Secrets, part 40
Back at the guild, clean up was progressing, but it would take time to rebuild. Thus, the members had temporarily moved to the sanctum below. Acheron on was on his way to check on their 'guest', Wink. He couldn't exactly go far on his own, but that didn't mean they could trust him. As he walked, something odd caught his eye. "Blood?" The tunnel he walked was seldom used and his team mates had been healed of their injuries. Even Grem was awake now. Skeptical, he continued his path. Perhaps he was seeing things. There it is again; Too much to ignore.
Further ahead was the chamber where they were keeping Wink. He propped himself against a pillow, trying to ignore his pain. Though Wendy had offered many times to heal him, he refused each time. He still didn't trust magic and, deep down, he felt he deserved his pain. When Aerona had set off that grenade, he'd been caught in the blast. Natsu had little choice, but to stop the bleeding. Now, Winchester Sandrunner slept lightly, tuning out the approaching footsteps. The mages had come and gone, so he paid little attention, but something wasn't right. He focused his remaining eye on the entrance of his chamber. The footsteps were muffled, like someone was shuffling. Finally, they stopped just outside the curtain the guild had hung for privacy. It was dimly lit at best and he could barely make out a human form in the gloom. Heavy panting echoed through the room.
"Who is it?", called Wink. The mages usually announced themselves. "You son of a bitch", was wheezed as answer, the words slurred and forced. Fighting against his own body, Wink readied himself for defense. That voice... The curtain flowed over the person entering as if they made no attempt to open it. Once his wide eyed settled over his visitor, it all made sense. "How dare you...survive...", seethed Aerona. Both arms had been blown off and little remained of her face. Still, she glared with rage and hate. "Aerona?!", gasped the sniper, shocked. "You're alive?", he uttered, confused. "Thought you were rid of me?...A coward like you...hiding with the enemy...You dare call yourself..an agent of Noctis?...Being harbored by mages?", she spat, anger and injuries terribly slurring her speech. Wink's gaze narrowed as he accepted her arrival. "Look at you. I'm surprised you haven't bled to death", he smirked, only furthering her ire. He looked over her disheveled form and the tattered tissue hanging from her shoulders where her arms once were. Becoming more sincere, he sighed, "Oh, Red...You're a mess."
She tried to sneer, but couldn't muster the expression. Still, her utter distaste of him was palpable. "I can't die...until I kill you...", she said, struggling to stay on her feet. "Kill me?", scoffed Wink, "What are you gonna do? Bite me to death? You don't have enough teeth left for that." His snide comments only fueled her rage, the one thing keeping her clinging to life. "You used me...I can't die...without killing you first...", she panted. His face took on an air of seriousness. "You mean our little transactions? You could have easily said 'no' at any time. An agent with your skill didn't really need my intel, now did you?", he prodded. Ignoring the implications, Aerona craned her neck, managing to grasp a knife in her teeth from inside her tattered clothing. Lifeless eyes stared at Wink as she trudged forward. Wink smirked. "You're determined, I'll give you that."
As she struggled from one step to the next, she stopped dead mere feet from her target. Her eyes widened and she fell forward, a glowing arrow in her back. Acheron stood in the doorway, enchanted bow in hand. His expression faltered between a scowl and pity for the fallen. "Any more of you coming out of the wood work?", he asked, almost coldly. Wink stared agape. He'd never seen Acheron look so determined. He'd always figured him for some kind of emo nerd. "You killed her?", uttered Wink, still in shock. Sighing, Acheron lowered his bow as the glowing arrow in Aerona's back disintegrated into nothing. "I did what I had to. She was already dead. Hate animated her, not life...You're safe now. I'll report to the master", he said, almost sadly. As he turned, Wink called out, "Wait! You're just gonna leave her here?!" The mage softened his eyes, looking even sadder amplified through his cracked glasses. "I'll send someone...I'm sorry for your loss." Then, he left. Wink breathlessly stared after him in disbelief. Just who was this Acheron kid anyway?!
Further into the sanctum, several minutes later, Acheron approached Veda's quarters. He knocked lightly, but there was no response. Concerned, he stepped in quietly. "Master?", he called softly. Spotting her, his smiled faintly. She was sound asleep, wrapped lovingly around her precious egg. Reaching toward her, he pulled his hand back before making contact. "Master Veda", he said, louder. "Mmph", she cooed, fighting to stay asleep. "Master Veda, we've had a breach", he stated, trying to get through.
From Veda's point of view, she heard a muffled voice. It was familiar, but unclear. Then, a scent came to her. She knew that smell well. Maybe the last several days had been an awful nightmare. Hazily opening her eyes, she yawned, "Puck?". Once her vision focused, she blushed at her mistake. Acheron stared at her half confused and half upset. "Forgive me for intruding", he said, shrinking away several steps. "Wait!", ordered Veda, grasping his wrist. His long sleeve had ridden up as he tried to pull away, exposing his badly scarred wrist. He quickly yanked himself free and shyly tugged his sleeve into place. Averting his gaze, he said, "You know, don't you?".
