Interim Chapter 2, a fairy tail fanfic

Interim, part 2 ("Demons" Epilogue)

Kavi and Jasper didn't return to the guild until late. Though he told Veda he wouldn't meddle, he still felt responsibility for clashing Jasper and Yona together. They had talked about much before coming home. It was clear that Jasper had mixed emotions and it was always hard to tell exactly what Yona was thinking. Kavi did his best to offer advice on the situation, though most of it sounded like a warning. When asked how he Blythe and gotten together, few details were given. After all, the dragon slayer stuck to the theory of a personal life should be kept personal. He didn't mind talking to his brother about it so much, but it was still a stretch for him. He loved Blythe and, while he'd never deny that, but he wasn't so good at admitting it either...At least not to anyone, but his lover.

When they arrived home, Yona had made her self scarce. She knew she'd get 'the look' from her team leader about the bar scene. Kavi had grown tired of chiding her, thus 'the look' had been established. That glare said more than he ever could. The boys headed for the sanctum, intending to keep the evening mellow. Once there, Veda greeted them both with a warm hug. She was so pleased to them side by side again. They spoke about their day and shared idle chatter. Eventually, Jasper turned in for the night. He was still a ways from being full speed again. Once he was out of ear shot, Veda gave Kavi a sneaky smile. "She was here?", he asked. They intuitively knew each other's thoughts from being so close most of his life. "Yes, Yona was here. She told me about the bar. Don't give her too much trouble over it this time. It sounds like the guy was a real dirt-bag", she replied. He nodded with a sly grin. It was no use arguing the point; The guild master had spoken. "What else did she say?", he asked coyly. Veda played dumb, but knew exactly what was meant. They spoke late into the night. Kavi actually slept in his room within the sanctum he was so tired.

Over the next few days, Jasper was trying his hardest to be at ease around his new guild mates. He wasn't completely over the loss of the former, but time moves on with or without us. Team one kept him company most of the day, catching Van's attention. He didn't say anything about it, but he was watching Yona closely. She just ignored him or changed the subject when asked about it. They still had their hang out time and as far as she was concerned, nothing had changed. She never noticed the shrinking distance in how close they stood or much they talked, but he did. One evening, her antics took it too far. She was having a blast making Jasper blush with her unfiltered language and things didn't seem to be dying down. Kavi and Blythe were out, the exceeds were off doing their own thing, and the rest of the guild didn't really pay that much attention to the incubus passed being friendly.

Yona laughed as she leaned close to Jasper's face. She didn't care that her shirt hung open. She wasn't shy and watching him change colors was hilarious to her. Nearby, Van leaned against the wall and cleared his throat. "Van! What's up?", she inquired. "Can we talk?", he asked, unusually serious. "Go ahead", said Jasper, glad to get some air. The stepped across the room, but Jasper's keen ears picked up every word.

Yona sighed, "Van, we've been over this. You've asked me to marry you thirty-seven times and I'm not changing my answer." Van seemed agitated. "I'm being serious right now and I wasn't asking", he replied, somewhat shortly. Yona shifted her weight back to look him over. He was so tense. "First, thirty-five of those times, I was drunk. The other two I don't want to talk about right now", he stated. "What's with you?", asked Yona, playfully pinching his face. He grabbed her hand softly and lowered it away without letting go. "You really don't see it, do you?", he uttered, staring at the floor. "What are you talking about? You're acting weird. Are you sick?", she asked. He shifted his gaze toward Jasper. "What do you see when you look over there?", he inquired. She looked, too, albeit briefly. "It's just Jasper", she stated. Then it hit her. Meeting his eye, she said, "Hold up, you're jealous, aren't you?". She expected him to laugh it off, but he didn't. "There's more to it than that", he said solemnly. "Look...I know we've had our fun and I know you don't really take me seriously, but...I love you", he said, completely serious.

She slowly pulled her hand free as she stared with mixed emotions. "Are you dying?", she asked bluntly. Van sighed. She wasn't getting it. "I want you to choose, Yona. You're still young and beautiful and have lots of time to find someone, but I'm passed that point in life. I know what's going on even if you pretend you don't. You like him, don't you?" She stood breathless for a moment. Was this really happening? And why couldn't she laugh the accusation away? "What difference does it make?", she asked, turning slightly pink and averting her gaze. "We're still friends. Isn't that good enough?". Van stood silently. She wished he'd respond. Say something. Say anything! Finally he said, "I thought it was..Now I'm not so sure." She was unsure what brought all this on, but he really wasn't joking around this time. She let him hold her hands as he said, "I don't expect an answer today. Just think about it." She shyly replied, "Okay", unsure what she was supposed to say. He let go and turned to leave. A few steps away, he turned and said, "Sometimes choices stick, Yona. You can't expect everyone to wait around to catch you." Then, he was gone. She stared at the back door as he left the building. She glanced at Jasper who pretended to be dozing. Once she was sure Van was gone, she, too, went out back. A path to the shore was nearby and she needed to think. What did he expect? She was only seventeen. He had several years on her, but that never hindered their compatibility, even if it did make a good excuse.

