Always industrious, Ikigai had been working diligently at her studies. All of them. She'd taken a particular liking to music, however. So far, Ikigai could play two instruments; the shamisen and the koto. The girl had a soft spot for the koto because of its dramatic, theatrical sound, but she knew that her father and grandmother liked the sound of the shamisen, so she learned that as well.

As she practiced and her skill improved, Ikigai began to form the idea of playing for her family. Eventually, she decided that when she did play, she would invite the whole of Ashen to listen if they wished. Days turned into months and the young princess decided that she was ready to play for an audience. She sent her cat and dog around Ashen, inviting the wolves of the pack to attend a concert on a certain date.

Along with the concert, Ikigai, who asked for nothing, asked her father to build her an Azumaya; an open sided pagoda or gazebo with bamboo slats that could be raised or lowered to shelter its occupants from the elements if necessary. With the help of Ashen's guard dogs, Ikigai transported her instruments to the Azumaya and prepared for the concert that she would hold today. Up above, the clouds were gray and rolling in at a leisurely pace. She could smell rain on the air, but she refused to let it dampen her spirits. The Azumaya would protect them from the rain and she would finally share her music with her people.

x

With the exception of their daughter Ikigai all of the children were well on their way to becoming incredible warriors. She was proud of all of them, no matter the obstacles in front of them. They were all at different levels but she was there to help all of them learn however she could. All except perhaps Iki. They spoke about religion, trading, and politics but it never felt the same as a spar with Ike or crafting snares with Take. Venom was not creative like Ikigai, she could only watch in awe as her daughter learned to make such beautiful music. When she sent word about her concert Venom knew she wouldn’t miss it for the world.

The Empress was the first to arrive in the bamboo forest, and this wa sher first time laying eyes on the special shelter father and brothers builts for sweet Iki. Venom grinned softly as she approached. White gloved paws carried her to the first seat before the young girl. Already full of pride for what she accomplished here, no matter the sound. But she knew it would be beautiful.

Though not the most doting of Fathers, Hattori could not deny his palest daughter this. Her request for an azumaya had come as a surprise, but he'd been quick to accept her request and put together the necessary arrangements to have it built in her name. He couldn't say he appreciated all the extra primates wandering about, using their deft hands to handle the finicky bits wolves could not, but it was worth the inconvenience to see the final product in all its splendour. It blended in seamlessly amongst the bamboo forest of Rekaru Island, a near perfect recreation of forests Hattori used to wander through as a child.

Taking a seat beside his wife, Hattori offered the Empress a side glance. Their children were all growing and flourishing in their own ways, and though he would struggle to say as much, it pleased him to know that at least one of their offspring was a protector of traditions and culture. If none of the other wolves who called Ashen home could not appreciate this, then Hattori would gladly fill in the space.


"Speech"

Pale paws carried him around the border of the pack as he continued one of his usual patrols, but as soon as he was alerted by one of the companions that his sister's family kept of his niece's concert he dropped everything to make his way toward where he was told it would be held. He even took just a moment to slip out of his armor and pass it off to one of his snow leopards to be carried back to his den before he slipped through the cluster of bamboo to join his family, giving himself a shake so that he would look presentable. He didn't know if a concert was a formal affair or not, but it felt special for his niece to be sharing something something with them that was so important to her so he wanted to show he took it seriously.

He blinked with surprise at the structure that Ikigai was situated in, smiling at the scene it created around her that perfectly set the mood she seemed to be going for. Plague settled next to Venom on the opposite side of her from Hattori and offered Ikigai an encouraging grin. It always touched him whenever he got to do something together with his family and this was no exception. Void had claimed the most notable part of his heart, but his family - especially his nieces and nephews - held an equally special and important place in his life. He was eager to see and hear what Ikigai had been working on so he settled back to wait for the concert to begin.

Plague Abraxas-Destruction

Sometimes it felt like Ikigai was better in all things than her. She was beauty and grace, where Kiyohime was very much not. She couldn’t walk with perfection like her sister, and she didn’t feel like her dragon-like appearance was anywhere near as beautiful as her sister’s perfect koi patterns. Nor did she possess the dexterous creativity Iki was blessed with to make music. There was no end to the talents her sister had, and Shuriken often wished she had the amount of talent in her whole body that Iki had in her little toe.

