THoT Idea 1
Inspired by an old drabble I wrote
Inspired by an old drabble I wrote
What makes a good friend?
Cite often thought about this. He doesn’t quite know, to be honest. What exactly makes someone a good friend?
Cite thinks back to his “friends” back in his old town. Cite remembers always being nice to them, even if they did mock and make fun of him more often than not. He remembers telling them to stop their teasing, because that’s not what friends do.
‘It’s just a joke” they’d often say to him. “Lighten up” “Quit being so sensitive”
So at the expense of his happiness, Cite continued to let them tease him. Because apparently that’s what friends to, right?
Cite isn’t so sure now. After the endless mocking, being told he couldn’t play with them, them running away anytime Cite asked for them to slow down, them stealing his crutches, them breaking and vandalizing his paintings he was so excited to show them.
Cite really doesn’t know what it means to be a good friend. A friend should care, and friend should be nice back. Someone who likes to spend time with you, and doesn’t mind, in Cite’s case, being a possible burden to them.
A burden. Something not only his friends called him, but his own father as well.
Could he truly find someone who sees him than more than just a burden to be around with.
But…maybe his friends are right, and he really is nothing more than dead weight to be around with.
============================
Cite stares out the window of his room. He should be leaving by now, he knows Dragato will be eagerly waiting for his arrival. If he doesn’t arrive in time, or at all, Dragato will know something’s wrong and run straight to his home. And that’s something Cite definitely doesn’t want.The last thing he ever wants is to do is waste his friends time while he should be having fun with his other friends. Friends who don’t hold others back, friends who don’t rely on stupid crutches to get around, friends…who aren’t a burden.
===============================
“Let’s wrap it up, kiddos!” Ramset calls out as class finally comes to an end. Dragato and Falspar knows that that means, and they happily race to their mentor!
“Ice cream!!!” They cheer.
Every Friday, after a hard week of training, Ramset treats his students to a scoop of Ice Cream. It’s something he, Gordon and Bate love to do; to reward them for training so hard, and motivate them to continue working hard in the future. They always meet at the Sugar Squid (Marlo’s mothers candy store) at the end of class. Marlo, Petta and Cite usually join in as well, basically a little get together to hang out and be among friends.
“Race ya!!!” Falspar runs off while Dragato goes into a full on sprint soon after!! The kids are laughing, having the time of their lives while Ramset follows behind.
The plaza is bustling! Friday evenings are considered the busiest in Kalmari Town. From family celebrating birthdays, to coworkers getting together after a hard work week, there’s always something happening in the plaza.
Dragato and Falspar run to the candy store, and already spot Meta, Arthur, Petta and Nonsurat! Marlo is likely inside already, preparing a table for all her friends. The pair greet and join their friends. Everyone is happy, everyone is excited to eat! Except Dragato.
Dragato scans the plaza to see if he can spot Cite anywhere. It’s usually not like him to be late, but after a few minutes of waiting, and everyone eventually going inside except for Ramset, Dragato is starting to worry.
“Teacher, I don’t want to start without him.” Dragato said. “Can we please go to his house and see if he’s okay?”
Ramset, of course agrees. Being as fast as someone like Ramset, it doesn’t take long at all for the pair to reach his home. Ramset gives a few knocks and his mother answers. She had a feeling it would be Dragato, and she politely allows them to enter.
Dragato doesn’t beat around the bush and asks where Cite is. She feels terrible. No one but Dragato has ever, EVER asked for Cite. She knows he truly cares for her son, and it breaks her heart to tell her he won’t be able to join.
She explains his crutches are in need of a replacement. They no longer fit him properly, and it’ll take several days for the new ones to arrive. She should’ve ordered them sooner, she admits. Dragato is heartbroken, and probably knows Cite doesn’t want to talk to have company right now. He’s always embarrassed about slowing others down, being a burden. Dragato’s heard it plenty of times, but he’s never once saw him as such. But Dragato isn’t one to let his friend wallow and be alone.
“Can…I see him, please?” He asks.
