Chapter Three: The Greatest Gift
Everyone looked. It made him uncomfortable, but he dealt with it as he was led along. Rena and Raven were at the mall, Raven on a strong leash to enforce the pet act. Everyone was on edge, having never thought Rena would keep such a dangerous creature as a pet. She was trying to find a restaurant that allowed pets; there was one but Rena couldn't remember where. They stopped by a map so she could find it, and Raven sat down, his long tail swaying. He wasn't acting like a happy dog, because he was one. He was happy Rena seemed to be adjusting to this change. He heard small footfalls.
"Laye!" He turned to see a woman yell as a young girl of about six was just next to him. She obviously thought he would hurt her, so Raven just licked the girls's cheek. Everyone, even Rena, stared as Raven pinned the squealing child to the floor and tickled her with his nose. He let her go, and she started to pet him. The woman came closer, "Laye, we have to go home. Miss, I am so sorry for bothering you."
"It's alright."
"Bye doggy!" The little girl waved over her mother's shoulder. Raven barked in reply, the closest sound he could get to a dog.
"Well, that was amusing." Raven gave a throaty chuckle and Rena found the restaurant. They walked further into the mall, and found the establishment.
"Welcome!" The waitress greeted Rena, then saw Raven, "Oh! I love wolves! I'm sure he is but I have to ask, is he trained?"
"Yes, he's a good boy." Raven, backing up Rena, barked then prodded the brunette's leg with his nose. She patted his head.
"Well, that's good. This way please." The waitress brought them to a large booth where they would have some privacy, "What will you have?"
"The shrimp curry sounds nice."
"And for your pet?" Rena wasn't expecting that, but kept her cool as she feigned thinking while actually asking Raven for help.
"Cooked Rabbit."
"You have Rabbit?"
"Yes, cooked or raw?"
"Cooked." The waitress nodded and walked off. They sat silently until their food arrived.
"Enjoy."
"Thank you." They started to eat when Rena's phone rang, "Yes Elsword? Really? O-Okay we'll be home soon." Rena hung up and called for the waitress, "Can we box this? Something came up and I need to leave."
"Sure." She quickly got a container for the curry and Rena and Raven hurried through the mall to her car.
"We're back!" Rena called as she and Raven stepped into the house. They were in such a hurry she forgot to take the leash off and stood awkwardly as they stared at her.
"Uh...what?" Ara questioned everything about this.
"I had no idea you were an animal dominatrix Rena!" Elesis teased.
"N-No I'm not!" Rena quickly took off the leash, and Raven jumped onto the sofa next to Elesis and dragged his tail across her nose.
"Ah!" Elesis whined before sneezing. Chung sighed.
"So, what's going on?" Rena asked as she sat down next to Aisha and Ara. Chung smiled.
"Well...this was an idea I've had for some time. I wanted us to have Christmas at my vacation house in Hamel. It's a big place, and mother has already allowed us to use it if we want to." Everyone else is all for it."
"That sounds great!" Rena looked at Raven.
"Where exactly in Hamel?"
"Raven wants to know where in Hamel."
"In the forest to the north of the city. Not too far, but far enough. Big fields and great sights. Although I bet Raven will have the best time outdoors." Everyone laughed.
"That sounds like fun." Raven nodded his head.
"Well, everyone better pack their gifts and clothes. It's going to be such a long trip." Eve stood up and summoned her servants.
"Oberon, is it done?" Oberon whispered something in Eve's ear, "Splendid. Get it primed and ready." Both Nasods vanished.
"What's going on?"
"This long trip won't be required. Oberon and Ophelia have just finished my long range transporter in the basement."
"Is it safe?" Ara shivered. When Aisha was experimenting with teleporting other things, it didn't end well. It was a memory that had scarred Ara, and was best left forgotten.
"Perfectly safe. We were able to transport countless objects, mostly human analogs, before the chamber was complete. When it did backfire, it simply sent them neatly to the failsafe location, the backyard."
"Sounds safe enough." Elsword said as he got up.
"Let's get packing." Chung said, and everyone but Eve went upstairs. Oberon was packing her bags and she had to get the transporter ready.
A snowy forest in the region of Hamel was greeted by a group of friends. Before them was an elegant mansion just as big as their own home. They quickly went inside, apologizing to Eve for doubting her mechanical genius.
