cashing in my bad luck

Hattori supposed she simply hadn't been listening then, her ears pointedly twisted to the sides as though the world of the living was something she could ignore. The world was changing and fast, if she did not pay attention then she would miss out on much. Regardless, he knew there was merit in her choice as stories of spirts and lost souls were timeless, able to cross oceans and landmasses and still ring true all the same. Or at least that was how he felt about it, as one chapter of his life was slammed shut

He shifted slightly at her second question, consideration sinking deep as he weighed the words in his mind. Thus far he felt as though he had left barely a mark, that he had fallen so quickly into Ashen's fold all of his achievements were swallowed up by the empire. There was worth and value in service, but if that was all he amounted to then...what was the point? He wanted something of his own, undeniable in his claim and obvious to all who saw it. He knew his children all took after their mother and rightly so, but in doing so they did little to contribute to his ideals. They'd taken her side, wanted nothing to do with him, even if it all was a mess of his own making.

"Something that is recognisable of our homeland. Why should we blend in with the rest?"