Thank you for the reviews! I know the ages don't all match up the ages in the manga so I will be working on that. :) Please keep letting me know what you think!
"You were always fragile," said Erza, "You easily caught illness, if you weren't careful."
"That's only 'cuz you never let me do anything," I replied, drinking more water.
"What happened next Poppy? Who was helping you? Where were you?" questioned Lucy.
"Well…"
I woke up and saw that I was lying on a bed in a small room with one other bed that was empty. The room was a light violet with pink decorations.
"Where am I?" I mumbled, frightened.
"Erza-nee?! Nee-san?!" I yelled, beginning to cry out of fear and loneliness.
The door next to the other bed opened and Kagura ran in.
"Poppy! You're awake!" she exclaimed, jumping on the bed and hugging me.
"Kagura?" I asked I stopped crying.
She held me out, "Of course it's me Poppy! I told you, we'll stick together now as we are family."
"Kagura!" I said happily, hugging her tightly.
She giggled and returned the hug, "That's me!"
I let of her and looked around, "Kagura, where are we?"
The door opened once more and a tall, slim teenager came in. She had deep purple hair and dark blue eyes. Her cherry lips were curved to a smile as she walked towards us. I, scared, moved behind Kagura.
"There's no need to worry," said the purple haired lady with a high sweet voice, her hands up and smiling, "My name is Violet and I'm a member of Mermaid Heel. I've been watching over you and Kagura.
Kagura nudged me forward and I hopped out the bed to stand in front of her.
"Arigato gozaimasu!" I said, bowing and then swaying from dizziness due to the sudden movement.
Violet instantly stepped forward and picked me up.
"Looks like you're not quite well yet," said Violet, sitting on the edge of the bed Kagura was on and holding me in her lap. Her deep blue eyes met mine and I felt safe.
"I'm okay," I said with a smile.
"Kawaii!" she exclaimed, hugging me tightly.
"I…can't…bweathe…"I gasped, struggling against her grip.
"Oops!" cried Violet, quickly letting me go, "Gomennasi! You're just too cute!"
Kagura tapped my shoulder and whispered into my ear. "Don't worry Poppy. She did the same thing to me when I first smiled."
"Don't tell Poppy lies! I don't want her to get the wrong impression of me!" exclaimed Violet, giving Kagura a tap on the forehead.
Kagura frowned slightly, "I'm only being honest! You're crazy!"
Violet quickly moved me to the side and lunged at Kagura. Kagura squealed before she began laughing uncontrollably due to Violet's tickling.
"Violet! Hahaha! Stop it!... Please!" squealed Kagura in between bursts of laughter.
"Take back what you said then," replied Violet, smiling as she continued to attack Kagura with tickles.
"Never! Poppy needs to hear the truth!" she yelled bravely.
Violet stopped tickling her and smile mischievously.
"Well… if tickling you doesn't work…Maybe tickling Poppy here will!" she turned to me, fingers out and I shrieked, grabbing a pillow to protect me.
"That's not going to help!" replied Violet, quickly grabbing me to tickle me.
"No!" I yelled, laughing since I couldn't help it. "Kaguwa!"
Kagura jumped on Violet's back. "I surrender! I surrender! You're not crazy! Let Poppy go!"
Violet smiled and let go of me, "I always win."
"No fair," said Kagura, sliding off of Violet's back, "You used Poppy against me."
"All's fair in love and war," responded Violet, chuckling and leaning on the headboard of the bed, closing her eyes.
"Violet?" I asked, cross-legged to the left of her.
She opened on eye and looked at me, "Yes?"
"What's Mermaid Heel?"
She smiled and pulled me onto her lap while Kagura sat on her right side eagerly, "I love this story."
"Mermaid Hell is a wizard's guild. We are made up of different mages, each with unique abilities, and go on different jobs to help others. These jobs range from catching thieves, looking for treasure, cleaning up houses, and so forth. There are a variety of guilds across the land, some good while others are evil. My guild, Mermaid Heel, is a good guild composed of only girls."
Kagura pulled on Violet's sleeve, "Explain what mages are!"
I looked at Violet curiously.
"Well," she looked up to the ceiling before looking back down to us, "Mages are those with magic. They have the ability to do something special like fire, ice, etc."
"Are you a mage?"
She nodded, "I am. I can make storms appear."
Violet held her right hand out, palm faced upward, when a purple circle appeared and a small, dark, grey cloud appeared, the size of her palm.
"Wow!" I gasped, astonished.
