15 minutes ago I saved the world. 14 minutes ago I decided what I wanted from life. 16 minutes ago I died.
I stayed true to my agreement. The attack of the chimera killed me, but I was allowed to stay alive to complete my task. But now it was complete, and as soon as I had found a reason to live on, I was taken by the forces of darkness. Thanatos. The God of death haunted me until that faithful day. If only he'd have waited 5 more minutes for me to say my goodbyes. Say thanks and sorry for the minor things, for being there, for being my friends, for standing by me no matter what. Just one more chance to speak with them. To see them, to see her. Her, the most charming, beautiful, loyal friend I had ever had. Or will ever have. I can still see that moment on the beach. When all hope gone she gave me the courage to do something I had been dreaming off for a long time. Maybe she had seen it in one of my dreams. The moment I placed my dry, cold lips on hers, sweet, soft, with a calming fragrance of bubble gum drifting up to me. She always has bubblegum when she's stressed. I should have seen this coming. She didn't just wake up one day as a purple phantom. This was haunting her for a while now, and I failed to notice. I'm supposed to be the leader. The responsible one. The one you can always rely on. Well I've failed her. I've failed them. I could have stopped all this, everything we've been though in the past 24 hours. Oh Theresa, I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have pushed you so hard. I can practically see her crying. I caused that. I feel horrible. I can even hear her voice calling my name. I would do anything to hear her for real again. To see she face. Feel her touch. Right on cue she reaches her hand forward. And I can. I can feel her. But she's not there. She's not here with me. She can't be. She's not in the Underworld. Why can I feel her? She's not dead! She survived! This can't be happening!
'Hello Jay.' She smiled softly, stroking my cheek gently.
'But...but...' I murmur. Whoever killed her will pay. I try to sit up.
'No, don't your too weak' A deep rumbling voice advised me, coupled with a clatter of horse hooves.
'What...how?' I can't speak. What is happening?
'Honey, Hades freed you' Theresa whispered reading my mind. She sits there, stroking my hair comfortingly, as I look up at my surroundings. I'm in Chiron's room. Archie sits with his arm around Atlanta on the couch next to mine. Herry standing with Odie and Neil behind surrounded by gods scattered throughout the room. I raise my head, greeted with miles and sighs of relief. I'm alive. Hades gave me a second chance. I spot him in the corner of the room, cradling his wife lovingly. He nods gently, confirming Theresa's statement. Pulling myself up onto my elbows I'm met by her eyes. Those clear sparkling portals into her soul. I have no way of knowing what she's thinking. I bet by now she can read me like a book. I try to clear my mind of unnecessary thoughts. Have we defeated Cronus? Is he gone for good? Does she feel the same way too? She nodded. Her hand elevated up to meet my cheek. I hear a low cough, presumably Archie, then soft footsteps and hooves leaving the room. Her sweet bubblegum breath flowed through me, removing all worries or stresses left in my head. I lift my hand to touch hers. Only an inch or two apart, we close the gap. Fireworks erupted, choirs sang, finally she was in my arms and I will never let her go again.
