Chapter 2

Lily whips Dramatic Play forward again, sending a volley of chained arcs toward Shizuku, who deflects each one with precise, effortless hand motions—his aura humming faintly with water and dark energy.

Shizuku:
You're letting your shoulder tense. Again.

Lily:
It's hard not to when you're redirecting my attacks like you're waving away gnats!

Shizuku:
(smiling)
That's the point. Precision beats brute force. You’ve got all the power you need—just channel it.

She snarls under her breath and leaps back, spinning the scythe with both hands. The chains retract into the shaft and then fire out again, this time circling behind Shizuku in a feint.

Shizuku:
(narrowing his eyes)
Better.

He spins, catching the chain just before it wraps around his arm, and with a firm tug, pulls Lily toward him. She braces with a burst of mana, sliding to a stop just short of colliding.

Shizuku:
Good control. That could’ve taken someone’s head off.
(pause)
And now you’re stalling.

Lily:
I’m conserving energy!

A voice echoes from the direction of the manor.

Alto:
You’re both being ridiculous! Food’s ready—come inside before I eat everything!

Shizuku:
(grinning)
See? Told you he'd be back.

Lily:
(stifling a smirk)
You didn't tell me he'd be dramatic about it.

Shizuku:
It's in the bloodline.

Alto appears at the edge of the courtyard, carrying a box of beautifully packaged meals with the Gastran Starfruit Emblem printed on the side.

Alto:
I swear if you’re both too tired to walk, I’m feeding you by force. Especially you, Lily—you’ve got a test next week!

Lily:
(grabbing Dramatic Play and slinging it over her shoulder)
How’d you even birth me with that level of sass?

Alto:
Magic. And sheer willpower.

Shizuku:
And one very intense prenatal glow. He looked like a comet for nine months.

Alto:
(rattling the boxes)
Inside. Now. No more reminiscing. Starfruit bento waits for no one.

Lily and Shizuku exchange a look—battle cooled, appetites ignited.

Lily:
Race you to the kitchen?

Shizuku:
You’re on.

They vanish in a blur of motion, leaving Alto to sigh and follow behind, smiling despite himself.