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.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ynb5oKVn4
"Iris...wake up.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJODfmVWTeF
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOChFTrybHF
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGHUj0q7vM
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlDt8uQ4is
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7fb8luftR
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonukJQFdoB
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllQCkqNg4D
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbGabXa9eB
"Why does it matter to you?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAG6FnuLqn
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdON7Gzmbwg
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkXLmxarKJ
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiryGkYQa4K
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXO4I3qcVP
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wgpckPC8A
"Good. Now let's go.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGrDGgHL7a
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJa4NlPujQ
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgwaEVuypR
"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."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j9M2qcxXy
"I am quite famished.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWQmInPFqE
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxzkBwi0Rq
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Trt9ukFdv
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHDY4HHhIR
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51T0DDAFH4
"Coming!"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQb3lfhMpw
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf7suHqBuh
"... What's with all the darkness?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhQtii4g39
"Just a precaution...
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVHXTJKqOp
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAm3COYIMUq
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYRuag9qVM
"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? "
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5SFBK7U8M
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.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP47xRNeMaN
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYRBQwMviV
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41rTJGtpSP
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnlVoW7U08
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLGA1TvVP8
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlV4BgBgs6d
"... Alright.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5JZ0E18BL
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q0LwuByfP
"Okay..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXYcV7DSmL
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqYB7bLf0D
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ymYmM3vbZ
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowFYNBDKR3
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXarLHcCcb
"You are looking somber.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSBsSuLceQ
"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?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cmW79xRXJ
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKjt2XkIjL
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RnizJ9a0Y
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuV1W6pT736
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfIgsAEcBm
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKb6cskiLM
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFAS2TMXyD
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxg68Wmute
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AyO6H35UU
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0ZxDBKLGl
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86KVd8izjL
"Awful, but I can deal."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr3gxxbP44
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS6eAH44r2
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXKByhkzkb
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi1wsU9YCs
"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?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S20fk8i5Z
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazEy1MROUS
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL56I22syr5
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwT23wDQjX
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFnZKrTlzb
"See you later, Iris."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlrmqQmCj3
I pat his head and walk out.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdVDujNrz2
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsMw9CXCz4
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJLZnYGQqx
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6SE5cWWIG
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3uWHy6t1E
"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.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxAAB0EC6t
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINacTY4vRO
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjoizey1kz
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..
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGhfU8UsqU
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJWIc2f7FL
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
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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.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkOU8QXew0
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNDfWFTLDQ
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.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoV0Lr65pK
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqhuvPqZNE
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6MF4mZX9h
"Are you okay?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V7WQ6Stc0
"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..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm06SUUSRbf
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtD14Kr9JV
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRL1jDOE9MY
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VMwQ6HGZP
I rip the book from his hands.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCESzjXRAFt
"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."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj7CCxX5hC
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8D79APNm1
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqvj0zYjyy
"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.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0CktFrAgx
"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."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgHw1seN9C
"...Is it warm outside?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUPKUId63v
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdlEFTiSzr
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcKfnoNmkQ
"Great!"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvn9JXW06UX
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSlFbRrunv
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5OiNKMykH
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzvq2IyrQ4
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEh0M9E0i3
"I just feel...bare without it."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlP4vrS2PO
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BsjJCtVBd
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9sjg0tTdB
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQGsvvjjdA
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KXjlstL7s
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LNsn3jNJv
"Okay. I'll be right back."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsBPVZStzh
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWNYxsCrCe
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpENTVJNf1t
"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?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqkkzrhMxt
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUmh5Mr19N
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoctFyow1gd
"...Do you want to learn?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7QpGC4f69
"What's the catch?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5MNitA5Gf
"Hmm?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xHbtRQt6P
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCsowVCGK1
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGP0eBNcCnm
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP6Nn8xmeK
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnLX6GOnDy
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbY1XkdUmw
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcfnDRNjcT
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUMDBViWmY
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZIMd939NR
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaEYbhx6lF
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFMpKfDNBa
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxE7JH6W8c
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX9rKYc7MT
"B-but..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29X367nEm7
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu4wPAImbj
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PJfzAtIQQ
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CmXWejb6X
My hands quiver...
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31gQxsOd6g
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN9GLEt2AL
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.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6LggWg4W8
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEK43RaSLW
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRi75wUcB8
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlugsKhsKx1
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4mDxNyHTN
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdZqZ1MlMu
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YWwNvSjMC
"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.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkdpGAyxZh
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.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtOsHkewEl
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMs8idvqGG
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZaxIjXjgv
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt0q5Flu5j
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2UhQ6DCA3
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypAV3FuE9v
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGEH9bUUh8
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXVbdBmPAC
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ9S774tDF
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAMMTVIzvK
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDxsKDLeiT
"...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.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04pAz1FRKu
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNUqw6f5jN
"I like that one.." I whispered.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvguYLWwXB
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwluWUgfkK
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVqrd2e7KO
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OAZRhsh7l
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABw0enyKTq
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KOexx9o6W
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzaSzEnzXp
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKZDSbOnyY
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuP2NwyG5u
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYKNINDH1L
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQyzV9AU8E
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYaiwhVnJP
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXCsAgquHH
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
385Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvdLnXbPBB
"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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