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.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0nFzqjbkB
"Iris...wake up.."
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I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXT9eyJegg
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriuZHcTuar
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8uviABdqq
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5hWEyGPSz
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHiyEQZbmR
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghTG2jodYe
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FJuZXBUJL
"Why does it matter to you?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwudRXDPbSc
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2ZbOcxapy
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4RP53UTEI
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl0LtRPJUV
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRVNnhfR8a
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4p1F2iiEh
"Good. Now let's go.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AUOJDuvYn
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwOxsf3EYa
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXBaSowa7t
"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."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO014TTuSx
"I am quite famished.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh4DCfZnmG
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO6ySnmm4s
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkoJvOx6Yr
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqZxFKSKfE
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1uGUdu9Mk
"Coming!"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm5XVBswKe
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1qZ09WVv0
"... What's with all the darkness?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUkTCAuGPe
"Just a precaution...
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldJEEeiqMx
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnSYZrJDyM
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTam0tfioYX
"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? "
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycnMumdQuo
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.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JDwH68ntN
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpRQnoA4Yy
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIaYtxiw5I
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2I0Nnaz0s
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcucr4x0ZXm
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrau3XeseSo
"... Alright.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSWc7kK351
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbsCT6qo0A
"Okay..."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8CpaNscfv
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDh51dYS5P
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnqQvDRiEY
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCnFL8dYdO
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxVRXK1yIX
"You are looking somber.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuJfGUoI1T
"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?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTHkK8NAEH
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkWXqZRi4T
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkL2eSKsJu
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymiVrDtTEf
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlUm0913I6
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8o5aH9E3W
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB7fMDLU5o
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumCEWxywwW
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6iDSnn0jH
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQb0xcQ23E
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s2YhFnOrN
"Awful, but I can deal."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8vYFf0yj5
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlchqBNpDoT
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NfzTQkm5o
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwi3Uoou9S
"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?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosCtvKyuaV
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSW0Bw1AYX
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmxXj92dVq
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja6SLrcgS3
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFhLDWwlxb
"See you later, Iris."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyfbW3cFQh
I pat his head and walk out.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yyWVbRy8D
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3tyS4vCAC
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKZeI6w3Tj
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBinXSI2tn0
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdW7k872ov
"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.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LPSwEjl38
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJqfa6sbE2
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoqtj0mvyw
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKEuCPRNZG
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..
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzg59DkJ08
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bvM0dskWE
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.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEjdYJnJJX
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoGa8XG9nj
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.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAqd3GVccx
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHIDOzj3tY
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGwd0QkzGU
"Are you okay?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNEQxnM8dk
"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..."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj2JE7RgBL
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDzZyq5jhy
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
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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.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE9lSG7K32
"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."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor9NauvqaG
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcksTAhblc
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhTLn0hQLh
"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.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEDN5xDsZh
"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."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp5ajIJiAC
"...Is it warm outside?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8gB8BGtgo
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnT6tLofL4
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUY3jCWuoL
"Great!"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7Wg0SCQUc
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27BCZ4SCrK
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbTmkr0hlT
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6rwTUa9SE
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3NftLFNku
"I just feel...bare without it."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM82Z8rObY
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t7HjYo4th
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04VIWIvpwi
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03kss49Xru
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPGEZHW1HY
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKAsyvlPiE
"Okay. I'll be right back."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbJTc3kT45
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8Bpzja80W
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzizk3XrGU
"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?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTMUCACzHz
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoUlbxncTG
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlWLlpwj6C
"...Do you want to learn?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLsxuQUZOP
"What's the catch?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpX4TjpvgV
"Hmm?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGE0Y0DxTu
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡei3gWAxwac
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpHy9JmdcH
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK61V9l9Mb
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz2RMylNTa
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3LmL8vw1m
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciswuMy8mi
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQalEHLMyQn
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHH8decvWS
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovMxIAbshD
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ODAS4GmlQ
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkPqlYDVhY
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1U1ytjcj7y
"B-but..."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJald9ukpZ
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U4ES4NZVc
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGkYq2epIW
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Fxim0Crh4
My hands quiver...
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNWNeQvro9
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXnTxeGe7w
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.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDhYhK1mPE
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0OQlfueto
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3O6UKQVOZ
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe32cleFtKH
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xgU4NLvlo
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUuTNWhpg0
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTxxLFzANG
"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.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDWSVQvSJ2
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.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWf9nwcy6O
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwJgDslNZr
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7QLKwvpO1
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GZrd4F7t1
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLNRTqa3yF
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOxT0Z43Ta
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMsZogZySm
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCS1XbisUO
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjW6HQfEww
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8VBz132C0
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eUakRTyqy
"...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.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce9mdrVBH8
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA8r7z3C1u
"I like that one.." I whispered.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlB015QfMZW
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQAjLYOXq9
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvK9mBKcXaK
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK7pD9ltm3
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcu2pqE61M
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQnwoSBXSp
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRScBGPmgmr
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLXXj0UAdC
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka3KUM20Oa
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LNywXf4sC
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4LtdNkEXs
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGUYvI8DOL
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQvlqT7f4L
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ6WsivUPw
"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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