Author note: I wanted to get this chapter out a lot earlier but due to several things including Christmas I could not get it finished before. (I got quite a few new video games :D ) There was also the fact that after first finishing it I lost the entire chapter and had to write it all from scratch again which I didn't really feel like. Anyway I am completely new to this so any advice is very welcome. :)

~Day 6~

I've been thinking about something.

Something very important.

Something I should have noticed a while ago, something that I should have noticed even in my previous life.

Mushmen don't have genitals...

I MEAN REALLY?!? HOW DID I NOT NOTICE THIS BEFORE?!? Ok, calm down... Seriously though it's not like I've never seen a Mushman up close before. There were plenty of Plains Mushmen that wandered in to my farms fields. I even had one sitting on my lap for over an hour... Well I suppose I never particularly thought about ogling giant Mushrooms in my previous life.

Huh? what? No, no no no no! Don't misunderstand, It's not like I was looking forward to mating with a giant mushroom or anything! I was merely curious about how they reproduce.

What? I never got the chance to have children in my old life, I was killed at the tender age of 19 and whilst I did intend to eventually have children at the time I was too busy enjoying my youth. Well, enjoying my youth and working on a farm.

It's not like I would mind having Mushling children, but I have no idea how to reproduce and I'm not exactly attracted to mushrooms. Besides I would much rather have a child that's intelligent enough to teach the common tongue.

...

Ok, I've decided on another goal, on top of needing to evolve in to a monster with a long life, I also need to find one with all the right uh... inny and outy bits. I know how to use those. Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind arms either...

Hmm, my choices are narrowing a bit.

Anyway, I should stop thinking about stuff that might not even happen. Today, father has been following the stream, the reason? Well I think he's trying to find some sort of lake or pond. Many monsters like to keep clean to a certain degree, more often than not the more peaceful races like to regularly bathe. I was happy about it of course, after all it had been a lifetime since my last bath.

Finally, just as the sun was setting we finally arrived at a small clearing. There was a large pond in the middle surrounded by healthy, green and abundant grass. The grass eventually led to the forest wall, which started to thicken the further away from the pond it got. There was a human sized rock at the other end of the pond leaning over the water. Through the trees a setting sun was spreading the last of it's light, glistening on the waters surface.

In other words a tranquil scene.

As I started walking towards the edge of the pond, my mother squeaked at me, stopping and turn around I saw my father lying down in the shade of a overhanging tree... It would seem that we're leaving the bathing until tomorrow, perhaps they want to spend a whole day bathing and relaxing as we've been walking almost non stop since I was born.

After resting in the shade for a while, we performed the usual routine, we ate moss then, afterwards got in to position ready to sleep. Nestled in between my soft parents and along with the aura of the peaceful clearing, I quickly fell asleep.

~Day 7~

Just as I thought, we spent the day bathing and generally relaxing. There's not much to talk about as nothing that interesting happened. Although without arms we had to bathe each other, with our tongues like a cat would. I probably would have preferred a Beastkin Cat to clean me, I always wanted to see what it was like. I've heard a lot of nobles hire Beastkin cat women as maids specifically for that reason. I've always been curious what the fuss was all about...

Oh wait. I suppose there was something of interest that happened today. On the other side of the pond there were a few Lesser Forest Frogs which are weak monsters of the water attribute. However they are a lot more aggressive than Mushmen, two started a fight over an apparently delicious dragonfly. The fight dragged them closer to us and noticing them my father ran over to try to stop the fight. It would seem the Frogs had no idea that my father was a pacifist so they hopped away as fast a possible from the oversized moron that is my parent. I know that you're only half a foot tall little frogs, but he's a complete softy you know?

Anyway other than that brief bit of excitement the day passed by lazily and we ended the day in the exact same way as yesterday. My parents were the perfect pillows as usual and whilst drifting off to sleep I smiled feeling truly happy.

Of course, I knew that with my goals, this way of living couldn't go on forever.

