"Dimaria, where is our next destination?" Zeref asked, starting up the airship and taking off into the air. Dimaria and Ur were the only ones with him this time at the controls. The rest had spread out, working with August to try and find an alternative energy source for Neo Eclipse. Zeref doubted such a thing existed but for the time being, he needed to pretend an answer had already been found. August could find an answer if he truly was determined to help.

Placing a hand on her hip, the time mage raised her eyebrows at him. "What, you think I just have its location and movements memorized? I've told you before that this thing is unpredictable."

"But you have researched it before." He turned towards her, narrowing his eyes. "Prediction models at the very least would estimate an idea of which direction to travel."

"That was centuries ago!" Dimaria stepped forward, dropping her arm to her side. "Thanks to you promising you wouldn't touch spells like Eclipse again, I assumed I wouldn't have to bother keeping an eye on it. So long as no one messes with the timeline, that thing'll be as stable as it can be."

Rubbing his forehead, Zeref closed his eyes. "Are you saying you have no means of tracking it down?"

Letting out a huff, the time mage scowled and folded her arms over her chest. "That's not the point." Her eyes flickered towards Ur for a moment. "You've been teaching your friend all about this damn spell of yours. You dragged all of us along on a crazy adventure for it even. Sure, I've been calm so far, but have you seriously taken a step back to think about what this could trigger?" Dimaria turned back towards Zeref. "I'm not saying I won't support you. Hell, I'm not gonna even tell the others that your damn spell has more risks than your demons. But I do want you to take a moment and really think about what it'll do to that time rift."

"It doesn't matter what it does." Zeref's jaw clenched as he stood stiffly in the room. "What happens in this timeline matters little once the spell activates."

"Oh? And what if those little problems manage to follow your new pupil into the past?" Dimaria gave Ur a smirk. "Are you gonna tell me you know how to stabilize a rift in time that's grown to the point of having its own gravitational force? Because it is technically possible. Once something gets dragged in, there's no telling where it ends up, or when."

"Zeref never said anything about that." Ur frowned, turning towards him. "I was under the impression that this was just some advanced time magic spell, not unlike what my daughter practices."

Dimaria let out a short laugh. "Don't be ridiculous. Arc of Time magic is as close to the spell you're learning as Juvia's magic is to yours." She walked over to Ultear, grabbing her shoulder and leaning in close. "They may seem like a similar area, but when you look at the details, they aren't even remotely similar. You're looking at defying the gods with this little stunt of yours." She released Ur, turning back towards Zeref. "I thought that at least you would know better."

Taking a deep breath, Zeref let the airship hover and turned towards her. "What would you have me do instead? Defy Ankhseram who has explicitly told me to not return to old habits?" He walked closer to his general. "Or take advantage of having permission to exceed a wizard's typical boundaries? Chronos accepted this plan."

"Like an idiot." Dimaria glared at him. "That rift is more than a disturbance in time, Zeref. You're toying around with something that tears through space as well."

"Considering how I'm responsible for its existence, I would say that I understand it better than most." Zeref tilted his head. "I did take precautions when designing Neo Eclipse. My calculations indicate only a ten percent chance of causing destabilization of the rift after the spell completes."

The takeover mage watched him with a frown, looking away. "You didn't make that damn thing so don't go around making claims like that." Dragging a hand through her hair, the time mage shook her head. "But it isn't like Chronos is going to start gaining your kind of reckless mindset either. Just don't come complaining to me when this comes back to bite us all in the ass."

Frowning, Zeref tilted his head. "What do you mean I'm not responsible? The Eclipse Gate was the first spell of its kind. It wasn't until after its first use that the rift was detected."

"Maybe not detected by your senses." Dimaria shook her head and approached the controls. Zeref watched as she began to set a path for the airship, traveling back towards Alvarez for the time being. "Sorry to break it to you, but it takes a hell of a lot more than a puny spell like that to break time and space. All your spell did was worsen an existing problem." Her eyes remained locked on the window, staring into the air as they flew. "Chronos and the other gods were experimenting with magic like that before you were even born. Things didn't go as planned and Chronos halted the experiments when that damn thing started interfering."

