Sky Maiden: Savior of Exahelm

Chapter 11: Wendy VS Natsu

The sun started to slowly drown itself as night fall came. The air was much colder this time, however no one around cared as there was something far more important.

"...Huh?" perplexed Carla, putting her hands on her hips. "You want to actually help those guys? The ones that kidnapped you?"

Wendy simply nodded.

"Uh Wendy, I hate to tell you this. But that isn't such a great idea." Gray said. He, Erza, Happy and Lucy joined up with the group.

"A-Aye. That god of there's is bad news..." Happy explained.

"Besides, it's not your responsibility, child." Carla sighed. Wendy looked down again and gave out a long sigh. "I know." Was all she said, not giving them direct eye contact and twiddling her thumbs.

"Ok now you're making no sense Wendy." Natsu doubted, rubbing the back of his head. The entire time Erza was watching Wendy closely, trying to notice anything off. However she looked like the Wendy they all knew...minus the messy hair.

"You see," Wendy started, she gave out a deep breath. "If their god dies, then this whole place. Will crumble. A lot of people would get hurt or even worse..."

"Woah, you serious?" Gray puzzled. Natsu then closed his eyes and gave out a deep sigh. He then plopped himself on the cloudy floor and sat cross legged.

"So you're saying you have no choice huh?" Natsu guessed. "Jeez, guess not everything is supposed to be easy for us huh." He chuckled.

"So you want us to call off the rescue then?" Erza asked.

"But what about that guy who asked for our help?" Lucy brought up.

"We only came here to rescue Wendy." Erza looked down. "This isn't our business technically, but if this is what Wendy wants we'll just have to wait until it's all over."

"I guess that's the best possible option..." Lucy sighed. "Best to avoid any unnecessary fighting."

"Well if you're gonna go back then I'm going with you." Carla huffed, looking disapproving of Wendy's choice. "I want to make sure those ruffians don't try anything funny.

"...no." Wendy said quietly.

"Hm? What did you say, child?"

Wendy grinded her teeth, looking down once more while everyone stared at her. She turned away and shook for a moment. Shortly after she turned back, facing everyone.

"I'm not coming back."

Silence. Reactions were met with confusion and worry. The first one to respond was Carla.

"W-what?! What're you saying?"

"I said" Wendy gave another deep breath. "I'm not coming back. I want to stay here."

"What's gotten into you, child?!" Carla stomped towards Wendy and put her hands on her shoulders. "You wanna stay here? The same place that did *this* to your hair?! How come?!" Carla pointed at the missing part of Wendy's hair. Wendy looked away again, her hair shadow once more blocking her eyes. "Look at me!" Carla growled.

Natsu sighed and got up, she patted Carla on the shoulder. "Natsu?" She looked up and saw Natsu's calm expression. She moved aside as Natsu bent down so he was face to face with Wendy.

"Come on Wendy, what's up?" He patted her head, trying to comfort her. Wendy looked up and saw Natsu's trademark smile. "You can trust us y'know?"

Wendy stared long and hard at Natsu. She always felt like things were going to be okay when Natsu acted like this. Someone who was always confident and willing to protect those around him. However, her eyes sank. Her body started to tremble.