~~~Author's Notes~~~
I have to admit, this chapter was one of the hardest to figure out. I had to fully rewrite it at one point because I was feeling dissatisfied with how it was before. But after all of that, I'm feeling pretty satisfied with the end result here. Hope you enjoy!
Hahlos wasn't sure how long he'd been out. The last thing he could remember was him falling from the sky. He tries to open his eyes, but a bright light makes it difficult to fully discern what was around him. All he could note through his blurry vision was that he is currently in a room surrounded by stone walls. He can hear the shuffling of someone, meaning he wasn't alone.
By the time Hahlos' vision comes to, he unconsciously pulls his upper body up while rubbing his head. He notices bandages wrapped around his body, the spots where he could feel burnt marks on. His wings were not present, realizing that they must've gotten scorched through the flames. He scans the location he currently resides in and finds the structure of this building familiar. The angel then spots three others resting in other beds, as well as an older woman with a red cloak and pink hair. The woman appears to be injecting something inside one of the three laying down.
"I see you've came to." The woman remarks, turning her head towards him. "I would recommend laying back down, your injuries have not yet healed."
Hahlos groans weakly, his body still aching. "...Where am I?"
"You're in the Fairy Tail infirmary. I was requested to operate on all four of you." Polyushka informs.
"All…four…?" Hahlos gets a better look at the other patients. He spots Wendy, the dark pink haired girl and the Exceed that had saved him. He focuses on Carla, the memories of what happened earlier coming back to his mind.
"Cari- No…it's that Exceed girl…" Hahlos thought.
He shakes his head and glances over to Wendy, who was clearly breathing. Hahlos puts the pieces together immediately.
"That's right…I remember now. Then that means Izanagi now is…"
The tall angel's train of thought was cut short as he could overhear people speaking on the other side of the door. The tone of their voices sounded like an argument was brewing. Hahlos recognizes several of the voices coming from outside.
"Well? I'm waiting for an answer." Stark badgers, still seated and glaring at the Fairy Tail wizards.
Natsu steps forward, raising a fist at the slender angel. "You're seriously saying this was all our fault?! You punks were the ones who kidnapped our friend and caused a lot of pain to her!"
Stark shrugs. "You're correct about that. The *Tenhei* are responsible on that front. But surely you're not blaming *all* of the people of Exahelm, are you?" He argues.
Natsu's left eye twitches, grinding his teeth in frustration.
Stark groans and abruptly stands up. "The people are currently mourning the loss of their home. Our god is now considered missing, more than likely dead, and now they have to adapt to a new land. Do you honestly think you all can get away with what you've done?" He scorns, counting his fingers.
The atmosphere was beginning to get heavy. Various people grew more angry while some showed signs of great concern. Lucy in particular, staring at the floor, her hair shadow casting over her face. Noticing this, Erza was the next to approach the angel.
"When we first arrived in Exahelm, we were told of a story you've made up. One leaving out the details of Wendy's kidnapping." Erza notes, crossing her arms and squinting her eyes in disapproval. "Your people were lied to. Plus, you yourself placed them in grave danger by allowing them to fight back and use magic. You cannot place the blame solely on us."
Despite the push back Stark was receiving, the angel shows no sign of flinching or backing down.
"Don't you think I know that?" Stark challenges, pointing at himself. "I know I screwed up, that's why I lost my title to begin with. I personally went to my fellow angels and directly owned up. And I plan on doing *plenty* more to make up for what I did."
"As for the first part, Hahlos too directly owned up. Just like me, he went to our people and not only apologized but admitted the whole truth. I had a feeling he knew Izanagi didn't have much time left." Stark continues, pointing at the humans. "I suppose you were the ones responsible for Izanagi's death then?"
Erza lowers her head. "...Unfortunately, we are. Even if none of us directly killed him, we are still responsible for the outcome."
"E-Erza!" Happy widens his eyes.
Stark shuts his eyes briefly and sighs. "My intuition was correct. Then it would be easy to assume that's why you blew up our home?"
Gray swings his arm in frustration, left eye twitching in anger. "It's not like that man! Your whole country could've crashed right where we're standing, putting many innocents in danger! We didn't have much of a choice!"
"So you were willing to put our people in danger, so the people down here wouldn't? I wonder how your perspective would change if the roles were reversed." Stark sneers, metaphorically twisting the knife.
