LeeAnn was always one to remain to herself. She never liked talking to people, but there was something about them that made her want to. Perhaps it was the fear of being alone, even though she never was, that reoccurring worry still lingered in her mind. Her fiance followed her where ever she went as it was not best to leave her side unless she was on duty or in combat. Those were the wrong places to be for the young white kitsune man. Today was just like any other day in Crocus, patrol, doing some jobs perhaps, and hit the local taverns. A lot of drunken men had a reason to pick a fight with her for one she was a Rune Knight from her outfits, two for her neko ears and tail and lastly, she held an odd apperance. The right side of her body was a purple-black color looking rather infected. The left eye was black with a blood red ring for the iris or eye. Her left eye was covered with an eye patch of some sorts to show it was badly injured.

All n all, she looked pretty roughed up for a female. Most female rune knights were not even this scratched and scarred up. Hell, most Rune Knights and mages were never this scarred up as she was along her face she looked to have a claw marks running down the side of her neck. People gave the red head looks which was normal. Today, the fiance was at home building something. LeeAnn could hear her brother's words of wisdom again then her father's as well. Hikaru was a excellent man who was perhaps the words of God in LeeAnn's mind. The red head walked down the street having a shift eye go back and forth keep alert at all times. She would hear almost every footstep there was as her senses where a little heightened now being a neko. The cat-like woman kept a sharp eye on her surroundings not because it was her job. It was because of her way of life. There is a thing about LeeAnn that always seems to have trouble come to her. She decided to take a small break from her patrolling. Wearing her shiny and fancy armor, she walked into a rowdy tavern even a normal person would not like. Drunk men and mages gathered sharing stories and some starting fights. She dodged most of them and walked up to the bartender. The noise was really loud. Just the way she liked it, lively and loud. At least it made her realize she was still alive. "Give me your hardest liquor and triple the poison. I need a good drink" she said. The bartender knew who she was since she was a regular. He gave her the bottle of vodka. As she was taking a sip, a few men decided bother her peace of mind. "Eh? Kitty want to play. You got some nice shiny stuff there Fluffy" said one. The other was just as drunk but even more stupid. "Aye look she's a rune Knight. How's the knight business goin'? Probably pretty slow ain't it? Maybe because Knight are pathetic excuse for mages" laughed the other. LeeAnn turned to the slowly as she remained a calm yet stern composure one that was scare most. A silent anger. "Talk to me like that and I will throw your asses in jail and death sentence for harressing a Rune Knight especially a Seated Knight. A little higher up than your average joe. Or would you like a few missing limbs? A gouged out eye? I can do either or" she said holding her knife. She placed her fingers on it ever so gently looking casual. The two guys backed off slowly, looking a little scared. "Good. Now go, I dont want to see your stupid faces here again or else I will severe a arm or two perhaps even a leg. Now leave!" she said coldy. She turned back and huffed.

Ace was celebrating that day. As he made his way through the crowded streets of Crocus, the Lyon swordsman wondered where to go next. He had officially finished his first request as a Rune Knight. As he made his way out of Batra’s Bar, Ace began counting his reward money. It wasn’t much. Heck. It was not enough for much at all! However, he had decided even before taking the mission that he’d blow it up all on booze that day. The journey to Fiore from Peregrande had been arduous, and he had yet to relax a bit and try the alcohol that the Kingdom produced. He was excited to see what kind of different drinks they would have here. As a beer enthusiast, he was particularly interested on trying the region’s artisan brewed beer.  

Mid-way through his stroll, it hit him. Ace had just walked away from Batra’s bar… What an idiot. As he turned back trying to return he noticed he was lost. This had already happened a couple of times by now. However, he didn’t particularly care. After all, Crocus was humongous. There ought to be other good bars out there. With no clue to guide him, he decided to trust his gut. It had never betrayed him, and he certainly expected it stayed that way. As the night began falling on the streets, the crowds of people swarming the narrow corridors began slowly diminishing. However, this was the time of the day where a complete different set of places turned to life. Close in the distance, Ace could distinguish the characteristic chatter and ruckus that came from a tavern. As he smirked, the swordsman dashed to the entrance, guided only by the noise that emanated from inside. He didn’t know what kind of place this was, but it sounded like real fun.  

“The Dead Man’s Skull…” As he pronounced those words to himself he couldn’t help but chuckle at the name. It was some kind of cheeky title for a tavern, perhaps even cliché-ish. Either way, he was sure as hell going inside. Opening the doors wide, he instantly caught a glimpse of the lively activity. He was still wearing his Rune Knight armor. Receiving a couple of hostile looks here and there, Ace ignored them as he made his way directly to the bar. There was a fight going on to his right, and an arm wrestling tournament to his left. Walking through the thin path of concrete floor not occupied by tables, passed out guys and broken glasses, Ace instinctively dodged a beer bottle that flew his way. He didn’t even notice he did. Apparently, the fight on his right had taken a turn for the worst and that was just some collateral effect. As the brawl began over there, Ace noticed a female figure sitting alone at the bar, surrounded by a triad of tough, unfriendly looking men. She had red beautiful hair and… cat ears? Back in Peregrande he had known about this race of people. However, it was his first time seeing one in the flesh. As he got closer he heard their conversation. Before hearing their conversation he had imagined the situation and was ready to intervene in favor of the woman. Even if that meant getting into a fight with the men, Ace had a duty as a Knight to protect those in need after all right? These thoughts were erased immediately from his mind as he found out the girl was more than capable of defending herself. She had effectively managed to scare the men away with a simple, yet effective multiple dismemberment threat. He chuckled as he sat on the chair right next to her. Rising his hand to catch the bartender’s attention, Ace directed towards the cat eared girl with a friendly voice. “I think you missed to threaten their tongues.” Flashing an amused smile at her as the bartender came, he continued. “Bartender! Bring me your best available beer.”

