"Dorvengal, deal with this brat." Jiemma said.

"Yes, sir!"

"You runnin' away?" Natsu said as Sora and him scowled. Looking towards Sora, he ignited his fists. "Let me take care of this, Sora."

"What?! No! Let me-"

"I don't want this b*****d to do any cheap tricks against you."

Sighing, she hesitantly nodded. "Fine."

"Regular Guild troops are far beneath my notice. If you plan to attack the highest members of a Guild, you should be prepared to show your commitment!"

Running towards him, Natsu clenched his fists. "My fight is with you !"

"You will never get near the Master!" Dor said as he sprinted towards him.

However, before he could react, Sora punched him out of the way. Stopping, Natsu's fist was too close to her face. "Sora, I told you to leave this to me!"

Smirking, she backed away. "Sorry. But I ain't lettin' this chance pass me up. I wanna get some beatings in too!"

Sighing, he scratched the back of his head. "Alright. But make sure to be cautious of that guy."

"Aye, aye, captain!" Standing beside him, she smiled as she saw Dor fall to the ground unconscious. "D'ya think I over-did it?"

"Not at all for guys like them." Hence, the Guild mates were shocked, considering Dor is one of the top 10 wizards of Saber.

Standing beside Jiemma, Sting said, "Master, if you don't mind, I'll take care of this. After all, you wanted me to-"

However, Jiemma put a hand in front of him. "Stay out of this." Stepping forward, he smirked. "We do not have anyone like you, brats. Interesting!"

Fists ignited, Natsu raised it to his face only for Jiemma to block it. "Was that...all?!" Sending him back, he blocked Sora's kick. Grabbing her ankle, he threw her to the ground. "Men, grab her before she gets back up. I want her in this Guild, for sure!"

Growling, Natsu fell on his feet and did an uppercut. Not long after, he grabbed his arm, and threw him to the ground. Then, Sora kicked the guys that were 'holding' her down, and grabbed ahold of Jiemma after Natsu sent him in the air, throwing him into the wall. As they were about to do "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist", Minerva intervened.

"Shall we end the evening's festivities?" Minerva asked.

"Huh?" Natsu and Sora glared at her as they stopped their attacks out of confusion.

"Minerva, you dare...to place yourself in-" Jiemma walked towards her.

"If this were to continue, you would, of course, be the victor, Father ."

"Are you kidding me?! Obviously, me and Natsu were the victors in this battle! Fight me, and we'll see who the victor is, Old Man!" Sora pointed at Jiemma.

Ignoring her, Minerva smirked. "Appearances are important in our world. Even though you two were the ones who attacked us , were our Master to destroy members of an opposing team in the Games...it would tarnish our reputation.

"I saw that you, Father, as well as the Guild members had become slightly too passionate to pull back easily. Well? Will you give us the chance to avoid losing face ?" Before Sora or Natsu could react, Happy suddenly appeared. Petting him, he cried in her arms as he was tied up. "Were you to agree to leave peacefully, I believe your cat could be returned to you unharmed."

"Sorry, Natsu...Sora..." Happy said.

"Happy!"

Cursing, Sora and Natsu stood where they were. Continuing, Minerva looked at the Guild. "You have injured a number of our members. However, we promise to keep silent about this matter. I am hoping you can respond like an adult."

Looking away, Natsu crouched down as Happy ran to him. Crying into his chest, he was held by Natsu's secure arms. "I...got captured at the entrance!...Sorry!"

"It's okay, Happy. It's all my fault. I'm just sorry I left you there."

However, Sora felt a shiver go down her spine as she heard Minerva's new words. "Of course, I'll make sure that the media never hears this so long as your sister, Sora, joins our Guild."

Making an 'x' across her chest, Sora shook her head as Natsu reached an arm in front of her, holding Happy in his free arm. "Sora stays with me!" Glaring, he took her arm and held her in his arms.

