There had been a lot of change for Hotate. Maybe it was something he should have been used to at such a young age, but he was generally reclusive or at least liked to appear so. He was just getting used to his half siblings before they moved to visit his father's family in Ashen. And now it was like a whole new world of relatives. It was overwhelming for him as much as he didn't show. But if anything, it was easy to tell how grumpy he was about life in general. Maybe a facade, or maybe he didn't really love all this attention from others. Who knew in these early stages of growing up.

He wandered out to the most desert looking place he had ever seen though still apart of Ashen. They had briefly made their way around here which is maybe why it caught his eye being so different from the usually grassy and plentiful prey areas he was used to, and in the west believe or not. There was still a whole world to explore.

Tate was at the top of the canyon, looking down at the formation of rocks and colors between them. And as summer was coming along the heat was starting to rise and bother him, but he tried not to let it as he showed some sort of curiosity for the land. More than he had ever shown before. He was sure he'd be turning back towards the ravine soon, just from the heat alone.

"Hotate"

Venom found the fact quite amazing that Kuroki’s children were all so different and unique. While the girls she had been allowed time with were sweet and innocent the boys so far were much more serious and independent. Especially Hotate. The Empress meandered to the redwater rocks behind him, not following the boy exactly but making it so that eventually their paths crossed.

Venom’s white gloved paws carried her to the edge of the canyon after him, looking out over both the lush forests that filled the rest of Ashen as much as the deserts that sprawled out before them. "You’re looking a little on the warm side, young man.” She observed off handedly. "Would you like to come explore the caverns with me? They’re much more comfortable than being under the hot sun. There might be some water to play in too.” She offered with a raised brow.

"Venom"

As the empress approached, he wasn't aware she had been nearby him at all. Though that didn't make him jump. He believed he was safe here in the pack lands, and he would soon learn in their travels. Though, he would probably never feel like he was in danger. At least not when he was with this big family they had all become.

His grandmother though, she seemed nice enough. He didn't have any complaints at least. Only a brow raised at first, but maybe she could see that little bit of curiosity brighten in his eyes when he looked back down into the canyon. Having a little adventure with her didn't seem so bad, but he couldn't show that. He stood up on four paws ready to follow, "Yeah, I guess." It was all a facade, maybe she could tell. He was rougher around the edges than most. Maybe his father had been like that, or maybe he was a far opposite.

"Hotate"

Venom both loved and hated how much the boy reminded her of his grandfather. Hattori may have left them but his impression would remain in their line for a very long time. The Empress would have to get used to seeing her once love in her grandchildren, but they were all so unique there were many other qualities of their own that would shine through.

However much the young boy wanted to seem disinterested his grandmother was much more observant than that. She had her fair experience with curious puppies and he couldn’t hide his interest as his gaze wandered down the caverns. His answer was very much his grandfather, and despite that, made Venom grin.

"Good.” She answered simply. Unlike his sister Hotate seemed fine in following after the Matriarch, "You can follow if you’d like, but it would be more fun if you took the lead.” Venom offered before she moved.

"Venom"

The small boy rose his nose slightly to look up at his grandmother with a bit of a raised brow. "Okay." Again, he wouldn't say how Venom could be growing on him. Letting him take the lead, that was pretty cool. He wouldn't say anything else as he turned and started to head towards the entrances of the caverns. Maybe a quick eye back behind him here and there to see his grandmother still there behind him.

It wouldn't be long, seconds, in the caverns before he started getting antsy. Well at least built up inside. He was holding back from saying something and it was all just his pride. Of course he was too cool for everyone, even adults. Kids could only hide so much. "Is there anything cool in here?" His tone may have come off as a little rude, but it was really a genuine question. He was ready for his grandmother to tell him of something, or point him in the direction. Exploring was fun of course, but right now it was just dark walkways. His mind told him there was surely a place of interest to find in here. But he also wanted to be there right now.

"Hotate"

Venom didn’t have to press very hard for the boy to take the lead from her. Venom would have taken that position, but if she knew anything about pups it was that they loved to forge their own path. No matter how much Hotate tried to hide that fact. He had to be cool and confident, it wasn’t cool to be too excited about exploring with his grandmother. Venom resisted the urge to bump his little rump as he overtook her and instead quietly reveled in the time he allowed her to spend with him.

They were only a few steps in before he spoke again, bored already of the unknown cavern as he asked after the points of interest they might find in here. "More than you could even see in a day.” She promised as they went along. "My suggestion is to use your sense of hearing and follow the sounds you like best.” She hinted at as white gloved paws carried them through the dimly lit cavern. Like his sister, Venom figured that the easiest and by far the most impressive sight to find was the waterfall and underground streams.

"Venom"