As night soon turned to daybreak, the morning sun's rays had begun glistening over the horizon, giving a yellowish shade to the horizon. Very small fragments of blue crept along and the early birds got the worm, or in this case guild members such as the infamous Erza was already stirring awake.

The knight of Fairy Tail arose from her illustrious bed, looking out her window to watch the sunrise. The tree line shined with grace, a feature that Erza didn't get enough of. She then faced towards the bedsheets beneath her, looking with soft eyes as she had another dream about him. 'Natsu…' She covered her face in her sheets as her heart raced, recalling the dream she had last night involving Natsu's smile. Romantic by all means, but pure bliss, and the icing on that cake was all thanks to those 'special' books that she had tucked in her bed.

She shook her head and snapped herself awake. 'What am I doing? I should be getting ready for the day!' Saving her own musings and dreams for another time, Erza got up from bed and brushed her teeth and everything.

Once she requipped into her armor, she made way to the fields outside of Fairy Hills, where she had begun her day with requipping a sword and training.

Today was the day, the day she would ask Natsu for a date. She was getting antsy, and no one could blame her, not that they took any notice or any of that sorts. She talked to Mirajane as to what she had to do. She had to be upfront, and clear. She shall do her best, and she would put her pride on the line to prove that.

"Why are we taking this way again?"

"Because, that's why."

"Oh? So because you have better orientation than a blind bat, that you believe that we're heading in the right direction."

"I never said this was the right direction."

"So how do you know we're getting there? Sixth sense?"

"Duh."

It was for maybe 20, 30…almost an hour now that the two were bickering, and more bickering, as Craig was leading Cana along a coastal ridge, practically a seaside case with the right wall opening up towards the sea. The sea waves crashed beneath them as they trailed along the siding, their feet cramped from walking for miles on end. The others would've been able to notice by now that they were absent, but they persevered, upon Cana's insistence and Craig's own accord. There was no turning back now.

"Remind me again why you chose to follow me, Brownie." Craig hollered.

"Because, Cranky, we're already in trouble, and plus you brought up the biggest point a guild should envelope: no matter how desperate, a job's complete objective is to make one happy. So If I'm gonna be stuck in turmoil, let it be known that I went down trying." Her face grew despondent. "Plus what you said was creepy and highly uncalled for."

"What, those scenarios?" Craig shrugged and kept his gaze ahead. "Whatever, you weren't there."

The two trudged on in finally some calm silence. It felt like forever, but finally they were able to quiet down their voices and walk in silence. They were able to walk another hour or so, in which the sun's rays illuminated the seawater beneath them. They could see crystal clear the numerous fishes and crustaceans spawning along the shorelines. They finally decided to take a break…more like Craig just sat down on a rock and Cana followed with more exhaustion in her side.

"Aw, man! My feet are killing me!" She groaned.

Craig hunched forward and stared out at the seawater, seeing some passage down the cliff a little, a small slant perfect for him. "Well let's see if your groaning and moaning will help you catch breakfast, slacker." He pulled out his blood red sword, the blade glistening in the sun. He trudged down the slant, albeit backwards and very slowly, using the sword as an anchor. "I'm getting breakfast, ya like fish or crab?"

Cana blinked. "Uh…fish?" She sounded perplexed.

"Well too bad, you'll eat what I catch and you'll like it." Craig nonchalantly told, and to which Cana squinted at him with a growl, expecting him to throw such a plain insult. "Be back in a sec." He jumped down and used the slant to slide, with himself being anchored to the rock.

As Craig was down below, searching for prey, Cana was left to muddle over herself. She was tired, and the surface was flat enough to be a temporary bedding of sorts. She laid down on her back and closed her eyes, getting a small power nap in for the morning. However, as she was dreaming about booze briefly and was drinking up a kingdom's worth, her conscience was like a voice over that reverberated through every corner of her brain.

'Craig Crius.' Her head mumbled. 'What is he? How is he so powerful? How can it be that he's so philosophical and yet so violent? He knows the risk, so why go and take on the challenge? Is he dumb? No, that can't be. Cranky is too hard to read to know what's going on in his head. I. myself, have absolutely no idea what he thinks. He can't possibly see everything in red, right? Still…what's his deal…?' She opened up her eyes and her power nap stopped. It was only two minutes, but she felt insufficient. She needed food. Her brain was stuck on the curious setting as she watched the daybreak sky approach overhead. "He knows more about the world than we all do. He's encountered people like Grander, and those three kings, and Essence. Is he a nomad-!"