"I see." Zeref studied her for a moment. "So, he did teach you about it even before we met."

"That's a bit of an exaggeration." Dimaria chuckled. "I pestered him incessantly until he gave me an answer. Got caught spying on him a few times, complained when he kept me in the dark, and eventually told him that I'd only cause problems like he did if he didn't explain his own damn mistakes. I realized the moment he explained that maybe there were some things best left alone." Her smile faded, turning towards Zeref. "Gods aren't perfect, Zeref. What limits they do try to force onto us are there for a reason."

"If this is another attempt to warn me against this, I can assure you it will not work." Zeref turned towards Ur. "I gave Ur my word that I would teach her to utilize Neo Eclipse to save Gray. Should that not be an option…I will likely instead search for the remains of the Eclipse Gate."

Dimaria stilled. "A spell you know makes the problem worse?"

Nodding, the black wizard smiled. "Indeed. So, can you not see that this is the most ideal option of the ones I will try?"

One of her hands closed into a fist. "You better damn well have a plan for the backlash then." She inhaled slowly. "That thing destabilizing could destroy all of Earthland, Zeref. Hell, it might start merging multiple timelines into one. Multiple dimensions even." Her eyes flickered towards him. "Are you certain that's something you're willing to face?"

Staring down at his hand, Zeref frowned. He knew…that this wasn't quite right. Gray would want him to stop and consider the costs. While it was true that Neo Eclipse may mitigate most of them, it didn't mean the chance dropped to nothing. "There has to be a way around that," Ur said, interrupting his thoughts. "He's used a similar spell in the past and avoided catastrophe. This time, he'll adjust it as needed to ensure it is safe."

"Things aren't quite so simple, Ur." Zeref sighed, shaking his head. "Back then, I hadn't even realized I was…worsening an existing issue." He paused, considering. "Now, I cannot quite bring myself to care about the risks. Perhaps Gray would have some form of reasoning on why to stop…to find another option. Yet…he isn't here." His eyes flickered towards her. "Are you going to object to such risks?"

"Of course I am!" She glared at Zeref. "You think it's fair to just sacrifice the world to save one person? I want Gray back too but there's no way he'd want to come back like that!"

An echo of an old thought passed through his mind. "If this world is going to reject me…then I shall reject the world." He closed his hand into a fist, lowering it to his side. "That, Ur, is the difference between you and I. You exist within the normal balance of the world. You grow, age, and are able to see a different perspective on how to value living things." Taking a slow breath, Zeref turned towards her. "Without someone consistently reminding me of that, I cannot do the same. Without Gray and Natsu around to remind me that there are lives I care about, people who can die that will cause me pain…I will care little about the existence of everything else around me. It all dies anyway. Why does it matter if I destroy it sooner?"

"Because that limited time people have is precious and you damn well know it." Ur glared at him, walking closer. "Don't act like you're immune to feeling things. Don't start taking steps back and blaming it on Gray. You're the one in control of your actions, not him. Whether he's here or not, you decide how you act and what to care for."

Closing his eyes, Zeref grimaced and took a deep breath. He…was in control. No matter how lost he felt, no matter how desperate he was to search for an answer, Zeref needed to remember that. Falling into these habits became so easy, especially when he was acting as Emperor Spriggan and not himself. True, he was the emperor…but at the same time, Zeref knew he became colder when he took on that role. He followed logic and distanced himself from others.

Eventually, Zeref felt a heaviness settle over him. The trip to Crocus, training Ur on Neo Eclipse, and now everything with Mavis and Fairy Heart…it was just too much at once. He hadn't been able to sleep. too focused on reviewing and verifying his notes about Neo Eclipse. All of this was supposed to take years to enact - he'd planned to perfect everything during that time. Now, he had no time. All he could focus on was the hollowness in him. Being alone and isolated…it was worse than it had ever been.

