Leeann was starting to feel better a bit. Enough to walk and do a mission at the very least. It had been several days since she first saw Manzo. The redhead was eating her meal of human remains freshly cooked. Most would find the smell horrible, but to her it was simply divine. Over the course of the last two weeks since meeting Manzo, she had forced herself to eat the proper nutrition. Leeann was starting to fill out to her new figure, but her sickness struck. LeeAnn lost the weight she had just gained back. She made sure to add more to each meal. LeeAnn ate like a bird. She really didn't eat much anyways, but she was forcing herself to eat more. It was a sickening feel when someone does that to themselves. After eating a full meal, her stomach was a bit upset and stuffed. She let everything digest and settle before getting ready for her mission.

Her body was actually allowing her to walk and function like she normally would. After a while, she sluggishly got up from her chair to put on her everyday outfit. A red cloak with a purple shirt and white pants countered with black boots. She combed her hair and did a little extra than she normally would to make herself feel better. A lot was on her mind with the death of her Aunt Paisley, the Rune knight's disloyalty, and now her crush's betrayal. She just had enough of her life right now. Though, she somehow had to keep pushing to find something good at the end of the tunnel. Right now the only thing keeping her going was Manzo, the only sort of friend she really had. Perhaps doing a few missions would do the kitsune some good?

She gave a sigh. Getting up from her seat, she looked over at the picture of her and Asteral, her long lost service companion. That black fox always kept a sharp eye out for her. Little did she know how much she would miss her. LeeAnn shook her head and made her way to the door since now she was fully dressed. She closed it and locked it behind her. Walking off the Nakamura premise, she remembered where to meet him. It was in the park?

LeeAnn's head was foggy. All she can remember was the park. Which one? She would think the one nearest to the house. She searched her pockets and found a note she wrote down. It had the meeting place and with a relief, she smiled. Putting in back into her pocket. They had to train some of the civilians to defend themselves. She passed the idea of that job to Manzo to see if he were able to. It was a good source of pay and not to mention get some training done as well. Perhaps, she could use some since it was a good form of therapy for her. She founded where the park was and took a seat. It was quite easy to spot her in a heavy crowd considering she was the only kitsune around.

526/3800

5% word count deduction

Tail 8: 18/100

LeeAnn was too much into her own thoughts. The ex-rune knight was far too aloof to notice Manzo walking up. Her thoughts wandered about her respnosiblites and where she might go from here. Ya know? All that deep thinking stuff. The kitsune gave a small sigh. A voice that sounded familiar came from her left. She jumped a little and grabbed her chest out of shock. She didn't what was his deal, but he was really good at sneaking up on her or he was just very good at making sure she never noticed him. Either way, she gave a smile at her friend. "Hello, to you too. Seems like you have a thing to scare me a lot" she joked.



Though, she was relieved it was just him and not some stranger. She had a bad past with that kind of thing a lot, all the kidnapping and all. The kitsune laughed a bit, giving a small smile. "So what is a wolf wandering the park at this hour? Did you get the message about the mission" she asked. She hoped he did because she never really felt like explaining it. Though, the letter was probably lost thanks to her griffon. She was trying to see if Zalor would make a good carrier pigeon or mail bird. That seems to very unreliable. LeeAnn decided to give an explination anyways.

"Well, in case if you did not, I found a mission for us to do together. Just training some of the civilians to fight or defend themselves. With my experience and yours, I think we could make a good team. Its good pay and quite simple" she explained. LeeAnn gave him the flyer that explained all the small details like where this job was and the client. The redhead leaned back in her seat, relaxing a little bit. She closed her eyes till he was don't reading. Afterwards, she was handed the flyer back and smiled. "So are you up for some jewel or what? I need to get me a new companion. After Asteral, I need a service companion for a few things" she said. The thought of her lost and possibly dead Umbreon haunted her. She was the closest friend LeeAnn ever had and possibly the best. Even if she was an animal, LeeAnn felt closer to her than with most people. She shook the thought to focus on Manzo and their mission.

"Sorry, day dreaming. It's in the south side of the park, we could be there in just a few minutes" she smiled. She held the job flyer in her right hand, She stood up from her seat and waited for Manzo. The busty woman walked with him silently, still thinking about Asteral. The last time she remembered her was the fight between herself and her ex-fiance trying to kill her for reasons unknown. Asteral took the hit and managed to kill him in the process, protecting LeeAnn. It was a very horrific sight for her. Perhaps, the worst thing she had ever seen. The thoughts on betrayal were heavy on her heart. LeeAnn gave a heavy sigh and pushed forward to their destination. Upon arrival, there was a group of people already there with their client standing in a shop keeper robes of some sort. He looked worried about something. LeeAnn waved her hands to catch his attention.

