#writing practice drabble

[regalis-solveig]

The Beginning

BAM 

A Drednaw slammed against the doors of an old manor home with such force that it reverberated up through the wood. The sounds of wood splintering, and metal hinges groaning vibrated out into the night air. 

“One,“ A slightly younger Reeves shouted out over the noise of battle. Fires crackled and shot their sparks up towards the sky. 

“Two!“ 

The sounds of metal weapons clashing together could be heard echoing out through the night. It echoed against the stone walls of the Outer Wall of the ancient Manor home. The Drednaw charged at it once more. This time, it’s sharp, jagged horn broke through the wood, and the wood splintered apart, though still held strong by a large wooden beam placed on the inside of the door. 

Arrows rained down upon the Soldiers that stood impatiently behind the Drednaw. Flint arrowheads sparked off metal shields, or pierced flesh. It was imperative that they break the door down as quickly as possible. 

Amidst the fray, Prince Ulric of Galar waited just out of reach of the Archer’s arrows. He rode atop a large, magnificent Rapidash, with a Shield designed to look like the great Zamazenta held regally before him. 

He pulled on the Rapidash’s reins to spin him around until he faced the Knights waiting patiently behind him, and raised his shield up into the air, “This is it, men! Today, we end the ancient war that our forefathers fought and died for! Today, we destroy the Aldebrands once and for all, and show the world the might of Zamazenta!” 

A battle cry echoed through the battlements, and the sounds of boots pounding against stone, and swords clanking against shields clashed out into the smoke-filled night air. 

“THREE!“ Reeves shouted, and with one final push, the Drednaw charged once more at the door. With a loud crack, the metal brackets holding the beam in place on the other side of the door broke free from their wooden mounts, and the beam came away, causing the doors to collapse inwards. 

“CHARGE!“ Ulric ordered, and instantly, a wave of Knights - both mounted and on foot - funneled their way into the old Aldebrand Manor Home. Armored Knights stood defensively on the other side of the wall and braced themselves for the oncoming attack. The two waves of forces collided, and the sounds of battle erupted in a new wave. 

Ulric waited where he was as his Knights surged past him. His eyes were only on one target. They scanned up the old stone manor home - past the autumn-browned gardens, up the ivy covered stone walls, and to a large balcony that overlooked the front courtyard. There, a man in gold-plated armor stood. He wore a cyan blue cape, and held a golden sword in his hands - modeled after the great Zacian’s sword. The moment Ulric’s eyes met the man’s, the man turned around and went back inside. 

Ulric dug his heels into his Rapidash’s flank, and with a loud whinny, the Rapidash reared up, then charged forward. With a powerful bound, it lept over the Knights that clashed below, and came to a stop at the top of the stone steps leading into the manor home. With one fluid movement, Ulric dismounted from the Rapidash, and turned to raise one large foot towards the Aldebrand’s front door. And, with a powerful kick, the latch gave way, and the doors swung in with a loud thud.

More Knights awaited him on the other side, but they were no match for the large Prince. He swung his shield like a mace through them, and the archers that followed him in took care of the rest. 

“Leave no survivors.“ Ulric shouted, and once again he raised his shield to rally his troops, “Today we rid the world of Zacian’s Disciples!“  Another battle cry erupted through his men, before they charged forward through the manor home. 

The screams inside the manor were much different than the battle cries outside. Terrified wails filled the air, as Ulric’s men charged in to finish off the servants o the Alderbrand household. 

No one would be spared. Ulric thought, as he pushed past the dead and dying bodies of the Aldebrand Guard. All who worshiped Zacian shall meet their end today. And, from their spilled blood, and the ashes of their home, a new Galar Region will rise. Their small sacrifice will end the fighting that had plagued  Galar since the Gods left the world. He will be the King who brought peace to Galar! 

[trainer-mika-archive-blog]

Friday. Finally something new?

