Chen stopped before the door, running his fingers through his still-damp hair, grateful that Iroyuza had let him clean up after his… fall. He almost burst out laughing, then took a deep breath, shoving down the anxious giddiness still running through him. Chen stepped outside.

The stone porch adjoining the canal was well-lit by several lanterns, orange hanging alongside the Akaihana red, illuminating the social arena quite nicely. Ituse and Toki had since arrived and were gratefully past their uncontrolled hilarity, seating themselves on the circle of rugs that Chen had helped beat out just hours before. Toki was engaged in conversation with an enthusiastic Ayako, both child and grown woman gesturing animatedly with their hands. Ituse spoke with Iroyuza in more reserved tones, the pair leaning closer to each other to make up for their louder neighbors. It seems he'd missed introductions.

Eboshi was sitting beside her brother, and was the first to notice Chen. Her dark eyes flicked to him. Her expression was determinedly neutral, almost impossibly so. Chen smiled abashedly at her, then the others noted his arrival.

"Ah, the drowned man!" Toki proclaimed.

Ayako leapt up and ran to Chen, eyes wide. "Did you really sing a love song to Aunt Saryu!?"

He laughed abashedly, running a hand through his hair. "Ah, I'll let her answer that question."

"But she won't!" Ituse and Toki began laughing again.

"Well," Chen said, ruffling the small girl's hair. "Ask your dad! I'm sure he'd tell you all about it, it wasn't entirely my plot."

Eboshi looked accusingly at Iroyuza. "You said Chen was the mastermind."

The artist raised a hand defensively. "I plead innocent. Master Adrei didn't specify the victim, and it's been years since you last came! I almost didn't recognize you."

Chen laughed and sat between Eboshi and Ituse. Eboshi eyed him for a moment but dd not protest his positioning.

Ayako piped, "I didn't recognize you either, Aunt Saryu."

"That's because you were only four last time, flower."

"I didn't know a man could spend so much time in the washroom," Toki quipped, "wouldn't want you smelling bad for–"

Ituse elbowed her in the ribs, earning a glare from Toki, but Chen caught the barely perceptible loosening of Eboshi's shoulder. She was still tense, however. He could see it in her.

"I missed introductions?"

Iroyuza took a sip of his tea. "Yes, master Chen. Though I don't see any reason for concern, given you know everyone here already."

But he had missed the initial reactions, something that Chen usually enjoyed in new social situations. He'd wanted to see how Eboshi would react to seeing Ayako and Iroyuza again… A smile quirked the corner of his mouth. Guess he hadn't wanted it bad enough.

"I'd always wondered what a relative of the Lady would be like," Ituse began, directing the comment at Iroyuza with a hint of what seemed like hesitation.

He huffed. "Is that supposed to be a compliment? Forgive my not taking it as such. I'd never wanted my name associated with the reputation of 'Eboshi'. I assure you, Saryu is the person I'd rather be known to be related to." He glanced at Eboshi. "Unfortunately, she doesn't show up much."

Eboshi sighed. "Iro, I'm sorry I haven't visited you. But I have responsibilities now, ones that… complicate my past associations. You know this."

Iroyuza smiled coolly. "Oh, I never said I needed you to be here. Only that I'd rather be associated with Saryu." He paused. "I am grateful that you came."

Eboshi took a moment to nod back.

He looked back to Ituse. "Regardless of how I take it, I am grateful for the undeserved respect you give me by my shared blood with your lady."

Ituse smiled. "Well, it's mostly that we never really thought about the Lady having something so normal as a family."

"Or a brother!" Toki piped up from where Ayako had dragged her off to, a small corner of the patio where a much smaller easel was set up. "Especially a brother. She hated men for so long, I'm honestly surprised you're so, well…"

"Good looking?" Iroyuza quipped dryly. "Sensible? Undeadly?"

Toki shrugged, and smiled roguishly. "Just good, I guess. Though you've definitely got enough of the good-looking trait."

"Toki," Ituse cut in, exasperatedly.

"Definitely expected that." Toki stated firmly. Ayako, who had been interrupted in the showing of her paintings, looked up at Toki accusingly, her small hands on her hips.

Eboshi rolled her eyes. "I'm glad to hear that my time bringing you both here wasn't wasted, the entire purpose was obviously to introduce my brother to a few of my closest confidantes."

Iroyuza sighed, leaning back, his long hair brushing the floor behind him. "Sister, there best not be any confiding planned, because I've made my plan quite clear, namely, to stay as far away from your confidings as possible."

"Your status of neutrality will remain intact, I assure you." Fatigue tinged her words, and Chen looked to her worriedly. She noticed and waved airily, not meeting his eyes.

Ituse sighed, but didn't give up her questing, moving a hand as if to quiet Eboshi. "What is it that you do? I've never been to a city this big, what do you all even do here?"

Iroyuza gave a short laugh. "A great many things, Mistress Ituse. Did you have a specific set of doings you were curious about?"

