AAN: Yep another chapter on this one. Please R&R. Oh and I updated the other chapters. Went back over the grammar and typos and what not.
Sight Unseen
Holly woke early in the morning thinking about the scriptures again and what Genki had told her. But most of all what she had seen before the spell hit her. She didn't understand the shield, armor, or sword that Genki's spirit had. She wondered if he knew what it meant. Genki began to stir next to her; she surprised herself by nuzzling him. Genki noted her surprise and confusion.
"Holly, you will do things in this form you would never do as a human. You will understand our language and know why we hunt and eat the way we do."
"I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not."
"I am certain you will find it better then you believe at present."
"Genki… can I ask you something?"
"Of course"
"Well, when I cast my spell I saw, for a brief moment, you as a spirit holding a white flaming sword and brilliantly bright shield, you also had some sort of armor on. Why did I see that?"
"That was my spirit fighting your spell. That was the shield of faith, the sword of the spirit and God's armor for spiritual battle."
"So it was your shield of faith that sent my spell back."
"Yes, I didn't even know you saw that though. My consciousness was not there."
"I'm not sure I understand…"
just then Feather Foot burst into the room.
"Forgive me alphas but there is a very large rouge male approaching."
"Thank you for telling us." Genki rose, pulling Holly up with him.
"Lets go, he may be a threat."
"Why have me there, I'm not of much use?"
"Holly, you are of more use then you think. You don't need your sight; rely on your other senses to guide you. Besides the pack needs to see their alpha female standing strong with them. They are but pups for the most part aside from Cloud Berry and Autumn Harvest." She stood and followed him using her sense of touch and the sound of his footsteps and his smell to guide her. Granity noted Holly was moving on her own and following Genki who was careful to move slower then his gate allowed. She smiled thinking to herself,
'Perhaps this is a blessing in disguise for her.' When they walked outside Genki immediately sensed the rouge males power, Holly trembled as she felt it and nearly fell over. Genki held her and helped her move to where the pack was gathered. He nodded to the others then approached the rouge. He noted the villagers we also gathered and reeked of fear. He stopped a respectful distance in front of the rouge. The rouge's attention was on him alone now.
"Who are you elder, and why have you come to these lands?"
"You are the alpha then of this young pack?"
"I am."
"I have come for I was sent. Sent by the One who healed you by lightning."
"Then the Father has sent you? For what purpose has he sent you?"
"He has sent me to heal your mate, and deliver a message to her. The Lord has looked into her heart and found her wanting Him in so He will restore what He has taken from her." Genki glanced to Holly who had not heard any of this, no one could hear at this distance.
"Very well, you may reside with us and complete that which you have been sent to do." Genki bowed his head respectfully; the rouge wagged his tail twice in thanks. "What is your name?"
"I am Star Thunder."
"Alright, Star Thunder then let us go to the pack so you can speak to my mate." Genki lead the elder, who towered even over Autumn Harvest showing just how old he was, toward the pack. He was much broader then Genki, and had a lot more muscle that could even be seen through his dark gray fur. The younger members moved back unsure of him. Star Thunder looked down into Holly's blinded eyes.
"Alpha Female I have come for your sake." He spoke loud enough that the villagers heard. They now watched what was going on and wondered over closer to hear what was going on better. Holly seemed to fear the deep voiced stranger until Genki came up next to her.
"Do not fear him. He has come to help, not hurt." Star Thunder smiled to the alpha then spoke to Holly again.
"I have come to deliver a message from the Father, for He sent me. He also sent me to restore your sight."
"He sent you?"
"Yes, the message He sends to you is this. Because He has looked into your heart and found you seeking Him, He will heal your sight. If you wish to bear a child though you must begin to seek Him even more after your sight is restored. He will show you the truth that you seek." He reached forward and touched her eyes and prayed allowed. "Father I am here as you have asked, you are the true God. Show your power and restore this woman's sight so that she might believe. Remove the scales from her eyes and let her see the truth." A bright light from in between the clouds fell upon Star Thunder and Holly then disappeared. Star Thunder removed his hand and Holly opened her eyes shocked that she could indeed see. She looked at the Garou who had healed her; he was indeed impressive in size, and then to her pack members.
"Genki, I can see again…" He smiled to her and pulled her into an embrace.
