IMPORTANT READ: This is a story I'm working on and uploaded from my other account Fairytail Ninja to my main account to continue working on. If you read my other stories, yes I'll be working on some of those too, as I am back.

"Speech"

'Thought'

"Attack/beast"

Chapter 1. Star-crossed Blondes

(Year x773)

Lowering herself gently against the bedside of her eldest child, Ur reached out and rested her hand on her daughter's forehead. A frown covering the woman's face as she felt the heat of Ultear's fever. Ur herself was no type of doctor or held any sort of medical insight, but regardless the woman could tell her daughter's condition was growing worse as the days went by.

Ur of course had tried taking her daughter to the nearest healer, who operated in the village down the mountain from where her family lived. However, Ultear was quickly diagnosed with having too much magical power within a small body that couldn't handle it all. A condition that Ur was told had no form of treatment or remedy.

Yet as Ur watched her only daughter shake and cough within an unconscious state. She tried to think that there was something she could do in order to save her daughter's life.

"Mom." A voice called out in a hushed voice, which caused the woman to look over her shoulder. A rare smile gracing her lips at the sight of her youngest child Naruto. Who was slowly walking into the bedroom with a large wooden bowl filled with water and a fresh washcloth on his shoulder. "I got this to help."

"Here my sweet boy. Let me take that." Ur mumbled as she maneuvered to take the bowl from Naruto's hands. Feeling that the bowl was filled with very hot water.

Looking up to his mother with a worried face, Naruto grabbed the washcloth off his shoulder and presented it to his mother. "I remember you getting this for Ultear before to make her feel better."

Ur could almost cry from not only how sweet her son was, but also how observant as well. A trait he obviously got from his father. However, considering Naruto was a practical clone of his father, that wasn't very surprising. It honestly got to Ur slightly that her son took after his father in everything from looks, personality and even the type of magic he preferred. Yet she couldn't complain all that much, as Ultear was just like her in every type of way.

Ur was mainly just thrilled by Naruto, despite being six years old and three years younger than Ultear. Displayed none of the early signs of magical sickness that his sister did at his age. Giving the woman a small sense of relief that her youngest would not face the same battles as his sister.

"This is a very loving gesture, Naruto, but remember we are trying to lower your big sister's fever. So right now cold water would work better." Ur explained as her hands began to radiate a cold chill from her ice based magic.

Naruto watched his mother with a mesmerized gaze, while remembering in the future to bring cold water to help his sister. Yet Naruto was quickly brought out of his daze the moment he felt a strange tingle sweep through his senses.

"Dad's back." The young boy declared softly, as he had a natural way of identifying people's arrival before showing themselves.

Ur knowing her son was always right about these things waited a second before hearing footsteps walking through their house. So taking a long sigh and handing the damp washcloth to Naruto, Ur faked the best smile she could.

"Naruto, could you place this on your sister and watch over her for a minute?" Ur more instructed than asked as she motioned her son over to his elder sister.

Nodding his head, Naruto took a seat onto Ultear's bed and gently held the washcloth against his sister's forehead. Watching as his mother slowly walked away and shut the door to the bedroom, leaving the two siblings alone together.

"Hey Ultear are you awake?" Naruto mumbled in a hushed voice, while waiting in silence for a reply. Yet after a few moments of silence Naruto hung his head. "I guess not, but when you get feeling better I've got a surprise for you."

Naruto then moved his head to the door, ensuring no one was listening in on him. "I snuck into Dad's office again and started reading more of his magic books. I know I'm no good at Ice Make Magic like you and Mom, but I'm really picking up on Dad's Light Magic!"

Hearing a loud slamming sound, Naruto slightly winced and kept his eyes on Ultear's unconscious form. "Just don't tell Mom or Dad okay? They both say I'm too young to start practicing any type of magic. I mean you remember how much trouble I got into last time I was caught. No ramen for a month was awful."

Shouting and other loud yelling going back and forth, Naruto took a slight pause. His ears tuned into the words being thrown around the best he could, but he couldn't make out much besides the volume of his parents' voices and their tones. "I'm sorry if they are too loud." Naruto began softly as he took the washcloth into the bowl to cool it down before reapplying it to Ultear's head. "Dads been gone more and more lately and he and Mom talk like this every time he gets back. Grown up stuff ya know?"

