The off duty Rune Knight was taking a small vacation off from her work and personal quest. She never liked being alone or the quiet. It helped if music was playing or if someone was talking. It kinda reminds her that is she is still alive. The Crocus Gardens were a must-see for anyone visiting the wonderful capital. She had been here before with her mother and father and a few times with Hikaru when he came to visit Era. There were fond memories here. Now, she lied with her fiance walking the peaceful garden. The city and loud noises were more of her preference, but she guessed this was nice too. She had to have headphones on playing classical music to help her keep calm.

Hans was not random for once as he thought this would be a nice place to have them unwind for a while. When it came to romance with LeeAnn, he never failed to please her. He always made every moment wonderful as his gentle fingertips crossed with hers. The kitsune was yet again getting stares. Nothing new. Though, no one said anything just avoiding them at all costs. They could really careless. The redhead was out of her armor and off duty as a Rune Knight. She wore her black leather jacket with her skinny jeans and knee high leather boots. She had a locket made out of pure gold that belong to her mother that said Elizabeth Nakamura engraved on the back.

"LeeAnn, how are you feeling" he asked. The redhead took off the headphones as she looked up at her fiance. He had a pleasent and comforting smile on his face. "Quite well, thanks to you" she smiled. The kitsune stood taller than almost everyone that they had ever met. He stood at 6'5" which was rare for humans. He was slender and not much muscle but extremely quick on his feet. "Look over there, I think those are venus flytraps" he said, pointing over to an exotic plant.

Selena was walking through the capital Crocus. Her eyebrows were furrowed and had a small frown on her face. Her mouth was moving quick, barely opening and only a hit of noise coming out. A blind person could see she was pissed about something. With a hefty "URRGH" Escaping her mouth and angrily ruffling up her hair she sat down on a near by bench where she continued to mumble to herself.  "Why did they make me take days off! I mean so what I didn't exactly take a break for the last 2 months but to give me this long to 'recover'? URGHH" The frustration ever growing on Selena.

Burying her face in her hands, she moved them back to her hair where she gave it a stylish shake up. Although she was kinda annoyed about everything she didn't want to seem totally deranged. Looking around taking a deep breath Selena was keeping an eye out for anything that could entertain her. "I wonder, I wonder..." The young slayer said getting up and tilting her head. Her cobalt eyes gave the area a quick scan. Aha! Perfect. Selena walked to her targeted location.



Selena had actually heard some good things about this place as she was being forced out of Era. They had nice flowers, beautiful perfumes and a quaint little coffee shop with special themed drinks and food, such has 'Bumble Bee Tea' and 'Red Rose Cakes.' Selena's mouth watered at the thought of the food. Quickly eating her saliva she made her way into the Gardens. As soon as she entered through the gate she was hit in the face with a wide arrange of aromas from the flowers. Selena's nose was highly sensitive being a slayer and all, so she could smell every plant, animal and ugh... Body in the place. To make matters worse - Achoo! "Ugh it's started..." Selena said, her voice had more of a nasally quality to it. Selena tried to make her way through the place although now her eyes were beginning to water. Too much pollen in the place. Silently hoping the place had a pharmacy Selena first tried looking for the cafe.

The redhead quietly heard sounds of voices coming near as she turned off her music. She wasn't one to classical music since it was too soothing and calm. She liked rock and screamo and of course, dubstep. The area was full of flowers and tourists checking out the local cafe. The kitsune tugged on her arm rapdily like a little kid. He pulled on her jacket sleeve pointing to the cafe. His blue eyes lit up with a certain park that was like the stars in the night sky. "Lee, Lee, Lee, let's go to the cafe! I hear they have great food" he smiled. He looked down at his fiance who would only look at it with a small smile and nod.

Calmly she trailed behind him with her hands in her pockets as he dashed to the cafe. He was already in the cafe ordering what he wanted. They probably had things that she couldn't eat and be poisonious to her body. She always kept a small package of "meat" in her pocket incase. People just assumed it was steak or pork. They never seem to question what it really was. Right at the moment, she wasn't hungry. From the corner of her eye, she noticed a girl who kept sneezing and watery eyes. Allergies. It was not surprising to her with a place like this. That was bound to trigger some people. Apart of her wanted to help, but she would simply stay quiet. The girl would come towards her as she would simply open the door for her, not expecting to be thanked. She would follow in afterwards.

