As planned, Gray returned to the city the next day after giving Erza the chance to calm down a bit. Zeref had decided to stay behind since there was a chance Grimoire Heart was lingering in town yet. So, Gray planned to make the trip quick. He'd get Erza and then they'd be done with this mess. Considering all the effort that went into infiltrating their guild, it was almost a disappointment that it was ending so soon, but Gray sorta preferred it that way. It kept them moving forward to some extent, without wasting more of their time on a plan that seemed destined to fail either way.
Still, finding Erza was easier thought of than actually done. They hadn't parted on the best of terms and it wasn't like they'd discussed where in town she was staying before he ran off. Asking random inns about their patrons also seemed like a good way to become very suspicious very fast, so Gray realized he'd have to hope she was wandering the streets again today.
Perhaps it wasn't wise to flee quite so rapidly…I believe I am at fault for the problem this time. I did not anticipate your comrades to react so poorly to a minor intervention in a plan.
It's not your fault. Gray sighed, running a hand through his hair. A slight breeze rattled some wind chimes that were displayed outside of a shop. It seemed like it specialized in yard furniture of that nature, especially the chimes at a glance. Erza can be overly dramatic when it comes to things like this. She's strong and passionate, but she just tends to take things too far when she gets this invested in something. He still didn't know how she was going to react to Zeref's attitude at the buffet either. Hopefully, they'd get things sorted out before she went too crazy with her plans.
With little else to do, Gray stepped inside the quiet shop, looking around inside. The building itself didn't seem to have customers at all. Other than the shopkeeper, the building was empty. It looked like a young girl with light blue hair was running everything. She smiled and gave him a small wave. "Welcome to Sky Chimes! Can I help you with anything today?" Her voice was louder and deeper than he expected from a person of her size, carrying through the store with ease.
Meeting her gaze, Gray crossed his arms over his chest. "Sorry, but I can't say I'm a customer. I got separated from my friend and was wondering if you'd seen her around." Gray held out a hand to his side, about level with his shoulders. "She's about this tall, with scarlet hair, always dressed in armor. It's hard to miss her, really, if you've seen her."
There was a slight frown on the girl's face as she glanced out the window. "Scarlet haired girl in armor? I believe I saw her a few days ago, with a friend, but I'm afraid I haven't seen her recently." The shopkeep shook her head. "It's a terrible thing, being separated from your friend. I do hope you…" Her voice trailed off, and she frowned slightly over at him. "What's that?"
Gray frowned, wondering what she was focused on. It seemed like she was staring at his chest and that made him wonder if he'd stripped again and revealed his guild mark or something. Yet, his shirt was still on and there didn't seem to be anything strange on it either. As he tried to locate what caught her attention, the girl began to approach quite suddenly, making him take a few steps back as she reached towards him. She still managed to grab the necklace hanging at his chest before he could move too far, however.
"Hey!" He glared at her, reaching out and smacking her hand away. She frowned, her hand hovering and reaching out once again. "Do you want to fight or something? If you keep doing creepy stuff like that, I'm not exactly gonna stick around for a friendly chat."
"Sorry." She didn't sound apologetic at all and she still kept gazing at the necklace. "I just thought I'd seen that necklace before, that's all." She gazed at it, frowning again. "Can I ask where you got it?"
"None of your business." He turned towards the door, preparing to leave, yet the girl reached forward, grabbing his arm.
"I'm afraid you're wrong." Her voice was calm. "However, I also cannot force you to answer my question. People can be so selfish sometimes." The girl huffed, shaking her head and releasing his arm. "Forget it. I'll find my own answers then, I suppose. If you aren't making a purchase, I don't want you in my store anyway."
Gray snorted. She thought he was selfish for not answering and then gave a comment like that? Yet, just as he walked outside, the girl gave one last comment, standing at the door and watching him in the streets. "Tell Mika that Sora says hello, by the way." He stiffened, turning towards the girl and spinning around. She smiled, crossing her arms over her chest. "Seems like I'm not the only one breaking rules, if she gave someone like you an object like that."
Zeref, are you listening to this?
Yes. There was silence, both from him and Zeref as he stared at the girl. I have never once sensed anything strange from your necklace, Gray. I have no idea what this girl is talking about at all. So, not even Zeref had an answer then.
