"Put me down." I said to the random Son of Erebus who was carrying towards the infirmary.

"You fainted."

"Yeah, from over exhausting my powers." I said squiggling. "The vampyres in the infirmary aren't going to be able to help me out. So just put me down so I can go do something useful."

He wouldn't put me down. I flared my wings causing him to lose his grip on me and me to fall out of his grip. I skipped out of his reach.

Skye chittered angrily at him before bounding over to me. I knelt down and caught her in my arms.

"Raven." Dragon grumbled. "You need to go to the infirmary and get a look at that scratch."

I had almost forgotten about that demon scratching me. I glanced down and saw that the blood was still oozing out.

"It's not lethal." I said. I touched it and it burned. Yeah it stung, but it was burning hot to the touch. Weird, or I guess not since it was a demon.

There was a great whooshing sound and I turned to see Dark Moon trotting towards us.

He shielded and his nostrils flared. He drew back his ears.

"What?"

"Has there been a demon spotted?" He asked. His ears swiveled around.

"Yeah, he attacked me." I pointed to the three claw marks.

His horn glowed as he lowered it til the tip touched my side. I gasped as white hot pain burned through me and the three cuts boiled and fizzled. A sulfurous smell filled the air and the only mark left were three slim, white lines.

I looked at Dragon. "See, I'm fine."

He gave me a look of disproval. He turned to the unicorn. "Great one, you seemed surprised that a demon was here."

He looked around. "This place is full of learning, of life, and of the power of a goddess of creation. The spirit here is the exact opposite of a demon and it should not be able to enter this place unless something has tainted this school enough to damage this spirit."

My first thought was Neferet. How long has she been High Priestess here anyway?

"There have been many innocent deaths lately…"

Dark Moon shook his mighty head. "No. This evil has been tainting this school for many years for that creature to have been allowed into this place." He held his head and looked straight at the Sword Master. "I suggest you listen very closely to your instincts to find and deal with this evil or more harm will come to the Mediator or to the students here you have sworn to protect."

"Why did it attack me anyway?" I asked quietly. "If it was a demon and feeds on destruction and chaos, why didn't it kill me?" Hello! Bringer of peace and all around nice things.

"There are those out there who believe that if they have control over you, then they will control the new future you are destined to bring."

I blinked rapidly. "There are people out there who think they can control me?"

"There are those who have the arrogance to believe that they can control any and all creatures." He said.

I snorted.

"Raven!"

I turned and was almost toppled over by a blonde, countrified tornado.

Rephaim was right behind her. So that's where he and the other guys ran off to. The rest of the circle followed quickly behind. Stark had his bow notched with an arrow and Darius followed behind him, looking all tense and Warrior like.

I blinked. I turned to Dark Moon. "Why didn't their weapons work?"

"It was a creature of destruction. It feeds off of war and death."

"Our weapons are used to protect." Dragon said.

"Have they been charmed or purified?" Silence. "Or perhaps made from silver that had been blessed by your goddess?" More silence. "Then the swords are, by default, made for war and death."

"Then how do we fix that to help protect our students if another one of those creatures attacks again?" Dragon asked.

"Not until the Mediator is rested. She can purify the metal."

"I can?" This was news to me-I think. Didn't I technically purify that demon?

"Of course. The two young Priestesses can as well." He nodded to Zoey and Stevie Rae. "But it would be easier if we waited until you were rested enough to participate."

I sighed. "How many more powers can I contain?" I asked it not really expecting an answer, but Dark Moon answered me anyway.

"The Mediator has the powers of a Priestess, of a Warrior, and a Ruler."

"Sucks to be you, Raven." Aphrodite said.

"No kidding." I sighed. I looked at him. "Do I even want to ask why have a shit ton of powers?"

"To protect yourself. I don't think you fully realize your influence on others."

"I can't get Aphrodite to stop cussing, so I think you're just over hyping my abilities." I said.

"Will another one of those creatures attack?" Stark asked. He glanced at Zoey.

"Very doubtful." Dark Moon said. "This realm is not tainted enough to allow more than a couple of demons into its folds."

I shivered.

"Well, how much longer until it reaches that point, oh horned one." Aphrodite asked.

Dark Moon snorted and puffed up in horsey rage. "Do not call me the name of he who lords over all demons." He flared his wings. Darius gripped Aphrodite's arm and even her eyes were wide.

