- Partners
-
Hello all! This was my contest entry for the 2024 Thousand Roads Oneshot Contest. It placed second in the Pikachu Flight! It was a lot of fun putting this one together, and it let me work with both framing concepts and themes that I'd wanted to use for a while!
Summary:
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 10
Dear Diary,
That's what I'm supposed to say when I start one of these, right? That's what it says when it comes up in one of my books. But if I'm being honest, it just looks tacky to me.
I don't know why I'm doing this. If I’m being honest, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to do this. Is there a specific way?
Maybe I should explain why I'm bothering in the first place. My name is Cotton. I'm on the cusp of adulthood. Not that you could tell, given that I'm still a buneary. I guess it's not too strange. Clay is a year older than me, and he's still a cubone.
Clay is one of my friends, by the way. Alongside Ash — he's a charmeleon — and Honeysuckle.
Honey is
I got off-topic. Great. Forget this. I'm wasting time. I have better things to do.
Hot season, Moon 2, Day 13
Mom asked if I was using my diary, so I guess I should make a show of writing in front of her. I'll finish introducing myself.
I live in Windswept Village, a small collection of heavy tents, wooden houses, and burrows deep within Flyaway Forest on the Air Continent. Or I did, at least.
Don't get me wrong, we still live in the area, but the village is currently in ruins. About half a moon ago, a wildfire swept through the forest. By the time it was contained the entire village was destroyed, save for a couple of burrows.
Some pokemon didn't make it.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 14
I don’t like sharing our burrow with the sentret kids. Most families that live in the burrows have been sharing their homes, given they were the least damaged by the fire. It's so noisy and hard to get around, and I barely have any privacy. In fact, yesterday I caught Loop going through my journal. And my few remaining books were strewn all over the floor. What a brat! I’m glad I haven’t written much yet.
I know I shouldn’t complain. We still have a home. They don’t. I still have my mom. They don’t. But I can’t help but feel stressed. There’s hardly anywhere private. Hopefully, their dad comes back with a new tent soon.
That’s enough complaining. Mom asked me to help her restock the larder today, but I'm not sure what she expects to stock it with. The fruit trees are gone, burned to a crisp. And not everyone can eat the ferals caught in the river.
But the villagers have to be fed. Otherwise, we’ll never have the strength to rebuild. Mom suggested we take a walk to the nearest village and purchase berries and vegetables there. Unfortunately, that’s nearly a two-day walk in both directions. Not to mention the time it’ll take to load up the wagon and haul it back. Going to a dungeon would be faster, but it's more dangerous.
There is a sawsbuck living in the village that might help with the wagon. I’m supposed to go ask him for help soon. So, wish me luck, I guess?
I don’t know why I’m bothering with this journal, but I guess I’ll write about the excursion.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 18
The trip went well. Better than well, even. The strangest thing happened along the way.
The sawsbuck, Dandelion, agreed to go with us. I thought he was nice enough. But he kept asking me invasive questions about how I was feeling. If I was doing well after the fire. I think Mom put him up to it because he looked apologetic when Isnapped insisted I was fine. I feel a little bad because he didn’t bother talking to me for the rest of the trip. Mom didn’t seem happy about it. I hope she didn’t put him up to it.
Anyway, that’s not the strange part. On our way back, we passed through this part of the forest where the oldest, biggest trees are. The trees there are enormous, dwarfing anything and everything. A soft breeze ruffled the branches high overhead, their leaves dappling the path with patches of bright light and deep shadow.
Did that sound cool? I tried to mimic the prose from my favorite book.
While we were there, we noticed a new ramp leading to the top of a large tree stump. When I say large, I mean you could fit half the village on top. Curious, Mom and I went up to see what was going on while Dandelion stayed to keep an eye on the wagon.
At the top, we found a group of pokemon busy at work building something. Two of them, a pidgeotto and a murkrow, came over and introduced themselves as reserve members for a Rescue Team named Go-Getters that set up a base a few moons ago in Pokemon Square. They were building a living space for other reserve members here in Flyaway Forest.
The team name sounds vaguely familiar, but I can’t figure out why. Maybe it came up in the news.
Mom told the two about the situation in Windswept Village. The pidgeotto — Amberwing, I think her name was — explained that her team leaders were in the midst of an expedition deep into a mystery dungeon to investigate the cause of the recent natural disasters. But that when the leads returned, they’d ask the leaders to request help from the Pokemon Rescue Organization. Apparently, they have a branch that focuses just on disaster recovery. I imagine they’re pretty overworked right now.
Other than that, the trip was uneventful.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 19
Clay and Ash came by to check on me today. They wanted to hang out, like old times. I lied and said I was busy. I feel bad about it, but I just wasn’t in the mood. After the recent trip, I was exhausted. Even if that weren’t the case, all I want to do lately is sleep.
And as much I hate to admit it, it’s hard to be around Ash right now. I know he has nothing to do with the wildfire. But every time I look at his tail flame, all I can see is the blazing inferno, branches crashing all around us as we ran. The smoke was so thick you couldn’t see anything but the embers flickering around you. It was a miracle my mom and I found our way out. And a bigger miracle that Dad was away on a dungeon expedition. Not everyone was so lucky.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 20
Had a nightmare about the fire. I couldn’t get up and handle my duties. Dad still isn’t back from his expedition.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 21
I miss Honeysuckle.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 22
Mom made me razz berry tea to try and coax me out of bed. I didn’t respond, so she just left it beside my nest. I’m going to have to change the bedding out soon. It’s getting stinky. But our stores of bedding were destroyed in the fire. Maybe I can find some moss if I venture out far enough.
I drank the tea after she left.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 23
Managed to get out of bed long enough to stretch my legs and get something to eat.
Evolution felt so close before the fire. I was so happy. But now I just feel empty inside. Honeysuckle is gone, and I can’t bring myself to face Clay and Ash. It feels like all my happiness is slipping through my paws like river water.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 24
Clay and Ash asked me to watch them spar today. As much as I wanted to make up an excuse to get out of it, I couldn’t come up with a good one. I think they’re trying to include me in things so that I won’t spend all my time cooped up in my room.
As we walked out to the sparring area, I noticed most of the charred debris had been hauled off. It looks like the other villagers have been hard at work while I’ve been busy being useless.
Ash and Clay fought well. They’re nearly an even match, even with Clay’s type advantage. Unfortunately, I had to leave after Ash unleashed a flamethrower. Even though he made sure it wasn’t hot enough to burn anything, the sight of the fire was too much.
