"Speech"
'Thoughts'
"Magic"
Chapter 11: Partyblessed
(Three years ago, Naruto age 13)
Leaving his old home behind. Naruto and Aquarius had settled in a new town months ago, though it never truly felt like home. It was more of a place to survive, to lay low for a while, but never a place to belong. The townspeople had made sure of that. They looked at Naruto with disdain, whispering behind his back, casting him the blame for every misfortune that befell the town. Crops withered? Must be the cursed boy. A bad storm hit the town? It had to be the mute wizard.
It was unfair, but they treated him like he was the source of all their problems, an outcast who carried bad luck with every step. Who really just happened to show up in town at the wrong time.
Still this hatred and misery was better than returning to the empty Heartfilia Estate. That place was a shell of its former glory. A place filled with nothing except for loneliness. No family, no servants and no joy.
Aquarius knew Naruto needed to be away from that place if he was to get better. Yet right now it seemed like there was no place he belonged. Still with how dangerous the world could be and how vulnerable Naruto was. She couldn't afford to risk taking him somewhere other than this town who hated him for simply existing.
Aquarius, who had taken on the form of a human to blend in, lived with Naruto. She played the role of his guardian, but in truth, she was so much more. Being the one who shielded him from the worst of the town's hate. Her presence, though stoic and sharp, kept the townspeople from acting out too boldly. Yet, despite her best efforts, the air around them was thick with tension. Each day felt like walking on the edge of a knife, trying to avoid tipping into disaster.
Today, like many others, Naruto and Aquarius were heading into town for supplies. Naruto, his face blank and emotionless, walked beside her, his gaze fixed on the ground. His blond hair, once lively and bright, hung limp against his forehead, and his eyes, formally so full of determination, were dulled. He was just a shadow of his former self, lost in a haze that he couldn't shake.
Aquarius, having her blue hair pulled back and her face set in a hard expression, walked with him. Her posture was stiff, her eyes flicking from one villager to the next, always wary. She could feel the hatred in the air, feel the unease that followed them with each step.
She hated it. Hated how these humans could treat a child like Naruto. It was as if they had nothing better to do than find someone to blame for their miserable lives, and unfortunately, Naruto was an easy target.
As they passed by a group of townspeople, Aquarius overheard a woman's voice, low and spiteful. "There he goes again, the cursed boy. Ever since he showed up, things have only gotten worse around here."
A man beside her grunted in agreement. "I've heard he's a wizard. Probably using some kind of dark magic. No wonder our crops are failing."
Aquarius clenched her jaw, her fists tightening at her sides. She wanted to snap back, to tell them off, but she knew it would only make things worse. Drawing attention to themselves never ended well. She glanced down at Naruto, wondering if he'd heard them, but his face was as blank as ever. He just kept walking, as if their words didn't matter. Though she knew better. Even in his emotionless state, she could tell it weighed on him.
He was making progress after all. As slow as that progress might be. Still she was going to fix him no matter what. For Layla and Grammi she wouldn't give up on him.
Eventually they reached the market, where people quickly stepped aside as they approached, giving them a wide berth. No one made eye contact. No one offered even a semblance of kindness. It was as if Naruto carried a plague with him, infecting anyone who got too close. Aquarius, though used to it by now, felt the familiar sting of anger rising in her chest.
She picked up a few supplies of bread, dried meats, and some vegetables that looked barely fresh enough to eat. The vendors didn't speak to them, only handing over the goods with curt nods, eager to be rid of them. Aquarius paid in silence, her gaze cold and unyielding as she met their eyes, daring them to say anything. Of course none of them did.
Once they had what they needed, they turned to leave, but not before one of the vendors muttered under his breath, "I don't know why you bother with that boy. He's nothing but trouble."
Aquarius stopped in her tracks. Her sharp blue eyes locked onto the man, and for a moment, the air around them seemed to thicken with tension. She took a step closer, her voice low and dangerous. "You'd do well to keep your mouth shut. You know nothing about him."
The man paled slightly but didn't back down. "We know enough. Ever since you two arrived, this town's been cursed. You should leave before things get worse."
Aquarius leaned in, her face inches from his. "He's just a child."
The vendor swallowed hard, averting his eyes, and Aquarius turned away, her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her anger only soothing the moment Naruto's soft hand latched onto her fist. He wasn't looking at anything besides the ground, but his touch said more than any words.
Aquarius sighing softly simply led Naruto away from the market, her heart pounding with fury. She wanted to tear these people apart, to make them see how wrong they were. But she couldn't. It wasn't her place. Her job was to protect Naruto.
They walked in silence for a while, the sun beginning to set, casting long shadows across the narrow streets. The small, rundown house they lived in came into view, nestled at the edge of town. It wasn't much, but it was theirs. For now, at least.
Aquarius sighed as they reached the door, her hand resting on Naruto's shoulder for a brief moment. "Let's get inside."
