They found Ultear in a strange spot, basically camping out in the middle of no where. Meredy had made a few comments when they started veering off the road and into the forest, but Natsu had insisted that was where the trail was leading. After confirming for herself with a sensory link, they'd kept moving onward without further delays. "Someone else is in the area too." Meredy was still talking as they moved, however.

Natsu nodded. "Yeah, that Jellal guy from before. He's not that bad." He frowned. "Well, not anymore at least. Erza spent a bunch of time with him recently and I don't think she'd have done that if he was still trying to attack us like he was in that tower."

"I ran into him when I was away from town last." Gray didn't think it'd be a good idea to let Meredy know he'd been planning to get involved in her guild, just to spy on Zancrow. "He didn't seem like he was that bad, just angry with Ultear for what she'd done." He glanced over at Meredy. "They were arguing a bit and that's when I stepped in to try and talk to her."

"Let's move faster then. I don't want to force Ul to fight alone." She began moving more quickly, with Natsu almost running with no objections.

"Sounds like a plan to me! I'm all fired up!"

"Natsu, we don't want to fight that guy again! Don't you remember? He's practically a wizard saint with his magic." Lucy groaned, trying to keep up but lagging behind quickly. Lyon and Juvia shrugged, joining in. Zeref stayed off to the side, but made no comment about the change in pace.

"Natsu wouldn't care about details like that, Lucy." Gray glanced over at Zeref, before smirking faintly. "Besides, I'm fairly certain we've got an even more frightening wizard on our side if it does come down to a fight."

"I'd really prefer to avoid needless violence." Zeref was the one to object to that comment. "Nevertheless, I did wish to join, so I suppose I should attempt to make a contribution to the team."

"That's the spirit!" Natsu grinned, slowing his pace. "They're close now."

"Then be quiet." Meredy glared at them. "Announcing our presence will destroy our opportunity to surprise the enemy."

"At least she understands how to be smart about things. I was thinking we'd never have someone rational about battles on this team." Lyon practically whispered his additional comment, smiling over at her. However, Meredy seemed to be quite indifferent to his compliment, focused ahead of them as they crowded behind trees. Gray could faintly hear some voices ahead, with a flickering light from a fire showing them two figures standing not far ahead. Unlike their team, these people were not avoiding being overheard, however.

"—sought me out. I was attempting to turn myself in, you know." That was Jellal, though Gray missed the start of whatever he'd been saying.

Ultear let out a sigh. She seemed to be sitting down, with Jellal keeping his distance. "Because I've come to realize that things aren't always as black and white as I think they are." She stared into the fire. "I spoke with my mother. My past…is nothing like I thought it was. I'm still angry and frustrated, and I want to get it all back but—I'm also confused and angry with myself, I think."

"And you thought I'd be the person to speak with about this?"

"You've clearly been blaming yourself for much of what happened, not just me." Ultear glanced over at him. "I thought that since you'd been dealing with it longer than me, you might have found an answer as to what was better."

Gray looked over at Meredy, uncertain if they should interrupt. She caught his gaze, and after a moment, she slowly shook her head. "Ul needs help. Let him try, first," she whispered quietly and with that, many of them began relaxing a bit more. Zeref sat down calmly, closing his eyes and meditating as if he thought this would take some time. Lyon and Juvia snuggled together, giggling softly off to the side. Gray rolled his eyes at them, remaining crouched near Meredy and ready to move in case they were noticed.

"I cannot say that I have." Jellal grimaced. "All I've decided is that I don't deserve this freedom, not after the things I've done. My intentions, as I stated before, were to—"

"Turn yourself in, yes, I get that." Ultear shook her head. "Wouldn't that be such a waste, though? What can you change from a prison cell? What sort of methods are there to gain forgiveness when all you can do is sit and think about the past? That would drive me even more insane, I think." Ultear stared into the fire again, shaking her head. "I made so many mistakes, thinking I would just be able to undo them all with a single spell, Jellal. You weren't the only one that got dragged along into my schemes. There were others that I hurt and deceived, you know."

"Did you not say part of you still wishes to move forward with that?"

"Yes. No." Ultear shook her head, dragging a hand through her hair. "I really can't say. Someone told me it'd be impossible anyway and given the source, I'd almost say it's true." Gray couldn't see her expression. "So, all I've really been doing is telling myself an excuse to ignore the guilt. It was the same thing I did when I saw my mother with those boys…I gave myself an excuse that explained things and never bothered finding a real answer. I ran away from myself back then and I keep doing it now. At this rate, I don't think I'll be able to stop."

"I'm sorry, but I really do not think I am the one who can help you, Ultear." Jellal sighed. "Given what you've done to me, I just cannot bring myself to completely trust your motives right now."

