Gray didn't get the chance to warn Zeref and Meredy about what Porlyusica was like before Natsu went barging into the house. "Alright Gildarts, where the hell are ya?" He stood in the door, while Gray sighed and hung his head. After a moment, Gray walked in after the dragon slayer, forcibly dragging him back by grabbing his scarf and pulling on it. "Hey, let go of me, Gray!"

"You knock it off first, idiot." Gray peered inside, seeing Porlyusica and Makarov sitting down near the bed. Both of them had looked up when Natsu entered and were watching as the dragon slayer struggled to get closer. "Sorry for barging in. This idiot seems to think that now is a perfect time to challenge Gildarts to a fight."

"Of course he does." Makarov sighed, shaking his head. "Calm down first, Natsu, or I'll be forced to have you wait elsewhere until he has recovered."

"I have half a mind to tell them to leave regardless." Porlyusica glared over at them all. "Stupid humans. Don't you realize that this is a delicate matter to handle? If you keep carelessly interrupting me, your friend will die and that will be on your conscience, not mine."

"He's injured that badly?" Zeref's voice sounded curious, not exactly concerned. However, upon hearing it, Makarov stiffened and seemed to notice the rest of their team in the home.

"Can't say I've seen you around here before. Still, I say go away and leave me to my work. Having Makarov pester me all the time is bad enough without children interfering as well."

"I do believe I am more commonly mistaken as a teenager. To be honest, it has been quite some time since I was referred to as a mere child."

"Teenager, child, there's no difference to me. Both are foolish and too young to understand the severity of what they do and the consequences of their actions."

"I suppose that is an…accurate assessment." Zeref paused, frowning as he approached the bed anyway, pushing past the others. Makarov stood up, blocking his path towards Gildarts, but the black mage simply stared over the guild master's head, staring at the injured man. Zeref's eyes locked onto his sleeping form, studying him closely. "He's lost his entire arm. That's…not a typical injury given on a job."

"That's hardly the half of it. Out of all the reckless fools in that guild, he was the last one I expected to see in my home in this state." Porlyusica sighed, shaking her head. "I've done what I can for now, to be honest, and now we're just waiting to see if he'll awaken. He shouldn't have tried to travel in the state he was in; whoever helped him after he was initially injured clearly didn't know a thing about how the body recovers. Sure, there was an attempt to stop the bleeding, but there wasn't much else done in response. This idiot seems to think he's indestructible and thought he was well enough to return here like that."

"Where did he travel from?" No one answered Zeref's question and the black wizard frowned. "Sorry. I suppose I have no right to an answer." His gaze focused on Gildarts again, narrowing his eyes. "You have not fully dressed his wounds."

"There's medicine on there that needs to be exposed to open air to work properly. The shoulder is bandaged well enough, but I'm not going to just sit back and let infection set in with all the rest of those cuts and slashes on his torso."

Gray wasn't close enough to see what Zeref was seeing, but the black wizard was feeling oddly detached now. Gray could almost hear his mind churning and he saw flashes of other strangers that were injured in his own memories. "He…was attacked by a dragon."

"I'm sorry?" Porlyusica blinked at him. "You must be mistaken, an idiot, or both. Dragons are extinct and while these injures were given by some form of creature, a dragon is not the first assumption I'd make. Perhaps a mutated wyvern; he's more likely to run into a thing like that than a dragon."

"Regardless, his injuries do not concern you. I haven't the faintest idea of what has you so concerned with my guild member, but you've already been here long enough." Makarov glared at him. "Leave, before I act and force you to go."

Zeref looked over at the table where the remaining medicines rested. "There are burn medicines there as well…and is that what I think it is?" Zeref picked a bottle up, completely ignoring Makarov. "Isn't this for inducing vomiting?"

"There were toxins in his body. I had to expel them in some form, or else he'd be even weaker than he already is."

"Poison, burns…" Zeref trailed off, setting the bottle back down. He tried stepping closer to Gildarts again, but Makarov stood his ground.

"I said back off."

"And I think I've almost determined the individual responsible for his injuries." Makarov met Zeref's gaze, while the black wizard stared back. "I can assist you, if you in return allow me to satisfy my own curiosity. I have no reason to start a fight as it stands, nor have I done anything to antagonize your guild."

"You threatened us with war, Zeref."

"A war that I personally do not even wish to start."

