The twin doors exploded from their hinges and flew into the room with Knightwalker stepping inside the now hollow archway, Natsu following close behind after taking down all of their pursuers in a blaze of fire. The dragon slayer stood next to Knightwalker, whose gaze focused on a chair behind a desk in the back of the room. The hunter's eyes narrowed.
"Are you the master of this guild?"
"I have been given that distinction, yes." The chair spun around and a man stood up from it. His hair was as black as the night sky with white streaks peppered on the sides to show his age. His beige tunic flowed from his muscular yet lean form, the sleeves stopping just above his forearm. He walked in front of the desk, leaning against the front of it and wiping the dust caused from the door collapse off of his tunic and black pants. Oddly enough his feet were bare, placed firmly on the cool stone floor. He grinned amusingly at the pair before him.
"You must be Erza Knightwalker." He dusted himself off once more. "I've been expecting you. Although I have to say, bringing Natsu Dragneel along is a slight surprise."
Knightwalker gripped her spear tightly. "If you've been expecting me then you're the reason I'm in stuck Earthland."
"Inadvertently yes, I am."
"Who are you anyway?" Natsu interjected.
"My name is Murrow. As Erza pointed out I am master of the Twilight Sparrow guild."
"Do not address me as if we are comrades." Knightwalker spat. "Why did you bring me here?"
"I said I was inadvertently responsible. In reality you brought yourself here." Murrow smirked, causing Knightwalker's already irritated state to enter full rage.
"Enough of your games!" Knightwalker rushed forward, her spear once again changing tips. Natsu followed her lead, his fists ablaze.
Murrow smirked and tapped his foot on the floor. Suddenly a wall made of stone rose from the ground. Despite the sudden action, Knightwalker continued rushing forward until she saw the wall ripple. Almost immediately spikes protruded from it. Knightwalker stopped her advance just before she collided with the wall and jumped back, the obstacle descending back into the floor to reveal a still smirking Murrow.
"That temper of yours will be your death if you're not careful." He sarcastically warned. "Now as I was saying, I'm not the reason you arrived in Earthland. You came here of your own volition."
"You're lying." Knightwalker denied defiantly. "Why would I come to Earthland on my own?"
"Perhaps this will help you." Murrow snapped his fingers and a section of the left wall flipped around. Natsu's eyes widened while Knightwalker's narrowed as they looked at the sight. On the wall was a man held up by chains, blood coming from various cuts along his body. It was clear to the pair that he had been tortured and upon closer inspection he seemed to die due to these injuries. Despite the gruesome sight Knightwalker's attitude did not waiver. She looked back to Murrow, her eyes demanding answers.
"Who is that?"
"This is one of my subordinates. Well, former subordinates. I sent him into Edolas in order to retrieve information. As you can see, that didn't go over so well."
"You sent him…to…Edolas?" Knightwalker struggled to speak as her head began throbbing again. Images flashed in her mind, amplifying the pain. She dropped to one knee, clutching her head in order to stave off the dull pain.
Natsu ran to her side. "Knightwalker! Hey, are you ok?!" Just before reaching her he felt his foot hit something and he tripped, falling onto his face. "Ow. What was that?" he looked down at his leg and saw a stone hand holding on to his ankle. "What the?"
He tried to kick it apart until he felt a knife against his neck. Natsu looked up and saw a slender young woman, no older than him, sitting on his chest with her knees holding his arms on the ground. She had long brown hair and round glasses. She also looked to be wearing a black kunoichi outfit. "You just stay put, Salamander." She ordered
"What the hell?" Natsu began to struggle even more but he couldn't break free. The girl was surprisingly strong for someone her size. "Get off me!"
The girl moved the blade closer to his neck, drawing a bit of blood. "Stop moving so much, or my blade really will cut you." She sounded hesitant as she made her threat, but Natsu had no time to dwell on that. He had to help Knightwalker.
"Thank you, Rea." Murrow said looking at the girl.
"You are most welcome, Master."
Knightwalker continued to strain as her head began to metaphorically split itself apart.
Murrow squatted in front of her, his arms resting on his thighs. "Having trouble?" he asked in an amused tone.
"St-stay away from me." Knightwalker grunted.
"This must be the side effect of our artificial Anima portal."
Knightwalker's eyes widened. "A-anima? Ah!" she gasped and the visions in her mind began to clear. She saw glimpses of her room in the palace within Edolas' capital city. Weapons of various makes and uses hung on the walls. Her bed, a size fit for a queen, sat against the wall next to a large window.
