Title: The Greatest Gift
Author: Milou
Disclaimer: I do NOT own any of these characters alright? I think they
belong to Renaissance Pictures or something like that........
Teaser: Now that Xena is dead, Gabrielle needs someone to be with her,
someone who really cares......


The Greatest Gift


*I will always be with you Gabrielle*..... That's what Xena said before she
left her friend for the other world. Now, she was in heaven, wearing that
white dress once again, and trying to look upon Gabrielle.

- Isn't she pretty when she's sleeping huh?

Someone came in, interrupting Xena's reflexion. she looked quickly, it was
Michael.

- She is always prettty, it's just thatt when she's sleeping, she seems to be
in peace with herself. But why would you care?

- I care as much as you do Warrior Prinncess! I did my best to protect her
since her last visit here.

- I might believe that Michael but you know I don't trust you anymore. I
will need someone else for the job.

- Someone else? It will be hard to findd someone who cares more than you or
me about her.

- Not really, a lot of people care abouut Gabrielle. Take Joxer for example,
he loved very much.

- Joxer? Yeah he loved Gabrielle but, ssince his death, Gabrielle's affection
for him relied on Virgil instead.

- Yes, I have to agree that a big part of their relationship comes from
Joxer. But what about Virgil himself?

- You know the answer Xena. It's the saame why they never got together, they
have Joxer's ghost between them.

- That's why anything serious never happpened between them.

- Exactly. It leaves only me for the joob you know.

- But why? You never did anything for hher. How can I be sure of your
feelings?

- Because I gave her everything she is now. You never wondered of how she
got her fighting skills when you were brought back to life? It was my doing.
When I gave her the power of an archangel, all her potential had been
revealed. I could have take it away after but I decided to leave things like
they were. Gabrielle was finally all she ever dreamed of...

- She gave her life and her path to savve me that day... Thank you Michael
for what you did, she deserved it. I now understand that you do have
feelings for her. But, be honest, you have to admit you're stuck in here
don't you? You can't go to earth and travel with her? That's why I have to
find someone else. I don't want her to be alone, she needs someone by her
side, someone who loves her.

- What about her husband?

- Perdicas? No, he couldn't be the one for her, especially right now. She is
a warrior and he was a farmer, Gabrielle would never give up everything for
him. Eli would have helped her in so many ways.... but you don't know where
to find him don't you?

- Xena, Eli has been chosen by higher ppowers to serve The God so even angels
don't know where he is. His time will come again though. Who else do we got?
Hercules is married and..

- Iolaus! That's it Michael, we just haave to find Iolaus! He'd be perfect
for Gabrielle...

- But Iolaus is dead Xena. I know he's in mission for the Light. He's a kind
of an archangel chose by God. Beside, even for Gabrielle, we cannot bring
back the deads.

- But we have to find someone!

- I know, but you forgot that she alreaady have friends on earth, Ares and
Aphrodite.

- Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love, shee has no time or will to travel with
Gabby. I admit they're pretty close and Dite is keeping an eye on her, but
it's not what I want for her.

- I hate to bring it back again Xena, bbut you still forgot to mention Ares.

- Ares? He has nothing to do with Gabriielle. If he lays a hand on her I
promise I will...

- Xena, why don't you accept it? Ares wwants no harm to be done to Gabrielle.
They have a special place for each other in their hearts and are a big part
of their lives. That's how things are. You were his obssession but in the
bottom of his heart he always had a place for Gabrielle. We cannot interfere
between them, they have a lot of history still unwritten to come. They are
just starting to realize it.

- Michael, we cannot let that happen! SSend me back, I'll take of Ares before
he hurts her. He will surely end up betraying her trust or something I know
him..

- You know I can't do that. Ares's in llove with Gabrielle and you can't do
nothing about it.



Michael closed the portal where Xena was staring at a sleeping Gabrielle and
opened a new one. It ws the Halls of War. Ares was siting on his throne, a
scroll on his lap. There was a lot of scrolls on the floor beside him. He
seemed to be drawing. Xena's eyes opened wide in surprise when she could saw
what he was drawing. It was a superb portrait of the sleeping bard. A portal
showing Gabrielle was open just in front of Ares. Michael decided to leave
Xena alone, discovering that Ares was really in love with Gabrielle. But
what about Gabrielle? Xena knew that she had always been aware of the
chemistry between her and the God of War but did she loved him back? The
more she was thinking about it, the more it made sense in Xena's mind. But
she had to talk to Ares first. Before she could ask, she found herself
standing in front of him. Thanking silently Michael for his kindness, she
took a step forward to make Ares notice her presence. He startled and the
scroll fell to the floor and the portal closed.

- Xena? Is that really you?

- Hello Ares. Yes it's me, are you scarred?

- Well, it depends on your intentions. You've been here for long?

- Long enough, listen Ares, I don't havve much time but I wanted to say that
I know your little secret.

- You do?

- Yes, and I wanted to say only one thiing about it, go to her Ares.

- What?

- You heard me Ares, Go to Gabrielle annd tell her how you feel. Like said a
great friend of mine, Love is the most powerful thing on earth.
Unconditional love Ares, and she will give it back.

- Are you sure? I don't want to make a fool out of myself, the God of War is
not suppose to fall in love, especially not with a mortal.

- It's not like you never did it beforee. I have to go but promise me one
thing...

- Anything Xena.

- Promise me you'll cherish her for eteernity and you'll take care of her
forever and love her as much as yourself.

- I promise I will love her with all myy heart and make her happy. You'll be
proud of me.

- I hope Ares, because she had been thee greatest gift in my life and I know
she will be even more to you...

Xena gave Ares a light kiss in the cheek and disapeared. He took a few
seconds to concentrated, he was actually nervous, and he disappeared too. He
reappeared beside Gabrielle. He slowly put his hand on her cheek to wake
her. She opened her eyes and stare into his gaze for a long time, unable to
say a word. Ares swallowed and leaned down to give her a tender kiss on the
lips. Far, far from there, Xena and Michael smiled, happy to see that their
mission was accomplished. * Even in death Gabrielle, I will never leave you*



THE END.........