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As Director Shabota and the Four Chancellors left the room, Armando turned his attention to Assistant Director Sevri Olar and her staff. Sevri smiled warmly at the Core Guardians. With a light-brown skin tone and long silver hair, she was short and portly, having the demeanor of a patient professor used to guiding nervous new students.
“It’s always so wonderful to meet an incoming group of Core Guardians,” Sevri said. “The first thing we have to do is assign your rooms.” She waved a hand and a holographic display appeared. The image was of a spacious room with a large bed, an en suite bathroom, and a sitting area, along with a small round wooden table and chairs. “These areas will be your place to rest every time you come to the academy.”
“Now, I know all of you by your soul signature,” Sevri said. “As an advanced spellcaster in the top level of the Spell Registry, I can locate where you are within a three mile radius. Don’t try anything.”
Izdahl elbowed Armando. “She means we have our own rooms for a reason. You can’t sneak into mine, no matter how lonely you get.”
Armando gave him a warning look and a few of the Core Guardians laughed. Izdahl grinned roguishly at him.
“I suppose I’ll have to keep my eye on you,” Sevri said, focusing on Izdahl. “There’s always one.”
Armando glanced down at his desk, stifling a laugh.
“If there are real couples, can’t they just share a room?” Deyn asked.
“You each have a room for a reason. With that said...” Sevri chuckled. “We’re not micromanaging you to that level. By the way, sound is dampened in the bedrooms, but not that much. Just be well-rested and serious about your training.”
Sevri briefed them on the layout of their sleeping quarters, the cafeteria, and other common areas.
“All right,” Sevri said. “That’s enough information for now. Head to your rooms. You’ll find that your luggage is already there. Please freshen up. We’ll see you back here in thirty minutes for a tour of the facilities.”
A short while later, Armando stood to have his face scanned in front of Room 02. The door to his bedroom suite opened. Before he could enter, he heard Rua behind him.
“Keina and I are in room four,” Rua said. “That’s perfect. I hope I can talk to you more.”
When Armando turned to look at her, she waved her hands awkwardly.
“I didn’t mean anything bad by it. My mother and I went to an orchestral performance at Prenya University’s Center for the Arts. Mother was interested in the architecture and had a few questions for the architects. She knows you’re a Core Guardian. If we could talk, that would be great.”
“Conversations can happen outside a bedroom too,” Izdahl said, raising an eyebrow.
“I know.” Rua sighed. “I didn’t mean to suggest anything.”
“My room’s all the way across the hall,” Izdahl said to Armando. “How can I take care of you, if you’re that far away?”
Armando laughed. “You can’t be serious.”
“Don’t worry about him, Izdahl,” Deyn said. “I’ll wash Armando’s back, whenever he calls me to help.” Deyn laughed, playfully holding up his hands in defense at Izdahl’s glare. “Wow. Such a strong fire wielder. If flames could shoot from your eyes, I’d be dead.”
“Where’s your room?” Armando asked Deyn.
Deyn pointed down to the end of the hallway. “I’m in number twenty.”
“Good. I’m in number one. You’re far enough away for me to be comfortable,” Izdahl said, making Armando, Rua, and Deyn laugh.
Armando shook his head, as Izdahl continued the verbal jabs with Deyn, and entered his room. He found his luggage next to the bed. There was also ceremonial clothing awaiting him. By his bedside was an ornate garment stand with black pants, a dark blue shirt, and a black frock coat with silver and blue embroidery. There was also a black belt that had a baltium buckle with three planets connected by a circle. Armando ran his finger over the Shield Guardian Emblem.
He picked up the edge of the frock coat, feeling the soft and fine material. On the lapel of the robe was a pattern that surprised him. His mother’s shawl had been embroidered with roses. That same pattern was on the lapel in silver and blue, edged with maroon. He stared at the rose before running a finger over it. He wondered if Izdahl had told the Shield Guardian Committee about the shawl and what it meant to him.
He pulled out his mobile and called Izdahl. “Are you in your room?”
“No. I was just talking to Deyn in his. I’m heading back up the hallway now. Something wrong? Your voice sounds strained.”
“I’m fine. Just come to me when you’re ready.”
“I’ll see you in a bit.”
A few minutes later, Izdahl arrived. “Did something upset you?”