Both of them were silent for a moment and no one dared to interfere. After a moment, Makarov looked away and slowly stepped to the side. "You better not be lying about this. Give me an answer of who is responsible, so we can make sure this does not happen again."

"If my theory is correct…he is lucky to be alive." Makarov said nothing as Zeref knelt down near the man. Now, Gray had a clear view of the guild member he hadn't seen in years. Bandages were wrapped around the place an arm should have been, while the rest of his torso was covered in strange murky green paste of some kind. Zeref placed a hand over Gildarts' chest, before leaning forward and listening in with a frown. After a moment, he paused and pulled away, holding a hand out towards Gray. "May I…borrow that necklace for a moment? I'd like to investigate thoroughly and it may be best to be cautious."

Removing it, Gray wordlessly handed it over, ignoring the questioning glances sent his way. Zeref dropped it over Gildarts' neck, before continuing on calmly. "His magic is weakened drastically, likely expended in an attempt to fight back." He frowned, looking over at a spot on his side. "This burn…it looks different from the others."

"Matches the sort of burns I see when attacked by a lightning mage." Porlyusica watched as Zeref nodded. "It seemed peculiar. I am almost certain he took on nearly an entire guild to end up in that state, if not more."

"No, I do not believe that is the case." Zeref shook his head, closing his eyes. "Poison, fire, lightning. It would not surprise me if water and wind were used in some form as well, though signs of such attacks are more difficult to find." He glanced over at Porlyusica. "Combined with wounds that appear to be from a dragon attack, there is no other option. Your comrade is likely one of the handful of people I've encountered to have survived a battle with Acnologia."

"Never heard of him," Porlyusica said.

Makarov, however, had his eyes narrowed. "Acnologia is a hero from history, one who saved many lives by keeping the dragons at bay. He lived centuries ago, just like you."

"And he was a dragon slayer capable of using all elements naturally." Makarov frowned, but kept staring at Zeref. "Do you know of the final stage of dragon slaying magic? Of what it can cause?" Makarov looked away, not responding. "That expression tells me you do know, which means you are aware of how this is possible. Make no mistake…Acnologia still lives and despite the tales history weaves, he is no hero. He is far more dangerous than even I can be, because unlike myself, he actually longs for destruction and chaos."

"Will he return and target my guild members again?"

Zeref's gaze flickered towards Natsu, before he glanced back at Makarov. "To what extent? He likely holds no interest in Gildarts at the moment, if that is your concern."

Gray frowned, thinking about that glance. "You're hiding more." Crossing his arms over his chest, Gray stepped forward. "Who the hell will he target then? Fairy Tail is my guild too, Zeref. I'm not exactly keen on the thought of seeing any more of my friends like this in the future."

"Oh, so you'd prefer to be the one injured like this?" Zeref asked. Gray swallowed, looking away. "Are you starting to see why I thought your agreement was so foolish? This is the sort of thing Acnologia does. I imagine it took him mere seconds to cause your companion injuries of this nature, maybe minutes if Acnologia longed for some sort of amusement and toyed with the man instead. If someone you claim to be the strongest in your guild cannot stand against him, are you still certain it is worth it to attempt to do so yourself?"

"Wait, you planned on attacking the guy who did this?" Natsu glanced between them. "Since when was that part of the plan? I thought we were looking for that god slayer guy first…"

Blinking, Meredy frowned at them. "You wished to see Zancrow? I know he was on that…date with us, but I didn't see any particular reason to investigate him."

"That is a personal matter." Zeref sighed, shaking his head. "Regardless, this is something to take into consideration. Keep this in mind…for when we see Sora next, it is likely that you won't have another chance to back down without agitating a powerful individual."

Basically, this was his chance to back down while Sora was powerless, if her words were to be believed. "I'm not backing down from a chance to end your curse, Zeref. So what if he's strong? Fairy Tail's dealt with a lot of enemies in the past and this won't be the first one that seems unstoppable like this."

"Gray…exactly what makes you think a foolish task like this is worth any result?" Makarov was the one to interrupt this time, startling the ice mage. "Gildarts encountered him while on a job no one could complete for over a century. Whoever this is has been interfering for a long time."

"Actually, he is only recently interfering. For quite some time, Acnologia had been…trapped in a seal, of sorts." Zeref sighed. "That seal broke, unfortunately."