"Are you starting to remember now?" Murrow asked, leaning closer to her. He lightly gripped her chin with his index finger and thumb, tilting her head until their eyes met.
"Knightwalker!" Natsu yelled, still struggling under Rea's weight. "Get away from her!"
"I said stop moving!" Rea shouted.
"My guild heard of Fairy Tail's journey into Edolas a few months ago." Murrow began explaining to Knightwalker as she filled in the pieces of her missing memory. "Intrigued by the notion of a world with no magic I set out to find a way into that realm. Seeing as how Mystogan, or rather Prince Jellal, effectively closed all of the anima portals leading to Edolas, we had to use more…archaic methods."
"So…" Knightwalker strained. "That's why…you needed…the lacrima."
"Correct. We used the lacrima we…'acquired' from Biard and other surrounding villages to create our own artificial anima. The only downside being that it only allowed us access to Edolas for a short amount of time." Murrow then pointed to the dead man in chains. "I sent him to Edolas to scout their fighting force. Unfortunately, he was discovered and followed through the artificial anima by you. As you can see, I wasn't too pleased with his blunder." Murrow let go of Knightwalker's face and walked away from her.
"What do you have to gain from invading Edolas?" Knightwalker inquired through her pain.
"Simple, a world with no magical power is easy to conquer."
Knightwalker's eyes widened in disbelief. "Conquer?"
Murrow continued his reasoning. "There are too many dark guilds in Earthland. Too many cooks in the kitchen so to speak. With the Baram Alliance controlling all of the lesser guilds and no one strong enough to rise against them, I thought it best if we started somewhere new. Move to a new location with a clean slate to paint with our ambitions."
"You're…just a coward." Knightwalker said, gritting her teeth. "Too afraid to take a stand and fight for dominance."
"It's all a matter of opinion."
"Stop moving, you idiot! Do you want your throat slit?!" Rea shouted again. She was quickly losing her control over Natsu's body.
"Happy!" Natsu yelled into the air.
"Aye sir!" Happy flew through the open door to the room, ramming his head into Rea at top speed. The girl flew off of Natsu and crashed into a nearby wall. Natsu broke the hand off of his ankle and stood up, rubbing his biceps to get the numbness out of them.
"Thanks, buddy." Natsu said. He then raced towards Murrow.
FIRE DRAGON IRON FIST
He lunged forward, but missed his mark when Murrow jumped back.
"Sala…mander." Knightwalker called weakly as she looked up at Natsu's back.
"Stop messing with her head." Natsu commanded, holding his arm in front of Knightwalker to protect her from further harm, should the need arise. "You mess with her again and I'll kick your ass." Murrow looked into Natsu's eyes and was slightly taken aback by the hardened look reflected in the black orbs. He could tell that Natsu would make good on his threat. However, this only served to amuse the master of Twilight Sparrow even more.
"You Dragon Slayer's truly are a ferocious breed." he said. "But shouldn't we leave that to her?" he looked down at Knightwalker.
Natsu's eyes narrowed in both anger and confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"I can return you to Edolas, Erza. Back to your home." Murrow said, reaching his hand to Knightwalker. "All you have to do is kill Salamander. If you do that, I will return you home safe and sound. I can even give you the power you need to overthrow Mystogan and rule Edolas yourself. I know you wish for power, Erza." He then outreached his hand. "Allow me to help you gain it."
"What?" Natsu gave Murrow a confused look.
"Come, Erza. You have no obligation to Salamander or anyone else in Earthland. This is not your world, you have no ties here. Nothing holding you back. Let me return you to where you truly belong."
Natsu scoffed at Murrow's words. "You're crazy, she wouldn't-"Natsu's eyes suddenly widened in shock as he felt something pierce his back. He slowly looked down and saw a spearhead jutting from his abdomen, dripping blood that was clearly his. He shakily turned his head and saw Knightwalker standing behind him, her bangs covering her eyes.
"Knight…walker?"
"Forgive me." She said in shame as she removed the spear. Natsu fell to his knees, holding his wound as blood continued to flow.
"Why would you…" he began before falling over.
Knightwalker looked down at him, her eyes filled with remorse as she watched the light fade from the dragon slayer's eyes.
"Knightwalker." She heard Natsu call her again.
"Knightwalker!" Knightwalker's eyes widened. Natsu's voice had brought her back to the present. The last few moments had been an illusion, a fabrication caused by her inner desire to return home mixed with the intense pain of her headache caused by the artificial anima. She was relieved that this was the case. Although she didn't understand why she was thankful to see Natsu safe.
"Don't listen to this guy." Natsu said, once again grabbing her attention. "I'll help you find a way back to Edolas. I promise."
