{"id":272,"date":"2021-09-13T11:50:43","date_gmt":"2021-09-13T15:50:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/?page_id=272"},"modified":"2021-09-13T11:54:33","modified_gmt":"2021-09-13T15:54:33","slug":"chapter-24","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-24\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 024: Rise of the Dragongirl"},"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 24:<\/strong> Rise of the Dragongirl<\/h2>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin\u2019s eyes widened and he held his arms up in front of him. He didn\u2019t have enough energy left to generate another servitor, and just one wasn\u2019t going to stop that column of dragonfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Movement caught Onin\u2019s attention. He lowered his arms a fraction. Kasai stood in front of them and extended her wings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo!\u201d Onin reached out for Kasai just as the dragonfire slammed into her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tears streamed down Onin\u2019s face as the green fire seemed to stretch Kasai\u2019s body out in front of him. Wait a moment. Her body actually was stretching out and growing larger. The green light from the dragonfire faded, and a silver-white dragon about three-quarters the size of the red dragon now stood above Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">He blinked and rubbed his eyes. \u201cKasai?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The white dragon roared a challenge and lunged for the red dragon\u2019s throat. The red dragon blinked a took a few steps backward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Maniacal laughter distracted Onin. Amaryllis was rolling on the ground laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat are you laughing about?\u201d Onin grabbed Amaryllis\u2019 arm and shook her. \u201cWe\u2019ve only been able to scratch that thing. It\u2019s gonna kill her!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis sat up and faced Onin. \u201cWhat\u2019s the most powerful thing in the universe?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOoo! I know!\u201d Tannin raised his hand in the air and waved it around. \u201cArd is!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin and the other all turned and looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSomebody pinch me.\u201d Cerina looked around, shrugged, and pinched herself on the arm. \u201cWell, I think I\u2019m awake, but I don\u2019t believe it. Tannin got a correct answer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis blinked. \u201cYes. Well. Uh, what\u2019s the second most powerful thing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUh\u2014\u201d Tannin scratched the back of his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCareful, it\u2019ll start smoking if you think too hard,\u201d Cerina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin stuck his tongue out at her. \u201cI\u2019m guessing a dragon?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis nodded. \u201cCorrect. Specifically an onicranium dragon, which is exponentially more powerful than other dragon types.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSo, what\u2019s an onicranium dragon?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis pointed to Kasai and smiled. Onin turned to watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai tore into the red dragon. Red crystal shards were flying everywhere as Kasai bit and clawed at the ruby beast. It jumped up into the air and beat its wings a few times. Kasai blurred and appeared above the red dragon. She spun in mid-air and slammed her tail across the red dragon\u2019s face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A crack echoed off the factory buildings as more ruby scales shattered from the impact. The red dragon slammed into the ground, shook its head, and opened its jaw. Another blast of green dragonfire erupted from its mouth and washed over Kasai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis chuckled. \u201cThat won\u2019t work. Not on her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Saija asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis turned to Tannin. \u201cTannin, what happens when you block an energy blast with your swords?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUh, they get sharper and stuff?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis cocked and ear halfway back. \u201cClose enough. Onicranium absorbs and re-emits energy. And her scales are made from it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWait.\u201d Onin held up a hand. \u201cHow\u2019d she get onicranium?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe Matari and Ryogin-sama gave it to her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat!\u201d Onin jumped to his feet. \u201cYou mean that bitter drink she was complaining about? What if had killed her?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cShe\u2019s half dragon.\u201d Amaryllis shrugged. \u201cIt\u2019s good for dragons.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin rubbed his temples and turned to watch the battle. Kasai still had the upper-hand, but she was slowing down. Her scales that had seemed closer to white were now a dull grey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cShe\u2019s probably hungry.\u201d Amaryllis held up her staff and pulled herself to her feet. \u201cMoving that much mass takes a lot of energy, and the red dragon has stopped providing a source.\u201d She turned to address her staff. \u201cAre you ready?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The staff chimed. Amaryllis nodded and held the staff out in front of her. A white portal opened in the sky above the two dragons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCerina. Could you make it so Kasai can hear me, but the red dragon can\u2019t?