A rather young Neko male would spot the woman from a far distance. His legs dangled from the tree branch a bit just before he slips down from the tree and lands at the soft soil beneath him. After standing himself up, the boy would brush the matted hair from his face and then wipe the dry dirt from his pants, beginning following the girl he first spotted. Upon closer approach, he would pull a small gun from his side, originally held by the waistline of his pants and hidden under his long shirt. Though he had no clue how to use the gun, the child lifted it towards the stranger anyway. In all honesty, the gun in itself was a mere bluff; he would never shoot someone. But all this was simply kept to himself. He licked his dry lips before speaking, his voice brave, but there was no mistaking that this was a very young boy who stood behind the woman.

"Hey! You there! Don't and don't turn around, no funny stuff or I'll kill ya! Leave all your money and weapons of the floor in front of you! NOW!"

Nyanna held her hands up as she slightly tilted her head. The voice was young, not more than a child. Thinking quickly, the elf figured that the attacker had to have some kind of weapon, what she didn't know but deciding that it was best to play along for now, Nyanna slowly moved her hands to remove her cloak. Underneath she had a long twisted staff, on the top a shining emerald vibrated with power. Unclasping a small pack that she had upon her back, the Elf kicked it back toward the attacker.

"Anything else?" She asked a bit sarcastic, already plotting her actions.

With a glare, he made sure to watch her carefully, the last thing he wanted was to lose control over yet another situation. He was never really good at this sort of this.. but most children wouldn't be. Kaoru placed his weapon back at his side, letting his shirt cover it once more before reaching down to collect this 'pack.' He opened it and studied the belongs inside right after he spoke to her.

"This.. everything? Is this all your weapons and um.. money? Yeah, make sure to hand it all over unless you wanna die."

He switched his long ranged weapon, a gun, with one he can actually use; an old and very sharp dagger. With that in one hand, he continued to look to the pack. The elf nodded, and took a glance behind her. Just as she thought the attacker was a mere child, skin and bones.

"Look in the side pocket little one." She spoke softly, not wanting the child to be frightened, nor for the situation to spiral out of 'his' control.

"There should be some bread and even a little dried meat." Nyanna lowered her hands and started to turn around.

"Mind if I sit? I've had a long walk."

His eyes widened to her words as a smirk crosses her expression. He quickly unravels the food from the side pocket and eats it with such away it might seem it's been awhile since his last meal. Not to mention his horrid manners. With a wave of his had, like swatting an imaginary fly away, he nodded.

"Yeah yea- ...mm what ever, mmm.." He would swallow and reach for some more. Paying little to no attention on her now.

Slowly turning around, Nyanna swept the cloak and her dress behind her knees before kneeling down. The child was smaller than she had expected. His shaggy brown hair was a mess under the small cap that he wore. Thinking for a moment, Nyanna spoke quietly.

"Why is it that you resort to being a highway men?" Her eyes were troubled, uneasy that a mere child had to rob travelers for food.

"What the fuck is a 'highway men'? Shut your trap bitch!" Such fowl language for such a small child.. this is something you should never hear from a kid.. nor a kid should never say, but who taught him to speak like that? He then ignored her and continued to eat until there was nothing left. He put the pack on in his waistline now, revealing the gun and two other dagger at him side. He still kept one in his hand though.

Anger flared through Nyanna's eyes as she got up quickly. Advancing toward the child she grabbed him by the wrist and looked at him. "Now listen here young man!" The Elf's voice was firm but not harsh.

"You will not talk to me in such a way nor will you talk to any other." A green aura glows on her hand as she looks at him. "Now...You will tell me why you have to rob people for food, for that is what a 'highwaymen' is."

Taking notice of the child's weapon, the small but still sharp dagger, Nyanna positioned herself with enough room between the two to avoid a well aimed slash. Just before she could finish her sentence, it seemed he used the dagger in his hand to thrash at her quickly

"Fuck! Ugh, unhand me or I'll slaughter you!"