A loud thud propped her up. A dash of brine sprinkles her feet, meaning something wet was at her feet. She looked down in shock as her breakfast was there. It was a foot-long fish that had its dorsal fin and parts of the back ripped off. It was lifeless and fresh to eat.

Cana looked up, hearing clanging against rock. She saw Craig's grip and sword both reaching the top, and when his whole body came into view, his mouth had a fresh fish in it, which was also dead. On his dark red sword that he used for hunting the rocks and waters, there was a kabob of thick crab and fish. Almost three of each, but in random order.

"There's your breakfast. You got magic, so go ahead and fry it up." Craig walked to a nearby rock and sat down. It was cool, but not wet. He opened up his jaws and his sharp, strong teeth were all revealed. He snapped down on a fellow crab on his sword, ripping the whole thing off and bit straight through the carapace and all. To anyone they would've needed to fry it up and make some usual crab legs with butter, but being Craig meant nothing as he at the skeleton and everything.

Cana just stared with a startled gaze, her lips parted as she saw the residue crab skeleton all over Craig's face. "Dude, seriously? Ever heard of manners?"

Craig cast a glance over towards Cana, as it was one of despondence. He used his black shirt and wiped away the residue, and then straightened it all out, having the residue fly off the shirt like a trampoline. Cana, however, did account that there was something peculiar, like how Craig leaned his head down rather than pick his shirt up, but she gave no damn in the end.

"Manners…is not in my vocabulary." Craig told. He glanced back at the fish skewered and immediately sank his teeth into the head, ripping off the entire thing.

Cana groaned and turned away, getting ready for her own breakfast. "Ugh! I'm surrounded by wild animals!"

"I'm taking that as a compliment."

"Well it's not!"

"It is now!"

"Shut up!"

"You shut up first!"

"You double shut up!"

"You triple shut up!"

"You shove that fish in your face so we can get on with our lives!"

Craig snarled at Cana with his sharp teeth and incisors shown. He turned away and opened his mouth as he devoured like a dinosaur, ripping the meat and bones apart with his back turned to Cana.

The guild was open, and Natsu was already causing one of his trademark scuffles with Gray. The two, no matter how early or late, were at the other's wits end. Today, at this particular time, the fight started by Gray insulting, or rather advised, Natsu to shower as he was smelly.

"Oh I smell?!" Natsu punched Gray across the face. "I bet that stinks!"

Gray retaliated with a knee to Natsu's chin. "But that one reeked!" The two were retaliating each blow, breaking out into a small scuffle with them in a dust cloud. They rampaged loud with roaring laughter from others. It was rather early for them, and their peace was long-since gone. It was another typical Fairy Tail day, with everyone and the usual members off doing their own thing anyhow in some way. Mirajane was up at the bar, tending with help from Kinana. Lisanna pitched in, and Makarov was sitting on the bar top.

"Good morning, Master!" Mirajane said.

Makarov glanced over with a grin. "And a good morning to you as well." He turned back to face the scuffling Natsu and Gray as they were at it, this time hitting the other simultaneously. "I see they have enough energy for the day. A bit excessive if you ask me."

Mira smiled and nodded. "I can't argue there."

As the fight went on, everyone's current salvation for the morning arrived. Erza made way into the guild hall, and she proceeded to stop the scuffle. As she loomed overhead, Natsu and Gray were still at it, their heads trying to push the other back. They didn't even notice how Erza above them and their teeth gritted.

They were caught with iron gripping from the knight, with so much pressure to leave them paralyzed as they were lifted upwards; one arm each. "Enough bickering you two!" The redhead demanded. She smashed the two into one another and they both slumped down into the guild flooring. They were left with distraught expressions and the members laughed at the usual antics.

Erza shook her head and turned away. "Honestly, can't you two just be civilized for one day?" She chided. She grabbed Natsu by the scarf and hauled his exhausted form away. "Natsu, I'm gonna need a word with you."