Naruto nodded numbly, still lost in his own world, and stepped into the house. Aquarius followed, closing the door behind them. Inside, the world was quiet, insulated from the hate that lingered outside. But even here, the weight of the town's resentment pressed down on them.
Aquarius sat down at the small table, watching as Naruto moved to sit across from her. She studied him, her heart aching for the boy who had been through so much, who had lost so much of himself. She didn't know how to bring him back, how to fix the pieces that had been shattered. But she would try. She would protect him, no matter what.
"You're better than what those idiots think." She said softly, though she wasn't sure if he heard her. "I promise we will leave this miserable town soon. It's too dangerous right now so you're going to have to hold out for me. Too many dark guilds roam the kingdom and I can't always protect you."
Naruto said nothing, his eyes distant, but Aquarius knew that somewhere deep inside, he was still there, still fighting, even if it didn't seem like it. And she would be there beside him, no matter how long it took.
(A week later)
The moon hung low in the night sky, casting a pale, ghostly light over the small, dilapidated house Naruto and Aquarius called home. It was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of wind through the trees. Inside, Naruto sat at the table, staring blankly ahead, his mind distant, as it often was. His golden hair, now dirtied with the struggles of the day, fell into his eyes, but he made no effort to push it back. The boy who had once been full of life was now just a hollow shell, lost in the weight of his past.
Aquarius, still taking the form of a human to blend in with the town, was seated across from him, her sharp blue eyes watching him carefully. She knew he was barely present, a husk of the child he had once been, and that broke something inside her. Though her words were often cutting, her heart softened when it came to Naruto. She had been with him for so long now, protecting him, guiding him, and in moments like these, her fierce loyalty showed through in ways she couldn't express in words.
The candlelight flickered between them, casting long shadows on the cracked walls of their home. A part of her, the part that was always on edge, knew something wasn't right tonight. The town had grown increasingly hostile, whispers turning to threats, and now, under the cover of darkness, she could sense something sinister brewing.
A sudden, sharp knock rattled the door, followed by muffled voices. Aquarius's body stiffened immediately. She stood, her gaze turning icy as she glanced at Naruto, who remained unmoving.
The knock came again, louder this time, followed by a jeering voice outside. "Oi, cursed boy! You still hiding in there? Thought you could bring your bad luck to our town? Maybe it's time you both leave before things get worse."
Aquarius's hand clenched into a fist. She could hear more voices now, murmuring just beyond the door. The townspeople, emboldened by the darkness and the anonymity it brought, had gathered, hoping to scare them off. Their threats had been building for weeks, and now it seemed they had grown tired of waiting.
She crossed the room in an instant, pulling Naruto up from the table. "Stay close." She said, her voice a low, protective growl. She pulled him toward the small bedroom, out of sight from the windows. Even though he was unresponsive, she knew that deep down, some part of him understood the danger.
Outside, the laughter turned cruel. Rocks clattered against the side of the house, striking the worn wood with sharp cracks. Shadows moved against the windows, and someone pounded on the door again.
Aquarius's eyes narrowed as she heard the words being shouted through the door.
"Leave this place! You bring nothing but misfortune! We don't want your kind here!"
Aquarius wasn't one to stand by and let others torment them. Her fierce spirit stirred, and even in her human form, her power simmered beneath the surface. If they thought they could scare Naruto away, they were sorely mistaken.
She stepped toward the door, her posture rigid with anger, her hand gripping the doorknob. Before opening it, she spoke softly to Naruto, who stood listlessly beside her. "Stay here. I'll deal with this."
She swung the door open with a sudden force, causing the group of townspeople to stumble back in surprise. Their sneering expressions faltered when they met Aquarius's cold, unyielding gaze. Her sharp blue eyes scanned the crowd, making each one of them feel the weight of her presence.
"What do you want?" Her voice was calm, but it carried a dangerous edge, as if daring them to push her further.
The ringleader, a burly man with a crooked grin, stepped forward. He seemed emboldened by the crowd behind him. "We've had enough of you two. You bring bad luck to this town. People are saying it's because of him!" He pointed a thick finger in the direction of the house. "We are starting to realize he's a dark wizard."
Aquarius crossed her arms, her expression completely unamused. "And you think throwing rocks and yelling in the night will solve your problems? You're fools."
The man's grin faltered, but he pressed on, puffing out his chest. "You need to leave, before we make you. We won't let some cursed wizard destroy our lives."
Aquarius took a step forward, her presence commanding, and the group instinctively backed away. Though she wasn't in her full form, the power radiating from her was unmistakable. "Naruto has done nothing to you. If you think you can blame him for your problems, then you're even more pathetic than I thought. Still the only person leaving will be you. Unless you wish to fight me?"
Her words struck deep, and the crowd shifted uneasily. But the man wasn't ready to back down just yet. "You think you can protect him forever? One day, your luck will run out, and when it does, we'll be waiting."
Aquarius's lips curved into a dangerous smile. "Is that a threat? Because if you want to make this a fight, I'll be more than happy to oblige." Her voice was low and threatening, her eyes narrowing as she dared them to take a step closer.
