Leon Durandus
Jan 19, 2013 1:08:23 GMT -6
Post by Leon Durandus on Jan 19, 2013 1:08:23 GMT -6
For years, Leon had stared long into the gaping maw of the abyss, hoping to light a candle in the infinite dark of the cosmos and shed unto it the soft glow of enlightenment. Perhaps, he mused, this endless wasteland – itself seeming to have swallowed whole Gaia’s polluted landscape - was its way of staring back into him. To stand and ponder, however, was to surrender oneself to the pits of despair, so the young swordsman pressed onward. Dry wind lashed at his face and swept his hair messily about, though it carried along no dust or sand to sting his keen eyes. It was this, above all else, that granted the wasteland its bizarre, otherworldly atmosphere – the complete absence of features to distract from the perfect darkness. Leon, however, was cut from a sterner cloth than the common man and was in no mood to be put off by a bit of isolation. With a shake of his head, he stretched out and gave a hearty, exasperated yawn…
You don't seem like you're from around here, kupo. What's your name, kupo?
…right into the face of a bizarre, cloaked faerie.
They say that man does not fear the dark, but, rather, the beasts which may well lurk therein, for there is no creature more horrific than the ones that pervade the imagination. Seeing this ball of fluff and sunshine emerge from the shadows, the ex-SOLDIER could say that he had, indeed, imagined something much fiercer. “Well – I hate to say it, little guy, but you don’t exactly look like you’re from around these parts, either.” Leon forced a cough into his hand, glancing awkwardly to the desolate sky. “But, uh, my name? Well…guess you seem trustworthy enough.” Really, he wouldn’t have been at all surprised if the creature were stuffed with candy and the laughter of children. “The name’s Leon Durandus.”
Is that what everyone calls you, kupo?
“I dunno, most people just settle for Leon,” he said, “but I’ve had a few aliases over the years. The guys back at ShinRa used to call me the White Knight.” Leon sighed wistfully, then cocked and eyebrow and ran his fingers through his thick, wavy hair. “In retrospect, I guess it was supposed to be more derogatory than anything, but…” His voice trailed as he contemplated the ethics of his coworkers under a fascist, militaristic regime.
That's a good boy name, kupo. You are a boy, are you not, kupo?
Leon stared long and hard at the top-heavy puffball, eyes slowly narrowing into a dejected, perplexed squint. “Well, that’s what people keep telling me, anyway.”
Apparently, you cannot tell when I am joking, kupo. You must be an old man with no sense of humor, kupo. How old are you, anyway, kupo?
“Uh, twenty-one. By the way, could you maybe tell me where I am right n- ”
You are the funniest moogle I have ever seen, kupo. What sort of creature are you?
Leon hung his head and let slip an exasperated sigh. However, he was brought back to attention by his energetic companion’s latest inquiry. “Moogle? You mean like those doofy toys?” Of course, Leon found them adorable, but he’d never admit as much. “I actually heard there was some nut job back at ShinRa who used one of those things to spy on AVALANCHE back in the day—but maybe I’m digressing. No, I’m a human. Isn’t that, er, kind of obvious?” A bemused chuckle escaped his lips. “Well, okay, maybe a bit above the average human.”
Well of course I can't see you very well, with you standing in the shadows like that. How could I tell what you look like?
“Light? What light? Hm…actually, yeah, I suppose I see your point. Alright, I guess a description might be in order.”
Post-Battle
Full Body
Combat Uniform
“I guess you could say I’m a pretty well-built guy. The Mako Shower really helped with that.” And so it was that, in the midst of this ethereal Purgatory, there walked a man of sturdy physique, standing eight heads tall and boasting the aura of a true warrior. Mighty shoulders were held back in confident stride, supporting a pair of lean, toned arms. From their superb definition, it was clear that this young man was no stranger to the dying art of swordsmanship. Though ensnared in baggy combat fatigues, his legs had similarly benefited from years of intense conditioning, suggesting that young Leon had more than paid his dues on the field of battle. His powerful chest quickly tapered off into a narrow, lithe waist which betrayed the veteran’s great flexibility and fleetness of foot. Such traits had been enhanced by the Planet’s spiritual essence, its very lifeblood having bestowed upon Leon his athletic physique. “Specifically,” he continued, attempting to give nothing more than quantifiable details, “I’m around one hundred eighty-two centimeters, and last I checked, I weighed in at, oh, around eighty kilograms.”
“Most people notice my eyes before anything else, though.” He admitted sheepishly. “If you really focus, you can probably make’em out even here. Just in case you can’t, though, they’re a pretty vibrant shade of blue – the mark of a SOLDIER, as they say.” Leon spoke the truth, for, even as he spoke aloud in the face of an uncaring abyss, his eyes shimmered with an almost crystalline radiance. These were, indeed, the most obvious indicators of the mystical ether coursing through the young swordsman’s veins, and the vitality it granted him was reflected in their gentle glow. “My hair – uh, well, it’s black and I suppose a bit on the lengthy side. I can never really be bothered to keep it totally in order. I dunno, seems like a lot of work for not much payoff.” Said Leon, running his hand through his thick locks. To the warrior’s credit, neither was his hair completely unruly nor did his bangs do anything to obscure his vision; that much, at least, Leon had seen to. While he had not thought to describe them, his remaining facial features bore a look of soft kindness perhaps not expected of one so hardened by the raging fire of combat.
“Oh, right! My clothes. I almost forgot.” Leon said with a grin. “You can usually find me in my old uniform from back in my days with SOLDIER. They’re a pretty standard set of combat fatigues, but where I come from, they used to be sort of a status symbol. I only ever made it to Second Class before I split, but that’s a whole other story.” He gave a sigh made of equal parts nostalgia and resentment. However, the young man soon remembered who (what?) he was talking to and returned to attention. “Anyway! What that means for you is that my uniform is red.” Once more, he had given an accurate yet incomplete description. Leon’s attire consisted of a red, sleeveless vest which nicely hugged his torso, separated from his loosely fitted pants by a thick, brown belt. These were then tucked into a pair of combat boots, wrapping snugly about his shins. The silver, knightly helmet adorning the heads of active SOLDIERs was, however, removed, though the light shoulder pads remained in place.
“So, that about does it.”
Hmm... and where do you hail from?
Leon smiled and shook his head slowly. “Oh, my home’s nothing special. Really, most people just know it as ‘The Planet’, but there are a few who call it Gaia. It’s, uh, quite a place, alright. It really hasn’t caught a break since, well, before I was even born.” He shrugged his shoulders and gave a light chuckle. “I was born in wartimes, and by then, the ShinRa had already set themselves up as the ‘dominant predator’, so to speak. Most of the big cities were run by Mako Reactors, which basically took the planet’s livelihood and converted it into fuel.” Leon’s face contorted into a regretful grimace, looking for all the world like he was ashamed of his origins. “Not a pretty sight. There’s a few vestiges of peaceful civilization left, and we’re starting to turn ourselves around, so maybe it’s not so bad. I guess, once you almost get a giant meteor dropped on your head, you've really got nowhere to go but up, huh?” He grinned.
I see... That weapon you have there. What is it?
Naegling
Truly, this was something that Leon could take pride in. Of course, the blade which he drew forth from its scabbard hardly qualified as a sharpened sword. It was, rather, more a brutal slab of steel attached to a grip and sharpened to a degree. Yet the weapon was as long as Leon was tall, forcing him to keep it sheathed at an angle, and it was far greater in thickness than any traditional melee weapon. Given its unwieldy dimensions, the crudely forged Naegling weighed in at near 70 kilograms, falling not significantly short of its owner in terms of mass. Certainly, this was not a weapon for the sword arm of a common man, though its immense size carried with it a unique drawback. Being so thick, its blade did not cut so well as one with a finer edge. Rather, it tended to smash both flesh and bone alike through sheer, overwhelming momentum. Naegling had no truly special qualities aside from this, though it seems strangely capable of damaging foes who would otherwise have been untouchable by mundane means.