Veda looked upon him with mixed emotion. Pity for his past, sorrow for her mistake, and regret for pointing out what everyone had always ignored. Puck's magic and air of authority had always made it very easy to distinguish himself, but with such things stripped away, the scent remained. "I guess this is why Edolas sent you here", she said, sighing softly. Acheron said nothing, shifting his weight nervously. "It's all right. I won't tell anyone", assured Veda. He nodded shyly. "Thank you...Do you think they'll notice now?", he uttered, frustrated. Veda offered a kind smile. "I'm sure your team has known all along. As for the rest of the guild, it doesn't matter. You may be my husband's counterpart, but you are and have always been Acheron Styx. Puck is - ...", she trailed, pain in her chest. "He was a good man", stated Acheron.
Silence filled the room. Finally, Veda took on the mantle of guild master. "You reported a breach?", she inquired. Nodding, he replied, "The other Noctis agent was still alive. I've - ...seen to her", he said carefully. "She made it to the sanctum?!", gasped Veda, surprised. "Her injuries were severe. She wouldn't have lasted much longer. I ended her pain", he said, desolately looking at the floor. He grit his teeth, recalling the times he'd tried to end his own. He froze and Veda hugged him gently. "It's all right. You were protecting the guild", she whispered. Before he could respond, the door flew open. Ahiru stared at the duo near tears. "What did you do?", she asked, trying not to sob. She ran forward and embraced her team mate. "Why do you always fight alone?", she sobbed, hugging him tightly. Veda grinned faintly at their bond and gave them some room. "I'm sorry", he uttered. Pulling back, Ahiru looked him in the eyes and sighed. "You know I can feel it, too", she said, placing a hand over his heart. He grinned sheepishly. "I know."
Sighing, Ahiru wiped her face and turned toward Veda. "Master, forgive the intrusion", she said humbly. "Don't worry about it. Take Acheron back to Grem and make sure Winchester is taken care of. See to - ", she began, pausing to look at Acheron. Seeing him calm down with Ahiru's help, she continued, "See to a proper burial for the other agent." Ahiru nodded. Taking her friend by the hand, the two left the chamber.
Veda sighed heavily, concerned for her family. The guild was all she had to keep her going. That and... Turning toward her egg, she carefully turned it over and lovingly stroked the shell. She smiled serenely. "I can hear your heartbeat, little one. It's getting stronger every day. We'll meet soon, I promise." She kissed the egg softly and sighed. If only Puck were still there to see their baby hatch. What kind of face would he make? She smiled fondly as she pictured it. "Oberon has decreed you to be a daughter. I guess that means the name I picked will be yours. Your daddy would have named you otherwise." Sighing once more, she coiled around her precious offspring. "We'll meet soon...Durga."
Miles away, Jasper's team had finally caught up to the advance party. He quickly averted his face once his eyes met with Pax's. She smiled widely at his red cheeks. She'd get to him yet, she was sure of it. The two groups exchanged information and made a plan of attack. Infiltration would be key if they were to have the advantage of surprise. Still, once they reached the complex, no one was sure how to enter or exactly how large it was. Wink had told them some vague details, but now they wished they had more information. "We're estimating around three hundred individuals below the surface. The complex seems to consist of three separate areas - the church, the commons, and the area devoted to Noctis. If we enter through the temple, we're likely to encounter zealots. They may not be involved with Noctis itself, but I can't ay they are innocent. Should we enter through the commons, we will encounter civilians - children. I do not recommend this option", explained Eadmund, looking over a rough sketch Wink had given them as a map. "That leaves the Noctis area", stated Erza, deep in thought. "It is the most probable location of your friends", added Eadmund.
Then it's settled!", said Natsu, eager for action. "Let's kick their butts!", chimed Yona, bumping fists with her fellow dragon slayer. "Just a minute!", said Jasper, drawing all eyes to himself. "We don't know what their predicament is. If you two crash through, it might just provoke Noctis into killing Kavi and Blythe. Everyone thought it over. He was right. "All right. I'll sneak in with Eadmund. Once we get some intel, we'll send Nefeli out with details. Okay?", offered Pax. "Well, they did stay hidden in the sanctum", supplied Ronen. Rani nodded in agreement. "Fine, but if you're seen, withdraw immediately. Understood?", said Jasper. The duo nodded. Yona stared in wonder. When did Jasper become a figure of authority? He'd been acting strangely for some time now. "All right. Everyone rest up. We should reach the entrance point in a few hours", ordered Erza.
