Hi! Wow, this took longer than I thought...honestly this semester has been crazy. I barely got in enough time to sit down and even try to plan the arc. Besides that, I think it's just a usual case of writer's block getting in the way. Now I'm back though and since things settled down a bit, I'll try to get more work done on the story.

Anyway, to those of you who kept up with the story so far, this chapter should serve to clear things up about an event from the last arc. Specifically what happened in chapter 28. Without further ado, let's begin!


''I am so glad you guys took that job! The flower festival was amazing,'' Lucy smiled, her eyes sparkling at the memories of the event two days ago.

A good number of their guild had gone to Wisteria City flower festival with Erza and Juvia's recommendation. The common consensus was that it was a great event. There were games, activities and plenty of attractions.

Over all, they'd had loads of fun and it was a nice change of pace and a brilliant break for them.

''It really was.'' Wendy agreed with a smile. ''Those flowers were so pretty! I'd really like to go and see the festival again.''

''Then we'll just have to go and do that.'' Erza stated, making them happily agree.


''I don't know why they're so eager to go...'' Natsu rolled his eyes, having heard the exchange. ''...it wasn't all that great.''

''Oh, don't be such a kill joy, it was a lot of fun.'' Lisanna stated. ''Besides, you were definitely singing a different turn with all the games you played back there.''

''Not to mention how much you pigged out, which by the way we so wanted to see.'' The sarcasm in Gray's voice wasn't lost on anyone.

''I think it's more like Natsu just wouldn't have all that fun if it didn't involve fighting.'' Cana stated.

''I didn't say that!'' He protested.

''So if we do go again, would you?'' Hope asked.

Natsu threw Cana a peeved look before responding ''I guess I would...''

''I think we should all go again, it was really nice.'' Rebecca beamed.


''Things are getting pretty tense around Magnolia...'' Max remarked.

Warren raised an eye ''Of course, didn't you hear? There's been rumors about monster sightings spreading all over.''

''Monsters? Wouldn't we have found any sign or something? It's probably just baseless talk...''

''I don't know...someone must have found proof or people wouldn't be this worried.'' Warren said reasonably.

''Don't be so unmanly, Max!'' The two started at the shout and turned to find Elfman standing behind them.

The sand wizard raised an eye ''What're you on about? I'm just being sensible. There's no proof.''

''I'm saying it's unmanly to be so careless when the people are clearly worried.'' He elaborated. ''Besides, there was proof! Me and Lisanna beat up a huge lizard on our way back here.''

''Eh?'' Max raised an eye. ''Then...''

''It is true.'' Makarov walked over. ''The mayor filled me in on the sightings. He wants help dealing with the monsters.''


With that, the present members spread out around the area to get to the bottom of this. Things seemed relatively quiet until Endymion spotted a lizard like monster disappearing not too far from Fairy Hills. He had enough time to find that its tracks disappeared somewhere in the midst of the forest. Strangely enough, it was like someone had taken it away.

He didn't get much to think about it though as he soon found that the trouble was far from over...


Magnolia soon fell into chaos as people were beginning to realize just how true the talk of monster sightings was. The few people near one of the town's entrances were running away in a panic as a were-tiger thrashed around everywhere.

''This way!'' Carla called to Elfman, Evergreen and Cana as she lead the three towards the beast. Endymion had spotted the beast minutes ago and immediately made to warn everyone. However since his telepathy's range was short, the phoenix had to send the news out differently. He had asked her to lead the friends they could find to deal with the monster and stayed near the cathedral to see if there were more monsters.

''You mean that's the kind of thing that started the rumors? How the heck did they get away with barely anyone seeing them till now?'' Cana wondered.

''Good question but wrong time.'' Evergreen pointed out before casting ''Fairy Bomb: Leprechaun!''

The explosive fairy dust spell knocked the beast back, bringing its attention to the group of four.

''That's better...'' Cana grabbed three cards, thinking that if they at least had its attention, less people would be hurt. She threw the cards before a blast of lightning descended to strike the were-tiger.

''Take-Over: Beast King!'' Elfman transformed and punched the beast's jaw before again grabbing its head and slamming it on the ground.

