Chapter 603: Calm before the Reckoning (two) (1/2)

It was a perfect morning in Haven. A warm breeze blew gently off the lake, the clear waters lapped at the rocky shoreline amid a chorus of noisy gulls that were busy scavenging for food. Three people sat comfortably on the shoreline while keeping an eye on the lines they had in the water.

/Go Fish: Jun Li: Great idea coming to Union City to fish.

/Go Fish: Semmi: Yep, yep. Sometimes you do good, Nix.

Nix nodded in agreement. ”Sometimes I do bad too, gotta accept both.”

Semmi exchanged glances with her friend. ”You feeling bit off today? What's this meeting you have to attend later?”

Nix covered a yawn and pulled a small flask out of his fishing vest. ”I'm kinda a big deal in the dragon community.” He took a long pull from the flask before handing it to Jun Li.

Jun Li rolled her eyes and smelled the contents of the flash. ”This that shine that the Titan Alchemist makes?”

Nix nodded, ”Yena.” The Titan alchemist lost an eye when the Serpent Clan tried to kill Morti and Snow.

/Go Fish: Semmi: I heard she's pregnant. Know anything about that, Nix?

/Go Fish: No. Believe it or not, I'm not responsible for every pregnancy in Colonial.

Jun Li laughed at the scowl on his face. ”Why so touchy? Everyone knows she's seeing Captain Locas.”

Nix felt the slightest tug on his line, dipping the end of the rod down, he waited patiently. A second hard pull a few seconds later caused him to yank upward on the rod, setting the hook a moment before the line started whining in protest as his catch made a run for it.

/Go Fish: Jun Li: Take your time, I'll grab the landing net... Shit, I have one too!

/Go Fish: Semmi: Can't help either, got my hands full.

Despite the fact that the three members of the fishing club had been meeting regularly for several months, this was the first time they all had bites at once.

/Go Fish: Nix: I'm fine. Take care of your catch!

All three fishers were on their feet and walking toward the water; without someone to land the fish, the next best way was to wade into the shallows and use a smaller hand net.

Semmi's line snapped suddenly, causing her to lose her footing and stumble slightly on the uneven shoreline. A moment later, Nix's line also snapped.

/Go Fish: Nix: The hell... I'll grab the landing net, Junie.

Nix tossed his rod on the sand and equipped their landing net. ”Just get it close, and I'll nab it.”

An instant later, it happened again, the line snapped, leaving Jun Li staring blankly into the depths of the lake.

/Go Fish: Jun Li: Shit! That was a big one too!

Nix nodded in agreement. Nix has activated [Dragon Eyes].

The thermal images of three Aquarions hiding just beyond the shallows brought a smile to the Inferno Leader's face. ”Sneaky bastards. Get your ass out here, Milat!”

The Aquarion in question surfaced a moment later, followed by Zhava and Saji. The trio were all smiling widely while trying their best to look innocent.

”Hey, Nix!” Saji bowed slightly; the Aquarion healer was often seen around his ranch since she was Hyai's spirit companion.

/Go Fish: Semmi: They cut our bait?

/Go Fish: Jun Li: Yep. Let's get them!

/Go Fish: Nix: Agreed, but wait until they come ashore.

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

Morti sighed miserably, lying motionless next to the trunk of a giant fir tree. Occasionally he would stand to scratch his back on the rough bark before plopping down on his spot. Ducky and Soup had abandoned him shortly before sunset. Ducky was afraid of the dark, and Soupy was missing her pond. Undeterred, the Titan cub remained in place all night. He woke from a comfortable sleep just before dawn and experienced a moment of clarity. He only relieves himself every three days or so...

A few hours later, Morti's eyes blinked open, his ears pricking forward at the barest hint of noise. Standing suddenly, his nose huffing the air as he extended to his full height of 18 feet. ”Dragons, three different ones.”

The cub's sharp nose instantly identified the separate scents as Deidra, Tai'Qui, and Sinfaya. ”Maybe I'll go talk to them while I wait.” Although he crashed through the thick undergrowth of the forest with reckless abandon, thanks to the enhancements Nix placed on his battle harness; his movements were soundless.