It was lunch time, the hero's casually talked and munched on their food.
"We have training tonight guys, I want to practise some uneven fights" said their leader between bits of fries. The other five groaned/rolled their eyes at Jay's words. Archie and Atlanta exchanged a knowing look while a feeling of exhaustion overcame Odie at the mere thought of training. Herry continued eating his 3 person sized meal while Neil preened his hair in his trusty mirror.
"Cant we skip it this afternoon?"Odie pleaded, he had a feeling that Ares was going to make him use a weapon rather than his laptop. But Jay just shook his head.
"We can't, what if Cronus attacks and were out numbered! We need to be prepared for every situation" he spoke with such a force that Odie gave up. No one could change their leaders mind except for one person, who was now making their way to their table.
"Hey, guys!"Theresa smiled at them, gave Jay a quick peck on the cheek before plonking down between Herry and Atlanta. They all smiled back at her and mumbled hellos, except for her boyfriend who was still blushing from her kiss and wearing the goofy grin that Theresa caused.
"Theresa, will you please convince Jay that we don't need to train tonight?" Archie said, he and Atlanta had been planing on going boarding and were not about to change their plans without a fight.
"Actually I wont be training tonight" Theresa said calmly while stealing an oblivious Neil's water. Jay's head snapped up at this and brow furrowed.
"Why not?" he questioned. He couldn't remember Theresa mention anything about skipping training. Before she could speak Archie jumped in.
"Yeah, how come you get to miss all the fun?"
She just smiled and took another swig from Neil's water before replying.
"I have a session with Persephone." She grinned, knowing her excuse was water tight. Nobody questioned her mentor.
"What are you studying?" Atlanta inquired. Theresa hadn't talked about her powers since she went phantom about a month ago. Atlanta grabbed Archie's hand and began to play with his fingers absent-mindedly while talking to Theresa. Causing Archie to smile and blush a little. Theresa grinned at this little show of affection. Atlanta and Archie were so sweet together.
"Well you know how Cronus sometimes makes those energy things? Like magic or fire?"
"Yeah, kinda"
"I hate it when he does that! It's cheating!"
"I know! He always does right before we have him! The coward!"
Archie and Atlanta continued with this until Odie interrupted.
"Theresa you had a point?"
She smiled at Odie before turning back to everyone.
"Like I was saying, Miss Persephone is teaching me to create these energy things. I haven't made one yet, it kinda tiring." She smiled sheepishly. Jay frowned little before asking Theresa.
"Is it safe? Right?" his voice full of concern for the love of his life. Neil rolled his eyes and reclaimed his water from Theresa, wiping the rim with a napkin.
"Will you relax, Jay! Your going to go grey! She'll be fine. Theresa's not going to go all spaz on us again" He said while looking in his mirror. Theresa looked at the table, suddenly finding it very interesting. Everyone else threw glares at Neil. Except for Atlanta, who threw her empty coke can.
"Ahh! Watch the hair!" as the can bounced off his head and into Odie lap. Herry chuckled, having finished his food and rejoining the conversation.
"Do you me to come pick you up after?" Herry asked. They had all gone in his truck today and he didn't want to leave her stranded. He'd never had a sister, but now thought of Theresa and Atlanta as his little sisters. He would do anything for either of them. And after Theresa had almost died, any thought of losing either of them scared the life out of him.
"That would great, thanks Herry" she grinned at him, biting into an apple. (a/n: has anyone ever noticed that they are always eating apples?)
He smiled at her and stole a few of Jay's fries before they all got up and headed for their last class of the day.
"Breath, Theresa. You need to concentrate! Focus your mind….." Persephone murmured. She sat across from Theresa on one of the thousands of cushions that filled the Solarium. Theresa squeezed her eyes tight, hands out in front of her. She felt something warm in her hands for a moment before it disappeared.
"Ug, I cant do this. I don't think I'm ready." She lent against one of the pillars in exhaustion. She felt drained.
"Of course you can! You just need to clear your mind and focuse! You have done so well this past month! I'm sure everyone is impressed with your progress. She smiled at her daughter like student.
Theresa paused for a few seconds looking very uncomfortable. Eventually she mumbled.
"They, um don't actually know about what I can do now…."
A blended mixture of shock and surprise crossed Persephone's face before she frowned.
"Why have you not told them? You powers could be useful in battles! What you have is a gift, not something to be ashamed of." She reached out and held Theresa's hand.
"I know, its just since, I um… went out of control I don't really like talking about it with them. They think I could have a meltdown any second! And its easier to ignore it."
"Oh Theresa, you…." Persephone was interrupted by the noise of Theresa's PMR.
"Your supposed to have that on silence during our sessions" she grumbled more to her self than Theresa.
"Odie what up?"She was staring at a very flustered looking Odie. "Theresa, meet us at the truck, Cronus is attacking the city!" He rushed before it cut suddenly. Theresa grabbed her bag, flung it over her shoulder heading for the door while shouting goodbyes to Persephone. Who just sat there, worry slowing overcoming her.
Theresa ran down the corridors of the empty school. Trying to remember where exactly Herry had parked this morning. She shouldn't have worried as Herry's truck was running out side the front doors of the school. The front passenger door opened and she dived in, breath returning to her lungs.
"So what's going on?" she looked around. At Jay then Odie.
"Cronus is attacking the outskirts of the city. He is throwing those fire ball things at everything and everyone." Jay spoke roughly. He hated the idea of people getting caught up in the middle of their fight with Cronus. Odie was about add something when Herry suddenly braked and caused everyone to be choked with their seat belts.
"Were here!" he smiled as everyone groaned rubbing their necks before piling out of the truck. Theresa was following everyone else when a hand shot out and grabbed hers. She was pulled into Jay's arms. He hugged her tightly; she wove her arms around his neck. He pulled back to look at her and said quietly.
"I want you to be extra careful okay? Look out for yourself and stay near Neil." He smiled a little at the last part before it disappeared. "I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you" He lent down and kissed her. They stayed like this for a few seconds before he pulled away.
Theresa stroked his face gently and untangled herself. "Same goes for you. Remember, we are a team and we can do anything together."
She took his hand as they headed for battle.
Archie and Atlanta had just rounded the corner when she grabbed his face in her hands and pressed her lips to his which as much force as she could muster. Archie's brain cells froze for a moment before he wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off the ground. They broke away and just stared at each other, for no words were needed.