Johtomoonfest2023 - Tumblr Posts

The bonfire is just as pretty as it was when she was a child. Anzu watches, lavender eyes wide, expression hard to read.

It’s about loss. About the release of things you held too tight onto. About moving forward and beyond and paging respects to the ones departed.

she

doesn’t have anyone like that.

her birth parents are alive, somewhere. Tetsu-papa has always been by her side since adolescence. Tonton is her beloved brother.

She’s never wanted for anything, really.

So why…?

why does she feel such a deep, aching loneliness?

Atypical of what’s to be expected from a young woman, Anzu is delighted at the sight of the Haunter. She plucks a strawberry candy out of her bag (like the aunties and grannies at the inn always seemed to have to offer, something Anzu had picked up on and emulated) before also plucking a flower out of her hair for the little ghost!

“You’re so cute!”

Todays a good day. Anzu is cradling her cubone in her arms, who’s busy trying to make flower crowns. Her arms are decorated with flowers as a result — seems like she’s doing everything she can to make the little one comfortable.

… her stomach growls. She’s very hungry… but she can’t retrieve her wallet without putting down her new charge, which would upset the baby pokemon terribly. What to do, what to do…?

She doesn’t expect to be approached by any of the pidgey. Of course she wouldn’t — by all technicality, none of her family has died. Her parents are gone, but whisked off to somewhere else … it’s not the same as a death.

however, she’s approached by one of the birds anyway. The little thing feels old, just from the way it carries itself. The bird lands on her shoulder, before nuzzling against her neck.

“you’ve grown into a fine young woman, Ancchan. I’m so happy for you. For so long, we thought you had died or been taken by the spirits… I’m glad to see you’re alive and well.”

… the voice is one from her memory. Anzu’s heart twists — an old woman, who lived in Ecruteak when she was very small. From Before. She was always looking after Anzu, always offering a sweet —

Anzu had nearly forgotten.

… the young woman presses a hand against her mouth, eyes warm. She swallows hard and gives a quick nod.

“— thank you.”