While Hairong was leaving the garden, she couldn't help but think about how she'd confess to Tsung Yue about her incoming departure. She wondered, how Yue would've done everything without her assistance in the first place, and how she'd react to becoming alone in the near future. Those thoughts ached in her heart, and time spared no glance in her favor as she was getting closer to where the dragon was.
***
When Yue opened her eyes, she was at the beach where she had been with Hairong before looking for the pearl. But something was different this time. There was a lingering feeling coming from the pearl's location as if it was trying to let itself know that it was still there. The temperature was much cooler than before, and the tides were flowing against the shore much rougher.
The dragon then sat down on the sand and looked at the flower she was holding on. Its orange petals were a stark contrast to the gray and cool environment it was surrounded in. Yue began to wonder how the flower helped her get through the barriers that were guarding the pearl. Was she supposed to press against it? Or throw it in its direction? She didn't know. As she was thinking, she could hear a faint wing flapping noise above the sky. Looking up, it was no other than Hairong. As she landed beside Yue, she had an uneasy expression that she forgot to hide. But for some reason, their reunion was slightly awkward, as they both didn't know how to start the conversation. But Tsung Yue suddenly turned away and gazed at the ocean before saying;
-"Come sit."
Hairong quickly settled down beside her and rested her head against her thigh.
-"You were quiet back there. You okay?"
Yue spoke softly before pressing her hand against Hairong's head.
-"Yeah, just…I'm not that comfortable with her like I'm with you."
Hairong looked down with a hint of unease in her voice.
-"I see…"
Yue responded absentmindedly while she fiddled with the flower in her other hand. She then looked down at the other dragon who was resting her head on her leg and pointed at the plant she was holding.
-"What do you think I should do with this?"
-"Shouldn't that be up to you?"
-"…No, really, that's right! How helpful of you~"
Yue retorted back with a sarcastic grin on her face as she stared down at Hairong.
-"Really?"
Hairong's head perked up as she stared back at Yue with childish innocence. It was clear she didn't get the sarcasm and thought that the dragon was being genuine.
-"…yes."
-"I'm always so happy to help you, Yue."
Hairong suddenly spoke while staring at the ground.
-"What does that even mean-"
-"Yue?"
Tsung Yue gently glared at the other dragon's audacious interruption but decided to go with the flow.
-"…yes, dear?"
-"I'm hungry, let's go eat something."
The winged dragon suddenly got up to her feet and gestured for Yue to do the same, eager to find something to eat.
-"Yeah, sure…that does sound good."
Yue nodded before sighing softly to herself as she got up and followed suit, not knowing that it was a test from Hairong to determine her newfound strength and power. Will Hairong's secret plans ever stop?
***