Though I love her any way, I find

Open for any Dynasty Wolves! | Nomad Skill <3

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As she continued exploring the mountains, Aika found herself keeping her eyes open for a place that she liked; somewhere that would be suitable for her, and for the Dynasty. Maybe once she found a good spot, she'd be able to lead Izumi to where the spot was! Yes, and then Aika would be able to make everyone proud! It was a perfect plan, and while the spot she came across now looked nice, the distant pack-scent rubbed her the wrong way, followed by the other packs just north of it.

Tilting her head back in a howl, Aika would call for the company of any Fujiwara Dynasty members who may be nearby; hopefully someone who could lead the way between these cliffs and make sure that the lady didn't fall to her death, and preferably someone who was brave enough to keep her going. Aika could be quite the wuss sometimes, even though she'd literally faced death – and came back – before. @Jinx's words rung in her skull;

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"–ya died and was brought back, now you can breathe and eat and even talk again […] though I wouldn't go 'round, testing if that could happen again if I was you."

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Y'know, maybe she should just . . . get down. With a small whine, Aika tried to trace her way back down to the flat surface, though found herself looking down over edges that seemed so deep– the girl took a deep, shaky breath. This was terrifying, and scary, and she shouldn't of came up here in the first place . . . but she could make it. Aika tipped her head back in another howl; someone, please come save me. Because the naïve little siamese thought she could've done it herself.

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Call it intuition, but upon seeing Aika slip away from the gathering, he had felt a curious impulse to follow her.

From a safe distance, of course. The little she-wolf was the spitting image of Izumi in many ways, presumably a relation of some kind - likely a sibling - but she carried herself with markedly less confidence than the crane, picking her way along the jagged peaks with the air of one who expected a tragedy at every turn. He wondered why she had ventured out so far, especially so deep within lands that held a lingering pack-scent upon them, but chalked it up to simple inexperience and the wanderlust of one who sought new horizons.

Osamu carefully wound his way around the rocky outcroppings after her, muscles tensing and bunching with each wayward step. This was certainly no place for a maiden with as little know-how as she.

It seemed Aika had come to the same conclusion in time, and tipped her head back to utter a howl of defeat, clearly requesting aid in her venture - the warrior sighed, then, a quiet, defeated sort of noise as it eked out from his great lungs, and bolstered himself to come to her rescue.

She howled again.

“You need not keep calling,” he called after her, expertly traversing the edge of the cliffs. Luckily he was no stranger to heights, and had scaled many mountains and rock-faces in his time; as long as one did not look down and dwell, it was fairly easy work. “I am one of Izumi's.”

The warrior did not explain how he had come so quickly at her request, nor did he offer any information as to his trailing her - he simply appeared and offered assistance when needed, as was his nature.

He strode up to her with the confident ease of an old sage, radiating an aura of assurance and the silent, unspoken words, I've got you.

Osamu motioned with his head.

“Continue forward; the path is easier ahead. It is not far.”

Following behind her in the event she should fall, he made an effort at conversation to try and take her mind off of the perilous ascent.

“You must also be one of her kin. I am Osamu - a recent recruit.”

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Luckily, she wasn't alone for too long, and a voice behind her almost caused her to jump out of her skin, pummeling over the edge, yet a certain instinctual reaction only made her freeze and tense up further; “You need not keep calling,” His voice was soothing, in a way, and Aika found herself tilting her head to try and get a look at him. She smiled wearily, brows creasing in a worried – and yet, pathetically polite – thank you.

“I am one of Izumi's.” Ah, so the scent among this pelt hadn't been lying; Aika smiled at his words, though could not dare to speak just yet. All she would give was a blink and a nod, tail straightening out to keep herself balanced among the thin trail. “Continue forward; the path is easier ahead. It is not far.” Okay, yes, she could do that. Stalking forwards, the princess just had to try and make sure that she kept her feet close to her body, and that the Samurai wasn't trying to seal her fate among these jagged stones.

Soft paws behind her gave her reassurance, though also made her anxiety peak; what if he pushed her off? “You must also be one of her kin. I am Osamu - a recent recruit.” “おさむ様、お世話になりました。” — "Thank you for your aid, Osamu–Sama." She said quietly, her tone self-soothing in her mother-tongue, of which she assumed Osamu to understand. If not . . . well, she'd just have to repeat herself. Sigh.

