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.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRx8zc9E2O
"Iris...wake up.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKsNUACHvN
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPORiLAye2k
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsypaIYksZC
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOUtytc1zj
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08VtFEl5xr
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopAoLNox4S
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOFodiXltT
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3CdCcuCEd
"Why does it matter to you?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROBpadFBOd
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0F8M10DqRz
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vChNKpJGH
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36QGggodlW
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKNSyBcXRV
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTcYrJIxQj
"Good. Now let's go.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9ZN20J4nl
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWi9LPkcrIN
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyXHQyriUs
"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."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfS7axxQIR3
"I am quite famished.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2Qn03EAvJ
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKtNbKYTQB
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEtJOYIfmU
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCaADdVV5d
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJQmTmU4bh
"Coming!"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKFVkqdre6
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotKrlpcIQ1
"... What's with all the darkness?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAdXY98sH4
"Just a precaution...
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnndzMrM95
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAN1pov6Ir
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9okhw4V3ZJ
"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? "
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBvIJxjlKi
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.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaqOFb1uze
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqYlq3HSpd
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaGP4xSKUD
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4to8mJVeL
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ycHtJ5f8C
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRESTHyoE2
"... Alright.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWhe54sZwu
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpjrFIvOTc
"Okay..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd544yVy6LF
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxvT1KrHY1
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yZYZozHjZ
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxcBREjUUz
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tdy96d2GY
"You are looking somber.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Wyq7dSFUg
"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?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zG6TAeJt4
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvg8NJfvED
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aXEe5WSLG
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXYf6vSNiF
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q8lO80BeU
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtiO4AqPuw
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2tRVFzSUi
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4nqR2fZRL
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgi8IBRDGz
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5F2oCJtkU
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx6QqC8BIW
"Awful, but I can deal."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGiuuUuudq
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF44Efo73N7
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6S8EPQOTz
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PTecy08BI
"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?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAMUbKkyFF
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCb2JE2Hg6
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeIyd0IzVD
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYKqd46VbX
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ckO7uk5na
"See you later, Iris."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoI7ntb3kq
I pat his head and walk out.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUN2IvGCrC
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fqEGoVkMT
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM99z07oTW
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sZwtrRept
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9hE5t586f
"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.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOZr8OXoL8
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w9RxUKLa8
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3Meq6tajo
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRrprsvQNs
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc0IHcfhdy
I push the door open. It was pitch black inside, aside from the the curtain's small crack showing the morning sun.
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A draft as soon as I came in...the window was open..
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55o319xgRE
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uRi3C49Fa
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQT2IWG1zQ
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Lb77Q2RJs
What happened? I thought to myself.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJNaf5ZwuF
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2KPzlzA2K
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.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwVo8L2cil
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ScnpGJ4md
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKF8CZQe0DB
"Are you okay?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MxqPFr8WF
"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..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUmAA3TNVh
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAQnRhrdO3
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoJvQidlNK
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU3BnGAAYJ
I rip the book from his hands.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8IqIJQXB8
"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."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6HIjeMtuQ
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzctC9Ubky4
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdoqh6LGwa
"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.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiqDmeeR3b
"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."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOxJNjaB3v
"...Is it warm outside?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbk4KYysDZ
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tfk61ATO3
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGMoCDIwto
"Great!"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzSpVU5UxS
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRy9NqOldj
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ0VqGqKw5
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW7yhbuQKI
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1iMo2qSWU
"I just feel...bare without it."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZFPI82nh5
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtP9bHru3ej
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWG54lBmfR
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAlR73hnB8
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdop0VfRpE
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAdOsREP52
"Okay. I'll be right back."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdiSGC4dGF
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuX7l5v2oI
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VlJw2jF0H
"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?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzJmPfFTq2
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCOIhZVkMS
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c1FpBC8Mo
"...Do you want to learn?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnRHnb1YEO
"What's the catch?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO07oQ4KQ7B
"Hmm?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrSsQjcig6
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B6e05eN2K
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4UzwFCs1m
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgq9Cc70we
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0JhDTrTeM
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdX4jTjxwIs
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaCpzAlMzK
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboEjzWi4od
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcxrspFdH2
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlbdZzXPCB
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TQqehdM0n
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF2L6A0cbc
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhcG5m8KfZ
"B-but..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zuOStQYVE
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJCOr0QAVp
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHxl0Y4KMA
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGeUS2WPKe
My hands quiver...
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2L0woBP65f
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TpdcK3ky5
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.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQO38tXIW3
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTsM48o48N
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb60TdyrgSS
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAozemF8rDt
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc6tDZziOp
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9E2SuWWBXJ
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw2CGukrJr
"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.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywFqaGNOKQ
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.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjgvUsAeOn
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeZuas4qmc
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8Yy2sBoOm
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡituINTgySJ
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvfdedtzCN
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nbGH6fkmZ
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSv5oeZvbG
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIvcY6ps1U
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlPQCziVlh
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWgaVbXmtu
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFh7yBvBQ5
"...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.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDn4DKII7m
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimhgsMsj70
"I like that one.." I whispered.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9hOYDhuKu
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV18LwIVf5
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1E8q1Uha6
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRJhrw49eQ
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P514avTQF
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOZh7YG1Wz
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgoZOKSoIN
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVkd2jWvtP
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdga541J3T
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0e9KsUJlU
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP6jEd8Miu
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1aZ0dA9Xm
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1Co0PEfHB
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
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"That idiot is too hurt to be by himself! I was just being nice for a change!"
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"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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and then Add to home screen.