Secrets, part 45
Kavi had listened to the others debate for several minutes, all the while watching his brother go down hill. He was too weak to stand, but his magic was strong enough to project his voice. "Enough!" All eyes turned to stare in wonder. Jasper was now resting against a pillar on the floor. His wound had been bandaged with strips from Eadmund's shirt, but it did nothing for the sheer pain. His hazy vision settled over Yona and Van. Why did she pass him? Was she angry over his sacrifice? He shook the thoughts from his mind at the booming sound of his brother's voice.
"Arguing isn't going to stop the pain. Treat him first, then well figure out how we're getting home", ordered Kavi. "Always the voice of reason", thought Yona with a faint smirk. She was oblivious to how close she was standing next to Van and to Jasper's conflicted emotions at the sight. Still, she knew he was hurt. She walked over and knelt beside him. Wiping a few sweat-licked strands of hair from his face, she offered a faint grin. "That was really stupid what you did back there...Kind of badass, though", she teased. Taking a serious tone, she lowered her voice as she leaned closer. "Don't ever do something like that again", she chided. Jasper tried to smile sheepishly, but he was panting in agony just holding his body upright. A loud sigh resounded close by.
Pax had her arms crossed, but her face was a clear example of concern. She turned toward Tomas, the dark church's acolyte. "Can you put him under?", she asked. "Do you trust me?", he inquired carefully. Eadmund shot ax a questioning glance. She quietly whispered to him in their native tongue, undoubtedly explaining Tomas's magic. He nodded once as if ceding. Tomas squatted beside the incubus and calmly set his hand over his patient's eyes. "Sleep." Seconds later, Jasper was out. "That's one way to kill pain", said Yona, thinking aloud. Several yards away, Kavi took a deep breath. Finally, his brother was at ease. Now they could focus on the next issue.
The sound of wings disrupted his thoughts. He watched as Happy set Natsu on his feet at the edge of the platform. He and his brethren dragon slayers could immediately recognize the faint scent of charred flesh. It was simple to guess what had transpired. "Where have you been?", asked Erza keenly. "I had to take care of something", he replied as he stalked passed her ire. She sighed to herself, knowing not to push the issue. Lucy noted his dark demeanor and tried to smile, but her faltering expression left him trying to comfort her instead.
Someone unexpected cleared his throat nearby. Dubhan eyed the newcomer suspiciously. No one trusted him, thus he trusted no one in return. "Who are you, old man?", he asked somewhat caustically. Lucy and Yona both stared with wide eyes. "Pop!", cried the spirit mage. "What are you doing here?", she gaped. "Let me guess. Draco sent you", smirked Yona. She'd heard of Bran from Van. The jaguar nodded with a kind smile. "Pyrr never lets me down", chimed Pax, proud as ever. "You lot seem to be in need of my assistance", he ventured. Kavi stared nearly transfixed. He'd read of the other zodiacs as part of his studies. "Your speed and strength would be appreciated", he offered. Pop grinned toward him at the respect in his voice. "Indeed. You cannot be so scattered if you expect an old man like me to make one trip. Bring the incubus here with the others", he said, pointing toward Kavi. The mages did as asked, though no one was really sure what exactly the jaguar was going to do. "The dragon has decreed that I help you, so I shall, but I'm not as young as I used to be, so if you have anything to ask or say, do it now. I doubt I'll stay around long after the transfer", he said, calm and dignified.
Eadmund carefully set the resting incubus next to his brother. "What is it you intend to do with us?", he inquired carefully. Pop seemed to smirk. "One of Zeus's brats like you wouldn't now me well, I imagine. Still, this one should have told you", he replied, pointing his staff at Pax. She smiled shyly. "Pyrr doesn't tell me everything, you know", she mumbled. Ignoring her excuses, Pop tapped his grand staff against the ground. A huge circle of light appeared around the mages. "My speed and my strength allow me to take large groups to safety when required. As Draco speaks with the authority of Laniakea herself, I have no choice, but to oblige. I'll take you back to your guild. After that, I suggest you ensure great care for those who have fallen here today." A strong pounding of the staff upon the marble sent shock waves through the air. Everyone braced themselves for this new method of travel.