Knightwalker didn't know why, but she felt calmer after hearing Natsu's words. She knew full well that the dragon slayer had no idea how to return her home if she refused Murrow's help, but she also knew that she could at least trust him enough to let him try. She also didn't want to see someone who went so far to help her, die. Her head slowly stopped throbbing and she stood up behind Natsu, gripping the handle of her spear to help her along.
"Have you made your decision, Erza?" Murrow asked. From the look in her eyes, he already knew the answer, but the man decided to humor himself.
"I have." Knightwalker pulled her spear out of the ground and stood next to Natsu. "I will find my own way home. I have no need for a worm like you. Also…" She spun her weapon around before pointing it at Murrow. "I will never allow you to have your way in Edolas."
"I see. How disappointing. I was hoping we could come to some sort of arrangement." Murrow clasped his hands together and a sword and shield made of stone appeared in his hands. He slid his right foot back, leaning forward on his left. "Come then. I'll end your journey here."
Natsu and Knightwalker readied themselves. "You sure you're ok?" Natsu asked.
"You should worry more about yourself. Don't fall behind." She took off, Natsu following a small distance behind with a smirk on his lips.
VACCUM SPEAR, MEL FORCE
Knightwalker's spear tip changed and a gust of wind roared forth from it, distorting Murrow's vision. He held his shield in front of himself in order to lessen the strain on his eyes, but he soon heard a noise come from behind him.
FIRE DRAGON IRON FIST
He turned his head, looking out of the corner of his eye to see Natsu diving down at him, the dragon slayer's fist burning. Murrow slid his back leg to the left, allowing him to side step Natsu. He then swiped his sword, catching a bit of Natsu's vest.
"Agh." Natsu winced as he slid against the ground. He stuck his hands into the ground to slow his momentum. "Ok." Natsu looked up at Murrow and Knightwalker who were trading weapon strikes. "Now I'm…" Another stone hand arose from the ground and grabbed Natsu's ankle, only this time it slung him to a nearby wall.
"Salamander!" Knightwalker yelled.
"Don't lose focus!" Murrow shouted with a smirk as he parried Knightwalker's spear with his shield causing her to lose balance. He stepped forward, driving his elbow into her abdomen. Knightwalker gasped for air, spitting up a small bit of blood as she slid back and rolled against the floor.
"Natsu!" Happy yelled as he continued floating in the air.
Natsu groaned in irritation as he picked himself up. "Dammit, that was cheating."
"Natsu, look out!" Happy warned.
"What?" Natsu's eyes widened when he saw a giant stone pillar make its way towards him. He stood up, quickly dodging the pillar as it made contact with the wall behind him. He slid along the ground, covering his eyes from the spreading debris. "How does he keep doing that?"
"Above you!" Happy warned again.
Natsu looked up to see another pillar, this one descending from the ceiling. Natsu leapt back to avoid it, but more pillars fell, causing him to keep running until his back hit the adjacent wall. "Crap!" Natsu puffed out his cheeks.
FIRE DRAGON'S ROAR
Natsu's fire destroyed all the pillars. Once that was done he headed back to the fight between Murrow and Knightwalker.
Knightwalker, now using her Ten Commandment's default form, continued her battle with Murrow. The two exchanged weapon blows, each clash shaking the room around them. Knightwalker, still feeling the effects of the artificial anima, began to slow down. Her spear slowly becoming heavier with each passing breath. Murrow grinned at her fatigue.
"Still under the weather?"
"Shut up." Knightwalker glared, parrying another sword strike.
"Let me help you." Murrow stomped his foot into the ground and pillar shot up, colliding with Knightwalker's abdomen. She gasped in pain again, once again coughing up a small amount blood before she fell to her knees.
Murrow held up his sword, prepared to give the final blow. "This is the end, Knightwalker. A shame. You would have made a magnificent queen." Murrow swung downward, but was quickly halted by a torrent of flames. Murrow gritted his teeth as he backed away. The fire dissipated, revealing Natsu in front of Knightwalker once again.
"Salamander." Murrow breathed through gritted teeth. "Your interference is starting to wear on me."
"I told you if you mess with her again, I was going to kick your ass." Natsu replied.
"Salamander." Knightwalker said, once again rising to her feet. She placed her hand on his shoulder, gripping it tightly as she spoke. Before she could even speak, Natsu knew what she was going to say.
"I know. I figured it out too." He looked back at her and smiled. "You go low, I go high?"
"Agreed." Knightwalker nodded with a small grin of her own. The two dashed forward, Knightwalker's spear once again changing tips, this time splitting into twin spears.
