Erza Knightwalker turned over in her spacious bed and opened her eyes to the emptiness of her room. Her window was open, her curtains billowing as the brisk spring wind caressed her face. She rose to sit on the side of her bed, rubbing the remaining bits of exhaustion from her eyes. Just as she yawned a knock came from her door.

"Captain Knightwalker. I'm sorry to bother your rest but Chief Arcadios wishes to see you."

"Very well. Tell him that I will be there as soon as I can."

"Yes ma'am!" the solder left and Knightwalker began getting ready for the day.

She entered her bathroom and turned the knob for the shower head before stepping inside. She was aching from her sparring with the Garou Knights the previous day, but she was never one to complain about wounds suffered in battle. Though she admitted their sparring sessions had a propensity to get out of hand. Knightwalker finished in the shower and stepped out to dry herself off. She stood in front of mirror, staring at her reflection for a long while before reaching for her hair. "It's gotten quite long hasn't it?" she mused. "What would he say if he saw it?" Shrugging the care away, Knightwalker tied her hair into a ponytail and moved onto to getting dressed.

A few minutes later she was walking the massive grounds of Mercurius Palace. It had been seven years since she had accepted the position of knight n the King's army, and five since she was named head of the Garou Knights; as well as the 1st attack battalion commander. Sometimes she felt that her position within the knights was unreal. Not due to her abilities, but because of her overall attitude. Knightwalker was not the most pleasant person to be around on most days. Nonetheless the King still held her in high regard, as did Princess Hisui and Arcadios. It took some getting used to, but she finally felt that she had belonged somewhere in Earthland.

Knightwalker stepped inside the meeting chambers on the east side of the castle. There is where she spotted Arcadios. He was standing on the other side of the meeting table with a book in his hand. He seemed perplexed about something. "You wished to see me, Sir Arcadios?"

"Hm?" The man looked up from his book. "Oh yes. Sorry for bothering you this early in the morning, Knightwalker."

"It was no trouble, sir."

"Did you sleep well?"

"I managed as best I could."

"I see. Well I'm sure you are wondering why it is I summoned you."

"The thought crossed my mind."

Arcadios walked to Knightwalker and handed her the banded book he was reading through. "I wanted your opinion on this year's Grand Magic Games."

"Very well, but I honestly don't see how much help I will be." Knightwalker flipped through the book. In it were various pages with pictures and explanations on how that year's games would proceed. In all honesty Knightwalker didn't really care one or the other about the Grand Magic Games, she was usually assigned guard duty in the Abyss Palace below Mercurius during the event anyway. But she she could always hear the crowd.

"I know you don't really care for the events." Arcadios said. "But I know you also aren't afraid to speak your mind in front of the King."

Knightwalker didn't have interrogate Arcadios to know which incident he was referring to. It was a few months after she was assigned as a member of the 1st attack battalion. She vetted all of her frustrations at the shoddy work ethic, organization, leadership, and useless training drills that occurred in her station. Calling the King and her former superior officer "lackadaisical fools with no eye for military tactics." This enraged her commander, who challenged her to a duel with the winner taking command of the battalion. Knightwalker bested him easily.

"So what do you think?"

Knightwalker closed the book. "Interesting game choices to be sure. How many teams are participating this year?"

"At last count, 111." Arcadios answered.

"That certainly is a lot. Has the King thought of way to narrow down these teams to a more manageable number? Say eight?"

Arcadios' eyes briefly widened. "That is a lot of teams to cut."

"I'm just throwing around numbers. The King can have as many guilds as he wants participate, but if he plans to showcase all 111 for example, the games will last far longer than the normal five days."

Arcadios stroked his curled beard methodically before nodding in agreement. "You're right. I will tell the King right away." Knightwalker attempted to return the notebook, but Arcadios declined. "Keep it. I have copies. I would also like to know what other opinions you may have on the Games later."

"Yes, sir." Knightwalker recalled the book to her side.

Arcadios smiled. "There is no need for you to be so formal with me, Erza. I'm no longer your superior officer. You and I are equals in service of the King."

"I apologize, Arcadios." Knightwalker bowed her head. "I just have a lot on my mind."

"Another dream?"

Knightwalker nodded, her eyes downcast in sadness. "They feel so real. It's like he's right there with me when I sleep, but is always gone when I open my eyes."