Mika sat on the front porch with a sullen expression. He sat with his elbow resting on his knee, and his chin resting in his palm. Normally right now, he’d be in school, but he had been suspended for fighting till Monday. And, to make matters worse, Dad was supposed to go in for a parent-teacher interview this afternoon. 

He let out a loud sigh. Ao was at school, and Miguel was at work, and he was bored. He had spent some time on the computer this morning, but he was kinda sulking because of his suspension, and couldn’t focus much. 

Eevee sat beside him, and yawned loudly. Mika sighed, and reached over to pat her head, “Yeah, I hear ya!” He stood up and stretched, “Unngh! Man I’m bored!” 

Without thinking, he turned around and went back into the house, “Dad?” He called out from the inside of the front door. No response. It sounded like a movie was playing loudly in the living room though, so Mika walked over there. 

Sure enough, Dad was lounging on the couch, wrapped up in a blanket, smoking something that smelt gross, drinking, and watching some sort of bargain-bin movie.

“Dad?“ He called out.  Dad startled in response, and sat up so fast he nearly spilt his bottle on himself, “Mika? Miiiiiii~ka!” He placed the bottle beside him, and tried to stand up, but he didn’t get very far, before giving up. He swayed back and forth as he sat up and stared at Mika, “Whar-you doing home? Why’re’n’t you in school?!”  “I got suspended, remember?“ Mika replied, “Dad, are you coming to the Parent-Teacher interview?“  “Yeah, yeah.“ Dad waved Mika off dismissively, “Just gotta finish my movie, and I’ll be right there.“ And then he promptly fell over and nestled back down on the couch. 

Mika shuffled uncomfortably, and turned to leave, but before he got too far, Dad called out to him in a half-asleep, groggy tone, “Hey kiddo... can you get Daddy a bag of chips from the cupboard, will ya?”  Mika frowned, but then shrugged, “Okay.” 

He totally decided to grab one for himself too. So, he walked off towards the kitchen, and started rummaging through the snack cupboard for snacks. All he could find though, was the box of mini-chip bags that Miguel bought for Mika’s school lunches. Well, being suspended meant he didn’t need it for lunches right now! Grinning, he grabbed two bags, and turned around to march back to the living room...

But, by the time he got back to the living room, Dad was already snoring loudly. 

Sadly, that was a relief. Not having Dad come to Parent-Teacher Interviews would be awesome... 

It’s not that he was embarrassed by his Dad or anything... but, what kid did want his parent to have an interview with their teacher?!

Not wanting to wake up his Dad, he decided to turn around, and just leave the house and go for a walk.

[regalis-solveig]

What Lead Us Here

“You know, you don’t have to do this...“ 

Chiyo stood at the end of a grand hallway. In front of her was two massive oak doors. Art of two wolf-like Pokemon were carved into them, like giant sentinels guarding the Chapel within. She wore a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind gown. It was ivory white, and trimmed with many layers of lace, silk, pearls, and even diamonds. It was heavy, and not only hard to move in, but slightly hard to breathe in as well. However, it took Master Craftsmen over a year to design and make this dress, and to complain about it would dishonour them. 

A sheer veil covered her face, and draped down her back. It trailed behind her and outstretched down the hall. The diamonds and rhinestones that trimmed the edges glittered in the light that trickled in through the stained glass windows of the Cathedral. The whole thing was attached to her head with a beautiful, silver tiara that was pinned firmly to her head within a beautiful up-do. Her long, curly blonde hair had been braided, twisted, and pinned up. It made her feel beautiful, but it also made her neck cold. 

She smiled - feeling the weight of the lipstick on her lips stretch as she did, and turned to look at the young man beside her. He was tall, and slightly muscular - with shaggy white hair, and blue eyes. He looked completely uncomfortable in his suit and tie, and Chiyo couldn’t help but stifle a giggle as she saw him shift his weight from foot to foot, like he was ready to bolt at a moment’s notice. 

