Discovering: The Architect's Guardian, #2

Chapter 1

––––––––

Armando stood in the living room, staring at the viewing screen mounted on the wall. He’d intended to avoid the news, but his curiosity had gotten the better of him. Almost two weeks after The Gathering, the media still intensely examined the events that had shocked the human and Nitelvosa populations. A special evening news segment, devoid of opinions from him and Izdahl, would be airing shortly.

I’ll probably hear about the events for the foreseeable future, he thought. Maybe the frequency of the discussions would slow down, but the speculation would continue.

The news reporter began speaking and Armando turned up the volume on the viewing screen.

Traditionally, The Gathering is only for Nitelvosa. This year’s festivities were meant to be auspicious, a start of a stronger bond, with humans attending for the first time. Nitelvosa and humans created incredible memories.

Nevertheless, unfortunate events at the Elite Fire Dueling took center stage. The competition was marred by the death of Izdahl Amasi, and his resurrection at the hands of Armando Medina. How did all this come about? We still don’t have the answers. Even now, the seven Velzos are investigating what happened. It’s unclear what will be the outcome, especially for Amasi and Medina.

While we await the results, we have experts here to discuss the semi-final match between Izdahl Amasi and Deyn Marnel that took a vicious and deadly turn.

The feature lasted for two hours, with footage replayed from Izdahl and Deyn’s fight, especially the part with Izdahl dying and Armando bringing him back to life. In the recap, the power and magic of a soul fire column illuminated the entire arena.

As Armando viewed the special, the soul fire magic that had burned into the veins of his arms pulsed. His arms had been permanently changed by the event, even at a molecular level. Shortly after The Gathering, Hadil, Izdahl’s mother, had given Armando magically-infused gloves to wear. Those gloves now kept his arms from disintegrating.

Watching himself drag Izdahl’s soul back into his body made Armando’s heart ached. He grabbed his chest, mentally transported to the night he almost lost the love of his life. He pulled away from the brink of disappearing into those dark moments, reminding himself that Izdahl was alive and nearby, right in the study.

As he told the viewing screen to shut off, Armando mentally chastised himself for watching the harrowing footage. He left the living room to find Izdahl, who’d been in the study for most of the day. Classical Nitelvosa music, perfect for anyone in a pensive mood, drifted from the room. The primary instrument had deep and rich tones similar to a cello.

Armando leaned against the doorway, watching Izdahl intently. Izdahl sat in an armchair, staring at a large painting mounted on the wall. It was a scene of a famous Nitelvosa general, Gisera Amasi. Dressed in luminous baltium armor, she hovered in the air with her massive black wings completely unfurled. Izdahl had bought the painting a week ago and seemed mesmerized by it.

Armando walked to Izdahl and pressed a kiss to his temple. You’ve been more pensive than usual.

Izdahl looked up at him, smiling. Have I really?

Yes. Is everything all right? Armando tipped his head toward the painting. Why are you so focused on that?

Just a few things rumbling in my mind. Izdahl rubbed his jaw and sighed. Looking at this painting of Gesira helps me focus. I promise I’ll explain more later. He left the armchair and moved to one of the couches. He patted a spot by him, with an inviting smile on his face. Thanks for bringing me out of that spiral.

Armando sat by him. I feel like I just had one myself. I’ve been watching the news. We were in another special report. I wonder how much longer this will continue.

For a while, Izdahl said. Not much time has passed since The Gathering.

I know. Armando pinched the bridge of his nose. And there are so many questions about what happened. He glanced at Izdahl. I’m really worried about the meeting with the Velzos.

It’s not a ‘meeting.’ GG Xeira says it’s a ‘casual conversation’. Izdahl chuckled, but the sound contained no joy. Well, as casual as you can have with the seven most powerful Nitelvosa.

Xeira, Izdahl’s great-grandmother and head of the Velzo Council, had arranged a discussion. Armando and Izdahl would soon speak with the Nitelvosa leaders.

Armando glanced at Izdahl, his expression earnest. I know you said the conversation would be casual, but I feel like I should prepare. Maybe there are things you could tell me about each Velzo. I know the basics but...

