{"id":211,"date":"2021-08-23T16:38:16","date_gmt":"2021-08-23T20:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/?page_id=211"},"modified":"2021-08-23T16:39:57","modified_gmt":"2021-08-23T20:39:57","slug":"chapter-16","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-16\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 016: Plans? We Don&#8217;t Need No Stinking Plans!"},"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 16:<\/strong> Plans? We Don&#8217;t Need No Stinking Plans!<\/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\">Onin pushed more power to the servitors on his feet to catch up with Amaryllis. \u201cWait up!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis slowed and veered over to him. \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCould you please slow down a little? The others are falling behind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis nodded and reduced her speed. Kasai and the rest of the team soon caught up and clustered around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDo we have a plan?\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThe camp is about an hour away, right?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCorrect.\u201d Amaryllis pointed to the horizon. \u201cIt\u2019s that way. Ryogin-sama says the Natas should be holding their slaves in an abandoned resort near an old lake bed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOkay. I\u2019m going to send a servitor on ahead.\u201d Onin generated an infrared servitor, which zipped ahead of them. \u201cThere. We can land out of sight and get some intel before we get there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cExcellent!\u201d Amaryllis clapped her hands together. She wobbled a bit on her seat, then grabbed her staff 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-full\"><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\">\u201cOkay, we\u2019re about a mile from the camp.\u201d Onin re-absorbed the servitors, squatted down, and drew a circle in the dirt with his finger. \u201cThe camp is roughly circular, and about forty acres in size. It\u2019s surrounded by a hedge\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOoo! Not a hedge!\u201d Tannin held the back of his hand to his head and fell over backward. \u201cWhatever will we do? We\u2019ll never get past the security hedge!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWill you knock it off?\u201d Onin punched Tannin\u2019s knee. \u201cAnyway, as I was saying, the servitor spotted guards along the perimeter, but we should be able to sneak in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAnd then what, oh fearless leader?\u201d Cerina snorted and rolled her eyes. \u201cYou gonna just walk all those people out of there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCerina! Don\u2019t you want to save them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina jumped to her feet. \u201cOf course, I do! I don\u2019t want anyone to have the same fate as my sis\u2014\u201d She took a deep breath and sat back down. \u201cI\u2019m just saying we should have a plan first. Things tend to go much better for us when we have a plan. Not to mention, teamwork is kinda our weak point, and adding Miss Talks-to-sticks over there is probably going to screw that over royal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSorry about her.\u201d Kasai jerked a thumb at Cerina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt takes time to trust new people.\u201d Amaryllis\u2019 tone was cheerful, but her ears drooped slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\"><a><\/a> Onin glared at Cerina out of the corner of his eye. Every time she started to show progress\u2026 He smiled at Amaryllis. \u201cHopefully, we can get in, free the slaves, and get out easily, and we can get to know each other better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah, whatever.\u201d Cerina snorted and picked at her fingernails. \u201cDo we actually have a plan of some sort?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin turned to face Saija. \u201cCan you portal them out?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u201d Saija bit her lower lip and looked off into the distance. \u201cI think so. How many people are we talking?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Everyone turned to stare at Amaryllis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019m not sure. Ryogin-sama got his information from traders who saw the slaves, but they didn\u2019t get an exact count. I\u2019d guess around fifty, but it could be more or less than that number.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija frowned. \u201cI might be able to manage that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina snorted. \u201cMight? Don\u2019t know? I\u2019d like more\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, let\u2019s not debate all day.\u201d Tannin stood up and stretched. \u201cWe could yap all day and not change anything. Might as well work with what we\u2019ve got. I don\u2019t know about you, but if I was stuck in that camp, I\u2019d take any help I could get.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin looked around. Everyone else nodded and rose to their feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAll right, let\u2019s do this.\u201d Onin led the way to the Natas camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">They reached the hedge after about fifteen minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, look. An impenetrable hedge.\u201d Tannin yawned. \u201cMight as well turn back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina smacked the back of his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAllow me.\u201d Kasai stepped forward and the hedge parted in two, as if two giant invisible hands had parted it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOoo, very nice!\u201d Amaryllis stepped forward and bent down to look at roots of the hedge plants. \u201cYou even moved the dirt so as not to kill the plants. You have an amazing gift.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai blushed and took a step behind Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah, I\u2019m sure no one will notice the gaping hole in the hedge. We\u2019d better hurry,\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin shook his head. Leave it to Cerina to find the worst in a situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAccording to the servitor, there\u2019s a large heat signature in one of the main buildings. We should check there first,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The main building was about two hundred feet long, and about eighty feet wide. It had plain white vinyl siding and a metal roof. The windows were boarded over, and half a sign that read: \u2018ountry Club\u2019 hung askew over the main door. They hadn\u2019t encountered any guards on the walk to the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat now? Do we just knock?