Secrets, part 17

The eclipse had finally passed. The moon shined brightly, freed from the earth's shadow. Emotions were running high and the gathered mages had a lot to take in. A friend was gone. Though it meant he was free, Valentine would still be missed. Lucy was still deeply shaken, but as she pulled herself together, she noticed her missing team mate. Where was Natsu? Gray, Juvia, Wendy, and the others were fine company, but something wasn't right with the dragon slayer missing. Glancing around, Lucy spotted Yona wiping her face as Blythe offered his support. Her brother was gone now and no doubt memories of Kaur had been stirred. Yona wasn't much for talking about he emotions, but even she was human and needed her friends.

By the time Puck returned, Lucy and Yona stood holding hands, watching Valentine's book burn into nothing. Violet flames had enveloped it upon his release from his bonds. His key had cracked into tiny pieces, nothing more than aging bone shards now, no longer the shining white winged heart that once existed. Puck grinned faintly at the girls. Their friendship and mutual support would be vital in the coming days. Still, he was weary of his role. How would Tepin react?

Once the tome fully perished to ash and the last of the embers died out, both Lucy and Yona offered prayers for peace for their dear friend. "At least he with Kaur now", sighed Yona. Lucy nodded. "I'm sure he's happier", she ventured meekly. Nearby, Gray watched Puck closely. He'd returned alone and Gray had seen Natsu go that same direction. Before he could ask, Tepin landed squarely in his arms. Gray held the small, furry creature in shock. Resuming human form, she smiled and thanked him, prompting Juvia's jealousy at still being held. Setting her on her feet, he made light of the accidental catch. Glancing around, the girl saw no sign of her mistress. Silence took over as Puck strode toward her grimly.

Setting his hands on her shoulders, he waited for her to face him. She stared darkly at the ground. He could feel her tremble beneath his touch. "She really did it, didn't she?", sniffled Tepin. Finally looking up, tears covered her face. "Nova-sama!", she screamed. Collapsing in grief, Puck held the girl close in support. "This is how she wanted it", he said softly. Tepin sobbed and uttered, "That look out post for Zeref was all just a ploy, wasn't it?". The reality set in amongst those present. "She's...gone?", asked Blythe carefully. Puck nodded as Tepin burst into another heart-wrenching motion of grief. He let her cry it out for a moment, then softly tipped her chin and offered a gentle smile. "Your post was no joke. She gave you a duty and you did very well."

The others slowly gathered around the now lonesome opossum. "What will you do now?", inquired Wendy, touched by the scene. "You have a home here if you're willing to take it...It's what your mistress arranged for you", stated Puck. Stepping beside the elf, Yona waited for his attention. He knew what she wanted by the determined look in her eyes. "Lucy, can I leave Tepin to you for now?", asked Puck. The celestial mage nodded and tried to offer comfort. Both in mourning. It seemed misery really did love company. "Where are you going?", asked Gray. "Jasper needs us", said Yona, passing him by. She wasn't waiting for Puck. He'd catch up and lead her through the tunnels soon. The color faded from Blythe's face at that statement. "Do you need me?", he inquired. Puck smiled lightly and assured him that Jasper wasn't injured, merely in pain, and that Blythe's talents would serve no purpose. As the elf strode passed the ice mage, he paused briefly. "Your friend needs you. Go to him", was all he said.

It seemed the eclipse had just ended and already people were mobilizing for the next steps. Lucy, Juvia, Wendy, Tepin, and the exceeds all gathered around the altar where Valentine's book had sat and mourned together, offering one another compassion and comfort. Juvia saw Gray head off to the distance and wanted to go with him, but she had heard Puck's words and knew she'd only be in the way.

Moments later, Gray was getting close to his guild mate. Natsu could smell him coming. Pulling himself together, he attempted to appear calm. "There you are", smirked Gray. "I didn't know you missed me", replied Natsu. "My aim's improving", teased Gray, leaning against the stones. He stared up at the stars, amazed they could be seen from this depth. Several minutes of silence passed. Finally gray spoke up. "You okay?" Natsu nodded, keeping his hand firmly closed. He wasn't ready to think about what the scale meant or to try to explain why it was melting into his flesh. "Nova's really gone then...", trailed the ice mage. "Yeah", said Natsu. "Seems like she wanted it that way", ventured Gray, trying to get his friend to open up a little. "Maybe", shrugged the dragon slayer.

