“Okay, Ember, I don’t know who taught you how to cook but that might be the best thing I have ever eaten. Seriously, how did you even manage to make the Jackalope meat spicy?!?” Mary asked enthusiastically.

“Oh? So you like it?” Ember teased.

“Yes! It was delicious!” Mary yelled. “Now please, tell me?!?”

Ember’s smile grew. “Nope.” She laughed and gave Mary a raspberry.

“Hey!” She rebuked. “Sure you’re not as young as you look?” she asked with an eyebrow raised in a taunt. “Like maybe fifteen or sixteen?”

Ember puffed out her cheeks and crossed her arms while her face quickly shifted from teasing to shock to frustration. “You…” She started. “I… I’m an adult and I look like it!” She sputtered.

“Sure, sure.” Mary said with a roll of her eyes. “Shorty.”

Ember stood up and walked over to stand in front of Mary where she was sitting after lunch. Her face was red and she held her fist clenched close to her thighs. “Look, Just because we aren’t all born giants like you doesn't mean I'm short! I’m the same height my grandmother was and my own mom is only three inches taller than I am.”

“Please!” Mary laughed before continuing playfully. “You can barely be over five feet tall and I doubt you…” She paused to check if Crag, Zaz, or Thorn were in ear shot. After seeing the three boys cleaning up the remains and covering the fire she decided that she was in the clear to continue. “Weigh over one hundred pounds.” She ended in a whisper.

Ember’s eyes grew wide as her body was flooded by the emotions of frustration and self consciousness. ‘She’s just teasing you Em.’ She thought to herself while she also turned away to hide the slight wetness forming in her eyes. ‘Damn it, she’s just playing around, don’t take it to heart.’ “Hey, low blow…” Ember mumbled, all fire drawn out of her voice. She proceeded to throw up her hood and walk in the direction of the others. “I’m going to help them clean up so we can get on with the fight.”

“Hey!” Mary called out. “Are you alright? I was only teasing you a little. I'm sorry if I upset you with what I said. I got a bit carried away, I can never have a light hearted fight like this at home. Plus I did think you were playing back at first.”

Ember stopped and took a deep breath before slowly letting it out with a sigh. She turned back around but did not lower her hood. “I was.” She replied with her eyes glued to the grass. “I know you didn’t mean anything by what you said also. It’s just…” She paused, biting her lip as she debated if she should tell Mary her story. “Okay look. When I was in middle school all the other girls my age would tease and make fun of me for being short, or small, or flat…” She took another calming breath before continuing. “I know it probably doesn't seem like a lot to deal with, just a couple girls calling you short. Well it was a lot worse. I wasn’t a once off thing it was everyday, every time they saw me, they would taunt me. They called me a flipp’n kid or middle schooler whenever they would talk to me.”Ember dropped her hood back down and started pacing around while she ranted.

Mary watched and listened without interrupting her in hopes of coming to know Ember better by the end. Once Ember finally cooled off she asked the question that had been bugging her for the last three or four minutes while Ember ranted. “So… first off, I hope those girls from your past run into a wandering group of goboids… in the dark… unarmed…”

“Damn Mary, what the hell did I just walk in on?” Crag asked as he came closer to the girls.

“Nothing. What’s up?” Mary said curtly.

Crag grabbed the back of his neck. “Geez I didn’t intend on eavesdropping on you two, you just got so loud with your threat there that I couldn't help but overhear. But to answer you, we’re leaving in five. Last chance to pack up your stuff or pee before the fight.”

“Sure, sure. We are already packed up. We were just chatting until you guys finished up with whatever you were doing.” Mary said, waving him off. “We will be there in a minute, you can head on before us.”

“Alright, just take Ember with you when you go pee. Most Jackies are weak but with your luck and combat skills one would stab you in the butt with its horn the moment you start to pee.” Crag teased before he busted out in laughter at the end.

“Don’t worry.” Ember replied to Crag with a devious smile. “I’ll keep a close eye on her” she gave a suggestive eyebrow raise to Mary before giggling to herself.