"Wasn't that cool Poppy? Violet said she'd teach me magic!" said Kagura excitedly, "We can find Simon-nee and Erza!"
"Really?" I asked, looking up to Violet.
She sighed, "Kagura, I already told you, you can't go looking for them yet. You're too young! Think about Poppy too! She could get hurt. She's much younger than you are and can't take care of herself yet."
Tears came into my eyes, "But…Erza-nee…"
"Oh, Poppy," said Violet, giving me a hug, "I know you want to find your sister but it's too dangerous. Your sister protected you, remember?" Both of you from what Kagura told me. If you go looking for her and are hurt, then her effort to save you would go to waste, wouldn't it?"
I nodded slowly.
"I'm sure both your siblings are fine and would want you both to grow up happily and healthy."
"Violet, but-"started Kagura.
Violet held up her hand, "Kagura, I've already spoken to you about this. If you wish, you can form a team and go look for them, but you have to have more information on their whereabouts and you have to be older-especially Poppy."
Kagura folded her arms and frowned but I looked to Violet in confusion.
"But…Violet? What will Kagura and me do 'til then? Our homes are gone."
"Silly Poppy," she said, flicking my nose with her index finger, "You'll stay with me of course! I'll take care of you both and so will Mermaid Heel."
"Weally?" I asked, eyes wide in disbelief.
Violet smiled and nodded, pulling Kagura and I into a hug, "Of course! Look, I already moved an extra bed into my room for you both! I'll teach Kagura over here," she tickled her slightly, causing her to laugh, "magic while I'll teach you, little miss Poppy," I giggled as she tickled me, "how to read and write and magic when you are older. I'll keep you both safe and sound." She hugged us to her and we hugged her back.
"But promise we can look for Simon-nee and Erza when we are older?" asked Kagura, pulling back.
Violet sighed and nodded, "You have my word. In fact, I'll help you look for them."
"Arigato Violet!" exclaimed Kagura, hugging her.
Violet smiled, "Now then, why don't we get some sleep? I know you are tired little Miss Poppy," she said, as I leaned into her trying to keep my eyes opened.
"Okay," I mumbled quite sleepily.
Violet began to move to climb out of the bed but I wrapped my arms around her.
"Don't leave me," I whispered quietly.
She lifted me up and laid on the bed, Kagura on her right side while I stayed on her chest.
"I won't" she whispered, giving me a quick kiss on the forehead.
"So you and Kagura found a safe place to live in?" asked Lucy.
I nodded. "Violet had heard Kagura's yells and went to help her. She saw me, took me from Kagura's arms, grabbed Kagura's hand, and took us to her apartment, next to Mermaid Heel's guild. Violet cleaned and bandaged my wounds and kept my fever down. While I was asleep, she cared for Kagura and heard our story. After that, Violet decided to take care of us, becoming an older sister for us. We never forgot about Simon or Erza but we were happy and needed to grow up."
"How was living in Mermaid Heel?" asked Wendy.
I smiled, remembering it. "Nice…"
"This is Mermaid Heel," said Violet, letting go of Kagura's hand to point out to the guild. Kagura quickly ran off to a table with two other girls about her age. One was a bit chubby with curly, black hair while the other was slim and had short, green hair.
The guild was huge! A staircase led up from the left corner to two more floors. There were tables scattered along the main hall with a fruit counter piece in the center of each. A counter at the back had food and drinks. The farthest right corner had a pink doorway. Everything was clean and shiny. Women of all ages were smiling and chattering with each other throughout the guild.
"Is this the young Poppy you've been caring for?" asked a light blue headed, elder woman as she walked toward us with a smile.
Ever since the attack on the village and losing Erza, I had grown a bit more fearful of adults and hid slightly behind Violet to be careful.
Violet, ever so sensitive, picked me up and faced the woman.
"Yes Master," said Violet nodding, "Poppy, this is Ceres – the master of Mermaid Heel."
I looked shyly towards her and she held out a hand and smiled. I smiled back and shook her hand. "I'm Poppy."
She giggled while whispering to Violet, "Isn't she adorable!" Violet nodded and the master spoke to me again, "How are you feeling Poppy? I know you had a high fever when you arrived."
"Better! Violet-nee took care of me and made me better!" I replied happily.
The master frowned slightly, looking at Violet before smiling at me, "Well, I am happy to hear that you are better. I also want to welcome you to Mermaid Heel. This guild can be your home if you want it to. Everyone loves Kagura and loves you as well." She turned to the guild, "Ladies, may I have your attention please?" All stopped what they were doing and faced the master. Kagura grinned and quickly ran to Violet's side.
