{"id":116,"date":"2021-08-02T13:14:23","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T17:14:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/?page_id=116"},"modified":"2021-08-02T13:15:30","modified_gmt":"2021-08-02T17:15:30","slug":"chapter-10","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-10\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 010: Sun, Sand, and\u2026 Snow?"},"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 10:<\/strong> Sun, Sand, and\u2026 Snow?<\/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 wp-block-paragraph\">Paste text here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Something heavy landed on Onin\u2019s chest. He jerked up into a sitting position, generated a servitor, and looked around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRise and shine, sleepy-head!\u201d Tannin was inches from his nose. And he needed a breath mint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGah!\u201d Onin flung himself backward. \u201cWhat are you doing in here? Never mind that, how are you up before I am?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s summer break, and we\u2019re going to the beach for a few days!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re taking classes year-round.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin nodded. \u201cYes, but there\u2019s two weeks of sweet, sweet freedom between the end of winter classes, and the start of the summer doldrums.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSummer dol\u2014whatever. Why are we going to the beach?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s the beach,\u201d Tannin said, as though that were all the explanation anyone needed. For Tannin, it probably was. He was already dressed in a loose-fitting t-shirt, swim trunks, and flip-flops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI have to study.\u201d Onin yawned. \u201cI don\u2019t have time to go to the beach. Besides, we haven\u2019t got any new leads on the attacks on giftlings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat\u2019s because they\u2019re at the beach,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">He certainly had a one-track mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWho\u2019s at the\u2014never mind.\u201d Onin sighed \u201cGo without me, then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo can do.\u201d He turned to face the door, put his hand next to his mouth, and yelled, \u201cBackup!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin\u2019s bedroom door cracked open. Cerina poked her head in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cKasai wants to know if he\u2019s decent, first. Ow!\u201d Cerina looked over her shoulder. \u201cWhat? You were worried. I asked!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin rolled his eyes. \u201cTannin, get out. I\u2019ll be out in five minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBeach!\u201d Tannin raised his fist triumphantly into the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin sighed and fell over backwards onto the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin, Kasai, Cerina, and even Saija were waiting in the living room for him. All of them were dressed in shorts and tank-tops and had a duffel bag next to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">He looked at Kasai. \u201cYou, too?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">She shrugged. \u201cI like to swim.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Hmm. There wasn\u2019t actually much to do on campus during the break. And he could study at the beach just as well as he could here. As well as see Kasai in a swimsuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAll right, all right, I\u2019ll go.\u201d Onin slumped his shoulders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSweet!\u201d Tannin clapped him on the shoulder. \u201cI knew you\u2019d come around!\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<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 wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin had already made reservations. The hotel he\u2019d picked out wasn\u2019t the fanciest place, but the rates were reasonable, and it was within walking distance of the beach. He and Tannin had a room, and the girls shared the room next to theirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLet\u2019s get changed and get in the water!\u201d Tannin yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin blinked and shook his head. \u201cThat was loud. I guess I should be used to you yelling\u2014\u201d The bathroom door swung shut. \u201cAnd now I\u2019m talking to myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin rolled his eyes and changed into his swim trunks. He waited a full minute before he knocked on the bathroom door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTannin, are you done changing yet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019ve been done. Waiting for you, man.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin exited the bathroom and sprinted for the door. Onin walked across the room and stepped out into the sun. The girls apparently weren\u2019t ready yet. Onin leaned up against the wall in the shade to wait. Shortly, the door opened and Cerina stepped out Saija limped out after her, using only one crutch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija\u2019s hair was down, and she wore the skimpiest blue bikini Onin had ever seen. Kinda like that outfit she\u2019d had on the first time they\u2019d met her. Did she like to flaunt her curves, or did one just lose their sense of privacy after being a vessel for the Natas?