"Come and accept your deaths!" Murrow declared as he watched the wizard's rush him. He lifted his leg but stopped when it was frozen in place. "What?!" He struggled to free himself.
"Hey!"
Murrow looked up and saw Natsu close upon him, his arms engulfed in flames. He swung his body around, the flames swirling around his body.
FIRE DRAGON WING ATTACK
The flames engulfed Murrow sending him high into the air. He howled in pain as he fell back down to the ground, crashing through his desk. His back broken, he struggled in agony as the dust settled. When he looked up he saw the point of Knightwalker's spear in his face. He looked into her eyes, the anger and rage in them sent a chill down his spine. It was like looking into the eye of a beast.
"Please! Don't!"
"Knightwalker!" Natsu shouted. He hoped that this would not result in another death.
"You manipulated me. Forced me to come here by invading my home." Knightwalker's words were daggers in the frightened Murrow's ears. Knightwalker saw the sweat dripping down his face. "What happened to all of that bravado from earlier? Do you now understand the gravity of your crimes?"
Murrow nodded furiously. "I do! I do!"
"Then you understand how you must atone." Knightwalker raised her spear overhead, it changing points once again.
"Knightwalker stop!" Natsu ran to her, grabbing her shoulder.
"Release me, Salamander."
"You made a promise. You said you wouldn't kill anymore."
Knightwalker smirked. "You should have known better than to trust me. I am a hunter. Killing is what I do best."
"I don't believe that and I know you don't either. You're a good person."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I'm not, but I can feel it."
Knightwalker smirked wider and lowered her spear. "You are a fool."
Natsu smiled. "Probably."
Knightwalker turned her attention back to Murrow. "You only live because of him. Remember that, and never trifle with Edolas again."
Murrow nodded in agreement, fear still controlling his being. Knightwalker slammed her spear on the ground, the entire room glowing a pale blue. Natsu looked around in wonder as the light began to fade.
"What did you do?"
"I used my spear to render the lacrima here inert. They won't be able to make any more anima." She turned and walked past the dragon slayer. "Let's go. Our business is done here."
Natsu nodded. "Let's go, Happy."
"Aye, sir." The cat flew behind the pair as they exited the guild hall.
Once the group was outside they looked back at the tower one more time. Natsu smiled as he turned to look at Knightwalker. "Thanks for not killing him."
Knightwalker snorted in amusement. "He only breathes because of your incessant nagging. Besides, I do not go back on promises I make."
"Good to know." Natsu looked back at the tower before hearing a thud. He turned his head, his eyes widening in shock when he saw Knightwalker lying in the grass. "Knightwalker?!" he knelt next to her and lifted her on to his knees.
"She must still be injured from the fight." Happy fretfully sugessted.
"Knightwalker!" Natsu grabbed her shoulder and began to lightly jostle her. "Knightwalker?! Wake up! Knightwalker!"
The sharp scent of cotton awakened Knightwalker from her slumber. Slowly she opened her eyes, blinking quickly to clear her blurred vision. Once her eyes had properly adjusted Knightwalker saw a stone ceiling above her head. Confused by the sight she turned her head left and saw a window leading to the outside world. It was pitch black, the only light in the darkness being the moon that shined above. "Where…am…I?" She sat up slowly, her hand on her slightly throbbing head. To her surprise she was lying in a bed. Once she was upright she quickly felt a shot of pain in her side. She looked down. Not only was she in what looked to be pajamas, she could feel bandages wrapped tightly around her abdomen. "What is this? Was I captured? No. If I were held captive why would my wounds be attended to with such care?" She looked around again. "It looks like I'm inside of a hospital."
She heard a faint snore, causing her to turn her head again. This time to the right. Her eyes fell on a familiar figure in a chair. His head was slouched, his pink bangs covering his eyes as a sliver of drool dripped from his open mouth.
Knightwalker smirked. "Dragneel."
"H-huh?" Natsu moaned, stirring awake at the call of his name. He looked over to the bed next to him with a languid smile on his face. "You're awake."
"It seems you aren't though." Knightwalker resisted the urge to chuckle at his messy hair. Which was only one part of his overall unkempt appearance. Instead she lightly tapped the corner of her mouth. Natsu questioned the gesture at first, but soon caught on and quickly wiped the drool from the side of his own mouth.
"How long was I unconscious?" Knightwalker asked.
"About a day and a half." Natsu answered. He was slowly but surely regaining his full faculties, stretching his arms overhead.
Knightwalker's eyes widened at the news. It rightfully surprised her. "How? There is no way the paltry injuries I incurred would cause me to be unconscious for that long."
