A bright September morning. The golden sun lets its rays touch all across my room. That's when I hear the footsteps and soft, low grumbling of my parents' voices.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCaCXx0wK9
"Iris, it's time to get up." I hear my mother call from outside my bedroom door. I jump up already excited for the day. "Coming!"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz0t98l7zJ
My name is Iris Araginee. And I was one of the many students starting their first year at the Academy. I quickly make my way downstairs as I see my dad getting his shoes on.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ0dzEYso9
"Dad! I'm so excited!" I say, almost pushing him over for a hug.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3ew4idg7N
"I am too," he gives my forehead a small kiss. "Now hurry before breakfast gets cold." he slightly nudges me to the dining table. In front of a chair was a quick breakfast of eggs, bacon, and a piece of raisin toast.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsA0U8VhQR
"Oooh.." I say as my mouth starts to water.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9u5NDSLjl
"Iris, it's not for you to look at. Hurry up and eat it so you can put some proper clothes on..." My mother declares. I quickly, but carefully, stuff the breakfast into my mouth and hurry back upstairs to change clothes. I trip up the stairs, stumbled into my closet, and pick my signature light orange dress. I brush my hair back into its shiny wavy state, add my nice little pigtail to the side, and grab my suitcase. The wheels of my bags go down the stairs with loud thumps as I drag them down to the floor.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgajmnBYLED
"Are we ready to go?" My father asks. Mom looks at me. "Not quite.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfH0Dfra6R
She goes behind me, and I feel a sudden cool line touch around my neck. Looking down, a shiny butterfly charm sparkled as its wings filled with colors of the rainbow.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckDwVZLaht
"It's your present for making it to the Academy. I want you to keep it on at all times. Who knows, it might have the key to unlocking your true abilities."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDziAVbEfDm
I nodded. "Mhm! I'll make sure that nothing ever happens to it!"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlNWDa4mpj
"Good. Now let's hurry before the rest of the students pass by."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TLqXzLBft
I hopped to the door and let it swing open. Students from all over the different districts had come to walk in a big parade, singing, and chanting. Some were even playing music and throwing confetti around.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAzKq92FHJ
"Go have fun. We'll catch up with you later." Dad says as he lets me go. I step out into the street and the parade of students. I wave to my parents, who wave back at me with a smile. I stop waving and immediately run into someone.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r4ejeegU2
"Woah there." he says in a half-joking tone.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYZCMZyXTX
I turn back to see a very familiar face. "Sorry about that..." I apologize.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjSVbOorbu
"No no, it's fine Iris."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxaoZ2cQAJ
"Wait...Jake? Jake Kaliber?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IyNu77VLm
"Iris Araginee, long time no see."
I give him a big hug. He hugs me back with double the strength.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM13Q4eFXL6
"I forgot you were starting the same year as me! I'm so happy to see you!"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNl1HiLMT9
"Same to you, Rainbow Butterfly."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpI4EWG7fvZ
Jake was my best friend since elementary school, but we haven't been able to talk to each other since he left for the Kingdom District. His mother, Delmira, had been training him for the last few years.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMwSNwg1TB
"So have you been able to talk to any of the others before me?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM7aPKB8Nq
We begin having some conversation, and dance to the music blaring around us. Looking ahead, I could see the large meadow that cut between the City District and the Academy.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiv3qZeDrO
"Looks like a long walk." I say, preparing to pick up my suitcase.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruF97ymDxU
"I got it," Jake grabs my bag. "It would be rude of me to make a girl carry her bags."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YfC9tzA84
I allow him to carry my suitcase as I look across the line where the city and meadow meet. We take a light step as the hard concrete turned into soft luscious grass. Inhaling, I feel the warm breeze play with my hair.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa25MpsQEWL
" It's so beautiful..." I say.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXnxbQo4ha
I keep looking around as we cross the grass and right into the entrance of the Academy. Its tall structure almost felt like it was judging us from above as I started back at it. The crowd fell silent. I hear a metal lock click, and the door menacingly swings open. I feel the warm breeze fade out as I step past the door. The hallways were dark. There was no one there to greet us...
