I'm Leaving Now [Open]

Leon should have left even earlier.  First, this woman had bumped into him.  Sure, she seemed kind of familiar, but he didn't really know her.  She seemed to recognize him, but it was probably for the same reason, Leon's role with the Restoration Committee.  Leon hadn't asked for that role, but Aerith, Yuffie, and Cid all kind of put him in that role.

The second reason why Leon should have left earlier was the source of the faint heavy footfalls he'd heard right before he heard that familiar voice of Radiant Garden's blonde swordsman.  Cloud approached and made a comment about Squall seeking to leave, but not even being able to see the woman in front of him.  If he'd really been paying attention, he'd have seen that Leon caught her, but he wasn't about to bring it up.  Rather than that, he went with his classic response.

"...whatever."

This triggered something in the woman.  She immediately began asking questions about Squall leaving.  ...Its not like I asked for them to put me in that role.  He let her finish, with his palm still on his face, before he thought out a response.

"Everyone will be fine.  Cloud and Sora are still around, and they have Yuffie, Aerith, Cid, and Merlin." 

He now lowered his hand and looked at the woman.  Her facial features somewhat resembled hers, but it clearly wasn't.  Seeing that made Squall even more anxious to leave.  He needed to find her, that was most important to him right now.  Radiant Garden was in a time of peace.  They didn't need him, right?

"I have something I have to do.  Cloud, people will be fine with you here.  If something happens, Sora will most likely be here too.  I have to go home."

At least, he hoped they didn't need him.

A curious place, possessing its own wonders and intrigues that would further build its character, it’s individuality that set it apart from the other worlds. Something about this locale, this hollowed bastion around which a small village had been constructed, allowed it to hold a rather rustic charm about its appeal. Not a place to lay down roots by any means, yet the abundance of secrets that doubtlessly rested among the soils might hold interest. This world, and its people apparently, still carried scars of a tumultuous past. Everywhere one looked there was a testament to suffering of some sort, some variety. Perhaps whatever happened to this town left most less than openly trusting, as the conversation that sparked not far from a wall where she found herself perched, seemed to carry itself with such a suspicion at its heart.

An apparent leader of sorts, confronted by whom appeared to be a local peddler, and a less than approving comrade of the first, over the former’s intentions of departing. The girl held genuine concern, as much as the blond held an open opposition to the idea. Why, whatever could be so important this head of command would leave? More intriguing to Morrigan, was why is it so important to the others that he stay? Fear of an impending potential conflict only this man with visible scars could help defend? Was this man’s leadership so heavily depended upon that hope was significantly dashed with his absence? Not that Morrigan desired to put this town under her boot, yet were one to attempt such a coup, perhaps this head of command was of among the first in need of removal. He was certainly a figure to worth taking notice of, and he had certainly gotten her attention. T’was his would be companions that were taken note of just as well, each sticking out like sore thumbs among the small groups of the common passerby. Enough people for such an event to form a bit of an audience back home, yet it would seem such a conversation in the street did not warrant much attention. Those that ignored the confrontation were watched curiously as they passed.

Though it was the blond’s newfound tone of accusation that once more snared the witch’s curiosity. Oh? How was the broody leader to react to such harshness from his friend? Subordinate? Amusing that such delightful drama out in the open, for all to see, was not drawing a crowd. Simply so delicious, Morrigan could lap up the blond’s words as they would almost voice precisely what she had been wondering. Though was it any way to speak to the man whom probably decided everything about the other’s daily routine? Such manners. Acted as though he were entitled to such bold claims, as though he carried the burden of doing all the work himself. There was probably a temper underneath that cool façade. Were there truth to such a thought, the very idea of setting off that anger, that darkness, might provide for some delightful entertainment.

”Always climbing but only ever descending. The canvas before him is never ending. So call for the crossroads if you're lost in the woods. If he drops this torch then he’ll be gone for good.”