"Gray asked you a question which was evaded, Zeref." Makarov met his gaze. "Who in my guild is at risk from this enemy? Is there a reason for me to personally get involved in this matter further?"

The black wizard sighed, closing his eyes. After a moment, they opened again, focused on the guild master. "Dragon slayers. Natsu, Gajeel if he remained after Laxus was…removed from power. Likely even the lightning mage himself, if he's still allowed in the guild. Despite being second generation, despite the impossibility to reach that end stage with his magic, Laxus is still in possession of magic that can harm him in theory alone."

There was another dragon slayer in the guild? Gray hadn't even heard of Gajeel, let alone met the guy. Still, he'd take Zeref's word for it that he'd seen the other wizard around. "Then we cannot idly sit back and wait for him to come to us."

"You're planning to target him?" Makarov nodded and Zeref frowned. "Does no one realize how foolish such an attempt is? Especially for a wizards' guild?"

"I've already heard your commentary on Acnologia's power. This could very easily be something that is beyond us to accomplish," Makarov said.

"Ha, I doubt it. I'll just burn away whatever defenses this Acnologia guy has." Natsu grinned, glancing over at Zeref. "Besides, he's not the only dragon slayer around. Maybe you could teach me to gain whatever weird magic he got that's so unstoppable."

"No."

"Well, why not?"

"Because it isn't worth it, Natsu."

"But Acnologia has it! How else are we supposed to stop it if we don't get help from it too?"

There was a pause. "If you so eagerly wish to have…an ally with similar skills, I suppose there is one person who may help." He frowned. "If she helps, however, it would be best to ensure Erza is no where near the conflict and not even mentioned in the slightest. There is a slight…personal issue for her with the girl."

"I don't think a legal guild would willingly seek out an ally from a dark mage." Meredy glanced around the room. "Then again, you all do seem to be quite illogical, so perhaps my assumptions are incorrect there as well."

"It seems more likely that he is offering the assistance of another one of his generals." Lyon frowned. "Would that be a correct assumption to make?"

"It…would." Zeref frowned. His brow was furrowed and after a few moments of silence, he sighed and shook his head. "Regardless, I do not think even they could succeed in a direct battle against him. Perhaps I can use my…connections to be an ally of yours in this conflict, but it is still not a true solution. Acnologia is immune to both physical and magical attacks. In essence…he has a different sort of immortality when compared to mine. While I heal from any injury, he simply cannot be injured."

"You speak as if you've faced off against this monster before." Porlyusica frowned at him. "Were you just as foolhardy as these guild wizards then?"

"I was a part of the team that sealed him away centuries ago." Zeref frowned. "And…if we are to even hope to harm him at all…there may be one course of action that could be of assistance." Zeref sighed, glancing around. "This discussion will not leave this room, not when it risks Acnologia discovering what I've been involved in. He will put a stop to it, if he knows the risks."

"Juvia understands. An enemy like this may only be weak to a surprise of some kind."

The others nodded and Zeref met Makarov's gaze. "Locate the rest of the first generation dragon slayers. I still…cannot reveal why." His gaze flickered towards Natsu, before flashing back to Makarov. "You currently have Natsu and Gajeel. There should be three more…the sky slayer, white slayer, and shadow slayer. They will be of greater assistance in this battle than you think."

"We already agreed to keep this hidden, Zeref." Makarov met his gaze levelly. "You know quite well how well our guild can keep a secret. If there is anything you know that would defend our guild from harm, any plan of yours that has a slight chance of succeeding, I want to know how and why."

"You've kept this hidden long enough." Gray glanced over at him, seeing Zeref still hesitate. "Is knowing the details really going to make that much of a difference? It isn't like we haven't already figured out you were trying to stop him in the past."

"Secrets are more difficult to keep with more people aware of their existence." Meredy spoke quietly. "Your friend is smart enough to realize that and you should be as well."

"I thought you wanted to finish dealing with this quickly and leave? Seems like someone has changed their mind." Lucy grinned, while Meredy shook her head.

"Hardly. It just seems inefficient to leave you to carelessly discuss the details. I can move things along faster by participating in the discussion, that's all."

With a sigh, Zeref shook his head and focused back on Makarov. "At this point, both of them may have valid suggestions." He tilted his head. "You know more than enough details for this to fall through, yet not enough for me to still be capable of gaining an advantage. As it stands, your current level of knowledge is ideal. You know that there is a plan and Acnologia has no feasible means to take to gain details of that knowledge."