~Day 8~

*sigh*

I knew it would happen.

I knew it, but I don't have to like it.

That's right, we're already back to travelling.

If we were going to rest, why not rest for at least a week.

Or better yet just settle down, that was such a beautiful spot.

Unfortunately, the Mushmen don't really ever stay still for too long, other than to give birth they're constantly on the move.

They wouldn't even let me sleep in though, squeaking at me at the break of dawn without a care in the world.

So, because of this, I was waddling very slowly whilst staring at the floor. Strangely enough my parents kept pace with me, another case of their instinctual kindness?

*SQUEAK!*

Huh? Looking up, my mother was standing a few foot in front of me looking a little annoyed, I'm pretty sure if she had

arms they would be crossed right now. Did they finally get tired of my sulking? I guess even Mushmen get annoyed sometimes... I then noticed my father standing on a large mound behind my mother, he seemed to be looking down at something. Curious what it could be I waddled up to him and had a look below.

It was a cave... Or at least the remains of one.

The roof must have collapsed a long time ago as there were no remains to be seen, what was left was a small area not that much bigger than my old houses kitchen. I believe that judging by the size and location it was man made cave, possibly made by bandits or soldiers during some long forgotten war.

However that wasn't the important part of what I saw, inside the cave was a human camp...

Two deer skin tents, some basic provisions, a well crafted bow and the remains of a small camp fire. A fresh Deer Hide lay drying on a rack. This camp was quite clearly still in use and quite clearly a hunters camp.

This was bad. This was very bad.

If they're hunters, we should leave.

Cooked Mushmen flesh whilst not exactly a delicacy, is common and delicious enough to be regularly eaten by the poor. I ate it often with the vegetables from my farm. On top of that the Mushmen are not afraid on walking straight up to people brandishing weapons, making them easy and profitable to hunt.

I don't want to die after only a week of life.

Whilst turning to nudge my father away, he jumped down.

What?

NO, NO NO NO! WHAT IF THEY COME BACK?

YOU STUPID FATHER!

Landing with a soft thud, he started investigating the camp, by sniffing around it.

Oh Gods what do I do? Think! Think!

Just then, I heard some rusting from outside the entrance to the cave.

One of them is right outside? They're already back? What terrible timing!

*rustle*

Oh, Great Gods what do I do?!?

My mother also proceeded to jump down.

NOT YOU TOO!? WHY ARE BOTH MY PARENTS SO STUPID!?

Then a surprised looking man appeared in the collapsed entrance. He was short and had a well tempered body covered in scratches and scars. He was wearing an open leather vest with leather vambraces and a fur hat. He had a rough face with a greying short beard indicating age. On his back was a bow along with a large pack.

"Oh, hey little guy" He said whilst approaching my father, giving a gentle smile.

Leaning down and patting my fathers head he dropped the equipment on his back.

What? Was I panicking too much? He's being rather gentle...

My mother also waddled to the man squeaking happily.

He doesn't seem to be hostile in anyway, but something doesn't feel right.

As I was thinking that, a second hunter came through the cave entrance. She was wearing a similar outfit to the man and had a similar, albeit more feminine facial structure. She was a lot younger looking, so she was possibly his daughter.

She paused for a moment, then looked at the man, then glanced at my mother. Finally settling her gaze on her father, she nodded her head towards my mother with one hand behind her back. The man gently nodded back.

the woman pulled a large, sharp dagger out from behind her back.

Oh no, oh no no no no. They are hunters, what did I expect?

I was hoping for too much I'm so stupid!

The woman started slowly sneaking up behind my distracted mother with complete concentration in her eyes and her weapon held high ready to strike.

What do I do? I don't want to lose my parents, not again!

Think, think THINK!

What can I do? Do I have any kind of weapons? What about my skills?!

Wait, wait wait wait! Of course, my unique skill [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 2}], It's a defensive skill but it gives me a strong head, right? Then if I aim correctly I can probably knock her unconscious, right?

