Hey guys long time no see! Soo sorry it took this long to post this new chapter. I had half of the chapter written before summer then everything went to hell. I had emergency surgery then I got a cold and then I had pneumonia. After that I left the country for 3 weeks. I've been ridiculously busy and marching band starts up very soon. *Sigh* So much to do so little time. I would like to thank everyone who has followed and favorited this story so far. I normally keep everyone who does in my email but the only one i have is the one I got this morning: Cira Heartfilia. "Well I will let you get to reading this chapter and see you later!

~Amaya

((3 Day time skip))

The sound of screeching wheels resounded in the train station as the train came to a stop in Hargeon. Melanie looked around amazed, "Wow there is so many more people here...A lot more than the other place."

Sigurd cleared his throat, "There's a woman in the town from our world, so I believe we should stop there first. She owns a little bakery not far from here. I've already talked to her and asked her if she could house us for the next three days. She agreed but, you two will be working for her." The twins nodded in unison as they stepped off the train. People bustled around them, the station crowded. Lights flashed and people chatted, which sounded like a bunch of screaming to the three of them. Melanie covered her ears as she squeezed through people. Her ears ringing from all of the noise. They quickly made their way through the station. As soon as they got out Melanie uncovered her ears, the ringing slowly subsiding. A cool sea breeze rushing over them, inviting them to the little city. "Alright her shop is a few streets from here. Let's go!" Sigurd quickly flew ahead of the twins guiding them to the small shop. The streets weren't as crowded as the train station but it was still pretty crowded. People selling and trading, boats docked in the harbor that surrounded them. It didn't take very long before they reached the shop and entered. The older woman was outside and greeted them, bowing.

"It's a pleasure to meet you your highness'." She stood up straight, "My name is Eboni Finn you can call me Ms. Finn. I'm glad to finally meet you two. Melanie," She turned to Lucius, "and Lucius." Melanie smiled, "The pleasure is all ours Ms. Finn." "Now why don't we get you two settled in the house its right upstairs, on top of the bakery." Ms. Finn motioned for them to follow her into the bakery. As soon as they stepped in the aroma of pastries assaulted them. The shop was small but pleasant. The inside of the shop was a light pink color. A glass display case in front of you, you walk in which was filled with all kinds of pastries. When you walked in to the left were a lot tables and chairs, the place looked more like a cafe then it did a bakery. Behind the display case was most likely the kitchen and to the right where the stairs to go up. No one was inside besides the four of them. It was still and quiet. As they went up the stairs Ms. Finn told the twins a little about herself. It didn't take long for her to show them their rooms and for them to get settled.

"Alright for the 3 days your here you will be working and running errands for me. Lucius I need you to help me with the register, I'll show you how to do it. Melanie I need you to go and grab some ingredients from the market a few streets down. I have a list and will give you money." Ms. Finn told them as she handed the twins what they needed. She gave Melanie a list and money just like she said and handed Lucius a list of items in her shop with their prices.

"I'm going to go with you into town Melanie." Sigurd spoke up.

"I think I can handle a little shopping myself. I'll be fine." She assured the dragon, "Alright well I'm off then." With that Melanie ran down the stairs and onto the street. She followed the directions to the market that were on the list of items

Sting and Rogue stumbled out if the train both about ready to hurl, there companions in tow ready to help them if they needed. A few minutes later they both regained their composure, straightening themselves out. Rogue swiped around his mouth with his sleeve, getting the putrid substance off of his face.

"Alright let's split up," Sting started fixing his vest, "I'll take the market places and you can take the boat docks. Let's meet up by the hotel at dusk." His friend nodded before they went their separate ways. Cat's behind them, photos of the girl in their hands.

Melanie look at the list in her hands, unsure of what half the items on the list were. She sighed, already having half of the wanted items in a basket, looking around seeing if maybe she could ask someone to help her. As she did one person in particular seemed to catch her eye. He was tall, lean, and muscular. His eyes were dark, seeming to command her attention, his blonde hair seemed to shine just the right way in the light. Their eyes crossed for a second, they held each other's gaze for a minute, before Melanie looked away, a faint tint of pink across her cheeks. She had a strange feeling about this, not knowing what to do. Her thoughts started running wild. This can't be happening. I have a mate already…it was decided the day I was born I was to be my brothers bride. It's a tradition one I must uphold. Don't look anymore Melanie! She was shaken out of her thoughts when someone tapped on her shoulder causing her to jump.

"Oh I'm sorry ma'am I didn't mean to scare you." Melanie took in a deep breath as she looked at the man before her. The deep blue eyes she wished wasn't there, were. Her cheeks flushed a dark pink for a second.

"No-o no I'm sorry I just wasn't expecting it….." She stuttered, her eyes wandering anywhere but his. Don't look him straight in the eyes…Don't let him touch you… As Sting spoke she didn't look him in the eye and didn't even listen.

"Hey are you listening to me?" He asked gentling grabbing her arm to get response. They both stiffened as they felt each other's emotions. Why can I feel her emotions….this isn't right. I don't get what's going on. He thought before opening his mouth to speak, "Why do I feel your emotions?" Melanie didn't answer as she kept looking away, the warmth of his hand spreading throughout her body.

