"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Magic"

Chapter 5: Memoryblessed

(Year X777, Naruto age nine)

The sun filtered through the large windows of the Heartfilia estate, casting warm light across the expansive garden where a young Naruto Heartfilia ran, his laughter echoing through the air. He was nine years old, with bright blond hair that shimmered like the sun and azure eyes that held a deep curiosity for the world. Beside him, his Celestial Spirit Virgo followed gracefully, dressed in her usual maid attire, a soft smile on her face as she followed her young master's carefree antics.

"Catch me, Virgo!" Naruto shouted, darting between the hedges of the garden.

Virgo's expression remained calm, but her loyalty was clear. "Of course, Master Naruto." She chased after him, always keeping just a step behind, allowing the boy to lead their playful game.

Naruto giggled as he looked back at her. "You're too slow, Virgo! You'll never catch me at this rate!"

"Is that so?" Virgo raised an eyebrow, speeding up just enough to keep the game exciting. "Is this a better pace Master?"

Naruto chuckled and shot into the air and extended his arms. Firmly grabbing a tree branch before swinging his momentum and sending himself flying across the courtyard.

"Gonna have to do better than that!" Naruto announced as he landed with a small roll and kept running.

"Understood Master." Virgo replied dryly as she sunk into the ground.

Naruto yelped in surprise when Virgo appeared right in front of him in an instant. Bursting out of the ground just to quickly scoop him up into the air with ease. "Got you, Master!" She said with a soft chuckle.

"No fair!" Naruto laughed, squirming playfully in her arms. "You used your magic! That's cheating!"

"I'm afraid it is part of my duty to never let my master out of sight!" Virgo teased, gently setting him back down onto the ground. "Still you're getting harder to capture! Your training with your Father is showing a lot of progress."

Naruto beamed up at her, eyes glowing with admiration. "Thanks Virgo! I'm working to be the kind of Celestial wizard that fights with his spirit's one day!"

Virgo knelt down, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "That's very admirable Master. I look forward to seeing that day."

Naruto grinned uncontrollably at that comment and was going to ask for another game. However, the soft voice of his mother reached his ears.

"Naruto?" Layla Heartfilia stood at the edge of the garden, her voice gentle but laced with emotion. The moment Naruto heard her, his head snapped around, his face lighting up.

"Mom!" He shouted, running toward her. He threw his arms around her waist, and Layla knelt down, enveloping him in a warm embrace. But there was something different in her eyes. Something sad, even though she smiled at him.

"Mom, did you see me? I was playing with Virgo! I almost beat her this time!" Naruto said excitedly, looking back at Virgo, who gave a small bow in acknowledgment.

Layla smiled, but the heaviness in her heart weighed down every word. "I saw, sweetie. You're getting stronger every day. Just like your Daddy."

Naruto tilted his head, sensing the tension. "Is something wrong, Mom?"

Layla hesitated, glancing at Virgo before turning her gaze back to Naruto. Her hand cupped his cheek tenderly. "I need to ask you for something, Naruto."

Naruto blinked, confused. "What is it?"

Layla took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. "I need to borrow Virgo's key for a little while. There's something very important I need to do."

Naruto looked between his mother and Virgo, not fully understanding, but trusting her completely. "Okay." He said, surprising Layla with how quickly he agreed. "But… you'll give her back, right? I don't mind if you need her."

Layla's heart swelled with emotion at her son's trust. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she pulled him into another hug, tighter this time, as though she might never let him go. "Thank you, my sweet boy. You don't know how much this means to me."

Naruto, though confused by her sudden emotion, hugged her back, his small arms wrapping around her neck. "It's okay, Mom. I know you wouldn't ask unless it was really important."

Layla pulled back, tears shimmering in her eyes. She stroked his hair, biting back the sobs that threatened to escape. She couldn't let him see how much this hurt. How much this sacrifice was tearing her apart. He didn't know. He couldn't know.

"I'll bring her back, I promise." She whispered, though she knew deep down that her promise might never come true.

Naruto smiled up at her, still blissfully unaware of the weight she was carrying. He unclasped the golden key from around his neck, the one that summoned Virgo, and handed it to his mother without hesitation. "Here. Take care of her, okay?"

