Secrets, part 27
Gajeel's keen senses picked up on the brewing trouble. He was itching for a good fight anyway. Problem was, Blythe was still out cold. Now seated inside the room, the dragon slayer stared at his sleeping friend in thought. "If it is Noctis, the guild's going to need him", said Lily. Sighing deeply in irritation, the dragon slayer decided it best to have all available mages ready for the fight. "Blythe, wake up", he said. The blood mage made no response. Either Kavi really hit those pressure points or Blythe had simply succumbed to his emotional exhaustion. Taking a step closer, Gajeel mildly shook Blythe's shoulder. "Hey", he said, louder than before. Blythe's lips curled into a grin. "Mmm, Jeel-kun", he cooed, snuggling the dragon slayer's arm. "Wake up, stupid!", yelled Gajeel, hitting him over the head with his free hand.
Hazily sitting up, Blythe took a moment to come into reality. "What is it?", he yawned, "Was I sleep walking again?". Gladly free from Blythe cuddle-some grip, Gajeel glared mildly. "Get to your feet. Something's wrong", he stated. Blinking, Blythe glanced around. "Where's Kavi?", he inquired carefully. "Likely above ground. Sounded like an explosion a few minutes ago", replied the dragon slayer. Blythe's peaceful 'just woke up face' turned sour. Quickly pulling on his boots, he headed for the door. A firm hand on his shoulder stopped his tracks. "From what you've told me, it sounds like Kavi can take care of himself. Your guild needs you down here", said Gajeel. With a resolute nod, Blythe took off for Veda. "Are you sure he'll stay in the sanctum?", asked Lily. Gajeel smirked to himself. "He's a hopeless idiot...but he's also reliable. He'll find their master", replied the dragon slayer. With nothing keeping them in the chamber, the duo headed out, as well, never knowing who they would run into in the depths of the cave system.
Above ground, Fairy Tail was going toe to toe with an agent of Noctis. Aerona seemed to dodge magic quite well. Even more unusual, she could hold her ground against Erza's sword with knife collection. Lucy and Hantu hauled Ahiru out of harm's way. She was out cold from Dubhan's attack, but at least she wasn't linked to him anymore. Wendy healed Acheron's wounds and Grem was still missing in the wreckage. Dalia had turned up unharmed in Teresa's care. The seeress was riddled with guilt. She knew they'd come, but she didn't foresee the guild hall's destruction. Was something blocking her skills?
Gray scowled as Aerona gracefully back flipped out of range yet again. "Gray-sama?", uttered Juvia, unsure what was wrong. "She can't dodge forever", smirked Natsu. "Juvia", called Gray. Immediately jumping to attention, she awaited instruction. "Take Lucy and take care of the sniper", he ordered. "B-but Juvia wants to help", she responded. "Taking that asshole out is helping", stated Natsu. The steely look in their eyes left little room for debate. "Okay", she nodded, taking off. After Hantu assured Lucy she wasn't needed to look after Ahiru, the two fairies headed for the bluff that should be hiding their shooter.
Still, Erza grit her teeth in annoyance. Something was wrong. No one had that much natural ability, but Noctis didn't use magic...Did they? Aerona smirked to herself at the mage's confusion. "Don't feel bad. I've attended rigorous training my entire life. I'm sure it isn't something a magic user like yourself would understand", she sneered. She really did hate magic. As Aerona glanced at her surroundings, she'd been pinned in. Gray, Natsu, and Erza had formed a triangle around her. With a scoffing laugh, Aerona seemed to become a slight bit unhinged. "I haven't worked up a good sweat in a long time. Maybe you three will be entertaining after all", she taunted. Twitching her fingers in an inviting gesture, she said, "Come on."
Deep in the sanctum, Veda nervously eyed her precious egg. Puck had confirmed it. Noctis had made their move. She'd waited more than a century for a child of her own. If anything happened to that egg - ... No, she couldn't even think of it. Feeling torn, she kept her coils ready to strike. She really wanted to help the guild. Losing it again would be unbearable, but she was needed here, too. Putting all her faith in her family, she held her position. If Noctis got passed Puck, Kavi, and Jasper, there was little hope for her precious embryo. As she thought that, footsteps were fast approaching. Glaring at the door, flexed her wing in anticipation. "Master Veda?!", called a familiar voice. She released a deep breath. It was Blythe. Meeting him at the doorway, she hugged him tightly. She'd seen his tormented dreams from the previous night and there was nothing she could do to help.
She pulled back and shut the door, locking it tightly once more. Blythe glanced around the room. "Of course she's here", he thought as his eyes settled over the massive egg. "Blythe, they're here", she stated grimly. "Noctis...", he trailed. The organization had haunted him for years. Shaking his regrets, he looked to his master for orders. "What's our status?", he inquired, showing a strength he often hid. "Puck's verified at least three agents, but there may be more. The guild - ..." Her words broke off. Strengthening her resolve, she continued. "The guild hall's been destroyed. Kavi headed up with Fairy Tail a while ago. We have no reported fatalities yet." That last statement sent a chill done Blythe's spine. "Yet", repeated in his mind. Seeing his expression twinge, she pulled him into a loving embrace. "It'll be okay...Blythe, there's something you need to know..about Van", she said, trying to figure out how to break the news.