Armando pointed at the ceremonial outfit. “Did you tell anyone about the roses? About what they meant?”
“No. I would never just do that. I can find out what happened. We can get them removed. I’ll—”
“It’s all right.”
“Let’s see my outfit. Maybe it has something similar.”
Izdahl crossed over to his room and Armando followed him. A similar outfit awaited Izdahl. However, the robe had a stylized memdor hawk on the lapels. It was one of the forms Izdahl enjoyed and it made sense to have it on his clothing.
“The designer must have added something important to us.” Izdahl glanced at Armando. “My shapeshifting into a memdor hawk isn’t exactly a secret, but it would take some digging to know why the roses matter so much to you.”
“Yes. I don’t like feeling that the SRA pried.”
“Are you sure you don’t want a change?”
Armando shook his head. “It will be all right.”
Izdahl reached for him, curving a hand around his neck. “Being a Core Guardian will test us in many ways. That doesn’t mean we just have to accept everything. Since the design bothers you, we should say something. You have my full support.”
“Thanks, Iz. Maybe the design is a good thing. I’ll think of my parents, as I take on this duty. They’d be proud of me.”
“They would.” Izdahl smiled gently at Armando. “Ready to get settled?”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
As Izdahl headed to his room to unpack, Armando focused on sorting out his area. He’d just finished when a VI announced it was time for the Core Guardians to go on their tour. While Armando enjoyed seeing the state-of-the-art facilities, his mind kept wandering back to the rose emblem on his clothing.
Later, Armando was still melancholy. Wanting to be away from others, he retreated to his room. Izdahl came to check on him a few hours later.
“I have an idea that can take your mind off everything else,” Izdahl said.
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
“Come with me.” Izdahl offered a hand and pulled Armando off the bed.
“We’re not going to talk to others are we?”
“We won’t. I know you’d hate that. At least right now. Most of the others returned to their rooms too.”
Izdahl led Armando to a set of elevators that took them to the roof of the citadel.
“We saw this already,” Armando said.
“But not at night.” Izdahl went over to a telescope tilted to the sky. He tilted the telescope down and adjusted it, before stepping aside. “Take a look.”
Armando put his eyes to the telescope and peered through the lenses. One of the mountains had a massive patch of a bright red-orange luminescent bloom.
“What’s that?” Armando asked. “It’s glowing.”
“It’s Kriava’s Lament. It’s tough getting the bloom. Some consider it a ‘ghost flower.’ It can only be gathered at night once every two weeks. It’s a flower with a great story attached to it. Want to hear the legend?””
Armando continued peering at the patch of flowers. “What’s the story?”
“Thousands of years ago, Kriava of House Amasi was deeply in love with Tevrin of House Shabota. Accused of a crime by a jealous high-ranking Amasi official, Tevrin had been unfairly Soulbound.”
Armando stepped away from the telescope, now hooked on the story. “What’s being Soulbound?”
Izdahl grimaced before explaining. “Your wings are pinned and your spiritual energy gets drained. You literally feel the life being leeched out of you. You can be kept like that for days, even months. Some never fully recover. It’s been used as a form of execution.”
“That sounds horrific.”
“It’s not something I’d want to go through. The process broke Tevrin’s spirit and he passed away.”
“What did Kriava do?”
“She called upon the God Cvydon for fiery retribution,” Izdahl said, as he sat on a stone bench and Armando did the same. “That day, the official who’d wronged Kriava and Tevrin burst into flames. No one around him could explain what had happened. Every attempt to put out the flames didn’t work. The official suffered until he died. That took three days.”
“It seems better than he deserved.”
Izdahl laughed. “True.”
“What happened to Kriava?”
“She passed away from sadness. She wandered up the mountain and a section of the volcano erupted. When the lava had cooled, Kriava’s body had been changed into a unique bloom. From then on, the volcano was no longer active. Kriava’s Lament has only grown in that one area. To even touch the flower, one needs to have at least the same level of spiritual power as Kriava.”
“Her lover was killed and she died from a broken heart.” Armando let out a long breath. “Why are you telling me something so sad? I was already feeling down and that’s what you tell me?”
“You love this kind of information.”
“Yeah, but it’s also devastating. Now’s not a good time for that legend. It’s a solid story, but still.”