"Uh, well…" She smiled nervously. "It's Miss, actually, but I was curious about your occupation. What do you do?"

Ey, brother! Hitori's mental shout easily broke over the other conversations, even with as loud as Toki and Ayako's was getting, which seemed to be currently consisting of a disagreement over the values of varying shades of pink and their use in designing sunrises.

Ah, little one, I was wondering when you'd turn up. How was your exciting day in the city?

So boring! Best part was the fish for breakfast. I guess scaring humans is fun, too. A self-satisfied pause. Got old quick, though. Was wondering if you flat-faces were doing anything interesting. Spending time with your girlfriend?

We're… look, Hitori, if you want to come over I could just ask Iroyuza. Then you could wallow in a little more of that respect that you crave so much.

Maybe. I do love me a little respect. Her attention sharpened. But don't change the subject. Is Eboshi there?

Yes, she's here. She wanted to see her family before things starting coming to a head with finding Kaya.

And you did, too.

It was the best way to hide me in the city. Hitori, you know this, it isn't at all about what's between Eboshi and I.

What is between her and you? I got so focused on learning more about my heritage and helping my new sister that I didn't really realize that I'd lost track of that weird attraction of yours.

She and I are becoming closer, that's all I have to say about it. It's not really any of your business, Hitori.

Excuse me? Her teasing tone was suddenly gone. I think it's exactly my business! I knew you've been attracted to her for a while, because humans are weird and look more on the outside than wolves do, but now! I've smelled it on you for the last few days, I was just hoping I was wrong.

Hitori…

Scents don't lie, Chen!, she snapped. You love the Iron Lady, killer of men and gods! She's murdered our family! A sudden surge of emotion flowed through the mental link, almost sending Chen off-balance. You're my brother, adopted of the Wolf Tribe! How could you? The primary emotions made itself known; betrayal and confusion.

Chen took a deep breath, closing his eyes, drawing a glance from Eboshi. That's not who she is anymore, Hitori. She's changing. And don't think that by loving her I'm betraying anything. I made no oath to anyone, save Kaya and Ashitaka. Finally, loving Saryu Nokurashi is my choice, not yours, Hitori.

I just can't understand— She paused, set back a mental step. Who's that?

Chen mentally dove in that gap. Would you like to meet her? She's here now.

Confusion filled the young wolf, by degrees replacing the anger. Wait, we were talking about Eboshi, not… Stop trying to distract me!

"Iroyuza, if I may,"

Don't you ignore me, brother!

Iroyuza paused in his conversation with Ituse and Eboshi, smile fading slightly. "Yes, what is it?"

I know where you sleep!

"Hitori wants to meet you and your lovely family, is it all right if she comes here?"

What!? Don't talk about me like I'm not—

"Yes, of course, I would be honored. I've been interested in meeting her since you mentioned her."

Ituse broke in, intent, "You know of the Forest gods?"

"Yes, our mother used to tell us many stories about them." He eyed his sister out of the corner of his eye, who looked away imperiously. "Saryu was always more insistent on hearing them than I."

This sparked a whole new round of excited conversation, but Chen simply smiled to himself. See? Come on over, he said he'd be honored to have you.

You sun-scarred flat-faced son of a weasel—!

Don't try hiding your curiosity, you've always been bad at that. He tried to convey sincerity through his mind, sending his emotions as well. Please come, Hitori. I want you to meet the woman I love.

A pause, full of uncertainty. But the curiosity remained. Fine. She cut off the mental connection.

Chen sighed, relaxing. He should have expected this point of conflict to emerge. He watched unobtrusively towards where she sat beside him, laughing openly at something Ituse said, the distinct lack of makeup giving her that honest appearance he loved. He could almost see her walls falling away, showing Saryuu underneath, allowing herself to be happy despite the circumstances of their arrival and the oncoming conflict.

A smile touched his face, and she looked at him then. Her annoyance had faded, and she peered at him. Then her eyebrow rose, and he almost laughed from a welling of strange, giddy joy. "Enjoying the view?"

"Yes."

She blinked at his sincere reply, then sighed. "I suppose this version of me would be more attractive to a mountain bumpkin like you."

He pretended to consider. "Ah, not much true. More familiar, perhaps. I do admit I miss the noble look."

"Ah." She paused, then quirked a corner of her lips. "You've always seemed the type to reach above his station."

This brought a laugh from Chen, and Eboshi's smile widened. He moved closer to her. "Ah yes, the nobly-born Eboshi." He didn't move to touch her, but she moved subtly towards him. "All that inherent elegance."

Her eyes sparkled. "I can be crass if I desire."

"Mm, sounds fun."

"Twice in one night might be pushing it." She moved even closer and leaned against his shoulder. She relaxed slowly, and he put an arm around her.

"I disagree. I think even your shoving was elegant."

"Hmm. Something had to contrast with your oafishness."

Chen noticed then that all the other eyes in the room were on the two of them. Eboshi elected to ignore them, so Chen made a waving motion. "Nothin' to see. Get back to your yapping."

