Chapter 7: Train to Heal, but Never Forget
It didn't take long for Makarov to contact Crime Sorciere and convince Jellal and his guild to finally join Fairytail, and an even shorter time for Jellal to begin training Mika. However, it had been a week and Mika was still unable to cast a single spell. It didn't help that Freed and Lucy were sent on a mission by Makarov either. While they were away Mika was staying with Laxus and Mira, and it was hard on her. Jellal could tell her find was elsewhere, whether from the death of her mother or Freed and Lucy being sent away for a couple days he couldn't tell. He also knew that reprimanding her wouldn't help, so remained calm and continued to guide her through the exercises.
"Miki, you have to visualize the ethernano flowing through you before it will. You can't just will it to happen."
"I know Jellal, I just can't do it! I keep trying but it's not working."
"Well let's figure out why together hmm?"
"Okay."
"Are you breathing?"
"Yes."
"Are you attempting?"
"Yes."
"Are you believing?"
"YES!"
"Is your mind elsewhere?"
"It's n…"
"Don't lie to me Miki."
"Yes…"
"And where is your mind? What do you keep thinking about?"
"Mom."
"Come sit down I want to show you something."
Mika walked over to Jellal and did as he asked. When she was seated and comfortable Jellal created a ball of white ethernano in his hands and began tossing it around.
"People today have magic down to a science, but the truth is that it is so much more than ethernano flowing through our bodies. Our magic is fueled by our emotions and our state of mind. To be a great mage one must train body, mind, and magic. Do you know why?"
"No."
Jellal extinguished the ball of ethernano.
"Because if we don't then it vanishes. If our bodies are week then it cannot sustain the magic flowing through it. If our mind is weak, then the magic can overtake it. If our magic is weak, then our body is hurt. To be a mage one trains all components of themselves. However, science has told us that, what has science not told us?"
"I don't know."
"What science hasn't told us is that if we don't have a reason to fight, then our magic will not surface. The first time you used Heavenly Body Magic, how did you do it?"
"It was on accident. I was scared and trying to protect myself."
"Exactly. When you used it your reason, your goal, was self-preservation. That's what drove you to activating your magic, but now you're safe. Your reason is gone. So what can you do about it?"
"Find a new reason?"
"Correct, how will you find a reason to use magic?"
"I don't know."
"What do you want more than anything Miki?"
"My mom back."
"But that's something you can achieve now is it?"
"No."
"But what would be the next best thing?"
"Seeing the people responsible get what they deserve."
"And if you can't use magic then how can you see it when the time comes?"
"I can't."
"So, what do you have now?"
"A reason."
"Correct. However, be careful. Make sure that your reasons are to see justice done, and not revenge. If you wish for vengeance then it will overcome you and seep into your magic, and your heart. It's a dark place, trust me I've been there."
"How will I know the difference?"
"You will know because vengeance is easy, while justice is difficult. Now why don't you try focusing your magic and casting that spell again?"
"Okay."
Mika stood up and went back to the center of the training ground and began to focus her magic. Below her feet a bright yellow magic circle slowly appeared. Once the circle had fully appeared Mika ran, and proved that she had successfully cast meteor. Jellal applauded and activated his own spell, easily catching up with Mika and stopping her.
"Good job Miki. Meteor is not an easy spell to cast and you did it well. However, you need to work on casting speed. I know that Lucy meditates daily with her spirit Capricorn, I want you to do it with her. It will help you control your magic better and increase casting time as well as total magic energy. Now let's take a break and get some lunch inside. You worked hard today. After that we'll come back out here and have Erza help you with non-magical combat. It will be your first lesson with her, so it might get crazy. She's strict but means well."
"Okay. I'm really hungry."
"I bet, using meteor speeds everything up, including your metabolism. Still I'm proud that you not only cast it but also kept it up for a while. It's quite a feat!"
"Thanks, Jellal. I know I wouldn't have been able to do it if you hadn't talked with me."
"No problem Miki. I enjoy teaching you."
"Let's go eat!"
With Mika laughing and running ahead Teacher and Student went and ate lunch. Since Mira was working behind the bar Jellal guided Mika to the Team Natsu table and made sure she sat in between him and Erza. Within seconds Mira was there with two plates and drinks. All through lunch Mika was quiet, barely even reacting when Natsu and Gray began to fight. Of course, Erza's iron fist quickly quelled the fight and the guild was semi-peaceful once more. Once Mika finished eating she, Jellal, and Erza went back outside to the training grounds.
"Now Miki, from here on out Erza's in charge. I'll still be out here, but you do what she says."
"Okay."
Jellal then went and sat on one of the benches while Erza took over. True to her nature, Erza didn't go easy on Mika once. Yet at the end of the day she was treated to cake and ice cream at Erza's favorite sweet shop. The next day Freed and Lucy returned, and Mika began to meditate with Lucy before going to the guild to train with Jellal and Erza. This pattern continued for another week before Jellal surprised Mika. She was in the middle of training with Erza when Jellal called out to her. Erza simply smiled, knowing all too well what Jellal was going to do with his favorite student.
"Mika come with me."
Mika didn't question Jellal, she hadn't since after he talked with her about finding a new reason to use magic. Rather she simply followed him all the way to Makarov's office. Mika stood still and silent while Jellal knocked.
"COME IN!"
As soon as the woods were uttered Jellal opened the door and the two entered. Jellal sat on the sofa and motioned for Mika to sit down next to him.
"Ah Jellal and Mika. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"I would like to take Mika with me and Erza on some preapproved missions as a nonofficial member to farther her training."
"I see. Mika, do you think you're ready for this?"
When Mika replied her voice was soft but sure.
"I honestly don't know since I've never done anything like it before, but I want to try. If Jellal and Erza think I'm ready, then there's no reason for me to believe otherwise. They've been doing this for a long time."
"Very well, Jellal your request is granted. Mika, I hereby declare you a probationary member of Fairytail. You will go on missions under the direct supervision of Jellal and Erza, and when they think you're ready to take missions on your own, or with your own team, you will become a full-fledged member of Fairytail. When you go downstairs inform Mira and she will give you the Fairytail guild stamp. I'm proud of you kid."
"Thank you, sir."
"I'll have Mira send some missions she thinks will be appropriate to my office and have one for you within the hour. Now go have some fun."
With everything now said and done Mika and Jellal went downstairs. Jellal led Mika to Mira and told her what Makarov had said.
"That's amazing! I knew you could do it Miki! Now just show that you have this, and you become a full member. Anyway, where would you like your guild stamp and what color?"
Mika thought for a minute and smiled when she replied.
"I want it gold and on my right hand."
Mira quickly stamped the Fairytail symbol on her hand and then patted her on the head.
"I'm very proud of you, and I'm sure Freed and Lucy will be too."
"Thank you, Mira. Say hi to Laxus-sama for me!"
"Will do."
Suddenly Makarov appeared on the second-floor railing.
"Alright everyone listen up! Our beloved Mika had just become a probationary member, it's party time!"
Jellal smiled while Mika ran off to enjoy the party thrown in her honor.