Days had passed since Natsu, Wendy, and Romeo departed for the Temple of Igneel, with the winds and currents at their backs. The terrific weather conditions they feared would strike the young souls veered away, and they were spared from its torment. Luckily, their supplies remained at good levels, and whenever one of the three suffered wounds, Wendy would always mend the injury with her Sky Healing.

As soon as the three stopped, they finally reached their destination: a large stone temple created in honor of Igneel, the king of Olympus, standing at the top of a towering hill. Many people visited this place whenever they wish to offer prayers to the God of Fire himself, or the other Olympians, for that matter. Their prayers of blessing, joy, protection, and peace reached to the heavens like messages carried by birds, and the gods offered their own response. Many prayers were answered. Others were not.

The moment Natsu and the others entered, they noticed that the whole temple was empty. Not a single soul vibrated within the long hallway illuminated by darkness, the braziers unlit with fire. Still, the three children were amazed to have entered such a remarkable place.

"Wow! It's huge!" Wendy remarked. "I've never seen anything like it!"

Natsu grinned, "Granny and Gramps usually take me there sometimes. Igneel's their favorite god on Olympus."

Wendy stated, "Mom and Dad never took me to a place this huge before. Maybe even before I was born!"

Romeo added, "Me too! I've never visited that place. The only temple I visited was St. Rainbow Fire's. We prayed to Weisslogia, Cassandra, Chagot, and Mavis, but Igneel's pretty good, too."

Natsu replied to his friends, gesturing his arm around the hallway, "Well, guys, you're here now. Welcome to the Temple of Igneel, the biggest temple in the world."

Wendy beamed, "I've heard about the Temple of Igneel! It's one of the most visited temples in all of Earth-land, best known for its popular attraction, the super-huge Statue of Igneel, based on his real-life appearance. It's made by the best stone sculptors in the world."

Romeo asked, "How'd you know that?"

Wendy explained, "I've read a lot of history books back home."

Natsu chuckled in agreement, "It's no biggie. Wendy's five years younger than me, but she's way smart. She can memorize a lotta words and say them with her eyes closed!"

"Cool!" Romeo remarked. "It's like she's the brains of our team, while Natsu and I are the brawn."

Wendy replied, "I think Natsu is both the brains and the brawn. He's the whole package. He's like the leader of our team."

"Does that make me the brawn?" Romeo raised an eyebrow. "Just because I'm tough like my dad doesn't mean I'm not smart. I can think, too." He then resumed the subject, "So, Natsu, what's the plan?"

"First, we gotta find the Statue of Igneel," Natsu answered. "If he can answer our prayers, he'll tell us who I am and where I come from. The answer is close, I can taste it."

"What about me?" Wendy interjected. "I wanna know who I am as much as you do."

Natsu laughed, "Why would I forget about you, Wendy? Of course, you wanna know."

"Can I also ask Igneel where my dad is?" Romeo asked eagerly.

Natsu shrugged, "Beats me. If we pray as hard as we can, we're sure to find your dad."

"But where's the Statue of Igneel?" Romeo wondered, looking around the dark atmosphere. "We can't see through all this dark."

Natsu offered, "Leave that to me." He released a plume of fire from his hand and raised it up. It provided them a little bit of light for the kids to see. Wendy and Romeo followed Natsu, his burning fist providing the way. As they continued onward, they stopped in front of the Statue of Igneel, the form of a gigantic stone body of the Fire God sitting on a throne.

"Whoa…" Wendy and Romeo said in unison, their eyes widening with amazement.

"I never knew Igneel had a body like that," Romeo stated.

"Neither did I," Wendy nodded.

Natsu paused. Removing the scaly scarf from his neck, he noticed that his Olympus symbol matched the one on the medallion engraved on the shoulder of Igneel's statue. Wendy took out her medallion and realized that her symbol and Igneel's matched as well. Their hearts filled with hope, Natsu, Wendy, and Romeo knew that the answers they sought were right in front of them.

The three kids knelt on their left knees and held their hands together as they raised their heads towards the statue. Natsu was the first to speak, "Oh, mighty Igneel… Please, hear me, and answer my prayer. I need to know… who am I? Where do I belong?"

It was Wendy's turn to speak, "I need to know too, mighty Igneel. I want my questions to be answered. Who am I? Where did I come from? Please… I must know."

Romeo was next, "Oh, mighty Igneel… I have but one question. Do you know where I can find my dad?"

