Disclaimer: I am not the owner of Fairy Tail or Blue Exorcist

Returning back to himself was not the most pleasant experience Zeref had endured. However, he also couldn't say it was the most unpleasant either. When he'd recognized the spell on Galuna Island, he'd been too late to warn Rin. Then, he'd…floated, for lack of a better term. His energy had been unraveled, dispersing from Rin's body. If it had been any other wizard, unraveling the spell binding himself to Rin would have meant the end of what had remained of his existence. However, Zeref wasn't just a simple wizard. He was cursed, and as such, even a spell like this was not able to kill him. Unraveling a spell on his mind such as this one only forced him to be patient and wait as the curse remade his immortal body, using solely the energy that lingered in the air where he'd last been.

When he awoke, Zeref wasn't surprised to find Tenrou Island decaying around where he rested. He'd been dormant for some time, so it was only expected that the curse would unleash once he'd revived. Zeref had waited, gazing up with a slight frown at the dying trees, seeing the leaves transform from bright and lush green to brown. The trees wilted almost like flowers, dropping the leaves and letting them decay before they could even hit the ground. Sighing, Zeref leaned back and decided to rest. He didn't feel like being active, and after his words to Rin, the only thing left to do was wait for the half-demon to come for him.

It was odd, thinking of the boy as a demon. That was what the boy saw himself as, but it was not the sort of demon that Zeref knew of. He made demons, after all. Yet, in Rin's world, they were creatures that possessed objects and living things. Demons could be born, killed, and banished to another realm. Rin was one of them, and again, Zeref felt a slight hope stir at the thought. If his own self-made demon was not strong enough, then a true demon from another world had to be. Rin would be able to end his existence…if he'd simply hurry and find him before Zeref forgot that which was most important to remember. It was so hard to hold onto it too, when everything around him just kept fading away like normal. There was no more beauty in living, when he was always surrounded with things like this.

Like usual, Zeref lost track of time while resting, lost in thought. Occasionally, he'd move for a slight change in scenery, though the new region would always perish before the day was out. It was the existence he was used to, so Zeref couldn't exactly way he was heavily affected by it any more. There had been a brief break, that moment of peace, while trapped inside of Rin, but it did not last. Zeref would have been content to be nothing but a sleeping consciousness within Rin's mind for eternity, even if it meant forcing his curse onto another. He had no personal attachment to Rin, after all, and the boy would have figured out eventually that it was not wise to remain near his companions. If it took a tragedy to force him into isolation, so be it. It was not his life, after all, and he had been in peace, offering mild assistance in return for the loss of his curse.

Part of him felt like his logic had been concerning, involving Rin. It only showed how detached he had become. He cared little for others, and he'd been aware of his falling viewpoint on humanity for some time. Zeref simply hadn't realized it had fallen so low to make him not care if someone else suffered in his place. Perhaps he was in more of a rush than he thought, if his mindset had reached that level. He could keep himself in check for now…but if he continued down this path, Zeref already knew what the result would be. After all, he had built the Alvarez Empire for a purpose one day. It was just a futile hope that he would never come to the point of fulfilling that purpose.

Either way, it was something he should avoid focusing on, for now. The longer he delayed worsening his mindset, the better for everyone involved. He could deal with the death around him. Instead, perhaps he could contemplate the spell that had trapped him before. What had gone wrong? True, it was a bit of an impulsive creation. That, combined with his long rest from magic already made it quite likely something would go wrong. Picking up a fallen stick, he began scratching the runes and circles involved on the ground out of boredom. This would keep his mind busy, while he awaited Rin or Natsu, whichever could find him first.

Oddly enough, establishing what could be changed to make the spell safe for the user proved more challenging than he expected. First, there was the aspect that it reached towards another world. Wanting to refine that further so it could be used without a connection of sorts already formed, Zeref began there. It took maybe half a day to get a circle prepared that could transport between worlds, though with the same side effect as the spell he had used. Resting after getting that far, Zeref slept for another day, trying to slow his progress and keep himself busy as long as possible. Once he awoke, he rested and meditated, letting more time pass until his mind was no longer able to remain empty and free of dangerous thoughts. Then, he'd return to his spell, finding a different aspect to focus on and refining it further.

