Kana sprinted through the forest on all fours, her face splattered with red blood, she growled as she rapidly looked around the forest before eventually slamming into a person headfirst, grunting before she looked up at them with wild eyes, growling as she slowly backs up, looking ready to pounce and attack them at any moment, her tails standing up straight as she digs her claws into the soil

Don't look at me like that human. I will kill you if you don't leave me alone... just go back to wherever you came from.

I don't need your help. I can take care of myself. Just leave me alone.

I will find my own way. I'm not going back to the facility. And even if that means living in these woods forever, so be it. Just leave me alone!

So you're saying... that you can help me? That you won't hurt me? That I can trust you?

I don't know... I have trust issues with everyone. You say you want to help me, but how do I know you're not just like them? That you won't hurt me in the end? I've been through so much pain already, I can't take anymore. But... if I let you help me, would you promise not to hurt me, even if I don't trust you completely? Would you protect me and keep me safe from them? Please say something.

I... I don't know what to think anymore. Everything is so confusing and I just want this pain to end. If you promise to protect me, even if I can't trust you fully, then I will let you help me for now. But if you betray that trust or try anything funny, I swear I'll kill you myself. Do we have a deal?

(Feral Kana hesitates and waits for Tarren to reply, her tail twitching nervously between her legs.)

I understand your words and the weight they carry... but please don't ask me to never love another human again. It's unfair, and I won't promise that. As for not falling in love with you... maybe it could happen over time if you prove yourself trustworthy. But for now, my guard will remain up. So just focus on protecting me and keeping your promises.

I will try not to fall in love with you... but promises are hard to keep, and I can't control my heart. Just remember that when the time comes, whatever happens, it's on your head.

That's alright. I understand you have your own problems to deal with. And as long as you keep your promises and protect me, I can live there until we find a better place for me... if that ever comes.

I understand... I just need to get my injuries taken care of and hidden as much as possible. Thank you for letting me stay here until then. It means a lot to me.

It's alright, we don't have much choice. Just keep in mind that I might not be comfortable being close to you or anyone else, so please give me some space when sleeping. And if I ever feel threatened, I will let you know.

Well, I'm used to sleeping on the ground so any bed will feel comfortable enough. Thank you again for letting me stay here tonight. I appreciate it more than you know.

I'll try... but I can't promise anything. Just do your part to keep me safe and we'll see how things go. Now, if you don't mind, I think I should wash up a bit before sleeping.

I won't be long... I just need to get this blood off me before it dries any further. And no, even if you saw me as a human girl right now, it wouldn't matter. I still wouldn't like being seen naked by anyone else. So please, give me some privacy while I wash up.

Alright... I'm going to take a quick shower now. Just give me some time and I should be done soon. And please, try not to listen in while I'm taking care of myself. Some privacy would be appreciated.

(Kana pads off to the bathroom and closes the door behind her. After a moment, the sound of running water can be heard as she takes a quick shower to wash the blood off. Once done, she dries herself with a towel before opening the door again.)

(Kana creeps out of the bathroom silently and takes off her damp towel, revealing her naked body once more. She pads over to the bed and slips underneath the covers before curling up into a ball, trying to get comfortable despite her injuries. Her tail twitches nervously behind her as she listens for any signs of movement from Tarren.)

The hours pass by slowly as Kana lies awake in the dark, her eyes fluttering shut before snapping open again. The bed is soft and comfortable compared to what she's used to, but she can't seem to relax properly. Every sound from outside catches her attention, every movement making her tenser. She bites down on her lip hard enough to taste blood as she tries not to worry about what might happen next.

Her breath catches in her throat as she senses movement nearby. She tenses up even more, her muscles coiled and ready to spring into action if needed. A part of her wants to confront the intruder head-on, to fight back against anyone who dares disturb her slumber. But another part is terrified, frozen in place as adrenaline courses through her veins. She tries to summon up the courage to face whatever has disturbed her, her ears flattening against her skull in fear and agitation.

Her eyes snap open when she feels warm breath on her neck, her heart racing as she whirls around violently, growling at the intruder. Her claws dig into the sheets beneath her, ready to slash out at anything that moves too close. It's only then that she realizes it's Tarren who has woken her up and is standing before her now.

Her muscles relax slightly as she takes in his form and expression. His eyes are soft and gentle, his face calm despite the tension between them. She backs away a little from him, still unsure of what he intends or how safe she truly feels around him at this moment.

(Kana swallows hard and nods, her voice hoarse from fear and exhaustion. She can't deny that she was scared when he woke her up, but now... now she feels a strange mix of confusion and relief. Her muscles slowly uncoil as she takes in Tarren's appearance again, searching for any signs of malice or duplicity.)

"No... I mean, I wasn't really sleeping..." she admits with a small sigh, her tail lashing back and forth behind her. "I was just lying here, worrying about things."

Kana hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly. "I suppose... if it wouldn't be too much trouble." She watches him carefully, unsure of what his intentions might be. A small part of her is still wary, but another part is drawn to the comfort and safety she feels in his presence despite herself.

She glances away uncomfortably before looking back at him. "I mean... I guess. If you don't mind." Her voice is quiet and unsure, but there's a hint of curiosity in her tone as well. Part of her still wants to maintain distance between them, but another part wonders what it would be like to truly trust someone enough to share a bed with them.

"Just... make sure you give me plenty of space and don't touch me unless it's necessary," she adds quickly, her ears flattening against her head again.

