Goddess of Desire
Chapters 5 - End

by DQiscool

Continued from Chapters 2 - 4

Chapter 5

"Xena I don’t know what to say," Hercules began.

"don’t answer now. Just think about it. I think that you and Gabrielle and Iolaus and I have a lot to talk about," Xena said.

"Yes we do. Xena, do you remember when we freed Prometheus?" Hercules began.

"Yes, why?" Xena asked.

" When you and Gabrielle were leaving, Iolaus asked me a question. He asked me if I believed that everyone had a soul mate somewhere who shared the same soul," Hercules started to explain.

"That’s one of Gabrielle’s stories and beliefs," Xena explained.

"That must be where he got it from then," Hercules realized. " Any ways, I looked at you and saw you turn around and wave and I told him that I knew it. For I know that you and I share the same soul." Hercules finished. He was almost on the verge of tears.

" Hercules, we are so alike. We’re both born of a god. We are both fighters and we both believe in good. I love you," Xena told him. She kissed him gently on the cheek.

When she pulled back Hercules suddenly remembered something. " Xena, I remember when Salmoneus wandered off and I went to look for him. You asked me if I found anything and I said just some footprints. I also found Sal’s notebook. He wrote about us being the perfect match and him thinking about us falling in love and stuff. I guess he was right after all," Hercules smiled realizing the fact.

" Salmoneus right about something. Now that’s funny! Why didn’t you tell me about the book?’ Xena asked.

" I guess that I was in love with you already and was embarrassed." Hercules explained.

" We should go back. Gabrielle and Iolaus will be worried," Xena finally said. Hercules agreed and they started back towards the tavern. Meanwhile while they were away, Iolaus and Gabrielle had been catching up. They were talking about Hercules and Xena when the two heroes arrived.

After Hercules and Xena sat down they ordered some drinks. Xena finally began the conversation. " Guys we need to talk."

"Ha!" Gabrielle laughed. " that’s what I say. Oh well I guess that I can’t always be the one to say that. We do have a problem here though. Xena is a goddess. the goddess of Desire of all gods. What are we going to do?" Gabrielle asked the one question that was on all of their minds.

"I’m afraid it gets worse then that. Well sort of," Hercules added.

"What could be worse?" Iolaus asked sarcastically.

" Xena and I are thinking about me eating ambrosia so that we can be together for ever," Hercules said looking at his drink.

"What!" Iolaus started. "Are you serious?!"

"We’re thinking about it Iolaus," Xena said defending Hercules. "We’re in love. We want to be together and we can’t think of any other way for it to last. Hercules would get old and die and then I would live for eternity without him," Xena added. She was on the verge of tears.

"O.K. Let’s say that you become a god," Gabrielle said gesturing to Hercules. " What about Iolaus and I? What can we do? We can’t follow two gods around. we wouldn’t have anything to do?!" She said. She was voicing the fear that both she and Iolaus had.

" Well," Xena said. She was thinking out loud. " I would suggest you become gods too but I can’t." Xena said sadly.

"I don’t understand." Iolaus put in.

" Mortals have destinies. You two are not destined to be gods. Demi-Gods and Goddesses don’t have destinies because, gods don’t have destinies. They just kinda, exist. They can do whatever they want. They can be whoever. the thing is they have some gods protecting them." Xena said. She was trying to explain. This wasn’t something she was good at. They all just sat there lost in their own thoughts. Xena was thinking about her love for Hercules and her friendship with Gabrielle. Hercules was thinking about his love for Xena and his friendship with Iolaus. Gabrielle was thinking about what was going to become of her. She wouldn’t have anything to do. Xena and Hercules if gods could wave their hands and stop fights. They could pop in and out and she wouldn’t be able to follow. Iolaus was feeling many feelings. He was feeling like he was going to be worthless. He was worrying about losing a friend. He was also in love with two women. Xena and Gabrielle. He had fallen in love with Xena when she said she was fighting for the people. Now she was and she was everything she was pretending to be. But, she was in love with his best friend and he was in love with her. Iolaus was also in love with Gabrielle which he was confused about. He knew so little about her yet she drew him towards her. They all had a lot on their minds when they went to their rooms. Hercules with Iolaus and Xena with Gabrielle. The one thing they all knew was that no one was going to sleep tonight.

Chapter 6

Gabrielle lay awake thinking. Finally she couldn’t stand it any more. "Xena, are you awake?"

