Chapter 2 - ' Rystler '

Shouts of excitement rang in the streets of Reisvor. The eastern sun pierced the souls of those brave enough to walk beneath it. Today it shed light on an unusual event in the capital city.

The bystanders peered with curiosity, trying to gain a glimpse of inside the shop. Though the situation outside gradually worsened with the growing crowd. What occurred on the inside was of true interest.

Two soldiers of the King's army stood unmoved. One with thick golden hair cropped short and sharp golden eyes surveyed the scene before him. With his position already stated he awaited the robbers next move. Gloved fingers trailed along the hilt of the sword that hung at his side. The purple birthstone embedded in his ring glowed dangerously bright.

"Stop what you're doing!" The man yelled at him.

Rystler looked at the man with eyes full of disregard. Standing next to him of tall stature and strong build was his partner, Azrael. Azrael took initiative to move forward. Though his abilities were weakened during the daylight hours they still invoked fear. The dark corners of the jewelry shop slithered to him.

Pale skin became covered in a layer of darkness. Before any of the store's patrons could bat an eyelash, he vanished from the spot. The air that usually held some indication of magic being used was light.

Rystler smirked. The robber, who held the store owner hostage with an enchanted dagger to his heart, fell to the floor. Golden eyes turned to the side.

"Brava! I couldn't have done better myself." said Rystler.

"Please complete the report."

Azrael lived up to his name. Chilling words exited his lips without hesitation. Rystler smiled, having grown accustomed to his partner's frigid nature. He completed an audio recording of what transpired for later review. Azrael inspected the body on the floor. A small mark no more than two inches in length and width caught his attention.

A slender arm raised in the air. The sound caused by the friction between his thumb and middle finger sent a black wave out in the room.

Rystler walked over to where Azrael was squatting.

With a frown on his face he said, "You found something?" Azrael pulled back, the neck of the shirt the man wore.

"By Soniya!" Rystler exclaimed in shock.

Dark black eyes glared at him. He raised his hands in defense knowing what he did was wrong. Casually calling upon any one of the ten ruling Gods or Goddesses was punishable by death.

"Sorry." He mumbled to no one in particular.

The man had the insignia of the Paltenous house on his body. The Paltenous house was one of the ruling houses in the land of Xyra. The two men looked at each other. Why does a man of one of the most prestigious families feel the need to rob a commoners store?

Through the darkness that surrounded them, they saw the lower ranked soldiers who held authority in this area. Azrael retrieved his perception blocking skill.

The soldiers who entered were surprised to see two of the King's soldiers in the commoners area. With formalities in place they took over smoothly from what had already been done. After all had been settled, one golden head and one black head melted into the background of the diverse peoples that made up Xyra.

Separated by elemental schools, the two men lingered in the castle's hallway neither willing to pathways. Willing to risk being seen Rystler acted. The loosely hung gold chain around his waist was removed. A sacred enchantment was whispered. Words older than Xyra herself appeared on the links.

Obeying the call of its master, the chain slithered around his arm. Golden eyes bore into dark ones. He smirked. Azrael had seen that look one too many times to not act as soon as possible. A thin hand reached out to the darkness, creating a tunnel that could support 'the crossing'. The gold chain split itself darting towards his fleeting figure.

Azrael cried out as the burning chains wrapped around his body. Lazy eyes ran along his body. Rystler followed the golden links into the darkness.

"Where are you going?" said Rystler.

His question was met with silence.

"We are partners are we not?" Rystler continued.

The skeleton dressed in the golden robes of a King's soldier turned its skull. Amused, hearty laughter left Rystler's lips. Drawn back in by his partner's charming voice. Azrael faced him once more. Azrael took in Rystler's movements.

Such power.

Unable to hide due to the amount of light that radiated from within Rystler. Azrael stood silently under his gaze. Crazed thoughts entered his mind, yet they were pushed down. It was too late to escape.

The blood of the golden dragons pulsed brightly within Rystler. Blood vessels under tight skin, full of youth turned gold in colour. With nothing more than reptilian slits for pupils, Rystler revelled in his partners discomfort.

Barely above a whisper, he said, "Gulstru."

Obeying his command the chains tightened around their prized possession. The strength behind the chains was too much. No longer able to hold his skeletal form Azrael reverted to his human body. Olive skin tinged pink greeted the eyes.

Awakened to the fifth degree dragonoid features became more prevalent in Rystler. Metal claws grew digging painfully slow into his palm. Holding his form in the in between he watched his prey struggle. Azrael's breathing became laboured.

"I know you're not truly distressed," said Rystler.

He reached out pulling Azrael's body towards him. They stood within the boundaries of the netherworld and the living world. Though the two types of magic they held within them were equal in terms of power. One could easily overthrow the other given the right conditions. Suffice to say, this moment in the darkness was perfect for a practitioner of death.

Thin claws traced the golden dragon outline on Azrael's neck. A new found possessiveness dug away at the heart of Rystler's dragon. Seeing that his partner had no intention of doing anything, he initiated their love.

Less than a hair width away. Soft pink lips pressed against each other. Seconds turned into minutes each man seemingly drowned in the passionate kiss. Coming to himself first, Azrael quickly turned away.

Gasping for air, Azrael said, "I have to see my leader."

"I am your leader!" Pink lips captured Azrael's in a heartbeat.

Stripped of all decency, tender tongues mingled together, playing with and teasing the other. With wide smiles they separated. Guided by love, he explored the newly exposed skin just below Azrael's collar. The moans that left his lover's lips acted as an encouragement to continue what was started. Rystler smirked planning his next move of attack.

Black tendrils pushed against the chains. The struggle between the two forces showed the victor clearly. Many years working for the King gave Rystler the privilege to see many of Azrael's battles. He knew of the dark arts and what those tendrils were capable of performing.

"Have mercy!" said Rystler.

"Isn't a leader above the average soldier?"

Acting on impulse Rystler jumped away. Creating his own exit tunnel, he passed through quickly. A small group of maids were startled at the sudden arrival of the 'half human' or 'haala' as the Zyrians would say. A new tactic came to mind as he began to gather the energy needed to retaliate.

"Rough housing is prohibited!" The drall of his voice raised the hairs on both men's neck. A tight smile was given to the Death Battalion leader, Orion.

Orion's midnight black hair consumed the shadows around it, creating a constant vortex around his head.

"The Storm leader, Ms. Everlesse was looking for you," said Orion to Rystler, before turning to address Azrael. "I expect you to go in your room to rest. Your group may have patrol tonight." Both men paid the leader their respect and went their separate ways.

Orion narrowed his eyes. Fifty years had been spent chasing after Osirus' eyes. Using them he saw a rare occurrence between males. Traces of the golden dragon imprint usually invisible to the naked eye could be seen on Azrael's neck. A similar sight was seen on Rystler except it was the deep set decay that only came from the imprint of a skeletal practitioner of Death.

A terrible feeling pulled within Orion's chest. They mustn't continue on this path. He released a defeated breath. I must bring up the dangers of interspecies mating at the next group session.

No one witnessed the leader take his leave, with the flutter of his cloak, only his absence and the lack of light was noticed.

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