Breaking from her embrace, Blythe's amber eyes poured a soul crushing sadness as he awaited her next words. Knowing they were pressed for time, Veda simply stated the truth. "He's a celestial spirit now. He's bound to Yona and sworn to protect her as the gate of the southern shield...No one blames you", she said, softly stroking his face. Still, Yona's bitter words rang loudly in his head. Seeming to force himself passed the news, Blythe lowered his master's hand. "Where's Puck?", he asked. She quickly gave him directions and the blood mage took off. His knowledge of Noctis might be the only thing to save the guild.
In one of the tunnels from the beach, a man smoked idly as he walked the dark passages. He wore and emblem on his chest that marked him as the head of Noctis. "Are you really here, Baron?", he grinned. "All those years ago, we identified the wrong person. It's been you along, hasn't Blythe?" It had been years since he'd last laid eyes on the mage now known to be the blood baron. Still, it made sense, looking back. Dubhan had a gift, but not the one Noctis sought. The man sighed as he snuffed his cigar. He cursed them all - Serpent Wing, Blythe, even his own agents. However, the one name he cursed most of all was Tihana Sandrunner. She'd shrewdly outfoxed him long ago, but as far as he concerned, she'd gotten what was coming to her.
Pausing in his tracks, his sneered disgustedly. The entire cave system reeked of magic, a sure sign the fey were here. Glancing at the charcoal map Dubhan had given him, he crumbled it into a ball. He could easily follow the stench of the unnatural from here. A sly grin crossed his scarred face. "I wonder if you beasts have any idea what's coming to you", he said with a faint chuckle, "Or to you, Blythe."
Further into the sanctum, Puck was shouting orders to the various mages around him. Staring briefly in the direction of the approaching threat, Puck's eye narrowed. "Koko, we need you to make a illusory dead end to that tunnel. Yung-Li, be ready in case they see through the glimmer." Both mages nodded. Koko was an expert at lip reading. Her illusions were very convincing, but still yet, Yung-Li's speed was the best back up in case her magic failed. Turning to Yona and the twin exceeds, the elf paused. "Yona, guard the main entrance near the stairwell", he said. She frowned faintly, wanting to get right to the action, but she knew better than to argue with Puck. As she turned, she locked eyes with her team mate. Blythe skid to a halt as he stared back at her. Before either of them could say anything, Puck hollered for the blood mage. Setting his emotions aside, Blythe strode forward. Likewise, Yona took her post near the entrance.
"Are you well?", asked Puck, giving Blythe a discerning once over. Blythe nodded. "I'm fine. Any word from topside?", he replied. As if on cue, Kavi came running down the stairs. Speeding passed Yona, he ran straight for Puck. "It's coming", he panted. "What is?", inquired Blythe. A mass of writhing shadows rose up behind Blythe as he questioned his lover. It stretched nearly eight feet tall. "I am", it cooed in a broken voice. Seemingly out of nowhere, Jasper tackled Blythe to the ground as the thing struck wildly. One red eye opened in the darkness and glared at the incubus. "Give back my prey, monster", it hissed. Jasper glared back with such intensity that his eyes glowed. Giving no time for the men to get off the ground, a voice rang out. "DUBHAN!" Blythe's eyes widened in shock. Not only had he just been saved, but he knew that voice. All eyes turned toward it.
Atop a nearby stalagmite stood Wink. He looked unarmed. "Back off, Dubhan", he spat as he slid to ground level. The shadow seethed hatred as he approached. "And drop the damned cloak already. You only make yourself look that big because you hate being short", snorted the sniper. "What are you doing?!", screeched Dubhan, his fun disrupted. "When our master hears of this - !" Seemingly unimpressed Wink ignored the swirling mass of darkness. Offering a hand to his cousin, he grinned wryly. "You all right?". Blythe nodded, still in shock. Jasper quickly swatted Wink's open hand away. "Don't touch my brother", he said. It wasn't a suggestion; It was a warning. Wink took a step back in confusion. What did that inhuman thing mean by calling Blythe his brother?
Kavi came behind and helped Blythe to his feet. Jasper stood between them and Wink. Puck kept a keen eye on the shadow thing called Dubhan at the same time. Noting the glares from Jasper and Kavi, Wink sighed. "I'm unarmed. I'm here to help", he stated. Jasper's tail twitched in distrust as he slowly lowered his guard. "You can't help them, Wink. They're already gone", said Dubhan, his voice horridly off kilter. Eyes wide, Wink reached forward and shouted, "Don't!", but it was already too late. Dubhan had grasped both Blythe and Kavi with his dark tendrils and the trio disappeared into a portal in the floor.