Iroyuza raised an eyebrow at that, and Toki hid a grin.

"Oh no, absolutely nothing." The new voice drew everyone's searching eyes. A shadow detached itself from its fellows and strode into the firelight, dark fur gleaming. "Just two humans doing what they do." Hitori paused before them, pose cautious, blue eyes glinting.

"Okami Hitori!" Iroyuza scrambled to his feet and bowed low. He gestured urgently at Ayako, who blinked, jumped up and did the same. "It is an honor to have you under my roof. I apologize for our lack of preparation."

"Just your roof? Last I checked, I was under your house, too." She sat, coolly surveying them. "Well, I already know all of you, except the small one. Hi, Ituse, Toki."

"Hello, Hitori."

"I didn't know you wolves could be so sneaky."

Hitori turned to Ayako. "What is your name, human girl?"

It took the girl a second to reply, still reacting as she was with the casualness the women had addressed Hitori with. "Ayako, Lady Okami."

"Now that's too much. Okami will do, or Hitori. It's a nice name. You have a nice name, too." She turned to Chen, cocking her head. "I thought this would be a bit more exciting. Why are you two so close together, it's annoying."

"Deal with it, sister. Also, you're wrong; you haven't quite met everyone."

"Oh? Ah, that odd name you mentioned. Are you going to introduce me?" Hitori stood and stalked over to Chen and Eboshi, meeting Eboshi's eyes, who straightened.

"I can introduce myself, thank you very much," Eboshi said curtly. She looked to Chen once, then rose and bowed slightly. "I am Saryu Nokurashi. It is an honor to have you here."

Eboshi met Hitori's gaze, and Chen was struck by how mature Hitori had become. It was hard to remember the forest god was only three months old. The wolf said nothing to Eboshi, but refrained from any cutting words. It would have to be a start.

What do you think? he asked.

She smells… different. I suppose your overwhelming force of personality might be enough to change the Iron Lady.

I think it is her choice to change, not my will, Hitori.

Hmm. Whatever.

Chen smiled nervously. "Now, we're all introduced." He reached out and tapped Hitori's forehead, making her blink. "You want exciting? I can tell Ayako that if she catches you, you'll grant her a wish. That would be exciting."

At that, Ayako's eyes widened. The small girl almost vibrated with curiosity, but respect held her barely in check. But she could not contain all her emotion, however. "The spirits can speak…" she breathed.

"I do not grant wishes!" Hitori flicked an ear irritably, turning and stepping away from Chen. "Unless you wish to be bitten or barked at. I can do that." She rolled her eyes, stood and padded in a circle. "Stop that bowing, it's getting tiresome. Well, I could get used to it, but your weak human backs probably couldn't."

Ayako sprung up and almost jumped in excitement. "Oh! Oh! I've always wanted to meet an Okami!" she paused, and took a deep breath. "May… May I come closer, great spirit-, uh, Hitori?"

Hitori sighed and flopped down in a corner of the patio. "I don't care what you do, human child. My brother told me to come, so I did."

"Your brother?" Ayako said, inching closer before sitting hesitantly.

"That lovesick human over there."

Ayako looked to Chen and Eboshi confusedly. "Master Chen's your brother?"

"Yeah, long story. You have any brothers?"

"No, just my dad." She sighed. "But it's ok. I love dad."

Hitori didn't reply immediately. Then Ayako perked up, eyes going wide. Hitori continued to stay quiet, and Chen inferred that they were communicating via minds now.

Iroyuza straightened slowly, hands still clasped together, and saw Ituse watching him curiously. "What is it?"

"I've never seen anyone respect them like that before. The gods, I mean."

"Given that they govern the balance of nature, they are the closest thing to divinity we have. Much better than those mute stone statues in the shrines." He sat again. "No disrespect intended. I also don't expect you to believe the same, given your… antagonistic experiences with them." His eyes flicked to Eboshi's missing arm.

"Yes, well, despite some notable hiccups, we've gotten a little more… friendly of late." Eboshi said, sitting back beside Chen.

"What is the reason?" Iroyuza asked, brows drawing together.

"Ah, careful, you might get caught up in a plot or two with that question." Toki plopped herself down beside Ituse, a wry grin on her face. "I'll just say a lot's changed recently."

"Fah." He waved a hand. "It is my opinion, dear sister, you hang around far too many plots for your own good. One of these days they might catch up to you."

"I'll be sure to let you know when they do, dear brother." Eboshi's tone was exasperated but good-humored, and conversation hesitantly picked back up again. Chen just sat, letting other people do the talking for a while. He was still mentally working on how best to introduce Ashitaka to the men of his division, something that was planned for tomorrow night.

Hitori's ears perked up. Chen looked to her as she raised her head, eyes darting. She stood, and without a word, darted off into the night. Ayako looked after her, expression confused. "Master Chen?"

"Yes, Ayako?"

"Hitori told me to tell you that she'll be right back."