{"id":252,"date":"2021-09-06T13:09:19","date_gmt":"2021-09-06T17:09:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/?page_id=252"},"modified":"2021-09-13T11:53:07","modified_gmt":"2021-09-13T15:53:07","slug":"chapter-21","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-21\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 021: Incoming&#8230;"},"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 21:<\/strong> Incoming&#8230;<\/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 ducked. The ice and fire splashed off an invisible wall a few yards in front of him. Kasai held her palm up in front of her, facing them. The Natas each took a step back and bumped into an invisible wall. The Natas pounded against invisible barriers on either side of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019ve got them contained for now.\u201d Kasai glanced over her shoulder. \u201cSaija, can you make sure they don\u2019t portal out?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThanks.\u201d Kasai turned to Onin. \u201cBut now what do we do with them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIf I may?\u201d Amaryllis stepped forward and inclined her head toward the Natas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSure, be my guest.\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He didn\u2019t have any idea how to contain the Natas without killing them. If Amaryllis did, that would save them all a nasty moral dilemma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She walked over next to one of the men. \u201cKasai, can you open a fist-sized hole in your telekinetic field, please?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai nodded, and Amaryllis punched the man in the neck, just below his right ear. The Natas crumpled to the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat!\u201d Onin took a step forward. \u201cWhat was that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI hit him in the carotid artery.\u201d Amaryllis bent down and peered at his face. \u201cHe should be fine other than a splitting headache when he wakes up. Saija, can you portal him back to Ryogin-sama?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUh, sure.\u201d Saija glanced over to the unconscious Natas, and a purple portal opened underneath him. \u201cThought it\u2019d be harder than this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Something popped. Kasai cried out and stumbled backward. Onin reached out and caught her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Kasai brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. \u201cBut they did something to, I don\u2019t know, deflect my telekinesis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The male Natas grinned and took a step forward. The female Natas hung back and held her hands up in front of her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat\u2019s not good.\u201d Onin generated a servitor as he looked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He sent a mental command to two of the servitors that were in infrared mode, and they shifted to normal. The newly-made servitor zipped over and they lined up into triangle formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHang on.\u201d Amaryllis swung her shakujo and pointed the tip at the Natas. \u201cI want to try something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Before Amaryllis had a chance to do anything, the two remaining Natas blurred, then ran to the door of the closest building, leaving a blurred image behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin raised his hand and pointed where the Natas had just been. \u201cDid I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIf you say anything about mushrooms, I swear\u2014\u201d Cerina glared at him and lifted her palm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin scrunched his eyebrows and stuck out his tongue at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin sighed. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s go after them.\u201d He turned and looked at Saija. \u201cAnd yes, I know it\u2019s a trap. But we don\u2019t have much of a choice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The building was dark inside. Onin waved his servitors in but dimmed them. He didn\u2019t want to stumble over anything, but he didn\u2019t want to give away his position, either. The building was a warehouse. Old wooden crates stacked four high were lined up in rows throughout the building. Only a few modern plastic crates were stacked near the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat do you suppose is in these crates?\u201d Tannin rapped on the side of one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cKnock it off.\u201d Cerina poked him in the ribs. \u201cWe\u2019re not here to play Pillagers of the Lost Coffer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHa! You really do partake in entertainment on occasion!\u201d Tannin grinned at Cerina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhatever.\u201d Cerina rolled her eyes turned down the nearest isle of crates. \u201cWe\u2019re here to stop the Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAnd the dragon.\u201d Kasai\u2019s voice was low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin turned to face her. \u201cIt\u2019ll all work out. Somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She smiled and took his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">They worked their way down the row of crates without seeing any signs of the Natas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhere do you think they went?\u201d Tannin tapped on one of the crates again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cProbably through the giant door at this end of the warehouse.\u201d Cerina waved the neck of her guitar in that direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin took a breath and pushed the door open. The other side of the door opened onto a hallway that looked as though it led to an administrative area. Onin sent a servitor on ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cLooks like there\u2019s one person up ahead three doors down.\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh?\u201d Saija peered around him. \u201cNatas?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNope, it\u2019s not us!\u201d Tannin grinned in response when everyone turned to stare at him. \u201cWe\u2019re right here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina and Saija smacked the back of Tannin\u2019s head in unison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey, that was a good one!