Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.

Fairy Tail—A Diary's Secret 2: A Fateful Journey

Chapter 12

The blue gray doors leading into the central tower of the Capital were tall and thick. They were designed to be the perfect barrier, even more so than the mighty gates around the outermost wall. They were built using a metal alloy unique to Edolas. The alloy combined several strong ores that could only be found deep beneath the earth in this otherworldly place. Brass bars were fused into the doors in triangular patterns to make them even more stable and on the inner side a thick beam of a similar metal alloy to those doors was laying horizontally across two supports, preventing them from being forced open. They had but one purpose; repel all attacks to ensure the safety of King Faust.

And yet they were no match for the fires of Earth Land.

With a mighty roar that echoed in the chambers of the tower, Natsu thrust his hands forward, discharging a torrent of flames that burst through the door like it was tissue paper. Melted metal curled inwards from the heat of the blast, the beam gave way, and soon there was a wide opening large enough to fit a dragon.

The Dragneels and White Wing entered the capital and stood in the vast foyer. Immaculate stones made up the walls, floor, and ceiling. Decorative chandeliers with brightly lit candles hung from up high. In front of them was a massive stone staircase leading to the next floor and a velvet red carpet draped over it. They could hear the shouts of the Capital guards as they began to organize and head towards the intruders.

"Sounds like the welcoming party is on its way," Brac grumbled as he readied Stone Cleaver. "We don't have time for this! Faust must be stopped!"

"Don't worry about the guards," Natsu said. "Just point us in the direction of Faust. We'll take care of the small fry along the way."

Brac nodded and pointed to the staircase. "He should be in his throne room located on the highest floor."

The large group began making their way up the stairs. Before they could get even halfway up, however, soldiers began pouring in from all directions from above and below. Their trident-like weapons were all humming with magic power.

"Papa, there are so many!" Serafine cried.

Natsu grit his teeth. Based on the enemy's numbers and the fact there were so many allies to consider, he couldn't see a way to take them all out quickly. "Come on…"

"Natsu! Mira! Serafine! Happy! You four go on ahead!" Brac bellowed as he spun on his heels and faced the enemies approaching from the first floor. The rest of White Wing did the same. "We'll hold off anyone coming at you from the rear. You just focus on pushing ahead!"

"Brac," Mira said worriedly. "Are you sure? You're terribly outnumbered. We can help."

"I appreciate the sentiment, Miss Mira. Really, I do. But we have to look at the bigger picture here," Brac said with a smile. "These grunts are only meant to hold us up." He glanced over his shoulder. "All of White Wing—no, all of Edolas—will put their faith and hopes on your shoulders. We believe you can do it. You all have the power to defeat Faust and his limitless magic."

Natsu met his gaze and nodded. "Right. Hold down the fort for us." He took off up the stairs with Mira, Serafine, and Happy right behind him. Flames danced around his arms. "We're counting on you, friend!"

Brac raised his weapon. "And we you, friend!"

Natsu breathed deeply. "FIRE DRAGON ROAR!" he bellowed, unleashing a powerful blaze from his mouth that swallowed up all of the guards on the second floor landing. They cried out in pain before collapsing to the ground, unconscious. The Dragneels leapt over their motionless bodies and kept running along the second floor. They could hear the clash of weapons begin to fade behind them as they dashed into one of the hallways. Natsu's eyes hardened. "You all better stay safe," he said softly.

As they ran they searched for staircases leading up to take them to the higher levels and Faust's chambers. The halls were very straight, but would break off into separate paths at random times, leaving it up to chance that they would pick the correct way. Natsu's sense of direction was their only guide.

After several minutes of running with no luck, the group stopped in a hallway with large, dark-paned windows on one wall. Large chandeliers with light lacrimas hung from the ceiling.

"Seriously, how can there be no staircases in this place?" Natsu barked, scratching his head furiously.

Serafine bent forward and put her hands on her knees as she panted. "This castle really is enormous after all."

"Maybe we made a wrong turn?" Mira offered, looking over her shoulder. "I have found it odd that we haven't run into any soldiers yet. You would think they would be pouring out to protect Faust."

"If only we knew what Faust smelled like. Natsu would find him easily that way," Happy groaned.

