Neither of them made another comment about Zeref's bout of mental instability. Instead, they were focused on the next task. "Gray! Hey, the weird shadow things just vanished on their own." Natsu grinned at him when they regrouped, placing his hands on his hips. "Looks like Fairy Tail's winning this thing!"

"Obviously, someone defeated their creator." Lyon shook his head, before narrowing his eyes at Zeref. "I take it you had something to do with that? You did seem awfully interested in ignoring this entire battle."

"Of course. It was the fastest way to move past this." Zeref shrugged, before glancing at Gray. "I've discussed things with Gray and he seems to think it would be most effective to return to Galuna Island again. As much as I hate to agree with his plan…it likely is your best option to find more information."

"Is there an issue with following Gray's decisions?" Erza frowned at Zeref. "Because this is his mission and if it weren't for you, we wouldn't even be dealing with it in the first place."

Yet, strangely enough, if it wasn't for him they wouldn't have Natsu either. Gray didn't think he even wanted to know what else would be different without Zeref around. "No, his leadership is not what I question. Rather, I am not pleased with the people we will encounter there," Zeref said.

"What, don't like your own demons?" Lucy scoffed. "Why make something you're ultimately going to hate?"

"To practice until I am able to make something I actually like," Zeref replied. She didn't seem to have a response to that and instead just turned away.

"Well, I guess we can try and take one of the boats there. It'd be faster leaving from here, right?" Happy looked over at the team, seeing them frown.

"It would be," Zeref responded. No one else seemed to have the answer, after all. "Though, we'd be coming in to a different side of the island. It is still much closer to Tenrou Island than it is to Fiore and by far saves us time to travel directly there, rather than back to the mainland and then to Galuna Island."

"Are we really just leaving now? The guild is going to have to rebuild after all of this, plus, the war isn't even over! We didn't even find out why it was starting in the first place." Lucy moaned, complaining about the situation already.

Lyon blinked at her, raising his eyebrows. "Oh, I thought Juvia made it somewhat clear. They were interested in taking you back to your family. Supposedly, the man offered a high reward to bring you home, Lucy. It appears as if that high reward for your capture, combined with their rivalry with your guild, was enough to motivate them to strike."

"But why would they want to kidnap me?"

"Must you truly ask that question?" Zeref stared at her, shaking his head. "I don't even know you and even I have an answer that makes perfect sense. Even if that wasn't the case, did Lyon not just explain the high reward?" Lucy scowled, glaring at her feet. "As I've implied before, I know much about your family. The Heartfilias are rather wealthy and have been powerful and influential throughout all of history."

"And apparently, involved with you as well, based on your subtle commentary on my mother."

"She was helping with a plan of mine." Zeref shrugged. "If the time hadn't come during her generation, it would have been you assisting me. And if it didn't come during yours, it would have been your heirs doing the same. The Heartfilia line has been passing down a very specific task from generation to generation and it was your mother who had the opportunity and the means to complete it." Zeref paused. "Well…perhaps that is a bit of an exaggeration. She had the opportunity and the motive to prevent the task from being passed on yet again, that would be more accurate."

"What, so she wasn't capable of actually doing it?" Zeref didn't reply and Lucy was frowning at him. "Then why the heck didn't she tell me what massive task this was? I mean, I've got no plans to help you, but it just makes no sense. If she couldn't complete the task, why'd she bother trying?"

"Oh, she could. Just not…" Zeref trailed off, looking away. "I'd rather not go into details. You are upset enough as it is, without hearing about this."

"Not going into details? You think that's gonna make me feel calmer about all of this?" Lucy glared at him, yet Zeref was already walking. He seemed to be trying to guide their team away, towards the shore. "Damn cryptic men. I hate being left in the dark like this."

"Lucy, for the time being, he is acting as our ally." Erza spoke, her gaze calm yet stern. "I'm not fond of working with him either, but without him, we have few options to gain specific details about the curse. If we are to successfully break it, we need to learn to work together."

"Yeah! Plus, I'm gonna fight him one day and I'll beat him too, just like Erza!"

"Keep dreaming, Natsu. The only success you'll find will be in your own fantasies you construct imagining such a battle." Lyon shook his head, while Zeref smiled faintly.

"Oh, I dare say one day, he might actually be successful."

