The tide was low and the ocean, quiet, as the waves would delicately roll across the sandy shores. It was dusk and the stars shimmered brightly, leaving an adamant glow along the smooth surface of the water. The moons were aligned in the perfect position that left an exemplary view for those to examine its serene beauty.

A young seawing dragonet was perched on one of the boulders just peaking above the luxurious waves. Her emerald eyes reflected the glimmering light as she gazed up at the moon and her luminous tail was delicately wrapped around her talons. Her scales were a light shade of green with tinges of marine blue along her torso and her pearlescent scales released a soothing glow. She shifted her view from the sky to the migrating dolphins below the rock she lay on. They swam with the waves as they made their way across the sea. Delta could hear their timid squeaks as they quickly raced down towards their young already ahead of the herd.

Delta always loved nights as perfect as this, where she could relax and contemplate her thoughts over the starry sky. She would think about her family and friends, but most of all her father. Was he safe? When will he return? Does he miss us? These were the thoughts Delta pondered the most. Ever since Queen Coral sent him along with a group of her best seawing soldiers to help Blister overthrow the Skywing kingdom, it has been only Delta's mother looking after her and her sibling. "Oh, Father," whispered Delta as she gazed up at the stars once again, "It has been a year since your departure. If you're still alive out there, somewhere, I want you to know that I miss you."

Delta looked down at her talons and squeezed her eyes shut, holding back the flow of tears. He could be anywhere, either imprisoned, hiding, or even dead. No, not dead. He is too intelligent and sneaky to be in Queen Scarlet's clutches. Delta could never reassure herself though; she'd been given no information from her mother nor the Queen about that recent mission. "Maybe someday, I will go out and find him for myself...if he's still out there." Delta muttered under her breath. "But I can't leave my mother alone, especially since my brother will be leaving soon." Delta knew that Queen Coral was recruiting strong and vigilant seawing soldiers to her army without question. Soon her brother, Marlin, would leave them while he provided his services to the Queen. "But please Your Majesty, don't send him away like Mako!" Delta has nearly shouted. She couldn't stand the thought of her brother being torn away from her and sent into the onslaught of war.

Anxiety clouded her mind. She could barely hear the faint noise of someone shouting her name. Seconds later a male seawing emerged from the waves, searching the horizon. He spotted Delta, her claws clutching her head as she slowly crumpled to the ground. "Delta!" shouted the seawing once again, fractionally jumping onto the boulder and wrapping his wings around her. Delta glanced up and was relieved to see her older brother Marlin squeezing her in his embrace.

"Marlin I...I..." whimpered Delta, but was interrupted by his calm voice.

"Shhh, everything's gonna be alright. I will never leave your side as long as I live." Delta closed her eyes and nuzzled against his cool scales. If only what Marlin said was true. But he knows just as much as I do that he'll become a soldier.

"Come on, let's rejoin mother in Home Reef before she gets worried," said Marlin gently. He gestured his head towards the rippling water. Delta nodded and stood up. She viewed the beautiful night sky once more before diving into the cold ocean below.

As she slid under the waves Delta felt the cool liquid slide against her scales. She opened up her webbed talons and began to paddle herself toward Marlin. Marlin, a partially muscular seawing with broad arms and a powerful tail made him one of the most fastest swimmers in the kingdom of the Sea. Delta could barely keep up as she watched him descend deeper towards the ocean. Using her glowing pearlescent scales, she frantically signaled for him to slow down. In return Marlin only lit up his to say,

"Pick up the pace, slow poke."

"Squid brain," Delta growled as she signaled back to him. She noticed a stuble grin slide across his face. Aww my cute little sister is mad but can't do anything about it. It seemed to say.

As they both approached the seafloor, all the fish seemed to disperse around them. Delta loved the abundance of colorful fish that inhabited the coral reefs. The ocean was such a beautiful place to provide the essential fundamentals for life to flourish. She spotted a small moray eel hovering behind a group of rocks as he eyed her suspiciously. Delta carefully navigated herself around the eel to prevent getting bitten.

As Delta and Marin passed by a school of silvery fis, they spotted their mother resting near a swaying anemone.

"How are you mother," Marlin asked, somewhat cautiously.

"I'm fine, dear, just as good as ever," muttered Manta her voice hoarse and tired. Delta observed that her mother's scales have gotten paler,and her eyes, once deep luscious green,were now dulled and glassy. You don't sound very good, Mom. Are you alright?" inquired Delta.

"Of course, sweetheart, just still feeling a bit ill, but nothing for you to worry about," Manta whispered, coughing slightly but attempting to stifle it. Delta raised a claw, about to argue with her mother's statement, until Marlin interrupted.

"Could I bring you in some shark fin soup or a seaweed sandwich?" he offered.

"No thanks Marlin," Manta answered, "I just need more rest." Marlin nodded and nudged Delta with his wing.

"Come on, let's get some sleep," he stated, before swimming into the anemone.

"Sleep well," Delta whispered before entering, knowing that her mother was not telling the truth.