Chapter 45: Déjà vu

Xena, Hercules, Gabrielle, and Aphrodite sat together on a blanket spread out by the calm lake in the busy park. Little Austin was close by happily kicking his chubby legs in his baby bouncer seat, making happy sounds, unaware of how special this moment was. Xena, with a warm smile on her face, couldn't contain her joy with the announcement she was about to make.

"Guess what, everyone!?" Xena exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. Hercules and Gabrielle looked her way, while Aphrodite's eyes sparkled.

"Our little one finally has a name," Xena announced, her voice full of pride. Hercules let out a hearty laugh, clapping Xena on the shoulder.

"Well, don't keep us waiting, Xena! What's his name?" Xena's smile widened as she shared the news.

"His name is Austin," she revealed, her tone filled with warmth. Gabrielle's eyes lit up with delight as she hugged Xena tightly.

"Austin, what a wonderful name! It suits him perfectly." Aphrodite's expression softened, a radiant smile gracing her features.

"Austin...It's simply divine. He's going to be a remarkable young man." Xena nodded, her heart swelling with love for her son.

"Yes, he will." Hercules smirked, shaking his head before leaning closer to Xena.

"So, you finally decided not to wait on that bastard of a brother of mine to give this little guy a name?" Xena's smile faded slightly as she looked down at her son, then back up at Hercules.

"Actually," she said quietly, "Ares did name him. He named him Austin... on my birthday." Her voice softened, emotions showing clearly on her face. "After he... took him."

The group fell silent. Hercules' lighthearted expression dropped, and he clenched his jaw. He looked away, trying to swallow his frustration but unable to hide the anger building inside. Gabrielle placed a hand on Xena's shoulder, squeezing it gently, offering silent support. Hercules exhaled sharply, his gaze turning back to Xena.

"It just makes me sick to think he could hurt you like that... and then think he has the right to name your child."

Xena nodded, her fingers tracing gentle circles on Austin's tiny hand.

"I understand how you feel, Hercules. But... for all his faults, he's still Austin's father. And this name... it means something to me now. It's a part of him."

Hercules sighed, his expression softening as he looked at Xena and Austin. "Alright," he said, his voice reluctant but softened.

"Then Austin it is. But if Ares ever does anything to hurt you or my nephew again..." He let the threat hang in the air, his protective gaze lingering on Xena. Xena gave him a warm smile.

"Thank you, Hercules. It means a lot to me that you're here for us.

~XA~

Xena's heart raced as she prepared for her doctor's appointment. Austin was now 8 weeks old and thriving. Let Gabrielle tell it, he got fatter each day. Xena laughed internally while she finished adjusting her clothes. Austin was her world now. Then, her mind drifted to Ares and her smile faded. She wished that she could be at home...with him...taking care of their son. She sighed, trying to shake those thoughts from her head.

Gabrielle had offered to go with her, and knowing she'd have company made her feel a bit more at ease. Hercules was watching baby Austin for the day, showing just how much Xena trusted him now. He was excited to finally venture out into the world with his nephew.

As Hercules prepared to leave with Austin, Xena couldn't shake the creeping anxiety. She lingered nearby, checking everything and hammering Hercules with questions about Austin's care.

She watched closely as he strapped Austin into the car seat, and when he turned, she quickly double-checked the straps, making sure they were just right. This was the first time Austin was leaving the house without her, and the thought left her uneasy. Noticing her tension, Hercules took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"Hercules, are you sure you have everything you need for Austin?"

"Don't worry, Xena," he replied with a confident smile. "I've got it covered. Diapers, bottles of your milk, everything." Xena nodded but couldn't hide her lingering worry.

"And you remember his feeding schedule, right? And how to warm the milk?" Hercules squeezed her hand a bit tighter.

"Yes, Xena. I've been paying attention. I've got it all under control." Despite his reassurances, Xena's nerves wouldn't settle.

"Okay," she said, trying to sound calm. "I trust you, Hercules. Just... call me if anything happens, alright?"

