{"id":104,"date":"2021-07-19T15:09:53","date_gmt":"2021-07-19T19:09:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/?page_id=104"},"modified":"2021-07-25T21:55:13","modified_gmt":"2021-07-26T01:55:13","slug":"chapter-7","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-7\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 007: Natas? Not Again!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Etherno_logo-sm.jpg\" alt=\"Etherno\" class=\"wp-image-52\" srcset=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Etherno_logo-sm.jpg 768w, https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Etherno_logo-sm-300x113.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chapter 7:<\/strong> Natas? Not Again!<\/h2>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Paste text here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The door slammed shut. Onin looked up from his history textbook and huffed. He really needed to study for this test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou should\u2019ve come, Onin.\u201d Tannin waved at him and flopped on the couch. \u201cThere were about a hundred people there. It was so much fun!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou do know we have a history test tomorrow, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cEh.\u201d Tannin stood and got himself a glass of water. \u201cHistory is the past. I\u2019d rather live in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou might not have one if you flunk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhatever. Hey, did you and Kasai go visit Saija again today?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNope. She\u2019s busy studying, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cBah. There\u2019s more to life that studying. Say,\u201d Tannin reached over and closed Onin\u2019s history book. \u201cYou and Kasai have been spending a lot of time together lately. Is that the real reason you don\u2019t want to go to parties and meet girls? Got a crush on our introverted little kinetic?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe\u2019re just friends.\u201d Onin felt his face heat up. He pulled his history book away from Tannin and flipped it open again. \u201cI don\u2019t think she\u2019s interested in me, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, please.\u201d Tannin pulled a chair around so he could sit facing Onin. \u201cHaven\u2019t you noticed that she talks to you all the time? If she has something to say, she says it you. And every once in a while, she\u2019ll touch your arm to get your attention, or take your hand or something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cEveryone does that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSee, this is why I want you to get out more. Haven\u2019t you noticed? Kasai doesn\u2019t touch anyone. Ever. Yet she\u2019ll touch you. Yeah, it\u2019s little things, and I probably \u2018touch\u2019 you more than that, what with friendly punches, slapping your shoulder, and whatnot. But Kasai doesn\u2019t do any of that with anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin leaned back and looked fixedly at him. Onin shut his history book. Kasai had touched his arm with one finger to get his attention a few times over the past day or so. And she had held his hand during a few of those team building exercises. Of course, Tannin had his other hand on those same occasions, so he hadn\u2019t thought much of it at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHuh.\u201d Onin picked up his history book and stood up. \u201cI\u2019m going out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A girl with blonde hair wearing bunny pajamas opened the door to Kasai\u2019s room when Onin knocked on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHi, I\u2019m Onin. Is Kasai here?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHoly crap!\u201d The blonde turned and hollered into the dorm. \u201cKasai, some hot guy\u2019s here. To see you.\u201d She turned back to Onin. \u201cCome on in. I didn\u2019t know Kasai had any friends. I\u2019m Jennifer, Kasai\u2019s roommate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin stepped into the dorm suite and looked around. It was laid out almost exactly like his and Tannin\u2019s rooms. Central common area with a couch, coffee table, and a small counter with a sink and microwave. The doorway to the right probably led to two small bedrooms and the shared bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai poked her head around the corner. She bit her lower lip, and her eyes darted around the room. Her face lit up and she smiled when she saw Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHi.\u201d She walked up to within a few inches of Onin. \u201cAnything wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHoly crap!\u201d Jennifer\u2019s jaw dropped open. She looked back and forth between Onin and Kasai. \u201cI didn\u2019t\u2026 um, ah, I\u2019ll leave you two alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She leaned in toward Kasai and loudly whispered, \u201cGo Kasai!\u201d before she left the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai\u2019s face turned red, and she stared at the floor. Was she attracted to him, or had he just embarrassed her?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin looked down and ran his hand through his hair. \u201cI was, uh, just wondering if you wanted to study for that history test together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai nodded, her face still beet red. She ran out of the room and was back in seconds with her history book.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"75\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dragon.png\" alt=\"dragon\" class=\"wp-image-41\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Something beeped. Onin rolled over and tried to ignore it, but it beeped again. Onin glanced at the clock and groaned. It was almost time to get up anyway. More beeping. Onin fumbled around on the nightstand until he found his phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHello?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGood morning, Onin. This is Professor Jekao. I was wondering if you and Tannin could drop by my office before your history test this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSure, I\u2019ll be right there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin pulled on his clothes, went over to Tannin\u2019s room, and knocked on the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTannin, get up!