▪?▪ Dated: 1.18.10 - Late Night ▪?▪


Sore muscles is what startled her to sleep. Hands curled against the metal that wrapped her wrists then flexed out when she couldn't move her arms down. Groggily eyes opened and all saw was darkness. A hint of light but barely that. Night was closing in? How long had she been out? How long had she been here?

Pupiless eyes narrowed and began sweeping the inner cave for the bastard who brought her but found no one. That was fine with her. Body dipped down she growled and strained against the shackles. Her hands were not tiny enough but she was trying to force her hands from the locked hoops regardless. Pain was bit back as her skin tore but didn't let up. After half an hour of trying she finally would give up. Instead her eyes drifted up to the ceiling along the chain's length to where it was lodged into the ceiling. Maybe..

Bloodied hands coiled to the chain and she began to yank with all her might.

Nothing..

"Oh my. you sure are a feisty one." The male voice was filled with pleasure at the sight of her worming around against binds. She stopped when she heard his voice and turned. A surprised sound was swallowed on when she found that the silver-eyed man had returned and was currently nose to nose with her. The smile on his face would be considered charming by most but she found it to be sickening.

Pulling away Tylor moved to place a small box a few feet away before turning back to her. He moved back closely to her and gave a 'oh hum' tone. "I've been visiting with those you call 'friend'. It's strange how the woman who I barely seen around you was so willing to give her life up to take your place." He laughed as she sneered at him. Both hands stretched out to cup her cheeks then sweep along the front of her face.

She smelled..Gizmo..And..

Her eyes grew wide and she jerked forward. Body sliding between his outstretched hands she strained against the binds in order to growl face to face with him. "You touch them and I swear I will kill yo-Gek!" Her eyes rounded in disbelief at the sting in her gut.

Strategically a strange 'knife' of sorts had been shoved in as if she were nothing but butter. She felt her blood spill freely from the wound that had missed any important organs that were needed to stay alive.

"Tsk. Not even a scream for me? Well that will not do." The strange knife was pulled slowly out so that she felt each inch being withdrawn. "Don't worry. The failure and the woman are fine. I told them you are with me. Funny though. They didn't try to stop me. Maybe they don't care as much as you'd like to think?"

Her eyes rolled closed. Another thrust sent the dagger's ragged edges into her flesh. No scream. He was unhappy with this. "Why won't you scream?" The disappointment flooded his voice as he withdrew and slammed it again. And again. And again..

Each time there was no scream. Head jerking violently with each thrust and she struggled against the shackles. Mass of dark hair danced around her shoulders as she tried with all her might to get away. She wouldn't give him the pleasure of a scream. She refused to. One such thrust had her head jerking back and a choke sounding from her. It was almost a scream but she managed to swallow it back. Blood seeped from between her lips and crept down her chin. She stared at the stone ceiling, waiting for the next.

Suddenly..he stopped.

Body slumping she gasped for air, realizing now she had been holding her breath.

"You know it's a shame. You are quite a beautiful creature. Covered in blood.." She felt his hand drift over her cheek to tuck a few strains of her hair behind a ear. Her skin became coated with her own blood that had been on his hand. "So..beautiful." He cooed at her in what would almost seem affectionate as he leaned forward and drew his long tongue along the contours of her cheek.

Nose wrinkling up she turned her head away.

He pulled away and she narrowed a side-long glare his way. She blinked to find the look on his face was one of complete enjoyment as he savored the taste of her blood. A shiver shot down her spine thinking of when Toby stabbed her. The serene look of enjoyment was almost equal. Head jerking away she stared at the ground.

It was a mistake.

Suddenly the knife drove into her ribs and torn out only to be replaced by fingers that pushed past flesh and meat. Curling his fingers against a rib and pulled. Hard. He got what he desired. She choked out a scream and tried to kick away. His other arm came around as he held her close, her feet scissoring against the ground between his ankles. The scream echoed and was followed by several more, tears streaming down her cheeks as he held her close.

"Ahh..there it is..Such rhapsody." Like a lover he nestled his cheek against her chest and sighed contently. Slowly his fingers left her flesh and he gingerly laves of his tongue cleaned away the freshly spilled blood.

She saw white. White pain. It wasn't something she was unfamiliar with.

While he pulled away he watched as her body slumped helpless to the pain she felt. To him nothing looked more beautiful then the creature bleeding before him. Ah but he would make it worse. Far worse. She watched as slow, calm steps carried him to the box that he opened once close enough. She heard muffled sounds but in her state couldn't really make them out. She barely could make out the man. Slowly he sank down against the wall and just watched her.

Watched her bleed.

▪?▪ Dated: 1.20.10 - Morning ▪?▪


Gentle whisper stirred her as well as a swimming of familiar scent. A warm leaned into her and the pain she felt was like a dream. In familiar arms that promised safety.

"Wake up." The voice was soft against her ear and she sighed softly.

"Come on beautiful. Wake up.." the voice cooed again.

Her senses slowly started kicking on one by one. Something was amiss. Something..

Blood.

His blood.

Eyes shot opened and she yelped to find herself being cradled by Tylor's long arms. He had been holding her like a lover after slumber. She was no longer bound but nestled in blankets of fur and leather. Muscles worked in attempts to shove him away which he allowed. She was on her feet and running for the mouth of the cavern when she heard his voice echo.

"I wouldn't do that.."

She slowed after a few more steps then stopped. Her body hummed right real live pain. It had not been a dream. She watched as he sat up and motioned her back to him. She could smell blood all over him. Toby's blood. And someone's blood she was unfamiliar with. Thankfully not Mayu or Ixora.

She refused to return to him and he sighed. Lounging back into the furs he watched her with a smile, the hand remained out to her was coated in the blood that Toby's scent came from. "Guess who I ran into today.." Her eyes narrowed and distance between them was cut swiftly. Shrieking out she clawed for his face but he caught her by the throat and slammed her to the ground. Rolling on top he sat on her stomach and smiled down to her with that sickeningly sweet, boyish smile of his. "Now now.."

"I swear..if..If you killed him I..I'll.." she choked out the words, biting her teeth up to him in frustration and rage. He loved it. She was so full of life and power. Power he wanted to see her unleash.

"I didn't kill him. Only showed him that attacking me was a bad thing. After all if he carelessly attacked and killed me ..where would that leave you? Not that it really matters I suppose. Not like he cares about that." Sitting back on her stomach he watched her and held out his fingers to show her Toby's blood. "Now listen well because we need to have ourselves a little talk.."

She glared at the blood coated fingers then up to his face. "Hrmph. Get off of me."

"Oh I will. After I explain a few things. You are going to be staying with me willingly from now on." A snort from her interrupted him and he chuckled. "You will endure whatever I do to you without complaint. Without running away. If you do ..I will kill one of those females you are close to. Maybe both." She tensed up under him and he knew that he had her attention. "Now..tonight we will be going to see Toby. You will make sure to let him know that you are staying with me. If he attacks me, you will stop him by any means. He hurts me and I will kill him. And you will have to live with the knowledge that his death is your fault. Understood?"

She sneered at him. "You..are a monster."

"So are you. And so is he." he spoke in that oh, hum tone.

"He is no monster!" she quickly corrected him without a second though.

"He is what I am." There was a shrug and she snorted instantly.

"Toby is human. Toby will always be human. He is nothing like you. He will never be like you!"

"You are sure about that?" He blinked at her questionably. "Even though he obviously doesn't share your feelings you are so quick to protect him. Why is that..?"

Her eyes darted away from him and she spoke quietly, "He's..my friend."

Tylor scoffed out a laugh and rocked against her sore torso. The way he squirmed made her groan in pain. "Friend. Hardly. You know the only reason he wants to see you is to make sure that what you are going through isn't his fault. Which he would be right. It isn't. I have no real care to interfere in his life regardless what he is or his attachment to those silver-eyed witches. I am just drawn to you for that unique taste and power of yours. I can't help but want more.." He purred and leaned down to drape himself over her.

She blinked under him and realized that he was curled up atop her..fast asleep. She couldn't run. His arms were wrapped around her, holding her close. He smelled..like Toby.

Toby was alive..So was Ixora and Mayu.

Her eyes closed slowly.

They were safe and alive...That is what mattered.

▪?▪ Dated: 1.20.10 - Night ▪?▪


Toby had been there..since last night. The only difference..was that he wasn't bleeding anymore. He'd waited until he had gotten to the cave, plastered his back against the far wall..to take one drop of elixir. It hadn't taken all of the pain away, but..it was better than he was. The blood had dried on his shirts, stuck to the bandages under them. He stared with vicious intensity at the mouth of the cave, watching the sky darken.

Slowly the pair approached the cave. One strolled with a rather bouncy step while the other, a few steps to the side and one behind, was more stiff. Katt's hands were clasped at the small of her back, latched by the capture of her wrist. Tylor was going on about something or another but she had all but toned out the guy. As his steps slowed he cleared his throat to her.

"So here we are!" Tylor gestured her closer which she abide by but only because she had to. A hand settled on her shoulder then ushered her in front. Briefly her eyes rose to the mouth of the cave. Toby..wasn't there? "OoooOOooo Tobbyy!" Tylor apparently knew different and called the poor ginger haired one out.

"Mmph.." Gizmo started barking..running forward. Toby's hand shot out, curled into the puppy's collar, pulled him back. Gizmo whined and snuffled..having no choice but to follow direction. He pulled the puppy back against the wall, pushed his hind quarters down. Tylor's voice echoed in his head, his jaw tightened. But he felt..better.. He was here..and he recognized the figure that was blotting out the shadowy sky behind her. "Katt.." He didn't get up..not yet.

His voice. He was safe. Her eyes rose up slowly to Toby's direction. She smelled blood. His.

Tylor stepped close and leaned his head to hers to whisper something before he moved off to sit on a boulder. His hand flicked in gesture and she moved a touch closer. She wouldn't meet Toby's eyes nor get really all that close. She'd stop at some point and just stand there like some sort of solider awaiting order.

He didn't ask if she was okay. That would be..extremely stupid. Toby grunted again, pushed Gizmo against the back of the cave before he shifted to his feet. He had to use the wall as a guide. Blood surged down into his legs, making his ankles burn. He staggered forward one step..then another. He didn't stop..not until he could throw his arms around her smaller body, draw her to him. He wanted to do it fast..just in case he was stopped. He didn't..see Tylor. There was no other way out but through that entrance.. That's why he'd chosen it.. They were stuck. He cursed softly under his breath.

Her face tightened a bit when he hugged her. The fresh back wound stung. Able to hide it well she slowly unclasped her hands and drifted them up to return the gesture. Eyes closed her head lowered so her forehead was against Toby's chest. She didn't know what to say. She couldn't say much without Tylor's words or actions threatening things. He was okay. That..was all that mattered.

From someplace in the shadows Tylor made a 'awww' type sound that made her sick to her stomach.

His eyes throbbed and burned..flickering from aqua to gold. He stared over her shoulder at the night like an animal ready to defend its territory. She would probably feel the growl rumbling in his chest and throat. He'd..heard that. That meant Tylor was close enough to watch..possibly hear him if he said anything. That was fine.. She smelled..like blood. He didn't know if it was his..or hers. He hoped..it was his.. His arms relaxed around her. He realized..he wasn't being gentle in that hug. But he didn't pull away. Not yet.. If ever there was a moment to pay attention..to remember something..it was right now..

