mooglenet_backup | [action/video] - Portal at Matoya's Cave (Open to all)

[Locke's been acting a little different today in Figaro. It's nothing large enough that a stranger would notice, but he's a little quieter at breakfast, a tad more helpful than normal, and the like. He makes sure to spend a little time all his friends in Figaro before quietly heading off to his room.]

[He takes the opportunity to pick some fresh flowers, per Edgar's suggestion placing them outside Celes' door as well as leaving a friendship flower for Terra.]

[He methodically fills his pack with any thing he might need and check his daggers for any signs of wear.]

[Right before he leaves, in an effort to not scare his friends too much he takes off his trademark bandanna and leaves it in a prominent place for friends to find before heading off.]

[As much as he wants to protect his friends, he has yet to determine how to accomplish the feat. There are many thoughts to balance out in his head. One one hand, they need his help in defeating Garland and setting the world straight. On the other hand, he's concerned that his re-appearance might be causing them undue pain and be a distraction from the real issue at hand.]

((His phone is on and the GPS still enabled if anyone wants to contact him.))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Terra! Hi there!

Did you find the flower I left you?

I did. Thank you, Locke.

...but, where are you?

Me?

I came out to see Rinoa.

Rinoa...?

You're at the portal?!

[Busted.]

The portal? Oh yeah. I guess it's somewhere around here.

[That somewhere is right in front of him.]

...what is it like?

[It's a treasure that he'd love to haul off with him, but he doesn't want Terra getting to curious about it. He prefers knowing she's safe in Figaro with Edgar.]

It's really not that interesting.

[Pause.]

You're not going to...?

[Locke pauses searching for the right words. He hadn't expected anyone to find him so quick.]

You don't need to worry about me Terra. I'll be careful.

[She bites her lip. That wasn't a directly response.]

Locke....

I'm fine Terra.

[Locke's attention quickly turns from his own contemplation as he hears Terra's concern]

Are you ok?

...do you want to leave us?

no.

[And Locke's just confused. He doesn't want to hurt anyone.]

But...?

[He sits on the ground, feeling all alone.]

I don't know.

Please, Locke...don't do anything rash.

Should I meet you there?

I've never done anything rash!

[Well except for all those times that he got himself into trouble, but those don't count because he said so.]

You don't have to come out here just for me.

[It'd be much easier to jump if she didn't.]

I will, if you need me to.

I'll be fine.

[He knows he'll be fine. He's supposed to be fine. He's supposed to take care of everyone, if only he could figure out how.]

[Sigh.]

Locke, you don't always have to be strong for me. I can help you, too. I want to.

Only if you aren't busy.

[He knows how busy everybody is, getting ready for Garland. Everybody but him, that is.]

I don't want you to let anyone down.

And what about letting you down? You matter too, you know.

You could never let me down.

[He pats the ground even if she can't see it.]

But you can keep me company if you want.

Of course I will. I'll be there as soon as I can.

[Maybe not alone, depending.]

[Locke nods into the phone. Brilliant. Treasure Hunter - Like she can hear that.

At least it will be quiet ~~not~~ for him to really think this through and try to think like a responsible thief weighing the options and alternatives.]