The Rise of Nix
Chapter 4

The village came alive that night. As soon as the sun set past the high mountains, the roaring flames from the fire lit up the night sky, a perfect setting for the cloudless sky and sparkling stars. People gather around the light, drinks in hand, chatting away as the soft beat of drums sounds in the background. The smell of sizzling fat clung to the air; the hog brought back by the hunters slowly turned over the fire as it cooked to perfection.

The children crowded the invited guests in awe with the clothes and gadgets they hung around their bodies. Their mother's standing close by, using the facade of looking after their young but instead marvelling in the men's glory. For these were not men they had seen before. The hunters from their village could be called plain, one or two more substantial than the rest, but overall, a sight as any other. But the strangers had strong muscles lining their arms and legs, with some thicker than the children's heads. Long, flowing hair cascaded over their shoulder, tied in different styled plaits that symbolized the role in their community.

Men joked about as women bustled around, preparing the grounds for the feast to come and the dancing that would follow.

Nix made her way past groups of people deep in conversation, nodding to a few and giving radiant smiles to others. Unlike the women in her village, the new men did not thrall her, for looks were unimportant to her. No, she believed in a more profound connection past the physical, and sadly, most of these people were not that deep, but of course, she could still admire them.

The sounds of laughter burst from the most prominent group surrounding the fire, their backs hiding who was talking. A familiar redhead flicked her hair back at the edge of the group, her soft laughter catching Nix's attention. Diverting her path away from the delicious-smelling food, she headed for her friend, curious as to what could turn her good friend into a mere girl.

"And as he set his gaze on me, I froze-" a deep voice spoke as Nix approached the group, but a few tall men in front of her blocked the view of the speaker, so she listened with interest at the story being told, not a bit mesmerized by a glorified story. "My breath hitched as his head lowered, his eyes locked on mine."

The group gasped as the speaker paused. "What happened next?" one of the clamoured listeners asked.

"Well, what could I do? It was either him or me." the speaker chuckled at his own story, and Nix almost snorted. These people believed everything told to them, licking it up like a hungry puppy.

"With a second warning, he came charging at me. Just as he jumped for me, I grabbed my spear in hand, piercing his flesh as he fell on top of me. We tumbled down, his weight crushing me, but he was dead." The speaker finished his story. The group began cheering and clapping, amazed by the man's heroics.

"Yeah, right," Nix muttered under her breath, the praising from the villagers covering her words, but somehow one person had heard her.

Suddenly, the group parted before her, and she looked up just in time into the dark eyes of the tallest man she had ever seen.

"And why don't you believe me?" the deep voice of the storyteller asked, his gaze trailing over Nix's form.

Swallowing back her shock, Nix observed the man as she fully turned to him. The fur he used as clothes barely covered his bulging muscles, the light from the fire casting his tanned skin in a soft glow, making him seem radiant. Facing him, Nix concentrated on his face, and her heart stopped for a second. This man has to be one of the most handsome men she has ever seen. Light brown hair, on the verge of being blond, curved around his angular jaw to over his shoulders, a few tendrils brushing against his sharp cheekbones. Fighting the urge to spend hours adoring his plump lips, Nix shot her gaze to his eyes, his dark stare piercing hers.

"Well," Nix cleared her throat, "A single spear could not slay a hog the size you described."

The man smirked as the fire made his eyes twinkle. He crossed his arms and observed Nix again, making her blush from the attention. The villagers gathered around them, curious to see where this conversation was going. They knew Nix was stubborn, even hard to control, but the guest was a specimen of a man they had never seen before. Maybe he would be the one to tame her.

"For a regular man, that might be true." the man dropped his arms and stepped closer to Nix, bending to speak softly next to her ear. "But I am no regular man if you want to find out."

The closeness allowed Nix to breathe in his scent. The smell of dirt tickled her nose, and another unidentified scent sent shivers down her spine. The men in her village never gave her the time of day, but suddenly this beast was insinuating something she had only dreamed about, and she did not know how to respond.

"Nix, there you are." Mary rushed up to the pair, and Nix silently thanked her friend for the intrusion. For once in her life, she was speechless, and the man before her invoked feelings she had never felt before.

"And you are?" the man leaned away from Nix, smiling as he turned to face Mary.

She answered, "My name is Mary, and this is Nix, our healer." She offered her hand.

Accepting her invitation, he placed a gentle kiss on top, keeping his eyes on Mary. "It is nice to meet you, Mary. My name is Maverick, leader of The Night Walker pack."

Mary blushed as she stared at Maverick, her hand still in his grasp. Nix coughed, trying to get their attention, and it worked, for Maverick turned his charming gaze to Nix. "A healer, you say."

His intense stare blocked Nix's pipes, and she could feel her skin heating up as her cheeks turned scarlet. His eye twinkled brighter as he extended a hand to Nix. Maybe too fast, Nix placed her own in his, the texture of his skin brushing against her roughness. As with Mary, Maverick touched a gentle kiss over her hand, the contact sending butterflies frantically swarming around in her stomach. Their gaze locked as Nix explored his features, stopping at his eyes. Something about the dark pools felt familiar but strange at the same time. The whites around his pupils popped with the contrast of gloom.

