Benjamin stood at the edge of the black lake, the cool uphill wind tugging at his clothes and carrying the muffled, sweet scent of cherry blossoms even though no blossoms drifted on the water.
Behind him the slope rose gently toward the forested ridges; but ahead stretched the glassy, ink-dark surface that reflected nothing on it.
The sky, or the clouds, or the surrounding trees—none of their reflection hit the water. Only perfect, lightless stillness.
"Huh?" He closed his eyes and opened them. Then turned towards the girls, "Another lake…"
"You sound disappointed." Gin, standing just to his left, crossed her arms and pouted dramatically, fox ears twitching with slight annoyance. "This one is also special, you see."
Sakura stepped forward before Benjamin could reply to Gin.
Her long pink hair caught the pale moonlight, and the quiet confidence in her posture made the air around her feel heavier and deliberate.
