"You shouldn't be here." She heard Isabella's voice and she glanced up to her.

"Mrmm..?"

"You should be with Toby and-"

"Stop.." Katt warned flatly and the sister jerked back in surprise at the cold tone in her voice. Turning her eyes she murmured. "Just..stop."

"Katt what is going on?" Isabella stopped before her and when she looked up she saw hands clasped before herself. When Katt didn't answer Isabella scolded her. "Katt!"

She jumped a little and looked up to the sister's face. She was being scolded. She..didn't care. "What.."

"What is wrong.." There was repeating.

"I don't know.." She sighed and looked away. "I feel alone.."

She nearly jumped when her hands were taken up and she looked back to the sister who was staring at her softly. "You aren't alone. You've got Toby. And you've got us."

"Toby is.." There was no tone to her voice but her eyes spoke volumes.

Isabella's brows rose. "Ah this is about Toby. Tell me Katt. Do you trust him?"

The question got a strange sound from her and she nodded. "Yeah of course."

"Then whatever it is..Don't lose that. Because when you do.." The sister squeezed her hands gently.

She sighed and lowered her eyes. "Yeah.."

"Katt?" Before she could answer she felt a pop to her head which really hurt considering she was already hurting there!

"AH! What was THAT for?!" Katt grumbled and rubbed her head.

"Go be with him. Your place is at his side. We both know it."

The sister got a flat look and she glanced down. "(vsw) At his side.."

A chipper voice followed as the sister turned and started up the steps. "That's right! At his side." A few steps were taken before the sister looked her way. "I have seen the way the boy looks at you. There is no doubt in my mind that you belong there. So get to it! Whatever it is that is bother you..You two will make through it." She smiled to Katt and turned away, continuing on her way until she disappeared into the church's massive doors.

"(vsw) Belong ..at his side.." She wanted to believe that. Make it through. If he wanted to leave..what was she suppose to do? Lips pursed and she sat there for a while. Not budging. The sister gave her a lot to think about.

'I'm not going anywhere.'

She did trust him. He said those words..not even a day before. He said those words knowing.. Knowing what he knew about Lisa. Slowly a smile tugged her lips. It was sad in it's nature but still a smile. He should of at least..told her..

But she knew..he wouldn't leave. He would..take her with him?

Would he?

She heard a voice. Sorta familiar but not. Turning her gaze she noticed Shift was addressing her. She barely heard his words, her mind not focusing in on what he was saying really. He moved towards her and every fiber in her body told her to run. And she quickly moved aside, hissing at him. "Don't touch me!"

He stopped. Turned. And left. She wasn't sure if she felt guilty or not..

There was only one thing on her mind.

What..was she suppose to do? She didn't want to run away. She didn't want to let go.

Trust.

Pushing from her spot she started her way back the way she had came, avoiding the fighting couple and the destruction of the main market as a whole.

How long had she sat at the fountain and waited? He probably would of fussed at her. He didn't like her being cold. Worried she would get sick. Part of her wondered if she was already. She hadn't eaten in days. She barely drank and when she did it sorta stung at her throat. Sleep..she did. Just not as much as needed. Then there was the fact she hadn't...fed..in a long ..long time.

She had long since left, returning to the church if only to see if maybe..just maybe..he was there.

He wasn't.

Sitting in the room at the church she sighed, fingers tapping gently at the little flowers of the artificial cheery blossom tree. It glimmered around her fingers, shuddering as if the light alone was alive. Tilting her head she crossed her legs, sitting as close as she could to the table without actually sitting on it. The tree looked nice to the crystal he kept there. They glowed but not together. Complimented each other?

There was a small frown as she watched the petals. So much was going through her mind. So many emotions flooded her. Guilt. Oh yes that was there. In massive quantities. And she just couldn't shake it. Regret. That was there. Mingled with the fear that also seemed to be relentless in it's hold.

He hadn't stared at her like that in a long time. And it ..hurt. Hurt down to her very core. Not only did it hurt. It worried her. But despite all of that and what was said, all the pain and misery she felt... She missed him.