The group hesitated. They had come hoping to scare her, to make them leave, but the intensity in her gaze made it clear they had severely underestimated her. One by one, they began to back away, their bravado fading. The man who had led them sneered, but even he couldn't hide his fear. "This isn't over."
"Go home." Aquarius said sharply. "And if I catch you near this house again, I won't be so forgiving next time."
The group dispersed, their footsteps hurried as they retreated into the night. Aquarius watched them go, her fists still clenched, her body tense. Once they were gone, she closed the door behind her, locking it with a sharp click.
Naruto was still standing where she had left him, his gaze distant, as though he hadn't registered what had happened. Aquarius sighed softly, walking over to him and gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's over for now." She said quietly. "They won't bother us tonight."
Naruto didn't respond, but Aquarius could feel the weight of his silence. She guided him back to the small bedroom, settling him down on the worn-out mattress. The house creaked with the wind outside, but for the moment, it was quiet again.
Aquarius sat down beside him, brushing a stray lock of hair away from his face. "They don't understand you, Naruto." She said softly. "But I'm here. I'll always be here."
Naruto didn't speak, but for a brief moment, his eyes flickered with something. Something beyond the emptiness that usually filled them. It wasn't much, but it was enough for Aquarius to keep fighting, to keep protecting him, no matter how many nights like this they had to face.
(A month later)
Naruto wandered aimlessly through the quiet streets, his hands resting at his side, his eyes as distant as ever. Aquarius had left him alone for a short while to gather supplies, trusting him enough to not stray too far.
His feet carried him down a familiar path near the edge of the market, where he could hear the muffled sounds of people going about their business, though they avoided him. He never really understood why they hated him so much. They didn't know him, not really. Yet every time he passed by, he could feel their eyes on him, hear their whispered curses.
He paused near a wooden fence, the quiet buzz of the market just beyond it. His head hung low, his golden hair falling over his eyes as he stood there, alone in a world that seemed to want nothing to do with him.
He had no family, no memories and the entire world felt like a jumbled fuzzy mess. Still he at least had Aquarius. The single constant that kept him moving.
"Hi!" A small, bright voice suddenly broke through his thoughts.
Naruto looked up, surprised to see a young girl standing a few feet away from him. She couldn't have been older than seven or eight, her wide, innocent eyes shining with curiosity. She had brown hair tied up in a loose ponytail and wore a simple dress that swayed slightly in the breeze. Unlike everyone else, there wasn't any fear or disdain in her gaze. Just curiosity.
Naruto blinked at her, unsure how to respond. Words were difficult for him and he struggled to communicate.
"Are you lost?" The girl asked, tilting her head to the side as she stepped a little closer. "You look sad."
Naruto shifted uncomfortably, his hand slightly shaking. He didn't know what to say. He wasn't used to this. Words formed around his mind, but everything was just a haze.
"Lana! Get away from him!"
The girl's eyes widened in alarm as her mother stormed over, grabbing her by the arm and yanking her away from Naruto. The woman's face was twisted in a scowl, her gaze filled with fear and hatred as she glared at him.
"Don't you dare talk to that boy!" She hissed at her daughter before turning her venomous gaze on Naruto. "You stay away from my child, you hear me? We don't want your kind here. You're cursed, and I won't have you bringing more bad luck to this town or my daughter!"
Naruto's face remained blank, though the sting of her words cut deep. He didn't move, didn't react. This wasn't new to him. He had heard it all before. Cursed. Strange. A wizard who didn't belong.
The girl, Lana, looked confused and a little frightened, but she didn't say anything as her mother pulled her further away. Her innocent curiosity was quickly overshadowed by the fear instilled by the town.
Just then, Aquarius appeared, her eyes narrowing at the sight of the woman. She had sensed something was wrong and had hurried back, now standing protectively beside Naruto. She glanced between the woman and Naruto, her normally calm demeanor cracking as anger simmered just below the surface.
"You dare speak to him that way?" Aquarius's voice was low, dangerous. Her blue eyes flashed with an intensity that made the woman flinch. "He's done nothing to you. You and your lot blame him for things that aren't even his fault."
The woman, though clearly terrified, puffed herself up, unwilling to back down in front of her daughter. "He's a wizard! Wizards bring nothing but trouble! This town was peaceful before he came here! Since then, we've had bad harvests, illness, and now rumors of dark guilds lurking around. It's all his fault, and we won't have him here!"
Aquarius's hands clenched into fists at her sides, her fury barely contained. She wanted nothing more than to put the woman in her place, to make her see just how wrong she was. But she knew it wouldn't change anything. The town had already made up its mind about Naruto, and fighting back would only make things worse.
She glanced at Naruto, who stood there, his expression unreadable, his eyes dull. He had been through this too many times. He didn't even flinch when people lashed out at him. It tore at her heart.