The man was her nephew - Altair, and one of the main reasons she came to stay here in the Sun Universe. She shifted the large bouquet of red and blue flowers to under her arm, and reached out to grab his hands gently in hers. 

Years ago now, Chiyo had been teleported to this world by a Giratina, in he hopes she can find a way to save her own universe - the Moon Universe - from sharing the same fate as this one. There, she had met Altair. Altair was what one could call a ‘unique being’. To her knowledge, he existed in this time line only, and was the catalyst that split the Sun Universe off from the Moon Universe. Before the Apocalypse that led to the Sun Verse’s time and space distortion, the two worlds had been identical, save for the fact that in the Moon Universe, Altair died as an Egg, and in the Sun Universe, he survived. 

And he still survived to this day, given all the odds against him. And of course, after meeting him, sharing his pain, and knowing that without her, he’d be alone, she couldn’t bare to leave. Not to mention... it was this world’s version of her that led to this world’s decline, and she felt she had to do something to help...

“Awe! Don’t worry, Atty!“ She smiled at him, “This is what I want!“ She gave his hands a light squeeze, “And! This will help the Empire so much!“ He looked like he was about to protest again, so Chi continued.  “Besides, after what Amara did to this world, I’ve got to do whatever it takes to help rebuild it!“  “But you aren’t Amara.“ Altair replied.  Chi pulled her nephew in, and hugged him tightly, “Thank you for worrying about me, Atty... but it’s fine!” 

She pulled away, and smiled brightly at him, before shifting the bouquet back into both hands, “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed about marrying a Prince.” She laughed, “Don’t worry! I know what I’m doing!” 

The sounds of footsteps on the marble floor caught her attention, and she turned around to see a Monk approaching. He was followed by a small group of children - children of Galar Nobles who were chosen to carry her veil. He bowed at Chi, “My Lady, we are ready to begin.” 

Chi nodded, “Thank you.” She felt a wave of giddiness pass over her, and she turned to look back at the doors as a wedding march started playing on the other side of the door. She sucked in a deep breath, and tried to push intruding thoughts out of her mind. She chastised herself for thinking about it, but she couldn’t help but admit a huge part of her felt guilty that her family and friends from back in the Moon Universe were not here. But it would be impossible for them to attend. 

She looped her arm around Altair’s elbow, and gave him a reassuring smile as the doors opened inward. Her attention snapped back towards them, as a brilliant red carpet stretched out before her, stretching down the isle towards the altar. The pews were full of people. Noblemen and women from all over both Galar and the Yggdran Empire lined them, and they all turned to look at Chiyo expectantly. flower-laced banners lined the isle, and the altar itself was decorated with a even more. 

And of course, standing before the altar, staring back at her, was her groom to be - the King of Galar.

[trainer-mika-archive-blog]

Delivery Mission!

It had been about a week now since Mika met a new friend! Currently, he was playing in backyard with Ao, Chiyo, and some Pokemon! 

It was more convenient to meet at his or Ao’s house, because they couldn’t always play at a Pokemon Sanctuary, and they both had connected, big backyards, so it just worked out better in the end! 

The Ueno and Kihell households bordered on the back of the Viridian Forest, but Mika knew better than straying too far into that. He could go into the forest, as long as he could still see the house. 

The only negative part? Chi’s Grandpa came over with her this time, and was busy talking with Ao’s Mom. Mrs. Ueno and Mr. Yawa seemed to be talking about something though, so they weren’t quite paying attention to the three of them, letting them wander a bit into the forest without being bothered too much. Besides, as long as he had Eevee, and Chi had her Grandpa’s Pikachu, they’d be fine anyway! 

“So Chi, when do you hafta go home anyway?“ He asked, as he pushed away a snow covered branch. 