"I can't answer that…" She felt his confusion and shock, feeling saddened by having to lie and bit her bottom lip trying not to cry, and failed. Her eyes filled with tears until her vision was blurry. Please just leave me alone… He cupped her cheek with his other hand, the flyers falling to the ground. She looked at him, blinking allowing the tears to fall. Allowing herself to lean into his touch, she knew she had to leave soon. I can't stay much longer…I can't let myself fall for him..I have a mate, why did I have to meet my true mate at a time like this.

"Are you alright?" She shook her head but smiled.

"I'm terribly sorry but, I must be leaving now." She back away from his touch, leaving him standing there dumbfounded. Melanie instantly felt colder without his touch. Ignoring that feeling she turned and left. Why did I let myself let it go that far? She asked herself silently whipping her tear stained cheeks. Halfway through an alley she was suddenly stopped by a familiar warmth.

"Hey I wasn't done talking with you." He said pushing her up against the wall, placing both of his hands on either side of her head. Immediately Melanie felt uneasy and he sensed that taking one of his hands down from the side of her head. Please…. Stop…

"It's better just to leave me alone at this point." She mumbled looking away from him.

"Why should I do that?"

"So you don't wind up getting hurt…" She quickly replied, leaving him speechless.

"Why would I get hurt? Why won't you answer my questions? Why can I feel your emotions?"

"I'm not answering your questions not because I don't want to but because I don't want you to get hurt… Though it's inevitable it's going to happen, and you won't be the only one that's going to hurt…"

"Then why not explain it to me."

"You need to figure this out on your own….. Anyway I really have to go, if you could please release me." Neither of them moved as they stared at each other. It wasn't long before he moved his face closer to hers.

"I have this feeling I'm supposed to protect you…." He rested his forehead on hers. "Why is that?" She stayed quiet, her heart racing. I hope he doesn't hear my heart, its beating so fast and loud.

"You know you never told me your name."

"Sting, Sting Eucliff. What's yours?" Before she could speak a cat flew around in tears.

"Sting-kun! Where are you!?" The cat looked down the alleyway they were standing in, his eyes brightening at the sight of seeing his friend. Sting backed away from Melanie. "Sting-kun!" The cat exclaimed flying into his chest.

"Lector…" Sting smiled down at his companion, hugging him. Melanie took this opportunity and left. The two didn't even notice her absence.

Melanie arrived back at the house a little later then she was supposed to and half the items she was sent out to get she didn't get.

"Sorry I'm late and don't have all of the items. I didn't know what some of them were…" She lied as she entered the kitchen.

"Why do you smell like someone else?" Sigurd questioned, looking her over from head to toe.

"I don't know….I must have brushed up against someone in the market…." She answered vaguely yawning slightly. "I think I will head to bed now."

"But it's only two in the afternoon and you haven't had lunch dearie." Ms. Finn weighed in.

"I'm just not hungry sorry." Melanie finished before heading upstairs to her room. Once there she closed the door lightly sliding down onto the floor. Why….

Later that night Sting met up with Rogue and talked about what they found.

"Can I ask you something?" Sting looked over to his partner as he talked to him. Rogue nodded and Sting started to speak again. "What did Skiadrum teach you about mates?" Rogue looked confused.

"Why bring this up so suddenly?..."

"I'm just curious that's all…."

"Well…. He told me that you'll know when you find her…. Like you'll have that urge to protect her. When you lock eyes with her for the first time you'll recognize her, and when you touch her for the first time you know what she's feeling all the time. Did something happen today?" Sting nodded explaining what happened that day.

"She seemed to know what was going on but, kept saying she didn't want to hurt me. I can feel her right now… she's conflicted about something."

"Maybe she already has a mate." Sting shook his head.

"No she didn't have a mate mark."

"Sting-kun." Lector said looking at his friend. "The girl you're talking about, is she the one from the alleyway?" Sting nodded. "She looked a lot like the girl were looking for."

"Now that you mention it, she kinda did… Actually she looked identical all except for the forehead mark."

"Melanie? Are you okay? May I come inside?" Ms. Finn rapped quietly on the door before entering. Melanie laid on her bed hands covering her face. Ms. Finn closed the door and sat on the side of the bed, before putting a hand on the girls head. "Did something happen today?" Melanie quietly nodded, hands still on her face.

"I think….I think I met my true mate… now I don't know what to do…" Hearing this Ms. Finn sucked in air listening intently. "I have to marry my brother but…I can't now knowing who my true mate is…. The kingdom would shun me knowing I didn't uphold an important tradition." Melanie uncovered her face and looked at Ms. Finn.

"I think you should see what happens. There's still a while before you even have to make a decision. What if your brother finds his true mate as well? Being a male he's going to want to be with her, which would allow you to be with him. A lot of things could happen dearie."

"Thank you…"

Another chapter completed! HAHA I'm hoping to get the next one out by next week. I know I know you guys are probably wondering if I will actually do what I say. I will this time I will. Well I shall see you next week my little dragon slayers. Soon I will be needing a few OC's from you guys so be on the lookout. I will make an update chapter (Which will be soon) with more info on that. Hope you guys enjoyed this update I shall defiantly see you next week. Follow, Favorite, Review! Bye bye see you soon!

~Amaya