Lucy tried desperately to still her racing heart. Just a few moments ago, she had stormed out of the clearing in a righteous rage. It certainly would not do to go back there now and seek out that insufferable dragon's help. She could be strong. She could be bold. She could be brave.

A croak from a frog in the bushes changed all that.

With a blood-curdling shriek she sped around, intent on finding her dragon friend and begging him to accompany her home. (Pride be damned!) Only to collide head-first with a soft bosom and have a colorful string of swear words muttered in her ear.

"Ye gads, darlin! Were ya tryin to wake up the whole forest?! And why're ya headin tha wrong way in such a hurry?"

"Oh! Cana… I-I'm sorry, I just… I heard…"

Cana sighed, gently righting Lucy as the girl deteriorated into an increasingly incoherent ramble.

"Calm ye down, lass. I came ta check up on ya, and walk ya to yer abode."

"Oh!" Lucy breathed a sigh of relief, "I… Thank you, Cana. I do hope I'm not imposing…"

Cana just chuckled, walking breezily past the trembling little girl, gesturing her to follow with a casual wave of her hand.

"Nay, my own humble home ain't far from yer fancy trappins. Come along then, we don't wanna linger. This here forest can get cranky afta sundown."

Lucy stumbled forward, falling into step beside the pretty witch girl, glancing fearfully over her shoulder every few moments. The pair walked in companionable silence for a few minutes.

Cana glanced at the girl at her side. Lucy, at last, looked calmer - her expression one of open curiosity rather than fear - as she surveyed the dark woods around them. Clearing her throat, Cana addressed the prim little maiden by her side.

"Ya know, I'm glad I gotta moment to talk to ya without the rest o' the pack around. There were a few questions I wanted ta ask ya… If ya don't mind that is…"

Lucy hummed, a smile on her lips. "Not at all Cana! Pray, ask me whatever may be on your mind."

"Hmmm…" Cana hedged. "I suppose I'll start with tha easy un first. In tha clearin jus now when I was teasin missy red about lovahs, you snuck a peek at Gray. Why?"

Lucy hesitated. "Err… I suppose you might find my reason silly…"

"Try me."

"Oh, very well. I guess I thought Erza and Gray would make a handsome pair. They both share a traumatic past and they are considerably mature for their age. Well, Gray is mature when he isn't around Natsu and Erza is mature when she isn't around a strawberry cake. I guess I hoped that something special could arise between the two of them given enough time and… perhaps encouragement?"

"No." Cana said with a friendly smile upon her face, but a definite note of firmness in her tone.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Ye can hope all ya want sweetie, but don't try ta scheme or manipulate love. If it's destined ta happen, it'll happen."

Lucy pouted petulantly. "That's a tad bit hypocritical of you, isn't it Cana? Don't you mercilessly tease us all about love and pair us off?"

Cana chuckled. "That's just it youngun. I tease ya with those ya already care about - more n likely they're the ones yer sweet on. If not, it'll jus embarrass ya for a bit - no lastin harm done." Cana's tone grew serious, her eyes darting to Lucy's. "And I'll ne'er do more than tease ya. Tryin ta force those kinda feelins between two people can cause a lotta heartache all around. Besides…" Cana's cheerful expression returned, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she gave Lucy a rather pointed look. "I can see Gray's got his eye on another pretty little thing who's a little softer and warmer than stern miss red."

"Oh." Lucy's shoulders slumped, completely missing Cana's look. Instead, her petulant pout returned. "How vexing." She perked up as a thought suddenly crossed her mind. "Well, I suppose I should be happy for him - I wonder who she could be? And Erza is really far kinder and more relaxed during our weaponry lessons at home these days, now that she has these magical sparring sessions to look forward to. I suppose she does not need romance to soften her heart…" Lucy squeaked, suddenly recollecting she wasn't alone. "That is to say, Th-That's not the reason I wanted Erza to find a… I really did just want them to be happy! And I suppose they both are now, in their own ways, so all has turned out for the best, hasn't it?" Lucy smiled at Cana, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Cana laughed, giving the little girl an affectionate tweak of her nose.