Evergreen followed up ''Fairy Bomb: Gremlin!''

Seeing that the were-tiger was apparently down and out, Cana threw a pair of cards that conjured a set of stones that fell around the beast in a makeshift prison of sorts. ''That's that.''


Similarly, the members of Fairy tail were left dealing with any trouble around Magnolia. Be it fighting monsters or making sure the townspeople were all right.

In another part of town...

''Gravity rest!'' Victor sent a huge hyena like monster in the area.

''Perfect! Baryon Formation!'' Bickslow smirked as the beams shot the monster down. He spoke after they were sure it was down for the count. ''So, what do we do about this?''

''Well, I think the best choice...'' Freed began creating runes around it. ''...would be to trap them until we know just where and why they're coming.''

''Sounds good! Let's keep it up then.''


''Hey, Endymion, anything else?'' Natsu called, he, Erza and Happy had remained to await any news.

''Hmm...'' The phoenix trailed off. ''...wait, there's one coming to the forest now...'' He blinked, noticing the numerous tracks that came from the monster's direction. What did that mean? ''...strange...''

'You think there's more coming?' Hope asked.

''Maybe, it's time to find out.'' Endymion descended to his friends' level.

As it turned out, more monsters had already arrived by the time they made it. When they reached the forest, it was to find Lily throwing a massive leopard with a forked tail away, Mira blasting another one with a dark beam and Gajeel blocking a punch from a vulcan. Henry threw a small grenade at it before Rebecca sent it reeling with a crystal sphere. A dark skinned man appeared to be watching them fight.

Endymion swooped down in time to knock out the black gecko like monster that was about to step in the battle with a big shining blast.

''Oh, figures you all came here if Goldie's with you...'' Gajeel paused.

''Having trouble, Gajeel?'' Natsu smirked.

''You wish, Salamander. Just a sec, Iron Dragon's Roar!'' And with that, the vulcan was sent crashing into a tree.


Erza spoke once the fighting was over ''So what're you all doing here?''

''Apparently, the first sightings were centered around this area. Specifically the valley just beyond here, we agreed it might be worth looking into.'' Rebecca explained.

''Well, this is interesting...'' The dark skinned man observed Endymion closely. ''...I never heard of Fairy Tail having a phoenix in their ranks.''

Endymion cocked his head ''And you are?''

''Ah, sorry. My name's Peter, I've been working on figuring this monster issue out.''

''Then, do you know anything about this?''

''Never mind that now. Anyway, the talk about the sighting is true. We're pretty close, it would help tide the situation over.''


As the group headed to the valley...

Henry made sure Peter was out of earshot before he spoke ''...Are you guys sure he can help?''

''Hard to say, we just ran into him by chance.'' Lily replied. ''Why do you ask?''

''I just can't shake the feeling that something's off...'' Also, Henry thought Peter seemed familiar but he wasn't sure where he had seen him. He was sure they hadn't met for one thing...

''Well, it is irritating that he insists on not giving us any answers.'' Erza stated, referencing how Peter more or less managed to avoid answering most of their questions.

''It's weird too. If he did want to help, shouldn't he share his information?'' Hope noted.

''Aye, something's fishy and not in a good way.'' Happy remarked.

''Something's familiar about this guy...'' Gajeel's statement made Henry look at him in surprise.

''You think so too? I just can't work out where I've seen him.''

''Same, not to mention his scent...''

''Well, I think we should just play along. Let's deal with whatever comes accordingly.'' Mira suggested to the group. Everyone agreed before hurrying their pace to keep up.


Rebecca squinted as she took in the sight of the valley before their eyes ''Is that it?''

''Yeah, that's where the monsters started appearing.'' Peter confirmed. ''Plenty found their way to...'' He blinked and raised an eye, noticing a figure near their destination.

Natsu's brow furrowed as he caught a strange scent. It reminded him of something...

He soon realized it was coming from the same figure they were coming to face. A figure belonging to someone they had seen before...

''You!'' Aforementioned person exclaimed.

''What're you doing here?!'' Happy asked while the rest of his present team stared in surprise.

