AAN: yeah I know very big gap in-between chaps here. Just haven't felt like writing on my fanfics lately. Btw for those of you who are TFDS fans I may be rewriting that story I noticed some inconstancies in the story line I want to fix plus I want to remove some the sex and torture depictions.

Doubt Strikes

Holly was the first to wake in the morning, finding herself in her true loves arms. She blushed at the thought of possibly marrying him some day. Can you really help me have a child, Genki? It really seems impossible that you can fix what a doctor cannot. But I suppose I do know very little about werewolves and their abilities. Funny I never thought I would see you again… she felt him stir a bit but he wasn't awake yet. She knew by the light in the room she had slept longer then she normally would have. Seems he's changing me rather then me changing him, figures she chuckled a little at the irony of it. Carefully she leaned over and kissed his forehead, she tried to pull back only to have him stop her and catch her lips briefly. When he released he saw a blush on her cheeks and smiled to her. "Morning, Holly. Did you sleep well?" his voice gentle as it would go in his were form.

"Yes, very well with you here. Genki, I'm glad you wanted to help me take care of that girl. I feel much better with her around to take care of…"

"You mean you like being a mother." She blushed again looking down at her hands.

"Yeah, I do like feeling like a mother."

"There is nothing wrong with that, Holly. And I'm glad I can help." He pulled her into his arms holding her gently. "In some ways I feel like a father…and a husband when I am around you like this." Her blush deepened.

"Genki…. I am not sure when I will be ready to marry you…"

"I know. I will wait for you. Don't worry, I'm not going to push you in to it." she merely nodded still embarrassed at their conversation. He'd known Holly was shy to some degree but he never thought she'd be shy around him. "You up for making breakfast?"

"Yeah…Genki are you planning to go back to your human form?"

"Yes, but I want Marie to see me do it. So she realizes who I am."

"Oh, I understand. Let's go then."

He let her leave first so he could change clothes. Then he went down stairs finding her making breakfast already. He merely walked over and began to set the table for breakfast. Holly watched him only a moment then went back to her cooking. Marie and the others drifted in one by one after the smell awoke them. Holly paced the plates of food on the table then began to pray. All except Genki prayed with her, again she held her tongue as he prayed to his Father. He noted her dislike even though she had said nothing. Holly why does this bother you so? I wish you could see past this

"Marie, I'm going back to my human form now ok?" she looked at him in awe, a crimson light glowed around him then faded revealing his human form. She had to touch him to make sure he was real then laughed at him, as he was slightly goofy for her. Holly couldn't help but smile. It took him very little time to get the young girl to eat her food; she finished before him actually. "You like Holly's cooking?" she nodded and smiled to Holly, who smiled back rather pleased. "I have to go find some work, ok? Holly will be here to take care of you. Be a good girl and help her alright?" she looked from Holly to Genki and back then nodded. With that he left to find a job in the village, knowing it would not be easy.

When he got to town he got a mixed response. Some still feared him others were amazed. Sighing he walked over to a man who stared at him in wonder. The man seemed to respect him and figured it was a good start. "Excuse me sir, I'm not from around here as you can probably tell but I need work to help that young girl. Do you have any jobs I can do or know of any?" his voice very polite and cheerful but not overly so. The man seemed shocked.

"You mean you actually are going to raise that girl? A werewolf raising a human…. is unheard of."

"Actually my older sister is a human, adopted by my parents." He smiled politely. "I know it seems odd but I am capable of doing so, please keep in mind that I am part human good sir." The man looked thoughtful a moment.

"I may have a job for you… how much do you know about jewel crafting?"

"If you're referring to making jewelry, I used to make wire wrap jewelry and necklaces back home in my spare time. I am a quick study and willing to learn." The man rubbed his chin in thought.

"If you teach me the wire wrapping you speak of and allow me to document something about your kind, I will apprentice you at a fair wage in my shop." Genki bowed making the man smile.

"You have a deal."

"Then follow me and we will get started." They walked into the man's shop.

Holly in the mean time had her new child help with the dishes, and various other jobs. The girl seemed to enjoy acting like a big girl around Holly.