Aquarius took a step forward, her voice cold and laced with warning. "You should be careful who you threaten, woman. Naruto is a kind and gentle boy. I on the other hand am quite the opposite."
The woman paled, quickly dragging her daughter away, her voice quivering as she muttered something about "cursed wizards" and "bad luck." They disappeared down the street, leaving Naruto and Aquarius alone once more.
Aquarius watched them go, her anger still boiling under the surface. She turned back to Naruto, her gaze softening as she saw the way he had retreated into himself again. He didn't say anything, just stood there, staring at the ground.
Aquarius sighed, stepping closer to him. She reached out, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "Naruto…"
He didn't respond. He didn't even seem to notice.
Aquarius's heart ached for him, for the way he was treated so unfairly, for the way he had shut down emotionally just to survive. She wanted to tell him it wasn't his fault, that he wasn't cursed, that he was worth so much more than what these people believed. But the words wouldn't reach him. Not yet.
"Let's go home." She finally said, her voice softer now. "We don't need to be here any longer."
Naruto nodded slowly, his movements sluggish, as if every step took effort. Aquarius stayed close, her protective presence ever watchful as they turned and headed back toward their run-down home on the outskirts of town, the weight of the town's hatred pressing down on them both.
The streets of the small town were unusually quiet as Naruto and Aquarius walked side by side, the sunset light casting long shadows over the cobblestones. Aquarius, in her human form, kept a protective arm near Naruto's shoulder, her sharp eyes scanning the street with every step. The townspeople barely acknowledged their presence, casting them only bitter, sideways glances. Their murmurs and superstitious fears about the strange boy and his protector had long since grown into open disdain.
Naruto, his face expressionless, walked silently beside her. The vibrant energy he once had was buried deep beneath layers of pain and fear, leaving behind the hollow shell of a boy who had learned to endure more than most. His golden hair, matted and a bit wild, hung over his dull eyes. He didn't seem to notice the glares or the whispers anymore.
As they passed the market square, Aquarius's grip tightened subtly, her sharp instincts sensing something off. She noticed the absence of the usual bustling crowds and the eerie silence hanging in the air. It felt wrong—too quiet for a town that had been stirring only moments before. She shot a glance at Naruto, who walked beside her, still lost in his own world.
Then, from the corner of her eye, she saw them.
A group of dark figures moved through the narrow alleyways on the other side of the square. Their black cloaks and malicious intent were unmistakable. Aquarius's body tensed immediately. A dark guild. Of course, they'd choose a defenseless, isolated town to make their move.
Before Naruto could register what was happening, Aquarius's hand shot out, grabbing his arm firmly. "Stay close." She muttered under her breath, her tone sharper than usual.
Naruto barely blinked, his eyes trailing after her as she tugged him to the side, weaving them both between the narrow spaces between buildings. She led him behind an old, decrepit structure, positioning them behind a stack of crates just as the first sounds of chaos erupted in the distance. Shouts, screams, and the clash of weapons filled the air, the once quiet town quickly descending into panic.
From their hidden position, Aquarius peered around the corner, her sharp eyes catching glimpses of the attackers moving through the streets. They were ruthless, striking down anyone who got in their way. The townspeople, already fearful and suspicious of wizards, were easy prey for the dark guild.
Aquarius clenched her fists, a deep rage bubbling beneath her calm surface. She hated these people for how they treated Naruto, but even they didn't deserve this. Still her first and only priority was Naruto. He wasn't ready for this, not in his current state. He wouldn't survive if he were caught in the middle of this. She glanced back at him, his face still eerily calm, as if he didn't even register the danger around them.
"Its okay." Aquarius whispered, her voice low but firm. "Don't move. We will wait for a chance and then run."
Naruto didn't respond, his eyes distant, barely acknowledging her words. Aquarius frowned, feeling the sting of how deeply disconnected he was from the world, but she didn't have time to dwell on it.
Peeking around the corner again, she saw one of the guild members approaching their direction, scanning the alleyways. Her heart raced. She couldn't let them find Naruto.
Aquarius quickly ducked back behind the crates, pushing Naruto further into the shadows. She crouched low, her mind racing. Her magic was powerful, but if she had been in the human world for too long. She was weakened and even if she was at full strength. She couldn't defeat an entire dark guild.
The footsteps drew closer, and Aquarius held her breath. She could hear the guild member's slow, deliberate steps as he searched the area. The sounds of chaos continued in the background, screams of fear and the clash of steel echoing through the streets.
Naruto, still lost in his emotional void, didn't even seem to register the danger. His gaze remained distant, unfocused, and it pained Aquarius to see him like this. She crouched beside him, her hand hovering near his shoulder, ready to pull him further into the shadows if necessary.
The wizard paused near the crates, his dark eyes scanning the area, suspicious. Aquarius tensed, her body coiled like a spring, ready to act if needed. She prayed he wouldn't look too closely.
After what felt like an eternity, the man seemed to decide there was nothing there. With a grunt, he turned and moved away, joining the chaos further down the street.
