While we began circling one another, Mom set up a barrier to keep the others safe from the after effects of the attacks.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAjaLAeaSs56
Ecluna, with her Ecliptic energy, makes herself a weapon, before dashing towards me.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAOgU1J6VVBf
With my spear, I managed to block the first attack, before dodging another. Ecluna continues to giggle as she continues to attack. Finally, I landed a stunning blow on Ecluna. I could feel the Eclipse grow weaker.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAGtOyr1Ydpm
I glance towards Arelin, Jake and the others. I felt a warm feeling when I saw the turned become more normal.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAko75XhzUUU
Ecluna suddenly throws herself onto me, landing blow after blow right into my stomach.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAXWzy1gSK9j
I feel the pain burn within my entire body as her attacks grow stronger.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAkeeOyJA0vf
Pushing her away, I return with my own barrage of attacks. I painfully get up with steady legs, but I just couldn't help but to make sure the others were okay.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAFB6WFtwMtx
"Iris, don't tell me you're holding back to make sure your friends are okay..."
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Despite her large decrease in power, Ecluna's grip around my throat was tight.
404Please respect copyright.PENANA34PgVsikDS
"What's the matter? Have you already given up on fighting back?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAikg3IQQcN9
"T-That's e-enough.. Ecluna.." Arelin says through clenched teeth.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAVebpme3K0S
"Hmm? Did you say something Arelin?"
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She floats closer towards him.
404Please respect copyright.PENANA8UcN3Jebht
"D-don't...hurt her.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAZIHQ9OpLPd
"...Jeez, I'll need to be quick if I wanna keep you."
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Then, she turns back to me.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAtNOl9DdwGc
"Hopefully I can kill you before he changes back.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANA18MCoaL2G7
She charges up another magic to attack me with, but I didn't move, because I was trying to help Arelin snap out of it.
Arelin was switching back and forth through forms, as if..this nightmare was finally coming to an end.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAJF3V7SgUh5
The last sliver of the Eclipse had to be charged up in it's final form.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAOa66JoH3cq
"Consider this a final message. If I can't kill you..."
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She immediately points the attack towards the others.
"Then I'll just kill them, and kill you from the inside!"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAAgdqEIXlo9
The attack fired, the maroon beam of Eclipsian magic tearing straight into the area where they were.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAV0dYm50Lsz
Ecluna didn't change her expression, her eyes never moved off of the area until the dust clouds cleared.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAMtFfHUyB2t
...A familiar, ancient aura became apparent.
404Please respect copyright.PENANABpbjUCHU8W
When I looked behind me, I noticed someone was standing next to Mom while she held a pendant in the air.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAiwDWVV9Nk2
"...Iset. It has been too long..." she says under her breath.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAxXCEJILGZZ
"Now is not the time for salutations. You have summoned me to aid you in battle..."
The woman returns, hovering only slightly off of the ground.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAT7Gi47bedm
They were safe, luckily, the barrier that shielded them had barely a scratch.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAEAYsmbH0Z6
"Do not fret, Iris. She is weakened enough to where she can be subdued."
404Please respect copyright.PENANA5Mzv9vpCkm
"Subdue me? When she's barely touched me?"
Ecluna taunts again. "If you want her to die so bad, I'll always make it quick.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAXOrSSkMUKu
A scythe appears in her hand, as she brandishes it towards the bright red sky.
404Please respect copyright.PENANA654MOf3Ywx
Slowly, I can feel my own form become more distant. Had my power begun to run out too?
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I put up my own weapon, but suddenly I dropped it, and shook my head.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAXqDmrY5Vjd
"Again...your funeral.."
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Ecluna dashes straight for my chest, but once again, someone saves me.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAjGTsn91Xxa
"...Rest now. You've done your task, Araginee."
Ciaran calmly says, cradling me. I let my true Darken form disappear. A great weight had been lifted from my chest as I grew tired.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAdBmOIQ59gL
However, that sense of tranquility was short lived, as suddenly Ciaran was shot out of the air with a sudden beam of energy.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAxxnAStfjvX
"Of course you try to take my kill away from me, Ciaran!"
Ecluna says angrily.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAIvfQz5FeJp
"I cherish her enough to put myself in danger."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAL0WwdrIClk
"...Okay then, one last deal..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAITSdo5HIUv
Ciaran preciously plants another kiss upon my head and handing me to a confused Arelin, and by this point, I had already started to close my eyes.
404Please respect copyright.PENANABDNjxUykhZ
"I-Iris...you have to stay awake."
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I open my eyes again. "Why?"
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He stops to think for a moment.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAjZGpBpPjg8
"I'm n-not sure why but... just stay awake... it's b-better if you stay awake.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAqL6qgkK0Hy
I nod. "Alright... I'll try.."
