A bright red sunset hung over the Dreyar household, a simple cottage situated near the cliff overlooking the ocean. The sweet perfume of fried food flowed from the open windows as Porlyusica finished her cooking duties, carrying hot steaming plates. Today's dinner was comprised of delicious fried chicken wings topped with tomato sauce, and its mouth-watering goodness were a warm welcome for Makarov, Romeo, and Wendy after the events that transpired the past morning. In a large table fit for at least five or six, Porlyusica served the plates to each of the three, then herself. But in the gathering of those present in the dinner table, only one was missing. After dinner was completed, and the dishes were washed and stored away, Makarov, Porlyusica, Romeo, and Wendy sat together in the living room to discuss that chaotic incident.

A displeased Makarov nested his shoulder at the edge of the sofa, and his head never left his knuckles. Natsu accidentally spewed fire that wrecked the whole town of Magnolia, and worse, he and his adoptive family were met by the scorn and contempt of thousands. But since Makarov brought Natsu along in the first place, most of the blame was passed along to him. He was accused for raising a super-powered boy with destructive magic.

Despite the setback, however, Makarov, Natsu, and Wendy returned home to the relief and gladness of Porlyusica, who shared their grief and concern about the horrible accident. For now, at least, the comfort of their home was the best way to recover from the turmoil. Earlier, Romeo travelled from his home in the nearby village to pay a friendly visit with the Dreyars, having decided to help their plight.

"We're so glad to have you visit us, Romeo," Porlyusica smiled. "I hope you enjoyed our old family recipe; Yury's Chicken Wings, named after Makarov's father. Yury invented the finest sauce anyone has ever seen."

"Thanks, Mrs. Dreyar," Romeo replied, drinking a glass of water in his hands. "It's been a rough day, hasn't it?"

"Regrettably, yes," Porlyusica nodded with a sad sigh. "Makarov told me about the accident in Magnolia. Natsu's magic spiraled out of control and laid waste to the whole town. They shunned him, drove him away, and called him a freak."

Romeo pointed out, "Don't forget Wendy and me. We're with Natsu when we tried to stop him from causing any trouble. But they think we're his sidekicks, who wanted to cause trouble with him." He added with a sigh, "My mom found out and sent me home. She didn't want me to talk to Natsu or any in your family ever again."

Porlyusica asked, "Your mother knew about this?"

Romeo nodded, "My mom was there. She was at the supermarket! She saw what Natsu did, and she caught me hanging out with him minutes before we left home."

"If your mother forbade you from seeing Natsu, does that mean you snuck out of your house?" Porlyusica wondered.

"Yeah. It's kinda awkward," Romeo rubbed his head sheepishly. "My mom said that Natsu wasn't good enough for me. She said he was a 'salmon-haired freak,' and his dad was a conceited father of a freak, just like my dad."

"Speaking of your dad…" Wendy spoke up. "I heard he's a wizard, just like me and Natsu. Does he have a name?"

"Yep," Romeo nodded. "His name is Macao Conbolt. He practices Purple Flare Magic. It has the power to make purple flames that stick to objects and can't be put out by wind or water."

Wendy asked, "Do you and your dad know each other well?"

"That's right," Romeo answered. "We used to have a lot of fun together. We played games, we took trips, we ate in a lot of very neat restaurants, and we bought cool things like clothes and toys and stuff. We had a blast." His eyes then shifted to the floor, "But when I was five years old, my mom and dad had an argument, and he ran away from home days later. I never knew why, and I never found out about my dad ever since."

"Oh, that's awful," Wendy said, touched by Romeo's backstory. "Your dad left without saying a word?"

Romeo continued, "My mom believed that my dad was too drunk with magic, and he was bossy and selfish. But I don't believe what my mom said; he's strong, super-cool, and the best dad I could ever ask for." He paused to let it sink in, "I really miss him. Someday, when I grow older, I'm gonna find him, and we're gonna see each other again, one way or another…"

While Romeo was talking with Wendy and Porlyusica, Makarov stared at the open window, not paying attention to the conversation. There, he saw Natsu outside, sitting on a bench on top of a small grass hill overlooking the sunset. Concern brimming in his thoughts, Makarov stood up from the sofa and approached the door.

"Dear?" Porlyusica turned to Makarov. "What is it?"

"Natsu's outside," Makarov replied. "I'll go talk to him."

With that, he grasped the handle and opened the door, hoping to find some way to appease his adoptive son's troubles.

The feeling of grief slowly gripped Natsu's chest. After that dangerous stunt, the townsfolk of Magnolia cast him out. Any hope of having new friends next to Romeo and Wendy was gone, and for that matter, any kind of life. He was despised, loathed, reviled. The boy who destroyed the town with his tremendous flames, the maniac who thought he could have friends, the kid with two sidekicks associated with his acts… he would never be the same again.

