While not all of the tension was gone between them, some of it had lessened during the trip back. Gray had seen Ur loosen up a bit around Zeref, at least enough to listen to his random tales without harsh commentary. When Zeref had finished talking about the R-System, he had moved on to talking about his first encounter with the rune knights. Gray had expected that story to become quite dark, but apparently, before he'd been cursed he'd been learning at a school with quite a reputation. They'd gone to them to try and recruit new members, but it seemed as if most of the wizards there were more focused on joining the war.

When they docked in Hargeon, Erza was the first to get up to leave. "I think I will be spending some time with my old companions here. Jellal is not coping well, with what has happened, and I'd like to introduce them to a kinder environment for them to continue to grow their strength in." With that, Erza had left with the group they'd met at the tower.

As Gray and the others began leaving the ship, Ur still saw fit to give Zeref a warning. "Don't let this go to your head; maybe you aren't bad to talk to, but you still have a long ways to go to prove to me that you're actually worth trusting at all."

"Can I interpret this to mean you at least tolerate my presence now then?"

"I just said don't let it go to your head, you dolt."

The man smiled, shaking his head. "Well, I shall interpret it as I see fit then." Ur didn't reply and he stepped off the ship calmly. "We have a little bit of a trip yet before training can actually begin. There should be a rather isolated area of hiking trails and campsites near Magnolia that might function for our needs."

"Yeah! Happy and I go fishing there all the time." Now on land, Natsu had recovered well enough to rejoin the conversation. He walked over towards Zeref, grinning. "You know what? I think you need to come with us on the next trip. Gray says we're brothers, but I don't know a thing about you and it just feels weird."

Zeref glanced over at the group, most of which had been unaware of that fact thus far. "Wait, brothers?" Lyon glanced between them. "That shouldn't be possible."

"Indeed. Juvia knows that Zeref is at least four hundred years old."

Avoiding their gazes, Zeref stared ahead at the streets. "It's…complicated." He paused, seeming to hesitate as he glanced over at Gray. Then, he sighed and shook his head. "My work in magic has brought me into studies of time magic, as well as black magic. Natsu was born a little over four hundred years ago…however, he has only been alive for approximately eighteen of those years."

"Wait, you're saying Natsu's from the past then?" Lucy stared at Zeref. "Is that why he can't find Igneel? I mean, if he died once and brought back centuries later, it'd make a lot of sense."

Gray could see the tension in Zeref at this topic, the same tension that always came to him when it was brought up. "In a way…I suppose it is partially responsible." Zeref glanced over at Natsu. "The last time you truly saw Igneel was, in fact, not seven years ago, but rather four centuries ago."

"Huh? But that doesn't make sense! I don't remember dying or going through some spell into the future."

"You were asleep when it happened. The time travel, that is." Zeref's voice was quiet as he spoke. "And…there was some memory altering magic being used as well, to make the process…easier on you."

"You stole away his memories?" Lyon stared at him and Zeref looked away. "I thought you cared for him, but it seems as if you're cruel even to your own family."

Zeref's hands curled into fists, but he said nothing. "And here I thought you were starting to seem like a guy that might actually care about something other than himself." Ur shook her head. "Well, at least I can see the true nature of your character as it stands."

"Guys, I think you might be acting a little too harsh." Lucy hesitated, trailing off.

Still, Zeref spun towards Lyon and Ur, his eyes flashing. "Don't think you can understand my reasoning from so little information." He seemed to be even angry with Lucy, glaring harshly at her for her defense. "It isn't a forgivable act, stealing away knowledge that Natsu should possess. And yet, I still went forward with the plan. It was the only way…to push him to where I needed him to be." His gaze looked distant and Zeref sighed. "Though, it seems that side of things has started to fall apart as well. At least the rest…the rest remains in place."

"If you knew it was wrong, why go through with it? We aren't trying to judge you, we just want to understand." Lucy stared at him, placing her hands on her hips.

"Maybe I don't want you to understand." Zeref wouldn't look at her, wouldn't face her. "You're just like her, always insisting you know what's right, how I should feel, what I should do…I don't want to listen to more of her corrupt plans, more sacrifices that can be given to improve upon the world." Zeref turned towards her, stepping forward. "So, leave me be, before I start seeing the two of you as one and the same and forget what era I truly live in."