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW7tZZoJX3
Then, just at the end of the hall, two large metal doors open. I walked into the room, which seemed to be a battleground of some kind.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nqOvHm5af
I feel the aura of multiple students as they try to illuminate the room.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcITUPEFU9d
"I see everyone's aura is plenty strong already!" A familiar voice echoes. The lights suddenly blare on, and confetti flutters to the floor as our announcer greets us.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VVd1TLYLt
"Welcome students, to the Academy!" Ringmaster Poppy says as she points her hat towards the sky. That's when everyone started to cheer.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbs07nFbtb
She quiets everyone down. "Alright alright, I know you kids wanna party, but let's get the important stuff done first."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB1F1A5wnc
She jumps off the stage and motions us to come with her. Confused, we follow.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcpU70qNDh
"I'll be right back everybody!" She announces. Everyone left in the room went back to chattering. The eight students, the eight descendants of the Creative Ones walk silently into an extra side room.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF82pgaI4Pk
Jake and the others started to get to know the other students. I look in the corner, where a boy, sitting by himself, had his face in a book. I decided to approach him.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmw7s1VWv5
"Uh, hi-"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEZhMb9Hj5
He quickly slams his book shut and begins listening to me.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjVHWG8ugW
"Ahem...hi, I'm Iris. Nice to meet you."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DEllP3myb
"A-Arelin...and same to you..." he picks up the book again and starts flipping the pages back to where he left off.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5heR0j4y3
"Uh...Iris...you mind giving us a hand?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBGYg2JSQ7
"Huh? What's wrong?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvZcDkzaQ0
"N-None of your business!" The screaming voice says in English. I tilt my head at the girl. She looked back with an angry stare. "And keep your eyes to yourself!" she throws galactic magic into my face. "A-AGH! IT BURNS!" I rub my eyes.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ1LqJsU2W
"Don't rub it in, It'll make it worse," Another voice enters the room. "Now Aluise, what did we say about attacking people?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83JOwYaIcS
"...Whatever..."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ628lhrFykP
With the snap of a finger, the irritating feeling was gone and I could see once again. Another child of The Creative Ones stood before me, my cousin, Espero.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYkagbyNx9
"Heyo Iris...nice seeing you again."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqtuCzczYH
"Hey, Esp! Long time no see!" I hug him. After releasing the embrace, he grabs his suitcase and walks to the door.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZQGSBGCch
"Hey, where are you going?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtYeY3ULfq
"I'm not in the same class as you, I'm the oldest, remember?" he says, using his psychical powers to open the door for himself. It only took a couple of seconds before Espero was being pushed back in by my Uncle Damien.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiwSorefMl
"Right...I'm supposed to be tutoring you guys.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjSLTSN1zI
I wave to my uncle with a big grin on my face.
"Hi, Uncle Damien!"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZSylfkV0e
He waves back. Espero throws his bag into a corner.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsinJRa2eCJ
My mother also walks in the door.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnQwYKtIVh
"Thanks for being the Combat teacher Damien. We appreciate it."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwx1RIwU5Fo
"No problem, sis.." he says with a sigh.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsS5nRNCq0p
"Wait, Mom, what about you?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMNjrCxCaI
"I have...other matters to attend to. I'll see you after you get settled into your rooms." with grace, she disappears.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d0IYlgchs
"So, how about we learn more about each other?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr1b9YSGd3
Aluise scoffs. "That sounds dumb.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XjX2fODap
Espero lightly nudges her in response. "Aluise.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGqOnKV72R
"What? It did.." she turns her head.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxSHwYBkgI
"I see we're introducing ourselves."
A lunar aura approaches us, a small sparkling breeze. "And I haven't forgotten about you guys, I'm happy to see all of you again."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMIwoOJfLM
"So...now what?" Arelin asks.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QhxDULRnD
"I guess we wait for our teachers to arrive," I announced.