Will I ever be able to look at him the same way again? Will I ever be normal again? I should apologize, but I can’t bring myself to leave my room.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 26
It's been a moon since the fire.
Yesterday the village elder, Lightfoot, decided we should hold a memorial for the pokemon lost to the fire. I wasn’t sure I would be able to go, but mom thinks the closure might help me.
We all gathered around the old stoutland at the center of the village. The only thing left standing there is the well, though its stones are now singed black. She listed off several names, all of which I knew. Lithely Furret. Wrought Covisquire. Amper Pikachu. Honeysuckle Skiploom.
I’ll never see her face again. I wish you were still here, Honey. I miss our days sparring, dancing in the fields, exploring dungeons, and making flower crowns out of the spring bluebells. We were the best friends. We planned to form a rescue team together when I evolved. But now you’re gone, and I don’t know what to do with myself anymore.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 1
I thought I was doing better, but everything feels meaningless.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 3
Two rescue teams arrived in the village today, stating that they were here to assist with the rebuilding process. One team consisted of a machoke, a sneasler, and a pawmot. Apparently, they specialize in rebuilding. The other team consisted of an oranguru and a floatzel. Their specialty was organization and management.
Amberwing came as well, and she told me the wildest story! According to her, all the recent natural disasters were caused by a meteor that was on a collision course with our planet. But the leaders of her team managed to convince one of the Great Ones, Rayquaza, to destroy it. Life should return to normal soon.
I didn’t know what to say to that, so I just nodded. It wasn’t like it changed anything. The disasters still happened. Pokemon still died. It’s still going to take time for things to return to normal. If they ever do.
At least these rescuers are here to start fixing things. They brought with them lumber, stone, and a half dozen tents, alongside enough rations to last us for a moon. I’ll appreciate having the burrow just to myself and Mom again. Even if I didn’t have to share my room, it was still a nightmare.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 4
I don’t think I like the Oranguru very much. She’s kind of bossy and strict and wants everything done her way. I guess she knows what she’s talking about, but it still stresses me when she starts barking orders like she’s in charge of the village. I can tell some of the others are annoyed, too, but they don’t want to argue. It’s not like they’d know what to do on their own.
I’m not sure they intend to leave the tents with the village once they’re done. These tents are big, made for large pokemon or multiple families. Nothing like the single-family ones we’re used to. But to be fair, they seem more interested in building permanent structures, given how much lumber they brought. The team of fighting-types — they called themselves Team Arm and Hammer — put up the first tent last night as a base of operations, and put up the rest this morning. Now they’re busy prepping the earth to lay foundations.
Mom had me lead them to the river in case they needed water for building, so they wouldn’t use up the water from our well. Dandelion came with them to help carry back any they needed. The machoke was pretty nice, for the most part, but she asked me a lot of prying questions about how I was doing. I quit answering after a while. What right does she, a stranger, have to come in and talk to me about how I’m doing after a disaster she didn’t live through? It’s none of her business! Once she realized I wasn’t going to answer, she quit prying and focused on small talk.
Her two partners are way rowdier. They stayed at the back of the group the whole time, joking around. And Sammy — that’s the machoke’s name — eventually had to break them up after they started roughhousing. I could tell she was embarrassed.
I thought about Honeysuckle at the river. We used to skip stones there.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 5
I tried to read my favorite book today. It’s one of the few I had left after the fire. But when I read it, I kept thinking of Honey and the times we spent the afternoon huddled away and reading it together.
I tucked it under my bed. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to read it again.
Hot Season, Moon 3 Day 8
The rescuers have kept me busy. They have all able-bodied mon helping out with the rebuilding effort in any way they can. I’ve been helping mix and apply this stuff they call “stucco” to the first house we’ve been working on: Elder Lightfoot’s. I’m sure it’s good for building, but I don’t like it, it clings to my fur and gets hard and it takes forever to wash it off in the river.
But I’ve been so busy with that, I’ve been too tired to write. I’ll try to write again soon.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 9
Clay pulled me aside after lunch and asked to spar. I told him I wasn’t in the mood, so we just walked down to the river and talked instead. When we got there, he swung his bone club and pointed the sharp end at me, asking if there was anything he could do to help. He said he was worried about me. I knew that. He said that he and Ash were hurting, too. That for him, fighting takes his mind off things. I knew that, too.
I know they’re hurting. I hate that I’m not able to be there for them. But I’m hardly able to handle my own emotions.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 10
Dad still hasn’t returned. It’s been over a moon. Nearly two. What if something happened? Would we even know? Would anyone tell us? It’s not like he went alone, but none of his team have come back.
What if I never see him again? I can’t lose him, too.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 12
I did something stupid yesterday.
I was so worried about Dad that I couldn’t focus on my work. Mom pulled me aside to ask what was wrong. She was just worried. She didn’t say anything bad.
But I told her I needed to go and ran away.
I ran off into the forest until the sounds of the village faded. And then I collapsed in the dirt and lay there. I don’t know for how long.
It was foolish. A feral fearow could have swooped down and gobbled me up. I’m decently strong, but I don’t know if I could have defended myself. Especially in that state.
Ash and Clay eventually came to check on me. I couldn’t talk to them. But I let Clay hold me and sobbed into his chest for a while. Eventually, I calmed down enough to apologize, explaining how hard it was for me, and why I had run off.
Neither of them could offer me much more than a “we miss her, too” and a “no matter what happens with your dad, we’re here for you.” But at least they cared. At least they cared enough to check on me.
Clay led me back home after I calmed down. Ash followed behind. I think he recognizes that his tail flame was scaring me. I tried to apologize, but he wouldn’t let me. I know he’s hurting, too. But I think he’s trying to be strong in front of me.
I apologized to Mom, but I couldn’t bring myself to say anything more. I was afraid I’d panic again if I tried to explain myself. She was as understanding as she could be, I think, and told me to take my time.
After all that, I was too tired to write. Now that I’ve summarized it all, I think I’ve exhausted myself all over again. Today, I’m just going to rest. I’ll have a busy day tomorrow.
Hot season, Moon 3, Day 13
I got upset and snapped at one of the rescuers today. After yesterday, I was still stressed and worried. When they got onto me about over-mixing the stucco, I yelled at them to do it themselves.
Anger shouldn't have gotten the better of me. I know better than that. But when you're already stressed and barely holding it together, small things that wouldn't normally bother you will get to you.
