Pokémon Morsels of Heartwarming [2023 Drabble Bingo]

[Cresselia92]

Prompt: Fluffy Pokémon Cuddles
Content Warning: Vague description of hypothermia.
Characters: Skiddo, OC
Setting: Kalos in Hisui times, based on Sinnoh’s Region Mythology and Skiddo's dex entries.

~•~

When Creatures Became Pokémon

​

Skiddo hopped onto various rocky spikes, her jumps agile and effortless. She had to hurry; a storm was coming, and trying to track down her herd would have been too risky.

Moving toward the coast was also a terrible idea. Humans were known for settling closer to the sea, as they compensated for their lack of fur by living in warmer areas.

And creatures couldn’t mingle with humans. Neither side could understand the other, since their respective body and spoken languages were completely illogical and incomprehensible. Humans only learned from and understood fellow humans, and creatures only learned from and understood fellow creatures. How could they trust each other if they didn't know what the other side was thinking about?

It was difficult to believe that they were born in and inhabited the same planet. They were way too different, it had been decided moons ago, and that was how the law of the wilderness came into existence: Creatures and humans must stay separated, for their interactions only brought strife and more misunderstanding.

But thinking about all of that didn't help with her current plight, did it?

Fortunately for her, she found a small cave that would keep her warm until the storm passed by.

Unfortunately for her, the cave wasn’t empty. A small, shivering, furless creature lay limply by the end of the cave. A human child.

Skiddo had no clue how it got there. Probably it got separated from the rest of its pack and hid in that cave to protect itself. Her first instinct was to leave and never return, but seeing that human child so vulnerable and fragile… she began feeling sympathy toward it.

In part wary and in part curious, Skiddo approached the motionless human. When she got close enough, she tapped her hoof, anxious. Her horns detected the discomforting wave of fear and waning of life force. The child wouldn’t have been able to survive for much longer.

A soft bleat escaped her throat, her mind raging with contrasting thoughts. To get the scent of a human on oneself would be considered the ultimate form of treachery. The evidence that a creature had broken the law and endangered their species. No Skiddo herd would accept her ever again. Nobody wanted an outlaw in their herds.

… But she would never be able to feel at peace with herself if that small human didn’t survive.

The wave of distress intensified, and trails of water leaked out of the child’s eyes. In an instant, the doubts inside Skiddo’s mind vanished. With new resolve, she laid down by the human’s side, tucking her paws underneath herself and covering its body with her fur. Soon enough, the human stopped shivering and the pale color on its skin turned into a healthier pinkish hue.

Skiddo perked up when she heard the child muttering some cry, then she bleated in shock when it wrapped its arms around her neck and dug its face into her fur. Did that child just attack her?! Was it going to bite?

Alarmed by its reaction, she readied her horns and aimed them at the child. She only needed to pray it off of her and run away, just as she originally planned. But before she could do that, the child snuggled against her body and made itself more comfortable, moaning softly. Just... like a newborn Skiddo seeking protection would do.

That was enough to make her relent and stop to study its emotions. No signs of anger or aggression. All she detected with her horns were waves of gratitude and joy.

Everything about that situation was so strange. Under other circumstances, and for any creature worth its fur, the child's sudden approach could be considered a threat. And yet, it didn't seem like the same rule applied to humans. Wrapping their limbs around others... was that a sign of affection? It seemed so if the child's wave of happiness was any proof.

She flicked her tail in relaxation, her motherly instincts fully kicking in, and rested her head against the human’s head, bringing it closer to herself and protecting it from the gusts.

The rest of the night felt much less cold.

~•~​

Returning the child to its — no, his — tribe led to some initial suspicion from the humans, but the child and his parents vouching for her definitely helped. Despite the first impression, humans proved to be much more welcoming than Skiddo ever expected, and she became a valuable part of the human herd.

She offered protection and helped the humans venture into the higher grounds of the mountain area, and they offered companionship and ensured she was always healthy, well-fed, and in good company.

Skiddo had found a new herd, and she couldn’t have been happier for trusting her heart.