\u201d Cerina asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI was hoping there\u2019d be windows.\u201d Saija pulled at one of the boards that covered the closest window. It didn\u2019t budge. \u201cI was hoping to portal into a dark corner or something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe could just barge in.\u201d Tannin walked around front and poked a finger at the door. \u201cI could break this down, or Kasai could.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, that\u2019s a brilliant plan.\u201d Cerina rolled her eyes. \u201cWhat if there\u2019s guards or a Natas inside?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin looked over his right shoulder. \u201cUh, guys, I hate to break this up, but there\u2019s a guard approaching. Come on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin lead the way around to the back of the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai leaned in close to whisper in his ear. \u201cCould you send an infrared servitor in with the guard, assuming he goes inside?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat\u2019s a great idea.\u201d Onin held out his hand and generated an invisible servitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat\u2019s pretty,\u201d Amaryllis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWait, you can see it too?\u201d Kasai turned to look at Amaryllis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, just a shimmery outline. I\u2019m half Nekotian\u2014\u201d Amaryllis pointed to her ears. \u201c\u2014so my vision and sense of smell are a little better than average, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHalf\u2026\u201d Kasai\u2019s voice trailed off, and she twirled her hair with her index finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin put his arm around her shoulder. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija took a step closer and took Kasai\u2019s hand. \u201cWe can leave if you need to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019ll be okay.\u201d Kasai smiled at Onin and gave Saija a quick hug. \u201cThanks. I can do this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAll right.\u201d Onin gave Kasai\u2019s shoulder a squeeze then let go. \u201cThat guard did pop the door open long enough to check on the prisoners, and my servitor was able to sneak in. There aren\u2019t any guards in the building. It looks like everyone is sleeping or doing light chores.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina tilted her head. \u201cIs it just me, or does this scream \u2018trap\u2019 to anyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThere\u2019s Natas involved.\u201d Saija shrugged. \u201cThere\u2019s always a trap or trick of some sort. But this situation isn\u2019t unusual. The Natas actually treat the prisoners relatively decent. Work them just hard enough that they\u2019re tired, but not so bad that they want to revolt. Also, they don\u2019t want to wear out or mark up a potential host body.\u201d Saija shuddered, and Kasai took her hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt looks like this may be our best opportunity,\u201d Amaryllis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin nodded and led the way back around front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cKasai, can you smash the door open?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis held up a hand and walked forward. She bent down and examined the door knob. She straightened up and turned back to the others. \u201cNo need. I can open it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis spun her staff sideways and placed her palm against the symbol of Ard. \u201cArtifice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A white and blue sparking circle formed under her hand. She pulled it slowly away, and a metal key emerged. The circle dissipated with small pop. Amaryllis grabbed the key, inserted it into the lock, and bowed as she swung the door open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIs that your power, to make stuff?\u201d Saija asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cKinda.\u201d Amaryllis stepped inside and beckoned to everyone to follow. \u201cLet\u2019s get these people out of here before that guard comes back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin blinked in the dimmer indoor light. Small wood partitions divided the interior of the building into different areas. Beds lined one section. A large space in the middle was setup for eating with a long table and chairs. A workshop occupied the rear of the building. Several small groups of people were scattered throughout the building. Most of them were asleep, but several were sweeping, mending clothing, or washing dishes. All work stopped and the people looked at Onin and the others wide-eyed. Several of them backed away slowly. Kasai had already approached one of the groups and was talking to them in low tones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSaija.\u201d Amaryllis waved Saija over to the wall. \u201cCan you make a portal here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah, sure. Where should it lead?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThe street outside the building where we had breakfast, please. Ryogin-sama will ensure their safety from there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOnin!\u201d Cerina\u2019s voice was low and urgent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah?\u201d Onin turned to face Cerina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The door to the building was cracked open. Cerina stood behind the door and leaned around it, looking out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGet over here. Someone\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin jogged over to the door and peered out. The person was too far away to identify but looked female. She was alone and had a cocky strut to her walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin turned to Cerina. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me that\u2019s who I think it is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCan\u2019t tell for sure at this distance, but yeah, I think it might be Shanay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin whipped around. Saija had a portal open in the center of the room. Onin cupped his hands to his mouth and yelled. \u201cEverybody through the portal. We\u2019ll get you back to your old life, but you\u2019ve got to hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Everyone looked up and ran to the portal. Kasai and Amaryllis were lining them up single file and ensuring that the entrance to the portal wasn\u2019t jammed. About a half-dozen had already evacuated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSheesh, you don\u2019t need to yell.\u201d Cerina dug at her ear with her pinky finger. \u201cI amplified that for you so everyone could hear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin generated four large servitors and sent them up to float near the ceiling on either side of the room. He stole a quick glance out the door. Yeah, it was definitely Shanay, and she\u2019d probably get here before they got everyone out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSaija, can you make another portal?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija shook her head, and her shoulders sagged. \u201cNot enough energy, sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTannin!\u201d Onin waved, and Tannin jogged over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cShanay\u2019s incoming. Looks like she\u2019ll get here before we can get everybody out. We\u2019ll need to distract her\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHe means we get to go play meat wall and hope we can buy enough time,\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI knew I should\u2019ve brought a sword,\u201d Tannin muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cExcuse me.\u201d Amaryllis stood just behind Tannin. \u201cDo you really know how to use a sword?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh yeah!\u201d Tannin grinned. \u201cI\u2019ve been studying since I was about eight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat type of sword do you favor?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI prefer twin wakizashi, but I\u2019ll take whatever you\u2019ve got in a pinch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis smiled, and turned to her staff. \u201cMay I?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The staff chimed. Amaryllis lowered it and placed her palm against the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cArtifice. Full up-link,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The sparking circle formed, and two handles emerged when she pulled her hand away. Amaryllis was sweating by the time the both swords had fully emerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHere.\u201d She handed the swords to Tannin and wiped her forehead. \u201cPlease don\u2019t lose these. They\u2019re made of a very rare metal called onicranium. They should work very well against a Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin swung the blades in a complex pattern. \u201cWow, they\u2019re light. Might have to reinforce them for battle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis laughed. \u201cIf you reinforce them, there isn\u2019t a known power in the universe that can so much as scratch them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin raised his eyebrows and gave a light test swing at the doorway\u2014and had to catch his balance as they sliced clean through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWow.\u201d Tannin held the swords out in front of him. \u201cLike a hot knife through butter!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cFor best results, make sure to store them in sunlight, not in a case or sheath,\u201d Amaryllis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin raised an eyebrow. \u201cThey\u2019re solar-powered?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019m serious. I don\u2019t have time to get into details now, but the metal absorbs any kind of energy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOkay, let\u2019s go buy some time,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">They ran out of the building and down the path for about a minute, then stopped and waited for Shanay. She stopped about a dozen yards away. Today she wore a skimpy bikini that just barely covered her essentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019m glad you could make it.\u201d Shanay narrowed her eyes and smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI knew it was a trap,\u201d Cerina muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOf course, it\u2019s a trap.\u201d Shanay rolled her eyes. \u201cI will give you credit, though, you found it sooner than expected. And, due to that, we\u2019re down a few hosts, so I\u2019ll give you one last chance to volunteer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat, are you crazy?\u201d Tannin smacked his forehead. \u201cWait, that was a retretical\u2026 retori\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cRhetorical,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes, that! It was one of those kinds of questions. You don\u2019t have to answer,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Shanay\u2019s mouth fell open. \u201cThe others seriously want this brain-dead meat bag for a host?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHeh.\u201d Cerina chuckled. \u201cThis one\u2019s evil, but she\u2019s got good taste.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin jabbed an elbow in her ribs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh well, time to die now.\u201d Shanay whipped her hand up and loosed an enormous blast of yellow energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Before Onin could react, Amaryllis swung her staff in front of the beam. The staff seemed to suck up the energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHmm.\u201d Amaryllis looked down at her staff. \u201cRyogin-sama gave the impression this would be a difficult foe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou want difficult? You\u2019ve got it!\u201d Shanay loosed half a dozen blasts, all larger than the first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis spun her staff and absorbed each one. Shanay screamed in rage. Yellow and purple lightning arched around her. She screamed again and flung a wall of ice that crackled with yellow energy out at Amaryllis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNo\u2026 they can\u2019t have found another one\u2026\u201d Amaryllis\u2019 eyes grew wide. She spun her staff and pointed it at the rapidly approaching ice wall. \u201cMulti-class. Ice-lightning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Blue lightning shot out from the tip of Amaryllis\u2019 staff, leaving a zig-zag trail of ice behind. The lightning slammed into the ice wall and exploded, sending ice and snow in every direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin felt his jaw drop open. This herald girl was using multiple powers, too. How? A small chuck of ice hit his left arm. Onin shook his head. Hopefully, there\u2019d be a later to worry about all that. He generated a servitor and sent it over to take pot-shots at Shanay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDid she just call out the name of her attack?