After muttering an apology to the floatzel, I went off to sit by myself so I could calm down. Both the rescuers and the other villagers had the sense to leave me alone. I don't think they realize that I notice them avoiding me. They don't know what to do with a pokemon that can’t move on.
Ash and Clay checked on me after a while, but I told them to get back to work. I just needed time alone to compose myself.
To my surprise, Amberwing came by not long after. She started to ask me questions like everyone else, so I growled that I didn't want to talk. I expected her to awkwardly shuffle away like everyone else. But she didn't. She didn't ask any more questions, but she perched herself in a bush beside me and kept me company until I was able to go back.
I think I appreciate that.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 14
Mom made razz berry and pecan bread loaves for the whole village today. They smelled delectable, and when they were fresh and right out of the fire, I felt like I might melt with delight. Amberwing seemed delighted, too.
For a moment, surrounded by food and happy villagers, I forgot all my worries.
I wish I could be like that all the time.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 15
Had a nightmare about Dad. Quit working early because I couldn't focus. Clay checked on me. Amberwing checked in, too. I shooed them off and said I'd be fine, but I don't think they were convinced.
Mom lectured me in the evening about shirking work. I know she's right, but it didn't help. She got real quiet when I told her that. I know she doesn't mean anything by it. I think she just doesn't know how to help.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 20
Mom looked at my journal.
She's worried about me, but I feel violated. These are supposed to be my private thoughts!
I considered quitting writing. But I think getting my thoughts out has helped. Instead, I’ve taken the journal out to a place I used to hang out with Honey. We used to have a tree house here, but it was destroyed in the fire. The tree itself is twisted and charred black. But there's a spot in the roots where I can safely nestle the journal. I suspect I won't be writing as often, since I'll have to find time to come retrieve it.
Mom did apologize after I freaked out over her snooping, and I accepted her apology, but I don't feel like I can trust her anymore.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 24
The day after I wrote my last entry, Amberwing left on rescue business. When she returned early this afternoon, she gave me a trinket she’d gotten from her leaders. She said it was called a defrost ruff, and that it was supposed to protect buneary. They found it on their latest dungeon trip.
I asked her why she was bothering. She said it was because we were practically neighbors now, with her living at the base deeper in Flyaway Forest. Then she went real quiet for a moment before telling me she could tell I was hurting.
Growling, I told her I didn’t want her sympathy. I asked if my mom put her up to it. After a moment of hesitation, she admitted Mom had said something off-paw, but that she decided to approach me of her own accord.
I told her to go away.
It stung, I could tell. But she told me she’d be around if I changed my mind, and that I didn’t have to go through this alone.
I wish Honeysuckle was still alive. She always knew what to say when I felt down. I don’t want to push people away, but I don’t think they can help me.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 27
I apologized to Amberwing. After sleeping on it and writing things down, I knew I had overreacted. I told her about Honeysuckle, and how hard it’s been since I lost her.
She said she understood. The loss of a loved one is difficult. I wanted to tell her that she didn’t understand. But instead, I spiraled on about how Dad was missing. That caught her attention. She started asking for details. When he was last seen. Where he was going.
I told her what I could: that he’s an artificer who specializes in turning orbs into wands, and that he and his team had left for Howling Forest at the beginning of Hot Season to gather raw orbs. As soon as I was done, she promised to take a message to her leaders first thing in the morning.
I couldn’t help but ask why she became a rescuer.
To my surprise, Amberwing is a half-feral, a pokemon that’s sapient, but lives rough like a feral would. Like we all did, until we learned the art of farming. She joined Go-getters because she was inspired by the strength of the leaders, and their drive to do anything to help other pokemon.
It was infectious if I’m being honest.
Harvest Season, Moon 1 Day 2
I had set out a decoy journal not long after I hid this one. I don’t think Mom has bothered it, so I’ve brought this one back home but hidden it.
A traveling kecleon came through today. He mostly had regular supplies, but he’d brought a few books as well. I wish I could have bought them, but with the town in its current shape, I hadn’t had time to gather supplies for pocket change. And with Dad still missing, we didn’t have any wands to sell.
Amberwing left the morning after our conversation and hasn’t been back. But we got a letter by pelipper post saying that Team Go-Getters was investigating the matter.
I hope everything turns out okay.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 4
Today, I had the energy to face Clay in a sparring match for the first time since before the fire. It made it clear how out of shape I was. I couldn’t land a single pound attack, let alone something more intensive! Apparently mixing stucco wasn’t enough to keep my battle skills sharp, but that’s no surprise.
Speaking of stucco, I haven’t talked about the rebuilding efforts in a while. They’re going pretty well. We’ve finished two full buildings, and with the recent traveling kecleon’s arrival came the materials necessary to create new tents. They think that, by the end of the next moon, the rebuilding effort will be complete.
There’s just one problem. According to the bossy oranguru, the food stocks are running low. Mom agrees. We only have enough to last a quarter moon, and they don’t expect another shipment for a half. Rather than making the long trip back to the nearest village, we decided to send out scavenging teams.
I’m used to scavenging. There are times when the harvest from the trees isn’t enough and we have to supplement by traveling further or delving through dungeons.
That’s actually why I was sparring. Clay, Ash, and I are planning to go to a nearby dungeon, Giant’s Copse. But we needed to be sure we were up for it. To be honest… I’m scared. I’m scared I’ll get back and the village will be gone again. But I’m hoping that the journey will help me take my mind off things.
We leave in the morning. It should take us about two days to get there, travel the dungeon, and return.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 5
I shouldn’t have gone.
We reached the dungeon at midday. Everything was going well. I was the happiest I’d been in moons as I chatted with Ash and Clay. About the last book I read. About Ash’s training to be a rescuer. About how Clay hoped to follow in his father’s footsteps and open a dojo. We were making up for lost time as we entered the dungeon, surrounded by trees that stretched to the heavens.
We were ambushed. A monster house full of flying-types. We didn’t have an orb to disrupt them. Ash pushed Clay and me out of the clearing, facing down the hoard. Fire licked around his jowls before he released a flamethrower, sweeping the strongest attack he could across the room.
It started a fire.
He turned and told us to run. But I was frozen. In my eyes, all I could see was the glowing flames. All I could hear was Honeysuckle’s scream as wind blew her back into the inferno.
I don’t remember much of what happened after that. By the time I came to my senses, we’d escaped to another floor, Clay and Ash panting. My paws trembled and my eyes were blurred with tears.
Clay decided we’d stop and spend the night in the dungeon. We found a nice, secluded corner and set up a camp. Clay pitched our tent while Ash traced sigils into the dirt, creating a ward to protect us from the dungeon winds.
