{"id":120,"date":"2021-08-02T13:15:02","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T17:15:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/?page_id=120"},"modified":"2021-08-09T12:31:58","modified_gmt":"2021-08-09T16:31:58","slug":"chapter-11","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-11\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 011: Enough is Enough\u2026 Until it&#8217;s Too Much"},"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 11:<\/strong> Enough is Enough\u2026 Until it&#8217;s Too Much<\/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\">The wind whipped around Onin and chilled him to the bone\u2014and they had only reached the foothills of the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCan I go back and get a coat?\u201d Tannin said. He was still only wearing his t-shirt and jeans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe\u2019re facing an ice giftling.\u201d Cerina rolled her eyes. \u201cYou didn\u2019t think to dress warm?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin stuck his tongue out at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhy are we walking, anyway?\u201d Tannin kicked a stone out of the path. \u201cCan\u2019t Saija just portal us there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cFor at least the tenth time\u2014\u201d Saija spun around and poked Tannin in the chest with her crutch. \u201cI can\u2019t portal to an unknown destination.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTannin, we\u2019ve talked about this.\u201d Onin sighed and stepped between Tannin and Saija. \u201cYou\u2019re supposed to be looking for tracks or other clues about the kidnappers. If you whine one more time, I\u2019m going to ask Saija to portal you a hundred yards above the ocean. Now shut up and look.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin was cranky today. Usually it was Cerina that complained. He looked up at the sun, frowned, and pulled out his phone. Oh. It was past noon. That would do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTannin, did you eat anything today?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUh\u2026 no. I was going to get breakfast from one of those snack carts along the beach, but I fell asleep, and then all this happened.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cLunch break.\u201d Onin shrugged off his backpack. \u201cI think I brought some trail rations. Anyone else have anything?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cRations? Eww.\u201d Saija made a face. \u201cWait here.\u201d A portal opened beneath her, and she dropped out of sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhere\u2019d she go?\u201d Tannin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin ignored him. He looked around. The path they were on now was dirt that was starting to turn to stone as they progressed higher into the mountains. The trees had started to thin out\u2014there were still lots of them, but it wasn\u2019t the dense forest anymore. He spied a group of boulders off to the left, trudged over, and sat on one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin and Cerina sat down next to him. Onin pulled off his left boot and dumped the loose dirt out of it. He put the boot back on then rummaged through his backpack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cMight as well get some ration bars out,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A portal opened above the trail at the same time Onin reached into his backpack. Saija dropped out of it. She had four Sandwich Masters deli bags tied onto her crutches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSandwich Masters?\u201d Tannin\u2019s face lit up. \u201cAre those for us?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYup!\u201d Saija untied a bag and tossed it to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSweet!\u201d Tannin ripped open the bag and pulled out the sandwich. \u201cTwelve-inch Meat Insanity. How\u2019d you know?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNot that hard to guess. Here.\u201d She tossed a bag each to Onin and Cerina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin peeled the tap off the wrapper and unfolded it. Turkey and bacon, yum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThanks, Saija. How much do we owe you for these?\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cMy treat.\u201d Saija flashed him a smile. \u201cYou can pay for the next meal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin was about halfway through his sandwich when a servitor came zipping over the horizon and stopped in front of him. A few seconds later there was a warm blast of wind. Onin spun around. Onryo dropped to the ground and folded her wings to her back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGot any food for me?\u201d Onryo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSorry.\u201d Saija wiped her mouth with a napkin. \u201cDidn\u2019t know where you were, or when you\u2019d be back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin broke off half of his sandwich and held it out to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She stared at him for a second before she grabbed the half-sandwich. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cFind anything?\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cFootprints, torn bits of clothing, the occasional broken boulder,\u201d Onryo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo Shanay\u2019s putting up a fight,\u201d Saija said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cLooks that way.\u201d Onryo shrugged. \u201cI didn\u2019t see anyone, though, so they\u2019re either hiding, or they\u2019re farther ahead of us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo, what do we do now?\u201d One corner of Cerina\u2019s mouth pulled down. \u201cIt could take years to search these mountains. If we can\u2019t find them, we might as well go home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIf it was you they kidnapped, would you want the rest of us to give up?