A nice weapon... but it's only so good as it's owner. Do you know any techniques?
“Hm...yeah, you might say I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.”
Impact Velocity –
This technique consists of two strikes dealt in immediate succession. First, Leon knocks his adversary into the air with the flat of Naegling. He then gives chase, slamming them back to the earth with a devastating, fell swoop.
Cooldown: 3 Posts
Damage Yield: Medium
Alpha Emission –
Leon manifests his spiritual essence and uses Naegling’s own blade as a focus. With a mighty swing, he releases the payload as thermal energy which takes the shape of a red crescent and travels along a linear path until it collides with a physical object. This attack, due to its speed and precision, has comparatively low power, but it does have a fair amount of “stopping power”. That is to say, Alpha Emission hits with enough momentum that its target may be momentarily staggered.
Cooldown: 1 Post
Damage Yield: Low
Singularity Collapse –
Channeling the full extent of his crushing physical might into a single blow, Leon lunges forth with such speed that the eyes of weaker foes may not be sufficient to trace his path. He then lashes out with a downward swing of sufficient power to rend the landscape itself within a ten meter radius of the impact. However, to be caught within this circle does not deal anywhere near as much damage as the sword stroke itself.
Cooldown: 10 Posts
Damage Yield (Direct Hit): Extreme
Damage Yield (Blast Radius): Medium
Materia (Restore)
Cure 3 –
Calling upon the knowledge of the Ancients who came before him, Leon revitalizes himself through the use of his own spiritual essence. This technique can also be used to heal an ally. However, it may only target one individual per use.
Cooldown: 2 Posts
Maximum Casts: 4 Per Battle (may be increased with training)
This technique grants a full heal to the target.
Materia (Time)
Haste –
At the moment, this is the only Spell on the Time Materia that Leon currently has access to (additional spells may be obtained with experience). Once more channeling the wisdom of a forgotten people, the ex-SOLDIER’s speed and reaction time increase twofold. This Spell can be cast on targets other than the user.
Duration: 4 Posts
Cooldown: 3 Posts
Doubles the speed of the target. (Admin Note: Was agreed upon in the Cbox on January 19th 2013 that this increases the speed of movement and does not affect cooldowns.)
“Those’re all of my techniques, but, well, I have something of an ace in the hole.” Leon scratched his chin, searching his inner lexicon for an appropriate phrase. “I’ve been told it has something to do with the Mako inside of me, but, when I’m really struggling, I always seem to find a final burst of strength.”
Alternate Form: “Fighting Spirit”
Effects: Equivalent to a rush of adrenaline backed by the enhancing properties of Mako, this transformation effectively doubles the strength of Leon’s physical attacks. In addition, a variant of Big Guard is automatically cast for so long as this technique is in effect, granting Leon the passive buffs of Barrier and MBarrier (otherwise known as Protect and Shell, respectively). However, it should be noted that his magical talents remain the same. In other words, Spells cast while Leon is using Fighting Spirit will see no boost in effectiveness.
Cooldown: N/A
Duration: 5 Posts
Note: This form may only be used once per thread.
Hmm... Being here you must surely have a past. Can you tell me about it?
“So you wanna know my story, huh? Well, alright.” Said Leon resignedly. “I was born in the heart of Midgar’s slums – Sector Seven, they called it. By the time I came around, the only real game in town was the ShinRa Electric Power Company.” In every sense, Leon spoke the truth. ShinRa stood unchallenged as the world’s dominant power, both militarily and politically. Though elected figureheads were propped up against the totalitarian stage, it was clear that the megacorporation’s seedy executives were the ones running the show. “When I was born, there was still one nation holding out against them. It was called Wutai, and for a while, they put up a pretty decent fight, from the records I’ve gotten my hands on.” Some of Leon’s earliest memories were of officials, cold and calculating, justifying the poor conditions to wartime expenses. In his earliest years, he accepted it.
“Pretty much everyone agrees on the first major turning point, though.” He continued. “SOLDIER…” Leon’s voice was at once nostalgic, reverent, and brimming with sheer resentment. “See, ShinRa got so powerful because they figured out how to use Mako – basically the Planet’s lifeblood, supposedly made from spiritual energy – as a fuel source. I dunno how or when, exactly, but some genetic engineer realized that, if you showered someone in it and they were tough enough to handle the procedure, the end result would be a warrior with strength and agility way beyond that of any normal combatant.” Leon related, paraphrasing and severely simplifying a scientific passage he had studied in his days at the Academy. “Wutai never stood a chance.” Sure enough, the war quickly turned in ShinRa’s favor, though conditions remained the same for those of the slums. As Leon grew older, he garnered an unshakable feeling that there were holes in the hull of the corporation’s propaganda machine.
“The best of’em was Sephiroth, though, hands down. They say that any three SOLDIERs could turn the tide of a battle, but this guy was legendary. He’d lay siege to entire bases singlehandedly. Naturally, all the kids idolized him.” Leon couldn’t deny that he was counted among their ranks. However, Sephiroth was not the only member that the child had looked up to. “Y’know, to be honest, I think everyone sorta bought into the romanticized portrayal of SOLDIER. At least, my dad saw it as a great way to provide for our family.” He sighed. The day his father left for the elite corps was forever etched in his mind. Edward Durandus, strong, young man that he was, made the cut and received a Mako shower for his troubles. Leon was beyond excited; hardly a day would go by when he didn’t brag to his friends about his super strong father.
“Unfortunately, that didn’t turn out so great.” Though the SOLDIER were mighty warriors, indeed, casualties were inevitable. An unseen sniper team can undo the most hardened veterans, after all. “They said he died a hero’s death. We weren’t exactly consoled. The worst part of it is, he was shot down just a couple months before the war ended. Man, I couldn’t have been older than thirteen or fourteen at the time.” News of his father’s demise had dealt a heavy blow to Leon, and he was left jaded for some time. This newfound cynicism, however, made clearer to the boy the flaws in ShinRa’s system. It was then that he started seeing their propaganda for what it was, his eyes cutting through to the company’s blackened heart. “Still, the streets of Sector Seven toughened me up. I knew how to take care of myself by then. I mean, that’s how it went in those days; you figured out how to fight, hide, or run.” Leon grinned. “I always was a fighter.”
“I can’t really say the same for my mother, though. She’s a real sweetheart, that one. And, honestly, she’d have been just fine if not for the pollution in Midgar’s lower levels. Still, the air down there must’ve had more smog than oxygen, and it didn’t exactly do mom’s lungs any favors.” Of course, Leon knew even then that he needed to get his mother out of Midgar. Unfortunately, without their father’s salary to support them, they didn’t have nearly enough money to pull themselves out of the slums. And so it fell upon the budding young man’s shoulders to take action. No matter the cost, he would have to become strong enough to carry that weight. “She wasn’t exactly thrilled when I told her I was leaving to join SOLDIER. Still, I wasn’t willing to budge on the subject. ‘Besides,’ I told her, ‘we’re not at war anymore. What’s the worst that could happen?’”
Now, by the time Leon applied for the corps, certain events beyond his understanding had damaged its reputation. Their standards were no less stringent, but there was a stunning lack of applicants following the end of the Wutai War. “I made it in – naturally.” He said haughtily, laughing a bit to himself in lighthearted fashion. The physical tests, he passed with flying colors, though apparently, they had to deliberate on whether he was mentally suitable. However, it was eventually decided that his remarkable willpower would be enough to see him through the procedure. Thus, Leon stepped into the Mako Shower, and he emerged a far stronger man than he once was. He was then taught the basics of swordsmanship and Materia use, and, at last, he was made a Third Class SOLDIER.