"He could just target Gray. That connection of yours—"

Zeref spun around on Lyon, his eyes flashing. "Gray knows nothing more than the rest of you, so I would not make such a suggestion." He stepped closer. "Even with the connection, I am a master of controlling my thoughts. Gray has heard small slivers of information, enough to grant him an understanding of very little indeed about my plan."

"So, you are saying you will reveal nothing more? That you will send us on this quest to find more dragon slayers without an explanation as to why?" Makarov waited and eventually, Zeref nodded. The elderly man sighed, closing his eyes and turning back towards Gildarts. "I should have assumed as much, from a wizard like you. Give me some time to consider. Taking the plan of a self-proclaimed enemy of Fairy Tail seems like the actions of a fool and I will not follow such a vague reasoning without considering my options first."

"Master, he does actually want to stop—"

"I know, Gray." Makarov glanced over at him, meeting Gray's eyes. "That still does nothing to set my mind at ease about what the future may hold. For all I know, his plan may even involve using our own secret against not just Acnologia, but ourselves as well."

"What secret are you even discussing? If it can stop Acnologia, I see no reason not to just use it and move on."

"A secret even your own guild master could not unravel and replicate." Meredy blinked over at Zeref, who smiled at her. Meanwhile, Makarov frowned, focusing on the girl for the first time.

"Her guild master? Who—"

"Your predecessor." Makarov seemed to grow pale, while Zeref smiled. "Worry not, she isn't here with her guild, Makarov. I'm not acting as their ally, nor am I quite their enemy either. More accurately…I am a bystander, observing their actions for the time being and waiting for the day I should begin to act once more."

"And is coming here, inspecting my patient, not acting?" Porlyusica glared at him, before huffing and turning away. "Get out of my sight if you're going to be so stupid."

"It isn't acting until plans are put in motion." Zeref glanced over at her, smiling faintly. "Until then, it is merely observation and thought, nothing more." His gaze flickered towards Gray, before turning back to Makarov with a sigh. "While I will not reveal the reasons behind the plan I have begun, I do want you to consider me an ally against Acnologia, if in nothing else. Accept or reject my strategy as you wish, but know that I will still find a way to support you should you choose to attack."

"There may not be much even you can do, given what you've said thus far." Juvia frowned, glancing at him. "Perhaps none of us can face off against this enemy successfully, not when he seems to have such power."

"And just like when he helped get the guild back, I'm guessing he's not going to even explain why either." Lucy sighed, shaking her head. "This guy is so annoying to deal with. I can't judge if we should listen to him or not."

"I mean, he can't be that bad, right? It sounds like he's helping us take down the guy that hurt Gildarts and if he wants to help, who cares why he's doing it?" Natsu shrugged, before grinning over at Zeref. "Besides, it'll give us the chance to hang out some more and train together, right?"

Shaking his head, Zeref ignored Natsu. Instead, he silently retrieved the necklace from Gildarts, returning it to Gray and moving on. "I don't believe I need to explain things further."

"I agree." Meredy joined him, glancing at the others. "There is still work to be done and I imagine tracking through scent will be easier the faster we begin. So, I insist on starting now while we still have time."

"Zeref?" Makarov called out as they stood in the door, making Meredy scowl. Still, the black wizard turned, meeting his gaze. "Motives say far more about someone than you might think. Perhaps you cannot explain why we would seek out more dragon slayers, but if you can earn my trust through other means…I may accept it." Makarov paused, hesitating for a moment. "I've watched your actions, when I could, after hearing of the involvement of a dark wizard amongst Natsu's team during the changeling spell. It was alarming and when you remained with them even after that, I wanted to ensure their safety." Zeref wasn't responding or reacting, just listening in silence. Makarov paused again, still calmly meeting his gaze. "With that in mind…I have a theory of my own, as to why you are choosing to act now, risking your future war with us. There is more to this than finishing what you began years ago, isn't there?"

For a moment, Gray thought he wouldn't answer. "You are quite observant." Zeref didn't add anything further and turned to leave. However, Makarov's brow furrowed and he nodded to himself, seeming to be satisfied with the response. Gray didn't know what conclusion had been drawn and Zeref's own thoughts had receded as well. Either way, it sounded like he was going to be looking into Acnologia far sooner than expected.

