Chapter 8: I Have Faith in You

The next morning was one of excitement. Mika was leaving with Jellal and Erza at noon to go to Shirotsume Town and help get rid of some bandits that have made their base in the forest between the town and Magnolia. The bandit group was called Fallen Angel and had been extorting the townsfolk for a while. Mika was excited as it was her first mission and wanted to make Jellal, Erza, Lucy, and Makarov proud of her. Wanting to get rest for the mission Mika was about to climb back into bed after being woken up by the smell of bacon, but her plans were foiled by Freed knocking on her door.

"Yes?"

"Are you decent Mika?"

"Yup."

Freed then opened the door, present in hand.

"While on our last mission Lucy and I picked this up for you. We wanted to wait until you went on our first mission to give it to you."

Freed handed her the package that was wrapped in dark blues and purples, matching the rest of her room. It was long, bulky, and impossible to figure out what it was without opening it.

"Go ahead on open it."

Mika excitedly ripped open the packaging and was met with a beautiful sword, belt, and outfit. Mika thanked Freed and decided to wear it. Freed left the room, so she could change, simply telling her that they wanted to see it before she left.

The outfit was composed of a dress, overcoat, and boots. The dress was gold, quarter-thigh length, and formfitting until it flared at the hips into a pleated pattern. The top of the dress was sleeveless and had a turtleneck collar. The over coat was a silvery white color with gold trim and zipped up the front. The collar and sleeves matched the dresses perfectly. The front of the coat stopped at her hips while the back continued to right past the knee. The boots were also silvery white with gold trim am reached to an inch below the skirt of the dress while sporting a one-inch heel. The belt that was attached to the sword matched the overcoat and fit perfectly under it. The sword looked like one of the ones Erza uses in her Tatiana form, except it was gold and had light lacrima embedded into the hilt and the Fairytail symbol engraved on the guard. Once fully dressed Mika headed downstairs to show Freed and Lucy. She was just about to reach the living room when she heard Lucy behind her.

"You look beautiful Miki, but there's one thing that's missing…Oh I know what it is!"

Lucy quickly revealed what was behind her back, a set of kitty ears that matched her outfit.

"Would you like Cancer to do your hair and put it in? I would do it, but I'm not good with fixing my own hair."

"That sounds good momma."

"Okay I'll have him put it up for you after breakfast okay?"

"Okay!"

The two females went and sat down at the table. Breakfast was always a quiet thing in Freed and Lucy's home, everyone too relaxed to say anything. That was until today. Mika was itching to speak, and quite frankly so was Lucy. The only one seeming to keep their composure was Freed, but it was just a ruse. After about five minutes Mika couldn't take it anymore, her excitement bubbling forth.

"I'm so excited. This is my first mission. mama, Daddy, do you think I can do it?"

Lucy smiled her signature smile, her eyes shining with pride.

"Without a doubt sweetie."

Freed, although excited, was worried.

"Just be careful Miki. Just because Erza and Jellal are there doesn't mean you don't have to be on guard. This isn't an easy mission."

"I know daddy."

It was Freed's turn to smile.

"But don't forget to have fun too. When you're not hunting the bandits go and see the sights, make allies, and figure out who you are. It may be a job, but it's a job you can enjoy. I know you'll be able to pull it off without a hitch."

"Thanks daddy! I won't let you or mama down."

Lucy could tell that Mika and Freed were becoming close, and she was happy that Mika finally had a dad that would never hurt her. The rest of the meal was littered with conversation and smiles. Everyone enjoying themselves. Too soon everyone was done, Cancer was called, and Mika left.

~ Noon, Magnolia Train Station ~

Mika easily found Erza and Jellal, with Erza's amount of luggage and all, and the trio departed. The train ride was only an hour and the three used the time to plan. Erza and Jellal doing most of the work.

"So, we know that the bandits are stationed in this part of the forest." Erza said as she circled a section of the map. "We also know that this ridge here overlooks the hideout to the north and east and this river flows past it to the south, leaving only one easy access point in the west."

"What we don't know are numbers. We don't know how many bandits there are, how many, if any, are mages, or how they're spread out. What we do know is that a group of ten to fifteen travel to town at a time."

"So, Miki what do you think we should do?"

Mika continued to look at the marks on the map, working things out in her head when an idea came to her.

"You said that this gap between the ridge and river was the easiest access point, but that means it will be the most guarded. The river might also be heavily guarded to prevent invasion from boats, but they would have to reason to guard the ridge. Its elevation is out of the reaches of most mages, but not us. Me and Jellal can use meteor while you use either flight, black wing, or heaven's wheel armor to invade the hideout from the northern ridge. Then we can either attack from the roof."

"And if the ridge is guarded?"

"Then we can play a game of cat and mouse. Either way we need to scope out the hideout for ourselves and try to determine their numbers and watch rotations."

"I agree."

Just as Erza said that the train pulled into the station. The trio departed and checked into their hotel room. They then ate and went to meet the Mayor.

~ 3 pm, Mayor's Office ~

Erza led the group into the Mayor's office, the receptionist giving them a friendly greeting.

"Oh, you're from Fairytail yes? I would recognize the great Tatiana anywhere! The Mayor is expecting you. Right this way please."

The receptionist led the trio into a separate room where the Mayor was sitting behind a desk, then quickly departed.

"Ah, Fairytail. Thank you so much for coming! Please take a seat."

"Thank you very much sir. My name is Erza Scarlet, this here is my teammate Jellal Fernandes and Fairytail's newest probationary member Mika Santi. Thank you for calling on Fairytail to resolve this issue."

"Ah so your part of Fairytail now? Didn't think they let criminals in."

"With all due respect sir, Jellal has been cleared of all charges based on manipulation and is a member of Fairytail. I would greatly appreciate if you did not disrespect one of our members again since we are here to assist you."

"Yes, my apologies. I was not thinking clearly. Anyway, about your mission."