Secrets, part 10

Lucy and Yona were taking their turns watching over Blythe and Kavi while Rani read nearby. Blythe had come down with a violent fever after the blood transfer, but that much was expected. The fever had broken the day before and he looked much better now. Even Kavi was getting color back in his cheeks. With hope, they would both wake soon. Wendy had been asked up to the main guild to speak with Dalia. Veda hoped someone closer to her age would have better luck getting through to the girl. The girls spoke idly about the pending eclipse as they sat with the infirm. Finally, one began to stir.

Blythe sat up hazily and glanced around, getting a feel for his surroundings. He was pleased to see he wasn't alone and even more pleased to see Kavi had improved. "Welcome back", smirked Yona. "How long was I out?", he asked sheepishly. "About a day and a half", replied Yona. "How do you feel?", inquired Lucy kindly. Blythe stared at his feet while he thought about that. "A little worse for wear, but I'm all right", he said with an assuring grin. Lucy smiled back, glad he'd recovered. Yona, however, seemed to mildly glare at him. He sent her a nervous grin, knowing what she would say. She had been against the transfusion, but her opinion didn't seem to count at the time.

"That was one of the dumbest, stupidest, most idiotic - ", she began. Blythe winced as he waited for the next part of her comment. "And sweetest things I've ever seen someone do", she sighed, giving in to the sentiment. Blythe blushed lightly, somewhat surprised she wasn't chewing him out. "Kavi-kun would have done the same for me", he uttered bashfully. "At least you're better now", offered Lucy. He nodded, glad the ordeal was seeming to work. His eyes settled over his lover, wondering if his sacrifice would be enough to bring him back to life. "Lady Necahual said you'd probably be a little weak or a while. Taking in so much infected blood was a big risk, but I understand why you did it", chimed Rani. "Funny, I figured you'd be used to having Kavi inside you", teased Yona. She laughed as both he and Lucy blushed brightly.

A sigh at the door notified them of another arrival. Ronen shook his head as he entered. "That mouth of yours will catch up with you one day", he sighed. Yona shrugged as if unworried about it. "I'm just glad Wendy-chan wasn't here to hear that", added Rani. "Where is Wendy?", asked Blythe. "She's with Natsu and Master Veda", replied Ronen. Blythe nodded, glad his precious little sister hadn't been infected. "I hope none of you get sick because of us", he uttered. Lucy smiled kindly, assuring him all was well. "It was strange. I thought the fire dragon would come down with it for sure", said Ronen, thinking aloud. It was true, he'd entered the barrier without though or protection, but he never so much as sneezed throughout the time the fairies had been at the guild. After some idle banter, everyone left Blythe to go back to sleep, knowing he would let them know if Kavi woke.

-

Elsewhere in the city, a man stood on the rooftops, carefully watching the citizens below. Wink yawned, bored. He'd only been staring at the female half of the population during their surveillance, but he was bored now. "Do you even know what you're looking for?", he asked idly. Judd ignored him, keeping his eyes on the street below. "Juuudddd, I'm boooooorrreeeed", he whined. Finally, the older mage hunter turned to glare at him. "I never asked you to come along in the first place. Why don't you just pack up and go home?", he sneered. "You may act like you hate me, but I know better", said Wink in an annoying perky voice. Fighting off an eye twitch, Judd moved his focus back to the city. "There he is again", he uttered. "Who?", asked Wink, joining him at the ledge. Judd pointed down to the streets. A man with green hair and eye patch walked beside two known mages from Fairy Tail. "There. I've seen him come and go from the guild. He ain't got a visible guild mark, but I'm willing to take the shot anyway...Filthy magic spawn", said Judd.

Wink took a good look. "Oh, yeah. I saw him at the bar the other night. Seems like he's a regular there", he stated. Judd grinned faintly an evil smirk on his lips. He had selected his prey and now knew just where to find him when his guard would be down. "What about the fairies?", asked Wink. "You can shoot 'em. I've got no interest in killing women from another city", said Judd, making plans in his head. "Serpent Wing is mine", he said firmly. "You can't hog all the fun", retorted Wink. Without warning, Judd held him by his collar just over the edge of the rooftop. "Look here, you whelp. You youngin's think you know everything. That's how this guild survived last time. I don't trust your generation to do that job right, so stay outta my way or I'll move you myself", he barked. Wink glanced at the pavement three stories below. "Fine, fine. I just wanted to help make up for the mistake, but if you're going to be like that about it, I'll hunt the fairies and the snakes are yours", he sighed. Judd smirked as tossed him to the dusty roof behind himself. "Make sure you don't forget it", he stated.