Hercules nodded with a reassuring smile. "You got it. Now go on, don't be late for your appointment. Everything will be fine."

Reluctantly, Xena turned away from the car, her heart heavy with worry. Watching Hercules drive off, her anxiety swelled. She took a few steps toward the house, feeling the weight of this moment—for the first time, she was letting Austin leave without her. The worry became so intense, she felt dizzy and had to steady herself. Before she knew it, she vomited into the grass.

After a few deep breaths, she calmed herself, trying to reassure herself that Austin was safe with Hercules. Still, with Ashley out there somewhere, she couldn't help but feel a mother's instinctive worry. Just then, Gabrielle approached, concern clear in her eyes.

"How are you holding up?" she asked gently, placing a comforting hand on Xena's shoulder.

Xena forced a small smile, though her eyes held the strain. "I'll be alright, Gabrielle. Just...my hormones, that's all." Gabrielle nodded and gave her a gentle look. Together, they headed toward her appointment.

~XA~

The doctor's question about Ares and Austin caught Xena's attention for a moment. She smiled, feeling a bit of warmth come back to her face.

"Everyone's adjusting as best as they can. Austin is our whole world." Once the doctor finished his examination, Xena noticed the weariness in his expression. Her instincts kicked in, and she couldn't help but ask what was bothering him. The doctor hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Well, Xena, your physical healing has gone remarkably well. But...there's something else we need to discuss." Xena's heart skipped a beat, and a feeling of worry washed over her.

"What is it? Is something wrong?" The doctor took a deep breath before delivering the news.

"Xena, it appears that... you're pregnant again." Xena's mind screamed with shock, her thoughts swirling in a whirlwind. A chill ran through her as she tried to grasp the news.

"How?"

Xena asked more to herself as she sat in disbelief, her mind struggling to comprehend the information. The doctor's question lingered in the air. Did she have any questions? No, Xena softly shook her head, her thoughts too chaotic to form any statements that made sense.

Exiting the doctor's office, Xena still refused to believe it. Gabrielle gave Xena a wide smile as she walked back to the truck.

"How did it go? Did the doctor clear you?" Gabrielle noticed that Xena had a strange look on her face, one she couldn't quite makeout. Xena sighed heavily and looked down at her hands while she struggled to find the right words.

"Physically, I'm fully healed," she murmured.

"But... there's something else." Gabrielle looked at her confused, her hand reaching out to touch Xena's leg.

"What's wrong?" she asked softly. Xena took a deep breath, steeling herself for Gabrielle's reaction.

"I'm pregnant again," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. Gabrielle's mouth dropped open. As the realization sank in, Gabrielle's expression changed.

"When did you... who did you...?" she trailed off, her mind racing with questions. Xena's shoulders sagged under the weight of her confession, her gaze dropping to her lap.

"Hercules?" Gabrielle suddenly asked, her eyes widening.

"I knew it! I knew something was going on with you two! All those late nights, the way you'd always look at each other—"

"Gabrielle—"

"I mean, come on, Xena. You two weren't exactly subtle," Gabrielle continued, a smirk forming on her face. "I saw this coming a mile away, and now... this is what you've been hiding? I can't believe—"

"Ares," Xena interrupted. Gabrielle froze, her expression changing from surprise to confusion. She blinked, processing the update.

"Ares?" she repeated, quieter this time.

"He visited me overnight on my birthday." Gabrielle's eyes widened with understanding. She shook her head slowly. That was just like Ares. Even without remembering Xena, he wouldn't pass up the chance for a free smash. But she wouldn't mention this to Xena. She knew that Xena would only defend him.

"I see." Abruptly, Xena turned towards Gabrielle and looked her straight in her eyes.

"We're not waiting until after this baby comes to face Alti. We'll come up with a plan as soon as we get back home." Gabrielle nodded. She didn't like the sound of the way this plan was going. But before they departed, Xena issued one final instruction to Gabrielle.

