484 Demon Disappearance (1/2)

Nix nodded in agreement. ”You want me to enhance the Titan puppets that Nihlus and Sindi are currently using with the dragon eggs they are encased in. That's a horrible idea.”

The Earth Dragon pursed her lips slightly; she had expected as much. ”I know they are using valuable puppets, but I'd be willing to compensate you.”

”Let's put aside the fact that they are Titan puppets, and I can no longer access Khalam'Zur to make more. If either of them is in a fatal fight right now, we lose the puppets, but they remain safe in your nursery.”

Tai placed her hand on his, a habit she was prone to doing. ”They'd keep the Titan bloodline and would probably develop their human form very quickly.”

Nix frowned at her words. ”They could die when we face Khione.”

”I know. This is my request, not theirs. They would possess both the Dragon and Titan bloodline.” Tai brought out a small stone token. ”If it comes to that, I will add my Khalam'Zur token to your payment. That way, you wouldn't lose anything.”

”I'll consider it. In addition to payment, there would be at least two prerequisites. The first would be that we've already dealt with Khione. The second would be that they permanently join Inferno.”

Tai leaned closer and kissed his cheek. ”You can be very diplomatic when you want to be.”

Nix crossed his eyes at her. ”That's what I keep saying.”

”I'm going to be keeping an eye on the Mayor's Mansion tomorrow when you guys go in. There's something odd about it.” Tai stood up and opened a breach. ”Stop by the nursery when the job is done.”

Nix nodded and waved, well aware that the entire market was staring. The ability to open a Breach was limited to Breach Commanders and Dragons. He caught the eye of the old food vendor who had suddenly turned pale. ”Yeah... Remember what I said?”

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

”Hun...” Hyai nudged him gently while using a pillow to shield her eyes from the bright light of the holo that had suddenly appeared over their bed. Fajii and Shae pulled the covers over their head and ignored the hovering dragon.

”Deidra?” Nix sat up slowly, his eyes focusing on the life-sized image of the Dragon Master. ”Something happened?”

”Yes. Sasi Qi has disappeared from the House of Tempest. Her current status says that she can no longer be reached?”

”Not be reached? That isn't good.” Nix carefully slid out of bed. ”I'll be there in a few minutes.”

”Thank you.” Deidra showed a relieved expression; the House of Tempest was important to Solomon City and to her personally. She closed the direct contact, leaving the ranch bedroom in darkness.

Nix finished gearing up and glanced toward the bed, where three sets of eyes watched him. ”Heroes only on this one, until we figure out what is going on.”

Nix nodded. ”I'll keep you posted. Bring Mina and Raine back from the Great Desert; I don't like the two of them out there by themselves.”

Shae smiled sleepily. ”Of course. Go find Sasi.”

/Inferno: Nix: All available Heroes, report to the Gemini Temple.

A few minutes later, Nix walked into the Gemini Temple.

Nix has joined Alpha.

/Alpha: Nix: Report.

/Alpha: Jun Li: We're ready to go, sending you our raid sheet.

Sharl: Tank

Donri: DPS

Darsi: DPS

Ronnie: DPS

Del: DPS

Wind: DPS

Semmi: DPS

Pon: DPS

Nix: DPS: CC

Jun Li: Off Tank/DPS

Nezbit: Heals

Nix nodded to himself, a bit heavy on the DPS, but they could bring in companions to make up for the shortcomings. He noticed Del on the list but didn't protest since she was a puppet and would be protected in the event of unavoidable death.

/Inferno: Nix: I'm letting you come, Del, but keep in mind that if you get my puppet killed, the next puppet you get will be the pig from the Harvest Fest.

/Inferno: Del: Noted, and thank you.

/Inferno: Sharl: We are a bit light on heals.

/Inferno: Nix: I can summon Shadai once we figure out what we are dealing with.

/Inferno: Fajii: Eron is en route; he insists on coming.

/Inferno: Nix: Thanks, that works.

A few moments later, the small black fox appeared in front of Nix. The Inferno Leader scooped him up and placed it on his shoulder. ”Thanks for coming.”

Eron's soft fur tickled the side of his neck as he yawned sleepily. ”You are worthy.”