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.
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"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.
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"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fsrORlePf
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixAQLjJdEB
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
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Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
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Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
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"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
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"Why does it matter to you?"
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"You just seem to be...in a rush."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSlknfsOnB
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0nD3VegRl
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
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"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
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"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT102xRz8h8
"Good. Now let's go.."
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I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLdjq8diC0
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
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"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."
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"I am quite famished.."
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"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm9QZvXem8
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
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I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
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I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
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"Coming!"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdldWZLUvNG
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQuaHKqbaj
"... What's with all the darkness?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTdtlavZhO
"Just a precaution...
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItORy5LD79
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv0Xp88PNs
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cegRXVoOS
"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? "
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoLuctkxqX
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.
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I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
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"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ5NFjplCA
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lwheS5v8K
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT51W4Y7yK7
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
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"... Alright.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgxxPTA9lq
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDglQoQJERe
"Okay..."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlMvuUwBwS
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEELpPFHlCD
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2moADwii9
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
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We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
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"You are looking somber.."
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"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?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzNY97oHmC
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47aaIwCGBl
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJvoVAr6tV
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
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I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGSUB0bBE4
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYPkJSVflh
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncQZb7ieK7
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNknAvMnF7V
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKofM1Mcnyz
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNe6JXpCfGN
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSiXhbxo8T
"Awful, but I can deal."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQvf4z18vl
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCmRgqbdAW
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjSG4TckvI
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIAKqw06en
"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?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gnG2BqSP9
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuBrExKz57
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7XsH4iEtr
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT2PwdfD40
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgqt2JVHc6
"See you later, Iris."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hwm8F0ABr
I pat his head and walk out.
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As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA07TdTxfxS
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrd9qGQtY8
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
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"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCoKO9LSEq
"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.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bhnBxcfRk
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
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"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
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I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
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Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
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I push the door open. It was pitch black inside, aside from the the curtain's small crack showing the morning sun.
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A draft as soon as I came in...the window was open..
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"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP040EsSgQ
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.
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"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
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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.
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"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FWI3QhQfl
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31WdflU35Z
"Are you okay?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqSfjJOcUt
"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..."
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"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFqJK5caL3
"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.
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"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."
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I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECjWs1gHu4
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaSjJKQBu5
"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.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6H9NALaRZ
"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."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBfew5jyAU
"...Is it warm outside?"
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"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7QQC8FsNq
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lvWWRrZT1
"Great!"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeW7J7t1GW
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAQVzY54Iy
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
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"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXvFNm4RKB
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
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"I just feel...bare without it."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6mRbPC1Ma
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtY02KG9kS
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
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"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gN1BmMfwn
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EqeeG6nF8
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjD6RTdiAX
"Okay. I'll be right back."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuXHjvv9jM
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
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"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
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"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?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshotr2IocT
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBdahk8RLK
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhuMAgSjIk
"...Do you want to learn?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGC1ndOTZkz
"What's the catch?"
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"Hmm?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYEWPgfYDw
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTzkPHMUPW
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGwJtNXaug
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw846RHvZXc
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17mlVR66tX
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
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She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqT2jTxac6
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoPpnDWO0c
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKNMqcy3CI
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcOdIYSHag
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaaVixloSY
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Dugftb9u7
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbQu6PqolI
"B-but..."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMnuu7Wxia
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWDYYHjjR8
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqELMKhlbC
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApQs03UocZ
My hands quiver...
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7n8IcIywk3
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr6VZKj2OZ
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.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld1ZKtMOrt
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi0zhE6fFN
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKGSlDrlua
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S8DrRrKm3
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfhvBBcv0f
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5JfV4ik0X
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28GCl75Xrl
"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.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a5stkPN2O
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.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDunn2P4RR
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
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"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChH3AF3lga
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8haYvkQ5i
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BdFur6ohT
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vYHQsDlIj
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtdAmn9Ipy
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQQnvZnYCV
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XrICwMN2W
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNBjgzLzLQ
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpv51ivdN8
"...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.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkt7TOY5wt
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo7c2YZIiD
"I like that one.." I whispered.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GBHaXXygq
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ItWtXeK4K
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6zi84m49t
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg9B6lIPlf
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbveVScbfF
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tPkdV5u9E
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrp8mQHUgp
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gILKRdwCy
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVGdadX37Y
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvB80MP8ik
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMs4zQXflB
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5knsQMUpiV
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWqOo4pLT5
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
297Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPRZ6d5fZm
"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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