Disclaimer: I am not the owner of Fairy Tail
It had been only a few days since Zeref vanished without a trace. The village was now holding a ceremony for Lulu, in memory of her life. Gray, Natsu, and Lucy had all been invited, since they had been trying to help the village and at least had some familiarity with the girl. Yet, it didn't feel right, standing with them all at this moment. Gray stood at the edge of the crowd, listening to them talk about her life and accomplishments. All of that, he'd been responsible for taking it away.
Zeref had come too, surprisingly. He'd arrived in silence and Gray had only realized the black wizard had returned when Zeref walked over to him. The man watched in silence, standing by Gray's side. As much as Gray wanted to say something, he couldn't. He'd started to assume that the deal was off and that Zeref had abandoned them all, but his sudden appearance at the ceremony was proving him wrong. His absence had almost given Gray a strange sense of relief just as much as it had left him with a feeling of disappointment. As much as he wanted Ur back, Gray supposed he had not taken much time to really think about what he'd agreed to. Now that Zeref was back, Gray had the realization that their arrangement was still in place. He was going to be giving up his own life, sooner rather than later.
For Ur, there was no question that it was worth it. He'd been the one to run off after Deliora back then. It should be him paying the price. That was what had made it so easy to make that promise and yet, Gray had a guild now. Things had changed since then and despite being willing to let go of his life, that didn't mean he wanted to. He was moving on, beyond his past, and trying to let go of that rage and grief. It had taken him years to start that process and this was just going to make it all worth nothing. Until he had to use iced shell, however, he'd at least take some time to enjoy his life. Zeref did say there was some plan that had to be finished first, after all.
The chief of the tribe kept talking about Lulu and soon her parents came out to speak as well. "That was actually one of the reasons I made them." Zeref spoke quietly, by his side. He hadn't been expecting Zeref to willingly talk about anything, but here they were. He was acting like he hadn't just vanished and returned with just as little warning. "To test if I could grant them reproductive skills…among other things. They were also a test of personalities, testing how to retrieve the souls of the dead. I'll admit, I had tried my best to forget about this village for the longest time. Of course, the memories still linger. As soon as I came up with my plan to study iced shell, this place was the first one that came to mind to accomplish my goals. Despite everything, it appears as if even they are useful in their own way."
"Are you saying all these demons were all dead people at one point in time?" Was this Zeref's way to make up for his absence? Gray supposed he could pretend the disappearing act had never happened too, if that was how Zeref wanted things to go. He had the impression that pushing Zeref for answers he didn't want to give would be a conversation that would go nowhere anyway.
Zeref nodded, staring at them. "Indeed." He paused. Gray was wondering what made him decide to start talking now, of all times, but he wasn't going to complain about the distraction. "Before the demons…this island was home to a tribe of humans that were almost cult-like in their worship of the moon goddess. They offered monthly sacrifices to appease her every night the moon faded from the sky, in an attempt to plead with the goddess to bring it back. And, since the moon has a cyclic nature, they believed the sacrifice to be a necessary and successful ritual every time, as the moon would gradually return to their sky every night. It was pointless, of course - rumors say the gods were invested in some internal struggle at the time, but the people of the island were unaware of that fact and continued with the sacrifices."
"Well…I mean, there are some people with weird beliefs out there, I guess." It still unnerved him, to think that they'd kill each other for something as small as wanting to see the moon.
"It was believed that the moon prevented the island from becoming a part of the ocean, due to the association of the moon with the tides and ocean." Zeref shrugged. "Regardless…one of the sacrifices had enough connections and enough fear to revolt. A civil war broke out, with powerful magic on the side of the sacrifice…that magic killed nearly everyone on the island. The few that remained died of starvation, as they had only survived until that point by working together for hunting, farming, and foraging around the island." Zeref glanced over at Gray. "I found stories about them the first time I came to this place. I had come to this island to research…a project of sorts, you could say. The purpose was to study the magical properties of the moon, since this island had a reputation of being capable of drawing more directly from its power." Zeref glanced upward, where the moon was not yet visible. The demons were holding their ceremony during the day, to avoid the curse. "Yet, I was forced to leave, having been discovered by the rune knights at the time. After…after I began research on other types of magic, I returned, knowing I'd need to perfect my skills before truly moving forward with my actual goal."
