Lyon was still concerned about the boat from before when they arrived on Galuna Island, but they'd clearly had the faster vessel and had since lost sight of the smaller boat. So, it was a matter to contemplate another time.

"You know…I don't think I've stayed with them in quite some time. At least, not with them aware of me being nearby." Zeref tilted his head, frowning for a moment. "It will be interesting, to see their thoughts on my presence here."

"What, afraid your demons won't bow down and worship you like most dark wizards do?" Lucy was grinning, teasing the dark wizard rather recklessly.

"Oh, they aren't the sort of demons to do that." Zeref waved her off. "I'm more curious to see how many of them despise me, actually."

"From what I saw, most of them are pretty happy with you." Gray had his arms crossed over his chest. "You should've seen that too, you know."

"True, but what they say to you and what they'll say to me will vary. Excuses can be made up and I'm not about to pretend that everyone is blatantly honest about everything they say."

"That is indeed a wise mindset to have, but there is no reason not to give some measure of trust to others." Erza frowned at him. "Are you unable to trust your own creations? If so, I find it difficult to believe you trust anyone at all."

"Typically, I don't."

"Well, we'll show you that you can trust some people, Zeref." Natsu grinned, turning around to walk backwards while facing the man. They practically had to shout their conversation given their spacing, but it functioned as well as it could, Lyon supposed. "After all, we're working as a team right now. People on a team should be able to trust each other, so we'll earn that trust of yours sooner or later."

"Aye!" Happy grinned, sitting on Natsu's shoulders as they walked. "We're gonna make an awesome team and prove that Zeref isn't all that bad after all."

"Juvia will do her best as well. After hearing of your tragic curse, Juvia is moved to help and do whatever she can to free you." The water wizard was determined and Zeref didn't seem to care at all about her added commentary. The man still seemed focused on Natsu, before he sighed and forced himself to look away.

"The trust I am able to give to others varies depending on the situation." Zeref paused. "I…want to trust some of you, at least. However, circumstances prevent me from truly doing so."

"Only some? What, you got a grudge against half of your own team?" Natsu asked.

"I'm not overly fond of people with obsessive tendencies." Zeref glanced at Juvia, who looked ahead and didn't react beyond frowning at his words. "They remind me excessively of those who wish to abuse me, in one way or another. And there is also the matter of unfamiliarity with others…" For this one, Zeref looked at Erza. "Hiding one's own past as well tends to lead to more curiosity and distrust than one would suspect. Really…come to think about it, I only have an interest in putting trust of any form in Natsu and Gray. I couldn't care less about the rest of you."

"Hey!" Lucy glared at him. "What did I ever do to piss you off?"

"Nothing." Zeref shrugged. "You just look like someone who was skilled at forcing my hand, that's all."

"You have a grudge against her because she looks like someone you knew in the past?" Lyon blinked at him, uncertain of what to say to that. It was an absurd reason for dislike, but the man was completely honest about it at least.

Meeting his gaze, Zeref smiled faintly. "Well, as I said, this person was skilled at manipulating me towards her desires. My feelings on her are…mixed, to put it lightly. As such, I'd rather avoid any confusion that would be caused by interacting with another Heartfilia now. I've had enough of their family to last a lifetime."

"Her family?" Erza chimed in, looking invested as well in the mystery of Zeref's lack of trust. Yet, Zeref only nodded, not responding.

With a sigh, Gray finally spoke up. "Some distant relative of Lucy's named Anna." Gray shrugged.

"Huh. What did she make Zeref do that was so bad?" Lucy asked.

Gray's eyes narrowed, focusing on Zeref. Eventually, the ice wizard shrugged. "Zeref's ignoring us again, so I have no clue." True enough, the black wizard's gaze was distant, focused only on the path ahead of them and nothing more.

"You know, keeping up an attitude like this only makes me think you're trying to embrace your curse's title," Lyon said. Those dark eyes flashed towards him, narrowing for a moment. "Being cautious when you are immortal seems pointless…contradictory, in a way. Can you not see it yourself?"