Izdahl laughed, holding up his hands. “All right. Let me try again to get you in a better mood.” He stood and shifted the large telescope to the sky. “Come see the binary stars named after Nisroc and Sizou. They’re legendary Amasi lovers and warriors. I think Earth had a similar couple called Alexander and Hephaestion.”
“That’s what I’m talking about. Much better.”
They continued looking at the night sky for another hour. Overtime, Armando’s mood significantly improved.
Sitting again on the bench and enjoying the pleasant night air, Izdahl bumped Armando’s shoulder. “Do you feel all right now?”
Armando glanced at him and smiled. “I do. Thanks for bringing me out here.”
“You know I like taking care of you.” Izdahl dropped his voice to a more intimate tone. “And on that note, may I visit your room tonight, sir?”
“For what purpose, sir?”
“I wish to ravish you. Isn’t that what you want too?”
Armando laughed softly. “I do. However, afterward, you must sleep in your bedroom. I don’t want everyone talking about us. Besides, I need my rest to concentrate on our training.”
“Very well. I shall respect those terms. Perhaps we can begin our nighttime activities by showering together.”
“Sounds perfect.”
Izdahl leaned over and pressed a loud kiss against Armando’s neck, making him laugh. They rose and made their way to their living quarters.
Later, Armando gently shook a satiated Izdahl, who was trying to drift off to sleep. “Iz, remember our terms.”
“Were you serious about me leaving?” Izdahl asked, his voice already groggy. “Can’t I sleep with you?”
“You accepted the terms.” Armando laughed at Izdahl’s petulant expression. “Don’t look at me like that. You’re practically pouting.”
“I didn’t think you’d hold me to those terms. It’s going to be weird not sleeping with you. But...” Izdahl sighed and slipped out the bed. He gave Armando a longing look before trudging to the door. He partially turned back to the bed. “Can’t believe you don’t want my warm, strong arms around you while you slip into sweet dreams. Guess I’ll just go back to my room, all the way across that wide hallway.”
“Fine.” Armando held out his arms. “Come back here.”
“That’s more like it, ‘Mando.”
Izdahl returned to Armando’s bed and enticed him into another round of sex.
At breakfast, a few of the Core Guardians teased Armando and Izdahl.
“I figured you’d sneak off to Armando’s room,” Deyn said.
“I didn’t sneak. I walked proudly into the bedroom of my lover.” Izdahl treated Deyn to a teasing smile. “Now, don’t be jealous.”
“You couldn’t make it a night without sleeping together?” Avila asked.
Izdahl gave her a mock scowl. “Mind your business, Core Guardian Avila Nieri.”
Armando elbowed Izdahl, making Avila and Deyn laugh. “Please stop causing trouble.”
***
After finishing breakfast, Armando sat alert in the main briefing room. He, Izdahl, and the other Core Guardians were ready to hear more about one of their largest responsibilities. The three planetary shields had been designed to run on spiritual power. Each Shield Guardian provided spiritual quintessence to keep the shields functional. With the Core Guardians having the greatest spiritual power, they were required to provide the most amount of quintessence.
Director Shabota stood at the front of the room. There were ten individuals behind her. None of them looked familiar to Armando. Some of the director’s staff, which Armando had met the previous day on the tour, were dispersed throughout the room.
“Today, we’ll perform one of the most important functions for a Core Guardian,” Director Shabota said. “Each of you will enter special chambers. You’ll provide spiritual quintessence, which helps to power our planetary shields.”
A holographic image appeared in front of each Core Guardian. Armando closely studied the cylindrical chamber as the director continued speaking.
“This process has been refined over the course of centuries,” the Director said. “You’ll be carefully monitored to prevent depletion of your extremely valuable resources. The Velzos and I want to emphasize that we know this process can be draining. Each Core Guardian reacts differently. That is why we have counselors to debrief you.”
The group of ten individuals behind the director stepped forward.
“These are your counselors,” Director Shabota said. “For the next hour, you’ll get a chance to speak with them. They’ll talk with you more about the quintessence process. After that, we’ll begin the collection in groups of ten. The Core Guardians in the second round are free to mingle for the next few hours.”
The director called out the names of ten Core Guardians, including Armando and Izdahl. They would be in the first group.