Not that the girl would ever utter those words aloud. The envy she had towards her sister was an ugly monster that the tall princess hid deep inside. She showed Iki nothing but the absolute adoration she had for her, especially now as she organized a concert for their family. Her parents and Uncle Plague preceded her in the island. Ike only tripped once as she entered the clearing, pretty sure her dad hadn’t seen her mistake. The young princess made her way over to sit beside her sweet uncle, and she leaned against him while her attention was on her sister.

"Kiyohime Shuriken Ōritsu Abraxas"

Kuroki wasn't one for family fanfare, especially if he knew Hattori was going to be there, but he knew this was a big deal for Ikigai so he made an effort to show up nonetheless. With his hog trailing behind him, Kuroki had been extra thoughtful and had even brought a present. As far as Kuroki was concerned it wasn't even that cold, but nonetheless flowers were remarkably hard to come by around this time of year. It was only by chance he'd stumbled upon a kan-botan, otherwise known as winter peonies, and had his hog carefully scoop it up out of the ground. Nestled in the safety of a pot, Kuroki had put together a straw shade to hang over it, in order to keep the winter frost from damaging its delicate pink petals. Placing the gift at the edge of the azumaya, Kuroki then shooed off his companion before settling in the back of the crowd. He'd always liked listening to his sister make music, this alone was enough to make the whole fuss of this concert worthwhile. "Speech"

Kiyo loved all of her grandchildren equally, there was no doubt about it, but it could definitely be said that her and Iki had more of a special connection than the others. Her elegant granddaughter had been training in the ways of the Geisha since she’d been very young, spending most days at her side learning about herbs, ladyship, scribing and music. Having grown up a noble lady, Kiyo was well versed in all of them. Ikigai was excelling marvelously, turning into the perfect prim and proper Geisha under the silver woman’s tutelage, but music had certainly seemed to be the girl’s greatest passion. The former Onna Daimyo had been ecstatic to hear about her prodigy’s desire to hold a concert for Ashen. It would be perfect for the turn of winter and for her family to see how far she’d come.

The Apothaker hadn’t done anything to help her put it together unless the girl had asked, which had been relatively few times. This was her big event and it was her time to shine. Thus, when the day came Kiyo was quick to arrive. Like her grandson, Oki, she’d brought a gift of her own. Aki, her primate companion, carried two bowls, both with incense burning in them. The smell was soothing and intended to help whoever smelled it to relax, hopefully to further their experience. The primate placed them on either side of the Azumaya as Kiyo placed herself by her family, a kiss being given to the heads of her grandchildren and a respectful bow of her head given to Hattori, Venom and Plague before she settled herself to listen.

"Speech"

And It's The Stars That Shine For You

Stjarna lifted their head and sniffed lightly at the trout that hung from the makeshift smoke house. Really just planks of wood slanted over a fire. Star had caught several good sized fish and opted to smoke them to preserve the meat and to impart a unique flavor. Once they were certain the meat was ready they took the fish down and placed them into storage. Just in time to. Stjarna had received an invitation from princess Ikigai's cat to a concert the youth would be putting on. Star knew very little of music but was eager to support the young girl and see more of their pack mates. It took a lot of effort to be social but having the main focus of the others on the princess would make it easier for Star to relax amongst the group.

Star put out the fire then headed toward the concert site. There were a number of wolves already gathered and Star slipped in under the unusual structure that protected the crowd from the rain and took their seat.

Panic was on her own things, on her own activities, training and working on her bulk, on her muscle but also in her intellectual skills. She was both a ferocious fighter and an strategist in the make, and nothing would stand on her way to what she wanted to archive. Those who stood between her and her destiny would face her wrath and no shame or regrets lied in the cunning mind of Panic.

She wasnt fond to musical performances or artistic dancing. But she was curious to see what it was like, it wouldn't hurt right? Slowly she joined the rest of the pack, silent as her snake rested around her neck like an scarf. Sitting alone she hoped to watch the princess do her act. Her expression was neutral, without emotions.