The man stopped walking, focusing on Lyon as the rest stopped with him. "If you think that is a contradiction…you've seen nothing of how far my descent can go." There was a dark look in his eyes. For a moment, Lyon questioned if he said something too much. "Yes….yes, I should destroy you all. There's no need for purposeless endeavors that lead to further suffering and despair. I deserve this punishment, this curse is mine and mine alone—" He broke off as spears of ice sliced through his arm and flew off into the water.

Turning, Lyon saw Gray watching the man with wide eyes. Gray took a deep breath and lowered his hand, barely keeping his voice steady. "Knock it off, Zeref. Remember our deal? Killing off our team isn't gonna help end your curse and letting you go through with it would definitely be breaking my end as well."

The man glanced at Gray and for a moment, the haze remained. "You…just like Natsu. Destroy me, or be destroyed…our only options in this endless dance of push and pull." Zeref laughed. Gray tensed, crouching for a moment. "Just like Natsu…" The man trailed off, inhaling slowly before touching his head. Lyon had no idea what was going on, but the man frowned, his head shaking and his hand dropping to his side. Suddenly, the man almost seemed normal, only frowning at them in confusion. "Sorry. I seem to have blacked out for a moment." He paused, looking around. "Is everything alright?"

"Juvia is concerned." The water wizard frowned at him. "Are you sane? Juvia does not feel comfortable traveling with a death magic user who is not sane."

"Don't ask about it." Gray didn't explain, saying nothing more on the matter. Zeref turned towards him, frowning, yet he said nothing. "Just think of it as another part of the curse."

Yet, Lyon felt cold. His words had triggered that sort of a reaction, somehow. The man himself, however, moved on as if nothing had happened. Did Zeref even remember what he'd said? Lyon glanced over at Natsu, seeing the dragon slayer pouting as Gray argued with him about something. The two were likely debating Zeref's recent challenge, if he knew anything about the dragon slayer by now. Natsu would want to actually start the fight, but Gray was reasonable enough to know to stop him from such a reckless choice.

When they arrived at the village gate, the demons quickly opened it and allowed them inside. It was dark out and Lyon was getting exhausted from their travels and from not having a break in any recent time. The whole incident between Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail had been immediately followed with that tower and Lyon just hoped this island would give them some sort of a break from back to back problems.

He was too exhausted to even pay attention to the reactions of the villagers. Though, he did realize they were keeping their distance. Zeref didn't even seem to mind, either enjoying his space or just being used to the strange sort of isolation. "Excuse me. Most of you will be staying here, but we cannot allow one of you to remain." Their guide who had brought them to their lodgings from before spoke up. The girl looked behind them all, focusing on Zeref.

"He's part of our team and we will not remain without him." Erza seemed to be challenging the suggestion quickly, staring down the demon.

The woman shook her head. "You misunderstand. He can remain, but these lodgings are in a central area of the village. It'd be preferable if he stayed elsewhere, closer to the outer perimeter."

"That is fine." Zeref spoke before they could object again. "I will return and meet with you tomorrow. For now…I think I will remain at the temple. Since none of you typically approach that structure, I assume that would be sufficient, correct?"

The girl lowered her gaze, nodding. "Thank you." Zeref smiled faintly, looking at their team again as the demon moved to leave them be. "And it is nice to see you again. I didn't expect to see you stop by, but it's a pleasant surprise."

Something seemed strange about the way Zeref watched her, as if lost in a haze. "Zeref." Gray spoke and the man snapped out of his thoughts, turning towards them. "You sure you're gonna be okay up there?"

"Of course." Zeref sighed, rubbing his head. "It's been a long day. I think…perhaps it would be best for all of us to get some rest."