It was Gregor.

''That's my line, you brats!'' The giant exclaimed.

''You guys actually know a giant?'' Rebecca clarified.

''He's just a childish brute, what I'd like to know is why he's here.'' Erza admitted.

Gregor bristled at the insult ''What was that?! I'm not the one helping that low-life!''

Happy gave a bewildered look ''What're you...''

''Oh quit playing dumb! You know what I'm talking about!''

''No, we don't.'' Hope stated truthfully. ''You were acting like this last time too. Just what do you think we did anyway?''

''Well, let's see, how about helping that kidnapper?'' The giant growled, clearly believing that the boy was lying. ''That piece of trash has been taking all the creatures he could get his hands on to sell off. I would have wound up the same way if I hadn't escaped. I came to make him pay but since you're all working with him...''

Natsu turned to look at Peter, who he now noticed was keeping his distance from them. ''Working on figuring the problem out, huh? Yeah, right! You were just out to use us!''

The man grimaced, knowing it was all out in the open. ''I didn't think that brute found out...well, it doesn't matter. I'll just have to sort things out.''

''You're dead wrong if you think you can beat us!''

''We'll see!'' He fired back, glancing over at the cages beside Gregor. He raised an arm and one was flung open and large lizardman stepped out of it. Its eyes were glowing as it gave a menacing hiss.

''What the...'' Lily looked bewildered.

No one had much time to think about it because more of the cages monsters were breaking free in a matter of moments.

''What's going on?'' Happy demanded.

Mira frowned ''That's Marionette Attack magic, it explains how he captured so many monsters...''

''So what if you figured it out? You're still not going to win.'' Peter stated.

''Tough talk for a coward.'' Rebecca retorted.

''Yeah, you sure got cocky with all of them here.'' Henry agreed. ''No wonder he looks familiar, there's been a bunch of wanted posters up and about recently. Posters about the Scorpion Blade members who got to avoid capture by the Rune Knights, he was on one of them.''

''So that's why...he smells like the bunch we saw in that cave.'' Gajeel stated. Which likely meant Peter had been there too. They were completely busy with the mission, the bomb threat, Marius, Monica and Ronan that none of them could really remember much about the rest of the grunts.

Peter sneered ''I remember you bastards all too well...now go!'' He directed the monsters to strike.


A vulcan jumped and landed in front of Mira, having a fist held out. She jumped back before using her Satan Soul and kicking it. The eldest Strauss sibling proceeded to fly up, aiming an Evil Ray at Peter, only for him to stop the attack cold by directing two monsters to shield him.

She scowled ''You're despicable...''

''Yeah, you lousy creep, let them go!'' Rebecca snapped.

''Well, let's think...how about no?'' Peter drawled. ''Those monsters are mine. I'll do whatever I want with them and you can't do anything about it.''

This earned him a round of angered looks all around. They were disgusted that he would treat living beings in such a callous manner.

Erza's eyes narrowed dangerously ''...Everyone, please keep the monsters off my back. I'll deal with that bastard.''

''Can do.'' Henry agreed.

''You better kick his ass, Titania.'' Gajeel added. She nodded and sprinted towards their enemy, only to find a large lizard with a spiky mane in her way. Looking unfazed, the redhead prepared her sword only to stop a second later when the creature was blasted by a golden laser.

Surprised, Erza blinked and turned back towards her friends then noticing that Hope had his pistols aimed at the lizard. Nodding in thanks, she kept going.

A raptor-like creature with white scales and wings were layered with frost towered over Rebecca. Mira's path was obstructed by the vulcan she had struck (quickly forced back up by Peter's magic). A creature that resembled a viper with dark blue scales hissed at Natsu while a second vulcan, two plant monsters and a monster that looked like a huge weasel rounded off the rest of the enemies.

Gregor stared in wonder, having understood how wrong he'd been to just assume what he did. The group seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time...perhaps it was the other way around since they were actually looking to stop the monsters. The giant watched as the raptor shrieked and swooped down, only to just barely avoid slamming into Rebecca's crystal wall. The girl waved her hand and in a flash, the wall turned into crystal spears that shot towards the avian, which then proceeded to dodge. This left it vulnerable to the grenade Henry lobbed a second later. With another outcry, it shook off the impact and attacked again.