=======================================
Dragato bolts to his door on the top floor when she gives a nod. He gives a few rushed knocks, not that it matters because he literally opens in a second later. Cite is on the floor, a few art supplies scattered. He’s propped up with several pillows, and Cite immediately looks his way.
Cite cowers at first, he doesn’t know if Dragato will be mad at him for not showing. But Dragato doesn’t do that. He takes a seat across from him, and kinda just…stares. Cite doesn’t say anything, and just waits for him to respond.
“Your mom told me you’re getting a replacement for your crutches, and that’s why you couldn’t join us.” He finally says.
Cite nods, but still doesn’t say anything.
Picking his words carefully, Dragato stands up, and holds out his arm. “Here, how about you just lean on me? Would that help? Truthfully, he doesn’t really know how much Cite relies on his crutches. Is it like Bate? Bate’s still able to walk without his cane- though he does limp, and it’s very noticeable when he doesn’t have it. Is Cite still able to walk without them?
This…takes Cite by surprise. He doesn’t refuse the idea, even though he knows it likely won’t work.
“I…don’t think I c-can…” Cite admits. But he ends up grabbing Dragato’s arm and stumbles without the support. He can hardly move without putting all his weight on Dragato, and even he could see Dragato starting to falter. Eventually, Cite has to sit back down after taking less than one step.
Dragato tries to think of another idea, but Cite intervenes, and tells him shyly that it’s okay. He already feels bad that Dragato wasted his time coming all the way up here just for him. He should leave, go to his other friends and have fun. He’ll be fine, and it’ll be okay.
But Dragato shakes his head fervently. He doesn’t want to celebrate when Cite is all alone, it’s not fair! He knows Cite really enjoys being around the others, and no stupid idiot crutches are going to stop Dragato.
“Ah, I got it!!” He says.
“Ummm…”
“Just because you don’t have your crutches, doesn’t mean you can’t join us!” Dragato says. “Teacher Ramset could help you! Last time when I hurt my ankle real bad, Teacher Ramset bought me a wagon and he pulled me around until it healed! We can do the same for you!”
Cite….well, he certainly didn’t expect to hear such a thing. Nova, anytime he couldn’t keep up in his old town, everyone just ran off without him, or made fun of him. Dragato is the only one who refused to leave his side. Dragato is the only one who ever tried to think of an idea instead of mocking of belittling him. No one…has ever showed such kindness like Dragato.
But why? Why does he care so much? What’s so special about him that makes Dragato want to hang out with him. No one has ever done that before. He’s useless, a burden…. that’s what everyone always said about him. Who would ever want to hang out with someone who can’t even play, or run, or…
Echo’s from his old friend begin to resurface.
“You’re such a loser, Cite, why don’t you just leave us alone.”
“I’m tired of always waiting for you, why don’t you bother someone else.”
“What’s the point of hanging around with us if you can’t even keep up with us.”
“Useless” “Freak”
=====================
“Cite!” Dragato’s voice cuts through. Dragato gives him a smile. “Hey, c’mon, let’s give it a try!”
He hesitates. Fins lowered; he inches back avoids eye contact. “I..I’m sorry….”
Dragato knows Cite has a habit of apologizing when he feels like he’s in the way. Dragato nips it in the bud. “It’s fine! It just…happens, y’know? You’ll get your replacement soon, but you can borrow my wagon for now, okay?”
Dragato holds out his hand again. “A Star Warrior will never leave their comrades behind. Friends to the end, remember?”
Cite looks at him with such bewilderment and amazement and awe. Is…this what it’s truly like to have a friend? Is this what it feels like? Warmth, happiness, importance…self-worth.
Nova, Cite certainly doesn’t know he has to offer. He’s not strong, not energetic, can’t fly, can’t fight. Just what exactly is he to Dragato?
Cite takes his hand, though.
Maybe, one day, Cite will see what Dragato sees.
Time Skip / Idea 2
Cite never expected his old life to catch up with him. He’s never forgotten his old town, old scars like that never really fade. But with the help of his friends, he’s learned to slowly move on. Learned to form bonds again, and learned to appreciate himself a bit more. He knows he has self-worth, his friend and father figure would always support and reassure him. Cite knows this, Cite knows he’s loves, he knows he’s important to someone. Cite definitely knows this…
The laughing, the mocking, the name calling.
