Battle Of Planets-Chapter 14: Jealousy?

Liora sat on the riverbank beside Edmund and Edward, sipping iced tea as her gaze lingered on the boat drifting leisurely in the river. Onboard, Seraphina, Alex, and Tyson were fishing.

The two men shared quiet sips of wine, their expressions heavier than the idyllic scenery suggested.

"Three years, Ed. That's all we've got left," Edmund's gaze drifted to the boat, where Seraphina was Trying to catch fish and Alex and Tyson struggled to catch the rod. "Time is slipping away faster than we can grasp. I can't help but wonder... how much longer before the people lose hope? Will they even trust our leadership in the darkest time?"

Edward's composure remained steady, "People become resilient when they get something to fight for. But this time, the stakes feel... insurmountable."

Edward's fingers tightened around his glass as he gazed at the horizon. "Still, I can't help but worry about the youth. They carry more weight than we realize. Tyson, Alex, Seraphina—they're growing up too fast, and for what? A bloodbath? It's not a future; it's a curse."

Edmund nodded solemnly, "They don't know how much they're being prepared for. None of them do. But they'll be ready when the time comes. I trust you'll make sure of it."

Edward smirked faintly, though the worry never left his face. "So, are you really stepping down as president?"

Edmund chuckled, taking another sip. "Yes, my friend. It's time for the old guard to step aside and let the new generation take over. I've earned my retirement and I am planning to enjoy it to the fullest."

"Sounds boring to me," Edward said, leaning back and swirling his wine. "I don't want to die on Earth."

Edmund paused, "You're still haunted by the past, aren't you?"

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Edward's gaze darkened, his voice quieter now. "They're nightmares, Carver. Things I can't let go of. Friends I couldn't save."

Edmund placed a hand on his shoulder. "We can't save everyone, Ed. The tournament demands sacrifices—life itself demands them. It's how the world keeps running. All we can do is keep moving forward, doing what we do best."

"That's a politician's answer," Edward said with a faint chuckle, though the pain lingered in his voice.

"And that's what I am," Edmund replied, laughing softly.

"They say so much and still manage to say nothing at all," Liora chimed in with a playful smile.

Her comment drew warm laughter from both men.

"Right as always, my wife," Edmund said, raising his glass to her. "But speaking of politics, with the election looming, I'm ready to step down. Before I go, I need to ensure the right person steps into power. For the good of everyone."

Liora's gaze softened as she looked toward the boat. "I hope she's ready," she said, her tone filled with pride and apprehension.

"She will be," Edmund assured her, "I'll make sure of it. And for that, Ed, I need your help."

Edward raised an eyebrow, curious. "Don't tell me you want me as the face of your campaign."

Edmund chuckled. "No, my friend It's someone else's turn" His eyes drifted to the three youths by the river, now wading to shore, laughter ringing through the air as they headed toward the farmhouse.

"I'm going to change!" Alex shouted, his voice carrying as the trio disappeared into the house. Seraphina waved cheerfully at her parents before following.

Edmund smiled faintly, watching them go. "This next Chapter is theirs. We just have to make sure they're ready to write it."

---

Tyson pulled a fresh shirt over his head, the fabric cool against his skin. He caught sight of his phone screen blinking on the desk, signaling a message. Curiosity piqued, he tapped it open and saw Nancy's text:

"Saw you on the news today, you looked handsome"

A small smile spread across his face as he read her message. He sat on the edge of his bed, scrolling through the words again.

His fingers hovered over the screen before he tapped the call icon.

The screen flickered, and Nancy appeared on the video call, surrounded by the inviting atmosphere of her family kitchen.

She wore a brightly patterned apron, her hands deep in the beat of kneading dough against the countertop. The air was alive with the steady thud of her hands. A streak of flour brushed her cheek, giving her an unintentional touch of charm.

When she looked up and saw Tyson, her face lit with a bright smile. "Hey there!" she greeted, her tone cheerful.

"Hey, Nancy," Tyson replied, leaning casually back in his chair. His eyes lingered on her flour-dusted cheek, and a chuckle escaped him. "Looks like you've been busy. You've got a little... something right there."

He pointed vaguely at his cheek.

Nancy tilted her head in confusion before glancing at the reflective glass of a cabinet nearby.

She laughed softly and brushed at her cheek with the back of her wrist. "Guess I got a bit carried away. We're baking bread today—Mom's teaching me her recipe."

