Leon's Muse

[Leon Thornwood]

Waking up early one morning, Leon slowly crawled out of bed. Stumbling on his books he left on the floor, he slams his face up against the wall. He just knew it was going to be one of those days. Tidying up his books, and making his bed, Leon proceeds to dress in his usual black attire. Brushing his middle length black hair away from his eyes he adjusts his glasses before clasping his locket around his neck. He had had another dream about his father that night. He didn't realize the sweat that was pouring down his neck until he stepped into the sunlight. Was it really him? He just knew that he as still alive.

Closing his window and grabbing his knife, Leon looked at the time. Still two hours before his first class. He was sure Instructor Trepe was going to call on him today after the remark he made in yesterdays class. He liked Instructor Trepe. She was the only one that really saw him for what he was. Letting out a sigh, he packed his bags and went to the commons area. Today was unusually cloudy; it had rained that night. Finding his usual spot by a tree, Leon sat down and pulled out his book and began reading.

Suddenly like thunder piercing through the still night, a voice echoed over the loudspeaker. "Leon Thornwood, please report to Instructor Trepe's classroom, I repeat: Leon Thornwood, please report to Instructor Trepe's Classroom." He knew it. What he has said in yesterdays class had gotten him into trouble. He figured he would have been called to her sooner than now due to the storming out of her classroom, but he was glad it was now rather than when he was furious. Gathering his stuff together yet again, he set off to the elevator to meet with Instructor Trepe

[Quistis Trepe]

Morning came swift and demanding, as always. Sleeping in was never an option for an Instructor at Balamb Garden though. Preparations for classes began at the crack of dawn, or as soon as Quistis's eyelids opened in her case. Sometimes she'd be up late the evening prior grading papers and still up even before 5 o'clock a.m. Preferring to be in the classroom at least half an hour before the arrival of students for the first class. Today though, following her first class, there was a slight change in her schedule. Though planned in her own it'd definitely be unexpected in the student whom she'd be paging to her classroom.

Seated behind her desk, chin propped in the palm of left hand, she reached with her right toward a piece of paper in the upper corner of her desk. Across the top was scrawled a name: Leon Thornwood

After the incident yesterday it was absolutely necessary to bring him to her classroom. Even now she could hear him being paged over the intercom. Pink lips parted on a sigh which blew a loose strand of blonde hair, which had escaped its restrictive bun, off her cheek. Ice blue eyes stared in silent contemplation down at the name from behind the lens of silver framed glasses. When Quistis ran a classroom it was always with a strict hand- she expected her students to pay attention, to not carry on, and to not cause any kind of trouble. When she broke them up into groups for labs? They could socialize using indoor voices, but she still kept a close eye upon them and this made for a soothing, organized atmosphere.

It allowed for an atmosphere suitable to learn in. There was limited distraction away from the focus they needed to give to subject matter. Teaching them about monsters and their abilities was important- especially considering she was the only Instructor on Blue Magic that truly understood it here at Balamb. It was a rare one and hardly many had could say they had it let alone had mastered it for use. Inside knowledge into the inner workings of an enemies ability would allow them to be better equipped when in the field.

Outbursts, for that reason, were not tolerated. The incident yesterday where Leon Thornwood had stormed out of her classroom- well, that had definitely caused a ruckus. It had distracted from the lesson at hand and made it hard to garner focus once again. Quistis was displeased to say the least. It was not as though insight into a student was unheard of- extensive portfolios were gathered concerning each one upon acceptance into Balamb Garden- and as an Instructor, and a SeeD, it meant that she got to view them. Leon's had been particularly interesting and though Quistis felt sympathy- it didn't mean she could let that get in the way of treating him as was proper.

Hadn't that been what caused her failure five years ago? Perhaps if she'd treated Seifer and Squall more as students then much would have been different. Groaning, she stood now to straighten the dark blue SeeD uniform after checking its yellow scarf for any wrinkles, and awaited the arrival of Leon. She wanted to know why such an innocent question had caused an outburst? Or perhaps it was a comment from a nearby student she had not heard? Either way, the matter must be handled.

And if she could not? Then she'd be forced to send him for a visit to Headmaster Cid.

