And then, finally, Fia could get the hell out of Baska with Esperia by her side. Or at least, that was the plan, anyway. Once her girlfriend was healed up, to leave and chase their goals to whatever was next. While Fia hadn't necessarily disliked her stay in Baska, it had exhausted its use, and she'd exhausted her capacity to tolerate its more unsavory parties. Between Lycans, Phantom Lords, and plain old hoodlums, Fia had had more than her fair share of troublesome encounters. Of course, it wasn't all bad. There were some places she'd found a deal of enjoyment in, one of which was none other than the Boar's Hat Pub.

A smile found itself on Fia's face as she approached the establishment, the raucous noise reaching her ears and the alluring scent of alcohol hitting her nose. Most people wouldn't find the chaos of the bar that soothing, but Fia had come to love it. It signified a chance to take a break from all the work and stress, to let loose and live freely for a few moments. A chance Fia was in desperate need of, given how much she'd been working her ass off recently, at that same bar no less, with most of the funds being sent home for her family.

The fiery girl entered the bar, feeling the aura surround her as she did. With a contented look, she began walking toward the counter, spotting a few of the pub's usual patrons on the way there. Most of them were already half drunk, and Fia was a little disappointed she couldn't join them. She'd been trying to reign in her drinking habits recently after all.

She raised a hand to the bartender as she took a seat on the stool beside some Neko with an eyepatch. "Pint o' Bernia Ale." The girl uttered simply yet commandingly to the bartender, as she glanced about the place. She wasn't really one for socializing, but she had met a few decent people while in this very pub, so figured it wouldn't hurt to find someone to chat to.

Her ears perked up at the mention of Rune Knights from nearby, her teeth already grinding at the topic. Hearing some more would be coming to Baska was, as far she was concerned, just more reason to get out. She'd never gotten along with Rune Knights, and they'd never liked her. The reason simple. They were pricks who acted high and mighty using the law, she was a humble orphan and the daughter of a Phantom Lord.

Though, admittedly, hearing the men claim the Rune Knights were better off dead seemed a bit much to her. Sure, most of the one's she'd met were assholes, but she didn't them dead. She just wanted to prove them wrong. To prove to them that they'd no right judging from their position.

Her grip started to strengthen as she leaned against the counter, anger surging with the memories. All that broke her out of it was her pint finally being delivered, prompting her to take a refreshing swig from the glass, setting it down and breathing a sigh of relief as she caught herself. Now wasn't the time for being pissed.

Her eyes glanced to the side, to the woman she'd next to, a rather eccentric-looking lass who'd even brought her own pet into the bar. Figuring she'd overheard the same conversation, Fia made the rare decision to try her hand at starting her own social interaction.

"Ya hear that?" Fia would speak up as she took another swig, hazel eyes gazing lovingly at the beer afterward. "More Rune Knights in Baska, huh? Like this town didn't have enough assholes..." Fia muttered, entirely oblivious to her poor choice of topic.

"Whole damn thing's corrupt anyways..."

It hadn't been the best of decisions, declaring her own rather biased opinions on Rune Knights to one of the very same organization. She could have chosen any other topic of conversation, really, but the mention of the law enforcers had them stuck in her mind, feeding on her anger toward them, leaving her little choice in what she wanted to speak about. Though, perhaps it hadn't been too bad a choice. At least she'd be getting a new perspective on Rune Knights, hopefully anyway.

As soon as the other lass spoke up, Fia felt a little uncomfortable, realizing perhaps there was a difference of opinion here. "Huh? Look as good as they taste? Whatchu on about?" Fia uttered confusedly, the metaphor going right over her head. She wasn't one for complex language. Fortunately, things would become more clear as the young woman made her own stance more than clear, prompting a raised eyebrow from Fia. "Heh, I'd be sayin' the same thing to them Rune Knights. You ask me, they gots a problem with assumptions 'emselves." Fia quipped in response as she took another refreshing sip. "Not that it ain't too bad, usin' stereotypes. Not if it's a group corrupt from the boots up." She'd growl, making her bias even more clear. While it was true that not all the Rune Knights she'd met had treated her and her family poorly, the more respectful ones had been in the minority, and had often been going against orders anyway.

