Chapter 2

As the drummer's blood was soaking into the forest ground and they finished the sacrifice, they could already feel the little "lost" power returning to them. They couldn't put this off any longer.

But it still felt awful to become the killer of their friend in order to fulfill their destiny. Too many living beings were depending on them. The people's hopeful and happy faces from the previous night's celebration flashed in front of Matt's eyes as he was staring at the now peaceful dead face.

"We should keep only to ourselves," he said hoarsely, his eyes burning from not blinking for too long. He wanted this to burn itself into his mind. To remember this moment. Because it'd changed everything. "I don't want to do this again," he tossed a bloody cloth away with which he was trying to wipe some of the red liquid off his hands and turned around to walk a few steps into the trees. The stench of death and blood heavy on his senses.

Corey looked over at Paolo and hurried after Matt. He could feel how much this shocked the warrior. Well, it shocked him too, but also could feel it that it was necessary. Maynard even warned them about it. The problem was that this guy was their friend.

"Matty…" he called the other one after catching up to him. "It had to be done. But we shouldn't give up on the band ‘cause of this. We will work it out…"

"You can't be serious about this! We just fucking killed our friend! And you'd risk anyone else's life in the future? Have you already forgotten our vows from yesterday?" he turned to face him in the darkening forest, not being able to hold his desperate questions and emotions back anymore. "We swore to protect innocent lives, for fuck's sake! Dylan was innocent! Just moved with the wrong crowds, so to say," he gesticulated with his long arms, something he only did when he was truly desperate or shaken up.

"I don't mind killing our enemies or the ghouls, like we did once or twice in the past," he continued, seemingly unable to stop the words from pouring out of him, although usually he was quieter. "Music isn't worth this. It can't be..." he dropped his arms back to his sides, suddenly feeling and looking much more grown up.

"You know what we were taught. Nothing is an accident. We can still protect the innocent and we can also feel how the powers are going to act up. And change drummers before it gets too late. All of us have been playing music since we can remember. You know that music is a part of us. No matter what you say now. We need to work this out. And only with like... session drummers. Or something. Come here…" Corey said and as he looked at the devastated boy in front of him he couldn't help but pull Matt into a warm strong hug, rubbing the long back comfortingly.

Matt accepted the hug, first staying stiff then melting into it as his bloody hands came up to take hold of his friend's shirt. For a change he let himself hide in the bigger body. But at the same time he could feel that something had changed in him forever and that feeling was slowly growing stronger in him as they were standing there holding on to each other.

"No one can know about this. Except you two and the Masters. They'd despise us if they knew," he said and with the 'they' he meant the people of Jukai, knowing that Corey would understand what he meant. "How can you take this so much easier?" he asked, not minding that his reddish powers were seeking out the yellow ones in Matt's upset state of mind.

"I'm a shaman. I guess I'm more... See life differently," Corey shrugged as his yellow power hurried to cover the other male. "It will stay between us. Let's go back to Paolo," he said but he still didn't let go of Matt.

Getting covered by his friend's power was actually kinda nice. Although Matt knew that Corey was upset too, he somehow still managed to radiate that certain 'shaman calmness' and now he soaked it up as much as he could. "True," he mumbled, finding himself just as reluctant to pull back but before the situation could get awkward, he eventually got out of that hug, looking at the slightly shorter boy. "Thanks and sorry for the freaking out. You're right. We'll find a way," he said low.

Corey was right. Music was part of their very being. Not playing anymore would be like tearing out a part of their soul. With that heaviness on his mind, Matt started walking back to Paolo to help get rid off their friend's body.

"I'm almost done," the short boy, Paolo said to the arriving two. Eying them even a bit all-knowingly. He was a guardian. He saw many things others might not notice. "I think this we should keep between us. And not take friends for long-term drummers anymore," he added, piling up bits of wood from around to start a fire.

"That's exactly what we were talking about," Matt said, his voice coming out colder yet kinda stronger as he grabbed a few dry branches they'd gathered previously for the fire and helped Paolo with starting it.

As they were standing there for quite a while, watching the flames eat up the remains of their friend, their leader cleared his throat. "Tomorrow I want us to start preparing for our first upcoming solo travel. I also want us to learn more about controlling our powers. That means extra practicing until we depart for the first patrol," he announced, eyes still glued to the fire.

"Yes. Good idea. You will lead the practices," Corey said smiling proud at his friend. He could sense it very clear. Nothing happens without a reason. And this happening seemed to make Matt evolve and take the next step. And somehow that triggered the yellow power of the shaman even more...