Turning towards Dimaria, Zeref found he couldn't look at Ur anymore. "I'm sorry." His voice was quiet. "But…the risks are minimal. If…if Neo Eclipse fails…I will reconsider before pursuing Eclipse." He felt the air grow colder as he looked down at his feet. "I can't go through this, Ur. I—" An abrupt surge of pain in his head was all the warning he had before blackness began to expand outward. Dimaria swore, leaping back away from him and pulling Ur with her. Yet, he couldn't even bother to see if they'd gotten away.

Slumping down, Zeref leaned his back against the wall and took a shaky breath. Despite the weight, the aching remained. The silence in his head only emphasized Gray's absence in this world. There would never again be that background hum of thoughts, always keeping him on edge and pushing him to the limits of his mental control. There would never be those exasperated comments when Zeref tried to distract himself with some mindless conversation about the nearby scenery or magical theories he'd long since abandoned from his youth. Even if all of that had ended with the fall of Acnologia, it still had been such a prominent connection that he'd adapted to over the last few months. Really, years of its absence should make the silence seem normal…yet it did not.

His hand lifted, grabbing the locket at the base of his neck. Zeref let his fingers rub against the smooth surface, tracing the faded engraved patterns that were almost impossible to see these days. Moisture was falling down his cheeks, making him hesitate to open it and stare at the image he knew to be inside. Yet, he'd seen it enough to picture it clearly. Gray was gone and he'd failed to protect his brother yet again. Everything he'd sacrificed so much to gain…it was gone. There was nothing that would stop him from fighting to bring it back. If that made him a monster, so be it. If that meant sacrificing himself…he would gladly pay that price.

Sitting inside the dark haze of the death predation, Zeref lost track of time. "We're going to need to land soon, Zeref." Dimaria called out to him, giving him the only brief interruption out of their group. He blinked, staring down at his lap. Slowly, he closed his eyes and tried to shut off his thoughts. The familiar process of trying to settle into a meditative state began. It started with changing his focus away from his internal struggles and towards the outside world. He could feel the hard ground beneath him along with the now-warmed surface of the wall he leaned against.

The air was a comfortable temperature, controlled through multiple lacrima designed to ensure airship flights were never too hot or too cold for longer trips. Brandish had insisted on making such an addition to the flights, after all, and it had been a minor thing to create. Between himself and Irene, it had been such an easy thing to add to their standard airships and with Brandish appeased, she was at least slightly more willing to reign in some of her whims and serve their empire as needed.

With one more inhale, he slowly opened his eyes. The dark magic had faded from his surroundings and it was just him sitting on the floor of the control room in the airship. A knock came at the door. "Did you hear me? If you're not gonna start landing soon, we're going to find ourselves flying off to the ice caps you know."

Ice? Blinking, Zeref turned towards the front window. Outside, he could see misty clouds blocking any real vision of where they'd arrived. Luckily, the ship had some level of self-piloting ability, enough to at least not crash into anything if left unattended. After all, he could see mountains from the window, white and covered in snow that was visible even from the skies. "I am…under control."

The door opened and Dimaria entered. She didn't even greet him as she marched towards the controls, beginning the landing herself. "Next time, try to reign that crap in a bit faster. We don't have time to be sentimental if you're going to insist on rushing into this damn crazy plan of yours."

"Where is Ur?" He frowned, staring at the door. "I should resume our lessons."

Dimaria snorted. "What, right after that? She's likely pissed on her own after you insisted on ignoring her."

Sighing, Zeref nodded. The airship slowly landed down in the snow and once it was there, Dimaria turned around and raised her eyebrows at him. Seeing her waiting, Zeref pushed himself to his feet and took just one more moment to rest his eyes. This entire trip was exhausting, but it wasn't going to stop now. He nodded and joined her in emerging out to the passenger cabin where the others were waiting.

"We're stopping here." Zeref turned towards Dimaria. "I imagine you need some time to fine-tune your predictions on the time rift's location?"

