It was a bird.
A simple, plain bird, really. It was small and it wasn't flying, it wasn't sturdy or powerful, and it certainly wasn't beautiful or gracious.
But it was a bird nonetheless.
And Leon hadn't seen birds in Radiant Garden once since they reclaimed the world and started construction.
He remembered that in his youth, he and Cloud would often climb trees. Because Cloud enjoyed it, or whatever, and often to hide from Yuffie who insisted on joining them in everything they did.
And once, they had found a nest. It had been nothing special, just a small bundle of twigs and straws and some dust bunnies.
But there were things in it. Tiny, screaming things, with skin that was so thin it looked as if it wasn't even there.
Curious, young Cloud had reached out to hold one of the little things and examine it closer. He was only stopped by Le—Squall, he was still Squall then, who explained to his younger friend that these were little birds and they should leave them alone. And so in silence, they left the tree (to be pestered by Yuffie again). Squall could see Cloud glancing back at the tree when they walked away.
That was the last time he had seen birds in Radiant Garden.
But right now, right on top of Merlin's house, there was a bird. A small, grayish bird, with a somewhat orange glow on it from the setting sun.
It was just pecking innocently at its feathers, making the occasional sound.
Leon didn't know why, but the bird gave him a sense of tranquility, a sense of fulfillment. It made him feel that all his hard work had paid off. Birds are returning… Life is returning.
Quite suddenly, the bird flapped its wings and flew off over the Bailey wall, over the Ravine Trail, into the sunset.
Leon smiled inwardly and decided that if he had to love something, it would be birds.
He looked at the spot where the bird had disappeared long after the sun had set.