Title: Aphrodite’s Pain or Missing Scene from the Xena episode “Motherhood”
Disclaimer: The characters Aphrodite, Artemis, Hercules, Iolaus, Eve, Xena, Gabrielle, all belong to Renaissance Pictures. No money is being made from these stories. These stories are written for entertainment purposes only. I will put back the characters once I’m done with them.
Summary: Aphrodite grieves for the death of her lover, Hephaetus. She learns that her friends will stand by her in her time of sadness.
Author’s Note: This story takes place right after the Xena episode “Motherhood”. Iolaus has not aged in 25 years because he is an immortal Guardian of the Light. There is some mention of several Young Hercules episodes especially the episodes featuring a Young Hephaetus interacting with Young Hercules and Young Iolaus. I can’t remember the names of those episodes off the top of my head however so I do apologize to Young Hercules fans for that.
SPOILER WARNING: This story is based on the 5th season finale “Motherhood” Xena episode. This story talks about the aftermath of that episode.
CHAPTER 1
Aphrodite stands over the bodies of the slain gods. She weeps as she closes Athena’s unseeing eyes. Such carnage. Bodies are everywhere. Olympus is deserted. The bodies of Athena, Artemis, Hermes and half a dozen other Gods are strewn about. So many deaths in such a short period of time. Aphrodite doesn’t even know what to do with the bodies. The Gods are or were immortal so they never thought about burial, hence there was no family crypt in which to store the bodies. The stench of death is everywhere. As an immortal, Aphrodite has never had to confront death before—never to this magnitude. She remembers the death of Strife whom she did not really miss. Strife was such a pest always causing trouble and messing up her temple. One by one, Aphrodite dematerializes the bodies of the slain Gods. Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, buries all her loved ones.
Aphrodite hated death. She always associated death with war, war with hate.She’s a Goddess of Love. In her temple, the mortals worshipped her with love. Her worshippers were always happy and in love. No, it was Aries who loved the taste of blood, death and warfare. This battlefield of death, blood and carnage was more Aries’ gig. Oh my dear Hephaetus, why did you listen to Athena? She’s just like Aries. Full of hate for the mortals. Full of arrogance. If Athena were less arrogant and willing to bargain with Xena and Eve, the Gods would not be dead. The Fates were correct when they predicted that the Olympian Gods would fall due to their own arrogance. Aphrodite closes her eyes as tears of grief falls down her face. Why did I listen to you Athena? Why did I let Hephaetus go to his death? Hephaetus, you’re gone. I’m all alone.
Aphrodite weeps as she thinks about her lost family; first the death of Zeus; she loved her father very much despite his wandering ways, Zeus put order and calm to Olympus; Discord’s death was so horrific—she was decapitated..but Aprhodite did not miss Discord, or Strife, or Hades at all. No, the death that weighed most on her heart, next to Zeus’ death is Hephaetus..Oh, Hephie, why did you have to side with Athena and Artemis? Why couldn’t you just stay out of it like Cupid and Psyche did? She remembers her last argument with Hephaetus.
“Hephie, you know about the Twilight of the Gods. I think for once that horse-faced Hera was right, you should stay out of it. Stay away from Eve and Xena, that’s the only way to stay alive.”
“Aphrodite, I can’t run away from my problems all my life. Zeus banned me from Olympus and now that Zeus is dead, Athena needs me. She is willing to reinstate my status on Olympus once Eve is dead. You and I can live in luxury on Olympus, you wouldn’t have to put up with this ugly forge. I’m doing this for you.”
“No, you’re doing this for yourself..to satisfy your own ego. If you really cared about me, you wouldn’t be fighting for Athena. It’s Athena’s arrogance that going to get her and the rest of the Gods killed. No one over opposes the Fates and survives. Please Hephie, don’t oppose the Fates..come with me and Cupid away from the fighting..I love you, Hephie..please..”
Hephaetus gives Aphrodite one last kiss “Aphrodite, I love you, but this fight can get ugly, go with your son and daughter in law. I don’t want you hurt.” Hephaetus disappears in a flash of light.
In her heart, Aphrodite knew that that would be the last time she would ever see Hephaetus alive. Tears roll down her face unbidden as she cries over her lost love. If I had only talked to him more, I could have saved his life. Why did he have to be so stubborn? Didn’t he love me enough to give up his damn ego? Who cares about a nice palace on Olympus? I already have a nice temple there..why couldn’t Hephie live?