It was hard but she managed to hold down any sort of whimpering or screaming from being hugged in such a manner. Fingers curled into his shirt when she heard him growl. She whispered softly to Toby, all but whimpering. "Don't.."

"Ahem."

She heard Tylor and sighed as her arms slowly lowered from Toby. Slowly her eyes raised to his face then his eyes. Gold.

"Don't you have something you wish to ask her Toby? Something important?" Tylor cheerfully sung out towards the two.

Slowly her head dipped to the direction of Tylor's voice. What was he talking about? She..didn't want to know. Slowly her head tilted back to Toby, eyes lowering to his chest.

"No.." It was the first thing that came into Toby's head and he decided to say it. He started to think about it.. He swallowed..fisted one of his hands in her hair. His chest started to tighten, thudded once. It didn't..help his stomach. He grunted painfully. He had to..calm down.. He shuffled back one step..tried to bring Katt with him. His shoe scraped on the uneven ground. Gizmo whined behind him.

"Then I guess there is no reason for us to be here now is there? But I guess I can let you have a few more minutes. The night is nice tonight." Tylor almost sounded content from whatever shadow he was lounged in.

Katt had heard Tylor sigh but her most attention was on the fact that Toby was clenching her hair. Flinching she said nothing and allowed him to steal her way back towards the cave. They would have no place to go. He knew this. She knew this. And Tylor ..knew. There was a worried feeling. Nervous. She hoped Toby didn't get any brilliant ideas. Muscles tightened and she clenched his shirt tighter.

She..had to protect him.

She had to..

Toby was rehashing their conversation last night in his head. He wouldn't focus on..the fact that Tylor wanted to leave..take her away from him. What was the point..of this.. She was here.. Let him see for himself.. Willingly..staying.. His face was wet. He knew because it itched, felt too warm.. And the gentle breeze against it was cool. He shifted his head..pushed it down into the hollow between her neck and shoulder. She'd probably feel quiet, ragged breathing..he didn't want it..to be too loud..

Her eyes flickered back and forth when she felt Toby's head. Partly confused. He was..crying? Hands released his shirt. Slowly her hands slipped along his back to cradle him. Her heart ..hurt. She murmured low. "Toby..It's not your fault." She remembered what Tylor had said. That was why.. One hand settled against his shoulder while the other went to his hair. She could just hear Tylor in the background humming away in fake patience. Just waiting..like a vulture.

Toby shook his head as best he could. His mouth opened..he let out a few gasps that sounded, to him, like he was surprised. He wasn't calm yet..but his eyes were burning for a different reason now. He pressed his face up against her neck, whispering quietly, making sure his voice would carry past the fall of her hair. "I know..I d-don't care..I'm not..going..to let this happen.."

She felt ..goosebumps. She scolded at the sensation. She wanted to..cry. She wanted a lot of things but in the end she simply closed her eyes. Before she could respond to him she heard Tylor calling out her name. Arms tensed at Tylor's voice, protective shielding over Toby.

"Time to gooo! Come on my pretty little kitten. We still need to go get you something to eat."

Her stomach turned and her eyes clenched tight. Didn't want to think of food after what he did to her. She didn't move at first until Tylor made a displeased sound. Arms would slowly release Toby.

"I kn-know you..Katt.. I know..you don't want this.. Don't give up..okay..? You have to live..you have to stay alive for me..okay..?" He didn't care..that he didn't say 'Us.' Mayu..Ixora.. He wasn't supposed to tell them..right..? Make believe..that she was fine.. Make up a story..any story.. Avoid Ixora.. He could do that.. It was the only time, he remembered, that his friends weren't more important than himself.. He felt her pulling away from him. He hissed..shifted back, pushed his mouth against her forehead..right between her eyebrows. "I'm not..going to leave you there.." Toby muttered it against her skin.

Her eyes flickered side to side again. His words. She didn't know how to react to them. They..hurt. They tore into her and made her feel like her chest was going to tear apart at any moment. Slowly her eyes closed. "You..."

"You really have no choice in the matter." Tylor almost seemed as if he were really finishing her sentence. He huffed and leaned into the mouth of the cave while crooking a finger towards Katt. "I'm borreedddd! Lets go!" Her eyes tightened and she didn't move at first but eventually she did so. That seemed to annoy Tylor a bit much that she was being so slow and he moved to reach out for her. An arm grasped she was pulled from Toby sharply. Enough that she stumbled. "She stays because she wants to."

"Ah.." Toby stumbled forward, when she was jerked from him..reaching out before he realized. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment..clenched his fist, and lowered it..straightening. He had been told once..that his eyes gave him away. He couldn't really do anything about that..not right now. They were too wet. He didn't say anything. He knew different..he knew Katt better. Tylor..was wrong. His mind was being blotted out by shadows..for some reason. He didn't want it.. He wanted..to remember this..everything about it. He should have promised her..

"Aww look. He's such a cry baby." Tylor snorted and curled his arm around Katt's waist. She grunted when he pulled her snug against his side and began to stroke her hair like she was a precious little pet. "You know. I think you owe me a thank you Toby. For letting you see her as I said I would. Even if you really didn't seem you wanted to at first. He sighed and blinked down to Katt's hand thwaping his chest.

Head turned she muttered. "Leave..him alone."

His own head tilting up and Tylor peered at her with a mixture of anger and disappointment. Fingers curled against her side and she danced up onto her toes. No sound other then a very throaty whine. Which Tylor giggled at. "Pff..Fine. He bores me anyways."

He couldn't..tell anyone.. Toby knew that. But he could ask questions.. He could..look into it. Do it himself. He settled his hand against his chest..pushed into it. His eyes narrowed as he watched..but he wasn't..angry. For once..he welcomed the blissful black of his mind. He was calm..finally. If he saw himself..he knew he would be creeped out. He let out a low breath, one that wanted to rumble. He made sure..that it didn't.

Tylor kept his eyes on Toby while slowly lowering his head to whisper something into Katt's ear. Chin lowered she gave Toby a single glance before turning away. She was released in order to pass him and wait outside of the cave. Left alone with Toby, Tylor's arms folded. "Before tomorrow afternoon you need to bring her things here for her to pick up. Clothes. Personal items. Etc. Oh and that darling little teddy bear she is so fond of." There was a thoughtful, sage nod given. "She needs her things after all."

"Why..you know where they are.. Why don't you just..go get them.." Toby didn't want to be blocked in here by him.. His free hand curled tighter until it started hurting. He had a feeling..that Tylor thought he was being generous..


"Spleh. And have to separate her things from yours? Please. Besides..." He smirked and winked at Toby. "My day is already filled with having fun with my toy. You have nothing to do. But if you are going to be like that I suppose she can do without them. Not like I plan on keeping her alive forever." He snickered and gave Toby a little ta-ta wave. "You know..you really should of said goodbye to her." A step was taken to one side as if ready to take step after Katt.

"On purpose.." He was..doing it on purpose. Toby's curled fist shot out to the side, slammed into the rock. The sound echoed around the small cavern. Gizmo growled softly behind him.. He felt it dent, buckle and break under his hand. Sand and bits fell to the ground. That arm was alive, throbbing with restrained energy. He had hurt Ixora..for that.. And he wanted to hurt Tylor. The difference was..he knew he couldn't. He took a deep breath. "Fine.. Tomorrow." He worked his jaw to get it to unclench. "I want to see her.."

"Why?" Tylor stopped at the mouth of the cave then shook his head. "You didn't even thank me for being so kind to bring her this time. Why should I bring her again?" His head tilted and a single finger scratched at his cheek. "On purpose? Hm. No. I am simply telling you how it is. Not my fault you can't cope with the realization." A simple shrug and he turned away. "Hm. No. I don't think I will bring her again."

"Then there's no point..in bringing anything.." He whistled sharply for Gizmo..and stooped to pick up the leash..slid it over his left hand. That was fine with him..he'd rather keep..everything that he had. One thing..he could leave here for her, though.. He angled himself to slide past Tylor. He didn't want to touch him..the action made the edge of the cave scrape against his coat. He knew..he should have said a lot more to her. But he just had that feeling..that it wasn't the last time he'd see her. He held onto that thought like he held onto his chest. The cold night air tingled his cheeks.

"Whoa you really are selfish aren't you? Leaving her in those blood soaked clothes with nothing to keep her happiness. No skin off my nose. I rather like her naked in the furry covers. Makes much more warmth to sleep on." Tylor was causal in following Toby out. Katt was standing some odd feet from the mouth, hands clasped behind her back. Eyes peeled up at the sky in a very blank expression. One that Toby had seen her with before some time back. "Well my dear. Time to go." Casual remained ever present as he made his way towards Katt. Tylor was one of his word. He had no intentions on bringing her again. Not his fault that Toby was so ..selfish.

"If you want to think..that's why I'm doing it..go ahead.." It took Toby a moment to say it. He had to survive these last minutes..without doing anything. He knew the emotion he was feeling..it wasn't completely anger. It was a disgusting feeling..one that made his skin crawl, made him want to shiver.. Gizmo pawed at his ankle. He could feel it. He didn't want to say anything to Katt..where Tylor could hear..or comment on it.

Katt's head lowered slowly to look between the two then down to Giz. A sense of complete sadness filled her expression. It took her a few moments but she finally allowed herself to look at Toby. Even if Tylor was waiting. She was thankful and very much so to the point it read on her expression. He ..hadn't attacked Tylor. That was...good..A sad little smile before she relaxed her arms and started towards the waiting presence.

Toby flinched under the unwanted pressure on his shoulders. He didn't want..someone else looking at him. He didn't want to look back. So he moved his head only a minimal amount..enough to see out of the corner of his eye..who the gaze belonged to. He locked eyes with Katt..swallowed. He couldn't keep her gaze for long, and it bothered him. He had to look away..but that was fine. She had started moving back towards Tylor. There was a reason..there had to be..a reason.

Tylor smiled as she approached and reached out to smooth his hand over her hair then down to her shoulder. "See. So easily given up without so much as a fight. Won't even bring you your things. Some friend huh? I even asked for that teddy bear you like so much."

She gruffed under breath. "Stop it."

Tylor's head tilted down at her to see her face. "What was that?" Her lips parted to repeat herself but she found herself squealing out like a little piggy instead. He had watched and knew she was going to repeat herself and instead of letting her he dug his fingers into her shoulder. Fingers circled the muscle that attempted to flex. "Now now. Let us save the play for when we get back home."

She whimpered out a soft cry and defenselessly gave a nod. What else could she do?

He chuckled and pulled his blood soaked fingers from her back and scooped her up. "Good girl." Then he looked after Toby. "Gooooddddbyyyeeee Toby!"

Gizmo barked..ran against his leash. "Stop it.." Toby knew he said it weakly..bringing his hand up to his face..pushing his palm into his nose and mouth. He didn't want to hear that..remember that noise. He shouldn't have said anything..shouldn't have let Tylor know. What if..he did it again.. He sucked his bottom lip into his mouth, swallowing the 'F-you.' he'd been chewing on since he'd first heard Tylor talk.

Tylor's face tore into a grin. Unlucky for Toby, Tylor had exceptional hearing. How else could he hear everything he had over the last two months? He didn't respond to Toby verbally Tylor's cold, silvery eyes turned down onto Katt who blinked up at him.

She didn't like that look. She felt..pressure. His hand was digging into the ribs a few inches from under her arm. The fact it was on the same side as her heart created a sense of panic. Which only rose into sheer terror when his fingers jabbed through her flesh and bone. Legs curled in and she grasped at the front of Tylor's shirt, wide eyed with a 'wtf are you doing?!' look. She barely was able to make a sound but it was no where near a scream. More like a sickly choke of pain.