The Chief Knight looked at his friend worriedly. "Perhaps you should see the doctor."

Knightwalker shook her head. "That's not necessary. I don't want to bother him with meaningless dreams." Knightwalker stepped back and saluted. "I shall begin my rounds now."

Arcadios retuned her salute with his own. "Be well, Knightwalker."

"Thank you, Arcadios. You too."

Knightwalker exited the meeting room and returned to the palace grounds. She made her way to the training area on the north side, seeing her soldiers practicing on test dummies without armor and wooden weapons. As soon as they saw their commander they rushed into formation.

"Good morning, Commander Knightwalker!" They all greeted.

"Morning, men. Hopefully I haven't kept you waiting too long. Chief Arcadios required my assitance."

"That's quite alright, ma'am." the lead soldier of the group stepped forward. "We were just going through drills until you arrived."

"Very good. Well then we should get started. Give me ten laps around the city and once you complete that put on your armor and break into groups of five. We'll be practicing theta formation in the colosseum today."

"Yes, ma'am!" The soldiers all saluted before beginning their run. Knightwalker watched them exit the palace gates before she was called to.

"Oh, captain~!"

Knightwalker turned and watched as a woman with long pink hair as well as a rather puffy cap on her head walked towards her. Next to this rather bubbly woman was a somewhat tall woman with long black hair tied in two long ponytails. "Good morning, Cosmos. Kamika." Knightwalker greeted.

"Beautiful morning." Cosmos – the pink haired girl – smiled.

"How are you, captain?" Kamika – the black haired girl – asked.

"I'm well all things considered." Knightwalker answered. "Where are the others?"

"In the Abyss Palace." Cosmos answered. "You know how boys like dank places."

"Will you be joining us later, Captain?" Kamika asked. "Kama seems to be eager to spar."

Knightwalker sighed. "He usually is. The soldiers will be awhile anyway. I will join you all shortly."

"As you wish, Captain." Kamika bowed. "Come, Cosmos."

"Bye, Captain~!" Cosmos waved.

When they were gone Knightwalker heard another voice call to her. "Oh, Captain Knightwalker, there you are." This time Knightwalker was approached by Princess Hisui. "I hope you slept well."

"As well as I could, your highness." Knightwalker bowed.

"Mommy!" A young girl with spikey red hair let go of Hisui's hand and jumped to Knightwalker. The spirited child latched onto Knightwalker's waist, looking up at her with a wide toothy smile.

"Good morning, Lina." She rubbed the top of her daughter's head before looking to the Princess. "I hope she did not cause you any discomfort, your highness. She can be quite…rambunctious."

"It was no trouble at all, Captain." The princess smiled. "I enjoy her upbeat nature. Things around here tend to get dull. Your daughter is a welcome ray of sunshine. It's like having a little sister of my own."

Knightwalker smiled gratefully. "I see. You're much too kind."

"Hisi let me ride horses this morning!" Lina chirped.

"I've told you countless times, Lina. When you address the princess you do so with respect." Knightwalker chided.

Hisui giggled. "Please pay it no mind, Captain. That's just Lili's nickname for me."

"Lili?" Knightwalker looked down to her daughter who smiled and nodded. Knightwalker shook her head as she grinned. "It looks like she's gotten to you as well."

"It would seem so." Hisui chuckled. "Have we caught you at a bad time, Captain? Lina was hoping you would join us for breakfast."

"I would normally oblige but I've already started the men on their morning exercises. Matters with the Garou Knights have also been brought to my attention. I'm afraid they can't wait."

"Oh, I see." Hisui looked crestfallen at Knightwalker's answer, as did Lina.

"I apologize, milady."

"It is quite alright." Hisui smiled in reassurance. "I understand that your job is very important. Perhaps dinner?"

Knightwalker nodded. "I will not miss it."

"See you then. Come along, Lina."

The child shook her head and buried her head in cloth attached to her mother's waist. "I want to stay with mommy."

Knightwalker loosed her daughter's grip and bent in front of her. "You can't stay here, Lina. I'm working right now."

"But I wanna stay."

"I know, but continue playing with the Princess for the time being. I will see you later."

"Promise?"

