Sophie

He's all the way over there, Sophie thought in despair as she ran toward the tall, singing figure of Manama. It took her a moment to recognize just what he was singing. A look at her buffs surprised her slightly because she didn't think that he was supposed to be switching over to [Melo's Accelerando].

But then she realized just how few people were standing beside him to share the damage that was now only a few seconds away.

Laura was too far to make it, though admittedly she was trying. Drannis was where he was supposed to be, a quarter circle away, tanking the demon. He wouldn't be able to help. Xanax was surprisingly right beside the dwarf. Cross was keeping his group of adds away from the boss, but was also likely too far to get there in time. Tristan, at least, was running and a bit closer than she was, but...

That left just Manama, the two healers, and Chessa in position.

A four-person split would deal each far too much damage. Six would be manageable.

She and Tristan had to make it.

Then adding in Sneakers, who was now diving as fast as his wings could take him toward the group, that would be seven, and seven was safe.

So she ran and prayed, just not to the gods. She never really thought about them in that way any more. She offered her prayers not with faith or reverence but with hope. She hoped that their strengths and abilities would be enough to survive this moment... and then she also added all the other moments that were going to test them before this fight would end.

Somehow both she and Sneakers managed to get just within the wave's splash radius before the damage was dealt. She slid to the slick floor as she took the hit, and their health bars dipped. She cast [Heal Astral] again, even before pulling her own health potion out of her new blue-scaled jacket's pocket and downing it. It only helped a bit, but she figured it would also make it so the healers didn't feel like they had to rush to prioritize healing her. She was certain there were others that were more important or more critical.

Chessa: We can't afford to get that spread out again! Chessa: And whoever takes the debuff next needs to run back to a more central spot!

Sophie knew the huntress was right and hoped that others would likewise see the wisdom in it.

'Sneakers, fly back up to give me a good look at the situation.'

'Of course,' her companion replied, though he did take a short detour to drop his poisonous [SickSick Gas] on the elementals Cross was tanking. Cross had proven that he didn't exactly need help with the adds, but his clearing speed also wasn't great even with their low health. The slowly-building damage of the skill would help with that.

Now Sneakers was climbing steeply, bringing their paired eyes up higher than the demon boss's horned head. From there Sophie could see everything: the way her allies were already spreading back out perfectly, how the bubbles were starting to spawn and drift away from the boss again, and the pools of water scattered behind the demon were beginning to roll with a harder boil.

A message in raid chat pulled her back to her own vision.

Chessa: It's time. Switch quickly and clean up these adds!

"Sophie, are you okay?" Kitara was asking, but the fairy had floated too close to Sophie now, and it was likely because Sophie had stopped moving entirely while viewing the arena through Sneakers' eyes.

"I'm fine," Sophie said, unfortunately having to cut it short because she needed to warn the raid.

Sophie: Geysers soon! Xanax: How soon?

The moment after he asked, the distinctive gaseous popping surrounded them, and the demon shouted again.

"BY WATER, BE PURGED!"

Luckily, Sophie had just enough time before the geyser erupted to push the fairy away, saving her from taking damage.

Within another second Tristan, Manama, and Sophie were all struck by the rising, boiling water. The pain was intense but fleeting, especially with as quickly as the embrace of one of Kitara's HoTs found her and left only the lingering redness on her renewed skin.

Shaking herself off, she turned back to the little healer. "Sorry, and yeah. I was just scouting."

"And saving me from that geyser," Kitara acknowledged with a fluttering bow.

Chessa: Great callout, Sophie. Thanks! Xanax: Indeed, thank you, little summoner.

She wondered why Xanax was thanking her, but perhaps he had been able to jump into Tristan's geyser thanks to her call.

That sword of his is absolutely redefining how that scaleborn sees the world.