Layla's fingers trembled as she accepted the key, her heart breaking. She held it close to her chest for a moment, gathering the strength she needed for what lay ahead. "I will, Naruto. I will."

Naruto then turned to his spirit. "And Virgo you look after Mom!"

Layla's heartbroke at her son's kindness.

Virgo, who had been silently watching, stepped forward and bowed. "I will return to you, Master Naruto. I will also protect mistress Layla with my life."

Naruto nodded, his trust in both his spirit and his mother absolute. "I'll be waiting."

Just then, Minato approached the group, his face lined with worry, though he masked it well. A false smile across his face as he rested a hand on Naruto's shoulder.

"Naruto." Minato said, his voice calm and reassuring. "Your mom has to take care of something important. But we've got our own mission to handle, okay? Just you and me."

Naruto's eyes lit up at the mention of a mission. "A mission? Really? What kind of mission?"

Minato smiled, ruffling his son's hair. "One that's just as important as what your mom is doing. But it's top secret, alright? No one can know."

Layla smiled at the obvious diversion. Minato was always excellent at masking his emotions. No doubt a skill he learned from his days in his home dimension. At times Layla wished she had that same capacity to tuck away what she was feeling.

Naruto nodded, his excitement building. "Got it, Dad! I won't tell anyone."

As Minato led Naruto back toward the house, Naruto glanced over his shoulder at Layla one last time. She stood there, holding Virgo's key, watching them go with a mixture of love and sorrow. She smiled, but it was a fragile thing, like glass on the verge of shattering.

Naruto waved at her, and she waved back, the weight of her decision pressing down on her chest. As they disappeared inside, Layla's smile faltered, and a single tear slipped down her cheek.

(Present)

Naruto was unusually quiet, his expression serious as he stared down at the Celestial Spirit Key in his hand. Virgo stood before him, her posture humble but her gaze steady as she recounted the story of how Layla had taken her key to open the Eclipse Gate. Naruto's face was a mix of confusion, sorrow, and disbelief.

"So, that's how it began. " Virgo explain, her voice soft but clear. "Lady Layla gave up her health and, ultimately, her life to open the Eclipse Gate. She made that sacrifice… for you."

"What do you mean for me?" Naruto asked almost instantly.

"I don't have all the details." Virgo admitted honestly. "But for generations the Heartfilia family had passed knowledge from parent to child that one day a member of your family would open the gate. Layla, wanting that burden to never reach you, decided to take matters into her own hands."

Naruto's breath hitched slightly, his mind racing. His memories of that time were foggy, clouded by the trauma of losing his mother. He remembered the day his mother had asked for Virgo's key, but back then, it seemed like nothing more than a request from a loving mother. Now, the truth was laid bare before him, and it left him reeling.

"She… did all that… for me?" Naruto muttered, his eyes wide as he looked between Virgo and the key. His voice shook with disbelief.

Virgo glanced away, her face filled with sorrow. "Layla loved you so much and after what happened to mistress Lucy… Well Layla was prepared to take any step necessary to protect you."

"What happened to Lucy?" Naruto asked in desperation. Not exactly enjoying the look he received from his spirit.

"I don't know. A year before Layla opened the gate you and Lucy disappeared for a few days. We found you, but Lucy was a different story. We couldn't find her anywhere and you seemed too confused or frightened to remember anything."

Naruto felt a lump rise in his throat. He clenched the key tighter, his knuckles turning white as he struggled to process the emotions welling up inside him. His mother had sacrificed herself for him and yet he had been too young, too blind to understand it at the time. Now, the weight of that sacrifice pressed down on him like a crushing force.

Natsu, who had been standing nearby, frowned and crossed his arms. "Man… that's heavy stuff." His usual carefree attitude was subdued, as even he understood the gravity of what Naruto was learning. "But what happened next? If you were with his mom how did you end up with that Everlue jerk."

Virgo frowned thinking back to her least favorite moments. "Layla after opening the gate returned back to the estate and found Master Minato missing and Master Naruto in an… unusual state. It was all disastrous timing since Layla only having 11 of the 12 keys supplemented her own magic. A choice that left her dying."

Aquarius looked away. Part of her blamed herself for certain events. Some more than others.