Tylor found himself studying her face for a bit longer then normal. The look was quite..exquisite.

Toby's head snapped around. Gizmo barked and growled continuously. He didn't..know what to do.. He couldn't handle this.. Panic surged through his muscles. He felt..like he was going to throw up. "DON'T!!" He bellowed it..it continued to echo long after he'd screamed. He couldn't..let it happen.. If he attacked him..he would just do the same..later.. But who gave a shit..if he was just doing it now.. But then what happened..when they left.. He couldn't let them leave.. He couldn't do a lot of things. Breathing was out the window. He was lightheaded..he had forgotten how weird it was..to hyperventilate. His teeth lengthened, bit into his lips. His body was strained against his clothing. He gripped the sides of his head..claws pricked his scalp. What he saw of his skin before that..was paper white. "Don't..DON'T!!"

"Don't? Don't what? This?" Fingers curved, forcing her flesh to bloat outward unnaturally.

He clenched..He clenched so dangerously close to her heart that she had no choice but to rear back and scream out. "S-STOP! I-I'M SORRY!!"

That seemed to please him enough or was it that he was watching Toby's reaction with amusement. Because he knew. Setting her down shakenly on her feet he continued to wiggle his fingers around inside her flesh.. If it wasn't for his hold on her she would of fell for sure.

She was trying to fill her lungs. Enough to.. "T..Toby..R..Run.." A demand...a beg. One she was forced to pay for when he grasped her insides again. Reeling back into Tylor's body she stared up at the sky and bit her tongue. Enough to make it bleed. She didn't..want to react anymore. No matter how much it hurt..Her mind begged at Toby. Run.

Tylor just giggled at Toby and muttered something under his breath before speaking out. "That's right Toby. Run away..Run awayyyy. She doesn't want you here any more. So run away."

Toby felt the ground on his knees first, then his elbows. His feet hurt..they were expanding in his shoes. His coat, normally loose, was tight. He only knew of..one way to stop this. That was why..he felt Tylor was doing it on purpose. He screamed at the ground, wind kicking up all around him in prismatic colors of white, blue, pink and green. He heard the demon face's voice telling him to let go. He didn't want to..if he did..he wouldn't be able to tell which one of them was Katt. He knew..that he would probably want to see them both bleed. He couldn't..do anything when Tylor had a hold of Katt.. His right hand slid into his coat..pulled the knife free of its hilt. He placed the tip on his leg..pushed it in..past clothing, past skin. His thumb roamed over the jewel at the knife's base. How long had he been stabbing himself..? He couldn't push it in any further. His leg was jerking..his hand too wet. Had he stabbed..the wrong place..?

Tylor giggled more as he watched Toby. Smelled the blood. "Oh dear. Looks like he might kill himself."

That got Katt's attention far too quickly. That and the prism of colors. She watched helplessly then shook her head. Violently she tore her way from Tylor and even made a few feet from him only to have her hair grabbed. A yank had the clump torn from scalp. That hurt. Not that it left a big hole but it left Tylor blinking and standing with a handful of her hair while she all but tore ground towards Toby. "Toby! STOP!" The memories of him stabbing himself. With her knife. They ran through her mind painfully. She couldn't let him. Not like this! She had made it to him but just before reaching him she made a sickened sound, eyes a bit wide. It didn't matter that Tylor had chucked one of his stone knives into her back. Slowly she sank down, arms sliding around Toby's neck. She tasted copper. Her own blood. "S....stop.." If he ..died..then what was the point of staying alive for him?

Let me out.. No. Why..do you have a plan? F-off. Toby was amazed..how unfazed he was by it. He felt..calm..calculating. Regardless of the blood pouring out of his leg. He heard her..but it wasn't time yet. He waited..waited.. He felt arms around his neck. He knew..where she was.. That meant..that she was away from Tylor.. He had said not to attack him.. He'd been taught once..that if you were stabbed..you weren't supposed to pull it out.. Otherwise.. His left arm slung around Katt. He had been coiled Gizmo's leash up into that hand. He hoped he wouldn't choke the dog when he sprang..backwards..the air cold on the back of his head, the ground leaving his feet.

Katt blinked finding that..the ground was no longer under her. Her eyes clenched closed, willing the pain of Toby's hold away. "You h..have to let go. I can't..I can't go with you."

Tylor waited for a bit before the energy around him began to build. He was biding his time for the moment to see if Katt would return. He knew she would. But there was also an urge to slap Toby out of the air for taking his toy. His toy!

"Yes..you can.. You can't..do this to me..again.." He needed to run..and run fast. He cried out as branches slapped the back of his head. He lurched over in the air..putting his back to Tylor. If anything was coming at them..he had to take it.. "What's..your reason.. I know..there is one.." Run..run fast.. If he was caught.. The dress shoes..weren't the best for gripping tree branches.. They were dripping blood..he knew he was releasing yoki.. They had to stop doing that..

Tylor blinked. Toby was actually going to try and run. A grin stretched his face and his feet dug into the ground. Silent whisper of motion and Tylor was in chase. Nothing but a shadow in wake.

Katt's fingers curled against Toby's shoulders. She wasn't feeling too hot. There was slow blinking. Do..what to him again? She looked away from his face then. "S..Stop..you have to. You have to let me go. Or..Or he'll kill Mayu or Ixora...Or both..S..So let me go. You have to." There was soft shaking, pleading him to release her. The tears stung at her eyes.

"I kn-knew it.." Toby grunted as he fell..he didn't have enough hands. He wheezed, swallowed the yell that was trying to come out as he slammed into the ground in a crouch. He didn't stay there long. Gizmo squeaked and squealed in his grip. Toby was paying close attention to his stomach..how it twisted. It had something to do..with when he was around Yoma..and people like him.. That was one more thing he would look into.. "You're protecting us..if you had a ch-choice..you wouldn't stay.. You have to..tell me something.. I don't want you to think for one s-second..that I would fucking leave you there.." His legs felt like machines the way the churned at the air. He was running again..but for his life..for hers..

Katt grunted along with him. The impact was felt through him and the knife in her back.

Tylor was close at hand but not barreling down upon him yet. But he was close enough to let it be known. Two..three stone knives went screaming through the air for the running pair.

If Katt had known..She blinked a bit. Of course he would leave her there. Why he didn't ..she swallowed. "Of course I am. That's..why you have to let me go. It doesn't matter to me what he does. I'll live." Her fingers curled into his shoulders and she sobbed out. "But I can't..I can't let him kill Mayu or Ixora..or you..I can't. So please! Let me go!"

"Geh..ah..Ah!" One for each knife. He lurched to the side..he needed to take the fall..to keep the impact from hitting her. "AH!!" He felt the ground slam against his right arm and he skidded along on the snow covered grass. Tylor was close..too close.. He wasn't sure what had hit him. Breathing was hard.. And he needed air now more than ever."P-promise me..y-you can't..die.. You can't.." He only had a little time left. Moving hurt..and he gagged as he did..trying to capture her face in his bloody hands..look at her. He had to memorize her features.. "Yo-you're always..supposed to be here..for me.. What..am I supposed to do..if yo-you're not..?"

The sound coming from him made her tired eyes go round and the ground was coming far too quick. Grunting she knew that the landing at hurt him just as much. No. More. Dazed she realized a few moments later that he had actually taken the full impact of the fall. Hands moved, attempting to pull him to see what happened but she stopped when he took hold of her face. His words ..they hurt. They made her eyes grow wet.

She couldn't promise him that. She wanted to. But she couldn't. Specially not if Tylor was pissed. "You..You'll be fine.."

Her face twisted up as Tylor yoinked her from Toby's grasp and held her by the collar as if he were holding Giz by the scruff. The shirt barely held her in the air.

Tylor's golden eyes bore down at Toby quite coldly from beneath sleek black hair. Against the night it might of been hard to tell Tylor's complete form but he was sure enough scolding Toby. "This does not belong to you." And a talon bent foot launched forward to kick Toby's torso and send him away in disgust. "How dare you try to take her from me. But lucky for you I know she'd return to me. Or should I say lucky for those pretty girls you surround yourself with. You have them. This one is mine. Now. Say goodbye, my little toy." Tylor waved Katt towards Toby like a little ragdoll.

All she did was..stare at the ground.

Goodbye sounded so..permanent.

"No.." That word didn't sound like it came from him, but a child. "KATT!!" Toby's arms thudded down limply to the ground. He needed to get up.. He had to.. He had to stop crying..whimpering.. He wasn't..a kid anymore.. Was it because..she had been taken.. Or because she didn't understand..how important she was.. She was..being like him.. Tylor..didn't look the same.. He could see the outline of something sticking out of his head..

But that wasn't important.

Toby's body cut through the air. He screamed..and whatever air he that wasn't forced out by the kick left him when he hit a fat tree trunk. One of the stone knives buried itself to the hilt in his back. He tasted his own blood..it flew out of his teeth, continued to dribble down, stain his chin and neck..redden the bandages on his throat.

Tylor giggle though it sounded more like a rumbling sound then it's normal edge of girlishness.

Katt kicked her feet out at seeing Toby hitting the tree, wheeling in attempt to get in motion to aid him. "Tob-Gek!" She was yanked back and held close to..flesh? It was cold..but skin none the less. The hand that settled against her was pressed so that the gilded claws bit into her back. A sound like flocking birds caused her head to slowly shift.

Wings.

Tylor had..wings? Stretched taunt over a hollow-boned frame the dark sweep of avian grace hovered high in death's threat. Feathers detailed against weathered skin seemed to form like a shadowy silhouette of draped raven wings. Graceful arch of the wings full of fluttering, glossy-black feathers that gave nothing but an aggressive appearance. Her eyes grew wide and turned to the sleek face that was now Tylor's. What..was he?! When Tylor moved forward towards Toby her hands shot up to Tylor's chest. "Please..no more. I'll stay. I'll do anything but no more!"

Tylor's fine brow swept up then golden eyes danced between her and the fallen Toby. "Anything?" His voice was deeper, echoing what was the voice that she was more familiar with. Her head lowered and she gave a small nod.Tylor seemed to think this over before stepping back from Toby. He started to carry her away and she peered over Tylor's shoulder to look at Toby. Please..move.. She mentally begged Toby's body.

You should have let me go..should have let me out. You do not know what you have let your precious one fall into, Toby.. He couldn't see. He had slid down the tree..gravity took him the rest of the way to the ground. He couldn't..feel his legs.. The warm tears wouldn't stop. They kept washing his eyes clean. His left hand curled into the grass. Anything more than that..was a stretch. Katt's and Tylor's voices were muffled..trying to reach his ears through a seemingly mile thick wad of cotton. He felt something warm and wet nudge at his hand..sniffling on his brow..a smooth tongue on his face. His eyelids drooped..he forced them open. He wouldn't be any good..dead.. He had to..get her out of this.. He had to kill that thing.. He hoped that Lisa wouldn't come back..beat him again. If she did..he would have to answer questions.. His gut churned. He felt the need to throw up even more.. Tylor was..getting closer.. A fresh wave of crimson seeped from his sagging mouth. Katt.. You are a fool, Toby.. You will not have a chance to explain what you meant by those words..for I know what she is to you. Even if you did not..she is more than just your- Shut..up.. He wanted his mind to go blank. The rest of his body felt numb..why not his head..

