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The shadows almost dissipated into mist as soon as the fire touched them. He really wasn't fairing well but it gave Neko enough time to launch an attack. In the delayed time it took for Blade to get to his feet Neko launched toward him, a punch aimed at the thief's chest. Neko was trying to remember where fire magic originated, he remembered earth magic had to do with the feet and legs only because of Yuki, his revolved around the liver....he was thinking fire had to do with something within the torso.

Glad that something had finally connected Neko was suddenly graced with another kick to the chest sending him stumbling back. His defense was horrible, he rarely tried to block relying on his healing ability to take care of the pain. Thankfully, it did the job, he barely let out a grunt as he came to a stop catching his balance a few feet away.

"Could use a little work I think," Neko grinned as his shadows started to pool at his feet again. He knew his limits, as long as he didn't try shape shifting he wouldn't get tired easily. Changing his form burned a lot of energy quickly trying to maintain it. It was still, however, a tactic he might use. "You're pretty quick." Neko commented as he drew up his hand the black pooling mass crawling up his form to cover that arm. As soon as it reached his hand the liquid extended off his fingers in long claw like talons. "So I hope you're ready." Again Neko leaped forward hoping to keep Blade on the defensive as he came in for another attack.

Claws met with the metal of Blade's sword, the hardened substance around his fingers making a screeching noise as they tried to push the object back. Seeing Blade's other arm move Neko shifted just in time to avoid a nice gash across the side. The sword had still managed to catch his shirt, however, slicing it open across the side where it had intended to strike. That had been a rather close call.

Focusing back on the thief, Neko's claws began to extend in length. His hand might have been held at bay but that didn't keep him from reaching Blade with another attack as his claws shot out toward him.

As Blade twisted and moved away, Neko was pleased to see that his attack hadn't completely missed. He would have to be sure to take it easy and not wound Blade too badly, they weren't at war after all. About to say something on the matter Neko was cut short as he quickly stepped aside to avoid the fireball that Blade had thrown in his direction. He could feel the heat as it passed him by glad that it hadn't struck him. If there was anything that was going to make his dodging skills a little better it was going to be that. He really didn't want to be lit up.

Reaching for another blade, the black mass covering his fingers disappearing, Neko took a step toward the thief again, circling around looking for an opening. It would probably be best to strike at his wounded side, though something else might show itself as a promising opportunity.

Neko's eyes widened as he dodge rolled to the side to avoid the second fireball. Coming to a stop in a crouch he looked to where the fireball had landed, a scorch mark left in its wake. "You really like to use those don't you?" Well, if he wanted to use up his energy throwing fire around then Neko could egg him on. Turning back to Blade, Neko lunged forward from his crouch keeping low, using the knife in his hand to swipe at thief's legs. He would probably stay close to the ground if possible hoping to make it more difficult for Blade to attack without effort.

While Neko was rather fast considering his race, Blade seemed to have a bit of an edge on speed. Trying to roll away from the fireball the flame ended up clipping him in the side setting a bit of his shirt on fire. Luckily in the roll he was able to extinguish the flames but that didn't keep there from being a slight burn on his now exposed skin. "Yeah....effective." Neko grumbled in reply.

He hadn't really planned on using mind control as a tactic but Blade seemed to have a bit of a skill advantage on the other end of the spectrum. If he wanted to have any edge at all he was going to have to use the skills he had as well. It just seemed a little...underhanded, but at least it would keep him from being burned. The only problem was he needed to be close.

Well, there was no helping it. Drawing the blade back in his hand it was once again coated with the black substance that was his power. Throwing it at the ground close to Blade's feet it exploded filling the air with a large cloud of dust. Now with the aided cover Neko moved forward his body shifting in form as he got closer to Blade.

Moving through the dust slowly, Neko continued to shift his form and clothes. His height only changed a little but his structure changed a lot. He decided on a form that Blade would be less likely to strike but still wouldn't be a stretch for him to change into. The bigger the body difference the more energy it took. Shifting into a girl would have the greatest effect but his initial thoughts of Hitsu or Mitsu would have taken a lot of energy considering how short they both were. So instead he focused on Riyo, his form molding into that of hers. Blade knew he could shift but he wondered if he would be prepared for this or not.

A few seconds went by before he was starting to wonder if Blade had retreated until he heard footfalls behind him. Turning sharply he could just barely make Blade's form out in the dust. If only he had Riyo's voice he could use that to his advantage while trying to hide in her form. It was the only draw back to shape shifting, he couldn't change his voice unless he used another little trick he had stumbled upon by accident.

Neko did his best to tailor his face into that of confusion as he approached, Riyo's facial expressions mimicking his attempt. As he got closer it was a little harder to keep up so to keep from giving himself away before he could attack he lashed out, reaching for one of Blade's arms to twist it behind his back. For all purposes he kept the form for now, though he didn't speak just yet. Instead he began to grin.