We take a seat on the floor and waited. In only a matter of minutes, someone new enters the room and stands right in front of us. Holding a book up to her face, she closes it to reveal Arelin's mother, Aurelia.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s8R6iyS8h
"Mrs. Aurelia? You're our Magic teacher?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbiXHFSE6B
"That's correct. Now, I would introduce myself, but it seems I'm already familiar with everyone. Let's just get started,"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLAGME8MNR
At first, I thought she would ask us to take out a textbook, but...
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEE0wncagjX
"If you would, please release your magic abilities."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSj9v0wdGK
I and the others all release our magic as instructed. I was only capable of making these small colorful flares, barely enough to hurt anyone.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxcxZwaWgO
I look around at the rest. They were struggling just as hard.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqI6l8sSzg
"Now...how did you feel when you released your magic for the first time?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrQNqZRahJ
"I'm tired, and I didn't even do much..." Ecluna complains, and to be honest, so was I.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE77ExqCVZa
"That's normal. You haven't used your magic often, correct?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhas5UJA1y
"Well, no, not really." Arelin says in a murmur.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc6ePnUIFD
"You have to train them as if you were training your own body." she shows her a sneak peek of her magic, a deep shadowy cloud of purple seeps through the air around us. "However, your emotions and thoughts can control your abilities as well. Remember that."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbye52UGzy7
I release my magic again, a cute flame spiraled and flickered in my palms.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalNZIqcCzI
Jake looks over my shoulder. "You could light a match with that."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0iDOPMUAj
I lightly elbow him in the side. "Like you could do any better!"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxv88imNVk
"Heh. But I can." he lights his sword with his cerulean flames.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88c5GeHTgE
"...I stand corrected.." I say.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopdqwJdMlk
"Good."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWGNFvYOJF
"It doesn't matter how strong a flame is, it'll still burn you, yes?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QouKpvKEb
"I guess..."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREMbVul4Io
"Then it shouldn't matter how strong or weak your abilities are. They will get stronger over time." Aurelia gives us words of encouragement.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP5ZmPh1wG
I nod and keep looking at the dying flame in my hand. It danced and spun around as it faded away. Once it finally died out, I closed my hand and reopened it to reveal a new light of color sprout from my palms.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrfFVcvNVy
Just a few minutes later, the school bell rings. I grab my suitcase and head to my next class. That is until my mother stopped us.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtftCL4gfWb
"Hello, kids. How are you enjoying the class so far?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiyPoPTXcp
"They're good! I made a little eclipse thing.." Ecluna says, holding a bright umbra within her palms.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUXtVVJ1Ox
"That's good. Now, if you all would follow me?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FfOyrzm3u
"Hm? What for?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrTIaL4LuO
"There's a part of the school I have yet to show you. No one else knows about this place but us."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttm3V0Ilcn
She pulls out a golden key from her neck and tells us to be very quiet. We all walk to the very back of the school, where she pushes the key inside a similar-looking door. Opening it reveals a very office-like room, covered in dust and boxes.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmAWZWZyNv
"This is our old headquarters. All of our old stuff should be in here..."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrx0xYlHiO
"Wait...what's in that chest?" Arelin hesitantly says, pointing towards a chest with extremely rusty locks.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo2C1EF908
"I never thought I would have to mention it, but since you asked.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkZZ2oxZik
She picks it up. "Inside this box lies the necklace of my mortal enemy. We defeated her, but I always feel her very sharp aura when I come near it."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PBGLGbNEs
"You're saying she's still in the box, just stuck in that necklace of hers?" Jake says, about to poke the box with his finger.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcu9VpWLGp
"Never, under any circumstances, are you allowed to open this box. It'll bring chaos to the land, and without everyone here, I can't stop her this time.." she snatches the box away and places it back on the shelf where it was.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor4C6Jxntw
"Her?" I ask. Why was she so worried about bringing "her" back?