Noticing the voices of his parents grow louder, Naruto closed his eyes. "I guess Dads been doing something really important and Mom doesn't like it. She's more worried about you like I am. Still I know Dad is just as concerned about you as me and Mom are. So you gotta get better soon."

"How fucking long are we going to hide here Minato!" The voice of Ur shouted throughout the house loud enough for Naruto to jerk his head towards the door. "I don't care how dangerous you say it is for us! Your only daughter is dying!"

Tears building in the corners of his eyes, Naruto balled his fist and clinched his jaw. Yet the weak touch on his shoulder instantly made him switch his attention to Ultear. Who was looking up at her little brother with a weak smile.

"Why so glum? Did you get in trouble again brat?" Ultear asked before erupting into a coughing fit.

"Ultear! Do you need something? How can I help?" Naruto asked quickly, which made the older girl laugh.

"You can start by taking this wet rag off me and not being so loud." Ultear laughed through her coughing, while pushing the washcloth away from her head.

"But Mom says this will help you."

"That's sweet, but trust me I'm fine without it." Ultear replied as she pushed herself up into a sitting position. "So tell me what has my baby brother been into? Have you been sneaking into Dad's office again?"

"No!" Naruto declared quickly, which made Ultear burst into laughter.

"You're an awful liar Naruto! But don't worry I won't tell Mom or Dad! Just show me what you're learning already."

Naruto nodded and held his hand out, then by furrowing his brow he began to concentrate on the palm of his hand. Then slowly, but surely a small ball of yellow light began to grow within Naruto's hands. "I've been reading Dad's books on Light Magic and even Rune Magic. However, Rune Magic is still a little too hard for me."

Watching the impressive display her brother was showing, Ultear gave her brother a wide smile. "Well you are doing great for someone teaching himself."

Naruto perked up at the compliment and slightly lost his concentration, which caused the ball of light within his hand to rocket forward and straight through the wall of Ultear's room. Leaving a wide hole that both children gazed at with wide eyes. Then before either child could process what had happened both their parents came barreling into the room.

"Is everyone okay!" Minato yelled in concern as he tried to look around the room, but Ur seeing Ultear awake instantly swarmed her children.

"What are you doing up? You need your rest!" Ur began before checking over her daughter's current condition.

"I'm fine Mom." Ultear tried to reason before coughing with enough force to leave her chest in pain.

"You really are not." Ur replied before looking at Naruto. "And Naruto I recognize Light Magic when I see it! What were you thinking! Have you been getting into your Father's office again? You could have hurt someone or yourself!"

"Mom, don't be mad at Naruto! I made him show me his magic." Ur defended, which made the woman sigh.

"That doesn't make it better." Ur replied softly as Minato slowly walked over to his family and placed a hand on his wife.

"Why don't you take care of Ultear." Minato began as he glanced down at Naruto with a soft gaze. "I'll talk to Naruto about his magic."

Ur nodded, but gave her husband a look that sent the message that the two of them were not finished with their prior conversation. Minato understood that and quickly scooped Naruto up into his arms before walking out of the bedroom with his son.

"I'm sorry." Naruto mumbled with a disheartened voice, while Minato sighed.

"I know you are, but I'm just as sorry." Minato replied as he slowly approached the door to his office. Much to the surprise of Naruto, as the room was practically always off limits. "You're naturally curious about magic like I was at your age, but I haven't been around much to guide you."

As Minato opened the door to the office, Naruto instantly took in the sights of his father's massive bookshelves that were packed with hundreds of different books. His eyes wandered to the dozens of picture frames and magical artifacts that were all trophies of Minato's past exploits as a wizard. All of which culminated in his Father's status as one of the most powerful Wizards within the country. A status that was recognized by his Father's title of Wizard Saint.

"Your mother knows just as well as I do the danger my type of magic can hold on someone. So since she can't properly instruct your growth she is against you learning magic without having someone to oversee your training." Minato explained softly as he placed Naruto down onto the large leather chair at his massive desk. Allowing Naruto a clear vision of everything that was placed on his Father's desk.