\u201d Tannin rubbed the back of his neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cReally?\u201d That was a bad pun even for Tannin. They were in a dangerous situation, and\u2026 Onin closed his eyes and counted to five. \u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s a Natas. He\u2019s just sitting in an office, eating chips. One way to find out for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin tiptoed down the hall. He squatted down next to the door frame and peered into the office. A fat, middle-aged, balding man sat in a swivel chair with his back to the wall. He hummed off-key and occasionally shoved a handful of off-brand potato chips into his mouth. Onin stood, stepped into the room, and cleared his throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The chair turned around, and the man stood up. There was a name patch on the breast of his dirty bib overalls that read \u2018Chet.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey now, not again. You fellas can\u2019t be here.\u201d Chet made shooing motions with his hands. \u201cI already told them other fellas that this here is private property. You can\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, for crying out loud.\u201d Saija stepped into the room and put her hands on her hips. \u201cListen, there\u2019s dangerous people here, and you need to leave.\u201d She looked him up and down. \u201cAnd something tells me you\u2019re trespassing here, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGolly.\u201d Chet wiped his hands on his pants and stared at Saija, his gaze a bit south of her face. \u201cYou sure are purdy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey, Tannin.\u201d Saija looked over her shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYo!\u201d Tannin leaned into the office. \u201cWhat\u2019d I do now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI thought I should apologize.\u201d Saija jerked her head back at Chet. \u201cYou\u2019re weird, but you never stare at my boobs like bumpkin-boy, here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWait, he\u2019s\u2014\u201d Tannin looked over to Chet, then back to Saija. \u201cYeah, I\u2019m getting out of blast range before I get tiny bits of hillbilly all over me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWise choice.\u201d Saija took a step toward Chet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A blinding light burst through the wall. Onin threw his arm over his eyes. When the light faded, there was a hole in both walls and a trench in floor, with Onin and Saija on one side, and Chet on the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNow, what in tarnation was that?\u201d Chet looked down at the trench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDo shut up, please.\u201d Suit-man stepped through the hole in the wall to Onin\u2019s right. \u201cYou\u2019re not worth my time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Chet took a step back and grabbed something off the desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey.\u201d Tannin tapped Onin on the shoulder. \u201cIs that a plush lamb?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija leaned over his other shoulder. \u201cAnd is it wearing a dress?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin leaned in closer. \u201cI do believe it is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGuys\u2014\u201d Onin swatted at both of them. \u201cI think we have bigger problems.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou\u2019d better leave.\u201d Chet pointed a finger at Suit-man. \u201cI\u2019m gonna tell management about this, and they ain\u2019t gonna be happy!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Suit-man flicked a ball of fire in Chet\u2019s general direction. It hit the lamb, which burst into flame and incinerated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tears welled up in Chet\u2019s eyes. \u201cYou killed Mary-Lou! How could you?\u201d He started crying and ran out though the hole in the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin stared after him. \u201cUh, did that just happen?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Suit-man glanced down the hole then turned back to Onin and shrugged. \u201cDistractions aside, I assume you\u2019re here to stop us from using the gate?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin just nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cVery well, let\u2019s get this over with.\u201d Suit-man snapped his fingers and the two Natas they\u2019d met outside the factory, as well as two more Onin had never seen before stepped through the right hole in the office wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">One of the newcomers to the right of Suit-man ran at Onin. He flicked his wrist, and glowing purple whips came out of his fingers. Onin ducked and the whips ripped through the door frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cFall back!\u201d Onin motioned a servitor forward to intercept the whips as he backed down the hall. \u201cHead back to the warehouse where we\u2019ll have more room.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin generated another servitor and instructed it to blast lighting at the Natas. He turned and fled back down the hallway with the others. Tannin was just ahead of him. Onin followed him and Kasai into the warehouse and off to the left. Amaryllis, Saija, and Cerina veered off to the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOkay, we should be able to\u2014\u201d An energy whip tore through the crate Onin was standing next to, and dozens of yellow things rained down over him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin ducked and backed up while generating a servitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Squee, squee, squee!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat the?\u201d Onin looked down. No, it couldn\u2019t be. This was just too weird.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s a rubber chicken factory!\u201d Tannin held up two of them, and he had the dopiest grin on his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat?\u201d Onin blinked a few times. \u201cRubber chickens?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He looked down. Rubber chickens covered the floor, and more hung halfway out of the broken crate. Even the Natas stared at the floor and poked a chicken with the toe of his boot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThis is awesome!