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Her voice was light and gentle in tone, but he could smell her fear-scent as strongly as an acrid perfume lingering upon his nose. Well, it was no matter. He supposed he was a bit frightening to an unsuspecting lady, appearing out of seemingly nowhere and having only his word to trust in such a precarious position - but he did not falter, and stayed upon the path some two tail-lengths behind her.

He did not know how to reassure the woman without offending her.

She spoke, then, in the language he was most familiar with from a time gone by, and which he was quite surprised to find so many wolves speaking - he did not realize canines might possess different dialects.

"どういたしました。," — You are welcome he said in a low tone, observing her paw-steps carefully lest she suddenly stumble. His reflexes were quick enough that he knew he would be able to catch her in the unfortunate event of a fall, but it was always well to be prepared. "でもおさむ様とは呼ばないでください。 私はあなたの駅の上にいません-それは私があなたの名前を持っているかもしれない場合は、そのようにあなたに対処すべき私です。" — But please do not call me Osamu-sama. I am not above your station - it is I who should address you as such, if I may have your name.

Osamu continued on in silence for a little while, feeling the wind brush against the long fur of his cheeks as he realized how chilly it had become. The morning had set in, bathing the land around them with hazy golden hues, but it felt weak against the sharp bite of coming winter.

He studied the woman curiously.

"何がこの崖にあなたをもたらしたのですか？" — What brought you to these cliffs? he asked suddenly, impulse winning over manners in this instance. It did not seem like a good place to find anything of use - prey or water or even a place to stay.

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"どういたしました。" His low words brought her back to reality as her thoughts of impending doom spiralled and circled round her, just as the mountains below did. Aika floundered and fumbled, trying to find secure footing against the weak stone; they were close, almost there, and Aika found herself brightening up at the prospect of safety, and solid ground. "でもおさむ様とは呼ばないでください。 私はあなたの駅の上にいません-それは私があなたの名前を持っているかもしれない場合は、そのようにあなたに対処すべき私です。" “あなたはおそらく私が会った唯一の男であり、より高いタイトルを拒否します,” — "You are probably the only man I've met who refuses a higher title," She hummed curiously. “私は愛華です。 明らかでなければ泉と私は姉妹です。” — "I am Aika. Izumi and I are sisters, if it wasn't obvious." The lady chuckled in a friendly manner, flicking her tail.

Silence spread between the two, and Aika felt herself rushing ahead, suddenly unwary of the long fall that could behold her if she threatened to take a single step in the wrong direction – scissors already posed upon her thread of fate. The wind was cold and cruel, whipping past the two with such force that the lady wasn't sure whether she'd be able to stay atop the stone for long. She just had to try. She had to push forwards. "何がこの崖にあなたをもたらしたのですか？" “私は王朝に適した場所を見つけようとしています。 泉に誇りを持ってもらいたいだけです . . . 私は彼女のために十分になりたい、あなたが知っていますか？ 彼女は今皇后です。 私は自分の価値を証明する必要があります。” — "I'm trying to find a place suitable for the Dynasty. I just want Izumi to be proud of me . . . I want to be good enough for her, you know? She's an empress now. I need to prove my worth."

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Aika stumbled, a quick, heart-stopping moment, and Osamu was at her side in an instant, bolstering her up with his great, grey shoulder. He worried she might grow too confident, now, and he would have a difficult time explaining to Izumi the nature of her death should she plummet - much less within his company. He was supposed to be a protector, after all, and it would reflect very poorly on his abilities should he bring back the Empress's sister as a corpse.

Osamu breathed a sigh of relief as the Fujiwara woman righted herself again, traipsing forward with a sudden spurt of energy. Adrenaline or nerves or both, whatever it was, he found he had to quicken his own pace to keep up. Gods forbid she fall...

She seemed amused by his refusal of her former honorific, humming lightly under her breath as she turned it over, but to that he had nothing to say.

His failures were not deserving of such titles. No; if he were to ever regain his status, his honor, then he must earn it back again, one day at a time until he was at last worthy once more.