Changing the subject, Natsu asked, "How's Lucy?". Gray glanced over, but didn't question the sentiment. "She'll be all right...Yona's pretty shaken, too. I guess Valentine really meant a lot to them", said Gray. "More than you know", stated Natsu solemnly. Another intrusion of silence drifted in. Annoyed, Gray inquired, "You plan on moping out here all night?". Natsu grinned faintly despite himself. "I was just thinking about heading back." Gray let loose a short, scoffing laugh. "Since when do you think?", he teased. The mood was kept light as they headed back toward their friends. Neither of them knew exactly who Nova was or what she truly meant to Natsu, but it was obvious some cryptic nostalgia remained. Letting that beast rest for another day was likely the best route, thought Gray. Besides, there were girls that needed them right now.

Deep beneath the city, Yona grasped Puck's sleeve as he lead her through the darkness. "How can you see down here?", she asked, annoyed at stumbling over another loose stone. "Memory mostly. I've made this trip many times", replied the elf. That answer sat heavily with Yona. How many times did Jasper have to suffer like this? It took nearly half an hour to reach their destination. The air was thin down here, but surely no sound would travel to the surface from this depth. A nauseating scream echoed through the corridor, shaking Yona to her core. "It's not far now", stated Puck grimly. Yona could feel that he'd tensed significantly, but he had to put on a brave face.

Once the chamber was reached, an unnerving calm had replaced the screams. Small crystals decorated the lights, giving off a warm glow. It made sense lacrima would be used down here;. Torches would eat up any ambient oxygen. When Yona's vision focused, she could make out Jasper and Veda. The naga cradled her son's head in her lap, stroking his hair lovingly. He looked unconscious. Veda tried to smile for her husband, glad he'd arrived, but she was obviously upset. She looked as she'd been crying heavily. It only made sense. Someone as gentle as Veda would surely feel completely helpless watching her son suffer so and being able to nothing to calm his suffering.

As they got closer, Yona peered closer at her fallen lover. His entire body was licked with sweat, his breathing was shallow and rapid, and he looked exhausted. Jasper's spent form was cradled gently in his mother's coils. Glaciation around, Yona was horrified at what she saw. Deep scratches ran through solid stone and hand-prints were melted into the rock face seemingly everywhere. "Jasper's corrosion magic", she thought, shuddering. She knew he hated to use it. He must have been in agony to not control it. Puck's hand upon the dragon slayer's arm shook her back into reality. Jolted, she paused to collect herself. Slowly walking forward, Yona reached her hand toward the sleeping incubus. "Is he...okay?", she uttered. "He'll be all right after some rest", assured Puck. He could see the worry in his wife's face. She'd not witnessed the horror of the eclipse in some time. Puck usually took it upon himself, often bringing Kavi, but he simply couldn't be in two places at once. Thus Veda, the dutiful mother, volunteered to be at their son's side.

Veda stroked Jasper's face, wiping away sweat and tears. "Does he always pass out like this?", inquired Yona, almost afraid to touch him. "Yes. It's for the best. He's at peace now", replied Puck. "Just be glad it's over", added Veda solemnly. Puck leaned down and kissed her brow. "Are you all right, my love?", he asked in earnest. Veda nodded, trying to shake the images and sounds from her mind. "I will be", she replied

Above ground, the guild had another problem to deal with. Wink was gone. "What happened?!", asked Blythe, dumbstruck. Several guild mates stood over the fallen with anger and grim hearts. Grem sat in the floor, Ahiru by his side applying pressure to his wound. He'd been stabbed deeply in the shoulder. "Guess I should have watched him closer", grinned Grem, trying to laugh it off. "You're lucky Blythe's here for you", chided Acheron. Blythe worked quickly, sealing Grem's injury. "Did Wink do this?", he asked, concerned. "Nah. It was some chick with dreads, Your cousin was already outside when she showed up. I threw some magic their way, but you know how mine works. We may never know what it did", replied the chaos mage. "Let me go find her. I'll blow her punk ass sky high!", said Hantu. Blythe ignored the banter. His mind was locked on the description of that woman. Could it be the dreaded Akachi?