A hand swept out, fingers uncurling to try and capture one of the falling petals. It died out of view before it touched her palm. That was okay. A never ending supply fluttered down, wisp sway into the void of nothingness before actually having a chance to touch any surface.

It was beautiful and she had found herself a number of times awestruck at how it was. A cherry blossom tree. Tiny. Frail. Fake but magical. Striking in it's own right.

And it was hers.

A gift to make her feel better. One of the many sweet things he had done among the cloud of misery that had spawned. Things that piled and piled.

A slow blink was made at the tree and she grunted quietly. How long had she just been sitting there? Staring..

Slowly standing she brushed herself off and turned, heading out of the room and down the stairs. The church was quiet and made it really, really creepy. Creepier still is where she decided to go. Slipping through the halls she crept through them like she was nothing more then just another shadow. The door outside was nudged open and she quickly inhaled the night air. The cemetery was empty, just like the church was. It still needed some serious grooming. Lips twitching her bare feet brushed against the deal leaves and branches that were littered about as she crossed the cemetery.

"Alone little girl..?"

"Nhh?" She blinked and tilted her head. Why..was that voice so familiar? Greens darted swiftly among the shadows until she spotted the tall, lithe figure. Glowing eyes staring at her. Watching her. Digging deep into her very soul. A sense of undeniable dread shot down her spine. "N..No..You..You are suppose to be.."

The shadows started to peel away from the tall figure but she didn't even want to give herself time to see him. Whipping around on her heels she tore through the cemetery, sticks biting at the skin of her feet.

"I told you..you can run but I will always find you."

BANG! The door of the church flew open and she didn't even take time to asset if she broke anything. She was already scrambling her way down the many hallways. She heard laughter. Rich and thick. Far too close for her liking.

"It's time to go home."

"NO!" Don't use that word. She wanted only one home and that was with Toby! Even if he didn't feel that there wasn't one to be had. The steps to the second floor were taken two at a time. The last step was slipped on, catching the center of her foot so sharply that it slid along the rest of her foot until her toes were the last thing leaving. She fell. Face first to the floor. "Nahh!"

"Heheheheh."

Something cold brushed against her outstretched leg and she screamed. Screamed so loud it emptied her lungs. She pushed swiftly from her place half laid on the steps and flooring, springing her way towards the bedroom door she had only left so shortly ago. It was swung open then quickly closed, the small metal latch forced into place. "Nhhh.." Panicking she quickly moved to push the desk and dresser against the door, furniture legs scraping at the wooden floor.

Her whole body jerked when the pounding on the door started.

"Let me in."

"Go away!!!" Hands clenched at her stomach as she retreated from the door and across the room. A yelp tore from her throat when her back met the wall. Pinned with nowhere else to go.

A heavy pound sent the wood bowing in towards her and she watched as a crack started to split it's way down the center.

"AHH! N-NO! GO AWAY!" She watched in horror as more poundings to the door sent it rattling, hard enough that the door started to come free from the wall. Hinges whined under the massive pressure and broke free from the wall, the door flinging across the room. Cringing down against the wall her hands fisted up against her face, shrinking from the figure that causally stalked into the room.

"NOO!" Her hands jerked from her face and she fell back, palms meeting the floor to keep herself sitting up. Blinking a number of times she quickly looked around. Everything was in it's place.. The dresser was against the wall. The desk before her. The door in the wall as it should be. It took her a moment to realize it had all been..just a dream. She had fell asleep sitting up. Flinging back onto the floor she gave a squeaky sound, breath forced out of her. Rapid rise and falling of her chest continued even as she stared at the ceiling, repeatedly telling herself..it was just a dream.

She jerked to sit upright when there was a knock at the door, her wet eyes staring wide at it. Waiting.

"Katt? Are you okay in there?"

The muffled voice was familiar. Slowly standing she moved, or rather wobbled, her way to the door and gently pulled it open to peek at the familiar blond on the other side. Sera was staring at her with those big eyes.

