"Erza! Here!" she turned to the sound of the voice, seeing an arm waving over several heads.

She made her way to him, smiling when she reached him. "Freed, so glad ya made it."

"Like I'd miss the big fight, or keep Laxus away for that matter. " Freed was a tall man, a sorcerer with a thick British accent lacing his words. His long green hair was braided back from his face and his eyes a soft blue. He wore a sleeveless coat that stretched to his thick black boots, showing ancient writings tattooed onto his arms. A rapier rested at his hip, usefuly when the had to get up close with an enemy. "Besides, I had to deliver this to you didn't I?"

Erza easily caught the small red jar Freed tossed her way, tucking it into her jacket. "Your a dear lad."

"Not many people need essence of Caron anymore, especially since there's only one tree left."

Erza smiled, a bit sadly. "Those trees used to be all over the highlands, we used to tend to them. One of the young ones was injured badly in the Italy attack, she'll be needing all the help she can get. Any left over I'll use on the others."

Freed nodded as he turned to finish helping loading things into the plane, "Let me know if you need anymore. There's still time to harvest before it hibernates for the winter."

Erza nodded her thanks before turning back to the others. It took her a bit longer to reach them, there were more people on the plane than before, but soon she was kneeling in front of Levy. She was glad the girl had yet to put her jacket on, leaving her poor arms exposed.

Levy cracked her eyes open as Erza uncorked the jar, breathing in the sweet Caron perfume. "What is that?" she asked, her voice only slightly less strained.

"This is essence of the Caron tree. It is an ancient tree once cared for by us dragons," she informed her as she dipped her index finger into the paste. "There is only one tree left in existence, and it is in the hands of a trusted sorcerer. This is made with its sap, and has unique qualities." She gently dragged her finger against Levys skin.

The woman tensed and hissed in a breath, before sighing in relief and going boneless.

"What does that do?" Cana asked as she knelt beside Erza to watch.

"It helps ease pain, the scent alone does that, and helps increase ones healing rate."

"So, what, it's a magical healing potion?" Natsu asked.

Erza chuckled lightly as she continued to put the cream on Levys arm, writing in ancient Dragonic. "Not quite. Human bodies aren't meant for quick healing, yer cells and metabolism can't keep up. Unlike mine, which is made for that. The cream, along with the spell I'm writing, will start mending the major damage. The burns will lessen but wont go away all together yet, bones will begin to knit, as well as deep skin tissue. There is still a chance of scaring, but she will be in much better shape to fight. I'll use the left overs on those of ya who have more troublesome injuries."

By the time she was finished explaining the spell was written on both of Levys arms, and the girl was beginning to doze off. Erza set the jar down and took Levys hands in each of hers. Erza took a deep breath, and as she exhaled smoke drifted from her nose, and warmth spread from her to Levy. The cream on her arms glowed a warm honey gold before slowly dimming, and she released their hands.

Levy cracked open her eyes and smiled tiredly. "Thank you Erza."

"Not a problem lass. You should sleep the whole flight, it will help with the healing."

Levy nodded slightly and closed her eyes, falling fast asleep. Erza had everyone settle into their seats and began using the rest of the cream on Natsu and Cana. When she was finished the doors of the plane were closing, a hush falling over the overfull plane.

Erza stood, pocketing the jar as she did. "Get some sleep, it will be the last you'll have in awhile."

She turned and headed for the front of the plane, where she knew Jellal was preparing to take them into the air. As she made her way into the cockpit, she caught sight of his copilot, a slightly younger woman who was nearly Jellals twin, her long blue hair braided back from her face much like Freeds.

"Arina! I didn't think you'd make it lass!" Erza grinned as she sat opposite of her husband.

The woman grinned as she pulled on a headset. "You really didn't think I'd let you and my brother of all the fun again did you?"

"Are we ready to take off?" Came Lilys voice as he entered the cockpit.

"Say the word boss," was Jellals answer, the engines roaring to life to warm up."

"By your leave Fernandez."