Cite struggles to stand after they took his crutches away. It was always a cruel game they played. They’d mock his stutter anytime he’d ask for them back, and continue to play keep away until they were tired. Years may have passed, and it seems like nothing has changed with them….
==============================
It was a day of celebration. Many travel near and far for Kalmari’s First summer festival. Lots of food stands, lots of game booths- and LOTS of fireworks. It’s one of Cite’s favorite celebrations he looks forward to every year. Because every year, Dragato always asks him to celebrate! It’s tradition for someone- be it a lover, family or friend, to join them in celebrating the First Summer. Everyone always has their special someone in their friend group. Nonsurat always asks Marlo, Petta always asks Arthur. Meta asks Bate, Falspar asks Ramset. And Dragato asks him.
This year is no different, and Cite can’t wait to celebrate it with all the friends he’s made over the years. It’s a celebration he greatly cherishes- for it represents all the bonds and friendships he’s formed over the years. 16 years old, Cite is confident he’ll continue to strengthen those bonds- friends are everything to him.
=====================
The stairs to the celebrations grounds are always a challenge. It’s tradition one must always scale the stairs- no shortcuts, and no flying. He and Bate usually take their sweet time- many do! To enjoy the scenery, the sounds of the bamboo clattering against the wind. There are little shrines and resting spots every now and then sprinkles in-between flights of stairs.
Cite doesn’t want to fall behind in all the festivities, so he leaves extra early to make the long trek to the shrine. Nothing’s really changed over the years- the same celebrations, the same food vendors. All of it nostalgic, and something Cite adores about Kalmari Town. Everyone is close, tight- one big family in a way. And Cite’s glad to be part of it.
The celebration grounds are already bustling with action. Lots of outsiders flock to stands, kids playing games, many adorn hand carved wooden masks.
Cite is excited to meet up with his group of friends. Dragato and Falspar are a bit late- said to be helping Ramset with this firework display. No matter, he can easily pass the time with some food or even a few games.
It’s much easier with Dragato, especially when it comes to juggling food. But Cite managed to hold his plate of curry bread and take a seat to enjoy his meal. He sets aside his crutches along the stone carved bench before taking the plate in his hand to enjoy his meal.
Cite never expected his past to intrude during an extremely important day in his life. Cite just got here, he has to meet up with all of his friends, but when someone slapped the plate of food away from his hands, and Cite looked up to see 5 masked figures looming over him, Cite knew he was in trouble.
They told him not to make a sound. To follow them into the bamboo forest, away from the festivities. Cite couldn’t fight. He could only follow and do as he’s told. They shove him, push him hard if he’s going too slow. Tell him he hasn’t changed one bit. Tell him they were going to eventually find him again, one day. When they entered the clearing, they shoved him hard to the ground, and Cite watched as they took off their masks to reveal the ones who once bullied him years ago.
==============================
Dragato scans the entire festival grounds. He bumps into Meta, Gordon, Nonsurat, all of his friend and mentors. He asks if they’ve seen Cite around. Each one tries to recall if they’ve seen him, but they all shake their heads. Dragato is worried, Cite LOVES the festival. He looks forward to it every year! Dragato flies back to Cite’s home- no one is there. He scans the trails leading to the plaza- nothing. He even heads to the clinic to see if something happened to him. Dragato climbs the flight of stairs and sees if he’s resting at any one of the stops. No. Nothing.
Fear sets in, and the warrior runs to his mentor and friends to ask for help.
=========================
Petta is late. Petta is really REALLY late. She’s in the bamboo forest tending to one of her special flower beds. She planted a special flower for Arthur, and wanted to present it to him for the first Summer. Carrying the clay pot, she runs trough the thickets of the bamboo to the festival grounds.
Cries of pain- laughter. Petta immediately stops when she hears commotion in the forest. It’s dark now, and she can’t really make out what’s happening, but she does hear a voice. Someone she knows, and someone she considers a friend.
