{"id":75,"date":"2021-07-07T21:07:16","date_gmt":"2021-07-08T01:07:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/?page_id=75"},"modified":"2021-07-12T20:01:02","modified_gmt":"2021-07-13T00:01:02","slug":"chapter-3","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/chapter-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 003: Clean up in Aisle One!"},"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 3: Clean up in Aisle One!<\/strong><\/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<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"963\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Onryo_md.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-80\" srcset=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Onryo_md.png 800w, https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Onryo_md-249x300.png 249w, https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Onryo_md-768x924.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin slumped in his chair. Great. Detention would look wonderful on his record. Or whatever the college equivalent was. Dean Nimishi and Professor Jekao sat behind the dean\u2019s desk across from Onin. Tannin was on his left, and Kasai was seated to his right. Cerina was seated in a chair on the other side of the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo, Kasai hit Cerina first, right?\u201d the dean said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cShe was provoked, sir,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Dean Nimishi rubbed his temples. \u201cThat\u2019s not what I asked.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSorry, sir.\u201d Onin squirmed in his seat. \u201cYes, Kasai struck first, but only after Cerina grabbed her shoulder.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAnd why didn\u2019t you stop them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The first thing to come to Onin\u2019s mind was to say that it wasn\u2019t his job, and Cerina needed to be taught a lesson after pushing someone around. That wouldn\u2019t help his current predicament, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI was about to, sir, but it was over before I could decide how to break it up safely,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cFine. You will write an essay on how to handle these types of incidents in the future. It\u2019s due next week. Do a good job on this. It\u2019ll go out to all the S-class students on campus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin suppressed a groan. How\u2019d he get mixed up in this? He didn\u2019t do anything wrong. He looked over at Tannin, who\u2019d been uncharacteristically silent for the whole meeting, except when the Dean asked him to give his statement about what had happened. The corner of Tannin\u2019s mouth pulled down, and he lifted his eyebrows as he glanced over at Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The dean turned to Kasai. \u201cYou\u2019re an S-class. You shouldn\u2019t ever need to get into a fight.\u201d He swiveled in his chair to face Cerina and continued in a harsher tone. \u201cAs for you, you can leave your attitudes about social classes back in the forest. Provoking a fight is just as bad as throwing the first punch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">His gaze swept over all of them now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo, for punishment, you\u2019re going to have to learn to work together. You\u2019ll start by cleaning up the cafeteria, then you\u2019ll be working with local law enforcement to track down last night\u2019s trespassers. Meet with Professor Jekao in his office to discuss that assignment in more detail after you\u2019re done with the cafeteria. Dismissed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin practically bolted for the door. Cerina shoved past him and stomped off down the hallway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey, wait, isn\u2019t she supposed to come with us and help clean?\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin shrugged. \u201cGo tell her that, then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin made a face. \u201cI\u2019ll pass, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019m sorry I got you into this.\u201d Kasai\u2019s shoulders slumped. \u201cTrouble follows me everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah, we could have run off like everyone else.\u201d Tannin shrugged. \u201cI just can\u2019t see that crazy b\u2014uh, psycho\u2014um, well, I can\u2019t just sit there and let people stomp up to someone and start screaming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt was our choice to get involved.\u201d Onin shoved Tannin in front of him and fell back to keep pace with Kasai. \u201cSo, we\u2019ll help clean. Let\u2019s get it over with.\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-large\"><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 janitor stood in the doorway to the cafeteria. He handed each of them a broom and dustpan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThe dean says you have to use these and nothing but muscle power to clean up the veranda. No gifts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A groan escaped Onin\u2019s lips. This sucked, and it wasn\u2019t even his fault!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The janitor waved a hand at the outer doors. \u201cTrashcans are outside, put all the debris in there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He passed out the cleaning implements and left them alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, we might as well get to it,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Three hours later the veranda was clean. Onin leaned against the wall and slid down to a sitting position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, that was fun.\u201d Onin rubbed the back of his forearms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIf you think that was fun, I\u2019ve really got to drag you to more parties.\u201d Tannin slumped against the wall and sat next to Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe should get to Professor Jekao\u2019s office.\u201d Kasai sighed. Her face had a blank, neutral expression. She scooped up her dustpan, turned around, and left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin groaned as he struggled to his feet and followed her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019m serious about the parties.\u201d Tannin called after him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhatever. Shut up and come on.