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina had her hair in a tight ponytail. The halter-top two-piece she wore covered up a lot more than Saija\u2019s suit, but still showed a lot of skin. Onin looked away and tried not stare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIs Kasai done yet?\u201d Cerina glanced back at the door to their room. \u201cI\u2019m ready to swim.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEh, give her a second.\u201d Saija stretched her hands over her head. \u201cShe\u2019s shy. Not sure why. She\u2019s built a little better than you are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAre you trying to start something?\u201d Cerina took a step toward Saija.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMe?\u201d Saija put a hand to her chest. \u201cJust stating facts. Well, that and it\u2019s fun to tease Onin. I bet if I wiggled I could get him to faint.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin felt his face flush, and he stared at the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSee.\u201d Saija chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh yeah, you\u2019re so sexy with that crutch.\u201d Cerina poked Saija\u2019s crutch. \u201cWhy only one today, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c\u2019Cause crutches aren\u2019t sexy,\u201d Saija said in a small voice. \u201cHard to swim with, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The door opened again, and Kasai stepped out. She wore a green one-piece swimsuit that really brought out her eyes. Her hair was loose and covered her shoulders. Despite her conservative swimsuit, Onin still thought she looked better than Cerina and Saija combined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLast one to the beach has to eat sand!\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">He and Cerina took off for the water at a run, dodging various sunbathers. Saija took one step and almost fell over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cScrew it,\u201d she said. A portal opened underneath her, and she dropped out of sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUh, mind if I walk you to the water?\u201d Onin winced. <em>That was really smooth.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai nodded. Onin reached out and took her hand in his. Kasai blushed and smiled. She walked with her head down, and her hair fell forward, hiding her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin was hooting and splashing through the waves. Cerina and Saija were both splashing him. He grabbed Saija and threw her farther out toward the water. She laughed and managed to enter the water in a respectable dive. Tannin grabbed Cerina and threw her next. She shrieked as she plowed sideways into a wave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLooks like they\u2019re having fun. Want to join them?\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai shook her head and looked away for a moment. \u201cWanna walk along the beach?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai headed off to the right, still holding Onin\u2019s hand. They walked in silence until they\u2019d made their way past the swimming area and onto a grass-covered dune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI thought you wanted to go swimming? Don\u2019t get me wrong, I like walking with you, but you seemed excited to go swimming the other day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI did?\u201d Kasai pushed her hair behind her ear. The light breeze swirled it back over her face. \u201cSorry. Yeah, I like to swim, but the waves are a little too big.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBig waves are fun to play in,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEveryone else is too\u2014\u201d Kasai sighed. \u201cI should loosen up a little. It\u2019s just Cerina and Saija are all hanging out, and Tannin\u2019s wild.\u201d She stopped and took a breath. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t blame them. It\u2019s just that that\u2019s not the way I am. I\u2019m not that open. I\u2019m sorry, I\u2019m messed up. You can go have fun with everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin stopped and brushed the hair away from Kasai\u2019s face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI understand. You\u2019ve been through a lot, and it hurts to open yourself up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai nodded, her lip trembling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDon\u2019t ever change who you are for someone else. Change who you are because you want to make yourself better.\u201d Onin scratched the back of his neck. \u201cWow, that sounds cheesy, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo, It\u2019s nice to have someone accept me as I am,\u201d Kasai said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Whatever had happened in Kasai\u2019s past had obviously been more than just teasing. Would Onryo react the same way?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin cleared his throat. \u201cHey, this is probably bad timing, but, uh, how\u2019s it going with remembering your past and Onryo and stuff?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai clenched his hand, and her whole body tensed up. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019ve done some thinking, some journaling, and some research. I should probably see a therapist, but I\u2019m still afraid of\u2014\u201d Kasai lifted a hand, then let it drop back to her side. \u201c\u2014stuff. I drew some of my own blood and looked at it under a microscope. It\u2019s different than all the anatomy books show. I don\u2019t know what that means, but there might be some truth to the half-breed rumor.\u201d She sighed. \u201cWhat does that make me? Am I a monster?