"I know Holly, the Father has restored what He has taken from you." The villagers began to whisper to each other, this was the second miracle they had seen. Holly cried tears of joy as she embraced Genki. The pack surrounding her and giving their affection and support as the Male backed away a bit. Genki noticed this and spoke to him. "Stay with us Star Thunder, We will praise the Father this night, join us in this act of praise and worship along with a feast of celebration." Star Thunder looked to the young alpha with a smile.
"I would be honored to stay for that reason. You and your mate are very special indeed." Holly looked to the male who healed her again.
"Thank you for healing me."
"I was only the tool, I didn't heal you the Father did." Holly seemed puzzled a moment then responded,
"Well thank you for obeying and coming to heal me as a tool then."
"Your welcome, it is my pleasure." He bowed to her respectfully. The pack howled a joyful chorus with Holly and the new male joining in. Holly found that she couldn't resist the song even when she tried. Genki spoke quickly and directed the pack to get ready for the nights events.
Genki went off to work as he should and when he got home Holly was on the couch napping with the pup, Genki's Bible still open and in her lap. He smiled and gave her a soft kiss; she felt his love and awoke with the kiss.
"I see you are obeying the message sent to you. That is good." His voice soft and gentle, "Larry was asking a lot of questions today."
"I am sure he was, he has probably never witnessed anything like what he saw happen today."
"I am sure you are right about that." Genki sat down next to her wrapping his arm around her. She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. "Holly, I know this is all new to you but I would like you to join us tonight." His voice very soft and gentle; she looked at him a moment, thinking on his words.
"I wouldn't know what to do Genki if I did join you."
"Holly you don't need to have a preset plan; just do what you feel in your spirit. I know you well enough to know you feel grateful to have your sight back." His gaze gentle enough to show her he wouldn't force her to do this. She didn't answer right away but he waited as she thought. Am I grateful? I guess I am but is it to his God or just because I was healed? What did he mean if I wanted to bare a child to seek Him?
"Genki, what did that rouge mean by if I wanted to bare a child seek Him even more?"
"Holly, you were obviously trying to seek the Father or he wouldn't have restored your sight at all. What that means is if you do seek Him more and look at the truth He is going to show you then He will heal the damage to your womb." She moved to look at him with a start.
"Genki, you know my womb can't be healed why would you…"
"Holly, it can be healed. Do you not think the one who made you can't fix His creation? He knew you before you were woven together in your mother's womb. He can fix your womb if you believe in His power." She started at him still in shock from his words. He feared he might have gone to far in asking her to join them to praise the Father.
"Genki… I may not be what you expect…"
"Holly, I don't expect you to be on fire for God right now. All I ask is that you join us to offer thanks and praise that he did heal you. That's all."
"On fire for God?"
"Feeling a spiritual fire in your spirit and soul, a spiritual zeal to praise, worship and serve God."
"Do you feel it?"
"Right now, yeah. How can I not be excited with what I saw today? And I am very thankful that you have been healed."
"I guess you are right about that. It is exciting to have my sight back. And I do feel grateful…I'm just not sure. The whole village saw me howling… they may not accept me if I betray the Mother…."
"Holly, why do you fear being different from them? You never did when you were younger. What changed?" She saw a yearning for understanding in his eyes and sighed.
"I am not sure Genki… I just need to have a home, belong and be completely accepted…" She saw his eyes soften,
"You have always been accepted Holly. Our friends and I have always accepted you just as you are, and supported you through whatever decisions and circumstances you went through. We still will." He saw her eyes tear up a bit and leaned forward to give her a feather light kiss, " I will always accept you, and I know our friends will to. And if you are willing to try the pack will as well. The pack just needs to know you want to be with them and accept them too. Right now most of them are confused. You pretty much ignored them in the time I was gone. I was hoping you would bond with them in that time but I should have known it would not be that simple." She buried her face in his chest tears falling. He soothed her gently hoping to hear what was causing her tears.
"Genki, I know I should have helped them more but I felt sick whenever I saw them eat meat and I felt…. a desire to join them at the same time. It scared me…"
"It wasn't the meat you desired it was the freedom. They act how they are with no cares about who is watching… something you lost." She nodded slowly understanding now. "Holly, you can be free that way again, to do what you believe in if you want it. But you have to fight for what you believe in again. And trust that those closest to you will stand by you no matter what." She didn't answer so he spoke on, "Please join us this night to offer thanks for the healing you received. You don't have to stay any longer then for that. God wants you to willingly come to him in praise; he doesn't want you to force it out. And I know you feel a need to give thanks, because you are grateful." She searched his eyes for a moment.