\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUm. Yes. Yes, she did.\u201d Onin scratched the back of his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh good!\u201d Tannin blew out a large breath. \u201c\u2019Cause, you know, sometimes I narrate these things in my head, and I thought I lost it for a moment there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin smacked his forehead with the palm of his hand, and Cerina rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTime to be serious.\u201d Tannin held out his arms in front of Onin. \u201cMitten me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin smacked his forehead again. \u201cMitten, really? You couldn\u2019t have gone with something like gloves, or gauntlets?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin shrugged. Onin sighed and generated two servitors, which floated over and attached themselves to Tannin\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat\u2019s the plan, boss?\u201d Tannin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, it looks like Shanay is concentrating most of her rage at Amaryllis, so you try and work around behind her and cut her in half or something. Cerina, you try to scramble her brain with sound, and I\u2019ll alternate between using servitors to shoot at her and healing who needs it.\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-full\"><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\">Amaryllis blocked another blast with her staff. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Tannin dart around behind Shanay. He had some of Onin\u2019s servitors on his hands. That was clever\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\"><em>Pay attention, Amaryllis. The Natas is still firing on you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis shot a quick look at her staff at the sound of her master\u2019s voice in her head. <em>I know, I know.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">And you don\u2019t have to look at the staff every time you talk to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She blocked a few more energy beams. <em>It helps me concentrate.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ryogin-sama was silent. Amaryllis fired off another lightning strike, which the Natas blocked with an energy blast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\"><em>She seems to be favoring them. Could it be her main power?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\"><em>Quite possibly.<\/em> Ryogin-sama sounded puzzled. <em>I\u2019m sure we would have heard of another transfer giftling. How did we miss one?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis ignored the question. It wasn\u2019t meant for her, anyway. Tannin was almost behind the Natas now. Amaryllis alternated between firing ice and lightning.<\/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-full\"><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 gasped and took a step backward. If Amaryllis\u2019 power was making artifacts, how was she now using ice and lightning? Was she actually working for the Natas? Another servitor popped and jerked Onin\u2019s attention back to the battle. For now, Amaryllis was shooting at the bad guys, not him. He\u2019d get answers later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin generated another servitor. Shanay was popping them almost as fast as he could make them. Tannin was almost in position behind her. Onin looked over at Amaryllis, who nodded. Onin directed the closest servitor to send a blast of lightning at Shanay. Amaryllis blasted her at the same time, and Tannin ran in and swung his swords at Shanay\u2019s mid-section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A black portal opened in front of Shanay and swallowed up the twin lightning blasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat?\u201d Onin whirled around to stare at the building, but Saija wasn\u2019t there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt wasn\u2019t Saija!\u201d Amaryllis yelled. \u201cI\u2019ll explain later!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A loud clang echoed through the air. Onin turned in time to see Tannin fly through the air away from Shanay and crash into the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai and Saija ran up behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThe last of the captives are out. What\u2019s the situation here?\u201d Kasai said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe\u2019re holding our own, but we\u2019re not making any progress. Saija, can you portal some of this lighting and stuff to her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSure.\u201d Saija took a few deep breaths. \u201cI can try.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWait.\u201d Kasai put a hand on Saija\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s a good idea now, you used a lot of energy holding that portal open for so long.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIf I don\u2019t, we might all be dead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHere.\u201d Onin pulled an energy bar from his pocket and tossed it over his shoulder. \u201cEat that first. Kasai, can you put a kinetic field around Shanay to limit her movements?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOn it.\u201d Kasai took a step forward, and Shanay\u2019s arms snapped down to her sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNow!\u201d Onin yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Three servitors moved into a triangle formation and sent a gigantic arc out at Shanay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cMulti-class. Ice-lightning,\u201d Amaryllis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A spike of crackling ice shot out and wrapped around Shanay. Another arc from the servitors hit the ice and exploded in a white flash. Onin threw his arm over his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai cried out. Onin turned to see her fly through the air and land a few feet away on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin ran over to her. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai moaned, rolled over and pulled herself into a hunched over sitting position. Her hair flashed to red, then back to brown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNo!\u201d Kasai bent over further and grabbed the sides of her head with her hands. \u201cNo, I want to stay me! I want to remember and not run away anymore!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s okay.\u201d Onin laid a hand on her shoulder. \u201cYou can do this, we\u2019re right here with you and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">An energy blast interrupted what he was going to say next. He spun around and generated a servitor just in time to intercept the next blast. Onin rolled to the side and directed the servitor to return fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis held her left shoulder. That last blast must have nicked her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She looked down at the wound. \u201cRestore: twenty percent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A blue mist formed around the wound, then faded away leaving a bright pink scar. Amaryllis smiled, spun her staff, and let loose another stream of lightning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin was running straight at Shanay. Onin ducked and ran around to the side. If they came at her from three different directions\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The servitor in front of him continued to fire random shots at Shanay. This wasn\u2019t terribly effective. Onin looked over Tannin. The servitors were still attached to his hands, and he was using them, in combination with the swords, to deflect the blasts Shanay sent at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin looked down at his own hands. He couldn\u2019t reinforce them like Tannin could, but several servitors would provide more effective protection than trying to duck behind a servitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin reached into his pocket and pulled out an energy bar. He wasn\u2019t out of energy now but best to be prepared. He ate the bar and stuffed the wrapper into his other pocket, then generated a dozen small servitors which then wrapped themselves around his arms, legs, chest, and head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOkay, good to go.\u201d Onin floated up into the air. \u201cSaija, please stay with Kasai, and see if you can portal anything we throw at Shanay closer to her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija put her left arm around Kasai, and saluted Onin with her right. Onin shot up a dozen yards or so and started pumping energy blasts at Shanay via the servitors on his hands. Tannin snuck around behind Shanay again, and slashed at her between blasts. Amaryllis fired off lightning blasts from where she still stood between Shanay and Kasai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin flew over and landed next to Cerina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCan you make it so when we talk we can hear each other but Shanay can\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSure.\u201d Cerina stepped behind Onin to avoid an incoming energy blast. \u201cAre we going to try a coordinated attack?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYup. Worked with Saija.\u201d Onin took off into the sky again. \u201cCan everyone hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina gave him a thumbs up sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYup,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh! Yes, I can hear your voice,\u201d Amaryllis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSame plan as when you took me out?\u201d Saija asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cBasically.\u201d Onin positioned himself directly over Shanay. \u201cThe plan is to either wait for or make an opening, then all of us hit her at once.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cShanay doesn\u2019t seem to favor her legs as much\u2014sorry Saija,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s fine.\u201d Saija\u2019s voice sounded a little flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHer fighting form is pretty solid.\u201d Amaryllis paused while she blocked an energy blast. \u201cBut it looks like she prefers to keep her distance, and there\u2019s about a half a second to a second delay between energy blasts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHmm.\u201d Onin studied Shanay for a moment. She was currently alternating between blasting energy at Tannin and Amaryllis, with the occasional pot shot at him, Cerina, or Saija. \u201cHow about this: We wait until she fires, Saija sends it back at her face via portal, and we all rush in and target the same body part.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCan do.\u201d Saija said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat body part?\u201d Tannin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWait for her to target Saija.\u201d Amaryllis dodged one blast and blocked another with her staff. \u201cShe usually uses her right arm for that, and there should be as good an opening as we\u2019re going to get on her right thigh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin generated another servitor and sent it around to shoot at Shanay from behind. A moment later, and Shanay sent a small-ish blast at Saija.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat\u2019s it, go!\u201d Onin punched with his right fist and pushed all the energy he had into the servitor that covered his hand, generating a lightning blast at Shanay\u2019s right leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">At the same time, Amaryllis sent an ice-lighting strike, and Tannin swung his left sword at her head and his right at her leg. Shanay\u2019s eyes flicked down to her leg, and she started to move, but not in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">There was an explosion of energy, ice and lightning. Onin sent out a servitor to suck it up. When the dust and mist cleared, Shanay was still standing. She limped back toward them, blood running down her right leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOkay, now I\u2019m mad. You\u2019re gonna\u2014\u201d Shanay stepped sideways as a portal opened and a black-haired man in a dark suit stepped out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin rose up and backward a few yards. It was the same man who had been with Shanay outside the cave when she was first recruited, possessed\u2026 He wasn\u2019t sure which word to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The man looked around and sighed. \u201cReally now, you\u2019ve had enough time with that body, and we\u2019ve gone to all the trouble to add those other abilities. You shouldn\u2019t have had any issues with them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He had a strange clipped accent that Onin couldn\u2019t quite place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cStay out of this. This is my fight.