The master smiled and addressed the guild, "Three days ago, our Violet found Kagura and Poppy, both injured and alone. The children kidnapping occurred in the village yet they were fortunate to escape though they were separated from their older siblings. Violet cared for the two. We have already met Kagura," she patted Kagura's shoulder who smiled, "who is determined to find her brother and Poppy's sister, who cared deeply for Poppy, whose heart is pure and who we have welcome to our home with open arms."
"We now have the honor to meet Poppy," She waved ahead towards me. I held Violet a bit tighter, leaning my head closer to her shoulder, "who has healed with Violet's help and shows her enthusiasm and energy with her smiles. She is young and has much growing up to do, as does Kagura. Let us care for the two as our own and welcome them both to our home!"
The guild cheered, applauding. Kagura laughed and then returned to the table, where she received high-fives from the others. I smiled shyly at the guild, unsure of how to respond before snuggling to her neck Violet chuckled before stroking my hair and walking towards the center table as the guild began to celebrate.
Members came to introduce themselves while I stayed on Violet's lap, nervous to meet the new strangers. However, Violet reassured me and I soon open up, smiling to all. One member, a friend of Violet's with light green hair and chocolate colored eyes who was called Hana, gave me candy that popped in my mouth.
"Whhheeeee!" I yelled, laughing as I ran around the guild energetically due to a sugar rush. Members around me chuckled at me while Violet glared at Hana.
"Kaguwa! Kaguwa! Kaguwa!" I exclaimed, jumping up and down in front of her.
She looked at me nervously, "Yes Poppy?"
"Try the candy Hana-san has! It's yummy! It explodes in your mouth!" I replied quickly, running back to Violet who had moved to the back where the bar was.
"Violet-nee!" I shouted, before jumping towards her and into her arms. She caught me and held me in her lap as I ran out of energy and grew tired.
"Looks like the candy has worn off. Never again Poppy," she said, smiling down at me and letting me rest on her.
"Nooo," I sighed, closing my eyes as I leaned into her chest to rest.
Violet wrapped her arms around me and I slowly began to nod off.
"Kawaii!" said Hana near me.
I felt Violet brush my hair out of my face, "That's right. I'm amazed at how happy she is despite what happened. She is nervous around strangers but still opens up to others."
"And what do you plan to do with her?" asked Ceres, walking closer.
"What do you mean?" asked Violet as she stopped brushing my hair.
"Violet, Poppy needs a home and a family. She is practically an infant and needs a nurturing, stable environment. As I said before, Mermaid Heel can be her home but she needs elders in her life to guard her. Maybe our older members can adopt her…"
Violet clutched me closer to her, but I kept my eyes closed as I fought the urge to sleep to listen a bit longer to the conversation.
"I'll take care of her and Kagura! I have looked over the two for the last three days and will continue to watch over them."
Ceres sighed, "It is not that you are not a capable guardian but you yourself are young. You are only nineteen! You are an active mage – a strong one at that. Caring for Kagura is one thing, for she can care for herself, but Poppy needs more care. You cannot go on extended missions and leave Poppy alone and you cannot take her with you for she could get in harm's way."
Violet moved me in her arms carefully, brushing my hair next to my right ear, "Master, do you see this wound? I cleaned it and bandaged it. I kept Poppy's fever down. I helped her get hydrated once more. Poppy is terrified of adults but she trusts me! Why would I give her away for her to be more frightened? She already lost her sister, she won't lose me!" responded Violet, holding me tighter.
Hana cleared her throat and spoke, "Master, Violet won't be alone. I'll help her raise Poppy and teach Kagura magic. And, as you said earlier, I'm sure other members of the guild can help too. Poppy will be taken care of."
Ceres sighed, "Very well. You can raise and care for both Kagura and Poppy. However, note that raising a child is difficult and, if it becomes overwhelming, I will care for Poppy."
Violet nodded, "Thank you Master!"
I heard Ceres walk away.
"So," said Hana, "Are you a mom now or an older sister?"
"An older sister to Kagura seeing as she is quite independent but for Poppy…Whatever she needs me to be."
At that, I stopped fighting and fell asleep.
"Poppy? Poppy! Where are you? I'm gonna getcha!" called Hana
I shrieked and climbed a tree, reaching the top branch and sitting on it.
Unfortunately, the branch was too thin and snapped under me.
"Ahhh!" I yelled as I fell.
"Poppy!"
Right before I hit the ground, a current of wind slowed me down and lifted me.
