Lillian, James, Sarah, and the rest of the hunters began their expedition into the Coral Highlands. They reported back to Ritsuko their findings and afterwards they returned to Astera to report in to the Commander as well.

Lillian saw the resident doctor and was cleared for regular duty once more, but told to be careful nonetheless. Grateful to have no further restrictions, Lillian was anxious to get back into the game but she knew she was a fool to jump straight back into a hunt before getting in some training to rebuild the muscles she hadn't been using while she recovered.

One day when James had some free time, Lillian had asked if he could go a few rounds with her and help her get back into hunting shape. Agreeing, James went with her to training arena- which was free for the day.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" he asked, brow furrowed worriedly.

Lillian looked up at him and playfully poked his forehead. "If you worry any more, you're going to be stuck with worry lines long before your time." She stepped back, tossing him one of the practice staffs. "If I wasn't ready, James, I wouldn't ask you to spar with me."

James caught the staff and sighed. "Alright, but if you need to stop- whatever the reason- let me know."

"I will." She made her way to the center of the arena. "You coming?"

James nodded, taking his place across from her. When she asked if he was ready, he gave her a curt nod, then lunged at her. Lillian met him with equal speed and strength, their staffs smacking against each other echoing in the arena. His first strike caught her off guard and flung her back, but she caught herself and landed in a low crouch as she licked the blood coming from her lip. "Not bad, considering you use a greatsword."

"Not bad yourself, considering how rusty you've gotten." James replied, smirking.

"Let's see what else you've got." Lillian said, then lunged. Quickly adjusting to his speed and movements, she began to easily dodge or parry his attacks. Then, using the momentum she had been building up dodging James' attacks, she planted the end of her staff into the ground launched herself into the air. She spun her body as she arced over him and when she landed behind him, she turned and thrust her foot forward into his chest just as he turned to face her.

The force of her kick threw him back a few yards and he only remained on his feet by his sheer will. The kick had left him momentarily breathless, caught off guard by how quickly she had readjusted to her battle tactics.

"Nice one." He managed to say, wheezing.

Lillian smiled and blushed a little. "Are you alright?"

James nodded. "We're not done yet, though. Again." He lunged at her once more, picking up his pace and increasing his attacks.

Lillian blocked each attack, parrying them with her staff. James struck high and fast to test her stance, leaping up in the air to come at her from above, but she blocked it and grabbed his overextended arm. Using the momentum he gained coming down at her, Lillian flipped herself into the air above him and forced him to the ground. He tucked in and rolled, evading much of the damage that would have been caused by her staff slamming into his shoulder. As he tried to push himself up to his feet, Lillian got behind him and kicked his feet out from under him only to have him grab onto her as he fell and pull her down with him.

Lillian landed on top of James after he had wrapped his arm around her as they fell and rolled off one of the rock platforms. She put a hand to her head, giving herself a moment before she opened her eyes and looked down at James.

A bit dazed, James opened eyes and blushed when he was met with brilliant yellow eyes.

"Sorry..!" Lillian scrambled to get off of him, sitting far enough to the side for him to sit up. Her cheeks were burning so much that she had to keep her face down. 'Why does he make me feel this way...?'

"Are you hurt?" James asked, looking at her concerned.

Lillian shook her head, barely glancing at him. "No, I'm fine. Are you OK?"

"Ya, though my head's still ringing a bit." He got to his feet and offered her a hand up. "Let's call it a day?"

Lillian nodded and took his hand. She helped him clean up and tried to ignore the feeling growing and growing inside of her as they started heading back to the settlement.

Lillian made quick work with anything else she could do to help, then gathered a few things, stopped by the canteen to order some food to go, then headed towards the workshop just as James was coming down from the living quarters.

"Where are you off to?"

"I was heading to the beach, thought I'd watch the meteor shower from there tonight." She looked at him hopefully as she asked, "It'll be a few hours 'til nightfall, but I thought I'd get in some swimming and enjoy a picnic if you would like to join me?"

"Sure, that sounds great. Just let me finish a few more things and check in with the Commander, then I'll meet you there."

Lillian smiled and nodded. "See you soon then."

James felt that ever growing familiar feeling again when she smiled, her cheeks almost as pink as a blissbird's feathers. He smiled at how excited she seemed as he made his way towards the tradeyard.

Lillian practically ran to the beach as soon as she cleared the gate near the workshop. She set her things down, then laid out a blanket on the sand and slipped out of her dress before she headed out to the edge of the water. She waded out to about waist deep, then dove under the water. The sea water was warm, a perfect and comfortable temperature. It made her body feel relaxed and refreshed as she swam with the fishes for a bit while she waited for James to join her.

"Can I ask you something, Grandfather?" James asked after he had finished giving his report.

"Of course. What's on your mind?"

"It's about your question, the one about Lily?"

Edgar raised a brow, intrigued. "Oh? Did you finally find your answer?"

"I think so."

"And?"

"How do you tell a woman, especially one like Lily, that you have feelings for them? It's not like you can just come right out and say it, right? Or can you?"

Edgar chuckled.

"I'm overthinking it, aren't I?"

"A bit. Do what you think is best for the moment while in the moment."

"What if there have been moments already and I blew it each time?"

"It's natural to feel nervous, lad. Believe me, I was so nervous for the longest time to tell you grandmother how I felt about her." He put a hand on his shoulder. "The next time a moment comes, go for it. Don't hesitate."

"Thanks."

"Are you going to see her now?"

James nodded. "I'm meeting her at the beach. She invited me to watch the meteor shower with her tonight."

"That is a perfect example of when a moment could come, so when the chance is there, take it." He patted his shoulder and smiled. "Now get going, lad. You don't want to keep her waiting any longer."

Edgar stood by the council table as his grandson hurried off towards the nearest gate.

"Ah to be young again."

Edgar looked over as the Second Fleet Master, Jerrick, joined him. "Lillian is a good lass."

"Best of luck to the lad, it's about time he makes a move."