I.

Drip, drip, drop—

faint splashes of water fall into the running river as the man, still distraught, washes his face. His eyes are glazed over, his hands still trembling. Her screams echo in his ears, her broken cries, the agonizing realization that her dearest husband... her Izanagi... no longer loves her for what she has become.

He's so foolish, just why did he do that? Why did he run? Why did he leave? Why… just why? How awful. They were meant to be together, and yet he betrayed the only god who was meant to stand by his side.

His body slumps against the rocks, frame still exhausted from his journey... his eyelids heavy. But deep within him, he thought to himself, what is he going to do now? Without her... how can he continue to care for the very world they created together?

Just as he is about to close his eyes a faint glow catches his attention. Underneath the running water, an ever growing orb begins to surface, rippling the river as gravity seems to encircle around it. Curious, he approaches cautiously, his brows furrowed as he wonders what could be happening.

As he inches closer, a faint sound reaches him from within the orb. He squints.

“Is it… crying?”

he mutters to himself.

And then suddenly, it bursts open—! radiant light spilling forth which begin to illuminate the darkened world around him. From within the orb, the cries grow louder, soft sobs of an infant. His eyes widen. Rolling up his sleeves, he hastily dives into the water and scoops up the glowing form.

Inside of it, just as he expected, a being wails as it struggles to keep its shape.

He exhales softly, despite his exhaustion, he gently cradles the child. His voice low and soothing as he hushes its cries, whispering a quiet orders for it to be still.

“Radiant child, do not fret any longer... rejoice, for you are born with a purpose.”

His golden eyes gaze upon it. His hands embracing it.

“Do not cry any longer...”

II.

Despite her radiance, she felt comfort in the night, the faint sounds of crickets and rustling of leaves were her favorite. Tonight, she wishes to experience it once again. Soft giggles can be heard within the lips of the fledgling gods, the three would sneak out of heaven, descending quietly onto the mortal soil.

A faint smile form on her lips, her eyes gazing upon her boisterous brothers as they frolick through the tall grass, the wind blowing through each blade. She exhales softly, taking things in her own pace as she continues to watch over the boys, making sure the two won't accidentally injure themselves or anything.

Though something did caught her eye, a new insect, one that glows in the darkness. Her face gleam in excitement. She kneels down, small youthful hands gentle snuck upon the grass the insect is resting

and then...

Whack—!

She caught it!

Though just as she was about to peek inside, a voice would surface.

“Ohirume.”

Her body jolted up and turned to the direction.

“Papa, I...”

The young goddess would stumble upon her words as she finds an excuse for herself.

“I, I merely joined Susano'o and Tsukiyomi for I am afraid that they might cause trouble...”

Her lips tremble, her eyes avoiding the strict gaze of her father as the stern expression of his visage continues to deepen.

“Your kimono is stained, is that the kind of example you wish to show to the kami?”

“N-no, Father.”

“Sneaking out of Heaven without permission, do you wish the kami believe that you're reckless?”

“No... Father.”

“The lie you just spouted, do you wish the kami to assume that you're untrustworthy?”

“No, Father.”

“Then, cease this. ” Kneeling down, he would gently grab a hold of her chin, making her face him, their gaze meeting.

“Ohirume, you are my successor, my mirror. The things you do will not just reflect on you, it will reflect on me, your brothers, and our Divine Authority. Your life is not just your own anymore, you have to learn that as early as possible, you will walk the path of beginnings, you will lead the Gods into prosperity, you will and must care for this infant world just as I nurtured you... Do you understand that?”

“I do, Father...”

“Then you must know why I am saying this, right?”

“I... do.”

“My radiant child, I expect greatness from you. For your birth was fate. You are meant for Heaven, not down here in this land that withers, You are meant to be everlasting.”

She could only faintly avert her gaze, her brows subtly furrowed before nodding. Satisfied with her submission, the primordial god would gently scoop her up into his arms, comforting her with a gentle embrace as he makes way back to the servants accompanying him. The sun would rest her head against his shoulder, her hand faintly waving at her younger brothers as they watch her be taken away.

III.

TBA