Lawrence and Holo were running on foot to Yoitsu, to meet the scout that is sent there every day. They were making good time, but Lawrence was lagging behind Holo. This concerned her, so she slowed down a bit. Even after that Lawrence was still a good distance behind her. Holo decided to stop and wait for him to catch up. When he came into view Holo was shocked at what she saw, the wound on Lawrence's leg was bleeding, forcing him to slow down so it doesn't completely tear open.

"Lawrence you should have told me. Your wound is opening up. We need to stop the bleeding somehow." Holo looked around and started sniffing the air. She caught a faint scent of something familiar. "Oh, that could work. Follow me Lawrence."

Lawrence was exhausted and didn't feel like he had the energy to speak much less talk back, so he did as he was told. They delved deeper into the forest, with only Holo's nose as guidance. Eventually they came upon the familiar scent. It was a big tree, but that's not what Holo was attracted too, it was it's leaves. They were sticky with honeydew meaning aphids were inhabitants of the tree. Holo turned to her human form and collected a pile of sticky leaves.

"What are you doing Holo? What are the leaves for?" Lawrence tilted his head curiously. It also made Holo giggle when he did that, which upset Lawrence.

"If you have to know I am making you a bandage for that wound. There are these little bugs that eat leaves then leave behind a sticky substance. Me and my pack used the leaves all the time as bandages, now hold still. You are quite bigger than me at the moment." Holo began sticking the leaves together then applying them to the wound. Pretty soon the bleeding had stopped, and Lawrence was free to run again.

"Thank you Holo. I don't know where I'd be without you." Lawrence bowed his head to Holo, and she patted him jokingly.

"You would probably be staring at the behind of your horse on that lonely wagon. I cannot say for sure, but is this not much more fun?" Holo gave Lawrence a smile he always loved seeing. A wide toothy smile.

"I agree. Traveling with you has been more entertaining, but also way more expensive. What's your debt up to now?" Lawrence joked back with Holo. She started giggling again.

"Tis' quite high I imagine. A queen of my stature has costly tastes. You do not mind purchasing things for me though. Could that be because you have been caught in my spell? A spell that charms the victim and forces them to buy me apples for the rest of their days." Holo started acting out her words, being quite melodramatic.

"Perhaps. I wouldn't mind that though. Anyways we should get going." Lawrence's wound was bandaged and all the jokes aside, they were wasting time.

"I agree. Let us go then." Holo took some wheat out of her pouch and ate it. She turned back to her wolf form and started sniffing for the right direction. "This way. We are not far off. I say another hour or so before we reach Yoitsu."

Holo started running into the direction of the scent, with Lawrence in tow. It did indeed take them another hour to reach Yoitsu. The closer they got, the stronger the scent of another wolf became. Upon entering Yoitsu, Holo was devastated. The trees in the area were all destroyed, leaving nothing but a massive clearing in the forest. In the center of the clearing was a giant wolf much like themselves. It must have noticed Holo and Lawrence, because it turned and started walking towards them.

"Hello there. My name is Kiba. I am a scout sent by the Yoitsu wolf pack. Were you two looking for the pack?" The wolf sounded young based on its tone of voice. He was really polite for someone who lived so far from civilization.

"Yes we are. My name is Holo and this is my lover Lawrence. We have some really valuable information concerning the Moon-Hunting Bear. It would be quite nice of we could meet with the rest of the pack as quickly as possible. The lives of many are at stake." Holo didn't waste any time explaining her intentions, which must have been relayed quite clearly because, Kiba nodded and motioned for the couple to follow him.

It took about an hour at a standard walking pace to reach the new home of the pack. As they were walking through they were being monitored and watched by several packs of regular wolves.

"Quite the welcoming. I guess you do have to be careful who you let in." Lawrence noticed the wolves a while ago, and he couldn't help but cringe at the thought of the attack that happened not so long ago.

"This is true. We cannot just let anyone in. You said you had information about the bear. The leader of the pack will want to see you. I am taking you to him. It will not be much longer." Kiba seemed to also be a serious type for one so young.

"That would be wise. I used to know the alpha that ruled my pack a hundred years ago. I wonder if it is the same stubborn old man." Holo was reminiscing about her past out loud, which caught Kiba's attention.

"You know old man Koga?!" Kiba asked surprisingly. He thought some stranger who knew the alpha must be important. So his doubts about the couple were put to rest.

"Oh so it is the same old man. I used to be quite the trouble maker in my years as a pup. I caused him many of headaches. So how is that old fool doing?" Holo was relieved that not too much has changed since her departure. This eased her mind and soul.

"I see you haven't changed much since your puppy years. You are still a trouble maker and you give me plenty of headaches as well. I'm sure this Koga fellow will be absolutely delighted to see you." Lawrence spoke up and his words were sarcastic, but in a teasing kind of manner.