The search for Ultear wasn't going to take long, not with Meredy taking charge the moment they were away from Porlyusica's. "We will not follow more detours. I don't want to be working with Gray for any longer than necessary."

"Do you seriously hate him that much? What did he even do to you?" Lucy asked. "I mean, even if your date didn't go well—"

"Please, stop mentioning that. Accepting that invitation was a mistake." Meredy frowned. "It really wasn't worth the food, in retrospect."

"It was your friend who requested all you can eat." Gray saw her scowl, while he shook his head. "Plus, I thought you said you needed to waste time anyway. Was it really that bad sitting around listening to Erza interrogate Zancrow?"

"I answered her questions as well." She frowned, glancing at him. "As did you, I suppose."

"Wait, Erza and some other guy were on this date too? Since when is she dating anyone?"

Zeref smiled. "Oh, she simply wished to find a romance akin to what Juvia and Lyon have." He paused, tilting his head. "I think that Zancrow doesn't quite have the right…obsessive tendencies as Juvia, however, so unfortunately, she hasn't succeeded in that endeavor."

Lyon frowned. "Not all romances are alike. Erza needs to find a suitable match for herself, rather than looking for someone who is merely meant to act like someone else."

Snorting, Gray looked away. "In order to mimic your sort of relationship, Zeref does kinda have a point."

"Am I missing something?" Meredy glanced between them, pausing as they arrived back at the inn. Natsu was starting to look for hints of Ultear, sniffing the air as they spoke. "Zancrow's only obsession is with his own strength and nothing else. It is irritating, but manageable."

With a faint smile, Zeref shook his head. "Nothing important, I suppose." How the hell did he look so innocent with these things? At least this time, the teasing wasn't about him. From the outside, Gray could almost see the entertainment in it all. Their guild was certainly going to take things too far with rumors like these. He shuddered to think of the results if any of them spoke with Mira about the rumors Zeref was starting. Then, he'd never hear the end of it.

Things were silent again, with nothing more to add on the matter. Natsu was leading them away from Magnolia, though Gray really couldn't tell where they were going. It didn't seem like it was anywhere in particular, just following a road out of town. The street didn't even lead to a train station or anything that would allow for faster travel away.

"How much longer until we find Ul?"

"Dunno." Natsu shrugged. "It's not like it's easy to tell exactly where she is, you know. I mean, I can smell her trail and stuff, but that doesn't tell me if she's been walking all day, sleeping and camping out, or what. It seems like she was around just yesterday or so, but weather affects how fast smells go away too and I haven't been paying enough attention to be certain of how old this trail is."

"Let me see," Meredy said. Natsu frowned and after a moment, a pink band hovered around his wrist. It flashed on her own as well and Meredy closed her eyes for a moment. "Focus on the smell, please. I'd like to know how this works and confirm you really have a method of tracking her at all."

"Uh, okay." Natsu shrugged, inhaling again before turning down the trail. Meredy frowned, before nodding after a moment. The spell faded and she followed without much comment. "Did you figure out your answer yet?"

"Your senses are strange." She didn't comment further and Gray wondered if this was just part of her impatience acting up again.

"That was an unusual form of magic. What is it that you can do?" Juvia was watching Meredy, who didn't reply. "Juvia is a water wizard. She is easily among the most skilled water mages she has ever encountered. Yet, Juvia has not seen a magic like yours before. Did it allow you to smell what Natsu could? Were you able to track your friend through scent as well with it?"

He did have to give Juvia some credit for being persistent. Not only was she willing to stalk Lyon until he actually started dating her, she wasn't caving in to a silent answer from a wizard like Meredy either. "Sensory link. If you continue being a pest, I'll show you what it can do firsthand." She looked over at Juvia with a scowl. "I'm not here to make friends. My goal is to find Ul and nothing more. Talk amongst yourselves, but leave me out of it."

"Then why exactly were you engaging in conversations with us?" With a shake of his head, Gray's former peer walked ahead of her. "If you wish to treat us as strangers and nothing more, be our guest. However, don't involve yourself in conversations if you prefer to be left alone. It isn't exactly easy to ignore someone asking questions of you all the time."

"When you make commentary on individuals who I actually do know, it is difficult to avoid curiosity."

