Secrets, part 11
A thick silence hung in the air as everyone processed what they had heard. Veda hugged both Jasper and Blythe, glad they were all right. Puck said nothing, staring into space as he thought. The members of Fairy Tail were ready to go after these so called agents of Noctis. Their friends had been hurt and that was crossing the line. It was payback time. Still, even though he was ready to tear the town apart looking for those assholes, Natsu kept finding himself staring at Nova. Something about her was bothering him that he couldn't place. Tepin simply smiled at him when their eyes met. Could she know what everyone was hiding?
"There's still one more in the city", sighed Van. "At least", added Domino, annoyed. "What exactly is the Order of Noctis and why are they after you?", inquired Gray, looking for answers. Juvia had told him a little bout the order, but nothing that connected to Serpent Wing directly. Puck sent the boys with Veda to clean up and change from their bloodied state. Once they were out of ear shot, he sighed deeply and explained thus. "It's an old order, though not many know of their presence in Fiore. I've dealt with them before here and elsewhere. As you likely know, most of our guild was wiped out in a single day. That was their work. From what I've heard from Blythe, it seems his sister was in charge of the unit that decimated our ranks and now we know his cousin is still an active member. Noctis was founded on three basic principles...Magic is unnatural and corrupts. Those who choose to use it are less than human...And it must be eradicated to reform a purer world. That being said, mages are their primary targets. Fey like us are considered prized trophies, another reason I've relocated so many."
"What's wrong with magic? If they don't like it, they don't have to deal with it", said Natsu. "They don't see it that way", replied Nova, drawing everyone's attention. "They formed behind the beliefs of a woman named Nocturne shortly after the start of the dragon war. She was raised with an old system of beliefs, like where your friend, Blythe, came from. When a mage killed her husband in cold blood, something inside changed. She became cold and calculating, a far cry from the caring person she once was", explained Nova. "How do you know she just wasn't crazy?", asked Yona bluntly. "I saw the change in her soul. The stars she was born under no longer influenced her behavior. She demanded justice for the other orphans and widows of the war, but no one saw fit to compensate casualties of a war that wasn't their own...Eventually, she turned to the dragon slayers..The very firsts... An early council tried to regulate the flux of immense power that had brought into the hands of men, but they saw her plight no different than anyone else's. In the end, they, too, turned her away."
"But why hate all magic because of one bad person?", asked Wendy. "People fear what they don't understand and that fear breeds hate. All fey know it, even dragons", replied Puck. "In time, she unleashed her hate unto the world and soon gathered followers. At first, it was those who had lost loved ones like herself. Then the fear set in and her ranks grew. She selected the best fighters, warriors, and thieves of her hand and set Noctis into motion. All these years later, they're still trying to finish what she started", sighed Nova. "How do you know all of this?", asked Gray. "You forget - We were alive at the time. We've seen many atrocities throughout the ages. Noctis is only one of the few that have names", stated Puck grimly. Lucy stared at Nova. She'd heard how old Puck was, but so little was known about this woman who could cure the virus. Where did she come from and who was she?
-
Outside of town, Wink glared back toward the city. Judd had ordered him to return to base, but what would happen when he got there? What if he didn't go back? The faint sound of shifting sand nearby caught his attention. "You're still clumsy, Red", he smirked. Seconds later, he was in hand-to-hand combat with someone donning a very similar uniform. She was a few years younger than him, but that didn't matter. She was insanely fast and very skilled. Mere moments later, the two skidded apart from one another. "You're wondering how I knew...You make too much noise when you stalk your prey", he panted. Sheathing her daggers, the girl smirked at him as several cuts burst blood into the air on his skin. "And you're slow as ever. Do even realize how many times you got hit?", she asked. Wink kept his cool despite several more wounds beginning to seep red over his clothing. "Aerona...Of course they sent you. What's the old man want? A report?", he said.
After accepting a tie in their fight, the two sat in the shade and hashed details of what was going on in the world around them. "Judd's a fool. Does he really think he take down a demon?", scoffed Aerona. Wink laughed at her expression. "He's stubborn. You two share that trait", he teased. Cold, sharpened steel pressed against the main artery in his neck as she glared. "Don't ever compere me to him", she growled. Waving nervously, Wink said, "I jest! Relax." Her nimble hands hid her blade without giving away its hiding place. She stared at the city, her large brown eyes filled with thoughts of bloodshed she could be missing. Her red dreadlocks framed her face, making her look almost harmless to anyone who didn't know better.
"Hey, Akachi, what's up? You look like you're thinking again...That's usually bad for my health", taunted Wink. She glared at him. He knew she hated that title, but it was better than some other monikers he'd been known to throw her way. "You think you're cute when you try to sound smart, don't you?", she said annoyed. He grinned widely at her, glad to get under her skin. A quick movement later and she held another knife pointed at his face. He'd caught her wrist and smirked at her. "I'll cut that damn smug look right off your stupid face!", she growled. "Temper, temper, Red. It's bad for your blood pressure, you know", he taunted. Finally, he felt the tension in her arm lessen. "That title's an honor. You should at least give it a fair try. Not everyone earns the right to be called 'the hand of god', you know", he said calmer. Jerking free from his grip, she glared at the dirt beneath them. "I know that, but it's how you say it! You're so...annoying", she seethed.
