Title: Learning Life's Lessons

Summary: After coming to terms with his hard-earned lessons, Leo decides to ask five guild leaders what they have learnt during their times in their respective lands. And comes away with much needed life advice.

Characters: Leo, Lindis, Lynus, Oracle, Roxbury, and Drayce, with a brief appearance of Hrothgar

AN: Ahhh, I've written something! It feels like it's been like, what, a month? It's been too long! Anyway, what better way to break the dry spell than to write a Leo oneshot?

I won't go into deep detail about Leo's saga as I want to keep it all a secret :3 But this oneshot does help me get into the swing of writing some of the characters needed for the first saga of my Nexus series. And it's a good excuse to write my characters fussing over Leo, who deserves and needs it, let's be honest.

So, I hope you enjoy reading~!


Sometimes bad things happened to good people.

That was an idiom, a saying that Leo had heard time and time again. He had even uttered those words to himself, in those times where the memories grew too heavy. Too insistent. Too intrusive. When the words "it's your fault" repeated, echoing throughout his mind. Softly at first, only to grow. Louder and louder.

Until that was all that filled his mind.

Until that was all that he believed.

All he could believe.

"If it was your fault, then was it my fault I lost my guild, too?"

That question, asked by a man known as Hrothgar, with an expression soft and sad, cut through the heaviness of his mind. Silencing it for the first time in a long time.

"Of course not!" Leo had instinctively replied, not wanting another to feel the pain of guilt that he had endured.

Hrothgar smiled sadly at him in response. A hand on the cheek, a thumb gently brushing aside the tears that escaped his eyes. "I know it will be hard. But, please, it wasn't your fault."

Leo's life changed that day. In a way he never could have expected.

He was bundled into a guild. A large guild. A very, very large guild. With a community of their own. A place called The Sanctuary. A name he soon learnt was accurate for such a guild. A guild called the Guardians.

He was welcomed with warmth and friendship. Explorers of all ranks and classes, extroverts and introverts. It was overwhelming at first. But…it was nice. He liked them.

He…liked his new guildmates.

He learnt more about that dark voice tormenting him during his times of pain. Survivor's Guilt, they called it. An insidious disorder. A form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It wasn't solved easily. Not with a hug and a few bubbly words of comfort. No, he was in need for healing. Slow healing.

And his guild promised to help him through his healing.

Realising that he was enduring Survivor's Guilt was his first lesson, he was told. And that made him wonder; what lessons had his new guildmates learnt during their previous explorations?

… … … … …

In a quiet, shaded corner of garden, Leo was surprised to have found Lindis first. Not that the highlander was a loner or preferred to keep to himself. He was just usually out in the field. He favoured being out in the labyrinths, being of use, as he put it.

He had quite the intimidating appearance, especially as he trained with his spear, but was peaceful in temperament. As someone else once put it; he was one with nature. Quiet, but not sullen.

Lindis silently slid his boot gracefully over the grass as he swept his weapon in sweeping arc. He slowed his movements significantly when he realised that Leo stood by a nearby tree, acting as a spectator.

"Ah, sorry," Leo squeaked out, a light flush to his pale cheeks.

Lowering his spear to his side, holding it effortlessly with one hand, Lindis offered him a small smile. "Not at all. Is there something you need?"

"I just wanted to ask you something." Leo stepped forward, unconsciously hunching his shoulders forward as his hands fidgeted in front of him. "But if you're busy-"

"It's fine," Lindis interrupted, his smile not wavering as he stabbed his spear into the soil and hooked his arm casually around it, to lean against it in a truly comfortable fashion. "What can I do for you?"

Leo twisted his hands in front of him for a moment. "I was just thinking about…stuff, and I was just wondering; wh-what was the key lesson you learnt during your adventures?"

That question clearly took Lindis by surprise. "Hm?"

Leo gave him an apologetic smile. "I know it's sudden."

"No, it's fine," Lindis replied, likely instinctively.

He, however, fell silent immediately after and his head tilted back ever-so-slightly. Though he gazed up toward the sky through the parted branches of the trees, his eyes held a faraway look.

It…wasn't exactly an expression of pain. But of contemplation. And Leo briefly wondered if he should apologise profusely and back away, as the silence that stretched out between them was beginning to grow quite…heavy.

"Well," Lindis suddenly spoke, "I have learnt that the path of truth is a long and, at times, a dangerous one. But it is a worthy one. The truth can hurt, yes. But lies bring nothing but devastation. You must trust your instinct. Boldy ask your questions. And question especially those who refuse to be questioned."

That honestly wasn't what Leo had expected.