Gray stared at him, frowning. "Why does any of that even matter? Were you just depressed about seeing an island of dead villagers or something?"
"Oh…I wouldn't have brought them back. They were foolish, starting pointless wars like most of humanity. No…what I valued was the empty village, a peaceful place of isolation." Zeref smiled faintly, tilting his head at them. "Those villagers are still dead. The ones you see now, even Lulu,…well, I suppose you could say they are my first victims. The first to die, from the moment I gained the curse I spoke of before. Given my research focus, I thought it was quite logical to give them a chance to return…a weak attempt to atone for what I'd done to them, though I cannot say it changed my mindset towards them at all."
Was that why Zeref had been so hesitant to say more about Lulu before? Zeref knew these people, centuries ago, and still cursed them. Something horrible happened. Even cursed, Lulu kept that vague sensation that something had happened to them, long ago. Likely, it had even happened at the picture of the academy she kept in her house, since that feeling was associated with the picture.
Gray glanced over at Zeref, frowning. "Okay." He was quiet, looking back at the villagers. Natsu and Lucy were mixed within them and he could see that Lucy was biting her lip, looking uncomfortable. Even Natsu wasn't smiling or being overly rambunctious right now, which only spoke to how somber this occasion was. "Why tell me now? It's not like it changes anything. So what if you knew these people in the past?"
"Because…I understand what it is like, to watch a ceremony like this for one you are responsible for killing." Zeref seemed to pause. "Distraction is what aided me in the past, before I arrived at a point of accepting my actions. I thought perhaps it might aid you…and of the stories I could tell, that one seemed to be rather harmless, all things considered. It reveals nothing you do not already know and it no longer causes much reaction in me to speak of it."
Snorting, Gray shook his head. "Well, the thing about distractions is you need something that can linger in my head. Revealing nothing isn't exactly going to do that for me and it isn't like you're the comforting sort either." Zeref's previous attempts had made that much clear.
"I think the world would be a darker place, if I were." Zeref smiled faintly, while Gray wondered what sort of twisted logic gave him that conclusion. "Something harmless to reveal then…" Zeref seemed to pause, frowning. "I mentioned Lyon before, correct? Your former peer."
"Yeah. I meant to ask about that, actually."
"He's on this island." Zeref met his gaze, while Gray froze, his eyes widening. "He's the one who requested that I free Deliora…though he did not realize the demon was dead. Is that the sort of fact that you require as a distraction?"
It was. Yet, it also wasn't. What the hell was Lyon thinking? Sure, Gray had told him Ur died, but that didn't mean Lyon needed to go and do this! Deliora was harmless, but Lyon didn't know that. "Why the hell does he want to free a live demon?"
"To prove his strength. He seems to think that all wizards must do so. It was…amusing, to see him attempt to get me to do the same."
Gray raised his eyebrows at Zeref. "What, did he try and get you to free Deliora instantly?"
Zeref shook his head. "No. Much like you, he decided attacking me would be his best course of action." So, Zeref had seen Lyon's magic before even making this deal with him. "Unlike with you, however, I needed to convince him to leave me be, so I could study Deliora more closely. As a result…it was tedious, to evade making my immortality known with him. At least with you, I had reason to let you see how improbable it would be for you to succeed in actually killing me."
Well, that was a strange way to put it. Gray supposed that the immortality thing gave him reason to try and plan out a new strategy and slow down his attacks. "So Lyon's the one running the whole thing, then." Gray frowned, looking towards the forest. Somewhere in there was the temple where his old friend would be. "I don't even know what to say about that. It isn't like it's concerning anymore, but from what I remember of Lyon, he isn't the sort to just give up." He turned back to Zeref, raising his eyebrows. "You were helping him, right?" Zeref nodded. "Then he's likely not going to just let you walk out so easily."
"Oh, I know he won't." Zeref paused. "My only concern is his newest follower…Zalty, who you encountered before. Time magic is tedious to deal with, in any form, and he is deceptive as well, not even in his true form."
"He's disguised?"
