Author's Note:
Writing romantic scenes isn't my strong point, and my brain feels a bit lost on that. But here goes—forcing myself to write a scene that feels heartfelt and intimate, without crossing the line. MK, forgive me if it feels clumsy; I'm doing my best.
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Morning in Japan was calm, the sunlight filtering softly through the windows. Lily sat quietly, lost in thought. Memories of the airplane and that strange dark corner flashed in her mind—the place where she had seen a tiny life, forming like a small glowing orb.
Phoenix Beast (Lily's internal guide): "Lily… pay attention. That tiny life you saw isn't just a vision. It is Leo's child, connected to my Phoenix power within your body. Its growth will take roughly two years before birth. Do not worry, you can focus on the tournament and your training. I will protect the child until then."
Lily nodded slowly, absorbing the information, feeling both awe and responsibility. She whispered softly, speaking to the spirit within:
Lily: "So… I'm carrying a part of him, and your power is helping it grow safely. Understood… I will be careful."
At that moment, Leo came running from behind, his usual over-the-top energy creating a funny scene. Without warning, he hugged Lily from behind.
Leo (laughing): "What are you thinking about? Daydreaming again?"
Before she could respond, Lily's father appeared, glaring.
Lily's father: "Leo! Why did you run away from the training ground?"
Leo looked at Lily, trying to stay calm:
Leo (thinking): Please… save me from this crazy father…
Lily, understanding the situation, muttered under her breath:
Lily: "Don't worry, Leo. My father is like this. Until he's completely satisfied, he won't let you go easily."
Leo and Lily's father engaged in a tense but humorous standoff, while Lily quietly did push-ups nearby, silently cheering Leo on. Leo, seizing an opportunity, spoke boldly:
Leo: "If you keep torturing me like this, I'll report everything to your wife!"
Lily's father froze, a mix of shock and begrudging respect on his face. Lily joined in, doing push-ups alongside Leo, her expression determined yet playful. Together, they pushed each other through an intense session, their count climbing past one hundred.
Finally, Lily's father interjected with a laugh, breaking the tension:
Lily's father: "Alright, alright! That's enough. You two are relentless!"
Leo wiped his brow, making a funny face at Lily. She smirked back, and in that lighthearted, chaotic moment, a sense of warmth and connection filled the room. The strange tension of the morning dissolved into laughter, sweat, and shared determination.
Inside her mind, the Phoenix Beast whispered once more, guiding gently:
Phoenix Beast: "Lily, remember… your body carries my power. The child will be safe. Focus on your strength and training, and all else will follow."
Lily took a deep breath, feeling confident and ready. Leo's energy, her father's strictness, and the Phoenix guidance all combined into a day full of chaotic training, subtle humor, and meaningful moments.
And with that, Chapter 19 closed—a perfect mix of laughter, determination, and quiet reflection on the life growing within, sa
fely under the Phoenix's watchful power.