Venom led the little procession southward. Hattori at her shoulder, being attentive and alert as they finally took their trip together. It was no secret that she loved him, and in his own way Hattori loved her too. He was never good with his words and his love language was the undying devotion he offered her. Working tirelessly to see her and the Empire flourish. Sometimes these ambitions got in the way of the personal relationship beneath. The pair completed each other, covered the other’s weakness and fortified their strengths. That was only part of the reason she married him, though after the fact she had become more thankful for how great a father he had become for their children. No wolf was perfect, and he collided with Kuroki sometimes but both parties were to blame. He was a great role model to their little heirs, and a loyal partner to herself.

The further south they traveled the more green their surroundings turned. From a brilliant, if not wet fall, back to a lush green summer they were greeted with on the island. The swim was pleasant, though Anko with the supplies hadn’t thought as much. The dog was loyally following, but as they reached the resort she was swift to unpack and take a well deserved rest as her master relaxed.

After moving all day the sun was now settling over the abandoned island. Clouds held the brilliant colors as Venom led her husband down towards the beach. Similar to home, but so much more lush with the season’s change. The scenery was incredible but Venom only had eyes for Hattori. She always harbored an attraction to the handsome shinobi, especially now completely alone, leagues from home, with her only thoughts on him. She leaned into his shoulder as they walked over the sand, and leaned her head against his neck. Venom sighed softly, contentedly, as they strolled along, the soft surf lapping at her pale paws. This was what she needed, time alone together. Time to unwind and relax as the hardships of life waited for their return.

The Forgotten Isle
"Speech"

As they moved along, their sides pressing so close nothing could come between them, Hattori realised just how long it had been since they'd been together like this. There was always much to be done and Hattori had never been the sort to enjoy sitting still, but slower moments like this with his wife were enjoyable. Something he could indulge in without feeling as though time was slipping through his grasp, like he ought to be doing more. It could be said he should have taken the incentive and stepped aside with Venom sooner, it was obvious she needed this, but he supposed that there was no time like the present. The flutter of her heartbeat was soft and calm, perfectly at ease, and yet Hattori found himself glancing over their surroundings once more and testing the air just in case. Nothing but the salty brine of the sea met his nose, overwhelming but familiar in a homey sort of way. As though he'd always belonged by the ocean.

"Venom," he began, rarely breaking the silence as his tail flicked forward to gently pat her haunch. "I- you know I am not good at such things, but you understand me. You know how I feel, always. " His words were not as direct as he would have liked, but the intent and meaning was there. "And I have been thinking. I did not want you or the children to take my name because of my Father, for the longest time I felt as though his name should die with me. But now... "

Just being alone with her in a place like this helped the thoughts come through a little easier, as though she provided him with clarity and a sense of ease. This was a safe place, the matters of family and the Empire so far away on that distance shore. Barely visible even when Hattori squinted.

"I am unsure. How do you feel about it?"

Venom could be at ease when she had Hattori at her side, though she wished he too could find his relaxation she knew he was constantly at work making sure he kept her safe. He didn’t use the word love, but he proved himself in his actions everyday. Devotion, adoration, and reverence were all hers. Perhaps the intimate part of their relationship suffered with the position in the Empire they held, but that in itself was the reason for their presence here on the island. They could nearly feel at home, without home getting in the way of being here.

Hattori didn’t often speak unless spoken to, he was a man of very few words. A quality she admired in her husband, but because of the privacy they shared here Venom wasn’t surprised when he spoke his mind. Something that had obviously been weighing on him for quite some time. He spoke about his name, and the reluctance he had of passing it along to their children, or herself. Venom never considered sloughing her father’s name for her husband’s but if he asked her directly and specifically she might have considered the transition for him. That wasn’t what he asked her though, he wanted her thoughts and feelings on what had been on his mind.

Personally, she cherished her father’s name not because of the divine implications but because it represented her father in her mind. There was no one living or dead or godly she revered more highly than her sire. Who was taken from her far too soon. Her desire for Hattori had been somewhat based off of her own experiences, she wanted her own children’s father to play his pivotal role in their lives. Where hers had not been able to. Overlooking his relationship with Kuroki he was everything she needed or wanted for their own puppies.

"I can’t dictate how you feel, but I do believe that you have reformed the name anew in your own image. Your father’s hold on it was temporary and now it belongs to you. It is what you make of it now." Venom offered softly as she leaned against him, nuzzling his jaw lightly as she spoke to him in hushed tones.

"Speech"

Hattori listened carefully, his ears perked forward as the meaning of his wife's words settled in the crook of his chest. She was so much better at dealing with these things, knowing in her words but not pushy in intent. He knew how much her Father's name meant to her, that the religious connotations took a back seat to the sentimental. To say he'd never considered offering his name would be a lie, but for the longest time he'd thought it unworthy of her. That she deserved the world, not some dusty name from a land far away and easily forgotten, but what if she was right? Could his actions truly remake the name anew? There was no denying in serving Ashen he had bettered himself, became a stronger warrior and a diligent Father, but was all of that enough to erase the sins of the past?