\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina kicked at the dirt and shook her head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI didn\u2019t think so.\u201d Onin stood and grabbed his backpack. \u201cI\u2019m going to generate servitors for each of us who needs one, and we\u2019re going to fly up and down this valley in a V-formation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI thought we needed to walk to look for clues,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOnryo\u2019s seen the stuff we were looking for from the air after all, and we\u2019re pretty sure they\u2019re ahead of us. If we all go up and look, maybe we\u2019ll have a better chance of spotting one of them trying to duck behind a bush. Or something. Either way, we can cover more ground that way. Anyone have any better ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cActually\u2014\u201d Saija raised her hand. \u201cI might know where they\u2019re taking her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNow you decide to tell us this?\u201d Cerina rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI was hoping I was wrong.\u201d Saija shuddered and wrapped her arms around herself. \u201cOr that\u2019d we\u2019d catch them first. If they\u2019re bothering to kidnap her instead of kill her outright, they want her for something. I\u2019d guess either to \u2018borrow\u2019 her gift, or to turn her into a Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHow does that gift borrowing thing work?\u201d Onryo asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI don\u2019t want to bring up a painful subject, but remember when you were fighting me, and I was using portals, fire, and ice against you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe\u2014\u201d Onin gestured to Onryo. \u201cWell, Kasai and I at least, think of it as fighting the Natas that was controlling you, not as fighting you.\u201d He looked over to Onryo. She nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHuh. I\u2019m not sure I could be so\u2026 forgiving\u2026\u201d Saija took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. \u201cAnyway, there are areas in these mountains that make a person more\u2026 receptive\u2026 to a Natas. I\u2019m not sure how that works. The kidnappers might be taking Shanay to one of these spots.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cLet\u2019s go check them out,\u201d Onryo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWait. We need to plan. How many places like this are there, how far away are they, what do we do to stop whatever the Natas might do to her?\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIf that really is the Natas\u2019 plan, we have to get there as soon as possible. These ceremonies are\u2026 messy.\u201d Saija grimaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe can always just force the Natas out, right?\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNot really. You\u2014\u201d Saija paused and swallowed. \u201c\u2014and I, were extremely lucky. You have to do a lot of damage to a vessel to get a Natas to abandon it. I made one little mistake, or you wouldn\u2019t have hurt me at all. You have to do that damage all at once because the bond between the Natas and the vessel has to be disrupted somehow\u2026 as I said, we got lucky.\u201d She shivered. \u201cI, more than you. Have I thanked all of you for that lately? And have I mentioned I\u2019m the only vessel I know of that hasn\u2019t died after the Natas left?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Everyone was silent for a second. Onin swallowed. They had to save Shanay from that fate. He glanced over at Onryo and resolved not to let that happen to Kasai. Or any of the rest of his friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo launched herself into the air. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin generated three servitors. They floated over to hover above Tannin, Cerina, and Saija. Energy tendrils descended from each one to pick up a different person. Onin generated four more for his hands and feet, and he ascended to join Onryo in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSaija, point where you want us to go,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija pointed north-northwest, and they flew over the landscape. They set down on top of a large boulder. No one was in sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo, are we too late, or is this the wrong spot?\u201d Onryo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIs this boulder covered in rust stains?\u201d Tannin leaned over and picked at the reddish-brown that covered the top of the boulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNo.\u201d Saija\u2019s face had a greenish tint to it. \u201cNo, it is not.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell what is it? It\u2019s like it\u2019s been splashed on here, and it\u2019s a dark red\u2026\u201d Tannin\u2019s face drained of color. He jumped down from the boulder, scuffed his feet in the dirt, and vomited into a nearby bush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHuh, thought he was tougher than that.\u201d Cerina\u2019s mouth pulled up into a smirk, but her face also had a greenish tint to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCerina!\u201d Saija hissed through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNext spot, let\u2019s go,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">They launched into the air and took off to the west this time. The next four sites hadn\u2019t shown any signs of being used\u2026 recently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIf they aren\u2019t at any of these sites, where else might they have taken her?