“So, I was off like a rocket. I wasn’t stopping for anything.” The tenacious fighter, his flesh and blood infused with the Planet’s distilled lifeblood, took every mission he could get, all in the name of buying a nice little house in Kalm and building a better life for himself. For a time, his seething hatred toward ShinRa fell to the wayside, replaced by a single-minded fixation on smashing open a path to success with his own two hands. He faced down terrible monsters, guarded archeologists on their search for relics of a civilization long dead, and patrolled the streets in the hopes of keeping the civilians safe. In due time, Leon caught the eye of a few of the right people, and rumors of his promotion began circulating among his close friends.
“I can still remember my promotion to Second Class. Man, I felt like I was on top of the world.” He sighed, his voice laden with nostalgia. “A Dark Dragon had escaped into Sector Eight. I had no idea how it got there, but what I did know was that I was the only SOLDIER close enough to do anything about it.” Leon recalled his arrival on the scene as the fell beast threw the streets into utter chaos. ShinRa MPs struggled fruitlessly against the black death that plagued their home, while civilians cowered helplessly in their fragile homes. Leon issued the order for all others to clear the streets, that he might face the dragon alone. “Let me tell you, a Dark Dragon is nothing to shake a stick at. There’s a reason why they write entire epics about guys who manage to kill them.” The battle took nearly everything that he had, wearing him down to the point of exhaustion. “I pulled it off, though.”
It was shortly after Leon’s promotion to SOLDIER Second Class that word of AVALANCHE spread like wildfire. Some viewed them as vile terrorists, and this seemed to be the mentality encouraged by ShinRa. However, buried deep in the abyss of Leon’s mind was the memory of his father’s death, and it inspired him to turn a sympathetic ear toward this revelation. “It was right around then that things went to hell. See, these guys named AVALANCHE started blowing up Mako Reactors around Midgar. I couldn’t say I blamed them. Still, it wasn’t long at all before they caught the ire of ShinRa.” Said the swordsman. “Fortunately, I had gotten my mom that house in Kalm she’d always wanted by this time. Otherwise, I dunno what I would’ve done when ShinRa dropped the plate on Sector Seven.”
“That day is still kind of a blur to me. A lot of my friends still lived back there, y’know.” Leon looked solemnly at the ethereal ground, as though paying his respects to those who had fallen in that terrible massacre. “They tried to pin it on AVALANCHE. I dug around and found out the truth.” Having fought his way into the company’s good graces, Leon had access to information that civilians might not have been able to acquire. Of course, he was “strongly discouraged” from reading up on it, but he was in no mood to worry about committing a faux pas. “I resigned from SOLDIER shortly after that. Mind you, ShinRa wasn’t happy about that, but they couldn’t exactly mount a full scale offensive against me – not with the world spiraling into chaos.” He did, however, find himself dealing with the Turks and their ilk more often than he’d have liked. “I started working as a freelance mercenary. Actually, I found Naegling on one of my contracted missions.”
“Looking back? That was probably a mistake. After all, I was on the fast track for SOLDIER First Class. If I’d stuck it out just a bit longer, I could’ve been in a position where I would stand a chance of making changes.” He reflected, inwardly cursing his own rash behavior. “Besides, I never got the chance to stir up trouble for ShinRa. See, this is where the story gets crazy.” Leon scratched the back of his head and rolled his eyes skyward. “All of a sudden, people started seeing a man in a black coat who fit the description of Sephiroth, a giant Meteor appeared in the sky, and the Planet itself released a cadre of powerful beasts from its core.” While he had every intention of going against the ShinRa, Leon could not deny that it seemed as though they were humankind’s best hope of survival.
“Oh man, those next few weeks were something else. Kalm, true to its name, didn’t see too much trouble, but back in Midgar? It was complete anarchy, both down in the slums and above the plate.” Leon shook his head, his face reflecting every bit of the turmoil he had faced. Crystal blue eyes trembled before such thoughts, but this apprehension soon gave way to a look of wonder and reverence. “Then…well, something saved us. The day Meteor was set to fall – well, it’s like the Lifestream itself came pouring out of the Planet’s surface.” His most vivid memory is of those green, wispy tendrils engulfing the molten space rock that once hung so ominously in the sky. Though Midgar’s infrastructure had been damaged almost beyond repair, the world was beside itself with elation.
“And don’t get me wrong, whatever saved Gaia, I’m incredibly thankful. Still,” he began, “the whole thing just left a bad taste in my mouth. I looked back on my life and realized that it had always been governed by forces beyond my control. First, it was ShinRa, then Meteor, and now I owe my life and the lives of countless millions to some unseen power that I can’t even describe. It ignited a fire deep in my heart; I suddenly had this overwhelming desire to know. To understand.” Leon continued, his voice reaching the height of a grand crescendo as he spoke of his goals. “Most importantly, I want to make sure something like Meteorfall never happens again.” Suddenly, his tone reverted to its more subdued self, a hint of dignified grief on his lips. “You have no idea how awful it is to see a little kid convinced that his entire world is gonna be destroyed, and there’s nothing anyone can do to stop it. It’s that sort of helplessness that I seek to prevent.”
“Anyway!” As though worried that he would leave the sprite depressed, his voice perked up considerably, regaining the energy it had at the interview’s onset. “Once I started keeping an eye out, I started noticing all sorts of weird stuff. Occasionally, I’d see a traveler wearing bizarre clothes or speaking in an accent that I couldn’t quite place. Somehow, I could always tell them apart from everyone else. They just had this…otherworldly aura to them.” Leon said. “So imagine my surprise when I found out they are from other Worlds. It took some doing, but I eventually got one of them to tell me what they knew, which included a way out of Gaia and into the cosmos.” He sighed as his story drew to a close. “Come to think of it, maybe the guys from the old ShinRa space program would like to know about this stuff…”
Then answer this... what kind of person are you really?
“Hm? What am I like?” He asked, cocking an eyebrow and staring contemplatively at the dark, featureless sky. The powerful figure knelt and rested his arms on his thighs, fingers laced and thumbs twiddling. Though hardly lacking in spirit, he was briefly at a loss for just how he might go about answering his pint-sized inquisitor. “Well, people’ve told me that I’m a pretty empathetic guy, I suppose. I dunno about that, but I like to think I have a solid moral compass, at least.” Though the history of Leon’s World had been written in blood and his generation defined by otherworldly crises from beyond the stars, still he has struggled to hold himself to a code of ethics as compassionate as it was succinct. Seldom does he pay any mind to ulterior motives or underhanded gambits, much preferring to act on his more altruistic instincts. His philosophy is such that humankind tends naturally toward such selflessness, but that their intentions are so often muddled and distorted by misconception and unfortunate circumstances.
“I will say that I can be pretty protective – maybe a bit too much, now that I think about it.” He said and shrugged his shoulders. Most can lay claim to at least one individual for whom they would throw themselves into the line of fire, even if they have been otherwise hardened to the notion of self-sacrifice. Leon, however, need not trifle himself with such distinctions, for he holds in his heart a profound respect for life and a truly fierce desire to see that it continue unimpeded. His days in the ranks of SOLDIER were spent taking point on all manner of perilous missions, and so it continued long after his resignation into his years of vigilantism. “I dunno, I just feel like the right man in the wrong place can make a huge difference, provided he’s willing to take the necessary risks.” He flashed a sly grin, rising once more to his feet. Such behavior, of course, had seen to it that Leon spent far more time in a hospital bed than he had any right to, especially in times of peace.