"Alright! See? Even Zeref says I'll be strong enough to beat him!"

"Not yet." Zeref paused. "You are not yet ready."

"Well, when will I be ready?"

"I don't know." Zeref didn't elaborate, but Gray was starting to see just how twisted this relationship had become. From what he'd heard, Zeref created demons as a way to end his own life. He'd worked so hard to perfect the technique of creating life, then the technique of bringing the dead back to life, and finally, he brought back Natsu. That much was the timeline he'd pieced together. Yet, if demons were made for the purpose of ending his life…

Yes, you aren't that wrong. Zeref didn't answer out loud, instead directing his thoughts towards Gray. I'm still uncertain if that is how I wish for this to play out or not. Yet, the fact still remains…Natsu is my greatest creation, the most powerful of all of my demons. To preserve who he was to me, however, those powers have been sealed away. Not even he is aware of what he is, nor does he recall anything of his life before his resurrection.

You are pushing him to kill his family, Zeref. He has the right to know. The black wizard didn't reply and instead kept moving. They reached the shore and began boarding one of the ships, but the black wizard didn't seem to listen to Gray's words at all.

"Let's get this over with. I have things I'll need to take care of and I'd prefer to break this curse sooner rather than later." Lyon was getting impatient it seemed, though Gray had no hopes of ending this curse soon. The more he learned, the more it seemed he'd actually be stuck waiting until he had to use iced shell.

Before they could figure out how they were actually going to sail the ship themselves, Zeref began getting to work. He moved like he knew his way around a boat already, though Gray had no idea what any of those tasks actually were that he was accomplishing. I had to get to Tenrou Island on my own in the first place. Plus, I've traveled quite extensively throughout my life. Flying airships and handling boats are two of the forms of transportation that seemed useful to know.

So, he wasn't just Zeref, prodigy of magic, but also Zeref the world traveler? It just didn't seem to fit with the introverted image Gray had of the other man. Still, it got them moving faster, setting off into the water in a direction that Zeref seemed to select. Yet, something seemed to hit Lucy at the same moment it hit him. "Guys? Not that I really know much about navigation or anything, but are we really trusting Zeref to lead us to a safe place here?"

Erza and Lyon shared a look, frowning. "Perhaps we should consult a map of some form, just as a precaution." Lyon brought it up, looking hesitant to offend Zeref.

"Indeed. That would be a wise course of action." Erza nodded in agreement.

Sighing, Zeref turned his head away from focusing on the water. "Do I have anything to gain by harming you, isolating you, or kidnapping you?"

"You did claim you were going to force me to utilize iced shell instead of Gray, so I could see any of those options relating to such a shift in your goals." Gray blinked, his eyes widening at Lyon's comment. Since when had Zeref changed his mind about that?

Since I decided I'm not overly fond of your companion. He simply seemed more deserving of the fate iced shell would cause than you. Gray had no idea how to respond to that. "If I wished to persuade you, I would have…no, I suppose I technically am already." Zeref sighed, staring off towards the covered area that would lead below deck. He was frowning, but eventually just shook his head and turned back towards Lyon. "All I am saying is that it is counterproductive for me, just as it is for you, to trap you. There is no reason to have this debate."

"Then if you're so confident with your navigation, you won't mind us checking a map, right?" Lucy grinned at him and Zeref sighed, waving them off. Erza went below deck to grab a map and Gray thought he heard an odd shuffling down there, almost the sound of Erza being clumsy which just didn't match up with what he knew of the girl.

We have a stow-away. Don't worry, she's rather harmless. I think she simply wishes to follow your friend. The man paused. Odd, that he doesn't realize she's stalking him, considering his own attachment to her as well. Stalking who? Lyon. Gray blinked, before remembering the girl on the island from before. Was she crazy or something? Maybe there was a way to break it to Lyon gently.

"You do realize that checking a map for reference will be of little benefit without knowledge on how to navigate as well?" Zeref said. Lucy only glared at him, but Zeref shrugged. "Checking is fine, but do you even know what direction we are heading in?"

"Well, it'll give us points of reference, like islands that should show up between Tenrou Island and Galuna Island. We can just verify that we're passing them," Lucy argued. It was at least somewhat useful, though it still wasn't much to go off of.

