What was a massive mobilization went afoot on towards Lamia Scale's location. Their base camp was half a day's walk, so according to their trajectory – or rather thanks to Hibiki's – they should reach the camp by nightfall. Blue Pegasus and Fairy Tail maneuvered through the open woods as they began to venture into more rigorous terrain, to many and their mixed dismay.

It became a ragged terrain with numbers of clearings, but every now and again the wildlife would have one or two dead plants with infestation ripe for insectivores. Of course this left Lucy with insecurities.

Said blonde shivered up and down with chills. "Geez, this is creepy enough as it is. Are we really gonna fight shields?"

"Quit being such a baby about it. It's not like it's the end of the world." Gray said. "Besides, we got Magic on our side. Plus we got a Wizard Saint backing us up. We'll have that shield knocked down in no time."

"Oh darling, if only you knocked down your own shields to let me through into your arms!" Juvia cooed as her eyes had hearts.

Natsu kept his confidence high. "Aw yeah, this is gonna be fun! We're gonna send those big bad shields into oblivion. I'll toast them until they melt." His cockiness was notable, but at the same time his bravery was clear as day. Erza smiled as she walked beside Natsu, hearing his proclamation.

The Requip Mage had confidence in her own state of mind. She nodded in agreement. "Yes, Fiore will not show these scoundrels any mercy for hurting our allies."

Natsu then grew despondent. "Still say I can take them on myself…"

Erza shook her head in disbelief. "Oh geez."

The Trimens all scrunched up and had dazzling looks in their space. They struck poses for Lucy as she walked, or sulked, along her way towards the camp grounds. The Trimens were looking right at Lucy.

"So, when we get to the camp, let's say you have us serve your dinner." Hibiki advised.

Ren looked away, his coy attitude jolting. "It's not like we're helping a fellow lady out of the kindness in our hearts."

"We'll be happy to find and serve the most eloquent of cuisines for you." Eve wooed. "And perhaps if you want dessert…"

Lucy sweat dropped and did not make eye contact. "Gee, thanks guys for being so considerate. I'll let you know when I need help." Of course the blonde had produced an overwhelming sarcasm to alleviate her proximity violation and get them off her back. To her relief, the Trimens brushed pass her and left her be so that they can fall prey to the charms of many women among the alliance. 'Loyalty isn't really their thing, is it.'

Ichiya was among the many in the lead. He stylishly pointed out ahead. "Sniff, sniff! I smell the array of parfumes ahead of us! We are on the right track! Ma~n!"

It was an odd feeling of having Blue Pegasus and Fairy Tail joining up, and it wasn't like they were gonna be this cozy or social. This was a march towards battle, and they may as well give each other the respect they deserved. However, the usual quintessence of all things inhumane and scornful was another story entirely.

Craig was walking along the sides, keeping his eyes forward. His strides weren't calm, but they weren't ravaged either. His presence was something that left an actual radius that people walked around. The allies all around could feel his grotesque force from the distance, which was something they dared not to provoke. They all circle pass Craig as he trudged ahead, disinterested in the confines of his own space.

His steps weren't like the others, they were more flat, with thuds. He was indeed throwing the usual mood with a primal walk of ancient tyranny to enforce his space. He trudged on, not looking forward to what shall fall before him and the others.

Not far ahead of him, Cana was making her own strides. She snuck a booze bottle, maybe two – three around average – and sipped herself of worry, cleansing whatever stress was gonna fall onto her. Her brown hair fell down her back and shoulders as it helped keep the sunlight from making her feel hot. It was still heated given the circumstances of the heat wave that had passed on not too long ago, but her attire was getting quite a few looks from Blue Pegasus men. While many did find it 'under the weather', many more found it quite provocative, giving them blissful and certain thoughts…until they realized Craig was close behind, his presence choking and snatching the thoughts away.

Seeing everybody rush a little, Cana looked over her shoulder, a despondent gaze set on Craig. "Say, you're more of a slug than I am when I'm on a hangover. Get your butt up here why don't ya."

Craig showed his sharp teeth and sniped a growl, making many guild members nearby jump. "Don't push me, ya nagging beast."

"This is an ally force, so aren't I an ally?"

"No." He deadpanned.

"Too bad, you and I will just have to suck it up. If the Master has us assigned in a unit then so be it. Just try and stay out of my way, got it?" Cana turned her head back ahead, rolling her eyes. "God knows I can't look back at that expression forever."

