Growth, part 6
Downstairs, Blythe had crawled into the blankets, as well. He leaned against Kavi, sound asleep. "Get a room", teased Yona, stepping off the stairs. Ignoring her taunt, Kavi asked, "Is Van all right?". "He's fine. I got the twins crashing with him for the night", replied Yona. Kavi simply nodded in response. It was a good idea not leave him alone. "And are you all right?", he inquired. Yona and Jasper glanced at once another briefly. "I'm fine. I just need to blow off some steam. Probably hit the spring for a while", she shrugged. Had he heard the conversation upstairs, too?! Damn his magic!
Jasper eyed his brother carefully. He always was the worry-wort. "Don't stay up too late after being out in the cold", he chided. Kavi grinned faintly. It seemed Jasper was still acting the part of the older brother. "Don't worry; I'll be fine. I'm just letting Blythe rest for a few minutes. We'll retire shortly", he assured. Ignoring them, Yona stretched deeply. "It's a good soak for me. Sleep out here if you want", she yawned. Turning, she decided to harass Jasper. "Wanna come with?", she teased, laughing at his instantly red face. Kavi sighed, shaking his head. There was no saving his brother from her. After all, he choose this path. "I think I'll just turn it", stuttered Jasper shyly. "You're no fun", she said, striding passed him. As they left, Blythe started to stir.
"Did I fall asleep?", he asked, blurry eyed. "Yes", replied Kavi softly with a gentle hug. Blythe grinned bashfully. "I'm sorry. It's just been a long day", he said. "It's all right", assured Kavi. Now more focused, Blythe took a closer look at his lover. "Are you feeling all right?", he inquired with concern. Before Kavi could talk his way out of it, Blythe's hand was pressed against his forehead. "You're burning up!", fussed the blood mage. "I'll be all right. I just need some sleep", argued Kavi, trying to be convincing. Blythe gave him a mild glare, challenging the statement. Giving in, Kavi agreed to go straight to bed. They passed Yung-Li on their way to their room. He didn't stop to talk. He must have been on his way to see Van, thought the boys.
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In another room, Jasper tried to sleep, but his thoughts kept him awake. He'd lost his temper, but he had good reason. Yona was right. There was no sense in feeling guilty about it. He hadn't harmed Takeshi, merely scared him. He hated being seen as a demon, but just this once, he decided to embrace it. If it meant keeping that jerk away from Yona, it was well worth the burden. His thoughts slowly turned to Van. Was he really all right? What would tomorrow bring? And then there was Kavi... He knew he couldn't handle the cold. Why did he have to go out? Blythe could have gone if he didn't think Yung-Li and Yona were enough to find Van. Jasper worried for his brother. He knew exactly how sick Kavi could get without warning. He'd seen it before...
His thoughts were eventually interrupted by Yona entering the room. She didn't bother getting dressed again after her bath. Instead, she just wore the robe from the inn. It clinged to her in all the right places..."No! The wrong places!", he thought. Shaking it from his mind, he tried not to stare as she settled in. It didn't help that she took it upon herself to pull her blankets next to his and snuggle up. With a deep breath, he wrapped an arm around her waist and slowly relaxed. "Nervous much?", she taunted. "Not really", he lied. There was so much to talk about, but he really was tired and he knew she was, too. They needed their sleep. Talking about what happened would have to wait. It wasn't long before they drifted off in each other's arms. At least it was quiet and the exceeds weren't around to judge.
-
The next day, team three stuck together. Camille did her best to smile in front of Yung-Li and Koko despite what she had learned the night before. No one mentioned Takeshi; No one wanted to. As the day went on, Van made an appearance downstairs, easing his guild mates' worries. He didn't think much of it when Blythe and Kavi were absent. All the better, really. He'd only feel guilty if he knew Kavi had caught a fever looking for him. Eventually, Van couldn't stand it anymore. He knew Takeshi had asked Yona to his office. Rani had overheard them in the hall as she left and Ronen just barely managed to keep Van in his room.
Pulling Yona aside, Van demanded to know what happened. Seeing no reason to hide it, she told him and he was outraged. "That idiot!...I'm so sorry", he said. "Don't worry about it. It's not your fault he's brain-dead", she shrugged. That at least gained a faint smile from Van. "I don't know what to tell you on that. He's always been that way, completely emotionless", sighed Van. "You mean dead from the neck up", teased Yona. "It only proves that he knows nothing about you. You'd never be happy if that's all it took to win my heart", she added with a smirk. Van nodded. She was right.
An awkward silence drifted in. Eventually, she asked if he was all right and reminded him his secrets were safe. He nodded, seemingly lost to his thoughts. "I'll just be glad to get back to the guild", he sighed. "Sorry it turned out so sucky. You were so excited to see Camille, too", said Yona. That dumb, wishy-washy grin crossed his lips as he thought his beloved little sister. "Earthland to Van", teased Yona, waving in front of his face. Snapping out of it, he chuckled sheepishly. "It's always good to see Camille-chan. It's weird that asshole is even here. He's never home...", he trailed. That caught Yona's attention. There had to be a reason, then. Unless...Was he really trying to make up with his little brother?