Wink returned to his pack where the pieces of his sniper rifle were kept. He'd dismantled his beloved gun for easier concealment within the city limits. He grumbled under his breath, but knew better than to complain further. He knew the name of Judd's first mark, but since his comrade hadn't asked, Wink wasn't going to give him anymore information. He just hoped that Judd would make quick work of the guild. He didn't like being in this town. After all, when Noctis last attacked, it was lead by a new member, someone Wink himself had recommended and Tanya had failed. Not only had she failed, she lost her life in the process. That didn't sit well with the young sniper, but it didn't look Judd had any intentions of letting Wink get some revenge.

-

Down in the sanctum, Natsu and Wendy were sharing stories of their dragon parents with Veda. It had been a long time since she'd seen a dragon and was more than happy to speak about Gita in return. Kavi didn't seem like much of a talker on that aspect and the fairies were glad to learn more about their quiet friend. Tepin played with Happy in the background while Nova and Puck spoke away from the group. Charle kept an even expression, simply observing everyone. What were those two fey up to anyway?

"Grandine sounds very nice. Gita was kind, too. I'm sure they got along well in the old days", said Veda with a happy smile. Natsu grinned, reminiscing. He wanted to ask Puck a few questions, sure the elf knew more about the dragons than he let on, but he hadn't gotten the chance yet. All he knew for sure was that Puck and Nova were both hiding something. They seemed uneasy around the dragon slayer when they were at ease with the others. Did they know something about Igneel they didn't want to share?

-

Several yards away, Puck sighed as he glanced back toward the group. "You aren't going to tell him?", he inquired. Nova smiled serenely. "He wouldn't believe me if I did. Besides, it's not my place to stir the past now. He seems happy with his life. That's good enough", she said. "Surely you'll have to eventually", chided the elf. Nova stared off with a sad expression. "Igneel fulfilled his end of the bargain. Now its my turn. If I had known the boy was here - ...", she trailed. Shaking the memories from her mind, she sighed. "None of them would listen anyway. Once Zeref's name came out, I'm sure they'd only view me with anger in their eyes. It's better to leave them ignorant", she stated. Changing the subject, she glanced up at the sunlight that filtered through the crevice above. "There are more urgent problems. Your son isn't out of the woods yet and the Order has arrived", she said solemnly. Puck nodded. He knew Kavi still had a chance of losing the fight against the virus, but he believed in him.

"Noctis...I can feign ignorance, but we both know why they're here. That Sandrunner girl was one of their own. I'm sure they want finish what she started", said Puck grimly. He'd dealt with the Order before and they were not known to give up. "What will you do? If you reveal your presence, they'll only send more agents. People like us are quite the prize...They likely know I'm here, but you may yet be a surprise", said Nova. "Who else knows your whereabouts?", asked Puck slyly. Nova glanced at Tepin and replied, "That's why she's wielding my magic. Besides, he likely knew the moment I set foot back on the continent. Zeref isn't the kind to forgive, is he?", she sighed. Puck only prayed that the immortal dark mage would keep away from the city. they had enough troubles with the virus and Noctis on their doorstep. "And the other demons?", he inquired. "Tatarus believes me dead. I was careful to plan it that way from the beginning. I understand most of the guild was destroyed by Fairy Tail. What's left is no threat", said Nova, pressing her palm over the old guild mark on her chest. It burned every time she thought of the others, but she could not remove the mark from her skin. Zeref had made sure she'd never forget who sealed her true power all those years ago.

"Five hundred years and this mark still hurts. I suppose that's the price for my sins. I never should have given up who I was...I wonder if cursing him with his immortality was the right thing to do...Living seemed the worst Hell for him. I guess I never thought about how it would affect the future...I guess I'll never learn", she said, lost in her sadness. Puck placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, avoiding her hidden arm. "You weren't completely reckless. You shed your true form. I know you miss it...I can't blame you", he said softly. She struggled to keep her composure. Puck was the only one besides Tepin who knew her secrets, who she really was, what she really was. "Still, you put planned your escape well. You essentially cast him into his own Hell and even discarded your etherias form. As long as Zeref can't break the seal I put on that book, Fiore will survive." Nova nodded, regaining her composure.

