Interim, part 3 ("Demons" Epilogue)
The following day, it seemed business as usual. Kavi was handing out jobs to the teams best suited for them. Domino and Callie were on their way out for theirs. Koko and Yung-Li were reading over the details on their task, but Van had other things on his mind. He hadn't seen Yona since last night. It seemed no one had. When he crossed paths with Ronen, the exceed had only said that Yona had been out late and was probably still asleep. When she finally emerged, she seemed somehow different. She wasn't acting normally. She was quiet and withdrawn. Her hair was tied into a ponytail across one shoulder, definitely a new look, and she was wearing a regular shirt instead of her usual tank top. Van grinned as he spotted her, but she shied her gaze quickly and headed out back. A little uneasy, he followed.
"Yona, wait up!", he called. She paused in her tracks, but didn't turn to meet him. "Are you okay?", he asked with concern. "I'm fine. Don't you have somewhere to be?", she replied, trying to pass him off. He was starting to feel guilty. Maybe he'd pushed too hard last night. "About what I said...", he trailed. She slowly turned to face him, her expression even. "I won't take it back", he stated, meeting her eyes. "I meant what I said and I'm sorry if it seems unfair, but...I need an answer." She sighed, staring at the sand. "Not today, I know, but soon, okay?", he said, taking her hands into his own. She was too tired to pull away. She'd barely slept at all. "I've got to head out today for a job, but I want to you think about things while I'm gone", he said calmly. She nodded, trying to avoid a scene. What was wrong with her? Everything seemed off. She didn't feel like herself.
"Let me give you one last thing to consider before I go", said Van with a soft smile. She sent him a curious look, but his meaning was not far off. He tilted her chin and kissed her deeply. He really did love her. If she wasn't certain before, she was now. A single kiss can say more than words ever can. Her instinct to punch him wasn't surfacing for some reason. Instead, she closed her eyes, not returning the gesture, but not pushing him away either. When he released her, he rested his forehead against her own with a warm smile. "Just think about it", he repeated. "Van! It's time to go!", called Yung-Li from the guild. Van sighed and hung his head in defeat. It wasn't fair. He finally got a decent kiss and now he had to leave. He backed away, holding onto her hands as long as possible. A confident smile crossed his lips. "I'll see you in a few days", he said with a friendly wave. Then, he disappeared from sight.
Any other time, Yona would have pushed him off, punched him, or at least wiped her mouth, but today she just stood there with her hand over her ponytail, the only thing hiding the mark Jasper left behind. It hurt to breathe, but she wasn't alone in that feeling. High above, Jasper watched her from the guild's roof. He felt sick to his stomach, but it wasn't really his place to intervene, was it? He'd taken a chance the night before and he panicked. He wished he had Van's confidence. Yona glanced up, getting that feeling of being watched. He ducked from sight until she left. A deep sigh was all he could muster, alone.
Back inside the guild, the teams had dispersed. "So, where are we going?", asked Yona, entering the room. Kavi glanced up from his papers with concern. She didn't look well. "Nowhere. Our team is still in recovery. When Jasper's strong enough, we'll take a job, then", he replied. She stared with a lost expression. Jasper was joining the team? Well, it only made sense, after all... He'd been part of team one long before Yona ever showed up. He was just reclaiming his place. No big deal, right? She snapped out of her thoughts at the feel of Kavi's hand on her forehead. "Are you feeling all right? You look unwell", he said, checking for a fever. Pushing his hand away, she assured him she was fine, just tired. Rani watched her closely. She was worried. Yona wasn't acting like herself. What was wrong? Was she sick? "Get some rest, then. Take a slow day to recharge", said Kavi, offering a kind smile. She nodded and headed back upstairs, Rani at her heels. As she passed Blythe, she knew he was staring, too. Why was everyone looking at her?! "That's a new hair style, isn't it? It's cute", beamed Blythe, trying to be encouraging. Once more pressing her hand over the mark, she said, "Shut up", and stormed passed him. He looked to Ronen in confusion. "Was it something I said?"
