Inu Island


Hattori had never bothered to give his akita a name, nor did the dog really seem to care, but the same didn't ring true for everyone else. Anko followed close on his heels as he led her down the meandering palace tunnels, towards Venom's chambers. She'd been Take's once and from what Hattori had been told it seemed as though she'd been trailing after Kiyo ever since, eager to serve again. He had no use for another akita and didn't really want to deal with the emotional baggage she came with either so for quite a while he'd been unsure what to do with her. She was a good dog, loyal and vigilant, her master's death had not been her fault in any regard. But it was time she served again and it was then he realised that Venom might appreciate not only the sentiment but some good company too. He knew she loathed bedrest but it was now more important than ever that she take good care of herself, for the little lives she was nurturing within. And now that he didn't have as much time to give her language lessons perhaps Anko would be able to help a little, even if only to be someone to talk to.

He came to a stop beneath an archway and the corridor that stretched ahead ended in Venom's quarters. He was quick to explain the situation to the dog, rumbling in his native tongue as he told her that should Venom accept her, she would be the hound's new mistress. To serve till death or dismissal. She took it well and simply nodded, for a dog like her serving was a thing of pride, an accomplishment and her life was better spent moving on rather than forever mourning the loss of Take.

With that Hattori led on, gently rapped his talons against the cave wall and waited for a response.

She felt that she had only just gained her freedom back from having suffered from her broken leg. Venom wasn’t liping any longer, but she had a more pressing reason to be in the palace much of her time. The young Empress was coming to terms with the pregnancy developing within her. She refused to be made to sit still at all hours of the day, she remained active but to appease those closest to her she spent more time lingering. Venom refused to admit the fact that she was sleeping more, and was quite surprised at how tiring pregnancy was.

Venom might not have usually been asleep during this time, but she was dreaming lightly when the sound of claws on stone woke her. Hattori didn’t often knock, in fact it seemed like most days his prime concern was to not disturb her sleep. The pair of them now mostly shared her sleeping quarters. Venom felt more complete now that their lives were entwining. She felt safe and comfortable wrapped in his arms at night, and he brought her the most peaceful sleep she’d ever experienced. Though he didn’t keep her company every night, his knock that moment made her aware of the serious nature of his appearance.

She blinked back the sleep and hid a yawn as she invited him in. ”Hattori? Come in.” Venom drew herself up, however much elegance was hard to achieve when you were wrapped and bundled in thick furs.

Hattori waited, patient and silent, till Venom beckoned him in. With a flick of his tail he gestured for Anko to follow, then wait back at a respectful distance as Hattori went to greet Venom properly. He bent down a little, tracing the line of her muzzle with his nose before he stood up straight and proper. She looked well, beautiful as always, but sleepiness lingered in her voice and eyes and now that he knew to look he noticed the roundness in her belly. He couldn't exactly put a name to the emotion it made him feel but it was good, he was glad. That being said he wouldn't keep her too long, the matter at paw wasn't overly complicated so she could go back to resting once he was done.

All the same he asked the question she'd no doubt anticipated.

"Are you well?"

Behind him Anko stood prim and proper, head held high but gaze averted, unchallenging. Try as she might Hattori noticed that the dog was sneaking glances at Venom, her nose twitching as she took in the sight and scents of her new mistress. But curiosity aside she knew better than to step forward before it was time, back in Nippon going through the routines and rituals was a part of daily life. If anything the hound felt as though Ashen was a watered down version of it, with the worst parts cast aside.

And finally Hattori turned his attention to the akita.

"This is Anko. She used to serve my cousin, Takemikazuchi." He left the rest unsaid, Venom knew his cousin's fate.

Venom wasn’t showing so much really, but someone who spent everyday with her like Hattori would have been able to discern the subtle difference. Her once completely flat stomach and now the subtle roundness that was starting. Kiyo was only proved right in her assessment, the young Empress was with child. The look that he gave her brought a thrilling feeling in her belly and she was eager to lean into his affections as he slipped through the entrance and approached her. Venom smiled up at him, and her gaze shifted to the second form that appeared behind him as he straightened his posture.