As he waited for his drink to be served he once again looked at the girl. “Men like those do value their tongue a lot though. Most of them are all bark no bite.” Taking a sip of his freshly poured beer he continued. “Most of them are even smart enough not to risk their bark” Ace lowered his drink as he extended his hand to the girl. Even if her appearance was pretty roughed up, he knew deep down he could trust her. He actually wondered what had happened to the her that seemed to have caused that much damage. “My name is Ace the Ninth of Lyon. Nice to meet you. Didn’t quite expect to meet a fellow Rune Knight in a place like this.”

Her cat ears seemed to twitch a bit as she sipped on her vodka. Even though she was immune to alcohol, doesnt mean she liked the taste of it. It was perhaps the only thing she could drink without puking odd enough. Her illness made her body have a strange diet. Her feline hearing picked up on someone coming her way. Sure, her hearing wasn't that of a Dragon Slayer's, but she still had better senses than a normal human. Tensing up, she casted a quick glance risking meeting each other's gazes with her single. A young man with blue hair and looked to be an honest, friendly guy from first appearance. LeeAnn's first thoughts were why was a guy like him doing here,but then again he could ask her the same thing. LeeAnn noticed this guy wore the Rune Knight. It made her ease just a little bit to see it was another fellow Knight. Though, she was not sure of the ranking. A Knight could be higher class than her and still wear their old armor. She learned that lesson quickly. He saw the whole show with the two men. Clearly, she was not a force to be reckon with especially with marrying a nine tailed kitsune and a family full of Rune Knight and nobles. Then there is Hikaru, a man all in his own league.

He mentioned that she should of threaten their tongues since most men value them. He ordered a drink of the cheapest beer of the bartender's choice. After a few sips of the tasteless vodka, she listened to him talk about how most men were all bark and no bite. That made her smile shaking her head. "Not me. Most men I encounter always seemed to want to pick a fight it's either my looks or how I act. Can't go a day without being barked at, trust me. I somehow attract trouble" she mentioned. LeeAnn knew from the start of joining the Rune Knights she would either be trouble or getting in trouble. No matter how hard she tried to dodge and play the safe game, she somehow always found herself in a pickle. Just the way things worked out. The fellow Knight's name was Ace. From the starte she knew this was a fellow Rune Knight. "LeeAnn Nakamura, Seated Knight. B-rank. Pleased to meet you Ace. I come to whatever bar looks good. No my first choice, but it fits the bill. I'll pay for your drink, on the house" she said. She gave the bartender a few jewel to pay for Ace's drink as a nice gesture. "Don't worry, money is not a problem for me. Besides, Rune Knights must stick together. Ace, tell me what's your story" she asked.

As Ace continued taking sips from his drink, he couldn't help buy make a weird face of slight disgust. Apparently the bartender had given him beer of the cheapest quality even when he had specifically ordered for his best! This was something he didn't quite like. Just before he was going to yell at him and demand a reimburse, he heard his fellow Rune Knight speaking. "Not me. Most men I encounter always seemed to want to pick a fight it's either my looks or how I act. Can't go a day without being barked at, trust me. I somehow attract trouble" Ace kinda knew what she was talking about. After all, he had recently joined the Rune Knights as well, and this place didn't seem like one that quite welcomed their kind.

"LeeAnn Nakamura, Seated Knight. B-rank. Pleased to meet you Ace. I come to whatever bar looks good. No my first choice, but it fits the bill. I'll pay for your drink, on the house" Ace eyes shone instantly as he heard the cat eared girl present herself. "Awesome! You're a Seated Knight then?" Before he could continue though, LeeAnn offered to pay for his drink. Ace twitched a bit on the inside with the offer. While under normal circumstances he would have been plenty thankful for it, he currently had a problem. His beer tasted aweful. However, LeeAnn had already handed a puch of jewels to the bartender. "Always be thankful with others Ace. Never reject someone else's generosity." The words resounded through the blue haired swordsman's mind as he observed the bartender grab the pouch of money. How could he demand a change in beer now? Ace knew it wasn't that much of a deal. But for him, the words that he constantly heard in his childhood had turned him into someone that didn't like hurting others. "Oh well... It looks like I'm stuck with this beer I guess..... He COULD still drink it and order something better afterwards. Right?

"Don't worry, money is not a problem for me. Besides, Rune Knights must stick together. Ace, tell me what's your story" Brought back to his senses by the female's kind words, Ace finally let his thoughts go and replied with a smile. "Thanks alot! You don't actually have to worry though. Let me pay for the next round then!" After taking a sip from the sour beverage in front of him, he proceeded to clear his throat to answer LeeAnn's question. "Well... This is my second night in Fiore. I actually come from another Kingdom, far away from here. I came here looking for something. But for the moment, I'm trying to become a Rune Knight like no other! I'm C-Rank right now, but I've been told I can apply for B-Rank and a Seated Knight spot the day after tomorrow." Ace was a very lively person. He liked talking to others and he usually did with a calm and carefree expression. "What about you? Would you tell me about your ears? They look waay to cool... I've never seen someone like you before" Ace tried to come off as polite. He wasn't sure whether the ears were sensible soil. However, he was genuinely interested. And heavens knew that when he was interested in something, he wouldn't stop until quenching his curiosity!

