Venom was broody to say the least after their defense against Fireside’s raid. The revelation of Pestilence’s resurrection might have been one of the most intense thoughts on her mind as she settled onto the furs of the great hall in the palace. Dawn would break soon and the night would be over. Venom felt like she had a running list a thousand miles long of everything she needed to accomplish but there were only so many hours in her day. Many of them were caught up in what ifs. No one could be fully prepared for every eventuality but Venom was most stunned by the revival of her sister and what that would mean for the pack’s relationship with Fireside.

She hadn’t spoken to Hattori much since the event, but they both had their paws full. They’d had a bit of time to process the events of the day and lick their wounds. Venom’s mind raced and she sighed heavily in frustration as she tried to relax into the plush furs. There was a small fire in the hearth, and it burned pleasant herbs to give the hall a pleasant scent. It was supposed to help relax her, but after everything she wasn’t sure if there was much of an effect.

Another sigh filtered from her lips as she debated calling Hattori to her side, if there was anyone she wished to take comfort in it was her knight in shining armor. He had leapt at the chance to best Fireside’s leader and he’d proved himself again in that battle. Their future liked to sneak into her mind as well,and as she decided not to bother her partner. If he wished her company he would seek her out. For now she would be content in forgetting her strife to lightly daydream about the future and the possibilities before them. Especially after today they needed to look to the future.

Fireside's raid left a sour taste in Hattori's mouth. Whether they won or lost the wolves of Ashen's had done well, but something about the attack just didn't sit right with him. By no means did he believe there was a rat in their midst, leaking information to their enemies- he would have found and crushed the life out them by now if that was the case- but the timing of the raid was just a little too convenient for Fireside, no? As if they just somehow knew the pack was undergoing changes that left them vulnerable. But the Shogun supposed they'd emerged from it relatively unscathed and learned that Fireside deserved to have a taste of their own medicine. No matter how bitter.

Still lingering on this line of thought, he made his way across the land bridge that linked Nephilim to Inu. The tide was low, the waves barely pooling around his paws as he made his way to shore and stood upon the beach, his gaze fixated on the jungle. The air was filled with the clicking and chittering of wildlife, birds and bugs, that were out of sight but certainly not out of mind. Beyond that the entryway of the palace rose out of the stone and the inviting scent of incense reached his nostrils, tempting him inside. His gaze then wandered to the smoke that billowed up from the rocky crag, it seemed as though the heath was lit and it wasn't difficult for him to picture Venom nestled by it's side, keeping warm on this chilly winter night.

The Shogun did not announce himself as he entered the palace and meandered through it's winding passage ways, soon finding the source of the incense. The main hall, as it's name implied was the largest room in the palace, with the most floor space and the tallest ceiling. And there she was, lined with markings Hattori still had not gotten used to. Stepping close, his talons clicking against stone, he stopped at a respectful distance and dipped down into a short bow.

Pestilence and her state of living were the most likely explanation of the attack on them. She probably knew that Venom had only just taken power and was still trying to get her paws beneath her. That and their sisters nearly killing her when she’d attacked. Venom shook her head, frustrated, as she watched the flames before her. She was still, silence reigned in the cavern but the sound from the animals of the night outside were still a constant whisper adjacent to the crackle of the fire. Despite the peace surrounding her, the Empress and her mind were racing.

Her dark silver tipped ears twitched at the sound of talons against stone. This was Hattori’s home as much as her own so she stopped expecting the announcement of his presence. Of course he was always welcome by her side in any case. Her attention diverted to him as the massive shinobi emerged from the shadows and stepped into the light of the fire. Flames seemed to flicker over his chiseled features as he lowered himself into a silent bow. Venom lowered her head in return, barely shifting from her sphynx like pose on the bear fur beneath her.

”Hattori,” She greeted softly, refraining from hiding her emotions as she spoke. He was the one she trusted with her inner thoughts and feelings the most. That was why he had the rank he did. ”Make yourself comfortable.” Venom spoke softly as she moved, revealing a platter of specially dried and preserved meats. ”Are you hungry?” He smelled like the ocean, and the Empress guessed he had recently finished a patrol.

Hattori did not need to be told twice. He settled on the furs, leaning back on his haunches as he pressed the sides of his front paws together, comfortable and proper as always. At her instruction he looked to the serving of meats and he shook his head, politely declining her offer. Hattori was a man of habit and routine, he liked to at eat set times in the day and so snacking in between meals wasn't something he agreed with. Not that he'd stop Venom, as Empress she could eat whatever she liked whenever she liked. As was her right.

