The world was quiet. The sky painted itself in the soft blues of dawn as a gentle breeze swept across the school rooftop.
Aizen slowly opened his eyes.
His head rested on someone's lap—warm, soft, comforting. The girl hummed softly, her hand stroking through his hair.
"Miyako…?" he whispered.
But her face… he couldn't see it.
It was blurred.
Like a smudged photo or a memory slipping through his fingers. Panic crawled up his spine. His hands trembled. Is this… another illusion? He stared harder—but no matter how much he focused, her face refused to come into view.
"Miyako, is that you?" he asked.
She gently tilted her head, still smiling—though her eyes were shadows. Then, in a voice that was crystal-clear and unlike any dream he'd ever heard, she said,
"Wake up… Aizen."
Not Raizen.
Not the name from his past life.
But his name in this world.
Aizen's heart stopped for a second. The rooftop vanished.
---
He gasped, eyes snapping open.
Soft silk sheets cradled him. He blinked at the golden light pouring in from a vast crystal window. A chandelier twinkled above him like a thousand small stars.
He was in… a massive bed.
Luxurious. Warm.
And beside him—was her.
Lyra Subaru.
Sleeping. Her long snow-white hair cascaded like a moonlit waterfall across the bed. Her delicate shoulders rose and fell gently with her breath. Her peaceful face, kissed by sunlight, looked like something out of a divine painting.
Her long lashes trembled slightly. Her full lips, barely parted, glistened in the morning light. The golden hue of her horns shimmered faintly, reflecting the sunlight like precious metal. Even asleep, she radiated power and elegance… but more than anything—
She was breathtakingly beautiful.
Aizen couldn't look away.
She looked like a goddess who had fallen from the heavens just to stay by his side. The fierce dragonkin he once knew had grown even more ethereal… more divine. His heart beat fast—caught between disbelief and admiration.
Then suddenly—
Her eyes opened.
And the moment she saw him, they widened in shock. Her lips trembled.
Tears filled her eyes instantly.
"A-Aizen…"
"Lyra?" he whispered, confused.
And then—she burst into sobs, throwing herself into his chest.
"You were asleep… for two weeks, Aizen!!" she cried, clinging to him as if she feared he'd vanish again. "You… idiot… I was so scared…!"
Her body trembled against him. He held her, gently brushing her silver hair, confused but trying to soothe her.
"I'm sorry, Lyra…" he whispered. "I didn't mean to worry you."
"You didn't just worry me, you broke me…" she sobbed harder.
And then—without warning—she kissed him.
It was desperate. It was raw. Her hands cupped his face as if to confirm he was really here, really alive. Her lips, trembling with emotion, met his in a storm of tears and longing.
Aizen didn't resist. He kissed her back—softly, then deeply, then passionately. Their warmth became one, melting into the silence of the room. Her tail wrapped around his leg tightly, refusing to let go. Their breaths tangled. And for that moment—they were the only two souls in existence.
After a long, quiet pause, Lyra pulled back slightly, face red but still tearful.
"You better never do that again, Aizen Arcime," she whispered. "I can't lose you…"
He nodded, brushing away her tears. "I'm not going anywhere."
---
As Aizen finally sat up, Lyra clung to his side, wrapping her arms around his. "I won't let you walk alone. Not after this. Never again."
He smiled, a little amused. "You're clingy when you're scared."
"I'm always clingy when it comes to you," she said proudly.
They stood together, and slowly walked out of the bedroom.
---
Outside the door…
"AAIIIIIZEEEENNN!!!"
Two small rockets slammed into him—Mikaela and Theodore, now both 9 years old. They cried as they hugged his legs and waist.
"You're awake! Finally!" Mikaela sniffled, wiping her nose on his shirt.
"I prayed every day!" Theodore yelled. "Even though I'm not religious!!"
Not far behind, Lina, now nearly 8, stared wide-eyed with her hands over her mouth. Her golden cat ears twitched rapidly. Then she too rushed forward, hugging Aizen tightly, her strong arms surprising him.
"Dad… you scared me…" she whispered.
Amethyst and Crystal, now older too, stood near the door. Amethyst, still holding a tray of tea, looked stunned, then set it down and gave a sharp bow.
"Welcome back, Aizen-sama."
Crystal waved excitedly. "Yay! Papa's back!"
Their large, peaceful life in the Dragon King's castle seemed like a distant dream. The halls were made of glowing crystal, the gardens flourished under magical lights, and beasts and spirits walked in harmony.
But something felt… off.
As the children continued hugging him, a sudden whisper echoed in Aizen's ears.
---
"Miyako Mizaki..."
He froze.
The voice continued. Deep. Echoing from a place unknown.
> "Shout her name… and you will find your past lover."
"Only then… will you know if she's close… or gone forever."
"But if she is… you don't have to worry anymore. Because you… you have a new life, Aizen Arcime."
Aizen's heart pounded.
Who was that? A god? A memory? Or something else entirely?
His eyes lifted to the sky outside the crystal window.
"…Miyako…" he whispered softly.
Lyra, still holding his arm, looked at him curiously. "What did you say?"
He turned and smiled.
"Nothing. Just… remembering a dream."
---
[END OF CHAPTER 33]