Ace was not from here, but as a forgeiner. She knew quite well Fiore attracted a lot of travelers of vast cultures. Cleary, she probably never even heard of the kingdom despite of knowledge in geography. The Nakamura family could have done some trading with other clans from differing countries. As she finished her vodka, she heard Ace question about her more specifically her ears. If she was born with them it would be a simple explination. Telling a complete stranger of a odd and complex story of how she got these, not her cup of tea. Where would she start? Ace looked to be the person full of curiosity and would not rest until he had satified it. Like they sat curosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought it back. LeeAnn's smiled faded real quickly as her eye grew dark. "Where do I start? If I were a normal Rune Knight I would just say the simple hero story of wanting to be the best, which is true, but again there is more that meets the eye" she said. Her ears went from perked up forward to unsure sideways indicating she felt uneasy remembering everything. She took another breath readying herself to speak even more.

"I was not born with these ears, but I earned them through the trust of the Neko Oracle for saving her daughter. In the process, I nearly died. I was in the hospital for several days and since then I vow to never step foot into a hospital even on death bed" she said. The fear of hospitals was stressed quite clear. Who ever was the doctor that decided to torture her and made her loose sight in her right eye or at least legally. The bartender replenished her vodka as this was her second glass. People would be astonished with the amount she could drink. She gulped down the glass fully and set it down. Signalling, she was poured another glass. LeeAnn remained unphased. Her ghoul eye peered over at Ace. "Does that drink taste like shit? I can get you another one of better quality. Your choice just pick, no need to be polite. I really dont care" she said. Ace was given free will to choose as he did offer to pay for the next round. She would let this slide this time since she really didnt like people offering to pay for her own things. It felt like she was intruding even when they offered. "There are a few reason why I joined the Rune Knights. The main two reason is one it will help me find my mother and who kidnapped her and myself years ago. I will make those assholes pay for what they did to me and my family! The second reason is because of my big brother, Hikaru. He's a rank above me as a mage and Rune Knight. A man of wisdom and ability. Though, were only half-siblings, but he is the only family besides my family I have left" she said.

As she began to speak about her ears, Ace suddenly regretted it. Something he took pride in was being able to read other people with relative ease. Even more when they spoke face to face with him. In LeeAnn's case, he knew he had gone into a delicate topic. As her expression immediately changed and gulped complete the bottle of vodka, Ace could notice her eyes become devoid of all emotion. "I was not born with these ears, but I earned them through the trust of the Neko Oracle for saving her daughter. In the process, I nearly died. I was in the hospital for several days and since then I vow to never step foot into a hospital even on death bed". Ace continued drinking his beer as he listened to LeeAnn's words full of uneasiness. However, it was too late to back out now. He was genuinely interested in what the Neko had to tell.


"I was not born with these ears, but I earned them through the trust of the Neko Oracle for saving her daughter. In the process, I nearly died. I was in the hospital for several days and since then I vow to never step foot into a hospital even on death bed" Ace could only imagine what she had to go through. After all, her appearance made it evident. There was no way the scars she possessed were the product of a simple accident. On the contrary, it seemed as if they had been thread upon. Machinated to do cause harm. Other than that, Ace was also genuinely impressed by the way she drank her vodka. He didn't know how long she had been there, but the bottle that stood before her was clearly being emptied constantly, and she was drinking it raw. "Does that drink taste like shit? I can get you another one of better quality. Your choice just pick, no need to be polite. I really dont care" Ace slightly choked on his beer as he struggled to take another sip. It was something he was born with; a complete inability to lie or pretend. As he cleaned the foam from his mouth with his right-hand sleeve, he looked in her direction with a raised eyebrow and a sincere voice. "Hah, was it really that obvious?" Ace took yet one final sip as if trying to decide whether it was actually bad or not. As the reflexive expression on his face proved it was the latter, he slammed the mug in the bar as he continued. "To be honest it quite tastes like shit." Ace laughed, raising his hand as he motioned the bartender towards him. "Mister... Please be kind enough to take this away from here and give me some decent drink will you?" Even if his tone was calm, there was a hint of seriousness that suggested a threat behind his words.

The man immediately took the mug as he hurriedly went to pour another one. "There are a few reason why I joined the Rune Knights. The main two reason is one it will help me find my mother and who kidnapped her and myself years ago. I will make those assholes pay for what they did to me and my family! The second reason is because of my big brother, Hikaru. He's a rank above me as a mage and Rune Knight. A man of wisdom and ability. Though were only half-siblings, but he is the only family besides my family I have left" Ace didn't quite know about this Hikaru man she spoke about. By the looks of it, he was apparently his superior, and even her superior. After hearing the determination behind her words, Ace couldn't help but become pumped up. "Well then. How about you let me lend a hand? After all you said it yourself. We Rune Knights must stick together." His proposal was sincere. He was the type of person to quickly feel empathy. He knew what it felt when someone else screwed around with your family. As he received his new drink, Ace raised it in her direction. "So how's this. A toast for our futures and to finding what we look for. And one more for the new family we belong to; the Rune Knights!" A smile of confidence appeared on his face as he pronounced those words.