Yet again his gaze was drawn to her, first to the pale length of her front paws and then to the strange yet hauntingly beautiful markings that curved around her eyes. He had always thought she was a fair looking woman, but perhaps his bias was starting to creep in as he looked upon her now in the soft orange light of the hearth fire. Her offer lingered in his mind far more than he would care to admit and having her right before him made him feel...well you know. But at least to his credit he hid it well, his expression blank and his gaze steely as he pursed his lips.

"Is something on your mind?" For once was the first to break the silence.

They hadn't had much time to talk as of late but their meeting at Obsidian Beach had been quite fruitful, to say the least.

Hattori was quick to sit back, but politely declined the snack. Venom chose a delectable piece to herself and put them away. Venom didn’t eat a lot, but she’d take a few bites here and there throughout the night. She looked back up to him in time to see his steely gaze on her. She had her difficulties in ignoring his handsome features and serious eyes, but determination and will power kept her poised. They had a contract to see through and she wouldn’t be reminded again. All things would come in time. Still, not thinking about the future when he looked at her like that proved difficult.

He spoke first, offering a question thoughtfully. The last time they spoke more than a few words about the day had been on the beach not so long ago. The pair of them spoke of important pack matters but also delved into the more personal side of their lives. ”When is there not?” She chuckled back, but there was a serious expression on her features. Venom let her sunset gaze return to the fire as it danced before her. Losing herself in the flames helped to soothe her mind.

”My sister is alive.” Her voice oddly devoid of emotions as she told him. ”And we were targeted by Fireside.” Venom’s words were hardly above a whisper, but they didn’t need to be in the great hall. Silence settled back over them, there was so much more her thoughts dwelled upon but that might have been one of the most pressing.

Venom's voice was flat as she spoke, as though a constrictor had coiled itself around her emotions, squeezing with all its might so that they wouldn't escape. Hattori understood what it was like to lose family, but the shock of Pestilence's revival-if it should even be called that- seemed to have hit Venom hard and shaken her to the core. As though the world made a less sense than it had before. And then there was the matter of Firesides raid, Hattori cast his mind back and briefly remembered the flash of black and white as Pestilence launched herself at Toxicity. Only to fall by her sister's paws. Even from his outsiders perspective it was clear it was personal to her and that she was probably the one who suggested to raid Ashen in the first place, even if only to serve her bitter agenda.

No doubt it was all a lot for Venom to process and to the Shogun's frustration there wasn't much he could do about it. The past was in the past. From here on out they had to look ahead, to continue to lay the foundations for a stronger Ashen. No matter the cost.

"Do you wish for vengeance?" He asked, a dark rumble in the glow of the firelight.

There were few wolves that Venom was comfortable revealing her whole self to, every itching emotion or frustration could be shown freely to Hattori without receiving personal judgement. She could count on his opinion to be truthful whether it aligned with her own or not. He wouldn’t dwell on her mistakes or flaws, but he’d hold her up to see the truth or her true potential. He was a true partner in her struggle. Venom silently hoped that Hattori shared the same feelings about her. Especially in these quiet moments that he sought her out, as though he could feel the turmoil within her and knew how much his presence was needed. Even if she wouldn’t say it herself.

His deep voice was gentle as he questioned her softly, the light of the fire bathing him in a dancing light. Venom lifted her gaze from the flame to bring her sunset eyes to the deep silver pools of the Shogun. She took in a deep breath of contemplation. ”No.” She answered after a long stretch of silence. She’s already let Pestilence go. She’d chosen her path and she chose wrong, that was her burden to bear. ”An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” She muttered softly. ”I will have my resources returned from Winterfell however.” Venom wouldn’t forget that tragedy of a raid. She felt more betrayed by the Klein’s failure to react during that conflict than she did of her so called sister. ”I would enjoy giving them a taste of their own medicine.” She followed up with, penciling in Fireside’s comeuppance one day.

If Venom wished revenge on Fireside Hattori would see it done. His own thoughts and feelings on the matter were irrelevant, their contract was still firmly in place and thus it was still his duty to serve. But it seemed as though Venom didn't want that, at least not for now. He dipped his head, letting the matter go as she did, knowing full well that her line of thought was correct. If they retaliated in blind vengeance the outcome would likely be poor at best. But Hattori had no doubt that there would come a time when they would remind Fireside of their place and make them feel alone in this cold and unforgiving world. And speaking of cold, she was right in that they had already set their sights on Winterfell. What was that saying he'd once heard in the common tongue? Revenge was best served late? Maybe.

"Yes. I understand."

