stepsToPosition.js

function stepsToPosition(a, b){
  var limit = 1000;
  var steps = 0;
  var o = {};
  
  var x = 0, y = 0;
  var moves = 3;
  
  for(var i = 0; i < limit; i++) {    
    var r = (x < a) ? (x + 2 < a ? 2 : 1) : 1; 
    x += r;    
    moves -= r; 
    for(var j = 0; j < limit; j++){          
      y += moves;
      break;
    }    
    moves = 3;    
    steps++;
    if(x == a) break;    
    if(x > a && y > b) break;
  }
  
  var cantReachB = y != b;  
  
  steps = x != a || y != b ? -1 : steps > limit ? -2 : steps;
  
  return steps;
}

console.log(stepsToPosition(12, 9));