Once Jasper was alone, he couldn't shake an odd feeling. He'd come far in recovery from his ordeal, but now his chest hurt again. Why? That was a stupid question...He knew why. He needed someone to talk to, someone that could give an opinion without being weighted down by his past. That left limited options, but he knew exactly who to ask. A shy grin appeared as he made up mind. Heading upstairs, he went to Kavi's room.

On the other side of the door, Kavi was hard at work, settling the week's records for the guild. Blythe laid on the bed and stared at the ceiling, waiting for him to finish. He wanted to talk, but he knew being quiet would help Kavi finish faster. They both looked to the door as a knock sounded. "Yes?", called Kavi without rising. "It's me", answered Jasper. Blythe blushed a little and wondered what he was supposed to do. Kavi sent him a kind smile. "You don't have to hide. He knows", he assured. Blythe nodded shyly as Kavi opened the door. Jasper didn't look so good. "Are you all right?", inquired Kavi, slightly concerned by his brother's expression. "I just need someone to talk to", replied the incubus. Kavi held the door wide for him, but he didn't move any closer. Nervously fidgeting, he said, "Actually...Can I borrow Blythe?". Kavi was a little surprised, but nodded just the same. "Me?", asked Blythe, just as surprised. "Go ahead. I won't be done for a while yet", said Kavi, glancing back to the stacked papers on his desk. The two left and the dragon slayer returned to his work. He practically ran the guild, but he'd never say so.

Blythe and Jasper went to the far end of the hall. Blythe relaxed against a door frame with his arms crossed, waiting for what this was about. Jasper leaned against the banister, his tail flicking idly to and fro. "What's up, Niisan?", asked Blythe with a kind smile. Jasper grinned faintly. "You know you're older than me...", he uttered. "Only technically", beamed the blood mage. "Can I talk to you about something in confidence?", inquired Jasper, his blush reflex beginning to react. Blythe nodded. He didn't go out of his way to keep anything from Kavi, but it felt good to be considered a friend to the incubus already and wasn't willing to give that up. "Of course. It's a steel trap in here", he teased, tapping his head. Jasper fought to find the words. Finally, he asked, "What do you know about Van and Yona?". Blythe's expression softened. So that's what this was about. "Well, they've always been buddies...Actually it was Yona that invited him to the guild in the first place. She'd met at the tavern...They have a lot of fun together", he replied. Jasper seemed a little let down by that answer. "Is that all?", he asked, a little sullen. Blythe shifted his weight, knowing that wasn't going to cut it. "You really want to know?", he inquired, staring into the distance. A nod was answer enough. Blythe sighed.

"They're good friends, maybe even best friends, but it runs deeper than that, at least on one side. Van really cares a lot for her, even if she doesn't acknowledge it. I can't say for certain what her thoughts are...She tends to keep things hidden. Your best bet would to ask the twins. They're closest to her...She doesn't share a lot, even with her team mates. I don't know why she tries so hard to hide, but deep down I can see pain in her eyes...Maybe you should ask her", said Blythe. "I see", said Jasper absently. "What happened?", asked Blythe, sharp as ever. After a little prodding, Jasper told him everything. Blythe seemed troubled at first, but slowly he began to grin. "And you want to know if you should chase after her, is that it?", he inquired coyly. Jasper blushed once more. Shying his gaze, he said, "I don't know what to think." Blythe lilted his head at that statement. "Do you like her?", he asked directly. Despite his nerves, Jasper forced out a response. "I think I do, but how would I even know?...She's not like anyone I've ever met before. She saved my life, getting em out of that crystal prison. I'm not sure if that's what holds my attention or not...I mean, is it just the feeling that I owe her or is it something else?", he sighed. Blythe set a warm hand on his shoulder and waited for him to look up.