"Nah, I could just have Happy fly ahead and see if he finds that demon village again!" Natsu grinned. "I'm sure we'll find them without problems, Luce. Don't worry so much. I mean, despite all the stories I've heard, Zeref's a pretty cool guy."

That seemed to make Zeref grow quiet, reasonably so. Gray looked at the man, seeing his jaw clench as he focused on navigating once more, ignoring the others. "Yeah." Gray joined in after a moment, slowly trying to turn his focus away. "All things considered, he's not so bad."

"Are we going to debate this again, Gray?" Zeref sounded tired and for some reason, almost mildly amused. "We are not allies."

"No, I'm just standing here to remind you that life is important, while you help us come up with ideas on breaking your curse. This whole mutually working together towards similar goals, with both parties benefitting, sounds nothing like what allies would do," Gray deadpanned.

Zeref went silent, but he was smiling, raising his eyebrows at Gray. "And would such allegiances normally begin with threats?"

"Sometimes. I mean, I've heard of stranger beginnings to teams before." He threw a thumb over his shoulder, gesturing towards Lucy. "The story I heard is that Lucy ended up on Natsu's team after he nearly got her arrested for destroying the port in Hargeon."

"Hey! We didn't get arrested." Natsu scowled, looking away. "I just ran away and they eventually stopped chasing us. Though, Gramps did have a lot to say about the fine for that one. How they knew it was me I still can't figure out."

"Well, you did sorta blow up the port with your fire magic. Everyone knows Fairy Tail's salamander uses a unique form of fire magic, Natsu, and you are sorta known for being destructive too." Happy was only too happy to chime in with advice on what caused that.

Smiling, Zeref chuckled under his breath. "Well, that definitely sounds like an interesting adventure." Yet, there was something sad in his gaze too, staring out at the water. "I am glad you've found good friends to stay by your side, Natsu."

"Huh? I've always been with good friends." Natsu blinked, before he seemed to remember. "Oh right! You knew me before Igneel. Sorry, I don't remember much about that. Igneel raised me, so I must've been pretty young. Was I alone or something?"

"No." Zeref was quiet. "You…had a brother. And despite your differences, the two of you would go on adventures of your own together. Nothing would ever be capable of separating you, not even fate itself."

"Wait, I have a brother?" Natsu's eyes were wide. "Where is he? What's he like? Come on, why the heck did I end up with Igneel if we were so close?"

"Tragedy struck." Zeref didn't explain much more. "Powers even greater than fate wished to intervene and there were no other options left."

"What power could possibly be greater than fate itself?" Lucy frowned at him.

Zeref glanced up at the sky, his eyes dark. "Chaos. That, I suppose, is an apt way of describing him…as he is now, at least."

Gray had no idea who he was referring to, but it no longer sounded like he was talking about Natsu's death. Was he explaining why he'd given Natsu away to Igneel then? Gray frowned, but Zeref's thoughts were silent on the matter as well. The man's control over his own head was insane, especially with the stormy look in his eyes saying he was still reacting to whatever had been on his mind.

"Well, I'm gonna find him too then. There's no way in hell I'm gonna let something like chaos take my family away, even if I can't remember a thing about them."

"Just how do you intend on finding someone who's face you do not even know?" Lyon stared at him, raising his eyebrows.

"Well, I'll know them by smell, duh. I mean, I'd have to recognize that much, right?"

"Natsu, if you knew him before Igneel, that means you weren't a dragon slayer yet. You never would have known what he smelled like." Happy stared at him and Natsu blinked, before running his hands through his hair.

"Damn it, you're right! How am I gonna find him?"

Zeref smiled, chuckling and shaking his head. "Don't worry, Natsu. I'm certain that wherever he is…he is doing his best to look out for you, however he can." The smile lingered for a moment, before fading into a grimace. Zeref touched his head and Gray recognized the slight headache from the bond this time. He'd focused too much on Natsu and it seemed like the curse was catching on.

Erza returned above deck with the map, studying it with the others. They were quiet again, though Natsu did keep trying to ask Zeref for details about his brother. Despite knowing the truth himself, it just seemed like the sort of issue that was best settled between them. Zeref had his reasons for not sharing and Gray had no idea how it'd affect Natsu, to know the truth. The guy seemed like the sort that wouldn't care or let it affect anything, but there was no telling how anyone would react to hearing that they'd died and been resurrected as a demon.