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Saija pursed her lips and tapped a finger on the side of a crutch. \u201cThere\u2019s a few more sites I know of. Let\u2019s check those before we give up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin nodded. Saija led them to a tall mountain that rose above the other peaks in the range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThere\u2019s a place on the other side of that mountain.\u201d Saija pointed to the peak. \u201cWe have to go up and over it to get to the spot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCan\u2019t you just portal us there?\u201d Tannin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI could, but that\u2019d dump us right in the middle of what\u2019s going on. We want to sneak up on them, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Everyone nodded. The wind picked up and the temperature dropped as they approached the summit. Saija led them around the mountain, and into a valley on the other side. Instead of getting warmer as the altitude decreased, the cold grew more intense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s freezing here,\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cProbably the right place, then,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThere.\u201d Saija pointed to the entrance to a cave. \u201cThat\u2019s the place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">They landed a hundred yards away and slightly downhill from the cave. Two boulders were on either side of the entrance. No guards were in sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDo we have a plan?\u201d Onryo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSaija\u2014\u201d Onin looked over his shoulder at her. \u201cWhat are we likely to find in there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDepends on whether they want to steal her powers or turn her into a vessel. Either way, it\u2019s not going to be pretty. We\u2019ll probably all want to barf. Lots of blood and evil. If any of the Natas are coming at her with some of those artifacts from the museum, don\u2019t let them touch her at any cost. If any of them are, uh, in her\u2026 it\u2019s too late, run away, and run away fast. We\u2019ll probably be outnumbered\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHow? Five of us, four of them,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThe ceremony needs at least one more person but can use up to four more for \u2018best\u2019 results. Also, they\u2019ve stolen those artifacts, which are going to boost their powers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo nodded. \u201cSo we go in, grab Shanay, and get out as fast as possible, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cRight.\u201d Onin nodded. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\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\">Onin crept up to the cave. The entrance was dark and foreboding. Or perhaps that was just his imagination. The opening was about as tall as he was. Shadows filled the cave. Onin took a deep breath and tried to ignore the queasy feeling in his stomach. Still no sign of a guard. He crept forward past a shrub and peered into the cave. The darkness seemed to soak up all the light in the cavern. Onin generated a servitor, and the light it gave off helped a little. The tunnel extended about forty yards in before it either dipped down or turned. No guards were inside. Onin waved the others forward and led the way in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The only sound was the water dripping from stalactites. The cave got darker as they made their way inside. It felt as though the darkness was sucking up the light from the servitor. Must be his imagination. Right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">They rounded the corner and the tunnel dipped down. The murmur of voices came from ahead. Onin reabsorbed the servitor, and they inched forward in the darkness. A few yards later, Onin stopped. A light shone from around another corner. He leaned forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Seven men in long black robes stood in a circle. They chanted as they shuffled around. The chanting sounded like the language of the monks, but the echoes in the cavern distorted it enough that the words blurred together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The circle shifted, and Onin saw a stone table. A girl was laying spread-eagle on the table. Her hands and feet were tied down, she was covered with blood and she appeared to be completely naked. Occasionally, she twitched or moaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">His gut twisted in horror. Onin ducked back around the corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell?\u201d Onryo whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThere\u2019s a girl on a table. She\u2014\u201d Bile rose in Onin\u2019s throat. He swallowed and took a breath. \u201cShe\u2019s covered with blood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh no.\u201d Saija\u2019s face paled. \u201cThe ceremony has already started. Did you see any artifacts or anything in or on her?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHard to tell. There\u2019s a circle of men in black robes around her. I could only catch glimpses of her between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija bit her lip and rubbed her palms together. \u201cI don\u2019t know. We might be in time, or we could be too late.