"You're right. You'll spontaneously combust from being pissed too much. Wait, too late."

Cana groaned. "You are the biggest jerk in history." She chimed snobbishly.

"I can neither confirm or deny your annoyance, Brownie."

Cana groaned and grew a tick mark.

"Correction, I confirm you're annoyed. Now all that's left is waiting on that spontaneous combust…"

Cana's tick mark expanded and contrast greatly. "Sorry Cranky, I ain't setting ablaze anything today."

Craig shrugged. "You never know what can happen in just a few short hours."

Cana just picked up her pace to get away from Craig. He hasn't changed a bit. Still mean, bickering to no end, and lashing out at everyone. Just what everybody needed, someone to emotionally shatter their morale.

"It's about time you got here! Why I should spin you all for making me wait!" Lamia Scale's Guild Master was Obaba, and she was as loud as she was wise, to her that is. Her hands spun in loops to no end.

"Hello, Obaba." Makarov sighed, sitting cross-legged with a serving of food in front of him. He, Obaba, and Bob were around a campfire and were catching up and being given the run-down on the scenario and battle plans. They had the big tents behind them, and dispatched all around them were other campfires with tents and guild members all hanging around. At least three hundred people were present and gobbled down on some various meats

Bob had a plate of meat in his hands. "My, quite the gathering we have here, don't we?"

"Yes, even with so much numbers, I say with Fairy Tail and Blue Pegasus joining the fray, we can't fail." Makarov's tone was absolute and stern, as though he knew the outcome before the battle begun.

"You foolish old dolt, you haven't even seen what they can do!" Obaba barked. "They had us on the run for crying out loud!" Her gaze cascaded down towards the fire, her blank eyes staring at the flickering flames. A little pause passed before she spoke again, her tone calmer.

"You won't believe the sheer numbering they have. It's thousands. Though they have little Magic, their numbers and massive shield took a toll big time. Jura and the other guild members barely got through that shield with an all-out combination attack. The whole fight and tactic drained all Magic, leaving us in a humiliating retreat." Her hands looped faster than before. "I should've spun them harder!" She yelled to the skies in rage. Her body began spinning in place and made her look like a top. "I'll spin them all!"

Bob frowned. "She may be right. It would take more than a Jupiter Cannon the way she makes it sound."

Makarov closed his eyes and looked stressed. His face contorted as he pondered. "Guess we'll have to wait and see when we get there tomorrow. We'll make an attack plan as soon as we can first thing in the morning." He perked up some, showing spirit. "For now, let's make the benefit of this gathering count!"

"I agree. There's plenty to go around." Bob smiled.

All along the campsite, many guild members were easy among the others. The Trimens were pushing their buttons with every woman they could get into arms' reach, though this only either left the recipients uncomfortable or nervously grateful.

Lyon stuffed a steak into his mouth after heating it along the fire. Gray turned towards him, his shirt being off for hours. "Hey man, you've seen better days, that's for sure."

"That's a weak understatement." Lyon replied, setting the plate down between his legs. "Though your humor is as cold as your Magic."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"See that you do."

Gray looked away and towards the fire. While he and Lyon were acquainted being trained by the same master that was Ur, they never really saw eye to eye. Rivalry does lead to some awkward moments, but Gray knew better than to push Lyon's buttons after suffering a consequential retreat.

"Look, I'm sorry for what you and your guild went through." He finally said, lightening up for Lyon's sake. "But we're here to send these guys packing. One way or another, we'll shut them down."

Lyon grinned. "I appreciate the sentiment, Gray. Although it's best to save the chatting until after we advance tomorrow. We have already initiated a battle plan."

Gray snickered. "Guess you'll have to fill me in on it tomorrow then."

Sitting in front of another tent and campfire, Natsu had a pile of meat on his side. "Aw man, this is good!" He muffled as he filled up his belly with every voracious swallow. The more he ate, the more nearby members were concerned for their food supply for the next day or so, otherwise they could lose it to the bottomless pit.

Erza sat on the other end of the campfire, preferring to not have her armor stained with flying meat. She was much more proper with her dishes than Natsu was, but she didn't mind the enthusiasm he had into the thrill of battle. She had to admit that she too was excited for battle, an urge she cannot resist.