She walked outside of the guild hall, leaving everyone to grieve for the lost soul that shall be Natsu. After Erza's finish with him, who's to say that he might not come out with one or two bumps?

Outside, Natsu groggily got up to his feet. "Oh man, that one really hurt…" He blinked and realized that he was no longer on the wooden flooring and was outside. "Say what? How did I get here?" He turned his head around, seeing Erza standing before him. Her eyes met his, and Natsu did not find it all too welcoming. "Gah! E-Erza?! I, uh-!" He tried to think of an excuse, but nothing was coming to mind.

Erza just stared out at him, looking at him blankly. She was only silent as a wave of awkwardness loomed. Natsu trailed doff from his insecurities as the awkward moment was fresh and leaving him to sheepishly rub his head.

"Um, Erza…"

Natsu wasn't sure what to say, but what he saw next was something he would label as 'weird'. It wasn't like him to find something so peculiar and out of place, especially with Erza. She was almost fidgeting, and she seemed to be blushing a little. Anyone could've seen how nervous she was, but to Natsu, it's another label. "Hey, are you okay? You got a fever or something?"

"I-I'm fine, Natsu." She said. "Listen. I have to ask you something."

Natsu tilted his head. "Okay? I'm all ears."

Erza swallowed, and she was trying her best to stay calm. This was a big chance, let alone a major step she was going to take. This was something she wasn't gonna have slip up. "Would you like…to go with me out…to eat something?"

There was a subtle silence that fell between her and Natsu. It was again awkward, but much briefer than before. Natsu smiled at her. "Yeah! I'd love to!"

"WHAT?!"

Erza was about to show huge amounts of joy with Natsu agreeing to a date, but the harsh shout of shock ruined the moment. Natsu and Erza both turned their heads and looked inside, getting some indication as to what the yelling was about.

At first Erza's suspicions were about the guild eavesdropping on them, but she was so relieved that the attention was towards Makarov and not towards them, so er worries were lifted, but that left the inquiry open.

"What do you mean another S-Class job is missing?!" Alzack exclaimed.

"Oh don't tell me it's like Galuna Island! Did Happy or Natsu take another one?!" Bisca hoped.

Happy raised a paw as he was on his team's table. "Uh, we're right here."

Lucy raised a hand in innocence. "Don't look at us."

"I'm not dumb enough to prove my worth a second time." Gray added. "And it can't be Natsu since he learned his lesson." He looked suspiciously in another plain direction. "Which means, some idiot had gone and took it themselves."

Erza and Natsu made way in front. They overheard and Erza was certainly not pleased in the slightest. "What was that?" She asked.

Makarov turned towards her with shock. "Erza, an S-Class job is missing. It was taken overnight."

Erza narrowed her eyes, a pressure emanating that left Natsu right beside her to nearly shake in his sandals. "Such skullduggery. Who would dare?"

Mirajane was looking through the work records to see if there was anything out of place. She scrolled through the pages, recalling exactly of the job she found missing when she went to update the S-Class request board. She looked at the most recent space filled, one that was not in her handwriting. "Um, Master?" She nervously said.

Makarov turned towards her with speculation. "Any luck on the culprit who stole it?"

Mira showed him the records. "It's not that he stole it, more like he left without word." She pointed to the most recent spot and who signed their own name and what job was taken.

Everyone saw the culprit's own signature, and half of them either wet themselves or paled. Makarov and Erza were the only ones who were able to hold themselves together. The signature was Craig's, and he took an S-Class job that was left the two in oral disappointment.

However, there was a second signature, and it was written underneath the same job request. Both signatures combined meant pure hell, and Makarov's soul escaped from his body.

"O-oh…dear…" He mumbled before shock overpowered him.

In the mountains of east Fiore, the air was surprisingly cool. The mountain peak was far from hot. Despite it being summertime, it was around fifty degrees with the morning mountainous mist leaving cool vapor on Craig and Cana as they embarked onwards. Through the mountain passage they went, there were quite a few gravel trails and steep climbs. While Craig had no problem, Cana had more than an unfair share of hiccups, much to Craig's indifference.

With his jacket on to sustain his body temperature, Craig embarked on his way towards the other side of the mountain. The sun was starting to shine at eyes level, illuminating the sky and giving the misty mountain a yellowish haze as he and Cana walked on.

