Secrets, part 1
Months had passed since the visit to Van's home town. Things at the guild seemed to be back to normal. He and Yona caused trouble for Kavi while Blythe tried to keep their leader calm. Jobs were flowing freely and everyone seemed to be improving. Appearances and abilities had changed a little, but it was still the same Serpent Wing that Fairy Tail had met. Their master, Veda, had unexpected effects from the liquid team one had retrieved from the ruins. It seemed to rejuvenate her, even reversing some the effects from all the years of imbibing dragon's blood. Her horns had flaked away and eventually fell off and her hair had a strong streak of her natural red color. Over all, she was glad for the changes. Puck tried to hide his concern. There was no telling what else might happen. Everyone else just accepted the changes. Some of the guild members had changed for the better, after all.
Out back, Kavi watched his guild mates spar with mild amusement. Yona had sent Jasper flying once again. "Stop going easy on me, damn it! I know you're stronger than this!", she spat, annoyed. Jasper grinned sheepishly as he wiped the sea water from his face. He always held back. Everyone could see it. It annoyed Yona, but she knew why he did it. Nearby Ronen and Blythe were also at it. The exceed had taken it upon himself to learn something more than aera. Van had agreed to show him a few tricks using enhancement magic and Yung-Li managed to find a sword about his size, giving pointers where he could. Rani watched nervously beside Kavi. He offered a gentle smile and placed a soft hand on her tiny head in assurance. Blythe wouldn't harm Ronen, but he wouldn't necessarily go easy on him, either.
The blood mage dodged every attack with ease. Granted his longer stride gave him an unfair advantage, but Ronen had created his own trick with what he'd learned from Van. He figured out a way to enlarge the strike zone of his weapon. A few minor cuts hissed as they sealed on Blythe's pale skin. He didn't really need to concentrate to heal small wounds any more. He'd worked hard to master his new-found power. A swift sweeping kick knocked the exceed onto his hind side. He could boost his speed a little, but he still had to learn to control that and the strike expansion at the same time. He struggled a little, but he was making good progress. Blythe offered a hand with a wide smile. "You're doing really well", he beamed with pride. Ronen smirked as he accepted the gesture to rise. Yona stepped over and scruffed his ears. "Don't worry. You'll be kicking his ass in no time", she grinned.
Setting down his cup of tea, Kavi smiled to himself. "I think that's enough play time, don't you?", he said. "Bring it", taunted Yona, taking a defensive stance. Everyone else stepped back, giving the dragon slayers a wide berth. "Try not to damage the guild this time", teased Jasper. "I make no such promises", grinned Kavi. Blythe smiled. It was good to see Kavi cut loose once in a while. Having Jasper home again seemed to do wonders against the darkness that haunted him. Yona struck first, sending several water darts toward her opponent. Kavi stepped aside as if bored. They whizzed mere inches from his head, but his eyes were settled firmly on Yona. "Is that the best you've got?", he teased. Annoyed, she summoned a huge wave, hurling it with all her strength.
The others watched as Kavi stayed coolly on defense. "He's just toying with her", observed Ronen. "And he's having fun doing it", smirked Jasper. He shared Blythe's sentiments. Kavi had come a long way in the last several months. "That's it!", shouted Yona, dusting herself off as she got off the ground. Kavi cocked an eyebrow at her. He knew that stance. She was going unleash her roar. At least she was facing away from the guild this time. Deciding he'd amused her long enough, he got a serious look on his face. Yona's roar was canceled out by his own. Kavi deflected the mass of water skyward with deafening sound. Salty rain fell over the city for the next several minutes. Yona glared at him. "You just can't take a hit, can you?", she sighed. "What fun would it be if I let you win?", replied Kavi with a grin.
