Hey, so Easter break is coming up so updates will pause until they are over... But don't worry, I promise to be back asap and answers will come with my return. (Still would love to answer some questions you have and incorporate them into the story so keep the questions coming!) Until then, thanks for all the support!

~~~6~~~

Gray growled, "I don't trust this guy. Now he's threatening us and knows things he shouldn't…"

Natsu added, "His magic is ice, but nothing like yours. It's colder and said to last for centuries. I don't know quite how long that is, but it sounds pretty long."

Erza stated, "They said his magic is for slaying demons. They also mentioned a demon called END. Zeref's strongest demon book. The information is quite a bit concerning. For now, I think it best to be skeptical."

"Thank you!" Gray exclaimed.

"Why are we discussing this in my house?" Lucy deadpanned, going unanswered.

"I don't think they are bad. Ariana's so kind and he really is just shy. They said they'd tell us when they're ready," Wendy defended.

"As unsavory as it is, I agree with Wendy," Carla added. "Although this strange man is quite fishy, I don't see any danger in them. Perhaps I'm being a bit naive about this, but Ariana is trustworthy in my book."

Lucy agrees, "Yeah, Ariana seems to be a sweetheart and he doesn't seem that bad. He misses his wife a lot. We have to remember that they have feelings and are going through something that we don't know about. I don't like this situation either, but we have to trust their word that they will explain when they can."

The group contemplated on Lucy's words and Natsu sighed, "Nothing makes any sense. Why can't they just tell us everything already and get it all over with?"

Erza added, "I suppose that waiting is our best option at the moment. I'll be keeping my guard up, and I think you all should do the same. I suppose that will be all for now. Good night, guys."

"Good night," was passed between the team members as they filed out of Lucy's apartment.

Gray stuffed his hands in his pockets, thinking about the group's conversation as he walked home. Something about the two newcomers gave him an odd feeling of familiarity, and danger. Maybe he was overreacting? Though his gut is usually never wrong.

He huffed in frustration as he unlocked the door to his place. Before he could walk inside, he heard the two he was thinking about behind him. Gray was going to ignore them, but then Ariana walked towards him.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but I want to ask you something. Can I?" she asked, twitching nervously.

"Sure?" Gray replied, noting how tense the ravenette was where Ariana left him.

"W-Where's… Where's Juvia?" she stuttered her question, taking Gray by surprise.

"On a job," Gray answered. "How do you know about Juvia? And how did you know so much about Zeref's demons?"

"I-I… I can't," she replied, looking back to her uncle. "I'm sorry. Thanks!"

Ariana jogged over to the man and he looked to be scolding her. Gray contemplated to try to hear the conversation but as soon as he walked forward, they began walking away. Though it seemed as though they were concerned about Juvia, and Gray couldn't help but to wonder why.

It got the ravenette thinking about his missing comrade. She had been gone for quite some time. Why wasn't she back yet? Could something have happened to her? No, she was once an S-Classed mage so she could handle herself. Still, Gray wondered. Then wondering turned into something more: worry.