\u201d Onin knocked again. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to see Professor Jekao before class!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Five minutes later the door opened, and Tannin shuffled out. His jeans and t-shirt were rumpled, and Onin could\u2019ve sworn he\u2019d worn them a day or so ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhatever.\u201d Onin rolled his eyes. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai\u2014 and for once, Cerina\u2014 were waiting in Professor Jekao\u2019s office when they got there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHad some trouble with the zombie?\u201d Cerina jerked a thumb at Tannin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHe\u2019ll resent that in a few hours when he wakes up,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019ll make this quick, since you have class in a few minutes.\u201d Professor Jekao pulled a screen out of his drawer and held it so they could see it. \u201cA museum here on the ABG campus was robbed late last night. The thieves were caught in a partial frame on a security camera, and they look like the ones that have been attacking the giftlings around Dabrath. Also, the items stolen were all Matari artifacts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin sucked in a breath. Why would the thieves want objects related to the Matari? The secretive aliens had kept mostly to themselves in the hundred years or so since their ship had crashed on Gesara. As far as he knew, they didn\u2019t have anything particularly valuable, except possibly to an archaeologist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThe thieves also stole objects related to the history of giftlings. After your classes, I want you to go to the museum, and see what you can find out.\u201d The professor stood and gestured to the door. \u201cDismissed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes, sir,\u201d they all said.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"75\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dragon.png\" alt=\"dragon\" class=\"wp-image-41\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The entrance to the museum was cordoned off with police tape. Onin walked up to the officer near the door, and when he explained why they were there, the officer let them inside. The main lobby of the museum looked fine. Well, except for the door to the <em>History of Giftlings<\/em> section. There, a small hole was cut in the glass door next to the handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI don\u2019t get it.\u201d Cerina looked up at the security camera in the corner of the ceiling. \u201cHow\u2019d they get through the lobby without being caught on camera?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat\u2019s what we\u2019d like to know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin turned around. The speaker was an older man with hair that was just starting to turn grey at the temples. He wore a long blue overcoat that had an inspector\u2019s badge pinned over the left breast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019m Inspector Adamka. The thieves broke in last night sometime around three in the morning. Other than that, we don\u2019t know much. Deputy Jekao suggested that you four take a look around and see if you spot anything that can connect this robbery to the recent attacks on the giftlings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Inspector Adamka lead them into the <em>History of Giftlings <\/em>section. Almost every case was smashed, and displays were scattered everywhere. Men and women in white lab coats were spaced throughout the room, taking pictures and making notes on clipboards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThe museum staff is still working to find out exactly what was stolen,\u201d Inspector Adamka said. \u201cThere\u2019s a few cases that look to be cleaned out, but stuff is scattered everywhere. Feel free to look around.\u201d He handed them each a pair of nitrile gloves. \u201cI\u2019ll be right outside if you need me for anything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhere do we start?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019d be helpful if we knew what was missing.\u201d Cerina picked up a stick with some sort of carving on it. \u201cI mean, what could they want with any of this junk?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s not junk!\u201d Kasai narrowed her eyes and placed her hands on her hips. \u201cThat, for example\u2014\u201d Kasai pointed to the stick. \u201c\u2014is a prayer stick. The monks carve prayers into them during the winter months when there\u2019s not much else to do, then they give them out to children during summer festivals. It helps the children learn how to pray to Ard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAnd why would thieves want that?\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThey didn\u2019t.\u201d Onin slowly turned and looked around the room. \u201cThat\u2019s why they didn\u2019t take it. The question is what was here that they did want and why.\u201d He pointed to one of the interactive panels in front of the first display case to their right. \u201cLet\u2019s start at the beginning, see what was here to start with, and try to find something they might have been interested in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAnd if we see something from different cases, we should pile it together to help the museum staff,\u201d Tannin said. Everyone turned to look at him. \u201cWhat? I get good ideas sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">They spent the next two hours going through displays. Apparently, the thieves had a thing for ancient Natas relics, and first dynasty artifacts from various monasteries. All of those items were missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo, I\u2019m going to go out on a limb here and guess that our thieves are either Natas, or working for one or something,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cBut what\u2019s the connection to the guys attacking the gifted?