I did this story because Pikmin and Pikmin 2 are two of my favorite games. It's about a Bulborb trying to protect himself and his race against the once-docile, now-deadly Pikmin. I had this story planned out for quite some time. Enjoy!
Lockjaw's Saga: a Pikmin Story
In the world of Pikmin, there are three roles in the food chain.
The first role is the role of the predator. The ones built on stealth and strength. The predators are who help keep the delicate balance of the ecosystem in line by eating other creatures.
There is then the prey; creatures smaller, weaker, and more vulnerable than the predator. These are the creatures who find ways to defend themselves and their families against predators. They are also constantly adapting to their environment.
Then... there is the third entity. These are the creatures that are between predator and prey. These creatures eat neither other creatures nor plants. They are the creatures that have the power to ruin the balance of the entire ecosystem. They are creatures who have massive armies and are specifically trained in killing.
They are called... the Pikmin.
“Attention, everyone! Attention, everyone!” a loud, booming voice came echoing off of the walls in the cave.
“It is time to divide into groups,” said the Emperor. He slowly paced around on a small, circular, elevated rock as he addressed his enormous crowd of Bulborbs, all looking on and hanging on to his every word.
“As you all know,” The Emperor continued, “our simple way of life is coming to an end. The Pikmin have outnumbered and outranked us. They are led by a mysterious force that makes them virtually unstoppable. Our very reality lies in the brink of destruction.” The crowd of Bulborbs began to murmur amongst themselves as he continued. “We are in very trying times, so that is why we must stick together. Alone, we will easily perish, but together, we are strong.”
He then turned to a row of Bulborbs standing side by side behind him. He began to assign each Bulborb a squadron and a location.
“You are to take 10 Red Bulborbs and 10 Dwarf Red Bulborbs to the Forest of Hope,” he told a Red Bulborb. The Bulborb nodded as he continued down the row.
“You are to take 50 Dwarf Red Bulborbs into the Cavern of Chaos,” He then said to a Dwarf Red Bulborb as he kept walking.
The tension was thick amongst both the crowd and the chosen squadron leaders. Assignment had lasted for about five minutes until there was only one unassigned Bulborb.
The Giant Emperor Bulbax approached the last unassigned Bulborb, who was a Dwarf Orange Bulborb.
“And finally,” he started, “you are to take 50 Dwarf Orange Bulborbs into the Dream Den,” He told the Bulborb.
“Dream Den?” said the Bulborb. “Where--”
“It is time to gather up your groups,” the Emperor said, ignoring the Bulborb’s question. “In about 30 minutes everyone is to retreat to their respective locations.”
The next 30 minutes were a frenzy of pushing through crowds and getting into groups. Throughout all the pandemonium, the Dwarf Orange Bulborb pushed through the crowd to speak with the Emperor. He finally managed to get back to the rock before the Emperor retreated to his private chambers.
“Excuse me, Your Majesty!” The Bulborb yelled out to the Emperor.
“... Yes? Is there something you need ask of me?” asked the Emperor.
The Bulborb waited until he caught his breath. “My name’s... Lockjaw...” he said, panting. “I was... one of... the Bulborbs you... chose to... lead the... squadron.”
“Yes...” said the Emperor Bulbax.
Lockjaw continued, having caught his breath. “Where is the Dream Den?”
“Oh, is that all?” said the Emperor. “The Dream Den is right down that tunnel,” he said, motioning to one of the many tunnels that led to the underground chamber. “Just follow it straight to the end and when you emerge, you’ll be in the Wistful Wild. The Dream Den is on the other side of the pond there.”
“Oh, okay, thanks, Your Majesty,” Lockjaw said. “I’ll just assemble my squadron now and be on my way,” he said as he began to walk off.
“Think nothing of it,” said the Emperor.