"Then how did you learn?" Naruto asked in confusion.

Smiling softly and reaching out to a picture on his desk, Minato handed the frame to Naruto. Allowing the boy to see a much younger version of his father standing at the doors of a large building with dozens of other people standing around him.

"You see that short man right there?" Minato asked with a wide smile, while Naruto nodded his head. "That was my teacher and guild master. His name is Makarov. That guy there was my best friend Gildarts and that jerk right there was the Master's son Ivan."

"Hey there is mom!" Naruto chimed in as he recognized the woman instantly.

"She was actually the only person in that picture not a member of our guild." Minato explained softly as he began to reflect back to the past. "She was actually a member of the all female guild Mermaid Heel, but everyone else was a part of my guild Fairy Tail."

Naruto's eyes lit up, as he had never heard anything of his father's guild days. "What was it like being in a guild?"

Minato gave his son an honest grin. "It was the best. I miss my guild family every single day."

Naruto looked at his father with a look of pure excitement. "You think I could join a guild one day?"

"Perhaps one day, but in the meantime I'm going to promise to be around more often to properly teach you magic." Minato revealed much to Naruto's utter joy and shock.

"Really?" Naruto asked as he was bouncing with excitement.

Minato nodded. "Really, but you're going to follow my rules when it comes to magic. No more sneaking into my office or doing unsupervised magic around your sister."

"Of course!" Naruto replied without even needing to think.

"Well in that case we will start first thing in the morning." Minato revealed with a smile as he ruffled Naruto's spiky hair. "I'll make the next Yellow Flash out of you yet."

(Year x774)

A year has gone by since Minato had promised to train Naruto to be a proper wizard. Yet the previous year had come with its own troubles that the Namikaze family wasn't prepared for. It all started with Ultear's worsening condition, which caused Ur to seek help from the Bureau of Magical Development. This of course was a decision that led to the untimely death of Ultear without even as much as a body to bury.

A loss that left a major blow to the Namikaze family, as Minato began to be gone much more frequently, while Ur had slightly shut herself away in her grief. Leaving Naruto completely alone to process the loss of his dear older sister at such a young age.

Yet things eventually changed when Ur had somehow managed to take in two students Lyon and Gray. Teaching both boys how to utilize Ice Make Magic, which was something that seemed to slightly take the mother away from her grief and give Naruto a pair of older brother figures to help him as well. However, neither boy held a candle to the void that Ultear's death left with Naruto.

Still Naruto tried to move forward and focus on his training in both Light and Rune Magic. Going as far to train more in secret by himself when his father wasn't around. Doing everything he could to get strong enough to protect himself and those close to him. Thinking in his childish head that if he was strong enough he could avoid losing people like he did his older sister. Yet this childish mindset eventually resulted in another incident where Naruto had accidentally lost control of his magic and nearly killed Lyon who was unfortunate enough to be near the young boy's line of fire.

Regardless, Lyon had survived the blow, but did hold some resentment towards Naruto for the accident. However, when Minato returned and learned of what had happened he decided to take Naruto with him for a small time. A decision that Naruto remembered wasn't a pleasant discussion between his parents. Yet eventually his mother agreed that Naruto accompanying Minato on his next trip would be beneficial for Naruto's training and would give some time for the tension between Naruto and Lyon to calm down.

At first, Naruto was ecstatic to not only spend time with his father and train, but even more so travel away from his home and see more of the outside world. Unfortunately Naruto was slightly disappointed after three weeks of traveling with his father, as they spent most of their time staying hidden and doing all they can to keep a low profile. Naruto really didn't understand why his father was going so far out of his way to make sure nobody noticed either of them. Still he was at least happy to see more of his father and get more opportunities to practice his magic.

Yet today was different from the previous weeks, as Naruto and his father had actually made their way into a decently large town. Naruto himself didn't know where they actually were or why his father suddenly decided to bring him into a place filled with people after spending so many weeks avoiding any human interaction. Still he was just happy to see a new sight and get new experiences, but was limited to what he could actually do. Considering he had to stay close to his father and keep the hooded cloak he was wearing up to conceal himself just like Minato was.

