While we began circling one another, Mom set up a barrier to keep the others safe from the after effects of the attacks.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAR8JGjTPVfv
Ecluna, with her Ecliptic energy, makes herself a weapon, before dashing towards me.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAl27FjMmbjT
With my spear, I managed to block the first attack, before dodging another. Ecluna continues to giggle as she continues to attack. Finally, I landed a stunning blow on Ecluna. I could feel the Eclipse grow weaker.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAkKDpWjQKrk
I glance towards Arelin, Jake and the others. I felt a warm feeling when I saw the turned become more normal.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAntD2q8N2zQ
Ecluna suddenly throws herself onto me, landing blow after blow right into my stomach.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAF6g2sWekyR
I feel the pain burn within my entire body as her attacks grow stronger.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAcbYn02kflp
Pushing her away, I return with my own barrage of attacks. I painfully get up with steady legs, but I just couldn't help but to make sure the others were okay.
411Please respect copyright.PENANABeNQU9L4UZ
"Iris, don't tell me you're holding back to make sure your friends are okay..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAfllPtNLTCb
Despite her large decrease in power, Ecluna's grip around my throat was tight.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAye9CLV57JP
"What's the matter? Have you already given up on fighting back?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAY6ZPcAaIr2
"T-That's e-enough.. Ecluna.." Arelin says through clenched teeth.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAIs7dPrEdRk
"Hmm? Did you say something Arelin?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAGYZZKocN2M
She floats closer towards him.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAdVGAPsfOPq
"D-don't...hurt her.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAtEQWXDrBaz
"...Jeez, I'll need to be quick if I wanna keep you."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAPNlojxJCaq
Then, she turns back to me.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAe9N1ZkU59U
"Hopefully I can kill you before he changes back.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAkwYz1tv1de
She charges up another magic to attack me with, but I didn't move, because I was trying to help Arelin snap out of it.
Arelin was switching back and forth through forms, as if..this nightmare was finally coming to an end.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAqFtUOWKWv8
The last sliver of the Eclipse had to be charged up in it's final form.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAIsTJOiGBBj
"Consider this a final message. If I can't kill you..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAicSSYKL9ip
She immediately points the attack towards the others.
"Then I'll just kill them, and kill you from the inside!"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAB40zBUWdvd
The attack fired, the maroon beam of Eclipsian magic tearing straight into the area where they were.
411Please respect copyright.PENANATGvGog4vFt
Ecluna didn't change her expression, her eyes never moved off of the area until the dust clouds cleared.
411Please respect copyright.PENANApgVsDPOtsu
...A familiar, ancient aura became apparent.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAfEXl8LXXv0
When I looked behind me, I noticed someone was standing next to Mom while she held a pendant in the air.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAdAUJa9GXaE
"...Iset. It has been too long..." she says under her breath.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAth2MmVbbBp
"Now is not the time for salutations. You have summoned me to aid you in battle..."
The woman returns, hovering only slightly off of the ground.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAZ8bIhuUPFB
They were safe, luckily, the barrier that shielded them had barely a scratch.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAxcEZhAiugp
"Do not fret, Iris. She is weakened enough to where she can be subdued."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAaehxuHRAQ1
"Subdue me? When she's barely touched me?"
Ecluna taunts again. "If you want her to die so bad, I'll always make it quick.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANA5TdAckTc2Q
A scythe appears in her hand, as she brandishes it towards the bright red sky.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAHasnGwXjti
Slowly, I can feel my own form become more distant. Had my power begun to run out too?
411Please respect copyright.PENANAymjLbFPdRG
I put up my own weapon, but suddenly I dropped it, and shook my head.
411Please respect copyright.PENANA5gXslJkzhA
"Again...your funeral.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAOPsWJk93Yl
Ecluna dashes straight for my chest, but once again, someone saves me.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAiy2kCwf0hB
"...Rest now. You've done your task, Araginee."
