Far too much time had passed since the events that caused the separation of the Klein family from each other. Word had come of course of where Hannibal had chosen to go, their father’s heir, to a land called Boreas away from where drought and famine claimed members of their family. Asphyxia had truthfully been reluctant to leave home for a long while, stubbornly clinging to what he had known and worked for, but eventually when he was starting to grow weaker from lack of proper food and more of their pack had dispersed the man had decided it was time. What he had managed to work for he could do again when he reunited with his kin… and more. He would not just settle where he was -- it would not soothe him. He was part of the top layer of their family, Asphyxia told himself, and to be among the rabble was, to him, disrespectful to the Klein name. Why settle for mediocrity when you can strive for greatness?

It had taken longer than he would have liked for Asphyxia to reach the realm of Boreas. He had taken his time to ensure he would recover from the effects of all that had plagued him in his stubbornness to stay behind. Once more his form was perfect, no excess unwanted fat and an exquisitely groomed coat fell around his body. From his nose to his short, bunny-like fluff of a tail he looked as he should and carried himself with confidence through the lands as he searched for additional traces of his family while studying the train of each location. He had little doubt at least some of them were here… while some of the lands still bore damage from the eruption that he had not been present for there were others that were faring better. They would recover sooner or later. As long as those that lived there were cautious all would be fine.

The life of wandering alone had not suited him well, either. There had been a couple encounters thus far with loners but alas it was not the same as interacting with his kin. He had naturally encountered the borders of a pack territory here and there as well but none held the familiar scent of his family and so he had chosen to move on. He would settle for nothing less than the rule of a Klein… so when he at last discovered the borders of a pack that held the mark of his kin he was pleasantly surprised and low, pleased hum came from him as he took several respectful steps away from the borders.

It was strange how it was his sister and littermate, Deathbelle, who had claimed the territory as her own… yet, at the same time, it was not exactly a shock. Belle was a strong female and quite capable as a leader. He felt a surge of pride, truth be told, that she had claimed such a place for herself. Head tilted back and the man let a song fill the air; a song requesting the presence of his sister.

He had found his new home.

Another call she never expected to hear again reached her mismatched ears. With haste hre delicate paws carried her ivory splashed form towards the border of the shrine. It had become the front door to the Empire, the grand entrance to her domain. Her flower adorned form wasted no time in appearing before her lost litter mate.

She raced to his side, aiming to embrace his silver marked form. Too long had passed since he’d been in her arms. ”Phyxia.” As the words left her lips so did the relief at having her brother back in the embrace of the Empire. ”I’m so glad to see you.” She admitted eagerly as she pulled back to find his vibrant gaze. ”I hope you’ve been well since we last met.”

He waited, though not for very long before the form of his sister appeared at the borders of the shrine. He lifted his head in recognition and his blue gaze shown with respect for the sibling he had not seen in quite some time. He had a soft spot for Deathbelle, the beautiful yet strong flower she was, and seeing her in a rightful position of power filled his heart with joy. The Kleins were not a family that were meant to be at the bottom rung of the ladder, after all. They were an ambitious sort, and Asphyxia could not help but allow the smallest smile to pass onto his face at seeing her.

“My dearest Belle,” The man rumbled in a pleased tone as he returned her affections in the form of nuzzles to her shoulder. “I’m even more glad to see you, of that I can assure you.” His vibrant eyes met with her own. “You’ve claimed an Empire then. Congratulations.” His chest swelled with pride as he stated this. “I’ve been worse, dear sister, but upon seeing you again, and being at the door to an Empire held by our family, I can say I’ve never been better.” He straightened his posture and canted his head to one side.

“Surely there is a place for a man of my talents among your ranks? You know how I favored the games of strategy.” That smile he bore brightened just a little. “There is a reason I have survived, after all.”

Though he was thin Deathbelle could tell that her brother was doing well for himself since separating from the bulk of the family. She was beyond joyous to see him again, safe and well and on her doorstep. He nuzzled her shoulder affectionately, giving his congratulations for the Empire she raised up around her. Belle couldn’t help the selfish grin that played upon her dark lips. She led their family, but were it not for her family she wouldn’t lead anyone. They chose her as much as she stepped up for them.

It seemed life was going to start looking up for him, and Deathbelle took one more step back to look at him. ”Of course I do.” She told him with a sharp look to her gaze. She would make sure her family never went without a place in their home. ”Do you wish to settle into the rank of Soldier or are you ready to step up to the Samurai pedestal?”