Prophecy: Tome of Heart

20. Nations Rise

What a difference a day could make. It hadn't been long at all since the heroes had finished their greatest battle, and even though it was over they still dealt with its aftermath. It meant something different to each of them, and in its wake they were forever changed. Whatever that meant, they were out of time, and now they had to consider what they would do next. That was the purpose of their meeting, why they all flocked to Toby and Austin's apartment. Percy was just arriving, paused right outside their door as Ryan stopped.

"I don't know if I can do this," he gulped, anxious as he wrestled with his emotions for the first time in so long. "What if they don't want me here?"

"Why wouldn't they? You helped us beat Vorne, that proves you're one of the good guys." She reassured him, seeing after a moment that it wasn't enough. In response she went to him and grabbed his hand. "All that stuff about revenge is in the past, they know that's not you-not anymore. I've got you, this is where you belong now."
"But what if they don't see it that way? Your friend Toby doesn't seem like the forgiving type." Ryan worried, glancing like he could see the hybrid through the walls. He saw the amused smile his companion wore and took a breath. "I'm sorry, this is all new to me. Well, not new I guess, but newish. I just got my soul back last night, do you really think that's enough time for them to forgive me?"

"Absolutely." Percy nodded. "You're a part of this now, welcome to the team. It'll probably seem scary at first, but trust me, you'll fit right in. You've already got some great ideas, the others will agree when they hear them."

"Maybe. I guess you'd know better than me, but I just can't shake this feeling, you know? I knew exactly how things were when I didn't have my soul, but now it's back and I've been given another shot, and it feels like I'm starting all over. Not that I'm complaining, but it all seems so," he tried to explain it, to find the right words.

"New?"

"Yeah. What if it's been so long that I don't remember how to start over?"

"You will. Besides, it's not like you're the only one starting over, is it? Yet again we find ourselves here, stuck in the same boat. Funny how that keeps happening." She chuckled lightly as she stood in front of him, her body solid and alive, no magic needed. "You get your soul back, and I get to be a real girl again. I'm not invincible anymore, I'm going to grow old and die like everyone else, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. This is me starting over too, but I'm not alone. I've got you, and we'll learn how to be human again together."

"Thanks," he whispered, trying not to let his newfound emotions get the better of him. It took him a minute before he could look at her without feeling embarrassed, but when he did he was struck again by what a beautiful soul she was. "I mean it, thanks for everything. You didn't give up on me, even though it would've been so much easier. If not for you I probably wouldn't be here right now, I'd be laying next to Vorne in that shallow grave. Now I get all this instead, I owe you my life."

"You bet your sweet ass you do, and I'll make sure you spend it paying me back," her joke made them both laugh, and he leaned in until their lips were touching. The embrace lasted until she finally pulled away, caressing his face gently as she became serious. "This is our chance to do things right, and it all starts as soon as we walk through that door. Are you ready?"

"Where you go, I go." All the reassurance that Ryan needed was standing right in front of him, and he made good on his word as she led him into the apartment. He wasn't sure what to expect-angry glances or snide comments-but he hadn't been prepared for how they received him. Austin came to him immediately, grinning fondly as he squeezed his arm and took him over to where Toby stood. The hotheaded hybrid stared down at him for a moment before extending an offer of peace, and they shook hands as they put the past to rest. Already Ryan felt welcomed, and he and Percy settled in as they waited for the rest of the gang.