Chapter Thirteen

Two days later would find Hercules running a break neck speed towards Kora's, a small bit of paper clenched firmly in his hand. He didn't stop for anything, not when he nearly ran into Feducius, not when one of his fellow students called out to him, not when he ran into a man walking down the road. All he could see was Kora's in the distance and all he knew was that he had to get there as soon as possible.

He ran to the door, which was locked. That was strange; Kora's was usually always open…but not now. He knocked on the door. Why would Kora send him a note telling him that he had to get there now and then lock the doors? He knocked harder, more insistently till he heard the locks being opened.

Kora stood before him, a soft smile on her face, "Hey Hercules," she said before holding the door open for him, "Come in."

He stepped in, fear in his eyes, "What's wrong?" he asked quickly, by the sound of her note, she was really in trouble.

Her smile grew, "Nothing's wrong," she said, rolling her eyes, "I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?" he asked somewhat stunned…he hadn't been expecting that.

She nodded, "Wait here."

And with that, she walked up the stairs, leaving Hercules all by himself. He turned and leaned on the bar counter, his heart was racing. He thought she was in danger by the sound of her note…but she wasn't…he didn't know whether to be angry or relieved.

"Et hem," a voice sounded from behind him. He turned to see Kora…standing next to…Ari…

His breath caught in his throat as he looked at her. Her arms were covered by a small togaish dress, most likely belonging to Kora, so he couldn't see her arms. But her face had healed nicely; the cuts that haunted his dreams had faded. The silver of her eyes shining brighter than he remembered…this time with life in them…but still dimmed with guilt.

"Ari?" he whispered, still staring at her. He hadn't even noticed that Kora had left the room.

"Hi…" she whispered as well, her voice slightly hoarse.

He took a step towards her, "Are you…ok?"

She nodded slightly, looking away before making herself look up at him. Her eyes filled with guilt as she slowly reached out and brushed her fingers over his almost healed split lip, "Sorry…"

He smiled, "It's alright," he said softly, "Takes a lot to hurt me."

She smiled as well, though more hesitant than him. She then did something that caused him to stumble back a little, she launched himself into his arms…not that he was complaining. He smiled into her neck, hugging her tighter as he felt something wet on his shoulder…she was crying. "I'm so sorry!" she cried into his shoulder.

"For what?" he asked.

She let out a strangled sob, "Lying to you…fighting you…hurting you…"

"Well, in all fairness," he started, "I did that to you too…well, minus the lying…but I didn't trust you so I guess we're even…"

He laughed, soon getting a laugh out of her as well. He pulled back, smiling at her before slowly leaning in and capturing her lips in a sweet kiss.

"Oh that is so disgusting!" Ares said as he watched the two kiss through the open windows outside the eatery. He shook his head in disappointment…that girl would have made a fine priestess if she hadn't chosen a lowly half blood…

He was about to flame out when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around about ready to snap at whomever had touched him but stopped short when he saw the other gods standing before him…staring at him…angrily…

The End

A/N - Awww...it's over...needless to say Ari and Herc made up and it ends happily ever after...especially since Ares is in trouble lol.