"Hey! Dude, over here. It's me, LeeAnn Nakamura" she called to the client. His eyes lit up when he saw the two of them.

"Oh good, you're here! I was beginning to worry that you'd never show up. I want to thank you for taking this job" he said. LeeAnn shruged with a smile. "Its really nothing. Just gives up something to do. Anything else we should know about before starting" she asked. The client shook his head. "Nope, just teach them how to fight" he said. LeeAnn smiled and laughed. "Can do! Something were both good at, more him than me" she smiled. She was giving Manzo more credit, even when she knew that she had never seen him fight. LeeAnn knew all too well she still had a long way to go before she could even consider herself on his level.

1232/3800

Tail 8: 19/100

LeeAnn was relieved that the letter gotten to him in time. She thought Zalor lost the letter or something along those lines. The Gryphon was smart but sometimes lost mail and sometimes people. There had been times she would not hear from her parents through their letters and come to find out that it was all because her gryphon lost the letter. She would never be mad since she knew the risks, but it was a good way for her companion to stretch his wings. LeeAnn trusted him completely and knew he loved to fly freely. His spirit was much like his own. Manzo replied and what caught her attention was calling "my dear". She paused, trying to figure out why he called her that.

The kitsune stared at him trying to process the whole idea. "You called me, my dear? Uh...did I do somethi-" she paused.

Manzo had grabbed her ass. Bold move, buddy. She felt heat rush to her cheeks a bit. Though, secretly she did enjoy the attention. The fur on her tails stood up as so did her fox ears. LeeAnn's reaction was priceless. Her cheeks grew a rosey red, seeing this was still new territory for her. She blushed staring at Manzo, wide eyed. Words could not be formulated. All that came out of her mouth was air sounds. Being touched in such a gentle manner was new terrian. Sure, Kazimir did try, but nothing like this. She didn't know if he was doing this to tease her or just cause. LeeAnn would normally slap him, but she couldn't bring herself to do that. It was... not like her to freeze like this.

"D-Di-Did you just touch my ass" she whispered into his ear. LeeAnn blushed a bit more and covered her face. She rushed stay around his pace while enjoy the feel of it. Her ears twitched even more at the thought of being touched like this. Manzo could notice this made her embaressed, shy, and horny at the same time. He was smart enough to see the signs from the kitsune. What was it with this guy and trying to bring the best out of her? She didn't know what it was exactly, but she seemed to enjoy his company. He just had that magic touch to bringing out her real self. The shy and vulnerable LeeAnn Nakamura that people used to know when she was a kid. They reached to the group of people. All eyes were staring at her, still blushing from what Manzo had done. Her face was still covered with her hair and tails. Manzo probably enjoyed watching her reaction to all of this.

She risked a peek at the white wolf then quickly looked at the group of people she looked at Manzo and then at the group of people. "Wh-What... do you think we should start with" she stammered. She had a whole plan, but Manzo made her completely blank out on the whole list. Her thoughts were still frozen with shyness. LeeAnn would simply just stand still, trying to look confident. It was easy to tell she was still a little embaressed and shy what Manzo had done to her back there. It was funny to everyone else to see the fire mage so flustered. She shook her head and tried to get back into training.

"So you all want to learn how to defend and fight? Against these demons or simple theives from your shop eh?" she said. Her made sure her voice was loud nad easy to hear. She did not stammer a word with what she had said. The young mage's ears simply twitched when she looked at all of them. They all had some fire of deteremination. She thought of herself as a young kid and all the ruthless training her mother put her through. It was tough love she would say. "I can see some potential already. The first thing were going to do is.." she paused. She looked at the quiet boy next to her. A simple "I am up to no good" smirk came across her face with a cocked eyebrow.

"What is it wolf? What are we going to do" she smiled, mischievously. She put him on the spot as a little way to get back at him, but she knew he would probably not care. It was worth a shot after touching her ears, her weakness, and driving her wild about earlier. She tried to not let that bother her, but Manzo had already won at the point already. She really hope to get back at him. If not now, eventually sometime down the road. She never knew the White Wolf had a cheeky side to him which was kinda sweet. She would walk up to him to try get into his face a little with a grin. Like this would work? She was not bold enough to make a move as sneaky as his, but she needed to focus on the mission first. "I will deal with our little situation later. Let's focus on the mission, ya horny  bastard" she whispered quietly into his ear.

2101/3800

Tail 8: 20/100

Putting Manzo on the spot was actually not what she had thought. To her surprise, he was actually a natural leader and someone she would actually listen to. At first when she had met hte man, it was out of fear that she listened to him. Slowly getting to know this man, it made her realize there were more to him much like the layers of the onion. LeeAnn began to understand what he was saying. He told his life story a bit. The kitsune's mixed matched eyes stared at her friend as he spoke. He was a child slave? She could feel her heart brake even more for him. LeeAnn had noticed that she never felt any sort of sympathy or empathy for anyone other than Hikaru or her family. She could feel her heart opening up to this man, not a lover's manner, but a friend. Companion.