Puck quickly knelt to the sands, looking for any lingering traces of the magic, hoping to track them. Jasper grabbed Wink by the collar of his shirt. "Where did that thing take them?!", he demanded. Having heard the commotion, Yona and twins returned. Seeing Jasper look so imposing gave her thoughts better left for times of peace, but they were in the middle of a war. Shaking her head, she settled her gaze on Wink. "Oh, it's you again", she snorted. Jasper was furious. He had to be. It was the only time his corrosion magic manifested on its own. Wink's shirt shriveled and crumbled and his skin began to burn as Jasper grasped him firmly by the shoulders. Shaking him once, he shouted again, "Where?!".
Elsewhere, the leader of Noctis stopped dead in his tracks. He could smell magic, all right, but this time it was familiar. Simply waiting, he watching the blackness concentrate into one point in the sands. As it swirled, two men were thrown to the dust. Dubhan crept from his portal, amused at his catch. "You're late", said the man, unimpressed. Kavi struggled to gain his bearings. It'd been on hell of a ride. Adjusting his glasses, he quickly noticed a thick pair of boots just a few feet away. "Blythe, are you all right?", he asked, firmly staring at the man ahead. Holding his head, Blythe, too, came back to reality. "Kavi-kun? Where are we?", he asked still hazed. "It's been a long time", said the head of Noctis. Blythe froze solid. He was so silent, it dragged Kavi's gaze away from the man to check on him. He could hear Blythe's heartbeat drop. He was paralyzed, but he looked all right. Then he saw his lover's expression. The color drained from his face, his eyes trembling in terror. Frozen and near breathless, he uttered, "You!..You're...dead...". The man before him smirked coldly. "Is that what she told you?"
Kavi glanced between them at a startling realization. The man slicked back the loose strands from his face and replaced his hat calmly. "Your sister always was useless when it came to relaying messages", he grinned. Kavi scrambled between them. "Yavuz Sandrunner?", he inquired skeptically. "My reputation precedes me, I see. Tell me, Blythe, what have you told this mage?", he asked. Tears streamed down Blythe's face as he tried to make sense of everything. The shadow behind him resumed human size, but still wore an inky darkness that hid his features. Playfully tracing the mage's face, Dubhan leaned over his shoulder. "If that's all it takes to phase the all powerful blood baron, maybe I should I just take your power. It is a burden, isn't it?", he cooed.
A shock wave sent both Yavuz and Dubhan flying backwards. Quickly turning, Kavi shook Blythe's arms. "Snap out of it!" We have to move!", he said. Blythe's focus slowly settled into Kavi's eyes. They were fierce with his determination to save them, but showed worry deep inside. "I - ...", trailed Blythe. Several yards away, Yavuz, leader of Noctis, got to his feet. "Mages are such troublesome creatures", he stated, striding toward them. "Blythe, we have to go", plead Kavi, trying to get Blythe back to reality. He froze as something lodged itself deep in his shoulder blade. He could hear the agents still approaching. Ignoring the pain, He struggled to get Blythe on his feet. Seeing a trickle of blood from Kavi's lips is all it took. Blythe was back.
"Kavi-kun, you're bleeding!", he panicked. "It's nothing. We have to get back to the others", replied the dragon slayer, idly wiping the blood with his sleeve. "It's a shame so many dragon slayers survived my master piece", said Dubhan, suddenly standing beside them. "Still, it was fun to watch all of you suffer", he said with an eerie grin. Grabbing Kavi by the throat, he showed an unnatural strength as the tossed the mage aside. "Let's see you use that trick again", he said, each word a different pitch. Glaring, Kavi tried to use his magic, but nothing happened. He tried again and again. Staring at his hand, he swore under his breath. "What did you do?", he demanded. "Simple really", said Yavuz, clearly unitimidated. "Dubhan here is quite the prodigy. Not only did he create that virus that ravaged guilds across Fiore, but he also created the device now lodged into your flesh", he smirked.
Dubhan seemed delighted to be praised, though no discernible smile could be seen through his dark cloak. "It's true. In short, that little device is a magic disruptor", he cooed proudly. Blythe unexpectedly grabbed the shadow's clothing and jerked him close. "Get it out!", he demanded. Dubhan laughed, the tone beyond creepy. "Do you see this, Master? You're beloved blood baron is in love with a dragon slayer", he chortled. Yavuz narrowed his eyes as he scowled at Kavi. "Is that so?", he said coldly. Seeming to shift focus, the leader of Noctis stepped beside Blythe and Dubhan. Grasping Them both, he said only, "Take us home." Before Kavi could react, they were gone, just like how they'd traveled through darkness to get where they were. Dubhan's voice echoed delightedly through the cave. "I'll be back to play with you."
To be Continued...