AAN: Alright time to save some children!

Of Battles and Courting

Genki kept the pace up, he noticed Holly had recovered while he talked to the stegosaur but he knew she would be feeling it soon. It took several hours to reach their destination; by the time they arrived Holly needed a break. Genki stopped to allow her to rest and drink. He and the others needed some water as well and the humans needed to stretch. Genki lay down next to Holy and nuzzled her in concern,

"Are you sure you are alright?"

"I'll be fine." she returned the nuzzle and shifted to lay her head on his back. He let her rest for a bit then nudged her, the entire time the human hunters paid close attention to the Garou's actions. They noticed when Holly got up that the other Garou came over to give their support. Holly yipped her thanks and gave a tail wag then turned to Genki showing she was ready. He gave a nod and walked towards the humans.

"Jasmine Talon, please hang back during the fight if you can. I know you want to help but…"

"I know, I know, you want me to stay safe cause of my wounds." he nodded his approval, "I will don't worry. I don't want to be even sorer then I am now." Genki let Fredric mount him again and once the others were ready to go the group took off again. When they got close Genki told the humans to stay silent, he mind spoke with his pack. Soon the pack and humans found the Lycans. Genki spotted the children in a make shift cage, he noticed six females and one male. Though confused by the male's presence he would deal with that later. Though scared they seemed unharmed for the moment. One of the Lycans carried another older female back to the cage, she seemed exhausted. He tossed her in and the other children gathered around her. He spoke something the humans didn't recognize, but Autumn Harvest translated it for Genki. ' That'll teach you wench.' was all he said before he went to lay down. Holly noticed the Garou looked much different then the almost hairless Lycans. She wondered why there was such a difference between them but knew now was not the time to ask. Genki gave his instructions and quietly spoke to the humans. Once the humans dismounted he had them wait with Holly and Autumn Harvest. He then coordinated his pack for the up coming attack. The Lycans seemed oblivious to their hunters, most lazing about after a big meal. The pack was only ten members strong so Genki knew they would have it fairly easy. Lycans were notoriously clumsy and these ones seemed young. Once in position Genki gave the signal and the Garou bounded in, the Lycans scrambled to their feet but were not on them very long. Garou were much stronger and larger then the Lycans, giving them the advantage. Genki took on the leader after dispatching his beta. He pinned the leader to the ground and bit his neck, his victim struggling to get Genki off of him. Soon the thrashing stopped as Genki broke his neck and ripped a large hole open. The Lycan bled out, but knowing he wasn't dead Genki ripped his heart out to kill him. Like the beta that had been thrown into the woods, he reverted to his human form. The humans back up on the bluff cringed seeing this. Holly and Autumn Harvest spun around in time to be attacked by the only female of the group. Autumn was knocked out leaving Holly as the sole defended of the humans. The female didn't talk to Holly she just attacked. Holly used every move Genki had taught her to evade the Lycan, and with some regret she gripped the females by the neck and bit down hard. As blood flooded into her mouth she fought the urge to release the female, she knew if she did the female would be in position to kill her. Holly broke her neck as she had seen Genki do. By now Autumn Harvest had awoken, and noticed the female lying there. With a sigh she removed the females heart leaving her to return to her human form, dead. She glanced at the camp and saw the rest of the pack was now dead. Fredric shook as he looked down at the woman's body; it was obvious he knew her by his reaction.

"Like Garou, Lycans have a human form and once killed we return to it. Often times you can not tell us apart from any other human." Holly limped down to see what Genki was doing, she found him breaking the cage open. The kids were terrified but some how Genki had gotten close enough to speak with them.

"Its alright kids, you are safe now. The Lycans can no longer hurt you. We brought some friends from you village, they are up on the bluff." by now the hunters had descended and walked towards the kids. Genki moved out of the way after removing some of their bindings. Two kids bolted towards men they knew sobbing, as they were held close. The others wondered out to walk over to them. Genki noticed the girl from before didn't get up, he and Holly moved in beside her. Genki noticed she was injured but wasn't sure how. He couldn't smell any blood; it was Holly who figured it out.