"Oh m-my! Your face is all wet. Is something wrong?"

She could hear the concern in Sera's voice and she managed a faint, reassuring smile. "J-Just a bad dream.."

"Really. You screamed almost as loud as Toby did back when- Are you okay?" Sera watched her as the door was pulled open. "You look awfully sick."

"I'm okay. Just a really, really bad dream." She nodded and combed back her hair, trying to make herself look presentable.

"Oh. W-well..Okay. I am sorry to of b-bothered you." She could tell that Sera was flustered even in the dim light.

Sighing she shook her head and stepped out, closing the door behind her. "It's okay Sera. Really. It's really nice that you came to check on me. Thank you."

Sera Squeaked and any other time she might of laughed. Not even a smile managed to break way. "I'm going for a walk.." She waved to the nun as she started her way towards the stairs.

Sera's face held a baffled look. "In this weather? It's late! And d-dangerous!"

"Nah..I'm always out this late with Toby. I'll be fine." She heard Sera say something else but she didn't stop to listen. In a matter of moments she had worked her way down the steps and across the nave. Out the massive doors and into the night air that wasn't as cold as she thought it would be.

Rubbing her face she started to walk, deciding to head to either the drink shop or the fountain. She just..needed to walk.

.: Oct 20th - Late Evening :.

"She's at it again, isn't she? Jade questioned in a tone that was weary.

The husband nodded to his wife who slipped up next to him. The behemoth of a man tilted his head to stare down at the woman that was a good foot or two shorter then he. Maybe even three! "Yeah. I am not complaining. She's a real hard worker.."

"Too hard. You should talk to her, Zao."

The man turned his eye to the door which the light flickered from. Katt had been around the forge doing all sorts of things and not once having settled into some sort of rest. Unless you count the walk by drinking she occasionally did.

"I don't know. Wouldn't that be a woman's thing to do? Woman-to-Woman?" Zao cautioned out.

"Coward." The single word was accompanied by a smirk.

He released a low laughter at her statement. "Such cruelty my little gem." The laughter died, leaving a heavy silence between the two. It lasted a better of ten minutes before it was disrupted by the front door opening. Both turned to find Brett there, hair matted down. Slowly a little smirk crept it's way to Zao's lips and he leaned his mass down to his wife. "Lets send the boy."

"And you call me cruel."

Brett gave them both a blink as they approached and his father gave him a pat on the shoulder that nearly sent him to the ground. "We are going out for the evening boy. Mind the shop and the girl would you?"

"Huh? You are leaving me alone with the crazy lady?!" Brett nearly flailed his arms out but stopped in mid motion when he noticed the glare his mother was giving him. Defeated he would nod his head and watch the two of them leave. Once the door closed both Brett's shoulders rose up, tipping forward as he looked in the direction the sound of metal meeting metal sung from. Yeah he was going to keep his distance!

The front door swung open suddenly, allowing the cold night air to rush in and scaring the young man out of his shoes and socks. On the other side of the door was a figure in a dark cloak. Cold steel eyes targeting the only person in the room. Him!

"Ah! W-who are you?!"

"This is the Curtis Arms and Equipment is it not?" The cloaked figure, by the sounds of it, was a woman.

"Huh? Oh..uh..yeah?" Brett stumbled with words. Who would come at such a extremely late hour? He watched as the woman sidestepped the door and gestured outside.

"I have a shipment of ingots and ores ordered by Zao Curtis. It's a half a day late-" she explained.

"OH! Wow. Yeah my dad just left!" Brett explained and the woman sighed at him. "I uh. If you want you can come in the morning and he will be back. He can pay you then."

"Fine. I will be back in the morning then. I will leave the crates here to be taken care of at your leisure." The woman started to turn but paused and seemed to watch something within the shop.

Curious to see what she was staring at Brett turned, following her gaze. When he turned he nearly bumped into the passing Katt. "AHH!"

