Disclaimer: I am not the owner of Fairy Tail
Natsu, Lucy, Erza, and Lyon were still not back when Gray arrived. He figured Lyon would be back first, since the guy was just sending off a band of dark wizards anyway. Yet, Gray was not expecting Ur to be inside with company. "Gray, is there a reason you didn't say anything about this one?" she asked.
A demon sat next to her, one Gray had yet to actually meet. "You got a problem with me, missy? Well, if you just destroyed the moon like I asked, we'd be all good." He huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You do realize how insane of a request that is, don't you?" Gray said. He remembered Natsu commenting something about it, but Gray had just written it off without much thought before.
"It's quite reasonable if you ask me." The man glared at him. "You want something from me, so you have to give me something in return. That moon isn't right, I say. We haven't been the same since it changed and I want it gone."
Gray glanced over at Ur, seeing his teacher holding her head in her hands. "He hasn't stopped rambling like this since I ran into him. I tried to say I wouldn't do it, but—"
"Won't destroy the moon? What reason could you have for wanting it to remain?"
"—that happens when I even begin saying something like that."
Looking between them, Gray frowned. He'd just dealt with way too many other demons to have to handle this one as well. But don't you wish to destroy the moon, Gray? This one did offer to talk about me in return for such a feat, after all.
Was Zeref actually taunting him? Gray's scowl deepened. "I'll consider it." The demon spun towards Gray, staring at him with wide eyes. "But first, I want proof you actually have something to offer in return. Not many people actually know Zeref, so I want to know what your deal is."
"I'm Moka, the village chief of course. My son, Bobo…" He trailed off, staring at the ground and sniffling. "That poor soul. Thought he was insane and it turns out I was the one that was wrong. Bobo…"
The demon now looked ready to break down sobbing relentlessly. Gray watched, taking a step away and awkwardly trying to whisper with Ur instead. "Did he break down with you too?"
"I didn't exactly get that far with him." Ur frowned, watching him. "I really think this is a waste of our time. To be honest, I don't have time to waste either." Her brow furrowed, and she slowly shook her head. "I thought this would be quick, questioning the villagers. We'd find our answer and move on quickly." Ur's hands slowly closed into fists. "I can't keep my focus right now, Gray. I know how important this is and I want to help, but there's someone I need to go find and talk to."
The woman from before. Gray saw her distant gaze and slowly found himself nodding. "Do what you have to. I'm glad you're back, but if you need to go after her, I'm not going to stand in your way." He looked away, seeing Moka starting to sniffle now, his sobs dying out. "Family is important and I don't expect you to choose me over her."
"Oh, I had no worries about you understanding." She had a small smile. "It's Lyon that'll likely throw a fit over it. I wanted to say something sooner, but I wasn't exactly certain if I'd stick around or go after her at first."
"And you are now?"
She ran a hand through her hair, seeing the demon now looking back at them. "I'm certain I need to make a decision on it at least. We'll talk about it more later." He nodded, seeing Moka frowning between them.
"Sorry about that. It's just so hard, thinking about all I've lost to this wretched moon." The chief closed his hands into fists and he took a slow breath. "Destroying it would fix everything."
"I get that. But you still haven't convinced me that you have any connection to Zeref."
"I—" Moka stopped, scowling and turning towards him. "You expect an old man to just sit around and spill out his entire life story like that then? With just a few small words in return?"
"Technically, you're just giving him words too you know," Ur said.
"Hmm, fair point." Moka nodded at Ur, before turning towards Gray. "I was once a rather skilled instructor, you know. Before I came here and settled down, that is." It seemed like the old man could be rational sometimes. "Ah, but the moon destroyed all of that! That is why we must destroy the moon!" Or maybe not.
"I told you. Talking with him is a waste of time." Ur sighed. "It sounds like he still thinks they're all cursed, you know."
"Of course we are!" Mika scowled, shaking his head. "Damn it, why do you think I keep saying I want the moon destroyed? I'm getting tired of shouting at deaf ears, you know."
"And if you actually made sense, maybe we'd understand for a change." Ur shook her head. "Look, if you don't have anything useful to offer in return, just leave."
The chief pouted, rising to his feet and shaking his head. "Why won't anyone even try to believe me?" He stopped, glancing back at them. "This isn't going to be over, you know. Keep looking into curses and I'll keep coming back with the same request. Destroying the moon is your answer."
Oh, I nearly forgot about him. He is quite entertaining, is he not? Gray really didn't need Zeref's commentary on how amusing his demons were. The chief was gone and the room was quiet again.
