Author's Note: It's interesting that multiple people guessed Loke. Huh. That was a direction I could've taken, now that I think about it…

But I wrote this chapter a long time back, and there's a lot of plot that flows well with the rest of the story - so I'm sticking with this chapter as is ;-) Sorry guys!

FireShifter - YES. Zeref and Mavis will be a part of this story. And they will be a pair. In fact, Mavis has already been mentioned in a previous chapter, and will be playing a major part towards the end of this looooonggg story…

The bushes parted and the slim figure of a young maiden emerged. She had dark brown tresses that cascaded in ripples down her back, and shrewd violet eyes that danced with mirth. What stood out to Lucy the most though, was her attire. The young girl, probably only a few years older than herself, wore a long flowing skirt with a slit that revealed her long and toned legs. Her top was nothing more than a colorful and patterned brassiere, covering her already well-developed bosom. She strode into the clearing with an air of confidence that awed Lucy. She stopped right in front of Metalicana giving him a cool once over and addressing him in a rather rough tone.

"Well? Whacha want, ya old dragon? I betta not have wandered thru these old woods fer nothin!"

Metalicana chuckled, a rare bright grin taking over his features.

"I didn't know you were back in town, Cana. How fares your father?"

"Tha old fart? Eh, he's in decent health."

"Good. So I assume Jet didn't explain the circumstances before asking you to come to our aid?"

At that, Cana let out a peal of laughter, a musical sound that contrasted sharply with her earlier tone of mocking severity.

"Tha cowardly youngin took one look at old Porly and hightailed it outta the cabin so fast, I thought he'd got whiplash! Lucky for ya, lil ol' me was around to divine yer location…" she paused, glancing around at the other occupants of the clearing, "Course I couldn see wha all tha commotion was 'bout so Porly sent me here ta make sure everyone's still alive." Cana's gaze glazed over the other two dragons and Levy, but abruptly halted when she spied Lucy. Her eyes flashed with concern and she swore softly under her breath. She hurried over, plopping down onto the grass beside Lucy, looking straight into her eyes.

"Well, hello there lil un. Whatcha doin so far from yer home an' in tha company o these blackguards?"

As she spoke, she gently touched Lucy's leg, feeling it to find the break. As soon as she found it she clucked her tongue, removing a flask from her hip and handing it to Lucy, with a gesture indicating she should take a sip. Lucy timidly raised it to her lips, coughing when the stringent liquid hit her throat.

"Wha… cough… what is this?"

"A sorta alcohol that'll numb yer pain. Yer gonna need it for when I try ta set yer bone straight."

Cana had drawn out a couple of herbs and a tiny pestle and mortar out of a small pouch (that must've been magical because it looked far too small to hold so many contents in Lucy's opinion!) and was seriously focusing on the task at hand, mixing and mashing ingredients with a vengeance. She casually addressed Metalicana over her shoulder.

"I ain't exactly tha best at this healin crap, still only halfway thru ma training. But I'll be able ta manage this lil un's break just fine, lucky fer us it ain't infected with anythin. Old Porly woulda come herself, but she's a bit preoccupied with company o the male variety." Cana ended her speech with a leer and a suggestive wink, making Lucy blush to the roots of her hair.

Natsu, who had drifted to Lucy's other side and was watching Cana's administrations with a worried gaze, perked up at her words.

"Gramps is in town?"

"Aye. Just came in yesterday from the sound of it. He ain't been by Fairy Tail yet."

"Ha! Father's going to be thrilled! He's just in time for the Dragon Kings festival."

"Dunno if the old codger'll make it to yer festival. Said he's got some important business in his hometown."

"Er… Excuse me."

Both Natsu and Cana paused to observe Lucy, who was looking between the pair with a troubled expression on her face.

"I… I can't help but feel that you all know each other quite well, but… um… I'm afraid I've never had the pleasure of your acquaintance?"

Cana raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on her face.

"Fair enough lil un. The name's Cana Alberona."

"Oh. Lovely. And I am Lucy. It is a pleasure to meet you. And are you… err… Could you be of the human female persuasion?"

Cana's grin widened, and she gave Lucy a raunchy wink.

"Whaddya think, honey? Don't I look like a human girl?"

"Oh, you do! I mean… Your features are very much those of a human girl, but then most of my magical friends seem to be able to take a form that looks quite human too, so I wasn't sure, and I didn't want to assume and possibly offend you…"

"Relax, sweetheart. I'm 100% human." Cana's smile softened, her gaze turning somber, "And from yer mannerisms and speech I'd guess yer from the courts of Pergrande?"

