With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

Chapter 8

All week, Natsu had been training. Every spare moment he wasn't in class, he was mastering his new powers and crafting a costume for Friday's wrestling match. He'd grown faster, stronger, and more agile than he ever thought possible—and he knew he was ready.

Gray had been practicing too, but for a very different reason. He didn't have any grand schemes or plans to fight for money. His powers, he decided, could be used in more practical ways—like helping Aunt Ur around the house.

She was a teacher at the local elementary school, and by the time she got home, she barely had enough energy to grade papers, let alone vacuum or do dishes. So, Gray took over most of the housework. He didn't complain. Ur had practically raised him—she deserved his help.

One day, while cleaning her bedroom windows, Gray noticed a pile of bills stacked neatly on her nightstand. His heart sank. It wasn't just regular household expenses—some of them looked urgent. Past due.

That's when the guilt hit. Ur had done so much for him. Maybe it was time he paid her back in more than just chores.

But unlike Natsu, Gray had no intention of risking his life in the ring. He needed a real job.

He scoured the classifieds but quickly found that most positions either required experience, a certificate, or worse—offered barely enough to make a dent in Ur's bills. Then something caught his eye:

"Wanted: Local Photographer for Press Assignments. $50 per job. Must have skill. Equipment provided."

Gray's eyes lit up. Photography had been a hobby of his for years—he even had a small portfolio. It wasn't much, but it might be enough.

After school, he headed straight to the local press office, clutching his resume and photo samples.

"Excuse me," he said at the front desk. "I'm looking for Gajeel Redfox?"

The man behind the desk looked up. He was tall, gruff, and looked like he belonged in a biker gang. Gray couldn't help but think of him as an angry junkyard dog—rough, unpredictable, and just waiting to bite. He looked about Laxus's age, but there was a sharpness in his eyes that suggested he was much smarter.

"What do you want, kid?"

"Are you Gajeel Redfox?"

"Yeah. Who's askin'?"

"Gray Fullbuster. I'm here about the photographer position you advertised?"

Gajeel raised an eyebrow. "You? You look like you just got outta high school."

"I am out of high school. And I really need this job."

"Tch. I'm looking for someone a bit more... seasoned."

"I understand, but please—at least look at my resume and portfolio. I brought some samples."

Gray laid the pages out in front of him. Gajeel picked up one of the photos and flipped through them. His expression was unreadable.

"Hmm... I've seen better."

Gray's heart dropped.

"...But I've also seen worse." Gajeel tossed the photos down. "I'll think it over and call you if I decide you're worth a shot."

"Thank you, sir."

...

Friday arrived at last. Natsu was ready. His costume was hidden in his backpack, and he'd nearly perfected control of his komodo dragon abilities.

"Bye Dad! I'm going to the library to study!" he called as he headed toward the door.

But Igneel, who had been watching his son carefully all week, wasn't buying it.

"Hold on. I'll drive you."

"That's okay—I was gonna take the train."

"No, no. I could use the exercise."

Natsu inwardly groaned but got into the car. They drove in silence until they pulled up in front of the library.

"Thanks for the ride. See you later—"

"Wait."

Natsu paused, halfway out the door.

"We need to talk."

"About what? Can't it wait?"

"No. Because this is important."

Natsu reluctantly sat back down. "Okay. I'm listening."

Igneel looked at him, his expression serious.

"What's going on with you?"

"Nothing."

"Don't give me that. You've been acting strange lately—skipping chores, being secretive, picking fights—"

"I didn't pick that fight with Laxus! He had it coming!"

"That may be true, but it wasn't your place to deliver justice."

Natsu clenched his jaw. "Dad, if you could do something better than anyone else—if you had power—wouldn't you use it?"

"That depends. Just because you can do something... doesn't mean you should. Remember what I've always told you: with great power comes great responsibility."

"Are you afraid I'm going to turn into a criminal or something?"

"No, of course not."

"Then stop worrying about me. I'm just trying to get through life—is that so wrong?"

"Don't tell me to stop worrying about you, son. I'm your father. Worrying about you comes with the job."

"Dad, you treat me like I'm still a little kid who can't function without you. I'm almost twenty—I'm an adult. I don't need you hovering over me all the time. I can take care of myself."

Igneel let out a long sigh.

"Alright. I didn't mean to lecture you. And no, I'm not afraid you'll become a criminal... I'm afraid that... Never mind. I'll pick you up at ten. Bye, son. I love you."

"Bye, Dad."

Natsu stepped out of the car and watched as Igneel drove away before heading toward the building where the wrestling match was being held. As he walked, a wave of guilt settled in his chest. Maybe his dad did worry too much—but he did it out of love.

I'll apologize when he picks me up, Natsu thought. He shouldn't be scared I'll turn to crime. I'd never do that.

But what Natsu didn't understand was that Igneel's fear had nothing to do with crime. He wasn't afraid his son would break the law—he was afraid Natsu would become cold, selfish, and distant. That he'd one day walk away from the people who needed him most... just like his mother had.