Metalicana

Metalicana (メタリカーナ Metarikāna) was a Dragon known as The Iron Dragon (鉄竜 Tetsuryū) and was the foster father of Gajeel Redfox.

Appearance
Metalicana, like other Dragons, appears as a large four-legged beast, however unlike other Dragons, Metalicana's body is covered in silver, iron scales. The scales themselves give Metalicana the impression of being covered in armor, as from his neck below to his sternum, as well as on his shoulders, forearms, knees, shins, claws and thighs, the scales are plated. In the areas between (underbelly, biceps and calves) the plating disappears and instead gives way to cross-hatched scales that resemble chain mail.

Metalicana's head is almost square in shape and his lower jaw has the appearance of being hinged. His eyes are beady and circular with no pupils and black sclera; around his eyes are small black markings which continue around the back of Metalicana's neck. Also unlike other Dragons, Metalicana's wings do not retract nor fold; instead they jut out and are also metallic, save for where the feathers or patagium would be, which are instead a black, downy substance that juts out like normal feathers would. Metalicana also has a tail,that is plated like much of his body that fashions an intricately pointed tip. Also, running down his spine, Metalicana has spiked metal plates.

Personality
According to Gajeel, Metalicana is quite selfish. Nonetheless, despite this claim, he took Gajeel in, raising him like he was his own son, teaching him his signature Iron Dragon Slayer Magic. Gajeel himself seems interested in Metalicana's whereabouts after his sudden disappearance, possibly implying a caring side. In person, Metalicana also comes off as being rather rude and straight to the point, as when he saw his foster son again for the first time in over fourteen years, he merely picked fun at him for his expression.

History
Over four hundred years ago, Metalicana's soul was extracted by Acnologia's Dragon Slayer Magic, which left him in a half-dead state.

Many years later, Metalicana raised a human child, Gajeel Redfox, and taught him how to read, write, and fight, as well as granting him the knowledge to use his exclusive Iron Dragon Slayer Magic. However, on the 7th of July during the year X777, much like other known Dragons such as Igneel and Grandeeney, he mysteriously disappeared without a word; he entered Gajeel's body via a secret art (in order to prolong his life) and created antibodies to prevent him from turning into a Dragon, like Acnologia, as well as to defeat the Black Dragon.

Tartarus arc
After Face's timer reaches zero, Metalicana reappears after over fourteen years of absence alongside the other Dragon Slayers' foster parents and participates in the destruction of the numerous Face bombs.

Metalicana later lands with the other three Dragons following Igneel's death at Acnologia's hands. Reunited with his foster son, Metalicana stares him down and tells Gajeel that the vile look in his eyes hasn't changed, which angers the young man. However, it is then revealed that Metalicana and the other Dragons have been in a half-dead state for years (courtesy of Acnologia when he was human), and now that they've exited the bodies of their children, the effort to prolong their lives is over as they can no longer re-enter their bodies; Metalicana himself then states that even Igneel was unable to defeat Acnologia, however he adds that this was because his strength was severely reduced due to being half-dead. He then pleads for the humans not to blemish Igneel's name and calls the fallen Dragon the greatest of their race, and one that loved humans more than any other. Before passing on to the next life, Metalicana flies with his brethren and tells Gajeel once more that the vile look in his eyes has never disappeared, but not before promising, like the other Dragons, to watch over and protect mankind.

Magic & Abilities
Iron Dragon Slayer Magic (鉄の滅竜魔法 Tetsu no Metsuryū Mahō): Though never seen practicing his Magic, Metalicana taught Gajeel how to use the Magic that he, himself, has knowledge on how to perform.

Flight: Being a Dragon, Metalicana possesses the ability to fly through the air using his wings.

Immense Strength: Metalicana is able to destroy numerous Face bombs by flying directly into them and shattering them into pieces. However, this strength is far less great than Metalicana's original, as he lost the majority of his power upon losing his soul to Acnologia many years ago.

Immense Durability: Likewise, Metalicana, due to his notable iron body, emerged unscathed from the repeated assaults on all the Face bombs.