\u201d Tannin held the chickens in front of him like swords and charged at the Natas. \u201cWhaaaaa!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The Natas stood still and blinked a few times. He was probably questioning either his or Tannin\u2019s sanity. Onin would be as well, but he knew about Tannin\u2019s reinforcement ability. Wait. Charging at someone with a rubber chicken as a weapon\u2014 Onin smacked his forehead with his palm and shook his head.<\/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\">Saija followed Cerina into the warehouse, Amaryllis hot on her heels, and at least one of the Natas not far behind. Saija spun around, dropped to the floor, and skidded backward. The Natas was within an armspan of Amaryllis. Saija flung her arm out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A portal opened beneath the Natas\u2019 right foot. The other end opened at about knee height at a slight angle. The Natas face-planted into the concrete and kicked himself in the head at the same time. Saija chuckled and opened another portal in the Natas\u2019 stomach. The Natas looked up at Saija. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija squeezed her eyes shut and snapped both portals closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDid you really need to resort to such violence?\u201d Amaryllis\u2019 voice trembled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI did what I had to.\u201d Saija stood, turned to face Amaryllis, and then opened her eyes. \u201cI was lucky to take one out that quick. There\u2019s still five more of them out there and all of them have multiple powers. They\u2019re not going to show us any mercy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI know.\u201d Amaryllis turned to walk at Saija\u2019s side. Her shoulders slumped. \u201cStill, I\u2019d rather not have to resort to that. For both the host\u2019s sake and yours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat?\u201d Saija paused mid-stride. \u201cMy sake?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Before Amaryllis could reply, a portal opened in the side of a crate and a Natas jumped out at them.<\/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 rubbed his eyes. Yes, Tannin had just knocked over a Natas with a rubber chicken. The Natas got back up and screamed. A metal sword sprang out from his hand and he swung at Tannin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin blocked with a reinforced chicken then slapped the Natas in the face with a non-reinforced chicken. Onin blinked. Yes. That had just happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">It must have confused the Natas as well. He shook his head, looked at his sword, then over to the chicken in Tannin\u2019s hand, and back to his sword. He started to circle around Tannin, careful not to step on any of the numerous chickens scattered over the floor. The Natas flicked his sword out, testing Tannin\u2019s defenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin circled too, not as careful about stepping on the rubber chickens. Each time Tannin parried one of the Natas\u2019 strikes, the enemy looked at the chicken, then back at his own sword. The chicken apparently hadn\u2019t taken any damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The squeaking was starting to get annoying. Could Tannin manage to step on any more chickens? Wait. There was a rhythm to the squeaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIs that the theme to <em>Warfare 3-D<\/em>?\u201d Onin took a step back as Tannin and the Natas circled back to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNope.\u201d Tannin stomped on two more rubber chickens and slapped the Natas again. \u201cIt\u2019s the <em>Warfare 14: Warring Moons<\/em> theme.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai giggled. Onin rolled his eyes and waved a servitor forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTime to quit playing.\u201d Onin waved his index finger and a bolt of lightning shot out of the servitor. It impacted the Natas\u2019 sword and sent him flying across the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAw, I was almost at the chorus.\u201d Tannin\u2019s mouth pulled down into a pout, and the chickens he held went limp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThere\u2019s more of them out there.\u201d Onin jabbed Tannin in the ribs with his elbow. \u201cWe have to take this seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUm, is it just me, or are they playing with us?\u201d Kasai twirled her hair around her finger and looked back and forth between Onin and Tannin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin glanced over at Tannin and raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell\u2014\u201d Tannin scratched the back of his neck with a rubber chicken. \u201cThat was the easiest sword fight I\u2019ve ever had.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s almost like they\u2019re stall\u2014\u201d Another Natas jumped down from the top of the crates. Onin ducked and sent the servitor at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cStalling?\u201d Tannin slashed at the Natas with a chicken. \u201cWhat makes you say that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The Natas grinned and took a step forward. He lashed out with a purple energy whip. Tannin moved to block the strike, but the whip sliced the rubber chicken in half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWow.\u201d Tannin stared down at the half a chicken he held. \u201cThat was reinforced, too. Oh well. Time to get serious, I suppose.\u201d Tannin tossed the half chicken over his shoulder and drew one of the swords Amaryllis had given him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDon\u2019t bother.\u201d The Natas flicked his hand, and the energy whip swung back toward Tannin. \u201cI\u2019ll just slice that in two as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin grinned and swung his sword. The onicranium blade cut through the whip, and soaked up the energy, leaving only a thin thread of light hanging from the Natas\u2019 hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat? How?\u201d The Natas stared down at his hand. \u201cThat shouldn\u2019t be possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNot performing well?\u201d Tannin twirled his sword and advanced on the Natas. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, happens to everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin glanced over to Kasai and jerked his chin at the Natas\u2019 feet. She winked. Tannin swung at the Natas. The Natas generated another whip, took a step forward, and tripped over an invisible barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGood work, Kasai.