 ***

And that's how things have happened. Matt had changed, like the other two too. They became less innocent and more firm-handed when it came to protecting who and what deserved it. Officially Dylan was taken by the ghouls, a believable and necessary lie to give an answer to the rest of the clan.

The next couple of weeks were about finishing the last of their training and practicing together some more. Also it was their last time being among family and friends and music for a while. They didn't try to find another drummer this soon since the wound was still too fresh, giving them a few disturbing dreams, but it was a sacrifice they would have to learn to accept.

Matt also asked a favor from Paolo so now he was sitting half-naked in front of the short man, who was working on the next part of their leader's back tattoo. Good thing Paolo had some time to learn about the method from the master in the village. Their faster healing also allowed Matt a shorter healing period, especially when his reddish power and the spirits wove themselves into the ink, making the healed drawings slightly move on his skin.

"A very good idea," Paolo said, swiping some of the ink off the lines he just finished on his friend's skin. Leaning back to admire his work, he smiled confident in his skills. "Yamato calls the dragon with his drums. Fitting. And also matching your already existing mark of lines," a few more stripes and he patted the back of Matt, signaling that it was all done for now.

Not far Maynard, the high shaman and Master Jaxton watched the boys spending their final day among the tribe.

"There is a hard road ahead of them. But they are special. And will fulfill more from the myths than even I can feel right now," Maynard said.

"Yes, even I can feel that special... Err... 'They will be someone meaningful' vibe around them, so to say," Jaxton laughed it off, watching Corey join the other two.

"They should do what it has to be done. It's already settled in their powers. And out there by themselves they will need the special strength a merged force can give. We should try to talk to them about it..." Maynard said on his calm low voice like he was just thinking out loud.

"I agree. As I saw and sensed, Matt's been struggling with his awakening feelings more than Corey. Which is understandable since he's the shaman who can see the connections and signs better," Jaxton followed with his eyes as the buffer boy sat down under the shade with his friends. He also noticed how his brown eyes instinctively moved to the healing boy's half-naked form.

Back under the shade Paolo was cleaning his equipment while Matt answered to his comment on a slightly dreamy voice as he was slowly coming back from his meditative state he's been in during the tattooing process.

"Yes, I wanted to connect the tattoo to the curse too," he nodded then glimpsed up at Corey, giving him a small smile. Turning his quickly healing back to him, he looked at him over his shoulder. "What do you think?"

"I love it. I really mean it. I love all of it," Corey added with a big grin. Not hiding one bit how his words had a double meaning.

"See what I'm talking about? After the full awakening the shaman powers are urging him more to have his mate…" Maynard added from the little scene and Corey's words, standing just far enough that only the Master could hear it as they walked to the trio.

Suddenly all the boys stood up and bowed their heads. It was a huge surprise and a very rare occasion that Maynard came down to the tribe.

Letting himself feel the truth in Corey's words and the... alluring vibes coming from him, Matt's look softened. It's been maybe too serious and focused on their tasks lately. Also he's been occupied with planning ahead. Checking and memorizing the routes of the lands as much as possible, coming up and conducting their practices and writing lists of what they might need out in the wilderness. It was his way of coping with what they had done and probably with his stirred up feelings too.

Of course he'd noticed that since that bloody night Corey and his powers started... 'coming onto him' a bit stronger. A few months ago maybe it would've annoyed Matt, but now he found it kinda flattering.

His thoughts and that look were interrupted by the arrival of the two older men. After showing their respect, all three of them looked up curiously.

"It's so good to see you getting prepared for your long journey. I've heard only good things of you from your old Master."

"Thank you for the kind words, high shaman," Matt bowed his head again then looked into the piercing eyes, not blinking from the intensity of that look. "How can we be at your service?"

"You see... Jaxton and I’ve been wondering how you three would manage out there on your own. And we thought about it for quite a while," Maynard gave a small smile to the warrior. "Also, as you all know. There has to be a mated pair, including the shaman. The shaman powers need their perfect match. The spirits always make sure the protectors have a fitting mated pair. So…" the old shaman stopped to smirk at Jaxton over the more and more red faces of the boys. "So… As we, you can also see and feel it. Corey's powers reacting to Matt's and vice versa. So the only remaining question is: would you two be mating and merging your forces together?"