"I can't help, but wonder, though...You'll never truly understand, Puck. You're a shape shifter. You can can turn into anything you want and never worry about losing the form you were born with. Mine is gone forever. I live as a demon now...My wings will never return. I've literally fallen from grace", she uttered. "Perhaps, but look. The next generation is still forging its path. It seems the stars have sought out fire all over again", he grinned, nodding toward the others. Lucy had joined Natsu. They way they smiled at one another was all the elf needed to see to know their shared path. "Do you think she realizes it yet?", asked Nova, smiling faintly.

Their conversation was cut short by a furry creature landing squarely on Puck's head. Tepin, in her opossum birth form, leaned over his forehead and seemed to grin in his eyes. Happy laughed overhead, glad the bombing was a success. Carefully lifting her into his arms, Puck shook his head. "You, my dear marsupial, are a handful. How does your mistress deal with you?", he teased. Taking advantage of her cuteness, the furry creature rolled onto her back and stared up with pitiful eyes. Nova chuckled lightly at the attempt as the expression on Puck's face clearly said that routine wasn't going to work. He glanced up with interest. That was first time he'd heard Nova laugh...Ever...

Jumping down, Tepin took on her human form once more. "But Nova-sama loves me!", she argued. "Right?", she asked, with huge soulful eyes toward her mistress. Nova patted her head gently. "Yes, Little One. You keep me sane these days." Tepin beamed and seemed to lean into the petting. Puck hid a smile, glad Nova had found a way to move on. She'd punished herself for centuries, especially the last one. It was time she gave herself another chance. Tepin perked up, having suddenly remembered why she came over. "Oh yeah! The blood kid's awake", she reported proudly. "Is he? Thank you for telling me. I think I'll go check on the boys. When Jasper comes back, tell him where he can find me", he said before leaving.

Tepin watched him leave and waited until he was out of sight to drop her goofy grin. "Nova-sama, you're sad again. Did he make you sad? Want me to bite him for you?", she asked. Nova shook her head. "No, child. We were only speaking of the past. I'm all right. I just miss seeing the dragons in the sky. Fiore isn't what it used to be", she sighed. Tepin observed her mistress closely and finally gave in. "Those dragon kids are pretty interesting. You should talk to them. I bet they'd love to hear some of your stories", she beamed. Nova's expression grew dark once more. "No; They don't need to know about the past. What's done is done. There's no changing it. I understand they've already said their goodbyes to their adoptive parents. There's no need to stir up dust. Come now. I could use some fresh air. Will you walk with me?" Tepin gladly agreed. "Yay, Nova-sama all to myself again!", she thought. They slipped from the caverns quietly. Noe on noticed them leave.

-

The next day, Blythe seemed back to his old self physically. He was still worried for Kavi, but Puck and Veda ordered him to get some fresh air. Thus Jasper had dragged him out to town. Promises of a stop at the bakery seemed to help persuade the recovering mage. Yona was going to tag along, but ended up getting dragged into Puck's library by Lucy. They were running out of time until the eclipse and they still needed answers. Blythe didn't want to leave Kavi's side at first, but he eventually gave in after several people expressed their concern for his welfare. Besides, Kavi was looking much better. There was a good chance he'd wake soon. Blythe insisted on being there when he did, but Puck promised to retrieve him if needed, so he agreed to get some air.

As the team mates walked the street, a few odd looks were given, but no one said anything. The town had slowly gotten used to Jasper's appearance. The guild kept them safe and brought revenue into the city coffers, so no one really gave the incubus a hard time. Little did they know that once of the people watching them wasn't a citizen. On a nearby rooftop, someone stared down the scope of an expensive looking sniper rifle. It was trained squarely on Jasper's head. "What have we here?", said Wink to himself, interested. He'd agreed to let Judd exterminate the guild, but no one had said anything about fey being around. Those were trophies he wasn't ready to give up yet. After all, they weren't even close to human as far the Order was concerned. Mages were lower than humanity. Fey were even worse. They had magic woven into the very fabric of their being and that made them both unnatural and unnecessary. "Hold still, you gray skinned bastard", he grinned, ready to take the shot. Judd wasn't around. He was free to do as he pleased. Then he got a good look at the person with the monster. He rubbed his eyes and looked again. There was no way!...Was there? "Blythe?"