"Marie would you like to give your doll a bath?" the girl seemed surprised then laughed and hugged Holly, much to her surprise. "Alright you go get her an I'll prepare a bath for her." The girl wasted little time in retrieving her precious doll. "Alright here's some soap, you take that side and I'll take this side and we'll have her clean in no time. Try not to use too much water, don't want to get her too wet right?" the girl nodded and much to her new mothers surprise picked up on what Holly did very quickly. Once done Holly decided to take Genki's advice and take the girl shopping. "Alright now, why don't you put your doll in her bed so she can rest and we'll go get her some more friends." The girl hugged her new mom again and ran up stairs to put her doll to bed returning quickly. To Holly's surprise the girl took her hand as they walked into the village. The man who owned the store containing toys smiled as they walked in. "Alright pick out 3 new friends." The girl ran off happily to look at all the toys as Holly moved to speak with the owner.

"She seems to like you a lot." The man commented.

"Yes, she trusts Genki more. But he was right…having me do this with her and spending time with her is helping her to trust me."

"Oh, so he knows a bit bought human children does he." She was inwardly angry for an instant.

"Yes, of course, he is part human after all. Actually he is the gentlest creature I have ever met. Though misunderstood he seems to forgive easily and strive to please others." The man looked thoughtful a moment.

"Is that right? Well now then I'm sure she will become a fine woman. Just make sure you're there for her too. A young girl needs a female role model." Holly nodded, knowing she would have been lost if not for her grandmothers guidance into women hood. "Tell me does that wolf pray?"

"His name is Genki. And yes he does."

"So he believes as we do?" the man seemed surprised.

"Not as we do precisely. He says he's a Christian…what ever that means; I know he believes in a male God in the sky. Though he doesn't deny the Mothers existence…. he does not pray to her. I still know little of his personal beliefs… I probably should ask a bit more."

"Can he raise her well then? Won't her turn her away from our Mother?"

"I'm not sure. He doesn't seem to force his religion on others, though he has told me of it. All he asked was that I respect his choice and he would respect mine. He may let her choose on her own."

"Well now…he is an odd one. Did you know he's working for Larry Hueg in his jewel craft shop?"

"No, I know he left this morning to find work. I'm glad he found some…we'll need the money if we are to raise her with any great success." The man merely nodded and Marie came to show Holly the 'friends' she found. "Marie you have a good eye. They look like very good friends for you and your doll indeed." The old man added the price up and smiled the girl.

"That'll be 54 golds, Holly." Holly gave over the money noting that cut the months fund but not willing to spoil the girl's mood.

They walked back home, Marie playing with her new friends on the way back then going up stairs to play. Holly sat down to calculate some finances, Hare joined her shortly after she started.

"Holly, is Genki adding to our funds?"

"Yes, he has a job with the jewel crafter."

"Wow, that was fast. We can't get her toys too often you know."

"Yes, I know. I think this was a good thing for her though. I will talk with Genki tonight."

Genki returned by dinner carrying a pouch of gold. Selling information of my clan may not be too good but if the truth is known maybe then we can find peace He found Holly resting in a chair with Marie on the floor playing. Marie ran to him to hug him, he indicated for her to quiet and the girl stifled a giggle as Genki pulled a prank on Holly. She nearly jumped out of her chair making the girl laugh. "Hey, Holly. I have something for you." He handed her the bag of gold. She looked at him in surprise. "Marie are these your new friends?" he turned his attention to the girl letting Holly count the money. The girl nodded him showing him each and air writing their names. He smiled to the girl, a fatherly smile Holly noted. "You have found some wonderful new friends. I know they will be good playmates for many years to come. You're a very smart girl." Marie blushed then giggled and ran up stairs to play.

"Genki, you act like the dolls are alive…"

"They are for her. If they help her through her pain. I see no harm. In time she will learn the truth." He sat down in the chair next to hers.

"Genki…how did you get this money…there is over 300 gold here."

"I worked for it. The jewel crafter was interested in learning a wire wrap technique I know of for jewelry making and also wanted to know some information about my race. He paid me for the information. And I start learning his jewel crafting methods tomorrow."

"Why would he want information about your race?"

"He is writing a book or something to document werewolves. If it will help others understand my kind I think of it as a good thing. He insisted on paying me for it though I said he didn't have to." Holly looked at him a moment, If he brings in this type of money even each week we will be fine financially…. I guess money won't be much of a problem after all. "Later tonight I would like to talk about your religion."

"Alright." He seemed slightly confused by her tone but knew better then to question her right now.

"Genki, will he pay you this kind of money each week?"

"You mean 300 gold a week? As far as I know its atleast that. More if I sell a lot of things for him. He was impressed with my wire wrapping and wants to add that to his crafting methods. Plus whatever I get for information I give out about my kind." He looked at her a moment. "Will that been enough money for us?" she looked at him surprised a moment,

That's right he knows nothing of this economy…

"Yes, more then enough. That's a very hefty pay for a week." He smiled.