There was a flash of a face in Zeref's mind, one which Gray couldn't help but agree looked a lot like Lucy. Anna. She was the one who came up with the plan that sent Natsu away. I've waited for him for four hundred years…and yet, nothing is ready and nothing has changed.

"Hey, guys?" Happy flew down, landing on Natsu's shoulder. "I don't quite get why this is so important. I mean, Natsu can't exactly miss what he can't remember, right?"

The dragon slayer frowned, staring at Zeref. "Maybe. Still, it bugs me that you'd go and do that without saying anything." He paused. "Is that why I don't remember a thing about you? Because it's been bothering me, ever since Gray said something about it. I just can't imagine forgetting my family, no matter who they might've been."

Zeref was silent for a while and Gray thought he wouldn't answer. Then, he slowly nodded. "I made you forget me…so that one day, you could grow to despise me." Natsu's eyes widened, but Zeref began moving quicker through town. "I do not think I should be on a train at the moment; go on ahead, I will walk to Magnolia from here."

With that, Zeref vanished, teleporting himself away and likely to someplace isolated for an outburst of his curse. "Why would he want his own brother to hate him?" Juvia frowned in confusion. "Juvia couldn't imagine wanting to be hated by those closest to her. It would be unbearable."

"Yes, I can't help but agree." Lyon glanced over at Gray, frowning. "Gray was the closest thing I had to a brother and even with how annoying he is, I can't say I want him to hate me either."

Staring at the dragon slayer, Gray swallowed, turning away and staring at his feet. "Gray." Ur spoke, staring at him. "Do you know something we don't? A reason for stealing away Natsu's memory?"

Looking over at her, Gray sighed. "For the same reason he wanted me to hate him." She blinked in surprise and Gray turned towards Natsu. "He thinks Natsu might have it in him to actually be able to surpass his immortality."

"What?" Natsu stared at Gray, his eyes wide. "He wants me to actually kill him? I mean, sure, I'd fight him and stuff, but I'd never really want to, well, you know."

"And that's why he said this part of his plan has fallen apart. Unless he does something crazy, you aren't gonna go on some rampage and kill the guy." Though, for all Gray knew, it might be possible to make Natsu go on that sort of a rampage. His demonic side was sealed away and none of them knew what it looked like when it came out.

"I'd like to know what part of the plan isn't falling apart." Lucy frowned. "It sounded like there was more to it than just sending Natsu into the future and making him forget everything."

"Good luck figuring that one out. He's pretty guarded about that one." Gray frowned, trying to remember anything he might have mentioned about it. "Supposedly, it is the one act in his past that he thinks was done selflessly, to actually help somehow. That's probably the only thing I've managed to hear about it."

"Well, it seems like the plan hasn't quite finished yet, so we might just get to see what it is later on then." Ur frowned. "For now, let's focus on getting to Magnolia and taking a moment to relax. Then, Gray can work on further training and we can make a more detailed plan on how to actually get into Grimoire Heart."

With a plan in place, they began heading off towards the train station. Gray was quiet as it drove off, his thoughts reaching out towards Zeref's mind almost instinctively. The man's head, however, was scattered and flooded with far too much chaos for Gray to see a thing. He was angry, upset, and oddly joyous at something. Everything was spiraling around in his head, mixing and causing just a mesh of confusion and noise.

Hey. You okay?

Gray didn't know what else to ask. Yet, gradually, Zeref seemed to respond. I'm sorry. I…shouldn't have run off. Speaking of that plan is dangerous, however, and I couldn't help but recall all the suffering I've gone through for it. He paused. Lucy…she really is a lot like Anna. It makes her pleasant to be around and keeps me wary at the same time for I keep recalling how it was Anna's plan that…that gave me the idea to make Natsu forget. Even with the wait for his return over, he will never be quite the same brother I recall from before.

Can't you just…undo the spell or something?

I could. It was clearly the answer he wanted, so why was he so troubled? Yet, it would complicate matters. Natsu was heavily involved in the planning. Back then, he knew what he was, knew what I'd done. Personality-wise, he is pretty much the same without those memories, but small details…the way he'd eagerly jump forward to defend me, despite my immortality, the way he'd take charge and command others, despite being weaker…those have faded.

