"Because it would cause too many problems. You think I didn't want to try and help you some other way?! I did, but If I'd just forgiven you in public, extremists would've tried to assassinate you, and usurpers would've seen me as soft. I made you my mage to protect you. "He said to her.

Athena collapsed sobbing " I've never seen her like this." Barthy said blinking.

"I didn't do it to be cruel, I did what I could, with what little I had to work with. "he said.

" Don't give me bull." Athena snapped " You just wanted a pet mage well let me tell you I am not your pet and as soon as the demons are taken care of I'll put Lori in charge. She has enough of a crush on you to do the job."

"First off, I didn't try to make you a pet mage. Second off, what?"he asked her.

" You heard me." Abby rubbed her eyes " Lori has a crush on you." she gave him a watery smile. " no objects to me making her in charge then?"

"Look, If you didn't want the position, then give it to Lori, I'll try and help you some other way. Second, why does she have a crush on me?" he asked.

" I don't know." Athena snorted " like I can read her mind...that would be scary she's so happy." she laughed " my guess is she likes you and don't you dare ask why she likes you. Take this collar off now."

Mordecai took it off, and gave her back her gold. "Here."

Athena took it squeezing the bag tightly " Thank you." she said heading back to Simon " Took you long enough." Simon frowned " Everything go alright?" " Everything went fine." Athena assured him " Are you crying?" he asked squeezing her hand " I crying but I'm alright." Athena smiled squeezing his hand back.

"I'll do what I can to keep people from trying to kill you. It will be a pain in the ass, but I'll do what I can. "He said.

" Good." Athena said walking to the horses holding Simons hand.

Mordecai sighed, and left. After a few days, he returned to his palace, and went to his room, to relax.

Athena wished Lori good luck on her test and waited for the demons and Lori. It wasn't boring Simon was fun he always had been and even Barthy seemed to enjoy his company which was saying something since the demon usually tried to eat people he meet.

Lori jumped and so did the healer giving her the test. " Oh go away I'm in the middle of something." she hissed focusing her energy back to the fish she was healing.

Lori scowled a little returning a few days later with her full healer status " I did it." she said with a grin " Congrats." Athena hugged her " You look tired." Lori frowned " I haven't slept much." Athena shrugged it happened sometimes when her mind was full.

Mordecai was there, talking to his demon.

Lori marched over and punched the demons arm " You are so lucky the instructor didn't notice your power boast you assbutt." she scowled then smiled shyly at Mordecai. " Hi."

"Lady lori. "He said, bowing. Mordecai then turned to the Demon. "anything new on the horde?" he asked

Xhast sighed. "The Blade-masters in the Moutains are holding their own, though I know they'll need to retreat soon to the Iron Gates. From there, we should be able to push the horde back. On the off-chance we get over-run, we'll need to make a stand at the Icarus river, lest they be allowed into the Outer Country." he said.

" Have the gotten that close?" Lori frowned " No wonder Athena-chan is so tired."

"they can't be allowed to get much farther. What I want to know is this : What's leading them? You never see a horde like this, without an instigator. "he said.

" Could be another demon or a demon mage." Lori shrugged " Or human that's stupid enough to think they can control demons for long." Athena added joining them.

"We must remain vigilante. If they breach the Iron gates, we won't stand a chance. "he said.