"The old man had Porlyusica check on you. She said that it was the because of the fake anima that you were out so long, but she also said it should be all gone by the time you wake up though. How do you feel?"
Knightwalker looked down at her hands. She turned them over, looking at her palms before closing them into fists over and over. After she finished that she placed her hand on her head, the constant dull pain was gone. "Much better." She answered. "My headaches and muscle pains have all subsided. The only thing wrong with me now seems to be these scars from the battle." She once again held onto her bandaged ribs. "What happened to the bandits?"
"The council arrested them and locked them away. They won't be stealing anything else." Natsu answered.
Knightwalker looked down with a sullen smile. "I see. That's good."
"Knightwalker?" Natsu leaned closer to her. "You alright?"
"I'm fine. It's comforting to see that justice is done. No matter the world."
"I'm sorry."
Knightwalker looked over to Natsu. "Why are you apologizing, Dragneel?"
"You can't go back to Edolas now." He clenched his fists tightly, regretting not being able to help Knightwalker. "That jerk messed everything up."
Knightwalker smirked in reply. "There is no need to worry about the past, Dragneel. You fought hard and as a fellow warrior I cannot fault you for that. I…thank you for trying."
Natsu looked up at Edolas hunter and his eyes widened. He didn't know if it was due to still being groggy, or the way the moonlight hit her skin, but Natsu could have sworn that Erza Knightwalker…was blushing. "Knightwalker, I…"
"Enough talk. You're exhausted. You need rest."
Natsu smirked. "You're one to talk."
Knightwalker returned his comment. " I suppose I am."
"Ok, I'll go back to sleep. But you should rest too."
"I will." Knightwalker nodded.
"Ok." Natsu settled back into his seat, crossing his arms as he lowered his chin into his scarf. "Good night, Knightwalker."
"Good night, Dragneel."
As Natsu drifted back to sleep, Knightwalker looked outside at the glowing moon. It was beautiful. It reminded her of how she would gaze at the moon in Edolas. So different yet the same. It saddened her that she couldn't return home. Despite all of the problems she faced there and her more than stressful duties, it was still where she belonged. She had made a life there. It was all she knew, and in a flash it was taken from her with no signs of being returned. She looked back to Natsu, whose chest slowly raised and lowered with each breath. Why would he go so far for me? She remembered his words from earlier. "I'll find a way to return you home. I promise." She smirked. How could he possibly do that? I feel silly for believing in such a wild claim…and yet… She unconsciously stood up from her bed and walked to Natsu. Look at him. He's not graceful or dignified in the least. At best he's a dullard; at worst a blithering idiot. But he's strong. Stronger than me. Possibly stronger than anyone I've ever met. She thought back to her battle with Erza back in Edolas. The most ferocious bout that she had ever been a part of. She learned more about herself in that battle than she ever did growing up in the palace. Scarlet was the same way. Is this strength a quality all Fairy Tail wizards in Earthland share? She leaned into Natsu, being careful not to disturb him from his slumber. No, those two are a rare breed. She remembered her conversation with her counterpart at Fairy Hills. I think I'm starting to see why Scarlet values him so much. Without thinking, Knightwalker leaned in closer. Puckering her lips, she planted a soft kiss on Natsu's forehead.
"Thank you, Natsu."
Erza was up late, her nose inside one of the many romance novels that she was fond of. Tonight's tales was one of a wandering knight and his romance with a princess from a foreign land. It was a rather cliche tale about how different their world's were, but Erza still found it enjoyable. As she was preparing to start the scene of the couples "first time" she heard a knock at her door. She nearly jumped out of her skin, dropping her book on the floor.
"Who could that be this late?" she asked to no one as she walked to the door. She turned the knob slowly and opened the door, surprised to see her counterpart on the otherside. "Knightwalker?"
"Good evening, Scarlet." Knightwalker greeted. "May I come in?"
"Y-yes. You may." Erza stepped to the side, allowing Knightwalker to enter her room. "What are you doing here? You should still be resting." Erza said as she closed her room door.
Knightwalker sat on the edge of Erza's bed. "No need. I'm feeling much better."
Erza sighed and sat in the chair next to her nightstand. "Those bandages say otherwise." she pointed at the white cloth that peaked from behind Knightwalker's armor.
"It's only a flesh wound. It'll heal in a day or so." Knightwalker waved off.
Erza sighed. She knew it was no use arguing with herself. "If you truly feel better then I will no longer press the issue."
"Thank you." Knightwalker bowed her head.
"It's no trouble." Erza said before standing up. "Would you like something to drink? Perhaps some tea?"
