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.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79hinCIKpt
"Iris...wake up.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGS5IK05Zx
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Dwjc3dpLi
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnthQHR2k8
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqdbhn55x2
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItW6X3ZgwG
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPg5FBhSQP
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZwoXC0aI4
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIHuz2M17e
"Why does it matter to you?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXwRFNoNhr
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zXZRiqW7g
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6976QxvjIh
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGol73o559G
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZHOJkfHvM
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7pKac07jf
"Good. Now let's go.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj88M2ROrsn
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W2X4nXvph
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnsNZUwkiS
"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."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSbR096xJa
"I am quite famished.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDGYaOKPTJ
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3NZC7cwHs
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1zDGKLdOY
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2M1utxhrA
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKuGH9oYXA
"Coming!"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPSouAFmVE
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYifdrOqng
"... What's with all the darkness?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo43zIqt43
"Just a precaution...
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV00O2JifxL
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0ClKYT5bM
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAF4vhGJABL
"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? "
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ818G0UkMTm
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.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1rWzhZmZY
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZLqb0lQsO
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDucfoYdbgy
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTdOqFMcpf
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0CbSM3zwo
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy1tXyQXET
"... Alright.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FZLwUGn2V
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBAAF94top
"Okay..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbvxxueHyX
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJBaZDcOkc
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8wTHwwCZe
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB9AeuiKDU
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7awXL63cD
"You are looking somber.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ7u8WmNK2
"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?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZjfrC9M1r
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcw7UFGDnDI
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb4rrHn8mt
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNI3QdS5lz
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuJHJNXL6C
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznPx6Zm1qZ
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTtTvob27O
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS7uSeWHS9
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYtjiQlRGk
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlwXI5J79q
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbU5mofRHjp
"Awful, but I can deal."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo8XOd9mn6
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2QLd4XWoe
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssmuhggaUM
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rGbesBCmv
"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?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2MvuGvlld
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2Hvv193Kk
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtU0QwgOQ0W
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGRnRM7cFz
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6RmkTsqQD
"See you later, Iris."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2918D8HhbZ
I pat his head and walk out.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgfOkfIbx4
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y1gYwvoCF
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1VPWGutGk
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuUsBfSvsr
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFAw9ocC25
"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.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT9C0aITN8
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBrnLni6Xi
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpMWaNYet3
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXarJLtHWR
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMTPqltH0Z
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..
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjZcmvloz0
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXTaQaUDYW
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VE4QZpzyR
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCobdHvtKS
What happened? I thought to myself.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PRBRBMwBL
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IhgP1s1PS
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.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFog6zKvtPE
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzDV9TZGzT
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFmu85Kffe
"Are you okay?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeHRMkV24w
"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..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcpFMXXj9M
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK1ohlwFWP
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tv0RD9sME
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonFrngkxmf
I rip the book from his hands.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxBSc98cAy
"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."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMCSIgaJtO
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWWipB7W3R
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU78URlkKcg
"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.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCwjYvK7JM
"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."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp5SqGAZuZ
"...Is it warm outside?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1voUkkgGD
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0ymP7dMQu
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxfrFjjrpj
"Great!"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm0roV83k6
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC0pkCMihl
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiAfPnn3DN
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALnGs0bkUM
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNDBtMdYW5
"I just feel...bare without it."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5HMUB0i10
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4ea23Nuok
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyoeCEkDi1
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEhlns8HVN
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw69GlZuDiF
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ERzEg61My
"Okay. I'll be right back."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eZ6zsJg2v
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5ZBdQLHcK
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjW0tJO3Iw
"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?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYXkPvvpYI
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUlUTDY7kN
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBco6E36l5K
"...Do you want to learn?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s1ydyATqO
"What's the catch?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzCyAzNPnS
"Hmm?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlH4VwHafMx
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmNabze83v
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0qfBvyptI
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7byZR45FCN
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivDgJWzi9A
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszKtthE1Hf
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6fnFbpghH
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7NYd4UBDN
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwUPorg3er
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4E7q6WIOKg
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTLgqbBGQi
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs6YSe5dP4
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoBtIeO1mG
"B-but..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3PiYDxKPp
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNSX6MGqxv
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpFSAf9Q4J
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0h1CvAixu
My hands quiver...
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg37FPU9Vz
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefJHkblFrn
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.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2cQIkMzug
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDIHrSBeW6
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNG8XTfWgS
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJlufhD3bk
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjUUyC7foP
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5uyd2FcqD
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEGhfezfeQ
"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.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8aazGaQC6
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.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK568prrxHF
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1MX7dNuuh
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi45Ri6FOo6
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCA0l1Pf51
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgKqUywdWZ
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo0ijL7fTX
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjgCOLGQGV
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzntVyjVgLd
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFNc4ln3sh
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22sUr3JGeS
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9Ra19VY8F
"...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.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmodNVmFZw
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uTyuUnDtK
"I like that one.." I whispered.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87b5jjL1wa
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTk9dSqhdT
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ikI1P9u2A
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1osgsfSh3
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAId7ssGgyB
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjkgpHsgCM
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLmgdmHnzT
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aCdr2z2pD
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8AguaYncM
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC4MAvQqkP
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0eJjdLWY0
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDkkqoicAK
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0Mh76cDmz
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
326Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAd1TgOx0N
"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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