“Are you nervous?” Izdahl asked Armando.
“A little. I know they tested our spiritual power as a kid, but I don’t really remember that.”
“I’m sure it will be fine.”
Armando walked to the counselor he was assigned. The Nitelvosa was tall and robust, with medium-brown skin, and green eyes.
“I’m Zyre Devon of House Marnel.” They smiled warmly at Armando. “I’m so pleased to meet you. Let’s have a chat.”
***
Along with Izdahl and the other Core Guardians, Armando entered a hallway with five doors on each side. A technician guided Armando to the second door, while Izdahl went to the first one.
Inside the room was a platform with a cylindrical chamber. There was a gel body mold surrounded by a shallow pool of water. He saw the water patterns on the ceiling. A series of screens were on the wall to the right of the chamber. Sconces with the four elements were on the wall opposite of the cylinder.
The technician smiled kindly at him. “Please remove your clothes, CG Medina.”
Armando did as requested and settled into the chamber. The technician placed three nodes on his forehead.
“A glass cylinder will close over you,” the technician said. “I’ll be here the entire time monitoring you. The process will only be an hour.”
When the technician stepped away, the cover to the cylinder softly closed around Armando. He felt a pleasant hum through his body. He was soon captivated by his spiritual quintessence that showed as liquified silvery-blue. It rose from the center of Armando’s chest. Beads of it floated above him steadily moving to be collected in the three glass capsules attached to a curved glass panel. He found the process mesmerizing to watch. Before he knew it, he’d drifted to sleep.
Gentle shaking of his shoulder awakened Armando. The technician helped him out of the chamber and led him over to a bed. Without meaning to, Armando smacked away the technician’s hands.
“I’m so sorry,” Armando said. “I don’t know why I did that.”
The technician smiled warmly. “I’ve dealt with worse.”
“But you shouldn’t have to.”
“It’s all part of the process.”
“That doesn’t make it all right. Why are you arguing with me?”
“Your counselor’s here.” The technician smiled benevolently again. “I think it’s time for them to take over.”
With a nod to Zyre, the technician left the room.
Zyre moved forward and pulled up a chair. They sat with a serene expression on their face. “How are you feeling, Armando?”
“Like I don’t want to be around anyone.”
Zyre nodded. “Drawing out the spiritual quintessence can be challenging.”
“Is it like this for others? Does Izdahl feel this way too?”
“The process causes different reactions. Some Core Guardians cry. Some have an orgasm. Others find the process euphoric, even without an orgasm. There are those who become angry. A few get absolutely enraged or terrified. The reaction could be different each time, even with the same person. That’s why counselors are here for everyone.”
“What causes the different reactions?”
“Most individuals shed some spiritual energy throughout the day. However, many will never have it taken from them, let alone in such concentrated amounts. The method for gathering spiritual essence usually amplifies the main emotion the subject feels at the time of the gathering.”
“So you’re saying I was actually angry during the procedure?” Armando gritted his teeth. “Why would I feel like that?”
“Perhaps your anger is a way to hide your fears. You’re the only human Core Guardian. My readings of you indicate that you have some serious anxiety about these circumstances.”
“Your readings? What do you mean?”
“The other Counselors and I have been observing the Core Guardians, ever since the CG’s shield fragments activated. Yours was more recent than the others, but I was alerted soon after it happened.”
“Mine was almost two months ago.”
“Yes,” Zyre said. “That’s the case.”
“Doesn’t that mean you’ve been ‘studying’ me for months?”
“Yes,” Zyre simply said. “In getting to know you, I even suggested the design element on your uniform. The embroidered roses are similar to what’s on your mother’s shawl. Isn’t that true?”
“It is.” Armando clenched his jaw. “I wish we’d been asked what we wanted.”
“It seems the design angered you. Yet you didn’t ask for it to be changed. Why is that?”
“I didn’t want to make a big deal. I let it go.”
“Do you usually do that with things that bother you?”
Armando cursed. “Anyway, when will I stop feeling this agitated?”
“Strong emotions usually subside after three hours.”
“And if that doesn’t happen to me? What if I take longer?”
“I’m happy to stay as long as you need.”