Ciaran calmly says, cradling me. I let my true Darken form disappear. A great weight had been lifted from my chest as I grew tired.
411Please respect copyright.PENANA2mNiAtZb5x
However, that sense of tranquility was short lived, as suddenly Ciaran was shot out of the air with a sudden beam of energy.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAg7aolct7qa
"Of course you try to take my kill away from me, Ciaran!"
Ecluna says angrily.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAL4m0yQp5dl
"I cherish her enough to put myself in danger."
411Please respect copyright.PENANA9h97yMBGnd
"...Okay then, one last deal..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAxM41fGcgym
Ciaran preciously plants another kiss upon my head and handing me to a confused Arelin, and by this point, I had already started to close my eyes.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAmnJCAJJ60v
"I-Iris...you have to stay awake."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAUbn6grxC8d
I open my eyes again. "Why?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANATnXpjtOwlQ
He stops to think for a moment.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAYpdaDYByPl
"I'm n-not sure why but... just stay awake... it's b-better if you stay awake.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANA0d3Y0MUy6P
I nod. "Alright... I'll try.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANA6wN9d9X7VZ
I listen to the conversation between Ciaran and Ecluna.
411Please respect copyright.PENANArsND2ydxCD
"Well, what is this deal of yours?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAvAYAASTpSP
"Easy. Iris' safety in return of you."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAWPTrRt3LI4
"You want to kill me in return for Iris' life? I am usually not very greedy, but I have a lot to live for.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAfTOULPd37W
"No no, I meant..." Ecluna pulls another transforming orb. "I get to keep you."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAx7D9xhPOrk
"...That is something...interesting.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANALvD7tUyorT
"So, deal or no deal?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAez7D20BlWT
Ciaran steps forward and removes his cape.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAcdf6KrADfZ
"I will accept. Only if Arelin and Jake are released from your grasp.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAcuiQ1JLloT
"Less fun, but a deal's a deal.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANApP7Ra3LGe9
Ecluna calls on the powers of the eclipse, as Arelin and Jake dropped to the ground, but their appearance had changed back to normal.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAxFpo3ZeFZy
The two orbs used to transform them was brought into one, and Ecluna held it as it flared brilliantly.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAWLX3xjlx7L
"This is where I will say farewell for now."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAvoqnwlY6wm
Ecluna pushes the orb into his chest. I almost felt like puking as Ciaran's eyes began to blur. The transformation began to happen again..
411Please respect copyright.PENANAGzKCXejhcZ
Ciaran stood up, examining himself.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAPSFi2Yeo8N
"Isn't that a little better?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANARnx7qMju71
"It is...exhilarating."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAwnTqPUn6pd
"Good good. How about we give that power a little test run, shall we?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAa4Ryx9TAD2
"With pleasure..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAGcZ2PDYKdq
Ciaran direction went straight to me. With no more of my energy readily available, I let him pull me from the ground with both of my wrists in his hands. He leans closer to my face and then...
411Please respect copyright.PENANAKWBg41MxJo
He starts to laugh. His laughing becomes so hysterical, I almost couldn't help but laugh with him. But... what was so funny?
411Please respect copyright.PENANAmyVP0WhC7g
"Ecluna, Ecluna, Ecluna...you poor soul. It seems you have misunderstood..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAvENxr0h9Yk
He lets me go, turning back into his original form.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAfGzaZ1nbMa
"I have no bloodline. I made out of the essence of darkness itself. I cannot be Eclipsian by any means.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAeVufKtnTOw
"...Well, I guess that's it then..."
