It was another pleasant day in Crocus. The city had bandaged itself up and slowly but surely one could notice the routine of daily life resume for the city dwellers. Akira sat with her legs crossed, on one of the benches in the garden, her head rolled backward over the edge, leaving her neck rather exposed. She stared at the sky above, feeling like the ever-expanding blue was going to swallow her up the longer she stared.

Akira sighed softly, watching her breath mingle with the mist that hung above her. She stretched her arms outwards as she closed her eyes. Following which she swiftly hugged herself, clutching her warm jacket closer to herself. While the nip in the air was just that, for some... Akira wasn't fond of the cold. At the moment she was just glad she wasn't in the more northern cities, despite the unwelcome situations that Crocus had flung at her, at least she wasn't freezing yet.

The post-breakfast hum of the Crocus gardens was abuzz. Slowly, Akira was getting used to the people, perhaps the light she harbored inside her had curbed her darkness enough for it to not leak outside of her, causing panic and judgment in the people around. Or perhaps, with her training and practice, she had finally learned to control the elements inside her, so she wielded them and not the other way around... Perhaps, in time, Akira will find a way to not hold a grudge against those who wrote her off, perhaps she'd accept the light, as a gift. The dark-haired girl closed her eyes, as she contemplated her place in the world once again.

Despite usually having a keen sense of observation, Akira could switch off and become oblivious sometimes. Today was one of those days, her eyes remained riveted onto the blue expanse above and had it not been for the crash of the cart, she'd have remained that way too. She frowned, trying to gauge what had happened. It was Fenrir, that man had a notorious habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time... She shook her head and slid off the bench, making her way to the flipped cart. In her mind, she hypothesized that someone had bothered the vendor, perhaps even violently and now Fenrir was trying to help. The vendor and Fenrir seemed to be in some kind of a discussion. Given everything that had transpired between Fenrir and Akira, she didn't deem him to be violent, just lost... for the most part. Her mind did not peg him to be the culprit, he seemed to easy going, so relaxed and helpful, she automatically saw him in the role of the one who was aiding, perhaps out of habit, given his status as an ex-Knight.

It was one of her weaknesses. Her skepticism which usually aided her quite a lot, in terms of keeping her guard up, was low when she thought she knew someone, perhaps Fenrir had attained the tag of ally too soon. As she neared the duo, her walk slowed, there was no other assailant, she couldn't recall seeing anyone run away... yet the trolley cart had been shoved and the vendor wore a look of terror, directed towards Fenrir. Aki followed his gaze and noted the tuft of fur that was forming over his body. Her eyes widened... was he losing control? 'Fenrir...' she tried softly and tentatively, hoping she could calm him without things getting any worse. 'I'd suggest you leave... You'll be reimbursed for your goods, sir.' she said turning swiftly to the vendor before stare snapped back to Fenrir.

She paused, in her tracks, her mouth hung agape, her gaze softened instantly. Her eyes were now wary, a little fearful and almost empathetic. Somehow, despite all her pessimism, which was really failing her, she assumed that whoever knocked the vendor over, triggered Fenrir somehow. She knew what it was like to lose track of one's magic when emotions got in the way. Her empathy intensified, as Fenrir began transforming into something furry. Aki's eyes widened as realisation struck her, not only did he have a strange magic, that he didn't seem to have much control over, his transformation, seemed like he was turning into a werewolf. Her brows furrowed as she held up her hand, in attempt to approach him slowly, as the vendor just screamed and ran for his life. Little did Aki know that the object of his frustration was not the vendor at all, but her...

She could barely wave her hands, even just to gesture that she had no malicious intent, before he was less than a foot away from her. Aki saw the fur covered fist fly out, barely in time to get her face and torso out of the way, it did almost nick her left shoulder though. She instantly, leapt backwards to create some more distance between the two again. 'No no... Fenrir, what the hell? I'm a friend!' she tried, her tone still slightly patronizing, given that she was sort of aware of his condition, the memory loss that made him child like. Now only one hand wavered in the hair, the other instinctively reached for her holster.

