It's three days later. I shuffle around in my sleep as I try to stay in my unconscious state, but of course...I wake up to the prodding of Ciaran's voice.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWzrIuJTBV
"Iris...wake up.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKvzlL5aK5
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhDjRCGMnI
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpf4txTey9
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvESTfTOjfN
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOaxx6Thhn
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaHhKRNO1I
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqVLWVSE8G
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREeGW2WOVg
"Why does it matter to you?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnbBVBLDYO
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVKc7OyvcP
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK437P0B9b6
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPKgpEqijP
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDF6n5M4XZ
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlLhpnB8qH
"Good. Now let's go.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55yufz1vdZ
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnuUd54DnG
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPeiEPSG8w
"First, I'm going to check on Ecluna, then..." I think for a second. "I... actually don't know what I'm going to do after that."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD1DHwxwkG
"I am quite famished.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3gfpRP3VZ
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnvltslkhN
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk293Jf4LkY
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDkPKf7riE
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloazMNJ7KB
"Coming!"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3CfCo561i
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfROY986bEq
"... What's with all the darkness?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nWZlEExCt
"Just a precaution...
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqPYaztQDe
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiKYY9yKA6
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2UhFRd7MK
"Mom said to take care of you and to take you home before the Eclipse Festival. She said something would happen...is that what you're being precautionary for? "
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WGhFCSDf3
Ecluna's stiffened up. "...Yeah, something would happen to me during a lunar eclipse. It only happened once...but it was when I was really young, s-so, I don't r-remember.." she sadly chuckled.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwewQuiO9I
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CMThTArht
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX51ZZn8XkY
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSboUEo04LS
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHqWhnNgyd
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tzvaCvzAP
"... Alright.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegxkqfgAwv
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ55UdLGhf
"Okay..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf25x2uXSY9
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e69UEAV3H
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMm4J4yfTQk
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNLZbhn9uM
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEcpp3xYkT
"You are looking somber.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4GAPkjCXC
"I'm worried about Ecluna, but she won't tell me what's wrong.. it's not any of your business, so why do you care?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhhjPl2s4z
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLqGa9HXVc
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2nYe2IQyy
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMF9yjK1P8E
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27FuOXaDuJ
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQVvHvu06y
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTKTWDg8pm
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HSgK0GIlm
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u69SrAoLh
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2ff4dJtFk
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VLQ35JXVj
"Awful, but I can deal."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVLS03stgs
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtl71TdV4z
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSiUeVWZFg
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBFOPOoOuI
"There you are Mr. Kaliber. I brought you something to ease discomfort before you take the medicine. You don't hate blueberry yogurt, do you?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl5bZj9fdI
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbLQPuMa9O
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuep3GXXW1
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbFefiPgPn
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ863jTV9kJX
"See you later, Iris."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmOsTr3a1u
I pat his head and walk out.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAt225M82W
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVWhLJ003n
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1SiYXK5wp
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvOx3qEe0e
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB61rnj7WAm
"N-No...there's a bathroom just past the infirmary. That's why I was in a rush.."
She responded. "Besides, you know how much I hate Jake.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Tx9dwHqkK
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAsFvoYJFh
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jlkot71qt
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe8LgMe8YR
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqSNtFGjhT
I push the door open. It was pitch black inside, aside from the the curtain's small crack showing the morning sun.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYow4AsojX
A draft as soon as I came in...the window was open..
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsHQtLGoYN
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJhIp1dTeZ
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfGg8x2C7I
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGVzO0awEP
What happened? I thought to myself.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZqOwG0eFG
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8gZSs2tEu
Suddenly, the door widens, I hear an almost silent squeak as the light from the hallway brightened up the the room. Slowly, I turn around.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFhPK97CoH
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3vwzEH0fD
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1ukoVPkE7
"Are you okay?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuueudQmFn
"Alena turned...for some reason. She was just almost completely recovered..." he leaves her on the bed. "Weeks of progress has reset back to zero..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMXbNFIOVG
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnmthzYbj5
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVFJsoouLS
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OnA4vVEyN
I rip the book from his hands.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgegg1xnDum
"Arelin, I know you want to save me and your sister but...you need to take a break, maybe take a walk and...keep your mind off of work."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFlUETLGuQ
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB8Z6r5ahn
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRXte0a7oh
"I feel like I'm the one who has to find a cure and save you. If you turn... there'd be no one to stop you.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrApNvAHHBx
"Listen. The stress is already bad enough. Staring at notes all day isn't going to ease it." I slowly grab his hand. "Just a small walk. I'm sure it'll help clear those thoughts."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MjE0PVdv1
"...Is it warm outside?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaBs5URF1m
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS1QbBJD2D
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFjX6KjIiB
"Great!"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXtViBJNKc
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LUsHnU9yG
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1Q48FVsh5
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYcGwBQ5bs
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PecczYNKp
"I just feel...bare without it."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCk1648Jew
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGRz3Jm4lu
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7pCvjLgPI
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbjUhGUlNV
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5OpVKP3tL
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwXKI88NQq
"Okay. I'll be right back."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnFUwJh8FL
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfHq0VLKIT
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypwEECOMdO
"You didn't have to stay in there. If you know where I am at all times, why not come as soon as I left the infirmary?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu8wKzfawN
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzHs3NYiOI
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqs4WF9P3v
"...Do you want to learn?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZXAKmHoXY
"What's the catch?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND95ztNKxD
"Hmm?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ETJu2ktVT
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45kIkO2BQ3
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ORJz9pmwV
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7otluIamgr
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG7cEaPXYq
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7Nqv6CdZc
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiVbsSG2f8
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosKsMbxQOd
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEPnpwLDkE
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuawumUUc0
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GfgqNE9DG
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GZT4VjAWQ
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZYlxGYMnx
"B-but..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Mic7N7X9x
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE2gv4p0Vj
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4TmvyACUB
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKsqaJ9aUS
My hands quiver...
