Disclaimer: Fairy Tail is owned by Hiro Mashima
I
Neutrality was a state he has always lived by. Ever since his father left him. As far as good and evil were concerned, Gajeel never truly felt strongly one way or another towards the two alignments in the past. Always acting naturally, the Metal Dragonslayer followed his instincts with no influence of preconception. Liberty is what he valued most, and personal welfare was his only concern.
As a child independence started very early for him. With Metalicana no longer around he had to fight for survival daily. No one was one there to aid him through his struggles so he simply did what he had to do.
For a young magic user – one who trained in the art of a dragon – Gajeel needed a great deal of sustenance. Especially so considering he was still developing and in a different fashion compared to ordinary people, courtesy of his magic. He needed a lot of food, but quantities of iron and other lesser metals were needed in far greater amounts. Food in the wilderness had become scarce where he stayed, and with the changing season living off the land wouldn't help him for much longer. He needed food, but he needed metal more. So, he sought out whatever kinds he managed to come across. When the wild had little to no offer Gajeel headed towards civilization.
With no money and income, he couldn't buy anything. Thus, he acted in self-interest. He needed food by whatever means necessary.
It started as "petty theft". Acquiring cheap metals for small gain. He managed to settle his hunger to some degree but it wasn't enough.
Back then he was unscrupulous; he lied, cheated, and stole. He became a thief, and the more he stole the better he got. By no means a professional for he had been caught from time-to-time in the beginning. Villagers and townsfolk tried to do away with the "Green Boy" – for all he had were worn and torn teal coloured clothes. Some attempted to repel him with a firm gesture, and others with force. Reprisal was pointless; they couldn't hurt him. A kid he may have been, but Gajeel wasn't an ordinary child. It would've required no effort at all to deal with his attackers and take what he wanted. However, it wouldn't do him any good if the authorities got involved. If they did he'd be placing his freedom at risk. So Gajeel stayed his hand, and fled. He didn't care for the law but he knew he wouldn't be doing himself any favours if he got caught, and although he was an abrasive and cynical youngster with a crude tone who acted by his own accord and lived for himself, Gajeel did not want to harm the people he robbed. He wouldn't harm people for profit.
. . .
As he grew Gajeel began thriving metals of higher quality. He developed a craving and desired to indulge himself in the finer tastes. Risks were high though; increasingly difficult. The bigger the loot, the harder the trial. Crazy he was to follow through with every decision he made. But in the end, the benefits were worth the risks, hands down.
Gajeel taught himself the trade, and the "Green Boy" became infamous. With his keen senses, he had a greater advantage. He observed, and learned to reel in his instincts to be more tactful of his pursuits. He learned what to say, and how to say it. Outwitting his accusers and successfully escaping with his winnings. He learned to adapt, and used his intellect to steer his way to success. Underhanded tactics wasn't something he took a liking to, even now, however it was a quality that proved useful to him. A clever and cunning trickster is what he turned out to be. A fox who earned himself a criminal status along the way…some childhood.
The life of a trickster was by no means a good one. Then again, he wasn't all that committed to upholding a good status when life him was difficult. Neither was he upholding a bad status. Nobody was hurt from his activities – physically at least. He held back some, making sure that the people he pillaged didn't suffer from any kind of severe loss. Otherwise, their loss was his gain. He was just doing what he needed to do, because his wellbeing is all that really mattered.