AAN: Holly's excited for her dance with Genki, and a new person comes to live with the village after a long journey.

Unexpected Guests

Holly woke feeling desperately excited. Though she didn't understand why she was so excited, she just was. * Perhaps it's because of how Genki has been acting? Or maybe it's because I want to do the marriage dance with him. I have wanted to marry him for so long. It's like a dream come true to do this. * She noticed him shift and looked over at him, he was still drowsy but he was awake enough to see she was in deep thought. He yawned then sat up,

"What has you awake so early?"

"Excitement." he chuckled and pulled her to him. Holly fell into his arms with out protest. The couple remained together for a few more moments before they got up. Genki had to work and Holly needed to get breakfast going. Both of them knew it would be a long day.

Mid day Genki walked out of the building he worked in with his boss. A howl that was close had shattered the birds' songs. Genki interpreted it and found that Bear Fur was coming their way with a passenger. Genki replied, telling him he was welcome in this land. He gave the elder a half hour to reach them, returning to his work in the mean time. The fact that Larry was now selling jewelry in the larger cities as well meant there was more work for Genki. When Genki walked out again he saw Holly standing with their kids and the rest of the pack. The villagers noticed the wolves assembling and joined them, the headman looking over to Genki.

"Bear Fur is coming." he stated as Holly walked up to him.

"Bear Fur? Why is he here?"

"I'm not sure, I know he had a rider though." Holly pondered this a moment, undoubtedly it was a human but who could it be.

"Is this Bear Fur the same elder that gave Holly her wolf name?" the Headman asked.

"Yes, he is an elder like Autumn Harvest and Star Thunder." Bear Fur's call told Genki he was under attack. "Raptors!" Genki cried shifting as he ran, Holly made Feather Foot guard the kids and raced off after him, following suit and shifting. When Bear Fur burst through the brush the girl on his back hanging on for dear life, the raptors were right behind him. Holly was faster then Genki and took down one raptor, taking care to keep clear of its claws. She growled, the females able to fight in her pack coming to her side. The lone raptor wasn't sure it liked those odds. In the mean time Genki had slammed into the other raptor, looking them over he realized it was a male and female. Genki decided now was the time to try his theory out. 'Why are you chasing them?' receiving no reply he become more aggressive, snapping at the raptor, intimidating the male doing so he tried again. 'Speak or die!' the raptor regarded him a moment then finally spoke.

'Why do you care fur ball?'

'I care because they are clan. Would you not help those in your own ranks?' the raptor cocked his head not sure what to do with the wolves. 'We both hunt in packs; there is no reason for us to fight. There are plenty of herbivores for you to hunt; some who can't even mind speak. Why do you not hunt those?' while Genki spoke with the male Holly tried reasoning with the female.

'Why do you hunt our kind raptor? There are many plant eaters for you. Why do you chose another predator?' the female watched Holly carefully, then finally spoke.

'We hunt what we can get. The plant eaters have left this area, we have nothing.'

'Eating predators will make you sick.' the female looked at her almost shocked. 'There are plenty grass eaters here, you just don't know how to track them. If we show you will you stop hunting our kind?' the female regarded her a moment.

'Let me confrere with my mate.' Holly glanced over at the male, and then nodded.

'Go to him then, but if this is a trick you will not like how it ends.' Holly had learned Genki's tactics when dealing with enemies over the past few weeks. The female slowly walked over to her male. Genki let her rejoin her mate and the two talked amongst themselves. The male and female then looked back at the pair as they and their pack waited.

'We believe there is a good chance our leader will agree to your terms female. We can not speak for our queen though.' Genki nodded his understanding.

'If you called to her, would she come and speak with us?'

'Yes, I believe she would.'

'Call to her then, I would like to settle this with her. I grow tired of pointless battles.'

'As do we fur ball.' the male stated snidely. The male raised his head and made the call, it reminded Genki of a crow or ravens call to some degree. The villagers reeked of fear, Genki instructed some of the younger pack members to retreat and make the villagers leave as well. Feather Foot assuring them that Genki was taking a very well calculated risk. He had translated for the Headman. The raptors watched with curiosity but didn't try to do anything, soon calls echoed in the forest and the rest for the raptor pack burst from the brush. Genki's pack had stopped them in their tracks, the lead female walked out with her mate. Genki could tell them instantly as the other raptors bowed to her. Genki bowed his head in respect and Holly followed his lead. He then spoke to her.