With a now red face Mary turned back to Crag. “We heard you… now GO!” She pointed back at Thorn who was standing by the old fire pit, which was now just a pile of dirt mulch surrounded with stones.

“Fine, fine. See you two shortly.” Crag started to head back to Thorn before he paused and turned his head back. “Oh we plan to leave when Zaz gets back from scouting the pond. So the five minutes I gave was just a guess to be honest. Just stay on guard when you're ready. It's just a scouting trip but you never know if something might spot him and follow him back to us.”

“True.” Mary and Ember both agreed. They shared a look while they waited for Crag to make his way out of earshot.

“So…” Ember started awkwardly. “Your brother has the worst timing.”

“Ha!” Mary burst out. “You have no idea. Try growing up with someone like that. I do not recommend.”

“I wouldn’t know.” Ember replied. “I’m an only child so the only time I had people my own age over was when my cousins came to visit or when my friends came to hangout. But yeah… No siblings. Well… I have a tiny idea, when I was like sixteen or seventeen my parents took in one of my cousins for a year and a half so she lived with us but I don't think that's quite the same.”

“No, not really, but that's interesting.” Mary stated. “I’ve never met any of my cousins and I’m fairly certain the only extended family I have met was my Uncle. Specifically my dad’s brother, he is a traveling hunter and he wanted to say bye to my father and meet my brother and I. I was pretty young so I don't remember much but I do remember he said he passed his second trial and had to leave the low rank zone before his reward would process.”

“Why did he have to leave?” Ember asked.

“Oh, right, you're not from here. Was your home continent divided into zones? Rings? I’ve also heard districts and blocks before?” Mary asked.

“Right, and no there weren’t any zones like that. The only districts, zones we had were related to the government or politics.” Ember answered with a shrug.

“Weird, so did you just deal with the ambient mana? Or did you have detectors?” Mary continued.

“Nope, no ambient mana to deal with. I’m not exactly sure how some mana in the air would affect anything anyways.” Ember answered.

“Oh, so the more mana there is the more pressure it puts on you and the environment around it.” Mary answered enthusiastically. “If you were to get too close to the gate for the wall dividing our rank one zone from the rank two zone on the other side you would feel like you were walking through mud and had a full grown stone boar slung across your shoulders.”

“Oh that's… How? Why does it clump and pool? Why doesn't mana disperse evenly across the planet?” Ember asked. “Wait. Zaz should be back any minute and I have way too many questions for how little time we have. So, one last question. And it is the one that started this, why did your uncle have to leave to progress?”

“True, I love mana theory so I could go on and on about it and the speculations surrounding it.” Mary answered with a huge grin. “But my uncle had to leave because once he broke through to the next level the amount of background excess mana his body released would increase ten fold. I’m sure you know the first trial is for your class and to level above ten, but the second trial pushes you to your limits and beyond them. My dad said that once my uncle made it through the gate and accepted his reward all of his stats would increase by a multiple of ten. Imagine it, just add a zero to the end of each of your stats and think about how crazy big those resource pool numbers will look. Its hard to even imagine, my lifeforce would jump from fifty to five hundred… And my mana pool…”

“Okay we are having a nice long chat after we turn in this crystal crown job.” Ember stated eagerly. “But it looks like Zaz is here or close. I saw Thorn and Crag get up and now they look to be putting their packs on.”

“Ah. My bad, I can get lost in this talk.” Mary said bashfully.

“Oh, me too. Which might be why granny Willow seems to enjoy my company. I'm always asking her questions and letting her go on with her passionate, in depth explanations.” Ember replied, sporting a soft smile from the memory of when Willow taught her to read this world's writing.

“Alright.” Mary spoke up and grabbed Ember by the hand. “Let's go meet the others. Also I’m sorry that my teasing upset you. Earlier I didn’t know how it would bring back those bad memories.” She gave Ember’s hand a squeeze before pulling her forward into a walk. “Plus if you ask me those girls were stupid. You definitely don't look like a little kid and from what I can tell through the hoodie your figure is pretty nice too.”

Ember blushed but continued walking in silence until the pair reached Thorn and Crag.