"So, any luck? I get that he probably interrupted, but I had hoped you found something," Gray asked.
"Just a lot of demons that don't want to betray Zeref. Seems like the black wizard made his creations rather loyal, in one form or another." She glanced at the door. "Either that, or he just made them insane."
The chief…Gray had thought he'd been rambling like he was insane. Yet, there was clarity too. Keep looking into curses. It was only one line, out of a ton of nonsensical garbage, but it implied he might know something. "When you first approached him, what did you even ask for anyway?"
"I just wanted to know if he had any sort of a history with Zeref."
Right. So, the chief didn't realize they were aware of the curse then. "I think he might." Gray frowned, staring at the door. "He knew something about Zeref that he wouldn't have known otherwise, something that's not in the usual history book about the guy."
"Oh? Did he actually make an attempt to destroy the moon for these demons?"
Gray snorted. "No. Moka mentioned looking into curses, specifically. How would he know we were looking at Zeref's curse, when all you asked about was the wizard himself?"
She blinked, her eyes widening. "Well, I guess he does know something." Then, she looked away. "Still, it isn't much help. A guy like him willing to share info isn't going to be of much use to us."
Did you consider trying to destroy the moon? That option is still available, you know. I imagine Chief Moka would be quite pleased too.
"Could you stop it with the taunts?"
I could. Yet, I'd really rather not. You try living on an island isolated from all living creatures and evade the one opportunity for conversation that comes your way. It isn't as simple as it sounds, especially not after only taking a five year break after nearly a century of living in such a manner.
"So, you're saying I'm stuck dealing with you then?"
Precisely. Consider this a motivational tactic, to make you less irritable when I come to request my death. It will ease your guilt, make you more willing, and alter your intention to be more…deadly, I imagine. After all, I can do my best to irritate you until you hate me, since you still cannot seem to comprehend the fact that we are indeed enemies, and will always be enemies.
"Says the guy—" He broke off, seeing Ur watching him silently. "Er, never mind." Gray rubbed the back of his head, feeling his cheeks grow warm. He'd just been ranting at Zeref in front of Ur, probably making him look nearly as insane as the village chief. "Sorry. Zeref's bored and apparently, his spell means he can chat with me all he wants. Not that he's particularly helpful."
"What advice does he have?"
Gray scowled. "He suggested trying to destroy the moon." Ur's smile widened and she began to laugh. Gray glared at her. "This isn't funny! We need a serious solution, Ur!"
"I know—but just imagining a wizard with a reputation like his, making a request like that." She sighed, shaking her head. "Sorry. After the day I've had though, I think I needed that. A good laugh always makes the day seem a little brighter, don't you think?"
Laughter wasn't exactly a part of his daily routine, though. Gray only frowned, looking away. Sure, there was plenty of entertainment to be had around him. It was just that Gray wasn't the sort to get overly amused with jokes. He was tense, taking things far too seriously according to some, and he always ended up getting the wrong sort of attention with his childhood habit. People avoided him, thinking he was a pervert or something equally disturbing, so Gray just avoided them in return and they all pretended each other didn't exist. At least Fairy Tail understood him and let him be a part of a family.
"You know, you really haven't changed much at all, Gray." The Fairy Tail wizard didn't respond, leaning against the wall and closing his eyes. "I thought that this darkness of yours would fade with Deliora, but it doesn't seem like it has. Are you happy with your life in your guild? With your friends?"
"Of course I am." He had a family that cared for him, unlike any other.
"Maybe I'm not saying it right." Ur sighed, shaking her head. "Letting go of the past and moving forward are two different things, Gray. You can let go and still be stuck in the same place without making progress towards the life you deserve. Right now, I think that's what has happened. You've learned to let go of your anger and rage, but you haven't learned how to move forward and let yourself be happy."
"And here I was, thinking you'd save all those sappy life-advice lines for your real daughter and not us," a new voice said. Gray's head snapped up, turning towards the door. Lyon stood there, nodding at both of them. Ur went pale and she looked away. Meanwhile, Lyon crossed his arms over his chest, surprisingly arriving alone. "Given our situation, I thought it would be best if my companions didn't get involved. Handling a demon is one thing, but dealing with their creator is another. I don't want to risk others if I don't need to."
"Well, at least one of my boys learned a lesson. It sounds like you actually care for those around you for a change, Lyon."
The white haired boy huffed, avoiding Ur's gaze. "I do not. It just seems unnecessary, that's all."
