Hattori was no stranger to the cold but this was something else entirely; bitter and biting, sinking right down to the very depth of his strengthened bones. His cloak and cuirass did little to shield him from the wind, the former billowing as he pushed on, head down and eyes squinting as he struggled to see what laid ahead. He'd cautioned against this venture from the start but he felt no satisfaction in knowing he'd been right all along. What had started as a relatively simple, yet dangerous hunt for polar bear pelts had evolved into an all together different beast. There were no bears to be seen, nothing but the constant blur of white, with the occasional brown blur of a tree. On his left his wife struggled along beside him and on the other was Raijin, both seemed equally as chilled to the core.

They ought to turn back, there was no reason to run the risk, let alone let Venom to do the same. But it was too late for that, he knew they'd likely get lost if they aimlessly wandered back the way they came. Pushing on seemed like the safest option, till the pair mounted the hill and the looming line of the Ice Bridge came into view. Barely. Hattori exhaled sharply, the muscles in his face pinching with the cold as his brows smushed together. He knew the Bifrost led to Auster, he frequented that continent fairly often, but here there was no land in sight on the other side. Just a long and stretching expanse that went on and on, as though to dangle off the edge of the earth.

Raijin had been quick to offer his help when his cousin had mentioned his and Venom’s scouting mission to look for pelts, deciding that even if the Empress and the Shogun could take care of themselves, he wanted to be there for an extra layer of protection. Especially since their goal was to look for polar bear pelts. He knew from his lessons that polar bears were the largest bears in existence, a male could weigh as much as 1500 pounds and be over 9 feet tall on their hind legs. It was assumed that they would be searching for females, but with 3 extra large wolves they stood a decent chance of success. He wouldn’t stand by when his only family left put themselves in danger.

But, god damn did he regret it a little when it came down to it. The cold was embedded in his bones, he was convinced of it. It ate away at everything in him until it was all he felt, sometimes he wasn’t even sure he was still moving because his body had grown numb. However, he knew they were too far gone by now to turn back. They’d have to keep going and wait out the weather a bit. He was so busy squinting against the cold that he actually ran into Hattori’s hocks, bouncing back with a grun. He looked at him, slightly annoyed until he looked past to see a large expanse of snow that seemed to go on forever in a line like a bridge. “What the hell is that?” he called over the wind.

Talking, Talking in Italics means he's speaking Japanese

Their quest was noble as the three wolves traversed the ice and snow of the north. The trio made their home on what was usually a tropical island, but Venom felt like the harsh winter had done a lot to toughen her up. It wasn’t until they started to touch the top of the world that Venom began to feel the cold start to seep into her bones. By the time they appeared over the crest that revealed the ice bridge she wasn’t even certain she could confidently face an ice bear.

Their attention was swiftly shifted to the long bridge that stretched further than the eye could see. The wind whipped and tugged at her own fur and the thick pelt that was wrapped around her shoulders. She heard Raijin’s voice over the howling of the wind, just as curious as he was. She didn’t often stray very far north but she couldn’t remember a word of anything like this beyond the bridge to Auster. Venom looked to Hattori, her only observations were ice and a bridge.

Hattori grunted and attempted to shoot Raijin a dark look for walking into him. Still, he shared the man's sentiment somewhat, it was an unusual sight, and if the howling winds hadn't already stolen his breath away it would have done the trick. He shifted his weight and wiggled his toes, the snow crunching beneath them as he tried to keep the blood flowing. From scent alone there was no way of telling whether they were the first to discover the bridge, but from the sheer size and scale of it he felt as though the trio were already treading a well worn path. He scanned the shoreline as best as he could, wondering if he'd be able to make out the blurry forms of other wolves nearby. They seemed to be alone which meant one of two options. Either those who'd came before had simply had a look around and headed back the way they came or they'd dared to cross the bridge to see where it led.

Had the weather been clearer he would have ordered his eagle to investigate it at some point, it could cover land far quicker than any wolf and the journey wouldn't be half as dangerous. But Hattori wasn't so cruel or so stupid to force it to fly in conditions like this, that likely wouldn't let up any time soon. If ever. When he spoke he felt the moisture on his tongue chill.

"Keep moving." He rumbled, standing still would be their downfall.

And so he pressed on, easing his way down the slope till he reached level ground. And there it was, stretching out before him, the ice itself was bluish clear, leading Hattori to believe it would probably be strong enough to stand on. But was this a wise thing to do? His gaze flickered to his cousin.

"Raijin test out the ice."

Hattori glared at Raijin and, if he weren’t so afraid it would freeze off instantly, he’d have stuck his tongue out at him. As it was, he felt like his eyeballs would freeze and pop right out like glass trinkets, so it really wasn’t his fault. Still, try telling that to his perfect cousin. Instead, in reply, he gave a snotty snort before a sniffle. Then they were pressing forward once more, half-walking half-sliding their way down the snowy slope. By the time it leveled out, Raijin felt a lot like a snow-man with all the fluffy precipitation that clung to his body and he gave himself another good shake for measure, sending snow flying in all directions.

They all stood just before what looked to be a possible ice bridge and the spotted man glanced at his cousin, a sinking feeling falling into his gut at the contemplative expression on his face. Oh he knew that look and it had gotten him into plenty of trouble before. Then, silver met gold and Hattori ordered him to test out the ice. He fought back a groan, instead gritting his teeth and giving a sharp bob of his head. After all, it was best for him to go out and risk falling through rather than the two rulers of Ashen. It was exactly why he’d come along, as much as he cursed himself for it, so he should at least do his job.