Drannis: Opie, how are we doing? Chessa: Need more help with the bubbles and adds! Opie: 84% currently Tristan: Is that all? That isn't a lot of damage to the boss. Xanax: I have not yet taken enough damage, but I am working on it. Laura: And I've been rolling low damage a lot lately. Drannis: We must keep it up nonetheless! Perseverance shall win us the day, so long as we minimize mistakes! Opie: In that case, if this is gonna run long, can we get the freaking mana song again? I don't want to run dry like last fight. Manama: Yeah, I'll weave it in more consistently this time. Opie: Appreciated!

Sophie continued to read the chat as she danced around the various zones of watery pain, but her mind was still stuck on the problem Tristan had accurately identified. They needed to do more damage to the boss. To do that, they needed to do a better job controlling the adds.

Oh no, she thought, shuddering with the realization, Poof might actually have been right.

Sophie: Cover me for a few. I'm going to have to long-cast the switch back to Poof.

Even with the [Swift Summon] passive she'd gotten back at level 6 reducing the cast time by 25%, she worried that switching Sneakers for Poof would still take her entirely too long.

Kitara flew toward her momentarily before finding a safe distance again. Her hand glowed brighter and brighter green from the constant casting of heals as she asked aloud, "What's going on, Sophie?"

With a smile and shrug, Sophie replied, "I think what we actually need is Poof in the rain, but on purpose."

The fairy blinked at her rapidly. "What in the gods' names does that mean?"

Opie: No problem, Sophie. Do what you've got to do. Cross: But what about those awesome stun clouds? Sophie: If Manama can keep the mana flowing, I think Poof can solve that issue.

She also explained aloud for the fairy, "Hitting the bubbles prior to their popping stops the adds from spawning, right? With enough mana regen, Poof can do that!"

Drannis: I am a bit hesitant about such a change in our plans, but if you think this is worthwhile, little summoner, then I say it is worth trying! Your judgment has proven sound so far. Chessa: Yeah, I'd love to actually hit the boss a few times.

Now with the raid's approval, Sophie began the process of dismissing Sneakers and resummoning Poof. She really had become accustomed to using her ring to switch between astrals, such that this time it felt like everything and everyone around her was moving super fast while she was locked in a slow-motion purgatory. She watched as her allies encircled the boss or adds and threw their best spells or attacks toward their enemies. She watched as a few bubbles landed near her. She continued to watch as Cross managed to round up what she hoped would be the last of the added water elementals. And all the while she could do nothing at all but finish casting her ritual. Each second ticked by with agonizing slowness.

Eventually it was done, and Poof popped into the realm with a multihued explosion. Immediately Sophie hugged her little mage and began her apology.

'Poof, I'm sorry I didn't really listen to you earlier, but I want you to get all those bubbles again. Can you do it?'

Her big-eyed astral batted her oversized eyes while her lips pursed. 'I thought you said the boss was the enemy and I should focus on it alone.'

Sophie tried to force her grimace into a true smile. 'Yes, I did say that, but I was wrong, as I already admitted.'

'So, to be super clear, you do want me to blow up all those awful, offensive, disgusting bubbles, even though--?'

'Yes!' Sophie thought, cutting her suddenly-extra-petty friend off.

Poof grinned diabolically. 'Sure. But only because you asked so nicely. But we will be talking about this later.'

Just like that, the little astral began chain-casting [Mana Bolt] far and wide. As the colorful darts of deadly force went flying all over the platform again, bubbles began bursting before they could even dream of touching down.

Chessa: Wave in 15!

For once, Opie offered information about a timer without prompting.

Opie: That could actually overlap with the geysers. Chessa: Then we'll just have to make sure we spread as quickly as possible after the wave. Chessa: In fact, try to hug the middle for now.

It sounded easy enough, but the extra restriction on their movements actually made the platform feel far smaller. The only upside to this was when Tristan called out shortly after, "Wave on me!" They didn't have all that far to move despite his being in melee range of the boss. He just backed off a few paces while everyone else crowded in around him. Thanks to Poof's help preventing adds from spawning, even Cross was able to get there this time, making it so everyone but Drannis was present to share the [Impending Wave].