"Why you!" Gray snaps.
"Starky! Stop it!" Sync demands, flying in front of him and blocking the humans. Her expression was an unusual anger. "You're going too far with this! You know all these guys wanted to do was to save their friend!"
Stark pauses, darting his eyes between Sync and the Fairy Tail wizards. He shuts his eyes and sighs deeply, adjusting his glasses. "Sync. Their intention doesn't make their actions forgivable."
Natsu once again approaches the two angels with a huff. His eyes were more focused rather than the glaring anger from before. He squeezed both his fists and spoke up.
"Listen, we at Fairy Tail have a rule around here. No matter what the reason, or the consequences that arise from it. If one would so much as mess with one of us, you mess with *all* of us. Because Fairy Tail is a family, and we would do what it takes to save our family!" Natsu recites, pointing at Stark.
Stark widens his eyes for a moment before snapping into more intense annoyance. He shoves Sync out of his way and butts heads with the fire mage.
"So because of that, our people get to lose everything?! You have some damn nerve trying to educate me! Don't you morons even understand what this is going to cause?!" Stark barks.
"We had no intention to destroy the country! But for the sake of our family we had no choice!" Natsu retorts.
"Natsu! Knock it off!"
Hearing an unexpected, but familiar voice, Natsu zips his head around and sees Lucy looking up at him with a sharp glare in her eye. Her outburst caused the whole guild to look over at the blonde.
"Lucy…?" Natsu falters.
Lucy places a palm on her chest and takes a deep breath. "I understand your feelings, everyone. But…he's right." She admits. "Think of how the civilians of Exahelm must feel…think of how Wendy could feel…"
Natsu darts his gaze towards the ground, lowering his brow and slacking his arms.
"Your name is…Stark, right?" Lucy turns her attention towards Stark. "I know what you mean. During this whole mission…I saw the fear in their eyes. Your people were confused…and frightened. Now with Exahelm and Izanagi gone…then their opinions on us could turn into…" She trails off, feeling a tightness in her heart.
Stark doesn't respond right away and just stares at the blonde. He adjusts his glasses and sighs, the light shine blocking his eyes from their perspective. "...For centuries, we at Exahelm had an immense fear and distrust of Earthland. Due to the nature of your society and magic. With Exahelm and Izanagi gone, you humans had only justified that fear and distrust. I assume you all know what that could mean?"
A deafening silence once again fills the room. The answer was clear, but no one wanted to say it out loud. However, one person does just that.
Swinging the infirmary door open, was Hahlos. He was still covered in wrappings and had bags under his eyes. But he was able to walk as he stepped out of the room. He quickly is the center of the attention of the entire guild.
"Big bro! You're awake!" Sync beams.
"Hey! What did I just tell you?!" Polyushka badgers the angel. Though she makes no attempt to stop him.
Hahlos stares at the Fairy Tail wizards. "...It means there is a real possibility angels will bear heavy hatred towards the human race. And possibly desire vengeance." He reveals.
Stark nods at the taller angel. "For once, we agree. Our people are still mourning, but soon enough they'll enter the anger phase. They would take their anger out on the race that invaded and destroyed their home. Not even we could prevent that."
Hahlos walks over and stands next to Stark. "Regardless of your reasoning, even if justified. Izanagi was still lost to us. Meaning many are now left without homes. Being forced to start anew in an environment believed to be dangerous. While we, the Tenhei, bear some responsibility for this outcome, you all too bear some responsibility." He finishes, his tone far more gentle then Stark's.
"I see…so there's a potential threat of war because of all of this…" Makarov sighs, puffing out a smoke.
"That is precisely why you cannot leave this alone. The people of Exahelm are currently rebuilding their new home, but things won't go back to normal naturally." Hahlos adds.
The Fairy Tail guild was left in uncertainty. Many are trying to rack their heads in figuring out a way to prevent any escalation. The weight of their actions finally slamming on their shoulders.
Although, there was one person.
"Then I'll confront the civilians on behalf of Fairy Tail. And not only apologize, but do what I can to make up for what happened." Lucy suggests firmly.
The three angels were caught off guard by the blonde's suggestion, unsure what she meant. The Fairy Tail wizards collectively turn their attention to Lucy with wide eyes.
"Lucy?!" Erza gasps.
