"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Magic"

Chapter 2: Dragonblessed

(Hargeon Town)

Naruto strolled through the bustling streets of Hargeon, which was known to be a rather lively port town tucked into the Fiore coast. Something that was evident from the strong aroma of the sea accompanied by a warm salty breeze that ruffled his long spiky hair.

The town was different from other towns and cities he had visited during his travels, as the architecture was more colorful, with a mix of quaint cottages and grand buildings, all lined up along cobblestone streets into a beautiful labrinth of buildings that constructed the town.

Naruto, passing by various shops and stalls, furrowed his brow as his bright cerulean eyes darted around, taking in the constant movement of the town. Fishermen unloaded their daily catch from boats, vendors shouted out to potential customers, and children laughed as they played by the water's edge. To Naruto the place was beautiful and calm, but he couldn't figure out if he had been here before or not.

It was frustrating to have this sense of familiarity. One that was always shrouded with so much confusion and second guessing.

"I'm starting to think I've never been here before." Naruto mumbled softly to himself, but loud enough so the key around his neck would hear.

Like always, Aquarius impatiently zipped beside his head. Floating in her tiny ethereal form. It was common for her to take this form, as it wasn't taxing on Naruto for her to exist in this state and she could control who saw her, which she kept limited to just Naruto.

"And you're just now having this revelation after our third lap around the town?"

Naruto rolled his eyes at the spirit and shot her a glance. Finding her arms crossed and her cheeks puffed out.

"I don't understand why you're upset. I'm the one doing all the walking."

Aquarius huffed at that remark.

"Someone has to watch after you! Unless we want a repeat of the Brago incident."

Naruto sighed in response. "You're not going to let me live that down are you?"

Aquarius hummed and shook a finger at Naruto. "Not in this lifetime. So unfortunately I'm forced to watch you instead of spending time with my boyfriend. Who I might add-"

"Is hot." Naruto groaned in annoyance. "I've heard that line a million times, Aquarius."

Aquarius zipped around Naruto's head and floated in front of his face. "Well one of us needs a love life. We both know you haven't made any advancements in that department."

"Drifting around town to town isn't exactly the best way to develop a romantic relationship." Naruto argued back, which made Aquarius roll her small eyes.

"Oh yes because you've made so many attempts. I swear you're positively boring."

"And you're a pain in my ass." Naruto grumbled bitterly.

"Are you sure that pain isn't the massive stick you have up your ass?"

Naruto let a fake laugh out in response. "Hilarious Aquarius."

"Don't be sarcastic. It's unbecoming."

Naruto was about to continue their verbal spar, but he paused as a chorus of shrieks and shouting reached his ears.

"What the hell?" Naruto mumbled as he followed the origin of the commotion. Rounding a street corner with Aquarius floating close to his head. Finding a crowd of young women swarming a single man.

"Oh Salamander!"

"You're the best!"

"Salamander, look at me!"

Naruto blinked at the women losing their minds over the man. He himself had never heard of a Salamander before and didn't understand what the big deal was. To Naruto the man holding their attention was just your run of the mill generic pretty boy.

"Is he supposed to be important?" Naruto mumbled to Aquarius. Who surprisingly enough had a very strong look of disapproval covering her face. Her eyes locked directly onto the large ring around the so-called Salamander's finger.

"No. He's wearing a charm ring."

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "Those are banned aren't they?"

"To my understanding they are. Would you like to intervene?"

Naruto cocked a sly grin. "Isn't this conversation how the Brago incident started?"

Aquarius shrugged her shoulders. "Perhaps, but I disapprove of someone taking advantage of others in such a way. So this time I'll make an exception for your behavior."

Cracking his neck and rolling his shoulder to loosen up. Naruto slowly stalked forward with the single intention of stopping the Salamander from taking advantage of anyone else. Yet within a blink of an eye, a pink haired missile was expelled from the crowd of women at lightning fast speed directly at Naruto.

"Shhhhhiiiiitttt!" The pink haired wizard cried out loudly, while Naruto merely blinked.

"Fu-." Naruto began before the unknown boy slammed directly into his body. The force of the impact flinging them both backwards into a human wheel that went toppling down the street. Only coming to a sudden stop when they both crashed into the hard stone wall of a far off building.

