Epilogue

A/N: Yes, all good things must come to an end. I'm very happy that I actually finished another chapter story and didn't abandon it.

Once again, thanks for all your reviews! And I am going to start another Friends chapter story, a quick Mondler one for Thanksgiving that I've been wanting to do for a while.

A week later, the six were gathered at Monica and Chandler's apartment. It was an impromptu celebration. Since in the days after the kidnapping the two had been swamped with reporter's calls and talk show appearances, they had all decided it would be best to put it off.

Monica felt she definitely had much to celebrate. For one thing, her fiancé was safe and sound, and he didn't resent her for getting him kidnapped. She had a whole new appreciation for him, and lately wanted to show it in the bedroom. And Chandler wasn't about to deny her freedom of emotional expression.

Other than when she came home at the end of the day, though, she barely had free time. After the police raided the warehouse, they'd found Volcano's records.

Her secret identity was no longer a secret.

Saving Chandler and defeating Volcano had been national news, but her exposure put the story over the top. Every day requests for interviews flooded her phone line. It was at the point where she couldn't even go to Central Perk anymore without being hounded by admirers. Both she and Chandler had decided to become hermits, only going to work and media appointments until the hype died down.

Needless to say, the Zoom team wasn't too happy about this. They had been forced by reporters to comment on her situation and how it affected her standing with the team. While they put on a polite smile and didn't bash her, they made it known that she had been cut from the team.

At least, that's what they said.

"Everybody, can I have your attention for a minute?"

Standing in front of the TV, Monica let out a nervous breath as five pairs of eyes turned to look at her. All of her friends' wore curious faces, except for Chandler, who's face was supportive instead. She'd had numerous lengthy conversations with him about what she was about to announce.

Monica took a second to gather her thoughts, ever more relieved that she had chosen to wait for her parents to leave. They stopped by for dinner, much to Monica's chagrin. It had been the first time seeing them since they learned of her secret.

However, they'd pleasantly surprised her when they talked to her alone. In so many words they'd said how in the past few weeks they've come around to the idea, and would love her no matter what she was or how many powers she had. It'd take them a while to get used to it, but in the end they were proud of her.

Just thinking about the moment made tears well in Monica's eyes. .

"What's up, Mon?" Ross asked with a note of dread in his tone, obviously misinterpreting the tears.

Wiping her eyes, Monica cleared her throat and began, "Don't worry, Ross, it's not breaking news or anything. But it is news. You see, the day after the whole…incident, I got a call from Zoom. He said that after what happened, he said I could rejoin the team."

"What? After how they treated you?" Rachel interrupted.

Phoebe added, "You told him no way in hell, right?"

"And how would that work if everyone knows your identity?" Joey put in.

Monica held up a hand. "Let me finish! Anyway, I didn't know what to say to that. On one hand, yeah, I was a little offended. But…I did miss them, and being a hero. We talked about it, and Zoom suggested that if I created a new hero identity, and wore an outfit that covered my face a bit more, we'd be able to pull it off.

"But then…I started thinking about what my life has been like since I was suspended. I had a real job, more time to spend with you guys. I realized that I didn't want it to end. Chandler and I are getting married soon, and that means we're starting a new life together. When we have a kid…yes, Chandler, when…I don't want to have to miss her dance recital because I'm out saving the world."

She paused for breath, letting them digest the information. Finally, Ross questioned, "So, you're done with all this superhero stuff? Forever?"

"I wouldn't say forever," Monica admitted. "I mean, I still have my powers. It wouldn't be fair to let them go to waste. I'll probably end up creating another identity just so I can help the team when they really need me. But my powers haven't been the same since that laser zapped me. I think, at this point in time, it's best for me to step down." During the silence that followed, Chandler went over and wrapped her in his arms.

Rachel eventually spoke up. "Wow…are you sure this is what you want?"

"Positive," Monica replied, smiling.

Chandler smirked. "I just hope you can handle being normal. You know, kicking evil ass might be all fun and games, but watching TV in your underwear takes talent."

Laughing, Monica retorted, "I'll try."