The group spread out, everyone attempting to relax while pensive over the coming conflict. Yona had talked with Lucy and Natsu for a while, trying to smooth them over when she noticed Jasper standing off by himself, pensively staring ahead. Leaving the twins to keep the conversation going, she went to his side. "You okay?", she asked. Closing his eyes, he let out a deep breath. "Yona. I can;t do this anymore", he blurted. "...Do what?", she inquired, confused. Turning to face her, he held sorrow in his eyes and it hit her. "Are you trying to dump me?!", she exclaimed. Glancing toward the camp, he pulled her further away from ear shot. "Please don't say it like that. I have...responsibilities to nocte regni. I can't - ...", he trailed. "Can't what? Waste time with a lowly human?", she said, crossing her arms. "Don't think like that. I can't devote the time you need...the time you deserve...Once this business with Noctis is over...I have to go with them", he said, wistfully looking toward Pax and Eadmund. "You...Idiot!", cried Yona.
Just as she shouted that, a dark blur came from nowhere, planting a firm blow to Jasper's jaw, dropping him to the ground. Both Jasper and Yona stared in shock as Van scowled at the fallen incubus. "You selfish bastard", he seethed. "Van?!", gaped Yona. Without moving his glaring eyes, he softly said, "We're linked at the heart, remember? I can't let an immature asshole make my beautiful bride cry, now can I?". He smirked faintly at the 'bride' part. Yona sighed as she lifted her hands to her hand. She couldn't deal with this right now. Jasper cracked his jaw back into place and defiantly looked at the celestial spirit now standing over him. "I'm not being selfish. I'm trying to - ", he began. Sharply cutting him off, Van said, "Trying to what? Walk away from the best thing that ever happened to you?". Dropping his gaze, Jasper said nothing. Yona stepped forward, placing her hands on Van's arm. "I'm fine. You don't have to do this", she said softly.
The tone in her words said otherwise. Turning, he looked at her with a gentle smile. "You're fine? Then what's this?", he said, wiping a stray tear from her face. Glancing between Van and Jasper, Yona sighed. Why did her chest hurt so much? Did Van's death somehow change her opinion or it simply confirmed what she'd denied all along? She lowered Van's hand from her face and looked at Jasper. He slowly got off the ground and dusted himself off. "I'm sorry", he uttered softly. "For what? Putting your people before yourself?...I get it", replied Yona. Both men looked at her in surprise. Van grinned to himself. She was really growing up. Yona slowly offered her hand. "Friends?", she asked. Jasper smiled shyly and accepted the gesture. "Friends", he agreed. "But don't think you're off the hook. There's no way in hell I'm letting you go alone. Pax will have your man bits in her hands before you know what hit you", she teased. Van laughed at Jasper's beet red face. He was glad things were somewhat returning to normality.
After some idle talk, Jasper walked off to be alone. Yona stared after him and heaved a deep sigh. Without warning, a warm pair of arms wrapped around her waist from behind. Hugging her firmly, Van said, "You're amazing." She smirked at his choice of words. "Don't think you're getting in on the rebound, Mister Yukimaru", she taunted. "He snickered in response. "You insult my integrity...Misses Yukimaru", he barbed. Breaking free from his embrace, she spun around and declared, "We are NOT married, asshole!". After staring blankly, both broke into laughter. Once the joke had passed, Van sighed. "Sorry if I messed things up before", he said sheepishly. Yona's cheeks tinged pink and she immediately turned her head so he wouldn't see. "I'm glad you messed things up. I might have drowned him otherwise", she said, half joking. "Don't think I won't be watching closely if you really decide to go to that nocte regni place with him. There's bound to be more incubus...incubuses?...Incubi? Anyway, if they're anything like Pax, you'll be beating off guys with a stick and I just can't have that", he stated firmly.
Yona chuckled. "You're an idiot, but a lovable one", she teased. Van grinned wide at the remark. It was close to what she had said the first time he kissed her. It seemed so long ago now... "But I'm still not marrying you", she added with a flat expression and blunt tone. "But you've had your ring all along", he teased, fingering the earring she now wore as a necklace. Flushing bright red, she jerked it from his hand. "Sh-shut up! God you're stupid!" Then she stomped off back to her other friends. Van watched her go with a grin. She'd come a long way, but she was still the adorable girl he'd fallen for. He felt bad that things with Jasper were unraveling, but he still held hope it could be patched. He wanted Yona to himself more than anything, but as he'd told her before - He was already dead and she had to live her life.
Van turned to the sunset, his emotions thoroughly mixed. He was mildly surprised to see Loke leaning against a nearby tree with a grin. "Nice hit", smirked Leo. "I've still got it", replied Van confidently. "Shield bash?", teased Loke. "Damn straight", laughed Van. They joked with other as they returned to the spirit realm. Both were hopelessly after living mages, Lucy and Yona, and neither had much of a chance. Still, one could never tell what fate had in store. After all, neither ever noticed the impish boy watching them from the trees. "This new Scutum looks like fun", grinned the child. Brushing his red headband from his face, Draco smiled wide. He was looking forward to playing with the new spirit.
To be Continued...