He grunted as he made another thrash in her direction.. trying to slip from her grasp. His main point was to simply avoid the question no matter the cost.

"God damnit it woman!"

He hated nothing more than to be touched, well.. besides hospitals. This contact sent him into a violent episode, and if given the chance, he could do unspeakable things. Sighing with uneasy, Nyanna gently took control of his 'energy'. Her power was not to make 'zombies' of people but to temporarily take control. With a gentle touch, the elf 'froze' his hand that which held the dagger. Quickly taking the weapon, Nyanna swept her leg under the child, putting him off balance just enough in an effort to knock him on his butt.

"Be still little one and I won't have to touch you!" Her eyes widened as she forced herself not to snap at him.

To this event.. Kaoru suddenly sat in complete silence. He was more than shocked at what she did he couldn't decide if he was pissed off or in awe. Being so young and frail, it didn't take much to tire him out. And within all the struggle, he didn't have much fight left in him. It took him quite a while to snap out of this strange feeling, he blinked and looked at her.

"Wait.. you took my weapon.." Maybe it was odd, screaming moments ago to having a soft and calm voice now. Nyanna's eyes brightened as the young boy calmed down, his confused voice strangely cute to the elf. With a nod, Nyanna knelt down once more with a respectable distance between them.

"Yes I did. Now I'll give it back if you promise to behave." Nyanna eyed the child sternly. His hands formed tight fists.. and no he glared at her.. some amounts of rage filling him once more

"No! You aren't my mother! I don't have to fuckin'"behave" for anyone! Give it back or else!" Kaoru jumped to his feet and created much more distance between them, then he took out the gun and pointed it at her.

Rolling her eyes at the child Nyanna remained sitting. "Do I have to take that as well?" Tucking the dagger into her cloak, the elf watched the child. His mouth was fouler than anything she had seen but he seemed frightened; living on the streets could do that to you, she supposed. Calling upon her power again, Nyanna's body radiated with the light green power to show the child she was more than capable of taking the gun as well.

"Your right." She spoke. "I am not your mother but I will still ask you to behave and to not talk to me in such a manor." She smiled. "I see your still hungry...how about we make a deal?"

To every word she gave him, he returned in a glare and the tightening of his hands around the weapon. He was determined to keep it from her. He was also stubborn, childish and refusing to admit defeat, or anything to hurt his pride. Now, he smirked, nearly interrupting her.

"How about this, you get over the fact that I will never respect anyone especially you. I follow my rules only. Also, simply give the food to me without a deal.. or a shoot." His hand rests gently against the trigger, ready to fire, and seeming unafraid of the situation.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Nyanna laughed. The child's bravado was simply cute to her. Quickly muffling her out burst the elf stood and bowed. "Alright almighty attacker. I shall be off then."

Walking forward with a twinkle in her eyes Nyanna picked up her pack which he seemed to have forgotten. Patting the dagger within her cloak, Nyanna waved at him. "If you want this back you have two choices. One: Shoot me or two: follow me and I'll find us some more food." Her green aura was still lingering on her body, ready just encase the child did shoot her.

He hated the way she seemed so calm around him, and catching a hint of that giggle, he couldn't bare to stoop so low as to follow her. He took aim and fired the gun. Never using it, or any other gun for that matter, he would obviously miss; about 6 inches from her head. And though he missed, it was an eye opener just how short-tempered he was. In his eyes, he was planning to kill her. And again, most 9 year old's don't plot murder. He wasn't about to give up either, he took aim for another shot and fired only seconds after the first one. While doing do, his other hand slide down to grab yet another one of his daggers. Wow, clearly had no parents to set him straight. He acted as if he owned the

Moving quickly after the first shot Nyanna stopped beside him. Rarely did the elf use her speed in fighting... in fact she never fought. Sliding her hand underneath the child's that held the gun, Nyanna pushed it upward so that if he fired again it would go into the air harmlessly. Spotting the second hand

as it went for another dagger, Nyanna sidestepped out of the way, careful to keep a hold of the gun hand. Her quick movements caught him off guard once again. He felt the gun leave his hand, and he was delayed a couple moments before gathering enough though to turn in her directs. He simply wasn't near as fast as her. He hissed while attempting to lunge at him yet another time.