\u201d Shanay took a step forward. \u201cThey got one hit in, big deal. I can still finish this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The man held out his hand in front of Shanay. \u201cPossibly, but the synod requires your presence to deal with the Kagoshi. You should be more than a match for them. I\u2019ll finish up here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Shanay snarled something that Onin didn\u2019t quite catch. Apparently, the man in the suit didn\u2019t hear her either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat was that?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Shanay glared at him. \u201cI said, \u2018Good luck.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The man raised an eyebrow but didn\u2019t say anything else. Shanay narrowed her eyes further, then snorted and stomped through the portal, which then snapped shut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNow, to business.\u201d The man swiveled on his heel as he took in the battlefield. \u201cWhat, only seven of you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis stepped forward. \u201cAnd who might you be, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou creatures are always so obsessed with names. I\u2019m not in the habit of giving my name to the insignificant vermin of the universe. Besides, you\u2019re not going to be around long enough for it to do you much good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The man widened his stance and lifted his arms, one slightly higher than the other. A ring of fire swirled into existence around him, and a second ring of ice and snow formed outside of that. The ice and snow swirled higher, then flew outward in a shock wave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin held up a servitor-covered arm in front of his face. The armor absorbed the ice and fire perfectly. He looked around. Amaryllis held her staff in front of her, apparently unaffected. Tannin lowered his swords, they must have kept him safe. Saija stood in front of Cerina and Kasai, her hand held up in front of her. Onin looked back over to the man in the suit in time to see a flood of fire dump on him from an open portal above his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The man\u2019s eye twitched. \u201cApparently this won\u2019t be that easy. Very well, time to run a few tests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He lifted his right hand, palm outward, and an orange disk formed a few inches in front of it. The disk buzzed as it grew in circumference to the size of a person, then a gigantic energy blast poured out if it and slammed into Tannin. The beam stretched out to the horizon, then finally dissipated. When it cleared, there was nothing but a giant trench. Tannin was nowhere in sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTannin\u2026\u201d Onin swallowed hard. His stomach twisted. Tannin had to be all right. Amaryllis had said the swords were indestructible, and Tannin had to be reinforcing them. Tannin had to be fine. Onin took a deep breath. Or at least that was the best thing to keep thinking until the battle was over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The man held up his palm again, this time facing Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin held his arms out in front of him, and the servitors on his hands merged into one. He dumped all the power he had left into it, and the servitor fired at the man\u2019s left arm. Amaryllis sent another ice lightning blast at the same arm. The man didn\u2019t even try to block it. He took half a step back when the combined lightning blasts hit and vaporized the sleeve of his jacket and shirt. His left arm now hung limply at his side, but the energy disk in front of his right palm continued to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The beam shot out at Onin. He tried to put more energy to the servitors. Nothing. Out of energy <em>now<\/em>? Onin closed his eyes and tensed up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A freight train of light, heat, and pressure impacted the servitors that surrounded him. Onin could feel them being stripped of energy and shredded away. The ground rushed up at him. Onin twisted into a ball as he hit and rolled a dozen times. Everything hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin opened his eyes and blinked. The sky was blue above him. Still alive, then. He rolled over and tried to shove himself upright. Pain lanced through his arm and he fell face first into the dirt. There was a buzzing noise. Onin opened his eyes. The man in the suit had his palm aimed at Amaryllis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She closed her eyes and held her staff in front of her. The beam of energy surrounded her. Onin tried for a servitor again. Still nothing. Helpless, he watched as the beam dissipated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Somehow Amaryllis was still mostly there. Most of the flesh from her left leg was charred. Her right arm was missing, her hair was burned, and half her face looked as though it had boiled off. She was covered in bleeding welts. One of the smaller rings on her staff was half-melted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThis was too easy.\u201d The man in the suit limped forward. \u201cOnly clean-up left.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis smiled wide and opened her mouth.<\/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-15\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"206\">&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-17\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"215\">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 16: Plans? We Don&#8217;t Need No Stinking Plans! Onin pushed more power to the servitors on his feet to catch up with Amaryllis. \u201cWait&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-211","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/211","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=211"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/211\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":235,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/211\/revisions\/235"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=211"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}