Zeref nodded. "He is. I've…followed him, on occasion, attempting to see the reason for such a thing." The dark wizard scowled, glancing at the crowd. "It appears he thinks he can control Deliora somehow…by obtaining his book. From what I've heard, Zalty is from one of the dark guilds that worships my name and my work."
"So, you don't want word to get out that you're actually here then." Zeref shook his head. "Why the hell did you go around telling me who you were then? Doesn't that sorta defeat the purpose of your plan to stay hidden?"
"It is unlikely that you will speak with Zalty again. And even if you did…well, he is not the sort to believe such things without proof and I have given them little reason to believe I am anything but a random wizard seeking my own personal agenda of studying Deliora."
Yet, if they came to retrieve the book, that was when things would change. Gray frowned, wondering who they'd face then. Lyon valued strength so they likely wouldn't be weak, at least. Yet, how strong would they be? What sort of magic would they use? Time magic was almost unheard of, really. Gray didn't realize anyone had been able to use it, until Zeref froze time so they could run from Zalty. If there were other wizards like that with Lyon, Gray didn't know if their small team here would be enough to stand against them.
"Hey. You ready to - wait, the weird wizard is back?" Lucy approached, making Gray glance at her and blink. In front of them, the ceremony had ended and the demons were dispersing. Happy and Natsu came not long after, joining Zeref and Gray. "When did that happen?"
"I never actually left." Zeref folded his arms over his chest. "I was merely…occupied with other matters for a small period of time. I assure you, the matter has been handled and my focus is still devoted to fulfilling my end of our arrangement." He looked over at Gray. "I did manage to make progress while I was away, though I did neglect to bring my notes with me. Do you still have them?"
Letting out a sigh, Gray nodded. "Yeah, we held on to them. They're back at the cabin."
Looking between them, Lucy hesitated. Then, she shook her head, not bothering to ask whatever had been on her mind. "Well, are you two ready to head back then?"
The dark wizard smiled faintly, nodding towards him. "Yes. I think we are. My time away has advanced things quite quickly. I am finished with my theoretical counter-spell and would like to at least make an attempt at reversing the spell tonight." Zeref glanced over at Gray, raising his eyebrows. "After all, we are not the only ones wishing to eliminate that ice, though we are attempting to do so in a bit of a unique manner."
Just how much progress had he made after ditching them? That was far quicker than anything Gray had expected. Still, it was further proof that their deal was still moving forward and that Zeref was working hard to fulfill what he'd promised. Gray gave him a single nod, letting that serve as his thanks for now. Yet, he supposed it was for more than just his hard work towards bringing Ur back, thinking about his behavior tonight.
Gray had no idea how Zeref had seen that this ceremony was bothering him. Yet, he had seen it and he'd reacted the only way he knew how. The distraction, talking about Lyon, somehow, it made it easy to forget what he had been watching. As temporary as it was, it was a strange answer that came from a strange man. What made him even think to do something like that? I understand what it is like, to watch a ceremony like this for one you are responsible for killing. Those words—Gray shook his head. It was almost like the black wizard felt guilty. Even now, after resurrecting everyone he'd killed, that guilt still seemed to linger no matter how much he was trying to hide it and ignore his reaction.
They began walking back to their hut, opening the door and walking inside. "Well, are you sure the curse on the demons is gonna lift soon? We've been sitting around waiting for it to happen after you disappeared, but I'm getting bored of this. Isn't there anything we can do to make this go faster?" Natsu complained.
"Not unless you are capable of mastering living magic in less than a day, no." Zeref paused. "Oh…and capable of locating and obtaining the books for each and every demon in this village as well. That would be a necessary component." His gaze flickered towards Natsu. "And, even if you were capable of all of that…I'd still stop you. That sort of magic has its own dangers, and unless you are…already tainted by its price, I would not advise you to use it yourself."
"And how would you know that?" Lucy narrowed her eyes at him. "The only person capable of using true black magic like that was Zeref and he died centuries ago. Sure, some people have tried to learn his magic by studying his old works and his demonic books, but no one has succeeded."
"Oh, right." Zeref blinked, before shaking his head. "I've…studied some of it myself, I suppose."