Katt's mind was screaming at Gizmo. Bite him. Something! Anything to get him to move. He couldn't..

"He won't die.." Tylor assured her.

She trembled at the duo-corded voice and her eyes squeezed shut.

"He's weak and pathetic. But he won't die."

It was strange to her that it sounded as if Tylor was trying to comfort her. In a way he was. Just so he could tear her down again at a later date. For now he soothed her hair softly and in a strong flap of heavy wings he took flight. She found herself stretching out a hand over Tylor's shoulder towards Toby. It flopped down helpless onto Tylor's back after Toby and Gizmo were swallowed by the night. No longer able to see him her head lowered against Tylor's shoulder. "I hate you.."

He rumbled a laugh. "I know."

▪?▪ Dated: 1.21.10 - Afternoon ▪?▪

Steps closed in onto the area in which the night's confrontation had happened. And still there, spilled out at the foot of the tree, was the unconscious Toby. Tylor sighed and settled his hands against his hips. "How bothersome."

Gizmo's little nose twitched at the familiar scent as Tylor approached. Protectively the growing pup had curled up against Toby but now was on all four paws. Since it couldn't move far due to the leash being held the pup had no choice but to snarl from it's spot. Back and forth it paced as Tylor approached, attempting to ward off the approaching figure.

It made Tylor laugh. Though he did promise that he wouldn't hurt them. He kept to his word. Toby was checked for vitals, stone knives left so he didn't bleed out. A brow rose to find that the purple dagger. That wasn't his. Ah well. Didn't matter. Toby was slung up over a shoulder and Gimzo left to hang by the leash. The pup popped up on his back paws in order to 'walk' with them as Toby was carried to the cave.

Maybe not all that gentle but Toby was dropped to the floor once inside. Keeping Gizmo away with a palm Tylor leaned down to whisper into Toby's ear. "I am only doing this by her request. You best live. Not that you will ever see her again. You have my word on that." Tylor smirked and drew his hand over Toby's face as if to leave Katt's scent as an imprint.

Gizmo was given a few pats and Toby's wounds checked again before both were left in the darkness of the cave. He was off to pay the city a little visit. Maybe grab a 'snack' and something for his little toy to wear.

▪?▪ Dated: 1.23.10 - Early Morning ▪?▪

Tylor woke and found himself alone. His rage boiled violently and he moved from the cave at a stalking pace. She was easy to follow. Her blood left a distinctive trail and scent that he tracked her with.

Miles were crossed far too quickly.

Walls of earth and stone were perched upon and he glared into the valley below that was filled with water of a solitary lake. Within the water Katt's body drifted face down in the water. Her back wound stood out in angry laceration. She wasn't..moving?

He blinked and jumped swiftly into the waters. Waddling to her with an outstretched hand to he grasp her hair and yank her up.

She gasped at the man-handling, eyes wide stared at Tylor. He was face to face with her in something she could only pinpoint as rage.

"What the hell are you doing?!" He barked in her face and she found herself raising a brow. He actually sounded...worried.

"Bathing. Now let me go." Grasping her wet hair she tugged in attempts to get his fist from her hair. He stared at her, perplexed by her answer but released her all the same. She turned away and resumed her bathing in silence and he just stood, waist deep in water and staring. She eventually paused and glanced over her shoulder to him. "What?"

"Don't you dare leave the cave again without my permission." He sneered and reached out to poke her wound. She twitched sharply in pain as a respond.

"Tch. You know I will go back." Her eyes lowered as she squeezed the tips of her hair.

"To protect those you care." He spoke as he started to back to shore. He could tell by the redness of her eyes that she had been crying. It amused him greatly.

She didn't respond to his words. All he was doing was attempting to provoke more heart-ache. Shoulders slowly sulked down. There was already plenty of that and he didn't need to create more. "Why did it seem like you were almost worried about my well being?"

"Well being?" He snorted and laughed out. "I rather snuff out your life myself. If you dare attempt to cut your life short before I decide to kill you then best you think first of those two lady friends of yours."

"Really? It seemed like you were worried." she spoke quietly as she brushed her hands through her hair. Suddenly she found his hands around her neck and he pulled her close.

"My dear..the only thing from you that interests me is your taste. Pain and sorrow are a second at best. The fact that you can take the beatings I've given you and still accept more. I will end you.." She found herself soon held under water. Thrashing, water splashed as she tried to fight him for air. He stared down at with a grin which only grew wider as her limbs began to slow to the point they were nearly still. Yanked up from the water she spat out and gasped desperately for air. Weakly she stared at the face that was so innocently close to her own. "..When I am ready..Not before then."

He shoved her away and made his way back to shore to dry off. His point had been placed. "Of course you can always try to kill me again. Maybe you will succeed. Revenge?"

She looked over to him then away and resumed bathing in silence. Revenge...

After she was done and exited the lake she moved past him. Picking up the shirt he had got for her it was placed on. Then just like that she started back to the cave. She had to protect them. She had to keep her vow.

He trailed after her. He knew he won by the way she moved and the fact that she headed to the cave without being prompted.

▪?▪ Dated: 1.23.10 - Early Evening ▪?▪

She woke alone, body screaming in pain. Body shuddered with each breath and she found herself unable to really move. She was able to roll onto her side. Strength was there but it simply hurt too much. Outside it was raining. She could taste it on the air and she could hear it's pattering against the earth. She couldn't see it. She couldn't see anything. Her world was dark.

Face tilted into the fur her fingers curled into their softness.

Even though Tylor had crushed her hopes..her dreams..her happiness..she still remained there. To protect them. To protect those that she still cared for. Why did she care even though she believed that those she protected really didn't care?

It was simple. She vowed. She vowed to protect them and she was going to keep true to her vow. They may not care but she did. So in her thoughts a plan was formed. While thinking of this plan she realized something. It was raining. Not snowing. Was winter over?

A thud sounded at the mouth of the cave and she knew who it was. Tylor approached, muttering under his breath about using his yoki too much. He needed to be more careful otherwise be hunted once again by those silver-eyed witches. They placed such a damper on his fun. His approach wasn't all that kind. Once close enough his foot met her torso. A helpless yelp as she hit the earth wall roughly. Sliding down to the ground she twitched and curled into a ball. With the warm spot now opened he sat down and watched her.

After a few moments she stirred and slowly forced herself to sit up. "Bastard."

"Love you too." He smirked at her and she scoffed.

"Tylor." She began to set her plan in motion while turning to face him. Still she couldn't see anything. It annoyed her and yet she was thankful at the same time. "How about a game?"

His brow popped up at her and he settled back. She had his attention. "A game huh? What do I get if I win? I already have everything from you I want."

"Do you?" She questioned a bit and her head tilted slowly to the side. "If you win you get-"

"You." He spoke before she could continue.

She blinked at him. "M-me?" Her mind went to one place and she shuddered violently. Ew..

"Yes. I want you." He stated in a matter-of-fact tone. "I want you to completely unleash so that when I am ready to feast on you that I will get to beat you down before I do."

She frowned and shuddered violently at the thought. "Fine. But I want you to promise me something."

"I'm listening." He muttered in his relaxation.

"Whether I win or lose. You must promise to me that you will never go after my friends again. This includes sending anyone after them or any loopholes you could think of. They are off limits. Out of your mind forever."

"Fine. I promise." He frowned realizing that he hadn't torn her down as fine as he thought he had.

"And if you break that promise you will not kill, feed, or anything for a full year." That would give her time.."That means one little scratch. One little..anything.." Her eyes narrowed at him as if she could see him.

He groaned. The thought of not feeding for a year made him hungry. "Fine. But what do you get if you win?"

Her eyes slowly closed. "You will let me find Toby and give him a proper burial."

"Would be at the caves where I put him." He stated blankly. Unless of course he survived which wouldn't surprise him. The boy had still been breathing.

She nodded and opened her eyes slowly. "Then a proper burial."

"Agreed. So tell me about this game." His tone told her he was amused.

"A game of tag as it were. In the morning I'll be given twelve hours in order to find a place to hide. If in the following twelve hours you find me then you win."

"How do you know I won't cheat?" He questioned her.

"What fun would that be?" She raised a brow at him. She had him there. It wouldn't be.

He laughed out and tilted his feet against one another before moving them apart. "All right then." It sounded fun. He knew he would win.

"Then I'll be gone in the morning. But remember. From now on.. Ixora..Mayu..They are off limits to you. Forever!"

"Blah. Yes, I remember and I promise." He reached over and grabbed her, pulling her to him. "Until morning how about we enjoy each other?"

A hand shoved against his face. "You wish." She stood and crept her way towards the mouth of the cave. He could tell by the way she moved her body was still hurting.

This hunt was going to be easy.

▪?▪ Dated: 1.24.10 - Morning ▪?▪

Four hours into the hunt she landed with a hard splash into another well targeted puddle she grunted. She reconized the area. It was the glen. There was a heavy mixture of feelings that flooded through her but the one that stood out the most was sorrow.

I failed to protect you.. Her fingers curled tightly into her palms. Some best friend I am. I couldn't even look past from my own wants to help you with yours. Turning her head sharply to one side she sighed. Her feet were moving without her and she found herself in front of the cave. Heart pounding violently she was afraid to step in but step in she would to find the cave..empty. Both relieved and upset she glanced around. The body..must of been moved. She was going to have a hard time tracking it down after all the rain. Water slid down her arms and dropped from her fingertips. It was only by the droplet sound that she realized she was soaked. The soft sound echoing in the walls startled her from her thoughts and she turned to head back out. "I'll make sure you have a proper burial. I promise.."

Swallowing she stared out of the cave. The mist made it easier to step. Made it easier to hide where she had been. Inhaling sharply and bracing herself for the vibrating pain she leaned down then stepped forward. Shadows swallowed her up and she passed through them both scentless and soundlessly. She was pushing herself far too hard but that was fine.

Another hour and several jumps through the shadows she was able to slide out of the shadows near the Teas. Peeking in she made sure neither Ixora or Mayu were present before actually entering. She needed to be quick. Rushing to the counter she stared at the woman behind the counter who seemed more then startled to see her.

"Where have you been? I've been so wor-"

"I don't have time. I need paper and pen. Be quick!" Katt demanded at the startled counter woman. She nodded and quickly produced a pad and pencil which Katt swept up and scribbled down a note. "Listen to me. You know the two women who are normally here? Ixora and Mayu?" Quick description of both were made as she continued to write. The woman nodded slowly as the note was ripped from the pad and folded. Licking her bottom lip she shoved the note at the woman. "Make sure both of them see this."

"And what of Toby?"

Her eyes lowered from the woman. Sighing a small sandwich was given to her and the woman begged Katt to eat it. Scooping up the sandwich she took a bite but started towards the door. After reaching the door she muttered a word of gratitude. Before the woman could even beg for Katt to remain she was already out of the door.

The woman had never seen Katt so cold or empty before. Even back when she had the plate. That was a forced empty. This..

It was like Katt all but given up on life.

Another bite was taken before the rest was offered to some homeless child that was running by. The child was afraid to go near her at first until the food had been offered up. The sandwich snatched from her grasp she watched the little boy run off. Hopefully he ate it quickly before her scent got on him. He had looked hungry enough. Closing her eyes she considered her next steps.

Leaping onto a stall she quickly ran along top of the shops until she saw the portal she was searching for. Landing on the ground she ran through the portal to Mount Yasuo.