"No." Knightwalker declined. "I won't be staying long."
Erza sat back down. "Are you returning to the hospital?"
KNightwalker shook her head once more. "No. I am leaving Magnolia."
Erza's eyes widened. "What? Why?"
"I have to find a way back home to Edolas."
Erza's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Are you sure that's the only reason?"
"What are you getting at, Scarlet?" Knightwalker asked, returning her counterpart's hardened stare.
"Have you told Natsu?"
Knightwalker paused, the uneasy look in her eyes confirming Erza's suspicions. Knightwalker turned away from her "sister". "No."
Erza sighed and leaned back into her chair. "I knew it. You're running from him."
Knightwalker turned to Erza. "I am not running from, Dragneel."
"Then tell him that you're leaving."
Knightwalker paused again. "I...can't do that."
"Why not?"
"Because he would insist on coming with me."
"Is that really such a bad thing?"
Knightwalker thought about the idea. In truth she wouldn't mind staying around Natsu for a little longer. Even if she hadn't completely sorted her feelinggs out for him yet, she still found his presence...calming. Almost therapeutic in a sense. Even if it was only for a short while, being around him made the pain of homesickness dull. Even with all these feelings, she refused to go further. "I don't deserve that."
"Deserve what?" Erza inquired.
"His affection. His praise. I cannot have them. The way I am now, it would only end badly for the both of us."
"Shouldn't you leave that decision to Natsu?"
Knightwalker said nothing as she stood up and turned to Erza's door. "It is easier for the both of us this way. Goodbye, Scarlet." With that Knightwalker walked out of Erza's door, exiting Fairy Hills, and soon after Magnolia. She had no idea where she was going, but she knew that any place that wasn't near him was a good place to start. She knew Erza was right, she was running. But she saw no other option, she had never experienced something like this before. It scared her, and Erza Knightwalker never liked the feeling of fear. The way she was now, the fear would persist, but she saw no way she could change that to feel worthy. Her thoughts of Natsu in the back of her mind, she sought to find a way to return home to Edolas.
Natsu stirred awake as the sunlight warmed his face. He slowly opened his eyes and yawned, stretching his arms overhead. He looked down at Happy, who was also waking up. "How'd you sleep?"
"Good." Happy smiled. "I had this awesome dream about fish."
Natsu smiled. "You always dream about fish."
"Why would I not dream about fish?"
"What about you, Knightwalker? How did you…?" Natsu looked over to the bed and his eyes widened. She was gone, a neatly made bed in her place. He suddenly stood up, causing Happy to fall onto the ground.
"What was that for?" Happy irritably asked as he stood upright.
Natsu dashed out of the room, Happy calling after him in both confusion and fright. Natsu saw a nurse and called out to her. "Hey!"
The nurse turned around, her eyes widening upon seeing how fast Natsu was coming towards her. Luckily he stopped just before impact.
"What happened to the girl in that room?" he asked pointing to the open door he exited from.
The nurse tried to power through her fright. "S-she left sometime last night." She clutched her clipboard tighter to her shaking body.
"Where did she go?!" Natsu demanded.
"I-I don't know. That was Erza right? M-maybe she went to Fairy Tail."
A light bulb of realization lit in Natsu's head. "Hey, yeah!" He raced off. "Thanks, lady!" he called back.
"Y-you're welcome." The nurse nervously waved.
Natsu burst into the Fairy Tail guild hall, surprising his friends.
"What's up, Natsu?" Elfman asked.
"You look terrible." Lucy commented.
"Where's Erza?!"
"She's not here yet." Lucy answered, struck slightly uncomfortable by Natsu's tone.
"I meant Knightwalker!"
"I-I haven't seen her."
"That's probably a good thing." Gray remarked.
Natsu glared at him but decided not to press the issue further and exited the guild hall, leaving his friends stunned. Where did she go? He thought about the look in her eyes last night. It was sad. Was it because she couldn't return home? Natsu didn't know for sure, but he knew he had to find her. He looked everywhere, but had no luck. He stopped in South Gate Park to catch his breath before hearing a familiar voice call his name.
"Natsu?"
He looked up, seeing his Erza looking down at him from the hill. "There you are." she said with relief. "When I arrived at the guild hall everyone said you were hysterical, asking where Knightwalker went." She walked to him. "What happened?"
"I can't find her anywhere." Natsu replied. "She left the hospital last night, but I don't know where she could have gone."
Erza sat next him. "Tell me what happened."
