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.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZI8kCmDoU
"Iris...wake up.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWhQGpDvxX
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVaFcDQbZg
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9mRKsgZSJ
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOTtmAZSnB
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuu3eWcjkZV
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DENw6Fvzg
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YYnq8KdqT
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40JzR7a3gm
"Why does it matter to you?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW6j5Atnwj
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDgpTphBxZ
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fr04v2wnK
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nZSRzobos
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8v6FzxKMt
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDSDjM7B6J
"Good. Now let's go.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIJmfmWUy8
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNnrHQnGjk
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94cXWg5Bv1
"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."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HH0ulbdKs
"I am quite famished.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe8E65i1dQ
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF06aLvtrcD
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KaPOp3D5o
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0kMmIA7M1
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqyDvpM0I3
"Coming!"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPBCdi6RId
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuKdAkPjV1
"... What's with all the darkness?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHPu2h82Ge
"Just a precaution...
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vNmvRiFKO
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLZ4qo1AVA
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKkgRGKEf5
"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? "
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCmodehsO8
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.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTlLhLmlS4
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHE6VmSV6V
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAco9mMhdpJ
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlc0YEyWod
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ52tD4ZGlu
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMZ8xNFxUH
"... Alright.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRQaHeJ6Ae
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxdm9WzfEg
"Okay..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByGt526Usy
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtitABEoJF
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvMP2R6b5v
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW1GxeX3dL
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp333LpGfS
"You are looking somber.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJtAEBCPbj
"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?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8abQPFiVs3
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRQGvoiksk
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6Lucj56uj
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91LGObnF3S
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEV9zXJBuB
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtm69sLxvrt
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqJb5HfWGN
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Gi0tO3cmF
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdV6xJpu7H
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBZQRC2Xkw
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI83Sp9anU
"Awful, but I can deal."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE089UEOTYj
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgNhg6w7Q3
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTAqhgkgmp
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HTPKFLnV4
"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?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1tRWllWul
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59i7sKVN4d
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHqZ7LXOUs
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPbFvTqt1Q
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8yrAMVZ1L
"See you later, Iris."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4enNEjSvk
I pat his head and walk out.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3pimTXlew
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RgwUHgtBT
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0zdjkFHGa
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDCFXQBSPX
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvOsQFIrE5
"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.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DSODq20R5
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaZYVK4mg2
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslXw99Wnmn
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMM06tJw4M
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..
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSvEAXBWvb
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTPTLCyc6K
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IwtATkSPY
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzoHIgna0M
What happened? I thought to myself.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L8Afd3Xdk
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zXPBsnW7A
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.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNPoIvfAi7
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb0Sole6KP
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOfHERzsqA
"Are you okay?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSf8UQCzBjf
"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..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEuswfrvUy
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLIYdwDCoA
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1A7QCjnf5
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBwF5IUPY6
I rip the book from his hands.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidZ9lInqRO
"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."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsS5Gwxzt9
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKaVqQ3aOW
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvPw6QuCJR
"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.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08KCDFsJwx
"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."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyTmX630j8
"...Is it warm outside?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktuxRULkNp
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAARu4T3SMw
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13TbDs8XAt
"Great!"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1PS4OPTME
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Oma92Sy2r
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UgQpCQTit
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB5hbneY5o
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgOJtj9tXh
"I just feel...bare without it."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdQZZLmWLJ
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvikohUZSZ
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMg7Hz2Kij
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Yzq8iQmPm
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAWUSjEqbn
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9DKVnRoTz
"Okay. I'll be right back."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnuZ6XgAdk
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmO8xIP5ylg
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
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"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?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49Y4dGqn7N
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTf1r3QEZ8h
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwtBbJ7aFc
"...Do you want to learn?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV72cNysYXI
"What's the catch?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6N4CYEPaD
"Hmm?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzhThg5kVg
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPEFvlqEps
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eheyvcLOD
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9Aqzj4TYh
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcv5KOuOQd
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRRulYlutm
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv38t9vG7vY
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinb0tb7jxG
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡds9qMEjvbE
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kRK56xo9u
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6oxIrSmis
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9yXZy63km
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jXCjDypR5
"B-but..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaXzSTpodg
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5LNYjNaxi
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU320NRyUtB
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AXMcwuvFC
My hands quiver...
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyinbZPE4k
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImlbLdLRNJ
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.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRImtgZS3qW
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne7hlDGgT2
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVwb658Eoy
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZZu72HawU
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm4kXwNnnl
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlHIJXgwlR
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkFkYCP0wr
"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.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdmDTfwGtA
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.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHyOKmeyAr
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2al8EQyAXA
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHsDhmN9sF
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDSP1B9Nxm
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuLhHH4cqq
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfqduuuXsn
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x7f2q0wsZ
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60pGUsGi9K
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlw7da052Q
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXTg2cbQyL
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod8YJR1yHl
"...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.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZABS7Nbht
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08RcJZoS8f
"I like that one.." I whispered.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOa9ZH9wPy
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHwE25LZXs
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel8qY1UeTb
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjI9LHvPRZ
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnMDnLw5z5
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpziTJamtFi
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVNAnQmkSy
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVADOs2uTxu
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA2erK05nH
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOauUTkmnsv
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO58maNGVD3
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL3mddLEWM
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SnuzutjFu
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
299Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGod9SC1Su
"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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