Cite often thought about this. He doesn’t quite know, to be honest. What exactly makes someone a good friend?
Cite thinks back to his “friends” back in his old town. Cite remembers always being nice to them, even if they did mock and make fun of him more often than not. He remembers telling them to stop their teasing, because that’s not what friends do.
‘It’s just a joke” they’d often say to him. “Lighten up” “Quit being so sensitive”
So at the expense of his happiness, Cite continued to let them tease him. Because apparently that’s what friends to, right?
Cite isn’t so sure now. After the endless mocking, being told he couldn’t play with them, them running away anytime Cite asked for them to slow down, them stealing his crutches, them breaking and vandalizing his paintings he was so excited to show them.
Cite really doesn’t know what it means to be a good friend. A friend should care, and friend should be nice back. Someone who likes to spend time with you, and doesn’t mind, in Cite’s case, being a possible burden to them.
A burden. Something not only his friends called him, but his own father as well.
Could he truly find someone who sees him than more than just a burden to be around with.
But…maybe his friends are right, and he really is nothing more than dead weight to be around with.
============================
Cite stares out the window of his room. He should be leaving by now, he knows Dragato will be eagerly waiting for his arrival. If he doesn’t arrive in time, or at all, Dragato will know something’s wrong and run straight to his home. And that’s something Cite definitely doesn’t want.The last thing he ever wants is to do is waste his friends time while he should be having fun with his other friends. Friends who don’t hold others back, friends who don’t rely on stupid crutches to get around, friends…who aren’t a burden.
===============================
“Let’s wrap it up, kiddos!” Ramset calls out as class finally comes to an end. Dragato and Falspar knows that that means, and they happily race to their mentor!
“Ice cream!!!” They cheer.
Every Friday, after a hard week of training, Ramset treats his students to a scoop of Ice Cream. It’s something he, Gordon and Bate love to do; to reward them for training so hard, and motivate them to continue working hard in the future. They always meet at the Sugar Squid (Marlo’s mothers candy store) at the end of class. Marlo, Petta and Cite usually join in as well, basically a little get together to hang out and be among friends.
“Race ya!!!” Falspar runs off while Dragato goes into a full on sprint soon after!! The kids are laughing, having the time of their lives while Ramset follows behind.
The plaza is bustling! Friday evenings are considered the busiest in Kalmari Town. From family celebrating birthdays, to coworkers getting together after a hard work week, there’s always something happening in the plaza.
Dragato and Falspar run to the candy store, and already spot Meta, Arthur, Petta and Nonsurat! Marlo is likely inside already, preparing a table for all her friends. The pair greet and join their friends. Everyone is happy, everyone is excited to eat! Except Dragato.
Dragato scans the plaza to see if he can spot Cite anywhere. It’s usually not like him to be late, but after a few minutes of waiting, and everyone eventually going inside except for Ramset, Dragato is starting to worry.
“Teacher, I don’t want to start without him.” Dragato said. “Can we please go to his house and see if he’s okay?”
Ramset, of course agrees. Being as fast as someone like Ramset, it doesn’t take long at all for the pair to reach his home. Ramset gives a few knocks and his mother answers. She had a feeling it would be Dragato, and she politely allows them to enter.
Dragato doesn’t beat around the bush and asks where Cite is. She feels terrible. No one but Dragato has ever, EVER asked for Cite. She knows he truly cares for her son, and it breaks her heart to tell her he won’t be able to join.
She explains his crutches are in need of a replacement. They no longer fit him properly, and it’ll take several days for the new ones to arrive. She should’ve ordered them sooner, she admits. Dragato is heartbroken, and probably knows Cite doesn’t want to talk to have company right now. He’s always embarrassed about slowing others down, being a burden. Dragato’s heard it plenty of times, but he’s never once saw him as such. But Dragato isn’t one to let his friend wallow and be alone.
“Can…I see him, please?” He asks.
=======================================
Dragato bolts to his door on the top floor when she gives a nod. He gives a few rushed knocks, not that it matters because he literally opens in a second later. Cite is on the floor, a few art supplies scattered. He’s propped up with several pillows, and Cite immediately looks his way.