[Leon Thornwood]

The elevator ride seemed shorter than he remembered. Maybe it was becuase he was trying to compile his arguement ahead of time, incase the need arised. He was very precise in his thinking, making sure to cover every possible path that would arise had the converstation steered in a direction he did not see fit. He knew Instructor Trepe though, having watched her actions in and out of class. She was no idiot, and nor would he have expected that from one of the top teachers in Balamb Garden. He knew he was in for a lecture for sure.
Turning the corner to the hallway that led to her class, he knew he was ready. Stopping for a brief moment at her door, collecting his last thoughts once more, he knocked. The knock echoed through his ears. A small pause ensued. Had he arrived before even she? Then in the back of his mind, the quiet yet stern voice he knew so very well pierced his thought. "Please come in Leon."
Slowly he turned the handle and grazed into the room. There at the head of the class stood Quistis Trepe, Blue Magic expert and Monster analysis for Balamb Garden. She looked toubled, almost dreading what was to come. Had she known what she had said would effect him like this? Probably not, had she had known then he wouldn't have been called to her room this early morning. He knew the time was now. He would have to make his stand here and now.
"Thank you for coming so early Leon," she said, "I am sure you know why I have called you here?" Leon avoided eye contact with her, staring at a spot on the floor with increasing intrest. Reaching deep down and taking a breathe he looked at her eyes. They were piercing, those liquid blue eyes seemed stern yet sincere. "Yes." He replied. Getting up from her desk, Quistis walked around the desk to fully face him. "Care to explain what the catalyst of the explosion was?" He was analyzing his every movement.
He was prepared for this, he had thought of every possible path the conversation could take, as was Leon's nature. "During yesterdays lecture over level 35 monsters outside of the Balamb area, you mentioned a prodigy student at the school 10 years ago." It was evident that she was doing the same as he had not 15 minutes before, analyzing the outcome of the conversation. Slowly she nodded. "Well you see, I have come to the understanding that he was my father. I did my research from the school records. It is indeed my father. "
Clearing his voice, Leon began again. "When you had said it was his recklessness and his cocky attitude that did him in, I just wouldn't stand to hear that he was done in. That is why I blew up. That is why I stormed out. I could not believe what I was listening to so I had to escape. I am sorry for the disruption I may have caused." Leon bowed before Quistis, not rising until he heard her speak. What he had expected did not come. No words were coming from her. Leon tilted his head up slightly to observe what his Instructor was doing.

[Quistis Trepe]

"Thank you for coming so early Leon," she said, "I am sure you know why I have called you here?" Quistis sat behind the desk, perusing Leon quietly. Was he nervous? Body language would suggest so. While inside she felt sympathetic toward the man her face revealed nothing. A smooth mask was in face, a stern gaze and slightly thinned lips the only thing to be seen.

Getting up from her desk, Quistis walked around the desk to fully face him. "Care to explain what the catalyst of the explosion was?" Arms were crossed over chest, face tilted slightly upward to compensate for height difference. The young man was much taller than her 5'5 yet his superior height didn't rattle Instructor Trepe any. Instead, if any doubted who was in charge all they need do was look upon her figure. Back straight, arms crossed, a commanding angle to her chin- she was prepared for anything. At least outwardly.

If the young man chose to have another outburst, Quistis wasn't sure what she'd do. And so gave him the chance to speak his peace while interjecting the occasional stoic nod to let him know he could continue onward. Each passing word was taken into account. Leon's admittance of research into his Father's identity and surmising him to have been the student discussed in yesterday's lesson was to be admired. A mental note was made of his forte with research- it could come in handy later. It was only when he stopped speaking that Quistis's gaze dropped down to consider him.

The bow definitely gave a height switch, but that was only a passing thought. "Please rise. I want you to look at me while I speak." She'd only wait for him to straighten again before continuing onward. Her voice was commanding though still gentle,"Today will mark the only day I will be remotely sympathetic. I understand that, with your history, it must be hard to hear such discussion when knowing it was your Father. I feel for you. Yet, that will not change my honest nature. I teach my students what they need to hear. If this man is your Father, it still does not change the facts of what I spoke." Pausing to let Leon digest that bit of information, she turned on booted heel and walked toward the teaching panel at the front of the room. Across the board was scrawled the same words as yesterday- for this morning's class had gotten the same lesson.