"It wasn't much longer after I returned with Layla that I was stolen from you."

(Heartfilia Estate year X777)

The Heartfilia mansion had lost its warmth. The grand hallways were eerily silent, filled only with the soft, haunting creak of the wind passing through cracks in the windows. The once-vibrant gardens had begun to wither, mirroring the family within. Darkness had fallen over the estate, and it all seemed to begin the day Layla Heartfilia took the burden of the Eclipse Gate.

Naruto sat by his mother's bedside, his body hunched over in a chair that was too big for his small frame. His golden hair, usually so bright and full of life, now hung limply over his face. His once lively eyes were dull and empty, staring vacantly at nothing in particular. The room was filled with the sound of labored breathing, each breath Layla took like a struggle against the inevitable.

"Naruto…?" Layla's voice was weak, fragile like a whisper in the wind.

But Naruto didn't respond. His hands rested in his lap, motionless. He didn't even look up. His world had crumbled around him, and he was powerless to stop it. First, Virgo was taken. Then his father, Minato, had vanished on his mysterious mission. And now, his mother, the last bit of family he had left. Was fading before his eyes.

The door to Layla's room creaked open softly, and Virgo entered, her normally composed expression faltering as she took in the sight. Seeing her once-lively master, the boy who had filled the estate with laughter and light, now sitting there like an empty shell, shattered her heart. She glanced at Layla, who lay weakly in bed, her skin pale and her breaths shallow.

"My Lady…" Virgo began, her voice soft, but Layla shook her head gently.

"Virgo." Layla whispered, her voice barely audible. "Come closer."

Virgo obeyed, stepping to the bedside, her eyes flicking once more to Naruto. He didn't even acknowledge her presence. The sight tore at her. This boy she had come to care for, reduced to something so broken. She knelt beside Layla's bed, leaning in to hear her frail voice.

"I don't… have much time left." Layla whispered, her words coming in short, pained breaths. "Naruto… he's… suffering. I can't bear to see him like this…"

Virgo's heart clenched as she looked between mother and son. Layla's eyes were filled with pain, not just from her illness, but from the heartbreak of watching her child deteriorate emotionally.

"He's lost so much." Layla continued, her voice cracking. "First Lucy, then Minato… and now… now me. It's not fair… it's not fair for him to lose everything."

Tears welled up in Virgo's eyes, though she tried to remain composed. "My Lady, please don't speak this way…"

"I don't have long, Virgo." Layla said, her voice gaining a brief, desperate strength. "You know it as well as I do. But Naruto… he needs someone. He needs you."

Virgo's breath caught in her throat. "I… I can go search for a healer. We can save y-..."

"No." Layla interrupted, her hand trembling as she reached out to grasp Virgo's. "We both know it's too late for that. But you have to watch over him now. He's just a boy… He can't be left alone."

Virgo's hand tightened around Layla's, and the Celestial Spirit's composure finally broke as tears slipped down her cheeks. "I swear, Lady Layla… I will never leave him. I will stay by his side, no matter what. I will protect him with my life."

Layla gave her a weak smile, her eyes filled with gratitude and sorrow. "Thank you, Virgo… thank you…"

She turned her gaze to Naruto, who still hadn't moved, his face expressionless, his eyes hollow. Her heart shattered into pieces seeing him like this, the light in his eyes long gone. She had always been so proud of him. His joy, his energy, his kindness. But now, all of that had been stripped away.

"Naruto…" Layla's voice cracked as she spoke his name, a sob breaking through her weak frame. "Sweetheart, please… please, look at me."

But Naruto didn't respond. His hands remained in his lap, unmoving.

Tears streamed down Layla's cheeks as she reached out toward him, her fingers trembling as they brushed against his hand. "I'm so sorry… I never wanted this for you. I never wanted you to suffer. I never wanted you to be alone…"

She couldn't stop the tears now. Her whole body shook with the force of her grief. She had made this choice, this sacrifice, to protect him. But in doing so, she had taken everything from him.

"Naruto…" She whispered again, her voice breaking. "I love you… I love you so much…"

Still, no response. It was as though Naruto couldn't hear her, as if he was in some distant, unreachable place.