He waited patiently until the two mages left the bakery. Wink sighed. It was definitely Blythe. Who else would look that child-like with a package of cake? "Shit", he sighed. Pulling his gun over his shoulder, he descended to the streets. Waiting in an alley, he watched patiently. Jasper paused as they crossed it. He could sense something off. He could feel a sense of fear hiding in the shadows, but who was it and what exactly were they afraid of? His vision allowed clear vision in the dark, so the dim shadows of midday were no challenge. He stared directly at their stalker. Blythe noticed he was alone and doubled back. "What's wrong?", he asked. "Let's step off the street. I don't anyone else getting caught up in this", replied Jasper stoically.

The duo walked to the end of the alley where their watcher stood with smaller hand guns pointed at them. "Freeze, magic scum", ordered Wink. "...Wink?", uttered Blythe in disbelief. "In the flesh", grinned the mage hunter. "Step away from the monster. I don't know what kind spell he put you under, but I'm here now. You don't have to serve him anymore. Look at you! I mean, I'd heard you'd left home and I knew you were a mage sympathizer, but this? I didn't expect to find you licking the boots of some *thing* that think its a person", he said. "Excuse me?", ventured Jasper. Blythe looked between them in panic. "This is awkward...Jasper, this is Winchester...My cousin", he said sheepishly. Jasper looked at him in shock. "Wink's the name. You'll catch a fair bounty for me, so play nice and cooperate...What the hell are you anyway?", said the sniper. Hearing one of the hammers cock, Blythe stepped in front of his friend.

"Wink, stop this. Jasper's done nothing wrong. What are you even doing here?", he asked, exasperated. Wink sighed and shook his head. "How far have you fallen, 'Cos? Don't you know about Tanya? These assholes killed her. She was just fulfilling her duty as an agent of Noctis, purifying the world, and they killed her. Now step aside." Blythe stared at him defiantly. "You've got it wrong, Wink. She killed them. They didn't deserve to die!" Wink's face fell as his eyes settled over the guild mark on Blythe's arm. "You're one of them?", he uttered. "I am", replied Blythe firmly. "Would you kill your kin in cold blood?", asked Jasper. Wink didn't even hesitate. A loud "BANG!" echoed out through the streets.

Nearby, team two heard the shot. "Callie?", ventured Domino. "We can't ignore that. Someone might be hurt. Come on!", said Callie, running toward the sound. Mere seconds later, the girls skidded to a halt at the mouth of the alley. Jasper was shaking where he stood, completely covered in blood. Some of was Blythe's and some of of it was his own. "Damn. I figured it'd go straight through. Must have hit a bone", sighed Wink. Blythe was on the ground in a growing red pool. Without warning, a massive swirl of thorns sprang up from the ground, pinning the sniper to the wall. Domino glared as the guns collapsed in on themselves, leaving nothing, but small, crumbled bits of metal. "Are you all right?", asked Callie, running forward. Jasper nodded slowly. Blythe had taken most of the blow. One shot hit the blood mage squarely in the gut. The second only passed through the incubus's arm. Wink stared at the intruders as he struggled to get free.

"Blythe, are you okay?!", hollered Callie, shaking him. Wink watched in horror as the blood flow began changing direction. A few moments later, Blythe sat up, holding his stomach in pain. "Wink...Why?", he asked, tears streaming. "I had to see if was true...You really are the new Blood Baron...I'll be damned", he grinned. "You knew he'd live?", inquired Domino skeptically. "Of course I did. I wouldn't kill my favorite cousin for no reason", argued Wink. Jasper held his wound and glared at the sniper. He wasn't buying it. "That uniform...What does Noctis want with our guild?!", he demanded. "The virus did most of our work. We're just the clean up crew", smirked the agent. Jasper's eyes glowed with fury. "Noctis was behind that virus?", he asked coldly. Everyone waited for an answer. "Wasn't it obvious?", replied Wink.

Blythe looked upon his cousin in horror. They had somehow engineered the very germ that had nearly killed his beloved and countless others. Wink's coveted rifle had fallen to the ground when he was attacked. He watched Domino struggle to lift it. It was huge and heavy. "Not my baby!", he pleaded as she crushed it with her magic. "So mean!", he cried. Callie was confused. She'd seen that same expression on Blythe's face countless times. They were related, all right, but why was he an enemy then? She didn't know the past the Sandrunner clan. Blythe slowly got his feet as his wound closed. He eyed Wink carefully. "Let him down", he said. "What?", said Callie. "You can't be serious", argued Domino. Blythe sent a pleading look to Jasper. Though riddled with mixed emotions, he nodded. Callie recalled her thorns, but kept her guard up.