(( @hel-angelos ))

[trainer-mika-archive-blog]

A Week in the Life of Miguel

Thursday

It wasn’t often that Miguel took a taxi. But, he knew his Dad wouldn’t be up for the bus. It had been a stressful morning this morning. More-so than the rest of the week. Not only did he have to make sure Mika got up and caught the school bus on time, but he also had to get his Dad up, showered, and dressed. And, the idea of leaving the house never went over with Dad very well, but it was a weekly occurrence that they both had to endure.

“This is pointless.“ Dad whined, “You know... it’s not to late to just skip and stay home? This doesn’t help anyway. It’s just a big waste of time and money.” 

Miguel looked away from the window, and looked back at his Dad. Dad’s hair was still slightly damp - having been towel-dried shortly before Miguel called the cab... but he was dressed, and that’s what mattered. He looked very agitated though, and had his arms wrapped firmly around his center. He looked ready to jump from the cab at a moment’s notice... which was why Miguel was wasting the extra cab fare by coming along - to make sure his Dad actually went to his weekly appointment.

Miguel tried to give his Dad a reassuring smile, “It’s not pointless! These appointments have been a big help!” He turned to look down at his phone, “Besides, it’s more of a waste of money to cancel without notice than it is to go.”

Dad grumbled something, but Miguel didn’t hear it, and didn’t argue. Instead, he turned and looked out the window for the rest of the ride. 

Thursdays was the day he got to catch up on things anyway. Mika was at school, Dad would be at his appointment, so the moment Miguel dropped Dad off, and got back home, he started cleaning the house. 

So that meant he had a little over an hour to make sure the house was as clean as he could get it! With a slight smirk, Miguel tied his hair up, and got to work, sweeping, moping, tidying up, doing dishes, laundry, vacuuming... and so on, and on, and on. 

He was nearly running, as he carried a couple bags of trash out to the curb, before running back into the house. It wasn’t perfect, but now everything but the living room was clean enough. 

Miguel approached the living room with a slower pace though. He rarely went in there. The living room was ‘Dad’s Space’. He rarely ever left. In fact, 9-times-out-of-10, he even slept on the couch. Sucking in a deep breath, Miguel entered the living room. 

It stank like spilled beer, stale coffee, and dirty dishes. He paused in the entrance way to look around, before turning on a light, and sure enough, there was a good pile of beer bottles and half-full coffee cups littered on the side table and coffee table. Empty chip bags lay on the floor between the couch and the coffee table, and food crumbs and wrappers littered the floor. Miguel exhaled slowly, turned around, and went back into the kitchen for a garbage bag. 

When he returned, he cleared a small area on the mantle by the tv for his phone and portable speaker, turned on his music, and got to work cleaning!

[trainer-mika-archive-blog]

A Week in the Life of Mika

Tuesday

Mika sat at the breakfast table, sleepily munching on some sugary cereal, while he watched some morning cartoons. Eevee sat at the ground by his feed, greedily chomping down on her own food. Miguel had just gotten him up, and was sitting across the table with his gross coffee and his phone, and Jolteon was curled up on the floor beside him. It was a typical morning. 

As a commercial started though, Miguel spoke up, “Mika... have you told Dad about Parent-Teacher Interviews this Friday?”  Mika cringed, and turned to look at his brother, “How’d you know about that?!”  Miguel held his phone up, “It’s on your school’s website.”  Mika sulked slightly, and shuffled down in his seat, “No. Those things are stupid. I don’t wanna go!”  “Mika...“ Miguel replied with a slightly raised eyebrow, “Tell Dad about it.“  Mika splashed his spoon in his cereal, “He won’t come anyway...”

“...what won’t I do?“ A voice behind him said in a groggy tone. 

Mika turned and looked over his shoulder as Dad stumbled over towards the table, and sat himself down. His eyes shuffled between Dad and Miguel, before he quickly called out, “Nothing!”  “Mika,“ Miguel replied. 

Dad groaned, and rubbed his face, “Mika... keep your voice down. Daddy has a headache this morning.”  “But you always have a headache in the morning.“ Mika continued to sulk. 