LeeAnn thought of her own dark past. The thoughts of being tortured and hearing her mother's cries. The cries to make them take her instead. They made her watch her own daughter, not of blood, become a victim. A victim for what? Her mother's punishment for doing her job as a Rune Knight. To this day her mother could never forgive herself. Leeann gripped her wrist tightly trying to not think about it. She did have to learn to fight for herself since meeting her ex-fiance. The Rune Kngiths were always so harsh on her and yet she proved them wrong. Her father and older brother were always behind her in every step of the way. Now, they depended on her. Manzo's words about defending one's family, country, and land all against these demons or seraphisms. Things she had almost as the Rune Knights.

LeeAnn had to defend her family now. It was her job to. Perhaps, that's what Manzo was teaching her secretly. The buddy system was always a good method. She watched the civilians defend each other and covering each other's backs. Things the Rune Knights never really understood. LeeAnn's training always consisted of relying on yourself and no one else. Her and Hikaru always had a problem being too independent when it came to a team. While all of them were fighting and practicing, she looked and stared at Manzo. LeeAnn kept her emotional composure for later. The waterworks would have to wait. "What you said to them, it really...hit home to me. I am sorry you had to go through all of that, Manzo. Honestly, I never felt empathy like this before" she whispered to him. She was careful to not let the others hear while they were fighting. She watched all of them fighting. He seemed to take the reigns more so than she did. It was perhaps for the best though.

The thoughts of what he had done earlier had gone out the window. All of them were very determined than she ever saw in herself. The fire that had died inside of her a long time ago stared to burn a little bit. Not a whole lot, but a little bit. Before she had met Manzo, she had given up on life and everything. She saw no meaning in it anymore. The only thing that really kept her going was the thoughts of her parents and older brother. Now there was more at steak than she realized. All of her family were in danger and the home she grew up in. LeeAnn didn't know what the hell it was that Manzo did or said but something really brought some of her old self back. She stared at him with a small grin and soft eyes. The kind that she rarely used or allowed around anyone. He was a great guy on the inside he just had a tough exterior much like herself.

"Wow, look at them go" she smiled in satisfaction. Manzo seemed to be doing a good job. LeeAnn really lacked knowledge in the areas of religion and demons. Holy items such as water that was blessed by a priest of some sort. She knew about that kind of stuff just not a whole lot. LeeAnn just used her sword, Sting, and fire to kill the demons. Fire solved everything in her book, but it probably wasn't the answer they were looking for. She could tell all of them were well in tuned with what her companion had said. She had nothing to say or to even add at the point. The kitsune let him continued on about his advice.

He was easy to follow. Even she was listening to his shepeel about all of this. She was taking in what he had to say. It was all very interesting to say the least. Now at least the next time she faced a demon, she knew what kinds of extra moves to do. Leeann snapped her fingers. "Before you go on, Manzo. I want to add something. When fighting these demons, use anything as a weapon simple pitchforks and shovels will do. As long as it can cause some sort of damage, thats all that matters. Sorry, go on Manzo" she spke, stepping behind him was he talked. She stared at his backside. LeeAnn took a quick glance at his ass. Quickly, her eyes shifted back up at him while he was talking. She couldn't help herself. LeeAnn kept her best face of seriousness forward. When he looked at her, she smiled with a nod.

"Agreed. One more thing, do not go out at night! I know that's common sense but I have to say that. Night is the time when the most dangerous creatures come out. Many people don't listen when I preach this. Wolves, demons, skinwalkers, hell even Wendigos are always out for your flesh and bones. Terroors and screams. So head my warning, lock your doors and windows. They will not go inside you house if you lock them. Its too much effort to deal with them unless they are really hungry" she said. Speaking from true experience with them, she had a few stories to tell about those creatures. LeeAnn shivered at the thought. A lot of hte people looked scared. This reassured her that she probably wasn't the best to teach in this crowed anyways.

"How about we drink some water and hydrate, Manzo. Then we could work on speed or something" she spoke to him, crossing her arms above her busty chest. Her eyebrow was cocked on her left side to await an answer.

3205/3800

Tail 8: 21/100

The group of civilians took their times and grabbed the bottles of water that were supplied. Manzo came over to her. She had her arms crossed and leaned against a tree under the shade. He had a smirk on his face. She smelled trouble coming from a mile away. His firm grim around her waist made her feel happy. It was yet again he placed his hand on her ass firmly. Claiming it like it was a prize he won at the country fair. She grew red and pursed her lips shyly. She knew that he was only joking and he knew that she enjoyed it a bit too much. This kind of attention did make her shy all over again. Leeann looked back to see a few of them staring at both of them. Her ears folded back as she covered her face with her hands.