"We should be passing an island about now, if I've estimated the speed of this ship properly based on our travel to Tenrou Island from Fiore." Erza spoke up, making them glance upward. Yet, the speed was actually slowing down. Zeref seemed to be frowning, gazing out into the distance off to the side of the ship. "Is something wrong?"

"There is a powerful aura nearby." Zeref was quiet. "It feels…like something that does not belong." Erza didn't respond and Zeref continued slowing the pace. Following his gaze, Gray tried to see what had so much of his attention grabbed. Yet, all he could see was a vague shadow in the distance, a faint silhouette that stood tall into the sky. "It can't be. There's no reason for anyone to manage it. Even if they did, the Magic Council always intervenes."

Erza turned as well, her eyes widening. "We should move on." She focused ahead, turning away to ignore whatever it was in the distance. "There is important business to attend to on Galuna Island, correct? And Lyon has business to attend to after we complete our task with the curse. Staying on task should remain our priority and that does appear to be the island I just said we'd be passing."

For a moment, no one knew what to say. None of Erza's words were out of place per say, yet her rushed manner of speaking was. Zeref frowned at her, before turning away. He didn't answer and Gray wondered if he'd just listened to her and begun following her advice. Yet, that was when Gray realized the ship was slowly changing course. It was turning, moving towards the other island instead of their original path.

"Uh, is there a reason we're heading towards the creepy island now? I thought we agreed to ignore it. I mean, Erza said we should and it typically isn't a good idea to just ignore her." Lucy stared at Zeref nervously.

The black wizard's gaze was hardened, however, glaring in the distance. "If this spell is what I think it is, then there is every reason to make a detour." Zeref frowned. "Yet, it should be impossible. What do they think they can accomplish with it? The energy requirement…what way is there to fulfill it?"

"Energy requirement? Are you implying that we're heading towards some sort of magic at the moment?" Lyon frowned, turning towards what was now starting to look like a very tall tower.

"We are heading towards someone's creation of the R-System." Zeref frowned. "Last I heard, the Magic Council had destroyed the last…five? Six? I cannot recall the exact number, but it was fewer than ten, at least." He paused. "Most wizards are intelligent enough to realize the spell, while theoretically functional, is impossible to activate. Even dark wizards are not idiots; they simply have fewer morals than others."

"What's so wrong about this particular spell?" Gray watched Zeref and the man tilted his head, glancing over at Gray.

"Oh, the spell itself is fine…if I were the one using it, at least." He paused, staring at it again. "Though, for the poor stranger attempting to activate it now, nothing good can come of it."

"Is it black magic?" Lyon spoke and Gray wondered what made him have such an assumption so quickly.

Zeref nodded. "My first attempt at resurrection, actually. Or well, my first working theoretical model. Some of those notes got scattered, confiscated by former instructors for being forbidden magic…there's no telling who has them now, to be honest. So, occasionally dark guilds manage to get ahold of the research and create the tower themselves. They are quite obvious, though, and Era monitors for them frequently, after an…anonymous tip came through that they were being created and were connected to Zeref."

"You turned your own spell over to the Magic Council?" Lucy caught on quickly, blinking at him.

"I didn't have the time to deal with it, or the consequences it would create. Can you imagine what would happen if they were just left alone and they actually had a way to complete them?" Zeref shook his head. "No, they are better off destroyed, so none can face the same tragedy and horror I've lived through."

"Are you saying this spell will curse the one who utilizes it?" Erza spoke, and Zeref nodded. Something looked grim on her face and she stood there, facing the tower with a frown on her face. "I see." She was quiet again, her arms crossed over her chest. "Then we have no other options. We cannot allow this curse to spread, or else it will worsen our own predicament." Her voice grew quieter. "I won't let Jellal…" At that point, it grew to be too soft to hear her exact words.

Staring at her, Gray could see her eyes were closed and her hands were fisted by her sides. Whatever this place was, it wasn't something she wanted to be near. "Whatever secrets you are keeping, I'd advise to place them in the open now, Erza. Once inside, there is every likelihood that we'll become targets for abduction in some form," Zeref warned. Erza blinked and Zeref smiled darkly. "If they followed my full design…they'll be needing a sacrifice soon enough, if they don't have one already." With that thought to linger on their minds, Zeref began to guide them to the base of the tower.