One of his three daggers was with her, another in his left hand, so now that the gun was gone, he grabbed the last dagger so each hand held a weapon. He growled "I will make sure you suffer!" He wasn't even sure why, but his temper clouded his judgment. Seeing no other option to end the silly fight, Nyanna leaped back throwing her cloak. In her hands was long wooden staff, at the top the wood was twisted holding in place a large emerald. Staking the staff in the ground, Nyanna quickly took a defensive stance, one that would not hurt the child in case he attacked in his blind rage.

He suddenly knew something was up from this new weapon. or what is assumed to be, that he hasn't seen before. Yet this alone did not stop him from thrashing at her with daggers, running at her with his arms in front of him, making an 'X' then ripping them apart to make an affective slash to anyone close enough. The child ran at her, his daggers in both hands in an all out attack. Figuring as much, Nyanna waited for him to come. Just as he reached her, Nyanna waited a split second after his daggers made contact with her skin to slam his hands up in the air. Sidestepping around him, Nyanna swiftly grabbed one arm, twisting it behind his back before pushing his head down. Small river-lets of blood dripped from her forearms as the elf firmly held the child's arm pent back on his back.

Kaoru didn't even realize what hit him until all played out. He did feel the daggers flying out of his, then his arm soon pinned against his back. He grunts and that force, plus the push on his head causes him to fall forward on his knee's; only able to use his other arm to keep him falling forward. "Shit, what the hell?!" Bringing one leg forward to keep his balance, he uses his other arm to reach behind and grab a hold of.. what? something.. anything.. fighting with the last bit of energy he has. Falling to his knees the child gripped at her dress, the light fabric ripping easily. A sigh left Nyanna's red lips as she watched the dress rip.

"Man...and it was my favorite one.." Taking a deep breath, Nyanna gripped a sleeve and pulled, shredding the already ruined dress. Taking the fabric, the elf used it as a bond to tie the child's hands together. Mumbling to herself as she finished Nyanna shook her head. "What will Anana think of me...I'm basicly abusing a child." Tears slowly welled up in her eyes and the young elf swipped at them. "What to do what to do...."

He wanted to smirk to at least ruining her dress which she seemed to like, but that was soon changed when he felt his hands tied together behind his back. "Ah Fuck!" He would continue to struggle despite being bonds.. although he soon loses all strength as he knew he would. Being so fragile, he had next to nothing of muscle strength, so any large amount of actions easily made him tired. He was panting like a dog for a while. The sleepiness of this would eventually bring down his heart rate, thus calming him down. He groaned slightly, sitting down and pulling his knee's to his chest. "...damn....i-it..."

Thinking that the child would soon go to sleep, Nyanna walked in front of him to collect her cloak and staff. Her eye falling on her pack that lay near by, the elf picked it up and searched through the compartments. Deciding that everything but the food was still there, Nyanna sat down and watched the child. He seemed to be getting sleepy. "So you think you could tell me your name?"

For some strange reason, he felt like a different person, which scared him. There were certain things he wanted no one else to know about.. but he felt like answering.. as if he had no choice.. or was simply to tired to refuse otherwise. "My name is Kaoru.. pronounced Kahr-do. It's Japanese." He tried to shake away from the sleep-fulness feeling, waiting for his body to regain energy.

With a smile the elf spoke. "Well Kaoru, I'm Nyanna." Watching the child's eyes flicker shut then open, Nyanna thought about giving him her cloak. "Now listen here, Kaoru. I'll give you my cloak if your nice." She grinned, being nice was different from being respectful right? Holding the green cloak for a second she waited for him to answer.