"Are you serious?! Alone?!" Gray exclaims.
Lucy takes a deep breath. "Many people outside got involved, yes. But this was strictly a Fairy Tail issue. So the guild can take the full responsibility on the human's front. It's only a matter of time until that explosion in the sky gets reported on. Meaning eventually your people will be discovered by other humans. So Fairy Tail will fully admit and report on what happened, and I personally will directly apologize to your people." She fully explains her plan.
"H-hold on! Not everyone in Fairy Tail was involved! What if the Council demands the guild to get shut down?!" Happy objects.
"Yeah! And no way are you doing this alone!" Natsu also objects.
"You two should know as much as I do that Fairy Tail will never die!" Lucy snaps at the two, swinging her arm. "We're all still here and have each other! That's what a home is! No matter what, I'll still love this guild! But this is more than just our pride…if this keeps lingering on, then both humans and angels could be in danger from each other!"
Natsu and Happy retract. "Lucy…"
Erza approaches Lucy and places a hand on her shoulder with a smile. "You certainly know how to keep us in check. But you know this could affect everyone in the guild. Plus, you didn't even consult the master yet…"
Lucy turns her head towards the swordswoman and smiles back. "Fairy Tail always sticks together right?" She winks.
Makarov laughs loudly. "My my! Seems my children are growing up faster than I thought! Very well, I'll allow it! You have my permission to represent all of Fairy Tail, Lucy."
"Thank you, master!" Lucy bows.
The three angels watch the humans chat amongst themselves, Stark in particular scratching his forehead in confusion.
"Does she believe she can pull it off? She must be very arrogant…" Stark sighs.
"Well, she calmed me down before! I believe in her!" Sync beams.
Hahlos lightly chuckles, folding his arms behind his back respectfully. "You have a strong will, Luigi. We'll place our faith in you then."
Lucy abruptly snaps her head towards Hahlos. "My name is *Lucy!*" She exclaims comically.
"I do still have one objection. I cannot allow you to shoulder this alone. Me, Natsu and Gray will accompany you to where the angels are." Erza demands.
Gray then approaches the group, standing by Natsu. "It is only fair, we are the ones who went up against Izanagi after all." Gray makes mention, rubbing the back of his neck.
Natsu wraps Lucy around the head and pulls her towards him, the blonde yelping. "Yeah! No way I'm letting you go solo on this!"
"Are…you all sure about this?" Jellal hesitates.
Erza raises a palm towards Jellal. "You needn't worry. While not intentional, we are still responsible for Izanagi's passing, therefore the country falling."
Stark stares at the four wizards and adjusts his glasses. "Very well. We'll let you four represent this guild of yours. Do not disappoint us."
Hahlos clears his throat. "Then you should know where our people currently reside. You'll find an area covered in greenery northwest from here. They are building their homes as we speak, the former Tenhei assisting them. All of us plan on giving as much back to them to make up for our faults."
"Filled with greenery…you mean a forest, right?" Jellal holds his chin. "And the one northwest from here…why does that sound familiar…?" He ponders.
"Now then…" Stark begins as he covers his nose. "We should take our leave. I'm starting to get sick of this stench of alcohol. You can walk, Hahlos?"
"Don't worry, I can. Although, I need to do one more thing." Hahlos said, taking a few steps forward.
The Fairy Tail members all turn their attention back towards Hahlos. The angel stood tall and his eyes incredibly focused, showing no sign of looking away.
"I need to fill my end of responsibility." Hahlos states. "Please, hear what I have to say…people of Fairy Tail!"
Hahlos proceeds to lower himself on his knees, placing both palms on the wooden floor and lowering his head.
"I had attacked many of you and your home. I had kidnapped young Wendy against her will. We caused much pain and sorrow to her. And I nearly stole her life…" Hahlos recites, his voice sounding heavy.
The guild members were silent, all listening to Hahlos. Their expressions soften.
"On behalf of the Tenhei…I cannot apologize enough for what we've done. I feel nothing but regret and I truly desire for her wellbeing. I'm sure everyone in Exahelm feels the same." Hahlos apologizes, head still lowered and voice filled with sorrow.
"I-I'm sorry too!" Sync stutters, sloppily kneeling down. Her scythe slipping off her back and landing on the ground, making a clunking noise. "Wendy wanted to be my friend but I…I deceived her! I feel awful!" She blubbers.