Cite cowers at first, he doesn’t know if Dragato will be mad at him for not showing. But Dragato doesn’t do that. He takes a seat across from him, and kinda just…stares. Cite doesn’t say anything, and just waits for him to respond.
“Your mom told me you’re getting a replacement for your crutches, and that’s why you couldn’t join us.” He finally says.
Cite nods, but still doesn’t say anything.
Picking his words carefully, Dragato stands up, and holds out his arm. “Here, how about you just lean on me? Would that help? Truthfully, he doesn’t really know how much Cite relies on his crutches. Is it like Bate? Bate’s still able to walk without his cane- though he does limp, and it’s very noticeable when he doesn’t have it. Is Cite still able to walk without them?
This…takes Cite by surprise. He doesn’t refuse the idea, even though he knows it likely won’t work.
“I…don’t think I c-can…” Cite admits. But he ends up grabbing Dragato’s arm and stumbles without the support. He can hardly move without putting all his weight on Dragato, and even he could see Dragato starting to falter. Eventually, Cite has to sit back down after taking less than one step.
Dragato tries to think of another idea, but Cite intervenes, and tells him shyly that it’s okay. He already feels bad that Dragato wasted his time coming all the way up here just for him. He should leave, go to his other friends and have fun. He’ll be fine, and it’ll be okay.
But Dragato shakes his head fervently. He doesn’t want to celebrate when Cite is all alone, it’s not fair! He knows Cite really enjoys being around the others, and no stupid idiot crutches are going to stop Dragato.
“Ah, I got it!!” He says.
“Ummm…”
“Just because you don’t have your crutches, doesn’t mean you can’t join us!” Dragato says. “Teacher Ramset could help you! Last time when I hurt my ankle real bad, Teacher Ramset bought me a wagon and he pulled me around until it healed! We can do the same for you!”
Cite….well, he certainly didn’t expect to hear such a thing. Nova, anytime he couldn’t keep up in his old town, everyone just ran off without him, or made fun of him. Dragato is the only one who refused to leave his side. Dragato is the only one who ever tried to think of an idea instead of mocking of belittling him. No one…has ever showed such kindness like Dragato.
But why? Why does he care so much? What’s so special about him that makes Dragato want to hang out with him. No one has ever done that before. He’s useless, a burden…. that’s what everyone always said about him. Who would ever want to hang out with someone who can’t even play, or run, or…
Echo’s from his old friend begin to resurface.
“You’re such a loser, Cite, why don’t you just leave us alone.”
“I’m tired of always waiting for you, why don’t you bother someone else.”
“What’s the point of hanging around with us if you can’t even keep up with us.”
“Useless” “Freak”
=====================
“Cite!” Dragato’s voice cuts through. Dragato gives him a smile. “Hey, c’mon, let’s give it a try!”
He hesitates. Fins lowered; he inches back avoids eye contact. “I..I’m sorry….”
Dragato knows Cite has a habit of apologizing when he feels like he’s in the way. Dragato nips it in the bud. “It’s fine! It just…happens, y’know? You’ll get your replacement soon, but you can borrow my wagon for now, okay?”
Dragato holds out his hand again. “A Star Warrior will never leave their comrades behind. Friends to the end, remember?”
Cite looks at him with such bewilderment and amazement and awe. Is…this what it’s truly like to have a friend? Is this what it feels like? Warmth, happiness, importance…self-worth.
Nova, Cite certainly doesn’t know he has to offer. He’s not strong, not energetic, can’t fly, can’t fight. Just what exactly is he to Dragato?
Cite takes his hand, though.
Maybe, one day, Cite will see what Dragato sees.
Time Skip / Idea 2
Cite never expected his old life to catch up with him. He’s never forgotten his old town, old scars like that never really fade. But with the help of his friends, he’s learned to slowly move on. Learned to form bonds again, and learned to appreciate himself a bit more. He knows he has self-worth, his friend and father figure would always support and reassure him. Cite knows this, Cite knows he’s loves, he knows he’s important to someone. Cite definitely knows this…
The laughing, the mocking, the name calling.