“Well, I don’t want to talk to you.” Armando turned away from the counselor. “I want Izdahl.” He knew he sounded petulant and scared, especially when his voice shook, but he didn’t care. “Send Izdahl to me when he’s recovered.”
“Very well. I’ll be available if you change your mind.”
“I won’t. Bye.”
After hearing the counselor leave the room, Armando stared at the wall and he began to doze. A gentle hand on his shoulder woke him. He turned to find Izdahl peering at him.
“Are you all right?” Izdahl asked, his eyes filled with concern.
“I just feel strange,” Armando said, as he sat up. “So angry. What about you? What happened in your chamber?”
Izdahl sat on the bed. “I made a mess in the chamber. Toward the end of the collection, I came really hard.” He laughed a little. “It actually hurt and it was kind of embarrassing. Imagine coming without anyone touching you. Normally, I’d be proud of such a feat, but...Fuck. It was just weird.”
Armando shook his head and laughed. “Talking to you makes me feel better. But the counselor said we could feel different each time we give soul essence.”
“That’s what mine told me too.”
“We have to do this once a month? For twenty years?”
Izdahl laughed softly. “Humans used to go by 12 months in a year. Right?”
“Yes.” Armando groaned. “But then we adapted to the Nitelvosa’s 16 months. Can we have the Velzos and SRA use the human year?”
Izdahl patted Armando’s back. “I don’t think they’re changing this process. Look at the bright side. Some sessions could lead to incredible orgasms.”
“I don’t need to get those in a chamber. That’s what you’re for.”
“I see you’re feeling better.” Izdahl stretched out by him. “Come here. We’ll just hold each other for a bit.”
Armando lay down and wrapped his arms around Izdahl. They were about to rest, when they heard, “Whooo! I feel incredible. Let’s do that again!”
“Wait...” Izdahl laughed. “That sounded like Deyn. I guess he’s euphoric. So lucky.”
Armando buried his face against Izdahl’s neck, laughing too. Without meaning to do it, Armando’s laughter changed to tears.
Izdahl gently rubbed his back. “It’s okay, ‘Mando. They said we might cry too.”
Armando sniffled as he looked at Izdahl. “Watch me cycle through every horrible emotion. After the things I’ve gone through, I deserve some fucking euphoria.”
“You’re right.” Izdahl kissed him softly. “And you should say that.”
Armando chuckle-cried for a few more minutes, before falling asleep. When he awoke an hour later, he and Izdahl freshened up, and they left the recovery room. The six Havad and Terada Core Guardians were lounging and they glanced at him and Izdahl.
“Human, you already look terrible,” Kabei Havad said. “Will you last the twenty years?”
Before Armando could respond, Izdahl grabbed his hand and led him away. “You still seem a little pissed. How about we eat and recharge?”
With Izdahl dragging him off, Armando turned and glared at the Havads and Teradas.
***
It was the final day of Armando and Izdahl’s introductory week of being a Core Guardian. The effects of the quintessence collection had fully worn off. Armando was in a much better state of mind. Now, to end their first experience at the academy, the group would be taking photos.
Armando stepped into the photo studio with Izdahl, dressed in their official outfits. Deyn walked over to them, with a smile on his face.
“Looking good,” Deyn said. “I’d date both of you.”
Armando laughed. “Someone still feeling euphoric, I see.”
Deyn opened his arms. “I could spread that energy.”
“Easy there,” Izdahl said.
The other Core Guardians began trickling into the room. Armando and Izdahl chatted with them, until it was time for the photo session to start.
Assistant Director Sevri was overseeing the process.
“Congratulations on how you did this week,” Livia said. “I know the quintessence collection was a challenge for you.”
“Some more than others,” Sayo said, making the other Core Guardians laugh.
Avila shook her head in disgust. “I didn’t know I could cry that much.”
“That’s all right,” Sevri said. “There’s no shame in how any of you did. Now, this is a chance for us to have some levity. Each time you come to the academy, we like to commemorate the visit with a set of pictures. For the first picture, we’ll have everyone in their regular form.”
“Does Armando have another form we don’t know about?” Rua asked, her voice teasing.
Armando glanced at her. “I just might.”
Sevri waved her hand and some massive holographic images appeared on the wall to their left. “The photographer’s doing some final equipment checks. She should be ready for you soon. In the meantime, enjoy these pictures from other Core Guardians.”