As they approached the structure, Erza's response to Zeref's warning was a refusal to speak about whatever it was she seemed to know. She said it was her problem and that she'd deal with it herself. In fact, she had even attempted to convince them all to return to the ship and wait until she'd finished inside. "I will tell you that I know who is responsible for this. As such, I am best suited to handling them. I am the one who did not stop them properly before as well, making this my responsibility."

"If we want to get technical and place blame, I am the one who designed the spell in the first place." Zeref stared at her. "So, really, I'm responsible for your tragedy as well. How interesting…I've caused such tragedies in the lives of your entire team and yet we still manage to work together. This is a bit unexpected…most people despise those who cause them harm and wish for them to be harmed in return."

"Are you done contemplating mankind's tendency to hold grudges?" Lyon interrupted, pointing to the tower. "If you are, I think we have business to attend to. In case you did not notice, it seems as if they are inviting us inside." True to his word, a door seemed to have been left open on the side of the tower.

"Were they expecting someone or something?" Lucy frowned and Erza narrowed her eyes.

"Unlikely. It is possible that this is meant to be a trap of some form…" Erza trailed off, before Zeref began moving forward. "Wait, what are you doing?"

"If it truly is a trap, I am best suited to entering first," Zeref said. Erza frowned while he smiled. "One of the few benefits of immortality, I suppose."

No one really had a good argument for that one. Gray watched, seeing him enter the tower with ease. When nothing happened, Zeref used his link with Gray to inform the ice mage that it was safe to enter, but to be cautious. Something about the tower even had Zeref on edge and it made Gray wonder just what he'd noticed. So, they slowly began to enter, finding themselves in a dark room that almost had the same lighting as a cave. The atmosphere was right for one, at least, dark and creepy like something might sneak out of the darkness and strike.

"Is it just me, or does this place give you guys the creeps?"

"It's black magic; I didn't design it to be pleasing to the eye." Zeref paused, running his hand along the walls with a frown. "They did an impeccable job, though. Such attention to detail…I doubt they missed a single rune or marking in its creation." His brow still furrowed, his palm against the wall. "And this material…I see its purpose, but still, where would they obtain the energy?"

"What, are the walls not made of normal stone?" Gray saw Zeref shake his head, smiling faintly.

"No. It is the base material used when making a lacrima, actually." Zeref looked up, staring towards the ceiling that likely walled them in from entering the next floor. "This entire tower…yes, if it is all made of that material, it just may hold enough energy to succeed. And if it can succeed…" Zeref trailed off, inhaling deeply. Gray caught wind of his thought process, even without him speaking however.

"No. We're not going to activate this god damn tower just to see if you can die by being a sacrifice to it," Gray said. Zeref frowned, narrowing his eyes at Gray. "Weren't you the one who was so concerned about someone else gaining the curse? Would it really make a difference?"

"If I activate it and sacrifice myself there should be no problems…"

Gray sighed, uncertain of what else to add. Zeref was just difficult to deal with when he had ideas like this, it seemed. "Well, our first priority is stopping whoever is in charge first. To do that, we need to start moving." He paused, glancing around the room. "Doesn't seem like there's a decent pathway up, though."

"Oh, that should be this way." Zeref took the lead once more, walking towards one of the walls. "It may have been a while, but most of my later spells were still based off of this initial design. I just needed to refine a few things and eliminate unnecessary components to create a feasible variation of the spell in the future."

Zeref began guiding them into the building, leading them higher up within the tower. The place held an eerie silence and Gray found himself looking around constantly for any signs of danger or an incoming attack. Yet, beyond being disturbingly quiet and empty, there almost seemed to be nothing of interest here. They'd wander around paths and into side rooms,. Zeref would find a way to open doorways in the middle of walls that should have been sealed off. Clearly, the man knew his own ideas well, even if he'd come up with them centuries ago.

They'd gone up at least six floors when the first noise finally interrupted them. "Well, well, well, it seems as if someone has arrived earlier than anticipated." Gray frowned, looking for signs of where it was coming from. However, Zeref only tilted his head, listening in closer as if he'd expected this to happen. "Erza, returning home at last. I had just sent our old friends to go greet you, you know. Everything had been in place for you to be on a nice relaxing vacation at this moment in time. What could have possibly interfered so greatly to change that fact?"

