Back in the room with the large white table. The same group as before were present. That being Hahlos, Stark, Argus, Sync and Arya.
"So, what did you call us for?" Arya asked, sipping some tea with her eyes closed. Stark glanced over at Arya with a cocky smirk on his face.
"Earlier today, there was an explosion just outside the city. Some of you probably either saw or heard it." Hahlos started, hands folded on the table.
"Oh that?" Argus mentioned. "What about it?"
"To put it simply, it appears we've been infiltrated. There were several people who emerged from that explosion." Once Hahlos announced that, everyone in the room froze.
"Hmph." Stark smirked "Looks like there *was* something afterall." He then glanced again at Arya. She responded by rolling her eyes.
"I've already came across a group of them by the town entrance." Hahlos commented. "They appear to *look* like they're angels. However I have doubts."
"You don't mean..." Stark grew wide eyed. "They're human?"
"I've met some of them when I went to the lower world. It would be wise to be cautious..."
"What do they look like?" Stark asked.
"They stick out quite well." Hahlos explained "However the important part is that they all seem to bear some symbol on their bodies."
Hahlos then grabbed a paper and pen and quickly drew the Fairy Tail symbol from memory.
"This same symbol was all over their home, it could be some sort of clan or military group."
"Wait a second..." Argus stared at the drawing "I think I remember seeing some folk with *that* symbol back at the bar!"
"So..." Arya started, taking another small sip of her tea. "What do you want us to do? Should we capture them?"
"There's no need." Hahlos reassured, smirking. "When they realize the situation they put themselves in, they'll realize nothing but hopelessness."
"Right, heh." Stark said. "But assuming they're here for the "child hero", then what if she finds out they're here?"
"Easy, we'd distract her until the ceremony comes."
"So you want us to babysit the brat? You can't be serious."
"That is exactly what I'm saying."
"No need to whine, Stark." Arya sighed. "You sound more childish than the child in this room."
Sync let out a small chuckle while Stark groaned in annoyance.
"By the way, Sync. Can you keep me updated on our intruder's location?" Hahlos requested.
"Of course bro!" Sync accepted with confidence. "Leave it to me!"
"So uh, we done here or...?" Argus asked.
"Yes, you may leave." Hahlos answered.
The door creaked open as Wendy poked her head out and looked around. It appeared she was still left alone. She left her room while closing the door behind her. She walked down the hallway with no end location in mind. Once she turned a corner she bumped into someone as she fell over. She looked up and was greeted by a slender woman with a sharp look in her eyes.
"O-oh! I'm very sorry, miss!" She apologized as she got up quickly and bowed her head. She was quickly caught off guard as the woman suddenly patted her head.
"Oh come now, you're fine. I was actually going to pick you up." The woman smiled. Wendy looked up and felt like she was looking at a completely different person from a few seconds ago. "My name is Arya, it's very nice to meet the young hero." She greeted with a chuckle.
"You don't have to call me that." Wendy nervously laughed. "It's nice to meet you too, just call me Wendy."
"Very well, Wendy." Arya applied "Come, you must be hungry. Let's get something to eat, hm?" She gestured to Wendy to follow, in which she quickly did. The two walked down the hallway together, silent as ever. Wendy was still admittedly still shaken up from her dream so it was difficult for her to make conversation when it was still on her mind. Although it seemed Arya wasn't much for conversation either. Once they made it to the dining room, Arya opened the door and gestured to her to come in.
"I've already started on a meal so go ahead and sit and I'll bring it out." Arya said letting Wendy know. Wendy quietly sat down and shortly after her food was brought out. However at first glance she felt her stomach twist up.
"Winged fish! While you humans typically fish in the waters we have these delicate things!" Arya chirped. Wendy tried to hide her disgust, she didn't want to eat it. But at the same time this person spent all this time making it for her.
"T-thank you for the food." She nervously laughed. Arya sat across from her and started eating her share, not even flinching from the taste. As Wendy tried her best eating hers, preventing herself from vomiting it out. She had something on her mind.
"Miss Arya?"
"What is it young Wendy?"
"I know you need my help healing your, God?"
"Indeed. What about it?"
"Is it okay to ask about him? I've been told healing him will save your home."
Suddenly there was silence. Wendy for a moment forgot about the terrible food she was eating and was concerned about the sudden silence from Arya. Arya sighed before setting her silverware down.
"Izanagi is nothing more of a tyrant. But we need him to live."
"This place is impossible to navigate!" Lucy shouted out loud. The group were currently trying to reconvene with the missing group however that appears to be more difficult than they thought.
