The words that Espero said to me still linger in the back of my head. A full turn of the moon since he died, but deep down inside, the aching feeling of sadness and guilt pounded against my chest.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdIKwHXVWY
It was a silent evening at Aquateir Palace. I was the only one awake at the time, trying to hold back tears whilst I gripped a pillow. Every time I closed my eyes, I could see Espero's blood soaked body.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaENKpJN4C
I hear someone shuffling around, before I see the silhouette of someone cut through the moonlight.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDngx59CnIL
"Iris?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lc1Mvt7xt
I answer with a silent whisper. "Mhm?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CQLA3YYUR
"Are you...okay over there?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgUMyhV6sq
"No..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqMpD4Jl6W
I hear the click of a lamp as the dark room became enveloped in light. Arelin walked calmly towards the bed and sat down at the head.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgfiCY5LLn
"I'm not going to sleep until I know you are.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90KUbBkD9x
"I don't feel like going to sleep. You don't have to stay up because of me.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspktIXEMzd
"I'm worried about you. Not only because your magic is affected by your emotions, but because I care about you,"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0h0OXo4kk
"It's just that I still miss Espero...he was more than just my cousin, he was basically the only other friend I've had, and because of me...he's dead.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzBFNKvYYx
He lightly strokes my hair as I continue to talk.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kVkdl1Hjk
"Espero sacrificed himself in order to ensure your safety.. "
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBeuNplIn1
"I just...wish I could see him again..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBvvUsTVhT
"Well, there has to be some way..." He says, thinking a bit. "Of course, we'll have to ask Mother about it in class tomorrow. It's getting late..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUq5EymCQcS
"...Okay. Can I get a hug though?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjsVWifbve
Without question, Arelin wrapped his arms around me and tightened his grip. When he lets me go, I felt a sense of comfort.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq3teaBIox
"Good night Iris.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CHgCwS0ny
"Night..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdhcpjHkVA
***
The morning came around a couple hours later. I was barely awake before Arelin lightly shook me up.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVkCgwlQDH
"Good morning.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb83erea6Y
"Ah, is it morning already?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MTP64Fu18
"Of course. It's your first day back, and Mother doesn't want you to be late.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU9RR0oQVT
"But...I don't have any clothes...I grew out of my normal ones.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE6DnRiExe
"Hmmm...this might be more difficult than I expected..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsyrmviCbf
"You can go ahead and take a bath if you'd like," Arelin says as he heads for the door. "I'll see what I can do.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BsbdSBeyb
I freshen up for the day, taking a quick bath and brushing my now bleached hair into a straight wave. I peek out the door once I'm finished, finding a deep colored dress that was carefully folded on the bed.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCce5wbyF5
I quickly slip the dress on, and walk outside the room for the first time in weeks.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAszEb8kZR
"Great. Are we ready to go?" Aurelia asked.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xaPd2iNJ5
I nod.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB7g142yoR
Arelin holds up his hands. And before I could blink, we were there. Students flooded the school and entered into the cafeteria as fast as their legs could carry them.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zTvRoqrzW
"I shall go to the classroom and await for you there. Have a good breakfast," Mrs. Aurelia says as she drops us off.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSfMW49GDI
I walk in, looking at the entire cafeteria from a new perspective from above. I try to crouch down to make myself as normal as possible. When I find Jake and the others sitting at a table, I dragged myself onto a seat next to them.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWaQYZI2j0
"Hi Iris!" Ecluna says, taking a sip of orange juice.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3xoPeTiPS
"Hey everyone!"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPuql4wvyT
"I see you're out on the town. You doing okay?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtEH6XfC3o
"For the most part, yes." The waiter places some toast onto the table in front of me. "How about you guys? What have you guys learned since I've been gone?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoLMSTrs0j
"Quite a lot. I can handle Aluise's attacks now."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCJMErBJUO
"That's only because you only fight with me.." Aluise responds before eating.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGP1uuiux6
"I've been studying more on my magic. I read a couple books on Astral magic and apparently it as a lot to do with spiritual energy. Like, ghosts and stuff?" Ecluna says, taking a big bite of toast.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNXSvVrSbh
"So, you can basically become a necromancer? Cool."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsQcsoKbdW
"That's what Mom said," Ecluna says, taking another bite. "I'm just excited that Iris is back!"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20lHZcSGy5
I softly smile. They really haven't changed a bit, have they?