How about this? This week, I’ll give you my analysis of each Velzo. You already know Xeira and Great-Aunt Sunja.

Armando nodded. Right. So, there are the other five Velzos. Some of them are really intimidating. He let out a long sigh. I don’t want us to become political fodder, but it might be too late. I guess we’ll see how things go.

Yes. Izdahl stroked Armando’s cheek. "But the conversation is next week. Don’t let it weigh on your mind tonight. He gave Armando a teasing smile. I’ve made plans for us."

***​

Izdahl folded his arms behind his head, as he looked up at the clear night sky. Armando rested at his side, in a similar position. Right now, I can almost believe everything's perfect.

They relaxed naked after riding their steeds and then swimming in the nearby fresh water lake. While it was still winter, ten acres of woods on an Amasi property were under a summer spell. The weather within the enchanted area was that of a gorgeous summer night, warm with a pleasant breeze. Armando and Izdahl wanted to make the most of the soothing atmosphere and concentrate on each other.

Izdahl looked off to one side. His luraga, Koraiy, drank deeply from the shimmering lake. He and Armando had ridden their steeds to the private lake on the main Amasi property. Yohan, Armando’s horse, made his way over to Armando and nudged his hand. 

More mangoes? Armando asked.

Yohan threw his head, as if he were answering. Armando smiled and opened the container of fruit intended for the animals. He gave Yohan several thick slices of mangoes and watched his horse happily trot away.

Settling again next to Izdahl, Armando stretched out his arms to the sky. The silver magical infused lines on his arms glowed with power. Here’s our reminder that we have a new normal.

Izdahl reached out and linked his left hand with Armando’s right one. Yes, but we’ll be all right.

Armando turned to him and smiled, the motion having a tinge of sadness to it. I want to believe that.

I mean it, ‘Mando, Izdahl said firmly. After what we’ve already gone through, I’m not letting anything or anyone take our happiness.

I know, it’s just that... Armando let out a long sigh. Never mind. We didn’t come here for me to be moody.

That’s right. Izdahl grinned at him, before taking out his mobile. He gave it an order and a thin two-inch long camera drone detached from the side. He directed the drone to fly high and take video and pictures for the next five minutes.

I need more sexy photos and videos of you, Izdahl said.

You’re doing this to feed your fantasies. Armando covered his face, as if he were shy. He looked at Izdahl through his fingers. I’m more than a hot face and body.

Izdahl poked him in his ribs, making him laugh and uncover his face. You know that’s not how I think of you.

I need some convincing.

Well, I can—

Strange energy pushed against Izdahl’s rib cage, as his heart heated. The shock of the sensation robbed him of his voice. He gripped his chest, sat up, and closed his eyes. When the pain disappeared, he let out a sigh of relief.

Are you all right? Armando asked, as he rose to face Izdahl. Maybe we should go to the hospital.

Izdahl couldn’t look at Armando. He didn’t want to see the concern and worry again. I’m good for now.

Armando clicked his tongue. We’ve talked about this. We said we’d be honest with each other.

I know. Izdahl scrubbed a hand over his face, focusing on Armando. I want to be honest. Still, more than that, I want to shield you from any pain. Even if I’m not directly responsible for the problem, I—

We’re in this together. Remember? We promised each other that.

Izdahl nodded. I remember. And I’ll do better. He bit his bottom lip for a moment. I think there will be other changes because of my injuries.

Like what?

My heart’s been bothering me more. There used to be just spasms. But, sometimes, there’s a sharp pain and I keep feeling like I’m being stabbed.

You’ve had multiple medical appointments. They haven’t found anything.

No, they haven’t.

Maybe more tests will work. What does your mother say?

Izdahl rubbed the jagged circular scar on his chest. A few months ago, during an Elite Fire Dueling match, an enchanted stake had tunneled into his heart and ended his life. It was only due to his mother’s quick thinking and Armando’s love that Izdahl had been reincarnated. While he was glad to be alive, the mark was a reminder of his trauma.

Armando touched his arm, shaking him out of memories of that horrific day. Did you hear me, Iz?