LeeAnn took out a few tissues for her and handed them to her with a blank expression on her face. "Here, this may help" was all she said. She kept an eye on Hans and making sure he was "in control" with his gags and pranks. The redhead would reach into her coat pocket to make sure he snack of "meat" was still there.

Good.

It was.

Selena kept blinking and wiping her eyes to remove all the water accumulating. From the blurry mess she could however make out a large figure running giddy to, Yes the cafe! Selena wiped her wrist across her face, removing any unwanted water from her face. When she came to the door she realized it was being help open. Although to see who was being so nice alluded her. "Than-Choo!" The compliment being lost in the sneeze. As soon as she entered she let a large sigh of relief. The pollen couldn't come reach her with such numbers. As her eyes began to clear she noticed a red head with her hand outstretched. "Here, this may help". Selena took the small cylindrical object from her hand. "Thanks." She muttered again, he nasal completely warping her voice.

Selena looked to her right where the luminous sign wrote "Ladies" With a large Rose painted around it for decoration. Selena took linger strides to reach the bathroom faster. Once inside she placed the small cylindrical object up one of her nostril, clamping the other shut then taking one large snort while she headed to a stall. She then repeated with the other, a harder snort this time to make sure it worked. Placing her left hand on the wad of tissues beside her, she took about half a dozen tissues and used them to blow her nose and wipe her eyes. Flushing the snot ridden rags down the toilet she stepped out of the stall and checked herself in the mirror. "Ahh much better. Good." Selena said to herself, fixing her face and hair. That stuff that woman gave her really did the trick. Grasping the cylindrical object in her hand she took a deep breath, half hoping no one say her in such a sate as the red head did and pushed the door open.

Selena's eyes immediately darted to the only red head in the place. She was accompanied by a rather hulking large man. Honestly being a little shy at first, Selena walked over. "Ur- thanks for this really helped." Selena said bowing and outstretching the little item.

After she gave the tissues to the girl, she happily took then and ran off to the bathroom. Calmly, she watched the blue haired girl dart to the bathroom door. LeeAnn took a seat next to a window. Her mind started to wander about her brother. It had been such a long time since either of them talked to each other. The last time they had talked to each other was when Hikaru decided to become a Rune Knight. Even at the time, it was just a simple "hello". Nothing too special.

In her hand, was the last letter he had written to her. It was long letter consisting of four pages written front to back. It was after she had returned home from her "kidnapping". It explained how he was doing and wondering what had happened to her. She kept this letter with her at all times. It was yellowed a little and had a lot of wear and tear. The envelope was white with a red and gold seal of the Nakamura house symbol on it. At the time of the letter, she did write a response, but he never received it. Now, they were in the same faction. Both Rune Knights, but never saw each other. She would see him training with the others out on the grounds from the window of her uncle's office. It was by luck she was placed under her uncle's control when she first joined. The treatment was a bit better than the other fellow knights had received. LeeAnn did miss him. Since she had came home, only Hans and her uncle gave her attention. Sure, her dad did too, but he was extremely depressed about her mother. Hans was her only friend. He was there with her always through thick and thin even the most chaotic moments.

There was a bottle half full of mead and a brown paper wrapped square object labeled "Snack: Lee" written in chicken scratch. It was obviously Hans's work. The cafe had nothing she could eat. Might as well bring your own. The odor coming from the snack was almost unnoticeable. It smelled like raw meat. Though, no one could tell what kind it was. Could be pig, deer, cow, or something worse? She hadn't opened the package of meat yet when Hans came trotting over with a plate full of cheesecake. It smelled good, but Lee couldn't eat it. "This taste so good! Aren't you going to eat your food, Lee" he asked. It broke her trance of thinking about Hikaru. She smiled and shook her head without a word. Just as she was peeling the tape off the paper. The girl from earlier shown up showing shew as quite shy. She thanked LeeAnn for the tissues. "Oh it was no problem. I always keep some on me in case. Allergies are always occurring" she smiled.

Lee huh... That was the name the man across from him had referee her as. It sounded familiar to Selena but she wasn't sure, after all she didn't get a good look at her, with her eyes turned I to small swimming pool's.