The man moved forward, placing a single paw on the blueish ice and pressing down firmly. When it held, he placed another paw in front of that, then another and another until he was several yards away without incident. He turned back, raising his voice so that they could hear him. “If it can handle my voluptuous body, it can handle yours,” he said with a grin.

Talking, Talking in Italics means he's speaking Japanese

Venom tried not to dream of home and the warm fire that could be crackling in the main hall right that very moment. Or the thought of curling up close to Hattori near that same fire, bundled up with thick and exotic furs. Those thoughts were much too tempting, and instead of focusing on her frozen toes she found solace in her duty. They traveled for the good of the Empire, and that thought alone could see her through this trial before them.

They continued, she knew as much as Hattori that movement was key. Onward the party went to investigate what lay before them. Had she not been so cold she might have chuckled as Hattori ordered Raijin forward. The koi didn’t even have to say anything, the silent communication that went on between the two men was unlike anything she had ever seen. Were the situation not so serious the Empress would have been highly amused.

Thankfully nothing happened as the massive koi made his way onto the bridge. Venom hesitated for a moment as the wind whipped around them again.

Hattori watched with a squinted gaze as the ice held firm beneath the bulk of Raijin's weight. He ventured further out, till he was barely still in sight and it became apparent that the bridge would hold. That Hattori probably wouldn't have to fish his cousin out of the sea anytime soon. Still it did little to ease Hattori's suspicion as he too stepped out onto the ice, his toes curling as the cold bit into the pale of his paw pads. He was already so cold, shivering beneath the shelter of his cloak, what could possibly be out there that warranted running such a risk? It was stupid and foolish but for reasons even he didn't quite understand he felt compelled to just try and see. Perhaps it would be worth their while.

Drawing up to his cousin's side, Hattori paused to check that Venom was close behind. In weather like this they all had to stick together, lest someone got lost.

"Come, stick close. If you feel the ice is thin spread out your weight and get down onto your stomach if you can." He didn't doubt their senses or abilities but he felt implored to remind them all the same. Better safe than sorry.

The ice is sturdier than any you've walked on before, even as you venture further out. The wind continues to whip relentlessly at the bridge, which makes traveling its expanse difficult, although not impossible.

In the distance you make out the figure of a rather large creature.. a feline of sorts, it seems. Do you approach it, or turn back the way you came?

The overgrown guinea pig that was Raijin waited while Hattori ventured out, the Shogun’s gaze cursing but his legs carrying him further out onto the ice. He gave a grin, his teeth chattering while he did so. His golden gaze traveled to Venom, who’d stuck close to the other man’s side and rightfully so. She was only a few inches shorter than him, but she was slight in build. He estimated he easily had 50 pounds of bulky muscle over her and 20 over Hattori and he was still having a hard time against the gusting wind. Raijin took the opposite side of Venom than Hattori, trying to shield her as best he could from the high velocity air currents.

They began to venture forward and, as they went, he swore he began to see a form taking shape in the distance. This suspicion was only confirmed as they grew closer, his already squinted golden gaze drawing ever tighter as he tried to make out what it was through the haze. He began to see a whip-like tail thrashing behind it’s massive form and his hackles rose in alarm. The burly man leapt out in front of the pair, tail flagging protectively, “Is that a fucking tiger? What the hell has it been eating?” he called out, looking to Hattori and Venom for commands. Anyone could say what they wanted about Raijin, but he was generally a good soldier, entirely faithful to those he respected and the pair with him certainly had that respect. If he were ordered to fight, he would fight.

Talking, Talking in Italics means he's speaking Japanese

The ice was incredibly thick, as though it had been here for thousands of years and had never melted before. She remained glued to Hattori’s side. He acted as her guide along with a wind break. Venom’s sharp cat claws were helpful in keeping her place on the ice, but the wind was relentless. Hattori became the natural leader of their little group. Venom was the Empress but she knew when to let her Shogun take the lead. She nodded frigidly as he suggested they stick close together.

Venom was grateful for Raijin as he shored up on her other side and she had both men looking out for her more vulnerable form. Venom didn’t appreciate anyone believing her weak, but in that moment she fully appreciated the extra help. The party continued forward, uncertain where they were going but the snow lightened up enough that a form began to take shape further onward. Raijin spotted it first and Venom squinted her eyes as she peered up to decipher what she was looking at. ”I can’t tell,” she answered, but her voice was nearly whipped away by the wind. ”Is it coming towards us?”

Hattori squinted, barely just making out the grey shape that emerged from the storm. It was tall and looming, easily overshadowing Hattori at his full height, and it's form was bulkier than any lion or tiger he'd ever seen. With the whipping winds smothering his senses there was no way he could draw in its scent, but as it padded closer Hattori got a sinking sense that all was not as it should be. He stepped forward to stand beside Raijin, a strong line of defence in front of Venom, he would fight if need be but the location and current conditions weren't favourable in the least. It was a risk he didn't think was worth taking, to be perfectly honest.

"That is no tiger...." Hattori rumbled with a flash of exposed canines. An exceedingly rare-he never snarled or kicked up a fuss- growl rumbled in the back of his throat as he took a hesitant step back. Perhaps if they retreated to the mainland they'd have a better chance at taking it down, if it came to that... But turning and fleeing didn't seem like an option, Hattori knew better than to turn his back on a cat." Make no sudden moves. Maintain eye contact and hold strong."