. Blu stop, your fics are too wholesome
The man was quiet, but not unkind. When he realised Jirachi had awoken, he took once more to preparing a small banquet for his tiny guest. Jirachi attempted to summon the moving visions with the buttoned slab, and was happy when the man helped them to do so successfully. Perhaps, before they were cursed into hibernation once again, they would get the hang of using the "TV". On the third night, they settled into the man's lap as he pressed buttons on a different kind of "TV". This one had a lot more buttons, and they made a pleasing sound as he pressed multitudes of them, in so many patterns that Jirachi couldn't discern. The moving visions were less entertaining on this one, so their eyes wandered to the different doors in the hallway. They were yet too cosy to investigate further, happily huddled against their friend.
When I first read this bit in the afternoon, I'd thought that Jirachi would be revealed to be in some experimental facility or something. Turns out the old man was just letting Jirachi use the puter. I suppose a puter can be less entertaining since it's not a constant stream of content playing on cable lol.
The fourth night did not yield many answers for Jirachi. They had hovered over to a particular door, but could not figure out a means to open it without potentially breaking it. They did not want to upset their new friend by breaking his things, so they merely observed it and traced the glyphs upon it with their hands. When the man gently took their hand and guided them back to the "TV" area, they made no further fuss of it. Once more, however, they could feel a deep sadness running through the man's heart.
This was a sweet paragraph. Jirachi is so nice to their human friend that they wouldn't let curiosity get the better of them and break the old man's stuff. What a sweet darling.
The man was quieter than usual on the fifth night, although still extremely accommodating of his tiny guest. Jirachi had happily eaten the spaghetti the man made, but his own meal remained untouched. They huddled up to him as they usually did and received some very comforting head pats, but it only seemed to make the man sadder, more absent-minded. Jirachi asked him if he had thought of a wish yet. He didn't answer.
What I enjoyed the most about this entry is how well you did in slowly leading us into the source of the old man's strange anguish. Here we had a man who seems reasonably nice, accommodating, and befriended a creature that can grant one's deepest wishes. So why then does the man continue to hold off? Why do they seem more tormented with each day that by? Just what could it be that's torturing his soul, and making him so hesitant to take his free wish?
The man picked up an overturned rectangle that Jirachi had seen before - underneath, it showed a picture of the man with a young child, both of them smiling brightly. He looked happier than they had ever seen him before in the picture, and nowhere near as grey-haired or wrinkled. He explained that when her mother had passed, his child was the only thing he had left. She, too, was taken from him too soon.
MAN This makes a lot of sense in retrospect, and rereading the chapter only made this reveal hit harder. I can only imagine how many decades this old man has spent, eagerly waiting for Jirachi to wake up. It's literally a once in a millenia opportunity, a single chance for him to have his daughter back. Yet when finally presented with the opportunity, he learned that he couldn't take it. It was what he's always wanted, but he understood that he needed to move on.
Jirachi asked him if he wanted them to bring her back, but after a time, he refused. He shook his head, smiling with those same soft, teary eyes. Gently taking Jirachi's hands, he told them that he had thought of a better wish, a much kinder wish. He wanted Jirachi to be able to live and enjoy the world, to be able to experience more than a week of life at a time. He wanted to release Jirachi from their thousand-year prison.
Wh—I must've been super tired when I first read this because I somehow completely missed the second paragraph initially. Wow, I'm really surprised that's the wish the old man opted for, and it truly is such a kind wish too. Like just imagine being Jirachi. Every thousand years you only get 7 days to experience consciousness before you're inevitably thrusted back into the dark embrace of sleep. Sometimes they'd wake up and meet someone wanting a wish, other times they may wake up in the middle of nowhere and spend a week alone before going back to slumber. It must be a sad life to live, and I'm glad to see Jirachi be released from those shackles. Well done old man, you're my favorite person on the planet now.
Chapter 4: Hop and Woof Woof Boi
Zamazenta nuzzled the boy gently, receiving a thorough head pat in return. The boy had not yet realised that it was not a matter of power that drove their losses, but a matter of restraint. Hop's brother had mastered the art of defeating an opponent without slaying them, an admirable skill in these times of peace. A skill the old wolf needed to hone, for he had only been shaped by the arts of war. Until then, he was perhaps too careful in order to avoid bloodshed.
Ah finally. After four chapters, head pats return to the limelight. And I'm here for it lol. That aside, I enjoyed that they're not losing because they're weak. They're losing because Zamazenta is holding back so much that they end up being too soft with their blows.
Zamazenta barked and nuzzled Hop once again, tail wagging harder, as the boy laughed and ruffled the wolf's fur. The mother of such a noble boy could only be a very noble and honourable person herself. "I'm gonna have to recall you while I'm in the taxi, but I won't leave you in the Poké Ball for too long, ok?" Zamazenta licked Hop's hands in affirmation, and the boy gave the wolf a good few pats on his side. "We'll be there before you know it!" The Poké Ball, at least, was a great place for a nap.
Man, Zamazenta is such an adorable doggo boi. I also like that he immediately concludes that Hop's mum must be kind and noble as well, and I gotta agree with that. Say what you will about him and Leon, but they're both genuinely nice dudes.
"...And this must be Zamazenta!"
The one and only.
He couldn't help but wag his tail furiously, bowing his head to the woman as a sign of respect. Hop's mother was soon petting Zamazenta all over and scratching him behind the ears, which, if anything, only increased the amount of joyous tail-wagging.
My heart has been healed by this paragraph. The world seems brighter now.
He barked, happily, and Cinderace hopped around and kicked the ball from one foot to another, eager to duel his ally in a game of catch. A most worthy opponent.
Finally, a worthy opponent for Zamazenta. Their battle will be legendary!!!! Now go fetch!
The world was now a place where play and sport could thrive, and Zamazenta was ready to enjoy it.
All is well that ends well. I didn't have a whole lot to say about this chapter in particular. Part of it stems from the fact that I haven't played Sword and Shield, and the other because it really was just a nice, quiet and wholesome chapter.
Okay so final cumulative thoughts on all four. I think chapter 1 is my second favorite, but only a close second, out of the four currently. It's rare to see such a truly benevolent depiction of a creator and their quest to become connected with their creations was touching to see.
Mewtwo's journey to therapy was very much uplifting. Like I said previously, it really feels like the end of something or the start of a new one. Love the hybrid catto and I need more non violent depictions of Mewtwo in my life.
The third chapter is by far my favorite out of all four. I don't know why, but this one in particular really resonated with me. I felt for that old man with his grief and his eventual arrival at peace, and I'm happy for Jirachi now that they're free. I almost want to say "next chapter when? Update fast pls" for this one specifically.
The fourth one is just a wholesome entry with lots of headpats. Wholesome, refreshing headpats. It managed to move me even though I'm more of a cat person. All in one you have a great hand at writing wholesome and soul healing stories, Blue. I look forward to reading more of your works in the future. That will be all for now, and thank you truly for writing these excellent stories.
