Winter had arrived and it came with a vengeance. The sky was grey and the wind carried a bitter chill as it ruffled Hattori's fur, reminding him that it would only get colder from here on out. The winters back in Nippon were as fierce as they came, rivalling the snowfall in the north of Boreas, so he was fully prepared for whatever was on the horizon. But could the same be said for Ashen? Venom's injury had healed remarkably well and though they hadn't spent all that much one on one time together as of late he could tell that she was back to full strength and just as spry. Black specs of sand clung to his paws as he padded upt he length of the beach, his steely gaze set on the horizon, his expression thoughtful. Having found a decent spot,  he settled upon a rocky outcrop, his toes curling against the cold stone he recalled the time Venom had challenged him to a spar, not long after he'd joined Ashen in her name. So much had changed since then, back then it had simply been a job but now whether he could put it into words yet or not it was evident that it was so much more.

Everything was changing and Hattori wasn't inclined to say it was for the worse. Not here in Boreas anyway.

Venom followed Hattori to the beach on the other side of the ocean to where the islands sat. There was often activity here, but the resources it held were still valuable if they could chase away the rabble. Her limp was completely gone now, her leg fully healed after a season of healing. She felt stronger than ever now that she was allowed to return to her paces. Hopefully the pack was ready for her return. There was life within Ashen, but much like her it seemed locked away to heal. Like the Ash it was named for the pack would rise again from their ashes.

With her eyes on the ocean, Venom reclined near Hattroi’s massive frame. Far enough apart to keep up with propriety. The Shogun reminded her twice now of their contract and she wouldn’t make him do so a third time. ”What are you thinking?” She asked softly, only barely audible over the sound of the ocean breeze.

Hattori's ears tipped forward at the gentle pitter patter of Venom's pale paws upon the dark sand. She had always been light on her feet, with the hiss of the ocean he was only just able to make her out and even then Hattori sensed that it was on purpose. Venom wanted him to know she was coming. He turned a little, acknowledging her presence with low dip of his head before his gaze returned to the horizon. The sun had not long set, the day was only just starting for Venom and amongst the first things on her agenda she'd chosen to seek him out. Her actions spoke volumes, more than they could say in words for now.

He hummed aloud at her question, as though to acknowledge he was indeed thinking.

"Even this far south the wind is cold. I believe this winter shall be a harsh one." He side glanced her and his gaze lingered for a moment before he blinked it away. "Did you sleep well?"

The young Empress was glad to stretch her legs again now that she had the all clear that her broken limb was whole. Bothering Hattori while he scouted nearby lands was a perfect return to her old duties. This place was also an important one, if they could manage to amass the resources to settle, the beach would be an excellent choice. With his presence here Venom wondered if Hattori felt the same way.

For a long moment she wanted to argue the validity of his argument out here. Outside Ashen’s borders did they remain to be master and subordinate? Venom already knew the answer so quieted herself and her inner desires as Hattori answered her question.

The winder coming would be difficult on the pack. Already it descended upon them with a vengeance, and they weren’t even half through the season. He followed up with a question of his own. Venom bit back her first off the cuff answer for something more appropriate. Somehow saying that it would have been better with him beside her wouldn’t help anyone’s situation. ”Well enough. It’s easier now without a splint.” The young Empress confessed as she shifted her position on the sand, as though she were restless from holding herself back too stringently.

”You know, I haven’t gotten to truly test my leg since its been healed.” Venom spoke cryptically, something she avoided with Hattori the majority of the time. ”Would you care to help me?” Her eye gained a mischievous glint as she flashed her teeth at him.

Despite the difficulty and frustrations of it all Venom had been patient and thus was now reaping the benefits of her actions, or inaction he supposed. His own injuries had held him back for quite some time, too long, resulting in him limping into Boreas half dead on his paws. But that was in the past, they were both stronger and wiser for it, ready to face whatever the future may bring. Together.  He was content to sit there and converse but it seemed as though his Empress had something else in mind, he turned in his seat and blinked at her suggestion, as though questioning whether she had the ability to read his mind.