"Whoa! So you understand how to make life?" Happy seemed to blink at him, before his eyes widened. "I know! I want more fish! Can you make a fish for me, pleeease?"
Zeref rolled his eyes. "I said I studied it, not that I could utilize it."
Gray glanced towards him, narrowing his eyes. Yet, the phrasing wasn't entirely a lie, just deceptive. Either way, before he could call Zeref out on the slight lie, another voice cut through. "So, this is why you have yet to leave. I thought you were coming here to retrieve Natsu, not join him on this foolish quest." Gray turned, his eyes widening as he saw Erza sitting inside of their hut. "All of you will be punished severely for this, as soon as we get back to the guild hall." Her gaze flickered towards Zeref. "I suggest you say goodbye to your companion now, because unlike Gray, I will not be lenient and allow you to continue risking your lives for something as foolish as this."
"We're not doing anything other than research for that S-Class job, Erza." Gray spoke, glancing over at her. "If they were, I'd have stopped them already."
"You can't possibly be spending this much time on just research. What else are you doing?" She glanced over at Zeref, narrowing her eyes. "I heard Happy mention creating life, black magic which is banned for good reason. Only one wizard has ever used it and we all know what the result was of his actions."
"Sorry. I was hungry and we were talking about it and I just…" Happy hung his head, sniffling slightly.
"Don't worry, Happy! It's not like anyone actually used it, so we're all good, right?"
Happy cheered up at Natsu's words, but Erza was still tense, watching Zeref. He met her gaze calmly, his expression neutral. "You may take Natsu and Lucy if you wish, but I have an arrangement with Gray at the moment. It is unrelated to the job on Galuna Island, but more of a…personal arrangement of sorts."
"And what exactly does this entail?"
"I am devising a spell to free his former master, in return for him utilizing a spell for me." Zeref met her gaze. "As someone who has studied some of the…darker applications of magic, the magic council does not view me fondly and it isn't as if I can manage to place an official request for wizards to assist me. Meeting one in person was my best opportunity to gain someone's assistance in this task."
"I see." She frowned, glancing between them. "Gray, did you not take Master's warning to heart? Because if you were not cautious…"
"I had no choice." Gray glanced over at Zeref, narrowing his eyes. "I had good reason to believe this guy was trying to release one of Zeref's demons and I think that's something no one wants."
"So, that is what makes this job so dangerous, then." She met Zeref's gaze, shaking her head. "I will not let you abuse my companion's magic for whatever dark purpose you have in mind. Gray will be returning with me and if you have an issue with that, you can deal with me."
"Why is it that all of you wizards immediately wish to fight me? Natsu I expected, but everyone else…" Zeref sighed, shaking his head. "I don't want to fight. I've never truly wished to fight, though I suppose I will not stop you if you insist upon waving your sword at me." He gestured towards her armor, likely assuming she had some kind of weapon-based magic, which wasn't entirely inaccurate.
"I'll vouch for him, Erza," Natsu said. "This guy is weird and kinda creepy, but he hasn't done anything but take notes in that journal of his since we saw him. He's got a bunch of info on demons and stuff! Plus, he knows Igneel!"
"That hardly makes him a trustworthy individual."
"Sorry, but I have to agree with Erza. It isn't like he's ever told us why he's on this island in the first place and he already admitted to being the one who cursed the village here," Lucy said.
"Harmlessly, again." Zeref shook his head. "And my purpose was to find a wizard like Gray, nothing more, nothing less."
"So you are the one looking for ice-make magic then." Erza glared at him. "All the more reason to take Gray away from here, before you accomplish your goals."
"But if you do that, then Gray's master won't come back…" Happy pouted, glancing between them. With one more glare from Erza, the cat backed down, hiding behind Natsu again.
Looking over towards Erza, Gray narrowed his eyes as well. "Happy is right, Erza. I'm not leaving, not when I have a chance to save someone I care for. We're almost to the point of bringing Ur back and I'm not going to back down from the promise I made. That's how a Fairy Tail wizard operates, right? We follow through on the promises we make and we don't back down once we've accepted a job."
"This isn't an official job! Gray, you are acting like a dark wizard, in doing this."