"Wait, what about getting back?" Ara worried, they had no vehicles. Eve held up a panel.
"It works both ways. Oberon!" Eve was in a foul mood as Oberon had missed packing her favorite dress. The butler appeared, albeit terrified, and bowed awkwardly, "Put our things in the rooms!" The butler began to pick up the bags and bring them to the rooms. Ophelia appeared to help, but Eve stopped her, "Once Oberon is done with the bags, you may play with him." Ophelia's reply was a motion of visible happiness. She ran off as Oberon returned.
"Shall we go to the living room?" Chung motioned for everyone to follow them. Ophelia returned and accompanied Eve as they walked. The living room was huge, almost as big as the main hall. A massive high definition TV hung sat on a giant ivory desk. Game systems and the latest releases were neatly arranged in alphabetical order on the shelves. Rena, Eve, and Chung sat down on the couch. Ophelia handed Eve her MP3 player and headphones as Elsword and Elesis began to look over the games, bickering over who was the better player. Ara strolled onto the porch.
"Oh!" She stopped short as she stepped outside. Below her was a ravine with several rivers pouring into the depths. Raven came out as well, "Oh...Hi Raven." Ara sat down, "This is kinda awkward, can't talk to you." Raven shrugged, rose onto his hind legs as he balanced on the rail.
"Nice place. Wonder how far I could go." He turned around and headed back into the house. Eve had fallen asleep as she listened to her music, and was laying on the couch with her head on Chung's lap, "Those two go well together." Raven noticed Rena smile. She was watching Elsword and Elesis play some co-op game involving weird undead mutants, plasma, and a lot of dismemberment. They slapped the other's shoulder whenever he or she made a mistake and got them killed, which was happening frequently. Raven suddenly tensed up as he smelled something new. Something about it set his hair on end and threw him into a defensive state.
"Raven?" Rena stood up, and Eve sat up rubbing her eyes as Elsword and Elesis paused the game. Ara quickly came in, and in quite a panic.
"Guys! I saw something big in the forest." They turned as they heard a scratching on the front door. Oberon rushed into the room and leaned over to say something to Eve.
"I see." Eve sighed, "Your vacation home seems to have a wolf problem." Eve looked at Chung.
"Damn it! I thought the hunters scared them off a few years ago." Chung held his face in his hands, I'm such an idiot." The scratching stopped, and they noticed Raven was slowly relaxing.
"They're heading east." Raven said.
"Raven says they're leaving." Rena translated. Everyone sighed.
"Is anyone hungry?" Ara said, hoping to change the subject.
"Well, it is time for dinner." They all got up and headed to the dining area, and Ara and Rena went into the kitchen. Rena was perplexed as they opened the cabinets. There were plenty of fruit and greens, but no meat.
"Chung, where's the meat?" Rena called.
"Should be in the fridge!" He replied.
"Well it isn't." Ara sighed as she and Rena walked out into the dining hall. Chung's forehead met the table.
"Oh my El!" He groaned, "If I ever get my hands on those caretakers..." Rena placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry Chung. I can get us some food."
"But what about-"
"I can handle a wolf or two Raven. I'll be fine, trust me. Or do you doubt my aim?" She teased as she pointed at Raven, imitating a gun.
"Just...be careful." Raven added a personal side thought that she couldn't hear. I couldn't bear to see you harmed.
"Well, you guys might as well occupy yourselves while I get us some fresh meat." Everyone headed back to the living room as Rena grabbed her bow and hunting gear. She headed outside and headed west to make sure she didn't have to deal with the wolves.
Raven paced back and forth in the corner of the living room. Ara shifted uneasily in her seat. Elsword and Elesis sat with eyes closed with stern expressions. Chung was by the window overlooking the ravine, staring outside. Aisha twiddled her thumbs. Even Eve looked concerned. Rena had not come back and it had been several hours.
"Should we go looking for her?" Aisha asked, but Chung shook his head.
"The forest is too dangerous at night for us to navigate. We'll get lost. Argh!" Chung slammed his fist against the wall, making Ara jumped, "Why is this happening?!"
"Raven!" Chung turned at Eve's voice just in time to see and feel Raven rush past him and leap across the ravine. He ran west and vanished from sight, soon no longer able to hear the cries of his friends. He sniffed the floor, and found Rena's scent. He followed it swiftly, running full out to find her.