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I listen to the conversation between Ciaran and Ecluna.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAOo9OP0OdyC
"Well, what is this deal of yours?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAE0eknjPGFF
"Easy. Iris' safety in return of you."
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"You want to kill me in return for Iris' life? I am usually not very greedy, but I have a lot to live for.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAshmruExL8x
"No no, I meant..." Ecluna pulls another transforming orb. "I get to keep you."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAh9CmbPUAmJ
"...That is something...interesting.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANALE9KR0HJEC
"So, deal or no deal?"
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Ciaran steps forward and removes his cape.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAXNifWVN3BT
"I will accept. Only if Arelin and Jake are released from your grasp.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANApUMC7p7lZA
"Less fun, but a deal's a deal.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAunzX3Gf17Y
Ecluna calls on the powers of the eclipse, as Arelin and Jake dropped to the ground, but their appearance had changed back to normal.
404Please respect copyright.PENANA5yVWzenTxr
The two orbs used to transform them was brought into one, and Ecluna held it as it flared brilliantly.
404Please respect copyright.PENANA1PaeOZAaPi
"This is where I will say farewell for now."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAESMwxhDr9o
Ecluna pushes the orb into his chest. I almost felt like puking as Ciaran's eyes began to blur. The transformation began to happen again..
404Please respect copyright.PENANAdoez4kTpfa
Ciaran stood up, examining himself.
404Please respect copyright.PENANATr71RtkLsu
"Isn't that a little better?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAtTpeXCpmqL
"It is...exhilarating."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAHq090EkGkj
"Good good. How about we give that power a little test run, shall we?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAvJaXhOv5LE
"With pleasure..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANArLgjwPI3hW
Ciaran direction went straight to me. With no more of my energy readily available, I let him pull me from the ground with both of my wrists in his hands. He leans closer to my face and then...
404Please respect copyright.PENANA4ebpyUs0ov
He starts to laugh. His laughing becomes so hysterical, I almost couldn't help but laugh with him. But... what was so funny?
404Please respect copyright.PENANA6uHVRg4YBQ
"Ecluna, Ecluna, Ecluna...you poor soul. It seems you have misunderstood..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANARyrAxaZCRs
He lets me go, turning back into his original form.
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"I have no bloodline. I made out of the essence of darkness itself. I cannot be Eclipsian by any means.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAV0z9hXr06i
"...Well, I guess that's it then..."
She shrugs. "I have no more power to throw at you.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANA6E9GH3QwIn
The eclipse disappears from the sky, leaving dawn in it's place. Ecluna returns back to normal, with the small change of red tips at the ends of Ecluna's hair. Ecluna blinks, as if everything that has happened... disappeared from her mind without a trace.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAxcg1zkMUrO
"W-what happened?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAwmpZ3FKaNJ
"...Take a look for yourself." Jake says, dusting himself off.
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Ecluna looks around. "D-did I do this?! What did I-..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAD5FY96JteX
The injuries she has sustained during the battle came as she started to cough up large amounts of blood. I was so worried about her, I had forgotten about my own blood running down my face.
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I stumbled towards her.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAYtVHkPnYbC
"Iris, stop! D-don't hurt yourself more!"
She cried.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAT4wXJAkW2o
"I have to make sure you're okay too.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAeFdWAtWVs6
"Don't worry about me, I'm fine-..."
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More blood spills from her mouth. "I'm okay, just...stay where you are.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANA33cUHZptCF
"We have to get both of you to a hospital."
Arelin states. "The severity of your injuries could be fatal if they aren't treated."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAs3LjzC8hhR
Arelin scoops Ecluna from the ground, while Ciaran does the same for me. That was the last thing I remember before finally giving into my tiredness.
404Please respect copyright.PENANA51WWwHRut5
***
I see everyone else staring back at me. I was back at home, snuggled under my quilt on my bed.
404Please respect copyright.PENANA7bhjSs6IOC
"Hello everyone..." I croak.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAZQyWgY2cdM
Everyone lets out a sigh of relief.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAarIlF3APmR
"Thank goodness you're alright." My mom says.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAF3Pot9YNod
"...How long has it been?"
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Jake gives my head a pat.
"A good four days. Ms. Ikura patched you up pretty good though..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANArSBVPlGZ0d
I jump up, only to be met with discomfort and dizziness. I had to stumble back into a sitting position.
404Please respect copyright.PENANATmnopGahRb
"...Is Ecluna okay?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAXdLeJdqxun
"She's disappeared, we have no idea where she could've gone..." Soluna says somberly.