"Natsu!" A high pitched voice cried out in concern, as a blue haired cat came running over to the pair. "Are you okay?"

Naruto, a little dizzy, didn't receive the same concern from his partner. He merely heard the condescending laugh of his Celestial Spirit. Who simply floated right overhead with a slight smirk.

"Good reflexes. Did you also forget how to dodge?"

Naruto groaned in pain. "Stuff it Aquarius."

"Ah man, I wasn't expecting them to throw me like that! Sorry by the way!"

Naruto glancing at his pink haired assailant merely nodded. "Don't mention it. Just don't make a habit of it." The blond whined as he rubbed the spot on his chest from where he took the initial impact. "Your skull is unnaturally hard."

The boy laughed at that comment. "Hey I'm Natsu by the way! And this little guy is my friend! Happy!"

"How's it going!"

Naruto tilted his head. "Did you hit me extra hard or is that a talking cat?"

"I'm definitely a cat and I'm talking!" Happy clarified, while Aquarius laughed.

"You're surprised by a talking cat? You have a literal floating mermaid over your head, Naruto."

Naruto glanced up at Aquarius. "Yeah, but I'm used to you!"

Natsu and Happy both blinked and leaned into each other. To them, Naruto was looking up at the sky and talking to thin air.

"He's talking to himself." Happy mumbled a little too loudly.

"Maybe he got some brain damage from that hit?" Natsu whispered back in a tone that once again wasn't quite at all.

"Or maybe he's just crazy?"

"I can hear you both, you know!" Naruto snapped back fiercely, while at the same time standing to his feet. "And I'm talking to my Celestial Spirit!"

Aquarius sighed and made herself appear before Natsu and Happy. "What the moron forgot to mention is that his name is Naruto and my name is Aquarius."

"Woah cool!" Natsu yelled in excitement.

"A talking fish!" Happy screamed with stars in his eyes.

Aquarius folded her arms and glared at Happy. "I'm not a talking fish, you insurable fleabag. I'm a Celestial Spirit! A divine being far beyond your simple comprehension!"

"Hey Happy isn't a fleabag!"

"Yeah! We got rid of those last week!"

Naruto watched as the pink haired boy and cat both titled their heads and scratched themselves. Swearing he saw small black bugs jump in response. Something that made both Naruto and Aquarius cringe in response.

"Well it was nice meeting you two, but I gotta deal with-." Naruto paused as he looked down the street. Finding the Salamander flying off on a plume of purple flames. "And he's flying away."

"Great job brat."

Naruto deflated. "It wasn't even my fault this time."

"It can't be helped." Aquarius admitted with a soft sigh. "No sense wasting our time hunting after that creep. Even though I do find his actions revolting."

"What was he doing?" Natsu asked in confusion, which made Naruto frown.

"Whoever that creep was had a charm ring. It's a pretty low power magical item, but if you're unaware of the magic it can make you more susceptible to liking someone." Naruto explained in simple terms, which made Natsu punch his palm.

"That jerk!" The pink haired boy yelled, which was followed by a long silence.

Naruto watching the strange boy blinked. "You have no idea what he was doing. Do you?"

"Nope!"

Naruto shook his head. "He was manipulating those girls into liking him. Charm rings are illegal because people have used them to take advantage of others. You know in a sexual way."

"He's a jerk and a creep!"

"Now he understands." Aquarius mumbled with a roll of her eyes.

"We should go kick his ass!" Natsu roared loudly with a new found fire ignited within him.

"By all means go ahead. We have wasted enough of our time running around this town."

Naruto glanced at Aquarius with a disheartened expression. "Sorry Aquarius. It seems this whole trip to Hargeon was a complete let down."

Her small eyes seemed to soften and Aquarius floated down onto Naruto's shoulder. Perching herself by her wizard's head with a slow exhale escaping her lips.

"Well we would have never known if this town held some of your memories without making the trip. That in itself was worth it."

Naruto grinned softly at Aquarius. "Thanks."

"You're looking for memories?" Natsu mumbled from the side with confusion.