"私は家族の似ているのを見ることができました," — I could see the family resemblance he said in his grand monotone, still carefully watching her steps. There was no doubt in his mind that the pair were related, but it was respectful to ask anyway - assuming could have dire consequences, insulting the other party at worst.

“私は王朝に適した場所を見つけようとしています。 泉に誇りを持ってもらいたいだけです . . . 私は彼女のために十分になりたい、あなたが知っていますか？ 彼女は今皇后です。 私は自分の価値を証明する必要があります。” — "I'm trying to find a place suitable for the Dynasty. I just want Izumi to be proud of me . . . I want to be good enough for her, you know? She's an empress now. I need to prove my worth."

Osamu coughed lightly, trying not to sound offensive.

"私は彼女がすでにあなたを誇りに思っていると確信しています," — I am sure she is already proud of you he began cautiously, feeling his muscles tense as Aika increased her speed over the rocks yet again. "しかし、この土地には余韻のあるパックの香りがあることに注目しており、泉様が死体を誇りに思うことはないと思います。" — However, it has come to my attention that there is a lingering pack-scent upon this land, and I do not think Izumi-sama will be proud of a corpse.

The samurai leapt across a narrow gap, feeling the edge of the ravine give way beneath one of his hind-paws as he did, little rocks crumbling into the steep drop below.

"私の女性は、私は減速をお勧めします -" — My lady, I would suggest slowing down -

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She almost slipped- Almost fell, though Osamu was quick to come up behind her and support her in case of a proper fall, though she was quick to resume her footing amongst the rock once more. He gave a sigh of relief before speaking again, and Aika hummed, listening; "私は家族の似ているのを見ることができました," Well, yes, that made sense. Obviously, they looked quite alike; they were almost identical, besides the eyes. They were sisters. They were Fujiwaras, expected to hold up the utmost amount of respect and dignity.

"私は彼女がすでにあなたを誇りに思っていると確信しています," Oh. Um. “本当に . . ?” — "Really . . ?" She whispered quietly, ears pulling back as her eyes teared up for a moment. She didn't know a simple statement could both feel so good, and yet . . . hurt so, so much. Aika had to resist the tears, trying to absorb them back into her eyes, if such a skill were even possible. "しかし、この土地には余韻のあるパックの香りがあることに注目しており、泉様が死体を誇りに思うことはないと思います。" Ah, that made her laugh. The girl gave a soft chuckle, looking back up as she grew closer. One more bound, and she'd be there. Solid ground, her beloved.

And he spoke again, this time advising her safety; "私の女性は、私は減速をお勧めします -" “何？ しかし、我々はほとんどそこにいる！ もう一つのバインド、および–” — "What? But we're almost there! One more bound, and–" And with that, she leapt, wincing for a split second as her claw scraped against the stone. She was sent tumbling against thin grass, though on flat earth nonetheless. Jumping back up, she let out a victorious cry, looking over to Osamu. She had to resist using her favourite Honorific. “さあおさむ! ちょうどジャンプ！ あなたはそれを作るでしょう！” — "Come on, Osamu! Just jump! You'll make it!"

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Luckily, Aika's back was turned against the samurai, so he did not see the tears that welled up and threatened to spill down her soft cheeks. He would not have judged her either way, of course; it was upon the fairer sex to harbor such turbulent emotions, and she would have been allowed her privacy to weep regardless had she succumbed to the impulse. Matters of family were complicated at best, and he did not know the subtle nuances of her relationship with the crane - only that her sister's approval meant a great deal to the other.

Osamu frowned.

Did he have... a sibling...?

Why could he not remember?

Shaking the thought away, finding it too distracting, he carried on dutifully behind the ink-splashed Fujiwara, careful to ensure that she set the pace and that he did not overtake her too quickly. Emotion had slowed her for only a few moments, however.

"何？ しかし、我々はほとんどそこにいる！ もう一つのバインド、および–" — "What? But we're almost there! One more bound, and–"

Osamu felt his jaw clench, the rest of his body coiled like a snake should she miss her mark - but the she-wolf was steadier on her paws than he had initially surmised, and she cleared the gap with only a minor mishap that sent her sprawling across the grass like a pup still learning its legs. He felt himself exhale in relief, ears twitching back of their own accord.