"She was asleep at one point, and then the next...she wasn't there..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAGshn6Z4vG7
Mom rubs her shoulder, comforting her.
"We've sent your father and uncle to find her, Iris. The best thing you can do is rest.."
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"And you better rest too.." Aluise added.
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I nod. "Okay.."
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I begin to shuffle back into bed, resting my head against the frame.
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"You're heading back to bed?" Jake says, sitting back in a chair.
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I nod my head again.
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"You're not even gonna eat first?"
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"I am...a little hungry..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANA8te93cKzp0
"I think Arelin is making something..said he was waiting for you to wake up."
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"Could you call him here for a minute then?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANACUfbfAs4ah
"... Alright." he gets back up from the chair with a slight limp and leaves. In a few seconds, Arelin was in the doorframe.
404Please respect copyright.PENANA164UtjePVW
"...I'm sorry if I distracted you.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAAuUPhXfgfs
"It's fine. It's just about done right now."
404Please respect copyright.PENANA59Y445DIdX
"Ah, alright then.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAKrzPz5TPhL
"...Ciaran was asleep behind you earlier, but I'm not sure where he could've went.."
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I pull back the quilt again, where Ciaran was sleeping comfortably underneath.
404Please respect copyright.PENANA6qZt7qUHtX
"I found him.." I say, pulling him towards me.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAJJi0xX1BgT
Ciaran wakes up when I do this, but promptly shuffles even closer.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAV4JdUjNRnv
"This is the calmest I've ever seen him..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAsImSr0bWpu
"...I'll be right back. You must be hungry..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAPhh2zM0EGi
"I'm starving! Bring back something really good okay?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANASWMJYVEvwo
A smirk appears on his face.
"Alright.."
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As soon as he leaves, Ciaran wakes up.
404Please respect copyright.PENANADrZAW4NvAy
"You are...awake..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAQvAZa4aHwm
"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. I just needed to rest a bit.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAlTSWsyC9YA
Arelin comes back with a steaming plate.
"It's not much, but it should be enough with some bread.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAS19jTrUzVP
He places the plate in front of me, before sitting on the bed beside me. I slowly pick up the fork and start eating.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAqCQcNiOeba
Afterwards, the sleepiness started to come back. I yawned as my body starts to slide underneath the quilt more and more.
404Please respect copyright.PENANA2zWiM69rmy
"You're going back to sleep?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAfdqcJlMDMf
"Mhm...I want to be up bright and early tomorrow."
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Arelin gets up, taking the empty dish from my almost unresponsive hands.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAlWUymO8dpA
"I will...check on you in the morning then.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAF93STuHauN
He turns off the lights and shuts the door. I slowly closed my eyes, and I drifted off to sleep.
404Please respect copyright.PENANApaRwDuMwAP
The next morning, I felt refreshed. Getting up from bed, I stretch and walk to my mirror.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAIRI2tHXGCE
A sudden weight almost pulled me off my feet. As I struggled to stand up, I look at the mirror to see...
404Please respect copyright.PENANAvUkq3O9rSp
"Good morning, Araginee..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAbmV0wlvpDL
"Ciaran!"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAyajp3CLGNl
Ciaran held onto my shoulders and tried his best to hold on to my back while I tried to remove him.
404Please respect copyright.PENANANJiSOn5lBM
"Get off of me! You're too heavy!"
404Please respect copyright.PENANADvE3H6TPYV
"You seem to be holding me just fine.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANA0BghFMNSSl
I sighed heavily. "I don't want to carry you around!"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAhOZh0gZvma
We have a wrestle for a bit. Eventually, I gave into his ways and let him stay there.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAHHl4B6QnDY
"How was your sleep?" he asked.
404Please respect copyright.PENANA9IoIPl7yfB
I stumble to the hallway. "It was fine. You were taking up all the bed space though.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAEZqAcrOgZV
I go into the kitchen, where Uncle Damien was asleep on the couch, and Mom and Dad sitting and drinking a cup of coffee together while Arelin made breakfast.
404Please respect copyright.PENANADKIHMERqG0
"Good morning, Iris." Mom greeted, before giving Ciaran an untrusting, mean glare. "And Ciaran..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANA3bTBJ0bHAT
Ciaran responds. "Good morning to you too.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAAMehbF9fmS
Uncle Damien woke up in an attacking stance. I couldn't help but snicker a little at his expression, but I also had to feel a little sympathetic.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAqrWTLty9Wd
"Did you have a nightmare, Uncle Damien?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAYgbN9fBjm1
Walking over to him, I give him a grin. "If you keep thinking about stressful stuff, you'll never get any sleep.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAgZ0G2pPp5e
He responds by tiredly turning around while mumbling and returning to sleep.