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d Onin stepped closer and Kasai rested her head on his chest. Onin closed his eyes. She was soft, and it felt nice to have her that close to him. \u201cYou\u2019re not a monster. You might not be entirely gesaran physically, but you\u2019re still Kasai. You\u2019re still my friend, and I care about you a lot. I don\u2019t care if you turn purple or something, it\u2019s what\u2019s in your heart that I love.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Uh-oh, the l-word. He didn\u2019t mean it like that\u2026 well, maybe he did, but right now Kasai needed a friend, not romance. Kasai was quiet, but she didn\u2019t run off screaming or crying. Perhaps she\u2019d taken it the way he\u2019d intended it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHey, uh, let\u2019s head back, huh?\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai nodded and they started to retrace their steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou know I\u2019ll always help you in any way I can, right?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai nodded again.<\/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 wp-block-paragraph\">Onin yawned from where he laid on a beach towel next to Kasai. Tannin, Saija, and Cerina had either calmed down or worn themselves out playing in the water yesterday. They were stretched out in the sun on the other side of Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSo\u2014\u201d Onin shielded his eyes with his hand and looked over to Tannin. \u201cWhat do you think the Natas are up to?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAw, come on.\u201d Tannin yawned. \u201cWe\u2019re on vacation. I\u2019m too tired to think.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThey seem to by laying low for the moment,\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou have any ideas, Saija?\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNope. I was told, \u2018go here, attack them.\u2019 Not very helpful, sorry. Hey, can somebody rub some suntan lotion on my back?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin looked over. Saija was lying on her stomach and had untied the back of her bikini. Onin heard Kasai gasp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSaija! Put your top back on!\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat?\u201d Saija lifted her head up. \u201cI\u2019m not showing anything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s indecent! There are people around and stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSo? I\u2019m not breaking any laws or anything. Besides, I look hot. What\u2019s wrong with showing off? You can\u2019t shove your beliefs down everyone else\u2019s throat, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai stood, walked around, and sat in front of Saija. \u201cThat\u2019s not what\u2019s it\u2019s about.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHuh?\u201d Saija blinked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell, Ard gave us rules.\u201d Kasai twirled her hair around her finger and stared down at the sand. \u201cBut, you know, it\u2019s not just about following them. They\u2019re for our own good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai squirmed around where she sat in the sand and looked over at Saija. \u201cUm, I don\u2019t know the right way to put this. I don\u2019t want to tell you what to do. You know, people should like you for you are, not just for how much skin you show and stuff.\u201d She sighed and brushed her hair back behind her ear. \u201cSorry if I sound preachy.\u201d She shrugged. \u201cRaised by monks and all. I guess I just don\u2019t like people looking at my friend like she\u2019s a piece of meat, or something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija blinked a few more times. Then she tied her top back on, sat up, and pulled Kasai into a quick hug. She sat back down, blushed, and stared out over the water. \u201cNo one\u2019s ever called me their friend before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija shivered and cleared her throat. \u201cUh, is it just me or is it getting colder?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCloud front moving in.\u201d Tannin pointed off to the north. \u201cThat would do it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat\u2019s weird.\u201d Kasai stood, shaded her eyes and looked off to the north. \u201cThe weather report didn\u2019t say anything about clouds. It\u2019s supposed to be sunny for the next week.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEh.\u201d Tannin shrugged. \u201cThey\u2019re always wrong anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone nodded at that, and Kasai lay back down next to Onin. A few minutes later the cloud front was directly overhead, and the temperature had dropped a few more degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat\u2019s odd.\u201d Cerina frowned as she stared up at the clouds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019ve seen clouds like this before.\u201d Cerina\u2019s voice trailed off. \u201cNah, can\u2019t be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCan\u2019t be what?\u201d Onin looked at the clouds again. They looked like normal clouds. Perhaps a little darker, but not dark enough to be rain clouds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThey look like snow clouds,\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis far south, in summer?\u201d Saija looked over at Cerina and raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">They all stared up at the clouds. Something hit Onin in the nose. He held out his hand, and a snowflake landed in it and immediately melted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSnow?\u201d Onin stared at his hand. Another flake landed in it. \u201cHow could it be snowing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s not supposed to snow at the beach!\u201d Tannin looked up and yelled, \u201cKnock it off!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The snow immediately started falling faster and heavier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNow look what you did,\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019d better get inside.\u201d Onin looked around. Everyone else on the beach started to run for cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou guys go get changed.\u201d Kasai pulled a pair of shorts and sandals from her beach bag. She pulled them on, then rolled her towel up and put it away. \u201cI\u2019m going to stay here for a while. Something feels\u2026 familiar\u2026 about this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Onin reached out and touched her arm. She was burning hot. \u201cI\u2019ll stay here with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d The snow was falling even faster now. It turned to steam as soon as it landed on Kasai. \u201cI\u2019ll stay here. Go change and come back. There\u2019s something\u2026 wrong\u2026 with this snow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYa think?\u201d Cerina muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis feels like\u2026\u201d Saija shivered. \u201cIt feels like my old master. Weird. It used to exhilarate me when the Natas would take control and channel power like this. It feels dirty now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin turned and ran for the hotel room. He thought the others were behind him, but he didn\u2019t look. He didn\u2019t want to slow down, didn\u2019t want to leave Kasai out there alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">He changed into pants and a shirt as fast as possible, and almost ran into Tannin on his way out the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m right behind you,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The beach was covered in a light layer of slush now. Onryo stood at the water\u2019s edge. There was a clean circle of sand around her feet. She lifted a flame-covered hand and waved at him over her shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAre you okay, Kasai?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m Onryo.\u201d She spun around to face him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOkay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re working on it. It\u2019s\u2026 confusing. Anyway, Kasai can deal with that crap on her time. We\u2019ve got bigger problems right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">She pointed up into the sky. Onin shaded his eyes and looked where she pointed. Something that looked like a man floated in the clouds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIs that\u2026\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cA Natas,\u201d Saija whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin turned around. Saija, Cerina, and Tannin stood behind him. They had already changed out of their swimwear. Good, if they were going to take on a Natas, they could use all the help they could get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHey, wait\u2014\u201d Tannin pointed up at the sky. \u201cIs it just me, or did he disappear?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin looked again. The figure in the clouds was gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell, what do we do now?\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOnin, come with me.\u201d Onryo spread her wings. \u201cWe\u2019ll do some recon. The rest of you patrol the area. This could have been a distraction. See if any giftlings are hurt or missing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRight.\u201d Tannin turned and ran off, and the others followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin generated a small servitor for each of his hands and feet and rose into the air. Onryo jumped up and pumped her wings. Flames erupted from her feet, and she shot up past Onin on a pillar of fire. Onin rose to join her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat are we looking for?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI know that. I was wondering if there was any sort of sign, or something he would have left, that we should be looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBeats me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">They burst up through the cloud layer. No one here. Onryo growled and dropped back down below the clouds. Onin followed her and looked around. There wasn\u2019t a sign of anyone. Maybe they\u2019d imagined the whole thing. They flew several miles out to sea, then made a large circle back to the hotel. Tannin was waiting for them. His shirt was rumpled, and he was frowning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFind anything?\u201d Onryo asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhere are the others?\u201d Onin looked around. The other girls weren\u2019t anywhere in sight. One of the potted plants outside the hotel door was tipped over on its side. \u201cNo one\u2019s in trouble, are they?