He got to his paws and stepped down from the stony platform. She hadn't outright asked him to spar but he could infer her meaning well enough, if this was what she wanted then so be it. Rolling his shoulders, Hattori craned his neck this way and that as he limbered up. The last thing he wanted was to cramp or stiffen up, it was better to take a moment to stretch beforehand then risk pulling something. He stood tall and his gaze locked with Venom's as he nodded to her, making his consent clear.

"After you."

Venom was thankful to finally have her freedom returned, she’d never been so happy to get out of the territory. Being fully healed and fully capable had never been so appreciated, but you never really knew what you had until it was gone. She could much better take on the challenges that would come at them in the future, and for now she would take comfort in Hattori being beside her. Thinking about the spring brought both excitement and nervousness. What if he took another contract somewhere else and left her? What if instead of indulging with her Hattori decided to leave and never look back?

She tried not to dwell on those thoughts, he’d told her again and again and more importantly he showed her his loyalty. Venom didn’t have anything to worry about, but uncertainty always seemed to weigh on her. For now though she could focus on Hattori and the thrill that went through her as he accepted her challenge. The massive man slipped from their perch and readied himself as he offered her first move. He was doing much better about reading her mind these days. If he wanted to he could take all the information she’d given him to turn around and topple the Empire just as easily as he was helping to build it.

Venom shook the thought from her mind just as she shook out her pelt. Similarly to Hattori she limbered up before beginning her attack. Venom would give no warning as she aimed to attack. Going right for him Venom aimed to wrap her jaws around his throat as she put her weight into her back legs and reared up to wrap her arms around his shoulders and sink her sharp cat claws into his neck.

Venom Klein Abraxas vs Hattori for Dominance
Round 1 of ?
Age: 1+
Size: Extra large
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Knife bracers
Defensive Battle Accessory: Condor Helmet
Companion 1: Malabar Giant Squirrel, Male - Battle - Boosted
Mutation 1: Cat claws - Offensive
Mutation 2: Quills - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Bard

Venom said nothing nor did she need to. She sprung into action with a double pronged attack, aiming for his throat with her teeth and the back of his neck with her claws. She'd gone for a similar approach last time and so Hattori sort of knew what to expect, but given the intent behind the spar he didn't other think it and simply relied on reflexes to get the job done.  Meeting her head on in the middle, Hattori raised up one paw to bat her muzzle away, though he did make a point of angling his talons so that he would not leave a mark. Not only would it deny her grabbing a hold of his throat but it would also deny her the positioning she'd need to wrap her limbs around his neck. Simply put, she was trying to get close and he was denying her that luxury. For now at least.

Till Spring perhaps.



Hattori Hanzō vs Venom for dominance
Round 1/?
Age: over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Tanto
Defensive Battle Accessory: Shinobi cuirass
Companion 1: Asian Golden Cat, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Mountain hawk-eagle, Male - Flying
*Companion 3: Akita, Male - Battle
Mutation 1: Eagle talons - Offensive
Mutation 2: Antelope horns - Offensive
Mutation 3: Reinforced bones - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Cooperative

Maybe the Empress was slightly too predictable in her attacks, but she trusted in her teeth and claws. Hattori expected her, and raised a paw to defend himself. He threw her off balance and as she fell to the ground she barely got her feet underneath her. She used what she’d been given. Going high didn’t work so she went low. Venom aimed to rise up and tackle him from below. Her arms aimed around his ribcage instead as her pretty teeth went for his scruff. If she could manage a good hold maybe she could topple him over into the sand. Though she was out for victory her sunset gaze shone bright with joy. She couldn’t hide her enjoyment of her movement unhindered and the feeling of adrenaline that raced through her veins as she sparred with Hattori. Focused as she was the deep seated feeling of attraction tugged at her gut, and she smiled through her attempted bite.

Venom Klein Abraxas vs Hattori for Dominance
Round 2 of 2
Age: 1+
Size: Extra large
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Knife bracers
Defensive Battle Accessory: Condor Helmet
Companion 1: Malabar Giant Squirrel, Male - Battle - Boosted
Mutation 1: Cat claws - Offensive
Mutation 2: Quills - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Intellectual
Specialty: Bard

His hit landed and her sense of balance wavered. she was down but certainly not out. He saw the glint in her eye, the coiling of her muscles in her limbs and he knew with unshakable certainty she was up to something. He tensed in preparation just as she lashed out, quick as a viper strike, and made a yet another grab for him. Given her angle and positioning he couldn't simply knock her away this time and thus he deemed it time to use a little more force, but not too much. No blood would be shed today, or ever in regards to their little spars.

