…Thu-thump…

…

…Thu-thump…

…

…Thu-thump…

Standing in a black void, Natsu's head would turn back and forth - looking for any sign as to what was going on, only to be met with the same dull, monotone thumping that echoed around him. Each passing second left Natsu even more confused than the last, the dull thumping growing louder with each beat.

Thu-thump

…

Thu-thump

…

Thu-thump

Suddenly, the world around Natsu would twist and warp, the black void being replaced with an ominous forest of large dark brown, almost black, wood. The leaves were thick and abundant, being a shade of dark green, as the canopy up above completely blocked out and covered any possible light - not that there was any, in whatever void he was in. Turning in his tracks, Natsu would examine the newly surrounding forest, a look of realization drawing on his face, as he did. Breaking off into a sprint, Natsu ran erratically through the dense forest, his feet pounding on the floor with each and every step that he took, as the world moved around him in a blur - yet no matter how fast he ran, it would be enough. The sounds of large bug-like creatures skittering around him in the forest would become abundantly evident, as even while he ran at his breakneck pace, Natsu would still be able to see dozens, no, hundreds of beady red eyes peering at him, from the shadows behind the trees.

Thu-thump

Thu-thump!

Thu-THUMP!

The sound of that monotonous thumping grew louder, as Natsu grew more panicked and frenzied. He just kept running, no longer like the confident man who fought Erza and Kagura prior - but instead like a little boy, scared of the darkness. He could hear them, the creatures, chasing after him from behind. With every step he took, it felt like he heard hundreds of legs skittering after him. Natsu could feel the eyes on him, as hundreds looked on as if he were prey. It was all so unbearable, as Natsu could only run faster and faster, fear coursing through his very body.

Exhausted and panting, Natsu continued running throughout this never ending forest, terrified of what was gaining ground on him. He could feel it, the best emanating from the creature's body, their breath tickling against his back. The sounds of their mouths opening are heard by Natsu's overly sensitive ears. With one last burst of strength, Natsu continued pushing forward - his foot catching on a thick root protruding from the ground. Instantly Natsu fell into a tumble, his body rolling down a hill that seemed to appear out of nowhere, in contrast to the flat forested floor he was running along before. Natsu would feel his body become bruised and battered as he tumbled along, hearing the fabric of his clothes ripping along the way. After a few more moments of tumbling, Natsu would finally stop - pulling himself to his feet quickly, before those creatures chasing him caught up. However, that's when he realized that he no longer heard the skittering behind him, he no longer felt their presence, the acidic, sulfur-like stench long gone, as he stood in this small clearing, in the dark forest.

"You left us."

Instantly, without a moment's delay, Natsu's body turned around, his eyes widening as he stared towards the source of the sound. In front of Natsu stood two men, staring at him. The one on the left had a much more stockier build, to him. His body was large and wide, standing at about 6'2, as he wore finely decorated plate armor. His hair was a dark blonde, messy, with the looks of it having been hastily combed over. The armor he was wearing, however, was dented, with certain plates being pushed inwards brutality, and other portions having chunks ripped out completely.

Next to this man, to the right, stood a much shorter man, in comparison. This one only standing at 5'7, his frame was more lithe, as he wore a dark green cloak, over simple black underclothes - pieces of leather armor adorning his body; a leather vambrace on his left arm, and a leather breastplate. His hair was also messy, but it was easy to see that it still had uniform structure and symmetry - as if it was meticulously groomed, to look that way. Unlike the other man's, his hair was a dark blade, with a thick strand of right going down the middle part diagonally on one side. His body would also be brushed and batter, much like the other man's armor, as cuts and wounds scraped against him. The only thing similar between the two people were their eyes - dark black, like an only void, staring at Natsu's.

"Caspian..? Arthur..?" Natsu asked, his voice above a whisper, as he heard the thumping once more - growing more fervent, and irregular.

"You left us." The two spoke again, in perfect unison, as they continued to stare.

"No! No, I didn't mean to!" Natsu shouted back, his legs trembling beneath his weight, as his body shook and his hands clenched.

"You left us. Left us to die." The two spoke, their voices cold and lifeless.

Before Natsu could speak, he'd hear a sound that could only be described as spikes going through flesh, as a strangle gasp escaped his lips.

Thu-THUMP

THU-THUMP

THU-THUMP

The beating grew more wildly in Natsu's ears, his head slowly looking downwards, to see two long, thick protrusions coming from his chest - his own blood covering the spiked tips of each protruding object. Before Natsu even had time to react, he'd feel two more piercing objects forcing their way through his chest, just like the original, as his body was hoisted into the air, his feet dangling limply as his vision began to blur, see black spots, as he looked back up towards the two men in front of him.