"Be honest. If your dad had gotten you out and then you met Yona, would you act any differently around her?", he asked. Jasper slowly shook his head. "When you say she's unlike anyone you've met, do you mean it in a good way?" A nod. "Do you find her sneaking into your thoughts without warning?" A shy nod. Blythe smiled wide. "Then are why are you still here talking to me?", he beamed. Jasper's eyes widened as it hit him. "You're right...", he uttered. Blythe nodded toward the stairs. "I'd look on the beach. It's where she usually goes to clear her head", he offered. Jasper thanked him and after a quick hug, he was gone in seconds. Blythe smiled to himself as he watched his new friend go. The door behind him opened slightly, almost knocking him off balance. It was Teresa. "How much did you hear?", asked Blythe, worried. She smiled softly. "What do you mean? I was asleep", she said, letting him know it was okay. He sighed in relief, grateful she understood. "You should get back to Kavi. He needs you", she said before bidding him goodnight.

Blythe returned to Kavi's room, anxious about what the seeress meant. Kavi looked up as he entered the room. "Is everything okay?", asked Blythe, carefully studying his lover's face. "I just finished the last report", replied Kavi calmly. "Why do look worried?", he inquired. Blythe closed the door behind him and fidgeted with his fingers. "Teresa said you needed me...I was worried you were sad or something", he replied. Kavi sent him a warm grin. "I'm fine, but she's right. I do need you. I always have." Blythe blushed at such kind words, but smiled wide all the same. Kavi rose from his desk and set things into their proper places for the next day. "Is Jasper all right?", he asked. Blythe nodded. "He'll be just fine", he said with a twinkle in his eye.

Behind the guild, Jasper followed the path to the shore. The mountains in the background covered the low moon, but he could see in near complete darkness, a natural gift of his kind. When he got to the sands, he stared in wonder. Orbs of sea water drifted through the air, some containing fish, others empty. He touched one in thought, but it held its shape. Following them, there was no sign of Yona. However, something was very different. A huge hole opened in the ocean like a tunnel. That explained where the water orbs came from. He swallowed hard, fighting his nerves. He'd come this far, no sense in going back now. He ducked as he entered the watery road. Yona was shorter than him, but this was a good sign he was heading the right direction. The path went on for several minutes. The water overhead was now so deep, he couldn't make out the stars anymore. Finally, the path widened. An opening lay just ahead.

Jasper stepped into the make shift chamber. Yona was sitting alone on the far side, her hand in the water as if she was stroking something. She never turned to face him, but knew he was there. "I'm impressed. Most people are too afraid to follow me this deep", concentrating on her moving hand. "I - ...I was worried about you", said Jasper. She smirked to herself. How odd that he was standing his ground. Finally facing him, she asked, "Do you want to meet Nana?". Unsure of what she meant, he slowly walked to meet her. He smiled as his eyes settled over a certain form. "A nurse shark?", he asked, looking closer. "Go ahead. Pet her. If she swims off, then she doesn't like you", stated Yona, scooting aside. Jasper nervously reached his hand into the water. He was amazed how silky sharks actually felt. Nana stayed. It seemed she approved of him. Yona watched him with a soft expression. "You're the first to meet her, you know", she uttered. He glanced toward her, then smiled toward the shark. "In that case, I'm honored to meet you, miss Nana." They sat in silence for a while. He was enchanted by his interaction with the beast. Yona watched his expression carefully. He wasn't afraid.

"Nana's a good listener...She doesn't ask questions and never judges", stated Yona, petting the shark once more. Jasper noticed how close their hands were, but without his reflex of turning beet red for once. "Sounds like a good friend", he said, trying not to stare at the dragon slayer. Yona watched him carefully as she said, "You know there's more than forty feet of water over your head right now? Aren't you scared?". He shook his head calmly. "You're magic is strong. The water won't move unless you will it to", he replied. She shied her gaze, staring into the vast deep blue around them. "I don't know of anyone else that could make a place like this...It's beautiful", said Jasper. When she glanced back to see him, he was no longer looking at Nana. He was admiring the shimmer of the planet's life force around them. "You're really not afraid...", she trailed. Meeting her eyes, he smiled and said, "You have no reason to drown me." Flustered, she quickly got to her feet, prompting the shark to swim off in a panic. Sure, his fangs were cool, but his mouth shouldn't be beckoning so much attention from her. Staring toward the tunnel, she said, "We should go. The tide's coming in." Jasper followed her in silence. Thankfully, he too lost in his own thoughts to realize the tables had somehow turned. No he was at ease and Yona was tense. She didn't like it...