"Violet-nee!" I exclaimed, as the wind took me towards and into her arms.
"Nice catch!" said Hana, jogging over to us.
Violet glared at her and it began to rain over Hana.
"You're supposed to watch over her!"
Hana groaned and a brown magic circle appeared, causing a wood shield to form and protect her from the rain.
Kagura, who was standing behind Violet, spoke up. "Hana-sama! I used magic for the first time today! I have re-equip magic! Violet-san said she will teach me how to use a sword!"
The storm above Hana disappeared and Hana took down her shield, "That's great Kagura-chan! I can help you learn; I know a thing or two about sword wielding."
Kagura grinned, "Yes! Please, please, please!"
Hana laughed, "No problem!"
"Can you teach me now?"
Violet answered for Hana, "Kagura, you've had a long day practicing. Why don't we go to the lake and, if you still want to learn, Hana can train you then?"
"Okay! Let's go!"
Violet smiled and set me down, taking my hand as we walked past the tree, down the hill. The sun was high above us, signifying it was mid-afternoon.
We walked for half-an-hour before the ground under us became muddy and the emerald trees sparkled with moisture. The lake hid behind the trees though it was grand and large. The clear, blue water moved softly with the breeze and the sun's rays caused the water to reflect the sky.
Kagura ran ahead, stripping her clothes other than her undergarments, and running into the water laughing, "Come on Poppy! The water is great!"
I let go of Violet's hand and ran to Kagura, splashing into the water, clothes and all.
Kagura dipped her head in and swam out. I looked behind and saw Violet laying on the sand, in a bikini, soaking in the sun. Hana stretched out in the sun and began to do yoga, having changed to a sundress.
"Poppy!" I turned to Kagura, "Look a rope swing!"
She pointed to the rope tied to a large oak tree on her right. Kagura swam to the edge and climbed, stretching to reach the rope swing. Once she had a hold of it, she ran, jump, and let go of the rope. I saw Kagura fly into the water and then her head bobbed out.
"Nice one Kagura-chan but check this out," yelled Hana, walking towards the rope swing.
Hana took hold of the rope, tugged at it slightly, grinned, and swung out. As the rope reached its peak, Hana let go, formed a plank of wood under her feet, and skidded on the top of the water for a bit before she let herself slip under the water, She bobbed back up, whipping her hair to her back and then swimming over to Kagura.
"Show off!" called Violet.
Hana stuck her tongue at her and then was lifted up by a large wave, a purple magic circle hidden under the water.
The wave grew larger and larger, moving to the opposite side of the lake, before it crashed down.
Hana was nowhere in sight until a spherical wood ball emerged from the water. This ball rolled back to shore and disappeared, leaving an angry, exhausted looking Hana.
"Violet…" fumed Hana, stomping towards her as Violet laid back down.
Kagura swam quickly back to the shore.
"I want to learn magic! I want to do that!" she exclaimed.
Hana turned to her, "Sorry kiddo but that's not your magic." Kagura's face fell. "But I can teach you how to wield a sword!"
"Please!" Kagura begged.
Hana nodded, bringing her hands out and creating two wooden swords. "Let's start." She tossed a sword to Kagura who yelped and did not catch it.
"Kagura-chan, these swords are dull and can't hurt you – maybe bruise – but nothing more," chuckled Hana.
"Okay!" Kagura picked up the sword and I turned back to the lake, floating on my back.
"Boo!" shouted Violet, making me sink below before she raised me up.
"Meanie!" I yelled, coughing slightly since I swallowed water.
Violet laughed, "You're okay." She pointed to the rope swing, "Do you want to try it?"
I nodded, "But I'm scawed…"
She began to swim towards it and I follow, climbing out to stand next to the tree.
"Run and Jump. Once the rope reaches its end, I'll catch you."
"Okay…" she handed me the rope before swimming out, smiling at me.
"You can do Poppy!" I thought, running forward.
"Ahh!" I yelled as I flew in the air.
"Let go Poppy!" called Violet.
However I was incredibly terrified of falling and clutched the rope tighter, unable to let go. I began to swing backwards, stopping and releasing the rope on accident as I smashed against the tree.
I yelped out in pain and fell to the ground, rolling down to the water.
"Poppy!" cried Violet, picking me up before I entered the water, "Poppy! Are you okay?"
Tears flowed from my eyes and I wrapped my arms around Violet's neck as she walked towards the shore.
Violet held me carefully, trying not to shake me, "Poppy, does anything hurt? Did you hit anything?"