It would perhaps be accurate to pin the badge of recklessness to Leon’s fatigues. Any problem that could conceivably be dealt with by way of his sword will be summarily disposed of to the best of his own ability. If it means keeping others out of harm’s way, he will charge in with little regard for his safety, authority, or even simple common sense. In this regard, his philosophy is uncompromising, and it is on this point that he most often suffers for his moral code. This idealism has a tendency to put him into conflict with the pragmatic or figures of authority. “I admit, I can be sort of a hothead when lives are on the line.” Leon admitted sheepishly, forcing a cough. “But hey! You’ve gotta be pushy if you wanna get anything done in my World. Otherwise you just get tangled in red tape; better to just slice through it.” He crossed his arms and pursed his lips as though he felt the need to justify himself to the squinty-eyed faerie.
“Although I do usually try to keep up an air of professionalism.” Leon continued hurriedly. “After all, I’m a freelance mercenary by trade. I have to make an impression.” Indeed, the ex-SOLDIER was perhaps guilty of trying to appear a bit cooler than he really was. He would frequently put on the veneer of a strong, silent warrior, taking his jobs with little attachment or emotional investment. Nowhere was this more obvious than in his social dealings, where he had a tendency to wear the face of a stoic young man despite being quite the opposite. When this masquerade fails, Leon inevitably and invariably stumbles over himself in an attempt at saving face. “I can totally be a cool customer when I want to be.” No, he really can’t, but he certainly likes to think so.
“I do have a reason or two to try to keep up the façade, though.” A heavy sigh passed through his lips. “I’ve, er, well – I’ve done some things I’m not really proud of, like I said a while ago.” Leon paused, cutting himself a small break. “Maybe that’s not accurate. There was a time when I stood by and let some bad things happen.” Above all else, the young man feels extraordinary remorse for his time spent with the ShinRa. While he never raised his sword against one who was not an active combatant, his actions aided the mega corporation’s efforts all the same. The idea that a person is their own worst critic applied to Leon more than most, for he cannot help feeling indirectly responsible for a piece of the peoples’ suffering. This side of himself, however, he keeps hidden expertly, using his regret to fuel the flames of his quest.
“But I will say that I believe humans create the future with their own hands. I don’t buy into the idea of Fate, and if, in my travels, I should come across evidence of destiny, I would not go along with its designs.” Leon nodded, a sage overtone suddenly weaving its way through his voice. That statement said it all; Leon detests the idea of preordainment. He had spent his life being jerked around by the tides of history, and he was not happy with its course. So, he set off on his journey for wisdom, and to this day he seeks knowledge of the universe’s cosmology. If nothing else, Leon hopes to meet the Gods who are responsible for the natural order that has claimed so many lives. Failing that, he hopes to correct it by any means necessary.
So then, what side do you affiliate with?[/color][/b]
Leon’s eyes flashed, then settled on the furry little sprite. In this, he was quite sure of himself, for this core belief sat at the epicenter of his very philosophy. “I’ve embarked on a quest for knowledge, but I will never forget that progress is worthless unless it can benefit others. He said, a most genuine smile tugging at his lips. “So, my allegiance will always lie with good. Even if I have to break a few rules to do what’s right.”
Every strength is wielded for a reason. What are your dreams and aspirations?
The swordsman, by this point, was seated cross-legged, his blade laying at his side. “I just want to make things…well, better.” He said. “There’s so much death and destruction around me, and it seems like the system of the universe was made to allow for it. Well, I’m not sure I buy that idea.” Leon scratched his chin. “So I’m out to find knowledge. You can’t fix a system without having intimate familiarity with how it works. At the moment, all I can do is swing away with this sword of mine and try to find a better way.” Leon touched the hilt of Naegling and ran his fingers along its length. “It’s gotten me this far, and I’m hoping it’ll take me all the way. After all, if it turns out there is someone responsible for all this suffering, then I’m just gonna have to take’em out!”
Though it seems trivial, perhaps you should tell me what you like?
“Man, you’re just full of questions.” Leon sighed. “Well, as much as I do it to protect those around me, I guess there’s some part of me that enjoys fighting. At least, I enjoy it enough that I don’t mind committing myself to getting better at it.” He crossed his arms and tapped his chin thoughtfully. “I guess this goes without saying, considering my goals, but I’m fascinated by science. I never got to learn as much as I’d like about it, but of course, it falls hand-in-hand with my quest. Aside from that, I’ve never been real big into books, but I do have sort of a soft spot for epic poetry. Just, er, not Loveless. I’m not too fond of that one.” Leon added quickly.
Assuming you're telling the truth, then you surely must have dislikes. Do you care to reveal those?
“Well, you might’ve figured it out by now, but I’m not a big proponent of destiny and all its trappings.” He began. “The idea of a deity that would sit idly by while his creations suffer infuriates me. I feel that it falls upon the shoulders of the strong to protect the weak.” Leon read aloud from his personal, unwritten philosophy, reciting the thoughts he had turned over in his head time and again. “And I can’t really say I’m a fan of cynics, either, but I guess I don’t harbor any ill will toward them. I dunno, they don’t really make me angry, I just wonder how they think they’re going to get anything done just sitting around complaining about the state of things.”
Interesting. Do you acknowledge your weaknesses?
“Hm…y’know, I’ve spent so much time building up my body, making my sword arm as strong as I could manage, but there’s definitely a few chinks in my mental armor, so to speak.” Said Leon. For a moment, he paused, contemplating whether or not he should divulge such information in so strange a place. However, he quickly rationalized this suspicion by reminding himself just what sort of creature he was talking to; the strange plush toy before him hardly seemed capable of betrayal. “I’ve got this tendency to take on a heavier burden than I can bear. I feel this compulsive need to place the weight of the world on my own shoulders, because I can’t stand the idea of anyone else doing it in my place.” He sighed, running his right hand gently along his left forearm. “And it’s not exactly the toughest thing in the world to gain my trust. That one’s come back to bite me a few times…”
“I’m also not too great at working with authority – not because I’m inherently against it or anything, we just tend to naturally butt heads at one point or another.” Leon shrugged. In matters of the chain of command, problems most often arose from the young warrior’s ideals and ethics clashing with the orders he was issued. “As weird as it might sound coming from a soldier, I can’t really deal with death – not just any death, mind you; I’m talking about bystanders getting caught in the crossfire. Just gets me furious. Going after my friends gets you a similar reaction.”
Weaknesses are strong when they are acknowledged. I'm sure you have strengths as well...
“If nothing else, I’m a tenacious guy.” Truer words than these were seldom spoken, for Leon was, to the very core, a man of extraordinary resilience. Against all manner of injuries, setbacks, and overwhelming odds, the ex-SOLDIER held in the depths of his heart a glimmer of spirit that raged eternal in even the most terrible darkness. So long as he thought his cause to be just, Leon would fight through the most grievous of wounds, trudging forth until he at last slipped into unconsciousness. To stop his advance is to break his body, for surrender is a most unwelcome stranger at Leon’s doorstep. “Belief – genuine, unyielding belief in what you’re fighting for can go a longer way than most people think.”
“Now, in a fight, I’ve always had one major advantage over most of my opponents.” He continued before briefly indicating the enormous slab of steel resting beside him. “I’m quite strong. Other people tend to rely on fancy techniques and clever tactics to win the day, and don’t get me wrong, that’s perfectly fine. But what sets me apart is raw, overwhelming power and speed. People see this piece of work,” he rose to his feet and hoisted Naegling off the ground, “and think I’ll just be some slow brute.” He grinned devilishly. “Not by a long shot. Though I guess it bears repeating that I’m sorta a one-trick pony like that. Honestly, it’s kinda strange; I’m not stupid by any stretch, I’ve just…always tackled problems head-on.”
I never would have guessed, kupo! So, tell me, kupo.. What's the secret password, kupo?