Moments later, in Primrose, Gray and Juvia were directing workers while Acheron saw to the paperwork half of things. No one anticipated a spacial distortion. People scattered in every direction as a massive group of beings seemed to materialize out of thin air. The old jaguar leaned heavily on his staff for support. "It is done", he stated proudly. "Whoa! We're home!", spat Yona, shocked. Erza quickly accounted for all friends and allies before releasing a sigh of relief. "Thank you", she said with a genuine smile. "Young lady, you are most welcome", said the spirit. He ignored the reactions of everyone around him. He settled his gaze firmly over Van and Yona. "Scutum, come with me, my boy. Your presence is required elsewhere", he said, leaving no room for argument in his authoritative tone. Van glanced at Yona and sighed. "Looks like I have to go back now. Take care of everyone, okay?", he said trying to grin. His expression faltered at the look in Yona's eyes as she watched him fade into light. All he could think was, "Please don't look at me like that", but he didn't have the chance to say it.
Once the spirits were gone and dust had settled, Gray approached the group, Wendy close at his heels. "That was some entrance", smirked the ice mage. Wendy ran toward those still on the ground before indulging in greetings. She quickly looked over the fallen. "What happened?!", she gaped, trembling at the sights before her young eyes. Gray lost his grin as he took in the toll, as well. Finally, he settled his eyes upon someone the others seemed to have forgotten about. Natsu quickly followed his line of sight. "What the hell is he doing here?!", spat the dragon slayer. Dubhan's disheveled curls fell over his eyes as he glared back. "I didn't ask to come", he quickly stated. Yona seemed to appear from nowhere behind the shadow mage. A dark sparkle shone in her eyes. Grabbing his shirt, she hauled him to his feet. "Well, I sure as hell didn't invite you", she sneered. "Where's his groupies?", asked Pax absently. Dubhan suddenly noticed he was alone in the proverbial lion's den. Tomas and Maria were nowhere to be seen.
He swatted Yona's hands away and staggered to keep his balance. "I don't care if you trust me or not. You won't believe anything I tell you, so you'll just have to wait for Blythe to wake up if you want information", he said stubbornly. He chanced a glance at his unconscious brother. He didn't look so good. Turning his focus to Natsu, he smirked darkly. "I can guess what you did. I guess that makes us orphans", he jested. Natsu sent him a complicated look. "I'm not mad. He deserved to die and now he deserves to be forgotten...I just wish I could have done it myself", muttered Dubhan. He glanced up in surprise as Acheron and Grem put hands on him. "Come on. The master wants to see you", whispered the archery mage. The took him below the surface while Wendy scrambled to help her friends.
Several paces away, Kavi set a gentle hand on the girl's hand. "Don't worry about us. Blythe just needs to rest and I'll be fine. Please, help jasper", he pleaded. She nodded and focused her magic. Charle turned her nose at the smell of acid-burned flesh, wondering what had happened. Wendy was clearly struggling. Her face contorted as she fought to focus. "The damage is extensive. Do what you can", offered Eadmund as Nefeli rubbed against the girl's leg encouragingly. Pax eyed the limb in the gargoyle's hands. "Did you have to bring that?...I don't think she can reattach it...Can you?", she asked with hope. Charle firmly shook her head. Pax sighed dejectedly, slumping to the sand to watch whatever could be done.
Gajeel stood looking down at Kavi with one hand extended. "She'll want to see you, too", he smirked, noting Acheron's previous words. Kavi nodded and begrudgingly let his new friend take Blythe into his arms. Erza helped him to his feet, but he leaned heavily on her for support. "Yona", she called. The dragon slayer pulled her gaze from Jasper's wounds, gathering Ronen into her arms. "I can walk", he muttered. "Shut up", she chided as Rani ran alongside them. "Lucy, we'll be back. Keep an eye on things up here", said Erza. The spirit mage nodded, wondering exactly what it was she could do. As she watched her friends disappear toward the sanctum entrance, she notice Natsu sitting away from the group. Happy and Gray stood by him, all with downcast expressions. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she headed toward the trio. Gray gave her a rather serious look before returning to his task of overseeing the guild hall's rebuild. Happy followed after a rough clearing of the ice mage's throat.