The woman called Lee smiled and simply stated that she always keeps some on her because allergies are a common thing. "Well usually I'm not too bad, but I think with all the flowers here it was a bit too much for me to handle." Selena said returning the smile and returning to an upright position. It was then that Selena froze. She was already half solidified by just walking up to these people but what she seen turned her into a statue. Lee was completely pitch black in parts, something not uncommon with certain disease's or demons. Speaking of, the man she was accompanied with looked strikingly like a kitsune. "Em, er.", Selena murmured her uncharacteristic shyness still evident. Quickly before either could try to make sense of what she said she sat down next to the kitsune (as the chair was already there). "Mind if I sit here, thanks!" She blurted out, so looking directly at Lee. A slightly troubled face washed over Selena as she did so. Was this kitsune beside her doing this to her, causing these odd blackish marks to appear. Feeling like she was in this woman's debt she wanted to stay and make sure. Selena was a Rune Knight after all she had to protect innocent Civilians. Just because she was on a vacation didn't mean she had to stop doing that!

Selena moved her head, trying to look for a waiter amongst the grow which was still getting bigger. "Oh well guess I'll have to wait a bit." Sighed Selena. It was an annoyed sigh and rightfully so. She had inexplicably put herself into a random social interaction! "Oh Em I never introduced myself did I? My name is Selena Malestrom pleased to meet you both." She said, her voice now ridden of the nazal sound effects. "So, eh, Nice weather?"

The girl sounded a lot better than she did before LeeAnn had given her the tissues. There was less nasal talk and sounding stuff. The package that was her food she put in her pocket for later. Obviously, she couldn't eat it in front a person this close otherwise it might look suspicious. It never hurt to be too cautious. Her mixed matched eyes never seem miss anything. She did wish she looked normal and not having a ghoul looking eye and a white-gray one. Before the infection, she had blue eyes much like her mother and the rouge trait of crimson hair. It came from her father's side of the family since she had a cousin with the same hair color.

The girl explained how it was more active around the heavy pollen thanks to the garden. LeeAnn could understand that completely. It was then she noticed something odd in her behavior. Her trained eyes and senses noticed how the change in behavior became a tiny bit more protective or aware of what she really looked like. It was slightly odd. Yes, she had gt they saw her or Hans, but never like this one. If she hung around the Magic Council headquaters more often, she would probably seen her before. Quickly, she sat next to Hans. A small glance to her fiance then at Selena. "Pleased to meet you, I am LeeAnn Nakamura. This is Hans, I am pretty sure you already noticed that is a kitsune" she smiled. The kitsune smiled with a mouth full of cheesecake and waved. LeeAnn hated how he lacked in manners. But he did hold more animal-like behaviors such as showing up with dead animals such as a horse or wild cat. Not a rabbit or mouse, big freaking animals that she had to explain to her father why they had large dead animals in their freezer in the basement. "For fall weather, it really is warm and nice. Feels more like spring than actual fall" she smiled.

"Ohhh so you are a kitsune. " Selena said moving her head to look at Hans. "I half thought you were some breed of Neko." She then added loosening up a bit. It didn't seem like Lee was overly concerned about Hans. Half thinking that she was jumping to conclusions, Selena looked oyt the window of the cafe as Lee spoke. "Yeah you're right. I almost forgot it was Atumn. Most of the plants have forgotten too by the looks of things." Selena then added, looking at a bed of flowers near tge entrance to the gardens. The flowers looked like maroon tulips, but were in full bloom. There was a gentle breeze outside that made the maroon flower bed look like circulating blood. Getting a little squeamish at the sight, Selena turned back to Lee and rejoined the room.

Tge moment sge moved her head, her gaze was fixed on Lee's black marks. Crap. Selena jolted her head at once. Hopefully Lee didn't catch her staring. "Ahh" Moving her hands to her neck Selena let out a little yelp. She had moved her head too quickly. "Think i have a crick in my neck.." She sighed. "First being attacked by pollen, then having not waiters around to serve me. Today is not my day" Selena moaned. "I don't suppose either of you know any healing magic?" Selena asked still rubbing her neck with her right hand

The way this girl was acting was very obvious. Throughout her life, she had learned when to tell when someone was lying and other behaviors. She could also tell what status they were and if they were a mage or not. The appearance of someone could tell a lot about them the same for what people read about her. They saw the mark and mixed matched eyes seeing either she was a demon or infected with some curse or illness. Selena went on about how the plant were so bright and active in a light Autumn season. "That's what I would expect" she said.