"I don't blame you." Ultear pulled her legs to her chest. "But at the same time, I think you'll regret leaving. You aren't a coward, Jellal, and turning yourself in is your way of running away. I think that the two of us need to face our problems head on. Otherwise, this guilt will never start to fade away."

"Are you…suggesting we work together?"

"Maybe I am."

"The last time we worked together, you manipulated my mind with magic."

She glanced over at him. "No magic this time. The fact that you're doubtful of helping me should make that much clear. Plus, you aren't seeing visions of Zeref, are you?" Jellal's expression wasn't visible, but his arms did cross over his chest. Gray wished he could see more. "I'm not trying to manipulate you into this. I just told you that I'm having enough confusion about my past actions as it is; I need someone who can help me see when I'm falling back into those old habits, someone who knows how manipulative I can be. No one knows that better than you, Jellal, and no one else would have a reason to want me to stop either."

"And what exactly would we be doing? We're both wanted criminals."

"Avoiding the rune knights?" Ultear shook her head. "And…trying to be good, for a change. No one knows dark magic like former dark wizards, I imagine. I doubt legal guilds could get anywhere close to the contacts I have in the criminal world to hear about what's going on. I think with that and a small group like ours…we might be able to start making a difference for the better, to try and make up for our pasts."

By his side, Meredy looked like she was shaking. "The guild won't let her. Ul, she'll be…" She trailed off, shaking her head. It looked like Jellal was starting to nod, moving closer to Ultear, but Meredy had risen to her feet. "Ul! Please, don't do this!" She ran out from her hiding spot and Gray sighed, slowly rising to his feet.

"Meredy?" Ultear's eyes widened, seeing the girl approaching her. She glanced around, before her gaze spotted Gray as well. "And you. This isn't the sort of team I expected to track me down, you know."

"Yeah, well, when someone tells you they'll kill you if you don't find some wizard, it tends to give you a strong motivation to try," Gray said. Ultear sighed, shaking her head. Gray crossed his arms over his chest, nodding towards Jellal as he approached. "You seriously thinking of quitting Grimoire Heart then?"

"No! Ultear won't leave." Meredy turned around, glaring at Gray. "If she leaves, she won't be able to achieve her dream. Her mother will be lost to her and it will all be your fault. I will not let you destroy her happiness!" She looked like she was preparing to fight again, but Ultear placed a hand on her shoulder, shaking her head.

"Meredy, calm down." The younger girl took a slow breath, glancing over at Ultear. "I'm not angry with Gray and he isn't at fault for anything. I'm the one who ran, not realizing what was going on. My mother did not even realize there was someone to search for, Meredy. I lost my family because of my own mistakes, not because of them."

"But that doesn't mean you can't get it back, right? The ultimate magic world, you'll be able to perfect your spell and—"

"Zeref himself says that such a thing is impossible to do." Ultear looked away, sighing. "I have a feeling, based on what I've seen, that our goals might be a bit misconstrued at this point. Even when I was standing and speaking with him, I sensed no seal on Zeref or his magic. There is nothing to awaken, which makes all of our efforts just as pointless as my own individual attempts to return to the past."

With Ultear, Meredy seemed far more animated than with anyone else. "But the guild, Ul. They won't be happy if we leave."

"We?"

Meredy frowned, meeting her gaze. "I joined because I had no where else to go, because I saw you and thought that maybe I wasn't going to be alone despite everything that happened. If you are leaving, then I will stay by your side. That's how this has always been and I won't let this change that. If it weren't for you, I would have perished along with my village—"

"If it weren't for me, you'd still have your village." Ultear watched as Meredy's eyes widened. However, Ultear just gave the girl a sad smile. "I assure you Meredy, I've done nothing worth devoting yourself to me. I was the one who caused that destruction, who took everything away from you in the first place. The reason you were spared wasn't because you were a child, or innocent, or anything of the like. It was because you had powerful magic and the potential to be of assistance to our goals. I told Jellal that he was not the only one I manipulated to achieve my goals, Meredy; you were among the list as well."

"That's not true. You're lying."

"Not at all." Ultear's smile was dark, a look filled with some twisted sense of self-loathing. Gray had seen a similar expression on Zeref, when the man spoke of his own past. "I'm the monster who took everything from you. Don't foolishly worship me as some hero, Meredy. Be yourself, live the life you want. You owe me absolutely nothing."

Meredy was shaking her head, tears in her eyes. "Stop saying such cruel things. Stop…lying to me."

"Meredy." Gray spoke quietly, uncertain of if he was the right person to intervene or not. He was the source of so much of their anger; likely, he'd just make things worse. "Weren't you the one who was so certain she'd do anything to reach her goals? Ultear isn't beyond using others to get what she wants. You've seen her do the same thing to others and helped her with it even. What would make you different?"

