Chapter 10: What Matters Most

Lucy laid in bed staring at the ceiling, not having the energy or will power to move. Freed had gotten up about an hour prior and locked himself in the study to do some paperwork before it as time for breakfast. It was during this time that Lucy had gotten into her pajamas and clunked back into the bed, realizing she didn't want to be awake yet. She really was anything but a morning person. She was about to nod off when there was a light knock on the bedroom door. Lucy knew it was probably Mika and didn't bother to sit up when the door lightly opened, and then closed again. After a few seconds there was a pressure on the bed next to her here Mika had curled up. Lucy opened her eyes lightly and covered the girl up, her voice soft as she rubbed soothing circles on the girls back.

"What's wrong Mika?"

Mika just hugged her, burying her head in the pillows a tear fell silently down her cheek. Worried, Lucy held her close and whispered comforting words to her until she calmed down. Mika's tears turning into light sobs, and then after a while into hiccups. Once her tears dissipated Mika spoke in a very quiet voice, so quiet Lucy almost didn't hear her.

"I had a dream where I saw mommy die over and over again. Then it changed to where it was you and Freed…"

Lucy held her closer, knowing Mika only called her and Freed by their first names when she was really upset about something. She ran her fingers through her hair doing her best to ease the tension in the child's rigid body as she spoke calmly.

"Me and Freed will never leave you Mika. Ever. I promise that, and I also promise that we will find the people responsible for your mom and make sure they face justice. No matter what, because a celestial wizard never breaks their promises."

Lucy smiled and loosened her grip on the girl as she got comfortable again. Mika spoke softly as she looked for that last piece of reassurance.

"Promise Momma? Promise that you and daddy will never go away?"

Lucy nodded lightly a soft smile still on her face.

"I promise Mika. Now get to sleep, I'll be right here to keep the bad people away. And when you wake up I'll make you anything you want for breakfast."

"Even strawberry crepes with chocolate sauce?"

"Yep, even your favorite crepes."

"Well that's what I want."

Mika giggled and snuggled into Lucy, smiling softly as they both nodded off. Lucy looked at the girl as her eyelid started to close and smiled, her words barely more than a whisper.

"I will protect you."

When Lucy woke up next it as to Freed lightly shaking her shoulder. She opened her eyes lightly and looked at Freed, the effects of her blissful sleep still overtaking her features as Freed spoke softly.

"I need to run down to the library. I should only be an hour, but I wanted you to know here I was should you wake up before I return."

Lucy rubbed her eyes gently as she tried to spot the clock that was on Freed's side of the bed.

"What time is it?"

"Almost ten in the morning."

Lucy nodded and thought for a moment before speaking again.

"How long will you be gone?"

"An hour, hour and a half, max."

"Kay. I'm going to make crepes for brunch, so don't eat anything while you're out."

Lucy giggled and winked as Freed kissed her cheek and gave his word he would have room to eat crepes and left out the door. She looked over to see that Mika was still asleep, so she quietly got out of bed and walked to the closet. The trio was going to visit the Foudre grounds later that day for their annual gala, so Lucy was looking for something more appropriate then her usual attire. After about twenty minutes Lucy realized that she had nothing that fit the bill and sighed realizing that she would have to take a detour to the Heartfilia Kozern or go shopping. She grabbed one of her usual short skirts and tank tops and headed to the bathroom to get ready. After a quick shower and changing Lucy exited the bathroom to see Mika starting to stir. Lucy smiled and ran over to her smiling sweetly.

"Hey short stuff, ready to have breakfast and get ready to meet your new grandparents and uncles?"

Mika smiled happily and nodded her head, the fright of her previous dreams not bothering her as the thought of going on a trip excited her. Lucy helped the girl out of the large bed and walked with her into her room to try and find something appropriate for the girl to wear, once again coming up empty handed. With a heavy sigh Lucy handed Mika some of her non-mage clothes and went downstairs to start the crepes while Mika changed.

She was just finishing setting the table when Freed walked in the door, Mika coming down the stairs almost in perfect sync. Lucy just smiled before returning to the kitchen to grab the pot of coffee and pitcher of orange juice, setting them in the center of the table before sitting down across from Freed. Freed smiled seeing his small family, sending a silent prayer to any deity that might be listening. "Please, let me keep them safe." His thoughts were interrupted by Lucy's voice.

"Hey Freed."

"Yes?"

"Do you think I'll have time to take Mika shopping before we leave for the gala?"

Freed's eyebrows perked up.

"Shopping for what?"

"Clothes…"

"Can it wait until we return? Our train leaves in an hour."

Lucy mumbled something but didn't answer. Freed sighed and laid his fork down, clasping his hands together as he looked at Lucy.

"What's wrong Lucy?"

"It's just that Mika doesn't have any clothes suitable for a gala, and all the ones I own that are suitable are not only at the Heartfilia Kozern but also won't fit her. I also don't want to show up in my normal attire because we both know that the media will be broadcasting the event and…"

Freed cut her off by holding up a hand smiling. He continued to speak, giving his words a false drama.

"Lucy calm down. I already have that covered, though I was hoping I could surprise you. Alas it cannot be!"

Lucy and Mika started to laugh at his performance as he broke back into a smile, finishing their breakfast in near silence. After the meal was over the trio quickly clean up and gathered in the living room. Freed had two boxes under his arm. He handed the larger of the two to Lucy and the other to Mika.

"My mother has more elegant dresses waiting at the estate for the actual gala."

Both Lucy and Mika squealed at the thought of new clothes and ran to their respective rooms to get dressed. Ten minutes later both came down the stairs arm in arm. The light pink dress Lucy wore was short sleeved, the neckline resting in a modest but comfortable place above her breasts. The tight pink material flared at the waist, a split in the center that showed the smooth white underskirt. Around the bottom on the dress and the sleeves there was delicate white lace. She accented the dress with white wrist length gloves, a light pink ribbon around her neck, light pink shoes, and a white shawl resting the crook of her elbows. She had her hair in an elegant bun, small tendrils of hair framing her face. Mika sported a much simpler light green dress. It was also short sleeved with a modest neckline, formfitting until it had a light flair at the waist. Around the bottom of the dress and the neckline was soft gold lace. She accented the dress with gold ribbons in her hair, gold flats, and a gold shawl that rested in the crook of her elbow. Her hair in low pigtails that rested over her shoulders. Freed smiled and stood, handing them both a bracelet.

"One last thing to make it complete. These are requip bracelets. Before we leave make sure to out your weapons and magical items in the storage dimension before we leave okay? I want you two to have as much protection as possible while were away."

Lucy smiled and put the bracelet on while Freed helped Mika with hers. Lucy then pulled up her skirts and grabbed her whip and keys, storing them in the dimension while Mika ran upstairs to do the same with her sword and combat gear. Lucy smiled happily and hugged Freed.

"Thank you Freed. I love everything, and I'm sure Mika does too. Especially since I don't feel like a fancy dress up doll."

Freed chuckled at Lucy's comment and help her in his arms. "Good, because I'm sure my mother had the gala dresses tailored to do just that. She loves shiny things."

It was Lucy's turn to laugh, pressing a chaste kiss to his lips right before Mika was heard coming down the stairs. The trio grabbed their overnight bags and left the house, boarding the train to Crocus. Smiling the entire way there, completely oblivious to the two groups of people following them. Both groups with separate goals…