{"id":378,"date":"2021-11-08T17:29:04","date_gmt":"2021-11-08T22:29:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/?page_id=378"},"modified":"2021-11-16T13:21:07","modified_gmt":"2021-11-16T18:21:07","slug":"chapter-32","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-32\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 032: Hide and Seek"},"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 32:<\/strong> Hide and Seek<\/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\">Kasai was up before everyone except for Saija, who she found in the kitchenette of their suite cooking toast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey.\u201d Kasai waved to Saija and poured herself a glass of milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija looked over Kasai\u2019s shoulder. \u201cDo we even know what kind of animal that came from?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI dunno.\u201d Kasai shrugged. \u201cThe jug has a cartoon of purple and white spotted animal that looks like a cow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cClose enough.\u201d Saija took a bite of her toast. \u201cPour me a glass?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSure.\u201d Kasai stretched up to grab another glass from the cupboard. \u201cYou\u2019re up early.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Saija sighed. \u201cCouldn\u2019t sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai handed Saija the glass of milk. \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija took a small sip. \u201cNot bad.\u201d She pulled out a stool and sat. \u201cI\u2019ve been having nightmares for about as long as I can remember. They\u2019re not as bad now as they used to be, but still.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai nodded. \u201cMm-hmm. I have bad dreams sometimes, too. Used to have one where I was playing, then everything was on fire. I don\u2019t have them as often now, but yeah. Must be worse for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija scooted her stool closer to Kasai. \u201cFor me, it used to be stuff that the Natas did when it still had control of me.\u201d She shuddered. \u201cNow it\u2019s mostly memories of the implantation ceremony. It feels so real, like they\u2019ve got me again, and I wake up in a cold sweat. Takes a while to convince myself it was just a bad dream.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat must be awful.\u201d Kasai pulled Saija into a hug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Saija finished her toast and jumped up off her stool. \u201cHey, you wanna come for a run with me? It helps clear my head, and I\u2019d rather not be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSure!\u201d Kasai smiled and jumped up. It\u2019d be great to get to know Saija better, and she could use the exercise. She paused halfway down the hallway. \u201cWe don\u2019t know the city what well. Should we invite Purona too?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSure.\u201d Saija laughed. \u201cThat poor kid looked so scared yesterday when you asked if she could be our escort.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai grimaced. \u201cOuch, yeah. I didn\u2019t mean to put her on the spot yesterday, but I felt so sorry for her when everyone glared at her when Amaryllis hissed at her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah, and it wasn\u2019t even her fault.\u201d Saija cocked her head to the side. \u201cBut it wasn\u2019t exactly ours either, exactly. Why\u2019d you stick up for her? I mean, she\u2019s a cute kid and all, but I still would\u2019ve just gone with the flow since we\u2019re here to catch the Natas and we don\u2019t want to aggravate the Nekotians.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai stopped, put a hand on Saija\u2019s shoulder, and looked her in the eyes. \u201cBecause it was the right thing to do. Just like when we helped you when you were our enemy. Ard just doesn\u2019t want us to fight evil, he wants us to love each other, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija scrunched up her eyes and bit her lower lip. \u201cThat\u2019s a confusing and religious answer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai shrugged. \u201cRaised by monks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija laughed and clapped Kasai on the shoulder. \u201cYeah, what\u2019d I expect? Anyway, I\u2019m gonna go get changed. You should do that too, then grab the kid and we\u2019ll go for a run.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai changed into a pair of capris and a green tank top. She went down the hall to Purona\u2019s room and knocked on the door. Just when Kasai thought about knocking again, the door cracked open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cEh?\u201d Purona blinked and looked up at Kasai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai stifled a giggle. Purona\u2019s hair was sticking out all over. She wore a loose pink and white t-shirt with a cartoon cactus on the front, and sparkling purple shorts. Her ears drooped to the sides, and her eyes were half closed. Apparently she was just as much a morning person as Tannin was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGood morning.\u201d Kasai waved. \u201cSaija and I want to go out for a run. We\u2019re not quite sure where to go and want to know if you\u2019ll join us?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Purona blinked a few times. \u201cSuper.\u201d She yawned. \u201cGive me a sec and I\u2019ll be totes ready.