Even as the train departed from the station; the feeling of uneasiness was ever so present. Natsu groaned softly, sliding in one of the many booth seats. Erza followed his lead, taking a seat next to the dragon slayer. Gray, Lucy, and Wendy sat on the other side, while Happy and Carla sat on their laps. Natsu's head rested on the window, the cold surface bringing slight relief to his churning stomach.

'Why can we never walk?... It's always the damn death machines that make my life a living hell. I swear I will beat this train, that's a damn promise...' The Train lurched forward, vibrating their seats as he cupped his hands over his mouth. All the color in his skin that was normally tan was now pale white. 'Fuck... Trains...'

Gray could only watch in amusement of his rival's unfortunate condition. As much as he hated stripping his clothes off every second chance he got. He'd take it over wanting to empty your guts anytime you entered a vehicle. How lucky he was, but it didn't mean he couldn't enjoy Natsu's suffering. If roles were reversed, he could hear Natsu's laughter and idiotic comments.

Wendy was left a groaning mess, resting on Lucy's lap who stroked through her royal blue hair with a smile. The one spell she had to counteract this ailment had failed her. Curse this body for getting used to such a simple spell, it wasn't fair. But unlike her, Natsu was powering through it the best he could, taking deep breaths, in and out.

Erza truly felt for both dragon slayers. She couldn't imagine the pain they both went through on the daily when they departed for missions. Her eyes moved over to Natsu who was currently hunched over, clutching his stomach with gritted teeth. Her thoughts lingered on that moment back at the guildhall. The look on his face, the fear she could see, like he'd practically seen a ghost. As much as she'd like to believe it was her doing. She knew different. Even watching him now, his shoulders were tense as a board. If she was to even tap him, he'd probably jump out of his skin.

Happy casted worried glances towards his foster father that only solidified her worries. For now, until they return. She can only offer the comfort he desperately needs at the moment.

"Natsu, why don't you lay your head in my lap? I'm sure it'll make this trip easier for you," she spoke softly with a warm, inviting smile as her hand gently patted her thigh.

Natsu turned his head slightly, clutching his stomach even tighter as the train had hit a slight bump in the tracks. "A-are you sure Erza? I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Classic Natsu, only worrying about others before himself. A trait she found endearing, among his other 'interesting' qualities. She waved her hand dismissively. "Non sense, you are the one that is uncomfortable right now. So come on," Erza proceeded to pat her thigh once more with a playful smirk. "I won't hit you, I promise."

Holding back the bile in the back of his throat, he gave her a stiff shaky nod. He slowly scooched next to the knight, leaning his head down onto her thighs. Just like that, even if it felt like pure magic at work. His stomach that twisted into knots settled down. The feeling of nausea that made his spin cleared up. 'Thank these heavenly thighs for their blessing!' He thought with comical tears rolling down his cheeks. Erza couldn't help but stifle a giggle, knowing he was feeling much better.

Natsu slowly rolled onto his back, his eyes directly staring into hers. He smiled. Erza looked like an angel sent down from the heavens in front of him. Her warm smile, her luscious scarlet hair that flowed down her shoulders. Those caramel orbs that he could stare into fore- 'WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING RIGHT NOW?! This is Erza for kamis sake! Get your head in the game Natsu!' He mentally cursed himself with pink tinting his cheeks.

Erza could only raise her brow in curiosity. Why was he blushing? Was it because of her? Of course not! Natsu was practically deathly afraid of her, him and Gray both. But why didn't it feel that way. Staring into his onyx orbs that felt like she was staring straight into his soul. Even she had to admit Natsu was a handsome guy that any lady would be delighted to have. Maybe... maybe one day it could be her. Now it was her turn to blush as deep as her hair. 'Erza Scarlet! What are you thinking?! Curse those damn romantic novels!'

Natsu scratched his cheek, shyly averting his gaze from hers. "So, Erza? You said you'd tell me what this mission is about?"

Breaking out of her stupid thoughts, she shook her head gently. "Right, of course I had nearly forgotten."

'I wonder why' The rest of the group dead panned at her response.

Erza cleared her throat with a slight blush present on her cheeks. "Master tasked us to head to Lacrima Falls, a prestigious little town that is known for it's lacrima crystal mines. According to the mayor who put the request in a small group of dark guild wizards, calling themselves dagger blood have taken up residence there. But that's not what worries me," she paused in her own thoughts, gently biting her lip as her face became deadly serious.

Natsu felt his body immediately tense up, chewing the inside of his cheek with nervous eyes. When Erza became serious, they all knew there something more to this mission. Everyone leaned in to listen to the rest, Natsu following their lead.

"What is it Erza?" Gray questioned with a furrowed brow, crossing his arms over his bare chest that had long since lost it's clothing. "What are we dealing with?"

