Chapter 3

Flight

After thinking about it for a week or so, Leon decided to go look for Sora. At first, he had been conflicted, not knowing whether she wanted him to go after her or not. He knew that he wanted to, but he wasn't sure if he deserved the right to explain himself. Ultimately what pushed him to go was that glimpse of hope that she'd forgive him and allow him to explain.

He listed a couple of places she may have gone. On the top of that list was Japan, which is where he decidedly chose to start off on his quest to find her.

Leon didn't bring any luggage. He only brought a duffle bag of clothes and toiletries as well as the clothes on his back. He was wearing a black dress shirt and black slacks. He kept on a pair of sunglasses so he could hopefully go unnoticed. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work.

Within a few minutes of walking into the Cape Mary Airport, crowds of people circled around him. Little kids were going up to him, asking for an autograph and there were girls screaming out his name and yelling "I love you."

He tried not to pay attention to them. After all, he was going to miss his flight. However, they continued to follow him everywhere. Moms were telling their kids not to be shy and girls were still screaming his name. Leon sighed as he reached his gate. He didn't consider himself famous; however, Cape Mary is a small town and the Kaleido Stage was very popular with families.

Leon was trying to read one of his novels, but he couldn't concentrate and decided to give up all together. During the last thirty minutes of waiting, he signed autographs and took pictures. He didn't smile, but it would be better than a stolen shot.

Just then, the intercom boomed with sound. "We are now boarding. Please have your boarding passes ready," a lady called out.

Leon slowly got up and stretched before joining the rest of the passengers for the long flight ahead of them.

He handed his boarding pass off to the lady at the desk. She quickly scanned it and gave it back to him. Once that was over with, he stepped through the glass doors that lead to the plane. It was still a bit foggy, but he could make out some of the vehicles that were used to carry the luggage onto the plane.

He boarded the plane and took his seat. Once in position, he decided to give reading one more chance. Of course it didn't work. A girl, about 17 years of age, came up to sit beside him.

"Hello," she said.

Leon took his eyes off the book and raised his head slowly. Normally he wasn't one for talking, but for some strange reason, he found himself answering back. "Hello."

"I'm a really big fan of yours, Mr. Oswald." the girl politely smiled.

Leon immediately regretted acknowledging her. Oh no…another crazed teenage fan.

To his surprise, it wasn't as annoying as he had thought to begin with. She was sweet and only talked when she knew he was listening.

"Oh, by the way, my name is Maria." she finally said after talking to him for about an hour.

Leon nodded. Maria. It really wasn't that bad talking to her.

"But Mr. Oswald, as I was saying before, I think you and Ms. Naegino are perfect on stage." Maria continued.

"Thank you."

She continued, "You both seem to really have a passion for it. I've never seen anything like it."

Leon eyed her carefully. After a little bit, he spoke. "Maria, can I tell you something?" It was more of a murmur as he looked down again.

Maria shook her head 'yes.'

"Sora is the one with the passion for the stage. She will override her limits just to have a good performance. That is what I admire about her." Leon paused, thinking about the promise he made to Sophie. "She never gives up. Almost nothing can bring her down. As for myself, I don't deserve to be on the same stage as her."

"Don't say that!" Maria exclaimed, going on about how he was so talented and a world-class trapeze artist.

"But, it is true. I am only continuing this because of her. Such power, and spirit, I am honored to be her partner."

"Well, the real love for each other must affect you guys on stage." Maria pointed out.

"You don't know how much it has." Leon whispered soft enough that no one could hear.

000

Leon stretched out his arms and yawned. He hadn't slept all throughout the flight. Instead, he was too busy talking to Maria. She told him things that he would have never thought about himself.

He actually enjoyed her company. Leon walked toward baggage claim. He looked around to see families with little kids. His heart fell at the sight of them. At that moment, he thought about Sora.

Oh Sora, where are you?

A/N: R&R Please!