…
A Lost Hero's Fairytale
Chapter 7: Fortunes in the Cards
…
Ben and the merchant Murphy Kale had been on the road for two days since leaving Freesia before arriving in the small, picturesque town of Clover. Nestled between rugged mountains and dense forests Clover offered a scenic escape, blending its historic architecture with modern conveniences. After spending the afternoon completing deliveries of Cait Shelter's textiles and clothing to a handful of local shops, the pair moved on to their final task: a special pickup.
"Booze?" Ben repeated, raising an eyebrow.
Murphy, steering the wagon through the town's cobblestone streets, chuckled. "That's right. Clover's known for its alcohol. The limestone in these mountains filters the water, giving the drinks a one-of-a-kind taste."
Ben smirked. "Sounds like Roubaul would love this place."
Murphy nodded in agreement. "Oh, Cait Shelter's master? He's ordered from here plenty of times in the past. But this time, the order's for an inn back in Baslam Village. They're paying extra for the good stuff."
Ben glanced around at the bustling town, noting the energetic vibe. Despite its small size Clover seemed to hum with life. Merchants like Murphy were busy making deliveries, locals tended to their daily routines, and tourists wandered the streets, taking in the picturesque setting.
"It's a nice town." Ben remarked as his eyes lingered on the friendly interactions around him.
"It is," Murphy agreed with a nod. "Though if you're looking for excitement this isn't the place. Clover's about as normal as they come."
Ben frowned slightly at the word "normal" , a strange sense of familiarity stirring inside him. The word tugged at something distant, a memory just out of reach. He wondered if this town's quiet, ordinary charm resembled Bellwood—the place he vaguely remembered calling home. But the more he pondered, the more it felt off. No, Bellwood wasn't like this at all. The town he was recalling—if it was even real—felt different, livelier but more chaotic. It wasn't the peace of Clover but something far more complicated where "normal" was anything but.
"Hey, look over there," Murphy pointed to a tall, stately brick building near the edge of town. "I've heard that place hosts the annual gathering of guild masters from the nearby wizard guilds."
"Really?" Ben's curiosity was piqued. "Why here?"
Murphy shrugged casually. "Beats me. Could be the peaceful mountain setting—or the booze."
Ben rolled his eyes. "Are all the guild masters as into drinking as Roubaul?"
Murphy chuckled. "Wouldn't be surprised."
As they rounded the corner Murphy nodded toward a building ahead with a sign swinging in the breeze. The words Silver Keg next to the picture of a beer mug filled to the brim.
"We're here." Murphy said, bringing the wagon to a stop behind the tavern. "This place is pretty popular around here. We'll pick up the shipment, grab a bite and then call it a day." He glanced at Ben with a grin. "How about a cold one?"
Ben shook his head while chuckling. "Thanks, but I'll stick to water."
He jumped down from the wagon, eager to help load the shipment. While he was tempted to use one of his strong Take-Overs, Murphy discouraged him as to not frighten bystanders. Together they worked quickly and loaded several heavy barrels onto the wagon. Once they were done Murphy clapped Ben on the back. "Nice job kid. You've been pulling your weight. Let's head inside and grab that bite."
Walking around to the front of the building they stepped through the large wooden doors and the smell of roasted meats and fresh bread hit Ben's nose making his stomach grumble. The place was alive with chatter, laughter and the sound of clinking glasses. He and Murphy claimed two empty seats at the bar.
After placing their orders with the bartender, Ben's eyes swept the room, taking in the rustic decor—old wooden beams running across the ceiling, shelves lined with bottles of every type of drink imaginable, and the lively patrons scattered throughout the room. Travelers and merchants alike filled the tavern's round tables. Some were deep in conversation, others were laughing and toasting to various things.
But something else caught his attention.
From the far corner of the tavern, he heard a loud cheer followed by a grumble of defeat. Curious, Ben's gaze landed on a group of burly men sitting around a card table. Their collective sour expressions were in stark contrast to the smug grin worn by the attractive young woman sitting across from them.
She leaned back in her chair with arms crossed clearly enjoying her victory. Her long brown hair cascaded down her back as she wore a revealing simple blue bikini top paired with casual tan jeans and a pink belt with blue sandals. Ben's first instinct was to look away from her bikini top which did nothing to hide how well endowed her breasts were. That and given how her midriff was completely bare made him feel embarrassed by how revealing her attire was. Still there was something about her that made him take a second glance.
His eyes briefly skimmed over her body and then stopped at the black mark etched onto the left side of her lower abdomen—a familiar insignia he'd seen before.
"Wait, she's a Fairy Tail wizard?" Ben's mind raced.
He had read about Fairy Tail in Murphy's Sorcerer Weekly magazines. They were infamous for their powerful wizards, their tendency to cause collateral damage and their crown jewel (at least according to Sorcerer Weekly) Mirajane Strauss–the guild's pinup girl. But he didn't recognize this brunette in any of the magazines he had read. Which was kind of surprising since she definitely had the looks to be featured as a model. Maybe she just hadn't been interested in that kind of career for whatever reason.
The men at the table grumbled as they tossed their coins toward the center with their faces twisted in frustration. The brunette was clearly enjoying her victory as she scooped up her winnings with a satisfied smirk.
"Don't look so down boys." she teased as her voice was smooth but with a hint of mischief. "Tell you what—I'll buy everyone a round." She leaned back in her chair, waving to the bartender. "Hey! A round for the house on me."
The bartender nodded clearly familiar with her and set to work pouring drinks for the crowd. A cheer erupted from the patrons as drinks were placed on tables all around the room. It seemed this woman was well-liked despite her dominating the card game.
Ben, who had been quietly observing from the sidelines, was just about to turn away when the tavern doors flew open with a loud bang. The lively atmosphere shifted instantly as a group of men swaggered in, their rough worn-out cloaks brushing against the floor. They carried themselves with a palpable air of menace. At the head of the group was a tall, grizzled man whose face was marked by a deep crooked scar running down his cheek giving him a permanent sneer. His cold eyes swept across the room, sizing up the patrons as if already determining who would be the easiest to intimidate.
The scarred man had a heavy mace strapped to his waist with its leather-wrapped handle worn down from use. A strange rune etched into the weathered ball glimmered faintly in the tavern's dim light. The tension in the room thickened as the group slowly spread out, the leader's presence practically daring someone to challenge them.
"Looks like we came in at the right time," he sneered as his voice was dripping with arrogance. "I heard there were free drinks being offered here."
Ben inwardly sighed exasperated. "They're not even trying to be inconspicuous are they?"
The tavern quieted slightly as the man's gaze locked onto the attractive brunette. She met his stare without flinching, taking a casual sip from her tankard.
"Yeah, free drinks for everyone in the house," she replied with her tone light and dismissive. "You included I guess, if you want to sit down and behave yourselves."
The man's lip curled into a smirk. "Oh, we'll behave," he said before walking toward her table. "As long as you can show us a little... respect." His tone shifted, becoming more aggressive. "How 'bout you deal us in sweetheart? We like to play a little rough."
Her expression didn't change but Ben could sense the tension building. He watched from across the room, his instincts telling him that things were about to get ugly. Murphy, noticing the change in atmosphere nudged Ben.
"Let's stay out of this one." Murphy whispered. "No need to get involved."
But Ben couldn't look away. The men's lecherous gazes and aggressive stance made his skin crawl. Discreetly pulling down his arm sleeve, his hands twitched as if ready to activate the Ultimatrix at any second.
Still, the Fairy Tail wizard remained calm and took another slow drink from her tankard before setting it down with a soft clink. She then gave the man a bored look that had a hint of challenge in her eyes.
"You want to play?" she asked coolly. "Then sit down and deal your cards. But don't cry when you lose."
The men laughed clearly enjoying the challenge. "Oh, we won't be crying honey. But you might." One of the men moved to sit at the table, his hand reaching out to touch the brunette's shoulder.
Before he could make contact however the brunette's hand shot out grabbing his wrist with surprising speed. Her grip was firm and her expression now deadly serious. "Don't touch me," her tone was low and dangerous, "got it?"
The man yanked his hand back, his cocky smirk faltering for the first time. His companions tensed, clearly ready to escalate the situation.
Ben's muscles coiled, ready to intervene if necessary. His eyes narrowed as he watched the grizzled man, whose hand hovered dangerously close to his mace's handle. Tension hung thick in the air and for a moment it seemed like chaos was inevitable.