"She must have internal damage." he looked over at her, Autumn Harvest and Star Thunder joined them. All four placed a paw on her chest and began to pray. Cloud Berry and Night Singer watched, as the humans also did. Soon Genki glowed a faint blue, and then it spread to the rest finally engulfing the girl as it had Holly the day before. When they finished the girl looked up at them groggily, she would be fine with some rest. The group had realized they were not just healing the girl during this though. He noticed Holly seemed very concerned now. * Why wouldn't she be? She knows all about being force to bare a child. * Holly managed to get the girl to come out and the wolves gathered round. With only six of them, carrying the five men and eight children would be difficult. Star Thunder volunteered to take three passengers, as did Autumn Harvest, this way Holly only needed to carry one child. Genki took Fredric and the boy; he wasn't surprised that Holly took the older girl. The others split up taking whom they could. Once ready the group took off, this time at an easy lope.

Genki monitored Holly as they progressed, making sure they stopped to rest anytime he thought she was fatiguing greatly. Holly reopened one of her wounds, making Genki rather nervous. He didn't try to convince her to go without a rider though; instead he cleansed her wound with his tongue sealing it with his healing ability. Once rested the group continued on their way, they brought the humans within a half-mile of their village.

"Here is where we part hunters. I do not wish to alarm your people. Take care of these young ones. And please try to get alone with the local packs from now on, the Garou here will assist you if you are nice to them." the men nodded, they understood much batter after the information they had acquired on the way back.

"Thank you Light Bringer."

"You are welcome" with that Genki and his small band left to return to the rest of their pack and the monsters. The monsters rushed to Holly's side when they returned, Genki could only hang back and smile knowing they were very worried. He then went to report to the local alpha's and elder's his findings and solution, once done he rejoined his mate for the night.

When morning came the pack said their good byes to the local wolves. The local Garou promising to be nicer to the humans, now that the miss understanding was taken care of. Genki set out at a leisurely pace wanting to make sure holly could keep up. He made her shift to her human form and ride with him later, the shift actually helping her to heal. He waited till the second night before approaching Holly about his courting; she seemed really tied and wanted time to recover and practice with Autumn Harvest. She spent the next two nights with Autumn learning the proper response to Genki's call to her.

Once settled down for the night on their journey back Genki decided it was time, having given his mate time to practice, he got her attention after they had eaten and cleaned up. Holly understood by his stance what was about to happen, Autumn Harvest also understood and went to watch near by the monsters. Genki called to her in a series of yips and yaps. Holly responded back, making the monsters stop what they were doing to watch. Genki then began his dance with her, doing his movements then letting her respond, at times moving with her. Holly was a little slower then he was but she did her part perfectly. Once they were near the end of their dance the pair howled together. The pack yipped their excitement and then the pair darted off into the open meadow to play, eventually disappearing into the woods. Autumn Harvest chuckled seeing the pair; she loved young love and had remembered it quite well from her youth.

"What on earth was that about?" Hare asked knowing the elder would tell them.

"That was the soul mate dance. Genki gave Holly time to learn it and practice. They will be off playing for a bit and spending some time alone." she grinned, unknown to them Genki had asked the elder to teach Holly the mating or rutting dance and the marriage dance. Holly had been entirely embarrassed by it but when Autumn told her she would need both eventually Holly had accepted it.

"Soul mate dance huh?" Tiger looked over at her thinking, "is there a dance for everything?"

"In courtship yes. Genki will perform the marriage dance later when he feels she is ready. She already knows how to respond, so she won't have any trouble with it."

"Marriage dance?"

