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Several weeks later...

It’s a sunny day in the calm village. A tall dark hair woman is outside the house and is looking to the sky. She sighed. She needed to be alone for a time. Today was the wedding’s day and still, Xena haven’t fully understood and get used to the fact of Ares and Gabrielle being in love. This was tough to swallow. When she had to watch Gabrielle go away with Perdicus, it hurts but she agreed. But, Ares! ! Since Gabrielle had come to Amphipolis to announce her wedding, amazing events and announcements haven’t stop. First, Ares has a lovely daughter, who is actually Gabrielle’s grand-daughter. And this same young woman was in love with Iolaus’s son. That was enough to drive someone crazy. They were lucky, though, that everyone liked each other. Gabrielle had insisted on the fact that there will not be any fight, physical or verbal, in her house. It seemed all perfect, except for Xena’s feelings and the competition between Beth and Eve. Strangely, the two girls didn’t get along at all. First, Eve seemed to like Nathaniel and everything went wrong between them since. Xena sighed again deeply and she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Ares, what do you want?"

"Are you alright? I could feel your worry from my room."

"How can I be alright? My whole world is upside down once again because of you!"

"Don’t be mad at me Xena. I understand how you feel, but remember that we didn’t plan anything. We fell deeply in love that’s all. And no one is suffering by my fault. I’m a new man! ! !"

"I guess you’re right! I just have to get used to it. It’s hard but I’ll deal with it. Hey! You know me! With reflections, I think it’s a good thing you probably belong together, somehow....."

"It’s nice of you to say that Xena!"

"The only thing I’ll never get used to, its this just alike Gabrielle (Beth) calling you Daddy ! ! Hey, when are they going to get married ? Nathaniel and your daughter I mean."

"I don’t know. Actually, I don’t think this young man has the nerve to ask her hand. She could have had a prince, a king, someone important...."

"But Beth is in love with Nathaniel and you’ll have to accept that fact."

"I know, I know Gabrielle is always saying this. What do you want ? I want the best for her. She deserves the best."

"Don’t you think the best for her is to be with the one she loves ? Anyway, she doesn’t need your permission, she is more powerful than you, my dear Ares."

"Oh ! Shut it up would you? You don’t need to remind me ok?"

The two of them laughed as Gabrielle went outside looking for Xena. She saw them together, laughing like old friends. She should have been happy to see that they finally got along but, she felt jealous. She nodded her head, she trusts Xena and Ares, and they both loved her. She put a smile on her face and went to them to discuss. They’ve been looking for their old friends for a long time, but finally concluded that they were all dead. Aphrodite was still looking for them. It was easier for her, and she took Beth with her, to teach her how to control her powers. Aphrodite’s lessons had been good on Beth, she was a true goddess now. The two goddesses will be back on time for the ceremony, they were expecting Virgil anytime; Lila and Xena’s mother were already there. And Xena was secretly hoping that Hercules would not look too old. Cupid was going to celebrate the wedding. Xena and Gabrielle, decided to go prepare the last details on Gabrielle’s dress. Eve joined them. Aphrodite appeared with Beth, both were smiling.

"Hey sweety ! Guess who we found ? Your friend the thief!"

"Autolycus? You mean he is alive?"

"An old man, but alive. He is talking outside with Daddy and Hercules. I can’t wait to meet Hercules, he is my uncle right?"

"Yup, Beth. You will have everyone who’s alive of your family with you for the wedding."

"Alright everyone ! ! My dress is all ready. The ceremony will be perfect. Let’s go see our friends because soon I will not be allow to see them."

Chapter 17

They all agreed and went outside to meet the group. There was Ares, Hercules, Autolycus, Virgil, Lila and Xena’s mother. They were all happy to see each other again.

"Autolycus, I’m so happy you could make it. My wedding wouldn’t have been the same without you...."

"I really believed the rumors when they said you and Xena were dead. I can’t believe you’re here and about to marry Ares?"

Gabrielle hugged him and he finally noticed Beth.

"Gabrielle ! You didn’t tell me you had a daughter. She looks just like you. I’m please to meet you young lady."

"Well, It’s more Ares’ daughter than mine, but I’m about to become her mother. Right Betty?"

"Right mom!"

"Hercules ! I’m so happy to see you. I see that time haven’t been too cruel on you my friend."

"Gabrielle ! It’s good to see you too. Introduce me to my niece, I’d really like to know her. Xena ? Is that pretty girl Eve?"

"Yup, that’s my daughter."

"You must be really proud of her."

"Don’t worry I am."

Gabrielle noticed that Virgil and Nathaniel were talking together not far from the group.

"Virgil! How have I missed you!"

She took them by the hands and said  "You two must come with me. You have to meet everyone. There are a lot of friends of your fathers here. They will be glad to meet you. Nathaniel you will meet Hercules."

Hercules was pretty touched when he saw Nathaniel and Virgil. He had no idea Joxer was dead. Autolycus was glad too. Cyrene’s invited everyone to take a refreshment inside the house. Ares took Gabrielle by the arm just before she reached the door.

"Wait a minute ! Soon, I won’t be allowed to see you. Can’t I have a few minutes alone with you?"

"All the time you want my love. I’m all yours."

