AN: Okay, so I had a request from a guest (Elizabeth) for a crossover with Fairy Tail. I've seen it around, but will be the first to admit I have not watched all gajillion episodes or read all thousand chapters of the manga. The more I watched, though, the more I was like, 'she wanted Sting, Rogue, or Laxus...I'm really feeling Rogue.' This is what my muse spat out.

Total, I'm looking at about 10K words as of now. Would you guys like long chapters, or shorter chapters with quicker updates? Let me know! Hugs! (And, yes, I'm aware that I totally twist Exceeds to my will. Bwahahaha! Cough. Sorry.)

Rogue paused as he registered large blue eyes peering at him from the shadows of the forest. He blinked and watched as the eyes blinked, too. Sensing no malevolence, he shifted to the side and was surprised when the eyes mimicked the movement. The boy slowly shifted back and the eyes followed him again, this time with a delighted giggle filling the air. Unable to help it, he smiled a bit at whatever creature he'd stumbled upon.

"Hello?" he greeted softly, hearing pleased laughter as the blue eyes danced with excitement.

"Hello, little slayer," a happy voice replied. "Are you lost?"

Crossing his arms, Rogue shook his head. "No. Are you?"

More giggling and then the creature emerged from the shadows to perch on the tree limb above him. It was a small Exceed with luminous blue eyes and dark black, almost navy fur. Rogue arched a brow at her clothes, a white blouse with red scarf and a green pleated skirt. Her tail swished languidly behind her as she studied him and held still for him to study her.

"I have been lost since being swept to Earth Land," she sighed. "Many of us were sent to kill Dragon Slayers, you know, but that doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Your magic feels so nice; I couldn't destroy it, even if I didn't have a problem with indiscriminant killing."

His brows furrowed at that information, especially her feelings for his magic. The power of shadows usually made people feel cold and isolated.

"Are Exceeds so powerful they can destroy slayers that have actually slayed dragons?" he asked incredulously.

The small cat's whiskers twitched. "You don't smell like dragon blood. You do smell like actual dragon, though. Curious."

She hopped down and skipped over to him and then floated up so that she was eye-level. "Would you like me to undo the spell on your memories? Unsealing is about the only spell I've mastered in your world yet."

He didn't get the chance to reply to that bizarre question before she went right ahead and did it. Falling to his knees, Rogue clutched at his head until his disorientation settled. When it did, he panted at the real memories that had sprung up. He hadn't killed his father! No, his father had actually trusted him with something far more precious and difficult: carrying him until he was strong enough to once more fight.

Tears gathered in the boy's eyes as his emotions swamped him. A distressed noise in front of him had him weakly looking up. The Exceed was dancing from foot to foot, her furry face awash in worry.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't know they were bad memories," she apologized, reaching out for him before stopping.

Laughing in disbelief, he wiped his eyes and shook his head. "They weren't. I thought I'd killed my father," he whispered, his face crumpling again. "But, he was protecting me."

The Exceed rubbed the back of her head. "Well, I'm glad I could help. I'm Kagome."

Swallowing, Rogue nodded to her. His feelings were awhirl, but something about her called to his dragon instincts. "I'm Rogue Cheney. If you're lost, do you want to come with me?"

She brightened exponentially, hovering a bit off the ground in her excitement. "Really? No one's ever wanted me to come with them!" Her ears drooped as she returned to the ground. "I'm not very strong here, you should know. I wouldn't be able to help you much."

The last was said on a whisper, as if she didn't want to admit it, but her sense of fairness wouldn't allow her to lie.

"And you were supposed to be able to kill a slayer?"

Shrinking back, Kagome shrugged. "I was much more able in Edolas, and I got swept here accidentally."

She looked like she expected him to hurt her, which made his instincts thrash menacingly. How poorly had she been treated here that she anticipated violence without provocation?

"You'll just have to work harder to become that strong here," he decided. "You can train with me."

Water filled her blue eyes as she looked up at him. Sniffling, she threw herself into his arms, snuggling close and purring happily against him. Shocked, it took Rogue a moment to bring his arms up to hesitantly hug her. When his fingers carefully rubbed her ears, she purred louder and stared up at him with adoration.

"I promise I won't let you down!" she vowed. "You won't be sorry for being my friend, ever-ever!"

Softening at that firm insistence, Rogue hugged her tighter. "I'm sure I won't."

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Kagome settled in the corner of their room, making herself as small as possible. She didn't like this town and she especially didn't like the effect it was having on Rogue. He'd never been mean to her, but he'd practically ordered her back to the room when they'd returned to the inn. His glare had reminded her of the humans that had thrown rocks at her when she'd first come to Earth Land. Even the ones she'd tried to help had often beat her when she came out of hiding. Cringing at the memory, she scuttled under the bed and tried to call up her barrier. It flickered and died without truly solidifying. Whimpering, she backed into the furthest corner and wished for her mother.

Her mother, who had been kind and powerful and didn't mind that Kagome was clumsy and slow. She'd always gently corrected her, showing her again and again how to use her magic until she finally got the spell. Even her brother, Sōta, who was practically a prodigy, always had time to help his sister. They never made fun of her the way that the other Exceeds had.