Neither of them set up a campfire afterward. We shared a meal of apples and nut bread, then Clay led me into the tent to rest. I can hear the two of them whispering outside now, and I’m trying to not listen in.
I need to apologize. I want to be better than this.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 6
Due to yesterday’s delay, we didn’t get out of the dungeon in time to head home. But we did get plenty of fruit and berries. Between our trip and the group that went hunting, it should be enough to sustain the village until the next shipment comes in.
After dark, Clay took first watch, leaving me alone with Ash. I could tell my charmeleon friend was uncomfortable. And that was my fault. I made him uncomfortable.
That’s not entirely true. I can’t help that I panic at the sight of fire now. But it’s no excuse for me to treat him differently. I said as much to him, apologizing. Making it clear I hold no ill will towards him. I promised to try harder. To be a better friend. He said he understood, and it seemed like he meant it. I hope he was being honest. I don’t want to lose him, too.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 7
Today surprised me.
We got back to Windswept Village around sun high. So many pokemon came running when we got there. Mom pushed through the crowd and threw her arms around me, sobbing. At first, I thought something was wrong. That something terrible had happened.
But Mom explained she was just worried. When we didn’t come back yesterday afternoon, the whole village was concerned. They were preparing to send out a search party for us. She was scared she’d lost me, too. I assured everyone that we were okay, we just got delayed.
Mom and I had a long talk afterwards. She explained that she’s been just as worried about Dad as I am, but she’s been doing her best to hide it so I wouldn’t worry more. I talked about Honeysuckle, my time in the dungeon and the anxiety triggered by Ash’s tailflame. I talked about how much it hurt when she peeked at my journal.
Despite her flaws, Mom does care about me. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to trust her with my private thoughts again, but at least I know she’ll be there.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 9
I spent some time by myself down at the river today. Honeysuckle and I used to go down there in the afternoons. There’s an ache in my heart that I don’t think will ever go away. But if I want to get better, I know I need to let go.
I’ll miss you, Honeysuckle. I’ll never forget you. I hope that one day, when I have passed and am but nourishment for the earth, I’ll see you again.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 11
I decided I should do something with that decoy journal. It was just kind of lying around and wasting space. I thought I might write a story. Something about grief. When Mom said this journal would help me, I wasn’t sure I believed her. But I think it has.
And I’m sure I’ll keep using it. But if I’m going to spend my time writing, I might as well make it something constructive.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 14
Dad’s back.
I could cry tears of joy. Wait. I am crying tears of joy.
Amberwing returned to the village today, alongside a torchic and a mudkip. They introduced themselves as the leaders of Team Go-Getters. Behind them was my father and his team. The three of them were worse for wear. Dad’s fur was patchy and fresh scars peppered his shoulders. There was pain in his eyes. But he was smiling as much as his granbull face would let him.
I ran and threw my arms around him. I had to make sure he was real. His muscular arms squeezed me tight and pulled me close.
His team had gotten trapped in the dungeon after he’d been severely injured. They’d been waiting for rescue, but their message was missed. It was only because of Go-Getters’ rescue that they made it back alive.
I turned and thanked Amberwing profusely. It was all her. She was the one that had investigated. She was the one who had made sure the rescue got to someone capable. She’s the one who got us help for the village, too. We would be so much worse off without her.
Dad’s resting now. I haven’t told him about Honeysuckle yet. He knows about the fire — Amberwing made sure of that, and the changes to the village make it obvious. But I don’t think anyone told him about Lithely, Amper, Wrought, or Honeysuckle.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 15
I couldn’t bring myself to tell Dad today.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 16
Dad tried to ask me how I was doing. I dodged the question.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 17
I can’t keep doing this. I promised myself I’d do better.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 18
I finally told Dad about Honeysuckle. He already knew, of course. The other villagers had filled him in by now. But I knew I needed to say it myself. He held me tight and let me cry into his shoulder. When I finished, he suggested we could set up a memorial site. The village was almost fully rebuilt anyway. But the scars on the land would remain for some time. It would be proper.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 20
We came together as a village and used some of the leftover lumber and stucco to create a statue honoring our lost, a sculpture in their images. It’s not huge, only about as big as the well, but it was important. We placed it where the sturdiest tree in the village once stood. And when we did, we noticed new growth. Sprouts. The earliest saplings of trees. It would take them a long time to even rival what was once here, but one day, they would.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 25
The rebuilding effort is complete.
The last building constructed was a lovely little community house, a place where we could host gatherings. Elder Lightfoot thanked the rescue teams for their hard work, and we had a feast in their honor. Even if I didn’t like them much, I can still appreciate what they did.
Amberwing will be leaving in the morning, but she promised to visit. And she said I was free to visit the Flyaway Forest base at any time.
Harvest Season, Moon 2, Day 6
I’ve been so busy, between reading books and writing my fiction, that I’ve forgotten to write. Everyone is doing well. Dad has recovered and is just like his old self. The kecleon came through again. This time, I was able to get some new books. I’ll have to write my thoughts on them later.
Harvest Season, Moon 2, Day 12
I built up the courage to spend time with Ash today.
He’s living in one of the new huts now with his dad. His mom is always flying about making deliveries, so we don’t see her too often.
I hesitated in the doorway, the memories of fire dancing in my head. But I also knew Ash would never do anything to hurt me. After taking a moment to steel myself, I managed to go inside.
We hung out in his house for a while. I talked about the book I’ve been reading — a book of myths about humans — and he talked about getting to spend some time with Go-Getters while they were still in the village.
At one point, I spotted his tail flame out of the corner of my eye. I trailed off mid-sentence. But then I closed my eyes, counted down from ten, and then continued. I think it’s going to take time before we can hang out like we used to. But this was a good start.
I let him talk about Honeysuckle. We reminisced on her dream to be a rescuer. I know she would want us to go on and follow our dreams, even if she can’t be there with us.
Harvest Season, Moon 2, Day 20
It happened.
I finally evolved.
I was sparring with Clay. He had me pinned with a bone club. But I wasn’t scared; I was energetic. Excited. It was the first time I felt alive in moons. And that’s when I evolved. Although I was a bit clumsy with my newfound size, I managed to gain the upper paw.
After we cooled down, I realized that, for the first time, I hadn’t thought about Honey in days. The grief hit me all at once and I had to focus to keep it from overwhelming me. But I could step back, take a deep breath, and focus on the future. I don’t think the hole in my heart will ever go away. Not entirely. But I’ll be able to move forward. Day by day. One step at a time.