With that, Jellal and Arina piloted the plane down the private runway in Denmark, taking off for the Siberian wilderness. In all actuality, they headed for a small island just off the Northern Russian shore between the Laptev Sea and the East Siberian Sea called the New Siberian Islands. The plane would fly over the main island, delivering the first attack before landing on the Eastern coast of the island and unloading their army.

Once the plane was at its elevation, Jellal gently took Erzas hand and kissed her palm. "Get some sleep dragonfly, it will be the last you have in awhile," he said, echoing her earlier words.

Erza snorted lightly at the usual nickname but did recline in her seat, never releasing Jellals hand as she dozed off.

She was awoken several hours later to Lily called silence to the crowded plane. She stood, pausing when Jellal tugged on her hand. "Be safe love," he told her sternly.

Erza smiled and leaned down to press a tender kiss to his lips, one that soon grew hot and almost desperate. She reluctantly pulled back and squeezed his hand. "I don't do gallows kisses sweetheart."

Jellal smiled a bit guiltily, "Then be safe like I told you." He gave her another swift kiss before finally releasing her hand.

Erza made her way into the belly of the plane where Lily was informing everyone once again on the landing plan, finishing with "Flyers to the rear." She made her way to the back of the plane, along with about two dozen others. There were witches and shifters, as well as two of her dragon kin.

"Glad to see you made it Mirajane, Laxus." She greeted them.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world!" Mirajane said with her usual bright smile, her Scottish accent matching her own. She was a beautiful woman, tall with long snow white hair that was currently tied into a bun at the back of her head. Her eyes were a deep gray, with a fire burning in their depths that her cheery smile hid well.

"Like I would miss fighting beside you again," Laxus said with a small grin of his own, his brogue rumbling in his chest. His short golden hair was spiked in a Mohawk, a jagged scar went over his right eye. He was a large man, even larger than Gajeel and was stacked with muscles.

"It'll be nice to spread our wings again," Mira said excitedly as she stretched.

Pleasantries were abruptly ended as, with a loud groaning, the back hatch of the plane began to open, revealing the barren land below them. There were commands for non flyers to stay strapped in so as not to get sucked out of the craft, having to shout over the rushing wind.

There were whoops of excitement as shifters and witches ran for the abyss, jumping out into the ether. The three shared a sharped tooth grin before following after the others, leading from the platform.

Etherios sighed, leaning against the wall as if they were having an average conversation. “Such a cliché question. You couldn’t be a little more creative?” Gajeel’s native Russian rolled off Etherios’s tongue as if he had spoken it his entire life.

“You wanna talk about cliché?” He scoffed. “Try getting kidnapped by a damn lunatic villain, and waking up chained to a wall in some creepy-ass dungeon.”

Etherios clicked his tongue, visibly annoyed. “I’m no villain, Gajeel. I am doing the world a favor by purging it of those weak humans. You are either one of the strong, or it is only right that evolution picks you off. We are the next generation, my friend, so it is time to take our rightful place on top.”

“Lunatic villain,” Gajeel frowned. This guy is crazier than I thought. Talk about watching too many damned X-Men movies…

“I am not a villain!” He snapped, annoyance slowly turning to anger. His green eyes flashed with fury for an instant before he took a deep breath and smiled. “You will soon see that I’m in the right here, Gajeel. You’ll join me in time.”

“Like hell.” Gajeel growled. “I refuse to help you hurt any more of the people I care about.”

“Those people will turn on you eventually. The more powerful you grow, the more they will fear you.”

“They won’t—”

“Do you think that pretty blue-haired summoner will stay with you forever?” Etherios scoffed, amused. “Gajeel, she will be the first to leave you. She may even be more powerful than you are.” He paused a moment, then smiled. “Perhaps I’ll recruit her next. I was going to kill her with the others, but she managed to take down quite a few of my men. I may have use for her.”

“You leave Levy out of this!” Gajeel snarled, pulling against the chains. The metal screeched as he pulled against it, but it never budged.

Etherios laughed, crouching down so they were eye-level, that damned smile still on his face. “Perhaps, if you cooperate, I’ll give her a place in my ranks beside you. Wouldn’t that be nice? You could have your power and your woman.”