The time mage placed a hand on her hip. "Not exactly." Her eyes flickered out around the group. "Trust me, it'll be nearby. There just isn't a great place to land an airship of this size in the area." With a grin, she kicked open the door and spread her arms wide. "Welcome to the snowy wastelands once known as the Ilora Mountains. Please ignore the creepy ice statues in the building that looks like a library over…that way somewhere. Yes, the people inside them are alive, but they aren't our problem right now."

Invel stared at her. "You…brought us back here? Are you insane? These wizards are complete outsiders! This—"

"It is fine, Invel." Zeref turned towards the group. "For anyone who doesn't recall, Ankhseram has threatened to curse anyone who tries to dig too deeply for information regarding that spell. I advise you to take Dimaria's warning seriously."

With that, he took a step outside and found himself standing in a town made of ice. Everything was pristine, either coated in white from snow or a crystalline structure that scattered light as the sun began to set in the distance. True, he was aware of the existence of this place due to Invel's investigation into the spell. However, that did not mean it was not surprising to see this mimicry of ice-make magic that somehow managed to be just as indestructible as iced shell.

"This place is amazing," Lucy whispered. "I can't believe no one's ever heard of it. Magic like this makes history when someone figures out how to use it."

"Ilora was known for secrecy and ruling through means of restricting information to the public," August said. "Ruins such as this were banned from public access."

"How could they do such a thing?" Mavis frowned. "Places like this always have amazing stories to read! That's how people learn and grow based on what others have done in the past."

"The knowledge belonged to the royal family and no one else," Invel stated. "Such was the nature of their reasoning. I assure you, they cared little for the growth of the people as a whole if it did not benefit them in return."

"Regardless, it does look like a decent place to rest." Meredy looked over at August. "Do you think you will need more time to update the spell? I was under the impression that we'd need to be fast about this."

The elderly man looked away, staring out at the icy village. After a moment, he slowly shook his head. "My plan…is ready to enact whenever we've finished the appropriate preparations." His eyes turned towards Ur. "I could theoretically accelerate such plans as well. Archive Magic may be new, but it is something I've seen in the past. It has a unique skill that would allow me to pass along my understanding of Neo Eclipse to another directly."

"I didn't realize you had a magic that would allow you to teach it to another so readily." Zeref frowned. "Are you certain you have a functional alternative, August? I can begin considering other options if you have doubts."

The elderly man didn't meet his gaze. "I have no doubts. As always, it will be an honor to serve you and help you find a path towards happiness, your majesty." Closing his eyes, August frowned. "Though…I will need to rely on your latest creation as a starting point. I will require you to create a link to sustain my body's magical energy with your own."

"No." Mavis spoke before Zeref had taken the time to fully process what August's request was implying. The blond was shaking her head, taking a step away from him. "You said you were working on an alternative energy source. When we were talking on the airship, you assured me that you would take care of it."

Smiling faintly, August nodded. "And I will." His eyes turned towards Zeref. "Fairy Heart is required for Neo Eclipse. In order to recreate it…one who cannot be completely drained of energy must become the target of a strong outburst of your curse." He looked over at Mavis. "Both of you have had too much time apart - even if you were willing, I cannot imagine history would repeat itself and allow for its exact recreation. Your bond is not what it once was."

"You…you intend to become the target of the curse." Zeref stared at August with wide eyes. "That…you're not immortal, August! This plan of yours would only result in your death."

"Did you not just come to a realization that it kills wizards by draining them of their energy?" August tilted his head. "If your creation works as intended…your magic will fuel my own just as your magic attempts to drain it away. Theoretically, both of us would become vessels for something akin to Fairy Heart, your majesty. Then, your goals could be realized."

Closing his hands into fists, Zeref narrowed his eyes. "And what of the issue you just mentioned?" Zeref smiled darkly. "You of all people know that Alvarez has always been my place of reprieve from my curse. If I do not care for Mavis enough to recreate it, you cannot make the claim that I would share such a bond with you instead."