Lindis turned his gaze from the sky and toward Leo as he continued. And in his eyes was experience, wisdom. "There will be those who will use violence to protect and enable the lie, prolonging the devastation. There will be inevitable battles. But for the sake of the truth, for those who's lives hinge on the truth; battle on. For the truth and for the justice. And for those you care for."

Unfurling his arm from around his weapon, Lindis pressed his palm against the handle and slowly, silently lifted it from the ground. With a simple flick of his wrist, he spun the weapon around to rest upon his shoulder. He then walked over to Leo, stood before him, and rested a hand upon his shoulder.

"Remember, communication is key to the truth. You do not need to be an expert at public speaking, heaven knows I am not. But speak your truth with kindness, and never live a lie. Life is too short, too precious to live a lie."

Lindis gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze before he removed his hand, turned, and walked toward the dormitories of The Sanctuary.

Leo listened to his footsteps as they faded away, allowing his words to mull over in his head.

Yeah.

Yeah, Lindis was right. There was so much he had wanted to tell his old teammates. But now, it was too late. He couldn't…he couldn't let that happen again.

Not with his new guildmates.

… … … … …

It wasn't at all surprising that Leo had found Lynus within the library of the medical ward. The room had once been large, but now cluttered with bookcases that were overflowing with books and scrolls. Even the tables with chairs, set in the middle of the room for the purpose of research, were rendered useless as they, too, were covered with books.

Lynus was one of his favourites, Leo had to admit. Then again, everyone liked Lynus. He reminded him of a mother figure. He was gentle in nature, in both words and actions.

Gentle truly was the most accurate word to describe Lynus. Everything he did was gentle. From the way he walked, ensuring that his steps didn't disturb the patients resting within the clinic. To his mannerisms, so not to frighten or startle those under his care. To his words, even as he delivered a difficult diagnosis.

But what was most gentle about him was his healing. Even has he stitched up a deep wound or reset a broken limb.

"Lynus?" Leo called out, even though the likelihood that Lynus had sensed him long before was high, and approached. "Are you busy?"

Leaning against the overloaded table, Lynus lifted his deep violet eyes from the book resting in his hands and immediately smiled over at him. "Hello, Leo. Just doing a bit of research. Everything all right?"

Leo nodded his head. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

He had a feeling of what Lynus' answer was going to be, but he wanted to ask nevertheless. "It's a bit of a strange question, but I was just wondering; what was the key lesson you learnt during your adventures of Lagaard?"

Lynus tilted his head curiously to the side for a moment before he righted himself. He then leaned his head back slightly, his gaze shifting up toward the ceiling.

"Hmm, let's see," he uttered as he trailed his fingertip idly over the pages of his book. "Well, you see; I've learnt that healing comes in many forms. And healing means different things to different people. There is physical healing. Mental healing. Emotional healing. And spiritual healing. All four are important. And mean things to different people."

Leo had to grin to himself. Ah, healing, of course!

Lynus lowered his eyes toward his book, to gaze at it for a moment before he unexpectedly snapped it shut. And set it aside, to add it to the piles of books already ailing the table. "There isn't a time limit when it comes to healing. And what works for one, may not work for another. There is be good days, and there will be bad days. There will be highs, and there will be lows. It may be daunting. And it may appear as though the venture is fruitless. But it is not."

Leo folded his arms behind him as his own gaze flickered down to the floor in thought.

"Every day you spend healing, every day you spend simply living, even if it's just enduring the minutes and hours, is what we healers consider, a victory. Each morning you rise, and each night you rest symbolises a battle well won."

Lynus pushed away from the table and stood directly in front of him. He reached forward to slip a hand under Leo's chin, to guide him to lift his gaze from the floor. Where he looked straight at him; his gaze soft. And yes, yet again, gentle.

"You did it. You made it through the day. And you'll make it through the next day. And the next. Each morning you'll rise. And each night you'll rest. And through each of those days, we'll be here with you, gently pushing you along, lifting you up when you fall, and smiling when you stand tall."

A lump of pure, unadulterated emotion lodged itself in Leo's throat. It soon escaped his lips as tears rolled down his cheeks. They were born from sadness, however. He had cried them so many times before.

No, they were of…relief. To know, to hear that…those words…

Lynus wrapped his arms around him and rested his chin atop of his head. "You'll find your place in this world one day."

Leo truly hoped so.

… … … … …

It was a few hours later that Leo went in search for Oracle. He needed a few…minutes to compose himself. He felt better, though, and more curious about what other guild leaders thought to be 'lessons' they had learnt during their times.

Lessons they likely used to teach others, if his talk with Lynus and Lindis were anything to go by.

