The sun slowly begins to drown itself as the moon rises and covers the area with nightfall. The air was far colder than it was when they first arrived here, however no one was bothered by it as something more important was going on.

"...Huh?" Carla was perplexed. "Did I hear that right child, you want to help them? The same people who kidnapped you?"

Wendy simply nodded, unintentionally looking away from her friends.

"Out of the question." Erza declined, as she stood next to Natsu and Carla. "Not only was this not a confirmed request, but we cannot trust your client. Especially given everything we know." Her tone was blunt.

Wendy paused, unable to look at her friends. "B-but…this country, it's in danger…I'm the only one who can help…" She forced herself to look at Erza with a desperate face. "I can't just let their ruler die when I can help him!"

"If they wanted your help so badly they shouldn't have kidnapped you in the first place." Erza argued, crossing her arms. "We were plenty open in helping out, however the one who brought you here was adamant in taking you in an unknown county alone."

"Besides…" Carla pointed at Wendy's hair. "Look at what those ruffians did to you! You shouldn't help those kinds of people!"

Gray placed his hands in his pockets and huffed. "Yea, I hate to tell you this, but that ain't such a good idea."

"A-aye…the ruler here is pretty bad news…" Happy hesitated.

Wendy couldn't help but look away again as she mumbled. "I know…"

"Okay now you're just not making sense, Wendy." Perplexed Natsu as he casually placed his hands behind his head.

Erza continued to watch Wendy as she kept having nervous body mannerisms and refused to look at any of them in the eye. Despite the messy hair, this was the same Wendy they knew. So what was going on?

The young dragon slayer could sense the doubtful tone her friends had. She took a deep breath. "You see…I *have* too." She clenched her fists. "If their god dies…then the clouds holding this place…will crumble. And the whole country will collapse and crash below…" Wendy explained.

The group all gasped in unison and widened their eyes. It was at that moment they realized that their guild Fairy Tail is currently below the country in the sky. Erza narrowed her eyes away briefly, she had a feeling those holes in the clouds had to do with something regarding this situation.

"Woah, you serious?!" Puzzled Gray

"Besides…" Wendy continued. "The people here don't seem to mind their ruler here. Even with all the terrible laws he has…" Despite the clear cut explanation, the bluenette was still acting nervous.

Natsu sighed before plopping himself on the ground and sitting cross legged. The cloud mist poofed a little once the pinkette sat down. "So, I guess that means you had no choice in this huh?"

Erza looked back at Wendy. "If that's the situation, then I suppose it's important to do this job despite the circumstances." She reluctantly allowed it, however there was one major thing that was still bothering her. "I would like to ask, if it's so important to have their god healed as soon as possible. Then shouldn't it have been done by now? Were your healing powers not enough?"

Wendy began to fidget her hands as she was able to look at her friends, albeit not in the eyes. "I wanted to come out here, to let you know that you were all discovered. I should to warn you all as they don't really want humans up here…"

"What?! So even after all of what happened we *still* got found out?!" Lucy lamented, facepalming. "This isn't good…"

Wendy bowed her upper body. "It was partially my fault you got found out! I'm sorry! I just got so excited when I heard you guys were here!"

"Heh heh, come on Wendy. You don't have to apologize for that!" Natsu smiled.

Wendy lifted her head up and rubbed the back of her head. "There's also the Etherano up here…you see, it's actually-"

"We are already aware of the denser Etherano up here." Erza interrupted, having a feeling Wendy is trying to dodge her question. "We can handle it. We can wait it out until you finish this job. We actually have a place we're staying at. You can just let those at the castle know we won't do anything, but we're not leaving without you." Titania suggested.

Carla placed her paws on her hips. "I don't approve of this Wendy. If you're going to head back then I'm coming with you, I want to make sure those ruffians don't try anything funny!" She huffed.

"You *honestly* believe a miracle will happen? Don't be stupid!"

Wendy felt her head hurt, instinctively looking away from her friends even more. She clenched her teeth and fidgeted her hands. She once again paused for a couple seconds before murmuring something. "...N-no…"

"Hm? What was that, child?" Carla raised an eyebrow.

Wendy grinded her teeth as she forced herself to look at her friends again, body slightly shaky. Her hair shadow blocked her eyes again. "There's no point in staying here, since I-I'm not coming b-back…"

Silence. Reactions were met with both concern and confusion. The one to break that silence was once again, Carla.

"W-what?! What are you even *saying?!*" Carla exclaimed.

