Submission (#618) Approved

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31 July 2025, 23:14:19 CDT (1 week ago)
Processed
31 July 2025, 23:24:16 CDT (1 week ago) by eggomancer
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“The Rockatiel Rave”
Word Count Goal: 500+ | Prompt Theme: A flock of rockatiels has invaded the festival, and it's out of control!

As the heat of summer sweeps through the falls, the second layer comes alive with color, rhythm, and energy. The rumors were true—Summer Daze had returned, and with it, one of the most electrifying music festivals in the realm. With stages tucked between crystalline cliffs and glowing mushroom groves, sound danced across the air like magic. From low, thundering basslines in the jungle pit to serene harp melodies floating over the lake stage, there was music for every soul.

Naturally, the Tatsukoi came in droves. Musicians, dancers, food vendors, travelers, and those who simply lived for the beat of summer.

Among the crowd were Tanzan and Lumiora—an unlikely pair drawn to the festival for very different reasons. Lumiora, ever radiant, had heard whispers of a healing hymn being performed at the Celestia Stage and wanted to experience its restorative magic firsthand. Tanzan, meanwhile, mostly tagged along to keep her safe… and possibly because someone needed to keep her from adopting every glitter-drenched performer she made heart-eyes at.

Neither expected to be caught in avian pandemonium.

The moment the first synth drop exploded over the canyon stage, a shrill, excited chorus erupted from above. A flock of wild Rockatiels—small, brilliantly feathered birds beloved by musicians—dove headfirst into the heart of the festival.

And they were thriving.

Dozens of Rockatiels, their feathers patterned with polka-dot pop rhythms, metallic rock riffs, and psychedelic swirls from experimental jazz, whirled through the sky. They landed on amps, pecked drum machines, looped around DJs, and began aggressively dueting with confused performers. One bold little bird even tried to beatbox into a mic.

“I swear if one more feather lands in my drink—” Tanzan growled, brushing a screeching Rockatiel off his shoulder as it tried to harmonize with the ice cubes.

“They’re not hurting anyone!” Lumiora laughed, cradling one in her arms that had spiraled into her shawl. Its feathers shimmered with soothing blues and pastel pinks, singing a lullaby only she seemed to understand. “They’re just excited!”

“They’ve turned the reggae stage into a birdbath, Lumi.”

That’s when a loudspeaker crackled:
“Attention festivalgoers! We’re experiencing a minor disruption from a rogue Rockatiel flock. If anyone has experience with avian magic—or music-based creature taming—please assist security in relocating our feathery fans!”

Lumiora stepped forward, gently coaxing the birds to her with a healing hum that turned the chaos around her into soft, spiraling calm. Tanzan, despite himself, clapped to her rhythm—sharp and steady—and the beat grounded some of the more hyperactive birds. One by one, the Rockatiels began following the sounds that spoke to them, fluttering toward musicians and caretakers who matched their inner melodies.

By sunset, the flock had settled down, many now napping in hammocks, sharing snacks with festivalgoers, or vibing under string lights with new musician friends.

Tanzan sighed, a Rockatiel asleep on his head. “I knew we should’ve just gone fishing.”

Lumiora smiled, leaning against him. “And miss the chaos? Never.”

The festival beat on—now with a few more feathered performers in the mix.
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Thumbnail for MYO-0371: Tanzan

MYO-0371: Tanzan

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Thumbnail for MYO-0536: Lumiora

MYO-0536: Lumiora

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