“If it’s coming from you, I don’t want it,” Gajeel spat in English.

“We’ll just see what she has to say, then,” He sighed, getting to his feet. “She may be more willing to join me. That is, if she’s still alive.”

Gajeel felt the blood rush from his face. “What do you mean?”

“From what Darryl told me, he left her practically smoldering on the ground.” He chuckled. “All of your little friends got a little shock when what remained of my men left them. I wonder how many are still alive? We’ll find out when they arrive, I suppose. It has been nearly two days since our last visit to Italy, so they should be arriving within the next couple of days. Pantherlily will be with them, I’m sure. I’ll take great pleasure in watching that bastard finally die.”

“Lily’s organization will stop you,” Gajeel said.

“He has been trying for several years, unsuccessfully. Do you honestly think your friends will be of assistance to him in the war that is about to happen? His men have been training for years, honing their skills and learning how to fight against others with powers. You and your friends are practically children, with no experience in battle, and with barely an understanding of the limits and true extent of each of your powers. You will be killed before the real fighting even begins.”

“We held our own against your men in Italy,” Gajeel snapped.

“Yes, but we see how that ended, don’t we?” He smiled, looking pointedly at the chains on my arms. “Next time, there won’t be chains awaiting the losers, Gajeel. Remember that.” He left before Gajeel could reply—if he’d even been able to reply. He knew Etherios was right. There would be no mercy in the next fight. Etherios’s men wouldn’t be trying to capture and leave. No. They’d be there to kill.

Gajeel pulled again at the chains on his arms, again to no avail. They creaked, but they never gave way. He sighed in frustration. He should have expected Etherios to be prepared with chains that could hold him—he knew exactly what his powers were, after all. But that still didn’t stop him from trying. When he thought his arms might pull from their sockets from the force of his struggling, the door to his cell opened.

“Those chains aren’t going to budge, no matter how hard you pull on them,” a woman said, smugly. She flipped a long orange curl over her shoulder, glaring at him with golden eyes. “They were designed by master Etherios himself. Not even he could break them.”

“What the hell do you want?” He growled, glaring back at her.

She smiled, sauntering over to him as if he should be impressed. “I came to bring you dinner and take you to the little boys’ room. After a couple days knocked out, you probably need it, right?”

“And you’re taking me?” Gajeel scoffed, wondering if Etherios really was a lunatic, sending such a small woman to guard him, especially knowing his strength.

“Don’t act so shocked,” she said, sounding bored as she unhooked his chains from the wall and clasped them together behind his back. “Obviously I can handle myself. Why else would master send me?”

Not wasting any time, he attempted to pull free, and immediately felt a strong zap through the chains that sent him to his knees.

“Metal is a very strong conductor of electricity,” she said, casually. “My twin brother brought you down to bring you in, so I can handle keeping you in check long enough for you to do whatever you need to.”

“Damn,” he grumbled. So, she’s that bastard’s sister. She walked them down a hallway, stopping in front of a large door. With surprising speed, she undid his chains, clasping them together in front of him.

“You have exactly four minutes,” she told him, opening the door to what he saw was a bathroom.

“How do you know I won’t break through the wall on the other side and escape,” he frowned.

She laughed, the shrill sound grating every nerve in him. “Go ahead and try, but if you do, you’ll get a nice little zap. This room is made of metal.” And he knew what that meant with her lightning ability.

Cursing, he went inside the room and slammed the door behind him. Ok. I need a plan. He inspected the room, looking for any possible way out. There was none. That bastard Etherios thought of everything, didn’t he? And I don’t even have a phone to contact the others with. He suspected he was in another country entirely, so he doubted he could reach his friends in Italy, anyways.

Levy. The thought suddenly assaulted him, now that he had a moment alone. Etherios had hinted that she’d been badly injured before they’d taken him away. Lightning was dangerous—and that man hadn’t used just regular lightning. It was strong enough to bring him down, so it was powerful. He couldn’t imagine how that might affect someone without his stamina. Damn it! How the hell am I supposed to protect her if I’m stuck in God-knows-where with no plan, and no idea how the hell to escape?!