"Alright, I will do that. I do feel a need to thank your God for returning my sight."
"I am glad." He nuzzled her gently.
"Genki… you never told me about what I saw when I was casting my spell earlier."
"Yeah you are right. Well you saw my spirit holding the sword of the spirit, the shield of faith, with the armor of God on. The sword is the Word of God, the Bible, which is a sharp double edge sword. The shield of Faith is the faith I hold that my God can do anything. The armor is made up of many things; the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the loin belt of truth, and the sandals of peace." He was thinking of more to add for later but that was as simple as it gets. "The description is off of what Paul saw around him and used as an ensample to the people to interpret what he meant. The roman soldiers of the time wore all these things physically. Two things he didn't mention were the two javelins each soldier carried, which I believe represent prayer and praise."
"So I saw the armor you posses because of you God. And that armor protected you from my spell and sent it back to me."
"Yes"
"No wonder I got hit so hard by the spell…"
"Holly, I didn't deliberately send it back to you. My spirit defended against it but my mind, or soul, was over come by the drugs at the time so I didn't know you even sent the spell into me until I came back around."
"That's what you meant by your consciousness was not there this morning?"
"Yeah, that's is what I was trying to say."
"It makes sense now… that's why you didn't know exactly what I did or why… or even what I saw before my sight was taken."
"Holly, if you wish to learn more about anything you can always ask me. You know I will always be honest with you."
"I know I just want to try on my own a bit too."
"That's fine."
"This is a bit off topic but why is that rogue so much larger then you or Autumn Harvest?"
"Because he I very old. At least 800 years old I would guess, since Autumn Harvest is around 300 years or so. Remember that Garou never stop growing, the older we are the bigger we are and the larger our fangs."
"I never thought I would meet anyone 800 years old…"
"I didn't expect to either. But Star Thunder is indeed around that old if not older. I didn't ask his age."
"So his name is Star Thunder?"
"Yeah, he doesn't seem to belong to a pack but seems to be doing well on his own. An odd circumstance for a Garou; most Garou can't stand to be alone that long."
"Why?"
"We are social creatures by nature, we need a pack or a close group of friends otherwise we kind of go crazy."
"I think I understand." She nuzzled him gently not worrying about her actions.
"Holly you can always act how you feel and say what you feel around me, even if you wouldn't around the others."
"I know that Genki, thank you." She seemed tired so he just smiled and whispered,
"Lets rest together, you seem tired and I could use a nap myself." She nodded and rested her head against his shoulder as he held her. He relaxed and rested his head on the couch and closed his eyes to take a nap, still somewhat aware of what was going on around him. He was indeed social but all the questions during work had drained him.
When Genki woke again Holly was still asleep and the others we in the living room around them chatting quietly. Granity was the first to notice Genki was awake.
"Genki what is this ceremony your pack is putting together?" He smiled.
"Nothing much really, just a praise and worship session for what happened early."
"You're not forcing Holly to go are you?" Suezo accused eying him.
"I am not forcing her, I asked her to attend. She said she would do so briefly just to say thanks for her sight being restored."
"Why do you need the ceremony?" Hare asked.
"Its more of a festival then a ceremony. We don't need it but we want to give thanks." Granity noticed he seemed very calm about the whole conversation. He obviously didn't care that they were asking these questions.
"Genki, we saw her healing but I am not inclined to believe it was this God of yours." Granity stated, his brow raised in interest.
"That is your choice, but may I ask what you believe it was then?"
"Maybe a healing spell…"
"Was there a chant? Or any casting?" Genki's voice challenged but remained very calm.
"Well no…he just spoke to that God of yours…" Granity admitted.
"Then it wasn't a spell…" Hare said pondering things again. Genki didn't say anything he just shook Holly awake.
"Holly, come on wake up its almost time to prepare for tonight." She slowly roused looking around the room at all the monsters.
"Holly is he making you pray to his God?" Suezo asked eying Genki again.
"No, Suezo he's not, he asked me to go. I am grateful for my sight back, it's the least I can do to thank his God." She stretched lightly, Rain Paws waking with her movements.
"We should go they will need us there for when the festival starts." Holly looked at him a moment then nodded.