'Thank you for coming.'

'What do you have in mind fur ball?' this female was as elegant as the previous, she was curter and seemed impatient.

'You clan members were hunting ours. They tell us there are no grass eaters, but here are. We can show you where they reside, in exchange I ask that you not hunt our kind any longer.'

'I see.' the female glanced at the villagers, 'and what of those creatures? Are they your food?' Genki cut Holly off before she could insult the female.

'No, humans are not good for food. My pack shares this land with them. They are also predators, though they are not as fine of hunts they are very creative. I'm sure you can appreciate creativity as I have seen the creative mind your kind possesses, it is very impressive in its own right.' the female puffer her chest out a little at the compliment, this was what Genki was counting on. These creatures seemed prideful. 'Will you stop hunting our kind and leave these humans to us?'

'If they attack us?'

'Then do what you need to protect yourselves. I will warn them to leave you alone as well.'

'You wish for a treaty then?'

'Yes if you would be so kind.'

'What is your name fur ball?'

'I am Light Bringer, and my mate is Jasmine Talon.'

'So your female let's you lead?'

'We work together; I am just better at talking with other leaders. We are equals as far as power within our clan though.' the female watched him a moment.

'Very well Light Bringer I agree to your terms. I am called Hajivale, and this is my mate Ngabu.' he nodded, and then smiled to her.

'Then let us show you where the herbivores are hiding.' the female nodded. Genki turned to his pack telling some of them to stay behind; he then took his strongest to his side. 'Follow us.' Hajivale nodded and followed him and his mate. Genki lead but his pack went to the rear to make sure the raptor pack wouldn't be a problem.

Granity walked over to Bear Fur who was exhausted from his run, the girl he had been carrying lay on the ground, she looked pale. Granity flagged Harvey down and the man came over and checked the girl.

"She's pregnant but… something is wrong."

"We do not have a good doctor near by. The village she comes from threw her out, she was residing with a small pack. They have an elder but she could not help this one. I knew of Autumn Harvest from before, she and Star Thunder are very wise in the art of healing. I brought her in hopes that she could be helped." the doctor nodded as he checked her vitals.

"She's not doing well at all. Those raptors had bad timing."

"Indeed, she was raped by Lycans. No doubt this child is by them. It could kill her if something has gone wrong."

"You are an elder aren't you?" Larry asked,

"Yes, but I deal in mostly combat. I am not gifted with healing."

"Lycans are… werewolves of a different type correct?"

"Yes, there are known as lesser wolves because they lack the size and power we have." the villagers looked surprised by the news, Genki and Holly had mentioned the Lycans but not much about them. Harvey got Bear fur to move the girl to the packs den site, the younger members pulling out some animal skins for her to rest on. Harvey monitored her health while the awaited the packs return. Bear Fur spoke briefly with various villagers to learn more about the village this pack called home.

Genki reappeared with the pack a short time later; he seemed to be in deep thought but pushed that aside when he was the girl. Autumn Harvest and Star Thunder ran ahead of him to tend to the girl, both of them somewhat upset at themselves for leaving her in this condition.

"This is bad…." Star Thunder stated, Holly glancing over at him.

"What's wrong with her?"

"Her body is rejecting the pregnancy but because it's a Lycans young she can't just have a miscarriage as would happen with humans. The Lycans self preservation ability is blocking it…. we have to get her body to accept the pregnancy or she will die." Holly looked somewhat distressed by this news.

"How do we do that elder?" Genki asked,

"There are a few ways, none have been used on humans before." Autumn harvest answered the young alpha. "We can try them, I need to get some herbs perhaps Athena will assist me," she walked over to the bluff where the old woman watched to have a discussion with her.

"Star Thunder… can we save her and the child? Or will we have to kill the child o save her?"