\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-large\"><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\">Cerina was waiting for them outside Jekao\u2019s office. She smirked at them before she turned the doorknob and entered. Onin was tempted to barge in after her and let the professor know she hadn\u2019t helped them with the cleaning. He stopped mid-stride. This wasn\u2019t grade school. He could only control his own actions. It\u2019d be better in the long run to let Cerina deal with the fall-out from hers on her own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAh, good, you\u2019re all here,\u201d Professor Jekao said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin followed the others inside the professor\u2019s office. He plopped into a chair by the door. The office looked almost exactly like the dean\u2019s office. Same white walls, same plastic desk that was patterned to look like wood, and the same green curtains on the window. A few maps on the walls and a bookshelf full of worn volumes gave the professor\u2019s office a touch of personality. Onin wasn\u2019t sure if the cookie-cutter offices indicated that ABG wasn\u2019t well-off financially, or if it meant they understood that fancy offices weren\u2019t what was really important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo, why are we here,\u201d Tannin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIf you\u2019ll shut the door, please,\u201d Professor Jekao replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai flicked a finger and the door clicked shut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The professor leveled at stare at each of them before he spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou all know about the attack on Onin and Kasai last night, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina snorted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Jekao cleared his throat. \u201cI\u2019ll deal with you later. You still owe ABG some cleanup work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina jerked her head up and clenched the armrests of her chair. \u201cPardon?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Jakao smiled. \u201cYou do know there\u2019s cameras out there, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina\u2019s face paled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin smiled. She\u2019d probably get a lot worse punishment now. Served her right for not helping. Especially since it was her fault to begin with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAnyway,\u201d Jekao turned to face Onin. \u201cLocal law enforcement has asked for our help in tracking down the perpetrators. Stuff like this may happen out in the country, but in most large cities it\u2019s safe to be a giftling. Especially here in Dabreth. So, the four of you are to report to police station C-47 to be briefed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin jumped to his feet. \u201cUh, you can\u2019t make us do that, can you, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He looked around at the rest of them. Onin waved at him to sit down. Tannin frowned and flopped down in his chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOrdinarily not.\u201d Jekao stared at each of them in turn. \u201cHowever, due to some mitigating circumstances, we have a discipline problem on our hands. I don\u2019t care who\u2019s at fault. I don\u2019t care if you were even in the fight. You\u2019re all adults here, and I\u2019m not your nanny. You have to learn how to handle these kinds of things on your own. Also, ABG has a reputation to maintain. In-fighting among our students is not the image we want to portray. So, you will learn to work as a team.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He turned to face Cerina, stood, and leaned over his desk toward her. Her eyes widened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOr you will all be kicked out. Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes, sir.\u201d Cerina\u2019s voice was hardly more than a squeak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGood.\u201d Jekao sat down again. \u201cOff you go, then. You\u2019re expected to report to the police station immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes, sir,\u201d all of them said in unison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin rose and held the door open. The others filed out of professor\u2019s office. Onin, as the last one out, closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, this sucks.\u201d Cerina flared her nose and stuck her chin up in the air. \u201cNow I\u2019m stuck with you losers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHa! Like we need your lovely personality around,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin took a deep breath. \u201cNot now, okay? Do any of us want to get kicked out of ABG?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Silence answered him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThat\u2019s what I thought. Now, I believe we were told to get to police station C-47 immediately, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYup,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin raised his palm and generated a medium-sized servitor, about double the size of his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAnyone else need a ride?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOoo, me!\u201d Tannin raised his hand and jumped up and down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cQuit acting like a child.\u201d Cerina turned up her nose and spun away from him. \u201cI don\u2019t like depending on others. But fine, if you\u2019re going that way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cKasai?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She smiled. \u201cI\u2019m good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin shrugged and generated two more servitors. They rose into the air and took positions above Onin, Tannin, and Cerina. Energy tendrils reached down and wrapped around each of them, gripping them by the shoulders, waist, and legs like a harness. The servitors rose into the air, suspending them underneath, and took off for the police station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin looked over his shoulder. Kasai jumped up into the air and shot up past him. She spread her arms out and maneuvered her body into a horizontal position. Then she zipped forward and angled in next to Onin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin looked over at her and raised his eyebrows. \u201cYou can fly?