Erza's eyes glanced out the train window, watching the scenery pass them by in peaceful serenity. Her fingers gently combed through Natsu's soft rose colored locks that brought her slight comfort, even if her nerves were put on slight edge. "There's a legend that dates back hundreds of years, older than any one of us. A dark relic, capable of mass destruction resides in those mines. If Dagger blood were to get their hands on such a weapon..."

"Ishgar would be looking at another repeat of Alvarez..." Lucy finished for her, biting her lip nervously as she stroked Wendy's hair who's body had tensed at the information given. "We can't let that happen, no matter what."

A scowl made it's way to Gray's features with a deep sigh. "Even after all of the bullshit with Alvarez, there's always something else to take it's place."

As much as she wanted to scold the Ice Wizard for his foul language; she could only nod in agreement with a deep frown. "It's definitely concerning, given of what little we know of this group. Master couldn't give me anymore details than that at the moment."

"Then we do what we always do."

Everyone's attention focused on the dragon slayer currently resting on Erza's thighs. A wide toothy grin that scared away any darkness, or any impending thought of doubt in their minds. "We take them down! We're proud mages of Fairy Tail, we've been through much worse than this," his eyes focused solely on Erza who could only stare back, her heart skipping a beat. "So don't let your fears control you. Like Guildharts taught me just because you feel fear, doesn't make you weak. We are only stronger by admitting we are afraid of what's to come. Besides fear doesn't that suit that face Erza."

Erza could feel a warmth seeping into her whole body. Her nerves, her anxiety of the situation was melted away. Instead it was replaced with an idiot's grin that she adored more than anything. "You're right Natsu. Thank you for your words."

Natsu closed his eyes with a warm smile. "Anytime Erza."

"Am I seeing the same thing you are?" Lucy leaned over to whisper in Gray's ear who titled his head to listen.

"It would take an idiot not to see it," Gray quietly retorted, gesturing to the two mages who seemed in their own world.

"Mira is gonna have a field day with this," Lucy giggled softly as the ice mage sighed in exasperation.

"Please, I'm sure she's already scheming as we speak."

"What are you two talking about?" A stern voice broke them of their own conversation. Lucy and Gray immediately broke contact with each other, nervously sweating under the knight's glare.

"N-nothing mam!"

Erza shrugged her shoulders, directing her attention down to Natsu who had fallen asleep on her lap. She smiled softly, combing her fingers through his hair. 'He looks so peaceful. I'm glad I was able to help him; it's the least I could do after everything he's ever done for me.'

Her eyes slowly closed contently. Natsu's warm body that practically radiated with heat brought her comfort. His fire did so much more than destroy. It loves, it inspires, it motivates everyone from Fairy Tail to give up, no matter the odds stacked against you. Natsu was the heart of Fairy Tail. Without his destructive antics, his childish personality, his fire. All of them would be lost, broken apart. A thought that none of them dared to even think about.

Some time passed by. Mostly everyone had fallen asleep in their own 'comfortable positions. Lucy leaned against the window with her mouth half open, snoring softly with Wendy cuddled in her lap. Gray had his right leg lifted with his head resting on his knee while the other was sprawled out. The only clothing he had left on his body was black boxers. Stripping in his sleep... that's a new one.

Erza had her head titled off to the side, her scarlet locks obscuring her eyes from anyone but Natsu who was snuggled close to her. His hand rested on her arm, snoring softly with his mouth wide open with slight drool pooling from his lips.

Suddenly the train came to a slow halt, coming to a complete stop. Erza was the first to wake, slowly fluttering her eyes open. They landed on Natsu who continued to rest peacefully against her stomach with the most peaceful smile she's ever seen. She couldn't help but smile, reaching down to caress his right cheek that bore a wide scar from Zeref. 'He's so adorable when he's sleeping.'

"Natsu, we arrived," she spoke softly, shaking the dragon slayer gently.

"Five more minutes..." He wined in protest, nuzzling his head against her stomach, eliciting a blush from Erza.

Erza could only release a little sigh. "Then you leave me with no choice..."

WHACK!

"OW! I'm up, I'm up!" Natsu shot off of her lap, rubbing the top of his head with a groan of frustration. "What was that for?!"

"You wouldn't wake up, so it was the best course of action," Erza simply stated in a stern tone.

Gray couldn't help but snicker, until he felt the red head's glare focused on him.

"Gray... where are your clothes?"

Shit...

Natsu and Gray left the train, groaning in pain as Lucy shot them sympathetic looks. Erza was the first one off, turning her attention towards her team. "Okay, we still have a lot of daylight left. The mayor says they only strike at night. We will make a plan later, for now let's stretch our legs and get something to eat."

"Food!" The two boys roared, taking off into the town, leaving the girls in the dust, including Happy who could only gawk in shock.

"That's all you had to say Erza," Lucy chuckled softly as the knight pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance.

"Idiots..."