"Speech"

One by one the wolves of Ashen arrived. Ikigai was not present as they did so, but she could hear their claws upon the stone and wood. Tanuki was helping Ikigai into her traditional kimono and headdress. The white, silver and black fabric draped across the budding young woman's svelte frame. This was to be a concert. A festival. A welcoming of winter and a farewell to the warmer months. This was also her musical debut. She had been training so, so hard. A perfectionist, Ikigai refused to let anyone listen to her aside from Obaasan, but her grandmother was helping her to learn. This was very important to the young lady. She was finally ready to show her work to her family; her packmates. With her kimono and headdress in place, Ikigai quietly pushed through the bamboo curtains that hung down at the back of the Azumaya. As she moved to take her place, Tanuki and Willa allowed some of the other curtains to drop. The dark clouds had let loose and a soft gentle rain would be signing accompaniment to the music of the pallid princess. She noted the sweet, calming incense that her grandmother had brought and was grateful for it. Another gift sat at the back beside her brother and the red streaked corners of Ikigai's metallic eyes lifted as she smiled upon him. It was a very kind gesture and she appreciated the support that her family and pack was giving. The princess smiled at each of her guests in turn; Mother and Father, sweet Ike, Oki, Obaasan, Uncle Plague, Panic. She was grateful for each of them. The elegant young lady dipped in a low bow to her guests as she came to the front. Her clear, sweet tones filled the silence, just loud enough to be heard by all, but still gentle enough to not overpower the space or the atmosphere. "Thank you for joining me. This evening I will perform for you. Traditional music on both the Shamisen and the Koto, as well as a little surprise." The girl smile, her mercuric gaze glittering with a tiny bit of mischief. Without further ado, she took her place. Tanuki took his place back and to the side of her. The albino akita would slowly begin tapping sticks together to a standard Japanese beat. While he set the mood, Willa moved through the crowd. The little cat passed out steaming cups of Ikigai's own homemade green tea blend to each attendee. Only when each guest was settled and had their tea did Ikigai begin. Ikigai took up the shamisen, a string instrument native to her ancestral origins. Taking a deep breath, the girl sat up on her haunches, spine straight. From the wide sleeves of her kimono came those oddly dexterous paws. With one delicate paw on the neck of the instrument, the other paw began to strum. The instrument sang beneath the practiced digits of the girl and her long hours of training showed. A little ways into the song, Ikigai took another deep breath. This time... she began to sing. Yoru wa watashi no mawari de kuraku natte imasu, ara kaze ga tsumetaku fuku. Shikashi, bōkun no jumon wa watashi o shibarimashita soshite, watashi wa ikemasen, ikemasen. Kyodaina ki ga magatte iru karera no hadaka no eda wa yuki de omokatta. Soshite arashi wa kyūsoku ni kakō shite imasu, soredemo watashi wa ikemasen. Watashi no ue no kumo o koeta kumo, ika no haiki-mono igai no haiki-mono; shikashi, nani mo watashi o ugokasu koto wa dekimasen. Watashi wa ikanai, ikenai. The girl sung in the language of her father and grandmother's homeland. Her words spoke of the darkness of winter and all that it brought with it. Her voice was as practiced as her fingers, sounding more like that of a woman than a girl half grown. Inside, Ikigai was nervous as hell, but externally, she seemed cool and collected. She hoped that everyone was enjoying her performance and was nervous that she might disappoint her parents and her grandmother. Once the song ended, Ikigai went on to play another song on the shamisen, though this one wasn't accompanied by vocals. She wanted the instrument to shine. Again and again her paw flew over the strings, plucking and sliding. And then she was done. Iki placed the shamisen aside and bowed her head in thanks to her audience. Tanuki took up tapping his sticks in rhythm again as Ikigai rose and moved to seat herself behind the long, stringed Koto. Again, she took a deep breath and began to play. The sound of the Koto was drastically different from the sound of the Shamisen. The Koto was dramatic and melancholic. Ikigai loved the sound of the Koto and she hoped that it showed. The girl closed her mercuric eyes, getting lost in the sound of the music. Around them all, the rain began to come down harder. Beneath the Azyumaya, they all stayed safe and dry. The world began to get dark and Willa, the white, antlered feline, began lighting lanterns that were evenly spaced around the perimeter of the space, casting the gathering in a soft, golden glow. Once more, Ikigai began to sing, her voice sweet and lilting. Haiiro, kuro, chairode hazukashi-sō ni kōtingu sa rete imasu - samu-sa kara watashitachi o tōzakeru tame ni - kesa wa yosō shite inakatta: Taiyō to kage, natsunoyo no yō ni, natsu no yō ni karakai. Soshite, hinansho no motode wa arimasen Kita-iki no purattohōmu, rōjin, taiyō kare no ushiro de, kare no ōkan dake ga moete imasu. To midashi Minami-iki, kore made ni naku chikadzuite kuru josei purattofōmu no hashi,-kō no namida kanojo no middorifu, kyōkaku, kata, chikaku o yokogitte soshite, sono saiai no koto, kanzen-sei, kanojo no subete no kurayami ga ichido ni hikarimasu. The Koto music continued for a short while after the girl's song, and then silence took over. Rising from behind the instrument, the kimono clad princess moved to the center of the stage and bowed low once more. The concert was over, but Ikigai's nervousness was still rattling around inside her like a bird in a cage. Would they like her singing? Would they like her music? Would they tell her if they didn't? | "Tanuki" | "Ikigai" | "Willa" |