Natsu was a leader? Gray couldn't imagine it, not right now. The dragon slayer just seemed too oblivious and dense to have some sort of leadership role like that.

He lead and organized a small group of my demons. Natsu thought that perhaps with some direction, their destructive nature could be…lessened, or at least contained. Though, the world did not quite see it that way. Zeref seemed to grow quiet. Igneel gained a reputation in response to that, since he was often seen with Natsu. Their training often involved magic spars and the like…I don't know exactly where it started, but people came to believe that the fire dragon king was invested in destroying END. When they both vanished together, there had been a few stories about how they killed each other…though they faded fairly quickly.

Well, at least there was some confirmation that Igneel had actually disappeared back then anyway. Gray sighed. Look, I get that it is upsetting. I also get that you had your reasons for keeping things from him. If it is a problem to this plan of yours for him to know about it…then alright, I get it. Just don't let it get to you so much. Obviously, you have reasons that push you to think this is the right way to do things. Keep those in mind and just accept that others aren't gonna be so understanding without some sort of explanation.

There wasn't much of a response and Gray didn't know if he should expect one. Yet, eventually, Zeref spoke. The plan…was put in place to stop an even greater threat to this world than myself. We sealed him away to delay things, to give us time to come up with a more concrete plan…yet that seal will break. Soon. Zeref was quiet again. I still don't have a finalized plan to handle the situation. If nothing is done…it is very likely that he will usher in a new era for the world and claim it all as his own domain.

Someone more dangerous than Zeref had ever been? Gray couldn't think of a single figure in history that fit that description. Because he is only remembered as a hero. History is written and told by the victors of the battle…and he has never once lost.

So, a hero that could rival Zeref in strength? Again, Gray found himself wishing he knew more about history. Maybe he could ask Levy about it when they were back at the guild. Surely, one of the books she'd read said something about this supposed enemy. Either way, it was an explanation he wasn't expecting to have. Maybe Gray didn't know all of the details of the plan, but he knew it was intended to stop someone who was dangerous. Hopefully, the others would calm down soon so they could continue working calmly when they got back to Magnolia.

Their trip to the ruins had ended with little else gained. His majesty had pulled August away in the middle of the task. Invel and Dimaria had continued their research until the elderly man returned. When he had arrived, Invel had noticed he was even more quiet than usual. The man had made little progress in assisting with research, lost in thought about something else.

Now, they'd returned to Vistarion. The risk of encountering others at the ruins were just too great. Invel had taken the time to grab some of their books on the way out, wanting to be thorough in their research. So, their team had simply relocated their efforts even if they had found no information thus far. Dimaria kept squirming in her chair in an attempt to get comfortable while Invel remained quiet in his studies.

"His majesty seems to have gained a friend." August interrupted with no warning as they read.

Dimaria blinked over at the man, before bursting out laughing. "That's a good one, August. I honestly thought you didn't have a sense of humor, but you surprised me."

This couldn't be what had been on August's mind for days now. Invel just couldn't comprehend why that would consume his thoughts so completely. "It was not intended to be a joke," August said. "I was not certain if I should inform you or not. However, his majesty has placed himself under a spell that allows someone to take complete control over him."

"He did what?" Invel rose to his feet, glaring at the man. "Did you not think this would be relevant sooner? I understand we are researching a matter of concern, but a potential individual impersonating his majesty is a far more urgent matter to look into!"

"I think it is good for him." August smiled, completely calm despite Invel's outburst. "The friend knows nothing of us from what I can tell. When I was called, it seems as if I had mistakenly answered the friend's request, not his majesty's. Based on his actions, it seemed as if he was simply listening to his majesty's instructions by summoning me."

"Just because he was an ignorant idiot before doesn't mean he's still one now." Dimaria narrowed her eyes. "You honestly cannot expect us to just sit back and agree with letting this happen."

"Especially not when we have other things to be concerned with! Can you imagine the repercussions of this? He could come to the empire and take over with no one even questioning a thing. Perhaps he'd start a war with Bosco, just because he dislikes their slave trade. Perhaps he'd decide to hand over our land to Ilora because they 'ask nicely' for it." Invel scoffed, shaking his head. "This is absurd and I am not going to just sit back and do nothing about it."

