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.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1x8rLpbbR
"Iris...wake up.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQRjm8lowp
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9TJZSetRR
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEN0bNIC7Z
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4SGoeNPUp
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RsoYTBqk7
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag4nXjy9DE
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3ok0YgJvl
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sRh65cGGD
"Why does it matter to you?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMS8SqqzeAO
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpipb1BB46e
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeVe5amqHU
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckv0arxYOR
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitAJlzEncY
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2qv1m4OGr
"Good. Now let's go.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZtNN8InBz
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelYQB0x9hi
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjTkQpaZ3z
"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."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjInajwcTg
"I am quite famished.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEID978sTz
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWRZigIYct
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSPLs0NYKP
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXtc9O4dsL
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtv8a4fiX3
"Coming!"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMqV4QyVr9
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKd9x8U6bL
"... What's with all the darkness?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXk4TEdN9F
"Just a precaution...
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyuC0V0Qcp
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhB60nbGKP
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBwj0HQDsV
"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? "
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1PqPFujFg
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.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHgUCQUHeD
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVty0hG4LBN
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXUWAGu6FQ
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RK9r08sY5
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dLlBiLgu7
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2YOea005F
"... Alright.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t6QKFMTVd
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbX1kkcFfk
"Okay..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4YevPd0Yl
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroL0nVfTnD
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXvGEcmY0H
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrCOcc0Aek
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEYOdEt6L8
"You are looking somber.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmb4ybPg5K
"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?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtIdrTvfPP
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoSSIWC5ZG
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tzSmlweew
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4QM8GONx7
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxWfPMdndW
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmYQbwn9Lc
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0iooq8eKJ
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqrDrLWmMS
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH5Gs7kY5o
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LxUo4EYgB
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7Kw3ULafb
"Awful, but I can deal."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OqGGryLa2
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLxOipuF4U
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI6V7TcK0T
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ026X8IYarO
"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?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0GHrCuFIY
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xa78c0OEs
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfb6JvPsiI
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8cFIVVjuV
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6OKXdtaZr
"See you later, Iris."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8xTAMcUBz
I pat his head and walk out.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR8e7HOr6Z
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUDg2v4v99
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBnH2LUmtC
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDIZwWrp7N
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwrXTmdjak
"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.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimAAC7lnaH
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSDRiJlmoc
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uWRvL1uYQ
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwuQeY4P3p
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
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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..
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KpIHHVz8b
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf177DxcY8o
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
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I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
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What happened? I thought to myself.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRIRQcUo0W
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRvyaA6GFT
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.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJXO8QjcNp
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZ0ye9jh6G
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfrhNzTK8B
"Are you okay?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQSjgUX8n7
"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..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4eoEXuMOE
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdnno7n6zF
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SFveaDYW2
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOdmFC9qC9
I rip the book from his hands.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiwN3hn51a
"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."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsP2whNsk7l
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmocuNxRejP
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWVCS8aWnk
"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.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cLVPzvkoB
"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."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LoxEi89RR
"...Is it warm outside?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgdVKypX8G
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76YZ5etq56
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1fz2TE7IB
"Great!"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1Z4m7srAX
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbajzSrq3zM
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqDaDRspuJ
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqdy4KJLia
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6oveJLxbr
"I just feel...bare without it."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGDroVS5jx
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvNH02YOx3
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03c65ScicK
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJu7C1qova
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMM0q0ntGb
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITZfrSGIjK
"Okay. I'll be right back."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3yY1Wg4QH
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAvdVHwUDI
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ892YKnQW3H
"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?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfAyMsssql
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65tWBdPuq8
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tOLMOY90N
"...Do you want to learn?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOK4YPtQPo
"What's the catch?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI6AT00XPF
"Hmm?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5duFzKpf4h
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlAAKOd1SQ
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5HcM7aSG1
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP25aJiEcFY
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhItplVVkR
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6slzuFu7n
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDuL7wNK7u
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYwh6vycHw
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AcjiufQCa
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BwdEKCpEo
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zMH81WOYl
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ12Al8XF2
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodG1P3fRN9
"B-but..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSi841EtXwZ
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjvvJTJ8p3
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF9IPPrW5K
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yzMo5FWmj
My hands quiver...