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Purona yawned again and shut the door. Kasai stretched while she was waiting. Her wings were always stiff in the morning. A few minutes later the door opened, and Purona stepped out. Her calico hair was up in a ponytail, and she wore an iridescent sports bra and matching shorts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai blinked. The outfit seemed to reflect every color of the rainbow, and seemed to shift color constantly. It might just be a trick of the lighting, but it also seemed to amplify the light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHang on,\u201d Kasai jerked her thumb back in the direction of her room. \u201cI\u2019ve gotta grab my\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHere ya go.\u201d Saija slapped Kasai\u2019s sunglasses into her hand. \u201cWhere\u2019s the best place to go for a run around here, anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThere\u2019s a park with some super nice trails a few blocks away.\u201d Purona led the way to the elevator. \u201cYou\u2019ll totes love it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai scribbled a quick note to the others, and followed Saija and Purona to the elevator.<\/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\">The street was less crowded today than it was last night. Still, Kasai still had to weave around a few other pedestrians. Most of them female. Come to think of it, she\u2019d only seen a handful of Nekotian men. She was tempted to ask Purona, but it might be a taboo or sensitive subject. She glanced over at Purona, who was still yawning and rubbing her eyes. Maybe once they got to know each other better. Purona still seemed a tad shy around them, though it\u2019d gotten better after they\u2019d all sat around talking last night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOoo, there\u2019s the park!\u201d Purona pointed ahead and to their right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A giant neon sign arched over the entrance to the park. On the other side of the sign there was a small field covered in purple grass. Beyond the field a few trails led off into a forest of orange trees with green trunks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCome here often?\u201d Saija asked as they entered the forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Purona grinned at Saija. \u201cI mostly sit at a desk all day, so it\u2019s super nice to get out and run for a bit after work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai stared at the forest as they jogged at a nice, leisurely pace. The colors were weird, but it still felt nice to get out and stretch. She rustled her wings and let the air flow over them. The air pressure was a little different here. It would probably be a smidge easier to fly here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWait\u2014\u201d Kasai slowed down a little. \u201cIs that a red rock with white spots?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Purona glanced over her shoulder. \u201cYup. It\u2019s to mark the halfway point of the trail.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIs that a natural color?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes.\u201d Purona didn\u2019t even slow down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHah.\u201d Saija pulled out her phone and snapped a picture. \u201cTannin will love this. Kinda looks like one of those mushrooms he\u2019s always going on about.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai rolled her eyes. \u201cPlease don\u2019t tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAh, it\u2019s fun when he rants. Besides\u2014\u201d Saija jerked to a stop to avoid running into Purona, who had stopped in the middle of the trail and stared off into the forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Kasai put a hand on Purona\u2019s shoulder and scanned the forest where Purona was looking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI thought I saw something moving.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija shrugged. \u201cCould be an animal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Purona shook her head. \u201cNo, it was bigger, and I thought it was person shaped.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI don\u2019t see anything now.\u201d Kasai frowned. \u201cSince we\u2019re past the half-way point, let\u2019s just keep moving and keep an eye out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The other two nodded, and they resumed their jog. Kasai kept scanning the forest. Lots of weird trees, the occasional rock or shrub, but nothing moved. Wait. There, at the corner of her peripheral vision. Kasai continued to face forward, but looked over to the right. A shadow leapt from tree to tree, keeping pace with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai pretended to trip. \u201cWhoops.\u201d She bent down as if to tie her shoelace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou okay?\u201d Saija bent down next to her and whispered in Kasai\u2019s ear. \u201cYou see it too?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah. Shadowy figure off to our right, trying to stay out of sight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija sighed. \u201cGreat. Two of them then. There\u2019s another on the left side of the trail. What\u2019s the game plan, take them out, or wait and see what happens?