Leon stared incredulously at the sprite for a good, long while, the uncomfortable silence hanging heavy in the featureless void. “I, uh,” Leon started cautiously, unsure of why he felt the need to place such importance on answering correctly, “Th-there must be some mistake.” Suddenly, as if the ethereal hand of a kindly spirit reached out to him through the darkness, Leon was struck with a bolt of divine enlightenment. “ADMIN BLOCKED”
I am running out of time here, but before I must go, how did you find your way here?
Saw the advertisement on another board. Unfortunately, I forget which one.
__________________________________________________________
Cbox/User Name: Leon
Current Characters Accepted: N/A
You don't seem like you're from around here, kupo. What's your name, kupo?
…right into the face of a bizarre, cloaked faerie.
They say that man does not fear the dark, but, rather, the beasts which may well lurk therein, for there is no creature more horrific than the ones that pervade the imagination. Seeing this ball of fluff and sunshine emerge from the shadows, the ex-SOLDIER could say that he had, indeed, imagined something much fiercer. “Well – I hate to say it, little guy, but you don’t exactly look like you’re from around these parts, either.” Leon forced a cough into his hand, glancing awkwardly to the desolate sky. “But, uh, my name? Well…guess you seem trustworthy enough.” Really, he wouldn’t have been at all surprised if the creature were stuffed with candy and the laughter of children. “The name’s Leon Durandus.”
Is that what everyone calls you, kupo?
“I dunno, most people just settle for Leon,” he said, “but I’ve had a few aliases over the years. The guys back at ShinRa used to call me the White Knight.” Leon sighed wistfully, then cocked and eyebrow and ran his fingers through his thick, wavy hair. “In retrospect, I guess it was supposed to be more derogatory than anything, but…” His voice trailed as he contemplated the ethics of his coworkers under a fascist, militaristic regime.
That's a good boy name, kupo. You are a boy, are you not, kupo?
Leon stared long and hard at the top-heavy puffball, eyes slowly narrowing into a dejected, perplexed squint. “Well, that’s what people keep telling me, anyway.”
Apparently, you cannot tell when I am joking, kupo. You must be an old man with no sense of humor, kupo. How old are you, anyway, kupo?
“Uh, twenty-one. By the way, could you maybe tell me where I am right n- ”
You are the funniest moogle I have ever seen, kupo. What sort of creature are you?
Leon hung his head and let slip an exasperated sigh. However, he was brought back to attention by his energetic companion’s latest inquiry. “Moogle? You mean like those doofy toys?” Of course, Leon found them adorable, but he’d never admit as much. “I actually heard there was some nut job back at ShinRa who used one of those things to spy on AVALANCHE back in the day—but maybe I’m digressing. No, I’m a human. Isn’t that, er, kind of obvious?” A bemused chuckle escaped his lips. “Well, okay, maybe a bit above the average human.”
Well of course I can't see you very well, with you standing in the shadows like that. How could I tell what you look like?
“Light? What light? Hm…actually, yeah, I suppose I see your point. Alright, I guess a description might be in order.”
Post-Battle
Full Body
Combat Uniform
“I guess you could say I’m a pretty well-built guy. The Mako Shower really helped with that.” And so it was that, in the midst of this ethereal Purgatory, there walked a man of sturdy physique, standing eight heads tall and boasting the aura of a true warrior. Mighty shoulders were held back in confident stride, supporting a pair of lean, toned arms. From their superb definition, it was clear that this young man was no stranger to the dying art of swordsmanship. Though ensnared in baggy combat fatigues, his legs had similarly benefited from years of intense conditioning, suggesting that young Leon had more than paid his dues on the field of battle. His powerful chest quickly tapered off into a narrow, lithe waist which betrayed the veteran’s great flexibility and fleetness of foot. Such traits had been enhanced by the Planet’s spiritual essence, its very lifeblood having bestowed upon Leon his athletic physique. “Specifically,” he continued, attempting to give nothing more than quantifiable details, “I’m around one hundred eighty-two centimeters, and last I checked, I weighed in at, oh, around eighty kilograms.”
“Most people notice my eyes before anything else, though.” He admitted sheepishly. “If you really focus, you can probably make’em out even here. Just in case you can’t, though, they’re a pretty vibrant shade of blue – the mark of a SOLDIER, as they say.” Leon spoke the truth, for, even as he spoke aloud in the face of an uncaring abyss, his eyes shimmered with an almost crystalline radiance. These were, indeed, the most obvious indicators of the mystical ether coursing through the young swordsman’s veins, and the vitality it granted him was reflected in their gentle glow. “My hair – uh, well, it’s black and I suppose a bit on the lengthy side. I can never really be bothered to keep it totally in order. I dunno, seems like a lot of work for not much payoff.” Said Leon, running his hand through his thick locks. To the warrior’s credit, neither was his hair completely unruly nor did his bangs do anything to obscure his vision; that much, at least, Leon had seen to. While he had not thought to describe them, his remaining facial features bore a look of soft kindness perhaps not expected of one so hardened by the raging fire of combat.
“Oh, right! My clothes. I almost forgot.” Leon said with a grin. “You can usually find me in my old uniform from back in my days with SOLDIER. They’re a pretty standard set of combat fatigues, but where I come from, they used to be sort of a status symbol. I only ever made it to Second Class before I split, but that’s a whole other story.” He gave a sigh made of equal parts nostalgia and resentment. However, the young man soon remembered who (what?) he was talking to and returned to attention. “Anyway! What that means for you is that my uniform is red.” Once more, he had given an accurate yet incomplete description. Leon’s attire consisted of a red, sleeveless vest which nicely hugged his torso, separated from his loosely fitted pants by a thick, brown belt. These were then tucked into a pair of combat boots, wrapping snugly about his shins. The silver, knightly helmet adorning the heads of active SOLDIERs was, however, removed, though the light shoulder pads remained in place.
“So, that about does it.”
Hmm... and where do you hail from?
Leon smiled and shook his head slowly. “Oh, my home’s nothing special. Really, most people just know it as ‘The Planet’, but there are a few who call it Gaia. It’s, uh, quite a place, alright. It really hasn’t caught a break since, well, before I was even born.” He shrugged his shoulders and gave a light chuckle. “I was born in wartimes, and by then, the ShinRa had already set themselves up as the ‘dominant predator’, so to speak. Most of the big cities were run by Mako Reactors, which basically took the planet’s livelihood and converted it into fuel.” Leon’s face contorted into a regretful grimace, looking for all the world like he was ashamed of his origins. “Not a pretty sight. There’s a few vestiges of peaceful civilization left, and we’re starting to turn ourselves around, so maybe it’s not so bad. I guess, once you almost get a giant meteor dropped on your head, you've really got nowhere to go but up, huh?” He grinned.
I see... That weapon you have there. What is it?
Naegling
Truly, this was something that Leon could take pride in. Of course, the blade which he drew forth from its scabbard hardly qualified as a sharpened sword. It was, rather, more a brutal slab of steel attached to a grip and sharpened to a degree. Yet the weapon was as long as Leon was tall, forcing him to keep it sheathed at an angle, and it was far greater in thickness than any traditional melee weapon. Given its unwieldy dimensions, the crudely forged Naegling weighed in at near 70 kilograms, falling not significantly short of its owner in terms of mass. Certainly, this was not a weapon for the sword arm of a common man, though its immense size carried with it a unique drawback. Being so thick, its blade did not cut so well as one with a finer edge. Rather, it tended to smash both flesh and bone alike through sheer, overwhelming momentum. Naegling had no truly special qualities aside from this, though it seems strangely capable of damaging foes who would otherwise have been untouchable by mundane means.
A nice weapon... but it's only so good as it's owner. Do you know any techniques?
“Hm...yeah, you might say I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.”
Impact Velocity –
This technique consists of two strikes dealt in immediate succession. First, Leon knocks his adversary into the air with the flat of Naegling. He then gives chase, slamming them back to the earth with a devastating, fell swoop.
