Erza, Lucy & Mirajane — When Strength Isn’t Enough (Part 3) (Patreon)

Erza still fought, but it had become raw and desperate, her body dragged down by exhaustion as they held her in place, her strength breaking apart in uneven, failing surges.

Lucy tried to follow, but hers came in weak, trembling efforts that slipped away as quickly as they came.“I’m still here…” she whispered, softer each time.

Mirajane didn’t react.

She stood like something already hollowed out, her eyes distant, as if whatever made her her had quietly slipped away.

“Don’t…” Erza forced out, her voice cracking under its own weight, “…give up…”

No answer came.

Time didn’t pass—it dragged, heavy and endless, with no promise that it would ever stop.

Fairy Tail was meant to be a story where no one is left behind… but not every story keeps its promise.