August grabbed his arm, shaking his head. "Please, Invel." The winter mage swallowed, staring into the man's eyes. "We are wise enough to know when an order comes from his majesty and when it is coming from another. At the very least, use your own experience to determine that much."

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean he can't wear his majesty's face when he wants to," Dimaria countered.

"But he is trying to make his majesty fight to live again." Invel froze, hearing an odd pleading in August's tone. "He has to be. The way the imposter was acting, his mannerisms…it seemed as if he was fighting for his majesty's life. That sort of concern…I cannot help but feel reassured by it. Someone is there, attempting to guide his majesty away from his desperate attempts to handle his situation with the incorrect path."

"August." Dimaria shook her head, moving to stand next to Invel. "Look, I get that you care about the guy, alright? But what he does isn't our concern. We need to think about Alvarez, not our personal opinions on some stranger only you have met."

Closing his eyes, August looked away from both of them. "Alvarez needs his majesty."

"We all rely on his guidance." Invel stared at the table, adjusting his glasses. "August, can you assure me that if this situation starts to endanger us, you'll act to stop it yourself then?" The man slowly met his eyes, nodding at Invel. "Very well. I will only ask for one thing in return for disregarding this news then."

"Wait, you can't be serious." Dimaria looked between them. "Both of you are insane. Go ahead and follow this imposter emperor all you want, but I'm going to get to the bottom of this myself." With that, she stormed off, slamming the door shut behind her.

Ignoring her, August met Invel's gaze. "What is it you want?"

"Your agreement to his majesty's earlier demand." August stiffened and Invel sighed. "I simply do not wish to cause issues between all of us, August. He will punish us for disobeying and this came at his request. If this…friend truly is keeping him alive, then it is simply creating a law that will never be used."

"I suppose that is a valid argument." Rising to his feet, August slowly got up. "Then I will concede to your demand, if that is what it takes for you to allow this to continue."

Invel was going insane, but he finally had August on board with the line of succession. He didn't quite know how to feel about this supposed individual with such a degree of control over his majesty. The 'friend' was a stranger Invel knew nothing about. Yet, so long as the person left Alvarez alone, there should theoretically be no further incidents. His majesty's face was not known beyond their borders so for now, Invel could agree to leave this alone and focus on the peculiar wizard combining two branches of magic that should be impossible to mix.

It felt like it had been ages since Gray had been back in his home town. He'd been spending so much time on Galuna Island it was almost like he lived there instead. So, walking back through the old streets where his guild rested felt strange. He was relaxing at the sight of familiar buildings, though the streets were fairly empty considering the time of day. A few people glanced at them and then ducked their heads, moving quickly away. Frowning, Gray watched one mother pull her child away from their group, moving quickly and avoiding meeting their gaze.

"Hey…is it just me, or does something seem strange around here?" Gray asked.

Lucy glanced around, frowning. "Well, it is close to lunch time. Normally, there are more people out getting food."

"Yeah. I don't smell any of the usual grills running! It sucks, I love the smell of the chicken they roast here. But they aren't even open now." Natsu frowned, staring into the window of one of the restaurants in town. "Seems like there haven't been people near here for a few days now, likely since we ended up on Galuna Island again." Considering the trips between islands and to Fiore as well, it would make some amount of sense. Travel took up most of their time with work lately and this job was no exception.

"That wasn't what I was talking about," Gray said.

"Were you talking about the people?" Lyon frowned as more people seemed to hide away in their homes quickly. "They seem to be avoiding us for some reason."

"Maybe they're creeped out because Gray can't keep his shirt on." Happy sniggered, while Gray glanced down at his bare chest, sighing. He turned around, spotting his shirt and moving to retrieve it before rejoining the others.

"Happy, I doubt that's the problem here." Lucy frowned. "Something has everyone afraid. Magnolia isn't normally like this."

He'd come here to train and it seemed like they'd just walked into another problem. Maybe Phantom Lord had won and was taking over the town? No…I do not think they'd be avoiding you if that were the case. Zeref was quiet. I will rejoin you shortly. This appears to be a strange situation and there is no telling what has caused it. One option…one possibility could be quite disastrous, though I am fairly certain it is not the case. What theories could Zeref have about the atmosphere of Magnolia? Yet, before Gray could question it further, Zeref appeared in a flash of magic, glancing at their group calmly.

