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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapYDRn9agL
"Iris...wake up.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkBtp6rtVl
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05dZAi0PQO
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnpqoxmgnB
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWZAuJhCbe
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQryP07z2nT
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO15PxlJSC
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C5UZPksVA
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1pNcHHhJy
"Why does it matter to you?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4g0GInu6bj
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54ltmkD59v
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxYzdwAKE6
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhvkm87TZs
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk5aCEHUXm
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOPqJFEqhC
"Good. Now let's go.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkhnSKEl3J
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzZ4xiY8wK
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1nrAyRTO7
"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."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rPQrunDBA
"I am quite famished.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r91t98qAt
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiFqMH44sQ
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6ntQIQJgD
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWu0zIItfV
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnCScEyOUA
"Coming!"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe025gyhwBf
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeamkmKFCYu
"... What's with all the darkness?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ008xoSy8hv
"Just a precaution...
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0DAKYKfBv
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH2uu2NWkj
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLryYNGvrE
"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? "
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FHl5tIZof
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM3fdaKDb3
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM7ceEmM2c
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqKLvDdCtN
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN042GvGghP
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1Kjb9kczq
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8WcXd51eb
"... Alright.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIpDNHc8SJ
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIswIaqrG7
"Okay..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIXr98gqo1
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAqghLfk8l
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVHquuPbT0
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLv2QTwqMR
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hp5ewhOrO
"You are looking somber.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLE124JdNa
"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?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEIPQI2L4W
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsMZge4OmP
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN718O9qzW
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOdVLJhbtT
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEuXaKfGkl
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeznAQZtpxl
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kUhw5tUxk
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx81eOBRQy
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLQIQcnGXj
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWn8UYIcAg
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSL1StabHF
"Awful, but I can deal."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl48V031Gb7
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovhZQ2NMlN
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W7T3FmJH9
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E5UNxM6B0
"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?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXEN2mrGvG
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71qJ0rOHrp
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ETEPjMUFd
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsq5YDbQqU
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzK8CsKOMvT
"See you later, Iris."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4HWgAkGMo
I pat his head and walk out.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgKuJqBdgg
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9ZTtbItFM
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpH2PvrlBU
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxOEEuLoco
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIVv0CXTfO
"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.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlU26eYj7e
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqiEOPMvWh
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjUmjpUKlq
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLd6VahbDB
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1vHRYIWuO
I push the door open. It was pitch black inside, aside from the the curtain's small crack showing the morning sun.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRSUxtq7E0
A draft as soon as I came in...the window was open..
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHasJHJEXG7
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14CtPquknA
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdPZXKmkdc
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOCwacADeV
What happened? I thought to myself.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rtRI6lzXC
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbAbCjFZVJ
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgZH7V0a2u
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWzNrGq1gJ
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkTzTW5b8H
"Are you okay?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCikv8aRcQp
"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..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyy3W4JhJ6
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO0NWza9Gr
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQaLlOkTFT
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHt8qoPGzJ
I rip the book from his hands.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cuqGw7jry
"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."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡts5Cch8HoX
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH73v47KO8z
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfX7oSGnUh
"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.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolIDRFi63m
"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."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDbVc8Acap
"...Is it warm outside?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIc4mQkx4h
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU89NFBaDLH
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr7qqPfJXB
"Great!"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzhTGaoY24
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tYGGSk5EI
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fmDwzkWU4
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8cOq85uN5
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMwIOpiF3C
"I just feel...bare without it."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZYUKew9Wq
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka2RBrtEln
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirXo4lub42
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27AmRMSsaP
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ms2eD7g4u
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Qxynkj3oA
"Okay. I'll be right back."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S82InmVLB
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4shAqarqo
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4nJ4tXyD9
"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?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu0amFYcSz
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kyZSbeFfI
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65nLikX5DA
"...Do you want to learn?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNuqj0H8gx
"What's the catch?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pvI9OIpd5
"Hmm?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vn0CkX6mP
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicURzs4nDr
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3GSoA0j7n
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3h00WNeOVX
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3p9nqDGRy
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJJutLCuaZ
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjN3dipYoB
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuLrqNUlIj
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdtvkNnzdj
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88nx172kT0
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewGMV5pQxM
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZHzDuHU7c
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQb3z0AX9eO
"B-but..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0iJMLDIj8
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KHxYd1lLl
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡispz7JpFkZ
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOe8PlBXz6c
My hands quiver...