Many young Skiddo were born in the tribe and wandered into the wild. They spread the word that creatures and humans can be allies and friends. Urged other creatures to try interacting with humans in the tall grass. And many more creatures joined human packs.

Gogoat stared at the horizon, accompanied by the man she rescued years ago, and she felt comforted by his gentle caresses and the waves of trust and affection coming from the mixed tribe of creatures and humans, all living in perfect harmony.

Who would have thought that breaking the law of the wilderness would have turned her into the precursor of a new and better era?

 

[Cresselia92]

Prompt: The Bonds Between Humans and Pokémon
Content Warning: None.
Characters: Arceus, Unukahlai (Black Rayquaza)
Setting: Ransei

~•~

A God’s Duty

​

The battle was over. Nobunaga and Unukahlai, the supposedly invincible black Rayquaza, had been defeated by Hiro and his partner — the Original One and creator of Ransei themself, Arceus.

With that victory, the region was united under the same flag, with Hiro proclaimed the strongest Warlord and ruler of all kingdoms.

Since the conflicts and hostilities had been abated, Arceus had no reason to stay in the mortal plane any longer and they prepared themself to return to their dimension. But before they could open a portal, Unukahlai approached them and asked them to stay for a little longer.

«You have been away for so many centuries. Aren’t you wondering how the world has changed during your celestial slumber?» asked the sky goddess.

«I do not desire to interfere with mortals’ affairs any longer than I ought to,» was Arceus’ response.

«Ah. Well, it’s not like you haven’t interfered plenty already, what with you being a celebrity around here, and defeating me in a battle, and all of that!» Unukahlai chuckled. «You might as well try to make the most out of your time here, huh? It would be a kind of pity to leave just like that, without experiencing the joys of this world.»

Her behavior surprised Arceus. The last time they interacted with the sky dragoness in outer space, she was more aloof and serious. The alpha god assumed that it was because of her natural temperament, since that was a common trait among Rayquaza, but their analysis was probably off.

This seemed to be her true nature: cheerful, open-minded, perhaps even human, they dared to say.

Things truly had changed plenty, and Arceus couldn’t help but be curious about such progress.

«Very well. Show me, Unukahlai, how the world has developed in my absence.»

And this is how Unukahlai and Arceus ended up striding through the pebbly paths of Dragnor, the Dragon Kingdom. The alpha god found the entire experience particularly bizarre, as they felt the many mortal gazes trained on them, following every step with eyes full of awe and reverence. Even the most rebellious Hydreigon and Haxorus couldn’t help but stay quiet and lower their heads in respect, fully aware of the immense power radiating from the wheel-wielding god.

Soft hisses resonated from their side and Arceus turned to see Unukahlai, who gave them an amused grin. «So, even the creator of everything isn’t immune to stage fright, huh?»

Arceus blinked slowly. If that statement bothered them, they didn’t show it. «Such bold claim of thee,» grumbled the alpha god, before their gaze fell on a shiver of stunned Gible. «I am merely not used to all this attention. That is all.»

«Mortals are easy to impress, and that’s something I find adorable about them. They can find value and worth in near everything, be it the vastness of the sky or the scent of spring flowers.» Unukahlai tilted her head and flashed a wistful gaze. «I suppose having a limited lifespan is an excellent motivator to consider every experience a priceless treasure. We kind of… take everything for granted, do we not?»

Arceus stared intently at Unukahlai, unsure if they were still following her rationale. «And is there something wrong with that?»

Unukahlai shook her head. «Not really, no. It’s just another perspective. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t try to see things through mortal eyes, at least for once in our lives.» She glanced at a group of human children accompanied by a few Dratini and Bagon, all of them giving her expectant stares, and she grinned again at the alpha god. «You know what? How about trying out that lesson right now? Follow my lead!»

Having said so, Unukahlai slithered through the air and toward the group of young mortals. The kids stared in marvel at the towering dragon, her dark scales shimmering under the sunlight.

«Hey! Anyone wishes to take part in a quick flight lesson?» she exclaimed, stretching out her arms toward the sky. Small tornadoes swirled around her serpentine body, and squeals of excitement rang from the children and Pokémon alike, fully aware of what was to come. Satisfied with their response, Unukahlai flashed another warm grin. «Alright, then! Let’s ride the winds, everyone!»