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwJnTlFZKp
"You haven't taken a bite of your food, Iris. Are you sure you're not hungry?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON10gPKeX4
I nod. "I just wanted to talk with you guys before class."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGC0n9NkeVL
Jake happily accepts my answer...and promptly takes my plate.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2dsf2mT4N
"Jake..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BYkEB7wN7
"What?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgv8NeiLneM
"You're going to be late for class if you eat Iris's food.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT3t1ERs54
"..True..." he walks up to the nearest trash can and chucked into the bag. And right on cue, the bell finally rings, and every student inside swarms to the door and into their respective classrooms.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyV0HaDHU9
As we all did the same, a stuffy, nostalgic, but mostly uncomfortable feeling hit me in the chest, making me feel paralyzed to even take a step inside of the room.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjDi6pvYeW
Mrs. Aurelia quietly gripped my darkened fingers, and led me to my seat. I felt a stab in my gut as soon as my back hit the back of the chair. Not because of my broken nostalgic feeling, but because...
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQyMxwb20M
Arelin took notice at my somber expression, sitting where Espero would.
"Thanks Arelin.." I whispered. He slowly nods.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7hkuAQttl
"Okay class, I want to take a look at some of your newly taught abilities from class on yesterday."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYw31heSpm
I see everyone hold out their hands, palm outspread in order for their now brighter and more brilliant flames to reach out into the air.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSfQtX7oOp
Carefully, I do the same. When the flame nearly exploded out of my hand, I noticed something different about it. The center of the flame, which was usually a clear and misty white, was a empty black. It's flickering barely showed, still as a statue as it burned.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwqFbkCCNN
Everyone was shrouded with their magic. As I look around the room, I try to feel everyone's energy.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zg55PfJlI
"I've noticed that you've tried repeating Irene's magic ability of creation."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hGjI7SjsS
Ms. Aurelia was suddenly behind me, and suddenly startled, the flame went from still to a strong beam of darkness and light mixed together.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnmm1nNc4h
"Interesting..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMw1EDKUieL
"I apologize for startling you."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYcfAJTwHv
"It's okay! I wasn't expecting you to be behind me.." I help continue the conversation. "And yeah, I've gotten really close...one time.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg537R7WwNH
I shakily create the dagger I made before, only for it to repeat what happened last time and disintegrate.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9NcqMAOu3
"With your magic level, it should've materialized...could the Dark magic be affecting this as well?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj37yX2zEr
"I'm gonna try again." I open my hands, and imagine the small dagger once again. As I'm using all of my energy to finally recreate my mom's magic, loud screams of anguish and fear echoed throughout the room. It again startled me, taking my concentration off of the dagger and it splitting into a million microscopic pieces. When I turned around, Ecluna had her hands cupped around a large orb of souls and spirits.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PhpoCCZyx
"Ecluna, this is not the time for necromancy.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JKjFCkjB5
"I didn't mean to! I really was trying to do Astral magic that time!"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsuhVh0C61
"That's what I was supposed to ask.." Arelin's voice perked up as he snapped his fingers in remembrance. "Ecluna, can you take out certain spirits from wherever they came from?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWpN2l7M0U
At first when he asked that question, I couldn't pinpoint what he was up to.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMN3oBPv7Z
"I can't yet, but if I study really hard, then maybe that would be an option. Why do you ask?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk8W65buPQ
"...No reason..." he digs his nose back into the book he was reading.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvcCfXXvNQ
I take a look at Jake, who was trying to put out the flames that twined around his forearm.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aMQEPVQh4
"Are you alright over there, Kaliber?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31CCyGdQfN
"I would be if these things had an off switch.." he says, rapidly waving his arms around.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f62tGajCY
"Why not pour water on your arms, you idiot?" Aluise says, before using her magic to extinguish them. "Do I have to do everything for you?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTY7BsJ9oh
"Thanks Lulu," he says in a singsong voice.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNCeVvv5eP
She angrily sighs, knowing he'll never stop with the nickname. "Whatever..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2JHlnTzYb
