Fuzzy, Sasha, Kenji and Mother Bear - Friday, August 10th, 2074 - Afternoon - Blake Island

Magical safety made sense to Fuzzy in a way that didn't to many other of the students. Spells, like weapons, needed to be used carefully and safely. Not all of what she learned translated over perfectly, but she'd been handling dangerous items like her bow, spear, arrows, knives and traps for years. So while she couldn't read, she recited Mother Bear's rules concerning safety in private after class, purely from memory.

Outside of class, Fuzzy found her own excitement building as Sasha would often talk about the hunting trip. The person who might have warned her, Kenji, sat elsewhere and when she did talk to him, she just didn't mention her planned excursion to him.

Julie, Marco and Kenji all sat together these days. Marco had his own special table that he sat at that was made for people his size. He was normally quiet, but his infrequent, rumbling laughter would carry far. Julie looked happier having found someone who accepted her and a small but growing circle of friends.

Kenji still talked to Fuzzy, but he didn't crowd her, which she appreciated. Neither Marco nor Julie were popular, but neither was Fuzzy and the friends that Sasha surrounded herself with in those first few days found other groups. Kenji however would slide in and out of different groups and he quickly made connections and acquaintances. He didn't specifically talk to any one type of person, whether popular or unpopular, magically weak or strong or even upperclassmen, but they all seemed happy to talk to him nonetheless. In fact it didn't make sense until she flat out asked Kenji what he was doing.

"Why do I talk to the people I talk to?" he asked.

"Yeah. I can't figure you out," said Fuzzy, "Julie and Marco seem powerful, but then I see you talking to people who don't know anything. New students like us. I don't understand. Not groups. Not the weak or the powerful. Anyone, but not everyone."

"Someone is watchful. Fine, since you’re curious I’ll tell you," said Kenji, "Not everyone, not anyone, but specific people. I talk to people who appreciate me. Bonus points if they show any shred of loyalty which isn't exactly prevalent in the corporate world, kudos on befriending Sasha by the way. I talk to people who appreciate the attention rather than just tolerate me. I keep saying this, but at some point our secret is going to get out and I'm going to lean on these people for support. They're much more likely to support me if they know my name and like me. I can put in a good word for you too if you want."

Fuzzy began to understand now, but she didn't really approve either.

"It seems...Wrong..." said Fuzzy. "People should like who they like."

"People need to be exposed to what they like before they know what they like," he said, seriously, "Sure it's manipulative, but so is wearing a coat if you know it's going to rain. And I know it's going to rain, Fuzzy. I'm just getting my coat ready."

"Still..." hedged Fuzzy, unsure of how to feel.

"Look, you've got kind of a reputation as sort of a badass from when you hit me and a hard ass when you insulted Christina, but people don't really know you. But me, I'm actively shaping my rep. I'm going to need to lean on it and my connections to stay here. And again, when shit hits the fan, because it will, I'll help you stay here too."

"This is going to cost me, isn't it?" she asked, suspiciously, "For your help."

Kenji nodded.

"Yes, because this is something that will take time and effort," he said, simply, "I'm naturally charismatic, charming, attractive and I'm cultivating a heart of gold bad boy reputation. It's a simple story, but I work it well."

"Arrogant too," scoffed Fuzzy.

Kenji chuckled and shook his head side to side.

"Arrogance is confidence without skill. I'm skilled. Also, never underestimate the power of raw confidence," he said, casually, "Pretending the world isn't falling around your ears when it clearly is makes you look like you know what you’re doing. It’s powerful if you can pull it off. Fuzzy, if I'm lucky I'm going to live for a really long time. Reputation is forever for an elf, or damn close to it."

Elves really did live a long time, though no one really knew how long yet. They'd been born into into the world with the advent of magic near the turn of the millennium. Not a single one of them had died of old age. In fact, none of them even looked old.

