With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

Chapter 35

Just as Black Demon had said, his appearances had become scarce, and life in the city slowly returned to something resembling normal. While petty crimes like muggings and bank robberies were still a regular nuisance, the level of chaos had diminished, and the citizens—most of them, anyway—were grateful to Red Dragon and Blue Tiger for their continued vigilance.

Still, not everyone was a fan.

"Mr. Redfox, I really wish you'd stop painting Red Dragon and Blue Tiger as menaces," Gray said, rubbing his temples as he sat across from his boss. "They haven't done anything wrong."

"Yet." Gajeel Redfox leaned back in his creaky office chair, arms folded. "They're just waiting. Trust me. Once the whole city's singing their praises, they'll turn. That's what they all do. And when it happens, I'll be the only one who was ready."

Gray rolled his eyes and handed over the latest batch of photos he'd taken for the paper. Gajeel began flipping through them with a grunt of approval while Gray stood to leave.

"Fullbuster, wait!"

Gray turned just as Gajeel pulled open a drawer and handed him two slips of paper.

"What are these?"

"Tickets. My little sister's got the lead role in that new play at the city theater. Opening night's next weekend. She specifically asked if you and your aunt could be there."

Gray blinked in surprise. "Really? I didn't know Juvia got the lead. That's amazing. Thank you, sir."

"You better show up," Gajeel said, gesturing at a picture on his desk—one of him, younger, arms wrapped around a small Juvia who beamed with joy. "She's worked her tail off for this role. Never had the heart to say no to her."

"I understand," Gray said, genuinely smiling. "Aunt Ur and I will try to be in the front row."

"Just being there will mean the world to her." Gajeel paused. "Oh, and one more thing."

Gray tensed. "Yeah?"

"I've hired a new photographer. Says he's got a talent for catching the vigilantes in a less-than-heroic light."

Gray's stomach dropped. "Oh no... Who is it?"

"Some guy named Laxus Dreyar. Said you two already know each other."

Gray froze. "No offense, sir... but are you sure you did the right thing?"

"He's not exactly a genius, I'll give you that," Gajeel admitted, "but he's older than you. More experience. Plus, his photos are sharp. If anyone's gonna catch Red Dragon slipping up, it's him."

Gray fought to maintain a polite smile. "Yeah. Experience in making my life hell..." he muttered under his breath.

Gajeel raised an eyebrow. "Did you say something?"

"No, nothing! Uh—where did you say he went again?"

"Trailing Red Dragon. Said they were both headed to that meteor crash site in the park."

Gray's eyes widened. "Excuse me, sir! I just remembered something urgent! Tell Juvia I'll be at her performance!"

"Alright, kid. Don't forget the tickets!" Gajeel called after him, chuckling softly as the office door slammed shut.

Just then, the phone on his desk rang. Gajeel answered, and his expression softened immediately.

"Hello?... Oh, hi Levy... Yeah, I gave him the tickets... Sure, I think Juvia would love a little celebratory gift. Where you planning to get it from?..."