The markings on Unukahlai’s body glowed with a green hue. An updraft began blowing from underneath the group, lifting the children and cubs off of the floor and into the air.

Out of the crowd, the young Bagon showed the most enthusiasm, as they flapped their arms like their future wings. The Dratini followed the other dragons’ lead and began doing loops and swimming through the aether. As for the human children, Unukahlai leaned herself closer and allowed them to cling to her body, fully aware that humans didn’t share the same predisposition toward the sky and the sensation of being airborne. And then, the sky serpent and the air-lifted mortals flew, enjoying the fresh breeze blowing through their scales, skins, and any other body surface.

Arceus studied Unukahlai and the air-riding mortals, somewhat bemused by their carefreeness. To see a deity and a large crowd of proteges have such close interactions was something the alpha god hadn’t anticipated. It was difficult enough for deities to find pure hearts who could bond with them, but Unukahlai had taken a step further while living among mortals. She had made friends with nearly everyone, placing her trust and faith in mortals.

Faith from a deity… What a bizarre thought was that.

Something touched their hoof, making Arceus return to the mortal plane. They focused their attention on whoever touched them, and their gaze locked on a small human child, who looked back at them with eyes full of curiosity. However that child wasn’t alone — a group of other humans and Dragon-type Pokémon had inched closer, still staring at the alpha god with reverence.

Did that mean that Arceus had to do something? Was that a moment to bond and connect with mortals? Did they have to give some essay about their role, guide them as their creator, or…?

Follow my lead!

Arceus glanced back at Unukahlai, who was still carrying the young mortals through the air. Perhaps they only had to follow the flow?

They pondered what to do for a moment, and then their wheel started glowing with golden power. The world around the group surrounding Arceus melted and warped into a planetarium, depicting faraway worlds and different eras. That startled the mortals, who didn’t expect to be mentally transported to the dark sky and the stars while being stuck to the ground, but with some growls of coaxing from Unukahlai, they relaxed and marveled at the tiny cosmos around them.

Sensing that the mortals were at ease, Arceus lowered themself to the floor and laid down, their forepaws crossed in front of them. But doing so seemed to have sent some kind of signal, as many children and cubs gathered around them and sat by their sides, their bodies brushing against the fine fur of the alpha god.

Arceus didn’t know what to think. That was the first time that mortals cuddled with them, and that… By the stars, that made them feel… good. Why was that?

«…You realized it now.»

Arceus turned to Unukahlai, who floated into the planetarium while children and cubs rode on her body. She glanced at her proteges, who marveled at the glorious sight of distant stars and planets, and her expression shifted, halfway between happy and sad.

«These connections with mortals… They are wonderful, aren’t they? Mortals and deities are both part of this world, so why must there be some standards to follow? Why should we restrict and select only a limited amount of mortals to interact with?»

Arceus internally sighed. The deities’ need for distance seemed to be a concept that many younger deities didn’t grasp fully, and it was tiresome to repeat the same answer, but it seemed like the sky goddess needed the bitter reminder.

«Because, as adorable as they might appear in thy eyes, most mortals are fickle. Especially humans,» they pointed out. «And thou should know that already. After all, thou must have borne witness to their vices and impulses during these years of conflict. To what lengths they can go to attain more power.»

The markings on Unukahlai’s body flickered and she thumped her tail, clearly uncomfortable with the answer. Arceus had brought up a good argument: she had sensed the thirst for power in many Warlords, both young and old.

But while it was true that mortals could breed ill intentions, the sky goddess knew that they were also capable of performing acts of great benevolence. Hiro proved that many times, both before and after Arceus became his partner in battle. And yet, despite that unmistakable evidence, the alpha god was still keeping their guard up. Why was that?

Then, Unukahlai had a flash of realization when she pieced the various events together: Arceus keeping a formal and impersonal partnership with Hiro, their tension while walking among mortals, and their surprise when they experienced physical contact from harmless children.

