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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LVYBYdlrN
"Iris...wake up.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeBdPTfeNl
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPJf1AJNOD
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikyJSjMvAd
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6A8WIbmFp
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2F1Qz6M0Kl
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3DZ5McCBR
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6GAZTUNTW
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNQbqnjrSt
"Why does it matter to you?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr6g7Sw1Ms
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRxalnPg2G
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VrFtCnnm2
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj6WG9qY1x
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmTucchOCJ
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBH17PoBE7l
"Good. Now let's go.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLW1KHYdx6
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzdOoVBIy1
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3DnU9Fdbg
"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."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbV3mffQan
"I am quite famished.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3DNM1GayZ
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQpwqJJXdW
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPO1hjzDE8
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ414cSBmtxI
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGLK1WQ50j
"Coming!"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySaXOQNQPu
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7795GEzzj
"... What's with all the darkness?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD4rTcErAj
"Just a precaution...
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA51IaGZ0OF
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooV0YpOYWu
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ255zzA9XGm
"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? "
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8yfEVtaDE
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xrE5egriR
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq9kDBtZBJ
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYndazEima
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFwofvZkaa
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtUkcQPmNr
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygUohof3O3
"... Alright.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFPLqVT7Ki
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTljB9qJZDk
"Okay..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTxgLA3IR9
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokgZBEoW7S
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowYLRnfqum
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYaU4qvAbv
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOdPM7Wzw4
"You are looking somber.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpToTkdx34P
"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?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ay3K8PJvM
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLWQ5Mcapb
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE1CgKHOqH
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou8vDsDaAZ
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsFenqJSBr
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8WeENryJU
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpRIhjFVVC
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RDybF06SY
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXnz3G8RoE
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ys3WMSpO1
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJYQHXah0Q
"Awful, but I can deal."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nCnnwMoH7
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgl78vWHwH
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvR70ebSp7i
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXRZv35VLK
"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?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojnpBLznEC
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYugVIYnNDC
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFollDiqvP
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VgQ0AHLSZ
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5pRgVnoaV
"See you later, Iris."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV3GzJSokX
I pat his head and walk out.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4o3y8DfIHd
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwGJDptEaf
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIK3vdyU9xR
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8oArmZYLg
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopLR4TpNSH
"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.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbgyZamSA5
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnyqrcuBOA
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUyVD9wK47
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaLJg56LCq
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRCr6JTyIX
I push the door open. It was pitch black inside, aside from the the curtain's small crack showing the morning sun.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pPAPiSvVj
A draft as soon as I came in...the window was open..
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OhKCKmms0
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ8xPBU1Y2
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5ZcEnGgqC
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJK6r91ZMz
What happened? I thought to myself.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujSfUhB0lf
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgomNUmjarj
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWmPzrGFSy
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWK7pUAQN8i
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76Xfa6vaWp
"Are you okay?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D92uEG4yn
"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..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcAau0Pegy
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgey99WmtTB
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgbfBxboQS
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT36YvmmzF
I rip the book from his hands.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDSgH02UTZ
"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."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRTcf1s9p3
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDCPqlmXRB
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gsBEBlkmf
"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.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLhmglD2C7
"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."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXepJARRMpO
"...Is it warm outside?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AndmfGQCT
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OairmnX42
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hbGFGwZdH
"Great!"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH4kBZOnt6
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3moqsIFvgV
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZjuuH3H6l
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH9EMkTV4C
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6PANAtvLX
"I just feel...bare without it."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wExlCRw7c
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdGsqjxhCt
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PW4KnCZCN
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIbA3zi6Kv
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIrBXAVmmq
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw1EOPoL7A
"Okay. I'll be right back."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO9k0y4vyh
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8wTcnwoPP
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6izgp7Jyy6
"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?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZXUQRN51T
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJnHXz6MeU
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK9CUTCldm
"...Do you want to learn?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvuWHRWvyT
"What's the catch?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRswV3GYKi
"Hmm?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPsnEbmudR
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX5dt6pa5k
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9nhSAR0uk
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YJBxjz7xV
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3pVAul8ks
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrc2dEchem
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gVL7SG9TI
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7OvQQ6Lon
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsCQbyIgB9
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcloUYEHn0
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykX6tGQZbv
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZcexFbhYL
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfaAqweSsL
"B-but..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumgcj0wvj0
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oC8Vldb7N
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWA2A7EKH3e
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6sNTV5qTd
My hands quiver...
