Secrets, part 15

Jasper listened keenly as his brother related his unusual dream prior to waking from his fever. Kavi now knew about their pending little brother or sister, and that explained one orb, but what about the other two? "I think one just represented your fear. Maybe it was there to help you get passed whatever was holding you back", offered the incubus in thought. "Perhaps, but the third...", trailed the dragon slayer. "It called me 'Papa'...", sighed Kavi, unsure of the meaning. Jasper shifted with his nerves. "Well, that seems simple enough, I guess", he ventured. Kavi's brow furrowed. "That doesn't present any immediate problems to you?", asked Kavi carefully. Getting the meaning, Jasper sighed, "You can always adopt, you know...What does Blythe think of all this?" Kavi seemed uneasy with that question. "I haven't told him yet...I can picture his face lighting up with hope and I don't want to let him down...After all, I did have a high fever at the time. The orb that called me brother could have been a coincidence."

Jasper had to cede that point. He, too, could imagine Blythe's joy at the thought of children down the road, but there was plenty of time for the lovers to figure those things out later on. Turning the focus, Kavi calmly inquired, "Have you told Yona yet?". Jasper fought his blushing. What a question! "N-not yet", he replied lamely. Kavi smiled faintly at his brother's nervousness. "You'll have to tell her eventually...If you don't, you know who will and she won't be so tactful about it", grinned the dragon slayer. "Mom", sighed Jasper. Kavi was right. Veda would have no problem telling Yona about the genetic compatibility with her son and who knew what else? Jasper released a deep breath, trying to relax. "I know." The brothers chatted idly, unaware someone else was listening. Kavi's magic was still too weak to pick up on individual heart beats, so this stranger and his magic both went unnoticed...For now.

Elsewhere, Veda lovingly tended to her precious egg. Tepin and Nova sat in silence nearby. Nova stared into the air, deep in thought, pensive about the coming eclipse. Tepin Nervously watched her mistress, feeling the same anxiety. Nova hadn't wielded celestial magic in centuries. Even if she succeeds, it will immediately alert Zeref to her whereabouts. Nova seemed unconcerned with the dark mage finding her; She'd stated he already knew exactly where she once the moment she set foot on the sands of Fiore's coast. Wanting to help, but unsure how to, Veda simply let them be.

Above ground, in the main guild, the members of team two were now in charge of watching the guild's 'guest'. Wink shifted uncomfortably under Domino's cold stare. How could she crush his baby like that? He'd had that specialized rifle for years! Still, he was also interested in the hushed conversation across the room. It seemed like Blythe was stating Wink's case to Puck, but he couldn't be sure. After all, he had put a large hole through his cousin not very long ago. Van stood close by them, silently simmering over the previous spat. He didn't trust Wink to start with. His smart remarks only made him all the more annoying.

"Our main concern here is the safety of the guild and the townspeople. We don't want anyone getting hurt in this skirmish", stated Puck firmly. Blythe nodded. "I agree, but I don't think Wink's all that dangerous without his guns", he replied. "Well, I can't babysit. I promised Lucy I'd help with Valentine", said Yona. "It isn't the sniper I'm worried about", said Puck. "Eh?" She was confused. "If this 'Akachi' is truly in town, it already may be too late", said the elf grimly. "So who the hell is she? I'll kick her ass!", said Yona, ignoring the tension present. Blythe stared at his boots solemnly. "You don't get it...Very few people get that title...She's dangerous", he stated. "What did she do then? Tell me why we should be afraid", said Yona, crossing her arms. She preferred punching over politics. Blythe expression flickered as his fingers curled tightly. Intervening, Puck explained. "Yona, 'Akachi' means 'the hand of god'. It's a very high rank within Noctis. Only someone supremely skilled, filled with hate, and a little mad can achieve the title. In all of the Order's history, only three members have ever done it...To get that name, a person has to prove their resolve upon entering the Order with ultimate bias against magic."

"...English?", said Yona, lost in the lengthy answer. "It means she's already killed over 5,000 mages and at least three fey as an agent", blurted Blythe, annoyed by Yona's ignorance. "Whhaaatt?!", gaped the dragon slayer. "How is that even possible?!", she gasped, still floored. "Simply put? She's cold, calculating, and unfeeling in her work", replied Puck. "If she's that dangerous, why hasn't the council done anything? Or Oberon?", asked Yona, demanding answers. Puck's gaze gained an icy element at the name of his king. "Hold your tongue! Don't speak of things you know nothing about", he said, a little harshly. Yona took a step back, bumping into Van, who was just as surprised by the elf's outburst.