"Stay close everyone." Jellal advised "Don't get lost in the crowd."
"These guys have wings, why don't they use them..." Lucy whined quietly.
"Natsu. Have you picked up anything?" Erza asked.
"Ugh, it's no good. I can't smell any of them with this many people. It's hard to even see if Happy is flying with this many people!" Natsu groaned. He then looked up at one of the buildings then snickered quietly. "Give me a second guys!" He then ran off shoving people out of his way.
"Na-!" Gray gasped.
"Natsu! What're you doing?!" Lucy exclaimed. Natsu then hopped on top of one of the larger buildings. He looked around trying to find anyone familiar.
"That idiot!" Gray facepalmed "Is he trying to make us look suspicious?!"
"Hm?" Chelia then looked around, seeing as the townsfolk around didn't even glance at the fire dragon slayer. Gray then started to march forward in anger before Chelia grabbed his arm.
"Wait! I think it's okay! Look!"
"Huh? What's going on?" Gray questioned as he scanned his surroundings noticing no reaction from the townsfolk.
"It's probably because they can fly." Erza explained. "They're probably used to shenanigans like what Natsu is doing."
"If that's the case then maybe searching for the others will be much easier!" Chelia said.
"HAAAAAPPY! WHERE ARE YOU?!" Natsu screamed out.
"Unless that happens..." Erza sighed. Suddenly every resident looked at Natsu, however the group noticed that they were looking at him with clear disgust or anger rather than confusion.
"That fool!" Jellal growled before flying up towards him with his meteor spell.
"HAAAPPYY-MMRRPH!" Natsu's mouth was suddenly grabbed by Jellal.
"Quit making a scene!" Jellal scolded "Look around you!" Natsu then shoved Jellal away from him.
"How else are we going to find the others?!" Natsu scolded back.
"We'll find a way! But we have to not cause any scenes for the safety of everyone!"
Then suddenly a loud whistle was heard in the distance. Jellal and Natsu immediately darted their heads towards the voice and saw an angel soldier flying towards the two.
"You two! I'm writing you up for causing a scene!" The soldier said while writing on a notepad.
"Excuse me?! We're looking for some people!" Natsu argued.
"And you!" The soldier pointed at Jellal. "Was that magic just now?! Do you have a permit for that?!"
"A permit?"
"I'll take that as a no, you're being written up too." The soldier wrote up another note. "Maybe you should've used your wings instead of getting yourself in trouble." He then gave the two the notes which both had required payments or it was immediate arrest within 24 hours. The two looked at the notes dumbfounded as the soldier flew off.
"You two!" Erza stomped forward glaring at the two. "Get down here this instant before you cause any more trouble!" Both Jellal and Natsu quickly applied, hopping down the building.
"What was that all about?" Lucy asked, glancing at the receipts the two received.
"I guess me and Natsu broke some laws here..." Jellal scanned through his receipt. "Unlawful use of magic without a permit...200 coins?!"
"That much for one spell?!" perplexed Gray. "How much was your's flame head?"
"...150, also shut it." Natsu replied.
"The laws here are so strict...and that much?!" Chelia exclaimed. Erza was currently counting her coins she received from Hahlos.
"...I only have enough for Natsu's pay..." Erza sighed.
"Great, just another mess after another..." Lucy blubbered. Suddenly, Lucy felt something tap her shoulder.
"Excuse me? Are you people not around here?"
"WHAT?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" Gajeel yelled out, clenching a scroll while Sting, Rogue and Happy looked at the same scroll with bewilderment.
"Yes the laws here are really strict." Carla sighed, once the group left the bar earlier Carla asked a resident for information about Exahelm and was given the scroll which detailed the town and laws. "Be glad you didn't cause any ruckus while at the bar."
"No magic without a permit? No fighting? No causing a scene?! The hell is this sensitive town?!" Gajeel threw the scroll on the floor.
"These fines are rather large too..." Rogue mentioned. "How much did we receive again?"
"200." Sting answered, pulling out the coins from his pocket.
"That means we have to find the others soon." Carla advised "Who knows if they're aware of these laws or not.
"Forget it! I'm going home!" Gajeel started to stomp off in a huff. Gajeel was then grabbed by the back of his shirt by Happy. "No! We don't need any more separation!"
"Let go of me you stupid cat!" Gajeel yelled out.
"And how do you plan on leaving Gajeel?" Sting asked with a smirk on his face. "What are you gonna jump off or something?"
"If I harden my body in iron I can take the fall." Gajeel answered firmly.
"There's no way that'll work!" Sting facepalmed.
"Enough babbling!" Carla chastised. "I swear why did I get stuck with you fools!"