"I said." Wendy took a deep breath. "I'm not coming back, I want to stay here."

"What's gotten into you Wendy?!" Carla flew at Wendy and placed a paw on one of her shoulders. "You want to stay here?! The same place that did *this* to your hair?! I demand an explanation!" Carla pointed at Wendy's hair as she demanded angrily. Wendy once again looked away from Carla. "Look at me!" The Exceed growled.

"If your friends learn the truth, they will definitely ruin everything. They *have* to leave."

Wendy was the next to growl as she clenched her fists tightly again. She was able to look Carla in the eyes this time, albeit with an angry expression. "It's because it's my responsibility! I can't come back!" She shouted, which caught her companion off guard.

"Wendy…" Carla shuddered.

"B-but how come can't you come back!?" Worried Lucy. "Fairy Tail is your home!"

Wendy's body continued to shake as she looked down. "I'll…I'll be fine!" She tried assuring before turning her head away again. "I'm able to take care of myself now..." She mumbled.

"Why Wendy?!" Happy exclaimed. "All you have to do is heal someone right?!"

Erza clenched her teeth as she went towards the bluenette. But stopped when she saw Natsu get up and walk towards her. He passed by Carla who looked at him with concern. They realized that the pinkette had barely said a word during all of this.

"Natsu?" Carla wondered what he was doing.

Natsu bent down on his knees and placed one hand on Wendy's head, smiling softly. "Come on Wendy, what's up?" He comforted. "You can trust us y'know?" The touch of his palm was warm, almost comforting to the girl.

Wendy slowly looked up at Natsu and noticed he cracked his usual toothy grin. Whenever the young dragon slayer would see that confident and friendly face, she would always feel comfort from it. Like everything was going to be okay. However this time, it caused her eyes to sink and body to tremble. Natsu squinted his eyes, seeing that Wendy was too nervous to answer.

"This is the only possible way, do you want to protect them or not?!"

"Wendy!" Natsu gripped Wendy's shoulders which caused her to jump. His expression was now serious and full of concern. "What. Happened. In that castle?!"

"Remove it. Prove to us you'll follow through to our demands."

"I-I…" Wendy stuttered, slowly shutting her eyes. The memories of earlier kept playing in her head during this entire time, pounding at her mind.

Natsu clenched the younger dragon slayer's shoulders tighter "We can help you! Just tell us what's really going on! Wendy!"

Wendy's eyes began to water up, trying her best to hold them back.

"They'll die."

Carla then recalled one of the visions she saw earlier today and her eyes sank immediately. "Natsu! Get back!" She shouted in panic.

"PLEASE, JUST GO HOME!" Wendy shrieked as she shoved Natsu away, but a harsh tornado came exploding out of her palms as it struck right at the fire dragon slayer's chest. The Fairy Tail mages all quickly got out of the way as Natsu flew and crashed right into the stone bridge, the back of his head making a direct hit at it. His plastic wings and halo flew off as well. The five looked at Natsu with widened eyes.

"Wha-"

"W-Wendy?!"

"Natsu!"

Gray, Lucy and Happy all yelled out. The three went over to Natsu and saw several cuts on the front of his body. Natsu began coughing as the mist spreaded out from the attack. Gray quickly pulled the pinkette off the ground by wrapping one arm around his shoulder.

"Natsu! Are you okay?!" Worried Lucy.

"What's going on with her?!" Exclaimed Gray as he examined Natsu's wounds.

Wendy covered her mouth and widened her eyes. Her heart began to race, seeing the damage done. "I-I didn't…I didn't mean to…" She spoke quietly as she took a few steps back. However, after her initial attack, she didn't realize that it tore her cloak as it slid off her body.

The Fairy Tail mages looked back at Wendy and saw something that caused their eyes to sink. Wendy noticed their expressions before following their gaze slowly. She then realized that they saw that her Fairy Tail guild mark on her right shoulder was gone. Wendy immediately tried to cover her shoulder with her left hand.

"C-child…why did you…?" Carla shivered.

Erza soon stepped in as she stood right in between Wendy and Natsu. She clenched her teeth and shot a harsh glare. "Wendy! Tell us the truth!" She demanded before swinging one arm. "What the hell did they do to you!?"

Realizing that she cannot hide anymore, Wendy collapsed on her knees and covered her face with both palms. Her entire body trembled as she began to break down. "I-I'm so s-s-sorry!" She clawed at her face, filled with instant regret.