Wink cocked an eyebrow with interest at the sudden racket. Taking a deep breath, Puck collected himself into his usual stoic demeanor. "There are rules you never even knew existed that keep the realms in relative balance. Avalon has very limited direct interaction in the affairs of men. The fact any fey are still in this world is nothing short of a miracle...", he trailed, obviously hiding his vast knowledge once more. "Rules were made to be broken", smirked Yona. Reading her leader's look, she added, "Or at least bent." Puck grinned subtly at her words. It was true, he had bent the rules many times over the years when it came to his family, but the queen was able to soothe the court's wrath over such minor infractions. Taking on Noctis would be something completely different.

"What's your decision?", inquired Blythe in a low tone. True, Veda was the guild master, but Puck's word was generally accepted as her own. The elf glanced back at their captive. Wink waved with an irritating smile. "No one mentions the sanctum or my family", stated Puck. Then he answered what Blythe really wanted to know. "Your cousin may take refuge here, but he is to be supervised at all times. The teams can take turns while Kavi finishes recovering." Setting a hand on Blythe's shoulder, Puck added, "I know you want to be with him. I wouldn't have it any other way. Go back to the sanctum. We'll take care of things up here." Blythe nodded. With a quick glance of assurance to his cousin, he disappeared out the back door.

Callie stood aside as Puck approached their prisoner. "So, what'd you decide? Am I mage fodder or are you letting me live?", asked Wink, almost too comfortably. "You may stay so long as you provide pertinent information, but you will have supervision", replied Puck. "Fair enough", grinned the sniper. Puck headed back tot he sanctum, as well, deep in thought. What had he gotten the guild into?

"Where's everyone keep going out there?", asked Wink, leaning his chair back to peek. "That isn't your business", said Domino, her icy glare keeping the mage hunter in check. Callie hid a grin at her sister's behavior. "We can go where we want. you can't. So deal with it", taunted Yona, heading out back, herself. Wink glanced at he girls from team two, then his eyes settled onto Van. "Great, stuck with you three", he said flatly. Apparently, he had no real hesitation in speaking his mind.

A while later, deep below the city, Puck spoke frankly with Nova. "It seems I fell right into their hands", she ceded, taking it all in. "We still don't know who's pulling the strings", stated Puck, thinking aloud. Nova glanced around to locate her opossum companion. Seeing her out of hearing range, she stepped closer to the elf. "Puck, I know I've asked a lot of you these few decades, but there's one more thing I must beseech", she said, her voice hushed. Whispering her request, Puck understood. Keeping his expression even, he nodded. "I understand."

Blythe had returned to Kavi's side, glad to see him trying to move around. It seemed Jasper was a good influence to have around. The lovers spoke of many things. Kavi told Blythe about his dream, leaving out a few details. Blythe found it amazing that Kavi's new sibling had reached out to him like that. Apparently, whoever resided in that shell, took after its mother's dream magic. Knowing that elves were basically pure magic, it only made sense that the child would also wield its father's power even before hatching. The orb with Kavi's young voice led Blythe to imagine what Kavi looked like back then and going on about how adorable he must have been and smiling at his lover's red face.

They also spoke of Wink's surrender and what he had to say about Noctis. Kavi was tense during that part of their speaking, but understandably so. Blythe confirmed what Jasper had already said. Wink was not part of the force that previously attacked the guild. It was entirely possible, though, that Akachi was. Wink had only given her title, never her name. He said he didn't want to take sides in this conflict, but he clearly either had loyalty to or fear of the Order. Still, one of the agents had been neutralized and Blythe was glad no one had to die to do it. Kavi was deeply shaken by the injuries inflicted by the sniper, but silently praised Blythe's magic for saving him once again. Blythe was happy to show there were no marks left from the shot. His power was really quite incredible.

The last thing they discussed was the approaching eclipse. So many people had mobilized to help Valentine and most of them had never even met the spirit. Still, Yona and Lucy shared his tragic tale and that was more than enough to rally their friends. Blythe was surprised when his presence was requested for the ceremony, but when Puck explained that his magic might be needed, he readily agreed. It seemed the roster was set. Lucy, Yona, Puck, Nova, and Blythe would be the main players at the eclipse. At first, Blythe didn't notice Jasper's absence from the preparations. When he finally did, he asked Kavi about it. "I thought your brother loved the moon", said Blythe. Grinning lightly, Kavi nodded. "He does, but the lunar eclipse - ... Well, sometimes such events can affect the fey", he said somewhat distantly. Blythe wasn't sure what exactly that meant, but it seemed that Kavi wasn't too keen to talk about it, either. He merely said that it wasn't his place to talk about his brother like he wasn't there and if Blythe wanted to know more, he should ask Jasper. It seemed logical enough...