While there was some distance between them and Aki should have turned tail and run for her life, gone to get some help, the empathy that etched a concerned crease between her brows caused her to hesitate. She peered at him, her right hand grasped the handle of the gun, but her eyes still wide with hope. 'Fenrir.' She responded softly to his call, her voice betraying much anxiety mingled with fear. Yet, in the soft tremor of her vocal cords, her tone was layered with an uncharacteristically unwavering faith in this man. A stubbornness that he'd win over his magic. While her self-preservatory instinct did get her to pluck her gun out, she didn't have the heart to point it at the lycan. She jumped backward, as the concrete under her cracked, his struggle only served to keep her firmly by his side. 'Er...' is all she could managed, as she leapt away yet again. Out of his range, but still very much within his vicinity. She wasn't sure how long he could keep this up, but she had to help him, Aki wanted to keep him oriented, keep him focused.

There was no way that the lunar mage could just leave him like this. The practical side of her mind reasoned this by reminding her that as a Knight it was her duty to stay. She couldn't just let an out of control lycan run amok in the town after all. But, her closeted sensitive self, knew it was because she cared. Akira didn't want to give up on someone she'd begun seeing as a friend. kept her eyes trained on him. 'Fenrir, no, I'm right here... You gotta get this under control...' she said clearing her throat, trying to instill something akin to a demanding tone. Their eyes met, she noticed the urgency as he pleaded with her to leave, she just swallowed and hoped Tsuru would come looking for her like he usually did. If this was to get worse, she'd need more hands on deck.

Aki let out a little squeal as she heard the growl which left the creature's mouth. As he roared out her name, she witnessed the way his canines teeth grew out, turning larger and savage. She swiftly streaked further away from the monster the guy was transforming into. She sighed softly, gasping at the predicament. This was some really tough luck, for her but more for him. Whatever happened for him to turn into a Lycan, must have been rather tragic, since he seemed to be quite at odds with his transformation. The empathy that tied this moment together, made Akira a little emotional and irrational. Apparently, this feeling was contagious, because Barry seemed to be having a similar reaction. When he was able to form words, his request astonished Akira. She hadn't even realized that she'd pulled out her gun, after all, perhaps following seemingly threatening growl...

A crowd was gathering around them, there was no way she could use the strongest spell. Obviously, that wasn't the only reason. She couldn't actually just kill Fenrir for not having control over his magic. Maybe she could arrest him... But he hadn't actually committed any grievous crime. It seemed like he would though, given enough time. It was heartwrenching to see him urgently egg her to shoot him. 'What the hell, Fenrir!' she exclaimed, frowning. Was he out of his mind. 'I can't just kill you... for... for...' she wasn't sure what to call whatever he was becoming since it wasn't just ordinary metamorphing. 'For this.' she concluded, her eyes wide as her panic-stricken-self did hold out the gun towards him, but her finger stood paused at the trigger. 'Please... Don't make me do something like this!' she pleaded. This was not a choice she expected to make on duty.

The rapid changes in his appearance were quite distracting. Upon noticing the transformation, she hadn't been quick to forebode evil, but that sense was creeping up on her now. Perhpas it was one of those age old things that she was taught when young, flashier things, were always more dangerous, from animals to mushrooms... It was a strange thought, but it made sense if someone or something had the tenacity to attract attention towards themselves, they were equipped to handle the danger that came with it. Of course, the predicament she had landed herself in, didn't exactly allow her to dwell on weird facts like this. She noted the body, which she now saw as a separate entity from the identity of her... friend... threw another punch at her.

Her heart raced, till it was almost a buzz as she dashed away from his range yet again, but she noticed that there was a wall behind her now... His paw barely missed getting her, yet another time. She noted the claws, that grew out of it.. he could maul her, probably even kill her if he landed an attack. Now, she feared for her life... she gulped, her eyes widening, as they met the ferocious red hued orbs of Fenrir. She slumped against the wall, ready to duck if he threw yet another punch. But her resolve to not Fenrir was fading every second. She held her gun, in both hands, as she squatted a little, in anticipation of another attack. One more attempt and perhaps, she'd find it in her to pull the trigger after all... She kept the weapon pointed towards his legs though, unwilling to take the risk of mortally wounding the man who was fighting against himself to not destroy her... 'Fenrir... please...' she tried again, her voice soft and helpless... almost pitiful.