Suddenly, a soft sound caught Natsu's attention. He turned towards the large window to their left. It didn't sound like the fighting they had left behind and he found that odd. It sounded like a small explosion far off in the distance. "You guys hear that?"

"No, nothing," Mira replied as she looked towards Natsu. She took a battle-ready stance. She knew that even if she couldn't hear anything, she could trust Natsu's senses. And in this situation, what he heard could mean trouble.

"I didn't either," Happy answered.

Serafine lifted her head. "I heard something, Papa. Like a small boom, right? What do you think it was?"

"Don't know," Natsu said slowly. "Be on your guard, everyone."

Another soft sound came from the other side of the window. It was just as short as the last time, but it was slightly louder. The chandeliers above their heads shook slightly.

"Okay, I heard that one," Happy gulped. "What could that be?"

"I don't think waiting around to find out would be a good idea," Mira said.

Natsu nodded. "Right. Keep running!"

The Dragneels bolted down the hall. The sound seemed to be following them. They were always in short bursts, but they kept getting louder and louder. And the source of the sound seemed to now be directly outside the windows.

Just as the Dragneels reached the very center of the hall, a large shadow approached the windows from the outside. Natsu's eyes widened. "Everyone get down!" he shouted as he dove forward, sprawling out flat on the ground.

Mira and Serafine followed suit and Happy dive-bombed the carpeted floor just as a massive metal object crashed through the windows, shattering the glass and splintering the wooden frames as it swung overhead. Because they were all lying flat on the ground, the metal object missed them by a few inches, passing by as it continued its path of destruction. Soon it was disappearing back outside.

Natsu shook his head of small glass pieces that had collected in his hair. "What the hell?!"

"Papa, what was that thing?" Serafine cried.

Mira turned to the left and gasped. "N…Natsu…look!"

Natsu turned and froze. "No way…is that…?"

Serafine had turned to look as well and trembled. "A…dragon?"

Through the now massive hole in the wall leading to the outside of the castle, the Dragneels could see a towering metallic being that looked just like a dragon. It was dark silver in color and was at least 50 feet tall. It looked down at them with glowing red eyes. It stretched its wide, blade like wings and reared back its head. It roared, sending out a metallic wave of sound that tore through the early morning air like nails on a chalkboard. It then proceeded to swing its thick arm down at the Dragneels. They dove out of the way just before the attack could land. In a matter of seconds the floor they had just been lying on was gone. Now there was only a hole leading to the first floor. The large metallic monster withdrew its arm.

"YOUR REACTIONS ARE BETTER THAN I ANTICIPATED," a loud voice boomed out of the metallic creature. "TO THINK I ACTUALLY MISSED. IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN."

"Who are you?" Natsu demanded. "What are you?"

"WHO AM I?! INSOLENT PESTS! YOU HAVE INVADED MY KINGDOM AND CAUSED ME UNNECESSARY GRIEF! NOW I, KING FAUST, WILL PERSONALLY SEE TO YOUR ERADICATION!"

"No way! King Faust is a dragon?" Happy gasped.

"I'm going to go out on a limb here and say no," Mira replied. "But I would guess that King Faust is inside that…thing."

Natsu smirked. "Hey, he came right to us. Beats trying to find the stairs, right?" Flames erupted around him as he punched his palm. "And he has a neat toy to play with. I'm all fired up now!"

"YOU HAVE BRAVADO, I'LL GIVE YOU THAT. BUT YOUR CONFIDENCE IS UNFOUNDED. NO MATTER HOW GREAT THE MAGIC TOOL, NO ONE CAN STAND UP TO MY PRIDE AND JOY; MY DRAGONOID!"

"What's a dragonoid?" Serafine asked.

"Based on how it looks, I'd say it's a big weapon shaped like a dragon," Happy answered.

"I don't care what weapon you use, I will stop you, Faust!" Natsu roared. "I will destroy your Anima!"

"ALL MAGIC POWER SHALL BE MINE! I WON'T LET YOU STAND IN THE WAY OF MY AMBITION!" Faust's voice echoed out.

"And what ambition is that?" Mira asked. "To rule this world with tyranny?"

"I SHOULD NOT EXPECT PEASANTS LIKE YOU TO UNDERSTAND MY LOFTY GOALS. TO RULE, YOU MUST HAVE POWER. TO ENSURE THAT NONE DARE OPPOSE YOU, YOU MUST HAVE POWER! I HAVE OBTAINED SAID POWER!"

