Venom’s mind was racing the whole way back to Ashen. As white gloved paws ate the sandy terrain she had the healer Kiyo and her companions along. The Empress felt no threat from them and would keep her word on inviting her for shelter and sustenance for her work. The trip was much shorter on the return, her paws moved with a purpose as did those that followed her. She tried to focus on the steady rhythm of her feet as her thoughts made their rounds back to her belly. There was no visible difference, but the woman sounded certain and more of her assessment by scent alone.

She hated to admit it but she was uncertain of the unknown this created, was her pregnancy poorly timed? The thought of terminating had struck her harshly, but she would consider if her mate did as well but… With every step she took she was more certain of this outcome. They should have waited, but Venom would not shirk her unexpected blessing. Hattori would be the father of her heirs, however much sooner than intended.

Her heart quickened as she approached the border, she kept her exterior cool and collected, but wondered how long she might keep up. She felt grounded as eventually white paws fell on home soil. With a quick glance to her guests to make sure they were sound she sent out a quick call for Hattori to join her in settling the healer before finding a private place to disclose their news.

"Speech"

Venom seemed in a hurry to get home, for which she couldn’t blame her. There were pressing issues at hand, so Kiyo had quickly rounded up her companions and returned, breath puffing from her jaws in large clouds. She followed after the other, her legs taking at least two steps for every one that the Empress did, but it wasn’t as if it weren’t something she was used to. Kiyo had always been surrounded by giants whose legs ate away at the earth with each stride, she’d simply learned to adapt. Poor Anko and Yui, however, were practically running to keep up.

It wasn’t too long before they reached the border of the Empress’ domain, the silver woman giving her shoulders a little shake to adjust the portable med kit that rested there as they crossed over the invisible line. She nearly tripped when the name called out was Hattori, her paws skittering to a halt in the snow as a look of panic came over her dainty features. Was she in cahoots with Hideki after all? How could she have been so stupid, she should have looked this gift horse in the mouth.

She struggled to take in air and Aoi jumped from Yui’s back to Kiyo’s, her hands gently patting her master’s neck to try and soothe her while Anko and Yui stood protectively in front of her, auds splayed back and lips curled. “How do you know Hattori Hideki? What did he give you to draw me here? Whatever it is, if you let me go now, I’ll give you double,” she offered frantically, slowly beginning to back track. She had to leave, had to get out, had to go. Now.

It was a cold and cloudy night, as Hattori emerged from the waves, water dripping from his belly and legs. Given the nature of the archipelago it took quite some time for him to patrol all of the islands, to make sure all was as it was meant to be. The Shrine was next on his agenda as he padded inland, a slight shiver rolling down his spine as sand transitioned to grass. It was quiet out, most of his packmates were asleep and curled up in their dens, as he passed through the pale trees and made his way to the territory edges. He started north then circled his way around south, pausing only when he heard Venom summon him with a howl.

He would answer her call, always.

It didn’t take the Shogun long to find his yakusoku. There she was, standing amid the gentle swirl of snowfall, with a wolf not too far from her side. The woman stood out plain and clear in the night, her coat akin to the pale of the moon, as though she was a figure from a fable or dream. Perhaps even both.  Hattori had not seen her for quite some time and nor had he expected to, certainly not here and not now.

He blinked, the cold air catching in his lungs. She was alive and despite the tight look of concern in her expression she looked well enough, if not a little on the thin side. But if she was here then what did that mean for Iga? Did Hattori even care anymore? He exhaled slowly, his talons digging into the ground as he curled his toes, eying the companions to clung to Kiyo’s sides. It was a lot to take in and being the man he was he simply just...didn’t. Not in the way a reasonable, feeling person ought to  anyway.

"Mother"

Before Venom lowered her lips from the air she could hear the shuffling on feet behind her and she was suddenly put on edge as she rounded on Kiyo and the dogs. They were all on edge, the dogs ready to fight for their lives and Kiyo, exhausted as she was, was about to run. ”Lady Kiyo, calm yourself.” Venom backed away slightly, but held herself at the ready, feeling a sudden intense urge of protective energy as she was reminded of the pups nestled within. ”Hattori Hanzo,” She didn’t use his first name but at that moment she was glad he finally gave it to her. ”And you found me, remember?”