“... all that I’m saying is she gave the reptile googly eyes and has a thing for fur. I don’t see it going well fo…” The duo heard Crag saying to Thorn as they approached. “Oh, Hey sis! You and Ember finally decide to join us?”

Mary gave Crag an accusatory look before she answered him. “Yeah, we’re here. Now, don’t mind us… please… continue…” She threatened.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“Yeah, no. I’m good. You're scarier than a terrorbird when you're mad and I'm not even talking about you this time.” Crag spat out.

Mary started to open her mouth to reply but she was cut off by Thorn this time.

“Hey, hey, hey look.” Thorn said while pointing into the distance. “I can see Zaz making his return. Why don't we meet him halfway?” He asked nervously.

“Sure.” Ember said.

“Fine.” Mary replied curtly.

“Let’s go!” Shouted Crag. He started moving so quickly that he nearly forgot to grab his shield that he left propped up on a tree to his side.

~~~

“This is interesting.” Zaz started. “The pond is mostly silent, but every once in a while I would see a crystal jelly leave the pond and enter the woods. I waited to see if that one would return before I needed to head back but it did not. Luckily, a new one was making its return from north east of the waterfront so I was able to get an idea of what they were doing.”

“They weren’t doing anything.” Crag interjected. “They are jellies… no thoughts.”

Zaz shot an irritated glare at Crag before he continued. “As I was saying, I saw that the one returning was carrying an item inside of itself. It looked to be a coarse ore or gem of some kind but I couldn't quite tell from my perspective without giving myself away.”

“Okay but what made you suspect an ore or gem?” Mary asked.

“Shape and coloration mostly.” Zaz replied. “It didn't look like the rocks around here, plus why would a crystal jelly collect dirt or rocks?”

“Hmph.” Crag snorted. “Why would they collect pretty rocks and metals?”

“Well,” Thorn started after clearing his throat, “certain gems and metals are conductors, resistors, or containers for all different types of mana.” He then pointed out the crystal adorning the crest of his staff and the metal inlay embossed in the wood.

“Oh…” Crag said meekly.

“What?” Mary asked with a giggle. “Did you think he got that one because he thought it was pretty. Wait… Why do you think I’ve been saving up for that necklace we found last month?”

“Ye… No I…” Crag shook his head. “Look, I just thought he got that one because he liked it and picked it and also, yes, I did think that you only wanted that expensive necklace because you thought it was pretty.”

“Hey!” Mary got loud. “Did you seriously?”

“Enough.” Zaz hissed. “They were collecting what looked like ore or gems. I don't know why they would need them but it can't be anything good.” He then turned to address Crag directly. “I think when we attack you should keep an eye out for any jellies that appear to have material floating inside them. I dont know what it would do but it could go poorly for us.”

“You're being too cautious.” Crag said with a wave of his hand. “They are crystal jellies, the only things to watch out for are drop attacks, becoming overwhelmed, or suffocation. So Don’t fight under trees, don’t get surrounded, and don’t sleep anywhere near a crystal jelly, or any beast on that count.”

Zaz rubbed the scales on the bridge of his nose and then released a short sigh. “Just watch out. If your skills use mana, watch for how they are working in combat. Your costs may be affected. Same for Ki skills as well but the material for ki tends to be more difficult to find than base metals and gems so that one should be less likely at least. Oh.” He then turned to Ember. “I don’t think we will need to have them locked down at all based on the numbers I could make out in the pond. Is your other skill good offensively?”

“Me?” Ember asked with her eyes wide and a slight redness growing on her cheeks due to the sudden attention from everyone. “Yes… It is. I've killed a couple bunnies with it but I try to not get the killing… blow? Hit? Kill? Kill. I try not to get the kill when I use it though because it tends to cause corpses to…” Her eyes shifted then pointed to the ground. “Go boom…”

“Boom?” Zaz, Crag, and Mary all asked.

“Yeah… I think it's the gas build up from the rotting organs.” She replied “But magic is also involved so my idea could be close or completely wrong.”

“No… That makes sense.” Mary encouraged her. “Live around the forest long enough and you will see so many animal corpses that they will have been in just about every form of decomposition possible.”

