Chapter 1

Lily swings her scythe in a wide arc. Dramatic Play extends—its black and violet chains screaming through the air as they lash toward Shizuku, who dodges with ease, his long coat fluttering.

Shizuku:
Little wide on the right. Try pivoting sooner.

Lily:
(grunting)
Easy for you to say, you don't have to worry about decapitating someone with a weapon that's also a rope.

She retracts the chain with a snap, flicking it behind her back and launching it again in a spinning counterattack. Shizuku sidesteps and places a light hand on the blunt side of the blade as it halts inches from his face.

Shizuku:
You’re improving. You’re syncing with the rhythm now. Dramatic Play’s got a temper, but she listens to someone who treats her like a partner, not a tool.

Lily:
(panting)
I’ve been training like hell. Also—where’s Papa? I thought he was gonna be back by now.

Shizuku:
Gastran. He’s picking up food for us.

Lily:
Huh. Wasn’t he just yelling at me about saving money last week?

Shizuku:
(snickering)
Yeah, and now he’s splurging on seasonal starfruit bentos. You know how he is when he finds something “whimsical and nutritious.”

Lily:
(smiling faintly)
Seahorse dad priorities.

Shizuku:
Exactly.

They circle again. Shizuku lifts his palm and conjures a ring of water, spiraling around him. Lily’s grip on Dramatic Play tightens, the chain rattling like a laugh.

Lily:
Ready for round three?

Shizuku:
Always.

Their clash resumes—chain and current, daughter and father, scythe and serenity.