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">They all crowded around Onin to peek around the corner. The circle of robed men had split into two, half of them clustered at the foot of the table, and the other half at the head. There was a lot of blood covering the girl. Onin\u2019s stomach heaved. He swallowed and forced himself to watch. Were there any artifacts on her? Some patches near her breasts, neck, and legs looked like they might be a small artifact\u2014or possibly just an extra bloody wound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">One of the men at the head of the table clapped his hands over his head. The girl started thrashing and screaming. One of the men at the foot of the table took a step forward, reached out and pulled something long and dripping blood out of the girl. She screamed again, louder this time. Another robed figure stepped forward, took the object, and held it aloft. It was a stake about a foot long. Hard to tell through all the blood, but it might be one of the objects from the museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe need to go\u2014now,\u201d Saija said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin\u2019s leg muscles tensed. He sucked air rapidly and reached behind him to clutch Onryo\u2019s hand. The room grew darker. The first man climbed up onto the table and lay down on top of the girl. She yanked at her bonds, and writhed around trying to escape. The person holding the stake said something, and another figure came around to the opposite side of the table. He reached across, and both of them held the stake. They yelled something and both slammed the stake through the man and down into the girl. She screamed loud enough to make Onin\u2019s ears ring. The darkness in the room seemed to coalesce into a point above the stake, then it sank down through it and into the girl. Her entire body went stiff then she lifted her hands and feet up slowly. The cloth binding her limbs to the table snapped. The girl flung the dead man off from her and pulled the stake out from her chest. She handed it to one of the other figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSave this. We\u2019ll need it for the next vessel,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The figure bowed low, accepted the stake with both hands, and stepped back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The girl stretched and looked around the room. Onin ducked back around the cave and flattened himself against the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe have visitors.\u201d Her mouth curved up into a cruel smile. \u201cThey\u2019re powerful. Bring them to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Footsteps sounded in the cave. Onin stood. His legs shook so much he almost fell over. He took a shaky breath and ran for the exit. Onryo grabbed his hand and they ran together. Onin held out his other hand and generated a servitor. The servitor blinked and sped back into the depths of the cave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">They burst out into the sunlight and Onin threw up into a bush. He\u2019d never be able to get that scene out of his head. That poor girl\u2026 He bent over again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">When his stomach was finally empty, he stood up and looked back at the cave. Their pursuers hadn\u2019t emerged yet, but who know how long one servitor could occupy them. Onryo stood at the mouth of the cave, her body wrapped in flames. Tannin, Cerina, and Saija were each bent over a different bush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cPlease tell me this is just a nightmare.\u201d Cerina wiped her mouth on her sleeve and coughed. \u201cI really don\u2019t want that to be real.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s real.\u201d Onryo faced the cave and raised her fists. \u201cAnd it\u2019s coming for us.\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\">Four black-robed figures burst out of the cave. Onryo extended her hand and sent a giant blast of blue flame at them. The two in front were incinerated. The other two dropped to the ground and rolled around, shedding their robes and revealing black clothes underneath. They were up in seconds and had knives in their hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin generated two servitors and sent them after the men. The servitors engulfed them and rose up out of the way. Laughter rang out from the cave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The girl from the cave sauntered out, and Onin got his first real look at her. Her hair was brown and hung down almost to her shoulders. Rivulets of blood still ran down her body; but if she had any wounds, they had already healed. She wore nothing but two star shaped boxes on her chest, and another one between her legs. Onin didn\u2019t want to know what held them on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWow, the Natas have a type, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin smacked the back of Tannin\u2019s head. \u201cShut up and help us keep her from killing everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cShanay?\u201d Onin called out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019m more than that now,\u201d Shanay purred. She narrowed her eyes and smiled. \u201cCome on back in the cave, and you can have more power than you\u2019ve ever dreamed of.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNo thanks.\u201d Saija backed up a step or two. \u201cBeen there. Done that. Won\u2019t buy again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAh, Saija, the failure.\u201d Shanay smirked. \u201cWe\u2019re surprised you\u2019re still alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIf that\u2019s supposed to convince her to come back, you really need to work on your witty banter,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Shanay sneered and thrust her hand forward. A blast of yellow energy shot out from her palm. Tannin knocked it away with the sleeve of his coat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou want to do it the hard way? All right.