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwXLKkI9Dw
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH4j2Q64wB
I breathe shakily, telling myself to hold back. I pull the green essence from the grass and gather it as an orb in front of me.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1hXklkXkF
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AcHcOHkbh
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyL5ssoJt4B
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3HeNWpcTV
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCHJAvUHq7
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cSJGPRUTY
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqXXWGKSAY
"Don't mind me, I'm just moral support..."
He nods towards Arelin. "Now, take the shot. I don't think I've seen this part of your powers before.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv8m5GTP1a
I hold my arm up, the orb ready to fire at my command. Arelin stood stagnant, waiting for me. Finally, with a flick of my wrists, they fly off towards him. I close my eyes, cringing at the thought.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB51k8h09Xh
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqtVz4sd2U
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyom22m3ggI
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5F5xKfbIn
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWXjybBPP7
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogdNReI1kP
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwTCzhToG1
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ndkpZdABn
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdZrPnrVkS
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclb9uZPQv6
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatnPySkiBI
"...Yeah. It's me. Ecluna decided to do necromancy and brought me back...I was having such a fun time in the spiritual world too.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTo0QdvQqyy
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ79vp1X9a
"I like that one.." I whispered.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T7CiJvqYU
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagbNN2Ne8x
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtF5O0lhxC
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FY8tPPZB3
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexVCmI0Vdb
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1C78gQOym
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzZH0FNyeD
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwNhD3dcdt
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QHKeoFFbk
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nHCFeEpq4
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKTzZJDQrY
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vCE6KmzWI
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLptT14JHTn
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAbjzkYpGq
"That idiot is too hurt to be by himself! I was just being nice for a change!"
430Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsJtwTju17
"I doubt that's the real reason, but I'll take your word for it.." Arelin chuckled.
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"Besides.." Aluise calms her tone. "He's done a lot for me, even if he's annoying and pesters me the most.."
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She sighs heavily. "...I'm going back inside. I'll see you later.."
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"Bye Aluise!"
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I sigh myself.
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"You know, you should sign up for the competition tomorrow, just to show everyone how strong you are."
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"What if I-"
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"You won't. I know you won't let yourself turn." He places a warm hand on my face. "You're worrying too much.."
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The school clock hums it's usual song, reminding us that it was now noon.
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"Well, this was nice..." I said. "Should we go back inside?"
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"Yes, we should." Arelin responds, slipping his notebook back into his pocket.
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"Indeed. This sun is killing me.." Ciaran says, pulling his hood above his head, his face obscured by shadow. We trudge back indoors as the windows gleam with the sun's brightness.
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"Hey Arelin, I'll talk to you later, okay?"
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"Alright. I'll be my room if you need me." He grabs ahold of Alena's hand and walks up the hall while I go the opposite way with Ciaran.
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"Ciaran, can you do me a favor?"
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"Of course, my love.."
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"Do you mind checking on Ecluna for me?"
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"What for?"
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"Does there have to be a reason? It's none of your business anyways..."
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"...Fine, I shall return by your side once I have."
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"Okay.."
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"Oh? No mean quip or remark this time? Are you finally starting to get used to me being around you?"
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"Just do it.."
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He smirks, and disappears once more. I head back to my room and land face first into the bed as soon as I take my shoes off.
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***
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I was curled up in bed...I had another one of those pain shocks in my sleep, I can still feel some of the lingering pain from it tearing along my stomach. I turn, slowly to my back, but halfway into sliding into my new position, I feel a bump. I look behind me.
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Ciaran was snug beneath me, wrapped in a separate blanket. I sighed with an annoyed tone and returned back into my original position and staring at the late evening sky, which was a bright orange.
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It was almost time for the festival. Faintly, in the distance, I could hear the songs and chants of the Wildlife District.
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That's right...Ecluna...I thought to myself. I got up from bed and ran to Ecluna's room.
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There was no cheery response from Ecluna, just a concerned look when she opened the door.
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"I-Iris! Thank God, it's just you. The festival's about to start.."
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"Yeah, I know. I'm really sorry for oversleeping..."
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"It's alright, let's just hurry before...it happens again."
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She barely picks anything up and dashes to the door in urgency. I try to keep up with her as she fills the halls with her speedy footsteps.
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"We have to make it to the observatory, it's the only way I'll be safe."