Tempting fate once more, he leaned close to her face with a confident grin. "You know you love me", he chimed. "I hate you", she said, avoiding eye contact. "Liar", he said flatly. Her fierce gaze met his goofy smile. "You are annoying! You're loud, you're immature, you're...well, just look at you!", she yelled. Wink's smile faded. It looked like she wanted to fight and he wasn't about to be the first to back down. "At least I can reach the top shelves by myself", he teased. "You've got that small dog complex. Short, but feisty", he added smugly. "At least I'm not an idiot! You're nothing but the last of a failed clan of rejects who sucked at their job!", she spat. His gaze narrowed. That was going too far. "Shank skank", he said coldly. Her fury rising, she dropped to his level of insults. "Dinky Winky!" He stared at her agape momentarily before bursting into an unbridled fit of laughter.
"Stop laughing at me! I just insulted your name and your...pride", she said shyly. "I'm sorry!", he snickered, holding his sides. "That's just priceless!", he continued between giggles. Seconds later, Wink laid flat on the ground with Aerona's boot print clearly imprinted on his face. She'd stormed off toward town, cursing his idiocy. He stared up at the clouds with a faint grin, ignoring the pain. "Too easy", he thought. He loved messing with her. Everyone else was too afraid of being stabbed without warning, but he'd spent enough time with her to read her movements. He wasn't afraid of anyone. Judd said that was just him asking for someone to send him to an early grave, but Wink never let it bother him. He didn't really care if he died. He and Blythe were the last of their clan and as it played out, maybe the Sandrunner name wasn't worth saving.
-
Back at the sanctum, Jasper blushed as Yona inspected his arm for any marks. "Blythe does good work", she smirked. He really was trying to become more comfortable around the members of Fairy Tail, but the dragon slayer wasn't making it easy on him. Blythe had returned to Kavi's side and everyone tried to settle in for the night. The exceeds shared stories of their exploits alongside their partners while Wendy listened. Gray had headed above ground to send a message back to Fairy Tail. Hopefully, everyone back home had recovered from the virus that plagued the country.
Elsewhere, Lucy clutched Valentine's book to her chest as she stared up at the moon. The eclipse would occur soon an she was still unsure how to help her newest spirit ally. "You seem worried", said a lush voice nearby. Turning toward the cascading shadows, her eyes settled over Nova. "May I see it?", asked Nova, reaching her hand out. Lucy nervously gave her the book. She watched as the demon gingerly fingered the binding. "This is - ...", she trailed. Lucy nodded glumly. "It's all that's left of his body", she stated. Nova peered at the book in thought. "This spirit...Does he mean that much to you?", she inquired carefully. "He's my friend. They all are", replied Lucy. Nova smiled gently at those words. "Your keys. You've acquired most of the western zodiac", she observed. Lucy lilted her thought, keenly picking up on the words. "You know the others?", she asked. Nova handed Valentine's book over with a nod as she strode into the moonlight beside the girl.
"How are they these days? I trust the spirit king is taking good care of them", said Nova nostalgically. Lucy nodded, still unsure of her new ally. "To answer your question, yes. I know all of the zodiacs. Few even recollect the others exist these days. When the stars shattered, the ended up in different realms", she sighed. "Shattered?", repeated Lucy. Nova met her eyes with interest. "You really don't know about the others, do you?". As if on cue, someone else joined the conversation. "Why would she?", asked Loke smugly. "It's been a long time...Nova-sama" he said, slightly bowing his head. "So it has, Leo... I hear you go by Loke these days. Tell me, did you enjoy your stint as a human mage?", she asked calmly. Loke grinned as he stepped beside Lucy. She had that classic look of "You two know each other?!" shock on her face. "It was fun", he grinned.
"How is everyone?", inquired Loke genuinely. "Ch'en and Yaxk'in are at each other's throats again, but I'm sure that doesn't surprise you" , replied Nova with a soft smile. "And the old jaguar?", he asked. "Pop is well. Our friends in the east are well, too. Ox is still looking after Rat. Closer to your realm, have you spoken to Draco?" Loke shook his head. Lucy's gaping mouth finally closed. "Who are they?", she asked in earnest. "Leo, you've not told your mistress much, have you?", sighed Nova. Placing her hand on Lucy's shoulder, she sighed deeply. "A long time ago, all of the zodiacs lived together. The constellations from east to west intermingled freely. One day, ...something bad happened...They one who cared for them all made a selfish mistake and the one realm broke apart, thus separating the zodiacs forever. That event is referred to as the 'night the stars shattered'", explained Nova. "Very few traces of the olden day remain in the human world. It's no surprise to me that celestial mages are regionalized now. Where Tepin comes from, another zodiac is called upon by mages", she added.