"How do you know that name? What game are you trying to play?" Gray stepped closer, his magic emanating off of him and chilling the surrounding air. Erza was forgotten, as was his latest goal to get out of town as quickly as possible. This shopkeeper was supposed to be insignificant, a single stop to ask one person a question about finding his comrade. Yet somehow, she knew exactly who his mother was and seemed to get a sick enjoyment out of pretending she was still alive.
"Mika was the last person I saw with that necklace." So, she didn't know then? Gray swallowed, closing his hands into fists. "From what I knew of her, she wouldn't be the sort to let it get stolen away either. So, while you won't give the details, I know you got it from her."
Gray touched the necklace, taking a deep breath and slowly nodding. "I guess you could say that." It wasn't like his mother had just handed it over. Gray had found it on her corpse, after Deliora's attack. He'd hoped to find something to salvage from the wreckage, a memento of his lost family and a reminder of why he was getting stronger. The necklace was the only thing he'd found that had survived, surprisingly intact and undamaged despite the wreckage. "Who are you? Were you a friend of hers or something?"
"If you want answers from me, you'll need to lose that selfish pride and answer questions of my own." This girl looked younger than him, seemed to have no magical aura, yet she stood her ground and stared him down. Few people could match his cold stare with a harsh one of their own and he couldn't help but grant her some small sliver of respect.
Do not let curiosity get the best of you, Gray. I'm not certain if she is to be trusted…there is something odd about her.
Slowly, Gray nodded. "Fine." He paused, glancing around. "Got somewhere in particular you want to sit down and have this chat at?"
"Not really." She looked behind her, stepping into the shop again. "One moment, though. I need to close up if we're heading out."
"Yeah, because everyone out here is dying to steal some wind chimes." She glared at him, making him quiet down with the sarcasm a bit. Once she'd turned off the lights and locked the door, she returned, standing by his side. She waited patiently and Gray eventually shook his head and began walking. "You know, I'm not exactly a resident here."
"I know." She paused. "Otherwise, I'd have seen you in my shop before and you would realize that there's more to my chimes than meets the eye."
"What, are they magical or something?"
The girl shook her head. "Not at all." Her hands folded in front of her lap, and her gaze turned distant. "They're just…a way to remember, I suppose, and a way to feel like I'm still who I once was." She paused, glancing over at him. "Can I ask for your name, or am I expecting to walk around town with a complete stranger all day?"
"Sorry." He sighed, shaking his head. "I'm not exactly a social person, so I don't do this sort of thing often." He held out his hand towards her. "I'm Gray."
She didn't take his hand and he let it fall to his side as she simply nodded and kept walking. The silence dragged on, silent enough to hear conversations around them instead. "—what the problem is. You're free now, aren't you? And we both have what we want, so there was no harm done in the end."
"And that somehow justifies the abuse you put me through? Do you know what you forced me to do? The paths I took while lost to that darkness?"
The voices were familiar and Gray paused, glancing over towards them. He blinked in surprise, seeing Ultear and Jellal standing and arguing in front of a store of some kind. "Oh what, you hurt your little friends? That's not my problem at all and really, you were happy to do it. I will admit, I was surprised when you broke free of our control, but I honestly think you were happier under it. If you'd like, I could always place the spell on you again—"
"That's enough." Gray stepped in, glaring over at her. Sora frowned at them, before shaking her head and following after him. "What the hell do you think you're doing, Ultear?"
"Defending myself." She glanced over at him, raising her eyebrows. "And what do you think you're doing in return? This matter doesn't concern you at all, so I suggest you take your friend and leave."
"Arrogance. Another trait that I despise."
Ultear turned towards the girl, chuckling. "Oh, it isn't arrogance if you have the power to back it up, dear. Trust me, you don't want to start a fight with me. I'll tear apart everything you hold dear in seconds." She shook her head. "Though right now, I'm in a generous mood and will let the comment slide for now."
"Gray, she is right. You should leave this matter alone. You and I are not even friends and we have no shared history. There is no reason to involve yourself at all."
Strangely, he was wondering if this was how Sora felt just moments ago. "Actually, I do have reasons to be involved, sorry." He glanced over at Ur, narrowing his eyes. "I have a few questions for Ultear myself and seem to have gotten lucky enough to run into her."