"That it has, ya mischievous little schemer."

Lucy laughed as well. "So, what is the next question you wished to ask me Cana?"

It was Cana's turn to hesitate. Her brow furrowed and she fell silent for a moment.

"This one's not as simple. In fact, I think it only fair to ask afta I've told ya somethin about meself first."

"Oh. That's intriguing. Pray, do tell then."

Cana nodded, glancing at Lucy again. "First off, do ya know why I'm called a witch and not a mage?"

"Ohhh!" Lucy exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight. "I do! All thanks to a marvelous book Levy lent me regarding magical humans! A witch or wizard is a person who has multiple magical abilities as opposed to a mage who would only have one. Witches are rare and highly sought after for their abilities, even more so than mages, therefore they tend to band together in covens for protection. In addition to these informal groups, each young witch is assigned a mentor to help her master her individual talents. Have I explained it accurately so far?"

"To a T." Cana winked at the little girl. "Mah coven travels around a lot, tha's why I disappear from time ta time ta report in. But ma mentor lives here in these woods - er name's Porlyuscia, and she's also known as tha dark witch of the enchanted wood."

Lucy squeaked, her eyes growing wide and fearful. "I've heard rumors about her! But isn't it said she hates humans? I always assumed she wasn't human herself…"

Cana threw her head back, laughing with carefree abandon. "Damn straight she hates humans! In fact, I'd wager hate ain't strong enuf a word. But she's human. Kinda obvious from er title - witch o' the wood n all…"

"True." Lucy hesitated, "I've always wanted to ask you a question, if I may. What types of magic do you wield?"

"Ya may, Lucy." Cana smiled softly down at the little girl. "In fact tha's where ma story gets inerestin. The first magic I am known to wield is a special kind of light magic called fairy glitter."

Lucy watched in awe as her friend murmured an incantation and beautiful golden spiral designs appeared on her hands and forearms, coating them like gloves. One tendril from each forearm snaked up her arms to her collar, dipping down to end in a curious little star shape over her heart. She waited patiently for Lucy to coo and awe over the lovely designs before proceeding with her explanation.

"This magic is powered by tha strength of ma love and feelins of freedom. I can create a powerful blast tha'll destroy all whom I deem ma enemies to protect those I love, as long as I don't feel coerced inta usin ma power." she paused."To put it simply, I don't take orders. The army life ain't for me." she smirked.

Lucy smiled. "I don't think any army would dare cage your wild and free spirit Cana."

Cana's smile faded. "Oh, there ave been those who have tried, ma friend. Believe it or not." She flicked her wrist, causing the beautiful patterns adorning her skin to disappear in a poof of golden shimmers. "And they were tha people who weren even aware of ma true second power! If any of em were ta find out, I'd be chained up ta one of our country's lovely fightin units in tha blink of an eye."

She eyed Lucy with a surprisingly stern gaze. "The reason I'm tellin ya is because I trust ya. And I wantcha ta trust me. Do we hava deal?"

Lucy took the hand she had professed and shook it solemnly. "You have my word, Cana. I shan't betray your trust."

"Good. Now, lemme tell ya a little witch history first. A few witches are lucky - or unlucky enough - ta have divining as their second or third talent. There are 3 types of divinin - tha first is thru nature. A lotta the elves of the North can do tha sort, I even know an elf who has powerful visions 'o the future when she looks inta frozen ponds. This type's tha most harmless cause it's unpredictable and vague. No military value. The second type is a little more powerful, it's tha use of crystal balls ta control time and some 'o its properties. It's a little more sought after, but even it has its limitations, so wielders 'o this art ain't in danger. The third…" Cana gulped, sweat beading her brow. "Is card readin. This one's tha most powerful, versatile and reliable. Ya can know whatcha gonna have for breakfast tomorrow, as well as which poor sucka ya gonna get hitched ta way in yer future. Plus if yer really skilled, cards can take a form ya will them to, becomin any sorta weapon you may need." Cana gave Lucy a pointed look. "Guess which one I wield?"

