[Obsessionistgalore]

This was a great read, I have this headcannon that Gray's first language is from Isvan and that he learned the most common language as a second language. It makes sense to me because of the fact it is a completely different place, it would make sense for them to have their own language as well as their own culture. I would love to see this explored more it is a brilliant idea and has lots of potential.

Its a shame they never explored it in Fairy Tail, it would have been interesting to learn about other cultures within the universe.

[Moved from AO3 for archiving purposes.]

FINALLY. Something that addresses the cultural differences – or lack thereof – in FT. I remember when I first started watching, I was really intrigued by the Fairy Tail universe and was hoping we'd get to know more about the various countries and cultures. (I really am a xenophile, haha) Needless to say, that was another strike on my long-ass list of disappointments.

So this? This was perfect. I really enjoyed your take on it. Especially in regards to Gray's ethnicity/background, given how far Isvan is from Fiore –geographically and climatically - and (most likely) culturally as well. Not to mention the fact that he's one of the last survivors from that country, meaning he's also one of the last traces of that culture and its traditions. Coupled with his past and recent losses, it's no wonder he'd feel defensive and alienated in the beginning.

Getting child Cana's perspective of that just highlighted the cultural diversity between them. It's funny how much child-like logic – with it's black-and-white and naive viewpoint and understanding of the world - can illustrate such things. I love how you utilized that. Perfect portrayal. As always ;)

Your depiction of Cana and Gray's friendship in this was equally spot-on. I can easily imagine their first meeting – and their relationship – starting out like this, before developing into that close-knit companionship. Really wish that had been explored more in canon.
Although, this definitely made up for it. Especially with that ending; " And the more he talked, the more she realized that they weren't so very different after all." Full circle again, huh? ;) I loved that. It's such a great allegory of not just their developing relationship, but also of their personal growth – both intellectually and socially.

All in all; remarkable and first-rate work. This was lovely. 3

[Moved from AO3 for archiving purposes.]

Awwww! This is so pure— I'm glad you wrote something with Cana, she's one of my favorite characters and I don't see many fics with her

I just love how I finally found a story that emphasizes Gray's cultural (and probably ethnic) difference from the rest of the crew, there really was no mention of it in FT after the Galuna arc. I talked about it a few times on Tumblr and it's really sad that Mashima sidelined it entirely. This was incredibly cute, by the way. I absolutely adore Cana and Gray's friendship and I wish it had been explored more in canon. This was a really nice read. I'm going over your stories one by one right now, and I have to say, that your characterization of Gray is absolutely perfect, thank you for all the work you put into your amazing stories and have a nice day.

Awww

I really like this one-shot :D I absolutely love the idea that Gray could have such a different cultural background. It would make sense, and I think that FT would benefit from giving different cultures to the characters.

*drools at accents*
there's A LOT of things missing in FT dayum the goldmine that could have been dug out if these people had accents omfg
Natsu and his 400YO accent lmao

As always, great story. I really love your writing style, it just seams to flow so naturally.

Oh my god, I LOVE the idea that Gray’s culture is different from the rest of Fiore. Plus it makes perfect sense, really! If only they’d done that in the show...

I also find it fascinating (or... I would, if it was canon) that since Gray is basically one of the last people from Isvan, he gets to carry whatever traditions and parts of culture with him.

This is a nice take on cultural differences. Kids who are Cana's age aren't always the most open-minded or sensitive, and a lot of the time it's unintentional, but that doesn't make it any less hurtful. Especially to someone like Gray who is dealing with other issues (and probably isn't mature enough to not take it to heart at this age). Though I'll bet his standoffish attitude doesn't help. I think you did a really nice job of capturing this aspect. And I love how you made their connection so natural at the end. Lovely job. Thanks for sharing!
- Karine

Huh, love the fact that Gray has an accent!

Definitely an interesting story, and I like the extra little things you added in there (like how Isvan has different customs and traditions than Fiore :)

I really liked this it added too the ft universe honestly.

for a child cana really did well in understanding "different" people , i doubt most kids (or adults) can achieve this understanding and reflection on their behaviors toward others, the thing that struck a cord with me in this story is that i do belong to the "gray" category or people where people stare at you ..etc for living in a place where lets say i don't belong to, but a lot of times you see people who treat me nicely despite me carrying an obvious sign that reads i'm not from here, in these times you really come to realize that you can't really judge a country or a community badly unless every single individual in that place is behaving the same , so i would definitely say being different made me realize that there are a lot of good people in this world , it is just that the bad ones are the ones getting the free pr . thanks

I really wish i had the ability to go back in time and consider cultural variations in Trials of Ice now. XD I hate my 16 year old self. I never even considered geographical location and different cultures besides between Fiore and Alverez. Now in my current state i realise my fault but it is too late for me. XD

Though if i had to guess, Isvan would be in the eastern side of the globe and Fiore is more southern. So Asia for Isvan and America or perhaps France in the case of Fiore. Alverez is probably more like Germany or Spain in that regard then. Though i feel like you got that same impression from how your referenced the number '4' being an unlucky number. Very subtle there, something i greatly appreciate.

Though that is just my guesswork. XD I have no clue about geography other than how it would likely work in FT... My life is a series of failures and redundancies at this point... XD

But damn, Cana was pretty harsh there, though not without reason (Kid-logic at least). Kind of a nice way to start what becomes one of the more nicer companionship's in the series. This kind of one-shot really gives the thing between them more nuance and coming form you and how you are able to incorporate the psychological side of things into the encounter that only bolsters that sensation.

Poor Gray, his own self-destructive morose nature mixed with Cana's utterly innocent yet distant personality (at the time) naturally would cause some problem to occur from the get go. But it is nice to see the eventual downtime take its effect. This definitely was a step forward for them both in terms of their own personal problems as well as their eventual growth as people.

Overall: Fantastic. XD

Looking forward to the next upload,

-Viperhat

What would the isvanian accent sound like though?