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPbWEZQR38
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmYS6b6RfA
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGYWs5iRQh
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMuEJjkCQO
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkELW6OCe1
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2MRjusJQt
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqciifGZUb
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRZhUtfPqx
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMV88aQYIv
"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.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrtu9ETT7o
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09Ln5oW0a7
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5YcauCaZ0
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoUufysOsj
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSS3RtocMo
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXRFVx52JE
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbNkC1tGPU
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleAl64c3BV
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYoYNm6Wpj
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUzP4cpwYR
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIw3buju93
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY29C223cn
"...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.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCmXd3S5se
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ5ttKWv2G
"I like that one.." I whispered.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6Gj57sVgo
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor2yIVaNhY
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlty0oxCrW
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKog2FhaPd
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1cEaoWq0H
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nq5KnCkGn
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqwEEXBlNZ
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxQ0Deasdt
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDyOroGcV2
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW8M8C6r3z
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTsz4nyXfp
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4AfcywzTW
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKFCRSByCV
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mlwHF5rR8
"That idiot is too hurt to be by himself! I was just being nice for a change!"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj99n2geU8Y
"I doubt that's the real reason, but I'll take your word for it.." Arelin chuckled.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRwzuxdmLV
"Besides.." Aluise calms her tone. "He's done a lot for me, even if he's annoying and pesters me the most.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2yCTqhBEG
She sighs heavily. "...I'm going back inside. I'll see you later.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZmlHE448w
"Bye Aluise!"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyJh5oc0MY
I sigh myself.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye07EZOWF5
"You know, you should sign up for the competition tomorrow, just to show everyone how strong you are."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEGD2msMJL
"What if I-"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7l6jlzwXs5
"You won't. I know you won't let yourself turn." He places a warm hand on my face. "You're worrying too much.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDRA23c2wx
The school clock hums it's usual song, reminding us that it was now noon.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM5QqiwK6f
"Well, this was nice..." I said. "Should we go back inside?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniU7NsIJWt
"Yes, we should." Arelin responds, slipping his notebook back into his pocket.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZT9TvVb8c
"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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0PeBXhlIR
"Hey Arelin, I'll talk to you later, okay?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgwD77InEQ
"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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH1F11g9FN
"Ciaran, can you do me a favor?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbC6yL9Sq2l
"Of course, my love.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Y1QnZ1k7A
"Do you mind checking on Ecluna for me?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpX3BEF5JB
"What for?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fd8itfIX3
"Does there have to be a reason? It's none of your business anyways..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLaQ6iP6dC
"...Fine, I shall return by your side once I have."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ivAS5LrU9
"Okay.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvzeDwLspA
"Oh? No mean quip or remark this time? Are you finally starting to get used to me being around you?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimch0TP9JA
"Just do it.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSKqAyXKVf
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMv0wXf5gM
***
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGo8fU5VXh0
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIf5qDIk92
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6aLvKRHLF
It was almost time for the festival. Faintly, in the distance, I could hear the songs and chants of the Wildlife District.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8trowS7S7
That's right...Ecluna...I thought to myself. I got up from bed and ran to Ecluna's room.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRSG6ljFeL
There was no cheery response from Ecluna, just a concerned look when she opened the door.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZFl5VbVMr
"I-Iris! Thank God, it's just you. The festival's about to start.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hZc4jlPfp
"Yeah, I know. I'm really sorry for oversleeping..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2szkARRvP6
"It's alright, let's just hurry before...it happens again."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk3M7zSuUb
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7yalLKzSY
"We have to make it to the observatory, it's the only way I'll be safe."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw7WcWLDJl
"Aren't there windows beside every exit?" I ask, almost out of breath.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMoGPnaRTH
"I just have to look at the lunar eclipse for something to happen. If I keep my eyes forward, nothing can happen. I promise.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tua0i16w0
"Well, at least cover up your face or someth-"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoQOAfI5lu
Just in the middle of my sentence, something crashed through the window, shattering it completely.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8th3IulLY
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..