Like a haunt she simply kept on her way, no way distracted by the sudden outburst or the feared lad. As if she didn't even see or hear his reaction to her. Slipping out past the woman she paused and started towards the cart. Already the horses were drawn from it and being lead down the street. Which was a good thing! She didn't think she had the strength to panic again. If her body attempted she'd crumble away like fine dust.

A crate was taken from the cart, black-soot covered hands leaving a stain on the wood. Moving around the building she started to stack them in the little area were such materials were kept.

The cloak woman blinked and looked over to Brett who just shrugged at her. What could he really say? The woman shrugged in return and slipped off into the night. Brett stood there, waiting for his heart to not crawl up his throat before moving to help Katt.

It was a slow process but after a hour or so they were finished. He'd find himself peeking over towards her. He couldn't really read her expression but from what he could gather she was either sad or tired. Maybe both. She was dirty as hell too.

Katt seemed to of found a nice warm spot at the outside wall of the forge while he brought in the last crate and once it was done he swiped his hands across his pants. "Hey..You know if you want a bath..you can...uh..use my bathroom." He frowned when her legs drew up to her chest, arms curling around them to lock them in place. It made her look really small..er.. And sad. "What's wrong..?"

She sighed out heavily and pressed her face to her dirty sleeves, gaze shifting off to the side. It became obvious whatever it was bothering her she wasn't going to talk about.

"You..should get some rest."

She quietly grunted at him.

Now that he thought about it she hadn't talked all day. "Come on. A nice bath will do you some good! You look like a street urchin."

All he got was silence in return. It was quite eerie.

"Right. Uh. How about some water? Yeah!" He quickly scrambled off to get a glass and she shifted her eyes to watch him a little. It..was nice were she was. It was suppose to be warm but ..she hadn't felt the warmth she wanted for what seemed like an eternity. Last time it was while she was crying. Crying out the hurt over everything she had held back on. Trying not to cry to be strong.

If you're not okay, nothing is. I'm serious..

Her lips pressed together tightly and she slumped over onto her side, head finding the fat side of her satchel she had left there some hours ago. It was warm from laying against the side of the building. If it had been any place else other then the fireside she was sure it would of been colder. Sniffing she reached out for the navy blue hoodie and shoved it between her knees and chest. Burying her face in it she just laid there. Tears found their way down her cheeks in silent trails, soaked up by the slightly dirty hoodie she so dearly clung to.

When Brett returned with the two glasses in hand he found what looked like a huddled Katt. He couldn't really tell if she was sleeping or her eyes were just closed. He frowned at her form. She shouldn't be outside if she was sleeping. Both glasses were set aside and he moved towards her with the intentions of picking her up only to pause. Remembering how she reacted when he touched her he thought better of it. Instead he shrugged out of his coat and draped it over her. Between the warmth seeping from the fires on the other side of the wall and the coat he figured she would be okay. The night wasn't that cold anyways.

Instead of leaving he took up a place on a crate, keeping an eye on the apparent sleeping worker and the shop.

.: Oct. 21st - Midnight :.

That had been one of the hardest things she had forced herself to do in a while. Her conversation with Porthos shoved her deep and pulled hard on the strings that were keeping her afloat. But to give back the 'payment' he gave her for her artwork ... She knew he wouldn't approve that was why she gave it to Anya to give to him. He would..maybe..understand.

Maybe..

Several shaken breaths escaped her as she made her way from the inn, making path for the marketplace. Back to the forge she would go but a pit stop, if you will, to the fountain was made like normal. There was no one there to her disappointment. Not even the strange hooded figure that 'kept her company' in the early morning hour.

That encounter had been a odd one indeed and left her a little cautious of the fountain area. But..the figure didn't seem like it wanted to of harm her. Scolded her for staring but that was her fault.

How long had she been standing before the fountain before that familiar voice hit her ears.

"Katt!"

Her head tilted towards Brett as he approached, huffing and waving his hand about. Flagging her down much like he had in the morning. He was just stared at even as he approached.

"Hey a new shipment is in! Come on we got work to do."

The forge was quite busy, she realized. Nodding slowly she started to walk and he followed at her side.