"Now, before class ends for the day, do you have any questions or concerns for me?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO4wd0sLYq
Majority of us shake our heads no.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Rmt7PUHJW
"Okay then, don't forget that a sparring competition is going to be held four days from now for all the classes, you have until that day at 5 PM to sign up.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekQZ415bxr
And with that, the bell rings, everyone picks up their things and leaves the room.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMrc7tOFYV
"...Is Uncle Damien there?" I ask, catching up with Jake.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ixCofD0Er
"Pretty sure. He was there yesterday."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9UUCHi8Q4
"Well, let's hurry." I say picking up the pace. I get to the door and run in.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkhvM90s9b
Uncle Damien was sitting on one of the benches, sulking quietly with his head hung low.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR9SjUtRj3
"U-Uncle Damien?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNVbCm9a5l
Before I could blink, he was holding close enough to where I could hear his heartbeat. I could barely move due to how tight he was holding me. I've never seen him so desperate for affection in...forever..
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LrxaOHPkA
"I'm ready for class. What are we up to today?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkhnjDIQNh
When he lets me go and sits me down, he answers with his voice full volume.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf5ECrr7Z2
"We're still training how to use our magic to envelop our hands, giving the hit extra power on impact. Once you figure out what magic type they use most, you can pinpoint which attack to use to do the most damage."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7FfBSGh37
He then passes us a small slip of paper, with the symbols of different magic types drawn with colored circles around them.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4BUrlKJAf
"Study these carefully. The arrows that point towards another type means that the specific type is strong against it. Some are obvious, of course, but some are less so.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR8AoNTo7Z
I look at the paper. Fire was weak to Water and Astral, Water was weak to Electric and Nature, Nature was weak to Fire and Wind, so on and so forth.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RrYSMiPWH
"What if one person has two types of magic, take me for example?" Ecluna raises her hand and asks.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaX0FLwjFD
"If one is lucky enough to have two, you can have somewhat of immunity or even worse weaknesses depending on the two types." Uncle Damien responds.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbT8IFt6NY
"Now, what you want to do is to move your magic output to your arms or hands, depending on which one you're using.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYD93cLM5ff
I then see his fist engulfed in orange flames of energy, with him landing a few attacks in the air with precision and swiftness.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxtm7e7i98
"Try and focus your magic towards the outside of your palms, not the inside. Magic can't escape if you clench your fists before it's left your body."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8AmQ43IPT
I call up my own darkened Light magic to my hands, as it gleamed brilliantly with the air around it. I slowly close my hands, as the flame enveloped around them, becoming balls of rainbow-colored fire.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kq7g3jTlW
"Just...don't hit each other please, especially if your magic has the advantage..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBIVCJAuN9
We all nodded.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyQkH3w8Hc
"Now, if you want, you can do more sparring before class ends, I'll be in my office," Uncle Damien ambles to another place. All of us stand from our seats and prepare for a quick spar with one another.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYzhP7pg3T
I was a bit hesitant, I knew how strong I was physically. My heart started to beat like a drum against my chest.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjnm0NaLVQ
"Hey Iris. Lulu wanted to beat someone else up today, so..." I jump as I hear Jake's voice from beside me.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHtGotrZ4g
"I don't wanna hurt you.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDflyOvbzq4
"Nah, I'll be good. Aluise helped me build a tolerance to pain a little more, so you don't need to worry about me."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5622r417I3
I take a deep breath. "You promise?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqC52fk2myb
"Cross my heart."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzGmqOP2Hy
"Okay, I guess.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWwjQQUHVk
We make a little space for us to move around.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzKjlOTjvG
"Alright Iris, just in case. Hit me. As hard as you can." he says, his chest open wide for me punch at.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmLZaCFIYO
"I just told you I don't wanna hurt you!"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3X3oFwE0B
"This is a test to make sure you don't. Just take a shot."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGcD8NgMB6
I slowly raise my fist, quivering a little. Jake was impatiently waiting for the impact.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpymrm99xg