Ronen covered his sister's ears, sacrificing his own. He stumbled to catch his balance from the assault on his sense of hearing. Blythe beamed proudly. "You held back today. Only half of the windows shattered", he grinned. Kavi blushed faintly. He was usually the one yelling at anyone else who broke something. Jasper hid a small laugh at Yona's frustration. "Maybe next time", he ventured. She sent an evil glare at him like flying knives, but her annoyance never lasted long. From the second floor, Van popped his head out one of the broken windows. "Aw, man! I missed it again?! You were supposed to tell me this time!", he shouted down. "Sorry! Next time for sure! Then you can watch me kick his noisy ass!", yelled Yona.
-
That night, Blythe watched his lover with interest. Kavi was up to something. He'd been in such a good mood lately, Blythe didn't want to disturb him with questions, so he simply smiled as he stared. Kavi set down the guild log with a sigh of relief. "Finally", he said. "Well, that expense report wasn't entirely Yona-chan's fault this time...Entirely", offered Blythe. Kavi grinned, "I know." He straightened his desk for the next day and sat beside his love on the edge of the bed. "You're done early tonight", observed Blythe. Trying to hide a smirk, the dragon slayer said, "I got an early start. Ready to go out?". Blythe smiled wide. It was so rare to actually have a date night. He nodded with anticipation.
As they left the room, Teresa seemed troubled. She was waiting for them in the hall. "Kavi, a moment?", she ventured. He glanced at Blythe who gave him the 'go ahead'. Stepping aside, she kept her tone low. "Something's not right", she began. "Can you be more specific?", inquired Kavi, anxious to get on with his plans. "My vision is clouded...That's never happened before. Something must be interfering with my magic, something powerful", she explained. Kavi sighed. Not the news he wanted tonight. "Any ideas?", he asked. She shook her head. "I already spoke with the master. She's not aware of anything out of the usual, either...But be careful tonight", she said. Kavi was glad she couldn't see his red cheeks. Had she seen his agenda? "I don't know what or when, but something's coming, something bad. Be on your guard...And try to have a nice evening. You need to get out more", she added. "All right. I'll look into things in the morning. Good night", he said, rejoining his lover. Her sightless eyes stared after them, hoping she was wrong.
-
The pair had a wonderful evening on the town despite Teresa's cryptic warning. Blythe was amazed that Kavi was comfortable enough to hold his hand as they walked the streets for a change. It wasn't that Kavi was ashamed of their love and Blythe understood that; It was merely a matter of respect and boundaries. Tonight, however, it was a welcome change to see the dragon slayer relax the rules. After dinner and visiting Blythe's favorite bakery, they made their way to the shore where they could walk home more privately. Kavi held Blythe against his chest as they stared out to sea. "It's beautiful, isn't it?", sighed Blythe, content. Kavi grinned faintly. "Without someone throwing it at you, yes", he teased. Blythe chuckled at his taunt. Yona could be a handful. He was sure Kavi enjoyed their time away from her. Leaning his head against his lover's, Kavi relaxed beneath the stars and hoped everything else would go according to plan that night.
-
Hours later, the two were finally turning in for the night, or so Blythe thought. Things took an interesting turn when the lights went out. Kavi surprised Blythe with a few more 'changes to the rules'. Once the activities ceased, they cuddled close. Blythe was lost to his bliss, but he still wondered what prompted so many changes. Idle conversation went on for a while until Kavi called his curiosity. "Am I not entitled to treat you once in a while?", asked Kavi shyly. Blythe blushed. "You just surprised me is all...Not that I'm complaining!...I just never expected that", he replied. Kavi had that sneaky grin on his face again. Blythe sent him a skeptical look. "What are you up to?" The dragon slayer turned a deep hue of red. It seemed he'd been caught. He sighed deeply. "I guess I just wanted to prove I could put you first", he stated, staring away into the night. "But why? I already know you love me, silly", teased the blood mage. Kavi nodded softly. "I know I don't say it enough", he uttered. Blythe hugged him tightly as if to assure him everything was all right.
