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Part VIII

Home Again

As the three weary time travelers walked outside the warehouse, Xena stood looking out over the bay, deep in thought as she clutched the necklace.

Ares walked over and turned her to face him. "Xena, I...uh..just wanted to thank you. If you had not come, I may not have been able to find my sword, in fact I know I couldn't have with out your help. As a God I could handle it, but let's face it, as a mortal I'm not too good... Thank you, Xena!"

Xena looked at him, then smiled. "You're not such a bad guy as a mortal. You should try it more often. I guess now that you are a god again things will go back to being like they were."

Ares sighed, "Yes, I guess you're right. I can't give up trying to get my best warrior, the best in our own time AND in the future back, now can I?" They both looked at each other knowing that nothing had changed between them. Both understood and accepted that fact.

"Gabrielle...you impress me. I didn't know you were as capable as you are. Not bad!" Ares winked at Gabrielle and smiled.

"Ahh, thank you...I think..." Gabrielle laughed.

A sudden roar in the sky frightened all three warriors. As they looked up, a huge object roared low overhead. It was a Boeing 747 jet. As all three stood with eyes and mouths open wide, they were awed and speechless. The roar was so great that the earth shook under their feet. Finally, Gabrielle exclaimed, "This has been the wildest day of my life! Let's get out of here while we still can!"

Xena agreed, saying "Who'd believe us, anyhow?"

"ARES!" All three looked up as they heard Zeus' voice boom down from the sky at them!

"Father? It's time... take us home!"

Zeus then appeared before them. As he was about to wave his hand over Ares' head, it was apparent that he was not including Xena and Gabrielle!

"Wait!" Ares shouted at his father. "You can't just leave them here!"

"They are mere mortals, son, they have served their purpose. Now come..."

"NO! If they stay, I stay!" Ares was furious with his father, and looking at Zeus defiantly, he threw down his sword!

Xena could not believe what she was seeing. Ares was willing to give up his godhood for them. It made her smile, but at the same time saddened her -to know that, as a mortal, he had such a good heart, but as a god, he could never change..."

"Very well, then, Ares!" Zeus was getting impatient with the stubborn young god. And with that he waved his hand...

Ares was in his chamber looking out the window at Mt. Olympus, with his thoughts on Xena, the Warrior Princess, and how he could possibly lure her back into his service once again. Yes, his obsession with her would never end until he had her back by his side!

Xena raised slowly up from her blanket and stretched.. "Good Morning, Gabrielle! Get up... The rain has stopped and we need to get going!" As she sat up, she felt an object in her hand. She gasped as she opened her fingers, to reveal the necklace with the Green Dragon emblem...

Gabrielle yawned, saying, "Xena, I had the weirdest dream...