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFlHElRBwx
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5lqU45J8W
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs31LVRQAo
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMmpRbcvdC
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVzAyWQJsW
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbinisEQSrO
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaU6TQgaC6
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNikK6NdCU
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorrouCCjlR
"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.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEDJvYhSbv
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIcaX4hg6m
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RqQo7J1so
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYxJ6cO9FB
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlSBoLHE89
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV6aBHwSO0
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vcIZvMAN9
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftOQW52DJ5
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKTImmS3VX
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6hkSPPBkA
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxMP6EgpEf
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6mHx3ZlGj
"...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.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6m7NtnmKS
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkG7cw3pTa
"I like that one.." I whispered.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXVlkROGl3
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3EsoGguvz
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdWuQT3XS9
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhCXfaOy6J
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwn8BIVT0v
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4DSroUUOv
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM7NI8GOcR
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm3BqsAQKJ
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjwbtKkS7T
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7HQy9xojc
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10K3BbaAsj
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8Zp6sxDuw
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWJhZ4B3iq
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgOODCpALv
"That idiot is too hurt to be by himself! I was just being nice for a change!"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61DWFGvJiX
"I doubt that's the real reason, but I'll take your word for it.." Arelin chuckled.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yMK0flJ5A
"Besides.." Aluise calms her tone. "He's done a lot for me, even if he's annoying and pesters me the most.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3EWlD4uqR
She sighs heavily. "...I'm going back inside. I'll see you later.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sdcI2Nuzd
"Bye Aluise!"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI03rhXlwF
I sigh myself.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kPvlNT4FG
"You know, you should sign up for the competition tomorrow, just to show everyone how strong you are."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9XxtQit6W
"What if I-"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGxwSyW0w3
"You won't. I know you won't let yourself turn." He places a warm hand on my face. "You're worrying too much.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCGVxxqsNT
The school clock hums it's usual song, reminding us that it was now noon.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrQUhIbxcX
"Well, this was nice..." I said. "Should we go back inside?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxZNBCymm9
"Yes, we should." Arelin responds, slipping his notebook back into his pocket.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHR2MwAMXE
"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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68jGOr5FFP
"Hey Arelin, I'll talk to you later, okay?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hEySaIvgG
"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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOgRLPEBha
"Ciaran, can you do me a favor?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhBn3RPVxc
"Of course, my love.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9igBu7LBd6
"Do you mind checking on Ecluna for me?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNwHDKHPg4
"What for?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9tm1dQdff
"Does there have to be a reason? It's none of your business anyways..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoIIMIE78g
"...Fine, I shall return by your side once I have."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7i23njOwR
"Okay.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUJ58qUL7u
"Oh? No mean quip or remark this time? Are you finally starting to get used to me being around you?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj6piX4n3O
"Just do it.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ovjdbbyX0
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgyuRrSMYl
***
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfpDlPCN8T
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxFH0iDXNr
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIG7TuqXzw
It was almost time for the festival. Faintly, in the distance, I could hear the songs and chants of the Wildlife District.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZKXOtcSNM
That's right...Ecluna...I thought to myself. I got up from bed and ran to Ecluna's room.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Fq9jkmV0p
There was no cheery response from Ecluna, just a concerned look when she opened the door.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvemeM46mN
"I-Iris! Thank God, it's just you. The festival's about to start.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmAsGk9x3x
"Yeah, I know. I'm really sorry for oversleeping..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uU1JrakcE
"It's alright, let's just hurry before...it happens again."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP3PQDBHon
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM02QrD7Ojc
"We have to make it to the observatory, it's the only way I'll be safe."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXm8P0zj8t
"Aren't there windows beside every exit?" I ask, almost out of breath.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgStjNX52Q
"I just have to look at the lunar eclipse for something to happen. If I keep my eyes forward, nothing can happen. I promise.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxaQDH5FjX
"Well, at least cover up your face or someth-"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrDsUQGZVh
Just in the middle of my sentence, something crashed through the window, shattering it completely.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzKXagfhGk
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..
