"NATSU!" Erza screamed, gasping for air. A blinding light poured into her face. Her hands fumbled around for the hilt of her sword. Her name was screamed in the confusion as a hand took hold of her arm. She lashed back at the grip. The sound of glass shattering filled her ears.

A blurry image of a furious Gray began to form, "Damn it, Erza! Calm down."

She shook her head, focusing again around her. The bright light was peering through the blinds of a window at her side. "This is… a hospital?"

"Yeah," Gray replied half-heartedly as he knelt down to collect the broken glass. "Lucy brought you these earlier this morning." He set the flowers that were previously in a vase on the table beside her bed.

"Natsu," she began, "What happened to Natsu?" Her hand tightly grasped the railing of her bed.

Gray watched her curiously, "Hm? You don't remember?"

"No."

"He's in one of the next rooms over," he sighed, "but only Makarov has been permitted to see him. He didn't want any visitors right now."

"He's alright?!"

"Yeah-" Gray tossed the broken glass in the trash, "he's no longer in a critical state."

"Critical state…" a strong headache pained her. "Gray, I can't remember anything after I left you."

"Since this whole mess started, I'm not surprised when these kind of things happen," He scoffed. "Unfortunately, I won't be much help. Makarov and the others showed up later that night to rescue the three of you."

"The three?"

"You, Natsu, and Loneila."

"Loneila," she growled under her breath. "Is she here too?"

Gray tapped the wall behind her, "Right here." He set a package on her lap, "before that, you must be hungry."

She paused, then nodded.

The two ate in a comfortable silence. She hardly paid any attention to her plate as her mind wandered. Both of her arms were bandaged up, and one of her eyes was partially covered as well. Her wrappings didn't reveal much skin, but she was happy to see all of her limbs were intact.

"You took quite the beating," Gray commented as he watched the mummified Erza fidget with the cloth.

Erza sunk back into her bed. A heavy exhaustion suddenly swept over her. "Gray."

"Yeah?"

"Is Natsu really here?"

A smile formed on his face. He took a deep inhale, "Mhm."

She felt a bit at peace now. In no way did it soothe her desires though. "I want to see him," her voice held strong.

His astonished face broke into a slight laugh, "I'm sure. Makarov will let us know when we can. So you've got to get back on your feet soon," Gray rose from his seat, "I'll be back tomorrow morning with Lucy."

"Okay," Erza replied as she just noticed Gray had been missing a couple articles of clothing. She brushed off the thought and nodded, "thank you."


The creaking of the door woke Erza. It was dark out, but the fluorescent lights of the street illuminated the rooms.

"Who's there?" she called as she propped herself up.

Loneila crept around the door, "May I come in?"

"Sure," she hissed.

She was also in a hospital gown with her hair tied up and a frown on her face. "I sensed you had awoke, and I'm sure you have questions." She closed the door softly, "I may not be able to answer all of them, but I wanted to speak with you."

A cold, eerie silence filled the room. It was the first time she heard the heavy winds against the window, and the fan rotating on the ceiling. Erza's stern voice lowered, "Why?"

Loneila replied, "Thank you."

"Huh?"

"I am grateful."

Erza's scowl tightened. She couldn't recall what had occurred, but it was clear that Loneila did, "I'm sure I didn't do it for you."

"I know," Loneila's lips curved into a soft smile, "you did it for him."

She nodded, "I want to see Natsu."

"You can't-"

"Why not?" she snarled.

"He isn't here yet."

Her legs slung over the side of her bed, a hateful expression on her face. Once again, her body felt numb as she slipped into the small table. Loneila offered her hand but was swat away.

"Where is he?!" Erza glared up at Loneila's frown from her pitiful mess. "Why are you in my way? I haven't done anything to you."

She viewed the scarlet beauty's clumsiness with compassion. Her voice was blended with frustration and desperation that shocked her resilient image as a knight. "Erza," she called softly with a hand, "Let me help you..."

Erza peered up to Loneila, her resistance gone as she watched the blonde lower herself with tears rolling down her cheeks.

"I can't begin to apologize," Loneila whispered, "I've done bad things trying to achieve my goal, but the consequences are too much for me now… I'm sorry, Erza."

"What happened?" Her hands shook weakly against the cold floor. "Why can't I remember anything?"

"We decided that you would stay with Natsu," Loneila said softly, "That was your promise… so I erased what you saw that night from your memory."