Lucy gaped at her friend, awestruck and slightly nervous. The normally carefree and casual witch looked so majestic and regal in that instant. Lucy knew the answer to her friend's question, and with a kindly look, she replied.

"A card wielder, I suppose?"

"Aye."

"But…" Lucy's brow furrowed. "You used healing magic on me that first time we met. I thought that was your other talent?"

Cana shrugged. "I can do potions, mostly cause I love ma gin and tonic, so I got a decent tongue and nose for liquids and their scents. But it ain't my specialty. In fact, Porlyuscia is tryin ta teach me enuf ta fool others inta thinkin its ma talent. Ya know, lika smoke screen?"

Lucy nodded slowly, her gaze thoughtful and fixed on the path ahead of them. Cana glanced forward as well, just in time to make out the spirals of the castle towers before another bend in the path hid them behind the forest's leafy canopy.

Cana cleared her throat, her gaze locking onto Lucy's. "We've arrived close ta yer abode. And now you know somethin very secret about me. So I think a fair exchange is in order eh?"

Lucy stiffened imperceptibly. She flashed Cana her most brilliant smile - that still betrayed her nerves with its inauthenticity. "Certainly, my friend." She chirped, not meeting Cana's eye. "What secret would you like to hear of?"

"How about who ya really are."

"But that you know. I am Lucy. A maiden of the court of Pergrande."

Cana raised an eyebrow, her lips pursed into a thin line. "Really? Jus a maiden? Cause last I heard, there ain't no maiden of tha court with golden hair ta rival the sun and er own personal red-haired bodyguard."

"Don't let Erza hear you've called her that. You may not live to tell the tale." Lucy deadpanned.

"In fact," Cana continued as if Lucy had not spoken, "The only one rumored ta have both is tha Princess of Pergrande herself…"

Lucy stopped in her tracks. Her hands were clenched into fists, her small figure trembling. As soon as Cana halted and glanced back at Lucy over her shoulder, she was shocked to see the fury raging in Lucy's eyes.

"What's wrong Lucy? Did I upset ya? I didn't mean ta…"

"What do you want?"

"Huh? Watcha mean?"

"What do you want of me?" Lucy hissed, angry tears escaping her. "Money? Status? Power? Why would you single me out and bring up the fact that I could be one of the most detested royals on earth? As well as the daughter of one of the cruelest, yet highest of royals in the land?"

Cana gazed back, her face soft and her eyes full of empathy. "Yer right, princess. I do want something of ya."

Lucy's angry facade deflated that very instant, her tears turning into a heartbroken sob.

"V-very well. Name your price."

"Yer lifelong friendship."

Lucy stopped crying abruptly, her face showing her confusion.

"Wh-what?"

"Ya heard me. I want yer loyal, kind friendship for as long as we both may live. I don't need money or status… as for power… I've got enuf 'o that doncha think?" Cana grinned, waving her forearms in Lucy's face. "So whatya say lass? Will ya help me keep my secret if I'll help ya keep yours?"

Lucy grinned, genuine joy lighting up her face. With a squeal she launched herself at Cana, hugging her tight and sobbing in happiness.

"Of course! I'm sorry I doubted you." Lucy said, pulling away from her a little to wipe her eyes. "Court life makes you quite suspicious of everyone. Indeed, if it weren't for all of you, I am sure I would turn out into an awfully bitter and cruel person."

Cana laughed. "Ya need us ta keep ya grounded eh? Fair enuf. C'mon, if we dally any longer half yer castle will be out searchin for ya."

Cana turned towards the path once again, confidently making her way thru the last set of bushes. She paused abruptly, causing Lucy to bump into her back with a huff. Rubbing her forehead, she opened her mouth to ask Cana why she had stopped, when her friend sighed and spoke in her most serious tone yet.