Morrigan would smile confidently down upon the group from upon the wall. A moment to look for the source of the words, before her forms was seemingly blown away by the wind, turning to smoke that would appear to vanish. ”As curious as it is- the disparaging soldier speaks wisdom,” she chimed, having reappeared on a rooftop across the street from the wall. ”Rumors of impending war reaching the people’s ears already have them on edge. Imagine how they’ll take the news of their commander leaving before the danger arrives.” Morrigan would give Squall a confident smirk from her perch, biting her lower lip at the sight of those cold blue eyes. How inviting was the chill she felt at these shades of ice. Whatever the reasons for his departure, she respected the decision. The need, the desire, to put one’s own priorities ahead of others; a greater good doubtlessly buried beneath misunderstood intentions. How she would love to chip away that frigid exterior, to understand what drove such a rogue. It didn’t go without saying, being the leader, he doubtlessly had an awareness of what in this world Morrigan might be after. It was anyone’s guess.

Cloud hadn't seemed to like Leon's decision to leave.  Who was he to decide who leaves and who goes?  He's always doing the same damn thing himself anyway!  Anger spilled over the lion in the moment, and he was nearly ready to swing at the 'ex-SOLDIER'.  It wasn't like he was leaving permanently.  The Balamb mercenary had planned on returning as soon as he found Rinoa, hopefully with her accompanying him.  Squall threw his arms down to his sides in frustration, separating his feet and bending his knees as he did so.  He wasn't really going to fly off the handle, but he would excitedly argue his point with the blonde hero.

"You're one to talk.  You're never here long and you always disappear.  Rinoa needs me.  I will be back after I find her.

Leon wasn't sure if Cloud remembered everything from their time fighting for Cosmos and Materia.  If he had, then he'd surely remember Rinoa, as she was called into action under Materia in the final war.  Rinoa had a way of making an impression on people, and he was pretty sure that he wouldn't forget her if he remembered the war as a whole.  There was also a good chance Cloud would remember how much she meant to Leon.

After he had a chance to argue his point, the young brunette had stepped in between them.  She had obviously sensed the tension that would arise from Cloud's point of view.  She was very much correct in her assumption.  Leon had fought alongside Cloud in the past, and he knew full well what a battle between the two would do to the now peaceful world of Radiant Garden.  These two would tear this town to the point of evisceration if they were to fight seriously.  He knew full well what Cloud was capable of, and he knew that he had junctioned Ifrit to himself today.  That meant that he had a powerful Guardian Force he could summon, and it was enough to engulf the entire plaza in flames.  Therefore, Squall knew that she had made the right move to step between them to try to diffuse the situation.

As she was speaking, another presence came known.  She came from above and also seemed to notice that Leon was leaving Radiant Garden.  She also made a couple confusing statements, talking about him leaving with war on the horizon.  War?  What war?  Things have been peaceful since the Organization was defeated.  The brunette armed herself next to Squall, proving that he wasn't the only one that had the feeling that she was an enemy.  Why attack Radiant Garden when there are so many here to defend it?  That's kind of stupid. 

Squall dropped the draw string bag behind himself and unsheathed his gunblade, pointing himself toward the newcomer.  If Radiant Garden were to be attacked, then he would defend it.  But this would be the last time for awhile.  Rinoa needed him, and he'd be damned if he let whoever this woman was stand in his way.

"I don't know where you've been, but there's no war here.  Organization XIII has already been defeated."

Sora had sought to that while Leon still worked diligently to rebuilt Radiant Garden to its former glory.  There had been peace here since then, and it was likely that it would stay that way for some time.

Morrigan wondered which of the three would be the first to speak up. The girl would fill that role, demonstrating much to the witch in a hot tempered display, calling out a pair of sai and defiance all in a threatening show. As if there were any need for such a childish fit. If it was meant to intimidate Morrigan, it was a ploy that failed miserably. The dark attired witch would only smile as the little courier took her stance, chuckling as she declared this a private conversation. Taking in the surroundings, the passing people, Cloud’s volume, why yes- quite private indeed. The witch looked her over momentarily; observing the way she stood, the way her daggers were held, and the matter of fatigue she was with doubtlessly overcome. This one was certainly keen on finding out, and keeping whatever secrets this leader held to herself. What a nosy little brat.