Summary:
Natural Disaster (forest fire), Offscreen Death
Day by Day
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 10
Dear Diary,
That's what I'm supposed to say when I start one of these, right? That's what it says when it comes up in one of my books. But if I'm being honest, it just looks tacky to me.
I don't know why I'm doing this. If I’m being honest, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to do this. Is there a specific way?
Maybe I should explain why I'm bothering in the first place. My name is Cotton. I'm on the cusp of adulthood. Not that you could tell, given that I'm still a buneary. I guess it's not too strange. Clay is a year older than me, and he's still a cubone.
Clay is one of my friends, by the way. Alongside Ash — he's a charmeleon — and Honeysuckle.
I got off-topic. Great. Forget this. I'm wasting time. I have better things to do.
Hot season, Moon 2, Day 13
Mom asked if I was using my diary, so I guess I should make a show of writing in front of her. I'll finish introducing myself.
I live in Windswept Village, a small collection of heavy tents, wooden houses, and burrows deep within Flyaway Forest on the Air Continent. Or I did, at least.
Don't get me wrong, we still live in the area, but the village is currently in ruins. About half a moon ago, a wildfire swept through the forest. By the time it was contained the entire village was destroyed, save for a couple of burrows.
Some pokemon didn't make it.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 14
I don’t like sharing our burrow with the sentret kids. Most families that live in the burrows have been sharing their homes, given they were the least damaged by the fire. It's so noisy and hard to get around, and I barely have any privacy. In fact, yesterday I caught Loop going through my journal. And my few remaining books were strewn all over the floor. What a brat! I’m glad I haven’t written much yet.
I know I shouldn’t complain. We still have a home. They don’t. I still have my mom. They don’t. But I can’t help but feel stressed. There’s hardly anywhere private. Hopefully, their dad comes back with a new tent soon.
That’s enough complaining. Mom asked me to help her restock the larder today, but I'm not sure what she expects to stock it with. The fruit trees are gone, burned to a crisp. And not everyone can eat the ferals caught in the river.
But the villagers have to be fed. Otherwise, we’ll never have the strength to rebuild. Mom suggested we take a walk to the nearest village and purchase berries and vegetables there. Unfortunately, that’s nearly a two-day walk in both directions. Not to mention the time it’ll take to load up the wagon and haul it back. Going to a dungeon would be faster, but it's more dangerous.
There is a sawsbuck living in the village that might help with the wagon. I’m supposed to go ask him for help soon. So, wish me luck, I guess?
I don’t know why I’m bothering with this journal, but I guess I’ll write about the excursion.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 18
The trip went well. Better than well, even. The strangest thing happened along the way.
The sawsbuck, Dandelion, agreed to go with us. I thought he was nice enough. But he kept asking me invasive questions about how I was feeling. If I was doing well after the fire. I think Mom put him up to it because he looked apologetic when I
Anyway, that’s not the strange part. On our way back, we passed through this part of the forest where the oldest, biggest trees are. The trees there are enormous, dwarfing anything and everything. A soft breeze ruffled the branches high overhead, their leaves dappling the path with patches of bright light and deep shadow.
Did that sound cool? I tried to mimic the prose from my favorite book.
While we were there, we noticed a new ramp leading to the top of a large tree stump. When I say large, I mean you could fit half the village on top. Curious, Mom and I went up to see what was going on while Dandelion stayed to keep an eye on the wagon.
At the top, we found a group of pokemon busy at work building something. Two of them, a pidgeotto and a murkrow, came over and introduced themselves as reserve members for a Rescue Team named Go-Getters that set up a base a few moons ago in Pokemon Square. They were building a living space for other reserve members here in Flyaway Forest.
The team name sounds vaguely familiar, but I can’t figure out why. Maybe it came up in the news.
Mom told the two about the situation in Windswept Village. The pidgeotto — Amberwing, I think her name was — explained that her team leaders were in the midst of an expedition deep into a mystery dungeon to investigate the cause of the recent natural disasters. But that when the leads returned, they’d ask the leaders to request help from the Pokemon Rescue Organization. Apparently, they have a branch that focuses just on disaster recovery. I imagine they’re pretty overworked right now.
Other than that, the trip was uneventful.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 19
Clay and Ash came by to check on me today. They wanted to hang out, like old times. I lied and said I was busy. I feel bad about it, but I just wasn’t in the mood. After the recent trip, I was exhausted. Even if that weren’t the case, all I want to do lately is sleep.
And as much I hate to admit it, it’s hard to be around Ash right now. I know he has nothing to do with the wildfire. But every time I look at his tail flame, all I can see is the blazing inferno, branches crashing all around us as we ran. The smoke was so thick you couldn’t see anything but the embers flickering around you. It was a miracle my mom and I found our way out. And a bigger miracle that Dad was away on a dungeon expedition. Not everyone was so lucky.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 20
Had a nightmare about the fire. I couldn’t get up and handle my duties. Dad still isn’t back from his expedition.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 21
I miss Honeysuckle.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 22
Mom made me razz berry tea to try and coax me out of bed. I didn’t respond, so she just left it beside my nest. I’m going to have to change the bedding out soon. It’s getting stinky. But our stores of bedding were destroyed in the fire. Maybe I can find some moss if I venture out far enough.
I drank the tea after she left.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 23
Managed to get out of bed long enough to stretch my legs and get something to eat.
Evolution felt so close before the fire. I was so happy. But now I just feel empty inside. Honeysuckle is gone, and I can’t bring myself to face Clay and Ash. It feels like all my happiness is slipping through my paws like river water.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 24
Clay and Ash asked me to watch them spar today. As much as I wanted to make up an excuse to get out of it, I couldn’t come up with a good one. I think they’re trying to include me in things so that I won’t spend all my time cooped up in my room.
As we walked out to the sparring area, I noticed most of the charred debris had been hauled off. It looks like the other villagers have been hard at work while I’ve been busy being useless.
Ash and Clay fought well. They’re nearly an even match, even with Clay’s type advantage. Unfortunately, I had to leave after Ash unleashed a flamethrower. Even though he made sure it wasn’t hot enough to burn anything, the sight of the fire was too much.
Will I ever be able to look at him the same way again? Will I ever be normal again? I should apologize, but I can’t bring myself to leave my room.
Hot Season, Moon 2, Day 26
It's been a moon since the fire.
