A/N: I am splitting chapter 3 into 3 parts. Part 1 is early age, part 2 is teenage years and part 3 will be early 20's. I hope you will like how I am writing about Lily.
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Age 4
Rayleigh sat on the beach. His home behind him and his daughter playing carefully in the sea in front of him. She giggled when the waves brushed against her bare feet and from time to time she would pick up a beautiful shell that she would give to her father. She could tell that he was sad, he told her just a week ago that he were going to stay with her forever and that a dear friend of his passed away.
She had met her father's friend once and he was really nice. So she was a bit sad that she would never see his wide smile ever again.
"Daddy! Look at this one" She said as she gave him another seashell, it had a complex design from all of the sea water brushing against it and it was a lot bigger than the previous ones she had given him. He chuckled and looked at Lily with loving eyes. She had grown up so fast. He thanked Petunia and Madame Juliette every time he saw them for the precious time they spent taking care of his daughter.
"It is very pretty, just like you little one" He said and smiled widely that she laughed and ran once again towards the water to continue her search. He looked out over the horizon, remembering Lily's mother as he always did in moments like this.
Roger were probably sharing all of Rayleigh's embarrassing stories with her by now in a world beyond this mortal realm.
"Wish you could see her now Rose.. Look how beautiful she is, I will probably have my hands full with chasing off boys later on" He chuckled again and sighed. Lily was a quiet and peaceful child. A beautiful one too, she had his eyes and her mother's hair. Very gentle features and even though she was four years old, she was still very short in comparison to other children.
Curly, navy blue hair whipped around her head when a gentle breeze came in from the seafront. Making Lily shiver since she stood in the cold sea water.
"It is time to go inside isn't it Lily? Otherwise you will get sick" Rayleigh stood up from his place in the sand and watched as his daughter ran up to him. He wrapped her up in a warm blanket and lifted her up in his arms.
"Okay dad! It is going to rain soon anyways" His eyebrows raised up into his hairline. She sounded way too confident in that statement than what a normal child would. But he just shrugged and continued to walk.
He didn't question it either when only an hour or so later, small droplets started to fall from gloomy, grey clouds.
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Age 10
"We are only looking for some fruit, so that we can bake a cake for Petunia-san" Rayleigh looked down on a note with ingredients that was needed for today. It was Petunia's birthday and Lily wanted to throw a small party for one of her best friends and care takers.
"Sure thing" Lily said, but still looked around the marketplace at the many wonders salesmen had in their colorful stands. Many tried to sell jewelry or fancy clothes to the young girl. But her father kept her close and fended off everyone. He had started her haki training, slowly but surely. She wasn't some wondrous child that could learn it all within a year. But she was ambitious and had a great will to learn. Rayleigh believed that once she became old enough she would be a truly fearsome opponent to meet of the battlefield.
Not that she would ever see one, thanks to his slightly over protective manner.
"You! Young girl! Wouldn't you like this fancy lace dress.. It is from a faraway island that is known for its many riches in fabric. Touch it! You will never find a more beautiful lace dress then those I sell" A large man claimed and held up a white lace dress for Lily to see. It was indeed gorgeous, the high level craftsmanship visible in the pattern of the lace. The dress had an off the shoulder neckline and it would be just about down to her ankles. One could clearly see that the salesman had caught her interest. But when she looked in her father's direction she dropped the matter.
"It is beautiful, but no thank you" Lily said and walked away. She smiled when she caught up to him and together they finished shopping before going back to their house to finish the preparations for the party.
Later within the evening, Petunia and her husband, as well as Madame Juliette and her son that was only one year younger than Lily herself. Everyone there came to celebrate. In true Petunia and Goro fashion, they brought their famous fish stew. While Juliette, who had no experience in the kitchen, bought some delicious bread to have with it.
It was a small feast. A heartwarming meal between family.
"How is your training going?" Beau asked, face stuffed with birthday cake. The young boy was nine but was already a genius when it came to numbers and he had a really good memory as well. Which gave him the job as book keeper at the brothel his mother owned.
"It is going good. Though I suck right now" Lily muttered and shrugged her shoulders. To lightened the mood Beau lightly kissed her cheek. A very innocent act between two childhood friends. His mother often told him about what girls liked, and she said that girls liked being kissed on the cheek. And hugged. And other things. But one person did not agree with her, that person happened to be Lily's father.
"Look how cute.. Young love~" Juliette gushed as she patted her son on his head. Lily was blushing and subconsciously rubbing her cheek. It was a new experience to be kissed on the cheek. She didn't know if she liked it or not yet.
"Keep your son away from my princess, Madame!" Rayleigh shouted and pointed an accusing finger at the young boy. Who didn't understand what the problem was, he just wanted to comfort Lily like his mother conforted all of her guy friends.
"Oh take it easy you old goat! He only cheered her up a bit. Isn't that right Beau?" Juliette said and looked at her son, Beau nodded and smiled rather shyly towards Lily. Who now was red as a tomato, blushing as millions of butterflies fluttered around in her stomach. She was picking at the fruity cake, trying to avoid the awkward situation.
"Old goat?! You are a year older than me!" Rayleigh stated. In reality, he had no real problem with Beau. He was a great kid, a clever kid. But when a smart kid acted dumb enough to kiss his little princess. Even if it was on the cheek, said kid would be punished.
"Both of you calm down. You are scaring the children, as my birthday wish. I wish we can celebrate in peace" Petunia said and smiled as everyone agreed.
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A/N: Thank you all for favourite, follow and review. It means so much to me!