"And please, don't tell Hercules about the new baby," her gaze locking with her friend's.

"Not yet anyway."

~XA~

Xena's nerves were on edge as she paced back and forth outside, her eyes fixed on the road, waiting for Hercules to arrive. When his vehicle finally pulled up and came to a stop, she rushed over eagerly, a smile forming on her face as she opened the door.

"Hey, Hercules!" Xena greeted him warmly. Without hesitation, she reached into the car to scoop up Austin, holding him close as she showered him with kisses and hugs.

"How was he?" her gaze moving to Hercules. He smiled tenderly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"He was great. Didn't give me any trouble at all." Xena let out a sigh of relief. She had hoped their day had gone smoothly.

"That's a relief," she sighed, pressing a kiss to Austin's forehead before turning back to Hercules.

"Come inside," she urged him.

"We need to go over the plan for defeating Alti."

Xena's mind raced as she, Gabrielle, and Hercules huddled together, trying to devise a plan to defeat Alti. It was clear that ordinary weapons wouldn't be enough to stop her, especially since she was now in their mansion, likely armed to the teeth from their weapons room.

They needed something more, something powerful enough to counter her dark powers. Then, like a bolt of lightning, inspiration struck Xena. The Hind's Blood Dagger. It was their only hope, but its whereabouts were a mystery. Xena knew she had to find it, no matter the cost.

She called Aphrodite for guidance, asking if she knew the location of the dagger. Aphrodite's response was serious: she knew where it was, but the place was too dark, wet, and treacherous for her to venture into.

Xena's determination grew even stronger when she thought about what was on the line. As the trio mapped out their plan, Xena made up her mind.

"I'll go after the Hind's dagger myself." Gabrielle's eyes widened with disbelief.

"Xena, wait...you shouldn't go. There has to be another way." She glanced between Xena and Hercules.

"This journey—it's too dangerous, especially now. You...you need to think carefully about this." Xena met her friend's gaze, recognizing the layers of meaning in Gabrielle's words. But before she could respond, Hercules spoke up.

"Hold on," he said, turning to Xena.

"How do we know this will even work? What if getting rid of Alti-Ashley, whatever her name is now, doesn't bring Ares' memories back?" Xena's eyes softened.

"We don't know," she admitted, her voice carrying a hint of desperation. "But we have to try. Ares has risked so much for me. I owe him this much." Hercules studied her for a moment, then gave a slight nod.

"Then you're not going after the dagger—I will." He looked at her with a firm look.

"I'll get it, Xena. You don't have to put yourself at risk." Xena squeezed his hand gratefully. With Aphrodite's guidance and a map in hand, Hercules prepared himself for the risky mission ahead. They all shared words of encouragement, aware that the fate of their world now depended on him as he set out.

One week later, Hercules returned with the weapon they sought. Xena handed Austin over to Aphrodite, who assured her she would keep him safe. As the trio geared up for battle, Aphrodite disappeared with Austin into Ares' condo and opened a portal to watch their every move.

With the weight of their mission heavy on their shoulders, Xena, Gabrielle, and Hercules steeled themselves for the confrontation ahead. Xena could see Gabrielle constantly giving her weary looks from the corner of her eye. Each step they took toward Ashley's lair was filled with tension. The mansion looked nothing like it did when Xena lived there. The grass and all the plants were dead. The lake was brown, full of algae, and everything else unknown and mysterious.

As they entered the decrepit mansion, the air thickened with anticipation. Cobwebs clung to every surface, casting eerie shadows in the dim light. The silence was deafening, broken only by the sound of their own footsteps echoing through the halls. Alti came from around the corner, with an errie smile on her face. Xena's face hardened.

"Xena, where is that little brat of yours? I need him so I can restore my powers fully." Xena's face didn't budge, no answer coming from her.

"Now, Alti," Hercules spoke, his voice ringing with determination.

"Your reign of terror ends here."