"Yes. Why?" Xena answered. She sat up and faced Gabrielle who was on the bed across the room from her.

"What are we going to do?" Gabrielle said sitting up and facing Xena. For a while they just looked at each other.

" I don’t know," Xena said. They had been silent for a while. " I guess that you’ll go back to Potedaia and Iolaus will go back to his home and Hercules and I, if he eats the Ambrosia that is, will stop by all the time. I can’t think of anything else. I am going to miss you Gabrielle. You are the sister I never had. I never even wanted a little sister until I met you. I guess even I can be wrong," Xena said. She looked down at the floor because she was crying and didn’t want Gabrielle to see. Gabrielle got up and came over to sit next to Xena.

Gabrielle put her head on Xena’s shoulder and her arm around her waist and they both just cried.

Meanwhile, in Hercules’ room there was another heated discussion going on.

"OK so you are going to eat the ambrosia. Don’t even try to deny it. You are in love with Xena. I can tell. You are always talking about her and thinking about her and you would do anything for her. So don’t even try to deny that you are going to eat the Ambrosia. What am I supposed to do? I can’t follow two gods and neither can Gabrielle. What about us?" Iolaus said. He was pacing up and down the room while Hercules sat on his bed watching.

" I guess you and Gabrielle will go home and Xena and I will visit. I don’t want to leave you. But, I can’t live any longer without Xena. You are right I love her. I need to be with her or I’ll die," Hercules admitted.

"I know. It’s just, well, I got used to you. It’s going to be boring without you." Iolaus confided in Hercules.

"Iolaus, why don’t you admit that you’re in love with Gabrielle?" Hercules asked.

Iolaus nearly fell down at his friends question. " I’m not, OK OK I am. I don’t know if she’s in love with me. Besides, I have this trouble with commitment. You of all people should know that," Iolaus said. He was trying to make light of the situation.

"She does. I can see it in her eyes. Why don’t you tell her tomorrow?" Hercules told his friend.

"I will." Iolaus said determined. With that, they went to bed.

In the morning, Xena and Hercules were up first. The two of them both went downstairs to get some food. They went to a secluded table to talk. "Xena," Hercules began.

"Yes?" Xena said looking up.

Hercules looked into her eyes and knew that his mind was made up. "I’m ready for that Ambrosia now," He told her.

"Oh Hercules!" Xena exclaimed. "Are you sure?" She asked regaining control.

"Yes," He told her. Xena held out her hand and the fruit appeared. Hercules took it in his hands. "I love you Xena," Hercules said. Then he took a bite. There was a light that seemed to engulf him for a moment. Then he stood up and stretched. "Meet the new god of strength," Hercules said cheerfully. Xena stood up and flung herself into his arms.

"I love you Hercules," Xena whispered into his ear.

"And I you," and with that they kissed.

Chapter 7

After a while Gabrielle and Iolaus wandered down. They were both yawning when Hercules told them the news. Then they both snapped to attention. "What!" They both exclaimed at the same time.

"Well, we mean, so soon?" Gabrielle said. She was trying to sound like it didn’t bother her.

"Gabrielle we couldn’t wait. Hercules decided and he ate it. He’s the new god of strength now," Xena said proudly. She put her arm around his waist and he draped his arm across her shoulder.

"Congrats Hercules," Iolaus said. He grasped Hercules’ free arm and shook it.

"There’s more news," Hercules said.

"Huh?" Gabrielle broke in.

"We’re going to be married!" Xena exclaimed.

"We’re going to have a mortal priest perform the ceremony. we have the perfect place picked out. It’s this beautiful meadow outside of Amphipolis. We’ll invite my mother and Xena’s mother, and my father and everyone. We won’t tell anyone we’re gods until the ceremony’s over," Hercules finished.

They allowed a moment for this to set in and then Xena began, " Gabrielle. I’d like you to be my maid of honor," Xena said smiling.

"I, I accept," Gabrielle stammered.

"Iolaus will you be me best man?" Hercules asked.

"Of course!" Iolaus replied.

"This is so exciting! We need to send out invitations and plan and....." Gabrielle droned on but Hercules and Xena didn’t hear. they were busy looking at each other. After a while Iolaus and Gabrielle decided to go for a walk and leave the two of them alone.

"Gabrielle," Iolaus began awkwardly.

