"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Magic"

Chapter 3: Fairyblessed

(Magnolia)

The sun hung high in the cloudless sky as Naruto followed Natsu and Happy down the bustling streets of Magnolia. The town was alive with energy, its cobblestone roads flanked by vibrant market stalls, colorful banners waving in the gentle breeze. Merchants called out to villagers, peddling everything from fresh fruits and baked goods to enchanted trinkets and magical items.

Naruto couldn't help but marvel at the scene. It was his first time in Magnolia, and despite all his travels, there was something special about this place. The buildings were a mix of stone and wood, their roofs a patchwork of red and orange tiles that glistened in the sunlight. Some were adorned with ivy creeping up the walls, while others displayed intricate carvings of magical symbols and creatures. The air smelled faintly of spices, mingled with the salty hint of a nearby river.

"This place is amazing!" Naruto muttered to himself, his sharp blue eyes taking in every detail as they moved through the lively crowd. He noticed how people seemed to greet each other with wide smiles and loud laughter, a stark contrast to some of the more rugged towns he had passed through on his journey.

"Aye!" Happy chimed in as he flew beside Natsu. "Magnolia's always so lively! It's even better when there's a festival!"

"You haven't seen the best part yet!" Natsu said, his voice full of excitement. "Fairy Tail's just up ahead. Wait 'til you meet everyone, Naruto! They're all pretty crazy, but it's the best guild in Fiore!" He grinned back at Naruto, who couldn't help but smile in return, his earlier unease fading in the warm atmosphere.

As they walked deeper into the heart of the city, the streets opened up to a wide square lined with cafes and shops, with a large fountain at its center. The fountain depicted a pair of winged lions, their stone faces regal as water cascaded from their mouths into a shimmering pool below. Children played nearby, their laughter filling the air as they splashed one another.

Naruto slowed his pace as they passed, watching the scene with quiet appreciation. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt such peace, a moment where his mind wasn't clouded with fragments of his lost past.

"It's hard to believe a place like this exists," he said, more to himself than to Natsu.

"It's what makes Magnolia special." Natsu replied, hands behind his head as he strolled forward, unbothered by the curious glances they received from passing townsfolk. "You'll see, Fairy Tail's at the heart of all of it. We may fight a lot, but at the end of the day, we're family."

Naruto nodded, though he still wasn't sure what kind of family he was walking into.

The narrow streets soon gave way to a wider avenue, and at the far end, a large building loomed in the distance. It was unlike any guildhall Naruto had ever seen before. The structure was grand, almost castle-like, with tall towers rising above its sturdy walls. Its wooden façade was weathered, but there was a sense of history and strength in its design. A large emblem of a winged fairy adorned the front, glowing faintly in the sunlight.

"That's it!" Natsu exclaimed, pointing ahead. "Welcome to Fairy Tail!"

Naruto stopped for a moment, taking in the sight of the legendary guild before him. His heart pounded in his chest. Not from fear, but from a strange sense of anticipation. Something about this place felt right, like it was a piece of the puzzle he had been searching for.

Naruto took a deep breath, letting the sounds and smells of Magnolia settle over him. "Alright, let's do this!"

With that, he followed Natsu and Happy toward the towering doors of Fairy Tail, each step bringing him closer to whatever awaited him inside.

The wooden doors of Fairy Tail creaked open as Natsu led Naruto and Happy inside. Immediately, the sound of chaos flooded their ears. Naruto blinked, momentarily frozen by the sheer madness unfolding before him.

Tables were overturned, chairs scattered across the floor, and several guild members were in the middle of heated brawls. Over to the left, Gray Fullbuster stood, completely stripped down to his boxers, gesturing wildly as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Why the hell are you always naked?!" Natsu screamed in anger, as his hands motioned to Naruto. "You're gonna freak out my new friend!"

"You really do have perverts in Fairy Tail." Naruto mumbled under his breath.

Happy just snickered. "That's Gray for ya! You'll get used to it."

"As If anyone could get used to that jerk." Natsu added loudly.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Gray shouted, turning to Natsu with a glare.

Natsu was already cracking his knuckles. "You heard me! You always lose your clothes at the worst times!"

"YOU WANNA FIGHT, FLAME BRAIN?"

Before Natsu could throw a punch, a booming voice drowned out the noise. "TO BE A MAN, YOU MUST EMBRACE YOUR STRENGTH!" Elfman roared, standing on a nearby table and flexing his massive muscles. "ONLY THEN CAN YOU CALL YOURSELF A TRUE MAN!"

Naruto's eyes widened. "What the hell is going on here?"