"I guess you are right." He rose with her and the pup with a smile. He went upstairs momentarily getting a bag then coming back down. Marie came down seeing them about to leave she asked for Genki to pick her up. He did as she asked.
"You all may come watch if you like. Its your choice." He headed out the door with Holly close behind him, Rain Paws ahead of them and Marie in his arms. Holly wondered what Genki had grabbed but figured she would know soon enough.
Arriving at the den she noticed a stone alter, a cross behind it, a feast laid out on tanned deer hides, and a blazing fire. Genki smiled and looked to the two elders who seemed deep in conversation. Genki walked over to a log and pulled out a MP3 player with two speakers from his bag, it was small but it would work. Genki had used his solar charger to charge it earlier. He looked around at everyone noting the villagers on the hill watching with some of the monsters.
"Everyone, lets get this festival started. I have a music player from my world for us to use." Genki told it to play and soon the song 'Beautiful One by Jermey Camp' was playing. The play list has only praise and worship songs on it so he knew they would all like it. The wolves merely accepted the device glad for the music; the villagers whispered not sure what the make of the device. They started the festival by making an offering on the alter. Holly watched as they prayed and sang aloud, soon a fire from the sky came down engulfing the whole alter. When is vanished the offering was burnt up completely, the wooden cross untouched by the fire though it was so close to the alter. Only then did they sit down to feast, praying before eating as they always did. Holly sat down unsure what to make of what she had seen. Genki sat next to her, offering her some of the venison that was prepared for them. She took some eating with more manners then the others. Mocchi wondered over with Tiger and Greywolf in tow. Genki smiled to them.
"You're welcome to join the feast if you would like." He looked back up on the hill. "You all may join if you would like to." He smiled to them seeing the villagers whispering again. Granity walked down with Golem joining the group. Hare shrugged and looked to Suezo walking down as well… Suezo looked around at the village monsters then sighed and went to join his friends. Hare was amazed at the amount of food here but even so he didn't think the whole village could join and be satisfied.
"Um Genki there's not enough here for the whole village." Genki smiled to him.
"There is if you have the faith that I have. The Father will provide us what we need for those who will join." Holly looked at him with a strange glance he noted it but merely patted her shoulder and returned to eating. Genki what did you mean by that…? She wanted to ask but was unsure of how to phrase the question. Soon she noted that the headman and his wife had walked down with Athena and Dr Harvey. The headman spoke first.
"Genki, there is not enough here for everyone." Genki finished what he was eating before speaking.
"So it may seem on the surface, however I guarantee there is." Genki smiled, then felt the move of the spirit with them and looked to the other wolves. Star Thunder and Autumn Harvest rose and walked back over to the alter both kneeling to pray. Genki closed his eyes a moment allowing time to interpret what the spirit wanted him to do then looked back to the headman. "If you think that I am mistaken then I will offer you this as proof. Have the whole village join, and see for yourself that though it appears to be a small feast it will satisfy every single person and monster. My Father has told me he will provide for everyone who will sit and eat." He spoke carefully noting the headman's surprise. He looked at the Athena and Dr Harvey who were both astonished. Genki noted that Sage Ears came over looking distressed.
"Alpha, Night Singer fell and won't get up." Genki's eyes moved to where Night Singer was. He then rose and chuckled, noting the stare he got from Holly and the villagers who had come down.
"Sage Ears, he is not hurt. I know you can feel the spirit with us; he is… in connection with the spirit directly. He will come around on his own."
"But he hit his head…." Genki walked to Sage Ears nuzzling him.
"There is much you don't understand yet. I promise he is not hurt. No one under the spirits influence is ever hurt no matter what injury you may think they have gotten." He looked to the other younger members. "Cloud Berry check his head, is there any blood?" She did as he asked more calmly then the others.
"There is not injury alpha." Genki looked back to Sage Ears.
"Do you want to know the knowledge of the unseen power that is here?" Sage Ears nodded, Genki took him over to near the alter and stood to the side praying for him, Autumn Harvest and Star Thunder both joined him. Could Berry even seemed to lack knowledge of what there were doing he tilted head told of that confusion. As they watched the elders took a step back and let Sage Ears fall. But something was different about how he fell it seemed like it was in slow motion. And his body was as stiff as a board, his hands near his chest clasped in prayer. The elders merely glanced to each other then walked over to Night Singer who had come out of his trance. They spoke with him momentarily then let him leave. He ran into the field doing a series of flips then calling some of the younger members to him to play. Most of the younger members were full by now and went to join his play, feeling very energized. Cloud Berry bowed her head to Genki as he approached. He merely stopped and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know you don't understand the reason behind that. However if you want to learn, go to Star Thunder." She looked at him in surprise.