Mount Yasuo would be an ideal place to hide. Many mountain ranges and people to get lost in. Not that she planned on staying among the crowds. Not even stopping once on the other side she was in a dead run through the area. Finding a suitable shadow she jumped into it and disappeared from the view of others.

A number of hours later and many jumps she collapsed within some place that looked to be a ruined temple. She had no strength left to jump anymore. Staggering she moved to the small stream of mountain water that ran through the dim, blueish walled area. Collapsing to her knees with both hands dipped she splashed her face then took a drink. It stung her sore throat. From there she crawled into a corner and huddled away to rest away the remaining hours and the ones that Tylor were to use to search her out.

She was tired..and tempted..

Her friends were safe now..

She could do it..She could do it without remorse..

She could..end it..

▪?▪ Dated: 1.25.10 - Mid-Day ▪?▪

The return 'home' was taking as long as it took to find her. Carrying the limp form of Katt, and with wounds Tylor was having trouble healing, progress was slow. He had to admit. She gave him one hell of a beating. He wasn't expecting the Yoma blood to react in her system as it did. Whats more, he didn't expect her to willingly channel that energy as she had. If he had been earlier in finding her, he probably wouldn't of survived. Lucky for him when he did find her, she was on the butt end of the power rush.

Hours into the day he was still trucking along but at least near the city now. Which meant a few more hours to pass through then a few more till they reached the cave. He was avoiding places of meeting such as the glen so the tree depths were kept to.

A rest was decided on and Katt's body was tossed to the ground. She rolled a few feet before being stopped by the trunk of a tree. Leg arm tucked under her back suggested that the arm had been either snapped or popped out of socked. The same could be said for one of her legs that was bent at an unnatural angle. She was a mangled mess and he wasn't exactly sure if she was still breathing. Not that it mattered to him. Alive would mean that her insides would still be warm but as sweet as she tasted he could enjoy the cold treat if she were in fact dead.

The spark of life was in her but barely and just that..a spark. Breaths were so shallow that her chest didn't even register and so rasp that her lungs barely were able to keep hold. She felt nothing other then pain. Somewhere in the back of her mind brief visions of those she held dear flicked in and out, like a faded black and white picture movie.

For a brief moment among the pain she found herself..happy.

Even if it was an illusion..a lie..

She had people she could care about.

She had finally found peace and happiness in a life that seemed so cruel.

Tylor would of probably laughed to find her blood and bruised cheek stained with tears if he had not been busy. Some poor by passer was collected as a light snack. She heard screaming and barely managed to get her good eye open. He was tearing into someone but she couldn't distinguish if it was male or female. Near blur vision only spotted a thrashing arm and Tylor's back. If it were not for her state she would of done something. Instead all she could do was lay there and listen to the muffled cries for help.

She could see now why Toby feared Yoma. The sight was sickening and must of been terrifying to someone so young. Was that how she looked when she fed? Was she no better? She had always thought that the feeding on another left them in a calm, peaceful state. She was probably wrong.

Slowly her eye rotated and started to close. She saw that her skin was still white. She was still in her pure form? How was that? Was that how she was going to die? Looking like a monster? The single eye slid closed and she struggled against her pain in order to change. She didn't want..Didn't want to die like that. She found herself unable to sever the connection. There was no strength and her body refused to even attempt.

She wished..

Wished she could see Ixora again. If only to be there to threaten Zeo and tell him he better treat Ixora right if he really did plan on marrying her. She'd kick his ass otherwise! Or haunt him. He-he. Yeah she could do that. Ixora deserved to be happy and though Zeo was far from being worthy in Katt's eyes ...He made Ixora happy.

Wished she could see Mayu again. If only to give her the barrettes that had been made for her. Barrettes made to go into that soft teal hair of hers. To tell her how dear and special she was...

Wished she could see Toby again. If only to tell him sorry...

Even if their care was false...

She still cared about them...

What would Oda and Aren think if they could see her now? She who had faced gods and lived. Granted the beatings were just as bad. But back then she had a reason to live. Now..There was nothing. Nothing but pain and remorse. And even now those were fading into the absolute nothingness that awaited her.

A sudden smack to her cheek caused her to struggle with a breath. The hand was blood soaked and left a splattered hand print against her battered skin. "Stay alive a little longer there, toy. We will be home soon." Tylor's voice was barely noticeable. More like a hum of barely distinguished words.

Sucking in a breath sharply only to empty her lungs in the form of pain-laced words. "Why..not just...kill me..now..?"

His finger ticked back and forth in front of her face as if she could actually see it. "Because I would rather enjoy such a fine meal at a leisurely pace. To savor and enjoy you for days. I am almost positive you will be the best meal I will ever have." It almost sounded as if he was promising her or making it sound as a matter-of-fact sort of thing. "Besides I want to squeeze out a few more screams from you before I finally do dine. What a thought it must be to know that you will be still alive when I start to feed from you."

She didn't reply and barely grunted as he lifted her once again and slung her over shoulder as if she were nothing more then a sack of rice. She couldn't even feel the warmth of Tylor's skin against her own. So numb with pain. But he was right. It was a thought and one she wasn't enjoying. She'd rather go back to the remembering but it was hard. She barely could grasp hold of the fond memories.

Vaguely she felt a pat on her rear from Tylor's hand. "A few more hours, love. And we will be home."

She spat out what could of been a laugh that never was able to form. "What..would you know..about..love.."

"Oh I know plenty. Use to have a pretty thing for a lover until she was killed by the Organization. I think even for a time I was considering taking you as my lover but you are just too damn ugly. I mean you scream and bleed quite beautifully but your face.. Woof." Tylor chuckled and swatted her rear.

This wasn't news to her. She had been called worst and had been told over and over again that she wasn't pretty. Still to be rejected by even someone like him did hurt her pride a little. Not that she would want him.

In the end he was right, she guessed. She had no one but herself...

Her cheek settled against Tylor's back and with closed eyes she began to seep back into the darkness. Part of her hoped that the little flame of life was left within her died out before they made it to the cave. If anything to save herself from more pain. If more pain were possible.

▪?▪ Dated: 1.26.10 - Evening ▪?▪

Toby's chest and throat had been continuously burning. He'd ran almost nonstop..hadn't wanted to rest. He thought it was weird. He wasn't..really looking forward to doing it.. He wasn't sure if he should hope that Katt was there..or hope that she wasn't.. It confused him. In the end, it was just easier to run. He'd gotten lost a lot..had to turn around..backtrack. But he'd noticed something that kept him going in roughly the same direction. Dark black, frozen splotches of what smelled like blood. He'd touched each one..trying to think how long ago they'd been left. It didn't help much..it was cold.

He stood now..on one of the fat, lowermost branches of a tree..peering down onto a particular dark splotch..that was half in a cave and half outside of one. Whatever he was following for the past half a day..had gone in there. His fingers curled into the bark of the tree..and he watched the entrance..before springing forward towards it..landing in that splotch..quickly darting inside.

The cave was eerily quiet. Tylor had been off collecting wood which meant she was alone to 'stew' in wait. Slouched against the jagged wall there was really no thoughts going through her mind. No expression on her face save for a hint of a frown on her dry, torn lips. She had managed at some point during Tylor's leave to pull her lifeless arm into her lap so that her other hand could rest against the wrist. Idle, painfully slow movements of her thumb stroked back and forth over the smooth surface of the set sapphire. If it were not for that movement she would of looked still as a statue for her chest didn't rise and fall in breath as it should normally. It, like the rest of her, barely moved at all.

He had been in caves enough..he knew how dark they were. Regardless, the squinted, dug his knuckles into his eyes briefly..then shook his head. This cave..smelled like copper. The air was heavy with it. His throat closed and he tried not to gag. He turned his head..peered around the opening of the cave just in case..then studied the rest of the place. It didn't take him long to notice her..she was the only upright thing he could see.. He didn't move..for a while..just simply stared. He couldn't..believe it, really.. Denise..had been right. Then where the hell was Tylor.. "F-ing.." He cursed quietly..tearing at his coat, wrenching it out from underneath the large belt around his chest. He knelt down in front of Katt..tossed the coat somewhere near her..reached forward, tried to touch her face. "Katt.." There was too much emotion in that one word. He couldn't just sit here..he didn't try to keep touching her, didn't want to look at her wounds.. He busied himself with uncovering the vial and trying to get it off the chain.

Katt.. She heard the voice and it pulled at her consciousness. Urged her to wake. It sounded familiar. Slowly her unsealed eye forced open. She really couldn't see much aside a blotch of white and black. And...orange? Brows attempted to furrow but did nothing more then a twitch. It was only when she realized who it was did she attempt to talk. And in this realization it was noted how totally dry her mouth was. Tongue stuck to the top of her mouth had to be pried away and her lips barely parted. They didn't need to. "To..by..?" Disbelief rang in that single, raspy word and a hand rose up from the bracelet to seek him out. It would land as if to stop his current actions.

He struggled out a questioning noise..her hand was so damned cold.. At least she moved though..that was a good thing. He sucked on his bottom lip, chewed it..sniffed. He couldn't..start this now. His head shook hard. He worked one of his hands out from under hers..settled it across her knuckles..squeezed softly. "Yeah.. Don't worry..I told you that I wasn't going to let this happen.." He turned his head..looked at the opening to the cave. Adrenaline surged into his veins. He tried to push her hand away from his..work the vial off the chain..push it up against her lips to let a few drops between them. "I don't know..where that bastard is.. We have to hurry.."

It was him. Her head throbbed in attempt to form thoughts. Lips pressed together in refusal of the attempt of the liquid and her hand rose to push down on his wrist. He ..came for her? Why..? She swallowed a few times to help ease her throat before she attempted to speak. Fingers curled against the wrist holding out the vial. It wasn't threatening. If anything it was more clinging. She had to hurry but not for the reason he was worried of.

"Toby..I'm...sorry.." She managed to start out. It hurt to speak. The air burned through her lungs and throat like fire. Single green eye focused on where she thought his face was so that he'd know she was sincere. "I'm..sorry ..for being such a sucky best friend..for being so selfish as I was..I should of...should of looked past my wants and helped you with..what you wanted to be with..."

Raspy words were given as her hand tugged weakly, attempting to put his hand down. "I am sorry..I ..couldn't help you be..with her..And..And..you need...to go ...leave here..to be with her. Let me do something right..right for once for you..let me ..protect you.." The last word died off from her lips painfully warm.

There was silence afterward. A peaceful feeling almost, she was able to note. Maybe that is why she had been clinging on so long..? To be able to say she was sorry. To do something right for once for him.

"No.." He didn't want to let her get away from it.. His free hand curled..tried to get around the back of her neck..hold her in place. He put his thumb over the top of the vial to keep any of the elixir from spilling. He looked quickly at the cave's entrance..as he listened. He couldn't..repeat that word. He didn't want to be angry..he really didn't..

"What the hell are you apologizing for..you didn't want this to happen to you..this is *not* your fault..do you understand..?" Some part of his mind told him he sounded like Denise. Who..he wanted to be with.. Why the hell did that matter.. "Shut up..do you hear me..? I don't care..what you think you did..or didn't do.. I don't.. You're the only thing that's important right now.. I'm not leaving you here..and I'm not letting you die.."

Eyes searched her face.. She looked..different..slackened.. He guessed it was because Tylor wasn't here..that he didn't feel the need to tear something apart. He needed to run..to get her out of here..but first he had to make sure that she wouldn't give out..along the way. He gave the back of her neck a squeeze. He didn't..want to say this.. "If you love me..Katt..let me help you..please.."