With a plan in place, Zeref turned to leave and the rest of them entered the building to sleep. Lyon tossed and turned for most of the night, his mind circling around between Juvia and Zeref, wondering what he'd do next and which task he'd progress in faster. However, eventually he did manage to fall asleep, as his next recollection was waking up to find Juvia snuggled in by his side.

Heat rushed to his face and Lyon wondered if he was actually dreaming of waking up to this. After all, there was no reason for this sweet angel to be so close to him otherwise. Yet, it was the warmth of her arm wrapping around his waist that had awoken him, he was certain of it. The girl was pressed against his side, despite having fallen asleep in the other room she shared with Lucy.

Looking over, he saw that the door was shut and that the room was empty other than him. Gray must have woken up already himself then, leaving Lyon alone for this moment. Smiling, Lyon closed his eyes again, deciding he'd enjoy the dream while it lasted. "Lyon…" Juvia mumbled in her sleep, curling closer to him. "Love rivals…get away from Juvia's beloved…"

Again, hearing her words left him so conflicted. Perhaps she'd had a nightmare? Being away from her beloved must have caused such a strain on her. He wouldn't blame her for having poor dreams. Yet, sleeping here was putting a greater strain on his own heart. Her blue curls were coming undone, losing their styling and straightening out to be tangled waves framing her face. She looked far less strict like that, almost as if she was freer and more care-free just because of how she had her hair styled.

Unable to help himself, Lyon brushed her hair out of her face, reveling in the softness of it. Then, he pulled his hand back, cursing himself and stiffly pressing it against his side. This was not allowed. Juvia was his friend, nothing more. This incident would be forgotten and seen as nothing more than camping with a companion out of necessity for a job.

Lyon didn't know how long he sat there stiffly, forcing himself to remain still and trying to will himself to ignore her presence by keeping his eyes shut. Yet, Juvia eventually stirred, waking up with a loud yawn. "Lyon is so cute when he sleeps…" Juvia sighed and Lyon felt her fingers tangling in his hair. It felt so nice, having her touch him. He supposed he had to allow it, given his own reaction to her as she slept nearby. "Juvia slept so well by his side. She certainly made the right choice. Love rival Lucy would have only made it difficult to rest peacefully."

So, he was right. She was afraid of losing her beloved still and had thought it'd be more peaceful with someone she knew. Lyon's heart sank slightly at that and he took in another slow breath to ground himself. Then, he began to open his eyes, peering out at Juvia who had a faint smile, gazing down at him. "Juvia?" He put a questioning note in his voice, though he didn't know if it felt too forced or not.

"Lyon! You're awake!" Juvia scrambled back, her cheeks turning red. "Juvia is sorry for sneaking into Lyon's room! She simply could not sleep with the other girls. She does not fit in with them and it did not feel right."

Smiling softly, he nodded. "It's alright. I don't mind." He looked over towards the window, seeing sunlight streaming into the room. "After all, I feel like I know you better than most of this team anyway. We did bond quite easily at Phantom Lord, regardless of how brief that time had been."

"Juvia and Lyon…bonding…" Her voice trailed off and Lyon saw how pink her cheeks were. She stared at her lap, smiling before looking back up at him and shaking her head. "Would Lyon like to spend the day with Juvia today? The others are asking about Zeref's curse, but Juvia does not know what questions to ask. It seems as if Gray is taking the lead on this and no one else understands the full story anymore."

Lyon couldn't help but agree. They knew the gods were involved, but it was clear that Gray was actually helping Zeref keep his secrets. It just seemed strange, since the entire purpose of this job was to save Gray and foil Zeref's plans. How did helping Zeref keep secrets improve their odds of success here? It just made no sense. Maybe one of those secrets were why Gray was so insistent on keeping Zeref alive before. Maybe Zeref had some sort of enchantment on Gray, forcing him to care for the other man as a friend.

Thinking about it, that actually didn't seem unlikely. Charm spells were illegal magic, but they could still be found outside of the country. Bosco, known for human trafficking and slavery, was a hot spot to find dark magic like that. Lyon had considered going there before, when he was looking for followers to help him free Deliora. Yet, he'd shied away from taking that dark of a path, despite how far he'd been willing to go for his dreams.