Clearly he would have his work cut out for him with this Fujiwara clan of strong-willed women.

Aika barked her victory, sending a few nearby birds soaring into the sky with the force of her triumph. Osamu glanced around quickly, checking to see if any wolves belonging to the distant pack-smell would make an appearance - but all remained quiet, save for the insistent call of his charge.

"さあおさむ! ちょうどジャンプ！ あなたはそれを作るでしょう！" — "Come on, Osamu! Just jump! You'll make it!"

A younger warrior might have rolled his eyes, but he had lived through more than forty winters in his previous life, and he took her childish encouragement in stride. Feeling the muscles of his shoulders and haunches bunch, he crouched, quickly assessed the distance, and leapt with the practiced ease of a modern ballet dancer, landing with a hard thud as all four paws hit the ground upon the other side.

Osamu shook away the remaining tension before taking stock of their surroundings.

"あなたの妹はどんな家を探していますか？" — So what sort of home is your sister looking for? he asked, feeling again that they should not be here, specifically. "そして、藤原氏の中には何人いるのでしょうか？" — And - how many of the Fujiwara clan are there, if I may ask?

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Oh, woah, he was really good. Osamu leapt, landing much more gracefully on the grass than she had, and speaking almost immediately; "あなたの妹はどんな家を探していますか？" That was . . . a good question. Somewhere that reminded her of home, certainly, but also somewhere with food and water readily available would be good for general survival reasons. “まあ . . まだよくわからないんだけど。 家を思い出させるどこか、本当に、だけでなく、私たちが生き残ることができる何か？” — "Well . . . I don't really know yet. Somewhere that reminds me of home, really, but also something that we can survive in?"

"そして、藤原氏の中には何人いるのでしょうか？" Funny, was he scared of another incident like this, or one where it went even worse and he would have to end up dragging a corpse back to Empress Izumi? Aika chuckled.

“ハハ、まあ、私と私の兄弟がいます。泉、–あなたは彼女を知っています、明らかに–光、そして太郎、そして藤原のものではない人がいます。

今のところ私はほのかと再会しただけですが、私は前にいくつかの他の人を見たと思います。 私の記憶はそうです . . . 遠い” — "Haha, well, there's me and my siblings; Izumi, – you know her, obviously – Hikari, and Taro, and then there's people who aren't Fujiwara's. So far I've only reunited with Honoka, though, but I think I saw some others before. My memories are . . . distant."

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He seemed amused by her response. Though she was close to his own age at four winters, she still spoke with a girlish vagueness, a kind of impetuous innocence that added a wistful air to her speech. She only half-responded to his questions, provoking him into inquiring further.

"それは'家'を思い出させるそれであるか。" — What is it that reminds you of 'home'? he asked, quirking his brow inquisitively. Perhaps she needed more encouragement to aid in her fading memories. "家は、私にとって、桜の香りと米の無限のフィールドです。" — Home, for me, is the scent of cherry blossoms and endless fields of rice.

Aika merrily went on to outline the remainder of their family tree, against which Osamu betrayed little by his expression - however, there were many, many more Fujiwaras than he had anticipated.

His future looked... busy.

Chaotic.

The warrior bolstered himself, knowing he had pledged his fealty and could not rescind it now. Izumi and those of her kin all fell under his protection, and he would follow through with all the dignity and honor of the samurai he once was.

"あなたはすべて一度にここで目を覚ましましたか？" — Did you all awaken here at once? he inquired, unknowing if this was a sensitive topic or not.

His ears twitched, and he looked around furtively again - a sound in the distance had disturbed him, and he did not wish to be caught unawares.


"ついて来い ここでは、一つの場所に滞在することは安全ではありません。" — Follow. It is not safe to stay in one place, here.

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"それは'家'を思い出させるそれであるか。家は、私にとって、桜の香りと米の無限のフィールドです。" Ah, that sounded nice. Aika hummed, as if she had to truly debate, though as soon as Osamu asked such a question, she immediately knew her answer; “家–私のために、とにかく-どこか秘密と美しいです;自然にそれの住民を保護することができます避難所,ライラックと紫の森で飾ら;藤の木,私たちに私た, 藤原。” — "Home – for me, anyway – is someplace secret and beautiful; a haven that can naturally protect its inhabitants, decorated with forests of lilac and violet; Wisteria Trees, which give us our namesake. Fujiwara."

