TR Anniversary Bingo 2024!
The theme for this card was "myths, legends, and traditions." Thanks to kintsugi for the bingo card! I only managed three before the deadline, though I might silently add more from the card in the future, if I'm feeling up for it. It was a good card!
I decided to organize them in order of word count: least to most. I also wrote the first actual, proper drabble in this collection ^^;. As it happens, that one's about death, so it gets a cw for it. And so...
The theme for this card was "myths, legends, and traditions." Thanks to kintsugi for the bingo card! I only managed three before the deadline, though I might silently add more from the card in the future, if I'm feeling up for it. It was a good card!
I decided to organize them in order of word count: least to most. I also wrote the first actual, proper drabble in this collection ^^;. As it happens, that one's about death, so it gets a cw for it. And so...
Prompt - Honoring the Dead
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The riolu clung close to his father in the cold, watching as the group of older lucario walked towards the bed of wood in the square's center. The strongest carried an object in his arms and laid it there: something with no aura, blue and black, and with a rotten, sickly scent. Another approached with a burning torch.
“Father, why are they burning that?” the child asked.
His father remained solemn. “To ensure everyone knows someone has died.”
The riolu was confused. Who was dead?
Fire engulfed the object, and for the slightest moment he could’ve sworn it turned blue.
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The riolu clung close to his father in the cold, watching as the group of older lucario walked towards the bed of wood in the square's center. The strongest carried an object in his arms and laid it there: something with no aura, blue and black, and with a rotten, sickly scent. Another approached with a burning torch.
“Father, why are they burning that?” the child asked.
His father remained solemn. “To ensure everyone knows someone has died.”
The riolu was confused. Who was dead?
Fire engulfed the object, and for the slightest moment he could’ve sworn it turned blue.
Prompt - Gifts from the Gods
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From “The Chronicles of Light,” Section 2.
While his human master was no more, Lux’s freedom rang hollow to him. The sting of betrayal haunted his every moment, and he found that he could not return to the wild from which he came, for he had grown estranged from it. He belonged to no one, and to nowhere.
Desperate in the midst of his suffering, Lux called to whatever gods there must be. “If the gods are human, then why must I exist? If the gods are pokémon, then why must I suffer?”
It is then said that the true gods of this world revealed themselves to him. “Dear Lux,” they said, “For all eternity we have acted as neutral governors. But the actions of humanity have shocked and appalled us. They have disrupted the natural balance of the world: if left unchecked, they shall surely destroy it. However, we cannot meddle in their affairs. However, you face no such restriction.”
The gods, of which there were three, granted Lux their powers. The God of Time granted the blessing of prescience, so that he may know his foe’s every move. The God of Space granted the blessing of movement, so that he may be everywhere all at once. And the God of Entropy granted the blessing of fate, so that he may be impossible to harm.
The combination of these traits granted Lux the ability to manipulate the power of souls to an unprecedented degree. The First Magic had been born, and revolution was on the horizon…
The prevailing theory on the origin of the first magic is derived from the logic that if the King’s Magic is divine, then the First Magic must also be divine. It was met with controversy in its time, as the Lati had always fought back against cultural notions of three creation gods and a “First Magic.” In modern times, this theory has been further questioned and reevaluated, as like most written accounts of Liber’s early history from the Late Era of Attilio, it is based entirely on hearsay and folktales. Regardless, The Chronicles of Light remains the earliest written text on Lux’s character, and is essential to understanding his mythological status.
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From “The Chronicles of Light,” Section 2.
While his human master was no more, Lux’s freedom rang hollow to him. The sting of betrayal haunted his every moment, and he found that he could not return to the wild from which he came, for he had grown estranged from it. He belonged to no one, and to nowhere.
Desperate in the midst of his suffering, Lux called to whatever gods there must be. “If the gods are human, then why must I exist? If the gods are pokémon, then why must I suffer?”
It is then said that the true gods of this world revealed themselves to him. “Dear Lux,” they said, “For all eternity we have acted as neutral governors. But the actions of humanity have shocked and appalled us. They have disrupted the natural balance of the world: if left unchecked, they shall surely destroy it. However, we cannot meddle in their affairs. However, you face no such restriction.”
The gods, of which there were three, granted Lux their powers. The God of Time granted the blessing of prescience, so that he may know his foe’s every move. The God of Space granted the blessing of movement, so that he may be everywhere all at once. And the God of Entropy granted the blessing of fate, so that he may be impossible to harm.