Just how much did they truly know about mortals, the ways they tick, and their development throughout the centuries?

Perhaps there was a lesson that the Original One themself could learn.

«Yes. I understand we shouldn’t bond with humans tainted by the void in their hearts, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to reach out and help them out, especially if we have the means to do that,» she replied, her marking glowing fiercely and defensively. «Many mortals see us as paragons and defenders, and seek our help for comfort and inspiration. By showing hostility toward them and keeping our power only to ourselves, they will learn that it is acceptable to be hostile toward others and greedy. And, well, you saw where that led — to distrust and continuous conflicts.»

Arceus hummed to themself, surprised by the sky goddess's outburst, and contemplated her words. «Mayhaps there is some truth in thy words. Is this the reason thou decided to live so close to mortals?»

«We could say that, yes. I couldn’t simply do nothing! Not when mortals needed our help the most.» Unukahlai glanced at the children and wagged her tail in front of them, chuckling in amusement when some of the younger ones tried to grab it. «Someone had to set a good example. Inspire others to be more compassionate and empathetic, and show that anyone can use their power to help others, not only themselves. And who knows, maybe someday we all could be… friends?»

Arceus nodded in approval, their eyes gleaming ever so lightly. «That is quite the noble intent, and I thoroughly commend thy initiative.»

Unukahlai looked back at Arceus and hissed joyously, appreciating the alpha god's words. But then, her markings flickered faintly and her gaze fell, earning a concerned gaze from Arceus.

«What is the source of thy concern, my dear?»

Unukahlai hissed loudly and tapped her claws together. «It’s just… I wish my brother would let me explain and he didn’t exile me just because I wished to connect with all mortals. I mean, there is so much we deities could learn from them, too!» She tightened her coils and brought the children close to her face, earning a few rubs that lifted her mood once more. «If the mortals could iron out their differences and learn how to coexist and help each other, then why can’t we?»

Why couldn’t they, indeed.

Arceus turned their attention back to the mortals pressed against their body, secretly relishing the soothing touch of small hands and paws, then focused again on the surrounding cosmos. A scenario got their attention: a dark swirl surrounding Mount Coronet, and humans and creatures trading gazes of distrust and hostility. Red-eyed titans tromped through the lands, attacking anything in sight — no matter if humans or creatures. And then, a slithering figure emerged from the shadows, staring directly at the alpha god from across time.

Giratina? What art thee…?

The creature roared silently at their creator, unfurling their wings and letting dark red sparkles scatter in the air. Time and space churned and twisted into many wormholes from which poured corrupted energy. Arceus squinted their gaze, having noticed another figure in the background. Some void aura, but it seemed to be… human-shaped?

And the vision faded, leaving more questions than answers.

Arceus stared at the blank spot, shocked by the sight. From the corner of their eyes, they noticed Unukahlai had witnessed that scene as well, and she shot them a worried glance. The markings on her body dimmed until they became almost as dark as her scales, fully showing her distressed state of mind.

«Worry not, my dear,» started Arceus, their eyes narrowed with determination. «I shall do something about this, and that dream thou envisioned — with mortals and deities being friends — will be a reality. Thou hast my word on that.»

Upon hearing that promise, Unukahlai showed the brightest stare of admiration that Arceus had ever seen. So bright that it could dwarf even the most brilliant of stars. «Show them what you can do, Arceus. I’ll be rooting for you!» she exclaimed, thumping her tail in excitement and her markings pulsing with renewed fervor.

Arceus nodded in agreement, and their mind began concocting some vague plan. No longer they would stay away from the mortal plane for such a long period and expect the worlds to fix all their problems by themselves. Hisui direly needed guidance, and it was time for Arceus to abide by their role and redefine what it meant to be a god.

 

[Cresselia92]

Prompt: <Pokémon> seems curious about your fashion.
Content Warning: Mentions of injuries and bleeding.
Characters: Silvally, Gladion
Setting: Alola

~•~

The Memories in the Rips

​

It’s been two months. Two entire months since we resolved the crisis with the Ultra Beasts and returned to the Aether Foundation. With the Ultra Space and Necrozma messes out of the way, we thought it’d be a good idea to stop our wandering around Alola to focus on connecting again with Gladion’s family while we wait for the inauguration of the first Alolan Pokémon League.