Before the situation could escalate however another voice cut through the taut silence.
"That's enough." the bartender said with his voice firm and resolute. He stepped out from behind the counter. "You're not welcome here if you're just gonna cause trouble. Take your free drink and leave."
The men exchanged glances, the frustration evident on their leader's scarred face. His jaw clenched as his eyes darted to Cana and noted the guild emblem by her waist. After a long, tense beat, the leader made his decision.
He spat on the floor with a sneer and waved his hand toward his men. "Fine. We'll go… For now." he growled, his voice laced with venom.
They gathered their drinks with little fanfare before turning toward the door. As they moved Ben's gaze remained on the group never fully letting his guard down until they were out of sight. He also overheard what he had murmured, knowing he'd likely return.
Across the tavern, the brunette wizard leaned back in her chair, a casual smirk tugging at her lips as if the moment of tension hadn't fazed her in the slightest. She took a slow sip from her tankard, her carefree demeanor returning as though nothing had happened at all.
"That was close." Murphy muttered and shaking his head as the noise of the tavern began to pick back up. "I really thought a fight was about to break out."
Ben nodded in agreement, but his eyes stayed focused on the Fairy Tail wizard across the room.
Meanwhile the bartender let out a deep relieved sigh as the group of troublemakers made their way out of the tavern. He wiped a bead of sweat from his brow and then turned to the brunette with a look of gratitude washing over his face.
"Thank you Miss Alberona." he said with sincerity in his voice.
The wizard grinned while giving him a playful wink. "Hey, Cana's fine. Besides that's what I'm here for right?" She leaned back even further in her chair, utterly unbothered by the earlier tension. Taking another long sip from her tankard she glanced around the tavern, her laid-back confidence practically radiating from her.
As the troublemakers disappeared from sight, the lively chatter of the tavern quickly resumed with the earlier tension dissolving into the background. Cana, always up for a little more excitement, tapped her deck of cards on the table with a mischievous glint in her eye. She leaned forward slightly, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.
"So," she teased as her tone dripped with amusement. "Does anyone else feel like challenging me?"
Ben's eyes remained fixed on her, intrigued by how effortlessly she commanded attention. There was something about her carefree demeanor—confident yet casual—that struck a chord with him. Oddly enough, it reminded him a little of himself for some reason or at least the version of himself he could remember.
…
Half-an-hour later sitting at the bar counter Ben and Murphy had finished their dinner. The Silver Keg tavern had settled back into its lively atmosphere after the earlier commotion, though Ben's attention had been elsewhere for most of the meal. His gaze kept drifting toward the corner of the room where Cana Alberona sat, confidently besting yet another group of patrons in a round of cards. The men at her table were clearly outmatched, their expressions ranging from confused to defeated as she pulled in her winnings with an easy grin.
"Another one bites the dust," Murphy muttered, shaking his head with amusement as he noticed Ben watching Cana. "That girl's got a knack for making people part with their money."
Ben, who was still intrigued, raised an eyebrow but didn't respond immediately.
As Cana triumphantly raked in her latest pot of coins, she leaned back in her chair and called out with her voice carrying over the tavern's din, "Alright who's next? Anyone else feeling lucky?"
Ben felt something click in his mind. He finished the last bite of his sandwich and set his glass of water down as he made his decision. He wiped his hands on a napkin and stood up, causing Murphy to glance at him curiously.
"Whoa hold on." Murphy said as he wiped his mouth seemingly realizing what his companion was going to do. "You're not actually thinking of going over there are you?"
Ben flashed a confident smirk, shrugging his shoulders casually. "Why not? Could be fun."
Murphy gave him a knowing look. "That girl will bleed you dry lad. She's wiped out half the tavern's patrons in a single evening. You sure you want to get mixed up in that?"
Ben's smirk only widened. "I know what I'm doing." He patted his pocket where a modest number of Jewels jingled and stepped away from the table, his confidence growing with every step.
As he approached the card table Cana looked up, her sharp brown eyes catching sight of him. She sized him up with an amused smirk, taking in his confident stance and casual stride. Ben could see the calculation in her eyes but there was something else too—something like interest.
"Well, look at what we have here." Cana drawled leaning forward slightly as Ben approached the table. Her eyes flicked over him briefly, sizing him up before they locked onto his. "You here to play stud?"
Ben raised an eyebrow with a faint grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "That's the plan."
Cana chuckled, clearly amused by his confidence. "Alright then, take a seat." She motioned to the empty chair across from her with a slight tilt of her head.
Ben slid into the chair, feeling the eyes of the other patrons at the table on him—curious, amused, maybe even a little wary. Cana picked up the deck of cards and began shuffling with effortless skill, her hands moving so smoothly that Ben couldn't help but admire the mastery in her movements. As she dealt the cards her gaze never wavered from his face as though she was already trying to gauge his strategy.
"First time playing here?" she asked, her tone casual but carrying a hint of challenge beneath the surface.
Ben glanced briefly at the cards as they were dealt, keeping his expression neutral. "First time playing here." he confirmed, maintaining eye contact.
Despite his amnesia, one thing had become clear to Ben in the last few weeks—his mind was sharp, especially when it came to picking up on subtle details. During the earlier rounds he had quietly observed how Cana played, noting her body language, the way she placed her bets and a particular rhythm to her movements. It wasn't just confidence driving her game, there was a deeper understanding in the way she handled the cards. Something an ordinary player might miss if they weren't paying attention.
As the cards were passed around and the game officially began, Ben leaned back in his chair flashing Cana a cool relaxed smile. "Let's see how this plays out," he thought.
…
An hour passed and the card game had the usual tension and excitement one might expect in a tavern setting. As the players settled in, they each assessed their hands, eyeing each other with guarded expressions. Ben, for his part, kept a calm demeanor, observing the reactions of the other players at the table.
The first few rounds played out as expected. The table saw a back-and-forth of small victories and losses with coins being passed around and players testing their luck against one another. Ben quietly watched the other four players, keeping track of their tells and betting patterns. Though his memories were fragmented he had learned to trust his instincts and those instincts were telling him that Cana was the one to watch.
After several hands, it became apparent that Cana was the dominant player at the table. She played with a self-assured confidence, often making bold bets that left the other patrons wary. Two of the men at the table were visibly struggling, their piles of coins dwindling with each loss.
Ben meanwhile kept his bets modest. He didn't win every hand, but he didn't lose much either thus allowing him to stay in the game without drawing too much attention. He noticed how Cana had a tendency to bluff just as much as she played to win, which made her a formidable opponent. Still, Ben sensed that she wasn't playing at her full strength yet. She was testing the waters, sizing him and the others up before fully committing.
Eventually, the pressure mounted, and two of the men folded. The first was a stout man who had been far too confident early on but quickly realized he was out of his depth. He threw down his cards in frustration, muttering something about bad luck. The second was a wiry fellow who had been cautious from the start but after losing a significant portion of his pile to Cana he decided to cut his losses and back out.
This left just three players: Ben, Cana and a burly man with a thick beard who had remained relatively quiet throughout the game. The tension in the air grew palpable as the stakes increased with each hand. Cana's eyes flicked between the two men, her grin widening with every bet.
The burly man, however, wasn't as composed as he appeared. His brow was furrowed, and sweat beaded on his forehead as he stared intently at his cards. Ben could tell he was on the verge of folding, but the man was stubborn, refusing to admit defeat just yet.
Cana, noticing his hesitation leaned back in her chair with a sly smile. "Well big guy, what's it gonna be? You in or out?"
The man grunted, clearly weighing his options. After a long pause, he finally sighed and pushed his remaining coins toward the center of the table. "I'm out." he muttered, throwing his cards down in defeat.
Cana chuckled, collecting his coins with a satisfied smirk. "Good choice."
Now, it was just Ben and Cana. The atmosphere shifted as the two remaining players sized each other up. The onlookers around the tavern quieted, sensing that this final showdown would be the most interesting part of the game.
Cana leaned back in her chair, shuffling the deck again with a playful smirk. "Well stud," she said with her tone dripping with amusement "looks like it's just you and me now."
"Seems that way." Ben replied evenly, meeting her gaze.
As she dealt the cards for the next hand, Cana's eyes stayed on Ben sizing him up. "Haven't seen you around before." she casually said.
Ben glanced at his cards. "Just passing through," he said vaguely.
Cana arched a brow, her smirk widening as she played along. "Mysterious. I like it." She tilted her head slightly, her fingers idly tapping on the edge of her cards. "Where you from?"