Ace was completely immersed on what occurred on the bar to even notice the rest of the rowdy people that observed them. As it was apparent, they weren't quite fond of the Rune Knights at all. Ace's toast finally managed to get their attentions and stop them from trying to kill each other. As they looked one another, the air began to tense little by little with the hostility directed towards them. Even if Ace noticed it, he paid it no mind. For now, what he cared about was his toast with LeeAnn. The rest could be taken care of afterward.

After telling the smallest of the story she could, she felt a little nervous how he might take it. Everyone had a tradgey to their own story. Afterall, every main character had to grow and becomes something after things like that. Her's was a constant tragedy guess liked keep hers that way. It was the people like her fiance, Hans, her cousin, and her brother as well as a few others including her father. There was at least a good group of people who had her back no matter what. She had a feeling that this Ace guy was something who looked to be a true hero at heart, but had a little too much excitement for his own good. Wasn't anything bad in her mind, but this bar was not the place to show it at. Especially with thugs and theives looking at them like they were next on the menu. The redhead only kept her alert up even more. Her muscles tensed only becoming more prepared in case. You never know when something might happen. LeeAnn was always one to be extremely perpared for almost anything since her training in the Rune Knights. Though, this offer that was about to hit her definately caught her off guard. Her only eye widen as she looked at him with her eyepatch over her right eye and with her black and red ghoul eye. "Huh? You're willing to help me, some stranger you dont know? That's a bit bold even for me. Well I like your attitude and perhaps I could use a extra pair of eyes ad mind. This is a case that even the highest of Rune Knights can never crack. If you are willing to be up to hte task, you're on board. We're going to play detective" she said with a smile. He refered the Rune Knights as a family or unit. Something she never really heard in a long time. The only thing she could think of when he said it was Fairy Tail. They were big on family, but Rune Knights were not nesscarily known for it. She thought about it for a little bit. "Perhaps this guy is worth knowing. He has a different outlook on this Knights than anyone I have ever met. Don't clam up, Lee. This is a chance to make a new friend" she thought to herself. He raised his glass to make a toast. Ace was a happy fellow, but sharing his happiness was not something the others wanted to hear. Rune Knights were not really welcome in the bar. She only looked around with a casual glare showing she was not going to tolerate any of this. Her eye turned yellow and fox-like showing fire form her fists indicating she was not going to tolerate any behavior of assault. Quickly, she put the flame out and had her eye back to it's normal self. She made the toast with him. "To good tidings and findings, A safe journey we will have to a new family; Rune Knights" she said casually. A smile shown on her face as she finished her drink. Putting her hand on his shoulder, she smiled. "Lets go somewhere more...private. I don't feel safe talking about important information here. Let's go to a more friendly place than this one, they look like hungry wolves" she whispered. They would leave a tip for the bartender as they walked out. LeeAnn caught a glance meeting eyes with hooded figure with claw-like fingernais with a sinister, but friendly smile. Her instincts heightened and grabbed Ace's arm and dragged him to the Rune Knight station, where it would be safe. "Good were safe. That place is something we should NEVER go to again" she said, in a relief from panic.

Ace knew what was going on. Even as the people in the bar started looking at each other with a newly formed sense of unity, Ace was still not paying attention to them. He didn't really care about what they planned to do with them. Ever since entering the bar, the blue haired man had known that he wouldn't be welcomed here. However, what he had just done was a declaration of war. A toast in the name of the Rune Knights? Many of the men that gathered in that place had been previously arrested before. Some of there were charged unfairly, while others had spent years of their lives in the council's prisions. Even after knowing all of this Ace did not hesitate. He was not one to fear. He had learned not to. After all, the noble family of Peregrande was one of warriors. Staring intently at LeeAnn with his drink raised the only thing he could think about was the pain that she must have suffered in the past. It was one he could understand. Everyone had lived through hell. Which one was worse? That was for no one to decide. After all, every person had their own hell. What he COULD decide though, was the allies he decided to face that hell with. They had just met, but Ace knew deep in his gut that LeeAnn was someone worthy of trust. Ace was was all in for following his instincts. They had brought him thus far at the end of the day right?

"Huh? You're willing to help me, some stranger you dont know? That's a bit bold even for me. Well I like your attitude and perhaps I could use a extra pair of eyes ad mind. This is a case that even the highest of Rune Knights can never crack. If you are willing to be up to hte task, you're on board. We're going to play detective" "Haha. It's settled then." As LeeAnn looked at the surroundings with a menacing glare Ace took advantage of the moment to take a look as well. He knew they wouldn't be leaving the place without a fight. That much was a given. Making use of the opportunity, he quickly created a mental map of the situation. "Looks like it's us two vs. twenty men... Ten are drunk, the other ten can still put on a fight. Six to the left, Eight to the right, four to the front, and another two at the entrance. A couple of knifes here and there, most of them have their bottles ready... This is gonna be fun Just as Ace finished looking at the bar, LeeAnn finally conceded him the toast. "To good tidings and findings, A safe journey we will have to a new family; Rune Knights" Ace chugged down his drink in one go. "Lets go somewhere more...private. I don't feel safe talking about important information here. Let's go to a more friendly place than this one, they look like hungry wolves" Without saying a word, Ace simply nodded with a smile.