Elsewhere in the city, an empty apartment was being used a temporary base. "You didn't have to shank that guy", said Wink. he sat against the far wall, watching Aerona's silhouette in the moonlight. "I didn't. I threw a knife. It's not my fault he didn't dodge fast enough", she retorted. Wink smirked to himself. "I was already on my way out when you showed up. You just couldn't keep your fingers out of the candy bowl, could you?", grinned the sniper. Aerona seemed to ignore him. She had her eyes firmly fixed in the direction of the guild. "What did you learn?", she asked calmly. When no answer was received, she turned to peer at Wink. He grinned back at her almost maliciously. "You know I never spy for free", he said, cocky. Fighting off a sneer, Aerona shied her face. "I didn't ask you to do it. you volunteered, remember?"

Wink rose from his spot and crossed the room. Turning her face in his hand, a dark smile awaited her. "Still, you know my price. Same as always", he stated. Smacking his hand away, she haughtily crossed her arms. "You're such a pig!" He only seemed to grin wider at her disgust. "Then again, you're asking me to betray my only kin here...That's going to cost extra", he said, playing with her hair. "Go ahead and act like you can't stand the thought of us together. you know it only makes me want you more", he sad, leaning into her. Gently pushing him back, she shied her reddening face. "You're an idiot...and your choice of payment is crude", she said, feigning anger. Smirking, Wink pulled Aerona against him. His hands wandered as he leaned toward her ear. "Do we have a deal?", he inquired, keenly. She hesitated briefly. "Agreed." Wink laughed darkly as his hand slid down the back of her pants.

"Hey, information first. You know how this deal works", she chided. Withdrawing, Wink sighed, "Of course I do. This isn't exactly our first exchange, now is it?". Aerona stepped back to her place on the balcony. "You're disgusting...Now, what did you learn?" The sniper made his way next her, leaning onto the railing. He stared toward the guild, as well, though his expression wavered. "Just remember - Blythe's off limits, part of the deal - take it or leave it." She nodded, smirking at his concern.

"So?", she prompted. Grinning, he began. "Lots of interesting things. That guild isn't what it seems. They're hiding something - something big. They also have a secondary location, probably where they keep their master. No one ever sees her, so it only makes sense she'd be hiding there. I saw several of them head out back of the building for long periods of time. If I had to guess, I'd say she isn't human." That caught Aerona's attention. Glancing over with interest, she asked, "Fey?". Wink grinned wide. "And she's not the only one. They've got some gray guy. Blythe tried to lie for him, but I'm not stupid. That thing was no spirit." Aerona peered into the distance in thought. "Gray? Tell me more." Wink sighed. "Pointy ears, fangs, glowing green eyes..." Facing him directly, she asked, "Wings? Tail?". Wink shrugged. Not that I saw", he replied. "Could be one of two things then. It's possible he's using some kind of magic to conceal his identity, but why then leave those notable features?", she thought aloud. "So what do you think he is?", asked the sniper, intrigued. "Could be a gargoyle...maybe and incubus. Either way, a lovely prize. What else?"

Wink turned, leaning his hips back against the railing. "There might be more if they're at the secondary locale. Hard to say, really. Either way, they were doing something important tonight. The entire guild was on edge. That fact combined with the lunar eclipse makes me pretty confident that fey were involved." Aerona tapped her fingers as she pondered it over. "Any chance your cousin will help us?", she ventured. Wink's cocky smile faded. "Not likely. He's like a puppy - loyal to a fault. I doubt he'll turn on his friends", he replied. "Pity. He would have made a decent agent. Too bad the old man never convinced him to join the Order. Still, a deal's a deal. He won't be harmed by my hand, but I can't speak for Judd...Does he even know you're still in the city?", said Aerona. Wink shrugged once more, resuming his trademark smirk. "Hell if I know or care for that matter."

His demeanor was shifting again and Aerona could feel his desire in the air. His eyes practically burned into her skin. "I think that's enough for now. I don't give full details until I've been paid. You know that", he grinned. She pretended to ignore him at first, then sighed. "Fine. Just get it over with", she said. He surprised her by grasping her wrist and wrenching her arm. "Too easy, Akachi. I told you this one would cost you extra, Red", he said, a sneer forming on his lips. "Swine!", she spat. Quickly tossing her vast store of knives aside, he smiled wickedly. He knew exactly where she kept them and despite his oafish behavior, he was skilled. "No toys for you. Now be a good girl", he said. Her skin crawled as he took hold of her curves. She hated him, yet she kept agreeing to this type trade. Why? She'll never tell...