Cana huddled her arms together, feeling them to be cold. They were getting to her nerves and she was starting to shiver. "Man, didn't know the mountains could be this cold in the morning."

Now that she mentioned it, there was that time she hiked through that mountain pass to Solidaster, and when she thought about it, the temperature was slightly higher then. Perhaps it was location, or lucky coincidence. However it was, she was stuck in a shivering mess.

Craig turned around and saw how Cana was shivering. "What's matter?" He asked with a smirk. "Got cold feet or a cold shoulder?"

"Ha-ha! Very funny!" The brunette scowled in bitter retort. "I'm not as lucky as you!"

Craig kept on trudging on. "Calling me lucky? I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me."

Cana's eye twitched. "Damn you. I hope this is all worth it."

"For me, yeah. For you, probably not…" He lost his smirk as he turned to look at her. "But still…" He stated to unzip his jacket as it was beginning to come off. Much to Cana's shock, Craig had taken off the whole jacket and held it up by the hood. He had it off to the side.

"Here." He tossed the jacket back to Cana, to which she managed to catch. She felt the gray and brown jacket and how thin it was. Surprising enough, the thin jacket…was soft. It was like a fluffy cloud in contrast to the bloodthirsty beast that had it wrapped around his waist to keep his swords in place.

Cana raised a brow. "What's this?"

"Well I may be a monster, but I'm not ruthless. I'm an oddball, as putting it mildly."

"You noticed?" Cana questioned.

Craig glared back at her, staring right into her eyes. His angle was slightly upwards as they were going downhill. "Unlike a lot of people, I have flaws and I know them. I'm cold in the core as you would think, but I don't care. Do you want to stay warm, or do you want to wait for another three hours until the mist dies down?"

He really wasn't giving Cana a choice in the matter. While he was being somewhat gentleman, it's completely off knowing of his gory appetite. And yet he's all over the place in terms of demeanor. Decent but not gentleman. A vivid eater, but has no mannerism. A powerful fighter, but has no magic. Cana was lost again at how she was bewildered by all of these facts about him. Not even a month ago she and him met, and he saved her life so many times, and then that brings them to now.

"I hate your guts, I seriously do." Cana said. She then proceeded to put on the jacket. "But I accept your token of peace."

Craig narrowed his eyes. "It's a war you started, and it shall not end."

"You started the second you insulted me almost a month ago." Cana interjected.

"It's not my fault that you couldn't pick yourself up, Brownie!"

"Cranky, you want me to sit my butt down? Because I'm ready for another nap! Not like you have a hundred of those per day!"

"You'll flatten the mountain with that big butt of yours. Besides, unlike you, I don't sleep at night."

"…you don't?" Cana blinked.

A small tension of silence fell upon them. It wasn't awkward at all, but there was a tension of sorts. Craig widened his eyes and turned up front. "…when you're someone as paranoid as me, you never know what lurks in the darkness. Remember last night?" He managed to drive Cana's inquiry off course with himself bringing up the disturbing image of him last night of him in the guild hall. Of course Cana only nibbled at the bait some.

"Yeah, guess you're right. A psychopath such as yourself can't trust anyone, huh?" She remarked.

Craig nudged his head around in another mocking fashion. "Ha-ha. Thank you for throwing another emotionally shattering compliment in my face." He didn't bother looking back as his brow burrowed, and he sounded just so happy in the heaviest sarcasm there could have possibly been made.

The two carried on through the mountain path, trailing and churning gravel every step of the way. As the morning sun soon turned to noon, the mist among the mountains was ever so thick, which was something that was most odd. As they kept on going, Craig was getting the notion.

'Mountain mist should never stay this long. I'm getting the feeling that we're starting to close in.' His pace thickened as the duo slid downhill, with Craig taking a skip and jumping to a stop. He and Cana both were already feeling it.

"You noticed too, huh?" Cana asked.

Craig nodded. "Longer than you have. This mist…it's more like a fog. And we know fog's duration never prolongs under these circumstances. We're just about there." He turned back towards Cana, looking at her dead in the eye. "As much as I despise the proximity between us – and you too – stay close."