It hadn’t even been a week since he’d told Levy his feelings, and he’d already managed to fuck up by getting captured by Etherios. What an idiot. Levy’s never going to take me seriously if I’m a god-damned damsel in distress!

“Thirty seconds,” came that annoying woman’s voice from outside the door.

“I’m comin’ damn it,” he snarled, opening the door and going into the hallway.

She didn’t bother adjusting his chains behind him, she just grabbed one of his arms and pushed him forward. She was pretty strong for such a small woman. The idea for an escape suddenly hit him, and he almost felt like an idiot for taking so long to think of it.

Wendy.

Why he couldn’t get out, he could help the others get in. Or at least tell them where he was. Etherios had said they could be arriving soon, meaning they had a general idea where the Etherios’s hideout was. And I can lead them to me.

He paused, frowning. No, that won’t work. She’ll be staying back in Italy because this mission is too dangerous. If Lily knew what was good for him, Wendy had better be made to stay in Italy where it was safe.

Shit, there goes that plan. What else?

“Eat,” the woman instructed, locking his cell behind her as they entered it. She didn’t tie him back to the wall, but instead handed him a plate of food.

“What if I’m not hungry?” He snapped.

She rolled her eyes. “Eat the damned food.” When he hesitated, she grabbed one of the rolls off the plate and took a bite of it. “It’s not poisoned, you idiot. Master need you alive, otherwise you’d already be dead.”

“Why do you follow that bastard?” Gajeel asked, stuffing his face. He was hungry, whether he wanted to admit it or not, and the food was decent.

“Master Etherios is a revolutionary,” she said, a look of wonder coming over her face. “He has big plans for this world, and I want to be a part of that.”

“What kind of plans?”

“He already told you, I’m sure,” she sighed. “He wants to get rid of all the weaklings, and pave the way for the strong. Those without gifts could never truly accept us, even if they pretend to at first. There will always be a part of them that fears us, and eventually that fear will win out, causing them to turn on us. So it is up to us to strike first. Eliminate them before they eliminate us.”

“That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,” he scoffed. “You can’t just go around killing people because they don’t like you. That isn’t a good enough reason.”

“What if they try to kill you first?” She asked, angrily.

He smirked. “You think someone without powers could kill me?”

“They will develop ways,” she said, a dark look coming over her. “If the fear is great enough, they will find a way to hurt you, even if you have done nothing wrong.”

“And who hurt you?” he asked, handing her his empty plate.

She looked startled. “Who says someone hurt me?”

“Listen,” he sighed, “just because you met one bad person, it doesn’t mean everyone without powers is evil. My dad has no powers, but my mom and I do, and he loves us just as much as any other husband and father would.”

“And what about the children born of regular parents?” She snapped. “Not everyone is understanding.”

“Maybe not, but like I said, not everyone is as fearful as you claim they are. Some are accepting. If we don’t give them a reason to fight, they won’t. If we live our lives, most people won’t even know about us—”

“Why should we have to stay hidden?!” She dropped the plate to the ground, stepping towards me. “Just because they might fear our power, why should we have to hide? We didn’t choose to be this way! We didn’t choose these gifts! So why should we be punished for them?!”

“And why should those without gifts be punished?”

She stopped abruptly, her golden eyes wide. “I—”

“May.” They both turned towards the door of the cell when a man spoke. That lighting bastard—her twin brother—stood in the doorway, his arms crossed and his eyes hard.

“Jay,” she said, straightening, “why are you—”

“Master Etherios requests our presence in the council room. Chain up the prisoner and come. Now.”

She nodded, quickly doing as he said. Before leaving, she met Gajeel’s eyes, conflict obvious on her face. At another command from her brother, she rushed out, leaving him alone once again.

Sighing, he leaned his head against the wall. Maybe I can convince her to help Lily and the others when they get here. She was strong, and he could tell she didn’t really want to fight, it was more because she felt she had been wronged. However, before she’d left, she looked like she might have agreed with what he said.