Natsu turned towards his brother, narrowing his eyes. "Hey. I just wanna get one thing straight. No matter what the hell you did to my memories, there's no way I'm gonna kill you. I might like fighting strong opponents, but I'm not that violent, got it?"

Turning towards Natsu, Zeref blinked before smiling faintly. "Of course. I…did not imagine you would wish to do so, without…motivation, I suppose." He was quiet, looking away. Zeref's gaze flickered around the town, frowning. "Thus far, my fears remain unconfirmed, but there is still the possibility that they have not determined how to access it either." He glanced over at the others. "One possible theory…is that Grimoire Heart is already here, actually. They would be the only other group aware of your guild's greatest secret and it would explain such a sudden shift in the town's mood."

"What would Grimoire Heart want with Magnolia?" Ur frowned. "It doesn't make any sense. None of the supposed keys to awaken you would be here."

"True, but Precht's goal isn't quite as direct as you might think." Zeref tilted his head. "He strives to find explanations for magic that no one knows. He always sought out answers, more power, more capability than he needed. As a student, it pushed him to learn quickly, but now…his research brought him into contact with something that should not have come into existence. It inspired him to attempt its recreation, only to find it impossible…and so, he seeks me out for answers as to why that is the case."

"Juvia is confused. Did he learn from Zeref? What is he trying to create and why is it in this town?"

Looking at them, Zeref smiled. "Oh, he was Fairy Tail's second master. Now, he leads a dark guild because his research isn't technically legal." He shrugged. "The original creation is still here, hidden away. I can already say it has not been activated. If it were, even a child would notice it."

"That's not exactly a soothing thought." Lyon frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. "However, considering the fact that it isn't active, are you still certain they are the cause?"

Zeref seemed to pause, frowning. Then, his gaze turned towards the road that lead towards the guild. "I think it would be best to confirm the situation and theorize later. Observing your guild should provide us with the answer."

"It isn't my guild, you idiot." Lyon shook his head at the man.

"Oh, my mistake. I simply mistook you for a member, considering how involved you've been with one of their primary teams."

Lyon's hand twitched, but he said nothing in response. Zeref was smiling at him, as if amused with the way he was getting irritated so easily. "Both of you, knock it off." Gray sighed, shaking his head. "Let's just get to the guild hall and figure it out from there. Details like that aren't exactly important right now."

"Wow, actually talking back to Zeref for a change? And here I thought you'd do nothing but defend him," Lyon snapped back at him.

"I talk back to him plenty." Gray crossed his arms over his chest. "None of you ever bother to pay attention though, so it's not like you'd realize it."

"Actually, it is sorta obvious when you're talking to him." Lucy looked at Gray, smiling weakly as they began to walk. "You just aren't as focused when you're trying to do it and you get this weird distant expression on your face."

"That is expected." Zeref kept his distance, following behind them from a ways back. "Those unused to mental communication require more focus to enact it, or listen to it. This spell might make it easier to adapt to such things, but it isn't quite the same."

"I've been wondering about that, actually." Ur glanced over at him. "Why is that spell even there still, if you were telling me the truth earlier? Seems like you'd have gotten rid of it, with how useless it'll be to you."

"Because…it is no longer for the same purpose." Zeref didn't elaborate, growing quiet after that response. Yet, it was a good question. Why did Zeref leave Gray enslaved with this magic still? The guy didn't actually use it anymore and it was really not much different from him just connecting to him telepathically to talk on occasion. Because I fear my lack of control. Someone…needs to be capable of stopping me, should things go wrong.

Gray stopped walking for a moment, letting the others pass him as he turned to stare at the man. The guy kept so many secrets that, in retrospect, the first enactment of the spell was strange. Yet, keeping it active so Gray could take control of Zeref again was even more insane. The level of trust that required was something Gray had done nothing to earn from this man, nor did he have any idea of why Zeref thought it was worth it.

Zeref gave him a faint smile, shaking his head. Whatever the answer was, it wasn't something Zeref was going to give either. So, Gray sighed, and turned around to start walking again. "Everything alright?" Ur stared at him, frowning. "If he said something alarming—"

"Don't worry about it." Gray frowned, staring ahead. "It was more surprising than anything."