"Its like when a human male gets on one knee and proposes. It's a serious commitment. The previous dance was more of display of interest in courting her, made public for the pack to understand. This last one was the, we are a solid couple display. The next will be, the 'I want you with me as my chosen mate' or wife in her case display. By involving the pack he's making a bond between him, Holly, and this pack. Packs act as a big family so making this bond is crucial for Holly's sake."

"Are there mating dances as well?" Granity asked truly curious.

"Yes, but those are private displays. If they do one only they will know about it."

"Then she knows of them?"

"Yes, not only from the book she was given but I told her a bit more about them when she asked some questions."

"Genki wouldn't… do one would he?"

"There are two dances, one is called the mating dance. Basically it's a dance to see if the female a male is courting is willing to bare him pups or not. It does not involve actually rutting. Then second dance is for married couples and it's the actual rutting dance. He won't do the rutting dance till they are married or as we Garou call it 'bound as one'. He might do the other if he thinks she will be alright with it." the others looked at each other, then began to pelt her with more questions. Autumn Harvest answered them; though she omitted anything the couple would not want them to know.

Genki panted as he lay next to Holly, the pair had been playing for a while and had stopped to take a rest. He wondered if she was a happy as he was, but glancing over at her he knew she indeed was. He nuzzled her showing his great affection for her, after a bit he moved to kiss her. Holly accepted it with out protest; the couple enjoyed their closeness. When they stopped Holly could see a question in her males eyes.

"What is it Genki?"

"Would you let me do the mating dance with you?" Holly had been told the difference between it and the rutting dance, though barren she could still show her interest in having pups. She blushed profusely and nodded. He smiled and nuzzled her again, "Don't get some embarrassed, I'm surprised you didn't suspect I might ask."

"I was wondering… but I never thought you'd do this now…"

"Why?"

"You think I'm ready then? Autumn said you'd wait to be sure…"

"Holly I know you are ready, even though it's a touchy subject, you are ready." she blushed deeply then nodded. Genki rose and Holly got to her feet slowly, he nuzzled her with reassurance then began his dance. He circled her then danced forward and back, he took care with each step. Part of the dance made it seem he was inspecting her body though he wasn't, he already knew she was perfect. Holly's face held a very deep blush under her fur but she held her ground. When he finished his side, Holly hesitated a moment before moving to do her part. Holly hadn't really seen his body other then his torso, so as autumn had recommended she inspected him. Genki was indeed blushing feeling her gaze moving over him. When she finished she took the stance of a female waiting to be mated. Genki did his response dance then approached her; Holly was slightly shaken by this whole thing. When he mounted her and rested his weight on her back gently she shuddered. Genki moved to nuzzle her and speak to her softly. "Its alright, this isn't a rutting dance remember."

"I know it just feels like…"

"I know, just relax ok." after a few minutes he dismounted allowing her to relax. He moved in front of her and brought her into a deep kiss. Holly was instantly aware of her body being pulled and then held against his, she was acutely aware of her breast and belly being crushed against his. She felt anxious and giddy at the same time. When the kiss ended Holly was still floating, unable to think clearly. "Thank you for trusting me." he held her close enjoying her being so close to him. The couple returned a few hours later, conversing with the pack then moving to lie down and rest. Suezo hopped over clearly concerned,

"Holly… he didn't force you to do anything did he?"

"No Suezo." she said, Genki had left briefly to get a drink. "Genki and I just wanted to spend some time together. We haven't had much alone time lately." Suezo nodded then returned to where the others slept. When Genki rejoined her, the pair went to sleep.

It took a few more days for the group to return home, the villagers had come to greet them along with the pack. Holly's scars visible telling the villagers and the rest of the pack that she had been through a lot along the way. Holly greeted the headman and Genki got his pack settled. Genki joined her walking upright for the first time in weeks.

"Its good to see nothing came attacking in our absence."

"Indeed, the ones you left here weren't much trouble."

"Its great to hear that." he smiled, Star Thunder called to them.

"Light Bringer, Jasmine Talon, we need to hold a meeting with the others who were left behind." Genki and holly looked over at him,

"Alright, we will be there in a minute."