But despite reclaiming all his belongings and what little semblance there is of the daily life before we ran away, Gladion still wears the same dark clothes. The same attire he got for himself after ditching his elegant, white Aether outfit. Even after his sister and the president commented about his fashion — not in a demeaning way, they were just as curious as I am — he still prefers his torn sweatshirt and his tattered pants. Not even the fact that he must sew them regularly to make sure they don’t fall apart seems to bother him.

Speaking of sewing, that’s precisely what he’s doing right now with his sweatshirt, since the fabric started giving away after an intense training session. He’s wearing his usual red shirt at the moment, which has a few stray threads at most.

He must have realized that I’m staring at him, as his green eyes focused on my silver gaze just now. We look at each other for a few seconds, my head tilting slightly and a thin smile appearing on his face. “What’s the matter, Silvally?” he asks, quickly returning his focus to the tear he is stitching up.

With a rapid tilt of my head, I load the information stored in my Psychic Memory into my genes. The psionic abilities inside of me fully awaken, and I can feel my mind expanding way beyond the limits of my brain. I quickly link my mind with Gladion, so that I can send my thoughts through some basic telepathy.

‘Ah, nothing in particular. I was just wondering…’ I approach Gladion and poke the sweatshirt with my muzzle, while my tail sways from one side to another. ‘Why do you still wear these clothes? You’ve got a wardrobe full of clothes of all kinds, and yet you only stick with these. Why is that?’

Gladion pauses his sewing and narrows his eyes slightly. I recognize that expression instantly: he’s mulling things over. Looking for the right words to respond to my question. Then, he holds the sweatshirt closer to himself and runs his free hand on the slash in the chest area.

“Silvally. Do you remember how my clothes got ripped?”

I feel my muscles tensing up slightly. Of course I remember! I exhale a deep breath through my nostrils and my head feathers drop. Those memories, well… they’re nothing to be proud of.

‘How could I ever forget that?’ I ask telepathically, keeping my mental voice steady to not let him hear my inner tension. ‘I… was the one who tore your clothes. Many times.’

It’s not like I did that on purpose! The main issue was that nobody ever taught me how to hold back with my slashes and swipes, so most of my moves ended up striking parts that they should have never struck. How much I struggled and hated having so little control over my wind powers!

But it's not like the geneticists who created me and the others bothered imparting self-restraint lessons, either. The only purpose of a Type: Full was to destroy beasts from other worlds, and invaders didn’t deserve nor need any mercy or sympathy. If anything, going overboard with our killing instincts was an encouraged behavior, not reprehensible.

I was so unstable back then. A mistake, a failed project, a dangerous monster. And yet, Gladion never let those claims sway him, and he never scolded me for shredding his clothes with my overtuned moves. He always shrugged off all those accidents with the usual Trainer 101 drill.

Inexperienced Pokémon might accidentally hurt their human partners while sparring, but that’s nothing that can’t be patched up with adequate treatment and more focused training.

And that encouragement truly helped me, plenty of times. He always looked at me like a regular Pokémon, and he made me believe that I could be more than a simple killing machine. I rewound those words in my mind over and over, grasping onto them with all my might, with the hope and belief that someday everyone would see me as more than a deranged experiment.

However, despite my goodwill and best efforts, I found out quickly that things don’t always go smoothly… or painlessly.

‘And that large slash on the chest area…’

I breathe out deeply once again. It’s never fun dredging up bad memories.

The accident happened during an important battle, one that we couldn’t afford to lose. As I kept fighting and putting more and more effort, I felt my own emotions going wild. My target fell, and I could feel my excited instincts savoring the result. And the mask began acting up; interpreting my sheer determination and pumping adrenaline as a threat.

It began sapping my energy. Its weight became too much for me. It hurt. It hurt. It hurt.

I clawed at it. I wanted it off. Away from my face. I roared, unable to ignore the stabbing pain. I heard Gladion’s voice so clearly, but his words were too blurry. My world turned to noises and darkness and rage and agony.