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNot really.\u201d Kasai ducked her head and twirled a lock of hair around her finger. \u201cMost kinetics can only levitate things, but I think that\u2019s due to a lack of imagination. I \u2018imagine\u2019 kinetic glider wings and push off from things. I\u2019ve been working on an engine of some sort, but it\u2019s problematic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCool!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai was beautiful and clever. Onin grinned and felt his face flush. He looked away and concentrated on the rooftops they were flying over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">ABG was located out near the south edge of the city near the suburbs. The buildings beneath them now were getting taller as they headed north toward the police station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin\u2019s servitor started to descend, and the others followed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThere\u2019s the station.\u201d Onin pointed to it, and the servitors set them down on the steps outside the front door. Onin held out his hand and the servitors floated over toward Onin. He touched the closest one and it slowly shrank as he re-absorbed it. He re-absorbed the others and turned to admire the station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The police building was one of the oldest in the city. It was constructed from brick with actual wood frames around the windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cQuit gawking at the ruin of a building and let\u2019s get this over with.\u201d Cerina shuddered and straightened her top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin leaned in to whisper in Onin\u2019s ear. \u201cYou think she\u2019s this charming all the time, or is it that time of the month?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTannin!\u201d Onin leaned away. \u201cThat\u2019s not\u2014You don\u2019t\u2019\u2014You\u2019d <em>so<\/em> better hope she didn\u2019t hear you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He shook his head and led the way up the steps and into the station. The inside of the building looked modern. White walls, a bunch of chairs, a few potted plants, and a counter that divided the room in half. A woman in a police uniform was behind the counter. Onin walked up to it and addressed her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHello, Onin, Tannin, Kasai, and Cerina from Applied Bio-Gifting College. I believe we have an appointment?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She looked up at him, frowned behind her glasses, and punched a few buttons on her computer terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She nodded. \u201cRoom I-3, down the hall, and to your left.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A door behind and to the right of the counter swung open and they walked down a blank white hallway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cRight here.\u201d Tannin pointed a sign above the door. \u201cI-3, according to the sign.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin opened the door, and they stepped in. The walls were bare cement brick. There was a table in the center of the room. One wooden chair was on one side of the table, four on the other side. The room had gray concrete walls, and only one small window set high on the far wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThis can\u2019t be right&#8230;\u201d Tannin\u2019s voice trailed off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A click sounded. Tannin spun around and pulled on the handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt\u2019s locked! I think I can Reinforce a chair and use it to break a door down,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIs that your gift?\u201d Kasai asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYup!\u201d Tannin grabbed one of the chairs by the leg, spun around and slammed it into the wall. It bounced off, unharmed. \u201cI can make things stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWaste of gift,\u201d Cerina muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIt can be handy!\u201d Tannin slammed his head into the concrete wall, leaving a crushed indent. \u201cSee?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin sighed. He pulled out a chair and sat. \u201cHow about we all sit down and wait and see how this plays out?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai sat next to him, cross-legged on her chair and closed her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat\u2019s she doing?\u201d Tannin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHow should I know?\u201d Onin shrugged. \u201cMight be meditating or something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, yeah. Monks.\u201d Tannin spun a chair around and sat, resting his arms across the back of the chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Cerina sighed as loudly as the reverse jets on a hover truck and pulled a chair over to the other end of the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Half an hour later, according to Onin\u2019s phone, the door opened, and Professor Jekao entered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin blinked a few times. What was the professor doing here? Kasai grabbed his arm. Tannin\u2019s mouth fell open. Cerina jerked upright in her chair. The professor walked over and sat in the chair at the opposite side of the table. He wore a black police uniform, with a captain\u2019s rank insignia on the collar, and a reserve force patch above his name on the left breast pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat in the name of the matari are you doing here?\u201d Cerina asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He gave her a stern look. \u201cThe lieutenant got involved in another case, so they called me in, since I was already briefed. I apologize for the wait.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOh, for&#8230;\u201d Cerina didn\u2019t finish her sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAnyway, let\u2019s get on with the briefing.\u201d The professor pulled a piece of paper out of his jacket pocket and unfolded it. \u201cWe have reason to believe that the attackers will try to hit the college again tonight. As Cerina alluded to earlier, they sound like they may be giftling hunters from the Northlands. If they are, they\u2019ll keep coming back until they\u2019ve caught that flame giftling, or Kasai, or whatever else they may be after.