I Confess

Chapter 1. Vacation?

"We will meet again soon, Jay," Cronus said as he stepped through one of his portals making yet another cowardly escape. At least Jay thought it was.

It was a beautiful summer day in Central Park but all our young heroes looked tired from their previous battle with the evil God of Time who had again tried to take over the world. Weapons were still held tight in their hands as they tried to catch their breath. Jay and Theresa were leaning against each other for support. Neil has his mirror out, checking if his face and hair were okay. Odie had his flying game out again but Herry was trying to take it away from him. Atlanta and Archie were arguing, as usual. But this time, they were arguing about Cronus.

"That coward! How will we defeat him if he keeps escaping like that?" a frustrated Atlanta asked. The bolos she was holding fell to her side.

"Exactly. We need to block his portals or something like that," Archie chipped in as he retrieved his whip.

"And how are we suppose to do that? It sounds dangerous. It might ruin my hair," Neil whined.

"NEIL!" Atlanta and Archie screeched.

"Neil's right. The portal blocking thing is practically impossible unless we stand in front of it before Cronus steps through," Odie explained absent-mindedly, still trying to get his game back.

"What?" Herry said blankly as usual. He had let go of the game, leaving Odie sprawled on the ground.

Everybody had spoken except Jay and Theresa. The fearless leader hung his head in shame thinking he had let the God of Time escape once again.

"Jay, it's not your fault. Let it go," Theresa said soothingly. She placed her hands on his shoulder as she spoke. Theresa could not hide the pain in her eyes. Pain from worry, pain from sharing the defeat of the man she loved so deeply that the very crestfallen look on Jay's face made for heart sore from aching.

"At least Cronus failed on burning New Olympia to ash again." Theresa joked.

Jay lifted his head. He looked into Theresa's sparkling green eyes and saw worry and pain but she had still tried to cheer him up. He withdrew himself from his thoughts and forced a smiled. "I know. I should be getting use to this but anyway, thanks, Theresa," Jay said reassuringly.

"Are you two done flirting yet?" Atlanta and Archie chanted as they giggled at the two who were huddled together. Noticing how close they were, Jay and Theresa broke apart blushing.

"Come on." Theresa grinned as she grabbed his hand, pulling him along with her as she turned towards Herry's red truck and the others. "Hera will worry."

All was quiet as Jay inserted his pendant and stepped inside the janitor's closet. Theresa, Archie, Atlanta, Neil, Odie and Herry followed. Calmly, they walked through the silvery blue portal, waiting to tell Hera what had happened at the park.

"How come he always does that?"

"It's unfair, Hera!

"He almost ruined my hair!"

"We have to figure some sort of anti-portal device or devise a special strategy that will prevent Cronus from escaping."

"I mean, what are we suppose to do if he keeps running away like a bunny!"

"ERGGG!"

"Damn!"

Hera raised her hand the stem the flow of curses and exasperated explanations. "I know, I know. But you must understand. Cronus IS a god and he can pretty much do whatever he pleases. It's not easy and you all know it."

"But…" everyone starts.

"Now, for your next mission." Hera interrupts before they say anymore. "I need you all to relax and take a break. It's officially summer break today and I don't want you all to fight Cronus all stressed out."

"How can we relax when Cronus is still out there and not locked in Tartarus?" Jay announced seriously.

The others rolled their eyes and exchanged looks. They wanted to go on vacation but Jay was always all too serious.

"Ooh! Where are we going?" Neil asks and again staring at his reflection in his three-panel mirror.

Archie and Atlanta were already talking about going to the Rockies and the awesome rock-climbing sites they had there. Odie was thinking of visiting a world-class science exhibition in New York. Herry wanted to go somewhere where there was a lot of food, Hong Kong for instance. Theresa wanted to go shopping and agreed with going to Hong Kong. Jay was still unsure of this vacation thing. Neil wanted to go everywhere.

"Hawaii, for the sake of relaxing," Hera replied. "And Jay, please, think of it as a gift from us gods for helping us save the world from Cronus. You cannot refuse that offer, Jay." Hera added with a small smile.

"Yeah, remember? All work and no play makes Jay a dull boy!" Neil teased.

"Yes, Ms. Hera," Jay said dutifully and threw a glare at Neil. Then again, maybe it was time for him to relax. He has some things he wants to say to a special someone and Hawaii would be just the place for it.

Hi, this is my first story. I don't mind flames; just give me your true opinion. Thanks!

-CotTlover

P.S This will definitely be a romance story for all you JT and AA fans but action will be included!