{"id":70,"date":"2021-07-19T15:28:56","date_gmt":"2021-07-19T19:28:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/?page_id=70"},"modified":"2021-09-13T12:21:02","modified_gmt":"2021-09-13T16:21:02","slug":"chapter-22","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-22\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 022: Demons of the Mind"},"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 22:<\/strong> Demons of the Mind<\/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 was vaguely aware of the warehouse door opening and shutting behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Amaryllis asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin pointed up. The dragon circled around, descending slowly. Even high up in the sky, its shadow blocked the sunlight for the surrounding area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWow, that\u2019s big.\u201d Saija skidded to a stop behind Onin and shielded her eyes with her hands. She craned her neck to see the dragon. \u201cWho knew they were real?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe monks told stories about the dragons.\u201d Kasai shuddered and took a step behind Onin. \u201cDidn\u2019t think they\u2019d be so big, though. How can we fight something so massive?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell\u2014\u201d Onin suppressed a shudder and, squared his shoulders. \u201cLet\u2019s take on the Natas together and then worry about the dragon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Suit-man laughed. \u201cThat\u2019s a good plan. Except for one detail.\u201d He waved and the dragon landed with a thud in front of the Natas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin leaned to the left. \u201cUh, is he running away?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe Natas have what they want from your world. I will ensure that you vermin don\u2019t bother them further.\u201d The dragon snorted and a bit of green flame shot from its nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin took a step backward. Kasai gripped his arm and pressed up against his back. The dragon\u2019s voice thundered and reverberated through his body. The thing was easily the size of the factory warehouse. The earth shook each time the dragon stepped forward. How could they fight something that large?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis took a step forward. \u201cI suspect the Natas is attempting to make it to the gate. We need to work together to defeat the dragon before that happens.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Thunder rolled across the plain. Onin jumped. It wasn\u2019t thunder. It was the dragon laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe can do it if we all work together.\u201d Amaryllis turned and stepped in front of Tannin. \u201cMay I copy your gift?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou don\u2019t have any questions?\u201d Amaryllis flicked an ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNot when a building-sized dragon is right in front of me.\u201d Tannin rubbed his eyes. \u201cNope, it\u2019s still there. Go right ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin grabbed Amaryllis\u2019 staff. After a moment, he yawned. Onin pulled an energy bar from his pocket and tossed it to Tannin, who waved his thanks and scarfed it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSaija?\u201d Amaryllis held out her staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGladly.\u201d Saija pulled Amaryllis into a hug. \u201cPlease don\u2019t die.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin generated two more servitors. \u201cYou know more about dragons than we do. What should each of us do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMy knowledge of dragons comes second-hand from Ryogin-sama.\u201d Amaryllis frowned and flattened her ears to the back of her head. \u201cOur best chance is for me to attack head on. Onin, support me with servitors. Cerina, see if you can find the resonance frequency for whatever kind of crystal he\u2019s made of.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis took both of Kasai\u2019s hands in hers. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you to do this. But I would like to ask you to take that pill Ryogin-sama and I made for you. To defeat the dragon, we\u2019re going to need you to be able to access the full power of your dragon genes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai pulled Amaryllis and Onin into a hug. \u201cI\u2019m scared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin pulled her tight. From what Ryogin had said, no one knew what would happen, and Kasai hadn\u2019t fully resolved her relationship with Onryo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI know.\u201d Amaryllis looked up at Onin, then back down to Kasai. \u201cI have no right to ask, but we all need your full strength.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai looked up at Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI can\u2019t make a decision for you.\u201d Onin pressed his forehead to Kasai\u2019s. \u201cThe more power we have for this fight, the better, but I\u2019ll respect your decision either way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A dissonant twang on the guitar sounded. Onin looked over his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina stuck out her tongue. \u201cCould you three save it for later? Am I the only one wondering why the dragon hasn\u2019t eaten us yet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The dragon laughed. \u201cWhy would I eat such as you? As to why I haven\u2019t attacked\u2014\u201d The spines along his back rippled. \u201cThe Natas have no honor. They would attack first. There is yet honor among the dragons. Though you are but pests, destined to be extinguished, you are still the defending party and have the right to the first attack. You should be glad. Not many among my kind would grant you this recognition.