AN: Thank you all for the lovely reviews and suggestions! I can't promise to do everything sent my way, but I do promise to at least try to tempt my muse! If I haven't read or seen the crossover you request, it'll take me longer to finish. I appreciate your patience.

(Also, just so you know, the Flare vs. Lucy fight in canon ticked me the heck off.)


Kagome scowled at the feel of outside magic rushing into the arena. Biting her lip, she made a subtle motion with her paws and purified the dark magic before it could reach its target. When the dust cleared and Flare fell, she nodded in satisfaction. Serves her right for being evil enough to threaten a child.

"What did you do?" Rogue murmured to her.

Ears back, she shrugged sheepishly. "I made it so the outside magic didn't interfere?" she squeaked.

His red eyes brightened. "That's more than you've been able to do."

Perking up, she hesitantly smiled. "Well, I've been practicing and that…that witch deserved whatever she got for threatening a child."

Rubbing her chin, he silently agreed as Fairy Tail rushed out to congratulate their teammate. Their collapsed teammate.

Kagome looked over at Rufus and tipped her head to the side. "Congratulations on winning Hidden, Mr. Lohr," she said in a rush.

Rufus's eyes slid to hers as he smirked and accepted her words. "Thank you, kitten. Though, they really should liven the events up."

Giggling, Kagome shook her head. Rogue put his hand on her back and left the box. She blinked at his abrupt departure, but went with him easily.

"I wasn't aware that you'd made friends with Rufus," he prompted.

"Nope. I actually don't trust him at all, but I don't think I really register on his radar."

Rogue pulled her out in front of him and frowned. "He gave you a nickname, Kagome. It's safe to say that you most definitely register on his radar."

Assimilating that, Kagome felt her brows draw together. "Maybe as an oddity then. I didn't think it was really a nickname; more like when humans call younger humans 'kid.'"

Rogue didn't particularly care for Rufus taking an interest in his companion. She obviously didn't give the other wizard much thought, however, so he didn't have much choice but to drop it.

"Come on, then. I'm hungry."

"Me too!" She cheered as he brought her closer to carry her.

Kagome glanced up at him in confusion when he didn't settle her back on his shoulder. He hardly ever actually carried her anywhere, but she wasn't about to look a gift-horse in the mouth. Purring contentedly, she snuggled closer and let his warm shadows wrap around her.

Rogue smiled a bit at her actions, Kagome the only person who'd ever taken comfort in his power.

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The next night, Kagome hid in Rogue's cape as the Guildmaster humiliated Yukino before kicking her out. Trembling in anger and fear, Kagome was only able to remain in the room and silent because Rogue had wrapped his shadows around her protectively. Once the remaining guild members were dismissed, she took off towards Yukino's room and burst in. The celestial wizard jumped in shock.

"I'm sorry!" Kagome burst out, bowing lowly. "I'm sorry I didn't try to be your friend; that I was so scared I hid behind Rogue. I should have helped you!"

Yukino softened and knelt in front of her. "You couldn't have helped me tonight, Kagome. And, I'm sorry, too, that I didn't get to know you when I had the chance."

Straightening, Kagome set her jaw determinedly. "Well, just because you're not in the guild doesn't mean we can't still be friends! I'll write to you, if you send me your address."

Surprised and pleased, Yukino agreed. "I'd like that. Thank you."

Kagome nodded before dropping her eyes. "Guilds aren't supposed to treat people like this," she whispered. "You're not weak and you didn't deserve what he did to you."

Sniffling, Yukino pulled her into a hug. "I needed to hear that, Kagome. And, I promise I'll write to you as soon as I've found a place to stay."

A sound at the open door had them looking up. Rogue was watching them quietly, his lips tipping up when Kagome stood between him and the disgraced wizard.

"Kagome," he chided mildly, smiling when she wrinkled her nose at him in a way that told him to behave himself.

Glancing back to Yukino, his smile faded. "I wish you well, Yukino."

Getting to her feet, Yukino hid her shock at that. "Thank you, Rogue. I'll-I'll cheer for you."

She swallowed heavily when he offered his hand to her. Slowly, she took it and shook hands.

"You take care of Kagome," she said wetly, understanding that she could have been friends with the strange duo. She'd never expected anyone to come after her to see her off, but it healed some of the agonizing pain in her heart. Not everyone in the guild hated her or agreed with the decision.

Rogue dropped his hand and caught Kagome when she jumped up. "I will. Perhaps one day, we can fight together again."

Smiling genuinely, Yukino nodded. "I'll train even harder then. Goodbye, Rogue, Kagome. I…thank you."

Kagome patted her shoulder and then let Rogue carry her away. She hoped that Yukino showed everyone up and rubbed it in the Guildmaster's stupid scary face. Pushing her head under Rogue's chin, she drew comfort from his unwavering presence.


Next Chapter: Major Fallout!