"You have a great potential, Kagome," her mother had told her often. "You just have to unlock it. Until you do, you will have to work twice as hard as everyone else."

She'd taken that advice to heart, even after being sucked away from her family and thrown into a world she didn't understand. Rogue had always been as patient and as encouraging as her family had, giving her back a small feeling of belonging.

Until now. Maybe he'd finally gotten tired of her and wanted an Exceed more suited to him. Even if his dragon had accepted her.

The door to their room opened, making Kagome still nervously. She could see Rogue's feet as he went about his business getting ready for bed. Her tension had almost left when he suddenly dropped to his knees and peered in at her. His eyes were concerned as they met hers and his lips had thinned.

"After all this time, do you really still expect me to hurt you when I get upset?" he asked.

Ashamed, Kagome crawled to him and let him scoop her out from under the bed. Holding her gently, he sighed and then set her on the bed so that they were almost at eye-level.

"Kagome, I won't ever raise my hand to you in anger. I shouldn't have to tell you that," he chided. "My dragon claimed you, remember?"

Pulling at her ears, she nodded. Rogue tugged her paws away from the appendages and touched his nose to hers, making her smile.

"Silly cat."

Her fear well and truly banished, Kagome threw her arms around him and purred loudly when he petted her. This was her best friend. She was stupid for thinking that he was like those other humans. He'd had years to turn on her and hadn't. He'd more than proven himself her friend and she knew better than to think that his dragon would let part of his treasure be hurt-even by himself. Butting her head under his chin, she silently apologized, and felt his acceptance.

Rogue stroked her ears, and tried to rein in his temper for the humans that had beat that fear into her. About a year after they'd teamed up, she'd broken down and admitted what humans had done to her. Kagome was one of the most caring, open people he'd ever met and the thought of her being hurt-especially as maliciously as that-made his dragon extremely angry. When she flinched back sometimes or cringed, Rogue had learned to be especially affectionate to her then. He didn't ever want her scared of him, and was pleased that tonight she'd seemed to realize that.

"You really won't leave me, will you?" she asked, her blue eyes looking at him in wonder.

"No," he told her softly, his dragon pleased when belief settled in her gaze and scent. "Are you going to leave me?"

Kagome pressed her paws to his cheeks and smiled. "Of course not. You're my best friend."

Patting his face, she snuggled into his shadows. Rogue smirked and lay down beside her, letting his hand rest on her back as her breathing lulled him to sleep.

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"Why is your Exceed so…weird?" Sting asked Rogue as they watched Kagome meditating by floating over the edge of a waterfall.

Rogue shot him a glare. "She's not. Using magic in Earth Land is difficult for her. She's trying to overcome that handicap."

Lector nodded. "She was born in Edolas, so she was used to her magic there. I'm sure it was a massive change when she landed here." Of course, he'd never be so nice to her face.

Their attention drifted back to Kagome when a glowing pink orb surrounded her. She held it for a long minute before it fell and so did she. Rogue made a quick gesture, using his shadows to catch her before she could hit the water. Kagome let out a relieved breath and smiled sheepishly at him when he brought her back to them.

"Sorry," she apologized, climbing up him to perch on his shoulder, her tail curling around his neck. "But! I managed to form a tangible barrier! Yes!"

Lector snorted. "That'd hold for all of five seconds, you frog. Bravo."

Sting laughed as Kagome wilted, but Rogue rubbed her head in congratulations. He knew she tried her hardest to make her magic work for her and she often got discouraged when she couldn't access it correctly.

Purring at his silent praise, she stuck her tongue out at Lector. "Don't be a meany, Lector. And don't call me a frog!"

"Shoot your tongue out like that and you really do look like a frog!" the other Exceed taunted.

Growling, Kagome unsheathed her claws and swiped the air in front of her. All three of them were surprised when five pink power blades erupted to fly at the unsuspecting Lector. Yowling as the first one hit his rump, the cat darted behind Sting and cried foul while demanding the Light Dragon Slayer to avenge him.

"Hah!" Kagome grinned, her fangs flashing in wicked glee. "That'll teach you not to make fun of me and my training!"

Sting fell over laughing when he realized Lector wasn't really that injured and Rogue had to smirk. Kagome hadn't even ruffled his hair with the attack, just showing that she had excellent control over it. Finding her ears again, he smiled when she cuddled into him happily. Sting often made fun of how affectionate she was, but Rogue liked how open she was with her feelings. If she liked you, she made no bones about it and if she didn't, she simply didn't pay you any attention.

"Indeed, Lector, had she wanted to do real damage, she could have with that attack," Rogue pointed out.

Sting ruffled a pouting Lector's fur and winked at Kagome. "Lovers' tiff!"

Kagome wrinkled her nose and made a gagging sound. "Ew, Sting, seriously?"

Lector had the same disgusted look on his face. "That broad?! She's fine as a guild-mate, but she'd probably kill me in my sleep if I touched her."