Although, his name was the last thing he could posses, because now he had become lethargic, the state between sleepiness and wakefulness. He couldn't tell real from fact. His voice was distant.. faint.. as if calling from a far distance.. then whispering. "..run....run. he's.."

Green eyes turned worried as the child seemed to have a nightmare. Unsure if she should untie his hands or to wake him up, Nyanna stayed where she was. Rolling the though over in her head, Nyanna slipped her cloak on and grabbed her staff. Placing her hand over the child's eyes, Nyanna gently used her power to put him to sleep. Checking to make sure he was out, Nyanna gathered the child's things before picking him up. Turning toward a dense forest, the elf headed in the direction of the woods knowing that was the safest place to be.

He had been driven into deep sleep.. where he dreams.

~I should have known better then to stay out with friends.. to talk to them at all.. i should have come home.. Because now the store is closed and I can't by the milk we need.

"Where the fuck have you been Kaoru?" His voice always makes me tense. "Did you buy the milk I asked for? ......... Excuse me? What the fucking hell is wrong with you, worthless bastard.. just about as worthless as your mom.. stupid bitch," That's when I want to scream.. how dare he call her that! but I don't.. I don't make a sound.. I'm too afraid. Soon his is up, lifting me up of my feet by my hair. The back of his hand slams against my cheek.. so then as he lets go of my hair.. My small body tumbles. "Happy 8th birthday you dumb fuck! I know exactly what you want! A clothes Iron!" He laughs.. Oh god.. God no.. This time i don't take it.. I run as fast as I can.. but soon his has my hair again.. and I feel the not metal against my back....~

Kaoru wakes up screaming, literally. Tears stream down his face as his heart races dangerously fast. He squirms to be untouched.. to get away and run as fast as he can.. he was gonna throw up.. he could feel it. The child's scream made Nyanna jump. Quickly she sets him down on a soft patch of grass. Looking at his tears that ran down his cheeks, the elf was surprised that he had been crying during his sleep. Slowly lifting her hand to wipe them away, Nyanna gently hums a Elven song that she was taught as a child. Still unsure about untieing the child, Nyanna grabs a small loaf of bread and holds it. Kaoru's face was pale, chest heaving from what ever he had dreamed.

"Shhh, what ever it is, your ok....here," She held out the bread. "If I untie you will you just talk to me while you eat?"

He struggled against the ties, the fact he was crying was bad enough. 'crying make you a wimp!' his father yells into his mind. " OK OK! just make it stop! what do you want.." He was tired once more.. but made a note to not allow himself to sleep. He was much too afraid now.

Nyanna watched the young boy's weak struggles and it made her hear ache. Taking a deep breath the elf walked behind the child and quickly untied him. Grasping his wrists just before she let him go, Nyanna quickly healed the small bruises that the child had created during his struggles. Letting go, the elf walked back to her pack and help out the loaf of bread again. "Hungry?"

When Kaoru first heard her sigh, he sniffed and remained still, seeing her come to untie him. Once she let go, he rubbed his wrists, surprised as the sudden lack of pain and no sight of bruises he thought would be there. His eyes followed her to the pack.. locking on and taking the bread before she can finish talking.

Sitting down again, Nyanna watched the child, Kaoru, closely. He couldn't of been older then ten, his body small and still growing despite the lack of food. "Have you a home? Family?"

He began to grow uncomfortable as this woman watched him eat. But it didn't slow him down. However her words did, and he paused.. her hands and jaw frozen for only seconds that seemed to drag on forever.. then he started eating again. Keeping a tight hold on the only food he has with him, he decides to ignore her. It's not like she could force him to talk, right? He has never talked about this. Wasn't about to start either.