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLfuWn23Ob
I shake them vigorously, trying desperately to see what happened.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VqxOCvOZS
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtzbb5RJ4w
"Ecluna?!" I stop shaking the unconscious body and call out Ecluna's name. I frantically wait for a response.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71GrVESrWS
"I...changed my mind..." I heard from the floor. Ecluna was down on her knees, face looking, straight as an arrow, at the floor.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZUz9BcNtU
"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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FCPFXEB7o
"I don't want to go to the observatory.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t4grMBy7w
"If you don't go you'll-"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUi7BimN68
"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...
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQy2PshssS
"Why did my mom ever let me stay hidden from the eclipse? This power...it's amazing.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNv4GAd7uwo
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzxKpz3OWT
"Ecluna...get ahold of yourself!" the flames of my magic burned brilliantly around my fists.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLyvpAn6MK
"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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgprUbRwJ5b
"You can join me, and we can be strong together, just like before, but better!"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIc9G928gL
I feel her pull me up from the floor.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYF9kUtkTM
"Ecluna, this isn't you! I-"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogADw4Azrw
"Of course it is! You just haven't seen me like this yet!"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVohylfdkH4
I grab ahold of her face.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnztQHeib0C
"Ecluna listen! Whatever's taking control of you, you need to let it go!"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2Da0Sgv4I
She lowers me to the floor.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ963gfKVWj8
"Do you really believe that I'm being possessed by something?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa6kw1asYI
Her voice becomes lower in pitch as her aura grows stronger.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60xlJE6EkQ
"Do you think that old me is the normal version of myself? Well, do you?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefJ70iGx10
I couldn't answer, it was all so confusing to me..
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiIViSAl7j
"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."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JrAASaoPo
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1R6BNc9FZ
"Espero, what a pleasant surprise! Can't stay a day without keeping Iris safe, huh?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2shXISkUtW
"I feel like she needed help is all..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6KEU8Dsrz
"Well, it doesn't look like anyone's coming..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhylrCeE8Sk
Ecluna's now red ecliptic magic flared brightly as she pointed it at the both of us.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFNu58KrEQ
"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."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13sLV2M4s1
Ecluna throws the magic in my direction. With my Light magic, I make a barrier to block her attack.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXv6aHhRJv
"You can't keep dodging and blocking forever, Iris. Your magic has a limit, you know.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6evnafx1E
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk377G97OGx
"What's the matter?" She asks, tauntingly. "Can't keep playing on the defensive side?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzbQYdotzt
She charges up another, stronger attack. There was nothing I could do but wait for my death to hit me.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiESVorMoE
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKS5EZfwm2
...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...
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE9NtLSOHH
Arelin's shield was at the brink of scattering into a million pieces. He calls it back, visibly tired.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZQur2jCwg
"Gasp! Arelin Orteino, saving his polar opposite from danger?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeyMsN3L26
"I don't know what happened to you..but this needs to end. Right now.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS28MvECufq
"But why? I'm super powerful, and you..." Ecluna looks a little harder at Arelin.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbHfn0UFbn
"I can feel it. You have Eclipsian blood!" She claps excitedly.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCls6QrZI8h
"W-what?" He responds, confused.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhzWuk4pj2
"Don't worry, Arelin! I just have to do something really quickly. You don't mind, right?"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMZCjdYeDF
She pulls Arelin up to her in a ball of energy. "No wonder you wear things covering your neck."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcORGcrGTx
With my webs, I stop her.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxWLbcBaxt
"Ecluna, stop it!" My Darken form starts to show more as I let my emotions escape through my voice. "Let him go!"
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnNabHuMXj
"Iris, you've got to leave...before you get hurt too..."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfv1vVuax7w
I wrap more webs around Ecluna's hands.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GZPo5UBGd
"You're making this even harder on yourself."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9USUpt0wYx
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb66EJMqkwS
"Now, if you would excuse me.."
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DCpuj3BA6
She pulls the neck of Arelin's sweater and places her hands around it, the space between it burning a brilliant red.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7w30sVEyV
I see the energy draining from Arelin's eyes. Ecluna promptly drops him and waits.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOdypQi9tF
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.
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLCZTQ1X3Z
He starts walking towards me...
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW6oxU38oD
381Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcbzQPUvS0