"As it is our law to not hurt young, we will try to save them both Holly." he placed his large paw on her shoulder to comfort her.

"I know you are sensitive when it comes to young ones, I would not upset you willfully." she nodded, Genki moved to nuzzle her briefly making Holly wonder how he felt about this. Autumn returned with what she needed a short time later, she had located some of the herbs on her own and the remainder she received from Athena. Not she made a potion of some sort in a small kettle over a fire.

"I can't be sure this will work, but it's the most reliable method we have." the alphas nodded; Bear Fur just watched learning what he could from the other elders. Once the potion was finished she brought it over, cooling it first so as to not harm the girl. Bear Fur lifted the girl up to get her into a sitting position. The girl smiled weakly at him then looked to the other wolf before her, she knew this wolf as well. Genki could sense the smell of recognition and comfort in her sweat. He was glad the girl wasn't scared of them, but then they looked nothing like the Lycans. Autumn offered the cup to the girl; she took it. "Drink as much as you can, I know it tastes horrible but it will help." the girl did so making a face at the smell and taste of the vile liquid. She finished the cup of medicine the saw the elder wolf come to her side, placing an ear to her chest she listened to the girl's heart. The girl blushed despite this elder being a female. Though her heart rate was elevated it was strong, and her breathing was fine. "You seem to be fine other then the rejection of your child so this should help. Rest for today, tomorrow I will get you up and moving." the girl nodded, she understood that wolves used exercises to aid in healing. "What's your name child?"

"Ashlee." the elder nodded,

"Very well the Ashlee, you will be staying with us for awhile. I don't consider it wise to have you leave till after you give birth." the girl seemed to have mixed emotions about giving birth to this child but nodded her understanding nonetheless. Holly walked over to the young woman with a smile, she wasn't sure of the girl's feelings about her child but she knew she was lonely.

"I'm not sure how you feel about being here Ashlee but you are welcome to stay with us." the girl smiled at her tears in her eyes.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, if you choose you can remain here in this village. They will not judge you the way your own village did." Holly saw tears flowing form her eyes now and brought the girl into a much-needed hug. The girl cried it all out as Holly comforted her. Genki smiled as he watched thinking about the circumstances that brought this about. * Perhaps it's a good thing that Holly is barren, I doubt she would be so receptive to other children if she wasn't. Maybe the Father had a reason for all this after all. * He smiled again, * I wish we could see the whole picture some times. * After all of this Genki was ready for some relaxation, he looked up to see the raptors coming back. They were no longer a threat even if the villagers seemed on edge. The raptors lay down in the field to nap, some of them watching the villagers as they showed curiosity about these creative creatures. Genki walked up to talk with the villagers and inform them of the raptors curiosity so they didn't fear them so much. Genki returned to work as Holly escorted the girl back to the house. Genki's stuff would be moved into Holly's room and his room given to the girl. Genki stayed with Holly most of the time anyway so there was no reason for him having a separate room.

By the time Genki returned from work the pack had set up the feast for after his marriage dance. The raptors had watched with great interest, as a gesture of good faith Genki walked over to Hajivale to invite her pack to join their feast.

The lead female rose to greet him, he bowed in respect.

'I am performing a marriage dance with my mate tonight. Its always followed by a feast. I invite you and your pack to participate in the feast and witness this if you like.'

'Are you not already mates?' she cocked her head in confusion.

'We are but she is new to this pack. This is more of a bonding event for the pack. Only after this is completed may I due the marriage ritual with her to compete our bond. My female is still getting used to everything though so it may be awhile before she allows our binding to take place.'

'I do not understand.'

'Perhaps this will help.' Genki concentrated and changed his form back to that of a human startling the raptors. Only after he returned to his wolf form did they question him.

'What was that?'

'We are werewolves; as such we can change from a human form to this one. Holly, Jasmine Talon, was completely human like those of this village. She was changed into a Garou or werewolf later. As such she is learning our ways a little at a time. Though we are mates I needed to show her how courting takes place.' the female then nodded to him, having learned it form his clan.

'I understand, you want her to be able to teach the young how to court.'

'Yes. I'm moving slow so she has time to learn everything properly.'

