Venom pulled herself over the borders and felt too much like Azure for a moment. Her memory of him appearing half dead at her border was still fresh. She was far from half dead, but the adrenaline was wearing off and her mind was becoming clogged with pain. Poison had dashed ahead to try and find someone to help but she hadn’t seen them yet, though she didn’t feel safe enough yet, just over the border was where she’d be forced to stop. She felt if she pushed any harder the bone was going to break through skin and she’d make things even worse.

She let out the cry of pain that she had been hold in as she lowered herself to the ground delicately. Her back right leg was mangled, and she wouldn’t be walking on it fully again for some time. If it healed correctly. She groaned lightly and curled in on herself, her leg was throbbing now and Venom let it consume her.

Venom had been gone for quite some time. Hattori's brows drew together as he strode along the border, with each new assignment and contract he was quick to adopt habits, to follow his master or mistress from the shadows. Just to make sure all was well. If she had noticed him do so then Venom hadn't said as much, but the fact she'd slipped past made him suspect that she knew. And that was fine, he served her and not the other way around but his sense of intuition had always been pin prick sharp and for reasons he couldn't quite understand he had a feeling something was amiss. And then he heard a squawk from above and he broke out into a dash as his eagle swooped down to his level to quickly offer him a report in clumsy, rushed Japanese. Nearby border. Wounded. Empress.

And then Hattori was running as fast as his paws would allow, thudding against the earth. It didn't take long to find her, curled up on the ground as tight as she could manage. He couldn't see her face or eyes, both tucked away and hidden in the fluff of her coat and he turned to his bird once more, his words sharp and fluid in his native tone. His expression was grim. Fetch a medic. Quick. Then the bird was off, soaring in the skies above before dive bombing off into the distance, beneath the tree line. Before he could even think of going to her, comforting Venom as best he could, he scanned his surroundings with slightly bared teeth. There were no immediate threats in the area and her state of exhaustion implied that she had travelled some way, with great suffering, to get here. He let his guard down just a little, knowing his cat was watching from the shadows still and finally stepped in close with slow and measured steps. He hunkered down to her level, folding his limbs so that he could crouch beside her and when he spoke his words were a hushed rumble. For her ears only.

"Venom. I am here."

She shouldn’t have slipped past Hattori’s notice, she knew she shouldn’t have as soon as she slipped into that crevice in the ground. What was done couldn’t be changed and now she lay here in the grass under her white trees, writhing in pain cradingling herself and her broken leg. She had zero doubt that it was broken, she could bear no weight. No an ounce, and that in itself was enough to know she needed to be seen. Iolaire, Seer’s sister, would surely come to her aid. She didn’t even know if she could trust her aunt anymore.

Odd the thoughts that ran through your head in a crisis. What would this do to the pack? Her hold was already so tentative, would the pack think less of her now that she was injured? Would she even be able to be repaired? Her thoughts were blessedly interrupted by the sound of an arrival, though she moved much slower than she thought possible, the break in her leg and the travel here sapped her energy.

By the time she managed to look up Hattori was crouched close beside her and his words were at her ears. At least she was safer in his presence. Venom took in a deep breath, but remained wordless. It was too much effort to try and explain and the young woman breathed quietly for a long moment before she could manage to say anything. ”Wasn’t.” She breathed, ”Followed.” Hopefully she might put him at ease slightly. She had wandered too far in the swamp and reaped the punishment for it.

Hattori's eyes narrowed into a squint. Given the circumstances he was a little taken back that was all she had to say, but he supposed he could see where she was coming from. Relieved that she had the mind to take it into consideration. She moved her head a little to look up at him but had otherwise remained still, making it near impossible for him to gauge the severity of her condition. He could smell no blood on her, which led him to believe that either her injuries were internal or exhaustion based. Perhaps both? Regardless things weren't looking good. All he knew was that he couldn't leave her here, huddled and crumpled so close to the border for all to see. Grunting in acknowledgement Hattori knew what he had to do, the sooner he whisked her away the better.