Makarov approached the bench and sat beside Natsu. He could tell that the disaster was still troubling the boy. He spoke gently, "Son, you shouldn't let those things they said back there get to you."

"But Gramps, they're right," Natsu darted from the bench, and his voice was loud and strong. "Look at me! I am a freak! I tried to fit in, I really do, but I just can't. Wendy and Romeo are the only ones closest to me, and they're called freaks for trying to stand up to me. I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I just didn't."

"I know how you feel, Natsu," Makarov understood, trying to give as much comfort as he could. "You tried your best to control your powers, to keep them at bay. Isn't that why they called you an outcast and never had any friends?"

Natsu said nothing. Makarov continued, "There's more at stake here than just our lives, son, or the lives of those around us. When the world discovers what we are capable of, it can change everything. Our beliefs, our notions, what it means to be human… One moment can change everything."

Natsu asked bitterly, "So everybody hates me because of my powers?"

Makarov shook his head, "I didn't mean that. They're just scared. They're afraid of what they don't understand."

"Is it true?" Natsu's body shook with anguish, almost about to break down. "Granny said that I'm a blessing from the gods. But did the gods do this to me? With all the flames and power…"

Makarov tried to explain, "Natsu, I…"

"Sometimes…" Natsu slowly composed himself. He stared at his bare hands, "It made me feel like…" He paused, then mustered the strength to press on, "…like I don't belong here. It made feel like I'm supposed to be… someplace else."

"Natsu, son…" Deep inside, Makarov knew this day would finally come.

"I know it doesn't make any sense." With a heavy sigh, Natsu walked away from the bench. The old man just sat there, thinking of what he must do to help his adoptive son.

Natsu stood at the edge of a cliff, feeling the warmth of the sun embracing his face in a red light. The sun would've been more beautiful, if it hadn't set on the day that he became even more despised. He felt that a different destiny lay ahead, just waiting for him. He's not just anyone; he felt that he was born for a reason. And even if it took him the rest of his life, he would embark on a journey to find out what that reason was.

The salmon-haired youth picked up a small rock and threw it, the object skimming across the ocean until it disappeared for a couple of miles, before he began to sing.

Natsu: I have often dreamed of a far off place
Where a great, warm welcome will be waiting for me
Where the crowds will cheer when they see my face
And a voice keeps sayin' this is where I'm meant to be

Night had approached, and Natsu explored the forest. He climbed up a large tree to get a good view of the night sky.

I will find my way
I can go the distance
I'll be there someday
If I can be strong
I know every mile
Will be worth my while

He sat on a branch and saw a shooting star passing by.

I would go most anywhere to feel like I belong

Natsu's sadness was relieved by this motivation, but only briefly. He climbed down the tree and began his trek back home. At least there were still those who cared for him to look forward to.

"So, just to make this short and sweet…" Romeo clarified, talking to Makarov and Porlyusica at the living room. "You're telling me that Natsu was not really your son? Not just Natsu, but Wendy as well?"

Porlyusica nodded, "Yes. We found Natsu lost in the mountains, and Wendy in the forest near Hargeon five years later."

Makarov rubbed his head awkwardly, "But I don't know how we're gonna explain to those kids. It'll break their hearts. Wendy's especially. She looked up to me as both a dad and a grandpa."

The conversation was interrupted when Natsu entered the living room, and in response, Makarov, Porlyusica, and Romeo straightened themselves. Then they paused. They stared at the young salmon-haired boy with a serious look.

"Granny? Gramps? Romeo?" Natsu wondered. "What's up?"

Makarov cleared his throat, "Natsu, there's something your mother and I have been meaning to tell you. Not just you, but Wendy as well."

"Really?" Natsu beamed with hope. "You knew something about Wendy, too?"

Makarov nodded, "Yes."

Natsu asked, "Should I wake her up?"

"Of course," Porlyusica allowed.

Later…

The truth behind Natsu and Wendy's discovery was too much to absorb. The two were never Makarov and Porlyusica's own; they were abandoned years ago when they were babies, and they were born with different kinds of magic: Fire Magic for Natsu, and Sky Magic for Wendy. The two were stunned, having heard every word of the tale.

"…the first time we found you, Wendy, you breathed a large gust of wind from your mouth," Porlyusica explained to Wendy. "We took you to an examination lab in Onibus Town, as we did Natsu. The doctor said whatever magic that flows within the two of you didn't even…" She paused to clear her throat, "Didn't even exist on the normal or advanced magic category, but the Lost Magic category."

"Lost Magic?" Natsu questioned.

Makarov answered, "Lost Magic is an ultimate hidden form of magic. According to legend, it was used by the gods." He gestured to Natsu, "You, Natsu, possess Fire Dragon Slayer Magic, with the power of divine flames. You have the ability to absorb and eat all kinds of fire to increase your strength." He then gestured to Wendy, "And you, Wendy, possess Sky Dragon Slayer Magic, with the power of heavenly winds. Not only can you eat and control air, but you also have the ability to heal the sick and injured." He drew a deep breath, "That's another way of saying this magic is not from this world…" He paused to let the explanation sink in, "…and neither are you."