Yes. The stake was guided by obscure magic. Mother’s been researching sources.

"And there’s really nothing I can do?"

No, Izdahl said. Don’t worry. This is why I didn’t want to tell you. It will be all right. It has to be.

We’ve gone through so much already. I don’t want to believe otherwise.

Look, let’s not keep talking about these things. It would be a shame to waste this beautiful night. I have an idea. Indulge me.

What do you have in mind?

I think you know.

Oh, I do. There are silver rings in your eyes. Armando gave him a playfully bashful smile. But out here? For all of nature to see?

Would that be all right? When Armando nodded, Izdahl placed a quick kiss on his lips. Perfect. I brought what we need.

Hmm. I noticed the lube in a pocket of the picnic basket. Armando stroked his jaw. I thought it was strange to include in our diet. But now I understand your intent.

Izdahl gently grabbed Armando, pulling him back on the blanket. They playfully wrestled, with Izdahl teasing Armando about needing to improve his jokes. As their laughter faded, Armando held Izdahl tightly, bringing their mouths together.

Izdahl was about to deepen their kiss, when Armando tapped him on the shoulder. He pulled back, giving Armando some room. What is it?

Before we get started... Armando pulled away from Izdahl, moved the fruit several feet from them, and returned to Izdahl again. We don’t want Koraiy and Yohan interrupting us.

Izdahl laughed heartily, as he fell back on the blanket with Armando. He nuzzled Armando’s nose with his own and Armando gave him the sweetest of smiles. The tenderness in Armando’s eyes warmed his heart. I really wish we’d been together longer.

So do I, Armando said, softly. I’m sorry about the time we spent apart.

I didn’t say that to make you sad.

Armando nodded, as he curved a hand around Izdahl’s neck, bringing him close. They kissed and contentment ripple through Izdahl. They were still kissing, when Izdahl felt something bump against his left hand. He looked up to find Yohan peering at him.

He chuckled. Your horse is interrupting us.

It would seem so, despite my plan.

A moment later, Yohan nuzzled Armando’s head and then his right shoulder, making him laugh. Yohan stared at him expectantly.

Fine. I get the message.

He untangled himself from Izdahl and pushed to his feet, going to get the basket of fruit. He grabbed a banana, broke it in half, and offered it to Yohan. The horse stared at Armando, before clamping his teeth around the basket’s handle. He slowly walked away, taking the whole thing for him and Koraiy, leaving Armando with the banana.

Armando pointed at Yohan. Did you see that? He’s so obnoxious, sometimes. I put the basket in the perfect spot and he could have just gotten what he wanted. Instead, he messed with us.

As Izdahl laughed, Armando set the banana aside, cleaned up, and returned to him.

Do you think that’s too much fruit for them? Armando asked.

Izdahl shook his head. I doubt it. Now what were our plans? Ah, that’s right. I was about to seduce you.

Mischief lit Armando’s eyes. I mean you can try.

Oh. I’ll just use my hands and mouth to tease you. I’ll touch you every place but where you need it.

You think you’ll break me? You’ll see.

Ten minutes later, Izdahl, I give in! rang through the night. Armando’s shout of defeat was followed by Izdahl’s deep and lusty laughter.

Chapter 2

––––––––

Armando couldn’t help it. Ever since he’d gained powers, he checked his body at least once a day. When he’d saved Izdahl, spiritual fire from a column of souls had traveled up his arms and marked him. So far, the magic had only showed on his arms, with the mesmerizing silver weaving under his skin and highlighting the structure of his veins. He didn’t know if that power would spread through his body, and if it did, he wasn’t sure what it would mean for him. He already had to wear magic-infused gloves Hadil had made to contain the power. Periodically, he had to deal with energy surges from the spiritual fire, but he still had the full use of his arms.

Freshly showered that morning, he stood naked in front of a full length mirror in the bedroom he shared with Izdahl. He breathed in deeply and flexed his arms. Liking what he saw, he grinned at himself. He heard a cough and looked off to his right.