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSo, what do we do, stand around like sitting ducks until they show up?\u201d Cerina picked at her fingernails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cMore or less. We want to detain them and learn who hired them. Your task is to work together to capture them. Once you\u2019ve got them, call in to the police for pickup with the radios you\u2019ll be issued. Any questions?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes.\u201d Cerina looked up. \u201cWhy have us do it instead of the police? They have a special squad for this sort of thing, don\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Jekao rubbed his forehead. \u201cYes\u2026\u201d He let the word draw out. \u201cWe\u2019ve been over the why in my office back at ABG. In addition to that, all four of you have criminal justice as a minor. If you want to go into that field, this field work would help your grades and your resumes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou mean this is extra credit?\u201d Tannin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin let out a loud whoop. \u201cSweet, I might not flunk out!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin rolled his eyes. \u201cYou\u2019re an idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThus, the need for extra credit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Every one of them, including the professor, smacked their foreheads with the palm of their hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat?\u201d Tannin looked around at them. \u201cIt\u2019s true.\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-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"75\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dragon.png\" alt=\"dragon\" class=\"wp-image-41\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin peered down into the crater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYou\u2019d think they\u2019d fill this in already,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai shrugged. She still wasn\u2019t wearing a jacket. Onin wrapped his arms around himself. It was colder out today than it had been yesterday. The weather needed to make up its mind. He rubbed his arms. Hopefully those thugs would show up soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell,\u201d Onin looked up and down the empty street. \u201cDo you want to pace up and down this block some more, or wander around?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWe should probably wander.\u201d Kasai glanced over her shoulder. \u201cThis feels like we\u2019re waiting for them. If we made it look like we gave up, they might try to ambush us then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah.\u201d He snorted a second later. \u201cAs long as Tannin doesn\u2019t fall asleep, and Cerina doesn\u2019t leave.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai smiled. \u201cI don\u2019t think they\u2019d do that. Neither one of them wants to get kicked out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">They crossed two blocks without a sign of anyone. Maybe the bandits weren\u2019t going to show up tonight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cMmm?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat if they\u2019re after that fire giftling, Onryo, and they\u2019re hoping we lead them to her?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Kasai snorted. \u201cThen they\u2019re in for a long wait. Neither of us knows anything about her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cTrue.\u201d Onin wandered over to a park bench and sat down. \u201cMaybe if they\u2019ll attack, she\u2019ll show up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He had hardly finished speaking when something whistled past his ear and exploded. Onin dove for the ground. \u201cMe and my big mouth&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He looked around for Kasai. She stood next to him. The shimmer of a kinetic force-field surrounded her. Shadows resolved into men, the same ones who had attacked them last night. Well, it was either them or someone with the same fashion sense, since these guys were dressed all in black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The men spread out in a circle to surround Onin and Kasai. They drew guns and crouched around what cover there was along the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">One of them leveled a gun at Onin. \u201cDon\u2019t move.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The rest aimed their weapons at Kasai. They fired simultaneously, and red beams splashed against Kasai\u2019s shield. Sweltering heat radiated from the beams in waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cShow yourself, fire giftling.\u201d One of the thugs behind Kasai took a step forward. His voice was deep and gravely. \u201cOr the girl gets baked alive!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">No one moved for several minutes. Kasai wasn\u2019t even sweating. Had she thought up a way to deflect heat with her shield, or was her latent fire gift keeping her safe? Or Onryo might be close by after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cShe\u2019s here,\u201d the first man pulled a slide lever on the barrel of his gun \u201cShe\u2019s shielding her somehow. Have it your way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He pressed a button on the side of his gun and a large fireball leapt from the barrel and exploded. Kasai, still shielded, was thrown over the park bench and into the bushes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A loud high-pitched squeal echoed down the street, and the thugs winced. Onin looked around. Was that from Cerina?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Adrenaline pulsed through Onin. He had to act now while the thugs were distracted. He jumped to his feet and generated two servitors. They raced around the thugs and arced lighting at them. Nothing happened. Grounded suits?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The thugs dropped their guns and pulled short sticks from their packs. With a flick of the wrist the sticks extended, and they jabbed the sticks into the servitors. The servitor\u2019s light grew dimmer. The weapons must be draining the energy from them. Onin generated two more and sent them into the fray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Suddenly a light pole crashed into two of the thugs and shattered the park bench. A second later Tannin rolled past Onin and scoped up two slats from the remains of the bench. He held them by the ends and swung them a few times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWow, these guys are pros, huh?