Looking towards the entrance, the swordsman and the neko were greeted by a troupe of angry looking faces with readied weapons. Ace turned to LeeAnn before any of them gave a step forward. "So now we fight our way out!" A chuckle escaped his voice as he turned back to grab the bottle of vodka she had emptied before. "You take the ones on the right and I get the ones on the left?" Truth be told, Ace was really excited. He was yearning for a good fight and this seemed to be one that promised to deliver. After both mages agreed, a unanimous roar of charge emerged from the crowd in front of them. Bottles flied at their direction as both LeeAnn and Ace evaded them without a taking a sweat. Ace had been training his entire life for battle, and LeeAnn's senses seemed to be leagues above those of a human. Ace concentrated on the people on the right without turning back. He knew he could trust her with his back. A couple of knifed thugs thrusted his way. Grabbing the arm of one and parrying the other with it, Ace pushed both of them towards the rest of the attackers that came behind them. Stumbling over the ground, Ace hopped above them as he accidentaly stepped over their faces. Meanwhile, LeeAnn had singlehandedly disarmed a group of 4 with a series of swift strikes using her long and sharp claws. "She's awesome. As you'd expect of a seated knight." Using the bottle of vodka he had previously grabbed, Ace smashed an attacker's head as he avoided a second one. Catching an attacking arm mid-air, Ace turned around as he perfectly placed the thug's face to receive a coordinated powerful punch to the face delivered by LeeAnn. Back to back, Ace and the girl fended off every single of the attacks that came their way. Almost as if they had known each other for years, they managed to fight in perfect synchrony by rotating through one another's enemies, saving the other from an attack from their blindspot, and finishing those the other was locked with. Needless to say, the place was completely trashed by now. However, there still remained the two guys at the entrance. As they looked to one another with certainly visible doubt on their eyes, the final guards decided they would not move until they avanged their fallen comrades. Ace and LeeAnn simply looked at one another with a confident smile.

A loud cracking sound was heard in the streets of Crocus as a couple of people emerged from an establishment that read "The Dead Man's Skull". Crashing through the bar's wooden door and wall, a pair of unconcious big and muscular bodies rolled to the street's ground. Just a second after, Ace and LeeAnn calmly walked out of the place, carefully trying not to step on the bodies of the two thugs. Both of them had a smile of pride in their faces. As they arrived to the vecinity of the Rune Knight's headquarters, LeeAnn was the first one to break the silence.

"Good were safe. That place is something we should NEVER go to again" Ace couldn't help but give off a carefree laugh. "I guess you're probably right"

Ace seemed to be already alert of his surroundings. LeeAnn was a little surprised. Guess she was not really good at reading people that well as she thought. Well, she wasn't the best, but pretty good. He analyzed the whole situation and chose his position. She only nodded in agreement. This all came naturally. Years of training with her parents, her fiance, and in the Rune Knights, it had paid off. Flashbacks of her father teaching her the basics of fighting after she and her mother went missing. Hans had brought her back alive. She never had seen her father cry so hard before that day. It was then she promised to live on his legacy as a Nakamura and Daddy's little girl. Nakamura Family was full of warriors and strong people. Many of them Rune Knights and powerful lightning mages. Though, she was a fire mage, she was powerful. Yearning the power of her kitsune fiance, Hans. She swiftly heated her claws causing severe burns along with deep scratches. LeeAnn made sure to not killing anyone, but knock them out. Death was not her thing. Her beliefs was scarring a person for life to make them learn. It can be a good thing and on other subjects could be a rather bad thing. The men would not let up on a lady. "A lion does not let on her opponents" she said. Kicking the last man out cold, she looked over to see one escape aiming for Ace's back. A swift, fluid motion made as she the brute away from Ace.

The knocked out all the men of the bar but the guards. Looking at her new comrade, they both looked at each other then up at the guards and punched them in sync in the face. LeeAnn casually walked out of the bar. She looked back. "I definately know the higher ups will hear about this. They will not like it one bit, but eh some rules are meant ot be broken" she said. They were now on the streets away from the rough side of town and more into the true heart of the capital. Her and Ace seemed to have a good laugh at what they did back there. For the first time in a while, she felt happy. Relaxed. It was a rare moment for her to have to someone who is always on her toes and serious. "That's the most fun I have had in a long time. Ace, I dont know what you did, but I really had a great time fighting back there" she laughed. After a while, the air around them grew a little serious, but still relaxed. "Thank you, its not really easy for me to laugh nowadays unless if my fiance, Hans, or my brother are present. Life is not nessicarly easy for me, but then again thats the same for everyone" she said, a faint smile shown on her face. They walked slower. Her face to the clear, cloudless sky. It filled with a aroma blue with the sky brightly warming the city with light and a joyful atmosphere. "We al go through something to make us who we are. Good or bad. It gives us a motive, but also writes us a tragedy. To be honest, I never knew someone who held as much baggages as I have around my age. Boy, am I glad. What I am about to tell you is something I never like talking about to anyone. But it is needed to our mystery" she said.