Once they got to the shore, the tunnel slowly filled in, as not to cause damage to the surrounding sea life. Yona held the last floating orb of liquid in her hands. A puffer fish stared back at her. "Goodnight, Bobo", she said, returning it to the sea. The two mages stood quietly, watching the night sky. "You have more friends than you let on", said Jasper, a faint grin on his lips. "You probably do, too...You just don't realize it", she said. An awkward silence drifted in. Finally, Jasper spoke up. "It's nice out tonight." She mumbled, "Uh huh", avoiding further conversation. It dawned on her that she was being stared at. Annoyed, she sent the incubus a funny look. He grinned politely back at her. "Can I show you something?", he inquired. Caught off guard, she had no excuses. "Sure". He took her hand and lead her up a steep path on the nearby cliff face. It was hard to keep up with him. He was much more lithe and agile than he looked. "Damned tail! Giving an unfair advantage", she thought. It was true enough. Incubus weren't fliers; They were gliders. That meant they had to go somewhere high up before they could take off, thus there was excellent climbers.

Finally, they made it to the top. Yona grumbled as she pulled herself up, refusing Jasper's help. Getting to her feet, she dusted herself off. "So, what's the big deal about this place?", asked. As she looked up, the view was breathtaking. If you looked one way, you could see most of the city twinkling amid the streets. If you looked the other way, the ocean seemed to go on forever. The moon had peaked over the mountains by this time, reflecting on the waves below. The smell of the sea was thick in the air, tainted only by vines of moon flowers growing up the rocks. Jasper stood at the edge of the cliff without fear of falling. He'd been up here thousands of times growing up. Yona took her place beside him. Even if she fell, the sea would catch her. "Nice secret base you've got", she teased. "This spot gets the best view of the moon", replied Jasper. Taking a few steps back, Yona sat in the dirt. The sea and the moon were bound. Was all this some sort of trick or a sign?

Eventually, Jasper sat beside her. He wrapped his arms around his knees, holding them to his chest. His tail rested beside him. Yona leaned back, resting on her arms. She didn't know what was going on, so she just enjoyed the scenery. "Waning crescent", uttered Jasper. "What?", asked Yona, pulled from her reverie. "The moon", said Jasper, pointing. She sat up and crossed her legs. Something was nagging at her. Jasper never said, but she had a sneaking suspicion he'd heard what Van said earlier in the night. Why else would he go through all this? Wasn't he supposed to hiding his red face somewhere? "Pointy eared bastard", she thought.

Breaking the quiet, she asked, "Why'd you bring me up here?". He turned with a expression that questioned what she meant. "You seemed like you need some air...I find this is the best place for that", he said, trying not to stare. "Maybe for you. The sea is my home", she said, staring at the ocean. His tail began to twitch idly. "Would you stop that?", she spat, angry at her nerves. He was surprised by her outburst, but pulled his tail tightly around himself. "Sorry...That happens when I get to thinking...", he trailed. "You think too much", said Yona bluntly. She was intrigued that he chuckled in response. "I get that a lot", he grinned. She pulled her gaze elsewhere again. Damn it! Stop looking at his teeth! It was his fangs that were so interesting...right?

They sat in complete silence for an hour or so, simply taking in the sights and sound the location had to offer. The stars were overhead, the moon smiled down on them, and the smell of the ocean filled their noses. Yona was laying on her back, her hands behind her head, relaxing to the swish of the tide. "Can I ask you something?" She opened her eyes and looked toward Jasper. He was staring at his feet and his tail hugged him tightly as if it was trying to form some kind of barrier. "Shoot. I'm not shy", she shrugged. He began to redden as he struggled with the words. "Spit it out", said Yona. "About Van...", he trailed. Yona sighed deeply. Sitting up, she said, "Damn it, not you, too." Despite his complexion, he held her eyes. "I heard what he said", he uttered. "I figured", replied Yona, staring out to sea. "I don't want to cause any trouble...You don't have to hang around me just because I'm Kavi's brother", he stated, a little sad. A short, scoffing laugh erupted. "Your self esteem is tragic", she teased. That only made him squirm all the more, curling even tighter into himself.

"Frankly, I don't give a damn what Kavi or Van says. I can talk to whoever the Hell I want", she stated. Jasper relaxed faintly. "You...actually want to talk to me?", he uttered, more thinking aloud than asking. Yona rolled her eyes. "If I didn't, I wouldn't be up here, now would I?", she said. He calmed a little more, settling into a more comfortable position. "What's with you? Why do you always think the worst is about to happen with people?", she asked, staring directly at him. Turning his face, he mumbled, "You wouldn't understand." Grabbed by the collar of his shirt, he had no choice, but to look her in the eye. "I wouldn't, huh? I wouldn't understand how people judge you because of how you look or how you act? Like having fun and cutting loose is a refusal to grow up? Like they all think they're better than you?!" She was breathing heavy now. Jasper shied his gaze. "I guess we all have our demons..." She let him go and sat back down in a huff. "You think the only thing that makes you 'you' is being an incubus. I think that's a bunch of bullshit. You use it as a crutch", she blurted. He gaped momentarily...She was right. Finally, he asked, "Am I that transparent?".