"Because I'm her friend!" She spun around on Gray, glaring at the ice mage. "I've been by her side since I was a child. I followed Ultear, learned magic from Ultear, joined a guild because of Ultear. When she gave me an order, I'd listen, and when she needed to talk, I was there for her." Meredy had never been this expressive before. Tears were starting to stream down her face as she spoke. "A thief like you wouldn't understand that sort of devotion, the sort of loyalty between friends who are closer than any other. Ultear fed me, ensured I had the capabilities to survive when it would have been more practical to just abandon me and let me die. There was no reason at all for me to be necessary in her plans, not even as a pawn. That is why logically, she must be lying. She had no reason to use me…no reason to trick me or deceive me, or to…destroy my home."

"A memento of a tragic loss." Zeref spoke, bringing their attention to more of the team with them. Meredy blinked at him, frowning. "Your guild's end goals are to obtain supposed keys to my revival. One such key…is a memento of a tragic loss. It does not specify how recent the loss must be, or if it can be created by the one seeking the key in the first place. Therefore, the fastest method to obtain such a key…"

"Would be to cause the destruction themselves…" Meredy trailed off, inhaling slowly. "But then leaving me alive—"

"Was to ensure someone remained to view the tragedy as some form of a loss." Zeref met her gaze. "There was every reason to manipulate you and once you see that, you will see Ultear's reasons for her current actions. Ultear, much like myself, is not a kind person, nor does she have much care for how her actions affect others. Seeking a path to change such a mindset…is not an easy thing. Having someone from her dark past like you by her side would most likely be a setback, especially with the way you behave."

"I wouldn't hold Ul back." Meredy glared at him.

"Oh? So you wouldn't consider nothing but efficiency in your plans?" Zeref asked. Meredy glared at him, not responding. "Efficiency negates morality, Meredy. You are a dark wizard, perhaps not by choice, but it was still how you were raised. You care little for the harm you cause and will take dark paths for success. That, Meredy, is who you are and I see nothing pushing you towards change."

"I could…stay with Ul." She looked away, closing her hands into fists.

"Would you really want to do that? Even after knowing what I've done?" Ultear stared at Meredy, her eyes wide.

Meredy was quiet. Her gaze flickered towards her feet and her arms shook. There were still tears falling, but the girl just looked stunned. "I don't know." She inhaled slowly, her head lifting. "I don't know how to do anything else, Ul. Knowing that you caused that tragedy…I don't know how I should react. I should be angry, but I hardly remember that life, Ul. I hardly remember them, so what loss is there to be angry for? You're all I know, all I've had…"

"Then maybe it is time for you to learn that path on your own." Meredy was frozen, avoiding Ultear's gaze. "I've turned you into this, Meredy, and for that I am sorry. You shouldn't need to be dependent on others, not like this. You are your own person and you should know who you are. If you still want to come back to me after you've found your own answers, I won't stop you. However, I won't manipulate you like this anymore. Don't help me just because you don't have another option, or because you feel like you owe me anything. If you help me, I want you to do so because it is the choice you think is best for your own life too."

Ultear was so different. Gray expected her to be somewhat shaken after talking to Ur, but not like this. Either way, he wasn't going to intervene. Meredy met her gaze, slowly nodding. "I understand. Perhaps some time away will help me decide, then. I will…find a goal of my own then." Gray had no idea what that would be for her, but Meredy did nod, bowing to Ultear for a brief moment. "Regardless of if you were just using me or not, know that I am grateful for what care you offered me. That much…I'm certain is still how I feel, despite how conflicted I am about your involvement in my own loss."

She turned away, starting to leave. Gray nodded at Jellal and Ultear, before moving to follow after her, with Zeref not far behind. After the flickering fire had faded away from behind them, Meredy stopped, turning towards Gray and his team. "Thank you, for helping me find her." She glanced over at Lucy, before wordlessly pulling out the payment she had promised. "Payment, for completing your job." Her eyes flickered towards Gray, her brow furrowing. "And…a promise kept. Ul showed no anger towards you, so I suppose there is no reason to harm you." She bowed to him again. "My apologies for being so rude before, when it was unwarranted. While I cannot guarantee we will not meet as enemies again in the future, I will not let my opinions be tainted again by outside influences." She studied him, before nodding. "Ninth." Gray frowned, glancing at her. "Your new ranking for elimination priority. It seems more fitting, if I base it purely on magical talent."

Chuckling, Gray nodded and patted her shoulder as he walked past her. "Sounds good to me. Though, you still have a bit to learn when considering your rankings." Gray nodded towards Zeref. "I've got a pretty powerful black wizard helping me out, in case that wasn't clear, so you might want to take teams into consideration if you are going to rank which of us you take out first in a fight."