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin leaned closer to Onin. \u201cAre all our enemies crazy? Even the script-writers for a day-time drama would throw out that line.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOn the other hand, if you insult my gesture of goodwill\u2014\u201d The dragon drew back his head and opened his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A green-white ball of light formed in the back of the dragon\u2019s throat and grew in size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUh-oh.\u201d Amaryllis held her staff in front of her. \u201cDon\u2019t insult dragons. Multi-class: Shield-wall.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A wall of blue flame formed in front of Amaryllis. A blast of glowing, green fire erupted from the dragon and splashed across Amaryllis\u2019 shield. She grunted when it impacted. The shield flickered but held.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAll right!\u201d Tannin pumped his fist. \u201cScore one for us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis took a deep breath. \u201cI barely blocked that. That was full-force dragonfire. There\u2019s no way a normal shield would hold up against that. We\u2019ve got to split up, provide multiple targets, and avoid another direct hit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m gonna do it.\u201d Kasai shoved her hand into her pocket and pulled Ryogin\u2019s pill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Onin put a hand on her shoulder. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai looked at the dragon and sighed. \u201cOne way or another, yes I do.\u201d She tilted the pill into her mouth and swallowed. \u201cHuh, they said it might make me tired, but I feel\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai swooned. Onin caught her and eased her to the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCerina, Saija!\u201d Onin waved to beckon them over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYo.\u201d Saija popped up from a portal on the other side of Kasai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou two keep her safe.\u201d Onin transferred Kasai over onto Saija\u2019s shoulder. \u201cAmaryllis, Tannin, and I will try to distract the dragon until she wakes up.\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 blinked. She stood in an empty white void. She couldn\u2019t smell or feel anything. A distant rhythmic thumping surrounded her on all sides. This had to be a dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHello?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">No one answered, and her voice didn\u2019t echo. She took a few steps forward. The scenery, or lack thereof, didn\u2019t change. It was difficult to tell if she\u2019d even moved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIs anyone there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Still no answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m not sure what the point of this is.\u201d Kasai squatted and poked at the floor. There was nothing there. \u201cSo, am I floating?\u201d She sighed. \u201cGreat, now I\u2019m talking to myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The distant thumping increased in tempo. There was a flash, and a baby was in front of her. The baby was being held by a pair of arms, but the rest of the person holding the baby dissolved into the mist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHush, Kasai. Mama has you.\u201d The voice was a woman\u2019s, and it echoed from the mist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWait, is that me? Mom?\u201d Kasai took a few steps forward but got no closer to the baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A light flashed, and Kasai found herself standing in a small wood cabin. A red-haired woman held a small child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWait\u2014\u201d Kasai turned around. This cabin was familiar. The evergreen tree on the quilt, the blonde-haired doll. \u201cThat\u2019s me&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai took a few steps. She could move around, but it was like she was moving in slow motion. Her mom and the younger version of herself didn\u2019t seem to notice her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A tall man with red eyes burst through the door. He said something indistinct. Young Kasai hid in her mother\u2019s skirt and trembled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhy can\u2019t I hear anything?\u201d Kasai stepped between the man and the younger version of herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The man stepped right through her. Kasai whirled around. \u201cHow\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">He continued talking. Kasai still couldn\u2019t make out any words, but he was getting louder. He reached out and grabbed young Kasai by the shoulder. Her mother pulled her away and stepped in front of her. The man punched her mother in the head, and she collapsed onto the floor. Blood pooled around her head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai gasped and put a hand to her mouth. She took a step forward and paused. Young Kasai stared at her mother and went rigid. A tail and wings grew from her back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOnryo?\u201d Kasai reached out. Her hand trembled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYup. This is when I first showed up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A girl who looked exactly like her, only with red hair, wings, and a tail stood beside her. Onryo.