Stark doesn't budge or say a word. He simply stands beside the two kneeling angels, his eyes narrowing away from the group.
Several Fairy Tail members softly smile at the angels, feeling the regret and genuine tone of their voices. Erza sighs and slowly walks over to Hahlos. She gives a friendly grin and bends her knees downward, offering a hand to the tall angel.
"Raise your head, Hahlos." Erza offers.
Hahlos flinches and slowly lifts his head. He and Erza exchange eye contact. The angel caught off guard in Erza's soft expression. He shakily lifts his right arm.
Hahlos' eyes then flash blue.
Erza grips the top of the angel's head tightly. Her face instantly twisted to fury.
"AS IF WE'LL EVER FORGIVE SCUM LIKE YOU!" Erza roars. She slams Hahlos' face on the stone wall, the impact strong enough to send him crashing through the streets outside.
Sync and Stark watch in utter horror while the Fairy Tail members' expressions hardly shift. Natsu and Gray in particular snickering amongst themselves, as if they expected this to happen. While Lucy covers her face with one hand and exhales loudly.
"Why am I not surprised…?" Lucy asks herself.
Hahlos lays his back on the rough ground, aching in pain. He shakily lifts his head and witnesses Erza's glowing red eyes behind a field of dust. The swordswoman emerges from the hole in the wall she created, her elegant hair blowing through the wind. She stomps over towards the angel as he was too frozen in fear. Erza's face was covered in shadow, only her fierce eyes showing from Hahlos' perspective.
Erza swings her left arm and flexes it in front of Hahlos. "Look upon this mark!" She commands, showing her green Fairy Tail mark, her voice dripping with venom. "This is the symbol of our guild! But it's also a symbol of our undying loyalty and friendship! Having this mark represents our strong family bond!" She proceeds to grip Hahlos' collar tightly, scowling at the angel. "And you had one of our own erase that mark…that alone is *unforgivable*!"
Stark instinctively narrows his eyes away, sweating profusely. He was suddenly behind Sync.
"...Is anyone going to stop this?" Jellal questions.
"Give it a second." Happy suggests.
Erza proceeds to lift Hahlos up back on his feet with little effort. "And to think you have the *nerve* to lecture us on responsibility!" She lifts a clenched fist upward.
Hahlos closes his eyes, accepting his fate. But quickly realizes that his eyes aren't flashing blue. He slowly opens them and sees Erza dusting his shoulders off with her hand. She releases the angel from her grip and takes a step back.
"If you're going to apologize, you're talking to the wrong person." Erza states, crossing her arms.
Gray smirks, placing his hand on his hips. "Yeah. If you wanna apologize, you need to tell Wendy that and *only* her." He comments, glancing over at Stark. "All of you."
"You guys will continue to be seen as our enemy unless Wendy forgives you. It's as simple as that." Natsu remarks.
Sync was still visibly shaken, but Lucy approaches the small angel and places a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We really do appreciate the help some of you gave, as well as your apologies. But we can't decide on our friend's feelings." Lucy explains with a friendly grin.
As Hahlos collects his senses, he lowers his head and exhales deeply. His cheeks then puff up, struggling to keep it in. The angel bursts into laughter, lifting his head back up.
"Big bro…?" Sync tilts her head, not used to Hahlos being this expressive.
Hahlos' laughter slowly ceases, his eyes meeting back with Erza's. "You're right, Erza Scarlet." He agrees, placing a palm on his chest and lightly bowing. "Very well. We will return back here in the near future to give Wendy the apology she deserves."
"Tch. So I have to come back to this dump then…" Stark rolls his eyes.
Sync turns to Lucy and pumps her hands. "Wendy is going to be better soon, right? Right?"
"Of course, I promise." Lucy giggles.
"Well then, we'll see you all again soon." Hahlos announces.
Just like that, the three angels made their leave. Sync was walking backwards, waving excitedly at the humans before turning around and fluttering by the now two flightless angels. The humans watch the three walk off while the sun begins to fully set.
Erza smiles and faces her fellow guildmates. "Now then. We should get some rest, as we'll have one more important task to take care of tomorrow."
Natsu, Gray and Lucy all nod.
"You better get that hole fixed up first!" Makarov barks.