Lifting his body, Maverick held on to her hand as his head tilted slightly. "I am curious. Why are your hands so rough?" Maverick turned her hand around as he spoke, trailing a finger down her palm, sending sparks racing over her suddenly tender skin.

"I, uh, I", his touch confused her, making her unable to speak.

"Because she hunts for herself. And build her own hut. She does everything for herself." Mary stepped in again at the right time, saving Nix from embarrassment.

"Yes," Nix answered, pulling her hand from his grip. "When you do the dirty work, you have no time to fret over rough skin."

Maverick's eyebrow shot up in curiosity, his eyes still locked on Nix's. "And why would you need to do all of that when a man can just do it for you?"

His harsh words burst the bubble, and all of Nix's beliefs came rushing back. She had thought Maverick might be different for a second, but he wasn't. He was like the rest, regarding a woman as only good for one thing: providing their offspring.

Stepping away and over towards Mary, Nix lifted her chin and pulled taut her shoulders. "Because if I can do everything a man does, why would I need one?"

Maverick smiled, revealing a set of perfect white teeth, "I can think of one thing."

Before Nix could respond to his insinuation of sex, Khan approached the group with a cup filled with mead. Slapping Maverick on the shoulder made him spill the liquid, but he was too intoxicated to care. "There you are. I want to introduce you to my daughter."

"That sounds amazing," Maverick replied, "But I was busy talking to Nix and Mary."

Khan's body tensed up at the mention of Nix's name, and he slowly turned to face her, anger littering his face. "I am sorry you had to endure even a second of her company."

"I didn't mind." Maverick winked at Nix, making her smile.

"I feel the same way, but I think it is time I retired."

"Let me escort you to your hut." Maverick offered, but Khan stopped him as he stepped forward. "No need. She knows her way around, but speaking about females, my daughter..."

Khan had dragged Maverick away, his eyes locked with hers until the crowd swallowed him up, leaving the two friends alone.

"Well, that was awkward." Mary broke the silence first.

"You are telling me." Nix entwined their arms as she turned in the direction of her hut. Silence befell the pair as they dodged drunken men while stepping over slumbering children. Letting out relief at the sight of her place, Nix hugged her friend and was about to enter, but Mary's words stopped her.

"Are we not going to talk about the attraction between you and Maverick?"

"There is nothing to talk about." Nix pushed aside the covering to step inside. Turning to Mary, she held it half-open, popping her face out. "Besides, he has different views about females, and I will not be one of them."

Thoughtlessly, Nix let go of the fur, blocking out her friend's shocked face, and closing out the sound of the party and the memories of her interaction with Maverick. He might have stirred unknown feelings in her, but she would never lower herself to a level like that. No, she would rather die alone. And at this rate, it might just happen.

The celebrations continued until the early morning as the last revellers left to lay down did the sun crested over the mountains. A thick layer of fog covered the village, leaving an eery presence so early. Nix exited her home, glancing about the mess as she dragged a lung full of fresh air. Making her way over the sleeping forms of both groups and ensuring not to step on discarded cups and cleaned bones, she moved past the dying fire, a few embers still burning with the rest white ash. Loud snoring could be heard from passed-out men as they slept in uncomfortable positions, the mead knocking them out cold. Passing the giant hut from the group, Nix wondered if Maverick had made himself at home inside, next to the sleeping form of Khan's daughter, Leela.

Of all the females in the village, Leela was the most beautiful, admired by all men. Being the daughter of the most powerful man in their company also did not help the admiration she received. Nix could appreciate beauty, especially in a world filled with suffering, but sadly Leela was not as beautiful on the inside. Growing up, Leela used to heckle Nix, a constant tormentor about her tragic past and current future. Even after they grew up, the dark-haired beauty would still tease her, knowing her status would protect her. And Nix's status forced her to hold her tongue and accept the abuse, for if she defended herself, Leela would make sure she was kicked out of the village. Something Khan had in common with his daughter.

With the hut behind her and the path emptying into the woods before her, Nix pushed the old memories and feelings to the back, focusing preferably on today and what she had to do. Luckily, with her catch from yesterday, there was no need for another hunt. Instead, she finally had time to look after herself. Since most of the villagers were passed out and those smarter focused on cleaning up, it left her alone with the glorious pond she had dreamed about for days.

Making her way through the familiar path, past the trees and over rocks and roots, Nix let her mind wander. Before she could stop herself, the dark eyes of Maverick popped up and surprised her. Never before has a man invoked these feelings in her. Usually, it is anger or pity at those plain men, but Maverick was something else. She could not put her finger on it, but he was different, not just the looks, but a more profound secret. One she will gladly try the find out before she proposes her idea of joining them.

The thick bush began to clear, revealing a luscious pond of clear blue water, the sun's rays making the surface shimmer like a wink drawing her nearer. Glancing around to ensure she was free of wandering eyes, Nix disrobed, folding her clothes and placing them on one of the protruding boulders surrounding the water. Dipping a toe inside, the shock of the icy liquid forced her foot out, but the temperature would not discourage her.

