Chapter 629: Heart of Stones (1/2)

Nix sat peacefully in the shade of a large oak tree planted in the Heart of Stones. Sensing her gaze, he looked down at the redhead that had been sleeping with her head on his lap. ”Good nap?”

Shae nodded and sat up slowly. ”Already past mid-day? I slept longer than I planned.”

Nix leaned closer and kissed the top of her head. ”Naps can't be planned; they just happen.”

The redhead considered his words before nodding in agreement. ”Did I miss anything?”

Nix scratched his chin for a moment. ”Let's see... Nicky sent Gil to the Nether before turning into a Phoenix and traveling to Eidengal. Our lovely daughter electrocuted her three dragonling brothers, and Deidra says Sigh is a bully.”

Shae's lips curved in a smile. ”Is that all?”

Nix nodded and used the oak tree to stand up. ”Guess we should see if we can turn things around.”

Shae followed as Nix made his way through the Heart of Stones, an endless number of statues that had sat in place for nearly six and a half years. Finally, after a minute of walking, they arrived at a small pavilion. Of all the statues in the Heart of Stones, this was the only one that was covered. ”Still beautiful...”

Nix nodded in agreement. The stone woman lay peacefully with her arms crossed over her chest; the scent of fresh flowers filled the air. ”Form them up.”

/Inferno: Shae: All Inferno members report to the Heart of Stones.

/Inferno: Jun Li: Really? Is it time?

/Inferno: Semmi: Cross your fingers; we're on our way.

Nix waited patiently in the shade next to the pavilion while the members of Inferno gathered. In the six-plus years since the fall of the Ice Goddess, the original members of Inferno hadn't taken on any serious raids. Instead, he spent his days working on his ranch while developing more advanced puppets. Occasionally he would take on a quest with Alpha team or Chiba. But, although still the Inferno Guild Leader, the only real responsibility he had was his Stewardship of Ionova.

[Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Don't start without me.

[Whisper: Nix to Gideon] You know I won't.

After Khione was slain, the 12 Pillar Alliance was disbanded and absorbed into the Inferno Guild. Sub-Commander Sulane took over as acting Raid Leader when most of the original Inferno members took a step back. This influx of new members helped populate Haven to the point where a city was started. Gemini City was built on the lakeshore directly across from Union City, the Aquarion settlement. After Glory, Gemini City was the second-largest player-built town in Colonial.

A flash of white approached through the statues, moving faster than most creatures could manage. It spotted the couple under the pavilion and leaped over the remaining three statues that separated them.

”Hey!” The Slayer skidded to a stop before changing into a beautiful Ain'Dhassi ranger. Del smiled at the pair before hugging Shae close. ”At least it's warm here!”

Shae frowned slightly, grabbing the ranger's hand before she could step away. ”Shouldn't you step away for a while?” The salamander's eyes drifted down to the slight bump on the ranger's belly.

”One more week, and Cora will assume my duties.” Del leaned closer to Nix, brushing her lips against his. ”I'm a bit nervous to tell you the truth. What's Raine going to say about my condition?”

Nix shrugged slightly, his eyes scanning the thousands of friends that had been killed fighting in the Deep Winter War. He stepped away from the two women while contemplating the results of the last time he tampered with death. A few weeks ago, he had been invited to New Dharta to attend a city-wide celebration of life. An odd event considering many of the town's friends and families was about to die within a few days. It was something he couldn't understand; thousands of people at the end of their life were smiling and laughing. The Inferno Leader had been treated like a hero for giving the once-dead citizens a half dozen years of life. ”I guess I don't get it.”

/Inferno: Semmi: Everyone is here, Nix. Whenever you are ready, Deidra, Tai, and Sinfaya are standing by to break your petrify curse if this works.

A warm hand on his shoulder pulled Nix out of his thoughts. Hyai smiled at the Inferno Leader. ”It's going to be fine, Nix. By the way, make sure to have a word with Nicky later.”

Nix nodded and put on a serious face when he noticed the culprit peaking around his mother's waist. ”We'll talk later, young man.”

Hyai rolled her eyes at the comment; Nix was more likely to help Nicky than scold him. ”Thanks, Nix.”

”Sure.” Nix pulled an object from his inventory and equipped it.

/Inferno: Nix: Not sure what's going to happen; everyone back away from the nearest statues.

You have equipped the Crown of Bones.

The area around the pavilion darkened suddenly, summoning a swirling vortex of shadow that enveloped the area around Nix. The crown on his head squeezed down, pulsing painfully as it responding to the thousands of corpses.