((Songs by Emily Brontë and Richard Meier))

Panic only watched on her own spot, away from the rest as she didn't feel like being around others. Her mother departed to join her cousin Chimera, and she didn't have a complain, her mother had done for them more than any mother, taught them and raised them with love despite her mother not being the most affectionate wolf out there. But she still felt lonely but of course she wouldn't make it clear in her face, it being cold, distant.

Then, the princess explained what she would do, to which she nodded quietly. And from that she began her act. In complete quietness the Klein observed, she listened. Impressed by the girl's voice. It was pretty, melodious, harmonic. And even for the cold Panic, it managed to send a good vibe into her chest. And when the pup finished, the grey wolf smiled at her and clapped her paws together. But said nothing, as she had no words to spare right now.

"Speech"

More figures joined the fold, strands of family-some close and others more distant- all coming together to watch the Princess' performance. The Shogun briefly glanced around, taking note of Takēshi's and Kitsune's absence. It was not mandatory, of course, but he thought they would have wanted to support their sister nonetheless. Not that it seemed to matter, from what Hattori could see Ikigai seemed content with the turn-out. And had even received a couple of gifts, a flower from Kuroki and some incense from her Grandmother. Two things she would no doubt gracefully accept.

And then it was time to begin.

He knew his daughter was talented, but her dedication to the craft shone through as clear as day as she began. Voice soft and  motions deft as she played her instrument. The rain gently pattered against the ground, the wind knocked together the bamboo stalks and her music accented it all perfectly, as though it belonged in nature itself.

With his family surrounding him...Hattori was content.

"Speech"

Ike wasn’t sure she had ever seen her sister look so perfect and elegant. Dual toned eyes were glued to her as she stepped delicately onto the stage. Like the perfect princess she was. Tears welled up in her eyes, from awe and jealousy both but she blinked them away as Iki glanced her way and thanked them all for coming. Ike took her tea and settled in against her father as Ikigai began her magical performance. The clumsy princess couldn’t believe how perfect the recital was. With the additional sounds of her companion’s efforts and the very voice of nature lending herself Shuriken was certain her sister was a deity. Just like they were taught about Abraxas, Ikigai couldn’t have been anything but a goddess born as her sister.

Kiyohime swayed along with her sister’s music, closing her eyes as she let herself get carried away by it all. It was really unlike anything she ever heard. The dogs were nowhere near this talented nor were the rest of her relatives with their normal paws. Iki was incredibly blessed, and hearing the music she couldn’t find it in her heart to feel envious. Only at peace with the sad song.

When it was all over there was almost a stunned silence before applause could be heard, with Kiyohime charging the way. She lifted herself to her haunches and her paw pads and talents collided together to make a unique round of applause. Ike had never been more proud of her sister, or sorry for herself.

"Kiyohime Shuriken Ōritsu Abraxas"

The Empress leaned against her Husband and Shogun as he appeared at her side and sat close. She maybe glanced proudly towards Kuroki as he settled his present and quietly took his place. She wasn’t sure she had ever seen him behave so well, but she was so grateful he realized his sister deserved the courtesy. Venom greeted Kiyo with a similar nod in return and caught a glance of the other guests as they arrived. This would turn out to mostly be a family affair, though she sorely missed Kit and Take’s presence, she was glad for the turnout to support her daughter.

Venom relaxed against Hattori’s side as the performance of a lifetime began. All part were played to perfection, and the addition of the heavy rain added to the experience. She gave many proud looked towards both Ikigai and Hattori as the performance went on. Venom knew her children were talented but her daughter performed at the level far exceeding any adult here. She was absolutely amazing, and Venom wasn’t sure she had ever felt more love for the talented girl. She really was everything that Venom hoped she wold become and more. A perfect child born from her loins.