THU-THUMP

THU-thump

…

Thu-thump

…

…thu-thump…

Natsu's eyes closed, the sound of the monotonous beating slowing down with each passing second, growing further apart, as they became quieter, softer. However, before Natsu could fully pass on to unconsciousness, he heard an eerie clicking sound, as a feminine voice spoke into his ear.

"You left them. But soon, you'll rejoin them - as mine, young Dragneel. Soon."

Mermaid Heels Infirmary

With a sudden jolt, Natsu would rocket his body upwards, his hands desperately reaching and pressing against his chest - sighing with relief, as he noticed the lack of holes. "It was just a nightmare…" Natsu thought, to himself. Hearing a sound of surprise, Natsu turned his head towards the right, only to be met with an amaranth blur as he felt Chelia slamming into his body, pulling the panting man into a tight embrace, her head pressing into his chest as she did so.

"Natsu! I was so worried!" Chelia gasped, much to the surprise of Natsu.

Looking down at the woman, Natsu's eyes would be wide, as he noticed movement in his peripherals. Looking towards it, he saw Meredy, Ultear, and Kagura approaching the two, looks of concern etched on their faces. As Chelia began to squeeze Natsu a little harder, he couldn't help but to wince, letting out a silent gasp as pain raced across his body. Taking note of this, Meredy would gently place a hand on Chelias shoulders, before speaking.

"Chelia! Ease up, his body is still sore from the fight!" Meredy urged, with a gentle, yet firm, tone.

Nodding her head in understanding, Chelia would let go of Natsu, blushing in embarrassment at her display, before she gave Natsu a worried look. However, before she could begin to speak, Ultear had beat her to it.

"Are you alright, Natsu?" Her voice was soft, concerned - not like the playful teasing tone she always had. "You were tossing and turning quite a bit, in your sleep - and you were sweating profusely.." Ultear whispered, as she stared at the dragon slayer.

Natsu would seem deep in thought for a few moments, before giving the onlookers a weak nod of his head. "...yeah, I'm fine - it was just a nightmare." Natsu's voice was hoarse, his hand reaching towards his own neck, as he gently scratched it - surprised at the levels of dehydration he was feeling.

Before the pink-haired man could say anything, however, Meredy would have a glass of water up to Natsu's face, helping the mage slowly drink from the cup, until he was satisfied for the time being. "Just a nightmare? That seemed pretty intense, Natsu. At one point, Ultear and I had to hold you down on the bed, you were thrashing so much.

Natsu would only look away, slightly ashamed at the display he had done during his sleep, before sighing again. "I'll - be fine. It's not the first time I've had a bad dream." Natsu stated, almost defensively, as he looked down at his hands, noticing the slight tremble they had. "How long have I been asleep?" Natsu asked.

"You've been asleep for almost six hours - it's already pitch black, out." This time it would be Chelia answering.

Ultear and Meredy nodded their heads in agreement, as Ultear sat down on a chair, next to the bed. "Erza had woken up half an hour after the fight. That's why we were getting so worried about you. You were tossing and turning in that nightmare for hours, Natsu. You were even talking in your sleep." Ultear said, as she placed a reassuring hand on Natsu's shoulder.

Hearing this, Natsu's eyes would widen slightly, surprised he was out for so long. "I didn't think I exerted myself that much… it must've been the cause of the nightmare-" he thought, before another question popped into his mind. "Wait! Erza - how is she? She's fine, right?" Natsu asked, his eyes scanning the crowd.

"Don't worry, Natsu. Like Ultear said, Erza woke up quite quickly - she's sore, and will probably have a few bruises for a while, but she'll be fine." Meredy answered, with a soft smile, as she noticed the relief look on Natsu's face. However, that was soon turned into a frown, as Chelia spoke up.

"Who's Caspian and Arthur?" She seemingly blurted, out of nowhere.

As Chelia asked this question, everyone would suddenly look at her. Ultear would have an exasperated look on her face, as she sighed slightly at her guild members sudden and blatant outburst. Meredy would only frown, as she shook her head.

"Now now Chelia, I know you're curious - but Natsu only just woke up, give him some time to-" Ultear would be cut off, as Natsu held up a hand.

"No, no - it's okay." He muttered softly, looking down at the sheets, as he did so. "They - Caspian and Arthur were some old friends of mine. I traveled with them, alongside another friend, for a few years." Natsu spoke, his tone quiet.

Picking up on the mood shift, Chelia would internally chastise herself for asking such a question, at such an inappropriate time. "Oh… I'm sorry, Natsu. I didn't mean to bring out any bad memories-" Chelia muttered softly.