Aquarius clicked her teeth at Natsu, as she didn't appreciate him hanging around. Especially when she only wished to speak with Naruto. Though being the more diplomatic of the pair, Naruto smiled.

"I've lost a lot of my memories." Naruto admitted honestly as his voice dropped slightly. "I remember a few things, but me and Aquarius were hoping this place would jog a few old memories out of me."

"Oh that's a coincidence! We came to this town looking for something too!" Happy declared with a glance upwards to Natsu. "But we are looking for Natsu's dad."

Natsu grinned wide and clenched both of his fists with excitement.

"Oh yeah, that totally reminds me! You haven't seen a big red dragon have you? Going by the name Igneel?"

"Um no?" Naruto replied with his face twisting into confusion. "Why?"

"Oh that's my dad! We heard a rumor he was in town!" Natsu declared with a grin.

Naruto and Aquarius shared a glance. Then almost having a silent conversation they both looked back to Natsu.

"Why the hell would a dragon be in the middle of a town?"

"That's what you're asking? I'm more curious how a human was raised by a dragon! To my knowledge most dragons have been gone for centuries."

Natsu paused for a second. Finding that he couldn't really argue with Naruto's question. So instead he pointed a finger at Aquarius. "Well he might not be here, but Igneel is a real fire breathing dragon. I just don't know where he went!"

"Good for you."

Naruto sighed at his spirit's tone. "Be nice Aquarius."

"Believe me I am."

Happy walking up to Naruto tilted his head. "Hey Naruto, what kind of memories are you looking for? Maybe we can help you since we can't find Igneel."

Naruto bent down and gave Happy a gentle pat on the head. "Essentially everything that happened in my life before meeting Aquarius. Sure I know a few things like the names of my parents and sister, but I don't even remember what my father or sister looked like. Let alone remember what happened to them."

Natsu brought a hand to his chin. "Hmm sounds like your head is broken."

Aquarius glared daggers at the pink haired teenager for that comment, but what came next made her pause.

"Have you ever thought about seeing a healer?"

"Yeah that's a great idea Natsu! I bet Porlyusica could fix him right up!"

Natsu slightly shivered. "Only if she took a break from being so hateful."

Naruto once again exchanged a look with Aquarius. They had traveled together for years and chased lead after lead, but the idea of seeking a healer never crossed their minds.

"Could that work?" Naruto asked in a voice holding back so much desperation.

"We've never explored that possibility."

Naruto moved his eyes to Natsu, while his own held slightly onto a small spark of hope. "You think this Porlyusica could help me?"

Natsu grinned ear to ear. "She's fixed up plenty of people in my guild before! So I'm sure she'd help ya!"

"So you're a wizard then." Naruto began as he didn't spot a guild mark anywhere on Natsu. "What is your guild?"

"Fairy Tail!" Natsu and Happy both answered, while each moving to show the guild mark hidden from view.

"Impressive. I've heard rumors of your guild." Naruto admitted as he folded his arms and watched Natsu smirk.

"Oh yeah? Guess our reputation is pretty widely known!" The Dragon Slayer replied in a cocky tone.

"Known as drunks and public menaces." Aquarius began which made Naruto snicker.

"Also heard you've got some perverted dudes running around naked all the time."

"Gah! That's just stupid Gray!" Natsu yelled back with anger. "He's the only pervert!"

Naruto arched his brow. "But you're not denying the drunks and menaces to society?"

"Okay we have a few drunks! And maybe we cause some damage every now and then, but Fairy Tail is still the best!"

Naruto smiled at the passion behind Natsu's words. It showed that the boy truly loved his guild. "Well I'd love to see Fairy Tail for myself. Especially if you all could help me."

"Don't worry! Fairy Tail never turns down someone in need!" Natsu declared loudly, while Happy jumped high into the air.

"Aye!"

"Um excuse me." A soft feminine voice spoke up as Naruto, Naruto, Happy and Aquarius all turned to find a young girl looking at Natsu. "Are you a Fairy Tail wizard?"

Natsu once again flexing out his guild mark grinned. "You bet! Got a job for me?"

The girl gave an awkward smile and swayed side to side. "Actually I was wondering if you could help me get into your guildmates yacht party."