\u201d Amaryllis asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina shrugged. \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cKasai, eat this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A rock fell out of the portal. Kasai flew up and snapped her jaws shut around the rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis stumbled and Onin reached out to steady her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat was in that rock?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis lowered herself slowly to the ground. \u201cUranium.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUranium!\u201d Onin took a step backward. \u201cAre you trying to kill her?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWatch.\u201d Amaryllis pointed to Kasai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Her scales grew whiter and almost seemed to glow. She attacked the red dragon with renewed vigor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cPeople are carbon based.\u201d Amaryllis pointed to her own arm. \u201cWe take in carbon arranged in different proteins and process it for energy. Dragons are silicon-based. They are powered by an internal fusion reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m assuming that Kasai\u2019s reactor never started. It probably wasn\u2019t working properly until Ryogin-sama corrected her DNA. That should power her up enough to win the fight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin frowned. \u201cAnd what about after the fight?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis smiled. \u201cThe onicranium will store the unused energy while she\u2019s resting. In her next fight she\u2019ll be scary-strong.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">An explosion ripped through the air and Onin jumped. One of the red dragon\u2019s wings lay shattered on the ground a few yards away. Kasai was on top of the red dragon, her jaws clamped around its neck. She tore at its back with her claws. Ruby shards flew everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The red dragon twisted around and raked its claws over Kasai\u2019s belly. Sparks flew and a high-pitched screeching sound filled the air. Onin clamped his hands over his ears. The red dragon\u2019s claws were ground down, and there wasn\u2019t so much as a scratch on Kasai\u2019s scales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The advantage in armor went to Kasai, but the red dragon was larger and more graceful. Onin clenched his jaw. Kasai had only been a dragon for what, a few minutes? The red dragon had learned to fight in that form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin turned to the others. \u201cIs there anything we can do to help her?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m a little immobile over here.\u201d Saija held up a piece of her broken leg and waved it in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSorry.\u201d Amaryllis\u2019 ears drooped to the side. \u201cI\u2019m just about completely out of energy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin dug in his pocket and pulled out the half of an energy bar. \u201cHere.\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 wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai bit the red dragon\u2019s throat again. He twisted and reared up, flinging her off. Kasai spun through the air and landed hard on her back. She took a shaky breath. Before she could exhale the red dragon was on her again, biting at her neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Her armored scales protected her from any puncture wounds from his teeth, but it felt like her throat was being crushed. The red dragon bit down harder, his jaws crushed her own scales into her throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai flailed her legs, trying to dig into the ground. Anything to throw the beast off from her. The red dragon held her down, using his greater mass to keep her from rolling over. She started to panic, then froze as a thought hit her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Wait a minute. I\u2019m a telekinetic, not just a dragon.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai lifted a paw and leaned into her gift. The red dragon rose into the air, his teeth screeching as he was pulled off from Kasai. He flailed his head around in every direction, presumably in an attempt to find what had grabbed him. Kasai held him aloft while she rolled over onto her feet. She coughed a few times, then used her gift to slam the red dragon into the ground as hard as she could.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The red dragon rose to his feet. A clear fluid leaked from his back and neck and dripped to the ground. He gathered his feet underneath himself, took a breath, and shoved up to stand on wobbling feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhy do you defend them, child?\u201d The dragon took a step forward and stumbled slightly to the side. \u201cThese pitiful creatures hate and fear you. Come with me, join the dragons, and you\u2019ll never be looked down on again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai heard a bark of laughter from behind her. She looked over her shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin rolled on the ground, laughing. \u201cOh, please! \u2018Come, join me, even though I\u2019ve been trying to kill you.\u2019 That\u2019s a line right out of a bad movie. Kasai\u2019s not dumb enough to fall for that!