"So you knew Natsu before now?" Zeref tilted his head at her with a small smile and Meredy pursed her lips. "To my knowledge, he has not had contact with anyone from Grimoire Heart prior to Galuna Island."

"I've hired him for my mission. It is perfectly reasonable for me to request an estimated completion time so I can plan ahead."

Gray chuckled, shaking his head. "Whatever." Her scowl deepened and Gray glanced over at the others. "Just drop it for now. I have a feeling she's not exactly joking about disliking talking with us. Personally, I'd rather not get on her nerves more than I already have. After all, I am supposed to be making up for past mistakes in some way with all of this."

"Logical and precise." Meredy paused, frowning. "If it weren't for your horrendous lack of consideration of others, I may have been able to tolerate you being around."

"Are you claiming to…enjoy being near Gray?" Lucy slowly grinned. "Sounds like it isn't entirely one-sided then…"

Meredy scowled, once again refusing to respond. Instead, she silently kept walking and the others seemed to follow suit. Having her around made it difficult to make conversation in the first place. She was from a dark guild and there just didn't seem to be a safe topic to bring up right now. She is…interesting at least. Sensory link magic relies on emotional connections. It is surprising to see a user who attempts to act so indifferent towards everything.

Does that hinder her or something?

Quite excessively, in fact. The black wizard was watching her as they walked, his head tilted and his brow furrowed in thought. Ideally, such a wizard would seek out as many strong emotional ties as possible. Then, they would create temporary three-way links, before receding their own connection to allow for a link between two strangers. Like this…she is forced to rely on emotional connections that exist in her targets completely. Unless she is highly skilled and hiding her emotions, that is.

Could she just be repressing her feelings then? The only person Meredy seemed to care at all about was Ultear and that seemed to be based on a past no one knew a thing about. I can't say I know if that's the case. All I've gotten from her is that she despises me for training in magic under Ur.

Unjustly as well. How can one blame a child for clinging to an adult for care? Certainly, I would not do so. There was a flash of a memory and Gray thought he saw a child following Zeref around in a forest. Regardless, it isn't as if we are in a hurry for anything. Finding a way to waste time is actually rather ideal for us right now.

Yeah…I guess it is. He frowned. Did you actually want to take jobs or something when we got back? It's something to do, I guess, and it seemed like Master was at least slightly calmer around you than before.

I did say I'd join in if you chose to do so.

That doesn't mean you want to go on them though. Gray sighed, shaking his head. Offering to help us out also doesn't seem usual for you either. It almost sounded like you were going to break some of your war plans to stop Acnologia.

I…was. Zeref's thoughts seemed to pause, his head turning towards Gray. My empire, in a way, is my strongest weapon. One of my generals has fought against Acnologia in the past, even, though she is likely just as incapable of harming him as anyone else would be. I think the best I could offer is some form of distraction…which in turn would set back the growth of my military and delay any possible onset of the war. Really, while the offer remains, I still see no plan moving forward that would have even a chance of success, beyond my suggestion to find the rest of the dragon slayers.

It still made little sense, if even their magic would be useless against him. However, it didn't seem like the sort of explanation Zeref was willing to give, not even to him. Well, we're taking care of a tracking job right now. Maybe afterwords, we can start searching for them too.

Perhaps. Zeref frowned. I am not certain how long such an endeavor would take. I've never had an urgent reason to keep track of their locations and had assumed they'd naturally be drawn towards each other regardless. They share…certain similarities, in their histories, despite the alterations with their memories.

Wait. Are you saying you altered all of their memories, not just Natsu's? Zeref nodded, his expression unchanging. I really don't get why you'd even bother. I mean, them knowing their own history seems kinda important if you want them to use their magic properly.

Their magic isn't what I need for the plan to succeed, as I keep saying. Still, there didn't seem to be hints as to what made them so different. As far as the alterations to their memories, it was ideal to do so. Otherwise…they would risk the potential desire to seek out individuals who would no longer exist, beyond the dragons who raised them. Myself, included, in fact.

So you knew the dragon slayers?

