words of wisdom

As her father confirmed that it was okay to not believe in Toxicity's god, Ikigai breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't want to have to fake it or lie. The girl always wanted to hold true to her own genuine beliefs and convictions. She was sure that she could still bring her family honor without pretending to believe in something that she truly didn't. "Arigato gozaimasu." As always, the girl's voice was soft and clear. She bowed her head in thanks to her father's support.

There was another issue that had been stuck in Ikigai's head. Collecting stories from around Ashen, she'd heard once or twice that there had been sacrifices to this Abraxas god. Wolves had been thrown into volcanoes or drowned in the shrine. How had those wolves been chosen? Were they non-believers like her? Like her father? Hattori was the strongest wolf that Ikigai knew. Nothing could go against her father and live. Not unless he decided to be merciful. Iki wasn't a fighter though. She had to rely on others for protection. The snow and obsidian child licked her lips with her tapered snakes tongue before speaking again, this time a little more hesitantly. "Otousama... You won't let her hurt any of us, right?" Big, mercuric eyes raised, searching her father's face with both fear and hope. She didn't want any of them to end up in a volcano. She didn't want any of her family to get hurt. Why couldn't they all just believe in different things?

"Ikigai"