Erza paused and took a deep breath before she began to approach the broken girl. Natsu looked up, not bothered by his injuries, and saw Wendy breaking down. The rest didn't say anything, as their faces were filled with worry for the young mage. Natsu then caught a familiar scent coming their way.

Wendy hiccuped through her cries as she took a deep breath and removed her hands from her face. She looked up, face soaked with tears. Even though her vision was blurry, she could still recognize Erza's red hair. "Th-they're going to s-"

"This has gone long enough!" A familiar voice boomed as a gust of wind came crashing down right in front of Erza as she leaped back, already on guard. The individual swung one arm as the gusts of winds spreaded out and vanished instantly. The one responsible for all of this, Hahlos, revealed himself as he gave a threatening look to the swordswoman.

"It's…him!" Natsu growled.

Erza immediately summoned two swords and pointed one directly at Hahlos' face. The sword was inches away from his nose but the angel didn't flinch. "Get out of the way. Now." Erza scowled, giving a harsher glare at the green haired angel.

Hahlos looked down at Titania, not moving an inch. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the situation. He saw the stone bridge damaged with Natsu being helped to stand. He looked down and saw marks on the cloudy surface. All the Fairy Tail mages were glaring right at him, looking like they could attack anytime.

"I said. Get out of the way." Erza demanded with a harsh tone of voice. She noticed him looking away earlier so she pointed the blade closer to his face.

Hahlos gripped the blade tightly with his gloved hand as it began to crack. "Don't forget, Scarlet, you're in my territory now." He shot, the tip of the blade cracking even more. "There is nothing you can do to me, I demand you all leave at once. I won't let mere wizards like you prevent our future!"

"Why you, scum!" Erza threw her broken sword away as it instantly vanished before readying her other sword to attack. She then saw Hahlos' eyes flash blue, before turning his attention past the swordswoman.

Natsu shoved Gray off of him before launching himself towards Hahlos as he exploded into bright yellow flames. Electricity flickered around Salamander's body as the green haired angel saw the same dark glare from Natsu he remembered well. Erza hopped out of the way.

"WE WON'T LET YOU TAKE HER, BASTARD!" Natsu roared before slamming right into Hahlos as he blocked the attack with his arms coated with wind. The impact caused some of the cloudy mist to blow away.

Hahlos slid back slightly as Natsu tried to charge through. Hahlos began to feel pain as his gloves began to melt. However, before the fire dragon slayer could break though, he abruptly gagged as he felt immense pain on his chest.

Taking the chance, Hahlos broke out of Natsu's attack by swinging his coated arms out. The green haired angel proceeded to slide one foot back and one foreword before landing a punching blow right at Natsu's jaw. He slammed on the ground and slid back.

"Natsu!" Lucy and Happy yelled out as the former caught the pinkette before he could slide any further.

Erza thrusted her sword towards Hahlos' head but he tilts his head out of harm's way. Titania attempts to strike his head multiple times with her blade but he continues to dodge. She seamlessly summons a spear in her other hand and thrusted it towards Hahlos' chest in which he grabs the handle of the spear right before it strikes him. Erza doesn't slow down as she lets go of the spear and slides one leg back. She swings her sword with all her might directly towards Hahlos' side, however he summons his broadsword and blocks the attack.

"Do not forget, I can see all." Hahlos scoffed before his eyes flashed blue again.

Gray began to charge at Hahlos while he slammed his fist on his palm as a blue magic circle conjured. "Ice Make…Cold Excalibur!" He forges a large blade made out of ice as he dragged it through the ground and upper swings it towards Hahlos.

Hahlos parried Erza's blade before kicking it up in the air. He quickly turns to Gray and slices through the ice sword clean with his broadsword. The ice sword splits in half as it melts, with Hahlos releasing his broadsword as well. Gray loses his balance as his chest also begins to burn. Hahlos places both palms directly at Gray and Erza.

"Your magic is weaker up here it seems. Wind Palm." Hahlos noted before his palms unleash a shock of wind which blows the two back. Erza backflips and lands on her feet while Gray stops himself by balancing himself with his feet. The two didn't appear too hurt by the attack, but they began to breathe slowly.

Hahlos places his hands behind his back and frowns. "It's like I said, you're in *my* territory. You've reached your physical limits already. It's impossible for you to adapt to our air." He briefly looks behind him and sees Wendy on her knees looking at her friends with a distressed expression. Hahlos turns his attention back to the Fairy Tail wizards and sighs. "It's about time I end this ugly situation."