Natsu proceeded to tell Erza everything that had happened since Knightwalker had shown up. Their mission in Biard, Murrow, and just how she arrived in Earthland in the first place. Erza took it all in, only asking questions when necessary. "I see." She said when Natsu finished.
"You think I'm the reason she left?" Natsu asked.
"Why would you think that?"
"I said I could return her home to Edolas, but I have no idea how. She probably blames me for ruining her chances of going back."
Erza smiled warmly. "I don't think that's the case. I'm sure she believes you'll find a way to take her back, but until then…I think she's trying to find herself.'
Natsu looked over to his friend. "Find herself?"
Erza nodded as they looked out at the sunset. She thought back on her conversation with Knightwalker the previous night. Just before she left Magnolia. "She's in a very fragile stage right now, mentally. She's in a brand new place and has no idea where she fits. If she does at all. It also doesn't help that she's not the only person named Erza here. That has to hurt even more. As long as she's here she will be mistaken for me. She barely has a concept of her own identity."
Natsu frowned at Erza's explanation. It didn't make him feel any better about the situation. What if she never returned?
"But, I think she'll be back." Erza said.
Natsu's face began to brighten. "Really?"
Erza nodded. "Yes. There's someone here that she wishes to see. Someone she wants to show the results of her travels to. Whether she wants to acknowledge it or not."
"Who?"
Erza stood up, patting the grass from her skirt. She reached her hand down to Natsu. "I guess you'll have to wait and find out."
Natsu grinned and grabbed Erza's hand so she could pull him. "I guess so."
THE PRESENT
Knightwalker rotated her shoulder and walked to Natsu. She smirked as she lightly tapped his shin with her boot. "Dragneel. Wake up."
Natsu groaned before opening his eyes. He looked up at Knightwalker and smiled lazily. "Morning."
"My spear." She said, holding out an opened hand.
"Oh, yeah. Here." He grabbed the weapon and handed it to Knightwalker. He then stood up, wiping the loose dirt from his clothing.
"Why are you here?" Knightwalker asked.
"I heard you were coming back into town so I came to meet you."
"Your persistence is the only good thing about you." She smirked.
"I guess so." Natsu laughed. "You coming with me?"
"If I must." Knightwalker nodded before following Natsu through the forest.
It had been a rather odd few months for Knightwalker. Drifting away from Magnolia, she sought to find a way back to Edolas before finding herself under the employ of the Southern Wolves. While dreading mercenary work, she decided that it was the best place for her particular talents. She quickly rose through the ranks of the guild despite never taking any mission she found "unsavory". Which were namely assassination jobs. Suffice to say Natsu never liked her chosen profession.
Natsu sat down at the table in his home, bringing Knightwalker a cup of coffee. "Here you go."
"Thank you." Knightwalker said as she took the cup. She held her nose over it, inhaling the rich aroma. "Did you make this yourself?"
"Yeah. Mira taught me."
"I see." Knightwalker took a sip. "It's quite good."
"Really?" Natsu smiled. "Thanks. Took forever to get it right." He looked Knightwalker over, even though it had only been about a month since he last saw her - the two usually talking through communication lacrima - she seemed to have changed even more. Her hair in particular. "What did you do to your hair?" Natsu asked.
Knightwalker reached up, grabbing onto a black streak than ran down the left side of her otherwise deep red hair. "I was tired of being compared to Scarlet. So I decided to make a small change to tell us apart. Do you not like it?"
Natsu blushed and shook his head. "N-no it's not that. It's just different is all. Different's good."
"I like to think so." Knightwalker replied with a small grin.
"Are you still with the Southern Wolves?" Natsu asked, his gaze narrowed.
"I am." Knightwalker nodded.
Natsu frowned.
"Don't make that face." Knightwalker replied, taking another sip of coffee. "I haven't done anything that would interfere with our bargain. Besides the Southern Wolves are not that bad. They are just a tad disorganized."
"They're mercenaries." Natsu retorted.
"They are hired to do a job just as guild wizards are, Dragneel. Their work just happens to be less…civilized than legal guilds."
"You mean they kill people." Natsu corrected with a pout.
"I'm not having this conversation again, Dragneel." Knightwalker replied, sensing the tone in Natsu's voice. Every time she came home it was the same conversation. She would plead her case and Natsu would rebuke it. He had been trying for the better part of two months to get her to join a legal guild, but she refused everytime on the grounds of being able to make her own decisions regardless of her his feelings. While she had plenty to say on the matter. Knightwalker thought it best to avoid a fight this time around by cutting th conversation short. "Besides, I'll most likely be leaving the Southern Wolves soon anyway."
Natsu brightened. "Really?"