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai snorted. Tannin\u2019s impression of the dragon\u2019s pompous tone was pretty good. And he was right. She had no desire to run off with someone just because he looked like she did at the moment. She just wanted to be normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A scuffling noise interrupted her introspection. She whipped her head around to face the red dragon. He had taken a few more steps to the side and opened his mouth. Green dragonfire formed in the back of his throat. Every muscle in Kasai\u2019s body tensed. He wasn\u2019t aiming at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The red dragon loosed the blast. Kasai leapt with all her strength. The edge of her outstretched wing caught most of the blast and sucked it in. If any of that had made it past her\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Rage clouded her thinking. Her whole body shook, and she roared. A tsunami of blue fire erupted from her mouth and washed over the red dragon. The fire eventually stopped. There was nothing but a black streak left of the red dragon. Kasai took several ragged breaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYeah! Go Kasai!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai turned around. Tannin jumped up and down and whooped. A chunk of ruby striated with cracks fell to the ground with a dull thud next to Tannin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEeep!\u201d Tannin jumped behind Saija and peeked out from behind her. \u201cIs it safe?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija looked over her shoulder. Her mouth was pulled into a half-smile, and her left eyebrow was raised. Kasai wasn\u2019t sure if she was irritated or amused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh, for crying out loud!\u201d Cerina rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. \u201cStop being such an idiot. That thing would\u2019ve just bounced off you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija was definitely smiling now. She pulled Tannin around, hugged him and pet his head. \u201cPoor baby, are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin nuzzled into her shoulder and nodded \u201cUh-huh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina stuck out her tongue. \u201cUgh. I think I\u2019m gonna be sick.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija and Tannin burst into giggles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai smiled. She swung her head around to face Amaryllis. \u201cDo you have any idea on how I can get back to normal?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHmm.\u201d Amaryllis pursed her lips and looked over to her staff. \u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis swung her staff down and hopped up to sit side-saddle on it. She rose up to eye-level with Kasai and flew a slow circle around her, looking her up and down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u201d Amaryllis repeated. She landed by Kasai\u2019s left side and waved her staff along the scales on her leg. \u201cRyogin-sama says you still have Gesaran DNA.\u201d She drummed her fingers on the handle of her staff. \u201cYou first shifted into dragon form when we were all attacked. It could be a stress response. Try taking deep breaths and thinking of something relaxing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai frowned. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t sound very scientific.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cPshaw.\u201d Tannin waved a hand and blew out a breath. \u201cIf you stop to think about it, nothing that\u2019s happened to us over the past few days seems very scientific.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHe\u2019s got a point.\u201d Onin staggered over to Kasai, rested a hand on her forepaw, and looked up at her. \u201cAnd some relaxation techniques might work. Stress seemed to be a contributing factor in your transformation to Onryo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai sat back on her hind legs and wrapped her tail around herself. That was a good point. She did black out during the transformation to and from Onryo, but perhaps that was due to the genetic abnormalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A peaceful memory? Those were in short supply. Kasai closed her eyes and thought of Brother Terrence sneaking her extra portions of bread and fruit. Studying with Onin. The way Tannin acted stupid just to get a laugh whenever he saw pain on a friend\u2019s face. Getting to know Amaryllis. Saija, who had started as an enemy, and now was a dear friend. Even Cerina, who despite her sour personality, still tried to do the right thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai smiled. The most relaxing thought of all was that even when the Natas tried to kill her, Ard loved her, and sent all these friends into her life. She sighed, and it felt like a weight was lifted from her. She opened her eyes. Onin was at eye level. Wait. Why was he covering his eyes and looking away. Kasai bit her lip and glanced around. Saija grinned at her\u2014and held her hand over Tannin\u2019s eyes. Amaryllis blushed and pointed down. Kasai lowered her head to look at herself. She was stark naked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEeep!\u201d Kasai wrapped her wings around herself and felt her face heat. \u201cWait&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">She still had wings. That wasn\u2019t right. She looked over her shoulder. The tail was still there, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis isn\u2019t how it was supposed to work!\u201d Kasai stomped toward Amaryllis. \u201cThat RNA pill was supposed to fix me, not permanently turn me into some sort of freak!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis held up her hands, palms out. \u201cAll Ryogin-sama said was that it would stabilize your DNA. The Natas didn\u2019t exactly tell us what you were supposed to look like.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSupposed to look like?