"Oh those are just boys being boys!" The sweet angelic voice of Mirajane giggled with a tray in hand. "It would be strange if they didn't fight."

Naruto blinked at the girl, but beside him, a flash of orange hair caught his eye, and he saw Loke leaning against the bar, charming a group of giggling girls. His cool demeanor shifted instantly when his eyes flicked to Naruto's necklace.

"Hey, uh, what's that?" Loke stammered, pointing nervously at Naruto's gate key. He backed away as if it were a venomous snake about to strike. "Wait! Celestial Spirit magic?!"

Naruto frowned, looking down at the key hanging from his neck. "Yeah? Something wrong?"

Loke's face paled. "Nope! Nothing! Just… gonna… be over there… away from the key." And with that, he quickly scurried to the farthest corner of the guild, much to the confusion of the girls he had been wooing.

Naruto shook his head, trying to process it all when suddenly, someone bumped into him, spilling a splash of alcohol on his shoes. He looked up to see Cana Alberona, a tall woman with wild brown hair, guzzling a barrel of liquor like it was water.

She glanced down at him, barely fazed. "Whoops. Sorry, newbie. You might wanna watch your step. It gets a little messy in here." She laughed, slamming the barrel down and wiping her mouth.

Naruto sighed. "This is insane."

But his thoughts were cut short as Natsu, completely ignoring the chaos around him, launched a fiery fist at Gray. "C'mon, Gray! Let's settle this once and for all!"

"BRING IT ON!" Gray shouted, ice forming around his fists.

Before Naruto could step back, the entire guild erupted into an all-out brawl. Natsu and Gray clashed in the middle of the room, fire and ice colliding in explosive bursts of energy. Members ducked and dodged flying debris while others happily joined in the chaos. Plates and cups shattered, tables were flipped, and someone had already started swinging from a chandelier.

Just as Naruto was considering whether or not he should make a run for it, a small, elderly man appeared on top of the bar. Master Makarov, Fairy Tail's tiny yet powerful guild master, was standing on a barrel, his face red with frustration.

"ENOUGH!" His voice boomed with an authority that immediately commanded the room's attention. He extended his arms, growing ten times his normal size in an instant. "What did I say about destroying the guild hall, you brats?!"

In an instant, the chaos stopped. Natsu and Gray froze mid-fight, dropping their fists and trying to act innocent. Elfman sheepishly stepped down from the table, muttering something about "being a man" and Cana quietly put her drink down, whistling as if nothing had happened.

Makarov sighed, shrinking back to his usual size and leaping down from the barrel. He rubbed his temples, clearly exhausted by the antics of his guild. "Honestly, you all make more noise than a pack of wild animals. No wonder the Magic Council is always breathing down my neck!"

Naruto, still processing the madness, exchanged a glance with Happy, who had watched the scene with a bemused expression.

"Welcome to Fairy Tail," He muttered excitedly.

Natsu, who looked completely unfazed by the scolding, grinned at Naruto. "Pretty great, huh? I told you they're wild!"

Naruto gave a slow nod, a small smile tugging at his lips despite the chaos. Finding for the first time since first arriving that all eyes were now on him as the outlier of this guild. He had been through a lot, but feeling the weight of the guild's collective gaze settled on him. Even with all the madness and noise just a moment ago, the sudden silence was almost unsettling.

Makarov gave him a kind smile. "So, you're a face I don't recognize. What's your name, boy?"

"Naruto." He said clearly, stepping forward. "Naruto Heartfilia."

Makarov eyed Naruto carefully humming to himself as he rubbed his chin. "You're that wizard that's been sparking rumors. The roaming Celestial Spirit wizard. Starblessed is what they call you."

Naruto merely nodded in response. "That's what most call me, but I prefer Naruto."

Makarov's eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to piece together something about Naruto. "And what brings you to Fairy Tail, young man? Your reputation doesn't lean towards the guild lifestyle. What are you seeking?"

Naruto exhaled, feeling the familiar weight of his gate key resting against his chest. "I'm looking for Porlyusica. I heard she might be able to help me recover something I lost… my memories."

The words hung in the air for a moment, and Naruto felt a slight shift in the atmosphere. It wasn't pity or sympathy he sensed, but something closer to understanding. Fairy Tail was home to many with troubled pasts, and lost memories weren't exactly a rare occurrence in a world filled with magic.

Makarov stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Porlyusica, eh? She's a bit difficult to deal with, but if anyone can help with something like that, it's her." His gaze softened slightly. "But you know, Naruto, finding memories isn't always the same as finding yourself. That journey can take many forms."

