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.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlPZ2XUZq5
"Iris...wake up.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqpDBoXIiw
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6godCYbAA
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXJc1SOp4F
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjj3r3s0Ov
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QxUbnXUSW
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ558IARV5gh
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSowpUtkrS
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHrneam4X4
"Why does it matter to you?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5RLoXCnQ5
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0PimMP76B
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ1G8p2Q2y
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q38jkNXRR
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs1EKflLLK
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZhsqU1sig
"Good. Now let's go.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8UiJ7fDSf
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtT7k0nRnKt
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkudAPAL2B
"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."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAsFsJ9Zqc
"I am quite famished.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSxEQDfYF4
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BrWgaTB0k
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR9PnHUxWg
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZiMcjMGhj
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0lfdgFkVj
"Coming!"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki7MYnHnaG
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5rVdE2Xlx
"... What's with all the darkness?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFyaxVdfGd
"Just a precaution...
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpNmagr1Ac
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QpIT2Jo2t
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcfknIMihU
"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? "
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZpVLE3P8a
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.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuelS86QBb
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
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"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9WRIz1TH4
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2x8wIWCHl
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWm2EcswVbr
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2ZJCWxDwT
"... Alright.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsejdRjJhr1
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv1oFlcHlY
"Okay..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhGZrHnGha
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bqErCfFh9
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJQkuCFgkH
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvwIcXbncT
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IZuAszFpw
"You are looking somber.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SM8JbV5Vj
"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?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCp9BGqNH9r
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AvxfisQYr
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDPeQ21pmv
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TJ78UlGBv
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs067q5acN
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJnWHzWTQ2
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb7pgPv47u
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2ilKjKMvn
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ5MPHNeg5
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGedVO9FFM
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWMEfktg67
"Awful, but I can deal."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsYrpKYcrM
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5oYQcXrEY
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEszOxNKld1
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0kbaHjmpl
"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?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KIPfWJJx5
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbElEmJM9W
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GJFANUMGE
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlmhTZHpj9
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8WXmgItB7
"See you later, Iris."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcQz5r54jG
I pat his head and walk out.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEocthEMm6m
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ge111xtAb
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6U4A94Sl4
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLDtHDV0Vz
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGppky0sHfX
"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.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45R2gU2aAb
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS11RMX8zLt
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0fNh1alGE
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
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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..
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"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKQeHjPocA
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.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWorCAWePA
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZhwxzPez7
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.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25hGYXCGJb
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJNLh7W1oY
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYHSMs0sDV
"Are you okay?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLNqUrzzhu
"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..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCs0YTbFQ0
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkAhBGVLV5
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF53afmRJQ
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemNXuwvhyd
I rip the book from his hands.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1DhONlGBe
"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."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbRj7ts6od
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYwrrxSMZH
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeidfHgEK3X
"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.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE5GUqCFAD
"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."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppM526zqCn
"...Is it warm outside?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd74wxcCC1
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfKVZJF7jH
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMh8dZdeVKy
"Great!"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83fX7BXkYh
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUq2EHc6Il
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6M7ukin4s
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9wJajo4VU
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTiDRRMLB2
"I just feel...bare without it."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQWMEQz6pZ
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4mCSVbdtr
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAeYl4tbWm
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0J3VBNVl1
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfcWTbX4A7
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSXk0h4mwG
"Okay. I'll be right back."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfBaHUEBHh
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrhsYiptd5
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73x1vAH85F
"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?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKdT0c3CDP
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OD3fmDifl
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr26jE3ubyJ
"...Do you want to learn?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMVMftJPiM
"What's the catch?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e2Zfrunra
"Hmm?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdLUJlUnfv
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdeGEvW87L
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiA0guvqRx
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiJ5TrjoTt
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlyXxZCuwF
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJTXE0Q3Bb
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UZRoa9VnK
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cJ84M4x7f
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBDeqeerNV
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvNvMiLwTh
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRx7IpoVQO
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy8yqqQ4ik
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE0qFMxtmZ
"B-but..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqc0zDL3CT
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60VyP2EtiR
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6zz4YmImI
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFhkO1lrgk
My hands quiver...
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEONx56RNi
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKyfUSHOzQ
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.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWFEp7HMv2
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFlxrTjqq0
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgtyXzs3NX
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QRAvWyv7P
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPknBCRMfn
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPh9fKSwg8
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeRm0lGCvK
"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.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ143wNkhfrg
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.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgpRwvlXgZ
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCGdK58FF1
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ002NaqiGkM
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1KBEzuwG6
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJYgEeZlKk
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tkk6ezFRz
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAElm0ynLg
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVRY6oyDfA
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sD3ydxWY2
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwyucdgKic
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe2rt1i2R9
"...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.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLwOvHr01h
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxfCvC2No4
"I like that one.." I whispered.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdD1ZLSMW0N
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7NXC7psKp
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoURVvCOtlA
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6kGPm8Kxm
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVB5qzuKS6
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIWJ2gsWaD
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUwJsuaaJ0
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuLv6H21yP
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfpwg14Vfn
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13Jz168djV
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpNONDK1Vd
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE4n46Oi4s
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeiKjkh2yZ
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
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"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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and then Add to home screen.