The transition to motherhood was a difficult one, and her trials did not ease even after the birth. Venom remained sore and uncomfortable for days after, but at the least she had her perfect puppies to distract her. The Empress wasn’t sure if she had ever seen anything that elicited such emotions within her. She never expected the love and adoration she would feel for these five tiny little lives. They were already bursting with personality and beyond their differing markings they were all quite different.

In subtle ways, their eyes were not quite open yet and the majority of their activity was sleep, eat, poop. Well, and snuggle. Venom enjoyed the snuggly nature of her little beans the most. This was time when she didn’t mind being cooped up. She didn’t remember the last time she left the palace, and she didn’t even care. Her biggest task at the moment was to grow these new little princes and princesses.

Soon enough she’d get to look into their beautiful little eyes and they would soon discover their paws and voices. Venom tried to enjoy the time she would have with them beside her. She wasn’t so old she forgot how eager she had been to leave the den and see the world. For now, they were her tiny little babies, she both wished them to remain this tiny and felt excitement to watch them learn and grow.

A satisfied sigh slipped from her lips as she gently nosed the tiny little rumps towards her belly as they began to squirm and cry. She hummed quietly to soothe them as each little mouth found its place and soon enough they were all enjoying breakfast. Venom continued to humm lightly as the subtle happy mewls joined her song.

The weight of Ashen rested solely upon Hattori's shoulders as Venom recovered and took care of their children. Even though he felt as though he ought to be everywhere at once, checking in at the palace and maintaining their borders, it was all a burden he was glad to bear. He barely had a moment to himself before something needed his attention, whether it be beasts at the borders or a minor dispute that needed settling there was always something to be done. He wasn't complaining though, Ashen was alive and thriving, carrying on despite the state of the world. But more than that, Venom was well and as were the children, things were as they ought to be.

The Shogun found himself drifting towards Inu, his heavy paws leaving wide prints in the sand as he pushed up the beach and entered the palace.  It was quiet within the long and winding hallways, with the crackling of the hearth fire and the the faint sound of distant footfalls of meeting his ear. He didn't need to scent the air to know they were simply companions staying out of sight and mind as they went out their duties, keeping out of the way unless summoned. Perhaps it could be argued he was too aloof, cold, towards them but he wasn't a cruel or demanding master. They were rewarded well for their service and aired no complaints but even then he supposed it wouldn't be amiss to give them extra provisions.

The Shogun soon drew up to The Empress' chambers and as always he announced himself before entering.

"Venom." He rumbled in greeting, the word like praise off his tongue. Once granted permission he slipped inside and moved to stand before her, he bowed down a little to brush his muzzle against the line of hers before eying the little bundles that were all nestled safely by her side. "Are you well?" The question no doubt had gotten old but his sentiment remained true.

The soft hum she had been soothing the puppies and herself with was cut short at the sound of Hattori at the door. He was polite to announce himself despite knowing he would never be denied from this space. Her dark lips pulled into a soft grin as he was invited inside and spared no time in hesitation. Venom reached up to meet his affection, the gentle touch worth a thousands words all on its own. ”Hattori,” she returned as his silvery gaze turned to the nursing babies. His responsibilities encompassed much more of Ashen’s day to day. Much like those first few weeks of her broken leg, however instead of nursing herself back to health Venom’s efforts were towards growing their children.

A fact that still made her feel butterflies as she took in the expression her mate held. Since giving birth she hadn’t questioned this progression at all. This was the path she was meant to take, with Hattori’s steadfast presence at her side as they worked together to grow the Empire. Within the palace as well as beyond the borders. ”I am,” she assured him. Before the Shogun could ask she added, ”As are the puppies.” She grinned and nudged his shoulder, unable to contain her pride in the bundles at her side. Venom was still slightly astounded she had all five of them.

”And you?” She questioned softly before her own sunset gaze shifted to the puppies. Ikigai grabbed her eye every time she looked back at them. Her pale pelt in contrast to the darkness of her siblings. She would usually then shift to Kiyohime with her ivory and pink splashes. Koroki would usually get her attention after the two girls with his vocalizations, which would cause her to worry for Takeshi and how quiet he was. Then finally she would lean over and nuzzle her tiny firefox Kitsune. ”Their eyes will open soon.” She told him softly, unable to keep the conversation from the puppies for long.

Venom well and truly looked in her element, taking motherhood in her stride as though it came to her as easily as breathing. Beyond the tinge of tiredness that lingered in her eyes there was an air of comfort about her, as though despite all the strain and efforts to bring their children into the world it had been worth it in the end. Hattori was glad to see it, to know that they'd made the right choice in bringing these little lives into the world. Soon ready to mold them into the perfect set of heirs, each and everyone deserving of their royal name and noble heritage. His expectations were lofty, perhaps unreasonably heavy but in his mind it was simply the way of the world, what was the point if not to strive to be better?  