"Nowhere in particular," Ben answered coolly, eyes flicking up to meet hers for a second.
Cana chuckled softly, leaning forward on her elbows. "You know stud I bet you wish we were playing strip poker instead." The playful gleam in her eyes was unmistakable, watching Ben's reaction carefully.
As she expected her words got a reaction as Ben's eyes widened in surprise as a slight blush crept up his cheeks. He quickly raised his cards to cover his face. "N-no! That's not what I was thinking!" he protested, flustered.
The brunette let out a soft laugh, her smirk turning coy. "Relax, stud. I'm just messing with you." But there was a calculated edge to her teasing.
Ben suddenly got an idea for a little payback. "Well anyway it wouldn't be fair if we were playing strip poker."
Cana got a curious look as she tilted her head lightly. "Oh? Why's that?"
Ben gave her a friendly smile. "Because I wouldn't be as nice to look at as yourself."
The Fairy Tail wizard blinked, feeling her cheeks getting warm but no blush showing up on her face. She then gave him a cheeky grin. "Yeah I am better looking than you. Plus, our viewers would probably be grossed out by you."
"Okay now that's just mean." Ben remarked and she laughed a bit.
Despite the playful banter between them, Ben remained composed, carefully managing his bets with an unwavering calm. Cana, on the other hand, continued to increase the stakes, her confident grin never faltering as she tested his limits. Both players were locked in a battle of wits, their focus unbroken as they sized each other up for the final move. Though Ben maintained a relaxed exterior, Cana could tell he wasn't a novice. He played with a calculated precision, expertly sidestepping the traps she had laid out and adjusting his bets with a careful strategy that showed he knew exactly what he was doing.
After a few more rounds, it became clear that Cana was planning something. She began to up the ante, placing higher bets and watching Ben's reactions closely. Each time Ben matched her bets without hesitation as his confidence was unwavering.
Cana inwardly commended him for not making things easy. Most players would have backed off by now, but Ben seemed determined to go toe-to-toe with her. She liked that. Still, she believed she had him where she wanted. She had one final move—a trump card so to speak—that she was confident would win her the game.
The next hand was dealt, and Cana glanced at her cards with a satisfied grin. She raised her bet again, this time putting in a hefty amount of coins. "Let's see what you've got." she challenged with her eyes gleaming playfully.
Ben glanced at his own cards with his expression unreadable. He tapped his fingers on the table for a moment before matching her bet. "Alright." he said calmly while pushing his pile of coins forward.
Cana's grin widened with satisfaction as she laid her cards down, revealing a Straight Flush—five cards in sequence all in the same suit. The patrons around them gasped, their murmurs filled with admiration and awe at the impressive hand she had played.
"Well stud," Cana said with dripping confidence "looks like I've got you beat."
But Ben didn't flinch. Instead, he smirked.
"Not quite." he said coolly, before laying down his cards with a casual flick of his wrist.
Cana's eyes widened in shock as she looked at Ben's cards. There neatly laid out in front of him was a Royal Flush in spades—10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace all in sequence and all the same suit.
The crowd erupted in gasps and whispers as they realized what had just happened.
Ben leaned back in his chair, his smirk never fading. "Guess I got lucky."
For a moment Cana was speechless. She stared at the cards trying to figure out how he'd managed to outplay her. But then much to Ben's surprise, she threw her head back and laughed—a genuine laugh that seemed to shake the entire tavern.
"Well, I'll be damned!" Cana said between laughs and shaking her head in disbelief. "You really had me there stud. Didn't see that coming."
Ben shrugged, still smiling. "It happens."
Cana leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as she eyed him with newfound respect. "You're not half bad, you know that?"
"Thanks." Ben replied, his tone light. As he looked over at Cana, a thought struck him. "Hey, can I ask you a favor?"
Cana raised an eyebrow, smirking. "A favor huh?" She leaned in a bit, resting her chin on her hand as her eyes gleamed with mischief. "Lemme guess, you want to take me on a date?" She scanned him up and down, clearly assessing his looks and demeanor. After a moment she chuckled. "You know, you're not bad looking… I could be into that."
Ben's face flushed instantly. He quickly waved his hands in front of him while stammering. "N-No, that's not it! I mean, you're—uh you're great but that's not what I was gonna ask."
Cana laughed, clearly amused by his flustered reaction. "Relax stud. I'm just messing with you." She leaned back in her chair, her smirk still firmly in place. "So, what's this favor if not my charming company?"
Ben scratched the back of his head, trying to regain his composure. "Actually, I wanted to ask you a few questions."
Cana raised an eyebrow, tilting her head with mild curiosity. "Questions huh? What kind?"
Ben hesitated for a brief moment, choosing to keep things simple. "I'm kinda new to Fiore." he admitted. "Still trying to get my bearings and learn more about the guilds here. I've heard some stuff about Fairy Tail and since you're a member I figured you could fill me in."
Cana studied him for a second, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly as if she were trying to decipher a deeper meaning behind his words. Though she sensed there was more to his story, she chose not to press him—yet. Instead a smirk tugged at her lips and she leaned back in her chair adopting a more casual stance.
"Alright," she said, her voice casual but playful, "I'll bite. But there's a catch."
"A catch?" Ben repeated, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Yep." Cana replied, tapping her empty tankard on the table with a sly grin. "You've gotta order me a drink first. Talking shop always makes me thirsty."
Ben blinked, glancing at the empty tankard. He had already seen Cana down multiple drinks during the card games she's had and yet she still looked as sharp as ever. He couldn't help but wonder how she was not only still coherent but also entirely unfazed by the alcohol, as if it had little effect on her at all.
Still, he nodded in agreement. "Alright deal."
Cana grinned clearly satisfied with the arrangement. "Good man." Ben lifted his hand to flag down the bartender but before he could say a word the bartender moved straight to Cana.
"Miss Alberona," he said, his voice low and urgent. "We've got a situation outside."
Cana immediately caught on, her carefree demeanor shifting to something more serious. "Hold that thought." she said to Ben, rising from her seat with a nod toward the door.
Ben watched her momentarily before promptly standing up and heading to the door himself.
…
Cana stepped outside, her casual smirk returning as she took in the scene before her. The thug leader from earlier stood confidently in the middle of the street, now backed by a large gang of bandits—at least thirty in number each brandishing swords, maces and clubs. Their eager eyes were locked on Cana clearly spoiling for a fight.
"Well, well... look who's back." Cana said with her voice dripping with mock impatience. "What's the matter? Not satisfied with the free drinks?"
The leader sneered, the twisted expression pulling at the scar that ran down his cheek. "Enough with the jokes. You know exactly who we are, and we know what you're doing here, Fairy Tail wizard."
"Ah right, the job." Cana replied with a light shrug, her tone as nonchalant as ever. "Something about a group of bandits causing trouble and stealing drinks. That must be you guys huh? What did you call yourselves again? It's already slipped my mind."
"The Ravage Blades." he growled, his patience wearing thin. "I'm Gordon, the brain and brawn of this group."
"Ravage Blades huh?" Cana raised an eyebrow pretending to consider it. "Sounds more like a group of overcompensating teenagers if you ask me."
Gordon's scowl deepened, though he forced himself to remain calm. "We figured there'd be some resistance, but we didn't expect Fairy Tail to send someone like you."
Cana chuckled, casually resting her hands on her hips. "And you brought all your little friends just for me? That's sweet. Should I feel flattered?"
The leader's grin faltered but he quickly regained his composure. "I know who you are, Cana Alberona. Fairy Tail may be full of pretty faces but I'm not stupid enough to take you lightly."
Cana's smirk widened as the card in her hand twirling effortlessly between her fingers. "Well, I'll give you this much—you're smarter than most of the idiots I've had to deal with lately."
Gordon straightened up, his tone losing its earlier playfulness. "I'm not going to bother asking you to surrender. We're not giving up this town without a fight."
Cana's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Good. I was starting to think I'd get bored waiting."
Gordon raised his arm, barking the order to his men. "Get her!"
The bandits rushed forward with weapons raised but Cana didn't flinch. Instead, her smirk deepened as she prepared to meet them head-on.
At the command the thugs roared in unison, weapons raised as they surged forward.
Ben, who had been silently observing, narrowed his eyes as he took in the scene. Eager to see how a Fairy Tail wizard held their own in a fight. If she was anything like Juvia then these guys wouldn't be trouble for her.