-
Hours later, Blythe lost yet another game of chess. Kavi was just too good at it. "So unfair", whined Blythe, weeping at the score. Kavi chuckled and scruffed his love's hair. "That's enough for today", he grinned. Blythe sighed as he put the pieces and board into their box. Maybe one day he'd win. When he looked back up, Kavi seemed to be lost in thought. He simply waited for him to speak. "Have you seen Jasper today?", he asked. Blythe stiffened, nervous. Yona had been weird all day and Jasper was nowhere to be found. He thought back to the previous night's conversation and put it together, but exactly what had happened? Either way, he couldn't tell Kavi. He'd leave that up to his brother. He shook his head innocently. "Nope. Can't say I have", he said, trying to appear clueless. Kavi closed his eyes as he concentrated. Blythe watched the water in his glass start to move. Kavi was searching the building with his magic. A few pulses later, he opened his eyes and sighed. "I'd better go find him", he said, rising from his seat. "Should we check the sanctum?", inquired Blythe, trying to help. Kavi shook his head with a sly grin. "I think I know where he is", he stated. Blythe watched his lover go out the back of the guild. That path lead to the ocean...Was Jasper a fan of the sea?
-
Kavi walked for almost thirty minutes, navigating the complex tunnels beneath the guild. It was pitch black, but he didn't need light with his magic. Besides, he knew these halls intimately. He and Jasper played in them as children. One way lead to the sanctum, another to the sea, more yet had even farther places they connected to. He didn't have to search to find his brother; He knew exactly where to look. The tunnel opened into a wide cavern, strewn with bio-luminescent plants. In the center, sat Jasper, curled into himself, resting his head on his knees. "I thought I'd find you here", grinned Kavi. Jasper didn't move. "Where else would I be?", he sighed. Kavi sat beside him and admired the low light around them. "I don't think I've been down here since the guild was attacked", said Kavi, thinking aloud and trying to stir conversation. This chamber held a special meaning for the brothers. Whenever something went wrong over the years, this was where they ended up. The acoustics from this stretch of the cave system couldn't reach back to the sanctum, so they could speak freely without worry of Veda overhearing them.
"How long have you been in here?", asked the dragon slayer, watching his brother closely. "All day", replied Jasper, slowly raising his face. Kavi glanced around nervously. "It's night now", he uttered. Jasper's head dropped back into place. "Then since last night", he said. They sat in silence for a while. Finally, Kavi placed a tender hand on Jasper's arm. "Did something happen?" A faint nod was the only reply. "Do you want to talk about it?", he offered. Something wasn't right. Jasper had finally come home; He should be happy, but he wasn't. What was wrong? Jasper looked up, but stared away from Kavi. His face was so red, the hue stood out even in the dim light. "Did Yona do something?", asked Kavi carefully. He never knew what she would do. "No...", trailed Jasper. "Well, yes, but no, that's not what's bothering me", corrected the incubus. Kavi stared, awaiting further explanation. Jasper wasn't making any sense.
Finally, the shy incubus blurted out, "I kissed her". Kavi lilted his head. Had he heard correctly? "You mean, she kissed you?...Again?", he ventured. Jasper shook his head. Then, he finally started talking. "She did...at first...but...I kissed her back", he admitted. Kavi grinned faintly. "And that's what you feel guilty about? It's a natural reaction, isn't it?", he said, trying to lighten the mood. Jasper seemed to relax a little at that statement. "There's more than that", he sighed. "Go on", prompted his brother. "After that...I kissed her...I started it", said Jasper. Kavi tried not to add his own opinions to his thoughts as he listened. "And?", he asked. Jasper stared at him. "And what?", he said. "That's still nothing to hide over. Did she hit you or something?", inquired Kavi. "No..." Kavi crossed his arms as he thought. "Then why are you hiding down here? It's Yona. She won't be mad", said Kavi, teasing faintly. Jasper fought off a small grin. His brother was right on the last part. His smile faded as his thoughts caught up with him. "There's more", he stated, staring into the dirt. Not entirely sure he wanted to know, Kavi waited in silence.
"Things got...complicated", uttered Jasper, fighting himself with each word. "How so?", asked Kavi, watching his brother's expression carefully. Jasper fidgeted with his tail, squirming where he sat. "I-...", he began. "Yes?", said Kavi, pressing for more. "I bit her", blurted Jasper, blushing brightly. "...You...bit her?", repeated Kavi, shocked. Jasper threw his hands over his ears and hid his face in his knees. "I know! I was so stupid!", he shouted. The echo of his voice slowly died out. Things were getting uncomfortable for both siblings now. Kavi wasn't sure what to say. He knew Jasper was shy. This was a new side of him...But why did it have to be Yona? Shifting his weight, he carefully asked, "What else?", afraid to find out. Jasper sighed, keeping his face buried. "I panicked...I ran like a coward", he mumbled. Kavi relaxed a little. At least Jasper's innocence was mostly still in tact. "What am I supposed to do now?", muttered the incubus. When no reply was given, he finally glanced up. "Kavi?" He was almost pleading in his tone. He was so lost. The dragon slayer had a faint blush of his own as he processed what he'd been told. Meeting his brother's eyes, he said, "Talk to her." Jasper shied his gaze, a little deflated. Maybe he was hoping for some grand statement to set him back on balance, but life didn't work that way.