Cooldown: 3 Posts
Damage Yield: Medium
Alpha Emission –
Leon manifests his spiritual essence and uses Naegling’s own blade as a focus. With a mighty swing, he releases the payload as thermal energy which takes the shape of a red crescent and travels along a linear path until it collides with a physical object. This attack, due to its speed and precision, has comparatively low power, but it does have a fair amount of “stopping power”. That is to say, Alpha Emission hits with enough momentum that its target may be momentarily staggered.
Cooldown: 1 Post
Damage Yield: Low
Singularity Collapse –
Channeling the full extent of his crushing physical might into a single blow, Leon lunges forth with such speed that the eyes of weaker foes may not be sufficient to trace his path. He then lashes out with a downward swing of sufficient power to rend the landscape itself within a ten meter radius of the impact. However, to be caught within this circle does not deal anywhere near as much damage as the sword stroke itself.
Cooldown: 10 Posts
Damage Yield (Direct Hit): Extreme
Damage Yield (Blast Radius): Medium
Materia (Restore)
Cure 3 –
Calling upon the knowledge of the Ancients who came before him, Leon revitalizes himself through the use of his own spiritual essence. This technique can also be used to heal an ally. However, it may only target one individual per use.
Cooldown: 2 Posts
Maximum Casts: 4 Per Battle (may be increased with training)
This technique grants a full heal to the target.
Materia (Time)
Haste –
At the moment, this is the only Spell on the Time Materia that Leon currently has access to (additional spells may be obtained with experience). Once more channeling the wisdom of a forgotten people, the ex-SOLDIER’s speed and reaction time increase twofold. This Spell can be cast on targets other than the user.
Duration: 4 Posts
Cooldown: 3 Posts
Doubles the speed of the target. (Admin Note: Was agreed upon in the Cbox on January 19th 2013 that this increases the speed of movement and does not affect cooldowns.)
“Those’re all of my techniques, but, well, I have something of an ace in the hole.” Leon scratched his chin, searching his inner lexicon for an appropriate phrase. “I’ve been told it has something to do with the Mako inside of me, but, when I’m really struggling, I always seem to find a final burst of strength.”
Alternate Form: “Fighting Spirit”
Effects: Equivalent to a rush of adrenaline backed by the enhancing properties of Mako, this transformation effectively doubles the strength of Leon’s physical attacks. In addition, a variant of Big Guard is automatically cast for so long as this technique is in effect, granting Leon the passive buffs of Barrier and MBarrier (otherwise known as Protect and Shell, respectively). However, it should be noted that his magical talents remain the same. In other words, Spells cast while Leon is using Fighting Spirit will see no boost in effectiveness.
Cooldown: N/A
Duration: 5 Posts
Note: This form may only be used once per thread.
Hmm... Being here you must surely have a past. Can you tell me about it?
“So you wanna know my story, huh? Well, alright.” Said Leon resignedly. “I was born in the heart of Midgar’s slums – Sector Seven, they called it. By the time I came around, the only real game in town was the ShinRa Electric Power Company.” In every sense, Leon spoke the truth. ShinRa stood unchallenged as the world’s dominant power, both militarily and politically. Though elected figureheads were propped up against the totalitarian stage, it was clear that the megacorporation’s seedy executives were the ones running the show. “When I was born, there was still one nation holding out against them. It was called Wutai, and for a while, they put up a pretty decent fight, from the records I’ve gotten my hands on.” Some of Leon’s earliest memories were of officials, cold and calculating, justifying the poor conditions to wartime expenses. In his earliest years, he accepted it.
“Pretty much everyone agrees on the first major turning point, though.” He continued. “SOLDIER…” Leon’s voice was at once nostalgic, reverent, and brimming with sheer resentment. “See, ShinRa got so powerful because they figured out how to use Mako – basically the Planet’s lifeblood, supposedly made from spiritual energy – as a fuel source. I dunno how or when, exactly, but some genetic engineer realized that, if you showered someone in it and they were tough enough to handle the procedure, the end result would be a warrior with strength and agility way beyond that of any normal combatant.” Leon related, paraphrasing and severely simplifying a scientific passage he had studied in his days at the Academy. “Wutai never stood a chance.” Sure enough, the war quickly turned in ShinRa’s favor, though conditions remained the same for those of the slums. As Leon grew older, he garnered an unshakable feeling that there were holes in the hull of the corporation’s propaganda machine.
“The best of’em was Sephiroth, though, hands down. They say that any three SOLDIERs could turn the tide of a battle, but this guy was legendary. He’d lay siege to entire bases singlehandedly. Naturally, all the kids idolized him.” Leon couldn’t deny that he was counted among their ranks. However, Sephiroth was not the only member that the child had looked up to. “Y’know, to be honest, I think everyone sorta bought into the romanticized portrayal of SOLDIER. At least, my dad saw it as a great way to provide for our family.” He sighed. The day his father left for the elite corps was forever etched in his mind. Edward Durandus, strong, young man that he was, made the cut and received a Mako shower for his troubles. Leon was beyond excited; hardly a day would go by when he didn’t brag to his friends about his super strong father.
“Unfortunately, that didn’t turn out so great.” Though the SOLDIER were mighty warriors, indeed, casualties were inevitable. An unseen sniper team can undo the most hardened veterans, after all. “They said he died a hero’s death. We weren’t exactly consoled. The worst part of it is, he was shot down just a couple months before the war ended. Man, I couldn’t have been older than thirteen or fourteen at the time.” News of his father’s demise had dealt a heavy blow to Leon, and he was left jaded for some time. This newfound cynicism, however, made clearer to the boy the flaws in ShinRa’s system. It was then that he started seeing their propaganda for what it was, his eyes cutting through to the company’s blackened heart. “Still, the streets of Sector Seven toughened me up. I knew how to take care of myself by then. I mean, that’s how it went in those days; you figured out how to fight, hide, or run.” Leon grinned. “I always was a fighter.”
“I can’t really say the same for my mother, though. She’s a real sweetheart, that one. And, honestly, she’d have been just fine if not for the pollution in Midgar’s lower levels. Still, the air down there must’ve had more smog than oxygen, and it didn’t exactly do mom’s lungs any favors.” Of course, Leon knew even then that he needed to get his mother out of Midgar. Unfortunately, without their father’s salary to support them, they didn’t have nearly enough money to pull themselves out of the slums. And so it fell upon the budding young man’s shoulders to take action. No matter the cost, he would have to become strong enough to carry that weight. “She wasn’t exactly thrilled when I told her I was leaving to join SOLDIER. Still, I wasn’t willing to budge on the subject. ‘Besides,’ I told her, ‘we’re not at war anymore. What’s the worst that could happen?’”
Now, by the time Leon applied for the corps, certain events beyond his understanding had damaged its reputation. Their standards were no less stringent, but there was a stunning lack of applicants following the end of the Wutai War. “I made it in – naturally.” He said haughtily, laughing a bit to himself in lighthearted fashion. The physical tests, he passed with flying colors, though apparently, they had to deliberate on whether he was mentally suitable. However, it was eventually decided that his remarkable willpower would be enough to see him through the procedure. Thus, Leon stepped into the Mako Shower, and he emerged a far stronger man than he once was. He was then taught the basics of swordsmanship and Materia use, and, at last, he was made a Third Class SOLDIER.
“So, I was off like a rocket. I wasn’t stopping for anything.” The tenacious fighter, his flesh and blood infused with the Planet’s distilled lifeblood, took every mission he could get, all in the name of buying a nice little house in Kalm and building a better life for himself. For a time, his seething hatred toward ShinRa fell to the wayside, replaced by a single-minded fixation on smashing open a path to success with his own two hands. He faced down terrible monsters, guarded archeologists on their search for relics of a civilization long dead, and patrolled the streets in the hopes of keeping the civilians safe. In due time, Leon caught the eye of a few of the right people, and rumors of his promotion began circulating among his close friends.