However, as Naruto walked by his father's side, the young boy noticed Minato was leading him in the direction of a tavern. Which was a rather large building with dozens of people going both in and out, while a large sign in the shape of a toad hung over the entrance. Naruto, slowly walking under the sign, took note that the name of the tavern was 'The Gallant Toad.'

Minato bending down at the entrance way made sure to lock eyes with his son. "Stay close to me once we are inside and don't talk to anyone strange."

Naruto hearing the severity behind his father's words along with the look behind his eyes merely nodded. "Okay Dad."

Satisfied with his son's reply, Minato stood to his feet and walked into the tavern with Naruto following close behind. Allowing the younger of the two vision of the inside portion of the tavern and getting a grasp on just how busy the place truly was. Since if Naruto was just to blink and take the wrong step he could easily find himself separated and lost from his father.

Minato on the other hand maneuvered through the tavern like someone who had obviously been a prior patron. Leading Naruto to the back of the tavern before coming to a rather large man who was standing as the watchful guard over a mysterious door.

"I'm here to see the Sage." Minato explained before he produced a coin into his hand from a requip space to show the man.

The man merely nodded without saying a word and stepped aside. Allowing Minato and Naruto both clear passage through, while Minato merely returned the coin back into his requip space in a shimmer of light. Then as the father and son duo passed through the door they were greeted with the sight of a single man seated behind a large desk. The man seeing both Naruto and Minato smiled wide, while standing upright and walking around his desk to greet his guests.

"Minato, I was wondering when you'd show up! And I take it this is little Naruto?"

Minato shutting the door behind him triggered a chain reaction of runes to pulse through the room. Runes that instantly snuffed out any noise from the outside to be heard. "Yes."

Naruto watched the man smile and look at him, noticing he was a tall and well-built man with fair skin. Who had waist-length, spiky white hair that was tied back into a ponytail, with two shoulder-length bangs framing his face. Upon his face were two lines of what Naruto assumed to be red face paint that started under his eyes and extended down his face. His attire consisted of a green short shirt kimono and matching pants, under which he wore mesh armor that was visible at his wrists and ankles. Along with hand guards, a black belt and a pair of traditional wooden sandals. With the highlight of his outfit being the red haori with two yellow circles on each side.

"Well it's nice to see you kid! Last time we saw each other you were just born!" The man declared with a large smirk before pointing to himself. "I'm sure you're thrilled to finally meet the man you've obviously heard so much about!"

Naruto remembering that he has agreed to not speak to strangers. Shifted his gaze upwards to his father with a questioning gaze. "Who is this Dad?"

Hearing Naruto's question, the man fell flat onto his face with a rather defeated look. Minato, seeing this reaction, merely laughed nervously and lowered his hood. "Naruto, this man is another one of my teachers, like Makarov, this man is Jiraiya."

With tears rolling down his face, Jiraiya looked up at Minato. "Wait, you told him about Macky, but not me! How could you Minato!"

"Well you've never come up in conversation before." Minato tried to defend himself with an awkward laugh.

Naruto on the other hand lowered his hood like his father and took a bow. "It's a pleasure to meet one of my Dad's teachers."

Jiraiya quickly composed himself and merely laughed before standing upright once more. "Well I can see your son has some manners. Here I thought he would be a spitfire like his mother, how is Ur."

"She's been better considering recent events, but has taken two students." Minato explained softly, while Jiraiya nodded.

"Well if your timing was slightly better you would have seen that brat Gildarts." Jiraiya grumbled in a bitter voice, while Naruto's mind clicked. Remembering said person was a member of the guild his father used to be a part of.

"Gildarts was here? And the building isn't in shambles or repair? How is that possible?" Minato asked, which made Jiraiya smirk and rub the bridge of his nose.

"I'll have you know silence runes aren't the only precautions I have set in place. After a few incidents I placed some runes that disables Gildarts magic the moment he steps anywhere near my tavern." Jiraiya explained with a sense of pride behind his words.

"That's actually fairly smart. I'm surprised Makarov didn't think of something like that for the guild." Minato replied.

