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.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGmXJU62vL
"Iris...wake up.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0Wc35Xq7h
I grab a pillow from beside me and smash it right into his face. I instantly wake up when throws it right back.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3yyhiM82R
"Ciaran!" I angrily stare back at him.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡro41hA9NjE
"Someone was at the door..." He lied.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsDaTML4ip
"Well, why didn't you open it?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oo2S3Rjtp
Ciaran answers with a scoff and a sip of his cup of tea.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0pIYlUBBF
Groaning, I get up from bed and get ready for the day.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXsofQthNr
"And what is your objective today, Araginee?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhBEFKBxbc
"Why does it matter to you?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDERt3X32aw
"You just seem to be...in a rush."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83KWZhcLdn
"Is it wrong to just freshen up?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImHerZjXqH
"Well, if you are going somewhere, it's only fair I go with you."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3iMdGSghC
"I don't care if you go with me, just don't be up to any Darken shenanigans."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE26u5VcCO
"I promise, I have no affiliations with my mother at this point in time." He smirks.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEFJVHLTFE
"Good. Now let's go.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThajAGclnO
I opened the door and walked into the hallway. Ciaran floats quietly behind me.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSvHnQEFKI
"So, where are we going, Iris?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCo3Tnexe2x
"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."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsaONXnNFH
"I am quite famished.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEZ3nLHEv9
"You can make your own food, Ciaran..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxnSpbhZ76
"...Very true.." He creates a tart right then and there and takes a bite.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRWEQS6lCx
I sigh and walk my way towards Ecluna's dorm room.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMUpN99TKK
I hear rapid footsteps pacing on the other side. Nonetheless, I knock on the door.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzjb6EC1Xn
"Coming!"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcq6JWpnLV
Ecluna opens the door...as I saw the room in almost...complete darkness. Her curtains were covered, almost completely.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhPi0RQsob
"... What's with all the darkness?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T8LRERe4E
"Just a precaution...
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwjLjXAgRy
"Have you been pacing here in the dark the entire time?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4aBwHHLgn
"I was thinking...about... something. It doesn't matter..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf7FKC9xMh
"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? "
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyBSUOWxbJ
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.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FKe7LIQvx
I could tell from her expression and body language she was lying.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefawQncZUs
"Do you want me to stay with you today?'
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9dCuuA8v5
"No, I'm sure you have some o-other stuff you can do other than worry about me..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPrmERLhJr
"I'm worried about you because you're my friend. If there's anything, and I mean anything you need to talk about.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCKdzgWBuG
"...I'm fine, Iris. You're just overreacting..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvfrUB7Fdp
"... Alright.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWTBZvJmiH
"...I'm gonna do some necromancy magic...I'll talk to you later, okay?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCAproUS1w
"Okay..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw9bfxCOoV
I walk out the door. Ciaran was patiently waiting outside the door for me.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ysEjARGbo
"Are we ready to leave?" he asked.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7REG6cubF
I nod. "...Yes, let's go."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFwlzOPWab
We start to walk to our destination. I just kept looking at the floor and thinking about Ecluna's behavior during our conversation.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1KZKp1xuu
"You are looking somber.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiUf2VKpHh
"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?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESFwDVEGew
"I just wanted to start conversation is all."