"But alpha…"
"He is wiser then I. Go to him." Her ears went back he knew she was annoyed and angry but he also knew this was what was supposed to happen. "The spirit will guide you, follow it." His voice so only she could hear, then he went back to his seat next to Holly.
Holly gave him an odd look; he noted it and smiled to her. "Holly I know you don't understand everything you have seen, don't worry about it. I will explain things later." He looked back to the headman and the villagers who had come down. "Will you test my words for yourself?" The headman looked to Dr Harvey who shrugged.
"We already know you are wrong but we will prove you wrong if you prefer." He asked the entire village, every person and monster, to join in the feast. They all did so willing to prove Genki wrong. Genki only smiled to them.
After he and his group had their fill they rose to sing praises. Genki called Holly over with him.
"You said you wanted to thank my Father for healing you. Now your chance to do so."
"What do I have to do?" Genki place his hand on her shoulder.
"Just do what the Spirit tells you to." He moved his hand to her head then prayed soon Holly felt something tell her to go and kneel at the altar. She felt fearful of the voice for a moment but then her restraint slipped and she did as she was told. Genki watched as she kneeled and prayed aloud, though no one could hear her words he knew she was being guided. He noted the monsters looking concerned; he merely smiled to them. Cloud Berry indeed went and spoke with Star Thunder and was learning a great deal. Genki went and lit some incense on one of two smaller secondary altars then kneeled to pray. He saw a vision of Star Thunder with his own pack and of his own training. Then he was Holly learning from Star Thunder and Autumn Harvest. He knew he would ask Star Thunder to join his pack. He then came out of his vision and glanced to see Holly standing before the alter tears trailing down her cheeks. He went to her carefully placing and arm around her.
"Genki… how do I make and offering?" He seemed somewhat surprised by the question but took her to the offering alter. Star Thunder joined them along with Autumn Harvest. Genki handed Holly a leg of venison.
"Place this on the alter then anoint it with the oil." Holly did as he said, somewhat afraid as she did. Star Thunder came behind them and spoke softly.
"Do not fear the fire. For it purifies everything it touches." Genki nodded and walked closer to Holly. Hoping to reassure her that she wouldn't be struck down for this.
"Now Holly, tell the Father that this is your offering and why you offer it. If he accepts it then it will be consumed." She nodded, still scared. Genki moved behind her to place his hands on her shoulders hoping to give her strength.
"I offer this to you Father of the Garou, I offer this in thanks for my sight being returned to me. Please accept this offering of my gratitude to you." The whole village was watching now they had heard her words. Most were very uneasy with her making this offering, but some understood the reason for her wanting to thank this God. Within moments of her words and fire descended from the sky engulfing the altar. Soon those flames burst forth and surrounded Genki and Holly. The villagers thought for sure they were to be killed by the flames. Genki held fast trusting his Lord, holding Holly still. She was shocked to see that the flames we about her but not burning her. She felt something deep inside that told her that her offering had been received. But also a voice again that spoke to her and Genki.
'Do not fear I have not come to harm you but to tell you that your offering has been received. Read My Word and you shall understand My ways. Walk in My ways and you shall understand My purpose for this world. Walk in the light with Me and you shall know My Love for you. That Love can heal all wounds no matter how deep. For I am Yahweh.' When the voice vanished so did the flames leaving them both unharmed much to the villager astonishment and relief. The rest of the night progressed well the villagers learned the hard way that Genki's Father was real. If the fire was not enough the fact they every person and monster was full and there was still some food left would be testament to his power as well. Genki said nothing to them about this; he just smiled then walked to where Star Thunder sat.
"Elder Star Thunder, I have been shown a vision in it you and Autumn Harvest teach I and Holly. I invite you to stay what my pack." The elder nodded.
"I would eagerly do so if it is my Father's will." Genki smiled then left to lay next to Holly who was already asleep with Marie and Rain Paws. He knew there would be a lot of questions to answer in the morning but for now he would enjoy time at the den with his family.