Meredy frowned. "You're…helping me?" She looked around at the team. "There is no logical reason for you to help your enemy strategize." She was back to being more calm, now that Ultear wasn't around. It seemed like it'd take this girl some time to start showing her emotions, but Gray had seen that it wasn't impossible. She just had to be comfortable with who she was near first.

"I guess you could say I'm betting on you deciding Grimoire Heart isn't the future you want." Meredy frowned and Gray pulled away, smiling at her. "Sure, you've got the thought process from it, but for a moment, it sounded like your heart really wasn't invested in the whole dark guild thing. While you're figuring out what you want, I guess I'm hoping you decide that maybe the life of a dark wizard isn't for you."

"There is a slim probability of that happening, Gray Fullbuster. This life is all I know and Grimoire Heart will not be so simple to leave as you might think."

"Perhaps not." Zeref glanced over at her, adding in his own comments. "However, it is also unlike most dark guilds to obtain a member who values friendship and loyalty like you do. Your mindset involving planning and strategy is correct, but along their path to immorality, most dark guilds lose sight of the bonds that most legal guilds form. Perhaps Grimoire Heart is different, allowing closer connections between members?"

Meredy stared at him, frowning before turning away. "Perhaps I do wish to make friends first." She paused, before glancing back over at the others. "An environment like this isn't as tedious as I thought it would be."

Gray nodded at her, starting to walk away. He had to return to Magnolia and likely keep planning for Acnologia with Zeref. It sounded like they'd need to start searching for dragon slayers in the near future, though Gray didn't think it'd be so simple. They were rare and it was starting to sound like a quest similar to their attempts to find god slayers. "Is there a reason you're still following us?" Lyon's question made Gray glance back, seeing Meredy joining them.

"My…guild is in this direction as well." She avoided their gazes. "It seems more efficient to keep traveling as a group, since it does scare off potential robbers and dark wizards."

"Like you couldn't handle them yourself." Lucy shuddered slightly. "No offense, but you can be a little scary, you know?"

She turned towards Lucy, frowning. "Of course I could. They'd all die the moment they tried to approach." She turned away, shaking her head. "However, it would still be tedious to deal with and it is more efficient if they don't approach at all. They're the fools that seem to think a small little girl is an easy target, after all."

"Appearances are quite deceiving." Zeref nodded at her and for a moment, Meredy studied him.

"I suppose you would receive similar treatment. I still find it doubtful that you actually are Zeref myself, but then that would make me just as irrational as those idiot dark wizards and robbers."

"Juvia has seen enough to confirm that he is at least a powerful dark wizard." The water wizard nodded towards her. "He has also proven his immortality to us, emphasizing the likelihood of him being the legendary black wizard. She doubts any other magic user has obtained such a dark skill."

"Maybe." Meredy shrugged. She was talking a lot more now, wasn't she? Gray snorted, shaking his head. It seemed like there was more than just convenience pushing her to travel back with them after all. "What quest are you going on next? Is there a particular job you legal wizards had in mind?"

"Dunno." Natsu shrugged. "Gray's sorta been leading our group for a while now. We've been doing all sorts of crazy things! Like, we spied on Phantom Lord, hung out with a bunch of demons, and we stopped this weird tower from exploding not too long ago."

"Right now, we're waiting, you idiot." Sighing, Gray glanced over at Zeref. "And…searching. According to Zeref, we're gonna need to find some dragon slayers in order to deal with the guy that went after Gildarts. It sounds like he'll be coming for you soon enough anyway, too."

"There is a dragon slayer in Oración Seis." Gray looked over at Meredy, blinking in surprise. "We do have an agreement with the other guilds in the Balam Alliance. Did you think we didn't stay in contact at all?"

Well, it was a start. Still, Gray wasn't exactly fond of needing to infiltrate yet another dark guild so soon. He sighed, shaking his head as they kept walking. They kept talking, with Meredy oddly acting as if she was helping them on their upcoming mission. He didn't know if she planned to stick around once they were back in town or not, but either way, it seemed like they were expanding their team to include yet another dark wizard. Master Makarov wasn't going to be too happy about that, but Gray supposed it'd be a bit wrong of him to exclude her after taking this job for the sake of a wizard supposedly far worse than her.

"Something isn't right." Zeref spoke as they approached Magnolia, slowing down behind their group. "I sense active magic ahead…a lot of it."

"Fairy Tail's being a bit crazy like usual?" Lucy shrugged. "I mean, they do get out of hand sometimes with their spars, especially if Master isn't around. With Gildarts being injured—"

"No." Zeref shook his head. "That sort of magic use is typical to sense near any town that houses a guild. This…reminds me of the feeling of warring guilds." He paused, glancing over at Meredy. "How many supposed keys had your guild obtained before now?"