<\/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\">Amaryllis flew up into the air. \u201cDragonfire!\u201d A blast of red fire lanced out and splashed against the dragon\u2019s side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat was that supposed to be?\u201d The dragon snorted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis frowned. This wasn\u2019t going to be easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">She held out her staff. \u201cMulti-class: fire elemental.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A drop of orange-red fire formed at the end of her staff and fell to the ground. Sprouts of flame grew into arms and legs, and the elemental increased to double the size of a human. Amaryllis smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Afraid it wasn\u2019t going to work?<\/em> Ryogin-sama asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Well, it was the first time I\u2019ve used that.<\/em> Amaryllis directed the elemental to attack the dragon while she flew over it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTannin, I need an opening.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin saluted her and drew his swords as he ran toward the dragon. Amaryllis aimed the tip of her staff at the dragon\u2019s eyes. Ice probably wouldn\u2019t hurt it, but if she could distract it\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMulti-class: ice-lighting.\u201d An arc of ice-lighting zipped out of Amaryllis\u2019 staff toward the dragon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">It exploded into a cloud of steam upon impact. Amaryllis dove at the dragon\u2019s flank. Tannin was in position. He plunged both swords into the dragon\u2019s hide. Well, hide wasn\u2019t exactly the right word, as it was made of overlapping ruby plates. A ringing screech echoed from the dragon\u2019s ruby scales as Tannin\u2019s onicranium blades sliced through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The racket pounded inside her head. Amaryllis flattened her ears against her skull. The horrible noise continued. She pressed her hands over her ears. That helped a little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Chunks of rubies the size of her hands flew everywhere as Tannin sliced at the dragon\u2019s scales. This wasn\u2019t going to be enough. There was a hole about six inches deep in the scale now, but Tannin hadn\u2019t made it through yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cStand back, I\u2019m going to try now,\u201d Amaryllis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin took a step backward. The dragon swung a paw, and sent Tannin arcing through the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI can see my house from here!\u201d Tannin yelled as he shot up past Amaryllis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">She blinked. <em>Something\u2019s wrong with that boy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\"><em>He\u2019ll be fine. The armor we made for him, and his gift, will keep him safe.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis glared at her staff and flicked an ear. <em>That\u2019s not what I meant.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\"><em>If you\u2019re going to attack, you should do it now.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHmpf!\u201d Amaryllis flicked an ear at her staff. Ryogin-sama could be so literal at times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">She spun her staff to point it at the hole in the dragon\u2019s scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMulti-class: Armor piercing!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis felt the surge of combined dragonfire, ice, and lighting swell within her. She channeled each of them into her staff, and it emitted a combined blast that shoved her backwards.<\/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 circled around Onryo. \u201cIf you\u2019re me, how can you be here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Onryo shrugged. \u201cThis is your dream. You tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai looked back at the dream\u2014or was it a memory? Young Onryo flung fireballs at the man and set fire to the cabin. The man wasn\u2019t burning. He had to be a Natas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Light flashed and the scene changed. Young Kasai was alone on a dirt road that ran through a forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI remember this.\u201d Kasai stepped back to stand next to Onryo. \u201cNo one would help me, though.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou don\u2019t remember all of it.\u201d Onryo pointed. \u201cKeep watching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A band of drunks came around a bend in the road. Young Kasai asked for food, and the drunks started to shove her. One of them tore her shirt and grabbed at her pants. She transformed again and chased them away, flinging fire after them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSo that\u2019s how the rumors started.\u201d Kasai twirled her hair around her finger. \u201cBut why don\u2019t I remember any of this? Do you remember this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYeah, I remember it.\u201d Onryo stepped in front of Kasai. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Kasai twirled her hair around her finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOur therapist says I\u2019m a defense mechanism. Ryogin says your DNA is out of whack.