Aquarius exhaled slowly, her muscles finally relaxing. She glanced at Naruto, who hadn't moved at all during the entire encounter. His vacant expression remained unchanged, his mind seemingly elsewhere, far removed from the danger that had just passed them by.
Aquarius placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch gentle but firm. "We need to stay hidden until it's safe." She whispered, her voice softening for him. "I'll protect you, Naruto. I promise."
Naruto's eyes flickered briefly, but there was no sign of understanding, no spark of the boy he once was. He simply nodded, though it was more of a reflex than a conscious response.
Aquarius's heart ached, but she steeled herself. Now wasn't the time for emotions. She had to stay focused, to keep them both safe until the threat had passed. She knew the dark guild wouldn't stay long—they were here to pillage, not settle. But for now, all they could do was wait in the shadows and hope that the violence would move on without claiming any more lives.
Naruto peeked behind the crates with Aquarius, his body stiff as chaos tore through the streets of the town. Explosions from dark magic echoed like thunder, filling the air with the acrid smell of smoke and burning wood. The evil men attacking the town showed no mercy, striking down anyone who crossed their path. People screamed, running for their lives, and every few moments, Naruto could hear the thud of another building collapsing under the barrage of spells.
His fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, and his heart hammered in his chest. He could feel every part of himself tense, frozen in place by a mix of fear, helplessness, and something deeper that he couldn't fully understand. These people had never shown him kindness. They had shunned him, called him cursed, and blamed him for every misfortune that fell upon them. They despised him for just existing and yet, seeing them now, seeing the suffering and the chaos unfold before his eyes. It twisted something inside him.
"Naruto." Aquarius whispered urgently. "We need to stay hidden. This isn't our fight."
Naruto's eyes were wide as he watched the dark guild wreak havoc, people falling left and right, families torn apart in an instant. A powerful blast of fire from a guild member crashed into a nearby shop, sending debris flying through the air. The flames illuminated the terrified faces of the townspeople, their cries ringing in Naruto's ears.
He opened his mouth to speak, but his throat tightened, the words choking him. He wanted to help, but Aquarius' grip on his arm was firm, pulling him back, telling him to stay hidden. His mind raced, torn between fear and something else, something he couldn't yet put into words.
And then, in the midst of the chaos, a voice echoed in his mind. Deep, calming, and familiar. It was his father's voice, clear as day, as though Minato were standing right beside him.
A memory. An echo. Returning to him.
"Somebody has to go first and do what is right. Because it is right. If not then others won't follow."
Naruto's breath hitched. His father's words echoed again, steady and sure, filling him with a warmth he hadn't felt in a long time.
"You can be that person Naruto. Be the kind of man who steps first. Who protects those who need you."
Naruto's heart thudded against his chest, his body shaking with emotion he had buried for too long. He turned to Aquarius, his blue eyes locked onto her in a way that startled her. For the first time since they had been together, there was fire behind his eyes.
"We have to protect them."
Aquarius blinked, taken aback by the sudden change in him. "Naruto forget about them. You just spoke!"
Naruto balled his fists. "They're going to die Aquarius. I need to protect them."
An explosion rocked the earth beside them and Aquarius leaned forward. Her gentle touch resting on his arm. "Naruto. See reason here. This town is lost."
Naruto locked eyes with his spirit. Eyes that were once so dulled now filled with a tempest of emotions. "Aquarius… I'm not going to ignore their pain. I'm going to save them."
"Naruto, these people hate you. They blame you for everything that goes wrong. They don't deserve your help."
Naruto's gaze didn't waver. His voice, quiet but firm, carried a weight that Aquarius hadn't heard from him before. "Someone has to step forward and do what's right. Not because they deserve it. But because it's right." His eyes softened, filled with a mixture of resolve and sadness. "If no one else is willing to help, then I'll be the person to start."
Aquarius' grip on his arm loosened, her eyes searching his face for any sign of doubt, but there was none. Naruto stood there, still as the storm of destruction raged around them, his heart steady for the first time in years.
"Lend me your strength, Aquarius." Naruto said, his voice unwavering. "I can't do this alone, but I'll fight. I'll fight because someone has to."
"You can't…"
"I can." Naruto snapped back with a surprising amount of firmness. "I can't explain how, but I know that I can save them."
Aquarius stared at him, her expression unreadable. This was the same boy she had protected for so long, the one who had been broken, lost, and filled with pain. And now, he stood before her, no longer the empty shell she had known, but a boy on the verge of something more.
She let out a long breath, her hardened gaze softening. "You're a fool, Naruto. But you're my fool." Her voice was low but filled with something akin to admiration. "Fine. You want my strength? You'll have it."
Naruto smiled, the first real smile Aquarius had seen from him. "Thank you."
The ground shook as another explosion rocked the street, and Naruto stood, his fists tightening with determination. The cries of the townspeople rang out louder than ever, but this time, he wasn't frozen. He wasn't afraid. He was ready to step forward.