Taking the child's silence as her answer the young woman nodded to herself. Now that she had all of the child's weapons surely there was no way he could harm her now...unless he had another trick up his sleeve. Quickly running her eyes over the dirty child, Nyanna guessed at his size. Standing up, she dusted off her torn dress and turned her eyes to Kaoru.

"I have all your weapons and you have no where to go..." She thought aloud. "So I have an offer for you." Watching his expression closely she continued. "Come back to my city. There we can give you a home and all the bread you can eat..."

He remains just as quiet and she does, focusing on the food only. But he did flinch slightly to her sudden words.. taking him by surprise. He listens carefully to what she has to offer.. then finished the bread-however long it would take-before even bothering to make a reply. He swallows.. licks his lips.. swallows again.. then looks at for the first time in a while. His voice was slightly horse.. his cheeks slightly red.. but for the most part, he was calm.

"I want my weapons back* He cleared his throat in effort to sound normal again. With a more serious, and a forced brave look. he continues to break, yet again, another silents. "I don't take charity.. just care of myself." With that. He looks away again, trying to busy himself by drawing in the dirt with his finger..

The child has pride...Nyanna thought to herself. Quickly thinking of a reason behind her offer Nyanna smirked. "Who said it was charity. You stole from me now you owe me a debt. Surely to keep your honor and pride you must repay me?" Mentally crossing her fingers, Nyanna prayed that her barb worked.

His brows furrowed in confusion. I owe you by getting food from you...? for stealing from you..? I didn't even get away with anything.. or.. this doesn't make..  In honesty.. he wanted all those things.. But he feared attachment.. something he tried to avoid since his mom died. So he would never thank

anyone.. wanted the world to hate him despite what a child needs. He would rather steal than ask. Take pride in that reputation rather then kindness. He needed his weapons.. he could leave the second he got those.

"Fine. But no more questions. And I want my weapons back when we get there." ha.. 'when we get there' ..why not now? He wanted more free food before taking off.

Nyanna nodded, her eyes lighting up. "Good I'll not ask another question...till we get there. But then they will be about cloths sizes...and shoes... and many more things. I will not have my..." She searched for a word, not knowing what the child planned. "My helper look like I abuse him." Tucking the weapons safely into her pack, Nyanna stood. "Now then...I live in a city filled with Elves young one. For a bit they will be unsure of you but never you mind that."

Kaoru rolled his eyes, he didn't like answering questions. He'd go from yelling, to ignoring. Either out bursting in anger to be defensive, or hiding everything he can; staying silent. At the word 'abuse' he flintched again.. he was getting tired of hearing it.. but didn't say anything. He figured they would find out something when he got there... but didn't know when to let them know. "Why? Do they hate humans?"

She laughed, "No child we do not hate humans. It is just that my people do not see children every day. We are a long lived race...children are cherished for we rarely have them..." The smile upon her lips was sad, as if she were certain she herself would never have a child. Shaking her head a bit, Nyanna turned her gaze back to Kaoru as she started to walk. "The Elder Wood is a very lovely place, I'm sure that you will enjoy the stay...however we do not eat meat young one."

He wondered then what they would think of him when he got there.. He shook his head, then frowned... just about to ask about the food.. "No meat? well why not? I love meat.." Yeah.. raw meat. running and fleeing. But only to small, small creatures. While following to walk, Kaoru took off his cap, it was getting too hot for him anyway. Besides more matted hair, it revealed two large, cute cat-like ears. This was a problem for him.. if he wanted to be hated.. it was hard when others found his race 'cute.' His pants where too big, just as his shirt, which kept hiding his tail inside them much easier. He decided to keep it that way for now though. Now when he licked his lips, the two small fangs would be easier to see, claws as well; its not something you look for in a human, where as now it was obvious for a neko to have them.

Smiling at the child, Nyanna explained. "We Elves have a deep connection with the forest and its animals. I have seen inside the mind of a rabbit, deer, wolf, even a cow. I know its fear as it dies and it hurts...." Her eyes dulled. "I cannot stand knowing that for me to eat I have to kill an animal...." She took a breath. "So that is why my people live off breads... we grow our food."