Then again, what was she to expect, being the adoptive daughter of a Phantom Lord member?

Fia furrowed her brow as the woman beside her ordered another drink, just as strong as the lost, in an even greater quantity. She certainly didn't seem to be a lightweight. Like that'd even be strange for her, considering the woman's already unique appearance, especially with that eye of hers.

Though she was unsure whether or not to abandon their little conversation, it seemed the Neko still had more to say, about second chances. "Yeah, maybe..." Fia muttered with an uncharacteristic mellow tone. While she still held her hatred for the Rune Knights, just hearing the words 'second chance' reminded her of a particular shrine visite. She'd begged and begged for a second chance for her father, so was it wrong for her to be unwilling to give one to the knights?

She shook the thought from her head. "Then again, why the hell should I, if they ain't givin' out second chances 'emselves." Fia said, still a bit more softly to avoid angering her conversation partner further. She let out a sigh, realizing she was getting too worked up for a girl supposed to be relaxing.

"Listen, I dunno what yer own experiences are, but I ain't got he best history with Rune Knights, aight?" Fia said in an explanatory and apologetic tone, as if to show she regretted her previous anger. "Ain't ever met one that didn't treat me and my siblings like monsters... So I hear that more are comin', I ain't exactly thrilled."

Hazel eyes gazed forward as she sipped down the remainder of her beer, bad memories of abuse and discrimination surfacing from the mention. She was already tired, this wasn't making things much better, but it did feel pretty good to let some of it off her chest.

It was a very odd thing, how this stranger kept Fia engaged in their conversation. She was a normally argumentative person, and it was clear there was a difference of opinion between her and the eyepatch-wearing Neko, yet Fia didn't feel any desire to get angry with her. Sure, she was angry for plenty of other reasons, but the redhead's calm demeanor prevented Fia from bringing up any conflict with her. Which was fortunate, given how well such an encounter would end...

Though, Fia wasn't terribly certain on the other girl's little spiel about stereotypes. Like the Neko said, they both knew not everyone in the world was nice - far from it. So as far as Fia was concerned, using her past experiences to play it safe and deem the Rune Knight's as particularly 'not nice' was the smart play. A thought she was about to verbalize, until the other girl spoke up again. The mention of the 'right person' giving her a second chance brought up memories of a certain obsidian-haired trickster who changed her views on more than a few things... A noble who made her realize they weren't all utter pricks...

Fia groaned again, mentally scolding herself for doubting herself so quickly. "Yeah, well, I ain't sayin' their ain't good people out there, in the Rune Knights or dark guilds or whatever." The hazel-eyed girl responded a little half-heartedly. "I just... Dunno if it's worth lookin' for 'em. Not when they're stuck with folks or dumbass laws that stop 'em from bein' good. I get yer stereotypes or whatever ain't good, but they stop ya from gettin' hurt." A weak and clearly self-motivated defense of her biased viewpoint, but if Fia was anything it was stubborn.

A fact that would soon be made even more clear as their conversation continued, with the Neko once again proving pretty damn effective in her choice of words. Her casual question about Fia's own anger had the brown haired girl looking more than a little confronted. To say that it hit close to home would be a drastic understatement. Fia didn't say anything a few moments, as she - rather ironically - felt herself get angrier at the Neko's query, feeling confronted and looked down on by her.

And yet, once again, her words were cut off by the other girl's as she gave another casual statement. Apparently, she was a Rune Knight. Fia just froze for a few moments, staring at her conversation partner with wide eyes and a slack jaw as pieces fell into place. It was no wonder she'd been defending the Rune Knights so readily...

Fia groaned, signalling to the bartender that she wanted, or rather needed, another pint. "Just my fuckin' luck..." She growled as she rested her arms heavily on the counter. "Alright, Eyepatch. Yer right. I'm angry, I'm mad, whatever."

Another pint of the ale was passed to her, and she took a hearty swig. So much for reigning in those drinking habits. "I'm pissed off. Cause people like you think ya know me, think I'm just some punk in need of fixing. How it's always been. They never cared about why, only gave a shit about what I was."