\u201d A shiver rippled through Kasai\u2019s body. \u201cYou mean I might stay like this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis didn\u2019t respond and wouldn\u2019t look her in the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">If she had to stay this way no one would want to have anything to do with her. All the horrified faces from her memories flashed through her mind again. And Onin\u2014Kasai\u2019s knees wobbled\u2014Onin wouldn\u2019t be able to stand her like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo&#8230;\u201d Kasai whispered. She glanced at everyone in rapid succession. Who would turn on her first? She struggled to suck in enough air. Her heartbeat sounded inside her head. \u201cNo, I can\u2019t stay like this! I can\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis took a half step forward and stretched out her hand. \u201cYou have to, I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo! I can\u2019t! This is all your fault\u2014\u201d Kasai trembled all over now. She stretched out her palm and swung at Amaryllis. \u201cYou said&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai\u2019s voice trailed off. Her hand ignited with orange fire the moment her palm made contact with Amaryllis\u2019 cheek. Kasai\u2019s vision grew dark around the edges as she stared at her flame-covered hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo\u2026 it can\u2019t\u2026 I didn\u2019t&#8230;\u201d Kasai sniffed and blinked away the tears that streamed down her face. This was what she had been afraid of all along. There was no way they could forgive her now. She choked back a sob, jerked around, and leapt into the air.<\/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 wp-block-paragraph\">Onin ran after Kasai. \u201cKasai, wait!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">She was already too high to hear him. Onin held out his hand and tried to generate a servitor. Still too tired. He sighed and turned around. Amaryllis\u2019 face looked like it had lost an argument with a flame-thrower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUh, does anyone have a first-aid kit?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin shook his head. Saija blinked rapidly and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She murmured a negative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFirst aid?\u201d Cerina snorted. \u201cGonna need more than a bandage to cover that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis held her staff in front of her. \u201cRestore from archive point.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Her voice was tight, and she ground out the words. Onin glanced up at her and his stomach knotted. He had to look away. It probably hurt a lot to talk with that bad of a burn. A blue mist covered Amaryllis as soon as she quit speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin breathed out. \u201cOh good, she\u2019s got enough energy left to heal. Now, does anyone have any food? I\u2019ve got to go after Kasai.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSorry, man.\u201d Tannin clapped a hand on Onin\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m out of energy, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think I\u2019ve got enough energy left for one more portal,\u201d Saija said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin looked over at Saija. She was lying on her back, spread out on the grass. Her bad leg was crossed up over her good leg. The occasional spark still spat out from the severed wires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Onin frowned and gestured at her leg. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to injure that any further.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBah.\u201d Saija waved a hand as if to dismiss Onin\u2019s argument, but she didn\u2019t move. \u201cIt\u2019s just the artificial part that\u2019s broken. I\u2019m fine. What should I portal, and to where?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell, if you\u2019re sure&#8230;\u201d Onin yawned and looked at Saija.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija rolled her eyes. \u201cYes, I\u2019m sure. Now make up your mind. Kasai\u2019s getting further away, and she\u2014\u201d Saija wiped her eyes. \u201cShe needs some re-assurance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin jumped up. \u201cHey, doesn\u2019t Ryogin usually have a tray of snacks and stuff in his office?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina narrowed her eyes at him. \u201cI think we have more important things to worry about right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo, he\u2019s right\u2014\u201d Onin started to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c\u2014For a change.\u201d Saija winked and tossed a clump of grass at Tannin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin glared at both of them. \u201cAs I was trying to say, food is a good idea. We\u2019re all out of energy, and Suit-man got away. We still have to find him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija waved and a purple portal opened on the ground. She waved her hand. The portal swirled upward, leaving the tray of food behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin grabbed an apple, two energy bars, and a can of juice. He stuffed one of the energy bars into his pocket and scarfed the rest of the food he\u2019d taken. He raised his arm and held out his hand. No, it\u2019d be better to wait. He sighed and counted to sixty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The servitor slowly grew as Onin sent power out through his hand to it. He grunted with effort. It was taking longer than it usually did. He was panting by the time the servitor was the size of his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin waved a finger and the servitor rose above his head. It extended tendrils of energy down to cradle him and he slowly rose into the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWait!\u201d Tannin waved at him, then threw another apple up to him. \u201cBring Kasai back!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin saluted Tannin, then sent a mental command to the servitor to follow Kasai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin frowned. He should have caught up to Kasai by now, even with her head start. Wait\u2014something light flashed among the trees to his right. Onin directed the servitor in that direction and had it set him down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">He stalked through the trees in the direction where he\u2019d seen the light. The sound of sobbing filtered through the forest. Onin quickened his pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin rounded a large oak. Kasai sat curled up at the base of another tree, crying. Her wings were wrapped around her, and she faced away from him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cKasai?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Her head jerked up, then she wrapped her wings more tightly around herself, covering her bare skin. \u201cGo away. I don\u2019t want you to see me like this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCome on, Kasai. Everyone\u2019s waiting for us.\u201d Onin took a half step forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai\u2019s wings stiffened. \u201cPlease go. I can\u2019t bear it to see all of you turn on me. Just let me leave.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m not going to abandon you.\u201d Onin took another step forward. \u201cNeither is anyone else. Please, come back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat\u2019s what they\u2019ve all said.\u201d Kasai sniffed. \u201cThen I burn down a village, and everyone is afraid of me. I don\u2019t want to remember the fear in your eyes. Just leave me alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFirst of all, it wasn\u2019t you who burned those villages. It was the Natas. Second, I\u2019ve known you were half-dragon for a long time.\u201d Onin knelt beside her and laid a hand on the back of Kasai\u2019s wing. She tensed under his touch. \u201cAnd it\u2019s never bothered me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai lifted her head and raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell, not much.\u201d Onin shrugged. \u201cKasai, it\u2019s not your body I\u2019m attracted to. It\u2019s your soul, who you are as a person that I\u2014I love.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLove?\u201d Kasai\u2019s voice was barely above a whisper. She shifted a little closer to him. \u201cNo\u2026 you couldn\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin leaned in, wrapped his arms around Kasai, and silenced her with a kiss. Her whole body stiffened, then slowly relaxed into his arms. She was warm and soft as he held her against his chest. Every nerve in his body felt alive with a pleasant tingle as Onin brushed his lips against Kasai\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">She pulled back after a moment and rested her head on his shoulder. \u201cIt is different, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHmm?\u201d Onin looked down and brushed Kasai\u2019s hair back behind her ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2014I didn\u2019t think you could possibly love me if I looked like this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI told you, it\u2019s you I love, not&#8230;\u201d Something rustled in the woods. Onin looked over his shoulder. \u201cDid you hear that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo, I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAh, there you are!\u201d Amaryllis emerged from between two trees. \u201cI was look\u2014\u201d She paused mid-step. \u201cUh, am I interrupting something?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo.\u201d Kasai struggled to her feet, keeping her wings wrapped tightly around her the entire time. \u201cOnin was just, um\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis cocked an ear to the side. \u201cI understand.\u201d She grinned and her tail twitched. \u201cOnin, if you could turn around, I brought clothes for Kasai.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin blushed and pivoted on his heel to contemplate the forest for a while. Better not to think about Kasai naked\u2026 He shook himself and stopped that line of thought. He hadn\u2019t lied to her. He really did love Kasai for who she was. Though, those wings weren\u2019t entirely unattractive\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOkay, you can turn back around now,\u201d Amaryllis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin turned to face Kasai. Her wings were now folded to her back. She wore a green halter-top dress that really made her red hair shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin smiled. \u201cYou look great.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThanks.\u201d Kasai smiled and stared into Onin\u2019s eyes as she took a step closer to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUm, we should get back.\u201d Amaryllis looked back and forth at Onin and Kasai. \u201cRyogin-sama is waiting for us. I think we can still capture Suit-man.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai giggled. \u201cHow on gesara did we all start using Tannin\u2019s ridiculous name for that Natas?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin smiled and took her hand. \u201cBecause it makes us laugh and not get overrun with all the bad things happening to us. Also, if he didn\u2019t want a stupid nickname from Tannin, Suit-man should\u2019ve told us his name!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai giggled. She looked down at his hand and blushed a deeper shade of red, but didn\u2019t say anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell, we should go.