Ugh! It's a long short but there still a chance I could do it, they haven't even noticed me after all.

...Ok, I'll try it.

First, wait for her to get closer.

Closer...

Closer...

Aaaaand...

OK JUMP!

Diving towards her head first I closed my eyes and prepared for the worst.

*Thump*

*aaargh!*

*Crack*

...

[Overall level has increased from [Level 1] to [Level 24]

[Skill [Pain Resistance lvl 1] has increased to [Pain Resistance lvl 2]

[Skill [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 2}] has increased to [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 3}]

[Skill [Unarmed Combat Novice lvl 1] Gained]

A sharp pain quickly dulled in my head.

Ouch...

Huh? what? Level 24... Level 24?!?

That was quite a leap, monsters gain the ability to evolve at level 100, which means I'm already a quarter of the way to evolving in to an adult Mushman. I suppose it makes sense, the more powerful you are the longer time it takes to level and evolve. Being one of the weakest species, it seems I level up quickly. By the way since humans and demi humans don't evolve their level is not capped.

...

I started going off topic again...

...

Hold on. I levelled up, which means.

Oh Gods...

Slowly wincing I open my eyes. Red.

I see red.

Red liquid was coming out of the human woman's head. Red liquid as in blood. It would appear that after being knocked down by my attack her head cracked on one of the rocks used for the camp fire. The woman wasn't breathing. Which means...

I killed someone, I've never killed someone before...

Worse than that, I killed someone, but I feel no guilt... Why? I should feel guilty! Someone's dead, by my hands! Why is there no guilt?!? Is it because I'm a monster? Or is it because it was to protect my family? Or is it.. Something else?

"YOU LITTLE PIECE OF SH*T!" A shaky shout called out to me.

Turning around I saw the male hunter. He was staring at me whilst physically shaking, gritting his teeth and wide eyed, with tears streaming down his face. clearly seething with anger and sorrow.

Ah, I just killed his daughter. He's going to want revenge... Of course he's going to want revenge, what he'd being doing isn't much different to what I did.

Leaning down whilst keeping eye contact with me, he picked up his daughters dagger that fell near his feet when she fell, brandishing the dagger high, he ran towards me.

Ah, I'm going to die again.

Was it worth it? To protect a parent that I can't even communicate with? That will just die in a few years anyway?

...

Yes, it was worth it, she was my mother and I loved her. I'm not saying I can die happy now, in fact I was trembling and If I had tear ducts I would definitely be crying.

I closed my eyes and wincing prepared for the pain.

*SHING!*

*SQUEAK!!*

*SPLURT*

Huh?

No pain...

I heard the dagger, but there was no pain.

I opened my eyes and as I did they widened.

Yellow blood was leaking out of my father mouth, my father who was stood between the hunter and me. At the back of his gaping mouth was the tip of a blade.

He... Protected me?

It.. It can't be... It happened again... Why? WHY!?

YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO JUST BE A STUPID MUSHROOM!

WHY WOULD YOU SAVE ME?!?

WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST RUN!?

Why couldn't you just stay alive...

I heard screaming from beside me, my mother seemed to have realised what was happening.

The man grimaced and started to pull his daughters dagger out of my fathers back.

I felt a nudge from the side, my mother was pushing me. Wait, was she telling me to run?

But, my father...

She meekly squeaked with a trembling voice.

But... I can't...

With a sickening sound the hunters knife came free.

I was absolutely terrified.

So I did as my mother wanted and ran.

With a trembling body I ran.

I ran and ran until my stamina ran out.

I kept on running even as my feet bled and my health dropped.

I ran until my vision blurred and my consciousness faded.

I ran until I collapsed.

Then I could run no longer, and as the world turned to black I thought about my mother, did she run too?

Did she get away?

Did she stay and do something stupid like sacrifice herself?

Did she survive?

~Day 9~

A brief spout consciousness.

