I was always the sarcastic, no nonsense, too-smart-for-her-own-good girl. It used to drive everyone in SG insane. I would easily win any argument, point out their flaws, and stop them from saying any more nonsense. Of course, it served me well in my years as a military leader. I was always the one who had the answers, who kept everything in order, even as a kid.

I glanced at the photo of my father, seeing his smile. He was such a silly guy, despite what everyone else saw. Mom was definitely the one who had the kind heart, the one who helped him keep things together. The two had loved each other so much. I didn’t have a love like that- not exactly anyway.

My name is Oceanlight Stormsfire, General of Starsguild. I had the responsibility of taking care of this crazy guild. Starsguild, home of the weird magic users, home of the crazy outcasts.

A sound crashed and yelling came from the inventor and healer dorms, along with my second in command’s questioning shout. “What was that?”

“My laser malfunctioned!” another voice responded, most likely Zaphkiel or Zirco, the youngest of our inventors. “Sorry, we were messing around-Ow!- I mean testing it!”

Yep. That’s Starsguild for you. The most talented people on Scarletrose, acting like children. Typical. I loved them, though they drove me insane most days. It was chaotic, but hey, it was home.

Among the mythics and the chaos creators, Aerowa, my life long companion, murmured. This is a tiring but safe space, isn’t it, Shadow Stalker?

“Yes, it is,” I chuckled, pointedly avoiding the paperwork on the corner of my desk. “Let’s keep it that way.”

You’re so devoted to them, Aerowa noted, but your focus is divided. You cannot focus with the past on your mind.

I blinked. “Past on my mind?”

Yes. You’re stuck in the past, thinking about your sister.

“Perhaps, but that’s the cost of having a family along with the duties of a General.” I sighed, taking a glance at Algorin’s registration papers and NDA. “That’s fine, yes, that’s signed…” I flipped to the last page of each, and quickly signed. It was more of a scribble than discernible letters. It was fast, got the job done, though Aerowa always disapproved.

You need to get out of this place, Aerowa ordered, her motherly voice firm. Perhaps you should go out with Faye.

I let out a surprised yelp at her words. “WHA-”

Yes, you two are together, yes?

“Wha- uh- Aerowa-! That’s not! We’re-” I took a moment to gather my thoughts, startled. “She’s busy, Aero…”

She can make time, the Mentalian argued, you need a break, spending time with her would be good for you.

“Aero, I’m fine…” I sighed, pushing the stack of Algorin’s papers aside. “But, maybe after the meeting with Algorin, I’ll see if I can see her. Happy?”

I suppose… You aren’t getting out of it, Shadow Stalker. Have the meeting, and then you go.

“Right…Maybe.” I stood up from my office chair, stretching. “Time to go talk with the guy who got most of my people killed, fun.”

Aerowa’s tone turned joyous, clearly excited. And after this…You see Faye! I’m not letting this go, Shadow Stalker!