She sat down on a bench nearby. Waiting a little bit, she took a deep breath preparing to tell a little bit. "Both of my parents are Rune Knights, as both have face a great deal of cases. Years ago, her and I were kidnapped walking home from the Rune Knight Headquaters in Era. I don't know where I was taken, but it was cold. They told me I was being tested for medical reason sent by the Magic Council. Though, the Magic Council never does any human specimen testing without their consult. Clearly, a lie. I was placed in a dark, soundless chamber for years hearing nothing but the very bodily sounds of my own body. I would be taken out mentally, emotionally, and physically experimented on. They broke me. I dont remember how old, but one night I prayed for someone to come rescue me. Little while later, a white kitsune man with a tophat saved me. His name was Hans. Hans tried to save my mother, but a bit too late" she said. She paused thinking of what else to say next. Only time passed for a few moments, she remembered the snow and blizzard in the middle of nowhere. Only a C-rank mage at age 16 perhaps almost 17. Hans, her current fiance, saved her life.

"I remember snow up to our knees and the bitter cold in the middle of a huge blizzard. We were in the middle of nowhere. All I could think of was how cold it was and my mother. Still feel guilty for not going back to her. Being in that place has left many scares in in particular. Afterwards, I used to have blue eyes and a clear flawless face like a doll's. Though, the right side of my face is infected with this purple-black pigment. I was dianogsed with Parasitc Plague. A extremely, rare illness that only one to two other cases have. All they know is its not deadly, given a stricted diet, and I will foreer be in a huge amount of pain with conflicting negative emotions" she said. It was long winded, but needed. She laided her head back with her only eye to the sky just thinking. It was a mental challenge just to speak of it. After a while, she took another deep breath. "Basically, I am trying to find my mother and figure out the culprits who torured me. I know there is more to this story, but I cannot rest until I find them. Magic Council could not figure it out for years until I recently too it on. I have a few ideas, but I cannot work at this alone. That's the whole story. Sorry if it was extremely long...any questions" she explained.

Still high from the excitement, Ace and LeeAnn made their way through the streets of the capital city. "I definately know the higher ups will hear about this. They will not like it one bit, but eh some rules are meant ot be broken" Ace chuckled as he took both his hands to his head. "Hmm.. I guess we could tell them there was a bee inside and it scared the shit out of everyone." Speaking jokingly, the swordsman noticed how the ambience between them had completely changed from when he met her back there. She was laughing, and the tension had completely disappeared. For the first time since they met, Ace could see LeeAnn laughing. He was glad. He truly was. After all, everyone deserved to be happy and free to do so. "That's the most fun I have had in a long time. Ace, I dont know what you did, but I really had a great time fighting back there" "Hah..! That was nothing, if you stick with me long enough you'll soon find out what is good~ For some reason I've got a talent to attract trouble."

As they kept walking, the mood subtly changed, and became more serious even if barely noticeably "Thank you, its not really easy for me to laugh nowadays unless if my fiance, Hans, or my brother are present. Life is not nessicarly easy for me, but then again thats the same for everyone" Ace was truly honored. He felt proud of himself in the inside. It was for moments like this that he woke up everyday. Of course not to make others laugh, but rather make them realize the good side of life. Make them enjoy themselves and the opportunities that it daily presented. "We al go through something to make us who we are. Good or bad. It gives us a motive, but also writes us a tragedy. To be honest, I never knew someone who held as much baggages as I have around my age. Boy, am I glad. What I am about to tell you is something I never like talking about to anyone. But it is needed to our mystery" Ace looked at her intently. She had his complete attention. However, he didn't reply with words, but rather with a nod and a new face of seriousness. He knew that what came was important, and he wanted to make her feel that he was paying complete attention.

"Both of my parents are Rune Knights, as both have face a great deal of cases. Years ago, her and I were kidnapped walking home from the Rune Knight Headquaters in Era. I don't know where I was taken, but it was cold. They told me I was being tested for medical reason sent by the Magic Council. Though, the Magic Council never does any human specimen testing without their consult. Clearly, a lie. I was placed in a dark, soundless chamber for years hearing nothing but the very bodily sounds of my own body. I would be taken out mentally, emotionally, and physically experimented on. They broke me. I dont remember how old, but one night I prayed for someone to come rescue me. Little while later, a white kitsune man with a tophat saved me. His name was Hans. Hans tried to save my mother, but a bit too late" "I remember snow up to our knees and the bitter cold in the middle of a huge blizzard. We were in the middle of nowhere. All I could think of was how cold it was and my mother. Still feel guilty for not going back to her. Being in that place has left many scares in in particular. Afterwards, I used to have blue eyes and a clear flawless face like a doll's. Though, the right side of my face is infected with this purple-black pigment. I was dianogsed with Parasitc Plague. A extremely, rare illness that only one to two other cases have. All they know is its not deadly, given a stricted diet, and I will foreer be in a huge amount of pain with conflicting negative emotions"

There was a long pause. Ace wasn't really sure what to say. It was not that he was left speechless. But rather, he had so much he wanted to say that he couldn't know where to start. He was powerless, but even mor, he was angry. Ace couldn't really understand why these kinds of things happened in the world. There was no space in him to understand how to justify vile acts. Before he could even form words, LeeAnn continued. "Basically, I am trying to find my mother and figure out the culprits who torured me. I know there is more to this story, but I cannot rest until I find them. Magic Council could not figure it out for years until I recently too it on. I have a few ideas, but I cannot work at this alone. That's the whole story. Sorry if it was extremely long...any questions"

