Growth Chapter 4, a fairy tail fanfic

Growth, part 4

The next day went by quietly. Van was trying to sleep off his hangover and Camille stayed by his side through the entire ordeal. Koko and Yung-Li spent the day in town, getting fresh air from the drama of the Yukimaru clan. Yung-Li knew Takeshi well enough and he had no interest in spending time with him if he could help it. Yona and Jasper slept in later than usual. Blythe decided to sneak in and surprise them, but his fun was ruined by them staying in their own bed rolls. Kavi shook his head at his antics, but expected him to find nothing in the first place.

Rani had taken a shining to Jasper since he rejoined team one. She crawled onto his chest and tapped his face gently to wake him. He gave a kind smile and scratched her ears. It was better than Yona waking him. She had way too much fun scaring the hell out of him. Ronen stood by Yona and stared until she finally came to from paranoia. She told her team mates what had transpired the previous night. They had heard the yelling, but knowing exactly what caused it was still a mystery. No one knew what was said before Van's outburst. Had Takeshi started it intentionally or did something simply go wrong?

As the day went on, no one saw any of their hosts. Though a little strange, the guests were taken care of by other servants, rather than Camille herself. Yona tried not to think about it all. After all, she'd get her moment with Takeshi one way or another. As for Van, he simply had to put in his dues from the binge drinking. She couldn't do anything to help him and if she tried, she'd likely just end up harassing him about it. Instead, her friends kept her busy. Kavi beat her at chess, Jasper danced with her while Rani sang and Ronen played his new fiddle, and she got destroyed by Blythe at ping pong. Curse his bounty hunter training! (Hand-eye coordination was vital in that line of work.) The brothers laughed at Blythe's victory dance. Even Yona gave in. He was too damn cute for his own good. The twins were just glad to see her smile despite the previous night's trouble. At least with such a peaceful day, the coming night's chances seemed much better. A break from the Yukimaru brothers' quarrel would do everyone some good. Thus, each couple tried to hide their shy thoughts until the right time.

Late that evening, Kavi and Blythe retired to their room after a good soak in the spring. This place was truly relaxing. Blythe smiled to himself as he watched his lover stretch out without tension for once. "If you're trying to hide that grin, you've failed", stated Kavi, not even looking at him. Blythe blushed with an even brighter smile. "It's just nice to see you relax. You work so hard", he beamed. Kavi grinned faintly as he sat up to meet his eyes. An outstretched hand was invitation enough. Blythe gladly cuddled up beside his lover, enjoying their private time. It was really great having their own room. Kavi held Blythe in his arms in blissful silence for some time. Eventually, his thoughts gave him away.

"Kavi-kun...", trailed Blythe in a shy tone. Glancing over, the dragon slayer was met with what could only be described as 'bedroom' eyes. He grinned faintly. "What gave me away?", he sighed. Blythe simply smiled in response. He knew Kavi's movements and energies intimately. A slight muscle tic here, an odd twitch there. The way he'd tensed belied his intentions. Knowing he was caught, Kavi simply rolled over, pinning Blythe beneath him. He loving stroked his lover's face as he stared into those beautiful amber eyes. Blythe's warm smile only drew more attention to his lips, calling Kavi closer. What started as tender kisses soon turned into searching hands and labored breathing. Blythe's writhing body only encouraged the dragon slayer's motions. Robes were discarded as skin cried out for contact. Kavi's name was whispered tenderly and was quickly taken in. The ability to eat sound came in handy with prying ears in nearby rooms, especially once inhibitions were lost.

When everything was over and both were exhausted, Blythe snuggled close to Kavi's chest, a soft smile on his lips. Kavi gently kissed his forehead as he slept, the fingers of one hand intertwined with his. He still couldn't understand why Blythe loved him, but he was grateful and would never take his love for granted. He pulled Blythe's small frame even closer as he held on tightly. "What would I do without you?", thought Kavi. The mere thought of losing Blythe terrified him. No one else would ever be so kind or make his own soul so complete. Lost in his mind, the two slept in that sweet embrace, oblivious to the world around them, but they were not the only ones to feel love's touch this night.

Across the hall, Yona couldn't sleep. She gazed through the darkness toward Jasper only to find his faintly glowing eyes staring back. Camille said nothing about the sleeping arrangements. After all, the teams were very used to camping out together and sleeping side by side. Yung-Li and Koko shared a room, as well, while Van preferred to stay with his sister and far away from Takeshi. The exceeds slumbered nearby, unaware that their team mates were wide awake. Yona smiled softly, glad she wasn't alone in thinking of the atmosphere. A quaint inn tucked away in the snow, apart from the troubles of the guild, was very inviting to what she'd discussed with Jasper before they'd left town. It seemed he could feel it, too. Quietly sneaking passed the twins, they made their exit and headed for the gardens.