Casting a quick eye over the child, Nyanna saw matted hair and dirty hands, however it seemed as if Kaoru was not a human child but rather a small Neko. Cute fuzzy ears were atop snaggly hair and Nyanna assumed that a small tail was hidden in the much to large pants. Kaoru listened to her explanation while his eyes dated to some bushes. The whole thing was still odd to him. In his eyes, they were made to eat, they taste good, so it's ok. Of course thats his only reason.. he was so young to think of a better one for enjoying meat. He wouldn't notice her stare since he was looking away.. and as he first stops following her.. he watches a small squirrel know only feet away. He heard things much easier now without his cap, including small animal. His pupils narrow and his tongue slithers over his

lips.. fangs almost throbbing.. he crouches slightly and all attention goes to the small animal.

Nyanna continued walking, not noticing that the child stopped. She had fallen quiet as she let her mind drift out. Having talked about her ability, the elf longed for the peaceful mind of the animals. Gently she settled down on a small squirrel. It was searching for nuts, the soft sounds it made were happy, enjoying the sunlight. All around her the animals were at peace. Lost in the small animal's mind Nyanna continued to walk slowly. Kaoru suddenly dashes toward the creature.. being just as fast. His claws come out fully and when the squirrel climbs a tree, he follows. It took only half a minute, longer than usual, but he finally had the squirrel by it's tale. He was more than hungry.. for meat though.. his favorite was fish.. usually only creature under water.. but this was both eat and play. he would paw at the animal.. taking it down to the ground before making it think it was free, then catching it again.. screwing with its' mind to tire it out before him, and before he enjoys his catch.. like a ball of yarn at his hands.. This was no different then a toy to him.

The animal's mind was peaceful before fear made a colorful streak in Nyanna's mind. Screaming aloud, the Elf fell to her knees, hands holding her head as the squirrel pain and fear became her own. Turning blood streaked eyes to the child, she watched painfully as he played with his catch. "Kaoru..." She gasped, voice as pain filled as her mind as she hurriedly withdrew from the animal's mind. Panting, both from fear and the sudden break of connection, Nyanna stumbled to her feet.

Despite Nyanna's attempt to gain his attention, both words and actions didn't go through to him while he let the squirrel go, then pounced on it.. tossing it from hand to hand on the ground like a ball. He was on his stomach now as he did this.. knee's bent, feet in the air, and legs tilting back and forth.

Seizing her power roughly, Nyanna castes it over the child locking him in place. Gently, the elf opened Kaoru's hands, Nyanna set the frightened squirrel free before turning her green eyes to Kaoru. "Do not do that!" Her voice was harsh now, unable to contain her fear, anger and most of all disappointment. "What did I just get done telling you?" Her voice was lower now as she sat down, a terrible headache developing behind her eyes.

"If you must hunt, Kaoru, kill quick... never make an animal suffer." Pinning her green eyes upon his own she continued. "What if someone bigger than you, like myself, did that to you?"

He blinked. "What the hell.." His rather quiet words were out of confusion. He wasn't sure what had happened, but knew it was something to do with her. He shivered.. something made his skin crawl.. but when he looked back at her, he gave that, all-to-familiar glare. "It's not like you have anything better to do around here!" He pulled away from her stare and walked again, wanting to get there, wanting to eat, wanting to get his weapons back and leave. "Do you have a pond around here?" Fish was much better than squirrel anyway.

Trying to order her scrambled brain, Nyanna nodded. "Yes...there is a small pond just up the way." Her eyes were worried for the squirrel, its pain having not yet left her mind. The colorful streak of fear/pain was like daylight to a vampire's eyes. Gathering her pack and other belongings, Nyanna started to walk once more, leading the way to the small fresh water pond.