"Uh..Hey.." he started and paused when her head ticked his way so she could stare at him. Awaiting whatever he had to say. He gibbered at the lifeless look she gave him. "Don't look at me like that ..it creeps me out. Anyways! I wanted to tell you I saved you some of dinner. You should eat before we start working."

She grunted quietly and turned attention forward.

"Yeah. Yeah, I know. You probably won't touch it but I think it would make my mom really happy if you ate a little you know? She thinks you hate her cooking." He nodded his head.

How could she hate the woman's cooking? She never had any...

"Please?"

That single word had her sighing and she nodded slowly. That seemed to please him enough to chirp out a 'great!'.

They separated ways once they made it to the shop. He went inside and she circled about to sit on the crates as if it was now a 'normal spot'. Tucking a leg under her she looked up to the sky, trying to find stars but it was far too cloudy.

She lost time again. It seemed to be more frequent but soon enough she had a bowl shoved in her face. Her eyes shifted down to it and both hands raised to accept it.

"-really good after being cold or even after a few days. Huh? Hey are you even listening to me?"

Opps. Her eyes turned to Brett who was holding out a spoon to her. It was taken lightly and she poked around the contents of the bowl. Mash potatoes with some white gravy and chicken chunks. And..bread? No. A biscuit seemed more appropriate.

"I brought you a soda too." He offered it out to her and she peered over to it. Shaking her head she glanced back to her food. "Uh..Okay. Well at least it a few bites to make it look like you tried.."

She did just that. A bite was taken and she struggled with not wrinkling her nose. It tasted..heavy of garlic and salt. It made her shudder but she forced herself to eat a little more if only to appease those who have been apparently watching her. When she couldn't stand it anymore she decided to eat some of the biscuit. Which..was just down right nasty. It was quietly eaten away without ever letting on how she really felt about the food. She had worse at some point in her life. She could make due.

"Wow you really are hungry. Why don't you try to eat some more once in a while?" he questioned and just like that, the bowl was offered his way. It was taken and the soda offered again to her.

She didn't touch it. Instead she rose from the crate and moved off to begin work.

He sighed after her. "At least she ate some.." Slowly he grinned and set aside the bowl and soda. Off he went while she was busy doing what she had been doing for days on end now.

Half a hour late and some odd crates down she heard 'psst'. Blinking she looked up and saw Brett flagging her down. Again. Sighing she hoped he hadn't gotten her more food. She didn't think she could stomach anymore..

Pushing from her spot she wandered her way around the building to find it..empty? Her brows twitched and she turned to start back the way she came. That is when it hit her.

A large bucket of water poured down onto her like a waterfall from what she thought was out of nowhere! "AHHH!" It was cold! And now..she was drenched! Water left lines of actual flesh to be seen among the black as it worked it's way down her body, leaving a black pool at her feet.

She heard laughter and turned around to face Brett only to find herself getting a second dose. Dead on splash that wrapped around her in heavy torrent. She sighed through her nose, wet ..everything..now clinging to her.

He was laughing..hard. Clenching to the second bucket as if it were a lifeline. When she didn't share in his laughter he stopped and looked up to her to find her staring at him. He stiffened and laughed a bit nervously. "You really needed a bath!" As if that explained everything.

Shoulders slumped and she stared down to her wet clothes. Suddenly she felt his hand grasp her wrist and he pulled, attempting to drag her along. It took a few tries and her actually putting thought into moving that had her doing such. She followed silently, leaving a wet inky trail as they walked. Inside. She didn't stop him from guiding her to his room and once he released her she stood just inside the door.

His room, she found, was cleaner then most. While she glanced around she heard him digging around and once she looked over she found him pulling out some clothes.

Brett found a old work shirt and pants with a draw in belt. Turning to her he started to speak only to find..a puddle where she once was. Surprised he quickly moved off to find her. When he did he was dead surprised to see that she simply had resumed her work, wet clothes and all.

"K-Katt..Here I got you some clothes."

He was ignored.

Guilt obvious began to swell because he didn't leave. In fact he moved forward and attempted to grab her arm. She yanking free hard enough to make him stumble before she simply walked around him and resumed her path.

