Chapter 2
Perspiration dripped down Ares' face, as he furiously attacked the wood with the axe. 'I'm so stupid. I sounded like a kid on his first date. I'm supposed to have centuries of experience with women. Why can't I speak more than two words to Gabrielle without getting tongue-tied?' He continued calling himself names, while the pile of split wood kept getting higher and higher.
An amused voice spoke out behind Ares, "It sounds like you're in love, my son." Ares turned around to see Hera standing there. "Mother...Why are you here? Did Dad change his mind?" asked Ares.
Hera laughed. "Does he usually? I'm here to give you a little encouragement. You know that he sent you here to discover what love means. I think you're already learning. Just stay with Gabrielle and you'll soon understand. I love you, Ares, and so does your father. This is his way of showing it." She blew a kiss to her son as she disappeared in a flash of golden light. "Love you, too, Mother," said Ares, wondering what she meant. He shrugged, and went to check on Gabrielle. He found her sleeping, so he decided to do the same.
Gabrielle was filled with sadness. Being alone was hard. 'Sure I can take care of myself. But there's no one to share things with... No one to talk to... No one to...' Something cold touched the back of her neck. She turned and saw her daughter Hope. "You're not alone, Mother. I'm here," she said, in a nasty tone. Her face turned to that of a demon. Her sharp claws reached toward Gabrielle's face. She screamed...
-TBC-