n

n

nThe air between them remained still for a moment. The dark eyes of the Sun Devil stared at Nix.

"I have the spectrum and now I will take the baby.

"

nNix gave him an innocent smile.

"What baby?

"

n

/Qi Family: Ducky: I have Ayla, we are safely in Haven.

n

/Qi Family: Nix: I have a present for you Pon. Come to the control room.

nSeibel's eyes darted around the room.

"NO! Where is she?

"

nNix shook his head sadly.

"Gone, I'm afraid; just like your spectrum.

"

n

"What are you talking about?

" Seibel looked at the pellet in his hands, the triumph slowly fading from his dark eyes.

nCave Skiver Eye

nDescription: A small rodent found

nin dark areas. They use their enhanced vision

nto elude rats while hunting for prey.

n

"Be honest... Did you see that coming?

" Nix's eyes were filled with humor.

"No?

"

nNix has activated Ashobel Clawz.

nNix's hands turned into white fur of ashobel, razor-sharp black claws emerged slowly from his fingers.

"Gonna f*ck you up... but just until Pon gets here.

"

n

"You...

" Seibel drew two daggers from his belt.

n

"Yep... Me.

"

nSouless Approach: Two Fang Seibel blurred and appeared behind Nix.

nFlawless Counter: Ghost Step Nix dodged to one side and lashed out with an open-handed slap.

nSeibel skidded across the surface of the water, with Nix in pursuit.

nHidden Weapon: Poison Dart

nSeibel has landed a critical strike.

nNix has resisted Kraga Poison.

nSeibel rolled to his feet, both blades slashing at the charging Nix.

nSeibel has initiated a Double Strike.

nNix crossed his arms in an 'X' in front of him.

nIce Shield has countered one of Seibel's attacks.

nSeibel has landed a strike on Nix.

nNix grabbed the wrist before it could be drawn back, yanking with all his strength he tossed Seibel across the room like he was weightless. The Sun Devil managed to spin in the air and land sideways on the wall. Kicking off with both legs, he shot toward Nix like an arrow.

nSeibel has initiated Fatal Strike

nNix has initiated Ice Fists

nThe two attacks slammed together, canceling each other out. Nix was pushed back several steps, however, both of Seibel's daggers fell from his shattered hands.

nNix shook his head at the twisted arms of his opponent.

"It gets worse... Feel that?

"

nThe temperature in the room started to climb. He turned to see a raging ball of flame advance slowly toward them. At the epicenter of the flames stood the old man.

nPon's eyes had vanished into brilliant orbs of flame, his white hair looked like a forest fire. Around him, steam bellowed into the air as the stone beneath his feet glowed red hot.

"Finally. You are in my sight.

"

n

"I... I'm the son of Delyn Xai. If you kill me, my friends will tell him what happened.

" Seibel's voice held the tinge of fear. Normally he was resistant to flame attacks, but the old man's flaming aura felt like the sun itself was pushing him back.

n

"We killed all your friends. If your old man finds out what happened, he's welcome to protest.

" Pon's back bent slightly, roaring in pain as a single orange wing pushed outward, the cracking of bones filled the air, and a second wing sprouted alongside it.

nPon's bloodline has been activated, First Form: Flame Archon

nPon has cast Balefire: Hex

nA white flame burned through the air, striking Seibel in the chest before continuing through the wall behind him.

nNix nodded in approval when the lower half of the Sun Devil flopped on the ground and spasmed. The rest of Seibel had been burned from this world, never to be seen again.

nThe old man flamed out, his wings disappearing as he staggered suddenly. Nix flashed toward him caught him before he collapsed.

n

/Qi Family: Nix: Let's get you back to Haven old man. There's someone waiting for you.

nPon leaned heavily on Nix, knowing he was strong enough to take it.

"Yeah. That's a great idea.

"

n***********

nTwo hours later, the old man sat in Nix's living room, a handful of adoring women cooing at him.

nPon's old face creased into a wide smile when the small hand gripped his finger.

"Have you ever seen such a beautiful thing?

"

nNix shook his head.

"Nope.

" He managed to hold the baby for about a minute before he was pushed out of the way by Scarlet, Mina, Hyai, and Nansu.

nMina stared longingly at the baby, her hand automatically caressing her own stomach.

"We should get her back to her mom.

"

nPon nodded, although it was obvious he didn't want to.

"Your momma... She fought them even after they broke her arms. I bet you miss her.

"

nNix stood and caught the old man's eye.

"Time to go Pon.

"

n

"Yeah. I know it.

" Pon followed Nix to the door.

"It's not easy after seeing her.

"

nNix could have used Deep Blue to bring them to Loki, but he sensed that Pon would appreciate the few extra minutes so they walked to the Gemini Temple instead.

nSemmi and Wind were just stepping off the platform when Nix and Pon arrived.

nWind offered them a smile, he'd obviously been briefed.

"Good job, guys.

"

nSemmi stopped, her blue eyes staring at the old mage.

"You okay?

"

nPon nodded.

"Yes. We're going to return her to Panyu. Back in a bit.

"

nNix and Pon walked through the streets of Loki, toward the Emerald Salamander. After being treated for injuries, Panyu was staying in one of the suites. She was sitting in the common area with Ishna when they walked in, the Aquarion mother spotted her child right away.

nPanyu met them halfway across the room, sobbing loudly, she wrapped up both Pon and the baby in a hug.

"Ayla... Thank you, Pon. Thank you for bringing her back.

"

nPon only nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He placed the baby in her mother's arms and stepped away.

nIshna stared at the humans, her pale eyes seemed tired.

"This shouldn't have happened. I should have taken steps to protect them.

"

nPon shook his head slightly.

"Bad people are gonna do bad things. Sometimes that's all there is to it.

"

nNix and Pon stayed with the two Aquarions until it was nearly midnight. Pon was able to hold her for a long time.

nWhen the two returned to the Gemini platform, it was nearly deserted. Semmi was leaning against a nearby wall, obviously waiting for them.

nNix pounded Pon the back.

"Don't stay up too late old man.

"

nPon scowled at him.

"The hell does that mean? I'm not tired!

n

"Night Sem.

" Nix walked toward the door, happy he didn't have to deal with an emotional girlfriend.

n

"H-How come..

" Semmi started speaking, her lips trembling slightly when she spoke.

"How come you didn't ask me to help you? Aren't I someone you can count on?

"

nPon nodded.

"You are.

"

nSemmi frowned at him, her blue eyes shining.

"Then why?

"

n

"Nix and I... We both try to do good things but sometimes you have to be ruthless. You're the best person I know, I don't want to ever think about you doing something like that. Even if it's for me.

"

nSemmi cried softly, her hands covered her face. Pon waited until she was finished. He didn't know what to say, so he said nothing.

n

"Pon... How come you didn't ask me if I wanted to hold her?

"

n

"I didn't think you'd want to.

" Pon sighed heavily, wishing for once he could turn time back a few hours.

n

"She's your daughter. Of course, I want to hold her.

" Semmi walked away without speaking further, leaving the mage standing by himself.

nPon watched her walk away.

"You messed that one up, old man. How the f*ck does Nix manage so many?

"

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