So far, there was no answer. Then again, it happens occasionally for mortals. But just then, an elegant wind blew through the entrance and into the hallway. Without warning, the wind carried a stream of fire that instantly set the braziers ablaze. Natsu, Wendy, and Romeo stared with agape mouths as a bolt of light struck the Statue of Igneel and surrounded it with a ring of fire. When the ring subsided, the statue's eyelids suddenly uprooted, and the stone eyebrows moved upward. The eyes glanced at the three children below, and from the statue's expression came first a look of surprise… and then, happiness.

Natsu and the others were confused. Why was the Statue of Igneel's face moving and smiling at them? Mostly at the salmon-haired boy?

"My boy," the statue whispered delightfully. "My little Natsu."

And just like that, it extended an arm, and its hand reached for Natsu, Wendy, and Romeo, their hearts beating rapidly and their eyes wrought with horror.

"A GHOST! A LIVING STATUE!" Wendy shrieked.

"THIS PLACE IS HAUNTED!" Romeo screamed.

"RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" Natsu yelled.

The three screamed and attempted to run, but the statue's hand surprisingly caught them. It seemed to have prevented the three kids from escaping its grip, no matter how hard they tried.

"Hey, hey, hey! Hold on, kiddos!" the statue laughed jovially. "What's your hurry? You asked for my help, and you received it! Relax and enjoy every moment! And as for you, Natsu… After all these years, is this the kind of hello you give to your father?" The statue eventually caught Natsu and the others under both of its hands.

"F-F-F-Father?!" Natsu, Wendy, and Romeo poked their heads out from between the statue's fingers, stunned of what they just heard.

Romeo began, "You're…"

"Natsu's…" Wendy added.

"Dad?" Natsu finished.

Igneel removed his right hand to allow Natsu, Wendy, and Romeo to stand on his left hand as a platform. He chuckled, "Didn't know Natsu had a famous father, did you? Surprise!" That word was spoken with a thunderous boom in his voice, nearly scaring Natsu and the others out of their wits. Igneel glanced at Natsu, "My goodness, Natsu, look how you've grown. Why, you've got your mother's beautiful eyes, and my salmon hair. Ha-ha-ha!"

"You gotta be kidding me," Romeo said in disbelief. "Igneel is Natsu's real dad?"

"I can't believe it!" Wendy cried. "The God of Fire is actually talking to us!"

Igneel smirked, "I zapped my consciousness into this giant statue so that I can communicate with mortals. I responded to your prayers. What do you expect from the mighty king of Olympus, Wendy?"

"H-How did you know my name?" Wendy asked in surprise.

"As king of the Olympians, I know the names of all the mortals on Earth," Igneel explained, his benevolent eyes focused on Wendy. "Ah, Wendy Marvell. You have white skin and the innocence of your mother's eyes."

"You knew my mom?!" Wendy exclaimed shockingly.

"Yes. Her name is—" Igneel began.

"Um, excuse me…" Natsu interrupted, waving his hand.

Igneel turned to Natsu, "Yes, son?"

"I wanna ask you something. If you're my real dad…" Natsu wondered. "…that would make me a… a—"

"A god," Igneel clarified.

"A god… A GOD?!" Natsu screamed in bewilderment, the words of Igneel's revelation tripping him off his feet. "I'm a god, just like you?!"

"Just like every other god on Mount Olympus!" Igneel boomed happily. "You are the son of the King of the Gods and God of Fire, which is yours truly…" He gestured to himself, "…and the Queen of the Gods, Cassandra, who is also your mother."

"Natsu's an Olympian?! Like the famous Olympians?!" Romeo cried excitedly. "I can't believe it! This is crazy! The king of Olympus and his son are standing right in front of me!"

Natsu chuckled sheepishly, "I guess that explains why I got Fire Dragon Slayer Magic."

"Inherited from your old man," Igneel grinned. "The Fire Dragon Slayer Magic I bestowed upon you grants you the ability to breathe, control, and absorb fire at will. This powerful trait classifies you as a Fire Dragon Slayer."

"Wow…" Natsu remarked, touched by Igneel's explanation. "A Fire Dragon Slayer…"

"What about me?" Wendy asked excitedly. "I have Sky Dragon Slayer Magic, so that makes me a Sky Dragon Slayer! Am I a goddess, too?"

"Yes and no," Igneel answered.

"Yes and no?" Wendy raised an eyebrow.

"Perhaps an explanation is in order," Igneel suggested. "In fact, it's very important that you three listen very closely to the tale I'm about to tell you. It's the tale of Wendy's birth. It all began five years ago…"

Romeo sat down and crossed his legs, with Natsu and Wendy following suit. He smiled, "Sounds interesting."