Venom herself had done well in the raid, having brought her first opponent to her knees swiftly and with grace befitting of her station. But her second fight hadn't carried quite the same air. It was as though they knew one another and were treating the event as though it was a dance and not a dominance match. It had struck the Shogun as very odd at the time but he'd been too busy to linger on the matter for long, but now that she was sitting before him and open to conversation he couldn't help but wonder.

"That man you fought in the raid. Who was he?" He asked, sounding not quite as aloof as he perhaps should.

Hattori gave her a quick reassuring nod as she spoke of what she wished. Fireside wouldn’t escape her notice, maybe at one point her mother had seen some kind of potential there. Venom did not. Pestilence might have been alive, but that didn’t mean they were kin any longer. For now they had their target and it would not be deviated from with these new developments. Fireside had done her a favor of sorts, she’d seen the enthusiasm of her pack and their eagerness to take up arms in defense. They were a far cry from the wolves of Winterfell’s raid. In no small part to the man in front of her.

Venom’s sunset gaze lingered on his features as he spoke, she had already put the fights from her mind. However, her dance with the raider had indeed been unique. He had amused her greatly however much she had to nurse her wounds after. What really had her notice now was the revelations in Hattori’s voice. He was much more revealing now, but they were both much more open in each other’s presence.

”A Fireside raider.” She answered truthfully, having never gotten his name the half a year before when they met. ”Not long after I took my new role,” Perhaps about the same time the two of them met. ”I met him while exploring nearby, but never got his name.” Venom explained further, wondering if she’d put any worries he might have to rest. ”He was a worthy opponent.” She admitted afterward, having felt the sting of loss along with his teeth. "Why do you ask?" She pressed softly as she returned her gaze to the fire and stretched her toes towards its warmth.

Hattori knew he shouldn't have asked, even as her friend and confidant it was still not his place to do so. But the dynamic of their encounter, in the midst of a raid no less, had marked the Shogun as strange and for reasons he didn't wish to linger on it had made him feel...displeased. To say the least. But she was right in saying the nameless man was a worthy opponent, one Hattori would quite like to face if given the chance one day. But not anytime soon, given that Fireside had been put firmly on the backburner for now. Her question was a valid one and despite how certain he seemed to carry himself he didn't have an answer for it right away. He paused as he looked at her, wondering what she thought of him.

"Curiosity." He stated flatly, as though that was enough of an excuse. And speaking of excuses, that reminded Hattori of a safer topic, one that he was willing to broach. Acting as Venom's second set of senses and reporting as such was easy, something he was quite comfortable with. "I noticed Adrian has been absent since his loss in the raid and so I had my companions search his den. His personal belongings are gone and it is likely he left in a hurry with no intention to return."

In all honesty, Hattori wasn't all that bothered by his pointed absence. Whilst the man's injuries had been bloody even the Shogun could tell they were superficial at best and would heal up on their own after some time. And yet the man had scrambled off just after the raid, no doubt on purpose knowing it would be the only time he'd be able to escape unnoticed. But why? Was it simply a matter of wounded pride? Hattori idly rolled his shoulder. It didn't really matter to him either way, if the man was too much of a sore loser to stay than that was his own problem.

Was he feeling protective over her? Had her dance during the raid gotten under his skin? The thought was amusing but she was likely just imagining things. Causing him discomfort wasn’t something she wished to do, but the feeling of him worrying over her like that nearly brought a blush to her cheeks. Their eyes met as he hesitated in finding his answer, and the feeling in her became stronger. Ever the loyal servant though, his answer was dull as he ushered away the topic. A small smile played at her lips as her sunset gaze settled back on the fire and he mentioned the real reason for his presence here. Adrianus was gone.

”If he’s going to run away in the night like that he’s obviously not worth the resources to return him to us. More room in our ranks for one who is deserving.” She answered him, similarly unbothered by his absence. They were trying to kindle loyalty and if he couldn’t show that to them the favor would not be reciprocated. ”Our deserter will get what he deserves, but he have other wolves to similarly recognize. Perhaps we should contemplate expanding our samurai ranks.” She raised her brow slightly as her body relaxed against the plush fur. The tension leaving her as they drifted from terribly close to personal back to a professional conversation.

It seemed as though they shared the same sentiment towards Adrian. He had done well to heed the raiders call but slinking away because of a cut up face and wounded pride was unacceptable. Perhaps he'd never been all that attached to the idea of serving in the first place. Hattori was quite familiar with that sort of wolf and seen his fair share back in Iga; the kind who played along only because they thought they'd gain something from it. And the moment they didn't get their way they'd cut their losses and moved on, without a thought spared to anything else but their own agenda. Not that it mattered. In time a stronger and more capable wolf would take his place and thus Hattori did not perceive it to be a major loss. Venom was quick to brush the matter aside and instead focused on rewarding those who remained and continued to serve with both loyalty and dignity.

