Northstar Vale You were in the parking lot earlier; that's how I know you!

For a moment, her mother pulled away, an unfamiliar look on her face as she gazed down at the two pups. Her own ears turning back to press against her skull in confusion as a drawn-out whine escaped her. Why was Reiko avoiding her touch? Had she done something bad?

Soon though Hime would relax once more, or at least returned a neutral glance. The young Princess wasn't sure of her words, but they seemed to be aimed elsewhere as blue eyes centered on the other girl nearby. Was she the one who did something wrong? Maybe she shouldn't be here. She didn't look like family after all.

The snowy girl's ear twitched as her mother's tone changed once more. She turned to find her eyes now on herself as Hime lowered her body to a more level field. Name? Did she want her to repeat it? Sometimes she would try to mimic her mother's words which were often met with a level of praise. The girl still wasn't great with her words, but she would still do her best if a reward was at stake. Ho— Hoota...wuu.

Her finished attempt was followed by the small wagging of her tail as Hotaru waited for her praise.