Chapter 630: Another Predecessor (1/2)

****Author's Note*****

At least two more chapters, maybe three or four to wrap things up properly.

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

Hours later, most of the fallen had been returned to their homes. Raine sat across the kitchen island from Del; the two of them talked quietly in the Turtle House.

”I guess a lot has changed in six years.” Raine sighed heavily, her eyes drifting to Del's stomach. ”You live here now?”

Del nodded. ”Yes. I stay at the Ranch sometimes, but it can get so crowded there. So you should stay here with me.”

Raine smile slightly. ”If Del Tali is inviting me to stay, then a lot has changed while I was dead.”

Del returned the smile. ”Of course, you'll have to make yourself scarce when Nix visits me.”

Raine laughed loudly; the situation was too far removed from what she considered normal. ”What if he is visiting me?”

Del's smile could melt butter. ”Then... I'll interfere however I can.”

”You two getting along?” Nix came down the stairs; his dark hair still wet from the shower.”

”Yes,” Del smiled pleasantly.

”Sure,” Raine agreed.

The Ain'Dhassi ranger morphed into her Slayer form and padded toward the door. ”Don't forget, fishing in the morning with Junie and Semmi.”

Nix nodded. ”Heading out, Del?”

”Yes, my family is expecting me in Ain'Dhassi. I should be back tomorrow before dinner.”

”Be careful.” Raine waited until Del disappeared through the door before turning her gaze onto Nix. ”Did you miss me while I was gone?”

Nix shook his head. ”Not really... I barely remembered your name. But, fortunately, Semmi reminded me this morning.”

”Hmm?” Raine stood up from her chair and walked around the island toward the Inferno Leader. ”Semmi told me that a certain someone picked fresh flowers for my pavilion every morning for the last six years.”

Nix shrugged slightly. ”First I've heard of it, there are all sorts of riff-raff hanging around Haven nowadays.”

”And that same person built my pavilion with their own hands. She stepped into his arms, wrapping him up while burying her face in his neck. ”I don't get along with Del.”

”Me neither,” Nix agreed.

”Hmm?” The barest hint of a smile played on the dhassi's lips. ”How'd she manage to get in that condition if the two of you don't get along.”

”Well...” Nix scratched his chin while considering the question. ”Want a verbal answer or a demonstration?”

Raine laughed against his neck; her lips brushed against Nix's warm skin. ”You are a shameless man, Nix.”

Nix stepped away, fixing her with a yellow-eyed stare. ”Demonstration then?”

Raine nodded, her pale cheeks flushing red.

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

/Go Fish: Jun Li: Nansu and Chael want to join the fishing club.

/Go Fish: Semmi: No couples allowed... Denied.

/Go Fish: Nix: Veto!

Nix leaned back against the slumbering Titan bear and cast his line into the water. A handful of drakes circled high overhead, teaching Aerial maneuvers to Haven's younger generation of fliers. Hyai and Fajii were already setting up for a lunch banquet nearby.

/Go Fish: Nix: How many are coming to this banquet?

/Go Fish: Semmi: Started at two dozen close friends; I am guessing it's triple that by now.

/Go Fish: Jun Li: Nihlus hasn't returned from the Tembai Academy yet; perhaps we should make an inquiry.

Nix's sour face brightened considerably. ”Nihlus? What's that have to do with us? He's part of the Lion Titan Clan.”

[Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Don't tease Junie too much.

Jun Li reeled in her line, her pale face flushing slightly. ”I know, but they are important allies.”

Nix shared a smile with Semmi, pausing his train of thought when he felt a small tug on the end of his line. The tip of the rod dipped suddenly; he jerked back on the reel, setting the hook. ”Got ya!”

The whirling of the line being pulled out whined loudly in the quiet morning. Nix jumped to his feet and moved into the river's shallows while Semmi and Jun Li brought in their lines.

/Go Fish: Jun Li: I'll grab the landing net!

A few minutes later, the fish surfaced in a flash of gold before diving back into the depths.

/Go Fish: Jun Li: It's one of those carp dragon things.

/Go Fish: Semmi: A predessor? Cut the line, Nix; you remember how shitty those things are.

Nix shook his head, laughing as he brought the tip of his rod up. ”No way! Deidra asked me to find another one for her!”

[Whisper: Nix to Deidra] I caught another one of those predecessor things.