My face was starting to turn red as I headed back towards town hall. Sting, Rogue, Lector, and Frosch had just walked out of the town hall, a bag of jewels in Sting's hand. I waved to them and smiled, but all Sting and Rogue did was look at me.

Lector and Frosch, meanwhile, ran over to me and hugged my legs. Frosch looked at me and gasped, "Lesti, did you get a makeover? You look so pretty!"

"Sort of. A lady felt sorry for me and gave me a new outfit, free of charge! I definitely feel better now! That reminds me!" I took off Rogue's cloak and started to approach him, "Thank you for letting me borrow this."

He took it back from my hands and smiled softly at me, "No problem. Nice outfit."

Did I just hear him correctly? I nodded back at him, rather quickly, "Thanks. Now where to?"

Sting came up and frowned, "To the guild. I have to admit I liked your previous outfit better."

"Say that one more time, and I'll make you hang by your feet."

"You wouldn't."

I pulled out my wand and pointed it at him, "Try me." That was the first time I saw Sting charge ahead of me, out of fear. I couldn't help but laugh as I put my wand back in its holder. I turned to Rogue and the two creatures, smiling, "You're welcome for me knocking some sense into him."

Lector started to laugh as we started to walk back, "That was the first time I saw Sting run from a girl like that!"
I turned towards Rogue and sighed, "Was he, erm...is he always this weird?"

Rogue shook his head, "Believe it or not, he's actually better than when I first met him. He's trying to impress someone in Sabertooth."

I rubbed my hands together, a plan forming in my mind, "Excellent. Tell me more. I'm not going to let him live it down."

____________

We made it to the guild a few minutes behind Sting. I made a mental note to apologize to him later for a scare like that, but for now, I was enjoying the peace and quiet. Rogue stopped before the door and turned to me, "You sure you want to try and get into Sabertooth?"

"Yes. I want to earn money too and not be a burden on those around me."

Rogue shook his head as he spoke, "You're not a burden to me, alright?" He quickly came up and embraced me, which shocked me, "Be careful, Celesti. Master Jiemma will probably make you prove yourself somehow."

I hugged him back quickly and smiled, "I will be. I'm ready to go in."

Rogue let go of me and smiled slightly, "Good luck. I'm going to comfort Sting." He walked in ahead of me, the two creatures following him.

I took a deep breath in and out, trying to calm my racing heart. I only had known Rogue for a day, yet, I felt this way. What is wrong with me? I shouldn't be falling for a guy this quickly!

I shook my head to clear those thoughts as I walked into Sabertooth. The main hall area looked like a gloomy Great Hall, but at the front of the room was a throne where the current Master sat. Knowing my intentions, I walked up to him and looked him straight in the eyes, "Good Day, Master Jiemma. My name is Celesti Gryffindor, and I wish to be a part of your guild."

The whole room had fallen silent as everyone heard my request. I could feel many different pairs of eyes looking at me, shocked that I was requesting entrance to the guild. Master Jiemma had gotten up from his chair and grabbed my chin rather quickly, seeing if my intentions were true. He grunted as he looked into my eyes, "You look familiar to me, do I know you?"

"No." I knew I had to lie in order to protect Sting, Rogue, Lector, and Frosch. I kept continuing, "I am not the best with magic, but I like fighting hand-to-hand combat. Please let me join this guild."

"Orga." Master Jiemma quickly let go of my chin, causing my neck to turn quickly away from him. I cracked my neck to cover up the cry of pain I wanted to let out, and as I did, a rather muscular man approached me. Master Jiemma smirked as he saw this man come up, "You have to fight her without using magic. If she manages to land five blows to you, she will be worthy of being in Sabertooth."

I smiled at the man, Orga, as he nodded to Master Jiemma, "Good luck to you! I plan on winning."

Orga looked down at me, smiling as he cracked his knuckles, "We'll see about that. I'll meet you in the training area for our battle." He then went out of the building, with numerous Sabertooth members following him.

I turned to Master Jiemma and smiled, "I look forward to wearing your guild mark on me."

Master Jiemma grabbed my right arm and I yelped out in surprise as he pulled me closer to him, "Don't lie to me next time. In fact, you should be grateful I'm letting you even try out for a spot in Sabertooth."

"Yes Master." He quickly let go of my arm and pushed me out the door.

I caught myself on the ground and felt monstrous footsteps behind me, with a voice that matched, "I can't wait to see a pipsqueak like you get crushed. You'll get what you deserve."

I got up off of the ground and smiled, "We'll see about that." As I walked to the training area, I took off my bow, quiver, and wand to make sure that those items wouldn't be broken. I saw Sting and Rogue in front of me, so I decided to trust them with my prized possessions. I calmly walked up to them and tapped Sting on the right shoulder, "Excuse me, but would you mind holding onto these items of mine? I really can't afford to get them crushed in the battle."

Sting turned to me and smiled slightly, "Sure, Celesti." He carefully took my weapons away from me, but he accidently dropped my wand.

Before he could grab it, Frosch sprang out of Rogue's arms and picked it up, smiling. Frosch turned towards me, "The same deal as yesterday, alright? I'll hold your wand and once you come home, I'll give it to you."

I bent down and quickly hugged Frosch, earning some strange glares from unfamiliar Sabertooth members. I quickly spoke to the cat in a frog costume, "Thanks buddy. I appreciate it. The same rule applies to you as well. Don't cast any strange spells with it, but if you do, aim at Sting."

Lector overheard me and came up to me, playfully smacking my arm, "Don't aim at Sting! He doesn't deserve anything like that."

I couldn't help but laugh as I let go of Frosch, "I kid. Go ahead and catch up to your friends. I'll be with you all soon enough."

Lector nodded, "Alright! Don't make Sting worry too much!"

Frosch waved at me as it went to its friends, "Same with Rogue, Lesti!"

I nodded at them, feeling determined for my match. Five hits, I'm versusing someone taller than me. I like these odds.