Nix was the last one in, a few moments after he crossed the threshold, the stone door slammed shut.

New Quest Available. [The Lost City part IV: The Desert King]

/Inferno: Nix: Looks like we're in.

/Inferno: Pon: Gladiator arena?

Inside the door was a large circular arena covered in sand. There were four raised platforms set in a square. At the center of this square was the blurred image of a ma.s.sive beast. The raised platforms hovered a few meters in the air, and each had a set of stairs leading up to it.

/Inferno: Jun Li: The raised platforms probably sp.a.w.n something. We are going to have to play it by ear and try to adapt.

/Inferno: Sharl: The beast in the middle looks to be the main Boss; at this point, I can't target him.

/Inferno: Semmi: We have to cover four platforms and the middle boss, It seems like we are short a healer.

/Inferno: Nix: Shadai is a flying healer; if she positions herself between the center and one of the squares, she should be able to handle both.

[Summons: Ea'Shadai, Cal, Tor]

Cal smiled when he saw him. "We'll get her next time Nix!"

Nix nodded. Since he didn't have his gear for five days, he forgot that the three Air'Voilla had probably died facing Khione also. "I won't let you guys down again."

Shadai shook her head, the beautiful white feathers coating her skull seemed longer somehow. "We have all used the time to get stronger Nix; we will support you properly."

[Whisper: Nix to Shar] Summon Floyd, I know you like to baby him, but the kid is fantastic.

Sharl nodded and summoned her Naga companion.

/Jun Li: Give me a moment, and I'll a.s.sign everyone.

NW Platform: Nix, Shadai, Cal, Tor.

NE Platform: Jun Li, Ronnie, Tess.

SE Platform: Semmi, Fajii, Eron.

SW Platform: Wind, Pon, Gypsy.

Center: Sharl, Floyd, Shadai.

***********

[Solomon City: Sky Kingdom]

Breach Commander Mtui sat behind his desk, staring at his list of allies. It looked much the same as it had a week earlier, with one small exception. Besides Nix's name, there was an asterisk and the words, 'Temporarily Undeployable.' He glanced up at his mother, who was frowning at him. "I'm not sure what happened, Mother."

Deidra stared at his name. The human was as impressive a person as she'd ever met. "He disappeared after challenging Khione, then resurfaces in Northern Everspire a few days later. If he can't be listed as an ally, then either his Breach Commander abilities are gone, or they are disabled."

"What do you want me to do?"

"War is stirring in Everspire, it seems that it must be related to the arrival of Khione, but I don't see the connection yet." Deidra opened a detailed holographic map of Everspire. "Find him, send a team immediately."

"Right away, Mother."

Elan Mtui watched as his mother created a breach and then disappeared. He sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair.

[Direct Contact: Beta]

An instant later, a holo of his white-haired operative appeared in front of him.

Beta saluted crisply. "Breach Commander!"

Elan knew that his operative had strong ties to Inferno; she was in a relations.h.i.+p with one of their members and was old friends with another. "Have you spoken to Chiba or Wind lately?"

Beta chose her words carefully, although she was loyal to Mtui, she was hesitant to give away information regarding Nix. Chiba and Wind were important people to her; then there was the matter of Nix finding her distant relatives in the Core. "Chiba is on a cla.s.s quest; she won't be back for weeks. I spoke to Wind today."

[Create Breach: Loki: Solomon City]

Sasi and Rabi Qi stepped into his office a moment later.

"Thanks for coming Sasi, I know the two of you are helping Uta with the Shadow Rage course in Loki. I wonder if you could step away from that for a while."

Sasi glanced at Rabi, who nodded as if she spoke. "Is this concerning Nix?"

"It is."

"Uta will be able to instruct his students without us. We are at your disposal, Sir."

Mtui turned back toward his operative. "I want the three of you to find Nix and lend him whatever aid he needs."

Sasi's fanged mouth widened in a smile. Nix was one of her favorite people. "If we go through the gate, we'll lose all our gear."

Beta held up her hand. "I will talk to Inferno; they can bring us right to him. If he'll allow it."