Other memories emerge as Aphrodite closes her eyes, she remembers the fun times. Like the time Athena, Artemis and herself forced Iolaus to choose who was the prettiest between the three of them. Aphrodite smiles as she remembers Iolaus choosing her because of the golden apple she had given him..Iolaus..Sweetcheeks..his flowing blond hair..his adorable sapphire eyes..Iolaus..the Golden Hunter..Oh God, I’m all alone..I can’t stand it. I need to talk to someone. I need to talk to my Sweetcheeks. He’ll understand.
Aphrodite opens a window. Iolaus is at his forge tidying up. I need to talk to Sweetcheeks. I miss Hephie so much. It’s Iolaus that put us together..If anyone can understand this pain..it’s Iolaus..his smile can light up Olympus itself..
CHAPTER 2
Iolaus feels the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. He knows that one of Herc’s relatives is about to visit him. Iolaus is mystified as he stands in the middle of his mess in his forge. Iolaus scratches his head. Now which of Herc’s relatives survived the massacre? Which one of them would want to visit ME? I hope it’s not Aries!
Iolaus turns around to where he senses one of Herc’s relatives about to arrive. He sees a sparkle of pink followed by a weeping, tear-stained Aphrodite as she flings herself into Iolaus’ arms speaking incoherently…Iolaus pulls Aphrodite close. Aphrodite buries her face in his golden blond hair as hot tears run down his neck.
“Oh Sweetcheeks” Aphrodite sniffles and blows her nose on a pink hankie. “I miss Hephaetus..he’s dead..I can’t stand living without him..oh now I know how poor Herkie felt when you died..when Hera wiped out Deianndra..There’s death..blood..all over..Athena dead..Artemis dead..Hephaetus…oh my poor sweet dear Hephaetus..Why did HE have to die? Why did he join them? THEY treated him so poorly..like an outcast all his life..all Hephie ever wanted was THEIR love..for them..not worth it…he’d be alive if he’d only listened to me…oh Sweetcheeks…We’re Gods..I always thought Hephie and I would have all eternity together..now he’s gone..” Aphrodite babbles incoherently crying in Iolaus’ arms. Aphrodite’s body shakes with the force of her sobs.
Iolaus continues to hold a crying Aphrodite in his arms as she continues to vent her grief “I don’t know what to do.. I feel so lost..What do I do without Hephie? I loved him so much..The moment he died..I felt his death like a cold stab to my heart..my whole body went numb the moment Hephie died..” Aphrodite continues to cry..”Sweetcheeks don’t let me go..I can’t go home to an empty bed..Stay with me for a while..please..”
Aphrodite, without waiting for Iolaus to respond makes a beautiful pink bed appear in the middle of Iolaus’ forge. Aphrodite stops crying for a moment to consider Iolaus’ clothing. Iolaus is wearing his usual purple patched vest, leather pants and amulet around his neck. With one wave of her hand, Aphrodite changes Iolaus into a blue emerald-colored shirt and matching blue silk pants.
Still sniffling..Aphrodite smiles weakly at Iolaus as she approves of Iolaus’ outfit as they both prepare to lay down on the pink bed “Blue matches your eyes, Iolaus, come lie down with me..don’t let me spend this first night alone.”
Iolaus tries to comfort Aphrodite “When Anya died at childbirth, I was devastated. I lost all at once, my wife and my child. I felt so empty and so alone. I tried to bury the pain by leaving Greece. I couldn’t explain how deeply hurt I felt at Anya’s loss to Hercules because I felt no one could understand, so I traveled east. I just wanted to get away. I couldn’t escape my own personal hell. Even after the best masters of Chin tried to teach me their best meditation techniques, I still couldn’t get over the pain of losing my family. But Aphrodite, it will get better in time. You will always miss Hephaetus, but it won’t hurt as much..” Iolaus can feel Aphrodite calming down as Aphrodite breathing comes in uneven hitches as her sobbing subsides
“ I just miss Hephie…He was my soulmate..my other half..he made me feel complete..now he’s gone..I feel so empty..so lost..I have no one now..to hold me the way he used to… Oh Sweetcheeks,..please just hold me tonight..that’s all I ask..as friends..you can do that for me can’t you? Don’t let me be alone, tonight My temple is so empty without him.” Aphrodite asks in a plaintive voice… …
Iolaus feels sorry for Aphrodite so he lets Aphrodite snuggle in his arms. Iolaus could still see that Aphrodite is apparently still in shock over the demise of the Gods. Of all the Gods, Aphrodite is the most “innocent”. She’s not used to dealing with death, especially the death of a lover..I will do my best to comfort her, Iolaus moves closer to Aphrodite and asks in a quiet voice “Tell me, Aphrodite, what happened?” Aphrodite sniffs and starts telling her story.