Naruto nodded, taking the words to heart. "I understand, but I need to try. My past… my family… it's all a blur. I only have pieces, and I think Porlyusica might be able to help me fill in the gaps."

Natsu, who had been quiet during the exchange, grinned, walked over and slapped Naruto on the back. "Trust me Master, this guy's amazing! He totally saved a bunch of innocent people in Hargeon! I'd vouch for him any day!"

Happy chimed in, flapping his wings. "Aye! He's really nice, but his talking fish can be a little rude!"

Makarov slowly approached Naruto with a welcoming smile. "Well with endorsements like that. I see no reason to not help you!"

Naruto nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thank you, Master."

"Come with me, Naruto," Makarov said, his voice softer than usual. "I'll take you to meet Porlyusica."

Naruto looked up, his sharp blue eyes meeting the guild master's. Then glancing at Natsu he saw his new friend exchange him a confident nod. There was an odd mix of hope and dread swirling in his chest, but he knew he couldn't turn back now. He had to try.

Makarov led him through the winding streets of Magnolia, the bustling sounds of the city fading as they ventured further from the guild. Soon, they reached the outskirts of town, where the path became less traveled and the trees grew denser. The air smelled of pine and fresh earth, and the sounds of nature gradually replaced the chatter of the city.

"Porlyusica lives in seclusion for a reason," Makarov explained as they walked. "She's not fond of humans. But she has great knowledge, and if anyone can help you with your memories, it's her."

Naruto remained quiet, his thoughts racing. Natsu and Happy had described Porlyusica as a reclusive healer known for her skills but also her sharp tongue. He wasn't sure what to expect, but he had to hope that she could unlock the answers he sought.

Eventually, they reached a small, humble cottage nestled within the forest. It was surrounded by towering trees, the atmosphere quiet and peaceful, though there was something about it that felt almost otherworldly. Makarov, feeling just as home as he would have within the guild knocked on the wooden door, and after a few moments, it creaked open.

An elderly woman with wild pink hair and sharp, piercing eyes stood before them, her expression immediately one of annoyance. "Makarov." She muttered. "What do you want this time?"

Makarov smiled, unfazed by her gruff demeanor. "Porlyusica, this is Naruto Heartfilia. He's in need of your expertise."

Porlyusica's eyes narrowed as they landed on Naruto. She looked him over with a scrutinizing gaze, as if weighing whether or not this was worth her time. After a moment, she stepped aside and motioned for them to enter.

Naruto followed Makarov inside, the air in the cottage thick with the smell of herbs and potions. Shelves lined the walls, cluttered with various magical ingredients and medical supplies. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the wooden floor.

Porlyusica gestured for Naruto to sit. "What exactly is your problem?" she asked bluntly, crossing her arms.

Naruto swallowed, feeling the weight of her gaze on him. "I've lost my memories." He said, his voice steady despite the lump in his throat. "Most of my past is just gone. I can't remember anything except small fragments. I was told you might be able to help. Maybe my mind is broken and needs healing."

Porlyusica raised an eyebrow. "Memories, huh? And you think they've been taken from you?"

Naruto nodded. "It feels like something is missing, but I don't know what. I just want to remember who I was before I met Aquarius. I want to know what happened to my Father and Sister."

Porlyusica sighed, moving toward a shelf and grabbing a small, glowing vial. "Memory loss isn't something easily fixed, boy. Sometimes, memories are lost due to physical injury. Other times… well, people block them out themselves."

She walked back to Naruto and placed the vial on the table in front of him. "This potion will help me see into your mind, but I can't promise I'll find what you're looking for. It mostly gives me a better idea as to what i'm working with."

Naruto nodded, his heartbeat quickening. "I understand. I just need to try."

Porlyusica motioned for him to drink, and Naruto took the vial, swallowing its contents in one gulp. It tasted bitter, like old tea, and a moment later, his vision blurred as a strange sensation washed over him.

Porlyusica placed her hands on his temples and closed her eyes. Trying to let the potion do the majority of the work.

Naruto's mind swirled with images—flashes of faces, places, and voices he didn't recognize. It was like watching fragments of a broken mirror, none of the pieces fitting together. Treading further the broken pieces seemed covered in blood that made it impossible to recognize anything.

Porlyusica's brow furrowed as she delved deeper. Naruto could feel her presence in his mind, searching for something that wasn't there. The minutes dragged on, and the tension in the air grew thick. However, everything was either a complete mess or locked within places so deep that no one could see.

Then she saw it. A young ragged Naruto running right by her. His tiny outstretched hand extended outward reaching for someone in the distance. The person was a woman with blond hair in an elegant dress. Her features were soft and her expression was inviting, but the people around the woman were different.