Serafine clenched her fists. "And it's worth having people hate you? You're their king! You should inspire hope!" she bellowed. Fresh tears began to fill her eyes. "It's because of you that Lucius…Lucius is…"

"I CARE NOT WHAT THE MASSES THINK. ALL I WANT IS POWER."

"He just wants to rule with an iron fist," Happy said softly. "He doesn't care anything about his people."

"Enough talk!" Natsu shouted. "You ready, Mira?"

Mira nodded as dark energy surrounded her. Moments later it burst away, revealing Mira in her Satan Soul form. "Of course. Let's end this, Natsu!"

"You won't be interfering anymore."

Mira and Natsu turned towards the sound of the voice. Needless to say, the familiar face that greeted them left them stunned.

"Erza?!" Natsu shouted. "What the…what are you doing here?!"

Erza stood before the Dragneels with a fierce look in her eyes. She wore a halter top breast plate, exposing much of her torso. Her arms and legs were covered with light, form fitting gauntlets and greaves. Her upper thighs were covered only by a flowing piece of cloth. A dark scarf was wrapped around her neck and her scarlet red hair was tied back in a ponytail. In her hand she wielded a long spear that glinted in the early morning light. She lifted her weapon and pointed it at Natsu and Mira. "My Lord's enemies shall meet their end."

"AHH, KNIGHTWALKER. HOW GOOD OF YOU TO COME." Faust's voice was dripping with sarcasm as it echoed out from the dragonoid.

Erza quickly kneeled toward Faust. She bowed her head slightly and closed her eyes. "I do apologize, Lord Faust. However, I've only just returned from a subjugation mission in the far west. I came right here once I became aware of the situation."

"ARE YOU MAKING EXCUSES, KNIGHTWALKER?" Faust threatened.

Erza's head lowered further. "Of course not, my Lord. Please forgive me."

Faust was silent for a while, then spoke. "VERY WELL. TAKE CARE OF THINGS FOR ME."

"Of course, my Lord." Erza lifted her head and opened her eyes. She stood and turned towards her opponents. A sadistic smile split her face. "For opposing you, they will receive no mercy from me. I will look forward to killing them slowly."

"Yeah, that's not Erza," Happy said. "Creeeepyyyyy."

Serafine shivered. "Hearing those words come from someone who looks just like Aunt Erza is freaky."

"Looks like they don't want to make things easy for us," Mira sighed.

"Eh, I think it's more exciting this way," Natsu smirked.

Mira turned to face Erza. "I can take her myself. You've got Faust?"

"You read my mind."

"What about me?" Serafine asked, pointing to herself.

"You sit tight with Happy," Natsu instructed.

"But you saw me before! I can fight!"

"Yeah, you can fight alright. But your control over your power is too new. Until you can call upon and wield your magic with more consistency, it's not a good idea to push it." Natsu looked over his shoulder and smiled softly at his daughter. "You understand?"

Serafine's head sank, but she nodded her understanding.

"That's my girl." Natsu leapt forward. Flames burst from his feet as he rocketed towards the dragonoid. "Now watch your papa kick some metal dragon butt!"

Erza made to intercept Natsu, but Mira was quickly in her way, hovering on her bat-like wings to block Erza's path. She chuckled. "You really want to take me on by yourself? I will say that it's not a smart strategy."

Mira smiled. "Perhaps. Now let's see if your strength is anything like the real thing."

Natsu drew back his fists. Flames circled around his body. "I'll show you that your fake power of oppression is nothing!"

The dragonoid lifted its large arm, its palm facing Natsu. "I WILL SHOW YOU THE IMPRUDENCE OF CHALLENGING ME! MY POWER IS ABSOLUTE!" A concentrated ball of magic power appeared before almost instantly firing a beam of black power.

"FIRE DRAGON DUAL FANG!" With unreal reaction time, Natsu swiftly swung both fists forward. Flames erupted from his fists when they were at full reach, colliding with the black beam. The magic attacks cancelled each other out and exploded, creating a massive cloud of smoke. Natsu landed back on the broken floor of the hallway.

"IMPOSSIBLE! HOW DID YOU CANCEL MY ATTACK?" Faust cried.