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"Aren't there windows beside every exit?" I ask, almost out of breath.
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"I just have to look at the lunar eclipse for something to happen. If I keep my eyes forward, nothing can happen. I promise.."
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"Well, at least cover up your face or someth-"
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Just in the middle of my sentence, something crashed through the window, shattering it completely.
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I look around to find what the something was, and to my surprise...it was a person, dressed in festival clothing people were wearing that day..
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I shake them vigorously, trying desperately to see what happened.
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Then I realized...Ecluna was prone to looking at the eclipse, now full and blood red in the sky like an eyeball staring down at us from the abyss-like sky.
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"Ecluna?!" I stop shaking the unconscious body and call out Ecluna's name. I frantically wait for a response.
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"I...changed my mind..." I heard from the floor. Ecluna was down on her knees, face looking, straight as an arrow, at the floor.
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"What are you talking about?" I reach to pick her up, but her twinkling aura was no longer the tame breeze I had remembered. It was like walking into a tornado, I could feel the air play with my hair.
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"I don't want to go to the observatory.."
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"If you don't go you'll-"
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"Don't you understand?" She looks at me, chuckling to herself. I return the stare in fear as I realized. This wasn't Ecluna anymore...
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"Why did my mom ever let me stay hidden from the eclipse? This power...it's amazing.."
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I feel the Darken energy from my own body call itself into form, the veil of darkness that covered my face and the spikes that poked out of my clothes like spears all around my body.
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"Ecluna...get ahold of yourself!" the flames of my magic burned brilliantly around my fists.
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"Oh, come on Iris, there's no need for violence.." I see the ends of her golden-white hair turn as red as the eclipse forming outside.
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"You can join me, and we can be strong together, just like before, but better!"
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I feel her pull me up from the floor.
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"Ecluna, this isn't you! I-"
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"Of course it is! You just haven't seen me like this yet!"
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I grab ahold of her face.
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"Ecluna listen! Whatever's taking control of you, you need to let it go!"
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She lowers me to the floor.
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"Do you really believe that I'm being possessed by something?"
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Her voice becomes lower in pitch as her aura grows stronger.
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"Do you think that old me is the normal version of myself? Well, do you?"
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I couldn't answer, it was all so confusing to me..
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"I mean, I haven't even shown you the best part about my true self yet. The Eclipsian Kingdom will rise again, with me as it's ruler, and everyone as my people."
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I feel Espero's presence behind me. "I came as soon as I could. Ecluna's gone insane, as expected. Called Arelin as soon as I felt the spike in energy.." he whispered into my ear.
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"Espero, what a pleasant surprise! Can't stay a day without keeping Iris safe, huh?"
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"I feel like she needed help is all..."
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"Well, it doesn't look like anyone's coming..."
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Ecluna's now red ecliptic magic flared brightly as she pointed it at the both of us.
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"Such a shame really. I really thought you could be of some use," she shrugged. "Guess there's nothing left to do but to end you right here and now."
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Ecluna throws the magic in my direction. With my Light magic, I make a barrier to block her attack.
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"You can't keep dodging and blocking forever, Iris. Your magic has a limit, you know.."
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She continues to throw, and I continue to block and dodge as best I could, but eventually my magic breaks, and my shield shatters like glass into the air.
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"What's the matter?" She asks, tauntingly. "Can't keep playing on the defensive side?"
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She charges up another, stronger attack. There was nothing I could do but wait for my death to hit me.
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That's when I hear pacing footsteps in my direction. I look towards the noises, but I was barely able to react when the shadow pushes me out of the way.
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...Ecluna's attack fired. Because of the person who saved me, I was able to move out of the way, but when I looked up afterwards...
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Arelin's shield was at the brink of scattering into a million pieces. He calls it back, visibly tired.
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"Gasp! Arelin Orteino, saving his polar opposite from danger?"
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"I don't know what happened to you..but this needs to end. Right now.."
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"But why? I'm super powerful, and you..." Ecluna looks a little harder at Arelin.
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"I can feel it. You have Eclipsian blood!" She claps excitedly.
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"W-what?" He responds, confused.
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"Don't worry, Arelin! I just have to do something really quickly. You don't mind, right?"
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She pulls Arelin up to her in a ball of energy. "No wonder you wear things covering your neck."
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With my webs, I stop her.
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"Ecluna, stop it!" My Darken form starts to show more as I let my emotions escape through my voice. "Let him go!"
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"Iris, you've got to leave...before you get hurt too..."
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I wrap more webs around Ecluna's hands.
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"You're making this even harder on yourself."
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Ecluna pulls me off the floor with the webs I binded around her fingers, throwing me across the room and making me hit a wall behind me.
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"Now, if you would excuse me.."
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She pulls the neck of Arelin's sweater and places her hands around it, the space between it burning a brilliant red.
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I see the energy draining from Arelin's eyes. Ecluna promptly drops him and waits.
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Arelin's transformation was similar to Ecluna's. The ends of his hair turn the same, blood moon red. As he begins to stand up, he stares menacingly into my being while I stare back in horror.
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He starts walking towards me...
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