He reached outward, taking Aquarius by the hand. Yet this wasn't like before. When Naruto would hold her hand for support. No this time Naruto exploded with magical power. Surging outward like a golden beacon in the night. Illuminating the entire town with his brilliance. Then grabbing the attention of the dark wizards slaughtering the town, Naruto stood strong. One hand held outward to his side, while an exuberant golden trident rested at the ready in his other.
The power coursing through Naruto felt like an ancient memory reawakened, a deep instinct he hadn't realized was there until this moment. His muscles, once rigid and stiff, moved with a purpose he hadn't felt before. The trident in his hand pulsed, and he gripped it with a newfound confidence.
Aquarius's surprised by the new form she had taken glowed in Naruto's hand. Feeling the surge of a bond forming as she poured her magic into him.
"Naruto, this is dangerous." She murmured, a trace of worry in her voice. "They're powerful dark wizards and they have numbers. You need to…"
"It's okay Aquarius." Naruto replied, his voice steady and overflowing with confidence. "What matters is that no one else gets hurt." He glanced at Aquarius, looking at his own reflection in her weapon form. "You've been my strength for so long. Now I'll be theirs."
The dark wizards noticed him, their mocking smiles replaced by looks of surprise at the blinding light. One of them sneered, brandishing a heavy, jagged sword, dark magic dripping from the blade like venom. "Well, well, looks like we've got ourselves a little hero. Think you can take us all on, kid?"
Naruto didn't reply. Instead, he snapped into a stance his body remembered, knees bent, trident raised. The instincts guided his movements, his grip steady as he faced the wizard.
As the attacker lunged, Naruto reacted without thinking. His body moving like a whisper of muscle memory. He sidestepped, dodging the blow with a fluidity that surprised even himself, and swept the trident's handle around in a controlled arc. The weapon connected with the wizard's legs, knocking him off balance, but Naruto didn't pause. The wizard scrambled to his feet, fury blazing in his eyes, only to be met with a flash of golden light as Naruto thrust his trident forward, sending a spiral of water that sent his opponent sprawling back, unconscious.
Aquarius gasped, as Naruto fought with a grace and skill that should've been impossible for someone so young, someone without ever showing any sign of ability. Someone who for the last few years had practically been a husk of a person. Still you don't marvel at a bird's first flight. Just like you shouldn't be shocked when Naruto Heartfilia takes to a battle like he's done it a thousand times before.
"You're incredible." Aquarius whispered softly. Her voice lost in the whirlwind of battle and Naruto's movements.
The dark guild members faltered, uncertain, their laughter fading as they took in the sight of the young boy standing before them, unshaken. His bright glowing blue eyes pierced through them in the darkness.
"He's just a child! We can beat him!" One of the dark wizards yelled, rallying the others, as several charged at once, weapons and magic readied.
Naruto raised the trident, spinning it in his hand, feeling the energy from Aquarius surge through him. "Let's end this."
Naruto rocketed forward and met the first wizard head-on, dodging blows and moving with the grace of someone experienced, someone trained. Thrusting Aquarius forward and pushing a torrent of water into another dark wizard. Spinning quickly on his heel to use her to block an attack from the side.
Then with a kata and technique that could only be forged through rigorous training. Naruto moved like a tempest that batted another three dark wizards into the ground.
"Naruto, they are still attacking the villagers!" Aquarius shouted, her voice fierce, pouring more of her strength into his weapon. It gleamed brighter in his hand, crackling with the power of their combined magic.
"No!' Naruto yelled as he saw a dark wizard approaching a defenseless mother and child. A spear held ready to impale them both.
Naruto adjusted his grip, memories of his father's words urging him forward.
"From this day onward. You're inheriting my will to protect others. A will of fire."
"No." Naruto began as his feet started to carry him forward. Unaware of the remarkable speed in which he was actually moving with.
The mother clutching her daughter closed her eyes and held the child close. Trying to shield the small child from harm. Yet the harm never came. Instead she simply heard an unfamiliar voice.
"You will not hurt them!" Naruto roared as a ball of water swirled within his free hand. A swirling spiral that he smashed into the dark wizard's backside. Sending the man flying away from the mother and child.
"It's you!" The woman gasped in shock.
Naruto didn't respond. Instead he snapped back to the remaining dark wizards. His stance was strong and protective. An echo of a woman floating through his mind. He didn't know where it came from, but it was words he found himself repeating.
"You will not have them!" Naruto shouted as Aquarius was in awe in his hands. Hearing the boy mimic the words Grammi used when protecting him. Yet here he was now protecting those who didn't even deserve it.
"He's just one kid!" A dark wizard yelled in disbelief.
"How is he that powerful?" Another cried in fear.
Naruto's gaze swept over the remaining dark wizards, his voice calm, his resolve unshakable. "You've hurt these people enough." He called out, his voice strong enough to make the remaining attackers hesitate. "If you're going to hurt anyone else, then you'll have to get through me first."