"Delaying our conversation then?" Sora glanced over at him and Gray frowned. He needed to know what the hell this girl knew about his mother, though Zeref had been right; he was letting his curiosity take over more than anything else. Based on her age, the girl couldn't know much; she'd have been a mere child like he was when his mother died. "I suppose I can wait. It isn't as if I have better things to do with my time."
Ultear crossed her arms over her chest, smirking at them. "Oh, so this is an interrogation now? Sorry, but I'm also not in the mood for that either. I think I'll be—"
Gray grabbed her arm before she could turn to leave. "I wouldn't if I were you, not unless you want the rune knights to hear about your guild being in town right now." She stiffened and Gray smirked. "I can keep quiet about it for now, if you actually listen for a change. After all, I was going to try and join for a bit before I ran into your friends yesterday."
"My guild members aren't my friends. I merely work with them when it is convenient to do so."
"That pink haired chick seems to behave differently, if you ask me." Ultear didn't respond, only frowning at him with her arms crossed over her chest. "So, why the hell do you think it is okay to control people like this? What makes you think your motives are so justified, Ultear?"
"Because it is all for the sake of the world he'll create, the world that'll perfect our lost magics and allow our dreams to be realized." She met his gaze. "When Zeref is awake, he'll usher in a world specially tailored to us wizards. I'll be able to use Last Ages without paying its cost—I'll be able to take back the life that I deserved, the one you so cruelly stole from me!" She glared at him, stepping forward as her voice grew louder at the end. "My own mother, tossed me aside like trash! I fought, with all my might, to get back to her when I thought she still cared for me, thinking that she just wasn't strong enough to get through to me. When I got back, what do you think I saw?" Gray remembered Mer's hatred, the way she seemed intent on harming in for his insult to Ultear. Never did he think he was responsible for this, though. "She replaced me, with you! You and that other boy stole my family, my home, my life! So, it is my turn to steal away yours. I will use Last Ages, I will keep my mother, and I will make sure whatever destruction Deliora gave you is nothing but child's play. I will make sure you live the life I had, a life alone where no one will ever possibly—" She broke off, inhaling sharply. There were tears in her eyes and Gray wondered if she even realized how emotional she had gotten.
"Ultear, is that really the reason for all of this?" Jellal was staring at her with wide eyes. "A desire to hurt Gray?"
"A desire to take what is mine," she corrected. She glared at Gray, holding her hands in fists by her sides. "Now, you have your answer. Can I leave, or are you still going to threaten my plans yet again?"
Last Ages will not function as she desires. True time magic like that…is not so easily done. There is nothing I could possibly do to negate the cost of that spell.
Before Gray could explain, Sora met Ultear's gaze calmly. "So, you are not simply arrogant, but also foolish."
"What did you call me? I'll—"
Sora interrupted before she could continue on. "Last Ages is a spell within a branch of magic, designed to draw energy directly from a user's life force to be cast. Negating that cost requires something of equivalent value to be exchanged instead." She stepped closer. "Now, exactly what do you think has an equivalent value to someone's life? Do you think a wizard such as Zeref has an answer to that question? Even at his most powerful, at his most active moments in time, I would doubt even he'd be capable of accomplishing such a task."
Interesting. I think I'd enjoy a conversation about energy sources for magic with her…she seems to have a strong grasp on its principles, for one so young.
Was now really the time to consider that though? "That's why Zeref will ensure the Ultimate Magic World comes to—"
"Such a world is a mere fantasy made by wizards to keep them hoping for foolish dreams." Sora shook her head. "The world is what the world is and not a single wizard alive can change that."
"Gray, exactly who is your friend here?" Jellal was watching her warily, while Ultear took a step back away from her.
Turning towards the blue haired man, Gray shrugged. "The owner of a shop that sells wind chimes in town."
"She isn't a wizard?"
"No, I'm not." Sora kept her gaze on Ultear, smiling faintly. "I just happen to have learned a few things about magic, that's all."
"And a non-wizard thinks they can understand the complexities of time magic without any actual practice?" Ultear scoffed, shaking her head. "That's a weak argument, not even valid to consider."
"All magic requires energy. That is the purpose of ethernano. Even a non-wizard can grasp a fundamental concept such as that." Sora crossed her arms over her chest. "This is exactly the sort of argument that makes me despise arrogance, you know. Arrogant people refuse to listen to others and see reason."