Hope jumped to avoid the lizard's sweeping tail and retaliated by shooting its back. The monster gave a pained hiss but lunged forward only to find its target gone. Hope's next bullet nailed it in the area between the eyes, leaving it disoriented and vulnerable to another bullet that exploded. Hope sent it into a wall with a fist created of solidified light.

The plant monsters tried to tackle Gajeel, only to be sent reeling when the dragon slayer activated his iron scales. He grabbed one of their vines that wound up near by before spinning it once and tossing the plant creature he ended up spinning into the other one and attacking again.

''Iron Dragon's roar!'' The vortex of wind laced with iron knocked them both down.

The viper made to bite Natsu only for him to try nailing it with a Fire Dragon's claw. It reared its head back just in time, however and lashed out with its tail. Natsu seemed unfazed as the appendage wrapped around him, the reason become clear when he set himself on fire. His opposition recoiled with a pained hiss, just barely avoiding Natsu's next strike. Natsu followed up with a Fire Dragon's Wing Attack before going on to knock it out with a Fire Dragon's Sword Edge.

Peter recoiled at the sight of the monsters losing, even as he made them get up with his magic. He directed the weasel to block Erza's path as he made to grab a broken off piece from one of the cages to use as a weapon.

The man grit his teeth, seeing just how his plans were falling apart. Refusing to admit defeat, he still persisted and went to grab a bar from one of the broken cages to use as a weapon.

''Get up, now!'' He cried, looking at the monsters again.

''Guys, can you get them to come together?'' Hope asked the group.

''Sure...'' Natsu responded.

''You got some idea, Bird boy?'' Gajeel added, to which the teen replied positively. ''In that case, Iron Dragon's Sword!''

The transformed blade almost hit one monster but it jumped back to dodge, though Gajeel didn't seem to mind one bit. Catching on to the tactic, Mira flew and unleashed magic blasts at their enemies, who scrambled to dodge and counter. Natsu followed suit and forced the rest back with his flames.

Hope took the opportunity at once ''Aegis!'' He cast, trapping all the surrounded monsters with the powerful shield of light.

Erza smirked, the monster she fought was knocked out behind her ''Well done, now...''

She was startled when Happy flew in to lift her up seconds later ''Happy, what're you doing?''

''Look!'' He pointed down where a giant figure stood, his fist dangerously close to where she was just now.

''What the heck are you doing?!'' Natsu demanded as they all stared at Gregor.

Rebecca grimaced ''Did you forget about that creep's magic, Natsu? He can't help it.''

Peter smirked, now more confident with this move ''He thought that armor of his was supposed to negate my magic. He made it so easy, the idiot...''

''Well, we beat him once, we'll just do it again.'' Natsu raised a fist which was then surrounded with flames. ''Fire Dragon's Wing Attack!''

Gregor averted the worst of the spell by lifting his arms, thanks to his gauntlets. The giant then lifted a boulder and swung it in a half-circle, forcing those nearby to get away and dodge. He tossed the boulder at Gajeel, who turned his arm to a sword and sliced the boulder.

''Sheesh, that big lug was talking about getting even and this is what happens? He really is an idiot...'' He grunted, grimacing as Hope attempted to freeze the giant, only for Peter to forcefully break him free with his magic.

''No point complaining now, we'll have to subdue him.'' Henry stated, both jumped away to dodge Gregor's oncoming fist. He threw a small sphere that burst upon touching Gregor, revealing a net that knocked the surprised giant off balance as he began to struggle to break free. He was forced to stop as Natsu attacked next and went back to defend himself.

Peter grit his teeth ''What're you doing? Move!''

Happy swooped down, letting Erza go as they got closer to Gregor. This turned out to be planned when Erza re-equipped a hammer which she proceeded to ram against the now thrashing giant. The shockwave this caused as his armor was hit made Gregor recoil, stumbling back. He was then struck by a sphere of darkness and a crystal lance, courtesy of Mira and Rebecca before Gajeel sliced his armor with his iron sword. Mira followed up with a strong magic enhanced kick to his chest. The consecutive blows seemed to do the trick, for Gregor crashed into a wall and didn't move.