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

The true good fortune was that the geysers waited four whole seconds before erupting.

"BY WATER, BE PURGED!" the demon yelled once again.

Thankfully the delay proved long enough, and everyone had spread out once again so only the three targeted--Cross, Opie, and Xanax--took damage from them.

Opie: I'm getting really freaking tired of hearing that!

Sophie felt his frustration, though she knew it was also coupled with the pain of the geyser. The healer had practically screamed when the hot water had shot up directly under him. Of course, he'd gone right back to healing. They all had such important jobs to do, even those like Tristan whose only job now was to burn down the boss before things got out of hand.

The battle continued like that for a while, with an [Impending Wave] coming a minute later, and geysers every 45 seconds or so. Poof was knocking out every bubble she saw, Drannis was keeping the water demon in a predictable path around the outside of the platform, and the majority of the raid was able to focus on their damage output in between the positioning elements.

Drannis: Things seem to be smoothing out now, so good work all on the movement and controlling the adds. Cross: There haven't been any new adds lately. Drannis: Truly? Well, all the better!

Sophie smiled at the acknowledgment of what her little astral and Chessa had been accomplishing, though she did not bring it up.

Drannis: Opie, might we have another progress report? Opie: Just... let me top off...

A few seconds passed before Opie added anything more into raid chat, and Sophie couldn't help but notice that it was probably due to the fact that he was healing constantly. Perhaps they were still struggling to catch up after the wave + geyser combo.

Opie: Alright, you freaking loons, we're making much better progress now. Boss is down to 42%.

Sophie had to admit that was a lot better than the pace they'd set before. The lower damage output from the opening minutes of the fight was a faint memory.

Drannis: Wonderful! Now we must keep it up. Don't let the final phase faze you!

Even from her position in the middle of the raid, Sophie could hear the dwarf chuckling at his own pun.

Opie: I think I hate you right now. Chessa: Only because you didn't think of it first. Opie: ... How long until the next debuff? Chessa: 30 seconds, which you'd know if you just checked your timers! Opie: But now everyone else knows it, too. Chessa: Yeah. Watch out for geysers any time! Final phase transition is at 33%.

Sophie didn't have to wait long before the slight popping sound warned her of what was coming. It was originating directly under her feet. She didn't try to move herself, knowing that it was probably too big for her to avoid. But she did act all the same.

'I'm so sorry, Poof!' she sent through their bond before tossing the fluffy astral away from her as hard as she could.

'What for–-AHHHH!' Poof sent back as she hurtled sideways.

Sophie knew the little mage would land harder than she'd like, but there was no way she was willing to risk Poof taking a geyser blast unnecessarily. The astral was the epitome of a glass cannon, and such a big hit might just take her into the critical range or worse. Sophie couldn't risk that with how important Poof currently was, dealing with all the bubbles and preventing them from being overrun.

"BY WATER, BE PURGED!"

The scalding hot water erupted from beneath her feet only a moment later--and Poof was far enough away to avoid the blast. The pain was excruciating, but it was also dulled by the knowledge that she'd saved her astral from it. You're welcome, she thought inwardly with a smile. She didn't dare send it to her astral though. Instead, she tried to focus on ignoring the crispy edges of her regenerating skin as she slowly worked her way forward to pick up Poof.

The little mage was still pushing out spell after spell with reckless abandon. 'I did not like that!' she sent a bit harshly, though her tone softened almost immediately, 'Though I know you only did it for me. Also, this mana replenishment song is my new favorite thing in the world. Well, wait, it's not better than Tristan.'

Sophie bit her tongue and hugged her favorite fluffy friend to her chest just a little bit tighter. She could see that Poof somehow still had nearly half her mana remaining. Manama's [Calm Mind] song was clearly doing its job!