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbSJ2emEUU
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHk1mAEyT7
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.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT1ccjsBp3
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlA8wib62j
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOUDmJqFF1
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kGexG4XaQ
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ys04UNFHI
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGoXfz3ota
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQoq6DldpN
"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.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gLbiAkuzK
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.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAszzF3kzY
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2Hd7j97NI
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrkQ2bpKbz
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS67EQTeQW
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTn47TGpvM
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDzwm2X2nl
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC7B4qffCR
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRen1HudtHv
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZoatdKHyS
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oXlmV0SeO
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKEIhlnLeW
"...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.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9Odpv8KaR
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Zwb7fRWnx
"I like that one.." I whispered.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUTKQqJOQk
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjW4qxHBg5d
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYmo00v1k0
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUbZ9ffDyF
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYtUsCEstl
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL5up87Llp
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QsEa4wKN5
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4UTAAdWOL
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWU9srGi6M
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyIuMElk6h
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pb1RfRron
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FYuVDgrOH
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5jWfaBdwR
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY0ULzyaBG
"That idiot is too hurt to be by himself! I was just being nice for a change!"
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"I doubt that's the real reason, but I'll take your word for it.." Arelin chuckled.
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"Besides.." Aluise calms her tone. "He's done a lot for me, even if he's annoying and pesters me the most.."
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She sighs heavily. "...I'm going back inside. I'll see you later.."
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"Bye Aluise!"
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I sigh myself.
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"You know, you should sign up for the competition tomorrow, just to show everyone how strong you are."
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"What if I-"
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"You won't. I know you won't let yourself turn." He places a warm hand on my face. "You're worrying too much.."
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The school clock hums it's usual song, reminding us that it was now noon.
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"Well, this was nice..." I said. "Should we go back inside?"
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"Yes, we should." Arelin responds, slipping his notebook back into his pocket.
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"Indeed. This sun is killing me.." Ciaran says, pulling his hood above his head, his face obscured by shadow. We trudge back indoors as the windows gleam with the sun's brightness.
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"Hey Arelin, I'll talk to you later, okay?"
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"Alright. I'll be my room if you need me." He grabs ahold of Alena's hand and walks up the hall while I go the opposite way with Ciaran.
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"Ciaran, can you do me a favor?"
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"Of course, my love.."
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"Do you mind checking on Ecluna for me?"
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"What for?"
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"Does there have to be a reason? It's none of your business anyways..."
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"...Fine, I shall return by your side once I have."
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"Okay.."
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"Oh? No mean quip or remark this time? Are you finally starting to get used to me being around you?"
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"Just do it.."
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He smirks, and disappears once more. I head back to my room and land face first into the bed as soon as I take my shoes off.
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***
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I was curled up in bed...I had another one of those pain shocks in my sleep, I can still feel some of the lingering pain from it tearing along my stomach. I turn, slowly to my back, but halfway into sliding into my new position, I feel a bump. I look behind me.
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Ciaran was snug beneath me, wrapped in a separate blanket. I sighed with an annoyed tone and returned back into my original position and staring at the late evening sky, which was a bright orange.
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It was almost time for the festival. Faintly, in the distance, I could hear the songs and chants of the Wildlife District.
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That's right...Ecluna...I thought to myself. I got up from bed and ran to Ecluna's room.
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There was no cheery response from Ecluna, just a concerned look when she opened the door.
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"I-Iris! Thank God, it's just you. The festival's about to start.."
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"Yeah, I know. I'm really sorry for oversleeping..."
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"It's alright, let's just hurry before...it happens again."
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She barely picks anything up and dashes to the door in urgency. I try to keep up with her as she fills the halls with her speedy footsteps.
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"We have to make it to the observatory, it's the only way I'll be safe."
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"Aren't there windows beside every exit?" I ask, almost out of breath.
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"I just have to look at the lunar eclipse for something to happen. If I keep my eyes forward, nothing can happen. I promise.."
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"Well, at least cover up your face or someth-"
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Just in the middle of my sentence, something crashed through the window, shattering it completely.
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I look around to find what the something was, and to my surprise...it was a person, dressed in festival clothing people were wearing that day..
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I shake them vigorously, trying desperately to see what happened.
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Then I realized...Ecluna was prone to looking at the eclipse, now full and blood red in the sky like an eyeball staring down at us from the abyss-like sky.
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"Ecluna?!" I stop shaking the unconscious body and call out Ecluna's name. I frantically wait for a response.