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2H2beNSttp
"I'd rather not go into detail. Now, I will allow you to stay in this room, however, my only rule, don't open that box. Does everyone understand?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFoWhNoj2y
We all nod quietly, and she allows us to leave for our next class. Combat, where my uncle was supposedly the teacher. We enter the training room where everyone was earlier.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2mXfEFP8a
"Took you all long enough..." Uncle Damien half-jokes, tightening the bandages on his arms.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OrYqyo5NT
"Mom had something to talk to us about,"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPpxjdVpEU
"Well, if Irene had to stop you for something, I guess it can't be helped. Just don't make it a habit.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhH6IxY3O5I
"Mhm, you got it!" Ecluna says.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh7j7w3gNH
"Now, we're gonna do this the classic way. I want to see your physical strength. Your magic is allowed as a utility, such as recovering or dodging, but no magic attacks should be used, alright? I'm gonna put you in a one-on-one for a spar. The rest of you will take notes, and hopefully read over them before your spar match. If you happen to get seriously hurt, I'll get Ikura to help out.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPkZ2En91G
Ikura waves quietly to the class with a medkit in hand.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fCkEK5CrR
"Now, does anyone volunteer to go first?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56pz7RUfGU
Aluise raises her hand reluctantly. "I'll go.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGTsq7mZ6f
"Is that a challenge then Aluise?" Jake says, with his hand also raised.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbzoRtG793
"I have no choice, you've already raised your hand.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnzfqXOXhY
"Fine then," he jumps from his seat to the floor of the room. "Let's see how this will go."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbG0llmeFa
Jake stands at one side of the room, and Aluise, with her arms crossed, stands at the other.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiBH8yoBMG
"You can begin.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA4TChY0Vq
And quickly, they began their spar. I quickly memorized their movements, wrote them down, and kept looking. As they keep attacking each other, me and the others all jot down and sketched their movements.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMUXC6dpxA
Jake taunts Aluise a little. "I thought you would hit a little harder, Lulu.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWbiVf7Ds4
"LULU?" Aluise says angrily.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡls8oCTnHuM
"I don't think it's a good idea to taunt her Jake," Arelin yells out.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanl614iwNj
"Nah, I've got-" Jake gets punched right in the stomach.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZYlov4LKH
"Well?" she says, rubbing her fist.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXsGvJuaT3
"I d-deserved that.." he says in pain.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJy2wxkyv0
Ecluna cringes. "That's gonna hurt for a while.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOCuB4sj8M
"That's for calling me Lulu.." Aluise says before kicking him to the ground. "And that's for trying taunt me."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw72SaK8S4P
"Alright alright..."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5VmFwpmP6
Aluise gives a menacing glance. Jake gets up and rubs his chest where Aluise had kicked him. The match was over, and Ikura checked on the both of them for their injuries.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtknBwC5OmB
"Alright, who's next?" Uncle Damien asks, continuing to the next match.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3rAuKahYT
"I'll go," I nervously raise my hand.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68HzN6wGQK
"Then I'll go as your opponent," Espero announces, standing, stretching, and then placing his notebook in the seat next to him.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtra14gxgq1
I know Espero is more of a ranged attacker, so I'll use his openings to attack, I think to myself. I pretend to be anxious while I walk to my side of the field, while Espero stands stone-faced on the other.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ypniaaXGO
"I'm gonna let you take the first hit." Espero says, outstretching his arms to let me attack. I run towards him, ready to attack, but I never feel the impact.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cCjvs0QMh
"Rule number one, never trust your opponent.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRW0lAIM4S4
He looks up at where I was supposed to be, only to find I had gone missing. "Iris?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQPJgNUndt
I was standing on the ceiling, one of my abilities inherited by my father. That's when I began to confuse Espero.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBJwYQBRks
"Maybe I'm over here?" I run to another side. "Or over here?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLffO1Q2mg
"You're up there somewhere, aren't you?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJ0szugvoU
"...No?" I lied.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwX9CXlxHG
"Come down from there, it's not doing you any good.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t0Cfd9mFO
