Blossom sat at a table in the dining hall. She was avoiding people, especially James. She had kissed him. Actually kissed him. Her mind was confused, but she couldn't deny that there had been a spark inside her when her lips touched his cheek. She had been so embarrassed she had left quickly so he wouldn't see her face redden.

Just then, she saw James enter the dining area with Brooklin and Adrian. Silently gritting her teeth, she looked down. She definitely did not want to blush now. All those years of bettering herself with the sword and hand to hand combat and winning battles, and she had to lose to her inner feelings. She cursed herself for such weakness. Brooklin saw her and made her way over to where Blossom sat.

"I know what you did," Brooklin said in a low voice. "You kissed him. I saw it all."

"How did you see?" Blossom inquired. "Weren't you in a match?"

"After I beat Natalie, I saw you leaving and got curious," Brooklin said. "I followed you and that's when I saw you kiss him."

"It was just a little peck on the cheek," Blossom said, shrugging. "It didn't mean anything. James and I are still mortal rivals."

Brooklin looked around before leaning closer to Blossom.

"Let's get something straight, Princess," Brooklin hissed so only Blossom could hear. "James is mine. If I see you near him for anything other than a fight, I'm gonna make your life a living hell."

"How do you expect to do that?" Blossom demanded, getting mad now. "Fight me in the ring? Or use some low tactic designed for people who know they can't beat someone?"

"Just watch yourself," Brooklin said softly. "Or you will find out."

Brooklin turned and walked back over to James who was waiting for her. James caught Blossom's eye and she quickly looked down. Sighing, she gathered up her tray, disposed of it, and left the hall. She was on her way training when she heard a familiar voice.

"Hey, wait up," James called out to her. Closing her eyes to calm herself, she turned to James and opened them.

"What?" She asked in a rude tone.

"Can we talk about what happened earlier today after our match?" James asked her.

"I don't really want to," Blossom said in voice so soft that James almost didn't hear her. She began to walk again, but exasperated, James grabbed her shoulder and spun her to face him.

"Blossom!" He exclaimed. "No more walking away. You kissed me. Why?"

"I don't know, alright?" She cried. "I'm so confused myself. I have all these emotions inside me, but they are all jumbled and I can't sort through them. I'm a mess. I didn't want you to see me like this."

"Because heaven forbid the great Swordwoman, Blossom would show any love?" James inquired incredulously.

"Please don't," Blossom pleaded. "I don't know if..."

James suddenly interrupted her by locking his lips with her own. Suddenly, all the confusion and doubt melted away. She knew with clarity that she loved him. She had loved him for the past five years but refused to admit it, so beating him in fights was the best way to hide it.

When the two finally broke apart for air, Blossom examined his face. He looked directly in her eyes and they both knew that the connection brought about by their rivalry had been forged into something deeper.

"What the hell?" A shout came from behind them, interrupting their thoughts. "Blossom, I told you what would happen if I ever saw you near him again."

"Brooklin, wait..." Blossom started.

"Save your excuses," Brooklin snarled. "He was mine. And now you had your tongue intertwined in his. Blossom, I challenge you to a duel. For the right to be with James."

"Wait a minute..." James started.

"You're on," Blossom said. "Loser agrees to leave James alone forever."

"But I...." James tried.

"Let's shake on it," Brooklin said with a glare. The two fighters shook hands.

"Hold on!" James yelled. "Don't I get a say in this?"

"No!" Both women yelled in unison. With that, Brooklin turned to go.

"I'll leave you with him," she said softly. "Enjoy him while you have him. After the duel, he will be mine. Meet me at the arena in an hour."

Brooklin walked off, leaving Blossom and James alone.

"Why did you agree to this?" James demanded. "I don't like her in that way. I don't want her to win."

"Do you doubt my abilities?" Blossom asked James softly.

"No," James replied. "I don't."

"Good," Blossom said. "Because I do not plan to lose."

She hugged James, feeling the warmth of his body against hers. Inside she felt a twinge of fear. For all her display of confidence, she was afraid she may actually lose. If that happened, she'd lose James forever. She must not lose.