"I can build a reputation as a scoundrel, as a skirt chaser, as a prankster, you know, basically a lovable jerk," continued Kenji, "However, if I get a reputation as a liar all that comes into question. It's not worth it. If your word is truly your bond then that bond is worth gold, because we're in a world full of liars. I'm not going to spill my life story to everyone, but if I lie to their face and they find out then that all falls apart. If I tell someone I'm going to do something I will make sure I do it, because people appreciate that."

"And that's worth money," sighed Fuzzy.

"You got it," he said, cheerily.

"Wait, you told me to tell other people that you grabbed my ass," said Fuzzy, who furrowed her brow, “That was a lie.”

Kenji held up a finger and smiled mischievously.

"I didn't lie, you did”.

"But you told me to!"

Kenji smiled slyly.

"Well yeah, but you didn't have to," he said, "And like I said, I never lied."

She tried to make sense of that and would later realize that he was right, but the logic was somewhat confusing and made Fuzzy's head hurt.

"So you're hanging out with Julie because..." said Fuzzy, changing the subject a little.

"Made peace between her and Christina," said Kenji, "Sort of. For now. It looks like you're doing okay right now so she's been my priority so she doesn't sink us all."

"That's pretty self-serving," said Fuzzy, her tone dubious.

"Well lucky for you, serving myself serves both you and Julie too," said Kenji, "And if you need my help in future, I take nuyen or favors to be named later."

Fuzzy crossed her arms in front of him.

"Just regular favors, huh?" asked Fuzzy, her tone dubious.

"Oh no, don't worry. I spell out what I can and can't ask for before we bargain,” said Kenji, “I won't surprise you and my rates are usually viewed as reasonable. What helps me, helps you, but nothing is free. Give something away and people will take it for granted. Walk all over you."

The conversation had basically ended on that note. After lunch, Fuzzy gave her final oral report for her magical safety class. Not in front of the class. Instead she was grilled by Mother Bear quietly in private. She would jump from question to question, statement to statement, completely out of order in the way that Fuzzy had been taught. She’d ask for clarification and then ask for it again, but to be said in a different way. It was exhausting. In the end Mother Bear nodded and passed her.

"I'm harder on you. You know what violence is," said Mother Bear, seriously, “You’re not careless, I can tell that much, which is why I’m allowing you to pass."

Fuzzy felt her heart leap in response and she felt a surge of pride. Mother Bear noticed, but said nothing. Her old, wrinkled face furrowed in thought and she rubbed her chin with a bony hand.

"You're also more powerful than most of the class save for Julie in terms of raw magical ability," she said, slowly, "I'm hard on everyone, but especially on those who don't get to grow into their power. If you're careless with your magic then I'll drag you back into emergency classes. It won't be fun. Carelessness can hurt you or other people."

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"I understand, Mother Bear," said Fuzzy, respectfully.

"Do you? Well, I hear you're going on a hunt tomorrow morning."

Fuzzy panicked a little as she had no idea how Mother Bear knew that. She'd only told Julian and only because she had to.

"You be careful," said Mother Bear, "And think about what new spell you want to learn. If it has anything to do with healing it'll be from me."

"I was actually thinking about the heal spell as my first spell," said Fuzzy, "I want to stay at my best and if I actually get hurt, I want to be able to heal myself normally."

Mother Bear nodded in understanding.

"The spell has real limits," she said, "Since you're one of the sporty types, i don't suggest you overuse it while training. When you train your muscles, you damage them just a bit and they repair stronger than before. But if you use a heal spell on soreness they'll reset to what they used to be. You'll be tempted to, but don't or you'll grow weaker."

Fuzzy nodded again.

"Don't use it for soreness, got it," she said.

"We'll have a longer talk about the limits of the heal spell and healing magic in general later," said Mother Bear, "Right now with your amount of raw, magical ability you might be able to handle some bad cuts or maybe a fracture maybe, but nothing seriously life threatening. Also if you screw up you might make things worse or even kill someone. So you and I will spend plenty of time in the lodge soon."

The smile that Fuzzy felt dwindled at the mention of harming someone or even killing them, which in turn diminished Mother Bear's scowl.