Looking up, Erza narrowed her eyes. "That is none of your business. For now, all you must know is that I will stop you from completing this project, Jellal."

"You will? Oh, how amusing, my dear Erza. You couldn't stop me then and you still cannot stop me now." There was almost a gleeful note to the man's voice. "But, I am a fair man and I will give you a fighting chance. If you can find me, outwit me in this little chase throughout the tower, then you win. However, if I am the one to find you first…then I win and you shall become my sacrifice so Zeref will live once more and bring us to a true heaven on earth."

"Wait. You're trying to bring back Zeref?" Natsu frowned, staring up above them.

"Indeed. He is truly the only wizard powerful enough to accomplish such an impossible goal, the only one able to bring us true freedom from our sins." The black wizard just looked indifferent to the entire thing, as if he heard speeches like this on a daily basis. "And, as such, he needs a powerful vessel to serve as his sacrifice, to serve as his new body to return to life inside of."

"May I ask a question?" Zeref spoke.

"Hmm. One of the wild cards of the team, one of the few I've not heard of. Introduce yourself and I shall consider answering."

"I currently go by the name of Black, though I've been called many other names throughout my time." Zeref paused. "I am curious…what exactly do you intend to use to energize your spell? Do you even know how much energy is required to—"

"Are you seriously choosing now to ask about some stupid technical detail?" Lucy glared at him. "We need to keep moving. This guy wants to sacrifice us for this spell and, no offense, but I'm not in the mood to be kidnapped after just running away from an entire guild that wanted to kidnap me!"

"Lucy, I'm the one Jellal is after. I told all of you that this was best left to just me—" Erza began.

"Can all of you just stop bickering for once?" Lyon glared at them, scowling and shaking his head. "Are we going to be left with no details on how to locate you, Jellal?"

"Well, that wouldn't be fairly playing the game. And I don't wish to make things unfair." There was a pause. "So, in an effort for fairness, as I know your current location…I will reveal mine moments before we begin. From that point onward, we will both remain ignorant of the other, a game of chase where the victor must sneak up upon the loser to succeed. Capture me and you shall win. Be captured and Erza will be sacrificed."

"You know, you could just sacrifice me." Zeref shrugged. "I would volunteer for the position, really."

"Z-Black! What the hell did we just say about that?" Gray glared at him.

"I don't recall agreeing to your terms." Zeref ignored him and Gray sighed. Having him as an ally really was tedious. "Besides, doesn't this solve your own dilemma? If this works, there is a certain deal that won't need to be fulfilled, Gray."

That should have him relieved, but oddly, it didn't. It just irked him that Zeref would run off so easily on the closest method to kill himself when it became available. "As useful as a volunteer may be, I need a powerful mage as my sacrifice. Your power is likely no where near the level required to compare to Zeref's."

"Oh? What a shame. Here I was thinking my magical ability was nearly on par with Zeref's. I must have been delusional this entire time." Zeref was joking about this? Gray watched him, seeing a faint smile on his face.

"Indeed. Not even Erza can stand on the same level as him, but sometimes, it is necessary to settle for second best." Zeref didn't reply, only looking up. "As far as your question goes, that is my own business to know. The game will commence as soon as my location is revealed, so, I must ask, are you ready, friends of Erza Scarlet?" Their gazes hardened and slowly they began to nod. "Then let us proceed. Currently, I sit upon my throne at the upper most floor of this tower, approximately fifteen floors above where you currently stand. And with that, let the race begin."

Following his words, Zeref began moving. Their team quickly did their best to follow, trying to keep up, but the black wizard was surprisingly fast. The man seemed to be moving confidently, going through doors with ease and clearly with a destination in mind. Yet, time went on and there was still no sign of another soul in the building.

Their path led them higher, for the most part, ascending the tower in a maze-like path. "This way…this way is less efficient. Or perhaps more efficient would be more surprising…?" The man was muttering to himself now, as if plotting out his next move as he made it. "No, altered. The best chance for success is a mix of both, since he'd anticipate randomness with a lack of familiarity. Yet, randomness is also unpredictable by nature, and thusly, the best option." He paused again, thinking more. "Better yet…a trap. Trap him, and prevent him from fleeing…" Zeref then began to wander the entire floor, still far from their destination.