The sensory link wizard frowned, glancing ahead. "I'm not certain. Master never kept me fully informed of the situation and only told me what I needed to know for missions. Based on recent ones, they were investigating potential locations to find you so I would assume we have nearly all of them." She turned towards him. "Last I heard, they were convinced you were on an island somewhere, at a place where you would not so easily be found."

"Precht is with them." Somehow, Zeref seemed to think that fact explained everything. "And I haven't been…in control lately. If someone noticed and rumors spread…" Zeref sighed, shaking his head. "I should have been more careful, perhaps placed more distance between myself and the town."

"Grimoire Heart would have targeted Fairy Tail either way." Zeref frowned, seeing Meredy shrug. "Our Master insisted that he needed something from them anyway, if you were to truly be capable of accomplishing his goals. Though, he never did explain what that something was."

There was something dark in his gaze, and Zeref focused on the girl. "What exactly is this world he thought I'd create?"

"A world where non-wizards do not exist and magic is usable in its purest of forms."

Zeref's hands closed into fists, and he scowled at the town. "A massacre. That's what he wished for? What happened to—" He broke off, his eyes scanning the group. After a moment, he began moving ahead, shaking his head. "Damn him…he's worse than the cults that form around my name, worse than those that simply steal what I've been too careless to hide away. He will regret seeking to use me like this…regret attempting to take from Fairy Tail what does not belong to him."

What little Gray could hear from Zeref's thoughts was blurred and tainted with anger. It wasn't a feeling he was used to from the man and it was almost frightening how dark his mind became. He was easily contemplating how to completely destroy the entirety of Grimoire Heart, planning out controlled death magic spells that would target each and every member, regardless of how spread out they may be. It wasn't the sort of anger someone got from a stranger trying to use their power; it was far too strong for that.

"Zeref." Gray spoke quietly, glancing at the dark wizard.

"Not now." Gray glared at him, but Zeref only smiled darkly. Another energy entered his senses and he chuckled. "It seems as if punishment is coming their way already. Chaos and war…he's always been drawn to such conflicts, seeking an actual challenge for a change."

"Zeref? You're kinda acting creepy right now." Natsu frowned at him. "I mean, I get being angry, but we're Fairy Tail! We can stop one little dark guild, no problem."

"Oh, but now Acnologia's involved. Acnologia will destroy them all at once…and then it will be mine for the taking." Zeref's mind was spiraling, down into the instability that Gray hadn't sensed for a long time. The scattered thoughts were dark, focused on a purpose Gray had not once been able to grasp strongly. The words Fairy Heart echoed in Zeref's mind and Gray thought he heard something about unlimited energy with it. "I will be able to succeed…no one will stand in my way and I will make sure that I watch as they are all destroyed. It will be satisfying, seeing that man getting what he deserves for failing to listen properly to my warnings."

"I'm starting to think that perhaps you really are Zeref now." Meredy looked over at him. "Are you going to kill this entire town then?"

Zeref laughed and Gray stiffened at the sound. He needed to do something, anything, to keep up his promise to this man. So, without much thought, he trusted in what he'd seen Sora do with his pendant. He walked forward and punched Zeref directly in the face. The black wizard stumbled backwards, blinking in shock.

"Shut the hell up, Zeref! Listen to yourself for a second and tell me that this is really the type of person you want to be right now." Sensing Zeref's scattered thoughts, Gray kept pushing. "You know what I just heard moments ago? You breaking your promise to Makarov. I thought you honored agreements like that, but I guess I was wrong. Now, I know what sort of secret Fairy Tail is hiding and I know exactly what you plan to do with it." Well, maybe he didn't have that many details, but he had enough to make some of that claim. He needed something that would shock Zeref and he knew little would get through to him. The guy didn't care much about morals, so right now, he had to appeal to what sense of honor he had — his pride about being honest and keeping his word. "You want to destroy that entire town, but guess who that'll include too?"

Those dark eyes locked on him and Zeref's eyes slowly seemed to calm. You. The response was in his mind only and Zeref frowned.

"Exactly." Gray took a deep breath, unsure of what else to add. "We aren't going to just stand back and let this guy betray you, Zeref, but you don't have to deal with him alone like this. There are other ways to handle an enemy, got it? And if you want me to stick around and help you out, you need to listen and calm down."

Why? Why help me calm down? Zeref frowned, his brow furrowing. I was about to massacre your entire guild, destroy your home for a second time. You know I was planning this; you could hear it all, not just the details of my plans for Fairy Heart. Gray…you should stay away from me. Fight to stop me, instead.