The heat from the spring made it possible to grow several varieties of flowers when you'd expect the snow to suffocate all plant life. At first, the duo sat staring up at the moon, Yona wrapped in Jasper's arms as she leaned against his chest. He'd promised that he'd try to get passed his shyness if it meant making her happy. Now she simply waited to see if he could follow through. She glanced back with a soft grin as he nuzzled into her hair. It was a start. She wondered what else he had planned as his tail wrapped around her leg. Deciding to tempt him, she craned her head to the side, exposing her neck in the starlight. She could feel his heart beat faster as he was met with the option. He hesitated only briefly, kissing her gently. She reached her hand behind his head and pulled him closer. Would he take the bait? She listened as he held his breath, staring at her exposed skin. She knew well how to beckon him in. A faint squeak resounded as his fangs sank into her flesh once more. The pinch of punctured skin was nothing compared to the warm pleasure she felt. She didn't mind hiding a new mark for a few days when it felt that good.

Leaning into him, she used her body language to push his limits. Mere moments later, she'd turned around, now straddling his hips as she kissed him deeply. He was still blushing, but he wasn't pulling away. She was impressed. As things got more intense, she turned her face to the sky with a gratified sigh. Realizing Jasper's affections had ceased, she glanced down only see he was staring at what had been thrust into his beet red face. "Go ahead. You know you want to", she grinned. He met her eyes in question, but saw no hint of being taunted. Lowering his gaze, he stared breathlessly at her breasts. One hand slowly reached, but he couldn't bring himself to make contact. He was still afraid of losing control. Yona smiled at his hesitation. She was confident he would remain himself. He just needed a little push to prove it.

With that thought, she gently grasped his hand and placed it firmly on her bosom. He swallowed hard, unsure how he was supposed to react. Finally giving in to his hormones, his fingers constricted. Yona let out a light sound of pleasure, pleased he'd found the courage. She watched as he nervously fingered the edge of her top. Would he actually do it? Slowly moving with stiff muscles, he fought his nature to pull back and fingered the latch betwixt her breasts. "Do it", she whispered, nuzzling into his ear. With a deep breath, he obeyed. Her bare skin looked glorious in the moon light. Sliding his hands up her back, he pulled her closer. It seemed he was finally conquering his fears. Jasper enjoyed his new-found playground. Yona cradled his head between her hands and nuzzled against his skull as he kissed and caressed her exposed chest. She didn't notice her own movements, a natural reaction to being loved, but Jasper noticed them. Her faint wiggling made it hard to keep calm, but he promised himself he would stay in control. He had to. He'd always blamed his instincts, but maybe Yona was right. Maybe they weren't instincts at all. Maybe it really was just teenage hormones.

Yona called his name in surprise. Jasper froze. What had he done? Had he gone too far? He slowly met her gaze, afraid he'd pushed too hard, but wasn't that what she wanted? He relaxed faintly as he saw her expression. She wasn't mad, she was pleased, maybe even a little shocked. He followed her eyes toward what had caused her to cry out. Then it hit him. He turned a deeper red than ever before. She was staring straight down. It seemed maybe he had gotten a little too carried away. "I- ..I'm sorry", he stuttered, slowly letting go of her. She caught his slipping hands and pressed them firmly to her sides. "It's okay. That's supposed to happen", she said with a shy smile. He grinned lightly, but couldn't bring himself to look her in the eye. Releasing his hands, she traced random patterns across his chest with one finger. Apparently her shy side was coming out, too. "So, now what?", she inquired coyly. Wrapping his arms around her, he pressed her tightly against himself in a warm embrace. "I think that's enough for 'one step', don't you?", he asked. "Or three", she grinned, knowing his meaning.

He loosened his grip to let her refasten her shirt. He stared shyly to the side as she did so. Sliding off his lap, she sat beside him, giving him time to gather and calm himself. She smiled to herself just the same. He'd come a long way. He held her hand tenderly as they stared up at the night sky. As promised, he given more than just holding her hand. Once relaxed, they headed back to their room and enjoyed a restful sleep. At least now they had taken another step together. Yona was happy to see he was trying and Jasper was happy that he hadn't lost control. They had seemingly forgotten about the drama surrounding them, but they would be reminded soon enough.