Blurred vision.

A foot in front of my face.

"I found you" Breathless raspy voice

The hunters voice? No good, I don't even have the strength to stand. I can't run, I'm going to die this time.

*AAARGH!?*

...

For over a minute, silence.

Then, the hunters body went limp and fell sideways out of my view.

I looked up as my vision began to fade again.

The silhouette of a woman? Did she save me?

Then once again darkness.

...

...

Another brief return of consciousness, too weak to open eyes, but warm now, comfortable.

"Be still child, you are safe now, just rest..."

A gentle hand stroked my head.

Obliging the request, I lost consciousness.

~Day 10~

My consciousness returned to me.

I was warm, comfortable and sad.

Very, very sad.

Of course I was sad. I just lost a parent, again... I don't even know if the other is alive or not! Why? Why again?

...

Wait a moment. Something doesn't seem right.

Warm? Comfortable?

Alarmed I opened my eyes and sat up quickly.

Looking around I appeared to be inside a large hollowed out tree. There was an entrance, with a beautifully carved large red door, for some reason it was about twice the size of a human. In the middle of the tree was a table with a set of four chairs and a rug with a intrinsic ivy pattern. On the opposite end to the door was a sort of kitchen, with a sink, cupboards and food storage. On the opposite end of where I was there just seemed to be chests and boxes for storage. Everything appeared to be carved from Moonwood, the trees that elves have grown for beyond millennia. Stronger than steel and only able to carved by elves, who have an ancient secret magic specifically for that reason.

Looking down, I was in a large single bed also made of Moonwood, with a soft silken sheet drenched over my body and a mattress that made you never want to leave the bed. Sitting by the bed on another incredibly crafted chair was a beautiful woman. She wore a long elegant dress which appeared to be made out of carefully woven and magically strengthened leaves. Her skin seemed to be bark at all joints on her body and blended into pale, fleshy human looking skin. Instead of hair she had branches that tightly protruded from her head to spread out like a flame. Her eyes were curved and pitch black. She had a small demure nose and a gentle smile.

Basically, a Dryad.

"It is good to see you awake child" She spoke with a soft, calm voice.

So I guess she saved me?

"That is correct."

Huh?!

Wait, can you hear me?

"Yes child, I can hear you, I'm afraid to say that I looked through you memory briefly to find out what happened to you and curious at your strange behaviour went a little too far back."

You mean?

"Yes, child I saw some of your previous life."

Well that still doesn't explain how you can hear me.

"I have lived a very long life and have learnt many powerful magics. I have even learnt a magic to communicate telepathicly. After learning of your human intelligence I thought communication would be possible this way" She explained.

Oh, well thank you, for saving me.

"Do not thank me child, I'm afraid to say I saved you on a whim"

A whim?

"Yes, in a life as long as mine you learn to let nature be. Man will hunt animal and animal will hunt animal. If I see a human hunting, or killing monster in my territory I would usually let them be. It is the circle of life, the way of the world"

Then why save me?

"As I said, it was a whim, I felt something strange from you, something that compelled me to save you."

Was it because I'm a resurrected human?

"I thought so too, but now... It feels like... Something else..."

I didn't understand why but she did save me, so I had to ask; Since you saved me did you also save...

"Your mother?" The Dryad finished my sentence and gave me an apologetic glance.

"I am afraid by the time I found you the hunter had already caught up with her... There was nothing I could do, her life was already over"

Then... Both my parents... Again.

I wanted to cry.

I wanted to, but no tears fell.

Why, why is it always me? Why did I have to lose them again!?

"...Again?" The Dryad asked.

I felt a little irritated at her, trying to bring up painful memories. You looked at my old life, didn't you?

"I only caught a glimpse of it, possibly due to the resurrection, I could only see fragments of the very end of your life"

....Oh, so she wasn't just being heartless.. It feels as though she wants to hear the story, but...

