Chapter 581: Dragon Temples (1/2)

Nix stepped into Tai'Qui's nursery, instantly relaxing in the warm comfort of the place. The Earth Dragon was standing near the emerald-colored Dragon Egg, her brown lips curved in a smile at Inferno's leader's appearance.

”Going to stay and relax for a bit?” Tai waded out of the mud-pool. Her rolled-up leggings exposing her smooth tan calves. ”Do you like this color?”

Nix shrugged slightly when she gestured to her new bandana. ”The green is my favorite.”

Tai motioned with her hand, changing the color to a pale green. ”Like this?”

”Yep.”

Any further conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Deidra. Seeing them at the same time always reminded Nix how different the two dragons were. The warm and personable Tai versus the cold beauty of Deidra.

Deidra's cold demeanor warmed the barest amount when she made eye contact with Nix. ”It's nice to see you.”

”I'm going to get straight to the point. I want you both to construct Temples in Haven.” Nix brought out two scrolls and displayed them.

”Temples?” Tai's stunned expression said it all; she was floored by request.

Deidrea looked even more disturbed. ”Nix... That sort of thing isn't done. We'd have to get the Dragon Council's permission to do something like that.”

Nix shook his head slightly. ”This is a private Seed World; the only permission you need is from Inferno. Since we already have a binding agreement, I see no issue.”

”No.” Deidra's voice sounded strained. ”Outside of a few minor benefits, there are no real advantages to Dragon Temples, or else everyone would have them.”

Nix made a gesture with his hand, tossing both scrolls to the dragons. ”Do it now; let me know if you need anything else.”

Tai watched the interaction with interest; the normally flexible Nix seemed completely unyielding. ”Nix... Perhaps you and I should talk in pri...” Her mouth dropped open in surprise when brown flames enveloped Nix; a moment later, they brightened considerably.

Deidra took a step closer and held out a pale hand. ”A second Dread Flame?”

Nix watched the two dragons for a moment before switching to his silver flames.

”How's this possible? You have three Dread Flames?” Deidra's voice rose in volume; the cold beauty's continence showed how disturbed she was.

Nix gestured to the scroll that Deidra was holding. ”That's actually a Flame Refinement Temple. Both Pon and I Refined our flames there. I probably could have refined the Gemini Flame also, but for some reason, my Dread Form decided against it.”

Tai and Deidra exchanged glances, both of them had dealings with Nix's Dread Form. The real problem was that Nix's consciousness seemed to sleep when he used it. The powerful creature seemed content to rely on only base instincts.

”A Temple where you can refine flames?” Deidra stared at the scroll in her hands. ”What was the process?”

”You cast your flames into a cylindrical shaped device. From there, you are sent where you need to go.” Nix was drawing conclusions from the experience he and Pon had shared. ”I'm not sure what would happen if your flame wasn't ready for refinement.”

Tai studied the other dragon; it was obvious that Deidra was going to agree. Dread Flame was the ultimate separation among dragons. As an Earth Dragon, she also possessed Flames, but they weren't nearly as powerful as Deidra's. ”I will do as you ask, Nix.”

Nix waited for Deidra's answer; after a few moments, she nodded in agreement.

”Thank you for your cooperation.” Nix grinned at the two dragons; the refinement Temple had made them both reverse direction. The Inferno Leader opened a breach and quickly stepped through, leaving the two dragons alone in the nursery.

After sharing lunch with Fajii and Hyai, Nix caught up with Del at the Gemini Platform, where she was talking with Pon and Semmi.

”Ready to go, Del?”

”Unfortunately, no. My Father has requested my presence in Fraya'Selene. It shouldn't take too long. Pon said he'd go with you.”

The old man nodded. ”Semmi and I completed a harvest quest; the turn-in is in Lana.”

Nix smiled at the Blonde officer. ”Going with us, Sem?”

Semmi shook her head. ”No. We're swamped here.”

Nix stepped onto the platform and chose the Lana destination. ”Sounds good; I'll have the old bastard back in time for the Chenzo fight in a few days.”

The two men stepped off the Lana platform a moment later, nearly running into a familiar face when they did.

”N-Nix!” A short, bald man with a cheerful face stammered nervously, the Inferno Leader's sudden appearance always made Dalton nervous.

”Dalton... What are you doing here?” Nix smiled to lighten the mood; Dalton was someone who usually avoided any contact with him.

”I'm here helping your father!” Dalton bowed slightly, ”I was just heading back to Haven to grab some more supplies.”