Hearing this, the dragon slayer would just give her a soft smile, as he shook his head. "You were just curious, it's okay." Natsu would then shift in the bed, bracing his arms against the mattress as he tried to stand.

"No, I don't think so." Meredy spoke, her voice firm, as she placed a gentle hand on his chest, urging him to stay down. "Your body is fatigued. You suffered quite a few cuts from Erza, and some nasty bruises from Kagura - you're staying in bed, for the night." The way Meredy spoke showed there was no room for negotiation, as she stood firm.

With a sigh, Natsu would give the woman a reluctant nod. "Whatever you say, Doc. Though are you sure it's okay? Won't it cause issues if I stay here? Seeing as it's an all women's guild?" Natsu questioned, as he quirked his eyebrow.

"Oh nonsense! As the master of this guild, what I say goes. And if I say we're letting an injured guest stay - then my guild members will listen. It doesn't matter if you're a guy." Ultear spoke, as she crossed her arms under her bosom, with a triumphant smirk. "Besides. After that little display of strength, my guilds took quite the liking to you. Well, not everyone - but most of them." Ultear said.

"Mhm! They were all super impressed with your strength, Natsu! You're the talk of the town!" Chelia beamed, with a carefree smile on her face - causing Natsu to chuckle, lightly.

"Is that so? Good to know - hah. Well, if you say it's fine for me to be here, then alright." Natsu leaned back in the bed, resting against his pillows as he did.

Looking at the time, Meredy would shuffle a few things on her desk, before looking towards her guests. "It's getting late, and Natsu seems to be in stable condition. I'm going to head to bed, okay? If you need anything, or you're in pain again, there's a communication Lacrima next to your body, okay?" Meredy said, with a gentle smile.

"Alright. Thank you for all your help, Doc." Natsu said, as he returned the smile.

Everyone would say their goodbyes and goodnights, as Chelia also decided to head off to bed - leaving Natsu alone, with just Ultear. Natsu closed his eyes for a moment, hearing as Ultear stood up from her chair, thinking she was going to leave. "Goodnight, Ultear." He said, with his eyes closed.

"Goodnight, Natsu~" Ultear purred.

Confused by the tone of her voice - Natsu's eyes shot open, as he felt the weight of the bed adjust, feeling Ultear's body press against his, as she laid down next to him, on the Infirmary bed. However, due to the size of the mattress, it was much more akin to Ultear laying about half of her body on Natsu, rather than just next to him.

"U-Ultear! Wha- what are you doing-!?" Natsu hissed in embarrassment, as Ultear's hand traced patterns across his chest, though the thin sheet he was using as a blanket.

"I'm just laying down, silly." Ultear giggled, as she gave Natsu a playful wink.

"With me!?" Natsu responded, as he went to move the woman. However, he'd notice just how heavy his body felt - likely due to the exertion from earlier, and the mental fatigue caused by his nightmare - resulting in Ultear not budging, from her spot next to/on top of Natsu.

"What? Chelia got to be snuggled up next to you - and even Meredy got to feel up your chest~!" Ultear pouted, with a playful giggle, as she nuzzled into his side.

"That was her hugging me - and she was the instigator, not me, you witch!" Natsu groaned, a tick mark forming on his head.

"I have pretty bad nightmares, occasionally." Ultear spoke softly, her voice much more serious and sincere, all of a sudden. "When I do, I often find comfort in hugging a stuffed animal… it's childish, I know." Ultear giggled softly.

"I'm sorry to hear that, but I still don't see why you're in my bed." Natsu responded, though his tone was a lot softer, not quite as annoyed.

Ultear would gently rest her head on his chest, as she looked up at his face. "Just think of me as extra comfort, okay? You're only in my infirmary right now, because of me. It's the least I can do." Her smile was soft and gentle, caring.

"Last I checked, I was the one who challenged Erza and Kagura." Natsu scoffed, "I don't see how it's your fault."

"You only challenged them, because they attacked you earlier. I could've stopped them before they did - but I didn't. I'm sorry." Ultear softly said, as she nuzzled her head into Natsu's chest, more - her arms wrapping around his torso, and holding him close, gently.

With a reluctant sigh, Natsu would only shake his head, at Ultear's words. "Fine. But if I wake up castrated by one of your mages, I will burn this place to the ground." Natsu deadpanned, before smiling.

Ultear only giggled at this, as she looked up to Natsu's face, a teasing glint in her eyes. "If you're worried about that, I know somewhere safe you can put it~" Ultear purred, with a giggle.