"You know you love my personality. If I was not so troublesome we would never have made it this far, nor would I be carrying a child right now. Although that last part could very well be your fault. You are the one who forced me down and had your way with me." Holo's tone was melodramatic, and scripted. Almost as if she had already planned this comeback just for this situation.

"I think you have it backwards Holo. Wasn't it you who forced yourself onto me? If I recall you were in heat and just couldn't keep yourself off of me." Lawrence retorted, knowing full well he will get a death glare from Holo for his response.

"You fool. I cannot help that. It was a natural thing I had no control over. Besides, if you were not so irresistible it would not have happened. So it is still your fault, but I guess my taste in males is just too extravagant." Holo once again managed to turn the tables on Lawrence. This time with a compliment, which was rare from Holo.

"We are almost there. You might want to stop your bickering before you see Koga. He's only gotten more irritable with old age. So keep complaining and side conversation to a minimum." Kiba's tone seemed to get more frightful the closer they go to Koga. Was this other wolf really so frightening?

"I am sure the old man has not gotten much worse. Although he is a bit grumpy he still sees me as one of his children. He was a father to me after my parents died after all." Holo's voice became a lot gentler than normal, and there was also a tinge of sadness.

Lawrence didn't speak. He only thought of how Holo must feel being home. He personally thought she was holding up well, given that she was probably overflowing with emotions. He was glad, and for some reason he also felt at home. All wolves must be attracted to Yoitsu, even though they are naturally semi-nomadic creatures.

"Well, this is as far as I go. Just keep going down this path a ways, and you will come to the clearing that Koga resides in. Good luck talking to him. Even if you were one of his children he can be quite difficult. I guess I'll take my leave then." Kiba turned and walked the opposite direction of the mentioned clearing.

"Lawrence, what ever you do, do not show any fear when facing the old man. When he sees you, he will try to establish dominance over you since you are a new wolf to the area. I am almost sure he has already caught your scent." Holo spoke seriously which was also rare for her, but Lawrence knew when she did, he should definitely listen.

"Wouldn't bowing to him be better though? I want him to accept me not eat me." Lawrence tried to figure out why he should be scared of this alpha. He hasn't been a wolf long so he hasn't developed his senses very well.

"Lawrence. I wanted to wait to tell you this, but he is probably the one who sent those wolves after you back in the woods. His sense of smell and hearing are about ten times that of mine. He probably caught my scent and then a human scent. He jumped to a conclusion and sent a pack after you. That is what I mean by he already has your scent. So do not fear him, if you do, he will most definitely try to dominate you." Holo turned to give Lawrence a serious yet concerned look. Lawrence was shocked that he was going to meet the wolf that pretty much killed him once before. How was he supposed to not be afraid.

"Ok Holo, if you're there with me, I'm sure I'll be able to manage. Now let's get going, it's time to put an end to that damn bear." Lawrence walked ahead of Holo with a brave face on. She could tell it was a facade because she was used to seeing his merchant persona. She just hoped it worked against the alpha, and followed close behind Lawrence.

After a few minutes of walking, the couple reach a large clearing in the forest. It was there they saw him, a massive pitch black wolf, almost twice the size of Lawrence. He was currently lying down staring deeply at the two, his deep yellow eyes piercing the very depths of their beings. Lawrence had noticed that beside Koga was a smaller pure gray female. She didn't bother looking at the two, she was busy cleaning her tail.

"Holo, it's nice to see you. It's been far too long. Almost a hundred years I believe. How have you been?" Koga acknowledged Holo and she walked forward awkwardly, as if she were being cautious.

"It has been quite a long time. I missed everyone so much. I would have to say I have been doing quite nicely. My lovely companion here has made sure of that. He has made things so enjoyable." Holo seemed to loosen up a bit as she talked to Koga. Lawrence noticed and thought it was ok for him to do the same.

"You there. What is your name? I haven't seen you around before." Koga stood and it finally sunk in just how huge he is compared to Lawrence. Koga walked over, and just seemed to tower over Lawrence. His mere presence intimidated the significantly smaller Lawrence.

"My name is Lawrence, Kraft Lawrence. I am new here. I have been helping Holo get back here to you guys." Lawrence had to stand firm, and force any sense of fear from tainting his words. Which was really hard. It seemed as if Koga's presence itself demanded respect and admiration.

"I see. You are the human who was with Holo. It seems she broke a taboo. I guess you didn't know, but humans and wolves are never meant to be together, nor are the wolves supposed to turn humans into one of us. She must really love you, if she decided to go against everything we stand for. That is why..." Koga paused, taking a deep breath. "I will give you a chance. Holo is definitely wise, and very bright for her age. I will trust her judgement of you. Welcome to the pack." Holo and Lawrence both let out a deep sigh of relief that they had been holding in for the longest time.