Kavi was tense in his arms. "Is something wrong?", asked Blythe, worried. "Just thinking", replied Kavi, avoiding his gaze. "About?", ventured Blythe, his huge amber eyes staring for an answer. "Do you remember what I told you about Avalon?", inquired Kavi distantly. Blythe nodded, unsure of what this meant. "Would you be willing to follow Oberon's laws?...If it meant something important, I mean..." Blythe lilted his head. After such a romantic night, why were laws coming up as a topic? It slowly dawned on him.
-
Elsewhere, deep under the guild, Veda and Puck sat with hopeful grins. "Do you think it will go well?", asked Veda anxiously. Puck smiled serenely at her. "I don't see why not. I can't think of reason he'd say 'no'. Can you?" She shook her head with a wide grin. "I can't wait to see them tomorrow!", she beamed. Puck chuckled at her sparkling eyes. She was so excited when Kavi told them of his plans. With luck, she would soon have one more person to call 'son'.
-
Back in Kavi's room, Blythe squeezed him as close as he possibly could. "Of course I will!" Kavi nearly laughed at himself as a massive burden lifted. He held his lover tightly. Life was finally starting to treat him well. First he'd met the most wonderful person he could possibly ask for, then his brother came home. Now, that sweet, amazing angel that saved him so many times had actually agreed to his proposal. Tears formed as a sincere smile crossed his lips. "Do you think the royal army will give us any trouble?", asked Blythe nervously. "So long as we don't cause trouble with the festivities, I don't see why they should...Try not to worry about that. Puck said he'd arrange everything", said Kavi. Blythe pulled away to meet his eyes. "I knew you were planning something", stated Blythe. "Guilty as charged", grinned Kavi. It seemed Puck and Veda were in on the secret. Was Jasper, too? Who else knew? It didn't matter. Blythe was just overcome with joy at the prospect of being officially claimed. Just wait until he told Jeel-kun!
-
The next day, an announcement was made. Jasper smiled at Yona's shock, but she support the lovers wholeheartedly. The entire guild rejoiced. Just for fun, Van stepped close to Yona and teased, "Anyone else want to get married? I'm game." Laughing, she playfully shoved him away. "You're hopeless", she chuckled. Jasper simply shook his head. It was all harmless fun, after all. Veda was simply ecstatic, squeezing both Kavi and Blythe in a massive hug. Puck was more reserved and offered his congratulations, but he was truly happy for them. He'd watched Kavi grow up lost in the darkness and now he had finally found his light. He hoped Jasper, too, would find his path one day soon.
-
The celebrations died down over the next few days. Teresa still seemed troubled, but she was occupied looking after Dalia while Puck was away. The elf had received an urgent summons to his king's court. He even donned his official royal uniform. The sight of those clothes always troubled Veda. It usually meant something big was about to happy and she may not see her beloved husband for a few days up to a few months. She saw him off with a loving smile nonetheless. Jasper tried to be there for her, but an odd blight was sinking its claws into someone close unbeknownst to the guild.
Up in the guild hall, Kavi leaned heavily onto his desk. He was gasping for air. Staring at his hand, he grimaced at the sight of the blood he'd coughed up. He was doing well to hide his symptoms the last several days, but how long could he keep it up? Blythe was so happy for their engagement, he didn't want to worry him. Still, it was only a matter of time until he found out. Kavi reached into a drawer and took a long sip of tonic from a bottle he kept hidden. He'd never had the best constitution when it came to germs. That elixir was his secret weapon. Puck was the only one who knew of its existence. It was a secret even to Veda and Jasper.
He shoved the bottle back into its hiding place as his door opened. "Kavi-kuuuun, I brought snacks!", beamed Blythe, holding up a pink box from the bakery. "Take a break. You work too hard. The papers will still be there after you eat", he chided. Kavi gave in and thrust his bloodied hand into his pocket as he rose. He watched his lover closely. Blythe didn't seem to notice anything off. He tried to relax as he sat across from Blythe, but as soon as he looked up, he immediately saw the look on his love's face. Blythe stared with slight horror. "Kavi...", he uttered, worried. Reaching forward, he wiped some blood from the corner of the dragon slayer's mouth. "You're bleeding." Kavi gently grasped his hand and sighed. "It's nothing...I just bit my lip. That's all", he assured. Blythe wasn't buying it. He stared him down a look that said he wasn't backing off.
