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.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO55QOdxSxy
"Iris...wake up.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEym1xgXE3i
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehhnPQwLBe
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU6AoWPEmM
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBvfEwROuh
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy4dzLU48L
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvjuA2L1aA
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFnmnBsm6P
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUM4OPTk0nK
"Why does it matter to you?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8li2qq0Uc
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZuHZsxm5S
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnH6OUhjzP
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGURxiAjE84
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXV1cKbKOr
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHHye0oEZy
"Good. Now let's go.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO0gqMWPJH
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdBMLjkzNI
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGYU1MFgwR
"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."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xV3vdO0Rq
"I am quite famished.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoSuyMi2eG
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hcKlAQUPU
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2VvtkCPTg
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwT9qlNA5L
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc2tbglI4y
"Coming!"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPGPx035op
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxzTTjSDGA
"... What's with all the darkness?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8AqtHfjI5
"Just a precaution...
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJUjtCkoOn
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DN2YSqr1i
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91Pq9eZNFp
"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? "
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASbf5Dk1l8
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.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo22xzrMKFF
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreFedm7cv2
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi2KSaAbv1
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdwwuaErXa
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUwiSwmQnz
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfofIaFeLh
"... Alright.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk08ZDl4Ek
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6K013NY8X
"Okay..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VHqZ5Mr5G
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg5v5WXKAS
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGq2cIBXYt
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TxjblpEB1
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJQN8bwQKz
"You are looking somber.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZLS4J4CaG
"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?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsyNDyEyKa
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFGDWS1pY1
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfLwWaNQew
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBN4TkckPM
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXShG1DL4f
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinGxhES6oy
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslMGRBsQ8S
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhulTsM8iW
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtby4a59v8
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2E82sZSu5
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9Da3A76fg
"Awful, but I can deal."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwlEJrfArv
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqiAQz4Aka
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK2cd1Pynk
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHFyZik01u
"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?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWtuMkhZQx
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegvkQeVZIE
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeBBNUD9Am
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkRWgrpyTp
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jvI70orDQ
"See you later, Iris."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8hJN7qoIN
I pat his head and walk out.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyCPQ8mbn0
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm4vVXGGGt
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsdJKDZ2gY
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JRqnmn41q
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9p9w6zku5b
"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.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOe1UBtyvw
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7Xs7qB5um
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtfpPeGgep
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6oPBMTwAb
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgbrxbQyYW
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..
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXb4OiDdeHC
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmtlCPFRvu
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uiBhRsEy1
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4J36Mhvar
What happened? I thought to myself.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYP6i53LOn
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡassrr5N4Aw
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.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNon0QngJN2
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSp6hpw7nI
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe0eAXmhNm
"Are you okay?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeOpA9svGJ
"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..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMgCRPYzzn
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2MCXGlXQX
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlqXtuQJeK
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBZL38ABfx
I rip the book from his hands.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubB4QXByMr
"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."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXlu4nXNLy
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqv1zoKhf2
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx67TekDgH
"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.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXLc9YhoXQ
"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."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNEtS8wwzX
"...Is it warm outside?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrIjS0Wvds
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZX10bkrLR4
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9120wmXLlr
"Great!"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHfo1EwQkn
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1kAD21FVC
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN0MgvkoFP
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbxfa3amI9
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkJtLgmc7q
"I just feel...bare without it."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlep1gdjGLS
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQdiTWZXuD
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oPJTv4FXF
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGJTmqLafr
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTg8wYsUISU
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctBBCeFyzz
"Okay. I'll be right back."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaMhrx6hzs
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzLK78kN5F
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgriKdMAUXO
"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?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAmABPwdVk
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl9tJYkf4p
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFr6vQk0Z5
"...Do you want to learn?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NinoFw0zM
"What's the catch?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fwjg16Yip
"Hmm?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG4L0O9iv7
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIt5cAamtcw
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD757SIraR
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphLk8pUwtK
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxXEkKRfBd
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0hfBygviH
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0NdZ1OBJh
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3TmVFr9gb
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4Bs5KMAyO
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXD6stxGwG
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVnVnydSs4
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoJ7mzK6QK
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTa12K0p0D
"B-but..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk8sWtmeWU
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMxGMLGyDn
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszSpIjbNa3
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXWz5EKC9H
My hands quiver...
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBASmHqEBfi
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zxFUcorow
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.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEs7L7t9eu
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhuEdvyxhx
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt7eRVIvvO
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDvJsDK87A
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76HKrlXsHX
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5R8Syhz3RB
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISbLAKkPji
"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.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIbgPkK2oo
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.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QhtphkDVz
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47RPqpSgUm
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnf5JbFY9s
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6uOhbQs1t
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN0DXBNzCe
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLvkdwVm3k
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBITfPHjqiR
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtjCcR5Jz3
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfPd7kUOBC
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhDaHHA7rH
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVcrVcmFjU
"...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.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbPk8dNN3Y
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rfl88tULx
"I like that one.." I whispered.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZSSsuNruJ
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdeiFXm2oc
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfhYvpiHjd
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69iGbgc8iX
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SOHtEP7wp
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFAf1dMdHY
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrEYYfZoZK
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbvqAVzXQK
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NEbMRvEnQ
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3wWWAubuk
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCMBh3M31w
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE18wQSU6J
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiup7ypodQ
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItdFRtw8EO
"That idiot is too hurt to be by himself! I was just being nice for a change!"
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WGDVo820K
"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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