Pauline
*The bird stopped playing with his hair as it sensed his solemn mood, instead burrowing lovingly into the side of his neck, as if it seemed to understand the change in mood. His hand gently caressed it, mumbling something softly to it, a message of gratitude. It did little to change his expression, however. 

The wind around them picked up now, what once was a pleasant day, now turned, the subtle warmth of the sun being replaced by a biting cold. As leaves swirled around them, it seemed as if nature itself had sensed the change in mood. Ishikawa shivered, though it was unclear if it was from the cold or... Something else. Memories. 

As the topic changed back to his family, a hint of a new emotion was heard in his voice. Bitterness. He didn't seem to be aware of it, but it was there all the same.* 

"You could... Say that. They're renowned monster hunters where I am from." *The bird on his shoulder pressed itself against his hand, forcing him to pet it when he had halted momentarily. He gave a superficial smile, then continued.* 

"They send each of their children out into the world once they near maturity, with little more than the clothes on their back and a weapon to make a name for themselves. If they don't return... Well, I suppose it's no loss to them." 

"After all, I've heard nothing from my family for 3 years."
Lucy
*The sudden appearance of the cold was even felt through Ulric's layers of armor and clothes, though it wasn't enough to concern him. What did concern him was what Ishikawa had said about his family, how they were reputable monster hunters and their tradition of forcefully sending their own children to carry out the family profession. Ulric let out a deep, exasperated sigh before mumbling under his breath* "Seems like even the farthest of lands have their injustices.."

"You said it's been three years since you've been sent away, how old does that make you now?" *While it was clear that Ishikawa was on the younger side, it was hard to place his age since he looked so beaten and battered. It made sense though, Ulric knew how dangerous the wilds could be from his own three years in the wilderness, though he went through those three years willingly... It doesn't seem like Ishikawa had much a choice* "Pardon me for asking by the way, It's only out of curiosity
Pauline
*As wind continued to blow past them, Ishikawa reflected momentarily. Why was he telling this stranger so much about himself? Him, who had spent so much time alone. All of the people he bothered to get close with disappeared, his relationships impermanent, like the wind. But he knew, deep down, it was because he was lonely. It had been months since his last meaningful conversation with someone, months since he had even bothered to remember the name of another. He couldn't keep himself in self-inflicted solitude; he'd go insane. And, as he finally looked Ulric in the eyes, he knew the man could relate to what he had gone through. 

His eyes began to water, being saved from tears by the biting cold. He couldn't answer right away, it took him some time to think. He thought it had been 3 years at least, but he honestly wasn't sure. The months had bled together, a mix of drug-induced haze and pain. Uncertain, he forced himself to answer, having taken too long already.* 

"Nineteen... I'm... Nineteen."
Lucy
*Ulric had waited patiently for Ishikawa to respond, he could tell that he was struggling through his many emotions so he let the man take his time. While the interaction with this stranger had gone off the deep end a little, Ulric found a sort of solace in knowing that there was someone out there that had shared similar pains* 

*When Ishikawa had finally responded, telling Ulric that he was but only nineteen, well the man didn't really know what to say. He was sort of taken aback, not by the young man's age but more so by the fact that he had experienced so much hardship in such a short period of time. The lives the both of them lived were full of pain, that much was obvious to Ulric, it allowed him understand Ishikawa just a little more* "You're just a kid, damn... I mean I kicked off my soldiering work when I was eighteen, but you were kicked out at what? Sixteen!?"

*There was a small inkling of astonishment in Ulric's voice, seeing a kid like Ishikawa make it this far on sheer willpower alone was impressive to say the least. Ulric had also approached Ishikawa, stopping just in front of him before setting his right hand on the young man's shoulder* "You've got a great deal of willpower kid, but you've also got pain in ya... More pain than you should at your age, it may be best to just let it out at this point"
Pauline
*Upon being touched on the shoulder, Ishikawa couldn't resist the tears that began to fall down his face any longer. A small amount of silver mist swirled around him, revealing a set of fox ears upon his head and two tails. The Kitsune felt no need to hide his true self any longer. He could only hope the reveal of his deception didn't drive Ulric away... 

Shaking, Ishikawa began to quietly sob, tightly hugging Ulric once he had finished speaking. His ears angled down, and his twin tails hung limply. His hair stood on it's end from the cold; the Hunter continuing to keep close to Ulric, despite the cold metal of his armor. Softly, he spoke, a tremor in his voice,* 

"Thank you."
Lucy
*Ulric was a little surprised when Ishikawa suddenly embraced him, though he didn't push the young man away. Instead Ulric wrapped his arms around Ishikawa and just held him, something unexpected happened. The man that was in Ulric's arms changed, a set of fox ears replaced his macen ears and a pair of fox tails had appeared. Had Ishikawa been a kitsune the whole time? While it was very much a surprise to him, Ulric didn't have much a problem with Ishikawa showing his true form, to him it was more of a sign of trust* 

"So you finally decide to show your true self? Don't worry kid, I won't see ya any differently" *Ulric chuckled a little as he patted the young kitsune man on the back before letting him go from the embrace. Ulric then grasped Ishikawa by the shoulders and looked at him in the eye with a kind smile before speaking once more* "And don't think of yourself weak cause of a moment like this, seen soldiers stronger than yourself in a state like this before. It's only natural I guess"
Pauline
*Ishikawa didn't remember the last time he had hugged someone. The last time... It must've been with Ikari. That's what he thought, at least. It had been so long since he had last seen her... If she was still alive, he had no idea where she went. Would Ulric just be another on a long list of those who had disappeared without a trace? He didn't want to think about it.* 

*As Ulric stepped away, he wanted to ask him not to leave, but he didn't. He felt somewhat ashamed, hiding himself as he did. But it was for his own safety, that's what he told himself, at least. He had trouble being... Open. As Ulric consoled him, he smiled slightly, wanting to say something, but still unable to force words out. He nodded instead. Even if he could speak, he didn't think words could explain his gratitude to the man that had been a stranger but an hour ago.*
Lucy
*Ulric could tell that Ishikawa had much on his mind regarding the current situation, he did as well though no words came to really help put his thoughts to words. To remedy this, Ulric decided it may have been best to try and move the conversation forward a little. He knew Ishikawa probably had somewhere to be so was it best for him to hold him up?* "I don't mean to ruin the moment here but I have to ask, do you have some place to be?" 

*While Ulric only had a vague destination for his travels, he wasn't sure if Ishikawa was on a bit of a schedule especially since the day was starting to transition into an evening. As much as Ulric didn't want to upright and leave the young man, he knew that if Ishikawa had important things to tend to then it was best to leave him at it. This was an idea sprung into the macen's mind* "I know you have your hunted game to tend to, but I'd love to share a drink with you. You'd be a fine friend to have these days"