"Rena...No, be safe!" Raven ran as fast as he could, then he heard a sound that chilled him to the bone.
"Aaaaahh!" He heard Rena scream, and moved faster, pushing his body to the limit. He did not have his sword with him, but he had swords of his own. He broke into a clearing and slammed into a large white wolf that was moving towards Rena. Rena's left arm was drenched in blood, and her dress was torn at her shoulder, indicating she had been bitten. Rena held her arm in pain, tears running down her face from her recent dance with death. The white wolf was alone, but he was bigger than Raven.
"I...will...kill you!" Raven snarled and rushed his foe. The larger wolf tried to claw Raven's eye, but Raven jumped onto its back and propelled himself up and turned over to slam the larger wolf into the floor. The wolf quickly recovered however and knocked Raven off him. As Raven picked himself off the floor, the larger wolf bit his tail. Raven howled in pain as he was dragged back and tossed across the field. As Raven got up, both rushed at each other and rose onto their hind legs as they competed to get their jaws around the other's throat. Raven was about to be pushed back when he sunk onto all fours and swept the larger wolf onto its back. Before it could recover, Raven leapt on top of it and proceeded to crush its windpipe in between his strong jaws. Rena was horrified as Raven growled menacingly as he choked the life out of the gurgling animal. The wolf was dead within seconds, and Raven hobbled on to the floor, exhausted. The full moon lit up the snowy clearing, and Rena walked over to Raven with her bow and a large hunting pack over her shoulder.
"Raven...are you okay?"
"Yes...just...tired..."
"Would you like some food?" Raven nodded weakly. Rena pulled out a large snow hare and laid it on the floor in front of Raven. He quickly started eating, tearing the raw flesh off and swallowing them whole. When Raven was done, he stood up, "There's a stream that way, we should clean our wounds before they get infected." They walked through the trees to the stream, and Rena washed the blood from her arm and shoulder before wrapping the wound. Raven was silent, but Rena knew something was on his mind, "Raven, is there something you want to tell me?" Rena asked as she bandaged Raven's tail wound. Raven stiffened and slowly turned to face her. His eyes were watery, "Raven?"
"Rena...I know that...as of now it could never be, but I need you to know." Raven stared into her eyes, "I love you Rena. I've had feelings for you for so long. I wish...I had acted on them." Rena just smiled and held his face.
"But you did act. You saved my life, you worried for my safety, you reassured me after you were cursed, you even made me my favorite dish when it was the first time you ever had to cook for us. To be honest, I really liked you as well." She took a deep breath, and kissed Raven's nose, surprising him, "I don't care if you're a wolf! I love you too, and I won't let this stand in our way!"
"Rena..." Raven was so happy. He moved forward, pushing Rena onto her back.
"Don't be shy Raven. I don't mind. Believe me, after tasting Aisha's cooking I think I can handle a wolf's tongue." Both chuckled briefly and then fell silent. They gazed into each other's eyes. Rena loved how Raven, even as a wolf, still had those amber eyes she adored so much. She put her arms around Raven's furry neck, "I'm waiting."
"But I...it's just..." Rena pouted.
"Just shut up and kiss me." Rena closed her eyes and waited for him. He mentally sighed, and brought their lips together. Rena returned the kiss, and tried to slide her tongue into his mouth. Surprising himself, Raven eased his jaw open and licked her tongue before sliding his into her mouth. Oh...that's a lot of... Raven opened an eye as Rena swallowed. She coughed a little before looking back at him, "Well, it's an acquired taste I guess." They sighed.
"We have to get back. They're worried sick." Rena nodded, and stood up. They tread through the forest in silence. No words had to be spoken. They would tell them when they arrived, and they would have to accept it or force them to leave. Rena suddenly remembered something, and broke the silence.
"Raven, you do know you can speak in human tongue right?"
"What?"
"Try it. Just try to speak like you used to." They stopped as Raven tried to form words yet all that came out was low growls and awkward gurgling.
"Re...na..." Raven stopped, and Rena smiled.
"Aww...I'm your first word? That's so cute."
"I'm not a baby." Raven grumbled. Rena hugged him gently.
"No, but you are mine." Raven closed his eyes.
"Rena..." He spoke the words clearly, sounding like his old self, "Mind if I practice as we walk?"