I couldn't do it, but whatever took control of my arm sure could, and my fist went full force into the middle of his chest.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEON7EyRuH
Surprisingly, he took the hit better than I expected. Sure, he stumbled back a bit, but he didn't look seriously hurt.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMLi3zUQrW
"Jeez, it seemed like you were eager to hit me there.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVX4GeEEcNC
When he looks up at me, I watch in horror as a line of crimson rolled down his face.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfEljzgqm8
"Jake!"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6D149ed0y
"I'm good..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDdcaPvFTO
"I told you I didn't want to hurt you!"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qgmru31sn
"You're just a bit stronger than I thought...you were also the one who aimed straight for my chest.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyuII085Nq
"No, she didn't..." Even more fear struck me as I heard his voice from behind me.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefBPe4trmp
"Despite her strength, you are still extremely resilient.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5BX8boU5c
Jake's poker face turned into one filled with rage as he steadied himself.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2Maj9HHn3
"Ciaran..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IicRclIos
"Don't move Kaliber. I still have her hands in my control.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwyN4xHFl5
"Let her go..." Jake inches closer, hand outstretched to grab my own.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4YUEr1kZP
Ciaran holds my arm up and takes another swing at him, as he makes me hit Jake right in the face.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuO8k7Qwu2
"Plan on giving up yet?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFqo8eRI4r
Jake wipes his bloodied nose. "I don't give up until the last breath I take."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYtsXEDjdP
"Your loss then.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy2KHacGsf
I'm forced to continue attacking my friend as he tries to dodge and block the best he could.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv8ntiUosE
"Alright, that's it..." Jake says as he covers his body with his now bruised arms.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdkuceosA5
Suddenly, a wave of heat and flame protected him from my attack. It scorched my hand to the touch.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cBiNDTsOn
"Sorry Iris, but I can't keep tanking hits from you. You've pretty much destroyed my ribcage.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby2f8QzP4C
The fact that he was even standing right now astonished me. That's when the magic around my hands dispersed, and I was finally able to move my hands on my own.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb37KliKKkH
"Ciaran.." I grumble as my vibrant webs get a good grip around his body. "Why are you here?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE49zmHXL1R
"Oh?" he chuckles. "I just wanted to know how you've improved. And that I can say you have.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviOjaaBsQX
"You know what? Fine. I'll play this stupid game you have planned."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll5NGt5KN1
"And which game do we plan on playing?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUMaqJk8gM
"You can stay with me. But the moment you ambush my friends and attack them..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNJrZkwsrF
With a clench of my hands, a jolt of my rainbow colored energy coursed through the web and sends it through his entire body. As he finishes screaming in agony, he begins silently chuckling.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgOseBJcTl
"This game is very intriguing indeed.." he said, painfully smiling.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj4oh5HZlZ
"Good..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1JqpQUuL7
I dropped him with slight force and turned my attention to Jake, who was barely standing and blood running down his face.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjV0m52lhF
"Jake, are you okay?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVzqiPmBIR
"Not really.." he coughed out.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqblMmRGlgR
"I'm taking you to the infirmary,"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMmOHMrqUR
"Iris.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP73mGLtSWq
"I'm not letting you get hurt like Espero did.." I scoop him up with relative ease as he continues coughing.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcglBScVJB
As the bell rings, I carry Jake carefully to the infirmary, and knock on the door the hardest I could.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPSd7BYmlW
"Just a minute!" I hear from the other side of the door. After a few footsteps, and a fumbling with the door handle, the door flies open, and Ms. Ikura looked down and sighed.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUbgq2PjvQ
"Not again, Mr. Kaliber.." she said underneath her breath. "What happened?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFvC2VVkWu
I pulled Ciaran from behind me. "He happened. He got control of my arms and made me attack him,"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwv9aaQvL8h
"...I'll take Jake for now," she carefully takes Jake as to not hurt him more.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE5PBTuo4m
"Tell me if he gets better.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGqCkZo4Pv
"I'll be sure to update you if anything changes.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyky19Lvfb