I patted his neck. "I apologize, Aphrodite is stupid and doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut sometimes."

"You're going to wake-up with a pillow over your face." She threatened.

He glared at Aphrodite, but unpuffed himself. "Shouldn't you know the answer, Seer of Future Events? Surely, you, of all people, know that the future is never set in stone."

For once, she was at a loss for words.

"I think it time you all returned to class." Dragon said. "This is a place of learning, as the unicorn has said."

"I guess I better head back to the library."

"I'll walk you." Stark said.

"It's just a short walk." I argued.

"You left for a potty break earlier." Darius reminded me.

"Yeah, but Dark Moon said no more demons so I'll be fine." I said. I pointed at Dark Moon. "He said that I had the powers of a Warrior so I don't need to be babysat by another."

"Your skills are not honed." Dragon said.

I let out a sharp breath. "If I am shadowed, then that just means they have to take him down before me or to separate us. If those things want me, then they only go through me. No one else."

I whirled around before anyone could say anything and stalked for the library.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

"You have experienced a great loss."

I glanced up at Dark Moon. He peered over Hecate's stall, watching as I brushed her.

Damian eventually joined me and tried to help me find any information, but we came up with nada. Once he left I had no energy or heart to continue reading. I packed up my stuff and Skye and headed for the stables.

"How can you tell?"

"The way you treated the others. You fear losing them, so you continue to push them away."

I ignored him.

"Pushing them away won't help." Dark Moon said. "They will, without thought, put themselves in between you and any danger."

I continued to ignore him. Yeah, I knew they still would (they were way too f-ing noble for their own good), but that didn't make me feel any better. They were pretty much just a meat shield for anything else terrible who wished to claim me.

And that fucking pissed me off! I hope whatever came after me next knew exactly what they were getting into!

Hecate snorted and lipped my skirt. I patted her neck.

"You should go riding."

I jumped. I don't know how Lenobia sneaks around so easily and I would love to learn how she does it. She jingled the bridle in her hand.

"Why should I go riding?" I asked. Hecate's ears perked at riding. I patted her rump.

"It'll help relax you." She set the bridle on the stall wall and then heaved a not Western saddle on top of it. The only saddle I know about is Western saddle, so I have no idea what this saddle is. English maybe?

I chewed my tongue. Hecate nudged my elbow.

"Please."

I sighed and grabbed the saddle blanket and threw it on her back. I buckled the saddle and bridle under Lenobia's watching eyes before leading her down the aisle into the field house.

I put my foot into the stirrup and was about to hoist myself up when Skye gave an angry squeal.

"What?"

She tugged at my skirt.

"You can't ride with me." I said.

She squalled. I groaned and picked her up. I shoved her onto my shoulder and pulled myself onto the saddle. I took the reins in my hands and gave Hecate's sides a little nudge. She took off around the field house. I did find myself loosing up and relaxing, until Hecate started for the jumps.

"Whoa." I tugged her reins. "Um, you do know that I'm not much of an equestrian, right?"

She snorted. "How do you think you'll learn how to become a good one?"

"By starting off slow, like just riding and stuff?" I said.

She snorted, but turned away from the jumps and headed for the open door. The crisp air greeted us and it did wonders for my headache. I spotted the gang over in the corral with the cowboy and his horse. I nudged Hecate in that direction with a thought.

"Hey, Raven." Zoey said.

I pulled Hecate to a stop and hopped down. My legs felt like jelly and it took me a minute to get stable. Skye hopped off my shoulders and chittered at me.

"If you didn't really want to ride, then you should have stayed put." I patted Hecate's neck.

"Wow! A trail ride? Like cowboys used to do? That'd be awesome." Ant said. He turned to gaze at Lenobia, who was standing next to Zoey. "Professor Lenobia, could we really?"

"Field trip?" I asked. Hecate perked up her ears. "Cool!"

"Ray, you probably shouldn't go." Rephaim said kindly.

I kinda ignored the fact he said it nicely. "Oh, right. Because I attract danger so badly I can't even leave the school grounds except to go home." I glared at him. "What the hell! I probably shouldn't even be outside." I grabbed Hecate's reins. "I'm going to brush my horse unless that's too dangerous." I turned away and led Hecate back into the stable. I took off her tack and began brushing her.

