The Fated Encounter

Revelation

"Stay with me..."

His hands shook. His breath was unsteady. And his grip was weaker then it should be but when you looked down at one of his hands, you saw he was white knuckeled.

"Natsu." Erza walked closer to him. His hold on your arms loosens. "Come here.." she gently pulled him away from you. As she did, he put a hand on his stomach. It was then he stopped walking. From behind, you only saw he was looking toward the floor. Then his hand was on Erza's shoulder. She looked at him before leaning forward to feel his forehead.

"I'm fine." He walked over to the bar and took a seat at the counter. You continued to stay where you were as you look at Natsu. Was his being happy. Active. And even healthy looking appearance just an illusion?

How did he look normal just a moment ago and now....

Natsu took in a breath then a moment later caughed.

And caughed.

And caughed..

Natsu moved to the side of the guild though it echoed through the room. Slowly silencing it. It finally stops with his eyes watery and him clearing his throat.

---

Turning around, I see most of the guild staring at me. I simply take in breath and fight the need to do it again. I start making my way back to the bar when Mira hands me a glass of water. My heart drops. I shake my head. "No. It's fine. Caughs happen." I smile at her.

"Please Natsu..." it was Happy. His voice was pleading. "Not like this.."

"What is he talking about?" Gramps eyed me from his spot. I walked past Mira and stood at the end by the open counter door.

Happy flys forward and stands in front of the master. "This happens every time he comes back from his late night walks! He'll spend a good ten minutes just... caughing."

Out of the counter of my eye, I see Erza turn to look at me. I kept my head down and looked at my thumbs. "As a matter of fact, I do remember a time we went to Euphoria, he went for a walk and spent a few minutes on the balcony. It was almost like he was choking. He had to hold on to the railing..." Her words started off like typical Erza but towards the end, sad. I clear my throat. Little did I know that would be a mistake.

"Drink the water, Natsu."

I look up at the voice. It was (Y/n). She had taken a step forward. Her eyes were wide in concern. "I dont want to.."

It was then Happy said something that hurt. His words bore his tears. "Please! You don't eat, you don't drink, you haven't slept in weeks!! This isn't like you!!!"

I felt my hands start to shake as a petite hand places the glass in front of me. "Natsu. Just a sip." It was Mira. Even her voice hurt. It was then a cold hand was placed on my back. It moved up to my shoulder were it stopped.

"Man...We're not telling to because we want to look at you drink water. We care about you. A hell of a lot as a matter of fact." Gray's voice was caring. And for the first time, I felt weak. I felt like a child. "Look at me." I bit the inside of my cheek and turn to look at him. Actually look. "Just once and it'll be over." It was then I felt tears form and see Gray's eyes widen.

I opened my to speak. He held his breath. "I can't keep it down." My words were only loud enough for him to hear. With every word, it was like I shot him. Five times. One for each word.

He swallowed. I could see tears on his bottom lids but he blinked them away. Gray lifted his left eyebrow slightly before speaking. "Show me."

I nodded, grabbed the glass, and brought it to my lips. As I drank the cold water, it was absolutely euphoric.
It was only when I finished when I felt the familiar feelings of nausea that hit me time and time before. I closed my eyes and placed my hand on my stomach. Gray patted my back. "You okay?"

I swallowed. It was then my sotamch felt empty and my eyes widened as I made my way to the sink behind the bar counter. The only thing I did was cough it up. Nothing but water.

I placed the back of my hand on my mouth as I straightened myself.

Gramps spoke first. "How long has this been going on?" My eyes widened. "Natsu?" All I could do was stand there and shake.

I heard footsteps come closer to the counter. "Answer him." It was then everyone started talking at once. Whispering. Yelling. All talking to me. As I stared at the white sick that had black water in it, I heard more voices. All yelling. All screaming. All begging for my attention.

Through the screams, someone cupped my face. I saw Gray. I couldn't hear him but his eyes asked if I was okay.

"I'm fine." Was all I can...say? Im sure I mouthed it.

"He's lying again!!"

Gray removed his hands as a scarlet blurr pushed me aside. The screams got louder.

Who is screaming at me?

Erza spoke. She mouthed the words "it's black." Gramps got angry. At least I think he was.

I moved past Erza. As I did, My head was begging for peace. I put my hands on my ears as I walked past a pillar and trying to make my way out of the guild. As I did so, the screams were blood curtailing.

I bite my lip as I felt (Y/n) hold my wrists. She looked confused. I blinked.
"Why is everyone yelling at me?" Im not sure if I yelled it or whispered. Either way, she looked at me with an expression I couldn't explain. Sadness? Desperation? I don't know.

It was then, she cupped my face in her hands. I moved mine to hers. Her voice rang through my mind louder then the screams.

"It's going to be fine." I looked her in the eyes. Im sure my face showed my plea. My beg for them to stop. "Nobody is yelling at you."

xXTo Be ContinuedXx