Cana's grin never wavered as she rolled her shoulders ready for the incoming fight. "Alright," she said more to herself than anyone else. "Let's dance."
Cana launched herself into the thick of the fight with her cards flying like deadly shuriken. Each one crackled with magical energy as they sliced effortlessly through the bandits' armor, their enchanted edges cutting through chainmail and leaving her opponents staggering back in pain. With a flick of her wrist, she unleashed another flurry of cards toward a group of three bandits rushing her from the left with swords raised high.
"Wind Edge!" Cana's voice rang out firm and confident as the cards glowed bright before erupting into a powerful gust of wind. The force of the spell knocked the charging bandits off their feet and sent them crashing into the tavern's outer wall. They groaned in pain as they slumped to the ground defeated while the tavern patrons erupted into cheers.
Cana barely glanced their way, her focus sharp as ever. Another group of five bandits charged toward her, weapons drawn but Cana only smirked. She pulled out more cards, tossing them into the air with a casual flick of her hand.
"Explosion!" she called out, her voice laced with amusement.
The cards detonated upon contact with the bandits, a powerful blast sending them flying as their clothes and armor singed as smoke rose around their defeated forms. The ground where they had once stood was scorched, a testament to the raw power of Cana's magic.
The crowd watching from the tavern cheered even louder now, impressed with how effortlessly she was dispatching the bandits.
On the sidelines Murphy watched in awe before nudging Ben with his elbow. "Really something isn't she?" he said, clearly impressed.
Ben silently nodded as his gaze was fixed on Cana as she continued to dominate the battlefield. He was amazed not just by her skill but by the fact that her power came from something as simple as cards. It was unexpected—magic as formidable as hers, packed into such an unassuming form.
"Yeah." Ben muttered while still watching her. "She's… impressive."
Cana's cards glinted in the evening sun as she whipped out another set, a smirk playing on her lips as a fresh wave of bandits rushed toward her. She wasted no time launching her next assault with precision.
"Sun's Strength!" she called out, flinging a few flame-imbued cards into the air. The cards ignited mid-flight, transforming into fiery bullets that rained down upon the charging bandits. Explosions erupted on impact scattering the men in all directions. Their weapons flying from their hands as they hit the ground singed and groaning in pain.
The crowd cheered even louder now, thoroughly entertained by Cana's playful yet deadly magic. She barely paused as another group of bandits attempted to surround her. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned another set of cards.
Cana stood confidently before the last ten bandits, her posture relaxed, cards flicking casually between her fingers. "So," she called out light and teasing, "what do you say boys? Ready to surrender yet?"
The remaining bandits exchanged nervous glances, murmuring fearfully amongst themselves. "She took out more than half our crew already…" one whispered, his voice shaking.
"I didn't know Fairy Tail wizards were this strong!" another muttered clearly unsettled.
Despite the clear tension among his men Gordon remained calm, his expression unreadable. He crossed his arms, unbothered by the growing fear in his ranks. "It's fine lads," Gordon called out, his voice cold and steady. "We haven't lost yet."
Ben's gut churned with unease as he couldn't ignore the creeping feeling that something was wrong. Despite Cana winning effortlessly so far, Gordon had remained eerily calm, far too composed for someone watching his men fall left and right.
Ben's brow furrowed as he analyzed the guy's movements more closely. "Something's not right…" he muttered under his breath. Gordon had already admitted that Cana was a serious threat, which meant he should've been panicking by now—unless he had a plan.
The thought hit Ben hard. "He's not relying on numbers. He's got something else up his sleeve. But what was it?"
Cana raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Confident aren't you?" She flicked another card between her fingers, a faint glow surrounding it. "Tell you what, I'm curious to see if you'll still be talking tough in about… oh, let's say five seconds."
Her confident smirk widened as her chocolate-brown eyes gleamed with the thrill of the fight.
But across from her, Gordon returned her smirk with an unnerving smugness. "As do I," he responded, his voice unnervingly calm. Then without warning he tilted his head slightly to the left.
Perched on a distant hill, the sniper who had been lying in wait picked up on the subtle gesture from Gordon–it was the signal. The man grinned from behind the scope of his advanced bazooka-like weapon, locking the sights on Cana. "There it is," he muttered under his breath. With the Fairy Tail wizard's back turned, the sniper took careful aim. His finger squeezed the trigger.
Ben, still observing from the sidelines, noticed Gordon's strange movements. Something about the man's calmness gnawed at him and he followed the leader's brief glance toward the hill in the distance. Following his line of sight, Ben caught a glimpse of a glint atop a far-off hill.
That's when it hit him.
Without thinking Ben's body sprang into action. Muscles coiled he darted forward, adrenaline pumping furiously through him.
"Hey kid! What're you doing?" Murphy shouted, alarmed as Ben sprinted past him toward the battlefield.
Ben didn't hear him. With one quick motion he activated the Ultimatrix and slammed down the core.
The sniper fired. The bazooka discharged a bright, red glowing projectile with a thunderous bang, hurtling through the air toward Cana's unprotected back. Simultaneously, emerald light burst from Ben's wrist as the Ultimatrix activated, engulfing him in a flash of energy.
Cana in mid-battle turned only for her to be blinded by emerald light, forcing her to shut her eyes. Before the blast could hit, something massive appeared between her and the projectile.
For a brief second, the battlefield fell silent as a towering figure materialized in the wake of the explosion. A seven-foot-tall cycloptic humanoid composed of shimmering purple rock stood in front of Cana. Pink crystal spikes protruded from its chest, back and the horn on its head refracting light in a dazzling array of colors. The Ultimatrix dial was positioned prominently on its chest.
The magical projectile had slammed into the towering creature's chest but instead of causing damage the energy was instantly absorbed into the being's glowing crystalline form.
Cana blinked in astonishment, her eyes widening as she took in the sight. "What the—?"
The crowd, equally stunned, muttered in disbelief as their eyes were fixed on the new figure that had intervened.
"Did that kid just transform?" one onlooker whispered, pointing at the massive figure standing protectively in front of Cana.
"He must be a Take-Over wizard," another realized, nodding slowly.
"Yeah but…what is that thing? It just tanked that blast like it was nothing." someone else commented, their tone a mixture of awe and confusion.
Meanwhile Gordon's calm facade cracked, his expression darkening with frustration. He clenched his teeth and cursed under his breath, his eyes narrowing at the sight of his failed sneak attack. "Dammit... So close." His hand twitched at his side, clearly agitated.
Chromastone's gaze locked onto the distant hill where the sniper had taken his shot. The man was scrambling, panic in his eyes as he stared through the scope at the crystalline being now blocking his view.
"What the hell is that?!" the sniper muttered in disbelief. His finger hovered over the trigger, but the weapon wasn't fully recharged. He cursed under his breath, frantically trying to reload.
Chromastone's singular green eye glowed and with a focused thought he fired a rainbow-colored energy beam from his crystal horn. The vibrant blast sliced through the air, striking with pinpoint precision just in front of the sniper. The ground exploded in a burst of light and energy, sending dirt and debris flying. The shockwave threw the sniper off balance, causing him to crash to the ground with a grunt. His weapon tumbled from his grip, broken and useless as it skidded across the rocky hilltop.
With the immediate threat neutralized, Chromastone turned back to face the Ravage Blades.
Cana, still recovering from the shock of what had just happened, immediately shifted into a defensive stance. Her eyes darted between the purple-hued rock figure and the remaining bandits. "Hey who or… what are you?" she asked with her voice laced with confusion and caution.
The towering alien looked down at her. "I'm Chromastone." he said simply as though that explained everything.
Cana raised an eyebrow. "That… doesn't help."
Chromastone let out a small chuckle, pointing toward the distant hill. "I'm a friend. Those guys had a sniper aimed right at you. I just blocked the attack."
Cana's eyes widened, her breath catching as she glanced back at the hill, barely able to believe what she was hearing. That blast—she had almost been hit, taken out of the fight before she even knew it. For a moment the realization of how close she had come to potentially dying rendered her speechless.
"That... that blast would have—" she stopped, still trying to process it all. But her confident facade returned quickly, her smirk sliding back into place as she tossed her hair over her shoulder with a flick of her wrist. "You saved me huh? Thanks. Guess I owe you one."
Before Chromastone could reply Gordon stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension. "I didn't think you had backup Miss Alberona."
Cana gave a casual shrug, not losing her cool. "Can't say he's with me but I'm not complaining. Looks like it's bad news for you."
