![canstockphoto16358803.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmewi9dxNtduexarFhaJsrbuxmHu2zFA5LiYBQ3aGiWWwD/canstockphoto16358803.jpg)

> Teddy bears are well- and widely-loved children’s toys… despite the fact that they’re modeled after 600lb/272kg beasts that could easily kill you if they so chose to. Seems reasonable. -- [TheDragonsFlame](https://thedragonsblaze.deviantart.com)

Somewhere on the Edge Territories, before Humanity was reclassified as _merely insane_...

"And that artefact?" said the Saurian trader, gesturing at the thing under the mammal's arm.

"Not for sale," said the creature. "That's -uh- a comfort item. It's called a 'teddy bear'. It's mine and I'm keeping it. Heck, it's been mine since..." the Human bared their lower teeth and sucked in air. "Flakk. Since I was little."

"Teddy bear," the Saurian echoed. "It is a luck piece, yes?"

"Sort of," and then the Human explained. It was a toy for infant companionship. Modelled on a dangerous omnivore from the aptly-named Terra. An omnivore that was also hundreds of Standard Weight Units in mass and so dangerous that there were entire education courses based around how to avoid any kind of interaction.

So of course humans turned it into a cuddly toy for the emotional needs of their young.

It explained so _much_ about humanity.

[Image <a href="https://www.canstockphoto.com">(c) Can Stock Photo / robynmac</a>]

If you like my stories, please [Check out my blog and Follow me](https://steemit.com/@internutter).

[Send me a prompt](http://www.internutter.org/bb/category/6/prompts) [13 remaining prompts!]

[Support me on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/cmweller)

[Check out the other stuff I'm selling](https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/CMWeller)