Opie: Boss at 34%! Final phase incoming! Drannis: I shall bring him to the southern edge before he goes immune. Get north, and prepare for the full force waves!

With near clockwork precision, Drannis was able to reposition the water demon to precisely the spot he'd indicated, and not a moment too soon. Immediately after arriving, the water demon ceased all its external movement as it pulled its arms toward the center of its chest where the vortex of currents within began to churn more rapidly.

"YOU HAVE PUSHED ME FAR, BUT YOUR EFFORTS ARE FUTILE! THE GREAT WAVES OF KRUSHYL-THREKS'NALIK KNOW NO BOUNDS! THEY WERE THERE IN THE BEGINNING, AND NOW THEY SHALL BE YOUR ENDING! DIE, INSECTS!"

Sophie actually laughed as she heard the booming voice uttering such tired lines. The demon's delivery stretched every word as though to emphasize each syllable more than those that came before. And while the tone itself was intimidating, the monologue's content left something to be desired. To have Manama's mana replenishment song playing double beneath the monologue, as almost background music, served only to diminish it further.

Drannis: Tanks are in position. Healers, what is your status? Kitara: I'm spreading HoTs, but I'm out of cooldowns. Opie: My dome is still on cooldown! Laura: Is that going to be a problem? Kitara: Bless us, this is going to hurt. Cross: Just get behind our shields. Chessa: Everyone huddle together! Get in tight!

It seemed to Sophie that Chessa's message was mostly unneeded, as everyone had repositioned during the lengthy monologue. There was confidence across so many of their faces, and they all pinched themselves tighter together behind the shields so closely that Sophie ended up practically face-to-face with Manama. She clutched Poof tight against her chest and tried not to let her worry seep through their bond.

"The shields will shelter us," she whispered.

Except Poof suddenly started squirming and meeping. 'What is Tristan doing?!' The astral's words were enhanced by the genuine fear coming across their bond.

"Tristan?" the gruff scaleborn asked aloud.

"Tristan, get back here!" she heard Opie insist.

Sophie looked up just in time to see Tristan striding around the shieldwall and taking a position in front of them, like a general about to lead an army. He held his sword rigidly, with both hands.

Tristan: I know what I'm doing. I've got this. Now brace yourselves!

A part of Sophie wondered if he'd put it in raid chat so that they wouldn't hear any nerves that might have been in his voice, though that could have just been her own worries seeping through.

With clearly-practiced flair, Tristan swung his greatsword so that it struck the golden shield orbiting him, producing an otherworldly TING! Then he pointed the blade straight downward and jammed it into the platform with the flat side facing forward.

Not even a second later, a veritable flood of murky water rushed toward them all, emerging from the vortex at the center of the water demon. It barrelled forward with such violence that Sophie ducked back down behind Drannis's shield and still closed her eyes.

But the impact of water against metal did not come with nearly as much violence as she'd expected. Manama hadn't stopped his singing, but it somehow rang out louder than the coursing water. Listening intently, Sophie could hear that there was a clear crashing somewhere; the water was hitting something hard. So why was all the water flowing around the shields so weakly that it felt like pouring a bath?

"Oh, freaking--! Kit, help me keep him up!"

Sophie shared a quick and equally bewildered glance with Drannis before their huddle was lit by gold and emerald as both healers' hands became busy and brilliant.

Fighting off her own uncertainty, Sophie raised herself up and peered over the shields.

And she was met with the sight of Tristan, still standing tall behind his sword, facing down an unending, oncoming wave that was easily twice his height.

His sword was like a cliff against which the entire ocean seemed to be breaking. He did not falter. He did not even waver. Encircled by the gold and emerald glows of both healers' spells, Tristan stood like a monolith against the water demon's greatest attack.

And he stood there until the flow ceased.

Between whatever Tristan was doing and the tanks' shields, the rest of the raid seemed to take almost no damage at all.

"The blessed madman," she heard Cross whisper in the first moments of quiet.