Pushing himself down so he was as low as he could manage,  with his belly pressed to the earth Hattori's gaze locked onto Venom's. His intent was clear but he spoke nonetheless, his words closer to an order than a suggestion. He was considerably taller than her but it would be a struggle regardless, Hattori was many things but not a pack mule. But he would manage, for her.

"Climb on my back as best you can. I will carry you." As he spoke his bottom jaw knocked against the earth. If she couldn't manage or it didn't work out then she would have to lean on him. Hattori would find a way.

Hattori didn’t press her, he could make his own assumptions and likely Iolaire was already called for. She wouldn’t have been able to explain further if she tried though, Venom had never felt so helpless in her life. She could hardly move, hardly breath, this was as low as she’d ever been and her vulnerability was given into Hattori’s paws. She knew what was coming, she knew what had to be done and yet as he lowered himself to the ground beside her and his silver eyes met her sunset gaze Venom felt defiant. This couldn’t be.

She was stronger than this, she was Empress. Still, as the marked man leaned over for her to pull herself up Venom did as she was told. There wasn’t any argument and she had no other choice. She took another breath as he told her what was to happen, her hesitation lasted only a moment as she struggled to pull herself into position. She may have used her cat like claws to assist in the laborious task. Hattori was the one to lay bare her neck in battle, it was appropriate that he was the one to find her now.

This was the last thing she wanted, but the only viable option. She draped her broken leg over the side of him and hissed in pain as she did so. With the adrenaline spike she managed to find her words as she nestled against his neck and leaned into him as another wave of pain race from the snapped bone. ”It’s broken.” Venom whispered painfully. ”Go slow.” She warned him before he could move far.

Hattori waited and did not push the issue. He saw a flash of defiance in her eyes and wondered if she would snap at him for speaking out of place, it had happened a handful of times before given that Hattori was the sort who said what was on his mind, bluntly and to the point. Something his employers did not always appreciate.  But Venom said nothing and neither did he. In silence he waited, his breathing slow and steady, everything about him certain and calm. And then she moved stiffly and with great effort, he remained as still as possible as she clambered atop of him. Draped over his sides and shoulders like a cloak. With a muffled grunt he pushed himself up onto his paws, his movements for the most part were easy and fluid but with Venom perched atop his back he was almost painfully aware of every shift of muscle and flesh.

He pursed his lips into a frown. She'd broken a leg? That was worse than he'd feared, if the injury was severe as it seemed she would be bed ridden for at least a season and maybe more if it didn't heal well. Not a good look for an empress regardless.

"Of course." He said but did not nod since it would no doubt jostle her.

The going was slow and his shoulder throbbed in complaint but he ignored it and pressed his lips into a thin, dark line. She was heavier than she looked but Hattori knew better than to say that to a woman. In time the pair approached the palace and Hattori slipped inside wordlessly, the dark corridors kept them away from prying eyes and ears and when Hattori eventually laid her out on the soft comfort of her furs his back was aching up a storm. But nothing compared to the pain Venom was no doubt experiencing. Where was that damn healer?

Likely she was going to have to rely on him so much more now that her leg would be of little to no use for who knew how long. She lamented silently as she managed to get somewhat comfortable atop Hattori’s broad back. His movements interrupted her with every step though, so she already knew the return trip would be as difficult as getting to the border on her own.

Her limbs were still covered in the muck from the swamp but Hattori didn’t seem to mind too much. Maybe she’d help him clean off what she’d gotten on him later. Once she was more awake and could think clearly enough to not suggest that she give her shinobi a bath.

She very nearly lost consciousness on the way, though he was careful the girl remained tensed as he moved along. He could have mentioned her weight though, Venom wouldn’t have remembered. She would have taken it as a compliment, though by the time she was healed much of that muscle weight would be gone from disuse. After a long treck, and Venom almost losing consciousness more than once, Hattori was finally putting her down.

