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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoD6xfFHgL
"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!"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNNfA7IF9u
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9H02fpHPX
"Dad! I'm so excited!" I say, almost pushing him over for a hug.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli3vbDBiu3
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQaES3aX6f
"Oooh.." I say as my mouth starts to water.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW9SINqQvo
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZNLRR00mG
"Are we ready to go?" My father asks. Mom looks at me. "Not quite.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAQhHuj217
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiQeVnjwt8
"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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7lp4p5OnR
I nodded. "Mhm! I'll make sure that nothing ever happens to it!"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXOXlxDyhn
"Good. Now let's hurry before the rest of the students pass by."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRQVRQak09
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcTv4FQ6mD
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0A0uz9Haq
"Woah there." he says in a half-joking tone.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcqm0sjWPf
I turn back to see a very familiar face. "Sorry about that..." I apologize.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgAy4upZ1H
"No no, it's fine Iris."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4zrJyQh2h
"Wait...Jake? Jake Kaliber?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ5p7L6yvH
"Iris Araginee, long time no see."
I give him a big hug. He hugs me back with double the strength.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzrlGhFUt6
"I forgot you were starting the same year as me! I'm so happy to see you!"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl4jdSvHtl
"Same to you, Rainbow Butterfly."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bpZ9V7Ju8
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdndkzJQmO
"So have you been able to talk to any of the others before me?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk3XWd9cgg
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYy5sFm0pg
"Looks like a long walk." I say, preparing to pick up my suitcase.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXzWEH7LbL
"I got it," Jake grabs my bag. "It would be rude of me to make a girl carry her bags."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxLJovOSWE
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83yRfGBeRm
" It's so beautiful..." I say.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmpv3gWxKP
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...
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxiGXvrRnk
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbFY6Xhmp3
I feel the aura of multiple students as they try to illuminate the room.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cJcFDETCO
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9C8ihvvAB
"Welcome students, to the Academy!" Ringmaster Poppy says as she points her hat towards the sky. That's when everyone started to cheer.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXmxK0ftpJ
She quiets everyone down. "Alright alright, I know you kids wanna party, but let's get the important stuff done first."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSateodvr4U
She jumps off the stage and motions us to come with her. Confused, we follow.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHP6n3xizz
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4HaezWHVA
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieNPyGaEW9
"Uh, hi-"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOiHENyf3u
He quickly slams his book shut and begins listening to me.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOS1BizmQ2t
"Ahem...hi, I'm Iris. Nice to meet you."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRa8a7AMpY
"A-Arelin...and same to you..." he picks up the book again and starts flipping the pages back to where he left off.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFegVNdTCf6
"Uh...Iris...you mind giving us a hand?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN43dBEmplM
"Huh? What's wrong?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJHXa4sqS2
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1voMDLLQy
"Don't rub it in, It'll make it worse," Another voice enters the room. "Now Aluise, what did we say about attacking people?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FM4fXitZ4
"...Whatever..."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQuiTVVjNq
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx5m7fyHEj
"Heyo Iris...nice seeing you again."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN5TCUZ0iU
"Hey, Esp! Long time no see!" I hug him. After releasing the embrace, he grabs his suitcase and walks to the door.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk45KEpDnq0
"Hey, where are you going?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigacH2XP3h
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaJsy69ddL
"Right...I'm supposed to be tutoring you guys.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaHGshHpax
I wave to my uncle with a big grin on my face.
"Hi, Uncle Damien!"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tc0deFSn7
He waves back. Espero throws his bag into a corner.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlllGePu1T
My mother also walks in the door.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWW65R8bXu
"Thanks for being the Combat teacher Damien. We appreciate it."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ed6YyQIv3
"No problem, sis.." he says with a sigh.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtVozrkT2j
"Wait, Mom, what about you?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VM1CRI8hI
"I have...other matters to attend to. I'll see you after you get settled into your rooms." with grace, she disappears.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiHtdrsQi2
"So, how about we learn more about each other?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LT6p0ZJqv
Aluise scoffs. "That sounds dumb.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYuF9Akoyf
Espero lightly nudges her in response. "Aluise.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRBAv3RdMB
"What? It did.." she turns her head.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGTCjMP1PG
"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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8wBd2AHWo
"So...now what?" Arelin asks.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg0IWCujsj
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQHBlDKUkF
"Mrs. Aurelia? You're our Magic teacher?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXYICPGry0
"That's correct. Now, I would introduce myself, but it seems I'm already familiar with everyone. Let's just get started,"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡji9WHDN9OW
At first, I thought she would ask us to take out a textbook, but...