CHAPTER 3
“Eve is what happened. Oh no don’t get me wrong. I’m not mad at Hercules anymore for killing Zeus. I mean at the time Eve was just a baby..That’s why I couldn’t go to Hercola…with this..” Aphrodite eyes start to get moist as she starts to talk about her recent memories of the God’s deaths but it is just too painful..too recent. Aphrodite starts trembling as she remembers the deaths of her family..Iolaus, seeing Aphrodite’s fear snuggles her closer into his arms protectively as a father would snuggle a small child after a bad nightmare.
Iolaus softly tries to console Aphrodite and speaking to her as if she were a small child Iolaus gently rocks Aphrodite and says. “You are safe in my arms. No one is going to hurt you..if you don’t feel like talking about it now, that’s alright too. Just lie back and relax. Close your eyes. Let yourself drift. Rest..”
Aphrodite lays back in the comfort of Iolaus’ muscular arms. Aphrodite stops trembling and continues her story. “The Gods of Olympus wanted Eve dead. They launched an assault on Eve and Xena. So much blood. So many bodies. That’s when I felt Hephie’s death.. Oh, how I miss him, Iolaus. I still can’t believe he’s gone. I keep thinking he’s still back at his forge working…he was like a slave to them..why did he listen to Athena? They all treated Hephie like he was a piece of dirt! Hephie was such a genius and not one God appreciated Hephie for that! The other Gods just treated Hephie worse than they treated their pet mortals or their priests or priestesses! They didn’t deserve Hephie you know! I was the only one who understood Hephie’s pain of being rejected by Zeus and by Hera and all the other Gods. I gave him love when all the other Gods ignored him and banned him from Olympus. Why didn’t Hephie listen to me?” ..” Aphrodite’s eyes become moist again as she relives Hephaetus’ death. She starts shaking uncontrollably from shock.
“It’s okay, Aphrodite, I won’t let anything happen to you.” Aphrodite pauses and quietly sobs into Iolaus’ shoulder. She wipes her eyes and looks into Iolaus kind, compassionate sapphire eyes and she continues with the painful story. “The first assault on Eve and Xena is when Hephie died. He took a stab wound to the heart. I felt his stab wound..I felt his death..I was so scared..When Eve did finally die, Xena lost her ability to kill the Gods..Aries healed Eve and brought her and Gabrielle back to life..Aries gave up his immortality to save Xena..I couldn’t believe that my brother could be so romantic! Xena then stabbed Athena….Oh Iolaus, so much bloodshed..so many deaths..all at once..” Aphrodite gives up any pretense of holding back her emotions as she gives full vent to her grief as she heaves and sobs uncontrollably while Iolaus slowly rocks her back and forth.
“Everything’s going to be alright. I’m here. I won’t let you be alone tonight. Nobody will hurt you. Of all the Gods, Aphrodite you have had the least experience with death and with fear…I’m so sorry..” Tears runs down Iolaus’ cheeks as he shares in Aphrodite’s pain in losing her sisters, her brothers, her uncles, and her lover, Hephie.
“Iolaus, you are such a good friend. There’s nothing for you to be sorry about. Oh and I made you cry..”Aphrodite proceeds to wipe away Iolaus’ tears with her pink hankies and clear away his wild blond hair from his forehead.
“You know, Hercules also felt the God’s death. He felt Poseidon’s death, then Hades, and many others. He told me he felt sorrow for all their deaths. He said each death felt like a stab to his heart. When he felt Hephaetus’ death, he became very worried about you, Aphrodite. He knew how much this would affect you. We both became worried. We also knew that for the past 25 years, Athena has forbidden you to talk to Hercules since he killed Zeus so there was no way Herc could contact you. Even though, the Gods have pestered Herc all his life, he still felt sad at their passing….and..we both love you. You are not alone. You have Herc’s love and you have mine. We are all the family we all have now.” Iolaus stops as he feels his voice choke with emotion.
“Oh Iolaus, I love you..” Aphrodite gives Iolaus a big bear friend..”as a friend..my best friend….”
