The Jungle [Rated T][Private]

Nezumi popped into view. He must have been too slow, and she was coming to get him. She was full of energy. Nariko stopped running, watching her getting closer to him. He still had plenty of youth, but he needed a second to catch his breath. After a short moment, he was good to go. Would Nezumi bring him off to another spot to play, or would they play right here? Part of the fun was probably in the running around, Nariko thought. Would she play a certain game, or would they simply run around some more?

Nezumi had climbed on his shoulders. She wanted a piggy back ride? Then a ride she would get!

"Hold tight!"

Nariko started to run, making sure that Nezumi did not fall. She was quite light, so it wasn't that hard. After a bit, he found himself back in the field where he had been earlier. This wide open spot would be a great place to do something. Coming to a stop, he waited for what Nezumi would tell him she wanted to do.

She wanted to go faster? Then he would go faster! Slowly, he let go of her legs, so that she would realise and make sure to grab hold of him. He got down on all four, and began going as fast as he could. This should please her, he thought.

"Fast enough for you?"

He sprinted off, going down the trail road. He was going to need a break and some water after this one, but for now he was fine, so he continued to run.

He still wasn't out of breath, and could continue to run fast. He was somewhat surprised that he wasn't out of breath yet. But as long as he could keep going, he would. He continued going fast, Nezumi was probably having the time of her life. Nariko was glad to make her happy.

After a bit he was getting tired. He was out of breath now, and had to stop. He slowed down, reaching a complete stop. Flopping on his belly, he started to pant. He didn't care if Nezumi was still on top of him, he needed a break. He truly was part dog, he thought to himself.

"I'm okay, I... just need to catch my breath..."

He continued to breath heavily, laying on his stomach. He only needed a few minutes, he would be fine soon. It had been a fun run. He enjoyed playing with Nezumi. They would have to do something like this again sometime. It was fun.

He stayed on the ground panting for a bit more. After a few minutes of catching his breath, he felt better. But he didn't quite feel like running anymore, he had done enough running for today. Maybe Nezumi could figure out another game for them to play. He sat up and looked at Nezumi.

"What would you like to play now?"

He gave her a nice smile. It was fun playing with her.

"Oh yes, I'm fine."

He smiled warmly at her. She was concerned about his well-being, how cute, he thought. She was a very sweet kid. It was nice to know that there were people like here still left in the world. He was glad. It was such a nice day today, wonderful weather. Standing up, he looked at Nezumi.

"Want to play some more?"

Nariko thought for a moment. What would they play? After a short moment, he decided. Walking up to her slowly and non threateningly, he suddenly brought his arm towards her when he was close to her. His hand hit her shoulder, but not in a way that hurt. He had done it gently, in a way that would not knock her down or leave a mark on her.

"Tag, you're it!"

Nariko instantly turned around and began running from her. He wondered how long it would take her to tag him back.

When he was a little ways away from her, he stopped and turned around. She was chasing after him. He started running to his left. It was fun playing with her, he thought. She brought out so much energy in him. It was nice to act like a kid. He laughed and kept running from her.

He ran around the field, if he saw that he was getting away from the middle of it and heading towards the trees, he would turn slightly. It was when he turned that he was most vulnerable to be tagged back. he had to keep it interesting though, and not head into the trees. So he didn't run in a straight line, he usually ran in a somewhat circular path, turning more severely when he was getting close to the trees. It was fun running around.

Nariko was running when he saw Nezumi in front of him. There wasn't enough space to turn without flipping over, and he didn't want to just stop or bump into her. He was about to run into her when he fell backwards onto his back, and slid between her legs, like a baseball player sliding to a base. When he was behind her, he started a roll, doing a somersault type of move, and then found himself on his feet. He had to stop, if he had kept trying to run after all that, he wouldn't have a clue what direction he was going in. Turning around, he looked at Nezumi. He noticed that he was getting really tired now, that last maneuver had taken out a lot of energy as well. He was breathing slightly heavily, but this had been fun. He smiled at Nezumi.

Nariko sat down when Nezumi sat down. Then he lay down. He was tired after all of this exercise. He wondered slightly if Nezumi had tagged him when he had slid under her, or if she had missed or not tried. Whoever was it right now didn't quite matter though, he just lay panting on the ground. Turning his head towards Nezumi, he smiled, a big goofy smile. He laughed a bit.

"That was fun."