and the veil was lifted

Hika buried his features in Mort’s shoulder, clinging as close as he could as everything seemed to come to a head. The fog was so dense he could barely see Mort in front of his face. The sound of the hunter beyond the tree’s hollow was upon them, and for a moment Hikaru was convinced he would see the reckoning. Then it was gone. Instead of death there was absolutely nothing.

The koi felt frozen, but Mortis shifted, pulling himself free of the tree as he was convinced there was no more threat. Hikaru wasn’t so sure, but he took Mort’s offered paw and lifted himself into the clear air. Hikaru pressed his small white frame against Mortis’ dark side, finding his way beneath his wing where he belonged. "I hope you’re right.” He didn’t mean to let his voice show just how spooked he really was.

"Speech"