Exceeds are magical cat-like beings who play a major role in assisting the Dragon Slayers of Fairy Tail. While these characters may look cute and cuddly, they possess mystical powers and an iron will to protect those they love. As well as support to their partners, they also offer comedic relief and unique visuals for audiences to enjoy.
These Fairy Tail felines originate from Extalia and are viewed as 'angels' by the humans living in the world of Edolas, which is separate from Earth Land. In this land, they have a common bond and destiny with the Dragon Slayers, forming a unique partnership between them. Let's take a look at the five Exceeds who partner up with the Dragon Slayers of Fairy Tail, sent to save the world from Acnologia.
Happy, The Partner of Natsu
Happy is the lead Exceed in the series, a member of the Fairy Tail Guild and Team Natsu. He was one of the 100 Exceed eggs sent from Edolas to Earth Land to spare them from the long-anticipated destruction of Extalia. When Natsu was a young Fire Dragon Slayer, he found the egg Happy would hatch out of and the two have been loyal best friends and partners ever since.
Combining his cute cat-like appearance with sarcastic insults, Happy acts as comedic relief throughout Fairy Tail. His catchphrase is "aye sir" to represent his happy-go-lucky attitude. While he is often carefree and rowdy, he loves his friends more than anything and is willing to put his own life at risk in order to save them.
Carla, The Partner of Wendy
Carla was also in one of the eggs sent to Earth Land and would partner with Wendy, a Sky Dragon Slayer. She is the daughter of the Queen and lead figurehead of the Exceeds, Shagotte. Carla has a strict and uptight personality, encouraging those around her to act sensible and polite. This attitude causes her to frequently scold Happy, who often acts obnoxious or inappropriate.
Along with her ability to fly, she inherits the valuable power of Precognition from her mother which allows her to warn Fairy Tail of drastic events before they occur. She later learns how to temporarily transform into a human and appears as a girl Wendy's age. Her primary objective in life is to protect and be a good partner to Wendy, but her love and loyalty eventually extend to the whole Fairy Tail Guild.
Panther Lily, The Partner of Gajeel
Panther Lily served as a division commander in the Kingdom of Edolas' royal army. He was banished by his fellow Exceeds after saving a human -- who happened to be Jellal -- and bringing him to Extalia, which is considered an act of treason. When Fairy Tail first comes to Edolas, however, Panther Lily is their enemy and sides with the royal army by fighting Gajeel, an Iron Dragon Slayer.
In battle, Panther Lily can shift into a large, muscular form and wield giant weapons. During their fight, Gajeel declares Panther Lily will become his partner so he won't be the only Dragon Slayer without an Exceed sidekick. After a sudden change of heart and helping Fairy Tail take down the royal's evil plan, Panther Lily agrees to go to Earth Land and join the Fairy Tail Guild as Gajeel's loyal partner.
Lector, The Partner of Sting
Lector is an Exceed and Mage first introduced in Fairy Tail's Grand Magic Games arc as the partner of Sting, who's also a Dragon Slayer. They are both part of the Sabertooth Guild, which Sting soon becomes the master of. When he was little, Lector begged to journey along with Sting and become his student, and Sting hesitantly agreed. During their childhood, Lector frequently cried because people said bad things about his master and didn't believe Sting killed a dragon.
While Lector is upset by the bullying, Sting comforts him and says he doesn't mind others doubting him. When the former Sabertooth Guild Master nearly kills Lector, Sting kills him out of rage and does everything to bring Lector back before taking his place as the new master. With an inseparable bond, they learn that their relationship is more important than proving Sting's superiority as a Fairy Tail Dragon Slayer.
Frosch, The Partner of Rogue
Frosch is also an Exceed and Mage in the Sabertooth Guild and partners with Rogue, the guild's other Dragon Slayer. Since Sting and Rogue frequently travel together as the Twin Dragons of Sabertooth, Lector and Frosch are best friends. When they thought Lector was killed by the former Sabertooth Guild Master, Frosch was traumatized and couldn't process the horrific event.
Once they're all reunited, Frosch is visibly relieved and continues to cheer the Twin Dragon Slayers on. Frosch speaks in the third person and often agrees with others. Despite crying and being easily frightened, Frosch is willing to risk their life when they think Rogue's in danger.