What did someone under a charm spell act like? Gray defended Zeref, but he didn't exactly seem infatuated with the man either. He thought it'd be more visible, but then again, Gray also didn't strike Lyon as the sort to display emotions freely either. If he cared for someone, Lyon had a feeling Gray would keep it to himself instead. So, even under a charm spell, perhaps his love would only look like a protective sort of friendship. Given the lack of logic for Gray's insistent protection of Zeref, it was the only answer that made sense.

It was despicable to think of, really. Zeref had already threatened Gray and then enchanted him with that enslavement spell. This just added another layer to his immorality and another reason for Lyon to despise the man. He'd protect Gray from the spell and find its source in secret, with Juvia's help for the day.

"Juvia, have you noticed anything odd about Gray?"

"Juvia is not certain." The girl frowned, walking with him through town by his side. "Juvia does not know Gray well enough to decide what is normal or not for him. Is Lyon worried?"

"It's just that Gray has a dark past, caused by Zeref's actions." Lyon frowned. "It seems odd that he'd so willingly defend the man."

Frowning, Juvia slowly nodded. "Juvia understands. As easy as it is to wish for Zeref's suffering to end, many have strong reasons to wish for that suffering to remain as well. Gray is one such person, I imagine?"

"All things considered, he should be." Lyon frowned. "As a child, Gray did everything in his power to destroy one of Zeref's demons as an act of revenge. So, why is he not angry with Zeref now? Zeref has directly targeted Gray and the ones he cares for. Yet, Gray acts as if Zeref is a friend, someone to defend to others in some way, someone who's life is worth protecting."

"Perhaps he's moved on." It was possible, except this was Gray he was thinking about. Gray was the one who held that grudge against Deliora throughout all of their training, persisting until he thought he was strong enough to act. Gray was the one who held onto it long enough to make a deal to try and free Ur, to make up for his own guilt years after the deed was done.

"Gray is not the sort to move on."

"Does Lyon think Zeref did something to Gray?" Lyon slowly nodded and Juvia frowned. "Juvia does sense a strange spell on Gray when she is near him. Yet, you spoke of a spell already on Gray, so she assumed that was all it was. Beyond that, Juvia has sensed no other active form of magic." She paused. "Juvia thinks that if Gray has forgiven Zeref, it was done willingly. She wishes she could be of more help."

Maybe she was right. Maybe it was him who couldn't let things go. Lyon sighed, shaking his head and walking onward. Things really were just leaving him in the dark right now, with nothing to help with and nothing to do to keep moving on. Phantom Lord had shown him potential in a guild, but Lyon didn't know if he'd find another one like theirs again. With the way this team was gradually growing on him, he supposed he'd consider joining Fairy Tail. Yet, that still felt far too much like following in Gray's shadow, something he wanted to avoid at all costs.

Working with Zeref was exhausting. Logically, Lyon knew why he was doing it. Ending Zeref's immortality meant the man could die without forcing Gray to sacrifice himself in the process. Yet, Lyon didn't exactly want to help the man either. He'd known that from the moment they began that it felt wrong, doing anything for the man who'd deceived him for years. Once he'd learned of who 'Black' really was and what his goals had been from the start, any shred of trust Lyon had for the wizard had vanished. It was as if Zeref was just manipulating them into ending his curse, just as Lyon had been manipulated into dragging Gray to Galuna Island.

Now, Zeref was personally by their side and those suspicions still remained. Why would Zeref resist and then come to help? Even more so, what had Zeref done to earn any level of trust from Gray? Despite what he'd caused, it was almost as if Gray was closer to Zeref than he was to Lyon. It just didn't feel right, since they had grown up together, in a strange way. Lyon's only childhood friend had been Gray and he'd likely been Gray's in return. Seeing him again now, Lyon had originally wanted to hate him. Yet, the old feelings of wanting to rely on Gray, of needing to improve to surpass him, were returning.