She was ranting at this point, perhaps thanks to the alcohol, but she didn't care. For once, a Rune Knight was listening to her, so damned if she wasn't gonna tell them what she'd been wanting to tell the Rune Knights for a long time now.

"Got my own reveal for ya, Eyepatch. You wanna know why I'm mad? Simple. My old man was a Phantom Lord, and people made assumptions. About me and 'im. So I reckon I'll stop thinkin' Rune Knights are all pricks when they stop callin' me a monster. Til' then, I'll keep this anger." A pretty bare bones explanation, but one filled with Fia's clear anger, anger without direction or purpose. There was discord and strife within her, and yet, part of her wondered if this LeeAnn might be yet another person who changed her view...

There was a chilling sensation behind the Neko's stare, a coldness Fia hadn't seen in many people in her life. Almost paradoxically, that same coldness caused the flame of anger to burn hotter within Fia, grinding her teeth as she felt she was being looked down on, regardless of whether or not that was actually the case. All she really did know was that this woman was reading her, trying to figure her out, and she hated that.

Fia only got angrier as the woman seemed to dismiss her gripes with the Rune Knights. It was that same indifference towards the smaller, regular people that had made her hate them so much, after all. It was what had made so many think they had the right to harass and discriminate against her and her siblings. But it soon became clear Fia was misinterpreting the woman's words, with her last line indicating she wasn't belittling Fia for being annoyed by the discrimination, but rather, she was scolding the Rune Knights who'd bothered to put such focus on her. "Huh. No disagreements there, I guess. Worthless is one way o' callin' 'em." Fia groaned in hesitant agreement.

What the woman said next, Fia was less content with. The way the woman read her pissed the hazel-eyed girl off, it made her feel belittled once again, in spite of the accuracy of the woman's words. And being told that this Rune Knight 'understood' her? Being compared to them? Well, it'd make her even angrier, if it didn't also make her incredibly curious and confused. As did the bewildering statement that this woman was trying to help her, was trying to solve her problems. And for a stubborn girl like Fia, that just wasn't going to be allowed.

She took another swig from her beer, before hitting it back onto the table with force that betrayed how worked up she was getting. "Don't act like you read me. Don' you dare think that you know shit about me." Fia growled angrily, turning to the woman and returning her compassionate look with one that showed, not quite anger, but frustration.

"I ain't in need o' fixin', like you think, 'aight? I get what yer sayin', that I oughta not hate people for where the come from. Hell, I'm preachin' the same thing." Fia couldn't quite understand it, but despite her own anger, she felt that flame fade a little as she spoke. There wasn't rage in her intent... It seemed like she genuinely wanted to understand.

"But I do it anyway, fer the people I care about, aight? All my siblin's got the same treatment from Knights too." She explained bitterly, perhaps ranting a bit more, but there was something about the other girl's that made Fia a bit more ready to lay her problems out. "Hate, anger, sound like some bad shit. You seem to think the same thing, that's why ya let go of 'em. But Eyepatch... I need that anger, y'know?"

She clenched her fists into knuckles, her gaze focused and remorseful. "I hate and get pissed because it lets me protect the people I care about. Anger's energy, hate's motivation. So what hell point is there in lettin' go of that, in trustin' people from the group that's hurt me an' my family in the past?"

It occurred to Fia as she spoke, that maybe LeeAnn was right about one thing. Anger did make things less enjoyable on occasion, it stopped her from relaxing, it kept her from finding any kind of peace... But as far she was concerned, that was OK. She looked back to Lee, her expression a little softer than it had been before.

"If it's fer my family, fer my friends, fer my girlfriend... If it's to protect all 'em, it can't be wrong, right? Wouldn't you use that anger too, if dark cults or whatever came fer yer friends an' shit?"

She was persistent, that much was certain. This LeeAnn was not only tolerating Fia's stubborn and abrasive nature, she also seemed to be pushing back and trying to get her points across with even greater force. Not many were willing to confront the hazel-eyed girl in such a head-on manner, many deeming her not worth the trouble. So Fia was rather confused and slightly annoyed by the Neko's adamant attempts to break down the barriers she was putting up, the walls of pride and stubbornness she'd erected long ago.