“I can still remember my promotion to Second Class. Man, I felt like I was on top of the world.” He sighed, his voice laden with nostalgia. “A Dark Dragon had escaped into Sector Eight. I had no idea how it got there, but what I did know was that I was the only SOLDIER close enough to do anything about it.” Leon recalled his arrival on the scene as the fell beast threw the streets into utter chaos. ShinRa MPs struggled fruitlessly against the black death that plagued their home, while civilians cowered helplessly in their fragile homes. Leon issued the order for all others to clear the streets, that he might face the dragon alone. “Let me tell you, a Dark Dragon is nothing to shake a stick at. There’s a reason why they write entire epics about guys who manage to kill them.” The battle took nearly everything that he had, wearing him down to the point of exhaustion. “I pulled it off, though.”
It was shortly after Leon’s promotion to SOLDIER Second Class that word of AVALANCHE spread like wildfire. Some viewed them as vile terrorists, and this seemed to be the mentality encouraged by ShinRa. However, buried deep in the abyss of Leon’s mind was the memory of his father’s death, and it inspired him to turn a sympathetic ear toward this revelation. “It was right around then that things went to hell. See, these guys named AVALANCHE started blowing up Mako Reactors around Midgar. I couldn’t say I blamed them. Still, it wasn’t long at all before they caught the ire of ShinRa.” Said the swordsman. “Fortunately, I had gotten my mom that house in Kalm she’d always wanted by this time. Otherwise, I dunno what I would’ve done when ShinRa dropped the plate on Sector Seven.”
“That day is still kind of a blur to me. A lot of my friends still lived back there, y’know.” Leon looked solemnly at the ethereal ground, as though paying his respects to those who had fallen in that terrible massacre. “They tried to pin it on AVALANCHE. I dug around and found out the truth.” Having fought his way into the company’s good graces, Leon had access to information that civilians might not have been able to acquire. Of course, he was “strongly discouraged” from reading up on it, but he was in no mood to worry about committing a faux pas. “I resigned from SOLDIER shortly after that. Mind you, ShinRa wasn’t happy about that, but they couldn’t exactly mount a full scale offensive against me – not with the world spiraling into chaos.” He did, however, find himself dealing with the Turks and their ilk more often than he’d have liked. “I started working as a freelance mercenary. Actually, I found Naegling on one of my contracted missions.”
“Looking back? That was probably a mistake. After all, I was on the fast track for SOLDIER First Class. If I’d stuck it out just a bit longer, I could’ve been in a position where I would stand a chance of making changes.” He reflected, inwardly cursing his own rash behavior. “Besides, I never got the chance to stir up trouble for ShinRa. See, this is where the story gets crazy.” Leon scratched the back of his head and rolled his eyes skyward. “All of a sudden, people started seeing a man in a black coat who fit the description of Sephiroth, a giant Meteor appeared in the sky, and the Planet itself released a cadre of powerful beasts from its core.” While he had every intention of going against the ShinRa, Leon could not deny that it seemed as though they were humankind’s best hope of survival.
“Oh man, those next few weeks were something else. Kalm, true to its name, didn’t see too much trouble, but back in Midgar? It was complete anarchy, both down in the slums and above the plate.” Leon shook his head, his face reflecting every bit of the turmoil he had faced. Crystal blue eyes trembled before such thoughts, but this apprehension soon gave way to a look of wonder and reverence. “Then…well, something saved us. The day Meteor was set to fall – well, it’s like the Lifestream itself came pouring out of the Planet’s surface.” His most vivid memory is of those green, wispy tendrils engulfing the molten space rock that once hung so ominously in the sky. Though Midgar’s infrastructure had been damaged almost beyond repair, the world was beside itself with elation.
“And don’t get me wrong, whatever saved Gaia, I’m incredibly thankful. Still,” he began, “the whole thing just left a bad taste in my mouth. I looked back on my life and realized that it had always been governed by forces beyond my control. First, it was ShinRa, then Meteor, and now I owe my life and the lives of countless millions to some unseen power that I can’t even describe. It ignited a fire deep in my heart; I suddenly had this overwhelming desire to know. To understand.” Leon continued, his voice reaching the height of a grand crescendo as he spoke of his goals. “Most importantly, I want to make sure something like Meteorfall never happens again.” Suddenly, his tone reverted to its more subdued self, a hint of dignified grief on his lips. “You have no idea how awful it is to see a little kid convinced that his entire world is gonna be destroyed, and there’s nothing anyone can do to stop it. It’s that sort of helplessness that I seek to prevent.”
“Anyway!” As though worried that he would leave the sprite depressed, his voice perked up considerably, regaining the energy it had at the interview’s onset. “Once I started keeping an eye out, I started noticing all sorts of weird stuff. Occasionally, I’d see a traveler wearing bizarre clothes or speaking in an accent that I couldn’t quite place. Somehow, I could always tell them apart from everyone else. They just had this…otherworldly aura to them.” Leon said. “So imagine my surprise when I found out they are from other Worlds. It took some doing, but I eventually got one of them to tell me what they knew, which included a way out of Gaia and into the cosmos.” He sighed as his story drew to a close. “Come to think of it, maybe the guys from the old ShinRa space program would like to know about this stuff…”
Then answer this... what kind of person are you really?
“Hm? What am I like?” He asked, cocking an eyebrow and staring contemplatively at the dark, featureless sky. The powerful figure knelt and rested his arms on his thighs, fingers laced and thumbs twiddling. Though hardly lacking in spirit, he was briefly at a loss for just how he might go about answering his pint-sized inquisitor. “Well, people’ve told me that I’m a pretty empathetic guy, I suppose. I dunno about that, but I like to think I have a solid moral compass, at least.” Though the history of Leon’s World had been written in blood and his generation defined by otherworldly crises from beyond the stars, still he has struggled to hold himself to a code of ethics as compassionate as it was succinct. Seldom does he pay any mind to ulterior motives or underhanded gambits, much preferring to act on his more altruistic instincts. His philosophy is such that humankind tends naturally toward such selflessness, but that their intentions are so often muddled and distorted by misconception and unfortunate circumstances.
“I will say that I can be pretty protective – maybe a bit too much, now that I think about it.” He said and shrugged his shoulders. Most can lay claim to at least one individual for whom they would throw themselves into the line of fire, even if they have been otherwise hardened to the notion of self-sacrifice. Leon, however, need not trifle himself with such distinctions, for he holds in his heart a profound respect for life and a truly fierce desire to see that it continue unimpeded. His days in the ranks of SOLDIER were spent taking point on all manner of perilous missions, and so it continued long after his resignation into his years of vigilantism. “I dunno, I just feel like the right man in the wrong place can make a huge difference, provided he’s willing to take the necessary risks.” He flashed a sly grin, rising once more to his feet. Such behavior, of course, had seen to it that Leon spent far more time in a hospital bed than he had any right to, especially in times of peace.
It would perhaps be accurate to pin the badge of recklessness to Leon’s fatigues. Any problem that could conceivably be dealt with by way of his sword will be summarily disposed of to the best of his own ability. If it means keeping others out of harm’s way, he will charge in with little regard for his safety, authority, or even simple common sense. In this regard, his philosophy is uncompromising, and it is on this point that he most often suffers for his moral code. This idealism has a tendency to put him into conflict with the pragmatic or figures of authority. “I admit, I can be sort of a hothead when lives are on the line.” Leon admitted sheepishly, forcing a cough. “But hey! You’ve gotta be pushy if you wanna get anything done in my World. Otherwise you just get tangled in red tape; better to just slice through it.” He crossed his arms and pursed his lips as though he felt the need to justify himself to the squinty-eyed faerie.