Gordon's lips curled into a smirk as his eyes gleamed with something close to admiration. "I'm impressed. Didn't think it'd come to this… but I suppose it's time to bring out the real power."
Chromastone and Cana both exchanged confused glances. They had assumed the sniper was Gordon's trump card. But now it seemed like he had something else in store.
Gordon reached for the mace hanging at his side, pulling it free. As he held it aloft a strange purplish-pink energy pulsed from the weapon, spreading up his arm and enveloping his entire body. The ground beneath him trembled as the air around him began to hum with power.
Stone armor began to materialize around Gordon, the same purplish energy crackling across the surface of the rocky plates as they formed. The armor covered him from head to toe with its jagged design giving him an imposing almost monstrous appearance. A glowing rune appeared on the chest plate, shining with a sinister light.
In his hand the mace pulsed with energy, its head radiating a deep purple glow that matched the aura surrounding Gordon's body. The bandits behind him stood in awe, their leader now looking more like a walking fortress than a man.
Cana's eyes narrowed as she readied herself, her fingers brushing the edge of her cards. "Well, this just got a lot more interesting." she muttered.
Meanwhile Chromastone's gaze was locked on the swirling purplish-pink energy surrounding Gordon's mace and the stone armor encasing his body. The faint unfamiliar rune glowed brightly on Gordon's chest plate, pulsing in time with the deep rhythmic thrum of energy radiating from his weapon.
Chromastone's brow ridge furrowed. "I've seen this before... " As his thoughts swirled, Chromastone's eye flicked toward Gordon, watching as the bandit leader's posture shifted.
"Take out the Fairy Tail girl," Gordon ordered his men coldly, jerking his head toward Cana. "I'll handle the cyclops."
Cana smirked as her fingers traced the edge of her cards. "Think you can handle him?" she called to Chromastone, her tone playful but laced with seriousness.
Chromastone nodded his head slightly, clearing the muddled thoughts clouding his mind. "Yeah." he replied, his voice confident. He didn't ask if she could handle the others, already knowing she could based on what he'd seen from her.
As Gordon's men surged forward, Cana flipped a card between her fingers and smirked, her stance unwavering. "Alright boys, show me what you've got." she teased, ready to face the wave of henchmen rushing her way.
Meanwhile Chromastone focused on Gordon who wasted no time in charging forward with surprising speed for a man clad in heavy stone armor. His mace swung through the air with a mighty arc, glowing with the same purplish-pink energy.
Chromastone dodged the first swing, the wind from the strike whistling past his head. The cobble street where the mace hit cracked and shattered, showcasing the force behind the blow. Chromastone retaliated, blocking the next strike, his crystalline body absorbing the strange energy from Gordon's weapon.
The moment the energy flowed through him, Chromastone's eye widened. "This power… it feels so…familiar…" His mind reeled as various memories flashed before him.
He could see glowing hands emitting pink energy. The red-haired girl from his previous memory flashes through his mind, now much older as a teen as she was casting spell after spell in battle.
Then the image of a beautiful silver-haired woman with piercing purple eyes flickered before him—her hands glowing with that same energy. Brutish humanoid figures composed of stone, marked with glowing pink patterns running across their chests and arms as they stood beside her.
Finally, a third figure came into focus: a female humanoid, smooth black skin and white eyes, her form radiating with pink energy that almost mimicked flowing hair.
"I'll show you what my mana can do!" the voice of the red-haired girl said challengingly to someone.
"Be careful Gwen!" his voice called out in warning to her.
"Mana…" Chromastone muttered, his voice distant and lost in the trance. "Gwen... that's her name."
Suddenly a booming strike brought him crashing back to reality. Gordon's mace slammed into Chromastone's face with a crackling burst of purplish-pink lightning.
KA-BOOM!
The force of the blow sent Chromastone flying backward, his body crashing into the building across the street with a thunderous boom. Stone and wood splintered as the impact shook the street.
Gordon smirked, lowering his mace. "And here I thought you were supposed to be strong." he mocked as his voice was dripping with contempt.
Cana meanwhile was dispatching bandits with a flurry of well-aimed cards, cutting them down with ease. She caught sight of Chromastone being launched across the street, her expression tightening with concern wondering "Is he alright? The hell was he standing around for?!"
As various onlookers murmured in concern, some wondering aloud if the Take-Over wizard was still okay after such a powerful hit, Murphy stood with his arms crossed shaking his head slightly. "He's fine." he said to a nearby bystander, his voice filled with calm certainty. "Trust me, that boy's tougher than he looks."
Gordon, still radiating with the purplish energy of his stone armor, seemed pleased with the damage he'd dealt and was ready to turn his attention toward Cana. But before he could make his move, a low rumble came from the damaged building across the street.
There was movement within the rubble and everyone's attention shifted back to the large hole where Chromastone had been thrown. The figure of the purple-crystal humanoid slowly emerged, stepping out of the wreckage with barely a scratch on him.
The crowd gasped in disbelief. The magical attack that would've obliterated any regular person and most lower-class wizards hadn't even left a mark on Chromastone. He stood tall and unshaken with his glowing green eye narrowing as it fixed in on Gordon.
Gordon blinked, taken aback for a split second before narrowing his eyes in frustration. "You should've stayed down freak."
Chromastone's face remained impassive, his crystalline body glowing faintly with absorbed energy. Without a word he raised a single finger, wagging it back and forth in a calm and taunting gesture.
From across the street Cana's grin widened at the sight, having taken down several more bandits. "Now that's badass." she thought, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
Gordon's face twisted in fury from the taunting gesture. His veins pulsed with anger and the purple energy around his mace flared up even brighter. "You think you can mock me?" He roared as his voice echoed down the street. "I'll crush you into the ground rock-man!"
With a battle cry Gordon charged forward, his mace crackling with purplish-pink energy as it swung downward with all the force of a wrecking ball. But Chromastone didn't flinch. With one smooth motion he raised a single arm and caught the mace mid-swing, the force of the blow barely making him budge. The energy from the weapon crackled and surged but Chromastone's crystal body shimmered as it absorbed the magic, rendering the attack useless.
Gordon's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered, snarling in frustration. "Think you're clever, do you?!" he growled, swinging his free arm toward Chromastone's head. Before the blow could land, Ben's other hand shot up, grabbing Gordon's wrist with a firm grip. The two stood locked in place, one struggling to overpower the other.
Gordon's stone armor glowed, energy pulsing from his body and surging toward Chromastone but the crystalline humanoid remained calm as his body kept glowing brighter as he absorbed the energy.
Growling, Gordon shifted tactics trying to rely on his raw strength rather than magic. His muscles strained as he attempted to push Chromastone back, but the alien didn't move. His crystalline body remained rooted in place, the strength of Gordon's stone armor no match for his opponent's resilience.
As the struggle continued, Chromastone's voice cut through the tension. "Why are you doing all of this?" he asked, his tone calm but curious.
Gordon sneered. "Why not?"
The casual, callous response triggered something in Chromastone's mind.
Cash.
A vague memory flickered in his thoughts, one of Ben's childhood bullies, Cash. The details were murky, but the situation felt eerily similar. Cash had somehow donned a powerful robotic suit and fought Ben, and during their battle, Ben had asked the same question. Cash's answer had been just as indifferent. "Why not?"
Chromastone's eye narrowed. "I'll show you why not!"
With a sudden burst of strength, Chromastone began to drain the energy from Gordon's armor more rapidly. The purple glow that had once radiated from Gordon's body began to dim, the power visibly waning as Chromastone absorbed it. Gordon's eyes widened in shock, his muscles trembling as he tried to resist but it was no use. Chromastone's grip tightened as his strength was overwhelming Gordon's.
"True strength doesn't come from tormenting others," Chromastone said with absolute firmness in his voice. "It comes from protecting them!"
With one final surge of power Chromastone twisted Gordon's arm cracking the stone armor around his wrist. Gordon cried out in pain, but Chromastone wasn't done yet. His body shimmered with rainbow-colored energy as he delivered a powerful energy-infused punch straight to Gordon's chest.
BOOM!
The impact was thunderous, the purplish-pink lightning that surrounded Gordon's armor shattering as the stone crumbled and broke apart. Gordon was sent flying through the air tumbling across the cobblestone street like a ragdoll. He then unceremoniously crashed into a parked cart…that was full of horse manure. Gordon slumped to the ground, the cart pouring its contents all over him.
