Secrets, part 18
It would be a long night for the guild. True, the eclipse had finally passed, but with it went a few sparks of life. Valentine was gone forever now, bu at least he had been reunited with Kaur. That thought alone kept Yona from crying through the night. She snuggled close to Jasper, watching him sleep. Grateful for the herb, she sighed. Why did he have to suffer like this? It made no sense that all incubus would go through such agony every blood moon. She wanted to go back and read the infamous tomes of history herself, but they were in a lost language that she couldn't read. It wouldn't be fair to ask Jasper. Puck was far too busy and Kavi...well, the light had left his eyes. That was another thing that bothered her. Would his magic really be enough to keep him an active guild member? How did Teresa do it?
Elsewhere, Veda smiled to herself as she entered her chambers. Her husband, Puck, was lovingly stroking their miracle egg with a soft grin. Upon hearing her enter, he blushed lightly. Slithering up to him, she embraced him from behind. "Amazing, isn't it?", she asked. Twisting in her arms, he cupped her face in his palm. "Yes...I never thought we'd get this chance...I remember how devastated you were when I told you our DNA was incompatible...I'd have given anything to lessen your pain...Now this..", he trailed. Veda snuggled into his embrace. "Your queen is truly kind to grant us this blessing", she said with a content sigh. Her words troubled Puck slightly. What is really Titania's doing or was it that strange liquid etherion she'd ingested? It only made sense that the potion would be harmful. Had the queen saved his beloved wife?
"It'll be months before it hatches", said Veda absently. Kissing her brow gently, Puck said, "I can wait." Looking into his face, she smiled brightly. Kissing him softly, she pulled her massive tail close around his legs. "Are you certain you're all right?", he asked suddenly. Leaning back, Veda peered into his eye. "About Jasper...I know it's a lot to bare", he clarified. Shying her gaze, her smile faded. She nodded briefly. "I just wish they was they was something we could do", she stated. Puck's keen intellect missed nothing. "What aren't you telling me?", he asked. She sighed deeply, searching for the words. Finally she uttered, "I don't think we were alone done there." With her palms on his chest, she instantly felt him stiffen with concern. "It's too soon...", he trailed. Glancing toward his beloved, he saw tears forming in her eyes.
Pulling her near, he held on tightly. "Don't cry, my love. We both knew this day would come." Veda sobbed softly despite his words. "But he just got home", she cried. Puck held on even tighter. "They've no way of knowing that...", he trailed. Forcing himself to relax, he focused on his wife's needs over his own. Tipping her chin, he kissed her warmly. "Don't worry. It will be his choice whether or not he goes with him", he assured. She nodded as he gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. "I feel like we should warn him", she sniffled. "Let him be, my love. He needs to enjoy what little normality his life holds while he can", said Puck softly. Veda nodded, once more leaning into his arms.
"Enough tears", he said, offering a kind smile. She was trying, but so much ache was pent up in her heart. "About Kavi", began the elf. Veda glanced up with interest. "I have a plan", grinned Puck. She knew better than to ask too many questions. Her husband was full of surprises. She only prayed whatever trick he had up his sleeve was going to work. She simply gave him an appreciative smile with hope their son would soon see again. They retired to bed as they spoke of the night's events. In time, words gave way to motion as their love was reinforced with tender hands and warm embraces. When the passions ceased, Veda curled her coils around her husband as she drifted to sleep in his arms. There was much to worry about still, but at least they could find peace in the night.
Several chambers away, Kavi and Blythe had been up late talking. Blythe told his lover about Wink's escape and the possibility of Akachi coming back. He'd also plead his case one last time for Kavi to consider accepting an eye, but it was no use. The dragon slayer refused to budge on the issue. "For the last time, I won't allow such a sacrifice. You've already given me too much as it is", he said firmly. Blythe sighed. The transfusion had been risky, but without his blood and its healing properties, Kavi may very well have died. "I understand", said the blood mage glumly. He wouldn't bring it up again.
"You know I'm just worried about you", he said, taking Kavi's hand. Grinning lightly, Kavi nodded. "I know, but you also need to look after yourself, okay?", he said. "Okay", agreed Blythe shyly. He sat happily in Kavi's arms; Resting his back against the dragon slayer's chest, he idly played with his lovers fingers. "I'm sorry", he stated. "For what?", inquired Kavi, resting his head against Blythe's. "I don't mean to upset you. I was just trying to help", said Blythe, still saddened by Kavi's blindness. "You're always the first to offer, Blythe, but I'll be all right. Once my mana replenishes, I'll 'see' just fine", assured Kavi. "Your magic's still pretty weak, Kavi-kun. You need to eat more sound if you want to get stronger. Do you want me to sing for you again?", offered the blood mage. Giving in, Kavi agreed. Blythe's angelic voice filled the room only be converted into Kavi's magic. After that, they cuddled contently. Blythe had hoped Kavi had fallen back to sleep, so he'd get better faster, but in time, he realized that was not to be. The dragon slayer's energy had shifted, something the blood mage recognized well.
