After the Dawn
A/N- Things seem to be going well, and next thing you know, a new problem arises! Read on to find out what that proplem is! Hope you liked Chapt 3!
Chapter 4: What Decision?
Rena awoke latter that evening when she heard high pitched howling outside, she quick got off her bed and rushed out of her bedroom and too the window. Glancing outside her eyes focused on the form of a male werewolf, one that she recognized too, "Haru…" she whispered to herself. When she turned around to go and get her fur blanket she saw Mark standing there his jaw dropped. That's when it dawned on her that she had completely forgotten that Mark was staying in her hut and that she was stark naked right in front of him!
Rena's eyes widened as she screamed in panic and ran quickly to her bedroom gabbing her fur blanket, not knowing what else to do. As if on cue there came a loud yell outside her hut as Haru ran into the hut yelling out, "Rena!" He plowed right through the cloth that covered the door and came to a sudden halt as he saw Mark standing there and Rena barely covered by her fur blanket. For several minutes not one of them spoke, they all just stood there is shock until Mark broke the silence. "Hello Haru…uh…how have you been?" "Can you please tell me why you are in her ladyship's hut, Mark?" asked Haru his anger beginning to rise.
"I…uh…well, my mother and father told me that this was the hut I was supposed to stay in. I thought another guy lived here but as you can see it turned out to be Rena's hut, so it's not what it looks like!" replied Mark nervously glancing at me. "Haru…he is telling the truth, by the way what were you doing howling outside?" Rena took a step towards them as she spoke trying to remain calm, but struggling to think coherently. "I came to tell you that your father wants to have you chose your mate before the next full moon, which is in two days time. I felt that you had the right to know…I am sorry if I woke you milady!" said Haru bowing deeply before Rena.
When he turned to leave Rena quickly said, "Haru, wait…I thank you for telling me of this. On a lighter note I wanted to ask you both if you would accompany me, I am planing on traveling to the old den in the forest, the one where I was born. I feel like I should visit it again, so would you both come with me…"
Both Haru and Mark glanced at one another and smiled happily at their response, "Alright, you two wait here…I need to get dressed, then we can approach my father and mother about this," she then turned and hurried from the room. Once in her bedroom Rena quickly got dressed, as she turned to leave the room she saw something glittering in the corner. Curious, she walked over and knelt down picking up the sparkling object, when she opened her hand her eyes widened at what she saw. There was a small sliver of crystal resting in her hand, she automatically recognized it for what it was, an engagement stone. Engagement stones were given by male vampires as a promise to marry; Rena chuckled softly as she remembered the first day that she saw this stone.
'It was several years ago, during the time when Mark and his parents had made their first visit to the werewolf village, Rena was child at that time as was Mark and Haru. Mark and his parents had been there about a month when Mark's parents received word that his cousin got engaged. James and Katelynn were to send a gift and as they were wrapping it one day Mark, Rena, and Haru walked in on them. Mark asked what they were doing and James explained it to them, Mark was curious and asked how you got engaged.
Mark's parents laughed and Katelynn took off her necklace and handed it to Mark, he latter lost it and no one ever saw it again.' Rena was rather surprised that it had turned up so many years latter and let alone in one piece. She held the necklace firmly in her hand as she went to join the others in the main room of the hut. "Why are you smiling?" questioned Mark as Rena passed him, about ready to crack up. "Let's get going, besides I've got something for you mother anyway," said Rena knowingly as she left the hut followed closely by Mark and Haru.
"And what exactly is that?" mumbled Mark as they walked down the steps of her hut and onto the path leading to the main hut. "You'll see, you'll see…" replied Rena smiling devilishly now, "but enough asking, okay?" Rena lead the way down the path and after a moment or two of walking they had finally reached the steps to the main hut. Since it was still so early in the evening there were no other werewolves out and about so that made their trip to the main hut that much easier.