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai glanced up. Purona was playing with her phone while she waited for Kasai to fix her shoe. The smart thing to do would be to portal straight back to the hotel and get everyone else. On the other hand, those shadows could be Natas, and this was the first lead they had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Kasai sighed. \u201cI\u2019d say to wait and see if we could get any more information, but if they plan on nabbing us, Purona could get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija grinned. \u201cJump \u2018em it is, then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A purple portal swirled open under Saija, and she dropped out of sight. Kasai tensed her leg muscles and launched herself backwards and 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\">Purona glanced up from her phone at the whoosh of air. Kasai and Saija were gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNyan?\u201d Purona glanced around. \u201cGuys? Like, where\u2019d you go?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Something white crashed straight through a tree off to the left of the path. Purona jumped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\"><em>This is supposed to be a safe park!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A moment later Kasai emerged from the forest carrying a struggling Nekotion woman. At the same time a purple portal opened in the air above and in front of Purona, and Saija dropped out of it, also holding a Nekotian woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat the\u2026\u201d Purona\u2019s voice trailed off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Something wasn\u2019t right here. Both of the women Kasai and Saija were holding onto had pale, almost gray skin, and white hair and eyes. And each of them had an open wound in their chest, just below the sternum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Purona backed up a few steps. \u201cWha\u2014what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThese\u2014\u201d Saija thrust her prisoner forward \u201c\u2014are the people who\u2019ve been following us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Purona pointed to their wounds. \u201cDid you have to hurt them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The prisoner Kasai was holding elbowed her in the gut. \u201cOoff. They were this way when we found them. And they haven\u2019t said anything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNot a word,\u201d Saija said. \u201cJust started punching us as soon as we got close to them. Do you recognize them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNo, I\u2014\u201d Something rustled in the forest. Purona leaned out to look past Saija.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Four more women rushed out of the forest. They too had white hair and blank, white eyes, and the same wound on their chests. Purona blinked and rubbed her eyes. They were still there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai\u2019s phone beeped. She pulled it out and answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUh, guys?\u201d Purona pointed over their shoulders at the horde rushing toward them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh sh\u2014\u201d Saija\u2019s phone beeped. She ignored it. \u201cKasai, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes, please!\u201d Purona turned to run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija grabbed her arm. \u201cTaking a shortcut, come on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija held her hand out and a purple disc that looked like a hole in space swirled out. It was soon as big as a person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Purona pointed to it. \u201cIs that your ability, or did they do that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s me. Get in, quick before the others get here!\u201d Saija shoved Purona toward the hole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Purona stumbled, caught herself, and jumped. Everything went dark, and it felt as though she was being stretched out. The sensation lasted half a second, then she landed inside the living area of the penthouse suite at the <em>Imperial<\/em> hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\"><em>What was that?<\/em> Purona blinked and looked around. Yup, she was really there. The other Gesarans were all gathered around in a semi-circle. A second later Kasai and Saija stumbled through the portal and it snapped shut.<\/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\">Aiden startled herself awake and jumped out of bed. \u201cWait, I\u2019m still in the hotel room, not the\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden frowned. It must have been a bad dream. Where was it she had thought she\u2019d been? She couldn&#8217;t remember now. Aiden sighed in frustration, then paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI wonder if the dream is from the host?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">No reaction. No new memories or flicker of personality. Well, there was either something left of the host\u2019s personality, or there wasn\u2019t, and so far none of Aiden\u2019s meditating has done anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She looked over at the clock. Seven in the morning. Aiden took a quick shower, dressed, and then headed to the kitchenette to see if there was anything to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin was perched on a stool at the counter. He was reading something on his phone, and absently eating something that smelled of cinnamon out of a bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden looked around for a moment before settling on an oblong purple fruit with red stripes and a yellow stem. She sniffed it. It smelled sweet. She took a small bite. Tangy, sweet, and a hint of something Aiden couldn\u2019t identify but added to the flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden looked around while she ate her fruit. \u201cWhere is everyone?