”I am,” she answered him as silver gaze met sunset. Venom had been experiencing nausea throughout the pregnancy thus far, but at the moment she felt fine. ”Perhaps a bit better with you here.” She added quietly, but her focus was swift to shift to the dog sitting by the door. Hattori was swift to bring her attention to his reason for meeting her here. This was his cousin’s once companion.

Dark silver tipped ears fell to her skulls she looked the akita over. She was pale and silvery, with subtle charcoal brindling. She’d seen the dog with Kiyo, but her import had previously been lost on her. Venom was aware of Hattori’s relationship with the now deceased man, and the weight that the dog carried with her. ”Hello again, Anko.” Venom greeted her, and returned her attention back to Hattori. He’d never been particularly impressed with Poison, however much Venom trusted the giant squirrel. ”Is she here to convince me to remain in bed as well?”

He was glad to hear that she was well, that there was nothing he need to worry about. More than that she was quick to take up the chance to compliment him and despite himself Hattori exhaled in amusement as very subtle smile tugged at his lips. Her personality had always suited his tastes and despite how forward she could be he found himself liking that also. They were a good match and just being with her proved it to be true day in day out. But he wasn't here to get lost in the sunset shine of her eyes, they had company. Venom took a moment to observe the hound again, no doubt recalling the circumstances in which they'd med, it had all been so very complicated yet it had worked out well enough. For that Hattori was grateful.

"Not quite." He knew it was in jest but surely Venom knew why she needed to rest, he just didn't want her to feel trapped. "She is to be your companion, if you want her. She is yours to command as you see fit."

He spared a glance behind him to the akita once more, she'd folded herself down into a reverent bow. Ready to serve as always.

The way Hattori looked at her had changed only slightly, but even in the blossoming stages of their relationship she adored his attention. From finishing a contract to devoted husband Venom enjoyed the subtle changes in their interactions. He didn’t shy away from her affections and showed her subtle but meaningful actions in return. She returned his grin, but both knew their attention was better suited to the task at hand. She’d give him her undivided attention when he made his return for some sleep of his own.

He was right, and she did often feel on the verge of being trapped here in the palace. She had comfortable accommodations but she craved her freedom and fresh air. Venom hoped as Hattori went on that the dog would not be a reminder of her current highest priority. Nurturing the new life within her.

A surprised chuckle did manage to escape her dark lips as he told her the purpose of the akita’s presence. As he had threatened to do, he presented her with a proper servant. The pale coated dog lowered herself into a reverent bow as Shogun and akita awaited Venom’s reaction. More than Hattori’s desire to see her with an Akita she felt touched that she might be a worthy mistress for Take’s once companion.

She sighed softly, not upset about the arrangement. ”I would be honored.” The words were no lie, and she knew with their litter on the way another set of eyes on the puppies would do her good.

Venom was quick to accept and seemed to understand the gravity of his offer. He wouldn't have been overly offended if she'd refused but it still, somehow, felt important to him, as though this gesture well and truly added her to the family. Melded the past with the present to make a better future. And there was so much they had in store, not only for their personal lives but for the Empire too. But more importantly it was settled then, Anko dipped her head in yet another bow before she backed off and left the leading pair alone. Hattori watched her go and turned to Venom once again once the hound passed the threshold, giving him the privacy he'd always preferred.  

"Is there anything else I can do for you?" Whatever she wanted or needed, she would have it. He was asking not as her Shogun but her promised, the father of her children and the man she'd spend the rest of her days with. Then again he imagined she'd been on bed rest for a while, perhaps stretching her legs would do her some good. As long as she didn't overdo it. "If not would you like to come for a walk?" He'd passed some flowers in the jungle earlier, he'd wondered if she'd like them.

She accepted the Akita into her inner circle without pomp or circumstance, and that was well enough for all of them. With another quick nod and bow the dog took her leave. ”Find Poison,” she added, knowing Anko would find the squirrel and gather any pertinent information from him. Venom’s gaze returned to Hattori as they were left in privacy and she grinned lightly. Though quick and with no excitement the gesture he showed only further solidified their relationship. Already the pair were tied together tightly, bound by the life growing within her and the position they held at the helm of the Empire.

Venom found herself to be Hattori’s center of attention, in more than just his duty to her. As always he offered his service, but in more ways than just her Shogun. He’d gone from wounded stray to soon to be devoted husband in far less than a year. As she gazed up at him her heart swelled and beat with a quickness as she was struck by the sudden adoration she had for him. He offered himself, but also invited her to take a walk alongside him.