Cana nodded in understanding. "Fine…but I'm not holding onto you."

Craig smirked. "They always say that."

"Right before you run them over."

The two trudged on and managed to find some clearance down the mountain. It was a hefty maneuver with the fog being rather thick some, but Craig got them where they were going.

"Hello~?"

Craig and Cana stopped dead in their tracks. When they finally reached grass and woodland on the other side of the mountain. They were surprised to say the least when they heard the voice. It was a man, and Craig gripped his sword, poised to strike.

The fog's feeling wasn't moist, but rather eerie in a manner of speaking. The ideal image of them being safe and sound was no on their minds. To Craig, there was no meaning of 'safe', not with the fog.

"Can you hear me? Hey! Over here!"

They turned their heads, facing the direction where the call came from. Through the fog, they could surprisingly see a man in a casual t-shirt and bright cargo pants. All of his coloring on his attire were bright, which was rather…flashy. His blonde hair was also seen thoroughly. The oddest feature about him was that around his waist, there was a rope, and the line went all the ways away into the foggy woods.

Craig and Cana slowly approached and maintained their distance away from the man, roughly ten feet or so. Craig rested his hand on the hilt of his dark red sword in case. "You are you?" He asked.

"Uh, excuse me, can I trouble you for a question?" The man asked. "Do you know where you are?"

Cana raised a brow. "Uh…we were hoping you knew?"

The man looked relieved. "Oh thank heavens! We have newcomers at long last!" He shouted into the air with such vivid energy. The look on Cranky and Brownie was the same: confused. They only looked on as the man introduced himself.

"So you stumbled onto our home. You two have no idea on how lucky you are to have actually made it this far into the fog without a guideline." He gestured to himself. "I'm Drake, and it's a delight to meet the acquaintance of whom?"

"Craig Crius, and my…ally, Cana Alberona." He stated. "We've come on behalf of this." He pulled out the flier, which was the S-Class job. The job being present made Drake's eyes widened. When Cana showed her guild mark, all was but a sheer fortune for Drake.

Drake smiled as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ugh, bless today. Bless today." He said. He took a moment of solidarity to compose himself and smiled. "You two, I welcome you to Fogbound. The village of the cursed fog." He turned away and started following his rope backwards. "Follow me, and stay close."

Craig and Cana followed the man after they shot inquired glances at one another. The glances soon turned to intimidating sneers and leers as they went on ahead into the fog.

Behind them, something swift moved to the side. It looked solid white, and had yellow eyes. It lurked on as the duo embarked.

Fogbound was more primitive than what many could have imagined. There was a lot of tents made of cloth, and to be honest, it really looked more like a base camp. The camp had a center plaza with a large fire pit, and as everyone ventured through, the children around looked like they were forcing themselves to be happy.

Craig looked at the frowns as they made way through the village gate. He could see all of the somber looks, and despite the sunlight brimming, it did little for them to brighten up their melancholy. Craig's gut cringed at the whole village without a single smile, and Drake was the only one keeping himself up, for he was believed to have found hope. As the villagers casted glances towards the newcomers, they had so many questions; many of which was why would they come here of all places.

Craig and Cana stood in front of the largest base there was, which was a link of two small huts and a conical top. It stood forty feet high and was a hot pink color. Drake turned around and finally undid his rope.

"Alright, go ahead and see him." He said. "Our leader's inside. You'll have to deal with him first."

Cana nodded in understanding. She opened the tent and she and Craig went inside. There was a bit of furniture here and there, a couple of pots and plants all around the corners, and then there was a huge placemat in the center. The mat was some pillows and a coffee table for people to have a meeting. It looked big enough to accommodate ten people in terms of proximity.

"Um, hello?" Cana called out.

"Be right with you!" Another male voice called out, though he sounded deeper in tone, and more aggressive.

Craig and Cana looked over to their right, where the voice resonated from. The footsteps came, and there was a middle-aged man wearing brown slackers. He had a muscular bulk with intricate bracelets on the wrists. He had a claw scar across his forehead. His dark blonde hair was a contrast to the light and neon necklace and trousers he had.

"What do you want?" He grumpily asked.

Craig raised a brow. "Not what we want, but what you need." He said in an equal tine with vivid retort. He showed the request. "Ring a bell?"