"My head and back hit the twee," I stuttered, keeping my eyes closed.
"There you go Kagura! Keep your legs at shoulder-length apart! Hey Violet! Whoa, is Poppy okay?" I heard Hana call out as Violet reached the shore.
"Is Poppy okay? What happened?" asked Kagura quickly.
"Hana, can you lift Poppy's shirt and expose her back? She hit it against the tree and I don't want her to move around in case she is hurt," replied Violet, one hand holding me up from my legs while the other began to brush the hair from my face.
"Are you okay Poppy?" asked Kagura, standing behind Violet and looking up towards me.
I felt my shirt be lifted and the cool air stung my back, causing me to wince.
"She's scraped her back but it's shallow and red- there's no blood. We're going to want to put something on it though- so it doesn't sting," said Hana, carefully putting my shirt down.
"How are you Poppy?" asked Violet, looking at me as she held me out slightly.
I wiped the tears from my face and nodded carefully.
"Okay…My back stings…"
"Head alright? No dizziness?"
I shook my head slowly.
Violet stared at me before turning to Hana and Kagura. "It's getting late. Let's go back home." The two nodded and began to walk out. I laid my head on Violet's shoulder.
"You're alright Poppy. It's just a scratch," said Violet, resting her hand on my head and brushing my hair.
I closed my eyes, calmed by the walking and her soothing strokes. "Mhmm…"
"How often did you get hurt as a kid?" asked Lucy.
"A fair amount. I can be incredibly clumsy sometimes," I responded smiling and then frowning, "I also found myself in bad situations…"
Erza patted my shoulder. "How long were you with the guild?"
"Three years. I was never an official member though because you had to be eleven to join."
"Why did you leave?" asked Wendy, curiously.
I shook my head, "I didn't. Not purposely. It was all an accident…It was my seventh birthday when my life changed again…"
"Rawr!" I called out, jumping onto Violet's bed and waking her up.
"Oh no you didn't!" she responded, quickly grabbing me and attacking me with tickles.
"No! Violet-nee! Stop!" I laughed, trying to move away from her.
She grinned and stopped, giving me a peck on the forehead before standing up from the bed.
"Only since it's your birthday," she replied, heading towards the bathroom to get dressed, "My little Poppy is growing up! You're seven years old now!"
"But you still won't teach me magic…" I whined, starting to make the bed as I had already gotten dressed.
Violet came back, wearing jeans with a loose blue top that brought out her eyes, "You're still too young Poppy. You know you can't join the guild yet."
I flopped on the bed, "But Kagura is! And she's been on missions now!"
"She's twelve years old and Hana goes with her."
I gave her my puppy eyes, making my eyes grow wide and teary.
"Nope. That's not working Poppy. That may be able to work for everything else but not this," she responded, avoiding my eyes, "How about we go to town for the morning? I'll buy you an ice cream!"
"For breakfast? Yay!" I replied, running up and hopping onto her back.
"Oof, you're definitely getting bigger Poppy," she replied, smiling as she held onto me and walked out of the house.
"I'm seven now!" I answered happily, "I'm a big kid now!"
She chuckled, "You'll always be little to me silly."
We walked around the town for a while, looking for Kagura and Hana who were supposed to meet us at the center.
"Where are they?" I asked Violet, glancing around.
"Happy Birthday Poppy!"
I looked in front of Violet and saw Kagura and Hana standing together, both holding small gifts.
I slid off of Violet's back and ran to them, jumping up and down and then giving them both a hug.
"Arigato!" I shouted, squeezing Kagura and Hana.
"No problem Poppy-chan," replied Hana, smiling down as I wrapped my arms around her waist.
"It's your birthday after all," said Kagura.
Kagura had grown in the last three years. Her black-purple hair was longer and she had straight bangs hanging down from her forehead, allowing her cat green eyes to pierce below. She wore a belt around her waist which had a small sword resting on her left hip that she had received for her 11th birthday from Violet as a gift for joining the guild. She wore a white bow on her head and white gloves, wearing her usual outfit of a white blazer and matching boots. She was taller, up to Violet's chest now.
"Arigato!" I said again, looking up to the three of them, smiling.
"Kawaii!" exclaimed Hana, lifting me up to hug me. Although three years had passed, I was still small, barely to Violet or Hana's waist. My red hair was at medium length to my shoulders and I, wanting to be like Violet, wore jeans and a green t-shirt.
"Can't…breathe…" I gasped, struggling in Hana's grip.
"Gomen!" she said, quickly releasing me.