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUuYdSfMIz
"If you would, please release your magic abilities."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwy6hLw5LPG
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kJr8t5QQZ
I look around at the rest. They were struggling just as hard.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlBa3slHwU
"Now...how did you feel when you released your magic for the first time?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH14EEcw5CR
"I'm tired, and I didn't even do much..." Ecluna complains, and to be honest, so was I.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4hJ2NyWwi
"That's normal. You haven't used your magic often, correct?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBfYxZRhJh
"Well, no, not really." Arelin says in a murmur.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLSsh53UV6
"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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUtLPza509
I release my magic again, a cute flame spiraled and flickered in my palms.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z73bGWfKh
Jake looks over my shoulder. "You could light a match with that."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YDxRDgEFw
I lightly elbow him in the side. "Like you could do any better!"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKmlLo7KTp
"Heh. But I can." he lights his sword with his cerulean flames.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO4oM5U8mV
"...I stand corrected.." I say.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJhG1vux2d
"Good."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrR2MhMW4h
"It doesn't matter how strong a flame is, it'll still burn you, yes?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6e9VMUXAw
"I guess..."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2vJrLFKWV
"Then it shouldn't matter how strong or weak your abilities are. They will get stronger over time." Aurelia gives us words of encouragement.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡig9cTmJFRs
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfBMBChjU1
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2V31Qnmry
"Hello, kids. How are you enjoying the class so far?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kXsoOQ4uK
"They're good! I made a little eclipse thing.." Ecluna says, holding a bright umbra within her palms.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dxe4j9sYY
"That's good. Now, if you all would follow me?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GfTfucGnU
"Hm? What for?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjUFZiK0R1
"There's a part of the school I have yet to show you. No one else knows about this place but us."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14KQ6kC0H0
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPATUWwu4wn
"This is our old headquarters. All of our old stuff should be in here..."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29R5RWHJzn
"Wait...what's in that chest?" Arelin hesitantly says, pointing towards a chest with extremely rusty locks.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY50S9Bc5X9
"I never thought I would have to mention it, but since you asked.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnZ21VngmU
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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZVDCM73iW
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTiDinT2Mr
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GL37qGOAa
"Her?" I ask. Why was she so worried about bringing "her" back?
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa5XgFIdOe
"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?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlddzDEoEoW
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReV7XRscme
"Took you all long enough..." Uncle Damien half-jokes, tightening the bandages on his arms.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEQpBPrTOU
"Mom had something to talk to us about,"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dT8GrwHUP
"Well, if Irene had to stop you for something, I guess it can't be helped. Just don't make it a habit.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd7kdwbAEQ
"Mhm, you got it!" Ecluna says.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ECACbUH23
"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.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgnfITWvKi
Ikura waves quietly to the class with a medkit in hand.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiosMyn8pjC
"Now, does anyone volunteer to go first?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgG2YQuYFF
Aluise raises her hand reluctantly. "I'll go.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62UhLNHyxC
"Is that a challenge then Aluise?" Jake says, with his hand also raised.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqXsdRyWxb
"I have no choice, you've already raised your hand.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9e12KkybUU
"Fine then," he jumps from his seat to the floor of the room. "Let's see how this will go."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiW49UN0I1
Jake stands at one side of the room, and Aluise, with her arms crossed, stands at the other.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQekCokvE2d
"You can begin.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdalWQuZXU
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjitcQ3Q4ox
Jake taunts Aluise a little. "I thought you would hit a little harder, Lulu.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHLWdrmlrR
"LULU?" Aluise says angrily.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O1gVzJkMc
"I don't think it's a good idea to taunt her Jake," Arelin yells out.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8bzTW7rGY
"Nah, I've got-" Jake gets punched right in the stomach.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqCFFk6zyc
"Well?" she says, rubbing her fist.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmyQbNV1wD
"I d-deserved that.." he says in pain.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZLHwWPSlr
Ecluna cringes. "That's gonna hurt for a while.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqeOylKkxy
"That's for calling me Lulu.." Aluise says before kicking him to the ground. "And that's for trying taunt me."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mrqI9Zgg8
"Alright alright..."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSzup6oyRw
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeqABu1K2R
"Alright, who's next?" Uncle Damien asks, continuing to the next match.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uQFbFPKTw
"I'll go," I nervously raise my hand.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR71D4CHzqH
"Then I'll go as your opponent," Espero announces, standing, stretching, and then placing his notebook in the seat next to him.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsrCqDVjdy
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy0HR8uZOd
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuLldKqw8N
"Rule number one, never trust your opponent.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgUKbN00FH
He looks up at where I was supposed to be, only to find I had gone missing. "Iris?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCaURgp1fs
I was standing on the ceiling, one of my abilities inherited by my father. That's when I began to confuse Espero.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNqsxL8P78
"Maybe I'm over here?" I run to another side. "Or over here?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxwcSU9qNz
"You're up there somewhere, aren't you?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoZExC7IMO
"...No?" I lied.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuoINQzSqd
"Come down from there, it's not doing you any good.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjA9rHBzeb