“Aphrodite, if you love me, visit Herc. He’s worried about you. Tell him what you told me. He loved Hephaetus too. When Herc was a boy, Herc used to visit Hephaetus’ forge all the time. You know Hephaetus was one of the good gods..I mean Herc felt sorry for Hephaetus..he was one of the only Gods not to treat Herc like he was only half-human just because he was only a half-God not a full-God…He was one of the first Gods I actually liked.”
Iolaus smiles as he remembers a funny incident involving Hephaetus “I remember a time when Hephaetus bumped his head and he lost his memory. He couldn’t remember he was a God. Herc and I bought Hephaetus back to the Academy. That night we were all eating fish. Ahh! The fish tasted terrible. Hephaetus LOVED it! We called him “fish” for a while because Hephaetus couldn’t remember his own name. All he could remember was that he loved his mother and his father very much and he wanted very much to please them..and that his father and mother was very disappointed in him…” We were all lying in our bunks as Hephaetus told us about how his parents were disappointed in him.
I laid in my bunk and I thought about Skouras. Skouras was always making fun of me and telling me that I was too short to be a warrior and that I would amount to nothing. I totally understood what Hephaetus was going through. Hercules later told me he was thinking the same thing about Zeus.
“Another time, I think Strife and Discord tried to attack the Academy. Hephaetus still could not fully remember who he was. But he helped us fight Strife and Discord by building weapons..I think that’s when he remembered he was a God of the Forge. Afterwards, he redid the plumbing of the whole Academy. I think we were the first school to have indoor hot water plumbing..and he rebuilt the gallery of weapons. Imagine that weapons by Hephaetus.
“We even helped Hephaetus pick up girls. He was shyer than Hercules. I remember a time Hephaetus was so shy in picking up girls that he built himself a robotic girl. She was all golden painted. She looked just like the girl Hephaetus wanted to court in the bar, but he was too shy to ask her so he built himself a girl. The funny thing is that this “robotic”girl fell in love with Hercules..Oh Hephaetus was so jealous and so angry with Hercules…It was sad..when the “girl” died..it broke Hephaetus’ heart...I’m going to miss Hephaetus too, Aphrodite. It’s too bad Hephaetus chose to side with Athena. You were right. Hate never solved anything.” Iolaus moves closer to Aphrodite and adds with emphasis “Mostly Herc and I were worried about how Hephaetus’ death would affect you. We even went to one of your temples to look for you but all the temples to the Olympian Gods are deserted or closed..I’m so glad to see you tonight, Aphrodite. I’m so glad to see you are alright.”
“Oh Sweetcheeks, you were worried that Eve and Xena were going to hurt me too weren’t you? I am glad to be alive. It just hurts so much..I’ve never felt like this before. Hold me Iolaus..” Aphrodite starts to tremble. She wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or from her emotions..either way snuggling in Iolaus’ arms felt good.
“Don’t worry, Aphrodite, I’ll hold you tight. I won’t let you go. Why don’t you rest? We can see Hercules in the morning.” Aphrodite allowed herself to fall asleep in Iolaus’ arms after she exhausted herself talking all night.
Iolaus looks at Aphrodite’s sleeping figure and thinks how strikingly beautiful she is, even in her grief. He can’t believe that Aries is a mortal now after having given up his godhood to save Eve and Gabrielle. Hercules is going to be so relieved to know that Aphrodite is alright. I have an idea of how to cheer Aphrodite up. You know I think a party is in order. I could invite Cupid, Psyche, Jester and Nautica, Hercules.. A surprise party..I wonder is it possible to throw a surprise party for a goddess?
Iolaus looks around the room. I’d better do this while she’s asleep. I’ll never get a chance like this again. Iolaus quietly leaves Aphrodite’s side and takes out his love charm amulet given to him by Cupid. Iolaus closes his eyes to summon Cupid to him.
Cupid appears curious since the Twilight of the Gods, no mortal has summoned him. “Mother’s friend, Sweetcheeks, how are you doing?” Cupid gives Iolaus a hug.
Iolaus motions to the sleeping figure on the pink bed in the middle of his forge. “She’s taking Hephaetus’ death very hard. I’ve got an idea to cheer her up. A party! Here’s the invitation list. Can you arrange it?”
Cupid gives Iolaus a dazzling smile “Consider it done! I’ll get everyone there. Cupid reads the invitation scroll..and nods his approval “Nautica, Trident, Jester, Hercules, Psyche, Evander, Nemesis,…arranging the party is not a problem. How are we going to surprise Mother? She’s never been surprised before. Every time I try to give Mother a surprise party she always finds out about it?”