"Did he actually tell you why he still has that spell on you?" Gray nodded in response to Lyon's question. "Hmm. Well, is it reasonable at least?"

"It's fine. Right now, it isn't like he's using it for anything."

Lyon nodded and the rest of the team kept watching him. Gray didn't know how they'd feel about his motives either, since it only showed how much Zeref distrusted himself. If the man couldn't trust himself to behave, how could Gray expect the others to be okay with working together like this? They were barely tolerating each other, though it was gradually growing to be a bit better. Sure, they were still a bit tense after hearing about how Zeref took away Natsu's memories, but they were still moving forward despite that.

They arrived at the guild hall with Gray still contemplating why Zeref trusted him so much. Gray walked inside without pausing, before his eyes widened at the sight inside. Normally, the guild hall would be filled with some sort of chaos. Someone would be starting a fight or Cana would be challenging someone to a drinking contest. Heck, even Elfman just shouting out something about manliness and making a ton of noise would be acceptable. Yet, inside, there was just silence. A very small amount of wizards lingered inside, sitting at tables. Cana was there, oddly not drinking a thing. She sat stiffly at the table, doing something with her cards in front of her.

Nearby, an unfamiliar wizard with dark black hair leaned against a wall. He glared at Gray and his team as they entered, but said nothing as he literally started eating a metal cup from his hand. Most of the thunder legion was hanging out on the first floor and Mira was no where to be seen. Considering her usual role at the bar, it just felt weird for her to not be inside.

"Well, well, looks like the weaklings finally decided to show up for a change. A shame you didn't get to compete in my little contest earlier, but unfortunately, not participating counts as a forfeit in my book." Jumping down from the upper floor, Laxus stepped in front of them.

"Laxus. What is going on here?" Gray asked.

"Oh, nothing much. Just a change in leadership and a culling of all the weakness in our guild." Laxus smirked at them. "I was going to offer Erza the chance to prove herself, but sadly, it seems as if she doesn't even want to show up. As far as the rest of you go, you can go ahead and leave. There's nothing useful about a single one of you and I've already gotten rid of all the other weak links in the guild. I'm not gonna let you idiots come in and screw up my plans for our future."

"Wait, are you saying you forced everyone else to leave Fairy Tail?" Lucy stared at him, her eyes wide.

With his grin widening, Laxus nodded at her. "Yup. I'm not making any exceptions to my rules now, either. If you want to stay in the guild, you have to be capable of surpassing one member of my team, or at least standing your ground against them. If you can't do that, then you aren't strong enough to be in my guild."

"Screw that, Laxus. I'll take you on myself and beat you instead!" Natsu glared at him, raising his hand to fight. Yet, a blast of wind pushed him back, blowing out his flames. Behind him, Zeref stood, narrowing his eyes at Laxus.

"Give me a moment, Natsu." The dragon slayer frowned at the black wizard as Zeref stepped forward. "You claim to be the guild master, correct?"

Laxus nodded, frowning at Zeref. "What's it mean to you?"

"And you've eliminated nearly every single member of your guild, in this attempt to grow your supposed strength."

"They were weak. We didn't have any need for them."

"And your former master?"

"Who the hell cares? That old man needed to retire anyway."

"That old man was your grandfather. Laxus, what the hell are you thinking?" Gray glared at him.

Zeref shook his head, still seeming to have something in mind. "So, then you were already aware of what makes Fairy Tail such an intriguing target for dark guilds and the like?" Laxus frowned at him but didn't reply. Zeref stepped forward again, chuckling. "No, of course you weren't. Foolish, all of you…you've told me that you're at your weakest moment, with so few members left, and with such an easy path towards my goals. You see, what you are unaware of…is that I have plans to start a war with your guild."

"I'd like to see you try. A puny man like you couldn't possibly stand against me and win."

"Perhaps." Zeref shrugged. "Now, I am trying to remain in control of myself. Plus, I don't think the team I'm attempting to gain trust with would appreciate it if I accidentally killed a companion of theirs, even if he is creating such a…dangerous situation."

"There's nothing dangerous about it. I can handle any threat you think we'll face."