He grinned, a odd grin he hadn't given her before. Not a smirk.. but more like .. happiness. Kaoru squats down at bay.. and before long.. a catches a fish in his hands, had using his claws to poke through and catch it. Once caught, he smooshed the head to kill it fast, something he didn't eat anyway.Then he would slowly drag his claw down the belly, opening it up like a taco before bringing it to his face and chewing some of his first bites. His face would show pure pleasure.. he hadn't been around water or caught live food in week. The more he ate.. the more energy the kid got.

The elf had held her breath...which she didn't know she had until she released it. Silently thanking Rysh that the child hadn't played with the catch before eating it, Nyanna sat down beside him as he ate. "Why not cook it?" She turned her gaze to him and looked at his dirty face. Pulling a small cloth out of her pack, the elf placed it in the water before bringing it to his face in an effort to clean it off.

He only looked away from his food when she spoke. Kaoru lifted his head, and swallowed before speaking. Seems his manners only applied to his mood. "Burnt flesh of anything smells gross to me. I hear and smell so many things.. cooked meat is something I would rather not.." His right ear twitches before his eyes dart to the cloth touching the water, and when it's brought to his face, he jumps backwards. Standing how he just was.. only now simply 3 or 4 feet away.

"Eh.. if I'm not hunting.. i prefer to stay out of water...." He shivered. This may be why he was as filthy as he was. A soft chuckle left Nyanna's lips. "I can understand that." Smirking a bit the elf indicated to the cloth. "How ever this isn't water so it won't kill you. Now please, may I wipe your face?" Her eyes seemed to have a bit of pleading in them, hoping that the small Neko would allow her to clean him up a bit. The elf was already planning on stopping at the near by town to see if there were any cloths that would fit the small child.

Kaoru's ears twitched slightly. He closed the 'taco-like' and put it in his mouth, then proceeded towards the elf girl before dropping the fish back in his hands and leaning closer so the woman has better reach.. he was anxious to take another bite.. so stole another before she began to wipe his face. After swallowing, he looks at her confused. "What do you mean.. 'not even water?"

Nyanna smiled as she watched him take another bit just as she was about to wipe at his face. Letting him finish chewing, Nyanna slowly began to wipe the dirt from the Neko's face. Quickly rinsing the cloth out in the water, the elf continued to swipe the dirt away, taking the time to let the child take bites off of his catch. Thinking for a moment, Nyanna decided to ask. "So why do you not like water?"

Kaoru's ears fold back and down.. showing more of a discomfort in this spot. He blinks when it touches his nose.. then only opens one eye. "Haven't you ever heard that cats hate water?" He eats the last bits of the fish, then turns his head to burp. Giggling at the girl, breath lingering in the air between them..

The elf smiled, tilting her head. He laughed...The sound of the child's laughter warmed her heart to a point that Nyanna had never thought it would. Finishing his face, she washed the cloth once more before taking his hand slowly.

Carefully, Nyanna cleaned each finger, making sure not to nick the fabric on the Neko's nails. Finally done, the woman squeezed the water from the cloth before using her own power to finish drying it. Turning her head to look down the road Nyanna tried to judge the distance between them and the next town. "Well my young Neko...my next goal is to get some cloths for you." Holding her finger up to spot him from protesting, Nyanna rushed on. "You can pay me back later. I have a job that only a Neko can do." A smirk lay upon her lips, knowing full well that she had nothing planned for the child other than to get him in fresh cloths. After Nyanna had finished cleaning him, he turns his head, sneezed on his hand, then without a thought he used that same hand to itch his matted hair. He looked over at these clothes of his. "But I like these.." He reaches back and rearranged so his tail so it slips out while his large long short still hides past his pockets. He thought about what she said, now convinced he had real chores..so long as it got him a last meal and his weapons.. he would then dart for the city. his 'home'. The more he looked around.. the more he liked the idea of being here.. the fish were amazing..