Thankfully, just as swiftly as she expected of him, Hattori appeared between the trees to interject. Everything became much more clear as he greeted her stoically. His mother. Hattori didn’t react but Venom felt like she was going to be sick. Not because her Shogun would be reunited with his mother but wholly because of the circumstances that brought herself and Kiyo together. She felt hot all of a sudden despite the chill in the air. Venom caught herself and took in a deep breath as she lifted her chin and felt her headache anew. ”We have much to discuss.”

"Speech"

The woman told her to calm herself and her gaze narrowed, muscles bunching in preparation to turn and run, and she very nearly did until the name Hattori Hanzo was given. Her expression turned from fear and wariness to shellshock, her body going cold in ways that had nothing to do with the weather. Even the akitas and her macaque went stark still, all of them staring at Venom like she’d grown two heads. “That...cannot be,” she breathed. Her son was dead, his body thrown over a cliff as told to her by her nephew. The way that Raijin had looked...it still haunted her in her dreams. The look of a man who had lost everything, and she’d joined him in that misery. They’d looked everywhere for him or his body, and when they hadn’t found it she’d grown hopeful that perhaps he was actually alive and well. Yet, as months went by and there was no sign of his handsome face, her heart had grown cold and her hope extinguished.

A dark shape began to emerge from behind the Empress, its form so familiar that it ached. Slowly, his face began to define and even the manner of his walk drew tears to her hueless gaze. Her legs trembled before, finally, she collapsed into a sitting position. There, before her, was her son, her one and only child. He looked well, obviously being taken care of and...if Venom had called for him...then obviously he was someone of stature in these lands. Of course he was, her boy was a natural born leader through and through.

Tears streamed down her face and she was speechless, a rare sight for the woman who was normally so composed. It took her a moment before she regained strength in her limbs, the presence of Venom forgotten in that moment. She walked forward, legs still unsteady, her long tail trailing behind her like a silvery stream across the snow, before she was directly in front of him. A watery smile curled onto her lips, and while she made no move to embrace him, the affection and awe in her voice was just the same, “Hanzo”.

His gaze flicked to Venom as she stood back, her expression clouded and unreadable. She looked well and Hattori knew that his mother wouldn’t go around attacking people for no good reason, but he sensed an odd tension in the air. As though there was something she knew that he did not. His attention, somewhat reluctantly, shifted from dark to light as he looked to his mother once more as she stood before him, her voice imbued with such emotion that it made his stomach ache. It wasn’t hard to imagine what she’d thought, that she’d lost her son, the only saving grace from the wreckage that was her marriage. But here they both were, Iga paws leaving tracks in a cold and foreign land, a twist of fate or perhaps this was how it was always supposed to end. With Iga collapsing beneath its own weight from within, having grown too strong too fast.

He looked to her companions next, who both seemed equally as startled to share his company once again. When had he spoken to his mother last? Hattori could barely remember, he was many things but a good son he was not, and Kiyo had been Iga’s ghost. Rarely seen and barely heard. But right here and now she was as real as he’d ever seen her to be, present in the moment as though her mind wasn’t wandering, dwelling on the what ifs and whys.

He did not rush to embrace her as a son ought to and instead held her back at arms length as always, remaining where he stood.  But his cold and aloof air faltered for a moment as he offered her a deep bow, shoulders hunched and neck arched as he averted his gaze. She was his mother and the Lady of Iga, the titles might not amount for much in Boreas but he knew her worth and so acted accordingly.  He held the position for a moment before he stood tall once more, catching the silver of her gaze with his own.

“What happened?”  He asked reverting back to the common tongue, even if only for clarity's sake, so Venom would be on the same page as he was. “Why are you here?”

The sudden shock on Kiyo’s features would reveal almost more than Hattori’s one word greeting of the woman who birthed him. Who thought that he had died in the ambush, as the rest of the Iga believed. Venom was a little lost in the dynamics before her, especially Kiyo’s reaction to her call for Hattori. For now the confusion would remain with the other tumultuous emotions that boiled within her. The news she’d been given by Kiyo and what she’d told the woman.. For now it wasn’t clear that Hattori was the father of the future pups the antlered woman discovered. Venom was just glad for now that Kiyo wouldn’t be making a run for it after she’d been so kind.