"Yacht party?" Natsu and Happy mumbled together with confusion.

The girl nodded and leaned closer in. "Yeah! The famous Fairy Tail wizard Salamander! He's in town and hosting a yacht party."

Natsu's face ignited with a sudden rage. "Stay away from that yacht. Me and my partner Happy are the only Fairy Tail wizards in Hargeon. That guy is an imposter."

"What!"

Natsu running away motioned to Happy who followed with his tiny legs. "Time to go see why that jerk is going around using the Fairy Tail name!"

Naruto watching both Happy and Natsu run towards the docks looked to Aquarius. "Should we involve ourselves?"

"That boy as much as I hate to say it. Is currently our best option to reclaim your lost memories."

"So that's a yes?"

"It's more of a let's see what these Fairy Tail wizards are capable of and only involve ourselves if we must."

Naruto chuckled under his breath. "So a yes."

Aquarius rolled her eyes, but Naruto swore he saw a slight smirk crack on her face. Giving Naruto all the permission he needed. So dashing across the street, Naruto went in-between two buildings and kicked off one wall. Then kicking off another Naruto eventually made an acrobatic flip all the way to the rooftop above.

Aquarius keeping pace zipped close beside him as a golden ribbon of light. Naruto then taking off into a sprint started to run and jump from building to building with inhuman speed and acrobatics. A feat he didn't know how he learned how to do, as this was something that for some reason just came as natural as breathing.

Naruto moved across the rooftops like a blur, his body gliding through the air with effortless grace. The wind whipped at his face, his long, spiky blond hair trailing behind him like a golden banner. From above, he watched Natsu and Happy race through the crowded streets below, weaving between startled civilians as they rushed toward the docks.

'I keep forgetting most normal people don't move like this.'' Naruto thought, his mind lingering on the forgotten fragments of his past. 'So why is this always so natural for me?'

Aquarius flew beside him, her golden form a glowing streak of light against the sky. "You're getting faster that what you use to be." she commented, her voice softer than her usual snark. "At this rate we will beat those idiots there."

Naruto leaped over another gap between buildings, landing in a crouch before standing upright. "If only I could remember where this speed came from."

Aquarius gave him a sidelong glance, but didn't press further. The bond between them ran deep, and she knew when to let the silence linger. For now, they both had a mission: stop the imposter Salamander, figure out his game, and maybe. Just maybe, find some answers in the process.

As the docks came into view, Naruto's sharp eyes spotted the large yacht in question. It was grandiose, far too luxurious for someone who claimed to be a wizard of Fairy Tail. He gritted his teeth as the charm ring glinted on Salamander's finger, continuing its subtle manipulation of the crowd around him. Who he was obviously luring onto his boat for some reason or another.

"There he is." Naruto muttered, his gaze narrowing.

Aquarius floated closer to him. "What's the plan?"

Naruto smirked, his eyes glinting with determination. "Simple. We stop him from manipulating any more people. And maybe cause a little chaos while we're at it."

"Now that." Aquarius said, a grin forming on her ethereal lips. "Sounds exactly like how Brago went."

Without another word, Naruto leapt down from the rooftops, descending toward the docks like a shadow ready to strike.

Naruto landed gracefully on the docks, his feet barely making a sound as they touched the ground. Again that stealth and grace was something that was so natural that it had to be tucked within his past. Memories forgotten by his mind, but not his body.

The dock itself was bustling with activity, people rushing in and out, preparing for the so-called yacht party.

The crowd of women surrounding Salamander had only grown larger, and the eerie glow of the charm ring around his finger pulsed with a sinister energy.

"Pathetic." Aquarius muttered, her eyes narrowing at the sight. "How weak-willed do you have to be to fall for something like that?"

"Don't be too hard on them." Naruto replied quietly. "They don't know any better. That's why we're here."

As he stepped closer, he noticed Natsu and Happy charging in from the opposite side of the dock, bulldozing through the crowd without much regard for subtlety.

"Oi! You fake!" Natsu roared as he approached Salamander, fire flickering around his fists. "Who the hell do you think you are, pretending to be from Fairy Tail?"