"Natsu..." Looking at him, she saw his angry face. Smiling, she hugged him.

"Very well. But if Sora and I happen to fight each other, she will join Sabertooth if we win. Do you agree?"

"Whatever! Just don't regret your words later on."

"And you the same." As she watched them leave, she put her hands on her hips.

"Those brats have guts." Jiemma said, watching them walk away.

"Let us finish this fight at the Games...in a spectacular fashion."

Stopping, Natsu kept his gaze forwards. "We won't ever get beaten by the likes of you. What's more, you'll never catch up to us." Looking behind himself, he finished it with, "If you're a Guild, treat your comrades right. That's all I wanted to say." With that, they left.

Meanwhile, Rogue looked towards the ground. 'Comradery...? You're saying that's a bond we in this Guild don't have...?'

However, Sting was chuckling. Bending down, he smiled. 'I-I didn't know he was that strong...Natsu Dragneel...Sora...'

~~~~~~~~~~

As they walked, Sora held Happy close to her chest, afraid he would be taken. "Natsu..."

"Hmm?" Taking a look at her face, he stopped as she took his hand. "Sora, what's wrong? You're trembling a little..."

"What'll you do if I have'ta join Saber...?"

"You won't."

"But-"

"If you do, then I'll win you back! It's a promise." Hugging her, he tightened his hold on her. "I promise you won't join their Guild."

Looking at him, she smiled. "I know you will."

"Uh...guys...can't breathe..." Happy muttered out.

Standing a distance away, they apologized to him. However, as they were about to walk to their hotels, Rogue told them to stop, with Fro flying close by. Cautious, they waited for him. Panting, he stopped in front of Sora. Straightening himself, he looked down.

"Natsu...you can go ahead." Sora said.

"But-"

Turning towards him, she smiled softly. "I'll be fine." Hesitantly, he nodded, leaving them be. Turning back at Rogue, she frowned, putting one hand on her hip. "Alright. What do you want?"

"I wanted to apologize."

"Fro too!"

Taking a glance at Fro, she blinked. Crouching down, she held her head in her hands. "I'm gonna guess you're Fro." As Fro nodded, she took a glance at Rogue, watching her silently. "Is this guy a good person? Can I trust him?"

"Fro thinks so!"

Smiling, she patted his head. Standing up, she looked down at him. "Then, I guess he's trustworthy." Looking at Rogue, she held her hands behind her back. "So, what did ya want to apologize about?" Turning away, she started walking away.

Catching up to her, he walked by her side as Fro walked by his side. "I wanted to apologize on my Guild's behalf. And about you being asked to join Sabertooth..." Looking down, guilt was written on his face.

Glancing at him, she closed her eyes, smiling. "You seem like an okay guy. Considerin' you're from Saber, you seem better than the lot of 'em. Anyways, I don't think I'll join Saber."

"But-"

"I ain't losin' to a girl like her! I refuse to. Besides, Natsu promised to jail me out if I did!" Upon seeing his stoic face, she laughed, patting his back. "You're too uptight, man! Learn to relax a little!"

As she walked in front of him, he smiled softly. Seeing her free hand, he hesitantly took ahold of it as if in a trance. Blinking, he realized she stopped as she looked at him curiously. Frantically, he let her hand go as he tried composing himself. It didn't help that his blushed grew as she looked at his face. "S-sorry!"

Laughing, she took his hand, lacing her fingers in his. "If you wanted to hold my hand, you could've just told me. You don't have'ta be shy 'round me!" With that, she walked in the city without sparing a glance his way.

Sighing, he thanked God that she wasn't looking his way, especially his face, since she was conversing with Fro. Looking down, he smiled at seeing her hand in his. 'They're so small compared to mine...In fact, they fit just right...'

Later, as they walked around, with Sora mostly doing the talking with Rogue, Sora looked towards the starlit sky. "Should we get back to our Guilds? I mean, it's pretty late."