Rena moved swiftly up the steps and fluidly entered the hut to see that her parents must have still been asleep because only Mark's parents were sitting out in the main room. "Good evening Rena, why are you here…ah…I see Mark and Hatsuharu are with you. To what do we owe this early evening visit?" asked James getting to his feet once he saw yet. Also Rena has something to give you mother, she refused to tell me what it was…" Mark trailed off as Rena stepped forward cupping the necklace in her hands. "Here, I found this lying in a corner of my hut, so I wanted to return it to it's rightful owner," said Rena softly as she handed the necklace over to Katelynn.
Katelynn let out a gasp when she examined the necklace and said, "I can't believe it! James! Look, it's our engagement necklace from all those years ago…" James got a look of surprise as he turned to Rena and said, "Thank you so much for returning it, we never thought we'd ever see this again. It is actually kind of amazing that it showed up now, when we return…but…I replaced it once we got back home, so what are we going to do with it now Katelynn?" The room fell silent for several moments as Katelynn sat there staring at the necklace, "Mother…I…uh…may I have the necklace, you know, so I can give it to the one I am going to marry…" Mark paused for a moment so that Katelynn could decide.
She glanced at Mark and then back at the necklace and finally nodded her head approvingly as she said, "Yes, you can have it Mark, but only if you promise to take good care of it and never lose it, agreed?" Mark took a moment to decide and finally replied, "I promise, it will be handled with great care…thank you mother, father." He then took the necklace from his mother and pulled out a silk handkerchief, proceeding to gently wrap it around the necklace, he then replaced the handkerchief in his upper coat pocket. "Remember your promise to your mother or there will be hell to pay, you get me Mark?" said James pointing at Mark seriously. "Yes father, I won't forget. After all this is what I'm giving to that special someone, so why would I lose it…" he trailed off when Shogo came walking out.
"Father…" said Rena respectfully bowing to her father as he approached. "My Lord…" Haru bowed as well showing the proper respect. "Rena, Mark, and Hatsuharu…what are you three doing here so early, I thought you would have slept in as usual Rena." Yawned Shogo as he hugged Rena gently and then patted Mark on the back roughly. "…Father…we have come to ask permission to journey to the old den, I asked Haru and Mark to accompany me so that we could get to know each other again. Of course if you don't want us too…" she was cut off by Shogo as he shook his head saying, "Of course, you three can go. Just make sure you return tomorrow, I don't want her harmed Hatsuharu…"
"Yes my Lord, I won't allow anything to happen to her as long as I am around!" said Haru firmly. Mark draped an arm around Haru's shoulder's and said, "Neither will I, Rena's safe in our hands Mr. S! So no worries…you two ready?" Rena smiled at Mark's remark, no one in the village would ever dare call Shogo that, and they'd be executed before they took their next breath. "…Father, may we leave now?" questioned Rena as she motioned to the entrance. "Yes you can go, but remember that I expect you three back here tomorrow and no ifs ands or buts about it! Okay, go ahead and leave, and be careful." Waved Shogo as he sat next to James and Katelynn. Rena smiled and gave her father a kiss on his cheek, then she turned and left the hut followed by Mark and Haru.
Once outside Rena turned to Mark and Haru saying, "Do you think he said yes too soon, usually he takes his time on deciding things but just now…I don't know it just seemed to easy is all." Rena shook her head confused as she began walking down the steps of the hut. "Don't worry about it, he said yes what else is there is worry about," laughed Mark pushing Rena roughly down the rest of the steps. "He is right milady, there is no need to worry. Besides, we are here to protect you," said Haru softly as he walked behind her and Mark.
"What's with all this 'Milady' crap Haru, it's just us three for a day who cares about traditions, just call her 'Rena' like me no one will ever know!" sighed Mark disappointed with Haru. "Guy's, let's just get going okay, the sooner we get there the sooner we can hang out like we used to. And figure out what to do about the whole, 'Pick a mate by the next full moon' crap…okay?" said Rena as she hurried towards the outskirts of the village.
The night was beginning to deepen as Rena, Mark, and Haru left the village and entered the already darkened forest. Rena lead the way as she left the main path and plunged headfirst into the trees, Mark and Haru followed quickly trying to keep up with her pace. A light breeze began to blow as Rena made her way through the trees, to her knowledge no one had been to the old den since she was born, so that would make it even harder to find amidst all these trees.