As Hattori materialized the realization overwhelmed the pale woman and her emotions spilled forth without hesitation. The thought that this would be her children’s grandmother did not escape her attention and she barely held herself back from inching forward to offer a supportive shoulder for her to lean on. She moved forward before the Empress was further tempted and for a moment she was forgotten as son reunited with mother.

Her own thoughts and feelings about everything were pushed aside for them as she stewed the scene before her and the meeting leading up to. Kiyo wouldn’t have approached her at all had she not noticed her… condition. Venom shook herself lightly as the thought lingered at the back of her head. A seed of panic she refused to show anyone. For now she ignored it, mostly to act as though the pregnancy didn’t exist. If she didn’t tell Hattori perhaps the diagnosis would prove false. For now she would remain silent, watching the two of them and allowing her explanation.

"Speech"

She could see the look of startle behind his silver gaze, past that mask that he wore so well. She was his mother, after all, and while they had never had the best relationship she bore that title with pride. She’d kept him close as a pup as the only survivor of her litter of 8, tucked safely against her side so she could keep her eye on him. At least until he’d been a few months old and deciding for himself (with the commanding of his father) that he was ready to take on the world. Kiyo had always watched him from a distance, a ghost just as he’d thought, but it hadn’t been her choice. She’d cheered him on from the shadows, keeping to the sidelines afraid of a misstep both because of her husband, but also because she was weak. Embarrassingly so, and Hanzo didn’t need that from her. He wouldn’t survive in their world if he had a thin skin, she had been barely making it as was.

The woman watched as he bowed low, her neck reaching forward to press her chin against his crown with the lightest of touches, her gaze soft as she blinked back the rest of her tears. She retracted as he rose, speaking in common tongue and she blinked in confusion. Why wasn’t he speaking in Japanese? Her silver gaze slid to Venom, who stood to the side, momentarily forgotten in their reintroduction and she remembered the news she had just given. “Why don’t we move somewhere warmer,” she suggested, clearing her throat gently at the emotional rasp that caused it to tremble. The expectant mother deserved to be in more comfortable conditions, and Kiyo needed to think on how to explain everything to her son.

Kiyo had always been so very gentle with him, as though she feared he'd break like the rest. He did not mourn for his siblings as she had, even now he could not even comprehend the loss she had gone through, but as he met her eyes once more he saw the relief in them. As though she now felt a little more whole. He let her indulge in a moment of comfort before he was right back to business, if she wished to take this matter else where he would not protest. There were better places to talk of family and loss than this, out in the open for all of Ashen to hear. With a grunt he gestured for his mother to follow him, leaving it open on whether Venom came along too. He would not hide anything from her but he did not wish to drag her into his personal matters either...though now he thought about it he supposed she was now Venom's family too. Her mother in law.

The notion was not unpleasant nor unwelcomed but still a little strange nonetheless.

The trio moved in silence as they made their way to the palace, across the islands and bridges that connected them all. Soon enough they entered the tunnels and the heat of the heartfire in the main hall warmed his bones and dried his belly. He gave the women ample time to get settled on the furs that were spread about before them, it was  nothing like the comforts of Iga, with it's tatami mats seiza postures but it was home. He did not ask again, knowing his Mother would speak when she was ready and instead he called for his cat companion and in his native tongue told it to prepare some tea. Or find someone that would, either worked for him.

And then finally he settled, seating himself upright beside Venom, his ears expectantly flicked forward.

For a long few moments Venom was allowed to stew in her own thoughts. Kiyo had no idea that Hattori was the father of the life she’d seen from so far away. While Hattori had no idea of the secret she had hidden in her belly. Any day now the more perceptive members of the Empire would begin to pick up on the signs as well. The time of the pregnancy remaining a secret was swiftly coming to an end.

Her jumbled thoughts were interrupted as she waited for Kiyo to answer Hattori, but the healer was right. Not only was Venom… vulnerable now, the privacy of the palace was a comfort. Hattori seemed to think so as well, and he was quick to lead the gathering of wolves and dogs. The Empress shared the palace with Hattori from the beginning, this was as much his home as it was her own. They walked to the main hall, the big chamber a gathering place of sorts, and thanks to the fire always felt warm.