\u201d Onryo shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know. That stuff is your problem. I just fight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai reached out and placed a hand on Onryo\u2019s arm. \u201cDon\u2019t you hate me for keeping you around to only fight my battles?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onryo bit her lip. \u201cI dunno. I should, maybe. But I don\u2019t. I like fighting, and I guess I care about what happens to you.\u201d She raised an eyebrow. \u201cShouldn\u2019t you be thinking of me as more of a facet of you instead of another person?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHmm.\u201d Kasai tuned away. More memories of black-cloaked figures chasing her, and Onryo fighting them off flashed in front of her. \u201cDreams are weird.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cPay attention.\u201d Onryo jerked her head at the dream version of younger Kasai. \u201cImportant one coming up.\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\">Onin frowned. On the one hand, they weren\u2019t dead. On the other, they weren\u2019t even so much as irritating the dragon. He was clearly toying with them. Why else would he stand still and let Tannin hack at him?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The dragon flicked a talon, and Tannin flew through the air. Onin sent a servitor to catch him. Amaryllis fired a large blast at the dragon\u2014and nothing happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCerina\u2014\u201d Onin turned around. \u201cAny luck finding the resonance frequency of that crystal?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s ruby.\u201d Cerina frowned and pointed at some of the shards that Tannin had hacked off the dragon\u2019s scales. \u201cRegular, plain old ruby gemstones. The hunks that Tannin hacked off shatter when I hit the right frequency. The rest of the dragon\u2014nothing. It has to have abilities or something that make it different.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHmm.\u201d Onin frowned. \u201cThere has to be something&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">A stack of servitors zapped the dragon with lightning. Just like the last few times, the lighting reflected off its scales. The dragon swung its neck around, opened its mouth, and swallowed the servitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin felt his mouth fall open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat?\u201d Saija leapt to her feet and shook Onin\u2019s arm. \u201cWhat was that? Did he just EAT lighting?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIs Cerina still ensuring that we can hear each other?\u201d Amaryllis asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYes.\u201d Onin shaded his eyes with his hand and looked around. Amaryllis was on the far side of the dragon. \u201cI can hear you. Can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI can.\u201d There was a pause while Amaryllis shot another blast of ice at the dragon. \u201cDragons are based on silicon, unlike life on Gesara that\u2019s carbon-based. They have an internal fusion reaction that gives them energy. It\u2019s likely that he did indeed eat your servitor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUm, shouldn\u2019t we be more fight-y and less lecture-y?\u201d Cerina plucked a low note and glared at Amaryllis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">The dragon flicked his tail and caught Amaryllis on the calf. The blow knocked her out of the air, and she landed in a heap in front of Onin and Cerina. Onin waved to a servitor, and it floated over and ran a healing beam over Amaryllis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUgh.\u201d Amaryllis struggled to her feet. \u201cYou have a good point.\u201d She turned to Onin. \u201cIs that servitor almost back with Tannin?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin glanced off to the side and reached out with his mind for the servitor. \u201cShould only be another minute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cExcellent.\u201d Amaryllis cracked her neck. \u201cWhen he gets back, we should launch a combined attack.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina snorted. \u201cWhat good would that do? Our attacks don\u2019t seem to do much good against it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Saija yawned. \u201cI\u2019ve been trying to portal it away, or open a portal inside it, and the portal won\u2019t open. I have no idea why.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe goal isn\u2019t to win.\u201d Amaryllis put a hand on Saija\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWe just have to occupy the dragon long enough for Kasai to wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin turned and knelt by Kasai. How long would she sleep? Would she wake up in time? And how much more could she help?<\/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 turned around. They were in a playground in a park now. The playground was surrounded by oak trees. A line of swing sets and teeter-totters was off to the right, and a large grassy field was to her left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWait, this is where I met Cerina, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think so.\u201d Onryo sat in a swing and pushed off the ground. \u201cWe didn\u2019t find out it was her until later though, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Kasai wrapped her arms around her chest. \u201cHer sister died. Could I have saved her if I hadn\u2019t hidden from all of this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onryo shrugged. \u201cBeats me. I think the point of all this is to learn from the past though, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYeah.\u201d Kasai sat in the swing next to Onryo and watched as young Kasai took a step towards Cerina, then stopped and stared at her feet. \u201cLearn from the past, make a better future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSure.\u201d Onryo watched the memory play out in front of them for a moment, then turned back to Kasai. \u201cSo, whatcha learning from all this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMostly it\u2019s just bringing back old feelings.\u201d Kasai twirled her hair around her finger. \u201cBeing alone, wondering why nobody wanted me. The whole half-dragon thing kinda fills in some of that. It\u2019s good to fill in gaps in memory, just hard to relive it, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onryo shrugged again. \u201cYou know you\u2019re talking to yourself, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Kasai jerked her head up and stared at Onryo. \u201cOh. I guess that\u2019s true.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">She sighed and turned to watch the memories play out.<\/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 generated another servitor and sent it around to the far side of the dragon. The dragon whipped his head around and snapped at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUm, why\u2019d you make another one if it\u2019s just gonna eat it?\u201d Cerina asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTo buy us some time.\u201d Onin pulled an energy bar out of his pocket and ate it in two bites. \u201cTannin\u2019s almost back, and Amaryllis should bandage that cut on her leg.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d Amaryllis reached down and placed her palm over the cut on her calf muscle. \u201cRestore: twenty percent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Blue mist formed around the wound. When it dispersed the bleeding had stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere, all patched up.\u201d Amaryllis prodded at the scar with a finger. \u201cWasn\u2019t that deep. Better armor up, though.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cArmor? Why didn\u2019t you\u2026 oh never mind.\u201d Cerina rolled her eyes and changed the melody she was playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Amaryllis let go of her staff and raised her arms above her head. \u201cArtifice: Full up-link, battle armor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Twin white circles of light formed around Amaryllis\u2019 waist. They counter-rotated, and one spun up toward her head, the other down to her feet, leaving silver-white body armor in their wake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOoo, armor!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin looked up at the sound of Tannin\u2019s voice. He floated a few feet off the ground, suspended underneath a servitor. The servitor lowered him to the ground, then released him before it zipped off to shoot lightning at the dragon. Just in time, too, as it had just swallowed the other servitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHmm.\u201d Tannin circled around Amaryllis. His eyes squinted as he looked her up and down. \u201cWhat\u2019s with the uni-boob?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Cerina stopped playing long enough to join Saija in smacking the back of Tannin\u2019s head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIdiot.\u201d Cerina rolled her eyes and huffed. \u201cThis isn\u2019t a fantasy game.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYeah. Body-fitting armor would just direct damage\u2014\u201d Saija jabbed Tannin in the middle of the chest. \u201c\u2014here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh.\u201d Tannin\u2019s eyebrows rose. \u201cThat makes sense.\u201d He frowned. \u201cStill looks weird, though.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI know I\u2019m asking a lot\u2014\u201d Onin placed a hand on Tannin\u2019s shoulder. \u201c\u2014but can you concentrate for half a second.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Tannin\u2019s mouth pulled to one side, and he cocked his head, apparently in thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws wp-block-paragraph\">Onin sighed and rubbed his forehead. \u201cI\u2019ll take that as a \u2018no\u2019. Anyway, we need to launch a coordinated attack on that dragon. I\u2019ve got an idea&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<aside id=\"custom_html-2\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><h2 class=\"widget-title\">Advertisment &#8211; Help keep Etherno free<\/h2><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6329442091957906\";\n    google_ad_slot = \"2637632844\";\n    google_ad_width = 728;\n    google_ad_height = 90;\n<\/script>\n<!-- 728x90, created 3\/31\/09 -->\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/div><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-21\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"252\">&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-23\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"267\">Next Chapter &gt;&gt;<\/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 22: Demons of the Mind Onin was vaguely aware of the warehouse door opening and shutting behind him. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Amaryllis asked. Onin&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-70","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/70","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=70"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/70\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":310,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/70\/revisions\/310"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}