\u201d Tannin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSaija,\u201d they all said at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTannin, go ask Inspector Adamka to have Saija brought here, please,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSure!\u201d Tannin dashed to the door and was back in seconds. \u201cHe says he\u2019ll have her brought right over.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Half an hour later the door opened and Inspector Adamka walked in. Saija walked in on crutches behind him. She was escorted by a policeman on either side. Today she wore jean shorts and a fitted t-shirt. Much less distracting than her usual outfit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWow.\u201d Saija looked around the room and whistled. \u201cWhat a mess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cKnow anything about it?\u201d Inspector Adamka asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWho me?\u201d Saija put a hand to her chest. \u201cI was half-dead in the hospital, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe think some friends of yours might be involved.\u201d Inspector Adamka pulled a tablet computer out of his coat pocket and showed it to Saija. \u201cRecognize anyone here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija steadied herself on her crutches and took the tablet from the inspector. She studied it for a moment, then pointed to the screen. \u201cI recognize him. I don\u2019t know his name, but I know he works for my old master.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe\u2019ve compiled a partial list of the stolen items.\u201d Onin pointed to one of the display screens. \u201cDo you know what he might want with any of this stuff?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija made her way over to the screen and bent over to examine it. She pointed to one of the pictures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHe\u2019s been collecting these from all over. I\u2019m not quite sure what they are, other than some sort of Natas artifact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDoes this master of yours have a name?\u201d Inspector Adamka asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Saija shrugged. \u201cI never saw him or talked to him directly. The Natas that possessed me communicated with him somehow\u2014\u201d She scrunched up her nose into a disgusted expression. \u201cOh, that\u2019s not good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat?\u201d all of them asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI know what that one does.\u201d Saija pointed to a picture of a small star-shaped box. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to know the details, but if you have two of them they can increase a Natas\u2019s power.\u201d She pointed to a four inch long stick. \u201cThat one strengthens the connection between the Natas and the host body. I\u2019m not sure about the others. Wait\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija took a deep breath and pulled up an image of a wicked looking dagger. \u201cI\u2019m pretty sure that\u2019s used in the ceremony to create another Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGreat, more Natas.\u201d Tannin grimaced. \u201cThat\u2019s just what we need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCan we find your old master before he makes another Natas?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Saija brushed her hair back over her ear and bit her lip. \u201cI\u2019m not even sure he\u2019s on this planet, or in this dimension, or whatever.\u201d She pointed to the picture of the star-shaped box. \u201cIf you know where another one of these are, I\u2019d lie in wait for them there. They\u2019re going to want both of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cLet\u2019s check with Professor Jekao, he might know where it\u2019d be,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin turned and headed for the door, Kasai, Tannin, and Cerina close behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWait,\u201d Saija hobbled after them. Onin and Kasai stopped and looked back at her. \u201cCan I come with you? I know more about the Natas than anyone here. We really don\u2019t want another one of those things loose\u2026 I should know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin looked over at Kasai. She nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCome on,\u201d Onin jerked his head, indicating that she should follow them. \u201cWe can at least ask Professor Jekao if it\u2019s okay with him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Professor Jekao was seated at his office desk. He looked up from the paper he was holding when Onin and the others burst into his office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHow\u2019d it go?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin quickly outlined what they\u2019d been able to find, with Saija\u2019s help, at the museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAnother Natas? That\u2019s not good.\u201d Professor Jekao leaned back in his chair and whistled. \u201cLet\u2019s see, I believe the archaeology department has a collection of Natas artifacts that aren\u2019t open to the public.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He turned in his chair and started to dig through a stack of papers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes, it\u2019s here in the college newspaper.\u201d He flipped open one of the papers and handed it to Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cABG Museum to highlight religious collection,\u201d Onin read. \u201cIt says here that over two hundred items, about a third of the collection, from the first dynasty will be moved from the ABG archaeology department to be put on display for the public to see and read about for the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat explains how they knew that stuff was in the museum,\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAnd it\u2019s a big clue that they\u2019ll hit the archaeology department soon,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou\u2019d better get over there right away,\u201d Professor Jekao said. \u201cI\u2019ll have a policeman meet you there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin and the others ran out the door. The thieves could strike at any moment. They\u2019d barely been able to defeat Saija, if the Natas was able to make more people\u2014vessels, Saija had called them\u2014every giftling in the city would be in trouble. Onin ran faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The archaeology department wasn\u2019t hard to find. It looked more like an ancient ruin than it did an institution of higher learning. Marble columns lined the entire structure, and what looked like two-hundred steps led up to the front door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A police car pulled up to the steps just as Onin and the others arrived. Inspector Adamka got out of the car, and it drove off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cProfessor Jekao called me,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019d better get inside as quickly as possible. Wait, where is the prisoner that was with you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSaija?\u201d Onin looked around, she was nowhere in sight. \u201cShe was right\u2026 oh no.\u201d He slapped his forehead. \u201cWe ran all the way here. She\u2019s on crutches there\u2019s no way she could keep up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019ll go get her.\u201d Kasai turned around and took off running\u2014then skidded to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A black portal opened six feet off the ground just in front of her. Saija slowly descended from the portal. It snapped shut, and she dropped the remaining foot or so to the ground. She landed gracefully on her one leg, spun her crutches around, and lowered them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou ran off without the cripple,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSorry about that.\u201d Onin winced. Running off without the prisoner was the kind of thing Tannin would do. He made a mental note to remember the bigger picture. If someone didn\u2019t, the Natas could cause all sorts of trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou\u2019re lucky I didn\u2019t hobble off and hide somewhere,\u201d she grumbled. \u201cNot that I\u2019d know where to go, or anything. In any case, you\u2019re lucky I don\u2019t want Natas running loose, either.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe really are sorry we ran off without you.\u201d Kasai walked over to Saija, lifted her hand to her shoulder, but hesitated and dropped her arm back to her side. \u201cDo you want help getting up all these steps?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija looked over at the archaeology building and did a double-take. \u201cDang! What kinda sick sadist designed this? Screw walking up that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A portal formed under her and she dropped into it. A second later another portal formed above the top step and Saija dropped out of it. That worked, too. Onin shrugged and ran up the steps. They all filed into the lobby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Inspector Adamka waved them over to him. \u201cThis situation could get quite desperate. You\u2019ve all proven yourselves to be powerful giftlings, and you\u2019ve upheld the law beyond what\u2019s expected of you. I can\u2019t make you stay here and help me tonight, and in fact, it would ordinarily be out of the question for me to even ask it of you. However, given the nature of the opponent, I\u2019d appreciate your help. To make it legal I\u2019d have to deputize all of you except Saija, no offense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNone taken.\u201d Saija shrugged. \u201cDon\u2019t want to get that involved anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSweet!\u201d Tannin pumped his fist. \u201cDo I get a badge?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHold on.\u201d Inspector Adamka held up a hand. \u201cThis is a serious matter. If you do become police deputies, you\u2019ll have additional responsibilities. And I shouldn\u2019t have to warn you about the danger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI understand.\u201d Kasai gave a sharp nod.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cMe too.\u201d Onin stepped closer to Kasai, and she smiled at him. \u201cWe have these gifts for a reason, and from what Professor Jekao very carefully did not say, the giftlings in the police department aren\u2019t up to taking on a Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Inspector Adamka smiled. \u201cIt\u2019s not common knowledge, but we only have one S-class, and two A-class giftlings working for us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThis city\u2019s in trouble,\u201d Saija said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNo, it\u2019s not. We\u2019re here,\u201d Kasai said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija raised an eyebrow but didn\u2019t say anything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTannin, Cerina,\u201d Inspector Adamka stepped over to stand in front of them. \u201cDo you want to become deputies and fight for the citizens of the city? Remember, no one\u2019s forcing you. You can go back to your dorm right now and no one would think lesser of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI do,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin raised an eyebrow. For once, Tannin didn\u2019t say something stupid, and he even had a serious expression on his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina squared her shoulders and looked Inspector Adamka in the eye. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin blinked. He\u2019d really expected some sort of sarcastic comment at the very least from Cerina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cVery well. All of you raise your right hands, and repeat after me,\u201d Inspector Adamka said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin, Kasai, Tannin, and Cerina raised their right hands, and Inspector Adamka led them through the oath of office.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"75\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dragon.png\" alt=\"dragon\" class=\"wp-image-41\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin covered his mouth to hide a yawn. He and Kasai had been crouched behind this stupid statue for what seemed like hours now. He should\u2019ve known. The last robbery had happened at three am. This one probably would too. If they even came tonight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThink they\u2019re coming?