"Why don't you open your gifts now?" asked Violet, sitting on a bench nearby with Kagura.
"Okay!" I nodded, unwrapping Hana's gift first.
"Whoa! This is so cool!" I exclaimed, seeing a small, wooden dagger in a small case tied to a green belt.
"You may not be able to learn magic yet but I see no harm in you learning some small skills to keep you safe," she replied, ruffling my hair.
"Arigato Hana-sama!" I said, hugging her tightly.
"You aren't allowed to use it yet though Poppy. Only use it once Hana shows you how to," replied Violet, tying the belt around my waist and ensuring that the dagger stayed in its place.
"My turn!" said Kagura, handing me her gift.
I opened it carefully, seeing a small jewelry box. "Wow! Kagura! This is so pretty!"
I held up an emerald necklace that gleamed in the light, sending rays of green all around.
"It's a little something from my first mission. It's a good luck charm. It's also the sibling of the one I have. If that once cracks, then mine does too. This way I will always know that you are okay." She said, holding out her small, light green necklace from under her shirt.
"Arigato Kagura!" I cried, hugging her tightly.
"You're welcome, Poppy," she replied, returning my hug.
"I have an idea! Why don't we go to the lake and then the guild? We can have a picnic," said Hana as Kagura and I let go of each other.
"Yes!" I said eagerly, "Let's go!"
"Hold it Little Miss Poppy," Violet grabbed my hand as I was already walking away, "The Lake is in the other direction and we need to get food for the picnic."
Kagura smiled, "No we don't. Hana-sama and I packed all the food and laid out a blanket already. Everything is there except us."
"Then let's goooo," I replied, looking up to Violet and pulling her hand slightly.
"Alright, alright. Let's go on over," she said as we all walked over to the lake.
After having a wonderful brunch that Kagura and Hana made and swimming in the lake, though not the rope swing since I was still too scared for that, we returned to the guild were I was surprised by a party.
"Happy Birthday Poppy!" shouted the guild members, clapping and cheering as I walked in.
"Arigato!" I exclaimed in surprise.
The members all came and wished me a happy birthday while Violet sat in the back putting candles on a very large, vanilla cake. The members instantly began singing and I blew out all the candles wishing, as I always do, that I will find Erza-nee soon. As the party dwindled to an end, I sat on Violet's lap, eating my fourth piece of vanilla cake.
"You're going to get a sugar rush if you keep eating more cake," said Violet, pulling my hair back into a ponytail.
"It's okay. I like vanilla cake just like I like vanilla ice cream," I put my fork down, "Ne, Violet-nee, you never gave me the ice cream."
She let go of my hair, "Do you still want some?"
"Hai!"
"Well then, let's go now and get some," she said, putting me down to the ground, "Kagura, do you wanna go out for ice cream?"
Kagura ran to us from her friends, "Sure!"
We walked out of the guild and into town, Violet holding my hand while Kagura walked ahead to the stand.
"Violet, I was wondering if you could help me out with something?" asked a tall, blonde man.
Violet stopped and turned to him, "Sure Shino, what is it that you need?"
The two began conversing while I stood there watching them, a bit nervous about the man and hiding behind Violet.
Violet noticed and looked to me, "Poppy, why don't you go to Kagura at the ice cream stand and order whatever you want?"
I nodded and let go of her hand, happy to go and get ice cream.
Kagura had ordered chocolate ice cream with blueberries while I ordered Vanilla with rainbow sprinkles. We sat together on a bench waiting for Violet.
"She's taking a while, I'm going to go see if everything is okay," said Kagura, putting her ice cream down. "You stay here Poppy, I'll be right back."
I nodded, content with my ice cream.
Kagura walked away while I sat alone, watching the town life slowly diminish as it grew dark.
"You shouldn't be alone out here," said a low, deep voice.
I turned, frightened.
A shadow of a man appeared in a nearby alleyway.
"Little kids like you could get hurt," he said, walking towards me, "We need kids like you to work."
I sat, paralyzed. The thought of working scared me since Violet-nee had told me that Erza's kidnapping was for a dark guild for working on a new project.
As he grew closer, I came to my senses slightly. Violet-nee had told me to never talk to strangers and run to the guild if anything happened.
"Violet-nee! Help!" I yelled, dropping my ice cream and running towards the guild, "Violet-nee! Hana! Kaguwa!"
Unfortunately, the man was faster than me and grabbed me by my necklace, causing me to choke and fall to the ground.
"Not so fast young one. You're coming with me."
With that, everything grew dark.