Venom groaned softly as she lay back on her side, resisting the urge to curl into a ball. The effort pulled a soft whimper from her lips, but it was cut off as her body relaxed against the furs. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was quick but steady. Iolaire would arrive soon, and she would be patched up by the time she woke up.

-time skip-

The pain was dulled as much as her mind still was. Venom wasn’t thinking clearly but she felt much better. Her leg throbbed, but it was no longer the unbearable pain. Her breathing was steady, her form still, but silently her eyes fluttered open. She barely remembered how she’d wound up like this, but Hattori was at the forefront of her mind, he’d carried her back here to the palace. How much time had passed since then? There as a fire in the hearth but no light coming in from outside. It was night, but how many nights since her return?

She sighed softly, feeling the heavy effects of her wound on her body. She was still and sore, and wanted so badly to get up and stretch.

The healer had come and gone, tended to Venom the best she could before returning to the Armada. There was only so much to be done, it was the sort of injury that would take a lot of time to mend regardless of what herbs and ointments she was given. But if nothing else the pain would be dulled, quiet and manageable so she could focus on a swift recovery. He doubted she'd like it but she'd have to get used to being bed bound for some time, it was a harsh and inescapable truth, the sooner she accepted it the better. Hattori on the other paw was at a bit of a loss at what to do, his job hadn't really changed and their agreement was still in place. But things felt different, none of his employers had even been wounded like this before and whilst it wasn't his fault on a technicality it sort of was. In a sense, if he was being pedantic enough to twist the circumstances.

By the time the empress came to her senses Hattori was still resting-dosing very lightly- outside the entry way of her chambers. He had little interest in imposing on her personal space but given that she could no longer tend to her own needs he felt as though he ought to stick close. From where he laid his voice would carry further into the palace than her's, it'd be far more convenient for him to hail down a servant and given the circumstances it was the least he could do. Even in his sleep addled state his ear twitched at the sound of a weary sigh, his eyes then slowly flicked open as they adjusted to the dim lighting. He couldn't tell what time it was but a couple of days had passed since Venom had stumbled back home, his back whilst still a little achy didn't complain too much as he got to his paws and shook off his coat.

His talons clicked against the stone, a wolfish version of knocking before entering. Only when he was given consent did he enter.

"Venom." He dropped low in a bow, knees bent and gaze lowered. Moments passed and he righted himself, standing tall and proper, a man of servitude and nobility. A strange but fitting juxtaposition. "Do you need anything?" Ask and she would receive.

Her mind was rolling again in a few minutes, however heavy her thoughts were. It was hard to wrap her mind around everything as she lay there with the added drugs to her system. There was pain, but she cared a whole lot less about it. She jumped lightly at the sharp sound of claw against rock but she groaned lightly, an answer to the summons. Her throat felt raw and unused, how long had she been out?

She managed to twist her head so she could watch him come in, despite her position he was quick to offer a bow and greeting before offering his assistance. Venom tried not to sigh again, but regaining one’s composure when simply sitting up was a challenge brought her shame. The white fur around her nose did not hide her blush very well. ”Help me sit up.” Venom requested softly as she forced herself to find Hattori’s silver gaze. She wouldn’t lose her pride completely before him. ”How long have I been out? What did Iolaire say about my…” She looked down, it was splinted and not cut off. She’d feared it needed to be removed. ”Nevermind I don’t want to know right now.” Venom was going to be healing for a long time.

If Hattori noticed her blush he was polite enough not to point it out. Instead he stepped in close at her request and set his front left leg just behind her shoulder and used it to pull her forward into an upright, sitting posture. Perhaps the auction was a little personal, near smushing her against his chest in the process but he paid it on heed. Only once he was certain she could maintain her balance did he pull back and stand at a more respectable distance. Though she seemed more than a little frustrated the shinobi could hardly blame her for that, he'd felt cagey and trapped during his healing process, it had been a difficult time for him and he assumed the same path laid ahead for her. Needless to day he would do whatever it took to make the process somewhat bearable, even if he wasn't sure what would exactly entail. Usually this wasn't a role for a shinobi to take nor was he overly interested in it, to be completely honest, but if it was commanded of him he would do whatever she asked.