"Not a chance." Gray shook his head. "You've got a curse causing you some problems and maybe you've got some issues with your temper. I'm not saying I'd stick around if you actually followed through, but right now, you're being irrational and acting based on anger and betrayal. Whatever this guy was to you in the past, you trusted him, right?"

I…taught him magic. He was close friends with Mavis…I trusted him with her, after I… His thoughts broke off and Gray saw the flash of him quite literally dropping a young girl's body at the front door of the guild hall.

It was a memory Gray had seen before, so it wasn't as shocking as it should've been. "And now he's using what you taught him for a future you never once wanted." Zeref nodded. "Well, rather than target him, why not target his goals? Help us make sure that future never happens. You haven't seen what Fairy Tail can do, Zeref. You haven't seen how we operate and with your reputation and options from the past, I doubt you ever had many options to stand down and show any form of mercy to an enemy."

"If our guild is fighting, we don't have time to keep talking." Lucy glanced over at them, biting her lip. "I'm taking Natsu, Juvia, and Lyon and going ahead. You two…join us when you can." She glanced over at Zeref, giving him a weak smile. "And try to listen to him, alright? Gray cares about you and as much as I hate to admit it, I'm starting to get used to you being around. Maybe we don't trust you, but I can see us becoming friends, if you really are trying to change like I think you are."

She went to walk away, with Natsu giving them a grin. "Alright! See you on the battlefield, Brother! You better come there and back me up soon, got it?"

"I'm seeing why Gray insists you're an idiot, Natsu. Then again, perhaps I'm the idiot for thinking you might actually be able to come up with a plan for fighting against all of this," Lyon said.

"Juvia never once saw him as a strategist, but Lyon is quite kind. He shouldn't feel bad for seeing the best in others."

Their voices faded away, but it seemed like they had more of an effect on Zeref than Gray expected. "They…think I'll choose the right path?"

"I'm not the only one who has faith in you, Zeref." Gray knelt down. "Think about it; you've risked your life to save them with the tower of heaven, defended our guild from Phantom Lord, and far more recently, you saved our guild from Laxus' stupid plans to make us stronger. Maybe you're gaining something out of some of these actions, but honestly? The more you do, the more selfless you're starting to act. To us, it looks like you really might be starting to see us as friends, even if you aren't able to admit it to yourself. And to me…well, I already know how you see me."

Those black eyes locked on his and Zeref took a shuddering breath. His gaze flickered towards Meredy, locking on her. "And…what will you choose? It is your guild attacking ours, if my assumptions are correct."

"You claimed another party was going to be involved?"

Zeref nodded. "Acnologia." That was who was coming? Gray stiffened, his eyes widening. "Ideally, to save them we'd wish to evacuate. I suspect Magnolia's citizens have already done so with the fighting between wizards going on. However, he is too close to truly stop now." Zeref's gaze turned upwards, staring at the sky. "Whoever remains when he arrives will likely not come out of this alive. It is too early to enact the plan I had in mind either…"

"Then our goal shouldn't be to destroy him." Gray glanced over at them. "Right now, we should fight to get out and save ourselves. You can spread a warning to Fairy Tail with telepathy, right?" Zeref nodded, frowning. "Maybe they won't listen, but try to get as many people aware of the danger as possible. I don't know how the fights with Grimoire Heart are going, or how long it's been since this started, but us getting involved now won't make a difference if Acnologia gets involved."

"You talk as if you think he could defeat both of our guilds." Meredy frowned at them.

"In simplest terms, Acnologia is immune to both magical and physical attacks." Zeref glanced over at her. "I cannot think of a single living creature that could cause him harm right now."

She nodded. "Then…I think it would be best to get assistance. My guild will not be stopped so easily and they will not simply let you run." She turned around, facing where they'd just come from. "I'm going to see if Jellal and Ultear will help. They want to redeem themselves; maybe they'll see this as a chance to change their ways."

"You are willing to betray your guild then?" Zeref asked.

"I don't know." Meredy frowned, her hands closing into fists by her side. "All I know for sure is that I do not want to stand by and let others die for no reason. Perhaps that means I am betraying them, but if that's what it takes…then I will find a new path to forge without them."

"You've changed." Meredy nodded at Zeref, who smiled faintly. "Perhaps I can do the same and actually remain changed too."

"Find a cause and remain devoted to it." Meredy looked away. "Devoting myself to Ultear is what has always allowed me to justify my actions, regardless of what I had to do. Devotion to a goal allows for a single-minded focus and a drive towards a specific future that compares to nothing else."

"I shall keep that in mind."

Glancing at her, Gray nodded. "And Meredy?" She paused, glancing over at him. "Thanks. I know you probably still aren't that fond of me, but if we get through this alive, I'd like to say we could be friends."

