"S-So c-cold." Natsu shivered under the blankets. Days had passed since the grim conversation from which they learned that there was little to be done to restore the dragon slayer's health.
"I know, I'll get you another blanket,just lie still." Lucy instructed.
"It's not like I have much of a choice." Natsu replied weakly.
"I'm sorry. I wish I could make this stop. Lisanna and Elfman went out to see what was going on with the guild you were-"
"If they're lookin' for a guild, they won't find it. It's not-" Natsu was interrupted by a wave of dizziness and nausea. H closed his eyes, taking in slow breaths.
"Hey, are you okay?"Natsu remained still. "Natsu?" the ill wizard looked up at her and simply nodded.
"Feeling sick again?"she asked gently, receiving another nod.
"are you going to be okay for me to go get the blanket?" The salamander's eyes had closed again, Lucy sighed and moved to the door to find Mira standing in the hall.
"Lucy, I was just coming to see if you needed anything, how's Natsu today?"
"not real good, he's shivering, I was going to yell down for someone to come sit with him so I could grab another blanket, I'm worried though, he already has three."
"Well, the blankets we have are pretty light, maybe that has something to do with it. I can bring you a couple if you want to stay with him." she offered.
"thanks Mira, that would be great. I really appreciate it." Mira smiled.
"It's not a problem Lucy, Natsu needs you with him right now and I know it's important to you. Is there anything I can bring for you?"
"No, thanks. but could you check on Happy, he's been down there a while and I just want to be sure he's alright."
"He's with Carla and Wendy. I saw him a few minutes ago, he's really upset but I think he's okay. I'll keep an eye on him though. I'll be right back with the blankets." Mira turned and made her way back down the stairs, leaving the celestial wizard to return to Natsu's side.
Lucy lowered herself into the chair, leaning forward and taking his hand.
"Mira's bringing the blankets, do you want some water, it's been a while since you had any."
"No. maybe in a few minutes. I don't think I can handle anything right now. Did she say anything about Happy?"
"He's upset, but he's alright. She'll look after him for us. All you have to worry about right now is getting stronger."
"It's hard not to worry about him, I've never seen him act this way before."
"You've probably never been this sick either, have you?"
"Not like this, I've been really sick before but this is the worst I've felt. I hate that he has to see this. I'm sorry you have to be up here with me."
"I'm not sorry I came up at all. I didn't have to, I want to be with you. I want to take care of you and-"
"You should be at your place working on your book. You're gonna be a great writer Lucy, but you'll never finish anything if you waste your time here. You should take Happy and-"an involuntary whimper of pain escaped the dragon slayer as he squeezed his eyes shut. A sharp pain rushed through him. Lucy could feel her eyes filling with tears as her heart sank.
"My book isn't going anywhere, I can get back to it when you're stronger. I'd rather have you than a bunch of papers. You mean too much to me for me to just leave." she brushed away the strands of pink hair and kissed is forehead. A soft knock caught Lucy's attention and Mira entered, in her hands she carried a stack of blankets and a tall mug.
"I brought the blankets, and I figured you could use something warm to drink." She said handing the mug to Lucy and setting all but one blanket on the foot of the bed. She spread one out and placed it over Natsu with a smile.
"I'm glad to see you awake."
"Thanks Mira."Natsu said weakly, beginning to relax.
"It's no problem, if there's anything else I can do for you, I'll be downstairs.''' She said before leaving. A long silence followed in which Natsu seemed to have fallen asleep again. The blonde wizard sighed, sipping her drink.
Down in the guildhall, Makarov had made the decision to visit Natsu that evening after sending a second team to look elsewhere for information. He sat in his usual spot, watching Happy, who was seated next to Carla and Wendy, his head resting on the table.
"I don't know what I'll do. I hate not being there but I still feel like something's wrong, kind of like a sinking feeling when you're really scared about something, then there's- what if what I'm feeling is-"
"You can't think that way Happy. Everyone's doing everything they can for him."Carla attempted to comfort him only to have the blue cat pull away from her.
"Natsu raised me Carla, he's my family, and I'm not doing anything to help him. I wouldn't know what to do." he sobbed.
"Sometimes all you can do is be there when someone needs you. Right now he does. I know you're worried but you need to be strong now and show him you're alright. You're not acting like yourself and that's not helping matters, you know Natsu better than any of us and even I know that he loves you and this isn't good for either of you. Try to be more like yourself."
"Has Wendy ever been really sick Carla?" he asked softly.
"No, but-"
"Then you can't understand, you've never had this feeling. The feeling that every time you leave his side, it could be the last time you talk to him or-"He couldn't finish his sentence and soon found himself being wrapped in Carla's arms.
"I'm sorry, I can't begin to imagine what that feels like." she admitted.
"I hope you never do. It's terrible." he said quietly. Wendy didn't know what to say, no words could ease Happy's fear, Natsu was the only one that could All she could do was hope for the best.
A short distance from Magnolia, a group of cloaked figures stood in the forest.
"Fairy Tail is strong, and out number us greatly. We went up against only three and they gave us hell. I can't imagine taking on the entire guild with our small numbers." the man said removing his hood.
"We'll soon be more evenly matched my friend. We've taken down the dragon slayer. Soon he will be dead and that will weaken their defenses. We work our way down from their strongest until there is no one to stand against us, Even Makarov will fall. It's only a matter of time."
"It's foolish to challenge this guild, I have witnessed their strength, it comes not from one member but collectively, and to kill one of their own is to bring destruction to ourselves, are you all willing to give your lives for this quest?"A dark haired man asked, his eyes scanning the group.
"Merrick, this matter doesn't concern you, you were told to stay close and observe only. You were to report only-"
"Four have left the guildhall, there was movement. The dragon slayer is important to them and I fear that you are underestimating their abilities with or without him. Do not make that mistake."
"Lynx, you know your responsibility, we may not be able to wait for his life to end." Lynx, a young man with golden hair and green, cat like eyes, nodded.
"Their anger will be great, don't you feel the slightest bit worried about the damage that can be done in such a rage?"Merrick asked.
"We have it all planned out. There's no need to worry. Ciaran will be joining us in a few days time and when he comes, Fairy Tail will destroyed and Magnolia will belong to us.