Having heard her name, Camille had approached them and cleared her throat. Gaining their attention, she shyly said, "Do you want to know why he came home?". "Not really", spat Van, shying his eye. Camille sighed, but she couldn't blame him for feeling that way. "He's all alone now. His wife finally left him", she said quietly. "That jerk was married?!", cried Yona in shock, "How is that even possible?!". Van hid a laugh at her surprise. "Arranged marriages are still pretty common in these parts", he explained. Yona blinked with a blank expression. "Well, that explains it. Poor girl...How long did she put up with him?", she asked. "Seven years", replied Camille. That sent Yona reeling all over again. How could anyone deal with that for so long? "Niisama put it off as long as he could, but when her parents passed, she had nowhere else to go", stated Camille. Van seemed unshaken by the news. "Finally had enough, I guess", he shrugged.
He felt his sister staring and met her gaze. She had something else to say, it seemed. "She told him off, Niisan. She told him he needed help and she couldn't give it to him...She took their son", she said, glancing at the floor. Yona had to hold her tongue on that one, praying the kid took after his mom. Despite Van's hate, that statement seemed to rattle something deep inside. Takeshi had never been good at showing any kind of emotion, but even he had to feel pain at the loss of his own child. "He does need help", said Yona flatly. The siblings peered at her in question as if she had more on the subject, but she remained silent. "He asked you, didn't he?", sighed Van. Camille nodded. "How could I turn him away? He suddenly appeared after we'd already arranged for you to come visit...I knew you'd likely cancel if you knew he was here. That's why I didn't tell you...", she trailed. Yona felt uncomfortable amidst all the emotions. Breaking the quiet, she said, "So what you're saying is he needs help, right? He doesn't seem like the kind of guy who listens very well, but there's a chance we can knock some sense into him", she smirked, cracking her knuckles.
Camille gawked, unsure if Yona was serious. Van simply grinned at his friend's words, "She might be onto something." Camille stared in disbelief. "How will harming him further help?", she inquired, still lost. "Not literally beat it into him...Though I wouldn't mind...He needs to be told straight up what he needs to fix. He's not gonna get it any other way", explained Yona. Camille thought it over and it seemed the best path. She'd always gone out of her way to phrase things politely, but maybe Yona was right. Takeshi took things literally, at best. Perhaps a logical word-filled assault was what he really needed.
Camille was pulled from her thoughts at the sound of Yona slapping Van hard across the back. "Well, good luck with that. He's all yours", she grinned. Van sighed. He didn't plan on dragging his friends into his mess to start with and especially after their little meeting, there was no way Yona would want to 'talk' with Takeshi. She wasn't entirely sure why Van was even willing to help the jerk, but maybe she didn't need to. Her smile would be all of the support she could give. Crossing her arms, Yona said, "Try to hold your temper and if he's being an ass, just use your magic to enhance the speed of his bowels", she said with an evil smirk. Van chuckled at the thought. Why hadn't he ever thought of that? Even the demure Camille hid a tiny smile. Van was the only one of them that could use magic at all. It was the one thing he could hold over his brother's head. After talking it over for a while, it was decided that the siblings would hold a private family meeting. Camille's huge eyes dragged Van into cooperating without much trouble. He was always a sucker to do what she wanted. Yona sent them off with a thumbs up, hoping it would go well. She was ready to go home, too.
-
Yona wandered around looking for her team mates. She eventually found all five of them in the same place. Kavi was sick. Blythe fretted over him like a mother hen while Ronen and Rani simply tended to his needs. Jasper leaned against the far wall with a distraught look on his face. "Whoa, who died?", teased Yona, sensing the tension in the room. "You're dying?!", panicked Blythe, already emotionally exhausted. Kavi smiled faintly and shook his head. "No, it's just a cold. I'll be fine in a few days", he assured. That seemed to calm his lover. Blythe settled back into his seat with a 'thump'. He wished he could do something to help, but his magic only worked on wounds, not illness. Ronen had suggested he try it and it didn't go well. Blythe couldn't control the individual cells in Kavi's blood. The attempt only caused intense pain. The blood mage apologized profusely, but Kavi wasn't angry with him. In fact, it was he who convinced Blythe to even try.
"Someone stayed out in the cold too long", said Jasper, mildly glaring at his brother. Ignoring the 'evil eye', Kavi sighed, "It's my duty to keep everyone safe. A guild member and friend was missing. It was my responsibility to find him." Yona sat beside him, unafraid of his germs. She was as healthy as a horse. "Yeah, yeah. You're the important one, we get it", she teased. "Now some sleep before I knock you out the old fashioned way", she ordered with a squint. Kavi was in no mood to argue. Jasper gathered their friends and escorted everyone, but Blythe out. In the hall, he shook his head with a faint grin. "That's one way to get him to rest", he teased. "If my methods work, don't question them", shrugged Yona. The twins sneaked a smile at one another. That was their Yona, all right.