Ur shook her head, smiling faintly. "Well, maybe you'll be able to help Gray along too, then." She sighed, looking at Gray and meeting his gaze. "I know I only just came back and that you two likely thought I'd step back in as your master. However, things change." She glanced towards Lyon. "I just found out my daughter is alive. I know almost nothing about her, or where she's gone, but I do know I need to change that. I need to make things right between us and to do that, I can't stay here with you."
"Then take us with you! We can learn on the way, search for Ultear while training." Lyon glanced over at Gray. "Gray's quest has time to be managed, after all. He did say that he isn't going to be called upon immediately for iced shell—"
"Lyon." Ur met his gaze, slowly shaking her head. "I'm sorry, but I don't want you two to take that risk. Gray's life is on the line with this spell, even if he has been given time." She paused, turning towards Gray. "And despite being quiet, I know you aren't taking this as easily as you're trying to make us think. Trying to act tough around someone who watched you scream because a bit of snow fell down your shirt isn't going to work at all."
"Hey! That was before I'd undergone any sort of training. You know I'd never do that again now."
"But it seems like some habits still remain from your training, even if it killed off others." Gray glanced down, scowling at his lack of clothing. Ur only laughed, shaking her head. "Well, all I can really say at this point is to try and take care. Stay together, and please, learn to move forward Gray."
He already had. Gray had his guild and he had new friends. How was that not moving forward? Yet, as he thought about it, Gray found himself frowning. Did his friends really know him at all? He refused to mention his past to anyone. Though, he wasn't the only person like that. Erza refused to speak at all about it either. Still, in comparison to Gray, she was almost a blabber mouth. She'd ramble on about her favorite foods, her latest job, or whatever new set of armor she'd managed to find. She was open about who she was, whereas Gray just didn't talk if he could avoid it.
Ur pulled both Lyon and Gray into a tight hug before Gray could really think much harder on it. He stiffened, unused to much affection. Most of his physical contact came in the form of brawls in the guild, but he supposed this was nice. Last time, he hadn't been given the chance to say goodbye. Now, it was only temporary, but having this chance felt nice.
"I'll miss both of you. Good luck." She glanced over at Gray. "If I manage to learn anything that can help you while I'm gone, I will make sure I find you again and get word to you about it, alright? Who knows? Maybe someone else far away in this world has details on Zeref."
She released them both, giving them each one last squeeze on their shoulders. Gray watched her turn around and leave, staring at the door for a few moments. Yet, it seemed like Lyon was the first to break the silence. "She's gone. Master Ur was back for a single day and she's already gone again." His hands closed into fists, and he seemed to turn away. "I'm going to go out and…train. I think I need a moment to clear my head."
Gray watched him leave as well. Alone, and with nothing else to do, Gray found himself wandering over to one of the beds inside. Questioning the villagers for a day had gained them nothing but more questions and it seemed like losing Ur likely pushed Lyon to a point of not being able to focus at all. He was alone in this job too, just like he usually was when he did work. It wasn't like he was unused to the feeling. However, he'd been hoping for help this time. Facing off against a legend like Zeref just seemed impossible for anyone to accomplish alone. Without Ur and Lyon, Gray was trapped. He really might as well try destroying the moon at this rate, with all the information he was able to gather on his own and with all his allies leaving.
A faint laugh seemed to echo in his mind and Gray couldn't help but snort. At least he could amuse someone with his mental torment, though he wasn't certain if it would be good for someone already wanting to die to hear someone else's misery. Either way, the laugh gave him a reminder that he wasn't alone. While his initial reaction was to smile at the thought, the reminder of who it was made the smile vanish and sent a shudder through him. Gray didn't think he'd be getting sleep without nightmares tonight, aware that he had the infamous black wizard watching over him at all times, with the ability to use him like a puppet whenever he pleased.
It had been a few days since Invel's return to Vistarion. Thus far, he'd managed to avoid updating August on his majesty's progress towards his latest attempt on his own life. The paperwork regarding succession was handled strictly by himself and Irene, who agreed that August would need to be informed of the matter carefully. He'd recently gone to Galuna Island per his majesty's request and that left Invel alone with the odd new sculpture left behind in his majesty's private gardens.
Usually, magical items were kept inside in a special vault, guarded against intruders. The size of the ice spell was simply too large to reasonably store there, along with the other confiscated magical items. So, the gardens were the next best choice. They were secluded and only the groundskeepers, the Twelve, and his majesty had access to the area. It was outdoors, providing plenty of space for storage, and it was discrete enough to avoid people hearing about the new addition to the palace grounds.