"Our records state that he was in fact killed during his battle with several level 35 monsters. He fought them alone. That was cocky and reckless. You dislike hearing that he was killed. I cannot help speaking what we have down as fact. My students learn from these lessons." Turning around now to face him again, blue eyes cool, she stated firmly,"Emotions are double-edged, Cadet Thornwood. You will learn once in the field that they can be a downfall. People will use them against you at every advantage. Controlling them is a vital part of becoming a SeeD. An outburst like yesterday while on the field could have comprised the mission and cost lives. Would you wish to be responsible for such?"

She was afraid of coming down on him too hard. Yet couldn't afford to be any gentler. She was an Instructor. Her job was to train these students to become SeeD. Being their friend, or a mother-away-from-home, was not possible. Preparing them for real missions outside the garden, on the field, was top priority. She would not fail again.

[Leon Thornwood]

After hearing what Instructor Trepe had to say, was not quite what Leon had foresaw. He knew what was to be said would be painful, yet deep down, he knew she was right. A smile ran across his face. It had been along time since he had someone be this straight forward with him. He knew what had to be done now. There would be nothing to stop him, even if he had to go to Headmaster Cid himself. He knew what he was about to ask would be unheard of, especially from a student who had been enrolled for less than a full year. If he could not get Instructor Trepe's approval, then he knew he could gain sympathy from Headmaster Cid, but that wasn't it. He had to convince Instructor Trepe.
"Alright Instructor," Leon said, with a newfound determination in his voice. "Then I want to ask you a question." His fist tightened. He was prepared for the arguement that might arise and his defense was golden. He just need to lay it out gently. Turning to face her fully, standing at full posture, (he hadn't realized how much taller he was than Instructor Trepe), "I wish to take the SeeD exam at the next available date."

[Quistis Trepe]

Quistis had been expecting a response. Generally when an Instructor asked a question of a student they wanted an answer. She wasn't any different. Even Asher gave some kind of recalcitrant one. That Leon had not? She couldn't deem if this was good or bad. Had he digested the import of her words? She wasn't just telling him to grow up. It was very important that he understand the serious downfall emotional outbursts could cause in the field.

"Do you understand why I am saying this to you?" Hopefully he did.

That he wanted to partake in the next available SeeD exam though was taken note of. Leon Thornwood's actions in class besides yesterday usually garnered good remarks. He was attentive, intelligent, and friendly- always enthusiastic to take part in an assignment. Yet, emotional outbursts were definitely a concern.

"Cadet Thornwood, I can see that you truly want to become SeeD. Or at least attempt the exam. Though after yesterday I question the wisdom of allowing you to too soon. I cannot, of course, stop you from taking the written exam. However, the field exam does require input from your Instructors to determine if you are ready..." Ice blue eyes considered him quietly while standing now with arms clasped behind back. After a moment, she murmured,"If you can prove to me that you are in control of your emotions and that they will not compromise the mission by the time of the next exam then I will speak to Headmaster Cid on your behalf. However, if I see that you are not ready then I will see that you do not go. Oh, and Thornwood..."

Face becoming stern, she stated firmly,"Do not think to try to go to Headmaster Cid. He will not be swayed. I've had students try this before and what they find is themselves sitting in a classroom while the others are out in the field. Are we understood?"

She, of course, expected more of an input than a simple agreement. Hopefully he would not disappoint her and prove himself before the next SeeD exam.

[Leon Thornwood]

Taking what he could, Leon bowed with a nonresponsive gesture of the face. In essence, he had gotten exactly what he wanted. He knew his marks in physical combat as well as knowledge were well above the normal candidates for SeeD examinations, and now that the news from his father had sunk in and passed, he knew he could keep himself in check emotionaly. Still having a little over an hour before class, Leon made his way back down the elevator and across the lobby to the cafeteria. Grabbing some breakfast, Leon sat at a table and began to study on his future SeeD exam.