Several of his words stuck while others sort of filtered through a mind that was struggling at best to keep conscious. Important. She would of corrected him on how wrong he was if it hadn't been a waste of energy and breath.

She felt his hand squeeze and her body tensed momentarily up. A strange sound as if she had attempted to cry out but managed to swallow it down echoed from her chest. Forcing the sensation of pain that rode up and down her nerves she huffed out a held breath. She couldn't believe he used that against her. Really she didn't. He was stared at silently before she mumbled. "I do...but I much..rather you run..and be safe then..then think again..that you..were dead.."

"You..thought I was dead.. He told you that.." It was more to himself than anything else.. He huffed a breath..tried to calm down. Now..wasn't the time. He couldn't..get mad.. He couldn't lose control.. That would..put them in jeopardy. Tylor would sense it..or something. He looked at the cave's entrance again.. They were running out of time.. "I'm not leaving without you..Katt.. You don't know..how hard this has been.. You don't think..I thought you were dead too..?" He didn't want to say that either. There was a lot that he didn't want to say.. Even admitting it.."Don't..make me think that..again.. I don't want to..feel that way.. You're.. You have to live..I told you that.."

He thought..she was dead? But he had something that would let him know. Or had she slipped off and didn't realize? It hurt to think too much. Brows managed a slow dip down then raise. Hard? Hard...How had it been hard on him? Had he really been that worried? Is that why.. "Please...tell me you aren't here..because you feel..guilty..."

"Awakened.." That word circled around his head for a while. He was busy..thinking.. He needed to at least get her out of here.. He knew that she wouldn't go for it either.. She was..like him. She didn't..want him to die either.. She'd never wanted that. Then..

"Awakened?" Toby said it at the same time she yelled. His gut clenched..head whipped around.. At least she'd let go of him. He pushed up from the ground..felt the strong spindles of Tylor's fingers..the prick of claws. His skin smelled like death.. He needed to do something fast.. He didn't know how to use the sword well enough..he still had a knife. He dropped his hands to his sides..willing himself to stay calm. It wasn't working that well..

Tylor's head danced one way then the other as he studied Toby under his grasp. That was far too easy. He didn't like how Toby just slacked like that. And by Katt's expression she thought that Tylor had squashed Toby's face.

Katt's body jerked up best she could in her condition. Even healed a little she was forced herself to find some strength if only to grasp Tylor's leg. "You bastard! Let him go!"

Tylor had to turn his focus off of Toby though his hand, which was large enough to flatten over the main part of Toby's face, clenched tighter while he began to shake Katt off. A single jerk sent her flying off to the side. She landed in a heap, her good arm pounding at the ground. She was yammering about something but Tylor was ignoring her by now.

"He was warned. Now you will watch me tear him limb from limb." Tylor's fingers flexed in order to let Toby see him grin. "I'll let you live long enough to feast from her. Maybe I'll even give you a little taste before I kill you." The way he spoke. It was more like he was promising Toby instead of threatening.

It was enough..Toby used that time.. His face twisted as Tylor clenched tighter. He wriggled..if only to get one of his arms behind his back, find the hidden hilt of his dagger. He had to be smart..he had to pick a point of entry. Should he..try for something vital..? End it in one blow? That was stupid..to think like that. Awakened.. He tried not to let that word freeze him any further than it had.. If he missed, it would be over. He chose..

"KATT!! DON'T-" He coughed. Tears sprung up into his eyes..the pressure..it hurt. "Don't..do that..again.." He hissed it. It was unclear whether he was trying to tell that to Tylor or Katt..he couldn't wait any more. A whoosh of air followed the blade of his knife..he tried to grab a hold of Tylor's forearm, hold it in place..while also trying to stab the full dagger through the bone, flesh and tendons of his wrist..severe it if possible. The bastard only had the one arm..

If it was to her then Toby was sorely mistaken if he thought she was just going to sit there and watch. She'd claw her way across the ground and bite Tylor's ankle if she had to. She blinked, as did Tylor, when the blade sliced into his wrist. She had never really seen Toby attack someone before. There was a brief moment of surprise at the swiftness and sure of his strike.

Tylor sneered at the sight of his hand dropping away after a sickening display of just hanging by a shred of flesh. Toby would go down as the hand was severed but just as quick the tail, that noone ever paid attention to, swept up in attempts to wrap it's long sleekness around Toby's waiting throat. "Tsk. When did you get so confident?" There was a hint of annoyance in his voice. Well just great now he had neither hands to work with. This annoyance was going to turn into an anger that was going to stretch even more into a pounding on Toby.

"AH!!" His churning stomach jumped up into his throat. He didn't..think that it would work. His chest felt light.. He was..proud of himself.. Even as he choked. His neck hurt..air and bile spilled from his mouth. It was hard..to keep it down. He didn't think that doing the same thing again..would work. Now that he had nothing left..Tylor would lose other weapons. He'd..want to protect what he had. But if he didn't do something..

Another slash was made for somewhere..anywhere on Tylor's tail that would get him to let go. He needed to put distance between them.. He needed..to try not to look at Katt. Focus..on Tylor.. Don't give him a reason..to attack her again. Eyes flickered golden a couple of times. He was trying..to temper himself. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing..especially if Tylor felt that.. When..did he become so calculated..?

"Toby.." Katt croaked out and watched as Tylor's tail tightened and as if to just make things embarrassing swatted Toby's face with the fan tip. Smack. But at the same time at the smack the bladed end sliced, cutting into cheek. She couldn't just sit there and watch that. She forced herself onto her good leg and after using the wall and a little positioning managed to reach out and grasp one of Tylor's wings.

Tylor dipped away before she could and instead her arm went around his waist. Fine by her. She did the only thing she could do and pushed her weight into him. It was enough to make him move and direct his attention towards her. Enough time for Toby's dagger to slash the tail. Tylor hissed and tightened his tail against Toby's throat. If he was to go down then so was the boy. He had no hands to get Katt off with so repeatedly jabbed the ends of his wings at her in attempt to pry her off. Once he had managed a clawed foot would be planted on her back to keep her on the ground.

"The both of you. Pests!" Toby was reeled back then tossed off with the last remaining efforts of the tail. Tylor was annoyed. He was losing weapons in his state. All thanks to his fight with Katt. If only he had time to heal.. "Grrrrr..."

Toby grunted, hard, an attempt to keep whatever breath he was still clinging to from spewing out and being useless. His face was pounding from the trapped blood. He wondered..what everyone's obsession with choking people was.. He'd done it to Ixora.. Denise..had done it to him.. That really..needed to stop..

Don't..do that..Katt.. He wanted to say it. He switched the dagger to his other hand..kept blindly slashing at any spot on Tylor's body he could reach. The sword was longer..heavier. It would..do more.. His muscles weren't obeying him.. He was running out of air.. He screamed as he flew. The cavern..was a little bigger than he thought. He was airborne for a little bit longer..

He landed on his right shoulder..skidded along the floor until the back of his head crashed into the wall. He had to..get up.. He gripped his dagger..forced himself to his knees, wheezing..retching.. He emptied his stomach. He couldn't hold it in.. At least..it made him feel better..for a little bit. He could still feel yoki..but it wasn't affecting him as much. "Katt.." He coughed.

Tylor released a very unhappy sound while looking at his tail. Slowly it swept to one side then curled around Katt's broken leg. Since it would offer no resistance it was made more for show as if Toby hadn't left the tail wounded. The limb was lifted but her back was forced down, chest crushing into the earth which she gave nothing more then a weak whine about.

She bit back any pain she could if only ...if only to show Toby it was okay. Slowly her head tilted in attempts to look after where Toby had landed but another press of Tylor's foot had her bowed out. Her good hand clenched at the earth. It felt like..he was trying to snap her spine. He was. There were no words just trickles of blood from his wounds and the sound of her body going snap, crackle, and pop.

Toby shifted..moved himself..tried to keep out of the pile of leftover food he'd just expelled. His boots found the wall, he pressed them into it..like a sprinter ready to run. He couldn't release any yoki..not yet..not until he was within range..until he had already done something. He couldn't look..couldn't listen..he'd lose focus. His right hand closed around the hilt of the blade on his back. He shoved off of the wall, unsheathed the blade at the same time. His legs burned with the force he'd used.. He swung the weapon..at the backs of both of Tylor's legs. His teeth were grit, trying to keep the yell contained.

Tylor had a feeling that Toby wouldn't allow her to be crushed down so simply was waiting. He heard Toby and out of reflect turned his body so that a single wing created a shield. At the same time his tail whipped and sent Katt's body flying with force towards Toby. Maybe there was an attempt to skewer her onto the ready sword that Toby offered up.

All Katt knew was one moment she was being crushed then the next..flying. She felt like..such a rag doll..A useless ragdoll at that. She saw a flash of silver. It wasn't much but she'd be able to at least ...That good hand lashed out at the tail as she was thrown and as it pulled away her fingers curled and her body yoinked along with it. It was painful but it meant she was out of the path for the incoming blow.

The blow tore into the wing and sank into only one leg which was enough to make Tylor growl. "If I had a hand I'd snap your neck." The threat was at Toby.

He choked on a yell.. Get out of the way..get out of the *way*!! He couldn't..stop.. He'd really only started learning how to control his blade for attacks. Maneuvering it..they hadn't gotten that far. He tried to compensate..throw his body into the strike and turn to veer it off course.

Katt's face loomed closer and closer..then it was sucked away. She'd..moved..

"F-.." Toby kicked at the ground..felt the fleshy impact of blade in flesh. Toby gripped the hilt, shoved into the blow..trying to twist the blade and wrench it back out at the same time.. He didn't want Tylor standing..he didn't..deserve to be standing.. "It's a good thing that you don't then!" He bellowed in response.

Katt's body met the ground as Tylor's tail coiled away. Or attempted to. Fingers gripped tightly to keep the attention divided. Laying on her back she grinned upside-down towards Tylor while keeping the best grip she could.

If he had been full strength this wouldn't be happening. If she hadn't left him so wounded. There was a stagger before Tylor dropped to a knee then more as he crashed. In attempts to yank the lodged sword he swept onto his hip and kicked out right at Toby's face. In this effect his tail's length moved and thus katt's body was dragged around. Poor girl remained clinging on if only to give precious seconds. Toby had courage. It sickened him that this boy was ruining everything. "Do not get too cocky boy!"

"GEH!!" Something..broke in his face. Toby tried to breath..snorted blood. He let go of the sword with his left hand..touched where he'd been kicked as he flew back.. It was a mistake. His nose was broken..that had never happened before.. His right cheekbone throbbed..so did his forehead. His body skidded along the floor again. The dark cave was spinning around.. [

i]Don't let..it make you lose focus.. You won't be able to stop fighting once you're in a battle for your life.. Isn't that what she'd said..?

Toby grunted painfully, swiped his fingers across his mouth..spat out a wad of blood. Thankfully..his teeth were all intact.. Even if they felt like they weren't.. Cocky.. What could he do.. The only reason why he was able to land anything at all..was because Tylor was focusing on Katt too. He didn't..like that.. He wished..he wasn't using her as a diversion. The end didn't really justify the means in his head.

Release your yoki, until the pain of your injuries begins to diminish.. Let it spread..

He needed..to get Tylor's attention back on him. His body thrummed..it was warm. His eyes felt like they were trying to stretch and morph. He needed..to be faster.. He'd gotten Tylor's wing..and one of his legs.. There wasn't a breath between when he'd been on the ground..and was springing forward again..trying to land any sort of blow on the other wing..leg.. "F- you!"