\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The sky brightened, and a flare landed in the midst of the thugs. The light dimmed to reveal Onryo. Her red hair was loose and waved in the light breeze. Her white wings were half extended, and she had one hand on the curve of her hip. The other was raised, fingers loosely spread, pointed at the nearest thug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI\u2019ve had just about enough of you.\u201d She spread her fingers out wide and white hot flame poured out of her hand and washed over one of the thugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWait!\u201d Onin yelled and waved at her. \u201cWe\u2019re supposed to capture them!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cSorry cutie\u2014\u201d Onryo winked at him. \u201c\u2014nobody told me I had to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell you can\u2019t just kill them!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cEh,\u201d Onryo waved her hand and sent a burst of flame at another thug. \u201cThey\u2019ve got fireproof suits. It\u2019ll take a lot more than this to kill them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She jumped up and over one of the thugs that crashed through the empty space that she had just exited. Onin generated another servitor and launched it at him. The servitor expanded and engulfed the guy, then floated up and out of the way, with the prisoner trapped inside the transparent shell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, that works,\u201d Tannin gawked up at the servitor. \u201cI didn\u2019t know they could do that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cMe either.\u201d Onin gawked up at the servitor and its prisoner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWha\u2014\u201d Tannin almost dropped his makeshift swords. \u201cBut you control them!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThey\u2019re semi-independent.\u201d Onin shrugged. \u201cSubconscious idea?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin shook his head, then ducked as an energy beam passed over him. He rolled away and attacked two of the thugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin spun around. More of them had to have been waiting in the shadows. Tannin was fighting one, Onryo had three cornered and backed them toward two servitors, and there was the one he\u2019d captured earlier. Definitely more thugs than there had been at first. He looked up in time to see three more men headed toward Onryo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cLet\u2019s see how much voltage those suits can handle.\u201d Onin raised both hands above his head and generated three extra-large servitors. The three rose up in the air. A sustained arc leapt from one servitor to the next, from the second to the third, and back to the first. The trio flew off in a triangle formation to hover over one of the thugs. The thug looked up, thrust one end of his metal stick into the ground, and steadied the other end over his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The servitor cluster started to rotate. A pea-sized white speck formed in the empty space between the three linked servitors. The speck grew to the size of a melon. A blast of lightning arced down from the white spot and impacted with the stick. The bolt swelled to twice its diameter, and a loud crackling hum filled the air. The hum grew louder, and Onin had to shield his eyes from the glare the lightning was throwing off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The sky went dark. Onin lowered his hand. The thug was spread-eagle on the ground. The stick was nowhere in sight. Only a blackened crater remained. One of the single servitors flew over and arced a healing beam out to the thug, then engulfed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo had apparently forced two more of the thugs into servitors. Only three more left. Onin popped out another servitor, and then generated two more. The last two took forever to form. His stomach growled. He must be running low on energy. He searched his pockets. Drat, empty. He\u2019d have to remember to keep a candy bar on him or something. Onin snorted. He wouldn\u2019t be able to help Tannin and the others now. He backed away to put some distance between himself and the fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Two of the thugs were using their sticks like swords as they attacked Tannin. One of them aimed a blow at Tannin\u2019s ribs. A loud clang rang out as the thug\u2019s stick bounced off Tannin\u2019s shirt. Onin grinned. It didn\u2019t matter what Tannin wore, he could turn it into armor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">He jumped when Onryo landed next to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI like that lightning bolt. It was powerful.\u201d She rubbed her ample chest up against his arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin felt light headed as she kept pressing her soft breast against him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI like powerful men.\u201d Onryo cocked her head to the side. \u201cSo does Kasai. You should show off for her sometime. She\u2019d like that.\u201d She frowned. \u201cWell, she wouldn\u2019t admit it, or show it, but still&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin swallowed and took a step backward. This was all too weird. \u201cHow do you know Kasai?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo grinned. \u201cI\u2019m not going to tell you. Well, not yet anyway. It\u2019s better for her that way. Maybe I will later.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIncoming.\u201d Onryo smiled, raised a hand, and pointed upward. A large metal net fell down at them. Onryo flattened her palm and fire shot out of it. The blast of fire expanded and engulfed the net. It turned from orange, to white, to blue. Onin took a few more steps, sweat still poured off him from the heat that rolled off from the flame blast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The flame ceased, and the net was nowhere to be seen. A servitor blinked and rose up to join the others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cI, uh, think that\u2019s the last one,\u201d Onin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d Onryo pointed to a shadow next to where the park bench used to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cA shadow?