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.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43GwVGbTDa
"Iris...wake up.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb1CooibQX
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.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSyjEOnDNR
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
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"Well, why didn't you open it?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWkinxsWIS
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IDcV1mLk2
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DmxUwdFqA
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRdzFiTP76
"Why does it matter to you?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfz1BOnreb
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYe38MDnq2
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK8OeoBCGy
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X6i2zTzlW
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFaQTn54yj
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtPXbYI5J6
"Good. Now let's go.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy9MBMqpTL
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPCtVbgs7q
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyK6XeyjJx
"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."
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"I am quite famished.."
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"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ToRExbtGa
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVapP9JdUgY
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIASEq6w5bz
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfMMurpGPh
"Coming!"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj9TZJWgap
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM98ef9k3q4
"... What's with all the darkness?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5itvYNi5J
"Just a precaution...
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9o57r9ImD
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69NUYEvN53
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLb0ZsPLJqO
"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? "
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW3wBurBBS
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.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCtSwLqJ94
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlKaWWJhBt
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ikFJjZ7iV
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbP3xrqgRb
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNku5tnPQp
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFUj3pl4MK
"... Alright.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcywVKNKBPx
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbb7WT4CP46
"Okay..."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgf5iReTHG
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdqavIWyot
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcurtJLhHoz
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7z3dNwZnS
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
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"You are looking somber.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyer6Q9jJw
"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?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0js5x0ytj
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jnKOL3mhR
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgdc18QeTA
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8yPUGsPnM
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNDh9eR9Z7
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofwHOZQtUV
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPKAHdoJhq
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvJsZjk61c
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1tVsjhKhS
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr3L6rFJLw
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPswDtgsb6y
"Awful, but I can deal."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD01vucG03P
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6XMl7mjT8
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHTwxv6VYi
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYF51ZGyxv
"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?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltaCDQl0Ap
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7dF05ivSu
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndikj0yGaf
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JMDnLhsox
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSZdCbgRKC
"See you later, Iris."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctDsYqvLTG
I pat his head and walk out.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqINHhgTwg6
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlgWtgz8Ok
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfYKQc5zSn
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wuR03qdN5
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTaqnEXCiE
"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.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27PVVmttE5
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJKpVaSbba
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqRBpbnTHC
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
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Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
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I push the door open. It was pitch black inside, aside from the the curtain's small crack showing the morning sun.
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A draft as soon as I came in...the window was open..
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3FGeSCp7a
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbTAcufZLc
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOpAy534Jr
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
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What happened? I thought to myself.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8Ym9cvct8
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCmOUbRVRv
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.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ089ej4ByYW
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNr6N0cdxr
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFfBQIYsPE
"Are you okay?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdYxkpdQMX
"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..."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbfu8UMtps
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtviWhPuYtE
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdum4dnKhcA
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
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I rip the book from his hands.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ010G0Guu
"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."
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I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2vZl6rU0l
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUU0c5Ll9K
"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.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS14gX1MxmT
"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."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DYVgDfoK3
"...Is it warm outside?"
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"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrYe1U2l4a
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvRI8ViV6E
"Great!"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ibasNBDoH
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0A52sBzefF
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJT423jKe2
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E0PlA9Sxz
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJVvS06rIt
"I just feel...bare without it."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquWRU0suyf
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstfjmMQSfG
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeEzueM1rc
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWUxrrZE0A
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPC2lcuK0Y
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg1NW7af8L
"Okay. I'll be right back."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59Vp36eMqz
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2oik3Azo2
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMUUAIddMY
"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?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IaNSRJOmz
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBSoiXx3K7
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszGumBVrFU
"...Do you want to learn?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sIMsq9hVt
"What's the catch?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJRBZAh4Of
"Hmm?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvsvYprqmy
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnddvWPfaWW
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjplwfnJ69
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TaJPWvBQa
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK5UQCalBT
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLU8yHrAP1
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7OcZGsvEQ
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuHJRp3hYO
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ590sZJT3yB
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KxCa9Y6V7
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
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"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PlYDpD67i
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx8Jk2MWxY
"B-but..."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKSYmg2pfW
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJEVJj1TCc
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w23ZUbAmB
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKmmsAntnB
My hands quiver...
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAnahmjEQV
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8bk6jpmn0
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.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUPLALiIiq
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2BhF2w40q
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQlkNKh0VO
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlr9gkd7ehs
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHWfiJFuoG
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlieohO8ciS
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2coRszBevq
"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.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePFqnpRTHX
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.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgc27WrIt0
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwk3ZB3LRHG
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LQ9IORI0q
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfuUdbswar
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnSBosEhV4
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa26Ld0T10
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMxq0q0mX0
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3nn9qIsvi
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVTcd91Vxs
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqcP3peSLD
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxPsMalKW7
"...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.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRKzltHIRk
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbhueiVuRT
"I like that one.." I whispered.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQThpfM1ncv
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CaGWMMWpb
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdCQZvmszo
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbRBodglzY
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmnMhqEFwx
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIbrsJQR8m
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvmr936q8M
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOLtxivUDv
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eFUTbVwGy
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWpScG9Qa0
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMoVKX9NJv
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU8Tk0fCpM
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfymC4KWbX
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
373Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxVHa4k69G
"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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