Chapter 18

No One's Point of View

"This is all your fault." Cupid said, glaring at Raina.

"My fault, how was I supposed to know that breaking the stone would set Razan free? In fact, I didn't see you coming to us with this information before hand, and now your blaming me for it!" Raina replied angrily.

"Ladies that's enough." Santa interrupted, trying to stop the fight before it got any worse.

"No, she needs to hear this. I have spent years fighting against the darkness and through it all, I have experienced pain of all kinds. Razan's the reason why my life has been turned upside down since the beginning and the only reason why I haven't turned to revenge is because of the people in my life who has been keeping me grounded. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Yes I made the mistake of setting him free, but if I hadn't, then we wouldn't be alive today. Now that's a mistake I am willing to make again and again. Would you?" Raina stated, which for the first time, allowed Cupid to finally understand why Manny chose her as the first Guardian.

Cupid had encountered many people in her lifetime and none of them had ever spoke to her this way. Sure there were the complaints of when she intervened in other people's affairs without their permission, but it was never in the tone Raina was giving her. Sure Raina was Mother Nature, but she was far younger than the goddess of love. However, it didn't seem to matter at the moment, because deep down, Cupid knew that Raina was right. When she tried to think of something to say, a dark and horrible voice beat her to it.

"Well what's this? That's interesting, you must be brave to enter my domain. Yet I sense fear in your minds, in the breath's you take, and in your whole being. Don't worry, I'm not here to kill you." The voice said and everyone knew who it was.

"Then what are you here for?" Daisy asked bravely, even though she was shaking like a leaf.

"To let you know that I have returned and I will have my vengeance." Razan answered, even though know one could see him.

"Well you gave us your message, now step out where we can see you!" Bunny shouted, he too afraid but was too proud to admit it.

"So you can attack me? I know what it is you are thinking and do you think I'm stupid enough to fall for something like that? No, I have something else in store for you that will make everything Pitch has done, look like child's play." Razan states, making everyone much more fearful.

Everyone huddled together, prepared for an attack. However, nothing came which made it a lot more frightening. Suddenly, Cupid started choking and looked as if she was being lifted up in the air. Once she was high enough, she was thrown across the room and hit her head against the wall.

"Cupid!" Both Adam and Henry shouted, out of worry.

The room became even darker until it was difficult for everyone to see. Taking her staff, Raina raised it up in the air and the room was filled with light. However, as she did so, she began to feel a burning coming from the mark that Pitch gave her in Mexico. Screaming in agony, the pain was too much to bare and her light started to flicker out.

"I do also want to thank you for bringing the boy to me, I shall take care of him permanently." Razan said, his voice could be heard near Nick.

Hearing his words, made Raina angrier than she ever was before. This man took everything from her and now he was going to try to kill the one person who could stop him. As she began to think this, a switch went off inside her and she began to feel strength flow within her. Ignoring the pain, she rose her staff even high in the air and an explosion of light flowed within the room. Then, there was silence and sunlight started to shine throw the cracks in the walls.

Looking around, Raina saw everyone was on the ground due to the force of the magic she used, even Cupid was awake. However, as she caught everyone's gaze, she noticed a look they were giving her. At first it seemed to be a look of awe and gratitude, but it slowly changed into shock and what might have been a hint of fear. Confused, Raina was about to question what was wrong, but then she caught her reflection in a small puddle. Her skin had was a sickly pale, her hair was an ebony shade of black, and her eyes were a dark grey. Slowly however, everything started going back to normal, but it didn't help the sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach. Then, either due to exhaustion or to fear, Raina fainted.

The group ran over towards her, feeling more worried for her than they ever had been before. They didn't know what was the cause of her sudden darker appearance, but she saved them and that was all that mattered at the moment.

"She saved us." Cupid said, surprised that they were even alive.

"Did you doubt she would?" Delilah questioned accusingly.

"No, I mean... I'm not sure." Was her answer, for once not having much to say.

"We need to get her back home." Jack interrupted, and any argument that was about to happen, was put aside.

Quickly going back the way they came, the Guardians headed back on Santa's sleigh. Even though her color was going back to normal, Raina still looked sick and it was best for her to get in the sunshine as soon as possible. Climbing onto the red sleigh, they portaled out of France. Cupid stayed behind to make sure that her home wasn't affected by the darkness they fought and they all knew that it was a matter of time before they were attacked again.

Author's Note: Hello my lovelies, I'm back with another chapter! Funny fact about this one, my sister has made me read this and all of my other stories to her and when it came down to what I should write for next, she chose this story and so thank her that I got another one out. Anyways I'm not sure when I'll have another one up so I hope this will keep you busy, also I just started a new story on my Wattpad page and so if you are interested in reading it then send me a pm and I'll send you the link to it. Thanks and see you next time!