"You'd befriend someone who tried to kill you?"

"I've already done that with Zeref, technically." The black wizard chuckled, shaking his head. "Really, it wouldn't be the first time I've gotten the crazy idea to be friends with someone who has a dark past."

She smiled faintly, nodding. "I'd like that, I think." She turned, her back facing them. "Perhaps getting to know you will let me see what had Ur so convinced you were worth raising, after losing her daughter. It might lessen what remains of my grudge towards you."

Chuckling, Gray nodded. She began walking off, leaving back for where they'd last seen Ultear and Jellal. Gray turned his focus towards Magnolia, looking at Zeref. "You ready?" The black wizard nodded and they began moving forward. "I'll help show you how to fight an enemy without death magic. Fairy Tail doesn't kill our enemies, not when we can avoid it."

"I'm not exactly skilled at avoiding death magic, Gray."

"Not wanting to kill them is enough for me." Zeref didn't respond to that, but they were already moving. In town, he could see that Zeref was right; there wasn't a sign of anyone at this point in the streets. People must have fled town. Gray jumped back when he saw Jet come speeding down the streets, charging off towards someone in the distance. He was quickly thrown back by a massively growing tree branch, one that nearly stabbed him through the arm.

"You are not strong enough to be my opponent. I seek only the strongest of enemies, to have the chance for a true battle and not this farce of a fight." With that, his opponent seemed to run off, leaving Jet breathing heavily on the ground.

"Hey, you alright?" Gray knelt down next to him, and Jet blinked in surprise.

"Gray?" He exhaled, shaking his head. "Man, I'm relieved to see you here. Out of no where, Grimoire Heart just came and started sending wizards to attack us. Master was still out dealing with Gildarts and your team was no where to be found. We didn't have much of a choice. We don't know what they want and we can't seem to stop a single one of them."

"All of them use some variation of lost magic." Zeref shook his head. "It isn't surprising that your guild is unaware of their weaknesses."

"Levy managed to take out some of their members, with some help from Gajeel. I thought I'd prove that I was worthy to be on her team too…but I'm no match for any of these guys." Jet sighed, lowering his gaze. "We really are just her sidekicks, aren't we?"

"Not at all." Gray stood up, shaking his head. "You win every single one of our annual races, Jet, and you always stand by our side and fight with Fairy Tail until the end. Facing an enemy your magic isn't suited to deal with doesn't make you weak; it just shows that you know where your limits are, before you get back up and try again." He sighed, looking over at Zeref.

The black wizard was watching carefully, his senses focused outwards. "I'm going to attempt to connect us, Gray. We should be close enough to do so…should we warn Grimoire Heart as well?"

That was a good question. There was no telling how they'd react, though. Either way, no one deserved to stick around and deal with Acnologia, not if they could avoid it. "Just for the warning. They deserve to know what's coming too and from there, they can decide for themselves how to react to the news."

Gray heard the sound of a crash in the distance. There was likely another destroyed building in town to add to the total destruction Fairy Tail brought upon Magnolia from the sounds of it. He thought he caught a glimpse of black flames clashing with purple elsewhere, making him question if Macao was actually trying to take on Zancrow in a fight. No matter how he looked at it though, it just didn't seem like there would be a decent matchup for that guy.

I have sensed the incoming presence of Acnologia, the black dragon of the apocalypse. Be warned that none here can successfully survive a battle against him. Fleeing is my advised course of action for anyone listening to my words. There was a pause, and Gray felt a shift in the spell. After a moment, Gray could sense the hint of far more minds than usual, beyond just Zeref's. Fairy Tail, you can now speak freely with your comrades. I will maintain this connection for as long as I am able, to ensure battle strategy can be negotiated properly. What is the current status of your members?

Zeref? Sorry, I just ran in and found myself in a fight with this weird…goat-thing.

Goat? Zeref frowned and Gray saw his gaze turn unfocused. Lucy, is there anything else abnormal going on in your battle? I'm looking to identify the form of magic being used.

He's…summoning people? It's hard to describe.

Zeref nodded, before smiling faintly. "I see. Perhaps…we need another person to face off against this 'goat'." He reached into his robes, pulling out a key that Gray had almost forgotten about entirely. "Open, Gate of the Lion, Leo!" In a flash of light, Loke appeared in front of them. Now, he was dressed in a suit and he blinked in surprise as he turned towards Zeref.

"Well, that took longer than I expected. Did you not feel like punishing me sooner or something?"

Smiling, Zeref tilted his head. "Someone corrected my misinterpretation. I've realized that so long as you follow spirit regulations, there really is nothing for me to do to intervene after all."

"Glad to hear it." He paused, frowning around them. "So, what's going on?"

