PART TWO:

WHAT WAS AND SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN

Today was the day.

The spell worked as planned. Now came the hard part. He took a deep breath and entered the Sabertooth Guild Hall for the first time in his life. The building was like nothing he'd ever seen- both exuding strength and a refined beauty. It took everything in him not to think of how different life could've been for him inside this hall. He feared the mere thought of what could've been could hold him prisoner for the rest of the time he had. The mission, he reminded himself. The mission is all that matters now.

Today was the day.

"Excuse me, Miss. Where can I find the Master?"

Starlight turned around, her eyes rolling at Rogue's prank. "Ha-ha, very funny. As if-"

Startled when her eyes met with bright, deep blue ones, she stopped midway through the sentence. The man before her was tall with black hair and an air of elegance, but it wasn't Rogue. Some of his features, like his strong jaw and fine chin, or the intense way he held her gaze, were much like Rogue's, but those stunning blue eyes, the slight curve of his nose, and the cascading black waves that fell past his shoulders, gave it away. Still...

"Ahem," he discreetly interrupted her thoughts. Star's cheeks flushed to a dark pink at realizing she'd been staring.

Lightly shaking her head to clear her mind, she smiled. "My apologies, I mistook you for someone else. You're looking for our Master?"

"Yes," he smiled back. She noticed the smile didn't meet his eyes. She skimmed him for ill-intentions, just in case. Her magic sensed that he was in a bigger rush than he let on, but no intention to cause her father harm. However, there was this odd feeling, a small corner of him that her powers couldn't get through. What is he hiding?

"And your business with him?"

"I'm afraid that matter is confidential."

"I'm Starlight, daughter of Master Sting, whatever business you have with him you can discuss with me." She again smiled, but made no move to guide him to her father's office. There was something off about this. She wasn't sure why, but she felt this guy was trouble.

"That is good to know. His office is where...?"

The guy was persistent. She tried to feel him out again, and this time all of him was blocked off instead of just a small piece. How is he doing this? She rarely encountered anyone powerful enough to hide even small feelings or secrets from her. For this man to completely shield away from her was... impossible.

"Sir, I'm going to need some more information to go on before telling you that."

She readied herself to fight if necessary.

"I understand your concern," he said before turning away and walking off.

This man! "Wait a second! Stop, I've already told you you can't see the master until I know what your business is with him," she said as she went to stand before him and the rest of the hall.

"That is not, in fact, what you said. Regardless, what I have to discuss with the master is a sensitive matter, and you are wasting my time. Please, get out of my way."

That last request was strained, almost a threat, and Star responded with an equivalent tone. "No."

"Fine, then. Stay there."

And with that, he was gone. What the hell? She looked around but couldn't spot him. Dammit!

They heard the door close, even though Sting could've sworn it hadn't been opened. All three of them turned to look at the man that suddenly stood by the door. Ugh, Sting thought. He already was having a crappy day- he didn't need more drama right now. "And who are you?"

"I apologize for the interruption, Master Sting, but I must speak with you immediately. There's no time to waste."

The man looked down at Minerva and Vlad sitting before Sting. A true smile broke on his face. "Uncle Vlad; My Lady. I'm glad you two are here already. It's so good to see you again."

"Hold on, who are you again?" Sting asked, an irritated tone in his voice.

"Oh, right. Before I tell you, I need you to take a breath and sit back."

"Listen, buddy, I've had my quota of crazy for the year. Now, as you can see, I'm in the middle of something, so just go wait by the lobby-"

"I'm your nephew. Well, your almost and soon-to-be nephew. They should have me already..." he trailed off, looking at his watch. "Yes. They must be on their way home with me right about now. I'm Rogue and Juvia Cheney's adoptive son. My name is Nox Cheney."

Hey, guys! I know a lot of you have been waiting for an update on SR. I burned my hand quite badly a few days after posting the last chapter and have been unable to do much with it. It's getting better, though, and I'm hoping to be able to type it up soon!

Sorry for the inconvenience! And don't forget to check back in for updates/new chapters!

Love,

Scurtle.