"You seem to have grown rather soft in old age. The old grumpy wolf I knew would have tried to dominate Lawrence in a heartbeat. I do say it is definitely more flattering. You seem more, hmmmm, approachable." Holo started talking casually with Koga all of a sudden which caused the relief Lawrence felt to quickly disappear.

"Yeah I have grown quite soft, my old bones just can't be bothered to run around that much anymore. I don't think that's why I decided not to dominate him. The real reason is I just can't help but spoil you. I just can't say no. It's a curse I guess." Koga retorted back to Holo in a similar casual manner which confused Lawrence. He was lost, just a second ago everything was so serious, now it was just playful banter.

"Oh yes before I forget, we have something to discuss old man. It is valuable information regarding that bear. Me and Lawrence have found his weakness, and we believe we can defeat him." Holo got serious again, and so did Koga. Just the mentioning of the word bear caused his ears to twitch.

"Are you being serious? This isn't a prank?" Koga's eyes were wide with shock and excitement. He couldn't believe it, after a century the wolves finally had a way to fight back against the bear.

"Yes, completely serious, however there is a catch. He loses all his power on the full moon, when we wolves are the strongest, so he will most likely go into hiding. So we will need to engage him before the full moon, and keep him stalled and under wraps until then. That means we must hold him at bay for an entire day. To make matters worse, I took a pretty big bite out of him during our last encounter, so he may already be in hiding to heal his wounds." Lawrence spoke up and got Koga's full undivided attention. After a moment Koga went deep into thought.

"You said you injured him right? If the wound is still somewhat fresh, I can sniff him out if hes anywhere between the mountains to the north and Niyohira. I just need to be told what the scent is like so I can hone in on it." Koga sense of smell was truly astounding, it spread almost thirty miles in every direction. Lawrence thought how useful that could actually be, and how it could have prevented alot of the issues him and Holo came across on their journey.

"Just look for a musky, and sour smell. When you find it I guarantee you will cringe. His scent is very pungent and revolting. Anyways, me and Lawrence should act as bait to lure him as far away from his domain as possible. I am bearing a child and Lawrence is injured, we are unable to do much else." Holo was honest, and ate at her knowing she couldn't be the one to deliver the finishing blow to Oliver. Koga noticed this and gave her a sympathetic nod.

"We have a plan, I shall gather all of the males that are willing to fight. You two will lure the bear out of his hole, and while he is chasing you, we will be lurking waiting for the full moon. Then we strike. I have one more thing to say, and it's to you Lawrence. No matter what, you do everything you can to protect Holo and her child. If she gets hurt or dies, I will personally tear your throat out. I can't bear losing her again." Koga had took on a ferocious tone. He was staring deep into Lawrence's eyes which were locked into his. The sheer aura of fury was enough to make Lawrence feel like a field mouse.

"Trust me, you wouldn't have to. If I ever let anything happen. To Holo, I would end my own life and die right there beside her." Lawrence gave Koga his own steadfast glance that radiated courage and sincerity. This caused Koga to lighten up a bit.

"We should get some rest, we have to find and confront that damn bear tomorrow. We have a long battle ahead of us, 'twould be best to be well rested. Come along now Lawrence, you will be my pillow for tonight." Holo pushed Lawrence along with her head, and he looked back to Koga. Koga was just chuckling at Lawrence's dismay.

It took a while but Holo and Lawrence found a spot secluded from the other wolves, but not too far away as to be in danger. Holo was the first to transform back into her human form. She stretched and looked up at the almost full moon. As if by instinct itself she howled and in the distance you could hear the other wolves do the same.

"Was that really necessary?" Lawrence gave Holo a questioning glance. He was still in his wolf form so Holo had to look directly up to face him which kind of annoyed her.

"You should try it sometime. 'Tis quite relaxing. Although I do say it is more relaxing to be back in this form. I have gotten so used to it. Now lay down you pup, I said you were going to be my pillow. You cannot transform back anyway, the bandages I worked so hard to make would fall off." Holo demanded Lawrence as usual, and he complied after a slight nod of the head and a sigh. This earned a signature giggle from Holo.

"Come on. Get cuddled up somewhere. We need to sleep." Lawrence laid his head down and shut his eyes. Holo walked around to Lawrence's tail and laid between it and him, almost using the tail as a cover. She quickly fell asleep and started snoring, and Lawrence thought to himself again how cute it was.

The two companions have been through a lot, and their journey was close to an end. Soon they would confront the Moon-Hunting bear, otherwise known as Oliver. If they win, they could live in peace for the rest of their lives, if they lose however, far more than just Holo and Lawrence's lives could be at stake. The fate of every wolf could be on the line.