The Repeated History of the Heroes

Two Days

  Paris, Issac, and Nathan waited outside of the elevator for about five minutes, waiting for it to turn so Paris and Nathan could go back to their rooms.  It did not.  At the rate they were going, Paris doubted that the elevator would ever come back.  "I guess they're figuring things out," she said, still watching the door.

  "Yeah," Nathan tilted his head.  "I mean we talked sense into them, they should've already figured things out."

  Issac clicked his tongue, "I would take the stairs if I were you."

  "Yep," Nathan agreed.  He stepped away, "Coming, Paris?"

  She looked at Issac for a long moment, "Go ahead."  Once Nathan was blob of dark clothing at the end of the hallway, she spoke, "You need help."

  Issac was staring at her in a way that made her question calling his a genius, he blinked, "I do."

  "I know," it had been a statement, not a question.

  "I've been looking at the prophecy for days now and I have two equally bad outcomes.  One ends in Andy's death.  The other ends with Zoe killing everyone."

  She hated her suggestion, "Let's talk in your room.  I have an idea."  As crazy as her idea was, it might be their only prayer.  As insane as it was, it did all she needed it to.  It protected her friends.

---

  Zoe sat on the edge of the bed, strapping on weapons for the second time that day.  Andy was laying behind her shirtless with a smug look on his face.  Damn, she wished she didn't actually have to meet with Keria in less than an hour.  He didn't know entirely, but she was about to tell him.  First she wanted her daggers, it had been the first thing she had wanted after crying.  Sharp things could fix almost anything, including tears.

  "You ready?" he asked, eyebrows raised.  

  She looked down at him, "Yes, you want to know?"

  "I told you my secret, now it's your turn."

  "Not even remotely fair, you think you're going to die.  If anyone dies tonight, it won't be me."

  "Tell me."

  She exhaled, they really shouldn't keep things from each other and she had more questions for him.  More inquiries about the prophecy and the level of danger it put him in, about who knew and who he planned to tell, about how opposed he was to running if things didn't work out.  They didn't have time now.  Now she had to tell him what she'd managed to keep from everyone.  "Keria, the girl I sliced open last year, has been working as a spy for me.  We've been coordinating our plans so we know where the fight will happen.  I've used it to lay out our traps from Hephestice and our meeting grounds."

  He blinked up at her, "You are amazing."

  "I know," she leaned down, a hand on his chest stabilizing her.  She kissed him, a kiss which said everything she didn't have time to.  A kiss where his hands wrapped around her waist and pulled her all the way down.  One where he rolled on top of her and talked back without a single word. 

  I love you.  We will figure this out.  We will live.

  "I have to go," She breathed, after letting that kiss last a moment too long.

  He groaned, ever so dramatically.  "Let me go with you."

  "I'm not in danger with her, we both know I could've killed her last year without a thought."

  "But last year we were separated and this year we are not, so let me go with you.  I'll hide in the shadows silently."

  She rolled her eyes, "It's unnecessary."