"You should be resting", chided Blythe. Kavi grinned to himself, tightening his embrace. "I can't", he replied, "I'm still hungry." A faint shiver ran through Blythe at the tone of his voice. Nuzzling gently, Kavi caressed Blythe lovingly. The blood mage smiled with a faint blush as he leaned into the affection. As things got warmer, Blythe's concern for his lover was also increasing. "Are you well enough for this?", he asked between shallow breaths. Nibbling his ear, Kavi softly replied, "This isn't about me. Let me help you. You've been through so much lately all because of me...You need a release." Blythe writhed beneath his fingers, only inviting further motions. "But Kavi-kun - ", he began, his cheeks turning red. As if to set his mind at ease, Kavi decided to act selfish. "But you know how delicious those sounds are to me", he said, laying it on thick. It was true enough.
Feeling Blythe relax against his body, Kavi grinned to himself. He knew just what to say to ease his partner's worries. After all, Blythe would do anything for Kavi, but accepting things on his own behalf was something he needed to work at. Blythe shuddered as Kavi's hands went to all of the right places. Gasps and cries were quickly taken in by Kavi's magic. He may have lost his sight, but as long as he had Blythe, he'd gladly give up his senses.
Out in the city, Wink sat on the empty balcony, staring toward the guild. He could Aerona threatening him from inside, but he didn't care. She wasn't exactly going anywhere. Taking another heavy swig from his bottle of booze, he sighed. "Pipe down in there. I'm trying to think", he called. Annoyed by her incessant pestering, he stepped back inside. Aerona glared at him furiously. He'd bound her, crucified to exposed pipes sticking out from the wall. "Let me go already. I paid you, now unbind me!", she spat, angry as ever. Wink smirked and sat beside her without a care. "I told you this one would cost extra, Red. Drink?", he said, offering the bottle. She snubbed his gesture, haughtily shying her face. "When are you gonna drop that wet cat attitude of yours? You act like you hate me, but you obviously don't", he said, gesturing to her circumstance.
Refusing to face him, she snapped, "It's just business! It isn't my fault you don't accept money like everyone else!". Leaning against the wall, he grinned to himself. "Keep telling yourself that", he smirked. "One of these days you'll regret messing with me", she muttered. He scoffed her laughter. "What are you going to do? Cut something off? Then who's going to keep you happy?", he taunted. Glaring intensely, she poured her fury into the surrounding air. "Despite what you think, I don't need you. It was just easier to send you into the guild since your cousin was there", she argued. "Uh huh, and all the other times?", he asked, cocky as ever. She simmered in silence for a moment before saying, "You're just lucky the old man likes you or I would've killed you ages ago."
Wink stared into his now empty bottle upon those words. "Speaking of the old man, do you think Blythe knows?", he asked. "How should I know! I don't keep track of your idiot cousin! Let alone what he thinks! Besides, if he's anything like you, I doubt he thinks at all!", she spat. Wink grinned at her anger. "Don't let the master hear you say that", he warned. "Or what? He thinks of that thing as a failure anyway. The proof is obvious! He joined a guild! He's a mage now. He doesn't count as family or even as human being. You know that", said Aerona. Idly spinning the bottle on the floor, Wink sighed, "Yeah, Uncle Yavuz always hard on him."
The next day, things at Serpent Wing almost resumed normality. Members were busy with local jobs, though they kept a keen eye for Noctis. Three known agents were in the city and there no telling what their previous captive had achieved while present. Thanks to Blythe's magic, Grem was as good as new. It didn't even look like he'd been wounded. Eager to thank him, the chaos mage volunteered to lead their new guests down to the sanctum. Acheron stood nearby, keeping a close eye out for any signs of spies. If the sanctum entrance was found and breached, it would be disastrous. As Grem lead his newly claimed friends down the long stairwell, he idly chatted. One guest nodded politely while another was annoyed and waiting for him to shut up. Once they reached the bottom of the steps, Grem yelled out.