Yesterday the village elder, Lightfoot, decided we should hold a memorial for the pokemon lost to the fire. I wasn’t sure I would be able to go, but mom thinks the closure might help me.
We all gathered around the old stoutland at the center of the village. The only thing left standing there is the well, though its stones are now singed black. She listed off several names, all of which I knew. Lithely Furret. Wrought Covisquire. Amper Pikachu. Honeysuckle Skiploom.
I’ll never see her face again. I wish you were still here, Honey. I miss our days sparring, dancing in the fields, exploring dungeons, and making flower crowns out of the spring bluebells. We were the best friends. We planned to form a rescue team together when I evolved. But now you’re gone, and I don’t know what to do with myself anymore.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 1
I thought I was doing better, but everything feels meaningless.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 3
Two rescue teams arrived in the village today, stating that they were here to assist with the rebuilding process. One team consisted of a machoke, a sneasler, and a pawmot. Apparently, they specialize in rebuilding. The other team consisted of an oranguru and a floatzel. Their specialty was organization and management.
Amberwing came as well, and she told me the wildest story! According to her, all the recent natural disasters were caused by a meteor that was on a collision course with our planet. But the leaders of her team managed to convince one of the Great Ones, Rayquaza, to destroy it. Life should return to normal soon.
I didn’t know what to say to that, so I just nodded. It wasn’t like it changed anything. The disasters still happened. Pokemon still died. It’s still going to take time for things to return to normal. If they ever do.
At least these rescuers are here to start fixing things. They brought with them lumber, stone, and a half dozen tents, alongside enough rations to last us for a moon. I’ll appreciate having the burrow just to myself and Mom again. Even if I didn’t have to share my room, it was still a nightmare.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 4
I don’t think I like the Oranguru very much. She’s kind of bossy and strict and wants everything done her way. I guess she knows what she’s talking about, but it still stresses me when she starts barking orders like she’s in charge of the village. I can tell some of the others are annoyed, too, but they don’t want to argue. It’s not like they’d know what to do on their own.
I’m not sure they intend to leave the tents with the village once they’re done. These tents are big, made for large pokemon or multiple families. Nothing like the single-family ones we’re used to. But to be fair, they seem more interested in building permanent structures, given how much lumber they brought. The team of fighting-types — they called themselves Team Arm and Hammer — put up the first tent last night as a base of operations, and put up the rest this morning. Now they’re busy prepping the earth to lay foundations.
Mom had me lead them to the river in case they needed water for building, so they wouldn’t use up the water from our well. Dandelion came with them to help carry back any they needed. The machoke was pretty nice, for the most part, but she asked me a lot of prying questions about how I was doing. I quit answering after a while. What right does she, a stranger, have to come in and talk to me about how I’m doing after a disaster she didn’t live through? It’s none of her business! Once she realized I wasn’t going to answer, she quit prying and focused on small talk.
Her two partners are way rowdier. They stayed at the back of the group the whole time, joking around. And Sammy — that’s the machoke’s name — eventually had to break them up after they started roughhousing. I could tell she was embarrassed.
I thought about Honeysuckle at the river. We used to skip stones there.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 5
I tried to read my favorite book today. It’s one of the few I had left after the fire. But when I read it, I kept thinking of Honey and the times we spent the afternoon huddled away and reading it together.
I tucked it under my bed. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to read it again.
Hot Season, Moon 3 Day 8
The rescuers have kept me busy. They have all able-bodied mon helping out with the rebuilding effort in any way they can. I’ve been helping mix and apply this stuff they call “stucco” to the first house we’ve been working on: Elder Lightfoot’s. I’m sure it’s good for building, but I don’t like it, it clings to my fur and gets hard and it takes forever to wash it off in the river.
But I’ve been so busy with that, I’ve been too tired to write. I’ll try to write again soon.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 9
Clay pulled me aside after lunch and asked to spar. I told him I wasn’t in the mood, so we just walked down to the river and talked instead. When we got there, he swung his bone club and pointed the sharp end at me, asking if there was anything he could do to help. He said he was worried about me. I knew that. He said that he and Ash were hurting, too. That for him, fighting takes his mind off things. I knew that, too.
I know they’re hurting. I hate that I’m not able to be there for them. But I’m hardly able to handle my own emotions.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 10
Dad still hasn’t returned. It’s been over a moon. Nearly two. What if something happened? Would we even know? Would anyone tell us? It’s not like he went alone, but none of his team have come back.
What if I never see him again? I can’t lose him, too.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 12
I did something stupid yesterday.
I was so worried about Dad that I couldn’t focus on my work. Mom pulled me aside to ask what was wrong. She was just worried. She didn’t say anything bad.
But I told her I needed to go and ran away.
I ran off into the forest until the sounds of the village faded. And then I collapsed in the dirt and lay there. I don’t know for how long.
It was foolish. A feral fearow could have swooped down and gobbled me up. I’m decently strong, but I don’t know if I could have defended myself. Especially in that state.
Ash and Clay eventually came to check on me. I couldn’t talk to them. But I let Clay hold me and sobbed into his chest for a while. Eventually, I calmed down enough to apologize, explaining how hard it was for me, and why I had run off.
Neither of them could offer me much more than a “we miss her, too” and a “no matter what happens with your dad, we’re here for you.” But at least they cared. At least they cared enough to check on me.
Clay led me back home after I calmed down. Ash followed behind. I think he recognizes that his tail flame was scaring me. I tried to apologize, but he wouldn’t let me. I know he’s hurting, too. But I think he’s trying to be strong in front of me.
I apologized to Mom, but I couldn’t bring myself to say anything more. I was afraid I’d panic again if I tried to explain myself. She was as understanding as she could be, I think, and told me to take my time.
After all that, I was too tired to write. Now that I’ve summarized it all, I think I’ve exhausted myself all over again. Today, I’m just going to rest. I’ll have a busy day tomorrow.
Hot season, Moon 3, Day 13
I got upset and snapped at one of the rescuers today. After yesterday, I was still stressed and worried. When they got onto me about over-mixing the stucco, I yelled at them to do it themselves.
Anger shouldn't have gotten the better of me. I know better than that. But when you're already stressed and barely holding it together, small things that wouldn't normally bother you will get to you.
After muttering an apology to the floatzel, I went off to sit by myself so I could calm down. Both the rescuers and the other villagers had the sense to leave me alone. I don't think they realize that I notice them avoiding me. They don't know what to do with a pokemon that can’t move on.
Ash and Clay checked on me after a while, but I told them to get back to work. I just needed time alone to compose myself.