"Child, I will not ask you to tell me what happened to your previous parents, however is it not well known amongst the humans that talking helps with the pain?" She smiled gently and her eyes only held sympathy.

I knotted my brow and grimaced at the memory.

My mother... My human mother, she was the local healer for the village our farm was associated with. She was kind and whilst not beautiful, she could certainly be called good looking. She had long red hair in a ponytail and was always smiling joyfully. However, when I was about 6, a kingdom wide plague reached the village, we were far enough away that we were fine, but despite my fathers protest she ran off to help the village... Needless to say she caught the plague and whilst doing her best to keep the other villagers alive, she died two weeks after contracting it. She was too kind for her own good.

"...I see, but your father. he was still well was he not?"

Ah, my father, he was just as sad as I was about my mothers death, he never let it show and would always comfort me, but I saw him alone in their bedroom weeping when he thought I was out. He was a very ruggedly handsome man, tall and muscular with dark brown hair and bright emerald eyes. Needless to say I got the best qualities of my two parents.

But my father, well he died too.

My father died saving me when I was 13. My job consisted of doing whatever my father asked of me. I was happy to help of course and I was stronger than most men double my age. On that day though, he asked me to clean out the barn as the sun was setting. I lit an oil lamp and walked to the barn, to be honest there was still enough light left that I didn't need a oil lamp and when I think back I curse myself for bringing it. Before cleaning the barn I had to put the horses back in the stable, but one refused to move and as I tried pulling him he kicked me, knocking me out. I woke up to the smell of smoke and my fathers desperate yelling. The horse had also knocked the lamp over whilst running away, the barn had caught fire. My father forced his way through the fire and picked me, telling me to stay calm whilst he carried me to the barn door. Then we heard a crack, my father threw me just as large support beam came down from the roof and crushed his leg. Yelling in pain, he told me to run, that there was no hope for him and that I had to live on for my parents. I was terrified and only 13, so I obeyed him. I was a coward. After getting outside I looked back through the door and I saw him smiling, the most gentle and content smile I've ever seen on his face. "I'll get to meet your mother again, and I'll get to tell her all about how you've grown up so beautiful. I'll make her really jealous" He chuckled. The with one last look "Remember, my daughter, both me and your mother will always love y-". The roof collapsed, all that was found were my fathers charred remains.

...The memories were... Difficult, I don't really even know if I believe in a after life, but since I know for certain rebirth is real then surely...

The Dryad was silent. She appeared to be thinking about something.

"...I see child, you have been through a lot for someone so young, not many can say they've suffered the pain of losing two sets of parents"

...Thank you, Miss Dryad.

"Ellephwen, my name is Ellephwen."

Thank you, Ellephwen.

"I only listened child. Do remember however, that I looked in to your recent memories, I am sure you have other worries as well?"

I suppose I did, I thought whilst furrowing my brow again. I had several questions, but I should probably start with my first;

What happened to the hunter?

Ellephwen paused for a moment looking slightly dejected.

"I... Ended his life. Killing humans gives me no joy, but alas I felt as though I had no other choice" She sighed, slouching slightly.

... I killed his daughter.

"Yes, you did"

I felt no guilt...

"No, you didn't"

Why?

Ellephwen appeared to ponder how to answer.

"I am not you, I can not feel what you feel. You killed a member of your original species and felt nothing. That would make anyone believe themselves to be evil. However I can not see you as evil. I believe there are several reasons you felt nothing. First of some evidence to back up my main theory. You fought the bandits that attacked your farm in your previous life and managed to hold them off with only your fists for over half a day Then the lack of guilt from killing a member of your previous species. My main theory is that you are a natural born warrior."

...Did I just hear that right?

What!? Me a warrior? You must be joking I've always just been a farmer!

"But I believe you could have be something so much greater, if you had somehow discovered your talent earlier you would have become a powerful warrior."

...Is that why I was resurrected? To become something greater? To become a powerful warrior?

Ellephwen shook her head.