And yet, little by little, Fia felt like she was gradually warming up to the other girl. Or, rather, coming to be curious of what this Neko actually had to teach. This intrigue had developed further as LeeAnn responded with agreement and sympathy towards Fia's claims that her anger and hatred was for the sake of her family. The girl even raised an eyebrow at the unique sensation of empathy she felt in meeting someone with the same family-centric mindset as her. It only seemed to further stress the fact that there may just be a possibility that Rune Knights weren't all bad after all...

"I... Didn't realize yer family was so important to ya. But... That's exactly it, ain't it? Family's all I got, all we got, so what does it matter if we gotta use anger to protect 'em?" Fia would utter, seemingly in agreement with the girl as her tone was just a bit softer than normal. The topic of family, and LeeAnn's acknowledgment that there wear still groups that posed threat to them, had made Fia feel slightly more of a connection with the eyepatch-wearing girl.

Her question would receive a somewhat vague answer at first, as LeeAnn insisted that anger lead to some 'dark path', telling Fia to look at herself as though that'd give her the answers. The hazel-eyed girl's face twisted into a kind of snarl at the suggestion, and the Neko's next words only intensified that loathsome feeling that she was being judged, looked down on even.

It was actually rather impressive, LeeAnn's willingness to approach Fia's stubborn attitude with further force. An unorthodox approach, compared to how other people had dealt with her in the past. And at first, it didn't work too much. Suggesting Fia would be alone, that her anger would interfere with her relationship with Esperia, that she was stubborn and foolish... All those things made Fia consider the possibility of throwing her drink at the Neko. It wasn't until the other girl stopped beating around the bush that her words actually got through.

Claiming that Fia was in pain, insisting she wanted to help with a tone so sincere, and saying Fia looked like a nice girl, it all felt... Odd, at first. But then Fia realized. It all reminded her of an encounter with a certain dark-haired trickster.

Maybe this Neko might have something usefu to say, she thought... Maybe, like that night, it was worth letting someone in. Just to see what happened.

"Nice girl, huh? No idea where the hell ya got that from." Fia groaned, her hand unconsciously moving to scar tissue on her other knuckles. A self-inflicted wound from a fateful night. "I already said it, I don' need fixin'. Sure, I got anger-management issues, whatever. But hey, if ya wanna try and play psychiatrist and help..."

Fia took another swig from her almost finished glass, before speaking again in a tone that seemed more grumpy than it did angry. "Be my fuckin' guest. I'll accept yer help or whatever, just gots a few words of my own to say first." Some deep part of her was willing, even desiring, to hear the advice this girl might have, in the off chance her anger did prove harmful... But Fia herself wasn't about to admit that, of course.

"First off, don' mention my girl. Things're... Different... With 'er. She... Keeps me calm." She'd say softly, once again rubbing her knuckles unconsciousy. Mostly, she just didn't want LeeAnn to mention the possibility of her anger driving her and Esperia a part. The very thought made Fia's heart sink.

"Second, it's more 'an forgettin' the past... Rune Knights still got my old man locked up right now for a dumbass reason, probably treatin' him like shit. And I still wanna get him the hell out... All that's the present, Eyepatch." She groaned her second set of words, her tone once again soft as she revealed one of her major goals at that moment. It felt a little easier, talking about to Lee, considering their mutual beliefs in family values.

"And lastly, before ya' gimme whatever advice it is ya wanna say, I gots a condition..." Fia would say with a sly grin forming on her lips. She tipped up her glass, finishing another beer and setting the empty glass down with a refreshed sigh, her cheeks starting to become rosy from the beginnings of intoxication. "Yer gonna buy the next round o' drinks, aight?" She'd request with a smug and cheeky look.

It was almost frustrating for the stubborn Fiammetta, how inexplicably determined the Neko was on helping her. From the start, she'd never been the kind to accept help from others. She was a proud and fierce struggler, the type who felt almost insulted by the implication she couldn't handle something herself, in spite of how true that was. There were few moments where she'd confided in or sought assistance from others outside her family, and they were all during her weakest or most desperate times. Perhaps right then, with all the stress of the oncoming future, was one of those moments.