It always startled Wendy when the spirit spoke directly into her mind, she nearly dropped her glass. She sighed and set it aside, leaning her back against the table. "I don't have any useful powers. And even if I did, no one will let me help. They keep treating me like a child."

"But you are a child." Baghira got up and trotted closer to her, sitting beside her feet.

"I'm almost sixteen, that's not a child," she muttered to herself.

Baghira chuckled deep in his chest as he looked out over the field. "Yes, it is small one. Even my Levy is still a child, and my Ramal. Truly, everyone is a child at heart. No one should have to fight in the battles that are to come."

They sat quietly for long moments, Wendy running her fingers through his strange ghostly fur. He was warm and solid, yet fog lifted where her fingers traveled. "You called Ramal yours, like Levy. Were you his spirit too?"

Baghira was quiet, Wendy began to think she had upset him before he finally spoke up. "I was not his spirit, but my mate was. My Katreesh."

"Can... Can I ask what happened to her?"

He gave a small nod. "She was always at Ramals side, especially when he went to war. He never called for her, but she was always there to save him. It was thanks to her, in his last battle, that he only lost his leg. She gave her life for his."

Wendy stared at him wide eyed and had to blink back tears. "But, she's a spirit. You... You can die?"

He looked up at her, a small sad smile seemed to appear on his muzzle. "When we are summoned, we are given physical forms. Those physical forms can die just like any other, and the soul moves on. Nothing is eternal, not even the dragon." 

Wendy was hugging him before she knew it, burying her face into his furry neck as she sniffed. A low purr rumbled through her as Baghira rubbed his face against her. She stayed like that for a long moment before sitting up and wiping her eyes.

"Stay a child for as long as you can Wendy, it can be taken from you before you know it." With that, Baghira trotted off towards Levy, who was heading towards them. Some time during her talk, Regin had come outside, and was now sparing with Gajeel.

Wendy had enough time to compose herself before Levy reached her. "Heya Wen!"

"Hi Levy, get a good workout?" Wendy asked with a grin.

Levy let out a tired groan as she slumped onto the bench beside her. "I'm thinking I should have rested like dad said, I'm dead on my feet." She worked a kink out of her neck before stretching. "But I don't have much of a choice do I? We don't know when Etherios is going to strike, we have to be ready for anything."

Wendy nodded as she listened to Levy go on about what Gajeel had taught her. Not only had she watched, but he had started teaching Wendy much of the same when she turned fourteen. "No cousin of mine is going to go without knowing a little self-defense." He had said. She could give Natsu a run for his money when she wanted.

At the mention of Etherios, as usual, Wendy became angry. Because of that man, Erza had died trying to protect them, and who knew how many times before that. Michelle had been attacked as well as Wendy herself, the cut on her neck itched even now. Then there was Gajeel, who was almost drowned in some bizarre goo. Gajeel, who wouldn't have come back if it wasn't for Jellal and Erzas quick thinking. Gajeel, who she had nightmares of never waking up again.

Wendy was a kind gentle soul, and she never hated anyone as much as she hated Etherios. She vaguely heard her glass on the picnic table move, the glass clinking. It wasn't until Levy stopped talking that Wendy turned to look at the glass, that was shakily hovering and inch above the wood. She gasped and the glass dropped, tumbling over and rolling off the table. She shared a glance with Levy as she swallowed nervously before leaning over and picking up the glass.

They were quiet for a moment before Levy spoke up. "Well, if you didn't want to listen to me talking about getting achey and sweaty you could have just said so."

It was not what Wendy was expecting, which is why she let out a startled laugh, slapping her hand over her mouth.

"No having fun over there!" Regin called from where she had Gajeel pinned to the ground, pulling his leg back hard and causing his back to bow.

"For the love of god woman I'm tapping I'm tapping!" Gajeel called as he slapped the dirt. Regin laughed before releasing him and standing, though Wendys attention was back on Levy.

"So, have you done that before?" she asked quietly.

