Pekiku

Pekikus are an intelligent avian species, native to the planet Chikyu.

Chikyu is a tranquil world, renowned for its misty mountains, its warm mineral springs, and its timeless beauty. Like many of the other species native to this planet, the wise pekiku birds are a reflection of its divine serenity, as well as its ancient tradition. Living in total harmony with nature, pekikus proudly devote their long lives to cultivating peace – in mind, in spirit, and in the world around them.

Society and culture

Pekikus treasure straightforward, hassle-free lives. Their homes are elegant and uncluttered, built from natural materials like wood, stone, and woven reed. They are small, too, though space for tea preparation is suitably ample. Their gardens, on the other hand, are like living art, with raked pebble paths, artfully-placed stones, flowing leaf arrangements, and bamboo water features, providing spaces for mediation, socialisation, and the serving of tea.

For pekikus, traditions are sacred, and communal rituals are an important part of their daily lives and socialisation, with none perhaps more sacred than the ritual of tea. They favour pink blossom tea, brewed from mountain herbs and infused with petals. Conversations over tea are gentle and the drinking is slow, emphasising harmony over haste. Bathing in natural hot springs is another sacred and social ritual. Such springs are abundant on Chikyu, and they are a source of rejuvenation, both mental and physical.

Female pekikus in particular are known for their deep connection to home and earth. They take great pride in crafting intricate nests for their pekchicks, and put much time and effort into their gardens, over which they are immensely prideful. They enjoy spending hours arranging stones, pruning plants, and tending to delicate leaf patterns, creating beautiful spaces in which they can feel at peace. Their bamboo garden tools are treasured family heirlooms, passed down through the generations.

Male pekikus, on the other hand, take on the role of guardians and courtiers. Instead of having the fan-like talon-feathers of their female counterparts, they have long, distinctly blade-shaped feathers which resemble curved, ceremonial swords, which they employ to perform protective dances and ward predators off from their pekchicks. When courting, they offer rare grapes to their prospective mate. If the female accepts his gift, the male is allowed to stay, offering protection and companionship in return for her sanctuary.

Once bonded, pekiku couples stay together for a lifetime.

Natural abilities

Although they are peaceful beings by nature, pekikus are not defenceless.

When threatened, they swiftly unleash their talon-feathers like folding fans. Whilst the primary purpose for this is intimidation, helping the pekiku to ward off potential predators, the talons beneath are razor sharp, and can do serious damage to those who do not heed their warning. Their movements are elegant and precise, resembling a dance. Many pekikus have honed their natural abilities in fighting to become skilled martial artists, though usually for the purposes of sport rather than militaristic combat.

Amongst the many species of Chikyu, the pekikus are regarded and respected as guardians of all things serene. It’s said that their plumage, falling gracefully like spring petals, blesses the ground it touches, and folklore tells of ancient sages who would follow trails of pekiku feathers to find enlightenment, or hidden springs of wisdom.