Shortly into his search, he found Oracle strolling through the courtyard, re-entering The Sanctuary from the streets of Maginia.

Oracle was quite the curious character; he was quite the deadpan snark, a phrase often used to describe him. And, honestly, that described him to a tee. A sarcastic comment was always on the tip of the tongue, regardless of the situation. Sometimes it diffused the situations. Sometimes it kinda didn't.

But he was also protective, extremely so. More than willing to show just how protective he was, usually with some truly…creative means. And he was quite attentive, seeming noticing things of others, or even predicting things.

Well, he was a zodiac.

A zodiac who didn't trust in the stars.

He was quite the walking contradiction.

"Um, Oracle?" Leo called out as he made his way toward the zodiac. "Are you busy?"

"Ah, Leo," Oracle greeted breezily in return as he came to a stop before him. "What can I do for you?"

Much like he had done with Lindis, Leo subconsciously hunched his shoulders as he toyed with his hands in front of him. "Can I ask you something?"

Oracle quirked his head to the side questioningly. "What is it?"

Now, Oracle's answer was something Leo had no chance of predicting, so he was most curious.

"It's probably an odd question, but I was just curious; what was the main lesson you think you learnt during your adventures in Armoroad?"

Oracle regarded him curiously for a moment, before he tilted his head back to gaze up at the blue sky, his hands folded into the sleeves of his robes. A stance that had been mimicked two times before. So, Leo just waited patiently, having come to understanding that his question prompts thoughtful contemplation.

"Hmm, my lessons are probably not a good moral lesson," he unexpectedly revealed after only a short amount of time as he lowered his head and turned his piercing golden eyes toward Leo once more.

Leo tilted his head to the side, truly curious. "What's that?"

"Be a rebel."

Leo blinked. "Huh?

"There are many in this world who use their status and positions of power to use and abuse others. They pretend to be benign and perfect, only to throw many to the wolves the second it is convenient for them. The pretty, perfect princess may claim to have her peoples' interest at heart, but her actions speak otherwise."

A frown tugged at Leo's lips, but he wasn't entirely sure what to say in response.

Oracle kept his hands folded within the sleeves of his robes as he paced forward, toward Leo. "Don't let those of power force you into being their puppets."

He paused just before Leo and removed his hands from his sleeves. He then suddenly placed his hands upon Leo's shoulders, startling him greatly. Shocking him enough to immediately straighten his posture, his arms dropping straight to his sides.

And Oracle simply continued with his answer. "Stand up. Stand tall. Stand for the weak. Stand for the voiceless. Stand for the outcasts. Stand up for the lives of those of high status deemed expendable. See through the lies and speak for the truth. If you are pissing off the corrupt, you are doing the right thing."

Leo had…heard stories from guildmaster Aukai of Oracle and his guild being considered troublemakers by the Armoroadian government. They were likely true.

But for good reason…?

Oracle seemed undaunted by Leo's confusion as he leaned forward to look him in the eyes. "You are more powerful than you realise. You are not obligated to use that power at the demand of another. Use that power as you feel fit. But I do ask that you use that power to help those who the power-hunger use and abuse. That power is safe with you. It is safe for you to be powerful."

Leo found himself furrowing his brow in confusion again. He couldn't help but think back to those guards that he had helped and protected from that Wyvern.

Helped and protected…

Oracle lifted his hands from Leo's shoulders, using one hand to ruffle his hair lightly. "Be a rebellious little shit always."

Before Leo could ask anything, or even utter anything, Oracle waved his hand dismissively as he walked away, heading into the interior of The Sanctuary.

Leo watched until Oracle disappeared from view. He…didn't quite understand. And he wasn't entirely sure how to take his answer. But…

Leo couldn't help but smile to himself. That was so like Oracle. Be rebellious, huh? He could try, but he'd doubt he'd reach Oracle's levels of rebellion!

… … … … …

Venturing into the lush community garden of The Sanctuary, Leo immediately found Roxbury sat upon a wood bench with a few books and notepads scattered about him. He appeared to be busy sorting through some notes and files, ever diligent.

Roxbury was what Leo imagined a leader should be; inspiring loyalty, faith, and trust. He truly had the best interests of his guildmates at heart, and made each decision carefully and deliberately. He took his role seriously, and would never ask anyone to do a task he would not do himself.

Leo truly admired him. He always been to be calm and composed.

Even during times of chaos.

Even when he, himself, was feeling anything but calm and composed.

Leo felt somewhat bad knowing that he found comfort in Roxbury's unfaltering composure, even when the man himself wanted to break down, just like others had wanted. To rely on and find comfort with someone's selflessness.