The crowd gasped in confusion, the charm ring's influence wavering momentarily as they turned to look at Natsu. Salamander's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden confrontation, but he quickly regained his composure, flashing a disarming smile.

"You got some nerve punk. I don't even know you!" Salamander's voice was smooth, dripping with fake charm. "I'm simply throwing a little party for my fans. Surely there's no harm in that?"

"Fans?" Natsu growled. "More like victims! Take off that ring and fight me fair and square!"

Naruto stopped a few feet away, blending into the crowd. He watched carefully, noting how Salamander's demeanor changed. The fake wizard's arrogance was obvious, but there was something off about him. Something more sinister lurking beneath the surface.

"You think you can just come into Hargeon and manipulate people?" Naruto called out, stepping forward with Aquarius hovering behind him. "The charm ring's illegal for a reason. And judging by your reaction, you already knew that."

Salamander's eyes flicked toward Naruto, his smile faltering just a little. "And who are you, exactly?"

"Naruto Heartfilia." he replied, his voice calm but firm. "And I don't like seeing people get taken advantage of."

"Great, we're introducing ourselves now." Aquarius deadpanned as she hovered by Naruto for anyone to see.

Salamander laughed, but there was a nervous edge to it. "You're that punk Celestial wizard i've heard about. Starblessed!"

Aquarius giggled at the man. "We've gotten a little reputation it would seem."

Naruto hummed softly, his eyes glowing bright blue. "I'm sure he's only heard good things about us."

"Enough to know better." The Salamander snapped back as within the blink of an eye purple flames burst to life. Taking the shape of long twisted tendrils that constricted around the women he had gathered.

"What are you doing!" Natsu roared in rage, as he watched the imposter take a step back.

"Well if you're going to meddle in affairs that don't concern you. I'll just take a few hostages." The man sneered with a grin of satisfaction. His body was already halfway up the boat ramp, while the women in his fire were pulled along.

Natsu sucked in the air around him and the flames started to snake their way over to his mouth?

"That's unusual." Naruto mumbled in surprise as he watched Natsu eat the man's purple flames.

"I've heard Dragons taught humans how to utilize their magic in the past. Part of using that magic gives the user the ability to absorb their element. It would seem that the boy actually has met a dragon and learned from them."

"Aye sir! Igneel was a fire dragon!"

Natsu taking the last flicker of flames into his mouth spat onto the dock. "Man for a fire wizard you make some lousy flames."

"You're a freak!" The Salamander cried out, while Natsu grinned like a madman.

"Nah I'm just a real genuine Fairy Tail wizard you imposter." Natsu replied with flames dancing to life around his fists.

"Oh yeah!" The imposter yelled before flashing a knife and holding it onto a girl's throat. "Try eating this you damn freak!"

Natsu paused and didn't move. Helpless to do anything besides watch the Salamander take a single hostage onto the ship at knife point. Naruto stepping to the fire user's side merely rested a hand on his shoulder.

"It's fine Natsu. You did great and saved a good amount of the girl's already." Naruto began as he watched a majority of the women run away as the yacht started to make an emergency departure.

"But that bastard is getting away! Plus we know he still has at least one hostage!" Natsu roared loudly with anger at the mere idea of leaving a helpless person who needed him.

"He's not getting away." Naruto replied with a laugh that was both confident and carefree. "He's in more danger on those waters than he realizes."

Natsu and Happy both exchanged looks of confusion. The smallest of the pair decided to voice himself.

"What are you talking about?"

"He thought the ocean and the waves were his escape." Naruto began, golden light shimmering around him as Aquarius zipped around his arm and moved to his outstretched hand. Her ethereal form shifted to that of a golden and black trident. "But the water under the stars is our domain."

"Woah cool!" Natsu cried out with excitement at the sight of Naruto's abilities. "We totally gotta fight sometime!"

Naruto smirked as his body radiated with a golden outline. "Fire isn't a good match for water. Something our imposter turned kidnapper is going to learn the hard way."

Without a second thought, Naruto took off into the sky. A golden beacon that easily matched the pace of the sea vessel. Aquarius pointed directly downward as the catalyst Naruto used to summon dozens of water spouts that roared to life with twisting fury.