Elsewhere, Yona and Jasper had sneaked out onto the beach, managing to leave the exceeds behind. It was twilight now and they both seemed keen to get some fresh air. It didn't take long for Yona to make her way into the waves. After some taunting, Jasper joined in the fun. After while, the two climbed out, tired and soaked. Laying on his back, the incubus stared at the moon with a hesitant look on his face. Wringing out her hair, Yona sat beside him. "What's up, Boo?", she teased. She knew he hated that nickname, but that just made it more fun. He sighed deeply, almost apologetically. Yona leaned over him with a questioning glare. "This isn't another one of those 'tell yo later' things, is it? I'm running out of places to write those down", she said.

Sitting up, Jasper glanced out to sea. He had a lot of things to explain still and while he had promised to do so soon, he knew she was getting flustered by his secrecy. "I can't help with the ceremony tomorrow night...I know Valentine means a lot to you...I'm sorry..." She lilted her head in question. "Okay...", she ventured. Jasper eyes glowed faintly as he turned to face her. "I can't be around you during an eclipse...It isn't safe...and I'll only be distraction...Valentine needs you to concentrate. Try to understand", he said, near pleading. Yona sighed in annoyance as she leaned back into the sand. "Again with all that 'I don't want to hurt you' crap. Just spill it. Whatever it is, I can take it, you know", she said, avoiding eye contact.

An awkward silence drifted in. Finally, she said, "It's an incubus thing, isn't it?...You go crazy under the blood moon or something?" She peeked from the corner of her eye for his reaction. He grinned faintly. "Something like that", he ceded. "Dad usually helps, but he'll be with you tomorrow, so I'll be in the deeper caverns with Mom for the night...I don't think Kavi's ready to move around that much just yet." He chanced a glance at the dragon slayer. She was tense, clearly annoyed, but trying to hide it for some reason. "Please just yell or something and get it over with", he said, smiling lightly. He knew she hated secrets. "Why? Then you'll just be all sorry for being you and say, 'I'll tell you later', like you always do", she said, staring at the stars.

Taking her hand, he waited for her to meet his eyes. "What's with the face?", she asked, carefully avoiding falling for his cute pout. Relaxing into a calm grin, Jasper stared helplessly into her eyes. "Come with me", he said, rising to his feet. "Where?", inquired Yona, caught off guard. "I promised you a visit to my secret place, didn't I?", he replied. Fighting off a faint blush, Yona got up and let him lead her into the caverns.

As they traveled, it got darker and darker, until it became pitch black. "I can't see a damned thing!", she complained. "Just hold my hand. I won't let you fall", he assured. "Easy for you to say. You can see in the dark, asshole", she taunted. "Don't you trust me?", he teased back. Smirking, she finally said, "Fine, but if I trip, I yanking your tail as pay-back." It was difficult to judge how far they had gone in the blackness of the tunnels. Eventually, a faint blue light started to permeate the dark. "What is that?", asked Yona, surprised. "Bio-luminescent fungus. It grows wild down here...and it means we're close", replied Jasper. A few minutes later, they stepped into a wide cavern, strewn with glowing mushrooms. Condensation clinged to the rocks, reflecting the pale light.

Seeing Yona's pink cheeks, Jasper gently nudged her forward. "Beautiful, isn't it?" She took a few steps about taking in the scenery. Realizing Jasper's coy stare, she shyly said, "If you like this sort of thing...I guess it's all right." Noticing a blanket on the ground, she smirked to herself. "You dog; You had all this planned!" Stepping close, she playfully traced his face with her fingers. "You bring all the pretty girls down here, huh?", she teased. Loosely wrapping his arms around her waist, he smiled and tried not to blush too brightly. The light was dim, but Yona's eyes would adjust quickly. After all, she was used to low light from diving. "I told you, you're only the third person ever set foot here", he replied calmly. "Go ahead and stick to that story", she taunted, pulling him into a kiss. When their lips finally parted, Yona smiled to herself. "I guess this means no more secrets", she ventured, a hint of hope in her voice.

Taking her hands, Jasper led her to sit on the blanket, off the moist sands. "No more secrets", he repeated. She peered at him with a playful expression. As if to test him, she asked, "Why are you hiding from the eclipse?". Surprisingly, he answered, "The blood moon has a long history with my people. It's mostly regarded as superstition within the guild, but I think Kavi started that so our friends wouldn't worry...The truth is, the lunar eclipse causes a change in me, one I don't want others to see." A little surprised, Yona leaned back to listen. "Go on", she prompted. Shying his gaze, Jasper added, "It causes great pain...My scars feel like they're on fire, like the injuries are being re-rendered over and over again...It usually fades pretty quickly as the moon exits the earth's shadow, but it isn't easy to watch...That's why, even if you weren't busy with Lucy, I wouldn't want you to see...Dad says it's horrible...Kavi's usually around to negate my screams...I guess I should be ashamed of my weakness, but -...Pain can't be avoided..."