She took a few peeks at some points to see Natsu just staring at the fire and eating at the same time. It was one of his more serious thinking moments. It wasn't often she saw this, but it was amicable knowing that he was gonna be taking the matter seriously. She smiled as she continued with her meal while noting Natsu nearby.

Elsewhere, around his own fire, Craig had a three-foot rack of ribs hanging from the stick and being turned constantly to keep it heated above the fire. His gaze was towards the flickering flames as well, albeit less intense and more out of irritation.

The more he looked around, the more intense his irritation got. He hated company, and large crowds were no exception. When people walked by, he always scared them off with his sharp teeth, which could've ripped them apart.

When it came time, he took the ribs from the stick and begun to devour. While he did consume, albeit savagely and quietly, and getting sauce all over his mouth, he did freak everyone out again as he broke apart even the bone, though he did not consume it. It was the need for space that was clearly driving him mad, making him tear a massive chunk, almost a quarter of the rack itself. Each primitive chomp more grotesque than before, and when he broke off the bone on the ribs, he discarded it all on the empty dish besides him.

"Who is that guy?"

"I don't know, but he's grossing me out."

"He's gotta be worse than that pink-haired Salamander."

Various comments were spreading about, and Craig could hear every word possible. It only bothered him a little, but that was because of noise pollution. When it came to a point where they were staring at him, he looked out, the fire lighting the venomous look on his face when his predator eyes stared into their hearts. And his sharp teeth showing made him look more like a descendant from the underworld. It was then that everyone dared not look at him again after that ungraceful image.

Natsu was chewing when something popped into his mind. He glanced off at Craig who was barely in eyesight. "Huh?"

"What is it, pal?" Happy muffled with a fish being eaten.

"There's something I don't get about him?" He answered. "Something's…weird."

Erza turned towards him. "How so?"

Natsu looked puzzled as his face contorted somewhat. "Not sure, but was there a single time that we saw that Craig guy use his Magic?"

Happy's eyes widened. "Now that you mention it, we never saw him use Magic one. If he's hiding some super-secret lost Magic, maybe he uses it in private."

"Kinda…" Natsu huffed. "But if you ask me, if he has something like that he should practically be bragging about it in everyone's faces."

"Don't be a fool." Erza chided. Her attention drew towards Craig, where she powered through the sight of him raising his head and chomping on rib meat and having it slide down his throat. "If that were the case, then he'd rather not draw any attention. A Magic of that sorts would definitely draw unnecessary attention like from the Magic Council. Plus, he came from beyond Fiore borders. Who knows what lies beyond there."

Their run-in with Grander and his forces back in Solidaster flashed into the three's minds. It wasn't a pretty experience and they didn't stand a chance. It was only because of Craig they got away with their lives. If he was that strong, who knows what kinds of raw power was beyond Fiore.

This thought left Natsu hankering to find out. He suddenly stood up, a confident smile on his face.

Erza looked surprised. "Natsu?"

"Don't you worry. Whatever lies beyond Fiore, Fairy Tail is gonna get first dibs so that no one gets harmed!"

His proclamation made Erza smile again.

Inside a nearby tent, the smell of alcohol was strong, and it was coming from Cana's tent that she was willingly sharing with Mira and Jenny. It was a tight fit inside the tent, and the smell didn't please them.

"Cana, can you please stash your beverages so that our tent can breathe?" Mira asked politely.

Cana waved her off. "Relax, relax. I can handle that."

"Well your guild is sure peachy to say the least." Jenny chimed with an intrigued smirk. "Say, Mira, you sure you're up for this?"

Mira turned back towards Jenny with a smirk of her own. "What makes you say I'm not?"

"Just checking. You wouldn't wanna break a nail now, would you?"

Mira easily caught onto the humor playing out. Her smirk didn't leave her face. "I could ask the same to you. Be sure to wear something you wouldn't mind getting dirty in."

Jenny scoffed playfully at her rival and friend. Rolling her eyes, she looked at the open space with the one tent with more space compared to the others. It was Craig's singular small tent, yet from the distance they could barely see him maim the ribs with only his bare, sharp teeth.

"Say, is that guy over their apart of your guild?" Jenny pointed at Craig to verify Mira's equal inquiry.

Mira showed what looked like a frown, which was not something Jenny was expecting. "Him? Surprisingly." She nervously smiled. "Craig is new, and is isn't a very welcoming person."