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS60NIPTDK
I shake them vigorously, trying desperately to see what happened.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyfmd030sx
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGMCwBMLPz
"Ecluna?!" I stop shaking the unconscious body and call out Ecluna's name. I frantically wait for a response.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYjulJr74u
"I...changed my mind..." I heard from the floor. Ecluna was down on her knees, face looking, straight as an arrow, at the floor.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAzXtYfPi6
"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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcvOG5orh2
"I don't want to go to the observatory.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8Wt1vSwSu
"If you don't go you'll-"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD456SxA4ka
"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...
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4adQvHXcVU
"Why did my mom ever let me stay hidden from the eclipse? This power...it's amazing.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbsVMgVWO3
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsnm9dmxsI
"Ecluna...get ahold of yourself!" the flames of my magic burned brilliantly around my fists.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRt92A6npEH
"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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejrTgAf1cb
"You can join me, and we can be strong together, just like before, but better!"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CTrYdBv8B
I feel her pull me up from the floor.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3wXGEbMFt
"Ecluna, this isn't you! I-"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs247rSxwnA
"Of course it is! You just haven't seen me like this yet!"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0BIuCeXb7
I grab ahold of her face.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RwXO5wFzE
"Ecluna listen! Whatever's taking control of you, you need to let it go!"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVbtRNVXOo
She lowers me to the floor.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTTXSRXAXi
"Do you really believe that I'm being possessed by something?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2NTpKABWJ
Her voice becomes lower in pitch as her aura grows stronger.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGeQqd1B6I
"Do you think that old me is the normal version of myself? Well, do you?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CCP0whh9o
I couldn't answer, it was all so confusing to me..
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwMZlIYGBP
"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."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF4aqd7crb
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPyDewFrDC
"Espero, what a pleasant surprise! Can't stay a day without keeping Iris safe, huh?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjQmMwYiVL
"I feel like she needed help is all..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SMd6RfSpn
"Well, it doesn't look like anyone's coming..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLlGTt2VvE
Ecluna's now red ecliptic magic flared brightly as she pointed it at the both of us.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqXtkCHNQV
"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."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PUsR1Y4cI
Ecluna throws the magic in my direction. With my Light magic, I make a barrier to block her attack.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH5VYA9apU
"You can't keep dodging and blocking forever, Iris. Your magic has a limit, you know.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuQqACWtne
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVYeyqBiXL
"What's the matter?" She asks, tauntingly. "Can't keep playing on the defensive side?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eEoHQKDRr
She charges up another, stronger attack. There was nothing I could do but wait for my death to hit me.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5EnZgnevP
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4GmGF715M
...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...
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb411FM3Yxm
Arelin's shield was at the brink of scattering into a million pieces. He calls it back, visibly tired.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnlHqUjdOu
"Gasp! Arelin Orteino, saving his polar opposite from danger?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30mlYKYMxI
"I don't know what happened to you..but this needs to end. Right now.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwoTvBRXTy
"But why? I'm super powerful, and you..." Ecluna looks a little harder at Arelin.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU6LVTssCQ
"I can feel it. You have Eclipsian blood!" She claps excitedly.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqnO0a2Q31
"W-what?" He responds, confused.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp7kWxgKnp
"Don't worry, Arelin! I just have to do something really quickly. You don't mind, right?"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUl78gVizF
She pulls Arelin up to her in a ball of energy. "No wonder you wear things covering your neck."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4em9dSdYi
With my webs, I stop her.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PgwcBaw84
"Ecluna, stop it!" My Darken form starts to show more as I let my emotions escape through my voice. "Let him go!"
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWW4yYNQsY
"Iris, you've got to leave...before you get hurt too..."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiYznnHqMi
I wrap more webs around Ecluna's hands.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPvYebuaIr
"You're making this even harder on yourself."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo17XpnY0TF
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsQQW17iuS
"Now, if you would excuse me.."
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91tZjOTpsv
She pulls the neck of Arelin's sweater and places her hands around it, the space between it burning a brilliant red.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTHtdHZCHX
I see the energy draining from Arelin's eyes. Ecluna promptly drops him and waits.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIONdu0xnCW
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.
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1ByjzrzQA
He starts walking towards me...
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTmhilQzx1
635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuST7F9Vlmp
and then Add to home screen.