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cKasai, Saija, and Purona are out for a run. Tannin\u2019s still out cold. Amaryllis and Ryogin haven\u2019t come out of their room yet.\u201d Onin answered without looking up from his phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden snorted and took another bite of her fruit. She\u2019d only known the Gesarans\u2014wait, the other Gesarans, she was one now, too\u2014for a few days, but Tannin hadn\u2019t ever been up before noon. She was pretty sure this species reproduced sexually, so\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden felt her face heat, and changed the topic to distract herself. \u201cPurona seems like a good kid, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin looked up from his phone. \u201cYeah. Kasai seems to have taken a shine to her. And Amaryllis either likes her too, or feels bad for scaring her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cProbably both.\u201d Aiden frowned. \u201cCan I ask a dumb question?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAre Gesarans usually so open?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHmm?\u201d Onin scrunched up his eyebrows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell\u2014\u201d Aiden picked at her fruit. \u201cEveryone last night was sharing about themselves, and you all seem to want to spend time together. And Nekotians are known for being quite social with family. It\u2019s just different for me. All my past hosts have been Kagoshi. They work together, but they don\u2019t really socialize.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat must be dull.\u201d Onin frowned. \u201cIt\u2019d probably kill Tannin to visit them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThey\u2019re not dull, more like\u2026\u201d A word popped into Aiden\u2019s mind. \u201cThey\u2019re more like extreme introverts. Any interaction with others is given thought, and they need to relax by being alone, or at least not interacting with others for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden finished the rest of her fruit in silence. She should think about interacting more with the others. She\u2019d been silent throughout the conversation last night mostly out of habit. If this species was social like the Nekotians, she should interact with them more. It might be good for whatever was left of the host personality, and it should help her work better with the group, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The door to Ryogin and Amaryllis\u2019 room flew open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis twirled out into the living area. \u201cGood morning, everyone! Isn\u2019t it a lovely day?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She paused mid-spin. \u201cWait. Where is everyone?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin pointed to the door. \u201cOut for a ru\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Before he could finish his sentence, a portal swirled open. Kasai, Saija, Purona, and two other Nekotions that looked like they\u2019d lost a fight with a dead whale stumbled out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin jumped up and ran over to Kasai. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden blinked. \u201cUm, there\u2019s not going to be an inter-planatary incident, is there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThey attacked us in the park!\u201d Purona\u2019s ears stood straight up, and her tail was bushed out. \u201cI called Rala, my boss, but she didn\u2019t answer. What do we do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Doors banged open and Cerina, Ryogin, and even Tannin ran out into the living room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cFirst, we should get these girls to a doctor.\u201d Onin pointed to the wounds on their chests. \u201cThen we can figure out what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOkay.\u201d Purona took a deep breath and smoothed down her tail with her hands. \u201cUm, like, there\u2019s a super good hospital at the spaceport where I work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOn it.\u201d Saija swung her hand and a purple portal swirled open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Aiden nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s a good option. That\u2019s a military facility. Since all of us off-worlders are involved, the Nekotian kinsets will want to keep this as under control as they can until we figure out what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Purona gulped and stepped through the portal, the others right behind her.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<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\">Ailah looked up from the row of herbs she was weeding at the sound of the garden gate swinging open. A scantily clad woman with black hair and no ears strode into their garden like she owned it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Wait, no ears. Is this one of those Gesarans that was on the news?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ailah\u2019s mother rose from where she sat at the other end of the garden. Ailah\u2019s younger sister Silah clung to her skirt. \u201cCan I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The stranger cocked her head to the side and grinned. \u201cYeah, I\u2019m recruiting for a little project.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ailah shivered. Something about the stranger\u2019s grin was unsettling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ailah\u2019s mother dusted her hands off on her skirt. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I don\u2019t have time to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The stranger stabbed her hand forward into Ailah\u2019s mother\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ailah froze in terror. <em>This can\u2019t be happening!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The stranger cackled. The color drained from Ailah\u2019s mother\u2019s hair and skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Silah beat her tiny hands against the stranger\u2019s legs. \u201cWeave Mommy awown!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The stranger snarled and back-handed Silah. The child went flying, rolled across rows of plants, and lay still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ailah gasped and jerked to her feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The stranger whirled to face her. \u201cAh, there\u2019s another one, too.\u201d She frowned. \u201cA tad too young for my current needs, but you\u2019ll do nicely for something the others are working on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She snapped her fingers. \u201cCome here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ailah spun and ran away. There wasn\u2019t anything she could do. Maybe she could go get help. Ailah tripped over something, spun through blackness, and landed on her butt a foot or so in front of the stranger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ailah blinked. <em>How\u2019d I get here?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTsk, no running now.\u201d The stranger tapped Ailah on the head, and the world went dark.<\/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\">Kasai stepped out of the portal. The Nekotian woman she was holding still struggled and tried to punch and scratch her. Saija was also struggling with her prisoner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUgh. Enough of this.\u201d Kasai let go of the woman, and grabbed her entire body telekinetically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHere.\u201d Amaryllis touched Saija on the shoulder. \u201cI\u2019ve got her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija\u2019s prisoner jerked and was still, then floated along behind Amaryllis. Amaryllis turned her head and winked at Kasai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ryogin cleared his throat. \u201cYou guys go on ahead. I\u2019m going to head back to check on the ship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Amaryllis frowned. \u201cAww.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ryogin kissed the top of her head. \u201cIf the Natas are loose, we need to make sure the ship is secure, and you know I have a few projects I want to check on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cFine.\u201d Amaryllis\u2019 ears drooped. \u201cIf we\u2019re going to be fighting Natas, I\u2019d rather you be safe in the ship, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Ryogin pulled her in for a kiss, then jogged off in the direction of the landing pad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">If only Onin would\u2026 Kasai sighed and followed the others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Purona led them down an alley between buildings, and through an unlabeled side door. The door led to a small white room with a tie-dye colored reception desk. Purona walked up and rubbed cheeks with the woman behind the desk, and briefly explained why they were there. The women led them to a small exam room, informed them a doctor would be with them shortly, and locked them in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai shuffled back toward the wall and folded her wings more tightly to her back. The room was barely big enough to hold all ten of them. The back wall had a line of cabinets under and over a countertop, and a small sink in the counter. The wall to the left of the door had a one-person bed hanging from it, and various devices, screens, hoses, and other things Kasai couldn\u2019t identify hung off the wall above the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina rattled the door. \u201cDid she really have to lock us in here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSecurity.\u201d Onin leaned against the wall. \u201cPut yourself in her shoes. If we were on Gesara, and a Nekotian group came in carrying two injured Gesarans, you\u2019d be a tad suspicious, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI know I would be.\u201d Saija said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai bit her lip. She\u2019d also be a tad on edge if aliens showed up and stirred up a lot of trouble. On the other hand, it was the Natas\u2019 fault. Kasai looked over at Purona. She didn\u2019t seem too scared of any one individual here. She was hiding between Amaryllis and Kasai, and stared at the injured Nekotians. Kasai was about to ask Purona\u2019s opinion on all this when there was a knock on the door, followed by it\u2019s opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Xironi and another Nekotian woman entered the room and closed the door. The other woman closely resembled Xironi. Same red hair, green eyes, and a similar facial structure. They weren\u2019t twins, but had to be related.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Xironi frowned and looked at Purona. \u201cWhat\u2019s the situation?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The other woman started examining the injured Nekotians that had attacked Kasai and Saija.