As his mind tried to go through all the information he had just heard, Ace remembered a certain part that caught his attention. "Hmmm... Parasitic Plague? Ace was now immersed in his thoughts. He took his arms to his chest as he stroke his chin with his left arm. He was completely lost in his mind now, and his eyes gave it off immediately. Suddennly, as if a thunderbolt hit him, he came back to his senses. "Of course!" All the rage he had accumulated before seemed to instantly pass to a second plain as his voice was filled with excitement. "It's curable. I've seen it." Ace took a deep breath before he continued. "It was deep in the mountains near the southern border of Peregrande. I had been tasked with a mission to escort a caravan carrying an important message to a hermit that lived there. Apparently he was someone of importance in the Kingdom. After delivering the message, we took him with us back to the capital city. One of the daughters of an important noble family of the Kingdom had been diagnosed with an incurable disease. None of the royal doctors was able to even control the symptons. They called the disease 'Luna creciente'. It is translated to crescent moon. Due to its nature, a purple-black pigment appeared in one side of the body and began growing through the rest, corrupting the skin and the emotions of the patient. It was known not to be deadly, but it consumed the person with ever growing madness. The nobles were helpless, and didn't know what to do. However, they had heard from a traveler that deep within the mountains lived a survivor of an ancient clan. They were famous for possessing a deep and mysterious magical power. Their magic was seen as obscure and dark to other tribes, and were thus segregated and discriminated. However, the true nature of their power was like none other. They were masters of purging the body. Not only of spirits and the paranormal, but most notably for purging sicknessess out of people. I saw it happen before me. As the elder got near the girl, a dark aura started leaking out of his body. It formed a cloud of blackness above gthe girl's bed. Deep from within, a demon with fiery dark eyes surged with a screeching roar. Just before we could react, the demon dug its teeth into the infected side of her body and devoured the sickness out of her. A couple of minutes later, the girl was clean. Healed forever. The elder said he wanted no reward and returned to his solitude in the mountains. Right before arriving I asked him what happened with his clan. He said:'They are scattered all throughout the world. Most of them fled west, into Bellum, Sin, Desierto and Joya. However, some of them even made it further into Caelum and Fiore. They live in the dark. Hiding from other people who might be fearful of them.' Ace stopped talking for a second. He wanted to give some time to LeeAnn to form her own conclusions. Before she could answer, Ace shifted the topic back to the first request she had made. "We'll find out what really happened with your mother. We'll find out who the culprits were for once and finally deliver justice. We'll clear up what happened back in your life. And if you permit. I'll help you find a cure to the sickness you carry with you." Ace was motivated. Only a couple of hours had been enough to make him want to help LeeAnn. He was truly moved. From the depths of his heart he was a noble person. He couldn't keep himself but offering his aid to whoever needed it. It was in his blood. His tone was also one of positivism. "There is a saying back in Peregrande. It says that No matter what the nights of past befell over you, the light of tomorrows shines brighter as long as you keep by your sides good company whilst observing the dawn." Ace gave her a confident smile as he finished talking. What he offered was not only his help, but also his life should he need risk it. The only thing left now, was LeeAnn's acceptance.

The few long moments passed as she really felt peace and quiet. It did made her wonder what he was thinking. She looked at Ace with a worried look then turned back to the sky. LeeAnn and Hans including her father tried everything in the book to almost every doctor and method. From what she remembered, her father took her to someone who claimed to cleanse her. It was the last hope they both had. Though, he said he saw many like her, but could not cure her. There were two diseases alike one was different from the other. Very similar, but different. Ace caught her off guard and made her jump a few feet into the air. She looked at him with wide eyes explain about how he saw something like this and said it was curable saying it was called "Luna creciente". He sounded sincere and she believed him, but she had heard something like this before. LeeAnn gave a reassure smile appreciate the information, but had to shoot him down. After he was finished, she held a faint smile. "I appricate the information and I believe you. I left something out. There is two different version what you mention Luna creciente, is cureable nad more common than Parastic Plague. Then what I have, Parastic Plague or also known as The Ghoud disease. People who have my illness are better known as Ghouls. We...have to eat humans and the cravings are bad no matter how hard you try. Trust me, I've tried for years and went to a guy who was similar that you describe. My father searched far and wide for someone like him. Found him, did the same exact thing as you explained. Didn't work, he said it could be one other thing...Parasitic plague. The one difference is the diet. Its settle, but if you pay attention you can see. I dont eat humans that much anymore since I became a Neko. Its a bit different for every species. I never killed anyone, but made a deal with hte hospitals to give me the severe limbs nad insides of those who would donate them for 'research' or something" she said. Her ears would flatten a little looking down. The anger in her eye flashed with certain feelings towards what this illness made her eat. It sickened her. "Perhaps just finding hte cure is the least of my worries. If I can deal with this for several years, I can do it for a long time. I don't know. My main goal is finding my mother and putting those culprits to rest behind bars. Make my father stop worrying about where she is and put his anxiety at rest. The Nakamura clan does not need to suffer any longer. Though, I know there lies more to the story than her disappearance..." she said. She got up from the bench and looked around making a surveillance of the area. She noticed nothing was out of the ordinary. Ace then mentioned something about a quote. Though, she never heard of it before. It made LeeAnn crack a smile. "Sounds like those quirky quotes made dad would always make. The lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves. Something I still don't get, but I know he has a lot of those. He reads a lot of fun quotes in the books" she smiled.

