to have and to hold

Inu Island


Hattori had never bothered to give his akita a name, nor did the dog really seem to care, but the same didn't ring true for everyone else. Anko followed close on his heels as he led her down the meandering palace tunnels, towards Venom's chambers. She'd been Take's once and from what Hattori had been told it seemed as though she'd been trailing after Kiyo ever since, eager to serve again. He had no use for another akita and didn't really want to deal with the emotional baggage she came with either so for quite a while he'd been unsure what to do with her. She was a good dog, loyal and vigilant, her master's death had not been her fault in any regard. But it was time she served again and it was then he realised that Venom might appreciate not only the sentiment but some good company too. He knew she loathed bedrest but it was now more important than ever that she take good care of herself, for the little lives she was nurturing within. And now that he didn't have as much time to give her language lessons perhaps Anko would be able to help a little, even if only to be someone to talk to.

He came to a stop beneath an archway and the corridor that stretched ahead ended in Venom's quarters. He was quick to explain the situation to the dog, rumbling in his native tongue as he told her that should Venom accept her, she would be the hound's new mistress. To serve till death or dismissal. She took it well and simply nodded, for a dog like her serving was a thing of pride, an accomplishment and her life was better spent moving on rather than forever mourning the loss of Take.

With that Hattori led on, gently rapped his talons against the cave wall and waited for a response.