"Yes," Gabrielle said. She turned and looked at Iolaus so innocently he wanted to run.

"Gabrielle there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you. I love you. I guess all this between Herc and Xena finally gave me the courage to tell you. Could you love me?" Iolaus asked. They had stopped and he was facing her with her hands in his.

" Yes I love you too," Gabrielle finally managed to get out. " Ummm. Do you mind if we court a while before getting married though," Gabrielle added.

" Great idea," Iolaus said. He was almost relieved. The tow of them went back to the tavern and told their two friends the good news. They all celebrated. Later that evening, Hercules and Xena sent messages to all their mortal friends. Then they disappeared and went to Olympus to ask for their immortal ones to come to the wedding. Aphrodite said she’d love to come to her daughters wedding. Zeus said he’d show. Ares was pouting and couldn’t be found. They didn’t even bother to ask Hera. Xena’s half brother Eros said he’s gladly come and many other gods said they’d try and show. Xena and Hercules were very excited. The wedding was schedules for the next week. Hercules and Xena set off with Gabrielle and Iolaus for Amphipolis the very next day.

Chapter 8

They arrived in Amphipolis without any delays. They weren’t attacked on the road or anything. They reached Xena’s home town in two days. Xena and Hercules didn’t say a word about their immortality. Xena and her mother and all the women started getting Xena ready. Hercules and Iolaus and the were making plans. everyone had something to do. The villagers knew that some gods were coming because Hercules was related to Zeus. Cyrene knew about Aphrodite and kept looking at Xena. Xena finally decided she needed to tell her mother. She pulled her mother aside the day before the wedding and told her all the news. Her mother cried and asked for her forgiveness. Xena and her mother left smiling. There was a party that night for the important guests. There were many people there. Autolycus took time of from his thievery to come to the wedding. Salmoneus was a little late because he was settling a business deal. They even invited Joxer! Meg and Diana came but wore different outfits to avoid confusion. There were many others there too. Zeus soon showed up and everyone bowed. "Please. This is my sons wedding. We need no formalities here. I am just the grooms father. Aphrodite showed up and hugged Xena. Cupid showed up and gave Xena some beautiful flowers. Hades showed and left shortly. He had business. He told Xena that Marcus said his congratulations. Even Ares showed up. He was either at Xena’s side or pouting in a corner the entire time. There was dancing and food and it was a great celebration. The couple got many gifts. There would be a party after the wedding but this one was for all the close friends only. No one was sure who invited Joxer. The night came and everyone was tired. Everyone said their goodnights and went to their rooms. Hercules was sharing a room with Iolaus, Xena with Gabrielle. Salmoneus and Joxer were rooming together. They made an interesting pair. Autolycus got his own room and the gods all got their own individual rooms.

The wedding day finally arrived. Xena actually wore a wedding dress. Hercules got into a suit and went to the alter. All the women were helping Xena get ready.

When everything was set they took their places. When everyone turned and saw Xena they all gasped. See was beautiful. She was wearing a soft white dress with no sleeves. She carried the flowers Cupid had given her. They were a lovely shade of blue. They matched her eyes. Xena looked like the daughter of Aphrodite. A tear fell down the beautiful goddess cheek as she watched her daughter walk down the aisle. She wiped it away immediately. She didn’t want to spoil her image. Xena and Hercules exchanged their vows and kissed. Everyone cheered. Then to mostly everyone’s amazement they began to glow. "Let it be known that this meadow is now the sacred meadow of both the goddess of Desire, and the god of Strength. We bless all here and this will be our favorite place. We will visit here often. We don’t want any temple here. We merely want the beauty to remain. If any of you ever is in need of us we will come. Come here and make your request." Xena said.

"We will protect all the people present and all we can for eternity. For we, were once half gods. We unlike most gods, will live among the humans at most times. Now let the celebration begin," Hercules said.

"Wait!" Xena said. " I want to kiss both my real mother, and my adopted mother on my wedding day," Xena said smiling. She kissed Cyrene on the cheek and then everyone was amazed when Aphrodite came forward and Xena kissed her cheek.

"I love you Xena," Aphrodite said.

"I love you too mother. I love both of my mothers!" She finished happily, then they all went for cake and dancing and more presents.