He shifted a little in his seat, the warmth of the fire reaching his strengthened bones.

"Yes. Who do you have in mind?" He asked, wanting to hear her thoughts before he put forth his own suggestions.

Adrian would remove himself from the pack, which in a way was a blessing. They wouldn’t have to spend time rooting out a weak link and in time another would stand up to take his place. Their young were quickly finding their place as they took mentors. Nothing stopped the slow march of time and soon enough they would be full fledged members of the Empire. They wouldn’t remember a time where Deathbelle ruled here. It was like truly turning a new chapter in the story of the Empire. Venom couldn’t see it continuing as it was without Hattori beside her. Like this, discussing the goings on and pressing issues of the moment. She could see them here like this long into the future, but everything hinged on Hattori’s decision come Spring.

For now they had the rest of winter to get through, starting with some potential promotions. ”My brother, Plague.” She started with easily. He’d gone down fighting after at least one victory. He’d been swift to answer her call. ”Perhaps the girl Viper?” She’d thrown herself like a madwoman at the man she’d danced with. ”Or your cousin?” Venom lifted her brow curiously at that suggestion, really Hattori would be the one to promote him to his rightful rank.

The Shogun cast his mind back to the raid and took a moment, with scrunched brows, to focus on the other battles that had raged around him. Plague had been quick to heed the call and had rushed onto the scene, throwing himself into a fight against a grizzled wolf that outweighed him considerably. Not only had he managed to bring the raider down but even though he was winded and tired he still moved onto the next without hesitation. As for Viper, whilst she hadn't fared well in her fight, the fact she'd put all of her efforts into it did not go unnoticed by the alpha pair. Perhaps Venom was right in that she deserved a reward for her efforts.

And Raijin...well, honestly Hattori was a little disappointed in his loss. As an Iga wolf he should have had more of an advantage than most, he'd passed his training with flying colours and thus he could should have easily been able to hold his own. But Hattori supposed he couldn't hold it too strongly against him, the Fireside raiders had been formidable foes, lesser packs would have folded beneath their might in moments. And maybe his cousin was a little rusty, given that he hadn't been put to work in quite some time. Either way he was certain he would work it out for himself, he always had.

"If you wish for them to be samurai then I shall make it so. As for Raijin...his performance in the raid aside I believe he would serve well as a Chunin."

This did give him some food for thought though, to reward those who he deemed fit and had proved their worth. Not only would it set a positive precedent but it would drive them to further better themselves, even if only for their own gain. A sort of I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine, situation.

Hattori took a moment to remember the performances of those she mentioned. Their wolves should be proud of their performance, none held back when it came to the defence of their home and Empire. They’d seen what could happen when you allowed your people to relax into a position of luxury. They would be certain to reward those who most proved their worth. For now their more specialized ranks would welcome their new positions. Hattori spoke again, not disagreeing with the names she put forth and adding his opinion on Raijin.

”I agree,” he was raised as a shinobi after all. She had no doubt that given the chance not much time would pass before he took to the Jonin position. ”We’d do well to call the pack together soon.” They would give out their new ranks, announce more publicly their mentors and apprentices, and perhaps speak of their next raid. ”Was there something else that brought you here, Hattori?” Venom asked him softly as her sunset gaze returned to his stoic features and steel eyes.

Hattori nodded yet again. There was much they had discussed with one another but sooner rather than later they would need to spread the word amongst the pack so that everyone was on the same page. He would ask for and listen to their opinions if they had anything to say, but ultimately the Empress' word was law and so if she wished to raid Winterfell then it would be so. This would be his first official meeting since he'd gained the rank of Shogun and Hattori couldn't help but feel as though it had been coming. He was not the sort of leader to pester and prod at his followers at every available chance, but it was important to hold meetings and councils even if only to set a precedent and remind everyone of what Ashen was working towards.

Her next question was a difficult one to answer. There were things he wanted to say, likely words she wanted to hear but being open and honest in this regard had always been and would always be a challenge for the Shogun. The potential of it all was being dangled before his nose and it took a considerable amount of self restraint to stop himself from lunging forth like rabid dog and throwing propriety and his pledge to the wind.

But if nothing she deserved a response and he'd been given ample time to think of one. But first... He shifted, folding himself down onto his stomach, legs extended, so that they were finally eye to eye.

"Last we spoke you mentioned my contract and the possibility of coming to an arrangement. I wish to know if you have made a decision yet."