-
On another floor, Van hesitated outside of Takeshi's door. He'd never gone into that room, ever. Camille offered a kind smile as encouragement. The office was relatively neutral ground, but Takeshi's old bedroom was foreign territory. With a deep breath, Van knocked. "Yes?", called his brother. Fighting every fiber of his being, Van replied, "Can we talk?". Those words felt so strange. They even tasted funny. This whole situation was unreal on so many levels. I it weren't for Camille, there was absolutely no way he would attempt this. Footsteps could be heard and the door opened slowly. Takeshi stared as his siblings with a hint of disbelief. "How unexpected", he uttered. "Don't make this any harder on me than it already is", said Van, staring aside. A polite nod of acknowledgment and Takeshi stepped aside as to let them in. Camille took Van's hand as they entered.
Van looked around in curiosity despite himself. He'd never seen this room before. It was poorly lit by choice of its occupant. A desk was covered with neatly stacked books and a pair of swords hung over the fireplace. Several broken picture frames stuck up from the garbage can. Takeshi stood by the fire and stared stoically into the flames. "What brings you, little brother? I suppose you're here about your friend", ventured Takeshi. Surely Van would have found out by now. Camille felt his hand tense and worried things were already turning sour. He forced himself to relax with a heavy sigh. "You really insulted Yona-chan and me. You really don't know me at all, do you? I suppose you wouldn't...You spent so little time here", he stated. It was true. Takeshi spent much of their childhood away at prestigious academies while Van and Camille had the finest tutors at home.
"Forgive me. I was only trying to make amends", said Takeshi, his eyes still appearing cold. "Tell me, Van. What do you wish of me? I ruined much of your life. I have little to offer, but my life...Take it you must", he said, glancing at the swords. "Or is seppuku more your speed? I can't see why you would want my blood on your hands", he added grimly. "Niisama, don't", pleaded Camille. He was taking it too far. Van glared at his brother. He was such an idiot. Yes, he hated him, but his death would solve nothing. Misreading Van's expression, Takeshi took one of the blades in his hand and cast the scabbard aside. Turning it, he offered the hilt to his brother. "Take it", he said. "Don't be stupid", said Van, staring at the floor. A faint glimmer of a smile crossed Takeshi's lips. "Yet another example of why you'll always be the better man", he grinned. Van glanced up in surprise. Was that a compliment? What was he playing at?
"Let me help you", said Takeshi, pressing the point of the blade against his throat. "All you have to do is give it a little push...Do it...Please", he said, sullenly. His cold stare was staring to falter. "I'm not going to kill you", stated Van, glaring defiantly. "You have every right to", replied Takeshi, still holding the sword in place. "You really are an idiot...No one has the right to take a life. You'd think those fancy schools would have at least taught you that much", smirked Van. He sighed as his brother's gaze narrowed. "I'd be lying if I said I haven't wanted to kill you a few times, but that doesn't mean I'll actually do it...Camille told me about Lily. I understand why you're upset, but remember what she told you - Get help. Bleeding on our floor isn't going to solve anything...I won't be the one to help you, Takeshi...I really do hate you with every ounce of my being...", he trailed. Camille stared with tears forming. Where was he going with this? "But", sighed Van. Takeshi looked on awaiting his words. "But if you look hard enough, you'll find the person who's meant to...Get out and see the world. Talk to people and don't tell them they're below you just because they work the land. Damn it, pull your head out of your ass and see someone for they really are!", shouted Van.
He released his sister's hand by this point. She watched him with grateful eyes as she crossed her hands over her heart. Maybe they was still hope, after all. Takeshi's sword clattered upon the wooden floor. He practically gaped at his little brother. He'd never been spoken to like that apart from Yona. Then he supposed it was passed time that someone did just that. For the first time in his life, he smiled genuinely. His cold stare softened, taking his sibling by surprise. Takeshi stepped close to Van as placed his hand firmly on his shoulder. "I always knew you'd surpass me someday, Van. I guess I was just too blind to see that it already happened a long time ago." Van did his best to stand still. He hated to feel Takeshi's touch, but pulling away now would ruin the moment. After an awkward moment passed, Van playfully smacked his brother's hand away. "Don't expect me to hug you", he said flatly. Camille ran in and hugged Van at that very moment. She was so happy and so proud.
-
That night, none of the inn's guests noticed as a single man slipped away into the snow. Van told his friends about it the following morning. Yung-Li was impressed and glad that the storm had passed. Maybe now he could see Van let go of his past. Koko hugged him tightly, proud of his efforts. It almost seemed as if the entire place breathed a sigh of relief. Kavi's fever broke a few days later and everyone returned to the guild, leaving Camille with a smile she hadn't worn in a long time. Finally, the grim past of the Yukimaru clan was being put behind them. No one knew where Takeshi went or how he got there. It was generally accepted that he went soul searching, taking a vast journey to find himself. Who knew? Maybe in time he would find Lily and their son. If he could change, perhaps she'd give him another chance. After all, if Van could do it, there was hope for anyone to forgive him.
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The End