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.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTAWFOQ0np
"Iris...wake up.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCAXolKNrV
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaW5DRoCTd
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuFKrWPwiP
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5afsecKcy
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNGELnPFvY
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd5hJINwnK
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeJCO4o4FZ
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvznZuom3c
"Why does it matter to you?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSF1WtF4qb
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQTB2wIiP1
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZjG63F4gS
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3NfvWPqpK
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡII41tlx8me
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPgodIuEMN
"Good. Now let's go.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdVL9yHDfE
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVMS1HUVOc
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGItqsuXi4Y
"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."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTocKK0nP0
"I am quite famished.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHKbelJcav
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLh2XBW8BA
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjQW6qBIuH
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBS73jh9YL
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nCiH615wd
"Coming!"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2MsQ0af6s
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9YLF5eoQ2
"... What's with all the darkness?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWinKxNDRch
"Just a precaution...
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2L29RTTCL
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HOKAII4FR
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBoFzbZKDF
"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? "
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB6rPrsJJ2
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.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3t62Wn9Q2p
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrXqPcfvd2
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRVrWFdCva
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF9fLMLbFj
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukVLaiEIdu
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuZjX3VuU2
"... Alright.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaHRx0bMit
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFeJkYXAZ3
"Okay..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSch7wDd0x8
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1U6FrXi4WC
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRq836wxp5
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuOIGIKRxp
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXI89KnddE
"You are looking somber.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AsbjuKPoa
"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?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbRaz4MPaF
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46qpOohcHD
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl9cCbUlhD
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rHEkFht6x
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcBiYrJYlQ
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowxfjnTjXo
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhwguAk0AP
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC8WBCXR6I
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWWs9x5W8r
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wrh8igR2Y
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrTtjSs7Fq
"Awful, but I can deal."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwEy2PKMf1
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2fifjus2P
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZUDbtsC7f
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA8QFgM51T
"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?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZCwPl4YM1
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UoznheoO3
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SNyT5h2KC
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFPwpk3jqI
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshYiI9UpWa
"See you later, Iris."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNNmCHdG08
I pat his head and walk out.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapYpQgUlmo
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nNfqGsmx2
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATpKhiNv2e
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21ZUOXIDN6
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN9bnPsmhC
"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.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwunkbYyMPQ
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jkVG5W66G
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr576qbWOl
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOTyXBjXo9
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IJUoOxSsy
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..
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhWQLNjtYO
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2himpn4WVr
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdvSEuird4
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcglB0AciIa
What happened? I thought to myself.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJga240CBF
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZxyojZqzx
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.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCF4WbUfY2
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPXkBYruKc
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufrmo8o2Yo
"Are you okay?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAaQ41tj5H
"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..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn5jGB6CSm
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41HfzKpzqS
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2XyPC7AdL
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINGxnx2ftQ
I rip the book from his hands.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRCsT5qRq3
"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."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqvSDpjoiY
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bmX7qzUOt
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKKu70Mcc4
"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.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdXqSLt8To
"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."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDOUVEjHp0
"...Is it warm outside?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQarKzaLqP
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf1kIsMiwE
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzuHW5GpYN
"Great!"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKb36Tsxbh
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8QL19L1Lo
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6FKXkJzVy
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZkuntJUxA
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8tl99eePk
"I just feel...bare without it."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDQA1FfHYg
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIGh7rQr5K
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m3sMP22sy
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUDYyPg4GL
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm22iXy0EUg
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63g1MBcZ8h
"Okay. I'll be right back."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzw4puh8oY
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREh5fzCIIz
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lgj9CcSZB
"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?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHRmT2pB9l
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBgSQBqiHc
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEepL6Z6cWf
"...Do you want to learn?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvhZGYwhbB
"What's the catch?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvTbky4fYU
"Hmm?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WzuzM2bmX
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjcRCmytJf
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj317WuScbk
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDMJKdqtMu
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN2Ca2meZv
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmLH2y4YaJ
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9qpjBtjtZ
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwYQ2TVhhI
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWNTE0yWrr
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfZvxmZQPE
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiZs91W23p
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BhZQvuWLL
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HbR47Unmt
"B-but..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdPYTPD65O
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfegkke2unB
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacTZYFJx5n
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53eqKTdmLo
My hands quiver...
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefbFreIeAb
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtCtpb1zTp
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.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GzWlH6BlK
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJlia5xgbt
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72aIrMnfgB
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjsMZCvj7T
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZf1TSoJFz
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFSVkIu394
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpbEkS6tKH
"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.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoUKQjZeo4
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.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ987LH3f92X
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHgZLzOZCg
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DsmiYkDta
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNrMzpLl3Z
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dWZ0u2jPB
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5BseTZrNj
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82QxM10Q1p
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrc2Z0mGmGj
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2F2EVxiIf
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yYuYXYcn3
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokjEHN37p4
"...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.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ea1zzlcJU
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8PTjUuUtL
"I like that one.." I whispered.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl9mv8ODzT
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNyFYNNL3D
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNe6Psaxkpg
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfCgDFX8At
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbf4BDlHZn
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAKrKPrPMI
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17xPSia5mS
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ycJ0pVgQa
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD36oAeeun
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w1aEYdVi8
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ785NiaK6lL
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYO8XSS2IS
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkdUFMjcsL
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z8GNia0Js
"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..."
440Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLqWN0gdXr
"...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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