And although LeeAnn was perhaps not quite as warm in her approach compared Esperia or Liana, Fia couldn't deny that she felt nonetheless slightly intrigued by what the Neko had to say. She was still too stubborn to admit that LeeAnn might've been correct in what she was saying, but Fia was nonetheless intent on investigating it further. The possibility that her anger would come to hurt her... That it wasn't the best way to protect the ones she loved... If there was even a chance it was true, Fia had to know for sure.

The young delinquent found some bond with the Neko over their mutual family values, and inquired if that was enough to justify anger, only to receive a very clear negatory response, and some more information on the eyepatch-wearing Neko. Apparently, anger was not enough to save the people she cared about, and that sentiment sent made Fia tense up immediately. "It wasn't enough, huh..." Was all Fia could groan out, not feeling nearly comfortable enough to say anything more on the Neko's past.

It wasn't all bad, however, as LeeAnn did have some positive things to say about anger. Namely, its usefulness in training. "So yer high-ranked or some shit? Don't that mean ya got better things to do than bother some punk in a bar?" Fia would quip as she took another sip, an attempt at bit of levity before her serious reponse. "But nah, usin' anger to train... That shit I get. My old man always said anger was energy. So if ya reckon is aight to use it to train, I agree with ya there, Eyepatch... Just dunno how to use it like that..." Fia admitted begrudgingly. When her own anger reached its breaking point, training hadn't really worked for her, not with the wild swings it resulted in.

The odd pair continued to talk, with Fia becoming uncertain of how she felt about LeeAnn. Neither of them were terribly friendly, and yet... Some kind of mutual agreement on certain values had developed between them. LeeAnn even insisted Fia was a 'nice girl', and more than she seems, though her comment only recieved a stubborn grunt from the steam punk. She was usually just as unlikely to accept compliments as she was help.

It seemed the only thing Fia was completely willing to accept help with was paying for the drinks, as the final part of her deal with the Neko. A smug look set itself on Fia's face as the next round was delivered, glad she could at least say she got some free booze out of their encounter. She grasped her next beer, and was bringing to her lips when LeeAnn spoke up again.

Fia's hand froze immediately, eye's widening at the Neko's words, and staying transfixed like that until she was done speaking. Fia set her glass down, and pushed at aside. She needed to know she was mostly sober before even considering what she'd just been told.

"Yer fuckin' kidding me." Fia uttered confusedly. Her father could just be freed, just like that? All the times she'd considered legal avenues or just breaking him out, and yet her problem could be solved by a simple wave of the hand by this Neko? It seemed incredulous. And that wasn't even talking about the 'catch' LeeAnn had.

Fia took a deep breath in and out, leaning back in her chair and putting a hand to her head. "Shit..." She uttered softly, looking to LeeAnn. "Yer not jokin', right? Ya can really... Get him out?" She'd question, her typical anger absent from her voice. "I mean, you ain't gotta worry 'bout that dark guild crap... He got kicked out a while ago..." Fia leaned forward, looking to LeeAnn seriously. She wasn't lying, that much was clear.

"Shit, ya ain't kidding are ya? Like, he can come back? Back to the orphanage an' everythin'?" Fia was just repeating herself at this point, too confused to think about what she was saying. "And all I gots to do is, what, train with ya for a bit?"

Fia let out a small scoff. Though she'd been hesitant accepting help til that point, this was different. Letting her father free wasn't just for her sake, it was for all her siblings. She wouldn't let her stubbornness get in the way of that.

"Fuckin' hell... If ya ain't kidding.. Shit, this round's on me..."

It was almost dizzying, the revelation. Fiammetta had to pinch herself just to be absolutely certain this was actually happening. Sure, it didn't really solve all her problems, hell, it didn't even come close. The orphanage was still struggling, and still would be even if Baldo was back. But just having him there, having him free... It would bring something just as important to Fia and all her "siblings". Hope. And that was what she wanted more than anything at that point. Even if she had to pry that hope from a Rune Knight, a faction she still wasn't too keen on.