Layla's strength was fading fast. She turned her tear-filled gaze to Virgo, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Please… watch over him… he deserves so much more than this… so much more than what I've left him with."

Virgo's eyes were filled with tears, but she nodded solemnly. "I will. I promise."

Layla's hand fell weakly to her side as her breathing grew more labored. Her body was succumbing to the strain of opening the Eclipse Gate, her life slipping away like sand through her fingers.

"I'm so sorry…" She whispered, her voice filled with regret. "Naruto… I'm so… so sorry…"

Virgo watching Layla slip into unconsciousness felt a pang of sadness. The dying woman needed rest and her son didn't need to see her like this. Especially with his current state of mind.

"Come Master." Virgo began softly as she grabbed Naruto's hand. "Let's let your mother rest and take a walk."

Naruto walked through the sprawling gardens beside Virgo, his movements slow and mechanical. His once bright eyes, now dull and lifeless, scanned the ground beneath him as if searching for something he had long lost. The joy that had once filled him seemed like a distant memory, replaced by a hollow emptiness.

Virgo walked beside him, her heart heavy as she glanced at her young master. She had hoped that taking him outside, away from the suffocating atmosphere of the mansion, might help stir something inside him. But the Naruto she knew, the boy who had once played joyfully in these gardens. Was gone. All that remained was a shell, and it tore her apart to see him like this.

"Master Naruto." Virgo said softly, trying to catch his attention. "Would you like to pick some flowers? You used to love making bouquets for your mother."

Naruto didn't respond. His feet kept moving, carrying him deeper into the gardens, but his mind seemed far away. He barely noticed the flowers in bloom, the soft rustling of the wind, or even Virgo's presence beside him. It was as if nothing around him mattered anymore.

Virgo swallowed the lump in her throat, determined to reach him somehow. "You know." She continued, her voice gentle. "Lady Layla is resting right now. She'd love to see you when she wakes up. Maybe we can bring her some flowers to cheer her up?"

Again, no response. Naruto's expression remained vacant, his body moving on autopilot.

As they walked further from the mansion, the atmosphere shifted. The peaceful quiet of the garden gave way to something colder, more sinister. Virgo felt a sudden chill run down her spine, and she instinctively stepped closer to Naruto, her senses sharpening.

Something wasn't right.

Before Virgo could say anything, a figure emerged from the shadows of the trees ahead. The man was tall, cloaked in dark robes that concealed most of his face, and in his hand, he held a massive scythe. The air around him seemed to ripple with dark magic, sending a wave of unease through Virgo's entire body.

Naruto, however, remained still, his eyes unfocused as he stared at the ground.

The dark wizard's voice was low and menacing as he spoke, his eyes gleaming from beneath his hood. "So, the rumors were true. The Heartfilia boy is nothing besides a hollow shell."

Virgo stepped protectively in front of Naruto, her eyes narrowing as she summoned her chains. "Stay back, Master Naruto!" She whispered urgently as she saw his weapon gleaming in the moonlight. "This man means to harm you."

The wizard's laughter echoed through the garden, sending a shiver down Virgo's spine. "Harm? No, no, I'm just here for business. Word around the magical circles is that Lady Layla is on her deathbed. Her Celestial Spirit Keys are worth quite a fortune. And I think I'll start with you."

He lunged forward, his scythe swinging with a terrifying speed. Virgo moved to intercept, her chains clashing against the blade, but the dark wizard was strong. Stronger than she anticipated. He pushed her back with a vicious strike, knocking her off balance.

Naruto stood frozen, watching the fight unfold with blank eyes. His mind couldn't process the danger, the fear. Everything around him felt distant, as if it was happening to someone else.

"Come on, boy!" The wizard snarled, his scythe swinging down again. "Hand over the key, and no one gets hurt!"

Virgo struggled to regain her footing, her body trembling from the force of the blows. She knew she couldn't keep this up for long. If only Naruto would do something, say something. Anything to show he was still there, still alive.

But he remained silent, trapped in his own mind. The dark wizard took advantage of this weakness and swung his blade. Its edge aimed directly for Naruto's neckline.

"No!" Virgo cried in rage as he blocked the weapon with her forearms. Blood leaked down her body as she was cut by the man's weapon. "You will not harm him!"