Natsu would turn a bright shade of red, outdoing even Erza's hair, at Ultear's remark. After stammering over his words for a few seconds, just shook his head, in defeat. "Say another word, and I'll burn this place down now." He grumbled, softly.

Ultear would only laugh, as she repositioned herself slightly, trying to get more comfortable, which she did with relatively ease. "Goodnight, Natsu~" Ultear purred, as she slowly drifted to sleep, while partially on the dragon slayer.

"...Goodnight, Ultear." Natsu responded, a small smile on his lips, as he himself fell asleep.

Mermaid Heels Infirmary, morning.

Natsu's head would turn slightly, his eyes fluttering open as they were bombarded by sunlight from the nearby window. With a soft groan, he'd try to lean up - only to feel his body blocked under the weight of something, as he remembered the events of last night. With a soft smile, he'd look down at the woman who was still asleep on his chest, only for his smile to fade near instantly, replaced by a deep blush and look of surprise, as he saw Ultear's kimono, discarded onto the floor - something that was certainly not the case, when he had fallen asleep. As if on cue, his senses were suddenly bombarded by the black haired woman. He could smell her scent in the air, a mixture of Coffee, new paper, lilac - a surprisingly pleasant aroma, which baffled him. "Since when did paper smell good?" Natsu thought, momentarily.

However those thoughts were quickly dashed out of his mind, as Ultear shifted a little bit against his body, in her sleep. Natsu could feel the woman's exposed skin against his own exposed chest, the gentle heave of her bosom as she breathed, rocking against his torso. Though he did feel a bit of fabric on his skin, making him sigh in relief that the woman wasn't completely naked. He'd go to raise his hands, only to realize head only able to move his left one, as his right hand was being held tightly by Ultear, and under her weight. Trying to pry his hand from her grasp, Natsu would blush more furiously as his efforts elicited silent soft Moans from the stirring woman. "Why did she have to shove my hand in her breast!?" Natsu internally screamed, as he finally managed to yank his hand free.

"Mmm, oh Natsu~ You're such a teaseee~" Ultear moaned, as her eyes opened up and she stared at Natsu, with a mischievous grin on her face.

"Wha- no I- HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AWAKE!?" Natsu shouted, his face flushed, as Ultear stared up at him.

"Long enough to feel you cop a feel~" Ultear teased, as she placed her hands on either side of Natsu's body. Using the adding leverage, she'd prop herself up, the blanket covering the two falling downwards, her entire upper half being exposed, in the process.

"No! I didn't mea- youve got it all wr- GAHHH COVER UP YOU WITCH" Natsu stuttered and stammered, as he saw the woman's top half, scantily clad in just her bra - being mostly exposed.

As if on cue, the door knob to the Infirmary would begin twisting, as Natsu heard a familiar voice speaking up, groggily. "Natsu? Is everything o-"

Natsu's head shot to the side, noticing as Meredy walked into the room, seeing Ultear dressed in just her undergarments leaning over Natsu - who's own chest was still exposed.

"I'M SORRY I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING!" Meredy suddenly shouted, her face covered in a raging blush, as she quickly slammed the door shut - no longer in the Infirmary, with the two.

"No no NO NO! ITS ALL A MISUNDERSTANDING I SWEAR!" Natsu cried out, as he comically wept tears, as Meredy slammed the door.

Ultear, however, only giggled at the situation, nuzzling back down into Natsu, with a content sigh. "Oops, looks like our secrets out of the bag~" Ultear purred.

A tick mark would form on Natsu's face, as he stared at the woman under him, raising his hand as he clenched it into a fist. "I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE EVEN TALKING ABOUT, YOU WITCH" Natsu shouted, his hand being brought down on Ultear's hand, as he comically did what could only be described as a cartoon bonk on Ultears head.

Ultear would be sitting at the bed, a comical bump formed on her head, as she pouted. No longer mostly nude, Ultear was dressed in her Kimono from last night, looking up at Meredy and Natsu, as they spoke.

"So - it was all a misunderstanding..?" Meredy asked, with a blush. She couldn't quite stare at the two, after walking in on what she thought was such an intimate moment - so she compromised by hiding behind her clipboard, not that it helped much.

"Completely. Nothing happened - it was a misunderstanding, I swear." Natsu spoke, with an exasperated sigh, as he scratched the back of his head. He was now dressed back up in his clothing, his black muscle shirt hugging his chest, as he wore his unzipped black and silver coat. He had also wrapped the scaly white scarf back around his neck.

Ultear would suddenly perk up, a coy smile on her face as she did. "Well, I wouldn't say NOTHING happened~ we did comfort each other, and I recall your hand…Roaming~" she teased, as she looked away, feigning embarrassment.

