No place like Home (Bailey/Leon)

[Blake Oleander]

"I would not have it any other way."

He's let out a quick sharp whistle to signal for Bailey to follow him. His hands staying away from his blades the whole encounter. He wasn't here to fight his people.

[Bailey Oleander]

Bailey remained silent at their remarks, already wondering what the elders would think of them. Of her, specifically, but also Blake's return. It sounded like they hadn't expected him to return, either.

She turned her attention back to Blake with a start at the whistle, feeling distinctly like a dog with the call. She wasn't sure if that was something intended, or a type of communication they would recognize. She nodded and followed after him, also keeping her hands away from her weapons. She had meant what she said, and saw no reason to change that for now.

[Leon]

He would be led to the Elders temple like building where many a young warrior trained with blade, or chosen weapon. They would be led to the elders themselves, a council sitting with a usual five seat arrangement, however only three sat there now. The others were not here as this was not an expected appointed convening.

The escorts would stand as guards as the Elders murmured between themselves a bit.

"Step forth Blake Oleander. Why do you return?"

[Blake Oleander]

Blake kept his silence the rest of the journey. His heart tightening at the familiar sights, and pounding at the uncertainty that was his fate. But he could not stay at Cabal any longer. He was becoming used to it, one of them. He would rather die here than live as a proud member of Cabal.

He stepped forward when bidden, kneeling before the Elders with his head bowed in respect. They were to judge him and his life. And Bailey's too since she was foolish enough to join him on his journey home. But it was a choice she had been free to make.

"I come to ask permission to take my place back among our people. I have become much stronger than when I last left, and the girl I have brought with me can give a first-hand account as I went head to head against one of the Dragons. My heart aches for the chance to serve my people again and to give meaning to this strength I possess."

[Bailey Oleander]

Bailey nodded her head in respect to the Elders, even if they didn't address her by name. They commanded respect of their own, and her life was ultimately in her hands. Blake would be best to speak with them, so she didn't interject when he advised her use to them. It rankled to hear him say it. So much for not giving herself away as a qi user.

She would not again in respect when she was mentioned, uncertain if it was her time to speak or not.

[Leon]

"Your reports have done much to aid in combating the Qi infestation."

One would start, weapons now drawn and pointed at both Blake and Bailey.

"However, you are as much a part of the taint as they."

Another elder would chime in.

"It was never the intention to accept you back. You will leave, by force if necessary."

[Blake Oleander]

He closed his eyes, the fist that had the monster's taint in it clenched briefly before he buried the rage that simmered in his chest. Their decision was made.

"Force will not be required Elders."

He would slowly rise, his head raised in defiant pride because without that he would crumble to dust.

[Bailey Oleander]

Though Bailey found herself surprised they were allowed to leave rather than be cut down on the spot, she felt it had to be worse than death for Blake. The young man who took pride in his people, in hating qi users and vowing to leave them all behind, was left behind as one of them.

She couldn't imagine not being able to have a place to call home, let alone have it crush you beneath its heel when you did return.

With nothing else to add to the matter, Bailey would bow slightly in farewell to the Elders, following after her partner in silence. She didn't want to address him in front of his people and draw unnecessary attention to themselves.

[Blake Oleander]

Blake held his tongue with a clenched jaw as they were escorted out of the village. He'd take the route that would take them North, in the direction of Territory 64, their rival territory. And the very one who caused his suffering. The arrow that had pierced his chest came from 64. If it hadn't been for that, he would still be here where he belonged.

And if he could not live among his people, he would die fighting their enemies. Only then would he have meaning again.

[Bailey Oleander]

Once free of the village, they clearly weren't heading back to Cabal. Bailey felt her heart flutter in worry as Blake took off towards the north with a grim determination. Dread started to ring out in the back of her mind.

"Blake...I'm sorry."

[Blake Oleander]

"No reason to be. My path is clear."

He'd continue toward 64.

[Bailey Oleander]

That's what she was worried about.

"Then what will you do?"

[Blake Oleander]

"If I can not live with my people, I will die slaying their enemies."

It was a simple choice.

[Bailey Oleander]

"What? No!" Bailey picked up the speed to keep up with her partner as he laid out the plan as simple as breathing.

"Blake, you can't!" Well, he could, but that was besides the point. "Alright, you can, but what will that do? One final act of service? What would they even think?"

[Blake Oleander]

He rolled his eyes. Of course, he could.

"It doesn't matter what they think. What matters is that they are protected. You have the luxury of not understanding. Your people do not face extinction every day. And you do not hold the power in your hand to stop it!"

He snapped at her, his fists clenching tightly, his knuckles turning white.