Cana's face immediately grew irritated upon hearing Craig's name. She swallowed what booze was almost spit out and turned towards Mira. "Hey come on now, don't bring the mood down mentioning that beast of nature. He's where he wants to be; alone, with only so much noise, and deserves nothing more nor less."

Jenny looked a little shocked. "Well that's a pretty low statement about your guild mate."

"So?" Cana questioned her. "He ruthlessly proclaimed he hates family and everything. He even went so far to insult us and attack our own. Honestly, what else do I have to say?"

"I hate to say it, but I think Cana's right on this one." Mira said. "We don't even know what he can do, or how far he'll go in keeping his space. He lagged behind on purpose, and he may not even care if we get hurt."

Jenny looked back at Craig a far away distance and saw him snap a bone in two with ease and toss it aside with the other bones. Her face showed signs of uneasiness. "Guess we'll see through his actions tomorrow."

"Well he did say he threatens little and attacks." Mira pointed out, recalling Craig was an action speaks louder than words type of guy. "Guess we'll find out how far he'll go with us tomorrow."

"Bah, who cares." Cana laid back to face the stars, using her hands as pillows. He settled in and watched the stars twinkle in the night sky. "Let's just worry about ourselves and hope everyone gets out of this in one piece…except Craig."

Near his tent, Craig sneezed off to the side. His expression grew bitter when he looked around and growled.

It was the midst of night, and everyone was sound asleep in their tents. Fires were either weak or already out, leaving embers to crackle along the charred bark and send smoke up. Everyone was at peace as they were all sound asleep, getting ready for the day tomorrow.

Snoring was heard in several tents, more specifically Natsu's, who snored like a wild animal that scared birds away. As he snored, much to the exhaustion of others nearby, someone was awake and alive.

Craig seemed far from at peace. While he was prone to napping profusely, it compensates for what he was experiencing at the moment. Craig was lying face-up in his tent, staring at the darkness above. While the forest's nighttime animals were up and crickets chirped, it was a good sign for him. Silence was surprisingly something he did not want to hear at the moment.

His eyes were sharp, a shivering tension aroused as he didn't move, more like he couldn't. Whenever you get the feeling of being watched, your guard is always up, and if you dropped it…you just might die. In this case, it was that same feeling.

Craig was gripping his swords the entire time, the tension and pressure unsettling to him. His sea-blue eyes had that predator look as he turned over towards his stomach and snarled. He got up and prowled out of his tent and into the woods.

Each step was as quiet as can get, but at the same time loud enough for large predators to take notice. Even they were with the woodland creatures as they steered clear of Craig as he prowled about. In his head, he was having a distraught feeling. 'This paranoia isn't helping. I'm more nocturnal than a daytime kind of guy…' It wasn't a pretty thought to him, because he was far from comfortable with that.

2 5/12 Years Ago

Craig was among the few companions in Scourge Valley. It was really more of a platoon and he agreed to help out the head of the whole military project. He was only temporary and dubbed as a mercenary, to which if he could get to the other side and shut down a rogue base of operation, he can be set free. The only problem was Scourge Valley.

It was a wasteland, a barren one. It stretched for miles around, and it was the only obstacle left. There were rumors here and there of Scourge Valley, and that no one dares travel at night, let alone venture on foot through the valley.

And unbeknownst to Craig, he was about to know why.

Hidden among the numbers of soldiers walking behind a man Craig despised, Sergeant Krix, he kept a low volume as the military team, and mercenary, silently went on foot. Beyond the Pergrande Kingdom, you never know what is to be expected. There were Rune Knights in Ishgar, but military somehow existed. The outside world had so much wonder.

"Alright ya seadogs! Keep it moving!" Sergeant Krix yelled. "We don't stop for nothing!"

"Easy for you to say." One soldier said.

"We've been walking all day." Another muttered.

Krix turned back towards them, his bulky physique making him look intimidating underneath his white suit. "I did not give you permission to speak! Drop, and don't you dare get back up until you do 50!"

Out of fear, the two armored soldiers dropped their weaponry. They got to the ground and their helmet shit the ground with every push-up they did. The entire platoon of 198 other men advanced. As they all passed and left behind the soldiers who did 50 push-ups, Craig remained unsettled as he could barely see his hand in front of himself. They were walking in the midst of Scourge Valley, a place of damnation, at least from what the sign said at the entrance before the Sergeant blasted it.