"For now all you need is to rest." He told her, his voice as firm and sure as ever. It was a fact, one not even an empress could argue with. No doubt he was curious as to what happened to her but it wasn't his place to ask, so he did not. "You slept for two days, an effect of your medication." Or so he was told.

Hattori didn’t draw any attention to her embarrassment and Venom mentally thanked him for that. Would he question her ability now that he’d seen her on her back and found her wounded on the border? He didn’t show any indication of that path, if anything he’d been more helpful than she’d have ever expected of him. Of someone in his position. She was forced to think that thought twice as he pulled her against him and held her upright until she caught herself.

Venom hid how stunned she was, maybe it was the pain meds or maybe it was how vulnerable she felt with him. Being so close like that and breathing in his musky aroma. At least she kept her balance when he pulled away from her. He was proving, quite quickly, that he would do anything that she asked. He had his price but his skills and abilities seemed boundless. As long as she could afford him, Venom had every intention on keeping him.

”My body needs rest but my mind still needs put to its paces.” She murmured back softly, the only argument she had to him. Being confined to bedrest wouldn’t do for an Empress who had an Empire to oversee. ”Two days… No wonder I’m so sore.” She spoke mostly to herself as she shook her head lightly, careful to keep from jostling her leg too much. Magenta gaze lingered on her bandaged leg, she narrowed her eyes and released a sigh softly. She wasn’t sure anyone would believe her story. ”I was in the swamp when I was attacked by one of its inhabitants. I miss stepped and fell into unstable earth. That’s when the bone broke. I got away from the creature fine.” She forced a chuckle at the last bit. It hadn’t even been the massive frog that directly caused her ailment.

That was a fair assessment, though he doubted her mind would grow weak and wither anytime soon. He knew that she was a very paws on leader but for now she would simply have to make do with the fact that all of her leading and delegating would be done from her furs. Hattori knew it could be done, his father rarely left the main room of his estate and the Iga clan-last he'd seen it- was more affluent than ever. She would simply have to adapt to and overcome the issues her injury caused. If anything this was her first true test as an empress, if she couldn't handle such an inconvenience perhaps she was not fit for the throne. Not that Hattori cared to say as much aloud. It was not the time nor the place, he kept his lips firmly sealed shut.

Without prompting Venom went onto explain how she had come to hurt herself...and to be honest he didn't quite know what to make of it. The own sign of confusion that marked his features was a slight crease of his brow and tightening of his lips. He'd heard a lot of stories but the thought of Venom, who was clearly very spry on her feet, getting hurt because of a miss step- well he supposed accidents happened to everyone. He would not hold it against her nor tell a soul.

"I see." He rumbled in acknowledgement, the slight echo of the chamber adding to the timbre of his voice. At least it was that, no one he would be obliged to seek out and kill for recompense. "I have not informed anyone of your condition yet, would you like me to do so? If she ordered him away he would leave.

She was going to be forced to do what she wanted to eradicate in her pack. She would be hard pressed to remain here for an extended period of time while she expected the Empire to continue their fervent work. That thought was the hardest part, not feeling like a hypocrite. She could manage the pack from here, but being so confined might start to take its toll. Maybe she’d convince Azure to pull her around in Iolaire’s cart. She tried not to let the thought show in amusement on her face but the drugs were doing funny things.

Venom had injured herself in a weird way, but how she explained it was better than the full story, he wouldn’t have believed that. She had made a bad step, but if that frog hadn’t caused the earth to move… If she thought too hard it was amazing she had gotten out with her life. Venom had confidence that her secret was safe with the marked man, he wouldn’t go touting her mistake or her weakness. He’d been so quick to hide her broken body from the Empire.. Everyday it seemed he did something else to prove himself to her.