Natsu snickered as small embers floated around him. "You kidding? I spar with neighborhood kids with more magic power than you."

The dragonoid lifted both arms as a grating roar reverberated on the wind. "YOU LITTLE MAGGOT! YOU DARE MOCK THE MAGIC POWER I SPENT YEARS TO COLLECT?! THAT'S IT! NOW YOU DIE!"

"It's not your magic power!" Natsu shouted back, his eyes reflecting his fire. "You stole that magic from innocent people! And I will make you pay!"

The mouth of the dragonoid opened wide as black magic began to gather in a swirling vortex. "BEGONE!" Faust spat. The dragonoid leaned forward and unleashed a massive, deafening blast of magic power.

But again, Natsu reacted quickly. He took a deep breath and fired a cyclone of flames from his mouth. "FIRE DRAGON ROAR!"

The two mighty roars smashed into each other, rocking the earth from the impact. They pushed into each other, melding together at times, but neither attack could gain ground on the other.

"THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!" Faust wailed. He couldn't believe that his ultimate weapon, his beloved dragonoid, was being held back by one human man.

"My Lord!" Erza called out as she tried to make a run for Natsu to aid her king. However, Mira simply glided over to block her path yet again, the same grin on her face. Erza glared harshly at her. "Move out of my way."

"Sorry," Mira taunted, "but it looks like I won't let you interfere."

Erza pointed her spear at Mira threateningly. "I told you to move aside. I won't ask again."

Mira's smile faded. "Your opponent is me, no one else."

Erza's spear glowed brightly. The shear head instantly changed shape into that of a wavy, red triangular blade with symmetrical twin yellow carvings in the center. "Then face the might of my Spear of Ten Commandments: Explosion!" Erza leapt forward, her spear drawn back over her head, and as she rapidly closed the distance between her and Mira, her spear's head began to glow bright, crimson red. With a ferocious cry, she swung her spear, bringing it down with the speed of a guillotine. When her spear made contact with its target, a powerful explosion boomed. Thick smoke mixed with red hot flames shrouded the small area.

Erza had always found this attack to be very successful. Every time she used the Explosion technique of her rare and powerful magic tool, countless enemies would be wiped out. It always brought her great satisfaction every time she unleashed the destructive attack, so much so that an evil smile would always grace her otherwise beautiful face.

"My, how interesting."

However, this was not one of those times. For the first time in her life, her spear felt stuck. No matter what she did, no matter how hard she pulled, she couldn't move her spear back. It was lodged in something within the thick smoke. "What? What is this?"

The wind of the early morning began to push away the smokescreen. The first thing that came into Erza's view was a golden, armor-clad clawed hand gripping the glowing red spearhead. Moving up the arm was more of the same golden armor, shaped and twisted around into spiral patterns. The gaps connecting the patterns were pitch-black like pockets of void. The golden armor stopped halfway up the upper arm, revealing contrasting pale, smooth skin.

Erza's eyes shook as the smoke completely cleared. "How?"

Just like the arm that had somehow absorbed and stopped her Explosion, Mira's entire body was covered in the same golden armor with twisting spirals. The armor was thickest over her chest and stopped roughly an inch below her collarbone. Her toned stomach was covered by only a thin membrane of armor, giving it a slightly muddied color. Her legs were covered from hip to toe and the armor spiked outwards near her hips. On her head was a helmet that covered her forehead and surrounded the sides of her face. Demonic horns protruded from the back of the headdress, twisting and curling viciously. Her silver hair flew loosely behind her as it whipped around in the wind. Tied around her unprotected neck was a tattered, blood red cape and around her waist was tied a small cloth of the same color. Waving slightly behind her underneath the cloth was a black, armored tail. She smiled at Erza, her normally sapphire blue eyes dark. "That attack was powerful. But I should have predicted it. I apologize for not taking you seriously right away."

Serafine felt her breath leave her. She had never seen this form of her mother's before. "What is that?" she gasped in wonder.

Happy gulped. "That would be Mira's Satan Soul: Zepar. Her strongest form yet."

"Zepar? Wait, I thought Satan Soul: Sitri was Mama's strongest form?"

Happy scratched the back of his head. "Well…she was trying to keep it a secret. At least, until she felt like she could safely unveil it. Only Natsu and I knew about it."