Okay, yeah, I probably blew up a little too much there, but I'm just in grumpy Raven mode right now so, mean shit is just going to spew out of my mouth.

I began brushing Hecate and trying to calm back down even though pissed off thoughts were bouncing around in my head.

Yes, I understand that I've been attacked twice in the past twenty-four hours and one almost killed me, but they don't need to lock me in a room or have a posse of people follow me around. I might as well just have Damascus kidnap me. At least I would get to take over the world.

"Raven, sweetie?"

I turned to see Damien peering into the stall. He looked scared that I might blow up at him. I haven't decided if I will or not.

"Yeah?" I sounded tired, which I was.

"We're getting ready to head home." He said softly.

"Kay. I'll be there soon." I said.

"Kay." He said and he did leave which is a bonus, I guess.

I gave Hecate a pat and gathered up the tack and the grooming stuff. Skye chittered as she followed me into the tack room to put up the horsey stuff. I picked up my bag and slung it on my shoulder. I scooped up Skye and made my way out of the stables.

Snap appeared out of nowhere to walk beside me.

When I got to the entrance I saw that Zoey, Stark, the nerd herd, Rephaim, Aphrodite, Darius, and Shaylin were chatting waiting for me and the others to show up. My stomach clenched. Oh boy. I swear if they lecture me I'm going to explode.

"Hey Raven." Zoey smiled at me.

"Hey." I said. Skye tugged my hair and warbled at me. "I can't feed you right now. We'll get some food when we get home." She chittered and stared at the bus. "We can't leave yet."

She grumbled and stood on top of my head to give a loud cry.

"Oh." I took her off my head. "Stop it. You won't starve to death in the next few minutes." She grumbled and squawked at me as she climbed back onto my shoulders. I scratched under her chin.

"Ray," Rephaim started.

"If you're going to go on about my reckless behavior, don't bother. I know I'm rash and drive head first into things, but there's not much I can do about it. I do appreciate the concern, really I do, but you guys need to back off. I'm feeling smothered."

Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "Hey Mediator, I would kinda of like a nice future where I'm not six feet under or become a second class citizen because the fucking Immortals take over. So, you're going to have to suck it up and let some Warrior babysit you because you attract danger like a fucking magnet."

I crossed my arms. "Okay, look, no mortal Warrior, vampyre or human, is going to shit against Immortals. All I'll be doing is putting up a fucking meat shield for them to get around and just plow right through, and I'm personally sick and tired of people dying because of me. Kay." I gave her a cheesy smile before returning back to my grumpy Raven face.

Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "That's what they are suppose do. Keep you safe even at the cost of their own lives." She glanced at her Warrior for confirmation.

"It is true, Raven." Darius said.

"Well, I don't want people dying for me. So, if you can find someone who can't die to protect me, then we'll all get what we want." I said.

She opened her mouth to argue with me again, but, thankfully, Zoey spoke first.

"Look, why don't we talk about this later after we all eat and wind down."

Again, why isn't she the Mediator?! She's so much better about being diplomatic than I am.

The rest of the fledglings finally showed up after what seemed like forever, although it was probably only a few, tense, awkward moments, and we piled into the bus. I took my seat over the wheel hump and Skye squabbled at me.

"We're going home. We'll be there soon." I told her.

She chittered and paced around the empty seat chirping at anyone who looked at her. Like they could feed her.

"Can't you shut her up?" Aphrodite bitched.

"She's hungry. If you haven't noticed, she's a baby and babies whine when they're hungry." I scratched her horns and moaned pitifully at me. "We're going to be there soon."

She nibbled my hand and I tickled her chin. She moaned and thumped her head down on my arm.

My skin started prickling as we got closer to the depot. I don't why, it might be because Skye decided to nibble on me and my nerves were panicking because I was getting nibbled on or it might be a pinched nerve. I don't know. It was weird, but I was weird so…it was of no real concern to me until I learned why my skin was prickling.

We parked and nothing scary was lurking around that we could see so we all piled off like there was nothing wrong.

And then a huge shadow popped out of nowhere.

XOXOXOXOXOXOOXOX

BWHAHAHAHAHA! CLIFF HANGER! And yes, I know I'm evil.