The townspeople and tavern patrons promptly erupted into laughter. A few pointed at the once-proud bandit leader, their laughter growing louder by the second.
"Serves him right!" someone called out.
Even some of the Ravage Blades who were still conscious could only look on in shock, completely bewildered by their leader's defeat. Some even seemed to shrink away in embarrassment.
Chromastone's gaze dropped to the shattered mace lying on the street, specifically the strange rune carved into the ball of the weapon. Curiosity piqued, he knelt and picked it up, his crystal fingers tracing the engraving.
"I've seen something like this before… but where?" Chromastone mused, his mind rifling through fragmented memories. Frustration bubbled up as the answers remained elusive. "This is all really starting to get on my nerves."
His musings were interrupted by a playful voice. "Well, well." Cana's words cut through his thoughts. Chromastone's single green eye flicked toward her as she dusted off her hands, her gaze shifting from Gordon's crumpled form to the crystalline being before her. A smirk played on her lips. "Quite the impression you've made. Nice punch by the way."
Chromastone gave a nod, his attention drifting back to the Ravage Blades who were now strewn helplessly across the street. "Thanks." he replied calmly. Glancing at the scattered bandits he added with a faint smirk "Seems like they underestimated what a deck of cards can really do."
Cana chuckled, clearly entertained by his wit. "You've got that right." She paused for a moment, looking up at him with curiosity. "So, who are you really rocky? And why step in to help me?"
Chromastone didn't respond immediately. Instead, he tapped the Ultimatrix dial on his chest and with a flash of emerald light his towering crystal form disappeared leaving Ben standing in his place.
Cana's eyes widened in surprise. "You?"
"Yep." Ben began while offering a small smile. "Ben Tennyson, nice to meet you. So, still up for that drink?"
Cana blinked, her surprise fading into a more intrigued expression. A smirk curled at the corner of her lips as she tilted her head. "Sure thing, stud," she said before adding teasingly. "It's a date."
…
The aftermath of the battle with the Ravage Blades was swift and decisive. With their leader and henchmen incapacitated, the once-feared bandit group was no longer a threat. Soon enough, Rune Knights stationed in the region soon arrived in Clover to take the criminals into custody. They quickly set about rounding up the groaning criminals, including a thoroughly humiliated Gordon, who was still covered in manure.
One knight, grimacing as he held Gordon by the arm, wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Damn, this guy stinks."
"Manure… I hate manure," Gordon muttered painfully, his voice barely above a groan as they led him toward the prison wagon.
Ben stepped forward, holding the shattered remnants of Gordon's mace. His eyes were serious, his voice firm. "Hey! Where did you get this mace?" he demanded, his gaze locking onto Gordon's.
Gordon's lips curled into a half-sneer despite his miserable state. "Wouldn't you like to know…" he muttered, his tone defiant even in defeat.
One of the knights escorting Gordon groaned and pulled him away slightly, his face twisted in disgust. "Just get him out of here; I can't stand the stench anymore."
Another knight, noticing the mace in Ben's hand, stepped forward. "We'll need that for evidence," he said, his tone professional.
Ben nodded, handing over the shattered mace. The image of the rune was already burned into his memory. He'd have to look into it further on his own—this mystery wasn't over yet.
With the bandits taken into custody, the townsfolk began to settle back into their daily lives. A sense of normalcy gradually returned to Clover, though people couldn't help but murmur excitedly to one another about the spectacle they had just witnessed. The battle against the notorious Ravage Blades still fresh in their minds.
Murphy, who was clearly exhausted from the day's chaotic events, made his way back to his wagon parked on the outskirts of town. "I'm calling it a night," he said, clapping Ben on the shoulder. "Heading out first thing tomorrow morning if you're still coming."
Ben nodded. "I'm still in." he replied before noticing Cana heading back into the Silver Keg tavern. She paused at the door, grinning as she motioned for him to join her.
Murphy noticed this and let out a weary sigh shaking his head. "You've got a way with the ladies kid. Just… make sure things don't get too crazy. And if they do well, there are spells for protection if you know what I mean."
Ben flushed red with a gobsmacked look while stammering "T-that's not what this is!"
"Sure…" the merchant drawled unconvinced. He knew that nothing of the sort had happened with the previous girls he befriended, but this one certainly looked like a girl who'd be bold enough to have a one night stand with someone that caught her interest. He may or may not be stereotyping, nevertheless, no reason to not give his companion the advice. Besides, it was fun to mess with him on his unnatural charm with the ladies as proven again just now.
Later, Ben and Cana now sat together at a small, secluded table in the now quiet Silver Keg tavern. The chaos of the day had left the place mostly empty save for a few stragglers nursing their drinks at the bar. The murmur of conversation had faded leaving a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Cana took a long drink from her tankard while leaning back in her chair with a relaxed demeanor. Across from her, Ben sat quietly, deep in thought, his brow furrowed. The weight of everything that had happened seemed to be pressing down on him. Absently, he glanced up—only to immediately look away, his cheeks heating up. In her relaxed position, Cana's top had dipped slightly, revealing more than he expected. He quickly averted his gaze, staring intently at the empty space on the table instead.
Cana noticed the quick shift, her lips curling into a mischievous smirk. "See something you like, stud?" she teased, her tone playful. "You know, it's rude to stare at a girl's chest before the first date."
Ben's face turned an even deeper shade of red, and he stumbled over his words. "S-Sorry! I didn't mean to—"
Cana's laughter interrupted him, a carefree sound that made the tension ease. "Relax, I'm just messing with you," she said, giving him a wink as she took another drink from her tankard.
Ben managed a sheepish smile, still embarrassed but grateful that she hadn't taken his reaction seriously. As Cana's laughter faded, she noticed the pensive expression returning to his face. She raised an eyebrow, curious about what could be weighing so heavily on his mind
"So, Ben, is it?" she started, her voice gentle but with a hint of curiosity. "You said you've got some questions for me?" She tilted her tankard slightly in his direction, giving him an easygoing grin before taking another sip. "Go on, lay 'em on me, stud."
"Before I start asking questions… I think I owe you some context," Ben began, his tone steady but there was a slight unease in his expression. "I'm… not exactly from around here."
Cana was silent, waiting for him to continue.
"You see, I've got amnesia," he said bluntly. "Woke up one day with no memory of who I was or where I came from. I do now remember the name of the place I'm trying to get back to, Bellwood." His hands rested on the table, fingers tapping lightly against the wood. "I've been trying to piece things together. Honestly, not much makes sense, but… I keep going."
Cana paused mid-drink, her brown eyes studying him closely. She set her tankard down and leaned forward, her gaze thoughtful. "Amnesia huh?" she echoed with her voice softer now but still carrying that easy confidence she was known for. "That's rough."
Ben gave a slight nod. "Yeah it's not exactly a walk in the park."
Cana leaned back again with arms crossed as she took a moment to process what he had said. "You know, for a guy with no memory you handle yourself pretty well." A grin tugged at her lips. "I mean, you beat me in cards and you kicked ass in the fight earlier. Not bad for someone who's lost their past."
Ben shrugged trying to downplay it but there was a small smile forming on his face. "Guess I've still got my instincts."
Cana chuckled. "That or you're just lucky." She took another swig of her drink before continuing. "So, this Bellwood place… you're sure it's out there somewhere?"
"That's what I'm hoping for. It's in a country called the United States if that helps." Ben replied, his voice quieter now almost uncertain. "I don't know much but I've got this feeling… like it's real. I just don't know where to start looking."
Cana tapped a finger against the side of her tankard, thoughtful. "Bellwood…United States…" They sounded so foreign. "Sorry, never heard of those places." She shrugged lightly. "But then again I wasn't the best student when it came to geography. Outside of Ishgar my knowledge gets pretty spotty." She gave him a playful smirk but there was an underlying sincerity in her words. "Doesn't mean it's not out there somewhere."
Ben's gaze shifted toward her and though he didn't say anything, the hint of hope in his eyes was unmistakable. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Maybe it's a long shot, but… have you ever heard of someone named Gwen Tennyson?" His eyes flicked to Cana searching for any spark of recognition.
"Hmm?" Cana paused mid-drink, raising an eyebrow as Ben continued.
"She kinda looks like me, around the same age—has the same green eyes I do but her hair's red. She's really powerful with magic. I remember it being pink, kind of like the energy that Gordon's mace had." His voice was steady but there was a quiet urgency behind his words.
"Gwen Tennyson?" Cana tapped her chin in thought for a moment before shaking her head. "Sorry stud, the only redhead I know is Erza. And trust me she's kind of unforgettable."