LeeAnn was not dumb. Infact, some would say she was smarter than her older brother in some aspects of analyzing data and tactician. Though, he was no doubt stronger and more experienced than she was as a fighter and mage. "Nope, I dont know healing magic sadly. A little heat applied to it and you'll be fine" she explained. She finally decide to speak up and ask why she was acting so weird. The both had a good idea why, but wanted to double check.

"Your behavior is very odd. Are you alright? I can tell you dont feel comfortable about something" she would ask. If Selena was aware enough, LeeAnn had already kind of caught onto everything.

The moment Lee asked her question Selena Froze in place. Her neck was already stiff, but now her face and res of her body followed. "So you noticed. Guess I'm not as subtle as I thought." She said. Realising how stupid she was being Selena let out an amused laughing sigh. "To be honest I knew this guy was a kits unemployment from the get go. And with Kitsunes being demons I half thought you were in danger, and not to be rude but I also thought he caused... that" Selena said pointing to some of Lee's black marks. "Sorry if it's too forward, but as a member of the rune knights it is my job to protect civilians from any danger." As she said this Selena moved her sweater down, revealing her guild tattoo on her shoulder. "But seeing how comfortable you are around him I doubt he has done anything to hurt you, or am I wrong?" Selena then asked Lee, being ever wary of Hans beside her. Selena decided to leave her sweater down showing her tattoo for now. Her other hand was still cupping her neck trying to sooth the pain. Selena could see how Lee was reacting but as for Hans he could be charging a spell and she wouldn't be able to see because of her damn crick.

LeeAnn only gave a small amused smile. The fact that she could tell she as a Rune Knight was due to growing up around them and she was one herself. She knew the behaviors pretty well. As for telling who's from what guild, that she couldn't do only with Fairy Tail and Blue Pegasus. Hans was as harmless as a fly around people unless you messed with LeeAnn. Then again he couldn't use magic without being combined with LeeAnn. "Already knew that, reason. I'm one too! I just know how to act around people" she smirked a little. This was very amusing.

She thought Hans was a demon. It was no surprised to either one of them. Common assumption. A small blue and white bottle was pulled out of her jacket pocket. She poured out two pills and gave them to Selena. "My whole family are Rune Knights and I always studied human behaviors. I just know how to act when needed. I could also act evil if I really needed too! The one thing about acting undercover is to be in a set mindframe. Know what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. One false move can lead to a wrong direction. You were too quick in what you were saying and odd actions" she pointed out. She was only trying to be helpful as she looked at her fiance.

Calmly, LeeAnn sat back in her chair without being phased. It was hard to surprise her when you lived with a spontaneous kitsune who was unpredictable."Kitsunes aren't demons. They are actually spirits. There are two kinds, the kind you are thinking Yokai. They are known to kill people. The kind he is are Tomoe. They are good. Actually, he saved my life. This mark on my face is form something completely unrelated" she said.

"W-W-W-Wait! You're  apart of the Rune Knights too?!" Selena said aghast. Selena was fairly familiar  with most people in the Rune Knights, so naturally she would be somewhat shocked. "Wow I had no idea, where's your tattoo then?" Selena then asked. Most Rune knights have their mark on display unless it's in an awkward position or they're undercover. As Lee then went on to say how her whole family was Rune knights so she knew how to act,  and also pointed out flaws as to how Selena acted. "Yeah well, I'm still light headed from all that pollen." Selena said quickly. "Obviously!" She then added snidely,  rolling her eyes. Although she knew it wasn't an excuse she was still going to use it.

Lee then went in to explain how Hans was a spirit  not a yokai, which according to her was completely  different and how it had nothing to do with her disease either. "Well they both use magic and spirits  have been know to kill, albeit it is rare, so I wasn't  totally  off the mark." Selena said pouting. "I was only trying  to return the favour  anyway, nothing more."