"Ah!" He didn't want to leave Tylor stuck with his knife..he tried to slam the limp form of him into the wall..and pull his dagger free.. It disappeared on his person like it always did. He glanced to the sword behind him as he knelt down with Katt. He swiped his hands on his pants, smearing purple all over the place. Yoma blood..smelled different. Like copper..and garbage..

"Katt..wake up.." She had gotten up..walked..that meant not everything was messed up.. Her one shoulder looked funny.. He tried to shift her to her back.. How many drops had he given her..two..? That..clearly wasn't enough. How many..did he have left..? That other little bastard wouldn't have a problem with him using it on his other friends..right..? His hand was shaking..as he tried to mold it to her cheek, run his thumb across her skin. His chest..clenched.. "...ow."

Normally two drops would work. But there was far too much for even the elixir to deal with. Her side and back still had gaping holes that filled a bit. Her arm and leg were useless. But most of the scrapes, bruises, and low major wounds seemed to be fading out. It really couldn't do anything for her lack of strength, exhaustion, and overall lack of nutrition. Which was why she really didn't want to be provoked back awake. It hurt to be awake.. But deep down she remembered what happened last time she didn't wake up when he demanded it.

She got slapped.

Her face twisted up slightly under his fingers as if she were expecting the slap that never came. Slowly the expression relaxed and her eyes, yes eyes, opened to look up at him. While the swollen and bruised lid had healed mostly away her lips seemed to be taking longer. One particular cut would take the longest. "Mmmm..?"

"Your shoulder..I..have to fix it.." He didn't want to say it, and he figured his face showed that pretty well. She'd..had enough happen to her..but he couldn't leave it..like that.. It had to hurt..right..? "Katt..hold onto me..okay..? Can you do that..?" His hand traveled down her neck..trying to reach her good arm..offer her his wrist..close her fingers around it..

He looked at her other shoulder..it swam into the rest of the surroundings.. He cursed..sniffed, which felt weird, shook his head. He could..cry later.. "Hold onto me.." He didn't want to give her a lot of warning. Tears spilled out of his eyes..made clear roads through the blood on his face, a disgusting mixture of his own and Tylor's. His other hand..lowered to her bad arm. He tried to get a good grip and shove forcefully at it..to get it back where it was supposed to be.

It took a moment or two for it to even register what he was talking about. "My...leg..too.." She managed out. Something warm was pressed into her hand and she curled her fingers softly to his wrist. She missed warmth. She wanted a bath..with bubbles. Or maybe visit the bath house with the pretty cherry blossom trees. Her mind was wandering and it was probably a good thing. Her fingers curled around his wrist when she registered the pain that shot up her side and her head rotated to one side as she groaned. She actually wanted to scream but her jaw was locked up so tight that the groan barely made it out. After a brief tense she began to relax. Her head felt fuzzy before..now she was just swimming. "Mrrrrrr..mmph..."

Too? "F-.." Doing it the first time..was hard enough.. His hand slid down her side, feeling which leg didn't fit into its place right.. "Okay.. " Sniffing..was weird. It didn't work when he did it. He figured..it was a good thing he wasn't worried about what kind of pain he was in.. He grit his teeth.

Pain exploded in his cheekbone..he tried to shove at her leg too, listen for the snap that meant it had worked. She needed..help.. He closed his eyes to the blood all over him.. That would..work better.. But his..hurt her. It hurt him even.. It didn't..make trying not to cry easy.. The sound he made..was like it had been done to him instead. His hands shook. "I'm.." He brought out the chain, the vial..checked its levels.. A little over half.. His slippery fingers worked at the stopper.

She gave a little strange sound when he said 'f-'. It almost sounded as if she had laughed a little. She was a wreck wasn't she?

Her hand came up to her mouth and clamped over her mouth to snuff out a cry when he set her leg. She struggled with kicking the ground. Once he was done she released a heavy breath from her nose until the point her lungs were empty and burned. She held it like that until the desire to breath was overwhelming. Hand sliding away she inhaled and looked up at him. He was..crying. The hand that had been over her mouth slipped over and over his hand tenderly. To stop him. "Can we..leave?"

"Leave.." He was..losing it.. The adrenaline was leaving him.. The aches from running, jumping..getting flung around.. He shook his head..he didn't..want to think about himself. He shouldn't even have the right to complain. He squeezed his eyes shut until they hurt..to clear them. He dropped the vial..it bounced on his chest.

He crawled..reached for the sword, shoved it into the waiting sheath on his back. Belatedly..he thought to zip up his coat around her. "Yeah.." He looked at her..for a little bit. Just..looked.. He still..couldn't believe it.. He couldn't let himself think his job was done.. He had to hold onto that courage..strength..for a little bit longer..

He licked his lips, tasted blood and grimaced..as he tried to slide his hands under her neck and the backs of her knees..and hoist her up at the same time he stood. He didn't think asking if she could walk..would be smart..or nice.

She made a sound of protest but it was against the pain, not him. Sure..she could walk. But the process of leaving would be hellishly slow. But that didn't mean she wouldn't...ask.

"Do you want me..to walk..?" He had to be tried. And she didn't want him to have to bare her as a burden. She already felt like one enough. But still. He was so warm. There was a want to just snuggle into him but she denied herself thinking on that for long or even attempting such a feeble thing. She still wasn't quite sure why he even bothered to save her. In his arms she felt the jacket even more then before and her face nestled into the structure.

He blinked..glanced down at her.. "Don't worry about it..Katt.." He spared nothing inside the cave any more of his attention.. He needed to get her out of here as fast as he could. He worked his arms around her securely..brushed the side of her head as he sprang out of the cave, pushed up from the ground to get himself in the air.

He could feel..the well of strength down at the bottom of his gut. He swallowed..imagining himself balling it up, making it smaller, pushing it back down into the darkness where it sat. He still had that feeling..that Tylor would get up.. And if he did..Toby couldn't let his yoki out..at all.

His boots rested briefly on the ground, before he pushed off of them in another spring. He didn't know..where to take her.. Part of him wanted her to meet Denise..to tell her how he was able to hold his own with only a broken nose and cheekbone, a lump on his head and a few bruised bones. But he didn't..want to lead Tylor back to her.. Even if he knew..she would kill him easily.. They needed..to be around people..get lost in them.

Katt wanted to say sorry again. She felt that she needed to. Had to. She had wanted to protect him yet in the end..he ended up protecting her. No. He ended up saving her. Her face tightened up and her eyes closed. She couldn't do anything right. She felt movement but tried her best not to acknowledge that each step, each leap, made her rattle.

Slowly her eyes opened and she looked up at him. Mostly just his cheek where he had been slammed. She could see coloration that wasn't normal.

He had been hurt because of her.

Toby looked back over his shoulder. He wanted to know..how big this forest was. He knew he was going in the opposite direction he had come from. He couldn't change direction. If he didn't know where he was..he'd get lost..maybe wind up back where they started. Neither of them..needed that. He pushed his boots into the ground, leapt..repeated the process.

He felt the soft pressure that always happened when someone looked at him. She was..watching him.. He swallowed..tightened his arms around her briefly..in an awkward hug. He didn't say anything. They would have time to talk..when they were inside somewhere.. He decided..to choose a place he'd never been to..a random inn..something small. That is if he could find one..

All he saw..were trees.

He wasn't..sure what to say.. It would be easier..if she asked him questions..than if he just started talking. He curled his fingers softly into her arm..his thumb running up and down over the material of his coat. The leather was smooth.. It was weird..thinking that he had been wearing that a week ago..when Tylor first attacked him..weird thinking about how just a few days ago he couldn't walk at all.

And now his feet were moving..his legs burned. He liked..the feeling. Even if he wanted to sit down..just a little bit. He nibbled on his lower lip. One thing..that he couldn't go without saying.. He turned, awkwardly pressed his mouth into her hair..muttering 'I'm sorry.' with just enough breath to tickle.

If there were questions she didn't know what to ask. What would be right and wrong to ask. She opt for silence. And it was a silence she hadn't felt in a long time. It was a silence that was hovered by complete and total physical and mental exhaustion. Eyes crept up from the path that they walked when she felt his face bury into her hair.

She attempted to turn her face more to look at him while at the same time pulling his face in a position she could see. She wasn't sure why he said that and it was all over her face. She nearly belted out that he had no reason to be sorry but again she kept that silence. Figuring the look was enough to get the point across. Moving. They needed to keep going. He needed..rest..

He pulled away..his dirty face had a sad smile on it.. He held the expression for a little while..then looked at the ground.. The splotch got closer..gradually closer. He saw shadowy figures moving around..heard loud laughter from somewhere. That was good..people.. He didn't want to talk to anyone..so when they got to the outskirts, he was already looking for a sign telling him the place was an inn. He didn't feel..anything funny. He hoped he was trying hard enough.. His gaze landed on a sign that said 'The Sleepy Sheep'..and there was a faded picture of a fluffy lamb jumping over..another fluffy lamb.. He blinked. He didn't..know what to make of it..but started there anyway..

That look on his face tore at her. It bit hard and she found her own eyes drawing away once he looked away. She heard voices at her reaction, at first, was a small tug back. Maybe just a little skiddish. She never been skiddish before. It was weird for her. She silently hoped he didn't notice as she forced herself forward. Even then she was trying very hard to keep him close. The sign that caught his eye would eventually catch her own. She gave a little throaty chuckle at the two sheep. It was cute. For now..she kept that silence. But there was a question that now lingered strongly. One she would wait to ask.-

He knew..that they didn't look their best. He looked like he'd landed face first on a dead animal..and Katt had a giant coat zipped up over her tiny body. He met any eyes that turned onto them..on his way to the door, and stared blankly until they looked away. He heard whispers..but didn't care enough to try and make any out. He palmed the handle of the door and pushed the door in..nudging Katt's back..to get her to go in first.

Unlike Toby, Katt kept quiet and her eyes remained forward. If someone looked they got ignored. Normally people shied away from her unnatural stare as is. A quite grunt escaped her as she was nudged inside.

"Good evening!! Welcome to the..um..welcome!! To the, uh, Sleepy.." The shop keep stammered at the sight of the two.

"Just..one room.. Can we have..lots of food..and lots of towels.." Toby started. And while Toby addressed the shuddering innkeeper Katt managed to look up and around at her surroundings. Food. Her stomach growled and her hand clenched at her stomach.

"Um, of course, how much is..how much?" The innkeeper asked carefully.

"A lot.." Was simply Toby's respond.

"You know..we don't want any trouble here, we're a peaceful place."

Toby nodded softly. "Don't worry about it.. We don't..either.."

He watched the middle aged man retrieve a large brass key off of a small rack. Toby blinked..that was good..not a lot of rooms, not a lot of people.

Turning Katt addressed keep with a rather edged lookf of saddened. "Can..we have something to drink too..please..." She tried to speak louder then the rasp but it was no use. Her throat was too raw from the events over the weak. It was a surprise she could even speak...

"Something..warm.." Toby added and waited until Katt had passed him, then stepped over the threshhold..gently kicked the door shut behind him.. He brushed his hand over her hair, angling himself around her. His boots thudded on the floor as he walked. He liked the sound..took smaller steps just to listen to it. The brass key was warm in his hand. "Like..cocoa.. And some soda..and..lots of water. And..a basin." He glanced aside to the man..who nodded a few times. Toby could see himself in the man's round glasses.