"Why even involve yourself? At least Gray has some level of connection to justify intervening, but you have no reason."
"I want you to finish arguing faster so I can get Gray to answer my questions."
"And you said I was selfish." Sora shrugged, while Gray sighed. "Look, Ultear, I can't say much about the topic of this spell myself, but what Sora is saying does make a lot of sense. Trading out a cost like that wouldn't be a simple thing." She turned away, frowning with her arms crossed over her chest. "Ur sent me here to find you, Ultear. She wants to talk to you, but she's afraid you'll keep running away. Do you really want to risk everything for the slim chance this plan will work? Or would you rather try to salvage your relationship now, when your mother is already trying to reach out?"
"She's…looking for me?" Her eyes widened, and she slowly shook her head. "No, you're lying. My mother doesn't even remember I exist." He didn't know how much she'd forgotten about their last encounter, with Zeref forcing memory loss. Maybe she didn't even recall it happening at all, though he had to press on as much as he could.
"You're her daughter. From what I heard, she thought you were dead until recently."
Ultear went pale, her eyes widening. "But that's not possible! I was…I returned to her."
"Did you even let her see you when you did so?" She didn't respond, refusing to meet his gaze. "Come back with me and my friends. I'm not gonna even try to say anything about your guild right now, but can't you at least agree to just take a moment and talk with her?"
She inhaled slowly, closing her eyes. After a moment, she looked back and nodded. "Just for a moment. I have work to take care of still and I doubt she'll say anything to change my mind on the matter." She paused. "I take it we're meeting near your guild then? If she's following you around, I imagine she'll be sticking around that Fairy Tail place in Magnolia."
"Yeah—"
"Then I'll go ahead now and meet with her. That way, I won't have to look at your sorry face again when I speak with her." With that, she seemed to teleport away. Gray stared at where she once stood, uncertain of what to say. He'd gotten her to talk to Ur at least, but he had no idea what sort of mood she'd be in when she met with her mother.
"She's gone. Now we'll go talk." Sora grabbed his hand without warning, and began dragging him down the street. He stumbled after her, glancing back at Jellal who still seemed stunned himself. Shaking his head, Gray turned and followed after the girl, wondering what exactly she wanted him to do in the first place. Sora dragged him around until they were at a small cafe, seated outside on the patio. The young girl was slowly drinking hot tea, staring at Gray patiently while he sat awkwardly with a glass of lemonade instead. "So. Who was she to you?"
Sora paused, frowning. "A co-worker, I suppose, would be the most accurate term."
"How? You're like, what, thirteen?" He was surprised she was even working now, let alone years ago.
"Appearances can be deceiving and it is rude to ask a girl for her age, you know." He should know that better than anyone, considering all his time with Zeref. Yet, the girl simply shook her head. "Now, what did you do to gain that necklace? Did you attack Mika? Sneak into her home? Bribe her? Threaten her? She did always have a soft heart and a tendency to grow overly attached."
He glared at her, leaning forward. "Considering the fact that she was my mother, I doubt I'd have ever been likely to do anything like that."
Family doesn't always get along, Gray…not that I doubt you, per say, just that your logic is flawed.
Sighing, Gray shook his head. "I was too young to even get the chance to know her, really."
"Your mother?" Sora was staring at him, her eyes wide. "That—and your father? Who was he? She wasn't close to the others, kept saying they were cruel and misunderstood the nature of people." Sora continued to frown, her brow furrowed. "None of them seem like a viable candidate to me."
"What, you think she married a co-worker or something?" Gray shook his head. "From what I heard, she met my father at the store." He'd forgotten the exact details of their meeting and it wasn't like he'd been old enough to ever hear the full story from them either.
"The store?" Sora paused, her eyes widening. "Then he was…" She trailed off, biting her lip. "Never mind, I suppose you wouldn't know much more of that." Her gaze turned away, though Gray couldn't help but wonder what he was missing. "Is she doing well? Can you get me in contact with her? There's something I need to discuss with a former co-worker and she's likely the best candidate to talk about it with."
Touching the necklace, Gray looked away. "I can't do that." He swallowed, leaning back in his seat. He had no clue who this was yet, or why his mother meant so much to the girl, but she didn't seem like she meant any harm. She genuinely seemed concerned and he couldn't exactly blame her for that. "She died, years ago. This necklace is all I have left of her." He paused, glancing over at Sora. "I guess you could say I stole it from her in the end. It wasn't like she could gift it to me when she was already gone."
