* qingloong.

"You have a point. It does allow them to part on ordinary terms— as ordinary as they can. If advance warning was given, the atmosphere might become strange between friends, like mourning the absence of one before they were even returned home.

...Besides everything else he wished to avoid in association.

"A local biome isn't entirely inexplicable. Plenty of islands end up with some measure of local diversity. It really depends on a few key factors," holding up one gloved finger, he starts, "One would be our relative place on the planet we live on. Two," a second finger, "Would depend on the type of ocean currents surrounding the island. Even discounting the dangers of the Gulf, we would need to take seasonal ocean temperatures. Three, well, there's the obvious fact that whoever is lording over this place has an unreasonable amount of power."

There was always the chance they could be in some complex and orchestrated 'dream', too.

❝ Alright. I'm not good with the technicalities, but I'll still do my best, ❞ he agrees, motioning for the other to follow after. he was at least versed in knowing where there was something he requests, especially when it came to relieving one of the imposing sun blaring down at them. ❝ This way. There should be a small cafe we can rest at. If you need refreshments, it'll be my treat, ❞ he tacks on, figuring it was the least he could do as they arrive to their destination.

Kokomi hums thoughtfully at his words. "It could, yes. Seeing a dearly departed comrade could cause more heartache if anything, for example." Index finger moves to scratch underneath the dragon's chin before it settles into coiling around her arm. "Why not something that could make you happy instead? A harmless thing, maybe. Something that would bring you peace."

"Like this little one," she's talking about the dragon, of course. "I can hardly see how it could cause any harm. Or these fish that I've created." Simple creatures such as these could hardly hurt a fly even if given the opportunity.

❝ I'd say your fish are far more harmless than my Qingloong, ❞ he mentions, arms crossing over his chest. ❝ Its roar in battle is enough to send fear into the enemy. But as it is now, it has no reason to roar. ❞

"No need for compensation. While this island has plenty of biodiversity, there are many benefits to creating hybrid plants." Pulling out the vials he had collected over his own time here, he starts working to extract some of the pollen.

"Consider that it's summer at the moment - the qualities that make a flower bloom in summer will cause it to wilt in the cooler seasons." He pauses, looking up at his companion. "That is, there are multiple seasons in this place. I've only been here since the start of Spring, but from what I understand, it's a relatively temperate climate experiencing four unique seasons. To be honest, Summer is the worst it has to offer."

❝ Yes. When I arrived, I had assumed that it would be more unlike what I knew. But from what the locals say, it passes by every season as one should expect. It makes you wonder what kind of climate they're fostering here to allow it on an island out at sea. ❞ and why not leave it as something more tropical than meddling with it, were that the case. ❝ The flowers I'd like to tailor are ones that would persevere through every season. A difficult request, I know, but an important one, ❞ he adds, hoping the other would understand.

Tmp tmp tmp~!

Splashing through the rain in her pink rain boots, Mary Sue hums a tune to herself as she twirls an umbrella above her head. It's a fine, wet day for a summer storm. Abruptly, lightning flashes. As she blinks through the light, she sees a suspiciously handsome man standing near some traffic lights...

BOOM. The visual impact hits her heart at the same time as the thunder. More importantly, where was his umbrella?

The light turns red. Mary Sue's not sure if he's going to cross the street, but she starts running towards him anyways.

"Waitwaitwait!"

so, he carries on as usual, figuring it was best to make his way back to his place of stay before the torrent became too unbearable. and just so, the light turns red, signaling it was time to head over.

until the sound of an urgent voice calls to him一

turning his head, he takes note of the girl, her own umbrella keeping her safe from the weather. in contrast to him, with droplets trickling from chaotic tufts, it must have been like night and day.

Now a parade of fish circles her, small bubbles accompanying them as she admires them. However, their happy little swimming march soon turns out to be much more than she bargained for, as they soon start to wander. Off they float to an unexpected observer, one whose head they now encircle and blow bubbles for. Kokomi only stopped to realize this once he cleared his throat and what fish remained near her suddenly scuttled close, just as timid as their creator. "Oh, I'm--" words have never come easy to her, but they became harder still when caught doing something embarrassing.

"It was…tempting to create them. Better these than whatever else everyone else seems keen on dreaming up, don't you think?" It's a poor attempt at lightening the already awkward mood, followed by nervous laughter to boot. The fish that circled his head continued to blow bubbles in response.

whatever drew their attention, he can only assume it has something to do with him, given how embarrassed she seems from the incident. lifting a hand, he keeps one of the bubbles from finding his face, though hardly seems annoyed.

❝ I agree. Some of the creations I came across were more dangerous than beneficial, ❞ he speaks, seeming more judgmental on those particular decisions.

danger was always rife within the world, yet to call upon it for a selfish whim without consideration to other people was something he would never be able to agree with. ❝ In all honesty, I don't even know what I would wish to call in. There are a lot of paths one can take, but the consequences of them could be irreversible, even if this all is just a dream. ❞ such as recollecting a lost comrade or manifesting them to be happy. all it would do is lead one to another parting and another stone to carry in their heart.