Izdahl walked toward Armando, with a robotic tray hovering behind him as it carried their breakfast under a warming dome. Izdahl told the tray to land on a nearby table, as he went to stand behind Armando. He winked at Armando, before increasing his height to 8’ 2" by shifting to another one of his Nitelvosa forms. Izdahl’s skin darkened to a rich blue and he casually flexed his muscles that were much larger than Armando’s. Armando rolled his eyes and Izdahl chuckled.

He kissed Armando on the top of his head, laughing and teasing him. Don’t let me ruin your fun. Show me those very human muscles.

Playfully stubborn, Armando flexed again. Izdahl poked Armando’s left bicep. Is that muscle functional? Or is it just for decoration?

Armando turned, laughing and pushing Izdahl away. Leave me alone. I’ll pretend you didn’t just insult me. And no shifting before breakfast.

Nice try. Izdahl grinned, showing his fangs he’d casually extended. I’m unruly.

I’m sure I can ‘incentivize’ you.

Message understood. I wouldn’t want to lose the privilege of enjoying your body.

Armando smiled warmly at him. You can shift whenever you want. I like all your forms.

Oh I know. Izdahl winked and returned to his usual form. Ready for breakfast?

Armando nodded and Izdahl ordered the robotic tray to go to the balcony table. Armando followed him. They settled in to eat, enjoying the warmth generated in the covered and heated balcony, though snow fell outside.

You said you’d tell me about the Velzos, Armando said.

Izdahl nodded. That’s right. He stared off into the distance for a moment. "Let’s discuss the ones you don’t know much about. But before we do that, I think by now you’re familiar with Dagmar Havad. But I need to emphasize that he’s not an ally."

I know. He’ll likely bring up how I dropped the shield around the statue.

The massive statue of one of the most powerful former Velzos, Zaitiv Havad, lay in several pieces. Though it was located in an arid and blighted area, seeing it had drawn intense interest from Armando. He’d visited the statue several times. His last trip to see the statue had ended with the shield around it behaving strangely. The barrier had shimmered and disappeared, exposing the statue after 300 years of it being protected. Dagmar had been furious, but the Velzo’s volatile reaction didn’t end Armando’s interest in the statue.

I still want to go back and explore that area. I know... Armando’s words trailed off, at Izdahl’s expression. You disapprove. There’s that left eyebrow. You raise it when you want to shut down an idea.

Izdahl smoothed a finger over his left eyebrow and chuckled. You know me too well.

Fine. Armando laughed softly. Maybe right now’s not the time to see the statue again. There’s already too much attention on us.

Izdahl gave him a pointed look. I’m glad you realize that.

Armando snapped his fingers, an idea sparking in his mind. We might still get some answers. Isn’t there satellite footage, or something similar, of the planet? Maybe we can check the records on the day the shield drop. I remember feeling someone was nearby. Footage could tell us who else was around.

Izdahl nodded. He called out to the house computer, directing it to reference the information they needed. The computer responded that the statue’s site was one of seven locations where satellite images and other footage were heavily distorted. The energy in those areas tended to affect technology.

Armando gritted his teeth. That’s frustrating.

Maybe whoever was in the shield was there exactly because footage gets distorted.

You’re probably right. Armando stroked his jaw, trying to figure other ways to learn who else had been around the shield that day. Izdahl drummed a rhythm on the table and Armando glanced at him. "Don’t worry, Iz. I won’t change my mind and go back to the statue, at least not right away. But I just know something or someone was hiding there."

Put that mystery away, for the time being.

Armando nodded, as he took a bite of his buttered toast. He chewed slowly, considering what else he wanted to know. I guess we should focus on something else. Tell me more about Velzo Marnel.

Izdahl sighed. Well, I badly injured his son.

During a semifinal match in the Elite Fire Dueling, Izdahl’s competitor had been Deyn Marnel. The youngest son of the Marnel Velzo had been wickedly enchanted and sent a volatile stake into Izdahl’s chest. Before he’d fallen, Izdahl had launched a massive black fireball that had maimed Deyn. Had Deyn not been at an elite level, he’d have died within a minute.

The Velzo and Deyn have been gracious about it, Armando said. Are they generally that easygoing?