She shrugs. "I have no more power to throw at you.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAWncfNG9TZO
The eclipse disappears from the sky, leaving dawn in it's place. Ecluna returns back to normal, with the small change of red tips at the ends of Ecluna's hair. Ecluna blinks, as if everything that has happened... disappeared from her mind without a trace.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAgJbLt851Ll
"W-what happened?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANARv51CFKEAE
"...Take a look for yourself." Jake says, dusting himself off.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAQkxeI8WekL
Ecluna looks around. "D-did I do this?! What did I-..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAy4p6Ax3T71
The injuries she has sustained during the battle came as she started to cough up large amounts of blood. I was so worried about her, I had forgotten about my own blood running down my face.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAuMRcfZtjMm
I stumbled towards her.
411Please respect copyright.PENANA1cAg0ua7i2
"Iris, stop! D-don't hurt yourself more!"
She cried.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAds1w3xUdj4
"I have to make sure you're okay too.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANATbFyT7wExe
"Don't worry about me, I'm fine-..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAYzaP9EkPxL
More blood spills from her mouth. "I'm okay, just...stay where you are.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAP5TUU6Zd2U
"We have to get both of you to a hospital."
Arelin states. "The severity of your injuries could be fatal if they aren't treated."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAB8lCgmT2qm
Arelin scoops Ecluna from the ground, while Ciaran does the same for me. That was the last thing I remember before finally giving into my tiredness.
411Please respect copyright.PENANADp42bsmGCC
***
I see everyone else staring back at me. I was back at home, snuggled under my quilt on my bed.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAFgvJ8SdFfo
"Hello everyone..." I croak.
411Please respect copyright.PENANA6aLtPavepi
Everyone lets out a sigh of relief.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAtYHmogbcSi
"Thank goodness you're alright." My mom says.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAsOEkmpdLWg
"...How long has it been?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAC8mByjR6XE
Jake gives my head a pat.
"A good four days. Ms. Ikura patched you up pretty good though..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANALIBDgdhIUw
I jump up, only to be met with discomfort and dizziness. I had to stumble back into a sitting position.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAZvLJFNXkax
"...Is Ecluna okay?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAgXACQwpx0f
"She's disappeared, we have no idea where she could've gone..." Soluna says somberly.
"She was asleep at one point, and then the next...she wasn't there..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAl7c9ojm2Kl
Mom rubs her shoulder, comforting her.
"We've sent your father and uncle to find her, Iris. The best thing you can do is rest.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANARHfROFppc3
"And you better rest too.." Aluise added.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAq7royCO868
I nod. "Okay.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANADFkZZJkRyc
I begin to shuffle back into bed, resting my head against the frame.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAbwikoEkC7c
"You're heading back to bed?" Jake says, sitting back in a chair.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAw19b7sffMJ
I nod my head again.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAo8Q1Xn0Oiq
"You're not even gonna eat first?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAJzuKHTbF41
"I am...a little hungry..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANA4RkD24gOP6
"I think Arelin is making something..said he was waiting for you to wake up."
411Please respect copyright.PENANATjfiQSSgAj
"Could you call him here for a minute then?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAcKbPPT3wsS
"... Alright." he gets back up from the chair with a slight limp and leaves. In a few seconds, Arelin was in the doorframe.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAgYg58j2NZB
"...I'm sorry if I distracted you.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAemR7sDECLt
"It's fine. It's just about done right now."
411Please respect copyright.PENANASXROFJHfgN
"Ah, alright then.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAaALPCNEuY5
"...Ciaran was asleep behind you earlier, but I'm not sure where he could've went.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANANer0JHMOuh
I pull back the quilt again, where Ciaran was sleeping comfortably underneath.
411Please respect copyright.PENANA3DYwXYfOWL
"I found him.." I say, pulling him towards me.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAaYFk7NmNSe
Ciaran wakes up when I do this, but promptly shuffles even closer.
411Please respect copyright.PENANA9wsG3xijjQ
"This is the calmest I've ever seen him..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAUCzVJ0RQja
"...I'll be right back. You must be hungry..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAyMcd39ciKb
"I'm starving! Bring back something really good okay?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAVgTe1Gjfac
A smirk appears on his face.