Hahlos proceeds to swing one arm as one of his fingers glows. He began to quickly draw a magic circle in front of him. Erza summoned a large two handed sword while Gray began to ready up an ice shield. The circle glowed in a black aura.

"...Black Gale." Hahlos said while pointing at the group. The magic circle unleashed an eruption of black winds that went directly towards the wizards. Right at that moment, his eyes flashed blue as he foresaw something unexpected.

"PLEASE STOP IT!" Wendy begged.

Right before the winds could hit their target, a bright yellow flash came crashing down as Jellal appeared. He was surrounded with a yellow cloak aura as he conjured a Hexagon Barrier which effortlessly blocked the attack.

Hahlos raised an eyebrow as the barrier vanished alongside the winds. Hahlos dusted himself off as the cloudy mist subsided, looking at the three wizards who were prepared to attack. Hahlos takes a step forward, but is stopped when he feels his leg grabbed by one of Wendy's hands. He narrowed her eyes as the bluenette looked up at him and glared.

"I thought we agreed that you wouldn't hurt them…" Wendy growled.

Hahlos paused for a moment before closing his eyes and sighing. "I was merely defending myself, but very well." He looked back at the wizards, before noticing two more people running their way towards them.

"Everyone! What's going on?!" Juvia asked, with Chelia behind her. The latter widened her eyes seeing her best friend as they stopped at the foot of the bridge.

"W-Wendy?!" Chelia reached an arm out.

The tall angel then smirks at all of them. "How about this then?" He moved slightly and gestured his hand towards Wendy as she stood up. "Why don't we let the Sky Sorceress decide? Whether to stay here or go back, it's her choice."

"W-what?!" Carla squeaked, not sure what to make of this offer.

"Seems like a fair deal wouldn't you say?" Hahlos gave a friendly smile this time.

The three facing Hahlos dropped their guards, Erza squinting her eyes in suspicion. "Just what are you getting at?"

Hahlos looked down at Wendy, who was looking down the entire time stone silent. He slightly bent his upper body down and gestured his hand directly at her friends. "I won't interfere, feel free to make your decision, Wendy."

Wendy flinched, clenching her teeth hard. She hid her eyes away from everyone as she didn't want them to see her expression right now.

"Wendy…" Lucy said, fearing for what her friend was about to say.

"D-don't fall for it…Wendy!" Natsu coughed as he tried to pull himself up.

Chelia wasn't sure what was going on, but she curled her fists and raised them towards her chin, looking fearful. "P-please…"

Wendy clenched her fists, before turning her body towards Hahlos. She didn't want to see her friend's faces for what she was about to say. "...I'll go with you." She decided, looking at Hahlos.

Hahlos didn't say a word as he cracked another smirk. He lowered his hand at Wendy, offering her to grab it. Her friends couldn't believe what she just said, they all growled and glared right at the angel.

Carla couldn't take it anymore, she wanted to get to Wendy. She shut her eyes tight and flew right at the two. Chelia shoved Jellal and the others out of the way as she began to run at her friend.

"W-wait! It's too dangerous for you two!" Jellal warned, reaching his hand out.

"Stop it! Please!" Wendy begged, she finally looked at all of her friends which caused the Exceed and former god slayer to stop in their tracks. Her face looked extremely desperate.

Wendy paused, wiping her eyes with her arm before taking a deep breath. She forced a smile with her eyes closed and bowed her upper body. "Everyone…thank you…for taking care of me…" She raised her head up. "But it's my turn…to make sure you are all safe…"

"N-no!" Carla and Chelia cried out.

Natsu slammed his fist and forced himself off the ground. "Is this really how you want this to end?! Wendy!" He scowled. However, Wendy did not respond as she turned her back and went towards Hahlos. The fire dragon slayer growled. "No matter what! You're still one of us!"

"N-Natsu…please…" Happy begged. "You're hurt…"

Hahlos once again stood in front of Wendy, blocking her from the rest. "She has made her decision. It is time for you all to leave." He pointed at all of her friends. "I will give you until morning, my associates will do a full scale search of all of Exahelm tomorrow. We know your faces. If any one of you is spotted, you'll be banished immediately!"

Natsu, Gray, Erza, Juvia and Jellal all scowl at the angel while Lucy, Happy, Carla and Chelia are on the verge of tears. Hahlos turns towards Wendy and once again gestures his hand at her. "Let's go." He says.

Wendy turned and faced her friends one final time. She proceeded to grab Hahlos' hand as she smiled softly and tears subsided.