They kissed tenderly for a few moments. Ares noticed Virgil standing there looking at them. He decided to go inside to let them talk.

"Virgil ! Come here and give me a hug. What’s wrong with you?"

"It’s kinda strange to see you with Ares. All my life I’ve heard my dad saying he hasn’t been special enough for you. I wonder what he would have said of this. But if you’re happy, he would have been too. I just hope Ares knows how lucky he is to have you Gabrielle."

"I think he does. That’s nice to say that Virgil. I wish things could have been different between your dad and me or.... between you and me... Let’s go join the others ok ? Or soon, I’ll be crying."

Inside the house, everyone was chatting. It was strange to see Ares getting along with them. The lost of his godhood had been a good thing after all. She looked at her friends, one after all. She loved them so much. She was glad they were all here for this special day. Soon, the girls had to go upstairs in Gabrielle’s room to get prepare. Gabrielle’s wedding dress was magnificent. Aphrodite had helped with it and provides a pretty dress for Beth too. Once Gabrielle was dressed, Everyone wanted to hug her.

"Ok, I’d like to say a few words before we go in the garden. Each of you is special for me and I love you all. Xena, you know you’ve been everything to me for these past years, I’ll always love you. Aphrodite, you are a great friend, you’ve help me often, and you are about to become my sister. Lila, I know you are my real sister and I love you so much. Eve, I consider you like my daughter and I’ll continue to love you like this even when I’ll be mother too. And Beth, you’re like a part of me. You really are my daughter......."

Gabrielle’s eyes were filled with tears so she stopped before starting crying.

"The time has come Gabrielle. Lets go."

"I’m ready....."

Everyone was sitting in the garden. It was beautiful, there was flowers everywhere. Ares was standing beside Cupid, looking nervous. Gabrielle slowly walks down the alley to go to Ares. The couple had decide to make their own vows.

"Gabrielle, you changed my life and made me a new man. For that I will be forever thankful. You gave me a pure gift, you offered me your heart, so with no hesitation, today I make you my wife and I promise to love and cherish you everyday of my life until death do us apart."

"Ares, you gave up your immortality to save my life. You showed me that love can really changes everything in someone and that you could find it in the strangest places. You gave me a daughter so far, and I will give you many children and I promise my love for you will stay as strong as it is today for all my life."

"You’re married now. You can kiss your wife Ares now!"

Everyone applauded as Ares kissed Gabrielle. They could all see their joy. Their eyes were sparkling. Who could have thought this man was the God of War ? They went for dinner. Virgil accidentally bumped into Beth. He met her eyes and stay speechless. They were exactly like Gabrielle’s. They keep staring at each other for a long time. Gabrielle smiled as she saw them. But she got a little worry too. Wasn’t Beth in love with Nathaniel ? Before she could get really worried, she noticed Eve and Nathaniel laughing together. Maybe Eve and Beth would be able to make peace after all. Xena noticed Eve and Beth too. She smiled at her friend. Gabrielle hoped that Joxer was seeing this from heaven his son with my girl, it’s kinda ironic but it makes it all worthwhile. Another couple caught Gabrielle’s attention, Xena and Hercules. The chemistry between them was as strong as before. Gabrielle was happy, things were working out for her loved one too.

"It will be time now, my little one."

"So soon ? Alright, lets go."

It was time for the happy couple to leave their friends for their honeymoon. As usual, Gabrielle had hard time saying Good-Bye to everyone. And she would miss her little house too.

"Behave yourself while your parents aren’t home Betty!"

"Alright Mom. I won’t have any parties."

Beth was taking care of the house since Ares and Gabrielle would be gone. She had invited any guest to stay as long as they wanted. Her second was taking care of the tribe for her. They all waved at the couple while they were going away. Xena sighed and Hercules put his arm around her shoulders. She laid her head on his chest......

A month later, Gabrielle and Ares finally got back. They found only Lila in their house.

"What’s goin on Lila? Where is everybody?"

"Beth has to go to her camp, her help was needed for something. Autolycus only stayed a few days. Xena is somewhere outside with Hercules. And the young ones have gone for a walk. Did you two had good time ? I can see you’ve been keeping yourself busy sis!"

"Is that so obvious?"

"No, not that much. Congratulations ! !"

"Gabrielle! You’re back!"

Xena entered the house with her pack and followed by Hercules.

"Why do you have everything packed Xena ? Are you leaving?"

"Yes come with me. I have a lot to tell you."

"Is Hercules coming with you Xena?"

"Yes, he will travel with us."

"What about Eve?"

"She is coming too. And that’s not all, Nathaniel will be traveling with us for a while."

"What ? Nathaniel? What about Beth? Is she angry?"

"I don’t think so. See, Beth and Nathaniel both decided that they weren’t made for each other after all."

"And Eve has always liked him so they decided to be together. Let me guess, Virgil is still here right ? My little Beth and him really appreciate each other and he will be staying not far from here."

"Yes, you can say it like that. Everything worked fine."

"My daughter with Joxer’s son and your girl traveling with Hercules and Iolaus’s son. Life is ironic don’t you think?"

"Yes Gabrielle, but, gods, don’t we love it ?"

"You’re right Xena, you’re right............."

THE END................... (Thanks for reading it.... milou; 0p)