Cite struggles to stand after they took his crutches away. It was always a cruel game they played. They’d mock his stutter anytime he’d ask for them back, and continue to play keep away until they were tired. Years may have passed, and it seems like nothing has changed with them….
==============================
It was a day of celebration. Many travel near and far for Kalmari’s First summer festival. Lots of food stands, lots of game booths- and LOTS of fireworks. It’s one of Cite’s favorite celebrations he looks forward to every year. Because every year, Dragato always asks him to celebrate! It’s tradition for someone- be it a lover, family or friend, to join them in celebrating the First Summer. Everyone always has their special someone in their friend group. Nonsurat always asks Marlo, Petta always asks Arthur. Meta asks Bate, Falspar asks Ramset. And Dragato asks him.
This year is no different, and Cite can’t wait to celebrate it with all the friends he’s made over the years. It’s a celebration he greatly cherishes- for it represents all the bonds and friendships he’s formed over the years. 16 years old, Cite is confident he’ll continue to strengthen those bonds- friends are everything to him.
=====================
The stairs to the celebrations grounds are always a challenge. It’s tradition one must always scale the stairs- no shortcuts, and no flying. He and Bate usually take their sweet time- many do! To enjoy the scenery, the sounds of the bamboo clattering against the wind. There are little shrines and resting spots every now and then sprinkles in-between flights of stairs.
Cite doesn’t want to fall behind in all the festivities, so he leaves extra early to make the long trek to the shrine. Nothing’s really changed over the years- the same celebrations, the same food vendors. All of it nostalgic, and something Cite adores about Kalmari Town. Everyone is close, tight- one big family in a way. And Cite’s glad to be part of it.
The celebration grounds are already bustling with action. Lots of outsiders flock to stands, kids playing games, many adorn hand carved wooden masks.
Cite is excited to meet up with his group of friends. Dragato and Falspar are a bit late- said to be helping Ramset with this firework display. No matter, he can easily pass the time with some food or even a few games.
It’s much easier with Dragato, especially when it comes to juggling food. But Cite managed to hold his plate of curry bread and take a seat to enjoy his meal. He sets aside his crutches along the stone carved bench before taking the plate in his hand to enjoy his meal.
Cite never expected his past to intrude during an extremely important day in his life. Cite just got here, he has to meet up with all of his friends, but when someone slapped the plate of food away from his hands, and Cite looked up to see 5 masked figures looming over him, Cite knew he was in trouble.
They told him not to make a sound. To follow them into the bamboo forest, away from the festivities. Cite couldn’t fight. He could only follow and do as he’s told. They shove him, push him hard if he’s going too slow. Tell him he hasn’t changed one bit. Tell him they were going to eventually find him again, one day. When they entered the clearing, they shoved him hard to the ground, and Cite watched as they took off their masks to reveal the ones who once bullied him years ago.
==============================
Dragato scans the entire festival grounds. He bumps into Meta, Gordon, Nonsurat, all of his friend and mentors. He asks if they’ve seen Cite around. Each one tries to recall if they’ve seen him, but they all shake their heads. Dragato is worried, Cite LOVES the festival. He looks forward to it every year! Dragato flies back to Cite’s home- no one is there. He scans the trails leading to the plaza- nothing. He even heads to the clinic to see if something happened to him. Dragato climbs the flight of stairs and sees if he’s resting at any one of the stops. No. Nothing.
Fear sets in, and the warrior runs to his mentor and friends to ask for help.
=========================
Petta is late. Petta is really REALLY late. She’s in the bamboo forest tending to one of her special flower beds. She planted a special flower for Arthur, and wanted to present it to him for the first Summer. Carrying the clay pot, she runs trough the thickets of the bamboo to the festival grounds.
Cries of pain- laughter. Petta immediately stops when she hears commotion in the forest. It’s dark now, and she can’t really make out what’s happening, but she does hear a voice. Someone she knows, and someone she considers a friend.
Species © Nintendo/ HAL Laboratory
Interpreted characters created from said species © Rhylem
Interpreted characters created from said species © Rhylem