“Miggy...“ Dad didn’t reply to him, and instead looked up at Miguel. Mika watched Miguel sigh, and got up to grab their Dad a coffee and headache-medicine thingy that Mika could never remember what it was called. 

“What Mika means to say-“ Miguel injected, “-is that Mika has Parent-Teacher interviews this Friday. So, can you please call the school sometime today and book a time.“  “Do I have to?“ Dad whined,  “Yes! It’s important to see how Mika’s doing in school and meet his teachers!“ Miguel replied.  “Who cares about school?“ Mika whined, “If I’m going to be a Pokemon Trainer, then I only have like, a year left anyway!“ “See? Then I don’t have to go!“ Dad agreed. 

Miguel pinched the bridge of his nose, “Dad, please.”  “...fine, fine.“ Dad replied dismissively. 

Mika watched Miguel turn around, and carry two cups of coffee back to the table - a refill for himself, and one for Dad, “I’d also like you to apply to at least one job today too, please?” “But I applied to one yesterday!“ Dad argued.  “Well,“ Mika replied, as he handed Dad his coffee, “That’s the thing about applying, you gotta do it till you find a job!“ 

Mika decided to tune the two of them out there. It was the same ol’ conversation that happened nearly every morning, and he had absolutely no interest in it. And besides, the commercial was over now, and the cartoon was back on! He tuned completely into the show and ignored the other two in the room until the credits started rolling across the screen, and suddenly Miguel flicked off the TV.

“Hey!“ Mika complained.  “Nope! Time to get going!“ Miguel replied, “Come on, Ao’s probably already waiting for you at the bus stop.“  “Ao?“ Dad muttered into his coffee, “Who’s Ao?“  “Mika’s gir-“ Miguel started, 

“No one!“ Mika cut Miguel off with a loud gasp, and jumped up from the table, “She’s just a girl from school, okay?!“  Mika saw a taunting smile cross Miguel’s face, and instead of giving his older brother ammunition, he broke into a run towards the door. 

Yup. Typical Tuesday Morning.

[trainer-mika-archive-blog]

A Week in the Life of Miguel

Monday Morning

Beep beep beep

Miguel awoke to the usual sound of his phone’s alarm clock beeping out loudly next to him on the bedside table. He groaned, and slowly raised his head from the pillow. The alarm had shaken him from a deep sleep, and whatever he had been dreaming about quickly faded from his mind as he reached over to turn off the alarm.

Groggily, he leaned up, and looked down at the time flashing back at him from the phone. 6 AM. Well, like it or not, it was time to get up! He placed the phone down on the bedside table once again, and rubbed his face, before yawning loudly. 

“Whelp, no time like the present!“ He pushed himself to his feet, and stretched. 

Across the room, a sleepy looking Jolteon was curled up on an old, slightly torn up, overstuffed chair. He stretched his paws out and yawned, before he too, jumped down from his bed, and stretched his whole body. 

Miguel smiled, and walked over to pat the electric type on the head, “Let’s get you breakfast before the pup get’s up, huh?” He turned away, and left his room to head downstairs. 

The ‘morning routine’ was always the same. Feed Jolteon and let him out, put on coffee, go shower while coffee brewed, get dressed in his work uniform, go down and enjoy a cup of coffee, and by then it was time to get Mika up. 

...Getting Mika up on a Monday Morning was always the hard part after all.

7 AM. 

Miguel walked up the stairs with his second cup of coffee, and knocked on Mika’s door, “Mika! Time to get up for school!” No answer. “Mika!” A groan. 

Miguel opened the door, and turned on the light. Mika’s messy room was instantly lit up, and Mika let out another loud groan before rolling over, and pulled the covers over his head, causing the Eevee who had been sleeping on his chest to roll over with him. 

“I don’t wanna go to school today.“ Mika whined.  “Well you have too! Up and at’em!“ Miguel replied. 