Desperate, Virgo kicked at the dark wizard and pushed him back. It was a feeble attempt and the man looked more annoyed if anything.

"Just give me the key and no one has to die." The man began diplomatically, but his twisted smile hinted at other motives.

Virgo knew the man was lying. He was going to kill Naruto. He would kill Layla next. Virgo duty bound to her master wouldn't let that happen.

Dashing forward, Virgo tried to stop the man, but he was far too fast. A fist already planted into her stomach. His strength pushed her up into the air. Virgo hardly had a second to glance at her Master. To see his motionless form before a second fist crashed against her cheek and sent her flying into a tree.

"Master." Virgo cried out as she slipped onto the ground and stumbled.

The dark wizard took advantage of Virgo's momentary hesitation, striking with precision. His hand glided through the air, and before she could react, he ripped the Celestial Spirit Key from Naruto's neck with a swift, brutal motion.

"No!" Virgo cried, her heart pounding as she stumbled toward Naruto, desperate to protect him. "Give it back!"

The wizard grinned triumphantly, holding Virgo's key aloft. "With this, I'll fetch a fine price on the black market. Lady Layla's spirits will make me rich beyond my wildest dreams!"

"That isn't yours to take!" Virgo screamed with anger as she ran at the man in desperation. Helpless to do nothing besides watch him extend his hand outward. A twister of violent wings hurling her hard against another tree with a hard crash.

"Just disappear." The dark wizard ordered with venom in his words. "I'm sure your next master will make you just as happy."

Virgo feeling her pull on the human world fading started to dissipate into a cluster of golden light. Helpless to do anything for the boy she loved so dearly.

"Naruto!" Virgo cried in absolute horror as she faded. Watching the evil man lift the blade of his scythe up for a decisive blow.

Yet before Virgo fully vanished. A single voice rang out with striking fury.

"Open! Gate of the Water Bearer, Aquarius!"

(Present)

Naruto's voice cracked as he turned back to Virgo, searching her expression for more answers. "Virgo… what happened after? Why can't I remember? How did I survive against someone who beat you so easily?"

Virgo shook her head solemnly. "I'm sorry, Master. I was not with you during those events. The moment i was sent back into the Celestial Spirit World I didn't know what happened. By the time I returned to the human world I was sold on the black market."

Naruto's heart sank, the crushing weight of not knowing pressing down on him once again. Before he could dwell on the uncertainty, Aquarius, who had been silent up until now, casually flipped her hair, a smirk tugging at her lips.

"You heard Virgo. That is when I showed up, remember?" Aquarius said, her tone nonchalant. "You were a complete mess back then, but I straightened you out. Typical brat, always getting yourself into trouble. I had to teach you how to survive. It took awhile, but I eventually got you back to being you."

Naruto looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "You're right… you were there when no one else was. But it still doesn't explain everything. I feel like there are more gaps… like something's still missing. I only remember being with you after Mom died."

Aquarius folded her arms and turned away with a huff. "I did my part, kid. If you want to remember every little detail, that's on you. Not my job to piece together your entire past."

Naruto couldn't help but frown faintly at Aquarius's attitude. She was as brash as ever, but that was her way of showing she cared. Despite the unresolved mysteries surrounding his past, the pieces he had gained now were enough to fill him with a strange sense of comfort. At least he knew more about who he was. About the source behind his mother's sickness.

Natsu, who had been quietly watching, clapped Naruto on the back with a grin. "See? You're getting answers, bit by bit. Now that we know more, we can figure out the rest together. You've got Fairy Tail with you now!"

Naruto's blue eyes softened at his words. The idea of having a family, even if it wasn't by blood, meant more to him than he could put into words. He nodded, a sense of resolve beginning to grow in his chest.

"Yeah… we'll figure it out." He glanced at Aquarius and Virgo, feeling a warmth from their presence. "Thank you, both of you. Even if there are gaps… I feel like I'm starting to understand more about who I am."

"Of course Master! Anything for you." Virgo replied with a bow, but her eyes kept locked onto Aquarius.

"Good in that case, let's return home." Aquarius ordered sternly with a flick of her tail. "We will need to keep busy to earn rent money."

Naruto nodded and dismissed his spirits. "Yeah, let's head back home."