"Mika is dead?" Sora was still, her eyes wide. Her hands gripped the handle of her teacup tightly, though she did not lift it at all as she gazed into the cup. Gray nodded, though she likely couldn't even see his response. "So it's already happening…" She trailed off, swallowing. "Was it at least peaceful, in the end?"
Those memories flashed in his mind, seeing Deliora once more. Zeref almost flinched away from his own thoughts, a reaction stronger than Gray was used to when such memories came to him. "A demon destroyed my entire village. I was the only survivor."
"A demon?" Sora's eyes narrowed. "So, Zeref was ultimately responsible."
"Hardly. Can't say the black wizard is to blame when his demons seem to have minds of their own."
"They are his creations. Ultimately, their actions are a result of his own." Sora met his gaze. "He deserves to suffer for what he's done, for stealing her away from this world." She paused, meeting his gaze. "Wouldn't you agree, as her son? As the one who shares her blood?"
"I don't know." Gray looked away. "It's not like it'd change anything. I spent years focused on revenge like that, after losing her. All it did was cause me more loss and pain. I'm starting to see that punishing the one responsible doesn't exactly change the past - it just keeps the cycle of anger and pain going on for longer than it needs to."
Sora was quiet, staring at him. After a moment, the girl gave him a small smile, taking a drink of her tea. When she set it down, the smile lingered, her gaze focused on the table. "You…share her wisdom, it seems. At least, to some extent you do." He didn't know what to say to that. Gray frowned, taking a drink himself. "She also would prefer to forgive an enemy, over holding a grudge. War may have its moments when it is necessary, but rarely is worth it when fought for no reason other than a pointless rage."
She seemed to be similar to Zeref there, too. Surprisingly so. Yet…based on your own senses, there is no sign of her possessing even an ounce of magic, from a curse or naturally. This girl is completely ordinary, yet acts similarly to a cursed four hundred year old mage. Do you not think there is something strange about that?
There was, yet Gray could find no clues as to what he was missing. "Why did you even care about this necklace anyway? I get that it belonged to her, but it seems more fitting that it stays with the family."
Sora stared at it again, frowning. "It's active." What the hell did that mean? "Perhaps that isn't quite accurate." She looked into his eyes instead, staying calm as she rested her hands in her lap. "Regardless, it is dangerous and not something I can calmly let rest in the hands of a wizard I know nothing of. For all I know, you will abuse its power once you discover what it truly can do." She held out her hand, meeting his gaze. "Hand it over and we can part ways."
"I'm not just giving away the only thing I have left of my family."
"And I'm not letting Mika's greatest treasure be so easily stolen away."
They stared each other down, before Sora rose to her feet. She took a deep breath, moving closer towards him. Rising to his own feet, Gray stepped away, before turning to flee. He didn't want to fight this girl, not when she seemed like an okay person, despite all the confusion. Yet, she wasn't letting him go so easily. She was faster, far faster than he expected. He hadn't even gotten out of the patio before she tackled him to the ground, reaching towards the chain with swift hands. "Ice Make: Pillar!" A block of ice shot outward towards her, shoving her back and off of him. The necklace dropped back against his chest and Gray began moving away once more.
Sora recovered quickly, the chase resuming as soon as he was on the sidewalk. Their waiter would be angry when he realized they left without paying, but it wasn't exactly like Gray could do anything about it. "Ice Make: Floor!" Gray sent a shot of ice along the sidewalk behind him, hoping to delay Sora. Yet, unlike most of his enemies, she seemed to be light on her feet, even on the ice. While she slowed slightly, she didn't slip and fall on the smooth, icy surface.
"I've played with Yuki enough that tricks like this won't work on me!" Sora kept moving, catching him once again and knocking Gray to the ground. "That necklace is not yours to take and I won't put us in any more risk than I already have."
"If you're in danger, did you ever think to ask for help instead? It's not like chasing down strangers is going to make them trust you, nor is it gonna make people like me feel more willing to cooperate." Sora frowned and Gray smirked, already sensing her approach. A nearby magic aura was getting stronger, one he'd recognize without much effort any day. He'd spent too much time avoiding her as a child to not recognize Erza's approach.