Chapter 9

Xena was the belle of the ball. Gabrielle danced with Iolaus all night though. Joxer and Meg were quite an interesting couple. Hercules’ mother Alcemene and her husband Jason were inseparable. Salmoneus was moving from guest to guest trying to sell some new invention of his. Aphrodite was dancing with anyone who asked. Cupid sure got a lot of dances too. Zeus just stood against a wall and watched. All the gods were dancing with mortals and thinking nothing of it. Ares danced with Xena a few times and Hercules thought he held her a little to close for comfort. Autolycus and Xena were dancing when Hercules decided to go talk to his father. He and Xena were going to have the next dance. He went over to the wall that Zeus was standing by and said hello.

"My congratulations son. You’ve got the best. A rarer jewel you’ll never find, I’ll guarantee it," Zeus said, slapping Hercules on the back.

"Thank you father. It means a lot to me that you came." Hercules replied. He and his father were never very close, so he was happy that he came.

"Ares is going to cause trouble for the two of you, you do know that don’t you? Zeus warned him.

"Yes I know," Hercules said. He glanced over at Xena. Ares was trying to dance her into an alley. " I’ve got to go now. Nice talking to you," Hercules said as he started to make his way towards them.

"You are welcome son," Zeus said to the retreating figure.

Hercules finally made his way through the crowd to Xena. Ares was trying to convince her to be his. "Leave her alone Ares!" Hercules shouted.

"Why should I do that?" Ares asked smugly.

"Because she’s my wife," Hercules said. Xena slipped away from Ares and stood next to Hercules. She didn’t know how to disappear when she was in a small space yet or she would have.

"Oh man, I must have forgotten. Can you ever forgive me? Of course, you should be asking for my forgiveness," Ares said smiling.

"Why should I do that?" Hercules asked.

"Hercules he’s just trying to upset you leave it be," Xena begged.

"No, no. I want to know," Hercules told her.

"Of course you do. You should apologize to me for stealing Xena away from me. She was perfectly happy before you came along and got her all mixed up," Ares explained.

"She changed on her own will. That was never her." Hercules replied. He and Xena then left and went back to the party. Ares disappeared vowing to return.

"Hercules, you know he was just trying to get a reaction out of you. You should of just ignored him," Xena told Hercules. The two of them were dancing. They didn’t notice that everyone else had stopped and was watching. They were in the center of the floor and looked like supreme beings. Hercules’ parents and Xena’s parents beamed with pride. Xena looked beautiful in her gown and Hercules looked very handsome in his fine clothes.

"OK, OK. I was wrong. Let’s just dance," Hercules laughed.

"I could go for that," Xena replied. They continued dancing and everyone watched. When the music stopped everyone clapped.

They bowed and held hands. Everyone gave them presents. Alcamene and Jason gave them a beautiful cat. They said they would bring it with them where ever they traveled. They named it Addy. It was short for adventure. Gabrielle had written a story about the two heroes and recited it. They thanked her for it was a wonderful poem. Iolaus gave them each a pair of boots that he had made. They were made of the best leather and they were wonderful. Salmoneus gave them his new invention which was a collapsible table for free. They could take it where ever they wanted. Meg made the food for the party. Joxer said he would help when ever they needed him. Cyrene gave them both some clothes. She have Xena a soft blue dress. It matched Xena eyes. She gave Hercules a new shirt. It was a brown one. they loved everything. Then it was the gods turn to present their presents. Ares came back for this part. Zeus gave them each a ring. When ever they needed any of the gods and couldn’t reach them. They only needed to think of them and rub the ring. Ares promised to leave them alone for two whole months. Aphrodite. gave Hercules a powder that would turn him any age he wanted to be and any form. He cold use it until he had figured out his powers. She gave Xena a necklace. It was pink. It shimmered in the moonlight and it was gorgeous. More gifts were given and finally everyone left. The bride and groom had found a beautiful building to spend their honeymoon in. They simply transported themselves there.

"What do you think was the best gift?" Xena asked Hercules. She was sitting on the bed stroking Addy.

"I liked them all. But I believe Ares’ was the best," He said laughing.

"So do I," Xena said. She stood up and went over to Hercules. She ran her hand up and down his arm. "Ready to start the honeymoon?" Xena asked slyly.

"You bet!" Hercules answered and with that he picked her up and the honeymoon began. So they all lived happily ever after. Until.........

THE END

Next to come...

"The good gods don’t always have it easy."

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