Ben perked up slightly at that. "Erza? As in Titania Erza?" The name sounded familiar. Kagura had briefly mentioned her and he remembered reading about her in Sorcerer Weekly.
Cana smirked. "The very same." Her gaze narrowed as she studied Ben curiously, noting how his face lit up with recognition. "You seem to know a lot about wizards for someone who claims to be new to Fiore."
Ben gave a slight shrug. "Not really. I mean, I've picked up on some rumors and read a few articles here and there." He smiled faintly but fell silent, a faraway look crossing his face.
Cana tilted her head, curious. "So, this Gwen, is she your sister or something?"
Ben lowered his head. "She's my cousin actually. I thought she might've been my sister at first given we both have the exact same eyes and have a resemblance. I've been looking for her… for my whole family actually."
Cana leaned forward, her brow furrowing. "Your family eh?" For a brief moment a flicker of understanding crossed her eyes. Setting her tankard down she sighed. "I wish I could help you, but I've never heard of anyone by that name."
Ben nodded with a pang of disappointment settling in. Still, he managed a tight smile. "Thanks anyway." he said trying to keep his tone light, but the tinge of disappointment was clearly shown.
Cana studied him for a beat longer, noticing how his shoulders slumped ever so slightly. "Why ask me though? Just a hunch?"
Ben sighed, giving another small shrug. "Kind of. I figured if anyone might've seen her, it'd be someone like you—strong guild, lots of connections. If Gwen's big into magic, I thought she'd be well-known. But… guess I was wrong."
Cana leaned back in her chair, able to empathize with Ben's situation. "I get it." she said softly as memories from her childhood poured in. "When I was younger, I went on a journey to find someone too–my father. I'd lost my mom, and I searched for him wondering what he'd be like. And when I found him… well he was powerful and respected. I didn't know how to approach him, so I didn't." Her voice grew quieter. "And I still haven't even after all this time."
Ben looked at her, surprised by her openness. "Really?"
"Yeah," Cana said as her eyes grew distant for a moment. "It's not easy looking for someone who means so much to you. Especially when you're not sure what you'll find."
Ben nodded, sensing the gravity of her words. He hadn't expected Cana to share something so personal, but he was quietly grateful she felt comfortable enough to do so.
Cana then leaned back in her chair, taking a slow sip from her tankard before glancing at Ben with a more playful glint in her eyes. "Alright, enough of the heavy stuff. How about I lighten the mood a bit?"
Ben, caught off guard, raised an eyebrow. "How?"
"Fortune-telling." Cana replied while flashing a grin. "My cards aren't just for beating up bad guys. I can give a little insight into the future too." She pulled a deck of tarot cards from her pocket, shuffling them effortlessly. "Interested in seeing what lies ahead for you?"
Ben blinked slightly confused but intrigued. "You're telling me those cards can predict the future?"
"Yep! I developed the skill when I was younger," Cana explained, cutting the deck. "It's helped me on more than one occasion. Now, how about I give you a glimpse of what's coming your way?" She wagged her eyebrows teasingly. "It might be fun."
Ben thought it over for a moment before shrugging with a smirk. "Sure, why not?"
Cana laid the tarot deck on the table, her fingers moving deftly as she shuffled. She spread the cards into a fan shape with practiced ease. "Alright stud, here's how it works," she began, her tone light but focused. "I'm doing a simple three-card spread. The first card will tell you about the very near future—what's coming up in the next week or so. The second one will give you a glimpse into the near future, a few months from now. The last card? That's your distant future—where things might end up."
"Okay," Ben said, leaning forward with interest, watching Cana's every move.
Cana flipped the first card with a flourish, revealing The Lovers—two figures standing together under a radiant sun. She grinned and raised her eyebrows. "Ooh, The Lovers! Looks like you've got some special encounters coming soon. Lucky guy!"
Ben chuckled at her playful tone, raising an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
"Feel like I've had several of those so far," Ben thought, recalling his times with Pepel, Juvia, Kagura, and now Cana.
"Yep," Cana said with a teasing smirk. "Keep your eyes peeled."
She moved on to the second card, revealing The Tower—a tall structure being struck by lightning, figures tumbling down in chaos. Cana's expression grew more serious as she explained, "In the near future, things are gonna get intense. The Tower means upheaval—adventures, challenges, maybe a few unexpected surprises."
Ben nodded, sensing the weight of her words. "Guess I'll need to stay sharp," he said seriously.
Finally, Cana flipped the third and last card, her expression softening as she revealed The Star—a woman standing by a pool, pouring water from two jugs, a symbol of hope and renewal. "And here's your distant future," she said gently. "The Star is all about hope, finding your path, and healing. It's a good sign, stud. Looks like you'll find your place in the world, eventually."
Ben's smile grew, a touch of relief washing over his face. "That… sounds nice."
Cana gave him a warm, knowing look, her eyes gleaming with sincerity. "You've got a good road ahead of you, stud. Just keep moving forward, no matter what."
Ben nodded, feeling a sense of reassurance in her words.
The moment was then interrupted as the bartender appeared with a tray, setting down Cana's fresh tankard of beer with a satisfying clink. Then to Ben's surprise he placed a tall glass in front of him—a vibrant red fruity drink, complete with a lime wedge on the rim. Ben blinked in confusion, glancing between the drink and Cana.
"Uh I didn't order anything." he said puzzled.
Cana smirked, lifting her tankard. "Relax, it's on me. The least I could do. Got yah the cherry-lime cocktail. You seemed like the fruit drink type."
Ben sweat dropped, eyeing the colorful concoction in front of him. "Thanks… I think?" he muttered, picking up the glass. As he took a sip, the familiar combination of cherry and lime danced on his taste buds and for a moment, his mind flashed back to something—something warm and comforting.
A building with an anthropomorphic grey cup and red straw on a sign out front. In colorful letters were the words "Mr. Smoothy's".
Various scenes of Ben, Gwen, and the same unknown black-haired young man enjoying their time conversing and enjoying the beverages served.
"Smoothies..." Ben murmured under his breath, the word escaping him almost unconsciously.
Cana raised an eyebrow pausing mid-drink. "Huh? What was that?"
Ben's face brightened up, the haze in his mind clearing slightly. "Smoothies! I remember! The greatest drink ever!" he exclaimed, the sudden burst of enthusiasm catching Cana off guard.
Cana chuckled, setting her tankard down. "Greatest drink ever, huh? Does it have alcohol in it?"
Ben shook his head with a grin. "Well, no. But it's got all sorts of great stuff. Fruits, juices, yogurt sometimes. They're thick, cold and taste amazing."
Cana remained unconvinced with her expression skeptical as she took another drink. "Can't be that good if it doesn't have alcohol in it."
Ben narrowed his eyes, a playful glint appearing. "Oh yeah? Willing to wager on that?"
Cana's eyes lit up at the mention of a bet, her competitive streak instantly kicking in. "A bet, huh? What are you willing to put on the line?"
Ben scratched his head, thinking for a moment. "Well… if you're hoping to get back the money you lost in the card game, I can't help you there. I, uh… had to use it to pay off the owner of the shop I crashed through earlier," he admitted sheepishly.
Cana's grin widened, finding the situation all too amusing. "Collateral damage huh? Fairy Tail knows a thing or two about that. But nah, I'm not after your money, stud."
"Then what?" Ben asked, curious.
Cana smirked, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Tell you what, if I end up liking this 'smoothie' you're going on about, I'll let you take me on a date. If I don't like it, though…" She paused dramatically, "you'll take me out drinking anywhere I want. After you're done with your journey, of course."
Ben blinked in surprise, processing the terms of the bet. "Wait, but…what exactly are you losing in this—"
"Bartender!" Cana called out, cutting him off with a grin. "Stud here needs to borrow your kitchen!"
Ben became mildly exasperated. "Or just ignore me…"
Later, Ben stepped behind the bar counter with a sense of determination, rolling up his metaphorical sleeves (since his shirt was short-sleeved) and eyeing the available ingredients. The bartender leaned against the counter, watching with mild curiosity, while Cana swirled her beer in her tankard, shooting him an amused look.
"You sure you know what you're doing back there, stud?" Cana teased, raising an eyebrow.
Ben smirked. "I think I've got it covered."
He reached for the orange juice and a small batch of freshly picked mountain raspberries that had been stored behind the bar. The bartender handed over a bottle of milk and Ben searched for something to sweeten the drink. His eyes landed on a jar of honey usually reserved for cocktails.