"Well considering the only people with Rune Magic strong enough to deal with that brat is you and me is probably why he hasn't."

Minato nodded and folded his arms. "Well I take it Gildarts came to you for the same reason I have."

Jiraiya nodded and took a short sigh. "Always getting to the point, but yes. I've been gathering some information for Gildarts 100 year quest. Much like I've been doing for your very own quest. I mean seriously between looking for dragons or for ancient relics linked to powerful beasts more fierce than a dragon. Can't you two have picked a safer quest or teamed up instead of taking your own individual 100 quests?"

Minato rubbed the back of his head and lowered his gaze. "What can I say Jiraiya? Our decisions were made by young foolish wizards. Ones who had grown into men who have got themselves pulled too far in to just back out."

Jiraiya merely nodded in agreement as he walked over to a large painting of what Naruto recognized as the Fairy Tail guild hall. Then as his hands glided over the bottom edge of the painting a clicking noise went off before the painting swung open to reveal a hidden safe. Jiraiya then placed his hand onto the safe and disabled the security runes before unlocking the safe.

"All the same Minato I'm afraid I don't have a lot of information for you." Jiraiya began as he pulled a sealed scroll from the safe. "100 year quests are notoriously impossible tasks for a reason."

Taking the scroll in hand Minato quickly sent the information into his requip space for later. "Still I appreciate this help. Things have been difficult as of late."

Understanding the meaning that stretched past the surface level, Jiraiya gave his former student a somber expression. "I'm sorry for what happened to Ultear. I wished there was something I could have done for her, but I could never find anything."

Minato stayed silent, as the loss of his oldest child was the biggest failure of his lifetime. Yet Naruto was surprised to learn that Jiraiya had been helping search for a cure for his late sister. A small detail that made Naruto respect the man just a little more.

"There is no need to apologize." Minato replied before taking a pause to hold his emotions in check. "The failure to save Ultear rests completely on my shoulders."

Jiraiya sighed. "Because that's a healthy burden to carry, but still let's move to something else. I have a warning for you and your family."

Minato lifted his brow. "What have you heard?"

"I know you moved your family out of Fiore and have been living in hiding inside the land of Isvan." Jiraiya began while Naruto was confused at the man's words. Not knowing he and his family were in hiding and wondered just what they were hiding from. "I've gotten some reports of the demon known as Deliora running a rampage through the kingdom. Apparently no S-class requests have been issued due to the lack of wizards within Isvan. However, the demon was sighted heading near Brago. If I remember correctly, that's not far from where you're currently living."

"It's very close to our home." Minato began before looking at Naruto directly, making sure his son heard what he was about to say. "However, our house is quite isolated and I've set enough runes to keep out an army. So Ur along with her two students are perfectly safe until we return."

Jiraiya nodded as he would have known Minato would have set precautions in place. He would have done the same in his situation after all. "That's good to hear. Any chance upon your return you'll hunt and slay Deliora? It could save a lot of lives."

"I'll see what I can do." Minato replied softly, while resting a hand on Naruto's shoulders. He knew his son was slightly worried for Ur and knew he needed to lighten the mood and bolster his confidence in her safety. "I might just send little Naruto here to fight the demon. He's growing quite adapt with my Light Magic after all."

"That's quite remarkable." Jiraiya praised with a grin. "That's not a magic that's easy to master. Any chance you'll have Naruto join a guild one day? I'm sure Makarov would be delighted to have little Naruto in his guild."

"Maybe one day." Minato replied as he saw the gleam in Naruto's eyes. "When the time is right. For now though let's get ready to head back home. I'm sure your mother has been missing you."

(One month later)

It has been a month since Naruto had met Jiraiya and exactly one week since he had discovered his mother was dead. From what Minato had learned his wife had used the forbidden spell Iced Shell in order to sacrifice her own body to in turn seal the demon Deliora in a casing of eternal ice. This was a last ditch effort by Ur to save one of her students, Gray Fullbuster. Who had challenged the demon in an attempt to avenge his family, but was severely outmatched. The fallout of this situation left Gray and his fellow student Lyon heading their separate ways on rather sour terms, while Minato had to figure out how to gather the pieces of his demolished family and what to do moving forward.