"Thank you, for loving me…I love you all. And…I'm sorry…"

The two vanished instantly in a gust of wind.

Natsu collapsed on the ground and slammed both his fists on the cloudy surface, shaking furiously. He dragged his fingers through the clouds and cried out in despair.

Minutes passed by as Natsu was finished being patched up from his injuries. He laid his back on the foot of the stone bridge. Gajeel, Sting and Rogue arrived earlier and everyone was filled in at what just happened. The clouds they stood on changed from white to dark gray.

"I don't get it!" Chelia cried. "Wendy wouldn't just give up like that!"

Lucy nodded, wiping her face with her arm. "I couldn't believe it either…"

"It's pretty obvious she chose to leave in order to protect not just us, but the civilians here too. She was left with no other option." Jellal commented before he lightly grabbed his chin. "Although, perhaps there is something more sinister about all of this." He turned his head towards Erza, who had her back turned at everyone and stared off in the distance. "Did you notice anything, Erza?"

Erza held the end of the handle of her two handed sword as the blade was buried in the dark clouds below. Her red hair blew in the cold wind as she stood in silence. She recalled something at that moment.

"I thought we agreed that you wouldn't hurt them…"

"I was able to catch on pretty quickly that Wendy was acting off." Erza started. "There was also the fact that she was able to reach us so easily in the first place, like it was planned." She clenched her weapon tightly. "There's a very clear possibility that she was blackmailed in some way."

"Blackmail her?!" Juvia exclaimed as she stood by Gray, checking his injuries. "Why did they have the need to blackmail her into staying here if all she needs to do is heal their ruler?!"

Erza's body shook in anger, she bit her lip hard where it drew blood. "Before that angel appeared, she was about to reveal something. It was like he prevented that sentence from being said, but I've already figured out what the truth of all of this is." The sound of rain was heard below them as the cloudy surface began to feel mushy.

Everyone paused, all staring at Erza. The only noise being heard is the rain. The swordswoman lifted her sword and swung it down, creating a large gash on the dark clouds. Her face, seething in anger.

"In order to revive this country's god, they're going to use her as a sacrificial pawn."

No one said a word, as they came to the same conclusion as well. Reactions were mixed with sadness or anger.

"I don't like this." Gajeel stated, veins on his head beginning to appear and bulge.

Rogue closed his eyes and sighed deeply. He looked up at everyone. "So, what would Fairy Tail do in this situation then?" He asked before looking at Sting. The Sabertooth master gave a smirk and clenched a fist.

Carla took a deep breath and transformed into her human form. Juvia took off her hat and clenched it tightly. Lucy tied the back of her hair into a ponytail. Gray took off his jacket and threw it away, letting the wind carry it. Happy nodded his head and flew up, adjusting his backpack. Erza dropped her sword as it vanished before turning around and walking towards Natsu. She reached out to him and the pinkette looked up. He firmly grabbed it and was pulled up. Natsu looked down and saw the plastic wings and halo that fell off of him. He proceeded to crush them both with his foot.

"We're through, following their rules." Natsu stated.

The rest of the group proceeded to remove their disguises as they either tossed them or destroyed them.

Jellal looked at his hand which was still holding the plastic. He looked up at the Fairy Tail wizards. "If we're doing this, then you must know the risks and consequences right?" He double checked as he dropped his disguise.

"I don't care." Erza said, looking at the town ahead. "They made a mockery and an enemy of the one guild they shouldn't have angered. We'll find our own way to protect the lives of the civilians here after this."

Jellal saw everyone else looking ahead at the town as he sighed and smirked. "Guess a war was unavoidable then?"

"No." Erza replied, looking directly at the castle now. "Fiore won't have another war, this is going to be one between us and the Tenhei."

The clouds below them flashed brightly as thunder boomed.

~~~Author's Notes~~~

It may sound like a selfish decision, but keep it mind: Edolas lost all their magic after Fairy Tail saved their guild from being turned into magic for that world. Plus it's stated multiple times in the series that they don't care if their enemy is evil or good, all that matters to them if they're an enemy of the guild or not. They just so happen to mainly come across villians.

As for Wendy. Trust me, in the older version she was *way* out of character. I made many notes and looked back to make sure it made sense for her to make this decision. Plus more will obviously be revealed later down the road. But if you still find it odd I totally understand, I'm not exactly perfect at this lol.

Thank you for reading, I'm probably gonna take a bit of a break. Maybe do one more chapter as I already have notes for it but we'll see. Have a good one!