To my surprise, Amberwing came by not long after. She started to ask me questions like everyone else, so I growled that I didn't want to talk. I expected her to awkwardly shuffle away like everyone else. But she didn't. She didn't ask any more questions, but she perched herself in a bush beside me and kept me company until I was able to go back.
I think I appreciate that.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 14
Mom made razz berry and pecan bread loaves for the whole village today. They smelled delectable, and when they were fresh and right out of the fire, I felt like I might melt with delight. Amberwing seemed delighted, too.
For a moment, surrounded by food and happy villagers, I forgot all my worries.
I wish I could be like that all the time.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 15
Had a nightmare about Dad. Quit working early because I couldn't focus. Clay checked on me. Amberwing checked in, too. I shooed them off and said I'd be fine, but I don't think they were convinced.
Mom lectured me in the evening about shirking work. I know she's right, but it didn't help. She got real quiet when I told her that. I know she doesn't mean anything by it. I think she just doesn't know how to help.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 20
Mom looked at my journal.
She's worried about me, but I feel violated. These are supposed to be my private thoughts!
I considered quitting writing. But I think getting my thoughts out has helped. Instead, I’ve taken the journal out to a place I used to hang out with Honey. We used to have a tree house here, but it was destroyed in the fire. The tree itself is twisted and charred black. But there's a spot in the roots where I can safely nestle the journal. I suspect I won't be writing as often, since I'll have to find time to come retrieve it.
Mom did apologize after I freaked out over her snooping, and I accepted her apology, but I don't feel like I can trust her anymore.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 24
The day after I wrote my last entry, Amberwing left on rescue business. When she returned early this afternoon, she gave me a trinket she’d gotten from her leaders. She said it was called a defrost ruff, and that it was supposed to protect buneary. They found it on their latest dungeon trip.
I asked her why she was bothering. She said it was because we were practically neighbors now, with her living at the base deeper in Flyaway Forest. Then she went real quiet for a moment before telling me she could tell I was hurting.
Growling, I told her I didn’t want her sympathy. I asked if my mom put her up to it. After a moment of hesitation, she admitted Mom had said something off-paw, but that she decided to approach me of her own accord.
I told her to go away.
It stung, I could tell. But she told me she’d be around if I changed my mind, and that I didn’t have to go through this alone.
I wish Honeysuckle was still alive. She always knew what to say when I felt down. I don’t want to push people away, but I don’t think they can help me.
Hot Season, Moon 3, Day 27
I apologized to Amberwing. After sleeping on it and writing things down, I knew I had overreacted. I told her about Honeysuckle, and how hard it’s been since I lost her.
She said she understood. The loss of a loved one is difficult. I wanted to tell her that she didn’t understand. But instead, I spiraled on about how Dad was missing. That caught her attention. She started asking for details. When he was last seen. Where he was going.
I told her what I could: that he’s an artificer who specializes in turning orbs into wands, and that he and his team had left for Howling Forest at the beginning of Hot Season to gather raw orbs. As soon as I was done, she promised to take a message to her leaders first thing in the morning.
I couldn’t help but ask why she became a rescuer.
To my surprise, Amberwing is a half-feral, a pokemon that’s sapient, but lives rough like a feral would. Like we all did, until we learned the art of farming. She joined Go-getters because she was inspired by the strength of the leaders, and their drive to do anything to help other pokemon.
It was infectious if I’m being honest.
Harvest Season, Moon 1 Day 2
I had set out a decoy journal not long after I hid this one. I don’t think Mom has bothered it, so I’ve brought this one back home but hidden it.
A traveling kecleon came through today. He mostly had regular supplies, but he’d brought a few books as well. I wish I could have bought them, but with the town in its current shape, I hadn’t had time to gather supplies for pocket change. And with Dad still missing, we didn’t have any wands to sell.
Amberwing left the morning after our conversation and hasn’t been back. But we got a letter by pelipper post saying that Team Go-Getters was investigating the matter.
I hope everything turns out okay.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 4
Today, I had the energy to face Clay in a sparring match for the first time since before the fire. It made it clear how out of shape I was. I couldn’t land a single pound attack, let alone something more intensive! Apparently mixing stucco wasn’t enough to keep my battle skills sharp, but that’s no surprise.
Speaking of stucco, I haven’t talked about the rebuilding efforts in a while. They’re going pretty well. We’ve finished two full buildings, and with the recent traveling kecleon’s arrival came the materials necessary to create new tents. They think that, by the end of the next moon, the rebuilding effort will be complete.
There’s just one problem. According to the bossy oranguru, the food stocks are running low. Mom agrees. We only have enough to last a quarter moon, and they don’t expect another shipment for a half. Rather than making the long trip back to the nearest village, we decided to send out scavenging teams.
I’m used to scavenging. There are times when the harvest from the trees isn’t enough and we have to supplement by traveling further or delving through dungeons.
That’s actually why I was sparring. Clay, Ash, and I are planning to go to a nearby dungeon, Giant’s Copse. But we needed to be sure we were up for it. To be honest… I’m scared. I’m scared I’ll get back and the village will be gone again. But I’m hoping that the journey will help me take my mind off things.
We leave in the morning. It should take us about two days to get there, travel the dungeon, and return.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 5
I shouldn’t have gone.
We reached the dungeon at midday. Everything was going well. I was the happiest I’d been in moons as I chatted with Ash and Clay. About the last book I read. About Ash’s training to be a rescuer. About how Clay hoped to follow in his father’s footsteps and open a dojo. We were making up for lost time as we entered the dungeon, surrounded by trees that stretched to the heavens.
We were ambushed. A monster house full of flying-types. We didn’t have an orb to disrupt them. Ash pushed Clay and me out of the clearing, facing down the hoard. Fire licked around his jowls before he released a flamethrower, sweeping the strongest attack he could across the room.
It started a fire.
He turned and told us to run. But I was frozen. In my eyes, all I could see was the glowing flames. All I could hear was Honeysuckle’s scream as wind blew her back into the inferno.
I don’t remember much of what happened after that. By the time I came to my senses, we’d escaped to another floor, Clay and Ash panting. My paws trembled and my eyes were blurred with tears.
Clay decided we’d stop and spend the night in the dungeon. We found a nice, secluded corner and set up a camp. Clay pitched our tent while Ash traced sigils into the dirt, creating a ward to protect us from the dungeon winds.
Neither of them set up a campfire afterward. We shared a meal of apples and nut bread, then Clay led me into the tent to rest. I can hear the two of them whispering outside now, and I’m trying to not listen in.