"Not at all. It's really easy I swear. The trick to forget you're a wolf, and be a human. You get the idea?" Raven nodded his head, and for the rest of the walk practiced speaking with this train of thought. He ended up tripping over his feet a few times because he literally forgot he was a wolf for a few seconds, but was quickly getting the hang of it. As they saw the house, Raven was speaking significantly more fluently and not tripping, "You're a fast learner Raven. It takes most creatures several days to get this far." Raven smiled a wolfish grin as they walked into the field surrounding the vacation home.
"I'm doing it for you." They stopped in front of the door, "Ready?"
"Are you?" Raven playfully tried to bite her foot but she moved it away swiftly. They both sighed before opening the door.
"Rena! Raven! Oh El, you're hurt!" Chung and Ara checked their wounds.
"We're fine guys." Rena said as Chung brought her over to the couch in the main hall. Everyone else sat around them as Raven hopped up beside her, "I got caught off guard by an alpha wolf. If Raven hadn't come along when he did..." Rena trailed off, making Chung cringe.
"I shouldn't have brought us here, I'm so sorry." Rena held up a hand to stop him.
"Chung, what just happened was the best thing that could have happened to me." Everyone stared at her.
"Did you injure your head Rena?" Eve had Oberon examine her. He shook his head, "Check her again." Oberon began to check her again, but Rena moved her head away.
"Please, let me speak. When Raven saved me he...well, don't you think you should say it Raven?" Ara stood up.
"Okay, Rena has obviously had a horrible scare so-" Ara was cut off by a strangely familiar voice.
"I confessed my love for Rena." Everyone stared in shock as Raven continued to speak, "She returned that love, and we are going to be together." Ara couldn't handle it anymore, and Elsword rocketed out of his seat as she collapsed, swiftly catching her. Aisha just sat and pointed, her mouth open.
"R-Raven...You're...You're talking...right?" Raven nodded.
"Indeed I am." Raven and Rena laughed as Aisha put her hand on Chung's forehead and her other on her own to check if she was feverish. Elesis was blushing slightly.
"You're going to...be together...like that?" Rena nodded.
"Is there a problem?" Eve smiled.
"Of course not Rena. Why should there be?" Eve shot a glare at the others, who quickly nodded their head in agreement. They all finally collected themselves.
"Well, things will be interesting, well...more so now." Chung said, "No offense."
"None taken. I know it's strange, an Elf and a wolf. We'll keep it to private shows of affection."
"Oh come on, if you don't be public with us about it, how will we adjust to it so that it's normal to us?" Aisha pointed out. Everyone, minus Eve and Ara who was passed out, was disturbed slightly, and knew they had to get used to it.
"Well then, shall we start now?" Rena smiled at Raven. Everyone felt even more uncomfortable as Rena pressed Raven's lips tightly to hers. Sadly, Ara chose now to awaken.
"What is..." Ara looked at Rena and Raven as soon as he slid his tongue into Rena's mouth. They stopped as they heard Ara fall to the floor. Oberon quickly picked her up and took her to her room.
"Okay, we have to tell Ara later. In a very soft environment." Raven said, drawing a nervous chuckle from everyone. They all decided to head to bed, and Raven slept with Rena in her room, curled up beside her.
The rest of the vacation went along smoothly. The pack of wolves returned and bowed to Raven for defeating their alpha in one on one combat. Raven selected a new Alpha after ordering them to leave this place and not return. That night Rena and Ara prepared a feast for Christmas Eve, and they quickly retired. The next morning they woke up to find Rena and Raven waiting in the main hall, all the gifts neatly arranged under the pine tree Chung, with the help of Oberon, had brought in and decorated. They all opened their gifts in an orderly fashion, one picking a gift for them and opening it and then the next person doing the same. After they were done Rena handed Raven the last present.
"I think this is the only present you would get any use out of now. I'm glad I bought it." Raven nimbly ripped off the wrapping, and Rena helped to take out the wolf fang choker she had gotten. It was just the right size for his neck, and she put it on.
"Thank you Rena." Raven nuzzled her gently, and everyone smiled at one another.
"Merry Christmas everyone."
Vayne: Yes, a Christmas special! I know it's November, but I only got the idea too late to do a Thanksgiving special, so take it as a super early present. Also! I'm expanding my FFs to Vocaloid, and I will only be using 6 (See my profile for details.) If you have an idea for a setup, don't hesitate to PM me.