The following morning, something seemed off. The servants bustled about as if searching for something. Yona finally spotted Camille and asked what was wrong. "Niisan's not in his room. I looked everywhere", she sniffled, worried. "Damn it", thought Yona. "Don't worry. I'll sniff him out", she assured. Camille nodded gratefully even though she didn't understand Yona was being literal. Yona grabbed Yung-Li to help, leaving the others to stay behind in case he came home. The complex showed no sign of Van, so they took the streets next. Yung-Li searched the local bars and even the seedier parts of town, unsure how far Van had fallen. Yona simply followed her nose. She hated the cold. It made things difficult on her. A stuffy nose was not nearly as keen for following someone's scent trail. The ever present snow made it impossible to follow a foot trail for very long. Even if it wasn't still falling, there was no telling which tracks were Van's.

Jasper and the others began to worry as the daylight faded. How far had their guild mate gone? Eventually, Kavi and Ronen set out, as well. Van couldn't hide forever. Blythe sighed and pouted when he was told to stay behind, but he obeyed. After all, Kavi was their leader. Rani stayed by his side as best as she could. Jasper stared out over the town with concern. What was hi brother thinking? His immune system wouldn't hold out forever. He'd seen Kavi so sick in the past. Now he worried that history would repeat itself. They'd locked eyes before Kavi left, an understanding passing between them. The dragon slayer made sure to bundle up well. Jasper said nothing, not wanting to worry Blythe. Did he even know how frail Kavi really was?

On the far side of town, in the darkness of a new moon, Yona finally found her friend. He was sitting alone in the snow in the town's graveyard. Was he talking to himself? No, he was talking to one of the grave markers. She crept up silently, not wanting to alarm him, but she wasn't used to the crunch of fresh snow beneath her feet. A lone candle lit the area, just enough to see Van grin at her approach. "Finally sniffed me out", he sighed. "Where have you been? Your sister's worried sick!", chided Yona, tired and freezing. "Just talking to my parents", he replied calmly. Turning with a faint smile, he asked, "Wanna meet my mom?". Unsure if he was being serious, she kneeled beside him. The marker read, "Yukimaru", sure enough. "Mama, this is the one I told you about", he said, grinning wide at the stone. Yona glanced around, a little creeped out. Eventually, she sighed, giving in. "Yonaguni Asherah", she stated, looking directly where Van had.

"How long have you been out here?", inquired Yona, studying Van's face. "Most of the day", he answered. He hid a grin at Yona's shivering. She was a child of the sun. He doubted she'd ever get used to the cold. "Doing what exactly?", she asked, wrapping her arms around herself. "Thinking...Talked to dad a bit, but he hasn't changed. Mama understands, though, don't you?", he said, smiling kindly on the grave. He offered Yona a drink from his flask. It might fend off the chills. She accepted it, hoping it would work. "So, you're just going to run forever? That's not the Van I know", she stated, staring into the distance. His gaze softened. She was right. He'd never backed down from a fight as long as they'd known one another. "Things are different here, Yona", he sighed.

Plopping down on her butt, she glared at him. "More things I don't want to know?", she asked sharply. He cringed faintly at her tone. She really did hate secrets. "We may share the same blood, but Takeshi's cut from a different cloth", he began. She listened closely. Finally, he was starting to open up. "As the eldest son, he's heir to everything. That never really bothered me. I can't really stay in one place too long... What drove me nuts is the way he carried himself. As the first born, he got anything he wanted and he wanted everything. The best toys, the best schooling, the prettiest girls, and the most illegal drugs - He had all of it. I gotta say, I was never interested in the last bit. I'm happy with my liquor", he said, grinning softly. "So, he looked down on you for being younger?", ventured Yona, still trying to get the picture. "That's an understatement", said Van, his expression growing grim. "He did whatever he wanted. He used everyone. Camille and I were no exemption to that", he sighed. It was starting to make sense. Van might forgive the wrongs committed against himself, but he'd never forgive anyone hurting Camille, not even their own brother.

A voice called out from the graveyard gate. "Niisan, you're all right!", cried Camille, rushing into Van's arms. Trouble was, she wasn't alone. Takeshi's cold stare could be felt from the gate. Slowly striding forward, he tried his best to look sincere. His default expression made him look fairly angry, even when he wasn't. "How can I make amends when you won't even come near my, little brother?", he asked. Camille could feel Van tense in her arms. She hugged him even harder, trying to make things better. "How can I believe you'd even want to?", replied Van. The brother stared each other down. Takeshi eventually dropped his gaze to the snow. "I did a lot of terrible things. I know that...I'm sorry", he said sullenly.