“Come on ,Cupid, we don’t have much time before Aphrodite awakens. Let’s arrange the party. If we want to surprise Aphrodite, we’d better do this before she wakes up. We don’t have much time. Let’s visit Herc’s first.”
“Alright, Iolaus. Hercules’ house it is.” Like his mother, Cupid in a sparkle of pink, vanishes with Iolaus to arrive in Hercules’ bedroom.
Even though asleep, Hercules bolts awake as soon as he feels that familiar tingle which usually announces the arrival of one of his divine relatives. Hercules rubs his eyes and tries to focus his eyes in the darkness. To his complete surprise, he sees Iolaus and Cupid standing in front of his bed. “Iolaus, do you realize it’s the middle of the night? “ Hercules says in an annoyed voice.
Still trying to get the sandman out of his eyes, Hercules blinks sleepily at Cupid and asks “Nice to see you, Cupid. How’s Psyche and the kids? Gosh..it’s been 25 years since I’ve seen you? “
Cupid looks abashed at Hercules’ remark about his 25 year absence “I’m sorry Uncle Hercules. It was Athena’s decree. Since you killed Zeus, no God has been allowed to visit you. No God was allowed to even mention your name or risk losing their Godhood. I’ve come here on behalf of my mother, Aphrodite. I take it you know about Hephaetus’ death?”
Hercules azure eyes look sad “Yes, I felt Hephaetus’ death and I felt Aphrodite pain at the same time. I’m worried about her. How is she taking Hephaetus’ death? How is Aphrodite?” Hercules’ voice is tinged with alarm and concern over Aphrodite’s state of mind after so many deaths at once. “I mean, poor Dite, she must be in a state of shock!”
Iolaus interjects “That’s why Cupid and I are here. Aphrodite is really shaken up about the death of Hephaetus. She’s at my forge now asleep. She came to my house earlier tonight and she’s still reeling from the massacre that she witnessed. I decided to cheer Dite up, we should all throw her a surprise party. I’m here to invite you to the party. What do you think Herc? Cupid and I are going to tell the others. Want to join us?”
Hercules looks at Cupid for forgiveness for killing Zeus “If Cupid will allow me to join you, I would be honored to help Aphrodite get over her pain..”
Cupid’s eyes are filled with forgiveness and love “Uncle Hercules, I do not blame you for the death of Zeus or for the death of Hephaetus. You had to save Eve. She was just a baby. Besides it was the Fates who decides the time of death of all living creatures even the Gods cannot escape the Fates. Come, join us.”
Cupid, Iolaus and Hercules promptly appear at the doorsteps of Nautica and Jester.
Nautica had just given birth to twin mermaids several months earlier. She’s breast-feeding her twin daughters, both of whom have inherited Iolaus/J’s curly blond hair and blue cerulean eyes when Nautica sees the sparkle of pink heralding Cupid’s arrival.
“Good evening, Iolaus/J, Nautica.” Cupid announces. “I see, Nautica that you have had two girls. They are beautiful. I’m sorry about the death of Poseidon, however.”
Nautica’s blue eyes look sad as she lets tears of grief fall down her face “I loved Poseidon with all my heart. I agreed with Aphrodite when I tried to warn Poseidon NOT to intervene. I told him that the affairs of the land is NOT his domain. His domain is the oceans and the seas, but Poseidon would not listen.”
Hercules steps forward to console Nautica “I’m sorry about Poseidon’s death. Cupid, Iolaus and I are here because of Aphrodite. She’s taking Hephaetus death really hard. Iolaus came up with the idea of throwing Aphrodite a party to cheer her up. I think you can do with a little cheering up too!” Hercules promptly gives Nautica a hug.
“Poor Aphrodite! I heard about Hephaetus’ death. At least I still have my father, Trident and my dear husband, Iolaus/J to console me. Aphrodite is all alone. We must throw this party so she knows she has friends she can count on..Ah if it wasn’t for Iolaus/J’s constant support and love, I don’t know what I would have done with myself. He has really helped me through Poseidon’s death.” Nautica says to Hercules,Cupid and Iolaus.
Iolaus/J walks into the cavern to find Cupid, Hercules and Iolaus talking with his wife. Iolaus/J gives Iolaus and Hercules a hearty warrior handshake. “Nice to see you guys. I couldn’t help overhearing the conversation. Nautica and I will be glad to throw a party for Aphrodite. I know just the place.”