The fairies were the first to respond. By the time Yona showed up to investigate, he friends were already terror stricken. Erza stared them down menacingly. They had disobeyed Makarov's orders and broke the quarantine, leaving the city all together. Despite what they had recently been through, the fairies weren't about to challenge their guild mate when she was this mad. Behind Erza, Gajeel smirked at Natsu's fear. Moments later, he froze solid at the sound of a cheerfully called, "Jeel-kun!". It was Natsu's turn to smirk as his fellow dragon slayer tried in vain to dislodge Blythe from a tight hug.
"I knew you'd come to see me soon! Did you get my letter? Isn't it exciting?!", beamed the blood mage, taking every opportunity to cuddle with his childhood friend. "Niisan, I'm not sure he can breathe", said Wendy nervously. Finally letting go, Blythe landed gracefully on his feet. He'd gone into full glomp mode at the sight of Gajeel. "Sorry", he grinned. Gajeel sent Natsu a nasty look, warning him to stifle his snickering. "Good to see you again", said Lily. Blythe beamed at the exceed, resisting the urge to squeeze him, as well. "What are you guys doing here?", asked Yona, unintimidated. "Looking for strays", replied Gajeel. Veda and Puck approached their new guests. "Welcome back", said Veda with a smile. "I see you've found your friends", grinned Puck, ignoring the furry creature on his head. "This is my husband, Puck", said Veda, introducing the elf, "I don't think he was home last time you visited."
Introductions and pleasantries were quickly completed. Gajeel watched the odd bundle of fur jump from the elf to Natsu. "Get a new pet, Salamander?", he taunted. "This is Tepin. She's a friend", replied Natsu. "Friend?", repeated Lily. Without warning the opossum transformed into her human shape, nearly smothering Natsu as she curled up against him. "Too bright! So sleepy", she cooed. "Forgive Tepin. She's nocturnal", explained Veda. "What is she?", asked Gajeel bluntly. Yona grinned at his lack of manners. "An opossum, some kind of furry night time thing from across the ocean", she said, trying to sound smart. "She's our newest ward", added Puck. "Natsu, put her down. We need to talk. Now", said Erza, emphasizing the last word. He nervously obeyed. "Gray, Lucy, you, too", said Erza, leading them away from the group. "Looks like you lucked out, squirt", teased Yona, leaning onto Wendy's head. Blythe took the opportunity to get closer to his oldest friend, catching up while the fairies spoke in the distance. Juvia watched her guild mates nervously. There was no way she would get off the hook that easily.
Several yards away, Lucy hurriedly explained about the eclipse and why they had to sneak off. "And Valentine?", asked Erza sharply. "He's free now", said Lucy softly, looking at the sand. "We've got bigger problems", said Gray, interrupting. He quickly explained Noctis and the danger Serpent Wing was in. "So that's why we can't leave yet", he finished explaining. Erza thought it over. There was no doubt they'd been spotted entering the guild. "Anything I say won't change your mind, will it?", she sighed. "No way", grinned Natsu. "All right. We'll help, but once this is over, you're going answer for your crimes", said Erza with an icy glare.
The mages rejoined the main group. There was much to discuss. Over the next few hours, Puck went into detail about the Order. Erza didn't like what she was hearing. Gajeel said nothing, simply watching Blythe for reactions. He remembered enough about Noctis to know it was bad news. In time, they were joined by another familiar face. Kavi smiled politely, standing beside his brother. He kept one hand on Jasper's arm for guidance. "It's been a while", he grinned. Glad to see him up and about, no one argued over his presence. In fact, it felt more appropriate having him there. He was the face of the guild to the outside world for all intents and purposes. Jasper was politely introduced by his mother. Yona grinned, glad to him moving about, as well. It seemed like he was back to normal and that was a good sign.
The group continued to speak of the Order and the revelation that they had spawned the virus that nearly killed so many mages, claiming at least a few lives as it spread. Natsu teased about how he missed the chance to see Sting when the dragon slayer came to Fairy Tail with the cure, but it mattered little. He could also go visit Sabretooth. Everyone was glad to hear that their friends had all recovered from the virus back home. After some time passed, Blythe chided Kavi to get his rest and helped him back to his room. That's when Puck answered the silent questions from their new guests. "Blind?", asked Lily, a little surprised. "Yes, but he'll be all right with his magic", added Jasper, still trying to convince himself. That issues aside, serious plans needed to be made to handle the threat of Noctis. Lily kept a careful eye on his partner when Wink came up. He'd never met the guy, but he knew who he was and cousin or not, he wasn't about to let him lay a hand on Blythe.
To be continued...