"I suggest you step away from my comrade slowly, unless you wish to face me in battle instead." A sword was pointed at Sora's neck, making the girl freeze. She stared at the blade with wide eyes, biting her lower lip as she studied it. Erza stood behind her, giving Sora just enough room to stand and do as ordered.
"I don't want to make enemies, Sora, but I am the sort to hold onto the past more strongly than I should. Give this up and just take my word that I don't care about whatever the hell this necklace does," Gray said. Sora was watching him, her eyes just as blue as her hair. There almost seemed to be flecks of white in the irises though, a strange mixture that he hadn't noticed at a distance. "I won't even ask about it, nor will I look into it if it makes you feel better. Just let me hold onto what little I have left of my home and you can do the same with what you have left of your own past." He paused. "That's why it matters so much to you, right? Something in your past that you can't let go of. It's the same for both of us, so does it really matter who holds onto it in the end?"
"It does. You wouldn't understand—" She broke off as a sudden sharp wind blasted over all of them. Sora's eyes widened and she jumped away quickly, almost fleeing from the breeze that took on a black color indicating it was created with magic. Erza lost her balance in the spell, falling over as someone else came running into the scene.
"Get away from Sora, meanie!" A young girl stared at them with a pout, her hands held outward as she glared at them. "Or I'll make you pay for hurting my friend."
A child? A child with wind magic like that…or no, perhaps it is more than just wind…
So, Zeref thought she was strange as well. Yet, Erza was standing up, now prepared for the child's magic. "Your friend was the one attacking my companion. I was merely acting in his defense."
"I don't care!" The pink haired girl pouted, before turning towards Sora. "Are you okay? They didn't hurt you, did they? Let me look! I learned a lot about healing magic, you know."
Gray froze. "Healing magic?" Yet, the pink haired child didn't respond. Her hands were already touching Sora's neck, while the blue haired girl seemed to stiffen and avoid the younger girl's gaze.
"Hmm…seems alright to me! I guess they really didn't hurt you at all." She paused, frowning over at them. "Who are they anyway? I can't imagine you getting in a fight with anyone, Sora."
"Where—where have you been?" Sora slowly turned towards the child, ignoring her questions. "And where did you learn that spell?" Sora kept staring at her, her face pale and her eyes wide.
"Oh, an old guy and his friends gave me a book on some old magic! After you left, these weird people found me and started helping me study all sorts of spells! They seemed even stronger than Sherry's magic and she's gotta be the strongest mage ever." The child smiled, hugging herself tightly. "I mean, she fights with all that love in her heart and love makes magic stronger, right?"
"It does…" Sora didn't say much else, just kept watching the child. "The spell you learned was in a book?"
"Mmhm! I read through the whole thing and ran off with it so I could find you once they left me alone." Yet, she frowned slightly after mentioning that. "They wanted me to fight for them and I didn't want to. So, I decided I'd go find Sora and live with my friend instead to get away from those meanies! Aren't you glad to see me?"
Erza touched Gray's arm, pulling him back slightly. She placed a hand to her lips, pointing towards the street for them to leave. However, the child's words stuck with him. It…is unlikely, Gray. Her youth, not to mention the rarity of such magic…she's likely just fantasizing about such abilities.
Yet, how likely were they to randomly run into another healer? Natsu's life was on the line, and he couldn't risk it on the slim chance they'd find someone else. Perhaps…Gray, you do realize she sees you as someone who attacked her friend? Convincing her to help…
Zeref had a point. In fact, there was really only one thing he had to bargain with, considering how close the two seemed to be. Gray touched the necklace at his throat, inhaling slowly as he met Sora's eyes. "Sora…can the kid actually use healing magic?"
Their conversation and reunion was interrupted, making the child pout as Sora focused on Gray. Erza frowned at him, shaking her head and sighing. "We had a chance to leave, Gray. Considering the conflict I just walked in on, I thought it would be wise to do so."
"Indeed it would have been." Sora frowned, meeting Gray's gaze. "Do you have a companion that is injured?"
"Not exactly." Gray looked away, uncertain of what to say. "The situation is complicated, to say the least, but healing magic might be able to fix it."
"I can talk too, you know." The child looked at him, narrowing her eyes. "And the people I met said I can, but I wouldn't even try healing anyone for you. You're the one that wanted to hurt Sora."