"Is everything alright? Lyon has been quiet for a while."

Glancing over at Juvia, Lyon realized he'd guided them out of the village and onto the beach. "Oh, sorry. I'm just lost in thought, I suppose." He stopped walking, turning to stare out towards the water. "Do you think we are doing the right thing, Juvia? Helping Zeref just doesn't sit right with me, after all that man's done. Yet, I have no other answer for how to free Gray from his deal."

Joining in his gaze, Juvia knelt down by the ocean, dipping her hand into the waves. He watched her, seeing her as being at peace with her natural element. "Juvia thinks it is a noble thing, to put aside one's anger to help one who should be an enemy." She paused, gazing out into the water. "Yet, much like the ocean, it is difficult to calm the waves of a storm once it has begun. Anger does not fade so easily and despite helping, Juvia knows how easy it would be to slip and cause harm instead. The history Juvia knows of Zeref is not a kind one and speaks of many horrendous acts. She'd prefer if he was not alive, though that appears to be an impossible wish." She looked over towards Lyon, her gaze dark and serious. "If Lyon feels as if Zeref is not deserving of help, she would not see a problem in the matter. Like the ocean, Lyon's rage is simply too complex and massive to calm so quickly. Yet, if Lyon feels he should help Zeref…then perhaps the storm has ended and it is time to relax your waves and move forward with the flow."

"It more so feels like I'm being forced to help him, regardless of that rage." Lyon stared into the water, sitting down next to her with a sigh. "Zeref is responsible for stealing away the person who was like a mother to me. She raised me, taught me everything I knew of magic…but a demon came and she gave her life to protect myself and Gray." The details of that story weren't entirely his to tell, but that much he was comfortable with sharing. "I cannot so easily forget what he's done, not like Gray seems to be able to. Yet, if I do not help him, I will lose the only brother I've ever known, even if we have grown apart."

"Gray is Lyon's brother?"

Smiling, Lyon shook his head. "Not by blood, but we trained together, under the same instructor."

Nodding, Juvia turned back towards the water, frowning. "Juvia thinks Lyon should consider if there is another option. A way to protect Gray, while not giving Zeref what he wants. Maybe that will let you act calmly, without feeling so conflicted."

"The only method I have to do that would be to sacrifice myself in Gray's place. While I am fond of the idea of defending him, I cannot say I am selfless enough to take that path either."

"Juvia would not ask Lyon to do so either. Lyon should not risk his life for the sake of others if he does not wish to do so." The girl sat down completely, turning towards him on the beach. "In that case, Lyon should choose the option that leaves him with the fewest regrets. Would your regret be greater to sacrifice Gray, or greater from saving Zeref? Juvia does not know, for she has not experienced Zeref's wrath personally. Juvia herself thinks Zeref might be worth helping, but has not known him long and has only once seen him act in a way that seems truly frightening."

That other part of the curse again. Lyon frowned, wondering what Gray felt when Zeref was acting like that. He knew the man's mind, just based on their strange spell. Yet, Gray didn't speak on Zeref's thoughts to the others unless it related to their goal of unraveling the curse. "For now, I will not abandon Gray. However, I will keep watching for an opportunity to show Zeref the pain he's shown us."

Juvia nodded and they were quiet for a moment, just watching the waves. The day had only just begun and Lyon had stupidly gone and picked a heavy topic for discussion to start their time together. "Can Juvia ask Lyon a question as well?" Nodding, Lyon leaned back into the sand, staring up at the sky instead. "Is Lyon angry with Juvia, for following him? She did not mean to make it sound as if Lyon was weak, but she fears she may have insulted him by doing so."

"I told you before, I am honored to have you here." He smiled, letting out a slow breath. "You are an amazing wizard, Juvia, and I enjoy spending time with you. Being able to talk to you about these problems is helping to clear my mind, I think."

