Author: Sparkling-Diva
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/Drama/Minor humor
Pairing: Gabrielle and Anna
Feedback: Please and thank you!!
Summary: What if Anna hadn't really died? Would the family live on for generations and generations more to come?
Warning: Major Spoilers!!! So beware…
Disclaimers: All characters belong to Stephen Sommers and Universal, etc. etc. etc.
Author's Note: Thank you reviewers for all your kind or reviews. I am so sorry that I couldn't post any earlier but I've been working on my website so things have been a little crazy. I hope you forgive me and like this chapter. It's more on the humor side so it can be a little different in mood later. It includes one of the famous quotes from the movie. Also, it is one of my longer chapters. Remember the promise? Well, I kept it and here it is!
"YOU WHAT?!"
Oh no. This was not going as it was intended.
"I brought Princess Anna back," Gabriel repeated. He already had told the Vatican leader that he had defeated Dracula and so forth but never imagined a reaction such as this when he said he came back with Anna.
"I already know that BUT WHY?!"
Gabriel thought for a moment and then came up with the first thing that popped into his head, "She wanted to see the sea."
The leader slapped his hand against his forehead. What kind of craziness was going on here? That was the stupidest thing he ever heard.
"That's the stupidest thing I ever heard!" he said as he continued to pace around his office.
Gabriel suddenly became more serious, "If I may, I think that it was a fine idea. She's been through a lot and there have been casualties," he said remembering Velkan, "I think that this break suits her very nicely. Plus…" he cut himself off.
Should he tell him? He was partially like a father to him. But what would he think?
"But what?"
"We… Anna and I-."
"Yes?" Cardinal Jinette asked looking evily into his eyes.
"We," Gabriel cleared his throat, "we- um…we are in love."
"WHAT THE HEAVENS ARE YOU THINKING?!" the leader said yelling at him while hitting himself insanely.
Gabriel didn't know how to react but he had to admit that the leader's reactions were somewhat comical so he couldn't hold back a laugh.
"WHAT"S SO FUNNY?" Cardinal Jinette asked.
"You," Gabriel said in struggle.
"This is not funny! Do you know how much trouble you are in?! Do you? DO YOU?!" he said getting all in Gabriel's face.
Gabreil broke down laughing, "I'm…I'm so…I'm so sorry."
"Shame on you!" the leader said pointing a finger at him nearly poking him in the eye.
"Okay, okay," Gabriel said raising his arms up like a surrender.
"So do you know how much trouble you are in? The Valerious and the Helsings can't be together…EVER!!"
"No. There's been some mistake," Gabriel said angrily taking a stand, "You cannot tell me what I want and what not to do with my life. I love her and that's enough to keep me going."
"Would you kill for her?"
"Yes. I already have…remember?"
"Oh, right. Would you change who you are for her?"
"Yes."
"Would you do anything for her?"
"Obviously."
"Would you die for her?"
"If she could live…yes."
"Aie-ye-ye! Dracula can come back you know?"
"Of that, I am well aware," Gabriel answered.
"If he saw the last of the Valerious which is partly his family and his arch enemy together, how do you think he would feel?" the leader asked gently, "DO YOU KNOW?!!" he yelled.
Gabriel hadn't thought of that and he was aware it was true. It all was. But he loved Anna and he wasn't willing to give up on her no matter what.
"Look," Gabriel started, "I don't care what you think right now concerning Dracula. As far as I am concerned, he's dead right now and there's now way he's going to stand in the way. And just like him, neither are you, or anyone else!"
"But we do not exist," the Cardinal replied.
"I love her! Okay?! There is more to life than the daily headline news. I admit, I like my job very much and enjoy helping others indeed but I've done it for too long now and if it means that I can't live a normal life like I'm suppose to, then.."
"Then what?"
"I rather not."
Cardinal Jinette was in shock from hearing those words. He came over to Gabriel sadly and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Sometimes I have to remember how much you've grown up since we took you in during your teenage youth," he replied, "I remember when I found you in the alley. You were lost and couldn't remember anything from your past. All you had was a badge with the marking of the Knights of the Holy Order and a few other little things in a bag. I don't know why, but I knew then that you would become a great hero someday. But I guess you are right. To every hero there is an end. It might not be death. It might just be life."
Gabriel looked deep into his eyes.
"You know what? You're like the son I never had. I guess that at the end all I can hope for you is happiness."
"What do you mean?" Gabriel asked curiously.
"I'll make an offer to you. Transylvania is a far off land which is home to many legendary creatures. That's for sure. Evil will always lurk there but there will always be good. Why don't you go back with Anna and Carl? The people don't consider you any harm there but a hero. Who knows when will be the next time death leaps over? They need someone to look over them."
"You mean…" he started.
Jinette sighed before stating, "You have my blessing."
"Thank you. Thank you!" Gabriel said shaking his hands and giving him a surprise embrace.
"You're very welcome…on one condition."
"What's that?"
"You never forget your roots and you must come back with Anna and the kids for a visit sometime."
"Kids?" Gabriel said surprised, "Uh-"
"Oh, and bring Carl with you as well. I'm going to miss that little monk."
"Don't you mean friar?"
"Whatever he is. Just keep me those promises will you."
"I will."
"Now go find them. I'm sure that Anna and Carl are waiting for you.
"Goodbye, dear friend," Gabriel said as he shook his old friend's hand.
"May the lord be with you," Gabriel said before turning to leave when then Cardinal Jinette sat at his desk. He took out a handkerchief and patted his sweaty forehead and mumbled, "They're going to need all the help they can get," before continuing with his work.