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[Kor staggers backwards when the "giant lizard" explains his identity. This is the Shining Dragon? What the heck is he doing here? In his hometown?!]

How could I? You're not exactly a talkative guy!

[For real, he's barely heard a peep from you outside of that first accidental encounter. You could stand to speak up a little more often, you know.]

[ The Dragon lets out a low growl...almost a laugh. Kor does have a point. ]

Perhaps not. Nevertheless, I am here for that very reason: to speak with you, Kor Meteor.

[ He lowers his head a bit, in effort to get a better look at Kor. After all, there's only so much he can do through Yuma's eyes. ]

I, too, witnessed the memory into which Yuma trespassed. To learn such a truth is a heavy burden indeed, one that not many would be able to carry in the way you do.

[ Though it might sound like a compliment on the surface, there is an obvious tone of doubt in the Dragon's voice. Not because he disbelieves Kor, but because of the very suspicions he's here for. The Shining Dragon is an ancient being, indeed; he's even directly responsible for some similar burdens that others have been forced to carry. He knows better than to believe it's that simple. ]

To speak... with me...?

[This is surreal, Yuma's soul dragon somehow entered his dream to come and speak with him? Or is he just... dreaming this too?

...Dreams are so complicated.

Kor decides to take his chances though, and approach the dragon, closing the gap between them. If he was here to speak, it'd be rude to do it from a distance, after all.]

You really think so?

[ The Dragon remains still as Kor approaches. He's well aware of how intimidating this form can be to some, and he's here to talk, not to threaten. ]

Indeed. While many mortals buckle beneath such a weight, you forge on with a strength of heart that not many possess. But even your strength has its limits.

[ He punctuates that last sentence firmly, letting it sit in the air for a moment. The Shining Dragon may mean no harm, but that won't stop him from being straightforward. He's on to you, Kor. Yuma might be a bit more reserved about his worried - perhaps even convinced - but the Dragon is another story entirely. ]

To face such darkness as you did and remain standing requires great courage, make no mistake. But to continue forging ahead without acknowledging one's own weariness is a fool's errand.

[ And the Dragon isn't about to sit idly by and watch someone destroy themselves again. Especially considering his current circumstances. ]

[Kor was... not expecting the dragon to be so... big. This is a lot of dragon. And yet somehow he and Yuma share the same soulspace? Actually, "share" is a bit of a stretch because from the sounds of it Yuma's the one calling all the shots and the dragon's just kind of... there. Hanging out.

Still, he's part of Yuma, so Kor has no reason to be afraid of him. So Kor rather fearlessly just sets him down in the sand in front of the dragon, placing him as close to the water as he can, without actually being in the water.]

You said you saw that memory too, Mr. Shining Dragon. But you must've been asleep while it was happening, because I think you missed something pretty big there.

[ The Dragon lets out a growl. Well, well, Kor was certainly an interesting young man indeed. Perhaps it is his lack of knowledge on just who the Shining Dragon truly is - Yuma didn't exactly elaborate much - or if that's just how he is. Rarely ever is the Dragon the one on the receiving end of such comments.

And...well, perhaps it isn't fearlessness, but trust, that he senses from him. Given how he reacted when Yuma revealed the Dragon's existence properly, it makes sense. In a way, it's refreshing. A nice change in pace, one that makes it easier to speak with him without having to weave through formalities. ]

Is that so, boy? I recall seeing it just the same as Yuma did.

What is it, then, that you claim I did not notice?

[ This should be an interesting answer. Not that the Dragon doubts Kor at all - quite frankly the boy seems like he'd be either a terrible or outright incapable liar - but his logic seems to work in strange ways, nonetheless. ]

{Was the dragon making assumptions about Kor? Or was this just all some sort of test by him? Kor didn't really know. But to be fair, he wasn't really thinking about it either. He's got no reason to consider the dragon's intentions here.]

You're right, that my strength has its limits. That's what landed me in that situation, not having the strength to stand against darkness I had.

[Kor looks up at the dragon, there's a fond smile on his face, one that does not betray the feelings in his heart. The sea breeze seems to pick up, and the sun seems to shine just a little bit brighter.]

The reason I can be courageous in the face of darkness, why I can stand tall... It's all because of my friends. They were there for me in my darkest hour, giving me the strength I needed to be strong. When I feel afraid, their presence makes me brave. And when I feel weary, they'll carry me. As long as we have each other, the bonds we have ensure there's nothing I can't do.

[There's a pause, as he looks up at the dragon with a soft determination burning in his eyes.]

My friends are my strength, and I'm theirs. That's what you missed.

[ It's not every day the Shining Dragon receives such speeches. Even the dream seems to reflect his clarity, his confidence. It's admirable, impressive even. Though not without his pride, the Dragon opts not to take offense to Kor's choice of words. The boy isn't boasting, he isn't scolding him... No, he's just being sincere and honest. He can't fault him for that. ]

Well said, Kor Meteor. Such bonds of friendship are a powerful force, indeed... One that I have seen taken lightly far too often.

[ Or pushed aside. And after the tragedy of that mistake, the Dragon would not see such a thing repeated.

Had Kor been his vessel, then his power would certainly be in good hands.

But entertaining such hypothetical scenarios is not why he is here. The Dragon pauses for a moment, then lowers himself more, shifting in the waters of Seaville's beach and placing himself at eye level with Kor. ]

I do not doubt the strength of your heart - of your Spiria. [ He remembers hearing Kor use that word, so it only makes sense that he would use it in return when speaking to him. ] Yet I had my suspicions that the pain of such a revelation had lingered. Bound as you are to Yuma, I could not allow this to remain unaddressed...for his sake, and for your own.

[ There was also the fact that Yuma was worried as well, but the Shining Dragon sees no reason to disrupt Yuma's privacy. If he can solve this without divulging secrets, he will. ]

[Well, that was surprisingly easy. He's glad to see the Dragon sees things his way. He's so used to having to work hard to argue this point. Having him accept his answer like that so readily was sure a load off his shoulders.]

If you were just worried about Yuma, you could've said so, you know. [Kor can read between the lines here.

As the dragon lowers himself to Kor's level, Kor keeps his gaze steady and focused on the dragon, looking straight into his eyes, making sure his resolution here remains clear.]

What happened there will stick with me for the rest of my life. It's part of who I am, after all. But... It's not who I will be. Only I can decide that, and the person I choose to be is Kor Meteor! And Kor Meteor is someone who moves forward in life thanks for his friends being by his side instead of being held up in the past!

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