Venom made herself comfortable in her usual place and Hattori took his place close beside her. Venom leaned into him slightly and she wondered if Kiyo had picked up on the personal details of the relationship she shared with her son. Venom’s sunset gaze shifted to the antlered woman’s silvery gaze and remained quiet, debating if she wanted to tell Hattori the revelation now, or once they were alone.

"Speech"

Her son was quick to take the lead, guiding the small band further into the territory. Kiyo couldn’t help but look around in wonder, growing even more surprised as they were led over bridges and through islands. The territory was quite large from what she could see, rivaling even that of Iga which was the largest in their homelands. The Akita’s stayed close to her sides, Aoi riding along her back as they were led into a foreboding mountain. They traversed through hallways and past rooms until they entered a great hall, warmth seeping into her bones and she couldn’t help the sigh that escaped her lips. Finally, she could feel her toes again. Venom laid down on a pile of pelts and Hattori was quick to give orders to a companion of his, Kiyo’s gaze turning to her Macaque as she slid down from her back, “Go with them and offer assistance. Be sure it is plain without peppermint and not highly caffeinated,” she ordered with a nod of thanks, Aoi giving a nod and a bow to her mistress before scampering off with the cat. Caffeine and mint weren’t good for expectant mothers, though she could certainly have used the boost to her tired bones.

The pale woman was quick to remove her field medic pack from her back, Yui grabbing it in her jaws and setting it in a corner of the room while also removing her own portables with the aid of Anko to form a little pile. She sank gracefully onto one of the pelts, a hum of pleasure exiting her jaws at the softness. My, was it nice to have such luxuries again.

Her gaze turned to Hattori again, blinking in surprise to see he’d settled next to Venom and the woman was...leaning against him? She looked between the pair, eyes sliding from Venom to Hattori and back, growing more and more shocked at each moment until they were wide like two moons. Hattori had never been one for physical affection from anyone, growing noticeably uncomfortable when given it. Many women had tried to get into his good graces and he’d denied them all, always the diligent heir with more to do with himself than chase after a pretty bum. Of course, the same couldn’t be said for him rather...rambunctious cousin. So, to see him allowing her to settle against his side as if she were a second skin...why, it couldn’t be ignored.

A bright smile formed on her lips, “Ah, I see,” she said, a laugh bubbling out of her lips. Kiyo struggled to keep still, her body wanting to vibrate from joy. If her suspicions were correct, she was going to be a grandmother! “Instead of the ramblings of an old woman, I should think I’d like to hear what my Lady has to say,” she said, turning mirthful eyes solely to the sunset ones of her daughter-in-law (?). If Venom asked her to leave for a moment, though, she could of course oblique.

Hattori did not protest or move when Venom leaned against the bulk of his side. Though he would never overly indulge in public displays of affection he felt little need to deny her this, and if his Mother thought anything of it than that was her problem and not his. Of course in a sense he valued his Mother's opinion as all sons did but he refused to let it dictate his life, in the same way that his Father used to. As lord of Iga he demanded outright respect and then even more than he likely deserved, he was a great man and his efforts had brought the clan to Nippon's political forefront but at what cost? On a personal level even Hattori knew his Father was a terrible person, with few redeeming factors in sight.

But Kiyo? She was good, he liked her.

But where to start? He wished to know how they had met, how despite the very slim chances they'd somehow managed to stumble upon one another. It made sense that Venom would bring her back here, since their arrangement of offering sanctuary to former Iga wolves was very much still in place, but aside from that he was completely in the dark. The occasional trickle of koi wolves didn't' really surprise him, foot soldiers could always be replaced but the lady of the clan? Surely that meant things had changed within Iga, that it was either truly collapsing as he'd once speculated or it had shifted into a whole new monster entirely. Unrecognisable in it's being.

Except that it seemed as though it was Venom's turn to speak. He shifted a little, remaining in place but angling his neck so he could see her better. What did Venom have to do with this? He had asked about Iga and Kiyo's presence and so Kiyo had just thrown him for a loop, pushed the conversation into a new direction.

Venom didn’t miss the expression change over Kiyo’s features as Hattori made himself comfortable and allowed her presence so close beside. With the heir’s normal distaste in affection the meaning of the closeness wasn’t so difficult to discern. Kiyo’s smile was knowing.She knew in that moment that she was going to be grandmother and her words barely hid the joy that revelation brought. She looked like a completely different wolf from the woman who feared for her life at the border.

