The Moon & The Abandoner

The moon remembers the abandoners presence.

Light in its warmth. Contrasting the eternal darkness.

Combined with one each other.

Until it ran, the dynamic has shifted.

The moon is lonely.

It will find the abandoner.

The crescent will become whole.

- The moons promise, to the abandoner.

The cacophonous sound of your alarm rippled through your bedroom, jolting you awake. 7AM, great. You forgot to turn it off, maybe you could go back to sleep. But it wouldn't be worth the effort.

At least you can start your productive tasks, get the monotonous tasks out of the way and enjoy your life later tonight.

That'd be the dream.

For as long as this town has existed tradition was made, the shrine of divinity. It's said to have illuminated this town and contributed to its endless prosperity, you didn't believe it. But families, friends and the entire population would shun you out for that belief. You've avoided going to it for most of your adult life.

But people are unfortunately growing wise of your lack of presence, so you'll make a public display to appease the people. You checked your drawers, finding the stuff, slightly dusty so you'll wipe it down.

One stick, covered in white and gold foil, adorned with a small full moon. Traditionally made out of paper but upon the night of blot it's been made out of silver.

A black cape, represents the night sky just without the stars. You threw it in the bag, not your bag because it'd be 'disrespectful'. Now you are ready, let's make it quick.

Your town was small, so it was barely a 5 minute walk. The queue was just beginning to form, though it'd still take ages due to the formation of the line. In the form of a curved semi circle, so you also had to run a calculation in your head.

Remember the line.

People are behind you.

You observed the act. Left knee, 12 words. No more than a hushed whisper.

Okay.

Improvise the rest.

The line grew behind but in front it fell away.

It was your turn, put the cloak on, grab the stick.

Down to your left knee into the dirt, sit in front of the multicoloured veil and breathe in.

"May the moon gaze upon this town once more, guide us all."

That's it, no fanfare. Done.

You left.

At least it'd appease your family.

----

ViVi, the herald of the moon watched over earth. Observing all, witnessing everything. Sitting in the shiny silver throne, feet planted on the star-forged footrest. Earth was the sole object of her interest, basking in the glory of thousands of individuals admiring their charity.

Though one thing caught her eye, the energy in one town was wrong, familiar. The moon never forgot, could it be them? No, surely not. ViVi closed her eyes, trying to reach to that shrine.

But that feeling was gone, whoever was there had left.

The abandoner, why do you mock us so?

Her eyes opened, looking at mars. A singular tear froze in her eye.

The abandoner, at our shrine.

Hyunjin, the bountiful approached ViVi, sensing the shift in her emotion. Wearing her regal yellow dress, holding a long silver staff. With a shining whole moon on the tip.

"Kahei. Something about you is awry, speak." Hyunjin dug her staff into the moon. Their base was situated at the pinnacle of the orbiting rock, invisible to the earthlings they monitor.

"A prayer felt akin to the abandoner, but it was fleeting. It can't be felt there. Look forward and tell me if you feel it." Hyunjin listened to her, putting her hand out. It was ephemeral, but something was there. That feeling she had all those generations ago. In the bed, embracing each other, that unbridled joy.

"That, them." All of them took a pact to never say the abandoners real name unless they met them once more.

"Perhaps, may they return to us. I'll ask Jiwoo to look around the earthly plane." ViVi stood up, acknowledging Hyunjin before leaving off to find Jiwoo.

"Very well. I will deal with the blessings."

---

The extra time from your mishap had actually been quite the fortune in disguise, giving you the time to meet your friends for the first time in a month.

The coffee shop was empty, with the exception of a few staff members and you three. It was modern, sleek and generic. White walls, black columns, wooden tables. Your friends had grown accustom to this place, practically living here.

"Yooo! Y/N whats up!" Your best mate Eunwoo called out, hand waving to you. "I was surprised Hanni said you were coming, but I got your favourite!" The drink slid across the table smoothly, stopping just before falling off the counter.

"Appreciate it, I'll pay you back later." You fell into the seat, taking the seat opposite to Eunwoo and adjacent Hanni.

"Pftt, don't sweat it. I still owe you like... let's just call ourselves even." Eunwoo owes you quite a bit more than one coffee, but for now you'll let him off. Friends do what friends do.

"Clearing your own debt? Nice to see your still classy Eunwoo." Hanni said from the side, sighing.

"Well you know, gotta keep the hustle up." Eunwoo took a sip out of his coffee, giggling to himself at his cleverness.

"Whatever, nice to see you again Y/N. If you woke up at a normal time we could make this a more regular occasion." Hanni sighed, she's always been on your case about waking up and meet up with them. You've always sidestepped them, but maybe you'll consider it.