"I don't understand. Why would that-"

"I'm leaving soon," a sigh escaped her lungs, "As much as I don't want to, when Natsu returns, I will be summoned to the magic counsel."

A moment passed the two as Loneila recomposed herself and Erza tried to comprehend what she just heard.

"Then where is he?"

"Come," Loneila said as she took her hand.

Loneila supported Erza's weight as they trudged out the door together. She was much stronger than Erza would have given her credit for. She didn't budge against her weight, or lean to one side. Erza felt weightless with Loneila as her crutch. A chill ran throughout the hallway interrupting her thoughts. It reminded her of the numbing she felt on her way to Province. How long had it been since then? Was she out cold for more than a day?

"Hey," Erza grunted through the searing pain in her back, "How long have I been asleep?"

"Three days," Loneila replied. "You woke up several times for short moments though…"

"And Natsu?"

"Well," she brought the stroll to a stop in front of a door, "This is his room."

Erza's hand froze at the handle. Master Makarov was the only one permitted to see Natsu. Breaking this rule would infuriate him-

"There," Loneila smiled as Erza realized her hand had already opened the door. She gave the door a light push, and with her heart knocking the walls, she began peeking inside. "No need to be shy now."

They entered the room, shutting the door behind them. A curtain was drawn out beside the bed, but two feet revealed the presence of another.

"N-Natsu?" Erza called with a weak voice. Loneila urged her forward, just past the obstacle.

As she was told, there was Natsu. He lay there, perfectly still. His body littered with scars, and bandages. His face seemed frozen in time, eyes shut to the world around him. It was as if life wanted to pass him by without a bother.

"See," Loneila smiled, "He'll be-"

Erza buried her face in her arm. She couldn't hold back the sobs as they filled her chest or the tears that welled up her eyes. It felt too surreal.

She dragged herself to his side, gazing down at him. Tears fell from her face to his as she struggled to say his name. Her hand trembled as she scarcely brushed the tears from his cheek, "It's- It's me."

"Erza," Loneila called softly, "He's-"

Her weak hand retracted back.

"Natsu is in a coma-" Loneila said.

Erza turned to her. It was then she noticed that beneath his bandages, strange black marks peaked through along his chest and his shoulders.

"He's strong,…" she continued with a sad smile, "but what if I told you he could no longer fight?" There was a fierce light in Loneila's eyes now, piercing into Erza. "Would you still say he is yours?"

The gravity of his situation began to drown her as she tried to grasp it. These markings would spell doom for any mage. Ancient engravings like this were evidence of a great magical seal. "Natsu can't-"

"Could you still look him in the eyes and tell him he's strong?" Loneila whispered, "He's the strongest man I have ever seen… but he can't be a wizard anymore."

"Why would you do that?" Erza cried. "How could you?!"

"I didn't! WE did!" Loneila shouted back with now wet eyes.

"No…" she gasped in horror, "I couldn't have-"

"We had to!"

"Training was his whole life," Erza said, looking over his frozen expression, "I would never take that from him!"

Loneila approached her steadily, "I know, but… it was that decision that saved his life."

"I can't," Erza sobbed, "there's no way I could have… I don't deserve to be here, if so."

Loneila grasped her hands firmly, "but you made him a promise. He needs someone. More than he has ever before…" Erza's head began to spin, "He needs you, Erza… Don't forsake Natsu again."

She finally broke, collapsing into Loneila.


The next morning, Erza awoke to Happy sleeping peacefully by her feet. Sunlight began to creep through the blinds, dancing over the mirror across the room and onto the ceiling. She didn't feel the pain in her back, or arms any longer. A familiar sense of strength was beginning to return as she undid her bandages, though it hadn't fully returned yet. Her heart stopped as she saw the black markings scattered along her left forearm. The memories of last night flooded her mind.

"You look much better," a soft voice began from her side. Loneila had curled up in the chair beside the wall next to her. "You just needed a magical recharge."

"Is this…" Erza murmured, still holding her forearm.

Loneila nodded.

She focused on the small blue cat, now looking up at her with wide eyes.

"Heya, Erza," Happy yawned, "morning."

"What are you doing here, Happy?"

"Good morning," Loneila echoed, "You must be Natsu's companion."

"Aye," he posed with pride, "I've been waiting for him to wake up so we can go on adventures again."

"You didn't want to wait in his room?"

"I tried to wake him up," Happy began, "but he's always a heavy sleeper."

"True," Loneila snickered. "Have you been waiting here everyday?"