But Roxbury himself found reassurance in knowing that in remaining compose, he comforted others. And, thankfully, he did not have to remain composed at all times.

His beloved guildmates wouldn't let him.

"Roxbury, are you busy?"

Roxbury looked up from his work and a polite smile immediately made its way to his lips as Leo approached. "Hm? Ah, not at all. Is there something you need, Leo?"

Leo folded his arms behind his back. After his encounter with Oracle, he felt playful. "Can I ask you an odd question?"

Roxbury hastily began to gather up his notes and books, setting them to one side to allow Leo room to sit himself down next to him on the bench. "Ah, curious," he said with a smile. "Go ahead."

Without hesitation, Leo sat himself down on the bench next to Roxbury. "What kind of lesson did you learn during your adventure in Tharsis?"

For a brief moment, Roxbury appear momentarily surprised. He soon looked mildly amused, however. He seemed to muse to himself the events leading up to such a question, but decided against asking. For now. "Ah, an intriguing question," he said as he did the motion, similar to the three times previous; eyes skyward in contemplative silence.

His eyes slip close after a moment and a soft smile slipped across his lips. "Well, you see, for us it's the fact that you never stop learning. From the time you awakening to when you fall asleep at night. You learn about your environment. About the world around you. About those you know. About those you don't know. And, about yourself. Sometimes, against your will."

Leo leaned forward in his seat to look at Roxbury curiously. "Against your will?"

Roxbury kept his eyes closed as he nodded. "You learn about your skills. About what you're capable of in the heat of battle. You learn about your teammates, and how much they mean to you. And how much you mean to them."

That caused Leo's face to immediately fall and his eyes dropped to look down at the ground.

His gaze didn't stay down there long, however; a hand slipped around his shoulders and he suddenly pressed against Roxbury's side, with the brown-haired fortress resting his chin atop of his head.

"You learn through experience. Both good and bad. And it's important to take what you learn, to remember those lessons, so that you can use them to help with future endeavours. And to help others. To help them through what you've endured."

Leo never wanted anyone to endured what he had. But…Hrothgar had. And Hrothgar hadn't wanted anyone to endure that pain either.

They both lived in a world of exploration. They…they couldn't stop adventurers from exploring. They couldn't keep every single adventurer and explorer safe, as much as they wanted to. But…

They could share their stories, couldn't they?

Share their experiences.

"Experience is oftentimes more powerful than belief," Roxbury continued, with his cheek still resting upon Leo's hair, and Leo nestled against his side. "What you knew to be fact yesterday may not be true today. What you learn may be painful. What you experience may be difficult to comprehend. It may cause questions to arise. It may cause feelings of self-doubt, of confusion, of anger. And that's fine. That's normal. Questions are good. Just more reasons to learn."

Leo had a lot of questions after…after what happened to his guildmates. But he never actually thought about…finding answers. He just blamed himself. It was easier to do that. Blame him. Curse himself. Never try to get close to anyone else again.

He always believed he was the cause of the deaths of others. But…

Others were dying in the labyrinths. Across the world. Without him there. Dying for numerous reasons.

He wasn't to blame.

It seemed so…obvious and silly now.

"It's important to keep an open mind. Not just with exploration, but in life in general. In whatever you choose to do, face it with the intent of gathering knowledge. Ask questions. Search for answers. Learn from the experience. Learn from those around you. Know that you never stop learning."

Slowly, Roxbury leaned back and so did Leo. As he looked up at the taller man, he received a small smile and a light ruffling of his hair.

"Does that answer your question?" he asked.

Leo simply nodded his head.

"Does it help?"

Again, Leo wordlessly nodded his head.

And Roxbury smiled. "I'm glad."

… … … … …

It wasn't even remotely surprising that Leo found Drayce sorting through the archives of The Sanctuary's make-shift treasure vault. With the numerous relics and antiques under their care, he was likely just ensuring that the treasures weren't in threats of clashing with one another. Some of them had rather curious magical abilities. Some Leo didn't understand.

Some he wasn't allowed to know, for some reason.

Drayce was a very charismatic person. That was honestly the best way to describe him. Friendly, outgoing. Leo once heard someone describe him as being someone who could find the meanest, surliest guy in the bar and befriend him in a single conversation. And, honestly, that sounded about right.

Leo really liked Drayce. But, honestly, who didn't?

But if there was one word to describe Drayce, it would be compassionate. If there was someone in need, he was the first to step up and offer help. Much to Blayke's chagrin, from what Leo heard.

Some of Drayce's act of compassion may have been taken advantaged off, but they have not, in anyway, altered his compassion for others in anyway. He was not naïve in anyway. He knew that there were those out there who could and would take advantage of him. But he would rather have his compassion be take advantaged of, then be uncompassionate to someone in need.