She hummed pleasantly, slowly loitering around the flat grass. Which way now? "あなたはすべて一度にここで目を覚ましましたか？" Ooh, good question. Aika assumed that Taro had awoken at least some moments after her, and thought that Izumi and Chiharu had come before her – Hikari, though, she wasn't sure. “いいえ,” — "No," She said. “私の兄と私はほぼ同時に目を覚ましましたが。 泉と千春が前に来た。 ヒカリ . . . わからない。” — "Though my brother and I awoke at almost the same time. Izumi and Chiharu came before. Hikari . . . I don't know." When had she arrived? Perhaps Aika could ask. Or maybe she could just convince Osamu to ask. That'd answer his question, wouldn't it?

"ついて来い ここでは、一つの場所に滞在することは安全ではありません。" The Samurai warned after a sound rung throughout the cliffs. Aika furrowed her brows, yet she nodded soundlessly, following after Osamu quickly; what was going on, hm? Aika squinted, looking around wildly; she didn't . . . see anything. Hm.

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He closed his eyes, trying to envision the haven she described. The warrior had seen many beautiful places in his travels, but as he tried to picture the vibrant lilac and amethyst of a wisteria forest, he could only see the pale pink of cherry blossoms.

Home. Cliche, perhaps, but he remembered it now, being a rambunctious young child; dancing and playing in the stream, not a care in the world while his mother sang peacefully against the backdrop of cicadas chirping.

It was not long after that moment until his father passed. Osamu had been forced to grow up very quickly - too quickly. He wondered what he might have been like had he not taken up a path of hardship so soon.

"それは非常に美しい音," — It sounds very beautiful he said sincerely, silver eyes opening once more. "それはあなたとあなたの一族に合っています。" — It suits you and your clan; as if the blossoms had fallen and colored your very eyes.

Flippantly, he wondered about a world where everyone was touched by their surroundings at birth. Osamu thought perhaps he would have had cherry-blossom irises, but maybe the hue did not set in until a certain age - until certain impressions had been made. The Fujiwaras and their lilac eyes were a symbol of their beginnings and their heritage, while the haggard samurai could only guess at what environment had created the stone-cold silver of his own.

Unfeeling. Unwelcoming. Through years of self-imposed isolation, he had developed an aversion to closeness, which he knew as a wolf becoming more and more involved in a... pack... may not serve him well going forward.

He had to try.

"それはあなたが再びそれらを見つけることができたよくあります。 私は前に私の人生から誰も知っていません。" — It is well you were able to find them again. I know no one from my life before.

Pleasantries at best, but he knew they were important nonetheless.

Aika did not, however, seem to understand his anxiousness, or why he kept such a close watch upon their surroundings. He had brought the pack-scent to her attention across several instances now, and she had disregarded his statement with great dexterity in conversation each time; Osamu stifled a ragged sigh. Incorrigible.

"ここを離れるのが最善だと思います。 あなたが何も表示されないかもしれないという理由だけで、それは脅威が影で待っていないことを意味するものではありません。" — I think it is best if we leave this place. Just because you may not see anything, it does not mean that a threat does not wait in the shadows. he looked at her, then, turning back to give her a bemused expression. "泉様は、格闘術を学びたいという願望を表明しました。 それも藤原家の中で実行されていますか？" — My lady Izumi expressed her desire to learn the fighting arts. Does that, too, run in the Fujiwara family?

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His sincere tone made Aika smile, tail swaying as he spoke and observed the connection between their gaze, and their once-upon-a-time home; she gazed back at him, batting her lashes a few times to really show of those midnight-hued eyes. Hers were that of midnight, though, unlike her siblings lighter shades of purple. She hummed. "それはあなたが再びそれらを見つけることができたよくあります。 私は前に私の人生から誰も知っていません。" “誰も？” — "No one?" She echoed, brows furrowing as a frown decorated her features. That must be . . . “お前だ . . . 孤独？” — "Are you . . . lonely?"