He rumbled deeply in acknowledgement. Venom was right, this was not a choice for her to make.

Hattori paused as he looked at the shadow of the building before them, stretching out across the sand as though the past was something unescapable. Always there lingering in the corner of view. Coming to ruins like these was fitting almost, leading Hattori to wonder if Iga had fallen into such a state too. Shrugging off such things, he focused on the now and unfurled the furs to spread them out for Venom to recline upon so they could watch the sunset together. He settled first, positioning himself as a sort of wolf-made ottoman, for her to lean back against. He said nothing for the longest while, letting the steady heartbeat of his wife fill in the silence, constant and reassuring, a sound he'd never tire of.

"And what if I took the Abraxas name?" He asked it out of curiosity, though he knew full well of the sentiment behind it. That he was embracing her way of life and legacy as best he could.

She leaned into his shoulder as she spoke, and he listened to her in silence. He seemed to accept and see the truth to her words, as his gaze looked almost unseeing for a few moments after she quieted. He rumbled softly and she leaned up to place an innocent kiss on his cheek. Comforting affections that weren’t always so easily shared. She backed away from his massive form as he shifted enough to unroll the heavy furs to rest upon here. The sunset was in perfect view, the breeze was soft and warm. Her company could not have been any better.

Hattori positioned himself comfortably and she was swift to take her place against him. She leaned into his side, thankful for his presence and his warmth as the night began to creep in and cool the island. She leaned against his massive form, lounging against him and resting her head against his neck. Silence fell over them, but she could hear the sound of his heart beating with her ear pressed against him. The sound of seabirds overhead and the surf at their paws.

Eventually he did speak again, mentioning the possibility of taking on the Abraxas name alongside her. Venom looked up into his liquid silver eyes and was silent for a long moment, having acquired far too many of her husband’s quirks. Answering after a long pause being one of them. "I would share it with you, if that is what you wish." She told him honestly. He was her husband, their lives were irreversibly tied to one another though the Empire and their children. She never really considered accepting his own name, having far too much attachment to her own. "I would take yours, if that was what you desired instead." She offered with her own implications. He knew how special the Abraxas name was to her.

"Speech"

The Shogun was content to accommodate her and even pulled his tail over to furl it across her back thighs. These sorts of displays of affection still did not come completely naturally to him, he showed his intent through gifts and acts of service, but he knew this was what his wife enjoyed the most. A sense of closeness no other man had the right to provide. He knew she used to be close to one of Sirius' sons, but it meant little now, she was his and he was hers. There was nothing open to debate or any questions in his mind, they were one.

Knowing she was willing to share a part of her heritage with him spoke volumes, it was more than just a name, weighted with history and memories she held close to her chest. He thought on it for a moment, weighing up the options, she was giving him full control over this and he truly appreciated the sentiment. This was not a decision to be made as Empress and Shogun, but as man and wife. Perhaps this had been some time coming, Hattori did not know, but there was relief to be found in knowing it would work out well no matter what conclusion they reached.

"Hattori-Abraxas does sound acceptable." He commented, his tone dry but approving all the same. Hattori would never consider making her drop what she held dear, it felt like a fair compromise for the both of them. With both gaining a piece of their other in the process. "And what of the children, would you have them change their name also?"

Hattori wasn’t often physically affectionate, but that made the moments when they were close like this so special. Venom leaned against him comfortably, enjoying the warmth of him pressed against her back and his attention entirely hers. There was no other wolf that could boast such proximity, who was allowed to hold and treasure her like this. He’d been given, no earned, his lofty position and he shared the title of her heart with no one. She belonged with him as much as the inverse was true. They completed one another. In leading the pack, in raising their children, and in one another’s lives. Venom loved this man, and was honored to call him husband.

That was why she would so easily share her name. He was a part of her, and as far as Venom was concerned shared in all parts of her. Including her heritage as an Abraxas. He married into her divine blood and shared in it. Hattori spoke again, combining their two names into a reasonable sounding result. Venom quite liked it, and showed that fact in the way the corners of her lips pulled back into a soft smile. She reached up and kissed his cheek as he asked about their offspring.

"They should share this with us, right?"She asked him softly as she leaned her head against his neck. If he didn’t wish to pass along his name she would not press him and would be content sharing with him.

"Speech"

Comfortable and settled, now was as good of a time as any to hash through the details. It wasn't a simple conversation to hold, loaded with emotion and memories that were still vivid and raw. But there was a strong degree of trust between them, for if Hattori could not depend on his wife then who else would have his back in all things, both the good and bad. He sighed and set his gaze to the distant shores of the Archipelago, barely visible on the horizon even when he squinted. How would this change affect the Empire? Would the others see it as an attempt to meld Ashen into a pack of his own design? Most likely. No doubt, the Abraxas side of the pack didn't regard his methods too fondly, he was an outsider and though he was changing things for the better he doubted they would see it that way.