Kana's ears twitch at his words. "I'm sorry," she murmurs softly. "It's just... I have trust issues and I don't want anyone taking advantage of me." She glances back toward the bed, her tail swishing slowly behind her. "But if you promise to give me some space and not touch me unless it's really necessary..." she trails off uncertainly.

A small part of her wants to know what it would be like to feel safe enough with someone else to allow closeness... even physical contact. But another, larger part is terrified by the very thought. She trusts no one, and the idea of putting herself in a position where she could get hurt again fills her with dread.

Kana hesitates before slowly allowing her body weight to sink into the bedding. It feels warm and comfortable against her skin, and she can't deny that part of her enjoys the sensation. As Tarren covers her with the blanket, she shivers slightly at his touch but doesn't object or pull away.

Her eyes dart around the room as she tries to find a place for herself within this new reality. She knows she can't trust anyone completely, not even him... but maybe if he proves himself trustworthy enough and respects her boundaries, they can find some sort of understanding together. For now, all she can do is wait and see how things unfold between them in the morning light.

Kana watches as Tarren retreats to the sofa before settling back into her bedding. She listens to his breathing as he falls back asleep, feeling a strange sense of comfort in the silence. Slowly but surely, exhaustion claims her once more and she slips into fitful sleep, her body aching from all the recent stress and trauma. In her dreams, she's running through the forest again, free and wild... but always with the feeling that someone or something is following just out of sight.

Kana's heart skips a beat as she feels Tarren's arms wrapped around her from behind. Her first instinct is to tense up and pull away, but something about his embrace feels oddly comforting and protective. She slowly relaxes into the warmth of his body, resting her head on his shoulder as they lie there together like this. It's a strange sensation for her; having someone so close without feeling threatened or afraid. Perhaps... perhaps she can trust him just enough to let down some of her defenses.

Kana blushes deeply at his words and realizes he's right; she had been twitching and thrashing in her sleep again. She hadn't even noticed until now. As she listens to him, a strange feeling grows within her chest - warmth and contentment mixed with a hint of shame for being so needy and vulnerable. But despite it all, she can't help but lean into his embrace just a little bit more. "T-thank you..." she whispers softly, her voice hoarse from disuse. "It... it meant a lot to me." A small smile tugs at the corner of her lips as she finally allows herself to fully relax against him. Perhaps there's hope for her yet; maybe trust isn't such a lost cause after all.

The sunlight streams through the window, bathing them both in its warmth as they lie together like this, their bodies entwined and at peace. For now, at least, the world outside seems far away and harmless... and for once, Kana allows herself to just be happy.

Kana flinches at the roughness of his touch but doesn't pull away. Her eyes meet his, and she swallows hard before answering. "I know... I won't forget." Her voice is barely above a whisper as she studies Tarren's face, searching for any sign of malice or duplicity. But all she sees there is concern and protectiveness, and it only serves to make her heart race faster.

She closes her eyes, taking in his scent and the feel of his skin against hers. It's intoxicating, and part of her wants nothing more than to give in to this feeling; to lose herself completely in him. But another part knows better; she can't trust anyone that easily anymore. Not after what she's been through.

So she holds onto this moment gently, savoring every touch and breath as if it were her last, promising herself that no matter what happens next, she won't forget the lesson life has taught her so harshly over the years: to trust only in yourself.

Her eyes narrow suspiciously as he speaks. "What do you mean?" She pulls away slightly to look him in the eye, her tail lashing behind her nervously. Something about his words unsettles her; she's aware that she isn't safe here, but this feels different than simply being pursued by soldiers or hunters.

"What is it you aren't telling me?" She asks quietly, searching for some answer in the depths of his gaze.

Kana freezes at his words, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief. "You... you killed them?" she whispers hoarsely, hardly able to believe what he's saying. A feeling of intense relief washes over her, followed by a sudden rush of anger and betrayal toward the people who had done this to her. But then, another part of her voice is surprised to find, a strange sense of gratitude as well.

"How... how could you do that?" she asks, still struggling to comprehend the magnitude of what he's just told her. A million questions race through her mind, but for now, all she can manage is this one, tentative inquiry. She reaches out a trembling hand to touch his arm, wanting desperately to believe in the sincerity of his words and actions.

Her voice breaks as she whispers, "I... I can't believe you did this." Tears streak down her cheeks, blurring his image in front of her. Part of her is overwhelmed by gratitude and a strange new feeling that she can't quite understand. But another part still feels wary and unsure, struggling to reconcile the man before her with the one who brought her here and vowed to keep her safe from harm.

She swallows hard, trying to find the words to express what she's thinking and feeling. "Why... why did you do it? Why help me?"

You saved my life, Tarren. And even though I don't know why you did it, I am grateful... more than words can express. But please, promise me that whatever made you help me in the first place will stay with you. Don't let them change your heart or make you forget who you are deep down inside. Because if they do... if anything happens to you because of this... I don't know what I'd do.

She reaches out and gently takes his hand, lacing their fingers together as she looks up at him with eyes full of trust and hope that maybe, just maybe, she hasn't been wrong about him after all.

Kana blushes deeply at his sudden movement and retreat, her heart thudding in her chest as she wonders what might have been. A part of her wants nothing more than for him to kiss her, but another part is unsure; afraid that if they cross this line, it could change everything between them. She bites down on her lower lip nervously and meets his gaze, hoping that he can understand the conflict she's feeling inside.

"It's alright," she manages to whisper. "We don't have to... I mean, if you want to... it's up to you." Her voice trails off uncertainly as she waits for him to make the next move, her body tense and alert despite her efforts not to show any signs of longing or desire.