Chapter 560: Assaulting the Keep (1/2)

Fajii was leaning against the side of the craft when Pon and Nix arrived a few minutes later. The Aquarion smiled at the two Fire Mages. ”We're going to fuck shit up?”

Nix bit down on a smile. ”Well said. That's exactly what we're going to do.”

Wind and Semmi arrived from the opposite direction; both had been taking part in the battle for Tribunal.

/Alpha: Nix: Thanks for coming.

/Alpha: Semmi: Looking forward to stepping into the keep.

/Alpha: Sasi: We're here too.

The two ravagers darted toward them, circling the group once before perching on the sidewall of the craft.

/Alpha: Nix: I'll summon Shae.

/Alpha: Fajii: Is Shae coming?

/Alpha: Nix: No. She's delivering some aquatic gear for us.

Nix summoned Shae a moment later, relieving her of her package before wrapping her up in a hug. ”How's Hyai and Min?”

”Both good.” Shae glanced at the craft behind them. ”Be careful; I don't trust that thing.”

/Alpha: Nix: Gear up, we're heading out.

”It takes some getting used to,” Nix agreed.

”Del around?” Shae noticed the two Ravager additions, but not the Ain'Dhassi Orion.

Nix shook his head. ”She's with the Main force. Why?”

”Hmm... You're going to make her a new puppet when we're done here?” Shae's expression told him she was hiding something.

”Something I should know about, Shae?”

The salamander shook her head. ”No. Cya soon!”

/Alpha: Wind: Woah. She left quickly.

/Alpha: Pon: Trouble in paradise?

/Alpha: Nix: What? That's crazy talk. Let's get going.

A few minutes later, the Dark Watercraft bobbed on the surface of the sea. They could have accessed the lower levels directly; however, given the entire area was submerged, there would have been no way to disembark without flooding the craft.

/Alpha: Nix: It's fine. I'll set the nav-point to return to the Turncoat Bay. Everyone out! It's time to go.

Nix eased over the side of the craft. Darkness had fallen since their departure. In single file, they followed the Inferno Leader into the murky depths.

/Alpha: Fajii: This reminds me of the Cai'Song raids.

/Alpha: Wind: Good times.

/Alpha: Nix: Keep it tight and watch for predators.

After a few miscues in the dark, Alpha was able to find the entrance to the lower depths. Zhava appeared in front of them from his hiding place just inside the entrance. He waved good-naturedly before greeting Fajii personally.

”It is good to be working together again.” Zhava placed a webbed hand on her shoulder while they talked, a common occurrence among the Aquarions.

Fajii squeezed his hand slightly. ”Be careful today! Let me know if you need backup.”

”Same here.” Zhava moved away from the group and entered the passage. It hadn't been that long ago since Fajii was just an Alchemist with no combat experience. Like Mina, she had become someone that the rest of her race looked up to. Although, she probably didn't realize it.

/Alpha: Semmi: Tribunal should be done by now. Nine minutes until they start on Tempest. With all of our forces coming from both sides, they aren't going to hold up long.

Nix entered the lower keep right after Zhava, the Aquarions, were gathered near the place where Glacia had died. They looked ready to fight. ”Milat!”

Milat smiled warmly when he saw the Inferno Leader. He waited until Alpha came to a rest before he approached. ”It will be good to fight alongside you again.”

Nix did a quick count; there were thirty in the Aquarion group, including Ducky and Pradi. ”Once Tempest falls, Ducky will take you to just below the current waterline.”

Milat nodded. ”How will we know when to start?”

”When Deya opens up with the Golems, it should be pretty clear.” Nix paused when he noticed Soup approaching. The sea turtle's evolved form circled him once before stopping in front of him.

”Everything okay, Soup?”

Soup's round face smiled happily as she gestured toward her lips. ”Nix.”

”Hmm? What's that mean? You want to talk to me?”

The quills on her head and neck stood on end while she shook her head and made a chewing motion. ”Nom, nom, nom!”

”You're going to eat me? Soup eat Nix?” Nix darted toward the Sea Turtle, who dodged easily, then squealed happily when the Inferno Leader pursued her. ”Nix eats Soup!”

Ducky clapped her hands, laughing when Nix chased Soup around the room for a few moments. ”No eating family members!”

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