Kavi grasped Jasper's shoulder and held on until he looked back. A kind smile awaited the tormented teen. "Despite what you're thinking, it will be okay", assured Kavi. "How do you know?", inquired Jasper, staring him dead in the eyes. Kavi blushed a little brighter as he said, "It worked out for me." That actually made Jasper feel a little better. A small grin started to sneak up on him as he took a deep breath. When he glanced back, Kavi was already standing and offering a hand to help him up. "Come on. If you stay down here much longer, you'll catch cold." Jasper nodded and took his hand. As they made their way back above ground, Kavi, for once, shared stories of how his romance with Blythe had blossomed. Jasper listened and smiled. It was all very sweet. Then again, his situation with Yona wasn't anything like that. Blythe and Kavi had spent weeks alone on the road home, no distractions, no competition. Besides, Yona and Blythe were hardly on the same wavelength. Then, he decided. He'd try using his dream magic to reach Puck. Maybe his father would have answers. After all, they shared the same epic level of shyness and he recalled stories of Veda pushing his dad pretty hard in their early days. Only the night would tell if the attempt would help or even be successful.
-
A few hours later, deep in the dream world, a connection was established. Puck smiled at his son, glad he was feeling well enough to use his magic. A hug of greetings and the conversation began. They spoke for a long time, at least it felt long. Time passes differently in the dream realm. Eventually, Jasper started feeling better about the whole ordeal. Stories from his parents' early days held several parallels with his own problems. True, they didn't have a jealous friend to deal with, but the will on one side and the shyness on the other clashed much the same. Puck laughed as he finished his tale. "Yes, she did. She had me trapped in her coils and wasn't letting go until I faced the issue. I don't think I'd ever been so scared in my life...Looking back, if she hadn't done that, I don't think things would have played out the way they did." Jasper chuckled, picturing his dad's red face. He'd wandered the earth alone for more than 500 years when he met Veda and she wasn't about to let him continue on that way. Maybe a push was all he needed after all. Thanks were given and the connection severed.
Jasper opened his eyes. He was back in his room. That was the first time he'd used magic since returning home and it had wiped him of all energy. It would take more time before he was back to his old self. Then he didn't have to worry about holding anyone back. He could go out into the world again with his brother and friends...To see the world again...Being shut away for six years really makes you appreciate what you always took for granted. He'd still have to face Yona, but now, he slept. If he was going to take the issue on, he'd need his strength to fight off his nerves. He drifted off quickly. Oddly enough, his magic wasn't done.
He looked around and realized he was not in his own mind. He tread carefully as he explored his surroundings. He'd only been pushed by magic a few times. Apparently, this was one of those times fate took over. The area came into focus. It was the beach...Oh no... Sure enough, ahead in the starlight, sat Yona, staring peacefully at the waves. Stepping behind her, he tried to remain calm. "It figures you'd be here", he ventured. She glanced back, surprised to see him. "It's okay! My magic brought me here", he said, seeing her alarm. She got to her feet and peered at him closely. "How do I know you're not just a figment of my baked brain trying to make me feel better?", she asked skeptically. Jasper grinned. She had a point. Shyly, he replied, "I doubt I'm who you want to see right now...Is that proof enough?". She poked at him experimentally. He sighed, knowing he'd explained how she could touch him when were they stuck in the crystal.
He grasped her hand and gave a look asking her to stop. "Still ticklish, eh?", she taunted, pulling free from his grip. Turning, she swept her arms toward the sea. "Well, this is me", she said. Jasper glanced around. The sea went on forever. Stars shone overhead, but the moon was obscured by clouds. "Any reason you popped into my head or were just bored?", she teased. "My magic brought me without me trying. I suppose there must be a reason", he ventured. She looked at him in thought. Stepping close, she squinted menacingly at him. "You left a mark, you bastard", she said, pointing to her neck. Turning red immediately, he apologized profusely. She seemed to be at ease around him again, laughing at his discomfort. "About that...", he trailed. "What? Want another taste?", she said, coyly. Shying his gaze, he asked, "Why do you have to push so hard?". Her smile faded as she thought about that. "It's just what I do, I guess", she shrugged.