Morrigan let the ill-tempered rogue have her moment, before she began clicking her tongue in cheek, shaking her head in disappointment at the display. ”My my, such anger. You’d think I killed your beloved with the way you look at me.” The underlying conflicts spoke wonders on the girl’s face, Morrigan finding the crumbling of the rogue’s cheery resolve almost enjoyable. That was until Squall drew his own sword, and the other man made it clear she wasn’t wanted here. Such manners indeed. Were they raised in a sty? So stubborn. So clueless. ”Resorting to violence. And here I thought you were civilized.” A smug smile before Morrigan shrugged, then nonchalantly gestured to the two warriors accompanying the defiant one. Squall said his peace about the war. Evidently enough by the lack of screams, and buildings burning it had yet to reach this quaint little world. ”‘Tis the calm before the storm, this. It unnerves and shall shaken one’s fortitude if they are not careful. The fallible and unconstitutionally sound may go mad as their patience crumbles, withering in weakness, coddled by cowardice.” Her eyes would then draw upon Squall, a smile of confidence would follow. A musing hum filled her throat, lips curving further unto an apparent deviousness.

”The desire to return is strong is it not?” Morrigan cocked her head to the side curiously, examining Leonhart while giving him a moment to consider the question. ”To see their faces, to hear their voices once again. To hold her in your arms another moment more? What are you willing to give up in exchange for that I wonder?” The witch’s confident gaze would wade from Leon to Cloud at the conclusion of such a statement, then to Rina, and eventually back to Squall. The way this trio carried themselves, the stoic masks they tried to guise behind, there was an underlying failure- a buried guilt within each of those hearts. Each of them had let someone down on their road to get here. That guilt, that anger, Morrigan wondered if it ate away at them on the inside. The shadow called to all three of those miserable, tired souls. How easy would it be for her to help them truly unlock that power? To shed away suffering for acceptance? What could she gain from continuing to observe such callous candidates?

”Yet consider this. Each of you, like this world…as with so many others- are threatened by an enemy you scarcely understand…and apparently, remain unaware exists. Those of whom toy with forces, that I would wager, you are also in the dark about.”

The witch would push herself off the edge of the rooftop, the momentum of her fall almost ceasing to a halt just before her boots would gracefully touch the ground. With a confident stride she would begin to approach the group, pausing as she came closer to the girl. Morrigan would eye her head to toe, giving a her confident smirk before she focused on the boys. She had let them say their peace, yet hardly batted an eye at their standoffish behavior. Was it necessary in her opinion? No, not by any means. Though they were expecting a fight, these would be defenders of the town. Both men seemed to have lack a desire to be here. The title of unwilling hero seemed to be slapped across their zipper lined, ebony outfits, with moody, brooding expressions that just shouted “What a great day we’re having!” Unquestionably it was easy to see why these chums were picked to be in charge. Morrigan could tell they were having a delight with the job. After all, look at how functionally sound this little town appeared. Look how tired and disheveled everyone seemed to be carrying themselves. No wonder the guy with the scar wanted to go home.

”What to do then?” she mused in a playful, demeaning tone. Strafing about them slowly, like some jungle cat stalking its prey, she made a creeping, unceremoniously close, half circle around the former SeeD and faux SOLDIER. The pair had an unusual way about each of them, both doubtlessly projecting walls to hide whatever demons they kept within. Demons she’d someday like to let out of their cages. Nothing spoke more about a person, whom they truly were, like the unhindered, primordial creature that lurked within; The darkness of the heart. ”He wastes time building castles in the air. If there's peace to be found, he won't find it there. His fear still sees, when his eyes are closed. But the blames on him, this is the path he chose.” Her eyes remained focused on Squall, the immediate deciding factor in how this might play out. ”Though where does he go from here? To leave- return home, abandon his unfortunate friends to face the coming threat alone? Or do as they beckon, stay here, and continue to break another promise in the process? Ah decisions, decisions…” The witch would pause, then muse to the sky as though in thought, her gaze of amber-gold eventually wandering back to the retired SeeD. ”May it be known though- should he choose the latter, he may learn of a proposition that may aid in this kingdom’s salvation. ‘Tis your decision, after all. One that will be awaited eagerly by the water. I, however, shan’t drop to my knees and beg. Do as you please.” With a curtsy and bow of the head, Morrigan would vanish into obsidian smoke again. Her destination brought her just down the street, outside of a weathered old house where an old man in a blue robe and hat watered his plants. Decisions such as the one Squall weighed upon his shoulders now, would doubtlessly take more than a moment. He did after all seem to be the more thoughtful of such a curious group. Seizing a book that had been left upon the edge of the nearby fountain, Morrigan took a seat on the stone as she began to curiously, yet absently read the first chapter to bide the time.