"Rena, are you glad that we came back…I mean…uh…did you miss me at all after I left with my parents?" asked Mark suddenly appearing next to Rena. "Mark…where is Haru?" she said softly as she glanced about. "Oh, he is tailing us still, you know bringing up the rear. So…are you going to answer me?" replied Mark shyly as they continued walking. "Uh…well, yes I did miss you, you're my friend! Of course I'd miss you, why do you ask?" mumbled Rena as she still glanced about, trying to catch a glimpse of Haru. "N…No reason, I was just curious is all. By the way how much further is it to this 'Old Den'?" he answered as he stooped to pick up a long stick. He began tapping the trees as they passed waiting for Rena to reply. "Hmmm…It is about another ten minutes or so, we have to keep our eyes pealed for a small reddish flower that is blooming off the side of a tree. That is our sign to turn left there and continue for a hundred feet more, then we're there! Pretty simple instructions, but finding that damn flower is the hard part, at least that's what my father has told me, this is after all my first time out here since I was small."
Rena sped up a little as she finally caught a glimpse of Haru; he had been following at her side but was further away surveying the area when she sighted him. A smile lit her face as she continued onward steadily, Mark followed still but he began to trail behind Rena after a while, Rena noticed this and stopped turning towards Mark. "What is it Mark, what's wrong…" Mark began laughing suddenly causing Rena to reach out a hand warily to him, "…Mark…" she mumbled slowly stretching her hand to touch his shoulder. Mark collapsed to his knees slowly as a hysterical look marred his brow while he continued laughing, "What is going on, why have we stopped…Milady…Mark…what is it?"
Haru stopped next to Rena as he stared down at Mark in utter confusion, "Why is he laughing…" "I…I don't know Haru, just out of nowhere he began to laugh. I asked him what was wrong but he didn't answer me…" Rena shook her head as she stood there her eyes locked on Mark's shaking form. "…With your permission milady, I would like to try something to make him stop that infernal laughter…" said Haru looking at Rena as he awaited her reply. "Yes…you may proceed Haru…" mumbled Rena softly her eyes never leaving Mark. Haru nodded his head and took a deep breath, then with a deep-throated growl Haru kicked at Mark, but Mark quickly evaded Haru's attack.
"What the hell Haru! What's your problem…" yelled Mark as he waved a fist at Haru angrily. "…His laughing has seaced milady, now if you will…we had better continue on," Haru bowed to Rena as he said this and then he ran off into the trees completely disappearing. Rena still stood there in shock as Mark growled out angrily, "Man, doesn't he have a sense of humor…sorry about that Rena I just thought of something extremely funny is all. I wasn't trying to ignore you or anything…but I guess I did go a little over board there," "I didn't mind much, but what had you laughing so hard anyway?" replied Rena as she began walking again.
"Oh…uh…I was thinking that is, your parents. If they ever came to visit my home they would have to wear more updated clothing in order to fit in with normal society, but since your mother is considered a woman in all ways but one. He probably would wear a dress, and that's what's so funny…your mother in a dress!" Mark chuckled softly at his remark but Rena didn't understand. She just looked at Mark confused as she slowly asked, "What is a dress and why would that be funny…my mother is considered female so what is so funny about him dressing as one. That is the way it has been here for many years, so why should that change now…"
"Uh…don't misunderstand me, I didn't mean that as an insult to your traditions here but with my traditions that is the way things work. You see all the Men dress as men and women dress as women. Your mother is a guy so he would wear men's clothes not women's! Besides a dress is what women wear, like my mother…you saw what she was wearing, that is a dress. So I didn't mean to insult you, I just thought that your mother in a dress would be funny is all…" Mark then shoved his hands in his pockets as he fell silent. Rena looked at the ground embarrassed that she had taken a mean tone with him over such a small matter.
Rena was watching the road ahead of them as they continued walking at a steady pace and sighted the red flower they were looking for. It was sitting next to a large boulder near the bend in the path up ahead; the flower had small specks of black along the edge of the petals. Apparently the flower was really old because it looked as if it was beginning to wilt as they came ever closer.
