A/N: I am deviating from the story but not completely. I'd love to stick with it perfectly but because I'm so scatter brained, I can't. My apologies, darlings.

Becoming a fledgling is hard, it's harder when you're the first not undead fledgling to go red, even harder when you're gifted with an ability that's so rare no one really knows how to help you with it and harder still when your high priestess loses her mind. Hopefully Shaylin has what it takes to help her friends and herself during the trying times to come.

Disclaimer: I don't own the House of Night series (obviously) and all recognizable characters from the books aren't mine.


"We always end up napping, have you noticed that?" Nicole asked with a small grin. After what happened back at the courtyard, we decided to return to the basement in order to discuss a little more because we both needed a little more substance. We talked a few minutes before getting comfortable in her bed and dozing off.

Sure things in my life weren't exactly the best they could be, I still had to deal with Erik about what was happening with Nicole, sometimes my Sight was a little difficult to decipher and Vision version of Aphrodite scared the crap out of me. Not to mention the fact that my friend who was also my other High Priestess attacked me less than a day ago and was in jail with suicide on her mind because she was certain she killed two guys.

Yes, things were not so great.

What was great was having the others by my side, doing their best to help make it all better. Especially if one of the others was a sweet, pretty girl whose aura painted the air with beautiful colors of sunsets and sunrises. Said girl may also have the most comforting embrace and soothing touch.

"Well, sleep hasn't been so easy to come by lately," I replied with a chuckle.

She rolled her eyes but remained grinning nonetheless. Her fingers ran up and down my side slowly, forming different patterns. I could feel the warmth of her touch through the thin material of the shirt I wore and felt a small blush on my face. It was strange feeling so comfortable with her, in her bed being touched and held, but not because we were both girls. It wasn't even because of the weird connection I initially felt for Erik. It was because it felt so right and perfect even though I'd barely met Nicole. I felt as if I'd known her on a spiritual level already.

"Sleep wasn't easy until now," she mumbled, scooting back a little to look into my eyes a little better. One hand still ran along my side but she propped herself up with the other, gazing at me.

"Yeah," I agreed gently.

She slowly leaned closer, her nose brushing against mine before our lips met.

Like the first and second time, it felt as if a small fire started in my heart, causing warmth to spread from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. Nicole caused feelings of happiness, safety and love to well up in my being, starting from my very soul. She was my very own fairy tale come true. She was a beautiful painting brought to life.

"Do you want to go out with me?" she gushed as we pulled apart. Her cheeks turned an adorable shade of red and her eyes went really wide. "I-I didn't meant to blurt it out that way..."

I couldn't help the wide smile that took over my face as I watched her blush harder and tuck her chin against her chest. Her aura burned a bright pink that reminded me of fireworks I once saw when I was younger, before I lost my sight.

"I wanted to make it special and I had all these plans and... I ruined it. An- and I was gonna wait to ask because I told you I'd be patient and we'd deal with this stuff going on now and I just... you look so cute waking up and I couldn't help myself..."

"Nicole, sweetie," I cooed, reaching out to cup her cheeks in my hands. Her face was hot and I hadn't realized how soft her skin was until then. I hadn't really gotten a chance to feel her, to take her in my hands and really feel her. It was completion, seeing and feeling her.

She leaned into my touch, letting out a soft sigh and closing her eyes. The muscles along her mouth and eyes relaxed, making her look as beautiful as ever. Without another thought, I pulled her to me, pressing kisses all over her face and ending with my lips pressed against her own. I couldn't help myself, not then when she showed herself to me in a way other than her aura.

"If that wasn't answer enough, yes, I want to go out with you, crazy girl," I smirked.

She blinked at me, seemingly coming out of a daze as she nodded before quickly shaking her head and focusing on me. "Really?"

Letting out a breathless laugh, I nodded. She quickly threw her arms around me and rolled so that I was pinned beneath her. Her cheek was pressed against mine as she mumbled cutely into my ear, promising a spectacular first date soon.

I felt so lost in overwhelming warmth that I forgot everything else that wasn't the sweet, happy bubble we created. She encased me, her aura somehow spreading and encircling me as well. It was strange and beautiful how our colors melded together, complementing and highlighting one another.

"Mmm, I wish we could stay like this forever," she murmured. She rolled back so that she was on her side and cuddled into me. "But we have to check on the Wicked Bitch, don't we?"

"She had a vision, I'm sure of it. It was pretty terrible, I'd feel better knowing she's okay."

"Why do you have to be so great?" she sighed dramatically, getting up. "C'mon, before I try to convince you to be a bad friend and keep you here."

I grinned up at her, quickly jumping out of bed and standing next to her. "Let's go check on the resident grouch."

"I'm thinking by your side, she won't seem as much of a shitty person," she smirked.