The duo sat in the dream sands for a while, saying nothing. Jasper tried to keep an even expression, but she was staring at him. "Don't blush!", he thought. He tensed as she crawled behind him, unsure what she would do. A breath of relief was released as she tugged on his long hair. "You've got more hair than I do. What's up with that?", she asked. He grinned to himself, glad that's all it was about. "Dad always had long hair when we were kids...I guess that stuck with us", he replied. She thought it over and realized that both brothers had ponytails...Strange, she never noticed that before. He leaned away awkwardly as she craned over his shoulder to inspect his ears. "Hmm, two piercings. Kavi's got three", she observed. He nodded shyly. "I've only got one", she grinned. She stuck her tongue out at him, showing off the piercing. He glanced away with pink cheeks. He'd already found out about that another way...
"Wings, huh?", she uttered, tracing over where she remembered the scars to be with her finger. A chill ran down Jasper's spine. "Yeah", he mumbled. Carefully lifting his tail between her fingers, she added, "And then there's this." He nodded nervously. She leaned across his shoulder again, staring him in the eye. "What else are you hiding?", she asked. "N-n...Nothing!", he blurted, red as ever. "Uh huh", she said flatly, not buying it. It was nerve-wracking having her so close, especially behind him where couldn't watch her movements. She idly played with his hair. It wasn't just long, it was very soft. Batting his ponytail to one side left his shoulder exposed. A dark grin crept over her face. Without warning, he sat up like shot as her teeth sunk into his flesh. Letting go, she laughed, "Now we're even", and playfully shoved him aside. Recovering his balance, he held onto the bite without thought. What was she thinking? Why was he even here? Why did fate feel the need to pick on him so?
After a brief quiet, Yona said, "So, let me get this straight. If I understood all that crystal babble, I can touch you because we're both in mind form or something...Right?" He nodded, still avoiding eye contact. "So that means, I only mind-bit you...Damn. Guess I'll have to do it again later", she sighed. He stared as far away from her as possible. That statement both scared and excited him. He thought about what his father had said, "Just be yourself and the rest with flow naturally." He started to relax. Forcing himself to speak, he uttered, "Did anyone notice?". Yona glanced at him in interest. He was staring at his tail as it slowly moved side to side in the sand. "Notice what? This?", she asked, pointing to her neck. He nodded shyly. "Nah. I covered it up. Even if someone asked, I'd just tell them something bit me. It's not really lying, now is it?", she teased, bumping his shoulder cheerfully.
Changing tone, she dropped her carefree attitude. He looked up to see a troubled expression awaiting him. "Why did you come here?", she asked directly. "I don't know", he sighed. She repeated the question. It was hard to find a new response. "I told you - ", he started. She stared him down. "I don't give a damn about what your magic is doing. You control it; It doesn't control you. If you're here, you wanted to come. So, I'll ask you again. Why did you come here?" She watched him carefully. He was tense, as if the question exposed a raw nerve. Finally, he mumbled, "I don't want to lose you." She stared at his red face. The truth was finally out. Sitting back, she said, "Last I checked, you the one who ran." True, she had run first, but things were much simpler at that point. Jasper stared out to sea. "I panicked", he stated. "I noticed", she teased. "What are you so afraid of?", she inquired in a serious tone. He sat in silence for several minutes. Finally, he said, "You know what I am." There was that crutch again. "So?", she asked. "You saw what happened when instinct took over...What if I don't snap out of next time?", he asked, hopeless as ever. "Next time?", she taunted. The humor lost, she dropped her goofy tone.
"You think I can't handle you?", she ventured. She smirked as she relaxed. "Don't forget, I'm no pushover. I'm a freaking dragon slayer. You move a hand where it doesn't belong and I'll wash your skinny ass out with the tide." A tiny grin crept onto his face. She had a point. "Oh? Is that a smile?", she teased. "Maybe you like to play in the water", she said, more serious. His hue deepened at the meaning. Slowly, the words fell out, "I like a good swim." An earnest smile crossed her lips. He was stepping up again. His image started to blur. Glancing at his palm, he said, "Looks like I'm out of mana." Yona smirked as if to say, "Figures." Jasper looked to her with soft eyes. There was still so much to say. "Go on. Get out of my head", she grinned. "It'll be more fun in the real world anyway", she taunted, kissing him as he faded into nothing. When he woke up, he didn't feel so scared anymore. It was true Yona still had to give Van an answer, but the incubus was pretty sure he knew what it was.
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To be concluded...