Back in the sanctum, tears were beginning to fade. Natsu and Gray rejoined their friends without explanation of their absence. "Gray-sama!", beamed Juvia, hugging him tightly. Natsu sat beside Lucy silently. It wasn't like him to be so quiet. What had happened? As everyone settled back in, Wendy and the exceeds kept Tepin company, leaving their older guild mates alone. Gray stared firmly at his team mate. Annoyed, Natsu glared back. "What's with you two?", asked Lucy. "Juvia, take a walk with me", said Gray, getting back to his feet. She readily agreed, following him into the distance. Natsu felt like he couldn't face Lucy. So, instead, he simply asked, "You okay?". She smiled softly, trying to ease his tensions. "I'm okay. I guess I just wasn't ready to say 'goodbye' just yet...But I'm really glad we ere able to help Valentine. he deserves some peace", she replied.

Several minutes passed. She could see his clenched hand, but he still wasn't looking at her. Setting her hand over his own, she waited for him to meet her gaze. "Are you all right? You went after Nova, didn't you?" He nodded, dropping his eyes. "Yeah...I still don't know who she is...", he trailed. It obviously bothered him. "Maybe I'm wrong, but I think she was someone special, someone I used to know", he ventured. He slowly opened his palm, showing Lucy the scale. "Is that?..", she began. Stopping her words, she sighed. Of course it was a dragon scale. "Laniakea, the celestial dragon...That's who she was", she stated softly. Natsu nodded. He'd reached the same conclusion.

He looked up in surprise when Lucy pulled his hand closer. He blushed faintly as she studied it intently. "Natsu! This is...merging with you?", she uttered. "I guess", he said nervously. Why was she holding on so tightly? Lucy carefully touched the scale with her finger. To both of their shock, it responded, loosening from Natsu's skin. "What the - ?", he said. Amazing, Lucy was was able to pick up the scale with ease. As she stared at it, Natsu watched his skin resume its normal shape. How strange it all was. He couldn't begin to explain it all. Lucy's surprised gasp caught his attention. The scale was crumbling in her fingers. "What'd you do?", asked Natsu, unsure what was happening. He stared as the scale turned to dust, leaving only a sliver behind. Both mages stared in awe. Were they hallucinating? "Nova-sama", uttered Lucy. Her voice was faint, but clear. It called out, "Lucy", again and again. Finally, it said, "For your promise". Then, without warning, the sliver or the remaining scale dove into her hand, piercing her flesh and melting into her body. "Ouch!", she cried, caught off guard.

This time, Natsu grabbed her hand and hauled it close. He examined her palm with scrutiny. No wound remained, but the distinctive black line could be seen below her skin. "What's it mean?", he asked aloud. When Lucy didn't answer, he glanced up. Her left eye was glowing red and she seemed to mumbling some forgotten language. "Lucy?..Lucy!", he called, shaking her shoulders. In Lucy's mind, Nova smiled gently. "Thank you. Keep him safe and never forget your promise", said the demon. As the dreamlike vision faded, Lucy realized she was being shook. Grasping Natsu's arm, she said, "Stop! I'm okay now!". Her eye returned to normal. "What was that?", inquired Natsu, still rattled. Lucy flexed her hand. there was no pain. "I think...she gave me a gift", she ventured. Natsu's expression was clearly confused, but Lucy, too, needed time to figure out what the gift was.

Deeper in the cavern system, Puck had hauled his son onto his back and the group was making its way upward. Veda slithered beside him, quietly reliving the screams. Yona trailed close behind. She watched Jasper's back and wondered what kind of hell he'd been through. Then Puck's words came to her..."Many times"...How often did he have to go through this? As if on cue, Veda turned with a kind smile. "The blood moon can come several times a year, but only a total lunar eclipse causes him this much pain. Due to our location, it's roughly every two or three years...Still, it never gets an easier..." She knew Yona was concerned and who could blame her? In time, Jasper would wake and everything could back to normal.