"You feel that?" A soldier whispered. Craig remained silent as he heard the talking all around.

"Yeah, I don't like this one bit. I get the feeling we're being watched. It's like if we step out of line we'll be plucked from light." Another said, barely maintaining his composure.

"That Sergeant has been vicious. No question. It's either 50 push-ups, a smack to the face, or a boot to the-!"

"GWROAR!"

A violent howl echoed behind them, making them all flinch. Craig included. His eyes were wide when it sounded like a jungle cat with a hint of wolf. Whatever it was, it left them all unnerved.

"I said don't stop!" Krix roared. "Get moving, or you'll all do 50 push-ups!"

As they all kept on moving, albeit shaken up, the two soldiers left behind were doing their push-ups, leaving them far behind the group.

"You hear…the rumors about this place…?" One soldier asked as he was doing push-ups/

"What?"

"There was a story…of how there was a lab northwest of here…it was run by a…freaky scientist…he was crazy with these things…I think it was called…Hybrid Theory?"

Footsteps were heard from behind. Something lurking within the darkness of the wasteland closed in on the two soldiers, and as they closed in, they were followed by dozens more. Each were perhaps four feet high at least.

"What happened?" The solder asked, reaching his 40 mark.

"Apparently he made unstable beasts." He explained, getting his 35 mark done. "After years, he finally made the ultimate night killer…and then he multiplied it…but then…they were marked with no conscience or reason…and ripped him apart. Not even a few bones remained."

"But isn't that rumor, like, 30 years old?"

The footsteps stopped, and at that instant, everything grew silent, and the sad part was that the soldiers were oblivious in their conversation.

"Yeah. That was a long time ago. They say those who ventured her at night never come return because they lurk when the sun goes down but I-!"

"GWROAR!"

A sudden pair of strong jaws snapped down onto his legs, making the soldier scream as he was dragged into the darkness, his screams fading.

The remaining soldier jerked up in shrilled horror. His eyes wide underneath his helmet. "W-Whoa! What the hell?! Joe?! Joe?!" He shivered as his knees grew weak. He slowly reached for his helmet's side, turning on the level 2 night-vision.

What he saw next was something right at his feet. It had bright eyes, and it looked like a mammal. It had a huge pair of jaws with spiked, bony ridges along the spine down towards the sharp tail end. It was a massive amount of muscle and seemed like a tiger or giant ancient cat with no fur. The scariest part was that there was an endless number of them, and he saw what seemed to be several gathered around something and were ripping into it.

"Oh god…AAAHHHH!"

Back with the military unit, they only heard howling behind again, and the soldiers were officially paranoid. They all stopped and turned around as the sound made their blood shrivel inside.

Krix turned around, a pissed off look in his eyes. "HEY!" He barked. "I said don't stop! That's it 50 reps! All of you!"

"Okay, this is where the line is drawn! Nobody do any reps!" Craig barked back. Everyone grew stiff as they were all in still positions, conflicted with how Craig just outright backlashed.

Krix's eyes widened. "What was that?"

Craig stepped forward, passing the numerous soldiers. "You heard me, crackpot. N. O." He stopped when he passed the frontlines. He stood face to face with Krix right in the face. "Okay you bastard, I've had it with your crap."

"What is with your insubordination, Crius?!" Krix towered over him, his eye getting bloodshot. "I'll have you know that you're breaking military code!"

"Screw your codes! Scew everything you do! Look around you rather than up front for once! You've been hauling us through this deranged journey with no breaks and little food and water. Look at us, we're just about ready to break."

"This unit was assigned the toughest and sturdiest of soldiers. If they can't take the heat, they may as well be left to die."

"Well I am no soldier of yours." Craig's words were loud and clear; a shrilled terror went down everyone's spines. It most certainly didn't help that one soldier was brushed from the side by a tail of sorts.

"Krix, we're not alone out here. You know full well that I'm right when we shouldn't have come here."

"This is the only way, Crius." He retorted. "The mission matters most, lives are irrelevant as long as the mission gets complete in the end. These men signed up knowing that sacrifice. My underlings are far from weak! Not a single challenge won't be surpassed without us going first!"

"Yeah, but they don't know what fear is until you drag them along. You know the rumors, and I didn't wanna take my chances. No one did. You're taking us on a suicide mission. The moment you brought us into this wasteland, you instantly brought us to our deathbeds."