\u201d Onin peered at the ground. It looked like a shadow, but there was nothing around that could cast a shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cLooks like a shadow to me.\u201d Tannin clapped Onin on the shoulder. \u201cWhy? Is it trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOnryo seems to think so.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo stepped closer to the shadow and ignited both of her hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A girl about their age stepped out of the shadow, and it disappeared. Onin stared at her. She had black hair that was tied together at the top of her head, then cascaded down below her waist. Her eyes were bright red. And she wasn\u2019t wearing much. At all. A thin blue strip of cloth looped around her neck and down to barely cover her breasts, and her underwear made the mannequins in the lingerie store at the mall look fully covered in comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWow,\u201d Tannin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin nudged him. \u201cShut up. She\u2019s probably here to kill us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAt least she\u2019s hot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin reached over and smacked the back of Tannin\u2019s head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOw! Well she is! What was\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cShut up, she\u2019s talking to Onryo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The new girl looked around and sneered at the fallen thugs. \u201cWell, can\u2019t get good help these days. It\u2019s been a lot of trouble tracking you, half-breed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAh, there was a master behind all those minions.\u201d Onryo narrowed her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWell, a few layers, actually. I\u2019m Saija. You won\u2019t learn my master\u2019s name. I was supposed to bring you to him, but he\u2019s recently decided you\u2019re not worth the trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cLet\u2019s get this over with, then,\u201d Onryo took a step forward, eyes flashing. \u201cMy master has things she wants to do to, and I\u2019ve had enough of you ruining our life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Flames swirled around Onryo\u2019s body. Saija yawned. A jet of blue flame shot toward Saija\u2014and disappeared into a shadow that sprouted from in front of her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIs that all you\u2019ve got?\u201d Saija snorted. \u201cI\u2019m surprised you managed to defeat my minions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin looked up the servitors. All of them contained prisoners suspended inside of them, and he didn\u2019t have the energy to make more. Could they fight and hold people at the same time? Safely?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The servitors started to descend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija looked up, then back down at Onryo, who continued to shoot flame at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cFound some new lackey\u2019s yourself, Onryo? Or did Kasai dredge them up?\u201d She leaned over to peer around Onryo and studied Onin. \u201cThat one\u2019s powerful. Well, I guess I\u2019ll have to kill them too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin shivered under Saija\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija clenched her left hand into a fist, held it up, and flung open her fingers. The servitors popped and dispersed into pinpricks of light, dropping the prisoners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin reached up, but nothing happened. His breath caught. This wasn\u2019t good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cLooks like it\u2019s my turn.\u201d Tannin twirled his bench slats and stepped forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo jumped backward and kicked out with her foot. Saija caught her by the ankle and grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhat was that? Did you think you could hit me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo grinned and ignited her foot with blue flame. Saija shrieked and dropped it. Ice formed around her hand, and she swung at Onryo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo grinned and a wave of flame washed outward from her, melting the ice around Saija\u2019s hand. \u201cAn ice user, huh? This will be fun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNot quite,\u201d Saija thrust her hands down and launched herself into the air with twin jets of flame from her palms. \u201cYou see, I\u2019m cheating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo snarled and flung a whip of fire out at Saija. Saija flicked her fingers, and the flames from her hands trickled to a stop, and she fell to the ground, dodging the flame whip. Tannin jumped up and aimed his slats at the falling figure. Saija winked and waved to him. Then a shadow formed below her. She fell into it and out of sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhere\u2019d she go?\u201d Tannin yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDon\u2019t know. Keep an eye out for her,\u201d Onryo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A shadow formed behind her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cThere, behind you!\u201d Onin yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo whipped around and sent a wall of flame toward the shadow. A crystal of ice the size of a small house shot out of the shadow and impacted with the flame. Steam filled the air and obscured everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The steam turned to snow. Saija stepped out from the shadow, and the snow started to swirl in a vortex around her and Onryo. Onryo roared and burst into flame. The flame expanded outward and shot up into the night sky. A blast of air rushed past Onin and sucked all the snow up and away. The pillar of fire exploded, and a blast of hot air knocked Onin into someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cOw, watch it!\u201d Cerina snapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin shoved himself to his feet and turned around. \u201cCerina? Where have you been?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHere.\u201d Cerina thrust a candy bar and a bottled energy drink at him. \u201cI went and got these for you when I saw your bubbles pop. I\u2019ve been hiding around the corner and throwing sonics at Miss Bimbo when I had the chance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cServitors, and thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhatever.\u201d Cerina looked off to her side. \u201cSo, do you have a plan yet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cMe?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah. You, uh, might be good at that kind of thing. When the fight first started you were directing everyone. I figured you had a plan or something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin turned around. Onryo and Saija were still exchanging ice and fire blasts. Tannin was nowhere to be seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin frowned and opened the candy bar. \u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026 If Onryo can occupy her enough, the three of us might be able to sneak an attack in. You haven\u2019t seen Kasai anywhere, have you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNope. I haven\u2019t seen her since she got knocked into the woods, and I\u2019ve been too busy to look. She probably ran off, the coward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin glared at her. \u201cOr, she\u2019s hurt and needs us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhatever.\u201d Cerina tossed her hair. \u201cWe should defeat that whore first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onin nodded. Where was Tannin? Onin looked around. Wait, there, crouched behind Saija. Onryo shoved another blast of flame at Saija. When she ducked, Tannin thrust his makeshift knife at her back. The blade disappeared into another of those shadows. Tannin rolled away, but Saija spun around and slammed her foot into him. Tannin skidded across the ground and came to a stop in front of Onin and Cerina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHey, you two. Enjoying the evening?\u201d Tannin flashed them a weary grin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIdiot.\u201d Cerina shook her head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cAre you okay?\u201d Onin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cYeah, fine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGood. I\u2019ve got a plan. Is it just me, or does she seem to favor using her feet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cIf you\u2019re asking if she kicks a lot, the answer is yes.\u201d He winced. \u201cTore a hole in my shirt, even while I had it reinforced.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cCerina, can you focus a sonic wave directly at her, and not at us?\u201d Onin asked<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">She nodded. \u201cEasy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cGood. We\u2019ll wait for Onryo to give us an opening, then Tannin and I will attack the same spot on her leg that Onryo is either attacking or defending against. At the same time, Cerina, I want you to hit her with the resonance frequency of the brain. Let\u2019s see if that can keep her from soaking it up with one of those shadows.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">The others nodded. Onin turned to watch the battle. He generated a servitor and kept it low to the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo and Saija were still sending bursts of flames at each other. It seemed that she tended to use the shadows more than the flames and ice. He shook his head that was a lot of gifts for one person. She had said she was cheating. Could she be borrowing or have stolen another giftlings powers somehow? If that was the case, the shadow could be her main power, as she tended to use them most often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Onryo had backed off and was building the fire around her hands up into a hot blue flame. Saija started to run at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cHere it comes!\u201d Onin pointed at Saija. \u201cI\u2019m guessing she\u2019s going to jump up into a kick attack.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cWhich leg?\u201d Tannin asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cDon\u2019t know, play it by ear. Go!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Tannin broke cover and took off running. Onin thrust out his right hand and the servitor shot forward. Saija jumped up, and her right leg spun around as Onryo threw a punch at her chest. Onryo smiled and shifted her hand. She\u2019d seen the opening in Saija\u2019s defense, too. Her shoulder slammed into Saija, and her flame flared as she made contact with Saija\u2019s ankle. Tannin and the servitor struck at that moment. Tannin buried his makeshift sword into her leg, and the servitor let loose a bolt of lightning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">Saija\u2019s face contorted in pain, and every muscle in her body spasmed. She slammed into the concrete sidewalk. Onryo rolled and came up with her fist raised. She paused. Black smoke poured out of the wound on Saija\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">\u201cNice friends you have.\u201d Saija gasped and clutched at her leg. \u201cWhen they learn the truth, they\u2019ll leave you, just like all the rest. And you\u2019ll lose to my master.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"bookws\">A shadow formed below her, and she sank into the concrete. The shadow flickered, then faded away.<\/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-2\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"61\">&lt;&lt; Previous Chapter <\/a>| <a href=\"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/table-of-contents\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"34\">Contents<\/a> | Next Chapter &gt;&gt;<\/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 3: Clean up in Aisle One! Onin slumped in his chair. Great. Detention would look wonderful on his record. Or whatever the college equivalent&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-75","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75","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=75"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":158,"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75\/revisions\/158"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etherno.aarondemott.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=75"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}