"I don't think so," Alti said as she lifted her hand. Using her powers, she slammed Gabrielle into the nearest wall. Gabrielle moaned in pain as she tried to get up but couldn't. Hercules rushed to her side.

With lightning speed, Alti moved first, her form darting through the shadows with uncanny agility. In a flash, she closed the distance between them, attacking Xena with a fierceness born of centuries of darkness.

Xena met Alti's attack head-on, her sword flashing in the dim light as she parried the ancient shamaness' blows. But Alti was relentless, her movements fluid and unpredictable as she danced around Xena's defenses with deadly accuracy. The battle raged on, each clash of steel echoing through the chamber as Xena and Alti fought tooth and nail for supremacy.

Aphrodite watched the battle closely with Ares by her side. He occasionally bounced baby Austin, but his mind was caught up in the battle before him. He was on fire. It felt like he was seeing Xena for the very first time in battle. He wanted her, he needed her. His eyes sparkled as they danced around the portal at the intense battle.

As the seconds stretched into minutes, long exhausting minutes, it became clear that Alti held the upper hand, overwhelming Xena's every move. Within a blink of an eye, Alti launched herself at Xena. Her hands wrapped around the warrior princess' neck in a vice-like grip. Xena struggled against her hold, her lungs burning for air as Alti's hands closed around her throat, cutting off her oxygen supply.

Aphrodite chewed on her nails at the scene before her. Ares got closer to the portal and whispered,

"Come on Xena, you can do it."

Desperate and fighting for her life, Xena summoned every ounce of strength within her, her muscles straining against Alti's iron grip. But Alti's hold remained firm, her laughter echoing in Xena's ears as she tightened her grasp.

"What's wrong, Xena? Having trouble breathing?" Alti mocked, laughing darkly. Just when Xena thought the grip couldn't get any tighter, it did. Darkness began to close in around Xena, her vision blurring as she fought for air. Leaning closer, Alti whispered with a venomous sneer.

"You think you can stop me? I'll destroy the child you're carrying... and that brat of a son too. I'll rip apart everything you love until there's nothing left but ashes."

Every fiber of her being screamed in agony as Alti's grip tightened around her throat, choking the life from her. Just as Xena felt herself slipping away, she heard Hercules' voice call her name. With great effort, she forced her eyes open, the world slowly coming into focus as she struggled to stay conscious.

And then, as if in a dream, Xena saw the Hinds dagger hurtling towards her, glinting in the dim light of the room. Desperately, she reached out, her fingers closing around the hilt just in time.

"Do it now, Xena!" Ares jumped up with excitement.

Summoning every last ounce of strength within her, Xena steadied herself, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she prepared to make her final stand. With a primal roar, she raised the dagger as high as she could and drove it straight into Alti's heart.

Ares and Aphrodite jumped for joy, and she pulled him into her embrace.

Time seemed to stand still as the blade pierced through Alti's form sending a shockwave of power radiating outwards as she let out a piercing scream. With a final, desperate surge of energy, Xena twisted the blade, ensuring that Alti's grip on darkness would never again threaten her world.

Then, just as quickly as it had begun, the darkness faded, leaving Xena alone in the room. Her chest rose and fell with each heavy breath as she looked down at the fallen shamaness.

Once Xena had confirmed that Alti was dead, she collapsed, her body drained of all strength from the intense battle. Hercules sprang into action, rushing to Xena's side and catching her before she hit the unforgiving floor. Gabrielle, still groggy from being slammed into the wall, regained consciousness and asked if it was over. Hercules nodded solemnly.

"We won."

Gabrielle's gaze shifted to the bruised skin on Xena's neck. She reached out, almost touching Xena's belly, but stopped herself, her fingers hovering uncertainly.

"Is she...is she alright?" Gabrielle asked, her voice filled with worry as she looked up at Hercules. Hercules gently adjusted Xena in his arms.

"She's alive," he confirmed, though he couldn't hide his own concern. "She just needs rest."