"Mhm," Happy purred, stretching out his arms. He then proceeded to climb over the bed to seat himself between the two women. "I've been protecting Natsu and Erza while they slept…" He turned to Erza slightly, "You know Natsu is still sleeping, right?"

"Aye," Erza nodded.

"Why do you keep calling him then?"

"Eh?" Loneila cooed. "When does she call him?"

"Late at night. Sometimes during her naps."

"Oh," she grinned. "Good or bad dreams, Erza?"

Erza blushed slightly, "Neither. I don't recall any of that."

Happy climbed onto his feet, "Erza! You're getting sick again! I'll go get help!" Wings sprouted from his back as he leapt into the air. The blue cat was ripped from the air by his tail.

"I'm fine, you idiot," Erza growled, tightening her chokehold. Loneila couldn't hold back her laughter as the two flailed about.

Happy went limp as Erza softened up. "What is this?" Happy was now staring at Erza's strange marks.

"Proof," Loneila said, now standing beside her bed, "This is proof that Erza saved Natsu."

Happy peered back at Erza, who was taken aback, "Oh." He smiled brightly at her, "Thanks, Erza!" Tears brimmed in his eyes, "Thank you so much." He hugged her forearm tightly.

"Hey," Erza protested. She went to remove the cat by force, but her hand froze. She soon submitted and pulled Happy into a soft hold. "You idiot…"

Loneila smiled at the two, "You guys get along so well."

"Who are you?" Happy asked, now standing before her, "I don't think I've met you…"

"Elizabeth Barony," Loneila offered a hand out, taking his paw, "You can call me Loneila. Please, treat me kindly."

"Aye," he grinned, "will do. You know Natsu?"

"I do. He's very strong!"

"He is!"

The two began a conversation that seemed all too distant from Erza. Their mouths moved, but the words were muted to her ears. The room fell silent. Lights seemed to dim as clouds shrouded the sun's rays. This happiness… she didn't deserve it. The world still seemed like a dark place to her. Shadows misted the room and the air became stale. Her lungs began to choke for air, heaving as she struggled.

"Erza?" Happy called.

A teardrop fell to her lap as she looked up from her forearm.

"Are you alright?" Loneila asked as she wiped a tear from her face. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Two knocks came as her door opened slightly. Gray appeared, grinning from ear to ear along with Lucy who was carrying a small package between her arms and clothes folded over her shoulder.

"Hey," Gray announced, "good to see you guys so lively..." His eyes darted at Loneila, "and you."

"Gray, your shirt," Lucy nervously laughed, holding it out to him.

Loneila strode around the bedside, bowing before Gray, "Good morning, you two."

"Don't give me that crap," Gray growled.

"Excuse my intrusion," Loneila apologized, turning to leave.

Gray's skin crawled, letting out a short groan as he turned to see Erza's glare. She sighed deeply, "Don't treat her poorly. She helped me bring Natsu home, right?"

Loneila nodded, still strolling towards the door.

"See what you've done, Gray?" whispered Lucy.

Gray scratched his head in irritation, "Yeah, but-"

The door was shut softly behind them.

"I'm sure you guys want to know of Natsu as well," Loneila said softly. "Please, let me answer what I can." She moved back to the foot of Erza's bed, smiled slightly at her, then to the two. "I know! Let's talk about Natsu's outburst a while back… That was Katsugi's doing."

"So it wasn't his fault," Gray yelled, "Do you know how much that hurt Natsu?! So many people turned on him! We turned on him!"

"Indeed," she nodded, "Everything went according to plan."

"Why, you-"

"Gray," Erza called, "I want to hear all of this." Pain painted across her face as she pleaded him. "It was our fault for not trusting Natsu when he tried to explain himself."

Loneila nodded with appreciation, "I needed Natsu, as he is a fire dragon slayer. After a while, my personal interest grew in him." For the first time, a pink hue ran across her face, "I had become infatuated with him. I had made regrettable decisions, that I quickly realized and was ready to face the consequences of-"

"So you were the ones that attacked us?" Gray shook his head, "the night we were to supposed to check out Province… it was your guild that took Natsu."

Her sharp face turned shamefully, "You were never supposed to be approached. I immediately disposed of the trash that hurt you."

Gray sighed, "And the lost memory was you?"

"Katsugi, again. Our family masters the art of mental manipulation." Her eyes flashed a dim green light, "there are many ways to use this. He was kind enough to only use a barrier."

