Ryu was almost completely exhausted from toting such a huge load.  He froze when he heard the neko move in on him like that.  "Shit."  He swore aloud again, not completely in control of his wits.<em>Nya?</em>the thought sprang to mind.  He turned and faced the woman.  He heard her warning, and thought highly of it since he was kinda strapped to a wagon that weighed in around one thousand pounds.  "Umm.."  He started, for once at a loss for composure.  Then his face brightened like a lightbulb.  "I'm toting a giant fish to that mansion over there.  I'll give you a cut of it if you can help out."  If he played his cards right, he might even get tied for last place, or maybe make it in time to start with.