She grinned up at him, feeling quite rested after her nap and her paws were already becoming restless. ”I would love it if you took me for a walk.” She hesitated only slightly as she caught herself up in his gaze before finding her paws. Her once flat belly was beginning to show the signs of what lay beneath, but for now she could still wave it off as extra weight from the winter. Before she let him lead her out Venom aimed to place a sweet kiss upon his cheek.

She was a little slow to rise to her paws but Hattori sensed no difficulty in the action. She wasn't quite as light on her paws as she used to be but her agility would return with time, of that he was certain. The more laborious parts of expanding Ashen would have to wait, she had more than enough to deal was as it was and Hattori suspected it would be wise if they dealt with matters one at a time. Lest they swamp themselves and waste resources.  Instead he focused on her expression, the softness in her eyes as she reached out and offered him a gentle kiss upon his cheek. He accepted it graciously and even dipped his head a little lower so that it was easier for her to reach-not that there was too much of a height difference between them but he did it all the same.

He then rumbled in acknowledgement as he turned to lead the way, down the winding tunnels and out into the fading light of day. Ushering her into the forest he bit back the urge to remind her to watch her step, the jungle floor was littered with vines and low hanging branches and so the thought of her tripping and hurting herself brought a frown to his face. But despite the sudden waft of humidity it was quite pleasant within the confines of the forest, private as though the rest of the Empire was an afterthought.

"Have you spent much time here?" He wondered aloud as he led the way, the pace slow and relaxed. He wasn't in any rush. She'd spent her whole life within Ashen, surely she knew the jungle far better than he did? But then again his initial assessment of the jungle led him to believe that it was mostly left alone to it's own devices, the place Ashen wolves simply chose not to venture.

Getting herself up off the ground would only grow more difficult as time went on she was sure. For now Venom was able to go about her day without any help in her personal day to day life. As she reached her full height she could already see the day when She would need Hattori, or perhaps even Anko or Kiyo’s help, whenever she wanted to get up. Venom could ignore the fact for now, and just enjoy the way Hattori leaned into her kiss and the quiet private moments they were allowed together. Venom grinned warmly as he led the way outside, but instead of the beach the pair of them entered the thick forests that surrounded the palace.

Venom’s paws were placed carefully as the two of them were enveloped in shadow as the end of day’s light didn’t reach the forest floor. Roots reached up to grab her white gloved paws and branches brushed the quills along her hackles. More than instinctively she wanted to protect the precious cargo within, and refused to be tripped up. There was no destination, and no reason to hurry precise paws. Hattori set the perfect pace and started speaking quietly, not usually the one to begin small talk.

The Empress felt more loved by him every day, and this moment was no exception. She felt like he truly bloomed here, he was comfortable and at ease. Something Venom wasn’t sure she would ever see out of the proper shinobi she’d invited into the Empire’s care. ”Not much these days,” she confessed. ”When I was younger, and wanted to be alone or just think about my dad, I’d come hide here.” The shrine was another hideaway, but everyone knew to look there if they wanted her. Here in these abandoned woods no one found her.

The rustling of leaves and Venom's gentle words filled Hattori's ears as he led the way, he didn't know much about her Father aside from the fact he'd died some time ago. He couldn't really empathize since he had such a...difficult relationship with his own father but he imagined the loss had hit her hard all the same. Had he been the nosy sort he would have pried further in an attempt to learn all the details but he'd never been such a man nor would he ever, if Venom wished to speak of it she would. But he supposed he could understand why she came here to be alone and to think. The jungle  was no means a quiet place, the air filled tropical bird song and the creaking of insects, but it was a pleasant background noise. As though to keep loud and unpleasant thoughts at bay.

He drew to a stop as a dash of white amongst the greens and browns caught his eye. It was a flower, an orchid of some kind. The majority of it's petals were pale, smeared with faint lines of pink that blotched in the centre. It was an odd looking plant to say the least but it smelled pleasant, like cinnamon with a pinch of vanilla. He turned a little and caught Venom's gaze, wondering what she'd think of such a flower. But of course he couldn't quite just say he saw a flower and thought of her, he always skirted around such affections as though he thought they'd sting. But he tried, he really did.