\u201d She thrust her hands down, and they started to glow yellow. She spun on her heel, and energy blasts seemed to be everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin dropped to the dirt and rolled left. He popped out a servitor and rolled to a crouch. Tannin knocked away two of the blasts. Onryo jumped into the air, somersaulted over Shanay and blasted her with fire. An energy blast streaked at Saija. A portal opened just in front of Saija and swallowed up the whip. A second later, a portal opened behind Shanay and the blast shot out of it and into her back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Shanay just smiled and absorbed the yellow blast. \u201cI can\u2019t be hurt by my own power. You\u2019ll have to do better than that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin generated another two servitors and looked around for Cerina. She was nowhere in sight\u2014wait, there, a blonde lock of hair stuck out from behind a boulder. Good, she should be safe there. Hopefully she\u2019d remember to give them some support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The three servitors lined up into a triangle formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, no, not that again,\u201d Shanay said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She raised a finger and sent a beam of energy at one of the servitors. It made contact, and the servitor exploded. Onin gulped. This could be a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHow does she know what we can do?\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThe Natas are\u2026 connected.\u201d Saija bit her lower lip. \u201cThey can share information. I also have a nasty feeling that this might be the same one that possessed me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGreat.\u201d Tannin shook a few flakes of ash from his coat sleeve. \u201cAnyone got any ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cRun like crazy?\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWorks for me.\u201d Saija glanced at Shanay. \u201cIf we can get away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo shook her head. \u201cWe have to take it out now. Before it hurts anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She flew straight at Shanay and let loose twin jets of blue flame. Shanay took a single step backward, braced herself, and held up her right hand. A shaft of ice formed and extended out, slamming into the flame. Fog filled the air, obscuring Onin\u2019s view. Onin generated another servitor. It sent out a tendril of energy and sucked up the fog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Shanay stood facing Onryo, a smirk on her face. \u201cWhat now, fire giftling?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI crank up the heat.\u201d Onryo put both palms out in front of her, one on top of the other. She took a deep breath, and a jet of white flame shot out of her palms and enveloped Shanay. \u201cLet\u2019s see if you can take a few hundred thousand Kelvin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo was breathing heavy with effort. Sweat started to pour down Onin\u2019s body. A servitor came over to him. Onin took a step forward. His skin tingled as he passed through the glowing energy field that was the body of the servitor. It was still hot inside the servitor, but bearable. He sent servitors out to Tannin and Cerina. Saija had disappeared. Probably through a portal to avoid being barbecued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin couldn\u2019t see anything of either Shanay or Onryo now, except a bright glare that was distorted by heat waves. The glare faded away. Pools of red-hot liquid rock covered the landscape. Onryo was on her hands and knees, her chest heaved as she sucked in each breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Shanay was encased in an ice crystal. It melted down, then shattered. Shanay stepped out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIs that all you\u2019ve got, half-breed?\u201d Shanay took a step toward Onryo. Liquid rock cooled and solidified with each step. \u201cI\u2019m going to enjoy bringing you into my master\u2019s service.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She lifted her hand. Fear lanced through Onin. He waved a finger at one of the servitors. It let loose a blast of lighting at Shanay that lifted her up and slammed her into the rock wall. She rose to her feet and cracked her neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cJust for that, I\u2019m going to make it slow and painful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Shanay flung her hand out at Onin, and an energy blast streaked toward him. The servitor moved to intercept and popped when the blast impacted it. Shanay grinned and fired off two more blasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The servitors protecting Tannin and Cerina dropped them and moved between Shanay and Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey.\u201d Tannin took a few steps closer to Onin. \u201cCan you make those things cover my hands?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI can, but you won\u2019t be able to control them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cJust put them in mitten mode or whatever. I just need something protecting my hands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGot it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin generated two more small servitors and sent them over to Tannin. He shoved his hands into them, and they shrank down to just cover them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat?\u201d Shanay laughed. \u201cAre you going to hit me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYup.\u201d Tannin took a step forward. \u201cThat\u2019s the plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Shanay laughed again and fired at Tannin. He swung and punched the energy beam, deflecting it. Onin stared at Tannin. The blast didn\u2019t pop the servitor. Of course! Tannin was reinforcing it. So, he could use that brain of his once in a while. Onin grinned and generated another servitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The newest servitor floated over to Onryo and ran a healing beam over her. She jumped to her feet and ignited her hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOkay, Tannin. Let\u2019s bring it,\u201d Onryo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She and Tannin both ran at Shanay from either side, fists raised. Shanay raised her arms apart and fired yellow energy blasts at them. Tannin and Onryo punched at the same time, knocking the blasts away. They both spun around and landed a punch with the opposite hand. At the same time, the two servitors in the air struck Shanay with twin lightning bolts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Shanay raised her hands and deflected the lightning bolts with some sort of weird purple fire. Ice formed around her waist where Onryo and Tannin\u2019s punches had landed. Her head snapped up. A frown spread over her face. She raised her hands, and they started to glow with building energy. Purple fire arched and criss-crossed over the increasing energy ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Fire flared up and covered Onryo in a protective wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat won\u2019t help, half-breed,\u201d Shanay snarled. \u201cYou\u2019re coming with me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI thought your master didn\u2019t think I was worth the effort,\u201d Onryo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHe changed his mind.\u201d Shanay shrugged. \u201cYou and your friends have become something of a nuisance. So he\u2019s going to take you in front of their eyes, then kill them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo threw another blast of white fire at Shanay, who swung her fist to block it. The fire bounced off, hit the rock wall and melted a hole into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin jumped when something touched his shoulder. He spun around, raised a fist, and generated a servitor. Saija and Cerina stood behind him. He blew out his breath and lowered his fist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou scared the crap out of me. Where\u2019d you go, anyway, Saija?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cShe was with me.\u201d Cerina wiped sweat from her forehead. \u201cYou were so busy fighting the Natas you didn\u2019t notice the seven other guys sneak up behind us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh. Sorry. Thanks for keeping them off us. Anything you can do here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah,\u201d Cerina hummed, and the fire around Shanay flickered in sync with the sonic distortion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo grinned and launched another blast of fire at Shanay. A portal opened and swallowed the fire. Seconds later another portal opened beneath Shanay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Shanay gasped, bent down, and blasted at the fireball\u2014a fraction too slowly. The fire slammed into her chest. Ice formed around the wound, but Shanay stumbled. Tannin stepped in and slammed a servitor covered hand into her head. She collapsed into the rock and the energy around her hands disappeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">They all turned at the sound of the unfamiliar bass voice. The speaker was a heavily muscled man dressed in a black robe. Onin gulped. Must be one of the Natas from the cave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cBut unfortunately for you, it won\u2019t be enough,\u201d the man said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He flicked a finger and Shanay jerked to her feet. Her eyes opened and she shook her head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCome. We\u2019re leaving,\u201d the man said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cBut,\u201d Shanay looked around. \u201cWe\u2019re not finished here yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe are now. You were dumb enough to let yourself become injured, and the master isn\u2019t done with you yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cShut up. These insignificant vermin can wait.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin started to shiver. The temperature was dropping fast, and the strange man\u2014it had to be another Natas\u2014hadn\u2019t even lifted a finger. Onryo\u2019s fire flared again. The man looked over at her and sneered. He grabbed Shanay\u2019s arm and the two of them rose into the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cLet\u2019s go after them!\u201d Onryo yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin shook his head. \u201cWe can\u2019t. It\u2019s getting colder real fast. We\u2019ve got to get out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI can still stay and fight,\u201d Onryo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes, but Tannin, Cerina, and Saija can\u2019t.\u201d Onin turned to Saija. \u201cCan you portal us out of here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija nodded and opened a portal large enough to step through. Tannin and Cerina ran through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCome on,\u201d Onin said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to stay together. None of us are strong enough to take them on by ourselves. You first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo growled and jumped through the portal. Onin jumped through right after her.<\/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-10\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"116\">&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-12\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"147\">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 11: Enough is Enough\u2026 Until it&#8217;s Too Much The wind whipped around Onin and chilled him to the bone\u2014and they had only reached the&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-120","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/120","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=120"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/120\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":220,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/120\/revisions\/220"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=120"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}