Igneel cleared his throat, "Wendy's mother is Grandeeney, the Goddess of the Sky and my younger sister. Her father was Roubaul Marvell, the king of a distant land, a mortal man. Together, they had a baby girl, blessed with Sky Dragon Slayer Magic, the power to control wind and heal the sick and injured. Half-human, half-goddess."

"Half-human, half-goddess?" Natsu questioned. "You mean, she's a demigoddess?"

Wendy gasped in disbelief, "I had a goddess mom and a human dad?"

Romeo remarked, "Cool…"

Igneel continued, "There are some gods and goddess on Olympus who are well known for their various escapades with mortal men and women. As a result of their godly-human affairs, a new breed was created: demigods, mortal children with godly magic comparable to that of ours. Five years ago, my sister Grandeeney had an affair with Roubaul, and thus gave birth to a demigoddess. Her name is Wendy, a name that means 'Maiden of the Sky.'"

Romeo asked, "What happened?"

Igneel changed the mood of the story, "A barbarian tribe laid waste to Roubaul's kingdom of Nirvana. To ensure the safety of his newborn daughter, Roubaul entrusted a guild named Cait Shelter to hide her away. He feared that if Wendy's magic fell into the wrong hands, it could create chaos in the mortal world. In the end, Roubaul sacrificed his life to safe Wendy by throwing his body against a rain of arrows from the barbarians. During the escape, she was lost in the forest when Cait Shelter abandoned her by accident."

"And that's how Granny and Gramps took her in," Natsu understood.

Wendy was touched by Igneel's story. She said softly, "Grandeeney, my mom… and Roubaul, my dad… They risked everything to save me." She touched her heart, "Now I know… I finally know who I am."

"And if Grandeeney's your sister on Olympus, that means Wendy is my cousin!" Natsu clarified, banging a fist against his open palm. "On Earth!"

"You and Wendy are a part of one big family, son," Igneel remarked with a chuckle. "When you first came to the temple, you wanted answers, and by fire, you're brave enough to know the truth. I expected you to be older, though."

"But if I'm a god, why'd you leave me on Earth?" Natsu asked, feeling a bit hurt. "Didn't you want me?"

"Of course we did," Igneel smiled softly. "Your mother Cassandra and I loved you with all our hearts." He then frowned, "But someone stole you from us and turned you mortal." He was still unaware that his brother, Mard Geer, was behind the kidnapping. "And only gods can live on Mount Olympus."

This broke Natsu's heart. He finally found out where he came from, but he was no longer a god, and therefore, he cannot return home to Mount Olympus. "And you can't do anything about it?"

"I can't, Natsu," Igneel shook his head, before he grinned. "But you can."

"R-Really?" Natsu beamed with hope. "Tell me! I'll do anything!"

Igneel answered his son's question, "Natsu, if you can prove yourself a true hero on Earth, your godhood will be restored."

"Be a true hero? It's too easy!" Romeo smiled with confidence. "All we have to do is beat up a lot of bad guys, save people, and stuff! It's gonna be fun!"

Igneel shook his head, "I'm afraid it won't be as simple as that, Romeo."

"What do you mean?" Romeo questioned. "And how did you—"

"Like I said, I'm the king of Olympus, and I know every mortal's name," Igneel replied. "And the road to being a true hero is long and fraught with danger. It's a journey Natsu must take on his own, my young mortal."

"Really?" Romeo questioned. "I always thought a hero is all about fighting or rescuing or being brave."

"Oh, there's more to being a hero then just being brave," Igneel stated. "It doesn't mean you go looking for trouble. It's being able to handle trouble when it comes to you."

"You mean there's a lot to learn about being a hero?" Romeo asked.

"Yes," Igneel nodded. "It's something Natsu must discover for himself."

"So, if I'm gonna be a god again, I need to be a true hero," Natsu clarified, to which Igneel replied with a nod. "But exactly how do you become a true hero?"

Igneel recommended, "First, you must seek out the Eighth Islander, a renowned trainer of heroes. He lives in the enchanted island of Sirius, otherwise known as Sirius Island."

"Sirius Island…" Natsu rubbed his chin.

"Mr. Igneel, sir?" Wendy stood up, raising a hand.

"Yes, Wendy?" Igneel responded.

"Natsu's going to Sirius Island, right? So let me go with him!" Wendy requested. "Please, let me train with Natsu so that I can fight!"