"Reflection makes loss easier to deal with." He said, his brows drawn a little. Which was to say he'd come to terms with the death of his cousin, it had been bitter bill to swallow. "But I would not suggest coming here alone, for now. Much of the jungle is uncharted, I do not wish anything to happen to you." It was easier to look at the flower as he said this.

The loss of Archon had changed her life and turned everything upside down, there was no other moment as profound as when she learned of her father’s death. The volcano was an ever present reminder of his demise, but the silver markings along her pelt were the celebration of his life. He remained in her heart if not at her side. Venom never really grew comfortable with talking about him, even with Obi or her siblings. She had so much to say, but the words acted as though stuck in her throat.

Thankfully Hattori did not press her, and she didn’t have to force them out. She knew his relationship with his own sire was much different than her own. However, he was far from immune to the feeling of loss as her mind shifted to Anko’s once master. She leaned against his broad shoulder as Hattori’s steps came to a halt. She tilted her head curiously, but followed his gaze to the solitary bloom in the deep woods. She smiled lightly, having grown used to his subtle acts of affection. ”Do you want to put it behind my ear?” She asked him softly while placing a gentle kiss on his cheek before he spoke again.

His own loss was hard, just as difficult and more than what Venom suffered with her father, but he had grown to accept the fact just as Venom had. However, neither wolf wished to hurry the experience again and he spoke of his worry for her safety. Hattori knew she hated to be cooped up. Though Venom detested the thought of needing a nanny she knew Hattori’s peace of mind was as important as her pride. She had to think of more than herself, their precious children were depending on her well being.

”Fret not, my dear husband. You know Anko trails me like my own shadow.” She would admit, the dog was good, she barely saw her when she was explicitly invited along, but she was always there. Ready to be called upon at a moment's notice. ”But I’ll remain on the main paths if you would feel more at ease.” She wasn’t barred from these places, and she did have an excuse to have Hattori walk with her more often. Venom’s own nerves liked to flare up, she knew Hattori had to be feeling powerless in much of the experiences. Her nausea, back pain, her paws swelling. She didn’t want him to work even harder in making sure any outside influence harmed her.

”I don’t know if I’ll feel better or just more anxious once they’re here.” She confessed softly, her sunset gaze peeking up to Hattori’s handsome features. They hadn’t talked much about the eventuality of pregnancy, thus far focus was on getting through to the day they would be born. After that they had a whole new set of challenges to look forward to.

He leaned into her touch, once again dipping a little so she could kiss his cheek. Hattori's gaze then shifted back and forth between Venom and the flower, it was a reasonable request and one he was quick to heed. Plucking it from it's stem with a swipe of his claws he gently grasped it between his teeth and slid it behind her ear, in a little nook that held it in place. He had always thought she was a fine woman, beautiful and elegant, but beneath the shade of the jungle canopy and with the orchid framing her face she was truly a sight to behold. All soft and round with his children.

Venom went onto explain that Anko trailed her at all times, both as her shadow and guardian, and that was true. He did not doubt the hounds abilities, he'd seen her work first hand but...things within Boreas were changing, the land didn't seem to be quite as safe as it had before. The Ice Bridge incident lingered in the back of his mind and he found himself wondering it was a sign of things to come. But if nothing else Ashen's borders were well patrolled, nothing of that size was going to get in without someone noticing. Of that he was certain. But still, he appreciated her words all the same. That she hadn't just swatted his concerns aside as though he didn't mean well, it would be for the best and they both knew it.

"I would." He admitted with a nod, only to pause when she admitted her concerns. He did not fault her for feeling that way, it was a big change and more was to come. "When they are here we can share the load, you know Kiyo will help you with whatever you need. I am...eager to meet them." He then confessed, his voice quiet as though there was shame to be found in his words.

Hattori only hesitated a moment before he grasped hold of the beautiful flower and placed it behind her ear. As he stepped back to admire her Venom felt a bashful grin and blush flutter over her features. There wasn't much reason to be nervous under his gaze, they already tied their lives together in many ways. Still, she felt special as he gazed at her. Their conversation lingered on her safety for a moment and Venom wouldn't allow herself to feel trapped. She didn't enjoy being cooped up, but she wouldn't put herself in danger either. Soon enough she would feel freedom again.