We laughed, joking and playfully pushing one another on our way to the infirmary. The playful atmosphere began to die down the closer we got but there was still an easiness that helped me open the door. We peeked into the room and saw Aphrodite on one of the cots with Darius standing beside her, his hand holding hers.

"If you're going to come in, hurry the hell up and close the door. You're letting out the warmth and ruining the mood," the blonde snapped. Her eyes were narrowed at us as we walked in.

"I guess this means that you're feeling better," I said, only half joking.

"Do I look like I am, fucktard?" Aphrodite snapped, wiping yet again at the blood that still flowed out of her eyes, even after a few hours passed. I tried not to flinch at the stark contrast between the scarlet trail and her pale skin.

"You don't have to be a bitch. Shay's genuinely worried about your hag self," Nicole growled, taking a step forward. In response the hulking mountain known as Aphrodite's boyfriend tensed.

"Whatever." Strangely enough, even if she spoke the word sarcastically, I could see regret in her eyes and aura. "I am actually feeling a little better."

"Is there anything I can get you?" I asked. Nicole leaned into me, taking my hand in hers while I waited for a reply. I knew what she wanted to communicate, I could feel it in the way she rubbed circles along the back of my hand with her thumb. She was there to protect me, even from simple things like stupid words from a grumpy prophetess.

"Water... and some aspirin," she answered after a brief silence.

"I'll get it," Nicole offered, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek before going to the door and turning back to look at us. "Don't be a bitch. If you upset her, I don't care who your boyfriend is, you'll regret it."

The door clicked shut behind her and we were cloaked in silence, Aphrodite's warrior looking a little bewildered.

"She is… devoted." His voice was even and unaffected but the way his aura turned a little brighter, I could tell he was amused. "You've caused a great change in her, prophetess." It was then that a fond smile finally found its way onto his face.

"I haven't really done anything," I answered, feeling shy. I knew without a doubt in my mind that I was blushing like crazy. "She's the same as she was when I first met her."

"That is a load of shit," Aphrodite snorted. "She's definitely different and you and everyone else knows it."

Before I could answer and refute her claims, Thanatos strode in with Kalona and Aurox in hot pursuit. The winged warrior bowed low, his large wings brushing the floor with the movement while Aurox followed suit.

"Merry meet, Aphrodite, Shaylin and Darius," the high priestess greeted, bowing her head in each of our directions. The usually calm, collected vibe the vampyre exuded wasn't present and it left me feeling odd.

"Things aren't really looking good," I mumbled, rubbing my arm. "Are they?"

"No, young prophetess, it appears they are not," Kalona replied. The corners of his eyes were strained and the infinite sadness I often caught flashes of was open for the world to see. I found myself wanting to comfort him, something that shocked me to my core.

"What did you see, Aphrodite?" Thanatos asked, rousing me from my stupor.

"It... it was confusing but I think I may actually have some good news." She rubbed her temples and let out a frustrated sigh, looking to her boyfriend then Thanatos. "The pain gets worse every time."

"A Goddess given gift can cause great strain on the greatest of us at times, child," she admitted gently. "What is the good news of which you speak?"

"Like I said, it's confusing, but you need to go see Zoey. I caught flashes of her. She was freaking out because she can feel her body resisting the change already. Then Grandma showed up and you and Stark and Stevie Rae. The last thing I could really get a grip on was the Detective bursting in her cell and bringing her back."

"Bursting in?" Kalona stiffened behind Thanatos, furrowing his brows in worry.

"We shall leave at once," the high priestess declared, already starting to turn. Like shadows, Kalona and Aurox mimicked her movements only to stop short when Aphrodite spoke up.

"Bull boy and bird daddy weren't part of the vision."

"I am her Warrior, where she goes, I shall be there to protect her," the god said in a low voice.

"Uh, don't mean to sound condescending but maybe you should listen to her because, she is a chosen one of Nyx afterall," I interjected. He turned to meet my gaze, looking contemplative before nodding once.

"You are right, Shaylin, but I must accompany my priestess, even if I am to wait outside. I will not fail her," he declared solemnly. "But Aurox, you will stay."

"What's going on?" Nicole asked as she walked back in, hastily bowing in the direction of Thanatos. "And here's your stuff, Aphrodite."

Darius swiftly took the items from Nicole and began to care for his girlfriend. "If you could allow Aphrodite some rest, I believe she is finished recounting her vision and must recover," he said, looking imploringly at the high priestess of the room.

"I will see you both when we return. Aurox, alert Stark and Stevie Rae that we are going to see Zoey. From there, go to the other fledglings part of Zoey's circle with Shaylin and Nicole to inform them of what is happening now. And Kalona," she called, casting him a side glance. "I wouldn't keep you from fulfilling your oath."

Nicole looked absolutely lost as she moved out of the way to let everyone out, joining my side when I made my own way out. "I miss out on everything, don't I?"

I laughed, threading my arm through hers and leaning into her. "Not everything."