Lucy sat next to Natsu pensively. He looked tired, but more than that, he looked...different. Where was his trademark carefree grin? "Are you - ?", she began. A faint chuckle cut off her concerns. "Looks like we all made it back", said Natsu, a faint grin on his lips. Despite his efforts, his eyes were still darkened by his emotions. Lucy set her hand over his and offered a soft smile. "You haven't been yourself", she uttered with care. A moment of silence passed and he finally sighed deeply. "That kid, he's Nova's son", he stated. Lucy stared in awe. "Draco?" He nodded. She calmed her nerves. It did make sense, but what did that mean exactly? "Well, he is a dragon", she said lamely. Natsu said nothing. Finally, she called his name with worry. He sighed, "I guess that means I have a big brother..." His words trailed with a hollow note. Lucy had her suspicions about Nova, but this was a lot to take in. "Did she say something to you?", she asked carefully. He grinned faintly despite his turmoil. "She didn't have to", he replied.
Below the guild, it took several minutes for Kavi to make it down the long flight of stairs. When his group arrived, Veda was staring at Dubhan with a complex expression. Seeing her son, her eyes softened. "We'll talk more later", she said. Dubhan seemed to fidget as the mages approached. "You believe me?", he inquired, confused. "Is there a reason I shouldn't?", replied the naga. Dubhan stared dumbfounded. He wasn't used to being trusted. She offered a kind grin before beckoning Acheron and Grem back within earshot. "Take him to Wink...Make sure they're both cared for." Grem clearly disagreed, but curtly nodded to do as told. Acheron bowed faintly. "As you wish, Master." The duo disappeared into the gloom with their new prisoner.
Veda's eyes welled with tears at the sight of her sons. She slithered forward as lightning speed to embrace Kavi. He shuddered as something cracked loudly, but simply hugged her back. "We're home", she said softly. He could feel her tears on his shoulder. Pulling away, she lovingly stroked the side of his bruised face and glanced to Blythe. Gajeel awkwardly held his naked friend. Veda sighed lightly. "You don't have to explain. Teresa told me everything", she said. That took the edge off the group a little, but there was much to be said. "Even about Jasper?", asked Kavi, his eyes cast down as if he felt responsible. Veda trembled, but pulled herself together and put on a brave face. "Yes." Yona had held back from the group. She didn't know what to say. "You did well, Ronen", called the guild master. Pulled by the stares, Yona stepped into the light and set the exceed on his feet. "A broken wing will heal quick enough", he grinned. Veda moved to face Yona and embraced the young dragon slayer. She'd been holding everything in, but such a warm and gentle embrace broke the dam. Yona cried into her master's shoulder, holding the embrace.
Veda stroked her hair softly. "It wasn't your fault...Jasper made his choice and he'll be all right. After all, losing an eye never stopped his father", she offered. Yona sniffled, trying to fight her tears. "An eye is different from an arm", she whimpered. Veda shrank away and wiped the tears from the girl's face. "I have faith in my son. He will overcome this", she said, the kindness almost too much to bear. Turning toward Gajeel, she looked over Blythe's frail form. Coming beside them, she gently ran her fingers over his sleeping face. "He's really something special, isn't he?", she said, trying to keep her emotions in check. "That's putting it mildly", smirked Gajeel. Lily smiled to himself, knowing his partner meant much more than he said. "Take him to Kavi's room. He can rest there." Erza shuffled Kavi back onto her shoulder. "That goes for you, too", she said, smiling softly. "It does", agreed Veda.
Once the others gone, Yona stood with her exceeds companions, gathering her nerves. Wiping her face, she took a deep breath. "How are you so calm right now?", she uttered. Veda's expression saddened, but she replied, "Someone has to maintain control of the situation. As guild master, it's the least I can do...I couldn't go with you...So, I'll at least fall apart in private." Several minutes passed in silence. The naga placed a warm hand on Yona's shoulder. "You've brought my sons home to me alive. That's more than I could ask for...I'll speak with them at length later, but..Thank you for that." Yona nodded and steadied herself. "I'll go back up and so what I can do to help. Gajeel will watch those two without being asked...I'll watch over Jasper for you until he comes below." Veda nodded in thanks and watched her and the twins go back toward the stairs. She sighed heavily once left alone, placing a hand over her heart. "Puck...Give me strength..."