"I am well." He confirmed with a slight dip of his head before he finally settled by her side, mostly behind her so she could lean the bulk of her weight against him.

He savoured the silence for a moment, listening to the little squeals and cheeps of the puppies before Venom told him their eyes would open soon, an important developmental milestone. Though it was hard to tell he got the sense that each pup was different from the last, faint glimpses of their personalities shining through generic puppy things. Venom likely saw it far better than he but he imagined it would only become all the more clear as they grew and became more independent, before finally being strong enough to leave the palace. Something the litter would no doubt enjoy.

"Do tell me if you need assistance. Or Kiyo." He rumbled, knowing full well the task of parenting a litter of five would only get all the more difficult after this. Perhaps this could even be an opportunity for Siren to start pulling her weight and look after the children, after all Hattori knew she did not venture much from her little island. And whilst Chimera would no doubt disapprove his sister needed to make use of herself just as much as he did. "I trust your judgement."

Hattori assured her that he too was well and made his way beside her, naturally curling his large form around her and the pups at her belly. She leaned against him as he intended, and settled in with a content smile on her features. Venom realized that she attained what she had craved for so long. Once her father died her family was broken, she felt the curse take hold and nothing was the same. Now she had what was taken from her the day of the eruption: a complete family. The feeling that welled up within her was like nothing she could explain. Like every piece had fallen into place, or the world and stars aligned for her.

For a long moment the couple descended into silence, both parents admiring the new life they created. Their soft little mewls and whines filled her heart to the brim as she reached up to nuzzle Hattori’s jaw line as he reminded her how easy assistance would be. ”Of course,” she told him with a thankful grin. He was always there when she needed him, and Kiyo was eager to answer her questions and assist when needed. Venom felt like she was doing well so far. Giving birth had been one of the most difficult tasks of her life, but raising and taking care of them now was a labor of love. Venom had no desire to be anywhere but right here.

”Hattori?” She uttered his name softly while trying to find his sweet silver gaze. ”I.. “ Venom sighed softly, her heart twisting. ”I was barely a season old when my father died.” The woman paused herself again, finding herself falling deeply into his moonlight eyes. ”Promise me caution. Promise you’ll be here…” She swallowed back her emotions as tears threatened her sunset gaze. He couldn’t leave her or their very young children.

Hattori knew that Venom's Father had died when she was young; that it was traumatising for her and inevitably shaped the woman she'd grown up to be. But Hattori was not concerned that history would repeat itself nor could he see himself climbing the volcano anytime soon. One day he would die, whether it be a bloody or peaceful death did not matter as long as he had the time to serve his purpose on this earth. His role as Ashen's Shogun was secure and the Empire had much growing to do, but beyond that he now had a family to raise and protect. A wife to cherish in his own way, and so if Venom wished for reassurance that he would give it to her. Whatever she wanted, needed and more.

There were dangers lurking beyond the borders, massive beasts who could no doubt bring down a wolf if given the chance but he would not give them ever a slither of an opportunity. He'd always been a cautious man but he would double down on those efforts and encourage all those within Ashen to do the same. For the safety and protection of all. He rumbled in his chest, allowing Venom to catch his gaze and hold it as she saw fit.

"I will not leave you." It was a difficult promise to make, one that the world may make it impossible to keep but he swore it all the same.

Hattori was a unique individual, but he had come into her life and made his pace beside her like he belonged there. Venom was convinced that he did. Hattori was her partner and her other half and she cherished his presence and his love. The Shogun had thrown himself into growing the Empire, and the pair of them succeeded. They still had much work and growth to see, but they had a lot to be proud of. Primarily the five tiny lives nestled at Venom’s belly. They had welcomed the next generation, they made a family together. The two of them would be forever tied in this endeavor, raising a family and ruling the Empire.

Venom knew what she asked was impossible, Hattori didn’t take unnecessary risks. The dangers of life threatened all of them but as her husband spoke Venom felt encouraged. This was no promise that could be reasonably kept, but Hattori uttered those words and made them reality. He offered up his silver gaze, the seriousness of the situation and the determination he would give to her. A promise that he would remain at her side.

”Thank you,” She told him softly, peering into his liquid silver gaze for a moment. As though solidifying the words he spoke. Then she’d lean forward to seal the promise with a sweet kiss. They were in this together, the highs and the lows. Hopefully they would see more of the former than the latter but what were the mountains without the valleys? ”Hattori,” the new mother started again softly as she pulled away and blinked open her sunset gaze. ”I love you.”

