[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

[A white dove is addressing the network, fluffing his feathers and only succeeding in making himself look soft.]

I have achieved a third form! [He stretches out his wings and toddles towards the camera, peering at himself.] I think I am...a dove?

If you are having trouble with your transformations or the elemental magic, I'm happy to help. My cultivation seems to have given me a strong basis for these skills.

[It also helps that he is a hard worker.]

Comments

2/2 | Video => Action

[mayoninofukucho]

[With the travel time reduced to a few hours and Xingchen advised of his estimated arrival time, Hijikata sets out into the nothern half of the city. When he eventually knocks on his friend's door, he doesn't stand there empty-handed: He bought a modest bouquet of flowers on the way - white tulips and white and blue baby's breath -, and he has a small wrapped package too!]

You didn't promise too much, Xingchen. You've got a cosy home.

[There's pleasant warmth coming out through the open door!]

Action

[gentledawn]

I will reimburse you for the trip. Make sure you travel comfortably. [The snow and ice can make walking short distances difficult. He prefers to travel on his mare, but Hijikata is probably accustomed to the new technology. Xingchen does well enough in his little clinic to have money to spare - and this is a good use for it in his book.

Preparing tea and snacks, Xingchen beams at the knock and scoops the flying hound he and Xue Yang had adopted into his arms. She howls adorably, giving Hijikata yet another welcome!

Once the door is open, he sets the little pup down and embraces his friend.]

It's so good to see you! Come in, come in... [He has a nice fire crackling in the sitting room and there are plenty of comfortable chairs and cushions seated around a tea table.]

Are these flowers for me?

[mayoninofukucho]

[Reimbursement? He won't have it!! But they can fight about that later (and Hijikata frankly hopes that the transformation training will make Xingchen forget... but knowing him and his own gentle brand of stubbornness, he may just reimburse him sneakily).

He gives the little pegasus dog a smile, willing to let her sniff and inspect him - he got used to it due to many friends having pokémon -, but Xingchen's warm-hearted hug takes priority. It would be invigorating even without the energy exchange between them! As he follows him inside, leaving his shoes and coat by the door, he's content to see how truly comfortable the place is. Xingchen deserves nothing less!]

Yeah, they are. Well, I guess your housemates can enjoy them too.

[So generous!]

Who's this little one?

[The dog, he means.]

[gentledawn]

[He won't forget! His friend made the journey to see him - and he will completely ignore the lessons as some form of payment. Besides, as much as Hijikata wants Xingchen to live well, Xingchen feels the same about him.

The happy, wiggly fairy dog does sniff him, inspecting his face before she gives him a big kiss on the cheek. Then Xingchen gets his chance to welcome Hijikata too. He tugs the man into a hug and leads him inside.]

Ah...one housemate, that is. Song Zichen went home.

[All the same, the flowers are taken and put into a vase of water. Xue Yang will enjoy them, he knows.]

She is our little Ling. Every time we come home or have a visitor, she sounds the call.

[mayoninofukucho]

Ling... that's a cute name for her.

[He pets the friendly dog. There are so many wondrous creatures in this world, little can surprise him anymore at this rate. Hearing that Zichen is gone, though, has made his smile fade into a sombre expression.]

I'm sorry your friend went home. A friend of mine recently left this world, too. There's a chance they'll return, but I guess it's for the best if we don't get our hopes up too high.