"I did no such thing."

"Everyone talks of how there's monsters in the night. I've been through enough to know that those chances are not to be taken."

"So why did you come along?"

Craig raised a brow. "Geez, you're as dense as you are arrogant. Because you had me at gunpoint, plus safety in numbers. I now see that was a huge mistake."

Krix reached for his gun in his pocket. "Craig Crius, I am above you. You do not tell me what is right or wrong. Nobody does. Now the General may have a heart and soul, but he matters nothing to me!" He reached out and held the gun at Craig in the face, but Craig did not flinch. "The cold world is only for those with a steel heart. They have to risk it all or perish! They dare not question! They dare not speak! They don't ever defy an order! You have been a disgrace to the military unit! You are relieved of du-!"

"GWRROOOAARR!"

The trigger was never pulled and Krix and Craig's eyes both widened. They sound was all around. The blood-curdling howl like a pack. It stretched out far, and everyone grew a chill, Craig was as fearful. His eyes loomed around, his vision seeing creatures emerge from the deep darkness from afar. As they gathered from all sides, their steps were silent, as though they became grim reapers. No sound, not even growls.

"Who dares?! Show yourselves!" Krix yelled.

"Oh god." Craig said. He reached for all three blades, putting the gold one in his mouth in a hurry. The swiftness caught Krix's attention. "I knew it all along…we're not alone."

Soldier after soldier screamed in fright and pain as they were dragged into the darkness. Their screams were cut off by blood spilling sound and creatures moved in to attack. With barely anytime to act, soldiers were shooting randomly into the darkness. It was futile as only a few thuds were heard from the bodies of beasts. They were still chomped down by the legs and were dragged into the darkness.

"Stand your ground!" Krix yelled. He turned around and fired a bullet straight through an incoming monster's head. He shot with deadly accuracy as he pulled the trigger left and right as beasts were coming from all around.

Craig pivoted and sliced a beast. He slipped left when he felt a sinister set of claws slash down and dodged. He used the mouth blade's right side and speared into the creature and pulled it out and pivoted again, getting another in the left blade. He spun around in a 360 with swords low, taking wild shots in the dark and many creatures fell before him.

Soldiers were falling. One helmet was seen tumbling from the pitch black darkness with blood and cracks. More and more hulking beasts howled as the massacre was breaking out. Soldiers had no accuracy and little vision, even with the night vision. They shot down only so many until they were dragged into the darkness.

Krix growled angrily and pulled out a second gun and shot all around. "I said stand your ground! GAH!" He felt his legs take a massive set of jaws and his eyes grew more bloodshot as he saw the hulking creature try and either rip it off or drag him. Its efforts were for naught as Krix double shot bullets into the head.

He turned and fired randomly. "This unit knows not of retreat! We stand! Whoever dies is a coward!"

Craig slashed and looked left and right, seeing the horrid sight of soldiers screaming and hearing them gag as they were slaughtered in the darkness. He looked ahead at the open wastelands layered in darkness.

"We gotta go! Now!" Craig yelled. He began running ahead and only got a few steps in before a creature of the darkness lunged from the side. Craig grunted as he felt the fangs sink into his right shoulder. He grew veins over his forehead as his anger spiked. His mouth blade was reeled towards the other side and brought the tip into the head. He was finally freed and he dared not stop.

"Crius! Coward! Retreat is futile!" Krix yelled. "GAAH!" He screamed as his arms was bit from a creature. The gun he had fell out and hit the ground. He lashed his gun at the ready, but the second gun was swatted out with a swift swipe of another set of claws. The slash left blood on his white glove. "GRRR! LET GO! I AM THE SERGEANT YOU CREATURES! THIS CAN'T BE!"

Craig bitterly continued slashing on randomly out front, bypassing several creatures drawn towards the massacre. His heart was racing several beats a second. He felt scared before, but he was terrified as he heard to wails and howls behind of the men that were all nothing but a meal to the creatures of the norm.

Krix bellowed hysterically with a red face full of anger and frustration as his lower half was dragged by two creatures with their razor sharp jaws. He gripped the ground but the rock shipped off. He angrily yelled out as he was dragged along with the men into the darkness as several creatures were seen pouncing with aims for the head.

It was on that bloody night in Scourge Valley, that out of the 200 men, only 1 survived to live with the haunting memory of the bloodbath and savage beats.

