Sunlight breaks through the hotel window and lands right in Markus’s eyes. He stirs beneath the blankets, blinking blearily at the ceiling. A soft weight rests on top of him — warm, small, and very much refusing to move.

  “Hey, Liddle,” he mumbles, voice thick with sleep. “How’re you doing? Can you move yet, or are you still sore?”

  A muffled voice comes from his chest. “I’m paralyzed. Guess I have no choice but to stay on you forever.” She shifts slightly, settling in even more.

  He gives a sleepy chuckle. “No, really. I’m asking if you’re alright.”

  “What do I have to say to stay like this?” she murmurs. “Because… I’m that.”

  He laughs again, resting a hand gently on her back. “Okay, you win. But seriously — are you still hurt? I’m kinda surprised Alexia hasn’t come back yet.”

  “I still can’t move,” Liddle says, her voice sleepy but smug. “I feel less sore… but too bad I’m paralyzed now. Guess we’ll never find out if I can walk.”

  Markus gives her a look. “Wow. Tragic.”

  She nods solemnly against his chest. “Too bad I’m going to die.”

  He blinks. “Die?”

  “Death from lack of kisses,” she sighs dramatically.

  “Let me brush my teeth first,” Markus says, smiling as he carefully slips out from under her. “Can’t kiss you with morning breath, right?”

  He pauses near the bathroom door, glancing back at her with a little more warmth in his voice.

  “It is our first, after all.”

  Liddle buries her face in the pillow, hiding her smile. “Don’t take too long. I’m on the brink of death here.”

  Markus heads into the bathroom, brushing his teeth and swishing mouthwash like it’s some sacred ritual. When he comes back out, he starts brewing a cup of coffee, stretching out his back with a yawn.

  “You wanna grab breakfast?” he asks casually.

  Liddle doesn’t even lift her head. She just points down at the bed.

  “You promised.”

  Markus lets out a soft laugh, sets his coffee aside, and pads back to the bed.

  “Alright, alright,” he says, pulling back the blankets and sliding in beside her.

  Liddle immediately curls into his side like she’s been waiting for that exact moment.

  He reaches out, brushing a bit of hair away from her face. Then he leans in and kisses her — slow, gentle, careful in the way he holds her, like she might still break. It isn’t rushed or awkward, just warm and quiet and finally real.

  When he pulls back, her eyes are half-lidded, glowing with soft contentment. She nestles closer, resting her head against his chest and giving a sleepy nuzzle, her horns brushing against him.

  “I’m lucky to have you as a boyfriend,” she whispers.

  Markus doesn’t answer with words. He just wraps his arms around her a little tighter, resting his chin lightly on top of her head.

  The room stays quiet except for the hum of the coffee maker and the distant sounds of the city outside. Morning light filters in through the curtains, casting everything in a soft golden haze.

  Liddle’s eyes drift shut, her hand curled lightly against his chest, her breathing steady and calm.

  Markus shifts carefully, not wanting to wake her, and reaches for his phone on the nightstand. The screen lights up with a new message from Alexia:

  putting my clothes back on lol

  lemres left early, so I stayed at Sid’s

  be there soon, just gotta drive over

  He smiles faintly, types back a quick thumbs-up emoji, then glances down at Liddle, still curled against him.

  “Alexia’s on her way,” Markus murmurs, glancing at his phone. He gets up, downs the rest of his coffee, and sets the empty cup on the table. “Come on, it’s now or never — breakfast time.”

  Liddle lets out a long sigh and slowly sits up, wobbling a little when she tries to stand.

  Markus is at her side in an instant. “You’re still in pain, aren’t you?”

  She gives a weak smile, trying to play it off, but can’t quite hide the wince.

  “Alright,” he says gently. “You stay in bed. I’ll grab us something from the lobby.”

  A few minutes later, Markus returns balancing two warm bagels wrapped in napkins. He nudges the door shut with his elbow and crosses the room quietly.

  “Bagels with cream cheese,” he says, offering one.

  Liddle’s eyes light up. She takes it with both hands like it’s sacred treasure.

  He grins and sits behind her on the bed, propping himself against the headboard so she can lean back on him.

  They eat in comfortable silence, the kind where even chewing feels like a shared moment. The soft crinkle of napkins and the distant hum of the city fill the room.

