Autumn had reached Liora.

The academy yard was scattered with copper and gold leaves, carried lazily across the stone by the morning wind. Aura Thaivesh moved through them without disturbing more than a handful, Shaiareth tracing controlled arcs through the cool air.

Across from her, Zyra Natanieth attacked.

Her twin blades flashed, forcing Aura backward. Zyra pivoted, feinted low, then sprang sideways with the impossible agility that had become her trademark.

Aura parried.

“Too obvious.”

“Oh, shut up!”

Zyra attacked again.

Their blades met three times before Aura slipped aside and tapped Zyra's shoulder with the flat of her saber.

“Got you.”

Zyra stared at her.

Then she grinned.

“Again.”

Aura lowered Shaiareth. “You've said that six times.”

“And?”

A gust swept through the yard. Leaves spiraled around them.

Aura looked toward the distant cliffs, where the sea shone beneath the pale autumn sky.

“Do you ever think about what happens after all this?”

Zyra blinked.

“After school?”

“After everything.”

Zyra rested Teshka against her shoulder.

“Sometimes.”

“And?”

The grin softened.

“I don't know yet.” She watched a leaf tumble between them. “But I want to see how far I can go.”

Aura smiled faintly.

“I think I want to see how far I can help people go.”

Zyra laughed.

“Then I guess we'll both be busy.”

Aura raised her saber again.

“Ready?”

Zyra's ember eyes brightened.

“Always.”

The autumn wind rose.

And they began again.

---

October prompt list by Sidekick Material: https://yodayo.com/posts/october-2026-prompt-list https://moescape.ai/posts/october-2026-prompt-list