Then Chessa's voice rang out. "Split up, quickly! His immunity's gone! All his attack timers have reset, too, so they could come at any moment! And they'll deal 50% more--!"

She didn't get a chance to finish her warning before the distinctive popping sounds alerted them that geysers were imminent. Everyone had definitely begun to spread out, but had they gotten far enough?

Apparently Sophie and Poof had. To either side of her, she heard cries of pain as Laura and Kitara were both blasted by the boiling water. The third target wasn't so clear or fortunate, as both Drannis and Xanax took damage from one geyser.

Opie: Don't do that any more, Xanax! Even with your resistance, there's too much to heal! Xanax: To be fair, I did not seek out that geyser; I was the original target. But also, I understand. Drannis: Aye, sorry about that one. Anyway, the big bad boss is back on me! Let's bloody well finish it off! Laura: Blowing all my cooldowns now, including a daily. Let's end this!

Suddenly the whole volcano seemed to darken. A pitch black thundercloud had formed high overhead, and its shadow cast practically the whole platform in darkness... until Laura was lifted upward, her hair flowing straight up as though being held by some invisible puppeteer. Thin bolts of lightning began to flow through her, in and out like a seamstress weaving with the raw and blinding power of nature. When she held out her hand, streaks of light and peels of thunder rocked

'Showoff,' Poof sent silently to Sophie through their bond. 'I can't wait to get my own cooldown like that.'

'I can't wait for that either,' Sophie admitted, honestly awestruck by the thunder mage's display. She wasn't alone.

Manama: Yes, Laura! You want the spotlight? Here, take it! All eyes on you!

Suddenly Manama changed one of his songs to something Sophie hadn't heard before, and strangely enough there was no second buff any longer--or at least not for her. From the enraptured grin that suddenly grew on Laura's face, Sophie guessed that this new song was a solo-buff, and it was clearly boosting the mage.

Even in the face of Poof's pink missiles, Opie's golden shields, Kitara's emerald HoTs, and even Xanax's radiant sword... Laura's blinding white bolts felt like the only illumination in sight. Down and down again came the lightning. Each forking bolt seemed to strike and then streak through the water demon's twisting form, stalling the demon's flow and frying any obstacles they encountered along the way. Higher and higher the thunder mage lifted off the ground, until she was throwing her head back and lightning seemed to erupt from her very eyes.

At last, she lifted her arms above her, even the one that ended abruptly above the elbow. In the space between her hand and where the other might have been under different circumstances, there was almost a cradle of electric energy. Faster than Sophie could count, bolts of pure light began to strike at Laura, leaving what could only be described as a ball of lightning in their wake. Sophie wasn't entirely sure how the mage managed to contain so much lightning. What was certain was that in the end, Laura hurled that ball of lightning straight toward the water demon.

The impact produced the loudest silence Sophie had ever heard.

Then Laura fell back to the ground, clearly exhausted, with a huge laughing smile.

Laura: It crit.

And the Great Wave, the water demon with the nigh unpronounceable name, began to twitch and convulse. Sparks of untamed, unintended current breached its surface and threw off the spin of its central vortex.

It crashed to the ground where its agonized cries quickly devolved into a hissing slush.

The stormcloud began to dissipate, allowing daylight to finally shine all the way down from the crystal clear sky above the volcano's mouth, which seemed to sigh in relief. The glossy black platform below them stopped rocking, which Sophie assumed was due to either the lava hardening or the demon's flood waters receding.

When the notifications began to flood in and the overwhelming ringing of multiple Ding!s echoed throughout the volcano, Sophie hugged Poof to her, closed her eyes, and allowed herself a moment of quiet thoughtlessness. All the outside stimuli would still be there in a minute or two. Her friends, her level-up, the loot, and the whole rest of the world could just wait a while as she truly appreciated being alive.

'We did it,' she cheered internally, sending her jubilation through the bond she shared with Poof. 'We completed our first raid.'

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