The combination of these traits granted Lux the ability to manipulate the power of souls to an unprecedented degree. The First Magic had been born, and revolution was on the horizon…
The prevailing theory on the origin of the first magic is derived from the logic that if the King’s Magic is divine, then the First Magic must also be divine. It was met with controversy in its time, as the Lati had always fought back against cultural notions of three creation gods and a “First Magic.” In modern times, this theory has been further questioned and reevaluated, as like most written accounts of Liber’s early history from the Late Era of Attilio, it is based entirely on hearsay and folktales. Regardless, The Chronicles of Light remains the earliest written text on Lux’s character, and is essential to understanding his mythological status.
Prompt - Coming of Age
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The Thunder Moon shone in its full glory over Caifeng, who greeted it with roar and cheer. Not a single ‘mon remained indoors, all outside to appreciate the hanging lights and the company of each other. For today was the Youth Festival, and the sound of change could be heard rumbling in the distance…
In the midst of festivity, a bashful furret stood centered in the crowd that had gathered around him.
“Congratulations Furik!” “Thanks, but I’m still not an adult yet.”
“Hey, when the ceremony’s over, wanna come grab your first drink with the rest of us?” “Maybe? I’ll think about it!”
“To think just last year you were a sentret who couldn’t shut up about dots on a map…” “And soon I’ll be visiting those places, and I’ll come back with all kinds of stories!”
Another furret watched from afar. Freya could barely make out her son’s fur, the rest of him obscured by the bustling wall between them. Her missing ear twitched.
As the time for ceremony came ever closer, she instead busied herself trying to gather her younger children. They had gotten distracted by all the lanterns and a merchant giving out free treats. It didn’t occur to them what any of this was for, just that it was exciting and stimulating and they could easily lose their mother if all six of them ran in different directions. Frankly, she found she preferred them that way. Whenever Furik used to do the same, it was always easy to find him again. Stressful too, but she could never forget that first breath of relief they shared.
Days like these had always been so joyful before. But she hadn’t been able to think during the Flower Festival this year. She hadn’t been able to sleep in half a moon.
The ceremony drew closer. Freya remained close to her smeargle mate for comfort. At some point and without realizing, she had somehow entered a conversation with a togetic, the town’s chief, whose son had come of age in the festival two years ago. “Just six more to go after this, right?” she cheerfully asked.
“Two,” Freya answered. “Three litters.”
“Ohhh, right. Well congrats on your first!” She lived on the other side of town. She was just being innocent.
The moon was at its apex, and the ceremony was here. The center of town was decorated with wooden planks painted white to separate it from the dirt below. The four becoming adults this year were all up there, and Furik was among them.
You let him be up there, Freya reminded herself. She leaned closer to her mate. He had to be up there eventually. One step closer to leaving us forever.
The town chief spoke a few words, the same she spoke every year for several young ‘mon before. This was a time to be happy, to cherish the labor it took to get to this point and celebrate the results of the community’s effort in raising these children. Furik’s eyes twinkled with awe and pride, like they were the most meaningful words ever spoken to him. As if he had never heard them before, somehow.
Her mate, Cheng, lightly nudged her. “Freya?”
The furret shook her head. “Huh?”
“It’s time to give the gift.”
Dread pricked past her fur. Her good ear fell, and the other throbbed. “Can’t you give it to him?”
“It has to be the mother, remember? Unless she’s not available-”
“I’m not available.” Freya clutched the cloth satchel bag at her side. “I can’t do it.”
The smeargle looked into her eyes. “For him.”
The other three were already receiving gifts from tearful parents. Furik was throwing around worried glances.
Freya brought a paw to her chest, and took a deep breath. Lux grant me courage...
With gathered nerve she lightly pushed Cheng away and began the slow approach to her son. Her tail dragged and twitched behind her, her eyes shifting in every direction but forward. The warm anonymity of the crowd gave way to the cold of open stares, the dirt became wood, and soon she was there in front of her son, looking at her just as anxiously as she felt.
Any joy Furik had shown before was gone now. He awkwardly scratched behind his ear. “H-hey, Mom…”
Freya’s gaze grew harsh. Where was that readiness from before? Is it my fault? He wanted this, he had no right to feel anxious about anything. He got it from you.
“...Did you bring a gift?” Furik asked. The trepidation was clear in his voice, but there was a little bit of hope in there too. Freya’s frustration faded. I can’t be angry at him.
She took off her satchel with care. It had felt so natural wearing it that it felt stranger not to, even though it was brand new. Wordlessly, she offered it to him.
The wonder returned to his eyes. He placed a paw on it and stared closely as if to admire every stitch. “Did you make this?”
“I-I didn’t,” Freya replied quickly. “Or, I only sewed it together. Your father was responsible for the design, and the materials. We made it together.”
Furik still didn’t seem to believe it. “But, I thought you didn’t want me to leave.”
Freya closed her eyes and pushed it closer to him. “I only want you to be happy…”
After a moment of hesitation, he took the bag from her and ran a paw along one of the seams. Then took the strap and slung it on. The newly blessed furret patted it as it hung from his side. It fit him just like it fit her.