"It's just upstairs..second room on the left. There's a basin inside the room already. Mary, um, let's get started!!" The man turned and gestured to a plump woman around the same age..who smiled, nodded.

"Oh, they just look terrible, dear, don't they?" The kitchen door shut on anything else she said.

Toby looked aside at Katt..nodded up the stairs for her.

She blinked after the woman. She almost made a joke over that but decided that for now it was best to focus on one thing at a time. Turning she started in the direction that had been pointed out by the keep. Another growl of her stomach had her pressing her palm against her stomach. She took the steps rather slowly if only to make sure she didn't go right back down them in some silly fashion. Second door..she stopped in front of it and stared at it.

It was probably a funny thing to witness. As if she was expecting the door to open itself.

The bath..didn't take him long. He spent a lot of time on his face and hands..washed his hair at least three times, if only to get all the blood and dirt out from under his fingernails. He vaguely noted..that he'd have to clean his dagger..and his sword. He was..looking forward to that a little.. He wondered if Denise really wanted it back.. But she had another one.. He had to..go get Gizmo too.. Regardless, about fifteen minutes later, he stepped out of the bathroom..tying a towel around his waist. He rubbed another towel over his head..pitched the black shorts into the pile of clothes he'd made earlier.

The plate had been placed aside to be dealt with later. By the time he had gotten out of the bath Katt was curled up against the wall, tucked strangely close to the dresser. Knees drawn to her chest her forehead was on her knees. She appeared to be asleep but she wasn't. The position hurt some wounds but helped ease others. His feet moving is what caused her to look up and from the clumps of hair she watched him. Only after she noted that the shorts were in the pile that she realized. Jaw flexed as she swallowed and she stared at the floor.

"Katt.." He said, moving towards the door. He made sure it was securely closed..then flicked the bolt lock into position. He gripped the handle..yanked it..made sure it was locked.:: Why are you on the floor.. " He slid his fingers through his hair..mussed it. Water droplets flew everywhere. "Did you..eat something..?" He looked aside at the food. One plate looked like it had seen better days..the one she'd broken. He wasn't hungry.. "You don't..have to take a bath now.. You can sleep..for a while first.."

He would find most of the water was gone. She had drank until she couldn't drink no more. Pushing to stand up she had to use the wall to stand. Her body didn't want her to move. Her hands moved to the dresser then and she murmured. "I..need to bathe though. I'll get the bed dirty and that ..is just ew.." She got a little splashy shower from him and she giggled quietly. It was a heavy, raspy sound. She attempted her way to the bathroom with any more help.

"Oh.." He looked at the bed. That concept..went over his head too. Granted, he'd slept in a bed with a lot of blood on it..some stew..other things.. He grunted..watched her go.. He knew..he would be staring at the door until she came out.. He thumbed the inside of one of his left wrist, upset the wet bracelet there.. He decided..to busy himself with turning the bed down..shaking out the covers, fluffing the pillows.. He didn't know if he was tired..or just wanting to sit down. He figured he wouldn't sleep, though.. Not yet..

It took her a bit longer to bathe but it was mostly because the water was so comfortable and warm that she nearly passed out in the water. When she did come out she was much like he. A towel wrapped around her chest and was tucked under arm. Just to make sure though she was clenching it closed. Her hair was matted down to her face and nearly concealed her eyes from view. She should of brought the dress with her but she didn't think about it until ..well..right then.

He sat on the feather mattress..something that made it look like the thing was trying to eat him. He hadn't been on one in a while..he thought..they were fun. He punched and worked at each of the four pillows, methodical and patient..if only to keep himself occupied. He was mostly dry by the time she came out.. He looked at her..her hair..then the towel around his own waist..swallowed. His ears burned. "We match.." He said it to his knees.

"I forgot the dress.." Her eyes rose up to look at him and she noted his ears were..Her eyes lowered and she slowly moved over to where the dress was on the ground and pretty much trampled over. Probably simply unnoticed. Stopping she waited to see if he would get it for her. She was attempting, very hard, to hide her wounds under that towel. Slowly her eyes tilted to him then to the bed. It looked so..fluffy..Was she allowed to be in it with him? Her eyes fell away to the floor. No. She could sleep on the floor. It was fine by her. It was warm. Safe here.

"Uh.." He looked at her..then the dress.. He wondered, briefly..why she didn't pick it up.. Then he grunted, slid out of the bed, hooked the garment up on a few of his fingers..held it out to her. Bending down..was probably awkward for her.. He'd seen what she'd looked like..for at least two seconds. After that, he'd forced himself to stop..otherwise he'd lose his focus.. He was proud of himself..that he didn't..

She murmured a quiet 'thank you' before moving away. Glancing over at him she made sure to be out of sight. Even still she kept her back to him before dropping the towel and slipping the dress on. It scraped against the larger of her wounds which made her frown a bit. Nothing much could be done about that. She remained there for a few minutes longer to pull her hair over a shoulder and out from under the dress' collar. Once she collected herself a bit she turned towards him.

He watched her..at least until.. "Ah.." His head whipped right back around..he cleared his throat..reached for a soda bottle. He pried the cap off..took a few drinks. He..liked this flavor.. It was a little sour..but sweet too. Different..from the tea shop's.. He brought it back to the bed with him..sat it down next to the wall..focused intently on the interestingly pattern-less white down around his legs.

She blinked when she heard him. Had he..No. She knew him better then that. Once done she moved over to him and clasped her hands in front of her. "You..should get under the covers and lay down ...I'll go ask the lady if she can find you some clothes. And some extra blankets." She glanced to the floor. Yes she would be sleeping there. He wasn't going to stop her either.

"Mmph.." He looked over..sort of..then again once he realized she was dressed. He shook his head..he knew his forehead wrinkled. He didn't.. He had to say things..otherwise people would have no idea.. "Don't leave.." He clenched his right hand. He wouldn't touch his chest..at least that's what he told himself.. "Please..just..stay here.."

She blinked and looked to him. "Toby..do you plan on sleeping with a towel around your waist?" She watched him for a moment before moving forward. Both hands stretched out as if to hug him. She stopped herself and instead offered her hands to him. "I..am not going anywhere..."

He nodded to her question..blinked at her..then her hands. He swallowed..held out his own too.. He ran his fingertips across her knuckles..his lips pursed as he watched himself do it. He squeezed his eyes shut..shook his head. He figured..that looked weird.. "It doesn't matter..I don't care if I have clothes or not.. You don't..get it do you.. None of this..is about me.. Why are you acting..like you're not important..?"

It confused her. Slowly her eyes followed his fingers and her hands slowly started to lower. Mostly because it was hard to keep them up. "Why is it..you are not embarrassed about being nearly naked in front of someone..but if someone is in front of you..you seem bothered.." Her brows were forced into a furrow. "Not..about you...how can you say that.." She didn't want to respond to the later question. It ..hurt. Instead she placed her hands to her sides and looked away. "Get in the bed.."

"I don't.." He leaned..tried to catch at least one of her hands..pull softly on it.. She said..she wasn't going to leave..why was she acting like she was going to.. "Come with me.." Why..did he sound like he was little..again.. It was weird to him..and he wanted it to stop.. "You need to sleep too.." He should have..made her drink more of the elixir..he was still considering..the other option..

A little blink made her look to the hand he was pulling on. Her cheeks grew warm if only faintly at his request. The thought was enough to make her head hurt and she wasn't sure if it was good or bad. She felt..nervous. Why? She shouldn't. She scolded herself for being so stupid. Yet ...the idea and offer of sleeping in such a plush bed had her slowly nodding to agree. "U..Uh..o..okay..but you should get in first." That way at least the sheet can be situated in case the towel went..loose. She couldn't look at him so instead focused on his hand holding hers.

"Oh.." He didn't let go of her..but turned and moved towards the bed..crawled onto it..kept gently tugging.. He worked his way to the other side of the bed..leaving the one nearest to her open.. Belatedly, he shoved his legs and feet down under the four blankets, pulled at them with his free hand.

She blinked when realizing that he was basically refusing to let her go. Was he that afraid she was going to leave? She watched him for a moment or two before crawling up onto the bed herself. There was two blankets she allowed between them. She tensed up as she sank down in the softness. Her body ached in a way she was alarmed at. It was comfortable but she had to lay on her back. Her side...she couldn't otherwise he'd know.. It didn't mean she didn't attempt to pull her hand away from his. Instead her fingers curled loosely to the side of his own.

"You're still hurt..aren't you.." He figured he'd try asking first.. He didn't think she'd tell him the truth.. Which was probably why he said what he did next. "You told me once..that you wanted me to use the vial because you were worried about me.." His fingers curled into his palm. They felt..empty.. But..at least she was still there.. He glanced over at the bathroom. He should have..cried in there. That way it would be out of his system..and his throat and eyes wouldn't be..messing up.

Her fingers drifted over his hand softly in comforting motions. She smiled just a touch at his deduction. "Yeah..but I'll be okay. You've already given me some of the elixir Toby. You need to save the rest. The next new moon isn't until..." She was quiet for a moment. That particular day almost made her frown. Almost. Her eyes drifted at a half-closed state and she looked at him quite tiredly. It was actually a mixed expression. Though it screamed heavy of her tiredness there was also a relaxed warmth. Calmed. She felt..safe.

"Mmph.." He could wait..until she was asleep..and just make her do it. If she was still hurt..that meant.. He sniffed, rubbed his face with one hand..combed it back through his hair. He didn't..want to look down at her yet. He was still considering hiding in the bathroom.. His hand tightened under hers..then he moved it, shook out the covers gently, then pulled them over her..gently tucking her in.

Her eyes followed his hand for a moment before she pulled her hand finally away from his own. She heard him sniff and there was sureness in what it meant. Fingers curled then relaxed. Arm stretched out then and she brushed her fingertips through his hair and along his forehead. "I'm here.."

"Heh.." It was more breath than voice..his eyes closed.. He leaned back..rolled over.. He was facing her..but he pushed his eyes and nose into the pillows.. He both wished she wouldn't do that..and wished she would. She was..warmer.. That was good.. He pushed out one of his hands..so that the backs of his knuckles rested on her arm. That was..all he could allow himself.. At least until she was better.. It was..harder than he thought. His other hand curled..pressed up against his chest. He was sure that couldn't be hidden..he'd done it enough. "I hope so.."

She struggled to stay awake but her body simply refused. Eyes fell closed and she murmured something. Slowly, back and forth, her thumb stroked his forehead. Slower..and slower..until it stopped. Maybe it was her way of making sure that he would be there when she woke or simply making sure..he was there at all. A handful of sounds escaped her barely parted lips as her body began to relax into the bed. No longer use to something so comfortable it was taking her much longer to settle in.

He would probably forget during the night..or maybe just..give up trying to keep from touching her. He had to make sure..that nothing would take her away..that she wouldn't even have a chance to leave on her own.. He wished..she understood that things happened to her..when she was alone.. That part of the pillow he was laying on was wet in seconds.. He tried..not to cry too hard..or loudly. He fisted his hands in his hair.. It wouldn't stop..not until he was out of breath.. When that happened..he just stared.. He couldn't really see her..but he knew she was there. He didn't..want to sleep.. And he would make sure..he didn't..

If she had known he wasn't going to sleep she would of fussed. But she was completely gone. Ever so often, even in her sleep, her thumb brushed against his skin. It was almost a tick of sorts. Other then that she was completely relaxed in her sleep. Something she hadn't had in a while.