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.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriGbewvgxC
"Iris...wake up.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoY57nTRTk
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82sdLPJhXH
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgLE5pgA1A
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQV7230yc0
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTZH6AodH3
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuHVh8G2zq
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMWrKTZqpW
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1M4ndJQvni
"Why does it matter to you?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCVkYnxXID
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd02L0VmBMo
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpXwKtxGCR
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlzljUwHwu
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZD6KOsmE8
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68M4nlg5XL
"Good. Now let's go.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvPinUOMar
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdoNIQf79m
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KbmCNUEm9
"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."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLwxG2CcEz
"I am quite famished.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1cgpCoIEu
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99r8trgKLO
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDFhg4Mak7
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg3ZzM8472
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgtpfBOChK
"Coming!"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBr7jfe6L0
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLkj7VxAp7
"... What's with all the darkness?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNDRl8XWDL
"Just a precaution...
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj5sm9xi9z
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0t4HwXLBD
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiskhjFUUh
"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? "
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2WGgyZdjz
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.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKverM3KjA
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWueIfo5gw
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz9n6U0kSl
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLjBcBOExB
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTWSR5UWZ8
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNqppdjqls
"... Alright.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXjM4e9Xuz
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt0vtQcwRZ
"Okay..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04GcVVZDBf
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63neoYcGc2
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG51PL0bu4
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGFUl7Wr8U
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqr7YhLa0Z
"You are looking somber.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9sitDIxGY
"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?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yCve3v0u9
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjJYoOxJnq
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXKmtMQdPK
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAdbjUanDS
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoTc6evlrR
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA1403Wv51
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVjB83PE9M
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntlwJJ7C2Z
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxhRp1R0hB
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAApPxKGYSl
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2sD4AmBXV
"Awful, but I can deal."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKFRlJl3q7
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElUFTHYmG3
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyzvLgVA58
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohqwF8Bxmm
"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?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn282hbTK0
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyScGFShnSi
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrYhjSWtCd
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJd0FZ9CzZ
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGshB4tUfLY
"See you later, Iris."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJbuCCGJ1b
I pat his head and walk out.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJFGtt6QLF
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkLGoFHSWW
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwl3LalwjS
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJW7gD8ivS
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhciHg6WL6M
"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.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt9i95mlqu
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAsTrXlTEp
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGP53VXdsc
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFxKZZ8yQd
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0ZDT7Oax7
I push the door open. It was pitch black inside, aside from the the curtain's small crack showing the morning sun.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwCxlsNydO
A draft as soon as I came in...the window was open..
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyuKwIyLGP
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70cBWUqH7G
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiH6nVZbLh
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB8urac5St
What happened? I thought to myself.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KdEZLmnGg
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdKbchF9JU
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.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9GOpbYLt5
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgM0DFJdzR
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XNKGrZFMY
"Are you okay?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDnTNahrRU
"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..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSiHDRZMFX
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQz4NaS2Fx
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbpiSpBNvv
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dQuUWQ3xX
I rip the book from his hands.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JQSQ1pbbV
"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."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouxlWLQns7
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARR5z6FLeY
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UTvtjHqSa
"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.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9N04ZnPrI
"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."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtq3VlVEca5
"...Is it warm outside?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymAKoFArUD
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGzoPT7d1I
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZW3w9EvJT
"Great!"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrluiw1FZHL
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuHonydXnq
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2HadbmM3Y
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6ak4rOkWE
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdLjKhC9lY
"I just feel...bare without it."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhUyljAYTM
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhn2aODPnM
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnoCb108uF
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNFc6dUHFq
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYNuDwl6TW
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyexCt3i5Tl
"Okay. I'll be right back."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hk9Ho9kHH
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3375VmcDdm
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCl8XimJtBt
"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?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67y0fG4WzQ
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnJlsUVsIC
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iCKbJRCD8
"...Do you want to learn?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB96XlBE7iz
"What's the catch?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtctJ7NvSmD
"Hmm?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEYKYh0iao
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzs2VPLw90
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaUy17FHJK
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSdhyJYqNH
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXhwceubJu
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOrBJ5hh4W
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjYAmXtsRh
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVaIqbmwRc
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbP3nDXsna
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfWtxRed68
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYWIAR8wQT
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItPuA84JNi
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylsNakhFJV
"B-but..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ0TZ0629t
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FPr5v5LAT
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2h2me9jFSf
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDfxF4bO1I
My hands quiver...
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVRIhrSgvZ
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV0X0FXkOj
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.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcbzbm2lsV
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb4Ii4NJj5
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEBqAjdxwi
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelBVDrOBIg
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWZVh8IL9c
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjZcxDz2rU
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvU4i9j1IG
"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.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5A1iLxX0VM
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.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHrYTUUe9F
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuMTGhSHmG
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqN9TgAsyq
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwXhOV8jAg
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0emJnZAHV
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoU9xlAxgR
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UVlUzKKzk
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTCBpmbx4W
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0s91CJVNh
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz5Fj5gBGQ
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gegC3qXeN
"...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.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xnEmYWpLY
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWjmrcVCAe
"I like that one.." I whispered.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqpuOhbAyw
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMqwboJ7he
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRQhNzXMjo
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdXSFQdBWl
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9WUxXCK5V
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzCmxi86RD
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRnFgeCWT0
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SHMP1QfrD
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDWfXaL2Yk
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugdYUV2xo1
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv96WIc6o6
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUQ3ac5sMI
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkPWcdvg6n
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZNT01QW7A
"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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