"Harsh comment aside..." Rogue said "She's right, we should hurry and find the others before-"
"HAAAAAPPY! WHERE ARE YOU?!"
Everyone suddenly turned their heads towards the voice.
"...Before something like that happens."
"Naaatsuuu!" Happy cheered hearing the voice of his friend.
"Come on! Let's track the voice down, quick!" Sting said as he gestured to the others to follow him.
"Tch. Fine, whatever." Gajeel sighed.
"Excuse me? Are you people not around here?" A elderly looking angel asked. His clothing looked rough with tears all over. His wings were thin with several missing feathers.
"Eeek!" Lucy screamed "Don't sneak up on me like that!"
"S-sorry miss! Please calm down!" He exclaimed looking side to side nervously.
"Indeed, we are not around here. Who are you?" Erza asked.
"Yes, yes." He started, clearing his throat. "My name is Henry, my a-apologies but I was over hearing your conversation."
"Do you have information?"
"Yes! Yes!" He cackled, rubbing his hands together. "Come! Come! Let me show you to my place! Best not to chat in this busy area. Do not worry it's not far."
"Yo Erza..." Gray whispered. "Uh, should we be asking this guy for information? He looks kinda sketchy."
"Very well, come." Erza gestured to the others. "Let's follow him."
"H-hey! Erza?!" bewildered Gray.
"However, we are also looking for some other friends. We got separated you see." Erza said, ignoring Gray. "We'll need someone to stay here to keep watch."
"Go ahead." Jellal insisted. "I'm pretty sure I stick out the most out of all of you."
"Alright! Keep an eye out Jellal! We're counting on you!" Natsu said, patting on Jellal's shoulder. After that the others started to follow Henry, with him in front and Erza right behind him. She turned her head towards the others and nodded her head towards them, letting them know to be prepared. The others nodded in response. Once they reached Henry's place which was behind some buildings, they were shocked to see that his place was but a small tent that could fit a small group of people.
"I know I know." Henry sighed. "It's not exactly a *house* but with all these laws and fees it's almost impossible to have a healthy life here..."
"What do you mean?" Lucy asked.
"Yes yes, about that...'' Henry started, before staring at the group closely. He then suddenly went up to Chelia and pulled off the plastic halo on her head.
"H-hey! Oh no..." Chelia blurted.
"You *are* human?! My eyes did not deceive me!" Henry scanned the plastic halo with shock. Erza immediately pulled out her sword and pointed it at Henry. Since they were in a location with no people, she thought it was safe to use her magic since it wasn't very flashy.
"Wait wait!" Henry begged, dropping the plastic before waving his hands. "I will not report you! I swear!"
"You know our identities. You will explain what you want from us at once!" Erza ordered, glaring at Henry.
"Yes yes! But please put your weapon away before a soldier notices!" He once again looked side to side nervously. Erza sighed before her sword vanished.
"I will ask again, what do you need from us?"
"Tell me, are you lot related to the human girl with long blue hair?" He asked.
"That's Wendy!" Natsu exclaimed, pushing Erza out of the way to get close to him. "Do you know about her!?" Erza then smacked Natsu's head leaving a bulge on it.
"We do, we're here to *cough* see her. Do you know about her?
"I see I see..." Henry twiddled his thumbs. "Then if you *do* know her..."
He then went on his knees and put his head down on the floor, bowing before the group.
"I beg of you, please stop her! She is about to bring this kingdom back to ruin!" He begged.
Jellal leaned at one of the walls nearby, keeping a watch out. He looked down at his receipt.
"A permit just to use magic?" He thought to himself. "What kind of country is this?"
"Buzz buzz."
"Hm?" Jellal looked up and saw what appeared to be a floating white orb with bug-like wings.
"Buzz buzz."
"Uh, what are you?" Jellal asked. The white orb then showed a picture of what appeared to be a small girl.
"Hey! You're not doing anything naughty are you?!" She asked suddenly.
"E-excuse me?!" Jellal flustered. "Who a-are you?!"
"I'm Sync. I was told to watch over you guys!" She stated. "Where are your friends, you know with that dragonfly symbol?"
"Dragonfly symbol?" Jellal wondered, he pondered what she meant then came to the conclusion of the Fairy Tail symbol. "So we're being watched huh..." He thought.
"Hey! Earth to face tattoo!" Sync interrupted. "I asked you a question!"
"This is bad...if we're being watched then our plan could be leaked..." Jellal gritted his teeth as he thought. He pointed towards the market they were at earlier. "They're out shopping..." He answered.