Minato knew he couldn't take Naruto with him full time, as his quest was far too dangerous. He also knew he couldn't just leave his seven year old son alone to fend for himself. Minato was also fully aware that Jiraiya didn't have the time to properly provide for Naruto in a safe environment. The idea of taking Naruto to Fairy Tail did dance around his mind, as he knew Makarov would take excellent care of Naruto. Yet that would put Naruto in the public light and in turn place Naruto in danger. So again his options were very limited, which was why Minato was currently standing with his son outside of a large estate. This was his last ditch effort to preserve and protect what little family he had left.

"Dad." Naruto began his voice hollow and broken, which highlighted on full display the trauma his son was still going through. "Where are we?"

"An old and dear family friend lives here." Minato explained softly, as he bit his bottom lip. Frustrated at his own foolish actions and ambitions that had placed him down this path. "You're going to stay here for the foreseeable future."

"Okay." Naruto droned out his voice completely void of the energetic child he once was.

Minato closed his eyes, as he hated seeing Naruto like this and he hated even more the actions he was forced to take. So gliding around and kneeling in front of Naruto, Minato placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "I'm sorry I have to do this Naruto, but you'll be safe here."

"I know Dad." Naruto replied as he felt a small lump in his throat. "Just promise you'll be safe."

A tear leaking from the corner of his eye, Minato brought his son into a strong hug. "I promise I'll fix everything Naruto, just hold on for me. Don't ever give up."

Feeling his father's embrace, Naruto merely stayed still and silent, which caused Minato to pull back and pat his son on the shoulder. "Come on. Let me go introduce you to your Godmother."

Naruto's interest peaked at his father's words, and followed the man down a large gravel path. His eyes scanning the wide and well kept landscape filled with beautiful exotic flowers and large hedge sculptures. This coupled with the massive looming mansion in the distance made Naruto wonder who his father was leaving him with. Whoever they were, Naruto could at least identify they were fairly well off, as the estate made his home look like a shack. Yet in comparison a small house in a frozen tundra didn't really compare to a large estate filled with large meadows and breathtaking mountain views.

Upon arriving at the massive double doors to the mansion, Minato merely knocked and waited in silence for someone to answer. Yet the father and son duo did not wait long, as almost instantly a man within a butler uniform answered the door.

"Greetings, what can I do for you gentlemen?"

"I'm here to see Layla." Minato explained in a matter of fact tone. "I sent a letter in advance. She should be expecting us."

"Ah yes, please follow me. The young mistress is outback with little Lucy."

Minato nodded and followed the butler, along with Naruto. Who simply looked around the extravagant mansion with wide eyes. Since never in his life had he seen a house with such a beautiful and massive interior.

However, upon arriving at the back of the mansion. Naruto saw a woman with blonde hair sitting at an eloquent outdoor tea table. She was a beautiful young woman with soft brown eyes along with long blonde hair, which she wore in a bun along with a lacy baby pink band with ruffles on its edges which rested on her hair with her flicks and strands of hair framing her face. The woman had a rather voluptuous figure and was accompanied by a young girl who was almost the spitting image of her.

"Minato!" The woman called out with joy behind her voice as she quickly stood up and made her way to greet her old friend.

"Layla." Minato replied softly as he was quickly hugged by the bombshell blond. "It's good to see you. It's been too long."

"Absolutely." Layla began as she shifted her eyes to Naruto. "And you must be little Naruto! You look exactly like your father when he was your age."

Naruto blushed nervously at the beautiful and outgoing woman, while Minato merely laughed. "You're one to talk Layla, little Lucy is practically your clone."

"I couldn't agree more!" Layla spoke with pride behind her voice, while pointing to her daughter. "Naruto, why don't you introduce yourself to Lucy. Me and your father need to talk about a few things."

Naruto nodded and walked over to Lucy, which left the two adults alone. Something which caused their voices to drop to a whisper as Layla was the first to speak. "Minato what the hell is going on? You haven't spoken to me in over eight years and out of nowhere you send a letter saying Ur and Ultear are both dead and you need me to raise your son."

Minato looked down with a defeated look. "I'm sorry. I didn't plan for things to happen this way. Please don't make me beg for your help."