Arching a brow, Rogue looked at Kagome. She rolled her eyes and huffed before crossing her arms.

"You'd deserve it," she mumbled.

Silently agreeing, Rogue turned to leave, Kagome giggling when he tweaked her ear.

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They'd joined Sabertooth because of the power and prestige the new Guildmaster brought. Well, Rogue had. Kagome had joined because she went wherever Rogue did. Still, she felt a bit frightened and unsure of the decision and didn't often venture from her friend's side while at the guild headquarters.

Which was why she was scampering back to their room quickly after having run to the kitchen to get something to eat. Rogue had been asleep when she'd gotten hungry and she hadn't wanted to wake him. So, she found herself traversing the halls for the first time without her best friend to protect her.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Shadow's pet cat," a smooth voice drawled.

Swallowing, Kagome turned to find Rufus behind her, his head tipped to the side and his eyes curious.

"I've never seen you alone."

Sniffing, Kagome eyed the fall of his hat's feathers. "I feel I should warn you-I really want to play with your feathers. Since I'd probably accidentally ruin your hat, please don't come any closer."

He blinked in surprise and then laughed as he touched the rim of his hat. "Duly noted. Run on back to your companion, then."

Frowning, Kagome floated up and fiddled with the hem of her shirt. "You feel strange. Like darkness, but with more loyalty than I'd expect."

"Darkness can't be loyal?" he asked. "What about your Shadow?"

"Different darkness. I think I don't trust you, Mr. Lohr," she admitted.

Rufus smirked and slid a hand behind his back. "Probably wise, but I have to ask why."

Staring at him and taking in all the nuances of his aura, she felt her fur bush up slightly. "Because only the strongest earn your loyalty. Only the ones ruthless enough to exert their will over others earn your regard. I don't think I'd like what you'd do with any memory of me you bothered to memorize."

An unreadable emotion flickered in his normally stoic gaze. "You're much too pure to be here, kitten. Run along. I'll make certain you reach your Shadow safely."

The offer made her pause, but then she beamed at him. There was no lie in his aura. "Thank you, Mr. Lohr!"

Spinning, she took off down the hall. When she was tucked away, Rufus smirked to himself and touched his hat again. Maybe he did have rather ruthless expectations for those who'd earn his loyalty, but that Exceed was most interesting. Perhaps a small kindness would prove that he hadn't totally given into his darkness.

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"This guild is scary," Kagome murmured to Rogue as she shifted her weight nervously. "They don't treat each other like a family. I thought…I thought that's what a guild did?"

Glancing to her, he frowned. "The pay is better here and really, what other guild would you have chosen? Blue Pegasus?"

Flinching, she shook her head. "N-no. What about Fairy Tail? Without Gajeel and the others, they needed strong members to fill the void of power."

Rogue's lips thinned. "Fairy Tail is the cause of Phantom Lord disbanding, remember? Besides, they're a bunch of miscreants with no sense of order."

"But, they always look happy," she whispered. "When they're together, they have fun. They're friends."

"One doesn't join a guild to make friends," he snapped.

Deflating, Kagome dropped the subject. Rogue had been restless and short ever since they'd really gotten into Sabertooth.

Seeing her wrap her tail around her head as she curled into a ball, Rogue felt remorse lick at his insides. She didn't deserve that. Sighing, he climbed into bed and plucked her up so that he could pet her. Relaxing, she burrowed into him and held onto his shirt as she accepted his unspoken apology.

"Are you that scared of them?"

Rubbing her nose, she looked away. "The Guildmaster is not tolerant of weakness, Rogue, and I am not strong."

Brows together, he hugged her in reassurance. "Hey, he won't mess with you while I'm here. You have nothing to worry about with me."

Smiling, she met his eyes and scampered up to rub her cheek against his. "That's okay, then. You're my friend, so it doesn't matter so much if everyone else is a bunch of jerks."

Softening at her fervent words and the brave face she put on, Rogue wondered if she was right about Sabertooth. It didn't seem like much of a family to him, either.

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"Your human is a horse's behind," Kagome told Lector after they witnessed Sting eating an arrow and nearly blasting off a man's head.

Lector glared at her, but couldn't help calling out, "Wow, Sting, overkill much?"

Floating up the hill, Kagome jumped onto Sting's head and used it to propel herself at Rogue. Giggling, she darted under his cape just to rile him and then popped up to sit on his shoulder.

"Missed you!" She sang as Lector decreed that Sting was the best Dragon Slayer ever.

Rogue huffed at her mischief, but let her wrap her tail around his neck. When she purred against him in happiness, his lips twitched and he pressed his nose to hers. That was how she knew he'd missed her, too.

"Guess what we found out!" she exclaimed before Lector could, making the other Exceed glare at her.

"What?" Sting demanded when Rogue only arched a brow.

Lector rushed in this time, drawing a pout from her. "Fairy Tail is going to be joining the Games!"

Rogue tensed, his red eyes questioning her when she met them. Nodding, she assured him it was true. She only hoped that his desire to face his once-idol wouldn't end in disappointment or worse.

Next Chapter: Happy!