My chance to strike was right there. I just had to wait until he started talking again. I had swung down, and I had him right where I wanted him to be. And finally, my attack landed, I let go of the rope and I had his body right under my feet.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PrLB7cufY
"...Hi there," he says with strain. "You're standing on my ribs.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqwmijLTrG
"I know," I say in return.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WW3AQ9sJh
"I noticed you used your magic to swing down,"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3d0RFK0t5Z
"Eh? But I can't-" I look at my hands. Thin colorful ropes dragged back into my palms.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwAMTcaKc6
"Can you please get up? " he says with even more strain.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GqhWrZPg3
I step off. "Oops.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxzHQJjFpc
As I walk back to my seat, I look at my hands once again. The others fought, and before we knew it, our second class was over. Now close to noon, the teachers escort us to the lunchroom. A large amount of students were already sitting down and getting orders taken.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQytikFxRy0
All of us sit at a table, and food slid in front of our faces.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKltSeLMcC
"Well that was surprisingly quick.." Arelin says before grabbing a fork. We all take a bite, almost at the same time. I see everyone's eyes light up.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9dlwakm1C
After a good lunch, we all have chit-chat. When the bell rang, the teachers escort us to our last class of the day. When we entered the last room, a bunch of equipment swayed over us. Lights gleam once again, and Ringmaster Poppy landed perfectly right in front of us, with Ms. Aria following not so far behind.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeLcsoryxv
"Hey kiddos! How are you enjoying school so far?" Poppy asks while she walks around ecstatically. Aria stands quietly. "Last class of the day! Very exciting, isn't it?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkhyKmBnHG
"Mhm! I'm ready to see what this last class has to offer!" I say with determination.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdGlN9zdNs
"This class focuses on giving you better balance, speed, and acrobatics training." Poppy says as she points towards the obstacle course. "You're basically training to be an acrobat. You have a minute to go through the entire course without failing. If not, you'll be sent to the back of the line to start again. Since this is your last class, you might be here all night!"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOhg9n644B
"I'm gonna go first," Ecluna says as she takes a step on the first platform. She slips a little, but hops to the next platform. "Did you grease these things? Why are they so slippery?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfeaMkwSGp
"Actually, we did. Just pretend it's rainwater," Aria says. That dropped my confidence a little.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P3FEG8BvH
"Someone can go now.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnO16dW6L5
I push myself towards the first platform. Slippery, but manageable. I just carefully hopped to the other side of those platforms.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZm0BAl0D6
A couple more jumps, and some swinging later, I see myself approaching the tight rope. I take one step on it, with the rope lowering my foot down.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpBP68xwty
"This is the final obstacle Iris, don't screw it up.." Espero calls out.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H9oT70dex
I quickly take another step and use my arms to balance my body across. I almost slip multiple times, but I was able to very slowly, but successfully make it across. On the other side, a slide led me back to the ground below. I ride it down, and take a deep breath. That's when the bell rang, and the others stayed behind for their turn.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBpW4Kmkdv
Me and Ecluna walked around with the halls packed with students.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeY5nUmv1e
"There you two are." I hear my dad's voice.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEK58inlBQ
"Hi Dad!"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUffubeP3vA
"How was your first day?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhaGrMvjpu
"It was good! Look, I even learned how to make webs!" I let them slip out of my hands and spread across the floor.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc4P2TZonj
"Interesting, out of the abilities you could've gotten, so far you've inherited all of my abilities.." he moves spider-like claws. "Except these of course."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPemmg1ruB
"Don't those hurt, poking through your skin and stuff?" Ecluna asks curiously.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYvTLMV0Yj
"Oh, very much so."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCeI0j57jg
"...Ouch."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQIwdx5fRP
"So what do we do now?" I ask.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlxe29gkLk
"Your mother suggested that I show you to your rooms." he pulls out a key with an orange keyring, resembling Mom's necklace.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp2Bs9ahlE
"This is your mom's old dorm room key. We've reserved those rooms specifically for you."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EnxueRuT7