Zeref nodded again, a faint smile on his face. I helped train them. Anna was in charge of their education, at least in terms of language and math. I, however, worked with them on magic and history. Granted, I wasn't precisely old enough to have lived through the history I taught at that point…but it was still one of my stronger subjects, even then. He paused, tilting his head. Only two of them ever seemed interested in that subject at any level. The others were more fond of trying to push the class towards training practice, challenging each other to fights in front of me. I'd keep them in line with demonstrations of my own…falsely putting on the front of being angry, sometimes terrifying them into running to Anna instead. When they complained to her about my actions, she'd then have this condescending expression to give me and demand I apologize. It was a strange dynamic, between the two of us and the dragons, but we were…close, in a way. Zeref's thoughts were quiet and there was a slowly building headache in response to the story. In the end, however, it was all for a singular goal which made the entire act possible. I couldn't allow myself to see things as Anna did and enjoy our time together. Even in retrospect, it is still only a means to an end, being with others in that manner.

The headache faded and Gray frowned over at Zeref. The light-hearted mood was gradually fading once more and it wasn't something he wanted to see. Hey, we're making progress, right? That means that you'll be able to remember that time however you want to soon.

Right. Zeref smiled faintly, glancing over at Gray. I still cannot fathom your logic behind why you are so determined to assist me…but I've come to believe that the reasons why do not matter. It is…calming, having someone on my side like this for a change. Weren't his generals and his empire on his side? Others do so out of obligation, out of a sense of loyalty and duty. It…isn't quite the same. His thoughts seemed to deter for a moment and Gray wondered if he was getting too close to thinking about valuing life again. I know I've been teasing a lot, Gray, and that it is irritating you…but I haven't exactly had opportunities to have such open relationships as these before. They may not be overly fond of me, or support my presence nearby…but being allowed to observe them, to participate in their musings, it brings me an odd sort of contentment, I think.

It's not that big of a deal. Gray shook his head with a sigh, running his hand through his hair. I mean, I'm not actually interested in anyone anyway, so there isn't exactly a concern about the wrong person hearing these rumors. The worst that'll come from all of this will be all of them making attempts to set me up with some stranger when I really just want to focus on getting this job done.

Do you…have plans for when you finish? Gray paused, seeing Zeref glancing upward at the sky. The others were still walking in silence, though Lucy had joined with Gray, Juvia, and Lyon to whisper behind Meredy and Natsu while they worked. You are quite driven towards ending this curse, but I imagine there is something you intend to do afterwords.

Probably find another job, I guess. He shrugged. Most jobs didn't take this long, but that didn't mean he was giving up on it. Wizard work was all he knew and it wasn't like he had much more to focus on. He was happy at Fairy Tail. He was making friends and he had a guild that accepted him like family. If he kept growing stronger there, he'd be able to make sure that this time, he protected that family and kept them by his side.

Hearing the thoughts he didn't quite project, Zeref frowned. Defending them isn't a task that a single wizard would successfully manage. What did he mean by that? The entirety of a guild…defended by a single member. Does that not seem like an odd way of thinking? Each member of your guild has magic and possesses their own form of strength. Your independent nature is causing you to assume that many need protection when they can, in fact, defend themselves.

Are you trying to tell me to not keep improving? To just let them fight on their own when the next major conflict comes around? We were recently targeted by another guild, Zeref. I doubt that this is going to be the last time Fairy Tail makes enemies either.

I'm…trying to say that you are still letting the past define you. How? How was his goal of fighting for Fairy Tail a drive from his past? Gray had moved on. He was friends with Zeref, the creator of Deliora! Glaring over at the black wizard, Gray shook his head. Perhaps it is not so simple to see…but it is no longer the anger driving you. Yes, I can see quite clearly that you've moved past the anger and drive for revenge, Gray. However, most wizards have ambitions and goals to obtain for their future. Natsu wishes to find Igneel again, Lyon to become a wizard saint, Juvia to obtain the love of Lyon…are you seeing the pattern? Most have a solid goal for the future, one to move forward towards to obtain. Your goals are vague, based on the belief that because you've lost family in the past, you are likely to lose them again. Fighting against death, Gray, is a goal that will only result in further despair and it is not a choice I'd advise.

Refusing to lessen his glare, Gray watched Zeref as he calmly kept walking, despite basically tearing apart what little ideas Gray had for his future. Well, what would you suggest then? Since you know me better than I do, apparently, what the hell do you think I should be doing?