The flower moved slightly as a small breeze brushed through the trees causing Rena's stray hair to sway slightly as it ticked her cheek. "Milady! I think a storm is coming…" called Haru suddenly as he approached Rena and Mark coming out of the blackness of the trees. "How long do you think it will be until it will strike?" asked Rena as she glanced up towards the sky for the first time that evening. "An hour, maybe less…are we almost to the 'Old Den' milady…" Haru began walking alongside them as they finally reached the flower. "Well…once we turn here it should be right up ahead of us, that's what my father told me anyway," mumbled Rena as she pointed at the flower.
"I see, so what are we going to do once we reach the place…I personally think that we need something to do if a storm is coming and all…" Mark shrugged as Rena turned a left stepping over a fallen tree limb as she continued forward. "Well, we could always talk…besides we haven't seen each other in a while. But remember Mark, we really are only coming out here to decide on what I'm going to do about picking my mate…" Rena trailed off as she saw the 'Old Den' appear up ahead. "So this is where you were born, it looks really old. Are you sure that it will stand up to that storm Haru told us about?" asked Mark as they reached the entrance. "It should, besides it's been here from even before I was born, so no worries. But we had better get inside, it looks like the storm is going to hit sooner than we thought it would!" stated Rena as she took the first step into the 'Old Den'.
Mark followed quickly but Haru stood at the entrance for a moment and then he entered, turning quickly on his heel he pulled a long piece of fur from a pack on his back and draped it over the entrance. Mark sneezed loudly as they made their way deeper into the den, the dust that lined the walls and floors had begun to stir at their footsteps. "Bless you," mumbled Rena as she pulled out a chair from by the wall and sat down, heaving a loud sigh of relief. Outside they could hear the pitter-patter of the rain as it began to fall hitting the side of the den on it's way down.
"Sounds as if we barely made it in time, I wonder…hey Haru, do you think it's going to rain all night or is it going to be a short shower?" said Mark as he stretched his back. "I am not sure, but the rain is not why we are here. Milady, do you wish to talk about your fathers decision?" replied Haru turning to look at Rena. "I…I'm not sure really, I just know that I want to make the right choice, whatever that might be…" mumbled Rena as she shifted uncomfortably in the chair, she wasn't sure how she should respond to such a question. "May I voice my opinion on the matter milady…?" asked Haru as he kept his eyes fixed upon Rena.
"Of course," Rena nodded her head approvingly as Haru walked over to Mark and pushed him right at Rena. "I ask humbly that you consider marrying Mark, he has a home away from this forest and his family is well off. I think that to be the best choice, I ask only that you let me accompany you both back to Mark's home and allow me to continue to watch over you and protect you as I was born to do." Rena couldn't speak; she was utterly shocked at Haru's brief but right to the point words, allowing them to soak in slowly. Mark on the other hand began to laugh at Haru thinking this was all some joke Haru was playing on them, 'but it wasn't a joke' thought Rena as she saw Haru's serious expression.
"…I…I agree…that is the best solution," mumbled Rena as she slowly got to her feet and walked up to Haru, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. "Wait a second, you were serious! Now lets not think hastily here, why can't she choose you Haru, why dose it have to be me? But, don't get me wrong, its not that I don't approve it's just that we…" stammered Mark completely embarrassed but he trailed off when Rena turned to him and walked slowly towards him. She stopped only inches away from touching Mark and stared into his eyes as she said, "Mark, I choose you to be my mate, it is after all a good decision.
I know that we still don't know each other as well as we liked, but I would be lying if I said this choice didn't make me happy. It does, I've loved you both very much from when we were young and befriended each other and I believe you both feel the same way about me. So, please accept my choice Mark, since we will after all be together for along time…" Rena trailed off as she bowed slowly before Mark and then sat back down upon her chair to await Mark's decision. Mark stood there for several moments and finally replied, "Ah, what the Hell, that works for me. I was planing on asking you to marry me anyway Rena; I just wasn't expecting that you would choose me before I asked you…but all I have to say is thank you Haru. You have made a great sacrifice in saying that you'll let me have Rena when it is perfectly clear that you love her too!"
