With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

Chapter 62

Lyon didn't seem seriously injured from his encounter with the beast, but Meredy remained unconvinced. She fretted over the possibility of a concussion and practically begged him to see a doctor. Lyon finally relented, and Meredy insisted on taking him herself. She also offered to drop Juvia off at Lucy's house—she still didn't feel right about leaving Juvia alone after what had happened.

Lucy welcomed Juvia without hesitation.

"I'm glad you're here," Lucy said as she poured them both some tea. "I've been worried sick about Gray... and now Natsu too. I've called him like ten times, but he still won't answer."

Juvia sat on the couch, cupping her tea in her hands. "I think he went looking for Gray," she said quietly. "But... yeah. Him not picking up is kind of normal."

"I know," Lucy sighed. "But it's different when he's out chasing someone—and there's a wild, dangerous animal running loose."

"Fair point," Juvia agreed, her voice soft.

Lucy leaned back against the arm of the couch, frowning. "Those two have been acting weird lately. First Natsu with those... what was it? Steroids? And now Gray vanishing into thin air? I don't know. I feel like there's way more going on with them than they're letting on."

"Well, everyone has their issues," Juvia said. "Even Natsu and Gray. And their secrets."

"That's the thing," Lucy muttered. "What are they hiding?"

"I don't know," Juvia replied, more firmly now. "And honestly, I'm not sure it's any of our business."

Lucy nodded slowly, but the doubt lingered in her expression. "I know. You're right. Still... don't you ever wonder? Like when they run off without explanation? Or give you the world's most unbelievable excuse?"

"Of course I wonder," Juvia admitted. "But I'm not my brother. I don't go snooping around in people's lives and forming conspiracy theories."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Conspiracy theories?"

Juvia let out a short laugh. "Yeah. You'll love this—Gajeel had this completely insane theory a couple weeks ago."

"Oh no," Lucy smirked. "What now?"

"He thought Gray was a Russian spy."

"Wait—what?!" Lucy blinked, nearly spilling her tea.

"Exactly what I said." Juvia rolled her eyes. "He said Gray was too quiet, too composed. Claimed it was 'spy behavior.' I stopped listening after he said the word 'spy.'"

Lucy burst into laughter. "No offense, but your brother is a lunatic."

"None taken," Juvia said with a smile. "I partially agree. But... credit where it's due—he's the one who got the media talking about Gray's disappearance. I just hope the police actually do something before it's too late."

She looked down into her cup, her voice dropping again.

"This waiting... it's torturous. I'm almost tempted to go looking for him myself."

Lucy looked at her seriously. "Then why don't you?"

"Lucy, I couldn't just wander out there now. Not alone. It's pitch-black, the streets aren't safe, and who knows what thugs—or monsters—are lurking around?"

"Well, obviously you wouldn't go alone," Lucy said, setting her tea aside. "I'll come with you."

Juvia blinked. "You would?"

"Of course I would. Gray's our friend. Natsu too. We have to do something."

"But Lucy... neither of us has a weapon. What if something happens? What if we get mugged or worse?"