Before Selena could talk more, a waiter came over with a jug of water a few glasses. "Sorry for the wait were awfully busy." He then pointed to the now gigantic crowd. "There was just a sudden downpour and everyone took refuge here, so you'll  be awaiting a while before we can get around to get everyone's order, but don't worry they will be on the house and again  sorry for the wait." The waiter then threw the jug on the table with enough skill that it flipped yet all the water stayed in it. He ran around to the counter and vegan to address the large que that had formed.

Selena poured herself a glass of water, taking a sip she then began to chew it as she looked out at the ongoing storm out the window. She proceeded to chew and take sips off her glass until it was half empty.

Selena seemed shocked that she was a Rune Knight. That was the reaction she was suppose to get. She played it so cool and level headed that people would never suspect. It was one of the things she was extremely good at, blending into the crowd. Now, following the said rules...that was a different story. "That is the answer I wanted. One tip, play your cover very well and get the reaction you just gave me. You're golden. Takes a while to master" she said calmly. Selena asked if she had her tattoo. "Yeah its on my back. Unlike most people, I really dont like telling people I am Rune Knight. I know for a fact, it will attract attention. Its best for me to blend into the crowd and do things my way than to follow rules" she said. She didn't do anything illegal to get it dones just dangerous. If you captian told her to take route A, she would take Route B.

The subject of Hans came to spark up for reply. The girl seemed to understand he was not a demon, but still was a little wary from what the redhead to tell. "It really depends in the spirit and their origins. Tanukis are ones you want to watch out for as well as Yokai. Only I would be able to tell they are humans or not. They have several different disguses, at least for Tanuki. Yokai have six different disuges that are all the same thing. Tankui's never use the same disguse once. Tomoe are the ones you would want to be around to feel safe" explained Hans. The waiter came by and apologize since they were so busy. LeeAnn really didn't seem to care all that much since this cafe didn't really have. "Yeah Im fine" she said.

"I get why you don't have it on display." Selena said in response to Lee. "I mean for some thugs it's like a big target, especially with the rise in dark guilds... Selena then trailed off thinking of that with the cannon. "But for others it's a warning sign. Every time I wear something showing the crest the area doesn't have any problems with thugs, so you know, pros and cons." Selena said, taking a large gulp of water. She began to chew it more noticeably this time and began to receive some attention for it. It didn't help matters that she began to choke on it as Hans was talking. Coughing rather loudly receiving more looks Selena sighed laying back in her hair trying to breath. "Didn't mean to eat that much." She said sitting back up. "So Lee who of your family is in the Rune knights? Anyone i might know?" Selena then asked completely oblivious to the fact that she just said that she was eating water.

Selena mentioned how it was a two ways streeting depending on the person. Since she had gotten attacked before, she always wanted to blend into the crowd. Though, her captains always forced her to wear it. Now that she was a Lieutenant, she could do things her way a little since she could lead small squads under a captain. It was a con for her to wear it. "Since I have bee attacked before I prefer to not wear it unless someone else is with me" she said. There was a scene wthat Selena coughed trying to eat water? That was kinda weird. She quickly tried to cover it with a question. The red head thought it was a little odd, but it was none of her business.

She asked if she had any family members that she might know of. "Hikaru Nakamura. He's a captain. A class above me. Also there is my uncle, Tyler McDouglas, he is my current captain. Both my parents were once Rune Knights, Elizabeth and Nicolas Nakamura. But...my mother...my father retired. Hikaru and my uncle are the onyl Rune Knights in the family besides myself" she said. She looked at the clock as she had lost track of time. Looking back at her fiance then at Selena. "I'm sorry Selena, I have somewhere to be with one of my captains. Looks like my brother needs me for some meeting or something see you around. Come on you big bafoon" she said, grabbing Hans's hand.

{Exit}

"Oh eh sure I guess." Selena said as she watched lee and hans leave the cafe. As they left the downpour of rain too ceased and with that, the whole cafe left. Selena finally had time to get what she wanted, some bumble bee tea. The tea was sweet and hot and completely removed any and all remnants of hay fever from her system. Paying the waited and leaving the cafe Selena was sure no to breath in through her nose and instead ran out of the gardens as fast as she could. Now at a safe distance she inhaled again.

Exit