They were a group of men, women and some children. An assortment of different mops of blond, black, green and brown hair. With faces that were so eerie it gave Porlyusica chills, as their facial features seemed scratched out and unrecognizable.

Regardless the young Naruto ran for them, but as he arrived close he slipped into the floor. Falling before ever reaching his destination. Porlyusica took a step forward, which made every head snap and look at her. A massive iron gate descending from the sky and blocking the people from her view. Seeing nothing more than another version of Naruto resting on the apex of the iron gate with a scowl on his face.

Finally, Porlyusica released him, her hands dropping to her sides. Naruto blinked as his vision cleared, but the weight in his chest remained.

"I'm sorry," Porlyusica said, her tone gentler than before. "Your memories… they're not gone because of magic or injuries. They've been blocked out by you."

Naruto's heart sank. "What do you mean?"

Porlyusica sighed, sitting down across from him. "People often block out memories when they're too painful or traumatic to bear. It's a defense mechanism. Whatever happened in your past, it was enough for your mind to shut those memories away. I can't force them back. No one can."

Naruto's shoulders slumped, the hope that had been driving him slowly fading. "So… I may never get them back?"

Porlyusica's eyes softened. "Maybe. Maybe not. Memories like that are tricky. They might return on their own one day, or they might stay locked away forever. But chasing them isn't always the answer."

Naruto sat in silence for a long moment, the weight of her words sinking in. He had spent so long searching for answers, hoping that his lost memories would explain everything. But now, he realized that even if they came back, they might not bring the closure he was hoping for.

Makarov placed a comforting hand on Naruto's shoulder. "It's not easy to hear, but you still have a life ahead of you. Whatever happened in the past doesn't define who you are now. You can build your future, with or without those memories. After all, the most important step someone can take isn't the first, but the next one."

Naruto took a deep breath, letting the words settle. He had been so focused on the past that he hadn't thought about the possibility of moving forward without it. Maybe it was time to stop searching for something he couldn't control.

"So what do you say my boy? Why don't you take those next steps as a Fairy Tail wizard?"

Naruto studied the man with a careful gaze. "Why would you want someone like me in your guild? You're one of the best in Fiore and me… Well I'm more than broken."

Makarov tossed his head back with a howling laugh. Slapping his tiny leg in the process. "My boy, you saw my guild first hand. We are a group that's far from perfect! Truthfully you'd fit in perfectly."

"He's not lying kid. I've been fixing up Fairy Tail wizards before you were even born. They always come broken, but the guild fixes them up better than I ever could."

Makarov nodded. "Cause that's what family does and Fairy Tail is the best family around."

Naruto took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision lift as he thought over Makarov's words. "Alright." Naruto said, a small but genuine smile forming on his lips. "I'll join Fairy Tail."

Makarov's face brightened with a wide grin. "Welcome to the family, Naruto Heartfilia!"

Naruto chuckled, feeling an odd warmth in his chest. For the first time in a long time, he didn't feel so alone. Maybe, just maybe, this was the place he was meant to be.

(Later that night)

Naruto stood in the doorway of his small, cozy apartment, taking in the sight. The room was modest—a bed, a small kitchen, and a few basic furnishings, but it was his. Makarov had helped him get the place, insisting that it was important for every guild member to have their own space. Reassuring him that once he starts taking jobs for money he will be able to make rent payments with ease.

He flexed his hand, staring at the bright orange Fairy Tail mark now etched onto the back of it. The color matched his usual attire, but seeing the mark made everything feel real. He was a member of Fairy Tail now and as he ran his fingers over the guild symbol he felt a chill.

Closing the door and walking deeper into the apartment, Naruto cracked a window to feel the Magnolia breeze against his skin. The room was quiet, with the only sound being the soft rustling of the wind through the window. It was relaxing and led Naruto to sit on the edge of his bed to enjoy this peace.

His hand lingered over the celestial gate key that hung from his neck, its faint glow dim under the evening light. He had been lost in his thoughts since his meeting with Porlyusica, her words still fresh in his mind.

'My memories are blocked... not taken by magic, but locked away by me?' he thought, staring down at the key. 'What could have happened to make me forget everything? To forget Lucy and Dad?'

He clenched his fist around the key and closed his eyes. The silence was heavy, and the weight of his uncertain future pressed down on him like never before. He had come all this way, chasing shadows, only to be told that the answers might never come.

Just then, a familiar voice broke through the stillness.

"You're doing it again."

Naruto opened his eyes and glanced to the side where Aquarius appeared, sitting with her arms crossed, her expression as sharp as ever. The water spirit's presence filled the small apartment, though her usual aura of cold disdain was subdued.