This was how he spent his time on Tenrou Island, awaiting his death. Zeref knew there were likely better ways to be spending his time, but they all involved leaving his isolation. He refused to do so, under any circumstances that would lead to the deaths of others. Until he had forgotten, he'd remain. He simply hoped he'd perish before he forgot. Though, with more days passing, Zeref welcomed the delay of having to move locations. Too many decaying animals were near, attracting scavengers that would add to the death toll. So, he made sure to memorize as much of his current variation on the spell as possible. Then, he began walking aimlessly once more. Picking a new place to rest, he'd begin anew, writing down the last version of his spell and continuing to contemplate alterations to make it simpler to cast, or less dangerous in general.

Days and nights bled together, and Zeref no longer slept as regularly as before. Then again, when had it bothered him? Perhaps his mind needed sleep to remain sane, but his body would survive regardless of how unhealthy his lifestyle became. He hardly ever ate, though occasionally when the guilt grew too strong he'd make the deaths of animals around him at least slightly less pointless and consume some of them. With how rare he cooked however, Zeref found the meals he made were bland at best, burnt more often than anything. Still, it was food, and it at least made him more comfortable on the island by himself. The crackling fire when he cooked gave a new noise to his surroundings, making it seem slightly less lonely than it was without the flames.

Still, there were other thoughts that came with fire. Rin, of course, was a new individual associated, but Natsu was always in the back of his mind. Flames had stolen away his family, yet they signified the rebirth of his brother. Fire would be his end, regardless of who came for him. It made him smile faintly, usually almost making him laugh at the thought. After all, he had been so eager to escape death by flames as a child. Now, all he wanted to do was dive into a fire hot enough to burn away magic itself and claim his life. It was just a question of whose fire was strong enough to do so.

He wasn't certain how long it had been when he heard them. It was shocking at first, making Zeref grow still where he rested on the ground, a stick in hand digging runes into the dirt on the ground. "I'd have almost preferred if he came with us." A female voice spoke, making Zeref close his eyes. They were somewhat close, though hopefully not approaching him. "Natsu's tracking ability surpasses any of ours, and we likely would have located him already."

"Maybe, but you and I both know Natsu's not ready for this, Erza. He hasn't even passed the S-Class trials, let alone dealt with a wizard like this." This time it was a male voice. There were more people here? Why were they on the island? Zeref turned his head slowly, towards the direction the voices came from.

"At least we know the island." A more cheerful female responded, but this voice Zeref recognized. He frowned at that, thinking back. When had he met this person? There shouldn't be many people alive right now that he knew. After all, he'd been living on Tenrou Island for…he didn't know how long. Decades? Perhaps a century? Tilting his head, he listened again, finally placing it. "I'm almost certain this hunch will be wrong…but if it has a chance of finding Rin, I'm willing to take it." It was the girl that had been traveling with the demon. Zeref smiled faintly, rising to his feet. Rin was missing, and his guild was searching for him. Zeref was impressed they had tracked this far, to the point where Zeref asked Rin to meet him in the first place.

"If he is not here, there are several smaller islands in the vicinity to check." Erza's voice rang out again, this time closer than before. "It will be more dangerous, however. The protection this island gives us would make it ideal for such a dangerous battle. If Rin is here, we can at least be assured that he has the protection of the wards in place here."

Wards…vaguely, Zeref recalled sensing them when he first came to this place. However, time had made him accustomed to the feeling of magic in the air here, constantly swarming around him. It made this place seem alive…just like she had been. He tensed at the thought, grimacing slightly. Now was not the time to think of Mavis. Now was the time to move, to find Rin before his companions did. After all, from what he'd witnessed of Mira, she would be likely to try and dissuade him from such dark actions. So, moving away, Zeref began a different quest, abandoning his spell on the ground for them to find. If they were aware of his presence, so be it. It wasn't as if they could stop him anyway.