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Purona\u2019s ears flattened to the back of her head. \u201cKasai and Saija wanted to go for a run, so I took them to <em>Happy Little Trees Park<\/em>. We went around the running trail, and at about the halfway point we each, like, got a funny feeling that something was following us. I\u2019m not quite sure how, but the next thing I knew they went off the trail, then they were back and these other crazed girls were attacking us. They were all gross and stuff.\u201d Purona shuddered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAlayis?\u201d Xironi turned and called over her shoulders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The other red-headed Nekotian that had entered with Xironi looked up from the patient she was examining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThis is weird.\u201d Alayis frowned. \u201cTheir blood and nutrient levels are low, there\u2019s weird neural activity, and I can\u2019t explain the eyes without further examination. They aren\u2019t responding to any stimuli, except to attack whoever is closest to them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Xironi arched an eyebrow. \u201cThey look pretty docile right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cKasai and I are restraining them with telekinesis,\u201d Amaryllis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Both of Xironi\u2019s eyebrows shot up. \u201cTelekinesis. That would explain why the Kagoshi thought you might be helpful against the Natas.\u201d She frowned. \u201cSpeaking of the Natas, I may have more news on that front. We\u2019ll deal with that once we get this sorted out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCan you get one of them onto a diagnostic bed?\u201d Alayis pointed to the injured Nekotian closest to her. \u201cLet\u2019s start with that one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai jerked upright. She was restraining the indicated patient. She nudged the woman with her mind, and sent her floating over to hover over the only bed in the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOkay.\u201d Alayis pressed a few buttons on a control panel set into the wall and hovered her finger over another button. \u201cRelease her, please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUm\u2014\u201d Kasai looked over at Onin, then back to Alayis. \u201cIf I do that, she\u2019ll start attacking us again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDon\u2019t worry.\u201d Alayis jerked her chin in the direction of the control panel. \u201cThe bed has restraints, and I\u2019m ready to activate them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOkay\u2026 now!\u201d Kasai mentally let go of the woman she\u2019d been restraining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The woman started to thrash, and Alayis jabbed the button. There was a static snap, and the woman dropped to the bed and lay still. Alayis pressed a few more buttons, and lowered an arm with a black half-dome at the end of it over the patient&#8217;s head. A green laser blinked on and scanned back and forth over the woman\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThis is weird.\u201d Alayis frowned at the display. \u201cHer muscles and nerves are getting signals to fire, but the motor cortex in the brain is all but dead. It\u2019s like she\u2019s being remote controlled or something, but I\u2019m not detecting any signals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai gasped and looked at Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin made a fist with his right hand and smacked it into his left palm. \u201cArjuketa!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cArjuketa?\u201d Xironi looked around the room. \u201cWho\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cA Natas.\u201d Saija and Aiden spoke at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOne we fought recently before we came here.\u201d Onin took a step toward Xironi. \u201cShe called herself \u2018the Puppet Master of The Seven\u2019, whatever that means.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Xironi sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. \u201cThen the other incidents are related. Claal-Deka would like to discuss them with you. Purona will take you to him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Xironi clasped Alayis on the shoulder, then left the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo\u2026\u201d Cerina looked around. \u201cDo we just leave these guys here to terrorize the hospital or something?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019d like to run some more tests.\u201d Alayis pulled an air needle from her pocket and pressed it to the neck of the prisoner who Amaryllis still had restrained. \u201cThat should hold her. We\u2019ll take care of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cUh, we shouldn\u2019t keep Claal-Deka waiting.\u201d Purona opened the door, opened her mouth, shut it, and held out a hand indicating the way out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai suppressed a chuckle. <em>Purona\u2019s becoming more at ease with <\/em><em>us<\/em><em>, but she\u2019s still a tad shy and nervous.