Natsu and Happy both pumped their fists into the air. "To Fairy Tail!"

(Celestial Spirit World)

In the Celestial Spirit World, a serene yet ethereal atmosphere surrounded Virgo and Aquarius as they stood by a shimmering lake. The sky was a swirling mixture of blues and purples, with stars glimmering softly in the distance. Virgo, ever dutiful and straightforward, looked toward Aquarius with a questioning gaze.

"Lady Aquarius." Virgo began in her calm, respectful tone. "Why are you keeping certain memories from Master Naruto? You were obviously summoned by someone to aid Naruto, but you made sure to control the conversation earlier. Almost as if you don't wish him to remember what happened."

Aquarius, gazing out over the tranquil water, didn't turn to meet Virgo's eyes. Her posture was relaxed but guarded, as if she was expecting this question. She swirled her jar of water thoughtfully before answering.

"Some things." Aquarius started, her voice cool and unwavering. "Are better left forgotten. Not everything from his past is worth dredging up. Naruto's already gone through enough without being burdened by all the details."

Virgo tilted her head slightly. "But wouldn't it benefit him to know everything? To fully understand who he is and where he came from?"

Aquarius finally turned, her expression firm but tinged with something deeper. Concern. "Those memories hold no answers he needs. They are memories that hold nothing but pain. He's been through a lot, Virgo, and bringing up the dark moments won't help him now. Some experiences, no matter how much they shape you, are better left buried."

"But…" Virgo hesitated, trying to make sense of Aquarius' words. "What if those memories could help him in the future? Isn't it his right to decide?"

Aquarius' eyes narrowed slightly, though not in anger, but in deep contemplation. "I was with Naruto when he was at his lowest just like you. But I was there to see him recover and he nearly didn't. The things he's forgotten… they're not just events. They're wounds. He may never heal if they're forced back into the light. And honestly, he's better off without them."

Virgo's gaze softened. "You're protecting him."

Aquarius scoffed lightly, though there was an undeniable softness in her tone. "Don't get sentimental on me, Virgo. I'm just saying… not every memory is a gift. Some are curses. And I won't let him be destroyed by something that can't be changed. I will protect him."

Virgo looked down for a moment, her loyalty to Naruto weighing against her understanding of Aquarius' reasoning. "Understood, Lady Aquarius. But… should Naruto remember, what will you do?"

Aquarius glanced back at the lake, her voice now barely above a whisper. "Then I'll be there. Just like before. Because no matter what, he's my idiot."

"Our." Virgo corrected with a smile.

Aquarius rolled her eyes. "Just don't go telling him I said all this."

Virgo nodded, understanding that while Aquarius' methods were harsh, her intentions were to shield Naruto from a darkness that could swallow him whole. In the stillness of the Celestial Spirit World, the two spirits stood quietly, knowing that sometimes protection meant withholding the truth, even if it hurt.

Aquarius and Virgo stayed in silence, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air. The tranquil lake before them rippled faintly, as if echoing the tension between the two Celestial Spirits. Then, instinctively, they both glanced up at the sky above.

The stars, once vibrant and shining, seemed to flicker. The constellations of Leo, Cancer, Taurus, and Capricorn were considerably dim compared to the others.

Virgo's expression tensed, her usual composure slipping as she watched the constellations with a disheartened expression. "Have you heard anything about those four?"

Aquarius remained quiet, her eyes narrowing at the sky. "Oddly enough, I've found Leo." she muttered, her voice low, laced with concern. "He's masquerading as a Fairy Tail wizard for some reason, but the others. Those three are still missing."

"You were there when their keys vanished weren't you?"

Aquarius nodded. "As was Naruto. That event was the last incident before he became himself again."

"Could you tell me more about those events?"

Aquarius let a long sigh escape her lips. "If I must."

(Chapter End)

And another chapter is done. Hope you enjoyed the first glimpse into Naruto's past, as there will be a couple chapters like this in the future, but only when they correlate to what's going on in the present.

Also I've gotten a lot of comments and PM's about making Juvia the pairing over Brandish. If enough people want that I can vibe with the best girl, but only if enough want it and before I get into where Brandish would appear.

Anyway thanks for reading and I'll see you next time.