"Do you mind letting us suggest something for a change?" Lucy stared at him, and Zeref nodded.

"Yes. Multiple suggestions lead to debates and delays. It is more efficient for just one person to make the plan and as the one who knows this tower the best, I am best suited to the task." He left no room for argument, crouching down on the ground near one of the doors. A flash of purple seemed to glow for a moment, before vanishing from sight. He moved again, doing the same thing near another door. Eventually, multiple enchantments were played out, scattered throughout the floor. "That should suffice. Now…let us wait."

"That looked like Freed's magic." Erza frowned, staring at him. "Have you laid out traps for Jellal then?"

Zeref nodded. "At every possible entrance to this room, yes. Unless he destroys his hard work with the tower, he will be incapable of sneaking up on us now." The man paused. "Though, I had wished to be at the top of the tower when I did this. Yet, there was too much risk in delaying his capture to arrive there first."

"What is so different about where we wait for him? I mean, it seems like it'll trap this guy either way." Lucy frowned at Zeref, glancing around.

"Oh, the top would be where the spell's sacrifice is taken in. I had hoped to—"

"I told you, we're not here so you can test your morbid suicide theory." Gray scowled, glaring at him. "The goal was to stop this guy from cursing himself, alright? We're not wasting any more time than necessary."

"Precisely." Lyon narrowed his eyes at Zeref. "Considering you are already intent on one method of death, it just seems idiotic to attempt another right now. We are investigating a way for you to gain your freedom as well, which would allow you to live instead. Do you not find that option to be ideal for yourself?"

The black wizard turned away, not meeting his gaze. The silence hovered in the air, and Gray was slowly realizing that he just wasn't going to answer. Did this guy really think it was for the best that he died? Sure, he'd heard Zeref's wish for death before and had even seen some of his reasoning. Yet, it was starting to seem like it cut deeper than wanting an escape from the curse. If he was free, would he still search for his own death? Gray didn't know and for some strange reason, it bothered him to consider. The guy was threatening to take Gray down with him, yet oddly, he was being stupid enough to actually be concerned that Zeref wanted to throw his life away. Maybe he really was the idiot in this team, not Natsu.

Either way, Zeref eventually sat down, crossing his legs and starting to meditate. The guy was literally ignoring everything around him, as if he had no worries at all and all the patience in the world. Technically speaking, he probably was the only one here who reasonably could waste all of his time sitting around doing nothing. That patience made a lot of sense, considering the fact that he didn't have to worry about having limited time.

"I feel sorry for you, Gray. Sharing thoughts with a man like that…it likely is not easy, hearing his contemplations," Lyon said.

"He can still hear you, you know." Gray looked over at the other ice mage, narrowing his eyes. "Just don't worry about it, alright? It's my problem to handle and I'll take care of it."

I don't plan on eliminating this spell quite yet, Gray, and to my knowledge you don't have the capability to unravel it yourself. Just how do you intend on handling it?

Glancing at Zeref, Gray sighed. By just dealing with it sticking around, I guess. So long as you don't actually treat me like some creepy puppet, this isn't that difficult to adjust to.

Are my thoughts not disturbing to you? Do you not get bothered by my memories, or even my contemplations of how far I'll go to achieve my goals?

Can't say I've heard much of either, to be honest. Gray had heard some, but nothing in great detail. You're too skilled at keeping secrets for me to manage that.

I see. Zeref was quiet again and more time passed. Eventually, they found themselves joining Zeref on the ground, waiting for Jellal to come. Gray was starting to question if this Jellal guy had planned a trap for them, just like they did for him. However, that was when a light flashed on the other edge of the room, with the runic writing appearing in the air. Zeref's eyes opened, his head lifting to focus on the one who activated the spell. There, standing inside of the invisible enchantment, was a man with light blue hair and a strange marking around his eye. Erza met his gaze, her eyes hardening and her sword gradually being drawn. The tension was thick and yet rather than panic or admit defeat, the trapped man slowly began to smile at them, as if the entire end of his own game was the most amusing thing in the world to him.