In another realm, Van stood before Draco. He was no longer the playful child, but the serious adult upon a throne of stars. The heavens danced behind him, galaxies and solar systems dancing their lives through infinite space. The leaders of the zodiacs surrounded him. Even Nova watched silently from beside her son. Van looked the area over once more, avoiding the conflict he was presented with. "So, how does this place exist again? I thought you said the realms divided..." Draco sighed and Nova hid a small grin. "This is the court of the star king. It both exists and does not at the same time. It is an unique place that transcends the laws of time and space", explained Loke. "When summoned here, you should show the due respect that goes with such a feat", chided Hania. Van shifted his weight. He didn't like being put on the spot.
"Scutum, you haven't answered me yet", said Draco, leaning weakly to one side. He'd overdone it when fighting Noctis. Van stared at the ethereal floor beneath his feet. "What do you want me to say?...I'll do anything for Yona. You know that", he stated. "A good answer", offered Shu, smiling softly. "Pretty pathetic if you ask me", smirked Bran. "No one did ask you", taunted Loke. "Children, you are in court", chided Pop. Everyone straightened up at looked to their leader. Draco grinned smugly at Van. "I figured you'd say something like that", he ceded. Van grinned faintly. ""I guess I'm just an open book", he teased.
Draco leaned and whispered to Nova. She nodded and slowly walked toward Van. "You can't remain in her world indefinitely, but there is something I can give you to help", she said. Van stared in wonder as she strung a necklace over his head. A single, glowing pendant decorated a chain that seemed to be made of light itself. Once it settled over him, he glanced at his palm in question. He felt...real again. "Don't waste it. You'll need this when they leave for the Nocte Regni. Once there, the Mirror of Souls in Hades' Palace is your last chance. Do you understand?", asked Draco, skeptically eying the spirit. "Yona has no idea what she's destined for. It's up to you to guide her and keep her safe", uttered Nova. "All I ever wanted was to keep her safe", grinned Van, replaying his death in his head. "As the shield, if you fail to protect, what is your purpose?", inquired Hania. Van nodded to the bear. "I won't let you down", he said with vigor. "Don't forget, lover boy. She can't know any of this", barbed Bran. He smirked at her tone. "I know...and don't worry. It's pretty clear I don't have a snowball's chance in hell at the first part", he ceded. It hurt, but he accepted it as the truth. After all, only time would tell if he was wrong.
Weeks passed and Serpent Wing had been rebuilt. The guild had collaborated with the town council to throw a celebration. The members of Fairy Tail had to go home in the meantime and face their punishment for disobeying their master, but when all was said and done, it wasn't as bad as they expected. After all, they did save their friends and help take down the organization that the magic council had secretly fought for generations.
Below the guild, Kavi had recovered physically quite well. He had help from an unlikely source. Dubhan really was a gifted scientist, creating vitamins and medicine to speed the healing process. The dragon slayer was starting to see his prior adversary in a different light, but seeing that face every day while Blythe slept was difficult at best. Yona was sitting next to the bed, boredly poking her sleeping friend. "When is he gonna wake up, anyway?", she sighed. "Soon, I hope", said Rani, combing his hair. It was easy fix for Lucy and Cancer before they left. "Let him rest", chided Ronen. Kavi was staring sadly at his lover's face. "It's miraculous he survived", he uttered. "Well, he would have help if that crazed succubus hadn't sicced her spirits on me", said Dubhan with a hint of irritation. Everyone glanced over at him. he worked busily at a makeshift desk. Medical books were stacked all around him and he looked so different in a lab coat and spectacles. "I wish I only had the proper facilities", he barbed, checking a vial. "Yeah, yeah, you had an awesome lab at Noctis. We get it", said Yona flatly.