"What?" Natsu was surprised by Wendy's request. "You're coming with me?"

"Please! I want to train! I want to fight! I really want to help everyone!" Wendy pleaded. "But I don't know if I'm strong enough yet…"

"Wendy…" Natsu said in concern. She had Dragon Slayer Magic just like him, but she was too young. Igneel, on the other hand…

"Well, the more the merrier!" the Fire God laughed. "Your Sky Dragon Slayer Magic could use a lot of adjustments. With proper training under the Eighth Islander, you will be a true heroine, just as Natsu will be a true hero. Your mother Grandeeney will be very proud of you. Your powers will serve you well."

Wendy replied with determination, "I'll do my best!"

"That's Wendy for ya," Natsu admired with a laugh. "Straightforward and never afraid to speak her mind."

"What about me?" Romeo darted up from Igneel's palm. "I wanna fight, too! I'd like the Eighth Islander to train me how to fight like Natsu and Wendy!"

"Sure, why not?" Igneel shrugged. "I won't mind. The road to being a true hero is paved with humility."

Natsu grinned, "An adventure's not fun without some friends along." He stood up and wrapped his arms around Wendy and Romeo's shoulders, "Me, Wendy, and Romeo, we're gonna make an awesome team. A team of true heroes!"

Wendy agreed, "We're with you all the way."

Romeo nodded, "Yep."

"Such confidence, Natsu," Igneel smiled. "I believe you and your friends are ready for the journey ahead."

"Come on, guys," Natsu motioned his friends. "We're going to Sirius Island. Let's— WHOA!"

The three yelped when they fell off Igneel's palm, not paying attention to where they went. Luckily, the statue of the Fire God caught the three kids in time, and landed them safely onto the ground. "Whoa, whoa! Hold your whiskers, kids!" he exclaimed. "Which reminds me…"

The statue gave a loud whistle, the echoing sound resonating with the wind. On cue, two glittering stars fell down through an opening in the roof. The moment they collided, emerging from the glitter came two Exceeds; a blue male Exceed with a green pouch tied to his back, and a white female Exceed wearing a yellow and pink dress with two bows tied on her neck and tail.

"Hey, Natsu!" the blue Exceed greeted cheerfully. "Did you miss me? It's been forever since we're together!"

"You shouldn't jump to conclusions, Happy," the white Exceed stated sternly. "The young Fire Dragon Slayer has met to remember who you are. He stayed on Earth for so long."

"You're just being so grouchy, Carla," Happy said slyly, taking out a fish wrapped in a bow. "Care for a fish to lighten your day?"

"No thank you," Carla turned her head away. "I've already eaten."

Igneel chuckled to Natsu, "You and Wendy probably don't remember your Exceed companions, but you four go way back, son. Happy is your gift at the very eve of your first birthday, and Carla is Wendy's housemaid, who tried to protect her from the barbarians that raided her home."

"Happy?" Natsu asked puzzled. "You're my pet cat?"

"Nope," Happy shook his head. "I'm your best friend."

"I thought I was your best friend," Romeo stated confusedly.

"No, no, no, I mean, my best friend on Olympus!" Happy corrected his mistake. "You're Natsu's best friend on Earth!"

"Oh, okay. That makes sense," Romeo nodded in understanding.

"Igneel created me as a present so that you could have a friend of your own. He, Cassandra, and I have been keeping an eye on you for a long time, watching you grow stronger every day. My favorite part was the time you went overboard and got away with wrecking things!"

Natsu wondered, "So, you were watching me to protect me?"

"We were watching you because we still love you. When you became so eager to be a true hero and go back home to Mount Olympus, Igneel sent me to help you on your quest. And here I am!" Happy smiled. "Happy, your number one flight-cat, at your service, sir!"

Natsu scratched his head in confusion, "Happy…?"

"You don't remember?" Happy wondered. "Man, it's like a furball stuck in your brain." He then came up with an idea, "Hey, that's it! This'll make you remember!" To Natsu's surprise, the blue Exceed bonked his forehead with the salmon-haired boy's, followed by a lick on the cheek. When Natsu rubbed his head, something came back. Instead of confusion, his face brightened with joy and gladness.

"Happy!" Natsu cried, happily hugging his boyhood Olympus pal.

"That's Natsu for ya," Happy grinned. "Always good for a hug."

Carla remarked with a giggle, "A very touching moment indeed."

"Excuse me, Carla?" Wendy tapped the white Exceed on the shoulder, catching her attention. "You used to be my housemaid, right?"

