“So what I want you to do, Lisa is kind of feel the energy inside of you. Close your eyes, listen for it, and gently try to talk to it,” Ethel said. She had heard about the rudimentary ways Cal and the others had been coaxing the mana spirits before, and while they worked, she wished they would actually take the time to really learn about how these energies felt within themselves. It would make the process so much easier for them to explain and guide others through.


    “I heard something, kind of quiet, it sounds nice,” Lisa replied.


    “Good, ask it how it’s doing,” Ethel replied, glad the girl already had the contact started.


    “Hello,” Lisa started. “Oh, yes, it’s nice to meet you too. Hmm, do you know what a kangaroo is?” she trailed off.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    “Good job, Lisa,” Ethel whispered, pulling Phil away from the girl to let her finish the conversation.


    “That simple then?” Phil asked.


    “Not even remotely. These kids will be a bit easier because of how much everyone has already been working with them. But they still need to be in the right headspace to to really make the contact,” Ethel explained.


    “Will it take the form of a kangaroo, like she wanted?” Phil asked.


    “Possibly, I believe what someone wants and is focused on tends to help shape the form. Interestingly, in Cal’s case, they seem to pick their own shapes. I don’t know what exactly that says about him,” Ethel answered.