Nodding, Juvia leaned back with him, rolling her head to the side to stare at him. "Does that mean Juvia is special to Lyon? That Lyon would also protect Juvia if she needed it?"

"Of course I would." He smiled at her, wanting to reach out to touch her hair again, or her cheek, or maybe even just hold her hand. Anything would be nice, but he feared it would be too much. "Though, I find it quite doubtful that you'd require my assistance with your problems."

Juvia's cheeks colored, and she turned away. "Lyon's words are too kind. Juvia may be strong in magic, but she knows she has a weak heart." Her hands touched her chest, and her eyes closed. "Juvia grew up alone, you see. People hated Juvia, for she always brought the rain with her. Seeing the sun with you for the first time was freeing and made Juvia hope things would change." She paused, turning away. Her hand reached up, stretching towards the sky. "But Juvia is an adult now and she did not wish to be friends with those she knew. They were allies and comrades, but Juvia did not wish to know them better. Perhaps Gajeel had potential, but the others were not the sort to care for others either."

"Why not search for other friends then? You are a wizard with great skill. I'm certain another guild would take you in."

"But Juvia's heart was weak from being a child. Juvia knows it for certain now." She looked away, breathing slowly. "Juvia clings to the people she cares for and it scares people. Already, Gray has told Juvia she is creepy and Zeref too thinks she will scare people away. No one wants Juvia here and Juvia wants to leave, but she also can't bear the thought of going away."

She sounded so miserable and so alone. Unable to help himself, Lyon reached over, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and giving her an awkward hug on the ground. "I want you here, Juvia. Do not forget that." He paused, gently stroking her hair like he'd wanted to do before. It was still soft to touch, smooth beneath his fingers. "The opinions of others do not sway my mind so easily. There are reasons you act the way you do and perhaps you long for someone to care for you in return because of how you grew up. As one who understands that, how can I push you away for seeking out my attentions when we have time like this?"

"Lyon…wants Juvia?" Her eyes were shining, her chin tilting up to stare at him.

Nodding, Lyon met her gaze calmly. "Yes." He gave her a small smile. "And if they have a problem with that, it is not our problem to deal with in the slightest. So, don't let them get to you, Juvia. You are amazing and I can say with certainty that you are the one thing I am pleased at having gained from all of this mess with Zeref and Deliora." Well, he supposed Ur's return was good as well, but Juvia didn't know about that detail quite yet so it didn't exactly matter.

"Lyon has gained Juvia. Juvia is Lyon's?" Her wording…his face immediately heated, realizing what he'd implied.

"I—I didn't mean it like that!" He pulled his arms back, shaking his head quickly. "I—you talk about your beloved so much and I meant no disrespect for your feelings. Don't—" He broke off, seeing her expression fall. "Well, I mean, that is—" He didn't know how to backtrack anymore. Why was he so unskilled with dealing with this woman?

"Juvia wants to be Lyon's." She was quiet, lowering her gaze. "Lyon can say Juvia is his as much as he likes. It makes her happy to hear Lyon wants her around."

Swallowing, Lyon looked away, trying to not think too much about what he was doing. Her beloved was going to kill him for this, but if it kept her happy and cheered her up, it wasn't so bad, right? "Very well. Then, I suppose I did mean exactly what I said."

Juvia hummed, hugging Lyon tightly and burying her head into his chest. "Lyon's Juvia." She whispered the words, rubbing her head against him again. Really, Lyon didn't know if she understood the typical boundaries between friends or not, but given her past, he would assume it wasn't likely. "And if Juvia is Lyon's, then Lyon is Juvia's. Juvia's Lyon…" She sighed, trailing off and resting there quietly. He didn't know what was going through her head, but this time, he didn't think he wanted to know. He'd recognized the slight possessiveness of hers before, but never imagined it translated towards her friends as well. Still, if it meant he got to be embraced by her like this, he would be happy being her friend and her friend alone, for however long she wished them to remain like this.