Paolo was biting his bottom lip hard to suppress a low chuckle, although his cheeks colored a bit too. Not that this would be news to him. He actually would've been grateful if it was over with, because the growing sexual and spiritual tension between those two were kinda getting on his nerves and sometimes even messed a bit with his own senses. Which had to be clear as the other two's protector.

Matt wanted to say that they have prepared probably for most that could happen, but he didn't want to sound arrogant, so he kept his mouth shut. And good thing he did because the next moment he couldn't find his voice. He simply kept staring at the bit amused high shaman. Yes, he really asked that question. And yes, Matt knew how things worked among the previous protectors. And now he had hard proof that Corey's been kinda... courting him. Waiting for him.

Swallowing hard, Matt cleared his throat, fighting off most of his blush and squared his shoulders like the disciplined warrior he was. "I think before we answer that, it's high time for Corey and I to talk alone. If you'll excuse us," he said after another bow and turned around to march into the trees to find a quiet place for them. He knew Corey would follow him so he didn't even look back while his mind was running a mile a minute.

Corey was beat red as well and hurried to catch up with Matt. Maynard really did say it out. Though, of course it had the practical reason the old shaman pointed at. But from that all-knowing smirk all of them knew that he was amused as hell and wanted to see where that slow 'dancing around each other' with the boys would lead to. And yes, his shaman powers chose Matt. And it was clear that Matt was reacting to that. Wasn’t it...?

He got so lost in his messed up thoughts that he bumped hard into the stopping Matt and hugging him on instinct they landed on the forest ground. Matt face down and Corey hugging him lying on his back... Nice start for a serious talk...

To be honest Matt was a bit pissed at the whole situation. They were expected to be their protectors. They were expected to train and kill for everyone. And they were now expected to mate. There were a whole lot of expectations they had to live up to and Matt suddenly felt as if the earth was being dragged out from under his feet.

Then he realized that he was literally falling. He only had time to put out his hands to avoid breaking his face into pieces. His giving in huff sent a small cloud of dust in the air. At least by then his still naked back was nearly fully healed so the heavier body pinning him to the ground didn't hurt his new tattoos.

"This could've been so much better," he whispered, staring into nothing.

"Sorry..." Corey mumbled and puffed his hot breath against the naked back before he got up to his feet.

"And... So... I mean... So what you think?" he asked a bit afraid sensing the mood Matt was in.

Sitting up Matt shrugged lightly and took a long deep look of Corey. He was afraid too, but probably from other reasons. Matt could see how much the older shaman has been struggling not to push or force the free-spirited warrior into this mating business. "I've been hurting you for so long with not being ready," he said with a bitter taste in his mouth. "I'm sorry. It's just... I'm scared and pissed and a bit fed up that everyone knows things better than us. I mean... they're probably right since they are older and wiser, but... but don't you sometimes feel like they expect too much from us?" he asked already standing face to face with his friend.

"I am a shaman and a protector. They’ve been teaching me on an extra pace and by now I had to learn and master so many spells and magic routines that a simple shaman double my age doesn't have to know yet. So yeah... I get it. And Matty... You didn't hurt me… I mean…" Corey looked deep into the dark eyes from close and sighed "my power picked you. And probably the spirits picked the two of us from this 'trio'. And I don't mind at all. I… like you, Matty... You're my best friend and it would be an honor to share my life like that with you…" Corey swallowed and the full redness got back on his face. Actually his whole neck and big ears also had nice colors to them as he bit his lip and watched what Matt would react.

"I'm sorry. I know you get it," the slimmer boy murmured, instinctively reaching out to take one of Corey's hands in his so he could lightly squeeze it. "It's just that... sometimes it's not easy to be us. With our fate and all. Sorry... overthinking again. Might have had a smaller anxiety attack," he laughed shortly then took a deep breath. A warrior and leader shouldn't be afraid of looking up at his best friend... Even if Corey probably has been always more than that.

When he finally did, he let himself see Corey differently. He was a handsome man with a good, caring nature. And the way he blushed and bit his lip were cute... and hot. He had to finally admit that. "You mean it," Matt whispered, still holding Corey's hand while he stepped even closer, their bodies nearly touching now – and their energies clearly did. "You really mean it," Matt said, letting some of the pressure ease up in his chest. Then he realized he had to try something before saying anything more. So he leaned in boldly and stole their first kiss.

The young shaman's eyes grew wide as he felt Matt's lips pecking his. His power reacted to the pleasant sensation and wrapped around Matt. Just like Corey's free arm wrapped around the leaner body as he pecked back those sweet lips with a light shiver of excitement running through him. It felt like arriving to where he should be. Finally.