"And yer wrong Lucy. About ya bein the most detested royal. Ya ain't. And I'm not sugar coatin anythin for ya - I'm simply sayin tha yer so well hidden from tha public that no one knows what ya are. Right now, yer a blank slate. It's up ta you if ya wanna follow in yer pops footsteps or not." She turned around to look Lucy in the eye once more. "I know what it's like bein in yer old man's shadow. Mines a big shot mage, and it ain't fun gettin judged based on his accomplishments or mistakes. But tha don't mean I can't make my own reputation. And tha's exactly what I aim ta do."

With a final raunchy wink, Cana trounced forward - Lucy close on her heels and lost in her thoughts.

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The day of reckoning had come. And Gajeel and Pantherlily were ready for it. The pair stood side by side, their expressions grim but steadfast. Pantherlily stood in his full battle form, a good head above Gajeel's figure, an imposing and regal form that had delighted Gajeel the first time he had seen his exceed friend assume it.

Come what may, they both were ready.

"You know, Gajeel." Lily started, a smile forming at the edge of his lips. "If things do not go as we hope, do not forget that you have sworn to leave me to my fate."

Gajeel snorted. "I only made that promise because I am confident nothing will go wrong! I have plenty of ways of convincing your council - and I know of one method that is failsafe."

Lily rolled his eyes. "If you intend to plow through them with your fists…"

"Hey, if they provoke me I have every right by the dragon code to do just that!"

"IF they provoke you, which they will most certainly not. They are more clever than you seem to give them credit for."

Gajeel threw a glance at his friend, his expression softening slightly and a smile threatening his lips. "Very well, I will take your word for that. But I still have confidence in our plan, for if it is from Levy… well, let me just reiterate that there is no being in Fiore who is as intelligent as her. If she is confident, so am I."

Pantherlily wisely kept silent. In the short time he had known his dragon friend, he had quickly learnt just how volatile the boy could get if anyone so much as hinted at a challenge to his little fairy friend. His fiercely loyal and protective spirit towards those he cared for shone through his rough and grouchy exterior. It was these traits that Pantherlily found quickly endeared the dragon to him. And he swore on his life that come what did that day, he would do everything in his power to protect this noble-hearted dragon boy from sharing his fate if the worst came to pass.

A shimmer on the surface of the pond just a few feet behind them caught the attention of the bantering pair. Juvia arose from the surface majestically, the water drops rolling off her flowing dark blue locks as she casually flicked a few strands off her shoulder. She glanced at the dragon and exceed, a worried expression upon her face.

"Juvia is scared."

Gajeel scoffed. "What are you scared about, water girl?"

Juvia blinked at the nickname. "Water girl?"

Gajeel flushed a little, scratching the back of his head. "Err… a bad habit from one of my cousins. He nicknames everyone in sight, and I suppose I must have caught his insipid disease."

"No… Juvia is actually… pleased with it." A slow smile grew on the usually stoic mermaid's face. "It feels as if we are… friends?"

Gajeel rolled his eyes, not deigning to reply as he turned back to gaze up at the spot in the sky that Lily had pointed out as the gate the Exceed council would use to descend to the Earth from Extalia. Lily chuckled, shooting Juvia a friendly smile before joining Gajeel in his intense study of the darkening night sky.

Barely a few seconds later, a bright light shone in the middle of the pitch black heavens above, a beacon in the midst of the murky night air.

Gajeel and Pantherlily stood a little straighter. It was now or never.

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Author's Note: As much as I like the look of that darn horizontal line, it simply refuses to work when and where I want it too. I'll be putting 'xxx..' for page breaks going forward.

As always, thanks to my lovely, sincere reviewers! I read every one of your reviews, and they really make my day! Also, sincere thanks to all those new people who have favourited and followed this story - your recognition keeps me going!