Lucy bowed her head, refusing to look the other girl in her eyes. She merely nodded in consent.

Cana looked at her, sympathy in her gaze, dropping all pretense of teasing. She placed a gentle, comforting hand on Lucy's shoulder.

"I've heard it's a harsh place despite the fancy trappins."

"It is a golden gilded cage!" Lucy snapped suddenly with surprising venom in her voice, "Cursed are we who are imprisoned there…"

Natsu, who had been listening to their conversation with rapt attention, frowned at Lucy's tone and words. It was very unlike her.

"Is it really so bad, Lucy?" he probed gently.

Lucy faltered for an instant. She normally kept quiet about her troubles at home, especially when she spoke to Natsu, since she had learned over time that he had a tendency to try to fix any problem she professed to have with his fury and his fists. She also dreaded him or his fellow dragons ever finding out about her parentage. If some of them could feel so much animosity towards her for simply being human, what would they think if they knew she was the daughter of the cruelest human in all of Pergrande?!

She sighed. "I exaggerate, Natsu. Tis not so terrible, at least I personally have no cause to complain. I have very little freedom, yes, and it can be quite lonely and stressful at times… But so far I am safe, and well cared for. And I cannot deny that there are numerous physical comforts I am privileged to enjoy…"

"That's nothing, Lucy! If you want comforts you should come to Alagesia! You'd have freedom, no stress and all the comforts in the world! Plus you'd have me! And Happy!"

"And that's exactly why she should stay far away from Alagesia! Being anywhere near you two would be hazardous to anyone's health!" Gajeel snickered.

"Are you trying to make her a part of your hoard?" Levy enquired of Natsu with a glare.

Natsu winced. "Well… no… not exactly..."

Cana scoffed. "Course he is! Look at 'er golden hair! Fire dragons have a weakness for gold, I betcha that's why he even cozied up ta 'er in the first place!"

"Is not! She's really nice! And she brings the most awesome meat from her kingdom for me, plus the fish she brings for Happy is pretty good too…"

"So you're using her to get yourself and your familiar extra food." Levy dead-panned.

"NO! I'm NOT trying to make her a part of my hoard, and I'm NOT her friend for the sake of the food!" He paused. "Well, not ONLY for the food."

Lucy blinked. "Err… Ok… It's a relief to know that my gifts of edibles aren't the only reason you are my friend. But what does Levy mean by your hoard, Natsu?"

Cana clucked her tongue. "Ya really dunno much do ya? A hoard is a dragon's treasure collection. Every single one of 'ems got one, and they're notoriously stingy 'bout sharin! Each type 'o dragon's got a preference for tha kind 'o treasure they like ta gather. Tha metal ones…" Cana gestured to Gajeel and a lost-in-thought Metalicana, "generally like ta stock up on weapons and precious gems. The air type like pretty things - like carvings, an' knick-knacks. The fire type steals anythin with a hint 'o gold. That ol' fairy tale of dragons kidnapping golden-haired princesses? It's all thanks to these fire-breathin' morons…"

"HEY! We don't steal gold, you witch! We earn it through battle! Same goes with the princesses!"

"HA!" Cana whooped in victory. "So ya admit it! Ya reptiles do kidnap humans, eh? Run, Lucy! 'Fore this flaming idiot tries ta lock ya up in a tower!"

"I'd never lock her up in a tower! Wouldn't have to. I could just build her the most comfortable house in all the land!" Natsu's chest puffed out in pride, "I've got one of the biggest hoards a hatchling could have in all the dragon kingdom!"

Cana snorted. "Course ya do! After all, yer lucky enough ta be tha friggin dragon pr…"

Natsu clapped his hand over Cana's mouth, furiously shaking his head. The remaining occupants of the clearing blinked, as Cana glared at Natsu, clearly peeved about being muzzled. Lucy shot Natsu a curious look. Natsu smiled back at her nervously.

Metalicana suddenly snapped out of his thoughts, addressing Cana gruffly.

"Aren't we all getting a little bit distracted here? Is the salve for Lucy's leg ready, Cana?"

Cana glanced down at the mortar in her lap and heaved a heavy sigh. She nodded, a somber expression on her face. Metalicana rose from his spot on the grass, quietly approaching Lucy and sitting beside Cana.

"Tell us what to do."