And then, during one of my attacks toward an indestructible enemy, my claws ran across a familiar surface. The sensation of ripping clothes on my talons and that sharp yell snapped me out of my frenzy. The mask ceased its incessant assault, and my senses returned to me. The newly found mental peace was instantly destroyed by the sight in front of me.

Dripping. Near imperceptible dripping, yet skull-piercing and unforgettable. Small red puddles gathered on the floor under Gladion.

I felt wetness on my talons. I smelled iron in my talons. My red talons.

My eyes widened in horror, and my already difficult breathing hastened, almost suffocating me. No! No… It couldn’t have happened! No!

I didn’t dare lifting my gaze, too aghast and barely able to compute my thoughts and emotions. But… But I had to, and so I did! I needed to know… what I had done.

Gladion… was clutching his chest, shivering, scrunching his face in a pained grimace. The dark clothing did little to mask the expanding stain.

He was injured… because of me! I had done that. I had injured my friend. My first and best friend.

Despite what just happened, Gladion soldiered on the slash and held out a brave face. Then, he began talking to me — without fear, but only with understanding and concern toward me. I was just so ashamed of what I had done and squealed my distress, taking a step back for every step forward he took toward me. Then, before I could react, Gladion burst forward… and he hugged me. He held me tight on my neck, reassuring me it was alright. That it wasn’t my fault… it wasn’t. I wonder where he found the strength and willpower to do that.

Luckily, the cut was superficial, and he only needed a gauze around his chest for a few days to heal properly, but if my claws went deeper… No, I dodn’t even want to imagine the possibility. Not even for a second.

But that event proved that my power was dangerous, and that I needed to learn how to master it to not hurt my friends. I had to do it… for Gladion, who always believed in me.

‘…That was an unfortunate accident, and I’m sorry for hurting you like that,’ I respond at last, and this time I let my sadness pour into my telepathic voice. ‘It wasn’t my intention, you know?’

Gladion nods, his gaze still pointed low. “Yeah. I know.”

I don't want to endure any potentially uncomfortable silence, so I deem it best to keep the conversation going.

‘But what does that have to do with you only wanting to wear those clothes? If anything, since they’re just broken clothes, maybe you could get rid of them?’

“No, I’ll never do that.” This time Gladion looks again at me, and I see a determined flame burn in his eyes. “I want to keep them because they’re like this.”

I tilt my head, unable to hold back my confusion from both my body and my mind. ‘…I don’t follow.’

Gladion looks again at his clothes and moves his hand across the various holes. His movements are slow and deliberate, almost as if he wishes to fully register the sensation. And when he resumes talking, pure fondness fills his voice.

“These slashes aren’t simply torn fabric. They are the proof of our progress and growth as teammates, battlers and friends. Whenever I see these slashes, I see how you used to be back then,” he glances back at me, beaming a warm smile, “and then I look at you, and I see how much you have improved. How you left that hideous mask behind to become the incredible Pokémon you are today.” He shakes his head and narrows his eyes. “I’ll never get rid of them. They’re much more than just broken clothes.”

There are no words to express how I’m feeling after hearing his confession — if we could call that a confession, of course. I would have never expected that those torn clothes would be so important for Gladion. And the way he expressed his pride for our progress… That truly puts things into perspective, doesn’t it?

Our journey wasn’t smooth by any means, and we found many obstacles. And yet, I consider the experience worth it, and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.

Well… Maybe I would hold back a few slashes, but still! Oh, my tail is wagging so hard right now!

Unable to hold back my joy, I give a few licks to his face. He is at first surprised by my gesture of affection and holds his arms defensively. However, it doesn’t take long for him to let go of his hint of tension and he lowers his arms, laughing softly as I keep showering him with my love and appreciation.

I trade overjoyed stares with him for a few seconds before craning my head down his back and pulling him close to my chest. ‘I’m so glad you’re my friend!’

“Yeah…” I feel his arms wrap around my neck lightly and a soft sigh brush on my fur. Knowing that he’s happy through his body language just makes me feel even happier. “I’m glad you’re my friend, too.”