"Oh, I assure you, if he succeeds in what I have in mind and the right people are aware of what he's done…Gray will not be viewed as anything close to that." Zeref smiled, tilting his head. "In fact, he might be hailed as a hero of sorts instead. His magic will be ideal for stopping a particularly dangerous individual, really."
"Are they a water mage, perhaps? Someone weak to the cold and ice?"
"No." Zeref looked away. "They would be…" His brow furrowed, as if lost in thought. "Their main magic, if I recall correctly, was telepathy. However, certain aspects of them require a more creative solution than merely attacking blindly."
Somehow, Gray still had a sinking feeling about all of this. A telepathic mage needed to be stopped with ice magic? Specifically with iced shell? It just seemed excessive. What the hell made it necessary to go to such extremes? Could this wizard just…change someone's mind too quickly or something? Even then, iced shell would fail. It wasn't exactly a quick-to-cast spell, with the amount of energy it needed and the awkward stance to maintain as it activated.
"If you are insistent on stopping someone like that, then I suggest hiring a more skilled mage. Gray is not yet of an S-Class level, and while talented, he is not prepared to face a foe like the one you describe. I could give you recommendations—"
"It must be an ice-make wizard." Zeref narrowed his eyes. "I already know exactly what spell has the potential to stop this individual. Gray is aware of the spell and knows how to utilize it. Even more beneficial to my request, he is actually willing to use it, unlike the last ice-make wizard I spoke with. Everything is in place, ideally, to finalize this plan. I will not let you interfere, regardless of what you think. Once I've given my payment to Gray…I will ensure I can call upon him when the time is ready. He will be free to return until then, but I will have him use this spell for me…once I am able to do so, that is."
"Wait, why would someone be unwilling to use the spell anyway?" Lucy frowned, glancing between them. "I mean, I'd understand not being able to use it, but not wanting to use it is different."
"Likely, it is banned magic as well." Erza met Zeref's gaze, narrowing her eyes.
"Actually, not at all. The spell is perfectly legal…well, so long as you are a legal wizard in your given country that is. Different nations have different regulations of course."
Gray closed his eyes, scratching the back of his head. If either Zeref or himself told them what it would cost, Gray would have no choice but to return. Wasn't that what he wanted though? It was his way out of this mess, his way to leave this deal and abandon whatever dark plans Zeref had for him. Yet, Zeref seemed to speak rationally and seriously when he said this person would be viewed as an enemy of theirs too. Gray wanted to think he actually meant that much, at least.
"Then why? What makes wizards cautious about this spell?" Erza asked, pressing for more details.
"The fact that it's irreversible, I'd imagine." Zeref shrugged. "Though, I suppose technically, I am working out a method to reverse it, so that will not be the case for long."
There was more to it than that, though. Gray hesitated, wanting to say more, but again, his indecisiveness held him back. What made it so difficult to decide anyway? Trusting his guild should be easy, compared to trusting Zeref. "Irreversible? So, it is a dangerous spell then. Deadly, I assume?" Erza continued to seek further details, not letting the topic go that easily.
"It can be, yes." Zeref glanced over at Gray. "My hope is that it is deadly when used this time, actually." Wait, Zeref wanted him to kill this person? That made him more wary than before.
"Hold it. I didn't agree to kill anyone, just—"
"Oh, you'll want them dead when you learn who it is, I promise you that." He waved it off, unconcerned. "Most people want him dead anyway, really."
"Who exactly do you think warrants such a spell?" Lucy asked.
Again the wizard seemed to hesitate. Gray had been wanting to know since he made this deal, yet Lucy was the one pushing more for answers. Well, Lucy, Natsu, and Erza were. Gray was just too cautious to do so, with what he knew. Maybe he needed to get bolder and actually stand up to him for a change, even if it was stupid.
"I'd rather not say."
"Without that knowledge, I cannot condone such dark magic, even if used against an enemy." Erza shook her head. "Now, we were preparing to leave to face your punishment, correct? I have a boat prepared for us, with plenty of room."
"If…if I reveal who my target is, will you let Gray remain behind?" Zeref spoke, meeting her gaze steadily. "He will need confirmation that I've upheld my end of our arrangement and I will need to create a method to remain in contact with him once he leaves afterwords. I assure you, he will return soon after but…I need someone to help me with this. If I don't…" He trailed off, looking away. "Well…even I am afraid of what may come as a result."