Her mate confirmed that he would indeed feel better if she remained on the well beaten paths unless she had him with her. He put so much focus and effort into keeping her safe and sound she would do what she could to relieve his own anxieties and worries. They each had their responsibilities in bringing children into the world, Hattori didn't deserve having his work load doubled.

Venom was assured that once they were born she would have him and Kiyo both to help shoulder the load. She just had to get through the last few weeks of the pregnancy. Her heart warmed as he confessed his eagerness to meet their children. Venom grinned and leaned into his shoulder, ”I am as well.” She wanted to encourage these emotions in him, she didn't realize how much she would adore Hattori the father of her children. She knew she loved him as her partner and co ruler, but this next step opened a whole new aspect to their relationship.

”I'm... eager, to raise a family with you.” She drew more near, enjoying the intimate privacy of the forest as they confessed their softer thoughts to each other. A plethora of challenged faced them, but if anyone could make her feel confident in herself and ability it was her husband.

Hattori already had his suspicions but he was glad to hear it all the same, to know that this was something she well and truly wanted, that she wasn't just going along with it because of a sense of duty or obligation. She had always had a softer edge to her, hidden behind the steel of her strength and resolve, and seeing her as a whole made it clear to Hattori that she would make a fine mother. She would be able to make up for his failings and struggles to show the right amount of tenderness. She would love them in all the ways he could not. Of course, he would never stand in his sire's shadow again, nor would he think of treating his offspring the way he had been but he knew he'd always lead with a firm paw.

Venom had long since accepted him for who he was, her eyes missed nothing. But even then he wasn't quite sure what to say, her words settled in the back of his mind, a reassurance he hadn't realised he'd needed. She was good at that, yet another trait of hers he found admirable. But there was still so much to talk about, these children were to be the culmination of two important legacies and yet he did not wish to pass on his name. Hattori. For the longest time he'd carried the name with pride and a poignant sense of accomplishment but now...It was just a name, one that had lost it's meaning and had shifted into something else, bitter and twisted. Like the branches of a dying but ancient tree. A legacy that Hattori would cut to an end out of spite. He would be the only Hattori wolf in name, the rest would need another title to go by.

"I do not wish our children to have my name. My Father does not deserve the honour." It was a complicated affair but he explained it as simply as he could, all things considered.

Unplanned they might have been but not unwanted. Venom looked forward to taking their first steps into parenthood with Hattori. Hindsight was twenty twenty and had she put more thought into her actions Venom would have waited to give into temptation, but she did not regret the decision in the slightest. They were just moving ahead of schedule, and like everything would adapt together. Venom fit well with Hattori, and was thankful to have found a partner in him. He saw her at her lowest and highest moments and still remained steadfast beside her.

She didn’t expect the words he spoke, and her sunset tinted gaze tilted up to catch his own liquid silver eyes. Venom wouldn’t argue with him, she wished her children to bear the Abraxas name anyway. His logic made sense in her mind as well. These perfect little children would not bear the name of their grandfather. ”If that is your desire,” she agreed softly and leaned against him supportively. The mingling of their bloodlines would be easy enough to see in the pups themselves. Venom had no doubt each one would grow into a fine example of any name they held.

”We’ll be parents soon,” she observed softly, still in awe of the fact even though the day was looming. Their lives progressed with a quickness, but now that they were at this point the young Empress wouldn’t have made any trade in the world. Hattori was her partner, the other half to a whole. This was where she was meant to be.

As harsh as it may sound it was what he wanted, for their children to be free Iga's stained past. He knew Kiyo would understand and would most likely agree with the sentiment, but simply calling them Abraxas didn't sit right with him. It was part of their identity but there was more to their legacy than being supposed Godlings, they were a continuation of Nippon legacy and Hattori, despite it all, wanted something in their name to represent that. He took a moment to think about it, scanning his mind till an idea pushed its way to the forefront.

"I would have them called Ōritsu Abraxas. Royal Abraxas." Not only would it represent their royal, noble heritage, but the title in his native tongue would show who they were. A piece of his history would be with him always, both in name and language. "What do you think?"

If she did not like he would think of another title, he'd never been good with these sorts of things but he was well and truly trying. For her.