It had to happen, she hardly had a choice. Her body had won over her mind, while she put off using her weapon as long as she could, the threat was too imminent and her counter was too easy... She just had to pull the trigger. She didn't channel much mana into her attack, given the fact that she was so conflicted, but it was enough to send a bullet flying into his leg, where it probably remained embedded... Till he moved around. TShe winced partially in disgust as at all the blood oozing from his wound and partially in guilt that she had caused him pain. She pulled herself closer to the wall, plastering herself against it, wondering if her assault would incite a vengeful strike from him. It sure seemed that way when he got up. The mana bullet fell with a clink to the ground and vanished, inviting a spurt of blood from his leg, like an uncorked bottle of champagne.   The hurt he felt was quite apparent from the way he growled and roared... She wanted to urge him to stay still, but couldn't find the words.

From the corner of her eyes, she noticed a squad of men, probably a bunch of Knights who had been sent to handle the situation. It was highly likely that they'd make things worse. She couldn't turn her gaze towards them though, the crisis had not been averted. Everything that followed was a blur... of more transformations. She squinted and clenched her eyes shut as a blinding light seemingly consumed the man. The others who had gathered around the followed suit, some even covering their faces with their arms. As the orange that she could still see despite her lids covering her eyes, faded... She swiftly opened her eyes, in dread, a feeling which was quickly assuaged when her gaze fell upon the man... He was a man again, his fur all gone...

He went from being a beast to a human, albeit still quite different from his usual appearance. He wore a crimson mane atop his head, a color that was reflected in the glint of his eyes, much like the blood that had pooled around his injured leg. He flashed a smirk, startling Akira no end before he collapsed... and became, the normal Fenrir again. On cue, the squad of Knights arrived, hastening now that it appeared there was no risk. 'Thank you, Ms. Shimada. We'll take it from here.' they said curtly, before swiftly handcuffing Fenrir. 'No wait...' she protested, which was met with a sharp 'You're in shock, miss, you'll be escorted to safety as well...' She had to play this smart, otherwise, the last thing Fenrir would probably recall, was her face and then the inside of a cell, she couldn't become a consistent bad omen in his life like this. 'I'll come with you, I am a witness, for the report.' she stated simply, they couldn't argue that one...

It took Akira a long while, to haggle with the administrative workers, who had always had it in for the poor soul. Plus, there was the added issue of keeping Tsuru out of this mess. His righteous attitude would only worsen things, something like this, needed to be dealt with delicacy. She chewed on her lip, while she waited for the burly guard to fetch the keys to Fenrir's cell. As she waited, she propped her ear up against the large metal door that kept him within the confines. She could hear nothing, which was rather worrisome... He couldn't have... The girl quickly shook her head, sending strands of her silky hair, flying into her eyes.

She brushed them away and shiftlily looked around to see if anyone was watching her, once convinced she was alone, she tentatively raised her knuckles to the door and knocked. 'Fenrir...' she tried, her voice was soft, just as her knock was. Maybe it was enough to cross the thick doors, maybe it wasn't. When she didn't hear a response immediately, she assumed the latter and tried again, this time fisting her hands to bang against the door instead of knocking. 'Fenrir, can you hear me? Its Akira, I'm trying to get in there as soon as I can... We need to talk.' she added, trying to talk a little louder this time.

Her eyes kept darting to check for the presence of others along the long hallway. Her fist splayed out against the door, and her hand slipped off it slowly, indicative of the guilt she felt. Of course, Fenrir saw none of this. She closed her eyes and her let her forehead rest on the door as she waited. Softly she whispered an apology... If she could complain about the passive prejudice she felt, amidst the Knights, Fenrir was a case and point for how bad things could get...

~~~

Finally, after a lot of arguments with the facility's guards, she managed to get him out of the cell, but she was appointed as the person in charge of him, which meant, if he did something, her head was on the line. She wasn't sure how well they'd adhere to that, but she had no choice. She accepted, going as far as making tall claims about how a reformed Fenrir would soon join their ranks again and all the Rune Knights who sought to banish him, would eat their words. Akira used the help of some other Knights, to get him out of the cell and up into a room in the barracks, where she'd let him recover for the time being...

~Exit~