Patting their stomach with content smiles, Natsu and Gray had their fill. Lucy could only roll her eyes in amusement of the two idiots. "And here I thought Natsu was the big eater here," she teased with a little grin.

"Hey! I was starving! Flame-brain here took forever getting to the guild, and... Erza was too scary too approach," Gray muttered under his breath as Wendy giggled at his nervous expression.

"Oi! Don't blame me for this!" Natsu retorted with a growl.

Just like that their heads clashed together; both gritting their teeth. "How was it not?! If you would've just set your alarm we would've already been here!"

"Bite me stripper!"

"Do you really want to go right now?!"

"Yeah, you and me buddy I'll kick your ass!"

"I'd like to see you try!"

"Um... guys?" Lucy slowly stepped away from the duo, Wendy and the others repeating her move.

"WHAT?!" They exclaimed in unison, turning towards Lucy who looked like she seen a ghost. Their bodies shaking under a demons glare, they shakily turned towards their executioner.

Erza's aura practically radiated killing intent. "What.. did I say about fighting you two?"

"U-um... we weren't fighting at all!" Gray slung his arm over Natsu's shoulder with a forced grin. "See! We are the bestest of buddies, right Natsu?"

Natsu didn't respond to his call. His body was frozen stiff with wide eyes. The moment his eyes landed on Erza. He blinked multiple times, trying to clear his vision, but to no avail. Erza was covered in blood, head to toe, kneeling over... him. Sobbing her heart out, her tears dropping on his motionless corpse who had a giant hole in his gut. 'No... not again!'

"Natsu?"

"NATSU!!!!"

A yelp escaped his lips as his knees collided with the hard stone, cupping his hands over his ears with clenched eyes, and gritted teeth.

"Natsu!" Erza exclaimed, dropping down to her knees next to him. Her hands were on his shoulders with a tight grip. Her brows were furrowed in pure confusion. What was going on with Natsu? She needed answers now!

"Natsu, hey man snap out of it!" Gray kneeled down, touching his back with a deep frown.

SMACK!

Natsu's eyes shot open with a gasp, clutching his red cheeks with frantic breaths escaping his lips. His fearful eyes stared directly into Erza's worry filled eyes. "I-im sorry for smacking you... Natsu you owe me answers... now."

Before anyone could react, her hand grabbed the back of his scarf, dragging him off to a private, secluded spot. Natsu's face planted on the ground with a pained groan. "Ow... what the hell Erza? What was that for?" When his eyes landed on Natsu, they grew wide open. Erza was in... tears. A sight that broke his heart in half, and he was the cause of it.

"What is wrong with you, Natsu?!" She shouted towards him with a weak glare. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. "Ever since yesterday you've been... different. First you looked like you saw a ghost, and now you collapsed in town! What is going on with you? Please... tell me the truth..." Erza whispered the last bit, but Natsu heard her loud and clear.What could he tell her? How could he tell her? He knew there was no escape from her. Natsu bit his lip tightly enough to draw blood. His hair shadowed his eyes as he lowered his head away from her worried gaze. "My... my nightmare is haunting me."

"What... what was this nightmare about? You better not lie to me..."

A lone tear rolled down his cheek as his fists clenched tightly together till his knuckles were white. "We... we are in a battle with these things. They were like stone knight's, with one of them in the middle. But he... he was pure evil..." shivers ran up his spine, remembering that wicked grin all too well. "One of them comes up behind you, and you didn't know it..." he choked on his tears as Erza's eyes grew wide as saucers, knowing the end of this story. "I pushed you out of the way and took the hit instead.. I was immediately killed right in front of all of you... then I woke up."

Erza slowly walked over to the dragon slayer, her scarlet hair shadowing her expression. Before Natsu could even react, her arms slung around him in one fluid motion, her knees buckling to the ground with a loud thud. "Natsu... I'm so sorry you had to even experience something that... vivid."

Natsu rested his head against her chest with a deep sigh. "Now... I see things.. hear things from that nightmare. They haunt me... it makes me feel there's something more to it. Erza... I'm scared... I've never been afraid of anything..." he whispered, clenching tightly onto her body. "But god damn it I'm scared..."

We will figure this out.. together, Natsu. I promise you..." Erza's voice was a soft whisper in his ear that made his body slump forward. Her fingers entangled into his rosey pink locks. I'm here, Natsu..."

"I'm here..."

Okay, so I know a lot of you are confused on why this chapter disappeared. It was for good reason. I felt the chapter was lacking something. So besides a few spelling errors; there's now a bit more to read. I hope you enjoy It as much as I like writing it.

But if any of you can, I'd love for you to leave a review. Whether it be for feedback, critiques of the story. I'd love to know all of your thoughts and respond accordingly to them. For now that's all I have.

I hope you all have an amazing day, or night and I'll see you all in the next chapter. Later :)