”I should tell the pack, but not yet. For now.. Sirius should know and…” Why did the thought of Azure and Hattori here together seem to throw her off? ”Azure.” She started but made the attempt to recover. ”My sister Toxicity as well.” Magenta gaze looked down, but then shifted back to his silvery eyes. ”But, you don’t have to go yet.” Her failure was a terrible secret that the two of them shared. Venom couldn’t explain why the feeling appealed to her, but it felt special and relieved her insecurities.

Hattori lingered in silence, his breathing slow and blinks even slower. Though he often found himself offering the young empress his opinion now was not the time, this was her choice to make and if she needed a moment to consider then so be it. He was comfortable in the silence and yet he found himself intently watching the shifts in her expression and the thoughtful little knot between her brows. She had always been a difficult read but he could sense that she was putting a deal of thought into this, more than he'd initially anticipated. Regardless, it was none of his business, he would do as he was commanded. As always.

His ears tipped forward as she listed the names: Sirius, Azure and Toxicity. It made sense that she felt obliged to reach out to Sirius, given the interconnected nature of Ashen and the Armada, but what of Azure? Thus far he'd made no effort to nose around in Venom's personal affairs and whilst he still maintained that point of view he idly found himself wondering why him. That aside, he would have left had she not ordered him to stay. He remained where he was, steady and still as his paws were rooted to the spot, his pale talons bright against the darkened earth. He assumed she required something else from him, why else would she have said that? It went without saying that he was far from a social butterfly, more like a reclusive moth. And so he waited, ready and willing to do whatever was asked.

She didn’t want to be alone. The thought was both astounding and revealing at the same time. She didn’t want Hattori to hurry off because she felt vulnerable. He gave her a sense of safety like no one else did, she might have bought his loyalty but he had earned her trust. His confusion in her request went hidden as he sat silently beside her. She’d chosen those three wolves carefully. Sirius was her current Warlord, but Azure was the one that she favored. Her Warlord to be, though she hadn’t forgotten what she’d offered him. Azure had turned her down. Venom could feel the uncertainty of the future so much more keenly now that she was dealing with this injury.

Hattori remained, but he looked at her expectantly for his next order. He had no idea her inner turmoil. Or if he did, he kept it stoically to himself. He didn’t pry unless the situation was dire, so she could only hope her situation would not be as dire as she felt. Of course one of the slaves could have sat with her until she fell asleep, but they didn’t put her at ease like the shinobi. It was odd, he’d held her life in his paws for one moment and now he couldn’t even realize what he’d done to the Empress.

”It’s probably the medicine but I feel anxious at the thought of you leaving right now.” She confessed in a whisper, unsure if he would even be able to hear her.

His ears twitched at the sound of her whisper, almost as though her words weren't to be heard. Hattori finally, finally, sat. It was very rare that he did so, much preferring to remain on his feet when in the company of others. For one, where he came from it was considered rather impolite to take a seat in the presence of his better and two it was simply a personal preference of his. Very rarely did the shinobi relax or let his guard down, it was in his nature to be alert and ready to spring into action if need be. Old habits died very hard and yet he made an exception for Venom simply because he knew it would help put her at ease. With an air of grace and ease that was a sure sign of his noble birth, Hattori reclined back onto his haunches, his front paws pressed together as his back formed a straight, elegant line. Many things could be said about Hattori but he was no slouch.

If his company was what she needed to keep her sense of anxiety at bay then he would remain. Of all the tasks he'd received this was hardly a chore, though he wasn't the sort to compliment he'd always found her company pleasant.

"Then I shall remain." For as long as she desired, he would remain by her side.