Eevee stretched, and jumped off the bed to run after Miguel. After all, she knew it was breakfast time! She playfully pawed at Jolteon, before racing towards the stairs. Miguel smiled, and watched her go, before trailing after her. 

There was one person left in the house that was still asleep, but Miguel was going to let him sleep for a little while longer.  

[regalis-solveig]

Sullied Honor

The outside light filtered through the crack in the curtains on one of the upper floor windows as a middle-aged man stared out at the three riders leaving through the gates, and disappear into the city below. A dark frown stained his scarred features as he released the curtain, and allowed it to flutter closed once more.

Lord Bryce Hobard - Head of the Hobard estate, and current Grandmaster in the King’s council, walked away from the window, and towards a large desk that rested behind him. His leather-gloved hand trailed the edge of the desk, as he walked around to a large, high-backed chair, and slowly lowered himself down into it. 

“Sir?“ A voice called out from across the room.

Bryce looked up, as if suddenly remembering that he wasn’t alone in the room. He placed both hands on the table, and leaned back to look at a young man who stood across the room. The man was nothing more than a peasant.farmer. His clothing was frayed simple - devoid of any colour or characteristics.  The man’s hands were dirty and cracked from years of toiling in the fields. For a moment, Bryce said nothing. He stroked his chin gently and allowed his fingers to trail down through his beard, before falling back against the table. 

He looked around the rather large and luxurious office. Generations of Hobard men have reigned from this office. Their pictures adorned the walls between the large bookshelves, tapestries, and maps - with Bryce’s portrait, as the current head of the household - displayed proudly above the fireplace. All his forefathers had their portraits here... all save for one. His father’s. A man who’s actions ‘disgraced and shamed’ his Family Name. 

For, the Hobard Family has served the Solveig Family since the Solveigs came to power - with each Generation serving the last. It was a great honor that had made the Hobard Family quite renowned and wealthy. But, his Father, Lord Reeves Hobard, had gone against that oath, and had attempted to assassinate the heir to the throne... and for his actions, he was disgraced and executed. 

Bryce reached forward to pull the curtain open slightly again. But... his Father had had due reason. A reason only a few select people in the Castle knew about, and was completely held secret from the common man. It was the fact that the heir was illegitimate... no, that wasn’t quite correct. The heir was adopted. He had no Solveig blood in his veins. And, not only that, but the family he was adopted from was none other than the Solveig’s greatest rivals - the Aldebrand Family. 

For Generations, the Hobards had defended the Solveig Family from the Aldebrand Family. Two contesting Families who claim to be Galar’s rightful rulers... but now... once the King was dead, with the last remaining Aldebrand member as heir... that dynasty would end. The moment the King was gone, an Aldebrand would inherit the throne and end Zamazenta’s rule... and bring in the Age of Zacian... and there was nothing he could do about it...

“Edgar.“ Bryce finally said, without turning around to face the peasant. “Sir?“ The Peasant responded. 

Bryce sighed and shook his head, before finally turning around to face the Peasant, “Nothing. Nevermind. You are dismissed.”  “But my-“ Edgar started.  “I will keep your request in mind.“ Bryce cut him off, “If you continue being loyal and trustworthy, I will grant your request in due time. Just be patient.“  Edgar nodded, “T-thank you sir!” 

Bryce responded by waving the peasant off. He waited for the peasant to leave, and rested his elbows on the table. He folded his hands, and rested his chin on them. 

For fifteen years now, he had been waiting patiently for the King and Queen to finally have a blood-related heir. But that hadn’t happened. And now, the Crowned Prince - the Aldebrand Spawn - was going off on his first patrol. 

Was there anything he could do, other than to throw away all he believed in, and his faith and loyalty to Zamazenta, and swear allegiance to the Aldebrand Spawn and Zacian?

...It was no wonder his Father decided to take such drastic actions...