"Capricorn seems to be in trouble at the moment." Loke raised his eyebrows. Lucy, where are you?

In front of Magnolia's magic shop.

"Assist Lucy. She is near the magic shop in town. Our goal is to free those in battle so we can leave town as quickly as possible."

"Got it." Loke nodded, before taking off down another street.

Hey, is there any reason we're blindly trusting this guy?

That sounded like Cana. Gray sighed. Because he's on our side. If we don't get out of town before Acnologia gets here, we're not going to stand a chance.

I…could use some help, admittedly. Macao sounded strained. I've got some creepy fire mage fighting—

Zancrow. Zeref frowned, tilting his head. You have two viable strategies. Anger him and make his attacks irrational by taunting him about being weak…or make him over confident in success by doing the opposite. He is not the most rational of fighters. He glanced over. I will send a water wizard to assist you. Juvia? Are you listening?

Yes! Juvia shall ensure she is there to aid against this fire wizard.

Be wary. His flames are more powerful than average and may even be capable of causing you harm. Zeref frowned, tilting his head. Who else is engaged in a fight?

I'm trying to stop this annoying idiot controlling Levy. Gajeel was involved in another fight already?

He's got a creepy doll! For some reason he thinks I want to date him too, which is even creepier than the doll.

Zeref sighed, shaking his head. Find a way to take the doll from him and that should stop his ability. He's using a holder-type magic which is fairly easy to stop, all things considered.

I still want to know why the hell we're all listening to his orders!

Cana. Zeref paused. Go assist Gajeel You do not need to trust me to trust that your allies are in need of aid, do you?

Gray could feel her irritation, but she was quickly moving to help their friends. "Jet, could you start gathering those that are not in the midst of battle? Staying together will be easier, when it comes time to leave."

"That I can handle." The other wizard got up, nodding at them. "Thanks for the help, by the way. I wasn't expecting to have someone planning everything out like this."

Zeref nodded and he left. There should be a wizard utilizing some variation of tree magic. Natsu, Erza…I'd like the two of you to work together against him.

Are you intentionally avoiding giving me something to do? Lyon sounded irritated, and Zeref smiled faintly.

Would you actually listen if I did give you an assignment?

He might not listen to you, but he sure as hell better listen to me if I say he should. Ur was with them too? Gray glanced at Zeref and the black wizard nodded silently towards him.

Based on what information I have, there is one more wizard I have not heard of as being involved in battle. At least, beyond their guild master that is. Zeref paused. If he does not engage, avoid him. However, if anyone encounters this wizard, I will leave him to Lyon and Freed to handle. This should give some variety in skillsets that will offset any natural imbalance in power that may occur. It was a strange team, but Zeref seemed to have thought things out far more ahead than Gray had realized.

If Hades engages…Mirajane, Elfman, and Ur. I'd like all three of you to delay him until I am able to arrive. If he gives any indication of utilizing a spell that looks at all like Fairy Law, appease his demands. He should be aware of the proper method to use such a spell and should be taken far more seriously than you think.

He can use our guild's greatest spell? Mira sounded a bit intimidated. How did he learn that?

By being a former member of your guild. Zeref didn't explain further. Gray and I will be organizing and maintaining a path out of town. Our ultimate goal is to fight so we can escape from Acnologia. Is there any disagreement with this goal?

Why can't we just fight him like real men? Elfman's objection was louder than most of the voices in the link.

Zeref sighed. Because he's a dragon. Were you not listening to my initial warning? He'll destroy us without even a single thought.

The sooner we can stop working with Zeref, the better. I say we get this over with and get Master to deal with him for trying to take over his guild when this is done with.

He's not taking over the guild, Cana. Gray sighed. Zeref's just…helping.

And he knows exactly what sort of magic we all use to plan this out how? Gray didn't respond. Keep in mind that this guy's gonna be an enemy one day. That's all I'm trying to say.

Well, for now, I'm glad he's on our side! Lucy's voice came back through. I almost forgot you had Loke's key. I wasn't expecting to see him get involved over here.

Let's just say your enemy sounds familiar in a strange way. Loke seemed rather suited to dealing with him. Lucy didn't respond and Zeref glanced over at Gray. "Are you ready to participate yourself? We're going to be keeping an eye out for Acnologia. Hopefully…we'll be fast enough to evade him." Gray nodded, walking with Zeref to stand guard at the road that led out of town. He hoped they would be fast enough too, but the expression on Zeref's face didn't seem to be all that hopeful. He had a grim frown, gazing upward at the sky and keeping his senses open. Acnologia was close, very close, and despite all of the attempts to match up battles according to strengths, Gray had a feeling that it was all going to fall apart once that dragon arrived.