Should it even have to count as running away? If the outcome of staying isn't going to pay off, I think it's fair to say that ditching a faction counts as standing up for your own future by not doing whatever it is that others want from you. If I'm brutally honest, the only reason Zenith and Yima have me on their side right now is because I wanted my powers back, and I can't have them unless I'm harmonized.

[ He smiles while another light touches his eyes, remembering just another minor detail that'd influenced his decision: ]

Oh, and there are more girls here than in Meridian. That was another reason.

[ It's plain and simple, but perhaps frightening in how much. Dark's own ties to his faction are weak, and he's only interested as much as things will benefit him. It's why he'd never judge Rudbeckia for abandoning anybody. She doesn't think she's cowardly or a "bad Meridian" or anything else. Without any other shard bearers left in the picture, and from the perspective of how she arrived here, alone, she's just doing whatever she feels will give her the best outcome endgame. ]

So, yeah. It doesn't bother me, and I'll look out for you.

[ He gives her chin a playful squeeze. ]

How nice that you happened to catch the eye of the sexiest man and strongest wizard in the entire universe, huh? You're welcome.