Layla huffed in annoyance. "Don't insult me by thinking I wouldn't take Naruto in, but I can only provide for him. If there is some danger I can't protect him, I gave all three of my gate keys away to former servants of mine to hold until Lucy comes of age to take them."

"I don't expect protection Layla, just love him. He's been through too much as is. I've done everything to ensure no one knows about Naruto let alone where he would be."

"You've really gotten yourself into a mess haven't you?"

Minato nodded. "Like you wouldn't believe."

Over with Naruto. The young Namikaze came face to face with the daughter of his supposed Godmother. A girl around his age with a beauty Naruto couldn't place into words.

"Hello, you must be Naruto. Mom said you would be living with us. I'm Lucy."

Naruto was caught off guard by the girl standing before him with her hand out and a smile on her face. Everything about her was perfect and her voice was practically angelic. For a week Naruto had gone through the motions with a heavy darkness smothering him in his own depression. Yet just the tone of Lucy's voice and her warm smile was like a ray of sunshine blasting against his face.

"I uh. It's nice to meet you." Naruto replied back nervously as he reached out and shook her hand. Feeling a jolt shoot through his body the moment both blondes came into contact, which made them both break contact almost instantly and blush.

"I hope we can be friends." Lucy began as saw her mother turning to face her. "I don't have any friends my age."

Naruto was about to respond, but the sound of footsteps made both children see their parents approach. Layla was the first to voice herself as she gave a smile identical to Lucy's.

"I'm glad you two are getting along, but come with me Lucy. Naruto has to talk with his father before he departs."

Lucy nodded and walked to her mother's side, while Minato went over to Naruto. Giving his last child a small hug.

"I'm sorry to leave so soon Naruto, but you'll be safe here with Layla." Minato began before in a shimmer of light a pile of books appeared out of his requip space. "I want you to read these books. They are everything you'll need to know about Light Magic and Rune Magic so study them well and ask Layla for help. She's pretty brilliant."

"Okay Dad, but when will I see you again?"

Frowning and kissing the top of his son's head, Minato lied through his teeth. "Soon, I promise. Until then stay here. Listen to Layla, read these books and only practice your magic where it's safe."

Naruto nodded. "Okay Dad I can do that."

(Year x775)

A year has gone by since Naruto joined the Heartfilia household. In that time Naruto had acclimated into the estate in almost every way possible. The servants adored him and Layla was like a second mother to him. Showering Naruto with love that slowly pulled him out of his own misery, but not a single person helped Naruto more than Lucy. Since within the last year the two became inseparable and were always with one another. In fact some servants and even Layal began to tease the duo about being a couple. Something that embarrassed both children every time it was brought up in a conversation.

Of course there was one person that Naruto didn't get along with, as Lucy's father was someone who Naruto despised. Since Naruto wasn't a fan of how the man was business first and family second. To someone like Naruto who had lost a majority of his family he saw Jude as a money hungry asshole. Of course the hatred was mutual, as Jude saw Naruto as nothing more than a nuisance and hated Naruto simply for who his father was.

All in all the past year was good. Except for the small fact that Naruto hasn't seen or even heard from his father in well over a year. A harsh fact that left Naruto's head swimming with possible scenarios of what could have happened to his father. Still he knew his father pushed for him to never give up and study and practice his magic, which was what Naruto spent the majority of his time doing. Today was no exception to that, as Naruto was nose deep within one of his father's books. Meanwhile his free hand danced around the air as he practiced writing different runes from memory.

"Naruto!" Lucy shouted from across the mansion, which did earn the young blondes attention. So as he removed his eyes from the pages before him, Naruto glanced down the hallway to find Lucy running to him with her left arm waving back and forth. "You've got mail!"

His cerulean eyes went wide as he noticed the rectangular envelope within Lucy's hands, which of course made Naruto dash immediately to his closest friend. "Is it from my father?"

"I don't know, it just arrived and was addressed to you!" Lucy explained as she eagerly gave the letter over.

Naruto, wasting no time, ripped into the letter and started to read.