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI don\u2019t know. If so, it\u2019ll probably be a while before they show up,\u201d Kasai whispered back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Something across the room clicked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOr it could be sooner,\u201d Kasai whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cProbably just Tannin going to the bathroom again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The clicking sound repeated, and a beam from a flashlight shone through the door. Four figures in dark clothing crept into the room. Onin rose to a half-crouch and tensed his muscles. The lead figure shined the light around the room, then each of them split up and started rummaging through a different drawer, apparently chosen at random.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Inspector Adamka stepped in front of the door and flicked the lights on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou\u2019re under arrest!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">One of the thieves laughed and thrust his hand out. A metal spike extended out at the inspector. Onin raised his hand to generate a servitor, but the inspector raised his forearm, and something that looked like a leather shield sprouted from his arm. The spike glanced off the shield and embedded itself into the wall behind the inspector. He grabbed the metal rod with his left hand and pulled. Simultaneously, he grabbed the shield with his right hand and threw it at the thief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin generated two servitors and sent them after the thieves. Tannin was fighting one of them. Cerina wasn\u2019t anywhere in sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019ve got a kinetic barrier around the whole room. Cerina\u2019s got a sonic barrier up too.\u201d Kasai pointed to Inspector Adamka. \u201cGo help the inspector. That one\u2019s stronger than he looks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin nodded, jumped up, and generated a servitor as he moved. The servitor followed above and slightly behind Onin. The thief facing off with the Inspector now had metal spikes emerging from each of his fingers, and some from his forearms, shins, and back as well. The inspector generated two more shields, and ran at the thief. Onin sent in his servitor and generated another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The thief threw one of his spikes into the ground. It anchored itself and grew up at the servitor faster than Onin could blink. The end of the metal spike penetrated the servitor, and it popped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUh-oh.\u201d Onin frowned. He hadn\u2019t instructed the servitor do disperse. \u201cInspector, watch those spikes, they\u2019re not normal metal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The inspector nodded and threw one of his shields at the thief, who easily batted it away. In the split second that the thief was distracted, the inspector grabbed the remaining shield with both hands. It elongated out and flattened into a sword. The Inspector tossed it into his right hand, and another shield sprang from his left arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin generated two more servitors. They joined the other one and formed up in a tight triangle linked by energy bands. Onin generated three more servitors. They formed another triangle and stacked under the existing formation of servitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cLet\u2019s see how much he can handle,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He generated three more servitors, and they joined the formation, making a stack of triangles three deep. A circle of white light formed in the center of each triangle, then a larger circle formed above the top of the servitor stack. A high-pitched hum filled the air and grew in volume. A beam of light shot up through the center of the servitors. As soon as it hit the hovering ball of light, a blinding arc of lightning curved across the room and slammed into the thief. Thunder shook the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin blinked as the glare from the lightning faded. Only a large pile of molten metal was left where the thief used to be. The first two servitors that Onin had generated floated over. A prisoner was suspended beneath each of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cA little excessive, but good work.\u201d The Inspector pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his brow. \u201cLet\u2019s get these\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The inspector was interrupted by the pile of metal being thrown into the air. It caught him in the chest and knocked him over. The thief, who was, unfortunately, very much not dead, kicked Onin in the throat, grabbed something and ran for the door. He threw two metal rods over his shoulder. They popped the servitors, and the two other thieves also ran for the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin coughed. His throat was sore, and he struggled to suck in air. He looked around. Tannin was still fighting the last thief. Saija and Cerina were nowhere in sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The metal-generating thief was at the door now. He reached out with his hand and swore as it bounced off the force field that Cerina and Kasai were generating. A metal rod with a split end came out of his palm. He grabbed it with both hands and slammed it into the door. A visible shockwave rippled out. Cerina screamed and fell out from behind a cabinet. She collapsed onto the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The thief sprouted a dozen rods and threw them into the floor at various points along the wall. They expanded out and pressed against the forcefield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOnin, do something! I can\u2019t hold this for long.\u201d Kasai\u2019s voice sounded panicked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin held up his hand. Nothing happened. He must have used up all his energy already. He smacked himself in the forehead. He was going to have to remember to keep some sort of snack on him at all times. The kinetic field around the room flickered, and the metal rods punched through the walls. The thief pulled the door open\u2014and took one of Saija\u2019s crutches right in the face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The thief stumbled back into the room. Saija spun on her crutch and kicked him in the face with her left foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou!