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.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlYgpPIUyr
"Iris...wake up.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASftTplbPm
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKTp8TN7vF
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmhKQRsVqb
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tYYtvcb75
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu0G9bZsNs
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rKEUaT8RO
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndmps5VaeR
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93QfJC4RR0
"Why does it matter to you?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLYcJ8rMKI
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XThI1AGdT
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZMXdCqwAs
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImmqyacQoQ
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy80CZD2WTK
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtHzi0ZRWa
"Good. Now let's go.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DInGUVJ62
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0t1HLrqUk
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hmbRSCNdz
"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."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFFvomoAAt
"I am quite famished.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAnzYgGwMM
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QqyjGdQOk
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmYUOOFd5L
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eqwcjyWFd
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb4hbINFRf
"Coming!"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnkG8uQhfB
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxpjMwGHO5
"... What's with all the darkness?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyNX5C44xZ
"Just a precaution...
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidGpwWGQQh
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2pjXbH8AV
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTYqNLn9CJ
"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? "
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy72UY0gfxz
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.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpCzQi76Wa
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWudRqSOVx
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFlXKJ8qFR
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNS9kLxDS7
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnJal2OaV0
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM5oTCHgzp
"... Alright.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NoRPDkiAA
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3wHAdqUPC
"Okay..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMygmgbJSD
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06FBMISE3T
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUsI3spAs4
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfM3fyIamp
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDMqhHqrC0
"You are looking somber.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4OKPt7RBM
"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?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PS3mJdmKN
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4h01GLKYa
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG4LVojbj7
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7VOJSOzDY
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlYjyuXkHP
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEhYxJ9yHD
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFKiQONnbT
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrzQp8tzcQ
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84S4FtTiPd
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyUNKM8a27
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3OMVptwyD
"Awful, but I can deal."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTESfH9VRGu
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMmP5f49YH
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRiO5VFtES
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTrYqJgnym
"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?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZgrBhrMbg
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0aUoICbZA
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB84ktmOwl
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAF41HWBEh
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpyl7XD72i
"See you later, Iris."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Cg9InQ9IM
I pat his head and walk out.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLbioKLkRq
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzpdUtvx7s
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAxi0xm2xW
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhAWGc78jq
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXli7tfI0am
"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.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarVVzxHMP9
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWYfQWTZjt
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHfFw8yIOA
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ2ONdJk00
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u6zui5Gp0
I push the door open. It was pitch black inside, aside from the the curtain's small crack showing the morning sun.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99AoH1CUyj
A draft as soon as I came in...the window was open..
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqp9HsqCdy
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnN6Hi9vic
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvlib5duaB
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97CwGFdr43
What happened? I thought to myself.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qNk0fOUEB
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIGlNiAm7i
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.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QXs4SckIe
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lPw0F0vOg
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfYv5KCsLC
"Are you okay?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgK0LUSLYK
"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..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3aXiEcb8o
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn2zuRB0kW
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryanCSVUHs
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMFeskvqzn
I rip the book from his hands.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDsA5AAGZR
"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."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDplDCfVFvf
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9zKKyBRFY
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ3fXK1QYV
"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.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UwrgV9QSM
"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."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgkJz9kwGW
"...Is it warm outside?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyuwiIiu5r
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fyLD84DHV
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtTqi3h6uU
"Great!"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpsuoqy11N
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM63hF9Jp5
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVChGAwrC87
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFQjOLYVMW
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWRtP6bDDJ
"I just feel...bare without it."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5sANgpORY
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53YrW6Q6J0
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVGn4XDpMl
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdKcHWtd08
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYpdb7hB9g
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCec3Bbwl9
"Okay. I'll be right back."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0fbZmk8c9
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iPnTqsRnI
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nvydTxDfO
"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?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkmnjN3QH6
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN442Yp1ZzM
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQqF6EiMzP
"...Do you want to learn?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7J6X1TEo3
"What's the catch?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ883qid2D5D
"Hmm?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY6M8FHtyP
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgTvDcl8RR
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIUjYguhEj
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jsp0B82en
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJs0sXJGnH
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09gcEn5568
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmownROFHn
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy362zE89G
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM7HuttFHM
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWezgOStwc0
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nHsTKenG9
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHG5X79cBu
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDODpNS4V7i
"B-but..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcq5zESkIj
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaTWpPTFfx
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFZDlRo1NJ
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVKV64OPGo
My hands quiver...
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q80IQa3eY
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvZrW7IvOh
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.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5LgHeSimO
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVW7Bowpu3n
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgd9Q1mi1M
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bC9tOTeMB
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62wfvgL8vj
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0I1E1C63H
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTFw9QoVXc
"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.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYsZ3zw4K0
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.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Bwx2Lcv1t
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUXnKbCvmq
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ1WpCqFYT
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL6CZ26pKu
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOdnFtJIoB
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6PC0xGGih
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD62YG7UZn
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvQXS49vl4
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY60MDsFcMe
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizIYIKLMr1
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSpWCweHE5
"...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.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhy1qYUkSF
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Za4jHmuQx
"I like that one.." I whispered.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo0SkRfn9u
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMef44vgVl1
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJeYl1PzVh
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA15rmXUmlF
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ncIBXR4Af
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVDXotTlxI
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6JN9NoUlN
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEOWB9RBHC
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGaTMmHOiE
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcWWhdBxni
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KijBdkXTw
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75pti9UOOJ
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk5MOUvR8g
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sPXJcv2Rv
"That idiot is too hurt to be by himself! I was just being nice for a change!"
437Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtuiygnw2G
"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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