The leader's eyes widened in surprise. "What…? You two are serious, aren't you?" He walked several paces towards the mat, where he stood on the opposite end. "You two are really gonna try and lift Fogbound from its fog?"

"Yeah, got a problem?" Craig asked as he and Cana made way to the center.

"No, no." He denied. "It's just…we never thought anyone would be that foolish to try and lift our forever fog."

Craig and all three sat themselves down on their knees. They all sat in accommodation to their meeting.

"I am Kai, and I'm the leader of Fogbound. And it's with gratitude that I welcome you both to Fogbound." He said. "So in terms of the job, you two have a very vital task, and it seems extremely difficult."

"Well it's S-Class for a reason." Craig deadpanned.

Cana looked despondently at her partner-in-crime. "I see you're just as rude to anybody else as you are to me." She turned back towards Kai. "So anyways, go on."

Kai nodded. "Okay. Fogbound is more commonly known as a campsite. This was actually a base camp for an expedition we were operating on. Our objective was to solve a myth that's been long thought forgotten."

Craig's eye narrowed. "Myth?"

"Yes. Fogbound's primary goal as an expedition was to locate this long-forgotten or perhaps ancient lake. We believed that it was hidden underground, so a year ago, we ventured into the fog…" He paused, and his gaze cascaded to the ground. A grim vibe could be felt as clear as day. "That's when we've made a terrible mistake."

Craig's shoulders tightened. "Well I sure ain't liking where this is heading."

"That makes two of us." Cana added.

"And so we ventured into the fog, but there wasn't without a price or misfortune. We realized…that we weren't alone." An ominous vibe from before grew venomous as chills went through the tent. "I was there, when we saw them. These creatures, who were as white as the fog itself. They were thought to be ghosts at first, but many speculations were looming around. Those white beasts attacked us, took so many of our scouts into the fog, never to return. We couldn't see them. The fog was like their cover. Even when we had guidelines back, the scouts sent out for any exploration or food usually get caught, and their lines get snapped."

"Oh god." Cana muttered.

Craig leaned forward, adjusting his position. "So tell me, were there any attacks within the village itself?"

Kai shook his head. "No, thankfully. However, they've been looming around the village as of late, around the exact same time my son came back from a scouting mission about two weeks back. He came back with…an unprecedented object."

"Object…?" Cana wondered.

"Drake; I'm sure you've met him. He guided you here. He found what was keeping our village warm, yet not so muggy." He stood up and towered over the two. "Follow me."

Craig and Cana looked suspiciously at one another. They had some sort of feeling, and yet they couldn't read the other well at all. Choosing to cast their thoughts aside, they instead changed their directives and followed Kai to outside, where they looked to the top of the massive tent that was his quarters.

Atop was what was a ruby, and it was glistening. The top of the tent looked intriguing with that as a decoration.

"How did we miss that?" Cana wondered.

"Probably because you need glasses." Craig sneered. "Still…"

"Have you noticed that all around the tent that there isn't a speck of fog?" Kai asked. "It's thanks to this rock Drake found. For some reason, we believe that it's a lacrima. It's special, as it somehow is a fog-shield sort of speak." He then gestured to all throughout the village. "Take notice, that as the area lengthens, the fog is no more, but then gets thin. The village is within a thin layer of fog, but around my and some radius a little beyond the wall, there is no fog. We use it as a beacon, and we are grateful for Drake for showing us this lacrima."

Craig crossed his arms, keeping silent.

"However, due to the small radius, the villagers on the other side of Fogbound are a little scared. They have a small layer of fog still, but that is enough for those white monsters to scrounge through the boundaries at night. Odd as it really is, they don't attack us inside of our borders. Only when we venture out."

"…I see." Craig speculated.

"Due to complaints, I'm gonna move the beacon towards the center of the village, so that everyone shall be able to get a fair view and salvation. As to where we have plans to do so, your job is to make sure to come out in one piece." He looked down, and put a hand on both of their shoulders. "I implore you, lift this fog, and find out what truly happened to those lost souls. We all have low morale not knowing what happened to those mothers and fathers of children. It's unforgiveable for what they've done."