Wendy shook her head. "No, never. I was just thinking about, how much I hate Etherios, and I don't hate anyone. I was remembering everything we've been through and I just... I don't know."

Levy smiled gently. "I'v heard strong emotions can unleash hidden powers, maybe you've had telekinesis all along and have just never had access to it until now."

Wendy nodded before starting to smile. "Hey, maybe I can be helpful now! This is something I can do!" She heard Levys thoughts before she had a chance to voice them. "No no, listen. This is a distance thing! I can still be out of the way, and help from a distance!"

Wendy waited with bated breath as she listened to Levy think. After several long moments, Levy smiled and propped her head up on her hand. You're something else. "You realize the Wendy brigade isn't going to be happy with that." She jerked a thumb to a suddenly soaked Gajeel and Regin, who were both running after Natsu.

Wendy giggled and Levy ran a hand through her short hair. "Good thing for you, I enjoy breaking the rules."

"You, the would be lawyer?"

In response, Cana smirked. “It’s a surprise. And bring your paints.” With that, she went back to eating, talking with the others as if she hadn’t ever left the conversation.

Juvia wished she could act normally. She spent the rest of the meal wondering where Cana could be taking her. And why would she need her paints? She didn’t know why Cana was being so secretive about it.

“Are you finished eating?” Cana asked, bringing Juvia out of her thoughts. She realized everyone was cleaning off the table, and she hurriedly got to her feet.

“Yes,” she said. “Juvia is finished.”

When she reached for her plate, Cana grabbed her arm. “I’ll get it,” she told her, “you go get your paints. I’ll meet you outside.”

“O-Ok,” Juvia nodded, rushing upstairs so that Cana wouldn’t see her blazing face. Why do I get so flustered whenever she touches me? She asked herself that, but she knew the answer. It was because every time Cana touched her, a jolt of sensation shot to her chest, causing her heart to flutter wildly. She’d had crushes before, but never had they made her all giddy like Cana did.

Telling herself not to act like a weirdo, she grabbed her bag of paint supplies and rushed downstairs to meet up with Cana. The brunette smiled when she spotted her, adjusting the strap of her teal tank crop-top. She had paired it with blue low-rise shorts and black sandals. Juvia suddenly felt out of place in her violet dress and flip-flops, and wondered if she should go change.

“Ready to go?” Cana asked. The smile she gave her made her hesitation leave in an instant, and she smiled in return.

“Where are we going?” Juvia asked. They were walking in the direction of the Alberona-Clive vineyard, and she had no idea what they could possibly be going there for.

“I told ya,” she chuckled, “it’s a surprise.” Juvia noticed she was also carrying a bag, and wondered what could be in it.

When they reached the vineyard, and Cana led them inside the winery, she frowned in confusion. Why are we here? She followed silently, waiting to ask questions until they had arrived wherever it was Cana was taking her.

“Here we are,” Cana smiled, leading her to a back room that looked like it was used primarily for storage of supplies for the shop. She stopped in the furthermost corner, where there was a small gap between the corner wall and a wine rack.

“Why are we in a storage room?” Juvia asked, rather perplexed. Are we going to clean it?

“I’m going to help train you,” Cana chuckled, grabbing her hand and leading her towards the wall.

“Train Juvia?” She frowned, even more confused. “How?”

“You’ll see,” she smirked. “Now, make sure to keep ahold of my hand, alright? I’m going to lead you through the shadows and into the next room.”

“What?!” Cana didn’t give her time to really process what she had said, leading her straight into the corner. Juvia closed her eyes, waiting to walk into Cana as she hit the wall, but the impact never came. Instead, Cana brought them to a halt, chuckling again.

“You can open your eyes now, Juv.”

Juvia did, gasping. They were standing in another room, one completely different from the one they had just been in. This one had punching bags of various sizes, along with what looked like several other training items. “How did—?”

“This room is built onto the cellar, but connects to the above storage room through those shadows in the corner—making it only accessible to those of us with darkness manipulation abilities. It’s where dad brought us to begin training when we were little, and where we have trained since. I thought it would be the perfect place to train you as well. And if we get paint all over the place, mama won’t kill us.” She grinned, nudging Juvia in the side.

