Erza wanted to leave the empire slowly, taking one last look at her home—the place where she was born and raised—just in case she would never see it again. The thought of never seeing her mother, Makarov, Laxus, or Mirajane after this night made her heart ache. Yet, as Sonya had said, doing what is right can be risky, and Erza had decided that this risk was worth taking.

The last place she would pass before reaching the border gate was the manor where Mirajane lived with her uncle. As her horse trotted by the estate, she caught sight of the phoenix Goldmine had captured earlier. The poor creature hung its magnificent head in sorrow, mourning its lost freedom and the grim fate of being locked away forever. Erza couldn't bear to let the bird suffer, so she resolved to take one final action before leaving.

She gently tugged on the reins to stop her horse, dismounted, and quietly approached the front of the estate. When the phoenix saw her, it screeched in fright, beating its wings against the cage bars. Taking a pin from her hair, Erza deftly picked the lock and opened the door. The phoenix hesitated, assessing her intentions. When she made no move to capture it, the bird spread its wings and soared out of its prison, finally free. For a moment, Erza smiled.

"What's going on out here?"

Erza jumped at the sound of Mirajane's voice. The young woman stood in the doorway, a lit candle in one hand and a dagger in the other. The phoenix's screeching had awakened her, and she feared an intruder. Relief washed over her when she recognized Erza, but confusion quickly followed as she took in her friend's military attire.

"Erza, what are you doing here? And what are you wearing?" Mirajane lifted the candle higher to get a better look at her.

"Why are you dressed like that?"

Erza sighed, realizing she could no longer keep her plans a secret. "Mirajane, what I'm about to tell you must never leave your lips."

"Alright," Mirajane replied, unease creeping into her voice. "What is this about?"

Erza explained everything: her visit to the temple, her meeting with Sonya, the advice she received, the conversation she overheard between Makarov and Laxus, and the choice she had made. Mirajane's face paled with terror.

"Have you lost your mind?" she exclaimed. "You can't go to the Magnolia Nation alone, and you can't impersonate a soldier! If anyone finds out, you'll be killed!"

"I know, but I have to do this."

"Who says?"

"I do, and so does Sonya. Remember what they say about Sylphs? They can be tricky, but their advice is often wise."

"But Erza, you don't understand what you're getting into! You're talking about masquerading as a military officer! You could get into trouble just for discussing it."

"I'm terrified, Mira. But if this will prevent another war, I must face my fear."

"Don't do this. Please, we can find another way."

"There's no time. The Summer Solstice is just over a month away. If I can reach the Magnolia Nation before then, we might keep our realm peaceful. Countless lives could be spared."

"What if you fail? What if something happens to you? Or worse, what if you're discovered? You'll be finished!"

"It's a risk I have to take for the good of our people. Can you understand that, Mirajane?"

"I just don't want you to die." Tears brimmed in Mirajane's eyes. "If you do this, you could be lost forever. You're my best friend, almost a sister. I can't let you go."

"You can't stop me, unless you tell someone, and that would mean my death."

"So there's nothing I can say to change your mind?"

"Nothing at all. But there is something you can do for me while I'm gone."

"What is it?"

"Look after my mother. She'll be sick with worry when she finds out I'm gone. I need someone to give her hope that I'll return. Can you do that?"

"Yes, I promise to care for her. But I want you to promise me something in return: be careful. Don't put yourself in danger if you can avoid it."

"I promise."

The two women shared a long embrace, hoping it wouldn't be their last. Afterward, Erza pinned up her hair, mounted her horse, and rode toward the empire's border. This was it. Once she crossed, there would be no turning back. She took one last look at her home and continued onward, unaware that the phoenix she had just freed was following her from behind.

...

The next morning, Makarov awoke feeling remorseful and reluctant. Today, he would tell the council he would comply with their insistence to declare war. The thought made him ill, but everyone believed peace was impossible and war was the only way to protect his people. Yet deep in his heart, he sensed this would be a grave mistake.

"Stop!" one of the palace guards called out. "Stop, woman! You are not permitted here!"

"Out of my way! I must see the emperor!" A frantic voice cried out. It was Irene.

The doors to the emperor's chambers burst open, and Irene rushed in, her tear-stained cheeks and trembling hands clutching a scroll. She looked weak, barely able to stand.

"How dare you enter the emperor's private chambers!" the guard shouted, lunging to grab her. But Makarov raised his hand.

"Be still," he said calmly. "This woman is always welcome here."

"A thousand apologies, my lord," the guard said, kneeling.

"Leave us."

"Yes, my lord."

Once alone, Makarov turned his attention to Irene. "Now tell me, what has brought you here in such a frenzy?"

"Erza is gone!" Irene cried.

Makarov's heart sank. "What? Gone? What do you mean?"

"She... She ran away! Read this!" Irene thrust the scroll into his hands.

Makarov unwrapped the note and read Erza's words:

Dear Mother and Makarov,

Words cannot express how much I love you both and how grateful I am for everything you've done for me. Mother, you've sacrificed so much for my sake, and Makarov, you are like the father I never had. All my life, I've wanted to make you proud.*

Now I know that can never happen, for I am a dishonorable young woman. But I can repay you by preventing another war, so neither of you nor anyone in the empire will know such bloodshed again. I know a more peaceful way to settle things between our realms, but I must leave to do so.

I apologize for the heartache and worry I'll cause you, but another war is a mistake, and I must stop it. I can't say when I'll return, but I will. Have faith.

Love always, Erza.

With each word, Makarov trembled, nearly stumbling as he struggled to comprehend what Erza had done. "This... This can't be. It cannot! How did this happen?"

"I don't know!" Irene sobbed. "I've looked everywhere! The horse is gone, and the tracks lead across the border! Makarov, she crossed the border! Oh, my poor baby! She's out there alone, going who knows where, and could run into anything! She could be killed!"

"We... We mustn't panic," Makarov said, trying to steady himself.

"Makarov, if anything happens to Erza, I'll die! She's all I have!"

Unable to remain strong, Irene fell to her knees, sobbing. Makarov knelt beside her, embracing her in comfort. It felt like a nightmare come to life—learning that a beloved child had run away, with no idea where she had gone or if they would ever see her again. The pain was unbearable.

Mirajane, joining her fiancé for breakfast, heard their anguished cries. She felt the urge to reveal the truth to ease their pain but remembered the consequences. Though Makarov would never willingly have Erza killed, the council would insist he uphold the law. Erza would die if Mirajane spoke. So she remained silent.

"Oh, Erza," she thought with worry. "I hope you know what you're doing."