"I can't believe she didn't tell me," Serafine huffed.

"You were only two when she took possession of it. It's been over ten years, but I guess she feels like she finally has complete control."

"It's taken Mama that long to gain control?"

"Yup. It was a powerful demon. A leader of armies, they say."

"Well, what's it do?"

"You'll see."

Erza gritted her teeth as she tried to pull her spear free, but it still wouldn't budge. "Demon," she hissed.

Mira laughed. "That's right! I am a demon!" She tightened her grip on the spearhead.

And it instantly shattered.

Erza's eyes widened. "My…My Spear of Ten Commandments…you destroyed it."

Mira drew back her other hand. A small vortex of crimson appeared in her palm. "I was right. The real thing is much stronger."

Erza didn't have time to ponder this remark, let alone react to what was to come. In the blink of an eye, Mira extended her hand and fired a concussive wave of blood red magic. Erza was forced backwards as if she were fired from a cannon. She smashed into one of the outer stone walls of the central tower, her body imprinting in the thick bricks.

However, Mira wasn't taking anything for granted. She had sparred enough times against her Erza to know that even a powerful blow like that wouldn't be enough. She dashed forward, seemingly teleporting until she was right in front of Erza's body. She drew back a closed fist before unleashing a swift powerful blow to Erza's unguarded stomach. The force of her armored fist was enough to force the air out of Erza's body. With one final gasp, Erza's head drooped forward.

"Whoa," Serafine whispered. "Such strength…"

"Yeah, Mira's scary when she uses this demon," Happy nodded.

Serafine forced herself to tear her eyes away from her mother's golden back so that she could return her attention to her father. Natsu was still locked in a stalemate with Faust's dragonoid. Neither Roar could make any headway.

That is, until…

"I'm all done now, Natsu. He won't be getting any unwanted help," Mira called out.

The corners of Natsu's mouth curled upwards. He gave a thumbs up to communicate understanding. He held out both arms as fire swirled around his extended limbs. Without a word (not that he could say anything, even if he wanted to) he thrust both arms toward the dragonoid's chest. Twin thundering pillars of red hot flames barreled towards their target. The intensity of the flames tore through the metal plating of the dragonoid's shell, blasting a hole completely through the torso and shooting out its backside.

Faust flinched from inside his dragonoid as his great weapon shook mightily from the hit it just took. His reaction was enough to slip his hands from the controls and his finger from the button for his dragonoid's breath attack. Once his finger was gone, the dragonoid's attack stopped.

And with no more resistance, Natsu's Fire Dragon Roar propelled forward and smacked into the head of the dragonoid. The force of the blast pushed the head of the dragonoid completely back. Metal creaked, threatening to snap.

"NO! NOOOOOOO!" Faust roared in panic. How could his great weapon be losing? "IT'S NOT POSSIBLE! WHAT KINDS OF MAGIC TOOLS ARE THOSE?!"

Natsu stopped his attacks, grinning at the breaking tin toy in front of him. "Finish it."

Suddenly, Mira appeared above the dragonoid. Another crimson spiral was in her palm. "TIDES OF WAR!" She thrust forward with her hand, sending out another wave of crimson magic. The waves pushed down on the dragonoid, forcing it into the ground. Metal once again groaned as the joints on the mechanical beast began to crack.

"STAY AWAY FROM ME!" Faust cried in desperation. "I'M WARNING YOU! STAY BACK!"

Natsu lifted a closed fist, his thumb tucked underneath his index finger. A small ember danced atop the nail of his thumb. "Not on your life, you heartless tyrant." He released his thumb, flicking the ember like a coin at the trapped dragonoid. The ember stayed true and as soon as it met its mark, it exploded in a cloud of fire.

Metal twisted. Screws burst. Plates snapped. A sickening scream echoed. And the dragonoid fell in a heap of scraps with Faust trapped inside.

Serafine always knew her parents were an unstoppable, especially when they fought as a team. She had seen them fight together countless times. But it seemed to her that every new time she watched them, she was more amazed than before. She clenched her fists, but not in jealousy or frustration; she was determined. 'Soon, my magic will be strong, like Mama's and Papa's. I will control it and make it my own. And you'll be watching me grow, right Lucius?'

And there you have it! Next time I update, this story will have wrapped up! Until next time!