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Family Reunion
AN: The long wait is over, going to try to post this story more often.
8
Gabrielle hugged Dawn to her securely as the infant eagerly suckled her dinner. They were nearing Corinth, and Gabrielle wanted to get the baby settled again before then entered the city proper. She shifted slightly in the back of the wagon, moving one of the packs to better support her back.
The bard smiled down at her daughter, as she gently caressed the small patch of blonde hair on her head. The Bard had never felt such joy in her life. For the first time she could truly say, even though she hadn't planned the events of nine months ago, nor did she desire a repeat performance of those events, she did not regret the fact that now she had this beautiful child. It was an odd feeling, but she felt content with what fate had given her. Joxer of course kept his eyes forward, this way Xena wouldn't snatch them from his sockets.
They traveled slowly as they only had two horses and a wagon for six people. Truth was and Xena could see it, Gabrielle may have been happy, but she was very, very tired. No doubt having only given birth two days before, her energy level was hanging at a very low point now. They were finally nearing Corinth and would soon enter to visit Alcmene, the mother of Hercules, and Gabrielle's grandchild.
They all were on edge waiting for what Hera would try next. The last attempt, had just been mere soldiers, and even they, through their numbers almost accomplished their sadistic mission, no doubt Hera would try something far more deadly next time.
People happily greeted Hercules as the group entered Corinth. However some of the older folks did not so happily greet Xena since they recall when she had attacked Corinth several years before. Xena rarely ever came to Corinth because of that simple fact. They proceeded onward where the retired former king of Corinth, Jason, and his wife, Alcmene resided.
Upon reaching Alcmene's home, Hercules observed her and Jason working about outside. She turned and smiled at the sight of Hercules. She then approached them and hugged Hercules tightly as Jason followed behind as Hercules warmly shook his hands.
Alcmene noticing the baby in Gabrielle's arms , asked warmly, "And who is that?"
Gabrielle allowed Hercules to answer his mother's question, "That is Gabrielle's daughter Dawn...And mine."
Alcmene turned to Hercules with an upset expression, "You didn't tell me you had a child?"
Hercules tried to explain himself, "Well…you see…"
Xena interrupted, "This child is under threat from the Gods and we left Greece, we had plans to cut all ties to protect her, but things forced us back here."
Alcmene understood completely. "That witch Hera? She already killed three of my grand babies. I understand…"
Gabrielle handed the baby off to Hercules as Xena helped Gabrielle down. She was still a bit swollen but she was already working her way down. Alcmene then asked, "Well, may I see her?" Hercules handed off the baby to Alcmene, the baby started to cry as it had already grew to know who her mother, and knew this strange woman was not her.
Alcmene wasn't bothered as she cradled her gently. Alcmene beaming with a smile asked, "So how long have you two been married and not told me?"
Hercules then said, shifting uncomfortably, "Um,…We're not married."
Alcmene's upset look returned, "Well, you're just full of surprises aren't you? So why not?"
"Uh, we're not in love.." Replied the bard.
Alcmene was taken aback, "Oh…"
Hercules feeling awkward, replied, "Well, this wasn't planned."
Iolaus knew he needed to save his buddy fast, "One of the Gods affected Hercules and Gabrielle and they went wild and lost all control. Neither remembers what happened, they just know that they woke up next to each other."
Alcmene replied with a smile, "Well, that's a story. Gotta admit, the gods have a reputation for surprise children." She looked squarely at Hercules and gave him a pleasant wink.
Gabrielle raised an eyebrow, "She was a surprise, but a surprise I'm very happy for."
A warm smile came over the face of Hercules' mother, "of that I have no doubt."
The baby began to cry more as Alcmene continued, "She wants her mother." Alcmene handed the baby back off to Gabrielle who lovingly clutched the child closely to her chest.
Jason who had been standing there, just trying to stay out of the way, said, "Well, why don't you guys all come in. You seem tired."
Alcmene added, "Yes, clearly very tired. I'm sure Hercules and Iolaus could fill some buckets up with some warm water and run a bath for the ladies here."
"Yes, I'm very tired."
"Well, I'm not surprised; we can give you a nice bed to sleep in while we take care of Dawn."
Gabrielle smiled, "Yes, thank you." The others followed Alcmene into her house, as Iolaus and Hercules exchanged looks, with Iolaus breaking the silence, "Well Dad, let's start getting that water."
8
A small village south of Corinth
Callisto and Velasca walked slowly but with a purpose as the entered the town. Callisto wasn't all that thrilled with Velasca, she felt that Velasca was beneath her in skill. Velasca was still fuming over Callisto preventing her from killing Gabrielle and getting her stuck in the lava pit. But they needed to work together for now.
Velasca saw Callisto setting herself up in the center of the small town, "What exactly are we doing?"
Callisto replied, "Getting Xena's attention. Trust me, works every time. You go left, I'll go right, don't kill everyone. We need someone to tell Xena that we're back."
Callisto smiled as they turned their directions. Callisto let out a ball of fire that struck a house. Velasca struck three people down with lightning. Callisto threw another fireball into the village as she shouted with gleeful pleasure. Velasca crushed a house with her lightning power, causing a fire.
Velasca began striking people down at will, killing them all, even women and children. A member of the local militia charged her but she grabbed him and crushed his neck, like it was a twig.
Callisto was in the zone as the village was lit on fire with her repeated fireballs. People were flying through the air from the explosions as Callisto launched dozens of fireballs. Callisto saw a man running at her with a mace, but with a ball of fire, he was reduced to ashes, smiling with glee, at the dusty remains.
After they were all done, a few people were left alive, left alive for one reason, to tell the tale of what had occurred here. Callisto grabbed one of the survivors by the throat saying, "Tell Xena that Callisto and Velasca are back, and in a very bad mood. Tell her to come find us. Tell her we'll be busy erasing villages from existence."
Velasca then added, "Tell her to bring Gabrielle and her child." Callisto let the man go as he took off running.
Callisto looked at Velasca with an evil smile, "We are going to enjoy this."