"What am I doing?" Naruto asked, his voice tired but calm.

Aquarius huffed, her cerulean eyes locking onto his. "Brooding. Sulking. Whatever you want to call it."

Naruto gave a small, humorless chuckle. "Yeah, well, it's not exactly easy to stop when you hear that you might never remember your own family. I'm trying to take the Master's advice and move forward, but it's not exactly easy."

Aquarius' gaze softened for a brief moment, but it was gone just as quickly. She flicked her tail in annoyance, sending droplets of water shimmering through the air. "So what if you don't get those memories back? What will it change?"

Naruto looked at her, brow furrowed in confusion. "It changes everything! If I can remember what happened, I might be able to fix things. I might-."

"Fix what?" Aquarius interrupted sharply, her voice cutting through the air like a whip. "You've been wandering around, searching for something you can't even be sure exists. And for what? Some closure that might never come? Do you think remembering your past will magically make everything better?"

Naruto was silent for a moment, his jaw clenched. He hadn't expected Aquarius to be this blunt, but deep down, he knew she was right. "What else am I supposed to do?" He asked quietly. "My family is gone and worst of all I don't even know if I'm the real me. What if I'm someone else entirely, someone wicked and hateful."

Aquarius sighed, a rare expression of frustration crossing her usually impassive face. "I get it. You're searching for answers, and you think that once you find them, everything will fall into place. But memories are just that. Memories. They're not your future. They're not your now."

Naruto looked down, the weight of her words sinking in. "So what are you saying? That I should just give up?"

"I'm saying." Aquarius began, her tone softening slightly. "That maybe it's time to stop looking backward and start looking at what's right in front of you."

Naruto frowned. "And what's in front of me?"

Aquarius rolled her eyes. "This life you've built. The friends you're making. Me, for some reason." She added with a smirk. "You've spent so much time focusing on what's lost that you haven't realized what you've gained."

Naruto's gaze softened as he met her eyes. "But my family..."

"Your family might still be out there. Well, except for Layla." Aquarius said, her voice quieter now. "But whether you remember them or not, you've made your own path. And you're not alone, no matter how much you might think you are."

Naruto sat back, letting her words wash over him. He had spent so long searching for a past that was locked away that he hadn't even noticed the connections he had formed in the present. Natsu, Happy, and even Aquarius. They were all part of his journey now.

"Maybe you're right." He admitted softly, a small, tired smile playing on his lips. "It's just... hard to let go."

Aquarius sighed, her tail flicking again, this time in exasperation. "I'm not telling you to let go. I'm telling you to stop letting your past control you. You can still search for answers, but don't let it stop you from living."

Naruto looked at her, gratitude shining in his blue eyes. "Thanks, Aquarius. You always know how to kick some sense into me. Well as much kicking as a mermaid can do anyway."

Aquarius scoffed, her usual sharpness returning. "Don't get used to it. I'm not here to be your therapist, you know."

Naruto chuckled, the tension in his shoulders finally easing as he leaned back against the bed. "Still, I'm glad you're with me."

Aquarius flicked her hair over her shoulder, her expression softening just for a moment. "Yeah, well... don't make me regret it. I broke a major rule to be your Celestial Spirit."

"I know Aquarius. That is something I can't ever forget."

The two sat in silence for a while, the quiet of the room now feeling more peaceful than heavy. Naruto knew that his journey wasn't over, that there were still pieces of his past waiting to be uncovered. But for the first time in a long time, he didn't feel like he had to carry that burden alone.

Aquarius, as sharp-tongued as she was, had been there for him through it all. And now, with Fairy Tail at his side, maybe it was time to stop chasing shadows and start living in the light.

Naruto's gaze shifted to the window, where the stars had begun to twinkle in the darkening sky. He took a deep breath, feeling lighter than he had in a long time.

"Tomorrow's a new day." he muttered to himself, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Aquarius glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "Don't waste it, Starblessed."

Naruto laughed at hearing her use that name. "Of course not. After all, tomorrow we gotta find a job!"

(Chapter End)

Well here is the next chapter, hope you enjoyed it! I'm trying to take my time integrating Naruto into the guild before we start to see his past, while also not just having him run through cannon stuff.

If you felt like the interactions with other characters were brief or lacking. I didn't want to go too deep into each character and decided to save their conversations with Naruto for a little later.

Also as it currently stands Brandish has been taking the lead for a pairing. So expect a girl haired girl to show up eventually since I started mapping the rest of the story with her in mind.

Thanks for reading and your kind words. I'll keep trying to make this story exciting.