394 Shapeshifter (1/2)

For once, the ten o'clock sun wasn't able to shine directly into Nix's face through the bedroom window. Because of this, the Inferno guild leader slept peacefully, hours after Hyai was up. It was the smell of a late breakfast that finally motivated him to open his eyes.

Hyai sat on the bed, she wore the comfortable work clothes that Nix made for her when she was the Inn Keeper in Cyphix, nearly a year earlier. ”Didn't you have a long list of things to do hun?”

Nix rubbed his eyes, covering a yawn while she placed a breakfast tray on his lap. ”I already knocked out the first two items on my list.”

Hyai looked skeptical. ”Really?”

Nix opened his personal hud with his free hand and showed her the days itinerary.

[Nix's List]

1) Catch up on sleep.

2) Catch up on sleep.

3) Meet with Farmers.

4) Meet with Merchants.

5) Talk to Nebs.

6) Visit the Infirmary in Nescari.

7) Examine dragon puppet with Muncie.

8) Pack for trip.

9) Make sure to tell Hyai how wonderful she is before I leave.

10) Spend the evening at the Fire Palace before heading to Solomon City.

”I stand corrected.” Hyai scanned the list, stopping at her name. ”You're going to be very busy.”

”I know it. Thank you for making breakfast.” Nix drained half the glass of orange juice before sitting it down and licking his lips. ”So good.”

”Welcome. I packed you a box lunch since you'll be busy.”

Nix paused, his fork full of eggs hovered in the air. ”You heading back to Haven when I leave?”

Hyai shook her head. ”Nope, staying here. I invited Mina and Nansu to visit while you are away. I can take the time to level up my chef skill.”

Nix sighed at the mention of Nansu, for a few weeks it seemed like she and Chael were on the path back to being a couple. Sadly they split permanently, deciding to remain friends. ”If I'd only been quicker in realizing that Chael was being controlled...”

Hyai ruffled his hair with one hand. ”You aren't at fault. It can't be easy being attacked by the person you care about.”

Nix considered her words while finishing his breakfast. ”Fajii stabbed me in the chest with a spear while we were in Shangri.”

”What?” Hyai's reaction made it clear that she hadn't heard the story.

Nix nodded in confirmation. ”Actually, I deflected it and it went through my shoulder. It was a damned butterfly that enchanted her.”

”How did Fajii react?”

”I haven't really talked to her about it. From her reaction, I assume she felt some guilt.” Nix waved the topic off. ”She was able to recover.”

Hyai smiled, without a doubt that recovery was aided by him. ”And then you picked up Morti, and she found Eron.”

Hyai intercepted him and relieved him of the tray. ”Get cleaned up, I'll take care of this.”

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

Nix summoned his Shadow Daikon and instantly took to the air. Originally he intended to head directly to town for a meeting with the area farmers, but instead, he decided to take a few minutes to check out the crops.

/Inferno: Bali: Hey Boss!

[Dragon Eyes]

Nix spotted a single figure waiting standing next to the trail that leads to the quarry. Although the distance was a bit too far to make out features, he could tell it was Bali. Three figures were running towards her, the one in the lead was much faster than the other two.

/Inferno: Nix: Ranger training? Is that the Trams?

/Inferno: Bali: Yep. Gotta have endurance.

/Inferno: Nix: The one in front seems to be kicking butt.

/Inferno: Bali: Aye. That's Ginger, the girl runs like the wind, pretty good with a bow also. Reminds me of myself.

/Inferno: Nix: Keep up the hard work.