Knightwalker grinned and held out her pinky. Lina wrapped her pinky around it and the two shook their hands. "I promise."

"Ok." Lina smiled and walked to Hisui, taking the princess' hand. "Bye, mommy!"

Knightwalker waved to the pair as they walked away. When they were nearly out of sight she looked up to the sky. "The men should be about halfway done by now. I suppose now is a better time than any to deal with the Garou Knights' eagerness."

"Captain!"

Knightwalker rolled her eyes in irritation and looked to the soldier who called to her. "What is it now?"

The soldier calling her stopped and saluted. "The King requires your presence in the throne room immediately!"

Knightwalker's eyes widened in surprise.

Knightwalker glared out the window of the train as the scenery of Fiore's countryside passed her by. "Won't this damn thing go any faster?" She grumbled, lightly stroking the side of her sleeping daughter's head. She thought back to the King's urgent message to her.

"I'm sorry, King Fiore, I don't believe I heard you correctly."

"I said that the missing members of Fairy Tail have returned." The King repeated.

Knightwalker could hardly believe her ears. "But how? After all of this time. Where were they?"

"I'm afraid I don't have the details at the moment, but I was just recently informed by the Magic Council of the matter. It seems they were recovered just under two days ago."

"Recovered?"

"Again I lack the necessary details. Would you like to visit them? If I remember correctly you said that you and that guild have a bit of a past. The father of your daughter is also in the guild is he not?"

"Yes." Knightwalker reluctantly answered. "He is…"

"Then maybe it would be best if you and Lina went to see them." The King suggested.

"I can't." Knightwalker denied firmly. "There is still much to do here. The men have just begun their morning training, the Garou Knight's require my assistance, and there are also the preparations for the upcoming Grand Magic Games-"

"Arcadios can handle all of that until you return." The King interrupted. "Right now this matter takes priority."

"King Fiore, I-"

"Erza." The king said firm. "Go to Magnolia. That is an order given to you by your King."

Despite her inner conflicts. Knightwalker fell to one knee. "As you command, your highness."

King Fiore smiled. "Excellent. Take as much time as you need. We will be awaiting your return."

"Yes, your majesty."

The train finally pulled into Magnolia station after what seemed like an eternity to Knightwalker. As the air escaped from the underside of the locomotive, Knightwalker roused her daughter from her slumber. "We're here, Lina. Time to wake up." she cooed.

The child rubbed her eyes and rose up from her mother's lap. "Where are we?"

"Magnolia. Now hurry and get your things so we can disembark. Otherwise the train will leave with us on it."

"Ok." Lina said weakly. With her mother's help she grabbed her luggage bag from the overhead compartment and exited the train. She then grabbed Knightwalker's hand and the two began their walk to the Fairy Tail guild. "Mommy?"

"Yes?"

"Why did we come all the way here?"

"There is someone we have to meet."

"Is it a friend?"

Knightwalker smiled softly. "Something like that." Surprised that the guild hall was no longer in the same place it was before, Knightwalker asked the citizens of Magnolia to point her in the right direction. Once she and Lina reached the now much smaller building, the former Fairy Hunter froze.

It had been seven long years since she had stepped foot in Magnolia, let alone been to the Fairy Tail guild. Knightwalker left for the capital soon after the S-Class candidates disappeared. As such Lina had no memory of the town, or even her own father. She had never met either. Doubt began to creep in Knightwalker's mind. Why am I here? What if the King's information was false? I would be wasting my time on stupid hopes. There's no way he would just show up after all of this time. It's impossible-

"Ok! We're heading out!" A voice called from the other side of the closed door. Its familiarity shook Knightwalker to her core.

When the door opened, out stepped Natsu along with the rest of his team. Natsu turned and stopped instantly upon seeing Knightwalker in front of him. The others were shocked.

"Knightwalker?" Erza gasped.

"She's still here?" Gray questioned.

"But why?" Wendy asked.

"Who is that little girl?" Lucy pointed.

"Kni-"As soon as Natsu opened his mouth Knightwalker punched him in the face as hard as she could. The dragon slayer flew back into the guild hall, his body crashing through tables before being stopped by the back wall. This disturbance startled his guildmates.

"Natsu!" Elfman shouted.

"Is he ok?" Lisanna worried.

"Is Twilight Ogre back for another fight?" Macao grimaced.