That was it then. They didn’t need to waste more time here, and others were staring. It was time to leave-
And then Furik suddenly embraced her. “Thanks Mom.”
Freya felt herself begin to shudder and melt in his arms, and she returned the hug twice as fierce. “D-Dammit Furik,” she sobbed. “My heart can’t take this…”
It would still be months before Furik could leave on his journey. But for now, he was one step closer to her, and two steps farther.
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The Thunder Moon shone in its full glory over Caifeng, who greeted it with roar and cheer. Not a single ‘mon remained indoors, all outside to appreciate the hanging lights and the company of each other. For today was the Youth Festival, and the sound of change could be heard rumbling in the distance…
In the midst of festivity, a bashful furret stood centered in the crowd that had gathered around him.
“Congratulations Furik!” “Thanks, but I’m still not an adult yet.”
“Hey, when the ceremony’s over, wanna come grab your first drink with the rest of us?” “Maybe? I’ll think about it!”
“To think just last year you were a sentret who couldn’t shut up about dots on a map…” “And soon I’ll be visiting those places, and I’ll come back with all kinds of stories!”
Another furret watched from afar. Freya could barely make out her son’s fur, the rest of him obscured by the bustling wall between them. Her missing ear twitched.
As the time for ceremony came ever closer, she instead busied herself trying to gather her younger children. They had gotten distracted by all the lanterns and a merchant giving out free treats. It didn’t occur to them what any of this was for, just that it was exciting and stimulating and they could easily lose their mother if all six of them ran in different directions. Frankly, she found she preferred them that way. Whenever Furik used to do the same, it was always easy to find him again. Stressful too, but she could never forget that first breath of relief they shared.
Days like these had always been so joyful before. But she hadn’t been able to think during the Flower Festival this year. She hadn’t been able to sleep in half a moon.
The ceremony drew closer. Freya remained close to her smeargle mate for comfort. At some point and without realizing, she had somehow entered a conversation with a togetic, the town’s chief, whose son had come of age in the festival two years ago. “Just six more to go after this, right?” she cheerfully asked.
“Two,” Freya answered. “Three litters.”
“Ohhh, right. Well congrats on your first!” She lived on the other side of town. She was just being innocent.
The moon was at its apex, and the ceremony was here. The center of town was decorated with wooden planks painted white to separate it from the dirt below. The four becoming adults this year were all up there, and Furik was among them.
You let him be up there, Freya reminded herself. She leaned closer to her mate. He had to be up there eventually. One step closer to leaving us forever.
The town chief spoke a few words, the same she spoke every year for several young ‘mon before. This was a time to be happy, to cherish the labor it took to get to this point and celebrate the results of the community’s effort in raising these children. Furik’s eyes twinkled with awe and pride, like they were the most meaningful words ever spoken to him. As if he had never heard them before, somehow.
Her mate, Cheng, lightly nudged her. “Freya?”
The furret shook her head. “Huh?”
“It’s time to give the gift.”
Dread pricked past her fur. Her good ear fell, and the other throbbed. “Can’t you give it to him?”
“It has to be the mother, remember? Unless she’s not available-”
“I’m not available.” Freya clutched the cloth satchel bag at her side. “I can’t do it.”
The smeargle looked into her eyes. “For him.”
The other three were already receiving gifts from tearful parents. Furik was throwing around worried glances.
Freya brought a paw to her chest, and took a deep breath. Lux grant me courage...
With gathered nerve she lightly pushed Cheng away and began the slow approach to her son. Her tail dragged and twitched behind her, her eyes shifting in every direction but forward. The warm anonymity of the crowd gave way to the cold of open stares, the dirt became wood, and soon she was there in front of her son, looking at her just as anxiously as she felt.
Any joy Furik had shown before was gone now. He awkwardly scratched behind his ear. “H-hey, Mom…”
Freya’s gaze grew harsh. Where was that readiness from before? Is it my fault? He wanted this, he had no right to feel anxious about anything. He got it from you.
“...Did you bring a gift?” Furik asked. The trepidation was clear in his voice, but there was a little bit of hope in there too. Freya’s frustration faded. I can’t be angry at him.
She took off her satchel with care. It had felt so natural wearing it that it felt stranger not to, even though it was brand new. Wordlessly, she offered it to him.
The wonder returned to his eyes. He placed a paw on it and stared closely as if to admire every stitch. “Did you make this?”
“I-I didn’t,” Freya replied quickly. “Or, I only sewed it together. Your father was responsible for the design, and the materials. We made it together.”
Furik still didn’t seem to believe it. “But, I thought you didn’t want me to leave.”