They are toward the Amasis. We’ve been in good standing with them for centuries, though we’ve had a few hiccups.

I guess that includes when two of their clan attacked us in the park.

The previous year, Armando’s office had been enjoying their summer picnic. Two Nitelvosa from the Marnel Clan had swooped through the area, intending to cause chaos. The event had triggered memories of the night Armando lost his parents. He’d been fortunate Izdahl had come to the rescue. The Velzo of the Marnel Family had been incredibly apologetic, wanting to maintain their positive relationship with humans and the Amasi Family.

Right, Izdahl said. I’m glad we smoothed over that situation.

From what I’ve read about them, I get the feeling the Nieri Family might be easy going too.

Izdahl clicked his tongue. Not so fast. Vaihan Nieri is a good leader, but she’s a bit of a wild card.

Like Paltra? Armando asked, referring to Vaihan’s great-granddaughter. He gave Izdahl a knowing look, as Paltra and Izdahl had dated.

Izdahl chuckled. Yes, like Paltra, but don’t let that get you off guard. Vaihan has served as Velzo for almost fifty years.

That’s impressive, Armando said. I wonder if she—

The house computer interrupted them, providing a reminder of Izdahl’s upcoming medical appointment.

The light morning mood became somber and Armando cleared his throat. After the events at the Elite Fire Dueling, he and Izdahl had been undergoing various medical reviews. This was the third one. So far, their hadn’t been any devastating news, but Armando wondered if their luck would hold.

***

Izdahl rested on the medical diagnostic platform. A machine hovered around him, scanning his entire body to create highly detailed internal and external maps of his features. He saw the 3D production of his body in vivid detail. Off to his left were two massive screens, one showing his body from the front and the other showing his body from the side.

When the five minute process was complete, the platform reconfigured, resetting to put him into a sitting position.

Let’s explore your results, Dr. Nya Brezlin, said. She brushed her dark-blue curls behind her ears, as she examined details on the two holographic panels in front of her. A minute later, the panels shifted to her left and she focused on Izdahl. You mentioned the tips of your wings have started randomly changing to silver.

Yes. Is that because I was injured?

Well, I’ve never had a patient who experienced what you did. But I don’t think this new development with your wings is a source for concern. Some Nitelvosa have tips of other colors, usually the most powerful Nitelvosa. Between the shield fragment and your rebirth, I wouldn’t be surprised that your body’s changing. Both those experiences are having major effects on you. We’ll keep monitoring your health.

Izdahl hadn’t expected how a decision about a shield fragment could affect him now. Like every Nitelvosa and human, he’d undergone a special medical review at the age of seven. A sample of silver Dara Anyi, or Soul Power, was taken from his blood. His soul power was examined to determine the strength of his spiritual energy.

Since he had significant power, he’d been exposed to a cloned fragment of Planet Rivkaen’s shield. His spiritual energy resonated beyond 90 percent with the shield fragment. As a result, the fragment was implanted into his heart. The cloned segment he’d received represented a real location on the planet’s protective mechanism. Izdahl hadn’t learned the specific location until the previous year, when the Shield Regulation Agency (SRA) had activated his fragment. It meant he’d been designated as one of 200,000 Shield Guardians, specifically intended to replace one of the individuals who had that position.

He hadn’t officially taken on his responsibility to help power the shield and protect everyone else, but the situation remained at the back of his mind. It was only a matter of time before his service started.

Izdahl heard Dr. Brezlin knock on her tablet, bringing his attention back to her. She’d been his primary physician all his life. While it was comforting to have someone familiar with his health, he wished she’d had answers.

He felt a light pressure on his hand, as she squeezed it. Whatever’s going on, we’ll figure it out. I’ll continue looking into it. Of course, I know your Great-Aunt Sunja and your mother Hadil have their healing abilities too. I’ll keep working with them to make sure we cover all areas. Is there anything else that worries you?

Izdahl bit his bottom lip, before clearing his throat. My fire feels different. It’s a strange heat. Sometimes, I’m worried I won’t be able to control it. The power under my skin is... He glanced down at his hands and clenched his fists. It’s uncomfortable. He let out a sigh. And the base of my wings keep hurting. The pain is sharp. It doesn’t last long, but it’s been there a few times a week.