The other boy lightly shivered as his own reddish energies reacted to the yellow warm blanket-like ones around him. It felt so very... nice. It also urged both of them to deepen the kiss. If he had any doubts so far then they were wiped out pretty quickly as their tongues met and his body and soul reacted, making Matt melt a bit against the bigger body.

Once the kiss ended, the flushed warrior looked into Corey's eyes from close, his taste still lingering on his lips and tongue. "Wow..." he smiled a bit. He was so stupid for fearing this. "Okay... so, yeah... I mean... if we want to get stronger then this mating should happen for sure..." he tried to collect his thoughts and form more or less coherent sentences. "Also..." his look turned a bit shyer "I think I'm already a bit in love with you anyway..."

Corey smiled back at him shy too and his hand caressed the naked healed skin on Matt's back as he was still holding him close. "I guess it's no secret that I am in love with you… But I’ve been for a while," he whispered. "Would you be my mate for life, Matty? I have to ask like this. I know it's silly but I just must," he bit his lips after blabbing embarrassed a bit.

Matt didn't mind the light goose bumps on his inked skin, caused by Corey's gentle caresses. Damn, he could feel that love from his friend so clearly now. The way his look changed from a friend's to something more and yes, the pull of their matching powers was strong now too.

Reaching up with one hand, Matt caressed the familiar face with the short beard then finally nodded with understanding in his brown eyes. There was no use in trying to fight what was supposed to happen. Especially when it was something so important like this. "Yes. My answer is yes."

"You really meant it! That's... That's amazing!" Corey smiled wide and held Matt's hand to his face. That one word and the clear honest vibes and gaze from Matt made the shaman so happy that he forgot all his previous worry and troubles. "Damn my heart gonna explode," he giggled feeling light-headed and moved Matt's hand to his chest. "We have to tell the others too, tho..."

The other boy's smile only grew from that as he felt how fast Corey's heart was beating under his palm. And in a way it only reassured him that this was the right decision. Because what he felt and saw on his... future mate was something that was proof of having someone on his side that would respect and love him deeply.

"Don't you dare let it!" Matt chuckled. "Not now when I finally threw the blindfold away and the mating is settled..." he added, caressing the strong chest with his slender fingers and pecked the plump lips just because he could now. "Yeah... we will tell the others... in a minute."

Corey moved both his arms around Matt again and pulled him close to his body. Their energies moving more around them and already mixing up nicely.

The older boy returned the peck on his lips with licking Matt's. It didn't take loong until from the gentle probing pecks and kisses they got lost in a heated deep passionate battle of their tongues and lips. The chemistry was there strongly. No doubt about that. Getting out of breath Corey pulled away panting and rested his forehead against Matt's, trying to collect himself and catch his breath. "Now...?" he asked low as his fingers kept caressing the warrior's back.

"Y-yes. We should go now before..." he said slightly out of breath too and just realized that while sharing those mind-blowing kisses, his knees went a bit weak and his toned arms have wrapped around the shaman. His head was light now too from these new experiences, and also sobered up a bit from his body's and energies' intense reactions. Matt himself didn't know if anything else would happen if they didn't go back soon, but there was a high chance of that seeing how difficult it was to stop doing something so simple as kissing. Maybe it was better this way too. They had enough big revelations for one day. Okay, they still had one left...

With his cheeks still slightly burning, Matt stepped out of the welcoming arms and slightly adjusted himself while taking a few deep breaths. "Okay... let's head back. Not that we'd shock them with our decision..." he chuckled a bit embarrassed then they returned to the others.

Of course it wasn't a big shock for no one. And Paolo even had a 'fucking finally' smirk over his face. Not to mention the old shaman Maynard and the boy's master Jaxton. From just one look at the shyly walking back pair with heavy blushing told them all.

Stopping before them Corey was thinking that they will start clapping at them before they can even say a word. He looked at Matt. After all, everyone knew how shaman powers work and how he felt for the warrior, so probably Matt wanted to announce it...

From that brief look Matt understood what Corey was thinking and taking a deep breath he looked at the others. "Yeah, yeah, we'll do it. Everyone can relax now," he said nearly rolling his eyes then passed Paolo, lightly pushing his shoulder to make him stop smirking like that.

Picking up his guitar he sat down, knowing that for a while he won't be able to play on it since they planned on traveling light, taking only the most essential things with them.

Next chapter

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