Quiet held focus for a few minutes. Eventually, Yona said, "You don't get it, do you? You're not the only one who has problems. Lots of people feel confused." He stared with that last statement. Did that mean, she - ?... "I can leave if you like", he said quietly. "What will that improve? I'm always alone", replied the dragon slayer. "What do you mean? You've got the whole guild and the twins are never far", said Jasper. His keen vision picked up on the tiny tremors racing through Yona's body. "Do you choose to be alone?", he inquired intuitively. Her body grew still as she narrowed her gaze. Never facing him, she answered, "What choice do I have? Everybody has to die sometime. If you're not close, then it doesn't hurt...At least not as much". Something clicked and everything started to make sense. Of course she kept everyone at an arm's length; She'd been hurt before, and from the sound of, a few times over. "First Kaur, then Llyr...Nobody wants to stay around me. Do you understand now?" She was looking straight at him. He didn't know who those names referred to, but that pain in her voice was all he needed to know.

He looked out to sea and took a deep breath. "You're right. I am confused...Or least, I was. That's why I came to find you tonight." She peered at him with interest. What did he mean? Staring at the moon, he continued, "To be honest, I like you, but I wasn't sure why or how...I mean, you saved me...At first, that's what I thought it was or maybe it was because you the first contact I'd had without anyone in so long, but I realized something...I was afraid. That's why I kept hiding." Yona turned her body to face him more directly. He had her intrigued. "Afraid of what?", she asked. Meeting her gaze, he grinned passed his pink complexion. "The truth", was all he said. The heat in her face told her she was starting to blush, too. She hated it, but if someone as shy as Jasper could speak up, then maybe she could, too.

She stared at the sand at her feet. "Van's a nice guy, lots of fun...But he wants something I can't give him", she began. Jasper listened carefully to every tone. "And I know you're supposed to be intoxicating or something, but I don't buy it...", she trailed. "Your shyness is annoying, you use too many big words, and the way you're always thinking drives me crazy", she said. His heart sank, but he held onto hope. "But...something about you bugs me...in a good way...I just don't know what it is yet." He stared in wonder. Did that mean what he thought it meant? And why wasn't he as bright red as he thought he should be? It felt like some kind of burden had been lifted from the air. The two sat across form one another in silence for several minutes. Finally, Yona cleared her throat. Jasper glanced up to find her watching him curiously.

"Intoxicating, huh?", she said. He blinked, unsure what he was supposed to say. She scooted closer, looking at him in close concentration. "I still don't buy it", she stated. Despite himself, the words fell out. "Is that so bad?" She lilted her head, amazed he had the guts to say something. She smirked and grasped onto his collar. Tugging him closer, she said, "One way to find out." He couldn't react fast enough to dodge her, not that he really wanted to. Instead, he relaxed for the first time, almost as if he was melting. Letting go of his clothing, she wrapped her fingers around the back of his neck, hauling him even closer. Amazingly, he wasn't fighting to get away. He was actually kissing her back. Each took a breath as their lips parted. He stared helplessly as she lingered so close. "Well, I'll be damned", she grinned. Maybe he wasn't hopeless after all.

A moment later, Jasper found himself leaning in. This time, it was all his doing. Yona smiled to herself as she watched him draw near. Why was all this happening? She leaned into him, pressing him backward. Her weight settled over him as his back hit the ground. He was so warm and she never realized how strong he was before. She wasn't sure she could break free if she wanted to. His arms held on tight, wrapped around her. His tail crept up her leg, wrapping around her calf - another hold. A swift movement flipped them over. Now he overshadowed her. Her free leg moved up, resting against her knee against his ribs. Things were intensifying quickly. He kissed her deeply, then began along her neck. She could see the glow of his eyes as he bit down. "Jasper!", she called, a little surprised and a little pleased. He froze solid. Everything finally hit him; He realized what he was doing and panic set in. He released her quickly, scrambling back a few feet. She sat up to catch her breath. As she did, he looked at her with mixed emotions. "I-...I'm sorry!" He ran faster than she could stop him. He was nimble, and moved down the rock face with haste. Knowing she'd never catch up, she inadvertently touched her neck where he'd bitten her. It was wet. Glancing at her fingers, a few drops of blood ran down her hand. What was she supposed to do now?

To be continued...