She calmly shuts the door, with me to wonder if Jake was going to be okay.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMKwGJzrHj
"Where shall we go now, Araginee?" I hear Ciaran snicker from behind me.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyCQ4q7QYf
"I don't know. You're just gonna keep pestering me no matter what."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB0cMS7YjS
"I can keep quiet..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0ZtXj28z6
"You're going to keep quiet.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2BZzqjBtL
"Whatever you say..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrJ1ytlwCG
Every word he spoke after that made me closer and closer to hitting him with every attack I had. Once I reached my own and vacant dorm room, pushing the door open and entering.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1GVBkBmVb
I flicked on the lights and dragged Ciaran in before letting him go. The moment I released him, I hear the sound of the drapes closing and saw the room get darker.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKeaeivlMt
"I'm going to get something to eat. Don't destroy anything while I'm gone.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2c7GwXWXC
"You can trust me.." he says with a devilish smirk.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1H31GpCKp
"Nevermind.." I wrap him back up and drag him along with me. For some reason, the walk from my dorm room to the cafeteria was longer. I quickly sit down next to the others.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpuclE5yfS
"Oh great...you brought him.." Arelin says before digging his nose in a book.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSZz1diqwk
"I couldn't trust him to stay in my room by himself.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGyM2uQceC
"I really was not planning on doing anything. You were just being paranoid."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukIMuFJazn
"I was right to be paranoid."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMjyzOq1KY
"You guys..." Ecluna grabs our attention. "That's enough arguing. I'll watch Ciaran while you guys go to class and stay a little longer after class to do Agility tomorrow."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm6J8U34ck
"Are you sure?" Arelin asks, eyes still focused on his book.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOakEe3ly2h
"Of course, as long as you're alright with me staying in your room."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dwIHBhWHG
"If you feel like you can handle his dumb quips, go right ahead. I've already told him what'll happen if he hurts one of you guys.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLTgsI0ZES
I clench my fists again, as a small jolt of energy zaps him, causing him to jump in pain.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63V8t6B1wr
"Just a reminder..." I let him go.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKaPcbtt65
The bell rings once again. Time for the last class of the day. As I step into the classroom, I'm greeted with confetti and party horns.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9XucKx3pD
"Welcome back, Iris!" Ringmaster Poppy exclaims as she hands me a funnel cake.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkYjFzvwsn
"I see Ecluna and Jake are not here.." Aria says, soft spoken.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFCJquVOm9
"Jake got hurt and Ecluna is doing something.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdV13ne6F9
"Well, if that's the case, class can start without them today!"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaM2dKYpAQ
As we learn how to run faster and climb on the walls, I start feeling a little chilly, then the chill turns into freezing cold.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KGLvvU85R
I wait until the end of class to head back to my dorm. Only to be met with Ecluna practicing her necromancy and Ciaran quietly asleep on the floor beside her.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6csfqZYIBK
I knock on the door.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksksNduTiI
"A-ah!" Ecluna jumps, letting more souls of the dead escape her palms. "Iris! I just read about the last thing needed to bring an individual spirit back to...life?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1YJexEdTx
"Is that why you're doing this in my room?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4Xq3Qf5bo
"Yeah. I just need that picture of him!"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwR1gcZaa8
She places the picture of Espero that stood stagnant on my dresser in front of her on the floor.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rA3VDsUPZ
"Now, let me focus again." she quietly closes her eyes, cups her hands, and chants something quietly to herself. Nothing happened.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0QfCED498
"Alright, nothing happened, now put Espero's picture back..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKRSsmMXfv
"Sorry Iris, I just-"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv9qn0VGEt
She stops dead in her tracks, her eyes bigger than the excitement I saw in her eyes. "Iris. I-Iris look-"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiYJSmQWRx
"Haha, very funny, Ecluna," I say, placing the photo back where it belonged.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyqpA4NYHV
"Yeah Ecluna, very funny.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIEpvRcTgJ
"Don't encourage her, Cia-"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKcIxjCxie
I looked towards his direction, only to see he was still sleeping on the floor where he was before...