Lucy set the package on the table, "So what happened to Natsu afterwards?"

"He dumped me," Loneila sighed awkwardly, "so I was gonna explain everything…"

Gray noticed Erza seemed to be relieved of stress, "Are you alright?"

She gave him a simple nod.

"Well, things got very complicated when two of my Guild's elites turned on me." Loneila's eyes had that fierce gleam again; "They used an old forbidden magic on Natsu and I… one that splits the personality of the victim in two."

Erza lunged forward, "Was Ifrit-"

"Yep," Loneila smiled, "He is a part of Natsu. A Halfling, you could call him. With a good stroke of luck, the two were able to meet and begin rejoining." A giggle erupted from her, "You must have found it weird to see Ifrit."

"Kind of."

"'Disappointing' fits better?"

Happy watched Erza's face for a moment, then began snickering with Loneila, "Erza, you lov-" Instantly crushed beneath the weight of Erza's pillow, Happy released a defeated moan.

"What about you?" Lucy asked.

"I was able to recover on my own," Loneila gave a thumb up, "I have a pretty good magic metabolism. It took quite a bit of time, but I've fully recovered without my Halfling."

"So when we met you for that picnic…" Lucy said with a finger to her chin.

Loneila replied, "Still recovering as a Halfling."

"You seemed to be fine though."

"I was very devious. Enough to bring Ifrit to Fairy Tail."

Lucy laughed awkwardly, "Yeah, I can see that."

Gray seemed to be struggling to follow, irritably tapping his foot as they spoke. "So why was Fairy Tail joining Province?"

"I'm still getting to the bottom of that. None of you were registered under Province, so the mayhem created will fall on Fairy Tail. Luckily, all of it was done on Province territory, so I don't mind." She half-heartedly laughed, "Actually, after everything is said and done, I think my guild will be shut down… Looks like Reo won after all."

"Reo?" Gray asked.

"He's the guy that turned us into Halflings," Loneila said irritably. "Never let that guy near you. Reo's a dangerous one. If you meet him, you let me know." A soft smile spread across her face, "You could say I'm holding a grudge."

"You're pretty scary for a young girl," Gray said, dialing back a bit.

"I AM a guild leader, after all."

"Yeah… So what happened that night?"

"Well," Loneila sighed as everyone tensed up. "I can't really say or I could get you guys in a lot of trouble."

"And Erza doesn't remember," Gray took a short glance at her, "so you did something to her as well."

"Oh? You're pretty quick," Loneila pointed as if she became a teacher, "And here I thought you were lost in confusion. I've put a barrier on her memory, like my brother had done before! I don't want her to be taken away like I will."

"Like you will?"

"Unfortunately. You could say some bad business showed up at my front door step and now I'm in trouble." Loneila waved her hand, "Don't worry though. If the counsel lets me by, I'll be sure to fill you guys in."

Erza sighed softly to herself as her eyes fell back to her forearm. The markings wrapped around several times in some strange foreign alphabet. She wondered if there was some translator out there that could read it. If so, maybe there was some way she could undo the seal on Natsu… But why was the seal necessary? She couldn't ask Loneila now. Her shame and guilt easily made the biased decision not to tell Gray and the gang. Her forearm, or more so the markings, felt warm suddenly. For a moment, she could have sworn they emitted a light.

As she looked up, Loneila immediately locked eyes with her. All cheer and positivity vanished from her face that moment along with a posture change.

"I'm sorry, could you all excuse me," she bowed slightly before making her way out.

"She doesn't seem that bad," Lucy said delightedly. "I dunno. Can we trust her?"

Gray shook his head, "There's a lot we don't know yet, but this is the most we've ever been told so…"

"I hope Natsu is okay. Master said that he was fighting strong."

Gray groaned, "Let's just eat for now."

"Yeah," Lucy replied, "We brought breakfast, Erza."

Happy cheered slightly, "Thank you, Lucy!"

"Uhm, you can share with me, Happy," she replied sheepishly. She hadn't known that Happy would be here so they only got food for the three of them.

Erza was still observing her arm when the plate was placed on her lap. She returned Lucy's soft smile and a thank you.

Shortly after the group finished their meals, another visitor came to the door. A soft knock, then entered Makarov with a harsh tone, , "Look here you noisy brats. I've got something to tell you…" Makarov shut the door behind him, and then proudly stood before them with his arms behind his back. "Natsu has awoken."

"Natsu!" Happy cried, jumping up from his sit. "Can we go see him?"