"I hope I can make you happy, Holly. I know I'm not of much use but I will try my best." Holly shook her head.

"You already have. I'm sorry for seeming so upset. I was thinking of something else." she felt his hand on hers, gripping hers gently. "I will talk with you about it later. We should get dinner on the table."

Dinner proved to be an interesting experience. The money Genki had brought home that day surprised the monsters, and Hare of course had to run some calculations. Genki seemed to be less enthused by the money then the others. They didn't understand his point of view but he didn't offer to share it knowing he'd get blank stares. Instead he played with his new daughter, surprising Holly. No one had expected him to play with her on the floor and her dolls. He seemed unashamed by this action. Maybe I don't know him well after all… Holly waited for the girl to grow tired the helped put her to bed before asking Genki to join her for a conversation.

"Holly, what's on your mind?" he sat on his bed, her next to him.

"I want to know exactly what you believe Genki." He blinked taken aback.

"Well, I believe that God the Father in heaven, who created the earth and all the creatures who reside on it. That He sent his Son to die on a cross as the ultimate sacrifice to bring us forgiveness of all sins and eternal life in heaven. I also believe in living a Christ like life to the best of my ability so that I can help those who need it to the best of my ability. There is more to this but without my giving an hour report on things you're not likely it understand those things. But that's the main thing I believe in." Holly seemed upset and he knew this was another religion war discussion.

"Genki…. then you don't believe in Gaia… our Mother?"

"I know the earth is alive and has its own spirit. As does the ocean waters. And both are female but they do not give life in my mind. God gives life." He saw hurt in her eyes.

"And Marie? Will you allow her to pray to the Mother or force her to pray to your Father?" He touched her shoulder.

"It is her choice who she prays to. Not mine, not yours. We should let her decide. Teach her both, when she is older. Let her decide which she believes." Holly seemed distant still. "Holly. I know you don't understand me…the only way for you to understand is to read my holy book the Bible…. it can explain what I cannot. Maybe then you would understand my way to thinking enough to respect it." she looked over at him solemnly.

"Are you hoping I will convert by reading that?"

"No. I am hoping to bring understanding to our relationship." She thought a moment.

"I will read it only if you will read our sacred scrolls." He nodded,

"Fair enough." He looked at his watch. "It's very late…we should get some rest." She finally agreed with him. She rose to leave but stopped at the door.

"Genki… can I trust sleeping with you when we don't believe the same." He was silent a moment.

"That is for you to decide. I will not force you to believe, as I do, and I will not force you to sleep with me. I would prefer you here by my side. After all we don't want Marie thinking there is a problem between us just yet do we?" she was silent a moment, then suddenly threw her vest to the floor and removed her tunic. He rose and stopped her from unbuttoning her shirt though. "Holly, what are you doing?" she started to cry,

"Lets just make love and sleep as a man and women in love would…. that's what you want right?"

"Holly, what I want is to hold you close at night, to know I am not alone. I have no interest in bedding you…especially for the reason you have mentioned. Besides I told you I would not have sex with you until I was certain you would not feel pain…and honestly I don't want that before we are married." Holly are you losing it? or what?

"I don't know if I can believe that…."

"You did yesterday… what's wrong. Why are you acting so strangely?" His voice filled with worry.

"I… need a husband who will support me spiritually."

"And you think I can't because we believe different?"

"Yes… how can you?"

"I never said it would be an easy road but I can support you more then you realize. Please don't count me out…"

"And if I wish to join our souls together?" he seemed confused now.

"I am unsure of what that means. Without knowing what it means I can't say."

"It means becoming intimate with you…."

"Why do you want to have sex so much?"

"I don't I… want us to be connected." He sighed,

"Holly, I know you are determined here but there are other ways to connect yourself to a person then sex." He released her and walked to his bed, refusing to look at her. He blew the candle out and took his shirt off before climbing into bed. He heard some rustling, when he felt her in bed with him next he knew she had not respected his wishes. He merely held in such a way that she could not do anything sexually to him. Whispering softly, "Holly, I meant what I said, I will not bed you." She tired to change his mind though arousal but failed noting he did not listen to his body like most men. Why does he ignore his body's desire? Mother I can't see into his soul without sex, can I? What now? Before she got her answer exhausted over came her. Genki smiled knowing he had one this battle but the war was far from over.