He takes yet another sip of tea.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMrKrM6uL4
"I'm...gonna visit Jake now. It wouldn't be smart to follow me."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kbT9xmeUm
"I shall return to your room, then." He says, fading away into a puddle of black smoke.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qiDa53Y2y
I go downstairs to the infirmary and calmly knock on the door. When it slides open, Ms. Ikura greets me with a sweet smile.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPQO6DgRG0
"Hello, Iris! Come to check on Mr. Kaliber?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVX1ieMifXs
I nod. "Mhm. Is he awake now?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDj9HnZfQN
"I'm afraid the pain has kept him up all night, so yes.." she opens the door more to let me in.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2xujs18qq
Jake was messy-haired and barely awake, only conscious from the pain Ms. Ikura just mentioned.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnHQknQsBd
"Hey Iris..." he croaked.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNz1zUCtQSz
"Hi Jake! How are you feeling?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv3wHe1ImZ
"Awful, but I can deal."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhtriml17I
"You should really get some sleep. You have bags under your eyes.." I joke.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdnTlaIx2R
"Very funny." He chortles back. "I'll go to sleep when the pain eases down a bit."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGIa2q4i2Y
Ms. Ikura comes in with some yogurt, a cup of coffee and some medicinal herbs, all on a tray.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6rj6qKaEc
"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?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETYHQJzb2a
"Not at all." he says grabbing the cup and a spoon.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbpZruNUGV
"I also noticed how much you like your morning coffee. Only drink it after your medicine."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE6QzoW10M
"Alright.." he says before eating another spoonful of yogurt.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBR084ywf4
"I'm gonna go ahead. I have my own check-up to get to. I'll come back later."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNs4GI52Rg
"See you later, Iris."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcWQ8cldE9
I pat his head and walk out.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9w6s4BA4U
As soon as I exit the infirmary, I bumped Aluise, eager to get somewhere.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKFl0A2jFj
"...Iris...it's been a while..." Aluise greets.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU9W4ByaK0
I don't think I've ever heard Aluise with such a calm tone of voice before.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczW7nCGLSq
"Hi, Aluise. Are you going to see Jake too?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV80kRwPJm
"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.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmNUth5DeZ
"Oh, I'm sorry for getting in your way then.." I step aside.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7n54JnmuQi
"Thanks." she runs up the hall and turns the corner.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsVKccAOfA
I continue my journey to Arelin's room. It was two flights of stairs all the way up to the top floor.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQZGtt4eqA
Once I get there, I knock on the door, only to notice...the door was unlocked.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVUIqWknx1
I push the door open. It was pitch black inside, aside from the the curtain's small crack showing the morning sun.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntyykNlzqL
A draft as soon as I came in...the window was open..
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0shgIlDY1C
"A-Arelin? Are you here?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtxgoG84kk
I attempt to turn on the lights, but the glass shards immediately told me something had already happened..
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbGHc7xxOJ
I run to the window. Light traces of blood on the windowsill, windows completely shattered.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkgrsE6ZIu
What happened? I thought to myself.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyislaEVg4M
"A-Arelin? If you can hear me-"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNK3oFmxb4e
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.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipHu5KTbGT
"...Iris. I didn't expect you to be here.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmaBCUdZKF
Arelin was only slightly injured, with his sister, back in her turned form.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FeLC3NNHg
"Are you okay?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8l1LXcGJm
"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..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZtXMvtwn0
"Don't worry!" I assure. "We'll just have to wait it out, like before.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBYwcs274A
"Getting a word out of her took months on it's own. I don't know how far back she's gone from recovery.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidbFCF3eLR
Arelin flips through his notebook. "It's like...no matter how hard I try..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5hhxLv2pl
I rip the book from his hands.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUN8FTep2Q
"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."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgQidzFRl4
I calmly place the notebook on the desk beside me.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76b8YWTOCW
"It hurts me to see you...so disheveled and disoriented..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmq1Tug2dFc
"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.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41FHhppYjZ
"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."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLm64FRlBN0
"...Is it warm outside?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SzDIDX72i
"I haven't been out yet. I was planning on it after your check.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdRYtgUqRz
"Well, it's obvious you're still your determined, assertive self. We can go ahead now."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3FlPFB3Uz
"Great!"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5U1aftqNi
I run out the door, practically dragging Arelin along with me, all the way down the stairs, and outside.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoZBN5ODEa
It was a calming day. The grass only barely waved in the wind, and the sky was a brilliant blue.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFRFX8vt3S
"Iris...I forgot my coat..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9LgRbkogw
"It's so warm though, you don't need a coat.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLnSSWnyII
"I just feel...bare without it."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKHYWo3IrB
"I think the coat was holding you back. Besides, it feels wonderful out here."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXQoFG3idX
I run to ledge the Academy loomed over and sit, listening to the whimsical music of the Ringmaster's Circus.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OOgv7KIQ0
"I'm sorry for bringing you out if you didn't want be.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlX5nGHw6oN
"It's fine...I needed a break after the morning I've had.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNeq2tJqds
"...You can check on Alena and come back, I'll stay right here."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0FSeA084s
"Okay. I'll be right back."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuL08hLcRfJ
Arelin walks back inside. I stare at the grassy meadow around the cliff. The late morning sun only brightened its color.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ7mRNet6r
"Did you plan to just leave me in that uncomfortably hot room, Araginee?"
