To Be Or Not To Be

Weathered birch creak quietly in the wintry wind. A dull light ebbs and flows from the pool that beckons those around it to step closer. Intricately carved stones surround the faint purple waters where fish swim back and forth, trapped for an eternity that they know nothing about. She doesn't know this place used to belong to her father's family or that he even grew up here. What draws her in is the serenity of it. A place where she can go to think and not be bothered for a moment. That allure that she can be present with her own mind and the gods above grants her an emotion she hasn't felt in a moment. Peace.

That peace would not be around for long as she realizes she's not alone. Approaching the pool, Delphi's gaze falls on someone she hasn't since since her mother's death and her other mother's disappearance. Surprised that of all places she would come across her brother, Delphi is speechless. She stands at the edge of the pool, her paws placed upon the rock, feeling the chill of winter begin to creep up her toes. Speechless. That's what she is as she blinks a few times. Her brain tries to register and doesn't for a moment until suddenly she does.

"Hotate," Delphi begins, her voice quiet. "I didn't think I'd see you again," she says, the tone of sadness clear because other than Maki and Unagi, none of her other siblings had decided to stick around.