She steeled herself, ready for whatever downside there was to this offer. The girl's grin widened massively, however, as LeeAnn assured her she was serious. Perhaps it was a biased mindset, but Fia was already beginning to recover her from confusion, slipping into near-delirium as she was fully ready to believe there was no hidden condition to LeeAnn's offer, in spite of the Neko's assurance that it would be a difficult journey.

"Y'know Eyepatch, I couldn't care less 'bout how difficult it is. Shit, it's just trainin' and shit, right? How fuckin' hard can that be! And fer my old man's release? A goddamn bargain." Fiammetta would state heartily, clearly quite overjoyed at the possibilities. Of course, that joy would likely be greatly diminished if she knew the full extent of the 'catch' to LeeAnn's proposition. Either way, she'd have to find out soon regardless.

As she began to settle a little, Fia was still giddy at the prospect of her father's release, though LeeAnn's further explanation of the restrictions did bring her back down to earth a bit. She sighed as she heard the words, but realized she should've expected it from the start. But, as LeeAnn stated, it was still overall an excellent second chance. After all, it meant Baldo could hopefully still visit the orphanage often enough, or at the very least write to them. And that was remarkable on its own. Hell, Fia was beginning to wonder if her prayer had been answered.

The girl smiled as her newfound mentor spoke positively of Baldo Barone, even raising a glass in celebration. "Cheers. To a half-decent Rune Knight." Fia would say, though her tone made it clear she was only teasing. Truthfully, her opinion on the woman had changed rather drastically from the beginnings of their conversation, and while they weren't always likely to get along, Fia was honestly glad to have made what might even be another friend. And even more, one that might even change a long-held viewpoint of hers.

With a satisfied yet conflicted look, Fia sipped her beer alongside her newfound ally. She was a still shocked, really, and knew things wouldn't be that smooth, really. Fia already knew not everyone in the orphanage would accept her making a deal with the Rune Knights, hell, she didn't even know how she'd feel about it after thinking more on it. But it was her choice, that she made, and she could regret it later if she wanted to. For now, she'd just drink.

As did LeeAnn, who seemed to be quite enjoying her beverage, by how hard she'd slammed it onto the table. "Woah, you aight there, Eyepatch?" Fia would query amusedly, only to notice from the look on LeeAnn's face that she was very much not alright. Not a moment later, the Neko fell off her stool and too the floor, prompting Fia to quickly stand up in surprise.

"Holy shit!" She exclaimed in confusion. Had the girl had too much to drink? No, surely not. Must've been a medical thing, and unfortunately, Fia was anything but a medic! She glanced around rapidly, only to see other patrons brushing off the fall or not bothering to help. The only one who did seem to give assistance was the Rune Knight's Umbreon who was holding a vial toward Fia.

"Huh? The fuck am I supposed to do with that!?" Fia barked at the Umbreon, as she knelt down to get a better look. Fortunately, she quickly found what the fuck to do with it, thanks to a simple label on the side.

"Ahh, I gotcha, on it!" The steam punk assured Abraxas, as the quickly snatched the vial und popped it open. She moved down to hold it under LeeAnn's nose, lightly tapping the girl's cheek with her other hand - a common method for blackouts.

"C'mon Eyepatch, wakey wakey..."

A slight stirring from the Neko, a fluttering of eyelids and barely audible inhalation that seemed to indicate 'Eyepatch' was awakening thanks to the handy tool provided by the woman's pet. Breathing a sigh of relief, Fia hoisted the Rune Knight up, an arm around her shoulder for support. Fia didn't quite know what ailed the poor Neko, but knew there was one man that could fix it: Doctor Gerard himself.

And so it was, that Fia set off with her new mentor toward the doctor's. A mentor that had, as she knew, made her a Rune Knight by having Fia become her 'apprentice', even if it hadn't been yet revealed by the neko. Though Fia wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, she wasn't quite that easily tricked, but didn't particularly care either. If she was to become a Rune Knight apprentice to free her father, so be it. The love she had for him was worth a helluva lot more than the hate she held for the nights. Besides, the idea of fixing them up from the inside, showing the bastards how its done... Didn't sound too bad at all.

/EXIT