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai let out a sigh of relief. This meeting was in the same room as their previous meeting with Claal-Deka. The uh, loud, colors of Nekotian design didn\u2019t bother her as much as they did Cerina, but the insides of fancy Nekotian buildings was still enough to make Kasai\u2019s eyes water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Claal-Deka was already seated at the meeting table when Kasai and the others were ushered into the room. A Kagoshi sat next to him. Kasai took the opportunity to get a good look at him. She hadn\u2019t really had the chance on the ship, what with the shooting and all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The Kagoshi was around the same size as the average Nekotian, though it was hard to tell exactly when he was sitting down. He had violet skin. On this closer inspection, it wasn\u2019t really skin, though. More like\u2026 bark? There were irregular lines and ridges, and the joints were well defined and visible. It might even be an exoskeleton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThis is Kl\u2019cha\u2019i, of the Kagoshi.\u201d Claal-Deka nodded to the purple alien.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin bowed. \u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai shrank back to stand him. She was glad he was here for this part. Kasai wasn\u2019t fond of talking to new people, and this alien\u2019s eyes bored into her as though she were the enemy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019ve received a report from Xironi\u2014\u201d Claal-Deka waved a tablet in his left hand. \u201c\u2014about situations where sickly looking women have been attacking people in random locations around the city. Her report matches up with the data that Aylayis sent from the two your group has captured. If they are related to the Natas, I\u2019d like you to look into it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kl\u2019cha\u2019i made a buzzing noise. \u201cThe Union of Free Allied Planets hasn\u2019t recognized this group. For all we know, Gesara could be the planet of origin for the Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey!\u201d Cerina stepped forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin motioned with his hand, and Tannin stepped forward and clapped a hand over her mouth. Saija leaned in and whispered something to her. Kasai wanted to say something as well, but that might make it worse. Cerina hadn\u2019t liked her from the moment they\u2019d first met. They\u2019d been getting along better lately, but Kasai didn\u2019t want to push things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Claal-Deka cocked his head to the side and stared at Kl\u2019cha\u2019i with a bemused expression on his face. He sat that way for a few minutes before speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cReally now.\u201d Claal-Deka flicked his fingers in Onin\u2019s direction. \u201cYou honestly think he\u2019s a Natas?\u201d Claal-Deka laughed. \u201cI might not get out into the universe much, but I know that young man is no Natas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kl\u2019cha\u2019i made a noise like wood grating on wood. \u201cThey are deceitful and vile. Another mammalian species crawls out of the scum pit of the universe, and oh, of course they\u2019re our friends!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Purona gasped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Claal-Deka shot to his feet and leaned down over Kl\u2019cha\u2019i. \u201cAre you challenging my right to rule my kinset?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai shivered. His friendly, nonchalant manner was gone, and his voice was like iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kl\u2019cha\u2019i quivered in his seat. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGood. That would be most unwise.\u201d Claal-Deka returned to his seat, but still faced Kl\u2019cha\u2019i. \u201cIf you\u2019re high enough among the Kagoshi to be sent here, you must know our customs. And if you know our customs, I will enforce them. This is my world, and the territory of my kinset. I will decide how to handle matters. You will observe, and report back to your superiors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kl\u2019cha\u2019i nodded, and Claal-Deka spun his chair to face Onin. He took a quick breath, and was once again the laid-back, carefree person he\u2019d been before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSorry about that.\u201d Claal-Deka took a moment to look each of them in the eyes. \u201cIs Purona performing her duties to your satisfaction?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai blinked. That was a quick change of topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes.\u201d Onin looked around at the rest of them, and everyone nodded back. Even Cerina. \u201cShe\u2019s doing great.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cExcellent!\u201d Claal-Deka clapped his hands together. \u201cPurona, take them to the area of the last disturbance. Xironi will have had your supervisor send you the information by now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Purona gulped, saluted, and led the way out the door.<\/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-31\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"371\">&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-33\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"382\">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 32: Hide and Seek Kasai was up before everyone except for Saija, who she found in the kitchenette of their suite cooking toast. \u201cHey.\u201d&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-378","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/378","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=378"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/378\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":390,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/378\/revisions\/390"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=378"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}