"Yes, child," Carla nodded solemnly. "I was afraid I lost you. When the barbarians attacked and slaughtered the entire Cait Shelter Guild, I was the only one left. I did the best I could to house you from danger, but you were gone on the night of a terrible storm." Her voice began choking a little from emotion, "All these years, I thought you were dead… and now you're back. Do you have any idea what that means to me?" She then looked up at Wendy, tears glistening in her eyes. "I lost you, your father died at the hands of those barbarians, and Nirvana was destroyed. I thought I'd never be happy again after that. And to see you here, alive and breathing, it's all just so…"

Before she could break down, Wendy pulled the white Exceed into a hug. She held Carla close as she sobbed onto her shoulders. Slowly, Wendy lowered Carla onto the ground, kneeling while keeping her securely wrapped in her arms.

"It's okay, Carla," Wendy comforted, drying Carla's tears with her soft, small hands. "You did your best to keep me safe."

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry," Carla apologized, calming down and wiping away the remaining tears with her paws. "I must've been an awful mess."

Wendy smiled, "You actually look pretty when you cry."

A smile of appreciation formed on Carla's face. She replied, "Thank you very much. I appreciate your kindness. Lord Igneel has sent me and Happy to aid you, Natsu, and Romeo on your quest." She gave a respectful bow to Wendy, "As a debt of honor to your father, I will protect and guide you. I will see you through to the end, no matter what."

"Thanks, Carla," Wendy once again wrapped her arms around Carla. "You're the greatest!"

Carla giggled, and reciprocated the hug, "The pleasure is all mine. It's good to see you again, Wendy."

Wendy replied, "It's good to see you again, too."

Romeo remarked with a smile, "Wow! You gotta admit, those cats got style!"

"Exceeds are a magnificent race," Igneel commented. "They have the brain and speech of a human, but the agility and behavior of a cat."

"We're just cats, but we also do lots of cool things," Happy stated. "Check it out!" He took out a couple of balls and juggled them to illustrate his point, only for them to accidentally fall on his head. "Okay, I'm not used to this sort of thing yet."

Carla reminded, "Happy, we must go. We should focus on the task at hand."

"Yeah, let's go!" Natsu agreed.

"Aye!" Happy cried, and with his wings, he carried Natsu's back and flew him up in the air. "It's gonna be one heck of an adventure for all of us!"

"You can fly?" Wendy cried in amazement. "My turn! I wanna fly!"

"Don't get too excited, child," Carla pointed out. "We still need to bring Romeo along."

"She's right," Romeo nodded. "Don't leave me hanging."

"How about it? While Happy carries me and Carla carries Wendy, I'll carry you," Natsu offered. "It's no sweat!"

"Let's do it!" Romeo agreed. With that, Happy swooped down to the ground with Natsu, and the latter grabbed Romeo's chest with his arms. The blue Exceed returned to the air with both boys. "I always wanted to fly, anyway."

"So, Wendy, shall we get started?" Carla asked, spreading her wings.

"Let's go!" Wendy nodded. With that, Carla grabbed the dark blue-haired girl's back and flew up, joining Natsu, Romeo, and Happy in the air.

Romeo scratched his head, raising an eyebrow, "You know, I have a feeling I forgot to ask Igneel something… Something important…"

Natsu shouted eagerly, "We're going to Sirius Island! We'll find the Eighth Islander, and I'll become a true hero!"

"That's the spirit!" Igneel beamed.

"I won't let you down, Dad!" Natsu promised.

With a huge breath, Igneel blew from behind the two Exceeds, sending them flying outside the temple with Natsu, Wendy, and Romeo as they all screamed for joy.

"Good luck, son," Igneel whispered. The statue reverted back to its inanimate state, instantly extinguishing the braziers' fire and flooding the temple into darkness once more. Igneel was confident that when his son was successful, they would at last reunite.

Natsu, Wendy, and Romeo laughed together as Happy and Carla rode them into the sky, making some twists, turns, and other stunts along the way, while still retaining their tight hold with their paws. Throughout the trek, Natsu continued his song proudly.

Natsu: I will beat the odds
I can go the distance
I will face the world
Fearless, proud, and strong
I will please the gods
I can go the distance
Till I find my hero's welcome right where I belong!

The five of them soared into the shining light of the sun, their hearts filled with courage and determination as they head for their next destination: Sirius Island. They were blissfully unaware of the planets on the verge of alignment, signifying the fulfillment of the Fates' prophecy…