\u201d Amaryllis hopped up onto her staff. \u201cAnyone need a ride?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNope.\u201d Onin waved a finger and his servitor floated down into the clearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai squeezed his hand and then let go. She floated up above the tree line, spread her wings, and glided forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin directed his servitor to bring him alongside Kasai. It would be more dignified, not to mention easier to control, to cover his hands and feet with servitors and fly alongside the girls, instead of dangle underneath the servitor, but he still hadn&#8217;t recovered enough energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">It only took a few minutes to fly over the trees back to where the others waited outside the factory. Ryogin squatted next to Saija examining her broken leg. Amaryllis landed next to him and rested a hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCan you fix it?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Ryogin stood and cracked his neck. \u201cYes. I\u2019ve downloaded the specs to my phone, but we\u2019ll have to study them before we can create a replacement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOkay.\u201d Amaryllis held her staff in front of her. \u201cArtifice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A white circle appeared just over the staff. Amaryllis reached over and pulled out a pair of crutches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Ryogin took them from her and handed them to Saija. \u201cThese will have to do for now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija accepted the crutches and pulled herself up to a standing position. \u201cAll right, then. Let\u2019s go catch a Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUh, I hate to put a damper on things, and that Natas really does need to be caught, but all of us are still out of energy.\u201d Onin looked around at everyone, raised an eyebrow, and cocked his head. \u201cRight?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d Kasai took Onin\u2019s hand and stepped behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin looked over his shoulder at Kasai. Strange time for her to be hiding behind him. Was she still worried that the others wouldn\u2019t accept her?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEh, we\u2019re all fine now, thanks.\u201d Tannin grinned at Onin. \u201cRyogin, hit him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Ryogin tossed a metal object at Onin who barely managed to catch it. It was a canned energy drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin held the can out in front of him and read the label, written in a flowery script. \u201cCaution! Ryogin-sama\u2019s restorative blend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin pantomimed drinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUgh.\u201d Onin shuddered. \u201cDo I have to?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019ll make you feel better,\u201d Amaryllis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina snorted. \u201cThat\u2019s a lie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis frowned, sidled up to Ryogin, and wrapped both her arms around his right bicep. \u201cIt only tastes like death. It does do a great job at restoring your energy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Ryogin looked down at Amaryllis. \u201cThanks. I think&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin covered his mouth with his hand and turned a laugh into a cough. Cerina showed no such courtesy and slapped her thigh while she laughed out loud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin made a face and chugged the energy drink. \u201cYuck. Tastes worse than I remember.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">He shuddered again and tossed the can to Ryogin, who opened a white artifice circle and tossed the can inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOkay, where\u2019s the Natas?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI was monitoring the satellite feed during your battle.\u201d Ryogin pulled his phone out of his pocket and flipped through a few images. \u201cHe portaled from here to another of the Natas complexes that we\u2019ve had under surveillance. Once he got there, he and a few other Natas performed some sort of ritual. That took a while. After it was done, two of the Natas were surrounded by some sort of dark blob, and they entered one of the buildings. That was just a few minutes ago.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Ryogin handed his phone to Amaryllis. \u201cCan you portal us to that location?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis bent over the phone, both ears facing forward. \u201cSure. It\u2019ll be easier if you can help, Saija.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Saija hobbled over and wrapped her left hand around Amaryllis\u2019 staff. A blue portal opened on the ground underneath everyone and slowly turned as it raised up into the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The portal dissipated and Onin found himself standing in a dirt courtyard surrounded by low-roofed red buildings. It was eerily quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat one.\u201d Ryogin pointed to one of the larger buildings off to the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">He led the way, and Amaryllis placed her hand on his arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019ll enter first, Ryogin-sama.