Chapter 6

ALTO
(from the kitchen doorway)
Lily! Dinner’s ready!

SHIZUKU
(sitting at the head of the table, plating food)
Come on down before it gets cold.

LILY
(yelling from upstairs)
I’m coming, I’m coming!

She bounds down the stairs moments later, barefoot in a hoodie and shorts, phone still in hand. She slides into her usual seat next to Alto.

LILY
What’s for dinner?

ALTO
Smoked salmon miso bowls and grilled vegetables. And I made those fluffy rice buns you like.

LILY
Sick.

They eat in relative silence for a bit. Lily eyes her fathers suspiciously as they exchange glances.

LILY
...Okay. Spill it. What’s going on?

SHIZUKU
(sighing softly, but with a calm smile)
We’ve decided to take a short break from HQ responsibilities. The next sigil fragment we need is the Fragment of the Waves.

LILY
Wait—the Deep Sea District?

ALTO
Yep. Easier to negotiate with Eaura than Hoshi right now. And we figured a change of scenery would do us some good.

LILY
(sipping water)
So like, we’re packing up again?

SHIZUKU
(smiling)
Just the core group. But listen—
(turns to her with a thoughtful look)
You have the option to stay back this time.

LILY
Really?

SHIZUKU
Yes. Because you’re still a teen. And you deserve time to relax. Maybe hang out with Sanguinella, get some time outside of ark training and missions.

LILY
(grinning)
You’re not just trying to keep me away from the scary water god?

ALTO
(poking her forehead)
No. You’ve earned a break. Besides, you’ll get your shot eventually.

LILY
(leaning back)
Then yeah, I think I’ll stay. Sanny wanted to hang out soon anyway.

SHIZUKU
Just stay in touch. And don’t forget to train when you can.

LILY
(smirking)
You always say that.

ALTO
Because we mean it.

They share a light laugh as they continue eating. The atmosphere settles into warm comfort, the air full of spices and soft conversation. The next chapter of their journey is already on the horizon—but for now, dinner comes first.