The autumn afternoon carried a cool breeze, stirring fallen leaves across the quiet forest path. Amethyst walked alone, his crimson eyes scanning the surroundings, careful to check if anyone was following. This was his secret place—where he and his father trained far from the noise of the castle.
The trail led him to a grove where shattered trunks and scarred earth told the story of his relentless practice. He had tested his strength here, mimicking the martial arts techniques Aizen once demonstrated.
Today, he focused on a move Aizen called the Triple Knockdown:
First, a shove and a kick to break an enemy's balance.
Second, a strike to the skull to stun.
Finally, a heavy blow to the stomach to weaken completely.
Amethyst repeated the sequence over and over, his body moving with growing confidence. Yet in his heart, another legacy burned. His family's bloodline traced back to the Great Hero of Baroda, a man who had risen from warrior to king by marrying a princess. Among the hero's techniques, one stood above all—the Serpent Spike, a spear thrust so sharp and swift that it could pierce through the strongest defenses.
Gripping his training spear, Amethyst thrust forward with practiced precision, each motion echoing his ancestor's pride.
But then—snap!
A small branch broke behind him. Amethyst spun instantly, weapon raised.
"Who's there?! How did you find me?! How did you follow me?!" His voice rang sharp, filled with suspicion.
From the shadows, a figure stepped forward.
"I'm sorry! It's just me, Cyanara Drakovia," came the gentle voice of the young dragon princess. She bowed her head slightly. "I only saw you walking alone without your siblings, so I got curious and followed your footprints. Forgive me."
Amethyst blinked, lowering his spear. Relief softened his expression. "Ah, Princess… it's you. That's fine then. But—what's that you're holding?"
Cyanara smiled and lifted a small cloth-wrapped bundle. "This? It's food I made myself. Earlier, I wondered if you'd be hungry, being so far from the castle. So… I walked here alone to bring it. It's a sandwich. We could share it, if you'd like."
His stomach betrayed him with a low growl. Amethyst chuckled, a little embarrassed. "Heh… I suppose I can't refuse. Thank you, Princess. Training worked up my appetite."
They sat together on a flat rock, the golden leaves around them glowing in the late sun. The sandwich was simple but delicious, and they ate while talking.
---
Their conversation turned, as it often did, to school.
"Everyone calls us the top of the class," Cyanara said with a soft laugh, brushing silver strands from her face. "But it's really because you never stop training, and I never stop studying."
Amethyst smirked. "And yet you're just as athletic as I am. Don't pretend otherwise, Princess. You've beaten me in sparring once or twice."
Her cheeks flushed slightly. "That was only because you held back. Still… it's nice, isn't it? Being known not just for our names, but for what we can do."
Amethyst nodded, his voice turning thoughtful. "Yeah. Titles mean little if we can't stand by them. My family's history reminds me of that every day."
The forest grew quieter as the sun dipped lower, painting the sky orange and violet.
---
Amethyst stood at last, brushing crumbs from his clothes. "Princess, it's getting late. Do you want me to escort you back home?" His tone carried a hint of worry.
Cyanara shook her head with a gentle smile. "Don't worry, Prince Amethyst. I can go alone—it isn't far. Thank you, though. See you soon, Prince!"
He hesitated for a moment, then smiled faintly. "See you soon, too, Princess."
Their paths parted beneath the falling autumn leaves.
---
That night, the lunar moon rose high, glowing with silver brilliance. Its light revealed both beauty and danger—reminding all who gazed upon it how fragile the world beneath truly was.
Yet something else drew the eye. A strange purple light shimmered across the galaxy, swelling larger and brighter as though it were approaching, pulsing with unknown intent.
In the conscious of Aizen.
A voice echoed in the dark.
"Hey, child… wake up. You must wake up now, child. You need to see my older sister."
The words lingered in Aizens mind like a whisper from beyond, as the purple star flared once more.
(End of Chapter 64)