Furrowing her brow, Nyanna quickly dampened the cloth again to whip his hand. As she finished, the elf stood and brushed off her cloths. "Well come now, those cloths are filthy. At least lets get them clean." She eyed him sternly and held her pack out to him. "I'm tired," she said with a slight grin, not tired in the least. "So you can carry the pack for a bit as part of your payment. The town is just up ahead and we can get you some clean cloths there....and some other things." Nyanna has a slight feeling that once she got new things for the child he would run but at least he would be better prepared for the harsh world.

He jumped slightly as she whipped at his hand, to which he raised a brow at her and rubbed his hand, holing back laughter.. and trying not to show it. Then he rolled his eyes, taking the pack and opening it, digging for more food.. he was like a bottomless pit.. "Fine, but I'm taking from it then." He said it in a way that he would do that no matter what she said. He was smart, but unaware of her lies. He started going towards the town. "But don't make me carry you.. I'll eat you too!" He started laughing at his own joke.. almost falling over, not bothering to see if she was behind him still.

The child's silly nature was slowly coming out and it continued to warm the Elf's heart. Kauro began to walk in front of her, his laughter nearly tripping him. Nyanna shook her head, completely lost as to where the evil little thief had gone but more than happy to have the adorable Neko before her now.

"Don't worry I won't make you carry me." She said. "Besides, I don't think you can even lift me up."

Nyanna teased as the child rummaged through the pack. A loaf of bread should still be inside but then again, Kauro had eaten a lot.

"The town shouldn't be to far, so lets hurry before it grows dark."

Automaticly, he followed her words like a child would follow their parents'. Even in the way he would talk, he was much different than before.. but risking a lot just to be this way. He looked at her and stuck out his tongue. "No bath. No water. Not me." He defiantly would smell like he hadn't had one in a while..

Laughter left her lips as Nyanna stopped walking, bending over with the force of her laughter. Talking between gasps she replied, "not for you silly. Its for me." Slowly catching her breath, the elf pointed to a nice looking Inn and headed that way. "You can clean up like before, with a cloth and warm water. But you must use soap at least." She smiled at him, "I know ways to clean hair without getting you all wet."

He blushed, cheeks flaming red while glaring at her "Hey just shut up already! I dont want to get wet anymore." How could he redeem himself from that.. he thought.. "Nope, no more. now more cloth or soap. Nope nope nope. I refused it." He smirked and ran again, she was out of breath and he tried to test his speed, heading to where she pointed.

Shaking her head, the elf caught her breath and followed after the quick Neko. Walking up the stairs to the Inn, the doors opened with an old squeak. Grinning slightly, Nyanna headed to the main counter. "I would like two rooms?" Pausing for a second she went on, "Please make them adjoining rooms." Looking to Kauto Nyanna shook her head, what would he think of staying her. "Also, I would like a hot bath prepared for two. If he wants he can use his if not, simply give it to someone else." The counter lady smiled, and with a curtsy lead the two up a flight of stairs.

A fly had since caught his attention.. and now he was batting at it around the front desk without following them "ah-ha!" He opened his hand.. missed. the fly was still flying around. Kaoru frowned and continued after the fly.. tail flicking back and forth while ears twitch.

Nyanna looked over her shoulder as the young boy walked off, tail twitching in pursuit of something. Shrugging, she figured nothing could happen to him within the Inn. "Could you make sure he doesn't leave the Inn?" Nyanna asked the lady quietly. The woman nodded and the elf relaxed just a bit. Stopping before a door, the woman opened it with a small silver key and backed up.

"This shall be your room, your bath will be ready shortly." Nyanna nodded. "Please prepare some food for the child, he enjoys fish the most...but don't cook it...and preferable kept alive." She smiled as the human woman took a step back. "Kauro is quite the hunter. As for me, bread and milk will be fine." Walking through the door, Nyanna quickly shut it and set down her cloak. Carefully taking out the child's weapons, she set them aside before laying upon the bed.