I…did not mean to cause you anger. Gray didn't care. He wanted to know what Zeref had in mind instead. With a sigh, the black wizard frowned and glanced at him. Perhaps…a goal of enjoying life to its fullest would be better. See the world while you can, travel, explore…and do so with those you care about by your side. Your time is limited and I would suggest finding time to focus on the joy you can bring yourself, rather than future sorrows that will be inevitable in the end.

In a way, Gray could see some of that logic. Older guild members would die before him, regardless of if Gray was strong enough to defend the guild or not. Fairy Tail would get a new guild master one day and they'd transition and move on. There were definitely things to see in the world, but Gray had never had much of an interest in travel before. He'd never really considered it as something beyond a necessity for work. Still, the beaches near Hargeon were always popular and weren't far away from Magnolia. Had he even taken the time to go to one of them before? He knew Lucy had gone there with Levy and Cana a while back, to relax between jobs. Heck, even Natsu had gone with Happy, thinking he'd be able to fish at a public beach meant for swimming.

I'll…think about it. Zeref smiled faintly at him and the conversation went quiet. Still, he didn't know what he wanted in that sense. He felt like he was living a decent life already, as well as he could. Ur was back and he had his guild. Gray didn't need anything else. What do you plan on doing? I mean, this seems like the sort of thing that'll affect you more than me.

I…don't know. Zeref frowned for a moment, his brow furrowing. As much as I'd like to pursue the new opportunity to form actual connections with others…I question if my guilt will outweigh such a path for me. I may still simply choose to end my life after all this time, as should have happened years—

No way. We talked about this, multiple times, Zeref; I'm not gonna just let you go find a way to die.

Oh? Well, you are more than welcome to try to stop me…but you'd have to be watching for quite some time. Zeref's smile widened. I have been suffering from suicidal thoughts for the better portion of the last four centuries, after all. Not to mention I've been depressed for even longer. Mental health issues of that nature do not simply vanish overnight, not from what I've heard nor from my own personal experiences.

Gray glared at him in response. He didn't know if Zeref was teasing him lightly about this or not, but it really wasn't a subject to joke around about. How can you act like this is funny? I've told you before that I'm not losing anyone else, not even you.

I have no intentions of joining a guild, you know. Zeref pretended like Gray had said nothing. Hmm…I suppose it would help you see more of the world then. Following me to ensure I stay alive would force you to travel. After all, my more official home is technically in Alvarez. I could always return there, but you'd never know if I was planning something else to harm myself…

Are you trying to manipulate me into being a stalker like Juvia? Zeref laughed and the noise made the others turn towards them. Gray scowled and they gradually began to focus on their task in silence again. Seriously, there's a better way to get someone's attention. I told you, I'm cool with your…feelings, but I'm not exactly the sort to focus on my own like that. Don't go expecting me to follow you around because you want them returned.

I don't. Zeref's smile faded and he looked away. In reality…I expect that one day, when you've had the chance to look at your own feelings, I expect you'll tell me that there is nothing there. Huh? Hadn't he been teasing that Gray already had some level of attachment to Zeref? No one ever truly cares for me Gray, even when they think they do. She was proof enough of that and I imagine you'll be the same. Still…I am perfectly content, acknowledging that this will remain a one-sided affection from afar. Use it as you wish and know that I will feel no anger towards you for such a thing.

I'm not just—using your emotions for my own benefit either! Zeref's headache was growing and Gray realized the subject needed to be changed if they didn't want to see more of his death magic in person. We're not finished talking about this, Zeref. Maybe your goal should be to get yourself to realize that people actually can care for you too and start accepting yourself for a change.

Gray walked past Zeref, giving him more space as they followed. The black wizard kept walking, his eyes wide and focused on Gray's back. The ice wizard didn't know what to do with him at this point, or what more to add. They were friends and Gray wanted Zeref to be happy, but he just wasn't ready for a romantic relationship in his life right now. He was happy without anything more, but that didn't mean he didn't care at all. Zeref was going to get himself into a bad situation with a mindset like that, so maybe, he'd make it his goal to help Zeref instead. He would stick around for a bit longer, until he was certain that Zeref saw he was capable of making actual friends and relationships on his own. Then, Zeref would be able to find an actual romance that would make him happy for a change. The thought made him feel a bit strange, though. His stomach must be disagreeing with his last meal or something, because he almost felt sick. Still, Gray just shook his head and the feeling gradually faded further as they walked, with the thoughts fading further from his mind as his attention turned towards finding Ultear instead.