“Gross…” Ember replied in disgust.

“As I was saying.” Zaz interrupted the two girls back and forth. “That's good to know but how does it function? Is it directional, area, or cone?? He asked.

“Oh, uh, its area. I have about two meters of reach with it.” She answered.

“That's great, you have a good range but how does it affect us?” Zaz asked.

“What do you mean?” Ember questioned with a tilt of her head.

“Does it hurt allies? Are you able to target who is injured within your area of effect?” He reiterated.

“Ooooh…” Ember said in realization. “I…” She turned to look at Thorn. “I don’t think I've hurt Thorn with it before. He is the only one I’ve fought around while using it. Have you noticed any damage from me?”

“Oh, Maybe a little.” Thorn answered. “I tried to not stand too close whenever she would activate it because she told me it was an area skill. I did test it out one day though when we fought some jackalopes. I didn't notice any drop in my lifeforce but the durability of my gear dropped faster than normal, seeing how i didnt take a single hit from the beast at the time.”

“Interesting.” Mary mused.

“Agreed.” Crag and Zaz said simultaneously.

“So, if I get this right. Your skill will damage the beasts we fight while lowering the durability of our gear if we get too close?” Zaz repeated back what he understood from the discussion.

“Yes, that's what I have observed so far.” Thorn agreed.

“Wait!” Ember yelled. “I'm breaking your things?!? I’m sorry!”

“Hey” Thorn said quickly while he threw his hands up. “Don’t worry about it. You didn't break anything and it was less wear and tear than what I would have gotten if I had taken on the fight on my own.”

“Are you sure?” Ember asked.

“Yeah, gear is made to take damage anyways. It should break before you do.” Thorn said before he broke out into laughter.

“Enough.” Zaz Spoke up. “If we are doing this we need a plan. I won't watch another ally get injured out of stupidity.”

“Hey.” Crag said while he placed his hand on Zaz’s shoulder. “While I appreciate the concern, even more so since my lil sis is involved, I still think you're taking things too seriously. Remember, they are crystal jellies and a supposed crystal crown. The crown can lead them but as long as we dont let ourselves get tripped up or surrounded they have no offensive abilities.”

“Crag” Mary said admonishingly. “First don’t baby me, second none of us know if there have been any other evolutions or mutations in their colony. I agree with Zaz that we should have a plan, even if it's not perfect, a general attack strategy paired with a retreat plan will only do us good.”

Crag crossed his arms and huffed. “Fine!” He dropped to a sitting position right where he stood. “Start the talk.”

“Grow up. I thought I was the younger one?” Mary quipped. Crag grumbled but kept quiet otherwise. With that Mary gave him a thank you smile and turned back to Zaz. “For the plan, I think Crag should go in first followed by Thorn, Ember, and myself. Since you have better stealth than the rest of us, why don’t you try to circle around behind the pond when everything kicks off and go for an ambush or assassination strike?”

Zaz did the equivalent of raising an eyebrow at Mary. “That's not half bad.”

“Hey, I don't have any offensive power to contribute so I might as well put my brain to work between healing right?” Mary said happily.

“True, my mother used to say every role has something to offer. Be it magic, might, or intellect, if we put it to good use and work together we will all grow stronger faster.” Zaz quoted. “I think that's a good start for the encounter.”

Crag stood up and held his shield at the ready. “Excellent, me up front. Zaz goes around. Let’s do it.”

“Stop!” Mary, Zaz, and Ember all yelled at once. Thorn just started laughing off to the side.

“Crag.” Mary started. “Slow down, there is no rush.”

“I'm just itching for a good fight. My Ki is full and I'm bursting with energy. I'll take the hits and keep the attention so what’s the hold up?” Crag asked.

“What will Ember, Thorn, and I do?” Mary asked.

“Hit them?” Crag said sheepishly.

Mary put her forehead into her hands and let out a heavy sigh. “In the simplest terms yes… but no.” She then turned to look at the rest of the group. “Thorn, I think you should be right behind Crag and try to target the crystal crown or any other priority targets that may pop up. Your volt skill should do a lot of damage to the jellies and crag should be able to keep them off of you while you take out your targets.” Thorn nodded and Mary continued. “Ember, if you feel safe enough I would have you target the largest gathering of jellies to dump your aura into. Just avoid getting too close to allies and give us a shout before you activate as well.”