Lucy thought it over and asked, "Then where do you come from?". Loke cleared his throat after an awkward silence. "Nova-sama is originally from Fiore", he stated. "How do you know so much about all of this? Can you teach me?", asked Lucy, her eyes pleading. She wanted to know more. "Perhaps in time", said Nova. "Loke, why are you here?", she inquired, turning the focus from herself. "I got curious about an odd energy near Lucy, so I figured I'd investigate. I gotta say, I never expected to find you...Lady Necahual", he said, smiling smugly at her new name. They shared a strange grin before he shifted his focus onto the book in Lucy's arms. "That it? Valentine's book?", he asked, a serious expression taking over his face. She nodded. "Do you know how to use it?", inquired Nova. Lucy's fingers gripped the tome tightly. She was clearly concerned. "Perhaps I can help", offered Nova in a kind tone. "But - ", started Loke. Between the relief in Lucy's eyes and the single gloved finger pointing from Nova's hand, he held his silence.
"Your friend wasn't born a spirit, was he? I'd heard rumors of such experiments, but I didn't think any of them actually succeeded", said Nova in thought. "You don't need to tell me about him. I can smell the blood already...", she trailed. Lucy nodded shyly. "He's summoned by blood", she said, quietly producing the bone carved key. Nova looked at it with immense pity. "If something goes wrong, you may create a monster", warned Nova cryptically. "I'll do anything. I just want to help him", pleaded Lucy. That look in her eyes couldn't be ignored. The demon capitulated. "I'll try to assist, but I can make no guarantees", she sighed. Lucy thanked her profusely nonetheless. After talk of the eclipse and the impending ritual ceased, Loke returned to the spirit realm to seek guidance from his king. Once he was gone, Nova's tension shifted once again.
"What is it?", inquired Lucy with worry. Watching her carefully, she added, "It's Natsu, isn't it?". Nova tensed visibly. "What is it? Is something going to happen to him?", asked Lucy, awash with concerns. Nova slowly grinned a very sad smile. "You care for him, don't you?", she said softly. "What?! I - I - ", stuttered Lucy. Nova cupped the girls cheek in her palm. "Be at peace, young one. I mean neither or you any harm. I will help you with Valentine if I can. In return, you must do something for me", she said. Lucy slowly nodded, seeing the despair in Nova's mismatched eyes. "You must keep the boy a safe distance from me at all cost", stated Nova. Lucy was confused. It didn't make any sense. If Nova didn't want to hurt him, then why?... "You were meant to guide him from the start. Don't you realize, child? The stars will always be drawn to flame, for fire is what the heavens are from. Keep him safe. It's your destiny", said Nova, a profound sense of fate in her tone.
"I will", said Lucy after a moment. Nova smiled kindly upon the girl and nodded. She turned to leave, but paused as Lucy cried out, "Wait!". Glancing over her shoulder, she paused for the reason. "What is Natsu to you? Why won't you or Puck just say it?...Is it that bad?" Nova held her covered arm with a look of sadness. "Igneel saved him. That's all you need to know", she said distantly. Lucy stared after her her as she disappeared into the night's shadows. What did it all mean?
-
The next day, Blythe sat with rapt attention beside Kavi's bed. His lover was showing signs of improvement. Was that? Could it be?...He was actually starting to stir! Blythe cupped his hands together and stared closely with huge, hopeful eyes. Slowly, Kavi turned his face toward him and his eyes cracked open for the first time in over a week. "Kavi-kun! You're awake!", cried Blythe in sheer joy. An odd static filled the air. It was barely audible, but it could only mean one thing. Kavi was trying to speak. His magic was still sealed, so even the attempt was impressive. Holding his hand tightly, Blythe said, "Shh! Don't try to speak yet. You have to let your magic recover." Kavi began to glance around the room, but his focus never settled. "What is it, Kavi-kun?", asked Blythe.
Quickly thinking, he handed a pen and paper over, but Kavi didn't reach for it. He tried again, this time bumping Kavi's hand with the supplies. Kavi's fingers stumbled, but he managed to write, "Dark". Blythe joyous smile faded. Nova had warned the virus had taken its toll. "Kavi...Can you see?", inquired Blythe near breathless. He watched Kavi grimace at the question. He tried waving a hand in front of his face, but there was no response. Blythe felt sick inside. It just wasn't fair! Taking a deep breath, he composed himself. Holding Kavi's hand in comfort, he uttered, "It's okay...You don't need your eyes. Once your magic is restored, you'll 'see' with it, just like you always do in the dark." Tears were streaming down Blythe's pale face, but he hid them from his voice well. Kavi needed his strength now. He felt Kavi squeeze his hand in response. Glancing toward his face, he saw a faint grin on his lover's lips. Kavi nodded. As long as Blythe was there, everything would be all right.
-
To be continued...