After all, wolves who clung to tradition were resistant to change, it was an undeniable fact of life. Some chains simply needed to be broken, they strengthened nothing and were only holding them back.

"Yes." Hattori agreed after a beat, wondering how they should inform the children of this change. Simply state it as a matter of fact, a part of who they were now? "Perhaps we could save it for an occasion, when they become yearlings." As though it was a representation of them growing into their legacy, embracing both parts of their linage, or something equally sentimental. Hattori imagined Venom might appreciate such a gesture.

A breeze rolled in through, carrying cold notes of the winter yet to come. Hattori shifted a little with a rumble in the back of his throat, curving his spine so he could embrace his wife tighter to keep the worst at bay.

Venom put her trust in a select few wolves, but Hattori was king among them. The Shogun was her other half in leadership and in life, she was drawn to his serious and devoted nature. His strength of character and his physical body. And very much attracted to his intimidating appearance, as was obvious in the way she pressed herself into his massive form. He warmed her against the cool breeze from the north as they faced the archipelago. As they spoke about their names, accepting his and giving her own felt right. Like they would well and truly be one entity. Two halves of a whole, each with their own place and duty to uphold in a partnership of a lifetime.

He agreed that the children should also bear their dual name, it only seemed right. How and when to give it to them was the next question, should they wait for their spring birthday? She nodded along in agreement, when they turned a year old was when they were supposed to be crossing into the spirit world to meet with Archon. He showed his face in her sleeping dreams, but they were very different from the induced sleep she experienced as a yearling.

These thoughts raced through her mind but they were better left for another day. Hattori curled more tightly around her and she lifted her head back so she might kiss his cheek. They were finally alone, the feeling of having him all to herself was not one she would take for granted. She loved him, and knew he felt the same through so much more than words could ever say.

"Speech"

They fell into silence and Hattori truly felt in his heart as though nothing else needed to be said. Though some may argue they pushed their relationship through its milestones quickly, it was as if it was a result of inevitability, that no matter how long it took they would have found themselves back here regardless. Of all the fates to be a given, Hattori was grateful it was one such as this.: the closest thing to peace he'd ever known. In the back of his mind he knew there was much to do, they couldn't remain here forever but none of the issues were so pressing they couldn't wait a day or two.

The children back home were progressing nicely, meeting most milestones and capable as any wolf in the bulk of Ashen's army. There was always more room to grow, making Hattori realise that their roster wasn't quite as heaving as it used to be. This was both a good and bad thing, fewer mouths to keep meant the work was more spread out but on the other paw they had less capable warriors. Less teeth and claws to do what needed to be done, for the Empire.

A pair of gulls soared overhead, calling to one another as they flew back to their nest somewhere inland.

"Do you want more children in the future?" He then asked, seemingly out of the blue.

Being able to relax out here was really the true gift. She knew that Hattori’s mind was always moving and racing to the next project, the next task to be seen to. No doubt there was some of that right now, but she could also feel his body, the softness of his touch and the gentle way he held her left no room for the normal tension to make his muscles rigid. The silence that fell between them was comfortable as both of them looked out over the ocean simply enjoying one another’s presence.

Hattori revealed where his thoughts lie when he eventually spoke again. His deep voice caressed her silver marked ears. Did she wish for more children in the future? She tilted her head and leaned her features into his neck as she pondered the question. Venom never really imagined herself with a gaggle of children, their first litter of five seemed like plenty for so long. There were other members of the pack that deserved to become parents before she went through with the process again. However, even with all of the logic stacking up against her, Venom felt the desire swell in her heart. She did want to be a mother again.

"I do." The Empress returned simply enough. His own question did not lead to reveal his own opinion about the matter. "If the circumstances are appropriate." Venom added her stipulations. "Do you wish to father more?" She asked quietly, lifting her sunset gaze to his silver eyes.

"Speech"

Hattori's suspicions were soon confirmed and her line of thought made sense. To further extend their legacy and fill Ashen's roster with royal blood would do much to further cement their rule, to keep it in motion for generations to come. There was plenty of room available and Hattori was certain they still had enough footsoldiers to ensure no one went without. It was simply a matter of time then, to wait until Venom's body was ready once more.

But what was Hattori's opinion? Perhaps not sentimentally, but he saw the value in it. Knew it was the right course of action. He imagined his Mother would be thrilled to have even more grandchildren, but what of their current litter? How would they feel about it? In the best case scenario they would feel a competitive drive, whilst still looking out for their younger brothers and sisters. But in the worse case? Hattori paused, there were a lot of ways it could go wrong. It was still worth the risk though, this wasn't something he felt the need to back away from.

"If it is what you want, I will gladly assist. But more practically speaking, I think it is a good idea for Ashen." He told her, calm and sure.