Freya closed her eyes and pushed it closer to him. “I only want you to be happy…”
After a moment of hesitation, he took the bag from her and ran a paw along one of the seams. Then took the strap and slung it on. The newly blessed furret patted it as it hung from his side. It fit him just like it fit her.
That was it then. They didn’t need to waste more time here, and others were staring. It was time to leave-
And then Furik suddenly embraced her. “Thanks Mom.”
Freya felt herself begin to shudder and melt in his arms, and she returned the hug twice as fierce. “D-Dammit Furik,” she sobbed. “My heart can’t take this…”
It would still be months before Furik could leave on his journey. But for now, he was one step closer to her, and two steps farther.
"The First Magic" was partially inspired by the kinds of old, medieval accounts of history that read more like stories complete with dialog than the kind of dry objectivity you'd expect from a modern historian. And because I thought it'd be fun, this one gets to come with in-universe footnotes. Though I guess the footnote here only really makes sense if we assume that this excerpt is being talked about removed mostly from it's greater context. Maybe someone wrote this for a lecture, or- wait why am i speculating i'm the fucking author.
It feels very weird to have TR exclusive Furik content when the rest of my Furik content is exclusive to Serebii ^^;. So there's maybe like, five people reading this (and I'm being unrealistically generous) who are already familiar with these characters. Regardless, I wanted to do a Furik thing for this prompt, so I did. Like a lot of Furik's backstory, it's told from Freya's perspective, since her's is just more interesting than his is for scenes like these. It is very much built on another fic's foundation, but I did try to tell it in a way where even if you aren't familiar with these characters and their relationships, you can still get it. I also kept it somewhat minimalist, only sticking to the characters and their interactions, partially because I originally intended to try for 100 words and wanted to keep it succint, and partially because if I didn't it would balloon into a massive thing and I did not have the energy for that ^^;. Hopefully I did well regardless, because this was my favorite of the three to come up with and write. (also this is being published just in time for Mother's Day, funnily enough)
The riolu one is my first attempt at a traditional, 100-word drabble, and it was a challenge! I knew the scene idea would be just enough to work in 100 words, and it quite literally was. This one had two versions, where I mostly rewrote half of it because I didn't like the way it implied the body was being handled. I struggled at 105 for a bit, and then at 101 before an idea hit me and I finally eliminated that last word. I don't usually explain my stories, but this was short and scarce so I do wonder if the worldbuilding I tried to communicate came cross properly. So here it is, to compare against what you figured out yourself:
Lucario have difficulty identifying corpses because they don't have proper auras. Aura sense is the primary way they gain information about the word and in turn identify each other, so when someone dies and loses their aura, it's comparable to if human corpses didn't have faces. And so the Lucario of Liber burn their dead: the fire releases what little of their aura remains and lets everyone watching know who exactly died. Of course, they're smart enough to figure these things out from context and process of elimination in most cases, but rituals aren't there to be practical 100% of the time.
It feels very weird to have TR exclusive Furik content when the rest of my Furik content is exclusive to Serebii ^^;. So there's maybe like, five people reading this (and I'm being unrealistically generous) who are already familiar with these characters. Regardless, I wanted to do a Furik thing for this prompt, so I did. Like a lot of Furik's backstory, it's told from Freya's perspective, since her's is just more interesting than his is for scenes like these. It is very much built on another fic's foundation, but I did try to tell it in a way where even if you aren't familiar with these characters and their relationships, you can still get it. I also kept it somewhat minimalist, only sticking to the characters and their interactions, partially because I originally intended to try for 100 words and wanted to keep it succint, and partially because if I didn't it would balloon into a massive thing and I did not have the energy for that ^^;. Hopefully I did well regardless, because this was my favorite of the three to come up with and write. (also this is being published just in time for Mother's Day, funnily enough)
The riolu one is my first attempt at a traditional, 100-word drabble, and it was a challenge! I knew the scene idea would be just enough to work in 100 words, and it quite literally was. This one had two versions, where I mostly rewrote half of it because I didn't like the way it implied the body was being handled. I struggled at 105 for a bit, and then at 101 before an idea hit me and I finally eliminated that last word. I don't usually explain my stories, but this was short and scarce so I do wonder if the worldbuilding I tried to communicate came cross properly. So here it is, to compare against what you figured out yourself:
Lucario have difficulty identifying corpses because they don't have proper auras. Aura sense is the primary way they gain information about the word and in turn identify each other, so when someone dies and loses their aura, it's comparable to if human corpses didn't have faces. And so the Lucario of Liber burn their dead: the fire releases what little of their aura remains and lets everyone watching know who exactly died. Of course, they're smart enough to figure these things out from context and process of elimination in most cases, but rituals aren't there to be practical 100% of the time.
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