Chapter 3: From bad to worse
As Erza opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Mirajane and Lucy's worried faces staring down back at her. She was in the infirmary where the guild took care of their sick or injured. As she rose up, Erza noticed she was wearing a blue gown.
"Erza! Don't try to stand up!" Lucy pleaded.
"How long have I been out?" Erza asked.
"Only two hours." Mirajane said optimistically.
Erza didn't say anything but instead looked down at her gown.
"Oh that." Lucy said. "I had Virgo give you something to wear since your armor broke. It's not stylish but it was an emergency."
Erza remained silent for a minute or two then she climbed out of bed.
"Erza no!" Lucy exclaimed. "You can't be out of bed just yet!"
"Requip!" Erza glowed and her gown was replaced by her Black Wing Armor. Just as suddenly, the armor began to crack and break apart. Violet lights glowed from Erza's veins yet again and she cried out in pain.
"Erza!" Lucy and Mirajane tried to approach their friend but Erza gestured to them to stop.
"Requip!" Erza's breaking Black Wing Armor was replaced by her Flame Empress Armor but it started to crack as well. The violet marking glowed even brighter and caused Erza even more pain.
"Erza please stop!" Lucy begged but her cries fell on deaf ears."
"Requip!" Erza changed into her Giant's Armor but the result was the same. It broke down and the violet markings got even brighter. As the armor crumbled, Lucy and Mirajane slowly approached their broken and nude friend and helped her back into bed.
"This is more serious than I thought." Mirajane's voice was filled with worry.
"Erza? Can you hear me?" Lucy asked. Erza weakly opened her eyes and turned to Lucy. "Mist...put a...spell...on...me...Armor Rot...I...I need...to know...what-"
Lucy placed her finger on Erza's lips. "I'll look it up for you. Don't worry. But promise me in the meantime, ntil we know more about what's going on, no more requiping."
Erza smiled and nodded before falling back into unconsciousness. Lucy turned to Mirajane. .
"I'll get the guys and we'll find what this "Armor rot" stuff's all about. You take care of Erza and make sure she doesn't requip again. I'll also get Virgo to give us more clothes for her."
"Of course." Mirajane said happily. Lucy left the room to find Grey and Natsu.
"I sure hope we find out what exactly that Armor Rot thing is." Lucy thought. "And how to stop it."