A great sorrow blossomed from her chest as the songs ended and tears welled in her sunset gaze. Ikigai was amazing, better than she could have imagined. Venom applauded the loudest, and her grin beamed as she looked upon her accomplished child.

"Speech"

Plague settled in among the other attendees of the concert as they joined in and was pleased to see such a good turnout for his niece's concert. He was especially glad when Ike appeared next to him and leaned into his side, making him grin and lean over to press his nose to her cheek before looking back up at the stage in front of them. Ikigai soon began the show, looking stunning in the head dress and kimono she wore. It was all very foreign to what he was used to, but it was amazingly beautiful all the same. As the tea was distributed and the music began he found himself lost in it, enraptured and surprised by everything Ikigai did. Each part of the concert was lovely in its own way, each instrument holding a unique sound, but her singing caught him the most off guard. Her voice was rich and warm and it was almost hard to believe that this well rounded voice was coming from such a young girl. When it was all over he joined in with the rest of the audience with applauding the work she did, giving a wide, proud grin. He was always proud of anything his nieces and nephews did, but the concert was so unlike anything he had ever experienced that he was especially impressed by the entire thing.

Plague Abraxas-Destruction

It wasn’t long after her arrival that her granddaughter took her place on stage and immediately took her breath away. She wore and beautiful kimono and headdress that accentuated her in all the right ways and reminded her so much of the good parts of her homeland that tears immediately sprung to her ghostly gaze. The woman felt her lips tremble, but a happy smile curled at the edges. Already, she knew she was in for a treat. Tea was handed out by the companions as the rain began to fall harder, setting an ambiance that was perfect for the occasion. As Iki began the first notes, the Ghostly Goddess allowed her eyes to close as she simply basked in the beauty that was occurring in front of her. The girl was blessed, there was not a single doubt about it. A swell of pride threatened to burst through her chest as she thought even more about how hard the princess had worked to bring this all together and to play the tunes that were difficult for someone even as practiced as her. She was making it all her own, as she should have, and Kiyo felt their ancestors smiling down on them.

Then, it was finished, the last of the notes echoing into the air before resting in silence. It was silent for but a moment before applause erupted, but Kiyo did not applaud. Tears fell down her cheeks, but the look of utter warmth and affection she fixed on the girl would tell her all she needed to know about her support.

"Speech"

Doubt continued to ravage Ikigai's mind, but was cut down swiftly as the applause broke out from her family and packmates. A small, shuddering sigh of relief ghosted past obsidian lips and tears filled the girl's red rimmed eyes. She was blessed to have such support from those around her and she gave a deep bow of thanks to each and every one of them. The young lady's heart still hammered in her chest as the applause gradually died down. She felt that her concert was a great success, but she was humble about it. This had been her way to give back to the hard working members of the pack. A little relaxation time, a little music and a little tea. Tail and kimono slithering across the stone floor with an audible hiss, Iki made her way to where her parents sat. She dipped her head to them, the fringe of her headdress swaying with the action. "Thank you," she spoke softly, addressing her parents first. Only then did her mercuric gaze sweep over the crowd, lighting momentarily upon each face. "Thank all of you. So, so much." Another sweeping bow was given before Iki's nerves caught up with her. With a slightly delirious smile, the world began to get a little fuzzy. A few struggling blinks later, and the girl crumpled to the ground, unconsciousness quickly claiming her. | "Tanuki" | "Ikigai" | "Willa" |

It was moments like this that Kiyo never thought she’d be able to experience in her life, moments where she’d watch her granddaughter perform a beautiful, authentic ceremony from their homeland in the company of her other grandchildren, her son and her daughter-in-law. There had been a time in her life when it had been really unfathomable, but there she was, and the experience was far better than her wildest dreams.

Kiyo watched, eyes widening with a start, as Ikigai’s eyes suddenly rolled back into her head and she collapsed to the floor. The woman rushed forward, nose going to the girl’s neck to check her pulse. It was light and fluttery, but still strong. She sighed, looking over her shoulder to her son or grandsons. ”It seems the poor thing has passed out from nerves. Help me get her back to her room, I’ll get her some cool water to bring her around,” she said, silver gaze looking down at the unconscious princess. She offered an affectionate kiss to her forehead before she turned and made her way to the palace to get the herbs she needed.

"Speech"