''W-what...'' Peter stumbled, realizing too late that he was practically out of magic. Deeming his enemies too distracted to notice, he proceeded to run.

That idea was quickly put to a halt by Panther Lily, who had flew in to block his path. ''You're not going anywhere.''

Gritting his teeth, the former Scorpion Blade member noted his enemies coming to surround him. He still tried to think of a way out of this predicament, too stubborn to see his loss. He noticed a jagged piece of rock nearby and grabbed it, tossing it at Lily then. The surprised exceed flew up to dodge, leaving the man with enough space to jump back and go for the one who had intrigued him the most out of the group.

''I don't know what kind of magic that form was but it's damn interesting...I'll have to find out.'' He declared, grabbing a miniature smoke ball from his pocket.

He froze a second later, when his intended target was gone only to reappear behind him.

Hope's eyes narrowed as he leveled a pistol on the man's back, having boosted his speed with magic to sneak up on their adversary.

''You're not getting the chance. It's over.''


Upon returning to Magnolia, the group was quick to learn that the rest of the monsters were taken care of. Henry, Lily and Gajeel decided to see to Peter's arrest on their own, not wanting to take any chances. They went to set everything up with the mayor and make sure everyone would know that the trouble was over while the rest met up with their comrades to clear things up.

''I can't believe you ran into that oaf again.'' Carla admitted. ''The way he acted that day makes so much sense now...''

''Yeah, speaking of, where is he?'' Gray cocked his head.

''He went back on his way home.'' Happy replied. ''Apparently, that's where he was going to begin with but then he changed after finding out about that creep. It just wound up making things harder though...''

''True but to be fair, no one could have seen that.'' Erza stated. ''He wasn't too bad at the end. He did apologize and thank us after all.

''I have to admit, it feels really satisfying to wrap things up.'' Rebecca remarked.

''You can say that again!'' Natsu agreed with a grin.

''I couldn't agree more. It's about time that scoundrel paid for his crimes.'' Erza nodded.

''Yeah! Protecting the town from monsters was Manly!'' Elfman declared. The sound of a growl made the three stop before Natsu found the source, noticing Happy keeping a hand on his stomach.

''I'm hungry...'' The blue exceed stated. ''...I completely forgot, this whole attack started when we were going for lunch. Can we eat now?''

Lucy hummed ''Good idea, I'm getting hungry too.''

''Then how about we go to your place?'' Natsu suggested.

''No way!'' She protested at once. ''You'll just wreck it again!''

''Lucy's stingy...'' Happy started.

''...and mean.'' Natsu finished, nodding, elicting a glare from the blonde.

Endymion acted before this could go any further 'Can we not start this again?'

''Yeah, let's not fight. I'll fix dinner up at the guild.'' Mira offered, to cheers and relief.

''I'll help, Mira-san.'' Hope added.

''Ara, thank you.'' She beamed.

''This'll be great, Nee-chan's cooking is the best!'' Elfman stated.

Rebecca half-smiled ''I'm thinking maybe you're a little biased here, Elfman.''

''No, it's true!''

''I'd have to agree there. We're in for a real treat, those two are the best cooks in the guild.'' Gray stated.

Lucy perked up ''That sounds great!''

''Yeah! Let's hurry and get back, I'm all fired up to eat!'' Natsu declared.


And we're done!

I did plan on making this a chapter about the flower festival but then I remembered this idea and I was able to fit it better so I'll be using the festival in the sequel.

I have to admit, what I'm looking forward to finishing is the next chapter, it's a plan that I've had for a long time and I really like it. I thought this arc would be the best place for it. Not to mention it would be chapter 50, I'm getting to a major milestone.

I honestly didn't think I'd make it this far with this story, since there were some points in time where I almost chose to abandon this story. But I guess I'm just too stubborn to do it after all, so now I'll just keep working to make the story the best it can be. As usual thanks to everyone who read my work. I hope you could keep it up and leave a review if you please.