Hattori knew and acknowledged the weight of his words. Ultimately if things were destined to go south they would regardless of what he said but his actions from here on out would dictate his and the fate of Ashen as a whole. The structure and nature of the pack had shifted, transitioned into something else entirely with hard working and dedicated wolves in the place of bone-idle Kleins. Perhaps the name would mean something again but Hattori was not convinced Ashen would be the place for it. But even then there was still much to be done, ground to be gained and revenge to be sought, the coming seasons would be busy and full of change of that Hattori was certain. Venom looked to the future with warmth in her gaze, hope and anticipation. Hattori was the chill on the wind, the reason and logic and together they filled in each other's gaps.  

She told him she loved him and as distant as it may seem he nodded. It meant more than he could say.

"I know. Thank you." He dipped his head a little, savouring the kiss then resting his chin against the line of the back of her neck in a wolfish embrace. Whatever may come he would do what he must, whatever it took.

Hattori wasn’t just a servant to the Empire, his complete loyalty and determination proved his devotion to her and the larger picture ahead of them. On a more personal level he had shown her a softer side of him, one that bent to her will in more sensual ways. He balanced her in ways she hadn’t thought possible, he was the second face to her coin. The opposite was true as well, Venom posed as his other half. They completed each other and came together to create a unified team at the helm of the Empire. Venom could speak for both of them, and Hattori would let her. She saw the look in his eye as he silently echoed her words. Actions spoke louder than any uttered phrase and he returned her affection, lingering on her lips and holding on to her tightly as his silver gaze returned to their puppies. Their lives were forever tied together in the tiny bundles at her side but how she felt for Hattori was so much more than him being the optimal sire to her children.

”Good. Don’t forget.” Her lineage shone through the Klein like smirk that brightened her features. She nuzzled into his fur before her own sunset gaze returned to their tiny heirs. She wouldn’t hide any of the affection she had for him behind closed doors. Decorum and propriety were tantamount beyond the palace walls, but she easily relaxed against him here in their own private world.

As if that would ever happen, but he understood that it was said in jest, that she would always take him at his word. Even if he tried he would never be able to forget Venom and the time he'd spent with her, how they'd grown so close in a natural and organic way. Easy as breathing. There was no pushing or pulling, a simple and weightless drift that intermingled them together and Hattori, despite it all, would not have it any other way. His life in Iga was over, he was a dead man in that part of the world and he was more than content to let that line of thought fester. Those who deserved to know of his fate did, those who did not could fade into obscurity as he was certain Iga's golden days were long behind them.

But the same could not be said for Ashen, the little bundles mewling by Venom's side were proof of that. They were to be a legacy that would drive the empire forward, not relics of old lineages that had long since lost their worth and prestige. Though he supposed as long as everyone pulled their weight he would not complain, young or not there was much for Ashen's pups to learn.

"And what of the children, are they what you wanted?" Perhaps he'd been late in asking this but the thought lingered in his mind all the same.

Venom knew that no matter what the pair of them were tied together for life, they were both devoted to the Empire and its furtherment. Along with the beautiful life they created together, the tiny bundles at her side that would swiftly grow into impressive heirs and members of the Empire their parents built up. The two of them were shaping the future together and more importantly than their own destinies they had the power to shape the whole pack’s futures. Sometimes that fact tried to overwhelm her, still the young Empress had been training her whole life for this responsibility. Having Hattori as her partner alleviated some of the weight on her back, and she was thankful they shouldered the responsibilities together.

The Empress settled herself as Hattori’s silvery eyes returned to the tiny children at her belly. While she would still very much admit the timing hadn’t been perfect, but even after everything she wouldn’t have changed any of her decisions. These tiny puppies might have been one of the most important events of her life. Hattori’s question was indeed late, but it should have gone without saying. Venom faced her trials and birthed their perfect heirs, the Abraxas goddess wouldn’t have wanted their life to go any other direction.

”They’re perfect. A blessing unlike anything I could have ever imagined.” She told him softly, tilting her head to place a sweet kiss on his cheek as she reached down to nuzzle the sleeping babies.

He rumbled, quietly pleased with her response. He would have gotten rid of them if that was what she wanted, looked aside and pretended they did not exist at all if that was what made Venom happy. Perhaps that was an awful thing to say, cruel and negligent but it was how he felt. Venom would always come first, that was simply how things were and would always be. But these thoughts were for nothing as even a sparing glance would show anyone her true feelings, laid out bare for all to see. She loved the little ones with all her heart, her maternal instincts so engrained in her being that nothing would ever come to harm them. Not when she held them close. And thus by extension he would protect them too, overlook and teach them all they needed to know to flourish in a world as harsh as this.

With both of them tackling the role of parenting from a different angle he anticipated that they'd do it well, as a team.

"Good." He rumbled, allowing himself to settle into her embrace. He would remain for a while, even if only to let Venom sleep knowing he was here, watching the little ones whilst she got some much needed rest.