Ace remained quiet for a few seconds. He wanted to hear what LeeAnn thought of his story. Even if he didn't speak, it was evident in his gaze that he was quite optimistic about it. After all, he had seen it happen with his two very eyes. However, his previous excitement was quickly shut down. LeeAnn told him how she had left something out. Even if Luna Cresciente was a similar condition, her sickness was a mutation of it. Called the Ghoud Disease, the symptoms were quite alike, with a slight difference that actually caught him off guard. Looking with intrigued eyes, Ace heard that the main difference between her disease and Luna Cresciente was the diet. More specifically, Ghoud Disease patients needed to consume human flesh in order to satiate an unquenchable famine that grew within them. Now. The swordsman was no one to judge others, but for a second he even considered himself feel at danger. These thoughts vanished quickly. For how long he had known her, he could feel that she was not that type of person. A bit disappointed, Ace heard to what else she had to say.

"Perhaps just finding hte cure is the least of my worries. If I can deal with this for several years, I can do it for a long time. I don't know. My main goal is finding my mother and putting those culprits to rest behind bars. Make my father stop worrying about where she is and put his anxiety at rest. The Nakamura clan does not need to suffer any longer. Though, I know there lies more to the story than her disappearance..." Ace couldn't help but smile with empathy. "You're right. We should first make sure of focusing on what is more important. If there's something I know is that no matter what autorities tell us, we always have to take it with a pinch of salt. I'm also sure there's more than what it first meets the eye to that story." As he pronounced those words, he couldn't help but think that the same remark applied to his own situation. "I'm sure there is also more than what it meets the eye within the Illumin Church. Perhaps I should ask her for help once we find her mother?" Before making his mind on it though, he laughed at the neko's response on the quote he told her.

"Sounds like those quirky quotes made dad would always make. The lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves. Something I still don't get, but I know he has a lot of those. He reads a lot of fun quotes in the books" Still with a smile on his face, Ace brushed the back of his head with his right hand as he spoke. "Haha. What can I say... I really am a corny one. I guess I already like your dad. And don't think I don't have more quotes from where that one came from" Flashing a quick wink, Ace sat on the bench next to LeeAnn as he still chuckled. The ambience was now again more relaxed. However, the seriousness was still present. After briefly sighing, Ace decided to get hands into action. "Alright! So... What's the plan. How are we gonna find out about your mother? We should better begin with our investigation. We'll definitely find the culprits. But don't think I've given up yet on you either! Once we're done we'll see if we can help you get your normal life back." Ace was someone with a kind heart. Truly a noble person. He was headstrong and determined. Even if he seemed naive at first glance, his carelessness was just a mere way for him to cope with the huge burden and responsibilities that the Lyon surname carried with. One of the things he wished the most for was for there to be peace. A place where everyone could live their lives without a care in the world, free of the troubles that hate and greed brought along. Even if he knew it was impossible for such a world to exist, he still had to try. Many moons before he had decided. "I'll become strong enough so that I can even challenge heavens. Once I do, I will submit fate to the mercy of each individual. No more shall we humans be disposable pieces in the crooked game of the gods." That was a promise he had made to himself. The road was harsh and very far away. However, Ace knew that it wouldn't help at all to worry for now. He wanted to enjoy his life as it came too. It was moments like these, when he met new people that he really felt an appreciation for life.

After Ace and LeeAnn discussed their following plan of action, they were interrupted by an urgent message. "I've brought an urgent message!! All Rune Knights have been summoned to the headquarters immediately! Orders have been given for different squads to travel to Era for an upcoming event. Both of you have been summoned. Miss Nakamura, I beg you to please make haste to the headquarters and to Era. You too...Humm..." "Ace! Now.. Please hurry." Immediately jumping off of the bench, Ace and LeeAnn raced to the headquarters. The young mage was not sure what was happening. But it sounded like fun. "Do you think the've already heard of our visit to the bar?"

-EXIT-

It was completely normal for her to notice the uncertainty when she reveal the real, ugly truth to the others. She was better about the cravings now. When she told people, it was normally them thinking she would go savage and start eating them. Though, she figured how to maks the cravings and needing for humans with now becoming Neko. It has become a lot more bearable to maintain. Her cravings were more along the lines of deer or other common animals than humans. Now, she would put tan cubes in her drink that would help supplement those cravings. They looked light sugarcubes that were burnt or something, but that was not exactly what it was. Ace seemed to calm down as she just gave a casual stare.

The authorites knew of her very well since she caused a lot of damage in missions quite frequently. Many of her comrades would say she should of joined Fairy Tail with her destructive nature. LeeAnn just didn't know her limits yet. That was her problem, but she did get the job done. She has nothing to fear as far as being kicked out. Her parents held some titles in the rankings. They knew she was worth it and she has been improving lately. No destruction for about 4 month. A record. She would drink listening to Ace. "I should know that. Authorities have a lot against me because of my destructive nature when it comes to my temper. I am a silent anger, but I become reckless" she smiled. A few laughs they shared until someone from the Magic Council came running towards them. He was out of breath and this was new to LeeAnn. It seemed to be a message asking for LeeAnn to come back to Era. It was urgent. LeeAnn blinked as she looked at the letter. "Thank you. I will be there right away! Looks like I gotta let Hans know. Another trip and just to think I just got here" she said. Ace mentioned about their visit to the bar. "I think not. We'll keep it hush hush" she smiled.

-Exit-