Given the length of his absence, Invel was confident August was going to be returning today. So, the winter general was out by the spell, hoping to make some progress to report back to the other man involved. Irene was with him, though he wasn't certain if this fell into her area of expertise with magic either.
"I cannot say I've encountered a similar spell. Then again, I was never all that interested in elemental magics. They put far too much of an emphasis on direct physical attacks and rarely have spells that are subtle enough for my preferred style," Irene said when asked about the magic.
"Have you seen other occurrences in Alvarez? This appeared to be well-hidden within the canyons."
Irene shook her head. "Brandish might have a better chance with that, though. Unlike me, she gets bored of places too quickly and cannot seem to stand being in one place for more than a week."
"I highly doubt she'd visit the sort of place that is hidden away well enough for a spell like this to be kept."
"No, but she might pass by such a place during her travels." Irene shrugged. "It would be worth the time to ask her at least. I can reach out to Dimaria and Jacob on my way out. If this truly is more than a one-time occurrence, I believe it would be best for all of us to be keeping an eye out for such spells."
"And we do have the reports still coming in for his majesty's…ice sculpture." It may have been a poor excuse, but he supposed it would allow them to hear of any other unusual locations for magic like this. "I just find it strange. Even with all my expertise in this magic, I cannot decipher how it was placed together. The energy is strong and does not show any signs of fading or dissipating over time - meaning this is the rare sort of spell that will not fade through the progression of time. In addition, it resists analysis in an unusual way. I can sense the energy, yes, but anything beyond that is…muddled, for lack of a better term."
"Oh, I am aware." She shook her head. "I do wish you luck with your research on the matter. Unfortunately, out of all of us, you are still the best suited to finding the answer if August cannot. I can tell you that this is not an enchantment, but I imagine you were aware of that before you even showed your little project to me."
Invel sighed. "Yes, I was." He looked over at her, giving her a nod. "Thank you for making an attempt, regardless. I truly do hope this is simply an overreaction on my part about this spell."
Irene folded her arms over her chest. "Have you noticed a significant increase in missing persons reports?"
Shaking his head, the winter mage frowned. "I did have some of the officials pull the numbers for me for analysis. Both as a whole and when broken out by region, there are no significant levels of increase. For the most part, there actually seem to be fewer than usual, though a small portion of regions remain close to the same average number of reports per month."
"Based on that, I'd say there is a chance that this is a one-time act of revenge." Irene shrugged. "People can certainly go to extremes when they truly are enraged, after all."
He truly hoped that was all this was. A one-time use of some curse was easier to deal with than a rampage across the empire. "Regardless, I would still like to monitor and confirm that we do not find another victim of this spell."
"Indeed." Irene dropped her hands to her sides. "If that is all you have for me, I will say the succession paperwork is just waiting on one last signature to become official." Invel nodded, avoiding her gaze. "Please do handle August when he returns. I have other matters to attend to, but I will keep an eye out for more acts of revenge during my travels."
With a wave, the enchantress turned to leave. Invel still wasn't quite certain how he'd break the news to August, but without his majesty's presence, August needed to approve the document along with himself and Irene. Still, he remained in the gardens even as he sensed the magical aura of August entering the palace grounds.
It did not take long for August to find him instead. "I have returned." The elderly wizard frowned, looking over at the spell. "And I can officially confirm that this spell and iced shell are not the same. I was able to successfully analyze iced shell for his majesty and devise a reversal spell for his future use."
"So, you've provided him with the reversal for iced shell?" Invel frowned, turning towards the spell they were instead dealing with. "I am curious, did it appear to have similar affects to this? Perhaps the same counter spell will work for both."
August studied the frozen man briefly, before closing his eyes. "Let us find out." For a moment, all Invel sensed was a shift in August's magic as he drew upon his instinctual understanding of the spell he'd just seen. Then, the magic circle began to form, blue as an indicator of the ice magic it originated from. A blast of light shot out at the target, but when it faded, they still found themselves facing the same sight of a man frozen solid in ice.
"It appears as if it is different enough to warrant a unique reversal spell then." Invel looked over at August. "Would you mind jotting down some notes on the spell you just used? Perhaps I can analyze it and find some variations to play around with in my free time."
August nodded. "Of course." He frowned, staring at the sculpture. "His majesty seems…excited, for his latest plans."