\u201d Onin sent a command to his servitor, and it zipped down and attached itself to the top of the Natas\u2019 head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIs he dead?\u201d Tannin poked at the Natas with a rubber chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNo, asleep.\u201d Onin pulled his phone out of his pocket and checked the time. \u201cI thought so.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat?\u201d Kasai held Onin\u2019s elbow and peered over to look at his phone. \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat?\u201d Tannin thwacked Onin\u2019s phone with his rubber chicken, which let out a squeak. \u201cWhat\u2019s \u2018oh\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s almost noon.\u201d Kasai said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhich means that dragon is going to be landing soon.\u201d Onin frowned and drummed his fingers on his hips. \u201cSo, are the Natas keeping us in here so the dragon can wreak havoc, or wearing us out before we can fight him, or something else?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin shrugged and picked up a few more rubber chickens. Onin rubbed his temples. If even half the legends were true, there was no way a rubber chicken could do anything to a dragon. There was also no way to convince Tannin of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe\u2019d better catch up with the others,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Kasai held onto Onin\u2019s arm with both hands. \u201cAnd then get outside as fast as possible.\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\">Saija snapped open a portal in front of the Natas before she finished emerging from her own portal. The Natas fell into Saija\u2019s portal. The Natas\u2019 portal snapped shut. Saija moved the other end of her portal a few inches from the entrance portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThere.\u201d Saija took a breath and leaned in to inspect the portals. \u201cThat should hold her for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cPerhaps.\u201d Amaryllis inclined her staff toward the portals. \u201cBut if she can manipulate portals as well, she might be able to find a way out of the loop.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHmm.\u201d Saija bit her bottom lip. Amaryllis had a good point. \u201cUm, anything either of you can do to her before that happens?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSure.\u201d Cerina strummed the strings of her guitar. \u201cI\u2019ve been playing low-frequency sound waves that should disorient her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis turned to face her staff. \u201cIs it too late for the Natas?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija clamped her jaw shut. Kasai sure did attract some weird friends. Sure, Amaryllis claimed to be talking to Ryogin\u2014but she didn\u2019t need to face the staff for that, did she? Saija tilted her head to the side. On the other hand, being eccentric was more forgivable than trying to kill someone. Kasai was so hard to figure out, but in a good way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis approached the portals. Saija shook her head. Time to focus on the here and now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d Amaryllis jabbed the point of her staff between the portals. A blinding flash of red\/white light flared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija threw her hand over her eyes. When she lowered it, the portals and the Natas were gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCome.\u201d Amaryllis turned and continued down the line of crates. \u201cThe dragon approaches. We must hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija glanced over to the smoking crater on the floor, then back to Amaryllis. Yeah, people were a lot harder to figure out than she had thought.<\/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 ran down the hallway, generated a servitor, and burst through the door into the sunshine. Suit-man and another Natas were already waiting for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The servitor sent out a blast of lightning. Suit-man held up his hand and absorbed it somehow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat?\u201d Onin gawked. \u201cHow is that possible?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, please.\u201d Suit-man smirked and waved a hand. \u201cYou\u2019re not the only ones who can train to increase their capabilities in combat. Besides, an inferior life-form like you couldn\u2019t hope to best me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIs that why you need our bodies? Kasai asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Suit-man glanced down at his hand and shrugged. \u201cA mere tool to more effectively interface with this environment.\u201d He stared at Kasai. \u201cOne that can be disposed of if it proves to be defective.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin took a step forward. \u201cWe\u2019re not gonna\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSave it.\u201d Suit-man pointed up. \u201cYour doom is already sealed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A dark shadow blocked out the sun. Onin looked up. A large red crystal island in the shape of a dragon filled the sky. The dragon\u2019s wings flapped. Onin blinked and rubbed his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s not your imagination,\u201d Suit-man said. \u201cNor illusion. That is a dragon, and it has come to destroy your world.\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\"><a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-20\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"245\">&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-22\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"70\">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 21: Incoming&#8230; Onin ducked. The ice and fire splashed off an invisible wall a few yards in front of him. Kasai held her palm&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-252","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/252","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=252"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/252\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":298,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/252\/revisions\/298"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}