“Thank you for the thought,” Juvia mumbled, “but Juvia’s powers aren’t something she will be able to use in a fight. Spreading paint on a canvas isn’t going to be able to protect anyone in a real battle.”

“Have you ever gotten paint in your eyes?” Cana asked, looking serious.

Juvia nodded, wondering why she was asking.

“Did it hurt?”

Again, she nodded. “Yes, but—”

“Then you already have one way to use your ability,” Cana told her. “I’d say temporarily blinding our opponents would come in handy quite a bit. If you’ve never trained to use your gift in battle, you have no idea what you’re capable of.”

“Juvia doesn’t have unlimited access to her powers like you or the others, so she would only be in the way,” Juvia sighed.

Cana placed her hands on Juvia’s shoulders, smiling at her. “What happens if we’re fighting in the desert where there isn’t any water for Natsu to access? What happens if we’re fighting inside some concrete building with no earth for Lucy to use? What happens if someone throws up a flare bomb, lighting the entire room until there are no more shadows for me to manipulate? We all have our weaknesses, Juvia. Being able to only use the paint you carry with you is yours, sure, but you can overcome that. We can figure out a way for you to carry larger amounts of paint into battle once we get there. For now, let’s focus on actually using this beautiful gift of yours to do some damage, alright?”

Juvia nodded, unable to keep the blush from creeping up her neck and covering her entire face. She knew Cana had never been in any kind of real battle before, but the way she spoke, so full of confidence in everyone, Juvia felt she too could actually fight. She wanted to protect her loved ones, and Cana’s words made her feel like she could.

“Ready to start, then?” Cana asked her. After Juvia nodded, she went over to one of the practice dummies. “I’ll show you a few moves using my shadows, and you try to copy them with your paint, alright? Once you’ve got some of those down, we’ll work on things you can do with your paint that I can’t do with my shadows.”

Juvia watched in awe as Cana faced the practice dummy, throwing her hands out towards it and causing her shadow to move like whips around her, striking the dummy so hard it fell over.

“Think you can try that?” Cana stood beside her, watching as she took paints out of her bag and opened them.

“Juvia will try,” she said, determined. She had opened all of her paint tubes and laid them on the floor around herself. She knew she would have to do something different when they went up against Etherios, because there was no way she’d have time to open up several tubes of paint in the middle of battle.

“Focus on the way my shadows looked, and try to mimic that with your paint. Once you do that, I’ll teach you how to whip the tendrils around like I did.”

“Juvia can already so that somewhat,” she said. “She used to practice independent painting by doing that. And to let off stress.” She closed her eyes, feeling the paint within the tubes and pulling out several different colors to use. She formed them into whips like Cana had done and twirled them around her.

“Now try attacking the dummy,” Cana instructed. She had set it back up and stepped beside Juvia again, waiting.

Juvia threw her arms out, willing the paint to move towards the dummy. She envisioned it as Etherios, imagining his cocky smirk as he had threatened her family and friends. When the paint made contact with the dummy, it knocked it across the room, sending wet paint flying in every direction. Cana dipped back into the shadows by the wall to avoid getting splattered, but Juvia felt the wet paint cover her dress.

“That was incredible!” Cana cheered, appearing in front of her and pulling her into a tight hug, despite the paint covering her.

“Juvia didn’t realize it would hit so hard,” she giggled. She pulled the paint from her and Cana’s clothes when they separated, putting it back into one of the tubes. She quickly did the same with the rest of the wet paint in the room, not wanting to let it dry. That was another one of her limitations—she could only manipulate wet paint.

“Since paint is a lot denser than the shadows I work with, I’m guessing there’s a lot more damage-power behind your attacks than I have in mine. That means you don’t have to use as much force when attacking as I do. That’s good. You’ll use less of your energy that way and be able to fight longer.” She paused, smirking at Juvia. “I’d say you’ve got that move pretty much down, so let’s move on, shall we?”