a slice of paradise

It went to show just how much Hattori knew about the Maze he called home, all the secrets that still lurked within. Waiting to be found within the seemingly shifting and changing paths. So off the beaten track even he had a hard time claiming it as his own, like a pocket dimension on its own accord. A place and moment taken from days long since passed. This place did not belong to Tojo, it felt fair and right in saying as much. The thick and impenetrable trees that surrounded the area meant there was only one way in and out. No possible way to brute force their way into land that was not theirs.

And yet Hattori concluded he would return here often all the same.

The air was still, calm, filled with the rich floral scent of wisterias that somehow seemed to flourish within the shade. He stepped through the long grass, wild and untamed, only to pause when he heard a skittering of small paws. Like he'd spooked something into hiding. His eyes scanned his surroundings and he saw the tip of a feline tail dip into the shadows cast by the old house that stood behind him. Yet another taste of a land long since out of his reach. It seemed as though a small colony of cats called this place home, gave this place life and a meaning of sorts.

The gentle flow of water brought him forward and Hattori peered down into the shallow depths to catch sight of several koi, all of varying colours and sizes, flitting gently about as though gliding on silken wings.