“Okay.” Ember said with a nod.

“Zaz, use us as a distraction to get as many kills in as you can. I’m hoping with us fighting them off you will be able to get a clean shot at the crystal crown core.” Mary finished.

“I find all of this agreeable. I do have one question though.” Zaz stated. “What will you be doing during all of this? If you are staying back we can have you call out any changes in the battlefield.”

“I can do that!” Mary agreed. “I’m also not completely defenseless. My dad wouldn’t let me off without learning to use at least one weapon before he trusted me to go out and train on my own.”

“On your own?” Crag asked with an eyebrow lifted.

“Okay! On our own.” She retorted. She then proceeded to untie the chain belt she had draped around her waist to let one end fall loosely to the ground while she held the other end firmly. “I have this.” She said with a devious grin before she then infused her mana into the chain, causing it to release a faint white glow. After letting the entire chain become infused she gave it a twirl before she used it to strike the closest tree. The chain seemed to burn and tear straight through the top layer of bark leaving a thin quarter inch wide tear across the surface.

“That was awesome!” Ember enthused.

“Thank you.” Mary replied gracefully. “It isn't the strongest attack, but it will hurt anything trying to get to close to me or our backline.”

“Well then.” Thorn said as he started to stand as well. “I think this is a good plan. We have our turtle and snake positions filled, a strong direct damage mage, an area mage to handle the groups, and a strategizing battle healer. It's an interesting line up but I think we have our bases covered now.”

“Yes. I would just like to add one thing.” Zaz said before turning to face Mary. “As rear guard if anything looks like it will cut us off let us know. You are protecting our line of retreat. I trust you are strong and brave so don't push yourself and put everyone in danger.” He then turned his gaze to lock eyes with everyone once. “That goes for everyone, myself included. No one needs to show off for anyone.”

Mary gave Zaz a questioning look for a moment before she decided he truly meant nothing by calling her out. “Understood.” She then walked to stand behind Ember. “Lead the way bro!”

Crag hoisted his shield up and held it at the ready as he led the group closer to the pond. As the water came into view Zaz pointed out a small group of three crystal jellies wandering around the perimeter of the pond then directed everyone's view to an area of forest off to the side. “That is the direction I've seen the jellies returning from. We should stay on this side of it so we don't get ambushed from behind. Also, I’m splitting off here. I’ll circle around to the back of the pond while avoiding the path I pointed out.”

“Got it.” Mary and Ember agreed while Crag and Thorn nodded in acknowledgment.

“When you are in position we will start the attack. Since we won't have a clear sight on you, do you have a way to give us a signal or should we just give it a specified amount of time before we start?” Mary asked.

“Hmmm…” Zaz pondered while scratching his chin. “Nothing that wont give my position away. I'd say give me fifteen minutes to make my way there and get into position before you begin. What should the opening move be?”

“I was thinking I would launch a mid sized volt into the pond. The water will disperse the electricity through all of the jellies inside the pond. Hopefully it will draw them all out and if not it should at least alert the crown.” Thorn pointed out.

“Got it. I'll watch for your attack. Try to avoid sending any attacks in the direction I will be in. If I see any jellies approach I’ll be sure to take them out myself. No need to risk accidental friendly fire.” Zaz said.

Thorn agreed with a nod and a thumbs up. Zaz then slipped off into the grass while he channeled his Ki into his scales activating his camouflage skill. He didn't disappear but his scales shifted in color and texture to take on the appearance of the grass and trees in the background. As he faded into the background and disappeared from view Ember’s eyes grew wide with fascination. ‘That was so cool.’ Ember thought to herself as she watched Zaz. ‘It was like an octopus's active camo. He just blurred and shifted right in front of my eyes… Awesome!’