Ignoring the box of sweets, Blythe looked Kavi directly in the eye. "You're unwell again, aren't you?...Why don't you tell me these things?! I can't help if you won't let me", he said, tears forming. He was angry, true, but he was also hurt. "Why don't you trust me?" That question struck Kavi deeply. "You know I do. I just didn't want you to worry...Besides, it's probably a mild cold. It'll pass on its own." Blythe sat back and shied his gaze. He felt so useless when Kavi got sick. His magic could seal a wound, but it had no power over any illness. The one time he'd tried, it only caused his love pain.
Kavi took Blythe's hand and waited for him to look up. "I'm sorry. I'll be more open in the future, okay?" Blythe was already starting to give in, but he tried his best to look mad. It didn't work; It only made him cuter. Kavi smiled at him warmly. "I promise - No more secrets." Blythe peered over with one eye. "Promise?", he repeated. Kavi nodded. Blythe sighed and dropped the angry act. "All right, but at least go to bed early tonight. Please?", he pleaded. "All right", agreed the dragon slayer.
-
Days passed and Kavi only seemed to get worse. He kept assuring Blythe that he'd improve soon, but things didn't look good. He had a high fever and he felt so weak. Veda ordered he be moved back to the sanctum where she could watch over him. Jasper and Blythe helped him down late one night so no one else would see how bad off he really was. Yona watched him with silent worry as Rani fretted and Ronen remained stoic. Once they had him settled back into his old room, Jasper and Yona sat out int the sanctum quietly. Blythe opted to stay behind with the twins.
"He'll be all right, won't he? You look like he's gonna die", teased Yona. Jasper sent her a gloomy look. "You haven't seen just how bad he can get", he said sullenly. She shifted her weight uneasily. The atmosphere was awfully heavy. Even Veda seemed concerned more than usual. "He'll be fine. He's got all of you looking after him, right?", she said, trying to be more cheerful. Jasper grinned lightly. "I hope so...He really knows how to hold onto a fever. I've seen it before", he sighed. "Try not to worry so much. It's probably the flu or something", she ventured. She had no idea how bad things actually were.
Back down the hall, Veda stared over her ill son. Blythe held Rani nearby with worried, yet hopeful expressions. "What do you think?", inquired Ronen. Veda's expression was grim. "Kavi, I know you're tired, but can you hear me?", she asked softly. He nodded, weak and exhausted. "Can you speak?", she asked, wiping the sweat form his brow. He managed to get out, "I'll be fine. It's juknhjksr - ", before he lost control. She grimaced, but shied her eyes. "It's not just attacking his body. It's attacking his magic", she stated darkly. Blythe could feel his soul drop. "But magic power is everything to a mage!", fretted Rani. "I know", said Veda. She turned back to Kavi with a forced smile. "Try to rest. Don't talk anymore. Save your magic." She kissed his forehead before leaving him to sleep.
Hours later, Blythe clutched Kavi's hand while the twins rested nearby. "Kavi-kun, please get better...I can't help with this...My magic can't save you...", he wept, talking to himself. He glanced up in surprise after Kavi gripped his fingers. He was awake. "Don't...(static)...be fine...", he wheezed. Blythe kissed his fingers and clenched his eyes shut. "You heard Veda. Don't talk..." He felt awful being of no help. He wanted desperately to do something, anything, to ease Kavi's pain. Having one's magic eaten from the inside had to be agony.