Everyone looked to the door as the dust settled and saw a person who looked just like Erza staring down at the wounded Dragon Slayer with angered eyes. The main difference between the two nearly identical women was that the woman who struck Natsu looked a tad bit older than Erza, with a bit more definition on her lean muscles from years of training. Her hair – instead of being the same shade of red as Erza's – was red at the top, slowly darkening to black when one's eyes reached its tips. Hiding behind her leg was a little girl with short and spiky red hair. She sort of looked like a mix between the woman and Natsu.

Everyone slowly began to recognize the angry woman.

"Is that…Knightwalker?!"

"She's still here after all this time?"

"I thought she went back to Edolas."

"Why did she attack Natsu?"

"Somehow she's even scarier than before."

"Is that little girl her daughter?"

Knightwalker descended the stairs with Lina behind her and walked to the still downed Natsu. She saw Reedus and Max trying to get the loopy young man to his feet, but one glare from her drove them both away like scolded dogs. "On your feet, Dragneel." She commanded. Natsu slowly began to move, but this wasn't fast enough for Knightwalker. She grabbed him by the scarf and pulled him up to his feet. "I said stand up!"

"Hey!" Gray shouted. "Who the hell do you think-"he moved to help Natsu but Erza held her hand out to stop him. "What's the big deal, Erza?"

"Do not interfere." She said. She then yelled the same thing to the rest of the guild. "No one stop her!"

"What?!" Elfman exclaimed.

"Are you insane? She'll kill him!" Nab argued.

"I don't take orders from you, Titania." Gajeel spat. He moved towards Knightwalker but stopped when he saw the stern stare in Makarov's eyes.

"Erza is right. No one is to interfere." He ordered.

Knightwalker held Natsu up by his scarf and drew her fist back. "Damn you." She cursed through clenched teeth.

"Er…za…" Natsu called weakly.

Knightwalker drew her fist back even farther. "You bastard." To everyone's surprise tears began to form in the woman's eyes. "What took you so long to come back?!" she let go of Natsu's scarf and wrapped her arms around him, crying into his shoulder.

Everyone in Fairy Tail relaxed. Erza smiled softly at the pair.

Natsu pulled Knightwalker close to him. "Sorry. I didn't mean to make you wait."

Lina tugged on Knightwalker's cloth. "Mommy?"

Knightwalker released Natsu and wiped away her tears before looking at her daughter. "Yes?"

"Who is that man? Why did you hit him?"

"Lina, this man is your father. Natsu Dragneel."

The entire guild – including Natsu – was floored by this news. "What~?!" they all exclaimed.

"Natsu has a kid?!"

"When the hell did that happen?!"

"I didn't even know that he and Knightwalker were together!"

"She is pretty cute though."

"I bet this is pretty awkward for our Erza."

Natsu and Lina stared at one another wide-eyed. Now that he focused Natsu could definitely see the resemblance between them, mostly in the hair and her eyes. He knelt down to her level.

"Are you really my daddy?" she asked in disbelief.

Natsu smiled. "I guess so. I hope you're not too mad at me for being gone so long."

Lina teared up and jumped into Natsu's arms. She hugged his neck and Natsu fell to his back on the ground. "Daddy!"

"Whoa!" Natsu laughed. "I guess you're not too mad at me." He gave her his toothy smile.

"Nope." Lina smiled back at him. It was just like his. "I always wanted to meet you! Mommy's told me a lot!"

"I hope they were nice things." Natsu rose from the ground with Lina in his arms. He looked back to Knightwalker, who was still smiling at him. He reached and for some of her hair, holding it in his hand. "You changed it."

Knightwalker blushed and looked away. "If you have a problem with it then say it straight out."

"I don't. Actually I think it's really nice."

Knightwalker blushed even more. "Well…that's not the only thing that's changed since you've been gone."

Natsu grabbed Knightwalker's hand. "Well I guess you'll have to tell me all about, right?"

Knightwalker faced Natsu with a smile as she nodded, wiping one more tear from her eye. "Yes. I will."

Well enough people asked me so I decided to write an epilogue for this story. I'm sure one day I will rewrite the entire thing, but for now I think this will suffice.

As always, leave a comment and let me know what you think. Thanks for reading! :)