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"I...changed my mind..." I heard from the floor. Ecluna was down on her knees, face looking, straight as an arrow, at the floor.
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"What are you talking about?" I reach to pick her up, but her twinkling aura was no longer the tame breeze I had remembered. It was like walking into a tornado, I could feel the air play with my hair.
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"I don't want to go to the observatory.."
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"If you don't go you'll-"
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"Don't you understand?" She looks at me, chuckling to herself. I return the stare in fear as I realized. This wasn't Ecluna anymore...
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"Why did my mom ever let me stay hidden from the eclipse? This power...it's amazing.."
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I feel the Darken energy from my own body call itself into form, the veil of darkness that covered my face and the spikes that poked out of my clothes like spears all around my body.
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"Ecluna...get ahold of yourself!" the flames of my magic burned brilliantly around my fists.
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"Oh, come on Iris, there's no need for violence.." I see the ends of her golden-white hair turn as red as the eclipse forming outside.
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"You can join me, and we can be strong together, just like before, but better!"
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I feel her pull me up from the floor.
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"Ecluna, this isn't you! I-"
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"Of course it is! You just haven't seen me like this yet!"
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I grab ahold of her face.
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"Ecluna listen! Whatever's taking control of you, you need to let it go!"
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She lowers me to the floor.
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"Do you really believe that I'm being possessed by something?"
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Her voice becomes lower in pitch as her aura grows stronger.
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"Do you think that old me is the normal version of myself? Well, do you?"
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I couldn't answer, it was all so confusing to me..
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"I mean, I haven't even shown you the best part about my true self yet. The Eclipsian Kingdom will rise again, with me as it's ruler, and everyone as my people."
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I feel Espero's presence behind me. "I came as soon as I could. Ecluna's gone insane, as expected. Called Arelin as soon as I felt the spike in energy.." he whispered into my ear.
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"Espero, what a pleasant surprise! Can't stay a day without keeping Iris safe, huh?"
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"I feel like she needed help is all..."
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"Well, it doesn't look like anyone's coming..."
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Ecluna's now red ecliptic magic flared brightly as she pointed it at the both of us.
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"Such a shame really. I really thought you could be of some use," she shrugged. "Guess there's nothing left to do but to end you right here and now."
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Ecluna throws the magic in my direction. With my Light magic, I make a barrier to block her attack.
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"You can't keep dodging and blocking forever, Iris. Your magic has a limit, you know.."
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She continues to throw, and I continue to block and dodge as best I could, but eventually my magic breaks, and my shield shatters like glass into the air.
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"What's the matter?" She asks, tauntingly. "Can't keep playing on the defensive side?"
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She charges up another, stronger attack. There was nothing I could do but wait for my death to hit me.
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That's when I hear pacing footsteps in my direction. I look towards the noises, but I was barely able to react when the shadow pushes me out of the way.
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...Ecluna's attack fired. Because of the person who saved me, I was able to move out of the way, but when I looked up afterwards...
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Arelin's shield was at the brink of scattering into a million pieces. He calls it back, visibly tired.
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"Gasp! Arelin Orteino, saving his polar opposite from danger?"
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"I don't know what happened to you..but this needs to end. Right now.."
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"But why? I'm super powerful, and you..." Ecluna looks a little harder at Arelin.
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"I can feel it. You have Eclipsian blood!" She claps excitedly.
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"W-what?" He responds, confused.
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"Don't worry, Arelin! I just have to do something really quickly. You don't mind, right?"
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She pulls Arelin up to her in a ball of energy. "No wonder you wear things covering your neck."
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With my webs, I stop her.
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"Ecluna, stop it!" My Darken form starts to show more as I let my emotions escape through my voice. "Let him go!"
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"Iris, you've got to leave...before you get hurt too..."
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I wrap more webs around Ecluna's hands.
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"You're making this even harder on yourself."
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Ecluna pulls me off the floor with the webs I binded around her fingers, throwing me across the room and making me hit a wall behind me.
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"Now, if you would excuse me.."
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She pulls the neck of Arelin's sweater and places her hands around it, the space between it burning a brilliant red.
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I see the energy draining from Arelin's eyes. Ecluna promptly drops him and waits.
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Arelin's transformation was similar to Ecluna's. The ends of his hair turn the same, blood moon red. As he begins to stand up, he stares menacingly into my being while I stare back in horror.
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He starts walking towards me...
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