"Even if that weren't the case, think of the repercussions for the empire!" Invel stepped forward. "We cannot lose you, August. You are one of the Spriggan Shields, one of the wisest leaders we have. Your magic and guidance—"

"Can be replaced, given time." August turned towards Zeref, smiling sadly. "And I assure you, I have the means necessary to proceed regardless of your opinions. Your control may be something you've mastered, but I do not believe Mavis has restrained her emotions quite as easily as you have."

"I won't!" Mavis shook her head. "Killing you for a plan like this…I'm not going to take part in sacrificing people just to save another."

"I will stop you if that's what it takes." Erza stepped forward, standing by Zeref's side. "We did not come this far just to lose more of our comrades to an issue that can be overcome through hard work!"

"I cannot say I know August well, but I would agree that it would be a bit difficult to find an ally that is both as resourceful and as annoying as Zeref," Lyon folded his arms over his chest. "Gray would kill me if I let anything happen to him once he was back. So, unfortunately, that means I need to join in and defend him for a change."

The others started moving to stand by him as well, resisting August's suggestion. Yet…would this be an answer to saving Gray? Zeref didn't know what it was that made August so confident he could trigger an outburst of the curse anywhere near as strong as it had been a century ago. That sort of care for another…he'd need to suddenly convince either himself or Mavis to truly love him in some form. Even if Zeref could relax his walls enough to consider him a friend…it wouldn't be enough.

Swallowing, Zeref met August's eyes. The elderly man nodded at him, seeing the unspoken question with an ease few of the other generals had. Always, August had read him better than anyone else, even Dimaria and Irene who'd known him for longer. When August was a child, it had disturbed him. He'd questioned if his mask was failing, yet no one else ever saw through his expressions to the emotions he hid inside. Eventually, he'd grown used to it. Once August was an adult, that unease had transitioned to a certain degree of reliance on that trait. He would be able to give August a look and the general would know if Zeref needed a break or was invested in pursuing the day's tasks until everyone was too exhausted to continue on.

Now, it was Zeref's turn. August had faith in this plan of his and Zeref had come too far to turn back. He had yet to try the spell yet, but it may as well gain some use. Slowly, he reached for his magic. The others remained too focused on August, not paying attention to him. At least, most of them were. Dimaria's eyes widened when she saw the magic circle forming in front of him. By her side, Ur started shifting her stance in response, glaring at him harshly.

"Enough of this!" A wall of icy roses spread outward from Ur, creating a wall between Zeref and August. "If either of you idiots go through with this plan, I promise I will never use that damn spell of yours. I came on this quest to save lives, not end them." Her eyes turned towards Zeref. "And I already told you that I'm not using it until you work around the damn problems Dimaria was just telling us about."

"You're…refusing even now?" Zeref narrowed his eyes. "I thought you wanted to do whatever it took to bring Gray back. To ensure I rectify the mistake I made by not acting sooner."

The ice mage watched him, closing her eyes and pressing a hand into the back of her head. "I…don't know. There's no denying that I want him back." Letting out a huff, she dropped her hand. "But this…isn't the way to do that. I'm not willing to hurt others for that goal, Zeref. No matter how much it might hurt me, I'd rather…let him go."

Swallowing, Zeref closed his hands into fists. "August can recreate Fairy Heart. Ur…this is our best option to mitigate the risks."

"At the cost of yourself and him." Ur scowled. "Oddly, it seems like I've got this nagging voice in my head that sounds a lot like Gray when I consider it. Gives me the impression that he'd never forgive me if I let you take a self-sacrificial path to save him."

Closing his eyes, Zeref smiled faintly. "I suppose he would be calling me an idiot for considering it." He leaned his head back, staring up at the sky. "What does he think I'd do instead though? As much as he may have insisted on finding another path…there are few options when searching for a means to overcome death."

"Ideally, there'd be none," a voice called out from the distance. Zeref blinked, looking towards it and seeing Ankhseram standing in the icy village. Chronos and Sora hovered behind her in the entrance to one of the homes. "Since you still insist on finding one, maybe a story will help you understand exactly why the dead are not meant to return to the land of the living. Maybe then you'll finally realize what I've been trying to get you to learn for the last four centuries, Zeref."