♪♪ [Yurushi]🍃 by Eastern Sage
Dexter sits at the edge of what he thinks is a small pond deep in a forest. Thinking of the pond's reflective surface like a portal, separating two realms. Each with their own distinct blend of flavors and mystery. The latter, especially true for the occupants on opposite ends, gazing at each other through the transparent surface. Wondering so much yet remaining safe behind the rippling barrier. Or at least the koi fish with their glittering scales seem to think so. A notion broken by even more ripples, radiating out in near perfect circles from Dexter's toes poking into the water. Causing a slight shiver, not expecting the water to be so cool. The sudden vacancy, however, very much expected. Fish darting off to... somewhere.

Given time, a glowing set of eyes reappear. Soon another pair, then more, as the fish cautiously return to the spot. "There's a whole other world down there, isn't there?" He asks, fully aware the koi fish can't hear him. And even if they could, they wouldn't understand. Yet the thought remains. He reaches into his pocket to pull out some small berries, giving a gentle toss to one. Followed by a few, then more. Again, a sudden flurry of retreat. Expected, but soon they return. Slowly approaching the floating orbs of natural sweetness. Probing nibbles evolving into a more comfortable enjoyment of their impromptu lunch. All the while, Dexter ponders. Curious about the hidden world below. It wasn't just that the koi fish were able to scatter out of view despite the water's clarity, but that coolness. Far too cold for an isolated pond on a day like this. Dexter considers it, diving to investigate the underground cave system that had to be down there. Potentially a vast subsurface system. Filled with mysteries along with the treasure of discovery just waiting to be explored.

"Hmmmmmm..." Dexter swirls his footpaw around a bit then pulls himself back. A shaking of his head from side to side. "Too much of a disturbance." Thinking to himself, not quite keen on the idea of his big self churning up the water where many more fish likely reside. "But..." He suddenly pauses. Ears twitching to the faintest crack just barely within his audible range. He glances up in response, just in time to catch sight of a single leaf falling. Twirling and twisting in a slight breeze as its delicate form descends. Slicing through the thickness of the forest air, so heavy with humidity and natural scents. Then a faint plop, more gentle ripples from the spot where it lands. "A portal." Dexter says softly, eyes drifting in sync with the leaf. Then shifting to the family of koi fish looking back up at him. Dexter continues his previous thought. "But... I'd imagine you're all just as intrigued about this realm as I am of yours." Punctuating his curious musings with a friendly wave. Slipping his paw into his pocket to grasp at the few remaining berries then tossing them towards the water. A final gesture before setting off to who knows where. Dex always seems to just end up in places. Typical of explore-oriented types.

---

And noooo don't worry, he wont dive in going AFTER the fish. Dex has his built-in feline targeting software disengaged atm... Now if there were pecs nearby, it'd be a different story. And good luck to whoever those pecs belong to. Because once he locks-on and begins the pouncing sequence, they're as good as squeezed >> I am yapping again and will now shut the fuzz up x3 Wait... so here's a weird fact about me. I'm kinda known for yapping too much in online settings, typing too much when it's often unnecessary. But ironically enough, irl I'm quite soft spoken and tend not to over-yap :p

Beautiful YCH illustration done by artist  thanshuhai! Also at [@thanshuhai] and 🟦☁️ [thanshuhai@Bsky] Original artist post here: [Serenity]
Lion doing his usual thing in the natural realms belongs to me  DexterLion! Also at [@DexChillViber] and 🟦☁️ [DexChillViber@Bsky]