The Empress had been silent so far, and Kiyo wouldn’t take her news and opened the floor for her to explain how the two of them had met. Hattori’s silver eyes shifted to her own as the interest in his gaze became more curious why his mother looked to her. Venom tried not to look bashful as her soon to be husband found her gaze. She took in a deep breath, suddenly oddly nervous about the secret within her.

"I was patrolling nearby lands," Kiyo already knew the words to come forth, and Venom saw no reason to make her step out. Likely this would be considered just as much her home as theirs after this point. Venom struggled slightly to put into words the events that unfolded that night. "Lady Kiyo approached me, though I had no idea of your connection." She looked into Hattori’s silver eyes and let the world absorb everything but the two of them. "I offered a meal and a safe place to sleep for the night after the Lady made me aware of my early pregnancy."

"Speech"

Kiyo never thought that she’d be in this current situation, especially not for the past several months with her son’s disappearance and alleged death. Even when he’d been in Iga she’d expected to hear news of his partner’s pregnancy from the side, along with the rest of the clan. Or maybe he would have sat her down to tell her, either way she wasn’t sure. She’d made peace with that, assuming he was happy and healthy that was all that had ever mattered to her. But, to be sitting here, not only being able to witness his reaction to the news but to also have been the one to diagnose his partner...well, it took the cake to say the least. How full her heart was.

Kiyo listened quietly as Venom laid out the details of their meeting, giving a small nod of affirmation to her statement and stilled when she looked to Hattori. Then, the words tumbled from her mouth and the moon-kissed woman couldn’t help but hold her breath while she waited for his reaction.

Hattori had no idea where they were taking this, that this single conversation would change his life in so many ways. It began simple, Venom explained that she'd been out on a patrol and had happened to come across Kiyo. But it evolved into something that left Hattori speechless and wide eyed. She was what? And how would Mother know? He turned sharply, looking down at Venom as though there was anything to see, as if he'd suddenly just notice the swelling of her belly. But she was the same, perfect and beautiful and- Oh. Herm. In the very far reaches in the back of his mind he'd known it was a possibility, but she was not in season, the chances of her falling pregnant were so slim it had been easy to brush that concern aside. But it seemed as though he'd been too hasty and look where it landed him, silent and still, surrounded by women who were waiting on his reaction.

He pressed his lips into a thin line and despite himself leaned a little harder against Venom's side.

"I see."  

Getting rid of the children was a possibility, but not one he even thought of taking into consideration. They were his, theirs , and whilst he'd never felt much of a pull to be a father it was simply just another role he could adapt to. As he always had. Besides, as an Empress her children would be royalty, born of clean and proper blood. In terms of a match even Hattori could see the favour in it, the culmination of two regal bloodlines. But those thoughts felt as though they belonged in his Father's head, not his own, and he was quick to frown them away. Hattori was many things, both good and bad, but he was not nor would he ever be him.

"Does this please you?"  He then asked Venom, wishing to know her thoughts. Now he knew the truth he did realise she'd seemed...a little cagey, hesitant.

Kiyo was silent as Venom spoke, but even if she hadn’t been Venom wasn’t sure she would have heard her. Bright sunset eyes were all for Hattori as she spoke softly and revealed the consequence of their actions. Vivid silver eyes widened in surprise as Hattori’s attention focused fully on her and her still svelte frame. He was silent for a moment, likely as surprised as she had been when Kiyo told her. The possibility hadn’t lingered in her mind, but to both of their surprise the pre marital affair was fruitful.

His affection was simple and subtle, but Venom felt his love and adoration. He echoed her sentiment and Venom very nearly chuckled at the similarities. Now that she’d spoken the words to him the pregnancy felt so much more real. Venom hadn’t intended for this to happen. The timing wasn’t ideal and their preparations were far from complete, and yet Venom wouldn’t have changed anything. The puppies, their children, were developing within her. She and Hattori would forever be tied together with these children.

Hattori’s voice reached her again as he sought her thoughts. She looked up to him, as though seeing him for the very first time. The father of her children, her partner in life and ruling. Venom didn’t want anything else. "Yes, it does." A smile finally began to brighten her features as reality settled in. She was nervous about the process and every milestone in between, but also excited about how much their lives would change. These children would complete her ownership of the Empire. Their ownership. Hattori would be as fully tied to this land as she was, and this family would bind them together more fully even than their vows. "We have, so many preparations to make," she allowed the uncertain emotions to fill her voice as she struggled with becoming overwhelmed. "But I feel like this is right." Venom looked back up to her husband, again she would be forced to rely heavily on his capabilities. She knew the two of them would persevere, that was why she chose him. Together they were unstoppable.