"Aw come on! You are going to get sick if you walk around like t-" He was cut short by a stare. Clenching the clothes he nodded and went back inside, leaving her to her work.

Soot would return to cling to the wet clothes and flesh while she worked. It didn't really matter. She would bathe..eventually. Right now? She had no reason to.

If she stopped working she'd start thinking.

Start worrying.

Missing..

.: Oct. 22st - Early Evening :.

"Wow What happened to your face. Did you run into the anvil." Zao was leaning to check the swollen and bruised Brett's face.

"No.." Talking seemed to hurt because he flinched when he did so.

"Did you piss off a customer again?" His mother asked and Brett shot a wide-eyed stare at her.

"I didn't do anything!!" he protested.

"Boy. You did something." Zao snickered and poked at the bruise that was threatening to swallow the boy's whole face.

"Ahh! Ooww!" Brett whined and tried to defend his face. "Where is Katt?! She will tell you!"

"Hm? Oh I think she's outside resting." Zao raised from his position and glanced around the shop. There was no hammering going on so she had to be outside.

Both parents looked towards Brett who huffed painfully and stomped his way out of the Shop. They followed not far behind. All three stopped in surprise to see her there with her legs and back to the warmed side of the building. What food had been brought to her had been eaten and by looks of it...

"She's asleep...Wow! Crazy lady DOES sleep!!" Brett said in amazement. Quickly a pop sounded at the back of his head and he leaned forward, rubbing his head. "O-Ow! wh-"

"Shhh." Jade spoke quietly and attempted her son to do the same.

"Ow, you didn't have to hit me I am hurting enough.." Brett whined at her then looked over to Katt. "She still needs a bath but she sorta cute."

Zao grinned at the boy. "Cute? Aww, my jewel. I think our boy has a crush!" Both he and Jade laughed quietly as Brett flailed.

"What the hell?! NO! I said she was cute not that I wanted to go out with her geez!"

Zao and Jade laughed louder and Katt stirred. All three quickly silenced, waiting for her to settle back down.

"Besides.." Brett started with a smirk. "I'm taken! Anna would eat crazy lady alive."

"You know, Brett. You really shouldn't tease her like that. You might get hit." Zao warned as he started away. Jade wasn't that far behind. "Again." Zao added as he slipped around the building.

Brett grumbled and rubbed his face as carefully as he could. Looking back to Katt he just stared at her. He wasn't even sure why he got hit in the first place. And there was no way she hit harder then whoever that cloaked person was. He snickered and turned, scampering off to get a bucket of water.

Katt eased out a breath once her 'audience' was gone and she sank more into the wall. People that had never seen her sleep before sure were easy to fool. Leaning her head she sighed out.

Shadows had clung to the figure that came out of nowhere, hinting only at lips and a strong chin. Three little words spoken so low that they could of easily been swallowed on the wind.

Swallowing a breath her eyes snapped open and she stared at the sky. That voice..There WAS a reason why Brett got hit! It wasn't to keep the note a secret. It was because..

It had been..

Her hand snapped up, slapping against the center of her chest and curled up to clench the soot drenched cloth.

It had been..

He really was safe. And hiding among the shadows. How close by was he? Was he watching her from the shadows even now? She didn't look but she couldn't help but wonder. Slowly her eyes closed and she kneaded at her chest.

He hit..Brett because..She laughed sadly, tears wetting her lashes. He was protecting her. Even now? She sniffed and closed her eyes. If he was watching she didn't want him to see her crying. She flinched a little realizing she had stared at him like she had. She didn't know! And it took her this long to realize.

Behind her eyelids she saw something so simple. A grin, barely hidden behind a finger in gesture of hush. Her lips quivered into the first true smile she had held in a long while.

Everything went fine. That mean Lisa was safe too. Everything was okay.

Sorta.

The smile faded. How long was 'a little longer'? How long before..

Dipping her chin she clenched her eyes. She would wait. Impatiently but she would wait..