404Please respect copyright.PENANABMlVvWIbGk
"That grumpy older brother of mine won't even smile a little for his only niece.."
Mom smirked and shook her head.
404Please respect copyright.PENANArtyyGjptf8
"Arelin! Iris!"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAwomWxH6pn6
Someone comes running into my arms, but quickly, from the long, almost midnight colored hair, I immediately knew who it was.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAaO0ZO68CAR
"Hey, Alena!"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAxm6ON2HmTl
"I came as soon as I heard. Are you feeling alright?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAdktw0HFXD3
I assure her that I was feeling fine. "Yep! I'm doing really well!"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAFzT7efLioV
"Good!"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAlkvHrjg0UM
Alena then turns her attention to Ciaran, who I was still carrying.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAjn5WPcj6bH
"Huh? Why is he here?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANACh2QnBk0k0
"He decided it was a good idea to ride around with me today..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAJF9nAbMTjJ
Ciaran only snickered mischievously.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAHCQY0Y4SHW
"I sadly haven't been able to remove him yet.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAJe980OpQo1
Alena playfully flicks his nose.
"I think he's cute. He's like a little baby."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAW0uDq3lJPE
"You compare me to a child?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAauY93o7f5E
"Admit it, you can't go anywhere without Iris."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAc1Ayd6N1Ri
A weight was lifted from my back as Ciaran jumps off to lend Alena a stare.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAhQFxcQisRE
"A-Ah! He's quick to anger!"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAUDE685O0mi
"Do not belittle me, Alena."
404Please respect copyright.PENANA2GcHwuuiVK
"Hehe, belittle." She punned. Arelin laughs as well.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAcr8bdhNFGc
"Why you..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANARfW0JwtuCM
Before Ciaran could get a hold of her neck, I pull him back. "Alright Ciaran, no need to get all snippy."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAgBnxgO26Bt
He slips back behind me.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAVXB8hSwdId
"That...girl..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAr6jfiGgTtm
"Don't worry, she's just messing with you."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAqrsNdBx9Lm
"...Her presence now pesters me to no end.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAD8TnND8xO0
I sigh. "You're a lot of work, you know that?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAyQhgceaRqh
He rests his chin on my shoulder.
"Am I?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAwjRbu8QXKl
"...No, not really. Not anymore."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAmKwkU3oUv5
"Perfect. Then I will never leave your side."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAZgckGTVyMv
I immediately regretted the words I said earlier, as I realized he wasn't going to let me go.
404Please respect copyright.PENANA6sCO904Z1P
I had to walk around with Ciaran all day, having small talk every other hour or so. Once the sky became a deep blue, I had found a comforting aura within the Darken as he slept.
404Please respect copyright.PENANA5CCqdkKJMG
I took him to bed, and about to head there myself, when someone knocked on my room window.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAlBn2HY7fbO
I quickly cover Ciaran up with the quilt and walk to the window. I slowly unlock and open it, where a piece of the night jumped into my room.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAE8auRYRD9F
"Hey Iris..."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAhZEQNS3Lm1
Ecluna was still wrapped up in the old bandages.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAr45ObQDnEx
"Ecluna?! We've been looking for you! Where have you been?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAn5ot9TfYUD
"I was only doing what I promised.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAbF3FqzxApN
I lead her to the edge of the bed to sit, and rests her head on my shoulder.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAHkWrccqhMb
"I didn't want you to leave. I just wanted my friend back. That's why I pushed as hard as I did."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAaoSjACQYKE
"...I understand how destructive I can be under influence of the Eclipse."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAVxddEzZ9ld
"As do I with my new Darken forms.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAPM55T9tVr2
She sadly chuckled. "...If only I had your mental strength.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAEIqQqLLurt
"...It's getting late. Do you still want to leave?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAubI6xfTiMi
Ecluna was weighing her options. After a confusing thought, finally, she came to a conclusion.
404Please respect copyright.PENANArVeXAKHm3Z
"...I'll have to think about it."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAZ4jMYAH4CA
"Then you can stay here for the night." I threw her a pillow and pointed towards the closet."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAlPrCfF58qZ
"There's blankets and extra pillows in there. Help yourself to them."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAo0UMkqMpxg
"Thanks again for...forgiving me.."
404Please respect copyright.PENANAI0wEkcHCLn
"Of course. That's what I'm supposed to do, isn't it?"
404Please respect copyright.PENANAycbvVpxoy8
She slowly pulls a blanket from the closet, making a makeshift bed. I then turned off my bedside lamp and shuffled into bed.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAeFkdXilBde
I wonder what the morning will bring.
404Please respect copyright.PENANAx5a5PkPaH7
404Please respect copyright.PENANAYP2nxeJ73K