Chapter 18: After the Crimson Ploy

After the events at the party Hisui had told everyone in attendance that she had taken what the leader of Crimson Ploy has said very seriously, however she did not want anyone getting involved. It was officially a royal matter since it involved the entire country, then she apologized for having to cut her visit short and left. Lazare clapped his hands together lightly and addressed his guests.

"Well that was defiantly not on the menu for this evening's entertainment! However, theres no need to waste a good party. Let's bring back out the food and drink and enjoy ourselves! After all we have several highly revered guilds and families in attendance."

The music started back up and the staff started serving the guests again. Everyone began to enjoy the evening, some eating and drinking while others conversed, and others still danced wildly. Lenn did his best not to make Mika uncomfortable knowing how he had wronged her in the past, mostly staying on the other side of the large ballroom. Lucy noticed it and decided it was time to say something.

"Mika, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure, momma what is it?"

"I can't help but notice that Mr. Pomwell is avoiding you quite earnestly. Is that for your sake or his?"

"I don't know. He never liked me so probably his. Why does it matter you and daddy are my parents now?"

"That's true, but do you understand the concept of forgiveness?"

"Sort of."

Lucy kneeled to look Mika in the eye. "Forgiveness is when even though you know that what someone did is wrong you don't stay mad at them forever, because you know that to stay mad forever is just as wrong. It means to get past the bad thing because they understand what they did was bad, and they are trying to be a better person."

"I think I understand. So just because my father did the bad thing back then doesn't mean he's still a bad person, so I should forgive him?"

"That's right, because when we forgive people it gives them the ability to change even more and do even better things."

"Can I forgive my father? Because I want him to do good things."

"Of course, you can! All you have to do, is go over to him give him a hug and tell him that you forgive him."

"That's it? Theres nothing else to it?"

"Well theres one more thing, you have to mean it. You can't say it and not mean it."

"Okay I can defiantly do all that, because I know that it was a really long time ago and after hearing him today I really do think he does feel bad."

"Wanna know something else?"

"What momma?"

"That's what makes you a Fairytail mage. Fairytail mages always have a huge heart, just like you."

Lucy stood up and Mika ran over to Lenn, where Freed and Lazare were standing, and gave him a hug. Lenn was taken back by the action but didn't flinch or move away he just stood there while Mika spoke.

"I forgive you for all the bad stuff by the way. Don't think this means I want to go back cause I don't, but I do forgive you."

Freed and Lazare just smiled and looked at Lucy who gave them a thumb up when Lenn bent down and hugged the little girl back.

"Thank you, Mika. I know I've been a bad dad, and I'm sorry. I want you to stay here because I see your happy. I didn't realize how much I had really messed up until I had lost both you and your mom. If I could go back and do it again I would, and I wouldn't be a bad dad that time."

Lenn leaned back and smiled at Mika ruffing up her hair a little.

"But if its okay with you and your new parents I would like to come see you occasionally. See how you grow in your magic and be able to scare off your first boyfriend."

Mika nodded her head and looked at Freed. Freed smiled before he spoke. "Well I don't see why not, as long as you don't cause any ruckus, though I don't see how you can cause more of a ruckus then the guild itself. If you could send some of Mika's belongings that would be much appreciated. Her mother only had a small suitcase for her, so we've been slowly buying more and more things but I'm sure she would love some of her own stuff. Memories and what not of her mom."

"Of course. I'll also send the school books I don't know if you have her enrolled in school or not."

"Mages are homeschooled because of job schedules, but do not worry that is allowing her to have an even better education since it allows her to work at her own pace and with her magic. Also, since both me and my wife are nobles we have a higher education, so she will be getting that too."

Lenn looked at Mika and smiles "Well it looks like you really got it good huh, smart mages. You get to learn magic and get a great education."

Mika stuck out her tongue. "I hate school, but Lucy's spirits make it sort of fun, especially Horologium and Freed is really smart and can play the piano. What I really like is training. I train with Jellal since he uses the same magic."