"Alright.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANACIyd9s4OGP
As soon as he leaves, Ciaran wakes up.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAI9TWo1adCE
"You are...awake..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAMogdigu6Qr
"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. I just needed to rest a bit.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANA90xBOfZqiC
Arelin comes back with a steaming plate.
"It's not much, but it should be enough with some bread.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANABJh1cpouWi
He places the plate in front of me, before sitting on the bed beside me. I slowly pick up the fork and start eating.
411Please respect copyright.PENANA3S3dxI3KnA
Afterwards, the sleepiness started to come back. I yawned as my body starts to slide underneath the quilt more and more.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAFFxh3RugHk
"You're going back to sleep?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANARl1x5yUdWn
"Mhm...I want to be up bright and early tomorrow."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAeBEKvpQdfE
Arelin gets up, taking the empty dish from my almost unresponsive hands.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAPrawu7ZKuX
"I will...check on you in the morning then.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAAgDctYKCkF
He turns off the lights and shuts the door. I slowly closed my eyes, and I drifted off to sleep.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAbHPNVZefMA
The next morning, I felt refreshed. Getting up from bed, I stretch and walk to my mirror.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAyvh3kSsl65
A sudden weight almost pulled me off my feet. As I struggled to stand up, I look at the mirror to see...
411Please respect copyright.PENANA5ZXnyn9t4B
"Good morning, Araginee..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANA6iXKC8xz1D
"Ciaran!"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAYMWjz9Cha2
Ciaran held onto my shoulders and tried his best to hold on to my back while I tried to remove him.
411Please respect copyright.PENANArxhGaMklCa
"Get off of me! You're too heavy!"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAfN3ORpnu0O
"You seem to be holding me just fine.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAypQDHhuKqd
I sighed heavily. "I don't want to carry you around!"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAeeEtoMDYai
We have a wrestle for a bit. Eventually, I gave into his ways and let him stay there.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAMVVhI34Dkj
"How was your sleep?" he asked.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAa1cASKYZ7H
I stumble to the hallway. "It was fine. You were taking up all the bed space though.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAwP6oUCxt3T
I go into the kitchen, where Uncle Damien was asleep on the couch, and Mom and Dad sitting and drinking a cup of coffee together while Arelin made breakfast.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAzr3WJMlPu3
"Good morning, Iris." Mom greeted, before giving Ciaran an untrusting, mean glare. "And Ciaran..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANASZrQhJwvv6
Ciaran responds. "Good morning to you too.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANABCC2hX5lqK
Uncle Damien woke up in an attacking stance. I couldn't help but snicker a little at his expression, but I also had to feel a little sympathetic.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAZSOdCRQydr
"Did you have a nightmare, Uncle Damien?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAeW7vutnDLE
Walking over to him, I give him a grin. "If you keep thinking about stressful stuff, you'll never get any sleep.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAhLn43wXnNY
He responds by tiredly turning around while mumbling and returning to sleep.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAsNUSgcQyXv
"That grumpy older brother of mine won't even smile a little for his only niece.."
Mom smirked and shook her head.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAkN0bCKvVEI
"Arelin! Iris!"
411Please respect copyright.PENANApPKPwy6RTD
Someone comes running into my arms, but quickly, from the long, almost midnight colored hair, I immediately knew who it was.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAzXgIiJmNOP
"Hey, Alena!"
411Please respect copyright.PENANA60uJgf2yh0
"I came as soon as I heard. Are you feeling alright?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAAIb3jLzC6Y
I assure her that I was feeling fine. "Yep! I'm doing really well!"
411Please respect copyright.PENANA464WcCmoMN
"Good!"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAqnEZjxgXWh
Alena then turns her attention to Ciaran, who I was still carrying.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAgmKHXQZv8g
"Huh? Why is he here?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAwLGJjIAuBE
"He decided it was a good idea to ride around with me today..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAf0c52bKCUh
Ciaran only snickered mischievously.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAmnqzdPb04u
"I sadly haven't been able to remove him yet.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAmzbFKN4QUM
Alena playfully flicks his nose.