Because it most definitely sounded like it.

Osamu continued, apparently certain that there'd have to be something dangerous here, probably due to the lingering pack-scent, but it was stale and old, and Aika wasn't sure whether or not it was actually something to be worried about. "ここを離れるのが最善だと思います。 あなたが何も表示されないかもしれないという理由だけで、それは脅威が影で待っていないことを意味するものではありません。" Though, she did suppose it was better to be safe than sorry. The silver man looked back at her, though, and gave her an odd look; confused, maybe? "泉様は、格闘術を学びたいという願望を表明しました。 それも藤原家の中で実行されていますか？" “いいえ,” — "No," She mused.

“たぶん . . . 泉はほむらのことを話したのか?” — "Perhaps . . . has Izumi told you about Homura?" She was made visibly uncomfortable by just the name on it's own; she shivered, thinking back to the blood red moon only a few nights prior, and then even further back. No, she promised herself not to think about it anymore. Aika blinked a few times. “実際には–気にしないでください。” — "Actually– nevermind." Aika really hoped that Osamu wouldn't try to push further; he seemed like the type to let things go relatively quickly, but then again, the lady had only just met him. She couldn't be exactly certain.

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Something seemed to be caught in her eyes. Aika fluttered them quickly, long lashes sweeping arcs through the air as her inky-indigo eyes twinkled in short bursts from beneath.

He hoped she got it out soon, it seemed uncomforta-

Oh.

Osamu cleared his throat, then, a low, rumbling sound that broke the peculiar silence between them. He had encountered many a flirtatious woman in his time, and Aika was quite pretty, but that by no means meant that he knew what to do with them; his samurai code had never allowed him so much as a gentle touch from the fairer sex in his lifetime prior to this, and as such, he still felt the knee-jerk impulse to turn away and ignore it.

But then - did that same code apply here, now? Wolves were so much less decorous than humans - was touch to remain taboo, flirtation forbidden? Canines used their paws and mouths to communicate, between roughhousing and displays of camaraderie and affection. The silver wolf hesitated, coughed again, and decided now was not the time to upend his entire moral code.

It was worth revisiting later - but in private.

“誰も？” — "No one?" Her soft voice cut through the air, and he nearly flinched.

“お前だ . . . 孤独？” — "Are you . . . lonely?"

Osamu stiffened. The fur along his spine threatened to bristle, the question catching him completely off-guard; he had never been asked such a thing before. He didn't know what to do with it.

Several moments passed.

"私は一人でいることに慣れています," — I am used to being alone. he finally said, his voice heavy and gruff. "それは私が選んだ道の結果に過ぎません。" — It is merely a result of the path I have chosen.

Aika suddenly grew colder, and Osamu realized he may have touched upon a sensitive subject as he asked about any further warrior tendencies within their clan. Izumi was likely a rare exception among the females of their name, which he did not take for granted in his training of her; though she was feminine and slight, she held within her a true fighting spirit, and he felt that with time she would eventually blossom into a competent defender.

As quickly as she said the name 'Homura', she abruptly rescinded the information, clamming up with an expression one could only describe as intense discomfort. Osamu tilted his head curiously, a very wolfish look for him, but did not press her further on the matter out of respect.

"御免なさい。. 私たちはそれ以上それについて話すことはありません。" — I apologize. We will not speak of it any further.

The air was heavy between them.

"私はあなたが求める平和を見つけることを願っています。" — I hope you find the peace you seek.

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Huh? Was something wrong? She was trying to present her eyes to him, showing the man that they were – in fact – a similar hue to that of the wisteria's that once decorated her home, just as he said they were. Aika hummed curiously. “大丈夫かおさむ ただ目を見せてるだけだ 彼らは藤の花びらのようなものです–あなたが言ったように–そうではありませんか？” — "Are you alright, Osamu? I'm merely showing you my eyes. They're like the wisteria petals – as you said – are they not?" Because, ever oblivious she was, that was all she meant; Aika had no clue that it may seem like she were flirting.

