Jellyfish dragon

Under the warm light of the sun, Tsung Yue's upset expression was as clear as can be. Even if the dragon was visibly distressed, Yun Meeren found it more amusing than being concerned. Looking back where the flower was planted, Tsung Yue turned her gaze towards the lady.

-"I've chosen my flower, so now what?"

-"So, it's yours now."

That's it? Wasn't she going to tell Tsung Yue what to do with it? Questions similar to these were swirling around Tsung Yue's head, and before she had the chance to ask, Yun Meeren interrupted:

-"You do whatever you want with it."

That's when Tsung Yue realized that the flower's fate was completely under her control. Whether she wanted to pluck it off or remove its leaves and petals, it didn't matter. But everything has consequences, and if you can't bear them, better not try them in the first place.

Without hesitation, Tsung Yue bent down to pull from the stem of the flower, but she recoiled back in pain soon after. It was then understood that the flower had grown thorns around itself.

-"What the..Those thorns weren't there before!"

Sensing Tsung Yue's frustration, a smile crept up Yun Meeren's pale face. It was easy to see that she found it hilarious, but god bless how she didn't crack up in front of the dragon.

Tsung Yue carefully observed the flower more closely, as she bent down to its level. She already knew this flower was special, but not dangerously special. After glaring at the plant for a while, the flower surprisingly retracted back its thorns, becoming vulnerable again. Taking the opportunity, Tsung Yue dashed to grab the flower, but the thorns appeared right back to protect itself from her grip. Tsung Yue then figured out that the flower's defense technique depended solely on warmth and contact. Due to the temperature change from the cause of Tsung Yue's hand, the thorns bulged out to shield itself.

Tsung Yue narrowed her eyes in disdain, as she whispered menacingly before lunging at the flower.

-"Well, in that case…"

As expected, the flower grew its thorns to fight her off, but she was already prepared for that pain. Despite the unwelcome greeting, Tsung Yue did not let go. She started to pull on the flower to pluck it off the soil. Even if that means the thorns will grow bigger and sharper, temporary pain is nothing compared to eternal happiness after.

When the flower was pulled out, the thorns seemed to shrink away, making it much easier for Tsung Yue to hold on.

-"Well done, my dear."

Yun Meeren was first to speak, as she clapped her hands gently to appraise her. Her pure white eyes shimmered under the sun, making it seem like she was genuinely proud of Tsung Yue. But if you think taking the life of a plant is an achievement, may you grow up fast.

Hairong then spoke up in a curious tone as she looked up at the dragon.

-"Well, now what?"

Tsung Yue didn't respond, since she was looking down at the flower on her palm, her eyes blurred out with deep thought as if she was reminiscing about something. But one thing was for sure; The flower she chose was the right one.

Greeting the unusual silence from Tsung Yue, Hairong worriedly spoke again.

-"Hey, can you hear me? What's wrong?"

-"She's remembering something…we must not interrupt her, she'll talk to us once it's done."

Yun Meeren responded in a matter-of-fact tone, her expression neutral, but hid a deep sense of thoughtfulness as she looked at the dragon who was zoning out.

***

In the vast world of the mind, Tsung Yue was in a familiar yet distant place, but her sight was more focused on an old man sitting in a temple. He seemed disturbingly recognizable as if she'd seen him somewhere. He wasn't as old as Nameless, but not as young as a man who hadn't experienced all of life can offer. The building's exteriors were damaged as if it had seen better days. The roof's edges were broken, and its original colors were long since gone, leaving a dark blueish tint on the surface. The atmosphere was melancholic, as the skies were blurred by dark clouds that provided gentle rain for all. The sizzling of the rain combined with the flow of a small stream created a messy yet calming sound. The old man then opened his weary eyes, his expression showing a deep sense of longing and a false hope as he gazed towards the endless mountains and hills. He opened his mouth to whisper only two words:

-"Come home."

***