"Speech"

Hattori was taking the news better than she’d expected, but then again he did tend to keep everything buried under the surface. Even her mother’s intuition couldn’t tell if he was taking it in stride or if he was packing internally, but his heavy lean against Venom seemed to indicate a bit of both. She felt a bit of pride when he asked her if it pleased her, the notion that he was putting her opinion before his own on the matter showing what a gentleman he was. The woman knew that it likely wasn’t easy for him to say, because even though she didn’t know what his thoughts were on starting a family or when, she figured he’d always known he’d have them at some point. It had been his duty as heir, just as it had been hers to have him. Of course, she’d always wanted children...but life’s circumstances had prevented her from as many as she’d hoped.

When Venom mentioned preparations Kiyo gave a small nod. “I am sure you have much to discuss. I won’t be a burr in your fur for it, so I will take my leave if you please. Would I be able to be shown a room?” she asked, rising to her paws wearily. She could feel her body protesting from fatigue and Aki was quick to her side to help her, though Anko gave her a sidelong glance. She gave a soft smile and a nod, “You may stay if they allow it.” Kiyo was well aware of the affection that the akita had for Hattori, since the dog had been the companion of the Shogun’s cousin and best friend Takemikazuchi before the man’s demise. They’d surely spent a lot of time together and the same protective instincts he’d had for Take would have transferred over to Hattori.

Speaking of Hattori, the woman’s warm silver gaze met the former Iga heir’s, her soft smile remaining. “When you are finished, please come see me and I will explain everything,” she promised with a bow of her head.

It was still a lot to take in, much to deal with, but if Venom was pleased then so was he. Like all big things Hattori tended to mull over them for a prolonged period of time, dwelling on the ins and outs rather than making a snap decision on the spot. Everything would change from here on out and he was no stranger to the twists and turns life took, but this direction was a new one. Something he had not anticipated on a personal basis and...well it was time to rectify that. To pave a new path and set off without hesitation in his stride. Kiyo was quick to realise she'd said her piece and went to excuse herself, Hattori's ear flicked as he called for his cat-he'd noticed it lurking nearby- and put it to use. There were plenty of spare chambers befitting Kiyo's prestige and the cat would find her one and help her ready it up.

There was still much for Hattori and his mother to talk about, the fate of Iga but that took a back burner for now. The past was the past and he had to look ahead.

He turned to Venom after watching his Mother go.

"Are you certain?"  He had never questioned her like this before and he never would again, but he felt as though he had to ask.

Hattori was as taken off guard as she was and had been when Kiyo pronounced her pregnant. His own opinion was buried or undefined yet as he asked her thoughts and feelings. Venom spoke them, surprised at the development but pleased all the same. The ghostly healer was quick to speak softly and excuse herself. Venom smiled, a grateful gesture as she was given an escort by Hattori. She was welcome and more to remain within the palace walls, in truth Venom would feel more comfortable with a healer close by anyway.

”Thank you, Lady Kiyo.” She spoke softly, her voice carried easily in the great hall. ”For everything, I’m glad to have met you today.” How much longer would she have gone on not realizing the astounding news she gave to her? She watched the woman go, and didn’t miss the dog who lingered. She wouldn’t send the servant away, and she seemed to take up an almost guard like stance at the main entrance.

When only silence beyond the subtle crackling of the fire remained, Venom's attention was returned to Hattori and his uncertain words. He’d never made a habit of questioning her decisions, he’d offer his advice and opinion but he’d never been so direct. A nervous chuckle slipped from her dark lips as she lowered her gaze, ”No.” She was nervous and… scared. An emotion that she had no room for, but she couldn’t stomach the alternative either. ”But I have you.” Venom’s sunset gaze returned to Hattori’s silver eyes. ”Together we can do anything.” As long as she had his support in this Venom would eagerly embrace parenthood.

”Is this..” She hesitated, trying not to accept that his opinion might differ. ”Is this what you want?”


"Speech"