"私は一人でいることに慣れています, それは私が選んだ道の結果に過ぎません。" Well, that did sound awfully lonely. Aika frowned, giving a quiet whine in empathy and she let her tail sway down to her hocks. Aika would never be able to imagine a life without siblings – for better, or for worse. She loved them, even if they were annoying sometimes. “まあ . . . ごめんなさい 私はあなたが感じる願っています . . . あなたが王朝にいる間は孤独ではありません。 私は喜んでいつかあなたの会社を維持します！” — "Well . . . I'm sorry. I hope you feel . . . less lonely while you're in the Dynasty. I'll gladly keep you company sometime!"

After the little incident with bringing up Homura, Aika shivered, though her face softened as Osamu ensured that he'd drop the topic. Aika blinked her thanks. "私はあなたが求める平和を見つけることを願っています。" “私もそう願っています。” — "I hope you do, too." He seemed . . . a little lost, in Aika's opinion, but nonetheless, she wished him safe travels; a silent prayer that rung throughout her head.

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She appeared momentarily confused, opening and closing her mouth several times before clarifying the oddly flirtatious-looking movement - and he breathed a short sigh of relief. Osamu was not at all versed in the ways of women, and should he have found himself caught within the attentions of his contracted superior's sister, he did not think it would go over well with anyone in the clan.

Aika was naive, and mercifully she was also innocent.

Osamu was usually just oblivious.

"わかりました。," — I see. he said gratefully, the tension leaving his shoulders. "彼らは確かにあなたが話す花に似ています。" — They do indeed resemble the blossoms of which you speak.

Aika seemed trouble by his thus-far isolated existence, plumed tail flagging as her expression fell into one of sympathetic sorrow. He was - confused, admittedly. Confused by the question, which he had never been asked, and confused by his response to it, which had never been necessary before.

Osamu felt like there was a fine line separating loneliness from simply being by oneself, and he had become so used to the lack of another's presence that it was no longer something he even noticed anymore. Being forced to confront the notion left him with strange feelings, wondering if he ought to seek company for the sake of it - but the course he had chosen for himself rarely allowed such attachment.

“まあ . . . ごめんなさい 私はあなたが感じる願っています . . . あなたが王朝にいる間は孤独ではありません。 私は喜んでいつかあなたの会社を維持します！” — "Well . . . I'm sorry. I hope you feel . . . less lonely while you're in the Dynasty. I'll gladly keep you company sometime!"

The samurai flashed her a rare, fleeting half-smile. The motion felt unnatural to his lips, but she was clearly trying, and the girl meant well - it was the least he could do in return for her gesture of kindness.

"あなたは最も親切です-おそらく私はそれにあなたを取るでしょう。" — You are most kind - perhaps I will take you up on it. he said quietly. It would be prudent to learn the ways of their clan, after all; nor was he likely expected to stay completely to the shadows as they forged a new path into the future.

Together.

A dynasty of wolves.

"是非-私たちは西にベンチャーしてみましょう。 たぶん我々は少ない見つけるでしょう。.. 私たちがそれにいる間、危険な地形。" — Come - let us venture west. Maybe we shall find less... perilous terrain while we are at it.

Osamu motioned with his head for her to follow, and set off at a gentle pace.

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"わかりました, 彼らは確かにあなたが話す花に似ています。" Aika smiled as he spoke, blinking again once more before halting her playful antics; perhaps he was just . . . not a very playful guy. Osamu seemed kinda tense, so Aika just shrugged it off and hoped for the best. He gave her a smile; something she hadn't expected, though it looked quite awkward upon his maw. Such a stoic man. She wondered if Izumi found him attractive. "あなたは最も親切です-おそらく私はそれにあなたを取るでしょう。"

“いつでも！ 私は遠吠えしか離れていません,” — "Any time! I'm only ever a howl away," She grinned with a childish bop of her head. His words were quiet, almost shy, and Aika found it funny that such a strong and buff Samurai could sound so benevolent; it was nice, though. "是非-私たちは西にベンチャーしてみましょう。 たぶん我々は少ない見つけるでしょう。.. 私たちがそれにいる間、危険な地形。" “道をリードして、おさむ。 すぐ後ろにいる。” — "Lead the way, Osamu. I'm right behind you."

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Potential fade!

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