Van released Camille and took a step forward. "Sorry?", he scoffed. "Sorry?! Is 'sorry' supposed to make up for everything? For driving Hannah off? For nearly killing Camille when you let go of her hand that day when were hiking?!" Takeshi slowly looked up, trying to keep his expression even. "I did let go, but we were just kids", he began. Van wasn't having any of it. "Kids or not, you were going to let her die! You just stood there and stared with that blank face of yours after she fell while I skidded down the cliff to face that mountain lion! What kind of older brother does that?!...What kind of person does that?", gasped Van. Tears were starting to run down his face. Camille reached for him, but Yona put out her hand. They needed to work this out.

"I'm trying to apologize", stated Takeshi. "Right, like that will make up for the time you sold me to those perverts when I was twelve. 'Sorry' takes the stains right out of my soul, Takeshi. It really does", he sneered. It seemed he'd forgotten the girls were still there. Camille stared in horror. She had no idea that had ever happened. "Niisama...Is that true?", she inquired, her voice cracking. Takeshi shied his eyes at first. Finally, he met her gaze and said, "Yes, it's true. I was selfish and wrong. Father was catching on that I had been stealing. I needed money. I couldn't stand the withdrawal...", he trailed. His shame was starting to show. He stared at Van with pity in his eyes. "I know there's nothing I can say or do that will take away your hate and I don't blame you. Just know that I truly regret the things that I've done", he stated, trying hard to get through to his brother.

It seemed no use. Van stood shaking with rage and shame. He never meant for their sister to know. Camille stared at Takeshi with disgust. All these years she'd defended him and now she felt like a fool. Van slowly lowered his fists. He was forcing himself to relax. He stared at the grave marker once more. "Is this what you want, Mama?", he asked. His words hung heavily in the air. Her last wish was for her boys to get along and all three siblings knew it. Yona wasn't sure what to do. She wanted so badly to knock Takeshi flat, but if Van was willing to try, she at least wanted to give him the chance.

"I'm sorry", said Van, staring sadly at the marker. "I just can't", he said, his voice shaking. "Get out of here, Takeshi. Just leave...Please", he said, refusing to even look at him. Takeshi wasn't ready to give up. He started walking toward his brother. Camille stood between them, a mix of anger and sadness on her face. It only took one hand one her shoulder to push Yona over the edge. A huge wave came from seemingly nowhere, sending Takeshi several feet backward. He laid on his back in shock. Van had just enough time to grab his sister's waist before she got in the way. Yona ran forward and pinned the bastard to the ground. She unleashed several heart felt punches as her friend tried to contain Camille's flailing form. A ball of water formed over Yona's hand as she held it over Takeshi's face. She meant to kill him, but he never fought back. He'd taken each hit without a twitch and now stared sorrowfully into her eyes as if she was doing him a favor.

Despite how much she hated him, she knew Van hurt all the worse. She let the water go, allowing him to breathe again. He coughed the sea from his lungs as she got off of him. Kavi and Ronen arrived just in time to see her cease her attack. Kavi could hear what was happening as he ran toward them. He feared he'd have to take her down, but he was relieved she'd backed off of her own accord. "Yona", he called, gasping for air in the bitter cold. She glanced toward him briefly, before glaring down at Takeshi. "Van's right. You're not worth it", she stated. Camille ran passed her as Yona returned to Van. "Let's back to the inn", was all she said. Van gaped with a million things to say and none of them coming out. "Ronen, go with them. I'll help the others", ordered Kavi. Ronen nodded and joined the friends as they strode out the graveyard gate.

Camille sat in the snow and cried next her eldest brother. She didn't know what was real anymore. Kavi gently set his hands on her shoulders until she glanced up to see him. He offered a kind, soft grin, the kind that said, "Everything will be all right." He helped her to her feet before offering Takeshi a hand up. His hand was open, but his eyes were cold. His magic allowed him to overhear every word that had been said prior to his arrival. He was disgusted, but Takeshi was still his host. The only things that kept Kavi's anger in check were his pacifist ways and his deeply ingrained manners. He hated to even touch Takeshi's hand, but he got him up just the same. Letting go as soon as possible, he said, "Forgive my team mate. Her temper gets the better of her", pretending he didn't know what caused the attack. Takeshi wiped the blood from his nose as it started to freeze in place. "Don't worry. I deserved it", he replied. The trio walked back to the inn in total silence. Kavi ended up walking between the two siblings. Camille was so confused and hurt, she couldn't even bare to look at her brother. It was an awkward place to be, but Kavi accepted it in stride. After all, he was well versed in his role as peace keeper. He only hoped the dawn would bring closure to this ordeal, but fate had another trick up her sleeve. Yona may kill the asshole yet...

To be continued...