It hadn't stopped raining since Hattori had first set foot in Auster. The soft rush of it filled his ears as the wind knocked together the towering bamboo stalks, so thick and dense all he could see ahead was a labyrinth of green. He'd already wandered its long and winding paths, had a vague idea of what route they needed to take but it would take some time before he knew the maze well enough to truly call it home. Looking upon it filled him with mixed emotions, thoughts of the past and rising ambitions clashed together like a storm raging against the coast. It would grow calm and settle in time, but for now there was much to be done. Too much for him to stand around and let nostalgia overtake him. What was done, was done.

First thing on the agenda was a thorough sweep of the maze. As far as Hattori was aware this land had never been claimed by a pack and thus it was likely a myriad of unwanted creatures called it their home. As they went he intended to leave trail markers, just to keep everyone on track and minimise the risk of taking a wrong turn before everyone got familiar with the maze. Living quarters needed to be established along with supply organisation and - the list went on and on. You get my point, there was LOTS to do.

Turning to the wolves that had gathered by his side, Hattori regarded them for a moment. If nothing else he was sure they'd be glad to get out of the rain and take full advantage of the shelter the bamboo would provide.

"There is much to be done. If you need a moment to rest, now is the time to take it." He knew they had travelled much in the past few days. He was firm but not unreasonable. "We shall be known as Tōjō-kai. Refer to me as Kaicho or Hattori. You may roam Auster and Boreas as you wish, but the clan's secrets are our own. What we do here is no one's concern." They would prosper in seclusion, do things their own way without regard for what everyone else thought. "If you find someone who wishes to join our clan then it is your responsibility to attest for them. Their actions will reflect upon you, so choose wisely."

That would do for now, he already felt as though he'd said enough.

"If you have any questions, ask them."

In the shade created by the Maze itself, the reclusive ghost felt far more comfortable. It was easier for her here. She can already feel the very nature of her solitary tendencies tugging at her stomach. They had their tasks, and Gin was eager enough to start. Eager to start, or eager to peel away from the group? Likely a bit of both. The ghost could disappear into the Maze for days undisturbed, unless there were injuries to tend or crises to handle. No, for now she would listen to what Hattori had to say.

What we do here is no one's concern. It's a comfort to Gin, and she follows his words with a nod. What she needs now isn't rest-- it's solitude. Meetings were stifling, anxiety inducing. Though on the surface she remains calm, it's tenuous. Her eyes flicker to the members of the pack. Tōjō-kai. They are the Tōjō-kai. In time, the ghost would learn to trust each of them, or at least she hoped. A knot lived in her stomach, and it would take a good while for it to untangle. As long as there was work to do, Gin could focus on that and not the thoughts that were rattling around in her brain.

Questions. Gin had them, but it would take her a moment to gather herself enough to voice them in front of the whole pack. "Are we using this as a meeting spot, at least temporarily?" If tasks were going to be doled out, it was important that they knew which marker to return to. Not only that, there was no telling what dangers lurked in the bamboo. The first thought in her mind was to set up at least a temporary infirmary. If anything bad was going to happen at least they'd be prepared, and the others would know where to return to.

Speech

After a good trot through the maze himself, and possibly getting lost a few times, Kuroo was ready for a break. It hadn't taken long to find the scent of Hattori and make his way with the rest of the pack toward a clearing. Opening up for enough space to fit all of them, he heaved a relieved sigh inwardly toward himself. With the shade of the towering bamboo over him giving a break from the pattering of rain, he turned his gaze over to the behemoth they would now call Kaicho. Listening with one ear forward, he wondered to himself how they'd ended up here. Both he and his brother had come to this island in search of their father and cousins. Not to join a pack. But they were. Now a part of the Tojo-kai as Hattori named it. It wasn't that he was disappointed. No, just surprised how life was taking a turn in their planned events. Secretly, he wanted to ask Hattori when a meeting with their father could be appointed, but that would be a conversation for another time. He had to prove himself first that he could be useful. Unlike his brother, he didn't really care to fight, but he could if needed. Already, Hattori had mentioned the need for wolves to fish and craft nets. That was more where his interests lay. Smiling softly, Kuroo stayed quiet until Gin's question was answered. Yes, indeed, they would need to know of permanent meeting space in case anything happened. Still, his body itched to get a move on and do something with his day. Turning his gaze toward their Kaicho, he allowed himself to speak finally. "No questions, but I think I'll go find some material to start crafting the nets to spread out in the water," Kuroo nodded firmly, trying his best to appear more mature than he had previously. His good-natured and slightly childish personality was always jumping at the bit and tended not to take things so seriously. It was how he got on in life not being so miserable all the time. With that, the splotched boy turned with a nod and a grin toward his brother before disappearing down a path that would lead toward the shore and Manatee Bay.

Ono Áskell

Áskell made note to set about crafting oil skins once they were settled. It seemed to rain all the time in this part of Auster and he knew it would take some time to get acclimated to the climate here. All the same he did not wish to be wet for an extended period of time. He followed Hattori through the maze, grateful to the bamboo for offering some shelter. He shook his pelt out and took a seat to listen to what their leader had to say. Áskell listened quietly, taking in the words and when Hattori, his Kaicho, was finished speaking he gave a short nod of his head. He understood and considered his words for a moment. "Kaicho, are we to make our dens here or do you have a specific location in mind?"

Speech

Usagi tilted his head upwards to meet the face of their new leader - the leader of their new pack. Some part of him was proud, but he didn’t show that, not in an arrogant manner anyways. He had found, within him and these other wolves, a home away from home. The aching for their homeland could be channeled into this new pack, one that suited exactly what he desired in their new life abroad. There was a refreshing sense of hope and belonging in the air even as torrents of rain poured down through the endless, massive stalks of bamboo. The once-uninhabited swath of land was now their home to claim, and even as the koi wolf padded after his brother with a scowl carving his lips, he felt a sense of hope that the pack would given him and his brother a place to find themselves, and perhaps that bastard of a father they had yet to meet. Though that would come in time - they had much to do. They needed to organize, make trail markers, borders..not to mention the predators and prey abound they needed to chase off or hunt. There was much to be done, they all knew that.

As the behemoth leader turned to them and began to speak, Usagi stood next to Kuroo, listening intently. Even as fat raindrops pelted his coat, soaking him to his skin, he flikced a flopped ear as he heard their leader’s words. They were the Tōjō-kai, and he was their kaicho. Familiar words that felt so relieving to hear again. He’d take care to remember that, repeating the pack’s name in his head as if he needed to believe they were truly here, all together. He didn’t mind the secrecy, as he had no interest in knowing other packs. He cared only for this one and protdcting their interests and members. Without much else he needed to ask, he simply dipped his head in acknowledgement, offering a simple, "I will go and begin surveying the place for predators to chase off, and hunt prey as I find it." If there was nothing else Hattori needed to add, he’d turn tofollow his brother, and then veer off further into the bamboo - careful not to stray too far yet from the trail markers. It wouldn’t do to get lost just yet.

Speech

wishing there was something left to lose

this could be the day i die for you—