The key to any relationship was good communication and that included leader to follower. The more their members could be included in the goings on hopefully the more ownership they would feel in their places here in the Empire. The more cohesive their team would be, the better everything would run. This would be the first real pack gathering since Hattori’s promotion, and she would hear no word spoken against him. He made himself invaluable and she’d seen him throw himself fully into the Empire. Those facts alone could also be her undoing should he choose to take a contract outside of her influence. Hattori nodded along in agreement to a meeting, but the answer to her question was slower to form.


The Shogun lowered his belly to the floor and as he stretched his paws, his toes nearly touched her own. Hattori’s sharp silver gaze found her warm features as he joined her relaxed position before he spoke again. Venom couldn’t keep her eyes off him as he carefully returned attention to the personal side of their relationship. He touched on her decision to redraw the contract they shared, and Venom’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. Hattori revealed more of his inner thoughts in his subtle ways, but Venom felt herself warm as her heart pounded against the wall of her chest. How many hours had she spent here by this fire thinking about the contact that held them at arm’s length?

”Hattori,” she started softly, her dark purple gaze searching his own deep silver eyes. ”You have long repaid any debt you might have owed the Empire. I would release you this moment if you believed my end has been upheld.” The young Empress whispered softly into the quiet cavern. Beyond their time limit, she believed fully that any cost of resource in tending his wounds had long been recuperated. If anything she was in his debt at this point. She could hold strong until spring but she didn’t necessarily want to.

Hattori had only done his duty, nothing more and certainly nothing less. He did not expect or want any praise for it, but knowing that he had exceeded her expectations of him renewed his sense of purpose. As though he was truly meant for this life. But there was more to it than that, as always. It didn't take a genius to read between the lines and see what she was inferring, to know that if given a chance she would cast their contract aside and allow their relationship to transition into something else entirely. It all rested on his shoulders, she had made her choice and it was time he did the same.

But for some reason it just didn't compute in his mind to be such an easy thing, till now personal matters had never been on the table for him. It wasn't a matter of not having opportunities for it, as back in Iga plenty of women had tried to gain his affection but he'd always turned them down. He'd felt nothing, not even a spark of interest. A quiet niggling voice in the back of his mind had once suggested that perhaps that there was something wrong with him, that years of training and intense focus had warped him out of shape, but here he was considering.

Just what had Venom done to him?

"I would do anything for you, you know this." Was all he said.

Venom wouldn’t put her desires over what Hattori believed to be a proper execution of the contract that was drafted between them. Propriety and honor ruled Hattori’s life and she didn’t seek to change such fundamental aspects of her Shogun. His rumbling answer again reminded her of the very basic building blocks of their relationship. Hattori swore his loyalty to her, and lived now to serve her command. He’d proven that to her over and over again, those same words. Anything, for her.

The young Empress found her eyes falling to her toes as her mind raced. He’d said very plainly that he would not be forced to do anything that he didn’t wish to. If she asked anything of him at this moment he would comly and she would know it was because he wanted to carry out her order. Hattori showed her that he was her most loyal subject, the perfect partner to rule the Empire beside. Venom needed Hattori.

She felt her belly erupt into butterflies as she thought deeply about his words and the pathway forward. All she had to do was say the word. A shiver raced down her spine as she struggled to hold her composure. If anyone deserved to see the workings within it was the man before her. This moment could solidify the Empire or completely destroy what it had become.

”Shogun, our contract is fulfilled. You’ve far exceeded my expectations.” Venom returned quietly, her whole body tingled as the words fell from her lips. ”I’ll continue to offer home and shelter for you and your kin until spring, as agreed.” She added hesitantly, ”But,” the young Empress fought hard to restrain her emotions but they escaped and filled her words. ”My offer for a… life long contract still stands.”

And that was that. The contact was fulfilled and his job here was done, but Hattori did not rise to his paws and excuse himself, to fade into obscurity as he once might have. He remained as is, ears perked as he listened to the crackling of the fire and the soothing lilt of her words. He anticipated what was coming next, knew her intentions but it still caught the breath in his lungs. As though he could forget that she wanted to be his wife, to be right and proper as it should be. Her words echoed softly against the stone walls, as though they needed repeating. As if he could forget indeed. There was nothing holding him back, neither principles or reason. He raised his gaze, having not noticed it had slipped to the pale of Venom's paws and looked her right in the eye. Certain and knowing, he could not be stopped.

His life in Iga had been ravaged and ruined with no change of salvaging it, but despite all he held dear there it didn't seem like such a loss. Not when he had Venom by his side.

"Then I accept your offer."