"Why not utilize the spell yourself? If you've studied it enough, even if it is outside of your normal magic style, surely, you'd be capable?"
Zeref paused. "It…" He frowned for a moment, pulling out his journal again. Zeref's eyes were wide, almost bright as he searched through. His gaze scanned over his notes, before his expression slowly fell, turning into a grimace. "It wouldn't work. The semantics…in a way, I think it may make the situation worse, almost."
Erza studied him and no one else dared to interrupt her focused questioning of the man. She had been prepared to walk out, yet Zeref managed to make her pause. Something about his eyes, Gray almost thought he saw a hint of desperation in them. How badly did he want this person stopped? Sure, it seemed extreme and Zeref should be capable of stopping almost anyone if his goal was just to kill them. It left Gray wondering exactly who was so unstoppable that even the legendary black wizard couldn't manage to kill him.
After a moment, Erza closed her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "If I deem this individual to be threatening enough…then yes, I will allow Gray to stay, provided you assure me that you will take responsibility for his survival while here."
He didn't need a damn babysitter! Gray was about to shout at her for that, but Zeref was already nodding, smiling faintly. "Oh, I think you will find him most threatening. You are from Fiore, after all." What did that have to do with anything? "I intend on using Gray to stop the legendary Black Wizard Zeref. Most believe him to be dead, however, I know he is alive and active. Living magic…demons, specifically…require the one who created them to survive, if they are to live. The fact that demons still exist is all the proof you need to know he still lives after all this time. And based on that…the one theory about him that holds true is the one about his immortality. Normal means cannot kill him."
Gray stilled, his head turning towards the man. He spoke so calmly, as if there was nothing wrong with his words. Yet, to the others that was the case. "Zeref? Gray…can't possibly handle a wizard like him," Erza said hesitantly.
"I have my own ways of ensuring Zeref remains passive during an encounter like this. Gray will not be harmed and I do agree to assure you that he will have my protection until he casts this spell for me." He paused. "Though…the spell does include side-effects that even I cannot prevent."
"I thought you said this wizard was a telepath! Zeref uses black magic." Lucy glared at him.
"Oh, that magic wasn't his initial specialty. Most of his black magic was forced upon him, not learned naturally, actually."
"And what makes you think you know so much about him? Zeref's not exactly easy to find and it isn't like people know much about him either." Natsu glared at Zeref as well.
"You could say I'm associated with places that do know much about him. Dark guilds, governments, Era even…I have contacts everywhere, to gain what I need." He paused, glancing over at Erza. "So, will you allow Gray to remain peacefully, or will I resort to force to make this happen?"
"You'd fight to keep him here?" Zeref nodded and Erza frowned. "Already, it seems even he was ignorant of your target." Her gaze turned towards Gray and Gray still felt frozen. He didn't know what to say or do. The man that offered to give him Ur back wanted to die. "Gray, I leave the choice to you. Do you think this is a spell you can handle, or do you wish to fight now to return?"
The fight, Zeref showing his immortality, attempting to irritate him, insisting that he could never see Zeref as anything other than an enemy—it made more sense. Zeref's mysterious air, his refusal to tell Gray anything, his constant self-self-deprecating statements, it was all to push Gray towards anger and hatred, wasn't it? "You've got a sick mind, you know that?"
Zeref was smiling, however. "Yet, it seems as if I have what I want either way, don't I?"
Gray snorted. "Like that spell is the only thing that could get you out of our way."
"Perhaps there are other methods…but again, you are not willing to take them."
Erza watched them with a frown, while the others remained silent. "Gray. I need an answer, preferably before our ride leaves the shore."
Gray met Zeref's gaze, inhaling slowly. If this was how Zeref wanted to play things, then Gray would use the same deceptive tricks right back. "Well, it seems like I'm leaving too. After all, our agreement was that I'd use that spell on someone who I didn't consider a comrade. In other words, someone who isn't an ally, friend, or companion of mine. Believe it or not, I think I sorta know Zeref a little bit. And while we're not as close as Fairy Tail's guild members are, I'd say I've come to consider him as an ally, at least temporarily."