"...Yeah..." Even though he agreed, Rogue wished the night wouldn't end for awhile. Before he could react, his body moved itself. Taking ahold of the back of her head, he kissed her. Shocked, Sora froze up. Closing his eyes, he deepened the kiss. Holding her in his arms, he held the side of her face. Confused, Sora was too much in a daze to do anything; it was all a blur to her.

Finally realizing his mistake, he let go. Apologizing, he glanced away. Blushing, he covered his face. 'Why did I have to give in to my feelings?! Why?! At this moment, too. Now...she'll never want to have anything to do with me...' Sad, he looked down as he rambled in his head.

Finally coming to her senses, Sora's entire face exploded with red. Turning away, she crouched down. Holding her burning cheeks, she dared not look his way. 'What was that about?! There's no way he likes me! But if he does...' Blushing more, her red face deepened. 'And that was...my first kiss...first real kiss...!'

As she rambled, Rogue glanced her way. "U-um...Sora...a-are you alright?" He was scared what would happen next.

Slowly turning towards him, she covered her face. "You stole my first kiss..."

Blinking, his eyes widened. "Huh?"

"You stole my first kiss..."

"I-I did...! I-I'm sorry!" Bowing quickly, he closed his eyes awaiting the future of her fury.

"J-just get up!" As he stood up, he awaited for her to continue. Sighing, she put a hand to her forehead. 'Ah! What am I gonna do now?!' Gasping, she suddenly thought of Natsu. Shaking her head, she looked down. 'This isn't the time to worry about him! I'll worry about him later.' Looking at a quiet Rogue, she sighed once more. "Do you...like...me?"

Blinking, he didn't think he heard her right. "Huh?"

"I said...do you like me?" As his entire face exploded in red, he slowly nodded. Uncertain, he waited for her to respond. Sighing, she softly smiled at his lost face. 'Oh well...' "Give me time to think 'bout it, okay?"

"O-of course!"

Scratching the back of her head, she looked down. "I must warn you: if Natsu finds out, you're in a lot of trouble." Looking at him, she reached her hand out as she smiled. "For now, let's keep it a secret between us!"

Taking her hand, he nodded. "Whatever you want..."

"Well...I better get back to my hotel." Before she left, she glanced at him uncertainly. As she saw him wave goodbye, she waved back.

Meanwhile, Rogue looked at the lingering feeling of her hand in his. Smiling, he put it close to his face, inhaling her lingering scent. However, as he heard a yawn, he looked towards a sleeping Fro. Chuckling, he picked up his Exceed. 'Must've slept through the whole ordeal...'

Returning to his hotel, he was met with an annoyed Sting outside his room.

"Where were you?" Arms crossed over his chest, Sting awaited Rogue's response impatiently.

"Nowhere important." Walking away, Rogue returned to his room. But not before Sting stopped him.

"I smell a certain Dragon Slayer on your scent. In fact, Sora's. Nothing, huh?"

"We were just talking." Rogue growled.

"Then why do you sound so defensive." Sting glared. "If you did something-"

"We didn't do anything that relates to you. Now...if you'll excuse me, Frosch and I need to rest for the Games. You ought to do the same." With that, Rogue walked into his room. As he closed the door, he sighed. Getting ready for bed, he closed his eyes. Not before touching his lips. Smiling, a tint of blush formed across his cheeks.

With Sting, he watched where Rogue stood. 'What was he really up to?' Narrowing his eyes, he went inside his room. However, as he closed his door, Lector woke up.

"Sting...what's wrong?" Yawning, Lector rubbed his eyes.

Walking to the bed, Sting softly smiled. Patting Lector's head, he said, "Nothing, really."

"Okay..." With that, they went to sleep.

With Sora, she finally got to her room. Getting ready for bed, she laid down, not before touching her lips. Blushing, she shook her head. 'Don't think about that right now! You have the Games to think about.'