"Well now, I think I got through to your there," said Mother Bear, "Maybe you'll find some passion as a healer. People are always finding ways to hurt themselves. Anyway, has Julian talked to you at all about your education?"

Fuzzy had talked with him a few times about school and expectations, but a lot of what he'd said had gone over her head.

"You mean about learning magic?" asked Fuzzy.

Mother Bear's scowl returned.

"No, about your regular schooling," she grumped, "You can't read. That's a problem. And I figure you haven't received any other schooling out in the barrens like you were."

Fuzzy was a little confused.

"Do I have to be able to read to learn magic? she asked.

"No," said Mother Bear, "You have to be able to read so you can learn magic and your regular studies: Math, science, English, history, everything. Did you think we just teach magic here?"

Fuzzy's hands fidgeted nervously and didn't answer. She had actually thought that. Mother Bear sighed explosively.

"Look," she said, "This is a big culture shock for you, I understand. And you're quick, I'll give you that. Best of all you work hard and you listen, which puts you head and shoulders above most of my students who barely try on their best days. And the fact that you can't read puts you in bed with about a third of everyone in Seattle. Far more if you include the barrens. But we're not in the business of churning out powerful, ignorant people. That's a recipe for disaster."

"Oh."

"Yeah, oh," said Mother Bear, "We normally don't educate people from the ground up here. Almost everyone is assumed to have a basic education. You don't. That's a problem. And we won't be able to put you in most of your normal classes until you catch up. And you will catch up, right?"

"Uhh...Right," said Fuzzy.

Mother Bear nodded fiercely.

"Good," she said, "I'll have a talk with Julian. Not blowing off your head with your own uncontrolled magic was the priority. Now those priorities have changed. But for now? You passed. Good job. Now get out of here. You make me feel old."

Mother Bear turned her attention away from Fuzzy and picked up a data pad on her desk to read something. Fuzzy didn't immediately leave as she still had one question.

"Oh, um...One more thing?" asked Fuzzy. "Something personal?"

Mother Bear put down the data pad.

"Yeah kiddo?" she asked, wearily, "What is it?"

"Could you watch my dog on Saturday and Sunday?” Asked Fuzzy, “He's not old enough to go hunting with me yet.”

Mother Bear cracked a rare smile.

"What, your puppy?" she asked, "Yeah, he and I can watch my game shows together."

Fuzzy and Sasha - Saturday, August 11th, 2074 – Early morning – Blake Island

It was early morning the next day, or perhaps the night, who was to say, when Fuzzy woke up. It was 4:00 AM which was just the right time for a hunt. Puppy had been dropped off at Mother Bear's late last night and so it was just her today. After a few minutes to prepare, she emerged from her cabin in her devil rat hunting leathers.

Fuzzy didn't have her spear, bow or arrows on her today. She'd meet security by the docks who'd give them to her. Though what Fuzzy needed to do next was to get Sasha up. She'd told Sasha that they'd be need to be up early and so she knocked on Sasha's door and waited for her. Then she knocked again and waited. By the time she knocked a third time, she was wondering if Sasha had forgotten when a very tired looking Sasha looked at Fuzzy with bleary eyes, wearing pink pajamas.

"Time to get ready," said Fuzzy.

Sasha blinked a few times and looked around, confused.

"Wha?" asked Sasha, "Wuh time izzit?"

"It's just after four," said Fuzzy.

Sasha blinked a few more times.

"it's four?" she asked, "Like in the morning?"

"Yeah."

Sasha leaned against her door jam and seemed to snooze for a second until Fuzzy cleared her throat. This startled Sasha awake again, after which she cracked out an explosive yawn.

"We're going hunting," said Fuzzy, "You get up early to do that."

Sasha nodded groggily.

"I guess I'll put something on," she said.