My dad hands a similar key to Ecluna.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4J1J6jAuB
"I remember Irene's room number like the back of my hand," he walks up the steps to the second floor, and to the room, which still had the bright orange door my mother had. I unlocked the door with the key, and a tidy room with light orange paint blanketing its walls.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeshrq8XnqP
"It kinda looks like my room.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafLiHT7p3A
"You and your mother were so alike," he looks at the window. "Her and I would talk for hours in here. Brings back memories."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUSXa2Thpw
"Awe," Ecluna says.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwaMuKXRd9
"Welp, you have fun in here."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHTgtWevLz
I sit on the bed and think about what to do next. I was so deep in thought, I didn't notice Espero sitting beside me when I looked up.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtyX5srjNR
"Nice, you got Aunt Irene's room."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4HVWTUbSV
I jumped and punched him in the side. "Don't do that Esp!"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJyGv0PaYE
"Sorry, sorry. You didn't have to hit me so hard.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTcAp3iUVk
He stares at the ceiling for a second. "I was just thinking with you. You just finished your first day of the Academy. Now what?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZbgh7ak7T
"...I dunno. We can go out now, can't we?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDjbfYW3NN
"Yep. You're allowed to leave the campus after school hours and do just about anything you want,"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQSiW3Jcts
I rub my chin in thought. "I wish there was somewhere-"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWajAfbkUkH
That's when someone else peeks their heads inside. Arelin awkwardly walks in. "Uhm...h-hey Iris..."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCrXmee9ud
Espero immediately felt the awkward aura radiating and decided to leave.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bqwuHphwN
"Yeah? What's up Arelin?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJjjV6RD9x
"I really need your help..." he pulls out a notebook and frantically flips through pages. "Your family, and most specifically, your mother. She's the goddess of creativity and sometimes the deity of color. That means you must have some of her magic.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqkxmwj93y
"I guess, but I don't really...have any abilities that resemble my mom's.." I reveal the strings of color that I had recently obtained. "These are the closest things I had to either of my parents,"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJWoGdsqtV
"M-my sister...I've been trying to find some sort of anti-curse..or something..."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFURGTC86F
"What's wrong with your sister? Is she okay?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeBdMk19lh
"I...I don't know.." he hands me the notebook. Thousands of words and sketches were printed all over the pages.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQa0c0ciTo
"Someone...did this to her.."
I hand him back his notes.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVx7dJEGCK
"My mother's been hiding her ever since. Now Alena just...sits there.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jn8MoGGsk
"That's...heartbreaking. I don't know what your plan is, but if it means I get to save someone's life, count me in."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVZxZDY6cE
"Thank you. I'm so glad to have someone like you.."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBo9ySOy4Y
"No problem! I'm just extremely helpful." I pat him on the back. "You have a good night. Don't overwork yourself, okay?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39RBWsQ5ZN
He looks back at me with a soft smile. "Okay." before leaving the room. I sigh in relief. But now, on top of school, I had Arelin's sister in the back of my head, and the consequences if I don't save her in time. Another knock on the door. My mom comes in, holding a bag of what seems like dinner.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVLdgkTUts
"I wanted to come up here before I left for my night watch," she places the bag beside me. "That's dinner, I got it from the diner in the City District."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihbmRti2BM
She plants a kiss on my head. "If anything happens, you call me, okay?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmb0rhKmLV
"Okay mom, but you be safe too."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwy11ETS2k0
"I'll try. Enjoy your meal, I'll be up here in the morning to wake you up, okay?"
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5ghAWD4pA
I take a bite of my food. "Mkay."
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kedNPU5PT
"Good. See you tomorrow." she says as she fades into the night.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdlmAQxfo4
I sit in silence and eat my food, watching the stars twinkle in the night. When I finish, I get ready for bed, get comfortable, and feel myself get sleepier and sleepier.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0FkjDt1I7
I drift off to sleep.
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDSJoPLsAC
508Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevKeE0mxgT