He glanced at her, shaking his head. "Sora just got angry because I have something she wants and I didn't want to give it to her." He knelt down in front of her, meeting the girl's gaze. "But, if you're willing to help me—" He paused, taking a slow breath. "I guess I would consider it a decent trade, to give her what she wants in return."
"Hmm…nope!" The child smiled, standing up and shaking her head. "I don't like that deal at all and I doubt Sora does either."
"Sherria, please reconsider—"
Sherria just waved Sora off, hushing her. "Not now, Sora, I'm the one who's magic they need, right? So I wanna do the talking!" Sora looked uncertain, watching Sherria and slowly shaking her head. "Now, I want you and your friend to promise not to hurt Sora ever again. And—I want all of us to be friends. Then I'll help you out, because friends always help each other. That's just the sort of love they share and love's more powerful than anything else, just ask my cousin!"
"You just want more friends? Sherria, you don't have any idea what that necklace is! I—"
"Don't need it more than you need friends, Sora. No object is worth more than a friend."
The blue haired girl went silent, hanging her head with a sigh. It seemed like the child was even more stubborn than the adult here and was actually winning the argument. "Fine, do what you want. I'll get that necklace on my own somehow."
Looking over at Erza, Gray nodded and stood up straight. "Well, sounds like we have a deal. I won't hurt you or Sora and while I'm not the greatest at it, I'll do my best to be your friend." He held out his hand, shaking hers. "Call me Gray."
Sherria stared at Erza next, waiting patiently for her response as well. "I too, shall do my best to defend you as my comrades and consider you friends should we encounter each other in the future." Holding her hand out, she nodded at the child as they shook hands. "I am Erza Scarlet, wizard of Fairy Tail and now friend of Sherria."
"Yay! Now we have more friends, Sora!" The girl reached over, grabbing Sora's hand. Sora, however, just looked miserable and was hanging her head. "So, who exactly do you need healed? I can't really use my magic from a distance, so I'll need whoever I'm healing to be close at hand."
Footsteps came towards them, which Gray ignored at first until a familiar voice spoke up. "Technically, we will require the healing of a scarf." Sherria blinked, turning towards Zeref with wide eyes. Sora stiffened and pulled Sherria closer to her side upon seeing him. "I will assure you that I have no intentions of causing harm to your companions, as I technically am working alongside Gray and his team. However…it would be unwise to request that I label anyone as a friend."
"No exceptions!" Sherria glared at him. "I want to go on an adventure and make lots of friends, all while avoiding the adults who think they can use me to just fight their battles. Are you going to be another adult who just uses me, or will you be my friend?"
"Sherria." Sora spoke calmly, glancing over at Zeref. "Do not push him on this." Her tone had changed, shifting into something more commanding than before. "This man is a friend to none and he speaks the truth about how foolish such a wish would be."
Zeref raised his eyebrows at her, tilting his head. "You recognize me?" Sora nodded and Zeref's eyes narrowed. "Odd. Records indicate my actions, but most contain only assumptions of what I actually looked like. Just how did you gain such confidence in what I looked like?"
"You are not the only one with connections and the ability to discern what is truth and what is a lie."
"And also not the only one to have become fascinated in magic that is seemingly impossible to use," Zeref replied. Sora said nothing, while Zeref tilted his head. "I've cast a human enslavement spell on Gray. I overheard everything you said. I suppose it is a precaution to ensure he can prevent extreme losses of control, but it still provides other interesting benefits on occasion."
"That doesn't sound like a nice spell." Sherria frowned. "Does it hurt?"
"No." Gray focused on Sora, seeing the girl tensely gazing over at Zeref.
"All the more reason to take away what doesn't belong to him." Sora met Gray's gaze, before focusing on the necklace again.
Sherria smacked her arm, shaking her head. "No! Friends don't steal from friends." She paused, glancing at Zeref with a frown. "I don't know what you did to make Sora mad either, but I'm not gonna let her opinion change mine. I still want to make more friends and I still want you to agree to my terms."
Zeref stared at the child, before shaking his head and turning towards Gray. His eyes were narrowed, but there was a faint smile on his face before he turned away and sighed. "Keep your distance and do not hesitate if Gray warns you to run." Sherria frowned, staring at his back as Zeref began to walk. "Children are even more foolish than adults sometimes. You are the second one I've encountered that refuses to listen to reason."