“Although I do usually try to keep up an air of professionalism.” Leon continued hurriedly. “After all, I’m a freelance mercenary by trade. I have to make an impression.” Indeed, the ex-SOLDIER was perhaps guilty of trying to appear a bit cooler than he really was. He would frequently put on the veneer of a strong, silent warrior, taking his jobs with little attachment or emotional investment. Nowhere was this more obvious than in his social dealings, where he had a tendency to wear the face of a stoic young man despite being quite the opposite. When this masquerade fails, Leon inevitably and invariably stumbles over himself in an attempt at saving face. “I can totally be a cool customer when I want to be.” No, he really can’t, but he certainly likes to think so.
“I do have a reason or two to try to keep up the façade, though.” A heavy sigh passed through his lips. “I’ve, er, well – I’ve done some things I’m not really proud of, like I said a while ago.” Leon paused, cutting himself a small break. “Maybe that’s not accurate. There was a time when I stood by and let some bad things happen.” Above all else, the young man feels extraordinary remorse for his time spent with the ShinRa. While he never raised his sword against one who was not an active combatant, his actions aided the mega corporation’s efforts all the same. The idea that a person is their own worst critic applied to Leon more than most, for he cannot help feeling indirectly responsible for a piece of the peoples’ suffering. This side of himself, however, he keeps hidden expertly, using his regret to fuel the flames of his quest.
“But I will say that I believe humans create the future with their own hands. I don’t buy into the idea of Fate, and if, in my travels, I should come across evidence of destiny, I would not go along with its designs.” Leon nodded, a sage overtone suddenly weaving its way through his voice. That statement said it all; Leon detests the idea of preordainment. He had spent his life being jerked around by the tides of history, and he was not happy with its course. So, he set off on his journey for wisdom, and to this day he seeks knowledge of the universe’s cosmology. If nothing else, Leon hopes to meet the Gods who are responsible for the natural order that has claimed so many lives. Failing that, he hopes to correct it by any means necessary.
So then, what side do you affiliate with?[/color][/b]
Leon’s eyes flashed, then settled on the furry little sprite. In this, he was quite sure of himself, for this core belief sat at the epicenter of his very philosophy. “I’ve embarked on a quest for knowledge, but I will never forget that progress is worthless unless it can benefit others. He said, a most genuine smile tugging at his lips. “So, my allegiance will always lie with good. Even if I have to break a few rules to do what’s right.”
Every strength is wielded for a reason. What are your dreams and aspirations?
The swordsman, by this point, was seated cross-legged, his blade laying at his side. “I just want to make things…well, better.” He said. “There’s so much death and destruction around me, and it seems like the system of the universe was made to allow for it. Well, I’m not sure I buy that idea.” Leon scratched his chin. “So I’m out to find knowledge. You can’t fix a system without having intimate familiarity with how it works. At the moment, all I can do is swing away with this sword of mine and try to find a better way.” Leon touched the hilt of Naegling and ran his fingers along its length. “It’s gotten me this far, and I’m hoping it’ll take me all the way. After all, if it turns out there is someone responsible for all this suffering, then I’m just gonna have to take’em out!”
Though it seems trivial, perhaps you should tell me what you like?
“Man, you’re just full of questions.” Leon sighed. “Well, as much as I do it to protect those around me, I guess there’s some part of me that enjoys fighting. At least, I enjoy it enough that I don’t mind committing myself to getting better at it.” He crossed his arms and tapped his chin thoughtfully. “I guess this goes without saying, considering my goals, but I’m fascinated by science. I never got to learn as much as I’d like about it, but of course, it falls hand-in-hand with my quest. Aside from that, I’ve never been real big into books, but I do have sort of a soft spot for epic poetry. Just, er, not Loveless. I’m not too fond of that one.” Leon added quickly.
Assuming you're telling the truth, then you surely must have dislikes. Do you care to reveal those?
“Well, you might’ve figured it out by now, but I’m not a big proponent of destiny and all its trappings.” He began. “The idea of a deity that would sit idly by while his creations suffer infuriates me. I feel that it falls upon the shoulders of the strong to protect the weak.” Leon read aloud from his personal, unwritten philosophy, reciting the thoughts he had turned over in his head time and again. “And I can’t really say I’m a fan of cynics, either, but I guess I don’t harbor any ill will toward them. I dunno, they don’t really make me angry, I just wonder how they think they’re going to get anything done just sitting around complaining about the state of things.”
Interesting. Do you acknowledge your weaknesses?
“Hm…y’know, I’ve spent so much time building up my body, making my sword arm as strong as I could manage, but there’s definitely a few chinks in my mental armor, so to speak.” Said Leon. For a moment, he paused, contemplating whether or not he should divulge such information in so strange a place. However, he quickly rationalized this suspicion by reminding himself just what sort of creature he was talking to; the strange plush toy before him hardly seemed capable of betrayal. “I’ve got this tendency to take on a heavier burden than I can bear. I feel this compulsive need to place the weight of the world on my own shoulders, because I can’t stand the idea of anyone else doing it in my place.” He sighed, running his right hand gently along his left forearm. “And it’s not exactly the toughest thing in the world to gain my trust. That one’s come back to bite me a few times…”
“I’m also not too great at working with authority – not because I’m inherently against it or anything, we just tend to naturally butt heads at one point or another.” Leon shrugged. In matters of the chain of command, problems most often arose from the young warrior’s ideals and ethics clashing with the orders he was issued. “As weird as it might sound coming from a soldier, I can’t really deal with death – not just any death, mind you; I’m talking about bystanders getting caught in the crossfire. Just gets me furious. Going after my friends gets you a similar reaction.”
Weaknesses are strong when they are acknowledged. I'm sure you have strengths as well...
“If nothing else, I’m a tenacious guy.” Truer words than these were seldom spoken, for Leon was, to the very core, a man of extraordinary resilience. Against all manner of injuries, setbacks, and overwhelming odds, the ex-SOLDIER held in the depths of his heart a glimmer of spirit that raged eternal in even the most terrible darkness. So long as he thought his cause to be just, Leon would fight through the most grievous of wounds, trudging forth until he at last slipped into unconsciousness. To stop his advance is to break his body, for surrender is a most unwelcome stranger at Leon’s doorstep. “Belief – genuine, unyielding belief in what you’re fighting for can go a longer way than most people think.”
“Now, in a fight, I’ve always had one major advantage over most of my opponents.” He continued before briefly indicating the enormous slab of steel resting beside him. “I’m quite strong. Other people tend to rely on fancy techniques and clever tactics to win the day, and don’t get me wrong, that’s perfectly fine. But what sets me apart is raw, overwhelming power and speed. People see this piece of work,” he rose to his feet and hoisted Naegling off the ground, “and think I’ll just be some slow brute.” He grinned devilishly. “Not by a long shot. Though I guess it bears repeating that I’m sorta a one-trick pony like that. Honestly, it’s kinda strange; I’m not stupid by any stretch, I’ve just…always tackled problems head-on.”
I never would have guessed, kupo! So, tell me, kupo.. What's the secret password, kupo?
Leon stared incredulously at the sprite for a good, long while, the uncomfortable silence hanging heavy in the featureless void. “I, uh,” Leon started cautiously, unsure of why he felt the need to place such importance on answering correctly, “Th-there must be some mistake.” Suddenly, as if the ethereal hand of a kindly spirit reached out to him through the darkness, Leon was struck with a bolt of divine enlightenment. “ADMIN BLOCKED”
I am running out of time here, but before I must go, how did you find your way here?
Saw the advertisement on another board. Unfortunately, I forget which one.
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Cbox/User Name: Leon
Current Characters Accepted: N/A
