Cana arrives for enrollment

Cana didn't know where she was going. She was aware that she was heading to the academy but she couldn't remember that Aria lady giving her any directions. And yet... it was like her feet had a mind of their own as they directed her through the streets. But she wasn't paying any mind to how she seemed to be moving on instinct. In fact, she was paying little mind to anything in general as she briskly moved along with blind purpose, not even giving the tavern so much as a glance as she passed by it. Buildings, trees, signs, people- she placidly ignored them all until-

Her feet abruptly stopped. Cana snapped out of her stupor and peered around. She was standing before a massive, decorated stone arch with a shimmering bronze gate. Past the bars, Cana could spy a set of impressive brick buildings that had to be the academy. She had found the place, but the gate was closed and appeared to be locked. Naturally, she tried to push it open. Unsurprisingly, it didn't budge.

"Identify yourself," came a voice echoing all around her

Cana blinked before she furrowed her brow at the question. For some reason she could feel it wasn't interested in her name, it was asking her for something else. The symbol on her wrist began to glow.

"I...uh...I'm..." she faltered as she racked her brain for an answer.

It was on the tip of her tongue. She knew she was supposed to remember it. Her wrist tingled more and she glanced down. Her vision was caught by the light emanating from the coiling insignia. She froze and stared at it. It seemed like it was moving. The glimmer began to reflect faintly off her eyes. Suddenly, it all clicked for her. She knew her answer.

She replied calmly and collectively: "I am an enrollee, here to learn my true place in Shamballa."

"Enter, enrollee."

Slowly, the gates swung open and Cana followed the brick walkway up towards the academic buildings. She had just reached the nearest one when she heard a familiar voice call out to her.

"Ah, Miss Alberona, so glad you made it!"

Cana turned to see Aria striding briskly towards her with open arms, beaming proudly at her.

"Heya, Aria-oh...umm-" Cana's train of thought stumbled before correcting herself. "-Headmistress."

"It's good to see you too," greeted Aria. "I'm so pleased to see your manners have already improved, you're going to go far here I can just tell."

Cana felt her cheeks flush at the praise. Normally she wouldn't care what some uppity lady would think of her but right now, she felt a strong need to impress her.

"Thank you, Headmistress," she smiled back

"And you made it here earlier than most new enrollees, that is most encouraging. It wasn't a trouble getting here?"

"Nah, it wasn't any problem finding the place," Cana assured.

"Well, now that you are here, we can begin your education."

"Great, so where do I need to go?"

"Oh, not so fast," Aria interjected. "First, we must do something about your outfit."

"Ehh? What's wrong with my outfit?"

Aria merely gave Cana a disapproving glance. The brunette's hairs on the back of her neck stood up at the judgmental gaze. For the first time in a long time, she became acutely conscientious of how revealing her bikini top was and involuntarily moved her hands up to cover her cleavage.

"That is not proper attire for a budding young woman and certainly no pupil of mine will be allowed to walk these halls like that."

Cana's wrist itched again followed suddenly by a pang of shame and guilt as her own gaze shifted from her scantily clad body over to Aria's. The headmistress was in another cocktail dress, though this one was a striking cobalt blue with lace shoulders and sleeves. While Cana would never doubt her own beauty and sex appeal, she couldn't deny she didn't have the same classy elegance that Aria exuded. And right now, she desperately wanted to emulate the woman and gain her approval.

"Never fear, we'll get you sorted," encouraged the Headmistress. "Come along, now."

The insignia glowed brighter and Cana's head buzzed. Yes...to be sorted out- to do as the Headmistress willed- to obey. It's what she wanted. It's what she needed.

"Yes, Headmistress," Cana answered as she followed her.

(Author's note: like Juvia's last scene, this one for Cana will be split into 2 parts, I've also been working on the yoga scene for Lucy and Levy, so I'll post next based on whichever one gets done first. Hopefully, this and the alt Erza chapter will satisfy you till then.)