Iolaus/J looks at Nautica “Honey, why don’t we throw the party at the crystal cave? There’ll be room enough for everyone there. Besides the crystals shine beautifully at night and it’ll make a great backdrop for the party. I love parties.”
Both Iolauses look at each other as both share the same love of parties and food. It was Iolaus who used to throw the wildest parties during his Academy days and now Iolaus is just continuing his own tradition of throwing more wild parties—a tradition shared by both Iolauses—a common love for fun.
Iolaus/J then volunteered “I’ll cook the food.”
Iolaus says “I’ll bring the people. This’ll be a fun party. It’ll help Aphrodite get over her pain if she knows she can count on her friends.”
When Aphrodite awakens, she sees Iolaus standing over the pink bed with a foolish grin on his face. “Okay Dite, you’ll just have to trust me. Close your eyes. I have a surprise for you.”
“Iolaus, what’s going on?”
Iolaus takes one of Aphrodite’s clean pink hankies and ties it around Dite’s eyes. “Trust me. I won’t let anything happen to you. But you have to close your eyes and let me blind fold you. This’ll be fun!”
Cupid appears and quietly transports Iolaus and his mother to the crystal cave where everyone else is waiting quietly for Aphrodite’s arrival.
Cupid and Iolaus arrive with a blindfolded and confused Aphrodite. As soon as Aphrodite arrives, Hercules, and the other party-goers yell all at once “Surprise, Aphrodite!”
Aphrodite takes off the pink hankie from her eyes and with an astonished glance, she sees her dearest friends and family all gathered around her. Moved beyond words, Aphrodite just stands in the middle of the cavern stunned, her jaw open. Tears of joy runs down her face.
Cupid turns to Iolaus and says “I think we’ve done the impossible. We’ve actually surprised Mother! I don’t think I’ve ever seen Mother surprised! This is definitely a first! I wonder if I should tell Mother that she should close her mouth now!”
Iolaus grins from ear to ear. “Yep, Aphrodite is surprised. I’m sure glad I was able to pull this off! She was REALLY exhausted after talking all night with me. I hope this party will get her mind off Hephaetus. I think it’s important for her to know that she’s not alone and that we will always be there for her.”
Cupid responds “Mother needs a break. I think we all do. Thanks Iolaus, for the party. You are truly a Guardian of the Light. Hercules and Mother are lucky to have a friend like you.” Cupid gives Iolaus a grateful hug.
Aphrodite wastes no time in hugging everyone and mingling with all her friends and family after the bloodshed and death she had just witnessed only the day before. The party acts like a healing balm on her soul.
CHAPTER 4
The party is in full swing. Iolaus/J and Nautica have found a mermaid band to play underswater salsa reggae rock. Bubbles float in the air. Cupid, Psyche, the mortal Ares, Evander, Nautica, Iolaus/J, Hercules, Iolaus, can be found on the list of guests.
Aphrodite’s eyes widen as she sees Gabrielle at the party. “Gabrielle, nice of you to join my surprise party.
Gabrielle gives Aphrodite a hug. “Cupid bought me here. Xena, Eve and I were making camp when Cupid arrived and told me about how hard you were taking Hephaetus’ death.. I’m sorry about Hephaetus’ death.”
Aphrodite sniffs and she returns the remark “I heard about Joxer. I’m so sorry about Joxer. He was such a sweetie. Joxer truly had a great heart. Virgil is so right. Joxer brought joy into every life he touched. Joxer loved you so much you know that he died to save you.”
“I know, Aphrodite, that’s why I feel so bad about Joxer. I know that he loved me, but I didn’t love him, not like that. I mean I will always love him like a brother.” Tears fall down Gabrielle’s face. “I haven’t been able to tell Xena this, but I miss Joxer. I just didn’t want Eve to feel any more guilty than she already does.”
Aphrodite looks at Gabrielle “I appreciate you coming
to the party. You are truly a good friend. Joxer’s son, Virgil is SO CUTE.
What a bitchin bod that mortal has.”
Gabrielle looks at Aphrodite “I do miss Joxer. I guess I always will. Oh my goodness, Look by the bar, is that Aries I see crashing the party? He’s as drunk as a skunk. I swear he looks heartbroken.