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell, Saija and Cerina are fine,\u201d Tannin said. \u201cBut when we were on the beach, a group of giftlings got attacked. Two of them were hurt, and the third was carried off. Cerina and Saija are with the two that got hurt. Come on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin and Onryo followed Tannin down the street to a coffee shop. It was nestled in a row of tourist shops that lined the street. A decorative fence partitioned off an area in front of the shop that had umbrella covered tables for patrons to enjoy the beach air while they ate. Most of the tables were turned over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A small crowd had gathered out front. Tannin pushed his way through to the front. Police tape barricaded off the entrance. The coffee shop had a hole blown in the front of the building where the door used to be. Two people, a man and a woman, sat on the steps and had blankets wrapped around their shoulders. Saija and Cerina knelt next to them. Saija was talking softly to the woman, and Cerina awkwardly patted the man\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin waved his police badge at one of the officers, who lifted the tape for Tannin, Onin, and Onryo to go through. Onin squatted down in front of the victims. Both of them appeared to be about his age. Made sense. There were a lot of college kids at the beach this week. If it was the Natas that attacked them, and if they were giftlings, these two fit the profile. The one on the left was a male with black hair, brown eyes, and a crooked nose. The girl had blonde hair, blue eyes, and fair skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin nodded to them. \u201cHi, I\u2019m Onin. We\u2019re with the Dabrath police. Are you two okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019ll be fine.\u201d The male took a shaky breath. \u201cJust scared. Do you know where they took Shanay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhy are the Dabrath police here?\u201d the blonde girl asked. \u201cThat\u2019s a hundred miles away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019ve had some attacks happen there at ABG that match the profile.\u201d Onin smiled in what he hoped came off as a friendly way. \u201cCan you tell us what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The man shuffled on the step. \u201cWe \u2014Shanay, Tina and I\u2014 came up to relax and swim for the week. Then this freak snow storm hit. The three of us decided to sit it out in the coffee shop. We were sitting here talking when three guys dressed all in black blew a hole in the front of the building and walked in. They looked around, grabbed Shanay, and tried to leave. We put up a fight, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat kind of gifts do you have?\u201d Onryo asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNot anything helpful.\u201d Tina, the blonde girl, shrugged. \u201cI can help plants grow a teeny bit faster, and Rob can influence micro-magnetic fields.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cComes in handy fixing electronics.\u201d Rob sighed. \u201cNo good at all in a fight. These guys were using fire and ice powers\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin and Onryo exchanged looks. Fire and ice meant it was probably the same Natas that had attacked them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Rob looked up them. \u201cI thought that someone only had one gift?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOrdinarily, yes. What gift does Shanay have?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cShe\u2019s really powerful.\u201d Tina looked up. \u201cShe can generate energy beams and stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cShe put up a good fight.\u201d Rob\u2019s voice dropped to a whisper. \u201cBut these guys were scary good. They took us down pretty fast and carried her out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDid you see which way they went?\u201d Onryo asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNorth.\u201d Rob and Tina spoke at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onryo nodded and jumped into the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOnryo, wait!\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">She ignored him and flew north. Onin growled, generated two large servitors, and sent them after her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIs she going to look for Shanay?\u201d Tina asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cProbably. We should go after her.\u201d Onin stared up at Onryo\u2019s rapidly shrinking silhouette, blew out a breath, and turned back to Rob and Tina. \u201cIf there\u2019s anything else you remember, please let an officer know about it, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">They nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin turned to face Tannin, Cerina, and Saija. \u201cWell, guys, let\u2019s go after Onryo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">They ducked back under the police tape and headed back in the direction of the hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe should pack some supplies.\u201d Cerina wrapped her arms around herself and shivered. \u201cThose mountains look cold.\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=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-9\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"112\">&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-11\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"120\">Next Chapter >><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">\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 10: Sun, Sand, and\u2026 Snow? Paste text here. Something heavy landed on Onin\u2019s chest. He jerked up into a sitting position, generated a servitor,&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-116","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/116","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=116"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/116\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":196,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/116\/revisions\/196"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}