Craig learned a brutal lesson that day. It wasn't the darkness itself people should be afraid of. It's what's in the darkness. He's been through more than his fair share of experiences with that concept, and that was no exception. He stays awake a majority of the night for a reason. After several perils amongst the shadows, paranoia could best label Craig in these circumstances. When he heard a branch crack, or a rustle, let alone the feeling something is watching him, he remained low to the ground. He had his dark red sword and blood red sword in hand. His eyes darted around everywhere as he crept further into the forest until he came across a small river.

Looking around, seeing the coast was clear, he knelt down and got on all fours. He opened his mouth and swallowed up the river water. He took gulp after gulp, being wary of what may or may not be watching him.

After his fill, he hauled himself back towards the camp, where he returned with nothing attacking him as a midnight meal…this time at least. A while back amongst the nighttime woods, he was assaulted by a pack of wolves, and another one a month back when a wild boar was hoping to get a treat. The night was a scary thing, even Craig realized that. It was better to be around a pack, and wild beasts knew better than to attack a pack.

Entering his tent, Craig laid on his stomach and watched with a very uneasy gaze as he faced the woods rather than the alliance, watching the forest stay still and alive. That whole time, he still held his swords with tight grips.

Morning came, and everyone was currently up and ready for the day. Craig was napping hard through the attack plan, not that he cared to begin with. He didn't even have an appetite to stomach a short breakfast. Craig didn't define healthy habits, but morally cautious.

"And that's how we'll take down the first shield, any questions?" Makarov said.

Everyone had no objections, rather they had eager expressions. They had anticipated this, and they were aware of the risks. They were set with the attack fashion.

"Alright, listen up!" Obaba spun her finger clockwise as she pointed at them. "You all better not screw this up or I'll spin all of you! We're breaking that first shield, got it!"

"YEAH!" Everyone held up raised fists, their morale uplifting.

Nearby, opening his eyelid with all the commotion, Craig saw them get ready for the fight. "Damn fools." He muttered before he turned away onto his side and resumed napping.

It was only a few hours later when they all were on the move. As they walked through the valley, they began to take not that more and more plant life was wiped out. Dead branches and roots were cascaded all around them.

As he walked, Hibiki was pressing buttons on his keyboard, gathering data left and right. "The energy signals from the life all around are dwindling away. That means we're closing in."

"Indeed." Jura stated. "We've been through these parts before, but the dead life was never this far. The energy in the shields must be absorbing more life than before."

"Such a foul parfume." Ichiya said.

Happy pointed up from the air. "Hey guys, look! I can see the dome up ahead!"

All along the massive cliff, the alliance got a good look. It was true, and it was not pretty. Many gasped and had wide eyes at what was before them.

The first shield, which seemed like a clear translucent gray, towered high and mighty. That was from just the side they were on. From miles around, the huge dome had countless numbers of men were seen circling the dome, some were seen inside as well. All around were dead trees layered.

"My word…" Makarov muttered.

Bob put a hand to his cheek. "How utterly bitter."

Natsu looked forward, his hands cracking. "So this is who we're up against, huh?" He had a hint of suspense in his voice and a smirk came across his face. "I've been waiting for something like this."

"Geez, just look at them all." Gray said, fairly baffled.

"Indeed, and we had to face the same numbers before and was still surpassed." Lyon grimaced.

"That matters as of now is sticking with the plan. Our team must dispatch as many forces, whereas we shall also find the right opportunity to open fire at a single point on the shield."

"It should be easy! Let's get to it!" Natsu beamed. "I'm all fired up!"

Lucy stared nervously. "So we're seriously facing that many in numbers?"

"It seems to be the case." Macao said. "I just hope we get out of this in one piece."

"Yeah, well, we'll chock this off as one of those 'worse' cases when people ask us." Wakaba joked.

Makarov extended his arm out. "Godspeed you all! We shall commence Operation: Shield Discard at once! Let's move!"

"YEAH!" Everyone was all rallied and fled down the cliff. They charged downhill with Natsu rushing off with heavy impatience. The stampede of mages actually made the ground rumble and had small rocks palpitate. They all sped on downwards, and as the last of the members fled downwards, Craig lethargically fell behind.

It was no surprise that they were all so eager to him, but in his case he was far from enthusiastic. He crouched down and watched with no interest as the few thousand individuals layered around had begun their confrontation, with Natsu's fiery start flashing like crazy.