Invel nodded, placing his hands into his lap. "He does." Invel inhaled slowly, recalling Irene's words. Someone had to do this, so he might as well get it over with. "August, sending you to Galuna Island was not the only order his majesty left me with."
"Are you assisting with another project of his then?"
The winter mage shook his head. "Not exactly." He let out a sigh. "Irene was just here to assist with the draft but we were not comfortable putting the new law into effect it without the approval of all of us."
"A new law?" August frowned. "I do not understand. What sort of policy did his majesty wish for us to implement?"
Swallowing, Invel stared at the sculpture in front of him. "A line of succession to the throne." He didn't have to look over to know August would have gone still at the admission. August always seemed uncomfortable when the topic of his majesty's wish for death came up. "It appears he is quite confident in his latest plan. As all three of us are involved as potential successors, Irene and I agreed—"
"None of us will be succeeding him!" August rose to his feet abruptly, cutting his words of. "His majesty will live on. That is the nature of his very existence and I refuse to take part in anything that assumes otherwise."
"August." Invel looked over at the elderly man. "I understand your concern. His majesty is a vital strategist for all of the empire, capable of seeing things on a scale we all fail to predict in his planning. Without his guidance, things will surely be a struggle to adjust to, but we—"
"This isn't about his abilities as a leader, Invel!" August glared at him. "Why do none of you understand? He is distant because his curse requires it. He is cold because he cannot allow himself to think that he cares." The elderly wizard shook his head. "Yet, that should not stop us from caring for him, for who he is. His majesty may have a dark past and be forced into harsh reactions, but he has a good heart. He…" August trailed off, swallowing. "I have been by his side since I was a child, Invel."
"I'm sorry." Invel looked away. "That was insensitive, I suppose" Still, his majesty did not sound like he wanted any debate on this topic. "His majesty did make it sound like this was a direct order. He would not allow me to debate putting a line of succession in place."
"Then we must come up with a way to ensure it is not needed." Invel turned to see August's expression hardening. "I will not be signing any such document, Invel."
"You can sign and then plot out your own means of undermining his majesty's latest project." Invel hesitated. "Though, some may consider that as an act of treason, August. Are you sure you would be willing to risk your entire position here just to stand against this one task that is highly unlikely to actually succeed?"
"His majesty ordered for the creation of a line of succession." August looked over at Invel. "And no one understands his curse better than he does. If he has this level of confidence that his death will be coming soon, then I also share in that confidence."
"That doesn't answer my question."
August stared at him, silent for a moment. His expression became oddly blank before he turned towards the sculpture. "Do not ask me questions for which you do not truly wish to have the answer." Invel wouldn't have asked if he didn't want to know. "I will get you the notes on how to reverse iced shell to study from. Please, do not bother me for the rest of the day." With that, he turned to leave Invel alone.
Still, the winter mage's question remained in place. For a moment, August's emotions were taking over and his calm facade was gone. Would August truly attempt to intervene in his majesty's plans? Invel didn't think he would, but he also knew that August had the strongest emotional connection to his majesty out of all of them. Regardless of his actions, Invel wasn't certain how to proceed.
Logically, reporting August's behavior to his majesty should be his first priority. Yet…he'd trained with the elderly man. August was the one to teach him how to efficiently deal with reading through old legislation. He'd trained with Invel to improve his magic and then continued on to give him lessons on how to act as a trainer himself when the time came for him to assist in military drills. August guided him through the process of improving his etiquette for dealing with foreign ambassadors. While it was true that they were on equal standing in the government, Invel held a certain respect for August for having been involved for so long. Despite their status, he'd gotten used to following August's lead whenever there was a question on the correct path to follow.
What would be best for Alvarez then? Invel considered what would happen if he were to report August. Most likely, his majesty would be forced to remove August from his position. Similar to if they lost their emperor, there would be a sudden gap in the structure for overseeing legislative matters in the government. Irene and he would be left to take over August's duties until a replacement was found. Even when one was found, Invel simply couldn't imagine them being anywhere near as versatile as August.
So, in a way, August was nearly as important to their government as their emperor was. That, he supposed, made the choice somewhat simple. He'd monitor August himself to ensure the man did not intentionally intervene in his majesty's plans. Meanwhile, he'd keep August's emotional outburst to himself. After all, people say plenty of untrue things during times of emotional strife. That, he supposed, was all this was. August was loyal and Invel could trust him to know that any act of betrayal was not an option, no matter how much he despised his majesty's current goals in life.
And we've got a bit more progress with the Alvarez subplot here! I hope you all are enjoying your holidays.