---
John chuckled despite himself, feeling the ache in his arms and the faint warmth of victory in his chest. For all the chaos, Fizz was right. He was learning, slowly but surely.
"Alright," John said, breathing deeply. "Again?"
Fizz wiped an imaginary tear and smirked. "Again. But this time, try not to assault my gorgeous fur, you heartless master."
The training continued, each black hole sharper than the last, and each insult from Fizz somehow funnier and crueler. By the time the sun began to dip behind the trees, John's aim had improved enough that the little elemental started to actually dodge with effort, rather than lazily drifting away.
And deep down, even with the bite mark throbbing on his shoulder, John felt like he had taken another step toward real mastery.
Fizz clutched his side and spun in circles, his voice rising in a dramatic wail that echoed through the trees. He makes new songs out of emotions.
"Ohhh, my beautiful fluff is gone,