"No surprise there." Craig grumbled. "These lily-livered morons really are that eager to get caught in a crossfire? I still blame Brownie for this, and every second onwards."

"ACHOO!" Cana sneezed right after blasting soldiers away with her cards. Her nose sniffled and she grew an irritated brow. "Someone's talking about me. They are sweet things, right…" She looked around, realizing there was something missing. To her displeasure, no one seemed to be talking rather they were blasting Magic away.

Ichiya's Power Parfume made him a muscle giant as he uppercut many away. The Trimens were right behind him, as they applied their Snow and Air Magic to dispatch so many at once in a hurricane of snow. Erza slashed away in her Flight Armor, dashing valiantly and with grace. Not far behind her, Natsu was roaring like a dragon and blasting fire haphazardly. Natsu had no guy in front not take a flaming anything. It was a Fire Dragon's Claw, fist, or a roar. He was just a rampaging walking dynamite.

Jura hade hand signs and pulverized fifty at one with his manipulation of earth, making rock shoot straight up beneath their feet like giant bullets. His usage of Earth Magic was no prize given his reputation as a Wizard Saint. His Magic Power was extraordinary. Lamia Scale followed his example and Lyon and Gray were seen using their Ice-Make and freezing guys on the spot. Sherry made massive mud and earth dolls that pounded soldiers away. Gajeel was making no hesitations as he clubbed and bashed people with no second thoughts. Team Shadow Gear was barely keeping up, more like Jet and Droy were barely keeping up with Levy.

Lucy had Taurus summoned as he made no hesitations in swinging his axe, rampaging like a bull in a rodeo. Guys just went flying like crazy from the raw power displayed, and among the watchers was just Craig as he saw the men and their numbers dissipate moderately.

He closed his eyes as he sat cross-legged along the cliff. "Should've brought some snacks for this theater…hm?" His eyes opened up again, taking into account something passing through the shield. It was something that caught Craig's attention, and not in a good way.

His eyes widened. 'No way…' He watched on as the yellow robed figure emerge. The mask, and the yellow robe, it left an all too familiar feeling that cringed in Craig's gut. 'I can't believe this. They're still at it, even after what happened? How did they even get that here?' He looked far out at the gray shield, and beyond that the black shield in the very center afar. His heart rate began to slightly enhance as his eyes squinted with frustration.

"Damn bastards, they stuck to their thrones like the cockroaches you can't get rid of without cutting their heads off. Well…" He pulled out the golden mouth blade first, putting it into his sharp teeth and held up his two other swords. "Guess I'm partaking in a little war after all."

Cana swiped her card, sending an updraft that sent many guys flying. "Their numbers just keep on coming! How's about some of-!"

She never finished when the entire ground beneath the alliance's feet. Every grain of dirt and debris was solid gold. Everyone's feet turned stiff when the gold was all around them, and stretched far,

"What is this…gold?" Gray questioned.

Another pulse emanated and all of the nearby soldiers within the pulse of gold were frozen stiff. They fell prey to being encased in solid gold. Their muffles weren't even heard as their figures were stiff or fell to the side. Some miscellaneous members of the alliance fell prey from the small pulse, as they too became gold statues.

"My word! What the hell is this Magic?!" Makarov felt uneasy as his fists clenched tight.

Obaba was spinning violently as she was getting antsy from this overwhelming Magic Power. "This is what I was warning everyone about! They're being trapped in gold! It took us forever to get them out!" She hollered.

"Thou is as wise as she is stentorian." A voice said.

Erza's eyes widened as her body turned towards the man walking up to the massive alliance. Her body grew a shiver. 'This Magic Power is so dense. It's like my bones are heavying.'

This Magic Power was easily sensed, and Makarov and Bob both grew stiff when the yellow robed man of the trio stepped out from behind the first shield and layered everything in gold.

Natsu grew some adrenaline when he felt this Magic Power. It was grand to say the least. Anything other than that wouldn't suffice. He saw the yellow robed man approach the few hundred of them as their guards were on maximum alert.

"With thy will to guide thee, may the golden touch of order be dealt upon you all. Dare not shall you tread past me, for your feet and souls shall be encased in this prison of gold."

With The Fairy Contender complete, I shall be working on this story more frequently. This shall be my only work until mid-autumn when I have plans set for sequels. Hope this was worth the wait.