Craig could see the heavy plea in his eyes. Cana could sense it as well. He was desperate, and needed a savior. Everyone all around was frowning knowing they may never be safe within the confines of Fogbound. The children wanna see the clear sun for once, the newborn were probably crying as they were born into a world plagued by fog, unable to see clearly. The pit in Cana's stomach was churning, and that was when she finally realized that this is what Craig meant as desperation. How can she turn away from all of those sad faces, and leave the circumstances as they were. Looking at Craig, she came to an epiphany that this is what he's been living with. He deliberately takes on these challenges, so numerous people shall rejoice. No amount of jewel was worth the smiles that will be put on their faces once more.

Cana grinned with confidence. "Cranky and I won't stop until we find your people, we swear. On my honor as a Fairy Tail wizard."

"What Brownie said, only without the honor and more on myself." Craig said, much to Cana's indifference.

Kai smiled. "Thank you both. Please help us."

In a vacant tent set up close to Kai's tent for security, Craig and Cana were forced to share the same space, but luckily this was only temporary. The two sat across from each other, looking at one another with disgust.

"Stop staring." Cana growled.

"It's not my fault you're right there. I could hurl at the sight of you, but I rather save my energy for something even worth vomiting at." Craig retorted.

"Stare longer and you'll go blind."

"Well if you go blind, I ain't guiding you."

"Like I'd want to be guided by you anyway. You'll guide me to an early grave." She said. "Anyways, Cranky, what's our plan?"

Craig sat up and closed his eyes, cracking his neck. "Isn't it obvious? Use your head for once." He sneered. "You tell yourself, were you paying attention to the questions I asked?" As he told her, Cana was left to remind herself of the questions Craig asked, noticing and recalling how it all revolved around the confines of Fogbound. When he saw the look on her face, as it was confusion more or less, Craig rolled his eyes. "Alright, looks like I'm spelling it out for ya."

"I'm not a child." Cana pointed out.

"Save it for when I send you to detention." Craig raised a brow in sarcasm. He crouched down to meet her with eye level. "Now look, Kai said that those white monsters only take people who wander outside the village, not inside; and yet they were looming around the village starting when Drake brought that ruby thing back, right?"

"Right…?"

Craig groaned. "Don't you think that it's a little more than a coincidence that those two ideals are linked. When you take a pup away from its pack, the whole pack will stop at nothing until they have their pup back. Now you get it? I'm positive that the ruby rock is what's driving them here."

Cana was left with shock as she looked dumbfounded at Craig. When she considered it,a nd looking back at the speech, there was no coincidence. 'However, due to the small radius, the villagers on the other side of Fogbound are a little scared. They have a small layer of fog still, but that is enough for those white monsters to scrounge through the boundaries at night. Odd as it really is, they don't attack us inside of our borders. Only when we venture out.' What he said lingered around in her head until she finally spoke. "And you're sure about this?"

Craig shook his head and sat back down. "It's a high speculation. I can't just go and snatch that thing up without any evidence. If I took it now or without pointing the right reasons to the people, they'll only panic. As far as a plan of action goes. I'm going to have to step in their shoes…and go through that fog."

"You mean act like a scout." Cana shook her head and stood up along with Craig. "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. You're using yourself as bait, you know that?"

"Exactly."

"…uh, what?"

"If I throw myself in the open, they'll come after me. That's my plan. If you had forgotten, which I'm sure you did with that walnut-sized brain of yours…" Cana growled at his insult, but he paid no heed. "We have to lift the fog, but more importantly save those lost people. So…if they take me now, I'll be able to find their location."

Craig turned and went for the exit. "If I don't return…just remember, you're stupid."

Cana grew a tick mark on her head and she fumed. "You're the stupid one! You're throwing yourself out there for crying out loud! Cranky, I'm talking to you-come back! I ain't done with you!"

Craig ventured off, leaving Cana growling in her tent...but she did realize that she still had his thin jacket on still, keeping her warm.

So Craig's approach was to choose the people over the fog. With his plan set, he ventured off towards the gate. He's known sacrifice, and he's been bold about this stuff more than a few times. This was no different. He tied the rope around his waist and tightened it. He turned back around and looked at Drake.

"Are you sure about this?" He asked. "It only goes out so far."