Using the bulk of his weight he shouldered his way though her attempted grab. He heard a soft ooof pass from her lips as he forced her back down onto the sand, with limbs tangled and the wind knocked out of her. He could have left it at that, she wasn't in much of a position to retaliate but as far back as he could remember he'd always been taught to finish the job. Or at the very least to ensure his opponent could not strike back at him when his back was turned or his attention elsewhere. And so instead of leaving her be, Hattori stepped forward and pressed his paw against the dark length of her throat, with just enough pressure to make his point.

"I believe this makes it two-zero." He rumbled from above her, just a hint of amusement bleeding into his voice.

Hattori was a fool if he believed that Venom would go down and give up with one bat of his paw. Of course he wasn’t one to make assumptions. Venom was an author in her own demise as the power that was put into her leap only helped the shoulder that was very suddenly at her chest. Hattori shifted slightly and the pair of them worked in tandem to drive the wind from her lungs. She couldn’t help the sound of anguish as Hattori collided with her and her smaller frame was returned towards the ground.

Her shoulders landed and her head bounced off the sand, dazing her as she sucked in her breath from the hit. Before she could do anything Hattori pinned her skillfully. Sunset gaze widened as she struggled for breath and he leaned against her delicate throat. Again he bested her, proving his superiority as he held her down. Venom relaxed her body against the sand and submitted to his show of dominance.

She was breathless, but still felt that same electric pull that had taken over the first time the sparred and he had his fangs against her neck. Venom wondered if Hattori had any clue what he was doing to her now or before. ”Hattori,” her voice was a soft whine as she fought for breath. Her heart hammered against her chest and her skin burned where he held her. She fought against the feelings as she chanted her resolve internally, spring would come. ”You’ve bested me again.”

Where were his manners? Hattori was quick to step away and dip his head both in deference and an apology. It was one thing to best her in a spar and another to rub her nose in it. To his ears she sounded winded, a little on edge and Hattori diverted his stare to the grainy black sand between them. He knew she was no wilting flower, she was made of sterner stuff, but still it seemed as though he'd forgotten himself or at the very least gotten a little carried away. Which was unusual for him, given that he had always been a man of restraint. To go from a life of repetitious bloodshed to one of relative peace had been harder on his system than he cared to admit, it seemed. That or Venom was proving to be quite the distraction, one that he'd likely underestimated.

"Yes. Are you well?" He asked with furrowed brows, an outright frown even.

Venom barely uttered his name and Hattori was lifting himself from her thin frame. She breathed in heavily, but swiftly managed to catch her breath as soon as he released her. The young Empress didn’t shift for a long moment, her back pressed to the sand and her white gloved paws resting at her chest as the Shogun sought after her health. She took in another deep breath and rolled to her feet away from Hattori.

Sunset gaze closed tight as she shook out her pelt and shook out the lingering desire that refused to leave her be despite her second given warning. They were in a professional relationship and the lines were better left uncrossed. Especially if he decided that Ashen was no longer where his contract should be based. Venom tried not to think about him leaving the Empire, but a leader should be prepared for every eventuality. However much she desired his freedom and every moment that would entail.

She gave herself another smaller shake to set her fur and quills in their proper place before she returned her attention to Hattori. All evidence of his effect on her neatly removed. ”I’m fine, a fair test to my leg.” Venom returned as she straightened herself and swept any semblance of hurt pride into the sand. ”I expected nothing less.”

Hattori watched on in silence, his steely gaze stuck to Venom's form as he searched for any signs of lingering soreness. He had been none to gentle and he wouldn't be surprised if he'd given her a bruise or two but the thought of cause her pain truly did not sit well with him. Even then she had a point when she admitted she knew what she was getting into, if he'd been able to floor her when recovering from several injuries then it without that saying his performance today would be better than it had been last time. Besides, if she claimed that she was well he had no choice but to believe her.  Which wasn't to say he thought she was lying, regretfully he knew what she looked like when she was in pain and this was not it. Despite the lingering specs of black sand that remained on her coat she still managed to give off an air of poise and grace, as though she'd simply been out on a stroll down the beach.

