With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

Chapter 39

Later that night, Natsu and Gray met up at their usual rooftop before heading out to patrol the city.

"Alright," Gray started, a little hesitant, "don't get too upset—but I couldn't get the pictures."

Natsu turned sharply. "What?"

Gray raised his hands. "Laxus showed up. Got in the way. Plus, Gajeel was already in a really emotional state."

"So?" Natsu asked, his voice tight.

"So... what?"

"So why didn't you push harder?"

"Because Laxus and I almost came to blows, and Gajeel didn't want any more chaos. He asked us to leave—he didn't want his wife disturbed."

"She's in a coma, Gray. How exactly would she be disturbed?"

Gray shot him a look. "Okay, that's really insensitive, man."

"Insensitive?!" Natsu snapped, his voice rising. "I spent the whole damn day being hunted down like an animal because of that stupid reward! I nearly got shot—twice! So forgive me if I'm not in the mood to tiptoe around anyone's feelings!"

"I get that you're pissed—and I don't blame you. But I will get those photos. I just need a chance to talk to Gajeel without Laxus breathing down his neck."

"Oh, I can take care of that," Natsu said, his tone shifting into something darker.

Gray frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Natsu said with a slow, unsettling grin, "if Laxus happened to get thrown in front of an oncoming taxi... well, he'd be out of the picture for a while. Right?"

Gray blinked. "What?"

"I know where he lives. I could follow him, wait for the right moment, grab him, and just... toss him into traffic. Nothing fatal—probably. Just long enough to put him in the hospital."

Gray stared at him, stunned. "You're joking... right?"

Natsu didn't respond. There wasn't a hint of humor in his face.

"Natsu..." Gray said slowly, eyes searching his friend's expression. "You wouldn't actually do that, would you?"

"Why not?" Natsu said simply.

"Why not?!" Gray repeated in disbelief. "Let's see... because it's illegal, immoral, and just plain insane!"

"He deserves it," Natsu growled. "After everything he's done—years of treating me like trash. It'd serve him right."

"Yeah, the guy's a total bastard, I'll give you that—but what you're describing is attempted murder. He could die, Natsu!"

"...He could?"

"Yes!"

Natsu suddenly blinked, like snapping out of a trance. "You're right... wow. What the hell's wrong with me?" He ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know why I said that. I guess I got so angry I just... lost it."

Gray exhaled slowly. "You really had me spooked for a second."

"Yeah. Sorry for my little psycho moment. That wasn't me. I swear."

"Freaky is putting it mildly," Gray muttered.

He glanced down at Natsu's suit. Something about it had been bothering him all night. The way it shimmered unnaturally under the moonlight. The way it clung to Natsu like a second skin. And now... the way it seemed to be changing him.

"You're sure you're okay?" Gray asked carefully.

"Yeah. Like I said, I'm fine. Never better," Natsu replied—but there was something hollow in his tone, something off.