"Now first things first." Naruto began as the twisting torrents of water clashed unto the boat. Rocking it sideways as the water moved throughout the ship like it held a life of its own. "We do a little hostage rescue!"

Watching as dozens of screaming women and some who seemed to be sleeping came flying out of the boat. Naruto made sure to place them onto the docks with care. Because what he was going to do next wasn't going to be gentle in the slightest.

"What were you bastard's doing to them!" Naruto roared a maelstrom of fury coming from his lips as he summoned two gargantuan hands of water that hoisted the ship high above the waves.

Screams and yells of those still on board, Naruto zipped across the distance and landed onto the boat. Spinning Aquarius within his hands he glided across the deck and slashed through one man who ran at him.

Naruto hearing the thud of the man hitting the deck didn't hesitate or pause. Instead he warped around the ship like a golden phantom. Slicing and piercing anyone who dared to challenge him. Moving throughout man after man with speed and efficiency that no one present could follow.

Yet coming to a halt at the ship's forepeak, Naruto held a tight grip onto Aquarius and glanced at the weapon within his grasp. His body trembled at the crimson dripping from Aquarius, a panic sweeping through his entire mind and body. Visions of blood so much blood. Cries and pleads echoing deep within his mind.

Green, red and so helpless. So useless.

"Naruto!" Aquarius yelled loudly enough to snap his daze.

Coming out from his daze, Naruto swiveled his head and noticed the yacht was in a free fall to the ocean below.

"Shit." Naruto cursed as he jumped off the boat and floated in place. Watching as the vessel smacked into the ocean with a massive splash of water shot upwards before swallowing the ship into its depths below.

"What happened?"

Naruto rubbed his head. "I don't know. I just froze."

"You don't freeze."

"I think my memories were messing with me." Naruto admitted bitterly, as he didn't understand anything that happened. He just knew whatever had happened wasn't pleasant.

"We need to get you fixed. You could have gotten seriously hurt or worse just now."

"I know." Naruto whispered softly.

Aquarius sighed at the boy's tone. She could tell whatever he experienced really took a toll onto him.

"Come on, those disgusting men are dealt with and the women are safe. Let's focus on you and head to Fairy Tail."

Naruto nodded and, like a falling star, shot downward onto the docks. Landing in a crouched position with Aquarius disappearing from view completely. Returning back the Celestial Spirit would after a long day being with Naruto.

"That was awesome!" Natsu cheered loudly as he ran directly up to Naruto with a grin. "You never mentioned you were such a badass wizard!"

"Yeah, what was that magic?" Happy asked.

Naruto, touching the key around his neck, smiled softly. "I'm a Celestial Spirit wizard like my mother was, but I'm different. I don't summon my spirit into battle. Instead Aquarius takes the shape of a weapon and lends me her power. However, now that we've taken care of that imposter. Mind taking me to your healer?"

Natsu, placing both hands to his hips, smiled wide. "Absolutely! You're gonna love FairyTail!"

"Aye sir! And we always love new members!"

Naruto paused at Happy's declaration. He never made mention of wishing to join their guild. He only wanted help with his memories. Still he had gone too long without a home. Without a place to belong. That's why for now, Naruto wasn't going to correct either of them.

(Chapter End)

So I got some positive feedback and decided to continue this a little bit. I hope this was enjoyable. I didn't want to spend too much time in Hargeon or do this just like cannon, but the story has to move forward.

Still there are a few things i wanna mention.

First off pairings, I've got a few comments and messages and everyone wants something different. So I'll say this. There won't be a harem cause I find those boring and I'm more a one girl kinda person. I also won't pair Naruto with Aquarius. Their relationship is a focus of this story, but not in a romantic way. I also don't wanna do popular pairings like Erza, Mirajane and Cana.

So with that being said I'm dropping it down to one of two options. Since it makes it easier to plan the story going forward. The choices are.

Brandish, who we would see before she normally appears and would be at Naruto's age of 16.

Or

Kagura, after all, gotta find out what happened in Brago.

Outside of that there are a few cannon changes that will be more apparent as things develop. Anyways thanks for reading, tell me what you think and see you next time.