Once they'd reached the main sanctum, Puck carefully placed Jasper in his own bed. Handing Yona an odd looking herb, he instructed, "If he wakes before morning, give him this. It will help him sleep." Yona nodded and watched the elf help Veda get Jasper settled. Once he was comfortably tucked in, his parents both kissed his brow and left him to rest. Before closing the door, Veda sent Yona one more grin. "You'll watch over him for us, won't you?" The dragon slayer found herself smiling faintly. They really rusted her. "Of course."

Hours later, Yona had been stretched outside beside Jasper, trying to sleep when he began to stir. She woke with a start. Jasper didn't look well. One hand clenched the sheets in a death grip. The other held tightly onto his chest. Quickly sitting up, she brushed the loose strands from his face. "Jasper?...Hey!...Come on, you're starting to scare me...You said you'd be fine once the eclipse was over!" Finally, he opened his eyes with a sharp gasp. Bewildered, he tried to sit up. Catching him at the shoulders, Yona gently pressed him back into the bed. "Take a breath. You're okay now", she said, trying to calm him.

A moment later, he'd collected himself. "I'm sorry...Did you see?..." He turned bashfully, waiting for an answer. She shook her head. "No..but I heard the end of it...Are you really all right?", she replied. Grasping her hand, he forced a smile. "With you here, I am", he said sincerely. His blushing was wearing off. Shaking the heat from her face, Yona smiled back at him. "Don't scare me like that", she chided. He smiled sheepishly, knowing there was nothing he could have done. Eventually, his smile fell as he recalled the evening's events. "Yona...How's Mom?..I mean, did she look okay?", he inquired, shying his gaze. "Typical", sighed Yona, prompting him to look back toward her. "What?", he uttered. "I said, 'Typical'. Look at you; You're such a mess! You probably can't even stand right now and here you are worrying about someone else", she said. Sighing deeply she added, "Still...It is sweet of you...Yeah, she's okay. Probably a little shaken, but she'll be all right. Your dad's with her."

Jasper grinned lightly to himself, glad everything was over. "Isn't there anything you can do about all this?", asked Yona, near emotionally exhausted. The silence caught her attention. "The books mention a few things, but..I don't think they'll actually work", he managed to stutter. "Like what? Don't tell me it's something stupid", she said, eying him suspiciously. "No more secrets, remember?", she teased, poking his ribs. "I remember...", he trailed shyly. It took a moment to gather his nerves, then he slowly began to explain. "My people are known for a few different things, but one is...their sensuality", he uttered nervously. Deciding to barb him, Yona said, "Sensuality or sexuality?", teasing him mercilessly. "Both", he said, turning a deeper hue of red. Taking a deep breath, he continued, "In the olden days, the tomes tell of ceremonies for the blood moon...They were so much religious ceremonies as - ..." Yona stared at him blankly. "Yes?", she prompted. "...Orgies...", he said, nearly inaudible.

Yona blurted out a laugh, making him even more self-conscious. "Is that all? Hell, I can help with that", she said, winking. She stifled her laughter at his embarrassment, but as annoying as his shyness was, it was kind of cute. "That's one way not to focus on pain, I guess", she said, cutting him some slack. He nodded shyly. "Anything else?", she asked, trying to let him relax. "Herbs mostly", he replied. Perking up, Yona said, "Oh yeah! Your dad left this for you", handing him the strange plant. He accepted it graciously. Ingesting it quickly, he sighed, trying to calm his nerves. Yona laid beside him, staring at his face. Eventually, she asked, "Does that really help?". Jasper grinned faintly. "Yeah, it does", he replied. She let him relax, sinking back into the mattress.

Slowly creeping closer, she set her head on his chest. She could everything - his heart, his breathing, even his muscles beginning to let go. She grinned to herself as his heart rate slowly decreased. The herb was working and he was being ushered into sleep. Laying her hand over his heart, she snuggled up close. Covering her hand with his own, he wrapped his free arm around her waist. She chuckled as his tail curled around her leg. It tickled, but she doubted he meant for it to. "Sleep", she said softly. Just like that, the two of them put off the night's stress as they drifted off. Yona was glad Puck had that herb. She no idea what it was, but as long at it helped Jasper, she didn't care. She was just tired of watching those she cared for suffer.

To be continued...