Knightwalker nodded in confirmation. "On a recent job I was offered the chance to serve in the king's royal guard. I told him I would think about it, but that was just a delayed tactic. I'll most likely accept the position."
"That's great!" Natsu exclaimed happily. While he was happy for Knightwalker's new job, he was more pleased byt the fact that she wouldn't be a mercenary anymore.
Knightwalker smirked. "I suppose it is."
"That means you get to go to the capital right? I've never been."
"Perhaps I'll take you there when I start the job."
"As long as we don't take the train."
"I know." Knightwalker grinned. "I still find it hard to believe someone as strong as you has such an odd weakness."
"They say everybody has at least one." Natsu shrugged.
"Not I." Knightwalker boasted.
"Oh really?" Natsu leaned in, surprising Knightwalker.
"Dragneel, you're too close." She blushed lightly.
"Am I?" Natsu leaned in further.
"I'm warning you, Dragneel." Knightwalker's blush deepened. "Back away."
"Or what?"
"You know very well what I'm capable of." Knightwalker tried her best to sound intimidating, but her heart was racing.
Natsu smiled and returned to his seat. "Fine. You win."
Knightwalker calmed down and continued on. "They also said that they would help find a way to return me to Edolas."
Natsu's heart dropped when he heard those words. He always tried to believe that Knightwalker staying in Earthland was permanent, but deep down he knew that she wished to return to her true home. Anyone would feel homesick in her shoes and Natsu knew that. Though all that didn't make him feel any better about it.
Knightwalker sensed his apprehension. "You know…you could always come back with me…if you wish."
Natsu smiled. "I told you, I can't. Earthland is my home."
"Well my home is wherever you are." Knightwalker muttered under her breath.
"Huh?" Natsu asked, his ear picking up Knightwalker's faint whisper.
"Nothing. I said that's a shame." She lied. She quickly tried to change the subject. "How are things in Fairy Tail?"
"You know, same old same old. I just came back from a job a few days ago. I ran into those vanish brother guys."
"Did they cause you any trouble?"
"Not really." Natsu shook his head. "Actually as soon as they saw me they apologized and ran away."
"I see." Knightwalker grinned as she took another sip of coffee. Upon her joining of the mercenaries, she made an announcement once she learned of their encounters with Fairy Tail. Natsu Dragneel - along with the rest of the guild - was off limits. It took some "persuading" but eventually everyone in the Southern Wolves took the message to heart. "How odd."
"Yeah." Natsu replied.
"How is Scarlet?"
"She's good. She's helping Master organize the S-Class exam. It's in a few days actually."
"You mentioned that before. Were you picked to participate?"
"Yeah." Natsu smiled. "I'm totally gonna ace it."
"Then I wish you well. I'll wait here until you return."
"Don't you have to go back?" Natsu asked with confusion.
Knightwalker shook her head. "I took a sabbatical from the Southern Wolves." She looked at him over the rim of her mug. "Is that alright with you?" she asked facetiously.
In truth Natsu was elated that Knightwalker was staying in town longer he wanted to smile, but instead he chose to give a nonchalant shrug. Trying to keep the same amount of cool as Knightwalker, he said. "I don't care. This is your house too right?"
"I guess so."
Natsu stood up, taking the empty mugs from the table and placing them in the sink. He then stretched his arms overhead. "Well, back to training."
Knightwalker rose from the table. "I'll assist you. I could benefit from some training as well."
"Nice." Natsu smiled. "It's been a while since we've fought each other. I'm gonna win this time." He declared.
Knightwalker grinned. "You just may. I've been feeling sort of sluggish lately."
"Are you ok?"
"I'm fine. I just haven't been getting enough sleep."
"As long as you're sure." Natsu walked to front door, but before he could exit Knightwalker grabbed his arm.
"Natsu." She turned him around, raising herself a bit before planting a kiss on his lips. Natsu smiled inwardly as he felt Knightwalker's soft lips on his own. She pulled away and he smiled at her.
"Welcome home, Erza."
She smiled back at him. "Thank you."
Well here it finally is. The final chapter of "The Other Side of the Coin". I honestly cannot believe it's been over two years. I remember when I first wrote this story I was bursting with ideas for it, but soon I kinda got burned out. To be honest I'm not completely satisfied with this chapter (especially the fight scene). Just little things here and there I thought I could do better. So I understand if this is slightly disappointing. My writing style has changed quite a bit since I wrote on this story last, so I will mostly likely re-do the whole thing one day.
But in the mean time, thank you all for sticking with this story long and reading it. You really are the best. As always leave a comment and thanks for reading :).