Training Camp Day 2 1/2: Scorpion from another realm

 Mai-Neng ran in and leaped onto the head to smack the stinger, giving Kiden time to power up her sword with the water element. Her water sword sliced the pincer, causing her to fall. The scorpion stepped back and swooped with the other pincer at Mai-Neng. Kiden loosened the fallen pincer and rushed in to slice the second pincer. The giant scorpion tried to stab Kiden. Mai-Neng blocked the incoming stinger. Kiden turned to the creature and stabbed its head.

Meanwhile, Jayden and I heard a loud rustling from the forest. A second giant scorpion charged at us with its open pincer.

"Run back!" I shouted. Jayden and I ran to our mothers.

"This one should be easy," said Kiden, pointing at the charging scorpion.

"How are we supposed to defeat it?" I ask

"Girls, transform into your witch form," said my mother

"Right!" We said. I channel my energy to the crystal; it glows, and a spell circle appears below me. My clothes and shoes dissolved into combat boots and a white mini dress with a brown corset. My short hair grew and was pulled up into two large twin buns. Jayden completed her transformation, and we both pointed our weapons at the scorpion.

"Charpeal," I said. An energy ball appeared, and I shot at Jayden.

"Why did you shoot me and not the scorpion?"

"I'm giving you a boost in luck," I replied. Her body was outlined in a green aura.

"Dodge!"

We split into two pairs as the giant scorpion swooped in with its giant pincers. I stood with Kiden. Jayden concentrated and shouted, "Typhoon Sphere!"

A blue spell circle appeared under the scorpion. The creature moved swiftly, and water gushed out; however, it missed.

"Typhoon Sphere!"

Another miss.

"It's not working, Mother."

"The creature needs to be slowed down."

I scan the environment and notice the dirt is damp from the water spell. The scorpion came at me with its stinger, and I jumped to the left. Another incoming stinger, and I leap. I jumped sideways toward Jayden. I made it to her, shoulder to shoulder.

"We can slow it down," I said. "I'm going to lure the scorpion, and when you see an opening, use your spell."

Jayden felt drained and replied, "I will make it count."

Our mothers watch us closely. I know deep inside, they want us to solve this problem before saving us. I ran, and the scorpion chased me. I need to zigzag through the mud. I nearly slipped as I stepped in the mud and caught myself. The scorpion's walking legs dragged through the mud. A giant pincer impaled me in the mud. I miscalculated the distance!

Just in time, Jayden's spell circle appeared under the giant scorpion and engulfed it in a watersphere.

"Typhoon Sphere!"

Only the pincer was not in the watersphere. I'm saved. They all ran to me.

"Close call," I said

"Are you okay?" said Jayden, concerned.

"Well done, girls," said Kiden. "You figured out mud would slow down the giant scorpion."

"I take a wild guess," I said. "I was planning on running around to waste energy."

"You idiot," said Jayden. "What if I miss?"

"But you didn't," I replied. My mother and Kiden pull the pincer just enough for me to wiggle out. I see the mud stain on my witch uniform and sweats.

"Guys, look at the scorpion body pieces," Jayden said, pointing at them. "They are melting."

A puddle of purple and black liquid formed. Our mothers inspected the liquids and looked at each other with a deep understanding.

"There may be more out," whispered Kiden

"How do we know for certain?" asked Mai-Neng in a low voice

"If my memory serves me right, they are cannibals. The liquid will attract those nearby."

"We are in grave danger."

I interrupt them and ask, "When I change back to my regular clothes, would my witch uniform be clean?"

"Yes."

So I switch out of my clothes. My legs tremble, my body feels sore, and all I want to do is sit down.

"Come here," said Kiden, approaching me and placing my arm over her shoulder. "Let's get you all the way to the camp."

"Thank you, Auntie Kiden." We remained vigilant on the way back.

Jayden spoke, "I thought giant scorpions were all extinct."

"They look like scorpions and behave like one, but they're magical creatures from our world known as Skeramas. When they die, their body parts become feeding liquids for their kind."

"Are they invincible?" I ask

"Usually they are, but newly molten Skeramas' exoskeletons are soft to pierce and perfect to hunt for food ingredients." Kiden winked at me.

"So they aren't resurrecting extinct animals," said Jayden. "They came from your world?"

"Our realm, yes," answered Mai-Neng. "But how they cross to Earth's realm is the important question."

"Someone may have broken the ancient seals at the World's Gateway,"

"Why? There's nothing to gain here," said Mai-Neng

"Possibility: new slaves," said Kiden, adjusting her shoulder. "The goblins ride Skeramas and keep them as pets."

Mai-Neng's eyes dilated; she gripped her metal staff and spoke no more. Kiden and Jayden used their flashlights on the cellphones to illuminate our way back to camp. Kiden brought me to my tent, and my mother opened the zipper. I went inside.

"Thank you," I said.

"Don't worry about it."

Jayden went to her tent and began her bedtime routine. I closed my tent and thought:

How many worlds are connected to Earth?

Are there more magical creatures?

Would we meet other witches out there?

I drift to sleep.