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.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4moxhRTt2t
"Iris...wake up.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJOouT1zIC
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
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"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzwuDJm6lI
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hc1zlmKvT
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmtwqwfauF
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCHUV2xeYj
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6InQ4YSqB
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvxzD69Cxt
"Why does it matter to you?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv08SK6zc8M
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98PytsQa1o
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarlFPihcvb
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6rqQztIIU
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE0sdbXOtd
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWkoooiNdu
"Good. Now let's go.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqerPaPbgmj
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5VSE7Vfry
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk8LVmybTN
"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."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgLgl849pS
"I am quite famished.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5ihVtmgTu
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaoeUNOWFL
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLYiaJlZUo
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBlh9eFGpm
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7l94BKvni
"Coming!"
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Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjBwU5jvet
"... What's with all the darkness?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rL0uLiAJh
"Just a precaution...
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtioQQRUqa
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi7DXRptup
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRlPRtU3Ei
"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? "
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPZXRTFXV9
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.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ518iZ1XGJ
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzRXgAgPji
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZAuc3UGPF
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡev9KPIl5Rf
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSyVUinml3
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrKPPaPXmJ
"... Alright.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCcFBH7gpU
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtD5Nonl5s
"Okay..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxHNnQlTPk
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM2KdnzUpq
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwT7UyXYML
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvdI71lWDA
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexdW9C8Ptr
"You are looking somber.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj0UkiTjID
"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?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWBtA8kzja
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmTKe7xdkX
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7y950BxDD
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP9xoDKTFA
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2Hx1YPyXP
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ng62mQ1za
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYFyR5tsaI
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpOEEkZAkq
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNllQdnCtP
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSveq4gOLN
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNeiv1ap4L
"Awful, but I can deal."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeN3FOgLPiZ
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrcdZbUhoD
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu2uOzkcjc
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsfRHNFoPA
"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?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFt5TDHmtO
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSKnkBJuBu
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqfU1QpGKY
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TjGRSL6rM
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTIdOEGq0k
"See you later, Iris."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAYFPL6BR6
I pat his head and walk out.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPPiaeKkdG
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KHRvLcIk9
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZIaVEUMTu
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXNemsvelp
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrMUvTC7N5
"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.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI555oYaSh
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhDz1SnXJr
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty1R5pO04m
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwePm9YUdk6
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuyk5rkBUT
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..
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01Asv7w15K
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHe0qRNKnD
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM87FiH5hTj
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCiFo7AVu3
What happened? I thought to myself.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskrzHjRNhb
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9xtEQ7byx
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.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRmWRow03T
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fdoU6dmd9
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY0ghCO5UJ
"Are you okay?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkyDiTefDK
"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..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYpWBipWfi
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjcfCcs1qc
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOruiT7aklR
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuxxsqK19l
I rip the book from his hands.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVmbDrT2rZ
"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."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIIAAxmx0o
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg3ugnyPiG
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDfilPMrJv
"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.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBIcEBmuul
"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."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ11WsRP8D
"...Is it warm outside?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBk5Kg4o7u
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7WyKnqaWM
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD7DEgx7vB
"Great!"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cjmOoA2q1
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxe9hq2cI7
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtasfk2exSZ
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31nuNGsaIS
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBJzJQsyQO
"I just feel...bare without it."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TtaVnbgv2
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3z6A2E8uu
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWq68BU6PR
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYblRs0J4Qf
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVsiEfVuk1
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwW0yqDqW3T
"Okay. I'll be right back."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa58Imak4y
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuCyc42IoI
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JuUsBRDI4
"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?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMRXfPtrNE
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyn8HgB3oa
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu45rGFE6OC
"...Do you want to learn?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBXQBNo5K6
"What's the catch?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVzM8uQaio
"Hmm?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7ieUV8kBq
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDe1xdrGyO
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyulDAdfXL
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3kfTFSg47
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcHETMu9rL
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl9ULMCgtA
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoUsSJn98C
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ0QGqwCKk
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi666O33oU9
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66rwmWCuP2
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTXpYwpY7T
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYScnxQ4otu
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8bvWY1AOC
"B-but..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYZhAzxT1Z
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCVf86n3TI
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe2y1Lc7cO
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSwUkBtnGX
My hands quiver...
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwk1pAYIRZN
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaG08JLIL4
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.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAcxWbQt8j
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFDuM6b776
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6HFgsQ4Ba
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtiVcwJzLX
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnpSzaGhNj
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEByQiMspO
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4PS9o7kQI
"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.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuLfck7xg6
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.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1COnIbflq
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIcylYAkyQ
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJusAMYcwyC
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GH4hW9XJY
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJumuVQI9Q
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKBSyQtNWk
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Q8KvBcT4C
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0AEWBUITZ
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgYujOnqc9
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0PV4V9r8k
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jZpRAj3zF
"...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.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fhFWBZLdk
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpQtgW8U0L
"I like that one.." I whispered.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeGrFrvq1c
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOic6fD9PN
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGSPG8K6OO
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgEiilfEBg
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpJn90ZkLn
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2MdAuN8B6
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgPc7C6Fib
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvtIjS8eTK
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTGCUP5ZLf
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLDLiYOO2q
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FndebVl31
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuoIXxQfys
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdYFfedEr1
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
345Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgIBlqbvST
"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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