  When they’re done, a knock sounds at the door. Markus gets up and lets Alexia in.

  “Heya, Markus,” Alexia says with a tired grin. “Sorry I’m late. I was up with Sid — you know… doing date stuff.”

  Markus gives a knowing smile. “I get it. But when you have a moment, could you help Liddle? She’s still a little sore from the fight yesterday.”

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Alexia switches on her Mahoishi and grabs her staff, the gem at the tip glowing green as she points it at Liddle. A soft shimmer of light washes over her.

  “Much better,” Liddle says, stretching as she stands — only to immediately flop back onto the bed.

  “I’m going back to being paralyzed. Markus, wanna join me?”

  Markus chuckles. “Come on, sleepyhead. I’ve gotta hit the gym today.”

  Alexia tilts her head. “Okay… I just thought after the fight, you’d want to take it easy.”

  Markus gives Alexia a reassuring smile. “It’ll just be some basic stuff. Nothing crazy.”

  She doesn’t look fully convinced but doesn’t press, falling into step beside him as the three of them head to the gym.

  The place smells faintly of rubber mats and disinfectant. Bright lights buzz overhead as Markus steps onto the floor, sneakers scuffing against polished tile. The steady thump of weights hitting the ground echoes from the far side, mixing with the low hum of treadmills.

  He moves through his warm-up with mechanical precision — jumping jacks, shoulder rolls, slow stretches to loosen his arms and legs. Sweat beads at his brow before the real work even starts.

  Markus steps onto a treadmill, starting with a steady jog. His feet hit the belt in rhythm, but his thoughts are anything but calm.

  Faster.

  He bumps the speed.

  You’re not strong enough. Not yet. Don’t you want them to live?

  The belt whirs louder as he cranks it to its highest setting. His legs burn, lungs tighten, but he keeps running.

  From the side, Alexia watches, concern tightening her expression.

  “Um… Markus…” she calls, but he either doesn’t hear her — or refuses to. His eyes are unfocused, locked on something far ahead that only he can see.

  Ten minutes pass. His breath comes in sharp, ragged gasps, sweat dripping from his chin. Finally, he stumbles, slams the stop button, and clutches the rails until his balance steadies.

  He bends forward, panting.

  “We can try for fifteen minutes next time,” he mutters between breaths.

  Alexia’s eyes widen. “Are you crazy?”

  Markus straightens, still wiping sweat from his brow. “Alright, who’s ready for push-ups?”

  “No. You’re pushing yourself too hard,” Alexia says, stepping closer, her tone firm now. “You just fought a Morgi Ox yesterday.”

  “I’ll be fine.” Markus waves her off and lowers himself to the floor.

  A broad-shouldered guy at the weight rack glances over. “She’s right, man. If you’re gonna push that hard, at least drink some water.” He offers a bottle with a casual nod before going back to his set.

  Markus blinks at the bottle in his hand, then shrugs. On a nearby bench, Liddle sips from her own bottle, legs swinging.

  Markus drops into push-up position beside the guy. No trash talk, no countdown — just two bodies moving in perfect sync, dropping and rising with steady rhythm.

  Twenty. They’re even.

  Thirty. Sweat beads on their foreheads.

  By forty, a small crowd has gathered, clapping and cheering as the count climbs — fifty, sixty, seventy. Neither man gives ground.

  “He’s going to make himself throw up,” Alexia mutters.

  “He looks cool,” Liddle says dreamily.

  At ninety, Markus slows. His arms shake, breath ragged, form faltering. The other man pulls ahead. Markus grits his teeth, forces out ninety-nine, then collapses to his knees. His opponent hits one hundred with a final grunt before dropping to the mat.

  The gym bursts into applause.

  Still panting, the man reaches down a hand. “Not bad for a rookie. Keep it up.”

  Markus takes it with a sheepish grin. Before he can even sit, Alexia’s got his arm.

  “Markus. We’re done.”

  Alexia drags Markus toward the exit, giving him no room to argue.

  “Markus, you were never into bodybuilding before,” she says, pointing at him, her voice rising. “I don’t mind you picking up a new hobby, but something’s off.”

  She takes a breath, forcing her voice calmer. “Care to talk about what’s going on?”