"Wait, you had another friend my age?"
"Friend is a bit strong…but I suppose close enough." Zeref smiled faintly. "And he was younger than you."
"Wow, I bet he's really fun to hang out with then. Can I meet him too?"
Zeref didn't answer and Gray sighed and began following after him. The others joined, though Sora never stopped glaring at Zeref in silence. Did she really still hold a grudge over what happened to Gray's mother? He didn't know for certain, but it almost felt like this was about more than just that. Sora knew something more than she let on and rather than being worried like a normal person, Zeref just saw an interesting mystery to solve. Gray didn't know if he should be concerned or just sit back and watch as whatever this was began to unfold.
"It appears as if the people of those ruins were quite invested in the old religions." Invel was sharing his findings with August, still uncertain on if Dimaria would be returning to their project. "They believed a God of Ice created their entire village and wished to follow his footsteps. This may be why the region is so known for ice magic - historically, it was what they focused on and they simply haven't had enough time to become more diverse."
"Any information on the spell itself?"
"Not that I can tell." He picked aside a few notes he'd taken. "There were some rudimentary designs of iced shell in their records - the initial concept was an attempt to mirror the properties of the ice that constructed their homes. Such a creation is quite impressive - while my magic may be heat resistant, I cannot say it is completely impervious to melting like what they were trying to design."
"Then we still have nothing." August sighed. "Perhaps there have been no new occurrences of the spell. We may be overreacting - beyond Leanne, no one else has offered any reports on the matter."
Frowning, Invel considered. He wanted to have an answer for this spell. At this point, it was less about the danger to Alvarez and more so his own investment into the issue. He'd put forth his time and effort into finding an answer. Abandoning it now would mean it was all a waste. Usually, August was the one pressing on to satisfy mere curiosity, but Invel supposed it wasn't personal for him. Winter magic was Invel's pride - this was a spell he did not know and he was determined to master it along with everything else he'd learned.
Before he could come up with a response for August, the door opened. "Alright, alright, I give up." Dimaria huffed, taking a seat in a lounge chair away from the tables. "His majesty called on me for some stupid job, all thanks to that 'friend' August mentioned." She sneered. "Nearly handled the problem myself, but then his majesty had to just go and look all pleased with himself for 'helping' the weakling."
"So you agree? This friend seems beneficial for his majesty's well-being."
Snorting, Dimaria waved them off. "Yeah, whatever. You're right as always." She looked over at Invel. "The guy's name is Gray, by the way. I got to talk to the idiot myself, for a few seconds at least." Rolling her eyes, Dimaria leaned forward. "His majesty couldn't rush me out the door fast enough - I think he may have been afraid of me scaring the kid off or something."
"Is he going to be a problem for us?"
"Nah, the guy's an ignorant idiot when it comes to politics." Dimaria gave Invel a smirk. "Probably typical of most ice wizards, though."
"You're simply insulting me because you weren't challenged by the task, aren't you?" Invel sighed, folding his arms over his chest. "Instead of attempting to pick a fight, try joining us in researching the spell again. I cannot say I've made any progress on my own."
"Books aren't gonna tell you a thing at this point. I've skimmed through enough of them to say that there isn't a single one that mentions time magic - all they care about are their amazing works with snow and ice." She scowled, shaking her head. "I'm done with ice magic for a bit. Sorry, but I'll come back to this later. As much as I'm dying to know who managed to do this, I find myself doubting it was the actual residents of the town."
"I see." August frowned. "You think the residents were the victims then."
"Likely." Dimaria shrugged. "Nothing here suggests they'd have any spells remotely like what we're seeing."
"They have studied iced shell. At the very least, that spell is similar in appearance to this one." Still, it wasn't much. Invel sighed, closing his eyes. "We are back to the starting point with all of this, aren't we?"
"Do you think it may be time to ask for advice from them?" August was quiet. "I know you do not wish to request help, but they may know something you have not yet learned."
"We are not asking my parents for answers. They'll make demands of Alvarez in return for knowledge and still might not have anything to offer." Invel sighed. "I'll give the matter some thought and return to you when I have ideas on how to proceed." For now, he at least could be assured that his majesty's friend was not capable of abusing the situation he was in. Dimaria might've been careless in how she brought up the topic, but she was smart enough to know that much when it came to assessing a potential threat.