The sound of footsteps got closer as Natsu tensed up his body, preparing to fight whatever came.

'Oi, Natsu!' Someone called. Natsu instantly relaxed his tired body, it was Gray and Wendy.
'Natsu-san, Mira-san!' Wendy wasted no time when she saw the lying figure on the ground and rushed to Mira's side to cast a healing spell on her, 'It is horrible, who in the world can hurt her like this?'
'I have no idea,' Natsu admitted, he was overwhelmed by the thought of his friend dying. He should not be here, he should be fighting by her side.
'Mira-san! Please refrain from moving, you wound is quite serious!' Wendy said while pushing Mira down, 'although I have casted a spell on you, it only stops the bleeding!'
'Don't….mind me, help…..Erza!' Mira said through gritted teeth.
Upon hearing her name, Gray jumped up and asked Natsu, 'where is she? We saw her rushing out with you but why is she not with you guys?'
But he did not get an answer, Natsu just shifted his gaze to stare at nothingness, leaving a confused Gray, 'hey Natsu, where is Erza?' Still, Natsu did not answer.
Gray knew something was up and the worst case scenario bumped into his mind, 'Don't tell me she…'
'If I am stronger, then this will not happen….' Mira cried out, 'I am so sorry, ERZA!'
'She is not dead!' Natsu shouted, 'SHE IS NOT! Gray, come with me. We have to find her. I can scent her smell. Come now!' Natsu simply grabbed Gray's hand and rushed.
Both of them did not say anything on their way to find Erza.
Gray followed Natsu silently, he did not dare to say anything. The atmosphere was too heavy for him to say something, he did not even dare ask Natsu about Erza.
He nearly crashed with Natsu when he suddenly stopped. 'Hey flamebrain, say something before you stop!'
If it was the usual Natsu, he definitely would call him ice princess and told him to watch where he is going. But Natsu did not answer, he only stared on the ground, eyes wide with fear and guilt.
Gray was confused at his sudden stop and moved to the front to see what his friend was seeing and nearly passed out at the sight.
Titania, no, their precious nakama, was crucified on the only tree trunk left in sight.
Ironically, it was her own twin katanas that was piercing her palms.
The bandages which were supposed to wrapped around her body, were drifting in the wind, revealing a nearly-naked Titania.
It was already a miracle that her body was still in one piece with that energy surge, Gray thought, but it would be more miraculous if she is still breathing.
Gray walked closer to his friend, he wanted to pull those swords out but he was frightened that it will only worsened her conditions.
Is she even breathing? Gray reached his hand to her neck looking for a pulse, he could not help but cursed his shaking hands. It might bean imagination, but he could feel a tiny, weak pump every few seconds. However, it was getting weaker and weaker with each second passing by.
'Natsu, she is still alive! You have to help me get her out!'
'Impossible, I can tell from her smell that she is dead,' Natsu said through tears, 'She is dead!'

He could smell the scent of rotten flesh from her, and her blood. There was no sign in that horrifying smell that told him she is still alive.
'And I am telling you she is not, if we do not hurry, she will be dead!'
Natsu stared but made no intention to move. He could feel something within him ignited, he recognized it as wrath. The same wrath when he thought Lucy died, yet he did not know where should he direct it to.
To the guy who hurt her like this?
Or to Mira for not saving her?

Or to himself for not staying by her side when he could at least prevent something like this from happening?
'Natsu!' A soft voice said, but it did not belong to Gray, it was Lucy's voice. 'Wendy told me you are finding Erza, did you find her?' She came asking and panting. 'Natsu?' Lucy asked again when she received no answers.

'Lucy, Erza is here.' Gray answered, voice lower than usual. Lucy followed his voice and crumbled to the ground upon seeing the S-class mage.
'She is still alive so please help me get her out!' Gray urged, 'but I do not how to carry her without causing her more pain.'
Lucy, like Natsu, only stared. She covered her mouth to hide her weeping voice.
How cruel someone needs to be to do something like this?
'Both of you do not grieve now! She is still alive! Let's get her back first.' Gray shouted, 'Natsu and me will pull the katanas out. Lucy, catch her when she falls.'
Lucy ordered her shaking legs to stand up, but her legs did not obey her command.
Why am I so weak?
When I should be strong at times like this to help Erza, like she went and dodged the cannon of Jupiter.

'Hey, Natsu, let's just concentrate on saving Erza for now, okay? I promise we will find the one responsible.' Lucy said with a comforting voice, she knew Natsu was angry and blaming himself for whatever reason. 'Natsu, let's bring Erza home.'

Natsu nodded silently and walked closer to his dying friend.

With Natsu on the left and Gray on the right, they started their mission on bringing Erza home.