  “Look, I’m scared. There, I said it. Are you happy now?” Markus snaps, louder than he means to.

  Liddle slips her hand into his, a small, steady anchor against the tremor in his grip.

  Alexia steps in closer, her expression softening. “Come on. Let’s head to Buckstar and talk about it.”

  At the coffee shop, Markus orders the largest cup on the menu. He barely says a word, just stares at the swirl of steam rising toward his face.

  Alexia sits across from him, fingers curled around her own cup.

  “Please, Markus,” she says gently. “I know it’s hard to open up… but we can’t help if we don’t know what you’re dealing with.”

  “It’s nothing, really,” he says with a forced laugh, downing the coffee like water.

  “Except, you know… fighting a giant ox. Totally normal teen stuff. Just your average kaiju-slaying weekend.”

  His voice drops. “I get why you’re worried, Alexia. Really, I do. But working out… it’s the only thing I can think of. The problem’s too big. I know it won’t fix everything, but what else can I do?”

  He stares at the empty cup, fingers tightening around it.

  “Just let everyone die?” He shakes his head. “I’m not good enough for this. But it’s on me—”

  His jaw tightens as he looks away. “And I’m going to die… or worse, get you two killed with me.”

  Liddle reaches out and takes Markus’s arm, sliding her hand into his. Her grip is soft but steady — a quiet promise that he’s not alone.

  Alexia leans forward, gently prying the empty cup from his hands. “I know you’re not used to fighting — not like I am. And your first battles were a lot harder than mine were. I get it, Markus. I really do.”

  She sits back, her voice easing into something calmer.

  “I know things can get scary. But pushing yourself too hard is just going to get you hurt before the real fights even start.”

  She nods toward Liddle. “Look — you’ve got my healing, Liddle’s ice powers, Demono, Lemres… so many people watching your back.”

  A soft smile tugs at her lips.

  “We’ve already taken down two Morgi creatures. You’ve already done this, Markus. You just need to believe it.”

  Markus looks at them both, eyes heavy.

  “Thank you for worrying about me… really.” He lets out a shaky breath. “But I’ve got so much weighing on me right now. I just… I don’t know how to carry it all.”

  The door swings open with a sharp jingle.

  “There you are,” Lemres says, rushing inside, his gaze sweeping the café. He’s breathing hard, his coat still dusted with wind and urgency.

  Alexia is already on her feet. “What’s going on?”

  “I was hoping to find you,” Lemres says, locking eyes with Markus. “I found it.”

  He lifts his Mahoishi, the faint glow catching in the light.

  “I found the sword.”

  Liddle turns to Markus, tapping his shoulder. Her voice is barely above a whisper.

  “You’re really ready?”

  “I have to be,” Markus says, rising to his feet just as Lemres opens the portal beside them.

  The swirling light casts shifting shadows across the café floor, the low hum of magic quietly drowning out the city noise.

  “Hey, Markus,” Alexia says, holding out her fist with a small grin. “Come back in one piece.”

  Markus bumps it gently, then pulls her into a quick hug. “I will. And I’ll come back with the sword — I promise you.”

  She smirks. “I know you’ll do anything to show Liddle your sword.”

  He groans. “If I die, that’s the last thing you’ll have said to me.” But he laughs anyway before turning to Liddle. “Will you be okay while I’m gone?”

  Liddle steps forward and wraps her arms around him, holding him tightly before whispering, “I will. If I go out, I’ll stick with Alexia. That way no one will try to attack me.”

  Markus leans down and kisses her gently. “I’m ready.”

  The portal shimmers like liquid light, swirling reflections dancing across the floor. A pull of wind tugs at Markus’s clothes as the magic hums in the air, low and steady.

  He glances back one last time — Alexia with her arms crossed but eyes soft, Liddle clutching her hands to her chest like she could hold onto the moment a little longer.

  Then he turns toward the light.

  Lemres steps through first, his silhouette swallowed whole by the glow.

  Markus doesn’t hesitate.

  He steps forward, straight-backed and silent, and vanishes into the portal.

  The light ripples once… then closes behind them.

  Mahoishi: The Day Magic Found Me!

  As you may have noticed, this chapter came out earlier than scheduled — my way of celebrating and thanking everyone for helping the story reach 1,000 views. ??