"I think he's cute. He's like a little baby."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAi7y38bKKfk
"You compare me to a child?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAD0D25fDwOh
"Admit it, you can't go anywhere without Iris."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAeMo0K3r8Sx
A weight was lifted from my back as Ciaran jumps off to lend Alena a stare.
411Please respect copyright.PENANA6Cckzg0nXY
"A-Ah! He's quick to anger!"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAOvZHYM8xkO
"Do not belittle me, Alena."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAROdYdAMDIg
"Hehe, belittle." She punned. Arelin laughs as well.
411Please respect copyright.PENANASCKrDufb7V
"Why you..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAkXsKbUrkTP
Before Ciaran could get a hold of her neck, I pull him back. "Alright Ciaran, no need to get all snippy."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAx83bUHS7rO
He slips back behind me.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAtRiZLSrXvp
"That...girl..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANA8SAzIiDOig
"Don't worry, she's just messing with you."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAD0V0I9ooUN
"...Her presence now pesters me to no end.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAv3QVdUnzb5
I sigh. "You're a lot of work, you know that?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAdG6qbq5fyN
He rests his chin on my shoulder.
"Am I?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAiZzqItnpDy
"...No, not really. Not anymore."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAqK8sB2P8Up
"Perfect. Then I will never leave your side."
411Please respect copyright.PENANA2QZih9IEuy
I immediately regretted the words I said earlier, as I realized he wasn't going to let me go.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAXQtfQoPfUT
I had to walk around with Ciaran all day, having small talk every other hour or so. Once the sky became a deep blue, I had found a comforting aura within the Darken as he slept.
411Please respect copyright.PENANACWeJN7SE1w
I took him to bed, and about to head there myself, when someone knocked on my room window.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAwcLPKLhHPH
I quickly cover Ciaran up with the quilt and walk to the window. I slowly unlock and open it, where a piece of the night jumped into my room.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAtTP7kmXfVn
"Hey Iris..."
411Please respect copyright.PENANA6qz4kquOef
Ecluna was still wrapped up in the old bandages.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAZY5E9POJDu
"Ecluna?! We've been looking for you! Where have you been?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANA9wK88gVE2M
"I was only doing what I promised.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANALIJ23Y1Irr
I lead her to the edge of the bed to sit, and rests her head on my shoulder.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAhsGF6UwLSK
"I didn't want you to leave. I just wanted my friend back. That's why I pushed as hard as I did."
411Please respect copyright.PENANA8yhVkvt1YN
"...I understand how destructive I can be under influence of the Eclipse."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAsFxrPneB3K
"As do I with my new Darken forms.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAYQtTMzGCet
She sadly chuckled. "...If only I had your mental strength.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANABNI0wg7iuP
"...It's getting late. Do you still want to leave?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAqvU9FgZL0v
Ecluna was weighing her options. After a confusing thought, finally, she came to a conclusion.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAqlew4aDH4c
"...I'll have to think about it."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAJprbxgnF8s
"Then you can stay here for the night." I threw her a pillow and pointed towards the closet."
411Please respect copyright.PENANARosXrt3MLV
"There's blankets and extra pillows in there. Help yourself to them."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAcPIjbN2thz
"Thanks again for...forgiving me.."
411Please respect copyright.PENANAgPqLOePtra
"Of course. That's what I'm supposed to do, isn't it?"
411Please respect copyright.PENANAxHMi5kjOGJ
She slowly pulls a blanket from the closet, making a makeshift bed. I then turned off my bedside lamp and shuffled into bed.
411Please respect copyright.PENANAR3RSc8KExZ
I wonder what the morning will bring.
411Please respect copyright.PENANASB6Ap6gzI2
411Please respect copyright.PENANAVUq0WGfEaM