"Why do you do this to me? Their staring. You....you know how to...UGH! Manzo..." she huffed. She crossed her arms and tried to act angry, but it broke too easily. LeeAnn cracked a smile and shyly turned red. She still looked down. They were lead back to their bench. LeeAnn stared at the pond as she closed her eyes laying her head against Manzo. She felt...happy again. Peace. "This moment should last forever. Don't you think, Manzo? We could try speed with them, I am pretty quick" she whispered.

3445/3800

Tail 8: 22/100

Leeann only gave a small smile up her companion. She felt happy and wanted to laugh. It was all new and exciting feelings that she had not felt in years. Excitement about something so small like a mission. LeeAnn wrapped her arms around Manzo and looked out at the pond. The water was pretty how it reflected with the light. Children playing and animals just enjoy the hot day. This moment didn't have to end too quickly. LeeAnn nuzzled her face into his chest, feeling safe. Happy. At peace.

He whispered into her ears, making her shiver a little. The nerve endings were still sensitive even when someone spoke into her ear like that. What he had said made her stare up at him with big, innocent eyes. "You're right. I need to learn how to do that. In time I will, I just want to lie here. Enjoy this moment with you" she smiled, staring back at the water. She needed to have moments like this with someone special as Manzo. He was a good friend that she was starting to really care for. LeeAnn thought about how simple her life was as a kid. Play, train, and study. That's all she knew up til' she was fourteen. LeeAnn shived at the thought of that night. She pushed it back and started to laugh a little, thinking about funny today was. It was the little memories she held with Manzo that made today special.

3693/3800

Tail 8: 23/100

LeeAnn had always been the type of be cold and harsh to protect herself. It only took the right person to understand and bring her out. There was only one person capable of that other than Manzo, her older brother Hikaru. He was the single person she fought for and aimed to be like. Now, she had to follow her own path and not like his. He was his own person as she was too. LeeAnn only thought about her adopted family, the Nakamuras, was to protect them. Things were starting to change now. She had a friend to protect and soon probably a second family to defend. LeeAnn had not idea where she would go now.

Manzo caught her attention, she nodded. Quickly, she darted past him. She was eager to show them her knowledge on stealth. The kitsune transformed into her wolf-self thanks to her ring. The small, quick framed wolf sat having her narrow face stare at Manzo. There was something about that White Wolf that really made him stand out from any crowd. He was able to talk to anybody and was a good public speaker. A little kid caught his attention. She saw how gentle nad kind he was towards the small child. Only made her think of someday having her own when the time was right. Though, that was pushed back later in mind. LeeAnn gave a small smile. Her attention drawn out towards the crowd. The kitsune took her stance, stepping where Manzo was in front of hte group.

She stood still for a few minutes. "Strength is a great and all, but stealth and speed are just as important. The quicker and quieter you are the more you have the element of surprise on you. A good trick is to step lightly and carefully. The best method is to step on her tippy-toes like a velociraptor, digigrade. You are quicker and form a better sense of balance. It takes time to master and get used to, but I assure you its efficient. Manzo, be my model" she spoke. The wolf had him stand still and side ways. "See, his stance is sloppy. If he walked in the woods, enemies could figure out his movements thanks his heavy footsteps. If you are light on your toes and watch where you step, the element of surprise will be more likely to happen" she smiled. She smiled at Manzo.

"Thank you, White Wolf" she smiled. LeeAnn cleared her throat. "Speed is not always accomplished with skill. Different bodies types comes with different advantages. Someone thin framed could be more quicker than someone with a plump built. You have to listen to your body and see where your strengths and weaknesses lie. A good way to accomplish this is by different training styles that focus on different elements of combat. Stealth is a good way to remain hidden like I have said before. Blending in with your surroudnings is key to performance. Let me demostrate. Keep an eye on me" she said. LeeAnn quickly ziped up and tree. She was visibly quick and hard to detect thanks to the speed. Not a single branch was moved or very little noticebility. Some of hte crowd lost track of her.

She was spotted by one of the members as she was pretending to be a dog sniffing a fire hydrant. The kitsune smiled and trotted to Manzo's side. "That's how you do it. Use your surroundings to your advantage. The art of blending in nad its not always hiding in trees, just the role of acting could get you far like my dog demosration. There are plenty of magical items for cheap to transform you into different animals and people to help with stealth. Though, it costs a huge amount of mana, its very effective. That is all for me" she smiled. Looking at Manzo, she wagged her tail in satification.

"I think I did good" she smiled, happily.

-Exit-

4348/4000

Tail 8: 25/100

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