"Perfect." he murmured while collecting the ingredients.
With no blender available, Ben decided to improvise. He filled a shaker with crushed ice and added a healthy pour of orange juice, then tossed in the raspberries. After adding a splash of milk for creaminess and a small spoonful of honey, he shook the mixture vigorously. The sound of ice clinking in the shaker filled the tavern as Ben concentrated on making the drink as close to what he remembered from home.
Pouring the finished product into three small glasses, Ben handed one to Cana and another to the bartender, keeping the last one for himself.
"This is what's called an orange-berry smoothie. One of many possible flavors." Ben took the first sip, the sweet-tart blend of orange and raspberry hitting his tongue. It wasn't quite like Mr. Smoothy's back home, but it was still refreshing.
Though he couldn't help but feel a small pang of nostalgia. "Maybe I'll taste the real thing again someday," he thought.
The bartender took a drink, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Not bad at all, kid! You might be onto something here. I could really sell this." He held his chin, looking contemplative.
Ben chuckled and shrugged. "If you want the recipe, I can write it down for you."
The bartender smiled clearly pleased with the idea. He excused himself, heading into the kitchen to share the recipe with his staff, leaving Ben and Cana alone.
Ben turned his attention to Cana, curious about her reaction. She swirled the drink in her glass, her face contemplative. Ben watched, feeling the suspense building as she took her time tasting it.
After a long silent moment, Cana opened her eyes and looked at him with a teasing smirk. "I gotta admit stud, it's not bad. Not bad at all," she admitted. "Could use some alcohol to spice it up, though."
Ben let out a small laugh, relieved. "Glad you like it."
Cana finished her drink and set the glass down with a clink. She leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms behind her head. "Well congrats, stud. You've won yourself a date with me."
Ben's eyes widened slightly, and he scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I'm honored… I look forward to it." Cana's bold nature kept catching him off guard, but he was learning to roll with it. "I mean even if I lost, wouldn't taking her out drinking also qualify as a date?" He wondered.
Then another thought crossed his mind and his expression turned more serious. "I'll have to leave tomorrow, though." he said, meeting her gaze. "I've got a lot of ground to cover."
Cana gave him a knowing nod, though her playful smirk stayed firmly in place. "I get it. You've got your own journey right? I've been there myself," she said leaning forward with her elbows resting on the table. "But if you ever find yourself in Magnolia, swing by Fairy Tail. Look me up. We can still have that date if you're interested." She shot him a wink that caught Ben off guard.
He chuckled softly, trying to play it cool. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, the thought lingering longer than he expected. Curiosity got the better of him. "By the way what's Fairy Tail like anyway? I've heard some things but I bet it's a lot more interesting hearing about it from someone on the inside."
"Where to start..." Cana chuckled, swirling the last bit of her smoothie around in her glass before answering. "Well, Fairy Tail's not like most other guilds. We're... well, we're a bit of a rowdy bunch. Always in the middle of some kind of trouble. But the thing that makes us different is that we're family. Doesn't matter where you come from or what your story is—once you're part of Fairy Tail, you're one of us."
Ben nodded, taking in her words. "Sounds like a tight-knit group."
"Yeah." Cana said as her eyes flicked over to him with a mischievous smile. "We've had our ups and downs but in the end we've always got each other's backs. That's the Fairy Tail way."
Ben smiled, liking the sound of that. "What about you? How long have you been with the guild?"
Cana raised her glass and took a casual sip before answering. "Since I was a kid really. Grew up around the guild. Needless to say, I've seen my fair share of crazy stuff."
Ben chuckled. "I can imagine. You guys are quite well known—top guild in the kingdom right?"
"That's right!" Cana's smirk returned, full of pride. "And we don't just sit around either. We've handled everything from small jobs to massive fights that've saved entire towns. All in a day's work for Fairy Tail."
"Sounds like a wild ride." Ben remarked, grinning.
"Oh, you have no idea," Cana laughed while leaning back in her chair. "But that's what makes it fun."
As the conversation continued, the two shared more drinks and stories and Ben found himself feeling more at ease around Cana. Though they had only just met, there was an undeniable chemistry between them.
…
Lanterns flickered softly along the cobbled streets, casting long shadows as Ben and Cana strolled side by side through the now-quiet town. The tavern had long since closed, the raucous energy of the day replaced by a peaceful stillness. Ben glanced sideways, doing a double-take when he saw the massive barrel Cana was casually carrying over her left shoulder.
"You sure you don't need help with that?" he asked, genuinely surprised by her strength.
Cana grinned as her carefree attitude was in full display. "I'm fine, stud. Got it handled."
Ben raised an eyebrow. "Why'd you even get a barrel anyway? Didn't you drink enough today?"
Cana chuckled. "There's no such thing as having enough booze."
Ben shook his head in exasperation. "Your liver might have something to say about that."
She smirked, her brown eyes glinting mischievously. "Maybe but this isn't just any booze stud. This here is the tavern's specialty brew. Rare stuff and valuable." She shifted the barrel slightly for emphasis. "Part of my payment for dealing with those Ravage Blades earlier."
Ben blinked in surprise. "Really? Well I guess it's well deserved then."
"Murphy and I are supposed to be delivering a few barrels of that stuff just to Balsam Village. Must be in high-demand. Bet if they expanded their operations they could make a killing." Ben pragmatically thought.
Cana then looked back at him, her expression softening a little. "Since you helped out, you should get a cut too."
Ben waved the offer off. "Nah, you keep it. I didn't help for a reward or anything. It was just the right thing to do."
Cana studied him for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. "You're a good guy, you know that Ben? You'd fit right in with Fairy Tail." She flashed him a grin, though there was sincerity in her tone.
Ben chuckled softly, recalling Juvia's similar invitation to join Phantom Lord. "Are you recruiting me?" He asked with amusement dancing in his eyes.
"I'm just saying if you're ever looking for a place to belong, Fairy Tail's always open for new faces."
Ben smiled, his expression sincere. "I'll keep the offer in mind, but I still need to figure some things out first."
"That's good enough for me." Cana replied. Her grin turned teasing as she added, "So, you planning to walk me all the way back to my inn? Maybe get lucky tonight?"
Ben blinked twice, momentarily flustered by the sudden shift in tone, but he quickly composed himself. "I'll gladly walk you back," he said with a slight smirk, "but then I've got to go. Got a long day ahead of me tomorrow."
Cana laughed softly. "Fair enough. But don't think you're off the hook, stud. I'll get you someday."
With that, the two continued walking, Cana moving a little closer than before. They didn't speak for a while, but the silence wasn't awkward—it was the comfortable kind that came from mutual understanding. Ben felt a sense of ease, even in her teasing.
As they neared her inn, Cana glanced up at him, the playful glint in her eyes still there, but there was something else too—a hint of genuine fondness. "Thanks for walking me back," she said.
Ben smiled. "Anytime."
As they reached the door of the inn, Cana hesitated for a moment before giving him a nod. "Take care of yourself, Ben."
Ben chuckled lightly, nodding back. "I will. Goodnight, Cana. And…see yah later."
With that Ben turned to leave, feeling the weight of the day behind him.
Meanwhile Cana stood at the doorway of the inn with her eyes fixed on Ben's retreating figure. She rested her free hand on her hip, the barrel still hoisted on her shoulder but for once her thoughts weren't on drinking. A slight frown tugged at her lips before softening into a more thoughtful expression.
She didn't want to admit it, but something about Ben intrigued her. It wasn't just his strength or how he held his own in a fight—it was his quiet sense of purpose, the way he talked about finding his home, his family. In the short time they'd spent together, she could tell she liked him. He was different from the usual guys she encountered. Something about him felt…genuine.
"Don't be a stranger, stud." she murmured under her breath, watching him disappear into the night. Deep down, she hoped this wouldn't be the last time she'd see him.
…
A/N: Credit to Masamune X23 for beta-reading this chapter and all of the previous ones too.
Hopefully this chapter was entertaining and a good character introduction for Cana. With this, the dynamics in future chapters do considerably change compared to the original version.
The next chapter will be relatively short, featuring several scenes of Ben stopping various threats in the towns that he and the merchant pass through. Further fueling the rumor mills surrounding Ben.
Following that will be Jenny's chapter, which will feature some updates compared to the original version.
Please leave any comments, critique, and suggestions in the review box. Until next time!