Cana nodded again slowly. "It'd be best if ye do the setting. I'll apply tha salve as soon as ya have set it right. Natsu'll hafta hold 'er down while ya do it, she ain't magical so I can't risk using any more magic to numb 'er pain." Cana shot Lucy an apologetic look. "We'll make it as quick as possible, Lucy."

Lucy paled but nodded resolutely.

Levy gazed at her friend, worry in her eyes. "Is there anything Gajeel and I can do as well, Cana?"

Cana frowned, "Yeah, I don't have a speck of ridge-weed on me. It's tha best thing to bind 'er leg with once it's been set, it'll help tha salve work faster. Could ya fetch me some from yonder hill?"

Levy and Gajeel nodded, spreading out their wings and taking off into the cool evening sky.

Cana turned back to Lucy, her expression grim.

"Ready?"

Lucy took a deep breath and nodded again. She was as ready as she'd ever be.

"Hey, Natsu?"

Natsu hummed an acknowledgment without bothering to look up. Lucy had fallen unconscious with the pain as soon as Metalicana had pulled her leg straight. Cana had promptly applied the salve and bound Lucy's leg with the ridge-weed that Gajeel and Levy returned with just moments later. Cana had mixed and administered a quick potion to convert Lucy's state of unconsciousness to that of a healing sleep. Having done his part, and assured by Cana of Lucy's speedy recovery, Metalicana had taken his leave. Gajeel, Levy, Cana, and Natsu had decided to wait until Lucy awakened. Natsu had gathered the sleeping girl into his lap and had refused to part with her until she awakened.

As the moments passed and the evening shadows lengthened, Natsu continued to gaze intently at Lucy, occasionally brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

Cana observed them, her brow wrinkling. "Why'd ya panic when I was about ta call ya tha dragon prince?"

Natsu remained silent. Observing his reluctance to respond, Levy piped up. "I think it may have to do with the fact that Lucy seems to have a specific hatred for royalty."

Cana raised an eyebrow. "Whaddya mean?"

Levy hesitated. "Well… I honestly don't know why, but the few times I've asked her about her kingdom, she's always been rather vehemently against the royal family. I suspect her family may have a personal vendetta with them…"

"Aye, It has something to do with her father." Natsu interrupted gruffly. "From the little she has expressed of her life at home, I can tell he's a no-good bastard who doesn't treat her well." Natsu grit his teeth, a low growl escaping his throat. "She's afraid of him. And for some reason, she is afraid of the royalty of her land as well. It has prejudiced her against royalty and the rich in general." He gazed sorrowfully at the pretty girl breathing evenly in his lap. "I do not want her to know my station and hate me for it. Or fear me."

Gajeel grunted. "I doubt she would, Salamander. She seems to be unusually fond of your miserable hide - if you haven't scared her away yet, I don't think a confession of royal blood would do the trick."

Natsu shot his cousin a grim smile.

"Don't be so sure. Let me tell you what happened the other day…"

"It was just in jest Lucy! Wouldn't you like to be called 'Princess'?"

"No! Not even in jest. The idea is abhorrent. Don't ever call me that!"

Natsu raised his eyebrows trading a mystified glance with Happy.

"Yah know, you are very strange. Most beings wouldn't mind being referred to as royalty…"

"Well, I am not 'most beings'. And I don't want to be royal! Royalty is evil and cruel. I never wish to be associated with it!"

"Oh come on, Lucy! Royal folk are not all bad! There must be some who do good…"

"Nay, I have yet to meet one of royal blood who is not a blight upon this earth! Those wretched souls are the reason so many innocent beings suffer, and yet they escape entirely free…" Lucy exclaimed with uncharacteristic fury and bitterness.

Natsu and Happy blinked, taken aback by her ferocity. Hesitantly, Happy reached out and patted Lucy's arm."We're sorry! If it upsets you so much, we'll never tease you with that word again!"

Lucy took a deep breath, willing herself to calm down."Thank you Happy. Please keep your word, both of you."

As Natsu finished, he shifted uncomfortably, his eyes silently pleading for the understanding of the rest of the members of the clearing.

"I can't let her know. Please. Just this one thing!"

Slowly, the others nodded.

"The pixies won't tell her, Natsu."

"She won't hear it from me, Salamander."

"Yer a coward. But until ya tell 'er yerself, I ain't spillin anythin."

Natsu heaved a sigh of relief, holding Lucy a little tighter. The girl squirmed in her sleep, relaxing again after a moment, a small smile playing on her lips. He hoped she was having pleasant dreams.