Zeref was certain he had the advantage in this search, even. He knew this island, better than even the animals that lived here. He lived longer than they did, and he never left. So, as he began sensing for the presence of Rin's odd energy, he smiled. Rin truly was here after all. Those wizards had led Zeref right to the demon child, so he supposed he owed them ever so slightly. Avoiding them really was the best way he had to repay them, so that was exactly what he continued to do.

Walking through the trees, Zeref eventually stilled when they thinned out, becoming scarce and young around him. In front of him, Zeref saw a familiar set of ruins which he typically avoided. "Mavis…" He whispered her name, inhaling slowly as he stared at the place. Plants were overgrowing in the ruins, taking over what remained of the buildings here. He could still see the lingering damage, caused by wizards but looking so similar to the damage of his own home created by dragons. There had been no survivors, other than her. This was her home, and Zeref had intended on leaving it be as she remembered it. To honor her, he had made sure his curse never touched this ruined town. Now, he would be breaking that silent promise to a girl who no longer lived.

Slowly, he walked forward into the place. Zeref wondered why Rin chose here of all places, but then he sighed. Of course he would seek the closest thing to civilization on this island. It was habit, for people to seek out each other for assistance. Rin would realize his mistake soon enough, and Zeref would draw him away from this place. Yet, as he walked further in, he stopped. There was another energy here, other than Rin. This one…was magic. A wizard was here, where he did not belong. A wizard was in Mavis' home on the island…taunting him with the energy of the one meant to bring him peace.

Scowling, Zeref forgot about his intent to move slowly. Walking towards a large building that looked like it held the wrecked mark of a fallen guild, Zeref walked inside. The energy was stronger, and Zeref heard a scream. Rin's energy grew weaker, and Zeref gritted his teeth. If that boy died, his efforts would be lost. He'd lose his second chance, the only person able to delay him from his war longer than Natsu. Surely, if Rin fell…Zeref had a feeling he would as well. He'd despair, and would no longer care for the people around him. After all, it would only show how monstrous humanity was, how undeserving they were of his mercy.

Zeref paused when he got to the doorway to the room with both of them inside. He saw the back of one man, holding a gun aimed towards a bleeding, flaming boy on the ground. Zeref eyed those flames, blinking as he realized this was his first time actually seeing Rin face to face. The half-demon's tail would squirm on the ground, flashing out from side to side as he snarled at his attacker. "You still haven't given me what I want, boy." A shot rang out, and Rin's snarls grew louder. "I'm growing tired of our game. Should I place the next one in your heart? Or perhaps…perhaps there is a more sensitive place to hit." With that, the man aimed towards the side, making Zeref frown. It was away from Rin's body…but directly towards his tail. The shot echoed in the room, and with that, Rin's back arched and he let out a scream even louder than the one that had brought Zeref to this room. The boy's head twisted, and with that he spotted Zeref. His eyes went wide, and the black wizard simply frowned, lifting his gaze towards the one holding him here.

"I would cease this pointless violence, if I were you." Zeref spoke quietly, sensing the energy in front of him. A barrier spell was in place, but the spellwork was simple at best. Touching his palm to the invisible wall, Zeref dispelled it in mere moments, walking inside with ease. "This place is not meant to be scarred by further bloodshed."

"Oh?" The man turned towards him, folding his arms over his chest. "Well, it seems as if another person does not understand who I am. Allow me to demonstrate, and perhaps you can join in his fate."

Zeref remained still, not wishing to waste his energy on this man. Yet, that was when he heard the rumbling outside. Closing his eyes, he sensed outwards, feeling the presence of animals encroaching on the town. "Beast Subordination magic….all of the animals on this island are mine to command." His grin widened, and the man vanished from sight. That magic was shadow magic, Zeref noted. He reappeared behind Zeref, shooting quickly into the back of Zeref's head. "And shadow magic. Really, wizards never expect dual specialities…but that is in essence exactly what I have. Any lacrima with knowledge of magic, I can control. I can grant that magic to others, take it away once more…and give myself limitless power. Did you really think you stood a chance against that? Against the only wizard strong enough to conquer the world and become its immortal emperor?"

Hearing that, Zeref felt his hands close into fists. The pain was already fading from the back of his head, and he was turning towards the man with a glare. "You seek immortality?" The man blinked, while Zeref tilted his head. "Such a foolish desire. Those who have gained such a thing would wish for nothing but the solace of death, after all. You would be no different."