Something darkened in Zeref's gaze and he stepped forward. "You are lying."
"Oh yeah? What makes you so certain of that?"
Zeref came closer, grabbing Gray by the collar of his shirt. In an instant, both of them vanished and reappeared before Deliora. Zeref threw him back, shoving him onto the ground. "This is what makes me so certain of that." He gestured to Deliora. "I created Deliora…I made countless demons, let them rampage relentlessly, killed people with my own hands. I am a murderer, destructive by nature, and care little to nothing about the lives around me. You claim to value me as an ally? As a friend?" Something almost looked crazed in his eyes now. It was like a switch had flipped and with it, Zeref seemed to gain almost a hint of insanity. "I will show you why you lie. I will prove to you…that we are nothing but bitter enemies."
A massive spell began to form, illuminating the cavern. At first, the magic circle was blue, matching with ice-make magic in color. Yet, black slowly bled into the color, eating away at it and turning the spell dark. Light flashed and before Gray could even blink, the ice around Deliora was gone. He gasped, his eyes widening. The demon seemed to stand still for a moment, letting out a bellowing roar into the cavern. Gray rose to his feet, preparing to fight, only to watch it fall over and collapse on the ground. Deliora really was dead after all.
"Wh—" A groan from behind him made Gray spin around. There, next to Zeref was a face he thought he'd never see again. Ur was herself, exactly as Gray remembered. She hadn't aged a day, but she looked shaken and disoriented. Zeref held her by her arm, a vice-like grip keeping her captive by his side. "Ow! Cut that out, I'm still—" She broke off, looking around. "I…I shouldn't be here. I thought…I used…"
"Iced shell." Zeref spoke, before looking towards Gray. "And, if you wish to remain alive…your pupil will agree to my request. After all, our deal was only to return you safe and sound, if he used the spell on my designated target."
"You wouldn't." Gray met his gaze, narrowing his eyes. "I've seen your guilt, Zeref. You don't want to kill."
"Not wanting to do something and not being willing to do something are two vastly different things." Zeref met his gaze and smiled darkly. "Would an ally threaten the life of your master? Would a friend be willing to put you through such pain?" Gray swallowed, seeing the dark wizard chuckle. "I think not. So…will you agree, or am I going to add one more murder to the endless list of my crimes?"
"Gray, don't worry about me." Ur looked at him, giving him a weak smile. She'd just returned and she was still trying to defend him. "I don't know what he wants or what is happening, but I'm not worth sacrificing yourself for. Already I can see that I've missed so much. I want to see how strong you two have become, but not—not like this."
He'd already made his mistake though, years in the past. Right now, he wasn't going to make the same mistake again. Turning his head, he met Zeref's gaze. "Let her go."
"Is that an agreement?"
Gray clenched his jaw, his hands closing into fists by his sides. Zeref was skilled at manipulation. Gray didn't stand a chance at getting out of this; really, he never did. "Yes, it is. Now let her go."
Zeref smiled, almost triumphantly, and released Ur with a shove, practically throwing her to Gray. "Then I have no more need of this. Stay still for one moment, please." Gray paused, wondering what was going on. Then he felt magic surround him, almost suffocating him. Yet, he was breathing easily. It was more like pressure, building inside of him rather than from the outside. He touched his head, grimacing and closing his eyes. A few odd flashes entered his mind, before the pressure vanished, leaving him with the odd sensation of being watched from all directions. "Good. We are connected now, Gray. I will call upon you when the time is ready…and you will do exactly as I have planned, or else I will find your master and I will not hesitate to destroy her, and your precious Fairy Tail guild." With that, Zeref vanished from sight, teleporting away once more. Yet, oddly, Gray couldn't help but feel numb to the whole situation. He had Ur back, but at what cost? Despite what had just happened, he couldn't quite see Zeref as the monstrous wizard history made him out to be. Gray might not trust him, but he definitely didn't want to kill the guy. Either way, Gray didn't have a choice anymore. One day, Zeref would call and Gray would be forced to seal him away in ice, forever.
And now we've got Ur and Erza in the story! I hope you enjoyed their introduction. Feel free to review and tell me what you think!