I need to apologize. I want to be better than this.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 6
Due to yesterday’s delay, we didn’t get out of the dungeon in time to head home. But we did get plenty of fruit and berries. Between our trip and the group that went hunting, it should be enough to sustain the village until the next shipment comes in.
After dark, Clay took first watch, leaving me alone with Ash. I could tell my charmeleon friend was uncomfortable. And that was my fault. I made him uncomfortable.
That’s not entirely true. I can’t help that I panic at the sight of fire now. But it’s no excuse for me to treat him differently. I said as much to him, apologizing. Making it clear I hold no ill will towards him. I promised to try harder. To be a better friend. He said he understood, and it seemed like he meant it. I hope he was being honest. I don’t want to lose him, too.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 7
Today surprised me.
We got back to Windswept Village around sun high. So many pokemon came running when we got there. Mom pushed through the crowd and threw her arms around me, sobbing. At first, I thought something was wrong. That something terrible had happened.
But Mom explained she was just worried. When we didn’t come back yesterday afternoon, the whole village was concerned. They were preparing to send out a search party for us. She was scared she’d lost me, too. I assured everyone that we were okay, we just got delayed.
Mom and I had a long talk afterwards. She explained that she’s been just as worried about Dad as I am, but she’s been doing her best to hide it so I wouldn’t worry more. I talked about Honeysuckle, my time in the dungeon and the anxiety triggered by Ash’s tailflame. I talked about how much it hurt when she peeked at my journal.
Despite her flaws, Mom does care about me. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to trust her with my private thoughts again, but at least I know she’ll be there.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 9
I spent some time by myself down at the river today. Honeysuckle and I used to go down there in the afternoons. There’s an ache in my heart that I don’t think will ever go away. But if I want to get better, I know I need to let go.
I’ll miss you, Honeysuckle. I’ll never forget you. I hope that one day, when I have passed and am but nourishment for the earth, I’ll see you again.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 11
I decided I should do something with that decoy journal. It was just kind of lying around and wasting space. I thought I might write a story. Something about grief. When Mom said this journal would help me, I wasn’t sure I believed her. But I think it has.
And I’m sure I’ll keep using it. But if I’m going to spend my time writing, I might as well make it something constructive.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 14
Dad’s back.
I could cry tears of joy. Wait. I am crying tears of joy.
Amberwing returned to the village today, alongside a torchic and a mudkip. They introduced themselves as the leaders of Team Go-Getters. Behind them was my father and his team. The three of them were worse for wear. Dad’s fur was patchy and fresh scars peppered his shoulders. There was pain in his eyes. But he was smiling as much as his granbull face would let him.
I ran and threw my arms around him. I had to make sure he was real. His muscular arms squeezed me tight and pulled me close.
His team had gotten trapped in the dungeon after he’d been severely injured. They’d been waiting for rescue, but their message was missed. It was only because of Go-Getters’ rescue that they made it back alive.
I turned and thanked Amberwing profusely. It was all her. She was the one that had investigated. She was the one who had made sure the rescue got to someone capable. She’s the one who got us help for the village, too. We would be so much worse off without her.
Dad’s resting now. I haven’t told him about Honeysuckle yet. He knows about the fire — Amberwing made sure of that, and the changes to the village make it obvious. But I don’t think anyone told him about Lithely, Amper, Wrought, or Honeysuckle.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 15
I couldn’t bring myself to tell Dad today.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 16
Dad tried to ask me how I was doing. I dodged the question.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 17
I can’t keep doing this. I promised myself I’d do better.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 18
I finally told Dad about Honeysuckle. He already knew, of course. The other villagers had filled him in by now. But I knew I needed to say it myself. He held me tight and let me cry into his shoulder. When I finished, he suggested we could set up a memorial site. The village was almost fully rebuilt anyway. But the scars on the land would remain for some time. It would be proper.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 20
We came together as a village and used some of the leftover lumber and stucco to create a statue honoring our lost, a sculpture in their images. It’s not huge, only about as big as the well, but it was important. We placed it where the sturdiest tree in the village once stood. And when we did, we noticed new growth. Sprouts. The earliest saplings of trees. It would take them a long time to even rival what was once here, but one day, they would.
Harvest Season, Moon 1, Day 25
The rebuilding effort is complete.
The last building constructed was a lovely little community house, a place where we could host gatherings. Elder Lightfoot thanked the rescue teams for their hard work, and we had a feast in their honor. Even if I didn’t like them much, I can still appreciate what they did.
Amberwing will be leaving in the morning, but she promised to visit. And she said I was free to visit the Flyaway Forest base at any time.
Harvest Season, Moon 2, Day 6
I’ve been so busy, between reading books and writing my fiction, that I’ve forgotten to write. Everyone is doing well. Dad has recovered and is just like his old self. The kecleon came through again. This time, I was able to get some new books. I’ll have to write my thoughts on them later.
Harvest Season, Moon 2, Day 12
I built up the courage to spend time with Ash today.
He’s living in one of the new huts now with his dad. His mom is always flying about making deliveries, so we don’t see her too often.
I hesitated in the doorway, the memories of fire dancing in my head. But I also knew Ash would never do anything to hurt me. After taking a moment to steel myself, I managed to go inside.
We hung out in his house for a while. I talked about the book I’ve been reading — a book of myths about humans — and he talked about getting to spend some time with Go-Getters while they were still in the village.
At one point, I spotted his tail flame out of the corner of my eye. I trailed off mid-sentence. But then I closed my eyes, counted down from ten, and then continued. I think it’s going to take time before we can hang out like we used to. But this was a good start.
I let him talk about Honeysuckle. We reminisced on her dream to be a rescuer. I know she would want us to go on and follow our dreams, even if she can’t be there with us.
Harvest Season, Moon 2, Day 20
It happened.
I finally evolved.
I was sparring with Clay. He had me pinned with a bone club. But I wasn’t scared; I was energetic. Excited. It was the first time I felt alive in moons. And that’s when I evolved. Although I was a bit clumsy with my newfound size, I managed to gain the upper paw.
After we cooled down, I realized that, for the first time, I hadn’t thought about Honey in days. The grief hit me all at once and I had to focus to keep it from overwhelming me. But I could step back, take a deep breath, and focus on the future. I don’t think the hole in my heart will ever go away. Not entirely. But I’ll be able to move forward. Day by day. One step at a time.
. That last entry hit hard because of how brief it is.