"Light Bringer?" Harvey asked.

"Jasmine Talon?" Larry also asked confused. Holly blushed slightly,

"Those are our wolf names. All Garou have a wolf name and a human name. I earned mine while we were away. I will explain later I promise. For now I want to get them settled so we can relax." the group of villagers looked at each other then nodded. The couple headed off for their meeting.

"Two names huh? That's interesting." Larry commented,

"We will have to wait till they are rested to know more." the headman said then headed back to where he would have been before they came. The wolves were settled easily enough and once that was done Genki and Holly headed back to the house with the monsters. Holly was so grateful for her soft bed now; it felt so great to have it. Genki chuckled at this then nuzzled her. The pair was grateful to be home and have the privacy offered by their closed door. But more so Holly had missed Marie and Rain Paws so much that the children would stay with them that night. Both youngsters were asleep between them.

"Holly, I love you so much."

"I love you too Genki." the couple followed their charges lead and got some rest.

A few days past and the village elder called a meeting to find out what had happened while they were away. The couple explained the best they could what happened, including details about the dinosaurs and about the hunters they dealt with. After they gave the information to the villagers, they left to spend time alone. The villagers needed to discuss things with out them there. Genki went to work later, and Holly worked with both the pack and cooked dinner. Genki loved eating her cooking again, and it was obvious their two adopted children agreed with him. The monsters hung back letting the couple have time alone and enjoy themselves. Later that week the monsters and villagers meet with them to discuss how to handle the carnivores like Vengeance and the raptors.

"What do you propose Genki?"

"I think we should try to live at piece with them as much as possible. if they are as intelligent as the herbivores then we should be able to talk with them via mind speech. I would prefer to reason things out with them then just kill them off with out reason. But if they will not speak to us then I agree that we must destroy them." the villagers discussed a moment then the headman nodded,

"We agree with you, but you will be responsible for this. If any deaths occur because you don't act, it will be on your head."

"I understand and accept that." the couple finished up their discussion with the village later that night, the monsters adding their input into various subjects.

When the pair reached their bed they were glad to be alone again. Genki held Holly close, his hand stroking her side making her shiver with delight. He noticed a faint scent of arousal but said nothing about it. He was aware how sensitive she was to his touch, but he was aware that she knew his true intentions. He had shown time and time again that he didn't want to bed her. Holly snuggled closer to him,

"Genki… when will you do the marriage dance with me?"

"Tomorrow if you like, are you eager?"

"Yeah…" she blushed then sighed softly into the kiss he had for her. They made out for a while just enjoying the feelings flowing through them. When they parted Genki smile dot her. "I will do it then. But you need to tell me when you want to do the binding ritual." Genki hoped Autumn Harvest had explained that the binding ritual was like an actual wedding ceremony. Other wise he would have some explain to do yet again. Holly knew what it was to his relief though, between her tutor and the book she had learned everything she needed.

"I will let you know when I am ready. Will you do that and a regular wedding in the village?"

"If you want then I see no problem."

"I'd really like that." he smiled, kissing her cheek softly.

"Then I'll make sure its perfect for you." she blushed profusely again as he chuckled.

"Thank you Genki." he smiled, his hand moving to trace one of the long scars on her torso. Holly shuddered again and shyly looked at him with a blush. He soon stopped and whispered,

"I will do the marriage dance with you tomorrow evening. Be ready for it."

"I will be." he smiled then yawned, sleep getting the better of him. He held her close and drifted off leaving Holly to think over what was to come. * I really am excited for this, even though I'm not sure when I'll be ready. What I do know is I love being by his side. We should spend some time praying tomorrow. We haven't done so in awhile, at least not together. * Soon sleep over took her thoughts as well.

AAN: yep yet another one finished, wanted to cover a lot of the courtship stuff so we can move on. Now that they are home things will get more interesting. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!