A knock at the door broke everyone's focus. Another hurried knock resounded before Kavi could get to the door. "It's time", said Ahiru, grinning from ear to ear. "Now?!", spat Kavi. "Hurry or you'll miss it", chuckled the empath. She stepped aside to let the mages through. She was left alone with Blythe, Dubhan, and Rani. Dubhan had yet to prove his loyalties, thus he was never left alone. "Aren't you going?", she asked the exceed. Rani shook her head. "I'll stay with Blythe. He'll be confused if he wakes up and Kavi's not here", she replied. Dubhan rolled his eyes and went back to work, ignoring them.
Elsewhere in the sanctum, Kavi made his way through the small crowd that surrounded Veda's room. Inside, she and Jasper eagerly watched her beloved egg as it twitched to and fro. "You're just in time!", said Veda, waving him in. Finally, a crack split the thick shell. "So, does it have legs?", asked Yona casually. "We'll find out soon enough", grinned Ronen. As a mix of elf and naga, it was a fair question. Jasper set his remaining hand on his mother's shoulder. "I wish your father were here", she said softly. He offered a kind smile. "He is", he stated. Veda wiped her tears and slithered to assist her hatching baby. A chunk of shell fell away, exposing a blue arm. Confused looks passed through the guild members. "Is it supposed to be blue?", whispered Grem. Hantu shrugged in response.
Minutes later, with a little help from mom, the newest Shinwa emerged into the world. A tiny blue body with legs and tail laid still on the bed. Nervous glances passed around. "It isn't breathing", whispered Dalia. She was quickly shushed by Teresa. "Veda, I'm so sorry", began Dalia, trying to cover her previous words. Veda broke the glum atmosphere with a chuckle. "My great aunt Kali was blue!", she stated. She lifted the infant and a strange light seemed to pass between them. A sigh of relief went through the room as the infant began to move and cry. "Naga have to welcome a soul before their baby moves", explained Kavi. Everyone accepted the answer without debate. After all, he would know as much as he reads. "It's a girl!", announced Jasper. Cheers went up as Veda cradled her daughter to her chest. "Welcome to our family, Durga", she whispered, kissing her softly.
Kavi and Jasper exchanged satisfied smiles before escorting everyone out. Only team one remained. "Durga, huh?", said Yona, staring at the lilac-haired child. Veda smiled wide. "It means 'unobtainable' where I come from...I never thought I'd see this day", she said with tears streaming from pure joy. "She's beautiful", ventured Jasper, proud to be a big brother again. Kavi reached to stroke her tiny face and she latched onto his finger. He smiled shyly at the sensation. "She's strong", he uttered. "Of course she is. She's your sister", beamed Veda. An odd static charge disrupted the joy. Kavi stepped back to steady himself, holding his head in his hand. Jasper tried to help him balance. "Are you okay?", he asked. "What the hell was that?!", spat Yona. Ronen stared firmly at the child. "Just look", he said. The crest of Avalon burned brightly on Durga's forehead. Veda smiled faintly to herself. "Protected by Oberon himself", she said. The crest faded from sight, but the sense of power remained. "I guess that means you're off the hook", teased Yona. Kavi gathered himself and took a deep breath. "Are you all right?", inquired Veda. He nodded. "Yes, just feeling a little drained. I guess I was just holding that power until she could claim it", he grinned.
A forgotten mirror laid covered in the far corner of the room. Air seemed to flow from beneath the cloth. "Mom, what is that?", asked Jasper. He cautiously removed the cloth. An amber sky flashed onto the glass, flashing with mixed static. "Weird lacrima", snorted Yona. Jasper gaped at the images. "What?", ventured Yona, unsure why everyone was so serious. Jasper quickly brought the looking glass to his mother. "Avalon", stated Kavi. Yona craned her head to get a look, but it was futile. An authoritative voice echoed from the mirror. "Durga Shinwa, I welcome you to my court. You and your family are welcome here as extensions of your father", said Oberon. A female voice spoke in the distance. "Nicely done, husband, but let him see his daughter", chided Titania. Yona stared dumbfounded as everyone's eyes misted over with tears. A familiar voice spoke out. "She's perfect", stated Puck. Veda cried and smiled at the same time. "She really is", she managed to utter. "Set the mirror down", he said. Jasper set it on the bed and all stared as a hologram of his father appeared from within.