Aphrodite gives Gabrielle a knowing look “Aries loves Xena. He gave up his immortality to heal you and Eve. He healed you without Athena’s blessing. Now he’s a mortal. That’s true love.”
Gabrielle says to Aphrodite “That’s why I’m going to thank Aries. In a way, he’s like Joxer. He gave up a part of himself to save me. I never got to thank Joxer, but at least I get to thank Aries for saving my life.” Gabrielle gives Dite one more hug before moving on to thank Aries at the bar.
Hercules looks around the party and is having the time of his life. He hasn’t seen any of his divine relatives since he killed Zeus 25 years ago. I am glad that Iolaus arranged this party. I guess I could never admit to Iolaus how much I missed being with my divine family. Hercules sees Ares drinking himself drunk on punch. I can’t believe Ares gave up his immortality to save Xena and to heal Gabrielle and Eve. Iolaus/J is busy at the stove creating one food sensation after another wowing the guests with his food cooking. Aphrodite approaches Hercules and they hug.
“It’s so good to see you again, Aphrodite. I’m so sorry about Hephaetus. I am sorry about you know what I did..” Hercules drops his eyes to the ground as he has trouble saying the words about killing Zeus.
Aphrodite gives Hercules an extra hug “You were defending a baby. I was angry at you at first, but not any more. I loved Zeus, but he was wrong to kill a defenseless baby. I’ve missed you Hercola. Athena wouldn’t let any of us see you. I wanted so much to tell you how much I still love you. You must have felt so alone.” As Aphrodite says the word “alone” she is once again reminded of Hephaetus’ loss. In a whisper that Hercules could barely hear Aphrodite says “I miss my darling Hephie so much” Aphrodite looks away as tears start to gather in her eyes as she thinks about Hephaetus.
Hercules can see the sad, lost look in Aphrodite’s eyes for she has just lost the love of her life and so he says “Would you care for a dance? My lady?” Hercules takes out his hand to escort his lovely sister, Aphrodite to a dance.
Aphrodite’s eyes light up at the thought of dancing with her handsome brother. “Hercules, I didn’t know you could dance. You were always two left feet. I’d be honored.” Aphrodite takes Hercules’ hand and as they start to dance, the other couples give way. Aphrodite lets Hercules lead the dance. She feels safe in her brother’s arms and she knows she can always count on Hercules if she were ever in trouble. Her heart warms at the idea that maybe she is not all alone after all. Aphrodite puts her head on Hercules’ shoulder as the music slows down. Her heart and soul starts to mend as she lets herself listen to the beat of the music and let the pain of her loss go. She lets the sweet strength of Hercules’ arms and shoulders drink up her grief, pain over her losses..Athena, Artemis, Zeus, and…Hephie…Aphrodite exclaims her gratefulness to Hercules “Herkie, you are the kewlest most tubular bro, a goddess could ever ask for..”
Hercules responds “Don’t be a stranger, sis. My door is always open. I will always be there for you. Always.” Hercules’ heart warms as he sees how content Aphrodite looks with her head on his shoulder. He thinks “Sis, I will always be there for you.”
Iolaus and Iolaus/J watches as Hercules and Aphrodite slow dance together in each other’s arms as a loving brother and sister. Aphrodite has her head in Hercules’ shoulders. Each of them look content and happy to be together again after 25 years. The slow music sets the mood for love and in Hercules’ and Aphrodite’s case, for healing and reconciliation.
Iolaus says to Iolaus/J “I think Aphrodite will be alright. She’s knows now she’s got her friends. It’s nice to see Hercules finally coming to terms about his father’s death. I think he and Aphrodite will both heal nicely now that they have each other again.”
Iolaus/J agrees “I know we will all heal because we are friends. If it weren’t for Hercules bringing me to this world, I would never have had friends. If it weren’t for Aphrodite, I would never have met and married my beautiful wife, Nautica. It’s nice to see that the people I love are happy. Yes, it is true that a man’s wealth is not measured by the amount of money he has, but by how many friends he has. In that, I think we are all rich because we have each other to count on no matter what happens to us.” Iolaus/J lifts his cup and toasts “To Friends”.
Iolaus lifts his cup and says “To Friends” Iolaus takes a deep gulp and gives Iolaus/J a golden smile as he looks around the room and sees all the people he loves having a good time. “If wealth is measured by friends, then Aphrodite is the richest Goddess of Love of all!” Iolaus quips as Iolaus/J nods in agreement and makes another toast to friendship and to love.