Holding her breath, Nix silently counted until three, shaking her arms as she slowly stepped in. Nerve endings in her legs screamed for mercy as the water rose higher, engulfing her middle. "It will get better." Muttered Nix encouragingly. Continuing the assault on her body, Nix breathed relief as the water finally reached her shoulders. Standing still, she allowed her body to relax and accept the icy temperatures. Moments later, her body matched the water's, and she could finally enjoy her bath.

Floating on her back, Nix relished in the feel as the liquid caressed her body, amazed at how something so simple could allow her to be suspended above the ground. The world is full of amazement, and she wishes to explore them all, know how things work, and figure out a way to improve them. As the sun reached its highest peak, Nix let her gaze wander over her small slice of paradise. The pond is round with trees covering more than half as the water nestled against rocks that reached towards the sky and a small waterfall from elsewhere and splashed into the deeper part.

Diving below the calm surface, the water rushed over her face, leaving a sting from the cold water, but she loved that feeling; it reminded her that she was alive. Shooting up, water dripped into her eyes, and she moved to rub it away when a breaking branch caught her attention. Swerving around, Nix made sure the water covered her body as she scanned the trees, her mind telling her it was just an animal, but she had to be sure. No other noise followed, so she hesitantly resumed her swim but froze as a voice spoke from somewhere behind her back.

"That looks divine. Do you mind if I join you?" a man asked.

**********

After the night had consumed the remainder of light, Deimos had decided to rest for the night. The rough ground was his only option without any supplies as he exhaustedly dropped down. The sound of insects heightened as he laid down, causing dirt to cling to his clothes. Removing the bag from his shoulder, he reached in to pull out the vial of magic. Cradling the fragile glass, Deimos used his free hand to roll up the empty bag, propping it under his head, grateful for even the slightest comfort provided in these harsh conditions. All those times he had watched the humans, he had always thought them weak, but now he realized that in a place like this, only the strong could survive. He just hoped he was one of them.

As darkness cloaked everything, a single light came from the vial. Holding it close to his face, Deimos inspected the vial and its precious cargo. With each movement, the purple liquid shifted inside, which illuminated a glow that got stronger the closer he got to its intended. Gods had the power to create living beings, the world around them as proof, but some Gods, like the three, had more energy to imagine beings as complex as humans or supernatural. From what he had heard, the process was easy but painful. All Deimos knew was that to create, one had to sacrifice a part of themselves. How, he could not ponder, but examining the purple fluid, his mind wandered as the idea of a lifeforce came up. What if in this vial was Zeus' lifeforce, his essence, and what if Deimos was to take it instead of Nix?

Shaking his head, Deimos pushed the thought away. He was eager for power, but the idea of meeting Nix and touching her overwhelmed his drive. If Gods could not love, the feelings he felt for her must be close to what love was.

Deimos put the vial into his pocket and closed his eyes as sleep began to wash over him. Within seconds he was gone as the long journey took a toll on his mortal body. Dreaming of her and what the future could bring.

A glaring ray of sunshine forced his eyes open, but he quickly closed them as the light blinded him. Shooting up, Deimos noticed the bugs crawling over his body. Jumping up, he shook viciously to rid himself of them. Pleased by the lack of legs on him, Deimos bent to retrieve his makeshift pillow, uncurling the bag. Reaching into his pocket, he removed the vial but stopped as the purple light intensified, even in an already light setting. Suddenly, the hum that had guided him intensified. Looking around, he knew the only reason would be for her presence, meaning she had to be close. Without thinking of a plan to introduce himself, Deimos began moving in any direction but stopped as the glow faded slightly. Holding the vial before him, he turned in a circle, letting the magic lead him. As soon as the light returned, Deimos walked, not knowing where he was going.

As his path began to clear and open up, signs of daily usage became evident. The dirt track had no branches across the way, and the ground was baring from grass caused by all the stepping it had endured. Deimos' body began to ache, his stomach churning from hunger, but he ignored it, knowing she had to be close.

Finally, the trees thinned until they cleared, revealing an oasis before him. A small pool lay in the middle with a waterfall behind it, the rocks reaching almost five times his height. The surface shimmered from the sun, tantalizing him closer. But then, the tranquil top broke apart, and a blond head popped up from the blue water. Deimos knew it was her with just the silky, smooth head of hair, causing his body to stiffen on the spot. Holding his breath, he watched as she turned around and her beauty slammed into him, a step forced that caused him to step onto a twig, the breaking sound pulling her to twirl around and scan the area. Quickly moving behind a tree to hide, Deimos remained quiet. After waiting a few seconds, Deimos peeked out from behind the bark, expecting her to be gone, but she was still swimming happily in the water.

The best plan was the wait for her to leave and then follow her, but something inside him said, why wait? And he agreed.

Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Deimos stepped away from his hiding spot, inching closer to the water's edge. Silently clearing his throat, Deimos gathered his strength and spoke.

"That looks divine. Do you mind if I join you?"

Frightened eyes twirled towards him, almost sending him to his knees as he could finally see her in the flesh, and she was even more gorgeous in person.

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