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTYi6FvKcw
"...Hi there," he says with strain. "You're standing on my ribs.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPZf7cnVuA
"I know," I say in return.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5A6WL5wjB
"I noticed you used your magic to swing down,"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhfpdty4hd
"Eh? But I can't-" I look at my hands. Thin colorful ropes dragged back into my palms.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZHgkoaNIq
"Can you please get up? " he says with even more strain.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAYn3iJR3q
I step off. "Oops.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuClc3IqXP
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lW0g5bXrS
All of us sit at a table, and food slid in front of our faces.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIHYbZ5Chp
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JnpuH1Wtw
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlT328aVFr
"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?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XesPfuRxv
"Mhm! I'm ready to see what this last class has to offer!" I say with determination.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVGxVM53i4
"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!"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS9ORUVUWv
"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?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aHiMD9Oit
"Actually, we did. Just pretend it's rainwater," Aria says. That dropped my confidence a little.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaVwaT90cK
"Someone can go now.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjddQseodb
I push myself towards the first platform. Slippery, but manageable. I just carefully hopped to the other side of those platforms.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgxEUiojb3
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESlFatcooi
"This is the final obstacle Iris, don't screw it up.." Espero calls out.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJaXiwEgU1
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkptiZOqCKK
Me and Ecluna walked around with the halls packed with students.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRDrHvA2IA
"There you two are." I hear my dad's voice.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFO18fzLfX
"Hi Dad!"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjZSP69lBx
"How was your first day?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡry2COAb8Rc
"It was good! Look, I even learned how to make webs!" I let them slip out of my hands and spread across the floor.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6KJ6euGQl
"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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHtxfy4MbN
"Don't those hurt, poking through your skin and stuff?" Ecluna asks curiously.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIpQAzjqVb
"Oh, very much so."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6F3w9hchJ
"...Ouch."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYBvYG2r4d
"So what do we do now?" I ask.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQqVrVQE7t
"Your mother suggested that I show you to your rooms." he pulls out a key with an orange keyring, resembling Mom's necklace.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYmSwYRCHv
"This is your mom's old dorm room key. We've reserved those rooms specifically for you."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFlwqAINum
My dad hands a similar key to Ecluna.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyerjigLjv
"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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcodIDYyMmr
"It kinda looks like my room.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW5cCjwQab
"You and your mother were so alike," he looks at the window. "Her and I would talk for hours in here. Brings back memories."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt9fejzXOr
"Awe," Ecluna says.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlohzDuY7ej
"Welp, you have fun in here."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKquA7HhjzA
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL7aT7etyc
"Nice, you got Aunt Irene's room."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7qGAZ5967
I jumped and punched him in the side. "Don't do that Esp!"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lQQ7btJGK
"Sorry, sorry. You didn't have to hit me so hard.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliPfn6sVu4
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?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUxo2YQcUt
"...I dunno. We can go out now, can't we?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa01ZD2Ecty
"Yep. You're allowed to leave the campus after school hours and do just about anything you want,"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6ENxlQKo0
I rub my chin in thought. "I wish there was somewhere-"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZz6vXIgCP
That's when someone else peeks their heads inside. Arelin awkwardly walks in. "Uhm...h-hey Iris..."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxudvG2lvJM
Espero immediately felt the awkward aura radiating and decided to leave.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm0zSdZIJX
"Yeah? What's up Arelin?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL26GSF9hk
"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.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISNchD6sFM
"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,"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9ls8hPhDM
"M-my sister...I've been trying to find some sort of anti-curse..or something..."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX1yNlj6OQ
"What's wrong with your sister? Is she okay?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N0YoIcp3Z
"I...I don't know.." he hands me the notebook. Thousands of words and sketches were printed all over the pages.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypyQxeRc2D
"Someone...did this to her.."
I hand him back his notes.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2bySAmJ0D
"My mother's been hiding her ever since. Now Alena just...sits there.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ndcR2wu3T
"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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXiEGCT6bX
"Thank you. I'm so glad to have someone like you.."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAloS0wbnDn
"No problem! I'm just extremely helpful." I pat him on the back. "You have a good night. Don't overwork yourself, okay?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TQaUHfUK8
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dmpdzR3BB
"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."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzsnmquXrf
She plants a kiss on my head. "If anything happens, you call me, okay?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyxx5NyIW8
"Okay mom, but you be safe too."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpjxs9Vat9
"I'll try. Enjoy your meal, I'll be up here in the morning to wake you up, okay?"
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuISOtYvffp
I take a bite of my food. "Mkay."
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr7w9BOwRe
"Good. See you tomorrow." she says as she fades into the night.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgwj1dXjuw
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.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeRnZME6MX
I drift off to sleep.
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DYgX6CdCE
358Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTC1bV8ZC5
