A bundle of fluff

It happened so fast. Seconds ago, they had still seen their master clashing with the little demon, right before the thing decided to spit its saliva into her face. The woman froze on the spot before darting aside to retch in disgust, frantically wiping the slime off her face. The demon laughed like a maniac and disappeared before Li Ryu and Yin Bai's blades could slash it down. They took her back to the healing chamber, and after a careful examination, Elder Lan said she was completely fine. No poison, no injured organs. The two young men looked at each other with raised eyebrows, wondering if it was really just a distracting trick for the demon to bail. --- "...Didn't you say she was fine???" Patriarch Lin massaged his temples tiredly, looking anywhere but at the little girl sitting beside him, chewing on a piece of rice cake with her puffed cheeks. "Elder Lan said so... And Master was still fine last night... We even escorted her to her chamber." Li Ryu rubbed his neck, replying awkwardly. His dark hair looked disheveled from running around in a panic all morning. "He said maybe this was some spell of the child demon that turns people young. The good news is, it won't be permanent. She will turn back in a few days." Yin Bai kept his calm composure while his violet eyes observed the girl carefully. "The bad news is... he doesn't know exactly how long." Patriarch Lin pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a heavy sigh. "Fine. You two, keep an eye on her. Make sure she doesn't wander around and get hurt." "Understood, Patriarch. Master, let's leave for breakfast. You must be hungry." --- The training courtyard was full of sword-clashing sounds and disciples' shouting during matches. Li Ryu's golden eyes caught a small figure fidgeting not far away from the dais' steps, getting distracted from watching them train. Yin Bai flicked a strand of white hair sticking to his neck away, letting out a tired breath as they approached to see what had caught their little master's interest. "Master, what do you have there?" "Kitty!" "I see. What are you doing with it?" "Kitty! Pat pat!" She chirped, her small hand patting the feline's bottom with a gleeful expression, despite the subject not looking very amused. The silver-haired disciple stared at it with a deadpan face before replying. "I don't think it appreciates the touch, Master." "Kitty's butt! Fluffy!" The silver-haired disciple massaged his forehead, even though the corners of his lips twitched upward slightly, before glaring at Li Ryu, who was trying his best not to burst out laughing. "If that cat scratches her, I will blame it on you."