Armando walked along the wall, examining what amounted to centuries of history. He didn’t recognize any of the names, but Izdahl helped him learn about the previous Amasi Core Guardians.
“This really is a big responsibility, isn’t it?” Armando asked. “I hear the awe in your voice, when you talk about them.”
“It’s definitely an honor. I want us to do right by them and carry on in their name.”
Armando patted Izdahl’s back, hearing the emotion in his voice. “We’ll do our part.”
He continued enjoying the historical images with Izdahl, until the photographer called for everyone’s attention. At just over five feet, the photographer still had a commanding but kind presence. Her dark-brown skin tone was complemented by blue strands that accented her wavy black hair, which reached past her waist.
“Core Guardians, I’m Jebena Ganico of House Marnel,” she said. “I have the incredible privilege of chronicling one of the most important times in your life. Let’s begin...Nitelvosa, please fully transform, but without releasing your wings. Armando, you can keep being your gorgeous self.”
The Core Guardians grouped together, smiling for the pictures the drone took, under Jebena’s swift and efficient direction. When she was satisfied, she told one of the drones to project the pictures for everyone to review and enjoy.
“Armando, you look so small next to us,” Avila said. “I hope we’re not intimidating.”
Armando shrugged. “It’s all right. There’s nothing I can do about it, so I won’t worry.”
“I wish I had Izdahl’s full height,” Virlan said.
Deyn elbowed Armando. “Look at you next to Izdahl. I’m jealous of Izdahl’s snack.”
“Such disrespect.” Armando covered his face with his hands, laughing loudly. After a moment, he looked at Izdahl. “You’re never letting me forget this, are you?”
Izdahl nuzzled Armando’s ear. “Forget what, my gorgeous snack?”
“Izdahl, aren’t you worried he’ll get curious about other Nitelvosa?” Sayo asked. “He’s around eighteen of us at our peak.”
Izdahl tapped Sayo’s chest. “I have no concerns. And definitely not about you. You’d never earn the privilege of being his mate.”
“Oh. Someone’s sensitive.”
Jebena clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “All right. We’ll do individual photos now where you can fully transform. Armando will take his first. Then, we’ll go alphabetically by Family name. After that, we’ll do pairs.”
Armando and Izdahl chatted with the other Core Guardians, as they went through the photo process.
“I noticed your green suit, Armando.” Deyn nodded with approval. “Perfect. You’re wearing one of House Marnel’s main colors.”
“He’s wearing green because that was his mother’s favorite color,” Izdahl said. “Not because of support for House Marnel.” He pointed to a pin on Armando’s lapel. “Besides, his pin is blue, silver, and maroon, representing House Amasi.”
Deyn leaned forward and squinted. “Cute pin. Looks like a small amount of support. He could have worn a blue suit but he didn’t. What do you think that means?”
Izdahl playfully narrowed his eyes. “Get away from us.”
Jebena called for Armando and Izdahl, indicating it was time for them to do their pair photo.
Armando looked back and forth between Izdahl and Deyn, who were still trading verbal jabs. “Come on, Izdahl. We have to take our photo.”
“No.” Izdahl gave Deyn a mock scowl. “He’s wrong. I need to keep insulting him.”
“Right.” Armando grabbed Izdahl’s hand. “There’ll be more than enough time later. You’ll have twenty years of chances to fight.”
Deyn laughed. “See you two in a bit. I’ll have some heated insults ready just for Izdahl.”
Armando looked back at him and chuckled. “Please don’t bring out the worst in each other.”
Armando led Izdahl away to take their photo. An image of him and Izdahl would also go with the other three couples who’d also been Double-Bonded Pairs. A thrill went through Armando when the photographer showed the image of the first pair that was like him and Izdahl. It was a photo of Zaitiv and Sabira. They’d stared confidently into the camera, with the light of excitement in their eyes.
“Can we get a copy of the photo of Zaitiv and Sabira, please?” Armando asked.
Jebena smiled kindly. “Of course.”
Later that night, back home and in bed together, Armando reviewed the photos again next to Izdahl.
“These are perfect,” Izdahl said.
“Yes, for the beginning of our long Core Guardian journey, these are just perfect.”