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPq1JQyvwU
"...Wait...wait a minute.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCDowrraqI
I was confused. If Ciaran was asleep, then who...?
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdedXpQbOer
I finally looked behind me.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTsUU0hKV4
"Long time no see, Iris.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3CdvFOU51
It was...Espero. Even with his ghastly appearance and signs of decay, it was a spitting image.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v2x0kIGD4
I couldn't believe my eyes, as they begin to well up with tears.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIhiS30wxj
"I-It...can't be.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6j1S9H9FT
"Do you need proof?" I feel myself being picked up by thin air, before slowly twirling me around, just like he would do when we were younger.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpfmnK2EVp
"I was trying to get to you earlier, but I don't think you noticed..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL7O5nys1w
The tears began to spill over. It was really him.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD4xHWX7NT
"We have to tell everyone else about this!"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgykkkppSzU
"No, wait.." Ecluna stops me. "I don't wanna get in trouble for using my magic like this..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwc0HpBgol
"And I don't know if I can even stay here. It's got to do with my connection on Earth, or something like that.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegtYAHv0mi
That's when he started to fade away...
"Speaking of which...I guess I'll have to come back later. I'm sure be back if Ecluna does what she did, I guess.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6SPkqsvbe
"I'm exhausted...I don't think I can handle another word from these books.." she says as she tosses the stack of books. "I could probably do it tomorrow. Come see me then, okay..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i5yQy3E8Z
"Yeah, that seems like a good idea..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImgfbgr311
"And remember. Don't tell a soul about this," Espero reminds me. He gives me one last headpat before he phases through the wall...and disappears.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoMWp6YeCS
I still couldn't believe what had happened.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz34TN0Rl4
Ecluna left me in the room with Ciaran, who was now wide awake.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWcNT3AEB0
"What shall we do now, Araginee?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS435IxVoga
"I'm going to bed, do whatever you want.." I responded. I threw the blanket over me, laid down, and closed my eyes..
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuddKM8dH3
***
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYApfcaRJTn
"Iris.." Mom's voice echoed. I slowly wake up.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNc1Q74ahN
"Mom?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNv679y0rK
"Thank God...I didn't know if this would work..."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SdukDeg5F
"Am I...dreaming?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqI3QeqRXW
"Lucid dreaming, but yes. I have a favor to ask."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrhGtqMyOJ
"What is it?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRE7uFNtk3
"Do you mind getting Ecluna home before the end of the annual Eclipse Festival?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnIsl0l9pp
"Hm? Why?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpVyYasdVh
"Just...make sure she gets there. Her mother insists that she stays inside during the eclipse, and I think you're the strongest person I know."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu1BNEgLLD
"I guess I can do that. When is it?"
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qxibN415X
"Just a week from now. I'm trusting you to bring her home...safely."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVxu8T5mPi
"I will, don't worry.."
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAM3BXxWQF
"Good...now good night." she walks towards me and plants a small kiss onto my head.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc79izkhtQ
Don't worry Ecluna, I'll make sure you're safe.
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgXYxxlpGE
278Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Otutmws7d