\u201d The thief took a few steps backward. \u201cYou\u2019re supposed to be dead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija smiled. \u201cApparently the Natas aren\u2019t as all-powerful as they led us to believe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The thief snarled and pulled out a staff-sized rod. Saija threw down one crutch and spun the other one around to block the blow. The thief circled around, trying to find or make an opening in Saija\u2019s defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija was remarkably agile for someone with only one leg. She ducked, hopped, and spun around on the crutch. She was the better fighter, but the thief was more maneuverable. He attacked with the staff, threw a punch, and kicked out at Saija\u2019s good leg. She managed to block the punch with her arm, and block the staff and the kick with her crutch, but it threw her off balance. She landed hard on her back and the crutch flew across the room. The thief grabbed his staff and thrust it at her like a spear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">It stopped inches from her. The thief grunted and shoved at the spear, but it didn\u2019t move. He spun around. Kasai stood facing him from across the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAh, the half-breed kinetic.\u201d The thief sneered and took a step toward Kasai. \u201cThe master is interested in you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He reached down and touched something on his belt. A loud noise vibrated around in Onin\u2019s skull, and his vision darkened for a second. He blinked. The thief stood over Kasai, who was huddled on the floor. He pulled out another metal rod and swung it down at Kasai\u2019s head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNo!\u201d Onin yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He tried to generate another servitor. His palm glowed, then dimmed. Still out of energy. Kasai rolled away at the last second. She kept rolling and came up in a crouch, her hair covering her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019ve had just about enough of that.\u201d The voice was Onryo\u2019s, but it came from Kasai. \u201cYou made things happen too fast, and now you\u2019re gonna die.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">As she rose to her feet, her hair turned red. Wings and a tail sprouted from her back. Onin took a step back. What was going on here? This did explain why Kasai always ran off whenever Onryo was around, but\u2026 Did Kasai know about this? Was that why she didn\u2019t let anyone get close?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo took a step forward. She moved so fast she blurred. She grabbed the thief by the neck and his collar started to smoke. The thief grabbed Onryo\u2019s wrist. He immediately let go and cried out. Blisters covered his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The thief shoved a metal rod out of his palm. Onryo burst into blue flame. The rod bent and started to melt. The thief grunted and encased himself in metal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou\u2019ve been watching too much anime if you think metal beats fire,\u201d Onryo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She gripped the metal shell with both hands. The metal started to turn red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Worry and a sense of dread filled Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOnryo, don\u2019t kill him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cStay out of this, lover boy. This little punk has got me in a very bad mood. Not to mention that he\u2019s put Kasai into a rather awkward position.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah, about that, who are\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo turned and glared at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNever mind.\u201d Onin held up both hands. \u201cWe need this guy alive so we can find out who\u2019s behind the attacks on the giftlings. Also, if his boss is hunting you and Kasai, you\u2019re gonna want some information out of him, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">It seemed like forever until Onryo spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cFine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She dropped the metal coated thief. The fire around her puffed and went out. Onryo held out her index finger and a tiny flame sprung to life. She pointed at the encased thief, and the flame turned blue and hissed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCome out, or I\u2019m cutting you out,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-6\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"99\">&lt;&lt; Previous Chapter<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/table-of-contents\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"34\">Contents<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-8\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"108\">Next Chapter >><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aarondemott.com\/newsletter\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aarondemott.com\/newsletter\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/env_sm.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-178\" width=\"33\" height=\"20\"> Be notified when the next chapter comes out!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.ko-fi.com\/cdn\/widget\/Widget_2.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\">kofiwidget2.init('Buy me a cup of tea', '#29abe0', 'V7V05ASUY');kofiwidget2.draw();<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chapter 7: Natas? Not Again! Paste text here. The door slammed shut. Onin looked up from his history textbook and huffed. He really needed to&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-104","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/104","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/104\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":190,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/104\/revisions\/190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}