Dear Naruto,

I'm writing to you with some troubling news. For the last few months your father has practically vanished off the face of the planet. I've tried every outlet I could think of, but haven't been able to locate him. However, he did mention you would be living with Layal and I'm sure you're worried about your father. I'm sorry kid, but I wanted you to at least know he's seemingly missing. I'll keep looking for him and use as much of my resources to find him. Until then I will keep in regular contact with you. Please stay safe and if you need me don't be afraid to reach out.

Sincerely, Jiraiya

Naruto glanced over the letter several times, while the pit within his stomach only grew larger and larger. There was a return address for Naruto to write back to Jiraiya, but Naruto was currently a sea of emotions. Fearing something horrible had happened to his father and he had lost the last member of his family.

Lucy, noticing the visible pain behind Naruto's eyes, frowned, as she hadn't seen her fellow blonde this upset since their very first meeting. "Naruto what's wrong?"

Twitching at the question, Naruto looked up at Lucy. He was an abysmal liar and especially struggled to lie when it came to her. However, this was a topic he didn't want to discuss, as talking about it made it even more real. Besides, burdening her with his problems wasn't something he wanted. Lucy was a bright and cheerful girl, but was also very empathetic. So he didn't want his woes to weigh on her as well.

So for now he knew lying wouldn't work and she wouldn't drop her questions. He knew her better than that. So for now half truth had to do.

"It's just a letter from an old family friend. Saying he wanted to keep in contact with me." Naruto explained as he rather quickly tucked the letter into his pocket. "I should write back to him, as I haven't spoken with him much. Maybe you could help me write a formal reply sometime."

"Of course! I'd love to help you Naruto!" Lucy chimed with joy, which did slightly lift Naruto's spirits. "Maybe we can write something after lunch! I had the cooks make your favorite ramen!"

Naruto grinned ear to ear and joined Lucy's side. "Thanks Lucy, you're always so thoughtful."

Blushing bright red, Lucy swayed back and forth before nudging into her favorite person. "It's the least I can do! You always do so much for me."

Naruto laughed and shook his head. "You're crazy if you think I do more for you than you do me."

Lucy giggled innocently. "Then just call me crazy."

Naruto smirked and bumped into Lucy as softly as he could. "If you say so Lu-na-cy."

Blushing at the small play on her name, Lucy crossed her arms and gave Naruto a small but fake glare. "That's not what I meant."

Giving a sly grin and chuckling under his breath, Naruto didn't back down. "All the same I think it's gonna stick Lunacy."

(Year x777)

It has been three years to the day since Naruto had begun living with Lucy and her family. Three long years since Naruto had not heard even a whisper about his father or what could have happened to him. Naruto had stayed in constant contact with Jiraiya who had still found nothing about his father. A few times Naruto would try to question the man about his father's 100 year quest, but every time Jiraiya would deny him any information. Saying he would focus on finding Minato and that the 100 year quest was far too dangerous for Naruto. Reiterating many times over that he would not lead Naruto down the same road that claimed his father.

Naruto was obviously annoyed by this, but chose to use Jiraiya's warning of danger as a motivation. Driving him to spend every waking moment improving as a wizard and growing his magic, as eventually he planned to head out and find his father for himself. Telling himself that if Jiraiya wouldn't let him be involved with information around his father's disappearance he would find the truth for himself.

Naruto didn't know yet how he would do it or better yet when he would venture out. Since he desperately needed actual experience. So the idea of joining a wizards guild did come to mind. However, leaving Lucy and Layla behind was a painful thought, as he adored both mother and daughter with his whole heart. So the idea of leaving them behind wasn't a pleasant one.

However, Naruto was soon going to learn that the year of x777 was going to be anything besides pleasant.

(Chapter end)

*cue the "He's back" audio*

In all seriousness, I'm back with a rewrite of my original story Fairy Tail's Crystal Guardian. And yes I'm working on my child of fairies story as well.

There are some obvious differences in this story, like a Lucy pairing instead of Levy and Naruto not being a dragon slayer. However, there will be a lot of similarities and new twists to make it fresh. I won't delete my old story and who knows may work on that version one day.

Until then I hope you enjoy this small start as it's only going to take off from here. Until next time!