Deciding to not linger too long on that topic, Hattori followed suit and shook out his coat, relaxing his muscles as his heart rate continued to slow to a resting beat.

"I am glad you approve." He dipped his head just a little, more of a nod than an outright bow. "Is this all you sought me out for?" If that was the case then he had his own concerns to address, in time. For now for the floor was hers, she would weak and Hattori would listen.

Hattori returned to his watchful stance, but she didn’t miss the way he looked her over for any injury. The thought brought a slight smirk as she lifted her head and returned to duty. They rightened their pelts and shook off any distracting feelings before returning to present day. Unlike Hattori, Venom had much more difficulty putting her heart to rest, but she did her best to hide any hint the nervous feeling remained. Her emotions were much easier to hide with the chill of winter.

Hattori was quick to seek out the next topic, but since she found him here likely they were already on the same page. Venom lowered herself to her haunches, wrapping her dual toned tail around her hips as she made herself comfortable. ”I’m certain you’re aware of how full the ranks have gotten recently. Especially with the addition of new pups.” That particular topic was still difficult to touch on, thinking about her own duty to the Empire and her family name. She’d read the signs as best she could, and she knew now was not the right time for her. But in the future? ”We have to expand Ashen’s borders.”

Hattori settled on his haunches, his gaze lingering on the horizon as he listened intently to Venom's words. He had suspected she had a more concrete reason to seek him out and it seemed as though he'd been correct, that there was much on her mind she wished to discuss. On that note he couldn't say he was all that surprised that her line of thought was close to his own, that she took her role as Empress seriously and took all things into consideration. Though it had not been his place to say at the time, Hattori had questioned whether it had been prudent to allow both Hela and Toxicity to have litters. Furthering the Klein name was good and all except that it didn't seem to amount to much these days, just more of a strain on Ashen's numbers and resources.  But it was too late to do anything about it now, as Venom said they would have to be mindful from here on out.

"I am aware, yes." Organising an expansion would require a lot of time and even more resources. Far more than they had stored away. Gathering them alone would take far too long, if she wished to speed up the process they would need to take a more aggressive approach. He paused then, recalling Venom mentioning raids when they first met. "Raiding would streamline the resource gathering process." He turned to look at her, wondering what she would make of his statement.

Hela’s puppies hadn’t been expected, in the scheme of things Venom was only just beginning to get her bearings when she’d realized her aunt was pregnant. At the time it hadn’t been a big deal, nor had she thought about it when Toxicity had admitted her plan for her first litter. Venom would keep an eye on Hela, there would be repercussions if another pregnancy happened without her approval. Ashen didn’t have the room anymore, and when it came to Klein genes versus Abraxas, and her own eventual offspring, the decision as to who was more important came with no thinking.

Hattori continued the conversation, he was aware as she was about the state of their resources and the swelling of their ranks. They had little room to offer anyone solace. He continued, and took the words right out of her mouth. One of the only ways to expand their influence was resource gathering. Raiding. Making their name more well known in the lands and creating more for themselves. Making more room for the future. Venom got a mischievious glint in her eye and her dark lips pulled back slightly to reveal her pearly teeth as she flicked her forked tongue in amusement. ”We’ll just have to prove our greatness. Late winter… Spring…” It seemed like this winter would last forever as the uncertainty of spring steadily approached. Would Hattori remain at her side after their contract was over? Or would she have to start again from the beginning when he left her?

Hattori side eyed Venom. At face value he agreed with what she was saying, wholeheartedly, but her tone and the emphasis on the seasons was a subtle nod he barely picked up. What was she getting at? He understood that she was impatient, that no woman liked to wait, but in his eyes it was well and truly for the best. Still, she left him at a loss for words. Hattori was not the sort who needlessly repeated himself and the more he lingered on the topic the easier it was for his subdued feelings to bring themselves to the forefront of his mind. Had he been the cunning sort he would have no doubt sought out loopholes, ways to get around their contract but his word was his bond. He would do as he was told till their time was up...after then, well he had some thoughts.

