The Repeated History of the Heroes

The end. Seriously.

  Andy had never hugged that many people in that short of time.  He wasn't complaining.  He was alive.  Matt cleared his throat which was the only thing that had reminded him that wasn't alone with Zoe(a shame).  Then he hugged Matt and Issac.  Everyone was crying and he hoped it wasn't because of him.  He hugged Paris and kissed her cheek.  He even hugged Nathan with no fear.  

  Then he kissed his girlfriend again, because he could.  Zoe grinned at him, still teary eyed.  He wiped her tears away with his thumbs.  Just looking at her he felt okay.  Just looking at her, his life felt complete.  "I came back for you," he whispered so no one else could hear.  Their friends had turned around, Matt rolling his eyes and running off.

  She blinked, "You did?"

  He lowered his mouth to her's once more.  "Nothing can keep me away from you," he promised.  

  She let out a little sigh that made his heart flip.  Then she kissed him, not like it was the first time.  Not like the last time.  She kissed him like she would everyday, like it was as messy as breathing air and drinking water.  

  Issac cleared his throat, "We are needed in Olympus." 

  Zoe groaned dramatically.  

  "You two are too much," Nathan noted, but he was grinning wide.  

  "Shut up," Zoe said, playfully pushing his arm.  Nathan just rolled his eyes.

  They walked to the lobby of the Empire state building.  Zoe broke off from him and looped her arms through both Paris and Nathan's arms.  The three of them were a unit chatting back and forth.  

  Issac walked by his side, "Dude, I thought you were dead."

  "Damn, everyone did."  He sighed, "I'm sorry."

  "You can't control dying."

  "I did," he looked at Zoe.  "For her."

  He raised his eyebrows, "Not me?"

  Snickering, he clapped his shoulder.  "Come on, you're a close second."

  He grinned, but it faded as they stepped into the elevator.  "I think I pissed Zeus off."

  In the elevator, everyone could hear them.  Zoe laughed, "Glad to hear you made my dad mad."

  "It was really easy."

  She shrugged, "As always."  Andy got a chance to look at her then, like really look at her for the first time in hours.  Her shirt was burned in several places, exposing bits of red skin.  Her eyes were bloodshot and rimmed with dark circles.  Even her skin was a bit too pale.  She was beautiful, still, but it worried him. 

  She killed Typhon, he reminded himself.  She had to be in pain, gods she probably felt weak.  He knew she hated that feeling.  When the elevator stopped, he saw the slight wobble in her body as she leaned up from the wall.  He took her hand in an effort to keep her steady, she allowed it.  

  He squeezed her hand as they ascended the steps.  Everything was golden, bathed in the fresh sunlight.  The city of gods was prettier with her by his side.

---

  Zoe leaned on Andy the whole time to the throne room, using his body as support solely to move.  She couldn't believe he was alive.  She couldn't believe she was alive.  Actually she was shocked that her and her friends still stood.  

  They were before the gods quick enough.  She didn't like it, but Andy never let go of her hand.  None of them bowed.  Zeus stood, his face stern.  "Hello, heroes."