Ciaran rhetorically asks.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnl0UM34yM
"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?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfr9dNr29i
"...That is why I am so fond of you. You are unaware of the world opposite to your own.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv7rclguZd
"I'm...intentionally being unaware...so you or your mother don't pull me in."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHs8KPcQa7
"...Do you want to learn?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSPPtWXaqo
"What's the catch?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDEbSb3RTs
"Hmm?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrimTiyMu2p
"You're obviously going to make a deal that'll mess with everything, so what's the catch?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByeFThAXZc
"...There is no catch, Araginee..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2WdSEPT7D
I hear walking behind us. "I knew you would come here Ciaran..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6842AD7DE5
"...Hi Iris.." Alena whispered, cradled in Arelin's arms.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWo17ua8Szl
"Hi Alena. You're okay right?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYElLsvdLR
She nods silently, curling herself like a ball in Arelin's arms.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW7lfkSyoQ
"She's still upset about attacking me earlier."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsets227TX1
"I'll be okay for now Arelin.." she slips from his hands and curls up on the luscious grass.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqQitiI1xG
"Alright.." Arelin says. "Iris. I'm sorry for asking on such short notice but...would you like to spar?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhP4wV1ZT0
That foggy memory of Jake when I punched him some days back flashed in my head as he said that.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3XT00KgH3
"I don't want to hurt you like I did with Jake. I'll just put another one of you guys in the infirmary.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYSU5cd69J
"I want to prevent something like this from happening again. This is just a test of mine."
He stands back to face me.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hK5i3qGc8
"B-but..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVC4WZvAo9
"I'll be more careful than Jake."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXToLdI5aY
"If you will not fight him..." Ciaran states, throwing his flowing cape behind him. "Then allow me to."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg32T3xP1n
I shake my head. "...I'll spar with him. Like he said, it's just a test."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1y9anb8sA
My hands quiver...
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHraDRJxey
"Iris. Don't be afraid. I'll be able to dodge them.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eTpoZoEvD
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.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgkP4zO8N3
"Good. That ability seems to be normal."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGSJmP8Gob
The sphere begins to zap and electrify all over.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu1ssyypzM
"Don't be afraid. It's all part of the plan."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0c2cSXCrb
I feel hesitant to finish the attack. Then, a cool breeze brushes against my shoulders, almost massaging the tension from my body.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSbzAC9SWg
"Don't worry Iris...I think Lin has good intentions.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7OuRtUMJ7
I look behind me. "E-Espero?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9qg2jrdtm
"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.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatgsupSfSp
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.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH9o4qIQWK
Four loud thuds echo throughout the air.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVQgNJIVzm
"...I'm lucky I had that barrier. One of those on it's own would've put me in a critical condition."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzq7CanIPY
Arelin was okay, only able to stay safe with the barrier he put up beforehand.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAxcGWHiMF
"D-don't scare me like that!" I yell from the other side of the cliff.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06bN40MQSU
"I'm sorry. I wanted you to use that ability exactly to determine how strong it was."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0oi0IrQgt
He pulls out his notebook and walks towards me. "What do you call it again?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6lwCnyABG
"... I've never thought about it. I was never good with names.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoTs8EEQzb
Espero's spirit faded in. "Well, if the color becomes from her draining it from something..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzX6DXSWNkV
Arelin was taken aback by his sudden entrance.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxugCn364eW
"Espero?" He waves his hand around throughout Espero's face, which phases through him like air.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZt59QWYn00
"...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.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yIIaFu3Wt
He shakes his head. "Anyways, I'm thinking we should call it Hue Assimilate."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MCa34m2rb
"I like that one.." I whispered.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UzfO3mo8t
"Good." I feel his freezing cold air run against my hair. "...Welp, I'm gonna go. See you guys later."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXDy3NQiRj
He looks at Ciaran. "And you... don't do anything stupid, alright?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqM8Oy8P0K
Espero, once again, disappears with the wind, leaving me to look at Arelin face to face.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15h15IMxa1
"...Can we find some safer ways to check my power level?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfjCgzYuz2
"If I can find a way, then yes.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU7ugFPl2D
"Jeez, is there anywhere you two won't be together?" Aluise yells from the entrance of the Academy.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5rMvqwbzj
"Nice to see you again too, Aluise..." Arelin greets back. "Did you need anything?"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHaCwpOqGw
"Nothing really, I just noticed you four were out here and I wanted to get some fresh air too.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdiHLocTzk
"Well, no one's stopping you. Go ahead, we were just finishing a spar session. Did you want to-"
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMCveKTcBM
"No. I'm only fighting with Jake so I can show him...how much of an idiot he is.."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdQFAp5VCC
"Speaking of which, how is Jake?" Ciaran asks jokingly.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulYe1ufqGb
"I actually went to check after I went to the bathroom, he was awake when I last checked..."
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYMIJOu66B
She saw the expressions on our faces and quickly changed her own.
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfEBwRITYY
"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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