"Yeah…I'm sure." Craig said. He slowly proceeded out towards the thick fog, which was like a wall of white in front of them both. He nonchalantly waved back at Drake. "Catch ya later." With that, Craig embarked into the fog alone. He treaded into the unknown, with the blanket of fog all around. He could barely see the ground.

He walked for about a slow and steady five minutes into the fog. He turned his head constantly, looking around to see if anyone was gonna take the bait. "Alright, I should be close enough. Guess all I have to do is wait."

He stood in place, minding himself as he just waited, and waited. He lost track of time so long ago, but he knew that it was past lunch. He had to stay sharp and weary, but he was all loose and ready. As long as they didn't attempt to kill him on the spot, he was okay.

About maybe ten minutes had passed, and already Craig was wondering. 'What's going on? Shouldn't they be here by now? Or do they perhaps know that I'm deliberately bait-?!'

A twig snapped behind him, and he shifted and readied his blood red sword. "Who's' there?" He demanded. He got no answer, but he had his blood red sword readied for a counter. His gaze was sharp, and his sea-blue eyes glared at an approaching figure. He remained ready as the figure came close enough to be in view.

The figure was not by all means monstrous as Kai described, but was more feminine ad curvaceous with the massively oversized bust and hips. The figure he recognized, and his eyes widened and his mouth gaped.

"…what?"

"Thought you could get away from round two, Cranky?" It was Cana, and just like Craig, she had a rope around her waist.

Saying Craig was startled would be an understatement. "G-Brownie?! What the actual hell?! Do you have a death wish?!"

"Well you're gonna need backup, pal!" She scolded.

"You're jeopardizing the whole idea!" Craig snarled. "The plan was that I'm the bait and try and find those people, while you figure something out with that ruby thing! Are you denser than this fog?!"

"And what's wrong with going one plan first?" She argued. "Besides, what if they're in separate locations? Or only chooses one person at a time? At least we'd know their attack style!"

Craig's eye twitched and he growled. His eye twitched further until he clenched his fists and hilt of sword tight. "Alright, fine! You wanna run off with me into the unknown and get caught in hopes of no return, be my guest! You have a guild anyway, I'm sure they'll be pissed if you don't come back."

"Well you're part of this too!"

"I said I don't care about the cruddy barnyard of a guild, let alone you! I don't wanna take responsibility for your mistakes!"

"Well I'm a big girl, I make my own decisions."

"The only thing big about you is your rump and those!" He gestured to her massive breasts.

Cana narrowed your eyes. "Well thank you for being so straightforward with me and my assets!" She sarcastically said.

"Well you're so damned welcome! Feel free to send me a postcard if you get ca-!" Craig suddenly cut himself off when he saw a white blur. It was faint, but he saw it. It went swiftly behind Cana.

"Um, hello?" Cana wondered.

"Sh!" He cut her off and held and arm out to her. His eyes were looking as though they were staring at something monstrous, as his look was a mix of suspicion…and dread. Immediately she caught on, as she saw something swift zoom a distance on her right.

Craig and Cana's heads turned about, looking slowly in every direction that came up. They looked out at the thick blanket, seeing visibly nothing. They then saw a white blitz zoom around, with its figure looking hazy.

"Brownie…we're not alone." Craig whispered as he and Cana were back to back.

"So what's the plan now?" She asked, keeping her and head in the sights of a white beast zooming; it slowed down unlike before, and she could see the yellow eyes.

Craig held up his blood red sword. "Get ready. We're changing plans." He said. "We're gonna see what these guys can do."

As they went in a circle, all around them, low growls were heard. Stepping out were creatures that looked to be about seven feet tall. They came into view, their teeth sharp and yellow eyes accompanied with a milky underside. The tails were lined with rough scales that couldn't be broken by normal punches and kicks. They had black talons on their feet as they stood on two legs. They had no arms, but instead very small wings, almost like gliders, that were white.

The six or so monsters snarled as they circled around Craig and Cana. As they were ready to take their prey, Craig and Cana had a sword and tarot cards out, ready to strike back.

New update! Sorry for the cliffhanger, but I didn't wanna make this update too long. No flashback this time, but since last chapter had two, that should bide a little until next chapter. As usual, review and comment what you liked!