-
Many miles away, another guild was oblivious to the woes of Serpent Wing. Wendy and Lucy reread the letter in the young dragon slayer's hands. "That's wonderful!", beamed Wendy, "I'm so happy for niisan and Kavi-san." Natsu grinned beside him. It was odd news, but if they were happy, he was happy and he couldn't wait to see Gajeel's face. "Juvia can't wait until she gets married", said the water mage, fangirling beside Gray. Ignoring her, he said, "When's the wedding?". "It doesn't say. I don't think they set a date yet", replied Lucy. Happy tried not to laugh as he pictured Blythe in a dress. Charle hid a grin, too, knowing what he was thinking. "We should still drop by and see them or something", ventured Natsu. He was always glad to go on a trip as long as no trains were involved. Serpent Wing could be walked to. It would take several days, but it could be done.
"It'll be nice to see everyone again", said Lucy. She had ended her rivalry with Yona some time ago. She knew nothing about Jasper, but at least she knew Natsu was safe. "Lucy-san, are you going to bring the book?", inquired Wendy. She looked as if she'd forgotten, then suddenly remembered something. "You're right! The eclipse is coming up!", she exclaimed. "I bet Yona will be happy to help", offered Gray. Before anything more could be said, Erza stepped close and firmly said, "No one's going anywhere." Natsu gaped before haughtily asking, "Why not?!". A thump over the head from Makarov's staff caught his attention. "Master, is something wrong?", asked Lucy. He didn't look pleased. "I'm afraid there's something strange going on. No one is to leave the guild until we learn it's safe", he said. Glances were exchanged amongst the group.
"What is it?", inquired Gray. "Some foreign illness is on the wind. It feeds on magic and hits dragon slayers hardest of all. We've gotten several reports from across the country", said the old man. Lucy felt a shiver go down her spine. "Feeds on magic? That's awful!", she said. "It's terrifying", stated Erza. "So what? We're just gonna hide in the guild?", spat Natsu. "You are forbidden to leave and don't try to sneak out", ordered the master. Erza sent Natsu a steely glare. Apparently she was on guard duty. "Pfft, I'm not scared", he said stubbornly. "You should be. Both Sting and Rogue are in critical condition", said Mira, approaching the group. Everyone stared in awe. Could that really be true? She handed Makarov the newest letter. He read it grimly. Lucy stared at Natsu with worry. Wendy would likely stay put and be fine, but him?
"What about Gajeel?", asked Juvia. "He's not back from his current contract yet, but I spoke with him yesterday. I told him to bed down where he was until this blows over", replied the master. "And you think he'll listen?", scoffed Natsu. Annoyed, Lucy smacked him over the head. "Would you listen for once? It's for your own good!", she chided. "Ow! What was that for?! I was just asking!", he argued. "He'll be fine", said Erza. It was true. He did take orders better than Natsu did, at least. "How bad are the others?", asked Gray. "You said critical?", added Wendy, concerned. Makarov sighed. He glanced at the letter before handing it to the ice mage. Gray's expression fell as he read. "Is it really that bad?", inquired Happy. "Rogue's getting help to breathe", said Gray grimly. "And Sting?", asked Charle. "Unconscious, but slowly improving. It says they've been fighting it for around two weeks."
Juvia stepped closer to read over Gray's shoulder. "Shouldn't they be getting better soon?", she uttered. "We can hope. Until we find out how this virus runs, no one is to leave - Especially dragon slayers", said the master, staring directly at Natsu. "Is everyone else all right?", asked Wendy with hope. "A few other mages have been infected, but it seems to be harder to beat the stronger you are", explained Mira. That was bad news indeed. "I expect everyone to stay put. You'll be staying here at the guild until further notice", said Makarov. Lucy hung her head. So much for her own bed. "It'll be like a big sleep over", offered Happy, trying to lighten the mood. Charle grinned lightly at his enthusiasm. "I guess it can't be helped", she sighed.
As everyone settled in, Lucy stared out the window toward the moon. What was this strange virus? Would she be able to get to Yona in time for the eclipse? She wondered if it was simply a bad omen. Maybe Valentine wasn't meant to be set free just yet. No, that couldn't be right. Shaking the thought from her head, she renewed her resolve to help him. If anyone deserved a chance at happiness, it was him. Besides, there was no way Natsu would stay in one place for long and someone would have to go after rim, right?
-
To be continued...