After a long moment of silence he finally rumbled in agreement.

"I must ask you this. When Spring arrives what would you have me do?"

He wanted it plain and clear, no hints or insinuations. Being the sort of man he was, he could only come to a conclusion when he had all the facts and information laid out before him. He needed to know.

The pair of them fell into a comfortable silence as they spoke, the looming ed of the contract, what to do to bring Ashen glory and expansion, the feelings they were both suppressing for the greater good. It was a lot for one wolf, and though she had him so close it was hard to imagine bearing the weights some of these thoughts brought with him. Hattori did eventually speak again, but not on the coming raids like she expected. Venom couldn’t help but bring her attention swiftly back to his features as she tried to fully understand his request. Did he truly want to hear her desires?

”I don’t want you to go,” she started off safely enough, her voice a little hesitant but she showed she believed every word. The young Empress felt her heart begin to jump around in her chest, beating like crazy as she formed the words in her mind. She wanted to say them, and she’d been wanting to say them but how? How would he take them, would he deny her again as he’d already done before? This was after his contract was through, when he regained his ‘freedom.’

Venom felt herself go breathless, but her sunset gaze found his liquid silver eyes and she spoke her desires. ”I would have you make me your wife.” The words were a whisper on her dark lips, but she had no doubt he heard every one. She knew what she wanted now, she made her decision, and she wanted Hattori.

Hattori watched the waves for a long and lingering moment before his gaze wandered to the archipelago, with each island so very different from the last. Could he walk away from Ashen? Yes, undoubtedly so. But that didn't mean he wanted to, that whether he liked it or not he had formed a some sort of attachment to this place and to the Empress that sat by his side. The prospect of remaining here was not an unpleasant one, even with the end of his contract looming overhead there was still much to do be done and he'd never been the sort to live a job unfinished. But where would the new line be drawn? Their relationship, once propriety permitted it, would surely come to a head and he wasn't quite sure-

Ah.

To be frankly honest this was not the first marriage proposal he had received, if you could even call it that. Usually he swatted the request aside with such a blatant lack of interest that it was enough to stop most families from pushing the matter further but this time was different. It was....he did not find the idea displeasing. From an impersonal, political point of view he saw that there was much he could gain from this arrangement, but was that all this would amount to? A cold and unfeeling marriage, not unlike the one his mother was trapped in? But Venom, for one reason or another, desired him to the extent where she was willing to put it out in the open like this. Words that could not be taken back, even if she wished it were so.

"I see." He said, it wasn't as if he was in a position to say much else.

Silence lingered between them as silence hing for a long moment. Venom didn’t know what she was expecting out of him. A more decisive answer than the one that Azure had given her at least. The words that did leave Hattori’s mouth revealed nothing, but if she was honest that was no great surprise. She knew she could see his devotion to her, the pack, these lands. He didn’t want to leave Ashen. He was pouring his heart and soul into the Empire as much as she was, that was why he’d gained such a high rank, why it was so easy to give him power. That was why she was able to trust him so.

From the very beginning Venom had been upfront and forward with how she felt and what she wanted, yet here she was again on the cusp of his reminder that there was a contract between them. Contract or no she would speak of the future, and one that included his life tied to hers. They were bold and blunt, but they were not orders and Hattori could clearly see that. He’d asked a question and she gave him her answer.

Venom’s sunset gaze hadn’t left the islands on the horizon, despite the topic that hung between them. The Shogun would do as he pleased come Spring. Her chest tightened, but she showed no outward signs of the strange and fighting emotions beneath. The young Empress knew what she was getting into with the shinobi, and she wouldn’t lament when she was given exactly as she desired. Would he go and seek out another contact? Would he create another with Ashen? Would he take her paw? Silver tipped ears fell to her skull as she raced through scenarios and thoughts, and willed herself not to press the issue until it was time.

She forced herself to look back to Hattori, afraid she’d crack from the forces within. Her heart raced, but she took a steadying breath. ”Of course, you’ll be free to make your own choices.” Venom eventually commented, not sure where a conversation like this might go beyond silence. She didn’t want to leave on such an unresolved note. She couldn’t keep her eyes on him though, and she tensed as she averted her gaze to her dark cat like toes.