324 Khiones Trap (1/2)

”Time is short, but I will explain.” The sprite gestured toward the glowing presence. ”That is the remanents of a great water beast, only a small vestige of its power remains tethered to this area.”

Mina could sense the water beast, it would have been massive in size during its life, perhaps like a Kraken. ”Continue.”

”Nix's Ice is being overrun by something that is way more powerful in that particular element, his fire has been shouldering the battle, the other elements he possesses aren't strong enough at this time.”

Mina's pale eyes narrowed, ”you want to give him the element of water?”

The sprite's small head nodded. ”It does amount to that.”

”Then you are crazy. Nix is a fire creature, an actual salamander hybrid. He isn't versed in fighting with the element of water.” Mina pulled him closer, she could feel his temperature steadily dropping.

”You are right... that's why you will do the fighting. Enu Bak means bonded one or shared spirit.”

Mina caressed his face with one hand. ”Water and ice are allies, they aren't combatants.”

”That... is the only reason you have any chance at all. Don't fight the ice, try to redirect it.” The sprite moved away a few meters. ”Make your choice.”

Mina stood up, leaving Nix laying motionless on the long marsh grass. She walked toward the glowing vestige of elemental power. She spread her arms wide and welcomed the energy.

It plunged into her suddenly, her alien eyes widened in agony as her own element poured into her. She struggled for several minutes to absorb it until her throat was raw from screaming.

”That is enough, step away and place your hands on him.” The sprite waited and grew agitated when she didn't respond. ”You are taking in too much, stop now!”

Mina's face was an image of misery, she hovered a few feet off the ground, willing more of the power to enter. She couldn't stop herself, no matter the cost, she would defend him. ”MORE!”

”You idiot! Step away now.” The sprite began slowly backing away, if that power exploded, they would all die.

Mina screamed in agony, blue fluid leaked from her ears and mouth, with the last of her strength she tore herself away and staggered toward Nix.

”Place your hands on him, find his ice source first...” The sprite stopped speaking when the Aquarion removed Nix's clothes. ”What are you doing?”

Mina dropped her armor on the ground and straddled his waist, gripping his shoulders she bent and placed her lips against his.

*************

Nix hovered in the air on an elemental world he didn't recognize, he had been battling for several minutes and was starting to tire. He was surrounded by four separate spheres, the largest and most powerful of these was formed from his flames. A half dozen different kinds of fire weaved together and gave him the strength to face the attacks.

He held two thick strands of emerald flame in his hands, using them like whips he attacked the ice creatures that continued to come at him.

A drake-sized Ice raptor dived at him, its sharpened claws descended at a speed he could barely match. He swung the strand in his right arm at the creature, managing to wrap around its wing, with all of his strength he pulled it toward him.

[Balefire: Burst]

The creature disappeared in a cloud of steam, and Nix breathed a sigh of relief. A quick glance at the four spheres told him what he already knew, his fire Orb was weakening.

”Stop fighting.”

Nix turned at the familiar voice. ”Mina?”

The beautiful Aquarion's smile was radiant when she gazed upon him. ”Found you at last.”

”Right... Where am I? And how do we leave?”

Mina stood beside him, her eyes falling on the four orbs in front of him; Fire, Ice, Air, and Lightning. ”You are in an elemental world, struggling against the trap of a goddess.”

Nix smiled suddenly. ”When you say it like that, I sound like a moron.”

”Acceptance is called for here, not resistance.” Mina made a gesture and her own orb moved in front of her, it was much larger than any of Nix's.

Nix whistled softly. ”Isn't that too big Mina?”

”Yes, it is too much for me.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him closer. ”I will handle the attacks now, you only need to listen to my words.”

Nix nodded. ”You have my trust, Min.”