"Looks like a messy operation," Tyson teased,

"Messy but worth it," she said, holding up her dough-covered hands with a playful grin. "So, how's the out-of-town trip going?"

"Awesome," Tyson said, his excitement evident. "Want to hear about it?"

"Yeah, I'd love to," she said, glancing over her shoulder to ensure her mom wasn't hovering. "Tell me everything."

"You see, the farmhouse is big I mean like the biggest I ever saw" He paused, "though it's my first time seeing one but never mind. President and his wife is kind of cool and yes...I met a girl her name is Seraphina. Oh man She is beautiful"

Nancy's hands stilled briefly before resuming their work, but the movements were slightly more forceful now. Her smile wavered, "Beautiful, huh?"

"Yeah," Tyson continued, oblivious to the subtle shift in her tone. "She's stunning. Like, really stunning. Her smile is incredible, I tell you, Nancy. She is like a graceful lady of the Nobel family. It's—"

Thwack!

Nancy's hands slammed into the dough with a loud thud, kneading it harder than necessary. The sudden sound made Tyson pause mid-sentence.

"You okay?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Fine," Nancy replied through clenched teeth, her tone clipped. "Just working on dough It's... stubborn today."

Tyson, missing the growing storm in her expression, carried on. "Anyway, I was saying—her personality is just as amazing as her looks. She's so—"

"Shut up," Nancy snapped suddenly, her hands pressing into the dough with even more force. "I don't want to hear about her."

Tyson blinked, taken aback. "What? Why? Did I say something wrong?"

Nancy bit her lip, her cheeks flushing with a mix of frustration and embarrassment. She was about to respond when her mom walked in, drawn by the noise.

"Why are you pounding that dough like it owes you money?" her mom asked, stopping in her tracks as she noticed the video call. Her eyes flicked between Nancy's flustered expression and Tyson on the screen.

"Hi, Mrs. Winters!" Tyson said with an awkward wave.

Nancy's mom gave a knowing smile, shaking her head slightly as she addressed her daughter. "You might want to ease up on that dough, sweetie. It's not the dough's fault."

Nancy groaned, brushing a strand of hair from her face and muttering, "It's fine, Mom. I'm just... focusing."

Her mom ignored the excuse and leaned toward the screen. "It's nice to see you, Tyson. How's the trip?"

"It's been great, Mrs. Winters," Tyson said, his smile genuine. "I was just telling Nancy about the farmhouse and some of the people I've met here."

Her mom gave Nancy a sidelong glance, one eyebrow raised knowingly. "I'm sure you were,"

Nancy bit her tongue, her face heating up as she turned back to the dough, determined not to let either of them see how flustered she was.

Nancy's mom wiped her hands on a dish towel, her warm smile directed at Tyson. "Well, Tyson, it sounds like you've been having an exciting time. You know I would like to meet you when you get back from your trip, you should come for dinner"

Nancy froze mid-knead, her hands still pressing into the dough. "Mom!" she hissed under her breath.

Tyson chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "That sounds great, Mrs. Winters. I'd love to. Thanks for the invite."

"Wonderful!" her mom said cheerfully, ignoring Nancy's mortified expression. "I'll let you two get back to your chat. Don't let her scare you off with that dough-beating," With a wink, she left the kitchen, the sound of her footsteps receding down the hall.

The silence between Tyson and Nancy lingered for a beat, broken only by the kneading of dough. Nancy's face was flushed a deep pink, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Tyson leaned closer to the screen, grinning. "So... dinner at your place, huh? Should I bring anything for you? Maybe flowers?"

"I don't like flowers" Nancy's hands stilled, and she shot him a glare.

"Aw, come on, Nancy. I thought you'd be happy I'm coming over," he teased, his grin widening.

Nancy groaned, yanking off her apron with a frustrated huff. "I hate you just... Just—just don't talk to me right now!"

Before Tyson could respond, she reached out and ended the call with a quick tap, leaving him staring at the blank screen in surprise.

Back in the kitchen, Nancy leaned against the counter, her face still burning as she muttered to herself, "Why does he have to be so... so Tyson?"

Her mom peeked back into the kitchen, her eyebrow arched in curiosity. "What happened now?"

"Nothing!" Nancy snapped, grabbing the dough and slamming it into a bowl.

Her mom chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Young love," she said to herself as she walked away, leaving Nancy to stew in her frustration.