Have you told your partner any of this?

Why would you ask me that?

"Well, I’m trying to gauge how worried you are."

I let him know a few things about my health, but overall, I’m pretending I’m better than I feel. Izdahl’s heart grew heavy, as he imagined Armando’s possible reactions. I was hoping we’d find answers and I wouldn’t have to give him bad news.

Dr. Brezlin nodded, with sympathy in her eyes. I’ll continue to do my best, but I’m sure you understand this is a unique situation. To be straightforward, science has its limitations. That’s why we’re fortunate there are those with abilities like your mother. Together, we’ll see you through this situation.

I know and that’s reassuring. I just wish I had more answers about why I’m hurting. Could this be a sign of something worse? I don’t want to worry my mother or Armando. Izdahl sighed. You know how sickly I was. The events of the gathering remind my mother of those times.

As a child, Izdahl had often been ill. His parents and the medical staff had figured out it had been due to his abilities to wield all the elements, especially fire. His stunning powers, which hadn’t been fully realized, put a strain on his system. Until he’d reached fifteen, he’d needed treatment to help him control the effects.

Dr. Brezlin nodded. Yes. I do remember. She smiled gently at him. I’m also aware you have strong motivation for getting better.

Izdahl chuckled, knowing Dr. Brezlin referred to Armando. Izdahl had met Armando when they were still babies, unaware of much but fast becoming friends. Once Izdahl had shown signs of elemental powers at the age of two, he’d had to get control of them. Otherwise, he would have been prevented from playing with Armando and other humans. Izdahl had been eager to stay as Armando’s friend. Knowing how fragile humans were, even compared to Nitelvosa at a small age, Izdahl had pushed himself to manage his abilities to avoid hurting Armando. His mother had cast a strong spell to dampen his powers, but his innate abilities would sometimes bypass the spell. His parents had consulted with the strongest spellcasters from all the seven main families, creating protocols for Izdahl to learn to control his powers.

Now, with the changes to his body, all his hard work was under risk of being undone. Even at that moment, steam rose from Izdahl’s skin, carrying tendrils of spiritual energy.

Dr. Brezlin watched him closely. Your energy is chaotic right now. So, you know what to do. I can’t let you leave until you’re under control again.

Izdahl nodded, beginning the deep breathing exercises his mother had taught him. He slowly restored balance to his elemental abilities, managing their fierce power that surged inside him.

Chapter 3

––––––––

Izdahl was visiting his mother in his parents’ living room. He’d freely admit his bias, but for Izdahl, Hadil was the most serene individual he knew. She relaxed on her favorite chaise with sunlight gracing her dark-brown skin. She’d done her waist-length hair into an elaborate bun. Her silver braids were adorned with colorful ornaments family members had gifted her.

He pulled up a chair by his mother and joined her in viewing the birds playing in the garden’s water fountain. When Hadil was ready, she faced Izdahl and gently grasped both of his hands.

Some of the colors in your aura are muted. Hadil held his gaze. And the light from your soul has changed. It's dimming. We need to understand what’s happening.

As a highly respected Nitelvosa Healer, Hadil wielded her vast spellcasting skills for the benefit of others. Overtime, she’d gained significant influence among the Nitelvosa Families and with humans. In particular, she was only one of four individuals able to see souls. Along with having that ability, she could reach out and touch souls, determining the best ways to heal a person. Izdahl knew, given Hadil’s level of expertise, she was deeply troubled by what she saw. There was no room for him to pretend he was doing better than he actually was.

I feel like I’m changing, but I’m not sure how, Izdahl said. The roots of my wings hurt. It’s a constant pain and I think it’s getting worse.

Why didn’t you say something earlier?

I didn’t want you to worry.

"Did you think no one would find out about your pain? Not even your mother? Hadil clicked her tongue. What if Armando senses you’re hurting, but he hasn’t said anything?"

Izdahl looked down at the wooden floor. "I didn’t consider that. I try not to worry him. He’s already been through