Wink hit the ground with a 'thump'. He cradled the mangled remains of the destroyed rifle. "My baby", he whined, cuddling it like a child with his broken favorite toy. Blythe stepped close to him and kneeled down. "Blood Baron?", he asked. Finally looking up from his crushed gun, Wink nodded. "The Order's been waiting for the next one", he explained. "Did you really know it was me?", inquired Blythe carefully. Anyone else in his position would be dead. He had be sure. "Don't ask me how, but..Yeah. I found out a while ago...Sorry I shot you. I hope it didn't hurt too bad", said Wink with a nervous grin. Blythe hung his head and took a deep breath before returning to Jasper and sealing his wound. "What are you doing here, Wink? And don't tell me it's for the Order. Tell me the truth", said Blythe, checking his work on his friend's arm.

"Some big wig fey is here. Another agent came to claim her and I tagged along. Call me curious", sighed Wink. "Her?", thought Blythe. He exchanged glances with his friends, wondering if he meant Veda. "Nova something...I don't know. I just came along for the show. I mean Judd's doomed to fail. I figured it'd be worth a good laugh or two", shrugged the sniper. Jasper relaxed faintly, glad his mother wasn't the target this time. Still, Nova was at the guild and if Noctis reached the sanctum, his entire family would be prized as trophies. Domino glared coldly at the agent. "What are doing with him? Want me to crush his head?", she asked, dead serious. "Have mercy!", shouted Wink, hugging her ankle and trying to grovel. "Get off of me!", she yelled, kicking him with her free leg. He let go once several thorns sprouted into his flesh. Domino smirked at him as Callie's magic faded from her body. This time Callie was glaring. "Touch her again and I'll kill you myself", she scowled. "Yes, ma'am", said Wink, sitting obediently.

All eyes turned to Jasper. He was more or less in charge, but he debated what they should do. Sighing, he said, "We'll take him back to the guild. The teams can take turns guarding him until we decide what to do", he stated. Everyone nodded. He'd clearly avoided mentioning Veda, Puck, or the sanctum for good reason. "What about these things?", asked Domino, idly kicking one of crunched guns. "They're no threat now. Leave them. We need to report back", said Jasper. Turning his focus to Wink, he asked, "How many of you are in the city?". Wink shied his face like a spoiled child with a secret. "I'm not telling you anything", he said stubbornly. "He said one before", stated Blythe. Wink looked at him with huge eyes as if he'd been betrayed. Getting to his feet, he pinched Blythe's cheek hard. With an annoyed expression, he said, "Looks like little Sunshine's all grown up now." Blythe waved his arms frantically. He hated when Wink did that. He'd done it since they were kids. Prying loose and rubbing his face, he looked upon his cousin with pity. He knew Wink would not get the same soft judgment from the guild.

"Wink, try to at least act like an adult", he sighed. "Act like a prisoner", said Domino, a cold fire in her eyes. Wink stepped behind his cousin, using him as a meat shield. "That kid's got issues", he whispered. "I heard that", glared Domino. "Will you come along calmly?", inquired Blythe. The sniper sighed, annoyed. He'd never been caught by his prey before, but then again, no guild had a family member in it before either. He knew Judd would never let him live it down when he found out. As if on cue, several canisters of tear gas fell into the alley. The mages all coughed, trying to cover their breathing and headed for the street. Once the gas cleared, Wink was gone. Van and Yung-Li just happened to be across the street when their friend came into view covered in blood. Running toward them, they made sure everyone was all right and asked what had happened. A brief explanation was given and they headed for home. Veda needed to know about this and what more, Nova needed to give some answers.

-

A few minutes later and few streets way, Wink was on a roof gasping for air. Judd had kicked him hard in the ribs several times. "You idiot! What kind of no brained, soft skulled, greenhorn are you?! They almost took you prisoner!", he yelled. Wink said nothing, letting Judd vent. "It's bad enough your kin failed to wipe out the guild before. Now one of 'em's in the damn guild?! You're a disgrace to the Order. You're goin' back to headquarters right now and telling them everything you done fucked up. I ain't dealing with you anymore. Now get outta my sight before I decide to blow that empty head off your shoulders", he said with an icy glare. Wink slowly got to his feet and spat the blood from his mouth. "Fine...Just don't underestimate them like I did", he said. Shuffling into the distance, it would be a long walk home for him, but Judd was right. Wink really felt he had no business with Order anymore. Maybe the glory days of the Sandrunner clan really were over... Only time would tell.

-

To be continued...