In answer Hattori lowered himself to the small cavern’s floor. Venom lifted her brows and brilliant rose and lilac eyes watched him with appreciation. He sat very infrequently, and the simple movement said more than his lips, but still those words brought forth a relieved sigh. She lowered her head over her paws, she was sore but holding her head up took more strength than she was willing to exert. Being able to relax with him beside her let her relax further. The tension she’d built up so heavily in her limbs eased out of her bones.

Hattori looked much like a statue as he watched over her, like an immovable object that would keep away any who sought to harm her while she was weak. There was no divided loyalty, all she need do was ask and Hattori would deliver. That thought would sink in better later on, for now she felt more comfortable with his presence. Gingerly she stretched herself out, using what energy she had summoned.

”Thank you,” she returned, just slightly louder though he’d proved he had indeed heard her voice. The young Empress curled back in on herself and placed her head gently on her white gloved paws.

He didn't expect nor require her gratitude, but it was pleasantry he accepted nonetheless. But then he wasn't sure what to do with himself, he knew she needed a lot of rest but the thought of watching her sleep was a bit improper. Even to him. That being said she'd slept for the past two days so he didn't think she was eager to go back to sleep just yet. Despite the way she was resting her chin all dainitly on her paws her eyes were sharp and alert. Not the look of a woman who was about to have a little snooze. So what then? He sat, unflinching and still beneath her gaze, he was content with the silence but he knew for a fact the empress wouldn't want to pass all of her time in here just staring at one another.

His ear flicked as he barely caught the pitter patter of feline paws against stone. Hattori turned in his seat, twisting his form just as his cat companion peeked his head around the doorway and relayed a report. One he hadn't asked for. The feline's Japanese was smoother than his eagles but that wasn't saying much. "My Lord. There is a herd of deer to the east." He knew a hint when he heard one. Hattori grunted, a very brief flash of annoyance rushed across his face.

"You are more than capable of feeding yourself." He rumbled, no And that's all he would say on the matter. The cat slunk back off down the halls and into the shadows. He would have to speak to his companion later, where on earth had it gained the audacity to enter the palace uninvited?

When he turned back to Venom once more the look was gone, as though his expression had never shifted.

Silence did not bring her discomfort, she would have quietly sat with Hattori until sleep did decide to take her again. Her mind was much too confined and she knew that she would have to find something to occupy her. She’d only just woken up and already she was restless. Her mind reeled as the cat slipped into the hall. Venom’s bright eyes blinked back curiously as she watched the interaction between cat and wolf. Venom didn’t recognize the language in which they spoke in and her head titled lightly in curiosity.

Hattori seemed to send the feline away, though his tone made it seem like the report hadn’t been expected. He looked back to her and made no move so she could correctly assume his attention was not in dire need. Venom peered up at him for a long moment as she allowed silence to fall over them again as the thought swirled in her mind. She blinked softly before presenting her thoughts.

”What language were you speaking?” She asked him curiously. Venom lifted herself carefully so she was propped up on her elbows. He still towered over her languid form, but that didn’t change how much he eased her vibrant stress. ”Would you.. teach me?” Surely learning a new language would keep her occupied while her leg healed.

Thus far the majority of questions Venom tossed his way were expected and easy to answer. From what he'd seen and heard the common tongue was spoken by most, if not all of the wolves who called Boreas their home. It was only natural for Venom to be intrigued by something new and shiny, a language that she'd clearly never heard before. In his mind it was a bit strange, given that it was the other way around in Nippon. Very few people spoke the common tongue, mostly nobility who had the time and patience to learn and even then it wasn't a skill they got to flex often. Most likely reserved as a party trick at a social gathering. Hattori was grateful he'd always been the studious sort, his life here would've no doubt been an uphill battle if he hadn't learned.

"Nihongo, though I believe some call it Japanese." And then he paused, the white of his brows lowering slightly. "I can teach you." If nothing else it would give her something else to focus on. He shifted his weight to his front paws, his shoulder-whilst still a little achy- was more than strong enough to take it. But where to begin? "The first and most important step is to forget everything you know about the common tongue."