As they stood frozen in fear, Naruto moved on instinct, evading blows, deflecting spells. His mind was blank, yet he felt each move, each strike, as though he had practiced them a thousand times. One by one, he took them down, each clash a testament to the strength he had tucked away within his memories.
Soon he found only a handful left standing. So his body shrouded in a golden aura of celestial magic, Naruto took flight into the sky. Floating high above for all to see as a massive ball of water began to swirl around the points of his trident. Then without warning the ball erupted into a flurry of snake-like dragon heads that crashed down onto the last of the dark wizards without mercy.
Naruto, seeing not a single dark wizard left standing, smiled. "We did it."
Aquarius shimmering out of her weapon form took a smaller miniature form by his head. "This was all you Naruto. You were amazing."
The townspeople all in disbelief looked at the golden clad boy floating above. His eyes once so dull shimmered like two bright blue beacons of life. No longer was he the cursed boy who they blamed for their misfortune. No. Now he was something much more. A blessed star in the night who had saved them.
He was Naruto Starblessed.
(Present)
The moon hung high above the party, casting a soft glow over the celebration between Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord. Lights flickered below as laughter and music filled the air. Yet far above the noise, Naruto and Brandish sat perched on one of the thick branches of an enormous tree that Brandish had made abnormally large with her magic.
She came to this party because Naruto was going, but she would be damned if she would participate. Yet as she looked at Naruto overwatching the celebration with a watchful gaze. Brandish couldn't fight back the small smile on her face. She had learned more about Naruto's past recently and she was starting to understand a few things about Naruto. Realizing why the blond meant so much to her, as he was an incredibly kind person. One who she would do anything for.
Even if that was suffering through a party with people she didn't care for.
Still Brandish crossed her arms and rested her back against the tree trunk. "This party is too loud. It's annoying."
Naruto, sitting beside her with one leg dangling off the branch, chuckled. "You could've stayed down there, you know. A little fun wouldn't kill you."
She rolled her eyes, turning her head to glare at him. "I'm only here because you're here. I have no intentions." She paused and curled her fingers. "Of having fun."
Naruto grinned. "Well I'm glad you're here regardless."
Brandish scoffed, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Don't mention it. Especially to Virgo. I don't think she likes the time we spend alone."
"She's just overbearing." Naruto leaned back, hands behind his head as he looked up at the stars. "Still she means well."
Brandish let out a long sigh, looking down at the party below. People danced, laughed, and shouted, unaware of the two sitting far above them. "I heard rumors that Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord never got along. It's surprising to see their little celebration with the few rumors I've been told."
Naruto glanced over at her, a teasing glint in his eye. "Maybe they just like having a good time. Unlike someone I know who pretends she doesn't care but is secretly having fun."
Brandish gave him a sideways glare. "I'm not pretending. This entire thing is just... unnecessary."
Naruto smirked. "Sure, but I saw you eyeing the sweets table earlier."
Brandish's eyes widened for a moment before she regained her composure. "And if I was?"
"Hey don't get so defensive." Naruto teased, leaning closer. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone that the great Brandish has a sweet tooth."
Brandish huffed, shoving him lightly. "You're impossible."
Naruto chuckled and settled back, silence falling between them for a moment. The soft hum of the party below was almost a distant memory from where they sat in the tree. The stars twinkled above them, and the wind whispered through the massive branches.
After a few moments, Brandish spoke again, her voice quieter this time. "Naruto. I have a question that's been bugging me. It's about your family."
Naruto blinked, the teasing grin on his face fading as he turned to look at her. They had been much more open and personal with each other as of late. So he was curious as to what she wanted to know.
"What about them?" Naruto asked, his voice softer now.
Brandish nodded, her green eyes meeting his. "Your sister and father. You don't know what happened to them and your memories about them are gone. What will you do if they're dead?"
Naruto hesitated for a moment, scratching the back of his head. "I want nothing more than to reclaim more of my memories and learn what happened to my family. Still I've thought about the idea of both my father and sister being dead."
"That would make this whole learning about your missing memories pointless. Would it not?"
Naruto smiled softly, a smile that shot straight through Brandish as he gazed into the sky. "No, that's the wrong way of looking at it. We all die Brandish. That's something no one can change, which makes the moments we share all the more precious."
"And makes the loss all the more painful." She countered.
Naruto nodded. "But then you think how lucky you were to have those memories. Those moments. How out of everything that could have happened in this world you had someone loving you. Someone supporting you. When you think about it like that. It seems a little nicer doesn't it?"
"I've never thought about it like that." Brandish admitted softly.
"That's why I want my memories back. Still I've accepted they may never return. That's why I'm going to keep making new memories." Naruto then turned his gaze back to Brandish and locked eyes with the girl. "Even if that memory is avoiding a fun party to sit in a tree with someone who tried to kill me once."
Brandish blushed and slightly inched her body closer to Naruto. "You're never going to let that go are you?"
Naruto shook his head. "Why would I? It was the first time we met. That's something I'll never forget."
