The Mates of Dragons

Enemy of My Enemy

Zani and Xerxes dropped down in the trees a distance from the building the humans stayed in for a base. Zani became part of Xerxes and he ran across the ground. His feet barely touching and he covered distance fast. They couldn't go in from the sky this close to the city or the human base. They would be seen. Xerxes slowed where he'd seen the vampire, or Niki, move into the tree line. He moved looking for any sign of passing as well as scenting the air.

'He is very good. There are no tracks or scent.' Xerxes said and neither could Zani pick up anything as he held onto Xerxes back. He wasn't part of him anymore. His head was over Xerxes right shoulder, his tail wrapped around Xerxes left side.

'I see this. Perhaps we should try magic instead.' Xerxes thought about a few different spells that he could use. Something simple, he had a feeling that this Niki was ready for force or extreme power. Not a subtle questioning.

He spoke a language that wasn't understandable but by a few mages. Xerxes moved his hand in the air, he waited. A moment later a small bird dropped down on a branch and gave a chirp. Xerxes just listened to what the animal had to say. He'd called for any that had witnessed one who was not permitted to see the day.

He thanked the animal with a movement and it took off. Zani looked away from it. His instincts to take off after it were reined in by Xerxes. If they abused the magic to call the wilds, it would turn on them. They moved deeper into the stand of trees, and the snow was sparse on the ground as it was so dense above them. Xerxes noted a group of boulders and jagged rocks, he just picked a spot and sat.

Zani moved off of him and Xerxes rotated his shoulders for a moment. The puncture wounds from Zani's claws healing.

"You're lucky I like you." He said and Zani's eyes just held amusement. He increased his size and picked a spot laying down and waiting as well. They knew the vampire was here now. So really all they could do was wait while the sun set and not disturb him. Better to not make it look like they were here to attack him.

It was an hour to sunset and they occupied themselves by talking of those they needed to speak to and a game they played with their minds and magic. It was designed to keep you sharp, in case your enemy managed to get into your head. They didn't really worry about such things anymore, but it was still fun.

The sun was below the mountain when there was a bit of movement and neither did anything just watched. The vampire moved coming from a crevasse and walked toward them wearily. He clearly didn't see running as an option and he didn't seem like the running type. He knew who he was and what he could do. This Niki clearly had been aware of them waiting as he emerged facing them.

Xerxes stood and was the same height as the man. He was of Japanese descent, he could tell. He had dark hair and brown eyes that were very dark. His skin was more pale than it should be, but that wasn't unexpected. The fact that he was moving around before the actual sunset was the surprise.

"How did you know I was here?" Niki asked dryly eyeing them both.

"I asked." Xerxes said. "There are more ways to track a person than the senses you have. Besides I already saw that you moved away from the house last night. Do you not trust the humans you work with?" Xerxes asked. No foreplay, just straight to the point.

"Just what are you here for? I don't do much conversation unless if find it important." He said and Xerxes had noted right away that he was holding himself ready for a fight. Clearly he thought that Xerxes was going to do away with him.

"I'm here to find out why you are helping the humans. A very large waste of time and talent, just as the one named Kendra helps them. We see potential here, a being that should not be contained by human nature." Xerxes stated meeting his gaze.