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.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4d2A1m2SgU
"Iris...wake up.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq6Vx9b5t0
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqgiBze8RA
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvWqNaVtyB
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡms3oa7GUyt
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwjXJhq49g
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy3d94di45
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvENC81YLP6
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0qiG9575v
"Why does it matter to you?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5AKnnPGIy
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVVj9j3Cu3
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcrdUg6Sp8
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnM0p2lCNbk
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwksl5rZh9
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLgdtTpt35
"Good. Now let's go.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2ra12nsOg
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtbzFhivyb
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvOBFh3Xgr
"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."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9DR5u2psD
"I am quite famished.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYJbnwOQSt
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LjIEDppDy
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iw2bvZIbd
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJsv5xB8mS
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMpwpyfGYI
"Coming!"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcjpZg9fo8
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL1YmAkGt5
"... What's with all the darkness?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQ1X7QPHYq
"Just a precaution...
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGj4VqomGn
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiHzPSxrXP
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbazsYJB6bL
"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? "
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvdOjibrG9
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.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9zs74m2rP
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIBpU0J6J3
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0jOze0jMu
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8566DLmXxB
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3EgHzBlme
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pQSREixoy
"... Alright.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqhoLR9Fd1
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtbTayvRGY
"Okay..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6uzmClEff
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPjfuxp1gg
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UZ7xGzTOV
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiRmhVvZTu
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtR7hVrGXG
"You are looking somber.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj2CWrC1mP
"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?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjmscJbgOZ
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJ3ddRLKhd
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos6WIvhAn6
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfcPEJKMi5
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Uw0I3ExZc
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1MrgSzjHs
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4imNRV6XZY
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ruOUU5TAM
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmB6201KLC8
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSyxCBGNE9
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9evJs59nX
"Awful, but I can deal."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdz3H9gWkgI
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwOUZ0BaQv
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxLxjlgyKv
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbrMPtqTTG
"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?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlopq9zyyD9
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfJaYkvsct
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqkaKCrAHc
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FDbTfFXYY
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCd3FK6lnI
"See you later, Iris."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSadrWtovt
I pat his head and walk out.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m6gcki4dJ
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad6GglNUff
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK6JECKxNW
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHBKOStY0s
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lnCxnwynZ
"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.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFWK3Qrfvv
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiXmxpo2qR
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoskKxXQXtz
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhVKcIAKOo
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFACpjQdxr
I push the door open. It was pitch black inside, aside from the the curtain's small crack showing the morning sun.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEfzjCpCEY
A draft as soon as I came in...the window was open..
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eVj52BJUa
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv06xv32DHi
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfgEKNCrEW
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRFJa6f2Nv
What happened? I thought to myself.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpk2PWMXNY
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYJCxvMVn1
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.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq02ZfZS68b
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJybIW1ZTm
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTIktiSzJW
"Are you okay?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0Fdm5XhEW
"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..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOREy6WToY
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rVB5LOqs0
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6k2vDsZhO
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApfasC8QlD
I rip the book from his hands.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq2u80do2I
"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."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56eHwweg33
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHM3DnxW3i
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2z1W91ooG
"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.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8hJd9lVTw
"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."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkPMCXzCb9
"...Is it warm outside?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOvcDaHBWt
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb6LJRYWIR
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkyBQQJzeF
"Great!"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5L56F5BmO
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMcS9T5IqS
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfXo3QeQwt
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvqtzbf57m
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskzA0WpsjP
"I just feel...bare without it."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtZ8FtW221
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh495rQmnZP
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XwlG9q30T
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRM0F2gqfW
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZupzaRVrSM
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkdgUNoPAk
"Okay. I'll be right back."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjAXyPaZs7
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHyim4FBDx
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HWAwgvN6Z
"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?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4E3MVwDGJ1
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6zUGtg4XD
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KooOvjYRt
"...Do you want to learn?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWQ9fRNWYh
"What's the catch?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhsothjtaa
"Hmm?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS28oWnMeV
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNGWwcXJPh
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsYTsgCw2q
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hn0hIXbax
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2nlcXREFQ
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvN8DVkCWl
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG33Rd4vaJ
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4qVnzNEP1
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmlpTU12x1
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZy5Wh7pBc
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbl7vO2vM9
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJyFhLveLv
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaCfJOnsK9
"B-but..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs380nEp2x3
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53MIqiFDyk
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcakJvC0Rn
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ21ycRuuBZ
My hands quiver...
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAQi53XpRo
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroEUeZHYrh
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.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NqUpPWykt
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspZbQVUq7Q
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijsgpRStuT
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEoGWGAlwV
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpi5VEeqo0
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PkZ9blrPo
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMTyllrqY5
"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.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXsHx8B2x8
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.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOAbN0Gkie
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl7XVA5wrv
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzsgh59EYv
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTDTGn6XQf
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2489ZZrBj
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdWiUrOB4R
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCoULHGZqm
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTRPH2hRRD
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W5t11SF23
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAr1SFCPze
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEMHt4nkzQ
"...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.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQSwjJaDTx
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiTVJy5FcL
"I like that one.." I whispered.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgojflDNTwA
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkt2MtWjDLt
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdaQ24lh68
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxHMl7CAOR
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUn09CEhCp
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡds3IVPOJNu
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs50q3nCKky
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQufSjFpiY
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG7J3jcyis
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmBOVg6EXo
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPQIdAeqat
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxP6EgVvE4
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQutlKrMyR
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3YrjWHk0o
"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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