Random Rainimator Stories

Rancour

"Tūrangawaewae is one of the most well-known and powerful Māori concepts. Literally tūranga (standing place), waewae (feet), it is often translated as 'a place to stand'. Tūrangawaewae are places where we feel especially empowered and connected. They are our foundation, our place in the world, our home."

Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, Papatūānuku – the land – Tūrangawaewae – a place to stand, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, (accessed 29 January 2026).

Story by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, published 22 September 2012.

Turangaewaewae is a concept I learnt in History last year. This concept haunts me so much that I wrote it into this story. This story also borrows elements from the Star Darlings series, especially in the ending of the third part of the episode. The title is the root word of the main antagonist's name from Star Darlings.

"Stella, where are you going?"

Stella turned to look at Rain, who was sitting against a fallen tree log, a spellbook in his lap. In the distance, she could see the setting sun casting its warmth over the mountains on the horizon.
Stella tilted her head, her hat falling to the side. "I sense something further in the coven. I'll be right back," she answered.
Rain nodded his understanding. Stella turned around and walked further into the village.

The coven had been her home once, a place of belonging, where her feet had first stood. Now, it was in ruins, taken from her, a loss of her identity. The magic that one swept through the village was gone, leaving behind a charred aftertaste as Stella walked amongst the abandoned establishments.

Stella turned left to head down a corner of the village that she had known well. It was her favourite part of the village, housing shops full of supplies that every witch and wizard needed. That included books, potion ingredients, equipment, attire, and familiars. Stella had always wanted a cat, but she never had the opportunity to step foot into that store. Perhaps she would never have the opportunity ever again.

Strangely, to Stella at least, there was a thick, white mist hiding the end of the street. Stella didn't need the fog to disappear to remember what was at the end. At the end of the street was a cafe, one that Stella used to frequently visit. Its owners were long gone, even when the village was still thriving, but Stella had fond memories of the place. Magicwinkle, the mascot of the cafe, was especially Stella's favourite part of the shop. She used to pet and stroke his fur as she ate scones and tea while studying magic. Where did those days go?

As she neared the mist, it began creeping away, exposing the now abandoned cafe. Stella's heart lurched at the sight. Glass was broken and spilled onto the cobblestone road, the shards forming a broken star. She brought a hand to her mouth, catching the gasp that escaped her throat as she inspected the shards closer.

In the middle of the shards was a necklace, adorned with a teardrop-shaped pendant. The pendant pulsed faintly, shifting from dark, cold colours to bright, warm colours. It looks rather pretty, Stella thought as she observed it from afar. She didn't dare come closer, or even consider picking it up. She had learned back in her days as a member of the Coven that it wasn't a good idea to touch anything that seemed enchanted. Instead, she was taught always to watch the item, to wait until they knew for certain that it was safe to handle.

So, that's what she did.

She observed the necklace from where she was standing, her head tilted like a curious cat. The shattered glass around the pendant gave it a holographic look, like stars around the moon. She saw her own reflection in the pieces, a young woman amongst them. It brought her back to her coven years, when she was still young and bursting with pent-up energy to learn everything she could about witchcraft, magic and the occult. She didn't see herself as she was now. No. In those glass pieces, she saw her, her as a child.