"I can not say, for I do not know. I have lived a long time and whilst I have come across those who have resurrected in the past, none have changed species. I have no knowledge of why such a thing would happen. You are unique."

So I WAS unique... I Still can't say I'm happy about that fact...

...

Ellephwen looked deep in thought.

Looking like she decided on something she spoke;

"Child, you will not know what you were meant for until you grow strong, I do not know if it is fate or the Gods that have something planned for you, but resurrection is not something done easily or lightly. So clearly something great is expected of you"

Me? Something expected of me? I was a nobody farm girl. I was poor and spent my days ploughing fields and drinking ale with friends. What am I supposed to do?

Ellephwens brow knotted.

"This forest, it is full of all manner of monster. From the weakest Frog, to the strongest Drake. All levels appear here. I can not teach you to fight, as I fight with magic. So all you can do is hunt the monsters in the forest, train yourself, level yourself, evolve yourself. Fight stronger and stronger enemies. Then, when you feel strong enough. Leave, go on a journey and find you destiny."

Find my destiny, huh?

How am I supposed to do that when I don't even know what to start looking for?

Her face relaxed slightly and she smiled.

"My child, destinies are not known until we fulfil them, whatever path you choose is the destiny meant for you. Whoever gave you this second chance, will be satisfied with whatever you strive for, because it is what they wished of you."

...I feel slightly annoyed, it's like I have no choice in what I do in the future.

Ellephwen giggled.

"Child destiny is an odd thing, although it is decided what you will become, the decision is still entirely made by you. Destiny is the future of what you have already decided"

What? ...I'm not entirely sure I understand.

Giggling again Ellephwen gently ushered me down and slowly pulled the bed cover over my body.

"In any case, little Mushling, you are still recovering from a terrible experience. So for now you should sleep and regain your strength."

Now that she mentions it I did still feel a dull pain in several parts of my body and a lot of mental exhaustion. As I began to close my eyes I saw her eyes widen slightly like she remembered something.

"Ah! I almost forgot. Since you were born a Mushman, you have no name, do you child?"

I was tiredm but I answered anyway. No, my parents couldn't talk so I was never given one.

"What about your old name, can you remember it?"

I furrowed my brow. No I can't, why can't I? I remember everything else, even the name of the tavern I would frequent, but my name eluded me, like it was shrouded in fog.

The Dryad nodded her head.

"As, I thought. It is because of the resurrection, a new life, a new name... Tell me child, would it offend you if I were to give you a name?"

Hmm, a new name?

...I've never thought I was particularly bad at naming things myself, I always named the new baby farm monsters born after all, but naming myself... Felt off, a bit embarrassing...

Ok, please go ahead.

Clapping her hands together Ellephwen beamed.

"That settles it then, child from now on you shall be known as Ellena, kin of Ellephwen."

Eh? Your kin?

"Of course, I would not be presumptuous enough to call you my child, at least not yet. We hardly know each other, so kin will do for now."

...Ellena, huh? It's a pretty name. I thought as my eyelids grew heavy and my mind began to drift away.

A satisfied smile appeared on Ellephwens face.

"Sleep well, my kin"

As I drifted off to sleep I thought about how much has happened just in the week I've been alive. I lost two parents, and gained another already. It's abnormal, no matter how you think about it.

[Name: Ellena]

[Age: 9 Days]

[Species: Forest Mushling, Mushman]

[Height: 1'-5"]

[Sex: Female]

[Title: Kin of Ellephwen]

{Level: 24] +23

[Health 5/8] +2

[Mana: 2/2] +1

[Stamina: 14/17] +4

[Hunger: 17/17] +4

[Attack: 12] +8

[Defence: 24] +12

[Magic Attack: 2] +1

[Magic Defence: 5] +2

[Skills:[Pain Resistance lvl 2] Up! [Night vision lvl 2] [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 3}] Up! [tough stomach lvl 1] [Unarmed Combat Novice lvl 1]New! ]