"You…how are you alive?" The wizard stared at him, before shaking his head. "Never mind. I have barrier magic myself, I should have realized you'd be able to do the same to take down mine."

Sighing, Zeref shook his head. This man was tedious after all. He lifted his gun, shooting at Zeref again. "I'll exhaust that barrier of yours and drain away your energy." Like that was possible. Even if Zeref's magic was completely gone, the curse would still exist and keep him alive. He would simply be incapable of moving or directing his actions until he recovered. "Or maybe better yet…I'll take away the useless life you came to save. That boy's useless to me…he refuses to answer, and Heart of Darkness cannot reach him. If he won't be my pawn and he won't give me what I seek, I don't need him…and that will send you so far into despair that you'll be dead soon after."

That made Zeref stiffen. He aimed towards Rin, and Zeref snarled. "I shall not let you! He is the one who will bring about the end to my existence…the one I selected personally to have that task. For even considering destroying my plans…you will not make it out of here alive." Rin weakly looked towards him, but Zeref hardly noticed. The wizard was aiming towards Rin, just as Zeref's magic burst outward. In a strange way, he had expected it. That rage had been combined with an odd need to protect Rin's life. Even if it was solely so he could die, Zeref could not deny that it was a twisted way of wishing Rin would live…and he'd let himself focus on it for just a moment too long.

Black shadows surrounded the room, filling it with darkness. Zeref briefly wondered if he'd killed Rin as well, only to glance over and see blue flames fanning out around the boy, burning away at his death magic. That…shouldn't be possible. Yet, then he considered the boy's own abilities. Demonic powers typically did not work with magic, not in Zeref's experience. That was why he'd had to find a way around that to mimic magic's effects for his demons. Their curse power was not magic at all…and this boy's power was not magic either. Did it reject magic itself? It seemed as if his flames would reject all forms of magic near them, just as magic would push back against those flames. Existing side by side was virtually impossible…though he could still see the warring battle between those flames and his magic to consume the same space. It likely was felt by Rin as well, who did not even realize that his demonic power ate away at the energy that made up magic itself.

With his death magic fading, Zeref chuckled and stepped towards the man who had foolishly attacked him. Like so many others before him, he had fallen as well. "Did you not realize I would have done nothing if I thought you were capable of ending my life?" He kicked the man, scowling in irritation. "Fools like you are exactly why I am forgetting such important things…exactly why I need Rin. Now, you've forced me to wait even longer…to wait while I so badly wish to leave and start the plan I know will work. If the world ends up perishing soon…you alone will be to blame." Turning around, Zeref faced Rin, who blinked at him wearily.

"My…sword. I…" He looked beaten, and was covered in dried blood. Whatever clothing he'd had when he came to this place was torn to shreds, likely from the torture this man had been using for answers.

Hearing his request, Zeref walked off in silence, searching for the sword that could give him more strength. He found it, hidden in one of the other rooms of the broken-down guild hall. Returning, Zeref saw Rin was breathing shallowly, his chest rising and falling in an uneven rhythm. Thinking back to the way Rin's flames reacted to his magic before, Zeref decided to take a slight risk. Unsheathing the sword, he watched flames encompass Rin's body. Then, Zeref knelt down, first simply standing in the flames without doing anything. The heat burned at his skin and robes, and for a moment, he smiled. Then, that smile faded, his jaw clenching as he dropped his head faintly. He could feel tears on his cheeks, and as he glanced over at the dead body on the ground, Zeref's heart pounded unevenly for just a moment. He'd…forgotten, just for a moment. Taking a heavy breath, he knelt down, picking up Rin. The flames burned away at him as his magic tried to eat away at Rin, both fighting a losing battle. Zeref did not know if Rin would survive or not, but perhaps like Mavis, the curse would not consume him until Zeref held him in high regard. Though, such events would never happen. Zeref was not one to make the same mistake twice, after all. He would make sure Rin would be the one to end his life, no matter what it took.

And Rin has been rescued...by Zeref, though. Feel free to review and tell me what you think!