Rena glanced at Haru a shocked expression marring her brow as she asked, "Is that true Haru," Haru glanced at her nervously as he slowly nodded his head. "Yes milady, that is true I do love you. But I want to see you get the life you deserve, which lies away from this village of werewolves, in a place where you can be praised for your good qualities and have every joy in the world! That is my one true wish and I want to always be there to ensure that you are safe, but that is enough milady. You must rest for tomorrow is going to be the defining moment where you tell your father your final decision." Haru then bowed deeply as he turned away to watch the entrance. Mark walked over and placed an arm about Haru's shoulders comfortingly.
Rena began to cry as she rose to her feet slowly and approached both Mark and Haru, she then proceeded to wrap her arms about Haru's form as she muttered softly, "Thank you Haru, thank you both so much!" Haru froze for several moments as Rena gripped his shaking form. He slowly placed a hand upon her back gently stroking her as they all remained silent listening to the rain as it fell.
Several hours passed before the storm had finally let up, and that was when the sun had begun to rise. Rena, Haru, and Mark had all laid down to sleep but Mark found that hard as he pondered what his parents would say about such a union. He glanced over at the sleeping forms of Haru and Rena, slowly crawling over to Rena's side he pulled the handkerchief that held the necklace he had gotten from before. He drew the necklace out slowly lifting Rena's hair up gently; he then proceeded to pull the necklace about her neck quickly fastening it.
He then watched as she rolled over onto her back still sleeping soundly as the necklace glittered for a moment and the disappeared beneath her long strands of hair. He then gave a soft smile as he hurried back to where he had laid down, giving a sigh of pleasure he slowly fell asleep a smile still resting upon his lips. Rena awoke latter that evening finding that both Mark and Haru were nowhere to be seen, as she got to her feet she heard a soft jangling sound, looking down she found that a small necklace had been placed about her neck. She smiled as she recognized the necklace, it was the one that she had found earlier, 'Mark must have put it on me while I slept' she thought happily.
She felt it warm at her touch as she drew it into her palm; it glittered softly at her touch making her chuckle softly to herself as she headed towards the door to the outside. Once outside she saw that the ground was still slightly wet from before, she glanced around looking for Haru and Mark but still caught no sight of them anywhere. She stretched out slowly as she walked further away from the den, she froze suddenly when she heard a twig snap nearby, her muscles tensed ready to react when Mark came strolling out of the trees smiling openly at her. "Good evening Rena, I see that you have finally awoken, if you're curious to Haru's whereabouts. He left a little earlier, he was headed back to the village."
Rena nodded her head as she approached Mark asking, "Are we going to head back as well…" "Yes, are you ready Rena?" said Mark reaching out a hand to Rena. She took it slowly as she took a step closer to Mark; he gripped her hand gently as he began walking forward with Rena alongside him. As they walked Rena noticed that Mark was trembling as he gripped her hand, "Don't be nervous, I won't bite Mark!" she laughed slapping his shoulder gently. "Really, well I do bite so you had best watch yourself Rena!" Mark replied pushing her roughly. Rena caught her balance quickly and tripped Mark up laughing at him as he landed on his ass, Mark growled as he got back to his feet and leapt at Rena wrestling her to the ground.
They rolled about for several moments, when they finally stopped Mark helped Rena to her feet and began to laugh hysterically at her. "What," she mumbled as she looked around for a puddle of water, when she found one she glanced into it and gasped at what she saw. Her hair was sticking up on one side of her face and she licked her fingers quickly trying to smooth the hair down. Once she finished she glared at Mark angrily as they began walking again, after a few more minutes of walking they neared the village and the biggest challenge of their lives.
A/N- Well there you have it! It might be awhile before I can put up the next chapter, since christmas break is coming up, the homework has started to pile up! So Please be paitent with me, after all I posted the first four chapters and prologue all at once! That should keep you busy for alittle while at least! TTFN, Oh! And if I don't get the next chapt up before then, Merry Christmas!