Chapter 3
Natsu paced the length of the hall, waiting for either Mest, Master or Erza to come out of the office. He needed to know what happened this morning between Erza and Lucy. To say he was worried would be an understatement. From what He remembered, the last time he saw Lucy was when they were having a midnight snack. One minute they were laughing and talking, next thing he knew, he was in bed, sleep conquering him. That is what frightened him. He didn't know what happened.
Makarov sat behind his desk, waiting for Mest to finish his task. Mest, who was standing behind a rigid Erza, was trying to regain her memories. While inside her mind, He saw a thick, heavy grey cloud shrouding only a certain part or her memories. The cloud seemed to peak at this morning's memories. Like someone had a hold on it, not giving any slack. Whoever did this was dedicated and skilled no doubt.
He returned to reality with a grim look covering his face. "This is something out of my expertise. I'm sorry Erza, I can't help you. Master, Porlyusica may be of better help me. My magic is not on par with her knowledge."
Master nodded weakly. "Send Natsu in. I want to know if he has what Erza has. We need to figure out what this cloud is and how to get rid of it, fast. Erza, go to Porlyusica. We are in desperate need of her guidance." Worry was etched on his face. His eyes were shrouded over with fear and concern for Lucy and the others. This ailment hadn't seemed to originate from a dark place. It wasn't filled with evil intentions, just a misleading haze to cover whoever had done this' tracks. If anyone can solve this perplexing puzzle, Porlyusica can.
Natsu entered the office, hopeful that Master had some sort of answer. The grim look on Makarov's face answered every question Natsu could ask. No. No idea what has happened. No sense of a cure. No clue as to where Lucy went. Natsu, realizing that his dear comrade was very much MIA at the moment, just let the whole situation settle around him as he sank into the oversized arm chair. Mest assumed his position behind him, invading Natsu's mind in search of the odd cloud.
Erza slowly slid down against a building two blocks away from the guild. Tears ran down her face. It's all my fault. If I had just noticed my surroundings, and paid attention, Lucy would still be here! She wouldn't be missing! She's be by Natsu's side, walking to her apartment safe and sound! She thought to herself. Crippled by this sense of guilt and betrayal. She openly wept into her hands. Sobs coursed through her body, shaking at the mere thought of Lucy.
Once there were no more tears to be shed, she stood. Wobbly knees held her steady. I'll do everything I can to bring you back Lucy. I promise. With new found courage and a new objective in her sights, she ran all the way to Porlyusicas. She was determined to do whatever it took to bring back Lucy. To make it up to her any way she can. Erza was going to fix her mistake.
After hours of searching and finding nothing within Gray, Wendy, or Carla. Mest took a well-deserved break, awaiting the arrival of Porlyusica. Sitting on a bar stool in front of the guild bar, Mest nursed the beer he held in his hand. The guild wasn't its joyous self anymore. With the recent information that one of their own was missing, no one joked or laughed. They barley even spoke to one another. Gray and Natsu sat the same table together, not even bothering to pick a fight. Levy had built a tower of books to hide behind, so she could process this information in private. Not willing to leave the guild hoping for a chance of good news to come. Gajeel and Lily sat on either side of her, nursing pints just like Mest. Mira sat behind the bar, slowly wiping out the mugs as she contemplated the situation at hand.
All eyes looked towards the front doors as they swung open with great vigor. Erza strode in with confidence as Porlyusica followed close behind. "Natsu, Happy, come with us. Mest, you too." She said as she neared the staircase. Happy, Mest and Natsu quickly fell in line as they all ascended the stairs towards master's office. The office door shut with a loud bang. Some of the other members started to leave, knowing that staying here would do no good at the moment. They filed out, heading in their respective directions towards their homes. Some to Fairy Hills, some to the edge of town, but all avoiding Strawberry street.
Inside the office, Mest gave Porlyusica his report on what is wrong with Erza, Natsu and Happy. No detail being spared; he did his best in order to help the healer who stood by Makarov. Erza, Natsu and Happy one by one told their accounts of the last time they saw Lucy. Once they were finished, Porlyusica started to walk towards the infirmary just down the hall. Everyone followed suit, wondering what she was up to. "Erza, my things if you will." She said.
Erza requipped a twenty-gallon caldron, a mini curio cabinet filled with medicine and herbs. She had stored these things within her magic vessel for Porlyusica so she wouldn't be burdened with it on their trek to the guild. "My staff as well please." Asked Porlyusica. Erza produced said staff out of thin air, handing it to the healer immediately.
"What exactly are you planning, Porlyusica? Do you have an idea of what is ailing them?" questioned Makarov.
"Mind barrier. That is what has been cast upon them. It's a simple spell with low side effects. Easy to get rid of. But when I get rid of it, the memories it latched onto go with it. That is the only way to dis-spell the spell." Porlyusica said with a grim face.
Master slowly shook his head. They would lose any potential lead that could have led to finding Lucy. "Do it." He gave the command.