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Ryogin nodded to Amaryllis and followed her into the building. Onin waited for the others to enter before following them. Kasai looked over her shoulder and fell back to walk beside him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin took her hand. \u201cAre you ready for this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYeah. I think so. As long as all of you are with me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin stepped up into the building hand-in-hand with Kasai. And almost bumped into Tannin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The inside of the building was empty of furniture or decorations. It was not, however, unoccupied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Two naked women floated in the back of the room. They faced each other across from a black portal that hung in the air between them. An inky darkness covered most of the women\u2019s bodies and flowed out from their navels into the portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Someone swallowed audibly. It might have been Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat\u2019s\u2014\u201d Saija\u2019s voice broke. She cleared her throat. \u201cThat\u2019s a long-distance portal. Since it\u2019s sucking the life out of two people, it probably leads off-planet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe can\u2019t let that horror loose on the galaxy. Not with a gifted gesaran host.\u201d Ryogin\u2019s voice was low, and Onin had to strain to hear him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat about those girls?\u201d Amaryllis pressed up against Ryogin\u2019s side and looked up at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Ryogin shuddered. \u201cProfessor Jekao is gathering a team from ABG to secure the compound. He\u2019ll see if anything can be done for them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s already too late.\u201d Saija\u2019s voice was just above a whisper. \u201cThat\u2019s a fatal ritual. If we\u2019re going to go after the Natas, we have to go now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Ryogin turned to face everyone. \u201cI can\u2019t let that Natas loose. I have to go after it. I can\u2019t ask any of you to go with me&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis clung even more tightly to his arm. \u201cI\u2019ll never leave you, Ryogin-sama.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Cerina blew out a breath. \u201cThat thing\u2019s evil. Gotta stop it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai turned to Onin. \u201cIf he\u2019s going to gather more dragon allies, I have to go.\u201d She tried to pull her hand free of Onin\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin grabbed her hand in both of his. \u201cNope. I meant what I said earlier. If you\u2019re going, I\u2019m coming with you. And Ryogin and Cerina are right. That Natas has got to be stopped. If it\u2019s in my power to stop it, and I don\u2019t\u2014well, then I\u2019m just as guilty as that Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cPortal\u2019s getting smaller.\u201d Saija pointed to the portal. It had shrunk a half-inch since they\u2019d entered the room. \u201cWe\u2019ve gotta go now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Ryogin and Amaryllis turned and stepped through the portal side by side. Cerina sighed and followed them. Saija wasn\u2019t far behind her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019ve got to get a different travel agent.\u201d Tannin made a face and jumped through the portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin turned to Kasai. \u201cAre you ready?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI still don\u2019t think you should\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin pressed a finger to her lips. \u201cI can\u2019t stay. I\u2019d worry about you, and I\u2019d be eaten up with guilt that I didn\u2019t do anything to stop that Natas.\u201d He smiled. \u201cAmaryllis took the good lines, but I know you\u2019ve got some abandonment issues. I don\u2019t want to add to that. I\u2019ll stay by your side as long as you\u2019ll have me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai smiled and leaned against Onin\u2019s side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cShall we?\u201d Onin gestured to the portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYes.\u201d Kasai looked up at him. \u201cTogether.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin put his arm around Kasai\u2019s waist, and they stepped through the portal in sync.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Kasai_2a_md-724x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Kasai_2a_md-724x1024.png 724w, https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Kasai_2a_md-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Kasai_2a_md-768x1086.png 768w, https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Kasai_2a_md.png 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-23\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"267\">&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\/volume-2-cover\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"282\">Next Chapter >><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aarondemott.com\/newsletter\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aarondemott.com\/newsletter\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/env_sm.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-178\" width=\"33\" height=\"20\"> Be notified when the next chapter comes out!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.ko-fi.com\/cdn\/widget\/Widget_2.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\">kofiwidget2.init('Buy me a cup of tea', '#29abe0', 'V7V05ASUY');kofiwidget2.draw();<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chapter 24: Rise of the Dragongirl Onin\u2019s eyes widened and he held his arms up in front of him. 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