'You are tricksters.' Ngabu stated,

'I suppose we are in some ways. The humans thought as much at first. They have relaxed now.'

'We will witness this marriage dance.' Hajivale stated making Genki smile.

'Thank you, it's an honor that you are interested.' he bowed again and took his leave. The female raptor obviously respected him. Genki entered the house and found Holly in deep conversation with Granity, Autumn Harvest, and Ashlee. He smiled to the girls; he knew Larry would invite the villagers to the marriage dance if they wished to see it. Holly didn't realize she would be performing for so many spectators and he was sure she would be very nervous.

Genki waited till after dinner to pull Holly out to the den for the ceremony. Holly noticed the villager and raptors watching. She blushed under her fur and grew nervous. He came over to nuzzle her as the pack settled down. Ashlee had decided to watch, as she was interested in the Garou. Once everyone was settled Genki spoke to his chosen mate.

"Its alright, just pretend they aren't there. Focus on me." she nodded,

"Alright I will try." he smiled and pulled back. He circled her, prancing as he did. Holly stood her ground as his part of the dance began. She watched him intently as he pranced, darting forwards and back, sometimes jumping and even flipping in the air to show off his prowess to her. Soon it was her turn, her own body lurching forward with grace Genki couldn't match. She jumped over him showing her own skills and even back flipped once to show she could do flips as well as he could. Her gate was more of a canter then a prance and she danced forward and back but went side to side as well. Once her response was done the couple danced together, jumping over each other, doing a form of line dance complete with a grape vine like move. Soon the couple grappled in a play fight move, and then turning the grappling into an elegant dance with them standing upright, it was almost a waltz of sorts. When they finished they howled together, their voices rising and falling in complete harmony. With their courtship complete the pack eagerly brushed up against them in joy and affection. Then the group settled for the feast, the raptors and villagers coming to join the pack and monsters. The pack, raptors, monsters, and villagers mingled speaking to each other. Larry even got brave enough to speak with Hajivale and Ngabu, using Star Thunder as a translator. The raptors seemed to enjoy the conversation, as much as the humans; each learning from the other, now that each knew the other was not a threat. Ashlee had to admit she would never have dreamed Garou were so complex or that they could make friends with the dinosaurs.

When the feast was over, all those attending went to their respective resting places. The raptors had made the village part of their domain and would indeed protect it as long as the villagers didn't cause them harm. In fact the raptors trusted Genki's pack with their young due to the nature of Genki and Holly's report with them. Genki realized now that if any other dinosaurs attacked, the raptors would be the first line of defense against them. Genki retired to his room with Holly, he knew she had a lot on her mind but wouldn't say it till they were alone.

"What is it Holly?"

"Genki… Ashlee isn't sure she wants to raise her child. She knows she must give birth but…"

"I had a feeling about that. Being forced to bare a child is never easy and a lot of mothers can't love the child under such circumstances." Holly looked at him, a strange look passing through her eyes.

"If she refuses the child… can we…"

"If you want that child, and she doesn't want it then by all means adopt her child. But I would encourage her to keep it if at all possible. Her breast milk would be best for it."

"I know… I just…" his hand moved to her womb making her gasp. She felt a dull ache there and knew he had sensed her emotions.

"I know you want a child badly. You will have one Holly. There is a reason for everything."

"I know. I understand that Genki, and you are right."

"Think of it this way. The Father has been preparing you to love a child and cherish that child because of what you have gone through. There are a lot of women who take their fertility for granted. I know you will never do so, and any child has become precious to you now. This alone has made a difference in some lives of young ones." Holly nodded she knew he was right. Despite the pain she endured she had helped some children, this might not have happened if she had not been barren.

"Thank you Genki." he held her close whispering,

"Lets pray together." he felt her nod and released her. The couple got up and knelled together on the floor to pray. Neither knew how much time past but they prayed without ceasing for some time. Only when they felt a release of the burden to pray did they return to bed to sleep. Both knew the next few weeks would be very difficult on their new arrival.

AAN: yep took longer to do this one… not sure why. Hopefully next chapter will go better.