That was why everyone liked Drayce so much.

And why they were so protective of him.

"Drayce!" Leo called out, his voice a little higher than normal as he knew that the dedicated treasure hunter can get a little lost in his work.

Drayce looked up from a log book and a bright smile immediately gracing his lips. "Hey Leo, what's up?"

Though cautious of all the treasures and relics, Leo quickly made his way over to the redhead. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure thing," Drayce immediately replied as he set down the log book, his response expected. "What can I do for you?"

It was quite fitting that Leo found Drayce in the treasure vault. He was pretty sure Drayce's answer to his question will follow along the same lines. "I was just curious; what kind of lessons did you learn during your adventures of Iorys?"

Drayce, however, did not take on the eyes upwards in contemplation position. He, instead, took on a stance Leo noted seemed exclusive to those of Iorys; arm across chest, hand on chin, and eyes toward floor in deep contemplation. "Hmm…"

After a moment of silence, Drayce eased himself out of his posture. His eyes took on a soft, reflective shimmer as he looked over at the relics that lined the walls of the vaults. Another moment of silence stretched out between them before Drayce slipped his eyes closed, and a small smile slipped across his lips.

"Well, you see," he began as he suddenly moved to stand in the middle of the vault, facing toward Leo. His eyes opened and he rested a hand upon his chest. "Inside of everyone is a small treasure chest. A chest that is holding a question that they want to find the answer to."

Leo remained silent, regarding the treasure hunter curiously.

"It can be something like finding a missing necklace to finding a precious family heirloom. Or something like learning about the history of an ancestor, or finding a missing loved one. It can be something small or something big. It doesn't matter. It's precious to each and every person, and it's worth finding. It's worth seeking."

Leo found himself unexpectedly turning his gaze downwards. Toward his own chest. Where he raised his own hand, and pressed against.

"And inside of you, Leo, is a treasure chest, too," Drayce continued as he quietly paced over to him. "You might not know what's in it or what it is you want to seek, but it is there. And maybe, there's more than one. But, one day, you'll learn of something you would like to find. And when that day comes, I hope that you search for it wholeheartedly. And that you find it. And should you encounter others who are searching for their precious treasures along the way, that you'll help them, too."

Help others along the way…

Leo curled his fingers around the material of his vest and lifted his head up. Finding himself face to face with a quietly smiling Drayce. "I will."

"I know you will."

"Did you find-?"

Drayce nodded. "I did."

He had already found his precious treasure? Ah, as expected of a treasure hunter, he supposed. "What was-?"

"My twin brother."

Leo uttered a soft gasp in response. Twin brother?

Rhain?

Drayce and Rhain had been…separated?

Drayce somehow continued to smile, though Leo knew that the memories of his separation from Rhain had to still hurt him. But, he pushed that pain aside. Instead, focusing on the present.

He lifted his hand to pat Leo's shoulder in a friendly manner. "Speaking of which, I better go check up on him. I hope I was able to answer your question."

"Y-yes, of course."

"Ah, good!" Drayce grinned as he placed both hands on Leo's shoulders and guided him out of the vault as he chatted away. "Though, I'm glad you found me. If you hadn't, Ashton may have. And he's a lot more zealous, you could say."

Leo had heard all sorts of stories of Ashton and his dedication at being a caretaker. Faelen was more than willing to tell him them all.

After closing and locking the vault, and waving Drayce off, Leo found himself wandering the halls of The Sanctuary deep in thought.

He…wasn't sure what question he wanted the answer to. What his precious treasure could be. But…if he remained honest, if he remained on his path of healing, if he used his power to help others, if he took the lessons his learnt to teach others; then maybe he could learn what the kind of question his treasure chest held.

Until then…

"Leo!"

His name shouted by a familiar voice prompted Leo to snap his head up and to turn around. A smile immediately made its way upon Leo's lip when he was greeted by the sight of Hrothgar, a man he saw as an older brother. He soon tilted his head to the side, however, when he noted that the redheaded protector was suited up in his silver armour.

"There you are," Hrothgar said with a smile as he reached him. He lifted a hand to rest upon Leo's shoulder. "Come, retrieve your scythe. We're in need of a material gathering request."

"Ah, yes, I'll be just a minute."

Hrothgar held his smile as he dropped his hand from Leo's shoulder and Leo immediately broke out into a jog as he headed into the dormitories to retrieve his scythe and armour.

There were a lot of things that Leo was uncertain of, especially in regards to his future, but he was certain about one thing; as of right now, there was no other place he'd rather be.