"NO!" Makarov retorted. "He has requested that no one visits him for now."

"Are you serious?" Gray growled, "That stupid flamebrain."

"He hasn't gathered the strength to face you all," Makarov exhaled deeply, "but I'm glad all of you are safe once again." The stunned group watched as their Master smiled brightly at them, "You brats better welcome him home when he's ready."

Lucy and Happy cried together. Gray turned as to hid his pleased smile. Erza turned to the window, hiding her markings in shame. She was afraid. The fear of confronting Natsu struck her heart. The uncertainty of his reaction scared her the most. He would most likely be furious with her and end up hating her for it. It's not like her to hesitate on taking a punishment, but this time… This time…

"Erza," Makarov called.

She turned to the short old man, noticing that the others had left already.

"Yes?"

"Let me see it," he demanded as he hopped onto the table.

She raised her forearm, as a child would shamefully face a parent for a consequence.

"My child," he sighed, clearly discontent as he looked over the markings, "you've been through an awful lot."

She asked with downcast eyes, "Is Natsu alright?"

"Loneila has informed me that you are aware of the seal," Makarov released her arm, "Natsu will be unable to use magic from now on… He's still trying to take it in."

Erza felt the pain in her chest that she had grown accustomed to through his disappearance. It was if she was thrown deep underwater and couldn't see the surface.

"You carry a heavy burden," the elder dropped to a cross-legged sit on the table. "I'm sure you're aware he also carries one. Loneila is very talented and has allowed me to peer into some of his memories." He crossed his arms as he complemented the young mage. "He may not be the same Natsu you remember… but all wounds heal with time, right?" Makarov smiled again, "I'm not saying you may go see him now. I am saying that he wanted a few hours before he saw anyone."

Erza simply nodded.

"When you are able to, come to my office. With Natsu, if possible," he sprung off the table, "I am very pleased to see you've made a nearly full recovery though…"

"Thank you, Master," she replied as he opened the door.

Makarov smirked at her and said, "If only that hole in your heart would close."


The hours had crept by much faster than Erza would have preferred. She debated for a long while whether she should see Natsu yet, and had still mustered the will to muster up a decision. The sun had set earlier maybe an hour or two ago, she would have guessed. Her hand grasped the sheets when a knock was heard at her door.

"Erza?" a voice called.

"Y-yes?"

Loneila peeked around with a delighted smile. "Everything alright?"

"Of course," she sighed in relief.

"I would guess," Loneila murmured as she skipped over to her side, "that you are a scaredy-cat." She smiled softly, "I think I can understand, but you still want to see him, right?"

"Aye," she replied with a crushed sigh.

Loneila put a finger to her lips, "I would say that it's been a few hours… Makarov shouldn't mind if you went now."

"Aye."

"Do you need help walking?"

"No, I can handle it."

Loneila gently touched her arm, "I'm sure he wants to know how you are doing."

"How can you be sure?"

"Because," she whispered in her ear, "he's already asked about you."

Erza's eyes widened, "he did?"

"Aye," Loneila mimicked, "one of the first things he asked."

Her guilt returned anew as she realized the selfishness of her actions. She had been wallowing in her fear while he was facing something much worse. Even if he strikes out at her in fury, or hatred, maybe it will bring him peace. That is all she wanted for him now: peace.

"Thank you," Erza smiled back, "I think I'm ready." She pulled off the covers, and rose to her feet, now a bit sturdier.

"Stand strong, Titania," Loneila cheered, "Your dragon is waiting."

The walk to his door seemed colder, and longer than before. The chill ran up her spine as she took the handle in her hand. Pushing her fears aside, she knocked twice and twisted the handle. The tempo of her heart rapidly increased as she slowly opened the door and entered the darkness behind it.

The curtain was still drawn out, but the feet were no longer visible. Tiny invisible needles seemed to be piercing her body as she crept forward. She couldn't even call out his name anymore, let alone breathe properly. Her breath was instantly stolen altogether and locked up as she approached the bed.

Natsu stood against the open window, staring out at the night sky. The bandages were gone; glistening under the moonlight, he appeared to be a statue with a stoic expression emanating from his stance. His whole body was covered in scars, some deep, others shallow. The black markings swirled along his back and spine. His pink hair flowed and bounced gently in the breeze.

He turned towards her, still leaning against the window, revealing the large black insignia across his chest. His golden eyes burned like embers as they met hers in that dark room. "Hey," Natsu called softly.