Yona scooted closer, laying her hand over his. "Your wings?", she ventured. "That's part of it", said Jasper darkly. Tilting his face in her palm, she stared into his wavering eyes. "What other scars?", she inquired. Jasper took a deep breath, holding it in. He really didn't want to bring all of this up, but he promised answers. "Don't get too excited", he teased. Before she could ask what he meant, she watched as he loosened his belt. "Wait a minute...", she taunted. "This is hard enough", he chided, his face turning deeper red. Finally, he pulled his clothing aside to show his hip. It took everything he had not to back away as Yona leaned in to see in the dim light. She managed to withhold her touch. "I've seen this mark before...", she observed. "It's a scar? It doesn't look like a tattoo...Wait...Is this...a burn?"

Jasper sighed, "It's the same mark I was wearing when we met...The symbol of the Nightmare Regiment." Yona looked closely. It was much smaller than the embroidery she remembered, but it was definitely the same symbol. "Did the witches do this, too?", she asked, trying to piece it all together. Finally stepping back, he replaced his clothing and sat, avoiding eye contact. "No. By the time they found me, it was already an old wound...Dad thinks my parents...my incubus parents...He thinks they did it." Thinking it over a second, Yona looked almost angry. "Wait...Your birth parents?...They branded you?! Who in their right minds would burn a mark onto their own child?! And if it was that old, you would've been a baby, right?! That's messed up!" Jasper said nothing as Yona's shout faded into silence. He knew she'd be mad. "No one knows anything about them, so I can't really give you an answer...", he trailed.

High above them, an unobserved presence watched and listened. A pair of glowing green eyes stared at the teens with pity, wishing to call out. Instead, they vanished, moist with tears.

"If you're the last incubus and your race was already dying out, why would they possibly need to mark you? It doesn't make sense!", shouted Yona, taking her anger out on the innocent victim. "I wish I knew", sighed Jasper. Finally, Yona realized what she was doing. Climbing onto his lap, she cradled his head against her bosom. "I'm sorry", she said in a low tone. "I guess now I know why you kept hiding..." Jasper relaxed in her arms. "That's half of it", he stated. Yona smiled to herself, knowing the other half was merely his shyness. Releasing him, she waited for him to meet her eyes. A coy smile awaited him. "Now that I've caught you with your pants down, you're out of excuses to hide from me", she taunted. Blushing once again, he averted his gaze. "You incorrigible", he sighed.

Back in the sanctum, the members of Fairy Tail discussed their roles in the events of Serpent Wing. They had come for the eclipse, for Valentine, for Kavi and Blythe...Now they were trapped in a standoff with the Order of Noctis. Still, the mage hunters would have to wait. One of the agents had been captured and that good enough for now. It was getting late and Lucy need her rest for the ceremony the following night.

Wendy stared at Valentine's book, afraid to handle it. "Do you really think you can open it?", ventured Charle. "Of course she can!", beamed Natsu, glad to offer his support. "Aye!", added Happy. Picking up the tome, Lucy clutched it tightly to her chest. "I sure hope so...He deserves another chance", she said. "He'll get it", offered a familiar voice. "Loke!", grinned Lucy. "Everything's set. I spoke to the king...and Valentine", he said with a smirk. "You finally met him?", inquired Wendy. "Seems nice enough. I'm just glad Nova-sama's here to help", said the spirit. "What do you mean?", asked Natsu, stuffing his face. "With the other zodiacs represented, our combined power should be enough", smirked Loke. Natsu looked confused while the spirit shared a sneaky smile with Lucy. "Other zodiacs?", asked Gray, waking from his nap. Nodding, Lucy explained, "According to Jasper, there are more zodiacs out there. Nova-sama confirmed it for me. I don't know who she'll bring...I'm just excited to meet them."

Natsu's expression shifted at the repeated name. Gray sent him a questioning glance. Interrupting, Loke said, "Try not to worry about it right now. Lucy's got plenty of time to learn." He smiled before returning to his world to gather his strength. Nova had promised Lucy assistance and apparently, that meant the other zodiac leaders were coming. Who they were and how many of them would be there was still a mystery, but the spirit mage was more than happy to meet them all. Other zodiacs...Who knew?

To be continued...