She closed the door and Fuzzy contented herself with sitting on one of the two stairs that led up to the cabin. Part of her wondered if Sasha had just fallen asleep again and she contented herself with the silence in the darkness, dotted only by tiny lights outlining the path as none of the lights were on in the cabins save for Sasha's. Fifteen minutes later, Sasha emerged from the cabin not in anything like hunting clothing, but in her normal street clothing. Blouse, jeans, sneakers, hair pulled back into a messy pony tail.

"How do you even wake up this early?" asked Sasha, groggily.

"Practice," said Fuzzy.

That and hunters that showed up late generally found little prey. An empty belly would definitely get you up on time.

They walked together down the path and towards the docks. Sasha pulled a tiny, brightly colored bottle from her jeans pocket, drank it, made a face and then slapped her cheeks a few times.

"What was that?" asked Fuzzy.

"Just a soykaf shot," said Sasha, "Not fancy, I know, but whatever. I used to live on these things back when I gamed every night. Want one?"

Fuzzy didn't know what she meant, but she shook her head.

"Suit yourself," said Sasha.

She screwed the cap back on the spent bottle and pocketed it. Meanwhile, a new light came into view. Not from ahead, but from Sasha's eyes. Her smart contact lenses lit up as she read something.

"Holy shit it opens at three-thirty," said Sasha.

"The hunting grounds?"

"Yeah. The brochure says it's a temperate rain forest," she said, "You know, like the forests outside of the metroplex. And I’ve been practicing with a bow in some VR sims, but I haven’t really fired one yet. I'll buy a bow, you can show me how to shoot and we'll get some lessons. We have the whole weekend. I figure we learn stuff the first day and then go on a real hunt the second. It'll be fun...But maybe can we go later if we do this again? When you said early, I thought nine, maybe eight at the latest."

"You've really never been hunting before," said Fuzzy.

"My dad hunts a few times a year," said Sasha, "He used to hunt way more but with the new job he's so busy and around even less now. I asked him to take me but he never does."

Fuzzy seemed to have hit some kind of sore spot and so she decided to try and keep it positive.

"I think you can do it," said Fuzzy.

"He doesn't," said Sasha, sullenly.

The large, school boat that ferried them from one place to another floated next to the dock, dark and quiet. They weren't taking that one. Instead a different, sleeker, newer boat was at the dock and waiting for them. One of the security staff that was on the island stowed her weapons in the boat already. And unlike the school boat, the smaller craft was much more quiet. With little ado, they pulled away from the island. Then Sasha began to casually ask Fuzzy questions. Oh so casually.

"So...What social media do you use?" asked Sasha, "I use Mars since my dad works for Ares you know."

Fuzzy actually knew what this was. She'd asked Kenji since most of the teens would constantly complain that they didn't have any access to social media and haven't since Salmon Run, Blake Island's own social media account, died for some reason years earlier and was never repaired.

"Just tell her you don't use social media," Kenji had said days ago, "You're a girl with a bow, a spear and a dog. You wear giant rat leather. You're weird enough not to have an account and setting one up for you just for this instance would be suspicious."

This was before she decided to go hunting at the private grounds of a AAA corporation, one of the ten largest in the world. The corporation was large enough to actually be its own recognized country despite the fact that it didn't own much land.

"I don't use social media," said Fuzzy, honestly.

"What? Really?" asked Sasha, completely shocked, "You're like...Actually I've never met someone who didn't use social media."

"I don't know if you noticed, but I'm weird," said Fuzzy, self-consciously.

"Yeah, but I like you," said Sasha, who began to splutter, "Er uh...I mean, that you're weird. I mean...Different. Different is good. Yeah..."

Fuzzy had a sudden panicked realization as Sasha trailed off weakly. It was Saturday morning and she was going to spend the entire weekend with Sasha, not all of it hunting, and Sasha wanted to get to know her. As the boat navigated away purely on autopilot, Blake Island disappeared into the distance she only now began to grasp how truly screwed she was. Sasha was having a hard time asking questions as a teen raised in an era where cyber stalking your friends was viewed as perfectly normal. However, undeterred, she was awkwardly asking them anyway. And why not? After all, she wanted to be friends with Fuzzy.

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