There was utter silence. It was like cutting fabric with scissors.

"You're the answer, kids," Makarov concluded. "You're the answer to 'Why do you have these powers?'"

"No…" Wendy whispered, her voice trembling as tears flowed from her eyes. "You're not our real parents…? Why didn't you tell us?"

"We're sorry, Wendy," Porlyusica apologized solemnly. "We just thought you should know."

Makarov added, "But you and Natsu are not just anyone. We believe that you were born for a reason. All these changes you've been going through, one day you're going to think of them as a blessing. When that day comes, you have to make a choice. A choice of whether to go the distance or not."

"Can't we…" Wendy sniffled. "Can't we just keep pretending you're our mom and dad?"

"Oh, sweetie," Porlyusica smiled, wrapping her arms around her adoptive daughter and giving her a warm, comforting embrace. The dark blue-haired girl surrendered to the comfort of the hug as she sobbed silently in Porlyusica's arms. "We are your mom and dad." After a minute, Wendy calmed down, and her adoptive mother helped dry her tears.

Natsu, on the other hand, was surprised. He asked, "I don't get it. If you found Wendy and me, then where did we come from? Why were we left here?" His adoptive parents had been concealing the truth for so long, but since Wendy did not take the news of her true origins lightly, Natsu was the only one eager to know.

"Check the back of your scarf," Makarov motioned. Natsu took the scarf off his neck and turned it around to see the symbol of Olympus engraved at the back.

"And this was around Wendy's neck the night we found her," Porlyusica said, taking out a golden medallion and giving it to the dark blue-haired girl. Wendy's name was engraved at one side, and the Olympus symbol on the other. "It's the symbol of the gods. Both you and Wendy held items with the same symbol."

"Wait," Wendy interrupted. "Does that mean…"

"Yes! This is it! Don't you see?" Natsu beamed happily, looking into his scarf and Wendy's medallion. "Maybe the gods of Olympus have the answers! All I have to do is go to the Temple of Igneel, and…"

He paused to take a glance at his adoptive parents, who smiled sadly at him. Awkward silence filled the living room, as the truth could be felt gushing from the one side onto the other. Even Romeo, who was intrigued by Natsu and Wendy's humble background, was at a loss for words. Finally, Natsu stepped forward.

"Granny, Gramps…" Natsu began. "You're the greatest parents anyone could ask for, and you always will be. But I gotta know. I gotta know where I belong."

Wendy dried the last of her tears and stood beside Natsu. She was still shocked from Makarov and Porlyusica's revelation, but her eyes shifted with small yet strong determination. "Me too. You said I had Lost Magic, just like Natsu. If what you said is true, my real parents are sure to be out there somewhere." She took a step forward, "You've done a lot for me and Natsu, and I appreciate that. But I want to know who I am and where I come from." She held Natsu's hand tightly, "I want to know where I belong, too." She paused, then spoke with such conviction in her voice, "I'm going with Natsu."

"It's alright, you can go," Porlyusica nodded, trying to prevent herself from bursting into tears. It hurts to see her children go, but if they want to, who was she to deny them?

"No matter where you came from, we will always be your mom and dad," Makarov assured Natsu and Wendy with a smile.

"I'm coming with you," Romeo stepped forward with a cheerful smile. "To be honest with you, I can't wait to know who you really are. If you're some kinda super-powered hero from another dimension, I can't wait to see you in action! Plus, I'm your best friend, and friends stick together, no matter what. If you're going, I'm going!"

"Why not?" Natsu smiled back. "An adventure's no fun without some friends along."

"Of course you can come with us," Wendy grinned. "We'll do lots of great things together!"

Romeo put his hands in his pockets and muttered to himself, "How am I gonna explain this to my mom?" He then shrugged, "Oh, well. I'm sure she'll understand."

Natsu cheered, "Alright! Let's go together!"

"YEAH!" Wendy and Romeo shouted in agreement.

The next morning, Natsu, Wendy, and Romeo had prepared for their journey ahead. Makarov and Porlyusica helped the three children pack the essentials: food, water, and cloaks around their bodies to keep them warm. Natsu and Wendy gave a heartfelt, loving hug to Makarov and Porlyusica, bidding them a very fond farewell and a promise that they would someday meet again, proud and strong.

Holding each other's hands, Natsu, Wendy, and Romeo walked down the dirt path, but not before turning back and waving goodbye. Makarov and Porlyusica waved back, with the old woman waving a napkin with a tear streaming down her cheek.

And thus, the group began their long journey to the Temple of Igneel, hope and determination fueling their hearts, as Natsu continued to sing.

Natsu: I am on my way
I can go the distance
I don't care how far
Somehow I'll be strong
I know every mile
Will be worth my while
I would go most everywhere to find where I belong