Chapter 94 On Stage part one (1/2)
An hour later, most of Inferno was sitting comfortably on mats that had been placed for them on the temple floor. Nix was standing in front of the Air Throne speaking with the Air Nemesis. It was an impressive sight, a transparent seat that was levitating off the floor.
”I had thought that my presence here was unknown. How did your mistress learn about me?” Rhylia looked nothing like what Nix thought an Air Nemesis should be. She had raven-colored hair that was shaved to the scalp on the sides. She was frighteningly beautiful, long furled wings as black as night hung over her throne, her eyes were like twin pieces of shiny coal. In Nix's eyes, she looked like a fallen angel.
”I am not important enough for Nemesis Shae to share such knowledge with. My mission here is to challenge only.”
/Inferno: Nix: Shae, there's an Air Nemesis in Pinnacle.
/Inferno: Shae: What? Retreat at once Nix!
/Inferno: Nix: Too late, I challenged her champion.
/Inferno: Shae: Ask to summon me, say that we will take the Guest oath.
/Inferno: Nix: Okay.
”Nix...” Rhylia stood up and walked towards him. ”What is Shae like? She's a Salamander right?”
NIx nodded, ”She is. Shae has requested that you allow me to summon her. She has agreed to take the Guest oath.”
Rhylia pursed her lips, ”Summon her?” She stepped close enough for Nix to feel the constant breeze that circled her. ”Are you her mate?”
Nix shook his head, ”I'm the Fire Palace champion, and the Scorched Earth Temple champion,” he added belatedly.
”A Temple of Scorched Earth? You actually built one?” Rhylia retreated back to her throne, she turned slowly and started chanting. A large circle, several feet in diameter formed on the tile behind Nix; runes appeared and disappeared quickly while she spoke. She stopped after a few minutes and sat down. ”If she takes the oath, she may now enter freely.”
Nix lay a hand over his chest and pictured Shae in his head. ”Shae Balefire, Salamander Nemesis of FIre.”
A moment later Shae appeared in her red armor, her hands were open in a display of peace. ”Greetings, I am Shae Balefire, a Nemesis of the Fire Palace.”
Rhylia had returned to her seat, ”Welcome Shae, I am Rhylia Thundercloud, Nemesis of Air.” She gestured with a hand and a large chair was placed next to her. ”Let us sit and talk.”
Nix waited until Shae sat down, then he moved and stood behind her chair. He could sense that this temple was only a structure and not a proper temple. Most likely there wasn't an elemental world anchored to it.
Rhylia watched the duo carefully, the Salamander radiated strength. ”You must be curious. Why is an Air Elemental hiding in a water zone?”
Shae nodded. ”It does seem like an unlikely place to have your temple.”
”There are three known Elemental Nemesis besides the two of us.”
Shae's face showed her surprise. ”How is that possible?”
”They hide, I found this out for myself several years ago.” Rhylia glanced at Nix, ”I can sense that my temple champion is no match for yours. However, we both need something. Don't we?”
Nix considered the words carefully. ”You built a settlement on the God's road so no one would discover it. Inferno is further along than any of the other guilds. We are the first to discover that you replaced the Aquarions that were once here.” Nix glanced at the guards, with their carefully wrapped heads.
”There is a Water, a Fire, and an Earth Nemesis. Each of them wields substantial power. The Earth Nemesis is buried deep in the ground and doesn't involve himself in the affairs of Colonial. The other two do and actively seek to destroy anyone who unbalances their power base.”
The area around Shae seemed to heat up slightly, her warm brown eyes growing brighter. ”Why wouldn't they have attacked us already?”
It was Nix who answered. ”We are a ripe fruit, the temptation of a Fire Palace would entice a Fire Nemesis. With the addition of the Scorched Earth Temple, the balance of power would tilt if the Fire Nemesis were able to take it from us.”
Rhylia nodded, ”this is my opinion as well. The attempt to gain a Fire Palace and a Scorched Earth Temple might even force the Earth Nemesis into acting.”
Shae understood what she was saying. Everything they've worked for was at risk. ”If they wait too long, our power base will be too established and an attack too risky.”
”I know what you want.” Rhylia leaned back in her seat, her black fingernails clicking on the invisible throne. ”You want to access the exit to the next stage of Mermaid City.”
Shae nodded, ”Nix would challenge your temple champion and if he wins access would be granted.”
Rhylia laughed at the Salamander's words. ”I've already said that he is too strong four my champion. However, a 3 on 1 battle could be competitive.”
Suddenly Nix was glad he had unsummoned Morti, if they saw the big bear sitting next to him, they might forbid the Titan cub from participating. ”You want something also. What is it?”
Rhylia glanced around at her followers. ”A sun.”
Shae stared at the Air Nemesis. ”That would be quite costly.”
/Inferno: Nix: What does she mean Shae?
/Inferno: Shae: This isn't an elemental world Nix. It's why the plantlife are all of the ocean variety.
/Inferno: Nix: Right. Can't grow trees without a sun. Why does she expect you to do?
/Inferno: Shae: She expects me to make one.
/Inferno: Pon: The f*ck? Can you do something like that?
/Inferno: Shae: I can build a small artificial one, more than enough for this tiny air pocket that she lives in.
/Inferno: Nix: Why would she care?
/Inferno: Shae: Her and her followers are air creatures. The absence of a sun weakens them substantially.
/Inferno: Nix: Wait... These are air creatures? Why fight then? Let's trade them a sun for access to the exit.
/Inferno: Shae: Making a sun requires part of my Fire Seed, it would weaken me for a very long time.
/Inferno: Pon: How long?
/Inferno: Nix: It doesn't matter how long, I won't allow it.
/Inferno: Shae: Yes you will. But you aren't allowed to lose.
Rhylia waited while they discussed her proposal. ”Will you agree?”