Meredy would quickly hide back behind her clipboard in embarrassment at Ultear's words, while Natsu simple had a tick mark forming on his head. "Say one more word and you're dust, you witch!" Natsu remarked, as he glared at Ultear.

"Ahhh! You're so mean, Meredy save me~!" Ultear cried out, as she jumped from the Infirmary bed and hid behind Meredy, like a child. Though it was obvious to anyone who paid attention just how much enjoyment Ultear was getting from this situation; her eyes sparkling mischievously.

Natsu just scoffed, as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You're going to get me killed, you know that, Ultear? What if someone else had walked in? Erza would have decapitated me!" Natsu said.

With a giggle, Ultear would step out from around the blushing Meredy, looking Natsu in the eyes. "Oh, it would've been fineee. That closet pervert would've been too flustered to do anything." She giggled, causing Meredy and Natsu to both sweatdrop at her referral of Erza.

"A-Anyway…" Meredy spoke up, as she tried to regain her composure. "I'm glad to see you're in good condition, Natsu - up and moving, that is, I mean."

Natsu just nodded his head, after ignoring Ultears comment - which earned him a pout from the woman. "Mhm. I feel good as new, honestly. Should be able to hit the road, just fine, today." Natsu remarked, a smile on his face.

Ultear, hearing this, would suddenly have a much more serious look on her face - as she looked towards Natsu. "If that's the case… Can I ask a favor of you?"

Intrigued by Ultear's sudden change in demeanor, he'd raise an eyebrow, while making eye contact with the woman. "What's up?"

"Be mine." Ultear spoke, suddenly swapping back to her playful and flirtatious tone, she's usually using on Natsu.

Meredy would blush, once again, at this - all the while Natsu simply stared. "No." He deadpanned.

"So cruel!" Ultear cried, as she looked dejected for a moment - before regaining her composure. "No, in all seriousness, I do have a favor. One of my top mages, Mira - she's currently out on a mission, and needs some backup. It was meant to be a simple bandit takedown operation, but it turns out they're packing a lot more firepower than we were informed. I'm sending Kagura out to assist her - but the two don't really get along, well." Ultear explained, her voice and face serious once again.

Hearing this, Natsu would narrow his eyes for a minute, before sighing. "So you need a mediator, then? Why not send Erza?" He asked.

"... Cause Erza and Mira get along even worse." Ultear sweatdropped, with a sigh. "Besides, your magic would prove extra helpful, in this situation. Apparently the Bandits have a few wyverns tamed - I figured a dragon slayer would turn them into mincemeat, better than most. You'll be compensated adequately for this - I promise." Ultear explained.

Thinking about it for a moment, Natsu would sigh - before nodding his head. "Alright, that makes sense - okay, I'll go. Not like I've got anything else lined up, as of now." Natsu said, as he scratched his head.

"Perfect! You'll be heading to a small town along the coast, called Port Haven. It's a little less than a day's travel from here, by carriage." Ultear explained, a grateful smile on her face.

Natsu could only groan, as he heard the word carriage. "Ugh- you sure…? Hey, doc - you sure I'm cleared to leave?" He asked Meredy, almost pleading.

Meredy just groaned, before she began to giggle, confusing Ultear. "Yes Natsu, you're cleared to leave. Go enjoy your carriage ride!" She teased.

Natsu just grumbled to himself, before noticing the look of confusion on Ultear's face. "I have severe motion sickness." He explained, with a sigh.

"Pfft- of course you do." Ultear said, as she stifled a laugh, only serving to annoy Natsu. "Anyways - I've already informed Kagura. She knows I was sending someone - just not that it was you. So when you're ready to go, head out and meet with her! She's probably down in the cafeteria, eating breakfast." Ultear explained, as she walked towards the door. "I've got paperwork to do, so I'll be in my office. I'll see you later!" Ultear called out, before leaving Natsu and Meredy, on their own.

After a few seconds of silence, Meredy looked towards Natsu, a blush on her face. "So… nothing really happened between you two?" She asked nervously, while fidgeting.

Natsu would hang his head, with an audible groan, as he heard Meredy's question. "I'm so going to burn that witch at the stake." He sighed, exasperatedly.

Chapter five done! Sorry if the ending felt a little rushed, compared to the rest of the chapter. I had originally wanted to end the chapter with Ultear and Natsu falling asleep, but I felt like it would've been too short in comparison to the other chapters - as I'm trying to keep them all in the 4k plus range, for now. I hope you enjoyed! Thanks again for all your support, with the story. Until next time