"Hmmm...Got it!" Sync smiled, saluting to Jellal for some reason. "But how come you're here all alone?"
"I don't like crowds." Jellal responded with a straight face.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY YOU JERK?!" Natsu yelled out behind where Jellal was standing.
"Tch!" Jellal grew wide eyed glancing behind him. "Shit!" He thought.
"What was that?" Sync asked.
"N-no idea..." Jellal stuttered. "Damn it Natsu!" He thought as he gritted his teeth.
"You're not lying to me are you?!" Sync accused, puffing her cheeks in annoyance. Jellal started to sweat a little, his poker face deteriorating a bit.
"Mind if I check back there?" She asked.
"JELLALL!" A voice in a distance that sounded a bit high. They both looked in the direction and saw Happy flying towards them.
"A flying cat!" Sync squeaked, the orb flying towards Happy.
"Huh? What're you?" Happy stopped in his tracks when Sync flew towards him. Jellal then saw Sting, Rogue, Gajeel and Carla running up ahead towards him. He then thought of an idea.
"Ah, there you guys are." Jellal smiled. "How was the market?"
"Market? What're you say-" Sting started before he saw Jellal put a finger on his lips and pointed at Sync. Sting and the others quickly took notice.
"O-oh ya! It was good!" However Sync was too distracted at Happy to even listen.
"Wooaaaah. I didn't know cats could fly!" Sync's eyes lit up. She then saw the Fairy Tail symbol on Happy.
"Ooohhhh. I guess you were right!"
"May we leave now?" Jellal asked.
"Huh? Oh oh yeah!" Sync stumbled. "Be good now! I'll check on you later!" Then the orb vanished in thin air. Jellal wiped his forehead in relief.
"What was that?" Rogue asked.
"Ugh, it's a long story." Jellal sighed. "It's great to see you guys."
"Where are the others?" Carla asked. Jellal then pointed at the alleyway behind him. "They're talking with someone, I was left out here to keep watch."
"We heard the flame idiot yell out like a banshee. Who knew his idiocy would cause us to meet up again." Gajeel smirked.
"Come, let's head back there before that girl comes back." Jellal suggested.
Natsu was gripping on Henry's collar fiercely, getting ready to punch him.
"You jerk! Wendy would never do something like that!"
"B-but it's true!" Henry yelled out in fear. "Things were so close until *she* showed up!"
"You want me to punch you!?"
"Natsu! Quit it!" Lucy chided, putting an arm on his shoulder. "Let him explain!"
"Tch!" Natsu dropped Henry on the floor and crossed his arms. "Let's get one thing straight old man. Wendy was kidnapped, so don't you dare accuse her of anything!"
"Y-yes...I'm sorry I'm sorry..." Henry apologized, dusting himself off.
"Explain, now." Erza demanded.
"A-as you see..." Henry started.
"She came for one purpose, to revive our dying god."
"Wait what?" Gray exclaimed. "A god?!"
"Yes yes!" Henry continued. "B-but that cannot happen! You experienced the harsh laws this realm has, he's a damn tyrant!"
"Now that's quite extreme." Erza said.
"You don't understand you don't understand!" Henry shook. "It's more than just a simple ticket! He'll go as far as to eliminate those who don't follow his norm!"
The group gasped simultaneously. Henry dug his fingers in the ground below in sheer anger.
"Those idiots at the castle know all about him and yet kiss up to him anyway!" He yelled out. "If you get a ticket three times, you'll be executed!"
"What?! That's not fair!" Chelia blurted.
"I don't get it though, it looked rather peaceful out there..." Erza said "This kingdom doesn't look like it's under the rule of someone ruthless."
"That is but a mask. Our god wishes nothing more than complete peace, anyone who disrupts the peace will be eliminated. And the people love it for some reason!" Henry crumbled on the ground.
"...I see." Erza sighed. "Thank you for the information, we already swore to save our friend."
The rest of the group nodded in unison.
"...Thank you...thank you..." Henry said quietly.
"Let's get back to Jellal." Erza suggested to the group.
"Wha-what?!" Wendy dropped her utensils once she heard Arya explain Izanagi's strict laws and consequences. "That's horrible! Why do you want someone like him back?!"
"Because, he is *literally* keeping this realm together." Arya bluntly responded.
"Huh?"
"If he dies..." Arya pointed downwards. "Then this entire kingdom will plummet, destroying not only the kingdom, but everything below us."
"N-no way..." Wendy couldn't believe what she was being told.
"Izanagi is the *sky god.* He controls the sky, if there is no one to control this kingdom, it will cease to exist." Arya finished before sipping her tea.