Brandish felt her heart swell and she was grateful for the night's darkness hiding her blush. Yet as a rain droplet hit her skin she frowned and held a hand out.
"Rain?" Brandish mumbled with slight annoyance.
"This is a bummer." Naruto sighed as the rain started to downpour. "Looks like the party is gonna get rained out."
"Oh no!" Brandish replied with fake urgency as her expression was blank. "Does that mean we can go home?"
Naruto nodded. "Lower us down."
Not needing to be told twice, Brandish used her magic to shrink the tree down to carry them back to the ground. Then as the duo finally reached the party they saw the festivities being slowed down due to the sudden rain. Some were scattering for cover, but a small group by Naruto and Brandish caught their attention.
It was a group of Phantom Lord wizards circling one of their own. A girl with blue hair and an umbrella.
"Ugh, Juvia, seriously?" One of the Phantom Lord wizards snapped, glaring at the blue-haired water mage. "Can't you keep your emotions in check for one night?"
Juvia, standing off to the side with her umbrella, flinched at the accusation. "Juvia didn't mean to… it's just… Juvia was enjoying the party…"
Another Phantom Lord wizard, clearly frustrated, marched up to her and smacked her umbrella out of her hand. The fabric tore as it hit the ground, and Juvia's eyes widened in shock as the man started to stomp the umbrella in frustration.
"There, now the party and your umbrella are ruined!" The wizard sneered as he walked away.
Naruto balled his fists and was about to make a scene, but he was beaten to the punch by another Fairy Tail wizard.
Gray, who had been watching, his face stony, and without a word, stepped forward. In a swift, practiced movement, he conjured an ice-crafted umbrella, its intricate patterns gleaming in the moonlight as he held it over Juvia, shielding her from the rain with a quiet, confident gesture.
"Here. It wasn't right for your guildmates to do that." Gray said, glancing at her with a look of reassurance. Juvia's eyes widened in awe, and a soft smile crept onto her face as she took the delicate ice umbrella from him, her cheeks faintly coloring.
"Thank you." Juvia whispered softly.
Gray smirked and held his hand to the rain. "If anything, thanks for cooling me down. This party was getting too hot for my liking."
Naruto took in the scene and couldn't hold back a grin. A part of him felt glad someone else saw what was wrong and was willing to step up. Inspired, he summoned his trident with a golden glow. He closed his eyes, focusing his magic into the sky above. The downpour came to an instant halt, as every drop suspended and reshaped into a vast, swirling ball overhead.
Brandish's eyes widened as she watched Naruto effortlessly command the water. She leaned in, her voice low. "You know, if you were going to stop the rain, you could have done it sooner. You know when we were away from this damn party."
Naruto shot her a playful smirk, keeping his focus on maintaining the massive water orb. "Maybe I just wanted you to join the fun." Naruto replied in a teasing voice. "Mind shrinking this down for me?"
Brandish blushed but stifled a smile, lightly nudging him as the massive orb began to shrink, collapsing inward as Naruto and Brandish used their combined power to condense it into a tight, controlled sphere. It hovered above them like a glimmering jewel, casting faint reflections in every direction. People in the crowd looked up in awe, whispers spreading at the sight.
Jose, watching from a distance, narrowed his eyes, jealousy burning in his gaze. Naruto's power, his presence, had the crowd's attention in ways Jose hadn't anticipated. He had heard rumors of Naruto Starblessed, but that unknown girl by his side appeared just as capable.
"Quite the impressive pair?" Makarov began with a cheeky grin as he glanced at Jose.
"I've heard rumors of Starblessed. He seems to live up to his reputation." Jose spoke smoothly. "I was surprised to hear you recruited him."
"Yes, the boy has been an excellent addition to the guild. He isn't labeled as an S-class wizard, but he's easily at that level."
Jose hummed with slight excitement. "That girl seems just as interesting if not more. I'm sure you felt her magic. It was a small display, but her potential is impressive."
Makarov chuckled at the remark. "That's just Naruto's little girlfriend Brandish. Well girlfriend if those brats stop dancing around the topic and actually share their feelings."
"And no Fairy Tail guild mark?" Jose noted.
"She isn't a member of our guild, but don't think you can recruit her." Makarov warned with a snot as he wagged his finger. "That girl is deathly loyal to Naruto. Wherever that boy goes she follows."
Jose narrowed his eyes on the pair. "Hmm I see."
Brandish, inching closer to Naruto, grinned as she murmured. "Now can we leave?"
Naruto shook his head, his gaze softened as he met hers. "And lose out on making more memories with you? Not a chance." His voice held a warmth that even Brandish couldn't resist. For a moment, they stood close, ignoring the crowd and the spectacle around them.
"Fine, but only for you." Brandish whispered softly, a finger jabbing into his chest. "But we are immediately gonna see if any sweets can be salvaged."
Naruto chuckled, letting the water orb shimmer out of existence in a gentle burst of mist. "I'm sure we can find something."
(Chapter End)