The specter softly kissed Durga's head. He, too, seemed to be crying. "It'll be a few years, but once her magic starts to manifest, give her this mirror and I will show her how to open my sanctum", said Puck, caressing Veda's cheek in his ethereal palm. She nodded through her tears, unable to speak. "Does that mean we can come to Avalon?", inquired Kavi. "In time", replied Puck, a serene smile on his face. He approached Jasper and sadly looked at what remained of his arm. "You have another realm to visit first. Take care when you go. Pax and Eadmund will be on your side, but be careful who you trust...You can't afford to make mistakes in a strange land." Jasper nodded solemnly. "I will", he promised. "Hey! I'll be there, too! It's not like we're sending him alone", said Yona defensively. The hologram of the elf grinned toward her in thanks. He then turned to Kavi. He seemed to whisper something, but even Yona's keen ears didn't pick it up. Even Veda and Jasper seemed lost to what was said. Kavi looked serious as she nodded. Then he put on a smile and said, "It's good to see you again." Puck nodded in agreement. "I can't stay...", he trailed. It was obvious he wanted to, but he had little choice in the matter.
"I can never return to Earthland, so I'm leaving in to all of you to keep it safe ad protect the remaining fey. One day, Durga will lead you back to me, but don't rush her. She has more power than you realize and she must learn slowly. Be patient...I love you", said Puck, smiling sadly toward his family. "We love you, too", said Veda, tearfully. "We'll meet again, Dad", ventured Jasper. "Count on it", grinned the elf. He nodded once more toward Kavi before the illusion faded and mirror went dark. Several silent minutes ticked by. Finally, Yona said, "Well, I'm just gonna kill the buzz if I try to stay in this fluff much longer, so..." Jasper smirked in response. She was hopeless. "Go back to Blythe. I'll return shortly", stated Kavi. "Dude, chill. Stay with your sister for a bit. I'll watch Blondie number one and two", said Yona, casually leaving the room with Ronen at her heels.
Once the coast was clear, Veda calmed her nerves and peered curiously at her son. "What he say to you?", she asked carefully. "Not to answer that question", grinned Kavi. Jasper hid a smirk at his mother's annoyance. Veda sighed. That sounded just like her husband. Setting her questions aside, she cooed to her infant daughter. "Did you see Daddy? He loves you almost as much as I do." Kavi shook his head while Jasper chided, "Mom! That isn't fair!". Veda giggled and pull them all into a family hug. "When Blythe wakes up, we'll be a whole family again", she sighed. Kavi blushed faintly. Veda had big plans for their wedding. After they chatted and reminisced about Puck, Kavi made his way to his room.
Sitting on his bed, he let out a heavy sigh and brushed the hair from Blythe's face. "You're enjoying this, aren't you? Watching me deal with all this on my own", he teased. "He can't hear you", said Dubhan bluntly, ruining the moment. A knock on the door eased his stress. It was undoubtedly his relief. Acheron and Ahiru opened the door and waited for Dubhan. "Wink's been asking for you again", stated Ahiru. Dubhan made a slightly disgusted expression, annoyed with his cousin. "I already told him, I'm working on it", he sighed. "Go see him anyway", said Kavi, glad to be rid of his guest. Once they were gone, he curled up to his love and nuzzled into his pale shoulder. "Come back soon", he whispered.
His thoughts raced as he repeated Puck's words in his mind. "Pax is the key." What did that mean? Wait...He couldn't possibly be referring to information about his mother...Could he? "What would she know?", he thought. Pax and Eadmund had kept mostly to themselves as they waited for Jasper to recover. The Nocte Regni was waiting, but the incubus had stubbornly refused to leave until his affairs were settled. Durga was one thing keeping home. Blythe was another. Kavi cuddled his sleeping form closer, wishing for him to wake, but there was no guarantee when he would. He had to be patient. Still, his brother would leave home for who knew how long...and what of his mother? What did Gita mean? "Find her and you'll find answers to questions you didn't know you had." Kavi had an idea of where to find his birth father, but had no inclination to ask him. He was happy to let his father think he was dead. "Pax is the key." Sighing deeply, he tried to sleep. With luck, he would at least speak with Blythe in his dreams.
To be Concluded...