A sudden wave of dizziness washed over Ares, forcing him down on one knee as he held his infant son close, steadying the small bundle in his arms. Aphrodite rushed to his side and gently took the baby from him. With concern on her face, she asked Ares if he was alright.

Ares rose slowly, rubbing his eyes as if trying to clear a fog that clouded his mind. His gaze fell upon the bundle in Aphrodite's arms, and a flood of emotion washed over him.

"Is this... my baby?" Ares whispered, his voice barely above a hoarse murmur. Aphrodite smiled warmly, her eyes shining with tears of joy.

"Yes, Ares," she replied softly, "You named him Austin."

With trembling hands, Ares reached out to take his son, his heart overflowing with a love he had never known. As he held Austin close, a sense of peace washed over him.

He cradled Austin close to his chest. With gentle whispers, he spoke words of affection and promises of a future filled with joy and happiness. He turned to Aphrodite with a new look in his eyes. A look Aphrodite hadn't seen in him in a while.

"I'm going to Xena." Aphrodite's eyes widened in surprise.

"Do you remember Xena fully?" Ares nodded confidently, a small smile playing on his lips as the memories flooded back, filling the void that had plagued him for so long.

"Yes, I do." A proud smile formed on his face.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get my wife out of Jerkules' grasp." With those words, she hugged him tightly.

"Welcome back," she whispered softly, her voice filled with love and relief. With a final nod, Ares turned and made his way to find Xena, ready to embrace the future together with their son by their side.

Ares appeared with Austin in their mansion, greeted by the sight of Xena, Gabrielle, and Hercules. The atmosphere was heavy with tension and exhaustion yet hope lingered in the air.

Hercules still cradled unconscious Xena in his arms. With a wave of his hand, Ares restored the mansion to its former glory, erasing the signs of destruction and returning it to its pristine condition. Gabrielle approached Ares, her eyes filled with warmth and relief as she gently took Austin from him.

"Welcome back." She gave him a small smile while she cuddled with Austin.

"It feels good to be back."

Turning to Hercules, Ares met his gaze with a silent understanding passing between them. Their expressions were stoic, masking the emotions swirling within them. Without a word, Hercules carefully transferred Xena into Ares' waiting arms. His heart raced as he held her body against his.

Ares pressed a tender kiss to Xena's forehead, a silent apology for the pain he had caused her while under Altis' influence. Gently cradling her in his arms, he carried her to their bedroom and laid her down with the utmost care before returning downstairs.

Standing before Hercules, Ares extended his hand in a gesture of truce. Hercules offered a half-smile and grasped Ares' hand firmly, acknowledging the unspoken understanding between them. Turning to Gabrielle, Ares expressed his intention to retrieve Xena's and Austin's belongings promptly.

However, Gabrielle and Hercules shared a concerned glance. Before Ares could leave, Gabrielle stopped him, voicing their attachment to Austin and their reluctance to see him leave so soon. Hercules agreed with her, emphasizing their growing bond with the infant.

In response, Ares assured them they were welcomed in his home anytime, offering his gratitude for their care of Austin. Then, hesitantly, Ares asked Gabrielle and Hercules if they would be willing to continue looking after Austin while he tended to Xena. Understanding the urgency of the situation, they nodded in agreement, ready to support Ares and Xena in any way they could. Aphrodite took Austin, Gabrielle, and Hercules back to Gabrielle's cottage.

Ares materialized a bowl of warm water and a sponge, his hands moving gently as he cleansed Xena's body. Carefully inspecting her for any signs of internal injuries, he felt a wave of relief wash over him when he found none. Assured of her physical well-being, he put on a pair of pajama pants and settled into bed beside her.

As the hours passed, Xena stirred, her senses slowly returning to her. Ares instinctively drew her closer, wrapping her in his protective embrace. The comforting scent of him surrounded her, easing her worries and anchoring her back to reality. In that moment, snuggled in Ares' arms, Xena knew she was truly home.

Notes:

This is not the end. We have about 15 chapters left. Thank you for reading this far.