Erza sighed heavily as she thought of Natsu's request. It had surprised her never had he come to her and asked for such a thing.

"I don't have much time-"

"Don't say that, there has to be something we can do to help you." Erza interrupted. Natsu shook his head.

"There isn't, I feel ...you know these things sometimes, I-I need to tell you something and I know how it sounds but I can't ignore it anymore. I think something's gonna happen,I know this is gonna sound crazy and maybe it is, but-"

"What are you talking about?"

"Since that fight when I got hurt, and then I got sick, I've had this dream, always the same one, that's why I need someone to hear me. at first I wrote it off as just a dream, but it kept coming back and i remembered something like that happened when I was with Igneel told me once when I was little that if it happens once, it's only a dream, if it comes back to you, pay attention cause it might be telling you something." Natsu winced in pain

"What's going to happen Natsu?"

"Don't know, there was too much-"He stopped once again allowing the pain to pass.

"Try to think about it."Erza urged.

"I'll try, but I need you to promise me that you'll look after Lucy and Happy for me. Sometimes she has a hard time with the rent and Happy- just promise that you'll do whatever you can for them. When ...when it happens keep them safe if I can't be here to." Erza felt a great sadness in her heart.

"I swear on my life, and our bond as friends I will do everything possible to honor your request." Natsu smiled faintly.

"Thanks, knew I could count on you. Just so you know, Lucy probably won't ask for help and she's a strong girl, so you'll have to keep-"

"I understand, it will be alright. Rest now, save the strength you have."

"Erza, is everything okay,you seem really upset." Lucy said sitting down across from her.

"It's nothing. How are you and happy holding up?"

"We miss Natsu being around, but we know he's going to be back to the way he was before. I hope it's soon. Happy was telling me that before you guys left on your mission,Natsu promised to take him to their favorite fishing place, he can't wait."

Erza looked at her, this wouldn't go well. She knew why Natsu felt he needed to protect them but also knew how hard it was going to be for them.

Happy joined them moments later.

"Is Natsu any better today?" He asked worriedly. Erza didn't know what to tell him. If she told them what the salamander had said to her about his condition, she would create more of a problem for him, but how could she possibly tell her friends the truth now?

"You'll have to talk to Lisanna, she's been staying with him today. If you're planning on visiting, the master's up there right now, you might want to wait a while."

"I hope he comes back down soon, I want to see Natsu, I miss him, he's my best friend."

"I know Happy, but we have to be strong for him right now." Lucy tried to comfort the cat. rRza could see the sadness in the blonde girl's eyes as she spoke.

"Lucy?"Erza called softly.

"Yeah?"

"I know this isn't easy for the two of you, If you need anything, let me know, you too Happy, it's the least I can do until he's well again."

"Thank you, you're a good friend Erza."Lucy replied. The red haired wizard placed a hand on Lucy's shoulder, Erza knew she wouldn't be able to tell Lucy or Happy what Natsu had said all she could do was offer them comfort.

Upstairs, the salamander was relaying the information to the guild master as best he could. It quickly became clear that Natsu's strength was fading.

"I can't tell you any thing more, it's kinda fuzzy." Natsu whispered,

"It's alright you take it easy Natsu," Makarov said replacing the cool compress on the ill wizard's head. "We'll get it figured out, everything will be fine. do you need anything?"

"No. 'm so tired but no matter how much I sleep, it's not enough."

"I'm sorry. If I could take this away from you-"Natsu smiled faintly.

"I know you would Gramps. It's okay." he said.

"We'll keep looking for a way to help you, there has to be something.."

"Y-you have other things to worry about, more important things."

"Natsu-"

"My life isn't worth the lives of everyone else. " Hearing one of his children talk this way broke the guild master's heart.

"I didn't know Igneel, but I know he would be very proud of you if he could see you."Makarov said gently.

"you really think so?"

"From what you've told me, he loves you very much, he raised you as his son, from the view point of a father, I know he is... because I'm very proud of you. try to get some rest."

"I will. Thanks Granps...it means a lot to me."Marov smiled and made his way downstairs where he was greeted by Lucy and Happy.

"Is he okay?"Happy asked before anyone could speak.

"He's resting, if you're planning on going up there, try not to disturb him, he needs it." Lucy and Happy nodded walking quietly up the stairs to sit beside him. They refused to miss a chance to let him know just how much they loved him.