Everyone in the little group laughed, remembering when they would have probably said the same thing. Slowly the party began to end, and the guests left including Mika's biological father. Freed had to reset the runes around the estate as the staff prepared dinner and the girls changed into more comfortable clothing. About an hour later everyone was changed and in their seats at the table. Michelle was the first to speak.

"Well that was by far the liveliest party we have ever hosted, when's the next one?"

Everyone just laughed at the older woman's break down of the situation as the staff brought out food. It was spaghetti and Mika was squirming in her seat with excitement. Everyone said their thanks to the staff and began the meal. Freed was the one to reply to his mother.

"As exciting as the party was mother, that was not the way it was planned nor hoped to be handled. I'm actually very disappointed as is the rest of my guild that the princess is prohibiting involvement with these Crimson Ploy people."

Lazare sighed and set down his fork before taking a deep sip of his wine.

"Maybe but for once I agree with the Princess in this. We all know how Fairytail handles threats, with an equal amount of threat. It would be one thing if they were out to destroy Fiore or Earthland, but for now they just set a display of power. They didn't even harm anyone directly as far as we know. We have no evidence to link them to Mika's mother's death. Just speculation and hearsay. None of that holds up in court. They could just of easy saw their way in and took it. The princess also saw all that and is trying to find out the truth behind everything and when she does, then she will set you free to handle it. However, if you go and hunt someone down without just cause then Fairytail is playing the edge with becoming a dark guild. Shes protecting you and any guild that follows you into battle from that. She may control Fiore, but she has no control on ERA. And we both know who controls the guilds."

Freed and Lucy both sighed, they knew he was right but that didn't mean either of them liked it. These people were smart, they knew the laws well. Almost too well, its like they had been hiding and studying for a long time.

"Well dad, what do we do then? Just live normal lives not worrying about it. That feels like were playing into their hands!"

"Maybe, but at least we know there was no real threat. You are a mage Freed. But more than that you are a Fairytail mage. When you asked me to let you relinquish your inheritance to join a mages guild I gave you three conditions what were they?"

"That I join an upright guild with just morals, I never falter in my devotion to family, and should I find a wife and reclaim my inheritance not to abandon my ambitions."

"That's right, and you did and have done all three. Now think about what Fairytail's morals are Freed really think. When I met Makarov and gave him temporary guardianship over you I didn't do that lightly. Me and him had a very long talk. So, I know what it means to be a Fairytail mage. Somedays I almost fell like one myself."

"It means to always have family, to never give up, to never give in, to always be better, and always strive for more."

"That's right, and do you think for one minute, that you a Fairytail mage have played into anyone's hands? Do you even think that's possible by definition?"

"No father."

"Then stop acting like it. You are a strong mage, and just because some red-haired heathen waltzed her way into our home and said some pretty words doesn't mean they're are true, unless you allow them to be." Lazare looked at Lucy and Mika "That goes for you too as well"

The three mages nodded and returned to their meal, they would not let this get to them, they would stand strong and flourish. After dinner everyone played board games late into the night. After the first three hours Mika passed out, her little body spent but a soft smile still graced her lips.

~In route to Crocus, Royal Carriage ~

Hisui was livid. Every time she cleans up one mess another one sprouts up. She was hoping to have the Crimson Ploy cleaned up before they made an appearance, but she hadn't thought they would be as much of a threat as they were, now she was going to do more work. Her guard's captain was shifting in the carriage uncomfortably.

"What is it Captain?"

"Nothing Your Majesty. I just thought it odd that the leader herself would show up to a thing like that, even if it was just an illusion. It's not like a large mass organization to show their cards and it's not rubbing me right."

Hisui narrowed her eyes out the window and sighed, he was right. It wasn't like a well-organized large organization to show their hand from the start.

"Get me as much information as you can. I have a feeling your on to something. Either she wasn't the leader, or they don't have as many people as they want us to believe. Recruit Blue Pegasus for the job. I believe they have an archive mage in their ranks."

"Yes, your Majesty."

"I will get to the bottom of this, and I will do it with my own power. Summon an assembly as well. The other countries need to be aware of this entity in case it attempts something there or has in the past. This may just be one large scam."

"Yes, your Majesty."