The soft sound of swishing fabric permeated the air, the low hum of voices in the chamber barely hiding it. A majestic dragon-lady sat on an ornate stool at the center of the room, listening patiently to her companion as she deftly embroidered a beautiful cloak.

"He is becoming most unmanageable, my Queen, I daresay us water dragons have reached our limit…"

"I do understand Lady Aqualine," Grandine smothered the smile that threatened to overtake her lips, "I will certainly speak with him. As I have many times before. And daresay will continue to many times in the future…"

A knock on the door interrupted the temperamental Lady Aqualine before she could continue her complaint. Queen Grandine nodded to one of her handmaidens, who opened the intricately carved wooden doors of the queen's chambers.

In strode Metalicana, his brow furrowed and his crimson eyes focused on the floor before him. Grandine's jovial greeting faded on her lips as she took in his disturbed expression, a small frown forming on her face. She turned to Lady Aqualine with a polite and placating smile.

"I have some private business I wish to discuss with Sir Metalicana, milady. If you would kindly excuse us?"

Lady Aqualine frowned, but rose from her seat nonetheless, falling into a deep curtsey in front of her queen. She shot Metalicana a look of curiosity before gliding gracefully out of the queen's chambers.

Grandine gestured to the seat the Lady had just vacated and Metalicana took it, a slow smile beginning to form on his face.

"Complaints about his Majesty from her Ladyship?"

"Same old, same old, my friend. Now what troubles you, sir?"

Metalicana hesitated, glancing at the handmaidens weaving their works in a corner of the queen's chamber, their soft friendly banter echoing off the walls.

"Err… What I would like to discuss requires strict privacy my Queen. And the presence of His Majesty as well, if that could be managed."

Queen Grandine's eyes widened. She beckoned to one of her handmaidens and whispered a few words in her ear. The young sky dragoness giggled, flashing her queen a huge smile. She turned to the rest of the handmaidens, herding them from the room before closing the main door and approaching the doors of the Queen's wall-length closet. Opening the third closet door, she cleared her throat and announced rather coyly.

"His Majesty, King Igneel."

Igneel stepped out of the closet scratching the back of his neck with a rather sheepish expression on his face. Metalicana rolled his eyes.

"Hiding from Lady Aqualine?"

"It was my beloved wife's idea!" Igneel grinned at Metalicana. "Well, what have you to say to me and my Queen, you old rust-bucket?"

Metalicana returned his King's grin with a smirk, pausing until the last handmaiden had excused herself from the room and closed the doors behind her. His jovial expression faded the moment the doors clicked closed and he ran a hand over his haggard face. Grandine and Igneel took in his appearance with concerned gazes.

"What happened brother? Last we heard, you found a lead on that atrocious human mage who terrorized our magical brethren in the south-eastern province - were you not successful in your arrest?"

"He is dead." Metalicana intoned in a lifeless voice. "But that is not what has unsettled me. I tracked the vermin to a clearing in the enchanted woods - the clearing where your son regularly meets his 'fae' friend." Metalicana paused, turning to Grandine. "Igneel was right - your son has been lying about this friend of his. Presumably to protect her. It is a she and… she is not of the fae." Metalicana hesitated again, glancing between the couple before him.

"What is it about his new playmate that upsets you so, my friend?" Grandine gently prompted him. "If she is not of the fae, then what is she?"

"She is a human."

Grandine frowned, turning to her husband, who in turn had a troubled look upon his face.

"Well… that is less than ideal of course, but is she not a child? Surely a youngling, even a human, poses no threat to our son? And Wendy seems to love her as well, I believe she and Carla have been to meet her…"

"She is not just any human." Metalicana interrupted, his gaze boring into Grandine's. "Even as a child, she is one of the prettiest human females to grace this earth. She has the complexion of cream, and sparkling brown eyes. She has… the most golden hair of any human I've ever seen, bar one."

Grandine had paled as Metalicana's speech had progressed, her breath catching in her throat and her hand instinctively reaching out to clasp her husband's.

"And her name is Lucy."

Grandine gasped, her gaze snapping to Igneel's, her hand trembling in his grasp. Igneel pulled her into a tight hug, addressing his brother-in-arms over his wife's head.

"Are you sure of this? Is she truly the Lucy we are thinking of?"

Metalicana nodded slowly, his sorrowful eyes fixed on Grandine.

"Aye. I spent some time with the younglings, just observing her. There is no doubt. She is Lucy, the Princess of Pergrande. The daughter of Jude and… Layla…"