audience: shess

[cyclists]

Comments

[nonbelligerent]

Not much grows in the sura realm.

[unsaid]

No...?

Perhaps if you take the lotus flower I had given you, it will find a way to retain life even in such a place -

[he has no idea if this is true but listen he's making a point]

Lotus flowers bloom in adversity. Its roots sink deeply into the darkness of the mud and each day it repeats the cycle of submerging itself into the murky, dirty waters that it dwells in, but will later rise and bloom again, beautiful and untouched by its surroundings.

Time and time again...

[he smiles softly]

Perhaps life would be altogether more beautiful if people were able to be as persistent and proud as a lotus flower.

[nonbelligerent]

[...]

Are lotuses your favourite flower, Mikazuki?

[unsaid]

[ . . . well.]

I cannot say if I have a favorite.

[he receives so many and he likes them all...]

Perhaps they are simply the flowers that remind me most of dear friends.

[nonbelligerent]

... I'm sure your friends would appreciate the sentiment.

[unsaid]

[well.

they might if they remembered him.

but he doesn't say that out loud]

... I am happy to carry the memories I have accumulated in my heart.

Even the times that are difficult, or the ones that fail to bring joy.

[nonbelligerent]

That's probably the only way to endure a long life.

[unsaid]

Perhaps so.

And what of you, my friend?

[nonbelligerent]

I make do.

[unsaid]

Ahaha, so you do...

Have you come any closer to determining a wish for yourself, in a universe you are able to create?

[nonbelligerent]

Can't say I've been thinking too deeply about it.

[unsaid]

Busying yourself with the matters of others?

[nonbelligerent]

I guess.

[unsaid]

I suppose I cannot bring myself to be surprised -

Now, more than ever, things may be a bit chaotic.

[nonbelligerent]

I get that impression.

[unsaid]

I am receiving a great number of visitors - I am glad, to be able to talk while I am still wholeheartedly myself.

[nonbelligerent]

You're well-liked. People want to say their goodbyes, I imagine.

[unsaid]

Ha ha ha, that is a rather amusing sentiment. To continue to extend kindness to an old man such a myself....

I am honored.

Even so, I imagine it will not be a farewell for long.

[nonbelligerent]

It's hard for humans to acknowledge someone as that much older when they look young.

[case in point: all the people who worry about him even when he points out that he has millions of years of experience.]

... I hope so.

[unsaid]

Hmm, I suppose so - but you are not human and you are thoughtful enough to pay me a visit. You must have a different reason, don't you?

[it's because they're FRIENDS]

... I would say that my fate is in your hands - but you already know that I am not worried.

[nonbelligerent]

Technically, compared to my age, you're hardly an old man, Mikazuki. But besides that, am I not allowed to spend time with a friend?

[unsaid]

Certainly you always are - I cannot imagine a time where I would not be glad for your company.

[he's a shess stan]

But come, come, no need to be kind. I know that I am getting on in my years.

[there's

a slight tug at the corner of his lips though so he's probably just joking]

[nonbelligerent]

Sorry, I don't have any advice for age-related woes.