"And I'm saying you can't." Zeref met his gaze. "You don't have the faintest idea of what you've done, of what you've left unguarded in this place. And you are blatantly announcing its lack of defense as well, to anyone who walks through your front door. Perhaps you have some measure of strength and perhaps you have not yet met one who can defeat you…but in terms of strategy and tactics, you are vastly lacking."

"Keep this up and I might bring my thunder palace back out. Anyone who acts out against me puts the entire town in danger." Laxus grinned. "That's how I got Gramps out of the way in the first place. The poor old man has a bleeding heart and wouldn't dare interfere if I said I'd destroy the town without our contest of strength."

"A spell that would affect everyone? I suppose that explains their fear then." Zeref smiled. His eyes closed and he crouched down. Gray could feel an intense focus coming from him, and that smile gradually faded. "Lightning lacrima…hundreds of them, correct? And all enchanted with body link magic for protection."

"If you think I'll be impressed with that, you've got another thing coming."

"Gray…I'm temporarily severing our connection. This will be…painful, but it might show your comrade at least some of his foolishness." Gray frowned, but Zeref held out a hand. There was a flash of light and then there was a sudden absence in his own mind. The presence of Zeref's thoughts vanished and it felt wrong. Something just felt missing without them, which was weird since they weren't supposed to be there in the first place.

Zeref rose to his feet, meeting Laxus' gaze. He lifted his hands, closing his eyes in focus as he inhaled slowly. Then, he pushed his hand forward. Gray felt the flash of magic power from him and knew he'd used some sort of spell. Yet, he couldn't see what Zeref had done. All he knew was that suddenly, the man gasped and hunched over, falling to the ground with a scream.

Gray took a step closer, only to stop himself as he remembered the man's curse. Instead, he clenched his hands into fists, turning to glare at Laxus. "Damn you. What the hell did you do to him?"

Laxus' eyes were wide, however, staring above him. He spun around, turning to Freed. "Freed! Check on the thunder palace, now!"

"Of course." The man left the guild immediately to follow Laxus' orders.

Zeref began to chuckle, breathing heavily but slowly rising to his feet. "Such foolishness. It is all gone now." He inhaled again, rising to his feet. "As is the pain. My apologies for startling everyone, but it seemed like the best solution was for me to handle that situation."

"Body link magic can be deadly, you know." Ur frowned at him.

"I am quite aware." Zeref turned towards her. "Why do you think I said I was the best solution?"

Ur didn't answer, frowning and turning away. "I don't know much of what's going on at all, to be honest. You're the one going berserk over a guild that has nothing to do with you."

For a moment, Zeref was quiet. Then, he sighed and turned back towards Laxus. "Think about this for a moment. I've just destroyed your weapon keeping the town hostage. Tomorrow…we will return. If the guild is not as it should be then, I will escalate the situation and ensure that what I desire to have in the future…is guarded to the extent that none can obtain it without my permission."

Cana was watching them, as were Ever and Bickslow. Yet, Laxus was the one that spoke. "Why the hell does it even matter to you? You weren't even a member of the guild and if you want to destroy us in the future, what reason do you have for wanting more wizards around?"

"Oh, I don't want to destroy the guild." Zeref smiled. "I want to steal from your guild. I just have a suspicion that a war will be necessary to accomplish it…provided your members really are as devoted as they once were, that is."

"Bring it on. I'm not gonna back down to the first person to threaten my guild since I came into power."

"Laxus, you don't know anything about this wizard." Cana spoke, looking towards him. "You never know, he might actually be able to kick your ass. Or hell, maybe outdrink mine sometime."

The lightning wizard snorted, turning around. "Don't make me rethink my generosity in letting you stay in the guild, Cana. There were other members who tried, after all."

"And if you'd played fair, some of them might actually still be here."

Laxus didn't answer. Instead, he turned and walked away from the guild's entrance, waving them off. Gray stared at Laxus' back, now having an answer as to why the town was terrified. Yet, the way Zeref had spoken and taken control of the situation was almost more alarming. He'd known about Zeref's war plans before, but it was almost as if he was planning to enact them now. Gray didn't know if he wanted to stop the man or help him succeed, not with the way Fairy Tail was now. Someone needed to stop Laxus, but leaving it to Zeref like this didn't quite feel right at the moment. So, Gray would keep an eye on him and make sure he didn't do anything stupid with their guild once Laxus had learned his lesson.